It was time for a vacation, so naturally we decided to travel back to the same place we went to last vacation: Iceland!We loved Iceland before, and this time we decided to take our oldest child. We considered bringing the boys too, but they are at an age when tantrums shows up really quick, and their attention span can be short, so it seemed like it might end up being quite unpleasant. However, we did have to promise wed take them there later, so well have that to look forward to.One of the boys was actually very disappointed, because Iceland recently had a volcano going off, and hes obsessed with lava. And then when we were coming in, I SAW THE VOLCANO WITH MY OWN EYES!! I SAW IT SPRAYING MAGMA IN THE AIR!!! IT WAS SO COOL!!!! (The road from the airport went right by it)And then the universe decided the volcano was closed, as it went back to sleep before wed even left Iceland.But since I love Iceland so much, Im not against going again with the boys, but I also plan to go again with just myself so I can take a riding tour!! The kids are too young for it, so theyll have to wait, but Im not waiting. Im going to do it ASAP, as I cant imagine anything cooler than trail riding in Iceland.One of the (non-riding) tours I did was the Golden Circle, which is detailed below. However, there are some cool riding trips right through this same area!4 Day Winter and Northern Lights Horse Riding Holiday in Selfoss, Iceland7 Day Southern Comfort: Golden Circle Horse Riding Holiday in Skeia- og Gnpverjahreppur, IcelandMore on them below!I feel like many people avoid international travel because they think its too complicated or hard to figure out logistices, but Iceland is so simple. One of the nice parts of traveling to Iceland is how incredibly easy it is. Sure, you can go all out, rent a car and drive the ring road, or go to the highlands, but its so easy to have a full vacation with very little effort. Just be prepared for the cost, because its expensive to eat out here. We made several trips to the grocery store instead.Plus, everyone speaks English. Its one of the required classes in school.So Iceland on easy mode: Fly into KEF, take the Flybus to Reykjavik, stay in a hotel, book some tours, and the bus picks you up (not in that order, book tours early as the popular ones will sell out, like the Tomato Greenhouse. Good luck getting that one!)The horse tours run the same way book your tour, and youre picked up at the bus stop in Reykjavik, you just have to take the flybus there. Super easy. No navigating on your own, or renting a car, or trying to figure out logistics.For that reason alone, Iceland is a great place to visit, but of course the country itself is beautiful and amazing. I did the Golden Circle tour and Secret lagoon, and thats what Im going to share here. The horse tours I linked also go to these places, so you can see these areas on horseback!Thingvellir National ParkThingvellir (Icelandic: ingvellir) National Park is famous for a few reasons. It was the site of the Althing (Icelandic: Aling), which was the first parliament in the world. All the chieftains of Iceland would gather here once a year to discuss the happenings between the groups, and sort out any issues that came up. Engagements were made, but also people decided they didnt really like each other, and swear blood oaths against each other for generations. Eventually they begin to realize they needed a central authority to enforce the rules, but this took a few hundred years, so this system lasted a while. This whole era of Icelandic history is well documented within the Icelandic Sagas, medieval literature that tells the stories of different families or specific people. Its actually very interesting, and I highly recommend checking it out.The Icelandic SagasThe Sagas are very interesting, and mostly passed over when looking at historic literature. However, you can still enjoy them today in a few ways!The Sagas of Icelanders is a simplified translation of the stories, written for the modern reader, with lots of notes to help understand the backgrounds and history. Im currently working my way through it now. Be warned, this is a MASSIVE book.Theres also a series on YouTube, presented by the University of Iceland, that gives you an overview of the story, told in the region of the country where it happened. So its a story, plus you get to see the actual places where it took place. Its very cool! Check out Sage #8, Witches and Wonders in Eyrbyggja.Finally, you can just google for the Icelandic Sagas. They are open source at this point, no copyright on them! The translation quality tends to vary, though, and some versions can be very confusing.The other main thing the park is known for is being where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. The plates are pulling apart and creating rifts. Theres are tours to scuba dive in the water between the plates. The water is crystal clear. But for those of us that like to stay dry, there is a hiking path in the largest rift.The park is a beautiful hiking (and riding!) spot, and full of history. Theres still ruins somewhere of the Althing. I wish I had seen them, but alas, I did no.For all the history and geological significance, the park was made a UNSECO World Heritage Site.GullfossLikely the most famous of the Icelandic waterfall, the Gullfoss waterfall has the distinction of being two waterfalls, but in very close proximately. This