Category: Horse News

In a move that could set an interesting precedent, the FEI have announced that in the case of Chaman Ginn, ridden by Juan Benitez Gallardo to success at the CCI4*-S in Quillota, who tested positive for O-Desmethylvenlafaxine, that there were other causes at play and Gallardo was not negligent in his handling of the horse. It transpires that the banned substance entered the horse’s system by eating contaminated hay after a member of staff urinated in his stall while on medication. While the rider will not incur fines or a…

With fifty-two of the eighty-seven Badminton bound combinations destined for the Eventing Spring Carnival this weekend, Thoresby Park offers the ultimate Badminton preview. Not only does the Lycetts Grantham Cup (CCI4*-S) and Advanced offer the ideal preparation for the first of the big B’s, but as the first international event of the British season it becomes an enormously important fixture ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games.  The Lycetts Grantham Cup, formally run at Belton and now at Thoresby, has historically acted as a crucial feeder and preparation run for May’s MARS…

Social media tributes are pouring in for British Eventing star, Caroline March, who took to social media to announce the reasons around her heartbreaking decision to opt for assisted suicide. The letter, which is both frank and poignant, powerfully portrays Caroline’s strength of character and pragmatic approach to her situation.   Caroline emotionally wrote “I’d rather have a short life that’s full of what I love doing” in the letter.  “I’d rather have a short life that’s full of what I love doing”  31 year old Caroline from Colchester had sustained life changing spinal injuries after falling from a horse during a cross-country event…

Self-proclaimed horse whisperer Christine Rawle, 69, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years after she stabbed her 72-year-old husband, Ian Rawle, in the back at their £800k home in Braunton, Devon, in 2022.  It was heard that, on August 21st 2022, Mr Rawle had been cleaning out their horses at home when, during a heated argument. Christine then went on to stab him in the back with a knife, causing a 10cm wound and a punctured lung. The couple had been arguing over selling a…

Blair Castle International Horse Trials organizers have announced that the 2024 event will be the last to be held on the Scottish grounds. While the future remains uncertain, this year’s event, August 22nd—25th, promises a spectacular celebration marking its final farewell on the grounds. In accordance with renewed environmental aims, regenerative agriculture looks set to shape the future of the farmland where the event first event took place in 1989. The event, which has been hosted at Blair for 35 years, is yet another blow to the British eventing community,…

With equestrian sports very much in the spotlight as welfare claims are pitted against top trainers, news of the BEF’s Charter for the Horse is welcomed. The federation, its 19 member bodies and associated industry leaders have all committed to endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics under a new ‘Charter for the Horse’, launched today.  The Charter for the Horse is to be adopted across the equestrian industry in every facet. Under the six headings of empathy, care, respect, consideration, ethics and learning, the Charter outlines…

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has announced the sad passing of its oldest resident, Welsh pony Willow, at the age of 46.  Willow came to Redwings in 2003 following a successful RSPCA prosecution. She had been living on the Welsh commons, where she had received little or no handling from humans. Over the years, she became a friendly and much-loved girl and was a favourite of all those who met her.  Sadly, on Friday (15th March), Willow experienced sudden and severe colic, and though the charity’s expert teams did everything possible, staff…

Could You Be The Perfect Partner For The Duchess? Equine charity Bransby Horses is on the hunt to find a loving home for a special resident who, unlike most horses, cannot live in a herd.   Duchess, a 15hh black mare, was taken in by the charity two years ago, when the family who owned her suffered a sudden bereavement.   Having spent many years alone in her field with minimal human interaction, she developed a strong desire to keep with her herd and could not cope with other equines in her…

Hartpury University is pleased to announce the return of equine dentistry to its academic offerings, the BSc (Hons) Equine Dental Science Degree. And even better still, the course is now open for applications for the September 2024 intake. This newly launched degree aims to nurture students into skilled Equine Dental Technicians, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. A key highlight of the program is the inclusion of a placement with a mentor from the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT). The placement aims to provide students with invaluable real-world…