Horse News From Around the World Today: 3 November 2026

British eventing is looking towards its future as Harry Meade leads a new international riders’ organisation, while research at a Devon equine charity explores the benefits of working with rescued horses. Elsewhere, a British-produced event horse has joined Michael Jung’s string, fireworks legislation remains a pressing welfare issue, and attention turns to the next major European dressage competitions.

Here’s our latest round-up of horse news from around the world today, November 3rd 2026.

Harry Meade leads new international event riders’ organisation

British five-star event rider Harry Meade has taken the presidency of the newly established International Event Riders’ Club (IERC), an independent organisation designed to give competitors a stronger voice in the future of the sport.

The not-for-profit club is open to FEI-registered international event riders, with membership offered free of charge. Its board includes American rider Lynn Symansky, Ireland’s Sam Watson, Germany’s Julia Krajewski, New Zealand’s Tim Price and British under-25 representative Oliver Barrett.

One of its principal ambitions is to establish a formal working relationship with the FEI. Unlike the other Olympic equestrian disciplines, eventing currently lacks a comparable agreement providing organised rider representation at important governance discussions.

The development could have particular significance for British eventers, whose international results and championship performances give them a prominent position within the sport. Issues surrounding competition formats, horse welfare, safety and future regulations are likely to benefit from structured athlete involvement.

FEI Eventing Committee chair David O’Connor has welcomed the initiative, which aims to work collaboratively rather than independently of the governing body.

British-produced Monbeg Cazador joins Michael Jung’s championship string

German Olympic and world champion Michael Jung has acquired Monbeg Cazador, a ten-year-old grey gelding previously produced to four-star level by British event rider Fiona Kashel.

Known as Penguin, the horse has demonstrated considerable promise, including fifth place in the eight- and nine-year-old competition at Blenheim and seven double-clear performances during the 2026 season.

Kashel purchased him in 2020 and developed him through the levels, with their final international appearance together coming at Boekelo in October.

The move gives Jung another potential championship prospect as preparations gradually build towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Jung’s exceptional record includes multiple Olympic titles, and his ability to develop horses for the highest level makes the new partnership particularly interesting.

For British eventing, the sale also highlights the contribution of UK-based riders to producing internationally competitive horses, even when those horses ultimately represent other nations.

Devon equine charity inspires new research into young people’s wellbeing

Research involving rescued horses at Devon’s Mare and Foal Sanctuary is offering further insight into how equine-assisted activities can support young people’s confidence and emotional wellbeing.

University of Stirling master’s student Eva Novi returned to the sanctuary to investigate the experiences of young participants, having previously benefited from its This Girl Can Exercise with Equines programme herself.

Her research used a method known as photovoice, encouraging participants aged seven to 21 to take photographs throughout their sessions and explain their choices. The approach provided a way of exploring changes in confidence, feelings and relationships with horses that might not emerge through conventional questionnaires.

Novi’s dissertation received a distinction, and she is now considering further doctoral research into equine-assisted learning.

The findings are relevant to British equestrian charities and organisations delivering educational and wellbeing programmes. They also demonstrate the potential value of rescued horses beyond rehabilitation and rehoming, although the work should not be interpreted as clinical proof of treatment effectiveness.

Fireworks welfare campaign intensifies ahead of Bonfire Night

With Bonfire Night approaching on Thursday 5 November, concerns about the impact of fireworks on horses and other animals remain firmly in the spotlight, and rightly so.

The Scottish SPCA is calling for a UK-wide ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, arguing that professionally organised displays would allow greater control over locations, timing and advance warnings.

The charity reports that 98.2% of respondents to its survey supported such restrictions. Meanwhile, Redwings Horse Sanctuary has highlighted the difficulties owners face when fireworks are set off without warning, including incidents involving frightened horses escaping or suffering injuries.

The debate follows a UK Government consultation that closed on 7 October, with proposals concerning the loudest consumer fireworks and other high-risk products under consideration.

Research published in the journal Animal Welfare earlier this year also examined British horse and donkey owners’ experiences of fireworks, providing an evidence base for discussions about animal distress and management.

Readers can explore the original peer-reviewed research on fireworks and equine welfare.

For horse owners, the immediate priority remains maintaining familiar routines, checking fencing and stabling arrangements, and contacting a veterinary surgeon where an animal has a history of severe distress.

Dressage World Cup attention turns to Stuttgart as London approaches

Following the opening Western European League competitions at Herning and Lyon, the FEI Dressage World Cup moves to Stuttgart, Germany, on 13 and 14 November.

Germany’s Isabell Werth arrives following her impressive Lyon victory aboard ten-year-old Viva Gold OLD, where the combination achieved a personal-best Freestyle score of 87.890%.

Belgium’s Justin Verboomen, who finished second in Lyon with Zonik Plus, is another leading contender in the developing qualification campaign.

There is particular British interest in the series as the London International Horse Show prepares to host its World Cup dressage leg in December. The home fixture will offer British riders an important opportunity to compete for qualification points in front of a domestic audience, although individual London entries have not yet been verified for this roundup.

The 2026/27 season culminates with the World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March 2027.

The full calendar and qualification structure can be followed through the FEI’s official website.