Finduss PFB, the ride of Australias rider Sammi Birch at Mars Badminton Horse Trials, is known as Loopy Louis, because hes a bit of a lunatic most of the time.Sammi, 47, moved to the UK in 2005 and is based near Cirencester. She said the 15-year-old Dutch-bred KWPN gelding she co-owns with Parkfield Breeding has come to Badminton fitter than hes ever been and he still felt it, so it was a little bit like sitting on a ticking time bomb [in the dressage].I dont know what it is with these horses, they just get stronger and fitter, said Sammi. The work this week has just not hit the sides. So I sort of had a feeling I may be in trouble. Its a bit cool. I was hoping it was going to be 40 degrees it wasnt. Anyway, its a long way round on Saturday [cross-country day] and hopefully I can make up for it then.Nervous energySammi took on the ride from Holly Woodhead in 2019 and said he has always been highly strung.He just finds all this nervous energy that he cant get rid of, she explained. He doesnt really eat or drink when hes here so hell get home on Sunday and take a breath.But hes an athlete and I certainly wouldnt want to be sitting on anything else on Saturday.Sammi added that Loopy Louis is a big character at home as well.Hes hard to manage in every way in the stable, she said. I think hes autistic or something. Hes a lovely, sweetest person I can let my kids sit on him, pat him, do whatever, but he just cant cope with the atmosphere [at Badminton] really.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Proud moment for NHS physiotherapist crowned BE90 champion at BadmintonQuirky mare carries freelance rider to narrow BE100 victory at BadmintonBadminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Sammi Birchs horse is known as Loopy Louis because hes a lunatic most of the time appeared first on Your Horse.

First sessionKirsty Chabert, pathfinder on Classic Vl (33.7): She is such a beautiful horse to ride on the flat. For her, a clear round in the dressage means no spookiness thats what Im looking for, and she did spook at the camera. But having her in the show jumping on Sunday is my plan.Tim Price/Viscount Vikto (33.2): He is an edgy horse who gets a bit nervous so I have to ride him instinctively rather than according to plan. He is a class horse, a good one to go out on first across country.Joseph Murphy/Belline Fighting Spirit (39.2): Hes a beautiful horse but he is highly strung. Hes still a baby (10) and has a low mileage. The deciding factor for bringing him here is that he is a super jumper. It will be a good education and should show me what hes made of.Gemma Stevens/Chilli Knight (29.5): We rode every blade of grass. He is never going to be a London 52 or a Lordships Graffalo he tends to shuffle but he will gallop for 11 minutes 40 seconds and Im glad Ive got two blood horses. The cross-country distances are really great, which pleases me with my show jumping background. Eric [Winter, course-designer] has really nailed it.Tom Rowland/Quintillus (37.6): It was a bit of a disaster when he just cantered off after the halt. Hes never done that before and I had to try not to think about it and put it behind me. It was a shame as he can do a really nice test.

Kirsty Chabert was first into the main arena for day one of dressage at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials this morning (8 May) riding Classic VI.I dont think theres an advantage of being first in on a Thursday morning, no, said Kirsty. The problem with the sound [in the stands] being quiet is that they tune into any type of noise. So actually, the hustle and bustle of a busy crowd dulls the noise. I dont think there is a great advantage of being on a Thursday morning anymore because you have people opening their breakfast and its those noises that you hear rather than actually just the general hustle of a busy crowd.A clear round testKirsty and Classic VI are seeking their first Badminton completion. They completed the Rolex Kentucky CCI5* in 2023 and 2024, and have also contested the French five-star, Pau, on three occasions, finishing sixth in 2023.My aim for this week is to have her here on Sunday [for the] showjumping and thats my plan, said Kirsty about the 16-year-old British-bred mare Classic VI. Bred by Peter Charles, she is by the leading jumping sire Calvaro and was acquired by Kirsty as a five-year-old. Shes a beautiful horse to ride with on the flat; she knows everything. Shes won multiple of advanced mediums with very good scores its purely the spook [thats the issue], said Kirsty.Having a clear round test most people associate it with a clear round of changes and I dont need to worry about those so much its actually a clear round because shes not spooked somewhere in the test.The great Fleetwater Opposition Kirsty hails from an equestrian family. Her father John Johnston completed Badminton in 1984 and her mother, the late Debbie Johnston, competed in Grand Prix dressage.Kirstys brother, Ben, has represented Britain in tetrathlon. Debbie founded the Opposition Stud, where the great Fleetwater Opposition stood for many years. The stallion is one of the most successful sires of event horses, including Nicola Wilsons former British team horse Opposition Buzz. Kirstys second Badminton ride, Opposition Heraldik Girl, is a daughter of Fleetwater Opposition.The same stallion also sired Yarlands Summer Song for Debbie, and he went on to compete at Badminton in 1995 with Marie Christine Duroy.