Key Points Details Best Saddle Options for Pregnant Mares Ensures comfort and safety; highlights the importance of saddle fit for pregnant mares. Changing Needs During Pregnancy Saddle fit must adapt to physical changes in the mare's body. Adjustable Saddle Options Consider saddles with adjustable gullets or panels for a personalized fit. Extra Cushioning and Lightweight Design Saddles with added cushioning and lightweight materials are recommended. Professional Saddle Fit Assessment Regular assessments are essential for ongoing comfort and fit. Benefits of Light Work Light work includes gentle activities beneficial for the mare's health. Equine Health Guidelines Focus on consistency and consider innovative solutions like Equilume light therapy. Additional Equestrian Resources Explore a range of equestrian gear and supplements for mare support. Best Saddle Options for Pregnant Mares in Light WorkHorse riding is an excellent activity that fosters a unique bond between horse and rider. However, when it comes to pregnant mares, special considerations must be made to ensure comfort and safety. This guide will explore the best saddle options, saddle fit considerations, and equestrian health advice to support the wellbeing of your mare during her pregnancy.The Changing Needs of a Pregnant MarePregnant mares undergo numerous physical changes, warranting careful attention to their equipment and care. As the mares belly expands, a perfectly fitted saddle can become restrictive and uncomfortable. This guide emphasizes the importance of maintaining a comfortable and adaptable saddle fit throughout gestation.Importance of Saddle Fit for Pregnant MaresThe Expanding AbdomenAs a mare progresses through her pregnancy, her abdomen expands, altering her shape significantly. A once perfectly fitted saddle can become too tight, leading to discomfort and potential injury. It is crucial to consider saddle options that adapt to these changes. Adjustable Saddle OptionsFor optimal fit, consider saddles with adjustable gullets or panels. These features accommodate the changes in the mare's body, ensuring a more personalized fit. Adjustable saddles can significantly reduce pressure points, providing both comfort and safety for the mare.Features of the Best Saddle for Pregnant MaresExtra Cushioning for ComfortSpecialized saddles with extra cushioning are highly recommended for pregnant mares. Saddle pads designed for pressure redistribution and additional comfort can aid significantly during light work. Lightweight DesignOpt for lightweight synthetic saddles instead of traditional leather. These are less cumbersome and provide more flexibility, minimizing stress on the mares back and muscles during light riding routines.Professional Saddle Fit AssessmentRegular assessments by a professional saddle fitter are invaluable. They can ensure that the saddle continues to fit comfortably throughout the mares pregnancy, accommodating any changes in her body shape.Benefits of Light Work During PregnancyDefining Light WorkLight work involves gentle activities such as walking or slow trotting, which are beneficial for the mares health. These exercises should avoid any intensive activities like jumping to prevent excessive strain. Health BenefitsEngaging in light work can help maintain the mares overall fitness and mood. It is an excellent way to ensure that the mare remains healthy without putting undue stress on her changing body.Equine Health GuidelinesFocus on ConsistencyMaintaining a consistent routine can help prevent back pain and other health issues in pregnant mares. Following equine health guidelines ensures that the welfare of your mare is prioritized throughout her pregnancy.Equilume Light TherapyInnovative approaches such as Equilume light therapy are suggested to regulate gestation outcomes, such as foal birth weight and timing, indirectly benefiting the mares condition during light work [1][2][3].Additional Equestrian ResourcesEquestrian ApparelAt Just Horse Riders, you can find a wide range of equestrian gear to suit all your needs. Explore their Jodhpur Collection, and pair them with items from the Horse Riding Boot Collection, Horse Riding Gloves Collection, and the Horse Riding Socks Collection. Equestrian Supplements and MoreTo further enhance the health and wellbeing of your horse, consider everyday supplements available in the Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements collection. These supplements are designed to support your mares nutrition throughout her pregnancy.ConclusionIn conclusion, ensuring your pregnant mare's safety and comfort during light work involves selecting suitable saddle options that adjust to her changing body. Regular professional saddle assessments and engaging in light work are essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your mare during pregnancy. With the right equipment and care, you can support your mare through this important period, preparing her for a successful foaling experience. Consider visiting the Just Horse Riders website for a comprehensive range of riding apparel and equestrian supplements to assist you through this journey.```html```

