Godolphin – one of the most popular horse-racing stables and training establishments in the world – has become the centre of a steroid drugs scandal.
Mahmood Al Zarooni, trainer at Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, has been found guilty of using anabolic steroids in 15 of his horses at the famous stable, which was founded in 1992 by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
A total of 45 horses were tested for Ethylestrenol and Stanozolol, substances that are banned in the UK. Out of the 45 tested, 11 were found positive, while Al Zarooni later admitted to administering drugs to another four horses. All 15 animals have now been suspended for six months.
Having been told about the allegations, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was said to be angered and issued a statement on the Godolphin website.
He said, "I have been involved in British horse racing for 30 years and have deep respect for its traditions and rules. I built my country based on the same solid principles. There can be no excuse for any deliberate violation."
While Mahmood Al Zarooni has been banned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) for eight years, the Dubai ruler has insisted on further investigations into the doping scandal and ordered for all horses there to be individually tested, saying, "No horse will run from that yard this season until I have been absolutely assured by my team that the entire yard is completely clean".
Top-class horses are trained at Moulton Paddocks, which has a range of facilities including paddocks, gallops, and more. It also has its own fleet of horse boxes.
Photo © Levadiya via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: British Horseracing Authority, drug, Dubai, Godolphin, horse boxes, horse-racing, Mahmood Al Zarooni, Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket, stables, steroid, training

When planning a wedding, there is normally so much work to do. As well as finding the ideal dress or suit, choosing bridesmaids, and selecting suitable decorations, organisers also have to locate the perfect venue.
However, fans of equestrianism may now have somewhere very special where they can tie the knot – The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon.
Reportedly, the venue – located near Sidmouth – has been granted permission to host weddings and civil ceremonies. Those looking to get married can have the service within a donkey stable, which has been described by the charity as a "cosy setting".
In addition, any profits made from these ceremonies should go towards helping the donkeys at the sanctuary – which can only be a good thing. Although some may wonder how the animals will feel about having all these additional guests, I'm pretty confident they will love the extra attention.
I have only one question – is it possible to find a horse rug which is suitable for formal occasions?
Photo © LornaJane.net via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: Devon, Donkey Sanctuary, equestrianism, horse rug, Sidmouth, stable, wedding

Without the correct equestrian gear, such as a well-fitted saddle and a good-quality bridle, horse riding can be uncomfortable for both rider and animal.
Yet researchers from Duchy College in Cornwall believe that however well kitted out some horses are, they may be at risk of suffering from health issues. Why? Because some of us are too weighty to be riding.
Analysing data on 152 horses and their adult riders located in Devon and Cornwall, the study has uncovered that only five percent of these riders were a suitable weight for their equine companions.
One of the scientists involved in the research stated that people usually do not pay attention to any weight issues a rider may have because they "tend to think that horses are such big animals they must be OK". However, she warns, "the health impact on the horse can be quite extreme, quite quickly. It seems to be a growing problem".
She believes the study shows the need for industry-wide guidelines which would stop horses from bearing the weight of riders who could cause them unintentional harm.
Carrying riders who are too heavy for them can result in the animal suffering back pain, lameness, and behavioural problems.
Hopefully something will be done about this soon, so that no more horses suffer from easily preventable health issues.
Photo © tasweertaker via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: back pain, behavioural problem, bridle, Duchy College, equestrian gear, equine, guidelines, health, horse, lameness, rider, saddle, weight

Do you know any horse riders who are overweight? When I was first asked this question, I racked my brains for a few minutes and couldn't think of a single one. Therefore, it seems that participating in equine activities may not only be deeply enjoyable, but could also help individuals stay in shape.
It appears the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) agrees with this theory. In order to promote the various health benefits associated with horse riding, the organisation has launched a new campaign entitled 'Trot to be Trim'.
The BEF highlights a previous study – carried out by The British Horse Society – which estimated that when someone participates in an hour long schooling session, he or she could burn 360 calories.
In addition, although horse riding may help individuals keep fit, it has been suggested that equestrianism might carry some cognitive benefits – perhaps improve an individual's mental wellbeing.
Hopefully this initiative will encourage people to pull on a pair of riding boots and jump in the saddle. If you would like to participate in equestrianism, and perhaps lose some weight in the process, you should follow the advice of the BEF and click here to visit the Hoof website.
Photo © KimManleyOrt via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: BEF, British Equestrian Federation, equine, Hoof, horse riders, riding boots, saddle, schooling, the British Horse Society, Trot to be Trim

