Absolute Horse December 2016

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F

E M K ’M C -I !

PI P EE U R

Absolute

DECEMBER 2016

World’s Top

Riders Return!

Special Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show feature inside!

PLUS

Glorious Christmas Gift Ideas! Page 7

Using Hills with Julia Horton Page 46

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Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 23/11/2016 15:08 Page 3

DECEMBER

2016

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ISSUE 306

Billy Twomey, Equestrian.com Liverpool Horse Show 2016.

Photo: LIHS

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COMPETITIONS & GIVEAWAYS 11 HiHo Competition 31 Equisafety Giveaway FEATURES 6 Special Feature: Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show Christmas Gift Guide: Part 2 7 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.

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36 44 46 48

PHOTONEWS 50 Easton Harriers Hunter Trial: Poplar Park 55 Essex & Suffolk Team Chase: Manor Farm 55 JumpCross League Presentation: Codham Park

01473 731220

How to contact us...

WHAT’S

including Best of East Anglia Retailer Directory Health & Welfare including VetWatch: Equine Cancer and Winter Wellness advice for you and your horse Nutrition: Sugar Leathercare and Tack Ride Like: Julia Horton Using Hills to Improve Engagement Rider Profile: Sophie Knight

Love your horses...

56 57 58 60

Dressage League Presentation: Codham Park Team Showjumping: Finchingfield EC Hoofbeats Remembrance Ride : Harling Forest East Essex Hunt Open Meet

InSIde

REGULARS 4 News 5 Your Comments 27 Meta Fitness 49 Reports 62 Classified Advertising 64 Vets In The Spotlight 65 Showdate Diary

info@ahmagazine.com

www.absolutehorsemagazine.com www.issuu.com

PCD Media (East Anglia) Ltd Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS. Find us on facebook 3

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NEWS

Finnish Ambassador opens Avant’s

LIGHTS, new showroom CAMERA, ACTION! Finnish company, Avant, experts in multi-functional loaders, celebrates its 25th anniversary in the UK, with a new purpose-built showroom.

To mark the occasion, the Ambassador of Finland, Mrs Päivi Luostarinen, was invited to officially open the new showroom at Bridgham, Norfolk.

The rural setting in East Anglia provides the space to enable the Avant machines to be demonstrated and test-driven, both on the road and in real life situations.

Valegro’s official retirement to take place at this year’s Olympia Organisers of Olympia, the London International Horse Show have revealed that Olympic equine star, Valegro, will be appearing alongside Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester, in London this December.

Valegro’s official retirement from competition will take place in the Grand Hall on Wednesday 14th December.

Charlotte Dujardin OBE commented, “Valegro is a once in a lifetime horse and owes us nothing. I can’t wait to take him to Olympia and give hime the send-off he deserves.”

B OYTON HALL EQUINE CENTRE

S U F F O L K ’ S P R E M I E R E Q U I N E FA C I L I T Y Animal Feed & Bedding Shop - for all your everyday needs and more.

Stockists of Major Brands incl: Allen & Page, Spillers, Baileys, Dodson & Horrell, Dengie, TopSpec, Simple Systems, Honeychop, Mollichaff, EH Haylage, Hunters/Snowflake/Sundown Bedding.

Plus feeds for Dogs, Cats, Poultry, Sheep, Pigs & Goats and not forgetting the birds!

Call today for a friendly and efficient service - delivery available too.

Full, standard & DIY Livery available - please see website for more information or call to arrange a viewing of our faclilities. Full list of our Shows and Clinics are on our website and Horsedates - see what we can do for you today...

Telephone 01449 744482 www.bhec.co.uk adrian@bhec.co.uk

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For a fun day out in the capital on 1st January with ‘All The Queens Horses’ at ‘The London New Year’s Day Parade.’

A team of 64 riders and horses will be taking to the streets dressed to thrill with their adaptions of famous film and TV shows. www.allthequeenshorses.co.uk

Congrats to our October winners!

Equetech: Samantha Ramsey, Norfolk. Equerry: Nicole O'Malley, Norfolk; Susan Sims, Lincs; Victoria Brant, West Sussex; Lynn Morris, Suffolk; Michelle Clements Downes, Essex; Janice Cousins, Suffolk; Debbie Fitches, Norfolk; Petra Besuch, Herts; Lucinda May, Essex; Leanne Young, Essex. HorseHage: Katie Faiers, Suffolk; Martine Holden, Norfolk; Jodie Sillett, Essex; Magdalene Barnett, Norfolk; Emma Overton, Essex; Ms M Linscote, Herts; Chloe Phillips, Essex; Juliet Dolman, Norfolk; Kaz Warren, Suffolk; Kelly Harris-Flatt, Suffolk; Angelina Acott, Norfolk; Jayne Flynn, Suffolk; Leanne Judd, Cambs; Phillipa Perry, Essex; Dot Creasey, Suffolk.

BE announce fixtures for 2017 BE Chief Executive David Holmes commented, “We are delighted to bring you the BE fixtures list for 2017 as we welcome both new and returning events to the calendar. It is great to see the Gatehouse 1* League, launched in 2016, back for next year and the expansion of the new BE105 level which was trialled during the 2016 season.

Horseheath in Cambridgeshire have added an extra spring date which will see them running two fixtures, on the 12th -13 April and 12th – 13th August, in 2017 for BE80(T) to BE100Open riders.

Poplar Park in Suffolk are, for the first time, running a second date in May on the 21st and 22nd at BE80(T) to BE105 levels adding to their first fixture on the 11th and 12th March 2017.

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YOUR COMMENT Every month we pose a question on the Absolute Horse Magazine Facebook page – for your chance to win the Ariat prize simply post ‘Your Comment’ in answer to our question, and the best answer wins!

Sponsored by

Ariat offer you the chance to win a pair of Olympia Full Seat or Knee Patch Breeches worth over £115!

Ariat’s Olympia Full Seat Breeches and Knee Patch Breeches feature four-way stretch Schoeller fabric for maximum comfort and mobility, stretch Clarino full seat, front zip and unique hand pocket design with piping effect. Ariat’s patented V3 System in the waist and Calf Fit System ensure these breeches not only perform in the saddle but look great too. Sizes: 22 – 36 (regular and long fit available).

Colours: White, Beige, Navy or Black.

Visit www.ariat.com or call 01367 242818.

We asked our acebook fans the following question...

Rachael Bryce: Apple or tennis ball in water buckets to stop them freezing. Make haynets over the weekend. Invest in good head torch and yard boots/wellies.

Sarah Norton Allsworth: Enjoy it, it’s only winter! Warm clothes, good wellies , waterproofs and coffee room.

Anne Smith: Full livery!

Kayleigh Murphles Hedley: Hibernate until spring!

Claire Nutter Kulawy: Pay someone to muck out for you!

Michelle Abbott: Try and partner up with someone to help you with returned favours and share cost of bedding and hay.

Eleanor Laws: Have spare rugs as it’s awful to turnout your horse in a sopping wet rug! (or have a drying room!) Mine is on 24/7 turnout so he’s got 2 rugs of each weight so if I bring him in and he is soaking he will go out in a dry warm rug and I also ride him in an exercise sheet so he doesn’t get wet out riding.

Lyndsey Ryder: Learn to ride the wind and dance in the rain.

Kelly Anne Taplin: Stay inside!

Michelle Barnard: Break water in troughs with heel and then scoop out broken ice with a riddle hands stay dry.

What’s your best tip for a hassle free winter?

Dawn Ingram: Pop my new Ariat wellies on and embrace the mud!

Joanne Eldridge: Embrace the winter, if you can survive the winter months the summer months become more special.

Melanie Ambrose: Spray on coat shine to stop the mud from sticking, saves time scrubbing off mud!

Dawn Trimarco: Best yard tip... bring horses in an hour before dark and make sure that their stable rugs are nice and warm using a rug drier/warmer.

Sara McComb: Fill all haynets for the week in one go to save time and mess. Plenty of oil on feathers to stop mud sticking, or just put your horses in full livery and go to the Canary Islands!

Tegan White: Put Vaseline inside your horse’s hoofs to stop ice building up. Stilettos don’t look good on horses!

Jo Cullen: Sell the ponies!

Lauren Batty: Ariat wellies, layers, waterproofs, bobble hat, gloves, lots and lots of stable and turnout rugs (particularly when you have 3) big haynets and a kettle for hot choc and defrosting the taps (maybe warm feeds for the ponies if it’s really cold).

Rachel-Dee Atkins: Be prepared

for every situation!

Alison Treadwell: Must be super organised.

Clare Barclay: Put WD40 in padlocks to stop them freezing.

Laura Franchesca: A hair dryer for feathers and pig oil.

Jan Nagel: If you have to carry hay across the field put it in an empty shavings bag. Much easier and you don’t drop it as you go.

Libby Dickie: Thermals! Gloves, good boots, spare clothes, waterproofs, spare rugs! And a horsey husband!

Gemma Cox: A head torch.

Sarah Pearson: Be organised the night before - fill haynets, get rugs out ready for the morning, then there’s no panicking for being late to work if the weather’s bad.

Caz Todd: Sloe Gin by the gallon!

Heidi Sherer: Pretend that you really enjoy being cold, wet and covered in mud most of the time and that numb fingers and shivering are all part of the good fun you are having!

See more tips on page 28...

and the Star Winner is...

Mandy Sheppard: Ensure you have a working torch in an easy to find place, a fully stocked first aid kit with all necessary phone numbers and something hi viz. Also if you can do a weeks haynets etc at the weekend in daylight to save you time on the dark. Lastly make sure you have at least one spare rug in case one is damaged or too wet to use.

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SPECiAL FEATURE

All Systems Go for the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show

WITH JUST WEEKS TO GO UNTIL THE EQUESTRIAN.COM LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW HERE WE CATCH UP WITH LORRAINE MEADOWCROFT, CEO OF LEADING ONLINE RETAILER AND TITLE SPONSOR EQUESTRIAN.COM TO FIND OUT MORE… What makes the Equestrian.com Liverpool Horse Show so special?

Last year’s show was just fantastic and as a business we were delighted to be involved and help make the show the success it was.

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How did you first get involved?

In 2015 we sponsored the Dressage to Music and the Puissance at its sister show Bolesworth International run by same team as Liverpool International and headed by Nina Barbour.

We were thrilled with that alignment and when we were approached to be title sponsor of Liverpool International we didn’t hesitate to take up the sponsorship opportunity.

From the television coverage, to social media excitement – the show really has caught everyone’s imagination.

to support the day and it was a great way to kick-start the final countdown to the first day of the show on New Year’s Eve. It was so well attended with Grand National legend Bob Champion and showjumpers Billy Twomey, Laura Renwick and Geoff Billington all turning out to ride and be part of the occasion.

The famous Waldburg Shires and Shetland Ponies added to the day and it really did prove a memorable parade watched by great crowds.

To see the group of around 50 riders come along a route from the city’s Garden Festival Site to finish at the Echo Arena was actually very exciting and the event was supported with excellent television coverage and members of the media.

Did you take part in the Ride into Liverpool as part of the launch?

I didn’t ride but we went along

Were there any of the celebrities you really wanted to meet?

I think Bob Champion is simply

From the top-level show jumping action, to the displays and exciting atmosphere, it was three very special days.

a national hero and although I have been fortunate to meet and work with many wellknown names in the equestrian world, it was wonderful when such a loud cheer went up while he was interviewed.

I remember well his win in the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti, just two years after he was diagnosed with cancer and his story really is inspirational.

So having a photograph with Bob was one for the album!

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s show?

As title sponsor we are very well looked after and as the first day of the show this year is on New Year’s Eve I am sure there will be a very big party.

On the whole it is just the sense of occasion, the show is a fantastic opportunity to promote the Equestrian.com brand and all I can say is if you want a great time around New Year make sure you get your tickets – you won’t be disappointed!

Show tickets start at just £11.50, with family tickets and season tickets available.

The booking line number is 08448 000400, or tickets can be purchased online. For groups of 15 people and more, a 20 per cent discount on adult prices only for silver and bronze areas can be obtained. The booking line for this is 08445 617672.

For more information, visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com

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CHRiSTMAS giFT gUidE: PART 2

Bootiful Boots!

Looking to purchase a pair of boots this season as a present?

The Spanish Riding Boot Company offer practical boots with serious fashion styling, so who better to ask, than their MD Emma Snailham for her top tips…

lways consider just how waterproof your recipient will need their new boots to be: Wellington boot waterproof or just water resistant waxed finish and a little more stylish? If it’s the latter then our Spanish Riding Boots Classic could be a good seasonal choice.

A

You may be purchasing them as fashion footwear and in which case something like a suede boot would work well for you but don’t forget to treat the suede with a protector.

