Absolute Horse - March/April 2022 by Absolute Horse Magazine

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Absolute

MARCH/ APRIL 2022

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TOCSEN

CRASH SENSOR

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Also Inside: BUYER’S GUIDE

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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Rhea Freeman asks How do you ensure your social media bio is working for you? Careers, Education and Training - including BETA Career Month; the equestrian entrepreneur who secured £100K investment; Norfolk startup business launches charity product; life as a wrangler The Professionals including coach Jessica Gale and Veterinary Physiotherapist Louise Towl

GIVEAWAYS & OFFERS 9 Ariat Saddle Snaps 17 Tocsen Crash Sensor 21 Robinson Animal Health Care 49 SpeediBeet 51 TopSpec 67 Gladwells’ money-off reader offer

MAR/APR

2022 ISSUE 353

WHAT’S

INSIDE

FEATURES INCLUDE 4 What’s On - shows are BACK! Including Suffolk Show, Hadleigh Show, HorseFest and the new SEIB series for 2022 10 Show Preparation - learn tips from the best including Jayne Ross, Kevin and Emma McNab, and Natalie McGoldrick 18 Health and Welfare including Strangles Awareness Week and correct wound management; liver disease in horses; the new riding accident reporting form 26 Buyer’s Guide

Nutrition - including feeding for recovery; Nutritionist Donna Case answers your top-five common feeding questions Stables, Yards, Arenas and Bedding - including the tax implications of horses and livery; new bedding launch; improving your livery stable security Saddlery and Tack including your questions answered; and Poppy Webber’s comment on how to prepare for your saddle fitting Classifieds

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WHAT’S ON

Photo: Liz Knowles photography

THE MAGIC

IS BACK! GET YOUR HORSEFEST FIX

THIS SUMMER!

eed something exciting to look forward to this summer? HorseFest, presented by John Oates Horseboxes, is a fantastic new, weekend festival, designed to celebrate all things horse and takes place 8th to 10th July at Kelsall Hill in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. The event provides the ideal setting for all those horse fans with an interest in the equine world, allowing them to come together, learn, celebrate, have fun and create special memories. Tickets are now on sale and all HorseTribe members can buy at a special price. Membership starts from FREE so remember to join before making your purchase. Entry to HorseFest whether with a day or weekend ticket, includes all the workshops, talks, large and small arena demonstrations, as well as music and entertainment into the late evening.

If you want to see and watch everything on offer a weekend ticket is a must to ensure you don’t miss out on one of HorseFest’s fantastic headliners. Across the weekend HorseFest will showcase amazing main arena demonstrations with inspirational riders and performers such as Mary King and Lydia Heywood, small arena demos to understand skills close at hand, Q&A sessions and discussions with fabulous experts and riders and problem solving workshops and clinics to find answers to your questions, plus there’s equestrian and lifestyle trade stands, delicious catering, music, bands and best of all the opportunity to catch up with like-minded friends. At night, unwind, relax or dance the night away with the music and entertainment as you treat yourself to a drink or two! www.horsefest.org

SUFFOLK SHOW RETURNS:

ugust 2022 will see crowds return to Gatcombe Park, home to HRH The Princess Royal for the unique experience that is the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing, so put 5th-7th August 2022 in your diary now! The event will be back with the magical atmosphere eventing and country fans have come to expect. With thrilling cross country action in the infamous park bowl, a whole host of family entertainment in the main arena, enviable shopping and extensive food offering all set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, it is a weekend not to be missed. www.festivalof britisheventing.com

THE COUNTY’S BIGGEST DAY OUT

he Suffolk Show is officially back for 2022 with a unique celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee alongside a packed schedule of new attractions and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Organisers the Suffolk Agricultural Association are eager to welcome visitors back to Trinity Park for ‘the best show yet’ after a two-year absence due to the Covid pandemic. The Suffolk Show will return on Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June to kickstart celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. In a brand-new one-off exhibit, visitors will be able to walk through 70-years of Suffolk history exploring communications, construction, transport, energy, agriculture, arts and fashion, food and drink, technology, education, sport and many more aspects of daily life through the ages. www.suffolkshow.co.uk

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2022 HADLEIGH SHOW: SATURDAY 21ST MAY

he 181st Hadleigh Show will once again be held in the beautiful parkland setting of Holbecks Park on the edge of Hadleigh. The biggest change following the challenge of two cancelled shows is that the 2022 Hadleigh Show tickets are all IN ADVANCE ONLY. There will be no tickets available to purchase on the gate. “This is to allow us to have a covid friendly show, should restrictions come into place again and to ensure that we are able to manage the flow of the showground and traffic management with as much advance planning as possible,” said a spokesperson. Attraction include the Bolddog Lings FMX display teams, the Sheep Show, the Dog & Duck Show, Vintage Tractors and Young Farmers Soap Box Racing.

SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY NATIONAL SHOW: STREAMED LIVE

hire horse fans will be able to watch live coverage of the National Shire Show from the comfort of their homes after the charity teamed up with leading equestrian sports and lifestyle network, Horse & Country (H&C). The event will be broadcast live and worldwide on H&C’s streaming service, H&C+, and the action can also be watched on-demand from the following day for those who can’t catch the live stream. Secretary of the Shire Horse Society and Show Director Victoria Clayton said: “We are thrilled to announce that H&C will be streaming our National Shire Show live on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th March. This gives Shire horse fans from around the world the opportunity to watch our show. It also gives members who are competing the chance to look back at their performances in the ring at a later date by using the on-demand option. “The National Shire Show is the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses, so it’s very fitting that the event is being broadcast globally.” www.shire-horse.org.uk www.horseandcountry.tv

You can also try out your skills with the Tudor Archers from Sudbury and the Gun Dog scurry run by Simbos at Boxford. There are more than 150 classes of cattle, sheep, donkeys and horses on show; over 160 trade stands; the Poultry Tent; the Art Exhibition and Sale; Rural Crafts and the Flower Tent. www.hadleighshow.co.uk

A WELCOME

ROYAL RETURN

he Royal Bath & West Show returns on 2nd June for a three-day celebration of Great British farming, equine competitions and rural crafts - and tickets are now on sale. Following a Covid-enforced hiatus the show is staging a welcome comeback with all the usual livestock and equine classes, rural life exhibitions and popular family entertainment. “Livestock competitions, parades and equestrian classes are at the show’s heart and true to our traditions,” says deputy head of shows, Jess Chiplen. www.bathandwest.yourticketbooking.com

WHAT’S ON CHESTERTONS POLO IN THE PARK 10TH-12TH JUNE

hestertons Polo in the Park brings world class polo to the heart of London. With its unique, fast paced format, it makes one of the oldest equestrian sports easier for both newcomers to follow and devoted fans to enjoy a great summer’s day out. www.ticketmaster.co.uk

FIRLE PLACE – 14TH-15TH MAY

O THE LONGINES ROYAL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 26TH-31ST JULY

he Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead is one of the pinnacles of the summer season. Thousands of equestrian fans flock to the All England Jumping Course to watch international highlights such as the Longines King George V Gold Cup, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the feature class, the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain. Hickstead’s July fixture is also the pinnacle of the summer showing season, with every show rider and producer striving to win a coveted blue ribbon. www.hickstead.co.uk

JONATHAN ARMIGEL WADE ART EXHIBITION 29th MARCH - 16th APRIL Held at the Osborne Studio Gallery, Belgravia, London. www.osg.uk.com

rganised by the team at BEDE Events, Firle Place takes place on 14th and 15th May and is also the most southern venue and the first British Eventing Area Festival in the calendar. The Firle Estate sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park and is just 60 miles from the centre of London. From craft stalls to dog shows and dog agility, terrier racing, gun dog displays and a wide range of artisan food and drink stalls, the event is one not to be missed in the south of the country. www.bede-events.co.uk

THE AL SHIRA’AA HICKSTEAD DERBY MEETING 23RD-26TH JUNE

ickstead is set for a summer of celebrations with the 60th running of the Al Shira’aa Derby. First held in 1961, the Hickstead Derby is one of the most historic and popular classes in showjumping, and it is set to return to the All England Jumping Course. Expect thrills and spills as this year’s competitors tackle the fearsome course, which includes the 10ft 6in slope of the Derby Bank, the notoriously difficult Devil’s Dyke combination, and one of the widest water jumps in the world. www.hickstead.co.uk

OASBY HORSE TRIALS: 10TH-13TH MARCH

any of the country’s leading event riders are set to converge on Oasby (1) Horse Trials - 10th to 13th March - with Horse & Country live streaming the cross-country on the Friday. Major stars making their way to the Lincolnshire venue, organised by the team at BEDE Events, include Oliver Townend, Piggy March, Tom McEwen, Ros Canter, Laura Collett, Nicola Wilson, Sarah Bullimore and Izzy Taylor to name just a few. www.bede-events.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Veteran Championship is the very first Search for a Star class that has no amateur restrictions on the horses, ponies and riders taking part. SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We have set up this exciting new Search for a Star championship to celebrate some of our very top horses in their later years. It will be a real treat to see the ‘golden oldies’ perform at Your Horse Live in November. Older horses that have previously excelled in other disciplines will be very welcome to take part. This is the one Search for a Star season and owing to its class in which there is no popularity is all set to run in full requirement for amateur this year. status.” Search for a Star first took place Qualifying classes for the Search back in 1996 and over the years for a Star Open Veteran has provided thousands of Championship will be held at opportunities for amateur riders each of the five Search for a to compete at championship Star qualifiers across the shows. The Search for a Star Open country April through August.

SEIB SERIES: BIGGER, BRIGHTER, BETTER!

EIB Search for a Star has an exciting addition for the 2022 season in the Search for a Star Open Veteran Championship with all new five qualifiers culminating in a finale at Your Horse Live in November this year.

The Search for a Star Open Veteran Championship is open to any horse or pony over 16years-old with any rider. Horses will be required to gallop and make-up and show products are permitted. The Search for a Star Open Veteran Championship was trialled at the end of the 2021

he SEIB Search for a Star team is delighted to announce an exciting new showing championship for Pony Club members in 2022. The Search for a Star Pony Club Championship will be held at Your Horse Live in November and be an introduction to showing for members of all ages. This new championship will enable members to learn about ring craft, turnout, and way of going, and then showcase these skills through qualifying, to compete on the centre stage at Your Horse Live. Pony Club CEO, Marcus Capel said: “This is a great opportunity for our members to learn more about the world of showing. I am very excited to enable our members to enjoy different experiences with their horses and ponies and the Search for a Star series provides a fun, supportive structure to help them achieve.”

Head of Marketing at SEIB, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We have been keen for some time to provide classes for younger people and offer education, training and support. Older Pony Club riders are also very welcome to come along to our qualifiers and in addition they can enter the other Search for a Star classes - or even take part in the Racehorse to Riding Horse series. “Showing teaches so much that is relevant to other disciplines, including turnout, way of going and of course showing the horse or pony off for a Judge when it is not feeling at its most cooperative, a very useful skill when producing a dressage test!” The new Search for a Star classes will be open to any horse or pony ridden by a member of the Pony Club. The animal should be athletic and capable of doing all round Pony Club activities. The horse or pony will not be ridden by the Judge but the

The SEIB Search for a Star Judges and Stewards will be on hand to help and mentor competitors at qualifying shows.

competitor will be asked to give a show. For each class there will be a best rider award. Search for a Star has two ‘Weekender’ events planned. These will include a day of training followed by a full qualifying show for both Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live. www.seib.co.uk/competitions

COMPETITION

SADDLE

SNAPS

EACH ISSUE AN ABSOLUTE HORSE READER WILL WIN A PAIR OF

- Helen Murphy ‘Just chilling’ or ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ if you knew her.

- Maxine Fox “I love my new Lickit wanna share mum?”

ARIAT BURFORD BOOTS worth £130!

- Jazz Bell - Helen Landon

Sponsored by

Bill doesn’t share food.

“Do you like my llama impression?!”

- Roxanne Isbell - Lesley Gillman “Is this high enough mum?”

“Say cheese mum!” Val Perry Really?!

WINNER! “OMG I hope none of your friends pop by and see you in that outfit!” - Amanda Harrison

ENTRY IS EASY. SIMPLY EMAIL A CANDID PHOTO OF YOUR HORSE TO snaps@ ahmagazine.com

DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS AND A CAPTION TO YOUR IMAGE. THE BEST PHOTO AND CAPTION WINS THE BOOTS! 9

Photo: ES Photography

SHOW PREPARATION

LEARN FROM

THE BEST

PREP PERFECTION WITH ABSORBINE AMBASSADORS JAYNE ROSS, KEVIN & EMMA MCNAB AND NATALIE MCGOLDRICK

ere are Jayne’s top tips for achieving the perfect show mane and tail. “Thinning, tidying, and shortening your horse’s mane is an important job if you want him to look top-notch during the competition season. It’s important if you’ll be plaiting as a mane left thick and unruly leads to plaits that look like furry golf balls. “Pulling manes and tails, trimming, or hogging a couple of weeks before the show means that you can simply tidy up the day before the event, leaving you time for all the other jobs. You will have plenty to do without having to think about a full mane

Jayne sewing plaits correct size to compliment the size of the horse’s neck

and tail pulling session! “Neck rugs in the winter can often have dire consequences for the mane, so we only use neck rugs on Cobs that will be hogged. “When bathing your horse, the day before a show do not condition the mane or tail as if you are plaiting, this will make the hair slippery and difficult to plait. “I always plait on the day of the event. There is nothing worse than spending hours carefully plaiting the day before only to find your horse has rubbed them out overnight, and this really damages their mane. I leave the forelock until I get to the show to stop the horse from rubbing it out

JAYNE ROSS HAS WON THE TITLE OF SUPREME HORSE OF THE YEAR AT HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW SEVEN TIMES IN THE LAST DECADE. IN 2014 AND 2015 BROADSHARD SIMPLICITY TOOK THE SUPREME HORSE OF THE YEAR IN CONSECUTIVE YEARS, A FEAT UNHEARD OF IN RECENT TIMES. on the way or getting it full of hay. “Traditionally there were seven or nine plaits plus the one for the forelock, but this unwritten rule no longer applies, and the distance apart is dictated by your horse’s type and confirmation - small plaits won’t look right on a chunky horse for instance. I prefer to sew my plaits in as sewn plaits are neater and achieve the best look to enhance the shape of the horse’s neck. When plaiting a show horse we always use the same coloured thread or bands as the mane. “If you want to help show off your horse’s hindquarters the hair at the top of the tail has to be long enough for you to plait right down to the dock. The key to a successful plait is maintaining even pressure as you go, so that you end up with a neat, ribbed

Photo: Libby Law

KEVIN MCNAB IS AN AUSTRALIAN EVENTER AND REGULAR MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL CUP TEAMS WITH AN ENVIABLE RECORD OF TOP 10 FINISHES AT CCI5. KEVIN CAME SIXTH AT KENTUCKY IN APRIL 2021 AND NOW ADDS OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALLIST TO HIS LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS! EMMA MCNAB HAS AN IMPRESSIVE TALLY OF TOP PLACINGS AND HAS REPRESENTED AUSTRALIA ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, INCLUDING THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES IN 2018.

Photo: Libby Law

appearance all the way down the dock. “Allow plenty of time in the morning of your show for plaiting and last-minute tail cleaning, as your horse will inevitably get some stains overnight. A good tip for quick and easy white tails is ShowSheen’s Stain Remover & Whitener, because it lifts dirt and removes any yellow stains, meaning less stress whilst preparing in the morning! “We swear by Stain Remover & Whitener for getting white tails clean after a winter of standing in the mud. Just spray it on and leave it to work for 5-10 minutes before washing it off. If you do this every day the tail will soon be sparkling. “All of our horses have pulled tails. As youngsters, the horses at our yard get used to frequent tail washing as no tails are brushed to avoid breaking the hair leaving them with full, healthy tails. We wash with Absorbine ShowSheen 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner and then give them a good spray with Absorbine ShowSheen Hair Polish & Detangler, then we give the tail a shake and tease it through with our fingers. This tried and trusted practice means that no winter stains can build up in tails and the silk proteins and pro-vitamins in ShowSheen ensure that the hair is kept tangle free and conditioned. “Finally, once you are at the event make sure that the finishing touches are pristine and check those last-minute details.”

“

We take pride in our horses looking along with a couple of squirts of Absorbine beautiful and feel it is important to Cooldown and then use a soft cloth to wipe turn them out to the highest this all over their bodies. standard. Coat and skin preparation for a Continued overleaf... show has two stages. The first is general care for the coat and skin on a daily basis and the second is cleaning and conditioning on the day before and the day of the show. “When caring for our horses’ coats each day, we have a routine that consists of very thorough grooming with a body brush before and after (if not too sweaty) they are ridden. Once they have been groomed, we put a small amount of hot water in a bucket

SHOW PREPARATION Continued from previous page...

“This helps to condition the coat along with removing any remaining dust/dirt from the coat. We find that if their skin is looking dry or rashy Cooldown herbal equine body wash is the best product to use. We also use Cooldown in cold water after exercise to soothe tired muscles. “When preparing the horses for a show our routine is a thorough shampoo with ShowSheen 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. We find that if we use a soft body brush to scrub their coats with the shampoo you get their coats very clean. If you take good care of the horses’ coats and skin on a daily basis

the preparation before a show is very simple and the horses already have clean and healthy coats. “On the day of the show we use the hot cloth technique again. This time we use the ShowSheen Finishing Mist. We spray it on to a soft cloth and then run the cloth all over their body. This both removes dust and dirt and it makes their coats super shiny.”

