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Now that the clocks have gone back and winter’s settling in, equestrian media brand Horse & Country has shared their top tips for keeping your horse active through the season, so you’ll both be ready to hit the ground running come spring. 

Motivate yourself

If you’re lacking motivation to get out there, you’re unlikely to stick to a schedule. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to keep yourself fired up and on track — even when the weather seems determined to make you stay inside.

No one loves being cold and wet, so invest in quality winter riding gear that will keep out the elements as much as possible, such as merino base layers, cosy helmet liners, and insulated water-resistant gloves. Pocket hand warmers can be a real game-changer on those especially frosty days.

It can also be helpful to set a few clear, achievable goals. Signing up for a winter event or show gives you something concrete to work towards, helping keep your momentum. And if you feel your routine is getting stale, booking a few lessons or masterclasses can be a great way to shake things up and reignite your enthusiasm. Just keep things realistic, considering the winter weather and time frame. 

Finally, why not team up with a friend? Having someone to ride with will help you both stay accountable and can make those lonely winter rides a lot more fun and sociable. 

Assess your horse’s condition

What kind of shape is your horse in? Your first step should be a check-up with both your equine vet and trainer. They can assess your horse’s overall body condition and fitness to help determine if they’re ready to stay in full work or could benefit from a lighter workload or even a break.

Your vet and trainer can also guide you on adjusting your horse’s diet for winter, factoring in the colder weather, reduced grazing, and the extra energy needed for exercise. It can be a balancing act, but remember, it’s normal for your horse to slim down a bit before the lush spring grass arrives. In fact, many horses who are good doers will actually benefit from shedding some of that summer weight gain.

If your horse is shod it’s worth chatting with your farrier about winter-friendly shoeing options to suit the type of work your horse will be in. 

Warming up

Warming up your horse’s muscles (and your own!) is always important — but in winter, it’s crucial. Skipping a proper warm-up not only raises the risk of injury but also means your horse won’t be performing at their best. Winter training calls for extra warm-up time, so consider adding a few more stretches or some lunging to ensure they’re fully ready. A longer warm-up also helps your horse settle into the training session, which can be especially helpful if they’re feeling fresh or spooky with that pent-up winter energy.

Find suitable places to train in bad weather 

For many riders, winter’s biggest challenge is simply the state of the ground. Last winter’s record rainfall made finding dry routes very difficult, to the frustration of many riders across the UK. 

To avoid getting caught out this year, try to find rain-proof alternatives before the weather turns. Arena riding is always a safe bet, and combining it with a few professional lessons can make it even more worthwhile. Roads and country lanes can also work, as long as conditions aren’t icy. You could also reach out to your equestrian circle for off-the-beaten-path routes — someone might know of hidden spots that stay relatively dry even in wet weather. 

If you’re lucky enough to live near a secluded sandy beach, why not consider taking your horse to the coast? Not only will the ground be better, but it makes for a stunning ride that’s sure to revive your motivation, too. 

Adapt your training to the season 

Even with the best-laid plans, it’s not always possible to get in the saddle for a strenuous training session if the weather has other ideas. But any exercise is better than none, even if it’s low intensity. Keeping things “little and often” will still help to maintain your horse’s fitness and prevent you both from slipping into a winter slump.

If cold or wet weather strikes, don’t be afraid to scale back your plans and focus on some simple in-hand conditioning work, instead. Walking in-hand, lunging and pole work are all excellent ways to exercise your horse between proper rides. Even a quick 20 minutes can make a noticeable difference if you’re consistent. 

Winter is also the perfect time to work on your horse’s core and foundation strength. These exercises are ideal because they don’t require tacking up or even leaving the stables. Get into the habit of doing a few quick stretches or walking exercises between rug changes and before turnout. These little routines can really add up over time, and provide an extra moment of bonding and connection between you and your horse during the doldrums of winter. 

