If youre anything like me, you grew up with Marguerite Henrys beloved Misty of Chincoteague books. As a young girl, I would often find myself lost in the pages, imagining the joy of being part of the Chincoteague Pony Swim and Penning, bidding on and winning my very own Chincoteague Pony.Part of that dream came true when Rebekah Hart of Harts Island Pony Ranch graciously invited me to attend Pony Penning Week with her. She had won a raffle for A Vacation of a Lifetime, which included special access to the weeks events. How could I say no to an opportunity like this?The Pony SwimPony Penning Week in Chincoteague, Va., is a cherished tradition for both locals and tourists. This annual event, held during the last week of July, is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the wild ponies of Assateague Island.The first event I attended was the beach walk. The Saltwater Cowboys, who guide the ponies through this experience, bring the northern herd down the beach to meet the southern herd before both herds swim to Chincoteague Island.During the beach walk, the Saltwater Cowboys guide the northern herd down the beach to meet the southern herd before both herds swim to Chincoteague Island. Photo by Shelley PaulsonOn the day of the pony swim, we were up well before dawn to catch a boat to Assateague Channel. Everyone was quiet as we navigated the dark ocean waters to our spot. I remember looking up to see a velvety night sky filled with stars as the cool air washed over my face.On the day of the pony swim, Shelley was up well before dawn to catch a boat to Assateague Channel. Photo by Shelley PaulsonThe timing of the swim varies each year and depends on slack tide, where the tide is neither going in nor out, so the water is relatively still, making it easier for the ponies to swim.The Pony Swim is timed during slack tide, where the tide is going neither in nor out, making it easier for the ponies to swim. Photo by Shelley PaulsonOnce the herds make it to shore, officials signal the beginning of the swim with a red flare. The actual swim took just minutes. It was exhilarating to watch and capture with my camera.Once on land, the Saltwater Cowboys give the horses about 45 minutes to catch their breath before they parade them through town to the carnival grounds.Once on land, the Saltwater Cowboys give the horses about 45 minutes to catch their breath before they parade them through town to the carnival grounds. Photo by Shelley PaulsonThe AuctionThe next major event is the highlight of Pony Penning Week: the pony auction. This auction is an opportunity for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to raise funds for equipment and maintenance while also ensuring the health and sustainability of the pony population.The crowds check out all of the ponies at the carnival grounds before the auction. Photo by Shelley PaulsonThe morning of the auction, I expected to see a lot more drama when mares were separated from their foals, but everyone was relatively calm. Some foals would get feisty when led around the auction area, but keep in mind, these are wild, unhandled foals!Foals are numbered for bidding before the auction. Photo by Shelley PaulsonBuyers from across the country bid on the ponies both in-person and online. Several groups pooled together funds to bid on buybacks. These fundraiser foals stay wild for life and remain the property of the Fire Company.Mares and foals are briefly separated for the foal auction, where some buybacks are returned to the wild herd. Photo by Shelley PaulsonA Fitting ConclusionAfter the auction, the remaining ponies are released back into their herds by either swimming them back across the channel (if they are part of the southern herd) or trailering them back to their stomping grounds (if they are part of the northern herd).After the auction, the remaining ponies are released back into their herds by swimming them back across the channel if they are part of the southern herd. Photo by Shelley PaulsonBeyond the excitement of the pony swim and auction, Pony Penning Week is filled with fun activities such as parades, riding demonstrations, carnival rides, a farmers market, shopping, live entertainment, and more.Pony Penning Week is more than just a spectacle or a fundraiser. This event brings together communities and visitors in a shared appreciation for nature, tradition, and the enduring bond between humans and horses. This article about the Chincoteague Pony Swim appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post The Chincoteague Pony Swim appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When summer arrives, so do the fliesand they can make life miserable for your horse. A well-fitted fly rug is one of the best ways to keep biting insects at bay, prevent irritation, and protect sensitive skin. But to do its job, your fly rug needs to fit properly. Heres how to get it right every time.Why Fit MattersA fly rug thats too tight can rub and restrict movement, while one thats too loose can slip, twist, or let flies get underneath. The right fit keeps your horse comfortable, safe, and fully protected.Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting a Fly Rug1.Start with the Right SizeMeasure your horse:Use a soft tape measure from the centre of the chest, along the side, to the point of the rump (where you want the rug to end).Check the size guide:Each brand may size slightly differentlyalways check the manufacturers chart before buying.Try on the rug:The rug should sit neatly at the chest without pulling or gaping, and cover the body to just before the tail.2.Check the Fit at Key PointsChest and Shoulders:Fasten the chest straps so the rug sits flat but isnt tight. You should be able to slide your hand in easily.Neck (if applicable):If your rug has a neck cover, make sure it sits smoothly without restricting movement or rubbing the mane.Withers and Back:The rug should lie flat along the withers and back, with no pressure points.Belly and Side Straps:Belly straps should be snug but not tightideally, you should fit a hands width between the strap and the belly. Cross surcingles (if present) should form an X under the belly and not hang loose.Leg Straps:If your rug has leg straps, adjust them so theyre not too tight but will prevent the rug from slipping sideways. Again, a hands width is a good guide.3.Check for MovementWalk your horse:Lead your horse around and watch how the rug moves. It should stay in place and allow free movement of the shoulders and hindquarters.Check for rubbing:After a short period of wear, check for any signs of rubbing at the shoulders, withers, or hips.4.Adjust as NeededReadjust straps:Rugs can settle and stretch a little with use, so check the fit regularly, especially after the first few wears.Replace if outgrown:Horses can change shape over the seasonif your horse gains or loses weight or muscle, remeasure and check the fit.Top Tips for Fly Rug SuccessChoose a breathable, lightweight rugfor hot weatherlook for features like UV protection and fine mesh.Wash rugs regularlyto prevent build-up of sweat and dirt, which can cause rubbing.Inspect for damagerepair any tears or broken straps promptly to keep the rug secure and effective.Consider a fly maskfor extra protection around the face and eyes.Shop Fly Rugs at Chestnut MillReady to protect your horse from summer pests? Explore our range of fly sheets and rugs from trusted brands like Bucasdesigned for comfort, coverage, and style.

The owner of an animal rescue and therapy centre has had a lifetime ban from keeping animals upheld after she appealed against a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.Lynn Haydon-Williams, 65, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to multiple animals, including a grey gelding called Caspar, a roan stallion called Deio, and a Thoroughbred mare called Gemma. The latter horse was riddled with skin tumours and the defendant was advised to have her put to sleep by a vet during an RSPCA inspection in May 2021. However, it was not until over a year later in September 2022 when the mare was removed by the RSPCA and Derbyshire Police that she was euthanised.Casper, who was suffering with a severe foot condition, was also subsequently put to sleep. So too was a pig suffering with overgrown feet. An emaciated pygmy goat and an arthritic coatimundi later passed away.Ten goats, three horses, a pig and a coati were all removed from the centre in total.Lifetime banHaydon-Williams was originally handed the ban from keeping animals after she was found guilty on 28 March 2024 of 13 offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Invasive Alien Species Order 2019 following a prosecution by the RSPCA.The offences relate to the neglect of horses, goats, pigs and a coatimundi at the Haywill Animal Rescue and Therapy Centre, which is located at two sites at Glossop in Derbyshire and Broadbottom in Tameside, Greater Manchester.She lodged an appeal against her convictions and sentence. A judge sitting at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, July 3 2025 quashed two of the original convictions, but upheld 11 other convictions against her.The judge also ruled that Haydon-Williams life-time ban from keeping animals should remain in place as well as a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.She is also still required to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.The quashed convictions were for failing to provide a suitable environment for a coatimundi and for keeping the same animal listed as an invasive alien species.The judge said that the previous sentence imposed was entirely appropriate. They also said: Despite the poor condition of the animals we have no doubt that the defendant is someone who cares deeply about animals, including these animals.Financial impact of Covid-19Other animals rescued from the centre included lame goats and overweight pigs.On one occasion in May 2021, RSPCA Inspector Jessica Araujo found goats with overgrown feet struggling to walk normally and grossly obese pigs.At the previous court hearing it was pointed out in mitigation that Haydon-Williams did good work for many people for a long time at the centre. However, the financial impact of Covid-19 had affected her ability to look after the animals. The surviving animals, a horse and 10 goats, have since been rehomed by the RSPCA.The judge told Haydon-Williams to pay an extra 600 as a contribution to the costs of her appeal.Main image of Haywill Animal Rescue and Therapy Centre RSPCAMore from Your HorseBeloved unicorn sparks magical revival for Kent business facing closureNew business and networking event for livery yard owners and managersHow to tell if a horse is happyThis is what a horses ear positions tell you about their moodThe post Lifetime ban for owner of animal rescue centre is upheld following appeal appeared first on Your Horse.

