The Equestrian Blog

Horse Riding & The Winter Blues

While we UK horse owners and riders tough it out through torrential rain, fields full of mud, chapped lips, chilblains and freezing toes;......

Spare a thought for the poor USA and International horse owners and competitiors who've had to drag themselves over to the 2008 CN Winter Equestrian Festival which officially opened Wednesday and kicks off 12 weeks of international equestrian competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Where Ireland's Shane Sweetnam won the $6,000 1.40-meter competition, beating 54 other entries and riding Sienna. Even that competition name 'Suncast Opener' makes you long for hot sunny days.

Sunny days; and the Winter Equestrian Festival even offers $5 million in prize money.... makes you wanna p'@#k"

 "The sport in America needs to catch up to Europe, and what's happening here is really fantastic," says US international competitor Mark Wylde. "It's what we need as riders and competitors. We need to try and raise the standard in our own country."

A 12 week festival, $5 million in prize money .... catch up, catch up !!

Ah well ..... back to mucking out and looking forward to Spring; when there'll just be more rain and more mud...... but warmer brighter mornings !!

New Equine Extravaganza !!

Definitely one for the diary..........

RIDING CLUBS IN SCOTLAND are hosting a weekend Extravaganza at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre, Oatridge College, West Lothian on 15th/16th March 2008.

British Riding Clubs (BRC) in Scotland are organising the two-day Equine Extravaganza. Although BRC hold an annual conference in England it was thought a good idea to organise something in Scotland for all the Scottish members. However, since its conception, plans have snowballed and the event is now covering a two-day extravaganza aimed at all levels of riders, who neither have to be a member of a riding club nor own a horse.

There will be something for everyone and the free admission means significant numbers are expected to the new Scottish National Equestrian Centre at Oatridge. Free demonstrations already confirmed include Show Jumping (with international rider Andrew Hamilton), Dressage to Music (with national champion Jo Barry), Vaulting, Arena Eventing (with Les Smith) and the exciting new sport of Horse Ball. There will be an opportunity to learn about horse dentistry, saddle fitting, farriery as well as alternative therapies such as Reiki. There will also be plenty of opportunity for retail therapy with a wide variety of trade stands.

In addition to the free demonstrations, there will be a number of chargeable workshops running over the two days. An excellent opportunity to gain qualifications in first aid and safeguarding and protecting children certificates, many of which are legal equestrian requirements these days.

For further information visit: www.brcarea22.co.uk