Practical Horseman Magazine

10/09/2026

New equine strangles cases have been confirmed in Dane County and Jefferson County, Wisconsin.

The horses live in Dane and Jefferson counties.

10/09/2026

Even though statistics show that vastly more women participate in horseback riding than men, female-specific research in equestrian sports remains sparse. But pioneering new research has provided fresh insight into breast movement and support in female riders, with findings that could help inform the future of sports-bra design for equestrian activity.

“Our findings demonstrate that breast support isn’t simply about comfort. The type of support worn was associated with differences in breast pain, rider position and symmetry, which makes this an important area for further research.”
~ Lorna Cameron, senior lecturer at Hartpury University who contributed to the study

Click on the link in the Comments below to learn how the research was conducted and the potential benefits it could offer to female equestrians.

📸 Alana Harrison

10/08/2026

A Quarter Horse gelding in Rocky View County, Alberta, has tested positive for Potomac horse fever.

The horse lives in Rocky View County.

10/08/2026

Back in April, five-star eventer and FEI dressage rider Laine Ashker talked to us about the best training advice she’s ever received following her and mare Lovedance’s cross-country round in the CCI4*-S at the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Want to learn more about how she pursues excellence in two disciplines? Register now for the Practical Horseman+ Members-Only VIP Webinar: Learning From Multiple Disciplines with Laine Ashker! Join us for this exclusive webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. EDT.

Laine will explain how she manages horses across two disciplines, using two training systems, and with two competition calendars. She’ll also answer questions about managing mental health in the horse world, dressing for success, and she’ll provide training tips for both disciplines.

Click on the link in the Comments below to learn how to register and submit your questions to Laine!

10/08/2026

Four new pigeon fever cases have been confirmed in Oregon, including three in Deschutes County and one in Morrow County.

The cases are located in Deschutes and Morrow counties.

10/08/2026

Four new equine West Nile virus cases have been reported across Kansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Four horses have tested positive for the disease.

10/08/2026

"When we’re really practicing for the finals, I try to come up with exercises and different tests that either I’ve seen before or I’ve heard of before, and I try to leave nothing open for interpretation for my students when they go into the biggest class they’ve ever done."
~Trainer Jacob Pope on how he approaches equitation finals with his students

International show jumper and hunter trainer Jacob Pope of Hickory Ridge LLC is no stranger to equitation finals, winning three finals as a junior, including the 2012 ASPCA Maclay Finals. As a Team Prac trainer, Jacob answers a new reader question on how he helps his students prepare for the tests at equitation finals.

Click on the link in the Comments below to read more! ⬇️

📸 AK Dragoo Photography

10/08/2026

One horse at a boarding facility in Brevard County, Florida, has tested positive for strangles, and five horses are suspected to be positive.

The facility is located in Brevard County.

10/07/2026

A Thoroughbred gelding in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles.

The horse is located in Fond du Lac County.

10/07/2026

One horse at a boarding facility in Ottawa County, Michigan, has tested positive for strangles.

The case is located in Ottawa County.