I cant tell you how much Ive wanted this, said an emotional Laura Collett after showjumping clear on London 52 at the Agria FEI European Eventing Championships to clinch individual gold.Hes deserved an individual title for so many years, so to finally pull it off the words arent really there, but this is all for him.The British duo picked up 0.4 of a time-fault during their final round but it didnt matter, theyd done all they needed in order to pip Germanys Michael Jung to the title. The latter collected individual silver aboard his Olympic champion FischerChipmunk FRH and led his native country to team gold a seventh European team gold for Germany in total.Dreams come trueIndividual medallists: Laura Collett (gold), Michael Jung (silver) and Tom McEwen (bronze)Britain came to Blenheim Palace as the reigning champions and favourites to win gold, but it was not to be when two team riders crashed out of contention following falls on cross-country day. It left Laura and compatriot Tom McEwen to deliver for a home crowd at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire and thats exactly what they did, in spectacular style, with Tom and JL Dublin taking individual bronze.There are no words to explain [what this horse means to me], said Laura of London 52, the horse who carried her to team gold at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games as well as individual bronze at the latter.Since he first won my first five-star in 2020 [at Pau], I said if he never does anything again, hes done more than I could ever dream of. To think what hes done in those five years [since] is just a dream. I say dreams come true, but I didnt even dream this.Read on to view the top 10 individuals in pictures:Individual gold: Laura Collett and London 52 (27 penalties)The final showjumping phase runs in reverse order of merit and Laura and London 52, as the overnight leaders following a brilliant cross-country performance the previous day, were the last to jump.The tension was palpable as they cantered into the main arena, Michael Jung having just pulled off a clear round meaning that Laura could not afford any fences down.London 52 showed all his class to soar over every fence and clinch the individual title his rider believes he has deserved for such a long time.This tops everything. To come so close [to individual gold] in Paris last year and to come back and have another head-to-head with Mickey [Jung], its what makes this sport so special, said Laura.Im not sure itll ever sink in. There arent enough words to describe what hes done for me and what he means to me. Hes one in a million and I know Ill never get another like him.Its so special to be at a home championship, a local event for me as well, just that in itself felt special this week. Then to be sat on a horse like him and for him to come up with the goods like he has in all three phases is just, I dont know, my vocabulary is not enough.Individual silver: Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH (28.3pens)Michael has won multiple medals, many of them gold, as both a team member and an individual at European and World Championships, as well as several Olympic Games. He is easily the most successful event rider of the modern era, if not of all time, but he says the pressure to pull off a top result never gets any easier.Every championship, every competition, starts with zero. Its always a new game and its a special feeling, said Michael. Paris in France last year, in the amazing view of Versailles, was unbelievable with people going from around the world and so many talking to me about how beautiful it was.Then you come here to England in front of this castle [Blenheim Palace] OK, its not the best looking at the moment [due to the palace being partially wrapped in white mesh due to repairs] its a really great place and we were very lucky with the weather. We had perfect conditions for the cross-country, and also for today with the same conditions for the first rider as well as the last rider. It was an amazing championship and a really special competition.Individual bronze: Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (33pens)Tom McEwen and JL Dublin also pulled off a masterful clear to secure individual bronze.This horse is a former European Champion in his own right, having won individual and team gold with previous rider Nicola Wilson in Switzerland four years ago.Dubs has gone phenomenally well, I couldnt be happier with him, said Tom.Im absolutely delighted for Laura and Im very pleased with my performance and Dubs himself. Hes a pretty chilled character. Amazingly, throughout his whole