Absolute Horse - May/June 2022 by Absolute Horse Magazine

E M K ’M C -I ! P I P EE

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Absolute

MAY/ JUNE 2022

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Also Inside: BUYER’S GUIDE

FEATURES INCLUDE 4 What’s On - forthcoming shows and events including the 60th running of the Hickstead Derby 12 Show Preparation - from their yard near Banbury, Jo Bates and her daughter Holly take us behind the scenes and introduce us to a few of their current horses 15 A-Z of Summer Health Solutions 22 Health and Welfare including considerations before breeding from your mare; a seriously injured

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.

How to contact and connect with us...

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rider’s story of recovery; how to help Ukraine’s war horses Buyer’s Guide Transport - introducing the brand new Apollo Trailer from Equi-Trek Careers, Education and Training - including equine careers under the spotlight such as News Editor of the Horse and Hound, equestrian events organiser and equine dental technician. Plus finding schooling with an equestrian offering, and how you can work for

GIVEAWAYS & OFFERS 7 HorseFest tickets 10 Ariat Saddle Snaps 17 Equine America bundle 19 Cavalor set 29 Equisafety jacket 67 Gladwells’ money-off reader offer

MAY/JUN

2022 ISSUE 354

Anna Chaplin and Hollybrooke Duke competing at Trinity Park. See page 64

WHAT’S

INSIDE

Redwings Rhea Freeman asks - How do you handle awkward people? ‘The biggest threat to equestrianism’ - webinar update Discover the mental health benefits of working with horses The Professionals including how to make your sessions more fun with coach Jessica Gale; the perfect warmup with international showjumper Shane Breen; and rider fitness during pregnancy with Louise Towl Nutrition - including benefits of mashes, sweet itch in horses, feeding for a healthy coat; Nutritionist Donna Case explains her dentistry do’s Stables, Yards, Arenas and Bedding - including basic yard biosecurity protocols Saddlery and Tack including your questions answered, and Poppy Webber discusses white hairs Event Reports and Photos

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WHAT’S ON

HORSEFEST 2022! 8th - 10th July

hether you want to learn more about equine behaviour, biomechanics, the art of farriery, physiotherapy knowhow or rider mind-set, industry professionals will be on hand at HorseFest 2022. HorseFest, presented by John Oates Horseboxes, is a fantastic new, weekend festival, designed to celebrate all things horse and takes place at Kelsall Hill in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. The legendary Lucinda Green and 5* event rider daughter, Lissa will be bringing their wealth of knowledge to HorseFest. Lucinda and Lissa will be at HorseFest not only passing on their training and producing skills, but also to talk about their eventing journeys over the years with the mother and daughter duo talking about their very different forays into the sport. Trainer and specialist in equine biomechanics Simon Cocozza

>>>

will be talking about core conditioning for horses and how to help them develop so that they can work and carry riders effortlessly. Hayley Marsh is a fully qualified Veterinary Physiotherapy with a BSc in Equine Sports Science, a PgDip in Veterinary Physiotherapy and a diploma in Human Sports Massage (SMA). Hayley works with everything from serious competition horses to happy hackers with the goal of helping them have long and comfortable working lives. Award-winning farrier Marc Jerram will be sharing his passion for helping horse owners in the care and maintenance of their horses’ feet and his inspirational experience in corrective farriery. World-renowned expert in equine orthopaedics, Dr Sue Dyson comes to HorseFest to share her wealth of knowledge when it comes to lameness and poor performance in sports

horses. Sports therapist Dee So’oialo is making her mark on equestrian athletic performance treating some of the best horse and rider combinations in the country, and working alongside top experts in their field. Donna Case is an independent equestrian nutritionist with more than fifteen years’ experience. She has worked in high performance yards as well as at high profile events advising top flight riders on their horses’ nutrition. From 2006 to 2010, she was one of the nutritionists working with the British Equestrian Federation, Team GBR and World Class squads in eventing and dressage which included work on the diets for those from the UK who competed in Beijing 2008. Poppy Webber is a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter and has run PeeWee Saddlery for more than ten

emus Horse Sanctuary in Essex organises a number of Open Days throughout the summer months including Sunday 5th June! Open Days at the Sanctuary are fun for the whole family, with a children’s corner, live entertainment, and music from Midnite Blu. www.remussanctuary.org/events

years. After stepping down from her job in Government, Poppy restarted her career as a Human and Equine Bowen Therapist, undertaking Equine Massage courses before realising saddles and saddlery were her passion. She has been a full-time saddle fitter since 2009. www.horsefest.org

Dates are available to book throughout June, July and August.

FESTIVAL OF HUNTING 20th July

Photo: Sarah Farnsworth Photography

he Festival of Hunting returns as one of the highlights of the countryside events diary. Last year, twenty-five packs of hounds and over 5,000 spectators were in attendance, and the East of England Agricultural Society, organisers of The Festival of Hunting, along with the Chairman and committee of The Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society, hope to build on the success of last year’s Festival as it returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough, supported by the Countryside Alliance. The Festival is one of the largest shows of working scent hounds anywhere in the world. This year’s ‘Local Larder’ food and drinks suppliers promising a range of opportunities to enjoy catching up with friends from across the hunting community. www.festivalofhunting.com

VIP RACEDAY EXPERIENCE

acing fans will receive VIP treatment on the new Champagne Lawn Race Day Experience. Guests will be offered a privileged peek behind the scenes at Newmarket’s famous July Racecourse before being treated to one of the best seats for a thrilling afternoon of racing. Discover Newmarket’s expert guides will take guests around areas of the racecourse that are normally off-limits, such as the Commentator’s Box. They'll also share historic insights and racing tales and show anyone new to the sport how to read a race card, spot a winner, and the basics of how to place a bet. www.booking.discovernewmarket.co.uk

The important role that horses have played throughout the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been celebrated in a set of commemorative coins. www.hattonsoflondon.co.uk

The set is £189.

WHAT’S ON HORSES, HOUNDS & HEROES 2022 19th June

he Horse Trust is delighted to announce its annual Horses, Hounds and Heroes (HHH) event will be returning this year. Supporters will witness impressive equine displays, see falconry, tractors, fire and rescue, plus much more. There will also be ferret racing, plenty of food and drink and a potential flypast for spectators to enjoy. Supporters can of course also meet many of the horses, ponies and donkeys on the yard. This exciting event will take place at The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses in Speen, Buckinghamshire. www.horsetrust.org.uk

ART EXHIBITION

he British Sporting Art Trust presents Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959), “A Life of his Own” May 24th until June 12th at The National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket. www.bsat.co.uk

EXTRA QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCED: SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR PONY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

ue to public demand, the new SEIB Search for a Star championship for Pony Club members will have two additional qualifiers, making a total of seven nationwide qualifying opportunities. The Search for a Star Pony Club championship will enable eligible Pony Club members from lead rein through to young adults 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 in November. The Search for a Star Pony Club championship will offer a lead rein and first ridden championship for children under 10-years-old. There will be an open class for older members that will be judged on suitability for all round Pony club activities, conformation, way of going and

temperament open to any type of horse or pony that is both athletic and correct enough to be a show horse. The two new qualifying shows for the Pony Club Search for a Star championship will take place in Northern Ireland at Laurel View Equestrian Centre in Templepatrick on the 25th June and at Showfest, at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire on the 14th August. www.seib.co.uk/competitions Dates and Venues: 22nd May at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Buckinghamshire 11th and 12th June at Netherton Equestrian Centre, Perthshire NEW - 25th June at Laurel View Equestrian Centre Limited, Ballyclare 23rd and 24th July during SEIB Trailblazers Championships at

Caitlin Gill and San Bernandino at Osbaldeston Search for a Star in 2018

Stoneleigh Park, Coventry Search for a Star Weekender, competition on 24th July 15th July Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, Hartpury 7th August Science Supplements Onley Grounds

Equestrian Centre, Rugby 13th August NAF Five Star International Horse Trials, Hartpury College, Hartpury 14th August at ShowFest, Worcestershire. 4th September Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Stamford

WIN! WIN! Photo: Spidge Photography

ONE LUCKY READER TO WIN WEEKEND TICKETS AND CAMPING TO HORSEFEST

HICKSTEAD’S DRESSAGE FESTIVAL EXPANDS 12th-15th May

fter the inaugural I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead last year, the show is back with an extended format for 2022. This year’s event takes place with an additional day of national classes having been added to the schedule. While the British Dressage Premier League fixture includes classes from Advanced Medium up to Grand Prix level, the additional day offers riders from Novice to Medium level the chance to compete at the iconic Hickstead showground. www.hickstead.co.uk

Photo: ABDigitalUKPhotography

FAIRFAX & FAVOR ROCKINGHAM INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS 2th-22nd MAY

ickets are on sale for the 2022 Fairfax & Favor Rockingham International Horse Trials, taking place in Rockingham Castle’s stunning Great Park. Alongside the international classes, Rockingham is proud to be hosting the first pilot of BE’s Intermediate Masters Series. www.rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com

Have you heard about HorseFest, the fantastic new annual festival, taking place from 8th-10th July at Kelsall Hill in Cheshire? In this issue we have one pair of weekend tickets up for grabs and included in the prize is a car pass and the opportunity for you to bring your tent and camp overnight to enjoy the magical night time atmosphere and entertainment. HorseFest, presented by John Oates Horseboxes, is a fantastic new, weekend festival, designed to celebrate all things horse! A must attend for all those horse fans with an interest in the equine world, HorseFest will bring together a magical mix of equestrian experts, elite riders and horse owners, to learn, have fun, celebrate and create special memories over a summer weekend. If eventing is your passion then there’s no better name than superstar Mary King who will be passing on her skills and expertise. When it comes to dressage and proving that with hard work and dedication you really can make it big in the sport, there’s no better advocate than Steph Croxford. Well remembered for her brilliant partnership with Mr President, Steph will no doubt impart her knowledge in the fun manner she is known for. Eventer turned show jumper, Jay Halim is always great fun to be around and there’s no doubt his demonstrations will be relatable for HorseFest goers. At night, unwind, relax or dance the night away with music and entertainment, or get involved with fun quizzes as you treat yourself to a drink or two! www.horsefest.org To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May and close 30th June 2022. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

HICKSTEADrs! DERBYIn numbe

THIS YEAR WE’LL SEE THE 60TH RUNNING OF THE AL SHIRA’AA DERBY, ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC CLASSES IN SHOWJUMPING. WE TAKE A LOOK BACK OVER THE DECADES AT THE HICKSTEAD DERBY IN NUMBERS.

1961 - The year the first Hickstead Derby took place.

A year after opening the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn decided he wanted to create a jumping Derby – a sporting event that the public would take to its heart like the Grand National or the Boat race. Having been inspired by watching old cine reel footage of the Hamburg Derby, he set about designing the course, drawing inspiration from local landmarks as well as the hunting field.

campaigner had won most of Hickstead’s famous classes and kept coming tantalisingly close to winning the Derby. Addy finally did so in 2014, just a few months after an operation to remove one of his eyes.

2m - The width of the oxer (fence 2), the privet hedge (fence 6) and the final rustic spread (fence 16).

60 - The number of entrants in the first Derby. Despite misgivings about the Derby Bank, which was unlike anything British riders had faced before, a large field came forward for the first event, no doubt drawn by the sizeable prize fund for that time. It was won by Ireland’s Seamus Hayes and Goodbye III, with Seamus declaring beforehand that he had come to show the other riders ‘How to jump the bloody bank!’

1 - The number of eyes Adventure De Kannan had by the time he won the Derby. Trevor Breen’s great

10ft 6in - The height of the famous Derby Bank. Douglas Bunn had

14.2hh - The height of Stroller, the pony ridden by Marion Coakes (later Mould). The pair won the Derby in 1967, but during their career they jumped three clear rounds in total round the Derby course, finishing second twice and third once.

headed to Hamburg on New Year’s Eve 1960 to set about measuring their Derby course in a snowstorm. Hickstead’s Bank ended up being six inches higher than Hamburg’s version, though it’s unclear whether that was due to the falling snow making his measurements tricky, or just because of Douglas’s competitive nature!

2 - The number of fingers Harvey Smith held up in his infamous V-sign salute! Having won the Derby in 1970, Harvey was so convinced of winning again the following year he didn’t bother to bring back the trophy. Douglas Bunn was furious, and the trophy was eventually sent for. When Harvey did indeed win for a second time on board Mattie Brown, he crossed the finish line and put two fingers up in the direction of the Master’s Box. Harvey said the gesture was merely a ‘v for victory’, but it caused outrage and very nearly saw him stripped of the title.

4 - The number of wins that Eddie Macken and Boomerang had in a row. Lifting the trophy every year from 1976 to 1979, making them the best Derby combination of all time.

1963 - Perhaps the craziest Derby year of all! There were no clears that year, although David Barker and Mister Softee (later ridden by David Broome) left all the fences standing but slipped and fell on the flat. Ted Edgar jumped round the course one-handed, having hurt an arm in a schooling accident that left him in a sling. Four riders went through to the jump-off, with Nelson Pessoa and Gran Geste the fastest of these. Not that the Brazilian could receive his trophy, as it was stolen from a shop window in central London before the class!

60 - Nelson Pessoa, who netted two early wins in 1963 and 1965, then had a 31-year wait for his third title. His win on Loro Piana Vivaldi in 1996 came when he was 60-years-old, making him the oldest rider to win. He’d also had a heart attack the year previously, and had to jump the course while wearing a heart monitor to ensure his heart rate didn’t get too high!

19 - Michael Pender, who won the latest renewal of the Al Shira’aa Derby in 2019, was nineteen at the time of winning, making him the youngest winner of all. Two 20-year-olds have also lifted the title – Michael Whitaker (1980) and Marion Coakes (1967).

2 - Only two combinations have jumped a double clear in the Derby but not won on that occasion. Tim Stockdale

5 - Only five women have ever won the Derby. Pat Smythe (1962), Marion Coakes (1967), Alison Dawes (1968 and 1973), Anneli Drummond-Hay (1969) and Tina Fletcher (2011).

2 - The number of mares to win. John

3 - Three members of the Whitaker family Popely’s Bluebird (1997) and have their name on Peter Charles’ Corrada, who won the famous trophy. three times in a row from 20012003.

John, Michael and William.

and Wiston Bridget (2000) and Tina Fletcher and Promised Land (2010). Fortunately Tina made up for it a year later when finally lifting the trophy.

21 - The oldest horse to win the Derby was John Whitaker’s Gammon, who was 21-yearsold when he won in 1998. Two years later, John won again with another veteran – the great Welham, who by then was twenty.

5 - Five famous riders hold the shared record of four wins apiece. Though only Eddie Macken’s wins were consecutive. The others are Harvey Smith, John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker and William Funnell.

60 - This year will see the 60th running of the Al Shira’aa Derby. It was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the only years that the class hasn’t run since its inception. This year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting takes place from 23rd-26th June, with the Derby forming the grand finale to the show on the Sunday afternoon. Tickets are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk

COMPETITION

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SNAPS

EACH ISSUE AN ABSOLUTE HORSE READER WILL WIN A PAIR OF - Kirsty Cyprus - Kerri Holmes

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“BFFs forever...what’s yours is mine”

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ARIAT BURFORD BOOTS worth £130!

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ENTRY IS EASY. SIMPLY EMAIL A CANDID PHOTO OF YOUR HORSE TO

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

SHOW PREPARATION HILLGROUNDS FEINLINE (Basil) Owned and ridden by Holly Armstrong 5-year-old dressage horse

STABLE TALK WITH SHOWING STAR tes Jo Ba

ultiple championship-winning show horse producer and Absorbine brand ambassador, Jo Bates produces horses to top level. Jo has produced show horses to take Horse of the Year Show and Royal International Horse Show titles as well as several successful dressage horses. From their yard near Banbury, Jo and her daughter Holly take us behind the scenes and introduce us to a few of their current horses.

