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

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) would like to remind breeders and owners to be vigilant for sycamore poisoning (atypical myopathy) this autumn/winter period. There is a fatality rate of 75% 90% with sycamore poisoning, early veterinary intervention is important for survival rates. The onset of the toxin induced disease, which impacts muscle metabolism, can rapidly become fatal.During the autumn/winter, these helicopter seeds fall from the trees and can be carried by the wind over considerable distances.Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns that your horse may have ingested seeds and displays the following symptoms: Stiffness Reluctance to move Depression Muscle tremors Sweating Weakness Lethargy Difficulty/laboured breathing Reluctance to work Red or brown urine Choke Colic Low head carriage Fast or irregular heartbeat CollapseHSI recommend the following to reduce the risk of poisoning:Regularly check for fallen seedsFence off areas where sycamore seeds are likely/typically fallTurn horses out for short periods each dayKeep younger horses furthest away fromsycamore treesProvide extra forage (hay/haylage) especially where grass coverage is poorReducing stocking density to facilitate good grazing for each horseEnsure horses have access to fresh drinking water and arent drinking from streams/ponds/troughs under treesThe post Warning regarding Sycamore Poisoning (atypical myopathy) this autumn/winter period appeared first on .

These equids differ from horses in both their nutritional and management needsMinis are versatile and excel in disciplines including halter, jumping in-hand, hunter in-hand,obstacles, and driving. | Adobe stockMiniature Horses, donkeys, and mules might resemble horsesbut they dont eat, think, or thrive like them. Managing these equids means thinking differently compared to having horses. From nutrition and metabolism to behavior and handling, they need care that fits their unique biology.A Look at Miniature HorsesMiniature Horses (Minis) are the smallest horse breed in the world. The American Miniature Horse Association sets the maximum height for Minis at 34 inches, measured at the base of the last mane hairs, and adult Minis typically weigh 150 to 250 pounds.Feeding and Nutrition for Miniature HorsesAshley Fowler, MS, PhD, director of research at Kentucky Equine Research, in Versailles, says Miniature Horses love to eat; therefore, it is easy for owners to overfeed (them), especially if they are used to feeding full-size horses.Minis should maintain an ideal body condition of 5 on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system. Most Mini owners either overestimate or underestimate their Minis body weight, says Fowler. I usually eyeball their weights, she says. Because weight tapes can be unreliable and barns dont commonly have scales, she recommends a useful calculation for body weight based on body length and girth measurement:Estimated body weight (lbs) = (9.36 x girth measurement in inches) + (5 x body length in inches) 348.5.There has been very little research done on Miniature Horses, Fowler continues. Therefore, the feeding recommendations are based on the standards for other equine, balanced with experience in working with Minis. Ideally, Minis should consume 1.5 to 2.0% of their body weight in forage daily. If a Mini weighs 200 pounds, that would translate to 3.0 pounds of hay per day. Just like their larger relatives, working and lactating Minis have higher nutritional demands and need to consume as much as 3% of their body weight in forage daily.Because of the small amount of hay recommended for Minis, Fowler strongly suggests weighing hay to ensure you are not over- or underfeeding your Mini, emphasizing that each horse should be fed as an individual based on his specific needs.Feeding and ObesityIn terms of mineral, vitamin, and protein requirements for Minis, Fowler says, They are the same as large-breed horses, just adjusted for differences in body weight. A vitamin-mineral supplement or ration balancer can be offered that will not interfere with caloric content. In addition, she says Minis have the propensity to become obese. They should not have free access to graze lush pasture grasses or be fed hays high in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC).Obesity increases the risk of your Minis susceptibility to a syndrome called hyperlipemia (elevated fat concentration in the plasma). Fowler says this condition happens when fat stores are quickly broken down. It occurs when animals go into an energy deficit and mobilize fat, she explains. This can be triggered by lowered feed intake, stress, and disease. Hyperlipemia can be deadly due to the massive amounts of lipids (fats) being released from fat storage sites that can cause dysfunction of major organs if not swiftly caught and treated by a veterinarian.Fowler suggests the best way to prevent obesity in Minis is to avoid oversupplying them with excess energy and causing excessive weight gain. Shannon Pratt Phillips, PhD, PAS, professor in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, agrees and adds, It is easier to keep lean than to have a fat animal to lose weight, so keep them lean in the first place. Exercise will not only keep weight