The Equestrian Blog

Gate Theft Kills Horses at Timbertops Equestrian Centre

The callous theft of field gates at Timbertops Equestrian Centre has resulted in four horses being killed on the A1.

The four horses were killed after straying onto the A1 motorway after their field gates were stolen. The horses escaped from the field near Wentbridge, on the border of West and North Yorkshire, after the gates were stolen at the weekend.

Four of the horses were hit by vehicles on the nearby A1. Three died at the scene and a fourth was put to sleep by a local vet.

Anyone with information about the gate theft is urged to contact York CID. The gates were stolen between 3pm on Saturday and 12:15am on Sunday. The field belongs to
the Timbertops Equestrian Centre... full story

Carl Hester Makes It 50 National Titles

Carl Hester has succeeded in winning his 50th National Title.

Winning the grand prix at the national dressage championships on Donald McTaggart's Liebling ll and then the intermediaire I freestyle on Sasha Stewart's breeding stallion Uthopia means Carl has won a title every day since Thursday, starting with the prix st georges, then yesterday's intermediaire I, both on Uthopia.

In the grand prix Liebling ll scored 71.36%, beating last year's National champions Maria Eilberg and Two Sox into second place. Third place went to Steph Croxford and Mr President, who scored 67.40%.

Horse Trailer Towing – What you need to know.

With new EU and UK legislation concerning driving horseboxes coming in almost every week, including tachograph rules and pollution charges in London, more and more of us are turning to the more economical alternative of a horse trailer.

The only problem is that anyone under the age of 30 in 2009 may not have the necessary driving class or category on their licence to legally tow a horse trailer over 750kg. You need to take another driving test to be road legal and insured. So, just to make sure we all know what's needed have a look at T & C Training, who specialise in teaching horse owners how to tow their horse trailers.

T & C Training offer specialised and expertise training by a fully qualified female driving instructor with over 20yrs experience of transporting horses.

Horse Trailer Towing Training is provided in a 4x4 vehicle towing an Ifor Williams trailer, this sets T & C apart from many other training providers as most just tow with a small car and normal box trailer and many instructors have no experience in transporting horses. T & c training believe in using vehicles similar to yours in order to ensure you are best equipped to transport your horse once you have passed your B + E test.

They even make it possible to use your own vehicle and or trailer provided the vehicles meet the minimum test requirements. You can check the requirements at www.trailerandcartraining.co.uk.

T&C Training cover horse trailer towing in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire and even provide help for horse owners who are licensed to tow trailers but who may be nervous, rusty or just need help reversing. If you need help towing your trailer give them a call on Call or 07743 328450 or check out their website at www.trailerandcartraining.co.uk.

Get trained and make sure you don't end up on the six o'clock news.

The Equestrian Oscars

FEI - The International Federation of Equestrian Sport has launched The Equestrian Oscars.

The FEI has said the awards will...  "celebrate the equestrian community and pay tribute to heroes in the sport."

FEI President HRH Princess Haya, said:

"These awards will not only recognise the achievements and success of individuals and highlight the stars of today and tomorrow but they will also bring together all those involved in the sport around the world."

An international judging panel chaired by Princess Haya will select the winners.

The Equestrian Oscars will be presented to the winners at the FEI gala dinner in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 November 2009.

The five categories are:

• Athlete of the Year — to a rider, driver or vaulter who has shown exceptional sportsmanship and prowess
• Rising Star — to a promising rider between the ages of 14-21. Sponsored by HSBC
• Development — for a development project, individual or organisation that has contributed most to the sport. Sponsored by Alltech.
• Against All Odds — to celebrate an outstanding disabled rider of any age
• Groom of the Year — the unsung hero behind the scenes

Enter your nomination at www.feiawards.org. The Deadline for entries is 17th October 2009.

Clearer Doping and Medication rules from the FEI?

The biggest ever shake up of horse sport has been unveiled by the FEI.

An independent review of anti-doping and testing procedures as well as vastly increased stable security at competition venues are key points being looked at in a series of recommendations to combat doping in horse sport.

The recommendations were announced by Lord Stevens, the former chief of the Metropoliton Police, who was appointed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in May to investigate doping practices in equestrian sport.

Lord Steven's appointment followed the six positive dope test at last year's Olympics and the sacking of the entire German equestrian team.

The FEI are hoping the recommendations will stamp out doping and protect riders and their horses.