AWESOME II (Paddy) Owned by Ami Miller 11-year-old, coloured non-native horse “Paddy is such a lovely personality with a permanent smile on his face. He loves his job and always has his ears pricked forward – he is just one cool dude! “Paddy is already qualified for the Royal International Horse Show with Ami and we are aiming to get them qualified for HOYS later this year. He is coloured so obviously I really look after his white bits! Because we have orange mud here on the top of the hill, I have to be especially careful

about not letting him get too dirty. “He is turned out in a hood and washed regularly in ShowSheen 2-In-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, but the real godsend for me is Absorbine Stain Remover and Whitener – it keeps his white bits really white! I love that is has stain lifters for a deep clean without bleach or blueing agents and that it has provitamins so it is good for the hair at the same time. “This will be Paddy’s third

season with me, so he is well established with his way of going. It’s now just a question of keeping him up to date, supple and on top of his transitions as well as doing some lateral work. We take Paddy hacking but unlike other horses who prefer to hack in company Paddy is better hacking alone – with others he talks too much and gets spooky!“

“Basil and Holly have already qualified for the British Dressage Winter Championships and the Summer regional finals so now all we have to do is qualify him for his relevant age classes. Continued overleaf...

SHOW PREPARATION “The pair go for lessons with Serena Pincus who is a highly experienced competition rider who has won several National Championship titles on her home bred horses. Serena worked and trained in Germany with former European and Olympic Champion Margit Otto Crepin. “Basil really enjoys learning new things and seems to find it quite easy! At home we are doing some pole work with him and hacking out which he is particularly keen on. He is very good at the lateral work and is starting to do changes now. “Basil has a quirky personality and can be a bit grumpy sometimes, especially in the stable. He pulls faces when you put his rugs on and likes his own space. He can also be a bit territorial about his food, so we keep him on the top left-hand side of the barn out of the way of the others. He likes to have the window open at the back of his stable no matter what the weather so another reason for the position of his stable as that side of the barn avoids the prevailing wind. “However, if you give him a scratch and a cuddle, he loves it so underneath all that he is a big (17.2hh) softy really! We absolutely adore him and Holly loves riding him! “We use Hooflex liquid conditioner on Basil to keep his hooves conditioned and supple and we rinse him off with Absorbine CoolDown after a workout because it gently cools and refreshes as well as soothing tired muscles.”

MINELLA REBELLION (Reg) Owned by Katie Dashwood 9-year-old, ROR / Large Riding Horse “We were all thrilled when Reg and Katie won the Racehorse to Riding HOYS Championship last year and they are already qualified for the riding horse at HOYS this year. “We aim to try and qualify Reg for the Amateur Riding Horse at the Royal International Horse Show, having already qualified for the open equivalent there. Katie also has her sights fixed on winning the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses Championship at the Derby Meeting at Hickstead. “Reg is an absolute mud monster in the field, so we keep him pretty well covered from head to toe! He is definitely the worst one on the yard for wallowing in mud. He gets bathed in ShowSheen 2-In-1 Shampoo and Conditioner regularly and because it is pHbalanced and specially designed for horses’

JO’S TOP TIP: As well as Jo’s busy life producing horses, running a yard, training and riding she has a lovely grandson Will who keeps everyone on their toes. Jo said, “I love having Will around for many reasons but he has also helped train the horses too! He rushes around with his various toys clattering up and down the yard and this has been brilliant for getting the horses used to new noises. At first their eyes were out on storks but now they are so used to it they have completely desensitised to it; our horses just aren’t phased by it at all. “I also have a metal trolley that I use to cart the horse’s feeds about and that makes quite a racket – similar to the noise that the people transporting goods at HOYS make with their trollies. With Will playing with his tractor, and the dogs rushing around and the trolley, the horses couldn’t care less now. All of this is great for when they are at shows. “Now I am not saying everyone must rush out and get themselves a grandson but getting your horses used to different sights and sounds is so important. Obviously if you are on a newly broken horse or a particularly fresh horse you need to be careful.”

SUMMER HEALTHCARE

sensitive skin it can be used frequently. “We use a lot of ShowSheen Hair Polish and Detangler for the horse’s tails because I like to run my fingers through their tails and find they are silky smooth and tangle-free. ShowSheen reduces hair breakage which results in fuller, healthier-looking tails. “Obviously, you don’t put too much ShowSheen in their manes because when you have to plait you don’t want the mane to be slippery or you can’t get hold of it! “Reg is schooled three times a week with some pole work as well as lunging and hacking out. He thrives on being out in the field and when it is hot in the summer he lives out at night, often with Basil – he just likes to be out more as it relaxes him. “Reg is now a very laid-back character and lovely ride. I never have to worry about him giving the Judges a good ride. The only thing that might worry him at a show is a big atmosphere or if crowds are very close, but I think that is a bit of a thoroughbred thing because Grandy used to be like that too.” Grandeur, was a highly successful racehorse, notching up ten wins all over the world and earning over half a million pounds in prize money. He retired from racing in 2015 and went to Jo to be produced as a show horse, culminating in taking the HOYS Racehorse to Riding Horse title in 2019 and standing second Large Hack of the year.

A to Z of

SUMMER HEALTH SOLUTIONS AS THE WEATHER IS HOTTING UP AND THE DAYLIGHT HOURS LONGER, IT CERTAINLY FEELS AS THOUGH SUMMER IS NEARLY HERE! HORAH! BUT THIS SEASON CAN BRING A RANGE OF HEALTH ISSUES AND CONSIDERATIONS, SO FOLLOW OUR A-Z GUIDE FOR LOTS OF HANDY TIPS AND PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR HORSE, TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE SUMMER SEASON...

A is for Accessories... The Equisafety Multi Coloured Waistcoat is crafted from a technical, lightweight and highly breathable Hi Vis mesh fabric that is ideal for reflecting sunlight helping to keep you cooler in the warmer months. Pair with the Multi Coloured Ear Bonnet and Leg Boots for additional visibility. The Ear Bonnet also helps stop flies from annoying your horse. The Multi Coloured Waistcoat RRP: £39.99. The Multi Coloured Ear Bonnet RRP: £14.99. The Multi Coloured Leg Wraps RRP: £18.99 per pair. www.equisafety.com

SUMMER HEALTHCARE

A B is for Beating the Biting Insects

lies and other biting insects can be a real nuisance to horses during the summer months and for some this can lead to uncomfortable skin conditions. Here are a few other tips to help keep bothersome insects at bay. • Use a suitable insect repellent before exercise and turnout. • If your horse is particularly susceptible to fly bites, try to avoid turning them out early in the morning or at dusk when insects such as midges are at their most active. • Some insects love damp conditions so try to keep your horse away from fields with any standing water. • If your horse is stabled, ensure the environment is as clean as possible and try to keep your muck heap a good

distance away from the stables. • Poo pick fields regularly. • Invest in a good quality fly rug and mask if required. • Keep your horse’s eyes clean using Robinson Animal Healthcare veterinary cotton wool to wipe away any discharge that could attract flies. • Without adequate protection fly bites can cause the skin to become sore and infected. www.robinson healthcare.com

C is for Cold As Ice... Cold As Ice is a highly concentrated cooling gel formulated to provide relief to the delicate legs and other muscles after hard work or competition and in hot weather. Cold As Ice is an alcohol-based gel which contains a range of ingredients chosen for their cooling and soothing properties including witch hazel, menthol, peppermint oil, sunflower seed oil, arnica montana flower extract, camphor oil and tea tree leaf oil. RRP: £11. www.equineproducts-ukltd.com

s the temperature rises during the summer months and with reduced rainfall the ground can become hard, increasing the risk of a bruised sole. Some horses are predisposed to the condition due to thin or soft soles. To help ease the discomfort of a bruised sole, Animalintex Hoof Treatment should be applied as a hot, wet poultice, every eight hours for up to three days. When applied as a hot, wet poultice to treat a bruised sole, Animalintex improves blood flow helping to reduce swelling, whilst the warmth of the poultice provides comfort and relieves the horse of pain. If your horse is in a lot of pain, your vet

D is for Discomfort of a Bruised Sole

may prescribe antiinflammatory pain relief. A bruised sole should be a relatively straight forward condition to treat that responds well to treatment. Always consult your vet if the problem does not show signs of improvement in a few days. It is essential to pick your horse’s feet out before and after exercise to help prevent a bruised sole and avoid working your horse on uneven or stony ground. Animalintex Hoof Treatment is distributed in packs containing convenient hoof shaped dressings, ready for foot poulticing, so there is no need for cutting to shape. www.robinson healthcare.com

E is for Equipe Safety Stirrups... The eye-catching Equipe STAF14 Safety Stirrups are an innovative design that are used by top show jumper Ben Maher. The fixed main gullet of these safety stirrups has been crafted from Ergal, chosen for its mechanical properties. The Equipe STAF14 Safety Stirrups are available in a variety of colour combinations, meaning there will be a pair to match your style. RRP: around £315. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

F is for Fungatrol Cream... Perfect for horse’s skin conditions following exposure to rain and the wet. 100% natural and paraben free. A unique blend of natural ingredients including chamomile, tea tree, mineral oil, clove bud essential oil and petroleum jelly. The cream is ready to use. For best results apply the cream to the affected area after the legs have been washed, scabs removed, and the affected area is towel dried. Also available in a spray and wash. RRP: £19.99/500ml. www.equine-america.co.uk

G is for Glossy, healthy coat... Wheatgerm Oil - A feed supplement blend containing cold processed/unrefined wheatgerm oil fortified with vitamins A, D3 and E. Use to condition and produce a fantastic glossy, healthy coat. It also contains vitamin E. RRP: £16.55. www.animal-health.co.uk

WIN!

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN A PRIZE BUNDLE WORTH £200 FROM EQUINE AMERICA! Get competition ready! We’ve teamed up with Equine America to offer one lucky reader the chance to win the following prizes: 3 2.5kg Tub of Applelytes RRP £19.50 3 500gm Tub of Cortaflex regular powder RRP £46.99 3 500gm Pollen Eze Powder RRP £26.50 3 3 X 10ml Tube of So Kalm Paste RRP £11.99 3 Citronella Shampoo 500ml RRP £11.50 3 Green Ice Gel 1.5ltr RRP £19.99 3 Equine America Gillet RRP £46.99 3 Equine America Base Ball Cap RRP £10.00 3 Equine America Reusable Face Mask RRP £5.99

H is for Hay Fever... www.equineamerica.co.uk

aving hay fever when you love horse riding can be a real misery as the best times to go out – morning and evening – are usually the worst for pollen. HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balms are a simple, easy to use option for horse riders living with hay fever. HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balms work by stopping grass and other pollens getting into the body. And they’re perfect for horse riding because they’re drug-free with

no drowsy side-effects so won’t spoil your enjoyment. Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of pollen without reaction, but once this is exceeded – known as your ‘trigger level’ – an allergic reaction occurs. HayMax works by keeping you below your trigger level for longer. RRP: £8.49. www.haymax.biz

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May and close 30th June 2022. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

SUMMER HEALTHCARE I is for In an Emergency...

ith the competition season underway, riders will be packing up their lorry with all the essentials for a day, or even a weekend away, competing. A first aid emergency away from home could be potentially stressful so it’s important to ensure that you carry a fully-stocked first aid kit whenever you are on the road. The Robinson Animal Healthcare Horse and Rider First Aid Kit provides all the essential items required to cope with that unexpected emergency. Coming in a handy, wipe clean bag with carry straps, the bag functions as a ruck sack to keep both hands free and is easy to use both on the yard and while travelling away from home competing. The kit contains all the necessary products to deal with minor cuts and grazes, including market-leading products Animalintex, which is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK, and Veterinary Gamgee. Also included is an Equiwrap bandage, a 15g tube of Vetalintex, two Skintact wound dressings, tough cut scissors and a range of first aid products for the rider. Remember to include the

J is for Just in case...

telephone number of your vet and farrier in case you need to contact them for advice. Top tips for coping with an emergency at a competition • Familiarise yourself with first aid points and contact numbers when you arrive at a competition venue. • Try not to panic and keep your horse calm. Assess the situation quickly and contact the on-site vet if you require assistance. • Clean minor wounds immediately with a saline solution or a level teaspoon of salt per pint of previously boiled water. • If the wound is more serious, don’t be tempted to apply anything to the wound before the onsite vet arrives. Clean the wound and apply a sterile dressing or a compression pad to stem any bleeding. www.vernacare.com/ specialities/animalhealthcare

s the days are now longer, many equestrians are ready to get back hacking around the country lanes after the last few months of being confined to the arena, especially in the evenings. However, for many this can mean having to venture out on to the roads before being able to get to a safe off road hacking location. Here are a few tips on how to be

prepared whilst staying safe and enjoying the countryside on your horse. 1) Make sure you and your horse are kitted out in Hi-Vis in

K is for Keep calm... Cavalor Take It Easy paste helps to relieve stress so that horses and ponies are calmer and more focused and composed in competition environments. The paste promotes composure and relaxation in short-term stress situations with the paste in an easy to use syringe. Also from Cavalor is Take It Easy Forte, a quick-acting, extra-strong calming supplement in paste form which reduces the influence of stress factors while helping concentration. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Take It Easy RRP: £18.94 Take It Easy Forte RRP: £23.50

order to be visible whilst out first few times when you try a hacking. Even though the solo hack, ask a partner or nights are lighter and friend to accompany you on visibility has increased, your their horse or on foot. horse will blend in to the 4) Make sure you are prepared in scenery so it is still important case of a fall. One of the best to make sure you are doing ways to do this would be to everything possible to be invest in the Tocsen Crash seen whilst hacking, Sensor. Should the especially if you have to go on unthinkable happen and you the road. are unconscious after a fall; 2) In the case of the worst the sensor will automatically happening and you part notify all of the emergency company with your horse; it contacts listed in the app, as is a good idea to attach dog well as, the whole Tocsen tags with your phone number community nearby making to your bridle or saddle so sure you will get the help you that you can be contacted if need. The sensor is easily you lose your horse and it’s attached to any riding helmet found by someone else. making the Tocsen Crash 3) If you or your horse are not Sensor an essential piece of very confident whilst out safety equipment for riders. hacking, try hacking with a 5) Finally - don’t forget to more confident rider and breathe and relax as hacking horse as this is a sure way to is supposed to be enjoyable! improve your confidence. The www.equisafety.com

L is for Lightweight... Bucas Freedom Fly Sheet. RRP from £74. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

M is for Manuka Honey and MicroSilver BG... Absorbine Silver Honey Skin Care is the first and only combination of natural Manuka Honey and MicroSilver BG. Supporting new skin cells by nourishing and conditioning the skin, this barrier cream/spray soothes and protects whilst helping care for a range of minor wounds. www.absorbine.co.uk

Spray Gel: RRP £25.24/8oz Ointment: RRP £25.24/2oz

WIN! WIN! ONE LUCKY READER TO WIN A COMBI BOX OF LAMINAID AND PODOSENS FROM CAVALOR! In this issue we have teamed up with Cavalor to giveaway a Combi Box containing both LaminAid and Podosens, to one lucky winner. Cavalor LaminAid is recommended for horses and ponies with sensitive hooves due to metabolic problems. It supports the sensitive intestinal flora and brings hormonal and metabolic processes back into balance RRP: LaminAid – 1litre /£91 while improving blood PodoSens – 500ml /£40 circulation and flow in Combi Box containing both £116 the hoof. Cavalor LaminAid is a unique, balanced combination of several essential oils including Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum and Betula alba. When incorporated into a blend, they complement each other and have a synergistic benefit. Also new to the range is Cavalor Podosens, a hoof oil that helps to provide external relief for sensitive hooves and contributes to their faster recovery. It contains some of the essential oils that are also present in LaminAid, including Betula alba and Eucalyptus globulus. www.cavalordirect.co.uk

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May and close 30th June 2022. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

SUMMER HEALTHCARE N is for No Sweat with Activ Scrub...

