Absolute Horse - November 2020/December 2020

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K ’M C - I E! PI UP RE F E

Absolute

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2020

Inside...

PRIZES WORTH OVER £850!

SEE CONTENTS PAGE FOR DETAILS

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Also Inside: CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

NOV/DEC

2020 ISSUE 347

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Though every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, PCD Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for the opinions expressed in the magazine. The opinions and technical information in the articles are those of the authors.

How to contact and connect with us...

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Rider Health & Welfare including exercise techniques from Clare Gangadeen Ashley Rossiter explains how to capture the perfect shot for your equine product Equine Careers including Abbi Grief, photographer Nutrition - including how to minimise the risk of digestive disturbances, winter wellness, and seasonal weight management advice Donna Case Equine Nutritionist - how to deal with a finicky horse

GIVEAWAYS & OFFERS 7 Ariat Saddle Snaps 11 Hawkins Organic bundle 16 Bumper Competition worth over £570!

21 Event bundle 25 Animal Health Company free delivery offer 67 Gladwells’ money-off reader offer

WHAT’S

INSIDE

FEATURES INCLUDE 4 News 8 Christmas Gift Guide 20 Petplan Equine Winter Area Festivals 21 Winter Health & Welfare including Equine Herpes Virus explained; compulsory microchipping concerns raised; how to stay safe on the yard; winter worm control; seasonal firework trauma; equine bedding; products for respiratory support; at-home massage techniques for your horse

Saddlery & Tack including reader questions answered, how to find a qualified saddle fitter, bridle fitting advice and different rein choices Event Reports Classifieds

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01473 731220

office@ahmagazine.com

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facebook.com/Absolute-Horse

#abfabnagmag

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PCD Media ( East Anglia) Ltd, Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS

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NEWS

TAKE ON THE ‘FEED RUN’ FOR HORSES IN NEED trap on your trainers or riding boots and help make a difference for horses in need this coming winter.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, in partnership with Spillers, is encouraging as many people as possible to run, horse ride, cycle, swim or walk 10km and help raise money towards essential feed for its 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Redwings is asking supporters to take on their own ‘Feed Run’ challenge and complete a 10km course of their choosing, in whatever way they like, either all at once or in sections.

To take part costs a donation of

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£10 – the approximate cost of a bag of horse feed – and each participant must nominate a friend to take on the challenge next! Those taking part are also welcome to encourage their family and friends to sponsor them to help raise further funds.

Every finisher will then be personally congratulated on

BIG CASH GIVEAWAY!

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arry Hall has recently announced a big cash giveaway.

“We’ve launched our very own ‘Golden Ticket’ campaign that will bring excitement, fun, prizes and more importantly cash to help equestrians,” explained Managing Director Liz Hopper. “You’ll get a Golden Ticket in your inbox every time you shop with us online up until the end of 30th November,” Liz outlined.

Each week hundreds of Golden Ticket holders will win cash and prizes and at the end of November a Grand Prize Draw for the big £1000 cash prize will be made. www.harryhall.com

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Redwings’ social media pages and will receive a special video ‘thank you’ from the horses they have helped.

Spillers has also generously pledged to donate 1kg of feed for every 1km completed, so not only will every participant be raising vital funds towards the care of Redwings’ horses, every step will be earning the charity valuable feed to support its herds! www.justgiving.com/ campaign/redwings-feed-run

DIARY DATE:

he Anne Bullen Exhibition is running from 1st - 19th December 2020 at the Osborne Studio Gallery, London.

Admission to the gallery is free. www.osg.uk.com

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NEW BEVA PRESIDENT ucy Grieve MA, VetMB, MRCVS, an ambulatory assistant at Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Newmarket, has been appointed as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) for 2020/21.

Lucy is particularly interested in equine obesity and weight management and was instrumental in helping to set up a pilot project earlier this year to help owners positively recognise and address weight problems. Building on this initiative will be central to Lucy’s Presidency.

“Obesity is one of the biggest problems facing equine welfare in the UK but a significant proportion of owners still don’t recognise that their horse is overweight.

We have been looking at new ways to engage with horse owners and are currently assessing the results of our pilot project which revolved around careful veterinary interaction with clients on the topic during vaccination visits.” www.beva.org.uk

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LIFE DURING LOCKDOWN:

YOUNG RIDERS EXCEL wo locally-based youngsters, Sonny Northover-Dodd 6-years-old and his sister Tallulah aged 4, have both learnt to ride during lockdown.

Their first competition was a hunter trial with the East Essex Pony Club at Stratford Hills. Tallulah was cautious and missed out the biggest two jumps but flew around the rest, while Sonny threw caution to the wind and went for the whole course resulting in the win with his first, first rosette and prize!

“Thanks go to Simon and Juliet Francis for the privilege of loaning their precious Twinkle,” said mum, Vicki-May.

ttending your end-of-year prom in a beautiful dress is something that every girl dreams of, and local rider Bonnie is no exception.

Bonnie, aged 16, has always dreamed of riding her precious horse Blue to prom, however due to the pandemic her end-ofschool leavers prom was cancelled.

Along with her step-mum Carla, Bonnie had spent all of 2019 saving up for a special dress so that she could feel like a princess on her prom night. So when news of the prom cancellation reached her, Bonnie was heartbroken.

However, knowing how upset Bonnie was, Carla comissioned a very special photoshoot instead. Photographers Reggie and Lauren Allen, from R & L Photography, were contacted by Carla.

“Carla didn't want Bonnie’s dress to go waste, and she knew she couldn’t get a single photo of her riding Blue to prom, so she contacted us with the idea of a photoshoot with Bonnie dressed up with Blue so that they could at least get some photos together,” explained Lauren.

“We made Bonnie’s year, however the reactions that they have received from the wider equestrian community have been incredible as a link that Carla shared with a group on social media has received over 22,000 likes and over a 1,700 comments!”

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Photo: ARDS Photographic

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Left: Talullah pictured during her first hunter trial competition. Above: Sonny and Twinkle on course to securing their first win.

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NEWS Sarah Veale, Georgie’s mother, said: “I am incredibly proud of Georgie and what she has achieved raising money for the hospice, which means so much to us after her father spent his last days there.

It has involved a huge amount of organisation on her part and getting the horses fit over the summer too.

“It was wonderful for us to see her and her brother, Edward leaving the yard on Saturday morning and to see them riding together along Holkham beach at the end was very emotional too.”

22-year-old woman has a-day, friends and family came various stables to recuperate Celia Joseph, Community completed an epic 200- out in support along the way, which were kindly offered by Relationships Fundraising mile horse ride along before they reached their supporters en route.

Manager, added: “Many the East Anglian coast in destination at Holkham, in The route saw the group ride congratulations to Georgie, memory of her late father Norfolk, on 11th September. past some of East Anglian’s Plum and everyone involved in while fundraising for St Georgie, said: “It feels amazing,I iconic towns and landmarks, this fantastic achievement!

Elizabeth Hospice. can’t quite believe it has finished including Aldeburgh, Southwold “It is fantastic to see the support After a week of riding along the and everything went to plan. We lighthouse as well as seeing that Georgie has had not only region’s coastline, Georgie Veale were so lucky with the weather seals along the coast at Great from family and friends, but the and her 19-year-old, former and I know Daddy was definitely Yarmouth, before reaching their local community; we would like show horse, Plum, have raised looking down on us! destination on the stunning to thank them all and for more than £13,000 for the “When my brother and I hit beaches of Holkham. helping Georgie achieve this independent Suffolk charity, Holkham beach we didn’t just “The ride was absolutely incredible amount to support who cared for her father Jonnie have the adrenaline of finishing amazing albeit very tiring! the hospice’s work.”

Veale when he passed away and seeing friends and family Those who kindly offered us St Elizabeth Hospice is an from cancer ten years ago. who were there to greet us, but stables were all incredibly independent Suffolk charity Starting their journey from Eyke, we also had the overwhelming generous with their time and providing free services to Suffolk, on 5th September, excitement of hitting £10,000 facilities, making our evening improve life for people living Georgie and Plum were joined by which just made the finish that stops very enjoyable, so thank with a progressive or lifeher brother Edward and horse much better!” you to everyone who helped out limiting illness throughout Peter, a retired police horse lent A keen horse rider, Georgie took along the way,” explained Suffolk, in partnership with the by their sponsors Happy Horse inspiration for the epic challenge Georgie. social enterprise, East Coast Saddlery and Ryder-Davies & from her grandmother Angela “As a family, we are especially Community Healthcare.

Partners. While throughout the Veale, who participated in a touched by everyone’s To donate towards Georgie ride Georgie was also joined by sponsored charity horse ride donations and messages. We are Veale’s challenge visit her friend Lara Bell, her mother from Land’s End to John overwhelmed by kind messages www.justgiving.com/ Sarah and Ben Ryder-Davies for O’Groats in 1948. from those who knew Daddy fundraising/georgie-veale. further support.

Along their journey Georgie and and those who are supportive of www.stelizabeth Riding on average twenty miles- Plum stopped overnight at the challenge and cause.” hospice.org.uk

OVER £13,000 RAISED AFTER 200-MILE COASTAL RIDE

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COMPETITION

SADDLE

SNAPS

- Emma Reedman

Well they say the grass is greener on the other side...I wonder if it’s the same for the water?

- Natalie Roper

“You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!”

- Ellie Goodwin

Na Na Na Na Naaaa!

EACH ISSUE AN ABSOLUTE HORSE READER WILL WIN A PAIR OF

ARIAT BURFORD BOOTS worth £130!

Sponsored by - Jodie Teather

- Michelle Downes

Hector, a complete gent!

- Mireille Rowland

“You better get out of here..the vet is coming!”

Ali’s best rhino impression

- Natalie Ann Romani

When in doubt, stick the tongue out!

WINNER! WINNER!

- Jade Blanchflower

George thinks he’s funny.

- Val Perry

“Oh no, there goes my field credibility!”

“Even though I’m Irish, I still find River Dance quite challenging!”

Jacki Williamson

ENTRY IS EASY. SIMPLY EMAIL A CANDID PHOTO OF YOUR HORSE TO

snaps@ ahmagazine.com

DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS AND A CAPTION TO YOUR IMAGE. THE BEST PHOTO AND CAPTION WINS THE BOOTS!

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Nova White Gold Topaz Infinity Necklace. RRP: £295. www.emilymortimer.co.uk

Wildflower Necklace. RRP: £109. www.pureshorejewellery.com

r e H r o F

Wanderlust Gold Heart Huggies. RRP: £30 each. www.emilymortimer.co.uk Audaz Polo Belt. RRP: £65. www.pampeano.co.uk Sofia Hat in Tan. RRP: £59.95. www.schoffelcountry.com

Cashmere V-Neck Jumper.

RRP: £99. www.lineaazzurro.com

Forton Belt Front Cut-Out. RRP: £130. www.touchoftweed.co.uk Kensington Round Neck Jumper. RRP: £99. www.whaleofatimeclothing.com The Salisbury. RRP: £175. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

Padded Hairband. RRP: £25. www.waringbrooke.com

Tweed Riding Jacket. RRP: £349. www.holland cooper.com

Leather and Steel Wristband.

Can be personalised. RRP: £20. www.gyow.org.uk

Leather Hayley Hanson Pumpkin Bag. RRP: £225. www.hayley hanson.co.uk The Blair. RRP: £250. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

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EM Exclusive Gold Beaded Chain. RRP: from £35. www.emilymortimer.co.uk The Union Tweed Skirt.

RRP £145. www.maude andfox.com Tweed Culottes Loden Green Herringbone Tweed. RRP: £229.95. www.schoffel country.com

Top: Kensington Round Neck Jumper.

RRP: £99.

Kensington Roll Neck Jumper.

RRP: £105. www.whaleofa timeclothing.com

The Elizabeth Gilet. RRP: £475. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

Ariat Wexford H2O. RRP: £160. www.ariat.com/gb/en

Padded Hairband. RRP: £25. www.waringbrooke.com

Ferrari in pink suede.

RRP: £199.95. www.keithscarrott.co.uk

Pantherella scarves collection.

RRP: from £80-£190. www.pantherella.com Alpaca Bed Socks.

RRP: from £14. www.tomlane.co Rialto in leopard.

RRP: £379.95. www.keithscarrott.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Ariat Carden.

RRP: £300. www.ariat.com /gb/en Salisbury purse. RRP: £155. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

The Bomber.

RRP: £195. www.annabel brocks.com

Nourish Sweatshirts. RRP: £35, Rainbow Sweatshirts.

RRP: £65 - with £10 from every purchase being donated to cancer charities. www.annabelbrocks.com

Cosmo Silver Star Hoops. RRP: £125. www.emily mortimer.co.uk

Zelah Unisex Sweatshirt.

RRP: £45. www.paddockapparel.co.uk

Volt 2.0 Reflective Jacket.

RRP: £145. www.ariat.com/gb/en

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EM Exclusive Silver Rope Bracelet. RRP: £45. www.emily mortimer.co.uk

Polo Belt. RRP: £65. www.pampeano.co.uk

Diamonte Stirrup Belt. RRP: £149. www.hollandcooper.com

Vitale in brown.

RRP: £199.95. www.keith scarrott.co.uk

Personalised monogram scarf.

RRP: £65. www.waringbrooke.com

Grub’s Boots Ultra-Lightweight Tideline. RRP: £74.95. www.grubswarehouse.com

Ladies Ptarmigan Tweed Coat Sussex Tweed. RRP: £649.95. .www.schoffelcountry.com

WIN! WIN! ONE LUCKY READER

Cashmere wrap. RRP: £99. www.lineaazzurro.com

TO WIN A PRIZE BUNDLE FROM

Hybrid Sports Puffer. RRP: £179. www.hollandcooper.com

Polo Belt. RRP: £65. www.pampeano.co.uk

Hawkins Organic promote the use of high quality organic ingredients through their natural grooming products for horses, hounds and humans.

Without any nasty chemicals the founders, Belle and Mike, pride themselves on creating products which are kind and effective.

We’ve teamed up with Hawkins Organic for this fantastic competition where one reader will win Hawkins Organic branded clothing and a gift voucher (voucher valid for 6 months) including riding socks, baseball cap, baselayer and voucher for £60! www.hawkinsorganic.com

Cashmere Scoop Neck Jumper. RRP: £99. www.linea azzurro.com

Nessa Ladies Sweatshirt.

RRP: £40. www.paddock apparel.co.uk

Personalised monogram bobble hat. RRP: £35. www.waringbrooke.com

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st November 2020 and close 31st December 2020.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Snaffle Belt. RRP: £32.95. www.equetech.com Southwold canvas tote. RRP: £175. www.annabel brocks.com

Handcrafted sterling silver torque bangle with choice of sterling silver or solid gold charms and also the option to add a personalised disc.

RRP: from £100. www.thesilverstable.co.uk

HJ Hall AW20 Festive sock collection. RRP: £3.50. www.hj.co.uk

Sheepskin Boudica Shearling Lined Boot. RRP: £245. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

Equetech Revive Long Coat. RRP: £159.95. www.equetech.com

Wool Blend Cable Knit Bobble Hat. RRP: £35. www.holland cooper.com

Brantham Fedora. RRP: £59.

Oxley Fedora in Black. RRP: £79. www.hicksandbrown.com The Red Jack Patriot Skirt.

RRP £145. www.maudeandfox.com

Wine Fedora paired with a bespoke feather pin. RRP: £100.00 (for both). www.hayfieldengland.com The Rockingham. RRP: £315. www.fairfaxandfavor.com Halden Sweatshirt. RRP: £125. www.touchoftweed.co.uk

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Derby Tall boot. RRP: £110. www.muckboot company.co.uk

Horse and Pony

Panel Base Layer. RRP: £79. www.hollandcooper.com

Pamper Hampers!

Ideal Christmas and special occasion present!

The hampers come beautifully gift wrapped in a shrink wrap Tubtrug, with satin ribbon and bow.

