Absolute Horse - April 2019 by Absolute Horse Magazine

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Absolute APRIL 2019

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GORGEOUS COUNTRY & EQUESTRIAN GEAR Inside...

APRIL

2019 ISSUE 332

Suffolk’s Lynn Perry takes the Regional Champion title at Easton and Otley College in the Suregrow Elementary Freestyle Music Silver class on Starmaker. See page 60.

NEW: Paul Herbert’s legal advice - New horse not quite what you expected? 38 Samantha Hardingham - Ten health switches 35 NEW: Clarendon Equine Biosecurity Basics 60 Reports 61 Classifieds/Vets Directory 63 Agroco-sponsored REGULARS Showdates Diary 4 News FEATURES 20 Rhea Asks - Want to be a Brand 8 Show Time - featuring Jo Ambassador? Bates 36 Herbalist Daisy Bayliss - Herbs 14 British Breeding Stallion for settling hormones? Event

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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Buyer’s Guide - April Edit VetWatch - The foot Nutrition- Natives and more Careers, Education and Training - including interviews with a leading fashion designer, equestrian blogger, herbalist, equine nutritionist, coursebuilder and PR specialist Health & Welfare On The Market - Property profile Stables, Bedding and Paddocks Saddlery & Tack - including Martin Wilkinson interview Local Profile - Carlie Lewis The Professionals - including Harriet Morris-Baumber, Natalie South, Emma Blundell and Lisa Spence

WHAT’S

INSIDE

COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & OFFERS 6 Ariat Saddle Snaps 9 Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show tickets 39 Aniwell 50 Suregrow

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NEWS

2019 SEIB INSURANCE BROKERS BURGHLEY SPONSORED RIDE

he SEIB Insurance Brokers Burghley Sponsored Ride will take place on the final day of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday 8th September. Entries for this popular event are now open and will be taken on the ride website. This will be the 18th running of the ride which over the years has raised well in excess of £250,000 for good causes. Thanks to Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, riders will be able to enjoy riding on the parkland turf of a large section of the world’s toughest 5* eventing cross country course and see the huge fences up close on horseback. The ride course takes in famous Burghley feature fences such as the Trout Hatchery, Cottesmore Leap and the Rolex Combination. These iconic fences were joined in 2018 with the (ongoing) additional treat of riding over and under the new Flyover. The SEIB Burghley Sponsored Ride is 12km long and takes in both these famous fences and many of the tracks and pathways of the vast Burghley estate. The ride is suitable for all ages and abilities. www.burghleysponsoredride.co.uk

CONCERNS: TETHERED HORSES

he RSPCA has issued a stark reminder to the owners of tethered horses, highlighting the welfare risks associated with keeping their animals tethered. Dr Mark Kennedy, equine welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Last year we received more than 5,000 complaints about tethered horses. “It’s a very difficult situation, because at the moment tethering is not illegal in itself, so often our officers are unable to take action unless a vet can confirm the horse is suffering. “For the welfare needs of a tethered horse to be met, they would have to be very regularly monitored, safely tethered with properly designed and fitted equipment, given appropriate shelter, feed and water, along with regular and lengthy periods of free-roaming without the tether, but sadly, this rarely happens.”

HORSE SAVED AFTER BRAMBLE BECOMES LODGED

painfully thin horse, who had been left in agony and unable to eat due to a 25cm bramble lodged in his mouth, is starting a new life at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The 16-year-old cob cross, named Boris, was discovered in a field in Harlow, Essex, by the local council in February. Redwings’ Senior Field Officer Jo Franklin and an RSPCA Inspector attended the site and discovered the thorny stick wedged in the soft tissue under his tongue, which had been preventing Boris from grazing. Boris was immediately taken to House and Jackson Veterinary Clinic where the stick was removed, his mouth cleaned and he was able to enjoy his first meal in days. www.redwings.org.uk/donate

Actor Patrick Kennedy

JOCKEYS TO RAISE VITAL CASH

welve eager amateur jockeys are chomping at the bit after being selected to compete in the 49th annual Macmillan Charity Raceday, which will take place on 15th June at the iconic York Racecourse. The amateur jockeys will train for months to prepare for the event, all the while raising sponsorship money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This year Downton Abbey actor Patrick Kennedy will be taking part in memory of his father who died of cancer. “I was brought up by my race mad Dad. We went to the races all the time,” said Patrick. www.justgiving.com /campaign/ macmillanraceday2019 Competition Winners: Rowan Barbary Dawn Monk, Essex; Deidre Carter, Lincs; Eleanor Laws, Herts; Emma Burrows, Suffolk. Robinsons Animal Health Claire Barrett, Norfolk; Helen Wiseman, Norfolk; Karen Roadnight, Essex; Linda Flavell, Cambs; Sophie Clayson, Essex; Tracy Curry, Suffolk. Anabel Brocks Denise Baldry, Suffolk.

Photo: Charlie Watkins Foundation

SEIB INSURANCE BROKERS TO GIVE £100K TO CHARITY

Left to right: Harry Watkins, Max Kendrick, Chat to Charlie, Paddy Brennan and Tim Watkins

IN MEMORY OF SCHOOL FRIEND

local jockey came second place at a race meet recently in memory of a school friend who took his own life. Max Kendrick, who was friends with the late Charlie Watkins when they were at school, rode his horse, Chat to Charlie, at his first ever race in Cambridgeshire at Huntingdon Racecourse. Max and his mother, Carolyn, decided to name the racehorse after an online mental health initiative created by the Charlie Watkins Foundation in conjunction with Mid and North East Essex Mind, in a bid to raise awareness of the platform. The platform, Chat with Charlie, is a 1:1 platform offered to students at the University of Essex and is funded by the Charlie Watkins Foundation. The Charlie Watkins Foundation was founded a few months after Charlie Watkins, who was only 22, took his own life. The foundation aims to increase the awareness of mental health in young people, particularly young men, and collects donations to fund Chat with Charlie. www.cwfoundation.co.uk

en charities have made it through to the final stage of voting in the 2019 SEIB Insurance Brokers Charity Awards. One of these deserving charities will be awarded with the £50,000 SEIB grant at the SEIB Charity Awards Luncheon at the Grange City Hotel, London. A further £50,000 will be split between other good causes. Following nominations by the general public, SEIB customers have had the final say in which charity they believe should receive the winning £50,000 grant and to which charities the £50,000 runnerup grants should be awarded. The valuable SEIB grant will be used for a specific project which will make a true difference to the cause it is aimed at. The ten finalist charities and their projects for 2019 are: The Animal Health Trust - Digital X-Ray Appeal; Bransby Horses – Safe Haven Project; James Hopkins Trust – Sensory room to help children with

TOP COACH VISITS GLEBE FARM IN COPDOCK

or the first time the UK Polocrosse Association Head Coach and Pony Club Chief Polocrosse Coach Tom Simkin will be visiting Area 8 on 19th May. Tom is also the Chief Selector for the UK and heads up the coaching for the UK U25, U18 and U16 UK Squads and Player Development Pathway. “We are hugely grateful to Area 8 and Essex and Suffolk Hunt Pony Club member Seona McCredie, who won a lesson with Tom and who has made this opportunity possible,” explained Caro Daniels, Area 8 Polocrosse Coordintator. www.pcarea8polocrosse.com

complex needs; Lindsey Lodge Hospice – Enhanced Wellbeing; Once Upon A Smile – Help bereaved families rebuild their lives; Redwings – Horse Hospital Treatment Room Renovation; South Essex Wildlife Hospital – Seal Treatment and Wildlife Isolation Unit; Welsh Pony Rescue and Rehoming Charitable Trust – Every Life is Precious project; Wildlife Aid Foundation – Orphan Accommodation Project; World Horse Welfare – Vital New Equipment Needed.

COMPETITION

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CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show 8th-12th May

his year, Organisers have added more classes to the show giving a total of 147 showing classes – the highest number in recent years. The best of the Brits are expected to compete at the iconic venue and it is anticipated that it will attract the largest number of entries yet. Over 55,000 spectators will visit the famous showgrounds set in the private grounds of Windsor Castle for five days of unmissable competition. New classes this year include showing classes for Cleveland Bays (Inhand and Ridden), an RoR Open In-hand Show Series Qualifier, and In-hand classes for Pure Bred Arabs. New national showjumping classes include an Under25 competition on Sunday. In addition The Pony Club is running its Dressage Championships at the show and there will an Oxford - Cambridge Varsity match dressage competition. www.rwhs.co.uk

SHOW TIME: SPECIAL REPORT

TOP STALLIONS ON SHOW: AT BRITISH BREEDING STALLION EVENT M

The morning session was dedicated to showjumpers, including an evergreen 25-yearold Arko III who is heading into his final stud season but showing no signs of slowing down. Brendon Stud presented a number of stallions, highlighted by a three generation display of 6-year-old Klaris Giddy-Up, his dam – the international showjumper Sussex Caretino – and her sire – the stud’s energetic 21-year-old senior stallion Caretino Glory. The eventers ranged from two three-year-olds at the very start of their breeding careers presented by Future Sport Horses (Future Prophecy and Future Guilty Pleasure) through to CIC 5-star campaigner Leprince des Bois and the clone of Badminton and Burghley champion Tamarillo – Tomatillo. In a tribute to Ramiro B, Nina Barbour rode an offspring of his, serving as a fitting finale to the eventers section.

Photos: Horsepower Creative

are owners and sport horse enthusiasts headed to Addington Equestrian Centre on 16th March to watch the rescheduled British Breeding Stallion Event. The day was a resounding success with over 65 stallions on display in front of the enthusiastic audience.

Kaiserdom

Double Bubble

Edobantos

Rexter D'Or

The dressage section had a wealth of talent showcasing the strength in depth of British based sires. Woodlander Stud presented six stallions, Suzanne Lavendera brought her 20-yearold Trakehner Grand Prix star Kaiserdom TSF and Caunton Manor Stud brought the whole day to conclusion with a great display from their up and coming Grand Prix horse

Dankeschon, shown by Martin Schleicher. The opportunity to meet the stallions in the stabling area is one of the most popular aspects of this event, allowing mare owners to assess conformation and temperament close up. This social side of the day was also a great networking opportunity for visitors and exhibitors alike. The trade stand area was also

busy throughout the day, with a mixture of breed societies, stallion stations, reproduction specialists and supporting industries using the day to meet up with clients old and new. Trade stand exhibitors reported an excellent day with many enquiries.

Continued overleaf...

SPECIAL REPORT

Continued from previous page... British Breeding, the team behind the event, also launched their new Members Club which offers breeders support and information to support their endeavours. With a free subscription to the British Breeder magazine, discounted entry to events and educational

LONG TERM

stud visits in the pipeline, the Members Club is an excellent addition to the work of the British Breeding board. For more information on British Breeding, please visit: www.british-breeding.com Ramiro B Tribute

optimum condition scores and Elite or Higher First Futurity Premiums. The team have also seen a definite improvement in the young horses being presented, with much fewer extremes, ie. really fat or really thin youngsters, being seen as breeders understand the long-term implications of ensuring optimum nutrition. Baileys have also sponsored the annual Stallion Event since its inception and are SUPPORT FOR BREEDERS looking forward to supporting the Equine Bridge as it is resurrected, this year. This programme is exclusive to requirements are being met. having developed a British Breeding Futurity sophisticated range of feeds for Baileys also assess the animal’s graduates and, in conjunction top line and musculature as this breeding stock, were keen to with British Dressage, British is a reflection of how well offer advice and guidance to Eventing and British dietary protein requirements producers of all types and Showjumping, aims to bring are being met, something which breeds. From 2010, Baileys together talented horses with is especially critical to the Nutritionists stand with the talented riders and provide growing youngster as dietary veterinary surgeon, on each access to a wealth of protein supplies the building evaluation day, to assess the professional knowledge and condition of all the youngsters blocks, not just of muscle, but of support. all other body tissues, including and, in 2017, a Body Condition For more information on tendons and ligaments. Score was included as part of feeding mares, foals and With each Futurity-assessed the overall assessment. youngstock as well as Baileys’ youngster being given a BCS Body Condition Scoring (BCS) involvement with British assesses the amount of body fat and a Top Line assessment, Breeding, visit Baileys have collated all their a horse is carrying and is, www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk data and early analyses showed therefore, a reflection of how a definite correlation between well the horse’s calorie

FROM BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS

019 sees Baileys Horse Feeds support the British Breeding Futurity for the 14th year, having been involved with the young horse evaluations since their inception, in 2005. Correct nutrition is integral to the support of healthy even growth in the young horse and in providing the foundations for a sound adult equine athlete, which is why Baileys got involved. They knew from their experience with Thoroughbred youngsters how important feeding is and,

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RHEA ASKS...

I’M RHEA FREEMAN...I’M A PR, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT AND COACH WITH A SPECIALISM IN EQUESTRIAN AND RURAL BUSINESS. I WORK WITH A NUMBER OF THE BEST BRANDS IN THE INDUSTRY AND MANY THAT YOU’LL SEE IN THESE PAGES...

rand ambassadorship has taken the place of many sponsorships – why? For brands there’s usually less financial implications as ambassadors generally receive product over money. Also, with social media and its continued rise, so many people, who are not professional riders, are waving the flag for brands and really representing them well. Bless social media! This means that competition has never been so fierce. However, here are a few ways to start to gain visibility with the brands you want. I will add though that the steps below do not guarantee that you’ll be selected as a brand ambassador. Businesses are constantly changing the way they work with riders and that’s something to keep in mind. However, if you want to stand the best chance, here are my tips… • Have a genuine affinity with the brands you want to work with. Buy and use their products and talk about them on social media. If I am looking at anyone as a brand ambassador, I’ll look at the products they use and how they talk about them. Using a competitor’s product one minute and then asking for my client’s doesn’t look great. • Engage with the brand, authentically. Comment on their posts, like what they’re doing, show you’re interested in them. • Tag them. If you’re including them in your social media posts – please tag them. Brands generally like to see who’s

supporting them, so make it easy for them. • Think of what you can give, not what you can gain. Brands are busy and they want to work with people who will help extend their reach – so how could you help them do that? Don’t think of all the stuff you want, what could you do to help them achieve their goals. • Don’t expect too much. If a brand is interested in working with you, expect to start small, maybe with a small gifted item. With so much competition, the brand will likely be looking to see what you do. • Engage with your audience. One of the things I look for is how the rider engages with their audience. The number under the name isn’t the be all and end all for me, it’s what response they get to the posts they share and how they deal with responses. * Create good content. Share good photos. Write good captions. Pen good blogs. Have good ideas. Blurry images, for example, don’t scream professional, and most brands will want to be connected to someone who conducts himself or herself in a considered manner…even if they aren’t a professional rider. • Be nice. It might not be the right time for the brand to offer you an ambassadorship, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love what you do. And a ‘no’ doesn’t always mean a ‘no, never’but you being rude to them will!

