Scholarly Equestrian

Peter Hodgkinson has been banned for eight years, and the equestrian world is asking one major question: Why was Peter Hodgkinson banned, and what does this mean for the future of horse welfare? In this video, we break down the full story behind the viral training video, the investigation, the appeal that extended the ban from 6 to 8 years, and Hodgkinson’s response to the allegations. But this ca...

If your horse has been diagnosed with PPID, also known as equine cushings disease, you've likely heard of pergolide. This video introduces Zygolide as a new treatment option, discussing its potential benefits for horse care. We also cover critical symptoms like a long, curly coat, muscle loss, and fat pads, and how they relate to insulin resistance and laminitis, common concerns in veterinary medi...

Nevada has officially banned horse tripping, and it’s sending shockwaves through the rodeo and equestrian world. But this isn’t just about one law—it’s about a much bigger question: 👉 Where do we draw the line between tradition and animal welfare? In this video, we take a deep, honest look at horse tripping, one of the most controversial practices in rodeo history. We break down exactly how it wo...

171 racehorses were suddenly banned from competition in Oklahoma after showing signs of severe post-race distress—horses struggling to walk, unable to recover, and raising serious concerns about their welfare. Then, a judge stepped in—and now those same horses are being allowed back into racing. But one question remains: why were they banned in the first place… and has anything actually changed? I...

At the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, one moment stood out beyond the scores, the leaderboard, and even the competition itself. Liz Halliday—one of America’s top eventing riders—returned to Kentucky… not as a competitor, but as a spectator. After suffering a life-threatening traumatic brain injury in 2024, her journey has been defined by recovery, resilience, and rebuilding. And in 2026,...

🚨 171 Racehorses Removed From Competition—What Really Happened at Remington Park? In April 2026, the horse racing world was shaken by a decision unlike anything seen before. The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission removed 171 racehorses from competition in a single sweeping action, placing them on the steward’s list under an emergency order. This wasn’t triggered by one catastrophic breakdown. It wa...

In this in-depth breakdown, we explore Olympic gold medalist Carl Hester’s powerful and carefully measured criticism of the FEI, and what it reveals about the current state of modern dressage. Using the metaphor of the collected walk versus the extended canter, Hester raises a critical question: can the sport afford to move this slowly anymore? This isn’t just another opinion—it’s a signal coming...

A major horse show at the Virginia Horse Center was suddenly cancelled—but not because of weather, funding, or logistics. It was shut down due to a confirmed case of EHV-1 (equine herpesvirus), one of the most feared and contagious diseases in the horse world. In this video, we break down what really happened, how the EHV-1 outbreak in Culpeper, Virginia led to widespread concern, and why organize...

The Christian Heineking SafeSport lawsuit is quickly becoming one of the most controversial legal battles in modern equestrian sport. In this video, we break down the SafeSport vs Christian Heineking case, the role of USEF, and the growing debate around due process, athlete protection, and governing body power in the United States. What really happened in the Christian Heineking case? Why did Safe...

Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting horses worldwide—and yet many horse owners don’t fully understand how it works, how it spreads, or why it can be so devastating. In this in-depth video, we break down EHV-1 in horses from a scientific and practical perspective, covering everything from transmission and symptoms to neurological disease and ab...

This video analyzes the recent Grand Prix debut of Rose Oatley and Alive and Kicking, which resulted in an immediate win just days after the mare’s sale. Previously competed by Charlotte Dujardin, Alive and Kicking is a 12-year-old Westphalian mare by All at Once with established international Grand Prix results. Her transfer to the Oatley family represents a significant movement of a proven top-l...

🚨 EHV-1 Outbreak at HITS Culpeper: What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know A confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) at HITS Culpeper has resulted in quarantine, exposure of dozens of horses, and the loss of one horse. This outbreak highlights the serious risks of EHV-1 in the horse industry, especially at competitions and high-traffic equestrian facilities. In this video, we break down...