Mochara Half Zip Sweatshirt. RRP: £35. www.mochara.co.uk

All hampers available in Pink or Blue theme and all products are quality branded items.

Hampers designed for both child and adult horse lovers, and a new range for chicken lovers!

PRICES START FROM JUST £31.99 INCLUDING POSTAGE TO ANY UK ADDRESS

www.horseyhampers.com www.facebook.com/a.akersltd/ Contact A.Akers Limited 07887 747967

Prevail Insulated Full Seat Tight. RRP: £95. www.ariat.com/gb/en Panel Legging. RRP: £79. www.hollandcooper.com

Dexter Recycled Trackpant Breeches. RRP: £89.99. www.dvrequestrian.com

Equestrian Technical Base Layer. RRP: £40. www.mochara.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Dublin Thermal Riding Gloves. RRP: £15.

Dublin 3-Pack Socks.

RRP: £11.95.

Lemieux Footsies.

RRP: £8.95.

Weatherbeeta Comfitec Classic Combo Neck.

RRP: £89.

Dublin Amy MidLength Waterproof Parka. RRP: £89.

All products shown on this page are available from www.broomfields-farm.co.uk

Hy Blizzard Childs Winter Riding Tights. RRP £37.99.

Junior X-Air Dazzle Plus Rose Gold. RRP: £99.

Wrendale ‘Some Bunny’ Cosmetic Bag. RRP: £14.

Wrendale ‘A Dog’s Life’ Cosmetic Bag. RRP: £20.

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Dublin River Boots. RRP:£130.

Weatherbeeta Comfitec Premier Free Parka Deluxe Dog Coat. RRP: £35.

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WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! BUMPER COMPETITION!

ONE LUCKY READER TO WIN ALL OF THESE Win!

£50 TO SPEND WITH DRESSAGE ANYWHERE! Dressage Anywhere is giving away a gift voucher worth £50 for you to spend on the competition and training classes you want on their incredible online platform.

Designed to allow people to train and compete wherever they are, Dressage Anywhere uses BD list 1 and 2 Judges across an array of BD, Pony Club, RDA and other classes. Dressage Anywhere can be used alongside traditional competitions and training or on its own with championships, prizes and rosettes awarded in the competition classes. www.dressageanywhere.com

Win!

EQUITATION NATION WINTER PINK FRIESIAN SWEATSHIRT FROM HONEST RIDERS! Stay snug and look gorgeous in Honest Riders’ new Friesian Sweatshirt.

Made using 100% organic cotton, Equitation Nation features a gunmetal grey logo with subtle sparkles, crew neck design, is super soft inside and out… it is worth £49, and when bought, £5 from each sale goes to World Horse Welfare too. www.honestriders.co.uk

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Win!

TITA EQUESTRIAN JEANS FROM GEORGIAN DOLLAR!

New from Georgian Dollar, Tita Equestrian Jeans are made using the same soft, stretchy, comfortable denim as the best selling Sietas, but in black with a sleek red stripe for extra wow!

With discreet silicone grip, five stylish pockets, smooth Lycra ankle cuff and fly zip. Finished with Georgian Dollar branding. These jeans are worth £92. www.georgiandollar.co.uk

Win!

A REMOTE DIET CONSULTATION FROM THE HORSE FEED GURU!

Have your horse’s diet assessed and improved by Absolute Horse’s resident horse feed expert, Donna Case.

Donna will send a pre consultation questionnaire and then discuss your horse’s diet, issues, workload, lifestage, condition and concerns with you through Zoom or Skype before putting together an emailed report with her expert recommendations.

Such a great way to start the year.

This prize is worth £55. www.thehorse feedguru.com

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! Fantastic Prizes!

Win!

HORSESHOE & OAK BOOKENDS FROM HORSESHOE HEARTS!

A full set of genuine, used, lucky horseshoes - hand cleaned and polished., mounted on beautiful light oak bases. Small pony shoe sized - perfect for keeping paperbacks safely on shelves. This prize is worth £68. www.horseshoehearts.co.uk

Win!

A BUNDLE INCLUDING KNITTED HEADBAND, DREAMERS & SCHEMERS SOCKS, AND A C4 BELT FROM Q DRESSAGE! Q Dressage, the home of high quality, functional accessories for dressage lovers, is giving away one amazing bundle including a knitted headband with snug fleece lining in the colour of your choice, a pair of fun Dreamers & Schemers socks in a design of your choice, and a C4 standard or skinny belt, again, in the colour/design of your choice!

This prize is worth £51. www.qdressage.com

Win!

Win!

TECH LEGGINGS AND ZIPPED BASELAYER IN CHARCOAL FROM STOCKINJUR! Stockinjur’s Tech Collection combines function and comfort effortlessly - and the Zipped Baselayer and Tech Leggings show just how well!

Both items are made using high-end muscular compression Lycra to support athletic performance while still being flexible, soft and wicking away moisture. The leggings are finished with a deep leg pocket with rose gold detailing, with the matching baselayer having raglan sleeves, close fitting design, and a rose gold zip too. This prize is worth £74. www.stockinjur.com

CLASSIC LADIES COVERALL FROM 3 DONKEYS!

The original 3 Donkeys ladies 2-into-1 work coverall has been designed to protect your clothing from the dirtiest jobs. Made from hardwearing fabric, the coveralls have a waist zip which means that the jacket and trousers can be worn on their own, or together. The Classic Coverall has lots of features including elasticated cuffs, pockets, toggle waist adjustment and more.

This prize is worth £135. www.3donkeys.co.uk To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page.

Entries open 1st November 2020 and close 31st December 2020.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

e s r o H r u o Y r Fo High Visibility Stretch and Breathe Fly Veil. RRP: £22.99. www.dvrequestrian.com Winter Warmer post exercise wash. RRP: £9.95/500ml (also available in 250ml, 1lt, 2.5lt and 5lt). www.hawkins organic.com

My Horsy Life – an unconventional equine memoir.

A personal and often hilarious memoir of the author's five decades spent with equines – including teaching riding and working for a top-class donkey stud, as well as twenty years as an equine journalist and editor.

RRP: £14.99. www.troubador.co.uk

KellyJ Leather’s Dual Padding Bridle. RRP: £450. www.kellyjleather.co.uk

Argentine Saddle Blanket in Burgundy. RRP: £29. www.pampeano.co.uk

The Ultimate Finish Gift Box. RRP: £60. www.hoovesandlove.co.uk

Mercury Wraparound rug. RRP: £74.99. www.equisafety.com

Core Stable Rug. RRP: £80. www.yaris equestrian.co.uk Power Pad Single.

RRP: from £35. www.yaris equestrian.co.uk

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In Praise Of Famous Horses - An A-Z of the Most Celebrated in History and Culture, Myth and Sport by Sean Magee.

RRP: £16.99. www.orionbooks.co.uk

Picnic Blanket in Forest Tweed.

RRP: £149.95. www.schoffelcountry.com

Equine Illustrative Baubles.

RRP: from £8. www.gyow.org.uk

Cock Pheasant Christmas Wreath. RRP: from £45. www.plucking fabulous.co.uk

r u o Y r Fo Home Vintage Luxury Linen Equestrian Cushions. RRP £32.95. www.keylimedesign.co.uk

Black Stallion Horse Bone China Christmas Decoration. RRP £14.50.

Cross Country 3-Day Event Horse Bone China Mug. RRP £12.50. www.gabriellashaw ceramics.com

‘Time for a Cuppa’ Gift Box. RRP: £25. www.hoovesandlove.co.uk

Pack of 10 ‘Lady and Holly Blue’ cards with envelopes RRP: £4.50.

Horses 2021 A5 Horse Diary RRP: £4; Horses Square Calendar RRP: £5; Redwings Wheat Straw Pen RRP: £3 each. Christmas Frolics Gift Wrap RRP: £4. Proceeds from all sales go towards the care of the 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. www.redwings.org.uk/shop

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SPECIAL REPORT

PETPLAN EQUINE

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or many riders around the country their winter qualifying campaign will be firmly focused on one major goal: the Petplan Equine Winter Area Festivals.

For the last twenty-one years, the Petplan Equine Area Festivals have grown exponentially, from small beginnings, with only 555 competitors taking part in 2000 to an impressive 4,132 riders strutting their stuff down the centre line during the 2019 series. It is now the most participated in competition hosted by British Dressage.

The series has opened doors and influenced many top equine careers and as competition recommences, Petplan Equine and British Dressage are gearing up for the Winter Area Festivals

and qualification is in full swing.

KATY LIBRERI’S Area Festival Journey Essex based Katy has always had her sights set on the Petplan Equine Area Festivals and qualified previously with her two horses, Victory Through Harmony (Finnegan) and Highdale Spellbound (Willow).

Katy is now looking forward to qualifying for the Winter Area Festivals with her young mare Fürst Temptation (Theia).

“Finnegan and I qualified in 2016 for the Petplan Equine Area Festivals at Prelim level,” begins Katy. “Unfortunately, we were unable to attend and sadly, soon after, we made the decision to semi-retire him.

However, I didn’t lose faith and in 2018, I qualified again with my little pocket rocket Willow

and we headed to Speedgate Farm to try and qualify for a place at the Championships.

“Willow is brilliant and really holds her own in the dressage area. However, we did have a stroke of bad luck last year as she had to undergo surgery for kissing spine. She has recovered well, but it did mean she had nearly a year off.

“Whilst Willow recuperated, I took on Theia and I am really excited to see where our partnership takes us. She is still quite green, especially inside the dressage boards but she has loads of potential. Obviously our competition schedule hit an unexpected bump in the road with the Covid-19 pandemic, so she was quite spooky during our first test at a recent

Photo: ARDS Photographic

WINTER AREA FESTIVALS Katy and Theia

competition, but our second test of the day was so much better and we finished on a score of 64%. I was really pleased, considering she doesn’t have very much competition experience, as she’s only five.

“I really like the Area Festivals and they are a great venture for an amateur rider like me.

Everyone is always so kind and supportive and I never feel out of place. I am hoping to pick up a few more points with Theia over the next few weeks and qualify for the Petplan Equine

Katy and Willow

Katy and Fin

Katy has her own social channel which documents her journey with her horses, it can be found on Facebook at @teamlibreri

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Winter Area Festivals. I know anything is possible and I have an amazing support network so I would love to do them proud!” concludes Katy.

Solihull Equestrian Centre 16th 17th January; Gordon Dressage Group @ The Cabin – HALF* 16th – 17th January; Vale View Equestrian 23rd - 24th January; Northallerton EC 28th - 31st The Competition January; Keysoe 29th - 31st The Petplan Equine Area January; Prestige Equestrian 4th Festivals consist of a Summer 6th February; Aintree and Winter series for Bronze and International 4th - 7th February; Silver combinations. For the Parwood Equestrian Centre 4th Winter series, qualification has 7th February; Morris Equestrian already started and runs through Centre 10th 14th February; until December 2020 with the Kingston Maurward College Area Festivals taking place in 13th - 15th February; Beacons January and February.

Equestrian Centre – HALF* 13th Qualification for the Summer series will then begin in January – 15th February; Speedgate 2021 and will run through until (change of venue from Blue June. The Area Festivals will take Barn Equestrian Centre) 18th 21st February. place in July and August. Both Combinations who are placed in series will conclude with a the top two will earn a coveted Championship. spot at the Petplan Equine Area How To Get Involved Festival Winter Championships Competitors have until 31st at Hartpury College in December 2020 for to qualify for Gloucestershire, scheduled for the Petplan Equine Winter Area 14th – 18th April 2021*. The Festivals. Based on a points ‘half’ opportunities are available system, riders can take part in for riders competing at venues Prelim to Intermedia I classes, in in Scotland and Wales. These the Bronze and Silver sections. shows will run as the others, but Points are earned at British qualification to the Dressage shows and each of the Championships will be for the levels have different winners only. requirements (See table 1). *Please be aware dates are subject to change.

Points are earned according to your percentage scored, as per To find out more about the the British Dressage members’ Area Festivals and for training handbook.

Qualified riders can then head to tips and expert advice to help you prepare, visit one of twelve Area Festivals around the country and they are www.petplanequine.co.uk/ area-festivals as follows: Table 1

Prelim – Elementary Medium – Advanced Medium PSG – Inter I

Bronze 7 4 2

Silver 9 6 4

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ARE YOU AWARE OF THE RISKS OF

EQUINE HERPES VIRUS? espiratory disease is one of the most significant causes of poor performance in sports horses and young horses are most susceptible to infection.

Respiratory diseases are highly contagious and can pass rapidly from horse to horse, especially when horses are mixing in close contact. Horses at greater risk are those who are regularly out and about at equine events and those at yards with frequent movement of horses, says Zoetis Vet Dr Wendy Talbot.1,2

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to minimise the risks to our horses.1,3,4

What is Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)?

EHV is related to human cold sores, chicken pox and shingles viruses. It can cause respiratory disease, abortion and neurological disease.5 Just like the human viruses, EHV lies dormant (latent infection) in the horse after it recovers but the infection remains in their body with no clinical signs. EHV can reactivate at any time and spread to other horses.

Flu isn’t the only Reactivation often occurs during infectious respiratory stressful conditions or a period disease of fatigue such as during You are probably familiar with transport, strenuous exercise or equine influenza, which can mixing at equine events.3 cause serious illness especially in Reactivation results in the virus unvaccinated, young or ill horses being released into the but there is another common environment (‘viral shedding’) infectious respiratory disease spreading the virus from horse that you may not yet have heard to horse across the entire yard.5 about – Equine Herpes Virus How is EHV (EHV). The lethargy caused by transmitted?

EHV can affect performance and EHV can be transmitted by direct result in a loss of days in work horse-to-horse contact such as and competition, but there are nose-to-nose touching and by some simple steps we can take nasal or ocular discharge, which

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can travel through the air over short distances. It can also be spread by sharing infected equipment, including wheelbarrows, brushes and buckets and via the hands and clothes of people who have been in contact with infected horses.6

What are the symptoms of EHV? The symptoms of EHV can be very similar to equine flu such as a high temperature, snotty or runny nose, dry cough, lethargy, loss of appetite and swollen neck glands. It can also cause abortion in pregnant mares.

Nervous system problems are less common but can result in the horse appearing weak and wobbly on its hind legs, often accompanied by urinary incontinence.2 How can I reduce the risks of EHV? Reducing the spread of Equine Herpes Virus through management, as well as vaccination, is important for disease control. As with flu, rigorous hygiene and isolation

protocols (known as ‘biosecurity’) are imperative to help minimise the risks of EHV spreading; don’t let your horse touch or get too close to other horses, don’t share equipment, buckets or stables at your yard or at competition venues, and quarantine all new horses for a minimum of ten days.

Remember that humans can spread EHV indirectly via their hands or clothing if they have been in contact with an infected horse.5,6 It’s also important not to mix unvaccinated horses with vaccinated ones to provide the best level of protection.4 Vaccination Vaccination against EHV is important because it helps tip the balance in favour of the horse’s immune system. It reduces viral shedding, the severity and spread of the respiratory disease and the frequency of abortion.4

If you think any of your horses may have any symptoms of infectious respiratory disease, isolate them immediately and contact your vet to discuss the next course of action. In most cases horses will make a good recovery from EHV respiratory disease, but the prognosis is guarded for those with EHV neurological disease.2 www.horsedialog.co.uk/ equineherpes

1. Davis E. Disorders of the respiratory system. In: Reed, Bayly WM, Sellon DC, eds. Equine Internal Medicine, 4th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2018: 313- 386. 2. Allen GP. Respiratory Infections by Equine Herpesvirus Types 1 and 4. International Veterinary Information Service. 2002. 3. Slater J. Equine Herpesviruses. Eds, Sellon DC and Long MT. Equine Infectious Diseases, Chapter 14. 2nd Edition. Saunders, St Louis, Missouri. 2014, 151-168. 4. Ivens P, Rendle D, Kydd J, Crabtree J, Moore S, Neal H, Knapp S, Bryant N, Newton JR. Equine Herpesviruses: A Roundtable Discussion. UK Vet Equine, July/Aug. 2019. 5. Slater J. What is Equine Herpes Virus? Accessed August 2019. https://www.horsedialog.co.uk/Health/WhatisEHV.aspx. 6. Epidemic disease caused by equine herpesvirus-1: recommendations for prevention and control. Allen, G. P. Equine Veterinary Education; 14(3):136-142. 2002.

WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING:

WON’T STOP HORSE WELFARE CATASTROPHE, FEARS RSPCA

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lthough the RSPCA welcomes the change in the law to make microchipping of all equines mandatory irrespective of age, as it is for dogs, it warns the move is not enough alone to tackle irresponsible breeders and owners at the heart of the equine crisis, which has now raged for eight years.

At the same time, many animal welfare organisations have seen donations plummet during the pandemic, and there is already huge pressure on resources.

Animal welfare charities received no specific financial help during lockdown and the RSPCA is calling on the government to give financial support to the sector for its vital work during one of toughest years in RSPCA history.

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA said: “New legislation demanding compulsory microchipping of all horses irrespective of age has come into effect in England; currently around 70% of the horses we rescue are not

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microchipped. seams and facing “When it came in for dogs, the unprecedented challenges due number of strays reduced by to the pandemic.

20% in four years, but “Equine charities fear that unfortunately we just don’t winter will create the perfect think that’s going to happen for storm as grazing decreases, the horses. Without rigorous end of furlough and the enforcement and tough deepening recession will see financial penalties, there is little more owners struggling with to stop irresponsible horse costs of care leading to neglect owners continuing to breed and and abandonment, yet people dump their animals. Local have been continuing to breed authorities, who horses despite are in charge of ...winter will create the Covid. Alongside perfect storm as enforcement of this, equine equine grazing decreases, the rescues, already identification end of furlough and reporting a sharp regulations, are drop in funds, may the deepening already operating start to go under recession will see more as the financial with extremely limited resources owners struggling... situation bites, and are facing the which will increase huge challenges of Covid, the the burden on the RSPCA.” recession and Brexit.

A recent Covid crisis impact “The RSPCA and other equine survey by the National Equine welfare organisations have been Welfare Council and Association struggling to pick up the pieces of Dogs and Cats Homes of the horse crisis since the last revealed nearly two thirds of recession and as we enter what equine rescues reported a could be the biggest financial greater than 50% drop in downturn of a generation, the donations to the equine rescue sector is already bursting at the charity sector, leaving the

majority of organisations reporting that they only had funds for six months or did not know how long their funds would last.

Chair of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), Nicolas de Brauwere MRCVS, said: “The Animal Welfare Acts are excellent tools to support both prevention of equine suffering and intervention when this has already occurred, but to be effective we need the owner of the horse to be identifiedotherwise the only option for animal welfare charities is to treat the animal as abandoned, which incurs huge cost to organisations relying solely on donations from the general public to carry out their work.

“Since equine identification legislation has come into effect, and especially now that all equines in England should be microchipped from 1st October onwards (from 12th February 2021 for Wales), we have the tools needed to associate all equines with an owner. But the system is in its infancy and is also playing catchup with a large number of equines not properly documented. Local authorities, not animal welfare charities, have the power to enforce the regulations. NEWC are very keen to launch conversations with them about how we can work together and support them in their bid to gain the capacity to do this work, so that we see the welfare improvement that these equine identification changes promise.” www.rspca.org.uk/ coronavirus

WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

This Winter...

STAYING SAFE ON THE YARD

he past few months have seen everyone have to adapt to a new way of doing things in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. With the onset of winter and a rise in cases, it is more important than ever to continue following good hygiene practices both at the yard and whilst away from home competing.

Spending time outdoors with your horse is great for boosting your mental wellbeing, but we all have a responsibility to ensure we are taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

Most livery yards will have a procedure in place to ensure they are as Covid-secure as possible, however it is important to not let complacency creep in and to make sure your biosecurity is sufficient to protect each other. After all, you wouldn’t let standards slip if you were protecting the equine residents of your yard from an outbreak of strangles.

‘Hands, Face, Space’ is a mantra

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we are all used to now, and is something that we can all adhere to when at the yard.

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to keep hands hygienic but this might not be possible on every yard.

If it isn’t possible, ensure there is plenty of hand sanitiser dotted around the yard.

FastAid 70% IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) Hand Disinfectant from Robinson Healthcare is ideal for keeping your hands sanitised at the yard and when away from home at events.

It kills many enveloped viruses, such as Covid-19, bacteria and other dangerous organisms quickly whilst still moisturising the hands.

As the virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth, it is important to not touch your face with contaminated hands. This shouldn’t be too difficult when at the stables as most horse owners wouldn’t want to touch their face just after mucking out! That being said, it doesn’t

hurt to remind everyone from time to time.

The two metre rule looks set to be with us for some time, so remember to keep your distance and make enough space between you and anyone that is not from your household.

If you keep your horse on DIY livery it is likely that there will be multiple people using the same equipment, such as mucking out forks and wheelbarrows. In an ideal situation everyone would have their own equipment that was solely for their use, but if this is not the case all handles should be thoroughly disinfected after every use.

FastAid Surface Disinfectant Wipes from Robinson Healthcare come in hygienic

single use packaging and are ideal for keeping at the yard to wipe down any equipment and frequently touched areas, such as metal gates and stable doors.

Any communal areas such as kitchens should also be kept spotless and social-distancing measures adhered to at all times when using the facilities.

As we move into winter it’s inevitable that at some point people will fall ill with coughs and colds. Try to have a plan in place and join forces with other liveries to ensure that if someone is ill they don’t need to come to the yard to take care of their horse.

For anyone lucky enough to still be out and about competing make sure that you apply the same rules when away from the yard, and ensure that you are up-to-date with all the latest guidelines from the relevant governing bodies. www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Which Wound Dressings

FIRST AID KIT?

SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR

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ound dressings are a vital part of any first aid kit and it’s important that your kit contains the right dressings for different injuries.

First aid kits need products to treat minor wounds or injuries, as anything more serious will need veterinary attention.

Dressings provide a physical barrier to help keep microorganisms out and maintain thermal insulation, but they must still allow gaseous exchange.

Non-adherent dressings,

which means the dressing doesn’t stick to the wound, should be used on open or infected wounds accompanied by high levels of exudates, whereas low to medium exudating wounds can be dressed with low-adherent dressings.

It is important that when a dressing needs to be removed it can be done easily, without causing trauma, and that it does not leave any foreign particles behind.

All dressings must be non-toxic, non-allergenic and suitable for the wound as no single dressing is appropriate for all wound

types and all stages of healing.

When treating a wound, it is vital to ensure that all wound care products are sterile to avoid contamination in the process of dressing, especially as they come into direct contact with the wound.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to include dressings in a range of different sizes to avoid having to cut down to size, as any unnecessary handling could contaminate the dressing and increase the risk of infection. www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Skintact is a low-adherent wound dressing that is ideal for minor wounds with low to medium exudate. It is also double-sided and therefore impossible to use the wrong side down! Two layers of perforated film, with an inner absorbent layer provide superior wicking qualities that reduce the frequency of dressing changes.

Suggested Products...

Activate Carbon Dressing is suitable for cleansing and healing open and infected wounds. This multi-layered dressing incorporates activated carbon which has been found to attract and absorb bacteria into the dressing, keeping contamination away from the wound surface. www.robinsonhealthcare.com Dermagel - Ideal to use on high mobility, sensitive areas, and locations that don’t allow bandaging or suturing. It creates a protective barrier on wounds, provides bacterial control, encourages hair re-growth and skin smoothness.

RRP: £16.99/100ml. Also available in a spray. www.equine-america.co.uk

Fungatrol Cream aids in assisting flaky, scabby and cracked skin against fungal and bacterial infections.

Also available Fungatrol Spray and Fungatrol Body Wash.

RRP: £17.99/500ml. www.equine-america.co.uk

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SHEATH WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

CLEANING: ?

Why Bother

CHRISTINE WONNACOTT FROM EAST ANGLIAN EQUINE SHEATH CLEANING, WHO HAS A NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN HORSE STUDIES AND A BSC HONS DEGREE IN ANIMAL SCIENCE, EXPLAINS MORE...

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here are many benefits to cleaning a horse’s sheath, however people often ask me why we clean sheaths when no one cleans them in the wild.

We enlist the services of many professionals to ensure our horse’s well being. They are also wormed, vaccinated, rugged and fed to give them the best quality of life possible. So cleaning the sheath is also vital.

The cleaning process removes smegma from the sheath which is irritating and provides a perfect environment for flystrike and maggot infestation. It allows the whole area to be checked for irregularities that would otherwise go undetected.

And, most importantly, it allows a bean to be removed. The bean is a hard, mineral-rich deposit that forms in the urethral fossa in the end of the penis, next to

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the urethra. If left to grow it can be painful, affecting behaviour, and can interfere with the ability to pass urine.

We cannot know how many horses in the wild suffer the effects of painful beans. But sheaths in our domesticated horses certainly get dirty and irritated, and beans exist in a large number of them.

As a full-time, professional sheath cleaner, I see horses of all ages, types and uses, so I know that smegma build up and bean formation can affect any horse.

I love what I do, knowing that there are horses out there feeling better following a clean from me; it’s the ultimate in job satisfaction! www.facebook.com/ EastAnglianEquineSheath Cleaning See Christine’s advert on page 66 for more details.

Suggested Products...

Leg Wash – A thick easy to use shampoo especially for legs. This Tea Tree shampoo is ideal for washing legs in the wetter muddy weather, harnessing Tea Tree’s natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Available in 500ml and 2.5lt bottles.

ImmuBoost – a liquid Echinacea supplement from the makers of No Bute. Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years to help boost immune response in humans. It is now a very popular product with horse and pet owners. Available in 1lt, 2lt and 4lt bottles.

No Bute Premium – A liquid Devils Claw supplement with added benefits of MSM, Glucosamine and vitamin C for added joint health.

Ideal for joints in the colder weather, especially if stabled for longer.

Available in 1lt, 2.5lt and 5lt bottles.

All available from www.animalhealth.co.uk Winter Wash – is a ready to use no-rinse shampoo containing Tea Tree. Ideal post-exercise in the cold weather, removes sweat and dirt without having to use water, making it quicker to clean and rug up, helping to prevent chills. Use on your dogs too, after they’ve run round the yard and before they go in your house or car.

SEARCH

FOR A STAR COMPETITION Could it be YOU?

CASE STUDY: Wasadu asadu was sadly the victim of a landmine in Gambia. His owners were not so lucky and lost their lives.

Wasadu stayed with their bodies until he was rescued by the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust - by then the wound was several days old and infested with maggots, the flesh also burnt.

However, just five months after his horrendous injury, Wasadu’s cavity has closed with only a small area left to epithelialise.

Follow his route to recovery below...

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From this....

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To this...

On arrival before treatment and cleaning of dead tissue and insect infestation.

4.

Demonstrating FiltaBac application well tolerated by the patient, soothing, non-astringent or caustic.

1. 2nd April 2. 5th April

3. 4th April

3 days after arrival.

Daily irrigating and cleaning of the cavity before reapplication and filling the cavity with FiltaBac.

Day 5 post arrival.

Wound and cavity clean, no infective process.

5. 18th April

6. 6th May

Super clean cavity, smooth granulation tissue. FiltaBac packed in daily.

1 month after rescue

by GHDT. The cavity has granulated nicely from the base outwards. Wasadu continues to have FiltaBac daily for wound protection and promotion of tissue regeneration.

he Goodbye Flys Search for a Star competition is open for entries until 15th November. This is a competition to find a new brand ambassador and sponsored rider to represent the Goodbye Flys brand.

The four stage competitions will be for those with outstanding horse care skills and knowledge. “We are looking for some one who will be an excellent ambassador for us,” explained a Goodbye Flys spokesperson. “We are not necessarily looking for the combinations who have won the most competitions, but for great riding, horse husbandry and partnership skills as well as the ability to communicate well online.The main prize is a years sponsorship including a £1500 training bursary.”

The initial rounds will be online up until 15th November 2020 with regional finals held in from February to April 2021 and the top fifteen will be invited to enjoy a day out at a spring equestrian event with the Goodbye Flys team. www.goodbyeflys.com/ competition/

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WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

By Dr Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis.

TIME IT RIGHT THIS WINTER...

WORM CONTROL

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arasite life cycles are linked to the seasons, which is why one of the first rules of worm control is to consider the time of year, says Dr Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis.

Encysted small redworm: what you need to know During the late autumn and winter most parasites are entering a less active phase but encysted small redworm (ESRW) should still be on your radar.

These are larval stages of the small redworm that have stopped developing inside the horse’s gut and started hibernating instead.

High burdens of encysted small redworm can cause a condition known as larval cyathostominosis when they emerge from their hibernating state. The resulting diarrhoea, colic, and severe weight loss can be fatal, especially in young horses. This typically happens in the spring but in some cases can occur earlier in the winter

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DID YOU KNOW THAT 26.5% OF HORSE OWNERS HAVE BEEN USING AN INCORRECT WORMER AND 5% HAVE BEEN USING ONE WITH WIDESPREAD RESISTANCE, WHEN TREATING THEIR HORSE FOR ENCYSTED SMALL REDWORM (ESRW), ONE OF THE MOST HARMFUL WORMS YOUR HORSE WILL HAVE?1

to treat encysted small autumn/winter, regardless of period.2 redworm but there is Faceal worm egg counts their FWEC.2,5 widespread evidence of small • Moxidectin is the only active (FWECs) do not give an redworm resistance to ingredient licensed to treat indication of encysted small fenbendazole, including the redworm within the horse. This encysted small redworm in a five-day dose so a resistance single dose. is because the larval stages do test is recommended before not produce eggs so your horse • A five-day course of using it.2 fenbendazole is also licensed may have a low FWEC but a high encysted small redworm burden.

The late autumn/winter period is the time to treat for ESRW or Don’t forget… alternatively your vet can carry Look after your fields. Good worm control involves more than out a specific blood test to just worming. Poo picking, ideally every day, will reduce the determine if treatment is overall worm burden and thus the need for excessive use of 3 required. wormers. Grazed, harrowed and rested paddocks can help reduce the burden on the pasture. Cross-grazing with sheep Targeting Encysted and cattle is also effective at reducing horse parasite burdens Small Redworm on the pasture as they will ‘hoover up’ the worms without You may think any wormer will being affected. In some areas, liver fluke may be a concern for do but using one that does not horses co-grazing with cattle and sheep.9 specifically treat the encysted stages (such as those containing ivermectin, pyrantel or single dose fenbendazole) during late autumn and winter can actually increase the risk of a horse with a high ESRW burden developing larval cyathostominosis.4 • All horses of more than six months of age should be tested or treated with a wormer that is licensed for encysted small redworm in

Keep records Remember to keep a history of the wormers used and the results of tests for the whole year and not just from the last wormer. This way you can work with your vet or Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (RAMA),to make sure the correct parasite threat has been targeted at the correct time and to avoid overuse of the same types of wormer.

Remember tapeworm and bots too It’s also important to treat or test for tapeworm and treat for bots during the autumn and winter too as these won’t show up in a faecal worm egg count.4 To control tapeworm horses should be dosed with praziquantel in a combination wormer or a double dose of pyrantel at six-monthly intervals, usually spring and autumn.6 Alternatively, a blood or saliva test can be carried out to establish antibody levels. 6,7 The best way to control bots is to administer a suitable wormer in the winter, after the first frost when the adult flies have died and before the bots mature.8 A practical and cost-effective solution may be to combine a bots treatment with ESRW and tapeworm treatments using a single dose of moxidectin and praziquantel.

