British Dressage - Issue 1 2021

British

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BD MEMBERS | £5.00 | ISSUE 1 | 2021

DRESSAGE Dujardin

at the double

# S TA Y S A F E S TA Y H O M E

42 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

CONTENTS & WELCOME.

DESIGNED AND PRODUCED ON BEHALF OF BRITISH DRESSAGE BY: Fellows Media: www.fellowsmedia.com e: mark@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259241 Fellows Media, The Gallery, Manor Farm Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PB Managing Director: Mark Brown

45 – The National Convention, supported by Harrison Clark Rickerbys and available as a virtual event for the first time, offered invaluable observations and advice from experts including Peter Storr and Clive Halsall.

ADVERTISE WITH US: For enquiries, contact Jacob Holmes e: jacob.holmes@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259249 SUBSCRIBE NOW: If you aren’t a member and would like to receive the magazine contact 01442 820580, bd@webscribe.co.uk or www.mysubcare.com CONTACT US: British Dressage: www.britishdressage.co.uk Managing Editor: Winnie Murphy e: winnie.murphy@britishdressage.co.uk t: 024 7669 8842 Content Editor: Jane Carley e: janecarley5@gmail.com t: 01926 645981 For the full list of BD Office staff, visit www.britishdressage.co.uk British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG Main switchboard: 024 7669 8830 Fax: 024 7669 0390 Executive: 024 7669 8844 Training & Education: 024 7669 8833 BD Youth/u21 International: 024 7708 7801/024 7669 8834 Membership, Horse Registrations & Results: 024 7669 8832/836 Quest: 024 7669 8908 Sport Operations: 024 7669 8827 Judges: 024 7669 8831 Senior International: 024 7669 8835 Para & International: 024 7708 7803 Fixtures: 024 7708 7804 Championships: 024 7669 8846 BD Shop: 024 7669 8830 – press 1 Finance: 024 7669 8838/841 Marketing: 024 7669 8819 Communications: 024 7669 8842/839 Sponsorship & web ads: 01608 676180 The views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Dressage.

Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement of the products and services by British Dressage.

IN THIS ISSUE...

From the editor

5

News

6

Paramatters

8

Profile Breeder and BHHS Chairman Katy Holder-Vale

13 LeMieux Grand Prix Championships Our end of year showstopper

WELCOME

W

ell, here we are back in lockdown again. It feels a bit different to last March when ovid- was a new and frightening phenomenon, as we know there are brighter days ahead, but still plenty of tough times in prospect.

Winter is always hard work with horses – if it’s not muddy, it’s icy o how can we stay motivated with clinics and competitions once again on hold? he answer lies in the horses themselves of course. Horses teach us to be endlessly resilient with their ‘special talent’ for getting in ured or developing a training issue ust at the wrong moment but they give so much back.

With spring around the corner there’s also the prospect of new foals arriving or choosing a stallion for that much-loved mare. ur breeding special in this issue offers lots of pointers. nd we also know how addictive this sport is in the late summer and autumn of 2020, many members were just getting back into their usual training programmes. But we were able to run a near-normal a liated competition schedule and entries were up on the previous year demonstrating your passion for and commitment to, dressage. t the top level riders were getting their rand ri horses out and about either developing those that had ust moved up a grade or honing more e perienced campaigners with the prospect of e citing days to come in . his led to a real hristmas bonus in the shape of the eMieu rand ri hampionships at Hartpury where not only were we treated to a fabulous high scoring display by winner harlotte u ardin and Mount t ohn Freestyle but also got to see the strength and depth of talent we have at this level. p and coming horse and rider combinations pushed the established masters’ all the way giving a thrilling glimpse of what’s ahead for dressage in this country. ith everything crossed that the vaccine takes us back to what we know and love soon and that we might get chance to see our team shine at the okyo lympics let’s use our innate optimism to keep us going towards that target. It’s also getting British DRESSAGE lighter in the evenings which has to be a plus Jane Carley, Content Editor, British Dressage THE OFFIC IAL

MAGAZINE

FOR BD M EMBERS

| £5.00 | ISSUE 1 | 2021

Dujardin

ON THE COVER:

3

at the double

Charlotte Dujardin, LeMieux National Grand Prix champion with Mount St John Freestyle # S TA Y S A F