You should also consider whether you want to opt for short or long boots. Long boots are great for teaming with skirts or shorts in the winter, whereas short boots work brilliantly with

skinny jeans or this season’s ‘70s flare but aren’t truly forgiving on bare legs for summer, so think this through!

If you are buying boots with practicality in mind, then choosing between a finer leather sole or a grippier chunky tread sole is key and what would suit the terrain is also important!

Flat rubber soles are ideal if they have a gravel driveway, as the stones will keep getting stuck between the tread!

Choosing a colour can be tricky especially if like our brand of footwear, there are so many gorgeous colours to choose from! If the person’s clothing and footwear is just a sea of black and you are looking for fashion as opposed to just function, then why not offer them a ‘pop’ of bright colour as something new to update their look?

When buying the boots, also

consider what kind of socks they will be wearing with them. Thin socks, long socks, shooting socks, they all make a difference to the fit of the boot.

If you have found a style you like, then think about the fit.

Take all the advice you can on the website especially when buying online, as you want to get the size right the first time, eliminating the trip to the post office! Our boots come up big and most ladies go down a 1 to 1.5 sizes, so always check out the size chart with the calf measurements to see if you need to buy a standard or wide fit; or if neither of those option work for you then maybe you need to buy a made to measure.

If you need advice always ring or email the company for help.

Once you’ve bought your gorgeous new boots, make sure you pass on the manufacturers aftercare advice. Do they need to ‘winter proof’ the leather or suede? A suede rubber and brush is also a handy piece of kit for suede boots and some internal shapers will increase the life and looks of your fabulous new boot gift! www.thespanishboot company.co.uk

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CHRiSTMAS giFT gUidE: PART 2

Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund Christmas 2016 Card Collection £5.99 per pack of 10 cards. www.mdirf.co.uk

Sculpture based on the Horse of Seleneon display in the Museum.

RRP: £299. www.british museumshoponline.org

Timothy Foxx Christmas Tweed Stocking RRP: £40 or personalised £45. www.timothy foxx.co.uk Greek Horse Necklace RRP: £24.99. www.britishmuseumshoponline.org

Riding Rudds RRP: £120. www.ruddswellies.co.uk

Aloeride RRP: £55.20. www.aloeride.com Minty Horse Treats £6. www.equerry horsefeeds.com

Fox Head and Tail Bangle £140; Snaffle Bit and Pearl Necklace £95; Large Horse Leg and Hoof Ring £35. www.equestrianjewellers.co.uk

Leather Therapy range www.absorbine.co.uk

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Jemima Jacket In Duchess. RRP: £385.

Rupert Tweed Jacket in Heston tweed RRP:£350.

The ‘Hunks & Horses’ 2017 Charity Calendar £6 plus www.timothy delivery www.hunksandhorses.co.uk foxx.co.uk

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Say goodbye to...

cold feet! with Equitector’s Climate Control Technology!

Any leg height and calf width gaiters ladies’ and mens’, any calf width Other features: • Hoof Proof toe protection • Rot proof soles and uppers • Stirrup foot balance system • Waterproof leather • Super comfortable • Long lasting quality

Prevents cold feet even at minus 20c!

Made in UK

MANUFACTURERS OF FiNE RidiNg BOOTS

www.equitector.com Telephone: 0208 090 4029

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CHRiSTMAS giFT gUidE: PART 2

Unique floor inlay is essentially an aluminium plaque embossed with beautifully casted horseshoes and horse figures, surrounding a personalised centre-plate, which can be engraved with up to 100 characters. Priced from £495. www.myfloorfeature.com

Timothy Foxx Bark Tweed Wrap RRP: £180. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

Pikeur Premium Range Philippa Down Coat RRP: £259. www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Samshield Bemuda Crystal Top Helmet RRP: £862.

Alcantara Shadowmatt Helmet RRP: £418. www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Unisex Spanish Riding Boots £245. www.thespanish bootcompany.co.uk Blue Tweed Bow tie RRP: £37. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

Equi-Thème Tyrex 600 D Technique 300g Rug RRP: £81.90. www.equitheme.com Timothy Foxx Poundon Hoodie RRP: £65. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

Union Jack Harmony Earwarmers RRP: £28. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

Sterling Silver And 9ct Rose Gold Cherry Roller Snaffle Ring RRP: 105. www.hihosilver.co.uk

The Horse Photographer equestrian fine art. www.horse-photographer.co.uk

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COMPETITION One lucky reader can WIN this stunning Sterling Silver Snaffle Necklace from Hiho Silver!

New home ware accessories from equestrian inspired fashion brand Freddie Parker RRP: from £30.

(Image shows Course Specialist Apron & Tea Towel Set) www.freddieparker.com

Trilanco’s ProStable Buddy RRP: £30-£35. www.trilanco.com Barnby jacket RRP: £280. www.lavenhamjackets.com

Equetech Ladies Custom XC Shirt ‘design your own’ shirt and hat cover.

RRP: £28.95 / £42.95. www.equetech.com

This necklace is made using a number of eggbutt style snaffles that are fully soldered together. It has a fantastic weight due to the quality of the piece, which gives it that ability to take you from mucking out to going out time and again. This hallmarked piece is gorgeous to wear and has been a favourite of the Hiho team, and Hiho’s customers, for years. And when you see it, you’ll know why! The Sterling Silver Snaffle Necklace has a RRP of £275. Matching bracelets, earrings and rings are available.

In addition to eggbutt style snaffles like this one, Hiho Silver is also proud to be the home of the exclusive Cherry Roller Snaffle Collection, which uses silver, 18ct gold plating and solid gold on the designs featuring free moving ‘rollers’ on the ‘mouthpiece’ of all the pieces in the collection. Available in silver only as well as silver with 18ct rose and yellow gold plated finishes, there really is something for everyone. And with the addition of a ‘bling’ bead as one of the rollers on the bangle, it’s customisable as well!

These two ranges show a small number of products available from Hiho.

With an extensive collection including charms, pearls, gifts for men, the charity collection featuring two Willberry pieces, and more, there’s something for everyone at Hiho Silver this Christmas and beyond. And, if you’re not sure what to choose, call Hiho’s very own Countess of Contentment who will help you find the right gift (and can organise for your gift to be wrapped too!).

For more information on the Sterling Silver Snaffle Necklace, or any other piece in the Hiho range, see www.hihosilver.co.uk or call 01460 221006.

Equi-Thème FIR+ 180G Stable RRP: £169. www.equi-theme.com

To enter go online at www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click the competitions page. deadline is 31st december 2016.

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CHRiSTMAS giFT gUidE: PART 2

Equetech Tweed Horses Greeting Cards RRP: £5.50. www.equetech.com

Ladies Mark Todd Diamante Leather Belt RRP: £48.99. www.equestrian.com

The ProStable Oddball RRP: £17-£23. www.trilanco.com Equetech Bridle Competition Numbers Black Patent RRP £13.95 or classic White RRP: £11.75. www.equetech.com

Freddie Parker T-shirts Ladies £22; Mens £24. www.freddieparker.com

Redwings Wildlife Calendar £6.25.

Merry Christmas card £3.85 pack of ten cards with envelopes (plus £3.50 P&P). www.redwings.org.uk/shop

Whale Of A Time Key Ring RRP: £8.99. www.whaleofatimeclothing.com

Aztec Diamond, Technical Breeches £80. www.aztecdiamondequestrian.com

Eventing Horse Silhouette RRP: £55 Horse Silhouette RRP: £55 www.atlas-and-i.com

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Equi-Thème Glam Breeches RRP: £41.90. www.equi-theme.com

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Beluga Jumper RRP: £34.99. www.whaleofatimeclothing.com

Ladies Dublin Performance Cool-It Gel Riding Tights.

RRP: from £37.99. www.equestrian.com Equetech 3 In 1 Trilogy Jacket RRP: £145.95. www.equetech.com

Mio all-in-one rug from Horseware.

RRP: from £62.99. www.equestrian.com

SR Diamante Browband RRP: £95 wide/£85 narrow. www.katenegus.com Bromont Pro Tall H2O Insulated Boots RRP: £299.99. www.ariat.com

Nettex Tasty Treats RRP: £3.05. www.nettexequine.com

Equetech Men’s Jodhpurs RRP: £48.95. www.equetech.com

Made To Measure Timothy Foxx Rupert Jacket.

RRP: £420. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk Sponsor a rescue pony!

For a truly unique Christmas gift, sponsor a rescued horse or donkey from Redwings Horse Sanctuary for just £12.50! www.redwings.org.uk/adopt

Bransby Horses Star tree decoration RRP: £2. www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

Golly Galoshes RRP: £26.99 to £35.99 a pair. www.gollygaloshes.com

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CHRiSTMAS giFT gUidE: PART 2 Back on Track Scarf RRP: £40. www.backontrack.com

A Touch of Magic Tack by Hauke Schmidt Finest Gloves RRP: £45. including 1 pair of patches www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Adoption Star Soft Toys RRP: £8.75 www.redwings.org.uk/shop

Valegro, the Little Horse with the Big Dream. By Carl Hester MBE. RRP: £6.99 www.troubador. co.uk

Equetech Frost Knit Headband RRP: £10.95. www.equetech.com

Hiho Silver’s Classic Pearl Collection includes pearl studs, bracelets, earring cuffs and cluster necklaces. RRP: £22-£985. www.hihosilver.co.uk

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Best of East Anglia!

Discover East Anglia’s leading independent equestrian retailers and saddleries

ESSEX

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:33 Page 15

WIX

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Wishing our customers a

Happy Christmas and New Year!

ALL ANIMALS LARGE AND SMALL CATERED FOR Clacton Road, Wix, Harwich, Essex CO11 2RU

01255 870744 ESSEX Upsons Farm Shop and Country Store Ivy Barns Farm Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 2JH Tel: 01245 380274 www.upsonscountrystore.co.uk Yeats Ltd Breach Barns Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2AD Tel: 01992 713349 www.dallancefarm.co.uk Poole Farm Feed Centre Poole Farm, Poole Street, Great Yeldham, Halstead, Essex CO9 4HP Tel: 01787 237542 www.poolefarm.co.uk West Essex Saddlery Brittannia House, Arkesden Road, Clavering, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4QU Tel: 01799 551172 www.westessexsaddlery.co.uk

SUFFOLK Horse & Garden The Thoroughfare, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AP Tel: 01986 873484

DUNNE ANIMAL FEEDS Langdon Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, SS17 8QB

Never seen us?

Never heard of us?

e v ’ u o y n The ! t u o d e s s i m

Oh, and by the way...Happy Christmas!

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Seasons greetings to all our customers!

Christmas Opening times: Christmas Eve - 8.30am-4pm Christmas Day - Closed Boxing Day - Closed Tuesday 27th Dec - 10am-4pm Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th, Friday 30th Dec - 9am-6pm Saturday 31st Dec - 8.30am-4pm New Years Day - Closed Monday 2nd Jan - 10am - 4pm

Recentdly!

Opene T: 01371 856811

E: hornseaequineandcountrywear@gmail.com

HORNSEA ANIMAL FEEDS Tel: 01371 856999 Hornsea Farm, Bran End, Stebbing, Nr Dunmow, Essex CM6 3RU

www.hornseaanimalfeeds.co.uk

Eastwick Lodge, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QT Tel: 01279 423443 www.toptackroom.com

greenStead ANIMAL FEEDS Large variety of feed and accessories for horses and pets including dog and cat food, as well as chicken and wild bird feed.

Specialised equestrian section includes clothing and accessories for horse and rider.

A variety of country and equestrian footwear is available, and our staff are all trained to fit both riding hats and body protectors.

Rugs cleaning and repairs, and leatherwork repairs.

Come and Visit our...

Farm Shop & CaFe

KidS play area petting Farm Greenstead Animal Feeds, Greenstead Green, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1QY | Tel: 01787 475247 greenstead.animalfeeds@hotmail.co.uk

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Open Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

Find us on Facebook

Everything for the Horse & Rider

Battlesbridge Mills Horse & Country Shop

Happy Christmas to everyone, from the team at Battlesbridge Mills Horse and Country Shop Huge range of tack, accessories, stable supplies.

Now stocking pet supplies plus much, much more!

Tel: 01268 560008 The Mills, Chelmsford Road, Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 8TR

www.horseandcountryshop.co.uk

Kiln Saddlery Absolutely everything for horse and rider

Thank you to all our customers Seasonal Wishes for Christmas and 2017!

Practical equestrian advice from experienced staff Proprietors: David & Lisa Merrett

Telephone: Colchester 01206 734695 Kingsford, Layer Road, Colchester CO2 0HT

Very a u o Y h s i We W stmas and a i Merry ChrNew Year!

