Know an exceptional individual or organisation working within the equestrian sector who deserves recognition for their endeavours? The National Equine Forum (NEF) is welcoming nominations for the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026 to champion those who strive to make a difference in the horse world but are, as yet, unacknowledged.The Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced in 2013 in Sir Colins memory and is presented annually at the National Equine Forum, to an exceptional unsung heroes or organisations within the industry.Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012. He ensured that representatives of all areas of the equine sphere were made welcome at the Forum, and that topics of general interest and concern could be discussed openly and amicably.One of the most coveted accoladesIn the 12 years since the Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced it has become one of the most coveted accolades within the equestrian sector, said Jane Holderness-Roddam, The Sir Colin Spedding Award sub-committee chair.We are proud to have been able to celebrate so many extraordinary individuals, organisations and achievements since its inception and look forward to adding to our outstanding roll call in 2026. If you have an exceptional individual or organisation in mind for the Award do let us know, so that we can give them the recognition and appreciation they truly deserve.How to enterTo submit a nomination, visitnationalequineforum.comread the checklist on the website and write, in no more than 100 words, why you believe your chosen candidate an individual or an organisation should be considered for the award and complete the nomination form before 31 July 2025. Multiple nominations for the same person or organisation will not carry additional merit.The winner will be invited to attend the National Equine Forum in March 2026, where the award will be formally presented.Image ofDi Arbuthnot,winner of the 2025 Sir Colin Spedding Award, with HRH The Princess Royal.Image Shai Dolev Photographywww.shaidolev.com.Further readingVet explains how a horses joints workHow to tell if a horse is lameVet advice: dont be caught out by bruised soles this summerThis is how a horse should move in trot *Video*The post Know an unsung hero? Nominate them for prestigious equestrian award appeared first on Your Horse.

Sections Key Points Understanding Restricted Grazing for Laminitic Ponies Pasture-associated laminitis linked to NSC intake like fructans and starch. Restriction during high-risk times reduces laminitis risk. 46% of laminitis cases in U.S. linked to sugar-rich grass. Combine restricted grazing with low NSC hay. Challenges of Restricted Grazing Leads to reduced mental stimulation, stress, less exercise. May cause obesity, insulin resistance, and boredom-related vices. Goal: slow forage intake, enhance pony welfare. Innovative Strategies to Keep Laminitic Ponies Engaged and Healthy Grazing Muzzles and Controlled Grazing: Reduces grass intake, offers safe foraging. High-Quality, Low-NSC Forage: Feed tested hay low in NSC. Enrichment Through Environmental and Behavioral Stimuli: Use scatter feeding, hay nets, forage toys. Regular, Appropriate Exercise: Daily exercise to manage EMS and insulin resistance. Pasture Management Innovations: Mowing, rotational grazing, planting low-sugar grass. Close Monitoring and Tailoring Individual Plans: Daily monitoring and dynamic grazing restrictions. Conclusion Balance restricted grazing with enrichment and exercise. Use tools like muzzles and low-NSC forage for a fulfilling environment. Authoritative Resources for Further Reading and Linking Kentucky Equine Research on grazing and laminitis. Texas A&M Pasture Management Guide. The Laminitis Site for EMS management. Innovative Ways to Keep Laminitic Ponies Engaged and Healthy on Restricted Grazing Laminitis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition affecting the hooves of ponies, often triggered by high sugar intake from lush pasture grass. Managing grazing for ponies prone to laminitis is essential to minimize glucose and fructan intake and maintain hoof health. However, this necessary restriction can lead to boredom, stress, and reduced exercise, impacting their overall well-being. This blog explores innovative, evidence-based strategies to keep laminitic ponies engaged, mentally stimulated, and physically healthy while adhering to safe grazing protocols. Understanding Restricted Grazing for Laminitic Ponies Pasture-associated laminitis is linked to the intake of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) like