Absorbine

BLUE CROSS SHARES COOL SUMMER TIPS FOR HORSES

Blue Cross cobs Harriet, Edna, Mavis, Agnes and Barbara delivered a modelling masterclass in how to keep cool, recently, inspiring the national pet charity to share some simple top tips on how to keep your horse comfortable in the summer heat.

4 Make sure your horse has access to a shady area or shelter so they can keep out of the sun’s rays and the flies on hot summer days. 4 Try not to ride your horse at the hottest times of the day choose the cool of early morning or evening instead. 4 Your horse will be grateful if

you wash off sweaty areas

which may attract the flies and become sore. 4 Some horses may enjoy a

cool, shallow water tray

designed to safely take the weight of a horse.

Alternatively, a gentle cold hosing may meet with approval but introduce the hose to your horse gradually to start with, until they are comfortable with the water. 4 A constant supply of clean, fresh drinking water is essential to prevent

dehydration and prevent heatstroke in horses. 4 A salt lick will help replace vital nutrients that horses lose easily through sweating. 4 You may also want to buy a fly rug, a UV protective face mask and a good quality fly repellent. 4 Horses can suffer from sunburn. Protect exposed, unpigmented, white and pink areas of the skin, like the muzzle, with a suitable hypoallergenic waterproof sunblock cream. 4 Horses’ feet can dry out in warmer weather so keep them well hydrated – your farrier can advise which products to use.

www.bluecross.org.uk

WIN! WIN!

THREE LUCKY READERS WILL EACH WIN A SILVER HONEY BUNDLE FROM ABSORBINE!

Silver Honey is the first and only combination of natural Manuka Honey and MicroSilver BG. It provides an effective barrier against harmful bacteria and supports new skin cells by nourishing, moisturising, and conditioning the skin. Silver Honey soothes and protects using natural proven ingredients so you will quickly see amazing results on minor wounds or tough skin conditions. It is pH balanced and free of hypochlorous acid with a bitter taste to prevent licking and can be used for horses, dogs and all animals. Each winner will receive a Silver Honey: • Ointment – Long lasting coverage and moisturisation. The ointment is highly effective in softening older, persistent scabs to aid in removal while providing a barrier against bacteria to allow natural healing of the wound beneath. • Spray Gel - Provides continuous coverage to the wound.

Its touch-free application is ideal for applying to large areas of skin or for difficult to reach areas. • Neck tube – a sunny, yellow lightweight neck tube that can be worn as a face mask, headband, neck scarf, wristband, or a hairband! For more information about Silver Honey visit: www.absorbine.co.uk/silverhoney

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st July and close 31st August 2021.

REDWINGS RESCUED PONY

BECOMES TV STAR

Arescued horse from Redwings Horse Sanctuary has found a loving new home at the farm of wildlife television presenter Kate Humble.

The moment Gilbert, a handsome 6-year-old cob, arrived at his new home was filmed for the latest episode of Escape To The Farm, which aired recently on Channel 5. The series follows life on Kate’s farm, ‘Humble by Nature’, in Monmouthshire, Wales, and this episode captured Gilbert being led from the Redwings horsebox and meeting his new Guardian Sarah Stephens. Sarah had been searching for a companion for horse Rags, who lives at Kate’s farm and who had sadly lost his stablemate. After enquiring with Redwings, the charity’s Rehoming team set about finding a perfect new friend for Rags. Gilbert’s mother Florence was rescued from horrific conditions as part of a large-scale rescue operation. Fortunately, as he was born following the rescue, he has never known anything other than love and care and was chosen specifically by the team for the important job of being a friend to Rags because of his calm and friendly nature. Having arrived at his new home in April, Gilbert is settling well into his new surroundings. Kate said: “Finding the perfect companion for a horse who has lost his stablemate of many years was not something I expected to be easy. But the knowledge and experience of the staff at Redwings helped us find Gilbert. He and our Rags struck up an instant rapport and Gilbert has become well and truly part of the farm family. “We are so grateful for the careful consideration that Redwings gave to allow us to rehome this lovely horse and, in so doing, support the work of this excellent charity.” Redwings has been rehoming rescued horses since 2005. Due to Covid safety measures, the charity is currently rehoming just non-ridden companion ponies and unbacked project horses - the latter receive basic training but are suitable to be trained to be ridden by experienced Guardians once in their new home. Despite the changes, Redwings experienced its most successful rehoming year ever in 2020 and recently rehomed its 100th pony since the onset of the pandemic. Rachel Angell, Redwings’ Head of Norfolk Equine Operations and Rehoming, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Gilbert is enjoying his new home – and has become a television star to boot! Thank you to Kate and Sarah for highlighting the sheer joy of rehoming a rescued horse and the importance of companion ponies. “Companions not only provide invaluable friendship for another horse, but they can also act as calming travel buddies or can simply be wonderful pets in their own right. When you rehome from a registered charity like Redwings, you’re not only giving a second start in life to a rescued horse but you’re also providing space at the Sanctuary for another horse in need to be brought to safety. “We wish Gilbert, Rags, Sarah and Kate many happy years together!”