“

NATALIE MCGOLDRICK MA VETMB MRCVS, EQUINE VET AND EVENT RIDER, GRADUATED AS A VET FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE AND WENT ON TO SET UP HER OWN PRACTICE. SHE IS AN ADVANCED LEVEL EVENT RIDER HAVING REPRESENTED GB ON THE TEAM AT 3* AND HAS PRODUCED HORSES UP TO 4* 12

Hoof care and preparation is an essential part of pre-event planning; the old adage ‘no hoof, no horse’ should always be in the back of your mind if you own horses. “Firstly, it is wise to have your horse or pony shod well in advance of any event or show, if you can plan this. Some horses may be slightly foot sore for a day or two following being shod, so it’s wise to make sure any farriery is done at least a week before an event or show, especially if it’s an important competition. A couple of days before an event, double check all four shoes, to make sure they are all in the correct place, and no clenches are raised. “If your horse competes in studs, then always prepare the stud holes the day before an event; there is nothing worse than finding a small stone firmly wedged in a stud hole, half an hour before your dressage test! “I start by giving all four feet, including the soles, a good scrub, and then saturate the whole sole, including the frog, with Absorbine Hooflex Frog and Sole Care. I use Frog and Sole as part of my routine hoof care because it helps soothe the hoof and eliminates odours caused by bacteria and fungi without stinging or drying out the hoof – if I have an event coming up, then I make sure I use it the day before. “Preparing the feet like this before a competition, allows you to have a thorough

www.absorbine.co.uk check for any abnormalities of the sole and hoof capsule. All of the stud holes are cleaned out, tapped, and plugged with rubber bungs, which makes studding up at the event the next day, much easier! “After putting the studs in at the event, I always finish off by applying Absorbine Supershine Clear, which gives the hooves a beautiful shine, seems to last for days, and is completely non-greasy and nonsticky when it dries, so you can take studs out after competing, without covering your hands in grease!”

SHOW PREPARATION

FILTACLEAR:

SUN AND ‘SECTS SHOW SEASON SECRET WEAPON! when at the show, especially those sensitive ones. Prevention with insect repellants/deterrents over the whole body is a first-line choice and providing the horse with physical barriers to ease the misery from fly worry, work well. While at a show or out riding applying FiltaClear to exposed areas unable to be covered, will deter biting from flies – as the product proves too sticky New Zealand’s Murielle enjoying the show! for their liking. Sweet itch is the most wellinally, we can all enjoy use on animals while at shows, known of the seasonal insect time outdoors with providing maximum sun problems. The allergic reaction fewer restrictions and protection without an obvious to the saliva of the Culicoides more human and equine appearance. Even a barely visible midge unfortunately has no company. What a treat to be pale coating will still provide known cure - therefore out competing again! protection to the underlying prevention is the key. The However, as the days warm area. antibacterial agents within the up, we are also competing FiltaClear is a total sun-blocking, cream will protect any with the effects of the sun and reflective, pale white cream that underlying insect invasion. rubs in to near-clear. It has an areas previously Showing does not mean your SPF of 25+, rated superior affected by fly sunburn-susceptible equine will protection for UVA/UVB rays. activity. go without protection. FiltaClear FiltaClear can be applied daily to None of the was specifically developed for all areas prone to sun burning – ingredients in animals with sensitive skins, nose, eyelids, ear tips, fetlocks, FiltaClear, or ideal for protecting all white or pasterns. All topical agents any of Aniwell’s pink non-pigmented skin areas should be thoroughly washed products, from sun or dew burn, without off the area, with water or a appear on the attracting attention or overnon-soapy cleanser, every FEI Prohibited colouring the area. second to third day to prevent substances list FiltaClear can be applied thickly residue build up on the skin. 01.01.2021. for turn-out sun protection or Flies irritate, bite and can be the www.aniwellrubbed in to near-clear. This cause of some nappy behaviour uk.com translucent feature is ideal for in an already keyed-up horse

Suggested Products... O-Mega Shine can easily attain and maintain a show winning coat with lustrous, flake free skin and can aid in the health of hooves. O-Mega Shine is made from 100% British cold-pressed hemp seed oil, one of the healthiest food oils available and one of the best sources of Omega Oils (3,6 and 9) which is probably the highest amount available on the market today. Hemp seed oil comes from a sustainable source without the use of pesticides or fertilisers and does not contain heavy metals and toxins such as Mercury which can be associated with fish oils from ocean pollution. The oil is free from any known allergens (lactose, gluten, nuts etc) and is low in saturated fat and makes a substantial contribution to the intake of essential fatty acids which are required for good health. Hemp seed oil is the only vegetarian source of the potent form of Omega 3. These essential fatty acids contribute not only to the skin and coat health, but also towards general health, circulation, joints, the immune system and to promote healthy hoof growth. RRP: from £31.50. www.animal-health.co.uk

SHOW PREPARATION

EA Whitening Shampoo - With Charcoal Violet, Argan Oil and Coconut Cleansers that naturally highlight the coat, bringing out the brilliance in light coloured coats, leaving white socks whiter than white, and darker coats with a deep rich colour. RRP: 1ltr/£12.50. www.equineamerica.co.uk

Be Seen This Spring

he Equisafety Self Adjusting Hat Band is a ‘must have’ whatever the time of year. The hat band has elastic in two parts which means it fits most riding hat sizes. The inside features a sticky rubber that helps grip onto the hat, to help keep the hat band in place whilst riding. RRP: £13.99. Combine the hat band with the Equisafety Adjustable Neck Band - an ideal combination when hacking out as it helps provide more visibility of your horse. RRP: £21.99. www.equisafety.com

Silky Tail Detangler - Mane, tail and coat shine spray with a highly effective dust and dirt repellent action. The newly developed silicone oil microemulsion makes the hair soft and naturally shiny. The hair is tangle-free and easy to comb, it keeps its volume without feeling artificial. The powerful dust and dirt repellent action and tangle-free effect lasts for several days. Dermatologically tested and approved, for intensive but gentle care. RRP: 1ltr/£16.99. www.equine-america.co.uk

Super Red Shampoo is a perfect horse shampoo to bring out the natural highlights of your chestnut, bay and dark roan horses and ponies. This highquality horse shampoo will help maintain good coat condition and leave a high gloss finish, leaving your horse looking healthy and clean. RRP: from £7. Super White Shampoo is a pearlised, super concentrated horse shampoo for use on greys, dapples, flea bittens, light roans etc. With natural optical brighteners, Super White Shampoo will ‘bring out’ the many shades of natural colour in the coat, and produce a fabulous show finish. RRP: from £7. Containing coconut oil, Super Black Shampoo is a non-greasy black horse shampoo and helps produce a high gloss sheen and great overall condition. Super Black Shampoo is a high-quality, concentrated grooming shampoo formulated for use on black and dark brown horses. RRP: from £7. All www.animal-health.co.uk

WIN! TWO LUCKY READERS TO EACH WIN A TOCSEN CRASH SENSOR FROM EQUISAFETY!

THE NEW MUSTHAVE PIECE OF

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

e all hear or read about accidents that happen to horses and riders whilst they are out hacking, with the number of incidents that are reported on the rise over the last year. Whether this is a car passing too close, or a horse spooking and parting ways with their rider, the constant uncertainty of what might happen is always a concern for equestrians when they decide to venture off the yard for a ride. Statistics show that from February 2020 to February 2021, 1010 road incidents have been reported by riders, of which 130 people were injured from these incidents along with their horses. The new must-have piece of safety equipment for any rider is the Tocsen Crash Sensor. Consequently, in the event of an accident occurring where you are left unconscious and no one else is around to call for help, the Tocsen Crash Sensor will do it for you making sure you get the help you need. Very easy to use and compatible with any riding hat, simply stick the Tocsen Crash Sensor to your helmet behind your ear,

download the Tocsen app, connect the app to the Tocsen Crash Sensor and you are good to go, just make sure you have your phone on you whilst you are out riding in order for it to work. The Tocsen Crash Sensor works in the event of a fall by asking acoustically whether everything is ok, should it be a false alarm a countdown gives you enough time to disable the alarm manually. However, if there is no response from the wearer then the list of emergency contacts in the app and all the Tocsen community users nearby are alerted, allowing the user to get the help that they need as quickly as possible. The Tocsen Crash Sensor features a rechargeable battery that with normal use usually lasts around three months thanks to the advanced Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The sensor is also weatherproof meaning that even the rain can’t stop you from riding. Compatible with Android, iOS and Huawei with no monthly fee and unlimited emergency contacts. www.equisafety.com

Do you often ride on your own whether it is in the arena or out hacking? One of the major concerns for many equestrians is considering what would happen if you fell off and knocked yourself out? How would you call for help, catch your horse and make sure you are ok? Equisafety is proud to expand further into the safety market and introduce the intelligent Tocsen Crash Sensor from uvex. The Tocsen Crash Sensor gives you and your loved ones peace of mind when you are out riding on your own if the worst was to happen. www.equisafety.com

The Tocsen Crash Sensor is available in Pink or Black RRP: £79.99.

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st March and close 30th April 2022.

HEALTH & WELFARE

A HOT TOPIC FOR

HORSE HEALTH H

ow often do you check your horse’s rectal temperature? This question was included in a survey of horse owners by the British Equestrian Trade Association in 2021, and of

385 respondents, more than half reported that they only take their horse’s temperature if they think they may be unwell. In addition, 20% said they never think about it, and 8% felt unable to temperature-check through their own inexperience or the horse’s lack of training. The survey also revealed that just 4% of respondents had made a habit of checking this key health indicator on either a

By Redwings Horse Sanctuary

daily or weekly basis. Only a small number of people (4%) monitored their horse’s temperature on returning from equestrian events. While Redwings specifically promotes the value of routinely keeping an eye on resting temperatures as part of our Stamp Out Strangles campaign, infectious disease is only one reason a horse may develop fever (a temperature above 38.5°c). Any viral or bacterial infection can cause temperature to rise, as can inflammation or rarer conditions such as

immune-disorders and some types of cancer. Sometimes the underlying cause of a fever is not revealed through diagnostics, being termed by vets as ‘pyrexia of unknown origin’. But fever is always a sign that something is wrong. Making a habit of checking your horse’s rectal temperature will help you to: • Know your horse’s normal temperature range • Help your horse feel comfortable with the process • Get you used to the process if you haven’t often done it before • Know where your thermometer and lubricant are if you need them in a hurry • Spot a health issue early and take action to investigate and help stop anything infectious spreading to other horses • Combine your horse’s temperature with their pulse and respiration rate (TPL) to monitor overall health. Top temperature taking tips Checking your horse’s temperature can soon become a quick and straightforward horse health habit. Here are some handy hints to make sure the process is as easy and accurate as possible: 4 Always use a digital thermometer – old fashioned glass ones are an absolute no-no 4 Use lubricant to avoid snagging the thermometer on the sensitive skin around the rectum – your horse might also appreciate the lubricant being warmed

slightly in your hand first! 4 Remember to angle the thermometer slightly when inserted so it is resting against the wall of the rectum which is where it will give you an accurate reading 4 Ensure you are taking a resting temperature, so not for at least an hour after the horse has been ridden or exercised 4 Horse’s temperatures can vary slightly in the morning and evening, so try taking temperatures at different times of day to discover natural fluctuation in your own horse.

Take the temperaturecheck challenge! Strangles Awareness Week 2022 is taking place from 2nd – 8th May and this year horse owners are being invited to monitor their horse’s temperature each day throughout the event and add the reading to an online temperature tracker. Whether you want to make temperature checking more of a habit, or help your horse become more comfortable with the process, it’s the perfect chance to focus on a really important health monitoring activity. If that wasn’t enough of an incentive, everyone who submits their horse’s readings will be entered

into a prize draw for a fabulous bundle of goodies from the SAW team! Did you know that fever is one of the very earliest signs of an infectious disease like strangles? Not only that, fever also usually develops before the horse becomes infectious to others, making it the ideal time to spot a problem and take action to stop the disease spreading further. Monitoring temperatures plays such an important role in protecting horses from infectious disease that the FEI has introduced the requirement for all horses entering FEI competitions to have their

Getting started… If you’ve never taken a horse’s temperature before, or you’re not sure how receptive your horse will be to the idea, don’t worry! It’s not as invasive for the horse as we may think, but, as with all training, it’s important to take things slowly at first, make the experience as positive as possible and monitor the horse for any signs of stress. Here are our top training tips to help get you started: 4 Make sure your horse is already happy to stand when asked – this is fundamental to so many interactions, from vet and farrier visits to tacking up and mounting. If your horse fidgets, work on this basic training first 4 Work in an environment that is quiet, safe and comfortable for your horse 4 Ask someone else to hold your horse who can help keep them relaxed and make the process a positive one for them, while watching for any signs of anxiety that may help you know when to take things more slowly or go back a step 4 A haynet, some feed, wither scratches or head rubs can create positive associations for the horse – remember any excessive pressure or reprimand can quickly become a negative association for the horse that may affect how they behave on the next occasion 4 Don’t rush. Be calm, take things one step at a time and always end on a positive note, even if you don’t achieve everything you were hoping for on the first attempt 4 Always thank your horse - lots of praise goes a long way when they’re learning new things!

temperature checked twice a day for three days prior to travelling and twice a day during the event itself. The temperatures are uploaded on the FEI HorseApp and any horse with a temperature above 38.5°c must be treated as potentially infectious and isolated while tests are carried out. The EHV-1 outbreak in Valencia in early 2021 was a stark reminder of how rapidly disease can spread and the devastation it causes. A total of eighteen horses were reported to have died in the outbreak, with many more becoming sick. Horse movements meant that more than thirty yards in ten countries were subsequently affected by the disease. The outbreak will almost certainly have been triggered by one infected horse, and mandatory temperature checking is a simple yet effective way of helping ensure similarly catastrophic outbreaks can be prevented in the future. Temperature checking can literally save lives. To find out more about Strangles Awareness Week, the temperature check challenge and other ways to get involved, simply follow the Strangles Awareness Week Facebook page or go to www.redwings.org.uk/strangles /strangles-awareness-week

HEALTH & WELFARE

CORRECT WOUND MANAGEMENT Secures young horse’s future

vent rider Louisa Milne Home was thankful to have a first aid kit bursting with wound care products (thanks to her sponsor Robinson Animal Healthcare) when one of her promising youngsters suffered a nasty injury. Louisa had only purchased Arty, along with one of her owners, Sara Brown, at the start of 2021 and has high hopes that he will have a big future in either Eventing or Showjumping. Whilst out in the field enjoying life on Louisa’s yard in Kinross, Scotland, Arty managed to get a very deep and long wound along

the back of the pastern. Although Louisa and her team didn’t know exactly how the injury had happened, it appeared to have occurred as a result of Arty putting his foot through a fence and then pulling back. Arty suffered a deep and long wound along the back of the pastern.

Louisa immediately consulted her vet as she was concerned that the wound was deep and also worried about the risk of infection or damage to the tendons and ligaments. The position of the wound meant that stitching wasn’t going to be an option, so open wound management would be required. A wound that is not able to be closed surgically will need to be left to heal by second intention and managed as an open wound, using appropriate treatment involving bandaging techniques. Healing by second intention is when the edges of the wound are far apart and cannot be surgically brought together. Arty was put on box rest for around a month with the wound bandaged to keep it clean and as stable as possible. The first 24-hours were crucial Because the wound could not be closed surgically, Louisa had to apply a dressing and bandage the wound, changing the dressing frequently.

quiwrap Cohesive Bandages from Robinson Animal Healthcare are a must have item for any equine first aid kit. Available in a wide range of colours from bright fluorescent Green, Orange and Pink, to more conservative colours such as Bottle Green and Black, Equiwrap Cohesive Bandages are a powerful, flexible bandage that sticks to itself but not to skin or hair. Easy to tear by hand, Equiwrap is made from elasticated crepe and comes in 10 cm x 4.5 m single rolls and is ideal for bandaging awkward contours of the legs such as the knee and hock. Equiwrap is perfect for securing bandages in place and providing support, once positioned Equiwrap will stay firmly in place and not loosen. The bandage should be changed daily, and applied over a dressing or Veterinary Gamgee, making sure there are no wrinkles.

to spot any signs of infection or complications. Louisa cleaned the wound and applied a Skintact wound dressing which was held in place with Orthopaedic padding and an Equiwrap cohesive bandage, with a little bit of duct tape at the bottom to prevent any dirt travelling up from the bedding. The dressing was changed every two days to start with and then every four days to try not to disturb the wound and allow it to knit together. Said Louisa: “All the Robinson Animal Healthcare products did a fantastic job. The Skintact didn’t stick to the wound and was easy to change, which was definitely a bonus with a young horse as it would have been much more difficult if he had been in discomfort. All the products stayed in position which helped reduce the frequency of dressing changes. “Within 17-days the wound was fully granulated with no proud flesh but we kept the bandages on and Arty on box rest for a few more days just to be on the safe side. The wound had completely healed and looked amazing in just 24-days which is a great outcome.” www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com

ANIMALINTEX: FIRST AID ESSENTIAL

RRP: around £5.50.

nimalintex is a poultice and wound care dressing that is licenced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), meaning it is strictly controlled to ensure efficacy, safety and consistency. As a licenced product it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including a number of common ailments affecting horses. Highly absorbent, it is extremely versatile and can be applied either as a wet, hot or cold poultice, or as a

dry dressing, to suit the needs of the injury. It contains an antiseptic to clean and prevent re-infection and natural poulticing agent, Tragacanth, which, when it reacts with water, draws out any infection and creates a clean area for the wound to heal. When applied as a hot, wet poultice Animalintex increases the blood supply to the injured area, providing more oxygen, and white blood cells, which fight infection. The improved blood flow reduces the swelling, whilst the warmth of the poultice relieves the animal of pain, providing comfort. Cold, wet poulticing can be refrigerated before application if necessary, and is recommended for use on sprains and strains, rather than on cuts. Use Animalintex dry for pressure padding after a lot of hard work to prevent or relieve inflammation. It can also be applied directly to a wound as an absorbent dry dressing. Animalintex is sold in a 41cm x 21cm dressing, which can be cut to the size and shape needed. www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com

WIN!