fructans and starch, which accumulate in pasture grasses, especially during spring and fall or during peak photosynthesis hours. To reduce laminitis risk, ponies are often restricted from pasture during these risky times. Up to 46% of laminitis cases in the U.S. are pasture-associated due to sugar-rich grass intake. Lush, cool-season grasses store sugars that accumulate particularly when nighttime temperatures are low. Restricting grazing time and access, combined with feeding tested hay low in NSC (<11%), helps manage laminitis risk. Challenges of Restricted Grazing While restricted grazing protects laminitic ponies physiologically, it can reduce natural foraging behavior, leading to: Reduced mental stimulation and increased stress, Less movement and exercise, raising the risk of obesity and insulin resistance, Development of vices like cribbing or weaving due to boredom. Thus, the goal is to slow forage intake without total deprivation and enhance pony welfare. Innovative Strategies to Keep Laminitic Ponies Engaged and Healthy 1. Use of Grazing Muzzles and Controlled Grazing A specially designed grazing muzzle reduces grass intake by up to 80-90%, allowing ponies limited access to pasture to satisfy grazing needs safely. Strategies include: Timed turnout with muzzle: Allowing grazing during low-risk periods (e.g., late evening or night) minimizes fructan intake while offering natural foraging opportunity. Strip or cell grazing: Restricting ponies to small, fresh strips of grass encourages natural foraging while controlling intake. 2. Provision of High-Quality, Low-NSC Forage In addition to restricted pasture access, feeding tested hay with low NSC content (<11%) ensures ponies receive adequate fiber without excess sugars that trigger laminitis. Hay should be sourced and analyzed regularly for sugar content. Soaking hay in water can reduce soluble carbohydrates by up to 30%. Fiber-rich forage supports digestive health and satisfies chewing instincts. 3. Enrichment Through Environmental and Behavioral Stimuli To alleviate boredom on restricted grazing: Scatter feeding or hay nets encourage slower eating and natural foraging behavior. Introduce safe "forage toys" such as treat balls filled with low-sugar hay or specialized equine enrichment feeders. Varied turnout environments including dry lots with safe objects to explore stimulate curiosity and movement. 4. Regular, Appropriate Exercise Exercise is crucial in managing equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and insulin resistancekey laminitis risk factors. Even horses on restricted grazing benefit from: Daily hand-walking or lunging adapted to their fitness level. Structured exercise programs when not in acute laminitis stages. Encouraging movement through turnout in dry lots that minimize forage toxicities. 5. Pasture Management Innovations For owners with pasture access, innovations can reduce NSC levels: Mowing or rotational grazing using other livestock helps manage seed heads and reduce excessive sugar accumulation. Planting low-sugar grass alternatives or overseeding with fiber-rich legumes can improve pasture quality. Monitoring environmental factors that increase sugar concentration guides grazing timing decisions. 6. Close Monitoring and Tailoring Individual Plans Because laminitis susceptibility varies by pony genetics, weight, and health status, owners should: Implement daily monitoring for subtle lameness signs. Adjust grazing restrictions dynamically informed by weather, pasture tests, and pony condition. Work with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to tailor forage and exercise plans. Conclusion For ponies with laminitis, balancing restricted grazing with enrichment and exercise is key to maintaining physical health and psychological well-being. Utilizing tools like grazing muzzles and low-NSC forage, combined with innovative enrichment and pasture management, owners can provide a fulfilling and safe environment that helps prevent laminitis flare-ups while keeping ponies happy and healthy. Authoritative Resources for Further Reading and Linking Kentucky Equine Research on Grazing and Laminitis: In-depth analysis of fructans role in laminitis and grazing management strategies. Texas A&M Pasture Management Guide: Practical insights on minimizing laminitis risk through pasture and grazing planning. The Laminitis Site: Comprehensive approach to EMS and insulin dysregulation management, including grazing and feeding advice. ```html```