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Proud moment for NHS physiotherapist crowned BE90 champion at BadmintonQuirky mare carries freelance rider to narrow BE100 victory at BadmintonBadminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Being first to go on a Thursday isnt an advantage anymore: Kirsty Chabert kicks off dressage day one appeared first on Your Horse.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Eclipse!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Colorado Horse RescueAdoptable Horse: Eclipse, a 10-year-old, 15.3hh Tennessee Walking Horse mareOrganization: Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, Colo.Get to Know Adoptable Horse EclipseFlashy, sweet and gaited! Eclipse is an energetic Tennessee Walker with a good riding foundation. Her best match is someone with advanced-level horsemanship skills who understands or is familiar with gaited horses. A skilled, patient and relaxed rider would be the best match for Eclipse. With lots of trail riding experience in her background, Eclipse just needs to keep to easy surfaces, and shorter rides. She requires some maintenance and a proficient farrier to keep her at her best.Contact Colorado Horse Rescuetoday about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Eclipse!Photo courtesy Colorado Horse RescueASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Eclipse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Written by Riding with RhiImages: Paige Sanders PhotographyThe Ultimate Pony Camp Packing ListHarley and I just returned from our first ever overnight pony camp with the British Horse Society at Hickstead. It was a wonderful weekend full of learning and fun and without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions I had was what should I pack for my pony camp!? Below, Ive shared what I took, what was essential and what I didnt use at all!Note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price or purchase experience for you.How To Write Your Packing ListI find it most useful to segment it into areas stable, riding, rider, bedroom etc. This is a great way to mentally group things and can be useful for jogging your memory on things you may have forgotten as you visualise the space or activity. Similarly, if youre on an iPhone, I recommend using the notes app and toggling on the checklist button at the bottom so you can tick as you pack!My Packing ListStable(For context, Harley was staying in permanent stables. If you have a different arrangement for your camp, you may want to consider that when you put together your list).Wheelbarrow (I shared one with a friend and wished Id taken my own they are very useful for ferrying your bits and bobs from the lorry and back when you uppack!)Shavings fork, broom (and shovel if youre feeling really fancy useful on the last day when youre tidying up properly)Skip bucket (if your horse is being permanently stabled for the duration of camp, youll want to skip out frequently)Water bucket (aside: if youre at all concerned about the quality of water or how it might taste for a fussy drinker, you may want to look at Equine Bio Genies water treatment)Feed bucket (pro tip: we separated each feed out ahead of time in little doggy bags to make for easy packing and feeding!)Disinfectant (The BHS provided disinfectant for everyone who came to camp, but I brought my own from Equine Bio Genie its used by top veterinary hospitals, has no chemical residue with a no-rinse leave in place formula and is tasteless, odourless, non-corrosive and non-toxic)Haynets (if you have enough of them and space in your lorry/trailer, you could make up all the haynets you need. I took Haybags and refilled haynets as I needed them)Equihooks this one isnt essential but Im so glad I took mine as there were no hooks outside the box for hanging saddles, bridles etc onSpare string for tying up outside/haynets our stables didnt have any outside so glad I brought someHorsePassport always necessary for travelling but some camps will not let you in without checking vaccination records, so make sure you have it and that its up to date!Lunge line I took one with me for handgrazing (most people at camp were taking their horse out 2-3 times a day, if not more). If you have a horse who has a tendency to be a bit flighty in new spaces, or you want the extra security of a longer line, I recommend thisRugs whatever you