Get the weigh tape out Always weigh your horse before worming for accurate dosing. It’s particularly easy to underestimate the weight of our horses if we guess, which can result in under-dosing and contribute to resistance.2 Worm control is a foundation block of responsible horse management. Make sure you work with your vet or a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (RAMA) to make the right worming choices this winter, to help keep your horse healthy and performing at his best. www.horsedialog.co.uk/ esrw-time-right.aspx

1. NEHS The National Equine Health Survey, conducted by the Blue Cross and supported by Zoetis, was completed by 5635 horse owners and keepers in May 2016, with records returned for 16,751 horses. The survey contained questions on general horse health, care and management and was validated by Professor Josh Slater of the Royal Veterinary College. 2. Matthews JB (2008) Equine Vet Educ, p 552-560. 3. Austin Davis Biologics Ltd. Small Redworm Blood Test Press Release. https://www.austindavis.co.uk/small-redworm-bloodtest. Accessed 11th October 2019. 4. Reinmeyer CR and Neilsen MK (2018) Handbook of Equine Parasite Control.

2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. 5. HallowellEvans C and Hallowell G (2017) Vet Times, April 24. 6.

Proudman CJ (2003) Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 23 (1) 6-9. 7. Austin Davis Biologics Ltd: Elisa Kits. https://www.austindavis.co.uk/elisa-kits. Accessed 8th April 2020. 8. AAEP (2019) Parasite Control Guidelines. 9.

Matthews JB (2017) Helminth control programmes for equine yearlings at pasture. Veterinary Times; 47(8):22-22, 24.

CELIA MARR: HONORARY MEMBERSHIP OF BEVA

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elia Marr, an Internal Medicine Specialist at Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, has been awarded Honorary Membership of BEVA in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the equine veterinary profession, including her role as Editor-in-Chief of Equine Veterinary Journal, the Association’s official publication.

Professor Celia Marr BVMS, MVM, PhD, DEIM, DipECEIM, FRCVS is an internationally renowned medic, academic and editor. She was among the first cohort of RCVS and then European Specialists in equine medicine and was instrumental in the founding of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine and its specialist training programmes. More recently she was a founding trustee of the British College of Veterinary Specialists.

Honorary membership is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to the equine veterinary profession.

Individuals are nominated by other BEVA members and then approved by BEVA Council and at the BEVA AGM. They receive free BEVA membership for life.

Lucy Grieve, President of BEVA said: “Celia’s contribution to the advancement of equine medicine in the UK is unsurpassed.

Following in the footsteps of Dr Peter Rossdale as editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal, she has maintained the international reputation of BEVA’s flagship publication as the foremost veterinary publication focused solely on equines. She has also been highly influential in advancing the causes of evidence-based medicine, clinical audit and collaborative research within equine practice.”

Celia Marr said: “I am delighted to receive Honorary Membership of BEVA: I have thoroughly enjoyed my work with EVJ and BEVA. My role has often been as a co-ordinator so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the huge number of academics and horse vets who contribute to EVJ as peer reviewers and authors and to recognise all those who have worked with me on educational and welfare initiatives.”

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WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

VETS URGE OWNERS:

can be effectively treated with appropriate behaviourmodification techniques. In more severe cases, vets may also prescribe medications to help pets struggling with fireworks TAKE STEPS NOW TO MINIMISE distress.

“Even if you don’t expect your SEASONAL FIREWORKS TRAUMA pet to be anxious please consider staying close at hand he British Veterinary by fireworks-related anxiety, on the noisiest evenings, Association (BVA) is such as fractures in horses that providing background noise urging pet owners and had bolted from their fields or when fireworks are going off livestock keepers who are tooth injuries to dogs from and, most importantly, staying worried about their animals’ chewing furniture. calm yourself so your animal is welfare to take steps now to The negative impact isn’t reassured.” avoid possible injury and restricted to noise levels - the Signs of fireworks-related distress during traditional debris and remnants of fireworks distress can vary from animal to fireworks dates such as Bonfire and paper lanterns in fields and animal. While some pets show Night and New Year’s Eve. The surrounding countryside can obvious signs of fireworksadvice comes as vets say they also pose a serious risk of injury related anxiety, such as barking, are especially concerned there to livestock, wildlife and zoo panting, drooling and attempts may be an increase in animals. to escape, there are also more unregulated backyard BVA Senior Vice President subtle signs that owners should fireworks this year as official Daniella Dos Santos said: be aware of, including displays are limited by Covid“The loud noises and bright restlessness and toileting in the 19 restrictions. flashes from fireworks can be house. Cats often hide, while Many animals have more acute extremely traumatic for animals, rabbits may keep very still and hearing than humans, so the from dogs, cats and rabbits to thump the ground with their loud bangs and whistles– which livestock, horses, wildlife and back feet. at 150 decibels can be as loud as zoo animals. While Covid-19 Cows or sheep who are startled the noise from a jet engine - can restrictions may lead to the by the loud noises from cause significant distress and cancellation of official displays, fireworks are at risk of injuring fear and lead to the we are worried about a rise in themselves on fencing, farm development of phobia the number of backyard equipment or fixtures and responses. celebrations. fittings within their housing.

Vets see first-hand the impact of “We’d encourage pet owners Poultry are especially at risk of firework-related distress in pets, and livestock keepers to consult ‘smother’, where in a fear livestock and horses at this time with their vet as far in advance response birds huddle together, of the year. In a survey as possible to discuss which can result in death for conducted by BVA in 2018, management and treatment some. Horses and ponies are around one in fourteen vets options, which may include prey animals and exhibit ‘flight’ across the country reported noise desensitisation responses in response to any seeing animals with fireworktechniques, applying threat, which can result in related injuries over the previous pheromone products around the running away or trying to escape year, with equine vets house, and preparing a ‘safe their enclosures. significantly more likely to place’ for animals.

BVA has issued the following report such cases (19%). By far “With professional input and top tips to keep animals safe: the most commonly reported owner commitment and If your pet gets distressed by cases were self-injuries caused patience, a phobia of fireworks

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Top Tips for Horse Owners....

• Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move.

• Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.

• If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals.

• Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.

fireworks or other noises, contact your local vet to discuss treatment options. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm.

Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.

Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home.

BVA continues to support calls for a reduction in the maximum permitted noise of fireworks as well as further restrictions on the use and sale of fireworks, clear labelling, and a duty of care on users to properly dispose of debris and remnants of fireworks. www.bva.co.uk/takeaction/our-policies/fireworksand-animal-welfare/

WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE: BEDDING

5* INTERNATIONAL EVENT RIDER

CONVERTS COMPETITION YARD TO

Miscanthus Bedding

H

ector Payne, 5* international event rider, has converted his own private competition yard

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over to Miscanthus to reduce dust in the stables, and the bedding has brought about more unexpected benefits to

his operations.

Hector explains that he’s tried everything from straw to shavings and wood pellets, but the Miscanthus really stood out on all fronts, especially in reducing dust.

“In the summer the stables get dusty in the heat, to the point that the dust sticks to walls, even if you water it non-stop.

“Miscanthus is dust extracted and you can really tell the difference.

“We have not had an issue with excess dust since using it.

“We came across Terravesta Equine at Osberton Horse Trials and we were impressed after we used it at the event. Usually you are given two bales in each stable on arrival and this doesn’t cover what’s needed. But we only purchased one more bale for each stable over five days, which was impressive.”

Hector manages nineteen horses in his competition yard near Andover, in Hampshire, and believes that Miscanthus bedding lasts longer and doesn’t produce a lot of waste.

“It doesn’t stick to everything, so there is less wastage. It also rots down just as quickly as wood pellets.”

Mucking out nineteen stables daily has its challenges, and Hector has a team of three, including himself to manage this on a daily basis.

“We use two bales per stable per week when they’re stabled all winter, with a two-hour turnout.

“It’s worth pointing out that on a professional yard this is pretty good, because the horses are stabled overnight, they get mucked out at 8am each morning and 5pm each afternoon. Many smaller stables might say they use one bale per stable per week, but their horses are turned out for most of this time,” explains Hector.

“We’ve never had an issue with horses eating it, the prices are competitive and we’re sticking with Miscanthus now!” he adds. www.terravesta-equine.com

Miscanthus horse bedding by Terravesta Equine is 100% natural, made purely from finely chopped Miscanthus, a renewable grass grown by UK farmers.

The Miscanthus horse bedding is chemical free and dust extracted, helping your horse to breathe easier. It naturally carries less bacteria, reducing unwanted odours and fly activity in warmer months.

The bedding also improves yard efficiency, is long lasting and is highly absorbent, due to the porous pith inside the Miscanthus cane. www.terravesta-equine.com StableZone Antibacterial Bedding Powder – A very absorbent antibacterial powder for use alongside your bedding. Helps reduce ammonia smells, reduce bedding dampness and therefore making the stable drier helping general and hoof health.

Can be used in poultry and small animal housing also. Available in 5kg buckets or a 25kg bag. www.animal-health.co.uk

Respiratory Support For Your Horse...

RRP: £18.99/500g

Airways Xtra Strength 500gm A unique blend of natural ingredients including powerful, natural, plant-derived essential oils, known for their role in maintaining a healthy respiratory function. The Airways Powder includes eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil which helps to open up the airways, clear mucus and support the respiratory system.

Respiratory Balancer from Horslyx contains ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus and aniseed to support the airways. In addition, the high-spec blend of vitamins and minerals supports the horse’s immune system. www.horslyx.com

RRP: £23.99/500g

Ventilator is a natural supplement specially formulated using a unique combination of herbs and natural ingredients, known to support all aspects of respiratory health and performance. Containing eucalyptus oil and nettle, Ventilator also includes echinacea, to provide support for the immune system.

All www.equine-america.co.uk Coff Less respiratory powder contains a powerful blend of natural herbs and phytochemicals that helps maintain respiratory function. The blend also contains echinacea and MSM to help support the immune system.

RRP: £42.99/1kg

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WINTER HEALTH & WELFARE

At home...

EQUINE MASSAGE TECHNIQUES:

FOR STIFFNESS & MILD DISCOMFORT

T

he enforced change in routine over the lockdown period may well have triggered or uncovered some back pain in your horse, which means you’re on the hunt for some at-home techniques to help.

Jessica Scranage, who heads up the team at Herts Horses Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy Centre, comments on the most common issue she’s asked about and what you can do.

“I receive lots of calls and messages from people over

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lockdown who felt their horses were exhibiting back stiffness, in particular discomfort through lumbosacral region and down into the gluteal muscles.

Perhaps you’ve noticed your horse is looking stiff or uncomfortable after some time off? It’s worth thinking about what might happen to you if you went from being very active to barely doing any exercise.

Unless you’re a spring chicken you would probably feel lethargic and sore, with little niggles coming to the surface!

“Maybe you’ve felt there has been some underlying soreness for a while and now is a good time to try something to ease it.

“I believe that the back is the middle of a ‘chain’ in equines which has three links the front end, the core and the hindquarters.

Because of this chain effect,

pain from one area of the body can impact the back and vice versa, and it isn’t always straightforward to identify what has caused the pain. If you suspect your horse is injured and very sore, make sure you call in a professional, but for stiffness and mild discomfort I’m happy to help owners with some massage techniques to try.

“These have been incredibly popular. It’s worth trying these even if your horse appears perfectly well, as there are multiple benefits to massage, including increasing the circulation to muscles and building a great bond between you and your horse.

“Make sure your horse is warm before you begin – that might mean popping a fleece rug on them for a bit or standing them in the sunshine. I then begin with effleurage to warm up the muscles. Effleurage is repeated, gentle circular motions with the palm of your hand and its perfect to kick off with, as you don’t want to start with too much pressure. Begin either side of the whither, running your palms steadily but gently along the back to the area behind the saddle. After a few minutes of that, start to slowly build up the

EASY MASSAGE TECHNIQUES TO EASE STIFFNESS AND DISCOMFORT IN YOUR HORSE’S BACK AND PELVIC REGION BY JESSICA SCRANAGE pressure. Remember to repeat everything you do on both sides of the back.

“Then move to vertical strokes behind the shoulder from bottom to top, working your way backwards along the ribcage, pushing upwards to the saddle area. You might feel knots or spasms as you work your way along. Try to release these gently with consistent sweeping pressure – don’t poke or niggle at them. If the horse is moving away, showing discomfort or dipping its back then make sure you listen to them. Try a lighter touch or move your hands a little slower.

If they are showing signs of pain, then please stop and call in a specialist.

“Next work towards the hindquarters, starting with effleurage and then using a higher-pressure circular motion

RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE

and releasing the muscles running from the sacroiliac joint (that’s the ‘jumpers bump’ you can see) towards the tail. You might be able to feel where there’s some tightness and tension, which hopefully will ease.

“Then massage the buttocks from the tail height to the quarters and observe any tightness in the muscle groups of the hind end. Finally, gently rotate the tail both ways – it’s an extension of the vertebrae so observing how a horse carries its tail or resistance to having it moved it can uncover some back issues. I normally work on soft tissue massage for half an hour to forty minutes, but you will get a feel for which areas you need to focus on more and how long it takes.”

To watch the full video for yourself, head over to the Herts Horses Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy Centre Facebook page. There are tips to help you keep your horse comfortable as well as insightful posts about the benefits of different schooling exercises from a physiotherapy and therapeutic point of view.

Remember, if you suspect your horse is injured and very sore, make sure you call in a professional. The team Herts Horses Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy Centre are all educated to Masters’ level in Veterinary Physiotherapy for Equines and Canines and serve a varied client base of horses and dogs from the Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London areas.

Are you fit to sit

THIS WINTER? ave you ever noticed how those aches and pains seem to come

H

back with a vengeance during the colder months? This is because the cold temperatures cause the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spine to tighten. This can put strain on your spine and pull on the sensitive nerve roots exiting the spine, causing pain.

So what can we do to help it?

With the colder months making us more sedentary it is vitally important to keep the spine mobilised. The HumanTool from Back in Action is a highly developed balance ‘saddle’ which sits on any office or home chair.

The saddle style seat, which looks very similar to a cycle seat, positions your pelvis perfectly for

building core strength and mimics the position in the saddle. Every tiny move you make, turning from side to side or reaching to grab something, all move the seat so you are continually rebalancing the deep inner muscles required to maintain body symmetry and postural correctness.

The outcome is that over a relatively short period of time (approximately one week) your core strength and posture will improve and brain and memory circuits will re-wire helping you to maintain your new found strength and straightness. This in turn will help to reduce back pain during the cold months.

RRP: £119 – with 14 day home evaluation promise. www.backinaction.co.uk

Suggested Product...

One side of the Inverno 2-4-1 Unisex Jacket is hivis and has been designed using 100% waterproof, fluorescent fabric that is lightweight and breathable.

It has reflective detail plus the exclusive removable pull-down warning triangle, making it your go-to riding jacket.

However, it can be reversed to a black quilted jacket, which is ideal for that quick pop to the shop, etc.

The Inverno comes with two 2-way zips, two large zipped pockets on the hi-vis side and two large pockets on the quilted side. Two side zips can be opened when riding to prevent the jacket rising.

RRP: £99.98. www.equisafety.com

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RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE ASHLEY ROSSITER IS MD OF AWARD - WINNING LUXURY LIFESTYLE, PET AND EQUESTRIAN PR & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING AGENCY, MIRROR ME PR. A QUALIFIED JOURNALIST AND FORMER CELEBRITY FASHION STYLIST, ASHLEY SHARES HER THOUGHTS FOR THIS MONTH...

You've Got The Look!

A

s a former celebrity and fashion stylist, Ashley has styled everything from luxury luggage on a private yacht, through to Hollywood actresses on the red carpet. As Ashley explains, styling and photographing your products should come with the same attention to detail and care.

Here are Ashley's top tips photography sells your with her styling and products. A good photographer marketing hat on for can help with direction, styling capturing the perfect shot for and composition so they are your brand. really worth their weight in Get Professional Help gold!

