Right, so you're stepping up a level or just starting out, either way if you're eventing you'll need to practise your dressage test.  You've got to learn it first though.... 

When it comes to learning dressage tests trace them around a drawn out arena with your finger.  If you're sitting at the bus stop and have forgotten an arena diagram there's an easy nemonic to remeber the arena markers in a 20x40.  Going clockwise from a - "All King Edwards Horses Can Manage Big Fences" sorted.  If that fails then find a rectangular rug and run round it on a mini scale.  You don't need to know everything by the letter as long as you know where you're going but it does help to know a few bits by the precise letter for reference.  When you go down the centre line it won't look quite the same as when you practiced it so you need some reference points.  Look for patterns and where double marks are as well.  

When it comes to actually riding your test you should have identified the potential problem bits you need to practice.  Do practice them but don't do them in the same place or the same way or else you run the risk of horses prempting you in the test - they're clever things those beasties! 

Also, use the angles of the arena, there are certain areas of the arena that judges can't see as well.  Particularly when your back is to the judge.  These are the moments you need to use to make your adjustments.  It surprising what you can hide in the briefest of moments.  

When it comes to the actual test chances are there'll be a few surprises.  For example, horses suddenly realise that they're at an event and think it's best if they call to all their friends.  Even better, if you're on a younger one they might think the boards are actually jumps and they should be doing gridwork along the arenas.... Use these to your advantage! As long as you can keep them relaxed and not tense across the back you should be able to use their new found energy to get some better paces out of them with a lot more spring.  Secondly, the most important thing to remember is to ride forward.  Big bold riding will always score better than subdued nervous riding.  At the end of the day it's about putting on a show, so make it interesting and be confident.  You'd be surprised how far you can go on confidence.  

Happy dressaging! 

It's that time of year again.  Advance bookings are open for Badminton and the entries are up.  Compared to other world class sporting events Badminton is excellent value.  Here at Equishopping though we thought we should give you a bit of a guide on how to make the most of time you have there. 

For starters, if you're planning on driving there make sure you leave early! The queues to get in can take hours to get through at their worst and you don't want to miss any of the action! I really do mean that.  The traffic around Badminton is bad! I mean let's face it, Badminton village for 360 days a year is a quiet rural village home to a few horses and a handful of people then for the 5 days a year in the spring it is home to the one of the worlds biggest sporting events and is decended on by 100's of thousands of people. 

The solution seems to be to stay over night.  Staying on site is expensive but you do get quite a bit for your hard earned cash.  Included in your pitch are 2 entry tickets for the ENTIRE duration of the event.  Plus, you can park a car elsewhere on the estate.  Staying on site has a real party atmosphere especially on the saturday night when the tales of the days XC are relived. The campsite has excellent facilities as well but perhaps isn't the quietest of places if you like a good nights kip. 

Staying off site is also an option and there's lots of choice. Ideas range from staying at the Cotswold water park to camping at nearby sites.  Have a look on Google and see what catches your eye.  

Apart from the world class eventing there is also a vast shopping area.  I kid you not when I say if you can't find it at Badminton you won't find it anywhere else.  Plus, quite a few companies offer discounts for Badminton so you can get some good bargains too.  However, the food is fairly expensive so you might want to consider a picnic.  

When it comes to XC day we've got some top tips for you.  DO keep dogs on leads.  There's usually one or two dogs each year that end up chasing riders round the course - with well over £50,000 at stake your dog will rapidly become very very unpopular.  The water jump is a good place to see some drama and if you're lucky (depending on your view point) you might see a ducking or two... The course differs each year but go for the big combinations to see the most.  If you want to chance your luck and try and get on tele, smile lots and wave when you're standing near any of the televised bits of the course.  Once the day is over you can walk the course.  No, really, you can walk Badminton CCI**** XC course.  When you walk it you'll begin to realise that there's a reason the table is called the  "giants table".  

If you want to buy showjumping grand stand tickets (MUST be booked in advance) then the best seats are usually those about 3 or 4 rows up along the sides.  Any higher and you can't see and if you go lower you won't be able to see the far side of the arena.  Alternatively, you get friendly with Queeny and get invited to the royal enclosure.  However, I'm told the view isn't as good... 