Derryman and Legacy lead individual standings in A Coruna, with team in seventh and within a pole of the medalsIrelands FEI European Jumping Championship is off to a very satisfactory start as Daniel Coyle and Legacy lead the individual standings as the team sit within striking distance of the medals in A Coruna, Spain.Derrys Coyle is sitting pretty at head of affairs in the individual competition, storming to the top of the leaderboard with an incredible round of jumping in a time of 73.93 seconds on his magnificent mare.Coyle went out fast with his Paris Olympics mount and came home in a lightning-fast time to sit in first position ahead of Richard Vogel and United Touch S in second and Donald Whitaker with Millfield Colette in third.A delighted Coyle said: It was great. Its the first day of the championships, a lot of good riders, lot of simple mistakes from everybody and today seemed to be my day. Richie (Vogel) was also very, very close but it just seemed to go my way.I think Legacys experience probably was ahead of a lot of horses today. Shes done a few championships already, and she was already really good in Paris (at the Olympics) last year.She hadnt been in great form at the beginning of the year. The plan was to come here with her coming into form and it looks like thats happening.This class, generally somebody really fast wins it but if youre on a team, you want to get a best score possible and sometimes, you dont take all the risks. For me, I was able to take all the risk and I ended up winning the class.Legacy is a fantastic mare. Shes done lots of championships already and if she tells me to keep going, I will keep going.Michael Blakes team of Denis Lynch, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, Bertram Allen and Darragh Kenny lie in seventh of 18 nations jumping in the team event on a score of 8.39 and are primed for an assault on the medals with two rounds of jumping to come.The Irish are arguably unlucky to not be a lot closer to leaders Britain as a couple of unfortunate poles down proved costly on the day, but Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Show Jumping Manager Blake was ultimately pleased with the days work.Were thereabouts, Blake said. I probably would have preferred to be a little closer to the leaders but we are within one pole of the medals and there is a lot of jumping still left to come.We got off to a great start with Denis and Seamie coming home clear and I suppose Id have hoped for one more clear but it was a tricky track. A fair track, but there were dangers in certain areas and a lot of riders got caught out in places.Im looking forward to the next couple of days, because I think we will improve on our position and can definitely climb the leaderboard tomorrow to get within a crack at a medal.Britain lead the competition on a score of 3.96 with Germany second on 4.19 and Belgium third on 4.61, less than one pole down ahead of the Irish.Lynch got Blakes team off to the best possible start with a flawless round of jumping in a time of 78.58 seconds on board Vistogrand.That left the Tipperary man on a score of 2.32, in 20th place individually and, importantly from a team perspective, got the ball rolling with Hughes Kennedy next into the arena.One of world show jumpings brightest talents, Hughes Kennedy and ESI Rocky (ISH) have been in sparkling form of late and they delivered another brilliant round, leaving all poles standing and coming home in a time of 78.26 and an individual rank of 18th with a score of 2.16.Bertram Allen and his nine-year-old Qonquest De Rigo were Irelands third combination to jump and they jumped well on the whole, coming home with one pole down in a time of 80.21 for a total of 84.21 and a discard score of 5.14 to lie in 49th position individually.Despite the clears from Lynch and Hughes Kennedy, there was a sense of pressure around Kennys round with Eddy Blue as a clear round would leave Ireland right among the leaders after day one.Like Allen and Qonquest De Rigo, they came home with one pole down in 77.76 seconds and a total of 81.76 for a score of 3.91 to place 37th overall.The post Coyle storms to head of affairs at European Championship, with Irish team poised to strike appeared first on Horse Sport Ireland.