There is a saying that ‘a picture can say a thousand words’, but I would go further and say ‘a good photograph can sell a thousand products!’

We always recommend that our clients invest in good photography if they want to have their products featured in the media. Good, high quality, high-resolution images will make your brand stand out and reflect the quality of your products. If your product is low mid-priced, it still needs to look high-end to draw consumer interest.

Take a look at a few of the cheaper high street brands; they don’t skimp on photography because good

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when it comes to selecting images.

Photographing For Social Media If you’re planning on shooting social media content, you can get away with shooting content on your smartphone.

However, we still use professional photography for this purpose, and any content we might shoot on Plan Your Shot List If you are planning a shoot day; smartphones is always shot and downloaded as high-res. whether it’s with models or The reason for this is that still-life, make sure that you social media platforms, have a plan of what you are especially Facebook, going to shoot and where/how. compress the image, so you Being organised allows you to plan props, plan each set-up to always lose some quality when uploaded. Starting with make better use of your a higher resolution image will location and speeds up the whole shooting process, so you ensure that your images still can get a lot more shot during a look good when used on social media. day and therefore more choice

ASHLEY AND HER TEAM LOVE TO CONJURE UP CREATIVE IDEAS THAT GET PEOPLE TALKING AND MAKE AN IMPACT FOR YOUR BRAND OR PRODUCT.

www.mirrormepr.co.uk @mirrormepr Tel: 0207 043 2345

Clare Gangadeen is the founder of RiderCise, where she has combined her two passions, equestrianism and fitness (she’s a qualified PT and soft tissue therapist), to develop fitness programmes to help riders. The RiderCise programmes have been designed to develop a rider’s coordination, balance, control, strength, stamina and confidence unlocking your potential to work in harmony with your horse. www.ridercise.co.uk

f you’ve taken a break from riding recently then you may be wondering if you are fit enough to be helpful and responsive in the saddle, and thinking about doing something about it. Hours spent running or lifting weights won’t necessarily give you the fitness and condition needed to be a more effective and secure rider.

In this article, Clare takes us through three exercises to try if you’re getting back in the saddle soon - or just fancy improving your rider fitness. They will help you develop your core stability and strength, as well as giving you a greater awareness of your body - perfect for getting you riding confidently again!

I

Getting fit for a

RETURN TO THE SADDLE Single leg swing (flexion)

1. Single Leg Swing – Flexion / Extension This exercise is fantastic for developing core stability, body awareness and control. I promise it’s more than just swinging your leg!

Main Muscles Targeted: Glutes (bum), Hamstrings (back of legs), Quadriceps (front of legs), iliopsoas (core)

Single leg swing (Extension)

Spinae, Obliques, Rectus and Transverse Abdominis (TVA)

1. Lay on the floor with your hands straight up and knees above your hips bent at 90 degrees 2. Push your back flat against the floor and imagine it is super glued! – KEY FACTOR 3. Slowly extended one arm and the opposite leg away from the centre of your body, going as low as you can, whilst not extension, squeezing your bum. Go as far as possible whilst keeping it straight and not tipping forwards 4. Return the leg towards the center in a controlled manner.

5. This is one repetition Perform: 10 times on each leg and repeat.

2. Dead Bug An amazing exercise that uses 1. Stand with your feet together, core muscles to stabilise your hips facing forward and trunk, whilst performing arm resting one leg. Keep your and leg movements which standing knee soft, not locked improve your body awareness out (proprioception) and motor 2. Chest high and look straight control. A very simple exercise, ahead but when performed too quickly 3. Bring your resting leg forward will provide no benefit to you – into flexion, keeping it as the slower the better! straight as possible then bring Main Muscles Targeted: Erector your leg backwards into

lifting your back from the floor 4. Slowly return your arm and leg back to the start position 5. Repeat with opposite arm and leg Perform: Movement of both sides is 1 repetition, perform 10 in total.

Notes: If you are struggling to keep your back flat on the floor, just alternate the movement of your arms or legs.

3. Forearm Plank This is a great total body exercise which, although tough, can help strengthen your postural muscles and challenge your body in a safe way by using isometric contractions (where no movement takes place).

Main Muscles Targeted: This exercise uses the back, legs, bum, neck, shoulders chest and core.

1. Slowly lower yourself to the ground and rest on your forearms slightly wider than shoulder width apart, with elbows directly below your shoulders 2. Raise yourself on to the balls of your feet, keeping your legs straight to form a straight line from head to heels 3. Keep your torso straight and rigid, not letting your pelvis drop with your head relaxed and looking at the floor Perform: Hold the position for as long as you can (use a timer and note your time) with good technique, rest then repeat.

Dead Bug

Forearm Plank

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EQUINE CAREERS

COURSE PRODUCES SKILLED WORKERS

FOR THOROUGHBRED SECTOR

T

he thoroughbred stud sector is benefiting from a new wave of skilled staff. These highly employable workers have completed a new qualification at Writtle University College (WUC) in Essex, which combines hands-

on experience with expert theory.

The Certificate of Higher Education in Thoroughbred Stud Operations launched in September 2019. The one-year course was created with input from some of the most

prestigious names in UK thoroughbred production. It offers an unrivalled work experience placement during the foaling season, in addition to expert theory, delivered by WUC’s knowledgeable academics.

Student Eleanor said: “The course has also given me an excellent grounding and overview of the industry as a whole and I feel I can confidently converse with experienced staff about industry issues.”

Recent graduates benefited from generous scholarships. The Racing Foundation covered all tuition fees for two students and Shadwell Stud offered tuition fees and accommodation costs for four more learners.

Shadwell’s beneficiaries will now

Girl About The Yard

INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER: ADDS NEW STRING TO HER BOW erena Bowyer, also known as Girl About The Yard, is an avid equestrian and her charismatic personality has helped her amass a large following on social media, sharing her love for Earl Grey and the adventures on her horse, Oscar.

As a qualified BHS instructor, Verena has now launched a helpful series for other upand-coming riders, as she wants to make learning more accessible in the equine world.

Verena has recently launched an online ‘eventing checklist,’ allowing riders to feel relaxed and prepared before competitions and events. As well as this, she has also created free horse and human fitness plans, and an Instagram Equestrian checklist to guide others on how to use the social media channel to their benefit.

She says, “I have created this checklist to help others out, providing a service I wish someone had done for me.”

The Eventing Checklist by Girl About the Yard is online now. www.girlabouttheyard.com

V

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start a further year with the organisation for an outstanding grounding in the production of top class racehorses, including six months in their breaking, pre-training and rehabilitation centre. www.writtle.ac.uk

WE MEET...

Abbi Grief

EQUINE AND PET PHOTOGRAPHER ’m Abbi, an equine and pet photographer based in Norfolk with a love of bold and dramatic images. For me photography is not just about the click of a button, it’s about capturing the essence of love and emotion, the rawness of a moment; frozen in time to cherish forever. This is what I do and I strive to make my images as unique as possible with my dark take on photography.

“So, how did I get here? My journey into the equine world of photography began in 2018, with my love of animals running deep in my veins from a very young age. I knew that this was what I wanted to do when I grew up, to work with animals, help others and bring people joy.

So… here I am – living my best life.

“I like to imagine myself as a story teller; (that doesn’t sound cheesy right?) - using the best of

I

my surroundings I like to create the crazy ideas in my head in to works of art, images that are not seen every day to really create something truly unique and tailored to each individual to really make us stand out. We all deserve to feel amazing!

“One shoot that recently stands out to me is a steampunk inspired shoot. This is not something I do often enough and it was amazing to watch the scene unfold in front of our very eyes. The images were just so magical and it goes to show that sometimes the unplanned moments are the best captured.

“One subject that I am passionate about is creating images for absolutely everyone, whether that is a real country inspired shoot or a full blown costume complete with feathers and all things sparkly…there really is a style for everyone – as you may have seen from my quirky equestrians project which

is currently underway. I have met some amazingly talented individuals who all have their own story to tell and share, helping people along their way and being an inspiration to others. Did I mention that one of my quirky equestrians is a fire eater and performer? Amazing!

“As well as equine photography, I also have a studio space especially for dogs based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. My images are timeless, classic and captivating to the eye with all breeds, sizes and personalities welcome. This is a new venture for me and I am looking forward to being able to take this further into 2021.

“I have also worked with some amazing small businesses throughout my photography career and I am very much looking forward to the future, ready to work with some more incredible human beings and making more connections.

“This has been the most incredible journey so far and I hope to see many new faces going forward. Will you be joining me on this journey of positivity and creativity? I hope to see you there!” www.abbigrief photography.co.uk

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NUTRITION A constant supply of clean, fresh water This is just as important in winter as it is in summer – a lack of available water from frozen buckets or troughs can result in impaction colic. Ensure troughs and buckets are cleaned and cleared of ice regularly.

By Deborah Leabeater (MSc, CBiol, MIB), Consultant Nutritionist for HorseHage & Mollichaff

Practical Tips

TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF

DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES esearch has shown that there are many reasons why a horse may develop colic, ranging from rapid changes in feed or forage, to worm burdens or teeth problems.

Sometimes the reasons are never fully determined, but we do know that there are a number of practical feeding and nutrition management strategies to help reduce the likelihood of colic. A few are outlined below, as they are particularly relevant at this time of year, when many owners change the way they manage their horses as winter approaches.

R

Introduce new forages and feeds gradually As many horses and ponies will come in from being at pasture 24/7 to spending much more time in their stable, possibly with no turnout available at all for some months, preserved

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forages such as hay and haylage will play a much greater role in the diet. Try to choose clean, well-made hay or haylage, or preferably a dust-free bagged forage such as HorseHage, as dusty hay or poorly fermented haylage may be a colic risk in itself. Once you have selected good quality forage, try to introduce it gradually over at least seven days, perhaps offering small amounts whist the horse or pony is still at pasture, to ensure that his gut microbes have time to adapt to the new forage before larger amounts are needed.

Research has shown that a sudden change in forage is one of the most significant causes of colic. In addition, if you need to increase or introduce concentrate feed as the weather gets colder, make all changes gradually, over at least 7-10 days, to allow the gut microbiome time to adapt.

Ensure teeth are attended to (by a qualified professional) Discomfort in the mouth will lead to less efficient chewing, and longer fibre in the gut, which may lead to colic.

Check worming programmes are up to date Try to continue with poo picking over the winter, as well as regular faecal egg counts, testing for tapeworms, and the use of wormers when required, since a heavy worm burden significantly increases the risk of colic.

Staying away from home at competitions or moving yards Try to arrange to take your own forage and feed for a few days where possible, to minimise the need for short term changes, and if moving permanently, arrange to have a cross over period of at least a week’s worth of forage if possible, before moving wholly

onto the new supply at your new yard.

Unforeseen circumstances Sudden, enforced periods of confinement to the stable as a result of injury or weather conditions can increase the likelihood of colic. Try to ensure forage intakes are sufficient to maintain gut motility and prevent boredom, but are not excessive, as over-indulgence on a new forage source can result in gastro-intestinal problems.

A little forethought and sensible management changes such as those outlined above can significantly reduce the likelihood of colic cases as the winter approaches. However, if you suspect your horse or pony may have colic, despite your best efforts, seek veterinary attention immediately. www.horsehage.co.uk

Photo: Sarah Shephard

NUTRITION

WEIGH TO GO:

RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT THE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT PONIES LOSE WHEN DIETING MAY BE LINKED TO THEIR GUT MICROBES

anaging the weight of some horses and ponies, to prevent obesity and the associated health risks, can be difficult but a new study has given us a better understanding of why this may be particularly challenging for some.

The latest research shows how individual ponies differ in the abundance of specific faecal bacterial populations that may allow them to increase their ability to digest fibre, thereby losing less weight when on a diet. The work, thought to be the first of its kind in this area,

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also raises the possibility of predicting weight-loss success by analysing the faecal microbiome of individual animals.

Dietary restriction is recognised as the most effective way to achieve weight loss, but research has previously shown that not all horses and ponies lose weight at the same rate.

“Associations between obesity and the composition of the gut microbiome have been identified in humans and dogs,” said Clare Barfoot RNutr, Marketing and Research and Development Director at Spillers. “Work in human medicine has also shown

that weight-loss achieved through dietary restriction or by surgical methods in humans can induce significant alterations in the gut microbiome composition.”

The study Equine gastrointestinal microbiome: impacts of weight loss, was carried out by researchers at Liverpool, and Aberystwyth Universities plus Scotland’s Rural College, in collaboration with Spillers and the Waltham Equine Studies Group. It aimed to establish if the microbiome may have an impact on weight loss in equines.

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Horses can be reluctant to drink in very cold weather, so feeding damp or soaked feed can help maintain hydration levels. Baileys Keep Calm is a fully balanced high fibre feed, containing Speedi-Beet, which soaks to a tasty mash in around 10 minutes, and helps maintain condition while encouraging a calm temperament.

Horses who are unlucky enough to endure colic surgery can suffer rapid loss of condition and take time to regain their appetite. Baileys Cooked Cereal Meal contains carefully micronised wheat to supply highly digestible concentrated calories, when fed as an appetising mash alongside a balancer and, when necessary, under veterinary guidance. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

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Faeces were collected and evaluated during the same 11week time period, from a total of fifteen obese Welsh Mountain pony mares, over two years.

Eight ponies were studied in year one and seven different ponies in year two. The ponies were fed the same restricted forage diet.

Faeces were sampled before and during the final three days of their diet to determine bacterial community composition.

The results showed significant individual variation in how much weight was lost, with an almost two-fold difference in the percentage of weight loss achieved by those losing the greatest and least amounts of weight. The results were similar to a previous study conducted by the same research group.

However, the new study also showed that losing less weight was associated with greater prediet faecal bacterial diversity and lower pre-diet faecal acetate concentration, in addition to associations between the abundance of specific bacteria that aid in fibre digestion and subsequent weight loss.

NUTRITION an alkaloid of pepper, has two functions. It impacts on tight junction function (absorption) but more importantly on glucuronidation, that maintains the activity of curcumin, delaying its elimination.

However, TurmerAid also contains apple cider vinegar flavonoids that perform a similar function to piperine, as well as having antioxidant effects in its own right. The inclusion of yucca extract, to emulsify and so

By Dr Tom Shurlock of The Golden Paste Company improve the absorption of these bioactives, also adds to the mix by enhancing the bioavailability rticles on winter be metabolic stress, derived by antioxidative, and help reduce feeding about two major components, oxidative enzymes. As there is a of those components that responses to variable oxidation and inflammation. direct, but complex, interaction support mechanisms responding to metabolic stress. conditions and activity and Oxidation is the result of subbetween oxidation and TurmerItch has a different how best to maintain optimal metabolism, while inflammation some target; where the body responds condition throughout the inflammation is the start of antioxidants can be perceived as to alien proteins (allergic season are always relevant. processes that rectify whatever having an anti-inflammatory responses) –insect bites or, However, even with the situation the body recognises as role. This is where turmeric has more generally through dietary optimal feeding, there may be needing attention. At a chronic been shown to be so effective. sensitivities – there are intrinsic behavioural and level it is ongoing, and not Turmeric contains a number of inflammatory and oxidative wellness issues that should relieved by anti-inflammatory bioactives - essential oils, also be addressed. factors. During winter, which has curcumoids, curcuminoids. They interactions, and also irritation, It may be that stabling a its own unique stresses, provide a range of antioxidants leading to discomfort. As well as the turmeric/yucca/ACV cues, normally grazing animal, metabolic stress can be and components that support TurmerItch contains red bush irregular exercise or other continuous. the oxidative/inflammatory tea, chamomile, milk thistle, changes to the routine leads to As a winter diet may rely on responses, having a central role minor, sub-chronic stress; things preserved forage, there is a in supporting wellness. They are neem and beetroot. This compilation of antioxidative aren’t quite normal, there is no possibility that there is a not the only components in bioactives not only supports the obvious reaction, but there will reduction in dietary TurmerAid, or TurmerItch. antioxidants. Although hard Although TurmerAid is designed oxidative/antioxidative enzyme balance, but also has a role in feed usually has these added, to have a general wellbeing they can be relatively support, and TurmerItch a more neural function; in essence there constrained in their action. We specific function, they both have can be a positive effect in helping with itching and other know antioxidants mop up free added ingredients to help with inflammation related radicals, but there is a whole winter wellness. other area where There is no point in having these discomfort. TurmerItch should be introduced over winter; antioxidants play a ingredients if they aren’t extending the anti-oxidative role. They absorbed and don’t last long and neural support systems support the enough before being generation metabolised away and excreted; during a period of metabolic stress benefits the horse and of specific this is why the combination of ensures a good base line for turmeric and black pepper has when a specific stress (e.g. biting proved so successful. Piperine,

Winter

WELLNESS

A

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Suggested Product... insects) appears.

Both products are blended on materials providing macronutrients to support wellness, omega fatty acids and pectins for example, supporting the gut barrier function, optimising digestibility and the microbiome.

TurmerAid and TurmerItch can support the body’s response to metabolic stress, stresses that increase over winter. www.goldenpaste company.com

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hether you have one horse to feed or a whole yard, Haygain have a range of steamers to ensure steaming hay can easily fit into your daily routine.

The HG2000 is ideal if you have 4+horses to feed as it can fit an entire small bale or up to 40kgs of forage easily. The robust and fully insulated double skinned chest allows this amount of forage to be steamed throughout at up to 100°C which is vital for eliminating mould, bacteria, and dust. The whole process takes around 60 minutes which makes it quick and simple, saving the need for the multiple uses a smaller steamer would need to steam enough forage for more than one horse. High temperature steaming has a long list of health benefits including respiratory and digestive health, it’s highly palatable and hydrating.

Haygain steamers are used and recommended by riders, owners, trainers and veterinarians all over the world. www.haygain.co.uk

NUTRITION

Winter

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

By Baileys Horse Feeds

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inter can be an opportunity as well as a challenge as far as maintaining horses in healthy condition is concerned and, while each horse may have its own calorie requirements, the maintenance of a balanced diet is key to achieving this.

Maintaining Fibre Intake Access to ad lib forage is essential to maintain healthy gut function and digestive efficiency. If they’re of good nutritional quality, hay and haylage can also be relied upon to provide a reasonable calorie

contribution, while the heat generated through fibre fermentation in the hindgut, will help keep the horse or pony warm.

Good-Doers Winter is the ideal time to encourage weight loss in the overweight equine so controlling forage intake, and continuing to soak it to reduce calorie content, may still be necessary as it will be their main source of calories. Small-holed nets and hay balls are ideal for making reduced forage rations last longer and remain just as important, at this time of year, when opportunities for exercise

are often also reduced.

Poorer- Doers The calories provided by forage alone are unlikely to be sufficient for the poorer-doer but as it is so important to gut health and the efficient utilisation of any supplementary feed, fussy or poor forage eaters should be offered alternatives to help improve overall fibre intake.

Alfalfa chaffs - including those with added calories from oil – soaked beet products, high fibre nuggets and chopped grasses are all ideal additional fibre sources and can be offered, alongside hay or haylage, in separate trugs or buckets from

the horse’s hard feed, to encourage natural foraging behaviour.

Supplementary Feeding – Good-Doers Research, and our own laboratory analyses, show that the vast majority, if not all, forage is lacking in certain minerals and, often, quality protein so some form of supplementary feeding is necessary, even for the overweight equine. A broad spectrum vitamin and mineral

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Speedi-Beet from British Horse Feeds is a unique beet pulp feed which can be soaked in warm water and ready to feed in just under ten minutes. Feeding Speedi-Beet warm helps to raise the horse’s core body temperature.

The low starch and sugar content means Speedi-Beet is also ideal for horses and ponies prone to laminitis as part of a balanced diet.

RRP: from £12.50. www.britishhorsefeeds.com

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Equerry Conditioning Mash is a quick-soaking mash for horses that need to gain weight and condition. It is a ‘Non-Heating’ formula with low levels of starch and has a good level of protein for muscle development and topline. Highly-digestible fibre sources include sugar beet; while a high level of yeast promotes a healthy digestive system, with added vitamins and minerals including magnesium. www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

Supplementary Feeding Poorer-Doers It’s always easier to feed to maintain condition than it is to promote lost condition during the depths of the winter, so it’s wise to anticipate winter weight loss in vulnerable equines, and to adjust their diets early.

Depending on workload and calorie requirements, you may need to introduce a lower energy/calorie feed to start with, then build up to a higher calorie

conditioning feed as temperatures drop.

Your chosen feed must be fed in the manufacturer’s recommended quantities to provide a fully balanced diet, alongside forage. An alternative way to achieve a ‘mid-calorie’ diet, for those who prefer to feed reduced amounts of their chosen mix or cube, is to top the diet up with a balancer to provide essential nutrients, for a fully balanced diet, without extra calories.

The choice of energy/calorie sources in compound feeds can be mind boggling but, essentially, horses who are levelheaded or, maybe, laid back, can do well on what may be considered more ‘traditional’ cereal-based feeds, as these provide highly digestible, readily available calories for condition or performance. Horses who are stressy or excitable are often better suited to feeds whose calories are mainly provided by digestible fibres and oil and are consequently lower in cereals and starch.

For digestive efficiency, meal sizes should be kept manageable by dividing the total daily ration into as many meals as possible. For those who need extra calories, vegetable oil or high oil ‘straights’, like linseed, may be added to an existing balanced diet. High oil supplements, with additional antioxidants, represent a messfree more sophisticated alternative and generally supply a balance of oils, while the antioxidants support the oil’s efficient utilisation. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

or F s ip T WINTER FEEDING

Photo: Lynton Andrew

supplement will provide just that, while a low calorie balancer has the benefit of supplying additional protein, alongside vitamins and minerals, to support muscle tone, tissue repair and hoof growth.

This is more beneficial than a ‘token gesture’ of a low energy mix or cubes, which provide some calories that good-doers probably don’t need but not enough of the vitamins and minerals, which they do. All balancers are essentially ‘low calorie’, as they are concentrated and fed in such small quantities; any differences lie in the tailoring of their formulation for workloads, age or reproductive status.

While the daily balancer ration may be fed on its own, the addition of a low calorie chaff or small amounts of soaked unmolassed beet pulp, will encourage chewing and make the hungry pony feel like it’s getting more of a meal. Lightly molassed vitamin and mineral licks are a useful alternative to allow groups of field or barnkept horses to supplement their diets, with essential nutrients, at will.

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inter can be a challenging time with deteriorating weather conditions, dark nights, and limited grazing. Feeding correctly will help to keep horses healthy and in good condition. Here are a few of our Top Tips...

Maintain a consistent routine Maintaining a consistent routine can be tricky in the winter. Intermittent changes in the forage source provided (i.e. between grass and hay/haylage) can upset the hindgut microflora.

If daily turnout is not available, try to offer short periods of inhand grazing. If this is not possible, feed a grass chop on confined days to keep a consistent supply of forage (grass) to the hindgut.

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Feed a balanced diet Although forage is the foundation of a horse’s diet during the winter, it is important to balance this diet with optimum levels of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, that will be lacking in a forage only diet.

Basing hard feeds on a suitable feed balancer or multisupplement is an excellent way of doing this.

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Maintain hydration During colder weather it is common for horses to reduce their fluid intake. This, combined with a change from fresh to conserved forage, more time spent in the stable and a reduction in exercise, can increase the risk of colic.

Ensure that frozen water buckets/troughs are broken at least twice-daily. Feeding soaked feeds, e.g. mashes, are ideal for tempting fussy horses.

Advice supplied by nutritionists from the TopSpec Multiple Award-Winning-Helpline. They can be contacted, free of charge, on 01845 565030.

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NUTRITION

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t’s winter - which can only mean thing - waking up and finishing the yard in the dark, praying before you mount your green and recently clipped fresh ponies in the wind and rain. To help with those winter blues I will be giving you a few of my top tips for feeding in the winter months.

“So the show horses have gone on rest and the younger horses are coming in to begin their education. I have slowly started to reduce the calorie intake of the show horses so I have started to move them from ReadyMash Extra to Forage ‘n’ Fibre. This feed appeals to me as it is low in starch and sugar, and it is cereal free, which is perfect as our yard ranges from Shetland ponies to my lightweight hunter, so I need a feed that is versatile enough for the whole yard.

“We have lots of different horses and ponies home on the yard during the winter months, sometimes we have some that will only be with us for a few weeks, and others are here for a few months. As I don’t want to be adding extra energy to young horses when they are starting

My Top Tips FOR WINTER

By Frankie Currell, Carmilo Ponies their ridden education, Forage ‘n’ Fibre is ideal as it is fibre based and gentle on their bellies. I do have a few young show horses still ticking over in preparation for some winter shows, and I will keep them on Ready Mash Extra as I don’t want them dropping too much condition.

“I have also just started to feed Muscle Builder to my Welsh Section C as I have found he is

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Turmeric Xtra is ready to use, with linseed (flax) oil and black pepper already included. Typically providing 3% of active curcumin.

RRP: £19.50/60 days supply. www.equineamerica.co.uk

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lacking the topline where he is changing shape with work. I have started now as I want to build him up gradually over the winter and then hopefully in the spring reduce the Muscle Builder.

“I have been feeding Rowen Barbary for nearly seven years now and I have found it doesn’t take long to see a difference; every equine is different but I do think it is an amazing feed so

start with a little and build up until you get the desired effect.”

Frankie’s Top Tips: • Reduce the starch, sugar and cereal intake • Feed more fibre based feed • Feed for type and workload • Make any changes gradually • A little goes a long way so start off gradually. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause increased stiffness in both muscle and connective tissue, including tendons and ligaments.

Elite Equine 100% Organic Rosehip Supplement is formulated from 100% organic rosehip powder that can help maintain supple, healthy joints and connective tissues, all year round. Inherently anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant, rosehips can help to sustain the natural formation of cartilage and connective tissue. www.eliteequineuk.com

RRP: £38/1kg.

NUTRITION LOCATED IN NEWMARKET BUT WORKING BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY DONNA CASE BSC (HONS) IS THE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED EQUINE NUTRITIONIST WHO RUNS ‘THE HORSE FEED GURU’, AN EQUINE NUTRITION CONSULTANCY. FORMERLY A COMMERCIAL NUTRITIONIST ACROSS THREE BRANDS, NOW COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT, HER AIM IS TO DEMYSTIFY FEEDING FOR THE GOOD OF THE HORSE AND RIDER.

FROM FINICKY

TO FOODIE

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othing can be more disappointing for an owner than creating what feels like the ‘perfect’ diet, only to have their horse take a few sniffs or nibbles then walk away.

Whilst some horses will merrily guzzle away their feed others definitely have more refined tastes and inner Cordon bleu taste preferences!

Not only is it frustrating, it can be very worrying for you as we know a horse requires a certain amount of energy, vitamins and minerals to be happy, healthy and in tip top condition.

So if you find yourself in a situation with a fussy feeder how can we get them licking that bowl clean?

Firstly, remember it is not just taste but also texture. Some horses have very definite preferences for if they prefer cube, mix or fibre format based products. Whilst a mix may tempt some horses they are not always suitable for clinical reasons, and also very fussy horses do have a tendency to pick the bits out that they like and leave the rest. In this instance it may well be worth choosing an appropriate cube based product which can’t be picked

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This fully balanced blend supplies moderate calorie levels and contains a dusting of mint and a light coating of honey to tempt fussy feeders.

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out so to speak. Another benefit of this is cubes are heavier per volume so you can typically get more into them weight wise and reduce the risk of them being over faced, meaning they eat more. Splitting feeds down into smaller meals, say 3-4 a day instead of just 1-2 can also be very helpful in reducing the volume per meal and preventing boredom.

When looking at tastes a study conducted by Goodwin et al., 2005, ranked the top eight flavour preferences out of fifteen amongst horses. This study looked not only at fruit but also herbs, spices and vegetables and the results showed they were more ‘spicy’

in their taste palates than we first thought. The eight favourite flavours were, fenugreek, banana, rosemary, carrot, cherry (only ever use cherry flavourings as cherries are poisonous to horses), cumin, peppermint and oregano. Many feed manufacturers have taken note of this study and use some of these spices and tastes in their feed so it is worth mentioning if you have a fussy eater.

Other top tips including grating carrots and apples and mixing into the feed or a little apple juice. Make any changes to the diet extra slowly for these horses and ensure you feed plenty of forage. www.thehorsefeed guru.com

Some horses can be prone to “selective feeding” when there are components in a coarse mix that they don’t like. This means they can leave ingredients that are essential for a fully balanced diet. Ease & Excel Cubes overcome this by being pretty tasty anyway but also have added flavours of extracts of essential oils so they smell irresistible and are perfect for promoting and maintaining condition, while encouraging a calm temperament.

Both www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

A Super Fibre conditioning feed, FibreBeet is a formulated blend containing all the benefits of the original SpeediBeet product, with added high quality alfalfa for optimum condition and to provide quality protein for muscle tone and function.

Supplemented with peppermint makes Fibre-Beet palatable for fussy eaters, and the feed has added biotin for hoof quality and is suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis as part of a balanced diet.

RRP: from £13.50. www.britishhorsefeeds.com

Timothy HorseHage Made from timothy grass which has a different ‘nose’ to ryegrass and is high in fibre and lower in protein, this dust-free bagged forage is highly palatable and great for fussy feeders. www.horsehage.co.uk

Mollichaff ShowShine A high fibre chaff with a high oil content for ultimate show condition. Cherry flavouring gives it a delicious taste and smell making it highly palatable.

Mollichaff Applechaff A high quality, appetising chaff which contains real diced apple pieces as well as apple essence. It’s high in fibre and is made from the highest quality wheat straw.

Both www.horsehage.co.uk

YOUNG GUN ALFIE

RACES AHEAD

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alented 10-year-old rider, Alfie Diaper, is aiming to make his mark in the world of showjumping, currently having four rides and competing in 128cms (Gold League), 138cms (Silver League) and COH (Children on Horses) classes.

But as well as showjumping, Alfie also enjoys the whirlwind circuit of the Shetland Pony Grand Nationals which take place at major events up and down the country.

But it hasn’t been an easy year for this remarkable young boy who has certainly had a rollercoaster twelve months. Left fighting for his life following a nasty fall from his cycle and rupturing his spleen, it was a long road to recovery after surgery.

With high hopes for the 2020 season, Alfie was aiming to start the Shetland pony racing season at Badminton and hopefully get selected for Royal Windsor, with Liverpool International in his sights. But then Covid-19 struck and everyone’s plans for the season ahead were halted.

This was a major blow for Alfie as, like many other competitive riders, he had competitions and qualifiers

lined up for the whole year.

However the spring and summer months were put to good use hacking out and schooling at home, until British Show Jumping competitions were able to resume outdoors.

With a team of very different horses and ponies competing at various levels and disciplines, Alfie and his family understand the importance of feeding the best forage.

Said Helen, Alfie’s mum: “We use High Fibre HorseHage for Alfie’s team and I also feed it on my livery yard. It’s a great all-round forage which is high in fibre and low in starch and sugar. Because it’s dust-free, we can feed it with confidence, knowing that we are helping to maintain healthy respiratory systems in the ponies to allow them to perform at their best. It’s also really handy for travelling.”

With HOYS cancelled for 2020 and the rest of the indoor season still under review, noone knows what lies ahead but one thing is for certain, Alfie Diaper and his pony team will be a force to be reckoned with, once competitions are full steam ahead! www.horsehage.co.uk

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SADDLERY & TACK

NEW HORSE BUYING TACK FOR YOUR

hether buying the existing tack with your new horse or purchasing brand new, the most important aspect is that it is fits correctly and is checked by a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter.

