Oliver Townend and his grand five-star campaigner Ballaghmor Class have taken an early lead after the first morning of dressage at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with one of only two sub-30 marks. Their score of 29.3 is only 0.2 of a penalty ahead of Gemma Stevens with Chilli Knight, son of the 2015 winner, Chilli Morning.Hes unreal, Oliver said of his 18-year-old mount, already winner of four five-star events. Hes fit and well and feels better than ever.The scores from the ground jury Xavier Le Source (president), Nick Burton and Robert Stephenson have so far been on the conservative side, and anticipation is building around whether one of this afternoons competitors can break free of the pack.Leading prospects include Olympic team bronze medallist Ryuzo Kitajima from Japan, 2024 Luhmuhlen winner Lara de Liedekerke-Meier from Belgium, and Britains Emily King (Valmy Biats), Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen (JL Dublin) and world champion Yasmin Ingham (Rehy DJ).As long as the judging remains as consistent as it has been, I am happy, said Oliver, who has two great chances at Badminton this year, with the lovely mare Cooley Rosalent to come tomorrow. There is enough to sort us out on the cross-country at 11 minutes 40 seconds.Kylie Roddy, lying third on SRS Kan Do (30.1 penalties), pronounced herself beyond thrilled and was full of praise for the ground work done by the cross-country team. They must have been working so hard on the footing its amazing, she said.Bubby Upton, who last year made such a triumphant return from a spinal injury to finish 10th on Cola, is currently in fourth place on 30.2. She has spent the winter regaining fitness after a back operation.It has been harder than I expected and I found it quite demoralising having to rebuild again, she admitted. It wasnt until February that I felt strong again, but I am forever grateful to my surgeon. I am back to riding nine horses and the pain is much less. I feel really lucky.

