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Horse flies start emerging in June and July, they are large blood sucking flies that can inflict nasty bites not only on our equine friends but also on us humans. Find out more about them, including how to avoid being bitten by clicking Horse Flies- Tabanida - Tabanus.
Image: Alvesgaspar licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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One of the simplest things you can do to improve safety around horses is to wear a correctly fitting riding helmet.
Fitting a Riding Helmet:
When shopping for a riding helmet wear your hair the way you do when you ride, eg. if you pull your hair into a pony tail for riding you should try hats on while your hair is in a pony tail. Different hairstyles will alter the fit.
Different helmets will fit different shaped heads so try lots on until you find the perfect fit.
If possible have a qualified member of hat fitting staff fit your helmet. Beta ( the British Equestrian Trade Association) and some helmet manufacturers train retailers in the correct fitting of riding hats.
Get your
head measured. A tape measure should be used to measure the
circumference of your head where the helmet will sit when fitted - about
1/2 an inch above the eyebrows, just above the ears.
A correctly
fitting helmet should fit snugly all around the head, there shouldn't be
any gaps. Don't mistake the snug fit for tightness and buy a hat that
is too big for you.
The helmet should not slip up or down or from side to side when you shake your head.
Adjust the harness, chin strap first, then the back strap. You should be able to yawn comfortably. If the harness has to be too tight to make the hat stay on it's the wrong fit for you, try another.
You might also be interested to read about when your horse riding helmet should be replaced
This post is part of Riders 4 Helmets Internation Helmet Awareness Day
Image: Culnacreann via Wikimedia Commons licensed underCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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"God first made Man. He thought better of it and made Woman.When He got time He made the Horse, which has the courage and spirit of Man and the beauty and grace of Woman."
Click the following links for more horse quotes:
Horse Quotes, Favourite Horse Quotes,
The jewel of my childhood - ponies -Nell Gifford
Your horse should be a trusted friend - Xenophon
Praise for thoroughbreds - Dianne Grod
The horse is a very noble creature - Desmond Morris
Make him your FRIEND - Oliveira
stables are the real centre of the household - George Bernard Shaw
Monica Dickens - You and your horse,
Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows
Black Elk - A Sky Full of Horses
Seabiscuit - Quotation from the film
Anna Sewell - quote about bad tempers and horses
Image: Jose Reynaldo da Fonseca via Wiki Commons licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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2013 has been an exceptional year for buttercups with the late spring bringing forth a bumper crop of flowers. Although they look pretty, and are harmless when dried in hay, you don't want them in your grazing.
Buttercups are poisonous to every species of animal, including horses and other equines, they are also an extremely invasive pant that will quickly take over pasture especially in poor, compacted or damp areas. Find out more about buttercup poisoning, the symptoms, and how to get rid of buttercups by clicking: Buttercup poisoning in equines
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Dardant are looking for a woman over 18 practicing either Hunter, Jumping, Dressage or Polo to participate in a photo shoot of Equestrian Apparel for their upcoming catalog so they are running a competition, The Dardant Fashion Model Search 2013.
It's open to all women 18 years and over, living in the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, The United States. The winner wins a weekend for two in Florence, Italy ( plane tickets included).
Visit the Dardant website to find out all about it: http://www.dardant.com/rules.htm
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Rollkur in the news again this time at the Danish Dressage Championships.
Rollkur or hyperflexion of the horse's neck is defined as "flexion of the horse's neck achieved through aggressive force"
FEI rules state that "any head and neck position achieved through aggressive force is not acceptable."
Photographs of Anna Kasprzak, Andreas Helgstrand and Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard rolling and flexing their horses under the watchful eye of Danish Team trainer Rudolf Zeilinger have been posted on Facebook.
Epona.TV have accused the organizers of the Dressage Championships of attempting "to silence criticism of questionable training methods"
Ecco sponsors of the FEI Ecco European Championships are receiving complaints via their Facebook page, Anna Kasprzak 's family own Ecco.
The Danish Equestrian Federation has responded with a press statement:
Statement regarding criticism of riders at the Danish dressage championships.
by Rikke Højgaard
In the last few days, pictures have been published on social media and epona.tv of riders and horses from the Danish dressage championships. The pictures have given rise to some debate and criticism of particularly Danish champion Anna Kasprzak. The Danish Equestrian Federation does not handle cases in the public domain, but we have the following comment on the debate:
Horse welfare is always the first priority for the Danish Equestrian Federation. To ensure that our competition horses are well and always fit to compete, the horses are monitored and and examined by veterinarians and physiotherapists both before, during and after competition.