The safety of body protectors and air jackets is being assessed by the international body for equestrian sport the FEI following a huge increase in use by riders, for hacking as well as horse sport.The working party is made up of medics, biomechanics specialists and sporting bodies, and includes Claire Williams of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).Claire said: Whilst we have a pool of anecdotal data of the role body protection in all its forms plays in reducing the severity of injuries, there is surprisingly little formal research conducted in this area.The FEI work on this will not only identify gaps in data and attempt to fill them but also facilitate the input of manufacturers to that knowledge pool. Through sharing knowledge, we will be able to improve performance and design of garments in the future.Chest and spinal injuriesThe working group will first look at current knowledge around chest and spinal injuries in equestrian sport, with a focus on understanding how and when these injuries occur, and whether safety vests play a significant role in reducing the severity of injuries.While there is growing support for the use of body protectors and air vests in both sport and recreational riding, there is still minimal data to fully understand their effectiveness, Dr Mark Hart, chair of the FEI Medical Committee, explained.We lack critical data on how and what specific injuries occur during falls and how protective equipment performs under real-world conditions.Athletes and others in the community are asking important, constructive questions relating to how air vests perform in real-world settings, how they affect the athletes movement, and whether their use might influence the horses behaviour. These insights are essential and are helping to drive the discussion toward more effective and evidence-based safety solutions, continued Dr Hart.This is why the FEI has tasked the Working Group with undertaking a comprehensive review of current safety standards and will include developing improved testing protocols that more accurately reflect the realities athletes face in both training and competition environments.Body protector or air vest?Sometimes its hard to know what safety equipment is advisable to wear when riding your horse. Claire Williams of BETA talked Your Horse through the differences and benefits of wearing a body protector and an air vest.Think of your body protector as the seat belt in your car and your air vest as the air bag. Your body protector offers continuous protection, whereas an air vest offers protection only when triggered to do so.Therefore, your body protector will offer you protection at the first level, whether on the ground or in the saddle, while an air vest comes in as the second level of protection, as you need to be thrown off a horse for it to inflate.Therefore, for falls during which you tumble with your horse (such as a rotational fall), rather than being thrown clear, air vests will not always be triggered to inflate. We have often seen that air vests are best suited to falls when the rider lands flat on the ground, but some dont offer a great deal of protection from pointed kicks or falls onto pointed or sharp objects once youve landed.Air vests are commonly worn on top of body protectorsCorrect wearThe challenge when selecting safety equipment is knowing when you are going to need them tricky when you dont have a crystal ball, added Claire. Whichever you choose, make sure that they are correctly fitted. In the case of body protectors, the most common cause of complaints around bulkiness or comfort are linked to poorly fitting garments.Modern foams are lighter, more flexible and softer and should always be worn as close to the skin as possible. However, there is no getting around the fact that they do add an extra layer of bulk, which you will need to get used to.[Body protectors] are brilliant in the winter as an extra layer of warmth, while in the summer wearing as light a base layer as possible helps with temperature control, said Claire.Air vests are lighter, but must always be worn as the outer-most layer. Some users have reported their horses disliking the sound of the canister being triggered to inflate, and there is an ongoing cost in canister replacement and annual servicing.Whichever you choose, make sure that you do use it and dont just leave it hanging in the tack room.Combined wearAnd finally, added Claire, the best form of protection, according to research undertaken by British Eventing some time ago, was the body protector and air vest combined.In the case of an air vest, as there are moving parts that can seize up over time, it should be serviced on a regular basis just as you would your car.Follow the recommendations of the vests supplier for care and maintenance. Also store it carefully away from rodent attack (it wont inflate with a hole gnawed in it) and make sure that you replace the canister immediately after any triggering fall.Not looking after it will risk it not working when you need it the most.Main image Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentAir jackets currently on the market6 ways to care for your body protectorHow to rebuild confidence after falling off out hackingRider paralysed in fall credits