career, hes never been to Blenheim, so this is a first and hes come out and performed in every single aspect. We had a small mistake in the dressage and that has cost us, but, on the day, we were beaten by two better horses and Im still very happy.4th, Germanys Calvin Bockmann and The Phantom Of The Opera (36.5)At 24, Calvin was the youngest rider contesting these championships and he narrowly missed out on an individual medal by 3.5 penalties. This was his senior team debut, but he is a former European Champion at Pony level and was a team gold medallist in Juniors. He also has a Young Riders team silver to his name.5th, Austrias Lea Siegl on Van Helsing P (36.5)Lea piloted Van Helsing P to finish best of the Austrian contingent in fifth. Their final score is the same as Calvins (36.5), but the latter was closer to the optimum cross-country time, earning him the higher spot on the final scoreboard.Lea studied history, philosophy and psychology at university in Linz and she rides for the armed forces. Her father, Harald, has also represented Austria in eventing, including at the 2004 Olympic Games, and Lea remembers him competing in the European Championships held at Blenheim in 2005.6th, Frances Alexis Goury on JeVall (46.7)Alexis finished best of the French team in sixth, as well as leading his nation to team bronze, aboard JeVall, an 11-year-old grey stallion.7th, Belgiums Lara De Liedekerke-Meier on Hooney DArville (47.7)Lara became the first Belgian rider to win a CCI5* at Luhmuhlen 2024 on Hooney DArville, a 12-year-old homebred mare. Together they finished seventh here at Blenheim, concluding what was Laras 13th appearance on Belgiums senior squad. Last year she finished 13th individually at the Paris Olympics riding a different horse, Origi.8th, Germanys Jerome Robine on Black Ice (48)The third German rider to finish inside the top 10 and secure Germanys convincing team gold was 27-year-old Jerome aboard Black Ice, the same horse on whom he finished seventh individually at the 2023 Europeans.Jerome is based at Warendorf and his family has a breeding yard in Darmstadt. He rides as a sports soldier.9th, Frances Benjamin Massie on Figaro Fonroy (48)Frenchman Benjamin piloted the 10-year-old chestnut Figaro Fonroy into ninth place.10th, Switzerlands Melody Johner on Erin (48.3)The third grey horse to finish inside the top 10 was Erin, a 10-year-old gelding piloted by Swiss rider Melody Johner, who has represented her country at senior level every year since 2018, including the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. She is based at the Avenches National Equestrian Institute in Switzerland, and coaches riders in eventing and dressage.Main image by FEI/Benjamin Clark. Other images by Tim Wilkinson Useful linksView the final leaderboardView the final team resultsRelated contentWe rode here 20 years ago! These riders rode at the first Blenheim Europeans and theyre back againI did my first BE90 after Covid: Hungarys debutante has only been eventing for five yearsBritain crashes out of contention for a European team medalThe post Emotional Laura Collett wins the individual gold shes always wanted on horse of a lifetime *Photo gallery* appeared first on Your Horse.

Team Germany (pictured above) stamped its authority all over the Agria FEI European Eventing Championships and galloped away with a convincing seventh gold in the history of this contest.They led from the start and finished an impressive 37 penalties clear of Ireland, the latter nation left celebrating its first European medal following a long 30-year wait.France the Olympic Champions at the Rio Games in 2016 completed the podium when securing bronze.When we came here, we hoped to be on the podium, but we didnt expect to be first, confessed Germanys chef dequipe Annette Wyrwoll. To be in Great Britain, to beat the British I never expected it. Our riders and our horses were great, and it was simply bad luck for the others.Team podiumIts special to stand next to MichaelThe German team included Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH, who also claimed the individual silver behind European champions Laura Collett and London 52.His teammates were Jerome Robine (on Black Ice), Malin Hansen-Hotopp (Carlitos Quidditch K) and Libussa Lubbeke (Caramia 34).We ask him everything. He had some good advice, but we all had an idea and a system how to do it. Its always special to stand next to him and compete with him, said Jerome about his multi-medalled teammate, Michael.Germanys last European eventing team gold came back in 2019, on home soil in Luhmuhlen. Michael Jung was a part of that line