It is probably fair to say that reality television would not be the same without Simon Cowell. Appearing in shows such as The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, and American Idol, the brutally honest judge has raised some individuals to stardom – and perhaps dashed the dreams of many.
While we usually associate Mr Cowell with music competitions, the celebrity may soon be watching a different type of contest. Reportedly, he has recently become the owner of a racehorse.
The steed, a two-year-old thoroughbred, is allegedly called "It's A Yes From Me" and has been placed in the capable hands of James Fanshawe – a professional racehorse trainer.
Although Mr Cowell could almost certainly have afforded the 35,000 guineas needed to purchase the animal, television presenters Ant and Dec have been named as the co-owners. Between the three of them, I'm confident they have bought all the necessary equestrian gear, such as horse rugs, in order to keep the animal comfortable.
There are currently no reports as to when Mr Cowell's racehorse will actually be competing, but this is one animal that I will be watching with great interest. After all, the judge probably wouldn't have invested in it if he didn't believe it had talent.
Photo © rustyallie via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: American Idol, Ant and Dec, Britain’s Got Talent, equestrian gear, horse rugs, James Fanshawe, racehorse, reality television, Simon Cowell, X Factor

It's not very often that I get to write a blog post about donkeys. Considering Simply Equestrian mostly deals with information relating to horses, such as advice about transportation, stabling, and proper equestrian clothing, these animals don't usually fall under our remit.
However, I recently came across a story in the Daily Telegraph which I just had to share – mostly because this particular donkey foiled a robbery.
According to the newspaper, this crime took place in a town called Juan de Acosta, located in the north Caribbean. The thieves plotted to rob a general store but they were lacking something to transport the goods – so they stole a 10-year-old donkey called Xavi.
After breaking into the store, the criminals had managed to take several items such as rum, oil, and rice. However, at some point during the theft it appears Xavi became distressed and started braying – attracting the attention of local police officers.
It seems the criminals had two choices; they could either stay with Xavi and the stolen goods or run before the police arrived.
They chose the latter.
After being taken to a police station, Xavi was eventually reunited with his owner. In addition, all the stolen goods were returned to the shopkeeper.
So, it seems this story has a happy ending for all those concerned. Well, except perhaps for the criminals. It looks like they really made asses out of themselves!

Photo © Jonathan.vail via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: Daily Telegraph, donkey, equestrian clothing, horses, Juan de Acosta, north Caribbean, Simply Equestrian, stabling

Many people regard Valentine's Day as the most romantic time of the year. However, I would like to pose a quick hypothetical question – would you prefer to spend today with your partner or participate in horse riding?
Ok, have you decided? Well, if you chose the latter option, you have this is common with 72% of female riders.
After interviewing a selection of viewers, television channel Horse & Country also discovered some other interesting statistics. For example, it seems 75% of respondents were in somewhat of a relationship triangle – admitting to paying more attention to their animal than their partner.
In addition, a third of those polled intended to get their steed a present on Valentine's Day – perhaps they bought a new horse rug or bridle.
Equestrianism is a fantastic pastime, yet I can't help but feel sorry for the other people in these relationships. After all, I would feel quite annoyed if my partner chose to spend the day with their horse instead of joining me for a nice meal.
Consequently, I wish you luck with whatever you have planned for Valentine's Day – but I hope that your partner gets your undivided attention.
Photo © celynek via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Labels: bridle, equestrianism, Horse and Country, horse riding, horse rug, Valentine's Day