Air Ambulances life-saving serviceThis is what you need to do with an unconscious riderThe post Safety of body protectors and air jackets to be assessed by the FEI appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Archie's Legacy Legendary Thoroughbred; influential sire; foaled in 1805, Virginia. Bloodline pulses through modern champions. Early Life Born at Ben Lomond Plantation, Virginia. Sire: Diomed. Dam: Castianira. Initial name: Robert Burns. Renamed to Sir Archy. Racing Career Outstanding success; triumphs in Richmond, Petersburg; remarkable racing stamina. North Carolina's Influence Significant role in NC's horse racing history. Resided at Mowfield Plantation; sired numerous champions. Enduring Bloodlines Common ancestor of modern legends; significant genetic impact on thoroughbred racing. Loyalty and Spirit Represents loyalty, resilience. Connection with NC; enduring racing culture foundation. Importance Today Historical icon, modern bloodline integration, regional pride, and human-equine bonds. Conclusion Narrative enriched with adventure and undying influence. Timeless chapter in racing history. Celebrating a Legacy of Loyalty and Muddy Memories: Remembering the Life and Adventures of a Remarkable Horse, Archie In the annals of American horse racing, few names resonate like Sir Archy (often affectionately referred to as Archie), a legendary thoroughbred whose story echoes themes of loyalty, endurance, and pioneering achievement. Foaled in 1805 in Virginia, Archie is commemorated as one of the greatest racehorses of his era and one of the most influential sires in the history of American thoroughbred breeding. The celebration of his life and adventures offers more than a nostalgic glimpse into racings muddy tracksit is a tribute to a horse whose bloodline still pulses through countless champions today. Early Life and Racing Glory Sir Archy was born on the illustrious Ben Lomond Plantation in Goochland County, Virginia, the product of an enviable lineage. His illustrious sire, Diomed, was the inaugural winner of Englands prestigious Epsom Derby, imported to America to cultivate a new bloodline. His dam, Castianira, despite her blindness, contributed significantly to the legendary legacy that blossomed from this extraordinary colt. Sir Archys racing career, albeit brief, was hallmarked by outstanding success. Initially named "Robert Burns," his name was later changed to honor Capt. Archibald Randolph, one of his breeders. Early races in Richmond and Petersburg showcased his exceptional speed and stamina, quickly outclassing the competition. By just three years old, Sir Archie was virtually unrivaled, triumphing in four of five races, each over grueling four-mile distancesover three times the length of todays Kentucky Derby. A Pillar of North Carolina's Thoroughbred Heritage North Carolina was a powerhouse in the horse racing world before Kentucky became the epicenter, thanks in part to Sir Archy's dominance both on the track and in the breeding shed. Acquired by notable figures such as former Governor William R. Davie for $5,000 in 1809, Sir Archy spent much of his life in North Carolina, primarily at the esteemed Mowfield Plantation in Northampton County. Here, until his death in 1833 at age 28, Sir Archy stood at stud for 25 years, building an unrivaled legacy. He sired many prominent offspringincluding Director, Lady Lightfoot, Vanity, Timoleon, and Realitywho themselves became luminaries in racing, solidifying a dynasty that would profoundly shape American thoroughbred racing. His descendants lineage reads like a who's who of racing royalty: Man O War, Secretariat, Seabiscuit, Barbaro, and more all trace their lineage back to him. Enduring Bloodlines and Impact Today Sir Archy's impact isnt just historical; it endures robustly in modern thoroughbred breeding. He is the common ancestor of numerous legends through sires like Bold Ruler and Native Dancer. Almost every contemporary American racehorse can trace their pedigree back to Sir Archy, making him a veritable "Rosetta Stone" of the sport's genetic heritage. To put his influence in perspective: Of the 11 horses to ever win the U.S. Triple Crown, only Citation in 1948 did so without Sir Archys genes in the background. This remarkable genetic footprint testifies to the importance of maintaining and appreciating heritage in horse racing. Loyalty Beyond Racing: The Spirit of Archie Beyond records and pedigrees, Sir Archy embodies loyalty and resilience. His domination in long races amid grueling conditions, his cherished status among owners who valued him as both a competitor and an ancestor of champions, and his lifes journey predominantly in North Carolina highlight a profound connection between horse, land, and aficionados. Sir Archys dusty tracks reflect the gritty foundation of American racing culture. Remembering him, enthusiasts and casual fans alike honor a remarkable equine whose life story enriches our fervor for equine athletes. Honor his legacy with our Jodhpur Collection which reflects endurance and style. Why Sir Archy Matters to Us Today Historical Icon: Sir Archy marks the early American thoroughbred era. Modern Champions: His bloodline is integral to contemporary champions, enriching our present racing context. Regional