Happy

Hilltop Avenue, Vicarage Hill, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1PH

01268 753851

ESSEX/SUFFOLK

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:33 Page 17

“Wishing our ry customers a ve as merry christm us and prospero 2017!”

- Lynn and Team

www.brooks-stables.co.uk • TACK SHOP • FEED • BEDDING • RUGWASH • WORMERS •

Happy Christmas to our customers!

Charles industrial Estate, Unit 2, Stowmarket iP14 5AH Tel: 01449 674881 Unit 14, Bunting Road, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk iP32 7BX Tel: 01284 718686

www.dawnstackbox.co.uk 17

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C at Stonham Barns

SofSWAY O R S ELLINGHAM

IN STOCK

NOW

reetings!

Seasons Gall our customers for

nk-you to A big Tha t the year. throughou t or p p su your Find us on Facebook

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas!

Selling both new & Pre-loved equeStrian itemS

STONHAM BARNS, PETTAUGH ROAD, STONHAM ASPAL, SUFFOLK IP14 6AT

Tel: 07806 854944

Ellingham, Nr Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2PH

01508 518400

www.crosswaysofellingham.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pm Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm

www.wildaboutbirds.co.uk

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas!

Complementary gift Wrapping Service

Gifts for all the family and pets!

HighďŹ elds Farm, Battisford, Stowmarket, Suffolk iP14 2HL Telephone: 01449 722122 Open 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm Sundays in december (4th/11th/18th)

18

We pride ourselves on being able to supply a vast range of well known branded horse products and supplements at competitive prices. If we do not have it in stock we will endeavour to order your requirements at short notice.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to all our customers...

Main Road, Theberton, Suffolk IP16 4RA Tel: 01728 833262

SUFFOLK

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:33 Page 19

Long Melford Saddlery & Clothing

Happy Christmas Come and see us in either store all leading brands stocked!

Tel: 01787 378734 (Saddlery, Pet Foods & feed)

Tel: 01787 372444 (Country Clothing & Accessories)

www.longmelfordsaddlery.co.uk

Wishing all our customers new and old a very

Happy Christmas!

KINGS

OF SUFFOLK GRANGE FARM BARN, HASKETON, WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK IP13 6HN 01473 738237 sales@kingsofsuffolk.co.uk

www.kingsofsuffolk.co.uk

Merry Christmas

to all our customers from Sarah, Liz and the team

10% OFF

EVERYTHING!

Come and enjoy mince pies and mulled wine on Saturday 10th December from 9am till 7pm there’s 10% off everything!

Mill Street, Stowupland, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5BJ Tel: 01449 672225

www.millsaddlery.co.uk 19

SUFFOLK/NORFOLK

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:34 Page 20

Wishing our customers a very

Happy Christmas Tel: 07940 837157 www.suffolkhay.co.uk E AST A NGLIA’S P REMIER E QUINE F ACILITY

The team at

B OYTON HALL EQUINE CENTRE

wish all their customers a very

Happy Christmas Lindsey Road, Monks Eleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7BB

Tel: 01449 744482

www.bhec.co.uk 20

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Clipbush Business Park, Fakenham NR21 8SW Tel: 01328 851351

www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk

Sandons Saddlery

Offering you and your horse a wide choice of tack Riding wear & country clothing - New and second hand

• Qualified Saddle Fitter • Trailer Hire • Clipper Hire, Blade Sharpening, Clipper Repairs and Servicing • NS Bit Hire • Massage Pad Hire • SQP for Horse Wormers • Rug Wash Proof and Repair Service • Leather Repair • Qualified Hat Fitting Service • Online Shopping Site • Body Protector and Point Two Air Jacket fitting service

info@sandonssaddlery.co.uk 01362 683383 Bintree Road, Foulsham, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 5RL

Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm We accept all major credit/debit cards

www.sandonssaddlery.com

Wishing all our customers a

Merry christmas!

All rider essentials. Rug clean and repair.

SQP onsite. Worm count testing.

We stock everything for your horse - from feed, tack, and wormers, to supplements and supplies.

We also offer a delivery service for all your hay, straw, bedding and all other requirements.

‘F

l l crea eeding a

tures

d sm great an

al l ’

Norwich Road, Swardeston, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8DN Tel: 01508 570104

Brand new e-commerce website with click & collect:

www.leedersanimalsupplies.co.uk

The Ark

Passionate about Pets!

Pet shop - Tack Shop - Feed Store

Wishing our Customers The Very Best of Everything for 2017 Tel: 01223 882161 sales@thearkcambridge.co.uk www.thearkcambridge.co.uk Fulbourn – Cambridge – CB21 5DA

GOLDING FEEDS & NURSERY LTD For all of your Pet, Animal and Garden requirements

APPY ND A H MERS A S A M O T CHRIS R CUST MERRY R TO ALL OU EA NEW Y

Bedmax and Plospan Shavings all now in stock Large range of horse food available including top brands Hay and Straw available for delivery

Wishing our customers a very

Happy Christmas!

Hall Road, Outwell, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 8PE

Tel: 01945 772802 e: taglodge@aol.com 21

NORFOLK/CAMBS

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:34 Page 21

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:34 Page 22

HEALTH & WELFARE

t h e c t V a CANCER W Equine

Presented by

Kate Johns BEng (Hons), BVetMed(Hons), MRCVS

Kate graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005, she started off her career in mixed practice before specialising solely in equine practice, where she has remained ever since. She has a keen interest in Equine Medicine. She still rides, when time allows, and enjoys hacking her horse, Flash, in the Essex countryside. She currently works for Alex Fuller at Fuller Equine in Essex in between looking after her 3 children.

Overview 'Cancer' is defined as a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.

A 'tumour' is defined as a swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of tissue. Tumours can be benign (non-spreading) or malignant (spreading).

Horses are relatively lucky when it comes to cancer as it's not a common diagnosis when compared to small animals. The most frequently seen tumours are those of the skin, likely due to environmental factors, as the skin is directly exposed to these (such as UV radiation from the sun).

Melanoma These are skin tumours of skin pigment cells or melanocytes.

They occur almost exclusively in grey horses, and it is thought that the majority of greys will

Melanomas under the tail and around the anus

22

have a melanoma by their middle teens.

They can be benign or malignant. They most commonly occur under the tail head around the anus, the lips or muzzle or around the parotid salivary glands.

They usually grow slowly and cause local issues, such as blocking the normal passage of faeces at the anus. However at any time they can begin a rapid growth phase and spread to internal organs. They may grow so fast that they outstrip their blood supply and become ulcerated, oozing a black, oily discharge.

Melanomas can be treated by surgical removal and cryosurgery (freezing). Laser removal is now increasingly popular.

The drug, Cimetidine, has been previously used to slow the growth of melanomas but it's use has now been largely discredited.

membranes.

As they grow, squamous cell carcinomas can invade local tissues, and can also spread (or metastasise) to other parts of the body such as bone.

Treatment usually involves surgical removal, this can be combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or cryotherapy (freezing). More recently, laser removal is increasingly used.

Prognosis can depend on location of the tumour, stage of the disease (if caught early enough the prognosis improves), however if the tumour has spread (or metastasised) the prognosis is guarded.

Prevention is not always possible but keeping horses with exposed white areas out of strong sunlight at the hottest part of the day, using covers such as face masks, and high factor sun creams may help.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma These are the most common malignant skin tumour in the horse. They are most frequently seen in horses with white colour on them and exposure to sunlight is thought to be a predisposing factor. They can arise in any area but are most commonly found around the eyes, penis or vulva where the skin meets the mucous

Lymphosarcoma Lymphosarcoma is the abnormal growth and proliferation of a

Squamous cell carcinoma in an eye

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:34 Page 23

A fibroblastic sarcoid

Weight loss can be sign of Lymphosarcoma

normally present cell, the lymphocyte. Normal lymphocytes play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

The vast majority of cases occur in horses aged 4-15 years, but it has been found in horses of all ages.

There are 4 common forms of the disease: multi centric (present in multiple locations around the body), thymic (localised within the chest), alimentary (present in the gut) and cutaneous (in the skin).

Signs of the disease can occur suddenly or insidiously over many months. The signs vary according to the type of the disease, the organ affected, physical obstruction caused by a tumour (such as an intestinal tumour causing colic), or from cancerous by-products. However depression, weight loss, subcutaneous oedema, fever, anaemia, and enlarged lymph nodes are commonly seen.

Diagnosis is made on clinical signs and visualising cancerous lymphocytes in bodily fluids, aspirates and biopsies or from post-mortem examination.

Unfortunately the majority of horses diagnosed with

lymphosarcoma either die or are euthanised within months of diagnosis (the cutaneous form carries a slightly longer survival time). Temporary improvement can occur following surgical excision, chemotherapy and steroid treatment, however the prognosis is still very poor.

Sarcoids Sarcoids are not officially classed as a cancer, however they do mimic benign tumour growth and can be locally invasive and very problematic. Although they do spread to other areas of the skin, they do not however metastasise to other organs of the body. They're most common in horses of 1-4 years, and especially seen on the eyelids, limbs, underside of the belly and around the sheath in geldings.

Sarcoids are classed into 6 different groups: Occult – areas of rough,

A mixed type of sarcoid

thickened skin. Typically slow growing they can undergo a rapid growth phase if interfered with or disturbed.

Verrucous – dry, wart-like lesions typically like a 'cauliflower on a stalk' and hairless.

Reproductive Organ Tumours Mares can develop breast (or mammary) cancer, it is rare but usually malignant and carries a poor prognosis. Mares can also develop ovarian cancer, this can cause hormonal changes as abnormal amounts of hormones are produced (such as stallionlike behaviour in granulosa cell tumours due to excessive testosterone production).

Stallions too can have tumours in their testicles and prostate glands, these are also rare as most horses are gelded early in life.

Fibroblastic – firm nodules, often with an ulcerated surface.

Mixed – a combination of verrucous and fibroblastic.

Nodular – found under the skin especially in areas of thin skin (such as the eyes).

Malignant – these are very aggressive and grow rapidly in the skin.

There are many treatments for sarcoids, around 40 at last count! Therefore there is not one single perfect solution. Also the treatment may depend on the type of sarcoid present.

Treatment options include: topical cytotoxic treatments (such as The Liverpool Cream), immune-mediated therapy (using BCG vaccine), chemotherapeutic drugs, surgery or ligation (using a tight band), laser excision, cryosurgery (freezing), and use of radioactive sources.

Squamous cell carcinoma on the penis

Lipomas These are benign tumours of the fatty tissues, they can occur in the skin where they are unlikely to cause much issue unless very large or interfere with tack.

However sometimes these tumours can develop internally in the abdomen, these are potentially life threatening as they can break off whilst attached to a stalk (or pedicle) and wrap around part of the gut causing a life threatening colic.

Other cancers Other cancers have been reported in horses such as basal cell carcinoma, mast cell tumours and haemangio sarcoma. Luckily these are very rare.

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HEALTH & WELFARE - WINTER WELLNESS

r e t n i for W

Health Care Advice

HERE ROBINSON ANIMAL HEALTHCARE, THE RSPCA, HORSEHAGE, ALOERIDE, ALLTECH, EQUESTRIAN.COM AND THE ANIMAL HEALTH COMPANY OFFER ADVICE TO ENSURE YOUR HORSE STAYS IN FULL HEALTH THIS WINTER

For further information visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com; www.rspca.org.uk/wintercampaign; www.aloeride.com; www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk; www.horsehage.co.uk; www.equestrian.com, www.animal-health.co.uk

Foot abscesses are more wning a horse or pony • Keep horses mobile with common in wet weather during the winter daily turnout or walk out in because horses' feet are softer months can be a hand if this is not possible. challenge, explain Robinson and it is easier for foreign When horses are less active and Animal Healthcare. The cold, objects or dirt to penetrate the stabled for longer there is an damp conditions can lead to foot. Treatment needs to increased risk of bursal injuries, commence quickly to halt the ailments and injuries that can such as capped elbow, and abscess from finding its own be difficult to manage when bursal strains, such as faced with adverse weather. exit point. windgalls, when fluid Try following a few simple steps: • Avoid excessive bathing as accumulates. this will cause the skin to lose • Like humans horses can be • If your horse or pony is prone • Use cold therapy in the to mud fever, apply a barrier moisture and may lead to skin treatment of inflammation deficient in Vitamin D during becoming chapped, sore and cream or use an anti-bacterial and soft tissue injuries. Cold winter, so ensure your horse is more susceptible to infection. cleansing wash regularly. therapy involving water may exposed to natural daylight.

• Check and clean hooves daily. Dry wet legs thoroughly lead to cracked heals or other • Feed a nutritious balanced preferably with Veterinary diet to provide your horse with skin problems during winter.

