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

Another Event Rider Killed !

Posted by rji | Filed under Equestrian News

Another one of Britain's young three-day event riders has been killed after falling off her horse during a competition in Florida.

Eleanor Brennan, was just 21 when she died at Ocala on Saturday. Her horse, Mr Barnabus, stumbled at a jump and landed on her. Eleanor sustained fatal head and chest injuries.

The British team manager said, "It is always tragic when something like this happens, My condolences go to her family and friends. She was a lovely, charming young lady and a good rider."

Eleanor Brennan was competing for the first time at the Florida International Three-Day Event and Ocala Fall Horse Trials. The event is described as, "the most challenging in the equine industry".

Organisers said her horse, Mr Barnabus, struck a gate while attempting to clear a fence and rolled over onto its neck, trapping Eleanor underneath. Mr Barnabus died instantly.

Eleanor Brennan's death is the second at the event after another rider was killed in a fall in 2006.

So, given the increasingly complicated obstacles in eventing, is eventing the sport becoming too dangerous?