Equestrian Lifestyle

Are you looking for the latest stable design, the most flexible trailer, the comfiest saddle, the healthiest feed or the most stylish riding apparel? You can be sure to find what you are looking for at EQUITANA. They will have probably the largest number of equestrian products you could ever find under one roof anywhere. There will be 750 exhibitors from 30 countries, ranging from the big international brands and manufacturers through to many small, innovative exhibitors, presenting their latest innovations and bestselling products.

The silver jubilee edition of EQUITANA, 9th– 27thMarch, brings together the best that the equestrian world currently has to offer. World and Olympic champions, leading athletes, legendary instructors and riders – top-class expertise from the worlds of professional and amateur sport in the fields of dressage, show-jumping, eventing, driving, vaulting, working equitation, Western riding and horsemanship. Never before have so many stars and medallists made their way to Essen.

Visitors can expect a top-class programme, featuring exclusive coaching evenings with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, her brother, Benjamin Werndl, Ludger Beerbaum and Monty Roberts. There will also be live coaching sessions with Simone Blum, Ingrid Klimke, Isabell Werth, Dorothee Schneider and Julia Krajewski. And of course the show highlights: the new HOP TOP SHOW, “LaOra”, and the vaulting event, Volti-Magic.

In addition, there will be numerous classes, demonstrations and competitions. Over nine days, the seven riding arenas at EQUITANA will feature over 2000 different presentations. You will be able to enjoy over 850 hours of exclusive expertise and entertainment.

Professional Days: 11th – 13thMarch

The three “Professional Days”, 11th– 13thMarch, cater especially for international visitors. With simultaneous English translation of highlights of the daytime programme and evening sessions being provided. This includes the evening shows “Von Bredow-Werndl Live”, “Ludger Beerbaum Live” and the classes with Simone Blum, Isabell Werth, Ingrid Klimke and Dorothee Schneider. In addition, many international breeding associations will be presenting their horses in the daytime programme on “Breeding Day” (12thMarch). You will be able to see the younger generation of sport horses from German breeding organisations and studs on “Sport Horse Day” (13th of March).

Premiere with power: “Von Bredow-Werndl Live, Powered by Lami-Cell”, 11thMarch

For the very first time, it will be possible to experience the currently most successful siblings in the field of equestrianism. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and her brother, Benjamin Werndl, in a joint evening show. Jessica became World Champion in September with the German dressage team. Benjamin regularly achieves top placings in international grand prix competitions. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect about them is the way they complement one another as a team.

They train together and also share the running of their stables in Aubenhausen in Bavaria. In their exclusive evening show, “Von Bredow-Werndl Live, Powered by Lami-Cell” (11thMarch), both Jessica and Benjamin will be demonstrating just why they and their horses are so successful. During the course of their 2-hour show, they will also spotlight different aspects of their coaching programme for dressage horses. As well as explaining their methodology and goals, they will also be providing tips on how they keep themselves and their team physically and mentally fit.

With multiple championship titles to his name, Ludger Beerbaum is already an international show-jumping legend. The multiple world champion and European champion still enjoys an international reputation as trainer and advisor today. Now, for the very first time, Ludger will be presenting an exclusive coaching evening. Together with some of the top riders from his stables. He will be providing insights into his work and sharing his 30 years’ experience in competitive sport and training in “Ludger Beerbaum Live, Powered by Prestige” (12thMarch, 2019). Media partner for the coaching session is the equestrian journal “Pferd und Sport”.

Around 80 instructors, coaches and top athletes sportsmen will be participating in EQUITANA’s daytime programme. The most successful riders from the worlds of dressage, show-jumping, eventing and western riding will be coming to Essen. Personalities include Isabell Werth (presented by Fendt), Simone Blum (presented by Spooks), Ingrid Klimke (presented by SAP), Dorothee Schneider (presented by St Georg), Julia Krajewski (presented by USG), Nicole Uphoff-Selke (presented by Equiva), Jana Freund (presented by Stübben), Sandra Auffahrt, Andreas Kreuzer, Monica Theodorescu, Christoph Hess, Martin Plewa and Nico Hörmann.

The absolute highlight of EQUITANA is always the HOP TOP Show gala. In this year’s production, “LaOra”, established stars and newcomers will tug at your heartstrings with new and spectacular performances. “LaOra” is full of new and extraordinary ideas, featuring inspiring liberty dressage, quadrilles, dazzling acrobatics on horseback. Colourful performances with ponies, classical elements from the worlds of dressage, show-jumping and carriage-driving. The main focus, however, is always on the deep bond that exists between horse and human. The subtle communication between the two, relying solely on virtually imperceptible signals. By the way, the HOP TOP Show will be held on five evenings this year.

