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F
E M K ’M C -I ! PI P EE U R
Absolute
JANUARY 2017
Ringcraft for Winter Shows with Jo Bates Page 15
Winter Tips with Gary Foggon Page 24
PLUS
Do something amazing this year! Page 8
y t i r a h CInspo
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JANUARY
2017 8
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28
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ISSUE 307
Get inspired this year! We speak with equine charities Bransby Horses, Redwings and the Animal Health Trust - See page 8 for more details.
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COMPETITIONS & GIVEAWAYS 40 Reader Giveaways
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FEATURES 6 Special Feature: 8 Charity Focus 13 Riding Holidays and Challenges
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Though every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, PCD Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for the opinions expressed in the magazine. The opinions and technical information in the articles are those of the authors.
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Ringcraft for Winter Shows with Jo Bates Health & Welfare - including VetWatch: Equine Arthritis Nutrition: Winter Weight Watching Sadddlery & Tack Buyer’s Guide
01473 731220
How to contact us...
PHOTONEWS 41 Deben RC Christmas Showjumping: Cowpasture Farm 42 Unaffiliated Showjumping: Codham Park 44 Unaffiliated Showjumping: Codham Park
InSIde
WHAT’S
REGULARS 4 News Your Comments 5 27 MetaFitness 46 Classifieds 48 Vets In The Spotlight 49 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
Squad selection The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has recently announced 34 athletes who have been selected for the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Podium Potential Programme. Acting Equestrian Performance Director Sarah Armstrong comments; “The performance pathway for our athletes is vital to ensure the continued success of our sport in Great Britain and on the international stage.” The squad includes Chloe Winchester from Suffolk.
PeRfect YoUR Show Ring Technique Want to start Showing this year or simply improve your results? Then visit a TSR Clinic to discover what Judges look for with HOYS panel Judge, Sarah Chapman. The clinics are friendly, fun and open to everyone and all types of horse/pony. Amateur riders could even be talent spotted for the TSR Training Pathway with a chance to be selected for the TSR Showing Master Class! New for 2017: Free expert advice from Team Equissage on equine cyclotherapy, plus the chance to try out Smart Grooming products. There will be goody bags with vouchers for Smart Grooming and Baileys Horse Feeds. Dates include: 11th March at Easton Park Farm, Woodbridge; TBC at Wisbech RC, Horse Creek Farm, March; 12th March at Elms Farm, Caythorpe, Lincs; 28th May at Arrow Riding Centre, Dartford. www.theshowingregister.co.uk
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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New facilities Foxhound Riding School in Orsett, Essex unveiled their new equestrian facilities at a Christmas Open Day on Sunday 11th December. Thanks to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Hoof Capital funding award of £15,000 along with investment from proprietors Louise and David Creamer.
Competition Winners: Aloeride: Lorraine Skinner, Essex; Jo Bates, Norfolk; Heather Lilley, Essex. British Horse Feeds: Frances Bedding, Norfolk; Teresa Endean, Essex; Nicola HadenScott, Suffolk; Derek Reeve, Norfolk; Lisa Wilsher, Suffolk; Penny Brooks, Essex; Liz Hand, Essex; Victoria Atherton, Suffolk; Lizzie Nichols, Norfolk; Kim Haworth, Essex; Erin Eudino, Kent; Claire Barrett, Norfolk. Equi-Theme: Emma Dobson, Essex; Nicola Broadbent, Essex; Anne May, Suffolk. Grubs Frostline: Lorna Coulstock, Cambs; Karen Hansed, Norfolk.
New site Now
live at
www.nagsessentials.co.uk
Arena eventing competition In a change from last year BE are hosting ten qualifying competitions with eligible riders going forward to contest in the BE Arena Eventing Championships in early March. The series is open to both BE members and non-members and run at BE80, BE90 and BE100 level. The new format starts at Houghton Hall Equestrian Centre in Cambridge on 7th January and takes in a further nine venues with the top 15% of each level from each of these qualifying venues eligible to take part in the Championship. www.britisheventing.com
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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!
We asked our acebook fans the following question... Laura Smith: Riding my horse I trained myself at the MCI European Dressage Championships in Turin (Italy) cantering down the centreline in top hat and tails representing GB, best feeling in the world! Jo Ridgers: I would turn back the clock to the day my father bought me my first horse, just to experience the feeling of ultimate happiness, everything else became insignificant...This started my life long passion and is still as strong as ever. Rachael Nicholls: Just one more hack on my boy Brambliest Jamie now retired. Wednesday Batchelor: I'd give anything just to give my girl a hug and carrot again, as much as I loved the competitions and training and hacking, it's the little things I took for granted which I really miss, and now it's been 3 years without her.
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.
Debbie Voulstaker: Having the opportunity to buy back my homebred mare 6 years after I sold her as a foal and realising that the bond we had was still strong and she still had all her funny little ways.
still think of my dad when I'm competing.
If you could relive any moment in your equine life, what would it be and why?
Vicky Steward: My first season with my own pony at 10! Nothing amazing! Show jumping and hunting! It was thanks to that pony I got where I am and have done the things I have done (with him and other horses/ponies). Thanks to him I have the knowledge I do and the confidence. I'm honoured to have had him as long as I did and for him to take me through the journeys we went on together! Kayleigh Murphles Hedley: I would turn the clock back to when I was at college and my horse of a lifetime, before he unfortunately was pts. I learnt so much from him and wish he could have had one last day of fun. Sarah Cobbold: The moment the horsebox delivering my dream horse arrived and dropped the ramp and there he was, a lifetime of dreaming and hard work finally coming true. Eleven years together later and I still get a thrill thinking of that day and all the magic moments we have shared. He is my soulmate.
Silvas Buddy: Doing gymkhana games as a tot with my dad Anne Smith: The day I bought running alongside me - I was hooked on horses from then and Mouse, 12 years ago. She's my
horse of a life time, now 19 and I wish I could do it all again. Jenny Welham: The day that my little cob, who I once thought I would never ride, who I've produced completely by myself with no posh facilities (we literally have a field and a homemade stable, and hire a horsebox to go to shows) qualified for HOYS. The excitement that we had finally done it was amazing! Georgina Maywood: Trotting down the centre line with my veteran mare Reserve Supreme at Olympia, unfortunately we lost her a year later, but she achieved so much. Heather Mitchell: Waking up on my sixth birthday and running downstairs to find my mum standing there with my coat. I followed her outside and there stood Bonnie. My first ever pony and she took my breath away. I didn't know if I should cry or scream as I have never been so happy in all my life. She stayed with us for the rest of her life and we both shared so many emotions.
and the Star winner is... Lacey Smith: Mine would be my first time riding through the tunnel of the grand ring at Olympia on my horse who is now rising 19, I have had him since he was a 6 month untouched colt. We have taught each other everything I know. I will never forget the first time he took me to Olympia. 5
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SPECIAL FEATURE IN THIS ISSUE WE CATCH UP WITH THE TEAM BEHIND NORFOLK BASED, AVANT - EXPERTS IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LOADERS - TO FIND OUT WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE THE COMPANY THE HUGE SUCCESS IT IS TODAY...
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Finnish company, Avant is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Here we meet Raimo Ala-Korpi, Managing Director of Avant UK, based in Bridgham near Thetford. What is your job role? My role is very varied but overall I steer and run the daily operations of Avant in the UK. I look after the sales and marketing and at the moment we are focusing on continuing to build and develop the Avant brand and promoting the vast range of new and wellestablished products to a wider audience from equestrian yards to construction, landscaping, agriculture and forestry. I also support our Avant dealers and AvantHire partner networks throughout the country. Tell us a bit about your career background? I started with Avant in 2014 in Finland; then shortly afterwards I moved to UK to the run the
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business over here. I am very proud to be part of the Avant family; it is an innovative and successful family run company with pioneering products. Previously I managed my own retail company in the sports sector and after selling that business worked on exporting products to the international market which involved living in Canada and the USA for a while. I was familiar with the Avant machines as we used them on our farm in Finland so when an opportunity arose to work for the company I took the step to move to the UK and begin a new journey.
Favourite part of the job? It is very pleasing to see the new owner of a machine or operator have that moment when they really get the feel for the machine and have the confidence to utilise it to its full capability. It is also very rewarding to meet customers at shows or visit their businesses to discuss how the machines have changed the way people work, it is also a great opportunity to brainstorm new attachments and ideas for the future. Why do you feel so passionately about Avant?
I am extremely proud and passionate to work for a Finnish company that brings efficiency and joy to everyone’s lives and work day. The company is a very reputable family-owned firm, where the Kakela family work hard at the factory to fulfil customer needs. The Kakela family are open to new ideas, and strive to be the pioneers and leaders of the compact loader sector worldwide. Avant is constantly moving forward, our latest innovation is machines and options designed for people with disabilities. We are also launching a new range
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riding school. A customer can have a few horses and need the smallest of our machines to help maintain their stable yard, by moving bales or topping paddocks. Or another customer can be an equestrian centre that needs a larger machine to move feed pallets, clean the stables, level the arenas, build the fencing and move trailers.
of electric machines. How much are you involved in the equestrian world? The equestrian sector is very important to Avant and we sponsor and have a trade stand at the Hickstead meetings throughout the summer. We also sponsor showjumpers and event riders, and recently Phillip Miller won the loan of an Avant and his team are finding it a very useful piece of machinery at their yard where they have over 100 horses and ponies. How many people are part of the team at Norfolk? We are currently a team of seven with our sales team working alongside parts, service and administration functions inhouse. We then have support on the marketing, accounting, IT and transportation required to help make the business a success.
We are now celebrating our 21st year in the UK and really enjoy being based in East Anglia. Why is it a good location? The Thetford area is very centrally located in East Anglia, so perfect for us. We are close to the main A11 dual carriageway and not too far from the ports, as we are frequently importing machines from Finland.
Why is an Avant useful on a yard? An Avant is so useful as you only need one machine, as it is such a versatile piece of equipment. You then purchase the right attachments to suit your needs. We stock attachments for sweeping, moving pallets, hay bales or bedding. For paddocks, there are rollers and post knockers which all make jobs on the yard efficient and simple. www.avant.co.uk
AVANT makes yard work easy Phillip Miller is well known for his longstanding partnership with the charismatic grey Caritiar Z on whom he won the iconic Hickstead Derby in 2013 when jumping the only clear round. “The Avant is fantastic for putting hay and haylage out to the paddocks in winter to replace the slow and tedious use of wheelbarrows. “On a daily basis we use the Avant to transport straw and hay bales, unload feed deliveries, for general clean-up duties and to clean up the muck heap,” said Phillip.
Who is an Avant Customer? A typical equestrian customer varies hugely, they can own a small holding or larger farm, be an equestrian centre or
How long have you been based at Norfolk? Avant Tecno (UK) Ltd opened in April 1999, after the company realised the potential the UK offered. Avant previously exported to the UK.