Pride: His story fosters pride, especially in North Carolina and Virginia horse communities. Human-Equine Bonds: Celebrating Sir Archy's tale underscores the loyalty and ties between horses and humans, relationships steeped in generations of mutual respect and camaraderie. For those seeking insights into the deep roots of American horse racing or merely celebrating the noble spirit of equine glory, Sir Archy's legacy offers both inspiration and understanding. Secure your bond with your equine partners with our Horse Riding Boot Collection. Conclusion In essence, Sir Archy's story weaves a narrative rich with adventure, triumph, and undying influence. From muddy southern tracks to hallowed halls of racing fame, his tale is a timeless chapter in the grandeur of sport and companionship. Sir Archy beckons modern enthusiasts to cherish the intricate tapestry of horse racing's past for a future as thrillingly alive as its storied history. Embrace this legendary legacy and ensure you and your horse shine in every arena. Discover our range of gloves and horse riding accessories to keep you prepared for all adventures. Don't miss out on enhancing your equestrian experience through our diverse selection and offerings.```html```

Table of ContentsToggleFlexibility: Standing Forward BendHow-To:Strength: Standing Goddess PoseHow-To:Balance: Tree PoseHow-To:Key TakeawayGeneral TipsAs a longtime horsewoman, yogi, and author of Yoga for Riders, I believe that yoga should be accessible to everybody regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. This includes equestrians, who can benefit from yoga postures. Through yoga, we become aware of our bodies, our energy, our breathing, and our mindset, learning tools to stay physically and mentally on top of our game. Modifications can be applied to make the poses more or less challenging. With the vast number of postures, if one doesnt work for you, theres likely another with similar benefits that will.Taking stretch breaks during a ride helps keep your body more relaxed and at ease, which translates to your horses body being more relaxed as well. Photo by Cathy WoodsThe physical postures have great value to equestrians when riding. Staying in shape also comes into play when working around the barn raking, shoveling, and lifting hay bales. Its important to include postures that work on the following three physical traits: flexibility, strength, and balance.Here are a few of my favorite yoga postures for equestrians.Flexibility: Standing Forward BendFlexibility is an important component of equestrian fitness. Swinging a leg up and over a saddle requires flexibility. Having a flexible body also helps keep stiffness and soreness at bay. Additionally, if an unfavorable dismount were to occur, the flexible body typically sustains less injury.There are lots of great yoga postures to improve flexibility, but I feel the most beneficial one is Standing Forward Bend. Not only do the legs get a great stretch, but so does the lower back. Also, inversions increase healthy blood flow to the head, brain, and thyroid. This pose is much more attainable than headstands, yet still garners the inversion benefits.How-To: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Inhale and raise your arms overhead; with a flat back, exhale and swan dive forward, placing your hands on your shins, feet, or the floor, depending upon your level of flexibility.If you cant put your hands flat on the ground or even touch your feet, putting your hands on your shins still gives you the benefits of stretching. Photo by Cathy Woods Drop your head so as not to create neck strain. Keep your knees relatively straight but not locked. Youll want to feel some stretch on the backs of your legs. Hold the pose for five breaths or to your comfort level. If you feel theres too much blood flow to the head, slowly come out of the stretch. To exit, roll up slowly, stacking the vertebra, or take a reverse swan dive up. When finished, pause for a moment with hands in prayer position at the heart center; observe the blood flow redistributing, and allow the goodness of the posture to soak in. Standing Forward Bend can also be used as an entry point to other poses such as Plank, Lunges, Downward Dog, and Chair Pose.Strength: Standing Goddess PosePhysical strength is necessary as an equestrian, whether its being able to mount up easier, posting, or lifting a saddle.There are many strengthening postures such as Chair Pose, Planks, and Warrior variations, but one of my favorites for riders is Standing Goddess Pose, which focuses on legs, inner thighs, quadriceps, and buttocks.Standing Goddess is a great strengthening pose that focuses on legs, inner thighs, quadriceps, and buttocks. Photo by Cathy WoodsHow-To: Stand with your feet wide apart and turn your toes out slightly; to avoid knee strain, your big toe should never be turned out past the knee. Begin with hands on your hips, then bend both knees equally, sinking your tailbone toward the floor. Dont lean forward; the crown of your head should point toward the sky. After bending your knees, different arm variations can be added. Try prayer position in front of your chest (when palms are pressed togetherthis engages the pectoral/chest muscles). Bringing your arms