up, too.England is a very big country, especially in eventing. Its such a strong nation, he said.When I was young, I always watched videos of Badminton and Burghley. To stand on the podium and receive the gold medal here is a dream. In the end, we were all very well prepared, from the first rider to the last. The dressage was under pressure, the cross-country was perfect, and we can all be proud of our horses, our team, and the people working behind the scenes. We are already excited for the big [world] championships in Germany at Aachen next year.We are on the upIrelands Padraig McCarthy on Pomp N Circumstance. Credit: FEI/Benjamin ClarkPadraig McCarthy finished best of the Irish in 12th individually aboard Pomp N Circumstance. He credited his nations climb up the leaderboard from seventh after dressage to having brilliant jumping horses.We came in knowing that we had very good cross-country horses and we probably wouldnt be in the hunt after the first day, said Padraig, who lives in Devon with his wife Lucy (nee Wiegersma). I kept saying to everyone its not going to be a dressage competition, especially with Captain Phillips designing. I thought yesterday was an amazing day of sport. The guys were really eager to get the job done. Aoife [Clark, whose horse Full Monty De Lacense fell when exiting the water, fence 20] was very unlucky, but it was a team effort and it just goes to show that when you have good cross-country horses and jumpers you can climb.Teammate Robbie Kearns, 18th individually on his senior debut aboard Chance Encounter, described winning silver as incredible. Im so proud to be a part of this team and to be standing beside these guys on the podium. Its what dreams are made of, he said.Chef dEquipe Dag Albert added: I think theyre all going along the right track. The young riders were very good a few weeks ago and these guys, I mean, we are on the up, I hope.Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis completed the Irish team and finished 14th individually.Into the water troughA jubilant Astier Nicolas prompted plenty of laughter at the final press conference when he told the media that team France would be celebrating by throwing the chef dequipe [Jean-Luc Force] into a water trough.Then well head to the bar and see whats happening, whether we miss the boat [home] or not, he added with a wink.Assisted by Alexis Goury (on JeVall), Sebastien Cavaillon (Elipso De La Vigne) and Luc Chateau (Cocorico De LEbat), Astier and his French comrades had slotted into bronze position after the first dressage phase.However, they temporarily slipped to fourth behind Switzerland after the latter nations riders pulled off faster clear rounds on cross-country day.When Frances riders all showjumped clear on the final day, with only a few time-faults to add, they moved back up to a podium position.Two Swiss riders, meanwhile, knocked down five fences between them and the team picked up a smattering of time-faults to fall out of medal contention.In the end, a convincing 15.8 penalties separated third place from fourth. Austria finished fifth and became the final team to finish with three counting scores.Final team resultsGermany 124.9 penaltiesIreland 161.9France 167.5Switzerland 183.3Austria 207.7Great Britain 1060Belgium 1118.2Italy 1144.8Sweden 2061.5View the final leaderboard in fullView the final individual leaderboardImages by Tim Wilkinson unless statedRelated contentEmotional Laura Collett wins the individual gold shes always wanted on horse of a lifetime *Photo gallery*Britain crashes out of contention for a European team medalThe bubble has to burst at some point: update on the British riders who fell off at the EuropeansWe rode here 20 years ago! These riders rode at the first Blenheim Europeans and theyre back againThe post Germany gallops away with 7th Europeans gold, ahead of euphoric Ireland in silver appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Understanding Winter Hoof Challenges Cold, wet conditions increase thrush risk; importance of moisture management. Daily Cleaning Routine Daily cleaning to prevent infections; removes debris, mud, ice; early issue detection. Nutritional Needs for Hoof Health Balanced diet with vitamins/minerals/protein; consider biotin supplements; consult professionals. Footwear Adjustments Snowballing prevention; use of snow pads; possible shoe removal; maintain shoeing routine. Regular Farrier Visits Visits every 68 weeks; prevent cracks/breakage; ensures professional issue identification. Standing Environment Provide dry, flat area; minimize exposure to wet/frozen ground; shelter use for hoof drying. Practical