is most likely for tax benefits.This is a good waterfall to visit if you like getting sprayed in the face (and really everywhere) by water, especially if you like doing it while its windy and cold. We saw someone without a rain coat make a hasty retreat when he realized the extent of the spray.But if you make it down there, youll be in a nice area with lots of other tourists on slippery rocks, with a rope fence to keep you from falling over the edge.I hope I dont sound cynical at all, it was actually very nice. But since having kids my opinions are greatly influenced by how safe I think it is for kids. And I have horror situations that play in my head. So it was a little nerve racking to have my small precious child so close to extreme water, with the potential of either tripping on the very uneven rocks, or accidently getting bumped by a much larger human. Which is why I took the below photo by putting her place, where no people were, and then moving myself to the spot. It seemed to work, shes still here!Its a very impressive waterfall, and it really was amazing to see it.hot springs of GeysirI had very low expectations of the geyser area, and perhaps because of that, I ended up loving the geysir area. It was way more interesting and impressive than I expected. (Im going to have to make a trip to Yellowstone now.)It started out slowly. We walked for the path, and there was some steam coming out of the ground. I thought that was all, and I was like hm, nice. But as we continued down the path, there was pools of boiling water. Then I was like, Oooo, nice!Then we continued down and there was a geyser spraying water 70 feet in the air, and I was like OOooooOOOo, very nice!It was really neat to see all the different pools and colors, and formations all around. It was very different from what I see in my normal, non-geyser, day to day life.So 5 stars, highly recommend going to this park to look at geysers. Theres even the original Geyser, which used to shoot 200 feet up in the air. It is the geyser that birthed all other geysers, in the sense that they are all called geyser because of this one.It doesnt go off anymore thought, its retired to watch Matlock and reminisce about the good old days. People have tried to drag it out of retirement by dumping salt in its waters, though. I guess you could try salting retired people that you know to see if theres any effect.Please forgive us for standing next to the NO STANDING sign. (I dont speak Icelandic)The Secret LagoonAfter seeing all the sights, we went to the hot springs. This spring was originally built as a neighborhood swimming pool, but has since been made into this very rustic, looking hot spring stop. Its very clearly heated from the hot spring as you can literally see where the water is coming from. Its also insanely hot over in this corner of the pool, and I dont know what kind of ice blood you have if this is where you want to hang out. Not to mention they had to put up a fence because people kept going into the hottest part of the hot spring???People really are built different. I love being warm and all, but Ill take temperate warm to being scalded alive.This is a very nice hot spring though, and less populated than some of the tourist ones (looking at you Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon). What shocks most tourists is that you do have to shower naked before you get in. And its communal showers, with minimal hiding spots, which is very normal for Iceland. But after this hot spring and visiting the community pool in the city, Ive realized that Icelanders have a very different view on nudity than Americans, and its very much: no one cares.This stop isnt always included in the Golden Circle tours, so make sure you check before booking.The Icelandic HorsesAs we were driving along, our tour guide asked if we wanted to see the horses. Yes, please, obviously.So we pull over for this road side attraction. Its very simple.Buy horse treats from the standFeed horsesTake picturesThats it, thats the whole business model. People stop and pay money to pet and feed the horses. It could literally be the most brilliant business model Ive ever seen. All you need is some horses that wont bite people and just want treats. I would love to know if this kind of business would take off in the US. If you have a horse farm on a main road, maybe you should try it.Once I came home, I noticed these exact same horses in this exact same location in other visitors Instagram photos. Everyone outside of Iceland is going to think Icelandic horses look like these specific three horses at a roadside attraction. They are famous horses, if you know who youre looking at.Take a Horse Vacation at the Golden CircleIf you thought any of the Golden Circle looked neat, well, you are in for a treat! Theres horse riding vacations that literally go past these places, and visits to them are included in the vacation. I listed two below. For both of these vacations, food is included. Maybe that seems minor, but food in Iceland is really expensive. We mostly ate from the grocery store. And I just love the feeling of someone else taking care of my food needs and bringing me food. Its my love language, so really its always a plus when food is included.4 Day Winter and Northern Lights Horse Riding Holiday in Selfoss, IcelandThis one is more of a quick tour of the area. An overview, you could say. It rides past the