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y t i r a ChInspo
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CHARITY FOCUS
Do sometHing
amazing tHis year!
R
edwings is the UK’s largest horse sanctuary home to over 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Although Norfolk is the charity’s home, Redwings rescues neglected and abandoned horses from across the country, giving them a safe place to live for the rest of their lives. Redwings Horse Sanctuary is 100% publicly funded so if you’re looking to do something amazing this New Year, why not support them and help save the lives of horses and donkeys in need? Here’s how...
But thanks to savings, together with some exceptional legacy gifts left by supporters in their Wills, Redwings was still able to be there for those horses most in need. However, without the continued generosity of people just like you, struggling horses, such as
Helen, simply would not survive. But it’s not just equipment that Redwings’ supporters help to fund. Donating just £10 provides an hour of nursing care for a poorly horse, £50 covers the cost of a health check for a new arrival and £100 helps collect a pony in need of rescue.
Every penny really does make a difference!
Donate unwanted tack Having a spring clean? Don’t throw away your unwanted tack or rugs, donate them to Redwings! The charity welcomes
Helen’s story... Beautiful mare Helen was discovered close to starvation on a Welsh common in early 2016. Her ribs protruded from her woolly winter coat and her teeth were so bad that she could not eat properly. Her undernourished body was also feeding two foals. Thanks to a special cordless dental pack, Redwings’ attending vet was able to give Helen lifesaving treatment then and there, on site. This vital kit was funded by one generous supporter who wanted to make a lasting difference – and that they did!
Give a vital gift Thanks to the kindness and generosity of its supporters, last year Redwings were able to rescue over 140 horses and donkeys. Sadly, the numbers desperately needing Redwings’ help continue to rise as does the cost of their care while at the Sanctuary. The introduction of the National Living Wage in April saw Redwings’ costs soar overnight.
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Helen and her foals before
Helen after
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an evening Quincy before
Mary and Quincy
witH tHe
stars!
meet Quincy... Handsome cob Quincy was the first of a group of 23 horses to be rehomed – a group otherwise known as the 80s group! They were found fly-grazing on Cardiff airport in 2012 and many were in terrible condition, requiring urgent veterinary attention. Once recovered from his early ordeal, friendly Quincy stood out as a perfect candidate for the Redwings rehoming scheme and joined his new family in September last year. His Guardian Hayley King and her 7-year-old daughter Mary are enjoying welcoming Quincy to their family, donations of clean, preloved items to help keep its most vulnerable horses and donkeys warm in winter, to be used by our rehoming team while training horses, or to be resold in fundraising tack sales. It’s a great way to recycle equipment and all proceeds from the sales go directly towards the care of Redwings’ rescued residents. Provide a loving home
Quincy after
and are hoping to join a riding club and enter him in jumping classes at local shows.
Rehoming a horse from Redwings is incredibly rewarding. Not only will you be doing something amazing by giving a second chance to a rescued horse or pony, but you will also be making space at the Sanctuary for more horses in need. The charity has 500 horses living in Guardian homes with many going on to enjoy disciplines from cross country to
showing, as well as serve as treasured companions to other horses, just like Quincy.
The Quintessentially & Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund 'An Evening With The Stars' on 29th November at the RAF Club London proved to be a huge success, raising over £14,000, which will make a huge difference to the injured equestrians which depend on the charity. With three high profile Olympians taking to the stage, Zara Tindall, Nick Skelton and Spencer Wilton were interviewed by TV presenter Steven Wilde in front of the audience made up of equestrians and those keen to find out more about these high profile medallists and their sport. Alongside the 'in conversation with' aspect of the evening, a gala dinner was served and a silent auction and raffle draw with some fantastic prizes. www.mdirf.co.uk
How do I get involved? Head to www.redwings.org.uk or call 01508 481000 to find out more about donating or rehoming a Redwings horse.
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CHARITY FOCUS
B
ransby Horses simply couldn’t function and carry out its objectives without the amazing support they receive from the general public. They are so grateful for their generous, compassionate and loyal supporters who help them in so many different ways. The charity currently cares for more than 400 horses, donkeys and mules; for those that can’t be rehomed, there will always be a safe haven for them in sanctuary care. Ways you can help…
fundraising Thinking of holding a cake sale or scaling a mountain? However big or small your ideas – Bransby Horses would love to
hear from you! Whether you are raising money alone, or with friends, they can support you and help to make your event or challenge a success. Please email fundraising@bransbyhorses. co.uk for further information or to request a Fundraising Pack.
Donate There are so many ways in which you can donate to Bransby Horses. Donations come in all shapes and sizes. From used postage stamps, to secondhand saddles, they truly appreciate every single donation kindly made to them. Bransby Horses gratefully receive; • Used postage stamps • Tack and Rugs
y b s n a BrHorses
• Phone Cards, Tea Cards, Cigarette cards and Postcards • Mobile Phones, Foreign Currency and Jewellery (Gold, Silver or Costume) • Books, DVDs and other items to sell in their Donated Goods and Tack Shop • Your time! Please email volunteer@ bransbyhorses.co. uk to find out more. Please send donations to: Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH.
Adoption & Rehoming The Bransby Horses successful Friend for Life rehoming scheme
rescue & welfare 10
offers equines the chance to enjoy life in a carefully selected
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loan home, whilst freeing up time and space at the charity for the rescue and rehabilitation of more animals in need of help. If you are looking for a companion, ridden or driven equine, please visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk to see the horses that are currently looking for a home. If you’re not looking for an equine of your own, why not adopt a horse or donkey for just £10 a year? The adoption scheme is a great way for you to support the animals in the charity’s care, and also for you to have that special friend to come and visit or read about in the updates.
t s u r T h t l a e H Animal T
he Animal Health Trust (AHT) is one of the UK’s leading veterinary charities fighting the challenges of disease and injury in animals. Thanks to their pioneering work improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention, horses, dogs and cats are living healthier, happier lives in the UK and across the world. They take on the most difficult cases and offer the most specialist treatment, to ensure that every animal coming through their Clinics is given a chance to continue a happy and loving life with its family. Want to help? Well 2017 is your perfect opportunity as they will be celebrating their 75 year anniversary, so we would love you to help them make it an even more successful year than ever! You could bake and sell 75 cakes, be sponsored to jump 75 clear
rounds or groom 75 horses to raise vital funds for fighting disease in much loved pets. If you fancy joining them to celebrate in style, why not attend their Charity Race Day at Newmarket Racecourse on 10th June. This glamourous event showcases their great work alongside a great day of racing – an industry they so closely support through their labs and Clinic. The two come together in a perfect day out with friends,
Bransby Life Newsletter If you would like to receive the charity newsletter twice a year, please visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk to sign up. For further information please contact Bransby Horses on 01427 788464 or visit the website.
the 2016 Prudential Ride london – surrey 100
family or colleagues. For inspiration on ‘What you can do’ visit: www.aht.org.uk
Have you caught the cycling bug? Been inspired by our medal winning GB Olympic cycling team? Then why not join Team AHT, raising money to fund vital work which enables cats, dogs and horses worldwide live healthier and happier lives. If you would like to swap one saddle for another, or want to find out more ways to get involved, contact events@aht.org.uk or 0207 025 0035 and they’ll be delighted to answer all of your queries, discuss ways to fundraise and help you throughout your challenge journey.
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RIDING HOLIDAYS & CHALLENGES
Cosy horsey breaks in
d n a l Ire
By Jenny Richardson BHSAI
f you are planning a visit to Castle Leslie Estate over the winter months for a riding trip, you can be sure of a lovely treat. Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, the venue is dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. You will ride through rich, eyepopping colours, beautifully-lit panoramas and a multitude of wildlife activity. There are crunchy leaves underfoot, begging to be trotted and cantered through; and of course, plenty of warm, country fires in either your Lodge, Castle or self-catering
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accommodation! The winter light is beautiful on the Estate, because the elevation of the sun above the horizon is relatively lower - if you can venture up and out of bed at sunrise for a pre-riding walk, you will be rewarded with a magical illumination through the woodlands and across the famous lake. On your visit you may still catch the welcome return of our favourite winter bird, the robin, and the striking murmurations of starlings, which weave in the sky in great numbers. In winter as you’re hacking through the woodland, the wetter ground
means that the footprints of deer, fox, badger and otter are easier to spot on your horsey adventure. February sees snowdrops peeping through, and hedge plants such as hawthorn, rowan and holly bursting with the hopes of
spring. If you’re more intent on riding in the cosy indoor arena, you will be able to take advantage of the advanced arena-surface that allows year-round riding and training - maybe you will try
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some indoor eventing over our moveable jumps? Winter time may seem like a time to ride less because it is colder, however once you warm up, there’s much to be achieved in terms of keeping the basic skills going, such as equine (and human) mobility, straightness and suppleness. If you compete and have a break over the winter months, this is also the ideal time to put in the practice for 2017, and work out your goals and plans. If you’re planning to visit Castle Leslie Estate in spring, you will be greeted with vibrant yellows, blue hues and pastel flower shades hinking about holiday plans for this year; why not sign up to participate in a BHS Charity that fill the grounds with hopes Ride and enjoy a truly amazing experience whilst at the same time support BHS Welfare. of warmer weather - the From the deserts of Rajasthan to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain, the red sand dunes beautiful bluebells, tulips and of the Namib to trail riding in the Patagonian Andes, there is a ride for every adventurer. bright daffodils will surely be welcoming you to the Estate and challenge rides in 2017 filling you with inspiration! This 14th-26th March 2017: India - The Balotra Fair Ride is the perfect time to focus on 8th-20th April 2017: Namibia – The Namib Desert your cross country skills, as the Ride expansive XC course at the venue 22nd– 30th July 2017: Spain – The Alpujarra Ride will be offering perfect ground 23rd September–4th October 2017: India and grass cover, and will have – Riding with Kings in Rajasthan been prepared and tidied by our 17th-29th November 2017: Chile – staff ready for the season ahead. Patagonian Andes Ride Why not contact us today to plan your next riding holiday or Contact wendy.minor@bhs.org.uk for training break at Ireland’s further information about how you can premiere venue? apply or visit www.bhs.org.uk/getwww.castleleslie.com involved/challenge-rides
GInveotlved!