SO YOU WANT TO BE A BRAND AMBASSADOR? Visit www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk • Twitter (@rheafreeman) • Instagram (@rheafreemanpr) • Facebook (/RheaFreemanPR) 20

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How well are your feet protected? Has your horse made a good impression on you? If not, you are one of the lucky ones. Of all accidents at the stables foot injuries are by far the most common. It all happens in a flash of a second, often resulting in, at best a bruise and at worst, a broken toe. Yet wearing properly constructed boots with toe protection would eliminate most of the risks. Boots made to the correct safety standards can withstand a compression in excess of 1000 kilos which is more than the weight of any horse. With Equitector long and short boots you will feel safe and comfortable; they have many other unique features too. www.equitector.com

t NO FOOT h e tc V a W NO HORSE VETWATCH

By Lucy Grieve MA VetMB MRCVS

Presented by

ROSSDALES EQUINE PRACTICE Beaufort Cottage Stables High Street, Newmarket Suffolk CB8 8JS Tel: 01638 663150 email: practice@rossdales.com

www.rossdales.com

he foot is an important and complex part of the horse’s anatomy. There is rarely a quick-fix for foot problems, so sometimes you have to be prepared for longterm strategies in order to achieve the end goal of healthy, sound feet. Not all foot issues are obviously painful: some conditions are more chronic in nature and damage may be long term and difficult to treat. Working as a team with your farrier to monitor for changes and react appropriately is vital in maintaining a sound horse. Your vet is usually called when something has already gone wrong, so continuing to work as a team is essential. Some commonly encountered foot problems are covered here.

Poor quality horn: genes or environment? Horses hooves usually cope best on well-drained, sandy soil, and suffer most on wet, heavy clay. The horn is weakened by excessive moisture, which allows bacteria and fungi to penetrate inside and break it down, causing further structural weakening and a resultant vicious circle. Weak, broken hooves lose their shape easily as they grow, often splaying, splitting and becoming flat in

Regular shoeing and working as a team with your farrier is vital to maintaining a sound horse.

appearance. The genetics/breed of the horse is also influential. Whilst you can’t change genes, you can consider hoof quality when choosing a horse, and take into account where you will be keeping it.

Improve the quality of horn: • Keep the feet clean and dry as possible (choose your field and bedding carefully). • Keep stables well mucked out faeces and urine reduce horn quality. • Clean mud from the feet and allow them to dry if your horse comes in to be stabled. • Disinfect feet with an appropriate product to kill off the microbes that cause damage. ‘Rossdales Hoof Spray’ is 1 part iodine solution: 2 parts surgical spirit. Used

daily, this gives excellent results very quickly and is economical. • Feed a Biotin/hoof supplement with sufficient levels of good quality biotin, plus other contributing vitamins and minerals.

Abscesses Bacteria can enter the hoof through an existing weakness (crack) or from a penetration (such as a nail or sharp stone) and rapidly create an abscess. Abscesses are most commonly found under the sole or along the white line. They build up pressure in the hoof and can be unbearably painful, sometimes non-weight bearing. If left, the abscess can breach its walls and spread into other tissues. Some abscesses track up the inside of the hoof wall and burst out the coronet band. This risks

damaging the hoof wall growth for a long time and can also result in the infection extending rapidly through the soft tissues of the lower leg.

Thrush Thrush is often used to describe superficial infection of the sole, sulci and frog cleft which is characteristically smelly in nature. There is usually a mixture of bacterial and fungal infections, and often the more chronic the infection, the harder it is to treat.

VET PROFILE A foot with thrush, usually caused by a mixture of bacteria and fungi. Early treatment is advised.

What can I do? • Contact your vet immediately. Farriers can deal with superficial abscesses if they do not involve the sensitive tissues. However, deeper Treating thrush: exploration legally can only be • Ask your farrier or vet to performed by a vet. These cases pare away dead, disintegrated often need prescribed horn and frog material. medication, so work together • Spray the freshly exposed hoof with a disinfectant and hardening as an ‘owner-farrier-vet team’ agent, such as the iodine-surgical spirit mix or a formaldehydewhere possible. based product (e.g. Keratex or Thrush Buster). • The abscess needs locating, • Keep feet dry and clean, repeating the above topical treatment draining and flushing as soon daily and ask your farrier to attend regularly until the infection is as possible to avoid it under control. spreading to vital structures where infection could be lifeis useful for cleaning and White Line Disease threatening, such as the bones, ‘drawing’ the infection. Dry and Seedy Toe joints, tendons or ligaments. bandage to protect the foot in These are similar issues, but • Flush the abscess with diluted between sessions. seedy toe seems to be restricted hydrogen peroxide (3% diluted • Iodine dressings are good for to the toe area rather than 50:50 with water) to kill off keeping sensitive areas clean elsewhere along the white line. It any infection. and disinfected until the area is commonly caused by bacteria • The foot should be ‘poulticed’ keratinises over with healthy and fungi creating a subclinical daily until the resulting hoof. (no obvious signs) infection discharge is no longer • Use poultice boots or which tracks up the white line. indicative of infection. appropriate dressings to keep This usually results from a • Hot-tubbing with Epsom salts the foot dry. structural failure and weakening of the white line either through nutritional and environmental factors, or quite often it can be through mechanical stresses being placed on the toe. Long-toe conformation, especially where low heels are also an issue, will create excessive leverage at the toe when the horse ‘breaks-over’ the foot when moving. This physically pulls the hoof wall An abscess being flushed away from the underlying with diluted hydrogen peroxide after being drained.

Continued overleaf...

Lucy Grieve MA VetMB MRCVS Lucy Grieve is an ambulatory assistant at Rossdales Equine Practice in Newmarket. After qualifying from Cambridge University in 2007, Lucy completed a diagnostic imaging internship at Rossdales Equine Diagnostic Centre. She then spent seven years as an in-house vet for a large flat racing facility in Newmarket. She returned to Rossdales in 2015, working mainly with pleasure horses and Thoroughbred horses in training. Her main areas of interest are lameness, diagnostic imaging and poor performance. Lucy has been a member of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Council since 2012, serving as chair of the Ethics and Welfare Committee and sitting on the Equestrian Sports Committee, liaising with regulatory bodies such as the BHA and FEI. She is also co-opted onto the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Thoroughbred Research Consultation Group, and was recently invited to sit on the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations Welfare Group.

VETWATCH Continued from previous page...

structures, which damages the white line and often the laminar structures too. Foot balance and shape must be addressed immediately otherwise all topical treatment of infection will be futile. If disease tracks high up the wall it may be necessary to remove large portions of the wall. This carries a risk of complications, so any sign of a problem must be addressed promptly.

Laminitis Laminitis is inflammation of the laminar structures which join the hoof wall/capsule to the underlying soft tissues and, importantly, to the pedal bone. There is no room for the tissue to swell so the horse becomes very painful and lame. The inflammation can result in compression of the laminae, which then causes the tissues to die. When this happens irreversible changes take place that can result in the horse being forever prone to further episodes of laminitis. If the condition is identified early and any underlying cause is addressed, (e.g. Cushings, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, poor foot balance/long toes, concussion of the feet), the horse can recover and permanent damage can be avoided.

If you suspect laminitis: • Call your vet immediately. They will undertake investigations for a causative factor, administer pain reflief and antiinflammatory medication, and possibly take x-rays of the feet. • Stable your horse on a deep,

soft bedding. • Do not exercise your horse. • Your vet may instruct you to commence cold therapy in the form of cold hosing, ice-boots, or standing the horse’s feet in cold/ice water. • You, your vet and farrier must work closely as a team to determine how the feet should be trimmed and if any shoes or pads should be used to provide support and comfort. Poor foot balance Foot balance is discussed in terms of dorso-palmar/plantar foot balance (from front to back) as well as medio-lateral foot balance (side to side). If a foot is boxy or clubbed, or conversely long in the toe with a low heel, these are examples of poor dorso-palmar foot balance, which will put abnormal strain on the lamina, coffin joint, navicular apparatus and the tendons and ligaments that run down the back of the leg. If the foot has a taller outside wall and a lower, collapsed inside wall, or vice-versa, this is described as poor medio-lateral foot balance. This creates issues with the joints of the foot and pastern (or higher up the leg if severe), and with the ligaments that hold those joints together. Unfortunately most horses with unbalanced feet have a combination of the above and so the resulting causes of lameness can be multiple and complex. When identified early, these horses often respond well to remedial or corrective farriery, sometimes with the aid of foot x-rays to assist the farrier. Horses which are left too long with

MRI is particularly useful for imaging the structures inside the horse’s foot. Horses with poor foot balance can respond well to remedial or corrective farriery.

unbalanced feet can suffer from grossly visible hoof damage, such as quarter cracks, but can also develop chronic and sometimes career-ending foot lameness. These cases can involve multiple structures and may only be diagnosed fully with the help of advanced imaging modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Bones, joints, tendons and ligaments The horse’s foot is not just the hoof. The intricate anatomy that exists inside that fairly thin

capsule of horn is very delicate and the possible issues are too numerous to discuss in this article. Everything you do to protect and maintain the health of the external hoof will aid the health of the foot’s internal structures. The coffin joint, navicular bone, deep digital flexor tendon and all the other tiny parts of the foot that keep our horses sound will function better if we spend some time and effort in keeping the feet healthy, well-shaped and disease-free.

HOOF & FOOT Product News...

RRP: £9.99/500ml.

RRP: £25.25/30 day supply.

Hoof Support is recommended by farriers because it has been specifically formulated for the nutritional maintenance of your horse’s hoof quality and growth. Problems associated with horses and ponies feet such as weak horn walls, crumbling, flaking, ridged and misshapened hooves can often be associated with dietary deficiencies in essential micronutrients or amino acids, such as Biotin, Zinc or Methionine. Regeneration of a complete hoof takes around 9-12 months and Hoof Support should be used for at least this length of time to supplement satisfactory growth. RRP: £22.50/1.5Kg. £38.25/3Kg. www.dodsonandhorrell.com

Biotin XTra Powder is fortified with Aloe Vera and Sea Buckthorn, to support healthy hooves as part of a balanced diet. RRP: £15.99/40 day supply. www.equine-america.co.uk

Equine America Hoof Balm is a super concentrated blend of natural oils that shine, moisturise, nourish and protect the hoof, whilst still letting it breathe. These oils are beneficial to the health and nourishment of the hooves and enable the delivery of moisture, nutrients and protection deep into the inner layers of the hoof whilst providing bacterial and anti-fungal protection. Use all year round - in dry conditions it provides excellent moisturising properties, whilst in winter it provides a water barrier against wet conditions while continually letting the hoof breathe.

Farrilin from Thomas Pettifer & Co is a comprehensive hoof health formula designed to nourish, moisturise and promote healthy hoof growth and maintenance. Contains a range of ingredients, including pine and neatsfoot oils.

Horse range given an exciting make-over... ounded in 1836, Thomas Pettifer & Co was originally founded by its namesake who ran the business with his sister and brother-in-law, between them overseeing everything from growing herbs and spices used in manufacture, to selling and marketing the products. Now Pettifers is once again part of a family-run firm, with Matt Robertson in charge of introducing the brand to new generations of horse owners. Matt explained: “It is rare to come across a company that has been going for as long as Thomas Pettifer. The brand is steeped in British heritage and gained an enduring trust and reputation among horse owners. It is our intention to build on that heritage and bring the high quality, trusted brand back to the fore.” www.thomaspettifer.com

Super Hoof Powder Plus is a concentrated supplement, containing no fillers, but with high levels of Biotin, Zinc, Methionine and Sulphur. These ‘all active’ ingredients work quickly on cracked or damaged hooves, stimulating hoof growth and horn quality. Super Hoof Powder Plus is also essential for those breeds with slow growing or flat feet which, inevitably, experience damaged and weakened horn and shoeing difficulties. Super Hoof Powder Plus is highly recommended by leading farriers and veterinary surgeons. www.equine-america.co.uk

Dodson & Horrell Safe & Sound is a high fibre, low starch and sugar, forage-based complete feed for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and contains the highest specification nutrition to support health, hoof quality and mobility. It is highly palatable and can be used all year round. RRP: £13.75 / 18Kg. www.dodsonandhorrell.com

Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is a low calorie, nutritionally balanced fibre feed. Containing essential nutrients for healthy hooves, it includes a full range of B vitamins including biotin and chelated trace minerals for general condition and to support the horse’s antioxidant system. Low in sugar and with extremely low starch levels at just 1.5%. www.dengie.com

An anti-oxidant blend of natural herbs with added MSM, LamiPro supports sensitive laminae and offers everyday protection against fluctuations in diet richness. Available as a liquid in 500ml or 1ltr size, or as a powder in 1kg or 5kg tubs. www.globalherbs.co.uk

Navilam’O’ is part of the very popular NoBute range from The Animal Health Company. This liquid supplement contains devils claw to aid joint care as well as English hawthorn. Hawthorn has been used as a herbal supplement aimed at the circulatory system for hundreds of years. Available in 1lt, 2.5lt and 5lt bottles. www.animal-health.co.uk

NUTRITION the unique fermentation process that occurs within the bag IN THIS ISSUE KATE means that each bale should PERROTT BSC(HONS), provide a sugar level that is EQUINE FEED consistently lower than good quality hay, is low in calories yet ADVISER AT still provides high levels of fibre. HORSEHAGE, If your native is on a very DISCUSSES FEEDING restricted diet, ensuring they receive sufficient vitamins and THE NATIVE PONY minerals is a further complication. Often these individuals are given a token feed, far smaller than the ative breeds have manufacturer’s become an recommended increasingly popular amount, resulting in choice over recent years and we compromised now see them being used with vitamin, mineral and great success across many protein intake. different disciplines. Vitamins and minerals Our native breeds have evolved are essential in almost hay over thousands of years to thrive all bodily functions often undeniably has a low on very low quality pasture, from maintaining a healthy calorie level, but it may be of often on exposed hillsides or metabolism, to hoof and bone particularly poor quality, be moorland and would constantly growth and development. dusty and mouldy leading to spring carrying too much be on the move, seeking fresh Likewise, although you certainly respiratory problems, or just weight, causing a headache for grazing areas or shelter. In their don’t want to supply a ration quite simply be unpalatable to their owners! natural environment, these high in protein, ‘good quality’ your horse. Unless you pay to Spring is often a time of ponies would lose a percentage protein is important as the have your hay analysed, it can particular concern when you of their bodyweight over the essential amino acids it provides also be difficult to know exactly colder winter months when grass own a native, as the weather is what sugar, energy and protein it (amongst other things) supply starting to warm up and the is less readily available and their the building blocks to maintain is providing, and if we have grass is almost visibly growing. In bodies have to work harder to muscle tissue, support healthy weather that is especially order to make life easier for both keep them warm. They would favourable for hay making, even hoof growth, and improve coat then regain this condition in the you and your horse, it is quality. Consider a fibre-based the coarsest looking bale may important that calorie intake is warmer spring and summer complete feed which has been have a surprisingly high WSC strictly controlled at this time to months. specially formulated to take into (Water Soluble Carbohydrate – The domesticated lifestyle many prevent rapid weight gain. There ie.sugar) content. account the dietary requirements are a number of options natives now live is far removed of horses that need a low calorie Another option is to choose an including limited turnout, from this; they may spend diet, and when fed at the correct appropriate bagged forage grazing muzzles, and strip or prolonged periods of time weight, will supply everything product which has an energy track grazing techniques but all stabled, be turned out on rich, they need but with a very low level suitable for good doers and fertilised pasture and be rugged of these could lead to your horse those prone to laminitis. The calorie level. As all your horse’s going for considerable amounts over the winter months. Many grasses in this type of forage will vitamins and minerals will be natives now don’t go through a of time with very limited fibre have been allowed to mature for included, there is no need for any intake. This leaves the dilemma natural weight loss and gain further bucket feed. longer in the field before of what to feed. Stalky, late cut cycle resulting in them entering harvesting. This, combined with www.horsehage.co.uk

FEEDING THE

Native N

Photo: Majestic Equestrian Photography.