Section Key Points Introduction Stockholm tar is used for hoof health due to its waterproofing and antiseptic properties. It comes in spray and tub forms. What is Stockholm Tar and Why Use It? Derived from vegetable-based pine tar Functions: waterproofing, antiseptic protection Benefits: health of frog, sole, hoof wall; antibacterial; reduces ammonia irritation; shields in wet conditions Spray Application Quick and even application Thinner consistency with solvents Portable Reaches difficult areas without over-saturation Tub Application Applied with a hoof brush Thicker, purer consistency Robust, long-lasting protection Best for soft or cracked hooves Benefits of Using Stockholm Tar in a Tub Deep penetration, thick protective barrier, excellent in preventing moisture-related issues and offers extended protection in wet conditions. Advantages of Stockholm Tar Spray Quick solutions, less fuss, perfect for small cracks or wounds, and for horses that dont tolerate prolonged handling. What Do Horse Owners Say? Preferred during wet months to prevent hoof softening and infections; strengthens hooves focusing on frog and sole. Key Tips for Use Apply on clean, dry hooves Use hoof brush for tubs and aim nozzle close for sprays Regular application, increased in wet seasons Final Thoughts: Which Is Better? Tub offers lasting protection and strength Spray offers quick applications Both reduce infection risk and protect against moisture damage Stockholm Tar: Exploring the Benefits of Spray vs. Tub for Hoof Waterproofing Introduction When it comes to maintaining hoof health, horse owners worldwide turn to the reliable Stockholm tar. This natural solution is celebrated for its dual action as a waterproofing agent and antiseptic. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of Stockholm tar available in two popular formsspray and tub. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which option aligns best with your needs and those of your horse. What is Stockholm Tar and Why Use It? Stockholm tar is derived from vegetable-based pine tar and has been a staple in hoof care for generations. Its key functions include waterproofing the hoof and providing antiseptic protection. Time and again, it has proven effective in: Upholding the health of the frog, sole, and hoof wall Serving as an antibacterial dressing to aid in the healing of hoof ailments Neutralizing ammonia in stable bedding to reduce irritation Shielding hooves in wet or muddy conditions By creating a moisture-repellent barrier, Stockholm tar fortifies hoof integrity through various seasons. Applying Stockholm Tar: Spray vs. Tub Stockholm tar can be applied via two principal methods: spray bottles and jars (tubs). Choosing the right form can influence the ease of application and the efficacy of hoof protection. Spray Application The spray form offers speed and ease for those quick hoof care sessions. Features of the spray form include: Quick and even application, minimizing contact A thinner consistency, often augmented with solvents Highly portable, suitable for on-the-go use Ideal for reaching difficult areas without over-saturation Tub Application For those who prefer a thorough application, the tub, with its traditional thick tar, is ideal: Applied with a hoof brush for deeper penetration Thicker and purer consistency Provides robust, long-lasting protection Beneficial for horses with soft or cracked hooves Benefits of Using Stockholm Tar in a Tub The tub form of Stockholm tar is designed to penetrate deeply into the hoof, creating a thick protective barrier. This method is excellent for preventing moisture-related issues and offers more extended protection even in wet conditions. With regular use, it helps maintain hoof health, particularly in harsh environments. Advantages of Stockholm Tar Spray Although sprays may need more frequent applications, they offer quick solutions with less fuss. Perfect for addressing small cracks or wounds and for horses that might not tolerate prolonged handling, the convenience makes it a popular choice for many horse owners. What Do Horse Owners Say? Testimonials from horse owners reveal a preference for applying Stockholm tar, especially during wet winter months, to prevent hoof softening and infections. Users enhance the hooves' strength and durability by focusing tar application on the frog and sole. Key Tips for Use To maximize Stockholm tar's benefits, consider these tips: Always apply to clean, dry hooves for optimal absorption. Use a hoof brush to spread the tar evenly from tubs. For sprays, aim the nozzle close to avoid drips. Maintain regular application throughout the year, ramping up during wet seasons. Final Thoughts: Which Is Better? The choice between spray and tub boils down to