A recent study has identified factors associated with an increased risk of falls during the cross-country phase of eventing and has suggested modifications that could reduce the risk of injury, making it safer for horse and rider. Higher-level events, longer courses, more starters in the cross-country phase, and less experienced horses and athletes all showed an increased risk. Identifying these risk factors allows riders and event organisers to assess the level of risk for individual horse, rider, and event combinations.

Vibrant Life Beyond 20 - Recently, I spent time with a horse named Sparky who is estimated to be over 40 years old. Understandably, you may be visualizing a tottering shell of a being, held together by medication and hay cubes, but this could not be further from the truth. Sparky is a sound, vital, cheeky, engaged fellow and the leader of the pack, although his teeth no longer work well for chewing hay. Out of curiosity, I studied his lifestyle, diet, way of being, and exercise routine with hopes of gleaning some insight to help me support my more “mature” equine clients as well as my own mare Diva, who turned 22 years old this past May.

Part of the solution for a commitment to equine welfare in Canada - The philosophy of our modern day society is often described as impermanence. Instant gratification through acquisition of “things” is a common theme in life for many and accompanying this is the reality that things which are no longer useful are readily disposed of.

Elite equestrian riders often credit their success to a dedicated team of professionals who work together to optimize both the rider’s and horse’s performance. However, successful teams go beyond the standard mix of farriers, grooms, owners, saddle fitters, sponsors, sports psychologists, and veterinarians. Three prominent Canadian riders—amateur show jumper Stephanie Valdes, 2020 Paralympian dressage rider Winona Hartvikson, and seasoned Olympic three-day eventer Kyle Carter—there’s much more to building a winning team.