Kylie Roddy was thrilled to find herself in third place aboard SRS Kan Do (aka George) at the lunch break today (8 May) after making a number of changes to the horses preparation for this years Mars Badminton Horse Trials.The pair has failed to complete on their two previous appearances here, which is what prompted Kylies new approach.I dont think its anything to do with Badminton or George but hes always been an autumn campaigner, explained Kylie, who has twice finished in the top 10 with George at Pau as well as occupying sixth place at Luhmuhlen.His best results have always been in the autumn, so I didnt give him long off this winter and I kept him in work to see whether its like a body conditioning type of thing rather than a seasonal thing.Weve changed a few things at home and its made him a bit stronger, continued Kylie. Ive got these raised sleepers and he does 100 of them a day so that hes worked smarter, not harder, hopefully for all the right reasons.Thespian connectionsGeorge is owned by actor Michael Fox, who played footman Andrew Parker in Downton Abbey, and is now 15. He has been ridden by Kylie since 2015.The sleepers get him to hold himself through his back, because hes actually naturally a weak horse in the back, explained Kylie.Its about engaging his core, about lifting himself, making sure hes got the mobility in the joints because as they get older you dont necessarily want to put miles on the legs but you want to make sure that the exercises they do are relevant to the strength that that individual horse needs.Kylie also decided to tweak Georges schedule this year.I didnt run him too close to Badminton, because in the spring youre always trying to get runs in but he actually runs a bit better [when hes] fresher, so he last ran at Thoresby [in March]. I went to Kelso, but I didnt run cross-country, so I try to do what I do in the autumn, even though were in the spring. I just believe in thats what makes George amazing.Health kick for horse welfareGeorge is not the only one to undergo some changes. Kylie has also changed her diet and increased her exercise regime.I decided to be very miserable and eat 800 calories from the 14th of November and then in March when I went to Poplar [Park Horse Trials] I could then start upping my calorie intake, said Kylie.Ive been a miserable but smiley person inside. Its all for the greater good and George finds the whole job a bit easier. Ive been going to the gym doing a lot of strength and conditioning after I lost a lot of weight. Its all for the welfare of the horse. Their jobs got to be easier and thats the best thing for the horse so thats what we try to do.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Badminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresBadminton unveils CCI5* cross-country course for this yearThe post How riders health kick and new training regime has transformed horse owned by Downton Abbey star appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Why Are Pony Prices Rising? Supply and Demand Imbalance - Fewer ponies available due to reduced breeding and increased demand. Increased International Interest - Popular breeds like Welsh ponies are highly valued due to international demand. The Total Cost of Pony Ownership Livery Fees - 150 to 400+ monthly. Feed and Bedding - 60-100 monthly. Farriery and Veterinary Care - Routine care costs hundreds annually. Insurance - Several hundred pounds per year. Additional Costs - Tack, training, and emergency health costs. Economic and Market Trends Rising interest rates and inflation affect consumer spending, yet pony prices remain high due to scarcity. Strategies for Parents Thorough Research - Understand breeds, market prices, and ownership costs. Exploring Leasing Options - More affordable way to enjoy riding without full ownership costs. Budgeting for Full Costs - Plan for all expenses related to pony care. Connecting with Breeders and Resale Markets - Seek affordable options via reputable sources. Looking Forward The equestrian market is expected to grow, but supply shortages and rising costs will persist. Navigating the Rising Costs of Ponies: A Parent's Dilemma in the Evolving Equine MarketOwning a pony has long been a dream cherished by many parents for their children. The joy and companionship a pony brings is unparalleled. However, in today's world, gifting this joy has become a challenging endeavor. With rising costs in the equine market, it's essential for families to understand and navigate these changes effectively. This blog will offer insights and strategies to help parents make informed decisions.Why Are Pony Prices Rising?Supply and Demand ImbalanceOne of the primary reasons behind the surge in pony prices is the imbalance between supply and demand. Before the pandemic, a reduction in horse breeding led to fewer young ponies entering the market, particularly affecting popular breeds. With fewer ponies available, increased demand has naturally driven prices upward[1].Increased International InterestPopular native breeds, like Welsh ponies, have seen a remarkable rise in value due to growing international interest. Foals can fetch upwards of 11,500 at auctions, highlighting their desirability. This trend has been fueled by social media exposure and expanding international markets that recognize the breed's versatility and performance[5].The Total Cost of Pony Ownership: Beyond the Purchase PricePurchasing a pony is merely the first step in a journey of ownership that comes with ongoing financial commitments: Livery (Boarding) Fees: Monthly livery costs can range from 150 to 400 or more, depending on location and facilities. Feed and Bedding: Essential daily expenses such as hay, grain, and bedding materials average between 60-100 per month. Farriery and Veterinary Care: Routine hoof care, vaccinations, and dental services can cost several hundred pounds annually. Insurance: Liability and mortality insurance are advisable and usually amount to several hundred pounds per year. Additional Costs: Tack, training, and emergency health costs further contribute to the overall expense[2].Economic and Market Trends Impacting FamiliesThe equestrian market isn't insulated from broader economic trends. Rising interest rates and inflation have affected consumer spending, causing some to delay purchases. Despite these economic pressures, the underlying shortage of ponies ensures that prices remain elevated[1].Strategies for Parents Facing This DilemmaThorough ResearchUnderstanding breed characteristics, average market prices, and the total cost of ownership will set realistic expectations and avoid future surprises.Exploring Leasing OptionsLeasing a pony can be a more affordable option, allowing children to enjoy riding and learning without incurring the full cost of ownership.Budgeting for Full CostsEnsure that all associated expenseslivery, feed, medical care, and equipmentare planned for. This foresight helps manage finances effectively.Connecting with Breeders and Resale MarketsBuilding relationships with reputable breeders or exploring second-hand pony sales can yield more affordable options.Looking Forward: The Future of Pony OwnershipThe equestrian market is expected to continue its growth, with projections of economic activity related to horse events exceeding $150 billion globally[3]. However, the challenges of supply shortages and rising costs are likely to persist.Stable RugsInvesting in high-quality stable rugs protects ponies from harsh weather and contributes to their well-being.Turnout RugsTurnout rugs provide extra protection for ponies when they're turned out in fields. Explore our collection of turnout rugs for premium options.Horse Fly ProtectionConsider fly protection solutions to keep your pony comfortable and protected against insects.ConclusionThe journey of pony ownership requires a blend of passion and prudence. By understanding the economic forces at play and preparing for comprehensive costs, families can still make the pony ownership dream a reality within today's evolving equine market. Ensure to stay informed on market changes and consider all associated expenses to manage finances responsibly while offering rewarding experiences for your children.

