The Donkey Sanctuary welcomed a group of Europes leading mathematicians and scientists to its Devon headquarters last month as part of the University of Exeters 195th UK European Study Group with Industry (ESGI).The ESGI is a five-day workshop which brings together more than 200 experts to tackle real-world challenges ranging from animal welfare to cyber security and town planning. During the study group, participants explored new mathematical and statistical approaches to strengthen the charitys Donkey Risk Index (DRI) an innovative tool that identifies where donkeys are most at risk and where support can have the greatest impact, particularly in regions where reliable data is limited.Working with existing datasets and potential new indicators, the group tested assumptions behind the DRI, evaluated additional measures of risk and investigated new ways of predicting how welfare risks may change over time and across different regions.A brilliant opportunityAs a charity we welcome collaboration and partnerships, and this was a brilliant opportunity to work with some of the best minds in maths, science and data to find new and improved ways of helping donkeys wherever they are in the world, said Alex McKenna, Data Analytics Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary.The aim was to make the DRI index more robust, helping the charity identify emerging trends, better understand the drivers of welfare risks and support more effective planning, reporting and targeted interventions.When people think of mathematics, donkeys arent usually the first thing that springs to mind but thats what makes the ESGI Study Group conference so much fun, said Dr Stefan Siegert from the University of Exeter.Our team was excited to get stuck into further development of the charitys Donkey Risk Index, applying the same kind of modelling used in public health and environmental science to a completely different (and very lovable) subject.Its the sort of quirky, real-world problem that mathematicians thrive on.Images The Donkey Sanctuary.Related content from Your HorseArsenal socks a game changer for horses and donkeys at RedwingsCharity asks Senegal totake a stand against the donkey skin tradeOur donkeys are suffering: Concerns raised for the UKs working equines as summer approachesEquine charity launches petition to urge Amazon UK to ban sale of donkey skin products6 fascinating facts about donkeys as we celebrate World Donkey DayThe post Mathematicians join forces with The Donkey Sanctuary to improve donkey welfare appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse owners across the UK are well aware of the difficulties many faced in sourcing and purchasing hay last winter, following lower than usual harvests in 2025, but with hot dry weather prevailing this summer, how are hay producers fairing and what might lie ahead for forage farmers and the customers they serve?This week, The Environment Agency (EA) declared that more than half of England is in drought. Impacts are already being felt, including low river flows, high risk of wildfires and more than 20 million people under hosepipe bans.The conditions are also impacting grass growth. Paddocks are parched in much of the country and many horse owners are supplementing their horses diets with more hay than they usually would at this time of year.Farmers have reported similar struggles to last year, facing limited second cuts but also a lack of back-reserves of hay that they might have had access to in 2025.Olly Morris of Thatcham-based OJM Farm and Equine reported such an issue.From a production point of view, its very varied across the country, he told Your Horse. But from our point of view, were in the area where the crops are definitely down. Theres no two ways about it.Last year we were probably 60% down on yield. This year Id say were probably 30-35% down.Ive got a guy in Cornwall and his second cut is nearly ready to go, but our second cuts are non existent, its literally brown. Further north and in Wales, its better weather and their second cut is pretty much ready to go.Weve got more in stock this year than we did last year. But theres no carryover from last year. There was a bit of carryover from the year before, but all that has gone because there was such a big demand. Everybodys stocks have massively depleted.Demand for hayHampshire-based haymakers Blaber Enterprises painted a similar picture, with pleasing yields on much of their land earlier this year, but the dry weather now causing issues.Weve got certain blocks of ground that are down 50-60% and others that are where they should be, Ally Blaber told Your Horse. So I suppose on a whole, as a company are down 20 to 30% on a normal year about where we were last year.Last year we were able to buy in hay, we bought from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Devon, Cornwall and France. But were not going to have that [backstock] available this year.Weve already bought in a huge amount. We personally made a machine that unrolls round bales and makes them into the conventional bale which we are able to deliver and sell. But theres a limit if youre paying 70 for around bale, you only get 12 to 13 small bales out of it.It doesnt take long to start doing the maths, that with three labour units rebaling 700 or 800 bales day, my cost is in excess of 7 or 8 a bale and thats before I put it on a transit and run it out to somebody.A costly processIn terms of what lies ahead, both producers didnt see costs coming down in the near future.Its still early days to tell whats going to happen, said Olly. But I dont think prices are going to change that much at the moment going forward. The cost of it all is so expensive. Thats why were having to charge what were having to charge.The cost of the fuel has gone up, rents and wages have gone up as well. Production too, and I cant see its going to be coming back down.Ally said farmers were not profiting from the situation, but breaking even buying in hay in order to keep serving their clients.Last year farmers were criticised for profiteering and stockpiling, but people need to realise that from bought in hay we earn no money, he said. It is difficult and tiresome. We are literally breaking even to retain market share to support our clients.We dont allow ourselves to run out. We never intend to sell other peoples hay but we take on more and more land each year to look after our clients. 