Zangersheide is delighted to announce that significant and positive progress in Dominator's recovery means hes been given the green light to commence breeding this season. There had been overwhelming support and interest from ur breeders and fans in Zs black pearl, and while they continue building him up, fresh semen will be available as of []The post Dominator 2000 Z available with fresh semen appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

Every riding horse needs to be light in the hand and even in the rein contact when youre schooling. It is easy, however, for them to start to feel a little heavy in your hand because they have fallen on to the forehand. This isnt a nice feeling for either of you and will prevent your horse working in a true contact and engaging his hind leg. Ultimately, this will affect how well your horse works at home and impact your dressage scores or performance in the show ring. It wont help with your jumping either.Theres no reason why any horse shouldnt be light and flexible working in self-carriage. Its all in the training, explains leading showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable. Just like any horse, if hes slow off the leg, then there are exercises you can do to help with this. Dont accept your horse being lazy, no matter what breed.Katie uses a schooling whip to help riders gauge whether they are holding the reins in the correct position, consistently.Are your hands level?Ride your warm-up as usual, in walk, trot and canter. This is the time to assess how your horse feels through your hands. Are you being pulled forwards? Does the weight in the reins feel uneven?If the answer is yes, pick up a schooling whip.Hold the whip horizontally below each of your thumbs.The whip will put your hands in a great position, keeping the thumbs on top, where they should be.Work for 10 minutes in all gaits with the schooling whip held in this position. It keeps your hands level and consistent, without being fixed, which in turn stops your horse from either becoming uneven or leaning.Keep glancing at your hands every few metres, as this will provide visual evidence of whats happening through the rein.This is a great exercise to keep up your sleeve and use every now and then as a reminder/to check how your hand position is doing. Even if you nail it first time, there is still value in repeating at another time. If you ride multiple horses, try it on them all too each horses own individual way of going may influence how you are sitting in the saddle.What if my hands are not level?If you find youre struggling to maintain a level, light rein contact, there will be a reason why. If youve eliminated a problem with your horse as being the cause for example pain, is he comfortable in his mouth, does his tack fit correctly, is he lame? ask an instructor for their assistance. It might be that you need to ride your horse with more leg so that they are working into the bridle, or perhaps your horse has learned to lean on you because you have a restrictive hand.There are lots of reasons why it might be happening and while it might not be a quick fix, it is something that youre able to work on in order a achieve a happier working horse and rider.Main image Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd. NB this is a stock image and the exercise explained in this article is not picturedRelated contentThe Scales of Training in dressage explainedKatie Jerram-Hunnables guide to plaiting a horses mane *Video*11 ways to assess and improve the way you rideThis is how a horse should move in trot *Video*The post Test whether youre riding with a light and level rein contact with this simple exercise appeared first on Your Horse.

Ocala, FL The third day of the 2025 Orange Blossom Classic at World Equestrian Center Ocala featured a full lineup of highlight classes, including the $30,000 NSBA Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Hunter Under Saddle, $30,000 NSBA 4-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Maiden Trail, $10,000 NSBA Senior Open Trail & Limited Senior Trail, $2,000 NSBA Open Hunter Derby, and $2,000[...]Read MoreThe post Orange Blossom Classic: Friday, April 18 Featured Class Highlights appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Larisa Cathro rode to victory in the 80cm final at the Harry Hall One Club Anyone Can Event (ACE) Scotland Championships aboard her 12-year-old Murrisk Countess (Cindy) (pictured above).Hosted by the Scottish National Equestrian Centre, it was the first time this arena eventing-style competition had taken place on Scottish soil and four champions were crowned in total.The series runs from winter to spring and there are multiple qualifiers around the country at a variety of height classes from 70cm to 1m for riders aged 10 and up.She was so good today, said Larisa of her 16hh dark bay mare. Its actually Cindys birthday today. Shes 12 now and has had the best day. Thanks so much to the organisers.A late Christmas presentCoral Black and Leo are 100cm championsA new mount carried Coral Black to victory in the 100cm final. The rider has only had Leandro VD Eikelboscherheide a 16.1hh, 14-year-old gelding known as Leo at home since Christmas.Ive had Leo since Christmas and Weve not done that much to date but this win is a fantastic late festive present, said Coral.Claire Johnstone wins the 90cm spoilsIn the 90cm ranks, Claire Johnstone triumphed aboard her 11-year-old mare Hanleen Armani.Armani is a lovely horse Ive had her for six years, said Claire. Through confidence issues and more, shes stayed with me, and todays victory is unexpected but lovely.Amy McDonald riding 10-year-old Beechmount Anna claimed the 70cm title. The rider has partnered the 14.1hh mare for six years.Ive had Anna since I was 11 and she was four, and shes just fabulous, smiled Amy. Its been great to learn together, which makes todays win even more special.Amy McDonald claims the 70cm titleVery impressive roundsCongratulations to all of our worthy Scottish finalists and winners. There were some very impressive rounds which bodes well for the start of our Scottish eventing season at Kirriemuir next weekend, said Scotland Chair, Grace Moran.Next years ACE championship has already been booked for 29th March 2026, so I would encourage Scottish eventers to note that date, and get out at ACE qualifiers later this year.Harry Hall CEO Liz Hopper added: The championships at SNEC were a brilliant success and the feedback from the participants has been that its a fantastic competition and environment for riders of varying ages and abilities to have a go at arena style eventing.The expansion into Scotland is a testament to the popularity of the ACE series.The next ACE championships will take place at Aintree Equestrian Centre in June.Related contentBritish Eventing launches Anyone Can Event seriesExciting opportunity for Riding Club and Pony Club members to try affiliated eventingBritish Eventing to pilot new two-phase format competitionFive gears a cross-country horse needs to haveThe post Birthday mare triumphs at inaugural Scottish Anyone Can Event championships appeared first on Your Horse.