personal preference and hoof care needs: For lasting protection and strength, the tub provides the best results. For quick applications or treating specific areas swiftly, sprays offer unmatched convenience. Ultimately, both forms support healing, reduce infection risk, and protect hooves from moisture damage. Explore various options at trusted suppliers to find what best meets your horse's needs. Additionally, ["Just Horse Riders"](https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/) offers a wide range of horse riding Jodhpurs, Boots, Gloves, and more, for the perfect riding experience. Explore More For more information on horse care and riding equipment, visit our [Horse Treats And Gifts](https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/collections/gifts) and [Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements](https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/collections/horse-everyday-supplements) collections to keep your equine companion in optimal health.```html```

Ocala, FL A beautiful, sunny Florida morning set the scene for the $50,000 Stella Artois National Grand Prix, where 20 horse-and-rider combinations vied for top honors. In a nail-biting 12-horse jump-off, it was Todd Minikus (USA) who piloted Spirit Groups Kiekeboe Spirit (Darius x Lolita Mh) to a blazing fast victory. Irelands Colm Quinn once again laid the tracks in the WEC Grand Arena.[...]Read MoreThe post Leave-Outs Lead to a Win for Todd Minikus and Kiekeboe Spirit in the $50,000 Stella Artois National Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

OCALA, Florida World Equestrian Center Ocala is proud to continue its valued partnership with GGT Footing, a leading provider of premium arena footing solutions. For several years, GGT Footing has supplied high-quality textile additives to World Equestrian Center venues in both Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida. This ongoing collaboration supports World Equestrian Centers commitment to delivering exceptional footing for equestrian sport at every[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Ocala and GGT Footing Continue Strategic Partnership appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

4-year-old Connemara gelding with an excellent pedigree. He has been cross-country schooling and is proving to be very brave in both cross-country and jumping. He has been professionally started and taken very slowly, with a main focus on flatwork. He has not been over-jumped. He has also attended dressage training shows. He is a willing and forward type, but never strong. He has a fantastic temperament and attitude, making him suitable for eventing.

Delighted to see Naimh Mcevoy and Olympic gvl winning the Grand Prix today at tattersalls .Delighted for naimh, Greg Broderick and Keith Ennis .A lovely horse sold by us as a 4yo and originally provided by Elaine Oneil .A class horse , he always was hence the name #bshgraduate

A female cob who was given only a slim chance of surviving a severe bout of colic came out on top in the in-hand plaited horse and hogged show cob class attheSEIB Search for a StarYour Horse Livequalifiers atPickering Grange last month.Singing Habari, who is owned by care home manager Charlotte Mills, won the qualifier just months after recovering from life threatening colic surgery.We qualified for Your Horse Live last year in Search for a Star but before the finals Singing Habari went down with colic, explained Charlotte.She was given a five per cent chance of survival and during surgery they had to take out a metre and a half of her small intestine. She then developed an infection and this put her back too.She fought it all though and the team at Pool House Vets were amazing. This is her first show since the operation and I havent started riding her again yet. Before she was ill we did both in-hand and ridden showing. She is such a fighter and is looking strong.Tickets for Your Horse Live, which will take place at Stoneleigh Park on Friday 7 Sunday 9 November 2025, are on sale now. Alongside hosting the SEIB Search for a Star Championships, British dressage starBecky Moody will also be giving demonstrations, Oliver Townend and Geoff Billingtonwill entertain the crowds and renowned horse trainer Emma Massingale will bring her team of Connemaras and Shetland ponies to show her training methods.Mountain and MoorlandJessica Carter and Rhydypandy Tom Jones triumphed in the Mountain and Moorland class. Credit: 1st Class Images. Jessica Carter and Rhydypandy Tom Jones proved the pair to beat in the Mountain and Moorland class at Pickering Grange.Tom is the best