A-Z of Summer Health Solutions

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

B is for Beating the Biting Insects

Flies 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

As 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