off but can off set any metabolic issues like insulin dysregulation.Training and BehaviorMinis are known for their eager-to-please personalities. The AMHA says Minis are versatile and excel in various disciplines, including halter, jumping in-hand, hunter in-hand, obstacles, and driving. However, dont be fooled by their small stature. They are not a big dog but every inch a real horse and should be treated that way. A badly behaved Mini can be as dangerous as a full-sized horse. Although it might seem like an easy option, do not to manhandle Minis as it might make them more difficult to handle. Train them as you would a big horseteaching them all the fundamentals so they will lead, stand, tie, and pick up all four feet.Miniature Horse Hoof ConsiderationsMark Hirschler, an AFA-certified, 30-year practicing farrier in Charleston, South Carolina, says Minis hooves tend to be harder in comparison to standard horses, therefore they hold up better. I dont shoe Minis. I recommend (hoof) boots if someone really needs them, he adds.Donkeys are highly desert-adapted equids, says Dr. Erin Goodrich. Therefore, they are very effi cient at digesting poor-quality fiber. | Adobe stockUnderstanding DonkeysNutritionally, donkeys differ greatly from horses; theyre highly efficient at digesting poor-quality fiber. As Erin Goodrich, DVM, Dipl. ACVPM (preventive medicine), associate professor of practice and director of veterinary support services at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York, says, Donkeys are highly desert-adapted equids, and that has shaped their nutritional needs.Feeding and NutritionIn the wild, donkeys typically walk long distances for much of the day while foraging primarily on low-energy plants. Donkeys are able to digest higher-fiber forages, what we would typically consider poor nutritional fiber, than horses, says Goodrich. They have a slower gastrointestinal transit time, which allows for increased digestion and absorption.Fowler agrees, adding, They have a greater activity of fiber-digesting bacteria in their hindgut.That said, under most conditions donkeys thrive on a very fibrous grass hay low in NSCs or even barley or wheat straw, says Goodrich. They have evolved to be both browsers and grazers, utilizing shrubs and trees as food when grass is not available.Sometimes donkey owners or barn managers add straw as a forage source. In these cases Fowler recommends donkeys consume up to 25% of their forage intake in clean straw. Straw helps dilute the energy content of the diet while allowing them to eat enough dry matter. Donkeys need to consume less energy per day than horses, when adjusted for body weight, so they should consume less feed.A good average is 1.5% of their body weight in dry forage per day, Fowler says. Dont feed improved pasture like you might feed horses; rather, offer forage with a low energy value so donkeys can eat enough to satisfy their appetite but not become obese.Grazing donkeys on pasture often proves too risky as most pastures are too high in nutritional value to be safe for donkeys, Goodrich says. If donkeys are to be allowed on pasture, it is important that the grasses are allowed to mature and go to seed so that the nutritional value is low then (allow) donkeys access to only small amounts at a time, such as with strip grazing.Donkeys have a different body shape than horses, says Fowler, and owners should use a donkey-specific body condition score scale to maintain ideal condition. (The Donkey Sanctuarys ideal body condition score is 3). An adult donkeys weight ranges from 220 to 1,100 pounds, depending upon breed and age. Fowler suggests using a weight tape specifically designed for donkeys, or The Donkey Sanctuary also has a chart available for estimating body weight based on height at the withers and heart girth (thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk).Donkeys have the unique ability to reabsorb urea that is filtered by their kidneys, Goodrich says. This means they have a much lower crude protein requirement (3.8-7.4%) than that of a mature horse (8-12%). For this reason legumes such as alfalfa do not suit most mature donkeys not in heavy work.Feeding and ObesityFollowing a metabolic pattern similar to Minis, donkeys can easily become obese if you feed them like a horse, and that can result in many unfortunate secondary issues such as donkey metabolic syndrome and laminitis. We need to try our best to mimic their natural environmentthat means providing ample opportunity to exercise, while trickle feeding on highly fibrous low-energy forages, says Goodrich. She also recommends providing them with opportunities to browse on safe trees and shrubs.As with Minis, Goodrich recommends providing donkeys with an appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement or a low-calorie, low-protein ration balancer that does not promote weight gain.Like their small equid relatives, overweight and obese donkeys are highly susceptible to hyperlipemia. When managing your donkeys weight, care should be taken not to crash diet as this will put your donkey at risk, says Fowler. Promote gradual weight loss (no more than 11 pounds/month) by providing appropriate feeds that are low in energy (NSCs) but high in fiber.Training and BehaviorDonkeys need a reason for everything they do. They