P is for Perfect product to apply to your horse’s sore skin during fly season...

s the temperature rises your horse will build up quite a sweat after exercise, whether they are working hard in training or after a long hack on a summer’s day. If sweat is allowed to dry on the coat it will attract flies, causing irritation and potentially a risk of infection. Activ Scrub from Robinson Animal Healthcare is an antibacterial scrub and cleansing wash that is ideal for using to remove sweat after exercise. Mild and gentle, Activ Scrub can also be used diluted as a general hand wash. Supplied in a conveniently sized 500ml pump bottle for ease of use, especially when away at competitions. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Activ Scrub retails at around £10. www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com

O is for Ohhhhh I do like to be beside the seaside...! Q is for Quarter Sheet... Equisafety Waterproof Multi Coloured Quarter Sheet. RRP: £59.99. www.equisafety.com

hysical shade, shelter and access to ample clean drinking water are essential for horses, especially when outdoors. Protection from over-exposure to UVA/UVB rays will prevent sun-burn to sparsely haired and nonpigmented skin areas such as the nose, lips, eyelids, ear tips and fetlocks. However, when not wearing a physical barrier or when it is not practical (i.e out riding or schooling) it is important to apply a non-absorbing total sunblock to these areas. Aniwell’s FiltaBac and FiltaClear will not only provide ultra sun protection to vulnerable areas, but also a physical barrier from the environment and insects while assisting with healing of sun affected and insect damaged areas. Flies cause horses constant bother in the heat. Flies irritate, bite and can cause dangerous physical situations for those on the ground or when mounted, especially with sensitive horses. Prevention with insect repellants/deterrents, and keeping the yard and paddock areas clean and clear of manure, will help keep fly numbers down. Providing the horse with physical barriers (if shade is not available) such

When the horse or pony has a reaction to the bites, FiltaBac will reduce the inflammation, soothe the area, prevent bacterial invasion and stop the midges landing on the skin again.

as fly-veils, and anti-fly sheets are a must. When the flies have broken the skin and cause weeping wounds preventing infection and reactions is paramount. Clean the area gently with clean water or a mild antiseptic solution before applying a thick layer of an antibacterial wound protector cream, such as FiltaBac. This will also act as a sticky deterrent to insects. The antibacterial cream allows the skin to breathe, serum to be expelled and heal, while providing added protection from the environment and insects. Sweet itch is the most well-known of the seasonal insect problems, with no known cure for the allergic reaction to the saliva of the Culicoides midge, so prevention is the key. Removing horses from the midges breeding grounds (such as sheltered, boggy marshlands) to an exposed, dry area will reduce the incidence of midge infestation. Donning close fitting blankets, head covers and an application of a thick antibacterial cream to exposed areas unable to be covered all helps alleviate the insect irritation. www.aniwell-uk.com

R is for Relax... Cavalor SoZen is a powdered supplement that may help soothe and relax by naturally alleviating stress in hot or nervous horses. Horses that are nervous by nature are subjected to chronic stress coupled with excessive adrenaline and cortisol production. Cavalor SoZen’s unique approach lies in its response to the imbalance between cortisol and adrenaline. RRP: £65/400g. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

S is for Sooth Itch Gel... Sooth Itch Gel is the perfect product for all horses and ponies, to soothe and relieve itching, and encourage hair to grow back naturally. Whether the horse has rubbed his tail, suffers from sweet itch, or generally rubs areas of skin, Sooth Itch Gel is the perfect support. It encourages the dry skin or scabs to loosen allowing the skin to repair. RRP: £18.99/500ml. www.equine-america.co.uk

V is for Vetalintex Wound Hydrogel... RRP is around £4.

W is for Wound Care... The prompt and correct treatment of a wound is vital to prevent the onset of infection, to speed up healing and reduce scarring. Most minor cuts and grazes can be treated effectively with the contents of your first aid kit but serious injuries should be immediately attended by a vet. Minor open wounds should be cleaned as soon as possible with a saline solution or a level teaspoon of salt per pint of previously boiled water. Avoid spraying water directly onto the wound as this can force any contamination further inside. Assess the wound and try to discover the cause as there may be foreign bodies hidden below the wound surface, however do not poke about in the wound itself as this can cause infection. If necessary, carefully clip around the area of the wound, and generously apply a sterile wound hydrogel such as Vetalintex to a depth of about 5mm before covering the affected area with a lowadherent dressing. www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com

X is for ‘Xcellent value...

T is for Tea Tree... Tea Tree Lotion Spray E - A superior, high quality coat and skin conditioner. With added skin conditioners, for use on all minor cuts, abrasions, bites, stings, etc. A horse coat conditioner ideal for horses and ponies who are prone to sweet itch, mud fever, rain scald etc. Effective insect repellent for yourself and your horse. RRP: from £7.90. www.animal-health.co.uk

U is for UltraShield Green... An all-natural body spray with a fresh, herbal aroma to comfort and soothe horses during the summer months. Comprising seven aromatic oils it is an effective and nonirritating formula – a safe alternative to chemical-based sprays. RRP: £25.03/946ml www.absorbine.co.uk

Bucas Freedom Fly Mask. RRP: £18. Bucas Freedom Twill sheet. RRP: £59. www.zebra products.co.uk

...Y is for Yes they are! Z is for Zebra Products... Cavalor FreeBute Gel is an intense gel which can be used for swollen legs, painful joints and sensitive or overworked muscles and tendons. It contains a unique mixture of eight essential oils, including eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree. RRP: from £26.50.

www.zebraproducts.co.uk

HEALTH & WELFARE

FROM YOUR MARE? By Mary-Kate Burke MVB CertAVP PgCert VPS MRCVS Clinical Veterinarian in Equine First Opinion Practice

any people dream of having a cute, little foal running around the field, but there are a number of things to consider before making the leap and breeding your mare. 1. What are my mare’s flaws? We all love our mares more than anything, however, no mare is perfect. It is important to analyse your mare’s character, performance and conformation with a critical eye so you can select a stallion which compliments your mare’s features. The aim of breeding should always be to produce a foal which is better than the mare and stallion. It is not easy to pick

out your own horse’s faults, so asking an experienced friend or vet to help with this is always wise. 2. Is my mare generally healthy? Just like humans, mares have a much greater chance of becoming pregnant if they are healthy. For instance, if your mare has a high body condition score it is worth consulting your veterinary surgeon to organise a weight loss plan. Diseases like Cushing’s disease, and severe lameness at walk, can affect a mare’s cycle and hence her ability to become and maintain a pregnancy. 3. Book a pre-breeding

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

www.vet.cam.ac.uk 22

assessment with your vet. This is a great opportunity to identify any issues such as endometritis, uterine cysts or anovulatory follicles. Early identification allows for treatment of issues which will aid in improving the chances of conception and of carrying a foal to term. 4. How old is my mare and has she had a foal before? Mares are most fertile when they are less than 12years-old. After this point their fertility begins to decline. The good news is, mares can still carry and successfully deliver foals into old age (i.e their 20’s). It is important to take this on a case by case basis, consulting your vet for the best results. 5. Plan early! Mares naturally cycle between March and September with their highest fertility being between the end of April and the start of July. At the beginning and end of the breeding season the mare’s cycles can become unpredictable, making successful breeding more difficult. 6. What method of breeding will I use? Natural cover, fresh, chilled and frozen artificial insemination are all viable options for breeding in the UK. Often the decision is

dictated by what your selected stallion offers. Chilled, and frozen, AI offers a greater variety of stallions with the use of semen from overseas now commonplace. Brexit has led to some issues with shipping, which means careful planning is even more important so that the correct paperwork can be arranged. With natural cover, studs will often require certain diagnostic swabs and vaccinations to have been performed prior to covering. 7. Have I really got the budget for this? As the old saying goes ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ and horses have a habit of not sticking to the plan! Remember, the stud fee is a small percentage of the costs involved with breeding. Insemination, potential issues during pregnancy and foaling can all add to costs. New born foals are also susceptible to issues, so the costs don’t necessarily end when the pregnancy is over. The Cambridge Equine Hospital provides high quality reproductive services for all horse breeders and is a registered British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) approved centre for fresh, chilled and frozen semen artificial insemination (AI). Mary-Kate Burke has completed a certificate in Advance Veterinary Practice focused on Equine Reproduction.

HEALTH & WELFARE

REAL-LIFE

STORY... I n 2017 Chloe Burrell, who was a competitive showjumper, suffered a serious back injury whilst playing hockey that meant she could hardly walk, let alone ride or compete. Chloe, 21, gained the injury during a game of hockey and obtained several slipped disks. In a strange twist of fate, her horse The Dark Emperor (AKA Andrew) also suffered an injury not long after she did. Andrew tore a tendon after an accident in his field and faced up to a year of box rest. Chloe said: “Initially, my family and I were worried because the injury was serious and I was very young (17) to have such an injury; naturally, surgery on my back wasn’t an option.” Doctors said that Chloe could have been out of action for a year and would struggle to walk, let alone ride again. This was a shock to the family. So they contacted Optimum Performance, a sports injury clinic in Camberley, and sought advice. Optimum Performance is

dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, especially musculoskeletal injuries. The Director of Optimum Performance, Suzanne Bowen, who was also physiotherapist at Fulham Football Club, took on Chloe’s case and offered her a treatment plan to help her get competing again. She was also able to offer therapy for Andrew too. Chloe was prescribed nine 1hour sessions of MBST, at a total cost of £1000. Magnetic Resonance Therapy transfers energy directly into the cells of the tissue being treated to stimulate the regenerative processes. The therapy is noninvasive, risk free therapy of pain associated with arthritis, osteoporosis, general wear and tear or sports/accident injuries. MBST is made up of a treatment unit that uses three different electro-magnetic fields. The magnetic fields alternate, reacting with the damaged cells in order to stimulate their regeneration. This results in

Chloe continued: “The vet was baffled by how quickly the tendon had healed in such a short amount of time.” Around 18-months later, Chloe was on ‘cloud nine’ as she regained her independence and her confidence was back. “Honestly, without Suzanne and the MBST machine, I don’t know where I would be today as there was no other cure. It was a long process but I had full faith in the treatment and the guidance of Sue, which is why we were so keen to use it on Andrew when we had the opportunity, as again, surgery wasn’t an increased function of the joint, option.” often eliminating the need for Chloe is now completely pain surgery. Chloe could have been free. “I was so worried for my out of action for a whole year, future with back problems at but due to MBST technology she only had five months out in such a young age but I feel total!. Her bed rest was reduced amazing, I don’t know what I would’ve done without the by 6-7 months which is an treatment.” incredible 50-60% reduction in One of the greatest benefits of healing time. the MBST for Chloe was the topChloe said: “As well as MBST up sessions offered by the clinic. being a life-saver for me, Suzanne being able to to use the She would religiously have a same therapy for Andrew meant top-up every 6-8months and found the difference after was that we didn’t have to put him noticeable. through the lengthy process of “I can’t really imagine how I box rest which was amazing. Not only could lengthy box rest would have got back to a run the risk of other injuries but normal life, let alone being able to run, exercise and most mentally it was not a good importantly ride without MBST, option, he would not have so I am always grateful for the enjoyed being cooped up for benefits of such an amazing months and months on end, it treatment. It’s also just could have been even more incredible how much it helped damaging in the long run.” Andrew, he was back to his old MBST on the horse’s leg meant self so quickly, I never would that the recovery time was cut have believed this was possible down by around half - from until it put me back in the twelve months to just six months which meant Chloe and saddle and us in the rosettes.” www.optimumperformance Andrew could be reunited far clinic.co.uk sooner than first thought.

STOP PRESS: HELP SAVE UKRAINE’S WAR HORSES

uffolk animal therapy farm, Wilderley, is appealing to the equestrian community for urgent funding to help evacuate injured and at-risk horses in the Ukranian city of Kharkiv. Wilderley is coordinating the campaign to save the horses with Dergachev Children's and Youth Equestrian School of the Kharkiv's State Biotechnological University (formerly the Kharkiv State Veterinary Academy). Wilderley is an ethically focused sustainable living recreational farm in the Waveney Valley, East Anglia, founded by Celeste Goschen. The farm is currently hosting a refugee family who fled the war in Ukraine. Masha and her little girl, Lisa, were one of the first Ukrainian refugees to arrive in the UK. Wilderley and Masha have been urgently contacted by a horse

yard at the Kharkiv veterinary university where a group of women who worked there are trying to save their twenty horses. The horse yard is located on the Eastern side of Kharkiv currently being controlled by the Russian forces. “At the moment, we have managed to raise immediate funds to help transport the horses to a safer place in Ukraine,” said Celeste. “But we urgently need further funding to cover the necessary vaccinations and passports, before the horses can be moved to the safety of the UK. Once there we will be calling for foster homes. “Not only are the horses at risk during the siege but have the added threat of starvation if they remain in the Ukraine,” continued Celeste. “It's unlikely that there will be a harvest in the Ukraine this year which will inevitably lead to a massive shortage of horse feed, as well

as the current lack of veterinary medications and equestrian related support.” The head groom at the stables said: “We have managed to place some of the horses in temporary stables, but we need to get the rest out as soon as possible. “The added problem is that while the owners of the temporary stables are kind people and could not refuse us, they cannot keep our horses for a long time, because they do not have enough food or space. We would like to transport some of the horses to other stables in the Poltava region, so that everyone has enough space and food. There is also a club with a sufficient stalls and feed for our horses, but there is already a

problem in paying for their keep there. “Thanks to a volunteer organisation in Ukraine, as well as caring people, we have now been able to pay for a month’s stay. But the funds are rapidly running out, and within a month we will have a problem with paying for the stay. Unfortunately, this nightmare will not end in a month and we will not be able to return home so quickly.” “We beseech you to make a donation, no matter how small it will help to make a real difference to the future safety and health of these horses,” said Celeste. www.gofundme.com/f/helpsave-ukraines-war-horses

MARE INVOLVED IN ROAD ACCIDENT GIVES BIRTH TO FOAL IN REDWINGS’ CARE

pregnant mare who was involved in a road traffic accident in Essex has given birth in Redwings’ care. Bay mare Majesty – named in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee year – came into the charity after suffering a broken nose and chest injuries in the crash. Happily, she has successfully given birth to a not-so-little boy who has been named Monarch. Jo Franklin, Redwings Senior Field Officer, said: “ We’re so glad we were able to offer her a home in Sanctuary here at Redwings, and of course her new foal Monarch.” www.redwings.org.uk/donate

BUYER’S GUIDE

r e m m u S Selection Polperro Pima ¼ zip RRP: £69.95. www.schoffel country.com

2.5mm Stirrup Charm Classic Bangle. RRP: £105. www.rennejewellery.co.uk

Alexandra Trainer in Leopard and Zebra. RRP: £145. www.fairfaxandfavor.com Polperro Pima ¼ Zip Pale Blue, RRP: £69.95. www.schoffel country.com

The Hemley Fedora in Sage. RRP: £79. www.hicksand brown.com

9 Carat Gold 2.5mm bangle with Star Charm. RRP: £975. www.renne jewellery.co.uk

Iris Chelsea Jersey Lined Boot in Blue Foncé. RRP: £80. www.lechameau.com

Lapis Lazuli Iota Ring. RRP: £75. www.renne jewellery.co.uk

Fresh Water Pearls. RRP: £150. www.rennejewellery.co.uk Wyre Vest. RRP: £195. www.herdwear.co

