Braes of Derwent South Pony Clubmembers recently enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the outdoor live action theatre production, Kynren, and met its cast of humans and horses.Eighty members of the northeastern Pony Club made the trip to Bishop Auckland to visit the stable yard and grounds of the show including the 7.5 acre stage and were given opportunities to ask questions to the volunteers as well as meet some of the horses.Kynren is a 90-minute theatre show which explores 2,000 years of history, myth and legend. Horses are an integral part of the show and feature as part of the procession as well as in medieval jousting and carriage driving scenes.It was wonderful to welcome the Pony Club here. They had lots of interesting and insightful questions, and our volunteers did a fantastic job answering these to inspire the members further, said Laurie Robinson, director of cavalry and estates at Kynren.Being onsite means they could really soak up the atmosphere of a working yard which is often full of action, as well as witnessing firsthand the horses in training as we prepare for the rest of our Saturday night shows.Pony Club members met those involved in the show.Range of horsesThe team of horses, which include a grey Shire horse and a highland pony called Major, live onsite year-round at Kynren and are cared for by the dedicated cavalry team. Alongside horses, cattle, sheep and geese also live at Kynren and are part of the show.All our members found the visit fascinating. Practical demonstrations and the explanations provided a wonderful insight into the show, in particular the cavalry team, said Alex Emmerson, District Commissioner, Braes of Derwent South Pony Club.The visit has inspired many of our older members to look into becoming involved in the show. A big thank you from the Braes Derwent South for this opportunity.The Pony Club members also spoke to David Turner-Richardson, Kynrens expert carriage driver, who drives the six-horse carriage carrying Queen Victoria in the new Jubilee parade scene, and the powerful four horse Roman chariot.Volunteer opportunitiesProviding opportunities for volunteers of all ages from just five years old up to 88 to develop new and valuable skills is central to Kynrens ethos, said Anna Warnecke, ceo of Kynren, who is also a jouster in the show.In turn, sharing experiences like this with organisations is one way the team at Kynren can extend their skills, talent and learning into our local communities.Kynren takes place every Saturday evening until 13 September. Tickets cost from 30 for adults and 20 for under 18s.For further information and to book tickets click here.Images Kynren.Further readingStrangles: a survivors storyHow to identify and prevent colic in horsesWhat to do if your horse chokesEssential items for your horses first aid kitHow to lower the risk of equine flu for your horseThe post Pony Club members go behind the scenes at Kynren appeared first on Your Horse.

Safety in (and out of) the saddle is essential when you ride a horse, and a body protector and air jacket are two of the most important items of safety gear that you will own, forhackingas well as horse sport.But which should you wear or is both at the same time, as many competitive riders choose to do, a better decision? Your Horse recently reported that 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 all levels of riders.With this in mind, understandingthe differences between the two items and benefits that each one provides is key to deciding what to wear.Selt beat and air bagThink 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, advises BETA executive director Claire Williams.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.Correct wearThe challenge when selecting safety equipment is knowing when you are going to need them tricky when you dont have a crystal ball, adds 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.Temperature control[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, continues 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 wearAccording to research undertaken by British Eventing some time ago, the best form of protection for horse riders is the body protector and air jacket 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, advises Claire.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 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 Body protector or air jacket or both together? Expert explains the differences appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Caring for Lame Sheep Utilize equine hoof care principles: cleanliness, proper trimming, and timely treatment for footrot or foot scald. Understanding Lameness "Hot feet" indicate inflammation due to footrot or foot scald; caused by microbes thriving in moist environments. Foot Scald vs. Footrot Foot scald is milder; can escalate to footrot if untreated, causing inflammation and discomfort. Equine Hoof Care Lessons Focuses on hoof conformation and hygiene, routine trimming to prevent anaerobic bacterial growth. Trimming Techniques Sculpting a flat sole to improve airflow and discourage bacterial