Gamgee secured with essential vitamins and minerals • Make sure you have a bandages, as this will absorb complete first aid kit on hand to stay healthy throughout excess moisture. to treat any minor cuts and winter. If in doubt consult an • Remove rugs daily to groom grazes immediately. Products equine nutritionist for advice. your horse and check for any that contain an active • Ensure all vaccinations are up signs of infestation such as ingredient will go out of date to date to help fight off lice. Thick winter coats can and will need replacing even if infections and protect against easily mask skin problems. unused. tetanus.

O

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Love your horses...

Use a More Natural Approach, explain Alltech Feed forage from the ground, as eating with their heads raised can lead to improperly chewed food and decreased saliva production. Saliva contains bicarbonate that acts as a buffer for ulcer-causing stomach acid, as well as providing lubrication as food passes down the gullet, oesophagus and into the stomach.

By adopting a more natural approach to your horse’s lifestyle and feeding you can maintain its health in a way much more akin to his ancestors.

Beat the stable blues, say Horsehage...

With freezing weather it can become virtually impossible to soak your hay. Don’t risk your horse’s respiratory health!

Instead, try a good quality haylage, preferably a brand which clearly states the nutritional content, and select one that is higher in fibre.

HorseHage High Fibre or

Timothy would be an ideal product.

• Try using more than one haynet (one inside the other) or purchase one with smaller mesh as this will help slow down your horse’s eating, allowing him to trickle feed like he would when grazing. It will provide mental and physical stimulation,

RSPCA issues winter tip...

Arrange a regular routine for visiting and caring for your equine and make arrangements with an experienced person to take care of your horse this winter if you’re unable to attend or in the event of an emergency. resulting in reduced stable boredom.

• Water intake can be massively reduced when it is freezing.

When cold, horses are less keen to drink from a freezing water bucket. As water is the most essential component in the horse’s diet, it is vital you do all you can to ensure your horse’s consumption is sufficient. Try adding warm water to your horse’s feed and also add some to your horse’s cold water bucket.

• If you keep your horse away from home, make sure you have his nutritional routine written down and kept at the yard. This will ensure that should you be unable to make it to the yard yourself, someone else can make sure your horse gets the right feed whilst you’re not there!

Avoiding

Tummy Troubles Changes in diet, reduced exercise and turnout can all have an impact on your horses digestive system and for some horses be a triggering factor in colic.

Alongside good stable management Aloeride, the natural aloe vera supplement for horses not only helps to support digestive health, but can also help to sustain a healthy gut, which are contributing factors in keeping your horse healthy this winter.

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HEALTH & WELFARE - WINTER WELLNESS

Ways to avoid...

Mud

Most winters and with very few exceptions, the horses’ fields can end up looking like a war zone, explain Equestrian.com.

Huge puddles and churned up ground can be an owner’s nightmare when trying to keep horses clean and mud fever free.

Plaiting your horse’s tail into a hunting knot prevents it becoming all knotted and is easier to brush through and it is also worth spraying on product to help keep it tangle and knot free.

Without doubt the muddy fields will mean your horse will be dirtier especially after a good roll. Even if you are short on time it is important to make sure the areas where your tack will sit on the horse are clean and a dirt free zone before you ride.

Investing in some products that provide your horse’s coat with a shine might help aid in the mud coming off easier and will prove a great time-saver.

A full turnout rug that goes all the way up the horse’s neck not only provides more warmth for your horse but also keeps them much cleaner.

Only having to brush the legs and head is a much better option than muddy, tangled manes which can prove difficult to untangle.

Missing shoes become more of a problem in winter due to the boggy conditions. A quick run around the field can easily result in the loss of a shoe not only costing money but also time and effort booking and waiting for the farrier. While picking out your horses feet check for any signs of a loose shoe and also any infection or thrush.

Avoiding airborne allergens...

Over the past few decades we have become more aware of respiratory disease in horses and the need to pay close attention to the environment as well as the horse’s diet, in order to reduce the level of exposure to the diseasecausing agents, explain Horsehage.

If the horse is suffering from an infection of the respiratory tract or an allergic response to the presence of inhaled spores or

26

ammonia, this can cause inflammation of the small airways, increased mucus production and bronchospasm, and the condition can be exacerbated by dust in the feed or environment.

The connection between respiratory tract infection and allergic respiratory disease is well-known in human medicine and it appears that horses are more sensitive to respiratory allergens following an infection

of the respiratory tract, since the damage to the airways caused by the infection allows easier access of airborne allergens to the sensitive tissues. Not all infections will result in the horse becoming sensitized, but recovery time after respiratory infection is prolonged in the presence of environmental contaminants. Once a horse develops a dust sensitivity (which can occur over a period of years of being exposed to

environmental pollutants), it will remain so for life, whether that sensitivity was due to exposure to a severe challenge or following a respiratory infection. So the importance of a dust-free forage and also environment cannot be stressed enough.

World-renowned veterinary charity, the Animal Health Trust, feeds patients in its equine clinic dust-free forage when appropriate. The dust-free element is particularly important for patients which are suffering from eye problems, or

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 24 to 45_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:52 Page 27

Essential products for this winter...

By Samantha Hardingham Tel: 07740 047279 http://meta.fitness/home

by Jennie Westcott from Animal Health Company Our No Wheeze liquid supplement contains Devils claw, Eucalyptus, liquorice and peppermint which helps to sooth the airways. 1 Litre will last a pony up to 14.2hh 100 days or 14.2hh + 50 days. 1 litre is £23.94.

Stablezone antibacterial bedding powder is highly absorbent.

Sprinkle under bedding either all over the stable floor or just where your horse normally pees. The powder absorbs a lot of liquid helping the bedding stay drier and fresher for longer as well as reducing the ammonia smell. Available in 5kg bucket or a 25kg bag from £21.65.

Quipclean is a heavy duty cleaner and steriliser. For use on all equipment from stable tools, feed buckets, to your horse’s bit.

Ideal for cleaning out feed bowls and water buckets to help keep germ, fungus and bacteria numbers down, and helping to keep your horse healthier. 1 litre is just £8.29.

allergic respiratory disease. The AHT believes that minimising dust in the environment promotes equine health.

HorseHage is a high fibre, dustfree bagged forage made from selected grasses and is available in four varieties – Ryegrass, High

Fibre, Timothy and Alfalfa, offering a choice to suit all horses and ponies, including those prone to laminitis. It contains no chemical additives or mould inhibitors, and comes with a 100% quality guarantee.

can’t believe I’m writing the December article when we’ve only just turned the clocks back, it always feels like you’re wishing the time away with magazine lead times. But they sure do focus the mind on what lies ahead in the next six weeks.

I’ve been studying all year to further my education and have just launched my 6 Week Fitness and Mindset Transformation which targets people who’ve always struggled with willpower, motivation, habits and binge/emotional eating. It’s been a fantastic learning journey and I can’t wait to see the results. If you’d like to know more about this, just message me on Facebook or WhatsApp. Recently I’ve also started a 12 week progressive HIIT workout on my Samantha Hardingham at Meta Fitness Facebook page which you can follow if you’d like to keep your fitness going over the winter months. It’s a complete bodyweight program, so no equipment needed.

HIIT, which stands

I

for High Intensity Interval Training, is a fantastically efficient way to get fit quick.

It’s just four minutes of exercise at 20 second intervals with 10 seconds of rest between each exercise. In the first HIIT pictured here I’ve included Mountain Climbers which are fantastic for your abs; Lunges for legs and glutes; Gecko, again brilliant for core and balance; Squats - a primal movement and a Russian Twist. These will get harder over the next three months. Of course you can increase the time and rest ratios from 20/10 to 30/30, 40/20, 45/15 and eventually 50/10 to whatever suits your fitness level and ability.

As I sign off for 2016, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas where I hope you get in some much rewarded rest and relaxation over the holiday period in time to start the new season ahead with great gusto.

Here’s to your future health and success in 2017!

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HEALTH & WELFARE - WINTER WELLNESS

Reader tips for a...

Hassle free winter!

“Get up all the leaves off of the ground before snow or ice. The leaves under the snow will slide under you when you walk and cause you to fall” - Sandy Lipe

“Always keep salt on the yard, very handy to prevent slipping on concrete” - Kerry Rogers “Mud prevention - old carpet in gateways”

- Hannah Eastwick

- Jodi Randall

“Be organised - spare clothes are a must and a shovel to dig your way to the yard” - Charlie Hill

“Always have a full kettle for tea, defrosting pipes, washing wounds and warming feeds. I always have a bucket of fresh water in the feed room too, incase I need some and the pipes are frozen solid” - Layla Walker “Make sure the kettle is full at the end of the day - defrost your taps in the morning and make that essential coffee to drink whilst the horses eat their breakfast” Claudine Deprez BHSAI

“Friends you can rely on and lighten the work load for each other and an extra pair of hands is never a bad thing whether it’s for helping carry bales or switching the kettle on” - Connie Elizabeth-Joy Atkin 28

“Apple/plastic ball in you horse’s water bucket to stop it from freezing”

“On frosty nights detach the hose and bring inside to stop a freezing hose” - Claire Butcher “Put straw under water bucket in stable to prevent freezing” - Kerryanne Rayner “Use a large kitchen sieve to remove ice from field water buckets.... No more frozen fingers” - Clare Barclay

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 24 to 45_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:52 Page 29

“Dry feeds and haynets made up on Sundays, so not a lot to do on the week mornings. Then buy yourself a good head torch for bringing in after work” - Kay Brown

“Clean out drains so that water flows away and doesn’t become a thick ice rink” - Diana Boughton

“Always have plenty of feed and hay in stock. You never know when the weather will turn so you’re unable to get to the stores or farmer for your local hay/haglage” - Sara Hinchley “Make two weeks at a time of feeds and haynets up.... in that way you will free more time up for riding” - Deborah Fisher

“Rubber gloves to keep hands dry when doing waters and wet jobs. Put them over usual gloves to stop them getting wet”

“Invest in a head torch!

Everything becomes a lot easier!” - Bex Cross

“Wear thin cotton glove liners under outer gloves to keep hands warm” - Jenni Revilles

- Sarah Blake

“Carrier bags on your feet to stop your socks getting wet” - Georgia Louise “Look for cheap ski trousers from charity shops to wear over clothes to keep toasty warm” - Andie Getvoldsen

“Wellies without holes!”

- Alice Rose Spurdens

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Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 24 to 45_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:52 Page 30

HEALTH & WELFARE - WINTER WELLNESS

Cost-effective Equine Bedding Swift Bedding is a highly absorbent, dust free and a cost effective way of bedding your horse. A pallet of 70 bags of pellet in 15kg bags costs ÂŁ249.90 inc VAT and delivery - less than ÂŁ3.60 per bag! www.swiftenergyuk.com

Moving bales with ease Make light work down the yard with the Avant 500 series an excellent all-round machine for stables and arenas.

The multi-function Avant 500 series will tackle a wide range of yard jobs quickly and easily. The range features the 520, 525 and 528 models.

The Avant 500 series of articulated telescopic loaders are compact, strong and versatile.

They are very stable, easy to drive and turns smoothly,

30

without causing damage to sensitive surfaces such as lawns or paved areas.

Whether you need to move heavy hay, straw or shavings bales around the yard or want to make mucking out easier, by putting used bedding straight into the bucket, no job is too strenuous In the arena, use the Avant for harrowing the surface, poo picking and moving jumps round.

Benefit from the wide range of attachments, which will enable you to sweep or pressure wash the stables with ease. With more than 150 attachments available, almost any job will become simple. All attachments are quick, easy and safe to attach.

With advanced technology, the Avant 500 series is an excellent choice with robust and simple hydraulics and a certified ROPS safety frame and FOPS canopy.

Featuring a 6-way joystick, self-

levelling system, two front work lights, standard tyres 23x10.5012 traction or grass profile and hydrostatic 4WD. Available in Diesel and LPG models. Coming soon is the new e5 electric model, which has zero emissions and minimal noise level.

There are also three different cab models available to suit all applications and weather conditions. www.avant.co.uk

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 24 to 45_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:52 Page 31

Win!

O

lympic Gold Medal winner, Charlotte Dujardin is passionate about road safety and wears her Aspey jacket when hacking out, walking her dogs or on the yard.

Manufactured using advanced technical features and high quality textile intelligent fabrics, the jacket is made using a 100% waterproof, lightweight, breathable fabric with taped seams, which when combined with its high performance design, undoubtedly makes this jacket the best on the market.

Equisafety’s range of quality high visibility wear has recently had a revamp and now offers a more

To enter visit www.a magazine.com bsolutehorse and cl the Competitio ick on n tab.

tailored fit, a funky super soft lining and cuffs which curve over the hand for extra protection against the elements.