Looking for the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life? Look no further! Gleno Valley Stables now offers gift vouchers for our one-hour hire at 22. Click on the link below to shop #GlenoValleyStables #GiftVouchers #HorseRidingAdventurehttps://hoofpick.net/voucher-details/arena-hire-voucher/88

I started soaking Scotties hay this winter after Scottie devloped a cough from eating dry hay 24/7. I HATE soaking hay, especially in the winter. The water is cold, my hands get chapped and carrying the heavy hay across the yard is hell. Luckily I was emptying his hay out on the floor, so at least I didnt have to lift and tie up wet, heavy haynets. But I still started looking for other solutions.Continue reading Haycube Review at EquiPepper.

Olwen writes about her visit to Macatoo in March 2025. Visiting the Okavango Delta in their low season (between November and March) I was expecting everywhere to be green, but we werent expecting to see so much water. This year the heavy summer rains mean that, even through the flood waters havent pushed through []The post Macatoo in the lush Green Season (and seeing the beautiful new tents) appeared first on In The Saddle.

I started soaking Scotties hay this winter after Scottie devloped a cough from eating dry hay 24/7. I HATE soaking hay, especially in the winter. The water is cold, my hands get chapped and carrying the heavy hay across the yard is hell. Luckily I was emptying his hay out on the floor, so at least I didnt have to lift and tie up wet, heavy haynets. But I still started looking for other solutions.Continue reading Haycube Review at EquiPepper.