By booking online you can save both time and money. Tickets for the exhibition, evening shows, backstage tours or seat reservations are available from the EQUITANA online shop.

www.equitana.com

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Our very first post dated from 26th of february 2014. Time really does fly even though that sounds so cliche. Reflecting on the past 5 years of blogging while writing this post, I wanted to quickly recap where we are now since the first post in 2014 and what this all means to me. 

Even though I’ve been doing this for 5 years, really it’s been 3 years that I’ve been doing it full-time and I honestly can’t imagine my life without making my own schedule and being my own boss- it really has been life changing. To be honest, last year I was so bored with my blog and Instagram – beyond uninspired and just doing the routine. After the holidays last year I really evaluated what I wanted for myself and for my brand. I’ve started experimenting with different types of photos and content (some that were very outside my comfort zone but that felt more fresh) and on a whim I changed my Instagram handle to “Equestrian Lifestyle Official”.

Since we started ‘Equestrian Lifestyle” in 2014, an huge number of blogs and instagram accounts have copied our idea and started sharing the latest trends in the equestrian industry. Instead of getting frustrated of all the copied content, we’ve set our focus back on the offline. Organising events and creating a marketing strategy was the goal for the last 2 years. To celebrate our fifth anniversary, we will launch a limited edition collection. Stay tuned for more information. 

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Romance is in the air! It’s that time of year again when we celebrate everything that’s lovely about being in love. From secretly scribbled love notes to stolen kisses while swaying to your favorite song. Valentine’s Day is all about showing your special someone how much you care. Sometimes the routine of sappy cards, heart-shaped chocolates, and a dozen roses gets old.

If you’re struggling with what to get your significant other this season, we get it! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been together for months, years or decades, sometimes that gift-giving inspiration just needs a little nudge. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you wow your loved one with the perfect present this year.

Equestrian Valentine’s Gift Guide

Needless to say, our Valentine’s Gift Guide of 2019 is equestrian and dusty pink inspired.

1. The ultimate pink raincoat brightens up any rainy day. Perfect, pretty and practical to wear at the stables or on the streets! Available by House of Horses Helsinki (here)

2. Our favorite dusty pink jacket by Equestrian Stockholm is a musthave in your wardrobe. Stretchy material and a close-to-figure design emphasizing your female shapes in the best way. Available (here)

3. The perfect fashionable layer for cooler days by Fior Da Liso. The stirrup design in pink and white gives the poncho a romantic look. Available (here)

4. Endless love for Gucci loafers. Available (here)

5. With over 25 years of leather working experience, Caroline Groves is one of our favorite traditional bespoke shoe and bag makers. Her creative talent crosses the boundaries between craftsmanship, fashion, art and fantasy. This Monaco clutch will accessories you with pleasure on romantic evenings. Available (here)

6. You can never have too many belts. This one gives a romantic touch to any outfit. Available (here)

Happy Valentine’s Day 2019

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For the fist time in six years, the world’s biggest stars will be competing for the FEI Dressage World Cup at Flanders Christmas Horse Show – Jumping Mechelen. Belgian dressage is on the rise and therefore it deserves to be center of attention at Jumping Mechelen.

Dressage eLeague
This year Jumping Mechelen also have a real scoop. Using the new ‘Spectator Judging’ app, fans will be able to score the World Cup competitors themselves, in real-time. On a big screen in the main arena, we will show the spectator scores and compare them to the verdict of the jury. 

We know that Flanders’ Christmas Horse Show is definitely worthy of hosting an FEI World Cup. No effort was too big to celebrate the return of the World Cup dressage to Malines.

In a thrilling freestyle, we saw Hans Peter Minderhoud and Dream Boy clinch the victory with a score of 83,665%. Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg finished close behind on a score of 82, 880% to take second. And then…there was Maria Caetano with Lusitano Coroado, the revelation of Jumping Mechelen. After a spectacular test, the crowd went crazy. At the press conference we had the chance to ask some questions at this rising dressage star Maria Caetano.

