Author: Suzanne Ashton

Hooflex frog and sole care
Product Guides
Suzanne Ashton

Products to soothe thrush in horse hooves

Looking for products for thrush in horse hooves in the UK? Then our product guide here will be able to help. Our article on thrush in horse hooves offers a variety of information on the causes, symptoms andprevention, so don’t forget to check it out to learn more about the condition. With an industry packed full of products to help treat all kinds of ailments in horses (thankfully), we’ve narrowed down your search to the top products available to combat thrush in horse hooves. Why a mixture of products for thrush? We’ve included a selection of different products available for

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evoke All Star Academy 2026 SUPPORTED by veredus
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

evoke All Star Academy returns with eight amateur riders and support from Veredus

Eight amateur riders and their horses will put their training, confidence and equestrian knowledge to the test in the forthcoming evoke All Star Academy, with Veredus, in association with Zebra Products, among the sponsors supporting the series. Returning for its seventh series, Horse & Country’s equestrian reality competition heads to Hartpury Equine in Gloucestershire, where the contestants will work with leading riders and coaches as they compete for the All Star Champion title. The new series will be available exclusively on H&C+. Combining the pressures of competition with the opportunity to learn, the Academy follows the riders through practical challenges,

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best horse clippers feature image of horse clipper faded in the background
Product Guides
Suzanne Ashton

Best Horse Clippers for Autumn/Winter 2026

Finding the best horse clippers for your horse can be quite tricky, especially as there are so many to choose from. Horse clippers are undoubtedly a significant investment, so it’s important to consider several key factors before making a purchase. From the type of coat your horse has to how frequently you’ll be clipping, choosing the right set involves balancing performance, durability, and cost to ensure they suit both your needs and your budget. You may be considering battery-operated horse clippers if there’s no reliable power supply at your yard, making a cordless model the most practical choice. Alternatively, if

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Product Guides
Suzanne Ashton

Products for Horses’ Hooves

Do you spend hours considering products for your horses’ hooves, wondering which ones would be best to use? This product feature takes a look at a selection of products we have used (and continue to use) as an effective way to maintain a healthy hoof. *post contains affiliate links. Learn more here. Factors affecting hoof health Hard, dry ground compromises the horse’s hoof health, as much as wet, saturated fields. Whether the hoof is shod or not, cracks can appear without warning, which can increase in size very quickly. Old nail holes can further cause weakness in horses’ hooves, as

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joe whitaker HOYS 2026
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

“Thankfully Jack didn’t get me today!” Joe Whitaker wins HOYS thriller

Joe Whitaker had cousin Jack hot on his heels as he rode Vagalenco GF to victory in the Dallamires Stables Cup on day three of Horse of the Year Show. Just 0.15 seconds separated the cousins in a thrilling jump-off on Friday evening, with Jack and D&H Valmy De Le Lande finishing second as the class brought the day’s competition to a close. Seven strong combinations from 26 starters progressed to the jump-off, with Max Routledge and Me The Rebel R.T completing the podium. The result rounded off another successful day for the Whitaker family, following William’s victory in the

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Raphaela Dawson doubles at HOYS with second major title riding in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship aboard MHS Glow. Image credit 1st Class Images This time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to victory with an immaculate first round followed by a smooth, fast jump-off. A strong first round showcased the calibre of young riders rising through the ranks, with 11 combinations from 20 starters securing their place in the jump-off. Pony championships such as these provide valuable experience for riders aiming to progress onto the international circuit. William Whitaker, a previous Pony Foxhunter champion, and Jodie Hall McAteer, who enjoyed a successful pony career before moving into senior competition, illustrate where that pathway can lead. Raphaela’s time of 28.82 seconds secured victory ahead of Olivia Brightmore riding Flore Des Islots, with Portia Taylor-Wilson finishing third on Olivia W. The small chestnut gelding took the tight turns confidently, maintaining a smooth rhythm as Raphaela steered him around the course. “We’ve had the pony for five years now, and I am the only one who has ever jumped him in the ring,” Raphaela said. “When we first brought him home he used to go around our fields and jump the fences, so we always knew he could jump, but he was very difficult to break in, so he was actually kind of a year behind every other pony of his age.
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Raphaela Dawson doubles up at HOYS with second major title

