The Equestrian Blog

Be warned – Horsetail, Mares Tail or Scouring Rush

Just a quick question... As horse owners we're mostly all familiar with the battle against ragwort and how it has spread into every field, central reservation and grass verge in the country, but how many of us know anything about mares tail?

Horse or Mares Tail, (scientific name Equisetum Palustre), is toxic to horses and should in my opinion be equestrian enemy number one. It looks like it belongs in Jurassic Park and spreads like wildfire. From a few small patches last year my paddock is now covered in it and it looks as if it's spreading fast and here to stay.

I've been researching this plant and what I've discovered doesn't make for pleasant reading.. more at Mares Tail - Toxic To Horses

Ian Stark, Event Rider in Hospital

Posted by admin | Filed under Equestrian News, Eventing

Ian Stark is in hospital after suffering a brain bleed.

The 55-year-old former Olympic event rider is in the University Hospital of Wales undergoing tests to determine the cause of the brain bleed.

Scottish event rider Ian has won four silver medals at three Olympic Games, as well as gold, silver and bronze at the European and World championships. He was European champion in 1991 and won Badminton three times, in 1986, 1988 and 1999. Ian retired from international competition in 1997.

Ian Stark was recently selected as cross-country course-designer at Bramham Horse Trials taking over from Sue Benson who is designing the course for the 2012 Olympics.

Ian won Bramham four times; in 1983 (Sir Wattie), 1984 (Charlie Brown IV), 1985 (Deansland) and 1996 (Forest Glen). Bramham will be his first time designing at CCI*** level in the UK.

We wish him well...