Two of the greatest dressage horses of all time Valegro (Blueberry) and Uthopia were put to sleep today, Carl Hester announced on his social media this evening (Monday 1 December).In a moving tribute to the horses, whose multiple accolades included team gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games where Valegro also won his first of two consecutive individual Olympic golds Carl said: Without question, this is a loss that just feels hard to comprehend.He confirmed that the two horses, who had lived together for many years both during their competitive careers and in retirement, died together at home. Their entire lives ran in parallel; they travelled to the shows side by side, lived in neighbouring stables, grazed in the same fields and retired together. Their bond and companionship were absolute, said Carl.As life as old boys advanced, so too did the health challenges, so allowing them to leave this world together was the final act of loyalty and dignity I felt I could give them, honouring a partnership that had never been separated in life.Trying to write a tribute to these two horses feels harder than I imagined. The yard just doesnt feel the same without them, theres an emptiness in the air.Groom Alan Davies with Uthopia during a photoshoot for Your Horse. Credit: Sally NewcombYou will be remembered foreverIn a statement on her own Facebook page, Charlotte Dujardin who piloted Blueberry to all of his Olympic, World, and European gold medals said how much she loved him.You have been my constant, my rock. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, your gentle presence, your steady heartbeat, the silent moments we shared together have been my everything, the place I could always go to. In those quiet moments we had so many conversations without words; you loved me completely, as I am. You saw my heart and I yours.Charlotte continued: Ive never sat on a horse like you, and said: The biggest gift of all was the amount of joy you brought to this world. You made people smile every single day of your life. What a rare and special gift that is. You were born to do it.She also said that Blueberry was especially kind to her young children, Isabella and William.They will grow up knowing your name, hearing stories about you, looking at pictures and videos of you. You will live on, not just in theirs, but in so many peoples hearts, and that gives me great happiness you deserve to, and will be, remembered forever.Valegro and Charlotte with Carl Hester (left) and Alan Davies at the horses retirement ceremony during the London Olympia Horse Show in December 2016. Credit: Jon Stroud MediaPeople flocked to see himEmma Bedford, Your Horse Lives Show Director, paid tribute to Valegro, who featured at the show on several occasions and whose appearances were always a sell-out.It was always an honour to have Valegro with us at Your Horse Live. When he came in during Charlottes demo to meet his fans you could see he absolutely loved the stage and the bond between horse and rider was clear to see, said Emma. So too was the bond with his fans everyone flocked to meet him and it was always a very special occasion. Valegro was a true legend beautiful and kind, and a horse that we at Your Horse Live will remember fondly.Uthopia also figured large in the Your Horse office, as he was a model for several photoshoots alongside Alan and the handsome gelding appears in many images on this website as well as in the magazine. On behalf of myself and the wider Your Horse team, our thoughts are with Charlotte, Carl, Alan, and all Valegro and Uthopias connections and fans at this very sad time, added Emma.Alan Davies with Valegro during a Your Horse photoshoot. Credit: Sally NewcombA huge voidCarl called being a part of the horses journey one of my proudest achievements.Valegro and Uthopia did more than win medals and write history, they gave our sport a golden era. They both showed that greatness can be gentle, sensitive and harmonious and they made a nation proud and inspired so many, he said.Being part of their journey will always remain one of my proudest achievements and the whole team and myself are deeply grateful for the joy they gave to us at home but also to their fans around the world.They leave behind a huge void, and the yard has changed forever and so have we. They were our family and I will love and miss them always. The impact they had will remain but sadly, we dont get to keep horses forever.We only get to carry what they leave inside us. And these two left us so much.Charlotte concluded: You have been, and always will be, my one in a million and it has been the honour of my life to be not only your dance partner but best friend. The magic we had, no one can take from us, and we will dance again one day.The post A loss that feels hard to comprehend: Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin pay tribute to Valegro and Uthopia appeared first on Your Horse.