growth. Step-by-Step Care Identify and isolate lame sheep, trim hooves routinely, employ footbathing practices, and use antibiotics. Footholds in Footbathing Use zinc sulfate or formalin solutions and ensure dry standing areas post-treatment. Antibiotic Measures Use oxytetracycline and combine with hoof trims and antibiotic sprays. Environmental Controls Maintain clean environments by relocating feed/water sources and ensuring proper facility maintenance. Vaccination Strategies Vaccinations, combined with trimming and antibiotics, are crucial for controlling variability in bacterial strains. Record-Keeping Track treatments and monitor sheep regularly to prevent lameness. Importance of a Program Consistent care strategies, such as isolation, trimming, and antibiotics, are essential for footrot eradication. Conclusion Integrating farming wisdom with equine expertise improves sheep welfare and productivity. Caring for Lame Sheep: Insights from Equine Hoof Care PrinciplesThe art of tendering to lame sheep with "hot feet"suffering from conditions like footrot or foot scaldrequires a subtle blend of patience, precision, and a few tricks from the equine world. By borrowing the age-old principles of equine hoof care, an approach emphasizing cleanliness, proper trimming, and timely treatment can work wonders in restoring the health and mobility of affected sheep. Understanding Lameness and Hot Feet in SheepWhen sheep exhibit "hot feet," it generally points to inflammation resulting from infectious foot conditions. Footrot, caused by the sneaky microbes Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum, thrives in moist, dirty environments.Foot Scald vs. FootrotFoot scald, a milder form of interdigital dermatitis, acts like a gateway condition that can escalate to footrot if left untreated. The characteristic "hot" feel arises from the inflamed tissue, making sheep restless and every step agonizing[1][5]. Lessons from Equine Hoof CareThe equestrian world treasures hoof conformation and hygiene. Routine hoof trimming is not just a practice but a ritual, warding off excessive growth, shooing out debris, and ensuring blood circulates like a well-oiled machine. This ceremony echoes through the sheep pen, where overgrown hooves become a muck and manure trap, awaiting bacterial revelers[2].Trimming Techniques to MasterBy sculpting a flat sole and allowing air to greet the hoof, a breath of fresh air invades the anaerobic environment, discouraging bacterial boogies[1][5].Step-by-Step Care for Lame SheepEmbarking on the journey to relieve a sheep's hot feet boils down to a sequence of strategic steps:Identification and IsolationIdentifying the lame sheep comes first. Like an uninvited guest, isolate these individuals to curtail the blitz within the flock. A thoughtful approach will mean prevention of domino effects in the pen[1].Routine and Careful Hoof TrimmingTrimming those rebellious hooves 1-2 times annuallyor perhaps more frequentlytrims away trouble zones and gives bacterial squatters the boot. Overgrown tissue reduction must be a delicate operation to prevent bleeding and improve air circulation[2]. Footholds in FootbathingAn alliance of zinc sulfate solutions (10%) oronly for the audaciousformalin (3%), applied every 5-7 days during risky intervals, hosts an inhospitable party for bacteria. Ensure they stand on dry ground afterward to replicate the dryness upon which equine hooves thrive[1][3].Antibiotic MeasuresFootrot's foe emerges as oxytetracycline, delivered intramuscularly at a dosage befitting a stern warrior. Complementary hoof trims and antibiotic sprays are the battleground strategy[3].Environmental and Management ControlsAvoid stepping into murky pastures. Move feed and water points to pristine realms, keeping the sheep's bustling grounds free from contamination. Facility maintenance becomes the unsung hero, enabling efficient sheep management and inspection campaigns. Vaccination and Control StrategiesVaccination, a toolbox containing variable toolsets due to strain disparities in bacteria, remains an ally when integrated with other methods such as foot trimming and antibiotic treatment[3].Record-Keeping and MonitoringKeep a journal of marked limbs and tales of triumphs and tribulations of past treatments. Regular vigilance over these woolly companions draws a line early in the sand against the throes of lameness[1].The Importance of a Dedicated ProgramLike a marathon, footrot eradication demands commitment, discipline, and a cocktail of isolation, trimming, soaking, antibiotics, and environmental savvy. Consistent approaches, especially prior to shearing or pasture turnout, amplify success rates, shielding against future outbreaks[4].ConclusionMastering the care of lame sheep with hot feet unites farming wisdom and equine expertise. A structured program pivoting on hygiene, trimming, soaking, and systemic treatment improves both animal welfare and flock productivitya squire safeguarding its fiefdom through knowledge and practice.Embrace the world of equestrian equipment and supplies that champion care and comfort. Discover riding jodhpurs, boots, and gloves collections, perfectly tailored for horse enthusiasts.Visit Just Horse Riders for a diverse range of horse-tastic gear to assist your journey into equestrian excellence.```html```