T
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SPECIAL FEATURE Ringcraft is the art of presenting and showing off your horse in the arena to allow the best possible chance of impressing the Judge. Showing is about making an instant impact and creating the best picture possible for the Judge. As well as emphasising all the horse’s good points it is important to try and improve or hide the horse’s bad points. The outcome of the class depends entirely on the Judges’ opinions which are based on a sound knowledge of the requirements for each showing class. Different Judges place differing emphasis on criteria such as breed, manners, correctness of conformation and way of going. A horse with good, wellbalanced conformation will not only please the eye but should also be able to perform well, be more comfortable to ride and consequently remain sound. Quality, class and overall refinement are essentials that a
move up a pace that you keep plenty of space around you so the Judge can see you at all times. When moving into canter you might find it easier to use a corner to help get on the correct lead. This said your horse should be well enough schooled to Riding In the Ring canter on the straight side as It is crucial that you present your well. The increase of pace should horse at his best whenever the be smooth, flowing and Judge is looking at you. As you balanced with the horse enter the ring, try and place showing self-carriage. yourself where your horse will The steward will then ask the stand out against the others in class to change the rein and the arena. perform the same in the other When you are in the ring make direction. The steward will sure you concentrate on what usually tell you to change the you are doing and keep an eye on the Judge to know when they are looking. The steward will then ask the class to move forward into trot. The trot needs to be well paced with an even flowing rhythm covering the ground. It is important that as you good show horse must have, whether it is a hunter or a cob. It is important to know who will be judging and what they might like. Your horse’s success depends on your ability to place him before Judges who will appreciate his qualities.
AS THE RIDER AND PRODUCER OF ELUSIVE THE 2016 HACK OF THE YEAR AT HOYS, JO BATES HAS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD OF SHOWING. HERE WE TALK TO THE BLACK COUNTRY SADDLES RIDER ABOUT RINGCRAFT AND WHAT THE JUDGE IS LOOKING FOR.
Ringcraft for winter shows
rein at the next corner and go across on a diagonal. Judges can often use this to look at how straight your horse moves along the line. The horse can extend and lower his stride without rushing. The rider should prepare the horse for the gallop, accelerating smoothly out of the corner. It never looks great to put in a quick, short dash – the gallop should be a gallop down the long side from start to finish. After the initial ‘go round’ the Judge will be looking how to position everyone in the first line up, so don’t get boxed in make sure you are seen. Depending on the class after this preliminary line up you will be expected to perform an individual show or the Judge will ride your horse. Good luck with your winter shows!
Jo’s favourite saddle Jo rides all her horses in the Classic Show Saddle from Black Country Saddles. Says Jo: “Without doubt the secret of a good saddle for showing is that when you sit on it for the first time it should be fabulously comfortable and after that you should never think about it again. “A saddle should mould around the horse and provide a very close contact that allows you to sit into the horse and really feel their movement and what is going on underneath you.” www.blackcountry saddles.com
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HEALTH & WELFARE
Managing Arthritis t h e c t V T wa
here are many different causes of arthritis (see box 1) and these can affect any age of horse at any time. This article focuses on the wear and tear category. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Inflammation causes damage to the cartilage that covers the end of the bone that should allow the bones to glide smoothly over one another, this can lead to exposed bone rubbing on bone. Inflammation By also causes the joint fluid that lubricates the joint to become Dr Alex Harrison thinner and less effective, it also BVSc MRCVS increases production of this fluid that can lead to the swelling we sometimes see around the joints. All this means the joint does not move as efficiently or smoothly as it once did and results in not pain and reduced function, Ryder-Davies & only but also a vicious circle of more Partners damage hence the official term VETERINARY SURGEONS degenerative joint disease which we use for arthritis. www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk
Tel: 01394 380083
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Diagnosis Sometimes the clinical history and signs may be enough to suggest generalised arthritis and we may be able to implement a treatment and management regime without further diagnostics but we may do flexion tests to put certain joints under strain to see if this exacerbates the lameness. We can also carry out nerve blocks to determine the location of pain causing lameness however in a number of horses that are just
generally a ‘bit stiff’ the more we trot them up the looser they become and the lameness may disappear making diagnosis tricky! X-rays show us changes on the bones within the joints – these changes are the body’s attempt to remodel the joint to avoid pain and indicate arthritis has been present for some time. Sometimes the worst lameness we see have the least significant changes on x-ray – this is because the disease is in the early stages before we see any remodelling. This early stage of arthritis is often quite painful. On occasion we need to use scintigraphy (bone scans), this method of diagnosis shows areas of active damage that we cannot yet see on x-ray or can distinguish an old and nonactive bony change from one which is causing a problem. what can we do? There are many possible treatments for arthritis but bear in mind that nothing will heal the damage already done – our aim is to reduce or prevent any further inflammation in the joint and maintain a good quality of life for the horse. We advocate that in mild and moderate cases the horse continues to work as this maintains good muscle tone which supports the horse and also keeps them from seizing up. The amount of work depends on the severity of the arthritis and the areas affected. Arthritis of
the small joints of the hock (bone spavin) respond very well to work and it is actually important to keep these horses moving and we often see flare ups of bone spavin when a horse has had time off. Arthritis of a large motion joint such as the fetlock may require greater intervention and a bigger reduction in the level of work the horse can do. Oral anti-inflammatories such as phenylbutazone (bute) can help with arthritis by reducing joint inflammation – this also often means the horse is working pain free which encourages better movement and may prevent abnormal loading of structures which the horse will sometimes do to avoid pain in a joint. Intraarticular medication – this involves injecting substances directly into the joint – this is often steroid, a potent antiinflammatory in an attempt to directly disrupt the inflammation going on in the joint and slow down the progress of the disease. There is a link between steroid medication and laminitis and your vet will discuss this with you before treatment – the occurrence is very rare but the risk should be considered for each horse. Other substances can be injected into joints which can have disease modifying effects such as hyaluronic acid and Prp (platelet rich plasma) – these potentially can slow progression of the disease.
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in the older Horse
Practical solutions for the older horse At this time of year we often see the older horse population starting to struggle – this ranges from reports of taking longer to ‘loosen up’ when ridden, stumbling, difficulties getting up after rolling or lying down to being difficult for the farrier. Basics are important – the older horse that is only doing light hacking or has been turned away is often not trimmed or shod as regularly as the opinion is that the shoes/feet are not going to wear as quickly. This often leads to longer toes which affects the breakover point of the foot, this means the horse requires more effort to take a stride forward (imagine walking in a pair of shoes a few sizes too big) – in a stiff joint this is an even bigger effort and if the horse is unable to lift the hoof high enough it may stumble or fall. Horses with coffin joint or knee arthritis are often seen to stumble as joints cannot flex so well to complete
the forward phase of a stride so long toes will exacerbate these issues. Your farrier may also be able to shoe the horse in different shoes that can make breakover easier or give support to abnormally loaded joints such as lateral extensions on the hind shoes for hock arthritis. With regards to the farrier – the horse must stand for quite long periods of time with their arthritic joints flexed which can be painful and you may find they become difficult or lean on your farrier leading to a stressful shoeing and a grumpy farrier – in these cases we advise using some bute or increasing the dose if you are already on a low dose for a couple of days before and after shoeing. Also consider riding or lungeing before the shoeing as this will loosen up stiff joints making life easier for horse and farrier! As mentioned before regular work can be important to keep the horse active and in good muscle tone to help support the joints. In addition there are lots
of strengthening exercises that can be done standing or in-hand to complement ridden work or in cases where the horse can no longer be ridden. Qualified equine physiotherapists are very good at giving you a programme tailored to suit your horse and their individual problems in addition to being able to help muscle spasms that often arise secondary to the horse avoiding using limbs properly which can aid in their general mobility and comfort. We have many of our older horses on long term bute which we find is generally tolerated without problems. There are potential side effects such as liver damage and colon ulceration however in practice we see very little of this. We have to do regular prescription checks for long term medication to ensure we are happy the horse is coping well with the drugs and the dose is correct. With regards to stabled horses – we often see older horses being unable to get up after lying
causes of arthritis: • Developmental abnormalities – eg OCD • Trauma • Infection • Limb conformational abnormalities • Wear and tear
down – if your horse has a history of this we advise using a long term anti-inflammatory and have a large stable if possible, large embankments can give the horse something to lie up against and get purchase if stuck. If you find your horse is unable to get up sometimes rolling them over by attaching ropes to the underneath legs can help as the underneath leg may have been laid on for some time and be numb. This can be very dangerous so please make sure you wear hard hats, gloves and you have plenty of room to get out of the way once the horse is over – if you are unsure please call your vets for advice or a visit. Supplements – there are many supplements on the market and because they are not a drug the companies do not have to prove they are effective. I advise doing your research and checking the strength and purity of the supplement before spending money on it.
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HEALTH & WELFARE
Choosing a livery yard with:
good worm
Control By Claire Shand, SQP Westgate Labs
rom turnout options to arena surfaces there are many factors to consider when choosing the right livery yard for your horse. Whether it’s DIY, part or full livery and whatever your budget you want to ensure that the facilities and care will help you to keep your horse as happy and healthy as possible. The more horses that live together in one place, the more important parasite control becomes. Good worm control is fundamental to the management of a larger yard and this aspect of horse healthcare should be an important consideration for any owner choosing livery. If you’re not quite sure what you should be looking for here are
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four essential questions to ensure you have it covered:
Do you have a worm control programme? First and foremost you are looking for reassurance that someone understands the importance of parasite control and which horse worms to target at which time of year. Ideally this means the correct use of a regular test based programme for redworm, roundworm and tapeworm with worming doses for encysted redworm and other parasites such as bots and pinworm added as appropriate. Worming programmes that rely on regular doses of wormer chemicals encourage resistance to build up to the drugs.
Without regular monitoring using worm counts and the EquiSal saliva test, horses could still be at risk from potential problems.
Conversely a yard with no worming programme could expose your horse to unchecked parasite challenges and make life much more difficult for you to
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vet cAMPAIGNs:
manage your own horse’s parasite burden. At worst it could put your horse at risk from serious illness and even death.
foR RaDical ReThink
Who manages the worming programme? Ideally one person should be in charge of coordinating a programme so that everyone is doing the same thing and all horses are covered. The testing and treatment programme can then be managed hand in hand with field changes and pasture management to maximise its effectiveness. Streamlining control in this way reduces the risk of parasite challenge and potentially the amount of proactive treatment you might need to give.
How do you manage the grazing? In addition to a worming protocol, any pasture management techniques that break the lifecycle of the worms will be beneficial in reducing the parasite threat to horses. Poo picking paddocks, harrowing when done on dry bright days, and cross grazing with other animals are all good practise. Look for well-maintained pasture that is rested periodically and not over grazed. Good husbandry can help to reduce the number of chemical worming doses you need to give. Look out for clean, well maintained paddocks and tidy muckheaps located at least three metres from adjacent grazing land (motile larvae can
travel this far from droppings to re-infect grazing).
What about new horses coming on to the yard?