Garden Party Tote Bag. RRP: £55. www.vanessarose.co.uk Poppy Jean Indigo. RRP: £99.95. www.schoffelcountry.com

Liberty Wrap. RRP: £45 www.rennejewellery.co.uk

The Holkham in Cornflower Blue. RRP: £85. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

The Mini Windsor. RRP: £265. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

Sierra Gold Double Hoop Necklace. RRP: £85. www.emilymortimer.co.uk

Sennen Cove Sweatshirt. RRP: £69.95. www.schoffel country.com

Annabel Rainbow sweatshirt.10% is donated to NHS Charities Together. RRP: £65. www.annabel brocks.com

The Orford Fedora in Natural. RRP: £69. www.hicksand brown.com

Heeled Brancaster in Tan. RRP: £185. www.fairfaxand favor.com Short-Sleeved V-Neck Tee. RRP: £24.95. www.gingerand jardine.co.uk

Polperro Pima Cotton ¼ zip in Blush. RRP: £69.95. www.schoffel country.com

The world number one event rider, Oliver Townend, has joined forces with a neighbouring gin distillery to produce a dry gin named after one of his most notable horses, Carousel Quest. 20% of profits from the new release from The Shropshire Distillery will be donated to Midlands Air Ambulance and the Dogs Trust. RRP: £40. www.theshropshire distillery.co.uk

Special Edition Platinum Jubilee Single Malt Whisky. RRP: £75. www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Sierra Gold White Topaz Twist Ring. RRP: £165. www.emily mortimer.co.uk

Olive Plaited Hairband. RRP: £32. www.waring brooke.com Nourishing Hand Oil. RRP: £22 per 30ml bottle www.tammason.co.uk

Finsbury Tan Croc Slider. RRP: £250. www.fairfaxandfavor.com

BUYER’S GUIDE Equisafety Multi Coloured Gilet. RRP: £69.99. www.equisafety.com

Ascent Half Grip Tight. RRP: £110. www.ariat.com/gb/en

Ascent Full Zip Sweatshirt. RRP: £95. Ascent 1/4 Zip Baselayer. RRP: £80. (Right) www.ariat.com/gb/en

Covalliero Riding Tights. RRP: £71.50. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Equisafety Oversized Storm Dry Coat. RRP: £159.99. www.equisafety.com

Women’s Ascent H20 Paddock Boots. RRP: £130. www.ariat.com/gb/en

Bucas Freedom Turnout. RRP: £89 - £139. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Equisafety Plain Mesh Quarter Sheet. RRP: £44.99. www.equisafety.com

EQ Bands - designed to elevate an equestrian athlete’s fitness, balance, stability and position. RRP: from £200. www.EQBands.com

WIN! WIN! TWO LUCKY READERS TO WIN AN EQUISAFETY INVERNO JACKET!

White Competition Leggings. RRP: £65. www.mochara.co.uk

Buzz-Off Zebra Full Neck RRP: £156. Buzz-Off Zebra Fly Mask RRP: £19. www.zebraproducts.co.uk Merely A Rider - autobiography of Anneli Drummond-Hay, the foremost British eventer and showjumper. RRP: £18.99. www.quillerpublishing.com

A Day At The Races by Peter May. RRP: £20. www.merlinunwin.co.uk

Illustrated Head Anatomy – For Health, Performance, Bridle Fit And Design is a new multimedia book by equine anatomy specialist Gillian Higgins. RRP: £35. www.horsesinsideout.com /headbook

Get versatile Available in Pink, Yellow, outdoor Red-Orange and sizes XS to XXL. RRP: £118.99 performance with the Equisafety Inverno Jacket which now comes with a storm hood, which rotates without blocking your vision. One side is a stylishly tailored designed, hi-vis jacket with fluorescent and reflective detail for enhanced vision. When turned inside out the jacket becomes a luxurious, black matt satin quilted jacket, with two sizes of quilting. Smaller quilted panels on the waist provide a slimming effect for the wearer. The fluorescent side of the jacket is made of a 100% waterproof material, with a DWR treatment, lightweight, highly breathable fabric with taped seams. The polyester face fabric is durable and abrasion resistant, well-equipped for long days outdoors, giving you the ultimate protection from all the elements The Inverno Jacket comes with an exclusive pull-down warning triangle, which fastens at the sides of the jacket, it is fully removable when not required. A storm front chunky 2-way zip with puller, 4 large zipped pockets to fit a phone or keys, treats etc. The jacket has easy grab hook and loop adjustable cuffs, and a large central back zip that can be opened when riding to prevent the jacket rising. www.equisafety.com

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May and close 30th June 2022. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL

NEW EQUI-TREK

APOLLO TRAILER

he New Equi-Trek Apollo is a stunning trailer unrivalled for its strength and performance. Manufactured in the UK following two years of design and testing, the trailer encompasses cutting-edge engineering techniques and superior materials for a wood free, lightweight model to transport horses in safety and style. Leaders in innovative horse transport, Equi-Trek launched the Apollo following demand for a great value trailer that

combines strength with functionality and puts horse welfare and safety at the forefront of its design. The Apollo underwent rigorous testing in Germany which included simulating a full life cycle of being driven. The durability and strength is outstanding and the result of the engineering and design is one of the strongest trailers on the market. The eye-catching aerodynamic trailer creates a spacious and light horse area with exceptional headroom to accommodate

RRP £6,999 inc VAT for a 2000kg Apollo and £7,299 inc VAT for 2600kg Apollo. Optional extras are available.

horses up to 18hh. Horses travel forward facing and are unloaded with ease using the extra wide front ramp. Featuring aluminium flooring and ramps with a durable rubber finish, the hard-wearing trailer maintains the popular Equi-Trek aesthetic to ensure that the Apollo stands out. Both the rear and front ramp are easy to operate thanks to their lightweight design and the closing fixtures that glide securely in to place. Available with a window on each side of the trailer to provide excellent

Key Features: 4 Forward Facing, Rear Loading 4 Front unloading ramp 4 Suitable for two 18hh horses 4 Unladen weight 850kg 4 Gross weight 2000kg 4 Payload of 1150kg 4 Also available in a 2600kg gross weight chassis upgrade for a class leading payload of 1750kg

ventilation and top doors can be fixed back securely when open. The Apollo has removable breast bars which can also be collapsed from the outside of the trailer in case of an emergency, a strong central partition and removable breech bars. The back portion of the partition can be moved for loading giving the horse a wide and inviting space to move into. www.equi-trek.com

LEADING RURAL INSURER CALLS FOR

GREATER ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS

ith almost 60 horse riders killed or seriously injured on rural roads between 2018 and 2020, NFU Mutual is campaigning for greater understanding of the unique hazards faced when using rural roads. Analysis of official Department for Transport figures found that, between 2018 and 2020, rural roads saw 66% more fatalities than urban roads. Research by NFU Mutual found that vulnerable road users, including horse riders, are disproportionately more likely to suffer injury or death on rural roads. It also revealed that 1 in 10 motorists from urban areas find horse riders the most challenging aspect of rural roads.

In response to these findings, NFU Mutual launched the Respect Rural Roads campaign, which aims to make rural roads a safer shared space for all road users and is supported by the British Horse Society, British Cycling and the Department for Transport. Responding to NFU Mutual’s survey, rural road users were clear that both horse riders and their fellow road users could take steps to make the roads safer for all. Andrew Chalk, Respect Rural Roads spokesperson at NFU Mutual said: “By raising awareness of the hazards of rural roads and the concerns of other road users, we hope to encourage mutual respect and consideration amongst everyone using rural routes.”

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

EER CARH PAT Equestrian Journalist

SO YOU WANT TO BE A…

he equestrian industry is full of incredible careers, and in the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) Career Month, Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA, spoke to lots of different people with incredible jobs, and picked tips from each! Here are just a few:

Equestrian Events Organiser Claire spoke to Nicky Townshend, Assistant Director of Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials, here are some highlights: • There are different ways to get into this kind of role, Nicky does have an equine degree but found her way here through working in lots of different jobs in the industry • Having equestrian knowledge really helps as it helps you understand what competitors want, and what types of tradestands might entice

visitors too • Some event teams are really small, meaning that the job role is diverse. From talking to tradestands and sponsors to generator contractors • It’s not necessary to have a degree (but it can help), but the key is to get in touch with events and look for placements available and go and work with the team for a season Consider volunteering at local events, get an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes including the long hours and the pressure • Computer literacy is also incredibly important as is experience on social media platforms. Highs of the job – when everything is ready to go and knowing that the team did it. The feeling when people come and love the event. Lows of the job - dealing with the licensing and essential paperwork side of the event.

Claire spoke to Eleanor Jones, News Editor at Horse & Hound, here are some highlights: • It’s not always regular hours • You have to know the subject well • You have to be interested in people - why is this happening, how do you feel about that, and how will it affect people • The role has changed over the years due to social media and the internet. The good thing about the internet is that you can cover so much more than just in print, you can also keep people up to date in real time and use video • You need to be good at English, but that ability to ask the questions that matter is essential • There are different ways to get into journalism, from training on the job, NCTJ, journalism degrees, and magazine training courses. Highs of the job - making a difference and being able to research and then share stories that can impact people. Lows of the job – when stories fall apart at the last minute.

Nutritionist

has been approved to be on the register Claire spoke to Louise Jones • The job can be diverse from Redmills and Kate Hore depending on what type of from NAF. Here are some nutritionist you are. Kate does highlights: a lot of training, works with • There’s a voluntary register to legislation and regulatory be a registered nutritionist. This requires the nutritionist to affairs, writing educational articles, and developing new provide documents and products with the veterinary evidence of experience to be team. Louise visits clients such considered. When accepted, as racehorse trainers, studs and there’s the need to do CPD more doing diet reports, • Being a nutritionist may analysing forage, giving advice become a protected term in on clinical situations with vets, the future- at the moment it in addition to office work too isn’t. The RNutr letters after • If you’re trained in nutrition, the name show that person

Highs of the job – Louise enjoys the clinical side and working with vets. Kate really likes the feedback - giving people help and advice and seeing that advice followed and work well. Lows of the job - the travelling can be quite intensive if you visit a lot of yards. The legislation Equine Dental Technician and making sure the labels are all correct in different languages Claire spoke to Grant Chanter, an Equine Dental Technician. Here for export can be challenging. are some highlights: • The British Equine Veterinary Association have an exam for people who want to become an EDT. There’s a theory element and a practical element • The British Association of Equine Dental Technicians has a mentor system to support people in becoming EDTs. Apprenticeships are really valuable too • People who are EDTs don’t have to have qualifications • It helps to be ‘horsey’ but it’s not essential, but it’s important to be comfortable with horses, particularly when they’re stressed • There’s a lot of variety in the job • You do have to be physically fit SQP/RAMA • The majority of EDTs are self employed • If you’re interested in the professional, get experience with EDTs. Claire spoke to Kristy Hodgson from Westgate Laboratories. Here are some highlights: • A qualification (usually from AMTRA, the Animal Medicines Sales Agent Training Regulatory Authority) is needed to be an SQP Claire spoke to • An SQP (Suitably Qualified Person), is the term defined in the Michael Darley from legislation for someone that can prescribe and sell certain Darley Equestrian. types of medicines, including wormers to horse owners. They Here are some are trained on worm control including the use of worm egg highlights: counts and if one is needed, what type of wormer is • As a sales appropriate. It’s a well regulated area as wormers are representative, you get paid by the company, but as a sales agent medicines and need to be used responsibly you get paid on a commission basis. As a sales agent, you tend to • SQP details are held on a national register run your own business • A RAMA (Registered Animal Medicine Adviser) is another • Sales agents tend to work in territories. This means that there can name for an SQP be a lot of driving involved to cover large areas and you will have • SQPs can work in a variety of roles with many working in to stay away from home too saddlery stores prescribing wormers • The hours can be very long. Because technology allows you to be • Becoming an SQP takes dedication as there’s a lot to learn. contacted whenever, this tends to happen You don’t have to have horses or have a science background, • It’s essential to be motivated and to be personable but it could help and make it a bit easier. • You don’t need an equestrian background but you do need to

you could also go into stores, work with sponsored riders, work on care lines, etc. There are lots of jobs with a nutrition element • A knowledge of the equine industry is important • An equine science degree is useful, but it will still take a number of years to gain the RNutr qualification.

Highs of the job - being part of the change that will help us to keep horses well in the future by addressing resistance Lows of job – changing attitudes around worming. There is still resistance out there when it comes to wormers vs worm egg counts.

develop knowledge. This is just a snapshot of some of the people that Claire spoke to during the series. To see all the videos, head over to BETA’s Facebook page which can be found at facebook.com/BETAequestrian.

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING

THE ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL AND ITS

EQUESTRIAN OFFERING

hen a child is passionate about the countryside and outdoor activities such as horse riding, it can be hard to find a school that enables them to truly be themselves. This is why pupils who board at The Royal Hospital School (RHS), in Holbrook, Suffolk, are given the opportunity to put their own pony or horse in livery. It is so important for those children who love to ride to be able to enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits that come with equestrian sport. Livery or loan The school works with two local stables, Hill Farm and Bylam Livery Stables. Bylam Livery offers tuition to experienced riders and those training for competitions and also accompanies them to county and national competitions throughout the year. Pupils who board at RHS can livery their own ponies at Bylam Livery, or have part or full loans of ponies whilst at school.

A way of life RHS understands that riding is not just a sport to many pupils, but a way of life. For children who have grown up with horses, or enjoyed riding at home, being able to spend time at the stables to not only ride, but also develop stable management skills, is something that can really enhance a pupil’s school experience. Livery riders can join riding lessons if they wish to, spend time honing their jumping, eventing or dressage skills, or simply ride in the ménage or hack out with friends. Sophie Coward-Talbott , a Year 9 student at RHS, says: “My mum used to ride so almost straight away I was surrounded by horses. When I was in Year 7, I had my horse board at the stables for a term. It’s a great opportunity, as you get to do what you love whilst being at school studying.”

Opting for riding for games lessons One of the many benefits of independent education is the large amount of extra-curricular activities on offer. For equestrian pupils, they can elect to ride as an afterschool activity, a huge bonus for boarding pupils who can continue to do something they love, but in addition they can also ride as their chosen sport during games lessons, of which there are usually two game sessions a week, plus weekends and after school. This gives experienced equestrian pupils dedicated time to develop their sport while also allowing others the opportunity to try something new. The benefits of riding so frequently can be seen in the skills of the RHS equestrian team riders, who ride as part of the National Schools Equestrian

FINDING A SCHOOL THAT ALLOWS A CHILD TO BE THEIR AUTHENTIC SELF IS SO IMPORTANT - BY HARRIET BARBER, HEAD OF ART AND ADMINISTRATOR FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORTS AT ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL Association competition, taking part in the county and national league, from grassroots level up. The school has show jumping, dressage and arena eventing teams who compete at a high level. This year the team has qualified at Keysoe and will also be going to Windsor. Nurturing interests RHS prides itself on offering opportunities for pupils to excel in a wide range of different areas, and the equestrian offering is just one example of how the school supports pupils to develop their individual skillset, as well as build character, confidence and a core set of values. RHS’s aim is to fully prepare students for their future by developing well-balanced pupils who can go on to get the most out of life, and this starts with nurturing a pupil’s interests. www.royalhospitalschool.org

REDWINGS IS...