90% of the hay that we sell is our own, but in emergency situations like this, you just find it to keep everybody going.Mirroring last yearDemand for hay is higher than normal this time of year, and this is set to continue with short-term rain forecasts offering little relief for dried-out fields.Ally has been sending out 1,000 bales a week from the end of July last year, and demand has continued since then with little let up.Its a mirror image of last year and its unlikely to stop, he said. We look after a lot of big polo yards, and their season doesnt start until end of May, June. If I buy in stock for them, I have to wait a long time to sell it. So thats going to prove to be tricky again next year.Olly has had daily deliveries from his farm, and has had requests for hay from further afield.Weve got deliveries that are going at all the time at the moment, he said. Were getting calls as well from all over the country although we try and stay strictly within the 25 mile radius from our base.Straw seems to be all right so weve managed to pull the price of straw back a bit, at least thats something back for the customer.Whats next?We are in changing times, Olly continued. I think people are expecting the high prices to suddenly drop back down to where they were years ago but unfortunately those days are long gone.I said to a lot of my clients last year, Ill get everybody through as best as I can. It might not be the right size, it might be a round rather than a square bale, but at least I have something to feed.However, on the whole Im quite positive with this year, more so than last year definitely, added Olly. We have plenty of stock and weve got some lovely hay as well.People have to be a bit realistic, suppliers to have to buy in, its its just the way it goes.Ally noted that horse owners may wish to consider including straw in their horses diets to help their hay supplies go further. This year he will have oat, barley and wheat straw available.Last year and this year I baled plenty of straw as I thought demand would take off, but to my knowledge I dont have any customers who feed it regularly, he added.Information on helping your horses forage diet go further, feeding advice for this years hay, supplementing straw and more will follow next week on yourhorse.co.ukLead image ShutterstockRelated contentHay vs haylage: this is how to choose which is best for your horseSoaking hay: how to do it correctlyCrops down 50% in 2025: potential hay shortage raises concerns for horse ownersFeeding a horse straw: why it has a place in their diet and how to feed it safelyForage replacers for every horse and pony *Ad feature*The post High demand for hay continues as makers report back on challenging conditions appeared first on Your Horse.

Six lucky winners* will receive a months supply of a Spillers supplement tailored to their horses individual needs.Each winner will receive a 3kg bag of the supplement of their choice thats a one-month supply for a horse or two months for a pony! Entries are open now and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 21 September 2026.Supplements to choose fromThe range of powerful pelleted supplements has been created by harnessing Spillers 65+ years of trusted nutrition and veterinary expertise.Each winner can choose from:Spillers Ulca EaseThis supplement contains a natural marine calcium source, lecithin, apple pectin, liquorice root, fenugreek and threonine to provide targeted gastric support to help maintain a healthy stomach lining.Spillers CalmContains a high level of magnesium from two sources, together with yeast, and a blend of traditional herbs to help promote calmness, support the nervous system and reduce anxiety.Spillers Instant EnergyA unique formula containing rapid and moderately available carbohydrate sources, as well as ginseng, which is known as a feel good herb to encourage a focused and energetic performance.Spillers FlexA rich blend of joint-supporting ingredients including glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and MSM, alongside rosehips and boswellia to help maintain joint health and mobility.Spillers Hoof HealthA high-biotin formula including essential amino acids, alongside zinc, copper, MSM, rosehips and hawthorn, to support hoof growth and quality.Spillers Ventil-AteA scientifically-proven formula containing a high level of bio-available vitamin C, together with selenium, vitamin E, garlic, rosemary, spinach and nutmeg, to reinforce a horse or ponys natural lung defences.How to enterENTER HEREThe closing date is 11.59pm on Monday 21 September. *UK winners only. Full terms and conditions are on the entry form.Find out more about the full range of Spillers supplements.The post Win the Spillers supplement of your choice! appeared first on Your Horse.