E S TA Y H O M

17 Choosing a stallion Breeder advice on traits to complement your mare 24 Feeding for breeding Nutrition of mares, foals and youngsters 31 Starting right Early attention to farriery reaps benefits 35 Ask the expert Hoofcare for a long and sound career 39 Legal matters Contracts and insurance for mares going to stud 40 Basics brought to life Jane Kidd reflects on the importance of the scales of training 45 BD National Convention Key messages from this enlightening virtual event – supported by Harrison Clark Rickerbys 50 Bodyzone Our new fitness series starts with the brain 61 BD Action BDHQ updates and members’ benefits 63 Regional Activity Contacts and Judges’ diary 66 Dressage Days Scottish breeder Caroline Ironside

E

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 3

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06/01/2021 13:09

NEWS.

BRITISH DRESSAGE

DRESSAGE RETURNS TO HICKSTEAD Dressage will continue at one of the country’s most famous venues, with Hickstead set to host the All England Dressage Festival Premier League (21-23 May) which will include classes from Advanced Medium to Grand Prix. Entries are expected from a number of British Dressage’s leading riders.

Dressage fans expressed huge disappointment when it was announced that Dressage at Hickstead, brainchild of rider Dane Rawlins and Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn and the sister site to the All England Jumping Course was to close after 27 successful years.

Competitions will now be held within the main Hickstead site, made possible due to recent investments into the showground, with more than £500,000 spent on making several existing grass rings into two vast allweather arenas, featuring top of the range Andrews Bowen surfaces.

A number of future options, including hosting existing finals and possibly an international competition in 2022, are being considered, depending on the support and interest that the initial event attracts.

NEWS

FAREWELL TO TOTILAS The legendary Totilas has died at the age of 20 after a bout of colic. Best known for his partnership with the Netherlands’ Edward Gal, the black Gribaldi stallion delivered a world record freestyle score at the 2009 European Dressage Championships at Windsor, adding the World Cup title and three gold medals at the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

Loved by fans for his flamboyant action, Totilas was sold to Schockemöhle Sports Horses for a rumoured seven figure sum in 2010 and was subsequently ridden for Germany by Matthias Rath.

He was retired in 2015 after suffering several injuries, having already established himself as a successful sire. He has several licenced sons including Toto Jr and Total US, who have been successfully competed by Edward Gal.

EQUALITY STANDARD SUCCESS British Dressage has achieved the foundation level of the Equality Standard for Sport. Owned

by UK Sport and the sports councils for the four home nations, the Equality Standard for Sport is a framework that assists sports organisations to widen access for under-represented individuals, groups and communities, and to reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity.

British Dressage has worked to develop policies, make changes to practices, and produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate its clear commitment to equality.

This portfolio has been assessed by British Equestrian and externally assessed by an independent external verifier.

“Inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of the new five-year strategy for British Dressage and it’s vitally important that we continue to promote the values of diversity and equality in everything that we do,” said Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive of British Dressage.

IN MEMORIAM Organiser Bruce Grant passed away on Boxing Day. Ever the gentleman, Bruce had a passion for dressage and headed the family run Sheepgate Equestrian, an honour which now passes to daughter Sarah.

The sport lost a great supporter in Michael Rudge in late 2020. ‘Mick’ ran the ever popular Stubbing Court Dressage with wife Frances until 2000 and was a great character who will be very much missed.

We also said a sad goodbye to the effervescent character Penny Goring – she was a fierce competitor, dressage innovator, notable journalist and a founding member of the British Dressage Supporters Club.

On behalf of the dressage community, British Dressage offers condolences to the families and connections of Bruce, Mick and Penny.

SPONSORSHIP NEWS Alongside their longstanding support of the Intermediate I National Championships, Saracen Horse Feeds will take title sponsorship of the Quest series for the next three years.

Quest is the perfect starting point for riders new to British Dressage, offering competition at Intro, Prelim and Novice.

There’s also the option of going solo in My Quest or joining up with two or three friends to compete in Team Quest. Find out more from the dedicated Quest hub on the website.

Elite Equine is to sponsor the Associated Championships for 2021. A new name to British Dressage members, Elite Equine is a premium, 100% organic rosehip powder which relieves the effect of painful arthritic conditions and delivers high levels of vitamins and antioxidants for overall health and immune support in horses and ponies.