above areas, but at the end of the trip a tour bus takes you to each of them, which is basically the exact same tour that I described above, but you get to ride a bunch first.This one is designed for winter, which means you could see the Northern Lights. Its also possible that you wont, as they arent on a schedule or anything, it just happens when it happens. But theres a good change youll see them. People are already seeing them now up there, and its only August.7 Day Southern Comfort: Golden Circle Horse Riding Holiday in Skeia- og Gnpverjahreppur, IcelandThis is a longer, more intense version of the previous ride. It still goes through the same areas of the Golden Circle, including the Secret Lagoon, but it goes on more trails, deeper into the wilderness. This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the 15 greatest horse treks in the world.This ride is a top pick for me, and Im debating between this one and another one in the northern part of Iceland. I wish I had that money tree so I could just go on all of them. (If I was rich, I wouldnt tell anyone, but there would be signs!)Overall, I highly recommend a trip to Iceland. Icelandic Air regularly has flights for $299, and some careful planning can get around the expensive food issue. Im really looking forward to my next trip there!The post Iceland, The Golden Circle appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Section Key Points Choosing the Right Horse Riding Equipment and Supplements Importance of equipment and apparel for comfort, performance, and safety. The Importance of Proper Horse Riding Apparel Apparel enhances comfort, flexibility, and safety. Tailored items recommended. Jodhpurs and Breeches Fitted design provides flexibility and grip. Essential Footwear: Boots Combine style with functionality for balance and control. Indoor vs. Outdoor Boots Indoor requires lighter shoes; outdoor demands weather-resistant boots. Protective Gear: Helmets and Vests Ensure rider safety with impact-dispersing helmets and protective vests. Accessories: Gloves and Socks Improve comfort and grip; available for various weather conditions. Understanding Equestrian Supplements Supplements enhance horse's performance and health. Benefits of Horse Supplements Aid digestion, joint health, and fill dietary gaps. Choosing the Right Supplements Choose based on individual horse needs for optimal health. Stable and Turnout Rugs Protects horses from cold, wet, and insects. The Role of Fly Protection Reduces irritation and prevents disease from insects. Treats and Gifts for Horses Reward to train or show affection to horses. Conclusion: Preparing for the Ride Optimal riding conditions require proper gear and supplements. Choosing the Right Horse Riding Equipment and Supplements When it comes to horse riding, having the right equipment and apparel is essential not just for comfort, but for performance and safety as well. At Just Horse Riders, we provide a diverse range of horse riding essentials that every equestrian enthusiast should explore. This guide will discuss essential items every horse rider needs, alongside insights on choosing the best supplements for your equine companion. The Importance of Proper Horse Riding Apparel Riding apparel is not only about aesthetics but crucial for a safe riding experience. The right clothing can enhance your comfort, flexibility, and protect you from potential injuries. It's important to choose items tailored to your body and your riding style. Jodhpurs and Breeches Jodhpurs and breeches are quintessential pieces for any rider. Their fitted design ensures flexibility and grip, making your riding experience more comfortable. Explore our Jodhpur Collection to find your perfect fit. Essential Footwear: Boots Good quality boots provide the necessary balance and control, crucial when you're handling a live beast. Our Horse Riding Boot Collection combines style with functionality, offering rugged construction with elegant designs. Indoor vs. Outdoor Boots Depending on where you ride, you might need specific types of boots. Indoor arenas often call for lighter, more flexible shoes, while outdoor riding demands robust, weather-resistant boots. Protective Gear: Helmets and Vests Helmets and vests are vital for ensuring rider safety. Modern helmets are designed to disperse impact, while vests protect your torso from potential falls. Never mount a horse without appropriate protective gear. Accessories: Gloves and Socks Enhancing your comfort and grip, a quality pair of gloves can make a difference in how you control the reins. Visit our Horse Riding Gloves Collection for options that suit various weather conditions. Complement your outfit with our cozy socks collection. Understanding Equestrian Supplements Just as a rider needs the right equipment, horses need the right nutrition and care to perform at their best. The right supplements can contribute significantly to your horse's health and longevity. Benefits of Horse Supplements Equestrian supplements can aid in digestion, joint health, and overall vitality. They often fill dietary gaps not covered by regular feeding. Browse our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements for a range of options suited to different needs. Choosing the Right Supplements Each horse is unique, with different dietary and healthcare needs. Whether your horse requires extra nutrition, joint support, or digestive