CASE STUDY: Honey Name: Dovrich Honey Bee (Honey) Owner’s name: Nicola Bryers Rider: Jessica Bryers Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Height: 12.1hh Age: 16 years Breed: Welsh Section B

oney is stabled at night in the winter with a few hours turnout during the day, but in the summer she lives out 24/7. Honey takes part in Pony Club and competes at British Showjumping, recently qualifying for the National Winter Championships. “Honey is a fit and healthy pony but as she is a native she is more susceptible to laminitis so she is fed a very low starch and sugar diet.

“As I am worried about laminitis I feed Honey Rowen Barbary Solution Mash which is cereal and molasses free but keeps Honey looking amazing with a lovely shiny coat despite being grey. She loves eating her Solution Mash and it gives her enough energy for competitions without making her silly. “We also always carry bags of Rowen Barbary Carrot Mash in the lorry for competitions as Honey is one of these ponies that rarely drinks whilst out. We soak some Carrot Mash once we arrive at a show and its peace of mind for us knowing she's had some water and a nice treat for her once she's finished jumping. “If it's hot and she's out competing she also has some Rowen Barbary Re-Hydrate added to her feed to help with replacing electrolytes.” www.rowenbarbary.co.uk Above: Jessica Bryers and Dovrich Honey Bee competing in the Mini Major Relay Class at Aintree International Equestrian Centre in January 2019.

NUTRITION Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart, Supreme Champion Pony of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show, ridden by Olivia Brightmore, owned by Lucy Richardson and produced by Sharn Linney

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN

three years of age, a top specification ‘lite’ feed balancer is ideal. There are also products specifically formulated to suit senior ponies, as well as breeding stock. For those susceptible to, being treated for and recovering from laminitis, a top specification pelleted multi-supplement will provide a higher and more appropriate level of micronutrient support. A low calorie, unmolassed chop can be used to mix the feed and a salt lick should be available 24/7. For ponies working hard enough to sweat, further salt and/or electrolytes should be added to the feeds. 12 hours to significantly reduce Conversely, for a pony that is its sugar and calorie content. If the quantity of hay needs to be performing at a high level or needs to gain weight, a top restricted, it should be reduced specification, conditioning feed to no less than 1.5% of balancer will be a more suitable bodyweight per day. In these circumstances it is often helpful choice. Blends or straights can be added, although for many native to use haynets with small holes ponies they are not necessary. to slow consumption. If in any doubt it is best to speak An extremely low-calorie and to an experienced nutritionist to low sugar/starch chopped oat tailor this advice to your own straw can be used to partially pony’s requirements. replace hay, to avoid ponies standing for too long (> 6 hours) Article supplied by nutritionists from the TopSpec without forage. Multiple Award-WinningBucket Feed Helpline. They can be Despite the fact that many contacted, free of charge, on native ponies do not need 01845 565030. additional calories, in order to maintain health and support exercise, supplementation is generally required to balance their forage diet for vitamins, minerals, trace-elements and amino acids. Luckily, there are products on the market that supply these vital micronutrients without excess calories. For most native ponies over

FEEDING A NATIVE PONY?

he most important consideration when feeding a native pony is to ensure he doesn’t gain too much weight. This has never been more relevant after a fabulous summer followed by a mild winter with virtually no late-cut meadow hay available. Most native ponies have evolved to graze on poor quality hill land and convert feed very efficiently. This means that in many management regimes it is common to find they maintain weight easily, or even too well. Native ponies are also more likely to suffer from Insulin Dysregulation (ID)/Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) which means that the risk of laminitis is increased.

Grazing Management At this time of year, when grass quality is improving, it is usually necessary to limit grazing especially for ponies that are not working or breeding. If you don’t have the luxury of poor-quality hill land with less-productive

grass types, co-grazing with other species (e.g. sheep), using a grazing muzzle, reducing paddock size with electric fencing (e.g. strip grazing) or turning out in a ‘sacrifice paddock’ with a safely hung net of soaked hay or a tub of straw chop, are all potential solutions. Restricting time spent on good grass can be of limited benefit compared to other options, as ponies increase their intake in the turnout time given. However, it may be the only practical solution.

Conserved Forage Care should be taken not to reduce fibre intake excessively. Therefore, when grazing is restricted and time is spent off grass, alternative forage should be provided to help maintain a healthy digestive system. High-fibre, late-cut meadow hay is usually the most suitable conserved forage. Rather than reducing the amount of hay fed, it can be soaked in ample cool, fresh, water for between 3 and

Product News... Equerry High Fibre Cubes are designed for horses and ponies at rest or in very light work, when feeding forage alone is not enough to meet your horses’ nutritional needs, making them ideal for good-doers. RRP: £10.75 for a 20KG sack. www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

CASE STUDY: Poppy

Poppy before

Fibre-Beet can help to maintain good condition in show horses and ponies throughout training and during the busy competition season. It is a Super Fibre conditioning feed that is a formulated blend containing all the benefits of the original Speedi-Beet product, with added high-quality alfalfa for optimum condition and to provide quality protein for muscle tone and function. Fibre-Beet has added biotin for hoof quality and is an ideal fibre source for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. RRP is £13.50 - £14.50. www.britishhorsefeeds.com

NEW TALENT:

TEAM CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS

lobal equine nutrition company Connolly’s RED MILLS welcome multi-talented Kirsty Aird to their team of RED MILLS Riders. From newcomers to natives, working hunters to ridden heavy horses, Kirsty specialises in producing all types of horses and ponies in both the show and showjumping ring, and has contested Royal International, Royal Windsor, HOYS and Olympia. www.redmills.co.uk

ourteen-yearold sport horse Poppy took a turn for the worse one day, completely losing her appetite, dramatically dropping weight and generally not being her willing and loveable self – one of the many things owner Charlotte Parry loves about her. Charlotte was worried as Poppy increasingly became more and more stressed and started stopping in front of the smallest of jumps which wasn’t like her at all. After noticing her weight loss and loss of appetite, Poppy had her teeth checked over but they were all fine. Charlotte then decided to have Poppy scoped which revealed that she had a huge gastric impaction in her stomach which was causing ulceration. Said Charlotte: “When I got Poppy back home from the vets after her treatment she looked really thin and I desperately wanted to get her

Poppy now

back to good health. A vet recommended I use FibreBeet. “Since using Fibre-Beet, I cannot tell you how much of a difference it has made to her! She soon gained her condition and looks really well.” Charlotte added that using Fibre-Beet has completely turned Poppy around and is now back to being the healthy, happy horse that tries her hardest when being ridden. Charlotte is aiming to have a busy season eventing this year and hopefully start competing at BE100 level. “I will carry on using FibreBeet as it is so important for Poppy to have her fibre and this nutritious mash is suitable for horses and ponies prone to equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS),” explained Charlotte. www.britishhorsefeeds.com

NUTRITION

Photo: Spillers

NEW STUDY:

BACTERIA IN PONIES’ GUTS SHEDS LIGHT ON AGEING & OBESITY

he complex community of tiny living cells (microbes) living in the horse’s gut may provide valuable information about ageing and obesity, a new study has revealed. Initial findings have suggested that obesity in ponies may have a greater effect on gut microbes than age in healthy ponies. Ultimately this could help guide better ways to feed older and/or obese horse and ponies. The horse’s large intestine or ‘hind gut’ is home to trillions of microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi, which are essential for fibre digestion and regulation of the immune system. In people, differences in the ‘community’ of gut microbes (the microbiota) and their genetic make-up (the microbiome) have been linked to various aspects of health and disease, raising the question of whether the same might be true for horses. ‘Diversity’ is a measure of the number of different species of gut microbe, the abundance of species and the distribution or ‘evenness’ of species within the community. In people, a reduction in diversity has been linked to both ageing and obesity. We have previously published work showing a similar reduction in diversity in elderly horses, regardless of diet. The study The equine gastrointestinal microbiome: Impacts of age and obesity was carried out by Dr Morrison and her colleagues, in collaboration with Spillers via the Waltham Equine Studies Group, as part of the feed company’s mission to enhance equine health and welfare worldwide. Faecal samples from obese ponies, aged ponies and healthy controls (ponies that were neither obese nor aged) fed the same hay based diet

were analysed to assess differences in their gut microbes. Surprisingly, diversity significantly increased in obese ponies; the opposite of what has been seen in obese people, and tended to increase in aged ponies; the opposite of what has been seen in people and similarly aged horses. This could mean for example that age-associated changes in the microbiome occur at a later actual (chronological) age in ponies than horses. Although each group of aged, obese and normal animals could be differentiated from each other, across the whole study it was not possible to consistently predict whether ponies belonged to the aged, obese or control group by looking at differences in the faecal microbes alone. This could be because microbes in the droppings only show what is happening in part of the digestive system. Another possible explanation is that some species of microbes are capable of performing more than one ‘job’, and therefore different profiles may lead to the same functional/metabolic end result. This could mean that there are several potential faecal microbial profiles that can be associated with obesity or age in ponies. Clare Barfoot RNutr, the research and development manager at Spillers commented: “We hope further work will give us a clearer understanding of how we can use what gut microbes tell us to positively influence the health and welfare of aged and obese horses and ponies.” To read more about this topic visit www.spillers-feeds.com/what-can-the-horsesgut-tell-us-about-obesity-and-ageing/

Stud Muffins Celebration 600g Cake is designed specifically for equines and contains a host of natural ingredients including linseed, fenugreek and whole grains. Pre-cut in to eight scrummy slices, the Celebration Cake is perfect for special occasions! RRP: £7.49. www.studmuffins.co.uk

Equerry Minty Treats make the perfect reward for your horse or pony and have a lovely spearmint flavour. A healthy treat option, Minty Treats are fibre-based nuggets, low in sugar and are ‘NonHeating’ and cereal-grain-free so they won’t cause any problems or ‘fizz’. RRP: £12.50 for 20kg www.equerry horse feeds.com

HAYGAIN EXAMINE:

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

THE LINK BETWEEN FUNGI AND RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN THE

Competition Horse

f you are producing a horse or pony for competition then you will be well aware how much attention to detail is needed to ensure they are as healthy, happy and fit as possible. This means selecting the highest quality feed, bedding and supplements as well as formulating a training and stable management regime that will deliver the best results. Horses are more often stabled when they are being trained for competition, at least for part of the day if not all of it. This means that they will be exposed to the airborne particles, including dust, mould and fungi, that are found in bedding and conserved forage. The presence of fungi in the airways of a horse elevates their risk of suffering from Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), a truly hidden problem that can limit the athletic performance of equines, rendering the hard work put into producing them wasted. Horses with IAD will often show no outward signs of having an issue and appear bright, happy and with a totally normal appetite. They may have a cough but exhibit no fever, with the only indication that something is wrong being a

reduction in athletic performance and a slow recovery time. An endoscopy will show increased mucus in the airways which can help owners to identify IAD as the cause of their animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reduced performance. A landmark study over 3 years and looking at 700 horses has found that those who are fed dry hay have an increased chance (2.6 times) of having

fungi particles in their airway. The incidence of lower airway inflammation was significantly higher when horses were housed indoors, fed dry hay and bedded on straw. The study sampled the microbes found in the horsesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; airway rather than the ones found in the air, so

reflects exactly what the horses are breathing in when they are stabled. It was also noted that soaking hay in an attempt to prevent the horse breathing in dust and other particles did not reduce the fungi present in the tracheal wash of the horses, showing that it is not an effective method of controlling the chances of them developing IAD. In comparison, steaming the hay at high temperatures using a Haygain steamer reduced the incidence of fungi being present in the airways and therefore the potential impact of fungi and other microbes on the respiratory system. In fact, feeding steamed hay (from a Haygain Steamer) reduced the chance of a horse developing IAD by 65% - essential for the careful management and preparation of a competition horse. The research referenced was carried out by Dauvillier et al and was published by The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM). www.haygain.co.uk

HEALTH & WELFARE

The Top Five

PETPLAN REVEAL: MOST COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS

etplan Equine has collated data on the Top Five most common conditions in 2018. Gastric Ulcers climbed to first place in Petplan Equine’s most common conditions in 2018, and more than £1 million was paid out for Gastric Ulcer claims by Petplan Equine last year.