Looking through the schedules on the BE website may tell you all you need to know as a competitor but what about spectators?  Which events are good to watch and which probably aren't the best for an action packed day of XC viewing. 

Well, let's start a the top with Badminton.  The world's most famous CCI**** and now with new qualifying criteria so the level of competition is even higher.  Plus, this year being pre Olympics the number of foreign riders is astounding, including a large number from across the pond.  At around $4000 to fly a horse across the Atlantic it's only the very best of US and Canadian eventing that ever come to Badminton.  XC day tickets can be bought on the day for CASH (no debit cards etc) but it's cheaper to buy in advance.  The showjumping always gets fully booked very quickly so you need to get in there quick! Set in the stunning grounds of Badminton house and with some excellent viewing spots this really is a good one to take Gran to.  If you're lucky you might get on TV as well!!

 The festival of british eventing at Gatcombe is also an action packed weekend including the novice, intermediate and Open championships as well as some age classes there's never a shortage of rounds to watch.  Points on the course give good viewing of decent stretches of the course so you can have a rest and watch the event unfold. 

I should also add that both Badminton and Gatcombe are huge shopping events as well as the eventing there. 

Burghley later in the year is also a good bet.  Of course there's the usual discussion that Burghley XC may well be bigger than Badminton's so you could always go to both and see for yourself...

Blenheim now also has an 8+9yo *** class along side it's 2 normal *** classes so you get the opportunity to see a lot of high level action.  Whats more, Blenheim house is also pretty snazzy.

Looking further north.  Blair castle is huge fun.  Not only does it have international level competition right up to CCI*** but it also hosts a very popular showjumping show.  It also has a huge country fair on at the some time, one of the biggest in the country actually.  On top of all that, you can absail down the castle tower - ask equishopping's director about that particualr activity! Blair won a highly prestigious award from BETA a few years back for being a fabulous show case of equestrianism.  Equishopping also sponsor Blair and we reckon this year it will be even better! 

Lower level events such as Weston Park also make fabulous entertainment and might be closer to you as well.  You'd be surprised how interesting and possibly scary it is for someone who has never seen eventing to watch even an intermediate class.  Happy spectating!!

I won't for a minute pretend to be a nutritionist but I can give you a guiding hand to help you through equishopping's extensive range of feed supplements.  We have a large selection across many different brands - it's just a matter of finding the right supplement to help you on your way.... 

Let's start with a classic.  Garlic granules.  They work as a natural fly repellant.  The theory is that the garlic pases out of the horses sweat glands when they sweat and bingo, the flies dissapear- I guess flys don't like garlic... Well, perhaps the effect isn't that magical but it does help.  

On the broader side of things.  A general feed supplement helps cover up the gaps in nutritional supply and top up the levels of "goodness" in your horses diet.  Just like us eating our "5 a day".  Especially important for the younger generations who are still developing - check out our youngstock feed supplements.  

Moving down the body, hoof supplements! The saying "no foot no horse" couldn't be truer and let's face it, without a horse we're pedestrians...you wouldn't want to be one of those would you.... Hoof supplements not only improve the quality of hoof growth but can speed it up to give your farrier more foot to work with.  Apart from the obvious health benefits of healthier feet you also won't lose shoes as often meaning things work out cheaper in the long run.

Echinacea is also great for boosting the immune system of horses that are either under the weather a bit or those suffering from that bit of stress and pressure from competing.  We've only covered a few different types of supplement but that should be enough to cover a lot of common problems and hopefully give you some cost effective and practical solutions.  

Here at Equishopping we reckon horses should be fun so we've compiled you an article especially on the fun side of horses.  

For starters check out one of our merchants, "Horses with attitude", they've got a selection of kit ranging from the light hearted "messy mare" range of clothing to the appropriately named, "sponsored by Mum and Dad" logos.  