The FEI has partnered withSignify Group to help protect athletes, officials and other key stakeholders at the upcoming FEI World Championships in Aachen from online harassment and abuse.The partnership reflects a growing recognition that athletes and officials are increasingly exposed to online abuse and threats, particularly during major competitions or following high-profile incidents.Signify Group, a global leader in online abuse and threat prevention, intelligence and investigations, will offer education, AI monitoring and threat assessments, content moderation, direct message support and investigations during the event, which takes place from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 23 August.Zero-tolerance approachConstructive criticism and respectful debate remain an important part of sport and will continue to be welcomed, said FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch.At the same time, the FEI takes a clear zero-tolerance approach to online abuse, including hate speech, racism, homophobia, graphic or harmful content, fraud, spam and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.Our objective is to foster a safe and respectful online environment where athletes, officials and all members of our community can engage with confidence. By monitoring and addressing harmful content, we reinforce that abuse is not tolerated and will be acted upon.We also want to ensure that athletes and officials understand how to protect themselves online, how to report concerns, and that appropriate support is available when needed.Guidance for athletes and officialsThe partnership will also provide athletes and officials with guidance on protecting themselves online, reporting concerns and accessing support.Sport should be a place where athletes and officials can perform and engage without fear of abuse, said Jake Marsh, head of sport at Signify Group. Having seen the impact of our monitoring service at the FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, were pleased to bring an expanded offering to Aachen, working hand-in-hand with the FEI and the German Equestrian Federation.The Threat Matrix service identifies risks early, mitigates harmful content in real time, and delivers investigations that hold perpetrators accountable helping to make this one of the most comprehensively protected Championships to date.Image FEI/Marta Fusetti.Related contentHow to improve poor toplineThe Scales of Training explained, including impulsionPiggy Marchs training exercise: jump out of trot to test rider balanceFive of the most common rider jumping positions solvedThe post FEI introduces online abuse protection measures ahead of World Championships appeared first on Your Horse.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is asking for the publics help after three important items used in its outreach work were stolen from its offices in West Yorkshire earlier this month.A life-sized, black mechanical horse named Duchess, a silver/grey Ifor Williams double trailer, and a brown Western saddle with childrens stirrups are believed to have been taken from the yard at BETAs headquarters in Wetherby around 2.30am on Sunday 5 July.Duchess, who was inside the trailer when it was stolen, was wearing the Western saddle. She has theBETA logo printed on her side and her serial number is 225.Duchess cannot function without her key, meaning she has no practical use to anyone who has taken her.The trailer, which was built in 2017, is unusual in that it doesnt have a front ramp. Itfeatures the BETA logos on the side and back and its serial number is5143373.Outreach work affectedExecutive director Claire Williams said the theft would have a significant impact on the associations outreach work.The loss not only means disappointing members of the equestrian community who were planning on borrowing the horse for promotion and fund-raising efforts but means our ability to promote the enjoyment of riding often to non-horsey members of the public is severely curtailed, said Claire.Anyone who sees the trailer, mechanical horse or saddle is asked to contact BETA on 01937 587062, North Yorkshire Police quoting crime reference NYP 10072026-0377, or emailinfo@beta-uk.org.Image British Equestrian Trade Association.More from Your HorseGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassThe post BETA appeals for help after theft of mechanical horse and trailer appeared first on Your Horse.