aids, choosing the right blend is critical for optimal health. Stable and Turnout Rugs Rugs and turnouts offer protection against cold, wet, and even insect-related issues. Investing in quality stable rugs and turnout rugs ensures your horse stays comfortable in any weather. The Role of Fly Protection Flies and other insects can distress horses, particularly during warmer months. Effective fly protection can reduce irritation and prevent diseases these pests might carry. Treats and Gifts for Horses Never underestimate the importance of rewarding your horse. Treats can be an excellent way to train or simply show affection. Check out our unique Horse Treats And Gifts collection for inspiration. Conclusion: Preparing for the Ride Equipping your equestrian journey with the right horse riding gear and supplements goes beyond just the basics. It's about creating the optimal environment for both rider and horse to thrive. By paying attention to equipment and supplement needs, you can ensure a more fulfilling and safe experience every time you hit the trail or the arena. For a comprehensive selection tailored for every rider and horse needs, visit Just Horse Riders, your ultimate destination for equestrian excellence.```html```

Talented young event riders, who are at the start of their evening careers and need a kickstart to take it to the next level, are invited to apply for the inaugural Georgie Campbell Foundation beneficiary.Applications are open until 30 September for the bursary, which comprises two years of one-to-one mentoring, riding and training and financial support to build their business and eventing prowess.Focus areas will include financial management, attracting and retaining owners and sponsors, marketing, and managing staff, as well as identifying and working with talented young horses.The fund was set up in memory of five-star event rider Georgie, who died, aged 36, in a cross-country fall at Bicton Arena in May 2024.The fund is working to support safety innovation in eventing as well as supporting young eventers.Georgies husband, Jesse, said: We set up the foundation to give back to the sport Georgie loved. In addition to working to improve cross-country safety, we will provide the help that would have made it easier for young Georgie to set up her eventing business.The first beneficiary is going to be incredibly well-supported, as on top of the network and resources we are building, we have received some fantastic pledges of support; from Cooley Farms Richard Sheane [a top sport horse dealer], the Equestrian Employers Association, horse feed, supplement and product companies, and more.Applicant criteriaApplications are open to riders registered with British Eventing, from all nationalities and those who are already affiliated with a national team.Preference will be given to riders who have not received substantial support from programmes such as British Equestrians World Class Programme.Riders need to be riding at three-star level and above and have an early-stage eventing business. Apply here. Burghley preview eventThe Georgie Campbell Foundation will be fundraising at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September).Activities include a cross-country preview event between 5pm and 7pm on Friday 5 September in the Event Horse Owners Association tent with equestrian broadcaster Nicole Brown, international event riders Jesse Campbell and Tom McEwen, and Burghleys assistant course designer, Andrew Heffernan.Tickets for the cross-country preview event cost 38.62 and are available here.Silent and live auctionThere will also be a silent and live auction with lots of eventing memorabilia, luxury holidays, equestrian experiences, and lessons with top riders, a prize draw following its popularity at Badmintonand a fundraising course walk with New Zealand 5* eventer Jesse Campbell.Bids close at 8pm on Wednesday 10 September and can be made online here.We hope the eventing community and beyond will continue to support the Georgie Campbell Foundation so that we can help improve cross-country safety and pay it forward to aspiring young event riders for many years to come, added Jesse.Main image of Georgie Campbell riding Global Candy Boy at Millstreet International Horse Trials in 2022 Libby Law PhotographyRelated contentNew jewellery unveiled in memory of event rider Georgie CampbellOak tree planted at Devon venue in memory of event rider Georgie CampbellLucinda Green explains how horses see a fence *Video*Five-star event rider explains how to avoid time faults during a cross-country roundThe post Applications open to find the first beneficiary of the Georgie Campbell Foundation appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Fundamentals and Preparation Master fundamentals and optimize performance for Intro 4. Qualification and Rules Qualify by earning three scores of 63%+ with the same horse from July to November. Focus Areas Walk, trot, canter transitions, circle movements, and smooth transitions. Practice and Feedback Record rides for analysis and get feedback from online resources or trainers. Horse Fitness and Mental Health Maintain a conditioning program and mental readiness with varied environments. Test Strategy Memorize tests and rehearse procedures under varying arena conditions. Competitions Participate in club or online competitions to practice and build confidence. Winter Championships Consider weather