Raphaela Dawson completed a memorable double at Horse of the Year Show with victory in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship. The Berkshire rider, a European Pony Championship team gold medallist for Great Britain this summer, had already been crowned Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year aboard MHS Glow. This time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to victory with an immaculate first round followed by a smooth, fast jump-off. A strong first round showcased the calibre of young riders rising through the ranks, with 11 combinations from 20 starters securing their place in

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William Whitaker HOYS 2026. Image credit First Class Images
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

William Whitaker Wins HOYS Grandstand Welcome Stakes Aboard La Vie Est D’Or

William Whitaker made a winning start to international competition at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, claiming victory in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes aboard La Vie Est D’Or. The Huddersfield-based showjumper produced a quick round in the two-phase competition, stopping the clock at 30.06 seconds to secure the opening international victory at Birmingham’s NEC. Drawn fourth from 27 starters, Whitaker set an early benchmark that proved impossible to beat. Madison Heath came closest, finishing second aboard Ivory in 30.98 seconds, while Chris Smith completed the top three with Messarado Blue. A Winning Debut Partnership Remarkably, the victory came in

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Other News and Reads
Suzanne Ashton

Risk, Reward and the Ride: The UK Horse World’s Relationship with Casino Culture

Those who spend their lives around horses understand risk in a way that those outside the equestrian world rarely appreciate. Buying a horse is a financial commitment made on the basis of a vet check, a few test rides, and a gut feeling about how an animal’s character might develop. Training for competition involves investing thousands of hours and pounds into an outcome that depends on the horse’s willingness, the rider’s form on the day, the condition of the ground, and a dozen other variables that no amount of preparation fully controls. The uk casino industry and the UK’s equestrian

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James Smith
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

James Smith and Juno Rose 23 Race to Victory at HOYS 2026

James Smith claimed an impressive victory aboard chestnut mare, Juno Rose 23 at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, heading a competitive British field in The Evoke Stakes (CSI3*) on Friday, 9 October. Competing in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, Smith produced a faultless round in 56.99 seconds aboard the 12-year-old mare, owned by Thomas Carruthers and Gillian Blackburn. Securing first place, the pair rode away with €3,300 in prize money. Joseph Trunkfield came closest to challenging the winning combination, finishing just 0.38 seconds behind with the 13-year-old stallion Darjeeling Desir. Their clear round in 57.37 seconds secured second

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A golden retriever with clean teeth. Featured image accompanying our guide to products for dogs with bad breath, covering dog-safe toothpaste, dental powders and chews that support a regular oral-care routine.
Pets
Suzanne Ashton

Best products for dogs with bad breath: toothpaste, powders and chews

Your dog settles beside you for a cuddle, opens their mouth and suddenly you’re wishing they had chosen the other end of the sofa. If that sounds familiar, you might be looking for something that helps with their smelly breath without adding another complicated job to your day. Daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste is the best starting point for controlling plaque. Dental powders and chews can support a regular oral-care routine, but no breath freshener replaces a veterinary check for bad breath. The right product depends on your dog’s health, size and willingness to have their teeth brushed. PDSA advises

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Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

TikTok, Farrington and MET- Horse News From Around the World Today: 6 October 2026

The latest horse news from around the world today includes a new Grand Prix star for American showjumper Kent Farrington, Belgium’s Thibeau Spits maintaining his position at the top of two FEI jumping rankings, and new research examining how horse riding falls and risks are portrayed on TikTok. Here are some of the international equestrian stories making the news on Tuesday 6 October 2026. Kent Farrington and Rexton win first Grand Prix together World number two Kent Farrington has added another international Grand Prix victory to his record, this time with exciting new ride Rexton. The American rider won the

