The 2026 FEI World Championships will be hosted in Aachen from August 11–23, 2026, featuring six major equestrian disciplines: show jumping, dressage, para dressage, eventing, driving, and vaulting. This prestigious event, held at the historical Aachener Soers grounds, will showcase world-class sport, and will attract around 350,000 spectators. 

Show jumping at the CHIO Aachen. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

In the summer of 2024, my horse-obsessed, then 15-year-old daughter Emily and I ventured to Aachen to experience the CHIO. We were already in Germany visiting my in-laws near Warendorf, and I had attended the CHIO a number of times as an equine journalist and wanted Emily to see behind the scenes at one of the greatest horse events in the world.  

We stayed at the home of longtime friends who live in Aachen and were incredibly gracious hosts. My friend Heidi lives upstairs from her mom, Gerlinde, who put us up in a spare bedroom and laid out a spread of fresh baked goods from the bakery, along with coffee, cheese and fruit every morning before we set off for the Soers. 

We arrived on Thursday afternoon, and with cameras and notebooks in hand, we parked our rental car, collected our media credentials and scoped out the media center. Emily was excited about the fact that Lindt, a major sponsor of the CHIO, provides an abundant supply of chocolate to keep members of the media happy. She was also starstruck when we met Esme Higgs, who was working on social media for the event. 

First we set off to explore the competition grounds. We briefly browsed the trade fair, had a little snack of pommes frites (delicious French fries), and then headed for the main stadium. One of the original structures at the Soers, the stadium was expanded for the World Equestrian Games in 2006. The atmosphere is awe-inspiring, and we had arrived in time so that we could photograph the Nations Cup from inside the stadium. Photographers must stay in the photo pens, and vying for a good spot in the pack of photographers can be a challenge during the more popular events. Once you’re in place, you’re also committed to staying in the pen for the duration of the evening, so it’s best to visit the restrooms and have a snack and a drink handy. 

Standing in the middle of the stadium, under the bright lights, with the stands filled with spectators, right in the middle of the action, is an unforgettable experience. Some of the world’s best horses and riders galloping and jumping huge fences, right up close, and the entire stadium vibrating with rhythmic applause of thousands of fans, is electrifying to the senses. Team Ireland won the Nations Cup and their celebratory mood reverberated through the grounds as spectators headed to the party tents to celebrate with beer and champagne. 

It was a late night, but we were back early the next morning to catch the eventing dressage, with eventing show jumping taking place later that afternoon. Once again we positioned ourselves in the stadium for some good photo opportunities, chatting with fellow eventing journalist Tilly Berendt, who was over from the U.K., between horses. After years of working in equestrian journalism, the chance to catch up with colleagues is always a highlight of attending major competitions. Photographers Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of the US Equestrian Team, and her daughter Roya, and New Zealander Libby Law were just a couple of the other friend/colleagues that I enjoyed seeing over the weekend. 

Victory gallop at the CHIO Aachen. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

I also wanted to show Emily around the city of Aachen, so we left shortly after the eventing wrapped up and found dinner at a restaurant in one of the cobbled alleys in the pedestrian zone near the Aachen Cathedral, a World Heritage site. Shops around the city decorate their windows with CHIO-themes and we enjoyed looking at these as we wandered around. We also stopped in the Nobis shop for a little bag of Aachener Printen, a sweet and spicy gingerbread-type cookie that is a local specialty. 

Saturday for us meant an early morning of Grand Prix dressage, followed by one of the highlights of the weekend, the eventing cross-country. We wandered around the course, watching some of the more interesting combinations including the main water complex, and nibbling from a bag of assorted Haribo gummy candies from one of the vendors on course. We finished up inside the stadium to capture the excitement of the top finishers clearing the final fence and crossing the finish line — a dramatic photo opportunity as this was the final phase of the event. 

The individual win went to Germany’s Julia Krajewski riding Nickel 21 and the cheers from the home crowd reverberated through the stadium as Krajewski took a victory canter. Great Britain won the team competition followed by the USA and Ireland, respectively.  

Of course we also had to have a wander through the trade fair, where many high-end brands of tack and equestrian apparel are available at special prices. Emily was on a mission to buy a certain popular brand of sun shirt, and I bought a few gifts for friends back home. We met up with Emily’s cousin Jana, who proudly showed off her new collection of matching saddle pads and ear bonnets.  

Saturday evening is a popular time for the general public to visit the CHIO to shop, partake in food and beverages, and socialize. The party atmosphere was fun, but we opted for a quiet dinner at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Aachen with our hosts. You can only handle so much excitement before you start to run out of steam, and we wanted to have a good night of sleep so that we could enjoy the final day of the CHIO. 

On Sunday morning we headed to the Deutsche Bank stadium for the final dressage competition. The Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle, was won by the Queen of Aachen herself, Isabell Werth riding Wendy de Fontaine. It was Werth’s 15th time winning this class and the crowd was appropriately enthusiastic during her victory gallop.  

Isabell Werth salutes the crowd aboard Wendy de Fontaine after winning the Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle. This marked Werth’s 15th time winning this class. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

Following the elaborate prize-giving, we once again headed to the main stadium. The highlight of the final day is the Grand Prix Show Jumping competition, part of the Rolex Grand Slam that also includes Spruce Meadows, Geneva and ‘S-Hertogenbosch.  

The Grand Prix was not only one of the Majors of the Grand Slam, but a chance for some of the best riders in the world to fine-tune their performances in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The year marked a number of momentous anniversaries for the iconic equestrian venue, as they not only celebrated 100 years of history, but also 25 years with Rolex as the main sponsor.   

Starting in reverse order based on the results from the first round, American rider McLain Ward, who was tenth to go, jumped the first double clear of the class and put pressure on the remaining riders in the second round. Out of those riders, only Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Germany’s André Thieme – the individual 2021 FEI Jumping European Champion – and World No. 10 Richard Vogel progressed to the jump-off. 

Ward, the two-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner, jumped around the shortened course clear in a time of 41.02 seconds. Fuchs was almost two seconds faster, but it was not meant to be as the penultimate fence fell. The crowds exploded with cheers as Thieme then took the lead in a time of 39.77 seconds, with just one left to go. It looked as if the final competitor, Vogel, would claim his second Major as he crossed the line over one second faster than his fellow citizen, but heartbreakingly the final fence fell, handing the victory to Thieme. 

André Thieme celebrates the win. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

The nail-biting competition was followed by the Farewell of Nations, when competitors representing their various countries and disciplines all come together in the main stadium for a gigantic farewell party. Every year the CHIO chooses a partner country and bases the theme of their festivities around that country’s culture. The 2024 partner country happened to be the USA, and the theme featured heavily in the opening ceremonies, which we watched on TV before our arrival at the show.  

The closing ceremonies feature all of the nations that participated in the competition, with participants from every sport taking part. Show jumpers, dressage horses, eventers, and even the four-in-hand driving competitors’ parade around the arena with their riders and drivers, with a flag bearer leading the way and competitors waving white handkerchiefs, a tradition that includes spectators, who wave back from the grandstands to the sounds of the German folk song “Muss I denn zum Städtele hinaus.” Another CHIO concluded, and Emily and I wandered around the quiet grounds one last time, stopping for a celebratory toast before heading home. Because shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, I asked one of the vendors if I could purchase a small potted flower to give to our hosts, and he kindly gave it to me with a smile.  