Lusitano power

EL: Congratulations Maria, how did you feel about the test? M: It was my first time competing at Jumping Mechelen and it is a big pleasure to be here. My horse was with me every step he took and was fighting to perform, both in the Grand Prix and the Freestyle test. When I entered the arena and he heard the music, he felt very happy and easy to ride. EL: Everybody had goosebumps while watching your test and the crowd was cheering for you and your horse, how does this felt? M: I was very grateful that to feel that the crowd was supporting me so much and I think my horse felt it as well! Coroado wanted to perform as he is a stallion. He likes to show his big neck and wanted to show the Belgium public that he came all the way from Portugal to show nice moves at this big level.

EL: Are you going home after the competition? M: No, I am based in Germany now at Hof Kässelmann and I am training here since October. I am moved to Germany in May to prepare my horse for the competition in Tryon and to compete at CHIO Aachen. But than I decided to stay a little longer. It is hard to be away from my family as I used to train with my father in Portugal. For now it is important to me to stay in the center of Europe, so I have more chances to compete at Grand Prix level. EL: Do you have more horses? M: Yes, I also have some younger horses and I also own the full brother or Coroado, who will be starting to compete at Grand Prix level.

Photo Dirk Caremans

What about the future of dressage at Jumping Mechelen?

President of the FEI Dressage Committee, Frank Kemperman lauded the organization of Jumping Mechelen for hosting the World Cup Dressage in such a great way. It was 6years ago that there was a World Cup dressage in Malines but now they are back on track. There are many candidates for organizing a World Cup. In the next months, everyone who wanted to host a World Cup needs to make a bid at the FEI. Before spring, we have to decide wether it will be organized at Malines or not.

www.jumping-mechelen.com

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December the first means it’s time to unleash the festivity here on Equestrian Lifestyle. Today I’m kicking off a whole month of festive goodness with an absolute whopper of a gift guide.

The Ultimate Equestrian Christmas Gift Guide. This post is always one of the most requested of the year and the requests seem to come earlier every season so I thought it was about time it arrived on the blog. It doesn’t seem two minutes ago I was planning my summer content yet. But here I am compiling the best of everything, with a little help from Santa this year of course, in the hope you’ll find it just as useful as last year.

French saddle maker Antarès caught my eye with their innovating, esthetic and technological insight. Always on top to serve our sport to its best performance. The Antarès custom nubuck helmets ensure optimal safety and are very lightweight. They are entirely customable. You can choose a wide variety of colors, for the shell, leather head piece and harness. We went for a chique cream and grey colored one.

The ultimate luxury for your horse by Manifattura Valor. A distinctive knowledge about the horse’s body combined with supreme tailoring and craftsmanship are reflected in a straight shape and ideal fit. Blankets, halters and accessories made from Manifattura VALOR let you experience a world of maximum comfort and unique feel. Needless to say, this is what we want for Christmas, maybe even for ourselves instead of our horse.

Renwick & Sons, a revolution in grooming. Pure indulgence and a musthave gift under your Christmas tree. Since 1798, the family run company has been producing brushware in the heart or rural Northumberland (UK). Equestrian brushware is a new endeavour for the British company. Their aim is to combine years of experience, passion, craftsmanship and the latest technologies. The full grooming kit comes with free worldwide delivery as standard with the last order date for UK deliveries being the 19th of December and the 13th of December for the rest of the world. The grooming kit will be delivered to you in a brilliant white gift box wrapped with ribbon. You can tailer the kit in size, brush strap colour – check out the vintage gold – and embossing. The perfect present for that special someone! (review click here)

One of Equestrian Lifestyle’s favorite sustainable brands is Ariat. The brand creates by far the most highest-quality footwear and apparel for the world’s top equestrian athletes. This all-round boot handles whatever you trow at it, in effortless style. The lateral motion control device provides secure balance. Classic style travels anywhere.

Happy Birthday to CWD! Classic the new chic. With their 20th anniversary, the French saddle maker could not be missed on the Christmas gift guide. At CWD, sport and performance are an obsession. An obsession which can be translated by a full control from A to Z of their chain of values, from the animal skin via the tannery, the making, the selling, the logistics and the after-sales service. And that’s why we love the brand. “Mademoiselle“, a bespoke collection made for women, recognizable by the colored accents. You can personalize your bridle in more than 10 colors. No need to say we love the pink and mint green.

The ultimate chocolate indulgence for dressage lovers. If you have sweet tooth, this is a Christmas gift you will appreciate. Enjoy this beautifully crafted, wooden keepsake box long after the chocolates. The box on the left is a piece titled “The Flirt”. The oval fabric box on the right is made by the same local equine artist Jaime Claire Corum. Tasty!