Nearly half of owners are not aware of the strangles vaccine, despite most admitting they worried about the highly infectious disease, a new horse health survey has found.In addition, almost 60% of those surveyed by veterinary pharmaceuticals business Dechra said that their vet had not advertised or spoken to them about strangles vaccination.Most (87%) were concerned about the risk of infectious diseases like strangles affecting their horse or yard and nearly 60% ranked strangles as the most-feared equine disease above influenza, equine herpes virus (EHV) and tetanus.96% of horse owners vaccinated for influenza and tetanus as core vaccines, only 16% vaccinated for EHV and 16% for strangles.Strangles is an extremely contagious illness in horses that affects their upper respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium calledStreptococcus equiand is the most common equine infectious disease affectinghorses around the world.Approximately 10% of horses that recover from strangles become carriers of the disease, harbouring the bacteria that causes strangles in their guttural pouches without showing any symptoms. These carriers can then spread the infection to others, causing new strangles outbreaks.The survey also highlighted that, despite concern about the risk of infectious diseases, a third of horse owners questioned had no isolation requirements for new horses moving to or visiting their premises, while only a quarter of horse owners would do a visual health check on new arrivals at a yard.Our research demonstrates that strangles is the most feared infectious disease in the UK, however owners are unaware that a vaccine is available to help protect their horses and isolation requirements are sadly lacking, said Rachel Harrison-Osborne, veterinary surgeon at Dechra, the distributor of the strangles vaccine. To provide them with peace of mind when they are out and about with their horses, it is advisable that they speak to their vet about strangles vaccination which, alongside good biosecurity measures, will help protect their horses from the disease while circulating with others of unknown infectious disease status.Stopping the spreadLivery yard Meadowhead Equestrian near Kilmarnock, Scotland, has included strangles vaccination in its yard policy since 2023.Our whole yard was vaccinated in October 2023 to give our precious horses extra protection and us worriers peace of mind when out and about competing and exposure to the comings and goings of breaking and sales liveries, said yard manager Catriona Balish.We have comprehensive biosecurity measures on our yard, which include isolation and testing procedures for new horses. Sadly, in November 2024 a horse that had recently joined us as a livery tested positive for the disease during his isolation period following a blood test and a guttural pouch wash. There were no clinical signs of the disease.Following the diagnosis, we went straight into lockdown and there was no movement of horses on and off the premises. We followed the procedures recommended by our vets which included the ongoing isolation of the affected horse, footbaths, minimal contact and temperature monitoring.Were pleased to say that there was zero spread among the horses on our yard at the time of the strangles case and strangles vaccination is an ongoing requirement for our liveries. Our livery owners are completely behind this policy, and our view is if they dont like it, then theyre not the right fit for our yard.Related contentStrangles in horses: equine vet explains how to prevent, manage and treat this contagious diseaseStrangles bacteria lingers on webbing headcollars and tack much more easily than leatherNorfolk horse charity restarts rehoming scheme after strangles outbreak forced shutdownNew RVC study advances knowledge around strangles transmission significantlyThe post Are we doing enough to protect our horses? Research finds owners lack knowledge around most-feared disease appeared first on Your Horse.

Saddle up with confidence this winter with the ultimate safety bundle from Equisafety! Weve got two prize packages to give away, including visibility gear, cutting-edge recording tech and everything you need to feel bold, bright and brilliantly prepared to leave the yard. About the prizeTwo lucky winners* will each win:OculosPro 2k 2-Way Helmet Camera perfect for capturing your ride while offering valuable peace of mind, as it records in front and behind for all-round coverage.Reflective Mercury Riding JacketHi-Vis Waterproof Quarter SheetReflective Leg BootsReflective Hi-Vis Riding Hat BandReflective Horse Wear Neck BandHi-Vis Nose/Brow/Rein BandWhether youre navigating peaceful country lanes or busy village traffic, this prize is sure to turn every hack into a safer, smoother and more confident adventure.It will help you to stand out in low light, fog, woodland shade and busy lanes on dull wintery days. Designed for comfort and durability, the gear helps you to be seen sooner from every angle, giving drivers extra time and space to pass safely.Whether you ride alone or with friends, this prize package helps make every road hack safer, smarter and more enjoyable. How to enterWant to win? Enter now and climb into the saddle with confidence, clarity and the best kit on the road.CLICK TO ENTER*UK winners only. Entries close at 11.59pm on Sunday 4 January 2026. Full terms and conditions are on the entry form.Find out more about the Equisafety range here.Related contentHow to choose the best camera for horse riding, plus seven on the marketOperation Snap: how to use it to report a road incident to the policeCould not wearing high vis leave horse riders liable in a road accident? Solicitor answersBuyers guide to high vis clothing for horse ridersThe post Win the ultimate safety bundle from Equisafety worth over 500! appeared first on Your Horse.

