Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025 takes place from Wednesday 3 September and concludes on Sunday 7 September, and eventing fans around the world will be keen to follow along with the action as it unfolds.If you cant attend the last British CCI5* of the year in person, there is only one way to watch it all via Burghley TV.An annual subscription to Burghley TV costs 25 and all of the eventing action, including the horse inspections and final prize giving, will be shown.A two-hour highlights programme will also be shown on BBC Two at 5pm on Sunday 7 September. There will be no Red Button service.Burghley TVBurghley TV viewers will also be able to watch an exclusive preview of the cross-country course, which is designed by the USAs Derek di Grazia, as well as rider interviews. TV presenter Nick Luck will host an entertaining and informative daily magazine programme every day.As well as the eventing, theDubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, which has a boosted prize fund available this year, will be livestreamed. So, too, will some of the main arena demonstrations. These include dressage star Carl Hester, who recently helped Britain secure European team silver, and two-time Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen, who will appear during Fridays lunch break.After the conclusion of the CCI5* dressage on Friday, up-and-coming stars from The Howden Way Young Horse Academy will be in the main arena. On Thursday, Germanys Olympic gold medallist and highly respected trainer Bettina Hoy will take centre stage during the lunch break.When the dressage has finished on Thursday, members of the British squad for the upcoming FEI European Eventing Championships have been invited to ride their dressage test in Burghleys main arena.Burghley TV also offers a replay service, which means subscribers can watch the action again. There is also a comprehensive library of historic Burghley footage, stretching back to 1990.Subscribe or log in to Burghley TV hereMain image of Ros Canter, the 2024 Burghley champion, Trevor Holt/Your Horse LibraryRelated contentStrong entry field for Defender Burghley led by the reigning champion and current world number oneHarry Meade becomes FEI world number one for the first timePrize money boost for Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, plus top rider joinsjudging line-upBurghley reveals 2025 charityThe post How to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials appeared first on Your Horse.

On Aug. 20, an 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare at a boarding facility in Hamilton County, Ohio, tested positive for strangles. The mare developed clinical signs on Aug. 18, including dull mentation, hyporexia, pyrexia, submandibular lymphadenopathy, mucoid nasal discharge, and cough. She is now recovering. Three additional horses are suspected to be positive.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.

Two horses in Ontario recently tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The horses lived in the Regional Municipality of Halton and Renfrew County.In the Regional Municipality of Halton, an unvaccinated, 16-year-old draft mare tested positive after developing acute and progressive neurologic signs on Aug. 21. She was euthanized the following day.In Renfrew County, an under-vaccinated, 8-year-old draft mare tested positive after developing acute neurologic signs on Aug. 4. She died the same day.There have now been seven confirmed EEE cases in Ontario horses in 2025.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.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

Key Precaution Details Immediate Isolation Move symptomatic horses to a separate area at least 15-20 feet away from healthy horses. Quarantine Ensure a 2-3 week quarantine for new arrivals with daily health checks. Biosecurity Use protective clothing and practice hand hygiene when in contact with infected horses. Disinfection Protocols Regularly disinfect stalls, equipment, and surfaces. Repeat due to bacteria persistence Minimize Contact Avoid nose-to-nose contact and sharing of containers unless disinfected. Monitoring and Detection Conduct regular temperature checks and isolate horses with temperatures over 100.4F. Treatment and Vaccination Seek veterinary consultation for diagnosis and consider proactive vaccination. Environmental Management Ensure proper ventilation and moisten feed for easier consumption. What Precautions Should Horse Owners Take When Dealing with a Strangles Outbreak? Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. This infection predominantly affects the respiratory tract and lymph nodes, causing symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes. Because it can infect nearly 100% of horses on an affected premise, preventing and controlling outbreaks requires meticulous care and attention. Immediate Isolation and Quarantine First and foremost, isolation is critical. Any horse displaying symptoms should be immediately moved to a dedicated stall or barn set apart from healthy horses. A minimum distance of 15-20 feet is recommended to ensure the infection doesn't spread through direct contact. New arrivals should undergo a quarantine period of at least 2-3 weeks, with daily health monitoring. Testing for S. equi shedding can identify carriers before they join the general population (source). Practice Rigorous Biosecurity Implement strict biosecurity measures, including using protective clothing when handling infected horses. This involves wearing disposable gloves, gowns, coveralls, and boots. Hand hygiene is paramount, so wash hands thoroughly between handling horses. Use protective clothing to lower the risk of spreading the bacteria. Create "red" (infected), "yellow" (potentially exposed), and "green" (clean) zones to minimize cross-contamination. Ensuring that equipment and personnel move in a single-direction from clean to contaminated zones can help control the spread. Disinfection Protocols Regular disinfection of equipment and surfaces is crucial. Clean stalls, grooming tools, and common areas with antibacterial soap followed by a strong disinfectant like bleach. Given that the bacteria can persist in the environment for weeks, repeated disinfection is necessary (source). Minimize Horse-to-Horse Contact Avoid any direct nose-to-nose contact between horses. Sharing of feed and water containers should also be avoided unless they have been properly disinfected (source). Monitoring and Early Detection Regular temperature checks are essential during an outbreak. Horses should have their rectal temperatures taken at least once or twice daily. If any horse has a temperature over 100.4F, they should be isolated immediately. Early detection of symptoms like high fever and nasal discharge can significantly aid in controlling the spread of the disease. Treatment Considerations and Vaccination Upon suspicion of strangles, seek immediate veterinary consultation. A vet may recommend culture or PCR testing to confirm the infection. The use of antibiotics might be controversial as many horses recover naturally, developing immunity that can last up to five years (source). Vaccination, although helpful in reducing illness severity, should be approached with caution during outbreaks. Administer vaccines proactively to nave horses before exposure, as vaccinating during an outbreak can pose risks of adverse immune reactions. Environmental Management Ensure proper ventilation in barns and stables to reduce airborne pathogens and promote better respiratory health. Moisten feed for horses suffering from swollen lymph nodes to make it easier for them to chew and swallow. Also, retrace movements of infected horses to identify potential sources and inform other horse owners who might be at risk. Summary of Practical Steps for Horse Owners Precaution Details Isolation Separate sick horses; no contact with healthy ones Quarantine New arrivals isolated for 23 weeks Biosecurity PPE usage, disinfection of hands, equipment Zoning Create infection zones and change clothing between zones Equipment Separate tools per horse; disinfect regularly Monitoring Twice daily temperature checks and symptom observation Vet Consultation Early testing and advice Vaccination Use proactively for nave horses; caution during outbreaks Environmental Controls Ventilate well; disinfect surfaces; moisten feed Implement these measures diligently to drastically reduce the spread of strangles and safeguard your horses' health. For more approaches to equine health, check out the Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements from Just Horse Riders. Monitoring such infections not only requires diligence in observation and care of the horse but also in ensuring consistent monitoring of symptoms. In case of a strangles outbreak, it's essential that horse owners act swiftly and effectively. By employing stringent isolation, quarantine practices, and robust biosecurity measures alongside professional veterinary input, the risks can indeed be minimized. For more resources and equestrian needs, consider exploring Just Horse Riders' collection of stable rugs which can aid your management of sick horses by providing comfortable and germ-resistant environments.```html```