Know your limits

While sticking with a winter routine is important, it’s just as essential to stay realistic. Most riders simply can’t keep up the same level of work they manage in warmer months, and that’s okay. A little downtime can actually do your horse a world of good, especially if they’ve had a busy summer in work. So, be kind to yourself and your horse and be sure to plan in some breaks throughout the season.

Also, be ready to adapt on the fly. If it’s bitterly cold, pouring with rain, or if either of you seem to need a breather, don’t hesitate to postpone a session or even take a week off. It’s far better to play it safe than to push through and risk an injury that could set you back months. Instead, use these moments to strengthen your bond in other ways, like grooming, offering treats, or just enjoying each other’s company in the yard or stable. Sometimes, a little quality time is all you both need.

Winter brings its own set of challenges for both riders and horses, but with a positive mindset and a balanced routine that includes both work and rest, you can keep making progress even through the coldest months. Happy winter riding!

Quote from Horse & Country: 

“Even when you can’t get out in the saddle, there’s still a lot to learn. The winter provides a great opportunity to cosy up and watch your favourite equestrian shows and series, or read up on the latest riding techniques and horse care tips. You can also gain new knowledge by watching some online masterclasses and training videos. The internet is a treasure trove of knowledge, so make the most of it while you’re cooped up indoors. 

“Your horse will no doubt be spending more time than usual in the stable and yard over the coming months, so now is a great time to improve their environment. Lift rubber mats and rinse the floors, power wash the walls and doors, and get rid of any lingering dust and mould. This will keep your horse’s respiratory system healthy. You can also stock up on lots of nice winter bedding — ideally, something that is low dust, absorbent, and encourages your horse to lie down. They’ll no doubt appreciate having a clean, warm, and cosy home this winter.”

• Sarita Linck, Marketing Assistant at Horse & Country 

About the brand: 

Horse & Country is the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community. Headquartered in London, the network is available globally via connected TVs, mobile, web, and on leading digital and pay-TV platforms across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. Horse & Country’s programming line-up includes live coverage from leading sporting competitions in all equestrian disciplines, as well as training shows, documentaries, and entertainment.

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Horses are such beautiful animals, but their size and strength can pose significant risks. In this blog post, we delve into the realm of horse public liability, exploring the necessity of insurance coverage. We discuss whether it’s a legal requirement and stress the critical importance of obtaining adequate protection, especially when riding in public spaces.
Securing the right insurance coverage plays a pivotal role in risk management, offering reassurance to the general public, horse owners, and riders alike. Incidents involving horses can result in severe damage to property, or even fatalities, leading to substantial financial and legal consequences.

What is Horse Public Liability?

First off, it’s important to understand what public liability entails before diving into its implications for horse owners and riders.
Public liability refers to the legal responsibility that an individual or organisation has for any injury or damage caused to a third party due to their actions or negligence.
In the equestrian world, this type of insurance is called horse public liability insurance and it’s designed to protect horse owners from financial loss in the unfortunate event that their horse causes injury to a person or damage to someone else’s property.

Is Horse Public Liability Insurance Legally Required?

In the UK it’s not a legal requirement however it’s highly advisable as the risks associated with horse ownership are significant, and having proper coverage ensures you are not left vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Here are some examples where public liability insurance can help:
● A horse damaging a vehicle
● An individual sustaining an injury caused by the horse
● A horse injuring another horse or rider
● A horse causing an accident after escaping the boundaries of the property

Why Horse Public Liability Insurance could be essential?

Owning a horse comes with a unique set of responsibilities and potential risks that are often underestimated. Horses, with their impressive size and strength, can unintentionally cause significant damage or injury, making public liability insurance an essential consideration for every horse owner or rider.

Here are a few reasons why horse public liability is essential:

Equine Activities and Events

We all love partaking in equestrian activities be it for leisure or competitions however with being in a public space, this can increase the liability risk. You might even be denied access to riding arenas, competitions or other equestrian activities if you don’t have sufficient coverage.

Financial Protection

Without public liability insurance, horse owners may be personally liable for damages, medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation resulting from accidents or injuries involving their horses. Liability insurance helps cover these costs and help survive a claim financially.