Winter Hoof Care Routine Daily cleaning, regular inspections, maintain shoeing, dietary supplements, use snow pads, dry area. Conclusion Consistent cleaning, nutrition, and footwear ensure healthy hooves throughout winter. The Ultimate Guide to Winter Hoof Care for Horses As temperatures drop and the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, horse owners face a unique set of challenges in maintaining their equine companions' hoof health. Understanding these challenges and implementing the right care routines can prevent common issues such as thrush, cracks, and brittleness. So, let's dive into the essentials of winter hoof care and ensure our horses trot through winter in comfort and health. Understanding Winter Hoof Challenges The cold and wet conditions of winter are not just uncomfortable for horses; they can lead to several hoof problems. Moisture management becomes critical as mud, snow, and ice harbor moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of thrush, a common bacterial infection characterized by a foul odor and black discharge. Daily Cleaning: A Non-Negotiable Routine Daily cleaning is your first line of defense against thrush and other infections. Picking out the hooves removes debris, mud, and ice, essential for keeping the hooves dry and healthy. Consistent cleaning can also help catch other issues early, such as cracks, abscesses, or bruising. Nutritional Needs for Hoof Health Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining hoof integrity during winter. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein supports hoof health, and biotin supplements can enhance hoof quality significantly. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet is crucial. For equestrian supplements, visit our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements collection. Footwear Adjustments in Icy Conditions Snowballing inside shoes can cause sole injuries, making appropriate footwear a necessity. Snow pads, such as flat leather or urethane rim pads, are effective in pushing out packed snow. Some owners choose to remove shoes altogether for better traction on icy grounds. If shoes remain on, maintaining regular shoeing schedules is essential to prevent injuries. Regular Farrier Visits Keeping up with farrier visits every 68 weeks is vital for preventing hoof problems. Trimming helps avoid cracks, which can lead to breakage and tough shoeing come spring. Regular inspections by a professional ensure any issues are addressed promptly. Creating the Ideal Standing Environment Providing a dry, flat area for horses to stand on minimizes exposure to wet, muddy, or frozen ground that can cause hoof damage. Bringing horses into shelters allows hoof drying, further protecting against moisture-related issues. Practical Winter Hoof Care Routine Pick out and clean hooves daily. Inspect for signs of cracks, thrush, and bruising. Keep up with regular farrier visits for trims and shoeing. Supplement with biotin if needed, and consult a professional for dietary advice. Use snow pads or consider shoe removal for icy conditions. Provide a dry, flat standing area. Additional Considerations and Resources Thrush is more prevalent in winter. Daily maintenance can significantly reduce its occurrence. Refer to the Mid River Equine's Winter Hoof Care Tips and British Horse Society's Winter Hoof Care for more insightful information. Similarly, consult the Michigan State University Extension for comprehensive guidance on winter hoof care. Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Hoof Potion Braving the winter months doesn't have to be a daunting task for horse owners. By understanding the unique demands of winter hoof care and preparing with consistent cleaning, proper nutrition, and appropriate footwear, you can ensure your horse's hooves remain healthy and strong. Prioritize these strategies and enjoy peace of mind as your horse gallops gracefully through the winter landscape. Explore More at Just Horse Riders For more horse riding essentials and gear, explore our collections like the Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Remember, the right gear makes all the difference!```html```

