Charlotte Dujardin’s return to the arena has sparked renewed scrutiny of elite dressage training methods and welfare standards. The elite dressage world watched closely as Charlotte Dujardin returned to competition following her suspension—but many of us were left wondering: what changed? Despite the very public controversy, little seems to have shifted in how riders are held … Continue reading Do Suspensions Change Anything? Charlotte Dujardin’s Return & What Science Says About Welfare in Elite Dressage
Understanding Equine Ulcers: What Every Rider Should Know
Equine ulcers are one of the most common—but most overlooked—health issues affecting horses today. They can cause everything from poor performance and girthiness to dangerous behavioral changes, and yet many riders still mistake the signs for “attitude” or “training problems.” In this post, we’ll break down what ulcers are, how they happen, what signs to look … Continue reading Understanding Equine Ulcers: What Every Rider Should Know
Palestine Now: Strikes, Displacement, and Our Shared Responsibility
UN personnel oversee humanitarian delivery efforts near Gaza. Photo via UNRWA. A Heartbreaking Incident in Gaza On July 17, 2025, devastating airstrikes struck two aid workers guarding humanitarian trucks in northern Gaza, killing at least 22 people—including children and aid staff—according to Reuters reports . In the same attacks, the Holy Family Church—the only Catholic church in Gaza—was damaged, … Continue reading Palestine Now: Strikes, Displacement, and Our Shared Responsibility
What the Cameras Don’t Catch: Horse Welfare Beyond the Show Ring
In June 2025, the world of equestrian sport was rocked once again—this time, by the suspension of Olympic rider Heath Ryan, after a video surfaced showing him aggressively whipping a horse during a clinic. For many, it was a horrifying but sadly familiar reminder: even at the top levels of the sport, where horses should … Continue reading What the Cameras Don’t Catch: Horse Welfare Beyond the Show Ring
Traveling with Your Horse in Summer: Safe, Healthy, and Prepared
Summer travel can be stressful for horses and owners alike. With high temperatures, long hours on the road, and fluctuating conditions at showgrounds or overnight barns, it's essential to plan carefully. From legal documents and trailer prep to hydration, cooling, and rest, here's what every equestrian needs to know when hauling horses in the heat. … Continue reading Traveling with Your Horse in Summer: Safe, Healthy, and Prepared
Strangles in Horses: What Michigan Horse Owners Need to Know
June 27, 2025 - Washtenaw County, Michigan A confirmed case of strangles was reported in Washtenaw County on June 23, 2025, involving a 6‑year‑old Thoroughbred mare demonstrating fever, lymph node swelling, and difficulty swallowing. The mare tested positive via PCR on June 20 and is currently under voluntary quarantine. Approximately 23 other horses at the … Continue reading Strangles in Horses: What Michigan Horse Owners Need to Know
Size Does Matter – But Not in The Way You Think
So, let’s look at the big picture first: horses were not put on this earth to be ridden. This means anyone (even a child) is putting weight on the horse’s back that the horse was not meant to carry. Over time, horses have learned to accommodate a rider, but we need to make sure that … Continue reading Size Does Matter – But Not in The Way You Think
Raid on Refugee Camp Kills Palestinians
A two-day operation led by the Israeli military in the Jenin refugee camp has left at least 12 dead and over 100 wounded. The attack began with drone strikes before 1,000 Israeli troops entered the camp. Although the military intended to destroy alleged weapons depots of militant factions, they also appeared to target civilians. Read … Continue reading Raid on Refugee Camp Kills Palestinians
Palestinian Suffering
Over the last two weeks in Palestine, fighting has escalated. Israeli settlers have set fire to several wheat fields in Ramallah province, and Israel's government has approved plans for thousands of new homes to be built for Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This colonialism within the occupied territories in Palestine is considered illegitimate and … Continue reading Palestinian Suffering
Palestinians Displaced
Forced Displacement and Land Seizure The National Bureau for Defending the Land and Resisting Settlements has recently highlighted the escalating issue of settlement projects and land allocations by the Israeli Government. In its session held on May 21st, 2023, beneath the tunnels of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Israeli Government approved several settlement projects and allocated substantial … Continue reading Palestinians Displaced
Dressage Discussions 