FOUR LUCKY READERS TO WIN A POULTICE KIT!

In this issue we have teamed up with Robinson Animal Healthcare to give away a poultice kit, with four kits up for grabs. The kit contains everything you need to treat an infected wound or that unexpected abscess, including a pack of Animalintex, a pack of Animalintex Hoof Treatment and four Equiwrap Cohesive Bandages. Animalintex is extremely versatile and can be applied either as a wet, hot or cold poultice, or as a dry dressing, depending on the wound or injury type. It contains two active ingredients, Boric Acid to kill infection and promote faster healing, and Tragacanth, a natural poulticing agent to draw out dirt and infection and reduce inflammation. Animalintex Hoof Treatment is designed specifically for foot poulticing. Each dressing is hoof-shaped for application directly to the hoof, making it both economic and convenient. Equiwrap Cohesive Bandages are ideal for securing Animalintex in place. A powerful flexible bandage that sticks to itself, Equiwrap is made from elasticated crepe that is easy to tear by hand.

ANIMALINTEX LEADING RIDER AWARD

n innovative new leading rider award will be presented at The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park. Running 1st to 3rd April the event will host the Animalintex Leading Rider Award which will run over the three days and lead to a grand finale climax and prize giving. Points will be awarded for the top six placings in all classes across the event with daily updates on the leaderboard as to which riders are out in front. The top three riders will each receive cash prizes and the overall winner will be presented with the Leading Rider Trophy.

www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st March and close 30th April 2022.

HEALTH & WELFARE

IN HORSES provide more accurate information for each individual case regarding prognosis. Potential causes of liver disease include exposure to toxic plants, mycotoxins in feed, parasite damage, and bacterial or viral infection. If one horse is found to have liver disease, we usually recommend checking their herd mates for evidence of liver damage too. Often, others in the herd are identified as affected on blood work, despite appearing to have no signs of disease. This helps us Collecting an ultrasound-guided to establish whether an liver biopsy from a sedated pony environmental toxin is responsible, and therefore helps e have seen a when non-pigmented skin is with ongoing management. number of horses exposed to UV light), gastric Increasingly, we are testing with liver disease at impaction, and unusual forage for mycotoxins when we the hospital in recent neurological signs such as identify these herd outbreaks, months, and in a number of frequent yawning and chewing, allowing us to improve the cases we have identified herd and laryngeal paralysis resulting health of all the animals on the mates that are affected in respiratory tract obstruction. premises and minimise the subclinically as well. Investigating liver disease chances of disease progressing. Signs of liver disease can be usually starts with blood tests Additionally, although our difficult to spot, and the liver which identify markers of liver understanding of viruses causing typically has lost more than damage and allow us to estimate hepatitis in horses is still quite 80% of its function by the time whether liver function is limited, there is increasing the horse shows clinical signs affected. Following this, an information about parvovirus of liver disease. Commonly ultrasound scan and liver and hepacivirus (similar to reported symptoms include biopsies are the next step. Liver human hepatitis C) as research in weight loss, reduced appetite, biopsies are a low-risk procedure this area gathers momentum. It lethargy, and jaundice. Other that can be performed under is likely in the near future that we signs that may not initially be standing sedation that allow us will be able to begin applying associated with liver disease to investigate the potential this knowledge to clinical cases are photosensitisation (marked cause of liver disease, develop an and testing is likely to become skin inflammation occurring appropriate treatment plan, and more widespread.

Article supplied by: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

www.vet.cam.ac.uk 22

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SAFETY

he British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has launched a new way of collecting and recording information relating to accidents and injuries. The new Rider Accident & Equipment Reporting Form, which is available to anyone experiencing an accident and injury around horses, is part of the association’s continued drive to help make equestrian sport safer. The Rider Accident & Equipment Reporting Form can be accessed via a web link or by QR code, and is widely published both through BETA retail members, equipment manufacturers and on social media. The QR code is quick to scan from a phone, helping to make it more accessible to busy riders. The form is also easy fill in and allows BETA to collect additional information surrounding accidents to help inform design and protection development of safety equipment moving forward. www.beta-uk.org

RACEHORSE FARRIER:

creates a non-invasive, three dimensional, protective and supportive overlay on the horse’s hoof. By recreating the form of a perfectly healthy, balanced hoof, FormaHoof delivers immediate results, twelve months now and is so often helping them to go on impressed with the results that and enjoy a second riding career assisting farriers in the fight against a multitude of hoofmany of his TB ‘customers’ are after racing.” now managed in FormaHoof. Farriers such as Sven are taught related disorders, from Laminitis “I’ve been a Farrier for the last how to support and protect the and White Line Disease to Hoof 15-years and my quest to find overall function of the foot, but Cracks, High-Low Syndrome and Foal Limb Deformities. new and better technologies to have found it increasingly Sven continues: “Although at help cope with the challenges of difficult to re-boot the caudal first glance FormaHoof may TB feet led me to FormaHoof. aspect of the foot. This often appear expensive as a treatment It’s a total game changer when it ends in expensive therapeutic comes to managing TB feet. shoeing packages for the rest of option when compared to most remedial shoeing packages, in “The most common hoof the working life of the horse. the long term it offers a massive problems of TB horses are Sven explains how FormaHoof financial saving. In my conformation faults. The can help: “FormaHoof gives us experience, FormaHoof allows pressure high-performance work the option to help horses to the owner to literally half their puts on those horses’ feet often recover the function of their shoeing cost over the rest of the causes their heels to collapse, feet. The three-dimensional fit which can result in long-toes of the FormaHoof system allows working life of an ”off the track“ racehorse. and thin soles, also called flat us to offload the loading tyres. Horses are ending their structures of the feet, giving us “FormaHoof is already approved for racing in the UK in racing careers in discomfort with the best ability to realign the combination with a regular flat, crushed heels, negative bony column and effect better plate. FormaHoof doesn’t need palmer/planter angles and a blood supply to the foot. This to be a forever solution, but it complete breakdown in how gives the horse’s body the best provides effective support to their feet function. However, chance to re-grow the heel FormaHoof gives us an effective structure and suspension system horses through their journey towards healthy feet.” and consistent solution to get for the foot.” their feet back in shape, The unique, patented, liquid fit www.FormaHoof.com increasing their comfort and FormaHoof moulding process

SHARES THE VIRTUES OF FORMAHOOF FOR THOROUGHBRED FEET

very OTTB (off the track thoroughbred) owner knows how challenging thoroughbred feet can be, with endless searching for solutions to provide support and comfort. The three-dimensional fit of the FormaHoof system is offering a new approach to hoof management that is proving extraordinarily successful for OTTB’s, and TB feet in general! Sven Targett – a specialist racehorse farrier – has been using FormaHoof for nearly Before FormaHoof

After FormaHoof

VOTE NOW!

HEALTH & WELFARE

WHY IS THERE A SURGE IN

HORSE TRAILER THEFT? AND HOW CAN IT BE TACKLED?

efore trailer towing rules came into force in the UK last December, abolishing the requirement of a test for many new trailer drivers, demand for new and used horse trailers was strong. The rule change is attracting an increased number of new, young trailer drivers which, coupled with a scarcity of horse trailers, is fueling a surge in horse trailer theft. With this recent increase in trailer theft, owners are being encouraged to be extra vigilant. Any delay between the theft of a trailer and it being reported to the police can prove costly. Treve Jenkin, Data Protection Officer at trailer and plant checking company, The Equipment Register said: “A problem we frequently encounter with horse trailer theft is that people park them up at the yard or stables, and particularly at this time of the year with the short days, they do not notice straightaway that their trailer has been stolen.

A horse trailer that has been gone for several days could have been sold on, sometimes even twice, before it is reported as stolen.” SEIB Insurance Brokers Deputy Chairman, Barry Fehler said: “If a trailer is purchased that is later identified as stolen, the purchaser is liable to return the trailer to its rightful owner. We work closely with the police and theft tracking companies and the information they hold on stolen trailers. By reporting the theft of a trailer quickly, it dramatically increases the chance of it being successfully returned to its rightful owner. Having the correct insurance in place provides peace of mind for our customers.” We spoke to a main Ifor Williams dealership who confirmed that a lengthy wait on delivery of a new Ifor Williams trailer is now commonplace. The dealer was unable to confirm the exact price that would be payable on completion of the purchase of a

new trailer owing to a scarcity of materials and regular rises in prices. The prospect of purchasing an approved secondhand trailer from the dealer seemed an outside chance, although a number was diligently taken down; just in case. Valerie Isted runs Equinity Trailer Hire. The company is experiencing unprecedented demand for the time of year. Valerie said: “People are struggling to buy trailers on the private market and are increasingly hiring them instead. Demand for trailer hire is huge at the moment for both long and short-term arrangements. We currently have forty-six trailers out on hire and a waiting list of eleven. I am trying to purchase further Ifor Williams trailers and supply is a real issue.” The market is moving so fast, it is commonplace to put a deposit down before going to even see a trailer. Valerie

ominations are open for the 2022 SEIB Insurance Brokers Yard of the Year Awards. These awards have been set up to celebrate excellence in competition, teaching, training and horse care. SEIB have teamed up with Horse & Hound to help provide recognition for the top yards across the country. The categories are: small riding school, best large riding school, best full livery yard, best do-it-yourself (DIY) livery yard, best Riding for the Disabled (RDA) riding school and there is a category for competition venues. www.seib.co.uk/yard-awards

continued: “Buyers need to be really careful when sending a deposit for a trailer they have seen online or on social media before going to see it. There are plenty of people out there that will take the money and be gone.” Treve Jenkin confirmed that over the past twelve months 3.8 out of every ten trailer checks run by his company has confirmed a problem. Treve added: "If the trailer doesn't have a VIN plate, or it has been filed clear - don't buy it. Also, all trailers manufactured in the last few years will have been supplied with a certificate of conformity. If this is not available, to me, it would signal that something is not right.”

REHOMING RECORDS:

SMASHED

orld Horse Welfare is celebrating a record total of 378 horses and ponies rehomed during 2021. This smashes the previous record of 357 rehomed by the charity in 2020 and continues a positive trend of more people offering horses and ponies a new home and a new life. Rehabilitation and rehoming are the eventual goals for all the equines that come into the care of the charity which has four Rescue and Rehoming Centres across Britain. Tony Tyler, Deputy Chief Executive at World Horse Welfare said: “It is our aim to rehome all the horses and ponies that come into our care once they are fit and ready. Each one that is rehomed helps two horses as it releases a space at our farms for another equine in need but none of this could happen without our incredible rehomers who offer them a vital second chance. “Anyone rehoming one of our horses or ponies not only receives the full honest facts about them and a lifetime of support, but the

Equine welfare charity celebrates a record-breaking year

rewards of knowing that they are giving that horse perhaps its first ever loving home - while making space for another vulnerable horse to receive the care it needs.” World Horse Welfare retains ownership of every horse or pony that comes into its care for the rest of their lives, meaning there is no danger of them once again becoming welfare cases. Importantly, it also means that rehomers have the reassurance that if their circumstances change, the rehomed horse can always be returned to World Horse Welfare. www.worldhorsewelfare.org

RECORD-BREAKING REHOMING YEAR FOR REDWINGS

edwings Horse Sanctuary has achieved another record-breaking year for its rehoming scheme, with more rescued horses and ponies than ever finding new loving homes outside the Sanctuary. In 2021, the teams at Redwings rehomed 128 ponies to new Guardians, up over 50% on 2020’s total of 84. As the charity continues its frontline welfare work throughout the pandemic, it has offered a safe home to 132 rescued horses and donkeys in need of their care and veterinary expertise, meaning that for the first time the charity was on course to

rehome one horse for every horse rescued in 2021. Rachel Angell, Redwings’ Head of Norfolk Equine Operations, who heads up the rehoming scheme, said: “As the Sanctuary has been operating at capacity for many years, this milestone is an important one, and emphasizes that one of the most important ways we can continue to help more horses in need is to try and make space through rehoming. “2021’s record figure is a testament to the hard work of our teams throughout the Sanctuary who work tirelessly to rehabilitate our rescued horses, so they can

Native pony Galena was one of 35 ponies rescued by Redwings from a site in Norfolk in 2009.

go on to enjoy lives in Guardian homes.” www.redwings.org.uk/rehoming

ELDERLY SHETLAND PONIES: REHOMED

hree Shetland ponies have been rehomed at Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex. Damson (38years-old) and mother of April (32-years-old) and aunt to Mopsey (36-years-old) will be cared for at the Sanctuary and receive medication to manage their ailments. The previous owner, an elderly lady who was struggling to look after the ponies and her own sickly mother at the same time, contacted Remus founder Sue Burton to see if the charity could help. “It broke her heart to part with them, but she had the strength to make the right decision by them and let them come to Remus,” said Sue. www.remussanctuary.org/donate

BUYER’S GUIDE

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Wash Bag. RRP: £59. www.asali designs.co.uk

Portreath Poncho. RRP: £49.95. www.schoffelcountry.com

The Fairfax & Favor X Sophie Allport Windsor. RRP: £365. Chiltern Coin Purse. RRP: £50. Sheepskin Boudica. RRP: £245. Henley Driving Shoes (Below). RRP: £165. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots. RRP: £100. www.lechameau.com/gb

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Felsham Baker Boy Cap. RRP: £69. www.hicksandbrown.com

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For Home... Oxhorn Whisky Tot Beaker. RRP: £28.99. www.farlows.co.uk

Skyline 4.0 Boots. £114.95 www.grubsboot.com

inger & Jardine, the British brand known for its range of bamboo fabric country clothing, and Glaze & Gordon, the luxury British country and equestrian retailer, are delighted to announce that the grand total raised for the Hunt Servant’s Fund is an impressive £1,462, following their recent charity fundraising collaboration. The Hunt Servant’s Fund is a charity set up by the Hunt Staff Benefit Society to support hunt staff in education and training and to relieve poverty among hunt staff, their spouses, widows, widowers and children. Both companies and its founders are passionate supporters of hunting and field sports, so it was a way to show support for the people who work so hard in the field.

Throw. RRP: £65. www.tomlane.co

Leather Lamp Base (lampshade not included ). RRP: £165. www.lifeofrileyonline.co.uk

Personalised Four Feet Off The Ground – fine art print. RRP: From £40. www.katiecardew.com

BUYER’S GUIDE

Weatherbeeta Sherpa Fleece Cooler Soft, breathable and highly wickable rug Weatherbeeta Therapy-Tec Fleece Standard Neck - Increases circulation, with cozi-collar. RRP: £89.99. speeds up recovery and enhances muscle function. Versatile breathable and wickable fleece cooler with anti-pill finish. RRP: £99.99.

Weatherbeeta Single Lock Brushing Boots - Soft durable and breathable neoprene conforms to the horses leg. Tough PVC strike pad for extra Weatherbeeta 300D Reflective protection. Adjustable and easy to use Exercise Sheet - Waterproof and touch tape closures. RRP: £39.50. breathable 300 denier exercise sheet, 100% boa fleece at wither. Reflective Weatherbeeta Prime Ear Bonnet binding and detail. RRP: £54.99. Crochet ear bonnet with high density cotton drill ears for noise reduction. Weatherbeeta Elite All Purpose Matching range available. RRP: £19.99. Pad - Soft and durable polyester suede outer with a wick-away Saxon Double Tape PVC Ribbed Bell lining. Keeps your horse cool, Boots - Traditional PVC bell boot dry and comfortable. RRP: £47.50. perfect for everyday use. Helps prevent over reach injuries. Easy to use touch tape closures. RRP: £8.50.

All products on this page are available from www.lillicoattlee.co.uk

Weatherbeeta Green-Tec 900D Detach-a-Neck Medium Waterproof and breathable 900 denier PCR outer from recycled bottles. Each GreenTec rug saves over 340 plastic bottles from going into the ocean or landfill. RRP: £169.99.

Weatherbeeta Stretch Bug Eye Saver With Ears - Pull on eye saver to protect horse’s eyes from flies, insects and UV rays. RRP: £17.99.

Dublin River Boots III Breathable for all day comfort. Waterproof booty lining keeps your feet and ankles dry. Full leather upper. RRP: £149.99.

