Month: April 2024

Racehorse Trainer Aidan O’Brien Inducted into QIPCO Hall of Fame

Suzanne Ashton
Aidan O'Brien Hall of Fame 2024

Aidan O’Brien has joined the QIPCO Hall of Fame, becoming the first induction for 2024. With a career spanning back to 1993, when he saddled winner, Desert King, on his first day as a trainer, to today, he is regarded as one of the most successful racehorse trainers of all time. Born in 1969, O’Brien is one of six children and comes from a farming family in County Wexford where his father also trained racehorses. O’Brien and his wife, Anne-Marie, had four children who have all grown to become jockeys.…

Read More

My Horse Stories comes to Nintendo this May

Suzanne Ashton
New game for Nintendo - My horse stories

A new game for budding equestrian enthusiasts called My Horse Stories will be released for the Nintendo Switch on May 3rd, 2024 by CrazyLabs. Whether it’s the big kid inside bursting to get out, or passing on the news to your child, this game looks set to be of interest to anyone with a love for horses, and a Nintendo Switch, of course. The story Put on those cowgirl boots, style your new horse, and start racing like a champ! You’re located on a horse farm that becomes your haven,…

Read More

Quaker, one of the horses injured in London, is not doing well

Jan Hughes

The Army has released a statement advising that black horse, Quaker, one the Household Cavalry horses injured in London on Wednesday last is “not doing well”.  The other significantly injured horse, Vida, has now been returned to her stable after undergoing a surgical procedure.  The Army has confirmed that the remainder of the horses who did not sustain serious injury after they bolted through London are expected to return to normal duties in due course.   There are no further updates about the service personnel who were thrown in this terrible…

Read More

Racehorse Shishkin dies in tragic accident

Suzanne Ashton
Shishkin Vs. Energumene Will Light Up the Cheltenham Festival 2022

A prominent name on the racetrack, Shishkin, has died following a tragic accident it was reported on Sunday, April 28th 2024. Nicky Henderson announced the racing stable, Seven Barrows, had unexpectedly lost Shishkin after he became cast in his stable and fractured a hind leg. “He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that”, said Henderson on X. “The Supreme Novice Hurdle and the Arkle were his Cheltenham Highlights, but the battle with Energumene in the Clarence House at Ascot was probably his greatest.” he continued. The…

Read More

It’s another win for Oliver Townend as GBR Riders steal the limelight in Kentucky

Suzanne Ashton
Oliver Townend takes the win in the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event 2024. image of Award ceremony

Marking his 100th CCI5*-L competition, Oliver Townend and mare Cooley Rosalent claimed top honours finishing with a score of 31.8 to take the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian on Sunday 28th April, 2024. As the World #1 ranked rider, Great Britain’s Townend is no stranger to the CCI5*-L level, nor is he a stranger to winning at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE). This year marked Townend’s eighth CCI5*-L win and his fourth victory in Kentucky. “I can’t tell you how proud I am…

Read More

5 Top Hoof Oils For Horses

Abby Dickinson
Maintaining hoof condition is important for protecting joints from injury

Looking for top hoof oils, suited to your summer hoof care needs? We’ve got you covered with oils for every hoof care routine! From weather protection to day-to-day use, these products ensure the best quality hooves this summer! When picking up a hoof oil up for your horse, you’ll need to pay close attention to the label of each one you find on the shelves. Often, each type can have different purposes, for example, some offer moisture protection while others other nourishment. Here we take a look at a selection…

Read More

EquiGroomer Review

Suzanne Ashton
EquiGroomer for horses, ponies and pets

The EquiGroomer is a fabulous grooming product for horses, ponies, and pets. It is perfect for spring and summer months when animals shed their coats. This simple but effective design enables hairy coats to be thinned out, including removing excess dander (grease buildup) with ease. This saves the horse or pet owner hours in grooming and gets rid of winter coats. It can be used on all types of animals and is great on short coats, too. With the spring shortly upon us, this is guaranteed to be a top…

Read More

British riders sit at the top in Kentucky after day one of Dressage

Suzanne Ashton
Yasmin Ingham for Great Britain at the Defender Kentucky three-day-event.

British rider, Yasmin Ingham sits at the top of the leaderboard following the first day of dressage at the CCI5*-L Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE). Ingham’s score of 26, gives her a solid advantage over fellow British rider Kirsty Chabert with Classic VI, who sit in second on 31. Overnight third position went to Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp on Carlitos Quidditch K who finished .1 penalty behind Chabert. Following the day’s dressage, Ingham commented: “I think his test overall had some brilliant highlights,” she said of The Sue…

Read More

Spring Fever in Horses: an owners guide

Suzanne Ashton
spring fever in horses - image of a white horse stood in a field

Spring fever in horses is a term used to describe mood and behavioural changes in equines during … well, spring. Our equine companions are sensitive creatures, reacting to even the slightest adjustment to their diet, environment, or weather conditions. With the arrival of spring (finally), you might be noticing some changes in your horse’s energy levels. This is called spring fever and is entirely normal but, as it can present some challenges, you’ll be glad to know that there are some steps you can take to support your horse. The…