I hope you manage to tick your Christmas lists off nice and early and maybe even get the chance to treat yourself too!

Happy Holidays

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At Merrie Me, we offer equestrian and outdoor weddings. We want you to enjoy the wedding day of your dreams while we monitor every detail, leaving nothing to chance. Whether it is a small intimate gathering or an extravagant affair, we have the expertise to help make your special day unforgettable.

Merrie Me is a Belgium based event & wedding company, run by Liesbeth Milan and Sandra Van den Eynde. Both creative entrepreneurs with a solid track of record who met each other while working in the equestrian industry. Merrie Me offers a variety of wedding packages to make the planning of your special day a breathtakingly easy affair.

Experience the grandeur of a wedding at an exclusive venue, organized by Merrie Me. Celebrate your special day with your friends, family of just yourselves.​

Your wedding is the most important day in your life. We want to create a memorable, personalized experience for you. As talented event- and wedding specialists, we will assist you with every detail in creating your dream wedding. From an elegant ballroom to an outdoor country wedding, choose among our stylish event venues and let Merrie Me create the wedding you have envisioned all your life.

Get in touch to create your perfect day!

www.merrie-me.com

info@merrie-me.com

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As the owner of a fairytale horse with long and thick mane, I take grooming very seriously. I use my Renwick & Sons bespoke grooming kit on a daily basis so I was looking for some additional horse care products. Grooming your horse is one of the best parts of owning a horse. It strengthens the bond between horse and rider, it relaxes and it’s a great way to show your care.

Sherie Vermeer, the lovely business owner of Equi-Spa contacted me if I was interested in trying out their full range of products. With pleasure! Equi-Spa is a US-based company and pioneer of spa quality, premium horse-care products formulated from natural ingredients and aromatic plant essences. The Equi-Spa grooming range combines the healing power of nature, and the principles of aromatherapy to benefit horse, rider, and the environment.

One of my favorite and most used products of the Equi-Spa range is the “Fairy Tails Spray“. As promised, the spray gives a beautiful finish and tangle free manes and tails. While using the spray, your entire barn will be filled with an aromatic smell.

On a weekly basis, I give my horse’s tail a deep cleanse and wash, using the premium shampoo and body wash for sensitive horses. The shampoo has an easy-rinse formula and gently cleans the coat and skin while protecting the body’s natural oils. The second step after using the shampoo, is using the fabulous leave-in conditioner. It helps maintain a “Show Glow” coat and fluffy tangle-free mane and tail. The result is something like this:

After an intense training, the cooling and soothing gel infused with tea tree oil is the best reward your horse can get. Using the cooling gel will reduce stress and soothe overworked muscles. Especially the back, haunches, shoulders, and hocks.

Everything for your happy athlete !

All the Equi-Spa products were kindly gifted to me. After using the products for several weeks, I can highly recommend using them in your daily grooming routine.

More info and online purchase: www.equispa.com

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Horsesport is a challenging sport, which is constantly evolving. Thanks to the use of technology, we can measure and optimize the performance of our horses. But sometimes it goes wrong.

As a horse owner, there’s one word you really don’t want to hear from your vet: tendon injury. Game over and a long way to go on the equine rehabilitation road.

Luckily technology can also be a great help in the process of recovery. Since 8 weeks I am testing the incrediwear products and I must say these are the perfect medical support.

Incrediwear is a novel “athletic” fabric that has been used in the human sports industry for over 6 years. The technology is a germanium/carbon-embedded fiber that is activated when exposed to body heat. With negative ion release triggering a mechanical increase in blood flow to the area combined with increased lymphatic drainage from the area is resulting in its unique properties.

The company has adapted these concepts into a new line of products focusing on the equine distal limb. Basically, when you apply dry, the product will increase blow flow and promote lymphatic drainage. When you apply wet, particularly with warm or hot water, an endothermic reaction results in decreasing surface temperatures, eliciting an “ice bandage” effect.   The product can be applied dry before exercise to increase blood flow and wet following exercise for the icing effect

There are semi-conductors Germanium and Carbon embedded into the fiber. So all the product has to do is to touch the skin. When it does, body heat activates Germanium and Carbon, releasing negative ions and vibrating the cells. That increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This results in a reduced swelling and inflammation, as well as faster healing of wounds and other issues.

