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Equestrian Life
A deep dive into the wild, wonderful, and slightly absurd world of horse people. From exclusive interviews with riders who have mastered the art of never taking a vacation to exposés on just how much money we’re all pretending not to spend, this section captures the drama, the passion, and the unmistakable scent of hay that never quite leaves your car.
British Dressage: How do you define an unintentional whip use?
While the FEI was preoccupied with blood economy, British Dressage (BD) is grappling with an even more existential problem in its new Equine Welfare Threshold Framework: How do you prove intent? The BD decides on sanctions by distinguishing between ‘unintentional’ (gentle warning) and ‘intentional’ (more serious) use of aids.
19 hours ago
New No-Blood Rule vs. Swiss Law
New No-Blood Rule vs. Swiss Law
No Blood Rule is now The Blood Rule
5 days ago
The New Blood Rule: A Historic Leap Backwards
Today, November 7th, in Hong Kong, the Fédération Equestre Internationale voted 56–20 (with two nations looking politely at their shoes) to approve a rule that will now allow horses to continue competing while bleeding, so long as officials decide it’s the right kind of blood.
5 days ago
The Parcours of Arrogance
Is the international showjumping elite gracefully pirouetting around Swiss animal welfare law?
6 days ago
Winter Horse Care: Then vs Now — From Straw-Stuffed Sheets to Michelin-Man Rugging
Winter horse care has evolved from “make do and hope for the best” to a full-blown fashion show with enough kit to rival a North Face outlet.
Sep 30
From Oats to Overcomplication: How Feeding Horses Became Rocket Science (and Big Business)
Once upon a time, in the quaint, mud-soaked decades of the late 20th century, feeding a horse was simple. Oats. Barley. A scoop of chaff. Maybe, if you were feeling generous, a linseed mash on a Sunday. Horses survived. Many even thrived. And — whisper it — they were rideable.
Sep 30
🥵 Beat the Heat—But Keep the Show On, Obviously!
The Global Equestrian Federation (GEF) has launched a bold new initiative to combat the sweltering conditions affecting riders, horses, and anyone foolish enough to wear white breeches in August: it’s called “Beat the Heat”, and it’s exactly what you think it is—well-meaning advice instead of rescheduling shows.
Aug 10
🥕 Bridles and Backlash: Is Dressage Finally Taking the Bit Between Its Teeth?
France has done the unthinkable—again. No, not another pension protest, but something far more controversial in certain circles: the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) has officially allowed bitless bridles up to Grand Prix at national level.
Aug 7
Equestrian Social Media Influencer Launches Line of ‘Authentic Barn’ Perfume
In an era where influencers have turned everything from overpriced water to mood-altering crystals into bestsellers, it was only a matter...
Jun 22
Why Do Horses Suddenly Forget Basic Commands Right Before a Competition? The Ultimate Equestrian Mystery
It’s competition day. You’ve spent hours—no, days—getting everything perfect. Your horse is gleaming like a polished diamond, mane...
Jun 14
Leaked: “Equestrian Mums Wine Club” Group Chat Is Pure Chaos in a Saddlebag
Transcribed by Tilly Stirrup, who only joined to see the drama and stayed for the prosecco hacks Somewhere between school pickup and...
Jun 14
Equestrian E-Sport: Everything you need to know about this new trending phenomenon
In a revolutionary move for modern equestrian sports, equestrian governing bodies have announced the launch of Equestrian E-sports
Jun 5
Pirouettes of the Soul: "Inner Canter" Cult Grips Dressage World
What began as a whisper of spiritual enlightenment in the dressage arena has now blossomed into a full-blown metaphysical movement....
Jun 5
Horse Sport: Where the Real Competition is for Friendship
By Bridget “Bridie” McKenna, still waiting to be invited to the cool people’s lorry for wine Oh yes, horse sport is all about...
Jun 5
Comment Closed: Germany’s Bold Move to Muzzle the Online Mob
By The Carrot Post's Department of Digital Diplomacy (and a very tired intern) In a move that has left both trolls and traditionalists...
Jun 2
“We Actually Love Our Horses, You Weirdos”: Riders Clap Back at the Cancel Crew
“We Actually Love Our Horses, You Weirdos”: Riders Clap Back at the Cancel Crew
Jun 2
The Rise of the Keyboard Cavalry
The Rise of the Keyboard Cavalry: How Haters Are Galloping All Over Equestrian Sport
May 29
🐴 “I Paused for One Leaf and Now I’m a Criminal” – A Horse’s Tale of Time Penalty Injustice
By Sir Reginald of Haynetown, full-time event horse, part-time philosopher Look, I didn’t ask to be an eventer. I was perfectly happy...
May 22
Introducing Extreme Natural Horsemanship
In a groundbreaking shift for equestrian sports, a new movement has galloped onto the scene: Extreme Natural Horsemanship, where horses make every decision—and riders just try to keep up.