The Associated Championships showcases the talent for dressage in a wide range of breeds of horses and ponies, from Gypsy Cobs to Natives, ROR to Veterans.

The series incorporates ten Championships which will be held in the autumn of 2021 with over 1,000 competing combinations expected to qualify.

One of Britain’s most popular saddlery brands, Ideal, returns for their fifth year supporting the Ideal Saddle Company Combined Training Championship 2021.

The series has grown in popularity and this year, there are an additional two qualifiers to the calendar. There’s also a new venue for the championship finals in Onley Grounds in Warwickshire while former host Field House remains as a qualifier venue.

Revised calendar out soon.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 5

PARA MATTERS.

PARA MATTERS LETTER FROM PARA DIRECTOR JULIE FRIZZELL

WELCOME TO 2021! fter the di culties of last year we greet the ew ear with a sense of optimism but a degree of caution. I know so many of you were impacted by I - on many fronts family home work and competing and I hope that we can get back to some sense of normality in the spring. e still achieved great things in and we must not forget that. superb uissage ulse inter hampionships were hosted by elly hompson and the team at Myerscough and we were able to salvage an autumn ara Festival at olihull which gave a renewed focus and a chance to meet up safely after months of isolation and no competition. hank you to all of you who made these competitions possible and to help our sport shine brightly in dark times.

I’m humbled by the progress we’ve made on so many fronts but particularly participation

numbers. hree years ago I rallied the troops and asked to double the number of active para dressage athletes. he numbers stood at to day I can say we have a record number of riders. ust e cellent news and there are more waiting in the wings to make the transition to B competition. ome date for your diary as you en oy the festive break and plan your year with a tub of elebrations • Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships, - March Myerscough ollege ancashire • Para Home International, prilMay eysoe Bedfordshire • Festival of Para Dressage, - une ellington iding Hampshire ates and venue of the uissage ulse ara Bron e and ilver hampionships are ust being fi nalised and the uissage ulse old hampionships will take place

at omerford ark in heshire as part of the eMieu ational hampionships in eptember e act date to be announced soon.

I’m sad to say that my time as ara irector fi nishes at the end of the year. I’ve spent seven ama ing and inspiring years on the Board and served years on regional committees but the time has come to make way for new ideas and leadership. he sport is in a position of strength and now is the time to springboard to the ne t level. strong national network supports a vibrant para community our championships break records year after year we now have dedicated training for para o cials and the pathway from grassroots to aralympics is clear so we can help every partnership realise their potential. ur links with the and B F have never been stronger and we can ensure a holistic approach to all things para. o we’ll be searching for candidates to come forward for election to take these achievements to a whole new level and build on the foundations which have been laid. lease get your thinking caps on for someone you know who has the credentials passion and drive or it could even be you e’ll be formally advertising for nominations in the spring ahead of an election at the M so keep an eye on future maga ine issues and the website. fi nal note of congratulations to our own atasha Baker who was recently elected on to the aralympics B thletes’ ommission.

I’m sure she’ll do our sport proud as well as represent the interests of athletes from all sports. ood luck with our plans remember to be fle ible adaptable and ready for every eventually certainly taught us that

LEFT: CRAIG HARRISON, WHO OVERCAME CANCER TO WIN THE BRONZE GRADE III AT THE EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA SUMMER FESTIVAL ON THOMAS X.

6 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 7

PROFILE.

BREEDING WITH PURPOSE

AFTER 45 YEARS DEDICATION TO BREEDING DRESSAGE HORSES, BRITISH HANOVERIAN HORSE SOCIETY (BHHS) CHAIRMAN KATY HOLDERVALE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN AND HAS EMBRACED HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS COME INTO PLAY IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT OF YEARS, REPORTS POLLY BRYAN.

K

aty Holder-Vale wears many hats: dressage rider, breeder, judge for the German Hanoverian Horse Society, chairman of the British Hanoverian Horse Society (BHHS), and owner of Witcham House Stud in Cambridgeshire. I wonder how she juggles it all, that is until I meet her, virtually – we’re in lockdown 2.0 after all – and realise that she is a person brimming with energy and positivity.

In her 45-year career, there are very few aspects of dressage breeding she hasn’t had a hand in, and certainly when it comes to Hanoverians. aty’s love affair with the breed began in when she was offered a Hanoverian stallion named Maple Drambuie by a friend – the alternative was that the horse would be put down.