Peace of Mind

Being a horse rider is such a rewarding experience but it can also come with worries about potential accidents and their consequences. Equestrian activities inherently involve risks, and accidents can happen despite the best precautions. Having liability insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected against the unforeseen and legal challenges that may arise from horse-related activities.

Road accidents and increasing claims

Accidents involving horses on roads are alarmingly frequent and result in significant fatalities and injuries every year. In the UK, liability claims have surged, emphasising the need for valuable coverage. In 2023 alone, there were 3,383 reported incidents, leading to the deaths of 66 horses and 3 equestrians. Additionally, 94 people and 86 horses were injured. A staggering 85% of these accidents occurred because vehicles passed horses too closely or too quickly. Furthermore, 23% of riders reported experiencing road rage or abuse from drivers.
These statistics highlight a concerning trend, despite updates to the Highway Code in 2022 aimed at improving safety for equestrians . Without public liability insurance, your assets would be at risk should you be found legally liable for an incident involving you or your horse. The unpredictable nature of horses, who are living beings with minds of their own, underscores the importance of having robust insurance coverage.

Common Risks Faced by Horse Owners

Horse owners face several common risks that could result in public liability claims. Understanding these risks helps in selecting appropriate insurance coverage and implementing preventative measures.
So what are the common risks horse owners face?

Personal Injury Risks

Horses can cause injuries to people, including riders, owners, visitors, or members of the public. These injuries can be anything from bites, kicks, falls, to being trampled. Owners and staff who interact with horses daily have an increased risk of injury due to frequent handling and riding horses.

Property Damage Risks

Horses can damage other people’s property, such as vehicles, fences, crops, or buildings. Additionally, horses can also damage their own facilities, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. These damages can result in substantial financial liabilities for the owner if not properly insured.

Escaped or Loose Horses

If a horse escapes and causes a road accident, the owner could be held liable for damages and injuries. Escaped horses can cause damage to property or public land leading to potential claims against the owner. Ensuring that fences and enclosures are secure is crucial, but even the most vigilant owners can face unexpected incidents.

Injuries involving car accidents

Owners hacking or transporting their horses can face accidents, especially in areas with high traffic. Horses can be easily spooked by loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar objects, causing them to side step or spook into the middle of the road. Such incidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities and significant parked car damage.

Case studies

At Harry Hall, our customers have been faced with a variety of public liability claims. The following case studies are drawn from our own data, illustrating the types of incidents that can occur and the financial impacts they can have.
These real life examples underscore the critical importance of having comprehensive public liability insurance.
● Escaped horse incident: A horse escaped from his field, had an impact with a vehicle and injured a 3rd party. The cost equated to £9,000.
● Hacking accident: A horse spooked whilst out hacking and had impact with 3 vehicles totalling a cost of £28,000.
● Injury during ride: A horse kicked out whilst riding side by side and broke the other rider’s leg resulting in a cost of £26,000.
● Horse to horse injury: A horse kicked out and injured another horse equating to £10,000 in costs.

Public liability insurance is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about protecting yourself from the unpredictable nature of horses and the significant financial implications that can arise from accidents and injuries.

Types of Coverage in Equine Liability Insurance

Coverage limits:
Liability insurance policies typically have a range of coverage limits, which determine the maximum amount the insurer will pay for claims if the unforeseen happens. It’s essential to assess your potential risks and choose coverage limits that adequately protects your assets and financial interests.

Policy features:
Different insurance providers offer varying policy features and options. Some policies may include additional benefits such as:
● legal costs: coverage for legal expenses incurred while defending against claims
● coverage for non-owned horses: protection for incidents involving horses that you don’t own but may be handling or riding. Review the policy features carefully to ensure they align with your specific needs and preferences.

