A little piece of Austrian gold, the Haflinger breed is a small horse whose hearty disposition makes it suitable for almost any discipline. Standing 13.2 to 15 hands and recognizable for their gleaming chestnut coat with flaxen mane and tail, the American Haflinger Registry has over 31,000 registered horses. Owners of these tough horses share that they can do pretty much anything you ask of themand excel at it.StewieIf you ask a Haflinger owner why they own one, one of the main reasons is because they are safe and dependable.As a middle-aged woman with an equestrian hobby, having a horse thats gentle, intelligent, and can do it all is important, shares Kendal Vaitkus. She went to a Haflinger show in 2011 and became hooked on these horses, as well as the kind, inviting atmosphere of the other owners.In 2018, I had an opportunity to purchase a Haflinger, and I havent looked back since, she says. I cant afford to have one horse that trail rides, one horse that drives and another to ride dressage. The Haflinger is a great solution for me! This breed generally likes to keep busy, so they dont mind learning all sorts of fun and interesting things. To me, the Haflinger is a perfect, versatile pony wrapped up in a beautiful golden package. Ill admit, theyre like potato chips you cant have just one.Kendal and Stewie do Second Level dressage, western, halter, trail riding and driving. Photo by Plus One PhotographyTrue to her words, Vaitkus owns two Haflingers. Will Beat the Storm of 2s (Stewie) was her first Haflinger. Now 15, Stewie takes her out on the trails and into the dressage, western, halter and driving rings. He has won numerous high points and is currently schooling Second Level in dressage. Her other Haflinger is a gelding named Northstar LLRH.RollieSometimes a love and appreciation for the breed is passed down through the generations.Grandpa Bill was searching the internet for the perfect family horse he could share with his young grandchildren, shares John Ellingson. He quickly learned that the Haflinger was known for being very sensible and was a great choice for young families.Ellingsons grandfather drove eight hours to buy his first Haflinger, a daughter of the famous Aristocrat. That was 20 years ago. Since then, the Ellingsons have bred and trained Haflingers.Not every Haflinger is suited for children, but on average they are calmer, less reactive and more cold-blooded than most breeds, says Ellingson. We try to identify very calm individuals at a young age. We give them plenty of age-appropriate training. You can create a very special horse that is relaxed and gentle.One of their current horses is N-Rollie TVS, a 15.1-hand gelding, who started life working on an Amish farm. Rollie is now shown and co-owned by 16-year-old Talayna Steiner, a neighbor of the Ellingsons and part of their 4-H Club.Rollie has many wins in pleasure driving, hitch, obstacle driving and halter, and is now taking the western rings by storm. Photo courtesy Ellingson FamilyAside from being an excellent farming horse, Rollie excels at many disciplines in the show ring, including winning state 4-H jumping, hunter and equitation over fences, and English pleasure. Outside of 4-H, he has many wins in pleasure driving, hitch, obstacle driving and halter. He is now taking the western rings by storm.Rollie is shown and co-owned by 16-year-old Talayna, a neighbor of the Ellingsons and part of their 4-H Club. Photo courtesy Ellingson FamilyVonTara Williams, who sits on the board of directors for the American Haflinger Registry, first rode one just to keep the mare trained up for her young sister. A self-professed big bay Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred girl, she wasnt expecting to fall hard for the Haflinger.As I rode my sisters horse, I then had offers to catch ride others, and I realized that they are remarkably athletic and smart, she says. Von was one of those catch rides, who I then purchased. He was my gateway Haflinger!Wil-Von Mikas RVH (Von) is a 14-year-old, 15-hand gelding Tara still owns and shows. He is a multiple national champion, 2018 Reserve Versatility Champion and 2023 Versatility Champion.Von excels in everything from dressage to western and trail riding, earning the title of 2023 Versatility Champion. Photo by Blakleys Captures PhotographyI love a horse that can make good choices and has the athleticism to back it all up, says Williams. They are a very hardy breed that generally stays sound and performing well long into their golden years. One of the other things I love is how versatile they are. I can grab the same horse to go trail ride one afternoon, drive at a competition the next, and go jump a hunter pace the next.When not in the breed ring, Von drags her arena, goes on trail rides, competes in Second Level western and classical dressage, and even does ranch classes. Previously, they were members of the High Flying Haflingers Jumping Drill Team, performing at events like Equine Affaires Fantasia show and the Mane Event in Canada.Von can drive in a competition one day and ride in a hunter pace the next. Photo by Blakleys Captures PhotographyRoushThe Haflinger stands his ground when put up against horses that may be much larger in stature.Roush, owned by Anika Sadler, has taken his owner to many wins. Some of his many accomplishments include qualifying for the Great American Insurance Group/U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Regional Championships, winning the Idaho Dressage & Eventing Association (IDEA) Adult Amateur USDF Freestyle Champion, Adequan/USDF All-Breeds Adult Amateur Freestyle Champion, and Reserve Champion at the Rainier Northwest Championship.Roush loves to jump and is a Beginner Novice champion in eventing. Photo by Katherine Schot PhotographyHe is an IDEA Adult Amateur U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) Beginner Novice Champion, and has top-10 placings with the Western Dressage Association of Americas International Challenge multiple years in a row.When he isnt in the show ring, you can find him skijioring in the winter and gaming in the summer. He has even been used as a model by Kastel Denmark, Outback Trading and more. He is an excellent ambassador of the breed, their wonderful character and versatility, says Sadler.Outside the show ring, Roush can be found trail riding, skijoring, and modeling for equestrian catalogs. Photo courtesy Anika SadlerHaflingers Can Do It AllWilliams says Haflingers were bred to be this versatile, having to traverse the terrain of the southern Tyrolean Mountains and be the work horse, childrens horse, riding horse and haul-the-crops-to-town horse.It resulted in a low-maintenance horse with a varied job description, and that lends them very well to a lot of modern jobs, from hitch horse to hunter, she adds.This article about the Haflinger breed appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Breed Portrait: Haflinger appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

I hope he goes down as a legend of our sport, a legend of all time, not only but for his performances but for his character as well. Hes an unbelievable horse to have at home and he thrives on these occasions. Ros CanterIn the past, it could be argued that I was a bit biased towards Lordships Graffalo. In case you didnt know, he was bred at my University and I handled him as a yearling/2 year old before he left for a more professional start to his career.Continue reading Record Breaking win for Lordships Graffalo & ex racehorse completion at Burghley Horse Trials at EquiPepper.