Great Britain produced a superb comeback to claim team gold at the inaugural FEI World Eventing Championship U25 in Millstreet, climbing from third after dressage to top the podium thanks to outstanding cross-country performances. Germany took the silver medal while hosts Ireland claimed bronze.The new championship, contested at CCI4*-S level, has been created to bridge the gap between young rider competition and the senior ranks, giving the sports emerging stars the opportunity to compete for a world title at a pivotal stage in their careers. Four clears around Mike Etherington-Smiths influential cross-country course propelled Great Britain to the top of the leaderboard, a position they retained after the showjumping despite the withdrawal of overnight leaders Alice Casburn and Topspin on Sunday morning. Championship debutant Cerys Macaulay enjoyed a week to remember with Kananaskis, an 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse who is owned by Cerys partner Richard Coney. The pair not only helped Great Britain to team gold but also claimed the individual silver medal. Also in the victorious team were Jasmine Underwood and Indian Girl G, fourth individually, and Tom Bird with Lenny, who finished 11th.Incredibly proudIm incredibly proud of every one of these riders and the way they represented Great Britain throughout the week, said David Sheerin, British Eventing Under-25 Chef dEquipe.Championships are about so much more than the final results. Theyre about preparation, teamwork, resilience and performing under pressure, and this group demonstrated all of those qualities.To come away with team gold and individual silver is a wonderful reward for all of that hard work. Its a fitting reflection of the commitment shown by everyone involved, and its exciting to see what the future holds for these combinations.Inaugural individual championsIndividual gold medal winners Calvin Bckmann and Altair de la Cense (GER) Photo credit: FEI/Benjamin Clark.The individual gold medal was awarded to pre-event favourite Calvin Bockmann (GER) andhis long-time partner Altair de la Cense, a 16-year-old Selle Franais mare who has carried him through the junior and young rider ranks.The pair led the individual standings after the first phase but dropped to third after they amassed 12.4 time penalties across-country. A clear round on the final day saw them return to the top spot after leaders Tom Nestor and Cooley Diamond Dancer (IRL) knocked four rails and plummeted to eighth.I honestly dont think Ive ever had so much fun at a championships. We are very lucky to have this new competition and this venue at Millstreet. The gap between young riders and seniors can be big and you can get lost, said Calvin. I dont normally get nervous but I did feel the pressure. The cross-country was tough and quite different to anything we have seen in central Europe, but it will prepare us well for the future. My horse showed that she fights and wants to do her best; she grows 10cm. For her to have this result means the world to me.USAs Olivia Dutton, the daughter of Olympic event rider Phillip, and Jewelent produced one of just seven clear showjumping rounds to climb from 12th and claim the individual bronze medal.Heartbreak for AliceAlice and Topspin produced the quickest cross-country round of the day, adding just 2.8 time penalties to lead the individual standings overnight. Unfortunately, Alice felt her homebred five-star horse wasnt quite right on Sunday morning and took the difficult decision to withdraw him. He was very angry not to be jumping this morning, but I felt he wasnt 100%. It was very hard but my teammates have been brilliant and he will now have a happy retirement, said Alice.Showcased the futureThis championship has showcased the future of our sport. We have seen outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship and talent throughout the week and I look forward to watching these athletes in their senior careers, said FEI Eventing and Driving Director Molly Day.Individual British riders Barnie Brotherton and DHI King Nelson finished 22nd, while Jess Rimmer and The Spice Merchant were 30th.Next years competition will take place on British soil at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire.Final resultsTeamGold: Great Britain, 149.7 penaltiesSilver: Germany, 168.6 penaltiesBronze: Ireland, 180 penaltiesIndividualGold: Calvin Bockmann and Altair de la Cense (GER), 40 penaltiesSilver: Cerys Macaulay and Kananaskis (GBR), 45.3 penaltiesBronze: Olivia Dutton and Jewelent (USA), 48.2 penaltiesFor full results, click here. Main image Hannah Cole Photography.Related contentPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post Great Britain claims historic U25 World Championship gold in Millstreet appeared first on Your Horse.

