As we step into 2025, World Equestrian Center (WEC) remains dedicated to providing a premier space for elite competition, world-class facilities, affordable opportunities, and lifelong memories. In this issue, we highlight the many special aspects of WEC, from equestrian sport to exceptional hospitality. We hear from dedicated exhibitors that have graciously shared their journeys with us in Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida.Read MoreThe post Volume I 2025 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Tom McEwen (GBR), current number one in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Ranking, riding JL DUBLIN at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.   Photo Credit © FEI / Ben Clark The FEI oversees around 70 Rankings and Standings across all the disciplines, from World Rankings calculated on a monthly basis for Athletes, Horses and/or Combinations, to league, team and regional based standings for...

Technique Why It Works How to Use Using a Stiff Brush or Rubber Curry Comb Effective for removing loose hair and dirt from the surface. Hold the brush at a slight angle and gently sweep in a circular motion. Vacuum Cleaner Removes a large amount of hair, reaches into crevices. Gently vacuum the surface with a brush attachment, on low suction. Special Pet Hair Brushes Designed to remove stubborn animal hair from fabrics. Gently sweep the brush across to loosen and remove hair. Washing the Numnah Removes sweat and other dirt after hair removal. Machine wash on gentle cycle or hand wash in warm water with mild soap. Pressure Cleaning Quickly removes dirt and hair, effective for outdoor use. Set pressure washer to low, keep at safe distance to avoid damage. Dandy Brushes and Magic Brushes Offer different textures for effective hair removal. Gently scrub the numnah to loosen and remove hair. Effective Techniques for Removing Hair from Numnahs: A Comprehensive Guide As any equestrian knows, keeping your horse's numnahs (or saddle pads) clean is crucial for both their comfort and hygiene. Horse hair can be particularly troublesome, clinging stubbornly to fabric and requiring effort to remove. In this guide, we'll explore the most effective techniques for dehairing your numnahs, ensuring they stay clean and functional. Introduction to the Problem Horse hair is a common problem for many horse owners. Not only does it make cleaning the numnah more difficult, but it can also leave unwanted hair on other surfaces or even clog washing machines. Regular grooming of your horse can reduce shedding, but it won't eliminate the issue entirely[5]. Therefore, understanding how to efficiently remove hair from numnahs is vital. Understanding Numnah Materials Numnahs come in various materials, such as cotton, fleece, or sheepskin. Each material has different cleaning requirements, so it's essential to check the manufacturer's instructions before starting the cleaning process. For example, wool pads should be cleaned with cold water, while some synthetic pads might be machine washable[2][4]. Techniques for Removing Hair from Numnahs 1. Using a Stiff Brush or Rubber Curry Comb Why It Works: These tools are effective for removing loose hair and dirt from the surface of the numnah. The stiff bristles or rubber nodules help dislodge hair fibers, making them easier to remove[2][3]. How to Use: Hold the brush at a slight angle and gently sweep it across the numnah in a circular motion. This method is best done outside to prevent spreading hair around[3]. 2. Vacuum Cleaner Why It Works: Vacuum cleaners, especially those with a brush attachment, can effectively remove a large amount of hair from numnahs. They reach into crevices, making it easier to clean[2][4]. How to Use: Start by gently vacuuming the surface of the numnah. Ensure the vacuum is set to a low suction to avoid damaging the material. 3. Special Pet Hair Brushes Why It Works: These brushes are designed to remove stubborn animal hair from fabrics. They are effective for both horse and pet hair[2][5]. How to Use: Similar to a stiff brush, gently sweep the special pet hair brush across the numnah to loosen and remove hair. 4. Washing the Numnah Why It Works: After removing as much hair as possible, washing the numnah is essential to remove sweat and other dirt. Ensure you use cold water (below 30C) to avoid shrinking the material[2]. How to Use: If the numnah is machine washable, use a gentle cycle. For hand washing, soak the numnah in warm water with mild soap. 5. Pressure Cleaning Why It Works: Pressure cleaning can be effective for outdoor use, quickly removing dirt and hair. Be cautious not to damage the material[4]. How to Use: Ensure the pressure washer is set to a low setting and keep it at a safe distance from the numnah to avoid damage. 