Ireland has a new European champion after Cian McMunn led home a 1-3 in green jackets at the FEI Jumping Championships for Ponies in Le Mans this afternoon with Esperando SK.McMunn took gold and Charlie Flynn the bronze medal with HK Zena on a hugely dramatic afternoon in Le Mans which saw four riders in a jump-off for the three medalsAfter five thrilling days of top-class jumping in which Ireland secured a team silver after being pipped in a jump-off by the British, it all came down to the final four combinations to decide who would win gold, silver and bronze.McMunn and Daisy Breen, who is the daughter of Irish senior star Shane Breen, were the only two to remain clear since Wednesday, and it came down to speed and precision here to decide the champion.McMunn was first to jump and was flawless on Esperando SK in a time of 39.25, meaning Breen would need to be quick and clear. When she dropped a pole halfway through her round, it meant McMunn was European Pony Champion.Before that, Flynn and Sophia Rogers, themselves the only two riders to only have four faults for the week, went head-to-head to decide the bronze medal.Flynn was first of the four back into the arena with HK Zena and he went out hard, jumping clear in a time of 38.76 seconds and really putting it up to his competitor.Rogers, with pressure on, had no option but to follow Flynns lead and go out with pace in abundance. She flew home to the last but couldnt match the Irish teens time and finished clear in 39.41 seconds, meaning Flynn was bronze medallist.It marks a remarkable week for the Irish jumpers after their silver win on Friday and rounds off a magnificent campaign for the new management team of Horse Sport Ireland Youth Show Jumping Lead Consultant Flannelly and Youth Athlete Liaison Liz Brennan.Flannelly said: This is just incredible Cian and Charlie have jumped spectacularly well all week and when the pressure was really on they showed how much it meant to them, keeping their composure and jumping two quick, clear rounds.They are both fantastic young men and deserve every success Im so proud of them. It was a great achievement to win silver here on Friday as a team and I think, secretly, the two lads had that extra bit of determination to not let that happen again. Theyve produced the goods and guaranteed gold and bronze medals, its amazing.Weve had a superb campaign this year, and its all down to our support staff on the ground, the grooms, our vet Tim, the team in Horse Sport Ireland and of course, the families of these riders, who make these days possible. We appreciate them so very much and we also appreciate our sponsors this couldnt be done without them.The post McMunn wins European Pony Jumping gold as Flynn lands bronze on day of days appeared first on Horse Sport Ireland.

Ocala, FL The $50,000 Coors Banquet National Grand Prix welcomed 27 horse-and-rider combinations to the WEC Grand Arena on Sunday morning. Sharn Wordley (NZL) once again topped the leaderboard, claiming the win aboard Hagelin (Stolzenberg x Graefin Top) and also securing third place with Valentine Car (Son Of Juan Car x Sofia Car), both owned by Della Wordley. Catsy Cruz set a technical course[...]Read MoreThe post Double Podium Finish for Sharn Wordley in $50,000 Coors Banquet National Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

A campaign to revise the Dangerous Dogs Act and The Countryside Code to better protect horses is receiving increasing support from Members of Parliament.Your Horse last updated readers on the campaign after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) formally responded to a parliamentary petition that attracted 20,712 signatures.Although the petition, spearheaded by campaigners Victoria Privett and Katie Smart, has now closed, the initiative has entered a more structured and strategic phase under its official new title Leash and Release.Its goal now is to update existing legislation and make it more enforceable, reflecting that horse riders more often encounter loose dogs in public spaces, such as bridleways, rather than in agricultural settings. Political collaborationThe campaign is beginning to bridge political lines.Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield, met with Damien Hinds, Conservative MP for East Hampshire, to discuss the issue and have confirmed their support for the campaign.This cross-party collaboration marks a significant step in pushing the issue onto the parliamentary agenda.Steve was initially contacted by Katie after her own horse was fatally chased and attacked by a dog in his paddock.He has since sent two follow-up requests to Defra, after the governments initial response to the petition, and raised concerns.Steve Yemm wrote to Defra on our behalf to raise questions about their response, said Victoria, whose own MP is Damien Hinds.We still havent had a response from DEFRA, but were not giving up.This stage [of the campaign] is all about building support, gathering information, and connecting with people who can help us move forward.We have multiple MPs on board now.Attacks are still happeningKatie recently met with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.Ive raised the issue with my Police and Crime Commissioner that attacks are still happening in my area. Recently we had another dog attack in a field, and a horse that was chased down a bridleway, she said.We are trying to get as much support as we can from different angles.Victoria, who is on Instagram as Endurance with Darcey, encouraged her followers to get involved and contact their MPs.We put together a template letter for my social media followers to send to their MPs, which quite a few people did, and we got responses from MPs across the country.I think people felt like the MPs letters were a waste of time, but they werent. It piqued an interest.In some cases, the responses were unexpectedly insightful.One MP referenced Gladys Law, which sought justice for a cow that was chased off a cliff by two Labradors.That campaign had progressed to the third reading in Parliament before being derailed by a general election.Having the replies from MPs like that with little snippets of information has been super helpful, added Victoria.A law change could take yearsBoth acknowledge that it will not be a quick fix.This could take years, Victoria admitted. Its just about keeping going and gathering more public and parliamentary support.Its about gaining contacts at the moment, which will hopefully end with a private members bill, or some sort of forward motion.Katie added that she hopes the movement itself will have a positive impact.The law change could take us years, but we are fighting for other things, she explained.The campaign is now blossoming into something that will hopefully educate and promote opportunities to educate riders and dog owners.Leash and ReleaseThe name Leash and Release was chosen to evoke themes of responsibility and safety for owners of dogs, both on and off the lead.We want to achieve leashing laws which protect livestock, horses, other dogs and wildlife. Leash the dog for the encounter and then release when safe. Its not a call for blanket leashing laws, said Katie.We also want to provide education and opportunities for dog owners, riders and the police to be better equipped to deal with incidents and encounters and to ensure we keep everyone safe, including dogs.When you are in the presence of livestock and horses, your dog should be on a lead.Leash and Release is set to have a new website live in the early autumn.We hope that the website will be a central hub for all the elements of the campaign, where we can share what we are doing and where the campaign is at.Main image ShutterstockRelated contentNumber of incidents of dogs attacking horses is on the rise, warns safety expertHow to handle loose dogs on a hackDog walkers urged to pass horses safely, after incidents rise by 111%How to report incidents to the BHS using the Horse i appThe post MPs support better protection for horses from loose dogs appeared first on Your Horse.