A new equestrian group is on a mission to improve off road access for riders, with ambitions to secure more routes and horsebox parking, as well as raise the profile of hacking riders.The group of horse owners formed East Sussex and Kent Equestrian Access Group earlier this year and they have already had positive discussions with Forestry England and the British Horse Society (BHS).Their efforts to provide a safer environment for riders have also been praised by actor and horseman Martin Clunes, president of the BHS.Hazel lost Prima in a road accidentHazel Tonge, vice chair and secretary for the new group, tragically lost her beloved mare Prima in a road accident and hasnt ridden on the roads since.Her ordeal inspired her to take action to make sure riders and their horses have safe spaces to exercise.Forty years ago, a speeding driver took Prima from me and changed my life forever, she told Your Horse.Today, we are still fighting the same battle not only for my current horse, but for every rider who wants to enjoy the countryside safely.What began as a local response to the closure of horsebox parking quickly evolved into a growing community of riders determined to ensure that equestrian access is not forgotten.The group recently conducted a survey with more than 350 respondents.The results painted a worrying picture, explained Hazel. Many riders reported a steady decline in access to off road routes and suitable horsebox parking over recent years.Some felt forced back onto roads they no longer considered safe. Others had stopped hacking altogether because the risks were simply too great.Across England, riders face many of the same challenges: increasing traffic, fragmented bridleway networks, declining access to off road routes and a lack of suitable places to safely unload horses.Working togetherFellow team member Linda Westcombe enjoys exploring the Sussex countryside with her horsesThe not-for-profit organisation has been workingdirectly with landowners to secure and maintain access to woodland bridleways in the South East.They have also had positive discussions with Forestry England, who told Your Horse they welcome riders and carriage drivers to the forests they manage.We work closely with representative groups such as East Sussex and Kent Equestrian Access Group to explore ways to improve access for the equestrian community, where local opportunities and access allow, a spokesman for Forestry England said.We haveover 200miles for horses only and22miles for carriage-drivingand another 22 miles of toll-free drives. Someforestshave horsebox parking where demand and affordability allow.BHS Access and Rights of Way Team Manager, Elizabeth Birtley said the charity welcomed any new affiliated Equestrian Access Groups that share its vision of improving off road access.Accessible off road routes are extremely important when it comes to improving equestrian safety, she said.At BHS, we are committed to protecting and preserving the UKs access network and its our priority to make sure routes are safe and accessible to horse riders and carriage drivers.The charitys president, Martin Clunes, congratulated the East Sussex and Kent Equestrian Access Group for its efforts so far.By campaigning for better routes, horsebox parking, and protected bridleways, this dedicated group is leading the way in creating a safer future for local hackers, he said.Their efforts perfectly align with our mission at the BHS, and I applaud everyone involved for their commitment to keeping horse riders safe and off the roads.To find out more about the East Sussex and Kent Equestrian Access Group visit their website or Facebook page.Lead image of Hazel Tonge and her current horse, Mr MyloRelated articlesBored of round the block? Four ways to find new hacking routesHow to improve a horses paces while hackingHollowing your back or slouching? This is why stirrup length matters when hackingFitness plan: experts advise how to get a horse fitThe post New equestrian access group making waves in memory of beloved mare appeared first on Your Horse.