RECRUITING!

orking for a horse welfare charity can be challenging, and at times upsetting, but seeing on a daily basis the difference we can make to the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules means it is also incredibly rewarding. We have a variety of paid roles at Redwings and in some cases a ‘get stuck in’ attitude is more important than having experience of working with horses! 65-year-old David is a Horse Care Team Member at a Redwings site in Norfolk and has been with the charity for 15months. David said: “I didn’t have any horse experience at all, in fact I was a bit nervous of them, but that’s all changed

now. I used to be a lorry driver. I was out on a run and there was a horse stuck in a ditch. I rang the RSPCA and police and they came out and rescued her. They found out who owned her, and I got a thank you note. That’s when I thought, I’d like to work with animals. I started looking at what was available, and Redwings took me on. I do anything they ask me to: poo picking, feeding, cleaning shelters, fixing fences – I love doing the fences - I thoroughly enjoy it. “With training, I’m now leading horses and helping with farriers. Being with the horses is my

favourite part, I love making a fuss of them, and you can see they appreciate it. I had two favourites who unfortunately passed, and I don’t mind saying I cried like a baby. “There’s not a job more rewarding I don’t think. I wish I’d come here years ago. I can’t think of a better job.” Redwings employs 341 people an amazing 82% of whom are women. Ali is a Senior Equine Centre Team Member who is celebrating 16-years of working at Redwings. Ali said: “I’m helping out at Redwings Aylsham at the moment, which is one of our visitor centres, and I have worked at several Redwings sites over the years.

“I love knowing our horse residents and what they need throughout the year and getting to know our newer ones and the things they like. Watching them grow and change is so rewarding. It’s hard work, but the warm feeling I get each day on my way home from work is worth it.” Roles currently available include Horse Care Team Members, Equine Vet Nurse Assistant, Horse Rehoming Officer, Farm Hand, Individual Giving Officer and Finance Officer. To join the team, check out www.redwings.org.uk/work-forus We welcome general enquiries from anyone who would like to work with us here at Redwings.

CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING WE TALK TO STEPHANIE WILSON, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING AT VISTA VERDE RESORT ABOUT HER 25 YEARS AT THE RANCH.

OLD VERSUS NEW

WILD WEST

irstly can you let us know what your role is at the ranch and how long you have been there? “I came to Vista Verde in 1997 following college graduation as a seasonal staff, just looking for something different to do while I figured out what to do when I grew up. “Over time my role has grown from wrangler to Dining Room Manager to Reservations Manager to Director of Hospitality and now Director of Sales and Marketing, but I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up! “As a horse crazy girl previously immersed in the show/breeding world, this job gave me the opportunity to combine a love of horses with a business that allowed for career growth. “Working at Vista Verde has been much more than a job - it’s a lifestyle and the ranch feels like home to me. I was married here at the old Homestead cabin, my

children were raised at the ranch and are learning the ins-andouts of the hospitality industry, service to others, and developing a love of animals and the outdoors. I have friends all over the world who I met through the ranch, and many of my dearest friendships have been developed here.” How old is the ranch itself? “Vista Verde was homestead in 1916 during the US Homestead Act era. Originally a hay and cattle operation, the ranch owners supplemented their income over time by taking in hunters and fisherman. In the 1970’s the main business shifted gears to become a dude ranch. Over time and through various owners the ranch has gone from a rustic getaway to the luxury ranch resort it is today. “ How do you see the ranch has changed in the years that you have

worked there from a property and experiences point of view? “The biggest change I’ve seen at Vista Verde and in the ranch industry is the shift from people wanting a true ranch experience to wanting more of a Western outdoors experience. We refer to the two sides of the ranch as ‘Old West’ and ‘New West’. ‘Old West’ is the campfires, cookouts, trail riding, cattle work, and the work involved in caring for a herd of 100 horses and the land that sustains them. ‘New West’ is the shift to recreational activities like mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding or in the winter months backcountry skiing, snow tubing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. In addition, the desire for luxury accommodations, fine food and wine has become more and more of a draw for those seeking a Western experience.” With the increased awareness of horse therapy worldwide is there more time now

spent matching correct horse to rider or has this always been the case? “Sometime around the early 2000’s we started bringing in more emphasis on the relationship between the horse and rider, and were pleased to see how much the guests embraced those teachings. As our society has become more focused on personal growth and self awareness, this has allowed us to bring that message through the horsemanship teachings, and guests are recognising how much they can learn about themselves through their horse. Pairing our guests with a horse for their full stay at the ranch really helps us find the right ‘teacher’ for each guest to meet them where they are ready to be met. We will push our guests a bit to help open their eyes and help them grow, but also recognise it is a vacation and some just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and not think so deeply about their riding relationship.” www.vistaverde.com

Rhea Asks...

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE FOR

HANDLING AWKWARD PEOPLE?

he chances are that whatever you do, whether you run a business, you have a blog/vlog or you simply enjoy sharing your world online, you’ll have encountered tricky people. It can be really difficult to remain professional, but in many cases, these negative people can be reasoned with. And in some cases, they can become your biggest advocates! Here are some tips on how to deal with tricky customers and tricky fans and followers… 1. Do they have a point? Yes - I know no one ever wants to be in the wrong, but before you feel personally attacked for no good reason, read what they’re saying and ask if they have a point. If they have had a parcel that has arrived three weeks late or looks like it’s been used as a football, they have every right to be upset. Now, I know it’s not your fault that the delivery company lost it for a fortnight, but to the customer, you’re their contact and the person they have the issue with. If it’s a fan or a follower, ask that question again. If, for example, you’re showing a video of yourself riding without a hat on and

someone says that you’re riding without a hat on and shouldn’t be promoting that kind of behaviour… do they have a point? 2. Keep your cool. Whether the person has a point or not, it’s important to remain professional and not see it as a personal attack…even if it feels like it. Acknowledging why people feel like they do can help to disarm quite quickly and helps people to feel understood and listened to, which can be very helpful when you want to go on and explain the next steps or the reasons behind something. 3. Let them know you’ve got the message. If someone emails you or DMs you, even if you need more information to send them a comprehensive response, it’s worth letting them know you have received their message. If you can offer a realistic timescale for when you’ll be able to get back to them, all the better. This step could also help to reduce the chances of them taking to social media before the issue has been addressed properly. 4. Try and take it away from public viewing. If someone has decided to voice their issues through social media, it’s always a good idea

to invite them to direct message or email you instead, because a public debate is pretty rubbish for all concerned. If they’re a customer, you could well need information like an order number or an address that shouldn’t be shared all over the internet, but equally if someone has an issue with something else, showing that you’ve seen them and are willing to listen can help too. 5. Don’t tolerate trolling. There’s a huge difference between someone who’s upset being challenging and someone with the sole objective of making your life miserable online. If you get trolled you have the power to block, hide or mute on social media. 6. Keep people informed. Things do go wrong, for everyone, but the biggest issues I see are when something has gone wrong and the person with the issue is left in the dark. It might be that the person is desperately trying to find the answer and get a resolution, but the other party has no idea. Communication wins. www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk

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...

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 answers. This month’s question is…

‘IT’S THE LIT TLE TOUCHES...WHAT DO YOU DO TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND YOUR CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATIONS?’ Joanna Wood, Joanna Fair Photography: “Surprising my clients with little extra details after booking a shoot with me is very important to me. I always send out a savethe-date card to pop on their fridge so they are reminded every day about their upcoming shoot. “One little touch I have brought in this year (and one thing they do not expect) is three fine art printed images as a gift a couple of months after their image viewing and we have said our goodbyes. Such a simple gift for my fabulous clients but one they will cherish forever.” www.joannafairphotography.co.uk Tracy Ormrod, Dressage Test Pro: “With our app we are not directly involved with the purchase as the Apple and Google Play stores handle everything. However we are always available to support customers if they have a technical issue in some way. It is not uncommon to receive a late night message via social media from someone due to compete the next day and they are having problems with their phone! There have been occasions when I have sat on a beach answering a support call!“ www.dressagetestpro.com

Helen Goddard-Watts, Fetlox: “At Fetlox we love to make our customers feel special when they receive their order. Carefully wrapping them in tissue paper, enclosing a thank you card, some Look Book cards and finishing them off with a sweet treat. When the customer opens their package, we want them to feel wowed. “The orders are then sent out in recycled packaging with a little sticker saying ‘Love It, Share It, #Fetlox.’” www.fetlox.com Chelle Mullen, Storm & Grace: “We aim to exceed our customers’ expectations with every order - we can custom make designs with stones/metals/initials/hearts etc to suit. Complimentary cleaning cloths and advice, handwritten dispatch notes, horsehair returned in a card, and the option for gift wrapping and sending direct to the recipient if required. Oh, and free postage!” www.stormandgrace.co.uk Emily Hamlett, Glorious Grouse: “The act of a handwritten note or card seems to be a dying art, however, we all appreciate it, today more than ever as it shows effort and thought over and above an email or a text. I think as a small business I feel I need to provide something that the larger businesses can’t always do, and that in my opinion is the personal touch and it shows you are buying from a real person! I really appreciate people purchasing from me and I like to show that by way of a little note hoping that they are delighted with their purchase. The note always seems to be the first thing people mention in their feedback! I also offer to write out greetings cards and send their gift to the recipient direct, which saves the purchaser time and further postage costs, so they receive a beautiful country themed gift with a personal handwritten card. You know that as well as receiving a lovely item you are also supporting a small business!” www.gloriousgrouse.com

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

Nixon argued that: “Through globalization horse sport has become exposed to a new and unfamiliar audience who have no prior concept of equestrian cultural traditions and practices.” Dr Jane Nixon argued we must have horses that are fit for purpose. “To have horses that are physically and mentally fit for purpose, the period of time from conception to 2-years-old is absolutely key. A multidisciplinary approach is essential with foals and young horses, so that any opportunity for harm is avoided. We must never be dismissive of those that disagree or don’t understand but always eading vet, Dr Jane Nixon acceptable and 11.6% said no. be inclusive and persuasive.” MRCVS, Chair of The The webinar began with another In the question and answer Showing Council and simple poll, asking whether the session, fascinating debate British Horse Foundation audience believed horse riding ensued around the role of riding recently presented an will be socially acceptable in 20schools and the public demand informative webinar titled: years-time prior to listening to for riding lessons for which there The biggest threat to Jane Nixon’s presentation. 82% simply is not enough supply. equestrianism in the western of respondents stated yes, with Roly Owers said: “We need to be world; social licence to operate. the remaining 18% answering so mindful of improving the Supported by SEIB Insurance otherwise. The purpose of this viability of riding schools. Brokers, the webinar attracted poll was to have a comparison, Accessibility, diversity and an audience of over 450 prior to and following the sustainability are big registrants and 306 attendees. presentation. Following the challenges.” A panel of several leading presentation, the poll was re-run Referring to a question industry figures joined Dr Jane and there was a sway in the indicating that attitudes on Nixon including World Horse results, with this time just 79% horse riding only affect a small Welfare Chief Executive, Roly of respondents answering yes section of society, Sally Iggulden Owers, the CEO of Beverley and 21% indicating that horse said: “In the past horses were Racecourse, Sally Iggulden, Kezia riding will not be socially owned by the wealthy, now they Allen represented the British acceptable. are increasingly accessible and Horse Foundation, whilst Dr Jane Nixon’s presentation often seen as pets. We need to Chartered Physiotherapist firstly looked at what the social be clear on what is acceptable.” Elizabeth Beckerlegge licence to operate is. The social The question of members of the completed the panel. licence to operate refers to the public being required to take a Prior to the webinar SEIB ran an ongoing level of acceptance of test before owning a horse was online poll which asked the standards and norms within an raised with a mention that this general public if they believe industry or company by both is now law in France. Roly Owers horse riding will be socially stakeholders and the general argued that the equine sector in acceptable in 20-years-time. public. With 44-years equine France is highly centralized and 88.4% said yes, it will be socially veterinary experience Dr Jane

THE BIGGEST THREAT TO EQUESTRIANISM...

WE NEED TO ACT NOW

so their system is better suited. He warned: “A licence would create a rule that would need to be enforced. It has merit but could be difficult to put into practice.” This led on to a point about requiring tack checks at shows. Dr Jane Nixon pointed out that incorrectly fitting bridles are very detrimental: “Buckles that are too high are at risk of impinging on the jaw joint. Nosebands that are put on high up catching cheek bones. Neither of these things lead to a harmonious picture.” In answer to a question about training methods, Dr Jane Nixon commented, “Yes, disciplining the horse is necessary. But we must ensure this is done without any physical or mental harm. Once a learned behaviour is instilled, we must recognise and accept that retraining the horse takes time.” Roly Owers added: “Great advances in horse training have been made in the last 10-15 years. Clicker training is a key one, but it is imperative to respond to the horse very quickly – with an instant reward for the required behaviour.” Sally Iggulden added: “Education is key, horse sports need some joined up thinking between the participants and the wider public if we are to continue in a positive way.” SEIB Insurance Brokers Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We are delighted to be in a position to support open dialogue about an issue that is crucial to the future of our industry. At SEIB we take pride in giving something back to the causes and issues that are important to our customers.”

RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE

WORKING WITH HORSES...

acknowledge negative or painful emotions, look at them for what they are, and release them. Then you are back with your horse in a positive space.

...AND THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS By Emma Hutchison, co-founder of HorseBack UK

e all know that horses are amazing creatures, and we all have our reasons for loving them. If you were asked your own reason, you may not put at the top of your list that they are sensitive and communicative and can help us create new emotional responses. But they are and they can. What is more, there are many ways that working with horses can help humans with their mental health. One of the most common mental health problems is acute anxiety. Worry lives in the future; it feeds off the disaster scenarios of what might happen. To connect with a horse and reassure a horse, you need to anchor yourself in the present moment. As you do this, you can’t start running those familiar catastrophes in your head: you are here, now, with this living creature in front of you, with your feet planted in the good earth.

Being still Horses adore stillness. Humans who work well with horses become very conscious of their own bodies; the body language, the way the body feels, how they hold themselves. The horse sees all this and reads it, as if it were a billboard in Piccadilly Circus - which is why awareness of your body and aiming for a position of stillness and calm is so important. Again, practicing this helps to create the habit and makes it easier to draw on this stillness when needed. Dealing with emotions Working horses well also teaches you about being aware of emotions. Horses are prey animals, so they have evolved over millions of years to sense emotion and intention from

half a league away. If you bring unresolved anger or frustration or fear to the field, the horses feel it like they feel a storm coming. So, we have to learn to be aware of our emotions, to give them a name, and to process them. For example, anger is never useful with a horse; a furious human will result in a nervous and defensive horse. If you want to connect with a horse, you have to let the anger go. Anger has no place in that relationship. Again, this becomes a mental habit, and the more you practice, the more you can

Mind-body connection Since the mind and the body are closely connected, learning to be aware of your body can provide considerable help when dealing with troubles in the mind. A lot of difficult emotions get stuck in the body; tension in the shoulder, fear in the stomach, anxiety pressing on the head. Before working with a horse, take a body audit, and make sure everything is relaxed, so that positive energy can move through your body and transmit itself to the horse. This is beneficial for both horse and human and means we (both) start in the right state. Awareness The basic foundation of working with horses is awareness. If you learn to be aware of your mind and the stories it is telling you, your emotions and what they are saying, and your body and how it is reacting to those stories and feelings, then you’ve got a head start in working well with a horse - and looking after your own mental health.

THE PROFESSIONALS Connection At HorseBack, we support veterans by helping them develop a toolbox of techniques to keep them mentally healthy and horses are the catalyst and the feedback mechanism. We’ve witnessed so many people make breakthroughs when they connect with a horse. They feel intensely moved, or calmed, or even consoled. They build a sense of love and responsibility to the horse, and this sets up a beautiful virtuous circle. The human’s mind settles, so the horse’s mind settles too, and then they go on together. Removing isolation And perhaps most importantly, as this connection is made, the veterans know that they are not alone. They’ve got a precious partnership with this kind, strong, sentient creature. They are in it together. One of the most debilitating symptoms of mental health struggles is an acute feeling of isolation. When we put our veterans with our horses, those veterans are no longer isolated; they have a partner and they have a purpose, and this makes all the difference. Working with horses can bring so many benefits - even just a short session with a horse and a trained facilitator can create significant breakthroughs. And regular contact can help support people through their mental health recovery and help keep them healthy - even when life delivers something unexpected or challenging. www.horseback.org.uk

By Jessica Gale

About the author... Emma Hutchison is cofounder of HorseBack UK, a multi-award-winning Scottish charity based near Aboyne, in the Scottish Highlands. HorseBack UK works to improve health and wellbeing by inspiring recovery, positive change and renewed purpose amongst those who need it most and improving education and employment prospects for those who are disadvantaged or marginalised. Using horsemanship, equine assisted learning, rural skills and the outdoors the charity delivers award-winning projects and personal development programmes that encourage participants to acquire new coping strategies, life skills and lasting resilience whilst gaining nationally recognised awards and qualifications.

6 Ways

TO MAKE YOUR SESSIONS

MORE FUN!

ncorporating a bit of dressage or flatwork into your sessions can be hugely beneficial for any horse and rider, no matter whether you spend the majority of your time hacking in the countryside or your focus is more on jumping. Dressage can help to make your horse more supple and athletic, it builds your control over your horse’s body, it can help to improve your horse’s obedience and reactions to your aids and it can help improve your balance and strength as a rider. But even though dressage has all these benefits it is still very common for me to have riders saying ‘dressage is boring’ or ‘my horse hates flatwork’. For me I think making your dressage sessions varied, different and fun is the key so I have put together a list of six ideas for you to try to mix up your dressage sessions and make them more enjoyable for you and your horse.

1. Setting goals Working out what you want to work on and setting goals will help give your dressage and flatwork sessions more direction. These goals could be centred around things you want to improve about your own riding or a certain aspect of your horse’s way of going that you want to improve. If you’ve done any dressage tests before you could look at the Judge’s comments to give you some ideas for a goal or ask your instructor. A few examples could be to get your horse taking you more forward or reacting to your leg more quickly; or to work on your horse staying round in the trot canter transitions or to work on having quieter, more still hands. Once you have a goal have a think about some exercises or things you could try in your sessions to help you achieve your goal. You could have a lesson with an instructor and ask them to give you some things to try at home or you could have a look Continued overleaf...

THE PROFESSIONALS rectangular arena when in fact so much of your dressage training could be done whilst you are hacking or out in an open field somewhere. Especially with my young horses, a lot of my training I do on hills and out in the open where 3. Go for a lesson there’s more space, they see the 2. Mix things up in your For me, having a lesson really world and get used to different training boosts my motivation. footings. Pretty much any Don’t be afraid to mix things up A lot of the time dressage can be exercise you do in an arena you in your dressage sessions either. very frustrating and confusing can do out hacking; you could You don’t have to do the same and it’s so easy to get caught up try leg yielding your horse to circles and changes of rein every in that frustration when your each side of the road and think day. Changing things up will also dressage training isn’t going how about which way feels easier or help to keep your horse enjoying you want it to. Having a lesson ride a few transitions to teach the session too. can often clear up exactly what is your horse to listen and react to You could try riding a different going wrong and what you need your aids more quickly, or a great transition every ten steps to test to do to get you and your horse one that is really beneficial is to your control and your horse’s where you want to be. Finding practice your medium walk to reactions to your aids or try an instructor that gives you that free walk and back to medium riding some new and different buzz and makes you feel walk again. shapes of different sizes to test motivated and excited to go your control over your horse’s home and try everything you’ve 6. Polework Adding poles into your body and help you improve your learnt can make a huge sessions is a great way to do accuracy. You could try teaching difference to how much you something different with your your horse a new movement like enjoy your training at home. flatwork sessions. a leg yield or simple changes or 5. Take your sessions A great exercise is to set out two try a new exercise every session. out of the arena poles down the long side and There is now so much easy-toI think there’s a big canter over them both counting access information out there on misconception that you’re only how many strides your horse different exercises and things to doing dressage if you’re in a does between the two poles; try with your horse so don’t be then your aim is to get one more 4. Ride with friends stride in between those poles by shortening your horse’s canter. If you have other riders on your yard, you could suggest doing From there the challenge is to your dressage sessions together. You can then share ideas and try see how short you can get your exercises together; you may also be able to help each other with horse’s canter and how many issues or problems you come across during your sessions. strides you can fit in between If you don’t have other riders on your yard joining a local riding those two poles. And you can go club or pony club is a great way to meet new people and most the other way too, and see how tend to have regular dressage clinics with local instructors that few strides you can fit in by can help you improve your riding whilst meeting new people. lengthening your horse’s paces Some clubs even run overnight camps where you can pack in too. This is a great exercise even more social time alongside your dressage lessons. A lot of because it teaches your horse to camps have off-the-horse sessions too like assessing your lengthen and shorten their position; nutrition, vet or physio talks; strength and conditioning strides but gives you that goal sessions; BBQs and time to just relax with friends and horses. online for some exercises to try. Getting that buzz when you finally achieve that goal you’ve been working on and you feel the improvement in your horse and your riding will give you that excitement and motivation to want to do it all again.

afraid to push the boat out and give some new exercises a go. If you ever get stuck I’d always advise going and having a lesson with someone who can give you exercises that would be most beneficial for you and your horse.

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. and challenge which always makes things more fun. Hopefully this has given you a few ideas to try. And if you start to feel like you are finding dressage more boring again, don’t be afraid to mix things up and try something new! www.decomplicating dressage.com

THE PERFECT

WARM-UP

he key to a good warmup is knowing how much you need to do with your horse – while being careful to avoid overdoing things. The aim is to get your horse settled, get their body moving, and to do enough practice fences for him to feel relaxed and confident before going into the ring. In showjumping, some classes will have a drawn order – where you can make a good estimate of what time you’ll be jumping – while others will require you to give your number to a steward to put on a board. “When it’s a drawn order, I will work backwards to figure out my timings, and also make sure the rest of my horses’ rounds fit in between them so I can give each horse the attention they need,” says Shane. “If it’s blackboard order, it’s up to you

to put yourself on the board to then make a plan, so you need to make sure you have enough time to warm-up properly.” Make sure you allow enough time to work in in walk, trot and canter on both reins, before you jump your first practice fence. “I’ll usually do a bit of flatwork for around twenty minutes before starting to do any jumping,” he says. As to how many jumps you should do in the warm-up, that depends on your horse’s temperament and level of experience. “In general, I would aim to do 4-5 small verticals and then go to the oxer and do 4-5 of those, depending on how the horse is jumping. I like to finish by jumping two verticals, the final one being the same height as the class I’m about to jump. In total, I usually do twelve warm up jumps before heading

To discover more about Shane, visit breenequestrian.com

to the ring for the first round,” he explains. With younger horses, Shane will make sure they are confident over smaller practice fences before putting the height up. “I’ll give them a few extra smaller jumps, so they’re focused on their job and you have their full attention, before jumping anything bigger. A more experienced horse might only need a few jumps. They know the job so they don’t need to do much before they go into the ring. It’s more important that their body is warmed up and they are comfortable in themselves.” If you have a sharp horse, it can be tempting to do quite a lot in the warm-up arena, but Shane advises against this. “With the sharper ones, I don’t jump them much in the warm-up so they don’t get stressed,” he adds.

IRISH INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPER SHANE BREEN IS A RENOWNED TRAINER, BREEDER AND PRODUCER OF HORSES. HERE HE SHARES HIS ADVICE ON HOW HE CHOOSES TO WARM-UP BEFORE A CLASS.

SHANE’S TOP TIPS 4 Stay calm – even though warm-up arenas can be stressful places at times! 4 Pass left to left, and try to go in the same direction as the other horses as much as possible 4 Don’t hog the practice fence 4 Don’t put out ground poles – this sort of training exercise should be done at home 4 Plan your timings as best as possible Shane Breen is one of the leading contenders for the Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead on Sunday 26th June. Tickets are available now from www.hickstead.co.uk

THE PROFESSIONALS

RIDING FITNESS DURING

PREGNANCY M y own experiences as a rider underpin everything I do with ‘Ready To Ride’. I have learnt so much along the way – and continue to do so – and have benefitted enormously from my professional knowledge and experience. This makes me incredibly lucky, and also in the unique position to share this mix of professional and personal learning and progress. A time that can be extremely challenging for riders is pregnancy. On the one hand, this is a time of great excitement and anticipation, yet for many riders not only does it mean a spell out of the saddle and a break from training and competing, but also the onslaught of endless debate about whether or not they should be riding. I am not going to cover this here, although I will say that I feel blessed to have had a midwife and consultant who were totally happy with me riding right through my second, high-risk pregnancy. I think they knew that from a mental health perspective it was the best thing for me!

One of the biggest challenges of all for any female athlete – and yes, riders are most definitely athletes – who becomes pregnant, is dealing with the immense physical changes in their body, and the very lengthy return to anything resembling pre-pregnancy fitness after baby has arrived. The post-baby body is an incredible thing and deserves eternal respect, but those of us who still want to do a good job in our sport want our body to help us out! Until recently, the guidelines for returning to any form of exercise have been scant, although this is changing thankfully. For riders the task of maintaining fitness during pregnancy, and then regaining it afterwards, is perhaps made harder by the fact that the key areas for us to be strong yet mobile, are the low back, pelvis and hips. This is of course, the area of our bodies that is most affected by pregnancy; obviously with the mechanical impact of the bump, but also due to the longer term effects of ligament laxity, and

the workload placed on the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. If we can continue to work during pregnancy, on maintaining strength around the low back, pelvis and hips, in a manner that is specific to the requirements of riding, this will make the return to full fitness significantly easier post-natally. This is in part because the baseline level of strength or fitness will be maintained at a higher level, but also because by continuing to work on key principles such as symmetry and controlled movement, we are much less likely to fall into unhelpful movement patterns which then have to be unpicked…. Once again, I know I am lucky. I knew what to do during my pregnancies when it came to safe exercise that would help with riding-specific fitness. Most other women aren’t in that position, which is why I have created the Pregnancy Fitness For Riders course. It is a three hour, selfstudy programme, comprising of three exercise sessions for each

CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST LOUISE TOWL IS FOUNDER OF ‘READY TO RIDE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PILATES’ AND HAS CREATED ONLINE COURSES THAT OFFER HELPFUL ADVICE FOR FEMALE AND PREGNANT RIDERS. of the second and third Trimesters, along with lots of advice. The content is a mix of Physio and Pilates, you can do full sessions each time, or pick the parts that you feel benefit you the most and keep repeating them. My focus throughout is helping to maintain dynamic stability for an independent seat, and strength in the upper body for a consistent contact, all in a way that is easy to manage during pregnancy. www.readytoride.online

NUTRITION as well as the feed solely being cereal-free. Ready Fibre Mash also can support horses on a high cereal diet that require more fibre to support overall gut health. It only requires five minutes of soaking and is an excellent way of increasing your horse’s water intake. The second cereal free mash is Solution Mash. Solution Mash contains high fibre (28.5%) but with a higher percentage of oils By Eleanor Blinkhorn (15%) and key antioxidants to (Bsc) Equine encourage the improvement of Nutritionist, Rowen condition whilst maintaining Barbary Horse Feeds crucial fibre levels to support the digestive tract. The high oil raditionally, many horse or starch. From a hay replacer up to a high percentage helps to improve coat condition and is a great owners often think a Mashes contain highly calorie nutrient dense mash source of calories without the mash should only be fed digestible, good sources of fibre containing cereals and an to older horses, or as a such as Soya Hulls or sugar beet alternative high calorie nutrient use of cereals. Other ingredients are included such as Yeasacc warming winter feed. Mash pulp supporting overall hindgut dense mash which is cereal and 1026 to encourage mineral based products are incredible health, by slowing the rate of molasses free. versatile feeds that are now digestion. The cereal free mashes are Ready digestion and increase optimum fibre digestion. Ingredients such becoming increasingly popular Mashes absorb a high volume of Fibre Mash and Solution Mash. offering a wide range of water to create their consistency. Ready Fibre Mash is ideal as a hay as Garlic, Spearmint and Fenugreek are also added to nutritional benefits. This is particularly important replacer for those stabled for Mashes are popular due to the when encouraging water intake long periods, more senior horses improve palatability and nutritional benefits that can be during summer and winter with difficulty eating long-stem support gut function and overall tailored to each horse’s months or for horses and ponies fibres or for performance horses health. Solution Mash is cereal nutritional needs. For those who that do not drink much water. on a high cereal diet that require and molasses free, designed for want to feed a mash, they range The moisture also eliminates a boost of fibre in their diet. It is low starch (4.5%) and sugar (1%) but is high in oil and fibre from cereal-free and high in fibre irritants that may irritate the the equivalent of good quality which can result in a lower respiratory system or horses hay containing (30%) fibre. This to help with controlled weight calorie feed for a lower suffering from COPD. mash is suitable for good doers, gain and stamina. It is fully balanced with essential workload, up to mashes that The consistency of the mash is horses prone to Cushing’s and vitamins, minerals and trace contain cereals which can easy to chew and digest which is Laminitis due to the low levels sustain horses requiring suitable for those with dental of starch (5%) and sugars (2.5%) elements. Continued overleaf... increased stamina and issues, like Diastemas. The performance. texture increases palatability, An alternative option, If your ease of chewing and swallowing horse is particularly excitable or also benefiting horses that have prone to gastric ulcers, mashes previously suffered with Choke that are developed with high or fussy eaters. fibre and oils, can support Rowen Barbary horse feeds have horses undertaking a more four mashes. Each mash is strenuous workload without the specifically designed for a range inclusion of high levels of sugar of nutritional requirements.

VERSATILITY OF A

MASH T

NUTRITION By the Golden Paste Company

SWEET ITCH IN HORSES

I Ready Mash is a highly digestible, low energy, high fibre (22.5%) mash. Ready Mash is designed to be sympathetic on the digestive system and provide a balanced diet without additional calories. It contains a touch of soya oil for skin and coat condition and only takes five minutes to soak. Ready Mash Extra is a step up from the Ready Mash. Ready Mash Extra is a highly palatable soft textured mash. Designed to encourage controlled weight gain and condition through the inclusion of essential oils and milk powders. High in digestible fibre (18.5%) it helps provide an excellent source of slow release energy for improved stamina with glucose powders added to help aid recovery from strenuous work. Fully balanced in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements, it takes just five minutes to soak. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

nsect Bite Hypersensitivity, otherwise known as Sweet Itch in the UK (summer mange, summer eczema or Queensland itch across the world), is a chronic, recurrent, seasonal dermatitis of horses. What causes sweet itch in horses? Sweet itch in horses is caused by the bites of female biting midges – species of the genera Culicoides – and is prevalent across spring and summer, dying back in autumn and absent in winter. Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the protein in the saliva of biting insects. This causes the immune system to

TURMERITCH CASE STUDY... “I am amazed at how well it is working after only starting it at the beginning of January. My horse suffers with itchy skin as well as sweet itch. The past two summers have been an absolute nightmare but by the look of the condition of her coat and skin now I’m very hopeful for a much more relaxed summer!” – Katie

attack its own cells and leads to the extreme reaction. When does sweet itch start? As it presents typically in a horse’s second or third summer and subsequently worsens with age, it appears to be a delayed hypersensitivity as well as a threshold response. What does sweet itch in horses look like? Horses predominantly show signs of sweet itch at the base of the mane and tail, and on the face. The withers, back, belly and rump can also be affected. Clinical signs range from mild to severe itchiness, often

accompanied by hair loss and broken skin from constant scratching which can then lead to an infection. Over time the skin can thicken, folds develop and the hair becomes sparse and coarse with flaky skin. Several behavioural changes can also occur including excessive rolling and mutual grooming, head shaking, face rubbing and an agitated/restless demeanour. Is sweet itch in horses hereditary? Some breeds have been found to be at an increased risk and it can be genetic as they are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

Sweet itch management in horses There are several ways we can help horses with sweet itch by reducing their contact with midges. 4 Bring horses in at dawn and dusk and if possible fit small mesh over the stable doors and windows to stop insects getting in 4 Avoid fields with or near water and hedges or trees as these are areas where midges gather. An exposed field is best as midges can’t fly if the wind speed is over 5mph. Make sure you keep on top of poo picking and avoid humid conditions as

much as possible 4 For horses that are severely affected, a ceiling fan in the stable may be required in case any midges do get in 4 Using a sweet itch rug can also protect the horse and some people find an insect repellent helps 4 There are topical products on the market and if very severe your vet may prescribe steroid medication. www.goldenpaste company.com

sing TurmerItch as part of sweet itch management is a new approach which proved to be very effective in trials. By introducing this dietary system that can help optimise digestive health, the microbiome and gut integrity, the allergenic contribution to the itch threshold is reduced; subsequent challenges from biting insects may then fall below the threshold, thus reducing scratching and damage to the skin. By ‘priming’ the body to be less responsive to allergens generally, subsequent seasonal rises in midge bites should be less of a problem; the skin of the horse will have a barrier of bioactives that have been shown to act as a repellent, neem for example, and be less responsive to bites. TurmerItch combines key specialist ingredients including Neem, Red Bush Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar and Chamomile, to help provide relief from itching and soothe the skin by promoting a healthy skin and coat. It also contains Turmeric and Cooked Linseed to help produce a high shine to the horse’s coat. The active ingredients in TurmerItch support biting insect repulsion and help maintain reduced sensitivity which was demonstrated during trials with the supplement over a 12month period. Not only was the supplement extremely beneficial to horses suffering with biting insects as it reduced itching, it also improved hair regrowth and coat shine. RRP: £44.99 for a 1.5kg tub or £59.99 for a 2kg tub.

NUTRITION

FEEDING FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND A SHINY COAT By Baileys Horse Feeds

BLOOMIN’

MARVELLOUS!

oft supple skin and a shiny coat are external signs that the horse is receiving all the nutrients he needs for good health, with no one nutrient being more responsible than another. It is rare for modern pasture or forage to supply all these necessary nutrients, which is why supplementary feeding is recommended, be it in the form of a broad-spectrum supplement, a balancer or compound feed. Important Individuals Protein is one of the most important nutrients in a horse’s diet because it supplies the building blocks of all body tissues, including skin, muscles, hair and horn. All proteins are made of components called amino acids, some of which must be provided in the diet and are called ‘essential’. This means that protein sources in your chosen feed or balancer must be

of good enough quality to provide a range of amino acids, including essential ones, in order for the horse to build strong healthy muscles, skin, hooves and other tissues. Fatty Acids These are the components of dietary fat and oils, which may be digested and used as an energy source or be combined with other molecules involved in body structure and function. Just like amino acids, some fatty acids are essential and must be

provided in the diet, the most widely known ones being Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are directly incorporated into cell walls, including those of the skin, whilst other fatty acids are involved in the production of natural oily substances which lubricate the skin and hair and give it a healthy shine. Achieving the Balance So, a lot goes into a healthy coat and supplementing with one nutrient, without heed to the

Vitamins and Minerals Vitamins and minerals are involved in all manner of body functions, from hormone and enzyme production to acting as antioxidants to counteract free radicals produced during metabolism and other processes. Minerals are also integral to strong bone, horn and hair formation, are involved with the transmission of nerve impulses and, as electrolytes, with the hydration levels of all body tissues. A deficiency of any one, or a combination of vitamins and minerals, may not lead to obvious external symptoms, although poor hoof growth, a dry scurfy coat and lacklustre performance, are all signs that something may be lacking.

overall nutritional balance, may not bring the desired results. For horses whose energy (calorie) requirements are met by forage alone, a good quality feed balancer is the perfect way to supply all the essential nutrients a horse needs, without the calories associated with a mix or cube. Preferable to a vitamin and mineral supplement, because they also supply quality protein, balancers often contain a digestive enhancer, like a yeast or prebiotic, which encourages gut efficiency so the horse is able to obtain more of the nutrients from his forage too. The Right Feed Horses who require calories, in addition to those supplied by forage, are best fed the recommended amount of a suitably formulated mix or cube, to achieve a fully balanced diet. The higher the horse’s workload or need to improve top line, muscle tone, coat shine, condition or performance, the higher his requirement for essential nutrients. This is why feeds, and balancers, formulated to support performance have higher levels of important nutrients, like essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Added Extras Once the ‘base diet’ is fully balanced we can then consider ‘added extras’ to make doubly sure the horse has all he needs to produce healthy skin and hair. Extra help may be particularly beneficial when the coat is changing, in the spring and Continued overleaf...

NUTRITION Continued from previous page...

autumn, and the most obvious addition is oil, commonly fed as straight vegetable oil or cooked linseed. 50ml to 100ml of a vegetable oil per day should be sufficient to provide extra fatty acids to support a shiny coat but, as the body can also use it as a calorie source, care should be taken with good-doers as any more could go to the horse’s waistline, unless burned off with exercise. Omegas Not all oils are equal with, for example, soya oil being rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and linseed in Omega 3s, and research has shown that an optimum balance is necessary for them to work beneficially in the body. There are several high oil supplements on the market, a small number of which provide a blend of oils from different sources and therefore a mix of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The higher the level of oil in the diet, the greater the body’s requirement for antioxidants to ensure its efficient metabolism so a supplement which includes these, is preferable. Final Polish High oil supplements do have an advantage over straight oil, which can be messy and unpalatable but, whatever method you choose to increase your horse’s oil intake, it’s important to ensure the main diet is fully balanced first. Like all changes to the diet, adding oil should be done gradually to give the horse’s system time to adapt then, with a full balance of nutrients plus a little oil, you’ll simply need to polish with a soft cloth! www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS’ GENEROUS SUPPORT: HELPS RECOVERY OF RESCUED HORSES

herd of underweight Thoroughbred horses are making excellent progress in their recovery with World Horse Welfare thanks to careful feeding and healthcare, with the support of feed company, Baileys Horse Feeds. The horses were rescued by World Horse Welfare last year. Seven of the mares from this group went to Hall Farm, the charity’s Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk, where they have been turned away in a field for a few months to settle and decompress. Feeding is a key part of their recovery process and helping malnourished horses to regain weight and condition has to be done carefully and gradually. Sue Hodgkins, Hall Farm Centre Manager said; “We have been working gently with the mares since they arrived, assessing their behaviour with each other and their grooms. “One important aspect of health and recovery for each horse is good quality nutrition and

we are so thankful for the support of Baileys Horse Feeds who are providing all of the hard feed needed by the 300 horses and ponies being looked after here and at our other rehoming centres. “These Thoroughbred mares are a fantastic example of how hard feeds can be used alongside good quality forage, such as grass and hay, to help horses who need to gain weight in a healthy and sustainable way. They really enjoy their feeds, and feed time also offers a wonderful opportunity for the grooms to bond with the horses and start to get them used to being handled.” Graham Rice, Business Development Manager for Baileys Horse Feeds said: “We’re proud to support World Horse Welfare and their teams rehabilitating all kinds of horses and are really looking forward to seeing how these Thoroughbreds progress.”

LOCAL RIDER BECOMES BRAND AMBASSADOR

spiring dressage rider and coach Chloe Houston from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire has been appointed as a brand ambassador for equine feed company Spillers. Chloe is one of ten ambitious riders who won their place from 700 entries to join the Spillers Ambassador Programme. With this substantial leg up Chloe, together with her competition mares, hopes to take great strides in fulfilling her equestrian dreams this year. Chloe won her place by producing a brief video explaining why she deserved the position and horse lovers on social media voted for their favourites. All the ‘likes’ and ‘loves’ were counted as votes and taken into consideration when Spillers made the final decision on the winners. “I am so excited to be part of team Spillers,” said Chloe. “I cannot wait to share my successes and bloopers with my horses.”

DENTISTRY DO’S By Donna Case

on’t wait until your horse is older to keep a watchful eye on their teeth as problems can strike at any time. If your horse’s dentition is poor, it will affect his ability to eat which may cause weight loss, lead to health problems such as gastric ulcers and various other issues. First and foremost, make sure you speak to a vet/dentist to ensure any problems that can be resolved are! Following this some horses will have no further dentistry options available to them, so it is a case of meeting their needs via the diet. One sign of an inability to chew properly is quidding, which involves partially chewed feedstuff/forage balls on the floor which have fallen from the side of the mouth. If your horse is not able to consume enough forage, we

need to look to find a suitable hay replacer to provide the necessary fibre in the diet. If you try and remedy the problem through just changing the hard feed, you will not be addressing the root cause of the issue. The great news is that there are many commercially available forage replacers suitable for all stages of forage replacement. Methods of achieving this could initially be through the inclusion of a soft, shortchopped fibre provided as part of the forage ration, or in time could make up the complete forage ration. Be sure to check if the product you are using is able to be used as a ‘complete’ or only as a ‘partial’ forage replacer. Either option should be introduced gradually to reduce the risk of digestive upset. Placing them in buckets in different areas of

the stable (and field if necessary) would encourage your horse to walk around and is closer to a more foraging style behaviour, rather than just placing in one position. If your horse is struggling even with a soft, short-chopped fibre then you would need to look at other solutions such as many of the mashes that are suitable as hay replacers. I always recommend starting with the short chop fibres first as they are closer to a ‘normal’ way of eating and will take longer to consume, but this is a great next step if that no longer becomes an option. Many of these replacers are also suitable for clinical issues such as PPID. Remember that whichever option you choose they would need to be provided little and often throughout the day.

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.

www.thehorsefeed guru.com

STABLES, YARDS, ARENAS AND PADDOCKS

By Cheryl Johns

BASIC YARD

BIOSECURITY PROTOCOLS

s an ambassador for Redwings Strangles Awareness Week, LiveryList is a huge advocate for both yard owners and horse owners understanding the risks of infectious disease on their yards, and the steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. The Covid pandemic has gone a long way to help the general population better understand the way that infectious diseases and virusus can be spread, and to have a better understanding of prevention methods. This better understanding means more and more yards are thinking about biosecurity measures when considering the movement of horses on their yard. Whatever type of yard you have, there will always be a risk of infectious disease. This is not limited to Strangles, but also other infectious diseases such as Equine Flu and Equine Herpes (EHV), be this from new arrivals, people travelling to events, or visitors to the yard. Whilst isolation is not always

possible on yards, at least some basic biosecurity protocols can help: • Where possible, isolate new arrivals to the yard in an area providing stabling and grazing separate to the main yard, and no sharing of tools or equipment • Ensure new arrivals to the yard are fully vaccinated, wormed and consider requesting strangles testing • Know the resting temperature of all equines in your care and make routine checks so that any signs of fever can be spotted immediately • Avoid the sharing of tack and equipment, especially at shows or events. Taking your own equipment such as feed and water buckets is best practice • Consider hygiene protocols for visitors to the yard, especially if they may come into contact with lots of equines (ie farriers, or instructors) • Avoid nose to nose contact of equines not on the same yard, such as out hacking, or at events and shows

• If it’s not possible to isolate when you return from an event or show, consider regular temperature testing in line with FEI guidance • If you hire out your facilities or hold events at your yard, consider limiting access to areas of the yard to reduce cross contamination • Have a process in place for notifying a suspected outbreak, and open lines of communication between yard owner and horse owners The cost of an outbreak can be huge to a yard owner and their livery clients both financially and in terms of disruption, so although it may seem inconvenient taking these steps

STOP INFECTIOUS DISEASE

SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN 2011, UK LIVERY YARD DIRECTORY ‘LIVERYLIST’ HAS DEVELOPED TO ALSO BECOME A UNIQUE AND INDESPENSIBLE RESOURCE FOR YARD OWNERS, OFFERING GUIDANCE, RESOURCES AND SUPPORT ON ALL ASPECTS OF YARD MANAGEMENT it can be hugely beneficial in the long run if it prevents even just one or two cases on a yard. With Redwings having raised the awareness of infectious diseases since the launch of their #StampOutStrangles campaign in 2018, this has helped lessen the stigma of outbreaks, and what was once an incident kept behind closed doors is becoming more widely spoken about, leading to more horse owners asking about biosecurity when considering livery yards. The most effective steps to preventing an outbreak of infectious disease is simply good stable management and biosecurity practices. We would encourage all yard owners to consider the movement of horses on their yard, and the steps they can take to best protect themselves. www.liverylist.co.uk/ resources

CLEARING THE SUN IS SHINING...

ith performance sport horses it’s all about gaining that extra marginal edge for a competitive advantage. With breeding, diet, rider techniques and knowledge we have almost reached the limit of perfecting our horses’ condition for competition. This is where light therapy comes in; to boost serotonin levels and give your horse that winning edge. HorseLight have developed an advanced, light therapy system. The sun/daylight delivers a specific spectrum of blue light which has been scientifically proven to enhance the performance, health and wellbeing of horses. The key benefits for performance sports horses are significant. These finely tuned horses can work more effectively, and their improved daylight alertness can leave them feeling more awake, more focused, and importantly, much happier. Prices start from £199 (+vat). www.horselight.co.uk

PADDOCKS

very smallholding and private paddock are different, but clearing up after horses, donkeys or ponies is something we all have in common. Created out of necessity, the SCH Equestrian Powered Brush (EPB) is for customers requesting something – anything – to make this perpetual and relentless task quicker and easier. Over the past 35 years, SCH has created and refined many equestrian machines, but none more useful than the EPB, which will allow you to spend longer with the horses and less time clearing up. The regular removal of droppings promotes healthy grass and reduces dropping related diseases. Four rows of height adjustable brushes rotate at variable speeds to flick the droppings into the plastic rotproof rear collecting box. A reliable 5.5Hp Honda engine drives four rows of heightadjustable brushes. The machines speed-reduction gearbox incorporates a centrifugal clutch which allows the brushes to stop revolving when the engine speed is low - a necessary feature when moving from heap to heap. To use the EPB simply tow it

over the droppings and the powered brush will pick them cleanly off the ground and throw them into the rear collection box. Emptying couldn’t be easier – turn the winch to effortlessly lift and tilt the collecting box. The task of dropping removal never ends, and the EPB can potentially save hundreds of hours of labour per year. The durable chassis is constructed

from solid welded steel, and the Honda-built engine offers maximum reliability. When combined with SCH’s dedicated spare parts team, the robust British-made machinery will save you time and cost in labour for many years to come. For a free 80 page brochure featuring over 200 British built machines designed explicitly for smallholders, contact SCH. www.schsupplies.co.uk

STABLES, YARDS, ARENAS AND PADDOCKS

SURVEY CONFIRMS:

etails of the recent Bedmax National Equine Health Survey reports that more than 45% of the 993 owners who completed the survey had horses that had suffered a health problem (as opposed to an injury) that required box rest and/or veterinary treatment. Asked to identify the nature of the problem, just over 30% reported that it was respiratory health or disease. All previous Bedmax Equine Health surveys have given similar results, and owners clearly understand the primary cause. lowest airborne dust levels. The Equine Vet, Peter ‘Spike’ The survey found that 90% of Milligan, says that respiratory horses are either kept at home health is fundamental to a or at DIY Livery, with leisure horse’s wellbeing. “If not riding the most popular equine properly treated and managed activity. there can be long term effects on the lungs that can reduce life Hygiene was also a key priority in respondents’ choice of expectancy in some horses. bedding, underlining growing Apart from equine flu and the herpes virus, the most common concerns over biosecurity in stables where most horses respiratory problems are spend at least half their lives. multifactorial, but the Over 70% of owners confirmed inhalation of that in the winter airborne particles and the ...Hygiene was also a months they keep their horses in the irritation to the key priority in stable for a mucosal lining respondents’ choice of minimum of of the respiratory tract bedding, underlining twelve hours out is one very growing concerns over of every twentyfour. common factor.” biosecurity in stables The cost of Respondents where most horses equine health confirmed overwhelmingly spend at least half problems was also a significant that their lives... issue. Of the 520 safeguarding owners their horse’s responding to the request to health is paramount when indicate their veterinary costs for choosing bedding, and their priority is choosing one with the treating health problems, more