Burleigh showed how so much difference a single mistake makes at the highest level.However Irish breeders must be proud of the results with two in the Top 10 and 6 in the Top 20. As well as these good results, there are lots of nice younger horses coming along in the UK and the USA.The future looks good for Irish breeders.See below the up-to-date results for this week unverified results will be added to next weeks results.Burleigh International (GBR) 3rd 7th September 2025CCI 5* Long3rd Cavalier Crystal (ISH) 2010 mare by Jack of Diamonds (SWB) out of Cavalier Iris (ISH) by Cavalier Royal (HOLST). Breeder: Thomas Horgan (Waterford). Rider: Harry Meade (GBR) 30.5, 0, 2.8 = 33.34th Annaghmore Valoner [ISH] 2012 mare by Coroner (TB) out of Annaghmore Lady Valier [ISH] by Black Walter [ISH]. Breeder: Sinead Healion (Offaly). Rider: Harry Meade (GBR) 29.8, 4, 3.2 = 37.0.Other finishers:12th Cooley Rosalent (ISH) 2014 mare by Valent (KWPN) out of Bellney Jewel (TB) by Roselier (TB). Breeder: J W Rosbotham (Armagh). Rider: Oliver Townend (GBR) 55.213th Ballyneety Rocketman (ISH)[TIH][was Haw Rocket & Ballyneety No Rocket ] 2014 gelding by Diamond Discovery (TB) out of Ballyneety Macrocket (ISH)[TIH] by Errigal Flight (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: James Hickey. Rider: Sam Watson (IRL) 58.614th Ballyneety Silver Service (ISH)[TIH] 2015 gelding by Butlers Cravat (ISH)[TIH]out of Great Island Lady (TB)[IRL] by Great Palm (TB). Breeder: Fiona Hickey (Limerick). Rider: Holly Richardson (GBR) 58.819th Ballyneety Silver Service (ISH)[TIH] 2015 gelding by Butlers Cravat (ISH)[TIH]out of Great Island Lady (TB)[IRL] by Great Palm (TB). Breeder: Fiona Hickey (Limerick). Rider: Holly Richardson (GBR) 76.723rd Deerpairc Revelry (ISH)[was DPS Revelry] 2014 gelding by Hermes De Reve (SF) out of Celerina (AEAS) by Cento (HOLST). Breeder: Dara OMalley (Galway). Rider: Max Warburton (GBR) 83.927th Sixmilewater (ISH) [was Sixmilewater Quality] 2014 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Kelseys Kingdom (ISH)[TIH] by Buster King (TB). Breeder: Denis ORiordan (Cork). Rider: Austin OConnor (IRL) 112.6.West Wilts One Day Event (GBR) 6th 7th September 2025Intermediate Novice Sec M6th Copyright Cooley (ISH)[was Latts Lady] 2012 mare by Lancelot (KWPN) out of Lady Latt (ISH) by Limmerick (HOLST). Breeder: Messrs Clarke & Hanlon (Cavan) Rider: Georgie Goss (GBR) 32.1, 0, 0.0 = 32.17th Rincoola Rex (ISH) 2012 gelding by Jack of Diamonds (SWB) out of Rincoola Holly Berry (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH). Breeder: Harold McGahern. Rider: Esther Webb (GBR) 34.1, 0, 0.0 = 34.18th The Ferryman (ISH) 2014 gelding by Ricardo Z (ZANG) out pf Warrenpoint Lass (TB). Breedwer: Pat McCartan. Rider: Sophie Callard (GBR) 30.5, 4, 0.0 = 34.59th Haddon House Madam Shutterfly (ISH) 2013 mare by Mr Shutterfly (HANN) out of Welcome Lass (ID) by Welcome Flagmount (ID). Breeder: Frank Creaven. Rider: Jenny MacRitchie (GBR) 33.9, 4, 0.0 = 37.9.Open Novice Sec O1st Gorsehill Jack (ISH) 2012 gelding by Jack of Diamonds (SWB) out of Gorsehill Amber (ISH) by VDL Arkansas (KWPN). Breeder: Anne Bannon. Rider: Georgia Stephens (GBR) 27.5, 0, 0.0 = 27.52nd Cooley Incognito (ISH) 2017 gelding by Con Air (HOLST) out of BP Masterpiece (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Greg Broderick. Rider: Andrew Downes (GBR) 28.0, 0, 0.0 = 28.05th Ringfort Heloise du Moulin (ISH) 2016 mare by Cobra 18 (WEWB) out of Moulin Fontaine (ISH) by Alligator Fontaine (SF). Breeder: Harron Eakin Farms. Rider: Andrew Downes (GBR) 33.3, 0, 0.0 = 33.37th Clooncalagy Knight (ISH) -2010 Stallion by Chacoa (HOLST) out of Derron Imp (ISH)[TIH] by Master Imp (TB). Breeder: PatHester Snr. (Roscommon). Rider: Sarah Bessant (GBR) 33.0, 0, 3.6 = 36.6.Novice Sec N1st Cashoo (ISH) 2012 gelding by Cashman (HANN) out of Abbey Arch (HANN) by VDL Arkansas (ISH). Breeder: Harry & Heather Noble. Rider: Louisa Niker (GBR) 30.0, 0, 0.0 = 30.010th Pull Ya Socks Up (ISH) 2014 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Princess Cool Diamond (ISH)[TIH] by Coolcorron Cool Diamond (ISH). Breeder: John Mc Mannus. Rider: Miranda Staveley (GBR) 32.0, 8, 2.0 = 42.0.Novice Sec O2nd The Red Admiral (ISH)[TIH] 2018 gelding by Pointilliste (TB) out of Cushinstown Diamond (ISH)[TIH] by Diamond Rock (ID). Breeder: Simon McCarthy. Rider: Ginny Thomasen (NZL) 34.3, 0, 0.0 = 34.33rd Cragg Boy (ISH) 2019 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Sarah Jane Lass (ISH)[TIH] by Pointilliste (TB). Breeder: Con Sheehan. Rider: Gemma Gurvidi (GBR) 30.3, 4, 0.0 = 34.35th Sportsfield U2 (ISH) 2016 gelding by Warrenstown You 2 (ISH) out of Pas Gist (ISH) by Wenever (HANN). Breeder: Joseph Ryan. Rider: Katie Corbin (GBR) 35.5, 0, 0.0 = 35.58th Shannondale Freddy (ISH) 2016 gelding by Young Loughinvar (ISH)[TIH] out of Lislam Musical Cruise (ISH) by Ghareeb (TB). Breeder: Shannondale Stud. Rider: Elsa Priest (GBR) 36.0, 0, 0.0 = 36.0.Novice Sec P1st Ringfort Victorious (ISH) 2018 gelding by Vittorio (HOLST) out of Lady Portiana (ISH) by Try-Time (KWPN). Breeder: Diane Harron Eakin. Rider: Andrew Downes (GBR) 30.3, 0, 0.0 = 30.35th Baby Im a Star (ISH) 2018 gelding by Ulysses M25 (KWPN) out of Saddle Up Kassey (ISH)[TIH] by Flagmount Diamond (ID). Breeder: Emma OShea. Rider: Emily Shaxson (GBR) 30.3, 0, 12.4 = 42.78th Rockabilly II (ISH)[was Billerough Tyson Two] 2018 gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of Ringwood Poppet (ISH) by Ringwood Harley Carol (ISH). Breeder: Michael Keane. Rider: Rose Nesbitt (GBR) 30.8, 0, 16.8 = 47.6.Five Points Horse Trials (USA) 6th 7th September 2025Open / Intermediate7th Assagart Earl (ISH)[TIH] 2016 gelding by Golden Master (TB) out of Assagart Sapphire (ISH)[TIH] by Flagmount Diamond (ID). Breeder: Mary Margaret Roche. Rider: Gabby Dickerson (USA) 35.7, 1.6, 2.8 = 40.16th Kokoleka (ISH)[was Belline Castle Pacino Candy] 2018 mare by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Castle Pacino (ISH) by Pacino (BWP). Breeder: Noel Ruane. Rider: Kate Brown (USA) 33.4, 4, 5.2 = 42.67th Rollo (ISH)[was Candy Boy] 2017 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Starlight Connie (ISH) by Condios (HOLST). Breeder: Padraig Woods. Rider: Nicholas Beshear (USA) 37.1, 4, 2.8 = 43.910th Wellview Mister Lux (ISH) 2011 gelding by Lux Z (HANN) out of KEC Gloriana (ISH) by Aldatus Z (OLD). Breeder: Pat Williams (Sligo). Rider: Matthew Ulmer (USA) 29.8, 0, 18.0 = 47.8.Intermediate Rider2nd Altaskin Jack (ISH) 2009 gelding by ARS Vivendi (HOLST) out pf Madam Katie (ISH)[TIH] by Master Imp (TB). Breeder: Meta Faulkner. Rider: Megan Hopkins (USA) 31.1, 0.4, 13.2 = 44.7.Open Preliminary1st GoldenEye 007 (ISH)[was Rosco Ranger] 2018 gelding by Goodluck VDL (KWPN) out of Cuffesgrange Sensation (ISH) by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD). Breeder: Joe Connaughton. Rider: Heather Bush (USA) 22.4, 0, 3.6 = 26.03rd Glen Future (ISH) 2019 mare by Future Trend (OLD) out of Future Girl (ISH) by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD). Breeder: Anthony Gill. Rider: Daniel Clasing (USA) 27.6, 0, 0.0 = 27.64th Cooley Cadence (ISH) 2016 gelding by Caricello (HOLST) out of Starry Eyes [ISH] by Star Kingdom (ID). Breeder: Catherine Moynagh. Rider: Erin Murphy (GBR) 27.6, 0.4, 0.0 = 28.08th Fernhill B Good (ISH) 2015 gelding by Ramiro B (BWP) out of Rigina (KWPN) by Lord de Lux (HOLST). Breeder: Richard Irwin (Tyrone). Rider: Caitlin Romeo (USA) 24.8, 2.4, 5.2 = 32.4.Preliminary Rider8th HSH Bangarang (ISH)[was Rossdarragh Shotgun & Rossdaragh Sportsfield Dancer] 2018 gelding by Udancer Hero (KWPN) out of Brockagh Courage (ISH) by Courage II (HOLST). Breeder: Denis Delaney. Rider: Austin Skeens (USA) 38.6, 8.4, 0.4 = 47.4.Open Modified5th CSI Global (ISH)[TIH][was BGK Ditto] 2015 gelding by Carrick Diamond Lad (ISH)[TIH] out Shanbo Impel (ISH)[TIH] by Master Imp (TB) Breeder: Shanbo Stud. Rider: Madison Chisholm (USA) 30.2, 0, 0.0 = 30.26th Cooley All In (ISH) 2018 gelding by Chello III VDL (HOLST) out of Lady Glider (ISH) by Kroongraaf (KWPN). Breeder: Martin Duffy. Rider: Will Faudree (USA) 34.8, 0, 0.0 = 34.87th Ardeo Taycan (ISH)[was Keays Gaston la Caox & Ballinagore Zest] 2018 gelding by Castlecomer Q (ISH) out of Ballinagore Spirit (ISH) by Lancelot (KWPN). Breeder: Patrick McDonnell. Rider: Will Faudree (USA) 38.8, 0, 0.0 = 38.8.Flora Lea Horse Trials (USA) 6th 7th September 2025Open Preliminary3rd HSH Cruising Spirit (ISH)[TIH][was Cruising Alone] 2019 mare by Spirit House (TB) out of Amazon Cruise (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Thomas Jones. Rider: Cyril Chatel (FRA) 33.7, 2, 0.4 = 36.14th Jacko M (ISH) 2019 gelding by Mallito (BWP) out of HHS Athena (ISH) by Heritage Fortunus (HANN). Breeder: Susanne Macken. Rider: Shannon Lilley (USA) 35.0, 0, 4.8 = 39.87th After Hours (ISH)[was MBF After Hours] 2019 mare by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Mystic Touch (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH). Breeder: Raymond Kelly. Rider: Cyril Chatel (USA) 39.2, 4.4, 6.0 = 49.6.Strzegom International (POL) 4th 7th September 2025CCI 4* Short 8 & 9 Year olds5th Tullibards You Make Me Feel Good (ISH) 2016 gelding by Beowolf (ISH) out of Padraighs Pet (ISH)[TIH] by Nazar (TB)[IRL]. Breeder: James Fenlon. Rider: Katia Weimann (AUS) 35.7, 4, 17.8 = 57.3.CCI 2* Short9th Brookwood Supersable (ISH) 2015 mare by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Brookwood First Lady (ISH) by Captain Clover (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Pat Duffy. Rider: Cala Brunner (SUI) 35.6, 4, 3.6 = 43.2.Perote International (MEX) 29th 31st September 2025CCI 2* Long4th Balanca SDN (ISH)[was Daleston Castlebar HFS] 2013 gelding by Clover Echo (ISH)[TIH] out of Bornacoola (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Robert Fisk. Rider: Bischel Hernandez Sanchez (MEX) 35.8, 0.4, 0.0 = 36.2.These results have been provided to Horse Sport Ireland by Charlie Ripman,These results are funded by Horse Sport Ireland.The post Irish bred horses leap up the board after Cross Country at the 5* Defender Burleigh appeared first on .

I hope he goes down as a legend of our sport, a legend of all time, not only but for his performances but for his character as well. Hes an unbelievable horse to have at home and he thrives on these occasions. Ros CanterIn the past, it could be argued that I was a bit biased towards Lordships Graffalo. In case you didnt know, he was bred at my University and I handled him as a yearling/2 year old before he left for a more professional start to his career.Continue reading Record Breaking win for Lordships Graffalo & ex racehorse completion at Burghley Horse Trials at EquiPepper.

Moloney, McGuane and Duffy enter three-star winners circleSpruce Meadows must feel like a second home to Jordan Coyle given the level of success the Ardmore native has enjoyed at the famed Canadian venue this year and he added to his impressive tally with another couple of five-star victories in Alberta in the past few days.Coyle joined forces with his old pal, For Gold to get the show on the road at the Masters on Wednesday night, racking up an eighth five-star triumph of the year together and a seventh at Spruce Meadows, when blitzing to victory over 74 other rivals in the TELUS Cup, a 1.50m speed.They were also victorious at Hickstead and are a partnership that have helped the elder Coyle sibling rise to No 34 in the world rankings, one of seven Irish athletes in the top 35 an astounding representation.Jordan Coyle embarks on a lap of honour with For Gold after their five-star triumph at Spruce MeadowsFalkirk Farms 14-year-old gelding had more than half the field of 75 still to come when he had navigated the 13 jumping efforts in the International Ring in a time of 57.16 but the closest to them was Sanne Thijssen (NED) who stopped the clock on 57.47 with Cupcake Z.Kara Chad gave the home support something to shout about in third, with Corinna Z clear in 58.66.He only jumped two shows since he left, Coyle said of For Gold. But the plan was to bring him back here I didnt go fast on him. Thats not him going fast at all. So it was surprising that (the time) held up, to be honest.He hasnt done a jump, a pole on the ground, since Dublin, which was a little over two weeks ago. Today he felt amazing. I think he was happy to be back here.Look, pressure is every day. Its probably one