The crowd celebrates the Farewell of Nations. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

Because it was a late evening, we stayed over one more night and enjoyed one final wonderful breakfast from the local bakery, and had a short walk around the neighborhood. On the way back to the Warendorf area we stopped in Cologne to stretch our legs and took a short tour of the cathedral there. It was an exciting week and we were left happy to have enjoyed so much top equestrian sport and German culture. 

A Visitors’ Guide to the CHIO Achen

The CHIO Aachen is a huge destination event, and accommodations book quickly. An American friend who lives in Germany is planning to attend in the summer of 2026 and accommodations were already booked up months in advance. She was able to find an Airbnb in the Belgian countryside, driving distance from the Soers — the showgrounds where the CHIO is held.  

Purchase your tickets in advance. The really popular events sell out — yes, even dressage — and if there’s an event you really want to see, you’ll need to reserve tickets sooner than later.  

Wear comfortable clothing. People do tend to dress nicely for a day out at the CHIO, but you want to make sure that you are comfortable to walk long distances. Dressing in layers is also recommended — even summertime can be rainy and chilly, and while it’s fun to shop for new clothes in the extensive trade fair, it’s less fun to sit in the stands freezing and then spend a lot of money on a sweatshirt because it’s the first thing you can grab during a 15-minute break. Ask me how I know!  

Bring your appetite. The food offerings at the CHIO are extensive, and you can find everything from sushi and Thai stir fry to traditional German fare like currywurst, pretzels, pommes frites (French fries), and sandwiches. Alcohol flows freely in the evenings — be sure to return your glass to get a refund of the small deposit — and there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options. The riders tend to congregate at the Riders’ Bar on the ground floor of the grandstand near the gate to the main stadium. You’re also sure to spot a few familiar, famous equestrians strolling around the grounds.  

Horses have the right-of-way. While there is traffic control, be alert that pedestrians need to stop and wait for horses crossing at junctions of the horse paths and pedestrian walkways.  

Bring your spending money. The trade fair is not to be taken for granted: from apparel and tack to housewares and gift items, to luxury horse boxes and vehicles, the trade fair boasts something for everyone, on every budget. And be sure to grab a few souvenirs from the gift shop — you’ll really impress your friends at the barn when you show up wearing a shirt or baseball cap from Aachen. 

Pace yourself. With so much to see and do, you might be tempted to try to do it all. Better to pick a few special events and enjoy those, and give yourself time for the trade fair, food vendors, and just to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. There are also a number of entertaining performances in the main stadium featuring different breeds, demonstrations of various horses, and costumed horses and riders performing purely for entertainment. 

This article about a visit to the CHIO Aachen is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Visit to the CHIO Aachen  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Racing Shetlands

Before Donna began race reporting, she carved out a jockey career that spanned 12 years and 1,130 wins. In the 1990s, she regularly rode for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, piloting numerous stakes winners. Although she retired in 1998, Donna is still one of the top female jockeys of all time in purse earnings, at $18 million.

Growing up in Chester, W. Va., Donna’s first “races” were ridden bareback on Shetland ponies against her little brother Jerry and older sister Leah. The pasture where the ponies lived served as their track.

“At some point, we would end up in a race,” she recalls. “I think the ponies’ goal was to get into the woods, and the first one that could jump a log while going under a low-hanging branch and get rid of us won.”

The three Barton siblings, who would all later become jockeys, did what came naturally: ride at speed. Horse racing is part of Donna’s family’s DNA. Patti Barton, Donna’s mother, was one of the first six licensed female jockeys in the United States. Patti raced from 1969 until 1984, amassing just over 1,200 wins.

Donna is married to Frank Brothers, a retired Thoroughbred racehorse trainer who won two of the three Triple Crown races in 1991 with the colt Hansel. The couple splits their time between Louisville, Ky., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with their dogs Molly and Jackson.

Juggling a mic and race program in front of the cameras while galloping on a horse is no easy feat. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Race Day Reporting

In the three months leading up to the Triple Crown or Breeders’ Cup, Donna spends six to eight hours a day on her computer.

“I’m reading articles, researching horses, and watching races,” says Donna. “[I’m] reading about those races beforehand, and reading the comments after.”

On race day, she multitasks.

“I’m riding a horse, and I’m trying to make sure that the horse and I don’t part ways,” she says. “And at the [Kentucky] Derby, there’s people on the outside fence who are banging on the fence, because they’re excited that the Derby’s running. That could spook my horse. So I’m paying attention to my horse and what my horse is paying attention to, and I’m listening to the call of the race in my ear … I’m listening to see who’s in the lead. I’m listening to see how fast they went in the first quarter [mile], how fast they went to [the] half.”

Donna Barton Brothers is instantly recognized by equestrians as she interviews winning jockeys after the biggest races in the country. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Despite being on the track, positioned behind the starting gate, Donna can’t see the races from her saddle’s vantage point. Once the gate’s latch is sprung, she gallops behind the field. In longer races, she gallops away from the field.

“In a race like the Kentucky Derby where the distance is a mile and a quarter, that wouldn’t give me enough time to get to them,” she explains. “I’ll wait until they spring the latch, and then I take off galloping [in] the opposite direction. So I’m going around the turn that’s going to be their second turn, headed in the opposite direction. And then I’ll get to about the half-mile pole and stop and let the field run by me. And I get a glimpse of the field. Then I take off galloping again down the backstretch, so that I’m in position to interview them after the race.

“For the most part, I have no idea where the winning horse came from, unless it was in the lead the whole way,” she continues. “At first, I saw that as a liability, because I’m going to interview the winning rider, and I don’t know anything about their ride. Then I realized that unless the horse is in the lead the whole way, 90 percent of our viewers also have no idea where that horse came from. It puts me in a position to be able to say to the rider, ‘It looked like your horse didn’t get away from the gate cleanly. Can you tell me about your trip from the start of the race?’ It allows the rider to tell us about the trip.”

Donna rides past the scenic mountains at Santa Anita during the Breeders’ Cup Championships. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Triple Crown History

In 2015, Donna covered the Belmont Stakes when American Pharoah and Victor Espinoza ended horse racing’s 37-year Triple Crown drought. When the bay colt crossed the finish line to cacophonous celebration, Donna kept her emotions in check.

The next day, she called her brother and sister and discovered they’d both watched the race from their respective homes with tears in their eyes. Donna reflected on the magnitude of the winning moment and captured the emotion of the moment by writing an essay for the New York Times entitled “Holding Back Tears After American Pharoah’s Triple Crown.”

Just three years later, Donna witnessed history again when Justify won the Triple Crown in 2018. She recalls her first impression of the chestnut colt.

“As soon as he walked out of the barn, I thought I was looking at a Greek Adonis of a horse. He was just a magnificent specimen, and I thought, ‘This horse is going to win the Kentucky Derby.’” When Justify clinched the Triple Crown title, Donna was elated for jockey Mike Smith.

“He had paid his dues, and he is a good, good person, and he’s a great rider.”

Donna’s last interview question with Smith was almost never asked. The cameras were about to switch to winning trainer Bob Baffert, but Donna insisted on one more question.

“My last question was, ‘Mike, we talked some months ago, and I asked you about how you felt about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and you told me that you didn’t really feel like you deserved it at the time. Do you feel like you deserve it now?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I feel like I belong now.’ That was special. It was nice to see him come full circle on his accomplishments, and he had such a deep appreciation for the horse that if I hadn’t asked that question, he wouldn’t have taken a second to look back on what he had done.”

Donna and Mike Smith’s historic exchange is now part of a reel at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

A Close Call

Coming up with insightful on-the-spot reporting is part of what has made Brothers a staple on race day. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Donna remembers one race at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., as “a little too exciting.”

