News
Posted on November 28th, 2019
Get Gut Health on the Agenda at Your Riding Club in 2020
EquiBiome, a leader in gut health, is on a mission to reach horse owners with information on the advances in equine microbial analysis of the hind gut which is hugely important for the health, wellbeing and performance of any horse, especially those that are regularly competing.
In 2020, EquiBiome is offering free talks to Riding Clubs in regions throughout the UK, delivered by experts in the field, including microbiologist Carol Hughes.
The talk will cover all aspects of gut health and how owners can use cutting-edge technology to identify imbalances and then take steps to restore health and performance. A closer look at the loss of biodiversity in horses’ grazing and how this has impacted on the competition horse of today will also be investigated.
Said Carol: “The equine intestinal tract houses an incredibly complex and diverse microbial population producing energy for the horse. The microbes directly influence good health and performance, including temperament, energy levels, nutrient availability and vitamin production. Your horse is what he eats and the success of the diet depends first of all on knowing what is going on in the gut.
“EquiBiome started out in the racing industry to improve the performance of Thoroughbreds in training but we are excited to now be able to offer support to horses and ponies in all areas of competition.”
To register your interest in a talk for your Riding Club please contact EquiBiome by emailing sharon@equibiome.org. One talk will be provided for each region, please contact EquiBiome early to avoid disappointment.
Posted on November 18th, 2019
VOTE NOW! Nominations open for the SEIB Livery Yard and Riding School Awards
Nominations are now open for the first ever SEIB Insurance Brokers Livery Yard and Riding School of the Year Awards which will be presented at the glamorous British Horse Foundation dinner at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel on the 11th January 2020. SEIB has set up these awards to celebrate the best in riding schools and livery yards throughout the UK in association with horse care and supplements company NAF.
SEIB Marketing Manager Nicolina Mackenzie said: “The riding school and livery yard awards will make Christmas extra special for those that are short-listed. SEIB know that there are livery yards and riding schools that provide an outstanding service and we want to recognise and highlight their skill and commitment.”
The SEIB Livery Yard and Riding School of the Year Awards have categories for best riding school, best full livery yard and best do-it-yourself (DIY) livery yard. Once the nominating process is closed, the expert panel of judges will draw up a short-list of yards which they will visit in person to decide on the winner. All the short-listed yard proprietors will be invited to the awards dinner and the results will be announced on the night.
NAF Advertising and PR Manager, Melissa Newman said: “NAF are delighted to be in partnership with SEIB to support this award. Riding schools and livery yards are vital to keeping many peoples passion for horses a reality and a stepping stone into the world of life long equestrianism and horse ownership. The support, opportunities and five-star care both riding schools and livery yards provide is invaluable, as well as the friendships created at these establishments, with horses and ponies at the heart of it all.”
To nominate your favourite livery yard or riding school, please visit www.seib.co.uk/awards and simply let us know who they are and why their livery yard or riding school is so special. Nominations open on the 18th November and will close on the 9th December. Everyone placing a nomination in the SEIB Riding School and Livery Yard of the Year Awards will be put into a free prize draw to win a pair of tickets to the black tie British Horse Foundation Awards dinner in January.
Jan Rogers of the British Horse Foundation said: “We are thrilled to be able to host the presentation of the brand new SEIB Livery Yard and Riding School Awards at the 2020 British Horse Foundation Dinner. This event has been held at a glittering London venue for over 21 years and it is always good to welcome innovative new awards to the occasion. We look forward to showcasing these worthy winners in January.”
Nominate your favourite for the SEIB Livery Yard and Riding School Awards at www.seib.co.uk/awards.
To purchase tickets for the British Horse Foundation Awards dinner go to: http://buytickets.at/britishhorsefoundation/.
Posted on November 18th, 2019
REDWINGS HORSE SANCTUARY HOSTS FIRST TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Enjoy a festive day out at Redwings Horse Sanctuary this December when the charity hosts its first ever ‘Traditional Christmas Fayre’.
Held in the beautiful rooms and marquee of Caldecott Hall, at Redwings’ Caldecott visitor centre in Fritton near Great Yarmouth, everyone is invited to come along on Sunday 8th December, between 10am and 4pm – and entry is free!
Shoppers will be able to browse a wide variety of stalls showcasing unique goods – from artisan food to jewellery, from local artwork to children’s toys – providing plenty of Christmas gift inspiration and all those magical little touches to help make your home feel truly festive.
For those looking for tips on how to cook up the perfect Christmas lunch, they can also watch a demonstration by chef Nigel Raffles and ask all those burning questions to help solve their cooking conundrums.
There’ll even be the chance to purchase and take home a freshly-cut Christmas tree, as well as relax with a mulled wine or a warming hot chocolate after a busy day’s shopping!
Rescued donkey Esther will also be making a special appearance, as well as Redwings’ mascots Red and Wings, to enjoy plenty of festive cuddles and ensure everyone receives a warm welcome.
Redwings Caldecott is home to over 120 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, and visitors are welcome to stroll the paddocks and wish a Merry Christmas to these very special residents too.
Nicola Knight, Head of Communications, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be hosting our first ever Traditional Christmas Fayre! Thanks to our amazing supporters, this year Redwings Caldecott has undergone a transformation with the addition of new horse care, rehoming and visitor facilities, and we look forward to this festive event being the first of many more to come.
“We really hope as many people as possible will be able to support the event, pick up plenty of wonderful Christmas gifts and enjoy some time with our rescued horses and donkeys too!”
Redwings Caldecott can be found in Beccles Road, Fritton, Norfolk, NR31 9EY.