Tucked into the forests of northern Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated homestead known as Haven Pines. Run by Erin and Jonathan Sharp and their three children, the Sharps spend most of their winters operating a commercial sleigh ride business.Erin and Jonathan Sharp, along with their three children, all pitch in to run the family business. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilyHosting groups on sleigh rides is one of the Sharps favorite ways to introduce people to the exciting world of horses. The Sharp family purchased their land in 2018, moved into their farmhouse in 2020, and have been running a year-round horsemanship program ever since. Noel, age 17, is an integral part of the business alongside her younger brother and sister.I grew up giving wagon and sleigh rides with my family within the horse program that my dad managed, says Erin. I loved it as a kid. Jonathan and I wanted our kids to be able to learn and enjoy the world of farming and horsemanship, while making the world of harness horses available for everyone to enjoy!Haven Pines is a family owned and operated homestead in northern Wisconsin. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilyA Day in the Life at Haven PinesManaging a farm and horsemanship business in all seasons is no small feat. The Northwoods region regularly experiences low temperatures in the negative teens, feet of snow, heat waves, and plenty of rain. Maintaining healthy horses in dynamic weather takes the entire family to be successful.During a typical day of sleigh rides, Erin and Noel manage the driving horses while the rest of the Sharp family works to prepare the campfire, hot chocolate, warm blankets, and guest check-in process.We want guests to feel like they get to experience our farm as if theyre a member of our family, says Erin. Letting guests get to know the horses is a top priority for us. First, because our teams love the people, and secondly, because its so cool to get to know the horses that are the power behind the whole experience.Meet the HorsesIn addition to their horses that are used for traditional English and western riding lessons, they have a string of driving horses.Oak and Maple, 5- and 6-year-old Belgian mares, are the stars of our 12-person sleigh, says Noel. Their kind and friendly personalities make them easy to love.Oak and Maple are the familys 5- and 6-year-old Belgian mares who pull the 12-person sleigh. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilyDriving horses of all sizes call Haven Pines home, including a Shetland Pony gelding named Sampson, a Pony of the Americas gelding named Jack, and a Haflinger/Belgian cross named Randy.A Belgian/Haflinger cross named Randy is one of the familys driving horses. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilyFinding horses suitable for the work of sleigh rides is critical at Haven Pines. Pulling sleighs through snow is physically and mentally demanding work.The horses mind is the first thing I look at [when horse shopping], Erin says. Can the horse mentally live and work safely and happily in the environment I know will be waiting in my program? If the answer is yes, the second thing I look at is physical soundness. If the horse can pass a pre-purchase exam by a veterinarian, the third component is financial. Our equine programs must be self-sustaining. Ultimately, a prospective horse must be friendly, curious, forgiving, and healthy.Erin (right) and Noel with Oak and Maple. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilyYoung Entrepreneur Noel loves spending time with her family in the horsemanship business. She grew up working with horses alongside her mom, and now often drives Oak and Maple on sleigh routes.We always like to have two people with the draft team to make sure we can tackle anything that needs to be done while always having a driver at the lines, Erin explains.Seventeen-year-old Noel grew up giving sleigh and wagon rides, and balances homeschooling with the family business. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilySince shes still in school, Noel must balance learning and homework with farm work.The balance isnt easy, but its worth it to do it for the guests, she says. Because Im homeschooled, my education can support learning how to operate a business.On top of sleigh rides, Noel is involved in teaching riding lessons, doing chores, and managing her own herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats. One of my favorite parts of sleigh rides is working with the horses, and seeing how meaningful being around the horses is to our guests, she says.Keeping it SafeEven when faced with challenges such as a record low snowfall in the winter of 2023-2024, the Sharps continue to invest in relationships with people and animals.Every sleigh ride business is unique, and learning what the exact perfect fit is has been a learning process, says Erin. Weve had to deal with icy conditions, equipment breaking down, and other common issues that come with the territory of running a farm and managing livestock. Safety is a top priority for humans and horses. Our horses wear shoes with Borium cleats in the winter to ensure they can maintain good footing. We also conduct regular safety checks on harnesses, wagons, sleighs, and trails.Wagons and sleighs receive regular safety checks for the sake of both humans and horses. Photo courtesy Sharp FamilyOnly rarely do the Sharps have to cancel sleigh rides due to inclement weather. The Northwoods is known for long, cold winters. As long as there is quality snow, sleigh ride trails can be maintained to be beautiful and safe, and caring for people and horses goes hand in hand at Haven Pines.Learn more on the Havens Pine website.This article about Haven Pines family sleigh rides appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Haven Pines: A Family Sleigh Ride Business appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is seeking applications for the 2026 Breeding Grant Initiative. This Initiative supports funding for breeding and production initiatives for young horse classes and production events. The Breeding Grant Initiative is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine through National Breeding Services.Applications will be considered based on the following criteria:Number of entries, level/history of event and show facilitiesBreeder prizes and breeder recognitionGeographical, native breed and discipline spreadOverall contribution to the development of the industry/ sector and benefit to studbook breeding nationwideSuitability of dateMatching funds % request versus overall prizemoneyEquine Welfare provisions (access to shade, water, inspection provision etc.)Insurance and Safeguarding policies in place for the show (affiliated safeguarding is not sufficient)Adherence to previous Breeding Grant Terms and Conditions*Applications will be accepted via the online formONLY.Please find the full application online,HERE.Please find detail of scoring criteria, and Applicant Terms and ConditionsHERE.Applications must be submitted by12pm Tuesday 6thJanuary 2026. If you have any questions, please emailgrants@horsesportireland.ieAllocation of funding issubject to the approvalof the Breeding Grant Initiative from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.This fund cannot support Grand Prix Show Jumping events and sport (non-breed/production) focused classes.*Where an applicant has not previously received funding under the Breeding Grant Initiative, adherence will be scored the full allocation based on the assumption that the applicant intends to comply fully with the Breeding Grant funding terms and conditions.The post Breeding Grant 2026 Now Open for Applications appeared first on .