Read More

Royal Windsor Horse Show: 10 Unmissable Moments for 2024

Suzanne Ashton
Royal Windsor Horse Show 2024 - unmissable moments. Image of a pony and rider winning a red ribbon

Royal Windsor Horse Show, returns to the private grounds of Windsor Castle from Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 May with a spectacular, action-packed schedule. The Show, which this year takes place over the May bank holiday weekend, provides entertainment for all the family. Here we take a look at 10 moments you won’t want to miss at the upcoming event. 1. Scintillating Show Jumping – CSI5* Show Jumping action commences with the Pearl Stakes on Friday 3 May and concludes on Sunday 5 May with the €500k Rolex Grand Prix, providing…

Read More

London Marathon runners raise over £15K for Racing Welfare

Suzanne Ashton
Katy King - London Marathon Runner for 2024 helped raise funds for the Equine Welfare Charity

Dedicated London Marathon runners have raised over £15K of valuable funds and awareness for the horseracing industry’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare. A total of ten runners, some of whom have personally benefitted from Racing Welfare’s support or who have links to the racing industry, pounded the streets of London on Sunday (21), each clocking up 26.2 miles around the iconic course. So far, they have raised an impressive £15,588 for Racing Welfare, with more funds continuing to be donated post-event.  The sum raised by the intrepid runners will allow the charity to provide professional guidance and practical help and support…

Read More

BHA launch HorsePWR to highlight equine welfare standards

Suzanne Ashton
bha horsePWR hub image featuring a black horse

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) has launched HorsePWR, a digital hub concentrating on a communications campaign to help build awareness around equine welfare in racing. The new central resource hub puts the Thoroughbred at the forefront of users’ minds and aims to help share data and talk about their purpose, lives, safety and risks of the sport. The hub complements existing resources such as horse racing results, and other news resources, and helps underpin the high welfare and safety standards upon which the industry is built. The hub has…

Read More

BETA International announce Medical Detection Dogs as official Charity for 2024

Suzanne Ashton
Image - Medical Detection Dogs

BETA International has chosen its official charity for 2024 to be Medical Detection Dogs, a charity that’s close to the hearts of many members of the equestrian community. About Medical Detection Dogs Medical Detection Dogs started in 2008, utilising a dog’s incredible sense of smell to help support humans, whether this is in detecting cancer, neurological diseases, specific bacteria, and even malaria; or supporting people with complex medical conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, PoTS, Addison’s Disease and more. Working with the Detection Dogs in this way is hoped to…

Read More

What is the most common cause of horse insurance claims?

Suzanne Ashton
What is the most common cause of horse insurance claims?

Even with the best-laid plans, accidents, injuries and illnesses are all part and parcel of owning horses. It is possible to take precautions such as risk assessments, education and training. Still, we can’t prevent the unexpected from happening, so having suitable horse insurance is important to protect ourselves, our horses and others who may be affected by our actions. Taking out a horse insurance policy gives us peace of mind should our horses become ill or sustain an injury. While there is a huge range of advice available on avoiding…

Read More

Charlotte Dujardin: A Triple Gold Medalist and a Passionate Equestrian

Suzanne Ashton
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) riding Imhotep part of the winning team Great Britain in the Grand Prix Dressage - Team Competition - at the FEI Dressage European Championship Riesenbeck 2023 Copyright ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster

Charlotte Dujardin is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the equestrian world. Born on July 13, 1985, in Enfield, London, Dujardin has emerged as one of Britain’s most successful dressage riders. Her natural talent, unwavering determination, and deep connection with horses have allowed her to achieve unparalleled success throughout her career, as she is now regarded as the most decorated female olympian of all time. One of Dujardin’s most notable wins came at the 2012 London Olympics, where she won three gold medals in dressage. Paired with her exceptional…

Read More

HRH Princess Anne joins The Pony Club Centre Memberships Scheme Celebrations

Suzanne Ashton
Princess Anne Pony Club visiting at Wrea Green Equitation Centre near Preston

A highlight of The Pony Club’s Centre Membership Scheme 25th anniversary celebrations was the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Pony Club, at Wrea Green Equitation Centre near Preston recently. The flagship grassroots riding centre supports the local community and the broader Lancashire region with a range of opportunities and experiences. During her visit, Her Royal Highness interacted with Pony Club Members, observing their diverse activities, which included bandaging, grooming, and horse and rider fitness demonstrations. HRH presented commemorative plaques to centre proprietors in recognition of 25…

Read More

Exploring the World on Horseback: The Rise of Equestrian Tourism

Suzanne Ashton
horse and rider on the beach, for article: The Rise of Equestrian Tourism