Exclusions and limitations:
It’s important to be aware of any exclusions or limitations in your horse liability insurance policy.
Standard public liability policies may have exclusions and limitations based on certain activities, breeds, or types of claims. Understanding these exclusions can help you avoid unexpected gaps in coverage and ensure you’re adequately protected.
Understanding the importance of horse public liability insurance is crucial for every owner, providing not only legal compliance but also essential protection against unforeseen accidents. This insurance covers incidents where your horse causes injury or property damage, shielding you from financial hardship and preserving your standing within the equestrian community. From personal injuries and property damage to incidents involving escaped horses and road accidents, the risks are diverse and unpredictable. Real-life case studies underscore how public liability insurance can alleviate financial burdens in critical situations. When selecting coverage, consider limits, policy features such as legal costs and non-owned horse coverage, and be aware of exclusions to ensure comprehensive protection. Investing in horse public liability insurance ensures you can enjoy your passion responsibly, prepared for the challenges that may arise.

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BIO

Harry Hall is a heritage brand that originated in 1891, dedicated to providing high-quality products and competitive horse insurance via the Harry Hall One Club. Harry Hall sells equine retail from riding tights & baselayers, to horse rugs & horse care products.
The membership and Insurance policies offer from Public Liability and Personal
Accident, Vet Fees, Horsebox & Horse Trailer & further add-ons such as colic and mortality cover. We understand that horse ownership is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.
Our mission is to make horse ownership as affordable as possible so that you can focus on giving your best in the saddle.

Discover what Harry Hall can do for you today!

 

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Following months of preparation at Richmond Equestrian Centre, Andrew and Abigail Turnbull, ran Richmond Horse Trials Friday 6th – Sunday 8th May 2022. With the buzz of Badminton Horse Trials running on the same dates plus the blessing of three days of glorious sunshine, the atmosphere was jovial and 550 competitors gained access to an efficiently managed show with top class facilities. 

Course designers, Jamie Innes and Moray Nicholson, made several adjustments to this year’s Parker Prestige cross country courses and months of groundwork preparation had taken place to make this section a spectacle to be admired. The ground was also perfect for the Goodbye Flys dressage arenas, which ran efficiently over the three days, and boasted top class, calm working in areas. 

The showjumping section (built by Tracey Strangeways) was kindly sponsored by Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies. The local business is owned by Sarah Wilson who attended with a trade stand and kindly presented the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Intermediate Section B on the first day of the show. Sponsors Equiseat Aid and Parker Prestige also brought a trade stand. Taking the top spot of this section was Harry Mutch (24) riding HD The One. The 10 year old Irish gelding is described by his rider to be, “The most lovely horse to ride, with so much more to give.” Harry shared, “The course really flowed and it provided my horse with so much confidence which will help for his first advance next week at Chatsworth.” Section A of the Intermediate was headed by Wills Oakden on Eluna.

The Equestrian Surfaces Under 21s category was won by Jaymee Savill who partnered Grange Ash Sparrow. The Open Intermediate section top podium spot was taken by Emily Orpwood and Highly Delighted. Both of these partnerships finished on a score of 32.7.

On day two, Emily Thompson (16) and Oxmountain Flyer jumped to success in the Parker Prestige Open Novice. Leased from Ellen Hobson, the former three star 13 year old bay gelding joined Emily in December 2021. The Millbry Hill sponsored rider trains with local riders, Sara Bowe and Will Murray. John Thornton and Kilwaughter Storm stormed to success on a score of 27.5 in Section K of the Novice category.

Also galloping to victory on day two was Angela Parkin who led the Super XCountry 90 (Section J) riding former hunt horse, Pallas Splash. With tuition from her instructor Katie McGee, Angela plans to step up to 100 tracks this season. Section I went to a striking 5 year old palomino. Partnered by Beccie Atkinson, Moonlight Vision (known as ‘Banana’) is stabled at Sue Chadwick’s yard in Huddersfield. The combination, who train with Becky Moody, aspire to ‘progress up the levels to BE Novice’. Another eye-catching duo finished in 2nd place: Hollie Aitken riding coloured traditional cob, Eddy Splash, who is owned by Erica and Shirley Hockney. Found tethered to the side of a road as a three week old foal, the talented pony is proudly described by his jockey to be a ‘character’. Hollie believes: “He is one in a million! He can be a monkey but he knows his job, pricks his ears and gets it done!