Wanting to highlight the issues around resistance to wormers, leading holistic vet, Nick Thompson has called for greater awareness of this global issue. Nick points out that it is understanding how current wormers work – or don’t work – that could be the key to finding a sustainable solution to wormer resistance. “The major challenge is not the worm’s ability to survive a dose of a drug that would normally be lethal but the fact that this ability to survive can be passed on to its offspring. “The flaw in all de-worming drugs is that they have never been 100% effective. There are always survivors and with less worms to compete against, the survivors do what they do best – thrive and reproduce, establishing a new generation of worms with the ability to resist the only drugs available to kill them.” Nick has launched two films which can be viewed on the Verm-X facebook.
Best practice is to insist that new horses coming on to the yard with an unknown history are stabled/kept separately in poo picked paddocks and worm counted before being allowed on to the main fields with other horses. Here at Westgate we understand how stressful this can be for horse owners; we test all samples on the day we receive them and return results back the same day. This minimises isolation and means any treatment can be given as quickly as possible to prevent any potential contamination. If the yard is perfect in every other way then you could always pass on the details of Westgate Labs’s commercial yard service and encourage them to move to targeted worm control! www.westgatelabs.co.uk
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HEALTH & WELFARE
DIFFERENT TYPES of Wounds
IN THIS ISSUE, ROBINSON ANIMAL HEALTHCARE HELP US IDENTIFY DIFFERENT TYPES OF WOUNDS, EXPLAIN HOW THEY COMMONLY OCCUR AND HOW BEST TO TREAT THEM.
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ven with all the best precautions injuries can still happen and all wounds, even minor ones, require attention to promote healing and avoid infection. When the skin becomes damaged as a result of a laceration or other injury, the horse loses its first line of defence against infection. Correct first aid measures can significantly assist the healing process. A wound can be either open or closed, with open wounds suffering skin damage and closed as bruises or sprains. Open wounds fall into four categories, incised wounds, lacerations and tears, puncture or abrasions.
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incised wounds Incised wounds often bleed heavily, have clean straight edges and are caused by the skin being penetrated by a sharp object. Causing little bruising, an incised wound will usually heal quite quickly. lacerations and tears Lacerated wounds are the most common type caused by barbed wire fencing and have a torn jagged appearance, with some bruising. This type of wound is more susceptible to infection because of the degree of soft tissue injury. Puncture wounds Many puncture wounds are tiny
nail, and the very nature of a foreign body entering the skin carries bacteria deep into the wound leading to infection. This type of wound must heal from the inside out and usually involves poulticing the wound to draw out any infection. and hard to spot but there is usually a tiny trickle of blood or a highly sensitive area around the puncture. Little blood comes from a puncture wound, unless it has perforated a major blood vessel in which case it may be fatal. The first sign of a puncture wound is often a swollen and inflamed area which can be over looked. A common puncture wound is caused when a horse stands on a
abrasions Abrasions are superficial skin wounds such as saddle sores and grazes, often only involving the skin and hair. How do wounds heal? Wound healing starts as blood clots come into contact with the air, sealing the wound. If the outer surface of the wound is allowed to dry out a scab will form.
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exudates providing a more controlled wound environment and encourage healing to start from within. They also act by gently debriding wounds and rehydrating necrotic tissue which will then be removed from the wound surface.
Damaged tissues release chemicals into the blood stream to start the healing process. Sometimes the injury may become inflamed; this is a normal reaction and a natural defence to the injury. With horses, however, this inflammation can become excessive and prolonged leading to a delay in the healing time and sometimes results in proud flesh. Inflammation also forms a clear, yellow fluid called exudate which helps the healing process by keeping the wound moist and providing skin cells with concentrated nutrients. As the wound begins to bind together, new blood cells develop and epithelial cells form and commence healing around the edges of the wound. Once the wound has a new layer of skin, any scab will come away, sometimes leaving scarring. Many horse owners still believe that a wound should be allowed to dry out – ‘let the air get to it’ but the opposite is now understood to be more beneficial providing faster healing, less scarring and reduced pain.
moist wound Healing All minor open wounds should be cleaned as soon as possible with a saline solution or a level teaspoon of salt per pint of previously boiled water. If necessary carefully clip around the area of the wound, and apply a sterile wound hydrogel such as Vetalintex from Robinson Animal Healthcare generously to a depth of about 5mm. Vetalintex is easy to apply and comes in 15g tubes. Wound hydrogels can provide moisture and absorb excess
infected wounds If the area is infected, use a hot poultice such as Animalintex to draw out the pus and change it every 12 hours. Any pus that is not able to drain away will cause pressure and infection to build up as the wound starts to heal causing extreme pain. When the infection has disappeared the wound should be covered with a dry dressing until it starts to heal over. It is vital to keep it clean and dry. Serious injuries should always be attended by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible and always ensure your horse is vaccinated against tetanus. www.robinsonhealthcare.com
CuttiNg-edge imagiNg is imPRoviNg equiNe head aNd sPiNe diagNoses The better vets can examine their equine patients the better they are able diagnose and treat them. The good news is that major progress in imaging of the head and spine is helping to achieve exactly this. The Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) has joined forces with Equine Veterinary Education and Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound to showcase an online collection of the latest articles on imaging these intricate and less accessible parts of the equine anatomy. Imaging the Equine Head and Spine Online Collection can be downloaded here http://bit.ly/2gUxtN8
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HEALTH & WELFARE
safety via
satellite By David Coleman
oday we are very fortunate to have a range of technology at our disposal that helps to keep us safe. GPS systems - the Global Positioning System of satellitebased networks of satellites that are located in orbit - are proving very useful for sports enthusiasts like horse riders who venture out for long rides and adventures. Anyone carrying a smart phone with an emitting signal can be located with varying degrees of accuracy using Android, iPhone or Windows mobile GPS technology. Even if you or your loved one has an older mobile phone, there are ways to track its location, by first registering the device with a computer-based system like AccuTracking, as opposed to downloading an app. Phone service providers do offer advice on GPS location services, so that is worth looking into as well.
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Appy to help There are some useful phone apps you could download like OS MapFinder, the official mapping app from Ordnance Survey, that enables you to plan your routes and local bridleways before you set out. It uses an integrated GPS tracker to help you keep track of your current location while you’re out and about. You can also download leisure sports
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apps for your phone that can pinpoint your location using GPS. However, a more advanced type of technology is the Ridersmate. The second you fall off a horse it can be a race against time to provide you with the specialist medical care you need; so this could be the ideal product for you, if you enjoy pleasure rides, hacking or TREC contests. Ridersmate is a safety tracking device that goes a step further than an app, and informs emergency contacts with information including longitude/latitude, the speed the rider was going, plus an embedded map link which links to Google Maps. The unit attaches easily to the saddle, with a detachable jack plug that tethers to the rider’s belt loop or an item of clothing. There’s a 60 second window accounted for, so if you detach Ridersmate accidentally, you can quickly reattach it before it sends the message. The unit is powered by a SIM card, and is extra helpful as it is also able to locate the horse, for example if it bolts following an accident. There are of course other things that can be done to reduce your risk factors when out and about; planning your route, taking into account daylight hours and traffic patterns, wearing high visibility gear that alerts emergency services if you have fallen, wearing an up-tostandard helmet and telling people where you’re going. Whatever your riding plans this winter, we do hope you stay safe when hacking! www.ridersmate.com
tow the line; make sure your
hoRse box is saFe F ollowing the tragic death of 3-year-old Freddie Hussey, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is launching a new campaign highlighting the importance of trailer safety. Freddie was killed in 2014 when a two-tonne trailer uncoupled from a Land Rover and careered on to the pavement. For vehicle users towing horse boxes DVSA has produced a quick and simple online guide accompanied with short video to help people check if their horse box is safe. The campaign is also targeting anyone towing small trailers, caravans and boats. Transport Minister, Andrew Jones, said: “I was shocked and saddened by the death of 3year-old Freddie Hussey - it is absolutely essential that drivers carry out a few quick and simple checks to make sure their trailer is safe, so we do not see a repeat of this awful tragedy. This campaign will help drivers to make sure they are towing safely and will save lives in the process.” DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “DVSA first priority is to protect the public and help you stay safe on Britain’s roads. “It’s your responsibility to ensure equipment is fitted to your vehicle correctly and used safely. There is no excuse for not being informed. “Even a short journey with an insecure
or unroadworthy trailer puts lives at risk, as the death of 3-year-old Freddie Hussey tragically shows.” To make sure your using a trailer safely you need to: • make sure the brakes are working correctly; • check that the lights are undamaged and working correctly; • check that the coupling height is correct; • use a breakaway cable or secondary coupling. The campaign is also supported by representatives from National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). NTTA Chief Executive Administrator, Larry Lambert, said: “NTTA firmly believes that education is the key to stopping these events from happening again and our association fully supports this campaign. “We urge all users to keep their trailers properly maintained and to allow sufficient time before each journey to carry out essential checks that will ensure that their towing experience is safe and legal at all times.” SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said: “We welcome this important campaign, and urge all trailer users to follow the DVSA’s simple steps to ensure their trailer is properly coupled so they can tow safely and avoid further tragic and preventable accidents.” For information about safety checks you should carry out, go to www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-atrailer-with-a-car-safety-checks.
#towsafe4Freddie
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HEALTH & WELFARE
wiNteR time saviNg tiPs with Gary Foggon inter does not have to be all about dark nights and early mornings. In this issue international rider Gary Foggon of Team Black Country Saddles provides some handy hints to make good use of precious time throughout the winter. • Before bringing your horse in from the field, why not pick his feet out into a rubber skip
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which will save you having to spend time sweeping the yard. • Buy plenty of haynets and fill them all at once, this can save time on dark mornings and nights. • Invest in a set of overalls to wear over your day-to-day clothes, this saves time changing and prevents unnecessary trips home. • When turning your horse out in the morning, weather permitting, try to get your stable ready for the evening. If all the mucking out is done, water-buckets filled and haynets sorted, you won’t then need to do this in the evening leaving you more time to concentrate on your riding. • To save time on mucking out why not deep litter your horse’s bed until you have more time at the weekend. • When pushing a full wheelbarrow from the stable to the muck
heap, be sure to throw over a sheet or blanket to prevent mess spilling onto the yard. This will save you from having to sweep the yard. • Work together! Try and join up with a fellow horse owner at your yard and devise a rota where you take it in turns to bring each others horses in from the field or turn them out. This will give you a little more free time. • Save time having to brush your horse by investing in a rug with a neck cover. This is more likely to keep your horse clean and reduces time spent brushing and increases time spent riding. • After riding, give both your saddle and bridle a quick wipe over every time it is used rather than leaving it until it is a major, time consuming task.