“He was a dear horse and he proved to be a great stallion,” Katy, 63, recalls. “He was one of the fi rst Hanoverians over here in Britain and he was very popular. We’re close to Newmarket so there are a lot of thoroughbred mares in the areas, and that proved a fabulous combination. He gave me the bug for Hanoverians.”

LEFT: KATY HOLDER-VALE WITH HER STALLION FLAMMENGOLD, BY FLORESTAN, WHO SHE SAYS BREEDS IN RIDEABILITY AND TRAINABILITY. RIGHT: KATY IS CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH HANOVERIAN HORSE SOCIETY AND A JUDGE FOR THE GERMAN HANOVERIAN HORSE SOCIETY.

8 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

ABOVE: SAMBA HIT III AND FLAMMENGOLD HACKING OUT TOGETHER. BELOW: SAMBA HIT III, BY SANDRO HIT, DESCRIBED BY KATY AS ‘A COMPLETE CHARMER’.

they know they will be able to sell a foal easier if it’s by a fashionable German stallion.

“It’s hard for Brits to compete against the well promoted stallions on the Continent, so if you are standing a stallion here, you have to gain a competition record with him. In the past we had warmbloods who did nothing except look beautiful, but now to stand out your stallion has to be a competition horse.”

She uses Dimaggio as an example of a British stallion that can have the sort of impact on European breeders as we are used to foreign stallions having here.

“I was on the stallion committee [of the BHHS] when Dimaggio was a two-year-old and it was fascinating to see him develop.

He was one of the fi rst thoroughly elegant athletic stallions that really passed on that athleticism, and he came at a really good time when we had a lot of big old-fashioned mares that he crossed well with.

As well as Flammengold, whom she competed at small tour until 2018, Katy also stands the Sandro Hit son Samba Hit III, who was successful up to inter II with Gareth Hughes, and more recently Henry Boswell.

ALL PHOTOS: KEVIN SPARROW

Next came Glücksfall, a licensed stallion whom aty describes as one of the fi rst modern Hanoverians – elegant with long legs.

“From there I wanted to really understand Hanoverians, and to train as a judge,” explains Katy, who has held her full judging status for 25 years.

So what was it about Hanoverians in particular that interested her?

“Originally it was the structure and discipline behind the way the society breeds,” Katy tells me. “It’s been said that the Germans breed with their heads and the English breed with their hearts. Sometimes English breeders really get it right of course, but the Germans have always been well ahead of the game in terms of statistics and studbooks and their research into mare lines.

“I also really liked the fact that even then, they were only breeding from graded mares and licensed stallions. Consequently, selling dressage foals is easier; Hanoverian breeders are always trying to breed a product that the market wants to buy, and so they breed with purpose.”

Breeding with purpose, and for a targeted market is something Katy feels strongly about. She explains she has always bred mostly for amateurs, and as a result temperament is her main priority. She is a huge fan of Florestan, sire of her own Flammengold, one of two stallions she currently stands at Witcham House.

“Florestan always breeds in rideability and trainability, and that is worth a lot,” she says. “Flammengold also stamps his stock very strongly.”

Katy emphasises the importance of breeders making clever, educated choices, in understanding exactly what their mare brings to the table, and carefully choosing a stallion who will make valuable improvements. But she also appreciates the importance of opting for a stallion who will give foals much-needed saleability. “ hen I fi rst started breeding we didn’t have any foreign semen coming into this country – Maple Drambuie would have 40 mares in a season. But now everyone can shop abroad, and

PROFILE.

ABOVE: KATY BELIEVES THAT STALLIONS NEED A COMPETITION RECORD TO APPEAL TO BREEDERS; SAMBA HIT II HAS COMPETED TO INTER II. RIGHT: KATY HAS BEEN BREEDING HORSES FOR 45 YEARS, AND RUNS WITCHHAM HOUSE STUD AT ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE. BELOW: KATY COMPETED FLAMMENGOLD AT SMALL TOUR UNTIL 2018.

“Samba Hit is a complete charmer. He and Flammengold live next door to each other and spend all their time with their noses pressed together through the grille that divides their stables,” says Katy.

Her own breeding operation has scaled down in recent years, but she tells me that she always aims to cater to the market.