The jacket also includes; an innovative pull down warning triangle that fastens at the sides of the jacket, and can be rolled back into the collar when not needed; an inside zipped pocket; mobile phone pocket; 360° of reflection and fluorescent properties; strong twoway front zip and two large, hidden pockets. Machine washable.

Available in Orange or Pink.

Sizes: XS-XXXL. RRP: £89.99 www.equisafety.com

Photo by Jon Stroud Media

Stay Highly visible...

EquisafETy aR E giving yOu ThE chancE TO Win an aspEy JackET !

This Equisafety design is fully copyrighted.

31

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HEALTH & WELFARE - WINTER WELLNESS

ENSURE YOUR WARDROBE IS WINTER-READY WITH WIND AND WATERPROOF GARMENTS, AS WELL AS HANDY LAYERS TO KEEP YOU...

Cosy this winter!

Invest in some high Tek clothing…

Ariat have become renowned for combining cutting edge technology with footwear and apparel to bring practical and stylish clothing solutions to active outdoor enthusiasts.

The AriatTEK Cold Series is unique and provides the wearer with amazing insulation, without the chance of overheating. Using a dual layer construction all items in the AriatTEK Cold Series wick moisture away from the skin to keep you warm and dry, while insulating from the chilly temperatures.

This technology is a valuable addition to any countryside enthusiast – from riders and walkers, to those working outdoors.

Utilising the AriatTEK Cold technology to provide a perfect base layer for all outdoor pursuits, the flattering Odyssey Seamless Long Sleeved Top is designed using a seamless construction to prevent chafing and is made from body mapped jersey fabric. The long sleeved top includes Moisture Movement Technology to wick sweat away from the skin, plus SPF to protect from harmful UV rays which are still an issue on cold, sunny days.

You can also find the incredible AriatTEK Cold Series in the

Odyssey Seamless Long Sleeved Top - £84.99.

32

Conquest Zip Top - £49.99

Conquest collection – which comprises of a ¼ Zip top, a Zip Hoodie and a Vest.

Each item in the Conquest collection is made from a stretch Tek Fleece fabric that is smooth on the outside and brushed on the inside for a smart appearance. Moisture Movement Technology prevents overheating and makes the Conquest collection ideal for autumn and winter outdoor activities.

The Ariat Caldo H20 Jacket is a superior waterproof jacket that features a waterproof seam sealing and zipper construction to ensure that damp weather stays on the outside! A windproof outer shell protects the wearer against blowy conditions, yet the technical construction allows body vapour to escape. This is ideal for those who are active and want to protect themselves against the elements.

Ariat Caldo www.ariat.com H20 Jacket £209.99

Conquest Vest - £44.99

Conquest Zip Hoodie £54.99

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 24 to 45_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:52 Page 33

Lightweight yet warm...

Super stylish...

The Mark Todd Harry Jacket has an extremely lightweight natural goose down filling as well as side pannels which aid ventilation.

The jacket has internal pockets and has popper outer pockets and a front zip.

Available in Sand, Black and Navy and adult sizes include XS to XL. RRP from £44.99 - £88.99. www.equestrian.com

The quilted Equetech Kingshill Hooded Gilet features super warm technical ‘Bio-Down’ insulation, generous faux fur lined hood, exclusive designer print lining and a scooped back hem.

Extremely warm and cut to flatter, this gilet is the perfect garment for stylish all weather riders.

Sizes: XS – XXL. Colours: Coco and Navy.

RRP: £82.50. www.equetech.com

From the ground up...

Hot Togs’ Knee Length Socks are available in two lengths to cater for the taller rider too.

The socks are made using 1/20 Thermolite yarn which is a hollowcore, technical fibre that provides warmth and breathability. The socks are moisture wicking, warm, hardwearing and durable. They have blister protection and arch support built in and also benefit from flat toe seams for additional comfort.

Knee Length Socks are available in pink, lilac, blue/grey and brown, in sizes 4-8 and 8-12. RRP:£11.99.

Hot Togs’ Nude Thermal Leggings are perfect for under white and beige jodhpurs and breeches as they are undetectable.

They help to keep the rider warm and snug and offer a close but flexible fit thanks to the 24% Spandex content. They also have a brushed inner layer to trap warm air next to the rider’s leg, have ankle cuffs to hold them in place, are breathable, side seam free and benefit from a high rise comfort waistband.

Nude Thermal Leggings are available in small, medium and large and have a RRP of £15. A black version is also available. www.hottogs.co.uk

The Antero Quilted Jacket is showerproof with pleated side panels for a perfect fit. Windproof and breathable, it features a two-way zip making it a practical choice for riding. Its fur hood offers extra head protection and front buttoned pockets are ideal for storing essential belongings.

RRP: £104. www.justtogs.co.uk

Fashion Meets Equestrianism…

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HEALTH & WELFARE

misundERsTanding abOuT

WORming Horse owners still using the wrong wormer for encysted small redworm

New data from this year’s National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) has shown that almost a third of horse owners are using the wrong wormer or one to which there is widespread resistance, when they treat their horse for encysted small redworm.

The figures confirm that there is still grave misunderstanding about worming, which is risking our horses’ health.

Severe infestations of encysted small redworm larvae can lead to fatal disease. Every horse should be treated for them in November/December. Treatment should be regardless of the results of faecal worm egg counts as these tests do not show the presence of encysted small redworm.

The Tellington Touch Equine Awareness Method (TTEAM)

Top Tip by Carolyn Watson, Cleveland House Stud

ttoUCh gRoUNd exeRCiSeS - the labyrinth

T

he winter weather and short days are here which can make working your horse difficult or means you spend the majority of your time in the confines of a riding arena.

To add variety to your horses work why not try some ground work. TTEAM uses a variety of exercises to help your horse with balance, body awareness, patience and self-control. The Labyrinth uses 6 poles set out in a specific pattern (see diagram). The basic exercise is

to guide the horse through the Labyrinth and asked him to stop and stand in the aisles for a few seconds then continue around the corner and stop again in the next aisle. The goal is to have the horse stopping straight and then walking forward readily using a light signal. The benchmark of success is when your horse lowers his head and stays in balance around the curves in both directions, i.e. the hind feet are following on the same arc as the front feet.

If your horse finds it difficult to

complete the whole Labyrinth you can step out over the poles at any point. Asking the horse to negotiate the Labyrinth in halfwalk will help him towards ultimate balance. The horse should lower his head through the Labyrinth and maintain focus on the handlers signals.

The Tellington Tools used for ground exercises are a Zephyr lead, which is designed to give you control without force and enables you to give your horse clear signals. A Wand, which is a long stiff whip. It is called a wand for two reasons firstly if you think of it as a whip most people are reluctant to stroke the horse with it and use it all

This year’s NEHS also revealed that a third of horses recorded with health problems are lame.

Blue Cross carries out NEHS in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). It is sponsored

by Dodson & Horrell and Zoetis.

over the horses body and secondly by using it to stroke the horses body it has a calming effect that works like magic!

To find our more about the benefits of this TTouch or to discuss any problems you may be facing with your horse visit www.clevelandhousestud.co.uk For more information about TTouch and TTEAM visit the UK TTouch website at www.ttouchtteam.co.uk Whilst TTEAM benefits animals suffering from illness, injury and behaviours it is a complimentary therapy and should not be used instead of veterinary care. If you are worried that your horse has a medical condition you must consult your veterinarian.

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‘Tying up’: a bREakThROugh esearchers in the Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have discovered an answer to the long un-solved question about the molecular mechanism which underpins a common form of ‘tying up’.

This breakthrough is enabling the team at the RVC to work towards improved treatments

R

and management for this disorder, to improve the welfare of affected horses.

This form of ‘tying up’, scientifically known as Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1), is a common condition that damages equine muscle tissue.

The genetic cause of PSSM1 was discovered in 2008, at the University of Minnesota.

Researchers found that affected

animals have a mutation of a key enzyme (glycogen synthase) involved in energy metabolism in muscle and increased storage of glycogen and an abnormal type of polysaccharide (a form of carbohydrate). Horses that carry the mutation are prone to ‘tying up’ and other muscle problems such as weakness.

Until now, no-one knew the precise mechanism by which the mutation caused increased enzyme activity in muscles.

Dr Charlotte Maile and Professor Richard Piercy at the RVC led an international team of scientists from the University of Copenhagen, University of Minnesota, Indiana University School of Medicine and Liverpool John Moore’s University, to discover the answer.

N

ew research on equine grass sickness (EGS), published as a free special collection in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), has improved our understanding of this devastating disease. Four separate studies are included.

Despite more than 100 years of research, supported predominantly by the The Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund (www.grasssickness.org.uk), the cause of EGS remains unknown. Since it almost exclusively affects grazing horses, a pasture derived neurotoxin is implicated. EGS causes gut paralysis as a result of damage to parts of the nervous system that control involuntary functions. Acute and sub-acute EGS is invariably fatal while around 55% of chronic cases can survive and return to a useful working life.

The UK has the highest incidence of EGS in the world; indeed it is estimated that the disease kills between 1 and 2% of horses in the United Kingdom annually. Cases are

Egs: nEW REsEaRch more common in spring.

While the majority of horses with EGS can be readily diagnosed by experienced veterinary surgeons, some cases present a diagnostic challenge. Indeed the only way to definitively diagnose the disease in a live horse is to demonstrate the characteristic degeneration of nerves within biopsies of the intestine. Unfortunately these biopsies can only be collected by performing abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia.

Professor Bruce McGorum, Head of the

The mutation in the enzyme leads to a change in the enzyme’s structure which leaves it permanently active, so it cannot be switched off. This hyperactivity of mutant equine enzyme explains the increased muscle glycogen and the accumulation of polysaccharide that leads to the clinical problems in affected horses. This significant step forward in the understanding of PSSM1 might lead to the development of novel treatments for this debilitating disease and it explains why some forms of treatment might be ineffective.

RVC researchers are now working towards improved treatments and management of this disorder.

Equine Section at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies & Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, has been leading much of the research. He said: “Given that our recent research suggests that EGS is unlikely to be caused by neurotoxins from Clostridium botulinum we are now moving on to determine whether EGS is caused by ingestion of mycotoxins produced by pasture fungi. We are very pleased that The Horse Trust (www.horsetrust.org.uk) has provided funding for this three-year investigation.”

Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal said: “While the cause of equine grass sickness continues to evade us, these papers present an optimistic step in the right direction for the eventual prevention of this dreadful disease. It is only with the support of the Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund and more recently that of The Horse Trust that our world-leading veterinary researchers are able to continue to unravel the mystery.”

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NUTRITION

Sugar in the

Frie

S

ugar gets a lot of bad press but is actually a very natural part of the horse’s diet. Grass, for example, can contain as much as 39%, although typical levels are up to 15% sugar. This means that a 500kg horse out full time, grazing summer pasture can consume 10kg dry matter per day, of which up to 1.5kg can be sugars! Sugar is a broad term for range of simple carbohydrates made up of one or two molecules (mono or disaccharides) and found in feed stuffs.

Glucose is the most important monosaccharide and most dietary carbohydrates, like starch, are broken down through digestion, into glucose molecules which are used as the primary energy source for body tissues, from the brain to the muscles. Starch is the form in which glucose is stored in grains (seeds) to support germination, while fructan, a combination of the monosaccharides, fructose

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diet...

nd or Foe?

By Jane Buchan - Baileys Horse Feeds

and glucose, is the form in which the plant stores sugar in its leaves for survival.

So sugar is an essential element of the diet and easily digested by the horse, with simple sugars and starch being digested and absorbed in the small intestine, although fructans are fermented by bacteria in the large hindgut as the horse does not produce the appropriate digestive enzymes. Sticking to the rules of feeding, and keeping meal sizes small, will help support this efficient digestive process but overloading the system can cause problems.

For horses prone to nutritionrelated disorders, like laminitis, controlling sugar intake is not the complete answer, rather total carbohydrate intake (sugars, starch, fructans etc) should be restricted. “Low sugar” feeds may help but only as part of an overall feed and management programme.

This also applies to those exhibiting Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and insulin

resistance, which means an inability to control the level of glucose in the blood. EMS is associated with excess body fat and the symptoms may be reversed by a return to a healthy body condition. This will mean a reduction in calorie intake, coupled with a maintenance of fibre intake and, where possible, with an increase in exercise to encourage weight loss.

While hay and haylage can have sugar levels of 10% or more, fresh carrots are only around 5% sugar and coarse mixes may contain 8% or less. As an ingredient, molasses often gets the blame for contributing “too much sugar”; it actually rarely contains more than 40-50% sugar and, with an inclusion rate in feeds of less than 6%, makes a minimal contribution to the overall diet.