6. Dandy Brushes and Magic Brushes Why It Works: These tools are alternatives to traditional brushes, offering different textures that can effectively remove hair[1]. How to Use: Similar to a stiff brush, gently scrub the numnah to loosen and remove hair. Tips for Minimizing Horse Hair in the First Place Regular Grooming: Keeping your horse well-groomed reduces shedding and subsequently the amount of hair that ends up on numnahs[5]. Clipping: If possible, clipping your horse can significantly reduce the amount of hair shed[5]. Post-Ride Cleaning: Cleaning the numnah after every ride helps prevent hair buildup and makes subsequent cleaning easier[2]. Conclusion Removing hair from numnahs is a chore many equestrians face. By using a combination of stiff brushes, vacuum cleaners, and other specialized tools, you can keep your numnahs clean and extend their lifespan. Remember, regular grooming and pre-cleaning techniques can significantly reduce the amount of hair you need to remove. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, these methods will help keep your numnahs in great condition. Explore our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, Horse Riding Gloves Collection, Horse Riding Socks Collection, and more to enhance your riding experience.

Santa Anitas iconic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Photo by Terri CageAfter a long wait, accompanied by much speculation and a final dramatic turn, the official equestrian sports venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28) was finally announced by the International Olympic Committee and LA28 Organizing Committee today. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will be the site of Olympic equestrian action for all three sports (dressage, eventing and show jumping), and likely also for the para-dressage during the 2028 Paralympics. The LA28 Olympic Games are slated for July 14-30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games August 15 to August 27, 2028.Arcadia is located in Los Angeles County about 13 miles (21km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles in theSan Gabriel Valleyand at the base of theSan Gabriel Mountains. Santa Anita Park, a prestigious Thoroughbred racetrack, also hosted equestrian sports during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events, said Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) President Ingmar De Vos. The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.The Santa Anita property covers 320 acres (about 129.5 hectares) and already has grandstands that can hold 26,000 people, in addition to a park-like infield which can accommodate approximately 50,000 more. Sixty-one existing barns at the facility can house up to 2,000 horses, far more than needed for the Olympics and Paralympics.Unlike 1984, when the eventing cross-country was held off site on a then-brand-new golf course, for LA28 the cross-country course is planned to be staged on ground surrounding the racetrack. This will necessitate the construction of a new cross-country track.The announcement of the selection of Santa Anita came to big surprise to the owners of Galway Downs (Temecula, Calif.), and local and state officials who supported Galway Downs, as the previously nominated and expected venue for LA28 equestrian sports. As recently as March 28, the Los Angeles City Council had voted to accept Galway Downs as the venue.Two weeks later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the LA28 Organizing Committee announced the selection of Santa Anita instead. They notified Galway Downs representatives on April 11 that they were no longer in consideration as an Olympic venue before announcing the new venue selection on April 15.Galway Downs owner Ken Smith issued this statement after being notified, We are extremely surprised that we were suddenly removed from consideration. We dont understand how, based on the March 28 City Councils vote of approval, that this could happen. When we started this process more than four years ago, we understood the equestrian venue selection for LA28 would be a highly competitive, evolving process. Being selected as the proposed equestrian venue put Galway Downs and Temecula Valley on the world stage. Were very proud of that, and were just getting started. Galway Downs will continue to host elite national and international competitions as well as additional sporting events.When the 2028 Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles, the first venue for equestrian sports put forward was Sepulveda BasinRecreation Area, but that would have required an entirely new equestrian sports facility be built. In June 2024, plans to use Sepulveda for LA28 equestrian sports were abandoned in favor of Galway Downs. A few other facilities were also considered briefly. The LA28 equestrian venue will have big shoes to fill after the splendor of the Palace of Versailles as a backdrop for the 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian sports. But, Santa Anita has sunshine, palm trees and the eye-catching San Gabriel Mountains as scenery, as well as a long history of legendary racehorses like Seabiscuit and Zenyattaplus Hollywood movie stars attending races and investing in the track. It certainly fits the bill for iconic horse sports in the land of stars.More Information on the LA28 Olympics LA 2028 Official Site Ticket Information FEI Olympic Games Page IOC LA 2028 PageThis article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Santa Anita Park Officially Announced as LA28 Olympics Equestrian Venue appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Two horses in King County, Washington, recently tested positive for equine influenza. The horses are under veterinary care.