“As soon as the [starting gate’s] latch was sprung, a horse dropped its rider,” she says. “So I turn up the backside, and the outrider’s standing there, and he knew full well there was a loose horse. Now I have to stay out of his way, and he’s on the outside. The BATCAM [a camera mounted to a wire that runs along the backstretch] is going to come running toward me when the field comes toward me, and Sherman, the horse I was riding, doesn’t like the BATCAM. He spooks at it every time.

“The field is running toward me on the inside fence, and the loose horse is running toward us in the middle of the racetrack,” she continues. “We had to run directly under the BATCAM, as it was headed straight for us—that was the only place I could avoid the outrider, the loose horse, and the field.”

Donna cued to the gelding that they needed to dart directly under the aerial camera. Sherman rose to the occasion, and the two ran directly under it. She continued commentating, making her job look effortless once again.

Follow Donna on Facebook @BartonBrothers or Instagram @brothers.donna.

This article about Donna Barton Brothers appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Donna Barton Brothers: Reporting from the Finish Line appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

CareCredit

Horse Illustrated is grateful for the support of CareCredit, and we especially enjoyed celebrating with them at this event, as CareCredit was the sponsor of our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The CareCredit credit card is a friendly, flexible way to pay over time for veterinary care for your horse, dog, cat and other animals in your family. It’s your card for a Lifetime of Care. Subject to credit approval.

Learn more at carecredit.com/3day.

Fairfax & Favor

Fairfax & Favor is a partner we are excited to see each year at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. We had a wonderful time toasting to Horse Illustrated‘s 50th anniversary with their team!

Fairfax & Favor is Rural Vogue, a modern British luxury brand born in the Norfolk countryside. Since 2013, they’ve created timeless, stylish, and versatile pieces that blend elegance with everyday practicality. Founded by childhood friends Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker, Fairfax & Favor embodies refined rural living through exceptional craftsmanship and enduring design.

Learn more at fairfaxandfavor.com/en-us.

Mare Modern Goods

You can’t miss Mare Modern Goods’ booth at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Trade Fair — or any trade fair for that matter — with its colorful designs. Mare Modern Goods is a brand that both Horse Illustrated and Young Rider magazines are grateful to partner with, and owner Mary Campbell is always a welcome, smiling face.

Mare Modern Goods is a destination for modern equestrian design and gifts for horse lovers. Their products feature original artwork and patterns with bold, bright colors and are inspired by horses and riders in the equestrian community.

Learn more at maregoods.com.

Sentinel Horse Feed

A partnership between Sentinel Horse Feed and Horse Illustrated just makes sense. At the magazine for horse lovers who are involved in the hands-on care for their horses, partnering with Sentinel is the perfect alignment.

A KENT Nutrition product, Sentinel Horse Feed is purposefully formulated nutrition that addresses your horse’s specific needs. Feeding your horse Sentinel supports his digestive health, immune system, and whole body wellness.

Learn more at kentfeeds.com.

Straight Arrow

Straight Arrow is a cherished, long-time partner of Horse Illustrated. With products made for caring for our beloved equines, they are the perfect fit for our audience and we are grateful for our partnership with them.

For more than four decades, Straight Arrow has been providing exclusive hair and skin care products renowned for their quality and performance in both the equestrian and personal care markets. Their family of brands include Mane ‘n Tail, Cowboy Magic, and Exhibitor’s.

Learn more at straightarrowinc.com.

United States Eventing Association

The Horse Illustrated family of brands is thrilled to be a USEA media partner. We’re excited to help contribute to youth development in the horse industry, which is something the USEA has prioritized. And toasting to our partnership at the biggest eventing weekend in the United States was the perfect time to celebrate.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers strong and continuous training opportunities for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing.

Learn more at useventing.com.

The post Cheers to 50 Years of Horse Illustrated and Its Partners appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“The incidence of PPID increases with age,” says Kate Christie, DVM, a veterinarian with Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky. “PPID is considered ‘uncommon’ in horses under 15 years of age. The prevalence increases to 20 percent of horses over the age of 15 years, and 30 percent of horses over the age of 30 years.” In rare cases, PPID has been diagnosed in much younger horses.

An example of a long, wavy haircoat that can be a sign of PPID. Photo by Christiane Slawik

One of the classic signs of PPID is delayed shedding or a long, wavy haircoat that doesn’t completely shed out. Other clinical signs include:

◆ Decreased athletic performance

◆ Change in attitude

◆ Lethargy

◆ Loss of topline muscling

◆ Tendon/ligament laxity

◆ Regional fat deposits (“cresty neck,” over tail head, above eyes)

◆ Laminitis

Out of Balance

As the name implies, PPID is directly tied to the pituitary gland, which is an endocrine gland located along the bottom of the hypothalamus in the horse’s brain. Because it controls hormone production, any dysfunction of this gland can cause problems.

“Age-related degeneration of the neurons that control hormone secretion from the pituitary gland leads to higher-than-normal levels of hormone production,” says Christie. “Increased ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) production from the pituitary gland has many effects throughout the body.”

In simple terms, hormones become unbalanced because the pituitary gland is working overtime.

“One of the most important effects is the release of excessive amounts of cortisol (the stress hormone) from the adrenal glands,” she says. “These abnormal increases in hormone production are responsible for the main clinical signs of PPID.”

Diagnosis

If your horse shows clinical signs of PPID, there are two current methods of diagnosing the disease:

◆ Baseline ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) test

◆ TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) stimulation test

Baseline ACTH is the best place to start in most horses when PPID is suspected. Because this hormone varies by season and reaches peak concentrations in the late fall/summer months, this test is also the preferred diagnostic for testing between June and December.

“If the baseline ACTH is normal but clinical suspicion is still high, a dynamic response test may be indicated,” explains Christie. “In the case of PPID, a thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test is the most commonly used dynamic test.”

She adds that this test may be more helpful when identifying PPID earlier in the disease process. Because of seasonal variation in hormone production and the pituitary’s response to TRH, this test should only be run between January and June.

Baseline ACTH reaches peak concentrations in the late fall/summer months, so this test is the preferred diagnostic for PPID testing between June and December. Photo by Chelle129/Adobe Stock

Limiting Risk

Early diagnosis of PPID is important so that medical management can begin. If the disease is allowed to advance without treatment, worsening clinical signs can include:

◆ Sluggishness

◆ Exercise intolerance

◆ Infertility

◆ Excessive hair growth

◆ Topline muscle atrophy

◆ Rounded abdomen (“potbelly”)

◆ Weight loss

◆ Abnormal sweating (increased or decreased)

◆ Recurrent infections

◆ Bulging fat deposits above eyes (supraorbital fat)

◆ Laxity of tendons and suspensory ligaments

◆ Laminitis

Horses with PPID are often immuno-compromised. They tend to carry higher parasite burdens and be more prone to chronic infections, including rain rot, scratches, non-healing corneal ulcers, et cetera.

“Early diagnosis is important to prevent some of the more devastating complications of this disease,” Christie warns.

Laminitis Risk 

Laminitis can develop in both early and advanced cases of PPID. The risk of laminitis is associated with increased insulin levels, which can be determined by testing.

“Approximately 30 percent of horses with PPID show signs of insulin dysregulation,” says Christie. “Insulin dysregulation is characterized by either a high resting insulin, a high postprandial (after feeding) insulin, tissue resistance to the actions of insulin at a cellular level, or any combination of these.”