Even “molasses-free” feeds will contain sugar that is naturally occurring in the ingredients – straw and alfalfa contain sugar, just like grass, hay and haylage, so “sugar-free” feeds are an

impossibility. Indeed, the bulk of the sugar in any horse’s diet will be coming from his forage and, without laboratory analysis, levels can be hard to assess. For those on a “reduced sugar/calorie” diet, soaking hay will help to “wash out” water soluble carbohydrates, including sugars, but this again is hard to quantify.

Quoting the sugar content of feeds is not a requirement for manufacturers but, when appropriate, some will give levels on their web sites or product literature. As already discussed, these values should not be taken in isolation and, for those with clinical reasons for controlled sugar intake, it is the overall diet which should be monitored rather than one particular element.

In mammals, the storage form of glucose is glycogen and this is stored in the muscles to fuel them during work. After hard work, these stores can be depleted or even exhausted and will need replenishing by the

diet. Research has shown that feeding compound feed, alongside forage, helps to restore muscle glycogen levels quicker than with hay alone and that feeding 1.5 hours after exercise was more effective than delaying for 4 hours. This can present a dilemma for performance horses on a low starch diet to help control the incidence of gastric ulcers as, with the reduced level of readily available glucose from starch, recovery from exertion may take longer.

So it’s evident that, as for humans, it’s a case of everything in moderation. Sugar, in its various forms, is a dietary friend as long as it is not consumed to excess or too much in one go.

Whilst its control is key to the management of certain clinical conditions, a sensible approach to achieving both a balanced diet and ensuring sufficient exercise, should help avoid some of these situations arising in the first place. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

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NUTRITION

The negative effect of a

high Sugar diet

By Lizzie Drury MSc Registered Nutritionist

ugar is essential to the wellbeing of the horse.

Without sugar the horse will die and yet there is not a day that goes by where we don’t receive a call on our helpline asking us for a ration that is ‘sugar free’.

Concentrate feeds and molassed chaff products can provide up to 100-200 grams of sugar per Kg respectively, so a 500Kg horse eating a typical Cooling Mix or feed for light work at a minimum intake of 2Kg per day to meet vitamin and minerals

S

38

requirements will consume 400g of sugar per day.

We do know that while sugar is a perfectly good and natural part of any horse’s diet there are

times where we need to monitor the amount of sugar intake for some individual horses that suffer from conditions such as Laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome and some muscle myopathies such as Tying Up or Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy.

As forage should form the mainstay of any horse’s diet, when we are monitoring sugar intake forage needs to be the first area of consideration when feeding these horses rather than instantly jumping to blame or eliminate concentrate feed.

The concentrate part of the ration for any horse, especially those that require higher

maintenance to manage conditions that potentially cause inflammation and higher stress levels, is very important to help support these horses.

Many horse feed companies offer a forage testing service so that we can establish the sugar content and water soluble carbohydrate content of the forage that you are feeding and therefore consider its suitability for such horses. Ideally to help manage horses with these conditions we are looking for forages with WSC contents of less than 10-15%.

A nutritionist will also be able to provide advice on suitable grazing regimes, such as the best time of the day to graze horses and ponies that have increased sensitivity to the

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effects of high sugar intakes (e.g. turning out later at night and bringing in early in the morning when fructan levels would be considered to be at their lowest).

Forage only rations need to be correctly balanced with optimum levels of quality protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help maintain condition and support immune function and overall health.

Rations that are low in sugar include those whose ingredients are based on raw materials such as digestible fibre sources (Soya Hulls, alfalfa, beet pulp) and oil.

These ingredients have a lower sugar level compared to raw materials such as oats, maize and barley.

For those horses that maintain good body condition and are prone to becoming overweight then safe concentrate feed options include Feed balancers, which have low feeding rates (100grams per 100Kg BW). For those horses that are more difficult to keep weight on and yet may be at higher risk to laminitis or muscle myopathies, you can provide a high calorie intake using feeds that have higher oil levels or incorporate high fat supplements such as rice bran. Some high-energy performance rations are as low as 8% starch and yet do not have a cereal grain in sight!

If you are concerned about sugar or how to manage a laminitic pony or horse, then please do not hesitate to contact us at Saracen Horse Feeds and we will be happy to support you. www.saracenhorsefeeds.com

Product News...

High Fibre HorseHage is a dust-free, bagged forage made from a selected mix of grasses that are high in fibre and lower in protein and energy levels. Being lower in sugar than most hays, High Fibre HorseHage carries the Hoof Kind logo to show that it is safe to feed to horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis. It is also a great forage for good doers.

RRP: £7.75 Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is a complete fibre-based feed made from a balanced blend of high quality oat straw, dried alfalfa and fibre pellets and is topped with a light dressing of soya oil with added vitamins and minerals, trace elements, including magnesium and natural plant-based antioxidants, as well as added biotin.

It is low in starch and sugar, high in fibre and does not contain any cereals. It provides a low level but high quality protein and restricted calories and so provides limited, controlled energy from high quality digestible fibre and oil-based ingredients, making it an excellent feed for good doers as well as those prone to laminitis.

RRP: £8.50 Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil Alfalfa supplies not only a great source of highly digestible fibre, but high quality protein along with naturally low levels of sugar and starch. It is also a great natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil from HorseHage contains the nutrient rich leaf as well as the stalk of the plant. It combines pure alfalfa with a generous dressing of pure soya oil and contains no molasses.

It is high in fibre and provides controlled, ‘slow release’ energy and condition with an energy level similar to that of a medium energy hard feed, but will not cause fizziness or excitability. www.horsehage.co.uk

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NUTRITION

nOW availablE

in ThE uk

Gastro Essentials provides natural support for the stomach lining to help maintain a healthy gastric system and is ideal for horses that show signs of gastric ulcers.

Gastro Essentials contains an effective combination of natural soothing herbs, essential amino acids and minerals to aid digestion and mitigate the effects of acid on the stomach lining. The cost-perday of feeding Gastro Essentials is approximately £3.10 and this reduces further with quantity discounts. www.horsecare.net

did you know...

During the winter months horses that are stabled can sometimes be forced to endure periods of time without forage when they have consumed their rations. If there is insufficient fibre reaching the hindgut, as can be the case in stabled horses, this delicate microbial ecosystem can be upset, resulting in digestive disturbances, such as acidosis (mainly from excess lactic acid) and colic.

The Lifeforce Range from Alltech has been tailored to meet the needs of horses at every stage. www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

Central heating...

Feeding Speedi-Beet warm helps to raise the horse’s core body temperature.

There’s a high proportion of soluble fibre, mostly pectins in Speedi-Beet, which means its fibre is more easily digested than that found in forage, making it a great source of non-heating slow release energy.

RRP is around £11.35-£12.30. www.britishhorsefeeds.com

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Veterans in winter Equerry Veteran Mix is specially designed for elderly horses and ponies that need to gain weight and condition.

Maintaining condition and nutrient absorption are two of the difficulties faced by most veterans, especially during the winter months, so making the right choice of feed is vital.

Formulated with high levels of protein to promote muscle tone and topline, Equerry Veteran Mix also contains oil and linseed to improve condition and ensure a shiny coat.

Made from highly digestible cereals to improve digestive efficiency and including yeast for a healthy digestive system, as well as raised levels of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

Added vitamins and minerals including magnesium make Equerry Veteran Mix the ideal feed for your faithful equine friend this winter.

RRP: 20kg size - £13.25. www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

Save hay

revolutio

A

ll horse and pony owners know how easy it is to waste hay!

Whether they are out in a muddy field or spending longer hours in the stable and trampling it into the bedding, no one likes to see hay being left uneaten.

The revolutionary Trickle Net provides the solution in so many ways and also slows down how quickly horses and ponies eat their hay, encouraging a constant fibre intake and helping to maintain gut health through a more natural approach to feeding.

The Trickle Net has been specially designed with small 25mm holes, which slows down the rate your horses and ponies eat their forage.

This prevents them from being able to take large mouthfuls of hay, encouraging slower feeding patterns and also prevents the horse from becoming bored

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for condition and gastric health Spillers has introduced Alfalfa-Pro, a high quality conditioning alfalfa blend with oil, supporting horses prone to gastric ulceration. Spillers Alfalfa-Pro is one of only four products in the UK to carry the prestigious BETA Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) Certification Mark.

Spillers Alfalfa-Pro is a low sugar and starch, fibre and oil blend that can be fed alongside a balancer or traditional compound feed. www.spillers-feeds.com

y

this winter:

nary trickle Net whilst spending long periods of time stabled.

The Trickle Net is made from 4mm rot proof braided polythene and is extremely strong and robust prolonging the life of the net.

Owners can fit up to 8.5kgs of dry hay in the Trickle Net which will last longer and eliminates

the need to fill spare nets or provide extra hay.

The net is also ideal for feeding horses that are on box rest or have laminitis, allowing owners to still provide forage but in a monitored and controlled way.

Trickle Net - £32.99 plus postage and packaging. www.tricklenet.co.uk

New lease of life for Gem

S

ixteen-year-old thoroughbred Gem is now fighting fit after overcoming serious joint problems and struggling with her mobility.

Owned by Brenda Craig, Gem came into her life six years ago after a short racing career in Ireland.

As a 12-year-old Brenda noticed Gem gradually becoming stiffer in both her back legs, while her hocks worryingly also started to click.

Said Brenda: “I decided I had to take action and called out the vet who diagnosed arthritis in her hocks. When she was walking she was just so stiff and used to almost get stuck when trying to move.

“Gem received treatment by having injections into her hocks and this definitely improved her mobility and stiffness but the clicking joints continued.

“Wanting to help her as much as

I could I tried and used every joint supplement I could think of but still the problem continued.

“About two years ago I came across TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer and decided to give the product a try as nothing else had helped.

“Within two months the clicking had improved and after six months it had gone altogether.

“At one time I stopped stabling her overnight as she would literally fall out of it in the morning but now she is happy to be inside and comes out ready to go.

“We are now enjoying endurance rides together and taking part in Riding Club activities and she just loves the cross-country which is brilliant.

“Recently we have been competing more than we ever have and I couldn’t have asked for a better result.”

Brenda and Gem

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NUTRITION

NeW products from:

Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds

F

ollowing an 18 month consultation period with horse owners across the UK who have been rigorously field testing products on horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes, Rowen Barbary are delighted to announce the launch of three new feeds.

With Chamomile Flowers, Mint and Nettle Leisure Plus is an extremely appetising feed designed for horses requiring a high fibre diet. Linseed and Soya

Oil are added to help ensure good skin and coat condition supporting horses in light to moderate work.

For horses lacking condition, Condition & Performance contains a high oil blend of Linseed and Soya Oil, supported by key antioxidants, to help encourage weight gain and support stamina. Supplying a natural source of B Vitamins and Amino Acids, Brewers Yeast is also added along with Seaweed,

Spearmint and Garlic to help keep your horse in peak condition.

Where fast release energy is required for horses lacking sparkle Pro Ultra helps to supply instant energy suitable for horses which are naturally laid back. Linseed and Soya Oil alongside quality protein sources help ensure optimum condition and antioxidants, Vitamin E and Yeasacc 1026 along with a full complement of

To claim mple a free sa contact 80598 01948 8 en ww.row w t i s i v or .co.uk barbary

42

B group Vitamins help reinvigorate horses feeling run down.

As with all Rowen Barbary products Leisure Plus, Condition & Performance and Pro Ultra are all fully balanced in essential nutrients and they all benefit from added Calcareous Marine Algae designed to act as a buffer to help reduce acidity, benefiting gut health.

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under the spotlight...

Containing a blend of high quality ingredients Leisure Plus is the ultimate high fibre feed for horses and ponies in light to moderate work.

Low energy levels are obtained through a balance of highly digestible fibre sources and cooked flaked cereals, ideal for horses and ponies requiring a non-heating diet. Combining Linseed and Soya Oil Leisure Plus helps to provide a source of slow release energy for stamina and will help ensure excellent overall skin and coat condition.

Natural herbs Chamomile Flower, Spearmint and Nettle are included to help promote overall health and well being with dehydrated Carrots also added to help create an extremely appetizing feed that is equally delicious fed dry or soaked. To help ensure good gut health Leisure Plus also contains Calcareous Marine Algae designed to act as a buffer to help reduce acidity.

Leisure Plus is well balanced in essential vitamins, minerals and trace element to help keep your horse in peak condition.

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LEATHERCARE & TACK ABBEY ENGLAND HAS BEEN SUPPLYING QUALITY LEATHER TO SADDLERS AND OTHER EQUESTRIAN MANUFACTURERS SINCE 1982.

HERE THE COMPANY GIVES US SOME EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR...

Leather

I

Boots

nvesting in a pair of long leather riding boots can be an expensive purchase so make sure you are prepared to care for the leather to ensure they last as long as possible and remain in good condition.