LILLICO’S COUNTRY STORE IS A FRIENDLY STORE, WITH KNOWLEDGABLE STAFF, SUPPLYING EVERYTHING FOR PET, FARM AND EQUESTRIAN NEEDS

• RUG WASHING • NUTRITION ADVICE • CLIPPER BLADE SERVICING • IN-STORE DOG GROOMER •SAFETY EQUIPMENT FITTING • SPECIAL ORDER SERVICE AND MORE... Lillico’s in Aylesford The Forstal, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7BT Phone: 01622 718062 Monday to Saturday - 08:30-17:00 Sunday - 10:00-16:00 (Open late on Thursday until 19:00)

Attlee’s in Dorking Parsonage Mill, Station Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1EL Phone: 01306 884289 or 01306 883533 Monday to Saturday - 08:30-17:00 Sunday - 10:00-16:00

www.lillicoattlee.co.uk

BUYER’S GUIDE

Bucas Therapy Cooler. RRP: from £195. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Vest. RRP: £15. www.rbequestrian.co.uk

New ladies Combi Jacket (above). RRP: £65. Covalliero Ladies Quilted Coat (right) RRP: £119. Caja Grip Breeches. RRP: £169. www.zebra products.co.uk

Covalliero Riding Tights. RRP: £73. EGO7 boots. RRP: £315. www.zebra products.co.uk

¼ zip base layer in Navy. RRP: £40. www.foxy equestrian.com

uvex crx700 riding glove. RRP: £41.99. EGO7 Aries boots (below). RRP: £315. www.zebra products.co.uk Competition Socks. RRP: £15. www.coolhorse socks.co.uk

Grey Hoodie. RRP: £35. www.rbequestrian.co.uk Sleeveless Base Layer. RRP: £36. www.mochara.co.uk

Dominick Rugs Spring Turnout Rug. RRP: from £160. www.thecentreline.co.uk

The Equetech Active Extreme Short Sleeve Layer (RRP: £41.95); Equetech Thermic Gilet (RRP: £72.95); Equetech Signature Riding Tights (RRP: £59.95). www.equetech.com

uvex exxential II LED riding helmet with an innovative lighting system. RRP: £132. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

uvex exxential II MIPS Riding Helmet. RRP: £170. www.zebra products.co.uk

Action Riding Leggings. RRP: £59. www.honestriders.co.uk

FIT FOR A KING

Limited Edition Base Layer RRP: £55. Limited Edition Leggings RRP: £55. www.mochara.co.uk

Tech Base Layers. RRP: £50. www.aptcavalier.com Bucas Power Turnout. RRP: from £231. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Bucas Quarter Sheet RRP: £68. Therapy Quarter Sheet RRP: from £104. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

ponsored Rider of Zebra Products and Bucas, Emily King has been using Bucas rugs throughout all of her professional career over the last nine years and continues to do so. One of her particular favourites in her Bucas collection includes the Power Cooler which is a high performance, light weight multi-purpose rug that is ideal as a sweat rug, travel rug, competition and light stable rug. Said Emily: “The Bucas Power Cooler is ideal for when the horses have been exercised and washed off as it helps to wick away moisture ensuring the horses stay warm and comfortable.” Another one of Emily’s firm favourites is the Power Turnout which has a waterproof and breathable ballistic nylon outer and Staydry Anti-Bacterial lining which means the rug can be put on a wet horse, the same way as a sweat rug. It will quickly dry the horse and can be left on, thus avoiding extra rug changes. The Bucas Power Turnout is available in a Classic cut, with a Combi Neck sold separately, Big Neck and High Neck style. Said Emily: “These rugs are extremely tough so there are never any concerns even

IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK TO EMILY KING ABOUT HER LOVE FOR BUCAS RUGS. when the young horses are playing in the field as they don’t rip or tear, ensuring they stay warm and dry. “What I love most about Bucas rugs is their fit and durability. The rugs fit the horses incredibly well which ensures no rubs or sores.” During the winter months Emily’s horses will wear a Freedom Twill Sheet and a Bucas Quilt in the stable at night. Ensuring they are warm and comfortable at all times. Bucas Power Cooler RRP: £78. Bucas Power Full/Neck Cooler RRP: £94. Bucas Power Turnout RRP: from £231. Bucas Quilt RRP: from £104. Bucas Freedom Twill Sheet RRP: £59.

www.zebraproducts.co.uk

RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE

SINCE 1954, THE ABRS+ HAS BEEN THE ONLY ASSOCIATION DEDICATED TO REPRESENTING EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENTS. THE By Cheryl Johns, ABRS+ CERTIFIED AND ABRS+ Trustee APPROVED SCHEMES FOR RIDING ESTABLISHMENTS, ony parties have option to include food and drink learning in both stable management and equitation for LIVERY YARDS AND become increasingly by way of a pony picnic or a riders of all levels, the ABRS+ popular over recent buffet in a party room, plus of EQUESTRIAN CENTRES years, even more so since the course all the usual things you’d have recently brought out a dedicated pack for riding centres OFFER A HALLMARK OF Covid-19 outbreak, with expect at parties such as cake, QUALITY, PROMOTE wanting to offer Pony Parties, parents opting for outdoor balloons, and decorations… comprising of party rosettes and PROFESSIONAL activities for birthday even dressed up ponies! celebrations allowing plenty of Many centres will help you plan a comprehensive Pony Party STANDARDS AND Pack giving ideas and resources PROVIDE SUPPORT FROM space and fresh air. a party from beginning to end, to help plan parties and Pony parties can be a great and many help with the A TRUSTED ASSOCIATION. entertain the guests!

PARTY TIME!

introduction to equestrianism for children who have never had the opportunity to ride or see a real-life pony, and for many even just getting to groom a pony or visit stables can be a dream come true. The parties can be tailored but usually include grooming the ponies, pony themed fun and games, and a pony ride. There is often the opportunity for nonridden activities for younger or less experienced guests, or more adventurous activities such as jumping or gymkhana games for more competent riders. Many riding centres offer the

provisions of invitations, goody bags and birthday cakes too. Parties are not restricted to birthdays, but also becoming popular for Christmas, Halloween and some riding centres cater for adults with hen parties, and even wedding celebrations! Given this increased demand for parties, the ABRS+ are delighted to help support their centres wherever possible by developing their services to reflect the development of their members’ businesses. To go alongside their existing proficiency Tests and Rosette Awards, encouraging

The Pony Party Pack comprises of four party sets, even including a unicorn themed version! Pony parties can open up opportunities for children to try a new sport and can also generate new clients for the riding school. Whilst there are many dedicated companies offering pony parties, there is a real advantage of choosing a riding school because their staff will have the skills and knowledge to ensure the children not only get to spend time with the ponies, but learn as well, and there is the option for those bitten by the pony bug being able to return to the school for lessons. A lot of riding centres even provide discount vouchers in their party bags for a return visit. ABRS+ Approved Riding Centres such as The Shetland Pony Club in

Surrey, shown here, offer specific party packages to make magical memories and provide a fantastic time for guests. If you’re a parent with pony mad kids, or have another reason to celebrate, you can find your nearest ABRS+ Approved Riding School on their website. If you’re a riding centre that would like to host Pony Parties, then please get in touch with the ABRS+ for more details. www.abrs-info.org

Rhea Asks...

HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BIO IS WORKING FOR YOU?

IT’S ALL IN THE BIO...

hatever platform you use, your bio plays a key role in helping people understand what you’re about and what type of content they’re likely to find on your account. Many don’t fully utilise the bio area… but I’m here to help. The first thing to remember is that whatever platform you’re using, bios are tight on character count. On Instagram, you have just 150 characters, Twitter has 160 characters, and TikTok has 80 characters to ‘sell’ yourself. And it should be viewed in that way. We all know social media is a busy place, so you need to make it very clear why people should follow you in a short space of time. So, how do you do it? Think about the key information you need to get across, why

people should follow you, and what you’ll be sharing. Be specific too, for example ‘love riding horses’ is fine, but it’s not really adding any value, yet something like ‘taking my exracehorse to Elementary dressage’ sends out clear signals that will encourage people to follow you. That is, if they’re keen on racehorses, thoroughbreds, re training exracehorses, ex-racehorses in general and dressage. See the difference? Of course, you might not have an ex-racehorse you’re training for dressage, but you can use the same idea! You might opt for a list instead of a ‘long’ paragraph, and this isn’t a bad idea as it’s likely to save your characters. When you do this, think about the order most important key points at the top going down to less relevant/more amusing. Why? Because a) people do have a limited attention span and social media is busy and b) depending on how many points you have to list, some of your info

might be hidden until ‘more’ is tapped. And it’s not the most obvious thing to tap! If you’re going for a list, consider using bullet points to break it up - you could even use emojis if you like. Make sure these add to the story and are relevant to each point, or you could even use a star or another symbol. These can make it easier to separate the list visually and can also add a little bit of personality too. Depending on the type of account you have, and which platform you’re on, you might get the opportunity to add your website address and email address. With bios, you can usually add one website address, which most would point to their homepage. On Instagram, adding a URL to the caption does nothing - it isn’t a hyperlink so if you’re adding information about your latest blog, for example, that person needs to work to get there by going via the link in our bio, then home page, then find it. Now, another option is to have your one link going to either a links page on your website, or something like Linktree. Both of these let you put together a list of specific links that allow people to easily navigate to where you want

I’M RHEA FREEMAN. I’M A PR, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT AND COACH WITH A SPECIALISM IN EQUESTRIAN AND RURAL BUSINESS. I WORK WITH A NUMBER OF THE BEST BRANDS IN THE INDUSTRY AND MANY THAT YOU’LL SEE IN THESE PAGES... them to go. You might have a link for your overall blog, or your latest blog, or your podcast, or your newsletter sign up, the choice is yours! I think that this space is particularly important on Instagram. In short, do everything you can to make it easy for people to take the action that you want! And last but not least - review your bio regularly. Is it all still as relevant now as it was the day you wrote it? Make sure it is! www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk Twitter (@rheafreeman) Instagram (@rheafreemanpr) Facebook (/RheaFreemanPR)

RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE

ASK A

Masterminder Small & Supercharged Mastermind is an online group supporting small equestrian and rural businesses and, as such, is bursting with amazingly knowledgeable people with lots to share. Each month we’ll be asking them a question and members will be sharing their top tips. This month’s question is…

‘HAS THERE BEEN ONE PERSON IN BUSINESS WHO YOU FEEL YOU WERE 'DESTINED' TO MEET? AND WHAT DID THAT CHANCE MEETING LEAD ON TO?’ Odette Insoll, Nouvelle Habit: “My business hasn’t been running for long but I have already made some amazing friends, two stand out in particular. Both Sapphire and Lucy volunteered to model for some product shoots, we instantly clicked and had the most amazing days. Sapphire has become my brand ambassador and is also helping me out with some shows this year as is Lucy. I can’t wait for the summer, to be able to hang out with these girls. Both have been such great support and their friendship means so much to me.” www.nouvellehabit.co.uk Tracey Cole, Tracey Cole NLP: “I didn’t realise that Julia McHugh of Your Horse Is Your Mirror was trained in NLP when she invited me to do some equestrian confidence sessions as part of her TREC/horsemanship weekends. In fact, I persuaded Julia that she could run her own confidence sessions when I found out! From the first meeting, we became great friends and candid sounding boards. Julia did her Master NLP Coach & Master Hypnotherapy training with me and ever since, we’ve been able to support each other throughout the growth of our businesses.” www.traceycolenlp.com

Georgie Welge, Elite Saddle Fit: “Back in 2017 I noticed these videos starting to appear on YouTube all about horse welfare and training. These videos were produced by Equitopia, an American organisation trying to educate horse owners on all things horsey. I was pondering reaching out to them, when my then business partner called to say ‘you’ll never guess who my husband was sat next to on a plane?’ This chance encounter on a plane lead to an opportunity enabling global networking, just goes to show sometimes you get to be at the right place at the right time.” www.elitesaddlefit.com Ruth Chappell, Dressage Anywhere: “I was destined to meet Rhea Freeman! We first crossed paths over ten years ago and I just knew she was the kind of person I’d love to work with. So when I got back in touch at the launch of Small & Supercharged, it was a natural step to start working more closely together. I’m now really proud to call her one of my closest friends, we chat nearly every day and have a great friendship. ” www.dressageanywhere.com Thea Roberts, Horsefest: “Over a decade ago, I received a call from my friend, who’d come off her horse whilst hacking. I found my friend and checked she was ok, then we had to find her horse! He had REALLY ‘landed on his hooves’ and was grazing on the front lawn of a house about a mile and a half from my home. A lovely smiley, friendly, horse-owning lady welcomed us and lent us some reins to get him home, as he’d managed to break his in the excitement! That lady was Heidi, and we are now such good friends and have started up our equestrian membership community ‘HorseTribe’ together, with our summer festival ‘HorseFest’ happening this July – it was clearly a horsey friendship destined to be!” www.horsefest.org

Find out more about the Small & Supercharged Mastermind group: www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING WRITTLE WINNER

I GUNNERCOOKE LAUNCHES:

EQUESTRIAN LAW ARM

hallenger law firm gunnercooke has announced the launch of its new equestrian department, a group of specialist lawyers offering advice to the equine industry and rural clients. The team is spearheaded by Jodie Seddon, an international showjumper/eventer and corporate/commercial partner, and James Pheasant, a Chambers-ranked litigator in equestrian law, in addition to equine disputes specialist Sophie Murgatroyd. Rural and equestrian estates matters are covered by property partner and polo player Justin Neal, racehorse owner and real estate finance partner, Russell Dellar, and transactional specialist Bev Simms, with

landlord and tenant and property disputes handled by Kelly Kirby. The team have strong personal ties to the agricultural and equestrian communities, whether horse owners and riders or practising equine sports. The group aims to offer advice for both individuals and businesses in the equestrian and rural industry including professional riders and trainers, bloodstock agents, horse owners, landowners, farmers, sponsors, event organisers, brand managers and PR organisations, livery yards, riding schools, commercial businesses, national and international federations and governing bodies. Current clients include Voltaire Design, Nexgen Young Horse Series

Louise Gillings, Equiteam: “A chance meeting in a collecting ring over twenty years ago, when we were both showjumping grooms, led to a great friendship with Liz Daniels. After 15years of meeting up as friends we became business partners and Equiteam Confidence Camps was born. Our trial of a ‘pony club camp’ for adults was a more of a success than either of us could have dreamed of, and eight years on, the camps sell out in minutes. Getting to work with good friends is a real perk of the job as the foundations that every successful business needs are already in place.” www.equiteam.co.uk

sabelle Anderson, from Chelmsford in Essex, won the 2021 BETA Equine Thesis of the Year competition. The equine sports therapy and rehabilitation graduate represented Writtle University College in the final to claim the award for excellence in undergraduate study. She collected a £200 cash prize, a trophy and “something special to put on my CV.” Her winning study was ‘Owner satisfaction with rehabilitation practices for chronic sacroiliac pain in equines in the UK since the year 2000.’

and The Jockey Club. Jodie Seddon commented: “We are delighted to launch gunnercooke’s new equestrian and rural department. The team comprises highly experienced lawyers who all have a passion for the countryside and equestrian sports. Our aim is to offer an allencompassing service for clients in the sector by providing a team who can help with the full range of legal needs for commercial and professional businesses, federations, riders, owners, trainers, management teams, landowners, estate managers, brands and more.” www.gunnercooke.com

Faye Harlequin, Horseshoe Hearts & Gifts: “We initially collaborated with Alison from Tail End Jewellery after meeting in Rhea’s S&S group. We combined her horsehair braiding skills with our hand forged Horseshoe Hearts and have now created a whole range of Braided Horsehair Horseshoe gifts. We bonded over business but best of all Alison has become a really valued friend who I wouldn’t want to be without! I’m sure we were destined to meet!” www.horseshoehearts.co.uk

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

Equestrian careers...

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?

he British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is showing its support to the varied and diverse range of jobs within the equestrian sector by pledging to feature passionate professionals in varying roles from over on its social media platforms. The BETA Careers Month boasts an impressive schedule of video content and live broadcasts that will be shared across BETA’s social media platforms and podcast during the time. Not only does this provide a brilliant platform for BETA members and other professionals in the equestrian sector, but it also provides people looking for a career in the equestrian industry, colleges and universities, with real life examples of people doing those jobs. “We have an incredibly diverse range of members in BETA, and running this campaign allows us to showcase many of them,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA. “We’re working with our members and people beyond who have kindly said they’ll help us to provide an engaging and interactive

schedule of content including many live broadcasts that will also give those interested the chance to ask any questions they like. “Although we feel that this campaign will be really useful for younger people looking to enter the industry, we also feel it’ll help increase understanding across the sector, and provide those looking to change career at a later point in their life with a fabulous resource.” During BETA’s Careers Month, information will be shared from a wide range of professionals including saddlers, sales representatives, vets, physiotherapists, journalists, a member of the household cavalry, retailers, nutritionists, and many many more.

On the first Live in the series, Claire Williams spoke to Emma Dyer, the founder of Equine Careers, to share some tips around getting your dream job. Here are a few suggestions: • Read any job advertisement thoroughly. Make sure you understand what the job is, what it entails, and what the company is really looking for. Just because a job has the same title as another doesn’t mean it’s the same job! • Put together a good covering letter and tailor it to the company you’re sending it to. This is where you can highlight why you’re the most suitable person for the job. You can also reference points in the advert you’ve seen through the covering letter. This can really

OUR COLUMNIST ANNOUNCED AS:

WINNER OF PODCAST OF THE YEAR!

ocial media expert, award-winning PR adviser and Absolute Horse Magazine columnist, Rhea Freeman, has recently been announced as the winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2021 Digital Women Awards for her Small & Supercharged Podcast. The Small & Supercharged Podcast is published each week and shares social media, PR and marketing tips aimed at small businesses in the equestrian and rural space, interspersed with interviews from small businesses with stories and experiences to share that are inspiring, informative, and often amusing. Search for ‘Small & Supercharged’ on any podcast platform you listen through.