Slew of other top-class performances by Irish athletes all over the worldThe Paris Olympics pairing of Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz (ISH) added to their five-star CV at Traverse City this week and were only denied an historic third American Gold Cup in four renewals last night (Sunday) by the world No 1 rider Kent Farrington, with Greya.Daniel Coyle completed the podium in the feature at the Williamsburg show, with miracle horse Farrel, and it was his third top three of thew week, having collected two silver medals with Incredible earlier in the week.Conor Swail completed the podium in the Grand Prix Qualifier won by Sweetnam and JKC on Friday night.There was a brilliant performance too for Michael Duffy, with the inexperienced Be Sky Hawk, to finish runner-up in the second Global Champions League competition on Friday, as the Longines Global Champions Tour moved to New York.Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz win the $117,000 CSI5* Grand Prix Qualifier in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring (Photos: Megan Giese/TCHS)Not for the first time in their careers, it was Sweetnam and the Patrick Connolly-bred Irish Sport Horse owned by Gizmo Partners that stole the headlines from an Irish perspective by winning the $117,500 five-star Grand Prix Qualifier in Michigan.Ten combinations made it to the deciding round after going clear first time on the course set by another Irishman, Alan Wade, but with Gizmo responding to the subtle steering and messaging from the Castlemagner native in his saddle, they set a standard that could not be beaten, clocking a time of 33.71 in the jump-off.Erynn Ballard and Dior were second on 34.62 with Conor Swail completing the top three on Clonterm Obolensky in 38.39.Gizmo jumped great today, said Sweetnam. He was in good form, a little fresh, so I thought it was a good class to given him a good run-out. I also wanted to give this respect, its a $117,000 class. This summer, I didnt really get into the rhythm with him and since hes come back, The Hamptons was very good (finishing second in the Grand Prix) so I just wanted to give it its respect and try to win.He keeps changing. Obviously, were having a great career together but hes a bit temperamental. He keeps changing and I keep changing then with him. So were always trying new things. The last couple of shows were trying a new bit and he seems to like it, for now, so hopefully hell stay that way.The 13-year-old Galway-bred Kannan gelding certainly is in a rich vein of form at present and illustrated that wellbeing once more when maintaining his spectacular form in the American Gold Cup, giving best only to a horse ridden by the top rider in the world.Only six combinations survived Wades initial examination and Farrington and Greya put it up to the rest with a second clear round in 34.75. Jumping prowess has always been Gizmos forte, rather than gears and hard though the brave grey tried, his time of 35.97 was not sufficient, though it was good enough for second in the $340,000 competition.James Kann Cruz was great, Greya is just a faster horse, admitted Sweetnam. Even going in, I knew it would be a long shot. I watched Greyas round and knew that it probably wouldnt be caught but Ive already had about six or seven second-place finishes this year, so I was going to give it a go no matter what. I didnt feel I left much out there.Coyle, an Olympic teammate of Sweetnams last year, was third on Ariel Granges Farrel, who at 15, continues to defy the odds with his remarkable form since returning from a two-year lay-off and unofficial retirement through injury.Every round on this horse feels like a bonus because there was a point we never thought he would jump again, let alone double clear in a five-star, said the world no. 11. The American Gold Cup is an iconic event for riders from any country, and Im thrilled to get a piece of it.Ariel Granges miracle horse Farrel and Daniel Coyle finished third in the $340,000 American Gold Cup at Traverse CityThere was an Irish link to the winner, as Farringtons travelling head groom, Mayo native, Denise Moriarty departed with the winning groom prize.Coyle and Incredible finished runner-up in the five-star Speed Classic Qualifier on Thursday night.In what has to have been one of the tightest finishes, if not the tightest finish in a five-star speed class, just five hundredths of a second separated the top three over the 1.45m track, with clear separation of more than a second back to the next best.It was an agonising silver for Coyle and Incredible though, as the pair missed out on another top-flight triumph together by a barely believable two-hundredths of a second. The duo, who competed in the FEI World Cup final, led for the majority of the class.Hunter Hollloway (USA) edged the Irish duo out with a clear round in 64.16 on board Pepita Con Spita.Remarkably, the Seamus Casey-bred Thomascourt Ballypatrick (ISH) and Charlotte Jacobs (USA) were third, just three-hundredths of a second further back from Incredible and his Ardmore pilot, on