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If you decide to buy the current saddle and bridle don’t simply accept that it ‘must’ fit well, give yourself peace of mind by having a visit from a QSF. Similarly it may fit the horse but as the new rider are the flaps long enough or too long? Is the seat a good size? Will the saddle

help both horse and rider to perform at their best?

If budget allows, a bespoke saddle made specifically for the horse and to also suit the rider is ideal.

Whether you have the budget for a new saddle or for a secondhand one – the fit for the

Your Questions Answered...

IN THIS ISSUE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS’ QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER, HELEN READER, PROVIDES ADVICE ON THE CORRECT SEAT LENGTH FOR HORSE AND RIDER.

QUESTION:“How can I work out what seat length will fit both me and my horse?”

ANSWER: “The maximum length of the seat is determined by the length of the horse’s rib cage. Find the last rib and then follow the natural curve up, the tree of the saddle must not pass this point. If the horse is short in the back, then the panel may go beyond this point, but never the tree.

“When the rider is sitting in the saddle they need three to four fingers distance behind them.

This is so that they are sitting in the deepest part of the seat and not putting all their weight on to the back of saddle.

“Saddles with a flatter seat will allow more room for the rider, whereas a deep seat will feel more enclosed and may require a longer seat length for the rider.”

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NOT MANY YEARS AGO, RIDERS AND OWNERS WOULD OFTEN BUY A NEW HORSE AND EXPECT THE TACK THEY ALREADY OWNED TO FIT, WHILE OTHERS REQUESTED TO BUY THE EXISTING TACK – IT MIGHT FIT THE HORSE BUT WOULD IT HELP WITH RIDER POSITION AND BALANCE? THANKFULLY TIMES HAVE CHANGED!

horse is key and must always be the first consideration.

A new saddle versus a secondhand one depends on the finance available, and a correctly fitted secondhand saddle is far better than an ill-fitting new one! www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Your Questions Answered...

HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER IN THIS ISSUE MASTER SADDLER AND SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS’ REGISTERED QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER, KAY HASTILOW ANSWERS, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER?

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here are many people out there claiming to be saddle fitters but in my opinion there is only one qualifying association that you should turn to for a properly qualified saddle fitter, and that’s The Society of Master Saddlers.

The qualification was started in 1995, so they have 25 years’ experience in training, bringing on and assessing

fitters under the auspices of the City of Guilds qualification board.

Having attended the Introductory course run by the Society, trainees (known as trainee saddle fitters) will continue fitting under the watchful eye of their Mentor for a total of three years, at which time they can attend the Qualified Saddle Fitter’s course.

This is followed by a stiff

assessment that includes a written paper, completely reflocking a saddle, adjusting the flock in a saddle, assessing conformation and movement, back assessment, templating, identifying materials used in the manufacture of saddles, checking saddles for safety and soundness and then fitting two saddles, including ridden assessment of suitability for both the horse and rider – one a

dressage saddle and the second (on a different horse) a GP or jumping saddle. Most certainly not everyone passes, many achieving their qualification on the second attempt.

Once qualified, SMS RQSFs have to achieve CPD points through the year to keep their registration Continued overleaf...

SADDLERY & TACK

DAY IN THE LIFE OF

A Saddle Fitter

A

Photo: Abbi Grief Photography

m I too big for my horse?’ is a question that I’m asked a lot. It’s usually followed by an awkward silence, whilst the Question-Asker tries to pretend they didn’t see me checking out the size of their bottom. But it’s such an important one for ALL riders to consider - not just the heavier ones. Being ‘too big’ can also mean too tall/long limbed/large bottomed - not just too ‘heavy’.

The general consensus is that a horse shouldn’t carry more than 20% of their ‘ideal’ weight. But we have all heard the weight debate a bazillion times, so let’s consider the ‘Am I too big for my horse?’ question from MY point of view… as a saddle fitter; who sits dozens of bottoms in saddles every week. And let’s

think about how it affects SADDLE FIT. Leg length, bottom size… these are what determine the size saddle you need, not your weight. Sometimes those lovely long supermodel legs (often seen on teenagers, still able to eat a pack of Custard Creams without a care in the world) are a problem, as they can cause their knees to pop over the front of the saddle, or push the rider’s bottom out of the back of the saddle. Plus… big bottoms can hang over the back of the saddle, even when the legs sit nicely.

For the saddle to be comfortable on the horse, the rider needs to sit centrally in it. Your leg should naturally hang correctly and your knee should sit behind/under the knee block without pushing you backwards out of the centre of the saddle. If there is too much

BY POPPY WEBBER, QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER FOR THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS, COVERING CAMBRIDGESHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE, NORFOLK AND SURROUNDING AREAS. SHE ALSO WRITES REGULAR ADVICE POSTS ON PEEWEE SADDLERY’S SOCIAL MEDIA.

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pressure at the back of the saddle, it will NOT be comfortable for your horse. This can lead to pain, physical problems and can affect performance too.

So, what happens if the rider needs a bigger saddle than the horse can carry? We can create space in a saddle with some little tricks; changing the shape of the seat, altering the knee blocks, changing stirrup length etc. We can also make saddles with ‘short’ panels (the squishy bit that sits on the horse’s back) which means they don’t sit so far back on their ribs. But we can’t work miracles, it usually only gains us half an inch. So, if you need more than that, it’s time to ask yourself that dreaded question… ‘Am I too big for my horse?’ www.peeweesaddlery.co.uk

HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER Continued from previous page...

(that’s the R in the title) so that standards are kept high and new information can be shared.

In addition to the RQSF Qualification there are Registered Master Saddle Fitters – those that have practiced in this field for many years to a very high standard and undertaken further confirmation as to their abilities.

Please do not confuse a Master Saddle Fitter or Qualified Saddle Fitter with a Master Saddler or Qualified Saddler. These qualification holders are highly skilled at making saddles, bridles and leatherwork but are not necessarily saddle fitters.

Each is a separate skill set and, whilst some QSFs or MSFs are also Qualified or Master Saddlers this is not a given. Please choose the skill that you need.

To find your nearest qualified saddle fitter visit The Society of Master Saddlers’ web site, www.mastersaddlers.co.uk where you will be able to see those in your area and their qualifications.

NEW PRESIDENT:

SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS

B

ea Blakeman has been appointed as the new President of the Society of Master Saddlers.

Wellknown throughout the industry Bea has a successful career running Crewe Saddlery and has been part of the business since leaving school in 1989.

Bea will work closely with the Chief Executive, Hazel Morley, and the Executive Committee, along with the sub-committees over the coming year and was appointed to this new position at the Society of Master Saddlers’ AGM held on Zoom due to current restrictions.

CALLING ALL... BUDDING

SADDLERS & LEATHERWORKERS

A

bbey England is looking for applications for its scholarship programme, from saddlers and leatherworkers at the outset of their careers. The company will ensure the two successful applicants will each receive financial and practical support, at a crucial time in their development.

Now in its fourth year, the Abbey England Scholarship programme provides successful candidates with £500 worth of product from the company’s website. They will also receive expert advice and online support, via Abbey England’s social media channels. In return, Abbey England encourages the scholarship winners to provide a monthly blog, so readers can share their journey.

Leathercraft worker Natasha Kerimova, pictured, was awarded a Scholarship in 2019. Natasha commented: “My Abbey England blog proved very useful. It helped me to formulate my thoughts regarding craft and artisanship which I had not previously focussed on.”

If you are interested in applying for this year’s scholarship visit www.abbeyengland.com before 27th November 2020.

QUESTION: “What areas of my saddle should I check for wear or damage? Are there areas more susceptible to wear?”

ANSWER: “When checking for areas of wear and damage on a saddle, first to be considered are the girth straps as this is a safety issue. Look for cracking in the leather where it is held by the buckle as this can lead to the girth straps breaking. On occasions girth straps can stretch and the holes will then become un-level so this is another key area to keep checking,” explains twice-President of the SMS, Laurence Pearman.

“If the holes stretch there is the possibility that one can split down to the next hole and the straps should be repaired before this happens.

“As part of your regular checks also look for the webbing that holds the straps weakening and breaking.

“Another issue that can arise are stirrup leathers becoming unstitched and then breaking or like the girth straps, the holes stretching and becoming dangerous.

“On the saddle it is also important to ensure that the stirrup bars do not become loose with exceptional wear and tear over years.

“Other areas for damage are the cantle and I would suggest always keeping a leather cantle guard on to protect it if you have one, or keep its cover on as much as possible to protect it, and never lean the saddle against a wall or similar on to the cantle.

“The saddle seat is another area that can gradually become damaged over time, especially the stitching along the seams so remember to check around there.

The stitching at the bottom of the kneepads on the flaps is a similar area that may need maintenance.

“If you have an adjustable saddle with screws it is important to put in place a system for checking screw tightness on a regular basis as it is possible for them to loosen over time.

“Last but not least the saddle flaps can wear and mark especially if the zips on boots or half chaps come into contact with them.

“The best routine is to have a quick check of your saddle when cleaning and get into the habit of having any damage repaired as soon as you notice any significant wear.”

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SADDLERY & TACK

Bridle

FITTING ADVICE

QUESTION: “I have just bought a new horse and need to buy a new bridle, what should I look for in a new bridle and how do I ensure it is fitted correctly and will be comfortable for the horse?”

the finest materials and crafting.

It could be just what you need and show off your horse but only if it fits correctly… and quite simply it can be a useless tool if it does not fit!

If you are taking part in any specialist disciplines or classes ANSWER: The Society of make sure you know the rules Master Saddlers replies... and know what is and is not First of all you need to think allowed to be worn. This could about the purpose of the bridle be a costly mistake if you are and what you are going to be planning to compete. doing with your horse. A well The simplest and most common selected, correctly fitting bridle bridle is the snaffle but fitting a can enhance the best points of a bridle has the same principles horse’s head and help disguise whatever the style. the less fortunate. In showing When fitting a bridle on a horse this can be used to great for the first time hold the bridle advantage. A horse that is at the side of the horse’s head to comfortable in his bridle will get a rough idea of how big the also be able to move more head is. Adjust the fastenings as freely. necessary, if you don’t do this Remember horses come in many you may struggle to get the different shapes and sizes and headpiece over the horse’s head every breed has individual if it is too small. Straps can be attributes that make them left out of their keepers and suited to a specific discipline, runners to make adjusting quick interest or showing class. and easy.

You can go to your local Once the bridle is in place, do up Saddlery shop and select the the buckles, starting from the finest, well designed bridle using top and working down.

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The browband must not be so tight that it pinches the back of the ears or pulls the bridle forward. If fitted too high it will rub around the base of the ears causing discomfort, which may cause head shaking. The bridle should be loose enough to not cause the horse discomfort but secure enough not to slip off.

A correctly fitted bit should hang so that it sits in the inter orbital space, and is not in contact with any of the teeth, the height and fit of the bit depends very much on the horse’s mouth conformation - it may have a short mouth, low palate, thick tongue etc. We used to say that there should be

one or two wrinkles at the corners of the mouth, but a much better test is that it should look comfortable, and be high enough in the mouth that the cheek pieces do not sag away from the face when the contact is taken up, but not so high that it appears to make the horse smile. The width of the bit is important too. It should not be pinching at the sides or be loose enough that it moves from side to side across the

mouth. The cheek pieces can easily be adjusted if necessary to gain the correct position.

The cheek pieces of the bridle must not be fastened on the top hole as this can interfere with the sensitive jaw joint and cause great discomfort, if they do then you need to have them adjusted by a craft saddler.

The throat lash must not restrict the horse’s breathing. When fastening it remember that some horses become very thick through the jaw in collected paces. To measure for a good fit place three fingers sideways between the throat lash and underneath the horse’s chin.

The cavesson noseband should lie about two fingers’ breadth below the prominent cheekbones and just above the rings of the bit to avoid pinching or chafing.

Check that the noseband is level before fastening. All nosebands Qualification The Society of Master Saddlers have launched a new and forward thinking Bridle Fitting Qualification.

This new initiative aims to raise standards in the industry and enhance equine welfare.

The qualification, approved

by City & Guilds, was developed over 18 months.

At the centre of all the Society’s suite of qualifications, which are all approved by City & Guilds, is equine welfare which drives members forward to deliver the best saddlery services and goods in the world. www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

should be loose enough to fit two fingers side by side under the front of the noseband when fastened.

The leather of a bridle should be firm but pliable with no sharp or rough edges. If a bridle is very cheap it has either been made from poor quality materials or by using modern day slave labour, however, a high price does not guarantee a great product. If in doubt ask a craft saddler for advice on the quality of a bridle.

Bespoke bridles are a good option. Made by craft bridlemaker these bridles are perfectly made to measure for your horse and fitted. It certainly takes the hassle out of buying and fitting one and can be extremely good value for money and a worthwhile investment. The bridle-maker will come out to measure up your horse, and if this is not possible due to distances involved they may give clear measuring instructions for you to do it yourself and feedback the measurements. Bridle fitters can help with choosing the correct size of bit and many are also bitting specialists who will carry a selection of bits for you to try.

Nowadays many bridle fitters carry a selection of different makes or styles of bridle that you can try before buying, similar to the way saddle fitters do.

If you are interested in this option the Society of Master Saddlers can help as many of their members are craft bridlemakers who are amongst the best in the world.

REINING Choices!

S

ome riders prefer full rubber reins, others half rubber, some plaited and in the showing world it has to be leather!

Reins are an important piece of tack on the bridle as it is one of the rider’s methods of communication to the horse.

Depending if you have a horse or pony, a full size rein should be 1.5m in length and for a pony 1.3m. For jumping or flat racing the full size rein will need to be shorter in length to 1.4m, as a shorter hold is required in the sport. Most reins are now sold in four sizes: pony, cob, full and extra-full.

The width of the reins is also an area to consider so they match the width of your bridle, as well as the size of your horse or pony and also fit to the size of your hands.

There is a wide range and variety of reins all suited for different needs and riding disciplines so it is important to choose something that is comfortable and appropriate.

Plain – Made out of leather, these reins are smooth with no styling or features such as hand stops etc. Generally the reins are quite thin and flexible, offering a nice connection to the horse’s mouth and present a clean look. Most riders often use plain reins as a curb rein with a Weymouth or as a main rein in dressage.

Full rubber-grip – Favoured for showjumping and eventing, these reins are covered in rubber to provide soft grip without losing durability. Another great feature is that the reins are ideal for all weather conditions, because the rubber does not take on any water therefore drying almost instantly. Because of the rubber covering the reins come in an array of colours.

Continental – Continental reins are web reins with leather markers spaced out on the reins, which make it easier for riders to hold them or if they struggle to keep their hands even. The web reins are lightweight, soft and flexible because they are made from cotton and are generally used for everyday flatwork/schooling.

Laced Reins – Often seen on hunter bridles because they provide good grip thanks to the laced pattern design sewn in.

The overlaid laced leather also gives a nice traditional styling commonly used in showing.

Plaited – Five strips of leather are plaited together to form one single strap which becomes the rein and a natural surface to grip whilst looking smart.

Half Rubber – Similar to the full rubber reins, only one side of the rein is covered in thin rubber, which is favoured among dressage riders as that provides the grip. They are also thinner to eliminate bulk for a close connection with the horse’s mouth.

Whatever your preferred choice, make sure they are in good repair by carrying out regular checks.

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EVENT REPORTS

UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2020 ARENA UK, LINCOLNSHIRE

MUMFORD TAKES THE SEIB RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP

Sophie Brown and Amroth Bay

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Amateur SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class. The SEIB classes at the UK National Championships were kindly sponsored by Robert Walker.

Chiropractor Bobby McGoldrick deputised for Mumford’s regular rider, her sister, Collette McGoldrick when winning the open SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class and going on to take Bobby McGoldrick and Mumford the championship. A delighted Bobby said: “This is the first sash 13hh pony.