of my better assets, maybe, is I dont think too much about the pressure. It doesnt really come into it. Every day I want to win, every day I want to do the best for the horse. Its just the same. Its another day. Luckily, this week theres a little more money than normal.Every day it was like he wanted to win Coyle on For Gold (Photos: Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley)The Derry pilot maintains that his horses know there is something special about Spruce Meadows.America, we dont usually get presentations at all. The first time (For Gold) won the class here this summer, when he went in for the presentation, he really lit up. Every day, it was like he wanted to win. He got into it. I really think its the atmosphere. Hes a little bit older, he needs something to look forward to.When I got him (two years ago), he was good from the start. He was good before I got him. These classes, he can do them so easily. In the summer, he jumped four days a week, every week. When he went home, the vets said hes better now than when he went to the show. Today, he felt amazing. I think he was happy to be back here.Coyle backed it up with success in the Paramount Resources Cup on Friday night, this time securing the honours in a jump-off on Falkirk Farms Action T.The duo were joined by Bertram Allen and Huricane de Champloue in the tiebreaker for the 1.45m class but the Wexford athletes eight-year-old had a rail down and they had to settle for fifth. Allen would go on to finish sixth in the subsequent 1.60m Tourmaline Oil Cup with Pacino Amiro.Coyle and Action T (above) were brilliant however, leaving all the fences intact and just edging out Britains Charlie Jones and Capitale 6 with a time of 37.91, compared to the runners-ups 38.22.On Sunday night, Tom Wachman followed up his tremendous double clear in the Nations Cup by bagging the silver medal in the Suncor Cup with Do It Easy.With faults converted to time, Wachman and his 12-year-old gelding were actually the quickest clear round in the 1.50m class and took the lead with a time of 81.48.It withstood the attempts of a third of the field but there is just no stopping Richard Vogel right now and the German and Phenyo van het Keysersbos could actually afford to have a rail down and still take more than three seconds off Wachmans time, registering 78.16.It still rounded off another very good week for the 20-year-old Tipperary man, who recently graduated from college, where he was studying commerce.Richie Moloney and Skelwith Diamond Lady on the way to victory at Traverse CityRichie Moloney continued the North American success for Irish riders with a three-star two-phase triumph at Traverse City on Skelwith Diamond Lady. The pair had just four-hundredths of a second to spare to get their week off to an excellent startThe Kilkenny rider got the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament off to the ideal start by coming out on top of a 39 other combinations along with his consistent mare in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring.It was almost as close as you can get however, with the timers stopping in Moloneys favour on 32.84 seconds, the tiniest of fractions quicker than Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen (USA) aboard Mochito vd Mishagen.Richie Moloney and Skelwith Diamond Lady win the MunySunk CSI3* Two-Phase in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring (Photos: Traverse City Media Megan Giese)Philip McGuane and Michael Duffy were both victorious at the HITS Hudson Valley show in Augerties.McGuane landed the spoils in the Winning Round class with My Lady van de Krekel. The duo were quickest in the jump-off, going clear in 32.55, just under half a second faster than Nayel Nassar (EGY) with Coronado. Duffy was fourth with RMF Balouwinsky.McGuane would then finish runner-up to World No 1, Kent Farrington (USA) in Saturdays $125,000 three-star Grand Prix, with just eight-hundredths of a second separating the top two.Only three double clears were recorded in the Douglas Elliman GP Stadium, with course designer Alan Wade building what Farrington described as a proper course that separated the field.McGuane and the 11-year-old Orphea HQ excelled, jumping a flawless round once more in a time of 39.2 seconds but Farrington and Grass de Mars found the tiniest fraction more to snatch the winners prize from the Clare pilots grasp.Michael Duffy brought the curtain down on his first visit to Saugerties to in memorable style by scoring in the HITS Grand Prix on Sunday.Nine combinations emerged from the opening round but the jump-off really sorted them out and when the dust settled, it was the Galwegian and the diminutive grey stallion, RMF Clinton Son standing tallest, recording a second clear in 33.844 seconds to prevail by almost a full second from Sarah Segal (USA) and Tom Hanks.Ive had him a good few years, Duffy said afterwards. Hes owned by Monica McCourt, whos been a great supporter of mine down through the years. Hes super-fast, hes 13 now, I have him quite a while. Hes like a big pony. Hes a champion happy hacker as well.In the jump-off there was a long seven (strides), one to two, and seven again, two to three, and I went outside and did eight. He jumped a little left, I didnt want to rush him the first couple, and then he was very good at the turn in and back at the double.The post Jordan Coyle doubles up at Spruce appeared first on .

