INDOOR ARENA MIRRORS MIRROR SAND SCHOOL OPEN SIDE ROOF SKY LIGHT PROPERTY WARM UP WARMING INSTRUCTOR GROOM HELPER BAY PONY HORSE DRESSAGE SMART PLAITED COMPETITION COMPETING STOCK MOUNTING GETTING ON BLOCK LEG UP
Rules brought in by British Showjumping, the Pony Club and British Riding Clubs are having an effect, it has been reported. Across the organisations whips may only be used to back up leg aids, never as discipline or punishment of the horse – and in Pony Club, spurs may only be worn by riders who have passed the C+ test or had an assessment showing they understand their use, and have a stable enough lower leg to wear them appropriately. Leading physiotherapist Gillian Tabor was stewarding at an Eggesford Hunt branch mini showjumping competition in early January, and said the rules are making a difference. “All the kids had their tack checked as they came into the warm-up and anyone carrying a whip, I asked if they knew the rules and they all did. I don’t know if there were fewer children carrying them, but we didn’t have to pull anyone up [for misuse],” she said.
Grandstand Media has announced the ride and conformation judges for the light horse classes at HOYS (8-12 October). This reverts to normal processes for HOYS; last year, the judges’ names were not revealed until the morning of each competition, to mark the show’s 75th anniversary year. “The show horses and ponies competing at Horse of the Year Show are the pinnacle of showing excellence, and the judges responsible for awarding such prestigious titles are no strangers to these high standards of horsemanship,” a Grandstand spokesperson said.
A vet practice has launched a “ground-breaking” equine health scheme to help owners seek preventative care for their horses. Hook Norton Veterinary Group director Sam Cutts said: “We’re aware that people’s disposable income is being tightened at the moment. We launched the scheme because we’ve got clients who really want to look after their horses as best as they can, but were starting to worry about the cost of calling the vet and therefore were potentially sitting on things – and then inevitably these can become bigger problems.” Insurance provider SEIB, and British Eventing have also launched reward platforms to help “give back”.
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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
