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

Horse Riding & The Winter Blues

Posted by debbie | Filed under Equestrian News, General Info, Show Jumping

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.

2008 CN Winter Equestrian Festival 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 !!