Belgium is increasingly a nation on the up in eventing and the MARS Badminton Horse Trials is very much a part of trainer Kai-Steffan Meiers plans: I telephoned Jane Tuckwell [Badminton Director] in February and told her that I had four riders I wanted to bring and they are all here.Kai-Steffan represented Germany at championship level. I loved competing here myself, he explains. Badminton is very much part of the development of a nation like Belgium which needs more exposure to competitions of a higher level than championships [which are held at 4* level].I learned a lot from Chris Bartle when he was our team trainer and would bring German riders to Badminton. I feel that it is usually a pattern that it is the five-star nations who get the medals and that events like Badminton and Burghley are the top of the sport.The Badminton experience is very much part of trying to move to a new level, explained Senna Vervaecke, who is making his Badminton debut along with Seppe Vilain and Wouter de Cleene. Completing the quartet is Kai-Steffans wife, Lara de Liederkerke-Meier. Last year she became Belgiums first five star winner, triumphing on Hooney dArville at Luhmuhlen.It was as much a surprise for me as everyone else, said Lara. I am certainly not expecting to do the same again. Badminton is very much a learning experience for me, too.

Tom Woodward pulled off the debut Mars Badminton Horse Trials test of his life to sail into the lead aboard Low Moor Lucky on a score of 27.9.The 23-year-old rider, who is one of the youngest riders in the field, has produced this horse who was backed late at the age of nine and is now 18 from BE100 level.Its pretty surreal [to take the lead], said Tom. Were local, in Hartpury, and I used to come here every year to watch as a kid and wed stay in the old campsite as a family. I used to look at the jumps out there on the course and think, how do you ever do that? I was probably 13 when I decided I wanted to try and do it. Ive just been incredibly lucky to find a partner like [Lucky] because hes just immense. I cant thank the horse enough. Hes put me on the map and allowed me to pursue a career in the sport.Quietly confidentTom confessed that he was quietly confident about achieving a good score.I didnt tell anyone, but he did a 25 at Blenheim last year. Ive always known how capable he is, but because weve learnt together Ive been very green and its taken me two years to actually catch up with his capabilities on the flat, said Tom. He had a bit of time off last spring and I was fortunate enough to have two four-star horses in my string and I learned so much. They wouldnt be as capable as he is on the flat, but I had the time to learn my craft at that level. Then when you get back on him, its just like going around on train tracks and if you give him the right instructions he just does it. He gives an amazing feel. So I quietly hoped and yeah thankfully it came off. I want to say a big thanks to Lisa White, my dressage instructor. Shes made a massive difference to us and Im very pleased for her as well.Tom was quietly confident about pulling off a good testFeral Luckys last chanceLow Moor Lucky was broken in as a nine-year-old when he was given one final chance after being very naughty to ride away.He was actually bred by a family friend of ours, Richard Dennis, and Ive now had six horses from him now, said Tom. Theyre fairly feral, but theyve all come good. Richard rang me and said if you can get them on the lorry you can have them. Ones just done his first three-star and ones doing her first two-star next week at Belsay. Theyre all very, very well bred.Lucky is sired by Luidam.He was one of them who was pretty feral but you wouldnt know it now. Hes Mr Cool, added Tom. He only did his first BE event in the September of his ten-year-old year, so hes 18 but fairly low mileage. Well get through this week and then see what else he wants to give. If he decides ones enough, thats fine by me. He doesnt owe me anything. Well just play it by ear and see how it goes.A big flashy boyTom and Luckys path to Badminton has included under-18 championships and top results at three-star level.We never bought him thinking hed do this, he was just meant to be a nice horse for me to learn on, said Tom. Hes not so much a modern type hes a fairly big lad, by Louis Dam, and a big flashy boy. He wouldnt be the most natural galloper but hes got fitter and fitter each year and weve worked hard at the fitness for here.Hopefully well be in good form to go as quickly as we can.Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class now lie second, ahead of Gemma Stevens on Chilli Knight, with eight more horses to go this afternoon.Images by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentAll the latest news from Badminton How to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Badminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Badminton first timer takes the lead on a once feral horse backed late in life appeared first on Your Horse.

