Delighted d to see our former horse Olympic gvl is now Irish national champions after his win in the final leg and overall at the Irish breeders classic in barnadown well done to naimh mcevoy and all connections including ballypatrick stables ..Olympic by name Olympic by nature !#bshgraduate

The finale of the FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet, France, came to a nail-biting conclusion in the freestyle to music. The top three combinations all delivered tests of exceptional quality, yet none escaped without errors and, in the end, it was Belgiums Justin Verboomen who triumphed, two days after taking gold in Fridays grand prix special, aboard his own stallion Zonik Plus. In fact, the full podium was a complete mirror image of Fridays, with Denmarks Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (riding Mount St. John Freestyle) taking the silver and Isabell Werth (on Wendy de Fontaine) claiming bronze for Germany. By collecting two golds in one weekend, Justin has entered the history books. Belgium had not previously won a single medal at any major dressage championship, and the 38-year-old secured two in 72 hours. Scoring a new personal best of 89.964%, the modest Belgian, who has owned this nine-year-old black stallion since he was two, could hardly believe what he had achieved. He said: This result is a surprise for me. I am so proud, Zonik is still so young. Test after test I feel him becoming more mature. He is always attentive to me.Moody is best BritBecky Moody, who is making her Your Horse Live debut in November, and her beloved homebred Jagerbomb found themselves just short of a medal-winning score, finishing fourth (1.064% behind bronze) and best of the British, as she was in Fridays Special.This pairs cheerful performance to a Beatles medley put a smile on everyones face. Carl Hester, contesting his 13th Europeans, piloted Fame into seventh, the 58-year-old rider putting a mistake in the two-time changes down to a few old-man mistakes. The atmosphere here is fantastic, the crowd is very close which makes it quite exciting, he added.Lottie Fry rode the first British test of the day, seeking to defend her 2023 European Freestyle silver aboard her own and Van Olst Horses Glamourdale.However, tension crept in from the very start and, despite the stallions extraordinary uphill canter, a final percentage of 79.573% kept them out of medal contention for 10th place overall.Becky Moody and Jagerbomb finish best of the Brits in fourthWerths 55th medalIsabell Werth signed off from her 17th European Championship with her 29th medal at this level. In fact, todays medal, the third of this championship, is an incredible 55th medal across all major championships. Riding Wendy de Fontaine, the pair pulled off a Freestyle masterclass, hitting every beat of the music with spot-on piaffe, passage, pirouettes and extended paces for 88.046%.Wendy was fantastic. I think no one was without mistakes today, it was a tough competition between us, said Isabell. Today I was getting closer to the form I want to have with Wendy: being able to present her in the very best way. She gave her heart for me today.Harmonious and emotive testCathrine Laudrup-Dufours test aboard Mount St. John Freestyle was focused and expressive, with just one error in the two tempis for a final 89.821%.I was very pleased with our test, but a little disappointed we just missed out on the gold, confessed the Danish rider. It was so close, between our rides, but also with the scores. One thing is certain: Justin and I will be battling for medals many more times in the future.With both Isabell and Cathrines scores on the board, all eyes turned to Fridays gold medallist, and the arena fell silent as Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus entered the arena. Their test oozed harmony and fully captured the audience. The black stallion transitioned into canter out of a half-pass in trot, and the crowd exploded as they finished, 89.964% flashing up on the board to secure gold by the slimmest of margins.I wanted everyone to feel the emotion, and to keep the connection with my horse, said Justin. His strength is that he always wants to show his very best. If I dont make mistakes, he doesnt either.View the Freestyle results in full Images FEI/Leanjo de KosterRelated contentBecky Moody confirmed for Your Horse Live 2025 masterclassCarl Hester leads Britain to team silver at the FEI European Dressage ChampionshipsHistoric gold for Belgium as British riders finish just outside the medalsThe post Belgiums history-making rider scores another European gold; Becky Moody best Brit appeared first on Your Horse.