overhead at shoulder width apart is another option. Hold the posture for five deep breaths, perhaps working up to a longer hold time as your strength increases. Three sets are recommended, taking short breaks between.Balance: Tree PoseImprove balance and focus both in and out of the saddle through balancing postures.Theres an array of balancing yoga postures, but one of the most basic, yet effective, is Tree Pose, which can include variations to add challenge if the basic version is too easy. On the flip side, there are modifications to make Tree Pose simpler if youre challenged by balancing poses.A group of riders at Cathys Body, Mind, Equine retreat at C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado use tree pose to find their balance before mounting up. Photo by Cathy WoodsEven though balance poses may not look like strengthening postures, many tiny muscles work to hold a balanced position. As muscles build, balance improves; work from where you are and enjoy the incremental improvements youll see from regular practice.Mental focus also comes into play when mastering balance and is a means to developing concentration, which is helpful in horsemanship. How-To: Begin with both feet solidly on the floor, with your weight placed symmetrically. Gently fix your gaze on something stationary ahead of you; hold your gaze there without wavering, regardless of whats going on around you. In yoga, we call this focused intention, or drishti. Soften your standing knee; dont bend it, but dont lock it either. Shift your belly button over one foot, which equates to moving your center.The following are foot placement options (based on your level of balance) for the leg that will be moving on to the standing leg: Keeping a big toe on the floor makes the pose easier. You can work up to placing your foot higher on the standing leg: ankle, knee, thigh, or crossed. The higher the placement, the harder the posture becomes.Try out tree pose using the easiest foot placement against your ankle, keeping your big toe on the floor. Photo by Cathy WoodsOnce your balance feels solid, you can try different variations of foot placement higher on your leg. Photo by Cathy Woods If challenged by Tree Pose, theres no harm in using a wall, chair back, or windowsill to lightly place a hand if you feel wobbly. Hands are traditionally placed in front of the chest in a prayer position. For variety, arms could be extended upward or out to the sides. Keeping your arms in a stationary position is easiest, but to add more challenge, moving them while in Tree can be another option. If Tree Pose is too easy, try it with your eyes closed, which adds another dimension of difficulty.Key TakeawayKeep your yoga and fitness regimen interesting and doable. As youll see from some of these photos, practice can be done on the mat, on the trail, or in the ring! Consider committing to a regular practice and glean the many benefits youll notice in your riding and your overall physical and mental fitness.General TipsBe your own best teacher. Listen to your body; if something doesnt feel right, alter or omit it.Yoga should never be painful. If you encounter more than a slight challenge or are unable to take a full breath, youre likely too deep into the pose.Be gentle and accepting of yourself. Dont compare, and work from where you are.Infuse the postures with deep breaths and present moment awareness to experience the true essence of yoga.Further Reading Groundwork for the Human Similarities Between Yoga and Horsemanship Your Equestrian Wellness & Fitness JourneyThis article about yoga postures for equestrians appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Yoga Postures for Equestrians appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Daniel Coyle will not compete any further at the FEI Jumping European Championship in A Coruna with star mare Legacy.Olympian Coyle and his Paris Olympic Games mount Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange, lit up the first day of the championship yesterday, jumping clear in the quickest time to win the class and lead the overall individual standings.After competing, the Derry man spoke about his pride in Legacy and how he would let the mare guide any decision about competing through the remainder of the event.This afternoon, ahead of the second round, Coyle and Grange have withdrawn the mare from competing, with Legacys interests at the forefront of the decision.Coyle said: Ariel and I both feel that if we jump all of the rounds here, there will be nothing left for the rest of the year. We are now looking forward to the Dublin Horse Show next month and Legacy competing in front of the home crowd at the RDS.Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Show Jumping Manager Michael Blake added: Daniel came to the championship as reserve rider for the team and both he and Legacy were fantastic yesterday.Today, she is not feeling 100 per cent and she cannot contribute any further to the Irish team and therefore it was a decision that was made with her interests very much at heart.Daniel and Ariel are amazing team players and this legendary mare will have plenty more legendary days.The post Daniel Coyle and Legacy withdraw from European Championship appeared first on Horse Sport Ireland.