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

Win a Horse Competition

Posted by rji | Filed under Equestrian News

Win a Horse Competition The Hand Equestrian Centre in Clevedon, Somerset is offering a horse, a two-year-old show jumping and dressage prospect, as first prize in a New Year's Eve draw.

To take part in the draw you pay £25 for a ticket and then answer some horse-related questions.

The prize has been condemned by some horse-lovers who say the young horse could end up in the wrong hands. But the owner, Nick Davis believes there is more danger of this happening at a horse auction or sale.

"This is a perfectly legitimate offer to inject a bit of fun into show jumping and dressage for someone who cannot afford the £12,000 to buy a horse like this," he said.

So, if you want the chance to win a decent youngster or you just want to make sure a horse doesn't end up in the wrong hands...... Buy a Ticket !! (Ring Jo Davies on 01275 874856 for details)

Horse details: 2 year old BAY MARE rising 3. Can be seen during the New Year show 28th – 31st.

Competition questions :
1. On what part of a horses body is a ‘twitch’ applied ?
2. What do the initials BEF stand for?
3. Where would you find your horses frog?
4. What is the maximum height of a pony?
5. What colour is a ‘Camargue’ horse?

So....... Worth a try a bit of fun or just a diabolical stunt unworthy of a good equestrian centre ??