BETA CAREER MONTH IS SET TO PROVIDE INSPIRATION AND EDUCATION FOR THOSE LOOKING TO ENTER THE INDUSTRY, OR JUST LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIVERSE RANGE OF CAREERS WITHIN IT. help your application to stand out. • See your CV as factual - it should be clear, concise and specific too. • Get someone to proofread your covering letter and your CV. You don’t want silly mistakes to compromise your chances of landing the job of your dreams. The full interview is available on BETA’s Facebook Page, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and podcast which can be found on all the normal places you download your favourite from. For more information about BETA, see www.beta-uk.org, and to like the Facebook Page to ensure you get all the content direct: www.facebook.com/ betaequestrian

EQUESTRIAN ENTREPRENEUR

“I SAW A GAP IN THE MARKET AND SECURED £100K INVESTMENT”

NORFOLK BUSINESS: LAUNCHES CHARITY CANDLE

A A

rmaros, which has developed an innovative new type of flexible body armour for horse riders, has just secured a £100k investment from British Design Fund. The company was founded by Esmeralda Tuomi, a former Finnish showjumper who suffered a bad accident while riding. The body protector she was wearing at the time saved her life but like fellow riders, she found existing products to be very rigid and uncomfortable. In some cases, also impacting on balance. After conducting research amongst the equestrian community, she found many riders were put off from wearing body protectors because of this – potentially putting their own lives at risk. Esmeralda explains: “I had always found body protectors to be very uncomfortable, but my accident really hit home to me the importance of wearing one. When I started asking fellow riders about their experiences, I quickly found that most riders don’t wear one because they find them incredibly stiff and restrictive. That was a lightbulb moment for me.” Esmeralda set about finding a solution while on a Global Innovation Design course, backed by the RCA and Imperial College London. She went on to work with a team of engineers to create a new type of material using biomimicry design techniques that take inspiration from nature. The result being the creation of a material technology that is flexible yet incredibly supportive, inspired by the human spine. Esmeralda continued: “What has been really important for us is that the design is accessible, scalable and suitable for mass manufacturing, so the maximum number of people can potentially benefit from it. After many iterations, we have managed to engineer a product that works with existing manufacturing techniques and which also has potential for many other markets. I’m excited to have the backing of British Design Fund and their support in bringing our design to market.” www.armaros.info

local business, whose cruelty-free candles have been stocked by Redwings’ shops since they launched during the pandemic, has created a special edition to raise funds in memory of foal Phoenix. Norfolk Aromas was set-up at NHS-worker Andrew Macey’s kitchen table – and he credits Redwings with turning his lockdown hobby into a business. Andrew said: “I wanted to do something to honour Phoenix and his memory and so we came up with this In Loving Memory candle to raise money for Redwings.” Locally-made, ethicallysourced, recyclable and 100% cruelty free, Norfolk Aroma’s candles are popular on the Redwings online shop and at its visitor centres. www.redwings.org.uk/shop

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

MY LIFE AS A...

WRANGLER

et’s face it – most horse riders at some point have wanted to work on the ranch. There is something intoxicating about the Western way of riding and incredible skill that is tempting to most of us in the UK – but what does it take to make it as a wrangler on one of America’s most popular ranches? We caught up with Steph Kuenast who is Head Wrangler at Vista Verde Ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Vista Verde is located 25-miles from the nearest traffic light and as such is the ideal post-covid retreat. Nestled within the 1.25 million acres of National Routt forest one of Steph’s daily roles is to oversea the wellbeing and management of the 100-strong herd of working ranch horses. One of the highlights of the ranch calender is the annual cattle round-up. Every October Steph begins the process which sees her (and carefully selected

guests) take the horses out to the 16,000 acres where the cattle are hiding and round them up for the winter. Like a gigantic game of hide and seek this week includes early starts, riding over hills, through meadows and over logs in an effort to get them all tucked up for winter. What is your job title at Vista Verde and how long have you had this role? “I am currently the Head Wrangler, but I have been leading rides at Vista Verde for over two years now.” How did you get into this job and have you always loved horses? “I started riding when I was four, and I grew up riding all different types of horses. I always had a place in my heart for horses but never thought I would have the opportunity to have a paying job working with them. “After being immersed in

round them up is exciting and high pressure. “We need to teach our guests in a couple days to do the work competitive riding during my formative years I discovered the that cowhands take years to world of dude ranching, and fell learn. And then we are on a deadline to get those cow-calf in love with ranch riding. pairs in before 1st October, when “I really love how much horses can teach us, and everyday I learn we need to have them off the forest according to the something new from them. arrangement with the US Forest “Working with a herd of oneService. hundred horses gives me the opportunity to observe and work “Some days the gathering is easy as the cows are all gathered up with a variety of personalities and each horse brings their own and willing. Other days it’s like hide and seek to find them, and mix of gifts and challenges. we’re happy just to bring in four “Being able to communicate pairs. with a creature that doesn’t speak the way we do and be able “The riding is rugged and independent, so the guests need to work together is incredible. to have enough confidence to be And I feel very fortunate to be able to teach that to our guests.” sent out on their own to one side of a meadow and handle Can you tell us about their horse and the cows without the cattle round-up a wrangler right next to them week and what it coaching them. And they need entails? to trust their horse as we are on “The cattle round-up week is one trails just some of the time, but of the highlights of the year. more often bushwacking After seeing the cow-calf pairs through down trees, down and grazing out in the National up ravines, and crossing water. Forest all year, the time for us to It’s not for the faint of heart.” We know that a great deal of groundwork takes place before you match the horse to the rider why do you

spend so much time in this preparation? “Every horse has their own personality and style, and so does every guest. My job is to understand what the guest is showing up with as far as skills, expectations, and the complex mix of their personality and then match that to one of our horses who will help guide them through the learning process. “Some guests just want to be a passenger and not have to work, so those guests need to be paired with a horse that will be happy to just follow the leader. “Some guests are interested in learning more and being more of an active rider. With those guests the tricky part is to sort out how much are they willing to be challenged, and how much do they need to succeed? “Horses are teachers, and they give us exactly what we need and are adept at pointing out our blind spots. Some guests are open to receiving this message and some are not. The goal is to pick the horse that gives the guest what they need, knowing that no horse is perfect. “The hardest guest to match is one who wants a horse that works like a car, and our job is to help them see that doesn’t exist and help them embrace the process of learning to work together with their horse and be a leader to their horse. “At the end of the week, we want our guests to be madly in love with their horse, and enjoy the feeling of having connected and formed a partnership with their mount. We have guests who request the same horse year after year, and that is always a good

sign that we paired them up well!” How many hours a day are you in the saddle? “We start round-up anytime between 5-6:30am depending on the day. That involves saddling up one of our round-up horses, going out to the pasture and gathering the herd to run them into the corral. Once they are in the corral we saddle anywhere between 50-60 horses. “Our typical day with the guests involves a morning and afternoon ride, typically about two hours each. Then we unsaddle, run the herd back out, finishing chores, and start scooping the corral. Actual time in the saddle is about 4-5 hours each day. During our round-up weeks it’s more like 6-7 hours.” Any highlights from round-up we can mention? “Round-up was special. We have a group of women who have met up at the ranch for over five years to round-up, and we were able to witness some really powerful moments of them celebrating their friendships, working through challenges during the round-up, working through some really profound personal struggles, and lifting each other up. Also it didn’t hurt that we were having one of the prettiest falls we’ve had in a long time, so the weather and the colourful aspens were just perfect. That sure helps when you’re out on the trail all day to have stunning views!” www.vistaverde.com

JO FORRESTER:

A WOMAN ON A MISSION!

o Forrester was a typical horsey child. Her first love was ponies and together with some skill and bravery Jo developed a successful stint as a young event rider. When the time came to decide where her passions lay for further and higher education, Jo knew there was only one subject she was interested in - horses! She attended Hartpury College in Gloucestershire to study for a BTEC National Diploma in Equine Management and then headed to the Royal Agricultural University to study for a BSc in Animal Science and Management. At the RAU she naturally focused her studies on horses once more, in biomechanics and the impact of tack on a horse’s way of going. This gave Jo a deeper understanding of how important it is to ensure horses are comfortable and happy when we ask them to be our mounts, whether that’s for hacking or for high-level equestrian sport. More and more research studies reveal that poor bridle fit can impact everything from a horse’s willingness to accept contact and their head position (expected!) to the engagement of their hindlegs (a little more surprising, perhaps). This passion for improving performance whilst ensuring comfort and wellbeing meant that when Jo saw the bridle brand Elevator Equestrian was for sale in 2018, she jumped at the chance to take the reins. Elevator was founded by qualified saddler fitter Lorraine Green following her development of the original comfort bridle, designed to help her sensitive warmblood mare Elevator. Continued overleaf...

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING Continued from previous page...

Elevator had shown enormous promise in dressage but what appeared to be behavioural issues crept in and threatened to derail her career. Countless visits from vets, saddlers, osteopaths and physios could find nothing amiss. In the end, Lorraine tried riding in just a headcollar which went surprisingly well. Lorraine correctly identified Elevator’s bridle as being the root of her beloved mare’s issues and designed the bridle which all the brand’s designs are still based on today. Under Jo’s stewardship more bridle styles, nosebands and even accessories such as breast girths have been added to the Elevator brand but all with that same keen attention to horse comfort and performance. But Jo has never been someone to rest on her laurels… In 2019, Jo had the chance to purchase EquiAmi, home of the patented lunge aid of the same name and another equestrian brand putting horse welfare firmly at the heart of what it does. Jo took a leap of faith and took over EquiAmi, and her stable of equestrian companies now numbered two. Jo immediately set about revamping the brand’s supply chain, materials and packaging to ensure it was as green and sustainable as possible, and last year unveiled a smart new website too. The lunge aid itself has legions of fans and its unique and forgiving ‘self-centering’ design makes it perfect for any horse or pony, from those being rehabilitated or retained to competition horses, riding horses and even youngsters being broken in. Now, despite a turbulent couple of years thanks to the pandemic and the widespread cancellation of equestrian events, the businesses are thriving. As we look forward to the return of events such as Badminton and Burghley and (hopefully!) a return to normality, Jo is excited to share the news that she has added a third business to her portfolio. In January of this year Jo purchased Artemis Equestrian, an online store selling high quality horse and rider clothing, tack, bits and grooming tools from leading European brands. It’s an exciting time to be developing a brand forged on the four pillars of quality, function, performance and sustainability. The perfect fit for the Jo Forrester equestrian business empire? We think so! www.artemisequestrian.com

WE MEET THE

BRAND MAN... IN THIS ISSUE WE CATCH UP WITH SIMON MIDDLETON, THE MAN BEHIND LEADING WHOLESALER ZEBRA PRODUCTS.

ell us about your background? “I am not from an equestrian background, my family are big cyclists so I am the ‘black sheep’ of the family. “When I bought my first horse I obviously started at novice level eventing but eventually competed at 4* at Blenheim Horse Trials which was all very exciting and one of the high points of my riding career.” What did you do before Zebra Products? “Before Zebra I worked in sales and used to sell fruit to supermarkets so a very different world. “My wife Lindsay had a livery yard and was also a trainer and one of her clients ran a wholesale irrigation business and they asked would I like my own business and I said yes, I would like my own equestrian business. “So we formed a partnership together and decided to give it a go.” How did you start the business? “The business was established in the 2000 with just three people and we now employ over twenty.” Did the business start well? “That’s an interesting one! In the August just before we launched I was

competing at an event and fell off and broke my back so the first week of the new business I was in hospital. “I was fortunate to get better quite quickly and Lindsay used to drive me round shops with me wearing a body brace for support. It wasn’t the best start but pretty quickly we got some momentum going.” How did you come up with the name for the business? “Lindsay and I got married in Kenya and we have always been big fans of a safari holiday and one name came up - Zebra Products - and we were away.” What brands do you distribute? “We now distribute seventeen brands with the main brands being German and Italian, then we have two Swiss brands and one Belgian in our portfolio. “Initially when we started it was quite difficult to get brands on board as we were small and just getting going but as one came on board others followed and currently we have Alogo, Amerigo, Bucas, Cavalleria Toscana, Cavallo, Cavalor, Covalliero, EGO7, Equipe, Fleck, Konigs, Mattes, Nathe, Sprenger, Tucci, uvex and Veredus in the herd.” What do you look for in the products you distribute? “We have always pitched ourselves at the premium end of the market and that is our focus.” www.zebraproducts.co.uk

THE PROFESSIONALS

By Jessica Gale

HOW OUR HORSES UNDERSTAND

WHAT WE ARE ASKING

e spend a lot of the time with our horses, wanting them to do what we want them to do: stand still, go forward, come back, go sideways, jump this fence, go past the scary cows that are clearly breathing fire! But what makes the difference between them doing what we ask or doing the opposite? Once you know how to ride a lot of the things we do are automatic and we do them because ‘it works’ or ‘it’s how I was taught’ or ‘it’s how everyone else does it’. But how do we actually teach our horses; how do we get them to understand what we’re trying to say and how do they know when they’ve done something right or wrong? A big part of this comes down to understanding. In my experience

every time I have come across a horse that hasn’t done what I’ve asked it’s been for one of three reasons: they don’t understand what I’m asking them to do, I’m not asking them correctly or they can’t do it (whether that’s for physical or mental reasons). Our horses learn through a method called pressure-release. A lot of riders (nearly all really) use this method where the pressure is put on; the horse knows he’s got to do something and when he does it, the

pressure comes off. Getting your horse to understand what specifically you want them to do is the hard bit. A lot of things are ingrained in a horse from a young age: leg means go and a pull on the rein means stop are two requests the majority of horses are very comfortable with. But what about if you want to teach your horse a new movement with new aids that they’ve never done before? How do you get them to know that this aid means leg yield or another aid means rein back. The answer – pressure and release plus a lot of patience and repetition added in! So, lets say for a leg yield, you put the pressure on by putting your inside leg behind the girth and you wait. Your horse knows he has to do something but he doesn’t know what so they will try different things and you just have to simply keep asking until you get the response you want – the horse stepping sideways. When you get that response, you release the pressure to say “yes that’s what I wanted”. And then from there you just repeat and, as long as you are consistent with the aids you use and the response you want, your horse should pick it up quite easily. So, the pressure-release method helps us to teach our horse what we want from them and, as long as we are consistent and the horse is physically able to do it, this method wont ever let you down. But a big part that I am yet to mention is about our horses wanting to do what we ask of them. I am of the opinion that if a horse that is happy and healthy,

JESSICA GALE IS A BDCC AND UKCC LEVEL 2 COACH WHO HAS COMPETED UP TO SMALL TOUR. JESS COACHES RIDERS UP TO SMALL TOUR AND RUNS DECOMPLICATING DRESSAGE, A SITE DEDICATED TO ACCESSIBLE DRESSAGE TRAINING AND INFORMATION. THE SITE INCLUDES PODCASTS, TRAINING ARTICLES, VIDEO INSTRUCTION AND CHALLENGES. loves their job and wants to work they are far easier and more enjoyable to train. Its no surprise to me that when someone comes to me and says that their horse doesn’t like dressage, the rider also doesn’t like it either. It has nothing to do with the horse not liking dressage but more that the rider enjoys hacking or jumping more and therefore Continued overleaf...

THE PROFESSIONALS

An introduction to...

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has more fun themselves so the horse has more positive experiences in those disciplines. Rather than in the school when the rider doesn’t really know what things to try, gets bored, feels uninspired and unmotivated so therefore the horse feels bored and unmotivated too. Now this isn’t me saying you can just not do your flatwork because you don’t enjoy it. This is me saying to make the things you find boring more fun. Find some different exercises to try with your horse, or try seeing if you can teach your horse a leg yield or a flying change. Pole work is also a great way to make dressage more fun and there are also loads of flatwork or dressage clinics around where you can go with your friends to make it more social too. But what happens if you get a response you don’t want from your horse? If they buck when you ask for canter or shoot forward when you ask for a leg yield, it’s more difficult to work out the cause of the problem. It could be a training issue, it could be a saddle/vet/dentist/physio issue or it could be simply that your horse doesn’t understand. This is where it can be so helpful to have a trainer who can help you work out the cause of the issue. Be careful though, that you never take the pressure off, walk and reward your horse when he gives you a response you don’t want. You can easily end up training your horse to do something you don’t want them to do. www.decomplicating dressage.com

LOUISE TOWL FOUNDER OF READY TO RIDE

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PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PILATES

ello! Some of you may have come across me already on Instagram and Facebook, but for those of you who don’t know anything about me, here is a little of my background. I’m one of those lucky people who grew up mucking around on hairy ponies and doing as much Pony Club as possible. Eventually this transformed into the serious stuff of affiliated Eventing, and more recently, Dressage. In amongst all of this, I trained first as a human Chartered Physiotherapist, and then as a Veterinary Physiotherapist. By chance, I also became interested in Pilates, and trained in this at around the time that I became seriously keen on the Dressage. My own experience of training and competing up through the levels of Dressage – I competed up to Advanced in affiliated competitions and PSG in unaffiliated with my late boy Baz – coupled with my Pilates, really made me acutely aware of the need to be in tune with, and

in control of, my own body in order to enhance my riding. At the same time, I was aware that many of my horse owner clients were struggling with the time and cost of fitting in caring for their own bodies. This whilst spending rather a lot of time and money caring for their horses! Yet the horse-rider partnership is 50/50, and can only function and perform well if both parties are in optimum condition. If the focus is primarily on the horse, the rider is not only reducing the performance of the partnership, but also potentially creating problems for the horse by transferring their own asymmetries (through injury, weakness and so on) on to the horse. With Ready to Ride, I am bringing a variety of accessible options to riders, so that they can work to improve their own bodies and therefore performance, at the same time as their horse’s. I use all my professional experience (scarily, I have been a Physio for over twenty years now!) combined with my training and competing experience, to provide online, home exercise programmes that will help riders to improve balance, symmetry, strength, coordination, and ultimately body awareness. For me, good body awareness is key to effective riding; we have to know where our body is, what it is doing and how to use it in

order to move with our horse and apply subtle but effective aids. Everything I do is based on my own experience, and this has led me to developing two specific courses for pregnant and new mum riders. Although very lucky with my own fitness during pregnancy, I found the whole post-natal body situation a huge shock, even though I had treated numerous women at this stage of their life. Working out what to do with my new body was a real challenge, at a time when my brain was already rather full! Since then, I have become increasingly aware of the significant lack of exercise guidance for women at these key times. Riders are affected even more, due to the often negative attitude towards riding during pregnancy, and the lack of understanding of the specific physical requirements of riders. The two courses I have produced should go some way to rectify this, and help riders combine motherhood and riding successfully. Within the next few editions of the Absolute Horse Magazine, I’ll be discussing ways that you can help maintain your riding fitness during pregnancy, and then regain it after having a baby. In the meantime, you can find out about my classes, courses and YouTube channel at www.readytoride.online

Kevin McNab introduces...