gary’s Favourite saddle Gary rides in the Dante Dressage Saddle from Black Country Saddles. Says Gary: “As soon as you sit in the Dante you feel so comfortable due to the very soft and supple calf leather and memory foam incorporated into the seat, skirt and knee rolls. This helps eliminate pressure points and acts as a shock absorber which really has made a difference to how I feel schooling and training at home, or in the arena at competitions.” www.blackcountry saddles.com
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maKe it a dRY JaNuaRY! Anything to make life easier when battling with the mud and wet has to be a bonus! Golly Galoshes are both breathable and waterproof and designed to be worn over your horse’s boots and bandages to help prevent your horse’s legs and protective legwear getting soggy and muddy. Simply remove the Golly Galoshes revealing clean, dry boots, rinse off the mud and hang to dry, ready for use again. Because they are incredibly lightweight they have minimal drying time, so unlike your horse’s legs or boots they won’t stay soaking wet for hours! Available in a variety of colours from smart Navy and Black for schooling and training through to fluorescent and reflective versions for safety out hacking, Golly Galoshes can also be used over medical dressings. RRP: from £26.99 per pair. www.gollygaloshes.com
wellNess, suPPleNess aNd
abilitY to PeRFoRm
O
lympic dressage riders Fiona Bigwood and Anders Dahl are to be sponsored by Swedish based therapeutic clothing company Back on Track, the company has recently announced. British Olympic silver medallist Fiona and her husband, Danish Olympian, Anders Dahl have been using Back on Track products for their horses’ wellbeing for over seven years. Anders first used the products when his grand prix level horse, Bukowski, sustained a tendon injury. Anders explained: “A friend from New Zealand recommended using Back on Track bandages and pillow wraps to speed up Bukowski’s recovery. The horse healed way better than expected and faster than we anticipated. The Back on Track wraps made a huge difference.” Bukowski encountered no further leg problems and went on to compete successfully with South Korean rider, Kim DongSeon at both the World Equestrian Games in 2014 and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Fiona said: “We have used the Back on Track bandages, wraps
and rugs on all our horses since seeing the effect the wraps had on Bukowski. Anders and I are delighted to be announcing Back on Track as our official sponsor.” Wellbeing, suppleness and ability to perform are at the heart of Fiona and Anders’ equine training schedules which fits in very well with the Back on Track ethos of prepare, perform and recover. The Back on Track products are made from high performance Welltex fabric. The Welltex is infused with ceramic particles that cause long wave infra-red heat to radiate back towards the body. The body responds positively to the infrared wave, increasing circulation, which can relieve joint tension, maximise performance and help avoid injury. Fiona said: “The management of the horses is key to their success. Back on Track products are very effective, simple to use and hard wearing. Our horses wear the rugs and bandages daily. Back on Track are better than any other products we have used. We are expecting the horses to perform at the top of their game and I think it is
Fiona Bigwood and Atterupgaards Orthilia with Anders Dahl and Selten Photo: Rose Lewis
important that we use the best products to help them do this.” Fiona and Anders horses, Atterupgaards Orthilia and Selten travelled out to Brazil for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics wearing their Back on Track rugs and leg wraps for the entire journey. Anders continued: “We always travel the horses in the Back on Track pillow wraps, bandages and Mesh rug whether it is by road or air. They always arrive looking well and fit.” Back on Track UK Brand Manager, Georgia Keegan said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fiona and Anders to the Back on Track team. Their enthusiasm for the Back on Track range is great to see and we are delighted that both Fiona and Anders, their horses and their staff will benefit from our products.” www.backontrack.com
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HEALTH & WELFARE
Rabbits:
eFFeCtive CoNtRol measuRes by Richard Harvey, East Anglian Pest Control
R
abbit infestations are very troublesome for landowners, with rabbits eating up to 20% of cereal crops in certain areas of the UK. Rabbits tend to breed very quickly, even in our mild winters. They cause damage to trees, crops, and they graze grass areas making them the No1 pest. Equally horse owners really don’t want them in their hedges or paddocks, as a lot of rabbits will eat the grass their horses should be grazing on. They also dig large warrens, which puts your horse at risk from injury as they can easily inadvertently step into the holes. Scrapes (the rabbit’s waste) are a problem for
horses too. Therefore it’s best to keep rabbits to a minimum - that’s where we come in. Most professional pest control operatives start in winter months from November through to February, when the undergrowth has died down, enabling easier access to the warrens. Ferreting is an excellent control method. Nets and ferrets are put
down occupied warrens; when rabbits flee they are caught in long nets/purse nets before being despatched. There is no loud shotgun noise as the work is carried out silently, so horses are not disturbed. After ferreting, we can get to all holes and gas the rabbits below ground. Both these methods are very effective, although gassing is more costly. Trapping and lamping are carried out after the
main work is completed. It is important that this is ‘pest control’, not sport - we are there to reduce rabbit numbers and monitor during the other seasons. Don’t take risks with your horse - get advice about pest control treatments. If you would like help and a quote please call East Anglian Pest Control on 01473 830548.
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
CALL US FOR A QUOTE: 01473 830548 07799 761796
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Refs are available; Fully insured; Areas covered Suffolk, Norfolk, North Essex; We also cover rodents, insects, birds etc.
www.eastanglianpestcontrol.co.uk info@eastanglianpestcontrol.co.uk
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The Tellington Touch Equine Awareness Method (TTEAM)
By Samantha Hardingham
Top Tip by Carolyn Watson, Cleveland House Stud
top tips on building a healthy
ttoUcH GRoUND exeRcIses - The ZePhYR leaD
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Tel: 07740 047279 http://meta.fitness/home
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ast month we looked at the start of ground work exercises and use of the Labyrinth. The Zephyr Lead is one of the Tellington Tools used for groundwork exercises, it is designed to give you control without force and enables you to give your horse clear signals. The lead is approximately 2 meters of soft flat nylon with a soft rope attached to the end. Fitting the Zephyr Lead You will need a well fitting headcollar with smooth side rings. The headcollar should be be fitted approximately 3 fingers width from the protruding cheekbones. The lead is attached from the outside left then runs over the noseband and back out through the lower right headcollar ring. The clip then runs up the cheekpiece and attaches to the upper right ring. You need to have around 15cm of rope left on the side you are leading from. Remember it is useful to lead
your horse from both sides so the lead can be connected from either side. 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.
Immune System
ack in October I wrote about ‘how to avoid the lurgy’ so that you’d get through the winter without catching the common cold. So here are a few extra tips on how you can continue to build your immunity system now January ‘lurgy time’ is upon us. Eat two to three natural prebiotics a day - they are a form of semi digestible fibre and bacterial food, like asparagus, garlic, leeks, onions, oats, quinoa, yams, fruits (including citrus) flaxseeds and chia seeds. Eat one to two probiotics a day they are the bacteria themselves, like yoghurt with live and active cultures (I love Total full fat Greek yogurt), cheese, kefir, pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha. You can take prebiotic and probiotic supplements, they are an extra not a replacement though for these foods. However if you do come down with the lurgy eating healthily during this period will help you to recover more quickly. Here are a couple of extras that will help whilst you are in the sick bay: Garlic - it’s antibacterial and lessens the effects of the common cold and other
infections. Honey - also antibacterial helps ease coughs and sore throats, just a teaspoon in green tea is all you need. Green tea - helps the production of B cell antibodies and fights off any germs. Chicken broth - yes this does actually work as well as providing much needed fluids and electrolytes it also has anti inflammatory properties, but you do have to make it from the carcass itself - Batchelors cup a soup just isn’t going to cut the mustard on this occasion! A healthy gut creates a healthy immune system so feed it well!
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NUTRITION
Winter Weight Watchers By Jane Buchan, Baileys Horse Feeds
Objective Scoring Whilst many of us will be aware of the principle of Body Condition Scoring (BCS), most of us simply use our eye to assess horses’ or ponies’ condition and we’ll all have our own idea of what we are trying to achieve. Body Condition Scoring involves assessing the fat covering of the neck, ribs and rump, both visually and by getting your hands on and feeling things. At Baileys, we use a BCS system from 1 to 9, where 5 is described as “moderate”, and considered “ideal”, and 9 is described as “extremely fat/obese”. Be honest, if your horse or pony is going into the winter with a BCS of 6 or over, his calorie requirements have been and are being exceeded. That means that he is consuming more than he is burning to stay healthy, keep warm and fuel work.
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EMS
nutritional quality of grazing should give an advantage as more calories are used by the body to keep warm and fewer should be provided by grass. Let’s not forget that Natives, in particular, are designed to live on next to nothing, however, so here are some practical ways to actively promote weight loss.
source but low calorie chaffs, soaked beet pulp and high Whilst it’s normal for horses and fibre cubes or nuggets, will add ponies, particularly Natives, to variety during the winter as be going into winter carrying long as they are not over-fed. extra condition, what is often • Fatties still need essential forgotten, is that they are nutrients for health and welldesigned to use up those stored being so should be fed a low energy reserves through the calorie balancer, alongside winter months so that they forage and/or pasture, to enter the spring considerably provide quality protein, slimmer. Problems arise when Feeding Tips for vitamins and minerals, for horses and ponies remain muscle tone, metabolism and Winter Weight perpetually overweight as the healthy hooves and skin. fat deposits produce hormones Loss Balancers are perfect for which cause insulin resistance • To encourage weight loss, the providing those nutrients likely and a condition now known as combination of forage and any to be lacking in a forage-only Equine Metabolic Syndrome hard feed should not weigh diet and can be fed as the sole (EMS). more than the equivalent of concentrate to good-doers or Equines suffering from EMS are 1.5% of a horse’s bodyweight. to top up reduced amounts of at greater risk of laminitis but Of this, a minimum of the hard feed, to keep the diet luckily, on the whole, if they lose equivalent of 1% of the horse’s balanced, without adding extra the weight, this risk can be bodyweight should be calories. greatly reduced. Unfortunately, fibre/forage to help maintain • Exercise not only burns many equines, are constantly gut health. A weightape can be calories, it keeps the horse kept in the 6 – 8 range of the 9 used alongside body condition mentally and physically point “Henneke” condition score scoring to assess and monitor healthy. If a horse has limited scale, described as “moderately a horse’s bodyweight. or no access to turnout, he fat” to “fat”, so are clearly at • When stabled, preserved must have some other form of constant risk of EMS and forage is the main source of exercise every day, even if it is laminitis. calories. Intake should be only in-hand. controlled by weighing what is • Only lightweight rugs should Encourage fed and using small-holed hay be used, if any, so the pony has Weight Loss nets to make the daily ration to burn fat reserves to keep These are the ones whose last as long as possible. Whilst warm. owners should make use of the calorie intake must be The colder and harder the winter to encourage some controlled, a horse still needs winter, the more help it will give weight loss - visit the Baileys fibre to chew and to keep his you in encouraging weight loss web site to download our Body digestive system healthy. in your overweight equine, Condition Scoring leaflet and see • Hay should be soaked for up to especially after a long warm for yourself where your horse or 12 to 16 hours, if possible, to autumn with plenty of grass. pony fits on the scale. Rather wash out soluble We’re not talking about than leaving these overweight carbohydrates (calories) yet reducing them to BCS scores animals to their own devices, leave essential fibre. Steaming below 4, which would be natural feeding and management helps reduce the spores in hay for many living wild, but shifting should be adjusted to ensure but has no effect on its calorie down a score or two and staying they come into spring nearer a content. there, would be a healthier BCS of 5. • Hay or haylage will always be situation for many. The colder weather and poorer the most cost effective fibre www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
Product News...