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Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Horse News From Around the World Today: 5 October 2026

The latest horse news from around the world today includes Great Britain winning the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo, Germany taking the Longines League of Nations title in Barcelona and major international showjumping results from the Asian Games, Mexico and Spain. Away from competition, new equine research has examined spinal movement in military and police horses with a history of load-pulling work. Here are the international equestrian stories making the news on Monday 5 October 2026. Great Britain win 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo Great Britain have won the inaugural FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final

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Longines League of Nations™ Final 2026 - Barcelona (ESP) Marcus Ehning (GER) rides Coolio 42 during the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona (ESP) on 4 October 2026 © FEI/Leanjo de Koster
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Great Britain finish sixth as Germany win Longines League of Nations Final

Great Britain finished sixth in the Longines League of Nations Final 2026 in Barcelona on Sunday, as Germany secured the title following a jump-off against Brazil. The defending champions were unable to repeat their 2025 victory at the Real Club de Polo, finishing behind fifth-placed Italy and ahead of Ireland, France and Spain. Germany and Brazil completed the two rounds on four penalties apiece, forcing a jump-off to decide the title. Richard Vogel delivered the winning clear with Cloudio after Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom lowered a fence for Brazil. Belgium completed the podium on five penalties, with the USA

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Gemma Stevens
Eventing NewsHorse News
Suzanne Ashton

Great Britain win 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo

Great Britain won the inaugural FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo, finishing ahead of Germany after a closely fought showjumping decider in the Netherlands. Katie Magee, Gemma Stevens and Yasmin Ingham delivered the three counting scores to secure victory on 84.4 penalties. Germany finished just 2.6 penalties behind on 87.0, while Ireland claimed third on 97.5. Britain’s winning squad comprised Magee with Cushlas Indigo, Stevens with Cooley Park Muze, Ingham with Kinda Corvette and Kirsty Chabert with Classic VI. Chabert’s elimination during cross-country left the remaining three combinations to complete without the security of a discard score. With every

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Yumove for horses review-2
Product Guides
Suzanne Ashton

YuMOVE for Horses: Joint Supplements, Ingredients and What to Consider

YuMOVE for horses is a range of powdered supplements formulated to provide nutritional support for joint health and mobility. Here, we look at the two horse formulas, their ingredients and what to consider before adding either to your horse’s feed. Changes in a horse’s movement or willingness to work can have several causes. Age, workload, previous injury and underlying health conditions may all be relevant. If your horse develops stiffness, lameness or a change in behaviour during exercise, speak to your vet rather than assuming a supplement will resolve it. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission

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John Whitaker riding over a jump
Horse NewsShowing News
Suzanne Ashton

HOYS 2026 international showjumping line-up revealed with six Whitakers among star names

Horse of the Year Show has revealed the international showjumping riders heading to the Andrews Bowen International Arena at HOYS 2026, with 35 combinations set to contest some of the show’s biggest classes. The line-up features a strong mix of established international names and rising British talent, with no fewer than six members of the Whitaker family on the list. John Whitaker will be joined by Robert, William, Jack, George and Joe Whitaker, continuing the family’s long association with top-level showjumping and Horse of the Year Show. Brothers Shane and Trevor Breen are also among those confirmed, alongside Holly Smith,

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UAE Team members on the podium
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

UAE wins Asian Games showjumping team silver as Saudi Arabia retains gold

The UAE claimed showjumping team silver at the Asian Games 2026 in Tokyo on Thursday 1 October, delivering five clear rounds as Saudi Arabia retained its title in a contest decided by the final rider. The Emirates Jumping Team finished on four faults across two rounds at JRA Equestrian Park, taking silver ahead of host nation Japan. Saudi Arabia completed the competition without adding a fault to secure gold. Representing the UAE were Sheikha Latifah Bint Ahmed Al Maktoum with Cornet XL, Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi with Mentos, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi with Hudson de Vains, and Omar Abdul

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