TALENTED HUMPHREYS

cudeira 1918 Humphreys, the striking grey Holsteiner stallion, has been part of the equine team on the McNab Eventing yard since 2018 and Kevin has high hopes for Humphreys, including aiming for Paris 2024 as part of the Australian Eventing Team. Standing at 16’1hh, Osberton was the biggest win to date for 8-yearold Humphreys who has also had impressive results at Somerford Park 3*S and ninth place at Le Lion World Seven-Year-Old Championships. Humphreys is that rare find that is talented in dressage, showjumping and cross-country but is exceptionally smart when tackling the crosscountry phase. Said Kevin: “Humphreys is fantastic and really knows his job. The result at Osberton last year was all the more pleasing considering it was a massive field of 120 starters. An impressive dressage score of 27.60 got us off to a flying start and he just cruised around the cross-country course and didn’t touch a fence in the showjumping. “He has a lovely temperament and travels beside other horses but we do try to make his life easy as it can be as it can be hard for stallions competing with the constant distractions.” www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com

REWARDING ACHIEVEMENT WITH ACCESSIBILITY MARK for the Disabled (RDA) Proficiency Tests. The RDA Proficiency Tests form part of the wider RDA Education programme which is a fantastic platform for learning in an engaging and fun environment. The tests offer a goal for Accessibility Mark riders to aim ccessibility Mark for whilst also providing the accredited riding satisfaction that they have centres are providing worked through the Riding and disabled riders with the Horse Care syllabus and opportunity to expand their knowledge through the Riding accomplished their goal, which

is then rewarded with a certificate or badge. Incorporating activities such as the Proficiency Tests into sessions has increasingly been recognised for its educational benefits for those taking part. Staff and volunteers encourage participates every step of the way as the Grades increase in difficulty but are designed to be very much attainable for riders of all abilities. The tests help riders to gain useful practical knowledge but also work to provide a motivating tool that can really help to engage participants. Four Winds Equestrian Centre based in Lincolnshire runs a regular Accessibility Mark session where the riders are

actively encouraged to participate in Proficiency Tests. Paula Leverton, owner of Four Winds Equestrian said: “We use the tests to give our riders a goal to work towards in their weekly lesson. They get a real sense of achievement when they get their award.” Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability. www.rda.org.uk

NUTRITION changes can disrupt their populations which could result in loose droppings, colic or even By Emma Short BSc (Hons) laminitis. When changing a diet quickly, a ‘digestive enhancer’, such as a pre or probiotic, can help the bacteria adapt to the THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN new diet, thus reducing the risk of upsets occurring. DIET AND ROUTINE, THAT The length of time the horse will OFTEN ACCOMPANY A HORSE’S be on box rest and his current ILLNESS OR INJURY, CAN BE feeding regime will determine ALMOST AS STRESSFUL AS THE how significantly his diet needs to be altered. For short term box PROBLEM ITSELF SO NEED TO rest, concentrates may be BE HANDLED IN A WAY THAT reduced by about two thirds and MINIMISES THE RISK OF ‘top dressed’ with a low calorie SECONDARY SETBACKS AND balancer, to maintain protein MAXIMISES THE CHANCES OF A and micro-nutrient levels. If the horse on long term box rest SPEEDY RECOVERY. requires concentrates to maintain condition, a gradual orrect nutrition may be With no access to pasture and a the floor or fed in boredom change can be made to a lower considered vital for reduction in concentrate feed, balls. energy feed, over 4 to 5 days the horse’s overall nutrient optimum performance after the previous diet has been Changing The Horse’s intake can drop significantly. A but its role in supporting reduced. Diet low calorie balancer is ideal in healing, and a subsequent For horses needing more help to Abrupt dietary changes are return to work or competition, these circumstances as it maintain condition, a nonnormally best avoided but it provides all the vitamins, should also not be heating fully balanced may be necessary to drastically minerals and quality protein the underestimated. conditioning feed can be fed. reduce a fit horse’s concentrate horse requires, for maintenance ration if his workload is suddenly Low starch options, delivering Vital Fibre and all-important repair, but reduced or stopped. The horse’s their slow release calories from Even quite minor injuries can without the energy that could gut bacteria take time to adjust fibre and oil, are ideal where mean a horse is confined to his cause behavioural and digestive to a new feed and any sudden Continued overleaf... stable for a couple of days so it’s upsets. important that he has access to Boredom may also become a plenty of fibre to promote problem during prolonged box normal gut function and help rest so it can be worth relieve boredom. Of the microintroducing both stable toys and organisms in the horse’s hind alternative forage sources to gut, some are involved in fibre keep the horse’s mind active and digestion whilst some have an satisfy his need to chew. These important role in helping the can include alfalfa or ‘light’ horse to resist disease and chaffs and soaked beet products, recover from infections, which can be given in large trugs particularly of the digestive or buckets, separate from the tract. Plenty of fibre is therefore hard feed ration, to encourage important both as a source of natural foraging behaviour. High nutrients and for helping to fibre cubes or nuggets are also keep the horse healthy. ideal and can be scattered on

FEEDING FOR RECOVERY

NUTRITION

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clinical issues dictate that starch intake should be controlled. Oil is a particularly good source of non-heating, ‘non-starch’ calories, though a minimum of 200 – 500ml are required to make a significant calorie contribution. A specially formulated high oil supplement offers a mess-free and palatable alternative, which can be added to an existing balanced diet.

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Feeding to Heal Correct nutrition can actually aid healing by providing the nutrients required for tissue development; amino acids, for example, are the building blocks of protein and are components of all body cells. Some ‘essential’ amino acids must be supplied by the horse’s diet, as his body cannot manufacture them, and these are particularly important for soft tissue repair eg. muscle and tendon. With the exception of alfalfa, forages tend not to contain sufficient quality protein to supply essential amino acids, so feeding a balancer should ensure the horse doesn’t go short. Vitamins are essential for body functions and minerals are also

integral in cell and tissue structure and vital for the healing process. Balancers are an easy option for the healing horse at grass, as well as the box or barn resting horse, because their low feeding rates – two mugs/500g per day for a 500kg horse – means they can even be fed just once a day and can fed by hand, if necessary. So, cutting down the feed for a convalescing horse need not mean cutting down on nutrients; reducing calorie intake, in response to reduced workload, is essential but the maintenance of other nutrients is equally important in order to support successful healing. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

My Box Rest Advice...

y top piece of advice for a horse on box rest is to reduce the calories consumed from concentrates and increase fibre levels to support digestive function. “As your horse will be consuming more hay/haylage, ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times as grass can have a very high moisture content and moving across to hay/haylage their water intake will decrease, resulting in the horse drinking more water. “For good doers on box rest, soaking hay can reduce the calorie content but still ensure your horse is receiving fibre. Other methods can be using small-holed haynet or doubling up on haynets to slow the intake and make the forage last longer. “Concentrates feeds that are high in cereals should be reduced as the cereals result in higher starch levels which can cause excitable behaviours which is not wanted during box rest. A low energy, high fibre feed that is cereal free is naturally lower in starch and sugar. If you have a poor doer that requires a more calorific feed but you don’t want the excitability from a high starch conditioning feed, look for a high fibre, high oil feed.”

Suggested Product... RRP: 1.5kg/£27.50.

Everyday Vitamin and Mineral Supplement provides over 25 essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Everyday Vitamins and Minerals is an ideal way to help ensure optimum health and performance. Contains probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health. www.equine-america.co.uk

By Eleanor Blinkhorn (Bsc) Equine Nutritionist

Eleanor’s Recommended Products: Forage ‘n’ Fibre is a high fibre, low energy feed. It fully balanced with essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Suitable for horses prone to weight gain and excitable behaviour. Solution Mash is cereal and molasses free and high in oil and fibre to help with controlled weight gain. It is fully balanced and contains some herbs to encourage appetite. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

NUTRITION

Top Five

FEEDING QUESTIONS

get asked so many questions, but there are a few that do the rounds most weeks, so I hope this will help some of you lovely lot too. 1) How long should I soak my hay for? Whilst soaking hay does not guarantee that it is suitable for those requiring controlled sugar rations e.g. laminitics, it will help to reduce the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) levels. I normally advise 12-hours for optimum results, but no longer than 3-hours in summer as the heat can lead to fermentation. If soaking as your horse suffers from RAO you only need to soak for around 10minutes. 2) My feed says it is natural and contains no molasses so it should be low in sugar? Choosing a feed with ‘natural’ on the label, or

similar will not necessarily mean it is low in sugar as these types of feed typically contain dried grass mixes. On the flip side there are feeds that contain a very low level of molasses that may have been perfectly suitable. Check the sugar percentage on the label to be sure. 3) Why should I weigh tape my horse as they aren’t exactly accurate? Using a weigh tape once a week, at the same time of day and recording the weight helps you see any patterns emerging that your eye alone may not notice and provides a history for your vet to look at if required. Whilst weigh tapes are not completely accurate, they will help to show you fluctuations and so are useful tools. 4) My horse is now working harder what should I feed? Just because your horse is working harder does not

necessarily mean he will need additional feed. Keep an eye on his condition score and ensure the diet is balanced. If he does start to drop a little weight increase forage first before increasing or changing the hard feed. 5) Should I give my horse electrolytes? Horses with access to a good amount of forage or grass will normally have a potassium intake in excess of daily requirements. Sodium chloride intake however is often minimal and needs to be rectified. Normal table salt is an easy way to achieve this. Most leisure horses who go out for hacks, schooling, clinics, or low-level competitions, will typically require around ½1tbsp of table salt per day to rectify the sodium chloride loss. www.thehorsefeed guru.com

LOCATED IN NEWMARKET BUT WORKING BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, DONNA CASE BSC (HONS) IS THE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED EQUINE NUTRITIONIST WHO RUNS ‘THE HORSE FEED GURU’, AN EQUINE NUTRITION CONSULTANCY. FORMERLY A COMMERCIAL NUTRITIONIST ACROSS THREE BRANDS, NOW COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT, HER AIM IS TO DEMYSTIFY FEEDING FOR THE GOOD OF THE HORSE AND RIDER.

WIN!

Suggested Products... Magnitude provides supplemental magnesium, together with controlled amounts of calcium (another key mineral in nerve and muscle metabolism), to help promote healthy nerve function and reduce tension, enabling the horse to focus and concentrate. RRP: 1kg/£29.50. www.equine-america.co.uk

Pro-Pell Plus Solution is an ideal daily tonic or ‘pickme-up’ and is designed to provide key micronutrients to support optimum health and performance, including B vitamins, copper, iron and antioxidants. Can be safely fed at the recommended levels in conjunction with most typical feed regimes, when horses need that extra boost! RRP: 1ltr/£17.50. www.equineamerica.co.uk

Copper Plus Powder will help to correct a lack of copper in the diet, with safe and controlled levels, from bioavailable sources. Seek professional advice if a copper deficiency is suspected, either from a qualified nutritionist or your veterinary surgeon. RRP: 1kg/£28.50. www.equine-america.co.uk

RRP: from £13.15.

C-Vite E contains Vitamin C for horses and works as a joint and calming supplement for horses. It contains 125,000 mg/Kg Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is vital during any kind of stressful or competitive activity, which causes a build up of a lactic acid within the bloodstream and subsequently the muscles, causing cramp. The Vitamin C in C-Vite E helps to remove the lactic acid leaving your horse more relaxed and comfortable. www.animal-health.co.uk

RRP: 1.5kg/£44.99 and 1ltr/£48.99.

Lamigard Advanced Care Pellets and Lamigard TRT Regular Solution deliver a unique approach to the nutritional management and metabolic support for horses and ponies. Low in sugar and starch, high fibre, easy to feed and suitable for horses and ponies on very low, or no other concentrate feed. www.equine-america.co.uk

EIGHT LUCKY READERS TO WIN A BAG OF SPEEDI - BEET: LOW SUGAR BEET PULP FEED!

Speedi-Beet is a highly nutritious micronized (cooked) beet pulp feed which provides an excellent source of digestible fibre and is suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis as part of a balanced diet. Due to its unique manufacturing process, Speedi-Beet can be soaked and ready to use in just 10 minutes and is extremely palatable. It is also starch free and unmolassed, making it 95% sugar free. Feeding Speedi-Beet before turnout can help stabilise the ingestion of sugars present in spring grass. Speedi-Beet is extremely versatile and can be fed strategically to a range of different horses from overweight horses and ponies to poor doers. RRP around £14.99 for a 20kg sack.

www.britishhorse feeds.com To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st March and close 30th April 2022.

NUTRITION

SPRING TIME:

WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO SLIM YOUR HORSE DOWN By Ellen Chapman, founder of Trickle Net

he horse has evolved to put on weight in the spring and summer months so that they can survive winter, when grass is less readily available and the forage they can find is of poor quality. The problem that horse and pony owners face today is that their charges are still prone to putting on condition easily in spring, especially when the grass is growing quickly and accumulates high levels of nonstructural carbohydrates, yet many fear letting them lose weight in winter. But slimming down during the colder months is essential for horses and ponies prone to weight gain and at risk of metabolic disorders, so it’s kinder for them in the long run.

Healthy weight loss is essential If your horse or pony could do with shedding some kilos before the warm weather arrives, it’s important to remember the basics of equine feeding and consult a nutritionist if needed. Horses and ponies are grazing animals, designed to browse for food for around 18-hours a day, and so simply cutting back when they can eat isn’t healthy. Removing hard feed and focusing on good-quality hay or haylage, perhaps with a feed balancer added in, can help with weight loss. Extra movement will ensure they are burning more calories each day, just as it does for us humans (hello January gym membership!). But what about the native breeds who seem able to exist on fresh air? Even the chubbiest pony

needs to be able to trickle feed small amounts of forage to keep both them and their digestive system healthy, so sourcing oat straw or lower quality hay can help them. Here’s an important point to note - simply allowing some horses and ponies access to ad lib forage will be problematic and could lead to them gaining weight instead of losing it! That’s due to a hormone called leptin which tells the brain when the horse has had enough to eat. If your equine is insulin resistant, they will also be resistant leptin and that important ‘stop eating’ message won’t reach the brain. Slowing down that hungry horse! Firstly, it’s important to find out how much forage your horse or

pony needs and then, if you need to, find ways to slow down the rate at which they can consume it to replicate the browsing and grazing they would do in the wild. Happily, the company I founded can help with both. Our forage calculator, first launched in 2021 and now improved for 2022 with the addition of dry matter percentage and new data, is fantastic for taking the guesswork out of forage feeding. Inputting horse weight, current forage feeding level, dry matter percentage of forage, turnout hours, grass quality and your goal (maintenance, weight loss or weight gain) will produce the weight of forage your horse needs each day. Then, our vet-recommended slow feeder nets are perfect for ensuring that their ration of hay isn’t gone by the time you’ve switched off the yard lights for the night. Each Trickle Net is handmade with heavy duty twine, and not only do they slow down the rate of forage consumption, but they also mimic the action of biting and ‘nibbling’ used by a horse to graze. Our ethos at Trickle Net is to ensure horse owners can feed forage in a way which mimics the natural trickle feeding rhythm of grazing and keeps their horses healthy and happy! Take a closer look at the forage calculator and our slow feeder nets on the Trickle Net website. www.tricklenet.com

HEALTHY BODY CONDITION

IN SHOW HORSES

he Horse Trust’s Healthy Body Condition campaign in showing was well received in 2019 and 2021, and some of the most prestigious shows in the country are keen to take part in the initiative in 2022 at both affiliated and unaffiliated levels. The programme is supported by evidence obtained at the University of Liverpool by Behaviour Change Scientist Dr Tamzin Furtado who developed the programme in partnership with The Horse Trust. The aim is to raise awareness of healthy equine body condition in showing, to provide guidance and to encourage owners, riders, and producers to recognise the health and welfare benefits of maintaining a healthy body condition. Tamzin Furtado, says, “Horses who are overweight or cresty are often celebrated for their condition - and we want to slightly challenge that, by celebrating horses in ideal body condition.” Selected show classes in participating shows throughout the year were assessed for body condition by a vet and the horses who have the healthiest body condition were awarded one of the Horse Trust’s coveted green and gold rosettes. David Ingle, Director of Showing at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead and former Chairman of The Showing Council, said, “Showing is keen to become more educational and we are in an era of great improvement in equine welfare, with increasing scrutiny under social license. This initiative helps to shine a light on this important aspect of showing.” Loraine Homer’s 5-year-old bay mare Ballinclare took the award for healthiest body condition at the Royal International Horse Show 2021 having won the large intermediate show riding type class and championship, ridden by 19-year-old Alice

Ballinclare & Alice Homer presented rosette at the RIHS by Dr Tamzin Furtado

Homer. The mare was also third in the large hack class. When asked about Ballinclare’s routine, Alice said, “She pretty much lives out and loves food, so she often comes in at the end of Winter with a bit of a tummy. But I think it’s the thoroughbred in her which helps her condition. We spend most of the time keeping the weight off her as I think they look classier and much better fit.” The British Equine Veterinary Association considers equine obesity to be one of the highest-ranking equine health risks today. The Horse Trust is working with several organisations in the horse world to come up with practical solutions to enable human behaviour around equine obesity to be changed for the better. Jan Rogers of The Horse Trust says, “We all get very upset by seeing photos of underweight horses in the media, but in reality, far more horses are obese than are underweight. This is very worrying for vets who are finding that they must treat these horses with serious health conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Laminitis.” Keep an eye out for information on the Horse Trust’s social media platforms for #TheWeighToWin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

WIN! ONE LUCKY READER TO WIN 4 BAGS OF TOPSPEC SENIOR FEED BALANCER

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer is designed for elderly horses. It combines the benefits of a feed balancer and a joint supplement, in a highly cost-effective way. Senior Feed Balancer is formulated without cereal grains and provides only low levels of sugar and starch. It is important to keep the starch intake of elderly horses low when fibre intake is compromised, in order to maintain healthy hindgut function and avoid loose droppings. Senior Feed Balancer includes the scientifically recommended rate of glucosamine in a daily quantity of feed to help maintain mobility., and it contains several supplements which provide the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements. www.topspec.com RRP: £37.75 - 15kg

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st March and close 30th April 2022.