May 22
Horse Sues Owner Over Insta Photos
In an unprecedented legal move shaking the foundations of the equestrian world, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, known publicly as Sir Whinny, has officially filed a lawsuit against his owner for unauthorized use of his likeness in a series of "embarrassingly staged and deeply cringe" Instagram posts.
May 22
Haters Are the New Trainers: Social Media Experts Share Tips on How to Ruin Your Riding Confidence
Gone are the days when riders learned from actual trainers with qualifications, experience, and a physical presence. Thanks to the magic...
May 17
Showjumping or Mouth Engineering?
In the world of showjumping, one unsung hero finally steps into the spotlight: the bit designer. From the humble snaffle to the...
May 17
“Leaked: The Secret Group Chats of Equestrianism”
Compiled by Tilly Stirrup, who is in none of them, and absolutely fine about it It was only a matter of time before someone spilled the...
May 17
The Feed Room Drama: The Livery Yard Chronicles
By Tilly Stirrup, our resident horse drama enthusiast. There are many things that define a livery yard: the creaking fences, the whiff of...
May 3
Trailer Parking: How to Lose Friends and Alienate Everyone
Ah, trailer parking. The true test of one’s character, patience, and ability to piss off everyone within a five-mile radius. It’s not...
May 3
Luxury Brand Launches €5,000 Designer Hobby Horse
In a move no one asked for and yet everyone sort of expected, French luxury powerhouse Chèvre & Stick has unveiled its latest equestrian “must-have”: a €5,000 designer hobby horse named Le Galop.
Apr 22
🎩 “I Am Not a Joke, I Am a Horse”
By Sir Reginald of Haynetown - Champion eventer, reluctant fashion icon, long-suffering victim of novelty ear bonnets It was a crisp...
Apr 17
The Latest Viral Trend: AI-Generated Action Figures — And We Had to Try It
The Latest Viral Trend: AI-Generated Action Figures — And We Had to Try It
Apr 11
“THIN AS A STICK!”: HOBBY HORSE WELFARE UNDER FIRE
Weighing in at an average of 1 kilogram, these “athletes” are apparently being neglected, overworked, and wildly underfed
Apr 10
The Grand National: Galloping Into Hypocrisy One Fence at a Time
Ah, the Grand National—Britain’s favourite excuse to wear a hat, drink prosecco before noon, and scream “RUN, YOU BEAUTIFUL BEAST!” at...
Apr 8
Horses Who Won't Be Caught: The Sneaky Art of Evading the Human Pursuit
You’ve probably been there. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’ve just spent the last 15 minutes trekking across the...
Apr 8
Brenda's Grooming Box Odyssey
I was told by my editor, “Go check out someone’s grooming box, Brenda. Just see what’s in there and report about it.”
Apr 7
Muck, Manure & Mysterious Disappearances: The Price of Speaking Up on Horse Welfare
Enter the brave, outspoken welfare experts, whose only crime is caring too much.
Apr 5
Horse Mobility Scooters for Seniors: Hobby Horsing for the Elderly
Mobility solutions, horse mobility scooters for elderly riders are taking social media and the world by storm.
Apr 4
EU Bans Traditional Fertilizers — Horse Poop Now a Trillion-Euro Industry
The EU has passed a groundbreaking law banning synthetic fertilizers in favor of horse manure, now rebranded as “equine bio-fertilizer.”...
Apr 2
Welfare-Washing Gone Wild: SE-WAT Promises Change (But Not Too Much, Don’t Worry)
In yet another dazzling display of strategic fence-sitting, the Global Equestrian Federation (GEF) has unveiled SE-WAT – Strategic...
Mar 31
The Rise of the Keyboard Veterinarian: Why Pay for a Vet When Karen on Facebook Knows Everything?
In the golden age of social media, where everyone with WiFi and an opinion is an expert, the humble veterinarian has become utterly...
Mar 26
Equestrian Airlines: Horses Now Prefer First-Class Flights Over Truck Rides
Why endure a 12-hour bumpy lorry ride when you can enjoy a smooth intercontinental flight with in-flight hay service?
Mar 25
Riders Vote to Replace ‘Good Boy/Girl’ with ‘Thank You for Tolerating Me’
Riders have voted to replace the traditional “Good boy/girl!” with a more reflective phrase: “Thank you for tolerating me.”
Mar 25
The Great Webinar Canter: Equestrian Sustainability Talks That Never End
In fact, governing bodies have found an entirely new way to combat climate change: solving it via Zoom meetings. "How Horses Fly Carbon...
Mar 25
Barn Owner Installs 'Passive-Aggressive Note Generator' in Tack Room
After years of leaving carefully worded notes that were studiously ignored, Sarah “Saz” Mitchell (UK), long-suffering livery yard owner...
Mar 24
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