Khadijah Mellah, the hijab-wearing Muslim jockey who won the Magnolia Cup when she was 18, returned to Goodwood, the scene of her famous triumph, last month to make her debut as an amateur jockey.The 24-year-old partnered Uncle Dick to sixth place in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton. It was Khadijahs first competitive outing since winning the Magnolia Cup in 2019 just months after first sitting on a racehorse.People say it goes by so quickly, but I didnt realise just how quickly. It was a massive buzz, a massive thrill. I feel like theres definitely loads of notes that I am going to take away and build on, said Khadijah.This is hopefully the first ride of many. I hope that this is a statement that outsiders and people from different backgrounds can really push to continue to progress and exceed expectations and hopefully ride more winners.Ive practiced a lot; I felt ready for it. Hes [Uncle Dick] a brilliant horse, Im lucky to have had him for my first ride. He knew what he was doing, he got in the stalls, and I could feel his heart beating, but he jumped out nicely and Im really happy.I have been overwhelmed with so much love and support. I have a really great circle around me; its taken a literal army to get me here in this parade ring and onto the track as an amateur and I am really grateful. Onto the next one.Its been massive to be back here, its a familiar environment, Im seeing people in the weighing room that I know. The atmosphere is incredible here, I couldnt ask for a better racecourse to have my first amateur ride at, she concluded.New opportunitiesSince winning the Magnolia Cup, Khadijah has graduated from university with a degree in mechanical engineering and co-founded the Riding A Dream Academy with ITVs Oli Bell and Naomi Lawson.The Academy, which is part of the British Racing School, is inspired by Khadijahs own journey from learning to ride at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, has supported hundreds of young people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds into the sport.Funded by the Racing Foundation, the Academy runs three programmes: the Khadijah Mellar Scholarship, Riding A Dream residential weeks, and taster days at the British Racing School.Image Great British Racing.Related contentSafeguarding the wellbeing of all former racehorses: RoR updates its eligibility criteriaNew scheme offers training and support for ex-racehorses transitioning into second careerCharity asks public to write to their MP in attempt to end horse smugglingEx-racehorse is trampled and fractures skull in overloaded lorry destined for slaughterThe post Trailblazing Muslim jockey returns to Goodwood appeared first on Your Horse.

As part of an ongoing research project into the genetics of linear profiling, the Irish Sport Horse studbook complete additional linear profiling of Irish Sport Horses each year outside of the studbook inspection process. These additional linear profiles are added to the already existing database of profiles collected at both studbook inspections and other events throughout the years. The addition of linear profiles on high performance horses to the routinely collected profiles on the breeding population is important to building a robust base population for genetic and genomic analysis and will improve the accuracy of future analysis and heritability research.The 2025 linear profiling project was conducted over four days at four different events across two disciplines. A total of 125 animals were profiled; this included 59 mares and 66 stallions/geldings.The report outlines what linear profiling is and the preliminary analysis of the traits scored. The full report can be found HERE.This linear profiling project is funded by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) Equine Technical Support Scheme.The post Horse Sport Ireland releases 2025 Linear Profiling Report appeared first on .

High Performance Eventing Manager Dag Albert has named Irelands Senior squad for the upcoming Agria FEI Eventing European Championship.Albert has chosen an experienced sextet for the championship taking place at the UK venue in just over two weeks, with Olympians Susie Berry, Sarah Ennis, Padraig McCarthy and Aoife Clark joined by Ian Cassells and Robbie Kearns in the squad. Coming off 2024 Nations Cup successes at home in Millstreet and at Boekelo, and with new, exciting combinations coming through the ranks, Albert is hopeful of a positive result at the championship having had a difficult decision to finalise his squad of six.He said: Im looking forward to it. It was very tough to end up on a squad of six, such is the depth of talent we have at the moment but the squad is very experienced and the horses are in great form.I think its going to be a tough test particularly cross country. Mark Phillips id course designer and he produces very strong cross country courses but I think that will suit our horses and riders.You look at the squad we have chosen Sarah, Aoife and Susie competed in Paris and Padraig has previously competed at the Olympics, while Robbie and Ian have both been on winning teams for us recently so Ill be hopeful of performing well.Padraig McCarthy and Pomp n Circumstance have been selected for teh upcoming European Eventing ChampionshipObviously eventing is a tough sport and you always do need an element of luck but if we get that we should be thereabouts. Were all very much looking forward to it.The Irish Senior Eventing Squad for the Agria FEI Eventing Championship at Blenheim Palace, in alphabetical order, is:Susie Berry Clever Trick (ISH)Ian Cassells Millridge Atlantis (ISH)Aoife Clark Full Monty de LacenseSarah Ennis Dourough Ferro Class Act (ISH)Robbie Kearns Chance Encounter (ISH)Padraig McCarthy Pomp n CircumstanceNon travelling reserves in alphabetical order:Georgie Goss KojakJoseph Murphy CalmaroAustin OConnor Sixmilewater (ISH)The post Experienced squad named for Eventing European Championship in Blenheim appeared first on .

