Blog

There’s nothing nicer than hearing people enthuse about their horses – not in terms of how much they’ve won, but in how much they enrich their lives. Talking to a woman who had just bought her first horse after ten years of sharing other people’s was a delight.

 

Her story included an inspirin...

When we remember those who have died in war, it’s surely appropriate to remember the animals caught up in conflict.

 

Without the horses, ponies and mules who were part of British forces in the 1914-18 war, history might have played out in a different way. They became a vital part of cavalry w...

Most riders do everything they can to ensure that their horses are happy and comfortable, so the announcement that British Dressage is cracking down on too-tight nosebands will be welcomed.

 

We’ve all seen pictures of horses whose mouths have been strapped shut so tightly they can’t relax the...

Ask a non-horsey person what difference daylight saving time (DST) makes to them and you’ll probably get either a blank look or a mild grumble about days getting shorter. Ask a horse owner and be prepared for a long list of complaints.

 

For many owners, it means fewer chances to ride. For an ...

Do you ever feel that you and younger members of your family live on different planets? Or worse, that you’re saying all the things that made you cringe when your parents said them to you?

There’s something ironic about the fact that we’re putting our coats on – and getting ready to take our horses’ coats off. Yes, it’s clipping time – a chance to marvel at how horse hair can find its way under the tightest clothing, even if you fasten rubber bands over your sleeves.

I can’t include a sound effect with this blog, so please imagine a cross between the theme from Jaws and the gloopy sound when you lose a wellie boot in wet ground.

 

That’s right – it’s the season to be concerned about mud fever.

Before your eyes, that smart, sleek summer pony will metamor...

Nothing with horses is ever simple.  After the Masters I religiously hosed Chiara’s right fore three times a day for a week then took her to the vet to have the leg scanned.  Even this didn’t go according to plan!  After trotting up and down on a hard surface, lunging her on both reins and flexion t...

Recently, I went to one of my favourite showing championships of the year. I love it not just because you’re guaranteed to see top class horses and ponies, but because even though rivalry is keen, the atmosphere is always friendly.

 

There was plenty of showmanship from those who knew exactly ...

The controversies of the World Equestrian Games were balanced with the news that Britain’s Ros Canter finished as individual as well as a team gold medallist.

 

Her story is an inspiration to every young rider – and a few not so young ones, too. Ros started, like so many, as a member of the Po...

Behind every great rider, there’s a great groom, whether that’s a paid member of a professional team or a parent/other half doing it for love.

 

So, congratulations to supergroom Georgia Pitcher. Georgia, who works for Feedmark-sponsored rider Will Furlong, has just won the Shapley’s best turn...

Successful amateurs are the ones with professional standards, says Carolyn Henderson

 

The dictionary definition of an amateur participant in any sport or activity is someone who takes part without payment. So why do so many riders assume that “amateur” is synonymous with second-rate?

 

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