Equine Careers - including

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR... Aniwell

WE MEET THE FAMILY BEHIND THE ANIWELL BRAND AND DISCOVER HOW THEY HAVE BUILT A SUCCESFUL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OVER THE LAST NEAR-HALF CENTURY.

Samantha Sinclair and 25-year-old Murielle

Robin Sinclair qualified as a Pharmaceutical Chemist in 1961. He is the developer and managing director of Robin Pharmaceuticals Ltd, NZ, of which Aniwell is a division. He has also been registered as a Pharmacist in Mt Gambier, Australia and the UK, where he was a locum in Oxford.

Robin comes from an era of Chemists who mixed ointments, creams and capsules to doctors’ prescriptions, therefore having an in-depth knowledge of how ingredients work together to form creams, ointments or liquids. Robin has been developing and manufacturing topical skin preparations for animals and human use (Dermatological issues) for over fifty years. He had an interest in developing and manufacturing topical products for the Veterinary industry and had been making Paral Eardrops for dogs and cats – drops for ear mites and medicated animal shampoos, after hours of his regular Pharmacy work. In 1975 Robin was engaged by the NZ Veterinary Wholesalers to produce a covering cream to combat the clinical effects of facial eczema with a cream to protect the skin of cattle and sheep. FiltaBac begins 1975 Facial eczema is caused by the absorption of the toxins from the fungus (Pithomyces chartarum) appearing in the grass during times of warm humid weather. When this fungus is ingested by cattle and sheep, the toxins from the fungi are isolated by the liver and create a photosensitive-reaction – intense photosensitivity, which causes severe irritation, inflammation and pain to any exposed lightly pigmented or sparsely haired skin, resulting in peeling, weeping and severe damage to teats and udders. This happens to such an extent in dairy cows that it is impossible to milk the cow. The traditional application (1960-70) was a black cream or ointment. Robin rationalised that due to the photosensitivity, a breathable cream (not an occlusive ointment), should be reflective not absorbent to protect the underlying tissue. FiltaBac was developed and is used extensively throughout the dairy industry in NZ to this day. Aniwell brand grows from FiltaBac FiltaBac was joined by FiltaClear, specifically developed for any animals with sensitive skins and AMHVet with active manuka honey. This product was developed after Robin was initially involved with Professor Peter Molan, from the Honey Research Institute at Waikato University, developing irradiated active manuka honey dressings to be used on chronic wounds in compromised patients in the 1990’s. Samantha Sinclair Joins the family business “I started my working career as a Veterinary nurse in a small and large animal practice. I then trained in New Zealand as a Registered Nurse where I went on to specialise in Intensive Care, Renal Dialysis and in the last six years of practice a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Diabetes. In Australia I specialised in diabetic wound care and educating other health workers in managing

wounds in a remote environment,” Samantha explained. “However after twenty-six years Nursing I realised a change was in the air. “Ever since I can remember, Robin, my father, had been making FiltaBac. We wore it as sun block in summer, riding our horses bareback in our bathing suits, we were lucky to graze our horses on farms that surrounded a lake. Our horses had it slathered on their white noses, cuts, bites and grazes (as did we!). “FiltaBac had been sold in Australia for many years and Robin had launched the Aniwell products into the UK in 2010. I loved the products, used and use them extensively on all our menagerie of animals so felt, with my background in wound management (albeit human!), I could be of assistance to the family business. “Fortunately for me they agreed and I have been with the company since 2012. “It has been a steep learning curve from working in a government run Health Institution to a private business, however the rewards of receiving feedback and images of our products doing amazing things for customers animals –horses, cats, dogs, sheep, cattle and the odd cracked tortoise shell, is so incredibly satisfying. “I think my dad is a genius and am thankful they have given me the opportunity to be involved with the manufacturing side of animal care products.”

www.aniwell-uk.com

Five Minutes With... Katie Riley

Katie Riley, 26, took up the role of General Manager for the Coolhorsesocks.co.uk brand in 2018.