TopChop Zero is designed for horses and ponies that are overweight and need an exceptionally low-calorie source of mature forage. Horses and ponies can pick away steadily at TopChop Zero when they no longer have access to grass or hay or even haylage. By doing this they will ensure a supply of fibre to the microflora in their hindgut during periods when otherwise there would be no forage supply e.g. when stabled from late evening until morning. TopChop Lite is a natural product made from alfalfa, oat straw, a light dressing of soya oil and real mint. TopChop Lite contains no added molasses or any other sugar coating. It is suitable for all horses and ponies and perfect for gooddoers and others prone to weight gain. www.topspec.com
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Q NUTRITION
“My horse is dropping too much weight – what’s the best advice you can give me?”
F
eeding horses does not need to be complicated and providing you follow a few general rules then you should have no problem in putting weight on your horse while also keeping four feet firmly on the ground! The first thing to make sure is that you provide him with plenty of good quality forage. This should form the basis of every horse’s diet and will not only provide digestible energy for maintenance of body condition but will also help to maintain a healthy digestive tract. If you choose to feed hay try and make sure that it is early cut hay, that is soft, clean and sweet smelling. Early cut hay will provide more digestible fibre and thus more energy than older hay, which is not so easy to digest and provides a higher proportion of indigestible material. On the other hand you may wish to use haylage, which generally has a slightly higher digestible energy level than hay so is a useful forage feed for those
NEW PRODUCT
ALERT! 30
horses that require condition. Remember that as haylage has a lower dry matter content than hay that you feed plenty of it to ensure that your horse eats enough fibre and doesn’t just get water! As a general rule of thumb you should feed no less than 1.5 % of your horses body weight as forage. So for example, if your pony weighs 350 kilos, he should receive no less than 5 kilos per day as hay and preferably between 6-7 kilos if you are feeding haylage. However, for horses and ponies that struggle to maintain optimum body condition, the forage should be provided on an ad-lib basis. This means that he has it there and readily available at all times. In order for your pony to put on condition you need to increase the amount of energy that he is eating. Choosing the right type of ingredients will also mean that you can put weight on while also maintaining a steady temperament. Well managed pastures and daily turnout, will
By Lizzie Drury MSc Senior Nutritionist Saracen Horse Feeds. help to provide the additional calories to put condition on your horse or pony, alongside access to plenty of hay or haylage. From a concentrate feed perspective, I would recommend that you gradually introduce a conditioning feed that is high in fibre and oil to provide a source of ‘cool’ calories, such as Saracen Conditioning Cubes or Conditioning Mix. Providing that these are fed at the manufacturers recommended feeding levels then they will provide all the vitamins and minerals and quality protein that your horse or pony requires. For example, if your pony weighs approximately 350 Kilos, you would need to feed 1.5-2.0 Kilos of feed per day, which should be split in to two feeds to prevent undigested cereals reaching the hindgut undigested. Conditioning feeds, like these are described as being non-heating because of the way in which the ingredients that make up the feed are digested to provide energy. Feeds containing digestible fibre sources such as
alfalfa, Soya hulls and sugar beet provide the horse with slow release energy. Fibre is digested in the horse’s hindgut by millions of bacteria, yeast and other microbes. The process takes a long time so that the energy within the feed is made available to the horse much more slowly and over a longer period of time. Ideal for conditioning and maintaining perfect manners! To encourage chewing and saliva production you could add some alfalfa to your cool feed, which will also help to provide additional digestible energy for weight gain. I would also suggest that you add some yeast to your horse’s feed such as Saracen Yea-Sacc. Yeast works in the horse’s hindgut to help maintain a stable environment in which the gut microbes can flourish. If they are happy and healthy then it usually follows that the horse is too and able to make better use of the fibre feeds that you are giving him. www.saracenhorsefeeds.com
Dengie Grass Pellets are a blend of naturally nutritious 100% pure British grasses. Naturally sweet to tempt fussy eaters the pellets are ideal as a partial hay replacer, can be fed dry or soaked, used in a snack ball or as a high fibre treat. Containing non-GM grass they are ideal for providing energy from fibre and have comparable energy values to a low energy mix or cube. They are useful for feeding soaked for veterans or those with poor teeth and can be used as a hay replacer if required. 20kg RRP: £8.75 www.dengie.com
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Q Tips for Feeding For Condition
A
✓ Never try to rush weight gain. Slow and steady is by far the safest for your horse. Assessing your horse’s weight weekly using a weigh tape will allow you to notice any unusual changes. ✓ Try to keep an underweight horse as warm as possible; he will lose a significant amount of calories trying to generate heat. ✓ Look for feeds that contain digestive enhancers such as yeast and prebiotics. ✓ Don’t confuse fat with muscle. You will not achieve a welldeveloped top line through feed alone, correct work is also essential. Fibre-Beet is ideal for horses needing to maintain condition throughout the winter. It provides a good range of minerals, trace elements and amino acids and it is high in fibre with a low sugar and starch content, providing slow release energy. Ideal for horses prone to digestive upsets and very palatable for fussy eaters, FibreBeet has added biotin for hoof quality and is suitable for horses and ponies susceptible to laminitis. www.britishhorsefeeds.com
"My horse can get very stressed over winter which results in weight loss, what Rowen Barbary product would you recommend?” The first thing I would look at doing is lowering the energy levels, which means feeding a higher fibre lower starch diet so for this I would recommend the new Leisure Plus from Rowen Barbary. By providing controlled levels of starch alongside a high fibre level Leisure Plus helps supply the low energy levels required for horses that are prone to excitable behaviour. Alongside the high fibre levels Leisure Plus also contains Calcareous Marine Algae to help reduce acidity, important to good gut health. This is designed to aid horses that may be prone to gastric ulcers, benefiting overall health and well being. Containing a combination of Linseed and Soya Bean Oil Leisure Plus will also help ensure condition and weight are maintained, ensuring excellent skin and coat condition. The high levels of oils will also help provide an excellent source of slow release energy for improved stamina for horses in light to moderate work. Natural herbs Chamomile Flower, Spearmint and Nettle are included to help promote overall health and well being with dehydrated Carrots added to help create an appetising feed that is equally delicious fed dry or soaked. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk
Mollichaff Condition Complete is a highly digestible, high fibre, high oil and low starch blend in a single bag. It can be fed as a complete concentrate feed alongside good quality forage, when fed at the recommended levels, and contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. www.horsehage.co.uk
NEW ALERT! PRODUCT
TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer has been designed for breeding stock that are such great-doers that they would become overweight if fed the recommended amount of a good Stud Feed Balancer. TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer will not promote weight-gain when fed as part of a calorie-controlled diet. It is of great use in avoiding over-topped youngsters and overweight broodmares and stallions. New TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘NonHeating’ low calorie feed that contains a multi-supplement including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements. Available in 20kg bag price £27.95. www.topspec.com
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NUTRITION
Boosting Immunity
Mycotoxins, produced by some types of mould growth, may be found in feed and forage. They have the potential to suppress the immune system and cause a wide range of conditions, ranging from sub-clinical symptoms such as general lack of form, hypersensitivity and loss of well-being, through to possible liver damage.
We can limit exposure to mycotoxins by always feeding good quality cereals, compound feeds and forage from a reputable source, as well as practicing good hygiene. Gut health has a major influence on immune function. Given the link between gut health and immune response, it is prudent to support the microbial population that inhabit the horse’s digestive tract. Many factors affect the horse’s ability to fight off sickness and disease but by reducing stress where possible and providing a balanced diet, you can go a considerable way to creating a robust immune system that is capable of withstanding much of what nature, and life, can throw at it. The Lifeforce Range from Alltech consists of three, all natural, daily nutritional supplements backed by more than 30 years of Alltech’s scientifically proven, fully traceable technologies. www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk
The immune system is your horse’s defence against illness and infection. A horse’s immune system can be or become deficient for a number of reasons - in foals it could be not getting the colostrum in the first few hours after birth. It can also be defficient in older horses, stressed horses or horses that have or are suffering from a prolonged illness or post operation. It goes without saying that in all cases a vet should be involved in the initial treatment and diagnosis of these horses, however there are some herbal supplements that you can give either short or longer term to help boost their immune system. Echinacea has been used for thousands of years by North American Indians to treat infections and wounds. This flowering plant is indigenous to North America it is also cultivated in Europe. The nutrients in Echinacea that enhance By Jennie Westcott, immunity are Polysaccharides, alkylamides and from Animal cichoric acid. The most common reason for people Health Company supplementing with Echinacea is to prevent colds and flu, as well as providing a general boost to the immune system. There has been research carried out over the benefits of feeding Echinacea. Many of these studies have shown an increase in Leukocytes (white blood cells of the immune system) as well as increased Hemoglobin (red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body) and ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN a shortening of cold symptoms for those who were taking this herb. SUPPLEMENTING PREGNANT MARES. www.animal-health.co.uk
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LOVE YOUR HORSE
INSIDE & OUT! We all know you love your equine friend and Aloeride, the naturally organic aloe vera supplement feels the same! Made in the UK from the finest grade of pure organic aloe vera available, Aloeride offers a wide range of benefits, from incredible support to digestion, to promoting a glossy coat, healthy skin and strong hooves, through to supporting swifter recovery and clearly more comfortable movement. Tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory, Aloeride doesn’t contain any synthetic compounds and is taste-free and easy to feed in convenient, sealed sachets, so it really does love your horse inside and out! RRP: £55.20 per carton (month’s supply) with discounts available on multipurchases. Fans of the product include established eventer and exracehorse trainer Victoria Bax, top show rider and producer Loraine Homer, and international dressage rider Leah Beckett. www.aloeride.com
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NUTRITION
A bale of hay in a Trickle Net… job done!
