Welcome to Equiworld News, your source for equestrian news from around the globe. Join us as we bring you the latest updates on the world of horses from our headquarters in Hayfield, near Aberdeen.
Dressage
British Dressage Championships - A weekend of excitement and achievement
The 2021 British Dressage Championships at Hartpury concluded with a thrilling weekend of competition, showcasing the pinnacle of British dressage talent. The highlight was the Grand Prix Freestyle competition, where Charlotte Dujardin put on a masterclass with Gio to secure a dominant victory. The pair achieved an impressive score of 86.625%, leaving their rivals trailing behind.
The Championship saw a number of impressive performances. Carl Hester with Envy claimed the coveted Championship title in the Advanced Medium Freestyle. Daniel Watson, who rode both Diamond Hill and Argento to second and fifth place respectively, demonstrated the depth of his talent.
Young riders were also shining brightly, with Sophie Redfern, riding Balsillie, winning the Inter I Freestyle title and Lola Nuthall capturing victory with Just A Spark in the Advanced Medium Freestyle for under-25 riders.
The event concluded with Charlotte Dujardin receiving the "Golden Saddle" award for achieving the highest average score throughout the entire championships, adding another feather to her already illustrious cap.
Showjumping
The Longines Global Champions Tour continues in Monaco with thrills and spills.
The glamorous Monte Carlo leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour brought another wave of high-stakes competition to the international show jumping scene. The grand prix saw a stunning victory for Harrie Smolders aboard Monaco, showcasing the Dutch rider’s exceptional skill and strategic riding. Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson, meanwhile, produced another top-class performance, landing in a respectable fourth place.
Ben Maher and his remarkable horse, Explosion, demonstrated why they remain a formidable force. They took home second place, proving that they are still a leading force on the tour.
The competition, however, was not without drama. Several horses and riders found themselves in a tense struggle to clear the demanding fences, adding to the suspense and tension of the day.
Polo
The Hurlingham Polo Association: a historical landmark celebrated in a commemorative match.
To mark the historic 150th anniversary of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), a special celebratory match took place, bringing together a lineup of renowned polo players. The Royal Salute International Trophy, a highly anticipated event in the world of polo, witnessed a remarkable showcase of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The HPA, established in 1871, stands as the oldest and arguably most respected polo governing body worldwide. Their efforts have been crucial in shaping the modern sport and preserving its rich history. This milestone event paid homage to this legacy and the incredible evolution of polo over the decades.
Sidesaddle
The BSPS National Championships – The best of sidesaddle comes to Burghley
The BSPS National Championships, held at the magnificent Burghley estate, served as the stage for a captivating sidesaddle showcase. Riders from across the country battled for victory in the iconic discipline, exhibiting grace, balance, and exceptional horsemanship.
Sarah Parker, riding Woodacre Captain Kirk, took the lead in the novice class. This event highlighted the growing popularity and commitment of riders to preserve this traditional equestrian art form, attracting a wide array of talent and experience.
Horse Breeds
Highland ponies in the spotlight: Scottish heritage comes alive at the Royal Highland Show.
The annual Royal Highland Show at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston was a spectacular celebration of Scottish agricultural traditions, showcasing a diverse range of livestock including the iconic Highland pony. This magnificent breed, renowned for its strength, hardiness, and stunning looks, continues to be a prominent symbol of Scotland’s rural heritage.
A diverse exhibition of horses and their skills
Alongside the impressive display of Highland ponies, the event included several exciting equine exhibitions, competitions, and demonstrations, further amplifying the captivating link between Scotland and its equestrian legacy.
Eventing
Blair Castle Horse Trials – a resounding success as Scottish Eventing takes centre stage.
The prestigious Blair Castle Horse Trials saw thrilling competition in a variety of classes, attracting top-level riders and horses. Oliver Townend, riding Ballaghmor Class, took the leading spot in the CCI4*-L competition, cementing his place as one of the dominant forces in the world of eventing.
The CCI3*-L class saw a compelling victory for Kitty King, who was in outstanding form with Faye, demonstrating a clear talent and strategy to navigate the challenging courses.
Blair Castle's idyllic setting and challenging courses continue to attract a broad spectrum of riders, from accomplished professionals to aspiring amateurs.
Eventing News: The upcoming Burghley Horse Trials, a pinnacle of the eventing world.
Looking ahead to August, all eyes are on the legendary Burghley Horse Trials. As one of the world's leading four-star eventing competitions, Burghley promises to deliver top-tier sport. The event takes place between 2nd-5th September, 2021 and is anticipated to be an action-packed weekend for all eventing enthusiasts.
Equiworld News will be following the competition closely, bringing you all the key developments from this much-anticipated event.
Vaulting
A growing global discipline: International Vaulting Championships
As the international vaulting scene continues to grow, preparations are underway for the FEI Vaulting World Championships, taking place in Ermelo, Netherlands.
This prestigious event showcases the impressive athleticism and artistic skill required for the thrilling discipline of vaulting, where athletes perform acrobatic routines while mounted on a moving horse.
The World Championships are set to be an electrifying spectacle, featuring a talented cohort of international competitors vying for the world championship titles.
Equine Wellbeing
Research Focus: Equine welfare – exploring the link between horses' emotions and their health.
Scientists and researchers continue to uncover the intricate connection between emotions and physical health in horses. The Horse Welfare Trust, a UK-based charity, is dedicated to improving equine welfare through research and education.
One recent research project examined the effects of chronic stress on equine health, revealing that stress can negatively impact the horse’s immune system and overall well-being.
This research adds to a growing understanding of the importance of creating positive and nurturing environments for our equine companions.
Equiworld’s commitment to ethical horse care and responsibility.
We believe that all horses deserve the highest levels of care and are committed to supporting efforts that promote equine welfare.
Stay tuned for updates on research, legislation, and other initiatives focused on the well-being of our equestrian friends.
Equiworld: Bringing the Equestrian World Together
As always, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news, features, and insightful analysis of the equestrian world. Visit our website at www.equiworld.org to access in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and a comprehensive range of equestrian resources.
We are also proud to highlight our Equiworld Podcast, where we discuss the most captivating topics in equestrianism.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates or contact us at [insert contact email or website address].
Equiworld - where passion for horses meets informed knowledge.