Episodes of Escape To The Farm are available to watch on My5 at www.channel5.com. To find out more about Redwings’ rehoming scheme, visit www.redwings.org.uk/ rehoming

EQUITOOLZ LAUNCHES ROAD SAFETY COURSE

TO SUPPORT THE GREAT HORSES FOR HEALTH UK RELAY

EquiToolz, the equine-specific online training provider supported by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), has launched a free road safety course for participants of The Great Horses for Health UK Relay.

The course covers the basics of riding on the road including what you and your horse should wear, how to ride junctions, turnings and roundabouts, hazards you may come across and how to deal with them, road signs, signals and more. Kirsty Collinson developed EquiToolz after seeing a gap in the market for interactive, accessible and cost-effective online training. She said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Relay and the charities they’re raising money for by providing this essential training free of charge.” The training is accessible to all, and Relay organisers recommend those taking part complete the course as a subject refresher or to learn new skills. www.EquiToolz.com

The Great Horses for Health UK Relay...

A fundraising relay ride in celebration of horses and how they have helped so many people throughout the last year, the Great

Horses for Health Relay 2021 is taking place throughout the UK now. It consists of horse riders, carriage drivers, cyclists and walkers with the aim of raising awareness of road safety; highlighting the impact horses can have on mental health; raising money for a number of equine welfare and mental health charities.

Sophie Gifford, who was inspired to create the Relay by Captain

Sir Tom Moore’s fundraising walk said: “One of the three key principles for Horses for Health is vulnerable road user safety.

We can all learn a bit more about how to ride safely on the roads, make ourselves more visible and talk confidently with non-horsey people about how to navigate horses.” www.horses4health.co.uk

OPEN DAY FOR LIVERY NEAR BECCLES

Back On Track Rehabilitation And Retirement Livery on the Norfolk/Suffolk border specialises in the care and wellbeing of retired horses and ponies.

“Set in the countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty, we provide a relaxing and stress free environment for your horse. When you are no longer able to ride but do not want the trouble of loaning out your horse or losing ownership, we can provide you with a choice of livery plans,” explained Holly Banns. “We have over 28 horses here and we have just invested over £20k on our new track system, ‘Paddock Paradise.’ “The Paddock Paradise track offers one mile of different surfaces, encorporating sand and stoned areas, for those who wish their horses to have a more ‘natural’ way of life.” The vision was created by Holly and her husband Tom. She explains, “We do still offer 'traditional’ livery options, but we wanted the horses who come here to be healthy both physically and mentally, which is why we have different options available. “We believe our track system is the future of keeping horses. The tracks offer nearly a mile of horse-safe fencing with interlocking areas, hay stations, different surfaces, loafing areas, a big barn to choose to come in and out of. It has zero grass and consists of sand shingle and dirt tracks. We currently have fourteen horses on our track, which encourages good doers to walk more and eat less but have enrichment along the way.” Holly and Tom have an open day on the 25th September with goody bags from their sponsor, Pure Feeds.

www.backontrack retirementlivery.co.uk

SINCE 1954, THE ABRS+ HAS BEEN THE ONLY ASSOCIATION DEDICATED TO REPRESENTING EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENTS. THE ABRS+ CERTIFIED AND APPROVED SCHEMES FOR RIDING ESTABLISHMENTS, LIVERY YARDS AND EQUESTRIAN CENTRES OFFER A HALLMARK OF QUALITY, PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PROVIDE SUPPORT FROM A TRUSTED ASSOCIATION.

