Year: 2024

British Equestrian announce nominated combinations for Paris 2024

Katie Gilmour
Oliver Townend at the FEI Eventing World Championship 2022 in Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA). FEI - Massimo Argenziano

British Equestrian and the British Eventing Selectors have confirmed the 12 eventing combinations that will be submitted to the FEI as our nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the list features some exciting combinations. Oliver Townend, who withdrew from this year’s Badminton Horse Trials, is on the list with two horses. Ros Canter is nominated with her an Alex Moody’s 11 year old bay gelding, Izilot DHI (Zavala VDL x Cavalier) or Michele and Archie Saul’s 12 year old bay gelding Lordships Graffalo (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz x Rock…

Read More

Classic Briolinca retired from international competition

Suzanne Ashton
Gareth HUGHES (GBR) & Classic Briolinca - Grand Prix Special - Dressage - FEI World Championships Herning 2022

On 15 May, British team rider Gareth Hughes announced that his multi-medallist Classic Briolinca would be retiring from international competition. The announcement came on Briolinca’s 18th birthday – which was celebrated with a special cake made from some of her favourite foods Known as ‘Princess’ by those closest to her, including owners Gareth, his wife Rebecca, daughter Ruby and long-time friend Julia Hornig, Briolinca joined Gareth’s yard in Warwickshire as a three-year-old when Rebecca spotted her star credentials while on a horse-buying trip in the Netherlands. The pair began their competitive…

Read More

Bolesworth International gears up to welcome top talent this June

Suzanne Ashton
Billy Twomey showjumping at Bolesworth international

The anticipation is mounting as the prestigious Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, prepares to welcome a dazzling array of equestrian talent between 6th – and 16th June 2024. With early entries confirming the participation of some of the biggest names in the sport, including John Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall Macateer, Guy Williams, William Whitaker, Richard Howley, Ellen Whitaker, and William Funnell, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of horsemanship and competition. The Festival has long been renowned as a premier destination for…

Read More

John Whitaker and Gilles Thomas win GCL Madrid

Suzanne Ashton

Taking their first win since the GCL of Hamburg in 2022,, John Whitaker and Gilles Thomas of team Valkenswaard United stole the victory in GCL of Madrid presented by Marqués de Riscal out of the grasp of the home team Madrid in Motion, with the sound of breaking hearts echoing around the packed home crowd. With none other than 68-year-old John Whitaker at the helm, young gun Gilles Thomas was riding alongside the living legend to bring home the win for the team leading from start to finish. A 42-year…

Read More

Horse Flies: What’s The Issue?

Abby Dickinson
Horse Flies what's the issue

All equines encounter horse flies during spring, summer, and early autumn. Horse flies bite and can cause irritation to horses, and they are also responsible for carrying disease and bacteria throughout herds. Horse flies present the major problems of; Therefore, horse owners should do everything possible to prevent horse fly populations surrounding their horses. Types of Horse Flies There are different types of horse flies that affect horses in different ways. Here are some ways you can prevent the different types of horse fly from causing a problem to your…

Read More

Horse-racing themed slot games

Suzanne Ashton
horse racing themed slot games

The classic sport of horse racing has been the focus of worldwide betting for generations. The unpredictable thrills of the sport make it great favorite among sports gamblers. The digital revolution helped transform this popularity into the modern age. Horse racing games have blossomed with the advances in gaming technology and the spread of gaming platforms. Digital horse racing games now offer players the opportunity to dig this excitement of horse racing – from the comfort of their own homes. Many modern horse racing games are realistic simulations of the…

Read More

Chatsworth International Horse Trials organisers ‘devastated’ to announce cancellation of 2024 event

Suzanne Ashton
FRA-Stephane Landois rides Chaman Dumontceau during the Cross Country for the FEI Nations Cup Eventing CCI4*-S. 2023 GBR-Chatsworth International Horse Trial | Presented by Delarki. Bakewell, Derbyshire. Saturday 13 May 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

The organisers of Chatsworth International Horse Trials announced today, Thursday, 16th May, that the event, scheduled to take place between 17th May 2024 and 19th May 2024, has been cancelled. The statement retrieved from the event website reads: We are devastated to announce that due to the last 12 hours of heavy rain on site, under instruction from the BE and FEI officials we have been forced to cancel the 2024 Chatsworth International Horse Trials. “We are sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this will cause. Our team has worked…

Read More

6 of the Best Travel Boots for Horses

Suzanne Ashton
Best Travel Boots for Horse - Everything Horse

Here we’ve picked out six of the best travel boots for horses. We’ve based our choices on cost, quality, and popularity; as a boot well-liked, is a boot that has proved it’s worth. When travelling our horses, safety is at the forefront of our minds. Choosing how to prepare them for travel can mean the difference between a happy, safe journey to sustaining an injury should they not be adequately protected. Young horses are especially at risk as they take to the road for their first few outings. Nerves, an…