Without proper conditioning and care, leather can dry out until it eventually cracks and falls apart. To protect and care for your boots properly there are four vital steps you will need to follow. It is always worth remembering to condition new leather boots before you wear them. This will help to ensure that your boots are best protected from the start, and

Boots needing a clean

44

will save time on future cleanings. Then once worn, follow Abbey England’s fourstep guide: 1. Clean 2. Condition 3. Polish 4. Preserve or weather-proof Caring for smooth leather is completely different to caring for suede or nubuck, etc. This guide pertains to caring for smooth leather boots and so you should ensure all the products you purchase are recommended for this type of

Cleaning boots

leather and follow the instructions carefully. Protect your clothing, wear gloves, work on top of newspaper and work in a well-ventilated area.

shining with a soft cotton cloth - either a shoe shine cloth, or even an old t-shirt, as long as it's soft and made of cotton.

Step two: Condition

Step one: Clean Use a soft shoe brush which won’t scratch the leather and some warm water to remove dirt from the surface. You may like to use saddle soap or leather cleaner for better results; many types are available including gels, foams, sprays, liquids and creams such as those in the Fiebing’s range.

After cleaning, let the boots dry for a few minutes and begin

Clean boots

Some products on the market clean AND condition but if you have used a product which cleans only you will need to condition the leather to help soften and moisturise. Abbey 1982 Saddle Food is a good choice and will protect the leather from drying out and cracking.

Using a clean sponge or cloth to apply, rub small amounts of

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conditioner into the leather, until it has been covered. After a couple of minutes, wipe any remaining conditioner off as the leather will only absorb what it can.

Step three: Polish Certain polishes contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and/or inhaled so always put gloves on before using shoe polish and work in a well-ventilated area.

Apply the polish to a small, less conspicuous area of your boots to test and be sure the colour is right before you apply to the whole boot. Rub the polish into the boots with a soft cloth, and allow it to dry thoroughly.

After the polish is dry, shine by buffing with a soft cloth or brush made specifically for shining shoes. Fiebing’s Leather Sheen is a great choice.

Step Four: Preserve or Weather-proof Weather-proofing your leather boots with a product like Granger’s Paste Wax will help to protect them from water and other elements that can ruin the finish and shorten the life of your boots.

Different weather-proofing products serve different purposes, so you should choose wisely. For example, some products leave a build-up and can alter the appearance of the leather.

When appearance is important, a spray proofer is ideal, by providing a breathable barrier against wet conditions and dirt, this type of weatherproofing product is virtually invisible on your boots. www.abbeysaddlery.co.uk

Product News...

Fiebing’s Saddle Soap comes in Black, White or Yellow.

Fiebing’s Liquid Glycerine Saddle Soap is specially formulated for cleaning, preserving and restoring leather articles.

Fiebing’s Leather Sheen instantly shines all smooth leather articles with a flexible wax finish.

Fiebing’s Aussie Leather Conditioner is great for saddles, tack, boots, gun cases and handbags.

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tutorial

Ride like... julia horton

Julia Horton and Premier Joyfull Moon

USING HILLS TO IMPROVE

EngagEmEnt ulia Horton is a grade 3 Para Dressage rider. Because of her constraints - not only her disability but like many of us having limited resources and no school at her yard - Jules has found ways to improve her horse’s way of going which are useful to everyone.

J

“Joyce (Premier Joyfull Moon) is quite large for me, and a little long in the back, so I’ve found it a challenge to engage her hind legs correctly. Although she is half TB, it’s also been an issue to get and keep her fit enough, since I'm not always well enough to ride every day. In the

time that I realistically have, pounding the roads was not going to achieve my aims.

“I started doing more hill work with her, and found that not only was it improving her fitness but was also helping immensely with her engagement. This was particularly noticeable downhill.

Especially where it was steep, she used to struggle to walk down in balance. Now she can stride out down all the slopes, in good balance and carrying herself correctly.

“The work uphill, in all three paces, has improved dramatically too. She has learned to step under more, making the climb easier. And of course her extra fitness has helped. When we do get the chance to have a lesson, my trainer is very positive about the improvement this simple change to our regime has made.

In particular, her extended work has improved out of all recognition. The grade 3 para test includes extended canter; she used to quicken instead of stretch. Now she has the strength to sit and push we get much better marks, and no

The Welsh hills are a perfect dressage training ground

Photos: www.stablesphotography.co.uk

46

JULIA HORTON IS A GRADE 3 PARA DRESSAGE RIDER, BASED IN SOUTH WALES. SHE CURRENTLY COMPETES ON HER OWN MARE, PREMIER JOYFULL MOON. SHE PUTS HER OWN EXPERIENCE TO GOOD USE IN HER WORK, HELPING OTHERS TO SELF-MANAGE SERIOUS ILLNESS, WHILE FINDING THE TIME AND ENERGY TO LOOK AFTER HER OWN THREE HORSES.

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Working down steep hills is excellent for balance and engagement.

longer get the comment ‘hocks trailing’.

“If you have access to hilly country, start by doing limited periods in trot and canter uphill, and walk back down progressively steeper routes. Do not over-support the horse downhill, let them find their own balance. They will learn to bring their hocks under them and become more confident about lengthening the stride

Both dressage and XC saddles are designed for support and security, but facilitate very different rider positions.

downhill. Extending the length and intensity of the uphill phases over time, asking the horse to work more from behind, will increase fitness and engagement.

“Most dressage riders now hack their horses as part of their regular routine, but I’d like to see that extended to hill work.

It's such an effective way of improving a horse’s way of going without them feeling they

are always being drilled in the school. Plus they more quickly acquire the fitness needed to be competitive. Not everyone will feel the need to change saddles, or have access to two wellfitting saddles, but with my issues, I find using a cross country saddle makes me feel more secure. I’ve been very grateful for the use of a DMK from my sponsors WOW Saddles”.

Julia feels that every rider aspiring to compete at dressage should be reassured that it is not essential to be in the school every day. Making full use of the gradients around you can make a massive improvement to your horse’s way of going – and give both of you a welcome change of routine.

Julia Horton has ridden in a dressage saddle from WOW’s Competitor range for many years. Its modular construction means it can readily be tailored to every rider/horse combination, for fit, functionality and appearance. Most importantly, the saddle has a patented carbon fibre tree with lateral flexion, so the front of the saddle can rotate with the shoulder movement. This allows the horse to perform to its maximum, while the seat remains absolutely steady on the horse’s back.

The newest addition to the WOW stable, the DMK, has all the benefits of WOW’s expertise, plus use of innovative materials to create a lightweight, close contact range of jump saddles for showjumping and XC, which also gives Julia the security she needs in open country. www.wowsaddles.com

DMK RRP from £2,995

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riDEr ProFilE

e i h p o S ight Kn

Focus on...

2016 is my last year on ponies in British Showjumping Juniors and it has been amazing representing Suffolk and being part of the winning team at both British Showjumping Intra-Academy team events.

How and when did you start riding?

I started riding when I was 8years-old. My friend asked me if I wanted to go to a local riding centre where she was loaning a pony. I have ridden ever since.

My Mum finally gave in and bought me my own pony when I was 11 – she was a lovely Section B named Flo. Please tell us about your yard?

I have been at Copdock Riding Centre since that first visit eight years ago. I have been there so long it feels like my second home. I have progressed from learning in the riding school and having pony days, to loaning and now I keep my own ponies there on livery. It is very relaxed and all my friends are there And your team?

My Mum who is not horsey at

all, but is learning… slowly. All the staff past and present from Copdock who have taught and encouraged me, and Ann Withey (owner of Copdock Riding Centre) who now trains me and has supported me from Wix Novice Night right through to the big British Showjumping Junior pony shows and all the stages in between. More recently

Left to right: Georgia Mitchell, Will Flinton, Sophie and Tara Murphy

48

Age: 16 Location: Ipswich

and some schools shows – both NSEA and British Showjumping Just for Schools - and the IntraAcademy teams. Mini and I have been selected three times to represent Suffolk and have been placed every time (fifth individually in August 2015, and part of the winning team in February 2016 and August 2016). Mini comes alive in a big environment, and I enjoy competing in team events so much. It is so much fun to compete with your friends, rather than against them.

I have also been attending Area Training for Suffolk with Mia Palles-Clark – this was how I was What’s the most useful advice you’ve ever selected to for the Intrabeen given?

Academy teams.

Enjoy it; it is supposed to be fun.

Which horse has been What are your future your ‘horse of a plans? lifetime’ so far?

Mini Marianne is absolutely my Find a lovely new home for Mini where she can give another child pony of a lifetime. We bought confidence and loads of fun.

Mini when my confidence was Then find myself a horse – low. We bought a novice pony hopefully in time to be selected when I was still quite a novice rider and the partnership didn’t for the next teams event at really work out. Mini restored by Addington Manor in February confidence. She is a 148 JA who 2017. Alongside attending college, I am also training to be is now 19-years-old and has an Instructor and I hope one day seen it and done it all a million to teach children and bring them times before. We couldn’t do many qualifiers with her due to through the way Ann has with me. her having too many winnings, so we have done open classes

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 46 to 68_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:06 Page 49

rEPortS

JADE IS TOP OF THE CLASS On the penultimate weekend of the Dodson & Horrell National Amateur Second Rounds, competitors made the journey to Brook Farm Training Centre in Romford, Essex to compete in the 1.05m and 1.10m classes.

With qualification for the Dodson & Horrell National Amateur Championships, held at Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool during the 16th – 20th November, within touching distance, the two second rounds proved to be fiercely contested.

With three determined combinations making it through to the final jump off, qualification was assured but the top spot was still up for grabs.

Jade Meekings from Felsted, Essex

was well aware of this as she gave a scorching performance on board her 10-year-old palomino mare, Pauls Lass, to cross the finish line with the only double clear of the class in 34.30 seconds.

An unfortunate pole fell at the first fence for Alice Ellison from Cambridge on Sacha Ellison’s 10year-old bay mare, Britney IV, and this saw them finish in second place overall on 4 faults in 38.45 seconds.

Taking third place was Nicola Attenborrow from Maldon, Essex on board her own 13-year-old bay mare, Poplars Florentina. This pair came home with 4 faults in 41.80 seconds after knocking a pole early on in the course.

The winner of the Dodson & Horrell National Amateur 1.05m Championship was Alice Ellison from Cambridge on Britney IV.

Riders and Coaches Selected for ‘Step up to Gold’ Programme British Showjumping, in conjunction with Sport England and Newbridge Sport Horses, is delighted to announce the next cohort of riders and coaches selected on to the ‘Step Up to Gold’ Programme.

Nine riders have now been selected to come forward on to the programme following on from the four training and selection days held last month. An extra rider has been selected due to the high calibre of applicants coming forward. The riders have been selected from across England from the North, South, East and West based on the selection days attended.

The training programme will focus on developing riders in order for them to be able to make the transition into competing at 1.40m. The programme will also help riders to become

established at that level. This year also welcomes on board Strength and Condition coaches from Hartpury College who will be working individually with each rider at the National Training days.

Based on a similar structure to last year, there will be three National Training days held during the course of the programme and riders will also receive regional training with their regional coaches and support at shows. The riders will also be aiming to travel abroad to a national show at which they will be supported

by Matt Lanni and their regional coaches. There will also be the opportunity to compete at an International show in the UK. The selected rider from the Absolute Horse region is Michaela Huntington (Essex).