think you might need for overnight/daytime/travel. I took a Premier Equine Waffle sheet and Weatherbeeta Thermocell I hardly needed either as it was so warm!Treats I took treats and a lick. Didnt use the lick, did use the treats!Sweat scraper and spongeHoof pickBrush I took multiple and only really used one and a hairbrush!Fly spraySun lotion (if applicable for your horses nose/the weather)Tack cleaner + sponges(put all of the above in a bucket and youll have a spare for carrying water!)RidingBridleSaddleSaddle pads I took 3 with me so I could swap them out if they got sweaty (we did 5 rides in total over 3 days, I probably only needed 2). I use Equitex: use code WITHRHI for free shipping and storage bagMartingale if you use one, neckstrap I always recommendAny different bits if you change from one activity to another such as cross countryAny boots you need I love Equilibriums TriZone Brushing Boots they are lightweight, dry fast and have been independently tested for breathability and protectionEars if you use themRiderHat (if youre doing cross country make sure you have a NON-FIXED PEAK hat, many places wont let you jump xc with a fixed peak)Boots if doing different activites, ensure you have your boots for flatwork, jumping, cross country if applicableGlovesBody protector (even if you dont usually jump with one, remember that if you are doing XC, many places wont let you jump without one)Baton if you carry oneBedroom1 x top for each ride (check if you need a full-sleeve top for the cross country course, some places make this mandatory)1-2 pairs of breeches/leggings/riding trousers of choice (my absolute favourites are the Toggi Hayes Breeches soft as butter and flexible as leggings but without the stiff material!) use code RHI10 for 10% off all applicable Toggi itemsWaterproofs/coat if neededJumper/baselayerUnderwear and socksPJsEvening/casual clothes if you are lucky enough to be doing yoga/pilates as part of your camp, take clothes + mat for thatToothbrush + toothpasteSun lotionMoisturiserDeodorantPhone chargerWater bottleSnacks (if you are over 18 and alochol is allowed, I found the pre-made cans went down well no extra cups or mixing needed and could be recycled after!) I also took Clear Whey which is a fruity protein powder that can be mixed with water. I have it almost everyday and found this was useful if I got hungry but was rushing around.Whatever else you usually have at home laptop for entertainment, books etcWalking boots/trainers for general activities and yard choresDuvet/sheet/pillows whatever youll need to sleep!If Ive forgotten something feel free to let me know!The post Riding With Rhis Ultimate Pony Packing List! first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Key Points Details Challenges of Wet Conditions Excess moisture can lead to respiratory illnesses, hoof diseases, and overall discomfort for ponies. Bedding Solutions Wood Shavings or Chips: Excellent absorption and insulation; can be costly and not eco-friendly. Straw: Cost-effective, warm, allows deep bedding; less moisture absorption, prone to mold. Peat Moss or Wood Pellets: High absorption, reduces ammonia; expensive compared to traditional materials. Tips for Bedding Management Conduct daily cleaning to maintain cleanliness and dryness. Schedule regular complete bedding changes to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup. Feeding Management Hay Feeding: High-quality hay reduces foraging in wet areas. Weight Management: Use strategies like soaked hay to manage calories without losing nutrients. Pasture and Manure Management Rotational Grazing: Promotes pasture health and limits mud buildup. Manure Management: Regular removal and composting prevent contamination. Conclusion Combining bedding solutions, nutritional practices, and farm management keeps ponies comfortable and healthy year-round. Effective Strategies for Managing Wet Ponies: Bedding Solutions for Horse OwnersHandling ponies effectively in wet conditions requires a strategic approach that blends stable rug solutions, feeding strategies, and comprehensive care practices. This article delves into bedding strategies that prove beneficial for horse owners in maintaining dry, comfortable, and healthy ponies.Understanding the Challenges of Wet ConditionsThis image is A picture speaks a thousand words, and this one conveys the challenge wet conditions pose.The impact of excess moisture on ponies can be daunting. It increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, hoof diseases, and overall discomfort. That's why selecting appropriate bedding solutions is pivotal in reducing these risks while maintaining pony health and well-being.Bedding Solutions for Wet PoniesThe importance of bedding in maintaining a dry and cozy stall environment cannot be overstated. Here are some effective bedding solutions for managing wet ponies:Wood Shavings or ChipsThis image is Effective absorption with wood shavings