Although Arthritis claims drop to second place the number of claims made remained static year on year. The quantity of Colic claims also remained level when compared to 2017. Whilst Desmitis and Laminitis claims increased and the amount paid on claims grew substantially, they remained in

CASE STUDY: Dez

Infographic available on Petplan Equine website

CONDITION

GASTRIC ULCERS ARTHRITIS COLIC (ABDOMINAL PAIN) DESMITIS LAMINITIS

Rachel Welsh bought Dez in September 2016 but by the end of October he started to have low grade colic every two to three weeks, which as any horse owner will know, is unpleasant to watch, and after the fourth episode Rachel was advised by her vet to take Dez to the Rainbow Equine Hospital. All the tests carried out were negative, so the vets weren’t sure what was causing the problem until he was gastroscoped. ez was found to have grade four Squamous Ulcers, which are ulcers that affect the Squamous portion of the stomach, or roughly, the upper third of the stomach. It was quite a surprise to Rachel and she felt so sorry for him. Dez was successfully treated with Omeprazole paste and was scoped again a few weeks later and fortunately he was found to be clear. When he was feeling better, his true personality started to come out. “I was finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I was looking forward to getting back onboard,” commented Rachel. Rachel managed his diet and he was

recovering well but unfortunately, Dez had a couple of episodes of gas colic when the spring grass came, so some alterations to his turnout regime were made. He was muzzled through the day and was then left to graze through the night. Sadly, one episode was so severe Rachel nearly lost him, and he ended up back in hospital. “At this point it seemed to be one thing after the other and she was really starting to despair. The light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be

HORSES AFFECTED

AMOUNT

575 570 419 416 367

£1,082,464.34 £721,922.03 £492,532.33 £740,910.27 £383,720.82

getting further and further away. “He came through his second trip to hospital, and his health seemed to improve slightly but it wasn’t long before he started looking at his hind quarters after being ridden. “He became very twitchy when his tummy and quarters were being brushed and this is when we decided to scope him again. This time round he was found to have grade two Pyloric Ulcers. I was devastated,” said Rachel. “This time he was treated with Omeprazole injections, instead of paste and after two injections he was better than ever! When it was time to start riding, I really noticed a change in his way of going. He started to relax his back and use his hind quarters for the first time. “Once I purchased Dez I insured him with Petplan Equine. During Dez’s treatment

TACKLE THE THREAT:

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

fourth and fifth place respectively. Over £12.4 million was paid out in claims by Petplan Equine in 2018, and on average, over £1 million in claims was paid out per month in 2018. www.petplan equine.co.uk/top5

they dealt with my vet directly, which was a great weight lifted of my shoulders, especially when you are going through the stress of treatment,” commented Rachel. Dez has now been clear of both colic and ulcers since the end of July 2017 and the pair entered their first dressage competition in January, winning both the Intro and the Prelim with 70+ percentages. “It’s like he’s a different horse. He now makes so much noise and fuss when I step onto the yard, calling for food and he is always happy to see me. I am hoping that we have a more successful year this year than the last,” commented Rachel.

ritish Equestrian Federation (BEF) has been working closely with veterinary experts and leaders in the equine industry to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases across UK horses. The recent outbreak of equine influenza has demonstrated not only the important role that vaccinations can play, but also how vital it is to educate equine owners about how they can help prevent the spread of diseases. The BEF recognises that an outbreak of other infectious – and potentially more harmful – diseases would have an even greater impact. This could include obligatory movement restrictions which would pose a significant risk to the calendars of sporting bodies as well as to the large recreational sector. Unlike equine flu, there is a risk that some of these diseases can be passed onto humans. To tackle this problem, the BEF has secured wide agreement to a plan to mitigate the impact should the worst threat be realised. BEF Board Director and Consultant Equine Veterinary Surgeon Jane Nixon gathered together major stakeholders in the equine industry to contribute to the High Health Steering Group. They included the Animal Health Trust, British Equine Veterinary Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Association, BHA, British Horse Society, British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping, The Hunting Office, the Worshipful Company of Farriers together with representatives from Polo and the equine charities. The agreed strategy will take two approaches: • Education of all equine owners on how best to prevent the spread of disease. • The establishment of a COBRA-style Emergency Response Group for rapid response in event of an outbreak. Nick Fellows, Chief Executive of the BEF: “The BEF has shown its commitment to tackling infectious diseases and we feel we can build on these initial steps to safeguard biosecurity in UK horses.”

BASICS BIOSECURITY

iven the By Sarah Worley current BVSc MRCVS climate regarding the recent Equine Influenza outbreak, horse owners are thankfully becoming much more aware of the importance of preventing infectious disease. There are no 100% fool-proof ways of preventing the transmission of infections, but we can try and minimise the risk. • Know what is normal for your horse – temperature, respiration rate etc. • Invest in a thermometer and learn how to use it! These can be bought from a normal pharmacy. • Isolate new horses for one week following their arrival to the yard. • Consider strangles blood tests for new horses entering the yard to help identify potential asymptomatic carriers. • Have a yard policy for things such as vaccinations and parasite control. • When competing, do not allow your horses to have direct contact with others. • In the event of an infectious disease, isolate the affected horse, use foot dips, overalls and individual equipment (e.g. buckets, wheel barrows) for that horse. Contact your vet for further advice! For more information please visit www.healthyhorses.co.uk

www.clarendonequine.co.uk

HEALTH & WELFARE

Q. My mare gets very tense and difficult when she comes into season and often doesn't want to leave the other horses, she also gets grumpy when I do up her girth. Are there any herbs that I can use to settle her a bit? The best herb for settling hormones is Vitex Agnus Castus also known as Chaste Berry, which has been used in both animals and humans for hundreds of years. I would try this alone to start with, D aisy giving it 4-6 Her Bayliss, balist weeks to see the full benefit. This is usually enough to settle things down and there is no point in giving her lots of things unnecessarily. However if you still find that she is a bit stressed herbs such as Chamomile, Vervain and Valerian can help to relieve stress and tension. Valerian is also an antispasmodic and will help with cramps that may cause her to be irritable when girthing up, etc. Agnus Castus should not be fed to mares in foal or with foals at foot. www.champerene bespokehorseherbal.com

EQUINE FLU: DIPSTICK TEST

simple dipstick test could be used to identify equine flu, according to Professor David Russell, Chief Scientist at Iceni Diagnostics. The company has gained a patent for its approach to detecting and distinguishing between human and avian flu and considers that with slight modification the test could provide a rapid non-invasive test for horses. Prof Russell co-founded Iceni with fellow scientist Professor Robert Field, a project leader at bio-science institute the John Innes Centre and an international expert in carbohydrate chemistry. Prof Field explains that 90% of infections use carbohydrate recognition to bind with targets in human or animal bodies. As the mechanism is specific to each particular strain of flu, it can be used to form a sensor for the disease. “Our sensor uses sugars tagged with

inexpensive gold nanoparticles; if the virus is present it will stick to the particles, pulling them closer together. This creates a photophysics reaction and the sample changes colour,” he says. “We have found that there are differences between the carbohydrate detectors in the different types of flu. It is therefore possible to use a colour change to identify presence and absence of the virus and to distinguish between them.” By using sugars instead of more commonly used protein-based diagnostics, which need cold storage, the simple low technology approach has potential for use worldwide, providing results in seconds. With a simple nasal swab, the test could be used as a routine screen to give an ‘all clear’ to horses before they travel to race meets and other events. www.icenidiagnostics.com

Equilab is a training app and social network tailored for equestrians. The app utilises artificial intelligence to monitor the horse’s movement whilst the smartphone rests in the rider’s pocket. Based on the data that is collected, the app analyses training patterns, which makes it possible for the rider to maximise their performance. The information can also help riders and their horse after injury, to track the rehabilitation process. The safety tracking feature allows riders to share their route from the saddle in real time with family or friends, until they have made it safely back home to the stable, plus the customisable calendar allows users to schedule their vet and farrier visits, stable work, competitions, lessons, and more. www.equilab.horse

SURVEY REVEALS: INCREASE IN RIDING

>>>

DAISY’S HERBAL ANSWERS

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s National Equestrian Survey 2019 has revealed an increase in horse riding over the past five years. Today, rider numbers are at 3 million.

NEW HORSE NOT QUITE WHAT YOU EXPECTED? By Paul Herbert

Y RESULTS OF SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN RESEARCH

quissage Pulse have announced the results of scientifically proven research, recently published on the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science website, into the benefits that a 20-Minute Cycloidal Vibration has on Whole Horse Locomotion and Thoracolumbar Profiles. Carried out by Centaur Biomechanics, the independent blinded randomised controlled study delivers a verdict of the positive efficacy of cycloidal vibration therapy when administered via the Equissage Pulse. The study showed that the Equissage Pulse increased the range of motion on a random selection of animals by a statistically significant amount when compared to a placebo group. Benefits of treatment with the Equissage Pulse showed an increasing range of motion, increased stretch to help prevent injury and improvements on general joint and muscle flexibility. The full research paper is available online: www.j-evs.com

ou’ve done your research, asked all the right questions, had the horse vetted and sorted your livery. Yet when the time comes to take delivery of your new equine pal, things aren’t quite as expected, and what starts off as an exciting adventure can turn into a financial and emotional nightmare. It is important that you establish just who you are buying the horse from, whether it is a dealer/trader, an agent or direct from a private individual. The course of action you can take to seek legal restitution is dependent on this. When buying a horse from a dealer or trader, who is not acting as an agent, you are covered under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (the Act). The Act applies to all horse purchases between a trader and consumer entered into on or after 1st October 2015. In simple terms, the Act provides certain rights for purchasers, when buying as a consumer, where the horse turns out not to be what you expected, at the time of delivery.

BSW2019 # 9 1 0 2 W S B # #BSW2019

ETA Safety Week, the annual awareness-raising initiative introduced last year by the British Equestrian Trade Association, is back for 2019 to fly the flag for rider safety and the importance of safety gear that is correctly fitted, fastened and up to standard. This hard-hitting campaign, running Participating retailers will display from 27th April to 5th May, is perfectly marketing material placed for the start of the competition season. BETA Safety Week aims to encourage riders to visit participating BETA retailers for reliable and knowledgeable information and advice, and to get their riding hats and body protectors checked. www.beta-uk.org

The Act implies that the horse must be: • of satisfactory quality, • fit for the specific purposes you have told the seller about, • as described. Rejecting the Horse Under the Act, if any of the implied terms above are breached, you the consumer, may have a right to ‘reject’ the horse. You have 30 days within which to reject the horse. Where you have lost the right to reject the horse you must allow the seller at least one opportunity to ‘repair’ or replace the horse before you can exercise your final right to reject it. If the seller’s attempt at ‘repair or replacement’ fails, or is impossible, you can exercise a final right to reject. You must clearly inform the seller that you intend to exercise your right to reject the horse. This is best done in writing to avoid any disputes over whether notice was given. You can request a refund of the purchase price and may also claim damages for additional costs which you may have incurred such as livery, feed, shoeing, or vet fees.

Dispute resolution solicitor Paul Herbert is Burnett Barker Solicitors’ equine specialist and has over 25 years’ involvement in the equestrian industry. He can help with issues including sale/purchase disputes; trainer fee disputes; veterinary negligence claims; foal share agreements and syndication agreements. www.burnettbarker.co.uk 37

HEALTH & WELFARE

Top Ten Easy Switches TO MAKE YOU HEALTHIER hat can you do to be healthier today, this week, this month or this year? No matter where you are on your health journey, there’s always another level to rise up to. Leading a busy lifestyle juggling family, work and horses can hinder your health and fitness progression but we owe it to our horses to be the best riders and carers we can be. We take time, energy and pride making sure they’re in the best condition but what about our own condition? Here are my top 10 easy switches you can make to your yard and lorry to enhance your health this summer… 1) Buy a couple of stainless steel litre water bottles to reduce your use of plastics and absorption of BPAs into your body whilst making sure you’re drinking enough water to keep your body hydrated. Two litres a day plus other drinks is recommended but increase the amount in warmer weather. 2) Try to reduce your teas/coffees consumption to just two cups per day of either and switch to herbal teas or water infused with lemon, fruit or fresh herbs such as mint to make a refreshing thirst quenching drink. 3) If your biscuit habit is getting the better of you buy a selection of nuts such as walnuts, macadamia or almonds to dip into for a quick nutrient-rich snack. 4) Who doesn’t love a chocolate bar? They might give you a short term energy boost but you’ll

also have a energy dip 20 minutes later that has you reaching for more so switch to plain dark 72% cocoa to get the hit BY SAMANTHA but without HARDINGHAM the dip. 5) Sleep is the foundation of health. Look to get in seven to eight hours a night of good quality sleep. Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed, remove your phone from your bedside, read, take a bath with lavender oil, create a bedtime routine just like you would with a toddler. 6) When you’re super busy cooking fresh meals can be challenging but by having a good quality protein powder in your lorry or on the yard can solve this quickly and easily, just mix with water and you’re good to go. 7) Similarly you might not have the chance to be sitting down for a meal and consume your 10 veg a day. Use a greens powder mixed with water to ensure you’re getting in daily veg. 8) If you’re feeling stressed with life or when out competing, use a mindfulness app such as Calm or Headspace or book into a weekly yoga class. 9) We ask our horses to stretch to warm them up but what about our own bodies? A few simple stretches can make all the difference to our riding performance and will reduce stiffness, aches and pains. 10) Want to celebrate your win but have to drive home, get a bottle of Nosecco on ice as a great tasting alternative to alcohol! www.facebook.com/ ItsTheBodyMindCoach

he latest knowledge and know how on horse and rider fitness and equine stereotypical behaviours was enthusiastically received by a packed audience at the National Equine Forum on 7th March. More than 1200 people around the world also watched via live stream. Field-leading scientific, veterinary and educational experts shared their knowledge of fitness and its direct bearing on performance, across the equestrian disciplines. Dr David Marlin stated that we have a moral responsibility to make sure the horse is fit enough to do the job that is required of it. “We don’t necessarily have a

Made from 100% pure cotton, the premium quality Veterinary Cotton Wool wool is soft, absorbent and gentle on the skin. Ideal for topical wound cleansing, particularly around delicate areas such as the eyes. It is also suitable to be used as a secondary layer prior to bandaging. All cotton used is sustainably grown and is 100% natural and degradable. www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com

Horse and rider fitness... problem getting horses fit, but it is clear that the training methods we use generate a high level of injury, so we need to focus on this area to reduce lameness." Dr Rachel Murray, Senior Orthopaedic Advisor at the Animal Health Trust followed up by explaining what cardiovascular fitness means in reality, focusing on core stability and muscle development of the horse. She explained that when the horse does not have a strong core, he will compensate through the body to cope with the work that he is being asked to do, which

compromises his soundness. Consistent and regular stable exercises, groundwork and ridden exercises are the route to developing a strong core but it is important that the work is always tailored to the specific horse and done slowly to build strength. Ashleigh Wallace, Human Sports Science Physiotherapist and Medicine Lead, of the World Class Programme at the British Equestrian Federation rounded off the fitness session with a look at the rider, and how an asymmetry can impact on the horse, whether an elite athlete or

a grassroots rider. She reminded the audience that the most dangerous phrase is ‘we’ve always done it this way’. Dr Simon Curtis, a practicing farrier in Newmarket, enlightened the audience. He explained, “We need more research and science to guide our methods so farriers continue to help horses’ welfare and performance.” The day’s proceedings are available to view: www.nationalequine forum.com

VET WARNS OF THE RISKS: ENCYSTED SMALL REDWORM

ecent cases of serious disease caused by severe encysted small redworm infections have prompted Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot to remind horse owners of the risks posed by not treating for this potentially fatal parasite. In the spring the small redworm larvae can erupt from their hibernation inside the horse’s gut in large numbers, breaking and damaging the lining of the intestinal wall. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss and colic. This condition (known as larval cyathostominosis) can be fatal. Young horses (<6years old) have the highest risk although all ages may be affected. “Over the past few weeks I have heard of a number of cases of

larval cyathostominosis,” says Wendy. “Unfortunately people think their horses are safe from this parasite if they have had a recent, negative faecal worm egg count (FWEC) but this absolutely is not the case. Because encysted small redworm are hibernating, they won’t show in faecal worm egg counts. A horse could actually have a burden of several million encysted small redworm larvae yet show a negative or low FWEC.” All horses of more than six months of age should be dosed for it ideally before the spring.

