Laura Collett suffers fall while training Kauto Star

Twenty-three-year-old horse rider Laura Collett, who hopes to compete for Team GB in the 2016 Olympics, has suffered a serious injury while training Kauto Star on Tweseldown Racecourse, Hampshire.


She had been riding the Cheltenham Gold Cup winning horse to prepare it to compete in dressage, when she suffered a fall.

Thankfully she was wearing a riding hat and it appears that she has escaped head injury, but she still sustained damage to her lungs and kidneys so has been kept under sedation.
Kauto Star's owner stated, "Laura's making good progress and we are hopeful there isn't any brain damage.

"She has got other injuries – some kidney problems – but everyone is optimistic and we hope she gets back in to the saddle in due course."

Reportedly the event rider woke up briefly and reacted well to family, which is promising progress.
Dogwood wish Laura all the best and hope she gets discharged from hospital soon!

Photo © Tim Simpson via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

Moonwalking pony becomes YouTube hit

Any seasoned horse rider should be familiar with the rules of dressage. Defined by the Fédération Equestre Internationale as an activity where the "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements", this competition is adored by many participants and spectators alike.
Although these events are usually best enjoyed live or on the television, I may have found a very entertaining variant recently while browsing videos on YouTube.

Three, a mobile phone company, has recently uploaded a clip onto the website which shows a Shetland pony pulling off some really snazzy moves. Dancing to Fleetwood Mac's 'Everywhere', the equine star only stops his moonwalk when someone drives past on a tractor.
As a rider wasn't involved in the pony's performance, I doubt we can really compare this video to dressage – but can you imagine this moonwalking equine in a competition? I bet the animal would do rather well!
Now that the video has gone viral – with more than a million hits since I started writing this blog – hopefully Three will give the pony a nice present, such as a new horse rug.
Closing the advert, the clip ends with the caption, "Silly stuff. It matters." – which is coincidentally what I try and write about when I do these articles...

Harsh weather conditions disrupt events

Last year was undoubtedly a great year for equestrianism – especially considering the Olympics inspired many individuals to pull on a pair of riding boots and learn how to ride. Although 2012 was always going to be a hard act to follow, this year has so far been quite disappointing.

Allegedly, the weather has led to many cancellations across the UK. Either faced with floods or snow, some events, such as show jumping and dressage, have been called off.

Although many individuals may have been expecting disruption during the winter months, the British Horseracing Authority states that 21 fixtures have been called off so far. To put that into perspective, the same number were cancelled during the whole of 2011.

While 2013 may be turning into a bad year for horse racing, fans of equestrian clothing could be delighted with an introductory deal from Dogwood London. We currently have a temporary offer on Kingsland products – with 25% off the marked price.

These quality clothes should keep purchasers warm and comfortable whilst staying stylish. Why not check them out today? You could grab yourself a bargain.

Photo © Paolo Camera via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Kate Middleton is learning how to ride horses

Some members of the royal family are renowned for horse riding, such as Zara Phillips – the Queen's Granddaughter – who recently won a silver medal at the London Olympic Games.

Yet, Kate Middleton could soon take part in this pastime as she has revealed that she is learning how to ride horses, despite being allegedly allergic to these creatures.

Speaking at a special event held in honour of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Buckingham Palace, The Duchess of Cambridge chatted to Lee Pearson about her lessons – and allegedly, he offered her some tuition in dressage.

Considering Pearson has won ten gold medals in four Paralympics, I cannot think of anyone better suited to train up the Duchess. Supposedly, he also advised Kate about how to deal with her horse allergies, stating "so, am I [allergic to horses] – but anti-histamines are wonderful".

Although there is no word as to whether or not the Duchess has taken up Pearson's offer, hopefully she will still receive proper tuition regarding subjects such as horse control and equestrian clothing from an experienced instructor.

Could Kate follow in the footsteps of Zara and someday represent Britain at an Olympic level? Only time will tell...

Photo © UK_repsome via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence