Margaret River Horse & Pony Club Dressage Series

25/09/2026

This is your final reminder!

Enter via Nominate here: https://l1nq.com/goxuhpj

24/09/2026

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

Borrello Vineyards has more than delicious wines, they also have tasty snacks to pair with your new favourite drop!

Drop in a see them this weekend at 10406 Bussell Hwy, Witchcliffe from 11am this long weekend!

🍷🍾🧀🍝🍫

24/09/2026

Have you got your entry in?

Numbers are looking like we are going to have a lovely day of dressage!

Enter via Nominate here: https://l1nq.com/d9hxt3h

23/09/2026

Still thinking about entering Round 3 of our Dressage Series?

Make the most of this glorious riding weather and come enjoy a day with you and your horse!

There’s a prize for first place in every class, spot prizes, beautiful rosettes and rugs up for grabs.

A new a very special addition to this years series has been the Harmony Award sponsored by Huxley Equestrian - Lindsey Cowen. This award celebrates a horse/pony and rider partnership from Margaret River Horse & Pony Club that demonstrates a special connection, both in and out of the arena. 🫶

Our canteen will be epic! Pre or post ride, we will have you covered with treats that leaving you wanting more.

It’s a friendly atmosphere and a great chance to try a new level before next season, or ride a test that solidifies all your hard work and training.

We’d love to see you here Margaret River Horse & Pony Club

ENTER HERE: https://nominate.com.au/equestdn/Event.aspx?e=FE7D12F6A00B4950A1EFC58612316191&eventlist=2

21/09/2026

Don’t forget to enter Round 3 of our Dressage Series!

With beautiful rugs up for grabs, it’s also a great chance to dance in the sand with your horse, try a new level and enjoy a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Enter via Nominate: https://sl1nk.com/f20yxra

18/09/2026

On the 4th Oct from 12 o'clock, we’ll be hosting multiple sessions at our Cellar Door. Giving you the chance to roll up your sleeves, get involved and learn the secrets of making pasta the traditional way. This is an experience for all ages, and kids are very welcome to join in! Each session is de...

16/09/2026

16/09/2026

FEEDING A HORSE WITH EMS: TURN THE BAG AROUND

If your horse has Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), choosing a feed isn’t about what the front of the bag says, it’s about what’s actually in it.

These horses have an exaggerated insulin response to dietary sugars and starches, which can significantly increase their risk of laminitis.

A useful starting point is to choose feeds and forage with a combined sugar + starch content below 10%.

🔍 So what should you look for on the feed label?

Turn the bag around and look at the nutritional analysis.
You may see:
- Sugar / ESC: 5%
- Starch: 3%
Add them together:
- 5% + 3% = 8% ✅

That would generally be considered an appropriate carbohydrate level for a horse requiring a low-sugar, low-starch diet.

But watch the terminology. “Low starch”, “grain free”, “laminitis friendly” or “metabolic” on the front of the bag doesn't automatically mean the feed is suitable. Check the actual numbers.

🌱 And don't forget the biggest part of the diet — forage.

For most horses, hay and pasture contribute far more carbohydrate to the total diet than hard feed does. A beautifully formulated 8% feed won't protect an insulin-dysregulated horse that is consuming large amounts of high-sugar pasture.

Ideally, hay should be tested so we know its sugar and starch content. When appropriate, soaking hay can also help reduce water-soluble carbohydrates.

For overweight EMS horses, we also need to consider total calorie intake, not just sugar. Feeding a low-sugar product in excessive quantities can still prevent weight loss.

⚠️ Why are we so particular?

Insulin dysregulation is one of the most important risk factors for endocrinopathic laminitis. Nutrition, weight management and appropriate exercise, where safe, are therefore an important part of treatment, not just an optional extra.

Our simple rule when shopping for an EMS horse:
👉 Ignore the marketing
👉 Turn the bag around
👉 Find the sugar and starch and ensure it’s