For further information, call 01508 481000 or visit www.redwings.org.uk.
Photo: Esther the donkey will be making an appearance at Redwings’ Traditional Christmas Fayre.
Posted on November 14th, 2019
What Riding For The Disabled Association Means To Me
2019 has been a very special year for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and throughout this anniversary year the 50 Faces campaign has been highlighting the amazing people that make the organisation so diverse and inspiring.
As the year draws to a close we decided to catch up with a few of the 50 Faces to find out what RDA means to them.
Yolanda Hansford
Yolanda Hansford began riding with Yeovil and Sherborne RDA in 1974 on the recommendation of her orthopaedic consultant as a form of therapy for scoliosis.
Having been born with a narrowing of the aorta, throughout childhood Yolanda was in and out of hospital, and discovering RDA was the first time in her life that she felt in charge of something.
Following open heart surgery for the third time, Yolanda was diagnosed with lung disease and was devastated to have to give up riding. She then discovered RDA Carriage Driving that enabled her to carry on life with her beloved horses, regularly competing, going on carriage driving holidays and even representing her RDA Group at Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Said Yolanda: “I became Regional Chair for RDA in the South West last year, which has enabled me to not only champion the work RDA does, but at the same time be able to give something back. After all, the RDA has given me so many wonderful experiences and memories that will last forever.”
Lesley Morrill
Lesley Morrill has been a volunteer at Hope In The Valley RDA since 1985. She has taken on a number of tough challenges to raise much needed funds for RDA, even becoming a member of the 100 Marathon Club.
Completing 100 marathons in two years and six months, Lesley became the oldest woman to start doing marathons and reach the one hundred mark.
The challenges helped remind Lesley of the difficulties faced by RDA riders on a daily basis.
Said Lesley: “We all have different reasons for volunteering with RDA but for me it is the joy of seeing the riders succeed and helping someone to be a part of something. It’s not about rosettes; it is about what you can do for someone to give them a better quality of life.”
Mike Butcher
For Mike Butcher, horses have always been a release. Growing up in a complicated family environment meant he has always appreciated the benefits of spending time with horses.
After leaving school at 16 he had one ambition and that was to work with horses and he was introduced to RDA when he volunteered as part of a college course. This inspired Mike to become an RDA Coach as with his experience he could see how he could help the riders progress.
One of Mike’s proudest achievements is the pivotal role that he played in introducing show jumping as an RDA discipline, adding an exciting challenge to RDA sessions.
Said Mike: “I am always proud to see riders improving year on year at the National Championships. I see all the benefits of RDA – it’s proven, it’s a fact, with the help of the excellent structures they have in place, RDA works.”
Sam Cyrus
Sam Cyrus is a participant and volunteer at Wormwood Scrubs RDA. She began riding about 30 years ago and would cry every time the volunteers tried to take her off the pony.
After leaving school she began volunteering and has just completed her British Horse Society Certificate in Horse Knowledge.
Said Sam: “RDA has encouraged me to push me out of my comfort zone, to do things that I have never done before. RDA has helped me to believe that I can do anything.”
For further information visit www.rda.org.uk
Posted on November 5th, 2019
Essex’s Michael Fursedonn claims the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier at Addington Equestrian
The Winter Classic Show at Addington Equestrian took place over the back end of last week and the venue played host to a number of qualifiers including the SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier held on Saturday morning. A large field of seventy-two competitors came forward with hopes of claiming one of two qualifying tickets available for the Championship Final at the Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead next summer.
Course Designer Phil Ashworth built a fair track for the first round with twenty-seven of the initial starters producing a first round clear. The jump-off whittled the clears down to seven and the top of the leaderboard proved to be very tight with the first six placings separated by less than two seconds.
Brentwood based Michael Fursedonn took the win on board his own Cevins Pleasure, a 5-year-old British bred chestnut gelding by Cevin Z. They topped the leaderboard with a double clear in a time of 38.04 seconds. Just 0.06 of a second separated the top two placings with Helen Rees and her own 6 -ear-old British bred mare, Bianca Du Rouet, picking up the second qualifying ticket on offer after they crossed the finish line in 38.10 seconds.
Photo: Hoofprints Photography
Posted on November 4th, 2019
Date for the Diary: Most celebrated equestrian artist in the UK exhibits in Belgravia
Katie O’Sullivan, whose collectors include Duke of Edinburgh, Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber, Earl and Countess of Derby, will be exhibiting 35 new works in a solo exhibition running from 6th November to 28th November.
Born in London 1959, Katie is from an Irish family, and graduated from the Chelsea College of Art. She has been exhibiting her work since 1981, most often at The Osborne Studio Gallery, but also in New York City, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Married to the trainer Jamie Osborne, who keeps at least 70 horses in their stables at any one time, she lives and works in the middle of the racing scene of Upper Lambourn, Berkshire.
The late Sir Peter O’Sullevan, the Voice of Racing, who was Chairman of the Osborne Studio Gallery, describes her painting with his usual mastery: “Katie is quite simply one of the most original and beguiling interpreters of the power and grace of the horse in the history of equine art.”
Her painting is never dull, she uses gold and silver leaf, paints over collages of old engravings. Her subjects are not confined to thoroughbred racehorses and jockeys, but inspired by African wildlife and for this exhibition she has been drawn to the beauty and brilliance of birds.
Katie has been working for 18 hours a day to complete this portrait of thoroughbred stallion Northern Dancer, surrounded by portraits of his progeny, all champions.
For more information visit: www.osg.uk.com