“If lots of people want foals, we breed more foals,” she says. “It’s blooming hard work; we bred up to 14 a year at one point, but this year we had four and it was fantastic. They are all better behaved because we had more

time for them. When it is harder to sell foals we take more liveries, and we also have some Flammengold children that my girls compete.”

I’m interested to hear her thoughts on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the market this year, and she admits she has been pleasantly surprised.

“In March when breeders were making their decisions, I thought they would do less and be more fi nancially cautious but that hasn’t been the case. When we came out of the fi rst lockdown it went cra y. ooking at the stats, the BHHS will register more foals this year than ever. It’s very exciting.”

The pandemic has prompted everyone to diversify, and one example of this was judging the Futurity series virtually. Again, Katy is full of positivity for this year’s new way of working.

“It was much better than we expected. I was surprised by how well we could judge the horses via video, but when you’re experienced you’ve seen most of what you need to in the fi rst two minutes.

Training in Germany, where it all happens so fast it’s unbelievable, your eye becomes quick, and you learn to look to a lot of things all at once. And of course fi rst impressions are so important.

“Some people do need to learn how to make their videos better, but it’s the same as being in the ring, where some really make the best of their horses and others don’t. We can only mark what we see, even if we know a horse could show us more.

We always want to give an animal the best mark we can.”

While it is of course the horses that make breeding so rewarding, it is people who make it happen, and Katy is as passionate about the education of breeders and investing in future human generations as she is about improving quality of stock.

“I’m proud of our British breeders – they have really educated themselves and looked at what has been successful, not only which stallions are fashionable but also what they actually bring to the table, and the importance of mare quality too. People are more discerning about the horses they put forward for grading. And the Futurity series has been brilliant for British breeding, especially having the veterinary input. It’s helped make breeders aware of things like foot balance, and how important it is in ensuring a horse moves straight.

“The standard of dressage horses in this country is going through the roof, and it’s great to see more of our top riders riding British horses,” she adds. “And we are seeing more riders getting into breeding themselves too, and that’s great. It’s not easy – having breeding horses is very different to having competition horses. But developments like embryo transfer have made an enormous difference and of course it means we have more top riders on mares now.”

Katy says her greatest motivation comes through judging, and that she is still learning all the time. She’s the sort of person to jump at every opportunity, such as judging at the world championships for young breeders, and travelling to countries like Australia and Canada to inspect horses.

Her passion for breeding is profound and, thankfully for the industry, shows no signs of waning.

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12 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

PHOTOS: KEVIN SPARROW

LEMIEUX GP CHAMPIONSHIPS.

CHARLOTTE TAKES THE

crown

TWO MAGICAL DAYS OF TOP DRAWER DRESSAGE PRODUCED A MUCH NEEDED END OF YEAR CELEBRATION FOR ALL IN THE SPORT AT THE LEMIEUX NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIPS. HOSTED BY HARTPURY, THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE A TRIUMPH AND IT WAS CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN WHO CONJURED TWO STUNNING PERFORMANCES TO TAKE THE NATIONAL CHAMPION ACCOLADE FOR A SECOND TIME. ABOVE: EMILE FAURIE GAVE HIS USUAL MASTERCLASS OF GRAND PRIX TEST RIGHT: GIO CONTINUES TO IMPRESS UNDER

RIDING WITH THEODORA LIVANOS’ DONO DI MAGGIO TO GO TOP SEVEN IN BOTH

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN – WHAT HE LACKS IN HEIGHT,

TESTS WITH 74.18% ON DAY ONE AND 78.73% FOR THEIR FREESTYLE ROUTINE.

HE MORE THAN MAKES UP IN TALENT AND ABILITY. HE WAS RUNNER UP IN BOTH CLASSES, INCLUDING A NEW FREESTYLE PB BY NEARLY 5% ON 88.05%.

RIGHT: KATE COWELL BELOW: LOYAL BD SPONSOR ROBERT LEMIEUX

AND AUDREY LAWRENCE

CONGRATULATES CHARLOTTE AND FREESTYLE.

AND CHRISTINE

THANK YOU TO ROBERT, LISA AND THE HORSE

RICHARD’S SAMBA

HEALTH/LEMIEUX TEAM FOR THEIR DEDICATION

DANCER ARE STILL

TO DRESSAGE.