Full-time businessman Tom Strawson is one of the few true amateur riders in the Defender Burghley line up this year. He is a director at Qudos Developments, which specialises in advising, acquiring and developing commercial property. The 37-year-old swapped point-to-pointing for eventing just a few years ago and is following in the footsteps of his aunt, Ginny Rose (ne Strawson), who competed here in the 1990s.Toms partner is the 11-year-old ex-racehorse Public Address, a Thoroughbred he purchased after a friend said he was selling a cheap Thoroughbred that can jump for less than a few grand.He ran a couple of times as a four- or five-year-old in Ireland. Hes made for speed hes by Milan, a top-end National Hunt sire, said Tom. A friend of mine told me hed got a cheap Thoroughbred that could jump. He sent me a video and that was enough for me to get on a plane and go and see him.Hes a jumper. Hes got a very good action with his front forearm and a very chilled temperament, but not a lot else. Hes too small, flat boned, a bit long in the back, herring gutted, but I thought, well, youre cheap and you can jump so can get out of jail if youre not good enough.Too heavy for racingTom is a former Pony Club member and he contested pony trials and junior eventing before switching to point-to-pointing.He returned to eventing in July 2020 after a nine-year break and Burghley is his 30th international event. Public Addresss first run, at novice level, was in March 2022, but the pair were eliminated on the cross-country.Ive always been hooked on the horse job, said Tom. Point-to-pointing was easier with university and then work. I managed to get a few outside rides, kept myself fit, and then turn up at a point-to-point at the weekend. I absolutely loved it and I probably would be doing that now if I wasnt the size that I am [6ft 1in]. As you get older your natural weight gets heavier and it just wasnt fun anymore. Im quite competitive though and then this horse came along. Fortunately, hes talented and progressed quickly. I had no idea [if hed be good enough]. It was just a case of keep asking him a few questions and he answered them so we could progress. I suppose thats happened, so thats why were here.Training with Ros CanterAs well as support from his Aunt Ginny and Great Aunt Pauline, Tom also trains with Amy Woodhead and Ros Canter, who lives four-miles away from his base near Louth, Lincolnshire.I took this horse for a last cross-country school at hers last week and she was jumping one of her good horses. I thought, well, if my horse can jump those fences OK, well be OK.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentA very special horse: from unbacked five-year-old with a teenage rider to five-star formDavid Doel in pole position on Thursday lunchtimeMeet the Burghley first-timer on a quirky mare who dislikes large crowds and refuses flatwork lessonsHow to watch Defender Burghley The post Property director and cheap ex-racehorse make their CCI5* debut appeared first on Your Horse.

Piggy March holds the lead on day one of dressage at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials with her new ride, MCS Maverick.The 2022 Burghley champion took over the ride on the 12-year-old son of Mill Law from Pippa Funnell earlier this year and the pair is contesting their first CCI5* together.He is a beautiful horse and hes got it all there. Hes had the best training in the world coming from Mrs Funnell so I havent got any excuses, said Piggy.The big thing with this horse is getting his brain and thats just what the two days of being here is. Weve been riding, lunging, riding, lunging, lunging. Hes not the finished article yet. His body isnt really strong where youd like him to be, but thats still going to develop a lot over the next couple of years.You cant work him too hard as he gets sore and fragile in his body, continued Piggy. Its a bit of work, bit of loose lunging, grazing, seeing people. That test was brilliant for him. For our early stages of us being together in an atmosphere like that Ill take it all day long and I dont want another go.2. Alexander Bragg and Ardeo PremierOccupying the runners-up spot overnight are Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier, a 12-year-old Irish Sports Horse who finished second in theEventers Grand Prix at Hickstead this year.The pair is just over three penalties behind the leaders on a score of 28.4.Hes really versatile. Hes a real cool dude and multi talented, said Alex.Its always nerve wracking before you go in [to the dressage arena].You put hours and hours of training in to get to that point and you know what the horse is capable of, but actually delivering that and performing on the big stages is tricky, because youre dealing with the horses apprehension from outside distractions and the atmosphere, and youve also got to deal with your own and try and remain composed.I think if you get a good centre line, thats always helpful, and I knew which bits I could be brave at with him.Alex said the horses extended canterworkand flying changes are particularly good and were highlights in todays test.His trot is not so expressive, but the judges at E and M can see those 8m circles. They can see accuracy, so my plan was just dont drop marks in those areas.My target was around a 70% test, a score of 30, so the fact that he exceeded that just shows his commitment and Im just thrilled with him.3. Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker BoyWill Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy round out the podium at this stage on a score of 28.8.Im really chuffed with the test. We delivered what were more than capable of doing,said Will.There were plenty of mistakes in there, a few things to iron out, but the general feeling that he was giving me was spot on. Whats exciting is that theres still so much more for him to deliver. I just think its about getting as much practice, getting into big arenas and big atmospheres. Id like to think were only going to get better.Will said he has beenparticularlyworking on the horses flying changes, and described the last one in todays test as being diabolical.The changes are such an easy thing to fluff up, but hes been incredible with them all year and today they didnt quite pull off.I was completely disorganised with the last change. It was diabolical. There were a few little bits where I was brave, like in extended canter, he came back to me and then went against me. Generally, though, the rideability of what hes given me is where I wanted to be going.The pair finished 23rd at Badminton in the spring. 4. David Doel and Galileo NieuwmoedDavid Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed ended the first day of dressage in fourth place on 29.6, having led the field after the morning session.That was definitely the best hes ever gone in the ring. He was really settled, really rideable, and just nailed everything for me. Thats probably about the best hes going to really ever be able to do. Hes not built to do dressage so Im absolutely stoked, said David.Weve worked really hard on his dressage and its finally paid off and hes been able to show everyone what hes capable of. We nailed it today we lunged and rode him for the right time this morning and hes feeling the best hes ever felt in his body. Ive got to write this all down and remember it for next time.David and the 14-year-old KWPN gelding, who is owned by David, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas, were second here two years ago behind Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class after producing a clear cross-country round inside the time.5. Harry Meade and Cavalier CrystalCavalier Crystal, the second of Harry Meades three rides this weekend, sits in fifth place on 30.5. The 15-year-old bay mare is no stranger to success at CCI5* level, having finished fourth here last year and third at Badminton in May.Today I was delighted with her. I felt shes been in a really sweet place the last few weeks, and then thats maintained since we got here. She felt really good. It was very much a clear round test, but also very much a way of going that was soft and open, and that allowed the freedom, said Harry.Shes a really game horse. Sometimes, if you try too hard on her, she begins to go a little bit sour, so it was very much about keeping her sweet, keeping her enjoying it and she felt very happy in there.Harry, who is also in 11thplace overnight on his first ride, Et Hop du Matz, will be the final rider into the arena tomorrow on Annaghmore Valoner.6. Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting SIrelands Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit, who is owned by Richard Ames, Tanya Ames, Alan Bell and Annette OCallaghan, wound up in sixth position on 30.9.Im really pleased. It certainly wouldnt be his strongest phase, but hes a beautiful horse, and now that hes more on side and Im a bit more confident with him, said Joseph, who finished 49thwith the 10-year-old gelding at Badminton this year.7. Caroline Powell and High TimeFormer Burghley champion Caroline Powell piloted High Time, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding, into seventh place after they received a score of 31.1 for their dressage test.Hes a lovely horse. I havent had him that long so Im still finding the buttons and problems with him. Our partnership has developed quickly and hes changed a lot, hes grown up and has been very good, said the New Zealand rider.It is a third CCI5* start for the pair, who finished 21stat Badminton earlier this year.8. Gaspard Maksud and ZaragozaFrances Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza, a bay mare owned by Martin Thurlow and Jane Young, received 31.8 and sit in eighth. The pair were sixth here last year and the Frenchman took home the prize for the best first timer on that occasion.I was quite happy with her; she was very relaxed, said Gaspard of the 12-year-old mare. Yes, we probably wanted to be in the 20s, but she hasnt run much to be fair. Shes pretty much done nothing, but she came here and she knows why shes here. She actually kept it all together on the test and she was very focused on me, so lots of positives.9. Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver ServiceOccupying ninth place are Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service on 32.4. While its Hollys third time at Burghley, the horse is making his CCI5* debut.Hes a really smart horse. Hes 10 and hes sort of taken that long to get to where he is if you know what I mean. Hes a galloping machine, so for him to go and sit in the dressage, it was quite hard for him, but we know its in there and its just a matter of time, said Holly.His medium trot is his strength, so it was really good to pull those mediums and extendeds off. His walk is amazing as well so it was good that he stayed calm enough to actually produce his good walk.Ballyneety Silver Service was produced up to CCI3* level by Issy Saxby, the daughter of the Irish geldings owner, Fiona Saxby. Holly took over the ride when Issy went to university and has been riding him for the last two years.10. Grace Taylor and Game ChangerGrace Taylor rounds out the top 10 with her mother Ann Taylors 13-year-old Irish Sports Horse Game Changer.My trainer Lisa White and I have been working on having him much more strong, supple and in front of the leg, and hes enjoying his dressage more, said Grace, who represents the USA. He was always more of a jumping horse, but I always knew he could do really good dressage test, so I was frustrated with myself that I wasnt getting the marks, but its getting there.Top 10 after dressageThe standings at the end of the dressage phase are:Piggy Marchand MCS Maverick on 25.7 penaltiesAlexander Braggand Ardeo Premier, 28.4Will Rawlinand Ballycoog Breaker Boy, 28.8David Doeland Gallileo Nieuwmoed, 29.6Harry Meadeand Cavalier Crystal, 30.5Joseph Murphyand Belline Fighting Spirit, 30.9Caroline Powelland High Time, 31.1Gaspard Maksudand Zaragoza, 31.8Holly Richardsonand Ballyneety Silver Service, 32.4Grace Taylorand Game Changer, 32.4View the full overnight leaderboard hereDressage will resume tomorrow, Friday 5 September, at 10am when Alice Casburn and Topspin take to the main arena.Images by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentProperty director and cheap ex-racehorse make their CCI5* debutA very special horse: from unbacked five-year-old with a teenage rider to five-star formDavid Doel in pole position on Thursday lunchtimeMeet the Burghley first-timer on a quirky mare who dislikes large crowds and refuses flatwork lessonsHow to watch Defender BurghleyThe post Burghley top 10 in pictures: Piggy March leads the way with new ride appeared first on Your Horse.

Physiotherapy has long been shown to offer many benefits to horses. One of the main long-term effects of stretching is an increase in overall flexibility. When you make stretching a habit, you slowly stretch out the connective tissues, explains veterinary physiotherapist Hayley Marsh.Over time, this lengthens the tissues, improving the range of motion in the joints and the overall ability to move.Stretching these muscles and connective tissues also helps relieve muscle stiffness and reduces the risk of joint degeneration.Below are two stretch exercises from Hayley Marsh that you can do at home with your horse.Stretch 1: Foreleg and hindlegPick up your horses foreleg and, with both hands on the fetlock, ease the leg forwards towards your horses nose and hold for 10 seconds.For the hindleg stretch, gently ease the hindleg forwards towards the foreleg and hold for 10 seconds.Start these exercises low to the ground. Then, as your horse becomes more supple to the movement, you can ask for more range.Stretch 2: Carrot stretches (for back, abdominals and neck)Using a carrot, persuade your horse to bring their head down between the front legs. Encourage them to stretch as far as is comfortable and hold the stretch for 10 seconds.Next, stand with your back to your horses shoulder and ask them to bend their head and neck around you. Ideally, their head should stay vertical. Aim for the direction of the back fetlock.The goal is to achieve a smooth stretch, not a snatch, and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat on both sides.Top tipsDont force your horse into a stretch, only guide. Stretching should be done when your horse is warm.Dont stretch your horse while they are tied up. Make sure they are standing on secure footing to prevent any slipping.Related articlesGroundwork exercises for horses to build trustAndrew Hoys groundwork exercises to improve a horses balance, mobility and core strengthThree interesting groundwork exercises for horses to work their coreThis is why starting a horses ridden career has nothing to do with breaking inThe post Two easy stretches to improve a horses strength and flexibility appeared first on Your Horse.