Coolhorsesocks is a small family business which started in 2008 as a germ of an idea by Tim Riley, Katie’s dad as Katie had constantly stolen his football socks to wear to the yard. When quizzed as to why the retort was “they don’t fall down”. So Coolhorsesocks was conceived with the plan to take this concept and create a Britishmade equestrian range of riding socks that met Katie’s approval. Fast forward twelve years and in that time Katie has graduated with a BA in Graphic Design, travelled Asia and Australasia and came back in 2018 ready to take up the leadership of the business. Katie has worked to develop the range with a keen eye for design, seasonality, performance and functionality with tremendous success trebling turnover in 2020. This success has been achieved by developing the online platform and social media exposure to engage with equestrians across Britain, and working closely to knit bespoke riding socks for prestigious brands such as British Horse Society and Joe Stockdale to name a few. “We work with our knit partner in Leicestershire ensuring our British-made ethos is to the fore and that sustainability, particularly in the packaging used, is to be as sustainable as possible without compromising the goods delivered to our clients,” said Katie. Katie is a keen rider and has just acquired her first horse since her pony days, Rebel a 5-year-old Irish Sports horse. Katie puts the socks through their paces every day, and being both a rider and a wearer she understands the needs of her customer base and ensures the quality, reliability and performance is never undermined.

www.coolhorsesocks.co.uk

EVENTERS PROGRAMME: APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications for the 2021 intake of riders to the Windrush Equestrian Foundation Young Eventers Programme will be open until 14th July 2021, and will be accepting applications from riders between the age of 21 and 28. Riders within that age range and competing at

CCI3* level, and above, can apply to become part of the 2-year programme. The non-profit organisation aims to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme. www.windrushfoundation.org.uk

FARRIER INJURY SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS RISKS DURING HOOFCARE APPOINTMENTS

Arecent survey conducted by the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association (BFBA) has highlighted the risks farriers are exposed to during hoofcare appointments.

349 farriers and farriery apprentices took part in the survey; 76% reported a minimum of one injury requiring hospital treatment and 32% reported visiting a hospital three or more times. In the study, fractures accounted for 42% of the injuries sustained with 56% of the injuries resulting from a kick from a hindlimb. 38% of the respondents reported a lasting physical impairment and 22% required more than four weeks off work. When asked to consider the most serious injury sustained, 31% of farriers felt that it could have been unavoidable. Being prewarned of known behaviours (22%), improved handling (46%), a better environment (30%) and sedation (41%) were among the recommendations suggested for potentially avoiding accidents. 60% cited misbehaviour as the cause of the injury sustained. Norfolk farrier, Mark Aikens BSc (Hons) FdSc DipWCF lost a finger when it became trapped under a hoof during a routine appointment on a horse that he had cared for since it was a foal. “Having sustained a career threatening injury has made me prioritise safety at each appointment I attend; the horse’s wellbeing and an optimal shoeing/trimming for that horse is my priority. Communication between farrier and client is vital in reducing injury to the horse, handler and farrier and I strongly advocate that all parties are in agreement to achieve this with the horse’s welfare being the prime concern.” Craig D’Arcy BSc (Hons) AWCF, President of the BFBA, is “concerned but not surprised” by the results. “We know that injuries sustained whilst shoeing and trimming horses can be devastating, with many having lasting, long-term implications for farriers. The findings will provide the basis for a campaign in which the BFBA aims to highlight the risks – educating both farriers and the people caring for horses and ponies on a daily basis – helping them create an environment where optimum hoofcare services can be provided safely.”

“Horses have been part of my life since I was 2years-old. I have always loved them and riding is also therapeutically beneficial as I suffer from chronic pain due to muscle and joint problems; due to these issues and poor balance, I have to ride in a western saddle.

“As a child, as well as riding, I longed for roller-skates and ballet shoes, but was unable to join in these hobbies with my friends. So I stuck with horse riding. “Odin my Fjord Horse, truly was my soul horse. I rode the Dorset lanes and learnt to canter on him and he would stop if I lost my balance. I lost him aged 35 but during those years I wrote an inclusive children’s story based on me and him. I hoped the story would spread a positive attitude towards ‘difference’ and encourage a can-do attitude in children facing challenges. In the story, like me, the character Molly is challenged by disability and longs to roller-skate with her friends. She meets Odin, and ogether, they find fun and selfacceptance. I see it that the book will enable Odin to go on helping people. “Then as I grew older I honestly

DAVID NOALIA ART EXHIBITION

David Noalia lives and works in Seville, the capital of Andalusia.