might appear to be in deep thought, but their comprehension and memory retention is very acute. The Donkey Sanctuary reports that donkeys learn things that are closest to their natural behaviors such as bonding with other donkeys and rolling in the dirt (used for grooming and stress relief). They have a good sense of self-preservation and might be unwilling to do things they perceive as dangerous. Activities unnatural to donkeys include standing and picking up feet or moving away from pressure. Therefore, successfully training a donkey requires understanding what motivates them to learn and building on that motivation.When handling a donkey, you should always be alert because they are extremely agile, Hirschler says. Donkey Hoof Considerations Hoof angles on donkeys are generally more upright, and depending upon footing, the feet wear off more uniformly, says Hirschler. In addition, he says their hoof walls are more dense, making their hooves hold up better to wear compared to horses. Hirschler notes that he sees more white line disease in donkeys than horses, but they do not always become lame from it.Understanding the Long-Ear Hybrid: MulesMules are the hybrid offspring of a male donkey (jack) and female horse (mare). Mules often have the body type of a horse with the ears, mane, and tail of a donkey.Feeding and NutritionThere is little to no nutritional information available for feeding mules, says Fowler. We often see that mules do best when fed more similarly to donkeys. Like donkeys, per body weight, mules have lower energy and protein needs in comparison to horses. However, even though mules are more efficient at digesting poor-quality fiber in comparison to horses of a similar weight and activity level, they are not as efficient as a donkey.Mule owners should provide forage at 1.5 to 2.0% of the individuals body weight daily. Fowler notes that like Minis and donkeys, mules should consume low-NSC hay. Because mules gain weight quickly, again, maintaining an ideal body condition remains important. Fowler says to use a hybrid scale that combines the Henneke system (BCS of 5) with comparisons to the Donkey Scale (BCS of 3). She also recommends using a horse weight table or commercially available weight tape, keeping in mind that the weight tape underestimates a mules body weight.Depending on the mules genetic background, the breed of the dam, and the type and amount of work he does, he might need additional calories if not maintaining body condition and weight on a forage-only diet. Fowler says if he needs additional energy, start by increasing the amount and quality of forage. Offer a more digestible fiber source, such as beet pulp, or a fat source, such as a vegetable oil or stabilized rice bran, to increase the energy needed for weight gain and improved body condition. Concentrate feeds designed for horses should not be used for mules, she says. Feeding high-starch concentrates designed for horses may increase the risk of developing insulin dysregulation in these animals.Make sure to include a vitamin-mineral supplement or ration balancer to meet mules mineral and vitamin needs as well.Getting help from a trainer who undstands mules will help give your mule a solid foundationof training and good handling. | Adobe stockFeeding and ObesityThe biggest risk in feeding mules, along with the other equids discussed, is oversupplying energy and causing weight gain and obesity, says Fowler. She also stresses that mules, like Minis and donkeys, are prone to develop the same metabolic issues, so owners should follow the same preventive measures.Training and Mule BehaviorMules tend to take the nonflight behavior of the donkey, which has bearing on their training. They are more likely to stop and think when faced with an issue, say mule trainers. This makes them better problem solvers and quick learners compared to horses and less appreciative of repetition. Getting help from a trainer who knows mules will help give your mule a solid foundation of training and good handling.Hoof Considerations for MulesHirschler, who has worked on mules for over 25 years, says, Like donkeys, mules tend to have more upright angles and denser hoof walls. He mentions that full-sized mules use shoes for carriage driving, going over rough terrain, and some for showing.Take-Home MessageMinis, donkeys, and mules have distinct characteristics that separate them from horses. They are easy keepers with lower energy requirements. They are smart and in some cases need specialized training so they can be handled calmly and safely. It is best to work with a qualified equine nutritionist and trainer or behaviorist to help understand the needs of your unique equids.This article is from the Fall 2025 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

An unvaccinated Standardbred gelding in Clark County, Wisconsin, recently died after contracting West Nile virus (WNV). The horse initially developed clinical signs on Aug. 27, including ataxia, fever, and hyperesthesia.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

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

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