Sponsored content in collaboration with DengieChanging weather patterns are affecting grazing and forage availability across the UK, but Dengies range of short chop and pelleted fibre feeds can be used as partial or full forage replacers to help you meet your horse or ponys fibre requirements.The British weather ischangingand the UK has been experiencing longer periods of drought morefrequently, which is having an impact on grazing and availability of forage.Aforage replaceris a useful alternative and can make forage last longer. Using a couple of kilos (the typical weight of a section of a small bale of hay) each day is practical for most people to use and is between 20-25% of a 500kg horses requirement.For when forageisjust too goodSometimesyourforageor grazingis just too good for your horse or pony.Using a low-calorie chopped fibre feed can help reduce the calories provided by forage.DengieMeadow Lite with Herbsis a soft blend of grass and soft straw with tasty herbs and postbiotics to support digestive health. Naturally low in sugar at just 3%and starch at 0.5%,it can be fed ad lib as alow-calorieforage replacer.Alternatively, opt forDengieHi-Fi Lite,a straw and alfalfa blend with a light molasses coating. Offer a large tub trug to help keep the good doer chewing and occupied while stabled.For when forageisjust not good enough!At the other end of the spectrum, poor grazing or late cut forages are likely to be less nutritious. Using a higher calorie forage replacer is an easy and safe way to provide extra calories without having to use more cereal-based feeds. DengieMeadow Grass with Herbs & Oilcan be fed upto1kg per100kg of bodyweight as apartial forage replacer.Help for poor dentitionA compromised ability to chew is not just a problem for veterans as diastemas are increasingly being diagnosed at any age. Ifthehorse or pony can still manage a short, softchop,then one that can be used as a complete forage replacer isDengieHi-Fi Senior.This can be fed to horses and ponies of any age and combines grass and alfalfa. Feed ona weight-for-weight basisto replacehay.If they can no longer manage any choppedfibre,thenDengieGrass Pelletscan be soaked and fed as a mash. It helps toincrease water intake andso is greatto useinhot weather and during the colder monthswhen your horseor ponymay be more reluctant to drink.5 facts about forage replacersNot all feeds can be used as a forage replacer for horses and ponies they must be high fibre and low starch as well as being nutritionally comparable to forage to besuitable.Feeding insufficient forage replacer, and therefore fibre, increases the risk of digestive issues, including colic and loose droppings.Make sure you weigh a forage replacer to ensure you are feeding enough.A minimum of 1.5% of bodyweight on a dry matter basis should be provided daily when totally replacing the usual forage ration. For a 500kg horse, this is 7.5kg dry matter. Given that many forage replacers are around 90% dry matter, this is 8.3kg of forage replacer as fed (7.5/0.9). Call the Dengie feedline to speak to a qualified nutritionist if youd like help calculating your horse or ponys ration.Forage replacers cantbe fed in a net. They should be fed in a large, wide-bottomed bucket. Putting a football or some large, smooth pebbles on top can help to slow intake.Like all dietary changes, a forage replacer should be introduced gradually into the ration over the period of at least a few weeks. Once a forage replacer has been gradually introduced, it isappropriate togive it to the horse in larger amounts.Feed forage replacers in a large, wide bucketTop tip!Offering a bucket or two of chopped fibre alongside the usual forage ration isa great wayto keep your horse or pony interested and encourage foraging behaviour,especially when stabled for longer periods.Find out more about the full Dengie range at dengie.comRelated contentHow hard is your horse really working? *Sponsored*A feed to support and maintain healthy hooves, even if your horse is a good-doer *Promotion*Feed 80% of forage during the day to reduce ulcer risk, says vet10 ways to encourage your horse to forage and keep his mind busyThe post Forage replacers for every horse and pony when hay and grazing is poor *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

A Devon charity has issued a plea asking the public to send them any unwanted trousers, leggings or pyjama bottoms to help theirresidentherds combat the seasonal arrival of biting insects. The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth uses the legwear, which is cut to fit individual donkeys, to protect the donkeys legs from bitesEvery summermany donkeys in ourresident herds face the irritation of biting flies. The olderonesin our care seem to suffer the most as they are not as active as the younger donkeys, which is heartbreaking to see, said Lisa Coles, one of the grooms at The Donkey SanctuarysPaccombeFarm in East Devon.Donation from north of the borderThe charity recently received a donation from the University of St Andrews after they heard how unwanted trousers and leggings can help protect the resident herds.Staff and students at the university gathered up a collection of suitable items left over from a recycling project and sent them over 500 miles south to Devon.The university has itsown Reuse shop where students can donate their old clothing when they leave for the summer break and when they graduate for other students to have. Some of the clothing that is left also gets