Key Point Description Causes of Aggression Dominance, Fear, Pain, Hormonal Imbalances, Poor Management Dominance and Social Hierarchy Horses establish dominance hierarchies, which can lead to threats, biting, or kicking. Fear and Anxiety Fear of threats or unfamiliar environments may trigger aggressive responses. Pain and Illness Pain from injuries or medical conditions can cause irritability and aggression. Hormonal Influences Hormonal imbalances, especially in stallions and mares, can increase aggression. Management Factors Poor management, crowding, and nutritional deficiencies can induce stress and aggression. Training Challenges Improper handling and training methods can provoke aggression. Key Data Aggression is linked to individual temperament; medical treatments can provoke aggression. Managing Aggression Includes veterinary assessments, behavioral evaluations, tailored training, and environmental improvements. Veterinary Assessment Health evaluations help identify pain, illness, or hormonal imbalances affecting behavior. Behavioral Evaluation Analyzes environment, training, and social interactions to reduce stressors. Tailored Training Utilizes methods like desensitization and positive reinforcement to mitigate aggression. Environmental Improvements Sufficient space, resources, and stable groups help minimize competitive aggression. Importance Aggression poses risks; a holistic approach with medical and behavioral strategies promotes safety and well-being. Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Horses: Training Challenges or Underlying Health Issues?Horses, often seen as majestic and gentle creatures, can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for horse owners, trainers, and enthusiasts. This article delves into the causes, offers insights into management strategies, and helps differentiate between training challenges and health problems, enhancing welfare and safety for both the horse and humans involved.Causes of Aggression in HorsesAggression in horses can originate from various sources, and identifying the root cause is essential. Here are some common causes:Dominance and Social HierarchyIn their natural habitat, horses establish dominance hierarchies within herds. This behavior can manifest as threats, biting, or kicking, primarily to assert rank or control over resources like food, water, or breeding partners. Such behavior may become problematic in domestic settings.[1]Fear and AnxietyHorses may display aggression due to fear of perceived threats or unfamiliar environments. Past traumatic experiences can also trigger defensive aggressive responses, especially if horses feel cornered or threatened.[2]Pain and IllnessSometimes overlooked, pain from injury, illness, or other medical conditions can cause horses to become irritable and aggressive, particularly when touched or handled around the affected area. Recognizing these issues is critical during training and handling sessions.[1][4]Hormonal InfluencesHorses may show increased aggression due to hormonal imbalances or disorders. Stallions and mares are more prone to such behavioral changes during certain reproductive phases, usually linked to hormonal fluctuations.[2]Management and Environmental FactorsPoor management practices, like crowding, insufficient nutrition, or abrupt changes in social groups, can induce stress and aggression. Ensuring a balanced and stable environment is key to minimizing these tendencies.[1][2]Training and Handling ChallengesTraining scenarios can also be triggers. For instance, a study involving 2,734 ridden horses showed that 46% displayed aggression when being girth-fastened, and 53% when cues like leg or whip were applied. These findings stress the importance of sensitive and informed handling.[3]Key Data and ObservationsDespite common beliefs, aggression is not heavily linked to breed or sex; it depends more on the horse's individual temperament and the situation. For example, about 40.8% of observers noted aggression in horses under sedation with xylazine, highlighting that medical treatments can provoke aggressive behavior in some cases.[5]Managing and Mitigating AggressionManagement strategies should integrate both health assessments and behavioral insights:Veterinary AssessmentConducting a thorough health evaluation can help determine if pain, illness, or hormonal imbalances are contributing to aggression. Early diagnosis of these issues can significantly impact behavioral outcomes.Behavioral EvaluationEvaluating the horses environment, training methods, and social interactions is crucial in identifying any stressors or misunderstandings that could be causing aggressive responses. Using positive reinforcement and clear communication helps reduce fear and confusion.Tailored Training ApproachesAdopting tailored training methods, such as gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement, can help mitigate aggression. Its crucial to ensure that horses have clear instructions to prevent confusion-driven aggression during training.Environmental ImprovementsProviding adequate space, resources, and stable social groups can minimize aggression caused by territoriality and competition. Stable and stress-free environments are critical in achieving behavioral harmony.Why This MattersAggressive behavior poses risks to handlers, riders, and other horses. Mismanagement or neglect of underlying issues can exacerbate problems, leading to injury or compromised welfare. Thus, a holistic approach, incorporating both medical diagnostics and behavior modification, is recommended to improve outcomes and ensure safety.[2][4]By approaching aggression with comprehensive strategies that include medical evaluations and tailored training, horse owners and professionals can significantly reduce aggressive behavior, ultimately enhancing the well-being of the horse-human relationship.Discover high-quality equestrian supplements and a wide range of horse riding equipment at Just Horse Riders, your trusted partner in equestrian health and safety.```html```

Welcome Back! Were so excited to welcome everyone back for the start of the 202526 academic year! We hope youve all had a lovely summer and are feeling rested and refreshed. At CLTH at WRC, our team is ready with calm, friendly faces to greet each of our young people. We understand that six weeks without routine can be a big adjustment but were here to support that transition every step of the way.Theres lots to look forward to this year: New horses Exciting new resources thanks to our Cash for Kids funding (updates coming soon!) Two fantastic new learning spaces The Training Room and The Cabin giving even more room for growth, creativity and support.Heres to a positive, inspiring year ahead! Dont forget to keep up with us! Follow us on social media or visit the CLTH Hub website for regular updates, news, and celebrations throughout the year.https://clthhub.com/