pony in the world, said Jessica. I was nervous today, weve had two goes before at qualifying in the Working Pony class and missed out so today has been an amazing dream.Jessica is no stranger to qualifying for the Search for a Star Your Horse Live Championship having qualified last year with her Appaloosa pony, Henry.She and Tom also qualified for Your Horse Live in the British Riding Club class to make it two wins from two events at Pickering Grange. The pair had already secured their ticket to Your Horse Live in the Pony Club Open class at Hartpury College in May.Taking the runner-up spot in the Mountain and Moorland class at Pickering Grange, which was holding SFAS qualifiers for the first time, were Lindsey Holmes and Tirygelli Tomos, a 13-year-old Welsh section D.British Riding ClubJessica Carter and Rhydypandy Tom Jones won the British Riding Club class. Credit: 1st Class Images. Pickhill Riding ClubsJessica Carter and Rhydypandy Tom Jones found themselves in the winners enclosure at Pickering Grange once again after they triumphed in the British Riding Club class.It was a very successful day for the pair who also triumphed in the Mountain and Moorland class and won theHorse of the Year Show working pony class to earn them a HOYS ticket.Tom is just brilliant. My friends from school come over and ride him, he always looks after his rider and we go out hacking for miles. We will compete in Pony Club and working hunter pony over the summer, said Jessica.Open ridden veteranLisa Counsell rode Paris Party Girl to victory in the open ridden veteran class. Credit: 1st Class Images.The Still a Star open ridden veteran class was won by Lisa Counsell and the 20-year-old coloured mare Paris Party Girl.Paris loves life and goes out doing a different job every week, said Lisa.Ive owned her for eight years and we have competed in everything from dressage to showing to one-day events. We took third place in the Still a Star championship at Your Horse Live in 2024 and were fifth in 2023. This summer we also plan to compete in colour performance classes and the VHS Championships.Jane Rawden and Murthwaite Looks Promising, an 18-year-old Fell pony, finished in the runner-up spot and also secured their spot at Your Horse Live.Pony Club lead rein ponyPony Club lead rein champions were Chloe Wilson and Melland Summer Primrose. Credit: 1st Class Images. Chloe Wilson and Melland Summer Primrose took first place in the Pony Club lead rein pony class.Weve owned Primrose for three years, she is a purebred Shetland pony, said Chloes mum Fiona.We bought her with showing in mind. Chloe has just joined the Quorn Branch of the Pony Club and they are looking forward to heading off to camp this summer.First riddenThe first ridden class was awarded to Bethany Cresswell and Littlemoorend Rosetta. Credit: 1st Class Images.First place in the first ridden class was awarded to 10-year-old Bethany Cresswell and Littlemoorend Rosetta, a Welsh section A who is owned by Gaenor Cresswell.This is the first time weve done a big showing class, weve done some local showing before and equitation classes, handy pony and dressage, said Bethany.Weve owned Rosie for two years, she was just broken in when we got her and she and Bethany have learned everything together. They are in the South Trent Pony Club which has been amazing, added Gaenor.Pony Club openEmma Simpson and Wayfaring Airs and Graces took victory in the Pony Club open class for Chipping Pony Club. Credit: 1st Class Images.Victory in the Pony Club open class went to Chipping Pony Club members Emma Simpson and Wayfaring Airs and Graces whose stable name is Quince.This our first proper season showing. Quince has spent a lot of time recovering from an injury and weve spent all winter walking him in-hand. Emmas patience has paid off now, said Emmas mum Claire.We bought him for the showring and its great to see them out. Emma puts so much work into the ponies and is best friends with Lexi Eccles who did so well and won Search for a Star last year.In-hand plaited ponyEmily Masters and Broadtown Make a Wish are the in-hand plaited pony class champions. Credit: 1st Class Images.Victory in the in-hand plaited pony class went to Emily Masters riding Kathryn Masters five-year-old mare Broadtown Make A Wish.She is perfect. Ive just started showing her in hand and she is a dream horse, we are so lucky to have her, said Emily.We went to Cornwall to see family and we saw her and fell in love. We got her on Valentines Day last year. Our friend Charlotte Langridge took her in this class last year and they qualified but didnt go to the final. Were really looking