The Equestrian Blog

FEI Launches Online Equestrian TV

FEI, "Fédération Equestre Internationale", has just launched what is probably the best online Equestrian TV deal you could ever wish for.

Featuring an absolutely fantastic range of mainstream equestrian events and competitions for us all to watch in comfort.

Sign Up Now ... and prepare yourself for a summer of excellent equestrian entertainment Including a superb line-up of live events .... Read Full Post

Best of British at Royal Windsor

The 2009 Royal Windsor Horse Show, 13-17 May, is to showcase the best of British top and up-and-coming equestrian talent with two new dressage competitions, sponsored by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) World Class Programme.

Two special competitions; The Prix St George for up and coming horses and the Grand Prix Kür, both sponsored by The World Class Programme, will take place on the opening day of the show. Entry is by invitation of the World Class Programme only.

Eight competitors enrolled on the WCP will be chosen to compete in each class in front of the country’s top judges and selectors. They will be chosen from all three WCP levels, performance, development and equine pathway, allowing potential British stars of the future to mix with current top riders.

WCP director Will Connell said:

This is a fantastic opportunity. The riders will have the chance to compete at one of the most prestigious outdoor shows in the country, the show’s organising committee can show what a great Europeans we have to look forward to and the public will be able to see some fantastic dressage.

For more info and to buy tickets, please visit the Royal Windsor Show Website.

Increased Costs for UK Horsebox Owners

You probably haven't been told yet, but it seems horsebox owners are to be hit with another cost.

From 31st March 2009 all horseboxes over 3.5tonnes and registred after 1st January 2000, must be fitted with additional wide angle mirrors. That's Class IV wide angle mirrors and Class V kerb mirrors.

Although the legislation isn't particularly focused on horsebox owners, it applies to horseboxes as certain sizes and weights fall within the weight limits associated with HGV's.

However the additional costs are in addition to legislation already in place covering;

• Anyone driving a horsebox for work or on a journey over 65km must hold an animal transport certificate.
• Driving in London will cost you £200 if your horsebox is over 3.5tonnes and doesn't have a certifcate showing it conforms to pollution standards.
• Own a horsebox over 7.5tonnes or own a 3.5tonne box registered after 1st January 2005 and you must fit, maintain and use a tachograph.

Don't worry though it's all in the name of safety. It seems the improper use, blind spots and incorrect fitting of mirrors attributes to the deaths of 400 pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders each year. Mainly as lorry drivers and horsebox drivers can't see the side nearest the pavement.

Clickto read the full European Commission Consultation Paper PDF.

Rightly or wrongly it is another cost at a time when all costs are rising steeply.

Maybe, this is another reason why you should trade in that horsebox for a smaller, more eco-friendly and fuel efficient trailer ....

Ifor williams HB511 horse trailer    £4,800.00

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IFOR WILLIAMS Horse Trailer HB506 BRAND NEW GRAPHITE    £3,999.00

IFOR WILLIAMS Horse Trailer HB506 Box BRAND NEW SILVER    £3,999.00

IFOR WILLIAMS Horse Trailer HB506 BRAND NEW RED Box    £3,999.00

BSJA Launch New Series

The BSJA has launched a new £60,000 competition series at UK County Shows.

The series will run at Devon County, Royal Highland, South of England, Great Yorkshire, Royal Norfolk, New Forest, Pembroke and Royal Berkshire.

It will carry a total of £60,000 in prize-money and will be funded by the British Show Jumping Association Business Partnership and their county show venues.

The 1.50m eight class series will be run on a league table points system and will conclude at Royal Berkshire in September.

The league table will carry a bonus of £45,000 worth of rider ranking points with £10,000 of those going to the winner. Ranking points will be awarded in a sliding scale down to 8th place alongside the competition cash prizes.

"It's superb we have been able to introduce a series at this level that meet our objectives for assessing horse and rider, and is a great stepping stone for those capable of progressing to four and five star Nation's cup competitions," said newly appointed chairman of the international committee Clare Whitaker.

"This is a fantastic series made possible by the BSJA Business Partnership, which was formed with a view to bring like-minded businesses together through the sport to assist in delivery of medals for Great Britain" said the BSJA spokesman Maria Clayton.

Full Details on the BSJA website

Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies for Your Horse

PetAlive, by Native Remedies, the leading online source for herbal and holistic remedies for pets, has announced the release of new equine herbal and homeopathic remedies.

These new remedies are 100% natural, proven, safe and effective and are designed to maintain and support horse health, as well as address common ailments.
A range of 9 new equine products will include ...

• EQuine Joint Relief, a formula to relieve stiff and sore muscles;
• EQuine Horse Calm, to soothe the highly-strung and anxious horse;
• EQuine Colic Calm, for acute colic relief;
• EQuine Healthy Hoof Oil;
• EQuine Fly Repellant.

The PetAlive EQuine line will available by the end of January, 2009, at PetAlive.com and through selected retailers.

"Humans are coming to realize that nature often has the answers - Natural medicine can help your pet just as it can help you. While there is always a place for conventional veterinary medicine, natural medicine can complement conventional veterinary care and in many cases, cure your pets just as well - without the side effects and damage to health that can accompany synthetic drugs and antibiotics..." - Says Michele Carelse, who guides the company's team of herbalists, naturopaths and homeopaths in formulating remedies.

Visit PetAlive.com, for 100% Safe, Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets