Horses Fed-Exed to WEG

With the World Equestrian Games starting this weekend in Kentucky, nearly 500 horses have been flown over to the States in the largest airlift of horses for a single event.

But with ticket prices starting from 8,000 euros for an economy ticket (yes there are different classes as with human tickets), going up to 13,000 euros for first class, flying horses is certainly not a cheap affair.

Much like the cabin crew on normal flights, the equine passengers have their own team of flight attendents who tend to their every whim making sure that they are at a comfortable temperature, have all the water they desire and receive reassuring pats when they're feeling a bit nervous.

As well as professional flight grooms and attendents, the horses will also be accompanied by their team vet who will monitor their health during the flights. 

Most of the British WEG horses are already seasoned travellers with the eventing, showjumping and dressage horses having been flown around the world to compete internationally.

However it will be the first flight for the vaulting horses and some of the reining horses so extra attention will be given to these first time flyers.

Horses used for beach art display

Heavy horses from Cumbria are to take a pivotal role in a beach art project at Silecroft over the next few days.

The project, a creation by artist Everton Wright, will involve the help of twenty horses and riders for his Walking Drawing project.

Made up of a selection of Clydesdales, Ardennes, and Shire horses, the gentle giants will be filmed as they are ridden over a drawing carved into the sand.

Explaining the technique behind his artwork, Evewright said:

"What happens is I do the drawing using a garden rotavator to create a visual installation on the beach and then ask volunteers to come and walk the drawing."

The horses are to be filmed riding the drawing today while walkers are to be filmed walking it tomorrow.

To find out more about the project visit Evewright's website.


[Image © Squeezyboy under Creative Commons Licence]

As summer ends, console yourself with a trip to the Royal Horse Gala

As summer appears to have slipped away for another year, an autumnal weekend full of wind and rain appears to await us. However rather than cowering indoors resigning yourself to a tv dinner in front of X factor, why not treat yourself to tickets to the Royal Horse Gala at London's O2 arena this weekend.

The show promises to be a real treat for every equestrian enthusiast with performances including a UK debut from Jean Marc Imbert. The French "freedom rider", who trains his horses bareback, is planning on displaying his lead horse performing a dressage test without saddle, bridle or rider.

Other highlights of the show include appearances from Lipizzaner, Lusitano, Andalusian, Fresian and Arabian horses from classical riding schools around Europe.

Tickets are still available for the Saturday and Sunday performances. To get yourself a ticket call the O2 on 0844 856 0202 or visit ticket master online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

[Image © Svadilfari under Creative Commons Licence]

No margin for error for Burghley leaders

As the cross country kicks off at Burghley Horse Trials today, the leaders from the past two days of dressage have no margin for error as the results have so far been extremely close.

British rider Ruth Edge with Two Thyme took the lead after the dressage yesterday but looks uncertain to keep her riding boot in the door with defending champion Oliver Townend lying in a close third and top riders Mark King and William Fox-Pitt keen to show their worth in the cross country phase.

Despite Mark Phillips' opinion that the course is "softer than last years, many riders have commented that there are some tricky elements to the cross country track this year.


[Image © DaveKav under Creative Commons Licence]

Eventing extraordinaire King talks Burghley

With the start of Burghley Horse Trials only a day away, champion eventer Mary King spoke of her hopefuls for the CCI 4* to Telegraph reporter Will Greenwood while giving him his first riding lesson.

King soon had the reporter cantering around her school and popping over a small fence in between talking of her hopes for top horses Apache Sauce and King's Temptress to help her claim the title for the first time since 1996. The cream of her rides, Imperial Cavalier is to miss the event to save energy for the upcoming World Equestrian Games held in Kentucky later this month.

King's hopefuls will join another 80 or so horses competing at Burghley this year from 13 nations. Other notable names competing include defending champion Oliver Townend, five-times winner Mark Todd, William Fox-Pitt and Paul Tapner.

Burghley is one of two 4* events held in England and is the last major event before the World Equestrian Games start.