Author: Suzanne Ashton

British Dressage – Another month packed with competitions, excited winners and qualifications to the National Championships. Among the winners was Sparsholt Elementary Open Regional Champion Claire Randall, bagging herself and her own Undaunted a ticket to the Nationals which will be held at Hartpury College. Claire and ‘Super ted’ gained 72.66%! After their win I got the chance to catch up with Claire and talk a little more about their journey together and how buying Ted came about… ‘‘Undaunted ‘Super ted ‘ at home is a rising 8 year old bay gelding. He was bred by Suzy Mainprice of Morgan Equine

Strangles Hits Wiltshire as well as Wales Following confirmed cases of strangles across North Wales the county of Wiltshire has also been affected. Some 200 miles south of North Wales, Wiltshire is as populated with horses as the North West region. One confirmed case has hit a well known and loved 28-year-old horse on a farm in Sherston. Footpaths surrounding the vicinity have been closed with dog walkers being advised to stay away from the area. Speculation has risen over whether the milder weather this winter has played a part in the outbreak. Owners are being asked to stay vigilant

#blueforbonnie – Following the tragic loss of young Bonnie Armitage thousands of #blueforbonnie tweets and social shares, from as far as Canada have been circulating social media. Bonnie was fatally injured whilst out riding on Saturday during a hunt in the Cotswolds. The nine-year-old received the fatal blow while riding her much loved Shetland pony. Despite initial internet trolls posting unnecessary comments on a anti-hunting social media page, the equestrian industry has stepped out in force to show their support to the young girl and her family. Our sponsored riders along with others show their support. Our thoughts are with

Barry Cridland holds a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy with The UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy (independently awarded and externally verified by NCFE) and is also certified in Sports Hypnosis in association with the Centre of Sports Hypnosis. He is a member of the respected CNHC and the NCH (MNCH) Reg. Barry works with horse riders at all levels from professional to beginner, focusing on overcoming self-limiting beliefs and moving towards new levels of riding success and fulfilment. Typically, he supports riders who are scared of falling off, worried about their horse spooking, suffer competition nerves, are easily distracted and always thinking about

Girl of 9 Dies While Internet Trolls Leave Sick Messages Girl of 9 dies in Oxfordshire Tragedy struck an Oxfordshire based family last week as a nine-year-old girl was fatally injured whilst riding her Shetland during a hunt in the Cotswolds. The young girl, Bonnie Armitage, died in hospital on Saturday morning following a blow to her chest while in the saddle. The tragedy has sparked a flurry of unnecessary messages via a social media group set up by anti-hunt protestors. Sick comments such as ‘Karma’ and ‘no good can come from this bloodlust’ were among the comments made via the social media page. On a more positive note

Strangles Facebook Group Set Up in Wake of Confirmed Cases in North Wales An informative Strangles Facebook Group has been set up after confirmed cases of Strangles in North Wales. The group titled ‘Strangles Outbreak North Wales’ has been set up to help support the local community and beyond by giving advise and informative information on the recent outbreak. Historically, Facebook groups that have been set up for similar reasons have been a great success in keeping followers up to date with progress and by providing a topic discussion forum. To visit the group click here

WIN Sponsorship with Grubs Would You Like to Join the Grubs Team? Win sponsorship with GRUBS! The tried and trusted name in neoprene performance boots and footwear is offering one lucky rider the once in a lifetime chance to join their exciting team of sponsored riders. If you love Grubs and feel you have what it takes to represent the brand this fantastic opportunity could see you kitted out head to toe in the latest gear.   The lucky recipient will receive Grubs boots and promotional clothing for you and your horse for the 2016 season, helping you look the

euro-star was established in 1959 and the popular equestrian clothing brand still reflects all the characteristics of its founder Hans Gotzens. The principle of euro-star creations has always been to blend horse and rider into a perfect team and whether at the yard, in competition the brand will keep you well-dressed – whatever the weather. The new spring/ summer collection from euro-star showcases several new breeches designs that coordinate beautifully with the tops, jackets and horse fashion. Made in Europe at their own Atelier, euro-star breeches combine innovative and functional fabrics with design and fashion. Euro-star breeches are fully tested

10 Top Horse Quotes Top horse quotes that’ll inspire you and touch your heart… “The horse is a mirror of your soul … and sometimes you might not like what you see in the mirror” – Buck Brannaman “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man” – Winston Churchill “Until you have loved a horse a part of your soul still sleeps” “Challenge me, dare me or even defy me, but do not underestimate me. For on the back of my horse anything is possible” “I’ve spent most of my

The Stable Company sponsor HOYS 138cm Series and Championships once again for 2016 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) are delighted to welcome back The Stable Company as sponsors of not only the 138cm Championships but the whole 138cm British Showjumping series for HOYS 2016 in association with British Showjumping. The Stable Company are premium quality stable manufacturers who produce beautiful bespoke equestrian buildings. They design and manufacture both traditional stables and modern American barns to a superb finish. Running since 1992 the 138cm Championship holds some of the future stars of Showjumping. An example being William Whitaker, in 2001

Hans-Peter Minderhoud wins the coveted Reem Acra title at last by Louise Parkes The Netherlands’ Hans-Peter Minderhoud fulfilled a life-time ambition when clinching the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2016 title yesterday, riding Glock’s Flirt to claim the trophy and €50,000 winner’s cheque in Gothenburg (SWE).   The 42-year-old team gold and individual bronze medallist at last year’s FEI European Championships in Aachen (GER), gave it his all to earn a mark of 82.357 in front of a packed crowd in the Scandinavium Arena.   He had wanted this win for a very long time. “It was really special