Laminitis can develop in both early and advanced cases of PPID. The risk of laminitis is associated with increased insulin levels. Photo by Christiane Slawik

When insulin dysregulation is not controlled, the risk of developing laminitis is much higher.

Your veterinarian will likely suggest testing to determine your horse’s insulin status to assess the risk of laminitis and help decide the next steps, including any necessary changes in diet.

EMS May be a Factor

Some clinical signs of PPID can be confused with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), and it’s possible for a horse to have both conditions. It’s important to realize that when a horse is diagnosed with both, the risk of laminitis is increased.

Having some degree of insulin dysregulation may indicate that a horse also has concurrent EMS. Christie points out that somewhere between 20 to 30 percent of horses with PPID also have insulin dysregulation that may be caused by underlying EMS, but a large subset of horses diagnosed with EMS do not have PPID.

Both PPID and EMS cause a disruption in metabolic function and increase a horse’s risk of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. Although PPID and EMS can both be associated with insulin dysregulation, the pathophysiology of the two diseases is not the same.

Management, Not Cure

Although there isn’t a cure for PPID, medications are available for lifelong management, allowing horses to live comfortably.

The medication of choice for treating PPID is pergolide. An FDA-approved version of pergolide is available as Prascend (marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim).

When dealing with a medication that must be given for the rest of the horse’s life, owners often seek out better price options.

“Some pharmacies will compound this medication, and although it seems less expensive initially, the compounded versions are typically less [effective] than the FDA-approved product,” says Christie. “You[r horse] may require a higher dose of the compounded version to control clinical signs. Ultimately, the price advantage of compounded [medication] is negated by the decreased efficacy.”

She has found that some horses stop eating the medication in their feed, even when the pills are cleverly hidden in treats.

“While side effects are low, one major side effect is often decreased appetite, which can be really tough for older horses who already have body condition score concerns,” she says. “For these horses, splitting the dose into a twice-daily administration or decreasing the dose to a half or quarter of a tablet once a day for several weeks before increasing to one tablet may help.”

Christie has seen some cases where the horse cannot tolerate Prascend, or is poorly managed even on high doses of Prascend. This is typically only in late stages of the disease.

If clinical signs are not well controlled, or if your horse doesn’t tolerate Prascend, your veterinarian may add alternative medications, such as injectable cabergoline or cyproheptadine.

“The most important thing to understand is that medical management is just that—management,” says Christie. “Horses diagnosed with PPID require lifelong treatment and management, as well as close monitoring for worsening of clinical signs.”

Management Steps & Key Takeaways for Horses with PPID

In addition to daily medication, practical management is important when treating PPID.

Body clipping may be necessary for horses who no longer shed out completely.

“Depending on your horse’s insulin levels, specific dietary management may be recommended by your veterinarian to try
and control the risk of developing laminitis,” says Christie.

Your veterinarian may recommend switching to a diet that is low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Concentrates aren’t the only concern. Hay and grass also contain sugar and starch, so managing PPID may include use of grazing muzzles or restricted turnout on grass.

Hay and grass contain sugar and starch, so managing PPID may include use of grazing muzzles or restricted pasture turnout. Photo by Jackienix/Adobe Stock

Certain supplements can also help manage insulin sensitivity.

Fecal testing has shown that horses with PPID have higher strongyle egg counts. Ask your veterinarian about recommendations for deworming protocol.

For horses showing any signs of laminitis, consistent farrier care is crucial.

“Work closely with your veterinarian and your farrier to monitor any changes in your horse’s overall or hoof health to prevent laminitis,” urges Christie.

Because PPID can be managed, it’s important to be aware of clinical signs of the disease. Have your horse tested promptly if signs develop.

This article about PPID in horses appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post An Overview of PPID in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Finals were contested in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District with horses stabled in barns on the Will Rogers Memorial Center equestrian campus. The warm-up ring, competition arena, shopping and entertainment were all located in the adjacent, state-of-the-art Dickies Arena.

Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, home of the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. Photo by Nancy Bryant/MacMillan Photography

Staged with a decidedly Texas flair, the World Cup featured live country music performances, a festive light show, and cowboys executing rope tricks and directing at-liberty horses, to open each competition session. Country barbeque, Tex-Mex cuisine and desserts featuring Texas pecans were served during Wednesday night’s draw order party. Sleek Euro-style meshed with Fort Worth’s “Cowtown” culture when all of the riders were gifted cowboy hats by Sole Rider and boots by Tony Lama.

The USA previously hosted the FEI World Cup Jumping Final 11 times (Baltimore, 1980; Tampa, 1989; Del Mar, Calif., 1992; Las Vegas, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, and Omaha, 2017 and 2023), and the FEI Dressage Final seven times (Los Angeles, 1995; Las Vegas, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, and Omaha, 2017 and 2023).

Farrington Flies to Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final Win

In jumping, 35 starters from 18 countries tried their hand at course designer Anderson Lima’s (MEX) track in Thursday’s speed class (Table C over a Table A, where 3 seconds were added to the time for each rail down). Then, on Friday all competitors who completed Thursday’s class were eligible to move forward to the next class (Table A against the clock with one jump-off) when they jumped in reverse order of standings from the day before.  

Kent Farrington aboard Toulayna during Thursday’s speed class, the first of the jumping classes. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

On Sunday there were two jumping rounds (A and B). In round A, the best 30 horse-and-rider pairs based on results from the previous two days competed. Then, the number was pared down to the top 20 competitors for round B (Table A not against the clock). The winner was the competitor with the fewest number of cumulative penalties. Countries with competitors were: Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Hungary; Germany; Georgia; France; Ireland; Japan; Mexico; New Zealand; Norway; Spain; Switzerland; the Netherlands; Turkey; the USA, and Uzbekistan.  

Total prize money offered over the series of four jumping classes was 1,300,000.00 Euros. Find the FEI World Cup Final jumper rules here.

In the end, it was “Air Farrington” all the way through. Currently number two in the FEI World Jumper Rankings, Kent Farrington (Wellington, Fla., USA) first piloted his and Rabbit Root Stables’ quick and handy 12-year-old Zangersheide mare Toulayna (Toulon-Parco) to top the speed class on Thursday, April 9. Then, since a one-time horse substitution is allowed, he gathered Greya’s reins to guide the classy, careful mare to win the second and third World Cup jumper classes on Friday, April 10, and Sunday, April 12. Greya (Colestus-Contender) is a 12-year-old Oldenburger Springpferde mare owned by Farrington.  

Both mares performed brilliantly with Farrington laser-focused on the plan with his horses. Greya dropped just one rail in Round A on Sunday to finish with only four faults total over her two days of jumping. After the final two rounds on Sunday, Farrington lifted the Longines trophy above his head to celebrate his first-ever World Cup Final win which added a missing piece to his already-impressive résumé.  

A very supportive home crowd cheered and hundreds of U.S. flags waved in the stands as Farrington and the other U.S. riders competed. His win helped the USA stay atop the list of countries with the most World Cup Jumping Final wins. The USA’s total is now a dozen wins over the history of the World Cup Jumping Final, keeping them two ahead of Germany which has 10 wins and six ahead of Switzerland which has a total of six.  

Farrington, who credited both Toulayna and Greya, talked about the achievement, “It’s important to note I rode two horses here and I couldn’t have done it without Toulayna on day one. I have two exceptional mares that put me in the position that I needed to win the title. This means a lot to me because the World Cup Final is what I grew up watching. I didn’t have access to major events and competitions where I grew up, but I had access to video tapes of every single year of the World Cup Final. I would study all the rounds and all the rides hoping I could ride like that, so to be here winning it today is really special for me.”  

