Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Newmarket Pony Academy, part of the British Racing School, today (Wednesday 22 October) to see first-hand the Academys work with local young people.The Princess Royal had the opportunity to meet pupils from The Pines Primary School in Bury St Edmunds who were taking part in the Newmarket Pony Academys primary school programme which mixes equine care with aspects of the curriculum and aims to develop key skills, such as confidence, resilience and overall engagement in learning.Set up in 2021, The Newmarket Pony Academy is a community project aimed at 814-year-olds which provides access to horses and ponies. It also runs after-school, weekend and holiday clubs for local young people who have been referred by teachers and social workers, and alternative provisions for children struggling with mainstream education.As well as meeting school pupils, The Princess Royal was also introduced to members of the Newmarket Pony Academy team, Penny Taylor of Godolphin who was instrumental in setting up the Academy in 2021, and students taking part in the British Racing Schools foundation course.The Princess Royal meets a foundation course student.Equine royaltyDuring a tour of the facilities, The Princess Royal met Schematic, a retired racehorse owned by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen. Schematic is currently part of the 70 strong team racehorses working at the British Racing School and helping to teach young people to ride.The Princess Royal is patron of several racing and equestrian charities including the Injured Jockeys Fund, the Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain and the Racehorse Owners Association, in addition to British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare.We were incredibly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Newmarket Pony Academy today, said Andrew Braithwaite, chief executive of the British Racing School.As someone who fully appreciates the power of horses and ponies as an equestrian and Olympian, it was wonderful to be able to show how the ways in which the Academy is supporting young people in the community and making riding and working with ponies accessible and exciting.The Princess Royals visit shines a powerful spotlight on how horses can positively impact young peoples well-being, confidence, and social development and introduce them to the racing industry.The Newmarket Pony Academy currently actively works with 27 local schools and hosts annual charity days in collaboration with Autism in Racing, East Anglia Childrens Hospice, Box4Kids and offers a HAF (Holiday Activity and Food Programme) throughout the school holidays.Images The British Racing School.Further readingBritish Racing School launches gap year programmeSwap birch for padded hurdles in interest of racehorse welfare, say researchersNew scheme will provide expert tuition to riders on former racehorsesNew mum rides to glory in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYSRiding on the gallops: expert advice to suit every type of horseThe post Princess Anne visits the Newmarket Pony Academy appeared first on Your Horse.

Riders might be disqualified for too many refusals in one round. | Adobe StockResearchers confirmed younger and less experienced show jumping riders were more likely than seasoned competitors to yank on the reins or whip their horses after being disqualified or choosing to withdraw. The findings suggest better training and awareness could reduce harmful behavior toward horses and improve both welfare and performance, said Gabor Tatai, of the Department of Ethology at the Lornd Etvs Universitys Institute of Biology, in Budapest, Hungary.Tatai presented his study results at the 2025 International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Conference, held July 2326, in Fort Collins, Colorado.In show jumping, like most other equestrian disciplines, success depends on a strong horse-rider partnership. When that connection breaks down and errors occur, riders might get eliminated or need to withdraw, which can lead to frustration and conflict, Tatai said.He and his colleagues analyzed 440 videos from the 20232024 Hungarian show jumping season in which riders failed to complete their round. We wanted to see how riders react to frustration when theyre disqualified or withdraw from a show jumping course, Tatai said. After something happened that made it impossible to complete the round, about two-thirds of riders responded with punishment (pulling sharply on the reins, kicking with spurs, or using a whip), he added.Rider Experience Level and Response to FrustrationThe researchers suspected experience might affect how riders handle frustration. Using machine learningspecifically, a method called latent class clusteringthey grouped riders into four