Article by Cheryl Johns, ABRS+ Trustee

COVID ‘LEARNING EFFECT’

FOR EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENTS

The past fifteen months have been a tumultuous time for the equestrian industry, in particular the disruption to riding establishments and livery yards. The Coronavirus pandemic saw restrictions on owners being able to visit their horses - deemed ‘nonessential’ if on a serviced livery package, and riding schools and other riding establishments, such as trekking centres relying on tourism, having to close their doors with no sight in end to the business disruption.

Many livery yards were also faced with an exodus of clients seeking cheaper livery packages, or having their clients fall behind with their payments due to reduction of incomes, and most riding schools had to shut in full with a complete loss of income, yet having the continuing cost of caring for horses on the yard. Despite equestrian associations like British Equestrian and the ABRS+ lobbying hard to seek clarity and financial support for their members, those who managed to battle on were faced with complicated rules, sanitary protocols and a backlash from clients who felt interpretations of the government guidelines were excessive and unfair. We all remember the confusion that arose with the rules on ‘caring for pets’ and ‘exercise’, and the sheer lack of clarity and the confusion over eligibility for government financial support led to even further complication and stress for business owners. However, it appears that the residual effects of Covid are not all bad! The necessity for additional health and safety considerations, cutting costs and record keeping has resonated with the owners of many equestrian establishments who are keeping a number of their new protocols in place which they feel improves how they manage their business and deal with clients. One of the main aspects is to continue monitoring - or even limiting - visitors, be it friends or family accompanying riding pupils and horse owners, or even sharers and equestrian professionals. Many also brought in allocated time slots, prebooking and rules on the provision of services by the yard or third parties, that they are intending to continue with. The requirement of recording professionals visiting yards and verifying the provision of services within the scope of ‘essential care’ – such as requesting copies of insurance or qualifications from instructors, freelance grooms and therapists – revealed that some were operating without the necessary insurance or professional registrations. Covid has also helped many yard owners understand the importance of biosecurity in equine terms too, and that limiting access to the premises and equines also reduces the risk of cross-contamination for equine diseases. The benefit of recording details of pupils and livery clients - such as livery contracts, client and horse details forms - has also become a clear advantage to ensure sufficient contact details of anyone who may be on the premises and clarification of arrangements for horses in their care. So although Covid has been a stressful time, we’re nearly out of the woods now and it’s actually been a positive learning curve for many, despite the dramatic way in which it has forcibly come about!

www.abrs-info.org

DYLAN: AN UNUSUAL CASE OF PERITONITIS

Written by Sarah Voss, Equine Internal Medicine Clinical Teaching Associate

This photo appears hazy due to the inflammatory debris within the eye. Clotted inflammatory material can be seen (red arrow) settling in the eye, and the pupil is in spasm (yellow arrow).

Dylan presented to Cambridge Equine Hospital having developed a fever of unknown origin. At the same time he developed severe ocular pain, with his vision appearing reduced in both eyes.

As is common in cases like Dylan, no ‘localising clinical signs’ were found on thorough examination, meaning that a systematic approach was required to get to the bottom of the problem. Blood samples were submitted for analysis, showing that Dylan had a low white blood

Normal abdominal fluid should be clear and pale yellow; this photo shows the abnormal fluid collected from Dylan’s abdomen.