Second was Daniel Deusser from Germany riding the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Otello de Guldenboom (Tobago Z-Caretino) owned by Stephex Stables. Deusser, who won the 2014 World Cup Final, talked about success in Fort Worth, “My expectations were high. That’s why I’m coming here. I had a very good start on day one, [but] one rail down that pushed me back a little on day two. Today, I have to say that [Otello de Guldenboom] really tried his heart out. He really tried his very best and I’m proud of him.” 

Daniel Deusser and Otello de Guldenboom. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

The USA’s Katie Dinan (Wellington, Fla.) rode the American-bred mare Out of the Blue SCF, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Verdi TN-Cassini I) owned by Grant Road Partners and bred by Spy Coast Farm, Lexington, Ky., to third. Last year they were the highest-placed American pair finishing eighth in the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland. 

Katie Dinan and Out of the Blue SCF. Photo by Mary Cage

“I’m in awe of my horse Out of the Blue. She was spectacular every day. I owe everything to her,” Dinan said. “Out of the Blue is the only U.S.‑bred jumper in the show jumping here, and I think that’s really exciting. She was bred at Spy Coast and they have done an amazing job increasing U.S. breeding. This is a mare that did her whole young horse career in the U.S. It’s exciting to represent my country like that, especially at a World Cup on home soil.” 

The USA had three more combinations in the top 12. Aaron Vale (Williston, Fla.) and Carissimo 25 were seventh overall, Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) and Kick On finished 10th overall, and Jacob Pope (Columbia, Md.) and Highway FBH were 12th overall in their first World Cup Final. Also competing for the USA were: Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Tres Bien Z, 18th; Mimi Gochman (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Inclen BH, 21st; Skylar Wireman (Bonsall, Ca.) and Barclino B, 25th, and Kaitlin Campbell (Temecula, Ca.) and Cosm Castlefield Cornelious, 26th.  

US Equestrian Jumping Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was enthusiastic about the week in Fort Worth. “It’s always great to win the World Cup Final, but never better than on home soil! Most impressive though was that we showed a lot of depth this week with five U.S. riders finishing in the top twelve placings. Across the board, our riders all rode extremely well, and finally, kudos to the organizers for producing a world-class event and to Anderson Lima who built masterful courses all week.”   

Dynamic Dressage Dazzles

To say that the 2026 Zen Elite World Cup Dressage Final competition was electric and filled with dazzling performances really isn’t enough to do it justice. Even without a few of the usual top contenders this year, it was spectacular. And, the crowds in Fort Worth loved it. In true Texas fashion, they often clapped, whooped and hollered during tests as one might expect for a Western reining competition, but isn’t really traditional for dressage-watching etiquette. Yet, many competitors commented post-ride that they thought the enthusiasm was great for the sport and, in several cases, it helped their horses perform to an even-higher level.  

The crowd’s energy is reflected on the USA’s Christian Simon’s smiling face during his Freestyle test with Indian Rock. Photo by Mary Cage

Sixteen athletes from 13 countries competed in the 2026 World Cup Dressage Final in Fort Worth. At least seven of the human athletes, including the USA’s Christian Simonson (Ventura, Calif.) riding Indian Rock, were competing for the first time in a World Cup Final. Countries represented there were: Australia; Austria; Belgium; Ecuador; France; Germany; Great Britain; Lithuania; Morocco; Poland; Sweden; the Netherlands, and USA.  

World Cup Dressage Final competition comprises two days, one using the FEI Grand Prix test and the other the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. All athletes who score better than 60 percent in the Grand Prix test are allowed to move on to compete in the Freestyle, and this year all 16 horse-and-rider combinations scored well enough to compete both days. Scores from the Grand Prix serve as the qualifier, with scores from the Freestyle determining the final placings. Total prize money for the World Cup Dressage Final Fort Worth was 275,000.00 Euros.  

Find the rules for the 2025-26 Dressage World Cup series here. 

Number-five dressage rider in the FEI World Rankings, Great Britain’s Becky Moody and her homebred Jagerbomb, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Dante Weltino OLD-Jazz), came to Fort Worth hoping to dazzle the judges and win. That’s just what they did; scoring 76.761 percent in the Grand Prix and a personal-best 88.33 percent in the Freestyle, dancing to a medley of Beatles songs, for their first World Cup Final win together.  

Moody and Jagerbomb were also members of the bronze-medal British Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She commented that she was hoping for a personal-best score in their World Cup Freestyle and that mission was accomplished. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. All our horses are complete and utter diamonds, but today ‘Bomb’ was absolutely unreal,” said Moody after their win.   

Moody admitted that she wasn’t sure how Bomb would handle the exuberant crowd, but she was ecstatic with the results, “The crowd was insane; it was just incredible to be part of such a cool competition. I wasn’t sure how he would cope [with the atmosphere], but it turned out to be the perfect place for him. He could feel the enthusiasm, and even though it was so electric and so technical, he stayed with me so well. I need to rent that crowd everywhere I go now so they can come cheer,” she said with a huge smile.  

Also scoring above 80 percent in their Freestyle tests to finish second and third, respectively, in the World Cup were the USA’s Christian Simonson and Indian Rock (83.810 in Freestyle and 75.413 in Grand Prix) and Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella (80.770 in Freestyle and 71.696 in Grand Prix).  

Simonson was all smiles the entire week as he enjoyed his first World Cup Final experience with “Rocky”, a 13-year-old KWPN stallion (Apache-Vivaldi) owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and who he has ridden for only the last 14 months. He said he was taking it all in and praised his coach Adrienne Lyle for her guidance. They finished in the second-place spot on both days of competition with their score in the Freestyle a personal-best and performed to music from the Rocky movie franchise.  

“I don’t have the right words to describe the emotions I’m having right now. I’m so happy to be here, and I’m so proud to represent my country. What a fun night. Rocky is one in a million. To take me to the World Cup and now a double podium placing—I get teary‑eyed just thinking about him,” he said after their runner-up overall finish.  

He also said that the crowd’s enthusiasm reflected something bigger happening in U.S. dressage. “That’s what we need in the sport—fun. I’m super fortunate that Heidi [Humphries] and Zen Elite have been such a big part of building up dressage in the U.S., and you could really feel that tonight with the excitement in the arena.” 

Simonson said that competing in the World Cup was one of his aspirations. “When I was around 13, I wrote down all my biggest dreams. One of them was the Pan American Games, and one of them was the World Cup Final. This whole week has been a childhood dream come true, which feels very surreal. Looking up and seeing this wall of people standing and applauding Rocky was super special. He’s such a special horse; he deserves every bit of praise.”  

“I cannot believe it,” said Poland’s Sysojeva who was visiting the U.S. for the first time in order to compete Maxima Bella, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Millennium-Christ), in Fort Worth. “We did not expect this, but my horse behaved so well today with no big mistakes. I’m really, really happy and very proud of her. I was afraid of the atmosphere—it was so loud and everybody was clapping. Usually she gets too excited, but today she was happy, and she liked it. She’s still young and getting so much experience at shows like this. That was very special for me. If it wasn’t for the show, we would never have come to Texas. But the people are very friendly, and we’ve really enjoyed this 10‑day holiday here.” 

Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Touchdown, who won the 2025 World Cup Final in Switzerland, finished fourth overall (80.260 in their Freestyle and 72.869 in the Grand Prix). The ever-popular, US..-based rider from Ecuador, Julio Mendoza Loor and his Jewel’s Goldstrike, a.k.a. “Goldie,” took fourth place in the Grand Prix (72.000) and sixth overall with a score of 78.645 percent in the Freestyle. World Cup Final rookie from Germany, Raphael Netz riding SP Dieudonne, moved up to the fifth-place overall spot after a spectacular Freestyle test earned them 79.245 percent.  

U.S. riders Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee (Wellington, Fla., 68.674 in Grand Prix and 76.730 in Freestyle) and Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena (Wellington, Fla., 67.717 in Grand Prix and 74.965 in Freestyle) finished in respectable ninth and tenth places, respectively.  

US Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig commented on the week in Fort Worth. “We accomplished another goal we set for this year, which was to have our riders finish in the top ten. Ben and Kevin both have World Cup Finals experience, and they rode great tonight with good results in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Christian’s finish on the podium in second place is a fantastic result for USA Dressage and continues to build momentum towards this summer’s World Championships and beyond. I am so proud of our riders, their horses, the grooms, their personal trainers, and our owners. It was truly a great week to celebrate dressage here at home in the United States.” 

Another significant happening during the World Cup Dressage Final was the official retirement of Morgan Barbançon’s (FRA) competition horse, the 20-year-old Oldenburg stallion Sir Donnerhall II (Sandro Hit-Donnerhall). The emotional retirement ceremony took place during intermission of the Freestyle competition. They had competed together for 14 years and were members of France’s 2024 Paris Olympic Team. They finished 13th in Fort Worth, earning 68.956 in the Grand Prix and 72.46 percent in the Freestyle.  

Morgan Barbançon gratefully waves to the crowd after a final ride on Sir Donnerhall II OLD, aka Gus. Photo by Mary Cage

FEI World Cup Results & Replay on Demand

To find a complete set of results for both FEI World Cup Final sports, as well as orders of go and jumper course maps, visit here.

More news from the Fort Worth Finals can be viewed by going to the official event site and on US Equestrian’s website.

Find interesting facts and figures about the World Cup Finals, plus an explanation of how the competition works, in the FEI’s press kit here.

Replays of the competition, plus athlete interviews, are available by subscription on FEI TV via ClipMyHorse. Find the competition link here. 

2027 FEI World Cup Finals

The 2027 World Cup Finals for dressage, show jumping and vaulting will be held at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, March 24-28. This event also marks the 50th anniversary of the Gothenburg Show. For more information, visit here.

This recap of the 2026 Fort Worth FEI World Cup Finals is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Reliving the Fort Worth FEI World Cup Finals 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Liz Galletta, and I’ve been a member of the Horse Illustrated team since 2024. This is my second time attending Equine Affaire and every year it seems to get better! I want to take you with as I experience the event this year. 

Our western brand, Western Life Today, is the sponsor of Cowtown in Cooper, so our booth was the highlight of the Western Life Today Alleyway. We had seven wonderful booth sponsors, including PetKORE, Stud Muffins, AnimaSol, Chewy Equine, Boomerang Rubber, Sentinel, and Parelli Natural Horsemanship.

Our booth at Equine Affaire Ohio 2026. Photo by Madison Wintrich/MW Creative & Photography

Parelli set up at one end of our booth, and we were so thrilled to have them with us this year. 2026 was the start of a new partnership with Parelli, in which Pat and his team write a training column in each Horse Illustrated issue and select Young Rider issues. Not only were the Parelli team members so amazing to hang out with, but the energy and excitement that Pat Parelli brings wherever he goes is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. He draws crowds and captivates his audience so effortlessly — it’s no wonder how he’s developed such a large fanbase. He did daily giveaways at 4 p.m. at our booth, and every single day he drew a large crowd. 

Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 1

Day 1 of Equine Affaire was filled with the excitement and anticipation of what was to come. We saw hundreds of people come through our booth in the Bricker Building, and we had the chance to see seminars and demos from some of our favorites, including Pat Parelli and Sam and Kellie Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons. I also got talked into riding a mechanical bull – check out how that went below! 

Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 2

Friday was the first day Cooper in Cowtown was open, so we got to watch things get western during clinics by Mike Bednarek, Zoe Woodland, and Joe Sansone. My favorite part, of course, was the adorable young cows being used in these clinics. We also got to see additional clinics in other rings by Horse Illustrated Webinar guests Dan James, Jason Irwin, and of course our friend Pat Parelli.  

Friday also brought about the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, which is the ultimate test of horsemanship and training. Riders and their horses must race through a timed obstacle course, created to test horsemanship skills and athleticism. Though, timing is not the only criteria, and points are awarded for a positive horse attitude, overall performance, and more. After a close competition, Brenda Hanson and Ace reigned victorious and took home the first-place prize. 

I also had the privilege of being able to “Drive A Draft” with Kellie Rettinger, which was an incredible experience that I am sure to never forget. Check out that experience below. 

Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 3

Day 3 was an incredibly busy day all around, but we made sure to watch some clinics as well as swing by some of our partner’s booths, including Equi-Analytical, KENT, Wild Animal Sanctuary, Farrier’s Magic, GG Equine, Tyler Shupe Leather, and the ASPCA Right Horse Adoption barn (spoiler alert — by Sunday evening, all but two horses had been adopted!) 

After watching more presenters (including our friends Bronwyn Irwin and Reese Koffler-Stanfield), we got to watch the hilarious Cowboy Challenge, emceed by the one and only Hayden Kristal. This on-foot challenge had competitors complete a series of farm-related tasks, including moving hay, setting up jumps, and scooping grain, to see who would be crowned the ultimate cowboy. This was insanely entertaining and, in our eyes, everyone was a winner for being brave enough to tackle those tasks in front of an audience.

Saturday was also the biggest day for Parelli’s giveaway, and we easily had over 100 people flooding our booth to get a chance to win big! 

Equine Affaire Ohio 2026: Day 4

Sunday was a bittersweet ending to a wonderful weekend. My favorite part of the day was taking advantage of the sales the shopping booths were putting on – the whole Horse Illustrated crew brought home solid clothing hauls for an incredible deal.

Another touching outcome of this weekend came from Boomerang Rubber – they graciously provided the flooring for our booth (which saved our backs from hours of standing on straight concrete) and at the end of the weekend, donated the mats to two different ASPCA Right Horse partners. We could not be more thankful for Bobby and his team, and we’re glad they could make a difference in the lives of adoptable horses through their donation. 

Over the course of Equine Affaire, we got to meet thousands of amazing people, introduce dozens of new readers to Horse Illustrated, and celebrate our 50th Anniversary with readers who have been with us for years.  

If you attended Equine Affaire this year, we were so glad to get to meet you and get to know you. If you didn’t attend, I hope you consider stopping by next year so you can experience the magic of this event. 

This article about Equine Affaire Ohio 2026 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Recap of Equine Affaire Ohio 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The good news is that there are answers, and the more knowledge you have, the more power you have to make the right decisions for your horse.

We sat down to chat with Ann Andrews, DVM, CVA, of Park Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., to answer your most-asked questions.

Photo by Christiane Slawik

Q: Does my horse need vaccinations?

As modern-day horse owners, it’s easy for us to take for granted the health advantages that vaccines now offer our equines. Not too many years ago, horses died from tetanus, rabies, Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, and other diseases.

Nowadays, horses can be protected from these diseases with vaccinations; if not completely, at least with the resulting illness being less severe. The key is developing a program alongside your veterinarian that meets the individual needs of your horse.