COMPARATIVELY NEW TO THE TOP FLIGHT BUT THEY LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION AT HARTPURY WITH THEIR DISPLAY OF HARMONY AND PRESENCE.

ABOVE: HE MAY HAVE MISSED OUT ON HIS 11TH NATIONAL TITLE, BUT CARL HESTER HAD MUCH TO CELEBRATE WITH TWO THIRD PLACES WITH A NEW PB GP SCORE OF 77.1% AND A STUNNING 86.5% IN HIS FIRST FREESTYLE WITH CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN’S JAZZ SON EN VOGUE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 13

LEMIEUX GP CHAMPIONSHIPS. RIGHT: IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THIS DYNAMIC DUO BACK IN ACTION! HAYLEY WATSON-GREAVES, WHO’S EXPECTING A BABY GIRL WITH HUSBAND PAUL IN APRIL, AND WG RUBINS NITE LOOKED IN FINE FETTLE DESPITE OVER 17 MONTHS AWAY FROM COMPETITION.

RIGHT: LANCASHIRE RIDER LISA MARRIOTT AND HER CHARMING VALUCIO, OR ROCKET AT HOME, MORE THAN HELD THEIR OWN AND PUT UP A 70.73% SCORE IN THEIR FIRST EVER GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE – IMPRESSIVE!

ABOVE: THE NEWS THAT NIKKI BARKER IS EXPECTING A BABY GIRL WITH HUSBAND WILL IN A MATTER OF WEEKS WAS AS WELL RECEIVED AS HER TWO PERFORMANCES WITH HER OWN AND VIV GLEAVE’S IMPRESSIVE STALLION DURABLE. THEIR GP CAREER GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH – LET’S HOPE THEY HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHINE IN 2021.

RIGHT: THE PRIZE FOR THE BEST FREESTYLE MUSIC CHOICE CERTAINLY WENT TO NICOLA BUCHANAN AND HER OWN BRITISH BRED HALF MOON DARK MAGIC. THEIR FESTIVE MIX, COMPILED BY HUSBAND HARVEY, FEATURED EVERY TYPE OF CHRISTMAS TUNE KNOWN – EVEN A SAMPLE OF THE QUEEN’S SPEECH!

LEFT: RUBIN AL ASAD MAY HAVE TURNED 19 ON 1 JANUARY BUT HIS TWO PERFORMANCES WITH LARA BUTLER FOR OWNERS URSULA BECHTOLSHEIMER AND LAURA TOMLINSON CLEARLY SHOWED THAT HE JUST GETS BETTER WITH AGE. THEIR FREESTYLE PERFORMANCE TO DIRE STRAITS GAVE THEM SIXTH PLACE, JUST SHY OF 80%.

ABOVE: YOUR 2020 LEMIEUX NATIONAL CHAMPIONS – CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN WITH EMMA BLUNDELL’S MOUNT ST JOHN FREESTYLE.

14 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

LEMIEUX GP CHAMPIONSHIPS. RIGHT: SONNAR MURRAY-BROWN MADE HIS OLYMPIC SELECTION INTENT CLEAR WITH HIS OWN ERLENTANZ WITH TWO TESTS PACKED FULL OF PRESENCE, HARMONY AND CONFIDENCE WHICH THE JUDGES REWARDED WITH 74.86% AND 83.58%.

ABOVE: YES, YOU HEARD RIGHT! THAT SCORE WAS 86.5% – A HUGELY COMMENDABLE DEBUT FREESTYLE SCORE FOR CARL AND EN VOGUE.

BELOW: THEY MAY BE NEW TO THE LEVEL BUT AMY WOODHEAD AND EMMA BLUNDELL’S MOUNT ST JOHN KOM FAIRYTALE IMPRESSED ON BOTH DAYS INCLUDING A 74.78% FREESTYLE SCORE WITH HASTILY BORROWED MUSIC COURTESY OF MATT FROST.

BELOW: YORKSHIRE RIDER BECKY MOODY BROUGHT TWO HORSES AND QUALIFIED BOTH FOR THE HORSE HEALTH FREESTYLE BUT OPTED TO RIDE JUST HER OWN FAMKE PF, SAVING CARINSIO, WHO SHE OWNS WITH JULIE LOCKEY. WITH ‘IRIS’ HAVING DONE LESS THAN A HANDFUL OF GP TESTS, 74.92% WAS A GREAT PRESENT FOR TEAM MOODY.