forward to it this year.Taking the runner-up spot in the in-hand plaited pony class was Maisie Filler and Charlwood Not The Norm, a 20-year-old liver chestnut gelding. The pair also enjoyed success in the amateur in-hand veteran class, where they took victory and qualified for Your Horse Live.Amateur in-hand veteranTaking victory in the amateur in-hand veteran class were Maisie Filler and Charlwood Not The Norm. Credit: 1st Class Images.Hertfordshire-based Maisie Filler and her 20-year-old liver chestnut gelding Charlwood Not The Norm, who is known at home as Norman, triumphed in the amateur in-hand veteran.Ive owned Norman for seven years. We used to do jumping and cross-country but now we mainly do dressage. We came here to do some showing for fun today. Im going to Surrey University in the autumn to study business management. I chose Surrey as its not too far from Norman Im going to come home every weekend to visit him.In-hand Mountain and MoorlandMarsha Holtham led Rackwood Sophie to victory in the in-hand Mountain and Moorland class. Credit: 1st Class Images.Marsha Holtham and Raychel Liddells Fell pony, Rackwood Sophie, proved unbeatable in the in-hand Mountain and Moorland class. Their success didnt end there as they also triumphed in the in-hand native traditional and rare breeds class.This is fantastic. We went to the last qualifier and came second in both these classes and now weve come first in them both, said Marsha who works as a practice administrator at Vets for Pets and as a RDA coach.I got Sophie last November. Id sadly lost my pony and Raychel got in touch to see if Id like to come and meet Sophie. Id always had Highland ponies before but my friends all have Fells so I came to see Sophie and collected her a few days later. Weve been having so much fun together ever since.In-hand native traditional and rare breedsMarsha Holtham and Rackwood Sophie finished first in the in-hand native traditional and rare breeds class. Credit: 1st Class Images.Marsha Holtham and Rackwood Sophie made it two wins from two classes when they triumphed in the in-hand native traditional and rare breeds. The pair also won the in-hand Mountain and Moorland class the same day.Rackwood Sophie is a Fell mare who is owned by Raychel Liddell.She is an absolute sweetheart and weve also just started competing in intro dressage. Well head off to a few more shows over the summer including the Great Yorkshire, said Marsha who has been riding her since November.In-hand rescue horse and ponyAlice Griffiths and Hillrow Harvest won the in-hand rescue horse and pony qualifier. Credit: 1st Class Images. Alice Griffiths and Hillrow Harvest booked their spot at the Search for a Star Finals after they occupied first place in the Rescue Equine Showing Society in-hand rescue horse and pony class.Harvey has been great today. This win followed up a third place earlier today in the traditional gypsy cob ridden class, said Alice who has been riding Harvey for five years.Before he came to me, Harvey had been abandoned in the Fen about six miles down the road. He had to be herded to my stables at home as we couldnt catch him. After lots of talks with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare we decided to geld him. Both groups contributed to the cost of this. He was very nervous, the gelding definitely helped but he still has his moments!It has taken a lot of patience and time to get him to the way he is now. He is super friendly and now doesnt like to leave me alone. In his youngstock years he was champion at the Suffolk show. A few years ago, he won at Royal Windsor and has multiple other championship wins at local shows as well. We have a very fun life, his quirky personality makes him incredibly special to me and he now has a home for life.The judges reported a significant increase in both the number and quality of ponies coming forward to many of the classes this year, particularly the three SEIB Search for a Star Pony Club qualifying classes.We had a super day at Pickering Grange. Huge thanks to all our team of dedicated and talented judges and stewards who are, as always, so generous with their time and experience, said SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie.Images 1st Class Images.Related contentOlympian Becky Moody to make her Your Horse Live debutEmma Massingale and her team of ponies to star in the SEIB Main ArenaLook whos back! Oliver Townend and Geoff Billington confirmed for this years showPony found in shipping container qualifies for YHL.The post Cob given five percent chance of survival qualifies for Your Horse Live appeared first on Your Horse.