Key Area Details Seasonal Timing Start preparations months in advance for peak performance. Optimize training and grooming schedules for October event. Develop horses' endurance, strength, and flexibility gradually. Training Regimen Follow a consistent yet gradually intensified training schedule. Include small jumps, dressage, and gallop tracks. Seasonal Coat Changes & Clipping Maintain a show-ready coat by clipping 7-10 days before HOYS. Regular clipping throughout the year advised. The Role of Lighting Lighting enhances horse's shine and appearance. Judges can accurately assess conformation and movement. Grooming Techniques Proper clipping for health and appearance. Bathing and conditioning enhances coat shine. Mane and tail care for a polished look. Warming Up and Cooling Down Essential for injury prevention and performance recovery. Data-Driven Insights 12-16 months of training needed; HOYS involves extensive logistics and infrastructure. Conclusion Strategic planning enhances horse's comfort, appearance, and competitive edge. How Seasonal Timing, Lighting, and Grooming Techniques Impact the Performance and Appearance of Show Horses at HOYSAchieving top performance and a stunning appearance at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is not just about chance; it requires meticulous planning and execution in several key areas: seasonal timing, lighting conditions, and grooming techniques. These factors work in harmony to ensure that your horse is physically and visually ready for one of the UK's most prestigious equestrian events held annually at the NEC Birmingham.Understanding the Importance of Seasonal TimingPreparations for such a monumental event often start months in advance. The timing of your horses conditioning and grooming regimen is crucial. This section will delve into how you can optimize training and grooming schedules to ensure peak performance in October.Training Regimen: Building Peak FitnessA well-rounded training regimen is vital. Horses require a consistent yet gradually intensified training schedule to develop endurance, strength, and flexibility. This involves a variety of exercises like small jumps, dressage, and gallop tracks, ensuring that muscles are developed comprehensively but safely. [1]Seasonal Coat Changes & ClippingAs the season shifts to autumn, horses develop thicker coats, which can impact their sleek appearance and performance. Clipping becomes essential for maintaining a show-ready coat. Clipping should ideally be done 7-10 days before HOYS. This timing allows the coat to regrow slightly, offering a more natural and polished look. [5]Year-round Grooming MaintenanceTo ensure a smooth grooming process for the event, regular clipping throughout the year is advised. This includes focusing on areas such as legs and ears. Maintaining a neat mane by thinning, pulling, and training it to lie on one side adds significantly to the horse's neat presentation. [2]The Role of Lighting in PresentationLighting is more than just illumination; it plays a critical role in how your horses appearance and movements are perceived. At HOYS, indoor arenas are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting designed to enhance visibility without overwhelming horses or riders.Enhancing the Horse's ShineGood lighting highlights the shine of the horse's coat and the finesse of grooming practices. Using shine-enhancing products like coat conditioners or sprays helps the horse look its best under bright arena lights. [3]The Judges' PerspectiveProper lighting conditions also allow judges to accurately assess conformation and movement, meaning that impeccable grooming and optimal lighting conditions can positively influence perceived performance quality.Grooming Techniques for Optimal Health and AestheticsGrooming is where preparation and presentation meet. The techniques you use directly affect both your horses welfare and visual appeal.Clipping EssentialsClipping should be performed with the appropriate blades and skill to avoid uneven patches. Doing so 7-10 days before the show balances health with appearance, allowing the coat to regain its natural texture. [5]Bathing and ConditioningBathing and conditioning your horse close to event day can enhance coat shine but should be done so as not to irritate the horse's skin. Proper timing ensures that neither the appearance nor the horse's performance stamina is compromised. [2]Mane and Tail CareMane and tail care are essential steps. Pulling and thinning them ensure a clean outline, while banding the mane to train it to lie correctly provides a polished look. Remember, bands should be removed before entering the show ring.Routine Clipping of Legs and EarsThis ensures a year-round uniform look and adds to the horse's polish on the day of the event.Warming Up and Cooling DownWarming up and cooling down are vital grooming-related practices. Besides aiding in injury prevention, they assist in performance recovery, ensuring that horses maintain their physical readiness for competition. [1]Data-Driven Insights for Horse Show PreparationPreparing a horse for an event as significant as HOYS requires structured planning. It takes up to 12-16 months of dedicated physical and mental training to reach the peak safely. The sheer size and scale of the event come with logistics that involve over 1,800 tonnes of advanced surface material for optimized footing. [3]Conclusion: Elevate Your Horse's Performance at HOYSBy strategically combining thoughtful conditioning, diligent grooming, and a clear understanding of the show environments lighting, handlers and riders can significantly enhance their horses comfort, appearance, and competitive edge at HOYS. These efforts reflect the events status as the pinnacle of equestrian display and athleticism.References for Further InformationExplore more about Horse Show Preparation, Grooming Practices, and Logistical Insights into HOYS Infrastructure for better understanding and preparation: Horse Show Preparation Tips Training, Nutrition, and Readiness Grooming and Clipping Best Practices for HOYS Logistical Insights into HOYS Infrastructure & Surface Preparation HOYS 2025 Official Rulebook Show Preparation and Grooming PracticesFor equestrian enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance, exploring collections like Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection can offer the right apparel to match the effort you put into your preparation.```html```