WIN! A BUNDLE OF PRIZES FROM

ANIWELL!

WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH ANIWELL TO OFFER 5 LUCKY READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN A SET OF PRODUCTS! FiltaBac is a complete protective, antibacterial, sunblock cream that acts as a totally natural second skin. FiltaClear rubs in to near clear. It is a protective antibacterial sunblock cream that acts as a totally natural second skin.

There are only two active ingredients licensed to treat encysted small redworm: a single dose of moxidectin or a five-day course of fenbendazole. “It’s imperative to use the right worming product,” says Wendy. Always make sure you choose the right worming methods by discussing your worming programme with your prescriber. www.horsedialog.co.uk

Active Manuka Honey Vet (AMHVet) is a totally natural antibacterial cream containing 25% of 15+ UMF (activity factor) manuka honey, suitable for all damaged skin areas. www.aniwell-uk.com To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st April 2019 and close 30th April 2019.

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

EVER CONSIDERED A CAREER IN

? g n i c a R

YOU LOVE HORSES BUT HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED MAKING THEM YOUR CAREER? IMAGINE IF YOUR JOB WAS TO LOOK AFTER AND RIDE HORSES EVERY DAY… IT’S THE PERFECT JOB IN AN EXCITING INDUSTRY WHICH ALSO COMES WITH A QUALIFICATION LADDER, A STRUCTURED PAY SCHEME AND OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAVEL THE WORLD. ow you just need to know how you access the Horseracing world, well it’s much easier than most people think. You don’t need any experience, you don’t need to find your job but you do need to investigate the courses on offer at The British Racing School (BRS). The BRS runs an Apprenticeship programme in Racehorse Care which is open to absolute beginners! What’s the catch? There isn’t one, as long as you are an EU citizen aged 16 – 22 years-old and are physically fit then you will be invited to the School for an interview. If you prove you have what it takes you will be accepted onto a 14 week pre-apprenticeship programme. Successful completion, at the required standard, of the pre-

apprenticeship course leads to a full- time paid job in the horseracing industry where you are supported in completing your Apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship can be just the start of your journey in racing, the multi-million pound industry offers an array of career options, including Stable Staff, Jockey, Travelling Head Person, Trainer or perhaps branch out

into Bloodstock sales. Whichever option appeals there are training courses and qualifications to assist you in making your job your career and your career your dream job! For more information on what the BRS could offer you visit www.brs.org.uk where you can find details on all the courses on offer and the Open Day dates or email careers@brs.org.uk

Jade Ransley, who now works for Sir Michael Stoute is just one example of how a career in racing could change your life. “Having postponed my dream to become a vet I chose to take a gap-year before going to university and use this time to complete the Level 2 Diploma whilst working for Sir Michael Stoute. I started on 14th February 2011 following completion of the 9 week course at the BRS and am now entering my ninth season. It seems that racing is my new dream and I am living it!”

ollowing a survey of 1,629 volunteers, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is marking its 50th anniversary by launching a report on the impact of volunteering on health and wellbeing and the benefits for both RDA participants and the volunteers. RDA’s 18,000 amazing volunteers contribute more than three million hours of their time each year and are the backbone of the organisation’s success. According to the report, 96% of these volunteers said that RDA had improved their overall

satisfaction with life, and 81% said that volunteering makes them feel better about themselves. RDA and its horses benefit the lives of 25,600 disabled children and adults through its 500 groups across the UK. Volunteers form an integral part in helping to transform the lives of those they help, whilst as the report acknowledges having a measurable impact on their own lives. RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher said; “The report shows that our volunteers feel more useful and

better about themselves, they are more sociable and physically active and learn new skills and gained more confidence. “With a clear sense of our future vision and direction, RDA is committed to attracting and supporting increasing numbers of volunteers.” www.rda.org.uk

Photo: David Saunders Photography

COULD YOU HELP THE RDA THROUGH VOLUNTEERING?

BELLA SECURES DREAM JOB

International endurance rider Bella Fricker has joined the Spillers Team as Brand Assistant. With her knowledge and practical experience as a competition horse owner and professional rider on two endurance yards, Bella has gained valuable experience about all aspects of endurance. “I feel I have struck gold with this role, getting to enjoy both my passion for horses and demonstrate my creativity and love of marketing,” said Bella.

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

WE MEET...

Helen West TOP-LEVEL XC COURSE DESIGNER

ross-country is a hugely risky sport, riskier than Formula 1, so when your name is on the course, it’s a massive responsibility,” says Bicton Arena manager Helen West. “Riders will always make mistakes, horses will rarely make mistakes, so you can’t make the sport safe, but you can design the course so it is as safe as it can be,” adds Helen who is now qualified to design the most advanced cross-country courses in Europe. “It would be easy to let fear take precedence and create a course which is essentially a showJumping course in a field with a hedge around it,” she admits. “So it’s quite a challenge getting that balance right.” Riding professionally for fourteen years has stood Helen in good stead to become an advanced level cross-country course designer in a field

aisy, when was Champerene launched, and what is your role within the company? “Champerene was started in Lavenham in the 1980’s by a woman using her grandfather’s herbal recipes on her own horses. It was very successful, but then due to family issues unfortunately the business became smaller and just supplied original customers. “When I moved back to Sudbury I happened to meet the man who had then been running it and he asked me if I would like to get involved. So in 2013 I took it on. I continue to run it

single-handedly and still make all the original mixes. However, I also trained to become a qualified herbalist so that I could start making new and bespoke mixes. This is a great way of making supplements that can really help by tailoring them to suit a range of problems. It also means that customers are getting a freshly made product. This has now really taken over the main part of the business. “I do everything myself, I try to keep waste and plastic use to a minimum. “I even stamp my own bags (which is my 3-year-old daughter’s favourite bit!).”

HELEN WEST, MANAGER OF CLINTON DEVON ESTATES’ BICTON ARENA IN EAST DEVON, BECAME AN ADVANCED LEVEL CROSS-COUNTRY COURSE DESIGNER – ONLY THE SECOND WOMAN IN BRITAIN TO ACHIEVE THIS STANDARD. SHE GIVES FRAN McELHONE AN INSIGHT INTO THIS NICHE FIELD OF EXPERTISE. so niche, she is now only the second woman in the country to achieve the accreditation. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) three and four-star examination is the highest possible accreditation in Europe, held by only a handful of people in the UK including champion equestrian Captain Mark Phillips who employed Helen at his Gloucestershire stables after buying a horse from her that she’d produced. “When I first came to Bicton in 2013, we were spending a lot of money on commissioning other people to design our cross-country courses and thought it made sense to learn how to do it myself,” explains Helen, who has competed at various four-star courses countrywide. Since 2015, when Helen was awarded a course design scholarship with British Eventing, she has been designing Bicton’s cross-country courses. This led to her appointment as course designer for the prestigious Nunney International Horse Trials and last year Helen

DAISY BAYLISS IS ONE OF OUR REGULAR MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS SO WE SPENT FIVE MINUTES WITH HER TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER AND HER COMPANY, CHAMPERENE BESPOKE HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS.

What was your career before Champerene? “I had spent all my working life with horses. After finishing Alevels I took my BHS stages and completed an HND at Plumpton College. I then worked on a showjumping stud and an event competition yard, before moving to Ireland. I spent eight years in Kilkenny where I ran a small livery yard breaking and

producing horses for the sports horse sales and competition. I also did a bit of eventing on my own horse, which was fun but I’ve never been very competitive. During this time I also worked for showjumper, Eddie Moloney, travelling to shows all over Ireland and Europe. Continued on page 45...

designed nine courses including at Ballindenisk in Ireland. Helen was the only woman on the FEI one and two-star course three years ago, applying for promotion for the advanced level accreditation earlier in 2018. Admission onto the course is at the discretion of the organisers with only those showing exceptional aptitude awarded a place. The process culminated in an intensive assessment – four, 11-hour days – with Helen becoming the only other female to attain the accreditation alongside equestrian Sue Benson, who designed the course at the London Olympics. “I’ve competed on a lot of courses, on a lot of horses over the years, but you put on a totally different hat when you’re the designer. One thing I’ve been looking at is how to construct the course to reduce the chances of horses rotating,” she explains. Helen is supported by a committed team including site manager and accredited course builder Matt Lynch. “He’s the one who makes the course look beautiful and makes my drawings reality,” says Helen. “Matt is brilliant, I hand him my designs and then he goes out on his tractor, roughly puts the fences in place, and then I come along and stand there waving my arms about to show him exactly where I want them! “Sometimes I’ll come along and get Matt to dig up a post he’s spent half-a-day banging in because it’s slightly thicker than it should be and it’s changed the distance between posts. With course design you have to be a bit of a diva!”

WE MEET...

Daisy Bayliss

WE MEET... Donna Case BSc (Hons) Independent Equine Nutritionist

first decided I wanted to be a nutritionist back in 1998. I read an article when I was 14 and entered a feed quiz for children run by Spillers. A few weeks later a certificate turned up and beautiful red rosette. I stuck them both on my wardrobe and declared that was what I was going to do with my life, and never looked back. “I trained at Writtle College in Chelmsford, completing a BSc (Hons) Equine Studies degree. Shortly before my final exams I went for a job interview with MARS Horsecare, (Spillers, Winergy and Equivite) as a Careline Nutritionist. A week later after my finals I started work. I learnt so much in that role, with horse owners phoning in wanting advice for all sorts of feeding situations. “About 18 months later I was promoted as a Competition Nutritionist. That was very exciting as I worked with some of the country’s leading riders, but also in some amazing environments such as the stables during Badminton Horse Trials. In 2006-2010 due to my role with the company I attended the BEF World Class squad sessions as nutritionist. Attending every session and being able to add value was an incredible but also very humbling experience. I witnessed the run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and to be a part of it was truly special. Not long after this I also went on to work as a Racing nutritionist. This tested my experience and skills again, only in a very different sphere. “Two years later I left the company and went on to have my children. When my youngest was three I decided to work for myself independently, so started the business ‘The Horse Feed Guru’. I now live in Newmarket, Suffolk and gradually built my client base up to what it is today. I work all over the UK and have clients as far afield as Oregon in the USA. Most of my clients are one horse owners wanting the very best for their horses, although I do still see a couple of bigger yards and there is no such thing as a typical day! I try to take Friday as an admin day to catch up on report writing, and other admin tasks, but the rest of the time I am either out on the road seeing horses, giving talks or speaking to owners over the phone. “When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and riding my lovely little mare Schakira who I have competed up to Elementary level.” www.thehorsefeedguru.com

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

WE MEET...

Rhea Freeman

Manager at one of my dream brands a few years ago, which I went and did for two years and loved, but nothing beats the buzz of working for yourself. “After this job, social media was RHEA FREEMAN STARTED WORKING really coming to the fore and a lot of my focus went into that – FOR HERSELF, OFFERING FREELANCE PR and that has continued to grow AND MARKETING SERVICES FOR as I now spend a lot of my time EQUESTRIAN BUSINESSES, NEARLY 15 working on social media strategy for the businesses I YEARS AGO. BUT THE JOB AS IT WAS work with, along with coaching THEN IS NOTHING LIKE WHAT SHE around social media, content DOES NOW – IT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE marketing and traditional PR. I have a handful of clients who I - AS RHEA EXPLAINS... offer a comprehensive service to, but also work with a couple that when these don’t get used purely on their social media and remember, but working with was a really high achiever horses that were competing at a correctly we think ‘uh’? at school, got very good content, and a growing number good level and understanding all “During my time working with grades, but I was bored of in my membership group – the aspects of care, feeding and horses I gained my BHS Groom’s Small & Supercharged the system and the ‘need’ to fitness actually put in really solid Certification and BHSPTC to go and work with horses Mastermind. allow me to instruct, which is foundations for the work I do overpowered any other “I think it’s really important to what I moved onto. I also now. I always say that people pressure that was being be able to adapt and grow. The who aren’t horsey writing about expanded my portfolio to applied – so off I went! job I do now didn’t exist that schooling and exercising horses, many years ago, let alone to the horsey products and brands “Working with event horses taught me a huge amount. I’ve stands out like a sore thumb. We and writing about this for a level I do it now! I’m very have so many odd little phrases national magazine. been riding for as long as I can grateful for the opportunities I “I always loved writing, and have to do what I like and work having published articles with so many truly extraordinary provided the opportunity to equestrian and country work with brands to help them businesses, helping them to with their copywriting needs… grow and thrive. This has also which very quickly moved onto given me opportunities to guest writing for them for magazines. I lecture at two universities and made some really lovely colleges, mentor small contacts within the equestrian businesses one to one, start a and country press to help get podcast, write for magazines coverage for my clients. These and even give TEDx talks. businesses were really thrilled “It’s been quite a journey and I with what I’d done and told can’t wait for the next bit… I other people… and very quickly I have some very exciting things didn’t have time to exercise and in the pipeline. It just proves we school horses as I had a lot of never stop growing and other work stacking up! developing, doesn’t it?” “Over the years I’ve honed my www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk skills and developed what I do. I was offered the job of Marketing

Photos: Sophie Callahan

Continued from previous page...

“I moved back home to Sudbury in 2011 with the idea that I would start a new career but soon realised I couldn’t keep away from horses, so I started freelance riding and teaching. I then decided to go to Writtle College to turn my HND into a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science.“

What’s your ‘typical’ day? “I run my business from home, so I can work it around family life. “I have a lot of regular customers who usually just text when they’re running low or need something a bit different. For the new customers, we usually have a chat or a few emails to find out exactly what they need so that I can make up their bespoke mix. I do a lot of this in the evening so that I’m ready to get the orders mixed, packed and posted first thing. For my local customers I’m happy to drop off their orders.”

Best part of your job? “I love chatting to my customers and enjoy being able to work out a mix that will really help them. It’s also great to find out how they are getting on. When somebody calls to say how much their horse or dog has improved it’s a brilliant feeling!” www.champerene bespokehorse herbal.com

MEET THE DESIGNER:

Anna Butler

fter working in London in the highend retail industry for many years I decided I wanted to start up an exclusive brand selling contemporary and country clothing for men and ladies. “I launched Butler Stewart in May 2015 and run every aspect of the business from designing, website, marketing, processing mail orders, customer service, shows and accounts.”

You are originally from Essex – do you think that the beautiful East Anglian countryside has influenced your designs? “Definitely. I was incredibly fortunate to grow up on my family farm surrounded by stunning scenery which influences my designs from colour palette to practicality. My ancestor, George Courtauld, also established a successful textile company in the Essex countryside called George Courtauld & Co. and was a worldwide manufacturer of fabric, clothing and artificial fibres which is hugely aspiring and I use viscose, an artificial silk which the Courtauld’s held a patent for, in my distinctive colourful linings.”

