David Broome … From Wildfire to the world stage

Great Britain's David Broome and Mister Softee on their way to individual bronze at the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968. (FEI archive)

From Wildfire to the world stage … David Broome Guest Post: Written by Louise Parkes When I called David Broome last Tuesday, he had been haymaking at Mount Ballan Manor near Chepstow in South Wales which, apart from being the family farm, is also home to the hugely popular Wales and West showgrounds. The legendary British showjumping rider is deeply rooted in his home place. His parents, Fred and Millie, moved to Mount Ballan in 1947, and all four of their children – David, Liz, Mary and Frederick – had…

Why does my horse eat mud and other unusual things?

Three horses, a gray, a bay, and a chestnut grazing in a pasture with a split-rail fence and trees in the background on a sunny day.

sponsored post Here we welcome equine feed manufacturer, Dodson & Horrell, to help answer a question often asked by horse owners; why does my horse eat mud? Guest Post: Dodson & Horrell When horses eat Soil (geophagia), chew fencing, or generally lick unusual things, owners tend to worry. Historically, if a horse were seen chewing a fence (non-crib biting) or actively eating soil, it would have been considered that the horse is deficient in essential minerals in their diet. Unfortunately, research has shown there is no strong evidence for this,…

Striving for Equestrian Equality

Reece Reece McCook - Striving for Equestrian Equality

Striving for Equestrian Equality Here we welcome guest author Reece McCook who, through this insightful article, talks about equestrian equality and the launch of his ‘ride out racism’ campaign – an initiative to raise awareness of inequality in the equestrian world. Guest Post: Author Reece McCook My name is Reece. I’m 18 and my passion is equestrianism. Picture me riding and jumping my beloved bay mare Rose, helping the younger riders on the yard with their horsemanship skills and volunteering with a local equestrian charity. Now I’ll tell you I’m…

Carl Hesters Yard: Princesses, Prima Donnas and Valegros Big Appetite

Roving reporter and Shetland social media influencer, Beachboy Jasper. Image copyright FEI Parkes Media

Carl Hester’s Yard: Princesses, Prima Donnas and Valegro’s Big Appetite Guest Post: Written by Louise Parkes Shetland social influencer, Beachboy Jasper, visits Carl Hester and friends to talk life since the people-virus, horses with big names and show-offs who fancy themselves, with broodmare Bella at Carl Hester’s yard in Gloucestershire. On his debut as a roving reporter, Shetland social media influencer Beachboy Jasper visits Carl Hester’s yard in Gloucestershire, England where he gets the lowdown on some of the inmates. His timing isn’t perfect because the big names have just…

Equine Bookings Revolutionizes the Coaching Industry

equine bookings

Equine Bookings Revolutionizes the Coaching Industry Equine Bookings is an all-in-one platform for equestrian coaches and riders, tailored to meet the individual needs of each user in specific ways. Founded by amateur showjumper, Harry Sykes, the purpose of the app is to fulfil particular elements required from both types of user; the coach and the rider. Born out of frustration in trying to organise training, including difficulties encountered when paying for the training in terms of cash or bank transfer, Harry was determined to solve the problem for not only…

Equine travel essentials for the rider

BEDE Events Virtual Dressage Competition

The list of travel essentials for horse riders is endless, which often means we forget some very important must-have, practical items. We all know having everything you need to hand can be the key to success, ensuring you have a stress-free time when you get to your destination! So, here a nifty list of things to pack, including some favourite products.  LeMieux ShowKit Boot and Hat Bag Keep your riding essentials together with the LeMieux ShowKit Boot and Hat Bag. A spacious and convenient storage solution, this bag is perfect…

WIN a Comfort Halter and Stallion Chain Lead from Bucas

Comfort Halter and Stallion Chain Lead from Bucas

WIN a Comfort Halter and Stallion Chain Lead from Bucas Here’s your chance to win a Comfort Halter and Stallion Chain Lead from Bucas, courtesy of Zebra Products. For a chance to win, use the embedded Facebook form below and follow the instructions. Product Information The Bucas Comfort Halter is made from soft, yet strong “silk-feel” webbing. It has a wider padded noseband and head piece providing the best possible comfort for your horse. The Stallion Chain Lead is a padded lead rope which is made from a soft material…

Kevin Babington on Health, Horses and Hair-Cuts

Ireland's Kevin Babington and Carling King competing at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece where they placed joint-fourth individually. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)

Kevin Babington on Health, Horses and Hair-Cuts Guest article: Written by Louise Parkes Kevin Babington had just had his hair cut when I spoke with him last week, and in these strange times, that’s a cause for major celebration. Around the globe, people have been prevented from keeping their curls under control due to pandemic lockdowns. But as the US-based Irish Olympian and 2001 European Jumping team gold medallist explained, the situation in Florida (USA) has recently returned to some kind of normality and it’s boom-time for hairdressers – “mine…