Third sessionRyuzo Kitajima/Feroza Nieuwmoed (33.5): Im pleased, he can be very spooky, and he didnt like the camera near A. Obviously it is a smaller arena than at Burghley, but I think it was not too bad today.Lara de Liederkerke-Meier/Hooney dArville (31.7): Shes not the queen of dressage and I didnt ride a couple of my flying changes well it can be difficult to keep her nerves under control but she tried really hard. Its good to be back at Badminton, its a really special atmosphere. The cross-country will be big for her but Im here to take the experience and I hope she will enjoy it.Seppe Vilain/Kawa de la Cour Z (33.9): He was focussed and calm in there I think I played it a bit safe, but he was good. Im looking forward to Saturday.Tom Woodward/Low Moor Lucky (27.9): Ill take that, the local rider said after taking the lead. It feels pretty surreal. He loves a crowd, nothing phases him.Gaspard Maksud/Zaragoza (30.7): She can do a bit better but it was pretty mistake free, so I am delighted with her.Jack Mantel/Jack Daniels (41.2): Im glad thats over! We are both inexperienced at this level its our first five-star, and he really tried for me. The cross-country is big and bold, but well give it a shot.Felicity Collins/RSH Contend Or (37.1): He was such a good boy he finds it all a bit exciting, but it was fun to ride in there.Will Rawlin/Ballycoog Breaker Boy (30.6): Happy with that. He was a bit tense in the walk but otherwise really rideable today.Second sessionBubby Upton/Cola (30.2): I am thrilled with Cola. He is really consistent and has come out fit and well. Im not one to dwell on my dressage mark and Im really excited for the challenge of the cross-country.Alice Casburn/Topspin (37.9): The crowds were cheering and when Topspin saw the cross-country fence in the arena, I thought Oh no, but as long as we are not too far off the mark at the end of dressage I will be happy. Im very mindful that there are two coffin fences on the cross-country and Ive been very busy building at home to practise. Ive been to B & Q and got my hammer and nails out!David Doel/Gaileo Nieuwmoed (38.8): He did some great trot and walk work and then was an idiot in the canter, but theres plenty to jump out there on Saturday so well put the dressage behind us and give it a go. He got a bit too fresh this morning as they get older, they get more cunning but hes a lovely experienced cross-country horse.Tiana Coudray/Cancaras Girl (34.0): I am happy enough, although its not a test to remember. This dressage test doesnt really suit my mare. Shes a dainty little mover so you spend the first five movements showing the judges that she cant trot!Dan Jocelyn/Blackthorn Cruise (34.8): Hes a good old boy and knows all the movements now. Hes 16 and I produced him as a five-year-old; he used to be quite a handful, but now he has matured. I rode Silence [first Badminton horse] for 12 years, so Im lucky to have had two horses that have taken me around the world.Jrme Robin/Black Ice (35.2): Its not the mark I wanted, but it is my Badminton debut so I am quite excited. Weve [the German riders] been walking the course and that made us go a bit quiet were making less jokes now! This is such an iconic event; its a different sport here.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.

Peder Fredricson (SWE) and Catch Me Not S at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2019, the last to be held in Gothenburg. © FEI/Christophe Tanière The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final, the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final and the FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final 2027 will be organised in Gothenburg (SWE). The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its...

There was a time when Dan Jocelyn and Joe Meyer, both now 54, were the young pretenders of the New Zealand squad. Now, they represent the two senior riders at MARS Badminton Horse Trials.Dan first rode here in 1999 on Silence, finishing eighth, and Joe made his debut a year later, on Jovial Sam, 20th. Joe now lives in Ocala, Florida, and is returning to Badminton for the first time in 15 years, riding the grey ex-racehorse Harbin.Harbin reminds me very much of Snip [his 2008 Olympic ride] who used to go really well at Badminton [they were seventh in 2007], explained Joe, whose family bred both Charisma, Mark Todds dual Olympic champion, and Silence. Plus I may be trying to work on gaining my second Armada Dish [for five Badminton completions]. It was quite an upheaval to come here, but its awesome to be here again.Dan, who has been based in the UK since 1995 and rode at the 2004 Olympics, is also working up to a second Armada Dish. He has been competing the 16-year-old Blackthorn Cruise for 11 years. I rode Silence for 12 years and these two horses have taken me all over the world, he said.

The North Carolina Department of Agricultures Veterinary Division recently confirmed that one horse in Beaufort County has tested positive for strangles. No additional details are currently available.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.

On May 2, a 2-year-old filly in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles. The filly developed clinical signs on March 28, including fever and submandibular lymph node abscess. She is under quarantine, and two 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.