Equestrian apprenticeships, and learn from eventing pros
Welcome
Hello and welcome to this week’s Wales Equestrian newsletter. From career opportunities and rescue stories to racing success, grassroots sport and upcoming events, here’s your weekly round-up from across the Welsh equestrian community.
Top news stories
🎓 Thinking of a horsey career in Wales? British Dressage has partnered with Coleg Cambria to offer equestrian apprenticeships for young riders aged 16 and over who are living and working in Wales. A great opportunity for anyone keen to turn their passion for horses into a profession.
Read more → https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/news/british-dressage-and-coleg-cambria-partner-to-expand-apprenticeship-opportunities/
🐴 A multi-agency rescue operation has safely moved six mules and two ponies who had been living on an exposed hillside in South Wales with very little shelter. The animals are now safe following coordinated action from welfare organisations.
Read more → https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/news/mules-rescued-from-welsh-hillside/
⚠️ A horse massage firm has been warned after fake diplomas bearing a Welsh Government logo were discovered. The case highlights the importance of checking qualifications when choosing equine therapy services.
Read more → https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjrzlg99e77o
🏇 Congratulations to Pembrokeshire-based racehorse trainer Becky Curtis, who has enjoyed another notable success on the track, continuing a strong period for Welsh trainers.
Read more → https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/star-welsh-trainers-40-000-233000171.html
🏇 Staying with racing, the Valleys are proving a rich source of jump jockeys. However, industry figures have warned that this success may not last unless opportunities and support are maintained.
Read more → https://www.telegraph.co.uk/racing/2026/01/26/welsh-jockeys-are-envy-of-racing-but-reckoning-is-coming/
🎆 Fireworks remain a major concern for horse owners. Cardiff has joined calls for stronger action to address the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and public safety.
Read more → https://www.walesequestrian.co.uk/news/cardiff-joins-calls-for-action-on-fireworks
🚛 North Wales-based Ifor Williams Trailers has teamed up with Stirling Trailer Centre to donate a top-of-the-range horsebox for an online fundraising raffle in aid of Equine Grass Sickness research.
Read more → https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/features/25766455.north-wales-trailer-firm-supports-deadly-horse-disease-research/
🏇 Endurance riding is thriving in Wales, with the Talybont Reservoir Endurance Ride selling out in under an hour. A strong sign of continued enthusiasm for the sport.
Read more → https://www.walesfarmer.co.uk/news/25795231.talybont-reservoir-endurance-ride-sells-hour/
🏆 Cotts Equine has been named Rural & Agricultural Business of the Year at the Swansea Bay Business Awards, recognising its contribution to the local equestrian and farming community.
Read more → https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/cotts-equine-named-rural-agricultural-business-of-the-year-at-swansea-bay-business-awards
🚨 Suspicious activity has been reported after a horse escaped from a stable yard in Flintshire. Horse owners are being urged to remain vigilant and review yard security.
Read more → https://www.deeside.com/suspicious-activity-reported-after-horse-escapes-from-flintshire-stable-yard/
🐎 The FEI has published a feature celebrating a North Wales stud’s lifetime commitment to the Welsh Pony, showcasing dedication to the breed and its future.
Read more → https://www.fei.org/stories/lifestyle/horse-human/ride-lifetime-commitment-welsh-pony
🛣️ In national news, MPs from across parties have united to stress the importance of horse and rider road safety, urging Government action to better protect equestrians.
Read more → https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/equestroan-road-safety-debate-parliament-2026-914558
Upcoming events
📅 The National Equine Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham, from 28 February to 1 March. Expect expert-led sessions, shopping, demonstrations and everything equestrian in between.
Event details → https://nationalequineshow.com
🎟️ Join North Wales-based star event rider Emily King and her mother, legendary Olympian Mary King, for an evening of insight and stories on Wednesday 18 February at Merrist Wood Arena, Surrey.
Event details → https://www.horseandrideruk.com/shop/an-evening-with-mary-and-emily-king/?mc_cid=9172fd3940&mc_eid=9dca5c2c58
Other interesting titbits
🏡 Property spotlight – An equestrian property with 6.77 acres and four stables is for sale on the outskirts of Maesybont, offering a tempting opportunity for horse owners seeking a semi-rural lifestyle.
View listing → https://www.southwalesguardian.co.uk/news/25790358.semi-rural-farmhouse-near-cross-hands-m4-links-sale/