Scan any show schedule and youre likely to see working hunter horse and working hunter pony classes in the line-up perhaps a working show horse class as well.A combination of jumping and flatwork, with two judges typically assessing horses for their jump, ride, and conformation, working hunter classes are a lot of fun to take part in (and watch).Working hunter class is an attractive proposition for equestrians because horses dont have to be quite such beauty kings and queens as in the weight classes, says Jayne Ross, a titan of the showing world with seven supreme Horse of the Year Show and five Royal International supreme titles to her name. Rather, they need to be able to do what it says on the tin work and so displaying performance and athleticism is the name of the game. After all, they have to jump a good round of fences before they progress and the very best working hunters are the ones who look like they could stand and enjoy a good days hunting.Working show horse classesWorking show horse classes run in an identical format to a working hunter, but all types, not just hunters, can turn out to compete, from cobs to hacks to riding horses. This only helps to broaden the appeal of a workers class, and it is up to the judge to assess the entries according to type. However, it is also important that riders do homework beforehand to ensure that they are prepared for every element of the workers class as a partnership.Whats involvedEntrants are marked out of 100. The usual format is:An individual round of jumping (worth 60% of the marks).Group ride, during which all horses in the class go in single file around the ring at the same time.Judge ride or individual show (worth 20% of the marks).Conformation inspection (worth 20% of the marks. May require stripping down to the bridle).Correct tack and attireAs in any showing class, the judges expect to see clean, discreet tack and a matching numnah, not a saddlecloth. Brown tack is ideal, but black is acceptable. Avoid brass and fluff on the kit, and while every rider will want to use the tack their horse goes well in, steer clear of too much leatherwork if possible. It is perfectly acceptable to use a well-fitting jumping saddle, especially if the track is on the bigger side. Remember, though, that apart from boots, no changes can be made to the tack after the jumping.Hind boots arent permitted for wear in workers classes and boots should ideally have buckle fastenings, rather than Velcro.For the rider, the garb is standard tweed jacket, cream or canary jodhpurs, long boots and long hair in a net plus a body protector for the jumping if the rider wishes to use one, but ideally it is worn under the jacket.Studs are acceptable too. However, anyone planning to use studs who hasnt before should practise with them at home, warns Jayne. Riding with studs will feel different and the horse needs to get used to them and realise that they are there to help, she states.As this is a class for working horses, they should be presented as such. Manes are plaited (unless hogged), tails pulled at the dock and any feather trimmed. The ears and jawline must be tidy. PreparationHorses and ponies who compete in working hunter classes must be a fair bit fitter than the average show horse because they do much more. They need to look tight, so they dont want to be carrying too much weight.With this in mind, it is key to undertake plenty of hacking in the weeks and months running up to a show, including hill work if possible. With the jumping as technical as it is today, the horse needs to be capable over a demanding course and should be trained over grids and poles at home to boost his athletic ability, advises Jayne.The preparation isnt just physical, but mental, too. Of course, true mileage is only achieved at a show, but the hunting field is a wonderful place to teach a young horse. I would also be jumping proper courses once or twice a week with my workers, either in competition or during an arena hire.The jumping roundWhen I did workers many years ago, I would take my eventers and the fences would flow and meet us easily. Nowadays the courses are big, strong and they take some jumping, says Jayne. The 60% score weighting for this part of the class is split, with 40 marks available for the jumping round and 20 marks for style.What the judge is looking for:A flowing clear round in a nice, forward-going rhythm. The horse shouldnt look like he is showjumping, rather as though he is covering the countryside with ability and surefootedness, explains Jayne. Only horses who jump clear, or perhaps have one down, will compete in the rest of the class.How to please the judge: According to Jayne, many riders are too cautious and so they should ensure that their horse is displaying a forward stride. At the same time, they should avoid galloping round and fighting against the horse for control. The horse shouldnt look like he or she is tricky it wouldnt be fun to hunt on something that pulls the riders arms out, adds Jayne.Jumping a polished round relies on the horse going well on the flat. Achieving a forward, flowing round stems from having the horse balanced and attuned to the jockeys weight above all. Doing too much with the hand blocks a horses forward stride, whereas dropping weight down into the saddle means that they know to stall slightly, and the rider can put their leg on and go upwards, rather than along, into the fence.The group rideA working hunter horse is athletic, comfortable and easy to ride. The group ride brings the rider the chance to display all of these traits alongside fellow competitors. Horses go in single file and riders are given directions from the steward when a change of pace or rein is required.Bear in mind that some horses can feel exuberant after jumping, especially if the jumps remain in the ring. Flat schooling around fences regularly at home can help them to acclimatise.Ring etiquette Once back in the ring it becomes like an ordinary show class, only some horses can be a little buzzier if they have just jumped. Clock the whereabouts of the other competitors and use the full extent of the ring to keep a good amount of