The American Saddlebred originated in the southern United States during the country’s early days, descended from the Narragansett Pacer and the Thoroughbred. It became a popular riding horse due to its intelligence and smooth gaits, therefore the main choice for many generals during the Civil War. The first breed registry was formed in 1891, and…
Paralympian Felicity Coulthard’s 2008 freestyle silver-medal winning partner Roffelaar has been put down at the age of 21 due to colic. The striking gelding also secured a bronze medal at the 2007 world championships and went on to a second Paralympic team slot at London 2012, loaned to a South African rider. Grade II rider…
An initiative aiming to “give a cob a job” will encourage better breeding of traditional gypsy cobs, while also benefiting individuals with mental health issues and learning difficulties. The Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA) is setting up an equine therapy center near Canterbury, as part of its welfare charitable arm Cob Care, which aims to…
A Welsh cob who was shot in the head two years ago – and who still carries the bullets – has bounced back to qualify for the SEIB Search for a Star (SFAS) final. Danielle Remblance was devastated to find her section D gelding Davada Billy The Kid (Terra) had been wounded in his field…
Racecourse doctor Guy Mitchell rode into sporting history when he became the first person with one eye to ride in a British horse race. The impressive feat has been a 30-year ambition for the 45-year-old, who has always wanted to continue the racing tradition within his family — his father, Philip Mitchell, is a former…
There once lived in a stable mother horse and her Little Pony (what his mother called him). Little Pony was growing day by day but had never left his mother’s side for a single moment. One day, the mother said to Little Pony, “You are growing up. You got to do something for the family.”…
They call them “Junk Mares”. Yes, “junk” as in debris, trash, worthless and possessing utility but lacking in substance. These are the horses of the nurse mare industry. The tradition of breeding mares to ordinary studs lacking any significant commercial value to induce lactation has been practiced for many years primarily by, but not limited…
For centuries, horses have transported humans across continents but this spring, horse trainer Emma Massingale will turn the tables when she cycles across Europe carrying two miniature equines in a specially-adapted tricycle. The free-rider and film-maker will start her journey in Switzerland, following the Rhine across Europe until she returns to the UK. The trip…
A rider “terrorized” by 20 teenagers on mopeds who raced her galloping horse along the road has urged others to be vigilant. Christina Campbell was riding Karen Ludford’s 16hh cob Raffles in Mayles Lane, Funtley, Fareham when she heard engines approaching from behind. Christina said: “It sounded like a lot of motorbikes, which wouldn’t normally…
A 92-year-old care home resident has had her wish to ride a horse for the first time fulfilled. Staff at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court in Stistead, Essex, arranged for Dot Bayley to visit nearby Rayne Riding Centre where her wish was granted with a ride on pony TJ. The home’s activities co-ordinator Dani…