Category: horse News

In a shock announcement this evening, showjumper Guy Williams has spoke out on social media over the loss of his Puissance superstar, Mr Blue Sky. Guy wrote: “Blue you owe me nothing, you gave me your all, we raised every roof in the house, we were a partnership, you were a legend.I can’t say anymore, I can’t thank you enough for the pleasure you gave my family and friends.You were a true legend 💙💙💙My thoughts are also with @elaine_annis & Caroline & @phillipsrupertRIP Mr Blue Sky” The tall, impressive grey…

British Olympic gold medallist Ros Canter has taken a commanding lead after the first day of dressage at Defender Burghley. The world number two scored the outstanding mark of 19.9, which represents her best score at CCI5* level, on Alex Moody’s 11-year-old Izilot DHI. Dual Defender Burghley winner Pippa Funnell, the most experienced rider in the field, is currently in second place on MCS Maverick with a mark of 28.3, just 0.3 penalties ahead of the 2022 runners-up Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift. The Swiss Olympian Felix Vogg is…

Para Dressage makes its entrance to Paris 2024 tomorrow September 3rd, at the spectacular Château de Versailles where a total of 76 athletes from 30 nations will compete over four days of competition. But who are the ones to watch? Find out below. All horses presented today (Monday) for the First Horse Inspection have passed and are ready to go. The first two days of competition will see the Individual Medal Events in all five Grades decided with the Grade III opening proceedings tomorrow (Tuesday). Sadly, Denmark’s Tobias Thorning Joergensen…

Gut bacteria found within Thoroughbred racehorses at one-month-old can predict their future athletic performance, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. The study also showed that foals with lower bacterial diversity at 28-days-old had a significantly increased risk of respiratory disease later in life. Researchers from the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Bioscience, led by Professor Chris Proudman, investigated the composition of gut bacteria in Thoroughbred foals bred for flat racing and its impact on their long-term health and athletic performance. The study consisted…

The Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy has gained accreditation from the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP), opening up even more opportunities for those wishing to study the field. Launched earlier in 2024, the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy has already gained accreditation from RAMP, and now, learners can also enjoy the career benefits of IRVAP membership.    IRVAP aims to raise standards of practice and provide informed representation for our members and information and resources for all those who work with animals. IRVAP members hold multi-professional qualifications and offer…

Piggy March and her husband Tom have announced they will complete a Charity Cycle Challenge of 1,000km in memory of Caroline March, who sadly passed away in March 2024. The cycle ride, which will feature participants such as Ian Stark OBE, aims to raise £500,000 for the vital work carried out by both Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust. Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research to develop life-changing treatments for millions around the world living with a spinal cord injury. The epic ten-day ride…

A group of equestrians will cycle over 205 miles along the UK’s longest bridleway to help raise funds for their beloved friend Saffron Cresswell, who suffered life-changing injuries after a fall at the 4* Bramham Horse Trials this year. The Pennine Bridleway consists of minor roads, stone tracks, stone setts, worn causey flags, grass and aggregate tracks from Derbyshire, through the Yorkshire Dales to Cumbria. It will take approximately five days (between 7th to 12th of October 2024) to complete the journey, with the funds raised aiming to help Saffron…

Recent findings from a Cost of Living Survey conducted by World Horse Welfare on behalf of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) have highlighted the financial strain many horse owners are experiencing in the current economic climate. A significant number of owners are contemplating rehoming their horses due to increased costs in livery fees, feed, bedding, and veterinary care. Of the 6,143 survey respondents, 1.9% indicated that they might need to approach a charity to rehome their horse within the next year. This seemingly small percentage translates to over 7,000…

Tom McEwen (GBR) has knocked fellow Brit Rosalind Canter off the top spot to claim Word No.1 in the FEI Eventing World Rankings this week. After holding pole-position for just one month after clinching it from Oliver Townend (GBR) in July, Rosalind slides into second position behind Tom, who now joins her in the ‘500 Club’ as Rosalind’s 519 has now been surpassed by McEwen and his 561 points. Tom is delighted at the news, saying; “I really wasn’t expecting this. Becoming World Number One is incredibly exciting, but it’s not…

Great Britain claimed Jumping team gold in fine style today at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Versailles (FRA) with spectacular performances from Ben Maher/Dallas Vegas Batilly, Harry Charles/Romeo 88 and Scott Brash/Jefferson. It was a clean, crisp result for the new Olympic champions, without a single fence down and counting only two time faults to seal it in the Team Final. Team USA had to settle for silver medal spot with a final scoreline of just four faults, and in the battle for bronze it was France that clinched…

Gillian Higgins, the founder of Horses Inside Out, is bringing together detailed equine anatomy and art in her Equine Anatomical Art Exhibition this August. The event, taking place at Wavendon Grange, Leicestershire, has been designed to help those interested in equine anatomy to understand more about what goes on underneath the horse’s skin and how the horse’s body functions. It’ll also shed light on growth and development from birth to veteran, show some of the common ailments in real life, and more besides. “I’m passionate about helping increase understanding of…

Photo Credits: FEI/Benjamin Clark Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Zepter threw down the biggest score on the opening day of the Dressage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Versailles (FRA) today. The Danish team, holders of the World Championship title, look set to present a strong challenge to the rest of the field, but will it be enough to ward off Team GB who sit only a little less than 2% behind the current leaders? With plenty more still to play for, read on to find out how today…

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are now accepting nominations for individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to equine welfare. The Awards invite supporters and the general public to recognise and commend those passionate about improving the lives of horses and ponies that have suffered from cruelty and neglect. The winners will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony in November at HAPPA’s Shores Hey Farm in Burnley. “It is essential to acknowledge those in the equine welfare industry who deserve recognition,” said Sarah Arthur, Chief Executive Officer. “Hard work and…

Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette win the Agria King George V Gold Cup (c) Boots and Hooves Photography Donald Whitaker became the fourth member of his famous family to lift the iconic Agria King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead on Sunday 28 July, after heading an all-British podium. Riding the grey mare Millfield Colette, Donald delivered a blisteringly-quick jump-off round to win the same title that cousin Robert Whitaker had won 12 months earlier. Once again Hickstead proved happy hunting ground for the Whitaker family dynasty, with Donald’s uncle John,…