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PHOTONEWS ❙ Easton Harriers Hunter Trial ❙ Poplar Park EC ❙ 30th October

Zara Barber riding Banagher Blue Moon, winners of 60cm PC members class

Isabel Lane riding Brackloon Boy, joint 3rd 60cms non members

Caroline Smith riding Tellatail, winners of 60cms non members class

Jemima Charlesworth riding Cold Harbour, 3rd place 60cm PC members class

Chloe Miles riding Cruglwyd Arwell, 3rd place 80cm non members

Zara Barber riding Banagher Blue Moon, 5th place 80cm PC members

Mike Hallows riding Whimsical, 2nd place 1m

Kate Arnold riding Dartanian, 5th place 90cm PC members

Julie Hayward riding Westfords Lola, 2nd place 90cm non members

Sarah Watkins riding Buddy, 4th place 1m

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nicole Earl riding Westfords jessie, 4th place 90cm PC members

Richard Weller-Poley Ellie Cox riding Freddie, 4th place 90cm non members

Faith rookyard riding Mountain rill, 2nd place 60cm PC members class

Charlotte lane riding lockspirit Bellboy, 2nd place 60cms non members

tabitha Wilson-Smith riding ruby Queen of Diamonds, winners of 90cm PC members

Francesca nunn riding Flag Bearer, winners of 90cm non members

Charlotte hall riding tiptoe thunder, 3rd place 80cm PC members

julie hayward riding Westfords Madonna, winners of the 80cm non members

nicole Earl riding Westfords jessie, winners of 80cm PC members

Billy riding Daisy Grey, 5th place 1m

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PhotonEWS ❙ Essex & Suffolk Team Chase ❙ Manor Farm, Semer ❙ 6th November

lindsay Salmon riding Murphy, member of rogers rockets, 2nd placed novice Bogey

jas Slater riding timker, member of lost But not least, winning novice Bogey team

Sam Fobbester riding Cider, Waveney harriers Bargain Basement, 2nd placed intermediate team

nini French riding Spider, the Dream team, intermediate winning team

52

amelia Wacker riding ace, member of rogers rockets, 2nd placed novice Bogey

Pip Davis riding Cathedral rock, member of rogers rockets, 2nd placed novice Bogey

Stephen Clark riding Slim, team rideaway, open all Comers winning team

Dickie Barrett riding nasaar, the Dream team, intermediate winning team

hannah Morris riding atlilla, in Flight Entertainment, 4th placed novice Bogey team

Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 46 to 68_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:06 Page 53

joe Stephenson riding Xucra de Foja, team rideaway, open all Comers winning team

hannah Fitzpatrick riding Paris, Dapper Dobbins hedge hoppers, 3rd placed intermediate team

Danielle Bennett riding Sherkin, member of lost But not least, winning novice Bogey team

Pip taylor riding ranger, member of lost But not least, winning novice Bogey team

Georgie roadnight riding Ballyduff Bill, Vicious and Delicious, 4th placed intermediate team

Richard Weller-Poley

julie hayward riding Westford’s Madonna, member of Westfords Wranglers, 3rd placed novice Bogey

Emma robinson riding Bonnabee, Dapper Dobbins hedge hoppers, 3rd placed intermediate team

james Foxon riding arthur, member of lost But not least, winning novice Bogey team

Charlotte alexander on Kingy, team rideaway, open all Comers winning team

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PhotonEWS ❙ Showjumping League Presentation ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 16th November

olivia Kirkham on rio, Champion X-Pole lead rein Pony

Victoria Stroughton on Chancer, Champion X-Pole Pony

helene Kontofrios, Codhams Choice Champion

harriet Garrett on CSC indian lakota, 90cm open horse Champion

Susan johnston on new Years Day, 70cm open horse Champion

Deborah Mason on Cavalier Goodwin, 60cm open horse Champion

Keira riley on irish Smurf, 90cm open pony Champion

Daisy hughes on in a Daze and Beth Sen on Meelichisland Cloud, leading Pony & horse rider award

54

Spencer Moret Photography

Beau Damps on Marilyn Monroe, 70cm open Pony Champion

jamie Barnes on lady luck, 80cm open horse Champion

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❙ JumpCross League Presentation ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 9th October

Kirsty Faulkner on jammy Dodger (horse) ruth Cartwright on Dayrells Ella (Pony) 50cm Mini Challenge Champions

Phoebe jefferies on Brook, 60-65cm novice Pony Sec Champions

Ben Gower on rehanna, X-Pole Pony Champions

Spencer Moret Photography

Beau Damps riding Marilyn Monroe, 70-75 intro Pony Sec Champions

Carrie-ann adams on Dan, 80-85cm intermediate open horse Champions

Shelly Mason on Quick, 70-75 intro horse Sec Champions

louise Parker on Bee happy, 60-65cm novice horse Sec Champions

Beth Sen on Meelichisland Cloud, X-Pole horse Champions

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PhotonEWS ❙ Dressage League Presentation ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 9th October

Carys Clark on Mountpleasant Flash jack, Prelim Pony Champion

Spencer Moret Photography Donna hudson on hudsons rock, intro horse Champion

Georgia ranson on twinkles two, intro Pony reserve Champion

Daisy hughes on in a Daze, novice Pony Champion

amelia Marino on liberty taker, novice horse Champion

Caitlin Faulkner on tilly, intro Pony Champion

Carys Clark on Mountpleasant Flash jack, Prelim Pony Champion

amelia Marino on liberty taker, novice horse Champion

Susan johnston on new Years Day, Prelim horse Champion

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❙ Team Showjumping ❙ Finchingfield EC ❙ 22nd October

Daisy Watson riding for the Essex union hunt Blue, 60cm winner

hunny Carpenter riding for the Essex union South, 70cm winner

Charlie heapy riding for the Essex hunt north, 50cm winner

amelia lee riding for the East Essex hunt, 2nd place 70cm

Ellie Berisford riding for the newmarket & thurlow hunt, 3rd place 90cm

holly jillings riding for Walpole & District, 2nd place 90cm

Zane Wright riding for the East Essex hunt, 2nd place 50cm

Sally hancock riding for the newmarket & thurlow hunt, 90cm winners

Kiah Wright riding for the East Essex hunt, 3rd place 70cm

Spencer Moret Photography

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PhotonEWS ❙ Hoofbeats Remebrance Ride ❙ Harling Forest ❙ 13th November

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HOOFBEATS Long Distance Riding Group held their ‘Ribbon for Remembrance’ Pleasure Ride in Thetford Forest on 13th November.

All proceeds raised from the homemade Cake Sales and Raffle will be donated to Medical Detection Dogs.

Fifty horses and riders entered to ride a 5, 10, or 15 mile route on grassy forest tracks and sandy trails around the forest and thanks to the good weather and a bit of sunshine it was enjoyed by all who took part.

‘Hoofbeats for Access & Charity’ is a relatively new group having started up earlier this year. The Group wish to put on safe off-road riding routes for all ages and capabilities of rider and hope to raise money for good causes in the process.

Event to Event Photography

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PhotonEWS ❙ East Essex Hunt Open Meet ❙ 5th November

Team Greyness Snapper

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Classified

AdVERTISING Call: 01473 731222

transport @4x4HireNorfolk

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MARK HOWES

C.V.S. (ANGLIA) LTD BEDFORD • AWD • SPECIALISTS

HORSEBOX SPECIALISTS IN MOT PREPARATION, MOT TESTING FOR CLASS 4 & 7 VEHICLES, SERVICING, PARTS, SPECIALIST BODY (Aluminium & Wooden) ACCIDENT REPAIRS Welcome old and new customers to their premises at

HOLYWELLS ROAD, IPSWICH TEL: (01473) 216462 Pest Control

Saddleries

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

62

Are your crops damaged by rabbits?

Call a professional team with 35 years experience We use all legal methods of humane control Fast treatments, cost effective Call us for a free site survey to control your rabbits

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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.

Based in Norfolk, but covering a wide area.

Please phone Kay on (07775) 850400 Registered member

CALL US FOR A QUOTE: 01473 830548 07799 761796

Refs are available; Fully insured; Areas covered Suffolk, Norfolk, North Essex; We also cover rodents, insects, birds etc.

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Equine Crematoriums

Stables

Suffolk Pet & Equine Crematorium

PEACE OF MIND AT A TIME OF GRIEF 01284 810981 www.suffolkpetcrematorium.com

Peaceful Pets Equine Cremation East Anglia based Prompt 24 hour service

01485 528141 www.peacefulpets.org.uk

Horse Supplies

WIX

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

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

01255 870744 Dentist

PROFESSIONAL, QUALIFIED & CARING EQUINE DENTISTRY

Fakenham (01328) 851351

Battlesbridge Mills Horse & Country Shop

Everything for the Horse & Rider Huge range of tack, accessories, stable supplies Tel: 01268 560008 The Mills, Chelmsford Road, Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 8TR www.horseandcountryshop.co.uk Instructor

Stockist for a wide range of Horse Feeds; Bedding; Supplements; Requisites.

Horse wormers now available Delivery Service. Everyone welcome.

Come and see us at our new larger premises Clipbush Business Park, Fakenham NR21 8SW

www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL...

01473 731222

Surfaces

Gilly Knight BHS AI Reg’d

Freelance Instructor.

Flat and Jumping Lessons available in Essex area. Over 15 years teaching experience.

First lesson half price.

07968 445509 WWW.BEDT.CO.UK

07973 760803

gillian.knight@gmail.com

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Vets in the Spotlight

VEtErinarY ContaCtS

64

HAWKEDON VETS EQUINE PRACTICE 01284 789428

Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4NP www.hawkedonvets.co.uk

Ryder-Davies & Partners VETERINARY SURGEONS Our experienced equine team offer a range of services throughout Suffolk, South Norfolk & North Essex Services include: • Full lameness investigations • Teeth rasping & advanced dental work • Pre purchase examinations • Vaccinations, worming regimes • Equine reproductive stud work • BEVA accredited practice for chilled & frozen semen • Investigation of breeding problems in mares Facilities include: Inpatient and outpatient stabling with 24 hour care • Digital x-ray, In-house laboratory, endoscope & 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 & newsletters. www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk

24 Hour Emergency Support Tel: 01394 380083

Essex based mobile veterinary practice Advanced dentistry, lameness evaluations, portable Xray, ultrasound, portable video gastroscopy/endoscopy all carried out in the comfort of your horses’s home.

Pre purchase examinations.

24 hour local emergency cover.

01371 851755/ 01371 850532 www.fullerequine.co.uk www.facebook.com/fullerequine fullerequine@gmail.com

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

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ShoWDatE DiarY

Practice in the

Spotlight

From top racehorses to the safest hack and new born foals to the oldest companion pony, Newmarket Equine Hospital caters for all. Our hospital offers state of the art facilities and some of the country’s most experienced clinicians.

With thirty equine vets, including world renowned specialists in surgery, medicine, diagnostics and reproduction, we can offer complete veterinary care for your horse or pony.

Despite being at the home of the racing here in Newmarket, our large ambulatory team look after all types of horse and pony. In fact there isn’t a horse we wouldn’t like to meet!

Our sport and leisure team offer free visits for routine procedures and checkups. We have a busy schedule of client seminars on a variety of topics coming up over the year. Keep an eye on our website or visit Facebook for information about client evenings, free visits and events at Newmarket Equine Hospital.

Newmarket Equine Hospital Tel: 01638 782000 www.newmarketequinehospital.com

Your Showdate listings for...

Dec/Jan 2017 Thursday 1st December DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage (Intro – Ad Med). Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 Friday 2nd December SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Evening Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 3rd December DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Easton Park Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel 07881 802129 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01449 711962 Sunday 4th December ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: The Jays; Arena Eventing. Tel 01284 386014 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel 07881 802129 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Christmas Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; British Showjumping.

Tel: 01603 731577 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01328 878282

Tuesday 6th December SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01760 722616 Wednesday 7th December DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 Thursday 8th December DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round. Tel: 01234 708400 Friday 9th December SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Unaffiliated Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Pre-Olympia British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Open Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 10th December ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: The Jays; NSEA Arena Eventing. Tel 01284 386014 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; British Dressage. Tel: 01603 731577 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414

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ShoWDatE DiarY Your Showdate listings for... December/January 2017 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Pre-Olympia British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 Sunday 11th December ARENA EVENTER TRIAL Beds: Twin Trees EC; Arena Eventer Trial. Tel: 01767 627414 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Pre-Olympia British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Christmas Showjumping.

Tel: 01328 878282 SHOW Essex: Norton Heath EC; Unaffiliated Christmas Show. Tel: 01277 824860 Tuesday 13th December DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel: 01234 708400 Wednesday 14th December DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 Thursday 15th December DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping.

Tel: 01480 700236 Friday 16th December SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Clear Round Showjumping.

Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Unaffiliated

66

Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 17th December DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Unaffiliated Evening Dressage. Tel: 01603 731577 DRESSAGE Suffolk: The Centaur Trust; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel 07881 802129 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Fenning Farm EC; Clear Round Showjumping.

Tel: 01353 727109 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Fun Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 Sunday 18th December CARRIAGE DRIVING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Indoor Carriage Driving. Tel: 01603 731577 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Essex: Norton Heath EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01277 824860 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01328 878282 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Easton Park Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel 07881 802129 SHOWING Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Showing Show. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping.

Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616

Wednesday 21st December DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01328 878282 Thursday 22nd December SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312

Sunday 25th December

Happy Christmas!

Tuesday 27th December FUN SHOW Essex: Norton Heath EC; Unaffiliated Fun Show. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Wednesday 28th December SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01328 878282 Thursday 29th December SHOW Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Xmas Show. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860

Friday 30th December SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 Saturday 31st December SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Cross Pole and Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Monday 2nd January SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; New Year Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 Wednesday 4th January SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01328 878282 Thursday 5th January SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping.

Tel: 01480 700236 Friday 6th January SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Open Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 7th January SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Sunday 8th January DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOW Essex: Brook Farm TC; New Year Show. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping.

Tel: 01480 700236

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Ab Horse DECEMBER 2016 pages 46 to 68_Layout 1 22/11/2016 19:06 Page 68