categories based on their average jumping height over the past 10 years:Amateur: average rider age 16, average jump height 94 cm (3 feet 1 inch)Intermediate: average rider age 26, average jump height 109 cm (3 feet 7 inches)Young advanced: average rider age 17, average jump height 111 cm (3 feet 8 inches)Professional: average rider age 31, average jump height 117 cm (3 feet 10 inches)Amateurs showed the highest rate of punishment68.4%compared to 43.1% for intermediates and 41.9% for young advanced riders. Professionals punished least often at 29.8%, and Tatai noted they displayed more calming responses such as patting the horse.Education for Better Horse and Rider ConnectionOverall, the findings show that the younger and less experienced riders were, the more likely they were to punish their horses disqualification or withdrawal. Amateur riderstypically those who are youngermay lack the emotional regulation and training to respond constructively under stress, Tatai said.Better education about horse behavior and positive reinforcement could make a meaningful difference, Tatai said. This is the largest countrywide investigation of this kind approved by the Hungarian National Sport Horse Federation in order to make riders aware of the problem, and (in the future) introduce horse welfare education into the mandatory exam packages riders need to pass before becoming a competitor, he noted.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has announced the launch of a special video project inviting horse owners to celebrate the dedication and partnership of their equine veterinarians. The initiative seeks to shine a spotlight on the veterinary professionals who provide exceptional care to the horse and compassionate support for owners.A special tribute project created from the submitted videos will be shown at the upcoming AAEP Annual Convention in Denver, Colo., Dec. 610, and shared across the organizations digital platforms.Every horse owner who submits a video will receive a digital $10 Starbucks gift card.Submission DetailsThe AAEP is asking horse owners to submit short videos, 30 seconds or less, detailing why their equine veterinarian is an invaluable partner in their horses care. Submissions should focus on the aspects of care that demonstrate partnership, dedication, and service beyond the expected.How to Submit:Create a video no longer than 30 seconds explaining why your equine vet is an invaluable partner.Please shoot your video in landscape mode (horizontal orientation).Send the video file via Facebook or Instagram direct message (DM). Facebook: American Association of Equine Practitioners & Instagram: @aaephorsedocsInclude along with your video submission your full name as well as your veterinarians.The submission window opened Oct. 21, with submissions accepted through Friday, Nov. 14. If you need assistance with submitting your video, email Grace Barrier at gbarrier@aaep.org.

Equestrian influencer Esme Higgs has joined forces with the RSPCA for Adoptober, launching an exclusive design to help animals in need. The charity is currently facing the biggest rehoming crisis in recent years, with thousands of pets in the their care looking for suitable new homes. Every October, it shines a light on this issue through Adoptober.To mark this years campaign, YouTuber Esme Higgs has helped the RSPCA to design a t-shirt to help celebrate compassion for animals.The RSPCA desperately need help finding new homes and hearts for cats, dogs and even snakes, Esme said. Adoptober is a month long mission to find as many homes for the animals in RSPCA care as we can. With rehoming rates declining its never been more crucial to adopt, not shop.Profits from each purchase go directly towards the RSPCA Adoptober campaign. Each t-shirt is made from organic cotton and printed sustainably through charity merch provider Teemill.Your Horse Live favourite Esme supports many equine charities, including World Horse Welfare as well as the RSPCA. Earlier this year she teamed up with Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) members to take part in a Marvel Superhero Triathlon. The Esme x RSPCA t-shirt is available now from the RSPCAs official online store.Related contentBringing a new horse home: top tips for a smooth transitionFour things horse owners need to do to prepare for winterPlants that are poisonous for horses: in pictures6 Ways to Bond With Your HorseThe post Equestrian influencer Esme Higgs teams up with RSPCA to help animals in need appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Description Arthritis and Bute in Horses Equine arthritis involves joint cartilage degeneration. Bute (Phenylbutazone) is used as a COX inhibitor to relieve pain but has side effects like gastric ulcers and kidney damage. Boswellia Mechanism Boswellia serrata, known as Indian