Key Point Description Legal Responsibility Involves driver actions, vehicle conditions, road characteristics, and traffic laws. Key Factors in Accidents Driver negligence, road conditions, vehicle maintenance, safety constraints adherence. Challenges of Narrow Roads Limited maneuvering space leads to higher collision risks. Driver Negligence Causes include speeding, distraction, fatigue, improper load securing, and road condition misjudgment. Other Motorists' Fault Includes not providing space or reckless overtaking on narrow roads. Trucking Companies' Role Inadequate training, supervision, and lack of equipment checks can contribute to accidents. Government's Role Lack of road maintenance or proper signage increases accident risks. Legal Ramifications Negligence standards determine fault; may involve shared fault due to road design. Accident Severity Large truck size contributes to high fatality rates, especially in rural areas. Preventive Measures Includes driver training, vehicle inspections, safety devices, and legal representation. Safety Summary Fault often due to driver error, with involvement from other parties possible. Harnessing Legal Awareness: Trailer Accidents on Narrow Roads Traversing the intricacies of legal responsibility in trailer accidents on narrow roads necessitates a comprehensive understanding of driver actions, vehicle conditions, road characteristics, and the relevant traffic laws. Pinpointing fault involves several considerations such as driver negligence, road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to safety constraints. Understanding the Challenges of Narrow Roads Driving large, heavy vehicles like trailers on narrow roads is inherently challenging. These roads limit maneuvering space, thereby increasing the possibility of collisions with oncoming traffic or losing control of the trailer. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that more than half of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas, where narrow roads are more common. Drivers at Fault: A Lost Art of Focus? Commonly, driver negligence holds the lion's share of the fault in trailer accidents. This includes speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, improper load securing, and a failure to adjust driving to road conditions. For instance, misjudging the width of a narrow road or failing to account for the trailers swing during turns frequently leads to mishaps. According to the National Safety Council, speeding and distraction rank as leading causes of such unfortunate events. Other Motorists: Missteps on the Lane Fault isnt always exclusive to truck drivers. Other motorists sometimes err by not providing ample space or attempting reckless overtaking maneuvers on narrow roads. In these scenarios, determining fault requires a detailed accident analysis. Such incidents highlight the need for heightened attentiveness from all road users. Examining the Role of Trucking Companies Trucking companies often figure into the equation when driver negligence arises from inadequate training, a lack of supervision, or pressing schedules that might prompt drivers toward unsafe practices. Moreover, they can be accountable when trailers or trucks have safety equipment deficiencies. Companies must enforce rigorous pre-trip inspections to nip such issues in the bud. The Government's Role: The Road Less Maintained Sometimes, the government or road authorities are not without fault. Narrow roads lacking adequate maintenance, signage, or passing zones can exacerbate accident risks. Legal liability might extend to these entities if hazardous road conditions were known but unaddressed. Legal Ramifications: Decoding Fault in Accidents Legal fault in trailer mishaps is often divided based on negligence standards. If a drivers speeding or improper load securing causes an accident, theyand by extension, their employercan bear significant liability. Conversely, if faulty road design contributes heavily to the tragedy, shared fault attribution could be on the cards. For instance, the U.S. recorded over 500,000 large truck accidents in 2021, underscoring the criticality of these issues. Accident Severity: The Weight of the Matter Often, the severity of trailer accidents is compounded by their sheer size and weight. Statistics relay that tractor-trailers account for around 53% of fatalities in truck accidents, with over 55% manifesting in rural settings. Understanding these risks is essential for strategizing proper preventive measures. Preventive Measures: A Stitch in Time Driver Training Training drivers to expertly tackle narrow, challenging roads and punishing dangerously negligent behavior can help curtail accident occurrence. Fostering a culture of safety is paramount. Vehicle Inspections Thorough pre-trip inspections ensure that trailers are roadworthy and loads are securely fastened. This practice minimizes accidents stemming from equipment failure. Regulations and Safety Devices Policies mandating the installation of equipment like underride guards can significantly reduce fatalities associated with these crashes. Legal Representation Victims have the legal option to seek compensation through counseling and claims for injuries, damages, or wrongful deaths. This avenue underscores the need for clear resolutions where negligence is identifiable. Safety Summary: One Step Ahead Ultimately, fault in trailer accidents on narrow roads often traces back to driver error, but circumstantial dependencies on other drivers, companies, and road authorities are equally plausible. Understanding such dynamics is crucial for every road user keen on promoting road safety while preparing for potential legal challenges in the unfortunate event of an accident.```html```