“It is the most amazing feeling to see customers wearing garments you have created”

Any real career highlights? “I was delighted to receive a highly commended award at the 2017 Rural Business Awards in the Best Rural Clothing & Accessories Business Category after only two years of trading. Then last September Butler Stewart’s sponsored event rider, Caroline Powell, won the best dressed rider at Burghley Horse Trials trot up wearing our signature ladies knee length coat.”

What’s your ‘typical’ day? “My day starts with a morning post on social media, checking through all my emails and updating my to-do list for the day. I will liaise with my tailor with any updates or place any new orders and then speak to my mills to order fabric. If I have a show or photo shoot coming up I will spend time prepping stock or styling outfits and putting schedules together. I regularly have contact with my PR company, Mirror Me, and we will catch up and plan future marketing. I will also always make time to take my cocker spaniel for a walk which means I come back to the office refreshed before tackling a chunk of bookkeeping and tweaking the website. I finish my day with a second post on social media and proof reading and scheduling a newsletter to go out the following morning.” www.butlerstewart.co.uk

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING recently, becoming a part of team Hiho Silver, as one of their brand ambassadors, it’s safe to say I’ve had the warmest of welcomes into the world of blogging. “But it’s not all Instameets and playing ponies. By day, I work in the operations department of our family security business. Although I love my job, I felt something was missing. Let’s face it, horses are a lifestyle more than a hobby and I’m not sure many of us know the meaning of ‘free time’, but yet I still felt a yearning desire to somehow document my equestrian life and there The Forelock Journal was born. “Over time, my visions for the “My blog, The Forelock Journal, t the beginning of blog have evolved into wanting 2018 from the heart of has just had its first birthday and to bring us every day what a whirlwind of West Sussex I, equestrians together, to share Charlotte Miller, made the leap opportunities and happiness it’s the real life behind horses. brought me in year one. From into the world of equestrian Because let’s be honest, it’s not blogging and I haven’t looked making the loveliest new always as glamorous as it seems; back since. What started as the friends, to being awarded there’s a lot more ‘hay in your Haynet’s Equestrian Blogger of desire to document my hair’ moments, than pristine the Year Award 2018 and most journey has since flourished white breeches. into something so much more.

WE MEET... Charlotte Miller

Photos: Sophie Callahan www.sophiecallahan.com

“Now let me tell you a little secret… I haven’t always had a love of horses, in fact when I was little, they terrified me. With both my parents coming from a horsey background, I had every opportunity as a child to take up riding, but I couldn’t be convinced. Eventually, I got into riding at the age of thirteen and six happy years later I came across the most beautiful horse I’d ever laid eyes on. His name is Hamish and our friendship has been blossoming ever since. “With Hamish being my first horse, I most certainly still have lots to learn. But somehow, unlike when I was at school, researching and learning has never been monotonous, when it comes to all things horses. I’ll admit I often still feel a little clueless or unsure, but I think we all do sometimes, right? And for that exact reason, I decided to honestly share my equestrian journey on our little corner of the internet, in the hope to provide some friendly advice. “Despite its sometimes contradictory reputation, I do believe the equestrian circle is a very supportive one on the whole and I’ve never felt that more so since setting up the blog. I would seriously urge anyone thinking about it, to take the step into the world of blogging. “2019 is set to be another exciting year for The Forelock Journal and I’d love for you to join me as I continue my equestrian blogging journey. You can follow me here: www.theforelockjournal.com”

aving started riding at 5-years-old Helen’s passion and love for the sport continues today and she competes in everything from dressage and showjumping to working hunter classes and side saddle. It was through her passion for horses and riding that Helen became involved in saddlery. At 6-years-old Helen had her first pony’s saddle reseated; the saddler showed Helen around his workshop and explained to her about the different leathers and equipment he worked with. Said Helen: “From this moment on all I wanted to do was become a Saddler and it has consumed my life ever since.” After school Helen spent two years at Berkshire College of Agriculture studying Advanced Equestrian Business Management. Helen’s career then led her for the next two years working in the equestrian industry at an International Dressage Training Centre in Suffolk. This was a very valuable career step for Helen as it enabled her to gain an insight into how riders would think about and use the

products she would be fitting and making once a qualified saddler. Helen’s next two years were spent at Cordwainers College in London undertaking a HND in Saddlery Technology and then followed a three year apprenticeship at Pointings Saddlery in Bath. Having gained as much experience as she could from some of the industry’s leading professionals she then moved to West Wales and HR Saddlery was born. Helen is a Society of Master Saddlers, Master Saddler & Harness Maker and a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter. She has also been an assessor for the SMS Qualified Saddle Fitting Assessment since 2014. With over 18-years experience in the saddlery industry and over thirty years experience with horses, Helen puts her valuable knowledge to good use every day. “The most satisfying thing is seeing a horse going well in a saddle that I have fitted, especially if there was an issue previously. I also love to see items that I have produced being used and showing off the horse to its best, not to mention the smiles on the customer’s

WE MEET...

Helen Reader

face when they see the finished item you have produced from them,” said Helen. HR Saddlery specialises in producing top quality made to measure bespoke bridlework for both ridden and in-hand bridles. Helen is frequently invited to make presentation bridles for national competitions such as Olympia and The Royal Windsor Horse Show. As a saddler and leather crafter Helen uses many tools and fittings every day, her go-to wholesaler is Abbey England. Helen has been a customer of Abbey England since she first started college in 1998. It is with Helen’s bespoke services that she can really pick and choose which fittings and tools to use to create her masterpieces. Said Helen: “The team at Abbey England are very knowledgeable and always very helpful. If I phone up not quite knowing what I need but explain what I want it to do, they will offer advice as to which product will work the best – it really is teamwork.” www.abbeyengland.com

E-LEARNING

EXTENDS TRAINING ACROSS THE COUNTRY

he Horse Trust have launched their first set of short courses through their online learning technology. Flexible, job specific and affordable, the courses will deliver material in a bite sized format covering aspects of legislation, welfare, handling and equine behaviour. This exciting new programme has been designed for people who need to keep their knowledge, skills and understanding of new regulations up to date but find it difficult to fit training around a busy schedule and prefer working at their own pace. With the Trust’s e-learning courses people can sign up online and complete their course online when its suits them best, using their mobile phone, tablet or computer. The Horse Trust’s e-Learning service launched in February, initially offering eight courses. More courses will roll out over the next few months. www.horsetrust.org.uk

STABLES, BEDDING & PADDOCKS

On The Market LOKE COTTAGE

Lundy Green, Hempnall, Norfolk Offer in excess of £635,000

urrently on the market, we chatted to Emily Cooper-Reade of ECR Properties to find out more about Loke Cottage in Norfolk. “This three bedroom cottage with studio annexe is in a superb tucked away location, with no near neighbours. “The property is set in 3.5 acres(stms), and there are equestrian facilities including manege and exceptional outbuildings including garage with inspection pit, barn and large newly constructed pole barn. “At the end of a no–through lane there is direct access to a bridleway. “The accommodation consists of entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, bathroom, three bedrooms, laundry room with external door, studio annexe with shower, wc and kitchenette. “Outside the accommodation boasts a woodstore, workshop/garage with inspection pit, stable block with two large loose boxes, two pony boxes and barn, manege, large pole barn, barefoot track, paddocks, large parking area/winter turnout with hay troughs, gardens and fruit trees.” www.ecrproperties.com

ritish dressage legend Richard Davison has always understood the importance of his horses having regular turnout and access to high quality grass. He has remained at the top of the international sport for almost four decades and attributes his long time in the sport to prioritising both the mental and physical welfare of his horses. “Regular turn-out is fundamental to that; horses never evolved to be kept cooped-up in small stables,” says the four-time Olympian who with his family, wife Gillian and sons Tom and Joe, are meticulous in ensuring their

MAINTAINING YOUR PADDOCKS:

n o s i v a D d r a h Ric paddocks are kept to a high standard. Joe, who has been a member GB’s showjumping teams from junior to senior level and won the 2*grand prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show, adds: “We want the best for our horses and believe horses should spend time turned out. It gives a horse time to relax, stretch and graze naturally.” Joe does a lot of the paddock maintenance and ensures the horses are able to be turned out all year round. “We have a routine that involves

rolling, a little light harrowing, regular removal of droppings and topping throughout the summer months. Fertilising is a vital component to achieving a sustained and consistent grass quality. “Suregrow fertiliser really helps us because we don’t have to remove the horses from the pasture like we did when we used other fertilisers. It means the horses can keep to their regular turn-out routine and they are happy about that! “We’ve found Suregrow really stimulates root development,

HERE WE TALK TO SUREGROW SPONSORED INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE RIDER RICHARD DAVISON, AND HIS INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING SON JOE, ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT PADDOCK MANAGEMENT AND IMPROVING YOUR GRAZING. resulting in a denser sward and also suppresses weed growth. Generally, we top up the paddocks using Suregrow twice per season as we’ve found that keeps the grass at the optimum height and it is consistent throughout. We all know how fussy horses can be, so keeping the length the same helps the horses graze the whole area not just sections. We avoid overgrazing by rotating

paddocks use and inter-grazing them with our flock of sheep. “Our top tips would be fence off over winter-poached areas, to allow them to recover. If poached fence lines became rough and baked then chain harrow those sections to break up the uneven soil and roll it to flatten the area. Re-seed the area if required for new grass growth.” www.suregrowuk.com

Suregrow products include Suregrow Fertiliser, CSM, Paddock Grass Seed Mix, Fast Grass, Meadow and Laminitics Grass Mix.

STABLES, BEDDING & PADDOCKS

ALL YOUR FENCING

FAQs

WIN! A SUREGROW PADDOCK MAKEOVER!

MERIEL YOUNGER FROM WWW.ELECTRICFENCING.CO.UK ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION. uestion: Can you please explain to me what the benefits are of installing electric fencing instead of traditional wooden fencing? Answer: Below are the benefits of fitting an electric fence vs traditional fencing. We know that electric fencing is not for everyone but it is a cost effective and portable solution for lots of people. Of course, there are temporary and permanent electric fences – temporary electric fences would be used for strip grazing and permanent electric fences would be used for perimeter fencing. Temporary electric fences may use a few wooden posts for tension at start and ends but permanent fences would use a lot more wooden posts. I have based my thoughts below on the set up of a temporary fencing solution.

1. Installation Electric fences are much easier to install compared to traditional wire/stock fences. Planning is still required but the components in general are a lot easier to deal with. Less heavy wooden posts, less tensioning

issues and easier to move around if required. The design and layout can be moved and changed at any time. It is possible to follow instructions and install yourself rather than get a contractor.

2. Cost Electric fencing is much more cost effective than traditional fencing solutions. This is due to the lower amount of wooden posts needed as well as fewer lines being as effective if not more effective than wire. This greatly reduces the overall cost of the fence.

3. Portability It is not very often you pull up your stock fencing and move it to another part of the property... Electric fencing on the other hand uses lightweight materials that are relatively easy to uninstall and reuse. Moving an existing electric fence to a new location to allow your horses to graze on new ground is much easier. This works especially well with strip grazing electric fencing.

4. Maintenance Any fence needs maintenance but as long as you have a fence

tester maintaining your electric fence is easy. Check for shorts and for foliage growth – making sure your fence is not earthing out keeps it working effectively. Always checking your battery to ensure a good level of power is running through your fence is also essential.

5. Effectiveness When a horse (or person… hopefully not me!) touches electric fencing, it receives a short but memorable zap. The zap the horse receives is harmless, but if you have ever received one of these ‘shocks’ you will never forget it. This trains the animal to stay away from the fence from a psychological point of view – as well as it being a visible physical barrier. If installing any type of fencing it is important to plan it first. If you need any advice on planning your next electric fencing system get in touch – we would be happy to help. www.electricfencing.co.uk

WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH SUREGROW TO OFFER 1 LUCKY READER THE CHANCE TO HAVE A PADDOCK MAKEOVER! The winner will receive eight bags of Suregrow Fertiliser to help rejuvenate a two acre paddock. The fertiliser contains major nutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Sulphur which are key elements required for grass growth. Thanks to in depth research and development Suregrow Fertiliser has also been designed to slowly release these nutrients avoiding lush grass and allowing a more sustained growth. www.suregrowuk.com To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st April 2019 and close 30th April 2019.

MIN. DEL. JUST 25 BALES THROUGHOUT EAST ANGLIA

SADDLERY & TACK THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS OFFERS ADVICE FOR FINDING A SUITABLE SADDLE FOR A NATIVE BREED.