frankincense, inhibits 5-lipoxygenase to reduce inflammation and pain without affecting COX pathways. Evidence for Boswellia Emerging scientific support and anecdotal evidence suggest Boswellia helps maintain mobility in horses without bute's side effects. Often used with other anti-inflammatories like turmeric. Practical Considerations Boswellia is effective for mild to moderate pain, though not suitable for severe cases. Importance of choosing high-quality manufacturers and consulting veterinarians for tailored treatments. Complementary Strategies Holistic management includes exercise, corrective shoeing, weight management, joint injections, regenerative therapies, and natural supplements combined with Boswellia. Conclusion Boswellia offers a safer alternative to bute for managing chronic arthritis in horses and works best as part of a comprehensive veterinary-supervised plan. Can Boswellia Be a Safe Alternative to Bute for Arthritic Horses?Managing arthritis in horses can sometimes feel like you're training a cat to do dressagefrustrating and unpredictable. Horse owners and veterinarians have long relied on Phenylbutazone, or bute, to ease arthritic pain, but the dark cloud of side effects looms like a summer storm. Enter Boswellia serrata, the popular kid at the natural supplement party, proposing a gentler, herbaceous path to relief.Understanding Arthritis and Bute in HorsesEquine arthritis is not just a bad case of "I forgot how to dance." It involves the progressive degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to a painful conundrum of swelling, stiffness, and lameness. Particularly prevalent in performance horses, this condition needs a tailor like a dress needs a hem. Bute steps in as a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, a fancy term for "pain zapper," blocking prostaglandin synthesis. Yet, this zapper occasionally backfires with effects like gastric ulcers and kidney damage, making bute an NSAID with baggage [2].A 2017 study at Texas A&M University arrived with a damning verdict: horses on bute ended up with more gastric ulcers than a pickle-eating contest on steroids, highlighting the danger of prolonged NSAID use [2]. Due to these hiccups, bute is now largely reserved for emergencies, making it the nachos of equine medicinebest in small doses.What is Boswellia and How Does It Work?Boswellia serrata, known as Indian frankincense, feels like that one secret herb your grandma swears by. It's been around the medicinal block, cheered for its anti-inflammatory properties, and now is auditioning as butes stunt double. The active compounds, boswellic acids, sidestep butes gastrointestinal runway by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in leukotriene synthesis, curbing inflammation and pain without getting their feet muddy in COX pathways [6].Think of Boswellia not as an NSAID sibling, but more of a second cousin, twice removed, offering immune modulation and tissue repair with less digestive drama. It's the guest that tidies up after itself.Evidence Supporting Boswellia for Equine ArthritisWhile equestrian research on Boswellia is still in its horse shoes compared to human studies, anecdotal and emerging scientific support is bringing it to light. A chorus of horse owners and trainers report Boswellia maintaining mobility and comfort in their equine friends without the side effects that bute likes to crash the party with [7].Boswellia often rubs shoulders with other natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric and MSM, creating a synergistic band that collectively sings a tune sweeter than butes solo. Studies suggest Boswellia's influence in reducing chronic joint inflammation and positively tweaking immune markers [6].Practical Considerations: Is Boswellia a Safe Alternative?Boswellia isn't just flirting with your horses healthits proposing a lasting partnership. Its multi-faceted anti-inflammatory action shines with a safety profile that has bute hiding under its hat. Yet, much like picking between trotters and stirrups, there are nuances to consider.Efficacy: Boswellia is a gentle giant, excellent for mild to moderate pain but perhaps not the emergency brake for severe flare-ups. It's like swapping a mint for an extra-strong peppermintcomfortably refreshing but not quite eye-watering.Regulation and Quality: Herbal supplements swing from robust to watered-down quicker than a punch at a barn dance. Choose reputable manufacturers to keep Boswellia's boswellic acid content up to par.Veterinary Guidance: Before ditching bute for a botanical swap, gallop over to your veterinarian. Theyll be the C3PO to your Millennium Falcon, tailoring treatment plans and monitoring responses.Complementary Management Strategies for Arthritic HorsesWhether you're team Boswellia, team bute, or a blend of both, harmonizing arthritis