Incrediwear Equine is not only beneficial in case of injuries or various equine health issues, but also for injury prevention and just making horse feeling better. The products will reduce muscle fatigue during workouts (muscle fatigue highers injury risk) and will reduce muscle soreness.

The products are widely used by vets, equine clinics, stables and riders worldwide. For example in Ashford Farm, Sen Tower and also in one of the biggest clinics in Europe Tierklinik Lusche in Germany (vet Dr.Jan-Hein Swagemakers).

At the moment there are 5 products available: Circulation Bandages, Circulation Standing Wraps, Circulation Hoof Socks, Circulation Neck Sleeve and Calming Saddle Pads. In next few month they are coming up with Hock Book, Stifle Sleeve, additional wraps and more colors.

The Incrediwear Equine products are kindly gifted to me. I tested them for 8 weeks and can highly recommend using them to prevent injuries or during rehabilitation.

You can order yours at here.

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Since 1849, the first Tuesday after the last Sunday of August is marked in every equestrian’s agenda as “Waregem Koerse“. Wether you have a love or hate affair with horse racing or you just want to make a social appearance, this is the “m-as-tu-vus hotspot”.

The brand new event venue ‘Hippologgia‘ where the races take place, is not only a stunning piece of architecture, it also hosts the expo “Hippo War”. The exhibition is dedicated to the horse during the First World War. In 1914-1918 they played a role that should not be underestimated. The interactive exhibition gives you an insight of the “equestrian lifestyle” anno 1914. In the picture below, you’ll see how the Belgian soldiers were loading the horses for transport.

A horse cargo ship could carry an average of 1200 animals. The ship was loaded according to a specific form of ranking: mules were accommodated down below in the ship’s hold, the heaviest draught horses on the weather deck, as they were most in need of fresh air. In 1914, the first horse cargo ship sailed across the Atlantic to France, lasting 20 days. Before the horses need to serve in the army, they were given basic training in little depots. Their muscles were trained and their diets were adjusted. The horse’s trainer was required to look after, comb and shave the horses. They had to be in top condition.

The horses also received psychological training to turn them into war horses. They had to learn to get used to the smell of blood and the noises expected in the middle of a battle.The training also focused on the need to cooperate with other horses and follow instructions promptly and efficiently.

During the war, the circumstances for the horses were not ideal. Lots of horses were infected with mange. Mange is a skin disease caused by burrowing mites. When a horse gets infected by mange, their coat’s natural brown color started to fade over a wide area of their body.

Lots of efforts were made during the war to find an efficient treatment. The horses were first of all shaved before being wrapped in oil-soaked swathing bands.

Immersion baths became popular after 1917, where the horses had to walk through a trench filled with a calcium sulphide solution to kill the parasites.

The French devised another treatment for mange. At the horse hospital they placed the animals in a stable with their heads outside, while a disinfectant sulphur dioxide gas was dispensed.

The exhibition “Hippo War” is hosted permanent at the Hippologgia in Waregem, Belgium.

www.waregemkoerse.be

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In July the elite world of show jumping turns its attention to West Germany for the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen. Sponsored by Rolex since 1999, the event attracts over 360,000 passionate supporters during 10 days of competition – a record attendance among equestrian events. CHIO Aachen offers competition in five disciplines. The focal point of the show, the Rolex Grand Prix and the second Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping calendar year, has been won by some of the most famous names in the sport including Rolex Testimonees Rodrigo Pessoa, Jeroen Dubbeldam, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Eric Lamaze and Scott Brash.

The second Major of 2018 has been won by Germany’s Marcus Ehning riding Pret A Tout, as horse and rider produced three exceptional clear rounds in the highlight of CHIO Aachen, the Rolex Grand Prix. Second place went to Luciana Diniz (POR) riding Fit For Fun 13 and third place to Pedro Veniss (BRA) riding Quabri De l’Isle.

The sun streamed through the clouds to light up the main arena, as 40,000 passionate equestrian fans waited for the world’s top international riders to contend for the second Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Highly respected course designer of 40 years, Frank Rothenberger, assembled an impressive first round with 13 obstacles, reaching up to 1.70 metres. “It’s a very tough course this year, there will be two rounds with a tricky jump-off too, we have built a course almost to the maximum that we can build, so it should be very interesting”, Rothenberger commented. The towering course appeared intimidating, and one capacity height jump certainly proved too challenging for some, however the roster of riders tackled the course with confidence, power and determination. This thrilling round resulted in 11 clears, and 18 pairs moved into round two with an enraptured crowd looking on.

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