a time of 64.21.The duo just missed out again in Saturday nights FEI Winning Round by less than four-tenths of a second. They posted a double clear and 38.19 in the jump-off but McLain Ward (USA) and Princess Dalou H found the necessary improvement to stop the clock on 37.82.On the Longines Global Champions Tour in New York, Michael Duffy evoked memories of his stunning triumph in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix at Miami Beach in April 2024, with a brilliant runner-up finish in the second speed class of the Longines Global Champions League on the east coast in New YorkDuffy and the callow nine-year-old Be Sky Hawk, who had podiumed in a very first tilt at five-star level in the Traverse City Grand Prix six weeks ago, they were magnificent.Only nine out of 50 high-class combinations had completed the course when Duffy guided his young grey gelding into the arena (above) but the Gort athlete was coolness personified, as one might expect from someone who was Irelands youngest ever senior national champion as a 17-year-old in 2012.So too was the son of Golden Hawk, who portrayed all the attributes of a potential superstar, making little of the 13 obstacles (16 jumping efforts) while nimble and quick across the ground, posting a time of 69.33Gregory Wathalet (BEL) went desperately close to gazumping Duffy with Ace of Hearts but as they crossed the line clear, the timers stopped one-hundredth of a second slower than the leading standard.There could be no resisting Briton Scott Brash however, and the world No 5 with the electric Hello Chadora Lady slashed 3.8 seconds off Duffys mark.Needless to say, nobody could touch that but they were unable to break into the top three either, emphasising the outstanding nature of the Galwegians efforts with Be Sky Hawk and the exceptional nature of Brashs with Hello Chadora Lady.The idyllic St Tropez played host to the Longines League of Nations and David Simposon secured a coveted podium finish in the 1.50m jump-off class there on Saturday.Simpson and Ovidius vd Donkhoeve were first of 35 into the arena on the French Riviera and they laid a marker down immediately, clearing the 16 jumping efforts to cement a berth in the tiebreaker.The Derry man and his 11-year-old stallion were joined by six other combinations and as pathfinders, had it all to do. However, they were clear and relatively quick on 37.95, and while next man out, Julien Epaillard (FRA) took a huge chunk of time off that mark with Donatello dAuge immediately, the world number 16 would prove unbeatable.Indeed, only Giacomo Casadei (ITA) of the remainder would better Simpson, with three other athletes failing to go clear and Bas Moerings (NED) doing so but slower, with Jesther.Ethen Ahearne posted a very strong result when fourth in the four-star Prix de Dakhla on the Morocco Royal Tour with the Heritage Bloodstock-bred Lvs Goldrush H on Saturday.The Clonmel athlete and his nine-year-old gelding owned by Dermot Walsh recorded an excellent double clear, with their time of 37.67 ensuring that high finish and indicating plenty of potential for the future.Bertram Allen and Statis Conti were runners-up to Jodie Hall McAteer and Key West in a three-star GP Qualifier in Sentower Park on Friday.In Bedizzole, Niall Talbot was third in a three-star Grand Prix Qualifier on Saturday with FTS Elliot.At two-star level, James Chawke posted a 1-2 in Friday nights Winning Round class at Thunderbird, taking the main spoils with Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z and adding to the prize money haul significantly with LFS Etoile the nearest equine challenger.At Old Salem Paul OShea kept up his good form with victory in the 1.45m Welcome Stake on board Hellcat, while Philip McGuane also kept his recent run going by bringing the curtain down on the New York state show by emerging triumphant from the Grand Prix with My Lady van de Krekel.BREEDINGCSF JAMES KANN CRUZ (ISH) 2013 gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of CSF Telly Cruz (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Patrick Connolly, Co Galway. Owner: Gizmo Partners, LLC. Rider: Shane Sweetnam (IRL).THOMASCOURT BALLYPATRICK (ISH) 2015 brown gelding by Balou du Rouet (OLD) out of Doctros Delight (ISH) by Indoctro (HOLST). Breeder: Samus Casey, Co Kerry. Owner: North Star Sport Horses. Rider: Charlotte Jacobs (USA)LVS GOLDRUSH H (ISH) 2016 gelding by Stakkato Gold (HANN) out of Arcadia Lvs Z (ZANG) by Arko III (OLD). Breeder: Heritage Bloodstock LTD. Owner: Dermot Walsh. Rider: Ethen Ahearne (IRL).The post Sweetnam and Gizmo first and second in Traverse appeared first on .