SADDLING THE NATIVE PONY

ithout doubt the native pony is by nature wider to fit and with less wither than the more blood type animal. This type of conformation can lead to a host of saddle fitting issues which need to be discussed with your Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter. Whether choosing a new or second hand saddle you will need to consider the activities you are undertaking with your pony, his shape, development and age. Issues you may need to look at are preventing the saddle sliding up the pony’s neck which will lead to the back of the saddle bouncing and the pony being unhappy. The second is that sometimes riders are quite tall for sturdy native ponies so

getting a saddle that is large enough with big enough flaps without swamping the pony can be challenging. The saddle must be comfortable and in the case of the younger rider make them feel secure to help build confidence, but it is equally important that the pony is also comfortable. It is essential that the tree of the saddle is suitable for the pony; too narrow a seat on a broad backed pony may not sit securely into the back, so allowing the saddle to tip and rock, whilst the rider may feel perched above the pony. It is imperative that the front width fitting, as well as the shape of the tree in general is correct for the pony. Too wide and the saddle will tip forward, causing considerable pressure and discomfort in the area

behind the pony’s shoulders. The back of the saddle will lift and bounce, also causing discomfort. Too narrow a tree can tip the saddle back, causing pressure under the back of the saddle. Also, the saddle may well ‘run forward’ on to the neck. Part of the tree called the side rails (the bit that narrows under your leg before broadening out into the seat) must also be of a suitable angle and have a suitable width between them. Too close together and angled, and the saddle will rock; too far apart and the saddle might come onto the spine. If the saddle has a flocked panel, a good saddler can ‘fine tune’ the fit so that the saddle is in perfect balance. The flocking should be of a good quality wool and be quite soft, not hard or lumpy. The best way of avoiding a saddle that rolls to one side, rides up the neck or bridges is to use, whenever possible, the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter. They will know, by assessing the pony and rider, the style, shape and size that will do the trick. Some saddles now come with several positions of girth straps and this can help the saddle fitter to overcome any conformation difficulties that may cause these actions. However it is the ability to look at a pony and see what these difficulties are, and to know what is available saddle wise, that is the key to successful fitting. www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Product News... After in depth research with the Veterinary University of Medicine Hannover and Sprenger, results found the horse’s mouth is smaller than originally assumed. So Sprenger introduced the KK Ultra with a shorter lozenge and a link that is turned in the front by 45 degrees. This formulation ensures the bit has the best effect in the horse’s mouth. The angled bit enables the rider to give subtle aids gently but precisely. The Sprenger KK Ultra Bits are available in a range including Loose Ring, Bradoon, Eggbutt, D-ring, Gag, Kimblewick and Full Cheek. Prices start at £128. www.zebraproducts.co.uk The Equipe EK-GO Saddle is built on Equipe’s revolutionary carbon tree to offer the rider unrivalled contact with the horse. Designed to offer a unique fit for both horse and rider, it is a welcome addition to the Equipe carbon saddle range. The saddle features a more shapely tree suiting higher withered, shorter backed horses with a big shoulder. Available in the colours Black, Brown, New Market and Red Brown and priced at around £4,050. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Meeting

Martin Wilkinson

irstly congratulations Martin on being awarded The Society of Master Saddlers Master Saddle Fitter title. We’d love to find out more about your career so far, so what was your career prior to saddle

fitting? Or has saddle fitting always been your job? “I started my career by training as a bench saddler and set up my own business in 1973, manufacturing and selling leather saddlery items. That business expanded and I started to

manufacture MW boots and leather binocular cases and truncheon holders for the Met Police! With the upsurge of Indian and Chinese manufacturing this side of the business became nonprofitable so I switched back to concentrating on saddlery and tack. “This coincided with the formation of the Society of Master Saddlers and I became a founder member and later on, one of the first Master Saddlers to achieve the Society’s saddle fitting qualification. Saddle fitting was becoming much more technical – no longer could you buy a saddle and say it fitted any horse you ever owned!” Other than achieving your new status of SMS Master Saddle Fitter, do

you have any other career highlights that you would like to share with us? “There have been many career highlights one of which is seeing Charlotte Dujardin achieve the marvellous success she has – I was her saddle fitter when she first started riding and competing in dressage. “Another career highlight is being invited to join the Worshipful Company of Saddlers as a working saddler Liveryman – something only given to those who have achieved the pinnacle of their profession. I really enjoy taking part in the charity work which the Company does and being able to give something back to the equine community.” Continued Overleaf...

SADDLERY & TACK Continued from previous page...

We understand that you are one of the first saddle fitters in the UK to be awarded this new Master Saddle Fitter status, so what do you think this demonstrates to the saddlery world? And what does the award mean to you? “I think this demonstrates to the horse owning and riding public that we take quality saddle fitting very seriously – I feel it is vitally important that people employ an SMS qualified saddle fitter to fit their saddle to ensure their own safety and the comfort of themselves and their horses. And that saddle fitter should in my view also be a Master Saddler – these are two entirely separate

qualifications and only an experienced Master Saddler can properly fit and alter your saddle to the horse correctly. To achieve the award of Master Saddle Fitter you must be able to offer and understand the design and technicalities of many different brands of saddle and I feel it is especially important that a qualified saddle fitter can offer a range of makes of saddles as we do. We have spent years training and researching saddle design and I feel this award singles us out from the crowd of saddle sales people who are not qualified and only offer one brand of saddle however pretty it might be. It takes many years of training to understand the challenges of fitting todays

Martin and his partner Rosemary at the Attelage de Tradition at Glamis Castle, Scotland. They are both great supporters of traditional carriage driving and organise the Attelage de Tradition at Sandringham House

horses properly especially for competition and I feel that this award recognises those many years of experience, knowledge and technical skill which the few Master Saddle Fitters are able to demonstrate.”

What does a ‘typical’ day entail for you? “As I am out on the road every day visiting clients to check and alter their saddles or to fit new ones, myself and my team of saddle fitters have a routine most days. We all arrive at the workshop in the morning and ‘download’ the previous days appointments – this involves discussing those appointments, expecially difficult fits, ordering bespoke saddles, putting saddles on hold for clients, organising follow up visits with Jenny and going through all the previous days paperwork – we take a template of each horse we visit and hold these on file for at least five years. If we have brought saddles in for work these are booked in with Szylvia my bench saddler who is also involved in all the discussions as she needs to know the particular requirements of each horses’ saddle she will be working on. We then get our current days schedule of appointments from Jenny, go through the paperwork and discuss likely saddles from the photographs we have of the

Saddles for the taller rider... The Jumping-LL saddle is specifically designed to allow more room for riders with longer legs. These riders will know that forward-fitting flaps can cause a problem due to the block being in the incorrect place for comfort. Therefore the padded knee block on this saddle is especially designed to be longer and sit below the knee rather than at the thigh, allowing the rider better flexibility. Available in black, brown, havana and oxblood, in sizes 16 to 19 inches, and in a range of width fittings, making it adaptable to a variety of horses. www.blackcountrysaddles.com

horses we are seeing that day. These are then loaded on to the vans and any that are being returned to clients after working on them. Then it is all systems go to get out on the road and see the first client! “I usually get home in the evening around 6.30pm to 7pm and help my partner Rosemary with our own ponies. If its summer and we have a light evening we often go for a drive around our local area with our pair of ponies – it’s a lovely way to relax! Or I might be out on a tractor repairing and maintaining our fields.”

What is the best part of your job? “I love every aspect of my job, meeting new people and regular customers and their horses and seeing their horses go better with a properly fitted saddle. I particularly enjoy seeing the delight and relief on customer’s faces when they feel the tension in their horse disappear once they are able to move without discomfort. I also enjoy working with customers and their team of equine professionals, vets, farriers and back specialists to help horses achieve their full potential. It’s a very rewarding job and but also a demanding one.” www.martinwilkinson.com

LOCAL PROFILE First time Mitsubishi Motors Cup Qualified Rider

5 MINUTES WITH...Carlie Lewis eld on the eve of the worldfamous Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, which attracts top horse and rider combinations from across the globe as well as visitors in excess of 150,000 over the five days of competition; the Mitsubishi Motors Cup offers amateur riders from all over the country the opportunity to qualify throughout the eventing season for these finals.

“I really wouldn’t be able to do it without the friends who brave cold, wet weather, Rio’s tantrums and my tears!”

Not only will riders contest to win the Mitsubishi Motors Cup trophy, presented in front of Badminton House, the pinnacle of any amateur event rider’s career, they will be vying for a chance to take home a new vehicle of their choice from the Mitsubishi Motors range for one year and a commemorative plaque. Ahead of this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Cup, taking place on Tuesday 30th April and 1st of May, we speak to Carlie Lewis, based in Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire, who has qualified for the BE90 competition with her gelding Rollestone Checkmate or Rio as he is known at home. “Rio and I are based on a small DIY livery yard, where I am very fortunate to have some great grooms to help to look after Rio when I am away with work; they treat him as one of their own. Working full time makes the support network at the yard even more crucial. “Rio is just full of character from standing in his field looking like he is talking to a bush, to next second replaying the Grand National around his field. On the ground he can be known as Mr Grumpy. He’s never malicious but likes to pull faces and generally act like a stroppy teenager. To ride he really is a pleasure, he loves to work but this comes with a bit of sass and attitude, but I wouldn't change him. “Our training is in full swing with weekly lessons on either flat work with Di Barret or jumping with Andrew James and

Jane Hussell and one competition a week just to keep ring practice in, in both dressage, arena eventing and the first couple of runs of the season. To come away with a win at our second event after two wins at Riding Club dressage qualifiers has really made me want to do the best we can in the run up to the Cup. I am also really lucky to have not only great instructors but a great physio, to keep him in the best shape in the lead up to the Mitsubishi Motors Cup. “I am looking forward to just enjoying the experience in its entirety, this is my first time qualifying for the Cup. I can struggle with nerves, so I just want to enjoy every single moment I’m there and give him the best ride possible. It’s been such a longterm goal I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet. This time in a few weeks, it will nearly be over. It also makes you very humble as an amateur on a self-produced horse to achieve something like this. “We have hired a house just up the road from Badminton Estate for eight of us to stay for the week. I am so lucky that I have some amazing friends who come to support me at every competition and to be able to have them there for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup experience will be just the icing on the cake.” www.mitsubishimotorscup. badminton-horse.co.uk

Ride like... THE PROFESSIONALS

HARRIET MORRIS-BAUMBER

To stay the right side of the flag to successfully clear a narrow obstacle give your horse the maximum amount of time possible to see the fence in front.

TACKLING

SKINNY FENCES

Skinny fences come in a variety of forms, including a skinny brush.

skinny fence can strike fear into the hearts of some riders, and course builders love to throw in this technical challenge to test how accurate your riding is, along with your ability to keep the horse straight. Event rider and trainer, Harriet Morris-Baumber is used to negotiating these types of fences when she is competing herself and instructs her clients on the best way to tackle skinny fences, which can be one of the most common causes of a runout. “Skinny fences come in a variety of forms including a skinny brush, an arrowhead, a narrow fence with a ditch, a skinny after a big parallel, a skinny after a drop fence or an angled skinny and all are designed to catch you out.”

Photo; Iain B Photography

HERE HARRIET OFFERS HER TOP TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FLAG TO SUCCESSFULLY CLEAR THE NARROW OBSTACLE AND GALLOP AWAY, ON TO THE NEXT FENCE.

Give your horse time to read the question “Give your horse the maximum amount of time possible to see the fence in front by keeping in a straight line for as long as possible and approach at the appropriate speed. “By riding at a slower speed your horse will have more time to see the fence and you will have more time to react if he strays off course.”

Use your legs to keep the horse straight “As you get closer to the fence, kick with alternate legs to communicate to your horse that you need him to keep going in a straight line. Gripping or squeezing is not as effective as short sharp kicks. “Sometimes a tap on the shoulder with a whip is useful for keeping a horse straight.

“In training I often ride with a whip in each hand, so I have one on either side, helping to keep them straight and thinking forward,” added Harriet.

Keep your hands still and quiet A lot of riders make the mistake of desperately trying to keep their horse straight by pulling on one rein more than the other. This just decreases impulsion and confuses the horse. The reins are ultimately the brakes, so instead of thinking backwards and straight, we need to think forwards and straight, which can only be achieved by using the legs. “The reins should be doing very little when jumping a skinny fence, only coming into play if your horse becomes tense in the mouth, then you should use the reins to soften the contact whilst maintaining direction with your legs and or whip,” explained Harriet. No matter what sort of skinny fence you are facing or where the skinny fence is situated on the course, the key is to stick to your system and don’t do anything radical just because it looks like more of a challenge www.harriet-morrisbaumber.co.uk

Five minutes with…

Natalie South

ell done for your win at the Winter Championships Natalie – how did that feel? “Hugo (Stady Boy) is a genuine RDA horse, so to be able to qualify, and then go on and win against the best in the country was pretty special for us.”

You are 29-years-old now, but when and why did you start to ride? “I started riding when I was 5-years-old. This was on recommendation of my physio, who introduced me to the RDA as therapy, as I have Cerebral Palsy. Early on I had to leave the RDA, but we found a riding school for non-disabled people where I rode for the majority of my life.”

What made you decide to specialise in dressage? “After the 2012 Paralympics (and being at Greenwich for the Para Dressage), I thought to myself (probably quite bigheadedly!) that I was good at riding, and I would like to do something with it. That is where I approached Chigwell Riding Trust, in 2013 I think, and I spoke to the manager, Deborah Hall and said that I ride, I would like to compete, and could they help me “I had a session on the Equissage chair which helped me enormously. I could tell the difference straight away”

EQUISSAGE PULSE, PROUD SPONSORS OF THE PARA PROGRAMME AND PARA DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS, MET UP WITH ESSEX-BASED NATALIE SOUTH AT THE RECENT PARA WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS AT MYERSCOUGH. RIDING HUGO, NATALIE WON THE SILVER GRADE 2 CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS. pursue that goal. They agreed to help and let me join Chigwell Riding Trust RDA Centre. I qualified for RDA Nationals three times then stepped up to BD Para Dressage.”

What achievements are you most proud of? “The win at Myerscough was a big one! Last year we qualified but I had a fall in the warm up which badly affected my performance, so to come back and win it this year was amazing, Last year we did a 1* CPEDI, being selected for an International with an RDA horse was pretty exciting.”

Can you tell us a bit more about Hugo? “Hugo is owned by Chigwell Riding Trust and is, first and foremost, a genuine RDA horse. I feel super privileged to be able to take him out to compete, with the support of Deborah, my coach Greg Block, and the team at Chigwell Riding Trust. He’s a very special horse to be away competing in para dressage competitions, and then, when returning home, be in an RDA lesson with disabled children and adults. I also ride Hugo once a week on an RDA lesson, with other riders, all with varying impairments.”

What are your goals for the future? “I would like to be selected for a 2* CPEDI and hope to move up to Gold Level Para Dressage.” www.niagaraequissage.com

THE PROFESSIONALS BACK ON TRACK ANNOUNCES NEW SPONSORSHIP:

EMMA BLUNDELL AND MOUNT ST JOHN EQUESTRIAN Emma continues to use the Back On Track products for herself and has “loved everything that the yard team and I have tried so far!” Key items include the polo neck, gloves and socks

ack on Track are delighted to announce their new partnership with Emma Blundell, founder of Mount St John, a breeding yard based in North Yorkshire who specialise in producing

top dressage and sport horses. Currently breeding around thirty quality dressage mares per season, Mount St John’s breeding programme also includes a high number of embryo transfers from sport

mares who are currently competing. Horses that Emma has bred include Top Secret, the 2016 British Dressage 5-yearold National reserve champion and Best of All, the British National Dressage Champion in the Novice title of 2015. Emma also owns Freestyle, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin, who together most recently won bronze at the Tyron FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018. Emma has known about the benefits of Back On Track for several years. “I first saw the products whilst travelling, particularly in Denmark where they were extremely popular,” says Emma. “I then saw the launch of the products here in the UK with Anders Dahl and Fiona Bigwood, which prompted me to try some of the products for myself and then consequently, the horses.” The symbiotic relationship between horse and rider that

Back On Track promotes, particularly appeals to Emma and Mount St John. With both equine, human (and canine) products in their range, there are numerous options to try which can benefit both two legs and four. Back on Track have developed their infra-red mineral-infused fabric, Welltex, into a range of market leading garments and accessories to support circulation, suppleness and aid muscle recovery before, during and after exercise. The technical properties of the fabrics are key when it comes to supporting the horses’ wellbeing. “Supporting circulation pre, during and post training of the dressage horses, I believe, adds to their welfare and can help minimise training injuries due to muscles and joints being more supple and ready to perform.” www.backontrack.com/uk

FREE YOUR RIDING:

FROM CONSTRAINTS OF YOUR MIND

Dr Tracey Cole is delighted to unveil her very first book, The Confident Rider Mindset – how to hack your mind for riding success, which features a variety of easy to use, proven techniques for both professional and amateur riders alike to realise their full potential in the saddle. Fear often prevents riders fully enjoying their time in the saddle or limits the results that a partnership can achieve when they compete. The techniques in the Confident Rider Mindset unlock the true potential of a person’s riding ability and help to free them from the ‘what ifs’ which can be so limiting and destructive. RRP: £8.99. www.amazon.co.uk Dr Tracey Cole is a former research scientist, university lecturer and teacher who now works as a trainer and master coach of NLP, NLP Coaching, Create Your Future and Hypnosis.