Hannah Chisman and First Fandango Mumford was just I have won since I was riding a great today.”

Bobby’s sister, show producer for Edward Young show team, Collette McGoldrick said; “I said Bobby could ride him for a bit of fun. I will be back on him for the HOYS SEIB qualifiers next Collette added: “Jenny and Geoff’s daughter Emma has year! Having been placed at ridden a few ponies for us and HOYS in 2019, we will be some friends of mine had said to seriously aiming at 2021.”

Mumford is owned by Geoff and me how much fun the racehorse Jenny Harker who train in North classes are, so I asked Jenny if Yorkshire. Geoff said: “Mumford she had a horse that I might be able to loan and Mumford cost £125,000 as a yearling, he arrived with me late in 2018. It was placed a few times but is great to see him doing so proved to be pretty slow. I am well.” delighted that he has found a The amateur class winner in the new job he is really good at.”

Photos: Equinational

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enny and Geoff Harker’s elegant bay gelding, Mumford gave his rider Bobby McGoldrick a day to remember at the UK National Championships at Arena UK on the 16th August.

Mumford won the open section in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class and then went on to take the Championship. The reserve champion SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse title went to Hannah Chisman and her own First Fandango. Sophie Brown and her ex national hunt horse, Amroth Bay won the

Two readers share their experiences...

VETERAN HORSE SOCIETY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2ND – 4TH OCTOBER

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hat a fantastic Veteran Horse Society National Championships!

Very different from previous in more ways than one.

“I didn’t think things could get any better than our results on Friday and Saturday. First up was the In-hand Supreme where we were placed second. Then into the In-Hand Championship where we were pulled in as Reserve In-hand of show. A brief rest for Lady in Red aka Rosie then it was time for Joe’s Ridden Supreme.

“After a spook at the trophy table we thought that our chance had gone but surprisingly we were pulled in sixth place.

“We then were asked to present for Overall Supreme of Show and placed Reserve. Dreams really do come true! Joe and Rosie have a dream partnership and bond that absolutely shines

through. Congratulations to Joe Mace and Rosie.

With Prisca Batchelor and Jessica Mace, and thanks go especially to Julianne, Clare, Nigel, Mandy and Steve for making it happen.”

- Debbie Mace

e attended the Veteran Horse Society National Championships for the first time this year. Despite the strict Covid restrictions the Society had to adhere to, it was very well run and one of the most supportive shows we have attended.

“We made it to the Saturday evening performance having qualified for two championships, after a mad dash (massive ‘thank you’ to my groom!) from a ridden class we made it to the Main arena Inhand. Bitofamadam, a 20-year-old Irish Sports Horse mare, is always a pleasure to show and loves being under the spotlight. She put every bit of effort into her performance that evening. To my delight we were crowned Inhand Veteran Horse Champion, a title she truely deserves!

Hearing our names being announced over the tannoy and running out to Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’ is a memory I will always treasure!

“We can not wait to attend the show again next year.“ - Emma Reader

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Photo: Nicola Denley

SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse at the UK National Championships, Sophie Brown first met Amroth Bay when riding out for national hunt trainer, Dan Skelton. Sophie said: “I have had Amroth Bay since he retired from the track in 2011, he has done very well in the racehorse challenge classes and we have evented up to BE100 level. We did two SEIB HOYS qualifiers last year and came fifth in both. This win makes me think we should have another go at qualifying for HOYS next year.” Sophie now rides out for Julia Brooke in Middleham and combines this with running Classic Boots – a company specialising in making made to measure boots for jockeys. Amroth Bay won the Cambridgeshire National when he was in training with Dan Skelton.

Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager for SEIB said: “We are ever so grateful to Scott Dixon and his team at the UK National Championships for putting this show on. Scott managed to run the show within the Covid-19 restrictions but still make it great fun and a competition worth winning. I am pleased that we were able to support the championships along with Robert Walker to give Racehorse to Riding Horse competitors the chance to compete at a big, national show. We hope to see everyone that competed here out at the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS qualifiers next year.” www.racehorse2 ridinghorse.co.uk www.seib.co.uk

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EVENT REPORTS

he Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA), organisers of the Suffolk Show, are delighted to report on the success of the Autumn Horse Show held at Trinity Park, Ipswich on Sunday 6th September. The date of the Horse Show was originally announced on 19th March 2020 following the earlier cancellation of this year’s Suffolk Show. Organised by the SAA, and run by the Suffolk Show Light Horse Team, it was a welcome return to the world of competitive horse and pony showing for many exhibitors who had largely given up any hope of competitions in 2020.

With the country’s Coronavirus restrictions being slowly eased and following the very latest Government Covid-19 guidance, the Team planned the event with careful consideration to the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. With the abundance of outdoor space at Trinity Park, the Team utilised all of the Showing rings, even those

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In-Hand Champion - Mrs D Twitchen with Bronheulog Principle, 30-year-old gelding

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usually filled with heavy horses, showjumpers and cattle at the Suffolk County show. This provided a safe environment for all exhibitors to compete whilst strictly observing social distancing in the bright warm autumn sunshine.

The Team were delighted to receive over 200 entries across the board, with Working Hunter, In-Hand and Ridden Horse and Pony classes along with the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) qualifiers for the London International Horse Show at Olympia.

“We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all the competitors who were delighted to be back in the showing rings,” said a spokesperson.

Sandy Wooderson who was the Judge for Ridden SSADL Class said, “I was delighted to judge qualifier classes; the standard of entries was amazing and all were a great credit to their owners.”

The current guidance meant that sadly no spectators were allowed at the event. But that did not put off the forty strong

Amelia Lee riding Bairdmoor Tokyo Joe winners of the 80cm Working Hunter Class

team of Judges, Stewards, SAA staff and Course Builders giving ample appreciative support to all exhibitors when the rosettes were handed out at the end of the classes.

Phillip Ainsworth, Chief Executive of the Suffolk Agricultural Association commented that, “We are extremely grateful to all our competitors, Judges, Stewards and other volunteers who gave up their time to come and support us on the day. Even though the event was closed to the general public it was a great

Reserve In-Hand Champion Lauren Johnson with Rockets Boy, 16year-old gelding

Photos: Eventing Focus/SAA

SAA AUTUMN HORSE SHOW 2020

opportunity for the equestrian community to come together and take part in competitive events after a lengthy break. We are delighted with how it has gone as the SAA and Suffolk Show Light Horse teams worked tirelessly to ensure that the event ran smoothly and safely.“ The Autumn Horse Show helped raise funds for the SAA’s educational activities, which are designed to promote awareness of key aspects of food production, farming, the countryside and environment.

Reserve Ridden Champion - Miss H Rackham’s Overley Gamebird, 16-year-old mare, ridden by Millie Rackham

BRITISH SHOWJUMPING INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS AT AINTREE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 7TH – 11TH OCTOBER

NEWMARKET’S CATE KERR & DUNBAROVER IV WIN THE BRITISH SHOWJUMPING 128CM CHAMPIONSHIP

Sophia Rogers with Whinney Lass, who stopped the clock slightly slower in 34.19 to take second place whilst Katie Bradburne took third with Carrowvila Izzy as the fastest rom a field of almost behind her. The jump off course combination with four faults thirty combinations it allowed for the young riders to ahead of Cate’s second ride was 11-year-old Cate make some tight turns inside Taggarts Express who finished Kerr from Newmarket in some of the fences if they chose fourth.

Suffolk that took the win in to before the final fence which Talking afterwards a very happy the British Showjumping came just after an oxer turning Cate said of her win, “It was very 128cm Championship back across the short side. The exciting to win, I had just got off sponsored by RG Farriers Ltd, entire field all showed great my other pony when the last with her mother Lisa’s 11maturity under the pressure that one was to go and when I heard year-old 128cm dun pony goes hand-in-hand with the commentator say I had won Dunbarover IV. competing at a championship I just hugged Yogi (Dunbarover’s Nine had made it through to the show whilst also clearly stable name) as I was so jump-off but it was Cate’s very illustrating the talent that is pleased. fast clear in a time of 32.93 coming up through the youth “I went into the jump off seconds that saw her secure the ranks. Joining Cate in posting thinking I knew that a lot of the win and relegate the rest of the the only other double clear of riders would go quick so I field, including her second ride, the competition was last to go thought I would go for it. He is always really good and I could feel his adrenalin building up but he’s also always good in the ring. The last fence was difficult because it was on an angle so you had to make sure you didn’t cut it too short so I just aimed for the middle.”

About Yogi’s personality at home she said, “He is quite funny as sometimes when something goes past him he can put his ears back and pull a face but he’s really happy at home and he likes to chill out in his favourite corner of the stable and he just stands there with a floppy lip.”

Photos courtesy of Majestic Photography

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VICTORIOUS: BRENTWOOD’S HENRY SQUIBB ourteen year-old Henry Squibb from Brentwood, Essex added his name to the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship roll of honour when he took the top spot on the 8-year-old grey gelding Clyde Barrows owned by Patricia Squibb.

Henry fought off 47 other challengers to take victory.

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VICTORIOUS: BURY ST EDMUNDS’ TIM

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field of thirty-three starters was whittled down to an eight way jump off for the historic Senior Foxhunter Championship Title sponsored by Equitop GLME. For Tim Davies with Lisa Volk’s 7-year-old gelding Nielson it was a well-deserved victory when they jumped clear to stop the clock a second ahead of the previous leader to claim the title as theirs.

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CHELMSFORD’S SOPHIA ROGERS SCOOPS TITLE

Photo: Courtesy of Landscapes and Horses Photography

Photo: Julian Portch Photography

EVENT REPORTS

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n the impressive Longines International Arena at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships at Hickstead recently, 10year-old Sophia Rogers from Chelmsford, Essex scooped the top prize in the Pony of the Year Winter 128cm Championship on Whinney Lass.

A strong field of twenty-four contested the first round and this was whittled down to eight for an ultra-competitive jump off in which six double clears were produced.

The fastest of the double clears came from Sophia on Whinney Lass, 17-year-old grey mare owned by Nicola Rogers. Sophia made the most of the available shortcuts to jump double clear in 37.45 seconds, a time which eventually gave her almost two seconds in hand over her nearest rivals.

The victory marked Whinney Lass’ third consecutive win in this Championship having been piloted to victory by Sophia’s sister Izabella in 2018 and 2019.

A delighted Sophia said, “Whinney Lass is just a superstar and at home, we let her do whatever she wants, she is just free range around the yard! This win means everything to me and when I found out I had won, I just started happy tears crying.”

The Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships took place from the 2nd-6th September at Hickstead, offering classes from pony and grassroots levels up to a 1.40m Grand Prix.

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BRENTWOOD'S NELLIE LOCK WINS THE BRITISH SHOWJUMPING 11-YEAROLD AND UNDER FINAL ellie Lock from Brentwood, Essex galloped Ellies Miss Chief owned by George Lock into the top spot in the British Showjumping 11-year-old and Under Final at the Scope Festival at SouthView Equestrian Centre.

Fifteen of the eighteen starters made it through to round two to make for a hot, competitive jump-off but that didn’t faze a determined Nellie despite getting the opening draw, and she set a blazing trail.

“I was worried about first draw at first but I had to go for it and he takes it all in his stride, he knows his job as soon as the bell goes,” said Nellie, 10, who flew into victory, winning by 0.77 seconds. “I so wanted a sash and a rug and I have to thank my aunt and trainer Sandra Dean for all she does for me – this win is down to her.”

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ritain’s leading riders were out in force as Endurance GB stages a return to FEI competition for the first time in 2020 at Suffolk’s Lavenham Ride.

Sponsorships included ‘glow sticks’ for every rider symbolising the positivity behind the ride.

The popular Lavenham Ride (19th20th September) saw strong performances and given the lack of competition, encouraging completion rates across the classes.

Organisers and riders alike were delighted to have been able to meet stringent Covid guidelines to enable the competition to take place from the grounds of Semer Manor near Ipswich. Sponsors over the two days included; RiderCise, Zayin Arabian Stud, Gadebrook Stud, Lancashire Group Endurance GB, Haygain, Elm Farm Arabians, Equine Exceed and On The Hoof Distance Training.

In the top FEI CEI 3* 140km class, Dorset-based Nikki Malcolm and Oso Arabian’s Oso Spiralling Wind, who made their mark on the 2019 season with wins in the RiderCise Southern Championship and at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon, maintained their record with a superb victory, winning by a nose after a racing finish ahead of second-placed James Dickinson with Magdy who train in West Sussex with Powys rider Fiona Griffiths with Balishla who followed in third.

The majestic Australian-bred grey Spiral, owned by the Oso Arabians team from New South Wales completed the surprisingly undulating and technical course at a speed of 16.2km/hr.

“Taking into account that the first loop was ridden in the dark I think that’s a respectable speed,” said Nikki.

After the setback of being vetted out

ENDURANCE GB FEI COMPETITION AT LAVENHAM RIDE IN SUFFOLK Nicki said: “I am absolutely delighted with the weekend’s results. It was so lovely to see everyone again and really quite emotional. We have an exceptional sport and I have really missed everything from the camaraderie, the friendly competition, great British trainers and riders on display and last but never least these spectacular horses who never cease to amaze.

“The weather was glorious but the flip side of this meant we had extremely hard ground and despite the course having ample grass tracks to make for good cantering, the course was technical with plenty of ninety degree turns and narrow field exits with changes of direction

taking you back on yourself, and so I was very conscious to take the cornering very carefully and not just to be sure I was saving enough horse for later on, but also to be very aware of the concussive impacts of the ground on legs that had not been previously tested earlier in the season.

“Thankfully my fabulous mare April (Castlebar Nadiva) was foot perfect and gave me a brilliant ride. Cantering among in the sunshine I was very much aware of how lucky I was to be there.

“I did have worries about making sure we were all safe and Covid compliant, following the new FEI regulations for the first time and also not having had

Georgina Vaughan and Vlacq Journeyman

Nicki Thorne and Kamilcia

Photos: Kerry Dawson, Endurance GB

after Spiral stumbled just after the finish line in the 160km at Julianges in France back in July, Nikki said having finished that ride strongly, she had regrouped to bring Spiral to Lavenham and it had been a watershed moment.

“This was my tenth successful FEI 3* as a rider and after the heartbreak at Julianges and the year we have had, it’s the one that meant the most.”

In Saturday’s CEI 2* 120km class, there was a superb win for Cornwall-based Vicky Ham and Cwyrtai Sherif. Alicia Reeves won the YR 1* class with Doylan Lacoste's Gift while in Sunday’s CEI 1*, victory went to Italy’s Chiara Careddu. Abergavennybased British team vet Georgina Vaughan showed her customary competitive spirit leading home Sunday’s CEI 2* field with Vlacq Journeyman (Jonty) ahead of Saffron Bishop (Ty Shute Golden Savannah) and Abigail Chisholm (Mellway Royalblue Diamond).

Expressing the gratitude of riders that the event had been staged, Georgina Vaughan said: “Thank you to everyone who believed in this almost impossible task at times of holding an FEI ride and everyone who gave up their time to volunteer and make it work in a safe Covid secure way. Enablying British riders to have a chance to qualify and run our horses this year.”

Norfolk-based Nicki Thorne flew the flag for East Anglia taking the FEI CEI 100km 1* contest with Kerewong Rubaiyat and summed up the atmosphere at the season’s first major ride.

any of the usual run up and prep to a big competition. What I experienced was an extremely well laid-on event that managed to provide a high-end competition with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere - I can’t thank the entire team that put this on enough, between the FEI ride officials, the EGB ride organisers and every volunteer they truly put on a great competition.”

Nicki’s weekend of form continued with a completion the following day with her strong little bay mare Kamilcia in the FEI 3* 140 kms thus qualifying the combination to be eligible for selection in the Europeans and World Championships next year.

Nikki Malcolm and Oso Spiralling Wind

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