The National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics (NAEAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of new officers and one new board member whose terms began at the 2025 NAEAA Annual Meeting, held at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, in June.NAEAA Board of DirectorsChair: Grey Parks, MS, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (2019)Vice Chair: Jessica Suagee-Bedore, PhD, Sam Houston State University (2021)Secretary: Jessica Suagee-Bedore, PhD, Sam Houston State University (2021)Treasurer: Lena Luck, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2022)Leslie Janecka, BS, Kentucky Equine Management Program (KEMI) (2016)Betsy Greene, PhD, University of Arizona (2021)Karl Hoopes, DVM, Utah State University (2021)Aubrey Jaqueth, PhD, Wright State University (2022)Crystal Smith, EdD, West Virginia University (2022)Katheryn Cerny, PhD, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (2023)Michelle Kibler, PhD, Illinois State University (2023)Danielle Smarsh, PhD, Penn State University (2023)Jennie Ivey, PhD, University of Tennessee (2025)Advisors to the NAEAA Board also include co-founders Karin Bump, PhD, and Tim Williams, MBA, as well as preceding chair, Sara Mastellar, PhD, Ohio State ATI (2020).Founded in 2007, NAEAA is a nonprofit professional organization representing individuals from public and private institutions and the equine industry that strive to educate undergraduates within an equine academic program. The core belief of the organization is that there is educational and societal value in the equine disciplines of study. The mission is to strengthen post-secondary equine academic programs, provide networking opportunities, and facilitate increased cooperation and information sharing among our members. More information about NAEAA can be found at naeaa.com.

Rehabbing malnourished horses can be wrought with challenges (but also rewards)Neglected horses can suffer serious health issues from prolonged lack of care and proper nutrition. Their rescuers carefully treat these issues and get these animalsoften literallyback on their feet. Its rarely an easy process, and our sources say its often fraught with uncertainty.Weve gone to three equine rescues to learn about their memorable rehabilitation cases. Some dont survive despite the veterinarians best efforts. Others look like they wont make it but pull off miraculous recoveries. And while many rehabilitated horses deal with lifelong consequences, occasionally youll get one who recovers without a trace of her past. Lets meet these horses and learn about the efforts made to save them from neglect.Sansa the Miracle FillyA scrawny palomino Quarter Horse yearling and her herdmates were suffering from severe malnutrition when authorities seized them from deep in the Appalachian foothills and placed them in the care of Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, in Shoals, West Virginia. Their body condition scores fell between 1 and 2 out of 9, and they all had heavy parasite loads and long winter coats in summer due to metabolic issues from the neglect, says Tinia Creamer, the rescues founder and executive director.The fillys case was particularly extreme. Her tendons were so contracted from malnutrition that they arched forward, she says. It was shocking.Fragile and unable to walk properly, Sansa couldnt travel with her herdmates to the rescues refuge three hours away. She had to be boarded locally with a foster caregiver, Creamer says. I didnt think she could ever be comfortable or that it was possible to reverse the damage shed endured, says Sansas treating veterinarian, Clara Mason, DVM. Euthanasia seemed to be the only humane choice because it was unlikely she was going to survive, and she was suffering.Worse, Sansa had an aggressive case of pneumonia and went into liver failure. For me it seemed clear: This horse needed to be put down, says Creamer.But Sansa didnt seem ready to give up the fight. Her foster caretaker told Heart of Phoenix, Shes up; shes fighting, Creamer recalls. In my 12-year experience with rescued horses, that alone honestly doesnt tell me a lot. But we went ahead and body-clipped her and decided to give her a few days to see what would happen.In those few days Sansas legs began showing signs of straightening. Within three weeks they looked perfectly normal, she was walking soundly, and the rescues farrier could begin corrective trimming. Around the same time her pneumonia resolved, and her liver function went back to normal. Her treatment? Basic care, antibiotics, free-choice fresh grass hay, and mineral supplements. Severely malnourished horses are in desperate need of high-quality loose mineralsin particular, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, says Creamer, who adds that shes had a good success rate rehabilitating horses with body conditions of 1. Whereas you might feed alfalfa in many cases to help horses shore up on calcium, she says youre better off providing loose minerals to malnourished horses; those are what these horses typically seek first when given a choice of feed, hay, water, and loose minerals.Two years later Sansa, whod transformed into a shiny, golden, well-muscled young mare with a flowing flaxen mane and tail, wowed the crowds at the 2018 Appalachian Trainer Face Off with trainer Brenda Hanson. She was adopted for a record fee of $8,000, Creamer says. Her new owner has since adopted Sansas sirea survivor from the same cruelty caseand they live peacefully together on hilly green pastures in West Virginia.Polly, a Persistent SpiritThis is the story of the rescue pony that got under the treating veterinarians skin. Polly arrived at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary veterinary clinic, in Hapton, Norfolk, England, after charity workers convinced her owner she needed veterinary care. Polly had severe diarrhea, and her tail was soiled so heavily her dock was covered in ulcerated burn lesions, says Nicolas de Brauwere, MRCVS, Redwings senior welfare veterinarian. The acidic diarrhea also ravaged the skin on both back legs, leaving them raw and painful, he says. The tail had been burned so severely and for so long that the flesh had died. De Brauwere saw only one solution: amputation. We had to leave her with a stumped tail, he says.During Pollys clinic stay, veterinarians gave her antibiotics and cortisone to stabilize her gut cell membranes to control her diarrhea. She also underwent carefully controlled anthelmintic treatment to relieve her severe intestinal parasite burden without causing colic. And Polly began to improve. She ate several small rations of water-soaked fiber pellets per day, with gradually added ration balancers as well as intravenous vitamins