NUTRITION

NEW HAYLAGE: UK NATIVE GRASSES

orse forage company Silvermoor Ltd is launching a new variety of haylage. The new magical minty unicorn haylage is low sugar and high fibre, ideal for laminitics and to aid weight management in ponies and horses. The haylage has been sprinkled with Silvermoor’s signature unicorn minty flavouring to create an irresistible forage. A first for the UK unicorn haylage is made with only UK native grasses, cocksfoot and timothy. This blend of grasses has under 10% non-structural carbohydrates, so is suitable for laminitics, and in-line with Silvermoor’s existing haylage range is dust free. www.silvermoor.com

eds.com www.britishis

efeeds.com www.britishhorsefe

Brand New Website...

he team at British Horse Feeds has launched a brand new website with a fresh modern design but still in keeping with the iconic brand image. Easy to navigate, the website is packed with features including company profile, the team behind the brand, products, feeding advice, stockist locater and loyalty scheme. A new, easy to search nutrition section has been updated to provide an online hub of information. You can read all about relevant topics from feeding the laminitic to nutrition for those prone to gastric ulcers.

Fresh New Packaging...

engie’s Cool, Condition & Shine feed is the latest product in the range to have a packaging makeover. Cool, Condition & Shine will still be easily recognisable in its distinctive purple bag but will now feature Incognito, an 8-year-old, 16.2 Warmblood. Incognito was bought as an unbacked 3-year-old has been backed and produced by event rider Alicia Wilkinson. He and Alicia are out competing at Novice eventing and also enjoy team chasing and beach rides, all of which he does on an entirely fibre based diet! www.dengie.com

MOLLICHAFF TO THE RESCUE

wned by Clare Lague, Barkway Katrin known as Kitty in the stable, was diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) two years ago and had to have a strict diet change. Standing at 12hh, 14-year-old Kitty is a stunning Welsh B pony. She was worked as a lead rein/first ridden pony by Clare’s daughter but is now semiretired. She mainly shows in-hand now and enjoys hacks out. The first time Clare took Kitty to a show was a local one and Kitty won all her classes coming home with Section Champion and Supreme Champion. It is clear that Kitty is a true all-rounder. Having done her research on HorseHage & Mollichaff ten years ago (when she first had a youngster), Clare started out feeding Mollichaff Herbal to all her horses. But when Kitty was diagnosed with EMS in 2019, Clare had to change Kitty’s diet to a very strict one due to her condition. So Clare moved Kitty on to Mollichaff Hoofkind Complete. “Mollichaff HoofKind Complete has everything in it that Kitty is allowed. I get constant compliments on how well she looks and people don’t believe that I don’t feed any extra supplements.” Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is a complete feed that is low in starch and sugar, high in fibre and does not contain any cereals. It provides a low level but high quality protein and restricted calories to give limited, controlled energy from high quality digestible fibre and oil-based ingredients, making it an excellent feed for good doers as well as those prone to laminitis. www.horsehage.co.uk

STABLES, YARDS, ARENAS AND PADDOCKS standard-rated stabling) and charges need to be appropriately apportioned. • The supply of ‘keep’ (or care or livery services) including stabling and feed is one standard-rated supply with no apportionment. The receipt of such income will also be potentially liable for income tax and should be reported on the tax return of the appropriate individual or business, and there may also be inheritance tax implications. Nick Hart says: or many people, owning and the provision of livery, where apportioned. Where there is “Where land is let to others to a horse or pony is no there may be more complex tax ‘keep’ also then this is a single graze their horses, this income supply that is standard-rated different to owning a implications. with no apportionment. HMRC is will potentially be liable to boat or a classic car for Nick Hart, VAT Director, Saffery income tax. This may not often interested in land-related personal use or enjoyment, Champness, and a member of supplies where other services are increase your income tax burden with no taxation the firm’s Landed Estates and consequences. Rural Business Group comments: also being provided and stabling significantly, but it may impact on other arrangements such as and livery is no exception. But it is an expensive business. A “The VAT position for livery inheritance tax, particularly if the 2019 survey by the British businesses is determined on the Should HMRC become aware that the customer receives other land is let or used as part of an Equestrian Trade Association facts of each case, addressing agricultural holding. benefits along with the land, (BETA) cited the average spend both contracts with customers they would generally be quick to “Such property would normally on livery at £221/month, and and the balance of services. suggest the service should all be be fully relievable for inheritance the cost of grazing only for a These could cover grazing, tax, but only if the property is hardy pony at around stabling and ‘keep’ for example. standard-rated.” £125/month. More recently, “Grazing rights on their own can Due to the complexities and to a used for agricultural purposes. Grazing by cattle or sheep would Money Saving Expert in its be zero-rated (0% VAT) as animal degree HMRC’s sometimes enable the land to qualify, but it survey of spend on ‘pets’ feed, and stabling can be exempt uncertain position, those supplying ‘keep’ should maintain is unlikely that horses grazing highlighted keeping a horse as from VAT, but standard-rated the land would. Be warned records for feedstuffs and unthe most expensive. Its August (currently 20%) if the stables in 2021 poll found that 25% of their own right have been ‘opted opted stabling, in case there is an therefore that a little extra income now might add up to a opportunity in the future to respondents owning horses to tax’ or are part of a larger costly capital tax bill in the reclaim VAT overpaid on these. spent over £5,000/annum on holding that has been, while future.” Broadly, the VAT position for them with 42% spending ‘keep’ or ‘care’ is also a supply those providing stabling, grazing Nick Hart adds: “The system is between £2,001 and subject to the standard rate of complex and there are a number or livery is as follows: £5,000/annum. VAT. of anomalies within it. We would • The letting of a stable alone is That would appear to make “The possibilities are complex therefore urge anyone with exempt from VAT, subject to livery and the letting of loose and HMRC guidance is not concerns about VAT or income the ‘option to tax’. boxes and grazing an attractive always clear. For example, for DIY tax in relation to equestrian • Stabling plus livery might be proposition for land owners or livery, where there are elements issues to speak to their VAT exempt, only if the farmers looking for an additional of stabling and grazing but no professional adviser.” stabling is the predominant income stream. But these can be ‘keep’, the official view has been www.saffery.com element. problem areas for tax. There is a that there are two separate • DIY livery is two supplies (of fine line between having one or a supplies at different VAT rates zero-rated feed and exempt or few spare loose boxes to rent and the consideration can be

BEWARE THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF

HORSES & LIVERY

STABLES, YARDS, ARENAS AND PADDOCKS

NEW: STRAWMAX

STRAW PELLET BEDDING FOR HORSES

trawmax straw pellets are a great new equine bedding created by Bedmax, the UK’s leading manufacturer of equine bedding. Strawmax is a very timely, cost effective new option for owners at a time of steeply rising costs. It’s made from locally sourced high quality straw, and it combines all the equine health benefits you would expect from Bedmax but with exceptional ease of use and economy. And unlike straw, Strawmax comes in handy 15kg bags through your

local equine retailer, so it’s always available, reliably consistent, and easy to handle, store and use in the stable. Key benefits for Horses For all conscientious owners, the most important deciding factor when considering Strawmax pellets is that they help you create a healthy and hygienic stable environment for your horses. • Minimal airborne dust • Huge volume and depth • Comfort and support • Super absorbent • Suppresses odour

Key benefits for Owners Strawmax pellets are especially helpful for time-pressed, valueconscious owners. They’re very long-lasting, they isolate urine in small patches which minimises waste, and that makes them exceptionally affordable. • Very easy to use • Low on waste • Big on economy • Small muckheap • Fast composting. Find out more at www.strawmax.co.uk

All Bedmax beddings including Strawmax now come with the new BETA NOPS Bedding logo. You can read more about what this means for you and your horses at: bedmaxshavings.com/ nops

6-8 bags of Strawmax make a full bed 20-24cms deep in a standard 12 x 12 stable. A bucket of water per bag will swell them to 3 x volume but still leave them super absorbent to soak up urine. Maintaining an optimum bed should only require about 1 bag per week.

FIRST COMPANY ACCREDITED:

BETA’S NEW BEDDING INDUSTRY MANUFACTURING STANDARD

edmax has become the first equine bedding company to become BETA NOPS accredited. The British Equestrian Trade Association

(BETA) has been planning the scheme since January 2020, which aims to minimise the risk of contamination by naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) in equine

bedding products. Carrying this badge certifies that all products from BEDMAX’s range, which includes Bedmax, Littlemax, and Stockmax shavings and its recently

launched Strawmax straw pellet bedding, conform to the current best practice in minimising the risk of contamination by NOPS. Contamination by naturally occurring prohibited substances has been an ongoing problem with performance horses for some Continued overleaf...

STABLES, YARDS, ARENAS AND PADDOCKS been taken. BETA first launched its NOPS time and the FEI takes a no Code for Equine Feed in tolerance stance to prohibited response to the increase in substances. The list of incidents in positive doping prohibited substances is long, tests. Further research revealed and the rules can be difficult that bedding is also a common to navigate. The problem source of cross-contamination, often lies in inadvertent cross- and so the BETA NOPS Code for contamination from external Equine Bedding was set up to sources which is not just a recognise manufacturers that problem for professional conform to the current best riders, but amateur and hobby practice in minimising the risk of riders too. contamination by NOPS. Prohibited substances in Claire Williams, Executive bedding can be absorbed into Director of BETA said, “I am so a horse’s or pony’s system if pleased to see the years of work contaminated bedding on this scheme coming to becomes mixed up in hay, for fruition. It seemed logical to example, and even tiny develop this programme to quantities can be detected and complement the NOPS Feed result in a positive doping code, when bedding and feed test. Spot testing is much are so closely associated. more common at all levels of Working alongside our professional and amateur independent auditors, Kiwa, we competition in all disciplines, have produced a scheme that and riders need to be vigilant adds another level of risk as fines can still be assessment to bedding administered if they are production that I believe is unable to prove that all unique. preventative measures have “Congratulations are due to Continued from previous page...

Bedmax on auditing successfully to the standard. I know how much work they have put in to ensuring that they meet the standards that we have set.” Carrying the NOPS logo also assures customers that equine bedding products are marketed fairly and legally. It means that claims are evidenced and offers peace of mind that bedding products receive the same amount of scrutiny for the risk of prohibited substances as feed. For Tim Smalley, Managing Director at Bedmax, NOPS accreditation is a landmark in the bedding company’s 21-year commitment to excellence. “This is a very positive step forward for both Bedmax and the equine industry, especially professional riders and trainers. Unlike feeds and supplements, you don’t get a list of ingredients on a bag of bedding so it’s important to know that the manufacturer has taken steps to ensure the product does not contain prohibited substances.

Tim Smalley, Managing Director at Bedmax

“I am delighted that we are the first bedding company to carry the BETA NOPS badge and I hope this will help all equestrian organisations in their drive to make competition at all levels as clean and fair as possible. We pride ourselves on providing customers with the highest quality of equine bedding, and this is a milestone achievement for us as a company.” www.bedmaxshavings.com

Shine a light on your horse’s training...

his brand new lighting product from HorseLight, the High Bay Arena Light, is specifically designed for outdoor and indoor arena lighting, providing unbeatable daylight conditions for your horse’s training. HorseLight is an advanced form of light therapy technology which is worlds apart from ordinary sports arena lighting. It is scientifically proven to enhance the health and wellbeing of horses by emitting a very specific spectrum of blue light. Horses can work more effectively under blue light, have faster recovery times, and their improved daytime alertness can leave them feeling more awake, more focused, and importantly, much happier. An arena requires a crisp light output, especially when working through movements, using Cavaletti poles or jumping. This durable

and eco-friendly arena lighting system from HorseLight delivers this and much more in a user-friendly format. It is suitable for new builds as well as replacement of existing lighting systems, giving you reduced electricity costs and carbon footprint compared to standard florescent or tungsten lighting. It is fully waterproof and does not require a timer, it can be simply turned on and off at the switch and with a lifespan of 50,000 hours will give you years of bright daylight working conditions. www.horselight.co.uk HorseLight High Bay Arena Light £350 (+vat)

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR

ARENA SURFACE

he SCH Supplies Multi Surface Manége Groomer (MSMGT) is ideal for both sand and fibre, and sand and rubber surfaces. Two rows of spring tines lift

the sand whilst the two crumb rollers re-distribute the material evenly and leave the manège level, ready for work. The MSMGT is height adjustable to allow you to get the correct depth for your surface. Once set,

it can remain fixed at the height and there is no need to reset it prior to each use. This is because the wheels can be easily lowered to allow you to transport and store the groomer. The groomer is available as a towed or mounted version with the option of three different sizes 48”, 60” or 72” wide. Each version all perform the same task. SCH manufactures over 250 quality British built machines that can be towed behind a

tractor, ride-on mower or ATV. For a free 80 page brochure featuring all the designs and variations, including a variety of hitches for your towbar, contact SCH. www.schsupplies.co.uk

MAKE YOUR TACK ROOM

More sustainable...

n the UK, the equestrian industry contributes over £4 billion to the economy each year, a large percentage of which is spent on equestrian equipment. Like a lot of us you may have just had a Spring-clean clear out of your tack room so do you have any unwanted items that are still in good condition? Instead of throwing them away why not start on your journey to being greener by selling your unwanted items on Tack Room Trading for free! Tack Room Trading is an online marketplace for all things equestrian, pre-owned and new, with sustainability at the heart at the company. Jodie Jago, founder of Tack Room Trading said: “As a horse owner myself with three children who all compete and ride, Continued overleaf...

STABLES, YARDS, ARENAS AND PADDOCKS

Continued from previous page...

I have found that the second-hand market for equestrian items is my go-to place as this helps me feel like I am doing my bit for the environment.” Tack Room Trading will help you to become a more sustainable rider when you sell your unwanted items on the platform and search for items you need. Three things that you can do to help reduce your carbon footprint • Reduce the demand for a constant supply; we can do this by reducing the amount of new products that we buy each year. The saying of buy cheap buy twice comes to mind, investing in products that are a higher quality means that they are more likely to last the test of time. We can also reduce the need to purchase by taking proper care of the products that you buy, thus extending their expected lifespan. • Reuse items, this can be done very easily by purchasing second-hand as opposed to buying new. Do you have old items that you want to get rid of, instead of just disposing of any unwanted items, if they are still in useable condition; why not sell them on Tack Room

Trading? This will earn you some cash and reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. • Recycle your unwanted items if they are no longer in a resalable condition, instead of just throwing them away where they will end up in landfill. There are several fashion retailers that now offer to take your unwanted garments or you can search online for the nearest textile recycling facility. • Another way that you could help to be greener should you have to purchase a brand new product is by investigating which companies are making a conscious effort to reduce their impact on the environment. By choosing to buy from one of these companies you would in turn be helping to reduce your own carbon footprint, especially if their packaging is recyclable and they use recycled plastic in the manufacture of their products. www.tackroom trading.co.uk

fter an enjoyable ride with your horse, it is important that your faithful companion can return and rest inside their stable in complete serenity and security. To guard and adequately protect them, it is wise first of all to take into consideration the greatest threats to the safety of horses: theft and fire. It may indeed be daunting to think that such illfated events could occur, though prevention is certainly better than cure. While they do not guarantee the complete protection of your equine companions and of your yards, the following safety measures will give you some peace of mind when around or away from your livery stable and horses. No smoking policy Cigarettes do not belong inside a livery stable. Barns are packed with flammable material that can foster a fire, and hot ashes can easily instigate a blaze. Therefore, make sure that a strict no smoking policy is in place on the premises and avoid using any kind of heat sources (especially unprotected, naked

flames). Additionally, ensure the muck heap is not in close proximity to stables and barns, and sweep any cobwebs that may be hanging in or around the stable. Fire extinguisher This particular suggestion may sound pretty banal, but it is often the most obvious safety measures that end up being overlooked. Fire extinguishers have a crucial role in fighting flames and should therefore be stored properly. In the event of a fire, if there is no opportunity to safely tame the flames with the extinguisher, call 999 immediately and evacuate the horses closest to the blaze first. As you wait for the fire brigade, ensure that your horses are kept in a secure place; if agitated or left loose, they may pose further danger or attempt to re-enter the stable. Vary your timetable Alongside precautions against fire hazards, it is also important to take measures to deter any illintentioned passer-by from stealing costly equipment or, even worse, your equine friends. One simple yet effective method is to mix up your schedule and

MEASURES FOR YOUR LIVERY YARD

LIVERY STABLE SECURITY to visit your stable at different times during the week. This way, the yard will look constantly busy, thus hopefully discouraging any potential thief that is hoping to access your barn. Sensor-operated security lights If anyone does attempt to take a closer look at your animals and possessions, sensor-operated security lights are an excellent way to make these intruders more visible. It will be easier to keep an eye on them and monitor their movements. What is more, the floodlights may give them ‘stage fright’ and encourage them to leave the premises.