donated for reuse or upcycling to charities in Fife, localcreatorsand schools, with the remaining unwanted pieces normally being thrown away. Fortunately, these have now found a new lease of life with the donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary. DelightedWe were delighted to receive the donationof snazzy leggings and trousersfromSt Andrews and would welcome any more, added Lisa.Even though the legwear may look a bit unusual at first glance, it really does make a difference to the welfare of our donkeys, and we hope others may be inspired to donate any suitable items we can use.Reuse, recycleAnya Hart Dyke, Transition University of St Andrews Project Officer, said:It tickled us pink to think of donkeys wearing leggings and pyjama bottoms to protect their legs from biting insects. We hate seeing any clothes go to waste so we were delighted to source items that were too faded, or worse for wear to berewornby students.Werealways looking for new opportunities to keep clothes in play so were thrilled when The Donkey Sanctuary agreed to making use of clothes that would have otherwise been incinerated! How to donateAnyone based locally who is wishing to donate any unwanted loose-fitting trousers, leggings, pyjamas, or maternity trousers can bring them to the Sidmouth sanctuarys onsite Gift Shop. To ensure they will fit all sizes of the resident donkeys, the items should bewomens size 16 up, and mens size large and up. The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is open every day, from 9am to 5pm.The mailing address to send donations is The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU.Images The Donkey Sanctuary.Related content from Your HorseArsenal socks a game changer for horses and donkeys at RedwingsCharity asks Senegal to take a stand against the donkey skin tradeOur donkeys are suffering: Concerns raised for the UKs working equines as summer approachesEquine charity launches petition to urge Amazon UK to ban sale of donkey skin products6 fascinating facts about donkeys as we celebrate World Donkey DayThe post Could your old trousers help a donkey this summer? appeared first on Your Horse.

Lisette-Marie Roberts and the wonderful lightweight cob Randalstown Aristocrat took home top honours to become the 2026 Topham-Barnes BHSA Supreme Amateur champions at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.This duo endured heartbreak after a costly misunderstanding in this class last season said this years victory means the world after returning to claim the title with a horse she describes as a darling boy. This combination were left devastated 12 months earlier when a miscommunication between Randalstown Aristocrat and the ride judge proved costly, leaving them out of the placings despite an otherwise strong performance.Last year we were pulled top, and he had a miscommunication with the ride judge and ended up not being placed at all, said Lisette-Marie. So for us to be pulled top again this year, I just had that in my head and I was thinking, Is it going to happen again?Fortunately, history did not repeat itself and the pair delivered a performance that impressed the judges, with Lisette-Marie taking particular satisfaction from the feedback she received.The judge said he gave such a good ride, she said. Im chuffed to bits with him. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1034447625995540Lisette-Marie credited much of the success to Randalstown Aristocrats generous nature, despite admitting he can sometimes be his own worst enemy.Hes a worrier, she explained. Hes always a little bit stressed that hes going to do something wrong, and if he does do something wrong, he cant cope with it. Although naturally anxious, Lisette-Marie said Randalstown Aristocrats temperament away from the pressure of competition is second to none.Hes got the loveliest temperament my daughter rides him and she isnt the most confident, and she feels really safe on him. Hes just a really likeable chap. Randalstown Aristocrats has changed yards during his career, having previously been based with Jane Ross before moving to Elliee Stunt, where Lisette-Marie carries out all of his day-to-day work as well as competing him.I had him with Jane Ross previously, but I wasnt riding him and I wanted to ride, she said. Hes now with Elliee, and I get to ride him at home and I do all the riding at the shows, so thats lovely. Lisette-Marie believes that consistency has helped strengthen the partnership, particularly with such a sensitive horse.He doesnt need a lot, she said. He just needs working in to get him relaxed. Its not for any other reason, just to help him settle. Despite his tendency to worry, Lisette-Marie said Randalstown Aristocrats straightforward nature makes him a pleasure to have around the yard.Hes no trouble. You can do anything with him, she said. Hes just a darling boy, honestly. Related contentRider savours inaugural home-produced amateur championship success at Hickstead after whirlwind first seasonHe feels like hes floating: young rider overcomes nerves to take Royal International supreme pony titleIts a massive achievement: Boston Black Tie lands Royal International supreme ridden horse titleTo win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victoryGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadThe post Hes a darling boy: emotional victory in Royal International supreme amateur championship makes up for disappointment 12 months ago appeared first on Your Horse.