Slow, progressive exercises help improve a horses strength and stability when recovering from this neurologic diseaseWith treatment using FDA-approved products, 57-62% of horses show improvement in clinical signs, but about 10% of horses relapse within one to three years of treatment. | Adobe stockEquine protozoal myeloencephalopathy (EPM) is a neurologic disease caused by the protozoa Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi and can lead to deficits including ataxia (incoordination), gait abnormalities, and muscle weakness or atrophy.S. neurona is typically found in the Western Hemisphere, and the definitive host is the opossum. Opossums can get it by scavenging on infected cats, raccoons, and other intermediate hosts. Horses become infected by ingesting feed or water contaminated with opossum droppings. N. hughesi rarely causes EPM in horses, but sporadic cases arise from this organism. Researchers do not yet know what natural hosts can transmit N. hughesi.Risk Factors for EPMResearchers estimate 15-90% of horses have been exposed to S. neurona and, therefore, have antibodies in their bloodstream. However, exposure does not always lead to infectionthe annual incidence of EPM is less than 1% in the United States. Horses diagnosed with EPM infection are often younger than 4 or older than 13 years old.Veterinarians see the highest number of EPM cases during the fall, while the disease is much less common during the winter months. Stress, including immune system compromise, intense exercise, transportation, injury, surgery, or foaling can increase a horses chances of developing clinical (apparent) EPM.Diagnosing EPM in HorsesWhen a horse exhibits clinical signs of EPM, veterinarians must distinguish the disease from lameness or other neurologic conditions such as cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (wobbler syndrome), equineherpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM), rabies, and Lyme disease. Currently, the only definitive way for veterinarians to diagnose EPM is by identifying parasites in the brain or spinal cord during a necropsy.Veterinarians typically diagnose EPM in horses by conducting SAG2, 4/3 ELISA testing, which is performed on serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They compare the antibody levels in the bloodstream to those in the CSF to see if CSF antibody levels are higher than expected compared to normal diffusion of antibodies from the blood. This would indicate antibody production in the central nervous system. Some practitioners might take cervical radiographs to check for spinal changes that appear more significant than expected with normal aging and could indicate another pathology as the cause of neurologic deficits.Treating EPM in HorsesVeterinarians have several FDA-approved drugs available to treat horses with EPM: triazines and folate-inhibiting drugs. They also often recommend supplementing with vitamin E.Researchers have suggested the triazines diclazuril and ponazuril both target the apicoplast organelle in S. neurona, which mammal cells do not contain.Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are folate-inhibiting drugs used in combination to block folate synthesis in S. neurona, which it needs for survival. Researchers have reported vitamin Es antioxidant properties can help protect the damaged central nervous system from oxidant injury.With FDA-approved treatment, 57-62% of horses show improvement in clinical signs, but about 10% of horses relapse within one to three years of treatment.Preventing EPM in HorsesLimiting opossum access to your horses feed and water sources remains one of the best ways to lower his risk of S. neurona or N. hughesi infection. Decreasing his stress levels and improving his overall health can also positively impact immune function, possibly lowering his risk of protozoal infection. In some situations your veterinarian might recommend intermittent treatment with low doses of diclazuril to reduce infections.A Challenging EPM CaseIn September 2020 veterinarians at the University of Georgias School of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens, admitted George, a then-15-year-old Warmblood gelding used for dressage presenting with moderate neurologic deficits. A few days into his hospital stay, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, clinical assistant professor, was brought onto the team.In his case report Georges clinicians described him as bright, alert, and responsive on admission to the hospital. He was very ataxic in the hind limbs as he walked off the trailer and while being turned around in his stall, and in the hospital he dog-sat (a common sign of ataxia).They also observed that Georges neurologic deficits were more pronounced in the hind limbs, especially on the right, than in the forelimbs. When his vets observed him on tight circles to both the right and left, they reported more significant gait deficits.Georges clinicians performed cervical radiographs and SAG2, 4/3 ELISA testing to confirm their suspicions of EPM. The cervical radiographs showed only mild changes consistent with his age and work. His CSF analysis revealed high protein levels, which the veterinarians noted can be consistent with EPM infection, and serum titers confirmed their diagnosis.Treatment and RehabilitationGeorges veterinarians treated him with ponazuril along with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. These drugs act by two different mechanisms to kill the protozoa and thus stop the parasite from inflicting further damage to the central nervous system, they wrote in his report. The geldings response to treatment has been positive, and his neurologic clinical signs have continued to improve since starting medication.Standing on proprioceptive balance pads can be exhausting for a horse recovering from neurologic conditions. It is best to start with only brief time periods. | Courtesy Sure FootIn addition to medical treatment, Ellis and her team developed and completed daily rehabilitation exercises with George to help strengthen his muscles and improve his overall coordination. (See sidebar on page 33.)Veterinarians employ physiotherapy as one of the first rehabilitation techniques for a neurologic horse, Ellis says.Once George was stable standing on flat ground and able to pick up all four feet, Ellis used proprioceptive balance pads as the next step in improving his coordination and balance. The horse should start with firm pads and only the front or hind feet on pads before moving to softer pads or placing all four feet on at the same time, she says. Because this exercise can be very physically challenging for horses, she says she only incorporated it for short periods of time and increased the difficulty slowly based on Georges progress.After George was stable hand-walking in a straight line, Ellis and her team started incorporating walking him in a serpentine pattern and over surface changes (i.e., from pavement to grass or arena footing).Georges FutureUniversity clinicians discharged George from the hospital after he underwent 28 days of treatment and rehabilitation. His owner continued his rehabilitation with guidance from and regular check-ins with Ellis. At his last recheck in 2021, George had progressed to light ridden exercise and was continuously improving. Editors note: To protect the horses anonymity, we have changed his name in this article.This article is from the Spring 2025 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