Lisa’sLIFE EQUINE AMERICA BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA CLARKE-SPENCE BHSI SM IS A REGULAR ON THE EVENTING CIRCUIT AND TRAINS HORSES OF ALL ABILITIES FROM HER EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, HEMPS GREEN EQUESTRIAN, IN ESSEX.

t last the event season is upon us. It is always an exciting time of year, the plans and expectations for the forthcoming season are all still very fresh. However I am sure it won’t be long before one is broken or not up graded sufficiently and qualified as anticipated, and the plans have to be revised. The joys of eventing! I missed my February column as I had the luxury of a two week holiday. This is the first two week holiday my husband and I have had since our honeymoon 22-years-ago. I find leaving the yard for two weeks just too worrying for the staff and myself. This year a visit to a friend, Mary Payne, (who was an owner of several of my point-to-point rides many years ago) was finally ticked off the bucket list. Mary owned some of my great rides like Uron V and Corston Joker. Mary now lives near Hermanus in South Africa.

Friends and current owners Ben and Paula Twinn joined us. What a beautiful, clean and hospitable country. We had a fabulous time and greatly enjoyed our time away. I still managed to get several hours riding in the mountains and vineyards of the famous Stellenbosch wine route. We even persuaded the men to join us - who admitted they actually enjoyed being back on horseback! I think perhaps the wine and gin tasting and lunch en-route went someway towards it! My team of staff coped admirably while I was away, along with my long suffering coach Anna Wilks BHSI. Now returned and on a strict diet after over-indulging on the

fabulous food and wine, it is full steam ahead. Through the winter I have been clocking up the BN double clears for Desert Fox and I am pleased to report they are now in the bag and so are half of the Discovery double clears. Fidget and Nicholai have been SJ well and I am looking to get them out at Great Witchingham for their first BE run. I have been lucky enough to visit the amazing XC course at Herringswell on a BE clinic with Philip Surl and all the horses are in good form. The surprise of them all being Paula Twinn’s China Dream, who has been quietly re training from race horse to event horse. He came out having had a few weeks on the back burner. I am looking forward to his first run at 80cm and I don’t think it will be long before he upgrades to 90cm. My first BE run was at Poplar with a ride I have got back from my old Head Girl (who has moved on to pastures new). We do miss her but my new team

are stepping into her shoes very well. Tough Customer, owned by Trudy and Richard Bishop didn’t disappoint finishing second on a 22 dressage in the 90cm at Poplar. This section was sponsored by Juddpurs Saddlery and it is lovely to receive really nice prizes. The winner won a bridle and for second we were given a pair of very smart stirrup leathers, and prizes went all the way to eighth in this section. It makes the hard work worth while and without sponsors the sport would not survive. As brand ambassador for Equine America and KM Elite I get to sample and try lots of their products. Fidget this season will be on their super duper Cortaflex and Super Fenn combination. Due to her improved performance last year all my other event horses are running on Cortaflex this season and so I am excited to see if we can improve performance again with the addition of the Super Fenn.

SPONSOR’S SLOT... Cortaflex HA Super Strength now with the addition of Super Fenn a natural anti-inflamatory. Specially formulated for competition horses or those in high work loads as used by the City of London Police and for those with excessive wear and tear to their joints. Pro-Pell Plus - a high specification, general purpose daily tonic – with an energy dense glucose-fructose complex to ensure Pro-Pell plus is appetising and palatable when horses need a pick-me-up! www.equine-america.co.uk

REPORTS

LYNN QUALIFIES:

BRITISH DRESSAGE WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS ressage Trainer and Pilates Teacher Lynn Perry was delighted to take the Regional Champion title at Easton and Otley College in the Suregrow Elementary Freestyle Music Silver class. Lynn and Starmaker took the winner’s rosette on a score of 71.923%, to qualify for the British Dressage Winter Championships. Based at First Choice Dressage in Suffolk, Lynn is a highly respected and fully qualified dressage coach

and has been successfully training riders and horses for more than twenty years. Starmaker, known at home as Sparky is a homebred 8-year-old, 15.3hh chestnut gelding, by Showmaker out of Lynn’s mare Little Lady. Currently Lynn has three horses competing from Novice to Advanced Medium, all homebred and home produced, and has several youngsters waiting in the wings from yearlings upwards. Said Lynn: “I was really pleased with how well we kept to all the

Photo: British Showjumping

Harry Bateman steers Greta Garbo to victory in The Champagne Cave Winter B&C Qualifier at South View Equestrian Centre, Cheshire

HARRY BATEMAN SNATCHES TOP SPOT

he last show of the Winter Classic Series at South View Equestrian Centre in Cheshire recently played host to a number of final qualifiers including The Champagne

T 60

timings in the music that emphasised the transitions and medium paces. “I think Sparky was a little tense as he wasn’t as forward as he normally is, so I felt parts of the test could have been more

expressive. “There are things we hope to improve on for the championships but I was surprised and also elated to win and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Cave Winter Grades B&C Championship Qualifier. Harry Bateman from Hockley, Essex had been knocking on the door for a qualifying ticket to the Championship Finals all season but hadn’t quite managed to take home the goods until he finally took the win in The Champagne Cave Winter Grades B & C Qualifier with Greta Garbo. Thirteen of the initial thirty-four starting combinations jumped clear around Gillian Milner’s ten fence-track to make it through to the jump-off with five of those going on to produce a double clear, which meant it was a race against the clock to allocate the final two qualifying tickets on offer for the Championship Final held at the prestigious Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, West Sussex in July. Harry steered Jaqueline Jones’ Greta Garbo, a 7-year-old Germanbred grey mare to the top spot by utilising the mare’s naturally quick pace leaving all of the fences intact and crossing the finish line in 32.91 seconds. Harry narrowly missed out on a one-two with his other ride Granby when Derek Moreton pipped him to the post by crossing through the finish line 0.25 seconds faster than Granby’s time of 33.83 seconds. Derek from Stone, Staffordshire took the final ticket on offer with Zoe Snedker’s KBS High Quality, an 8-year-old Irish-bred gelding that he was selected on as part of Team NAF at the Veteran European Championships in Germany in 2018. They crossed the finish line faultless in 33.58 seconds.

CLASSIFIEDS

CLAUDIA MOORE:

VICTORIOUS ONCE MORE! he 2019 Charles Britton Equestrian Construction Winter JA Classic Qualifiers headed to the East Midlands recently. The qualifiers were held at Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire during the 148cm Pony Premier Show. The qualifiers took place over two days and saw riders from all over the UK come forward with the hopes of securing a top three qualifying place for the prestigious Charles Britton Equestrian Construction Winter JA Classic Championship, which will take place at SouthView Competition and Training Centre in Cheshire across the weekend of the 6th–7th April. Claudia Moore from Brentwood, Essex repeated her win from SouthView Equestrian Centre in February when she took the top spot on board Katrina Moore’s Elando Van Roshoeve on whom Claudia has enjoyed plenty of success with over the past two years.

SHOW PHOTOS:

WIX EC, 3RD MARCH ANDREW BOWEN JUMPING

Helen Kemp and Royal Gold, Pony Trophy winners

Lorna Simpson on Maggie, Horse Trophy Winners

VETS IN THE SPOTLIGHT / CLASSIFIEDS

HAWKEDON VETS EQUINE PRACTICE Tel: 01284 789428 Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4NP

www.hawkedonvets.co.uk

A DEDICATED INDEPENDENT RCVS ACCREDITED EQUINE GENERAL PRACTICE BASED IN CHELMSFORD ESSEX

Our services include: • 24hr 365 days a year emergency support • Free zone visit scheme for routine work • Full in-patient facilities with CCTV and on-site vets • Fully equipped surgical theatre • Menage and hard trot up area for lameness examinations • Digital x-ray and ultrasound • Endoscopy (mobile and in the clinic) • Castration clinics • Export certification • Pre-purchase examinations

“We care about your horse” www.clarendonequine.co.uk Tel: 01245 346904

Wherry Veterinary Group Bungay, Suffolk Working with you for the health and wellbeing of your equine companions. Take advantage of our experienced equine team and our modern, purpose built premises.

01986 892771 62

SHOWDATE DIARY Suffolk Pet & Equine Crematorium

PEACE OF MIND AT A TIME OF GRIEF 01284 810981

WIX

www.suffolkpetcrematorium.com

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Full range of Horse & Pet, Feed & Bedding Open 7 days a week Indoor schools for hire

01255 870744

KAY HOWARD

QUALIFIED MASTER SADDLER & SADDLE FITTER • Range of quality new, secondhand and synthetic saddles and accessories • Impartial, independent, saddle fitting and advice • Mobile workshop. • Re-flocking, top-ups and remedial flocking • Full saddle repair service. Please phone Kay on (07775) 850400

Based in Norfolk, but covering a wide area. Registered member

Juddpurs Saddlery Specialists in saddle fitting by Society of Master Saddlers qualified saddle fitter. Most ranges of saddles in stock or we can order. 111 Bedingfield Crescent Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8ED

Tel: 01986 874800

Ryder-Davies & Partners V E T ERI NA RY S UR GEONS Our experienced equine team offer a range of services throughout Suffolk, South Norfolk & North Essex Services include: • Full lameness investigations • Routine and remedial dentistry • Pre purchase examinations • Vaccinations, worming regimes • Equine reproductive stud work • BEVA accredited practice for chilled and frozen semen • Video endoscopy and gastroscopy Facilities include: Inpatient and outpatient stabling with 24 hour care • Digital X-ray, In-house laboratory, endoscope and digital ultrasound. We offer: Visits on a round-reduced visit fee Yard visit days - no visit fee • Spread the cost health plans Regular client information evenings and newsletters.

www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk

24 Hour Emergency Support Tel: 01394 380083

TUESDAY 2ND APRIL DRESSAGE Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 07557 091008 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Codham Park EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Brampton EC; Evening Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07824 344072 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 WEDNESDAY 3RD APRIL DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 THURSDAY 4TH APRIL DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 FRIDAY 5TH APRIL DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687550 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: British Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 DRIVING Beds: The College EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening

Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 6TH APRIL ARENA EVENTING Essex: Codham Park EC; Arena Eventing. Tel: 07769 907076 COMBINED TRAINING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Combined Training. Tel: 01708 687550 DRESSAGE Essex: Barleylands EC; Team Quest Dressage. Tel: 07545 010770 DRESSAGE Essex: Bluegate Hall Dressage; British Dressage. Tel: 07527 482847 DRESSAGE Essex: Fletchers Farm; Dressage. Tel: 01206 242210 DRIVING Beds: The College EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01234 708400 ENDURANCE Suffolk: Kings Forest, Bury St Edmunds: FEI, Competitive, Graded and Pleasure Rides. Tel: 07917 206166 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showjumping league. Tel: 07749 951898 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 7TH APRIL DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: British Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07749 951898 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Centaur Trust; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 DRIVING Beds: The College EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01234 708400 ENDURANCE Suffolk: Kings Forest, Bury St Edmunds: FEI, Competitive, Graded and Pleasure Rides. Tel: 07917 206166 JUMPCROSS Essex: Codham Park EC; JumpCross Competition. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Showing with qualifiers. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Barleylands EC; Senior British Showjumping.

SHOWDATE DIARY Your Showdate listings for...April/May 2019 Tel: 07545 010770 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07775 516945 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 MONDAY 8TH APRIL DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687550 ENDURANCE Suffolk: Kings Forest, Bury St Edmunds: FEI, Competitive, Graded and Pleasure Rides. Tel: 07917 206166 TUESDAY 9TH APRIL FUN SHOW Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Show. Tel: 07775 516945 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees

EC; Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Barleylands EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 07545 010770 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Codham Park EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Very Novice Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 WEDNESDAY 10TH APRIL DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel:

THE EAST ANGLIA HORSE SHOW 21st April, 16th June, 6th July

Showing classes affiliated & unaffiliated for all levels. 58 classes & several championships. Qualifiers for: BSPA, CHAPS, EQUIFEST, ESUK, NPS, PONIES (UK), ROYAL LONDON, SSADL, TEAHS, TGCA, TSR, VHS, 15+

THE EAST ANGLIA CHAMPIONSHIP HORSE SHOW

INCORPORATING THE WELSH BRONZE MEDAL SHOW WITH NATIONAL WELSH SHOW QUALIFIERS

15th September

Showing classes affiliated & unaffiliated for all levels. 79 classes & 19 championships. The East Anglia Championship Finals Classes, Welsh Bronze Medal Classes, In Hand, Ridden, Breed. Lorry Dog, Evening Performance. *Qualifiers for: EQUIFEST, ESUK, MHCGB, NATIONAL WELSH SHOW, ROYAL LONDON, TSR, 15+ Venue: Emneth Showground, 175 Outwell Road, Emneth, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. PE14 8BG *Details correct at time time of going to press

Web:www.theeastangliahorseshow.org.uk Email:theeastangliahorseshow@aol.co.uk Tel:01354 638800 SHOW SECRETARY, IVY HOUSE FARM, EUXIMOOR DROVE, CHRISTCHURCH, WISBECH, CAMBS PE14 9LT

07749 951898 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 THURSDAY 11TH APRIL DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07557 091008 FRIDAY 12TH APRIL DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07557 091008 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Evening Open Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 13TH APRIL DRESSAGE Essex: Barleylands EC; Dressage and Combined Training. Tel: 07545 010770 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 EVENTER TRIAL Beds: Twin Trees EC; Mini Eventer Trial. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park

Stud: Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; X Pole and Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 14TH APRIL COMBINED TRAINING Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Combined Training. Tel: 07557 091008 DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07775 516945 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 FUN SHOW Beds: Twin Trees EC; Fun Show. Tel: 01767 627414 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Barleylands EC; Showjumping. Tel: 07545 010770 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Codham Park EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07749 951898 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

HADLEIGH SHOW Holbecks Park, Hadleigh IP7 5PE

Saturday 18th May 2019 Affiliated BSPA, P(UK), BSJ, BDS, DBS, Ridden & Working Hunters, Cobs and Local Hunt Class. Schedules available from:

www.hadleighshow.co.uk or www.horsedates.co.uk or send C5 SAE to PO Box 1027, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 9XG Entries close - 23rd April 2019

www.agrocotrailers.co.uk