space between you and the horse in front, advises Jayne.Anyone who finds that they must circle away and rejoin the ride should do so at the back of the ring (the side the judge isnt watching). However, see if riding deeper into the corners gives more room first.What the judge is looking for: A presentable horse with plenty still in the tank. They should work in a forward rhythm and look relaxed and obedient, sitting quietly at the end of the rein, says Jayne. The judge wants to be feeling that they cant wait to get on.How to please the judge: Prepare the horse mentally and physically to return to the ring. Loosen his girth and go for a walk to regroup, Jayne advises. They may look a little dishevelled after they have jumped, so ask your helper to clean any saliva from their mouth and chest, and give the tack a wipe.Once the horse has got his breath back, go for a trot and a canter on a looser rein to settle and soften, continues Jayne. The gallopWorkers are expected to show a real gallop and there is more to it than just kicking on. What the judge is looking for: A horse who moves up into gallop calmly and easily, has a good ground-covering stride and pulls up easily.How to please the judge: First and foremost, plan ahead to make sure that the horse has ample room. Dont fire off from a corner, but rather quietly extend into gallop to ensure the horses best strides occur when passing the judge, says Jayne. Try to sit quietly and pull up without too much hassle. A horse who looks as though he is pulling out his riders arms isnt a good look, which is why the rider should train the horse to slow with their body. Like anything, practice beforehand will inform how long it takes the horse to extend and quietly compress. He also needs to be used to the gallop so that he doesnt get excited and throw his head in the air in the ring.Individual/judges rideFrom the group ride, contenders are called to line up ready for the judges ride. This order represents the current standings in the class. If the judge doesnt ride, the rider will need to be prepared to perform a short and sweet individual show instead. A little artistic license is needed here to play to the horses strengths and show them at their best, says Jayne. For example, if the horses trot could do with some work, spend more of the show in canter. If the horse gets wound up anticipating a gallop, gallop first.What the judge is looking for: A biddable horse who is responsive, supple around the leg and soft in the hand. The judge should be able to imagine spending several hours in the saddle comfortably, explains Jayne.How to please the judge: There is nothing worse for a ride judge than walking up to someones horse and hearing them say: Hes never been ridden by anyone else before. Be sure that the horse is capable of going nicely for strangers, and that means having others ride him from time to time at home, Jayne advises.A judge likes to get on and away, so read up on who will be riding. If it is going to be a judge who is much taller than the regular rider, ensure that the helper has longer leathers and bigger irons to swap out.The group ride isnt just about being pulled in top of the line. The rider needs to ensure that the horse is relaxed, responsive and ready for the ride judge. Dont just think about looking good, adds Jayne. The horse needs to be going truly and be accepting of the aids. It is key to ride calmly, trying not to react if they are fresh. It can be tempting to grab the reins, but this usually only exacerbates things.Conformation assessmentA horses conformation will be judged out of 20 marks. A few lumps, bumps and minor blemishes can be forgiven. In terms of form, a substantial front end with a nice sloping shoulder to sit behind, coupled with a short back, pastern and powerful hindquarter, are desirable traits.Anyone at a county show will need to strip the horse of his saddle and martingale and walk him up in-hand, so this needs to be practised at home, says Jayne. Any rider without a helper will find that the steward will help them untack. At local shows, stripping is not always expected.Standing in lineStanding in line for a while is a big ask for any horse, particularly an inexperienced one. If a horse is fidgety, practice helps, but dont fall into the trap of filling them with polos or grass, as the behaviour will then be reinforced, advises Jayne.They shouldnt be chastised either; in fact, it is best to ignore it and try to relax the horse with a stroke and kind words.Showing is much easier with a horse who dozes off. If he wants to sleep, let him until the ride judge is about to get on, agrees Jayne. Just before this moment, turn a circle or two to get the horse back into the zone. It is far better to let him quietly relax at other times, though. If you mess around with him, it can lead to him becoming finicky and pushy in line.The finaleIf the horse has been stripped, they can be tacked up as soon as the judge has dismounted. All horses and riders will then resume walking large around the ring to wait for the results.Once the judge has calculated the points, the class placings will be called. If you hear your number, congratulations turn into the centre of the rung and take your place in the final line up.When a rider is called up, they dont need to worry about where they need to stand, reassures Jayne. They wont get it wrong, because the steward will be there to guide them. No one is out there to try and trap the rider into doing anything wrong; they simply want to see everyone do their best.I truly believe that it is up to the more experienced producers, riders and other members of the showing community to be open to questions and to help people find their way. Never be afraid to ask most people are keen to help other riders succeed.Images Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentThis is how a horse should move in trot *Video*How well does your horse walk? *Video*How to improve a horses poor toplineStep-by-step guide to plaiting a mane *Video*The post Working hunter classes: Jayne Ross explains the format, correct attire and what the judges want to see appeared first on Your Horse.