Feature Benefit for Narrow Pelvis Rider & Wide Horse Wide Tree Matches wide horse back, avoids pinching Narrow Twist Allows closer leg position, reduces pelvic and hip pain Extended Stirrup Bars Pull legs back for natural alignment beneath the pelvis Flatter Seat Provides even seat bone support and better balance Adjustable Tree Saddles Adaptable to horse shape changes but requires expert fitting Monoflap Design Reduces bulk, increases leg contact Quality Saddle Pads Enhances balance without pressure points Effective Saddle Solutions for Riders with Narrow Pelvis and Wide Horses Riding a wide-backed horse can present unique challenges, especially for riders with a narrow pelvis. The proper saddle fit not only ensures comfort but also protects the horse's wellbeing and enhances rider performance. Addressing the mismatch between a narrow rider and a wide horse requires understanding saddle design, rider biomechanics, and horse anatomy. This blog outlines effective saddle solutions tailored for riders with narrow pelvises who ride wide horses, based on expert insights and up-to-date fitting principles. Understanding the Challenge: Wider Horses and Narrow Riders Wide horses have broader backs, larger shoulder widths, and more space between their spinal processes. Meanwhile, riders with narrow pelvises have limited hip width, meaning their legs and seat bones naturally position closer together. When these two anatomies combine, a standard saddle often places the rider's legs awkwardly, either too far apart or uncomfortably stretched, leading to poor balance, discomfort, and potential pain especially pelvic or hip pain for the rider, and pressure points for the horse. Key Saddle Features to Address This Combination A saddle that fits both the wide horse and narrow rider must balance the horses back shape with the riders pelvic width and leg position. Here are crucial elements to consider: Saddle Tree Width and Shape Wide-backed horses require a saddle with an appropriately wide tree to avoid pinching the shoulders or spine. Adjustable tree saddles offer flexibility, allowing the front tree width to be changed to fit fluctuations in the horses shape. However, note that adjusting just the front of the tree doesn't always accommodate the overall back shape changes. True tree fit should ensure the saddle contacts the horses back evenly without bridging or tight spots. Narrow Twist The twist is the narrowest part of the saddle tree, where the riders thighs pass over. A narrow twist allows riders with narrower pelvises to position their legs more naturally and closer together without discomfort. However, the "narrow twist" is not a universal solution by itself; saddle fit also depends on the seat shape, seat width, and stirrup bar placement. Seat Width and Seat Bone Support The saddle seat should support the rider's seat bones, centering them correctly to avoid sitting on the cantle or too far forward. For narrow pelvis riders, a seat with a flatter and appropriately sized sitting area is important, ensuring the seat bones rest firmly and comfortably. Stirrup Bars Placement Extended or extra-extended stirrup bars pull the riders leg backward underneath the body, which better aligns with a narrow pelvis while accommodating the horses wide back shape. Proper stirrup bar placement also prevents the stirrup leathers from interfering with the riders legs, allowing a natural leg position and closer contact. Practical Solutions and Recommendations Customized Saddles or Monoflap Models Monoflap saddles, which have a single flap rather than double, reduce bulk and allow for a closer leg contact, benefiting narrow riders on wide horses. Saddles with adjustable trees or customizable fitting options help match the horses shape while considering rider anatomy. Saddle Pads and Adjustments Risers and shims can help improve saddle balance but should be used cautiously as they alter contact and can create pressure points if not fitted properly. Specialized saddle pads designed to fill gaps but keep the saddle balanced may improve both rider comfort and horse wellbeing. Avoiding Pain and Enhancing Comfort Riders experiencing pelvic pain riding wide horses may benefit from saddles with narrower twists and correct seat support, avoiding wide seats that force forced hip abduction and discomfort. Correct saddle fit enhances rider stability and reduces compensations that can lead to pain or injury. Summary Table: Saddle Features for Narrow Pelvis Riders & Wide Horses Feature Benefit for Narrow Pelvis Rider & Wide Horse Wide Tree Matches wide horse back, avoids pinching Narrow Twist Allows closer leg position, reduces pelvic and hip pain Extended Stirrup Bars Pull legs back for natural alignment beneath the pelvis Flatter Seat Provides even seat bone support and better balance Adjustable Tree Saddles Adaptable to horse shape changes but requires expert fitting Monoflap Design Reduces bulk, increases leg contact Quality Saddle Pads Enhances balance without pressure points Final Thoughts Riding wide horses with a narrow pelvis is a biomechanical puzzle that demands a careful and informed approach to saddle selection. The best saddle solutions combine wide tree fit for the horse with rider-centric features such as a narrow twist, extended stirrup bars, and appropriate seat design. Customization, expert saddle fitting, and attention to balance will ensure comfort and performance for both horse and rider. For more detailed advice and expert fitting, resources like Schleese Saddlery provide extensive information on saddle fit for wide horses, emphasizing rider comfort and horse welfare. Additionally, forums such as Horse & Hound discuss real rider experiences and solutions for pelvic pain related to saddle fit. If you're looking to enhance your riding experience with style and comfort, consider exploring our diverse collection of Jodhpur, Horse Riding Boots, Gloves, and Riding Socks. Additionally, for your horse's wellbeing, our Everyday Vitamins & Supplements collection offers products to support their health. This blog aims to help riders with narrow pelvises riding wide horses make informed choices to enhance riding comfort and horse welfare through effective saddle solutions.