management demands a holistic approach. Regular exercise maintains joint flexibility, corrective shoeing eases joint stress, and thoughtful weight management ensures no unnecessary burden is galloping around [2].Stride beyond medication with joint injections and regenerative therapies like PRP or stem cells to keep your equine companion dancing. Toss in supportive modalities such as acupuncture or massage for the therapeutic cherry.Your endurance team might also welcome a cocktail of natural supplements. Imagine combining Boswellia with turmeric or MSM for a rich, multimodal pain management strategy as elaborate as a stable rug market [3].ConclusionBoswellia serrata is more than just a pretty name with impressive roots. It offers a promising, safer alternative to bute for chronic arthritis management in horses, freeing them from the chains of common NSAID side effects. Not a complete substitute for the fiery emergencies of severe pain, but impactful as part of a comprehensive, veterinarian-supervised plan.For those seeking to dance away from bute dependency, Boswellia can be the graceful partner, backed by scientific whisper and positive field shouts. Ready to explore that natural rhythm? Check the Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements for Just Horse Riders for a chance to saddle up with style and health in harmony.```html```

Key Areas Details Importance of Wood Pellets Preferred for their comfort, absorbency, and ease of use in stables. Can be 50% more absorbent than other materials. Savings with Discount Codes Discount codes offer savings from 10% to 75%. First-time buyers can receive up to 75% off. Where to Find Discounts Specialist coupon sites, community forums, social media, newsletters, aggregate coupon sites. Maximizing Savings Strategies Combine discounts, buy in bulk, purchase during off-peak times, switch brands for better deals. Alternative Savings Switching brands, e.g., Lekto Woodfuels offers up to 20% off. Bulk buying offers up to 35% off. Real-Life Savings First-time buyer: up to 75% off Routine discounts: 520% off Bulk offers: up to 35% off Free delivery: save 2050 per pallet Tips for Horse Owners Test codes before checkout Subscribe to suppliers' newsletters Inquire among fellow owners for deals Leave items in cart for potential offers How to Save on Wood Pellets with Discount Codes: A Guide for Horse Owners Wood pellets are a beloved choice in the horse community, celebrated for their comfort, absorbency, and ease of use in stables. However, as temperatures dip, the cost of these nifty bedding materials can rise, causing many horse owners to search for savings. The solution? Discount codes and strategic shopping! Why Discount Codes Are Essential for Your Horse Bedding Budget As any horse enthusiast will tell you, bedding costs for your stable hero are a significant ongoing expense. While traditional options like wood shavings and straw have their benefits, they can also be messy and less absorbent compared to high-quality wood pellets. In fact, studies show that wood pellets can be up to 50% more absorbent than other materials. Thankfully, discount codes can ease the financial burden significantly. Understanding the Potential Savings Discount codes typically offer savings ranging from 10% to 75% off initial purchases, which can add up to hundreds of pounds saved on your first order. Some suppliers are known to have offers of 75% off for first-time buyersa deal worth snagging! Where to Discover the Best Wood Pellet Discount Codes Delving into Specialist Coupon Sites Specialist sites like Wood-Pellets.tenereteam.com and Simply-Wood-Pellets.tenereteam.com focus solely on wood pellet discount codes, often verified and ready for eager shoppers. Community Boards and Forums: The New Coupon Kings Horse communities are treasure troves of discount codes, shared amongst members on forums like the Horse and Hound Forum. Sharing is caring, and discounts shared here can result in significant savings. Tap into Social Media and Newsletters Subscribing to newsletters and following wood pellet suppliers on social media can provide exclusive promo codes and seasonal sales alerts directly to your inbox or feed. Aggregate Coupon Sites The one-stop for comparing savings, sites such as BrokeScholar and DealDrop compile various available codes, making it easier to find and apply the best one. Strategies for Maximizing Wood Pellet Savings The Art of Combining Discounts Stacking codes can unlock even more significant savings. Some sites allow the combination of sign-up discounts with a free shipping code or seasonal offers. Always check the fine print to see if stacking is permitted. The Perks of Bulk Buying Ordering in bulk offers the dual benefits of extra discounts and free deliverycrucial when you're buying hefty bags. Some suppliers offer as