ABOVE: CROWD PLEASERS DAN GREENWOOD AND CHEVALIER-O, OWNED BY JULIET LEIGHTON, WERE

ABOVE: CAPTION HERE.

CONSISTENT OVER THE TWO DAYS TO DELIVER TWO 67%+ PERFORMANCES.

BELOW: CAPTION HERE.

BELOW: THE DUO OF CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN AND MOUNT ST JOHN FREESTYLE WERE AT THEIR MAJESTIC BEST. THEY TOPPED THE LEMIEUX GRAND PRIX WITH 83.04% AND THEN POSTED A CAREER BEST 90.2% IN THE HORSE HEALTH FREESTYLE TO TAKE THE LEMIEUX NATIONAL CHAMPION HONOUR.

RIGHT: A COMBINATION WHICH HAS BLOSSOMED IN 2020, LAURA TOMLINSON AND ROSE OF BAVARIA, WHO SHE OWNS WITH MUM URSULA BECHTOLSHEIMER, GAVE THEIR CAMPAIGN FOR OLYMPIC SELECTION A GREAT BOOST WITH TWO TOP FIVE FINISHES.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 15

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 16

STALLIONS.

MAD ABOUT THE BOY ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PARTS ABOUT BREEDING, PARTICULARLY FOR A FIRST-TIMER, IS PICKING THE FOAL’S FATHER. HELEN TRIGGS GETS SOME TOP ADVICE FROM SOME OF BRITAIN’S MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE BREEDERS AND EXPERTS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE BEST CHOICE TO GET TO YOUR FINAL

T

DESTINATION – OFFSPRING THAT DOES THE JOB YOU WANT.

here are a huge amount of photos and videos on the internet featuring testosterone packed specimens that float around the arena showing off their spectacular movement and muscled athletic bodies. s oodlander tud’s ynne rowden says when considering potential sires all that glisters is not gold’. ou need to be able to see through the hype to select the partner for your mare that will produce the offspring to match your aspirations. our planning needs to start well before you start eyeing up the boys’. ou need to ask yourself a series of uestions fi rst Is this the only foal I intend to breed r part of an e isting breeding programme hat do I want to produce Is the offspring for me to ride or to sell If it’s to sell do you want to sell as a foal a youngster or a produced horse If it’s for you what are your ambitions and are they realistic If you produce a

big moving hyper-sensitive horse are you able to ride it and would you en oy it hen you’ve honestly decided e actly what you are looking for it’s time to evaluate the mare. If you aren’t knowledgeable enough about conformation or tend to see your horse through rose-tinted spectacles get an e pert opinion.

“I would take a good look at my mare and pick one or two things I would like to improve in the offspring then pick a stallion that is known for reliably passing on those traits. ong term soundness is very important so I pick stallions which have long and proven competition records reliability as a progenitor and e cellent conformation comments ara ongworth of averley tud.

ABOVE LEFT: SARA LONGWORTH, BREEDER OF WAVERLEY FELLINI, LOOKS FOR STALLIONS WITH LONG AND PROVEN COMPETITION RECORDS. BELOW: CONSIDER THE GOALS OF YOUR BREEDING OPERATION WHEN CHOOSING A STALLION. THIS LOVELY FOAL FROM THE HEADMORE STUD IS BY SPIELBERG - CAMARILLA-CALIMERO (DAYANO).

THE SIRE WAS SUCCESSFUL AT GRAND PRIX AND OBTAINED THE TITLE OF PREMIUM STALLION.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 17

STALLIONS.

FASHIONABLE STALLIONS

ABOVE: HAWTINS SOAVE, BY SIR DONNERHALL, WITH LUCINDA ELLIOTT. BREEDER JUDITH DAVIS SUGGESTS STUDYING YOUR MARE’S PEDIGREE AND CHOOSING A STALLION TO COMPLEMENT THE SIRES AND DAMS FEATURED. RIGHT: BRITISH BREEDING’S VIDEO LIBRARY OF THE FUTURITY EVALUATIONS IS A USEFUL RESOURCE WHEN STUDYING BLOODLINES.