Key Points Details Understanding the Depth of the Bond "Heart horse" indicates a unique, deep emotional connection. Grief involves emotions like sadness, anger, and isolation. Recognizing the Unique Grief Human-animal bond often dismissed, leading to loneliness. The bond was real, precious, and significant. Do Horses Grieve Too? Horses display signs of mourning such as anxiety, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, and become exceptionally attached. Supporting Your Emotional Healing Acknowledge grief, memorialize, seek support, and allow time for healing. Caring for Your Remaining Horse(s) Maintain routine, encourage eating, provide companions, offer gentle contact, monitor health. Facts and Figures About Equine Grief Horses require companionship for mental health. Behavioral changes post-loss are measurable. Final Thoughts The loss is significant; healing requires support and honoring the bond. Coping with the Loss of a "Heart Horse": Navigating Grief and Finding Healing Losing a "heart horse"a beloved equine partneris akin to losing a close friend or family member. Horses are not only majestic creatures; they are also intimate companions that fill unique roles in our lives. Their loss can leave both practical and emotional voids that are challenging to fill. This article delves into the depth of this bond, explores the grieving experiences of both humans and horses, and offers practical advice for finding healing. Understanding the Depth of the Bond The term "heart horse" indicates a unique, deep emotional connection shared with a horse. This extraordinary bond transcends everyday tasks or riding; it represents a significant emotional relationship that can provide unrivaled comfort and joy. When such a horse passes, the grief felt can be profound, involving emotions like sadness, anger, and isolation. Recognizing the Unique Grief Grief over losing a "heart horse" is often dismissed by those who fail to appreciate the human-animal bond. This misunderstanding can further complicate grieving, leading to feelings of loneliness or dismissal. Remember, your bond was real, precious, and significant. Do Horses Grieve Too? Not only humans experience the deep sadness of losing a horse; other horses do, too. Equine behavior research and personal stories reveal that horses display signs of mourning when a herd mate or companion is lost. Anxiety and vigilance: Horses tend to become restless, engaging in continuous neighing and pacing as if searching for the missing companion. Loss of appetite and lethargy: Its common to see them lose interest in feeding and engaging in their daily activities. Social withdrawal and separation anxiety: They often appear disengaged or compensate by becoming exceptionally attached to their remaining herd members or their human caregivers. One study in particular observed horses exhibiting prolonged distress after the loss of a foal, emphasizing the emotional complexity of their reactions [Prime Stables]. How to Support Yourself and Your Horse Through Grief Supporting Your Emotional Healing Acknowledge Your Grief: Accept your own wide range of feelings as normal, and realize that grief is a process that ultimately leads to healing. Memorialize Your Horse: Creating rituals such as a photo album, planting a tree, or hosting a memorial can facilitate closure. Reach Out for Support: Engaging with friends, equestrian communities, or counselors specializing in grief can provide invaluable comfort. Allow Time: Healing isn't a linear journey; affording yourself the patience to grieve is crucial. Experts suggest that grief related to animal loss can mirror the complexities of losing a human, especially when dealing with anticipatory grief [National Institutes of Health]. Caring for Your Remaining Horse(s) Maintain Routine: Adhering to established feeding and turnout schedules provides stability critical for a grieving horse. Encourage Eating: Incorporating tasty food additions and joining them during meals can firstly relax and secondly maintain their nutritional health [Horses and Humans Research Foundation]. Provide Social Companions: Horses thrive in herds; introducing a compatible companion can fulfill their need for social interaction. Gentle Physical Contact: Affirm your presence by grooming and petting, reinforcing comfort and social bonds. Monitor Health: Ensure veterinary oversight if the grieving horse shows extended signs of distress or decline. Moving beyond grief often involves reinforcing old bonds and developing new ones. Find the right stable rugs or turnout rugs for the change in seasons to ensure your horse stays comfortable during periods of adjustment. Facts and Figures About Equine Grief Understanding horses' grief can help manage it effectively: Equine studies confirm that horses, prevalent as social herd animals, require companionship for mental health [Equus Magazine]. The behavioral changes manifesting within