Burglar alarms In the event of a particularly obstinate intruder, burglar alarms can be useful to signal that someone has broken into your stable. Acoustic alarms may come in handy, especially if there are people that live nearby and who will be able to warn you. It may therefore be good to meet and make friends with your neighbours: not only will it benefit your social life, but it also means that there will always be an extra pair of eyes and ears looking after your yard and horses. Warning signs It may also be sensible to put up warning signs around your barn to let would-be thieves know

that they are being watched. Direct attention to the fact that there is a security system in place and that the area is kept constantly under surveillance – it may just do the trick. Keep items out of sight Make sure to lock away your possessions and be careful not to leave tools lying around, such as ladders and wheelbarrows, that may aid intruders in carrying out their misdeeds. Also, while many horse owners tend to padlock only one side, some gates can be lifted too. To keep your equines extra safe, think about attaching an additional chain and padlock at the hinged end. Horse identification Evidence of indelible identification tags on horses may function as an excellent deterrent too. Thieves are likely to dismiss equines that have been freezemarked or microchipped, as they are not as difficult to retrace if they go missing.

While freeze-marking has become uncommon nowadays, microchipping is currently a legal requirement much like with dogs. Generally inserted in the horse’s crest, a microchip contains the animal’s details and – when scanned – will help identify a lost or stolen equine. Ensure that details on the database are always up to date and ask your vet to scan the microchip during visits to check it is still working. Finally, horse passports (which all equines should have under the Horse Passports Act 2003) may also be helpful to retrieve the missing animal. While not a permanent tag, it is indispensable to have if you ever want or need to sell or pass on your horse. Therefore, ensure that your horse’s passport is stored safely so that it does not risk getting stolen with your equine companion. As with everything in life, there is no hiding that things can go wrong without warning. It is sensible to always be covered by a livery yard insurance package that can provide financial support when undesired eventualities occur. While it will never fill the void of losing your equine friend, it can be a vital helping hand when having to deal with the aftermath of a crime or of other unpleasant episodes. However, by adopting the security measures mentioned above, you can rest assured that both your stable and horses are on the right track towards being as safe as they can be. www.cliverton.co.uk

SADDLERY & TACK

Your Questions Answered... QUESTION: “Which straps should I attach my girth to?” ANSWER: “This is a common question especially as saddles now can have up to five girth straps each side which makes it confusing for the rider. Traditionally there would be only three girth straps. One on a narrow web just behind the front arch of the tree and then a further two both stitched onto the same wider web set behind the first web. “However, over the years things have changed and now there are more options including a point strap, which is attached to the point at the front of the tree and a balance web which attached to the back of the tree, often by means of a v-web system. The vweb system allows the girth strap to find its own centre and not pull the saddle forwards. These additional girth strap positions allow your Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF) to assess which girth straps to use to achieve the best fit. “The girth straps must not be used to make an ill-fitting saddle stay in place, they are used to

refine the fit and help with stability of the saddle. “When the saddle is placed in the correct position on the horse, the most suitable girth straps will lay vertically inline with the girth groove and therefore the girth. Ideally the girthing arrangement will help to distribute the pull of the girth over a wider area and give better stability of the saddle. If that line is not vertical and then the saddle will move forwards or backwards to achieve that vertical line and in turn will move the saddle either forwards onto the shoulders or backwards on to the lumber region. Neither of these options are desirable and will cause the horse discomfort and possibly pain. “The point strap is used if the saddle tends to slip forwards, however by using the point strap it can pull the front of the saddle down and make the back lift, move and bounce. Generally, a balance strap would also be used when using the point strap to support the back of the saddle. The balance strap can also be used to prevent saddle slip, but only if the cause of the saddle

The Equipe Anatomic Bielastic Dressage Girth is ergonomically shaped to provide freedom of movement behind the elbows. RRP: £308.50.

slip has been identified and can’t be corrected, eg. The rider has an injury which means that they ride twisted to one side and pull the saddle across with them. Then the balance strap can be used one side to support the saddle and prevent it from twisting, just like a balance strap is used on a side saddle to support the saddle on the side without the rider’s legs. “Your SMS RQSF will select the girth straps that they feel are most suitable after assessing the saddle on the horse and looking at the line of the girth groove. You will then be asked you to ride in the saddle to make sure that the saddle doesn’t move, is balanced and that both you and the horse are comfortable in the saddle. If the saddle is used for jumping, then you will be asked to jump a fence or two. Whilst you are riding the SMS RQSF will be assessing the saddle on the horse, the horse’s way of going and your position and balance. Depending upon what they observe they may change the girthing arrangement and then ask you to ride again, so that they can reassess everything.

IN THIS ISSUE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS’ PRESIDENT, MASTER SADDLER, MASTER BRIDLE MAKER, MASTER HARNESS MAKER, REGISTERED MASTER SADDLE FITTER AND REGISTERED QUALIFIED BRIDLE FITTER, HELEN READER, PROVIDES ADVICE Once they are happy with the girthing arrangement then they will explain to you which girth straps you need to use for your horse and why.“ www.master saddlers.co.uk

The Equipe Emporio Non Stretch Stirrup Leathers are tear proof and non stretch and made in hide with an anti-shock inner core. These stirrup leathers are made from the finest English Sedgewick Leather which is world renowned. RRP: £99. Both www.zebraproducts.co.uk

QUESTION: “Does the thickness of my numnah affect the fit of my saddle?”

QUESTION: “Are some horses better suited to a close contact saddle than a standard panel saddle?”

ANSWER: “Yes, the

ANSWER: “All horses

thickness of your numnah does affect the fit of your saddle. If the saddle fits the horse correctly then generally only a thin saddle cloth/numnah will be required. “There are occasions when a thicker numnah or pad maybe required, due to the horse being underweight, needing to build up muscle or condition, but these should be discussed by the Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF) and the horse owner. The SMS RQSF will then take this into consideration at the time of fitting the saddle and the use of the thicker numnah or pad may be a short term solution whilst the horse gains weight, muscle and condition. With any thicker numnah or pad used you need to choose one that has a shaped centre seam to follow the contours of the horse’s back and to make sure that it does not fill the gullet (channel) along the saddle as this will put pressure on the

horse’s spine. “Often horse owners put a thicker numnah or pad under the saddle in the belief that it will make the saddle more comfortable, improve the fit or simply because they like the look of the numnah or pad, however none of these reasons are advisable without first speaking to your SMS RQSF to understand the effect it may have on the fit of your horse’s saddle and therefore it’s comfort and performance. If you wish to use a thicker numnah or pad then contact your SMS RQSF, so the saddle can be reassessed to see how the thicker numnah or pad effects the fit of the saddle and if it can be adjusted to accommodate the thicker numnah or pad you wish to use. Some horses are very sensitive and certainly do change their way of going for the better when a thicker numnah or pad is used. This type of horse needs to be judged on an individual case bases and is more the exception than the rule.”

Covalliero Saddle Pads features antislip padding at the wither for comfort and belt loops with hook-and-loop fasteners to keep the pad secure whilst riding. RRP: £37. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

are different and will therefore suit different tree shapes, panel styles etc. It isn’t as simple as a horse just suiting or not suiting a close contact saddle, as this is just one element in the make up of the saddle. “The horse’s back conformation will need to be assessed along with their muscle development; a close contact panel is a slimmer panel that allows the saddle to sit closer to the horse’s back, so the horse needs to have adequate muscle condition to support the saddle. “High withered horses do not suit close contact saddles because the saddle is designed to sit close to the horse, but a high withered horse needs the saddle to sit a little higher to allow clearance of the long sloping wither. “Professional riders often choose a close contact saddle as they like to feel closer to the horse, have good balance and their horses are worked

The Equitex Polar Plus Correctional Pad is a rear rising pad with a front rise of 2cm graduating to a 4cm rise toward the rear of the pad. www.equitex.co

to produce a well muscled back to support the panel. “The panels on close contact saddles are usually constructed with a combination of felt and foam, which although soft and smooth, is more difficult to adjust the panel to refine the balance on the horse. “Adjustments can be made to the panel but not like with a flocked saddle which can easily be done while with the horse and rider, then put straight back on for reassessment. “Due to this close contact saddles are often seen being used with thicker numnahs or pads to give lift and clearance for the horse. This defeats the point of the close contact saddle and can cause instability of the saddle. “It is always recommended that you ask your Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter for advice on the most suitable saddle for both you and your horse.”

RRP from £169.

SADDLERY & TACK

“I have been using Amerigo saddles for the last five years they are fantastic and I wish I had tried them years ago.”

MARY KING:

CHOOSES AMERIGO

aving won countless medals at the highest level, Mary King is one of the true stars of the eventing world, well-known for her many top rides including, King William, Imperial Cavalier, Fernhill Urco and King’s Temptress to name just a few. Mary rides in saddles from the Amerigo stable and here we ask her why she chooses the Swiss brand to ride in. What do you particularly like about Amerigo saddles? “Amerigo saddles are so comfortable for both the horse and rider and that is of course very important as is the fit. “The leather that is used is so

soft and extremely comfortable from new.” What models are your favourites? “For flatwork training and the dressage phase I ride in the Amerigo Vega Siena Dressage Special. “The Vega Saddles are made using a specially created synthetic tree with a tempered steel head iron. The ‘Special’ leather is an upgraded soft leather covering on the saddle flaps and skirts and the monoflap design helps provide the ultimate close contact feel for the horse and rider. “Then for the jumping sections my favoured choice is the Amerigo Vega Event Special Jump. The new Amerigo Octave jump saddle combines a refined classic elegance with technical design, underlined by luxurious hides coming from Italy and France. RRP: £4,560. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

SINCE JOINING LEADING NAMES NICOLA WILSON AND SAM WATSON IN THE AMERIGO STABLE, WE ASKED THE EVENTING LEGEND THAT IS MARY KING WHY SHE CHOOSES THE SADDLES FOR HER TEAM OF HORSES. “The saddle has been created for top level performance and is crafted from top quality materials. “A correct relaxed seat position allows the leg to naturally fall down into its correct position, while the rider’s weight is transmitted to the horse allowing the horse to round its back and engage its hindquarters more easily. “It is an extremely smart single flap jumping saddle which also helps make the saddle lightweight. It has a low sloping cantle and is nicely forward cut – great for cross-country riding. It sits in a very balanced way on a horse’s back, and I have yet to find a horse that it does not fit well. Also I feel very balanced and close to the horse when using it for both showjumping and cross-country.”

Suggested Products... The Equipe Emporio Special Mono Flap Dressage Saddle has many key features and includes a synthetic saddle tree. It is made from a composite structure material which offers great flexibility. RRP: £2,970. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The Equipe EK-EVO Special Jump Saddle is crafted with a patent-pending carbon fibre tree, comprising of carbon and three-composite fibres that can be personalised in shape and thickness. RRP: £4,370. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Amerigo Vega Jump Special saddle reflects the most popular measurements, and has produced a very flexible saddle that is suitable for many horses and riders. RRP: around £3,265. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

ELIZA STODDART: CHOOSES EQUIPE

vent rider, Eliza Stoddart is the latest rider to choose Equipe saddles for her team of horses. Eliza has had a fantastic season with the 7year-old, Codebreaker, and two 6-year-olds, De Pleasure and Kadans. These two put up a great effort to finish fourth and fifth in the British Eventing SixYear-Old, Young Horse Finals at Osberton in October last year. The 9-year-old, Idonna W is an Intermediate ride for Eliza who is already looking ahead to the new season. Eliza has recently set up in a purpose built yard in Rutland with seventeen stables and surrounded by beautiful parkland. Said Eliza: “I had an owner send me a horse with an Equipe saddle and really liked the

feel of it. “I am fortunate to be sponsored by uvex that are distributed by Zebra Products alongside the Equipe range and approached the Managing Director, Simon Middleton to look into the possibility of riding in Equipe saddles. “It is fantastic to have secured support from Equipe, they are superb quality, feel extremely comfortable and the horses are already going really well in them. “I have been very impressed with the fit, and importantly the feel that they give me both on the flat and jumping.” Added Simon: “Eliza is develop a fantastic career in the sport of eventing and her team of horses look set for a great future and busy season in 2022.”

Simon Middleton of Zebra Products and Eliza Stoddart, new member of the Equipe team.

Eliza with ride in the Equipe EKGO when jumping and the Equipe Oracle for dressage and on the flat. The Equipe EKGO jumping saddle has been developed with a carbon tree and is ideal for horses with high withers, shorter backs and large shoulders. The Equipe Oracle dressage saddle has a Vshaped seat profile that centres the rider in the correct position. The slightly wider twist gives maximum comfort and performance and is made with premium leather. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

SADDLERY & TACK

The Equipe Wide Fender Mono Stirrup Leathers have been meticulously crafted from the highest quality full-grain leather. They have been designed for increased comfort and feel whilst jumping with the added benefit of being less abrasive to the saddle. RRP: £200. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Scharf Freedom Soft Reins can be used in all disciplines. This training aid does not rely on the rider’s ability in order to perform effectively, so can be used safely by all levels of rider. They offer great support when training your horse, encouraging and allowing them to work over the back and into the contact. This helps with correct muscle development and the added advantage of protecting the horse’s mouth and sensitive soft tissues in the neck, poll and jaw from any additional pressure. RRP: £170. www.thecentreline.co.uk

The new Carbon Gel Absolute Boot by Marcus Ehning has been developed to provide the very best protection. RRP: £215 for the front tendon boots and £169 for the hind fetlock boots. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The new Aubourne Rolled Double Bridle features a patent and white padded noseband with a stylish browband embellished with crystals that will dazzle under the arena spotlight. RRP: from £179.99. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk The Equipe Oracle Special Dressage saddle has been designed with elegance in mind and it has been crafted from the finest Italian leather. The Platinum wooden tree of the saddle is manufactured in multi-layers and it is shaped through a steam process, reinforced with special steel that guarantees its strength and elasticity. RRP: £4,305. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The Equipe Kevlar Stud Guard helps protect horses from being marked by their studs when jumping. The super strong Kevlar synthetic fibre included helps to reinforce the stud guard which is cleverly designed and researched for competitors at the highest level in the sport. RRP: £467.50. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The Equipe Rolled Anatomic Bridle is the first choice of top eventers Laura Collett and Ros Canter. Designed with a ‘No Stress’ padded and anatomically shaped headpiece that helps prevent pressure on the sensitive poll area. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

POPPY WEBBER Comments on...

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SADDLE FITTING

Veredus E-vento Boots Give your horse’s legs the ultimate in cross-country comfort and protection this season, thanks to Veredus EVento Cross Country Boots as used by leading riders Oliver Townend and Andrew Nicholson. Made from a flexible, lightweight material, Veredus E-Vento Boots are highly protective and shock absorbing but do not have any rigid shell that could be damaged and exacerbate injuries. RRP: £138 front/£148 hind boots. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

RRP: around £360.

QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER FOR THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS, COVERING CAMBRIDGESHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE, NORFOLK AND SURROUNDING AREAS, POPPY ALSO WRITES ADVICE POSTS ON PEEWEE SADDLERY’S SOCIAL MEDIA.

e all know you should have your saddle checked by an SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter at least six monthly… but do you know how to prepare to make sure you get the absolute best out of your fitting? Nope? Read on. 1. Have your horse in, ready. I have lost count of the hours I have spent waiting for someone to catch their horse, who has had a sniff of something ‘different’ happening and for (apparently) the first time in their life has decided NO, today is not the day they want to be caught. Precious saddle fitting time isn’t well spent watching Toffee trotting around the field with his tail in the air… Catch them in. Please. 2. If it’s raining or muddy, make sure they’re turned out with a rug on (or put in the

stable for a bit) so they’re not sopping wet. Some horses really don’t like being wet under their saddle, so we don’t get a true representation of how they feel about their saddle if they’re complaining about the saddle squelching around on their wet, muddy backs. Brush off any mud in the saddle/bridle area. Again, you don’t want to pay us to watch you groom your horse. They don’t have to be ‘show ready’, but ‘ride ready’ would be fabulous. Please.

check for evenness.

4. Does your horse need lunging before you ride? Or do they need warming up for an hour before you canter? Try and do this before we get there, if at all possible. Equally, if you need someone with you when you ride, try and have them ready too. We need to see you (in most cases) walk, trot and canter. For jump saddles we might ask you to 3. Get NAKED! jump too. We need everyone to No, not you, the saddle. Take off be ready for that. Please. your saddlecloth, girth and any If you do all of the above AND seat saver etc. Put them to one have a cup of tea waiting, you’ll side, because we need to see what have a very happy Saddle Fitter. you use every day. But, initially we www.poppywebber.co.uk need to check the saddle without all the gumpf on. Personally I like people to leave their stirrups on because then I can see which is left/right when I take them off to

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Absolute Horse - March/April 2022

Articles inside

SpeediBeet

TopSpec

Saddlery and Tack

Nutrition - including

Stables, Yards, Arenas and

The Professionals

Careers, Education and

Health and Welfare

Tocsen Crash Sensor

Rhea Freeman asks

Show Preparation - learn

What’s On - shows are BACK Including Suffolk Show, Hadleigh Show, HorseFest and the new SEIB series for 2022

Buyer’s Guide

Robinson Animal Health Care