Section R and S of the 90 section ran on day three. Covering a distance of 2300m in an optimum time of 5 minutes and 7 seconds, Erika Sjostrom riding Watch Me Roll triumphed in Section R. Section S was claimed by Beth Harrison and Garthfach Whisky Rocks. 

With the return of prize giving, following previous Covid restrictions, many riders enjoyed receiving rosettes with a round of applause from an audience. Presenting awards for Section O of the 100 class was Angie Johnson on behalf of sponsor, Bailey’s Horse Feeds. Holly Richardson and Calzache put on a cool performance and headed the section. Holly, who had several rides across the three days, credited her showjumping trainer, Robert Shields, for the progress the gelding had made on this outing. The pair hope to step up to Novice level at Warwick Hall. 

Also heading to Warwick Hall for their next outing was Rachel Thomas and Swithins Law, owned by Claire Thomas. The homebred 7 year old Mill Law finished on a score of 29.3 to take first prize in 100 Section P.

Section three of the 100 class was won by Sarah Roberts on Lionheart. The pair receive lessons from Chris Bartle. The 10 year old gelding is owned by Sarah’s sister, Amy, who competed Lionheart up to Novice. Aberford based Sarah explained: “Lionheart is normally cool but today he was excited. The cross country course was a real adrenaline rush and I loved the new combinations.” 

A tombola, organised by the Turnbull family, raised £1000 for their chosen charity: The Great North Air Ambulance. Abigail shared her appreciation on the Richmond Equestrian Centre’s social media pages: “Andrew and I are very grateful and would like to thank every volunteer, sponsor, contractor, competitor and spectator. Over 100 volunteers helped to man what is the highlight on our calendar and we must credit Horslyx who provided goodie bags for all helpers. Furthermore, we are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the top 3 equestrian venues in the 2022 Equestrian Business Awards! This news was received shortly after our final competitor completed the course of the 2022 horse trials and so we really have ended the event on a high!”

Article by Samantha Osborne and photos by Tracy Kidd Photography

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When Britain declared war on Germany on 4^th August 1914, the British Army immediately set about mobilising its human and equine resources. In just two weeks, its horse strength was increased from 19,000 to 53,000, and this demand only increased as the War progressed. Not only did the British Army require horses, but also men trained to work with them.

Horses were still absolutely essential in modern warfare. They were used to supply ammunition to the Artillery’s guns, and to haul the guns themselves. Packhorses carried water, rations and equipment over terrain impassable to motor vehicles. Sappers and engineers used horses when they laid telegraph cables, constructed bridges and repaired roads. The cavalry reconnoitred, harried the enemy and supported the Infantry when the Army was on the move.

Horses were used intensively by every branch of the Army and to move every conceivable item too heavy or cumbersome to be moved by man alone. The War could not have been waged without the soldiers and their horses.

In an army that was still overwhelmingly horse-powered, it was absolutely essential that all soldiers given ‘ownership’ of a horse were taught the rudiments of horse management. Training began on the ground, where recruits learned how to groom their horses, muck out, issue water, hay and feeds, tack up, clean equipment, and handle their horses safely. These tasks, collectively known as ‘Stables’, would become an unwavering part of the horse-soldier’s daily routine – in peace and in war.

The recruits’ day began with Reveille at five o’clock and Stables from 5:15am until 6:15am. After this, recruits had a brief break for their own breakfasts and, other than ‘dinner and rest’ at midday, spent the remainder of their time in training or on duty. Evening Stables was at 6:30pm, after which recruits were free, unless on guard duty when their day ended at 10:00pm. As well as their instruction in Stables, recruits destined for horsed regiments were put through intensive courses of instruction in ordinary drill, wagon drill, riding, and shooting.