herds post-loss, such as decreased food intake and new social interactions, are statistically measurable. In arranged environments, the separation or passing of a herd member results in observable behavioral shifts, like reduced appetite and altered social engagement [Equus Magazine]. Final Thoughts The loss of a "heart horse" is a significant event that marks the end of an incomparable relationship. Both you and the remaining horses can experience grief. Encapsulating this shared emotional journey is critical for healing. With compassionate support, the passage of time, and reflections honoring the bond, one can navigate through sorrow toward acceptance and peace. For more insights and resources about equine mourning and care, consider following these links: Horses and Humans Research Foundation, Equus Magazine, and Prime Stables.```html```

Tyrone tyro wins maiden five-star as Pender and Fortune shine once moreIt was a Super Saturday for the Irish at a sun-kissed RDS, as the dominance of the Green Jackets at the 150th Dublin Horse Show continued with a third straight five-star double.It started with Mikey Pender and the Marion Hughes owned-and-bred Irish Sport Horse HHS Fortune hitting the target for the second time in 48 hours by winning the Royal Dublin Society Stakes.Next up, European Championship team silver medallist with the U21s, Niamh McEvoy announced herself in the senior ranks in style by bagging her maidenfive-star victory in the prestigious Dublin Stakes with the talented ten-year-old Flora Du Mesnil (main photo above, all photos by jumpinaction.net).As has become traditional now, Saturday evening in Ballsbridge was a heaving cauldron of excitement in the Main Arena, with the cream of the big wall jumpers lining up to whip the crowd into a state of hysteria in the Defender Puissance.When the dust settled, it was Britains Rachel Proudley, an individual gold medallist at those European U21 Championships, who prevailed, Easy Boy de Laubry Z making 2.15m look like a garden gate.Waterfords renowned producer, Paddy ODonnell was a valiant runner-up with Kilcorig Elysium (ISH), having showed tremendous heart to go clear in 2.10, with ODonnell deciding not to ask any more of the Nigel Jackson-bred grey.McEvoy was the star turn in claiming the feature in the early afternoon, however. The first round of the 1.50m class proved quite difficult and only seven combinations made it through to the jump-off.And when it came to a test of speed, the 21-year-old Tyrone athlete and her equine partner were head and shoulders above the rest, clocking a second clear in 35.75 seconds.Aga Khan Trophy winner, Willem Greve (NED) was best of the rest with Pretty Woman Vant Paradijs, who stopped the clock well back on 37.08.I am really delighted, said McEvoy, who would follow up with victory in the four-year-old Mo Chroi National Championships with Rich And Royal (below) and unleashes a plethora of young horses for the Ballypatrick operation tomorrow.It was a really special day and the horse was incredible so Im totally delighted.I think shes an extremely exciting horse. Ive only had her for four shows and in the four shows, three of them were premiers and she won two of them. Now this is her third and she was brilliant today. I think shes a special horse. She has a big heart and shes really careful. And I think today she showed us all she has so much scope and jump as well, which is exciting enough.She has a brilliant mind and shes a real fighter, a real mare. When you get her in the ring shell do anything for you and I think its a great characteristic as well.Dublins my favourite show and it was amazing it was my first ever five-star win so Im on a high. Dublin is always the pinnacle of our year. Ive jumped every year since maybe I was ten, so its a very special show with a lot of history.We all grow up of watching these classes and dreaming of jumping in them some day so that makes it even better.HHS Fortune is a speed demon around the 1.45 courses and the 14-year-old pocketed a second five-star of the week for Pender.This was a tight affair and Richard Vogel (GER) held the advantage with a clear in 56.35 on Phenyo van het Keysersbos.Pender and Fortune are just irresistible on this stage however, snipping a third of a second off the pace-setting mark to prevail with a time of 56.01.Im delighted with how it went today, to win a second class at the RDS, said the Castledermot man (in celebratory mood after the presentation ceremony above). For us, its the most important show of the year so that is great.Hopefully we can have a good day tomorrow and Im really looking forward to the Grand Prix.BREEDINGHHS FORTUNE (ISH) 2011 mare by Catoki (HOLST) out of HHS Daisy (ISH) by ARD VDL Douglas (KWPN). Breeder and owner: Marion Hughes, Co. Kilkenny. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).KILCORIG ELYSIUM 2015 grey gelding by Cornet Obolensky (BWP) out of Kilcorig Belle (ISH) by Camiro de Haar Z (ZANG). Breeder: Nigel Jackson. Owner: Alberta Capital Limited Conway. Rider: Paddy ODonnell (IRL)The post McEvoy in Dublin dreamland appeared first on Horse Sport Ireland.