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Compost from horse manure can be used for gardens and landscaping. | Alayne BlickleQ: I have a smaller horse farm with five horses on it. What can I do to reduce the amount of manure on my farm so it doesnt create an eyesore or attract unwanted insects?A: According to the USDA, one horse produces 50 pounds of manure per day. If you add spent bedding to that equation, you can have a huge mountain of stall waste daily just from one horse, not to mention several horses. However, you can find ways to use that waste, turning it into a resource for you, your community, and the ecosystem around you.For horse owners with pasture or cropland, composting is the No. 1 recommended manure management option by agencies and industry professionals. Before fertilizers were readily available and popularized, farmers composted livestock manure and food scraps and spread the finished compost on pastures, crops, and gardens. Experts typically do not recommend spreading fresh manure because of the risk of spreading parasites, pathogens (disease-causing organisms), and weed seeds. Spreading compost is excellent for soil health and pasture productivity. You can apply a thin layer of compost to pastures, lawns, gardens, and crops during the growing season.What if you dont have enough pasture to apply compost? Or maybe composting isnt your thing? In that case you might need to explore off-site options.Horse Waste for Dairy FarmsYou can investigate whether you have a local dairy farm or other livestock operation that will accept horse manure. Dairies are often willing to take horse stall waste that contains bedding, viewing it as a highly absorbent, free material they can reuse as bedding for dairy cows. Most parasites and pathogens found in spent bedding are species-specific, so those affecting horses typically do not affect ruminants.Horse Manure Compost for LandscapingCompost tends to be much easier to rehome than straight manure. Creating nicely composted stall waste doesnt take much more effort than stockpiling manure. With a little advertising and an easy-to-access location, you might attract enough people to take all of itcomposted or notparticularly in urban areas with avid gardeners or landscapers. If you can help others load it with a tractor and bucket, that also makes it more appealing. You can also spread the word to local flower and garden clubs, nurseries, and native plant clubs, or post on Craigslist, Facebook groups, or other social media platforms.Hauling Horse Waste Off-SiteIf you choose to haul your horses waste off-site, you can either hire someone to haul it for you or you can get the equipment to do it yourself. Some of these businesses might take it for free or charge a tipping fee. Paying to dispose of manure off-site might be the easiest way to go if you have a mountain of manure, lack of storage space, or dont have the time to research or implement other options. These businesses often take horse manure:Compost or topsoil companies;Nurseries and flower gardens;Tree farms;Crop farmers;Organic growers; andFlower gardeners.Check with your local garbage hauler or shavings supplier because they might be able to haul off manure for a fee and take it to a composting facility or topsoil company. Some compost or topsoil facilities rent drop boxes they deliver and empty. They usually charge pickup, rental, and disposal fees.Take-Home MessageSmart manure management on small horse farms often involves using a mix of strategies. From composting and reusing stall waste to connecting with gardeners, farmers, or haulers, the right combination depends on your space, time, and goals. With a little planning and creativity, you can turn manure into a useful resource rather than a problem.

As we step into 2025, World Equestrian Center (WEC) remains dedicated to providing a premier space for elite competition, world-class facilities, affordable opportunities, and lifelong memories. In this issue, we highlight the many special aspects of WEC, from equestrian sport to exceptional hospitality. We hear from dedicated exhibitors that have graciously shared their journeys with us in Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida. Explore thedigital issueor[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center VOL I 2025 Out Now appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

On April 12, a 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Clay County, Florida, tested positive for strangles. The mare developed clinical signs on April 11, including fever, abscess, and nasal discharge. She is under official quarantine, and three additional horses are exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.