Read More

FEI Rankings May 2024

Suzanne Ashton
Image: Yasmin Ingham with Banzai Du Loir (GBR) during the FEI Eventing European Championships 2023 in Haras du Pin (FRA)

The FEI oversees around 70 Rankings and Standings across all the disciplines, from World Rankings calculated on a monthly basis for Athletes, Horses and/or combinations, to league, team and regional based standings for Series such as the FEI World Cup™ and FEI Nations Cup™, as well as a variety of youth categories, among others. Below you will find the main FEI Rankings for May 2024 in the senior World Rankings, as well as a special spotlight on the FEI Eventing World Athlete Ranking for this month’s special “Ranking Spotlight”.  Longines…

Read More

Chestertons Polo in the Park returns to London this June

Suzanne Ashton
Chestertons Polo in the Park logo

The world’s largest three-day polo festival, Chestertons Polo in the Park, is back and kicking off London’s social calendar at Hurlingham Park, Fulham, from Friday 7th – Sunday 9th June 2024. Set across three incredible days, the international polo event will feature teams from across the globe, where spectators will see England battle it against the USA in a thrilling international fixture for the coveted Olympic Trophy! The impressive Fulham food festival, featuring an array of new food and drink opportunities, will help keep guests happy with hospitality, a new VIP…

Read More

Fly masks and other things to help protect your horse’s head this summer

Suzanne Ashton
Horse Fly Mask

Hurrah, it’s summer … but where is all the sun? As the typical British summertime gets underway it’s time we reach for the rugs and fly masks for horses to protect them from flies and unwanted pets. Despite the sun not making much of an appearance, the risk and irritation still prevail. We’ve already covered a selection of the best fly rugs for this spring/summer. However, with a host of fly masks available for our horses, it makes you wonder which one could be best and why. While we can’t…

Read More

Seat Unique becomes official partner for the ARC

Suzanne Ashton
a line of lady racegoers

Britain’s largest racing group, Arena Racing Company (ARC) welcomes a new partnership this month with Seat Unique, a trusted premium ticketing provider The partnership welcomes Seat Unique as ARC’s Official Online Premium Ticket and Hospitality Partner, providing unparalleled premium experiences to racing enthusiasts across the UK.  The premium experience economy continues to soar, with spending in the entertainment space growing last year driven primarily by live events and sports. Consumers are placing increasing importance on bigger and more unforgettable days out. Seat Unique has seen an 88% increase in the…

Read More

Vets from the UK receive specialist field surgery training

Suzanne Ashton
a group of vets receiving training

A special equine training clinic for vets, hosted by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon, has provided a unique opportunity to learn valuable field surgery and anaesthesia skills on semi-feral ponies. Events like this rarely happen in the UK. The specialist clinic, organised by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), enabled vets to demonstrate castration techniques in the field, rather than an operating theatre. It’s a valuable professional skill and greatly improves the future of colts who, uncastrated, are often difficult to find homes for. As geldings they could become riding or companion ponies or…

Read More

A historic moment: UK bans live export of horses for slaughter

Suzanne Ashton
UK bans live export of horses for slaughter - black and white image of horses being led to slaughter

In a landmark achievement culminating a century’s efforts, World Horse Welfare is celebrating the pivotal Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill reaching the end of its Parliamentary journey, receiving its third and final reading in Parliament on Tuesday, May 14th 2024. This historic legislation will ban the live export of horses and other livestock for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain and now just needs Royal Assent before it passes into law. This historic legislation will ban the live export of horses and other livestock for slaughter and fattening from Great…

Read More

Why Winspirit Online Casino? A Look at Its Benefits

Suzanne Ashton
Win Spirit casino logo

Are you looking for a great online casino with lots of benefits and fun games? Winspirit online casino might be perfect for you. Among all the online casinos out there, Winspirit is special because it has lots of games, big bonuses, and top-notch safety. Let’s take a closer look at why it is the best choice for players who want excitement and reliability. Wide Range of Games for Winspirit Online Casino Players Winspirit online casino has lots of different games to suit everyone’s tastes. It doesn’t matter if you like…

Read More

Saddle up to protect 78,000 kilometres of off-road routes

Katie Gilmour
a grey horse being ridden

The British Horse Society is urging riders to saddle up to protect over 78,000 miles of off-road riding in a ‘use it or lose it’ campaign to raise money to ensure routes are available in the future. The initiative encourages riders to undertake a distance of 25km or more over the month of July and gain sponsorship for its completion. The challenge has four goals, and riders can choose which they prefer: 25km, 50km, 75km and 100+km, and riders can create a Just Giving page associated with the campaign. Money…

Read More

Platform launched to help clean up the equestrian industry

Suzanne Ashton
Equiyd logo

Two female co-founders have vowed to clean up the equestrian industry with the launch of Equiyd, a platform that creates the start of a horse’s digital footprint and allows safe and secure sales for buyers and sellers. Cheshire based duo Michelle Lea and Claire Spencer believe the platform is the first of its kind, with the sole aim of protecting buyers and sellers with transparent horse history, digital vetting records, secure payment solutions and comprehensive insurance support. “The idea was born at the side of the showring” explains Michelle. “We’ve…