For those of you with the office desk that could do with brightening up check out Equishopping's range of mousemats.  From the hilarious to the cute.  To accompany that mousemat how about a horsey mug as well?  Still on the work lines.  I don't know how popular tie pins are still but if they're your thing then check out our horsey tie pins to jazz up your suit.  Perhaps that one's only for the brave.  

Also, for when we're all millionaires (pah, not likely with horses!!) grab yourself a new wallet.  While you're at it check out our watches too, I mean watches are a bit more subtle than turning up to work in breeches to show your love of horses... 

How about some horsey bling for a saturday night? Hmm, perhaps not but have a look at our range of rings and earrings.  We even have a few pendants for those of you who like the bold look.  

It's also half term this week for most kids.  Long journey coming up? Taking the family away? Well grab a horsey book to keep them occupied or perhaps to read yourself! 

So you've got the money together or sold your little brother and are now embarking on a quest to find your new equine superstar.  

You'll find lots of articles on buying horses but I think it's important to distinguish the different scenarios and circumstances people find themselves in.  Put it this way.  You go about finding a happy hacker you in a very different way to how you would find a £30 grand+ international horse.  Both need a clever plan to get what you want at the price you can afford.  

Let's start off at the lower end of the spectrum.  I won't bore you with the questions you should be asking. Age, health? etc etc... If you aren't that knowledgeable find someone who knows their stuff to go with you.  Now stop and think about that one.  They genuinely have to know their stuff.  It might not be the most obvious person and it might be someone younger.  Don't look down your nose at people and accept you have to pay people for their time.  It's worth getting someone decent to come with you.  Preferably someone who rides well themselves and has experience in buying AND selling.  Unfortunately, at the very bottom end of the spectrum you may have to drive miles looking and it's likely that you'll see lots and lots. Also, there's the chance you'll sit on a few nutters so sit your experienced helper on first.  When you do find what you want for heavens sake try and avoid "uming and ahing". Make a considered decision confidently and if you need time to think about it, be honest and ask for it but be realistic or someone else will snap it up.  However, make sure you have seen enough of the horse  ie do you really like him but you'd like to see him over some cross country jumps.  Talk to the vendor - ask if there are any references (ie if the last rider was a pony club member then talk to their DC) and check results. 

People very often wonder about vettings on low value horses.  Passing a 5 stage vetting on any horse will leave both parties with the assurance that the horse is fit for purpose and hopefully lead to a happy ending.  

Now let's look at the higher end of things.  The most common way of buying high value horses is through an agent.  Primarily because a lot of high value horses are never publicly advertised.  If you don't go through an agent you miss out on some potentials buys.  Key point.  There are a lot of agents out there so choose who you use carefully.   An agents fee is usually 10% of the purchase price so their services don't come cheap.  The best agents are very open about their fee which is important with such a large investment.  

Hopefully if you're buying a pricey horse you'll know what you're on about and know your game.  The best bet then is to find something by word of mouth.  It's very important to have a very strict criteria.  When you  findi something you can evaluate how well it fits your criteria.  When you're generating your criteria look at yourself and your circumstances.  If you jump very well but don't get on so well on the flat then get something that covers your weaknesses.  Equally, some horses seem to need to see the physio every single day - but if you happen to have a mum who's a horse physio then this might not be a problem but yere.... you get the point.  Look at your circumstances.  Looking further ahead, certain things make horses easier to sell on.  It might seem a long way away and you may plan to never sell your superstar but it would be silly to not think about it at all.  All it means is avoiding things such as curbs or roached backs that may put potential buyers off.  

You have the choice of buying from a professional rather than an amateur.  People have strong preferences but it's worth remembering that some amateurs ride fantastically and know far more tricks than their professional counterparts.  Some people feel that by buying from an amateur the horses are "produced to sell" less so are produced better.  You trade this off against the better riding and therefore producing of a professional.  This does explain to some extent the high prices certain professionals produce horses for.  If you take your time producing a horse and produce it very well on top of that it's not surprising horses go for phenomenal prices.  

Another thing to bear in mind is that on the whole amateurs will make more mistakes than pro's so the horses tend to be that bit more forgiving.  If you are looking for a high level horse then chances are you'll have to buy from a professional though as they're the ones with the high level horses in the first place.  