Trickle Net Small Bale Net - £59.95
Limited grass in your horse’s field this winter? Want to put hay in the fields, but worried about wasted hay trampled into mud? Don’t want to fill hundreds of nets? Trickle Net has launched the revolutionary Small Bale Net which eliminates wasted hay and ensures your horses or ponies have constant and controlled access to forage. The Small Bale Net is designed to snugly fit over an entire average bale of hay which makes it easy to supply a large amount of hay while also
controlling feeding over long periods of time, and reducing wasted hay to nothing! For barefoot horses the net is safe enough to be left in the field for horses to play with, but the net can also be secured in a tub or container for shod horses to use as well. The Small Bale net will keep your horses foraging for longer periods of time when the grass is scarce, and encourages the urge to graze naturally which promotes health and wellbeing. www.tricklenet.co.uk
£5,000 sponsorship winner! Following a nationwide search with more than 1,500 entries, the winner of the TopSpec ‘Once in a Lifetime’ £5,000 sponsorship is dressage rider Amy Schiessl. 21-year-old Amy has been riding from an early age and is currently competing two horses with more in the pipeline for 2017. A member of this year’s British Dressage European Young Rider Team, Amy’s top horse is the 15-year-old tobiano gelding Mr Mercury. Bought nine years ago as a hunter, he has far exceeded Amy’s expectations and is competing at Prix St George level with a view to moving up to Grand Prix. Said Amy: “To join the TopSpec team of sponsored riders with Nicola Wilson, Kitty King, Andrew Nicholson, Hayley WatsonGreaves, Louise Saywell and Robert Walker is the best.”
Photo: ES Photography
ThREE mORE yEARs OF sPONsORshiP
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Amy receiving her prizes from TopSpec Business Development Manager, Jessica Burbage.
Speedi-Beet will be continuing with their title sponsorship of the British Showjumping HOYS Grade C Championship for a further three years. This popular series culminates with the Championship Final at Horse of the Year Show. Competitors will have the opportunity to qualify for the Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Championship 2017 at the ten direct qualifiers, which will be held during May – August.
Chester enjoys life past the post In November 2015 Yorkshirebased charity New Beginnings, well known for taking in former racehorses, were told about Chester who was found in a poor state. The 6-year-old Thoroughbred bay gelding had raced between July 2012 and April 2014 and after being brought back to the charity’s yard and facilities, Chester showed signs of being very food aggressive due to being hungry most of the time. Said Pam Hollingworth of New Beginnings: “We started Chester on Fibre-Beet along with a suitable hard feed. We believe that the diet is one of the most important parts of a horse’s retraining and our philosophy and regime is to always feed fibre first. Chester slowly started to gain weight and condition and by April 2016 he was thriving. With such great progress Pam and the team decided it was time to bring him back into work and found that he loved being ridden and, in particular, jumping. Chester has now found his forever loan home where he will continue the successful transition from racehorse to riding horse. www.britishhorsefeeds.com
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SADDLERY & TACK
Top Tips for:
Tack Cleaning this Winter
M
ud, rain, wind and cold temperatures, our horses' tack goes through a lot during the winter months battling the elements, not to mention the sweat produced by the horse during hard work or a mornings hunting. Quality leather tack is designed to withstand a lot, but with daily use the leather and stitching can become damaged, so time spent cleaning our tack is a good opportunity to inspect for wear and tear. Very often in winter we are all guilty of cutting corners to get in a quick ride during daylight hours but with a bit of care and
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attention it is possible to keep our tack clean, after all, for many it has been a serious investment. Ideally we would all clean our tack and wash off the bit every time we ride; in reality few have time in the winter months, so here we offer some advice on this essential chore of owning a horse. Firstly hang the bridle on a hook and unbuckle the throat lash and noseband and unbuckle the cheek pieces down to their lowest hole. Wipe off mud and grease with a damp sponge, taking care not to use too much water as wet leather can stretch, then allow to dry naturally to prevent the
leather from drying out and becoming hard. Stiff, muddy tack can be uncomfortable for horses and risks causing sores from chaffing. Using saddle soap wipe all the leather work thoroughly taking care to make sure the underside is cleaned as well. It may not be essential to oil the bridle every time it is cleaned. Oiling helps maintain the suppleness of leather as well as preventing it from becoming dry and brittle. Wash and dry the bit checking for any roughness that could cut the horse’s mouth.
THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS OFFERS ADVICE ON KEEPING YOUR TACK IN PRISTINE CONDITION THIS SEASON As often as possible give the bridle a thorough clean by completely dismantling it, cleaning and inspecting each individual piece of the bridle, taking the opportunity to also check for worn stitching There are many products available these days for cleaning tack and it comes down to personal choice on which you choose. A soap containing glycerine is recommended as this will help condition the leather as well as keep it supple. It is advisable to keep leatherwork in a tack room with some form of heating to prevent mould from taking hold as once it has started to form it can
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Martin Wilkinson’s
MONTHLY TIP
cause staining that is difficult to remove. To prolong the life of your leather work, cleaning your tack should be a regular part of your routine, not only could it prevent an accident it could also save you money. www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
It is advisable to thoroughly clean your saddle and bridle at least once a week. The aim of thorough cleaning is to remove all dirt and grease and then to feed and condition the leather. There are numerous products available on the market for conditioning leather such as sprays, wipes, soap bars, creams, oils and balms. Always read manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure the product is suitable for your particular type of leather. Whether you use a sponge, brush or cloth to clean and apply product make sure it is not too abrasive so that the leather isn’t scratched.
Product News... The Vinici Tex Eventer has been specially developed for event riders. The forward designed flap and long sloping seat provide room behind the rider to allow the freedom required to move in the saddle when riding across country. The design of the saddle also gives the rider support when leaning back over drop fences. Made to the highest level, the saddle is available with triangular blocks as standard and is designed with pure wool panels to soften the pressure on the horse upon landing. Available in a range of width fittings, sizes 16in to 19in, colours Black, Brown, Havana, Oxblood, Newmarket. www.blackcountrysaddles.com
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BUYER’S GUIDE
Christmas may be over.... but look at all this lovely stuff! Hiho’s Exclusive Cherry Roller Collection now includes a stunning Fob Bracelet with a large cherry roller snaffle taking pride of place in the centre. RRP: £155.
Hiho Silver has introduced a new style of leather double wrap bracelet to its collection that is unisex in design and customisable. The Double Wrap Leather Bracelet has a RRP of £45, and sterling silver riders cost from £25. www.hihosilver.co.uk
Equestrian Sterling Silver And 18ct Rose Gold Plated Leather Snaffle Bracelet RRP: £60.
The Timothy Foxx Bubblegum Tweed Scarf is styled in a beautiful soft lightweight Scottish tweed with a stunning pink and turquoise plaid on a moss green base. Lined with a pretty vintage inspired pink floral and white cotton fabric, this scarf will brighten up those dull winter days ahead and beyond. Made in the UK. RRP: £49. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk
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The beautiful Ariat Burford combines the traditional look of a welly but with a little more style pizazz! RRP: £129.99; Burford Insulated RRP: £144.99. Taking the classic welly on in the style stakes is the Ariat Fernlee. This sleek style brings a touch of flair to the more traditional Wellington boot. RRP: £114.99. www.ariat.com
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These knitted pompom hats are brought to you by British Eventing. Brilliant at or away from the stables, they have a Faux leather label and oversized Faux fur PomPom. The fleece lining means they are really comfy and available in three great colours; Navy, Multi and Cream. RRP: £9.99. www.equestrian.com
Sno-Seal Leather Waterproofing from The Spanish Boot Company helps protect leather from rain, sun, snow and salt and once applied it dries to a solid coat of wax, which gives a protective second skin to your boots. RRP: £8.95. www.thespanishboot company.co.uk
Brand new to the Equi-Thème range are the Equi-Thème Pull-On Endurance Breeches. Tailored in a sporty cut, these breeches are comfortable, ultra-light and extremely stretchy due to the 80% nylon and 20% elastane composition. Sizes from XXS to XL. RRP: £56.90. www.equi-theme.com
The Ladies Horseware Brianna breathable jacket is the perfect winter riding jacket which has been designed to flatter the female shape. 100% Polyester 300T Waterproof, breathable, fully taped seams with a padded lining. Colours include Castle Rock and Enamel Blue and in sizes XS to XXL. RRP: £76.99. www.equestrian.com
Thermatex Quarter Sheet from online retailer Dressage Deluxe is ideal for keeping your freshly clipped horse warm and those winter chills at bay at home or at competitions. Sizes: 4ft 6 and 4ft 9. RRP: £89. www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk
The Boot Butler is a unique, patented design that will keep the wellie and boot wearing public free from muddy, wet socks. When removing wet or muddy boots using a traditional boot jack, it is virtually impossible to keep socks clean and dry, due to having to place the clean and dry foot on the same foot plate that was recently used by the wet or muddy boot. The Boot Butler is a perfect solution. After having removed the first boot a simple flip of the adjoining plate reveals a new, clean and dry surface on which to place the clean, dry foot and remove the second boot. Simple! www.bootbutler.co.uk
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r e d a e R giveaWays WE HAVE 6 HORSE & RIDER FIRST AID KITS UP FOR GRABS
The Horse and Rider First Aid Kit provides all the essential items required to cope with that unexpected emergency. Coming in a handy, wipe clean bag with carry straps, the bag functions as a ruck sack to keep both hands free and is easy to use both on the yard and while travelling away from home and competing. The kit contains all the necessary products to deal with minor cuts and grazes, including market leading products Animalintex, which is the ONLY medicinal licensed veterinary poultice and dressing on the market and Veterinary Gamgee. Also included are Equiwrap bandages, a 15g tube of Vetalintex, Skintact wound dressing 10cm x 10cm, Fast Aid Cleansing Wipes and tough cut scissors. For the rider, the kit contains a Robinson Animal Healthcare Fast Aid Travel First Aid Kit, the perfect solution for minor first aid treatment during outdoor activities. The kit retails at around £24.95. www.robinsonhealthcare.com
WIN A RIDERSMATE GPS DEVICE VALUED AT £179! The Ridersmate is a safety tracking device that informs loved ones and emergency contacts of key details regarding your location in the event of a fall. They will be informed via text of longitude / latitude, the speed the rider was going, plus an embedded map link which links to Google Maps. The unit attaches easily to your saddle, with a detachable jack plug that tethers to your belt loop or an item of clothing. Should you fall off, the jack plug will detach itself from the Ridersmate unit, automatically sending out an emergency message after 60 seconds to your chosen contacts. To cancel the response, you can simply reattach the jack plug to the unit, which will send a second message informing your contacts that all is well. www.ridersmate.com
WE HAVE 5 BAGS OF TOPSPEC SENIOR FEED BALANCER TO BE WON! TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘non-heating’ feed that contains several supplements including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements. Of particular importance to elderly horses is the inclusion of micronutrients known to help maintain mobility. This superb specification allows elderly horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and straights in their diet, which often means that their hard feed intake can be reduced with many resulting benefits. Using TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer will help to maintain mobility and also promote muscle development and topline, which often starts to decline as horses’ age. Feeding it will help to maintain good hoof quality and promote a supple skin with a shiny coat. It helps to maintain a healthy immune system and also includes a highly available source of vitamin C to help maintain healthy lung tissue. Feeding it may also lead to a calmer temperament in stressed horses and ponies. When feeding TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer there is no need to add any further supplements. www.topspec.com To enter go online at www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click the competitions page. Deadline is 31st January 2017
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PHOTONEWS Equestrian Centre, British Showjumping and of course all the competitors, friends and families. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.” Cambridge based Alice Ellison took an emotional win in the The Dodson & Horrell 1.05m Championship and she National Amateur & Veteran topped the table with Britney Championships (16th – 20th IV, a 10-year-old bay mare November) held at Aintree owned by Sacha Ellison. Forty Equestrian Centre in Liverpool one combinations contested are one of the highlights of the class in total and the the national showjumping victorious pair were drawn last calendar. to go in the nine horse jump Once again, six National off. Championship titles were up Alice was aware that only a for grabs which accumulated in quick double clear would do five days of ultra-competitive yesterday and Britney IV duly showjumping. delivered when she blasted The National Amateur through the finish with all Championships gave amateur poles still standing in just riders and horses the 32.95 seconds. opportunity to contest an end “This is the Championship that of year final across four I wanted to win,” said Alice. different heights of fences – “Last year, my time was good 0.85cm, 0.95cm, 1.05m and enough for the win in this class, 1.10m. The Championships but I had the last fence down, also played host to the so I was determined to come National Veteran Riders back and try for the victory this Championships, which are spilt year and I’m so pleased that we into minor and major managed to do it. This is categories. definitely one of my favourite Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & shows. Horrell said: “The National “Britney and I competed in the Amateur & Veteran Bronze League Final at Horse of Championships are a fantastic the Year Show and since then, event to be part of, we have we have been focused on these been lucky enough to have Championships. I first had the supported it for a number of ride on Britney when she was years and see it go from four years old and she came strength to strength. It’s great back to us last year – she’ll stay to see so many returning with us for life now.” competitors and our For a full list of results and congratulations go to all the further information about the championship winners. The Dodson & Horrell National event would not be such a Amateur & Veteran success without the excellent Championships, please visit organising team at Aintree www.aintreeequestriancentre.co.uk
It’s a win for Alice!
❙ Deben RC Christmas Showjumping ❙ Cowpasture Farm ❙ 10th December
Niamh Roberts on Lettie, 60cm winners
Eris Body riding Barney, 2nd place 60cm
Jess Zampi riding Dillon, 3rd place 70cm
Abi Jacobs
Danielle Lawrence on Bertie, 3rd place 90cm
Ben Kenyon on Phoenix, 80cm class winners
Chris Doyle Photography
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PHOTONEWS ❙ Unaffiliated Showjumping ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 9th October
Toby Treddinick on Cookie Monster, 3rd X-pole Lead Rein
Abi Flint riding Bracken, X-pole Pony winners
Caitlin Faulkner on Tornado Tilly, 50cmPony winners
Aaron Vickery on Obi, 2nd place X-pole Pony
Susan Johnson and New Years Day, 70cm Horse winners
Ruth Cartwright riding Dayrells Ella, 50cm Horse winners
Spencer Moret Photography
Catherine Caley on Butterfly, 60cm & 70cm Pony winners
Helen Ward riding Rocky, 3rd place 70cm Horse
Daisy Twin riding Squires Jibber Jabber, 2nd place 60cm Pony
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Hayley Palmer riding Pie In The Skye, 5th place 80cm Horse
Kirsty Way riding Jimmy Jones, 3rd place 50cm Pony
Jenni Vodden on Total Flair, 4th place 80cm Pony
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Hettie Meadows and Baileys, 90cm Pony winners
Danny Stahn and Quin, 80cm Horse winners
Emily Woods riding Rosie, 4th place X-pole Lead Rein
Amanada Bissett riding Bridget Jones, 4th place 50cm Horse
Lola Dunn riding Bella, 6th place X-pole Pony
Daisy Hughes riding In A Daze, 80cm Pony winners
Carrie Ann-Adams on Dan, 2nd place 80cm Horse
Harriett Garrett on CSC Indian Lakota, 1.05m Horse winners
Laura Cummings on Lakotta II, 3rd place 50cm Horse
Clare Hasler on Bee Happy, 60cm Horse winners
Beau Damps riding Marilyn Monroe, 2nd place 80cm Pony
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PHOTONEWS ❙ Unaffiliated Showjumping ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 16th October
Olivia Kirkham on Buttons, 5th place X-pole Pony
Charlie Bywater riding Starbrite, 4th place X-pole Pony
Dorothy Cowley on Patch, X-pole Lead Rein pony winners
Lou Orr riding Claude, 6th place 80cm Open Horse
Spencer Moret Photography Natasha Worsick on Bob VII, 5th place 90cm Pony
Keira Riley on Irish Smurf, 1.05m Open Pony winners
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Harriett Garrett on CSC Indian Lakota, 3rd place 1.05m Open Horse
Alex Curran on Vechta Cruise, 1.05m Open Horse winners
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Lola Dunn riding Bella, 2nd place X-pole Pony
Abi Flint riding Bracken, 6th place 50cm Pony
Finley Collins on Tara Nova, 80cm Open Horse winners
Victoria Stoughton riding Chancer, X-pole Pony winners
Kirsty Faulkner on Tornado Tilly, 70cm Open Pony winners
Caitlin Faulkner on Tornado Tilly, 50cm Pony winners
Hayley Palmer on Pie In The Sky, 70cm Open winners
Lucy Saunders on Prince William, 2nd place 70cm Open Pony
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Classified
Transport
AdvErTiSiNg
Call: 01473
731222 stables
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 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
46
@4x4HireNorfolk
4x4VehicleHireNorfolkAndSuffolk
RUG WA S RE-PRO HING OF & REPA ING IRS
KAY HOWARD
QUALIFIED MASTER SADDLER & SADDLE FITTER • Range of quality new, secondhand and synthetic saddles and accessories. • Impartial, independent, saddle fitting and advice. • Mobile workshop. • Re-flocking, top-ups and remedial flocking. • Full saddle repair service. Based in Norfolk, but covering a wide area.
Please phone Kay on (07775) 850400 Registered member
LEADING 4X4 VEHICLE HIRE PROVIDER, SPECIALISING IN RANGE ROVER AND LAND ROVER HIRE ACROSS NORFOLK, SUFFOLK AND CAMBRIDGESHIRE. TEL: 07584 195958 WWW.4X4VEHICLEHIRE.CO.UK
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Horse supplies
equine Crematoriums
Suffolk Pet & Equine Crematorium
PEACE OF MIND AT A TIME OF GRIEF 01284 810981 www.suffolkpetcrematorium.com instructor
WIX
Fakenham (01328) 851351
EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Full range of Horse & Pet, Feed & Bedding Open 7 days a week Indoor schools for hire
01255 870744
Gilly Knight Bhs Ai Reg’d
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
Flat and Jumping Lessons available in Essex area. Over 15 years teaching experience. First lesson half price.
www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk
gillian.knight@gmail.com
Peaceful Pets Equine Cremation East Anglia based Prompt 24 hour service
01485 528141 www.peacefulpets.org.uk Dentist
PROFESSIONAL, QUALIFIED & CARING EQUINE DENTISTRY
Freelance instructor.
07973 760803
07968 445509 WWW.BEDT.CO.UK
surfaces
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
TO ADVERTISE CALL...
01473 731222 47
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vets in the spotlight
VETERINARY CONTACTS
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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 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
HAWKEDON VETS EQUINE PRACTICE 01284 789428 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
Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4NP www.hawkedonvets.co.uk
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SHOWDATE DIARY
Practice in the
spotlight
Your Showdate listings for...
Jan/Feb 2017 Sunday 1st January
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! HAWKEDON EQUINE CLINIC Hawkedon Equine Clinic was established in 2004 by Richard Frost MRCVS. The practice is situated in the beautiful village of Hawkedon and serves the surrounding areas of Bury St. Edmunds, Newmarket, Thetford, Stowmarket, Haverhill and Diss. The clinic has extensive opening times with an emergency service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hawkedon Equine Clinic looks after both performance and pleasure horses. We offer a wide range of routine and specialised veterinary care. Our ambulatory vets provide general services to our clients at their own premises and we also have the equipment and facilities to offer specialised medical care at the clinic when needed. Our team strongly believes in combining practical experience with scientific endeavour and its application to horses’ welfare. At this time of year there is no shortage of rain and mud and many owners will be familiar with Mud Fever or ‘pastern dermatitis’. The horses’ exposure to the elements puts their skin under pressure. Once the skin’s defences are down opportunistic bacteria are able to move in and multiply. This superficial infection results in the heat, pain and swelling we associate with mud fever. As mud is unavoidable during the winter months, it’s best to avoid the amount of time your horse spends standing in muddy fields, provide a physical barrier to the elements applying either a cream or neoprene wraps and ensure that any turnout boots are clean and well-fitting. If mud fever has already struck signs of significant pain, swelling or open sores and wounds are all indicative that veterinary involvement may be required. If you’d like to know more or talk to one of our vets, please don’t hesitate to contact our surgery at 01284 789428, we look forward to hearing from you!
Monday 2nd January SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; New Year Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Tuesday 3rd January SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 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 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 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 ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Arena Eventing. Tel: 01449 711962 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 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 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 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 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 Wednesday 11th January DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 Thursday 12th January DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 Friday 13th January SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962
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SHOWDATE DIARY Your Showdate listings for... January/February 2017 Continued from previous page Saturday 14th January DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Classical & Veteran Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Easton Park Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 EVENTER CHALLENGE Suffolk: The Jays; NSEA Eventer Challenge. Tel: 01284 386014 SHOW Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Working Hunter Show. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Norfolk Showjumping Club. Tel: 01603 731577 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 Sunday 15th January DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01328 878282 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; Eventer Trial. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Norfolk Showjumping Club. Tel: 01603 731577 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Tuesday 17th January DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 Wednesday 18th January DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234
50
708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Thursday 19th January DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 Friday 20th January DRESSAGE Suffolk: The Centaur Trust; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 21st January DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; British Dressage. Tel: 01603 731577 DRESSAGE Suffolk: The Centaur Trust; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 DRIVING Essex: Wix EC; Driving. Tel: 01473 735732 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showjumping and Showing Fun Day. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Sunday 22nd January DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; High Fen RC Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744
DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 DRIVING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Indoor Carriage Driving. Tel: 01986 798756 SHOWING Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Winter Showing Show. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 Wednesday 25th January DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Thursday 26th January SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 Friday 27th January SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 28th January SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 Sunday 29th January DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; British Dressage. Tel: 01603 731577 EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; Eventer Trial. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showing Show. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Monday 30th January DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312
Tuesday 31st January DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 Wednesday 1st February DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Thursday 2nd February DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 Friday 3rd February DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 Saturday 4th February DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; THRC Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 Sunday 5th February DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01603 731577 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282
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