Read More

2024 Preakness Prospects: Muth, Arkansas Derby Winner

Suzanne Ashton
A Group Of Jockeys Racing In A Muddy Race Preakness Stakes

This week’s horse racing spotlight falls on Muth, the recent victor of the Arkansas Derby, positioning him as a frontrunner for the eagerly anticipated 149th Preakness Stakes, slated for May 18 at Pimlico Race Course. With the horse racing world’s eyes fixed on him, along with Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, Muth stands out as a prime contender, especially in the absence of Bob Baffert’s entrants from the Kentucky Derby due to previous sanctions. Trained by the Hall of Famer himself, Muth carries the hopes of Zedan Racing Stables into…

Read More

Eleven runners set for Newbury’s feature Group 1 Race

Suzanne Ashton
an image of newbury racecourse logo

Eleven remain on course for Newbury’s Group One feature race of the Flat season, the £400,000 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes on Saturday 18th May, 2024. Six-time Group One winner Inspiral, trained by John and Thady Gosden for Cheveley Park Stud, heads the top-quality line up in the first older horse Group One of the season. The superstar mare could make her seasonal re-appearance over the mile at Newbury and have a first tilt at the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes. The five-year-old daughter of Frankel, last seen when winning the Breeders’ Cup Filly &…

Read More

Friendly Soul heads seven runners for Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York this Wednesday

Suzanne Ashton
an arial image of York racecourse to represent gathering for Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes

The John and Thady Gosden-trained FRIENDLY SOUL heads seven runners for the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York this Wednesday, May 15th during the Dante Festival. Owned and bred by George Strawbridge, the daughter of Kingman comes into the race unbeaten in two starts and looked an eye-catching winner on seasonal return earlier this month in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket, where the first two home drew 12 lengths clear of the third. Ahead of her Tattersalls Musidora engagement, her rider Kieran Shoemark said: “She was very impressive on…

Read More

What you need to know about horse racing

Suzanne Ashton

Horse racing is a genre of performance sport, involving well trained horses that are ridden by jockeys, over a certain distance and field. It is a well-known sport all around the globe, being one of the oldest and most common professional sports, even since classical antiquity, some might say. As any other sport, it varies in many formats, and different countries have created their specific way of playing this equestrian performance. Variations go from races with particular breeds of horses, to running over obstacles, or even performing on different track surfaces.…

Read More

Riders’ Minds service expanded

Katie Gilmour
horse and rider walking in woodland

With the rise of ill mental health in riders, Riders Minds has announced that their helplines are being taken in-house, and expanded with additional mental health and well-being services that includes help for those experiencing bullying and confidence issues.  “When we set up Riders Minds, we always wanted to be able to support all equestrian people in any time of need,” said Victoria Wright, Founder and Chair of Riders Minds. “Having our services available 24/7 was very important to us. This is a service that we’ve always outsourced whilst we…

Read More

An Unexpected Victory at the 75th Mars Badminton Horse Trials

Amy Powell

Olympic years can always throw up unexpected results at Badminton, and 2024 is absolutely no exception with a total shakeup of the leader board. New Zealand’s Caroline Powell came from 6th place overnight to take her first Badminton Horse Trials title with the feisty mare Greenacres Special Cavalier, having finished here in last place in 2023. Ireland’s Lucy Latta climbed up one to eventual second place – an incredible result for her first five star event, let alone her first Badminton with the incredibly promising RCS Patron Saint, followed by…

Read More

All Change on the Leader Board After Cross Country Day at Mars Badminton Horse Trials

Amy Powell

After a thrilling day of cross country at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, the leader board after dressage took quite the shakeup to see New Zealand’s Tim Price climb up from third into the top spot, followed by a legend of the British team, William Fox-Pitt rising to second from overnight 8th and Ireland’s Lucy Latter storming into third in her first ever 5 star competition from 46th position after dressage. The story of the day certainly goes to 27-year-old Badminton and 5 star first timer, Lucy Latta, who put…

Read More

A Familiar Name Leads After Dressage at Mars Badminton Horse Trials

Amy Powell
Rosalind Canter (GBR) riding Izilot DHI following dressage at Badminton Horse Trials 2024

In the 75th Anniversary of the Badminton Horse Trials and its inaugural year with Mars as the title sponsor, the sun shone over two days of fantastic sport to give us the phase one leader of Ros Canter with Izilot DHI. Riding into second place is Bubby Upton on Cola for Great Britain, and in third, is New Zealand’s Tim Price on board Vitali. Tim and the 14-year-old black gelding produced their customary fluid test to finish on a first phase score of 27.7. The result wasn’t quite their Burghley…

Read More