Every season at World Equestrian Center (WEC) is defined by the people who bring it to life. Riders, trainers, grooms, vendors, and fans all add their unique energy to our shared story. In this issue, we celebrate that community spirit, spotlighting milestone moments like our first international competition in Wilmington, the inspiring professionals shaping the next generation of the sportSource

Nearly half of owners are not aware of the strangles vaccine, despite most admitting they worried about the highly infectious disease, a new horse health survey has found.In addition, almost 60% of those surveyed by veterinary pharmaceuticals business Dechra said that their vet had not advertised or spoken to them about strangles vaccination.Most (87%) were concerned about the risk of infectious diseases like strangles affecting their horse or yard and nearly 60% ranked strangles as the most-feared equine disease above influenza, equine herpes virus (EHV) and tetanus.96% of horse owners vaccinated for influenza and tetanus as core vaccines, only 16% vaccinated for EHV and 16% for strangles.Strangles is an extremely contagious illness in horses that affects their upper respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium calledStreptococcus equiand is the most common equine infectious disease affectinghorses around the world.Approximately 10% of horses that recover from strangles become carriers of the disease, harbouring the bacteria that causes strangles in their guttural pouches without showing any symptoms. These carriers can then spread the infection to others, causing new strangles outbreaks.The survey also highlighted that, despite concern about the risk of infectious diseases, a third of horse owners questioned had no isolation requirements for new horses moving to or visiting their premises, while only a quarter of horse owners would do a visual health check on new arrivals at a yard.Our research demonstrates that strangles is the most feared infectious disease in the UK, however owners are unaware that a vaccine is available to help protect their horses and isolation requirements are sadly lacking, said Rachel Harrison-Osborne, veterinary surgeon at Dechra, the distributor of the strangles vaccine. To provide them with peace of mind when they are out and about with their horses, it is advisable that they speak to their vet about strangles vaccination which, alongside good biosecurity measures, will help protect their horses from the disease while circulating with others of unknown infectious disease status.Stopping the spreadLivery yard Meadowhead Equestrian near Kilmarnock, Scotland, has included strangles vaccination in its yard policy since 2023.Our whole yard was vaccinated in October 2023 to give our precious horses extra protection and us worriers peace of mind when out and about competing and exposure to the comings and goings of breaking and sales liveries, said yard manager Catriona Balish.We have comprehensive biosecurity measures on our yard, which include isolation and testing procedures for new horses. Sadly, in November 2024 a horse that had recently joined us as a livery tested positive for the disease during his isolation period following a blood test and a guttural pouch wash. There were no clinical signs of the disease.Following the diagnosis, we went straight into lockdown and there was no movement of horses on and off the premises. We followed the procedures recommended by our vets which included the ongoing isolation of the affected horse, footbaths, minimal contact and temperature monitoring.Were pleased to say that there was zero spread among the horses on our yard at the time of the strangles case and strangles vaccination is an ongoing requirement for our liveries. Our livery owners are completely behind this policy, and our view is if they dont like it, then theyre not the right fit for our yard.Related contentStrangles in horses: equine vet explains how to prevent, manage and treat this contagious diseaseStrangles bacteria lingers on webbing headcollars and tack much more easily than leatherNorfolk horse charity restarts rehoming scheme after strangles outbreak forced shutdownNew RVC study advances knowledge around strangles transmission significantlyThe post Are we doing enough to protect our horses? Research finds owners lack knowledge around most-feared disease appeared first on Your Horse.

On Nov. 20, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, tested positive for equine influenza. The horse is quarantined, and 13 horses have been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.