We are fully confident that our riders do what they can to ensure the welfare of their horses. Should any situations arise where there is doubt as to whether the rules have been broken, we will of course take up the matter and process it. However, this will not happen in the public domain, but with the proper authorities.
In relation to the published photos of Anna Kasprzak from the Danish championships in 2013, we have the following comment.
We are 100% behind Anna and her riding. We know Anna and her family through many years, and one thing is certain – horse welfare is and has always been a first priority for Anna and the family, and they are an example to follow. To judge Anna's riding from pictures of moments in time is unjust, as a still photo taken from a certain angle does not fully reproduce the complete reality.
- See more at: http://epona.tv/blog/2013/june/danish-nf-100-behind-kasprzak#sthash.mXBtaKeD.dpufStatement regarding criticism of riders at the Danish dressage championships.
by Rikke Højgaard
In the last few days, pictures have been published on social media and epona.tv of riders and horses from the Danish dressage championships. The pictures have given rise to some debate and criticism of particularly Danish champion Anna Kasprzak. The Danish Equestrian Federation does not handle cases in the public domain, but we have the following comment on the debate:
Horse welfare is always the first priority for the Danish Equestrian Federation. To ensure that our competition horses are well and always fit to compete, the horses are monitored and and examined by veterinarians and physiotherapists both before, during and after competition.
We are fully confident that our riders do what they can to ensure the welfare of their horses. Should any situations arise where there is doubt as to whether the rules have been broken, we will of course take up the matter and process it. However, this will not happen in the public domain, but with the proper authorities.
In relation to the published photos of Anna Kasprzak from the Danish championships in 2013, we have the following comment.
We are 100% behind Anna and her riding. We know Anna and her family through many years, and one thing is certain – horse welfare is and has always been a first priority for Anna and the family, and they are an example to follow. To judge Anna's riding from pictures of moments in time is unjust, as a still photo taken from a certain angle does not fully reproduce the complete reality.
- See more at: http://epona.tv/blog/2013/june/danish-nf-100-behind-kasprzak#sthash.mXBtaKeD.dpufStatement regarding criticism of riders at the Danish dressage championships.
by Rikke Højgaard
In the last few days, pictures have been published on social media and epona.tv of riders and horses from the Danish dressage championships. The pictures have given rise to some debate and criticism of particularly Danish champion Anna Kasprzak. The Danish Equestrian Federation does not handle cases in the public domain, but we have the following comment on the debate:
Horse welfare is always the first priority for the Danish Equestrian Federation. To ensure that our competition horses are well and always fit to compete, the horses are monitored and and examined by veterinarians and physiotherapists both before, during and after competition.
We are fully confident that our riders do what they can to ensure the welfare of their horses. Should any situations arise where there is doubt as to whether the rules have been broken, we will of course take up the matter and process it. However, this will not happen in the public domain, but with the proper authorities.
In relation to the published photos of Anna Kasprzak from the Danish championships in 2013, we have the following comment.
We are 100% behind Anna and her riding. We know Anna and her family through many years, and one thing is certain – horse welfare is and has always been a first priority for Anna and the family, and they are an example to follow. To judge Anna's riding from pictures of moments in time is unjust, as a still photo taken from a certain angle does not fully reproduce the complete reality.
- See more at: http://epona.tv/blog/2013/june/danish-nf-100-behind-kasprzak#sthash.mXBtaKeD.dpuf"In the last few days, pictures have been published on social media and epona.tv of riders and horses from the Danish dressage championships. The pictures have given rise to some debate and criticism of particularly Danish champion Anna Kasprzak. The Danish Equestrian Federation does not handle cases in the public domain, but we have the following comment on the debate:
Horse welfare is always the first priority for the Danish Equestrian Federation. To ensure that our competition horses are well and always fit to compete, the horses are monitored and and examined by veterinarians and physiotherapists both before, during and after competition.
We are fully confident that our riders do what they can to ensure the welfare of their horses. Should any situations arise where there is doubt as to whether the rules have been broken, we will of course take up the matter and process it. However, this will not happen in the public domain, but with the proper authorities.
In relation to the published photos of Anna Kasprzak from the Danish championships in 2013, we have the following comment.
We are 100% behind Anna and her riding. We know Anna and her family through many years, and one thing is certain – horse welfare is and has always been a first priority for Anna and the family, and they are an example to follow. To judge Anna's riding from pictures of moments in time is unjust, as a still photo taken from a certain angle does not fully reproduce the complete reality."
Image: Pitke licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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Other horse cushions:
Giffords Circus 2013 Horse Cushion
Horse cushion by Thomas Paul at Neiman Marcus
Stallion cushion cover for your equestrian themed home decor
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Many horse owners will apply sunscreen to horses especially those who own horses with pink muzzles but what about yourself are you remembering to protect your own skin against sun damage. Here is a simple reminder of the importance of sunscreen. (nytimes.com)
The two photographs above are of a man wearing sunscreen (spf 50) on one half of his face, in visible light (left) and ultraviolet light (UV-A, 340-355nm) (right). The sunscreen on the right side (your left) of his face absorbs ultraviolet, making that side appear darker in the UV picture. Source: Wikipedia Commons
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Add some equestrian style to your outfit with handcrafted equestrian jewelry in .925 Sterling Silver by NongBuaDang on Etsy like this stirrup bracelet,
stirrup earrings
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Lexington, KY -
Riders4Helmets.com has teamed up with leading helmet manufacturers to
host International Helmet Awareness Day 2013 on Saturday June 22nd.
Building on the success of International Helmet Awareness Day 2012,
participating retailers all over the world will be offering discounts on
helmets to equestrians on this day. "We are absolutely delighted at the
growth of the event since it was first held as a US based National
event in 2010," said Lyndsey White, Riders4Helmets. "To be in our third
year of hosting and organizing the event on an International level is
truly a testament to the support of the helmet manufacturers, retailers
and equestrians around the globe who continue to realize the importance
of ongoing safety education. Carmen ter Rahe has joined the
riders4helmets team this year to assist with growing International
Helmet Awareness Day even further as our Ambassador in Australia."
The
riders4helmets campaign was founded in 2010 as a direct result of
Olympian Courtney King-Dye's accident with the aim of educating
equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and
certified helmet. "In 2012, International Helmet Awareness Day received
support from 10 helmet manufacturers and 600 retailers in 4 countries,"
said King-Dye. "Whether you are a helmet manufacturer, retailer or
equestrian, I hope that you will lend your full support to this
important event in 2013."
International Helmet Awareness Day is
not just an opportunity for equestrians to purchase a helmet at a
special one-time discount, more importantly it is an opportunity for
equestrians to be educated. "Riders4Helmets will therefore be live
streaming “Get Educated” webinars via Riders4Helmets.com on Saturday
June 22nd, in which equestrians will be able to ask a variety of experts
real-time” questions. The webinars will feature experts in fields such
as: Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion; Psychology (why equestrians
choose not to wear a helmet); Neuro Physiotherapy; Helmet Manufacturers;
Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors; Leading Equestrians (including
Olympians); and, Helmet Testing Agencies. Riders4Helmets will announce
the confirmed line-up of participants at Riders4Helmets.com prior to
June 22nd. The educational aspect of International Helmet Awareness Day
will be supported by participating retailers, many of whom have already
made plans to offer educational events in their stores on June 22nd.
Helmet
brands that have committed involvement in International Helmet
Awareness Day 2013 to date include: Samshield, Champion, Gatehouse,
Uvex, Charles Owen, GPA, Antares-Sellier, Tipperary Equestrian, LAS
(Leslie Sutcliffe), One K, Ovation, KEP Italia, Troxel and Aegis
(Devon-Aire). Additional helmet brands are expected to announce their
participation soon. "We are grateful to the helmet manufacturers for
their continued support of this important event," said Chad Mendell,
Riders4Helmets. "The Riders4Helmets campaign has continued to grow on a
global level, as we hope will International Helmet Awareness Day."
46,000 unique visitors per month currently visit riders4helmets.com to
read the many articles, watch educational videos and share their
stories. The campaign has hosted four Safety Symposia in the past three
years and will be hosting an International Safety Conference in the UK
in September 2013.
Retailers who wish to participate in the event may register by visiting www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/retailer-information/.
Retailers are encouraged to register prior to June 5th, 2013 in order
to ensure that they receive educational materials in time for the event.
Late registrations will however, still be accepted through June 20th.
Equestrians may visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/
to learn more about International Helmet Awareness Day and to search
for participating retailers by "Name" or "Geographic Location."
Equestrians are encouraged to visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/ the morning of June 22nd, 2013, to view the most current update, as participating retailers continue to be added.
Individuals or organizations wishing to hold an event to recognize International Helmet Awareness Day may email [email protected]
for helmet awareness graphics and educational brochures. “You can
participate and show your support just by wearing a helmet on June 22nd,
no matter whether you are trail riding, showing or competing” said
Lyndsey White, Riders4Helmets.
For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit www.riders4helmets.com. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets.
Riders4Helmets
was founded in early 2010 after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King
Dye was seriously injured in a riding accident. King Dye, who remained
in a coma for a month following her accident, was not wearing a helmet
at the time of the accident, and is still undergoing rehabilitation.
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