impacts, use appropriate tack, and ensure warming up. Safety Follow safety rules, including using approved helmets with secure harnesses. Useful Resources Explore E-Riders, British Dressage, and safety standards for comprehensive guidelines. Conclusion Focus on technical training, rules, safety, and strategic competition participation. Mastering Intro 4: Tips and Tricks for E-Riders to Ace the Winter Championship If you're aiming to excel at the E-Riders Winter Championship, particularly at the Intro 4 level, mastering the fundamentals while strategically preparing your horse and yourself is crucial. The Intro 4 test is designed to assess basic dressage skills, making it vital for E-riders to understand the requirements and optimize their performance. Understanding Qualification and Rules for Intro Level To compete in the E-Riders Winter Championships at the Intro level, you must qualify by earning three scores of 63% or higher at the same level, with the same horse, during the qualifying period from July to November [source]. Knowing the specific rules is critical, as safety and presentation contribute to your overall score. Key Tips to Excel in Intro 4 Focus on Basics and Precision Intro 4 tests typically emphasize walk, trot, and canter transitions, circles, and simple movements. Perfecting accurate geometry and smooth transitions will impress judges, as precise execution counts heavily at this level [source]. Consistent Practice with Accurate Feedback Record your rides to analyze your position and the horses response. Use online resources or local trainers familiar with E-riders rules to provide constructive feedback. Practice clear, rhythmic gaits with calm obedience, which are key markers of success. Optimize Your Horses Fitness and Mental Health Winter competitions can challenge horses with colder temperatures and reduced daylight. Maintain a consistent conditioning program through the off-season, ensuring your horse is supple and responsive. Mental readiness through exposure to different environments helps reduce stress [source]. Plan Your Test Strategy Memorize the test well and rehearse entry and exit procedures to build confidence. Smooth, relaxed riding with clear aids helps your horse perform optimally. Consider the arena conditionssuch as footingand prepare your horse accordingly. Attend Club or Online Competitions E-Riders offers online dressage competitions that mimic actual events, providing excellent practice. These can be entered multiple times to build scores and confidence. The online format also helps you get accustomed to submitting video performances under competition conditions. Additional Insights for Winter Championships Winter championships require attention to factors such as weather, which can affect footing and horse behavior. Choose appropriate tack and turnout that comply with rules yet keep both horse and rider comfortable in chilly temperatures. Layering and careful warming up are important to prevent stiffness and maintain fluid movement. Backing Your Training with Authority The official E-Riders online resources provide detailed rules, qualification criteria, and competition schedules essential for planning your competitive year. Understanding British Dressage (BD) eligibility and progression rules can also guide your competitive pathway. Wearing safety-approved helmets with secure harnesses is mandatory at licensed events, as per USEF and related standards, ensuring rider safety [source]. Facts That Add Credibility To qualify for the E-Riders Championship, three scores of 63%+ at Intro level with the same horse are required within qualifying windows, emphasizing consistent performance. Gloves and riding hats are not just tradition but integral to scoring and safety, with point deductions for non-compliance. Introductory levels like Intro 4 are foundational and winners often progress to higher classes. Useful Resources to Explore Visit the official E-Riders Dressage site for up-to-date rules, qualification dates, and test patterns. Check British Dressage for national level guidelines. Review USEF and local eventing body safety standards on rider headgear for compliance and safety tips. Conclusion By combining focused technical training, attention to rules and safety, and strategic use of online and local competitions, Intro 4 E-riders can confidently master their tests and boldly aim for top placements in the Winter Championship. Consistency, preparation, and smart training are your best allies on the path to success. ```html```

Published in 1947, Misty of Chincoteague was not only the book that changed Marguerites life and made her abestselling author, but it was also the book that changed the fortunes of an entire island community, virtually overnight and seemingly forever.Misty and Marguerite Henry. Photo courtesy of the private collection of Marguerite HenryMisty also influenced and informed countless generations of horse-loving children who pilgrimaged with their parents to Chincoteague Island, Va., hoping to come home with apony just like Misty. The book still inspires great numbers of people to travel to Chincoteague and perhaps even buy a pony of their own during the now-famous Pony Penning Week.An Idea Is BornMisty of Chincoteague had asimple origin story. Dr. Mary Alice Jones of Rand McNally, Marguerites editor, overheard aconversation while attending adinner party. Jones listened in as