David returns to the Andalusian Horse, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse, for his artwork. He describes the subject as, “Essential; it allows me to reach any person or culture. It is a universal theme, and I am passionate about movement, elegance, and power.” David Noalia, who sold his first painting at seventeen, has won fourteen first prizes in art competitions throughout Spain and has held exhibitions in Madrid, Paris, Mallorca and Marbella. Exhibition Dates: July 13th and August 7th 2021 Location: Osborne Studio Gallery, London

www.osg.uk.com

AUTHOR & FUNDRAISER JADE LEAHY

LOCKDOWN GIFTED THE TIME TO DEVELOP A CHILDREN’S STORY, LAUNCH AN EQUESTRIAN LEISURE-WEAR BRAND AND START A PODCAST

believed my riding days were over. However more recently Rosie entered my life and my journey in the saddle began again. “Initially I was terrified and it took a team of three for every lesson, but with the help of the RDA, I am now riding Rosie. I’m a long way from cantering, but at least I am off the lead-rein! “With time on my hands lockdown then presented the perfect time for me to actually publish Odin’s story, with the motivation to give something back to the RDA. “I have also joined forces with Crafty Ponies UK to offer cuddly Odins that through sales, are also donating to the RDA. “In addition during lockdown I also created Horse Power Equestrian Leisure Wear and every garment sold donates to World Horse Welfare. “I also set up my Off The Lead Rein Podcast to chat to inspiring equestrians and was even lucky enough to feature Natasha Baker MBE as a guest!”

Odin’s book is available via Amazon or the book, toy ponies and Horse Power clothing are available via www.jadeleahy.co.uk

Leah and Rosie

Odin

Photo: Caitlin Hodges Photography www.caitlinhodges.co.uk 5 Minutes With... Holly Frost

“I started Stitch ‘n’ Stable during lockdown as I was unable to work in my regular job as a nail technician. “I have been riding since I was 6-years-old (I am now 18), and my current pony is a 13.3hh British Spotted Pony called Jeffery - he is my world. We enjoy competing in the local jumping league. “I had previously tried sewing but thought it wasn’t for me, but during the Covid pandemic I still needed to contribute to Jeffery’s livery fees so I took on the challenge of making masks by learning from a YouTube video. This led to me sewing and selling masks throughout the first lockdown to subsidise Jeffery. With the money left over once I’d paid my yard fees, I bought a pair of TechStirrups and made myself a pair of fleece covers to protect them and from there Stitch ‘n’ Stable was born. “I started with items such as stirrup covers and girth covers for the horses, and ear warmers and headbands for the riders. Almost all of our products are made of fleece which is easy to wash. I started with a limited choice of fabric but as my enthusiasm for my business grew, so did my client base which enabled me to add different patterns of fleece. “I found new clients were asking for things that I didn’t yet stock but I rose to the challenge by making these items (such as travel wraps and saddle covers) which I have now added to my product list. “My products are available on Etsy, EBay and Facebook with my website currently under construction.”

Photo: Jo Hansford Photography. LOOKING AT THE WHOLE PICTURE

When it comes to solving training issues and improving performance, you have to look at both the horse and the rider to get a true understanding of what’s going on, says Dee So’oialo, founder of Dynamic Sports Performance. She is the Soft Tissue Therapist for many top horse and rider combinations, and works alongside leading experts in their field with the aim of improving equestrian athletic performance.

“I always say it’s like making sure you've got the best Formula One car in the world, but not even considering the driver’s influence on it. As riders we can often fixate on our horse’s training, performance and way of going, but we as riders also play a huge part – and that’s why I like to work with both horse and rider to get the best results. “My analogy is that performance issues are a puzzle, and I need to have all the pieces to be able to reach a solution. When I start working with someone, I’ll do a full initial consultation on both horse and rider to get as much information as possible. “That isn’t to say that there’s always a major issue to work on, and often I am just looking at how I can help with small margins of improvement in performance by assessing them both as athletes, and during biomechanics sessions. Some of the simple things I will also look at and encourage everyone to do is regularly look at if they are wearing out one glove or shoe more than the other, and to look at their breeches too as uneven wear can be quite good indicators of asymmetries. I’ll also look at the rider as well as the horse during a trot-up, to see how they walk and run – it’s amazing how tiny changes can lead to an improvement in performance. I also look at the inherent athletic limitations of the horse, plus the muscle development, general conformation, lifestyle and fitness of both horse and rider. A crucial element for me is of course soft tissue mobility and any discomfort that might be present that could be limiting performance. “I often find that equine problems are the result of rider issues, and the horse then compensates – it’s a bit of a spiral effect. My job is to balance both halves of the partnership, making sure they are both moving to their optimum ability and not restricting one another, improving their strength and boosting their performance. I try to keep an open mind and think ‘outside the box’, but of course I’m not Mystic Meg, and it’s not possible to know exactly what a horse is thinking or feeling all of the time! All we can do is try to interpret their behaviour or actions as best we can, and I always try to get other professionals involved where needed to get the whole picture. ONE OF ONLY TWENTY THERAPISTS IN THE UK TO BE QUALIFIED IN RIDER AND EQUINE FASCIAL MANIPULATION, DEE SO’OIALO COMBINES PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS THROUGH BIOMECHANICS WITH RIDER STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING.