RESPIRATORY DISEASE REMAINS THE BIGGEST EQUINE HEALTH PROBLEM

Overall, the top equine health problems suffered were: 30% Respiratory ill health 21% Laminitis 20% Arthritis 12% Mud fever 10% Hoof disease, cracking, infection than 40% paid over £1,000 for treatment; 22% paid over £2,000. Loss of use was also significant, as over 55% of owners experiencing equine health problems, said that their horses were on box rest and/or could not be ridden for more than a month. A positive trend identified from the survey was that after years of urging customers to compost their used bedding, Bedmax were delighted to find that over 90% of respondents are doing just that and allowing local farmers (66%) or gardeners

(25%) to return it to the soil. “Our annual survey is a really illuminating exercise as it helps us find out what horse owners are experiencing and what is really important to them,” said Tim Smalley, Managing Director of Bedmax. “It is interesting to see that respiratory ailments remain the most prevalent equine health problem. At Bedmax we make our shavings from fresh pine, which offers unique antibacterial action against harmful bacteria and fungi. We also dry our shavings at sterilising temperatures and vacuum extract every particle of airborne dust we can during production, to help avoid this very problem. I am absolutely committed to producing the best possible horse bedding and I am really proud of our team at Bedmax. Our recent NOPS accreditation is testament to our hard work, as we are the only producer so far to have this award.” www.bedmaxshavings.com

SADDLERY & TACK

Your Questions Answered... QUESTION: “My saddle seems fine and I’ve been riding in it for years. Do I still need to get it checked regularly?” ANSWER: “Prevention is rehabilitation will often have always better than cure. The SMS advise that your saddle is assessed every 6-9 months depending upon the horse’s age and workload. “Young horses, those that are in hard competition work or

their saddles reassessed as regularly as 2-3 months. “A horse can change shape for a number of different reasons, for example a change of yard, the time of year or due to a change to the workload and even

though the horse seems fine there may be something just starting to cause an issue. It is far better for the horse’s welfare that the issue is spotted and sorted before it becomes a major problem.” www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

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

QUESTION: “Can my saddle fitter advise on bridles too?” ANSWER: “A saddle fitter is trained to fit saddles; however, some are also trained to fit bridles. “The SMS has recently developed a Bridle Fitting Qualification with City & Guilds, an independent awarding body that accredits qualifications. As with the saddle fitting, if you go to the SMS website you can search for a SMS Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter in your area. They are trained in the anatomy of the horse’s head and mouth, suitability of different styles of bridle and adjustments that can be made to improve the fit of the bridle or take measurements to make a new bridle.”

SADDLERY & TACK

POPPY WEBBER Comments on... SEASONAL WHITE HAIRS

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.

OBITUARY

he Society of Master Saddlers has announced that wellknown industry figure Ken Lyndon-Dykes has passed away. Ken was a visionary in the saddlery industry and a longterm supporter of the Society of Master Saddlers, holding the role of President in 2016/17. He was also one of the course leaders for the Saddle Fitting Qualification in the early years during the 1990’s. Well-known throughout the sector and with a successful career in saddle design and fitting, Ken was vocal when it came to continuing to improve standards. Throughout his life he encouraged and supported both qualified saddlers and saddle fitters to be passionate about their roles and careers, helping to ensure saddlery work and skills were maintained to high standards at all times.

IKES! It's that time of year when we can get calls to say 'HELP!' because white hairs have appeared in the horse’s coat, under the saddle area. Often they’re first noticed as the horse’s coat changes, or when they’re clipped. Sometimes it’s a little splattering of white hairs, sometimes it’s a whole patch. What are the white hairs? They can be many things, but are often caused by an injury or excessive pressure in an area. This trauma can damage the pigment producing part of the hair follicle and cause the hair to grow back white. They CAN indicate an issue with the saddle fit, because they can mean there has been increased pressure in that area. If you find some, call your Saddle Fitter, but do not panic! Firstly, they don’t necessarily

mean there is a problem NOW. The white hairs can take months to grow through and by the time they’re there, your saddle might already be sorted. Secondly they don’t always mean there is a problem with the saddle. A lot of people presume it’s something that happens with long term use of an ill-fitting saddle, but that’s not always the case - sometimes just ONE ride in a ruched up saddle cloth is enough to cause white hairs. That’s why we always need to check our saddlecloth is smooth under the saddle - no ruching, no lumps and no straps sewn directly under the saddlebearing area. The can cause a pressure point. Make sure the bit of webbing that wraps around your girth strap is not sewn on directly underneath the saddle. If it is, unpick it and move it forward; or invest in saddlecloths

that have the ‘D-ring’ attachments that are attached further forwards and not under an area of pressure. Once you’ve checked for lumps and bumps, check your saddle tree (check out YouTube if you don’t know how to do that). Broken trees can cause these marks. If there is any possibility your tree is not ‘sound’, do not ride in it until it’s been checked. If the marks are uneven, check you sit evenly in the saddle and that your stirrup leathers are even. It usually implies there is more pressure on one side than the other. So, whilst it’s not time to panic, definitely call your Saddle Fitter as soon as you notice them. They will be able to advise. www.poppywebber.co.uk

QUESTION: “How do I find a good saddle fitter and trust they’re going to do a good job of either fitting a new saddle or checking my current one? What qualifications should I look out for?” ANSWER: “The best way to find a good saddle fitter is often by word of mouth from your instructor, musculoskeletal practitioner or other equestrian professional. “However, it is really important that you check that the person who has been recommended to you is qualified. On the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) website you can search to check that the person is a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter or

Registered Master Saddle Fitter (RQ/MSF) or you can search by area to find a RQ/MSF in your area if you haven’t been recommended anyone. “All SMS RQ/MSF have spent time in the trade learning not only about fitting the saddle, but also studying horse anatomy, biomechanics, saddle design, rider requirements and bringing all of these elements together to ensure the best fit and comfort for both you and your horse. They will be able to assess your existing saddle and adjust if appropriate or fit a new

saddle for you and your horse. By using an SMS member you have the added assurance that they are fully insured, undertake regular CPD to keep their knowledge current and that there is a process in place to support you should an issue arise.”

REPORTS & PHOTOS

BUBBY UPTON AND GEMMA TATTERSALL JOINT WINNERS

ESSEX’S HARRY BATEMAN WINS SEIB WINTER NOVICE 6th MARCH

Photo: SBM Photographic

Photo: Athalens

any of the country’s top riders were in action at the inaugural The Eventing Spring Carnival where riders went head to head for the Animalintex Leading Rider Award. Riders were awarded points for the top six placings in all classes across the three days of competition with the winner being the rider that accumulated the most points. Lissa Green and Saffron Cresswell took an early joint lead on day one with nine points each, following Saffron’s win in the Novice and Lissa taking both a second and third place. On day two it was all change at the top of the leaderboard as Gemma Tattersall knocked Saffron down into second place and Lissa down to joint third with Oliver Townend. Gemma was out in the lead by eight points following two great wins in the Open Intermediate sections to add to the points she had accumulated on day one with a win in the Novice section with her ride, Chilli King. The final day of competition saw a hard fought battle for the top three places with current British Under 25 Champion, Bubby Upton storming up the leader board with a fantastic second place in the CCI-S4* riding her seasoned campaigner, Cola III and a second and third place finish in the Advanced Under 25 section. With 18 points each Gemma Tattersall and Suffolk’s Bubby Upton were joint winners of the Animalintex Leading Rider Award. Piggy March was the third placed rider with two third placings and a victory in the prestigious Lycetts Insurance CCIS4* with Brookfield Inocent.

ury Farm Equestrian hosted the final SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier of the season on Sunday 6th March. The twelvefence A10 course, built by Phil Ashworth, was tackled by forty-nine combinations and Essex-based Harry Bateman took the victory aboard the 9-year-old chestnut gelding Cruising To Paris, owned by Cassie Moran. Of the forty-nine starters, eighteen combinations came through with a zero score to progress through to the jump off, with some very speedy combinations in the line-up. A few tight turns at the start of the course and a forward run down to the last, Harry and Cruising To Paris stopped the clock at 37.39 seconds with a double clear to head to the top of the leader board. Closely followed in second place was Izzy Goddard and Jitterbug WL who were double clear in a time of 38.12. Third place went to Heidi Luck and My Star, double clear in 39.20 seconds. For all those lucky enough to have qualified all eyes now fall on the SEIB Winter Novice Final which will be held at Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead on 26th-31st July.

OASBY HORSE TRIALS ATTRACTS THE STARS

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent

10th-13th MARCH

any of the country’s leading event riders converged on Oasby (1) Horse Trials with Olympic and European medallists all keen to give their horses both young and established an early season run at this much loved Lincolnshire fixture. World Number One, Oliver Townend was a man on a mission with a plethora of rides heading to the winners enclosure. The hugely talented grey Cooley Rosalent took one of the keenly fought Open Intermediate sections starting on a great dressage score, clear show jumping and just a few time penalties on the cross-country. European gold medallists Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin continued last season’s fantastic form to head Open Intermediate Section J. While Piggy March and

Brookfield Innocent took claim to Open Intermediate Section M, when leader Olympic team gold medallist, Laura Collett and London 52 incurred four time penalties on the cross-country after a stellar performance in the dressage section. Eliza Stoddart and Codebreaker captured Intermediate Section H, the attractive bay gelding delighting all connections. Oliver, Piggy and Nicola were also very busy throughout with their younger horses. Nicola captured a Novice section on Jack Daniels LZ, and Piggy led one of the BE 100 Open sections on Brookfield Kept In The Darco. Oliver’s young horses hit the competition season running with French Exchange and Dolma Debenture both heading a BE100 section and Samiro Cruze MC capturing a Novice. The line-up was second to none at Oasby with many riders

Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin

bringing their top horses to take part in the Open Intermediate section and get their season underway. Held over flat ground with just one valley, the cross country course was designed to give horses and riders a confidence building first event of the season. Piggy March and Brookfield Innocent

Said organiser Stuart Buntine: “Oasby provides a fantastic first event for many competitors as they get their competitive year started and we were really pleased with the top class sport.”

Eliza Stoddart and Codebreaker

REPORTS & PHOTOS

THE SHOWCASE SERIES IN-HAND SHOW ANVIL PARK STUD 26th MARCH Photos by Emily Harris Photography

Supreme Champion - Florence Wood and Summerrose Little Hawk

Light Horse Champion - Macie Jones and Milani

1st Reserve Supreme Champion - Jo Cullen and Sunwillow Antonia

Traditional & Native Champion - Chloe Fulcher and Amos Lad

Reserve Supreme Miniature - Phillipa Townsend and Caluka UK Nicos Lady in Red

Show Horse Champion Lucie Waterman and Its Blue Smoke

Shetland Reserve Champion - Harrie Wood and Halstock Maradona

BMHS RIHS Reserve Champion - Zoe Sturgess and Blackspirits Little Pirate

Colour Reserve Champion - Kate Tarn and Tofield Mr Boombastic

Shetland Champion - Angela Fox and Benston Harley Reserve Supreme Champion - Sophie Robins and Knock Ferry Vision

Traditional and Native Reserve Champion - Charlotte Mitchell and Dollymix

1st Youngstock Foreign Breeds - Ashlee Stroud and Fencroft Lord Luckton

REPORTS & PHOTOS

THE SHOWCASE SERIES RIDDEN SHOW ANVIL PARK STUD 27th MARCH

Shetland Champion - Angela Fox and Benston Harley

Photos by Emily Harris Photography

Supreme Champion - Olivia Murphy and Lacy Casper

1st Part Bred - Georgia Sharp and Diesel

1st M&M Large Breeds - Sofia Green and Ballygowan Star

1st Show Pony - Grace Sharp and Hugo

2nd M&M FR - Matilda Whitehead and Sharptor Skyfall

1st Veteran Pony Olivia Murphy and Bureside Quake

British Breeds Reserve Champion Anna Rogers and Slaneyside Miss Jillian 1st Reserve Supreme Champion - Hanna Sillitoe and Rag n Bone Man

M&M Champion - Ella May and Cilsane Captain

3rd Irish Draught - Liana Rout and Redcoat

Leadrein Champion - Harriet Whitehead and Glynaur Ricky Bobby

Light Horse Reserve Champion - Zoe Nicholls and Logan

REPORTS & PHOTOS

NPS AREA 15 AT TRINITY PARK 15th APRIL Photos by Emily Harris Photography Continued on page 66...

UKPH Champion - Harriet and Larnleighs Dictator

1st Child Handler - Seren Platt and Annie

Champion Riding Pony - Philip Ward-Burton and Ducketts Dilemma

NPS Ridden Champion - Anna Chaplin and Hollybrooke Duke

2nd 15+ Members Challenge - Jo Cullen and Bureside Autumn Mist

2nd Picton Novice C&D - Ella Souster and Sangrug Spartin

FEI BAREFOOT RETREATS BURNHAM MARKET INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

3rd NPS DES 4 & Over Karen Perkowski and Bacchus Finnbar

14th-16th APRIL Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs

Reserve NPS Ridden Champion - Issy Hind and Beenleighford Firefly

Photo: Tim Wilkinson, Eventing Images.

1st RIHS M&M WH - Andrea Pearman and Lownthwaite Ribas

Reserve Supreme Ridden - Amber Thorpe and Marksman of Mendick

T Reserve Supreme In Hand - Susannah Muir and Threeshires Edgar

Unaffiliated Reserve Champion - Katie Maynard and Vanity Flair

SSADL RIHS Champion - Victoria Littlewood and Mosstown Marz

WH Training Stakes Champion - Julia Woods and St Flannans Liam

he 2022 Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials served up three days of superb sport , all bathed in the glorious Norfolk sunshine. World number one and Tokyo team gold medallist, Oliver Townend has further sealed his position as the undisputed King of Burnham Market by adding two more CCI-S 4* wins to his tally. In CCI-S 4* Section B, Oliver not only took the win with gelding Dreamliner but also the runner spot with Tregilder. Izzy Taylor and Hartacker completed the top three in this section. In the CCI-S 3* (Section A) Tom McEwen and Brookfield Benjamin Bounce set a fantastic score of 24.2 that could not be matched. Two faultless jumping rounds completed an impressive performance. Mark Davidson and Cooley Goodwood took the second spot, and Flora Harris and Class Vista, third. A hotly contested Advance section was won by Bubby Upton and Cannavaro.

REPORTS & PHOTOS

1st UKPH Junior M&M - Livie Smith and Blakekill Bobby

Supreme In Hand - Philip Ward-Burton and Griseburn Orla

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Absolute Horse - May/June 2022

Articles inside

Saddlery and Tack

Discover the mental health benefits of working with horses

Stables, Yards, Arenas and

Nutrition - including

‘The biggest threat to equestrianism’ - webinar

Rhea Freeman asks - How

The Professionals

Careers, Education and Training - including

A-Z of Summer Health Solutions

Transport - introducing

Buyer’s Guide

Equisafety jacket

What’s On - forthcoming shows and events including the 60th running of the Hickstead Derby

Show Preparation - from

HorseFest tickets

Health and Welfare