afellow dinner guest talked about an annual roundup of wild ponies on an island off the coast of Virginia. The ponies were herded into the water from their home on Assateague Island and swum across the channel to neighboring Chincoteague Island each July. There they were auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.Jones shared the information with Marguerite, who was immediately enthusiastic about writing astory about the event. Marguerite planned to visit the island and take a local Wayne horsewoman along with her. She also decided to invite her illustrator, Dennis Wesley, as he had moved from New York to Virginia and could capture the possible story in pictures while they were on the island. Dennis was immediately game to join the expedition. Many of his drawings in the book were from their experiences during that trip.Marguerite booked aroom at Miss Mollys Inn on Main Street in Chincoteague for her first exploration of the island. During that first visit, Marguerite took endless notes as she and her travel companions spent days looking for wild ponies and talked with Chincoteague residents.While she was walking around town, interviewing local townspeople, Marguerite happened upon two attractive teenagers named Maureen and Paul. It turned out that they lived with their grandparents, Clarence and Ida Beebe, on a ranch not far from Miss Mollys Inn.Grandpa Beebe was not only the owner of apony ranch on Chincoteague, but he proved to be an invaluable source of information on the island and the history of the wild ponies. Beebes grandchildren, Paul and Maureen, helped train the ponies that he later sold.When Marguerite met Maureen and Paul, they were riding the same pony bareback. She told them that she had come to the island to write abook about the wild ponies and Chincoteague Island, and perhaps one pony in particulara gold-and-white foal she had seen and worried might be auctioned off.Suppose some parent with aclumsy clod of achild bought Misty in the auction tomorrow and had no idea of waiting until she grew strong enough to be ridden, Marguerite frets in APictorial Life Story of Misty. It was Clarence and Ida Beebe who helped move Marguerites story alongand who turned out to be critical to the books success, especially Grandpa Beebes idea that Paul and Maureen should feature as characters. Grandpa Beebe and Marguerite shook hands on adeal for the gold-and-white foal.There was no bill of sale. No bargaining. Just $150 offered and accepted, Marguerite wrote in Pictorial.Grandpa Beebewiry, spry-legged as agrasshopper, proved to be abrilliant find, and as charming as he was knowledgeable about both ponies and life. His grandchildren were the characters Marguerite needed at the center of her book, and his words were what lit up the pages.Misty on the MainlandGrandpa Beebe kept his word, and afew months later he shipped 4-month-old Misty to Marguerite in Wayne by way of arailroad box car. It was an arrangement that they had both agreed would only be temporary. Misty would live with Marguerite for as long as necessary to finish her book. It was an odd deal to make, but Grandpa Beebe felt the money paid for Misty would be useful for his grandchildrens education. And of course, the plan was that Misty would eventually be returned to the Beebes where she would be trained to be ridden and someday bred.When it was time for Misty to be shipped to Wayne, there was one obstacle: Marguerite didnt have abarn. But her neighbors the Quayles did, and they offered its use. The Quayle children and their friends even helped to clean up the two-stall structure, especially eager to lend ahand when they heard that awild pony from Virginia was about to arrive.But when the wild pony arrived looking ragged and sad on acold rainy day in November 1946, Marguerite had some serious misgivings. Misty had traveled four days by train and looked very much worse for wear. Marguerite was truly shocked at the sight of the filly.The real-life Misty with Marguerite Henry when she arrived via train in Wayne, Ill. Photo Sid Wolfmann Studio originally appeared inA Pictorial Life Story of Misty(Rand McNally, 1976)When Misty stepped out of the rough crate that Grandpa Beebe had made, Marguerite thought the sorry-looking foal looked nothing like the gold-and-white pony she recalled seeing just afew months earlier on the island. Marguerite felt sorry for the cold, lonely pony and abit guilty as well. What had she done, taking the tiny foal so far from home? The author ended up spending the night in the Quayles stable with Misty, keeping the pony company and hoping that somehow the story shed had in mind might still work out. The next day dawned on amore promising note. When Misty awoke in the strange little barn, she gave Marguerite akick while being led her out of her stall. Marguerite took this as a good omen. Mistys arrival in Wayne created quite a stir among the neighborhood.Children appeared as if by magic to help get her ready for her arrival. There were sisters Susie with her mop of dark curly hair and Judy with her flaxen braids; Tex, with the deep-set eyes; Eddie and Arthur like roly-poly pups, Marguerite wrote.These budding young equestrians grew up to be accomplished riders: Judy Martin became atop pony breeder and an alternate on the Olympic equestrian team, and the young Mary Jon Jonnie Quayle Edwards took up eventing and remained aserious rider all her life.Now