much as 35% off bulk purchases. Perfect Timing for Perfect Prices Prices tend to fluctuate seasonally, similar to the horses appetite for carrots! Off-peak months and major sales events like Black Friday often yield the best deals. Alternative Retailers and Brand Switching If preferred brands are out of stock or lack offers, don't shy away from exploring competitors. Brands like Lekto Woodfuels sometimes provide unique discounts of up to 20% off. Real-Life Savings: Crunching the Numbers First-time buyer savings: Up to 75% off on certain sites. Routine discounts: 520% off codes are common, translating to significant annual savings. Bulk and seasonal offers: Enjoy up to 35% off bulk orders during promotions. Free delivery: Save an additional 2050 per pallet. Leveraging these strategies smartly can lead to impressive savings on your stable needs! Tips and Tricks for the Savvy Horse Owner Test codes before checkout: Ensure they work to avoid disappointment. Stay updated by subscribing to suppliers' newsletters. Enquire among fellow horse owners for potential unadvertised deals. If all else fails, directly ask customer service for any available discounts. Try leaving items in your cart; some sites may offer discounts to encourage purchases. Conclusion: Savvy Shopping for Substantial Savings Whether it's harnessing the power of discount codes or strategizing your purchases, there are numerous avenues to secure savings on wood pellets. By scoring verified offers of up to 75% off, and employing smart shopping practices, you can maintain a comfortable and affordable stable environment. Always remember to check the validity of codes and explore multiple sources to find your best deal. Ready to explore more? Discover the Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and a host of other equestrian goods to round out your shopping. Here's to happy shopping and well-bedded, content horses!```html```

Key Points Details Versatility of All-Rounders Able to participate in multiple disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, cross-country, and leisure riding. Ideal for families with diverse riding needs. Effective Attributes Should jump between 2ft 6in to 3ft, handle basic dressage, and remain calm with distractions. Soundness and Temperament Manageable temperament (willing, sensible, confident) combined with physical athleticism is critical. Jumping Capability Horses typically jump between 2ft 6in to 3ft, suitable for local competitions. Challenges Challenges include unrealistic expectations and finding a balance between temperament and ability. Cost and Availability All-rounders often come with a high price, appealing mainly to serious buyers. Breed Considerations Breeds like Haflingers and Warmbloods are favored for their versatility and competition aptitude. Finding Your All-Rounder Prioritize temperament and soundness. Consider professional assessment for a suitable match. Value of All-Rounders Valued for adaptability and joy across many disciplines, perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. Finding the Perfect Equine All-Rounder: A Guide for Horse Enthusiasts For horse enthusiasts, finding the perfect equine all-rounder is like discovering a rare gem. These versatile horses are capable of adapting to a variety of equestrian activities, providing endless enjoyment for both novice and experienced riders. In this guide, we'll explore the characteristics of an ideal all-rounder and provide practical advice for those in search of their perfect equine partner. The Versatility of All-Rounders An equine all-rounder is a "jack-of-all-trades" capable of participating in multiple disciplinesbe it dressage, show jumping, cross-country, or leisure riding. This makes them extraordinarily valuable for families with diverse riding needs and amateurs keen on exploring different facets of horse riding. Key Attributes of an Effective All-Rounder Experienced trainers suggest that an all-rounder should comfortably jump between 2ft 6in to 3ft, handle basic dressage movements, and be unfazed by external distractions. These unique traits provide broad usability and enjoyment for owners without needing specialized training for a single discipline. The Essentials: Soundness and Temperament A good all-rounder should have a manageable temperamentwilling, sensible, and confident. However, finding a horse that combines this rare mix with physical athleticism can be challenging. Jumping Capability While they're not specialized champions, their jumping capability suits many local competitions. Jumping heights typically range from 2ft 6in to 3ft, enough to enjoy varied riding activities without reaching elite levels. Challenges in Finding the Perfect All-Rounder Unrealistic Expectations While it may be tempting to believe advertisements claiming these horses can excel in every