in action. Pros: Wood shavings provide excellent moisture absorption and good insulation, reducing the risk of respiratory issues. Cons: They may lean toward the pricey side and aren't the most eco-friendly option.StrawUsing straw is another popular bedding choice. Pros: It's cost-effective, warm, and allows for deep bedding which keeps ponies dry. Cons: Its moisture absorption isn't as pronounced as other materials and it could be prone to mold if not properly managed.Peat Moss or Wood PelletsWhen you think of bedding alternatives, peat moss or wood pellets stand out. Pros: They offer high absorptiveness and help reduce ammonia levels, enhancing air quality within stalls. Cons: These can be on the higher end of the cost spectrum compared to traditional materials.Tips for Bedding ManagementHere's how to maintain your pony's stall bedding effectively: Daily Cleaning: Regularly remove soiled bedding to ensure the stall remains clean and dry. Complete Bedding Change: Schedule regular bedding changes to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup.Feeding Management - A Complementary StrategyThis image is Feeding management complements bedding for a healthy pony.Though bedding solutions are vital, feeding strategies are equally crucial. Here are a few pointers: Hay Feeding: Providing high-quality hay is key to ensuring ponies are well-fed, reducing their inclination to forage in wet conditions. Learn more about different feeding methods and their impact on intake rates here. Weight Management: Implement weight management strategies year-round. Soaked hay, for instance, reduces calorie intake but maintains nutrient supply. Discover more about weight strategies here.Pasture and Manure ManagementThis image is The vital role of pasture management can't be overlooked.Proper management of pastures and manure sustains healthy grounds and reduces disease spread: Rotational Grazing: This practice avoids overgrazing and promotes pasture health while limiting mud buildup. Over half of horse farms employ rotational grazing during growing seasons. For more details, check out the findings here. Manure Management: Regular removal of manure is vital in preventing pasture contamination and upkeeping cleanliness. Composting and dispersing manure on crop fields are common methods.ConclusionThe effective management of ponies in wet conditions hinges on a quality blend of bedding solutions, nutritional practices, and comprehensive farm management. Implementing these strategies ensures your ponies are kept comfortable and healthy year-round.To further enhance your equestrian toolkit, explore our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Socks Collection.Visit Horse Fly Protection for essential products designed to keep flies at bay and check out Horse Treats And Gifts to reward your pony and enhance their wellbeing.```html```

Portugals Manuel Grave is a farmer and he events as a hobby. He made his Mars Badminton Horse Trials debut 12 years ago on a home-bred horse, but didnt complete, and is back this year for a second attempt.I am a farmer back in Portugal. We have bulls and some cereals and vineyards, said Manuel, who lives in the southern region of Alentejo.We have four horses [competing] and a few more young ones. We try to get the work done as soon as possible and in the afternoon find some time to ride.His equine partner is Carat de Bremoy, the horse on whom he campaigned at the Olympic Games in Paris last year.Manuel said he was lucky to find that the 13-year-old French-bred Selle Francais gelding was the one capable of getting him back to Badminton.The horse was acquired in 2017 from family friend Duarte Seabra, who previously competed him in showjumping.As an amateur we dont have much choice [of horses], but I was lucky because this horse came to our house and we started understanding that he was very brave, said Manuel, who described the bay as a family horse. Hes maybe not the best horse in dressage, but a good jumper and very brave.Olympian fatherManuels father is retired event rider Carlos Grave, whose top-level career included the 2004 Olympic Games, two World Equestrian Games and three European Championships.Carlos also contested two Badmintons, in 2000 and 2005 when it was a long format event with two phases of roads and tracks and a steeplechase to complete before tackling the cross-country course and Manuel said he can remember being there to watch. Back then, it was different. But the cross-country I think its more or less similar big things, honest but very big.Manuels brother, Joaquim, also competes.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Proud moment for NHS physiotherapist crowned BE90 champion at BadmintonQuirky mare carries freelance rider to narrow BE100 victory at BadmintonBadminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Meet the Portuguese farmer seeking his first Badminton completion appeared first on Your Horse.