Expert Equine Massage Tips for Back and Pelvic Pain

equine massage tips

Expert Equine Massage Tips for Back and Pelvic Pain Here, Jessica Scranage, from Herts Horses Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy Centre leaves us with a selection of equine massage tips for horses that may be exhibiting symptoms of back and pelvic pain caused by a period of inactivity since the coronavirus pandemic began. The feature incorporates solutions for some of the most common issues she’s been asked about since lockdown, including what you can do to help ease the situation until an expert can be called out. Jessica wrote: Whether we’re able…

War Horses, Cavalrymen and the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™….

Irish Horse 1948 US Team

War Horses, Cavalrymen and the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™…. Guest Article: Written by Louise Parkes Riders and sports fans all around the globe are pining for the cut-and-thrust of FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ this year. Since it was first staged back in 1909, war is the only thing that has ever stopped this great annual tournament in its tracks, and it is another kind of war that is getting in the way of the 2020 Longines sponsored series as the world currently grapples with the Coronavirus pandemic. Only two of…

Q&A: Areas to Consider When Assessing the Fit of a Saddle

saddle fitting image

Q&A: Areas to Consider When Assessing the Fit of a Saddle Topic: Assessing the fit of a saddle when the horse has been out of work. Here we welcome the thoughts of Society of Master Saddlers’ Registered Master Saddle Fitter, Helen Reader, on saddle fitting as she answers a frequently asked question: My horse has changed shape since coming back into work and I’m worried his saddle isn’t fitting him as well as it used to. What are some areas to consider when assessing a good saddle fit? Helen’s Answer…

Horse Exercise Boots that Sparkle

Horse Exercise Boots Luxe Equine feature image

Horse exercise boots come in a variety of designs, each suitable for a selection of activities the horse may be required for. From tendon support to the heel protection, there are many different types to consider which can make it difficult to choose when browsing through the 100’s of available options. Dependent on the type, horse exercise boots can protect tendons, the ligaments, splint bones and heels. You’ll consider the different levels of protection and correct sizing, alongside being mindful of a suitable budget to keep to when shopping. Then…

Savvy’s Yard: How we Grew Our Online Business

savvy's yard

Savvy’s Yard: How We Grew Our Online Business Magazine :: Everything Horse :: Sponsored Content This month we are joined by the business founders of Savvy’s Yard, an e-commerce website selling equestrian homeware, gifts and more. Husband and wife, Adam and Tracey Brownlow got in touch to tell us how life changed and their business began, after the purchase of a mare that Tracey initially thought was unsuitable. Tracey wrote: My name is Tracey and here’s our story of how I and my husband Adam grew into an online business.…

Benefits Of Grooming Your Horse

The benefits of grooming your horse are undeniable, both for yourself and your four-legged friend. So, what exactly are the benefits of grooming your horse and how can we get the most out of every session? We look into how grooming can help with; Health monitoring A grooming session is not just about keeping your horse clean, it is also vital in monitoring your horse’s health. During your grooming sessions, you should be able to complete a full body check. Keep an eye out for wounds, rashes, parasites, newly sensitive…

Bridle Numbers with Sophisticated Sparkle

bridle numbers

Product Feature :: Everything Horse :: Sponsored Content Bridle numbers have become a popular alternative to attaching a large printed black and white number to the back of an expensive show jacket. When so much time has been spent on turnout, and perfecting yours and your horse’s wardrobe for competition, the last thing you want to do is diminish the overall finish with a piece of paper attached to you back using that infamous black, shiny ribbon (we’ve all been there). Luxe Equine, a well respected and loved brand for…

Horse Health – Specialist Horse Health Solutions UK

Horse Health

Horse Health – Specialist Horse Health Solutions UK Horse Health :: Everything Horse Owning horses can give you many amazing moments that you will cherish all your life. You might have even named your horse and care about it deeply. But you have probably also experienced that awful moment when you know your horse is not acting right. At that moment, you would want the most suitable equine veterinarian to come and take a look at your horse. Sure, you can get the cheapest vet nearby to come take a…

Vitality Hero Bracelet launched from Pegasus Jewellery to Raise NHS Funds

Pegasus Jewellery Vitality Hero Bracelets

Vitality Hero Bracelet launched from Pegasus Jewellery to Raise NHS Funds Equestrian News :: Everything Horse Pegasus Jewellery has launched a new vitality bracelet to help raise vital funds for the National Health Service (NHS) during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The Vitality Hero Bracelet delivers a clever vitality boost and will join the existing range of wellness items from the brand known for its love of equestrian jewellery and wellbeing. The bracelet comes packed in a black Pegasus-branded pouch and postage to UK addresses is totally free.   The Pegasus…

