Daring pony takes the plunge

While some of us may have been treated to displays of the Metropolitan Police horses jumping through hoops of fire or the Cossacks' horseback dare devilry at Olympia, few will have seen a horse on a diving board, let alone a very contented horse happily jumping off of that diving board.

However 'Lightning' a chestnut pony from America, makes twice daily leaps off of a specially adapted horse-diving board as part of a show at Magic Kingdom Amusement Park in upstate New York.

Lightning The Wonder Horse, to give him his full title, is the last in a line of diving horses specially trained by their owner to perform equine aquatics in the USA. Lightning does the stunt riderless wearing just a headcollar and needs no form of encouragement other than the promise of a bucket of oats at the end of the day.

You can see pictures of Lightning in action here.

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

Come and meet the Dogwood team at Hickstead!

All those planning on coming to the Royal International at Hickstead this year, look out for stand number 127!

With an array of riding hats, long leather riding boots, breeches and selected items of horse tack from our collection, Dogwood will be there to greet you. Come along for a free boot or hat fitting or just stop and have a browse around our latest range.
With the promise of special show offers and maybe even a glass of bubbly, why not pop down and see us as you enjoy the superb sights this fabulous show has to offer.

You can find stand 127 near the funfair by the exhibitor's car park!

Success for Sussex rider at RDA champs

Following fears of disastrous tail plaiting and worries of forgetting the dressage test, Dogwood worker Rosie returned back from the Riding for Disabled Championships triumphant after her Arundel rider took two second places at the Hartpury-based competition.

Despite the scorching heat and a longer than expected journey to the event, the Arundel RDA team managed to transform Arundel Riding School pony Shamus into a true show pony earning him an impressive 20/20 turnout score.

The 13-year-old Arundel rider, led by Rosie, managed to complete a very neat dressage test despite Shamus' insistence on whinnying halfway through one of the 10 metre circles.

Further highlights of the weekend included appearances from RDA patron HRH Princess Anne and RDA supporter Clare Balding.

Goodwood gets 30ft horse

Dubbed the south's answer to the Angel of the North, a 30ft bronze sculpture of a horse's head has been positioned atop of one of the hills overlooking Goodwood.

Known for its flat racing, Goodwood has been chosen as the home for artist Nick Fiddian-Green's magnificent creation and is expecting the sculpture to wow racegoers when it is moved to the members' enclosure during Glorious Goodwood.

Named 'Artemis' after Greek mythology, Fiddian-Green started on his creation last autumn to be finished in time for the flat racing this year.

Speaking of his design, the sculptor said his aim was to: "place beautiful works of art into the landscape."

The horse is set to remain on top of Trundle hill for three weeks until the beginning of Glorius Goodwood at the end of July when it will be moved to the members enclosure at the race course before being positioned in front of Goodwood House for the Vintage festival.

Photo courtesy of Darren triggs. (c)

Stubben Bridle Sale Spectacular!

Watch out for our Stubben Bridle sale which will be appearing on our website shortly for a limited period while stocks last.
Featuring the following bridles -

• 161 Royal Bridle flash + web reins in black/bordeaux, cob size
• 1700c Flash + reins black/black, full size
• 1700c Flash + reins black, full size
• 3200c Flash Wicklow Reins, black/blue, full size
• 1005f  black/blue silver inlay brow, full size
• 155c Flash + reins black/blue suede inlay, full size
• 191c Flash + Imperial reins, ebony, full size
• 1700F Cavesson Bridle + Reins Black/white,Cob
• 1700F Cavesson Bridle + Reins, Black/white, full size
• 161F French cavesson, Havanna, cob size

Find the reduced bridles by clicking here

Dogwood customers enjoy aerial acrobatics

Located right next to the Goodwood estate certainly has its perks, especially when it comes to Festival of Speed weekend.

Over the last couple of days Dogwood staff and customers have been treated to various aircraft maneuvering unbelievable acrobatics across the Sussex skies.

From the Red Arrows pulling off their usual daredevil formations, to helicopters performing what can only be described as aerial ballet, there certainly has not been a dull (or quiet), moment in the last couple of days.

So please forgive us if we seem to be shouting at you down the phone or perhaps seem a little distracted, but it is rather hard to stay focused when nine jets are soaring past your window!

If you fancy popping in to catch a fantastic view of the Red Arrows while perusing our collection of Stubben saddles or De Niro riding boots, do come and join us. They are due to display again tomorrow at around 11:30am.

Photo courtesy of Darren Triggs (c).