On Sept. 10, a 2-year-old Standardbred filly in Missaukee County, Michigan, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The horse, who was unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on Aug. 20, including recumbency and inability to rise. She was euthanized.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

Ex-racehorses are wonderful athletes and they try their best for you. I hope that this class encourages top riders to ask their local racehorse trainer whether they have a horse that might suit eventing. These were the inspiring words of New Zealand event rider Clarke Johnstone after he pocketed an unprecedented first prize of 45,000 in the inaugural Arena Racing Company Racehorse to Eventer Challenge at Cornbury House Horse Trials.The 38-year-olds partner was Sparky Lad, an Australian-bred Thoroughbred who previously raced successfully on the Flat.This is the biggest prize Ive won during my career, added Clarke, who is a two-time team bronze medallist at World Championships and who finished sixth individually and fourth as a team at the 2016 Olympic Games. The prize is amazing and the initiative is fantastic, so thank you very much to Jayne McGivern, David Howden and Arena Racing Company.Silver-plated horseshoeSparky Lads owner, Tim Boland, runs Limitless Lodge, a leading breaking and pre-training yard just north of Sydney. He pre-trained Sparky and identified him as a horse that could go on to succeed in eventing. Sparky went into training with Chris Waller and he ran more than 30 times and clocked up over AUS$250,000, winning four times and was placed six times.Sparky has such a beautiful mind he is the same every day and tries very hard.Clarke was also awarded the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup, a George III silver perpetual trophy, while Sparky Lad won his weight in KeyFlow horse feed. The winning owner receives the silver-plated horseshoe of a Derby winner. This year, that was the shoe of Golden Horn, who was victorious in 2015 and who is owned by Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud. Jayne conceived and created the ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup alongside David Howden, president and founder of Cornbury House Horse Trials. Second for feisty mareThe 2,000 runner-up prize went to Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy, a mare who is co-owned by Charlie Ainsworth and who ran in a point-to-point and three National Hunt bumpers.Shes very competitive at CCI3* level, but shes not the easiest to ride as shes quite feisty, said Ben. She loves cross-country and is a great jumper. Ive had some extra help with my dressage recently from Douglas Hibbett to polish things up. We got a personal best in the dressage, so that was amazing. Ben was originally sent the mare to train in order to build her confidence over fences.When I jumped her, I thought, Wow, heres a Thoroughbred who wants to go airborne over fences, he said. I did an 80cm clear round with her at the end of the week and she was brilliant, so I said to the owners after that that if they ever wanted her to have another career, I would have her, and now here we are.He was very cheapAlexander Tordoff piloted Louise Heards Jack Randall into third. The grey gelding ran 14 times on the Flat when trained by Tim Easterby and then Iain Jardine.His owner bought him for herself three or four years ago out of a field and having never been over a pole, said Alexander. He was very cheap and hes turned out to be the most lovely, wonderful horse in every way, with a lot of ability and heart.There were 44 starters in the class and many figures from the racing world gathered at Cornbury on Saturday to watch the action. This included Nicky Henderson, Kim Bailey, Ben Pauling and Nico de Boinville. Former Spice Girl Geri Horner and her husband, Chris Horner, were also spotted at the horse trials.Main image of Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad by Peter NixonRelated contentLong-awaited ex-racehorse class worth 45k to the winner gets the green lightProperty director and cheap ex-racehorse make their CCI5* debutEx-racehorses shouldnt carry more than 17% of their bodyweight, says RoRFirst six months of life is a critical period of development in Thoroughbreds, study revealsThe post Kiwi event rider banks 45k for Cornbury win on ex-racehorse with such a beautiful mind appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Description British Dressage Overview Governing body for dressage in the UK, requires membership for competitions, commitment to quality and fair play. Dressage Levels Intro, Preliminary, Novice, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium, Advanced, Grand Prix Dressage Points Points earned at 60% score, awarded for wins/placings, distinct for horse and rider, Bronze/Silver/Gold sections Scoring Score 0-10 scale, half marks, percentage calculation, collective marks for pace, impulsion, submission, and rider's effectiveness Mistakes & Deductions First error: -2 marks, Second error: -4 marks (total 6), Third error: possible elimination, other infringements may lead to deductions Good Dressage Score 65-70% is good, above 70% is excellent; elite levels aim for 70-80% Progression Criteria Points accumulation, level/section thresholds, effective transition Tips for Success Consistent training, rule familiarity, feedback utilization, enjoyment of the process Understanding British Dressage Eligibility: Points, Scores, and Sections