The British Horse Society (BHS) welcomed the latest laureates to its Equestrian Hall of Fame today Monday, 17 November at the Household Cavalry's Hyde Park Barracks.

Those joining the ranks of the equestrian greats were riders Ian Stark, Michael Whitaker and Ann Moore, while Over To You and Mr Softee took their place alongside other equine legends. Lucinda Green, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, also attended the ceremony to receive her certificate.

17th Nov 2008

The two TV stars will saddle up their horses for a celebrity jump-off at the very first Express Eventing International Cup at the Millennium Stadium on 30 November.

Strictly Come Dancing star and model Jodie and TV personality and presenter Tara will battle it out in their very own show jumping competition – tackling the same jumps as the world’s top riders who will be competing later in the day.

For more information visit  www.expresseventing.co.uk

11th Nov 2008

There are just two weeks left to enter the prestigious Kuster BEF Groom Award, which closes on 24 November, with the chance to win a £1,000 holiday.

Entry is easy; grooms can nominate themselves or they can be nominated by an employer, owner or friend. Nomination forms are available to download from http://www.bef.co.uk. The form asks for details of why you believe the nominee deserves the award and for an example of a situation where the groom has shown that they deserve to win this prestigious title.

4th Nov 2008

Top international show jumper and TV personality Tim Stockdale will be at the following venues to give a series of evening demonstrations.

19th November Merrist Wood, Surrey - 01483 884147

20th November West Wilts EC, Wiltshire - 01225 783220

25th November Bromyard EC, Hereford - 01885 400650

26th November Myerscough College, Lancashire - 01995 642115

2nd December Crofton Manor, Hampshire - 01329 667323

Themed ‘Improve your show jumping’ Tim will be bringing his own horses with him to help demonstrate the show jumping techniques and solutions that have taken him to the very top of the sport, including representing Great Britain in Beijing.

His advice is always down to earth and easy to ‘take away and follow’.

Said Tim ‘Many riders ask me to help them and unfortunately there just isn’t enough hours in the day for me to do this on an individual basis.  So there will be something for every level of rider at this demonstration.  The good foundations of show jumping apply to everyone I want them to take  home some tips and techniques that will improve their jumping regardless of the height of fences they jump over.  More information visit www.timontour.co.uk.

7th Oct 2008

OTECC - the Oliver Townend Eventers' Challenge Championship is to run again this winter. There will be more venues, more dates and more competitors than last year. Over 3,000 competitors took up the challenge last year and the organisers expect to double this number this year, ensuring that it remains the largest pre-Christmas indoor eventers' challenge. The OTECC is a winter indoor series of Eventers' Challenges aimed at riders from Pony Club to adult weekend and competitive riders. It comprises a mixture of show jumping and cross country fences. The winners of the regional events, which take place in September, October and November, go forward to the final in December. There are different heights, 2'3"; 2'6", 2'6" to 2'9"; 2'9" to 3'; and 3' to 3'3" with each height having two classes, age restricted and open, except the 2'6" which is just age restricted. The OTECC has already attracted a number of equine related sponsors including Jump4joy (the jump manufacturing specialists) and Anivac, a horse grooming revolution. Redpin Publishing and all its associated equine titles are also sponsors of the OTECC and will be running regular updates on the event; plus winners will appear on the front cover of their regional magazine accompanied internally with a full profile and report on their championship win. Oliver Townend says: "The OTECC is an exciting indoor event which I am pleased to be part of. It is a great opportunity for all riders to experience the fun and exhilaration of both show jumping and cross country. Some use the OTECC to hone their skills, others for introducing a new horse to event-style jumps and others for gaining experience on their trusted pony." More information and booking forms can be found by visiting www.otecc.co.uk or calling 07768 173108.

2nd Jun 2008

Kent County Council (KCC) has officially launched its ten year Countryside Access Improvement Plan to increase the usage and enjoyment of walking, cycling and horse riding in Kent. As well as giving more people the opportunity to enjoy the countryside for leisure, the extensive plan will play a key role in reducing the volume of traffic on Kent's roads and will safeguard and enhance public rights of way (PROW) in the face of new development. It will also help towards the national priority of combating health problems such as obesity and coronary heart disease by offering low-cost and easy access to regular exercise. Leader of KCC, Paul Carter, and Chief Executive Peter Gilroy, launched the plan yesterday (Monday) at County Hall, Maidstone, along with KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, Keith Ferrin. Keith Ferrin said: "Kent is a stunning county and it is only right that its network of paths should be a gateway for visitors and residents to explore Kent's heritage, wildlife and iconic landscape. However, it is also extremely important that the network functions as a practical and appealing way to get from A to B over short distances without using a car." Peter Gilroy added:

"This is an exciting first step and now will be about how we deliver it. If we are successful it will reduce congestion, support rural business, improve people's health and, most importantly, improve the quality of life for the people of Kent." Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, all local highway authorities have been required to prepare a Rights of Way Improvement Plan. KCC has been aspirational in its approach, aiming to work with partners to go beyond the requirements set by National Government."

2nd Jun 2008