cell count, and very high inflammatory marker concentrations. This was supportive of an infection being the cause of his fever, but does not confirm where the infection is present. Having these values is helpful to help track disease progression and response to treatment. Analysis also showed that Dylan was anaemic; this is a common finding in horses with underlying inflammation or infection, and unlike in other species is not due to iron deficiency. As peritonitis (infection/ inflammation in the abdominal cavity) is a relatively common cause of fever of unknown origin, and can be life threatening if not treated promptly, we began by taking a sample of fluid from Dylan’s abdomen. Analysis showed a high white blood cell count, confirming a diagnosis of peritonitis. Despite further investigation including abdominal ultrasound and rectal palpation, it was not possible to identify a cause. Unfortunately, this is the case for many horses with peritonitis. The peritonitis was treated with intravenous anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, and Dylan received plenty of TLC to encourage him to eat and drink. Dylan had also presented with severe ocular pain. Further examination revealed that he had severe uveitis affecting both eyes. This is an inflammatory response inside the eye, which in Dylan’s case was secondary to the inflammation in his abdomen. This is a relatively rare complication, but is vision threatening if not treated aggressively. As well as steroid ointment to reduce the inflammatory response, Dylan received medication to dilate both pupils to relieve the muscle spasm affecting the iris. Dylan stayed in the hospital for one week, before being discharged to continue treatment at home. Dylan has since revisited the hospital for re-examination, and we are delighted that the inflammation in both eyes has now completely subsided, the abnormalities shown on his blood samples have normalised, and his abdominal fluid is now normal, indicating his peritonitis has resolved. He has regained the condition he lost when he was unwell, and has since returned to ridden work.

Article supplied by:

Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

www.vet.cam.ac.uk

HANDY NEW APP LAUNCHED

Leading horse health and supplement brand Equine Products UK Ltd has unveiled its first ever app, developed to enable customers to shop on the go and access support from the brand’s qualified

equine nutritionist. The Equine Products UK app enables horse owners and professionals to browse the full EPUK product range, learn more about the products and buy, all from their mobile device. It also gives them access to exclusive offers, promotions and content, including advice and research from Professor Jo-

Anne Murray at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School. www.equineproducts-ukltd.com

MOVEMENT IS THE KEY TO A HEALTHIER LIFE

For riders, movement is paramount as it is the key to increasing core stability. It is crucial to keep your spine healthy and mobilised; if your back is even slightly stiff it will soon affect your riding and the connection with your horse.

This is why choosing the right chair is so important; it has to encourage ‘active sitting’, much like when you’re in the saddle. When was the last time you saw a backrest on a saddle! No one sits as actively as a horse rider which was the inspiration behind designer, Peter Opsvik’s kneeling ‘variable’ chair. He was inspired by the riding position where the legs hang down from the saddle around the sides of the horse. The main feature of the Varier Variable Balans chair is not only the kneeling, but the fact that the knees are lower than the hips, promoting a more effortless uprightness, together with movement simulated by the rocking design. The tilted seat enables an open hip angle, encouraging a natural posture which will provide greater movement and also relieve any unwanted pressure on the discs. It stimulates the blood circulation of the legs, provides more space to the internal organs and allows you to breathe more intensively. RRP: from £279.

www.backinaction.co.uk

HORSES BENEFIT OUR MENTAL WELLBEING EXPLAIN THERAPY TEAM

Interacting with horses can be a great way to help ease mental health issues, in particular with stress and anxiety, explain the equine therapy team from Delamere Health.

When petting your four-legged companion, your stress-related hormones reduce. Studies have shown that these benefits can occur after just five minutes of interacting with your horse. Interacting with your horse raises our feel-good hormones called endorphins. These include serotonin and dopamine, the hormones that calm and relax the nervous system. When we begin to smile, laugh or converse with our horses, we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, overall mood improvements, and lower symptoms of anxiety. Being physically active outdoors has also been shown to reduce stress, anger, depression and improve overall mental and physical health. The sunshine naturally increases serotonin, a hormone that affects mood, while exercise produces endorphins, which boost your mood and reduce symptoms of pain.

www.delamere.com

Shower In A Can is an antibacterial dry showerfoam you apply to your skin, and that dries off in seconds. No need to rinse or towel dry. It simply is a shower in a can. www.shower -in-a-can.co.uk

RRP: £9.99.

FastAid Disinfectant Wipes come in hygienic single use packaging and help to keep hands and surfaces contamination free, killing enveloped viruses, including Covid-19. The hand wipes are a practical alternative for when it isn’t possible to wash your hands with soap and water. www.robinson healthcare.com