and minerals, and she started to gain weight. Eventually, she was able to consume the vitamins and minerals in her meals and, as she improved, she started to show more of her true personality. She was sweet and cute, de Brauwere says, pulling at her primary treating veterinarians heartstrings. When Polly left Redwings to return to her owners care, the team believed shed been saved from the worst.Unfortunately, a few years later, an individual reported a thin horse tethered to a hedge. A Redwings field officer immediately recognized the pony with the stumpy tail as Polly. She arrived back at the clinic emaciated, weak, dirty, and once again suffering from severe diarrhea.It was heartbreaking to see this sweet girl come back in just as bad a state as the last time, or worse, de Brauwere says. She was very sick, with open sores from hips to hocks from constant diarrhea.The veterinary team gave it all they had when treating Polly, de Brauwere says. Each time they administered antibiotics and corticosteroids, she would respond for a day or two, then get worse. It was this cycle of lurching backward and forward in her recoverybut with each cycle she lurched backward more.Pollys vets even tried stabilizing her gut with slow-drip purified plasma transfusionsa risky process that can cause anaphylactic shock if not done with utmost care and regular checking of vital signsto put proteins back in the blood. But that didnt work. Then they attempted a fecal transfaunation, a technique that involves transplanting fecal material from a healthy horse into the unhealthy horses gut via a tube. That didnt work, either. Despite Pollys progressively declining condition, she continued to have an appetite and a positive attitude, greeting her caretakers every day with perked ears and an eager nicker. Poor girl, de Brauwere says. She wanted food, and she had that va va voom spirit about her. But she was a stinky, sorry pony. Malnourished horses often reek of the telltale smell of digestive disease, says de Brauwere. Likely related to major alterations in the gut microbiome, shifts in pH balance, and even bowel tissue death, the odor seems to emanate from their feces and intestinal gases, as well as their breath and skin, he explains. Diseased digestive tissue is sloughing off inside them, and then theyre digesting that, so it just gets into their entire circulatory system and their whole body.These horses suffer what I call the Unholy Trinityworms, no food, and licecreating a vicious cycle, he adds. The parasites thieve blood and nutrients from an animal thats already not consuming enough to feed itself, which can cause irreversible damage, in some cases, to the horses intestines.Thats probably what happened to Polly, says de Brauwere. Her health continued to decline dramatically. After several months of continuous efforts, her dedicated veterinary team made the difficult decision to euthanize her. Their post-mortem examination reassured them that they had made the right decision. Her bowels were permanently damaged, de Brauwere says. Theyd lost all their normal soft elasticity and were five times thicker than they should have been, with the lining long gone. They looked like a washed-up jellyfish. Most likely, her first episode of severe diarrhea had wreaked havoc, he says. Then with a further bout of neglect, that just seemed to push whatever gut she had left over the edge. Pollys case highlights an important issue in the rehabilitation of malnourished horses, he adds. When horses respond to treatment on the outside, how do we know what percent of healthy gut they have on the inside? he asks. While ultrasound and exploratory surgeries might provide some insight, these techniques havent been tested in rescue rehab cases and arent always practical. If scientists could develop a test for blood markers, de Brauwere says it could help vets identify victims of neglect that are less likely to respond to treatment, earlier in the process. Polly is a sad example that their willingness to live and their positive attitude arent necessarily reliable indicators that a horse is going to pull through, he says.Shamrock: Touch and Go Go GoA few days before Christmas one year, Jennifer Williams, PhD, executive director of Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, in College Station, Texas, got a call about four severely malnourished horses that concerned citizens had reported to the authorities. Their owner was just in over his head and way too stretched financially, says Williams, a victim of circumstances who was actually glad to see us arrive to take the horses into our care.He gave the horses hay and feed, she says, but not nearly enough. Williams association didnt have room for more horses. But it was Christmas, she recalls. What were we supposed to do?With heavy worm burdens and body scores of 1 to 2 out of 9, the four horses loaded into the Bluebonnet trailer. One went down and died during the short trailer ride to the refuge; another died in a vet clinic within days of arrival. Of the two survivors, one was a 6-year-old half-Arabian bay pinto mare. Unlike many rescue horses, this little mare showed no fear of humans, and she clearly had had some basic training. It was obvious that someone in her life had really loved her and cared for her, she says. But Shamrockas her foster family named herwas emaciated and weak at the time of her rescue. She was losing fluids and nutrients rapidly through persistent diarrhea. Within days of her arrival at Bluebonnet, she needed hospitalization and intravenous fluids, says Williams. Eventually, her condition deteriorated to the point that she had to be supported in a sling to stay on her feet. She kept going down, then getting back up again, she says. It was really touch-and-go. At one point, they feared she might have salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal disease caused by Salmonella infection, but veterinary exams ruled that out. It was just the effects of malnutrition, says Williams. Shamrock eventually started to improve. She could eat handfuls of grass hay and soon was consuming small rations of senior pellet feed (which is easier to eat, says Williams) multiple times a day.While the