Q: Is there a safe and essential minimum of vaccinations required?

Like many equine veterinarians, Andrews follows the guidelines of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), which recommends a few core vaccines for all horses.

“The AAEP is a great resource for horse owners, and not just for vaccinations, but many health issues,” she says.

There are five diseases the AAEP’s core vaccines protect against: EEE, WEE, rabies, tetanus, and West Nile virus. Photo by peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock

Here’s a brief description of the diseases core vaccines protect against, and their recommended frequency.

◆ Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE) are viral diseases spread by mosquitoes that cause neurological damage or death. Vaccine frequency is annual in spring prior to the rise in vector season.

◆ Rabies is a fatal neurological disease that affects all mammals; it can be transmitted by raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. Vaccine frequency is annual.

◆ Tetanus is a bacterial disease that is often fatal; it can be contracted through wounds or punctures. Vaccine frequency is annual.

◆ West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurological disease transmitted by mosquitoes; it can be fatal, and recovered horses may have abnormalities in behavior and gait. Vaccine frequency is annual in spring prior to vector season.

“Depending on your geographic location, regional prevalence, exposure risk, stabling environment and other factors, your vet may also recommend certain additional risk-based vaccinations,” says Andrews.

Commonly recommended risk-based vaccines include:

◆ Equine herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis/EHV): EHV-1 and EHV-4 are viral diseases that can cause abortions in broodmares, neurological issues, and respiratory illness. Horses that travel, compete, or are kept in high-density environments are particularly susceptible.

u◆Equine influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes respiratory illness and impacts performance. Horses involved in activities that involve contact with other horses are at highest risk.

◆ Potomac horse fever (PHF) is a disease caused by the bacteria Neorickettsia risticii and transmitted to horses drinking from water sources where parasitic worms have infected aquatic insects. Vaccination is recommended in areas where the disease is prevalent, as well as for horses traveling to or through those areas. 

◆ Strangles (Streptococcus equi) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes swollen lymph nodes and respiratory issues. Horses in high-risk environments (for example, where new horses arrive frequently) are most susceptible.

Flu/rhino and strangles vaccines are a good idea to add to the list for horses that travel to competitions. Photo by Janet/Adobe Stock

Other risk-based vaccines include:

◆ Anthrax

◆ Botulism

◆ Equine viral arteritis

◆ Leptospirosis

◆ Rotaviral diarrhea

◆ Snake bite

◆ Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE)

Q: Do vaccinations differ for horses that compete or are stabled in a large boarding facility versus a small herd or retirees that never travel?

“Even for older horses and those that live in a closed environment with no interaction with outside horses, the four core vaccines are always advised,” says Andrews. These provide protection from common diseases and illnesses, especially those that are spread by mosquitoes or chance encounters with wildlife.

“For horses that travel to competitions and/or live in large barns where lots of horses come and go, I’d also recommend additional vaccines to cover their exposure, including flu/rhino at least annually and perhaps a booster every six months, and strangles,” she adds.

Q: If my horse has reactions to vaccines, what can help minimize them?

Common reactions include swelling at the injection site, lethargy, going off feed, and sometimes colic and laminitis. The best solution might seem to be spreading out vaccinations over several days or weeks to avoid bombarding the horse’s system with multiple antibodies at the same time.

“The problem with this approach is that each vaccine can cause a reaction, even if it’s minimal,” says Andrews. “Then the horse’s system has to process, and potentially react to, each vaccine spread over many days instead of one episode with multiple vaccines.”

However, there are ways to work with your vet to help minimize reactions:

◆ Vary the injection sites for each vaccine, such as different locations on the neck and hip. “This also helps identify reactions to certain vaccines if there’s swelling at the injection site,” says Andrews.

◆ Allow the horse free movement after vaccinations to help his system process the antibodies.

◆ Devise a proactive approach, such as treating with Dexamethasone or Banamine the day before the injections, the day of, and a couple days after.

◆ Another benefit of having a client/vet relationship is the ability to dig deeper to find solution (see more below).

“One client’s horse had severe reactions to vaccines,” she recalls, despite trying the ideas above. “I decided to switch the brand of vaccines, and for whatever reason, that worked for him. Now we have an established protocol that we follow every time, and it’s helping keep his side effects as minimal as possible.”

If your horse has severe reactions to vaccinations, you might consider asking your vet about checking titers—the level of antibodies in the horse’s blood that are specific to a particular pathogen.

Q: Are there any differences for vaccines based on geography, weather, et cetera?

Certain diseases or illnesses can be more prevalent in some areas of the country than others, and your vet’s vaccination recommendations will reflect that.

For example, Potomac horse fever was first discovered in Maryland near the Potomac River. It’s since been reported in numerous states (including California), and it seems to peak in summer and fall in areas with bodies of water, like lakes, creeks, rivers, and ponds.

Botulism, a potentially fatal neurologic disease, is not a regional disease per se, but it’s more commonly found in horses that eat from large round hay bales as well as fermented haylage and silage feeds. If these forage types are common in your area and consumed by your horse, your vet may recommend this vaccination. 

Botulism is more commonly a threat for horses that eat from large round bales. Photo by pimmimemom/Adobe Stock

Horses in Florida and other areas with higher mosquito populations or longer mosquito seasons may be recommended to have boosters for Eastern/Western equine encephalomyelitis and West Nile virus.

Quarantine and Biosecurity Imagine this. After years of searching, your dream horse had finally arrived. You smile as he steps off the trailer and into his stall in the big barn.  A couple days later, he’s lethargic and has stopped eating. When you go to halter him, you notice the area under his jaw was swollen. You call the vet, sure that he has an abscessed tooth. The vet arrives and peeks over the stall door. “Your horse doesn’t have an abscessed tooth. He has strangles.” Within days, every horse in the barn is sick. The following weeks of treatment, mess, stress, and expense could have been avoided with a simple quarantine and biosecurity program. “I believe every horse owner should quarantine any new horse that comes to their property,” says Andrews. “At the client barns where we have a quarantine protocol, I’ve seen numerous times how it prevented huge outbreaks of illness and confined it to one horse.” Setting up a quarantine system is simple and well worth the time. Here’s how: ◆ Use portable panels to set up a corral that’s away from the barn and pasture fence lines. ◆ Keep the new horse in this area for a minimum of two weeks, and up to three. Monitor daily for elevated temperature and other signs of illness. ◆ Avoid cross-contamination with feed and water buckets, grooming tools, et cetera, and be sure all handlers wash their hands after contact with the quarantined horse. ◆ If the quarantined horse gets sick, use biosecurity measures when treating the horse, including separate (or disposable) clothing/gowns, gloves, hats, boots, and masks. ◆ When the horse is released from quarantine, thoroughly clean the area with a 5-10 percent bleach solution and allow to dry. If you don’t already have a separate area, use portable panels to set up a corral away from other horses during the quarantine period. Use brushes and water buckets that aren’t shared with any other equines. Photo by Christiane Slawik

For more on recommended vaccines, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

This Q&A about vaccines for horses appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Vaccines Q&A appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When you practice at home with distracting obstacle additions, you’ll help prepare your horse for anything he may see in a judged event.

Photo by Becky Ruehle/Ruehle Photographix

What to Expect

Trainer Nancy Nemmers keeps her trail course changing so that her horses see new additions and distractions during each ride. When it comes to the poles, she practices at home with tree trimmings lining the path and even places a tarp under the poles—all to help her mount be aware of his hoof placement and stay willing to move forward, even with distraction.