Are the new FEI rule changes finally putting horse welfare first? In this video, we break down the latest FEI rule revisions, including major updates to fitness to compete, mental welfare in the warm-up, and the growing controversy around icing horses’ legs before competition. For years, “fitness to compete” has focused mainly on whether a horse could pass the jog—but now the FEI is expanding that...

Charlotte Dujardin has officially sold Alive and Kicking—and this is not just another dressage horse sale. This was the horse many believed would carry her comeback. Her Olympic hopeful. Her return to the top of international dressage after suspension. And now… that partnership is over. So what really happened? In this video, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about decisions in moder...

What if the advice you’re seeing online about laminitis is not just wrong… but dangerous? In this video, we break down the rising spread of laminitis misinformation, including the viral claim that diet doesn’t matter—and why veterinarians and equine experts are urgently warning horse owners about the real risks. Laminitis is one of the most painful and life-threatening conditions in horses, yet so...

The FDA has officially approved Gastrobin — the first generic omeprazole paste for horses — and it could completely change how equine gastric ulcers are treated. For decades, Gastrogard and Ulcergard have dominated the equine ulcer treatment market, making omeprazole the gold standard for treating and preventing equine gastric ulcers (EGUS). But high costs have limited access for many horse owners...

old Dancer crossed the finish line first at Aintree during the 2026 Grand National Festival… and moments later, he was dead. This horse racing tragedy has sparked major controversy across the sport. In this video, we break down exactly what happened to Gold Dancer in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase, analyzing the final fence incident, race footage, and steward decisions that are now being quest...

The Premier Jumping League (PJL) is a groundbreaking new $300 million global show jumping league that could completely transform the future of equestrian sport. In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the Premier Jumping League explained, including how it works, why it’s being compared to Formula 1 and major professional sports leagues, and what makes its guaranteed prize mo...

Is there an ethical crisis unfolding inside the performance horse industry? Behind the polished surfaces of dressage arenas, show jumping rings, and elite sales barns, veterinarians are facing increasing pressure—pressure that goes far beyond routine care. At the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, equine vets spoke openly about the growing conflict between horse welfare,...

Founder, also known as advanced laminitis, is one of the most devastating hoof conditions a horse can face. It doesn’t just cause temporary lameness—it can permanently change the structure of the hoof and impact a horse’s quality of life. In this video, we take a deep dive into what founder really is, how it develops from laminitis, and what’s happening inside the hoof when the laminae begin to fa...

🐴 **How do you properly fit a horse blanket?** In this video, we break down everything you need to know about **measuring, sizing, and fitting a blanket for your horse**—so you can keep your horse comfortable, protected, and rub-free all winter long. Whether you're a beginner or just want to make sure you're doing it right, we cover: ✔️ How to measure your horse for a blanket ✔️ Why blanket sizin...

Have you ever wondered why horseback riding lessons cost so much? 💰 Are trainers really making $100/hour… or is there more to the story? In this video, we break down the real cost of horse riding lessons—from feed and veterinary care to farrier bills, tack, facility maintenance, and the true expense of keeping lesson horses healthy and happy. Whether you're a beginner rider, a parent considering...

Was Jagerbomb really not good enough… or was he simply given the time most horses never get? In a sport where young horses are judged in seconds, Jagerbomb’s story is different. Bred, trained, and ridden by Becky Moody, this homebred dressage horse didn’t start out as a superstar. He lacked the extravagant movement that dominates modern dressage—and was nearly overlooked. But through patience, cla...

What if the future of horse sport wasn’t about medals, scores, or million-dollar horses—but about horse welfare, turnout, and real care? In this video, we explore Germany’s groundbreaking “Stable of the Year” competition, an initiative by the German Equestrian Federation that rewards stables based on horse welfare, species-appropriate husbandry, turnout, and ethical horse management—not competitio...

Managing PPID (Cushing’s disease) in horses can be life-changing—but medications like Prascend (pergolide) don’t come without side effects. In this video, we break down the most common reactions horse owners should watch for, including the “pergolide veil,” appetite loss, and behavioral changes. If you’ve ever wondered why your horse seems dull, off feed, or not quite themselves after starting tre...