Horsepower an "incredible journey" says Clunes

Speaking to Horse and Hound magazine, actor Martin Clunes admitted that his new ITV1 series Horsepower has changed his attitude towards horses.

The two-part series follows Clunes as he explores the human relationship with horses and looks at the differing role of the horse around the world.

Best known for his part in Men Behaving Badly, Clunes doesn't perhaps immediately strike you as an animal person.

However the actor has a real passion for horses and has 12 at his farm in Dorset as well as a racehorse called Buffalo Stampede.

Recently made president of the Royal International Horse show at Hickstead, Clunes' new series really reflects the actors genuine love and admiration for the horse as he learns schooling techniques from Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts, visits wild Mustangs in Nevada and watches the famous Palio horse race in Italy.

After sharing a bottle of Bucks Fizz with Mr Clunes and entertaining his pony-mad children with our selection of pony equipment on our stall at Hickstead this year, it is clear to see that horses really are a huge part of the actor's life and a passion that he enjoys sharing with others.

You can watch the final part of Horsepower on ITV1 this sunday at 9pm.

Retired police horses find new homes

Police horses ready to hang up their bridles and saddles can now rest assured that their retirement will be a happy one as a Lancashire mounted police have set up a "retired police horse benevolent fund."

The Lancashire Constabulary decided that it was time to take over responsibility for the rehoming its horses which in the past fell to charities such as the World Horse Welfare.

Speaking of the new system, PC David Davies from the mounted unit said,

"Once a home is found, the horses will be given free of charge to the new owner and the fund will cover ongoing costs."

The first horse to be re-homed is 21-year-old "George" who has gone to a private home in Clitheroe to be hacked out.

Tony Tyler of World Horse Welfare praised the Lancashire constabulary and said "I'm sure they will check each home carefully."

[Image © Fred Bear under Creative Commons Licence]

Shire horses go on tour

Two Shire horses from Daniel Thwaites brewery are abandoning hanging up their horse tack for the rest of the summer as they head to the seaside for their holidays.

The two giants - Wainwright and Midas will be appearing at several seaside locations including Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton and the New Forest.

So far the horses have already stopped off at Blackpool on Tuesday to enjoy the illuminations and will next be appearing in Brighton to taste a bit of rock on August 24th.

The horses' holiday is to mark the 50th anniversary of the shire's arrival at the Lancashire brewery.

The geldings will be accompanied by their own personal entourage including Thwaites' head groom and coachman.

The horses can be spotted on the following dates and locations:
Tuesday 24th August - Brighton
Wednesday 25th August - Portsmouth, Southampton and Lyndhurst

[Image © tallpomlin via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence]

Horse equipment = high fashion

The fashion world has always had an obsession with riding clothing and horse equipment. Here at Dogwood we are often asked to supply our products to high fashion institutions such as Vogue and Ralph Lauren.

In this week's Sunday Times Style magazine, the whole middle section is dedicated to equestrian inspired clothing featuring the likes of celebrity hair stylist James Brown and model Rosemary Ferguson surrounded by their equine friends along with ranges from various high streets with distinctly horsey themed Autumn collections.

So rather than being ashamed of having to nip to the supermarket or pick up the kids in your boots and breeches, you should instead hold your head up high.
And if anyone dares question you, just reply "it's high fashion don't you know."

Be organised this year and get your horse rugs in order!

Although it may still only be August, autumn is fast approaching and the cold, wintery weather with it.

 

Therefore now is the time to brush out the cobwebs from last years turnout rugs and give them a good sort out. If this winter is anything like last year's, heavier turnouts are going to be a necessity.

If after several failed attempts to try and mend that hole from where Crumpet chose to scratch against the wire or replace that surcingale that Trigger decided to chew, why not log online to our horse rug collection and treat your horse to a brand spanking new rug?

The Mark Todd heavyweight turnout rug is particularly popular thanks to its great functionality and affordable price tag. Warm and tough with a teflon coating, this rug is a great option for keeping your horse cosy this winter.

For more information about our turnout rug range, take a look at our online horse rug collection or give us a call today on 0845 3010365.

Dogwood returns from Hickstead

After an overall success at Hickstead's Royal International, Dogwood has returned to its normal Chichester residence to resume normal opening hours.

In between serving the new president of the Royal International, Martin Clunes and Olympic gold medal winner Tina Cook, we managed to steal a few glimpses of the various classes going on around us.

The pony showing classes were very cute with pint-sized riders bouncing up and down on their mini ponies, and the scurry classes were amazing to watch with ponies going round the course at phenomenal speeds.
The highlight of the week however had to be the Express Eventing which included some fantastic rounds by Mark Todd and Hampshire-based rider Nici Wilson.

With the shop back in ship-shape order and new lines being added week-by-week, why not come down and visit us. For more info on the products we stock or for directions, call us on 0845 3010365.

[Image © LucyBoynton via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence]