E M K ’M C -I ! P I P EE
U FR
Absolute
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2021
Win...
ANNABEL BROCKS
HEADWARMER! See page 11
PLUS
Also Inside: OVER 100 XMAS GIFT IDEAS!
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NOV/DEC
Kevin McNab talks Toyko 2020 Saddlery and Tack including your questions answered and Poppy Webber’s comment on Flexicurves Event Reports
2021 ISSUE 352
GIVEAWAYS & OFFERS 4 Ariat Saddle Snaps 11 Annabel Brocks 14 Hawkins Organic 28 ICE-Scan Discount 28 Aniwell 51 Absorbine 67 Gladwells’ money-off reader offer
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Georgia Edwards and Spellbound, Ridden Champions at the Clarkes Farm Livery Charity Show. See page 59 for report and photos by Emily Harris Photography
FEATURES INCLUDE 4 News 6 What’s On 8 Christmas Gift Guide - lots of gift inspiration for you, your home, and your horse this festive season 14 Health and Welfare including VetWatch with Rossdales on how to keep your horse healthy this winter; worming your new horse; conversations about clipping; first aid kit maintenance; introducing the new ICE-Scan that saves precious time during a riding emergency
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...
INSIDE
WHAT’S
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Rhea Freeman asks - a right pain in the bot?! The Professionals including maximising performance with Caroline Breen; winter training techniques with Coral Keen; keeping your thoroughbred healthy over winter with Grace Muir Nutrition - including the equine immune system explained; reducing respiratory challenges this winter; practical weaning advice Special Interview Olympic Silver Medallist
01473 731220
office@ahmagazine.com
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@absolutehorsemagazine
#abfabnagmag
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PCD Media ( East Anglia) Ltd, Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS
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NEWS DEDICATED TEAM HELP ‘BAG-OF-BONES’ RESCUED PONY AND HER FOAL THRIVE
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iolet was extremely thin, riddled with lice and heavily pregnant when she arrived at World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk in March this year after being rescued from a field where two other ponies had already died. Despite her terrible condition just three weeks later the little piebald mare produced a filly foal, who was later named Rose. Rose proved to be much
stronger than might have been expected, given her mum’s poor condition, but she did need some additional support during her first few days. World Horse Welfare Field Officer, Chris Shaw said: “The team have done a wonderful job nursing Rose through those precarious first few days and it’s incredible to see her going from strength to strength now. The
- Kate Baker “Splish, splash I was taking a bath!”
wonderful thing is that her foal, Rose, will only ever know love and kindness. ” www.worldhorsewelfare.org
AWARDED: THE UK’S TOP CHARITIES AND LEADING EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENTS
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he fourth annual SEIB Insurance Brokers Awards took place at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on the 8th September. Over 1,100 client nominations were made for yards, riding schools and RDA centres throughout the country for the 2021 SEIB Livery Yard, Riding School and RDA Centre of the Year awards. Those nominated underwent a rigorous judging panel including a video submission before a shortlist was drawn up. The SEIB RDA Centre of the Year went to Barrow Farm RDA in Essex. A
delighted Anne Mitchell and Karen Lehner went up on stage to collect their trophy. Peggy Douglas and her daughter Sophie from Erme Valley RDA in Devon took the highly commended prize. Contessa Riding and Training Centre headed the Small Riding School of the Year awards with Tina Layton and Betty Vegere collecting the award. The SEIB Do It Yourself (DIY) Livery Yard of the Year went to Berries Farm Liveries. Norfolk’s Jen Brooker and Richard Pointer headed up on stage to collect their award. Highly commended in the DIY section went to
Andrew and Abigail Turnbull from Richmond Equestrian centre in North Yorkshire. The Full Livery Yard of the Year award went to Jason and Helen Newbold of Folly Fields Farm. SEIB’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Suzy Middleton and Chief Operations Officer, Bipin Thaker then presented a cheque for £10,000 and a commemorative plaque to Jan Rogers and Jessica Keane of the winning charity, The Horse Trust. The other finalist charities included World Horse Welfare and Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare.
- Dawn Fitch “Mum I’m really not sure this fly mask does my street cred any good!”
- Leena Ghoshal “Give us a kiss!”
- Clare Reid
JULY/AUGUST COMP WINNERS: Mega Comp Zoe Bird, Suffolk; TrickleNet Linda Flavell - Cambs; Absorbine Ian Garstang, Suffolk; Lucy Rowling, Norfolk; Melanie Murden, Essex.
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“Paint me like one of your French girls”
COMPETITION
SADDLE
SNAPS
- Jeremy Huggins - Lesley Gillman - Frances Browne “It’s a trifle chilly out here!”
“Ignore her - please tickle my tummy a bit more!”
Someone would love to be a Bay!
EACH ISSUE AN ABSOLUTE HORSE READER WILL WIN A PAIR OF
ARIAT BURFORD BOOTS worth £130!
- Hannah Mills Freddie’s dream was to become Pegasus one day... the practice was going well! - Kirsty Cyprus
- Sam Waren
“I’d say ‘smug as a bug’”
“Excuse me, but is it dinner time?”
- Charlotte Ballard
- Nicky Trayling
Scooby’s not happy with our rubbish weather!
Best kisses
WINNER! - Grace Hilsum
“Oh Mum, this is just not my best angle! You make me look like a wonky donkey with a donut on my muzzle!”
Sponsored by
ENTRY IS EASY. SIMPLY EMAIL A CANDID PHOTO OF YOUR HORSE TO snaps@ ahmagazine.com
DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS AND A CAPTION TO YOUR IMAGE. THE BEST PHOTO AND CAPTION WINS THE BOOTS! 5
WHAT’S ON
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY LEAD THE CHARGE FOR THE
LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 2021!
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he London International Horse Show, taking place at ExCeL London from 16th-20th December 2021, will host performances from the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment as part of the spectacular schedule of equestrian action across the five-day Show. Organisers have confirmed the attendance of the much-loved Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, made up of twenty-eight horses and thirtysix personnel, adding to the diverse range of equestrian activity already planned. As the only mounted ceremonial soldiers who also serve as fighting soldiers, the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is unique globally as it demonstrates exceptional horsemanship and the very best of British tradition. The drills, which are based on movements mounted soldiers would have historically used in battle, will be carried out to music and performed in a routine that is strongly focused on precise timing and coordination. Captain William Long of The Life Guards, said: “The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is thrilled to be returning to the London International Horse Show. It will be very exciting to perform at the Show’s new
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venue, the ExCeL, this year. It is always a privilege to take part in the show and truly does signal the start of the festive period.” The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry will join the roster for each performance, which also includes scintillating action from The Shetland Pony Grand National and The Kennel Club Dog Agility. In addition to the breath-taking display acts, spectators will be treated to worldclass competitive action, including FEI World Cup competitions in three disciplines; dressage, driving and showjumping. The traditional crowd favourites, The Puissance and The London International Horse Show Grand Prix will also take their place at ExCeL London, featuring the world’s best show jumping horse and rider combinations, with the next generation of riders set to star in The Mini Stakes and The U25 British Championship. www.londonhorseshow.com Equestrian influencer, This Esme, will be in attendance at the Live Zone on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th December!
TEAM GB OLYMPIC MEDALLISTS PARADE
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n a tribute to the outstanding achievements of the British equestrian athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, The London International Horse Show will welcome the Team GB Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian heroes in a celebratory parade, which will take place during the afternoon performance on Friday 17th December. Leading the way will be Individual Showjumping gold medallist, Ben Maher, who adds a Tokyo medal to his Team gold at the London Olympics in 2012. Maher will be joined by the gold medal-winning Eventing team, of Oliver Townend, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen. After a fantastic performance across all three phases, the team secured Great Britain’s first Eventing Team title for 49 years. 30-year-old McEwen then went on to claim the Individual silver medal aboard Toledo De Kerser. Despite an inexperienced team of horses heading to Tokyo for the Dressage, the British team, comprising Charlotte Dujardin, Charlotte Fry and Carl Hester, surpassed all expectations to come away with a Team bronze medal. Dujardin, riding the stunning chestnut Gio, followed-up with an Individual bronze. Joining their Olympic counterparts will be Team GB’s Paralympic stars, including 14-time Paralympic champion Lee Pearson, multiple gold medallists Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Sophie Wells.
PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION 2022
ENJOY THE BEST SEATS: VIP PADDOCK CLUB
LAURA COLLETT: MASTERCLASS
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ighting up the heart of Liverpool with an unrivalled line up of top level showjumping, family fun and entertainment, The Voltaire Design Liverpool International Horse Show returns to the M&S Bank Arena from 31st December 2021 to 3rd January 2022. This year’s show sees the launch of the exclusive Paddock Club, a lavish VIP experience. www.liverpoolhorseshow.com
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vent rider Laura Collett, who was part of the gold medal-winning British team at the Tokyo Olympics, is to feature in an upcoming winter training event at Arena UK on 27th and 28th November. Audience members will be able to gain insight into Laura’s training methods and see some of her superstar horses in action, as well as having the chance to browse the tradestands in the shopping area. www.horseandrideruk.com
n celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, a very special event will take place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 12th-15th May. The Platinum Jubilee Celebration will see over 500 horses and 1,000 performers create a 90-minute piece of spellbinding arena theatre that will include actors, artists, musicians, international military displays and global equestrian displays. www.platinumjubilee.com
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Ariat Montara jumper. RRP: £90. www.ariat.com
Lilymere Jacket in Skye Tweed. RRP: £399.95. www.schoffel country.com
The Chelsworth Fedora in Olive Green. RRP: £132. www.hicksand brown.com
Farlows Tweed Field Coat. RRP: £695. Laksen Brown London Lady Shooting Gloves. RRP: £118.99. www.farlows.co.uk
Ladies Cosy Roll Neck Hunt Jump. RRP: £49.95. www.gingerand jardine.co.uk
For ou Y
Farlows Ladies Burghley Tweed Field Coat. RRP: £695. www.farlows.co.uk
Echo Gold Initial Necklace. RRP: £95. www.emilymortimer.co.uk (Above) Chelsworth Clutch Bag in Olive Green. RRP: £75. (Left) Gamebird Feather Brooch. RRP: £25. www.hicksandbrown.com Halden Sweatshirt. RRP:£125. (Left) Forton Belt. RRP: £130. www.touchoftweed.com Rose Gold friendship bracelet. RRP: £35. www.pegasusjewellery.net
Ariat Wexford H2O. RRP: £160. www.ariat.com
Poppy Jean in Loden Green. RRP: £99.95. www.schoffel country.com
Jameson Suede Chelsea Boot Femme in Tan. RRP: £160. www.lechameau.com
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Sterling Silver Mini Disc Necklace. RRP: from £50. www.thesilverstable.co.uk
Belgravia, Chocolate. RRP: £345. www.fairfaxand favor.com
Leather Free Spirit earrings. RRP: £35. www.annabel brocks.com
Two Hearts Trakehner T-Shirt. RRP: £32. www.honestriders.co.uk
Horse Wrap. RRP: £370. www.waringbrooke.com Ecru Cashmere Crew Neck. RRP: £99.95. www.oxfordshirt.co.uk Leather Thorpe Belt RRP: £29.99. www.cathedralequine.co.uk Southwold Rainbow Canvas and Leather Tote. RRP: £175. www.annabel brocks.com
Jameson Suede Chelsea Boot Femme in Marron Fonce. RRP: £160. www.lechameau.com Poppy Jean in Navy. RRP: £99.95. www.schoffel country.com
#Ridersonamission Gift Boxes. RRP: from £14-£52. www.honestriders.co.uk
Contrast bomber jacket. RRP: £195. www.annabel brocks.com
Natural Cashmere Roll Neck. RRP: £119.95. www.oxfordshirt.co.uk
(Left) The Suffolk Fedora in Camel with Gamebird Feather. RRP: £97. www.hicksand brown.com
Wanderlust Gold Mini Heart Hoops. RRP: £35. www.emily mortimer.co.uk
Neigh Shopper. RRP: £25. www.hooves andlove.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Sterling Silver Cuff Bangle with Dual 9ct Gold Stirrups. RRP: £200. www.thesilverstable.co.uk
Personalised Socks. RRP: £45. www.waring brooke.com
Bugsy Wool Hat. RRP: £65. www.annabelbrocks.com
Elite Venture Waterproof Trench Coat. RRP: £179.95. www.equetech.com
Sterling Silver Stirrup Ring. RRP: from £35. www.thesilver stable.co.uk
Silhouette Stretch Knit Headband. RRP: £8.95. www.equetech.com
Spirit Raincoat. RRP: £89. www.mountain horse.co.uk
Sieta Equestrian Jeans. RRP: £115. www.georgiandollar.co.uk Dreamers & Schemers Zippered bags. RRP: £9.99. www.qdressage.com
Rosa Damascena Nourishing Sugar Body Scrub. RRP: £28. www.tammason.co.uk
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Knitted Half Zip Sweatshirt. RRP: £85. www.mochara.co.uk
Blue Wobbegong Slippers. RRP: £79.50. www.bloom-lifestyle.co.uk Padded Gilet. RRP: £88. Georgian Dollar branded hoodie. RRP: £54. www.georgiandollar.co.uk Hit The Hay Pillow Mist. RRP: £22. www.barkerandsloane.co.uk
WIN!
Triple Stirrup Necklace. RRP: £50. www.pegasus jewellery.net
ONE LUCKY READER TO WIN AN ANNABEL BROCKS HEADWARMER! Geo Horse Sweatshirt. RRP: £56. www.honestriders.co.uk
Discovery Kit for Skin. RRP: £35. www.barkerand sloane.co.uk
Bossy Mare Sweatshirt. RRP: £27.99. www.redbearequestrian.com
Sparkle Hoodie. RRP: £49. www.3donkeys.co.uk
Tote Bag – made from recycled plastic. RRP: £45. www.bloom-lifestyle.co.uk Rideline 5.0 boots. RRP: £114.95. www.grubswarehouse.com
Black Fig and Vetiver Scented Candle. RRP: £16. www.bloomlifestyle.co.uk
Intensive Hand and Nail Cream. RRP: £16. www.barker andsloane.co.uk
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he bestselling Annabel Brocks luxury faux fur headwarmers are a fantastic addition to any Autumn/Winter wardrobe and are reversible so you can have two looks in one! You’ll be able to choose from the headwarmer collection on the Annabel Brocks website, where there are lots of colour combinations to choose from. www.annabelbrocks.com To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st November and close 31st December 2021.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Personalised Christmas Baubles. RRP: £11. www.hoovesandlove.co.uk Windowpane Lambswool Throw. RRP: £95. www.cotswoldco.com
Stella Soft Shell Long Riding Jacket. RRP: £129. www.mountain horse.co.uk
New Blue Pheasant Christmas Wreath. RRP from £45. www.plucking fabulous.co.uk
Redwings Christmas card 10pack of cards with envelopes. RRP: £4. All proceeds from the sales of Christmas cards, or any gifts from Redwings’ online shop, go directly towards Redwings’ rescue work and the care of its residents, including Peanuts (right) and his friends. www.redwings.org.uk
Horsing Around Zip Bag, can be personalised. RRP: £20. Bone China Mug with Gold Painted Rim. RRP: £14. www.katiecardew.com
Snowflake Socks. RRP: £8.99. www.coolhorsesocks.co.uk
Wash Bag. RRP: £16. www.emily-cole.com Daily Defender Moisturiser. RRP: from £12. www.barkerandsloane.co.uk
Yard Royalty Fine Bone China Mug. RRP: £14.50. www.emily-cole.com
Maroon Floral Pheasant hat silk. RRP: £35. www.foxyequestrian.com
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Wythburn Tall Waterproof Boots. RRP: £200. www.ariat.com
GIFT BUYING Made easy...
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very year we get ready for what we like to call the ‘Tack Shop Look of Terror’. It normally starts to turn up around the first week of December and it shows on the face of almost every nonhorsey spouse/sibling/parent who walks through the store door on their own. It’s often accompanied by an awkward pause as they take in their surroundings and wonder which way they need to head – and it’s generally about then that one of us tries to step in and make the whole experience as stress free as possible. Sometimes people come in clutching a list or a print out from our website. Other times we’ll get the classic ‘you know my wife – what would she like?’ But, more often than not, we just have someone looking for inspiration. And, in reality, what all those customers are hoping for is ‘the perfect present’. Because we all know that it’s better to give a gift than to receive one but we also know that it’s got to be a really great present for that to be true.
So even if you think you’re super easy to buy for, or if you’re an expert Christmas shopper, read my top tips for present buying (or receiving) this year – and we can all help to make that horsey shopping trip a little less terrifying! 1. You can’t have failed to notice all the talk of supply issues and lack of choice that are apparently going to threaten Christmas purchases this year? Sadly it’s true in the equine world too as many suppliers have already sold out of key products or have very long lead times for things that we’d have got overnight pre-pandemic. So, while this doesn’t suit my own shopping habits at all (I convince myself every year that I really like the panic of lastminute buying), if you want something specific or something bespoke then you definitely want to get organised sooner rather than later. 2. Check the returns policy of whatever shop you’re buying from to make sure things can be swapped if they’re not right. Lots of stores will offer extended
returns over the Christmas period, and while some bricks and mortar stores may only offer exchanges, if you’ve bought online you are always entitled to return items that don’t fit the bill.* 3. If you know someone wants to buy you a horsey present but might need some hand-holding, consider asking your local tack shop whether they’ll hold a ‘wish list’ for you. I guarantee the store will be delighted if you send the business their way – and they’re much more likely to be able to help with any queries or resolve any problems quickly. 4. Maybe think about buying something for the rider rather than the horse – or asking for something for you? We know that your horse would look amazing in that new rug, but Christmas might be the perfect time to get something lovely for you for once. You can be sure your horse is going to get spoilt in any event – you’ve probably already bought the horse advent calendar and Christmas pudding flavoured treats! 5. Don’t dismiss vouchers. They might seem a little bit lacking in imagination but if someone is saving up for something big then this might be the perfect plan. It’s also an almost fail-safe option to ask for as a present – particularly if it’s from your favourite tack shop. And you could even go to town on the wrapping and boxing and let your creativity go wild there! 6. And finally, it might seem a bit presumptuous but, if you’ve
KATHRYN JAQUET RUNS RB EQUESTRIAN, A MULTI-AWARD WINNING TACK SHOP WITH A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE AND A LARGE SHOP IN MILTON KEYNES. HERE, KATHRYN SHARES HER CHRISTMAS TIPS TO HELP YOU BUY THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR YOUR HORSEY FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND GET THE PRESENTS YOU WANT TOO. got your heart set on something specific from someone, then you almost can’t give them too much information. When you’re desperate for a LeMieux Loire dressage pad in peacock with memory foam then make sure the person buying for you knows all of this. Chances are that when they ask us for ‘a blue thing to go under the horse’s saddle’ you’re not really going to end up with what you want! *There are a few exceptions to this but generally this is the law.
www.rbequestrian.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
WIN!
Top Hat and Tails Cleansing and Deodorising spray (for hats and riding attire). RRP: from £9.95/50ml. www.hawkins organic.com
ONE LUCKY READER TO WIN PRIZES FROM HAWKINS ORGANIC! New G&G Traditional Training Breeches. RRP: £95. www.glazeandgordon.com
Foxy Riding Tights. RRP: £49.95. www.foxyequestrian.com
Hat silks. RRP: from £16.99. www.stockinjur.com
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awkins Organic promote the use of high quality organic ingredients through their natural grooming products for horses, hounds and humans. Without any nasty chemicals the founders, Belle and Mike, pride themselves on creating products which are kind and effective. In this issue one lucky reader will win a Hawkins Organic branded base layer and a gift voucher (voucher valid for 6 months) for £30 which can be used across their website. www.hawkinsorganic.com To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st November and close 31st December 2021.
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Live It Equestrian - exclusive subscription-based lifestyle club for riders. RRP: from £20. www.liveitequestrian.com
2-into-1 Coverall. RRP: £135. Dartmoor Equestrian Coverall. RRP: £350. www.3donkeys.co.uk
C4 belt. RRP: from £25. www.qdressage.com
Discover Long-Sleeve T. RRP: £38. Discover X-FIT Legging. RRP: £57. www.grubsboot.com (Above, middle) Deluxe Jumping Fox Hoodie. RRP: £55. www.foxyequestrian.com
Ladies Everyday Riding Leggings. RRP: £30.99. www.redbearequestrian.com
For Kids
Navy with sparkle fox heads hat silk. RRP: £35. www.foxyequestrian.com
Young Riders - Heels Down Exmoor Sweatshirt. RRP: £32. www.honest riders.co.uk
My New Pony Book. RRP: £12.99. www.mynewponybook.com
Grubs Muddies Icicle 5.0. RRP: £39.95. www.grubsboot.com
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Scharf Freedom Dressage Girth. RRP: £295. www.thecentreline.co.uk
EquiAmi lunge aid. RRP: £95. www.equiami.com
Veredus Safety Bell Boot Light RRP: £38. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
Amerigo Protector Stud Girth. RRP: £478. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
r o F se r o H
Veredus Magnetik Pro Wrap. RRP: £38. www.zebra products.co.uk
The Presonalised Ultimate Finish Gift Box. RRP: £60. www.hoovesandlove.co.uk
Honest Horse Shampoo Bar – Winter Warm. RRP: £13.95 with sisal bag. www.honestriders.co.uk
Veredus Carbon Gel Vento Boots by Marcus Ehning. RRP: Front Tendon Boot £192; Rear Fetlock Boot £162. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
Winter Warmer no rinse wash. RRP: From £7.95/250ml. www.hawkinsorganic.com
Drop Noseband with Rock Crystal Detailing. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk
Equitex Loden Saddle Pads. RRP: £269. www.equitex.co
Equipe Expression Special Jumping Saddle. RRP: £2475. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
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Wahl Pro Ion. RRP: £64.99. www.lister-global.com
Rinse Bombs. RRP: £9.95 for nine. www.honestriders.co.uk
Each saddle pad is made from more than 15 recycled 1 litre plastic bottles. RRP: £62.99. www.paladinequestrian.com
Crystal Padded Leather headcollar. RRP: £44.99. www.cathedralequine.co.uk
#Ridersonamission Gift Boxes. RRP: £14-£52. www.honestriders.co.uk
Equipe Platinum Oracle Special Dressage Saddle. RRP: from £4,305. (Below) Magnetik Rug. RRP: £439. www.zebraproducts.co.uk Irby bridle. RRP: from £64.99. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk
‘Build your own bridle’ online. RRP: from £215. www.elevatorequestrian.co.uk
Equitex Saddle Pads. RRP: from £159 - £399. www.equitex.co
The Bucas Atlantic Turnout range. RRP: from £188 to £231. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
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HEALTH & WELFARE: VETWATCH
KEEPING t h e c t YOUR HORSE V a W
HEALTHY IN WINTER
Presented by
ROSSDALES VETERINARY SURGEONS Beaufort Cottage Stables High Street, Newmarket CB8 8JS T: 01638 663150 E: practice@rossdales.com www.rossdales.com
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By Lucy Grieve MA VetMB MRCVS
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he winter months can take their toll on your horses’ health, so how can you ensure you keep them healthy at this time of year? As we head into winter, it’s a good time to assess your horse’s general health and condition. An annual health check by your vet can incorporate routine dental care, flu and tetanus vaccination, and testing or treating for encysted redworms and tapeworms. If your horse has had a busy competition season, an end of year ‘MOT’, involving a full clinical examination and a dynamic assessment on hard and soft lunge surfaces can be useful to assess whether there are any potential orthopaedic problems that can be identified early, such as low-grade lameness or arthritis.
Weight watching Winter is a time when horses will either lose weight or put it on, depending on how they are managed. Regular condition scoring and use of a weigh tape will give an indication of whether your horse is losing, maintaining or putting on weight. Horses in their natural environment will lose weight over the winter months, and for those animals carrying extra weight, it is a good opportunity
Use a weigh tape regularly to monitor your horse’s weight
for them to lose some pounds in a natural and safe way, by using their fat stores to keep warm. Signs that a horse is overweight include fat pads over the crest and rump, and intra-abdominal fat can make the horse’s belly look ‘heavy’. Obesity is a trigger factor for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), which causes insulin dysregulation and laminitis. Alongside metabolic issues, being overweight also places extra strain on the joints and other body systems. Excess fat during the winter makes it even more difficult to control a horse’s weight going into the spring. However, while it is important to restrict an overweight horse’s calorie intake, they do need to be fed a balancer as they will be getting fewer vitamins and minerals from grass and hay at this time of year. Conversely, for horses that are
underweight or lack condition, such as older horses with dental issues, poorly horses, very young horses, or hotter blooded breeds such as Thoroughbreds who struggle to maintain condition through the winter months, it is important that they receive sufficient good quality nutrition to maintain their weight through the winter. Speak to your vet or a qualified nutritionist to work out a diet that is suitable for your individual horse, based on their health and medical history, breed, age and workload.
Routine dental checks should be undertaken at least annually
Dental issues The condition of your horse’s teeth is vitally important all year round, but particularly through the winter months when they will be eating more fibre in order to maintain their weight. For older or underweight horses, or horses that find it difficult to maintain condition, it is a good idea to get their teeth checked in the autumn or early winter to make sure they can chew their food properly. Ideally, your horse should have routine dental care at least annually, or twice if necessary, and this should be carried out either by your vet or by a qualified Equine Dental Technician.
Vaccinations Check that your horse is up-todate with ‘flu and tetanus vaccinations. A primary course followed by an annual booster vaccination is recommended for all leisure horses and ponies. Competition horses may need more frequent booster vaccinations to comply with governing body rules for the disciplines in which they compete. Skin problems Pastern dermatitis, more commonly referred to as ‘mud fever’, is a skin condition that is commonly seen during winter and is caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis, which is found in the soil. Look out for scabs forming on the lower limbs (particularly white limbs) accompanied by discharge, cracked skin, and sometimes matted hair. These limbs are usually hot, painful and swollen, and horses with mud fever can be very lame. These clinical signs can also be caused by other conditions such as Chorioptes mites (‘leg mange’), fungal infection, liver disease, or leucocytoclastic A severe case of pastern dermatitis (mud fever)
vasculitis. It’s therefore important that you seek veterinary advice to get a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment of mud fever involves gentle, gradual removal of the scabs by washing the legs with a medicated shampoo, thorough drying, and then application of a topical treatment. Sometimes it may be advised not to wash/hose the legs, as washing can further weaken the skin, allowing bacterial and fungal infections to infect the skin more easily. Instead, your vet may recommend that you use a cream-based ‘sweat’ over the course of several hours to a day. Some horses may require antiinflammatories and topical or systemic antibiotics, which your vet will be able to prescribe. Measures to help prevent mud fever include: ›› Fencing off muddy areas of the field, rotating paddocks and providing plenty of clean, dry bedding in stables. ›› Ensuring that legs are always dried thoroughly. This is particularly important if you are using an oil-based barrier cream, which can trap moisture against Chorioptes mites, shown under a microscope, cause leg mange, which is commonly seen in horses with heel feathers.
VET PROFILE
LUCY GRIEVE MA VETMB MRCVS Lucy is an ambulatory vet at Rossdales in Newmarket. She works with all types of sport and leisure horses and ponies – from family ponies, to elite sport horses and racehorses. Her main areas of interest are lameness, diagnostic imaging and poor performance. Lucy is immediate past President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and has been a member of BEVA Council since 2012.
the skin and worsen the problem if not used correctly. ›› Checking your horse’s legs daily for signs of mud fever (particularly if he/she has feathers) so that you can treat the condition early. Continued overleaf...
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HEALTH & WELFARE: VETWATCH Continued from previous page...
Rain scald is also caused by the same bacteria as mud fever and signs include scabs, matted hair and clear discharge along your horse’s back and hindquarters. A medicated shampoo and a topical treatment usually will be prescribed by your vet. Appropriate use of rugs can help to prevent rain scald – however, sweating can exacerbate the condition, so it is important that your horse is not over-rugged, particularly on milder days. Avoid sharing rugs, grooming equipment or tack because this can transfer the bacteria between horses, and ensure that equipment is regularly disinfected. Hoof care When horses feet are constantly exposed to wet and muddy conditions, problems such as thrush, abscesses, white line disease (damage to the hoof wall) and bruising of the sole can occur. Access to a dry
Thrush in the horse’s frog is caused by a bacterial infection
standing area is hugely beneficial to horses living out. For stabled horses, ensure that bedding is kept clean and dry to help protect against hoof problems. Pick out and clean/wash feet daily, then use topical products to treat, and preferably prevent, thrush and deterioration of the hoof horn. Regular use of one part iodine solution to two parts surgical spirit in a spray bottle will help to combat the bacteria that attack and weaken the hoof horn tubules and cause thrush. Regular shoeing or trimming is essential to maintain foot balance, hoof structure and
CAROLINE BREEN’S Winter horsecare tips
Photos: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves
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problems and other health issues.
Worming Encysted small redworms are the larval stages of the small redworm, one of the most common and harmful worms found in horses. Horses should be tested and/or treated with an appropriate dewormer for small healthy horn. Any splits or cracks redworms, and for tapeworms, should be addressed before they in early winter. Laboratory tests deteriorate and become are now available to detect small infected. Long term use of redworms and tapeworms from quality hoof supplements a blood sample. These tests containing biotin, are valuable should be performed in in maintaining healthy, good November/December and, quality hoof horn, which is more based on your horse’s blood test resistant to infection, crumbling results, it may not be necessary and breaking. to use a dewormer at all, thus Rugging reducing the potential for If your horse is clipped or needs anthelmintic resistance. If a a rug, ensure you use wellparticular type of worm is fitting rugs appropriate to the identified by the laboratory weather conditions and outdoor tests, your vet will recommend rugs should be fully waterproof. the most appropriate treatment It is important not to over-rug to target the specific worm type your horse as this may lead to found and risk levels. overheating, dehydration, skin www.rossdales.com
Product Suggestion...
INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPER
Putting a capful of dettol and squirt of baby oil in a bucket of warm water to hot cloth the horses after they’ve worked really helps keep winter coats shiny! “Up your horse’s hay or haylage going into winter months, especially if you have to cut turn out time in the winter. It’s easier to get weight off than add it on over winter. “Using a thin double duvet as an extra rug layer is fantastic for not rubbing the horse’s mane, and keeps them very cosy!” www.breensporthorses.co.uk
Encysted Small Redworms
HaemoBoost - a liquid tonic containing vitamins B6, B12, iron and folic acid for horses, formulated to help maintain healthy blood levels. HaemoBoost is very beneficial for poor doers and as an aid in the recovery from illness, etc. RRP: £19.95. www.animalhealth.co.uk
WORMING THE NEW HORSE By Dr Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis Preventing new, resistant strains of worms A new horse could bring high levels of different strains of worms onto the yard and these worms may be resistant to some of the worming treatments currently available. This means they may be tougher to get rid of and they could cause ongoing problems for the entire yard.
Testing and treating It is best practice to conduct a faecal worm egg count (FWEC) when your new horse arrives to assess any current worm burden before any treatment. FWEC will give an indication of adult redworm and roundworm parasites by measuring the number of worm eggs in a dung sample, reported as eggs per gram (epg). FWECs will not, however, show the encysted Exercising caution larval stages of small redworm, migrating Unless you have a very clear and trustworthy stages of large redworm, tapeworm, bots or worming history for your new horse, it is pinworm, therefore new horses still require a best to exercise caution. The usual worming treatment. recommendation is to give horses of more cquiring a new horse is Alternatively, a vet can carry out a specific than six months of age a dose of wormer on undoubtably a very exciting time. blood test to determine the presence of arrival that treats for encysted small Making decisions about feed and small redworm including the encysted redworm, roundworms, tapeworm and bedding, buying rugs, tack and grooming stages, and a blood or saliva test can be 1,2 bots. kit are the fun parts of the process, but carried out to test for tapeworm. Care must Foals under six months old are particularly you must also make provision for your be exercised in interpretating this tests susceptible to worm-related disease and the new horse’s health, including worming. especially if the worming history is parasites can differ from those of adult unclear. 6,7,8 Assessing the risks horses. Foals require treatment for ascarids Testing will help to build a picture of the A new horse can bring any number of twice in the first 6 months of life (at 2-3 worm burden carried by the new horse and infections into its new yard, but you can help months of age and then again at 5-6 how the new horse’s worming regime can be reduce the potential risks, not only to your months of age) and careful monitoring and best integrated into the yard’s general worm new horse but also to the other horses on treatment for redworm from 6 months to 3 control plan. 3,4,5 the premises. years old. Dosing Once tests have been conducted, dosing the new horse as promptly as possible after arrival will ensure that it does not have a large worm burden (it is not realistic to expect them to be completely worm free) and reduces the risk of bringing resistant worms onto the yard. It also means that the horse can be integrated quickly into the yard’s worm control programme - which should be a balanced approach of pasture management, regular faecal worm egg counts and strategic
A
Continued overleaf...
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References: 1. Matthews JB (2008) Equine Vet Educ, p 552-560. 2. Hallowell- Evans C and Hallowell G (2017) Vet Times, April 24. 3. Reinmeyer and Nielsen (2013) Handbook of Equine Parasite Control 2013. Wiley Black. 4. Nielsen (2016) Evidence-based considerations for control of Parascaris spp. infections in horses. Equine vet. Educ. (2016) 28 (4) 224-231. 5. Matthews J. Helminth control programmes for equine yearlings at pasture. Veterinary Times. 2017;47(8):22-22, 24. 6. Austin Davis Biologics Ltd. Small Redworm Blood Test Press Release. https://www.austindavis.co.uk/small-redworm-blood-test. Accessed 11th October 2019. 7. Proudman CJ (2003) Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 23 (1) 6-9, 8. Austin Davis Biologics Ltd: Elisa Kits. https://www.austindavis.co.uk/elisakits. Accessed 8th April 2020. 9. AAEP (2019) Parasite Control Guidelines
HEALTH & WELFARE
HEALTH & WELFARE encysted larval stages of small redworm, large redworm, tapeworm, bots and pinworm. Remember that treating with a wormer that does not specifically target encysted small redworm (ESRW) can actually increase the risk of a horse with a high ESRW burden developing larval cyathostominosis, which is a potentially fatal disease.3 Weighing for accuracy Remember to weigh your new horse before worming it so that the dose given is as accurate as Continued from previous page... possible. It’s particularly easy to under-estimate the weight of treatments for the right worm at our horses if we guess, which the right time of year. It is can result in under-dosing and recommended a new horse is increase the risk of worms treated with a larvicidal wormer developing resistance to the such as moxidectin, before wormer used.1 turnout with the existing horses on the yard.9 Keeping off the pasture A practical and cost-effective Horses may continue to pass solution may be to use a single eggs for a couple of days after dose of moxidectin and they have been wormed so it’s praziquantel to treat for important to keep them off
pasture for this period (~48hrs) to avoid contaminating the grazing. Even if the horse is going to be out on its own, it is still worth keeping him off the field as he will still shed worm eggs onto the pasture and may re-infect himself when the worm larvae have matured. Maintaining perfect paddocks Now that the new horse has been integrated into the yard’s worm control programme, don’t forget good pasture management. Low stocking densities, daily ‘poo-picking’, cross-grazing with other stock such as sheep or cattle and the rotation and resting of pasture will reduce contamination and the exposure of the horses to infective larvae.5 Checking up Due to the challenges of a different routine, new horses often shed more worm eggs in
their droppings than other horses on the yard. If the FWEC on arrival was high you may want to advise taking another, 2 weeks after treatment, to check that the wormer has worked as expected (‘a resistance test’). After that, regular FWECs every 8-12 weeks (depending on previous count and the wormer used) are recommended to assess how the new horse is coping with his new environment and inform any further treatments. 3,9 Worm control is a foundation block of responsible horse management and making the right worming choices will help to keep the new horse healthy and performing at his best. Always speak with your vet or RAMA/SQP to discuss the best worm control programme for your new horse. www.horsedialog.co.uk
PIONEERING STEP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE
SPREAD OF EQUINE DISEASE
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ritish Equestrian’s Equine Infections Disease Action Group (EIDAG) has released their comprehensive publication aimed at mitigating the risk of equine disease transmission for general use. The nine-member strong EIDAG was set up in October 2019 and comprises industry leaders with expertise in equine medicine and infectious diseases. Their
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primary objective on the project was to help those in the equine industry who oversee and organise equine activities to play an essential role in mitigating the risk posed by infectious diseases to Britain’s equine population. Chair of the EIDAG, Celia Marr, commented; “Infectious Disease is with us all time, but the welfare of our equines and mitigating the risk of transmission is a team effort.
Responsibility lies with all of us in the equine community to work together and play a part. “The recent EHV outbreak in Europe clearly demonstrated what is possible with a collaborative approach between horse owners, member bodies, veterinary practitioners, industry advisers and organisers. We managed the situation promptly so there were no linked cases on home soil, but without us working together, the situation
could have been much worse. “We hope the guidance notes are the catalyst for instilling the principles of biosecurity and their importance for all who interact with equines, be they grassroots or professionals. Getting the key messages across, education and practical advice is crucial to reducing transmission risk and keeping disease in our equine population in check.”
Conversations
ABOUT CLIPPING
By Amanda Marshall owner of 3 Donkeys Clothing
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o here we are again, with the night’s drawing in and the temperature cooling comes the inevitable C word! No not Christmas, but clipping! Now, love it or loathe it, there is something rather satisfying when it comes to seeing the true colours appearing, as if by magic, as our beloved four hooved friends turn from yeti to sleek catwalk model. For me, it is the only time of year that I see my mare Tia’s white skin as she tends to sport a rather fetching shade of biscuit brown for most of the year. I have been clipping horses for quite a few years (first time way back in 1995) and can remember the first time as if it was yesterday in all of its appalling glory; luckily he was
jet black and with a hogged mane, so I got away with it. As a rule there are seven main different types of clip and each has its place depending on the workload of each individual horse. These are namely: full, hunter, blanket, chaser, trace, Irish and bib clips. As this is a short article I will not drone on with the differences because either a) you know your clips already or b) if you don’t then there are many articles and blogs on the internet which can
explain them much more eloquently than me. So with that in mind, I shall get on with my top tips: I always get my clippers serviced and blades sharpened during early summer. I am then prepared for any situation which may arise where they are needed during the rest of summer. For example, I often had to clip our old Shire Jack’s feathers off in the summer because his skin always suffered and it was the best thing for him. I also had to clip Dave the donkey one summer (all were under guidance and advice from our vets). Anyway, it’s for times like this that I like to be organised and ready. The two clips I enjoy doing the most are chaser and hunter, mostly because they work for the workloads that my own horses have generally been in at the time, plus I find it easier to get the lines level. I find that with blanket clips I tend to go ‘line blind’ and spend so long attempting to get it right that the hair is growing back! Other than having my clippers prepared and ready, the other
most important thing is to make sure that the horse’s coat is clean and dry because not only does this help keep blades sharper for longer, but gives a smoother clip as the blades are not having to try and cut through grease which leaves marks from the blade’s teeth. Also I always oil the blades regularly whilst clipping as this will prolong the blade’s life and keep them as cool as possible. Afterwards, I always brush the coat (I have an old body brush for this use only) and then a wipe over with a hot cloth. I have always used a weak solution of antiseptic (in a bucket of hottish water) although there are now more products to choose from which have been formulated for horses. Last but not least there is the challenge of keeping those pesky little and often very prickly hairs at bay. I always look for polycotton coveralls because over the years, I have found they repel the hair easier and with a shake off after use, wash and tumble dry, any hair has drifted off and is no longer a problem. I like to make sure my coveralls are high fastening to reduce hair going down my neck, and also have cuffs that are either ribbed for a close fit. These opinions are all my own and I am by no means an expert, just a normal horse owner. www.3donkeys.co.uk
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HEALTH & WELFARE
PASTERN INJURY
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lfie was enjoying himself a little too much in the field and sustained an injury to the back of his pastern. The wound was very small, measuring only 2cm x 2cm, however when it was explored with a sterile probe, it was very deep. There are a number of important structures in this area; the pastern joint, the deep digital flexor tendon, and the flexor tendon sheath, to name a few. The coffin joint and the navicular bursa are not too far away, either. When Alfie’s owners astutely noted the injury, and the potential damage it could have caused, they called the Cambridge Equine team immediately. On initial examination, Alfie was very lame at walk, with an elevated temperature and heart rate, and marked swelling around the entire pastern. The decision was made to bring Alfie into the hospital for further investigation. When assessing whether an injury has communicated with a synovial structure such as a joint, tendon sheath, or bursa (these are pouches filled with synovial fluid which lubricate joints and the movement of tendons), we analyse a fluid
sample taken from the structure which is thought to be involved. This analysis focuses on three main things: the neutrophil percentage (a type of white blood cell which trap and kill bacteria), the overall white blood cell count, and the protein concentration. This can be analysed to ascertain whether the sample is septic, inflammatory, or normal, as these carry different prognoses and treatment protocols. Thankfully, Alfie’s results were
Article supplied by: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge
www.vet.cam.ac.uk 26
Written by Rachael McKinney inflammatory rather than septic; an inflammatory sample can be managed with pain relief, whereas septic samples have a high bacterial burden, and generally require surgical flushing. He received intravenous antibiotics and pain relief to treat the inflamed tendon sheath and associated cellulitis (inflammation of subcutaneous connective tissue around the injury), and daily bandaging to allow the wound to heal. Alfie gave us all a scare when his comfort deteriorated. Ultrasound showed that there was a lot of damage to the tendon sheath and a thickened, oedematous appearance to the skin. Alfie’s stay was extended by a few days, so he could have multiple checks a day and intravenous medication. Thankfully, his swelling reduced and the wound looked fantastic a week after the injury. Much to Alfie’s owner’s delight, he could be sent home on medications which could be given in his feed, and daily dressing changes under a stable wrap. Alfie was reassessed by Cambridge Equine vets a week after being sent home; he had been his usual charismatic self and was in good spirits when we saw him. His comfort was much improved, and the wound was healing (granulating) very well.
M
aintaining your first aid kit is essential to be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency. This means making sure your kit is always stocked up and ensuring it is stored in an appropriate way. Being prepared is key to making life easier, especially in winter when there never seems to be enough hours in the day. If your horse suffers an injury and you reach into your first aid kit, only to find that you used your last tube of wound gel months ago, it will only add to the stress as you jump into the car to race to the nearest tack shop. Your first aid kit should be clearly labelled making it easily identifiable to everyone on the yard and be stored in an accessible place and returned to its designated spot after every use. Ideally the kit should be stored somewhere clean and dry and during winter you will need to ensure the kit is kept at room temperature to prevent any liquid products from freezing. Consideration should also be given to the type of container that you choose to store your first aid products in, as it should be durable enough to help keep rodents out. Twice a year try to stock check your first aid kit and replace any items that have been used or opened and may have been contaminated. Checking the use-by-dates on products is vital, products such as Animalintex that contain an active ingredient and wound dressings such as Activate and Skintact that are presented
FIRST AID KIT MAINTENANCE
FIRST AID JUST GOT BETTER!
T sterile have a limited lifespan. Animalintex is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK and contains two active ingredients. Boric Acid, to kill infection and promote faster healing and Tragacanth, a natural poulticing agent that draws out dirt and infection when activated by water, helping to reduce inflammation. It is important to regularly check and dispose of any products that have reached their use-by-date, regardless of whether they have been used or not. While the product inside sterile packaging could still be perfectly useable, the sterile barrier within the package may have deteriorated, potentially increasing the risk of infection from contamination. The active ingredients in products such as Animalintex could be less effective if used beyond their expiry date. As well as essential first aid products, make sure that you keep emergency contact numbers within your kit. Although you might keep the number of your vet and farrier in your phone contacts list, it might be someone else that
they are used. www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com
he Horse and Rider First Aid Kit from Robinson Animal Healthcare has been updated to include a wider selection of first aid products for the rider, to treat minor injuries at the yard and when away competing. Easy to use, the Horse & Rider Kit comes in a handy, wipe clean bag with carry straps so the bag functions as a ruck sack. RRP: around £24.95.
needs to make the call in your absence. If you regularly compete or travel away from home with your horse, you will need to make sure that you make the same checks on your traveling first aid kit. Horses are unpredictable meaning accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, and travelling and the excitement of show day can increase the risk. Having basic first aid essentials in your lorry is a must for if your horse suffers an injury as it is important that all cuts and wounds are treated as soon as possible to prevent infection from taking hold. First aid kit maintenance is simple if you endeavour to replace all products as soon as
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HEALTH & WELFARE
ICE-SCAN:
SAVING TIME, SAVES LIVES READER OFFER...
I
CE-Scan is a modern solution for an age-old dilemma, how to securely save and store your medical and personal information for referral in the event of an emergency. As paramedics and clinicians often testify, saving time in an emergency can save lives, access to that critical medical information can and does save lives. So how does ICE-Scan provide this crucial information? Imagine a member of the emergency services on scene at an incident involving you, a concussed or distressed rider, be it on the road, a field or at an event. With every passing second becoming more critical as they tend to your injuries, you, the patient remains a mystery; your medical background, medication, allergies, age, nationality and therefore possibly the language you speak, as well as your emergency contact details,
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remain unknown. It’s acknowledged that a patients chance of survival is improved when they receive care within a short period of time following a severe injury. Whilst the skill and attention of the Emergency Services will give the patient every chance of surviving, so too would the assurance they’d feel knowing that they were being attended by someone who knows their medical condition and medication. Spotting the clearly visible ICEScan tag, complete with its familiar ‘Blue Star of Life’ logo on the rider’s riding hat, they remove its protective security layer to reveal a QR code which, using the ICE-Scan APP on their mobile device, or the phone’s camera, reveals the patient’s medical and personal information. Forwarding your details to the waiting Accident & Emergency team allows them to prioritise admission, better prepare for your arrival, treatment and subsequent communication
ICE-Scan are offering a 25% discount on the subscription rate for Absolute Horse Magazine readers! Simply enter the promo code ‘AHM25’ (which should be entered on the first screen) when creating your ICE-scan profile and account, to reduce the amount to £18. with your emergency contacts. “We have developed ICE-Scan in collaboration with paramedics, senior clinicians, police and fire service as well as testing it over the course of the last twelve months in the cycling, motorcycling and the equestrian sectors,” explained Bryn Williams, ICE-Scan Director. “We are also in the process of incorporating ‘What3Words’ location finder into ICE-Scan so if a rider were to fall in open countryside or a bridleway away from a village or identifiable landmark, What3Words can pinpoint their position to the nearest square meter,” said Bryn. The App is available to download free from Apple and Google App stores. www.ice-scan.com
WIN! FIVE LUCKY READERS TO WIN A BUNDLE OF PRIZES FROM ANIWELL! We have teamed up with Aniwell to offer 5 lucky readers the chance to win a set of their antibacterial protective skin products! FiltaBac is a complete protective, antibacterial, sunblock cream that acts as a totally natural second skin. FiltaClear rubs in to near clear. It is a protective antibacterial sunblock cream that acts as a totally natural second skin. Active Manuka Honey Vet (AMHVet) is a totally natural antibacterial cream containing 25% of 15+ UMF (activity factor) manuka honey, suitable for all damaged skin areas. www.aniwell-uk.com
To enter: Visit www.absolute horsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st November and close 31st December 2021.
REDWINGS ASKS IN NEW SURVEY:
‘DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST HORSE?’
T
aking on the care of a horse for the first time is a memorable milestone and Redwings is keen to discover why, when and how individuals made the exciting move from riding lessons or helping out with friends’ horses, to shouldering the responsibility for one of their own. Past and present horse owners now have until 18th November to fill in the questionnaire, entitled the ‘My First Horse’ survey, which Redwings hopes will act as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many. The project is being supported by equestrian brands Equilibrium and Spillers, who have both donated items for a
REDWINGS HORSE SANCTUARY HAS LAUNCHED A NATIONWIDE SURVEY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES OF TAKING ON THEIR FIRST EVER HORSE OR PONY. prize draw that all those who complete the survey can choose to enter, with a grand prize bundle including an Equilibrium Massage Mitt Hotspot and a Spillers branded saddlecloth, voucher and other goodies. The launch of the new survey coincided with World Mental Health Day, which took place on 10th October, reflecting the significant contribution horses can make to a person’s physical and mental health. Andie McPherson, Redwings’ Campaigns Manager, said: “We
have a lot to learn about the thought processes and preparations involved when someone takes on their first horse. “We know that horses can have a hugely positive impact in people’s lives but there’s a concern that not getting the right horse for you, or not having support as a new owner, could increase risks to the wellbeing of both horse and human. “We’re keen to find out more so we can help support people at
From top: Hannah Donnelly with Bracken; Candice Pottage with Fergie; Abby Turner with Kylie.
this exciting, but sometimes daunting, stage of their equestrian journey.” To take the survey see the link on the ‘News’ page of the Redwings website for details.
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH!
REDWINGS LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST
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edwings Horse Sanctuary has launched a brand-new podcast, Sounds of the Sanctuary, to share stories of their rescued horses and donkeys, and conversations with their expert rescuers and carers. The weekly podcast takes listeners on a journey through the Sanctuary, with a spotlight each week on a rescued resident and their care, plus conversations with the vets, nurses, carers and support teams who make it possible. Listeners can expect to go behind-the-scenes and discover more about Redwings’ facilities normally closed to the public, such as its specialist Reception Centre for new arrivals, Horse Hospital, Behaviour Centre and Rehoming Centres. The charity has also produced a sister podcast, called Field Notes, involving sit down chats with Redwings’ experienced team, delving deeper into the equine care and welfare issues they frequently encounter and sharing their top tips along the way, from worming to land management, basic training to creating the perfect paddock. The first three episodes of Sounds of the Sanctuary and Field Notes are already available to download from all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. www.redwings.org.uk
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RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE
Rhea Asks...
A RIGHT PAIN IN THE BOT?!
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...
T
here are very few people who use social media who haven’t experienced bot activity or spam comments. But did you know that bots can be good? Yes- honestly! A bot is a computer programme that is programmed by humans to carry out certain tasks. And
this can be very useful to the companies that use them (properly) and people like you and me, who might encounter them in different ways. So, one example of positive bot activity that you might have encountered would be on a brand’s Facebook Messenger or a company’s own online support. In these situations, the
ASK A
Masterminder Small & Supercharged Mastermind is an online group supporting small equestrian and rural businesses and, as such, is bursting with amazingly knowledgeable people with lots to share. Each month we’ll be asking them a question and members will be sharing their top tips. This month’s question is…
‘HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY DEAL WITH BOTS/SPAMMY AND IRRELEVANT COMMENTS?’ 30
bot will often ask the user a series of questions with simple answers, and these answers will enable the bot to provide additional information relating to the enquiry or direct the user to the right human to help. That’s the good side of bots. But there’s a much darker side too, and one that is usually associated with the term ‘bot’. On social media, bots and bot accounts can be used to do things like follow accounts and like comments in an automatic way. This can make an account look much better than it is, which could mean it attracts brand deals that it doesn’t really deserve. But bot activity can also be used to amplify fake
news, influence important events, even drown out voices online by overwhelming the platforms that these voices use. More commonly, many of us experience annoying comments or emojis left on our posts, fake follows, and irrelevant DMs. In these cases, blocking and reporting is generally advised. However, bots don’t hang out on social media exclusively and can be a force for good or bad anywhere online - so it always pays to be aware! www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk Twitter (@rheafreeman) Instagram (@rheafreemanpr) Facebook (/RheaFreemanPR)
Ruth Chappell from Dressage Anywhere: “Spam comments on social media can be really annoying. We’ve recently gained a comment on every post about our Podcast to promote it on some random account. I just ignore them, I used to remove them but I’m not sure how that affects engagement, so these days I don’t do anything, just ignore!” www.dressageanywhere.com
Find out more about the Small & Supercharged Mastermind group: www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk
Audio guide while you ride....
NEW FREE RIDER GUIDER
APP LAUNCHED Once you have compiled your playlist, simply press play and your audios will start.
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ider Guider was developed from an idea by two British working mums with a lifelong passion for horses. Lisa Chirgwin and Debs Hurst made use of the strict quarantine imposed on their families in Spain when the pandemic started last year to put their skills together and start developing it. It is an attractive-looking app that provides a library of audio
guides that riders can listen to while riding. Users create their own personalised playlist of audios from categories including reality,” says co-founder Debs, mother of two boys aged ten warm ups, groundwork, flat and eleven. work or dressage. "Despite many challenges along the way, including not being allowed to leave our homes except for food shopping once a week, rowdy children, crowing cockerels and misbehaving horses we've made our dream a
Tracey Cole, Tracey Cole NLP: “Spammy comments on my social media or emails tend to be trying to sell me something in a very pressing manner. I reply that I’ll look over their proposal, in detail, and consider their offer. However, I would have to charge them a oneoff admin fee, as well as my hourly rate for this consultation!” www.traceycolenlp.com
"The aim is to bring motivation and productivity back in to the arena for those many riders who are left feeling lost, lonely or just in need of some fresh inspiration. "Whether you want to try something new or just brush up on your skills between lessons, our app will help you reach your riding goals. It helps riders at all levels to be more focused during everyday schooling sessions. Already, the positive reaction to it has been astounding and we’re so happy about that." With around fifty sessions to choose from and new audios added each month, Rider Guider is available to download for free on the App Store and Play Store. www.riderguider.com
Thea Roberts & Heidi Hunter-Cope, Horsefest: “At HorseFest we always check if something doesn’t match with our values of being inclusive, inspirational, developmental, energetic and caring. If someone is being rude, mean or offensive, their comment will be removed or hidden on social media and we may well block them from our account. “We want our HorseTribe to have fun and to be kind! “We also had a recent bot attack on our website where we had lots of offers to meet up with scantily clad ladies - fortunately our extra layers of security sorted this out! It’s never a dull day…” www.horsefest.org
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RIDER HEALTH & WELFARE
Article by Cheryl Johns, ABRS+ Trustee
GETTING BACK IN THE SADDLE
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or many, the arrival of Christmas and the start of a new year heralds the traditional ‘New Year Resolutions’ of less alcohol, healthier eating and more exercise. For some, this often includes a resolution to return to former sports or hobbies, and horse riding is a popular form of both sport and fitness that some riders consider returning to at a later stage in life. This can be riders of any age that may have taken time out from riding due to study, to have a family, or due to work commitments, and now want to take up riding again whether to return to competing or just to return to childhood familiarity and a love of horses. Many of these riders will have perhaps had horses or ponies in their younger years, and some may have even competed to a high level or worked in the
industry. However, one piece of advice is that it is often not as easy to return to riding as you may think. Even a short time away from using the muscles you do riding, and even the simple fact of your body being older, can mean even an hours sensible hack can leave you with achy muscles the day after, or even longer! If you are returning to riding, be it months, years or decades later, it is important to realise that your fitness and ability may not be what it once was and to understand that this may in turn affect your skill and confidence as well as less of an ability to ‘bounce’! In the absence of your own horse, it is advisable, whatever your former level of riding, to take a ‘trial ride’ at a local riding centre just to give yourself an idea of your current fitness levels and riding ability and to ease
yourself back into the saddle. There is no shame on returning to a ‘grassroots’ level and this can often be the best way to assess how you should move forwards with your return to riding. This can also be ideal if you’ve been inspired to return to riding perhaps due to your own children taking it up, meaning you can share in the enjoyment at a venue where they can ride too. It is also important not to jump back into immediate thoughts of horse ownership if you’ve had a substantial time away from the sport, because the type of horse you may once have owned, or dreamed of owning, many not be what you need now. For that reason also, a course of lessons or regular rides at a riding centre, or even the possibility to loan or share a horse will ease you gently back into the hobby, as well as giving
SINCE 1954, THE ABRS+ HAS BEEN THE ONLY ASSOCIATION DEDICATED TO REPRESENTING EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENTS. THE ABRS+ CERTIFIED AND APPROVED SCHEMES FOR RIDING ESTABLISHMENTS, LIVERY YARDS AND EQUESTRIAN CENTRES OFFER A HALLMARK OF QUALITY, PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PROVIDE SUPPORT FROM A TRUSTED ASSOCIATION. realistic goals to decide what sort of pathway you want to follow in your return to the sport. The ABRS+ has over 140 approved riding centres across the UK with a majority catering to both child and adult riders of all levels ensuring whether you fancy giving it a go on a pushbutton schoolmaster, a forward going hack or something a bit calmer they can help you safely and confidently get back in the saddle. You can find your nearest ABRS+ Approved riding centre here: www.abrs-info.org/listings
BLUE CROSS NEEDS A NEW SCHOOLMASTER
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lue Cross is on the hunt for a new schoolmaster to help with training and assessments at its horse rehoming centre in Staffordshire. If you don’t want to sell your horse but are struggling to keep him or her this could be the ideal opportunity for you. “We have a skilled team of horse welfare assistants and 65 acres of year-round turnout so your horse couldn’t be in better hands,” said Horse Rehoming Coordinator Verity Anderton-Johnson. To find out more email rolleston@bluecross.org.uk
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Photos: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves
PROFESSIONALS
CAROLINE BREEN:
MAXIMISE PERFORMANCE
Ahead of next season
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ach winter there is a couple of months when my husband Trevor travels abroad to compete with our ‘A team’ of horses – the Grand Prix horses – while I stay at home with what we refer to as the B and C teams! My time is spent bringing on the younger horses in their training, and with the older horses it’s all about keeping them jumping fit while they’re doing fewer shows, and also working on some specific things with them to iron out any training issues and maximise their performance ahead of next season. A really important aspect of winter training is doing plenty of flatwork and polework, to keep them ticking over when they’re competing less often. I spend a good deal of time working on our horses’ fitness, making sure they are nice and forward and supple in their bodies. One useful exercise I use a lot involves riding a serpentine over poles – so there will be three groups of three poles across the centre of the arena. The aim is to ride a smooth fluent serpentine over the poles, working on
rhythm, straightness and softness as well as half-halts ahead of a change of bend through each group of poles. This is a great exercise for making sure the bend is established and even on both reins, and that they are using their hindleg. Once the more experienced horses are established in this exercise, I will then repeat it with the alternate side of each pole raised. This is good for getting the horse to engage their core muscles and work their hind end while remaining soft and rhythmical. I also make
sure they are able to stretch over their top line and really use their head and neck over the raised trot poles. You have to introduce this exercise gradually, as a young horse might get overexcited and start rushing or trying to jump all three poles at once. I’ll do this kind of exercise several times a week, for the first couple of weeks of our winter training break. It doesn’t have to be done continuously, and often I will use it in between canter work – I just bring them back to trot and ride through the serpentine again. It’s very useful to highlight any unevenness in the contact, as you will often find horses are stronger on one rein than the other. So with younger horses in particular it’s an excellent way of measuring if they’re better on one rein, and to practise seamless switches in bend in between the poles. Another jumping exercise I use a lot involves having a canter pole on the ground, then a small cross-pole, then another canter pole, then another small crosspole, then a final pole on the ground, all 3.5 strides apart on a
INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPER CAROLINE AND HER HUSBAND TREVOR OWN BREEN SPORT HORSES, A COMPETITION YARD IN WEST SUSSEX THAT SPECIALISES IN THE PRODUCTION OF TOP SHOWJUMPERS. straight line. I will ride up and down the grid on both reins in both directions, making sure their landing and take-off points are even. It’s really good for focusing on the canter rhythm, which is the most fundamental part of showjumping. It’s a great exercise as you can make the jumps larger or smaller depending on their experience and stage of training, and you can also add things like tram line poles, for straightness. With my older horses, I’ll put the crosspoles up to the top of the wings so they’re really having to use their shoulders and stay straight to ensure they’re jumping the middle of the fence. Exercises such as these are simple to do but can really reap benefits as well as highlighting any areas for improvement. The key is to keep your winter training varied and interesting for you both, with plenty of flatwork and polework alongside lots of hacking. Then hopefully by the time the show season gets really busy again, you will be all set for success in the ring. www.breensporthorses.co.uk
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THE PROFESSIONALS
WINTER TRAINING INTERNATIONAL EVENT RIDER CORAL KEEN IS A UKCC LEVEL 3 FULLY INSURED ACCREDITED COACH, WITH A PASSION FOR TRAINING RIDERS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITY. CORAL RUNS CLINICS AND TEACHES ON A ONE-ON-ONE BASIS.
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s the event season draws to a close, it is now time to regroup, perhaps have a bit of down time – and then hit the winter training! As our days get shorter, and the weather becomes somewhat less balmy, it can be trickier to keep momentum up. With this in mind, I wanted to share some exercises that I use on a regular basis with all my team of horses, whatever the level. Variation is key when schooling, so I like to change it up to keep both horse and rider interested. Don’t worry if things don’t come together immediately, give yourself time, have patience and things should start to click. 1. Serpentine Exercise This exercise is great for suppleness, straightness and to practice correctly bringing the horse’s shoulders around the turn. Set the four fences up down the centre line of the school and you can then jump it in both directions, making sure you make a square turn afterwards. This exercise highlights if a horse is not even on both reins and it is a good way of checking that you are landing on the correct lead.
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2. Turnback exercise The turnback exercise is a great one for making sure the horse is listening and turning in a soft and supple way. It will highlight if your horse is falling out through the shoulders and checks that you have control on the landing. It is quite a difficult exercise, so for the less experience horse and rider, start with poles and then progress from there when you are ready. If you want to make the exercise even more challenging, you can make the roll backs even tighter. 3. Bending line exercise This exercise really makes you plan ahead and works on bending lines. Again, you can start with poles on the floor before raising to a fence. The overall idea is to encourage you as a rider to land and look where you are going, not letting you horse fall in or out on the bending line, just holding it. 4. Clock exercise Set your poles out on at least a 20m circle radius. At the start focus on keeping the same rhythm over each of the four elements, making sure you have balance and control and that you can bring the horses outside shoulder around, so you are going over the middle of the fence. Once you have achieved this, you can progress to playing around with the adjustability, putting a different number of strides in between the obstacles. Jump and count your strides between the fences, and you should be doing the same amount of strides between each fence (if built evenly). You can then progress to adding a stride between them and even building up to two extra strides. Then you can go to the opposite, crank it up and open the horse out in the frame and do less strides. This is quite an intense exercise for horses, so I would recommend giving the horses lots of breaks. It is also a fairly difficult exercise, so don’t expect to master it on your first attempt!
Version 1
Version 1
5. Barrel exercise Version 1 If you have a barrel or old drum place this in the middle, either lying flat or stood up, depending on the height you want to jump. Then place the four wings out from it (you could use blocks if you don’t have a barrel). You are then riding straight over the obstacle on the take off and the landing and you are then riding a 10m circle in between the fences and then straight again and then a 10m circle. It really gets the horse supple and adjustable and listening to you when you are landing. It is really important to make sure you are keeping the horse straight before circling. Version 2 In addition to the above, you can also add in jumping across the middle of exercise over the barrel, you can go from any direction and the poles frame the barrel – so it is a good set up for practising skinny questions. I hope that gives some useful exercises to keep you all going this winter. Remember, training is about progress and building up the relationship, whilst making sure you nail the basics and always give clear instruction to your horse. www.coralkeeneventing.co.uk
Top Tips for a
TIDY TACK ROOM
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hen was the last time you organised your tack room and took stock of all your horse wear? From piles of rugs to boxes full of equipment you forgot you even had, a good sort out now will have you all set for winter. Items you no longer need can be turned into cash when you create a free Tack Room Trading account and list your items to sell online. What’s more, by giving these items a new home you are making the choice to help create a more environmentally friendly equestrian community where tack and equipment gets put to good use. Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Take stock – get all of your items out of storage and lay them out (you may be shocked at how many
things were tucked away!). Make a list of everything and decide if there is anything you no longer need so you can set it aside. 2. Make space for all of the items you decide to keep – this may sound obvious but if you don’t know where to put something so it just gets shoved in a draw things soon get messy and become difficult to find or forgotten about. 3. Label your storage – to save time and a lot of rummaging, make sure you label everything. It is a good idea to separate your equipment by season, for example fly rugs and lightweights can be stored in your summer box which is easily identified. 4. Keep on top of your housekeeping – allocating five minutes each week to have a
quick sweep up and wipe down will keep your tack room in good order and save you having to have a longer clean another time. 5. Get creative – if you have a small tack room or a lot of items to house make clever use of the space with various storage solutions. You can get inspiration online and homeware stores have lots of great options. 6. Finishing touches – if your tack room needs a lick of paint and some of your favourite horsey moments adding to the walls, you can find excellent value frames for your photos and choose a colour that suits your fixtures and fittings. Visit tackroomtrading.com and click on ‘register’ to create your free account and list your unwanted tack room items.
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THE PROFESSIONALS
By Grace Muir
KEEPING YOUR THOROUGHBRED HEALTHY OVER WINTER
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race Muir has a lifetime of experience working with Thoroughbreds. She hails from an equestrian family, and has been the Stud Manager at her parents’ North Farm Stud for the past seventeen years. In 2006 she founded HEROS charity, which focuses on the retraining and rehoming of ex-racehorses. Supported financially by The Racing Foundation, HEROS has also been working on its education programmes since 2016, offering placements for children who are not thriving in the mainstream school environment and are better suited to education outside of the system. In this article, Grace shares some of her insights into keeping a Thoroughbred happy and healthy throughout the challenging winter months. Rugging As we head into winter, this can be a difficult time of year when it comes to horse management, particularly when it comes to making decisions about their rugs
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By following these basic principles with rugging up, feeding and general care you will have a better chance of keeping your horse healthy
– our climate can be so changeable. Many horse owners make the mistake of rugging their horses up too early in the year and putting on too heavy a weight rug in November. Whether you are keeping your horses out 24/7 or bringing them in at night, start with a lighter rug and get them into the heaviest ones with full necks at the coldest point of the year. If you do intend to winter your horse out full time, allow him to grow a decent winter coat by not rugging up too soon. There are some fantastic rugs available now which are lightweight and warm so there is no excuse for horses being too cold in the depths of winter. For those horses being wintered out it is ideal to have fields with good hedge cover, or a
field shelter available. Check a horse’s body temperature by feeling the ears and inside the top of the hind legs – if they are warm and the coat is not looking ‘starey’ then the horse is coping and not yet ready to rug up. Monitor your horse closely, he will give you indicators when he is not feeling warm enough. Some horses are thinner skinned than others and age must also be a consideration. Recognising each horse’s own individual needs and using common sense is the key at all times. Maintaining the consistency of your horse’s body temperature is very important. If the horse is living out 24/7, avoid bringing him in some nights and out others. Only bring him in if it is a blizzard or torrential rain
conditions. If you need to do this, you MUST remove his rug altogether or exchange for a lighter one overnight. He will then feel the benefit of the heavier rug when he goes back out. These important guidelines relating to change of rug and rug weight are the same for horses out during the day only. Make regular checks under the rugs to ensure there are no sores. This also gives you the opportunity to brush away loose hair and scurf from the coat. The key is to keep your horse’s body temperature consistent. Don’t rug up too soon and when you do, keep the heaviest weight rug for the coldest part of the winter. A horse’s body temperature is obviously very different from our own. They have a coat – always remember they are animals and if prepared, fed and looked after correctly they can withstand the weather. Feeding A Thoroughbred will need feeding twice daily with both hard feed and ad lib hay or haylage in the field when wintering out. This is imperative to keep them healthy and in good bodily condition. A horse stabled overnight needs to be fed before turning out in the morning and again when coming in at night. Water tanks should be cleaned weekly and checked daily: break and remove ice in cold weather. Horses still need as much water in winter as in the summer. Exercise Horses who have little access to turnout will be fresher and will, therefore, need more exercise. Use your turnout areas wisely. Aim to
get through the winter without churning up the fields in the first few months of bad weather. Shorter periods of turnout are perfectly acceptable and will allow the horse to have the freedom it needs to get the freshness out of him. If you have roughed your horse off and he will not be in work over winter, start him back quietly in the spring. This will build up his fitness and muscle tone gradually.
ROWEN BARBARY LAUNCH TRAINING BURSARY
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o help support rising talent Rowen Barbary are pleased to launch a new Health problems Training Bursary. Horses wintering out need to be Open to riders of all ages and abilities, the Rowen Barbary Training Bursary is designed to help support checked for cuts twice daily and grassroots riders who wish to improve their riding ability and equine nutrition know-how. their feet should also be picked The lucky winner will receive 12-months supply of Rowen Barbary Feed along with regular feeding out daily. Mud fever can be a huge consultations carried out by their experienced equine nutritionist. To help ensure you and your horse problem for horses who are perform to your best ability International Show Jumper and Level 3 Coach Alec Trickett will be on hand particularly prone to this to put the riders through their paces, offering three training sessions over the 12-month period. condition – those with white The selected riders will also receive a Rowen Barbary Saddle Pad, Rug and Jacket and will be given a tour socks are usually the worst of the Rowen Barbary manufacturing facility. Closing date: 9th December 2021. victims. Take special care to clean www.rowenbarbary.co.uk and dry the legs when the horse comes in from the field every NEWS: STRIDE night. Removal of any scabs by softening them with a warm MANAGEMENT poultice overnight is very helpful ne of the best-known but be sure to dry the areas well showjumpers in Britain with a towel afterwards. has joined Stride I only recommend doing this if Management’s list of clients. horses are in at night as scabs MARY KING AND ROS CANTER Robert Whitaker is the latest top removed in the field can often be rider to join the team, and Stride made much worse, for example it will now be managing his could lead to lymphangitis. Mud marketing and PR as well as his oetis Inc. recently announced that HorseDialog, their fever cream, or powder designed sponsor relationships, social media channel for horse owners, is releasing a for the purpose, can be applied to communications and social series of exclusive video clips starring their help clear up the scabs, although media. Ambassadors; Olympian event rider Mary King and World it can take some time to www.stridemgmt.co.uk Equestrian Games Gold Medallist Ros Canter in conversation. overcome the problem. Where the horse is in the field and The two inspirational riders can be watched light-heartedly talking to each other about intriguing aspects of their sporting and it is not possible to bring it in, we personal lives. use a mixture of 50:50 calamine The clips are a must listen for anyone who rides or loves following lotion and surgical spirit on a the sport of eventing. They include Mary revealing her toughest sponge, and apply daily. This moments in eventing, the impact that lockdown had on both helps to dry up the area and the riders, fitting motherhood around riding and coping with nerves. scabs often fall off themselves www.horsedialog.co.uk leaving the healthy skin below. www.heroscharity.org
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IN CONVERSATION
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NUTRITION ring-fencing is reduced, and waste components are flushed away.
THE EQUINE IMMUNE SYSTEM...
On-going inflammation With chronic conditions, where inflammation becomes a continuous process, some form of anti-inflammatory process must be initiated. Similarly, where the ‘stress’ initiate inflammatory cues, which could initiate an ‘over-response’ by the body, anti-inflammatory intervention is desirable.
The body’s central defence A healthy immune system is central to the body’s defences IN THIS ISSUE DR TOM SHURLOCK against all comers, but it DISCUSSES HOW TO ENCOURAGE mustn’t be seen in isolation; AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY rather to realise the whole body IMMUNE SYSTEM IN YOUR HORSE - is an immune system, starting with the body’s natural barriers AND WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IS CHALLENGED. – the skin, the gut and the bronchial system. Each is a physical barrier, with a he immune system is the mechanisms. unique back up. The skin body’s response to When specialised cell receptors secretes antimicrobial disease. The story is are activated there is a release of terpenoids in the sebum and is complex and allpro-inflammatory cytokines lined with a layer of fat, packed encompassing; immunity which ring fence the invasion with antioxidants, and specific includes a response to all and increases permeability to immune regulators, like vitamin inputs the body believes to be remedial components. D. The gut has a mucus lining ‘alien’ to its normal The cytokines also activate that helps protect against functioning. This can include a neutrophils that release those pathogens, and an active whole range of situations from remedial leukocytes etc. and the microbiome that interacts with ‘traditional‘ factors, such as acquired immune response – the gut wall, regulating the pathogens – viruses, bacteria, the body’s reserve of specialised absorption of antigens. This is yeasts, moulds etc. – through remedial components, learnt supported by specialised cells toxins to allergens! from previous interactions. (Peyers Patches) that are These antagonists are helped in Broadly speaking, the activated by, e.g. β-glucans. their effect through behavioural inflammatory agents also Thirdly, the linings of the lungs and environmental factors; activate other responses, such as and bronchi have a mucoid layer stress for example, or extremes histamine in response to behind which are dendrites. in temperature can challenge allergens, whilst healing The backup is the immune the normal physiological elements are released. system, acting as described. To functions of the body, making it Once whatever response maintain a healthy immune more susceptible to antigens, succeeds, anti-inflammatory system, we need to both through a number of components are released, the
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support it, and the first line of defences. Of those horses that are compromised, many have issues with barrier condition that can be compounded by stress. For example, behavioural stress – fright, a strange environment – can interrupt the mucoid secretions of both the gut barrier, and the linings of the bronchi allowing invasive contact stimulating immune responses. Additionally, there is metabolic stress; inefficient metabolism – aging, stress, disease, the vagaries of life – have an impact on oxidative and inflammatory cues, two processes interlinked to give oxidative stress, impacting on the immune system. Laminitis is an example; prolonged inflammation can inhibit the body’s response, oxidative damage being a factor in the degeneration of the lamella. These are illustrations of some areas where the immune system is active. Every challenge to the horse is a potential for the involvement of the immune system, which is why its integrity is paramount. Supporting the immune system As the horse’s defence mechanisms should be optimised, there are measures that can be taken, to support the barriers to invasion, and the immune system through supplementation of the diet. The role of antioxidants has been much discussed in various articles. Continued overleaf...
NUTRITION Continued from previous page...
support those mechanisms that Omega-3 fatty acids, fat soluble help reduce over-inflammation vitamins (especially the Vitamin and that also allows the immune system to work quickly E variant γ-tocopherol), plant and effectively. polyphenols and terpenoids Good nutrition will support (essential oils) can help these functions which, in turn, maintain the skin as a major keeps the immune system barrier against antigens, whilst actively on standby, whilst pectins (soluble fibre components) can help maintain helping to maintain the physical first lines of defence. Where the gut barriers and prebiotics some horses may be more and plant bioactives, including vulnerable than others, those bioactive peptides – protein with recurrent airway fragments - can optimise the obstruction for example, gut microbiome, which in turn specialist supplemental forms another layer of products may help. Depending protection from ingested on the condition the proportion antigens. Dietary components - vitamin D, and variety of ingredients may change; it may be a supplement β-glucans and polyphenols specifically for skin and coat, or can activate an immune a general wellbeing aid, response, giving immunity an supported by a wealth of “active” status, so it responds science, and their actions can aid quickly to any input. Finally, the action of many plant the horse’s natural defence bioactives, and their interaction systems. with the inflammatory cycle can www. goldenpastecompany The Golden Paste Company equine supplements, TurmerAid and TurmerItch both support the body in different ways. Visit goldenpastecompany.co.uk to find out more.
Product Suggestions... Turmeric Xtra is a high quality turmeric supplement for horses. This ready to use supplement contains everything you need for your horse to enjoy the many benefits of turmeric and the active ingredient curcumin. The added black pepper is to aid absorption so no need for any extra mixing. RRP: £19.99/3kg. www.equine-america.co.uk
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Coff-Less Powder contains a powerful blend of natural herbs and phytochemicals (active compounds from plants), known for their role in maintaining respiratory function. CoffLess also contains Echinacea and MSM to help support the immune system. RRP: £44.99/1kg.
Airways Powder contains Eucalyptus oil which is well known for its ability to help clear the respiratory tract of a build-up of mucus caused by exposure to dust, fungal spores, pollen and other small particulate matter. RRP: £19.99/500gm. www.equine-america.co.uk
High Fibre HorseHage.... High Fibre HorseHage is a dust-free bagged forage containing no chemical additives, mould inhibitors, flavourings, molasses or inoculants and comes with a 100% guarantee. Due to the unique fermentation process, the sugar in HorseHage is considerably lower than other types of forage – typically less than 5% - and this, along with the lower energy content makes the High Fibre variety of HorseHage suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. www.horsehage.co.uk
Immuboost is an aqueous infusion of Echinacea for horses. Echinacea is well known as having a beneficial effect in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Use to help to keep horses healthy with a strong immune system especially in winter months, and/or when in a confined stable environment. RRP: £18.90. www.animal-health.co.uk
NUTRITION
REDUCING THE
RESPIRATORY CHALLENGE
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ver the past few decades, we have become more aware of respiratory disease in horses and the need to pay close attention to the environment as well as the horse’s diet, in order to reduce the level of exposure to the diseasecausing agents. If the horse is suffering from a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract, or an allergic response to the presence of inhaled fungal spores or noxious gases, this can cause inflammation of the small airways, increased mucus production and bronchiospasm, and the condition can be exacerbated by a ‘dusty’ environment. The connection between respiratory tract infection and allergic respiratory disease is well-known in human medicine and it appears that horses are more sensitive to respiratory allergens following an infection of the respiratory tract, since the
damage to the airways caused by the infection allows easier access of airborne allergens to the sensitive tissues. Not all viral or bacterial infections will result in the horse becoming sensitized, but recovery time after respiratory infection is prolonged in the presence of environmental contaminants. Once a horse develops a dust sensitivity (which can occur over a period of years of being exposed to environmental pollutants), it will remain so for life. The Contaminants Fungal Spores Hay is probably the single most common source of fungal spores, mostly caused by baling at too high a moisture content. A horse eating mouldy hay or stabled on a contaminated bed may inhale millions of spores with every breath. More importantly, significant levels of fungal contamination may be seen in hay which looks and
smells ‘clean’, which means the challenge to the respiratory system can be greater for horses that are fed hay. Even when hay is soaked before feeding, some spores are still ingested along with any toxins that may be present, and as the wet hay falls to the floor and dries, the spores become airborne once again and are inhaled by the horse as well as contaminating the bedding. Other feedstuffs which are poorly stored may also be a source of fungal contaminants. Bedding Even the cleanest of straw will contain more fungal spores than alternative beddings such as wood shavings, paper or hemp beddings. Deep litter beds should be avoided as significant moulding can occur, in addition to the build-up of ammonia and the larvae of gastrointestinal parasites. Ammonia Ammonia released from a deep litter bed or poorly managed bedding where damp patches are left, can seriously damage the horse’s airways and reduce the efficiency with which the horse copes with other respiratory allergens such as fungal spores. Top Tips to Reduce Respiratory Challenge • Choosing a dust-free bagged forage in place of hay will probably make the single greatest contribution to reducing the respiratory challenge to all stabled horses and ponies. • Straw bedding and all forms of deep litter should be replaced
with a dust-free option but will still require good management. • Good ventilation is essential. An extra rug is definitely preferable to closing the top stable door. • Siting of stables is important and should be away from your hay store/barn or muck heap or the pollutants will carry past the stable door. If in a multihorse yard or livery, there is little point trying to control the environment of one horse if, in a shared airspace, there is another horse next door eating hay and which has a straw bed.
• Always feed high quality, dustfree feeds. • In addition to the points above, in severely affected horses and ponies, medication may be necessary to control the respiratory disease, so veterinary advice should be sought in this instance. • The importance of antioxidants in lung health has also been highlighted. Horses suffering from RAO may have disturbed oxidantantioxidant equilibrium and there are special antioxidant supplements on the market aimed specifically at horses suffering with RAO. www.horsehage.co.uk
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NUTRITION
SUPPORTING LUNG HEALTH THIS WINTER
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uring the autumn and winter months our horses tend to spend significantly longer in their stables confined. Something to think about is the effect this has on your horse’s respiratory system and how we can best support lung health. For some of you this may already be an active concern, e.g. if your horse suffers from RAO, but for others you may just be curious as to what you can do to support your horse now he is spending longer in a dusty environment. In terms of forage supply, this can be a huge source of additional dust and fungal spores added to the environment. Consider using haylage or soaking hay. Soaking hay for 10-15 minutes will cause these particles to swell meaning your horse should ingest rather than inhale them. Do remember if doing this you
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must feed immediately after soaking as otherwise spores etc will dry and you will be back to square one. This is an important fact many owners forget. Alternatively steaming is a brilliant option and can kill the fungal spores and mould so long as the temperature is high enough. Feeding forage from the ground if possible means a more natural grazing position, which allows the airways to drain easier. We also know that certain supplements are of particular benefit to support respiratory health. Research has shown us that feeding Omega 3 fatty acids helps to support a healthy inflammatory response. A marine source of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was shown in research to be of benefit to respiratory health. Alongside this antioxidants, in particular Vitamin C in the form of Ascorbyl Phosphate (which is
better absorbed than Ascorbic Acid) helps to support the lung lining fluid. Look for respiratory supplements that include these in their ingredients list. Finally, do remember that management is equally important. Try to ensure your horse does get some fresh air every day. Those with particular problems may benefit from having outdoor facing stabling as opposed to a Monarch/American Barn type system. Of course if your horse is able to live out, from a respiratory perspective that will be the best case scenario but of course this isn’t always possible. Choosing suitable bedding will also be important if he is kept stabled. Remember that if your horse is struggling, to speak to your vet at the earliest opportunity as it is possible he may require medication or further support. www.thehorsefeed guru.com
LOCATED IN NEWMARKET BUT WORKING BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY DONNA CASE BSC (HONS) IS THE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED EQUINE NUTRITIONIST WHO RUNS ‘THE HORSE FEED GURU’, AN EQUINE NUTRITION CONSULTANCY. FORMERLY A COMMERCIAL NUTRITIONIST ACROSS THREE BRANDS, NOW COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT, HER AIM IS TO DEMYSTIFY FEEDING FOR THE GOOD OF THE HORSE AND RIDER.
NUTRITION were subtle. “He wasn't quite right,” Teresa explains. She called the vet fearing a colic, but Rocko had recovered before the vet could come out. The only thing she noticed amiss in the aftermath was that his already messy stools were compounded by liquid, sometimes passing at the same time, sometimes not. Rocko with Teresa Wilson and one of her daughters.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
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iarrhea, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can be taboo topics in polite society. Teresa Wilson, however, was desperate to discuss and dive deeply into anything she could find out about these digestive issues when they presented in the family pony, Rocko. And not because he's a fancy, expensive show pony. Teresa found Rocko on sale from a military riding school while living in Germany a few years ago. The price was right for him as a companion for her now 21-year-old Thoroughbred/Shire cross and for her young girls. Teresa thinks the bay/dun-coloured, dorsal-striped native pony may
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Photo: Christina Draper
PERSISTENT OWNER HELPS ROCKO’S
have come across from Eastern Europe as part of a traveling entertainment troupe. His bombproof temperament was perfect and “he was a bargain, or so I thought.” That was the case through Rocko’s first few years with the Wilsons. They lived on a military base in Germany, where Rocko was initially part of a herd that roamed 40 acres. He ate mostly grass and moved around constantly, the lifestyle for which Mother Nature designed the equine digestive system. After the Wilsons’ move back to England, Rocko assumed a lifestyle more typical of domestic horses: spending much of the night stabled and eating mostly hay, especially through the winter. The first warning signs
The investigation So began Teresa’s investigation of fecal water syndrome, a littleknown condition related to, but separate from, diarrhea. Diarrhea is difficult to pinpoint a specific cause for and FWS, even more so. In both cases, care providers and horse owners focus on anything that could be disrupting function in the gastrointestinal tract. Trial and erroring various diet and lifestyle changes is the most common path to solutions. Teresa’s research led her to wonder if the FWS and diarrhea might stem from ulcers. Rocko’s veterinarian thought ulcers were as good a guess as any. Teresa treated it as that and Rocko otherwise seemed to feel fine. In
the winter, however, a severe bout of diarrhea, along with FWS, returned and Rocko was again acting out of sorts. Natural treatments, like slippery elm and psyllium, used for irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions, helped to bring it under control. Yet Teresa worried that underlying causes lingered. She had Rocko tested for Cushings Disease and was relieved by negative results. A stomach scan, however, turned up colitis, or inflammation of the colon. Rocko was put on corticosteroids to get the inflammation under control. In the meantime, Teresa continued research into digestive function and diseases that is as long and complicated an endeavour as the horse’s digestive process itself. That’s when Haygain high temperature steamed hay jumped onto her radar. Although steamed hay is often central to respiratory health discussions, it also has digestive benefits that made sense to Teresa immediately. She realised that Rocko’s issues corresponded to switches from mostly grass to mostly hay diets. “My thought process was that steaming softens the hay and gets it back to a state nearest to grass, so that it’s easier to digest and break down. I had to do it.” A happy stool sleuth “Within 24 hours of getting steamed hay, he was passing better droppings,” reports Teresa, a stool sleuth of the highest order when needed to help her horses. A little longer on steamed hay and Rocko went
from better and better to best. “Steamed hay has made a massive difference for him.” The research that led Teresa to Haygain also led her to Equibiome in Wales, an organisation researching how the microbial population in the hind gut can cause myriad health issues, including laminitis, colic and ulcers. She sent a manure sample off to Equibiome for testing and got back a 30-page report detailing every bacterium in her pony’s hind gut. Among other revelations, Teresa learned that Rocko did not have a lot of the bacteria capable of breaking down the woody structures in hay. She believes that the softened steamed hay helps him compensate for that. She also started hand grazing him in hopes of bringing more bacterial diversity to his diet. Teresa notes that horses were designed to wander for most of the day, eating bits and pieces along the way and resulting in a healthy, diverse balance of bacteria in the gut. “Now we put the horses in the stable, or in the 2-acre field with lush grass. If we see a weed, we spray it. Hence, we have all these problems because horses are not eating the right plants or a diverse range of different plants.” Supportive science While talking with Haygain staff in their Lambourn headquarters, Teresa was pleased to learn about a recent study on the effects of pre-feeding treatments on the hay biome. “The results added to the body of evidence suggesting that high temperature hay steaming is the
most suitable pre-feeding treatment for equine health,” explained Dr. Simon Daniels. Dr Daniels is the lead researcher on The Hay Biome. Characterising the viable bacterial community profile of four different hays for horses following different pre-feeding regimens. The study was conducted at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, England, and published in November, 2020, on PLoS ONE, the peerreviewed scientific journal. Since starting on Haygain steamed hay in March of 2021, Rocko has not had a single bout of diarrhea or fecal water syndrome, Teresa reports. And that’s without steroids that had her worried about his future. “If I couldn’t have kept his diarrhea under control, he would have been a welfare case. I would have had to consider putting him to sleep.” As a plus, Haygain helped Rocko’s stablemate, 21-yearold Thoroughbred/Shire cross Chester. “His coughs and nasal discharge have all cleared up: It’s been brilliant for him, too!” Teresa hopes that her investigation into the root causes of Rocko’s issues will help other horse owners. “It is believed that hind gut ulcers affect up to 85% of domestic horses and they can manifest in a whole range of symptoms. We are only on the cusp of understanding these problems and how conditions in the hind gut biome can affect horses.” www.haygain.co.uk
Fibre, Oil and Starch...
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f you are worried that your horse may drop weight this winter, but have a horse with health concerns such as gastric ulcers or metabolic problems such as laminitis it is important that energy for condition is sourced through fibre and oil, avoiding high starch diets where possible. Studies suggests that feeds below 10% - 12% are classed as low in starch but if you do have a horse with any dietary concerns then it is always best to check the nutritional analysis found on the back of the feed bag or contact the manufacturer directly to find out the starch content of the feed. Good quality fibre in the form of grass or quality hay or haylage should be fed ad-lib to help make up the largest portion of the diet. By providing your horse with ad-lib fibre this will help maintain a healthy hindgut and body temperature in cold weather, as heat is produced through the digestion of feed.
Rowen Barbary Forage ‘n’ Fibre is the perfect addition for any horse requiring a high fibre, low starch diet, providing very low energy levels alongside all the essential nutrients required for overall health and vitality. Where fibre alone is not sufficient to meet the energy requirements oils and fats should be added to the diet to help encourage weight gain. When feeding oil in large quantities it is important to further supplement the horses diet with antioxidants to meet the horses increased requirements. Containing very high levels of essential oils Rowen Barbary Solution Mash is a useful addition to the diet for any horses prone to weight loss that need a low starch diet. Cereal and molasses free with very high levels of fibre, this helps support conditioning and controlled weight gain while helping to support gut health. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk
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NUTRITION
By Baileys Horse Feeds
WEANING TIME
FEEDING FOR THE FUTURE
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he key to successful weaning lies in good preparation and correct nutrition is one aspect of that preparation, which can start whilst the foal is still suckling, and which is not only important for the general well-being of the foal but can have particular implications for its future. The evolving digestive tract Horses, like other mammals, are dependant on enzymes to break down nutrients. Enzymes are specific to different nutrients and ingredients so their levels will vary according to the horse’s diet. Young mammals start with increased levels of lactase, the enzyme that digests milk, which gradually declines as levels of other enzymes increase. Since the adult horse is so reliant on bacteria in the hindgut to
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ferment and release the nutrients from fibre in forage, these must also become established in the developing digestive tract of the young foal. Many are ingested naturally as the foal’s interest in foraging and eating grass increases rapidly from 1 to 6 months of age and it is not unusual for a foal to consume some of its mother’s faeces as a direct source of fibre-fermenting bacteria.
At around 3 to 4 months of age the foal can also digest cereal grains and legumes (soya, beans and peas) more efficiently, as levels of amylase and protease enzymes are increasing. This is the time to introduce the foal to traditional concentrate feeds, encouraging the gradual change of the system and helping reduce the risk of digestive upsets, and associated drop of condition, when the milk supply is removed.
Supporting growth There is often a reluctance to feed foals, particularly those who are naturally good-doers, for fear of causing growth problems, with protein wrongly labelled as the culprit. It is now recognised that it is a high energy (calorie) intake, with insufficient minerals, which can lead to these problems, as this creates an increased rate of growth without the nutrients required to build the tissues to support the growth. Monitoring your youngster’s growth, by regular weightaping and plotting the rate of growth on a chart, can act as an early warning system to highlight potential growth-related problems. Youngsters that are growing very rapidly will produce an upright curve, which is an indication that the energy content of the diet may need to be reduced. Conversely, a very flat curve suggests that the foal is not growing and would benefit from additional calories, which can be supplied by a milkbased creep feed up to 3 months of age and then by a traditional stud or youngstock feed. Keep it steady Maintaining a steady rate of growth is essential to try to avoid the dangers of growth problems, which affect the growing skeleton and associated tissues, and which could ultimately have an effect on a foal’s soundness and ability to perform as an adult. For foals who hold their condition well, both before and during the weaning process, a specially Continued overleaf...
NUTRITION Continued from previous page...
formulated stud balancer is ideal, as this will provide essential protein, vitamins and minerals to support growth but with a minimal calorie content. For those who require some help in maintaining condition, a traditional stud or youngstock mix or cube will provide additional calories but must be fed at recommended rates to supply the necessary supporting nutrients required. At the time of weaning, the foal should be receiving sufficient nutrients from a stud ration to maintain weight and consistent growth when the milk supply is removed. Supporting the gut Before the foal is finally separated from its dam, it should therefore be well established on its own concentrate diet and eating
grass and any other forage source which it will remain on after weaning. The fibredigesting, and other hind gut bacteria, of any horse can be disrupted by stressful situations with associated reductions in gut efficiency and potential digestive upsets like loose droppings. Feeding a digestive enhancer, such as a prebiotic, before, during and after the weaning process can help both the mare and the foal through the stressful time by supporting the beneficial bacterial populations and helping maintain a healthy balance in the gut. What about the mare? Having focussed very much on getting things right for the weanling, the welfare and nutrition of the mare should not be forgotten. Once removed from the foal, the calorie
NEW AND IMPROVED: PASTURE LICK AND GAR-LICK
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aracen Horse Feeds have launched new-look Pasture Lick and Gar-Lick vitamin and mineral tubs. Formulated to offer a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals with either a fresh forage or garlic flavouring, the new 20kg Licks are ideal for feeding both in the stable and field. Suitable for all horses and ponies, Pasture Lick and Gar-Lick are palatable, low sugar Licks which provide a natural ‘little and often’ approach to feeding. Ideal for horses at grass, youngstock, horses on box rest or convalescing, both Licks are seen to reduce stable boredom, stimulate saliva production, and can be used on a daily basis or as a treat or reward. Lizzie Drury, Senior Nutritionist, said, “These
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content of her diet should be reduced until her milk supply has dried up, although it is preferable to keep a vitamin and mineral source available, like a specially formulated block or lick, or continue to feed a low calorie balancer. Her diet will then depend on whether she is in foal again, returning to work or simply remaining roughed off and also on how well she has maintained condition through lactation and weaning. If she is in foal again it is vital to feed to support the growing foetus so a stud mix or cube should be fed at recommended rates, or a stud balancer if fewer calories are required. Ensuring she receives a fully balanced diet at all times will help her replace the body reserves which have been drawn on by having a foal and help her return to work or prepare for the next covering.
Healthy Future How you wean your foal will depend on your particular circumstances and how mare and foal cope with separation will depend on them as individuals. However by taking care beforehand, you can help reduce the stress and help ensure that both foal and dam have a strong and healthy future. wwww.baileyshorse feeds.co.uk
updated Licks are a great addition to the Saracen range, offering variety and enrichment, whilst providing a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals in robust waterproof packaging ensuring they are suitable for year-round use.” As part of Saracen Horse Feed’s ongoing sustainability pledge and impact protection plan for the future, the packaging is 100% recyclable. www.saracenhorsefeeds.co.uk
IS YOUR HORSE A MEAL-TIME
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR?
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f your horse likes to make a meal out of his or her dinner Spillers Feed me on camera is for you! Not only will you gain social media glory by joining in the fun, but you will also be helping to spread some cheer. It’s easy to be a part of Spillers Feed me on camera: All you need to do is video or photograph your horse tucking into their Spillers dinner, upload it to your Instagram or Facebook story or post it on your profile page. Remember to tag Spillers @spillershorsefeeds, use the hashtag #SPILLERSdinnersfuelwinners or on Instagram use the Spillers product giphy/stickers by simply searching Spillers in the search bar. Spillers will then pick up and share your post to raise some smiles amongst their thousands of followers across Facebook and Instagram.
SLIMMERS’ CLUB: HELP OVERWEIGHT HORSES
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Photos: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
pillers is inviting owners of overweight horses and ponies to join their new Spillers Slimmers’ Club for support, advice and encouragement to help keep their horse or pony at a healthy weight. The initiative is supported by Redwings Horse Sanctuary who hope it will help people recognise that an overweight horse can be as much of a welfare risk as an underweight one. The Spillers Slimmers’ Club provides horse owners with invaluable information and advice including weight loss tips, details of how to body condition score and use a weigh tape, diet plans and weight loss records. Club members will also receive access to a dedicated Facebook group where they can share their horse’s progress and tips with other owners. www.spillers-feeds.com
New product alert...
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ew Mollichaff Light Molasses Free is the perfect low cost option for adding fibre to your horse or pony’s diet, whatever their level of work. Low in sugar, starch, and calories, Mollichaff Light Molasses Free is ideal for: • Providing essential fibre for all horses and ponies • Horses and ponies requiring a diet that is low in sugar and starch • Those prone to laminitis • Overweight horses and ponies, and those needing a calorie-controlled diet • Horses and ponies showing signs of gastric discomfort • As a partial hay replacer for those with a low calorie requirement It is made from a unique blend of dried grass, straw, soya oil and flavouring, with added fibre pellets to stimulate
interest and chewing. Essential fatty acids provided by the soya oil help maintain healthy skin and promote a glossy coat, ensuring your horse or pony looks it’s best. This high fibre dust free feed provides essential fibre and supports a healthy digestive system. Free from molasses, alfalfa, cereals, and preservatives. “We are excited to announce the launch of Mollichaff Light Molasses Free,” said Mark Westaway, Marketing Manager at HorseHage & Mollichaff. “Applying our more than 30years of experience producing high quality and great value chaffs, we are proud to add to our range another great chaff for owners and riders looking to add fibre to their horse or pony’s diet.” www.horsehage.co.uk
Mollichaff Light Molasses Free is available in a 12.5kg bag, RRP from £8.
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Photo: Libby Laws
“We were all quietly confidant because all three horses have very solid records in the showjumping.”
Did Don travel well and settle OK? “His trip to Kentucky was very good practise for Tokyo and allowed us to work out how he would handle this trip to Tokyo. He travelled well then had a quiet couple of days which allowed him to adjust to his new surroundings and the climate.”
TALKING TOKYO 2020
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evin McNab is an Australian Eventer and regular member of the National Cup teams with an enviable record of top 10 finishes at CCI5. Kevin came sixth at Kentucky in April 2021 and now adds Olympic Silver medallist to his list of achievements! In 2020 Absorbine Ambassador, Kevin had qualified four horses for the Olympics but then the Covid pandemic struck, and everything was placed on hold. By the summer of 2021 Kevin and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam (Don) were on the Olympic shortlist as the non-travelling reserves for Tokyo. Following his performance at Kentucky did you feel that Don was ready for something bigger? “He came away from Kentucky feeling very confident and good in his body and definitely felt ready for Tokyo after such a good performance.”
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Did you change anything in Don’s training in the run up to the Olympics that helped you get picked for the team? “I followed the same preparation for the Olympics as I did for Kentucky because I felt that we produced a great result there. Our result at Kentucky got us closer to a spot on the team.” When did you first think there was a chance you might get on the team? “I’ve always thought a lot of Don but after Kentucky it was the first time we could go to the selectors and say, ‘We’re ready to be on a team’. Selection is a very detailed process but current is always key.“ Earlier in the year, did you think that the Australian team could bring home a medal at Tokyo? “Yes. Australia’s always been very strong in eventing, and I felt that being strong crosscountry was
went on a lorry to Liege, Belgium. They stayed overnight there and flew out to Tokyo the following day. The horses travel in crates with two horses per crate. Our team vet travelled with the horses.”
going to be very important at Tokyo with the new format. I think this showed when we were there.” Once selected how did you go about preparing for the climate change in Tokyo? “We didn’t change a lot as far as this goes. Don has always been a tough horse and performed better in warmer climates and being from Australia I’m accustomed to the heat.” What was it like getting the call to be asked to travel? “It was a very welcomed surprise. It was before our Tokyo training camp had started which meant when we arrived at PEQ (preexport quarantine) we were packed and mentally prepared to be to be getting on the plane.” What is the process of travelling a horse to Japan? “We had a PEQ for one week because of Covid. The horses
What is the role a reserve plays in an Olympic team? “We did everything the same as the team, so we were prepared at any stage of the event to step in and compete. I really credit our High-Performance Director Chris Webb for how well he ran the management of the team in Tokyo.” When did you find out you were going to be competing and were you nervous? “We were walking the crosscountry course the afternoon before the first day of
dressage and Stuart Tinney congratulated me and explained that I would be doing the dressage the following day. “I was excited to be competing and I think this news moved me into a new level of focus.”
longer option in the second water and at the coffin. I think this plan worked well because Don felt great the whole round, was only a couple of seconds over the time and felt fantastic the next day.”
Did starting out as a reserve then becoming part of the team add to the pressure? “Yes, I think so as it’s another aspect on top of the normal competition pressure we face all the time.”
Was it better to go first in the showjumping? “I was very happy to go first and put a clear on the board and take the pressure off Shane and Andrew.”
Who else is part of the Australian team other than the riders? “An enormous group of people. One of the main people we rely on is Erin O’Neil who is our Eventing Manager. She basically organises everything for us. If we have a problem with anything we go to her. Lucy Hartley is my groom and is the ultimate professional in these situations. Our coaches, Sune Hansen (dressage), and Nelson Pessoa (showjumping). Vets Nathan Anthony and KP. Then we had a physio and photographer.” Is the dressage phase a strong phase for you? “Normally, but we made a few small mistakes which were costly, so I was disappointed with our score but still proud of Don.” The crosscountry phase was a great day for Australia. What was your plan of attack for the course? “My plan was always to post a clear round and then be as close to time as possible. I had always planned to take the slightly
Can you put into words how it feels to be awarded an Olympic medal at the ceremony and hearing your national anthem? “Surreal. Definitely takes a few days to sink in just what we actually achieved. How many people get to take home an Olympic Silver medal in their lives? “I am very aware of just how lucky I am to have so many people contribute to my success that, in a way, this was a silver medal for everyone.” Since returning from Tokyo you’ve gone from strength to strength. “I have been lucky enough to have had some big successes following Tokyo. A win like that gives you that extra confidence as you trot down the centre line.” What’s next? “WEG in Pratoni next year and then…Paris 2024! “For this year I have two horses, Cute Girl and Glenorchy, competing in the 7-year-old Young Horse Championships in Le Lion and then Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend in the 5* at Pau.”
WIN! WIN!
TWO LUCKY READERS WILL WIN A LEATHER CARE PRIZE BUNDLE FROM ABSORBINE!
Absorbine have teamed up with Absolute Horse Magazine to offer two lucky winners this great prize worth £50. Each winner will receive: • Horseman’s One Step – an all-in-one unique cream formula which cleans and conditions your tack. It penetrates leather to remove ground in dirt and sweat, and its lanolin-rich formula conditions and preserves to prevent cracking and drying out, keeping items soft and pliable. • Leather Therapy Wash - cleans tough dirt and grime and helps leather to stay strong and supple. The formula is pHbalanced with micro suds to lift out embedded dirt, sweat and grime. It is sprayed directly on to saddlery, bridle work or leather garment, and wiped off, with no need to rinse. • Leather Therapy Restorer and Conditioner – a blend of rich replenishing oils formulated to transform dry, hard leather to original flexibility. Ideal for restoring old, dried out leather and helping it last longer with regained suppleness and strength as well as inhibiting mould and mildew. www.absorbine.co.uk
To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st November and close 31st December 2021.
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SADDLERY & TACK
Your Questions Answered...
QUESTION: “My horse is unsettled in his head carriage. It has been advised that a martingale may help, what type should I use and how should it be fitted?” ANSWER: “There are a number of reasons as to why your horse could be unsettled in it’s head carriage, ranging from discomfort from the bit, bridle or saddle to a veterinary issue. “Before looking at martingales to help the head carriage it would be advisable to try to find the cause of the unsettled head carriage. I would recommend having an SMS Registered Qualified/Master Saddle/Bridle Fitter to assess the horse and it’s current tack and also a Qualified Body Worker (Physio/Osteopath etc.) or Vet to assess the horse for any underlying biomechanical or veterinary issues. “Once all these checks have taken place and you decide that the horse does require a martingale then a Running Martingale would be the first option. The Running Martingale has a strap which sits around the horse’s neck with a second strap running through a loop on the first attaching to the girth at one
end and to the reins at the other end. The strap splits into two narrower straps as it passes through the loop on the neck strap. These straps have a ring at the end, which the reins are passed through. The rings can move freely along the reins, as the horse moves it’s head. To stop the rings from catching the billets by the bit there is a leather or rubber stopper. The martingale should only come into action once the horse lifts it’s head up high when the action of the martingale then
encourages the horse to lower it’s head. “The neck strap should be fitted so that you can fit a fist inside it on the front of the horse’s chest. The other strap is fitted with a fist under it between the horse’s legs so that there is room for movement when the horse is working but not too much slack that the horse could catch a leg in it. The other end with the rings should be lifted up towards the horse’s throat and be a hand span away from the jowl, which allows for some head lift while
IN THIS ISSUE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS’ MASTER SADDLER, MASTER BRIDLE MAKER, MASTER HARNESS MAKER, REGISTERED MASTER SADDLE FITTER AND REGISTERED QUALIFIED BRIDLE FITTER, HELEN READER, PROVIDES ADVICE ON MARTINGALES. the horse is working but not excessive head lift which could become a safety issue.” www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
HELEN READER IS NEW PRESIDENT OF SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS
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elen Reader has been appointed as the new President of the Society of Master Saddlers. Well-known throughout the industry, Helen runs HR Saddlery and is a Society of Master Saddlers Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, Master Harness Maker, Registered Master Saddle Fitter and Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter. “The pandemic has driven some changes as people have re-evaluated what is important to them, with a move back to traditional values and a higher appreciation of quality and sustainable products combined with a desire to reduce carbon footprint. This offers a real opportunity for both craft and trade members as the society ‘brand’ is synonymous with quality and high standards,” said Helen.
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Your Questions Answered...
QUESTION: “What should I look for in a General Purpose saddle?”
ANSWER: “A GP saddle to sit comfortably in the centre is designed to allow the rider to participate in a variety of different disciplines from dressage through to hacking and jumping. The saddle should allow you, the rider,
of the saddle with the ability to lengthen your stirrups for flatwork, whilst also being able to shorten them for jumping or fast work. “The front of the saddle will not
be as forward cut as a jumping saddle, so you will need to be sure that there is enough space behind the knee roll for your knee without compromising your leg position. Some GP saddles come with moveable knee or thigh blocks. These are attached by strong velcro and allow them to be positioned for each rider’s leg. “Due to being a saddle that allows you to ‘do a bit of everything’ it will not put you in the perfect position for all disciplines. However it is good for riders who want to vary their horse’s work but cannot afford
multiple saddles. GP saddles come in different styles with some being more suited to flatwork and straighter cut but still good for some jumping occasionally through to more forward cut options for the rider who mainly hacks or jumps but still wants to be able to do some flat work. “When choosing the best saddle for you remember it must also fit your horse and it is therefore recommended that you use the services of an SMS Registered Qualified/Master Saddle Fitter. They will assess the needs of both the horse and rider and fit the saddle that best suits both of your needs.”
SADDLERY & TACK
‘FIT FOR WELFARE’: INNOVATIVE VIRTUAL EVENT
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n innovative new virtual event ‘Fit for Welfare’ has been created by the Society of Master Saddlers. Correct fit takes a team, and this online event explores how best to approach fit for each part of the tack triad: the horse; the saddle and the bridle; and the rider. Ten leading industry experts will share current research and best practise during the virtual event that runs in three parts from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 6th November. For anyone wanting to develop their knowledge and to ensure both horse and human are comfortable, confident, and happy, this event will deliver a broad range of insights into Horse FIT, Saddlery FIT, and Rider FIT. Maintaining good fit for horse and human is a long-term and team effort, and an essential part of ensuring high standards of horse welfare. For further information contact Events Team at mastersaddlersevents@gmail.com
NEWMARKET’S CORALIE WINS TOP AWARD AT NATIONAL COMP
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ewmarket-based Master Saddler, Coralie Chung, captured a top award at this year’s Society of Master Saddlers’ National Saddlery Competition. Held at the Saddlers’ Hall in London and supported by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, the event continues to be hugely popular promoting expertise and craftsmanship in the saddlery industry. Coralie won the Side Saddle class and took home the Side Saddle Association Trophy and she also won the class in 2018. Said Coralie: “I have worked in the industry for twenty-nine years and this win is very, very special. I was trained by some fantastic saddlers over the years and this success, like the win three years ago is very much testament to the time and effort they took to help me gain more knowledge and skills over that period. “To win the class again is just brilliant, I am so pleased.”
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LUCY ELLIS SCOOPS AWARD
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t Albans-based saddler, Lucy Ellis, was in jubilant mood at this year’s Society of Master Saddlers’ National Saddlery Competition. Lucy won the Intermediate Bridle class for a Headcollar or Halter and was delighted to win at such a prestigious event. Said Lucy: “I feel very proud to come away with a first place this year, the competition is tough and there were some fantastic pieces entered. “It took me two days to make the headcollar and I have to admit I made various adjustments and amends along the way to the finished article but it was very worthwhile when my name was called out as the winning entry. “I have been in business on my own now for two years and am delighted with how it is going.”
Hold A DAY IN THE LIFE OF . .. t h ig t POPPY WEBBER QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER FOR THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS, COVERING CAMBRIDGESHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE, NORFOLK AND SURROUNDING AREAS, POPPY ALSO WRITES REGULAR ADVICE POSTS ON PEEWEE SADDLERY’S SOCIAL MEDIA.
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hen dressage rider and trainer Lara Edwards started Cathedral Equine she never imagined that the most popular product would turn out to be a simple neck strap. This basic piece of equipment has sold out time and time again as soon as stock arrives. Often associated with novice riders, the neck strap can benefit riders of all levels of ability and is something that Lara refers to as her ‘get out of trouble’ piece of kit! A neck strap is basically a simple piece of leather that goes around your horse’s neck and enables the rider to steady themselves without pulling on the horse’s mouth. It can also be used to ensure your hands move with the horse’s neck when jumping, stop you from falling behind the motion of the horse when jumping and to give yourself something to hold on to if your horse throws in a buck. RRP: £29.99. www.cathedralequine.co.uk
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lexicurves. You will have seen us use these during saddle fittings. I call mine a Wiggly-Stick, but really they’re called a Flexicurve. They’re designed for artists to draw shapes, but we use them to take templates of your horse. Many of you presume we do this to see how wide they are, and to know what ‘width’ saddle they need… and that does play a small part in why we take them. But, there are loads of other reasons. We take several templates during a saddle fitting, so that we have various measurements from the length of the thoracic part of the back (that’s the part with ribs, the
part that sits under the saddle). The first one (see pic) is the T8 (that’s the eighth thoracic vertebrae) which we take from about two inches behind the back of the horse’s scapula (shoulder blade). This template reflects the angle that the front of the saddle’s tree needs to match. Thinking in terms of the changeable gullet saddle, this is the angle that should match the gullet bar. Then we move back and take a measurement at T10. And then, the last one is taken at the last rib, which is T18. The templates tend to get wider and flatter as we move down the horse’s back. Often, we’ll take one along the
length of the spinous processes too (those sticky-uppy-boneybits along the top of the spine) to record the angle of the wither. In reality, we determine whether the saddle is the correct (or incorrect!) fit and width for your horse by popping the saddle on your horse’s back, palpating all around, and then watching you ride. So, whilst these templates can be useful to make a guess at the width, they don’t really form part of the ‘real’ fitting. Instead, by taking these templates at every fitting, we can use them to keep track of how your horse changes shape (or not), and whether there is any asymmetry (and how that changes). They can be used to show the owner what we mean when we talk about muscle atrophy, or unevenness through the back, or breadth of wither etc. Personally, I find them incredibly useful for the owner to keep hold of too, so they can keep a record of their horse’s shape. Sometimes they like to show them to the physio, or the vet… or just keep them stored safely away. www.poppywebber.co.uk
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EVENT REPORTS
THINK PINK CHARITY SHOW, GWC EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Sunday 29th August Photos by Emily Harris Photography
Heidi Rackham and Waitwith Wood Sorrel - Supreme of Show
Archie Muir and Moonpenny Macavity - 1st Place Tiny Tots Lead Rein
Beth Barrett and Lucky Score - 1st Place Thoroughbred and Part Bred Emilie Organ and Milmart Miss Dior - Championship 'E' Champion 1
Emma Marshall and Colony Yale - Reserve Supreme of Show
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Katie Clark and Ammonite - 3rd Place Ridden Cobs
Louise Prior and Jackson - 1st Place Unregistered M&M
Wendy Winney and Glanvyrnwy Prince Of Wales Champion Concours D'Elegance
Rachael Hawes and Llyndu Starlight - Diamond Champion
NORFOLK’S JESSICA CUNNINGTON: SEPTEMBER’S NAF SHINING STAR
F Jeavon Steward and Gillsway Ziggy Stardust 'Wildcard' Champion
Jenny Welham and Jays Remembrance - 1st Place ‘The Pink Factor’
Millie Metcalf and Thistledown Spring Spirit - 1st Reserve Diamond Champion
Jo Eldridge and Cayak - Championship 'J' Reserve Champion
Emilie Organ and The Spring Sunrise - 1st Place The Bareback Challenge
Lindsay Abel and Arcesdale Fine China
ourteen year-old Jessica Cunnington from Swaffham, Norfolk has been awarded the NAF Shining Star for September. Always with a smiley face and ready to give the loudest cheers for the rest of her team, Jessica has been a valuable part of the Norfolk academy for several years and led lead coach Tamsin Conyers to nominate her. “Jessica has brought on most of her ponies from novices and has done a good job with all of them. She has now got several young horses and has been bringing on her 4-year-old horses, jumping double clears and doing a good job,” commented Tamsin. “Jessica has also been helping her parents run Forest Edge Arena as they bought it earlier in the year. They have big plans and have already made big improvements to their shows. Jessica works in the collecting ring, picking up poles, and all the usual jobs it entails.” After finding out she was the winner of September’s NAF Shining Star, an excited Jessica said, “I am so delighted to receive the NAF Shining Star Award, I was totally shocked when I heard as I didn’t even know I had been nominated!”
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EVENT REPORTS
CLARKES FARM LIVERY CHARITY SHOW
BRIGHTWOOD EQUESTRIAN, WISBECH
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Photo: Equipix
summer of dressage competitions at Brightwood Equestrian, Walsoken, ended with a two-day show and trophy and prize presentations. Brightwood owner and competition organiser, Donna Edwards, estimated that the number of horse and rider combinations ran into three figures Champion Gemma Parker (right) and in the series with included monthly Sunday and reserve Janet Bradshaw Friday evening competitions. “There were some occasions when we started early in the morning and ran into the evening,” she said. The summer competitions formed part of a league with the highest scorers accumulating points and champion, Emma Parker, and reserve champion, Janet Bradshaw, each receiving a Hippo horse shower.
RIDER SCOOPS GRASSROOTS & NOVICE LEAGUE PRIZE
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fter a busy British Eventing season at Little Downham, Caroline Day took top honours in both the Shearwater Insurance Grassroots League and the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice league. Local rider Caroline Day met the criteria for both leagues and proved that venue loyalty and consistent results pays off as she claimed over £1500 worth of bonus prizes. For the Grassroots league Caroline piloted The Open College of Equine Studies’ Toces Bright Fellow to a BE90 win at the June event, which was followed up with a third place in August and seventh place finish in October. When it came to the Novice league, Caroline dominated the leader board taking first and second overall. Out in front was Toces Bright Lass who notched up second, fourth, and ninth place finishes at Little Downham this season. Taking second place was Caroline Bridge’s Redpath Star Dancer who took third in the June Novice and second in October’s ON. “Both Toces horses are owned and bred by Julie Brega at the Open College of Equine Studies based here in Suffolk. I have been working with Julie for several years and am delighted to be able to reward her continued support. Caroline Bridge’s Redpath Star Dancer is such a talented horse that is always a pleasure to work with.” Essex-based Victoria Bax rounded out the top three in the Baileys Novice league with her own Alberta’s Pride. Their fourth and second place rewarded with a month’s supply of feed and nutritional support. The Shearwater Insurance Grassroots league was a close fought league with the leader board changing right up until the final section of the season. It was junior rider Suki Wales, riding the Preci Spark bred, Treneman who took second following their second, fourth, and sixth place finishes at BE100 level. Third place went to Norfolk-based Junior Imogen Pohl who took top honours in the June and October BE100u18 with Ballingowan Chiara.
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Sunday 19th September
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unday 19th September saw Clarkes Farm run their second ever Showing Show – after their successful debut back in July. The team running the show got every single class sponsored, with prizes being offered left, right and centre - meaning over 100 entries filled all three rings. Perfect when raising money for both the Air Ambulance and World Horse Welfare Charities. Classes were full of both quality and variety – making the Judges decisions incredibly difficult. The first winner of the day was awarded to Georgia Edwards and her horse Spellbound – in the ridden Bays/Greys/ Chestnuts, which was followed by another win in the ridden novice. This pair later wowed the Judge to take Overall Ridden Champion against stiff competition. The Ridden Veteran class was topped by Leanne Shadbolt and her 25-year-old horse Pippin – who showed grace and suppleness of a much younger horse. The duo undeniably deserved their red rosette after a foot perfect show. Millie Metcalf and her coloured pony Tinkers Dream Boy had a good start to the show, placing second in both the Turnout class, and the Ridden Novice class. This young pair showed excellent paces throughout the morning, including a good gallop in the championship – which secured them the Reserve spot. Over in the in-hand ring, Cally Humphry started the morning winning the Novice class with her young welsh mare Greenmeads Flash of Inspiration, followed by a second in the Mountain & Moorland. The M&M class was won by Lyn Wiseman, with her section A gelding Manorlea Tic Tac, whilst the rare and
foreign class was awarded to Angela Fox and Aesthetic Fairytale Prince. The In-hand Cob was the most supported class of the day, after competitors had seen a beautiful red garland was on offer for the winner – but it was the formidable duo of Millie Metcalf and Dream Boy, in their debut of showing inhand, who took top spot. The In-hand championship hosted an array of horses and ponies, but Prince proved a popular favourite, taking Champion with Angela, above Millie Metcalf who once again stood Reserve. After a long day with lots of ponies forwards, it came down to the pinnacle – with the announcement of the Supreme and Reserve of Show. The decision wasn’t made easy for the Judge with quality animals forwards – but it was Angela Fox and her miniature which clenched the victory, whilst Millie made for a hattrick taking Reserve Supreme Overall. By the end of the show day, an impressive £1887.16 was raised for the two charities, which generously was rounded up to an amazing £2000, by both Hayley Emery and Donna Chapman. Keep an eye out in 2022 for more show dates!
Report and photos by Emily Harris
Mary Howden and Abergavenney Silver Shadow - 2nd Handsome Gelding
Angela Fox and Aesthetic Fairytale Prince - Supreme Champion
Millie Metcalf and Tinkers Dream Boy - Reserve Supreme
Lyn Wiseman and Manorlea Tic Tac 1st In-Hand M&M Sabrina Oakes Reserve Fun Champion
Leanne Shadbolt 1st Ridden Veteran
Georgia Edwards and Spellbound Ridden Champion
Cally Humphrey and Greenmeads Flash of Inspiration - 1st In Hand Novice
Jess Bella and Victorstown Bonnie - 1st In Hand Hack, Hunter, Riding Horse
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EVENT REPORTS LOCAL RIDERS WELL PLACED AT BRC TOPSPEC DRESSAGE TO MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 1st - 3rd October
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he BRC TopSpec Dressage to Music Championships 2021 took place recently at Bury Farm Equestrian Village in Buckinghamshire. These championships included ten dressage classes for both senior and junior members, with over 150 prequalified riders from across the UK taking part in a range of classes. The BRC TopSpec Pick A Test Medium Dressage to Music Championship and Overall Individual Pick A Test Winner on the Friday was Kate Heap riding San Francisco PR from Billericay & District RC, Area 8, Essex with a score of 72%, Sandie Gibbs riding Gomez Gold from Saffron Walden & District RC finished second on 70.5%. “San Francisco and I have competed at the BRC Championships at Bury Farm before, as part of a quadrille with Billericay & District RC, but never as an individual before. This year was especially special for me as my eldest daughter Robyn Heap had also made the Junior Prelim Dressage to Music final, so this was a first for us having myself and my 10-year-old daughter in the same final,” said Kate Heap. The BRC TopSpec Elementary Dressage to Music Championship was won by Lauren Shelley. Chloe Mason from Tendring Hundred RC was the highest placed junior rider, finishing in third place on Glowon Dewi. The BRC TopSpec Junior Novice Dressage to Music Championship on the Saturday was won by Chloe Mason riding Glowon Dewi (Freddie) representing Tendring Hundred RC, Area 8, with the highest score of the weekend 75%, Violet Hawkins riding Glenlichd Fair Un Square from Aspley Guise RC was second on 73.06%. “This was my third year competing at the BRC Dressage to Music Championships but my last as a junior rider. I was really thrilled with how my test went, Freddie was super cool and danced his little socks off to our test which my mum devised along with the music. I love my music as it suits Freddie’s cheeky personality and is quite different from most other rider’s music,” said Chloe Mason. “We were also third in the Elementary which I was totally surprised by, as we had a few little moments of tension and we were in a very busy class full of seniors. We definitely had a lovely time and BRC staff are so helpful and friendly,” Chloe concluded.
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Kate Heap riding San Francisco PR from Billericay & District RC, Area 8, Essex
Chloe Mason riding Glowon Dewi (Freddie) representing Tendring Hundred RC, Area 8
LOCAL TEAMS EXCEL AT BRITISH RIDING CLUBS QUADRILLE OF THE YEAR 2021 Saturday 2nd October
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Photos: British Riding Clubs
he British Riding Clubs Quadrille of the Year 2021 took place recently at Bury Farm Equestrian. Quadrille is a carefully choreographed display of horsemanship which tells a story, set to an entertaining arrangement of music, with a team of four riders wearing appropriately themed and often elaborate costumes. The teams were initially marked on their overall turnout. With the three judges; Richard Baldwin a List 1 Dressage Judge, Jane Domhill BHS Trustee and Showing Judge and Janet Zaldats a List 4 Dressage Judge, then watching the displays. They marked the content of each carefully put together performance, adding marks for the artistic impression, to reach an overall score. This year’s themes included Essendon & Epping Forest RC’s team of black Shetland ponies replicating Toy Soldiers Changing Guards at Buckingham Palace; Saffron Walden & District RC produced a very regal knights inspired theme, entitled ‘When a Knight Won his Spurs’. Ingatestone & Blackmore RC took us on Safari to Africa, with a topical key message highlighting the importance of conservation, entitled ‘Re-wild the World’. But it was the team from the Vale of Arrow RC who finished in first place on 93.06%.
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EVENT REPORTS
SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR CHAMPIONSHIP Horse of the Year Show 2021, NEC Birmingham Photos by Real Time Images Chilly Breeze stood out under the spotlight in the HOYS main arena to win the top prize for Lucy Hopkins. Katie JerramHunnable commented on the lightweight hunter’s: “Presence in the ring and attitude.” Jordan Cook added: “All the finalists this year were outstanding, our winner gave me a lovely mannerly ride.” Harriet Conlon and her Traditional Cob Search for a Star winner, Eye Candy II took the reserve title. Lucy Hopkins and Chilly Breeze Lucy and Matty, as Chilly Breeze is known at home, won the ucy Hopkins took the their quest to get through to the Search for a Star hunter final on coveted top title in the HOYS finals. With a plethora of the Friday at HOYS and had just SEIB Insurance Brokers classes on offer, the Search for a 40 minutes to prepare for their Search for a Star Star finals saw a total of fifty HOYS main arena performance Championship at the Horse of finalists earn their HOYS tickets. in the Search for a Star the Year Show (HOYS) on the Top show producer, Katie championship. An elated Lucy 8th October. Lucy and her Jerram-Hunnable and former said: “The past few months have steel grey show hunter, Chilly Olympic eventer, Chris Hunnable been hard, I’ve been working as Breeze were announced judged conformation and part of the Covid-19 response as champions under the leading show producer Jordan a patient flow coordinator at spotlight in the HOYS Cook was ride and performance Royal Stoke Hospital. So International Arena on Friday Judge. Both Katie and Chris winning here at HOYS has given afternoon. spoke over the me a boost. I’m The Search for a Star finals are microphone during ...”I couldn’t believe going to the pinnacle of the season for the classes which celebrate with amateur showing enthusiasts provided some very it when they champagne and and celebrate giving people an educational and announced cannot wait to opportunity to see their dreams entertaining insights. me as the winner. tell the team at come true. This series has been a The winners of each I am so delighted work about fixture at HOYS since the of the Search for a this.” with him, nineties! Hundreds of spectators Star sections flock to watch these competitive throughout the week it’s been great!” Cobs finals and plenty vow to return at HOYS went forward Sarah Adams with their horses in future years. to the Search for a and her own Athlone Lad took Amateur show horse riders have Star Championship in the the title in the Search for a Star travelled the length and breadth International Arena on the Cob final at HOYS. Athlone Lad of the country this summer in Friday afternoon of HOYS. has suffered from EMS and it has
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been a tricky job for Sarah to work out the best sugar-free feed for him to maintain his energy levels. Sarah nearly decided to sell him back at the start of Spring this year. She decided against it and was thrilled to be in the ribbons. Sarah said: “I can’t believe it, it’s been a real challenge to get here, but thanks to a lot of advice from my trainer and the Search for a Star Judges, we’ve done it! I’m so pleased I have given it a go.” Riding Horse/Hack The riding horse hack final was as always run as one class at HOYS, with one hack winner and one riding horse winner, both going through to the Search for a Star Championship on the Friday. Jordan Meakins partnered Trenavey Dazzler to the win in the riding horse section. Trenavey Dazzler is owned by Sylvia Meakins. Following her win Jordan said: “What an experience! I am still in shock and totally speechless. Dazzler is such an amazing, honest little horse that really will turn his hoof to anything.” Trenavey Dazzler is by Catherston Dazzler and his damsire is Welton Apollo. Jordan and Dazzler previously evented up to novice level, but following a bad fall, Jordan decided to give showing a go. Jordan says that showing is really helping to boost her confidence.
The hack section was won by Bethany Phoenix and her own, Molecule One. Bethany, a selfemployed hairdresser bought Molecule One 18-months-ago from the Broomhill Stud. The pair qualified for the Search for a Star Finals at Richmond Equestrian Centre. Bethany said: “Pearl is my horse of a lifetime, anything you ask of her she does and takes in her stride. It has always been my dream to ride at HOYS and I am so grateful that Search for a Star has given me that opportunity. Riding in the TopSpec [Arena] is just amazing. I’m looking forward to campaigning her in the opens next year.”
helped my confidence, I’m looking forward to giving the opens a go with him next year. I’m a Patient Flow Coordinator for the Covid ward at the Royal Stoke Hospital and being able to ride Diesel and look forward to HOYS has kept me going.”
(Left) Senny Cymro ridden by Julie Carter ; (Above) Polly Baker and her bay gelding, Latice
Working Horse/Pony The working horse and pony final was as always run as one class at HOYS, with one horse winner and one pony winner, both going through to the
Hunters The title of 2021 Search for a Star went to Lucy Hopkins from Bridgnorth, Shropshire and her own seven-year-old steel grey Irish Sports Horse, Chilly Breeze. Traditional Cob The second Search for a Star traditional cob HOYS final was held on the Wednesday of HOYS. This popular class is open to traditional cobs registered with the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association and ridden by amateur riders. Winning the final was Harriet Conlon from Stoke-on-Trent and her own Eye Candy II. Harriet has owned Eye Candy for four years and whilst the pair have competed in plenty of open classes, they never quite got to HOYS, it was then that Harriet decided to give Search for a Star a go. “Diesel is an amazing pony, he is my best friend. I think my nerves sometimes let us down and Search for a Star has really
Search for a Star Championship on the Friday. Taking the title in the working pony section was Julie Carter and her part-bred Welsh pony, Senny Cymro. Julie bought Senny Cymro from her riding instructor, Gemma Todd to compete in showing classes. Julie said: “Charlie pony is a dream, I bought him to help me build my confidence. I saw my friend take part in Search for a Star in 2018 and after watching her, I wanted to have a go. I used to show when I was younger and so it has always been my dream to ride at HOYS.” Winning the Working Horse
section was Polly Baker and her 11-year-old bay gelding, Latice. Polly lives in Norfolk and works in Newmarket as a secretary at the Newmarket Equine Hospital and her parents look after Latice in the week. Polly rides and looks after him at the weekends. Polly said: “He is a real allrounder, we do lots of hacking and try to go to the beach near us. I couldn’t believe it when they announced me as the winner. I am so delighted with
him, despite ten days of poulticing and a broken saddle in the lead up to HOYS, it’s been great!” SEIB Marketing Manager Nicolina Mackenzie said: “Search for a Star has had a fantastic year in 2021. It has been great to be back out and offering our qualifiers and this final to our riders. It will be lovely to see what our well deserving winners of our classes go on to do next.“
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EVENT REPORTS
SEIB RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP Horse of the Year Show 2021, NEC Birmingham Photos by Real Time Images
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n what she has described as a ‘bucket list achievement’, Katie Dashwood’s stunning bay ex-racehorse, Minella Rebellion, took the 2021 SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse title at Horse of the Year Show on the 6th October. This was the first appearance for the combination in the popular HOYS final and a first win at the show for Katie after years of campaigning in the Racehorse to Riding Horse classes. By Kings Theatre, the 9-year-old gelding, Minella Rebellion was in training with Nicky Henderson during his racing career. Katie and ‘Reg’ became a partnership last year. Following the launch of the series in 2006 Katie said: “I’ve spent a long time trying to qualify with various racehorses, so it was a real thrill to qualify with Reg. This has been on the bucket list for a long time. He is a lovely horse and just enjoys his work and being in the ring.” The final was judged by Jerome Harforth (conformation) and Jo Hales (ride). The runner up spot went to another familiar pairing on the R2R circuit, Stowmarket’s Abi Sole riding her own ex-racer Hero Worship. This is their best result so far, having finished in third place in the HOYS final in 2018. Now 18-years-old, Hero Worship had three starts on the flat for trainer Michael Jarvis,
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winning twice. He earned just under £20,000 during his short but successful racing career. Retirement had been on the cards for Hero Worship after the 2019 season, but after unexpectedly coming back from loan in June, Abi thought he looked so well and thought ‘why not’. The marketing lead for a pharmaceutical company took him to the HOYS Racehorse to Riding Horse finals at the NAF Five Star Hartpury Horse Trials where the pair qualified. Another established showing pairing took third having previously taken fourth place on their ex-racehorse showing debut in 2019. Mumford is owned and ridden by Collette McGoldrick, and have won plenty during their showing career including taking the Goffs supreme championship in 2019 and winning the title of champion racehorse at the UK National Championships in 2020. Mumford was formerly trained by Richard Hannon and latterly by Geoffrey Harker. He was placed twice in seven starts on the flat and last ran in 2018. Jenny Harker’s daughter Emma rode a show pony for the McGoldrick family and then when some friends of Collette mentioned how much fun the ex-racehorse classes are, Collette spoke to Jenny and Mumford duly arrived with Collette back in early 2019.
Stowmarket’s Abi Sole riding her own ex-racer Hero Worship
Tikkskinned owned by Emily Marriage and ridden by Chelmsford’s Will Morton.
Fourth place went to Lindsay McCulloch’s, Golden Bird ridden by Richard Telford. In fifth place was the 10-yearold bay mare Tikkskinned owned by Emily Marriage and ridden by Chelmsford’s Will Morton. Will is no stranger to Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse, being a former Search for a Star HOYS reserve champion back in 2013 with his cob, Woodfield Choice when he was just 16-years-old. Tikkskinned was a wedding gift to her owner Emily Marriage and Will Morton has taken over as Emily is pregnant. The mare ran twice when in training with
Benjamin Arthey. She was unplaced in both starts, last running in 2016. This is her first season showing she has taken to her new life off the track and has also done a bit of eventing and jumping. Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager for SEIB said: “The Racehorse to Riding Horse class has grown into a muchanticipated HOYS fixture and for these horses to get through to the final is a huge achievement in itself. We are so proud of all of our combinations and to see so many people supporting the qualifiers.”
A SENSATIONAL WIN FOR ESSEX’S RONNIE JONES IN THE BRITISH HORSE FEEDS SPEEDI-BEET GRADE C CHAMPIONSHIP
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he British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Grade C Championship was the first showjumping class of the day on Sunday at Horse of the Year Show. Out of a field of twenty-two riders, the 1.40m course proved tricky for some with just seven horses making it through to the jump off. Ronnie Jones lay down the gauntlet with a lightning quick round to set the time to beat of 31.42 seconds riding Ruth Dowie’s Interstar B, an 8-year-old dark bay gelding. Holly Smith took the runner up place. Ronnie’s win was even more special as it was his first competition win at the Horse of the Year Show. Ronnie said after his win, “I had some really good people after me, so we had to go all out and see how they were going to get on behind us, so a lot of pressure. He has been a really good horse all year, he has jumped some international classes and we have had him from a young horse. He is reliable, and we know each other really well, we have always had our sights set on this class for him, so we are really pleased.”
Five Minutes with...
Ronnie Jones
“Next year we plan to take him abroad to compete at some international tours and to step up to the next level. “Hopefully he will keep on winning and we can progress together.”
WE TALK TO SHOW JUMPER RONNIE JONES TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS BUSY SCHEDULE AND WHAT IT MEANT TO WIN THE BRITISH HORSE FEEDS SPEEDIHow would you BEET GRADE C CHAMPIONSHIP AT HOYS... Where are you based and is riding a full time career? “I am based in Chelmsford, Essex with Ruth and Ian Dowie at Runningwell Equestrian Centre, where we have around seventy horses in total, with about twenty in competition work. “I have been with Ruth and Ian for seven years and we are building a great team for the future with the three and fouryear-olds broken over the winter months ready for competition in the summer. “Riding and competing has
highly of. “All three are capable of Grand Prix classes and it is great to be getting some strength and depth in horse power.”
How did you feel when winning the British Horse Feeds SpeediBeet Grade C describe him? always been my career and the Championship? “In one word - naughty! He is win in the Speedi-Beet Grade C very lively and needs riding every “Having competed and ridden Championship has really given day to keep him in hand. It’s just ponies from a young age, them me a boost to want to compete his nature to be cheeky and like progressing through to horses, at the highest level.” riding at HOYS is always a very a naughty child really. Tell us about Interstar “Interstar B stands at 16.2hh so special occasion. “I was drawn first to go in the B? he is not the biggest horse and jump-off and everything just “He is one of the first horses is dark bay. He is by Im Special Ruth and Ian bought when they de Muze out of a mare by Ahorn, clicked, it does sometimes and you definitely remember when set up Runningwell Sport Horses so KWPN bred.” it does. and came to us as a just rising 5What other horses do “It was quite a long and tense year-old. time to wait before I realised “He is now eight and has won a you compete? “The team is really starting to we had won, it was just lot of age classes over the last come together and as well as fantastic and everyone in the few years and shows real talent to compete in Grand Prix and at Interstar B I have the 9-year-old team was just thrilled - it was stallion, Invictus and a 7-yearbrilliant.” major shows. old Joplin that we all think
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