On April 22, a 17-year-old pony mare in Putnam County, Florida, tested positive for strangles after developing a fever. She is now recovering, and two additional horses are exposed.This is Floridas 15thconfirmed case of strangles in 2025.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.

It doesnt matter which discipline you compete in, turnout is important and trimming hairy legs unless youre riding a traditional or native breed is usually part of your pre-competition prep.In the show ring in particular, trimming legs is something that producers routinely incorporate into their pre-show management.We trim horses legs regularly, so when it comes to prepping for a show, theres nothing more to do than tidy up, says leading producer and Your Horse Live star Katie Jerram-Hunnable.Keeping on top of trimming, clipping and pulling manes and tails is part of our everyday routine.Clippers for the jobKatie recommends using small, cordless hand clippers for tidying up your horses legs as these are less bulky and quieter to use.However, for horses with coarser hair, it may be better to use sturdy, plug-in clippers.Watch your headBefore you start, the most important thing to consider is your own personal safety. Make sure your horse is happy to be clipped.Wearing a riding hat when clipping out your horses legs is sensible, considering that your head is so near their feet.The perfect trimWhen it comes to trimming legs, this is the process that works for Katie:1 Dry limbsFirstly, make sure legs and fetlocks are dry and clean, as any mud and grease will quickly clog up your clipper blades.If you havent washed your horses legs for some time, it would be worth doing this a few days before the trim to ensure the hair is clean.You can use a dandy brush on really muddy legs, but in most cases, a body brush is ideal for working through the hair in preparation for clipping.2 Clipper familiarisationRest your clippers on your horses shoulder before running them in your hand down their leg. This is so that they can feel the vibration before you attempt to clip the leg and allows you to gauge their response.If the horse stays calm and isnt bothered by the noise or vibration, you can start to clip the lower leg.If they are nervous and/or begin to fidget (a sign they are trying to escape the clippers), spend more time doing clipper familiarisation before you do any clipping. This might take a number of days, or even weeks.3 Follow the hairAlways run the clippers down the leg and in the same direction as the hair growth. This ensures you dont make your horses legs bald.4 Bulb of the fetlockAt the back of the fetlock, just move the clippers gently around the bulb of the fetlock to tidy up the leg hair, being careful not to catch the bulb.5 Coronet bandAt the coronet band, turn the clippers round so the blades are now facing downwards. Carefully and gently work your way around this area.By holding the clippers in this way, you wont be removing lumps of hair, but merely thinning out what is growing over the hoof.A still horse and a steady hand are key here! If your horse might move, ask a helper to hold up their opposite leg while you trim.Related contentStep-by-step guide to plaiting a mane *Video*Horse brushes you must have in your grooming kitTheYour Horsepanel tests mane and tail detanglersSeven humane mane thinners put to the testThe post Katie Jerram-Hunnable explains how to trim a horses legs appeared first on Your Horse.