discipline, genuine all-rounders usually perform competently across various fields without being specialized champions. Temperament vs. Ability Balancing a horse's temperament with its ability can be difficult. Many horses may be either too challenging for less skilled riders or not athletic enough for diverse tasks (source). The Cost and Availability of All-Rounders Considered like "gold dust", these full-of-potential horses often come with a hefty price tag, appealing mainly to serious buyers looking for a sensible and reliable partner (source). Breed and Bloodline Considerations Haflingers: The Robust All-Rounder Breeds like Haflingers have been recognized for their child-friendly temperament and versatility, which make them excellent horses for both sports and leisure activities (source). Warmbloods: Ideal for Competitions Warmblood breeds such as Hanoverians and Holsteiners offer the desired athleticism required for competitive disciplines while maintaining their versatility (source). Practical Tips for Finding Your All-Rounder When searching for an all-rounder, prioritize temperament and soundness over specialized talent, and consider breeds known for their versatility. Be realistic about the level of competition and commitment the horse will require. Professional Assessment Always get a professional assessment and try multiple horses to find one that fits your specific needs. Being well-informed can make a significant difference in finding a horse that will become a trustworthy companion. Conclusion: Appreciating the Value of All-Rounders Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the value of the perfect equine all-rounder lies in its ability to adapt to various activities and provide joy across many disciplines. Such horses are rare, but with careful consideration and a bit of patience, you can find a versatile companion that suits your lifestyle. Explore More Explore our Jodhpur Collection Browse our Horse Riding Boot Collection Discover Horse Riding Gloves Find Horse Riding Socks Check out Horse Treats And Gifts Shop Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Explore Stable Rugs Discover Turnout Rugs Check Out Horse Fly Protection ```html```

With a quick transrectal ultrasound examination, the fetal head (a) or eye (b) will be seen when the foal is in anterior (head first) presentation. | Courtesy UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalWith foaling season right around the corner, specialists in the University of California, Davis, Equine Reproduction Service are urging their clients to schedule ultrasounds late in their mares pregnancies.Once veterinarians confirm a mare is pregnant early in gestation, they often recheck her shortly afterward to confirm embryo or fetal viability.In many cases, no further examinations are performed until foaling, said Catherine Renaudin, DVM, Dipl. DECAR,chief of theEquine Reproduction Serviceat the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). However, additional ultrasound examinations later in pregnancy are strongly recommended to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of complications for both mare and foal.A brief, noninvasive transrectal ultrasound can provide valuable information.Between nine and 11 months of gestation, the fetus typically settles into its final presentation. Using ultrasound, veterinarians can determine whether the foal is in a normal anterior presentation (headfirst). This is done by identifying the fetal head or eye.If the fetus is in an abnormal position, such as posterior (hindquarters first) or transverse (sideways), the veterinarian might detect the tail, thighs, or spine. Although fetal malpresentation is uncommon, it can lead to dystocia (difficult birth), posing serious risks to both mare and foal.Early detection allows to plan appropriatelysuch having the mare foal out at the VMTH or another facility equipped for assisted delivery or cesarean sectionthereby reducing the risks associated with abnormal foaling, Renaudin said.Another benefit of a late gestation ultrasound is screening for placentitis, the leading cause of infectious abortion in mares. It often develops near the cervix, making it detectable via transrectal ultrasound. Early signs include thickening of the placenta or partial separation of the placenta from the uterus. Equine practitioners at UC Davis recommend monthly placentitis screenings beginning at seven months of gestation through to foaling. If abnormalities are detected, treatment can be started early, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of abortion.In summary, late-term ultrasound exams provide crucial information about fetal presentation and placental health, said Renaudin. By identifying problems early, we can take proactive steps to safeguard the health and well-being of both mare and foal.