ExplainedDressage, often referred to as "horse ballet", is an exquisite display of harmony and precision between horse and rider. In the UK, the framework for this sport is managed by British Dressage (BD), which oversees the scoring and progression in affiliated competitions. Whether you're just getting started or are a seasoned competitor, grasping the nuances of eligibility, points, scores, and sections is crucial for triumphing in this elegant sport. This blog unravels each component with authoritative and clear information rooted in the latest rules and best practices.What is British Dressage?British Dressage serves as the national governing body for dressage in the UK. It orchestrates affiliated competitions ranging from grassroots to international levels, providing a well-charted path for riders and horses to advance. Participation mandates membership for both horse and rider, accompanied by a shared commitment to quality and fair play.How Dressage Levels WorkThe dressage levels organized by British Dressage progress from Intro to Grand Prix, offering a structured path for adeptness development: Intro: Basic movements, perfect for beginners. Preliminary: Builds on the basics learned. Novice: Incorporates more technical elements. Elementary: Puts more demand on horse and rider. Medium: Features more advanced movements. Advanced Medium: Adds further complexity. Advanced: Nears international standards. Grand Prix: The ultimate echelon, as seen at the Olympics.This system enables riders to gradually develop skills, ensuring readiness for the rigors at each level.Understanding Dressage PointsPoints represent a pivotal facet of the British Dressage system. The accumulation of points is vital for elevation: Awarded Points: Earned by achieving at least 60% in tests at or above the Preliminary level. Points from Wins/Placings: Vary by competition and level, adding up with success. Distinct Points for Horse and Rider: Allowing individual progress even if the pair isn't equally prepared. Sections with Bronze, Silver, and Gold: Designed for equitable competition.This point system ensures that progression is based on performance rather than mere attendance.The Role of Sections: Bronze, Silver, and GoldBritish Dressage delineates competitors into three sections at each level based on accumulated points: Section Experience Level Purpose Bronze Beginners or inexperienced at the level Ensures fair competition for novices Silver More experienced at the level Heightens the challenge Gold Competent or experienced riders on less-progressed horses Sets the highest standard within the level These sections, though judged together, are placed separately to foster equitable progression without being outclassed.How Dressage Tests Are ScoredDuring a dressage test, judges allocate marks for each movement using a 0-10 scale. Here's what each score means: Score Meaning Description 0 Not performed Movement not executed 1 Very bad 2 Bad 10 Excellent Exceptional harmony, precision, and quality Finer distinctions are made using half marks. The total from individual movements and collective marks are converted into a percentage to determine the score.Collective MarksJudges award collective marks post individual movement evaluation for overall pace, impulsion, submission, and rider's effectiveness. These metrics emphasize the partnership between horse and rider, a key aim of dressage.What Happens If You Make a Mistake?Errors lead to deductions: First Course Error: 2 marks deducted Second Error: An additional 4 marks (total 6) Third Error: Possible elimination (judges discretion) Other Infringements: Minor issues like incorrect wear may lead to deductionsWhats Considered a Good Dressage Score?A score between 65-70% is regarded as good, and surpassing 70% is excellent. At premier levels, riders aim for consistent performances in the 70s and 80s, reflecting superior skill and preparation.How Do I Progress Through British Dressage?Advancement is determined by accumulated points and performance: Earn Points: Winning 60% and above in tests at Preliminary fetches points. Point Accumulation: Obligates moving up levels or sections when thresholds are met. Sections: Impeccably facilitate progression without advancing beyond one's capacity.Tips for Success in British Dressage Consistent Training: Master the basics of contact, impulsion, and straightness. Rule Familiarity: Regularly update with the official BD rulebook on tech and dress. Seek Constructive Feedback: Use judges' remarks to refine training. Enjoy the Process: Cultivate the partnership and joy, beyond securing ribbons.ConclusionBritish Dressage establishes a clear and equitable framework for ambitious riders and their horses to elevate their skills progressively. From its structured points system to the inclusive sections, the focus is on maintaining standards and ensuring fair competition. Whether you're embarking on this journey or aspiring to reach the topmost levels, understanding these details equips you with the knowledge to flourish in your dressage endeavors.For more details, explore the official British Dressage rulebook or trustworthy sources such as Horse & Country TV and Horse & Hound, which offer additional insights on scoring, rules, and progressions.```html```

DATES AT A GLANCE AUTUMN 2025 & SPRING SUMMER 20226