28Jul
15Jul
Italy Now Recognizes Horses as Athletes
In a groundbreaking move for equestrian sport and animal welfare, Italy has officially become the first country to legally recognize horses as athletes. This new legislation, which took effect on June 6, 2025, represents a significant advancement in how sport horses are viewed and...
07Jul
Horses Need Herd Companionship, Not Just Human Company
Horses are inherently social animals, shaped by evolution to thrive in close-knit herds where companionship offers emotional security and physical well-being. While human caretakers often strive to comfort horses through attention and affection, recent research shows that human interaction alone isn’t enough to replace...
30Jun
American Rider Critically Injured in Fall at International Show Jumping Event in Normandy
An American equestrian is in critical condition following a serious accident during a high-level competition in Normandy on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred during the Grand Prix Sotheby’s International Realty – Normandy Region CSI3*, hosted at the Pôle International du Cheval in Saint-Arnoult, near Deauville. Thirty-two-year-old...
19Jun
Olympian Heath Ryan Suspended After Whipping Video Sparks Outrage—Calls Incident a “Rescue Effort”
Australian Olympic equestrian Heath Ryan has been provisionally suspended following the emergence of a video showing him repeatedly whipping a young horse. Ryan, 66, responded to the backlash by describing the incident as part of a desperate attempt to rehabilitate the animal, which he claimed...
28Mar
Tips for Preventing Horse Shoe Loss
Losing a horse shoe can be frustrating, but certain steps can help reduce the likelihood of it happening. Factors such as farrier technique, rider habits, management practices, and the horse’s own behavior all contribute to shoe retention. By addressing these issues, shoe loss can...
19Mar
The Best Airbag Vests For Equestrians
Choosing The Best Airbag Vest
Airbag vests have become an essential safety innovation in equestrian sports, providing an additional layer of protection beyond traditional body protectors and helmets. Unlike standard body protectors, which rely on microcellular foam, air vests deploy in the event of...
13Mar
Understanding the 20 Percent Weight Rule for Horses
If you've ever wondered how much weight a horse can safely carry, you're not alone. The 20 percent weight rule for horses is a widely recognized guideline that helps ensure a horse's comfort and long-term well-being. While this rule provides a general benchmark, several factors...
02Mar
FEI Suspends Rider for Olympic Qualification Fraud and Fake Documents
A 30-year-old equestrian rider received a three-year suspension and a CHF 6,000 fine for fabricating documents to falsely claim Olympic qualification. The FEI Tribunal ruled that Michelle Dejonghe engaged in "extremely serious offenses that undermine the core values of fairness, integrity, and transparency in sport."
17Feb