“A lot of poles in competition have cut-off stumps and brush; they may [also] have a real tree placed around the logs,” she says. “That’s something horses will look at and may be leery about approaching. There also isn’t a set distance between the poles. So, as you’re riding, you have to focus and tell your horse where to place his feet. These are all different from typical show-trail classes.”

Nemmers says it’s important to practice with different pole setups and to practice your horsemanship at home. When you know that your horse will pick up his feet and cross any obstacle, you’ll feel confident when being judged.

“Your horse won’t always have a chance to look at the obstacles before a competition,” Nemmers says. “It’s important to work your horse with different obstacles and create that trust that you can cross anything together.”

Pole Presentation 

Nemmers has a full trail course at her training facility in Longmont, Colo. She says she moves the course obstacles around at least every two weeks—presenting new scenes and placements so the horses don’t get used to the course. If the family trims a tree or does yard work, she drags the big branches and brush to decorate her pole placements. After the holidays, old Christmas trees line the poles or serve as a pole to drag.

“You can use anything you have,” says Nemmers. “If your horse doesn’t have shoes on, you can put a tarp under the poles. That tarp makes a sound and gives your horse something different to look at around the poles. The horse may flutter when they hear that sound. You must keep encouraging him to look forward and make him move forward.”

The distance of the poles is at the discretion of the show committee. Practice at home with the logs spaced differently, and not always measured precisely as you may do for other types of practice.

The distance of the poles is at the discretion of the show committee. Practice at home with the logs spaced differently. Photo by Heidi Melocco

The Forward Position 

“Once your horse places that first foot on the tarp or over the poles, you’re going to encourage him to move on and take the next step,” Nemmers says. “If you let up and give him a chance to notice more and resist, he may take the ‘out.’”

Placing a tarp under the poles gives the horse something different to look at. Keep your reining hand forward and look where you want your horse to go. Photo by Heidi Melocco

To encourage your horse to move forward, Nemmers says to move your upper body slightly forward and keep your legs gently pressed on the horse’s ribcage to keep him balanced and engaged. Nemmers says she pulses her legs and feet on the horse’s sides as she looks forward. Your body position and leg cues combined will encourage your horse forward.

Nemmers recommends that you look ahead and know where you want your horse to go next. As you approach the poles, you may be able to ride straight forward or may need to pick a path through a serpentine or other obstacle that forces you to approach the poles at an angle. Keep your reining hand forward and your horse well-balanced between your legs so that you can guide his path.

Keep your legs gently pressed with your horse balanced between them to encourage forward movement toward a scary obstacle. Photo by Heidi Melocco

With a bigger log, make sure the horse’s leg moves up and over the top without brushing. Keep your hand forward and encourage the horse with your legs.

“It’s difficult for your horse because he’s trying to judge how high he needs to move to get his hind leg over. Once the horse’s first leg is over, encourage and use your cues to move the horse forward. If you stall, it’s hard to get that impulsion back.”

If the horse resists or moves sideways, Nemmers says to pick up your reining hand to get him focused on your leg cues again. If he gets a little bit sideways, think about moving forward and getting back on the tarp or back in the middle of the poles that you need to cross.

If you practice with many course configurations, keep your horse moving forward, and look where you want to go, the horse will continue to move forward over any pole obstacle you’ll see.

This article about pole work in ranch classes appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Maneuvering Poles in Ranch Horse Classes appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The post Visit EG Media Equine Magazines in Western Life Today Alleyway at Equine Affaire Ohio 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Gudrun Braun

What we often forget is that we humans send a wide range of signals to the horse with our body language. Body language is the interplay of posture, movement, direction of the gaze, and gestures, in combination with facial expressions. We are often not aware of these nonverbal cues and tend to give them unknowingly.

During groundwork, you must learn to use these cues deliberately. That’s the only way you’ll be able to apply your aids in a manner precise enough for the horse to understand your request and respond willingly.

You shouldn’t underestimate the fact that your moods can be easily detected by your horse. Tone of voice and body language are strongly influenced by stress, unhappiness, restlessness, anger, agitation, and fear. Naturally, these emotions can be mirrored by the horse, with obvious tension or insecurity in response to the aids, and this often results in poor performance of the task at hand.

Therefore, it’s essential that we as equestrians learn to practice self-awareness and self-reflection. When handling a horse, you must remain calm and mentally balanced, and must act controlled and level-headed, even in stressful situations.

Posture

Walk naturally and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg

◆ During groundwork, you should walk naturally upright and with light tension through your body. A deliberately straight, tense posture is as bad as a lax, sluggish one.

◆ Your head should be carried upright, with eyes forward.

◆ Your shoulders should be set parallel to the direction of travel.

◆ Most of the time, your body should be positioned at a right angle to the horse.

◆ The horse should always maintain a distance of about half an arm’s length from you.

◆ You should walk naturally, with self-confidence, and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly.

Keep your body at a right angle to your horse. Keep your head up and your shoulders square to the direction of travel, with the horse about half an arm’s length away. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg

Movement

◆ Your movements should be smooth and uniform, not hesitant or faltering.

◆ Your pace should clearly match the rhythm of the horse’s gait.

◆ There shouldn’t be any rushing in the movement of your arms or legs.

◆ Especially while you’re walking, your arms need to be kept still; otherwise, they become driving aids.

◆ Your overall appearance to horse and observers alike should radiate self-assuredness and confidence in handling equines.

The Direction of the Gaze

◆ Your eyes should be looking ahead in the direction of travel, not at the ground.

◆ Even on bending lines or over obstacles, always look where you want to go.

◆ Try to avoid looking directly at your horse. Particularly in tense situations, this can make him feel threatened. Only in relaxed situations do horses appreciate direct eye contact.

Look ahead in the direction you want to go. Avoid looking at your horse, as this increases tension. Photo by Gudrun Braun

Gestures

◆ You should avoid unintentional movement of your arms and hands; it unsettles the horse.

◆ Your leading hand should be relaxed and slightly open. Closing it into a fist gives the horse an impression of tension.

◆ The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner and slowly increase in intensity. The horse can tell which direction he’s supposed to go based on your body language. He must be able to understand the application of the aids. The aids should not suddenly startle the horse, and they should always be given with soft pressure at first.

◆ You should only apply specific cues, not create continuous noise.

◆ You should always apply touch precisely—in front of the shoulder joint, on the shoulder, on the back, or on the hindquarters, but never around the head.

◆ You should move only as much as you need to in order to act clearly and consistently, with the necessary inner calm.

The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner. Photo by Gudrun Braun

Tarp & Slalom Game

Now you’re ready to try your first ground game! This sample exercise is executed at the walk.

Equipment:

◆ 5 cones

◆ 1 tarp

◆ 3 ground poles for the walk pole section

◆ 1 ground pole for the halt

◆ 11 ground poles for the U-shaped maze

◆ 30 ground pole anchors

Setup:

◆ Weaving section: cones 23 feet (7 meters) apart

◆ U-shaped maze: sides 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters) apart

◆ Walk poles: about 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) apart

How-to:

1. Enter at a walk, leading with the right hand on the left side of the horse.

2. Walk, tracking left, weaving through the cones on the long side.

3. Halt over the pole, and then walk off.

4. Proceed through the U-shaped maze of poles.

5. Change direction across the long diagonal, and then lead the horse over the walk poles.

6. Walk across the tarp.

7. Halt and end the exercise

This excerpt from Ground Games for Horses by Waltraud Böhmke is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books and originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Ground Equitation for Equestrians appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.