On March 21, a 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Rock County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles after developing clinical signs on March 18. The horse is under quarantine, and 20 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.

Advertisement featureAre you doing your bit to help protect the planet or could your yard and the way you look after your horse be greener?More equestrians are seeking environmentally friendly solutions when it comes to horse care than ever before and thats why Red Gorillas iconic Rubber Skips have evolved to become Rubber Type.We started supplying our popular rubber skips to the equine, agricultural and building industries in 1981, and since then the world has changed a lot.The way tyre rubber is produced and considering what customers now want, using Tyre Rubber as a method of making feed skips, buckets and mangers no longer works and so we as a business have moved on.Revolutionary Gorilla PlasOur new Gorilla Plas range the revolutionary polymer buckets and skips that are just as good as rubber, but clean, lighter and better for the planet, too has been a huge success.However, with the more traditional customers in mind who still want that feel of Tyre Rubber, we have been working hard to find an environmentally friendly and non-porous, lightweight, strong yet flexible alternative.We are proud to introduce to you the Red Gorilla Rubber Type.Going green: The iconic Red Gorilla rubber skips are now more sustainable All-new Red Gorilla Rubber TypeSustainability remains at the forefront and this new range is produced entirely in the UK. It uses brand new moulds that work efficiently, reducing manufacturing energy consumption and cutting out any unnecessary travel emissions.This also keeps lead times to an absolute minimum and increases UK employment.Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Red Gorilla, says managing director Dean Cox.This new Rubber Type range is not just a product innovation, its a step forward in our ongoing missions to reduce environmental impact, support British manufacturing, and build a greener future for the industries we serve.Key featuresSome key features of the new range include:Hardwearing, lightweight and flexible material.Reinforced sides for strength and durability.Non-porous and 100% non-absorbent.Odourless and easy to clean.Kinder to the environment.The new Rubber Type is the perfect replacement for the Tyre Rubber, with all the benefits and without the drawbacks, adds Dean.It is a strong, hardwearing, with just the right amount of flexibility, and kinder to the environment.We believe the Tyre Rubber fans will appreciate our Rubber Type Skips even more.Best solutionOverall, we at Red Gorilla are confident that Rubber Type products are the best solution for all admirers of the original Tyre Rubber range and believe that it will win over the hearts of the equine, agricultural and construction industries just like the original Tyre Rubber did back in 1981.To see the full range of Red Gorilla products and current offers, you can visit the website here.Related contentCalls to make yards more wildlife friendly, plus 4 things everyone can doFirst online tool to support sustainable parasite control is launchedNew course to help vets provide more sustainable approachTry new Hoofprint Calculator to make riding more sustainableThe post A more sustainable solution: introducing the new Red Gorilla Rubber Type range *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.

A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Madera County, California, recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The mare was exposed to EIA out of state and was detected as part of an epidemiological trace out.Eight potentially exposed horses on the mares home premises have tested negative for EIA and will remain under quarantine until their 60-day retest.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 EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

One horse in New York recently tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The horse arrived at showgrounds in Erie County on Wednesday, April 23, became symptomatic on Thursday, and was diagnosed on Friday. The horse was euthanized.Five horses that trailered in with this horse were quickly removed from the showgrounds and are quarantined at the home premises.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

On April 17, a yearling donkey in Lake County, Florida, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) after developing clinical signs on April 3. The donkey is now deceased.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.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

With just over a week until the 2025 MARS Badminton Horse Trials gets under way we are thrilled to be able to bring you the cross country course.Join Badminton legend Mark Todd as he joins our Course Designer Eric Winter taking an in depth look at what challenges lie ahead for our competitors. Click here to see the fence by fence descriptions, hear what Mark has to say and enjoy the interactive course experience brought to you with thanks to CrossCountryApp.