Wilmington, Ohio Featured competition for the 2025 Spring/Summer Series at World Equestrian Center Wilmington came to a close Saturday evening with the $30,000 GGT Footing Grand Prix of Summer III. No stranger to the winners circle, Izzy Beisel once again led the victory gallop aboard Liz Hutchinsons Triskel De Kerliven (Mylord Carthago x Herinys Lenchante). Three entries jumped double-clear rounds, but Beisel entered[...]Read MoreThe post Izzy Beisel Caps Off Summer III with a Win in the $30,000 GGT Footing Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Ocala, FL The grand finale of the 2025 Summer Series drew packed stands at World Equestrian Center Ocala for the weeks highlight event, the $130,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*. Forty-two elite international combinations representing 16 nations vied for the last summer title, but it was Argentinas Luis Pedro Biraben who claimed victory after a season of consistent podium finishes aboard his own[...]Read MoreThe post Luis Pedro Biraben & Vasco 109 Score A Sweet Victory in the $130,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3* appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

The Georgie Campbell Foundation has been named as the supported charity forthe inaugural running of Scone Palace International Horse Trials.Scone Palace International Horse Trials, which will take place on Thursday 21 Sunday 24 August, will donate the proceeds from its guided cross-country course walks to the charity. The Georgie Campbell Foundation was set up in memory of five-star event rider Georgie Campbell, who waskilled in a cross-country fall while competing at Bicton International Horse Trials in May 2024, with the aim of supporting young event riders in establishing and running their eventing businesses.The Foundation provides bursary support and mentoring in areas, including financial management and attracting and retaining staff, owners and sponsors.Scottish heritageThe Georgie Campbell Foundation is honoured to be named as charity of choice for the inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials, said Jo Williams, Georgies older sister and Georgie Campbell Foundation trustee.The setting feels very apt because Georgie had Scottish heritage through our paternal grandfathers Strang lineage and our parents very nearly relocated the family to Scotland when we were children.While being based down south meant that Georgie didnt compete in Scotland a huge amount, she did have a memorably excellent cross-country round at Blair Castle with Master Monarch that got them onto the Junior Pathway. We wish the organisers and competitors all the very best for a successful first event.Bumper line up of competitionsScone Palace International Horse Trials will be hosting international eventing classes at CCI4*-L, CCI4*S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L, CCI1* and CCI-2 Pony 2* level, as well as the Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival which comprises the Scottish Grassroots Championships at BE100 and BE90 level, and open British eventing BE100 and BE90 classes.On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August there will be British Showjumping classes from 90cm to 1.30m including Saturdays 1,000-to-the-winner Scone Palace Grand Prix, sponsored by The Malcolm Group. There are also several showing classes on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August as well as arena eventing, riding club competitions and Pony Club Games.We are honoured to welcome the Georgie Campbell Foundation as the official charity for the 2025 Scone Palace International Horse Trials, said event director Alec Lochore.Georgie was a much-loved figure in the eventing world, and the Foundations mission to support riders welfare and raise awareness around safety is one we are proud to champion.Scone Palace is located north of Perth and is adjacent to Perth racecourse. For more information, including a full timetable, and to purchase tickets, please visitwww.sconehorsetrials.com.Image Libby Law Photography.Further readingOak tree planted at Devon venue in memory of event rider Georgie CampbellMusketeer Event Management reveal their charity of the yearSave the date for Your Horse Live!This is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post New Scottish horse trials reveals chosen charity for inaugural event appeared first on Your Horse.