Isabell Werth on Heroes, Influences, Horses and Tokyo

Isabell Werth (GER)

Isabell Werth on Heroes, Influences, Horses and Friendships Magazine ⇒ Everything Horse Equestrian Journalist, Louise Parkes, continues to make the most of lockdown by speaking with sporting stars during their time at home. Here she interviews German dressage gold medalist, Isabell Werth. Nothing is worth more than our health….Isabell Werth by Louise Parkes During their long and successful career together, Germany’s Isabell Werth and Satchmo claimed team gold and individual silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Isabell is planning a 26th birthday party for the happily-retired Hannoverian gelding next month.…

Bert Sheffield on Life Since Lockdown and Mental Health

Bert Sheffield riding Wonky at home in Lincolnshire

Bert Sheffield on Life Since Lockdown and Mental Health Magazine :: Everything Horse  South Lincolnshire-based para-equestrian rider, Bert Sheffield, who rides for Canada, tells us her thoughts on the Covid-19 virus and how it has affected her life with her horses: “I hope everyone is managing to stay safe and stay sane. This is such an anxious time. I can’t possibly comprehend how terrifying this must be for our NHS workers. My groom for the Rio Paralympics 2016, Sophie Rowe, is just finishing her nursing degree and has been called up…

Benefits of Horseback Riding for Children

Benefits of Horseback Riding for Children

Benefits of Horseback Riding for Children Magazine Reads :: Everything Horse Spending time in nature has many benefits. There are many activities that you can enjoy together with your kids like hiking and camping which can also help lower your cortisol levels and can help you relax after a busy week at the office, just don’t forget to get a youth moto helmet if you plan on going by motorcycle. Recent studies have shown that children can also benefit a lot from spending time in nature. Horseback riding is one…

Top Reasons Why You Should Buy a Horse

Top Reasons Why You Should Buy a Horse

Owning a horse is certainly more complicated than adopting a feline or a reptile as these majestic creatures require your full attention, and plenty of space to stretch and run. Even if you cannot afford to have your own horse, you should try to make contact with these animals as often as possible – and here are the main reasons why. They offer great exercise Forget about your monthly subscription to the gym. Visit a stable as often as you can and you’ll get all the training you need to…

New from Mountain Horse for SS20

New for SS20 from Mountain Horse

New bright t-shirts from Mountain Horse for SS20 Product Features :: Everything Horse Brighten your lockdown days with a little online shopping, and here may be the perfect excuse! Mountain Horse has just launched their spring-summer collection for 2020, and a part of the range are the shirts below. Perfect for this year’s home office, running, a day on the sofa or down the yard, the tops are comfortable, stylish and breathable. Tips: great to wear under a gilet, with riding tights, breeches or a pair of comfortable sweat pants.…

10 Equestrian Things to do During Lockdown

10 Equestrian Things to do During Lockdown

10 Equestrian Things to do During Lockdown Magazine Reads :: Everything Horse You may be a taskmaster and have already done a lot of what’s on our ’10 Equestrian Things to do During Lockdown’ list. Some, however, can get a little lost for things to do when out of routine, especially when stuck at home. So, with this in mind, here is a list of equestrian things to do to keep everyone busy over the following week. Remember though … No matter what you do, remember to stay safe and…

Keratex Hoof Hardener – An Overview

PRODUCT FOCUS Keratex Hoof Hardener

Keratex Hoof Hardener – An Overview Horse Health :: Everything Horse With hoof condition an important factor of horse care, here we take a look at Keratex Hoof Hardener. Cracked, brittle, soft or weak hooves are problematic to many horses and their owners. Whether the condition is due to poor nutrition, restricted or poor quality grazing, surfaces or a predisposition, the best way to deal with the problem is to include regular visits from the farrier, feed additional nutrition to support health horn growth, as well as applying regularly applying…

Get the New Spring LeMieux Mini Collection Look

LeMieux Mini Collection Get the Look

Get the New Spring LeMieux Mini Collection Look Magazine :: Everything Horse Spring trend alert for 2020! The mini collection from LeMieux sprung into spring with two fabulous new colours; citrus and mint! Distinguishable by the polka dot prints, the collection was designed with kids in mind and screams fun, fun, fun! Targetted at the under 12s, each colour boasts a full ‘matchy-matchy’ collection of goodies including the saddle pad, bandages, boots, fly veil, base layer AND hat silk with a funky bobble to boot! Protective Gear and Equipment If…