in her 80s, Edwards still teaches and rides almost every day. And, in her stable of horses there is apinto ponynamed Misty, of course.This excerpt from Dear Readers and Riders: A Biography (2024) is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books. For more information or to order the book, visit here.The post The Origin of the Misty Story appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Points Details Market Overview Trailer market fluctuations post-pandemic; recovery expected in late 2025. Challenges Economic Uncertainty & Interest Rates Competitive Market & Supply Chain Issues Regulatory & Environmental Standards Price Volatility Solutions Conduct Thorough Market Research Highlight Compliance & Added Value Leverage Online Platforms & Industry Networks Maintain Professional Presentation & Documentation Offer Flexible Negotiation & Financing Options Additional Tips Timing your sale; upgrading trailers for better appeal. Conclusion Understanding challenges and adopting solutions for successful sales in the North West market. How to Successfully Sell Your Trailer in the North West: Challenges and Solutions Selling a trailer in the North West of England presents promising opportunities as well as unique challenges. With the right strategies and understanding of the market landscape, you can navigate these challenges effectively to achieve a successful sale. Introduction to the Trailer Market in the North West The trailer market across Western Europe, including the UK, has experienced considerable fluctuations in recent years. While sales peaked in the years following the pandemic, the market has since softened. However, a promising recovery is anticipated in late 2025, driven by fleet modernization and supply chain restructuring. Key Challenges in Selling Trailers Economic Uncertainty and Interest Rates Interest rate fluctuations have significantly impacted buying power, leading to hesitation among potential buyers. Although the European Central Bank has reduced rates to about 2.9%, the economic climate remains cautious, particularly among commercial buyers. Competitive Market and Supply Chain Issues The North West trailer market is fiercely competitive, with challenges from European and Chinese manufacturers. Sellers face stiff competition from low-cost imports, which disrupts traditional sales channels. Regulatory and Environmental Standards With increasing focus on environmental regulations, buyers prefer trailers complying with emissions standards and compatibility with electric trucks. Not adapting to these trends may deter potential buyers. Price Volatility Market volatility has added complexity to trailer pricing. Accurately pricing your trailer is essential to avoid losing potential buyers or sacrificing value. Solutions for Successful Selling 1. Conduct Thorough Market Research Utilize current market data and local listings to understand demand and pricing in the North West region. Trailer sales in the UK manufacturing industry are estimated to reach around 4.5 billion by 2025. 2. Highlight Compliance and Added Value Emphasize features that meet new environmental standards or hybrid/electric compatibility. Buyers place high value on operational cost reductions and regulatory compliance. Explore our equestrian supplements to ensure your horse's health on every ride. 3. Leverage Online Platforms and Industry Networks Leverage reputable online marketplaces and tap into business networks in the North West. Since road transport accounts for moving over 77% of goods in Europe, it's important to explore accessories and gear that facilitate effective hauling. 4. Maintain Professional Presentation and Documentation Offering detailed maintenance records and clear images boosts buyer confidence. Transparency in histories can justify higher pricing, attracting serious buyers. 5. Offer Flexible Negotiation and Financing Options Consider providing financing or lease-to-own terms to attract buyers hesitant due to economic uncertainty. Flexibility can make your trailer more appealing. Additional Tips for Selling Your Trailer Timing your sale to coincide with market upturns projected in late 2025 can enhance your returns. Consider upgrading or refurbishing trailers to improve their condition and appeal to buyers. Conclusion By understanding the challenges and adopting targeted solutions, trailer sellers in the North West can successfully navigate the market. Align with evolving buyer preferences and market trends to optimize sale outcomes and cater effectively to interested buyers. Explore More with Just Horse Riders For more on riding equipment to compliment your trailer endeavors, check our jodhpur collection, horse riding boots, and gloves.```html```

One horse in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, recently tested positive for strangles after developing lymph node abscessation and nasal discharge. The horse lives on a private farm and might have been exposed through contact with other horses are local community gatherings.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On Aug. 22, a yearling Standardbred filly in Adams County, Indiana, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The filly, who was unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on Aug. 7, including hind limb lameness that progressed to recumbency. She was euthanized.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.