Equestrian Sports

My daughter Becky raved about ponies from the age of 3, who takes a 3 year old seriously? I should have known, don't know where it came from, but the rocking horse we bought her was no substitute for the real thing and eventually riding lessons followed. At first it was easy, local riding school, leggings and wellies, but eventually she persuaded us to let her go on a riding holiday, aged 10, still with wellies, leggings and nothing flash. It became apparent the 'crush' was not wavering however and pleas of 'I want a pony for xmas' continued. We came to a truce, she had to help a friend with ponies for one year, rain or shine, ...  Read the complete review

There are many things in life that are unfair but things that are unfair to innocent creatures that have no say in what happens in there life, really gets me. In the wild, all animals can go where they want, do what they want and have fun. All living things thrive in pleasant surroundings with friends to love and share happiness. Most animals especially horses, live in big herds with all their friends and family; they roam the country, eating and drinking as they please. Every herd has a leader and hierarchy with order of importance, just likes us humans. They have as much space as they could possibly need and trees for shelter. No animals could ever imagine ...  Read the complete review

Montjeu is out of Saturday's Esat Digifone Irish Champion Stakes at Leoparstown. That was the shock news from French trainer John Hammond yesterday, just six days before his scheduled preparatory outing in the build up to the Prix de'Arc de Triomphe next month. Saturday's race, originally billed as a head to head between Montjeu and ill fated Dubai Millennium, must now go ahead without its two main characters. But indications on Sunday from Aidan O'Brien confirmed that this prolific Group One winner Giant's Causeway is now likely to be re-routed to the Leopardstown venue. ...  Read the complete review

Don't believe it when they say racing is just for the toffs. We have had some great family days out. The entry prices vary, from the very expensive to the relatively cheap. OK if you go in the cheap you don't get into the champagne bar or private members enclosure, so what, if you don't own a horse there is not much point anyway. Most race meetings are not your Royal Ascots, they are very friendly smaller racecourses, where you can have a flutter(we usually set aside a certain amount for each race knowing that we can afford to lose it) If you are not certain on how betting works use the Tote, the more experienced use the on course bookies. ...  Read the complete review