It’s really important for the entire support team to work together in a cohesive manner. “Equestrian sport is currently miles behind other sports like football or Formula One when it comes to analysis and riders fully appreciating how much marginal gains can lead to an improvement in performance, but I do think we’re getting there slowly. Most competition riders now understand the importance of including soft tissue therapy in their horse’s and their own routine, and they appreciate that our equine athletes can’t be expected to perform over and over again without any help and maintenance. “Solving those puzzles is a challenge, but it’s so satisfying when all those pieces come together. Watching those magic moments happen during biomechanics sessions, then seeing the improvement in competition, is definitely the best aspect of my job.”

www.dynamicsports performance.co.uk

FIVE MINUTES WITH... Jodie Seddon

“Much like all horse-mad kids, I spent my teenage years trying to spend as little time as possible at school, so I could spend more time with my horses.

“Eventing was my passion, and obtaining Mary King’s autograph at Blenheim aged seven was a defining moment! I competed alongside academic and sporting commitments at school and university – but then reality hit. I had jumped my first three day events and intermediates, but my horse was becoming older and while I would have loved the opportunity to continue riding, a law conversion course beckoned with the promise of a sensible career. “With it came London, then stints in South East Asia and regular commutes across Europe. I took the plunge and focussed on corporate legal work, where an ability to work long hours whilst maintaining focus and attention to detail (honed from an early age while eventing) held me in good stead! I chose to step right away from the horses, so I could travel widely and focus on developing a career. “As 30 approached, I became restless… and occasionally sneaked off at the weekends to sit on some poor unsuspecting borrowed horse. After about six months of this, and endless scrolling through for-sale adverts, we found Umarite. She too was slightly out of shape, but enthusiastic, and we snatched downtime in early mornings and weekends to channel our mutual enthusiasm into some eventing again. “Despite our many shortcomings, we had an absolute ball, placing regularly at BE100, winning at Novice, and placing at CCI2*L and Intermediate – and so it started…. “I managed my legal career strategically, developing commercial experience at an inhouse role, and then moving to a part-time senior role at the European arm of a US investment bank. This allowed me to broaden my skillset and sharpen my focus: for me, good legal advice must take into account the commercial circumstances, so a client is not left with conflicting priorities. It also allowed me more time to train and acquire another horse. “In 2016 I took a step back from my legal career to focus on producing and competing in eventing and jumping at Stonehill Sport Horses. By that point, I was riding a number of horses up to 3* level, and had bred my first foals from the original mares I started competing again on. These two, Umarite and Shenandoah Go Go Gin, are still with us and breeding lovely foals each year. I joined GunnerCooke LLP initially to allow me to continue working with previous employers on an ad hoc basis, while I worked out how best to combine my equestrian and legal interests. “As I became more reintegrated within the equestrian world, it was clear to me that there was an absence of accessible, clear, commercial legal advice. Rather than being the last resort, the law can help and support riders, owners, trainers, sponsors, brands, organisers, vets, physios, breeders, and many more by structuring relationships effectively. A contract effectively is just a way of managing risk between two parties, nothing more. “So – as well as stepping up to 4* level eventing (including two trips round Blenheim!) and developing an international showjumping career, I have been working hard to grow an equine law practice. We are all senior lawyers with sector expertise, from contracts to disputes, property and regulatory matters. We also all have personal knowledge of the equine world, and can genuinely understand the context of equine-related issues. For me, it allows me to combine my legal skills with my extensive equine knowledge, as a rider, yard owner, breeder, employer and more.“

www.gunnercooke.com www.stonehill sporthorses.com