The Freejump Airbag Air Vest sets a new standard in equestrian safety gear, offering reliable protection for riders of all levels. Whether youre training at home or out competing, this innovative vest delivers rapid inflationactivating in under a second in the event of a fall. Notably, it is the first air vest specifically created for horseback riding to receive certification under the NF S72-800-202 safety standard.In the event of your Freejump Airbag being deployed, it is important to replace the cartridge before wearing the vest again. Make sure you take a look at our guide below to ensure you fit the new cartridge correctly.Before replacing the canister in your Freejump Airbag, you must choose the correct cartridge capacity for your air vest:Airbag SizeCartridge CapacityChild S & Child L50ccAdult XXS, XS, XS-Tall, S, S-Tall, M, M-Tall & L60ccAdult L-Tall, XL & XXL85ccHow To Change your Freejump Airbag CartridgeStep 1Unscrew the cartridge and double check it has been used/activated. If it has been activated, there will be a hole in the end of it.Step 2Use an allen key (hex key) to unscrew the cap at the bottom of the generator unit, until the indicator is at the top of its rail.Step 3Reposition the piston with the allen key.*IMPORTANT: Bring the piston in line with the hole using the allen key.*Step 4Reposition the lanyard ball with its holding clip.*IMPORTANT: Make sure you insert the ball securely into the blue piston. Never insert the lanyard clip back in without bringing the piston back down so its visible in the hole.*Step 5Screw the new cartridge into the generator unit. Step 6Next, start screwing the cap at the bottom of the generator unit back up by hand. Then tighten it using the allen key.Step 6Check the indicator on the generator unit is showing at the bottom of the rail, next to the cap.You must always use a genuine Freejump cartridge with your Freejump Airbag. Using other cartridge brands will void your warranty and may compromise the activation mechanism, resulting in the airbag failing to deploy correctly.For further assistance with your Freejump Airbag vest, or for guidance on fitting, contact our trained Safety Specialists by emailing info@redpostequestrian.co.uk or calling 01803 812040. Discover the Freejump range The post Freejump Airbag Cartridge Replacement Guide first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Oliver Townend and his Olympic team gold medal-winning mount Ballaghmor Class lead the way after the first morning of dressage at Mars Badminton Horse Trials.They earned a penalty score of 29.3 from the judges this morning and sit just ahead of another British combination, Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight.Hes unreal. I know its the same for everyone, but if we could produce the work that hes doing at home, hes somehow getting better and better and still improving, said Oliver of the 18-year-old grey Irish Sport Horse on whom he finished second here in 2023 and 2019. It just shows that if you stay doing the same things as youve done all their lives and they dont have a change in the system it feels better than ever and it looks better than ever.Harsh markingBallaghmor Class is one of the most successful event horses in the world. Since joining Olivers string in 2012 they have won Burghley twice (in 2017 and 2023), won the Rolex Kentucky 5* in 2021, as well as that team gold medal in Tokyo.The general consensus is that the judges are being harsh with their marks.It doesnt matter as we just get consistent judging, said Oliver. Theres plenty on the cross-country to sort us out. 11 minutes 40 [seconds] is a long way, so Im happy with the horse [today].A couple of things that could have been better but hes getting quite clever. You know, hes wild at the trot up and wild everywhere and then goes in [to the dressage arena] and says, Ive done enough now, continued Oliver. So he got a little bit quiet maybe but Im still happy enough.Such good shufflingGemma Stevens said it was an absolute dream to get a sub 30 score after 15 year-old Chilli Knight did the best shuffling ever. When I heard the first few scores I thought, well, theres no chance Im going to be on a 38, she said. But that horse just honestly did his best shuffling ever. We rode every blade of grass and he tried his best.This horse is owned by Christopher Stone and was sired by William Fox-Pitts Badminton winner Chilli Morning, who became the first stallion to win here in 2015.He did such good shuffling, added Gemma of Chilli Knight. He is what he is. You cant make him into London 52 or Lordships Graffalo hes not that, but he tries his best.Ones to watchIn the current standings, its an all-British top four at this early stage with Kylie Roddy (SRS Kan Do) in third, ahead of Bubby Upton and Cola.Chinas Alex Hua Tian is currently in fifth and Harry Meade lies sixth with Superstition, ahead of New Zealands Tim Price (Viscount Viktor).There are another 17 riders due into the arena this afternoon, including several ones to watch: Tom McEwen and JL Dublin will go their test at 3.45pm, followed by Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ at 3.52pm.Emily King and Valmy Biats will go at 4.13pm.Irelands Austin OConnor is set to round off the day when he enters at A on his Maryland CCI5* winner, Colarado Blue, at 4.27pm.View the current leaderboardMain image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Proud moment for NHS physiotherapist crowned BE90 champion at BadmintonQuirky mare carries freelance rider to narrow BE100 victory at BadmintonBadminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Oliver Townend leads the way during first day of dressage at Badminton appeared first on Your Horse.

© Mr Timmy - SCH La Baule Whether at the exhibitors’ village, the partners’ village or the champagne bar, everything is in place to enjoy an experience that goes far beyond sport during the Jumping International de La Baule.  This year, 65 exhibitors will present their new products and collections in two dedicated zones, giving spectators, showjumping experts or...