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

The Pony Club Pony Racing Instruction Day.

Posted by rji | Filed under General Info

Pony Club Racing Day FORMER National Hunt jockeys John Francome, Peter Scudamore, Marcus Armytage and Steve Smith Eccles are set to pass on some of the secrets of their race riding success to some young stars of the future.

The quartet, who between them won thousands of races including the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, will be hoping to inspire new racing greats when they line up to train riders from across the country at The Pony Club Pony Racing Instruction Day to be held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire on Monday, 18th February 2008.

The day will aim to improve the skills of young riders entering the new and fast-growing sport of Pony Racing. Open to Members and non members of The Pony Club alike, the day will include workshops on;

Rider & Pony Fitness
Rules, Equipment, Tack
Equicisor instruction

Several of the youngsters will get the chance to take part in a practical demonstration as “guinea pigs” to develop their skills.

Parents, Instructors, Pony Club Branch and Centre Officials are all invited to attend the day which can be used as part of the Pony Club Instructors Accreditation scheme.

The charge for Members / non members is £10 and for Instructors £5. Parents and Officials can attend free of charge. Enrolment forms are available from The Pony Club, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2RW (tel: 02476 698301) email: clare@pcuk.org (website) http://www.pcuk.org