progress was encouraging, progress doesnt mean a malnourished horse is out of the woods, she says. There are so many rehabilitating horses who look like theyre improving, and then they crash, she says. Were not sure why, but they do. For Shamrock, we just never knew if she was about to crash or not.Little by little, Shamrock continued to recover. Over about four months she was able to process larger meals, more spaced out over the day, until she finally reached an appropriate weight.Williams sent Shamrock to a trainer who thought shed make a great hunter prospect. But ultimately, Shamrock found her niche in barrel racing, she says. You always have to let the horse tell you what it wants to do.Shamrocks trainer enjoyed their barrel racing events together so much that she kept her, says Williams. Shamrock is much beloved by her adopter and is really living the best life now, she says. Theres so much sadness in rescue, mixed with anger, and you can feel the judgment creeping in, Williams says, recalling the day she arrived at that barren, rocky rural Texas field where Shamrock and her herdmates were sick and starving. But our job isnt to judge. Our job is to get the horses out. To Williams surprise, Shamrock has never had digestive issues again. Horses are so fragile, both emotionally and physically, and they often have lasting consequences of their abuse and neglect, she says. For Shamrock, though, youd just never guess that this mare was once at deaths door. Her recovery has been amazing, with no lingering issues at all.Take-Home MessageRehabilitating malnourished horses isnt just a matter of feeding them. Its a delicate back-and-forth process that includes many experience-based decisions, as well as a lot of luck, our sources say. They dont always make it but, when they do, with the skill and patience of dedicated rescue staff and trainers, they can become phenomenal horses that rise well above any shadows of past misery. This article was originally published in the November 2020 issue of The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care.

Elizabeth LordanAFA Farrier Certification in Colombia 2025: This is what hard work looks like.On September 4th and 5th, 2025, the American Farriers Association held a horseshoeing certification in Pereira, Colombia. Organized by Dr. Edward Daniel Calle, CJF TE, this was the first AFA Farrier Certification held in Colombia in since 2015. The success of the candidates was a testament to the dedication of the participants and the instructors that have worked tirelessly to bring farrier education to Colombia in the last 10 years.In much of Latin America, hoof care and farriery is a trade that is passed by word of mouth from generation to generation with minimal structure and no established standard of care. These are also countries with large numbers of working equids that depend on their feet. Colombia is aiming to set the bar for Latin American farrier education.Dedicated Instructors Elevating EducationThe dream to establish farrier training and education in Colombia began with Dr. Edward Daniel Calle CJF TE and Ivan Gomez, CJF TE. Dr. Calle completed farrier training in Spain while Ivan Gomez attended farrier school in the United States. Both returned to Colombia start the first two farrier programs in Colombia in the early 2000s. With the help of Steve Sermerschein, CJF TE AWCF, these programs began to grow. Since then, a few other schools have been established. Dr. Jorge Sanchez CJF TE FE began teaching in 2019 and recently established a program dedicated to learning forging technique. All three farriers have sought the highest levels of farrier education available through the AFA. This has enabled them to excel as instructors in Colombia.What it Takes to TeachThe AFA has a 5-tier certification system in which participants achieve a qualification like Certified Farrier or Certified Journeyman Farrier based on the degree of the difficulty of their examination. Each examination has three parts: written (anatomy, physiology and pathology), blacksmithing demonstration (shoe modification or creation) and a live horse demonstration. The examination system is well-established and widespread in the United States and Canada. AFA certification has received a lot of interest in Latin America in recent years. This recent Colombian Certification not only had participants from Colombia, but several others traveled from Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Chile showing the potential for the growth of the project in those countries.AFA Farrier Certification is difficult, and success requires resilience and determination. All of these Colombian instructors have been able to cultivate a mentality of dedication and hard work in their students over the years as they have worked for this 2025 Certification.At this Certification, Colombia had some of the highest passing rates that the AFA has recorded. Those that passed did so with high scores on the written exam and impressive demonstrations of practical ability.AFA Supporting Farrier Education in Latin AmericaThe AFAs International Outreach Committee (IOC) is different than many traditional development projects in that it seeks to train an existing population of farriers to a higher standard with the goal of expanding the network of trained farriers. The IOC focuses on education and creating a self-sustaining, multiplying effect rather than providing one-time trimming services. The Colombia project is a perfect example of how training educators creates a lasting effect for people and horses in a country or region. Based on a small survey done at this Certification, a full-time Colombian farrier will travel anywhere from 10- 50+km from their home and maintain between 100-250 horses per year on a recurring schedule in their practice. We currently have projects in Mexico, Colombia and Cuba that we are looking to support. Funds are invested in the American Farriers Association Foundation with the goal of sustaining support for these projects for years to come.For more information on this project and information on how to make a tax-deductible donation please visit: https://americanfarriersfoundation.org/areas-of-support/international-outreach/