The Horse Listener

10/09/2025

At Equus Alliance we're so thrilled with Amber's progress that we just had to share a picture of her poo with you all... we hope you love it as much as we do 😀

10/09/2025

Of course 😂

08/09/2025

We love our latest Equus Alliance girl - she is an absolute sweetie! 💗

03/09/2025

Dear ones,

We are running a fundraiser for this sweet girl who came into care with our charity Equus Alliance yesterday. If you can find it in your heart to donate even $5, please do, or even just share our post!! Any help gratefully received. 💗😢🙏💗

🚨EMERGENCY SURRENDER - CAN YOU HELP US RAISE $2,500 🚨

It's Candy here ~ we urgently need your help! Superwand is a seven-year-old off the track thoroughbred, in extremely emaciated condition.
Superwand (her racing name) was not in a good situation, and sadly she's been in limbo the last few days when a promised home fell through.
We know this will be an expensive rescue - but she is so worth it! With no other options we couldn't see her languish any longer. (Please no nasty comments about her condition.)
We need to raise $2500 to get her vet-checked, scoped for ulcers, have a faecal count done, and to put her on a correct feeding regime in order to avoid refeeding syndrome. She also badly needs her feet done, and later, when she is stronger, she will need her teeth doing.

Could you spare even just $5 towards this beautiful girl's rescue?

We are super grateful to Holly, who dropped everything to pick this mare up and temporarily house her, feed her, and give her a warm rug. Foster carers, Marg and Frank, have generously agreed to keep her at their place while we monitor her ongoing feeding and rehabilitation. Marg is close to me in the Uralla area, so I will be able to keep a careful eye on her during these next few crucial months.

How did such a sweet, calm mare, fall through the cracks only two years off the track??

Please, please, please dig deep. This mare desperately needs your help.🙏🙏🙏

You can donate via the FB button or directly into our bank account:
Equus Alliance
Bendigo Bank
BSB: 633
Acc no: 167677152
(Other options for paying in the comments)
Don't forget every donation over $2 is tax deductible, just email us on admin@equus alliance.org for a receipt.

12/08/2025

Horse language clearly demonstrated!

10/08/2025

This is a wonderful step forward for the world of dressage. 🙌🙌

Bitless Grand Prix in France

Regulation 2026:
Simple Bridle and Bitless Bridles to Be Allowed Up to Grand Prix Level in France

• Since 2019, the use of a simple bridle (single bit) has been permitted in Pro 1 level and preparatory tests for Pro Élite. As of September 1, 2025, its use will be allowed through to Grand Prix, including in non‑preparatory classes. The same rule will apply in the Grand National series starting January 1, 2026 .
• Sébastien Dauvergne, president of the French Equestrian Federation’s Dressage Commission, explained that this move is about providing riders with a choice: some horses do not tolerate double bridle well, but can perform well with a single bit. Judges will evaluate the quality of contact and have a key role in ensuring welfare. Proper use of a bridle is not more harmful than a simple bit .
• The rule change makes the decision final: simple bridles have now become fully accepted within French regulations, paving the way for similar changes at the international CDI Grand Prix level .

⸻

Bitless Bridles: What’s Changing?
• Also beginning September 1, 2025, bitless bridles will be allowed in prepared Grand Prix-level tests. Accepted bitless tack includes:
• Rope halters (without fleece lining),
• Side-pull bridles,
• Bitless bridles 

Uses by division:
• Amateur and Pro levels:
• In both preparatory Amateur and preparatory Pro tests, the bitless gear above is permitted .
• Club, Club E and Pony levels:
• In all Pony Libre, Club Libre, and Club E Libre classes (preparatory or not), riders may use rope halters, side-pull, bitless bridles, or the cordelett .

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Excerpt from the New Regulation

“Bitless riding is authorized in certain situations…”
1. Amateur & Pro: in all preparatory Amateur or Pro classes. Allowed gear: rope halter, sidepull, bitless.
2. Club, Club E & Pony: in all Pony/Club libre tests, whether preparatory or not. Permitted gear: rope halter, sidepull, bitless, cordelett .

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✅ Key Takeaways
• From September 1, 2025, French dressage competitions up to Grand Prix level may be ridden in either a simple bit bridle or bitless tack, including non-preparatory Grand Prix classes.
• From January 1, 2026, Grand National competitions will also adopt these rules.
• The changes reflect a growing emphasis on horse comfort and welfare, giving riders more flexibility in choosing appropriate tack.

Link:

https://www.dressprod.com/post/r%C3%A8glement-2026-le-filet-simple-et-le-sans-mors-autoris%C3%A9s-en-france-jusqu-au-grand-prix?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL8pAtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi1z1MqJP2z3j9GGkdVnWcqXKhoeBw9FlOXsIw_bnd_shYvx8cHWEaiB8Faz_aem_odk8zdsMP4vpmcV7zpRnog

29/07/2025

Moving from the sub tropical climate of the Northern Rivers to the much colder temperate climate of the New England Tablelands near Armidale has been wonderful for the itchy horses, but isn’t without its challenges - as in: freezing 🥶 cold, windy AND the wettest winter on record! So today I took advantage of a few hours sun to groom each of my five horses, give them a special bit of ‘just for you’ hay, and let them be rugless for the day. The ground is well and truly saturated at the moment so anything beyond TLC will have to wait a while, but staying bonded is SO important, and rewarding. They’re all staying pretty shiny and in great condition through it all. And Sapphy’s tail is gradually growing out the orange stain of the red mud. 😀 💗

In order: Eva, my chestnut mare; Bonnie, Equus Alliance Standardbred coming along nicely; Saphhy and her almost white tail; Opal, my little stockhorse the latest (and bossiest 🤣 addition) and darling Jewel…