Spur rules, money-saving deals, and other things the horse world is talking about

1. Is FEI dressage ready to call time on spurs?

As part of the FEI rules revision process, the International Dressage Officials Club is suggesting the requirement for riders competing in international dressage competitions to wear spurs of some form – which includes “dummy spurs” without a shank – be changed so equestrian athletes can ride without spurs if they wish. This would bring international competition in line with British Dressage rules.

Find out the FEI’s initial thoughts on the proposal

2. The tragic loss of a rider on the road

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a woman in her 50s who died at the scene of an “incident” involving a ridden horse and a motorcyclist in Wiltshire on Sunday, 9 July. According to Wiltshire Police, the person on the motorbike and the horse both suffered minor injuries.

Read the full story

3. Great savings on equestrian kit on Amazon Prime Day

Although Amazon might not be your immediate go-to for your equestrian online shopping, there are some great savings available during the two-day Amazon Prime Day event (11–12 July). We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best deals that will interest the equestrian audience, so grab them while you can.

View the latest Amazon Prime Day deals

You may also be interested in:

Owners go without heating and hot water to afford their horses

Study aims to identify how horses show happiness with humans

Calls for changes to elimination rule over ‘serious concerns’

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Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.