Happy horse hunting!! 

"With half term just around the corner I should probably be studying hard but the fact that my "study periods" seem to be conveniently placed to ride is perhaps stopping that idea pick up pace... It does mean that I end up doing copious amounts of work very late at night or in the lorry - unfortunately my handwriting hasn't been improved by the M25. 

So following the school line of thought.  Everybody seems to be disappearing off to exotic destinations for half term or in a friends case, the not so glamourous Slough.  For me though  I'm putting the finishing touches to things for Isleham, our first event of the season. We're also off to Quainton stud for a couple of days for some juniors training which should be good fun and help iron out the glitches.   The rest of half term is also pretty busy but I might have omitted to tell mum just exactly how busy... Let's just take one day at a time... 

This season as well as Dell, Totem is going to be getting out and about.  He realised today that he can do flying changes. Brilliant, but I never taught him! I think I may just pronounce him as a middle aged child prodigy and leave it at that.  He also proved to be  quite the water baby out XC schooling with plenty of enthusiasm.  

Unfortunately, with horses there is that down side that you do occasionally get hurt.  Usually, it's a consequence of horses but I managed to walk into the doctors and get told off! Our local doctors seem to think my hands are a medical dilemma.  I mean having blue hands at random intervals is perfectly normal right? Apparently I don't take my health seriously enough.  I said I exercised heaps etc but got the look, I mean the look that only a doctor can give, far worse than even the ones your mum can give or the "I'm disappointed line" from a teacher.  Yup, it's a killer look.  On the injuries front, I decided to take some proactive steps and went to one of the BE fall training days at Newmarket which I learnt a huge amount from including the art of how to roll away when you get flung from a ginormous mechanical horse... just a standard Sunday really."

Contrary to common belief I reckon I can give a very balanced view on this one because I actually quite like football! However, I may just be a little biased to horses.....

The main problem with this one is that football's a bit cheaper than horses.  4 jumpers for goal posts and a ball vs well, ermmmm... a lorry, tack, horse, feed, field, stable, entry fees etc etc etc.  I think horses lose on that front - only slightly though! 

Let's look at the people who play the different sports.  It's often said that horse sport is a lifestyle rather than a sport.  You can apply that view to most sports though.  I would tend to say getting up at 5 every morning to swim before work means swimmers have the lifestyle of a reptile rather than a human.  Horses may take up lots of time but by the time you start playing other sports full on they end up being time eaters as well.  Officially statistics show that the diversity of people within horse sport is vast.  I'm not talking about the demographics of grand prix dressage which are of course fairly skewed to the upper end of things but horses as a whole.  Football equally has a vast array of followers across the globe and throughout history.  The friends you make in both sports stick as well.  In football it's easier to see how friendships form in a team game but look at those in eventing and you see a different kind of strength behind friends.  Look at the high levels of equestrian sport and it becomes more apparent that despite internationals being the most competitive places on earth competitors are far better off together, not just because it helps psychologically but because we're better together.  We learn so much more by discussing things rather than tackling them on their own.  

Then there's the similarities that you just can't deny.  At high levels both sports see money change hands in vast volumes. Whether it's the latest transfer fee or the most recent *** horse sold.  The cultures also similar in places, everyone knows how to have fun.  Perhaps footballers seem to get into the press more because of it though! That drinking culture that we're all banned from talking about is there in both sports as well.  Plus, there's the glory.  Score a goal in the champions league final or win Badminton, either way you end up heralded as a God in one form or another.  

However, horse sport has that something special.  The "je ne ce quoi" that only the photo of someone dropping into the lake at Badminton or mid air over the puissance wall displays.  The thing is with horse sport is that you'll never be alone or else you'll be walking.  The most successful combinations are very often the best teams, the ones that click.  Watch the best horses with the best riders and you'll see what football lacks, the connection between horse and rider that is totally unreproducible anywhere else.  Let's face it.  Horses weren't born to do piaffes, jump steeplechases or jump ditches.  I reckon we're on to something special here.