For many recruits, horses were a terrifying prospect. In daily life, horses were gradually being replaced by machines and motors, and it could no longer be assumed that recruits would know anything at all about horses. The only option was to ensure they were swiftly trained. For new recruits, their education began with ‘Stables’ and the daily routines that would become central to their daily lives as horsed soldiers. They were taught the rudiments of horse care: grooming; mucking out; harness cleaning; issuing water, hay and feeds; harnessing and tacking up; and in handling their horses and vehicles safely and efficiently. They were taught about the vehicles and equipment they would be using, and how to properly load a pack animal. They were taught to ride. At every stage, the emphasis was on ensuring their horses were properly maintained, and little sympathy was wasted on the ‘duffer or malingerer’.

Not only were the men of Britain’s New Army novice horse ‘owners’, the majority were also novice riders. Instruction began in the comparative safety of the ‘Riding School’ where the Riding Master taught recruits how to mount and dismount and how to ride at walk, trot, and canter. Here, the ‘inexorable discipline’ of the British Army was instilled into all, and complaints were quite useless. Recruits later recalled Riding School as riding ‘round and round and round’ while the Riding Master stood in the centre with a long whip to ‘tickle the horses up’. Recruits regularly fell off their horses in a ‘chaos of trotting horses mixed up with rolling human bodies’. Added to this education were the drills and mounted orders that also had to be learned. Such an intense program of riding instruction caused the novice riders considerable anxiety and physical discomfort, but as many soldiers remembered, ‘The horses were always much better cared for than the men’.

Once on active service the soldiers’ newly acquired horsemanship was tested to its limits. Artillery drivers worked as a team of three drivers, two gunners, the gun limber, and six horses, with each driver riding his ‘saddle horse’ and responsible also for his ‘off horse’. Controlling two horses as part of a team of six was a considerable test of skill, even before the actions of the enemy were taken into account. The job was no less difficult for the transport driver, sat atop a wagon, riding a horse as it drew a limber, or leading a pack-mule, while negotiating terrain strewn with potholes, mud, barbed wire, and debris. Added to this, was the ‘nerve wracking’ knowledge that each soldier and his horse presented ‘a large and vulnerable target’ to the enemy and were ‘under constant risk from spasmodic harassing shell fire’.

The horses and mules were central to the daily life of the soldier, his team, his battery, and the unit to whom they belonged. Living and working together, soldiers and their horses shared the dangers and hardships of war for months, and often years. Soldiers came to rely on their horses, and their horses in them.

© Flynn J., Soldiers and their Horses: Sense, Sentimentality and the Soldier-Horse Relationship in The Great War, Routledge, New York, 2020. Please do not copy or reproduce the text and/or images in this post without the written permission of the publisher (Routledge) and author (Jane Flynn).

The story behind Soldiers and their Horses

Jane Flynn – Author

That I would eventually came to write a book about horses was almost inevitable. As a pony-mad, pony-less little girl I dreamt ponies. Each week, I waited excitedly for my riding lesson at my local riding school. I read my copy of Horse and Pony magazine from cover to cover and back again. I drew horses, I wrote about horses, and I wished I had my own pony to love. I wasn’t fussy – any pony would do. I had arguably the best cared for hobby horse in Oxfordshire. It wasn’t until I reached adult-hood that I finally achieved my life-long ambition.

Toby was a bit of a legend. He was a 15:1hh bright bay show cob. I loved him dearly. He had his moments, as do we all, but he went everywhere, and did a bit of everything. As our bond grew, I increasingly found myself wondering what it had actually been like to take horses into war. The only way to do this was to find out what the soldiers themselves had thought about their horses. As I read their letters, diaries, and memoirs, and listened to their voices, I was struck by stories that were by turns poignant, irreverent, compassionate, and often, very funny.

In 2016, I received a PhD from the University of Derby for my research into the soldier-horse relationship. I am internationally known for my work and have given presentations at conferences and events throughout the United Kingdom and the USA. If you are interested in commissioning a piece of writing, or organising a talk for your club, society, or organisation, please do get in touch via the contact page on my website www.soldiersandtheirhorses.com.

Soldiers and their Horses is now available from all good book retailers!

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