Equestrian tourism has galloped into the mainstream travel scene with an undeniable allure. Offering a unique blend of adventure, connection with nature, and cultural immersion, horse riding holidays have become increasingly popular among travellers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path. From serene trail rides through breathtaking landscapes to exhilarating adventures, equestrian tourism presents a captivating way to explore the world. Unveiling the Appeal At the heart of equestrian tourism lies the profound bond between rider and horse, transcending language barriers and cultural differences. The opportunity to embark on horse…

Read More

Natural Approaches to Enhancing Wound Healing in Horses

Suzanne Ashton
Image of a horse grazing for article: Natural Approaches to Enhancing Wound Healing in Horses

Horse owners know that proper wound care is not just a necessity; it’s an essential part of keeping their equine companions healthy and active. From minor abrasions to more severe lacerations, understanding the best practices for wound management can significantly affect the recovery outcome.  This guide offers a deep dive into the skin structure of horses, outlines the types of wounds they may encounter, and discusses the stages of wound healing.  Structure of the Skin in Horses The skin of a horse is a complex organ that serves as the…

Read More

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and the King do it all over again

Suzanne Ashton
Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and King Edward winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2024 - Riyadh (KSA) Copyright FEI/Martin Dokoupil

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2024 – Riyadh, written by Louise Parkes For the second year in a row, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and the extraordinary King Edward reigned supreme at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday 20th April 2024. In Wednesday’s opening competition, they threw down the gauntlet when taking the early lead, and then they left the rest in their wake once again with a brilliant jump-off performance in Thursday’s second competition. On Saturday evening, however, it turned into a whole…

Read More

Touchdown lands the World Cup title for Sweden’s Patrik Kittel

Suzanne Ashton
Patrik Kittel (SWE) and Touchdown - FEI Dressage World Cup Champions - winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2024 - Riyadh (KSA) - Freestyle Copyright © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2024, Riyadh (KSA), Written by Louise Parkes Patrik Kittel made history on Friday 19th April, as only the second Swedish rider to stand on the top step of the podium at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Partnering the 12-year-old gelding Touchdown he was the very last athlete into the arena on a night when the sport had plenty of twists and turns. And he nailed it with the performance of a lifetime, pinning Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors…

Read More

Owners urged to vaccinate horses against strangles as SAW approaches

Suzanne Ashton
image of a shire horse as owners are urged to vaccinate horses against strangles

Horse owners are being urged by vets to vaccinate their horses against strangles to provide the BEST protection against the disease. The move follows the launch of practical guidance on preventing a strangles outbreak in the run-up to Strangles Awareness Week (SAW) held 6-12 May 2024, to provide the BEST protection against the disease: Redwings and the British Horse Society have also put together a detailed document for those who want to learn more about preventing strangles, called the Strategy to Eradicate and Prevent Strangles (STEPS). Jonathan Cleaver, co-owner of…

Read More

Fontainebleau gears up for spectacular equestrian showcase

Suzanne Ashton
Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau

With the official selections for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games just a few weeks away, Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will be playing host to the world’s show jumping and dressage elite at the Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau in a few days’ time. Let’s take a closer look at those competing. Dressage For its second edition, the CDI 5* at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will play host to sixteen of the world’s best combinations. The headliner of this CDI5*, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, reigning World champion and…

Read More

Redwings’ Katie Fulcher receives outstanding achievement award

Suzanne Ashton
Redwings' Katie Fulcher sat at her office desk.

Redwings’ Legacy Manager, Katie Fulcher, has been awarded a Smee & Ford Legacy Giving Award, recognising and celebrating outstanding achievement and skill in the sector. Katie, who celebrated 10 years at Redwings last year, was announced as the winner of the Legacy Administrator of the Year Award at a private ceremony at Hilton Bankside, London on the 18th April 2024 after being nominated by her colleagues at the biggest horse welfare charity in the UK. Katie said: “I’m so honoured to have been given this award. It is a wonderful, independent validation…

Read More

Strangles Awareness Week 2024 announces competition bundle and celebrity support

Suzanne Ashton
Strangles awareness week banner

Strangles Awareness Week 2024 (SAW) (6-12th May, 2024) has announced a host of celebrity support for this year’s week of action against the infectious disease, plus an incredible opportunity to win a horse and rider prize bundle worth over £6000.  Event riders William Fox-Pitt and Lucinda Green, dressage rider Richard Davison and equestrian influencer Riding with Rhi are working with the SAW collaboration this year to help inspire horse owners to adopt practical, routine steps that offer their horses effective protection against Strangles. Protect your horse SAW is co-ordinated by…

Read More

Veterinary costs come under scrutiny

Suzanne Ashton
Veterinary fees come under scrutiny. Image of a horse in a headcollar eating hay

The Countryside Alliance is calling for an investigation into UK veterinary services, as costs of veterinary care are rising, and independent practices are disappearing. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) undertook a market review of the veterinary sector last September (2023), which identified that pet owners are finding it difficult to access basic information like price lists and prescription costs, and are potentially overpaying for medicines. It also found weak competition driven by sector consolidation and incentives for large corporate veterinary groups to act in ways which may reduce choice…

Read More