“Genetic health in relation to OCD and fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) are also considerations,” points out Sara, “You need to know if your mare is WFFS positive or choose a stallion that is negative.”

“Understanding your mare’s pedigree will give you an insight into your mare and what you might be looking for in a stallion. Look at the sires and dams that feature and research their qualities and performance,” advises Judith Davis of Hawtins Stud.

Some stallions achieve status because of their own success in the show ring and that of their progeny. Some become fashionable in later life when their offspring are successful.

Some large studs have marketing machines which create a buzz around their young stallions.

“People looking to breed for themselves should be wary of focusing on the fashionable stallions. It is important they look beyond the media profi le and access the suitability of the stallion for their mare,“ says Judith Davis.

“If this is the fi rst-time breeding from your mare, it’s a good idea to choose a stallion with a proven breeding record. As you don’t yet know how your mare will breed, it will at least help to limit some of the uncertainty.”

“If I was breeding to sell a foal I might use a ‘fashionable’ stallion but that’s not for me,” said Sarah Oppenheimer whose Headmore Stud has produced a number of successful Grand Prix horses. “If I use a young stallion, I’ll look at the bloodlines and his mechanics.”

“I love Belissimo M. He doesn’t get flashy foals but produces very good adults. I’ve bred 13 from Dimaggio and he always improved on the mare’s movement.”

Emma Blundell of Mount St John is another who isn’t swayed by a stallion’s ‘fashionability’. “I use what I like,” she says. “I focus on those who are performing well or have successful offspring. For me the most important thing is

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 19

STALLIONS.

ABOVE: HEADMORE BELLA RUBY (RIGHT) DAM VIA ET OF THIS SO UNIQUE FOAL ON THE LEFT, IS HERSELF BY BELISSIMO M, OF WHOM BREEDER SARAH OPPENHEIMER SAYS ‘HE PRODUCES VERY GOOD ADULTS RATHER THAN FLASHY FOALS.’

to look critically at the mare and decide which one or two traits you would like to address. The stallion you choose may not necessarily have those traits himself but has the ability to pass them on.”

“Choose a horse that has proven performance genetics,” advises Lynne Crowden whose Woodlander stallions are all licensed internationally and are bred from successful performance sires.

DO YOUR RESEARCH There is no lack of information to help you inform your choice. Check out The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses which has decades of data, stallion performance testing results are available online and the FEI database will give you international performance results. Societies such as the KWPN and Hanoverian Verband publish breeding values data.

Talk to other breeders about the stallions they have

SHE HAS THE DAZZLE Frank and Liz Connolly’s homebred Razzle Dazzle is a second generation homebred and the grand-daughter of Liz’s daughter’s show pony, Ashdown Jewel, by Downland Folklore. “We couldn’t bear to part with Jewel so put her in foal to produce something bigger,” recalls Liz. She bred two mares from Ashdown Jewel.

Jade (by Trakhener stallion Adamello) has competed up to advanced medium with Liz and Jemarni (by Inspekteur) who Liz competed at novice.

Jemarni was a talented mare but her career was cut short after a hernia operation. Liz decided to put her into foal and attended a stallion show to find the right mate. Hanoverian stallion Ragazzo caught her eye. “He was a lovely stamp of horse, very uphill and scored 10 for

20 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

used and the characteristics they produce. Talk to the AI services about their stallions and quiz them about fertility data, breeding values and bloodlines.

If you are planning to become a long-term breeder, then take advantage of the resources of the breed societies, including breeders’ courses. The British Breeding website is a valuable resource with a video library of the Futurity evaluations so you can see live presentations of progeny together with all their breeding details.

“I’m a great believer in travelling to see the stallions I want to use,” says Reay Campbell of Caledonia Dressage.

“When you get your eyes on the horses you can pick up details of conformation you won’t see on videos. At the licensing events you can see which stallions are creating stallion sons and are replicating their best qualities.”

When mating a mare and stallion, you cannot predict the outcome but careful research can you help you limit the variables and get closer to your goal.

conformation. He was an elite sire of both jumpers and dressage horses.”

“She’s very sweet but sharp and not the easiest to ride for an aging owner! She found her way to Kim Seaby who unlocked her obvious talent and work ethic. They have climbed from novice to inter II with GP firmly in their sights.”

Liz’s foray into breeding has produced two lovely mares she has enjoyed riding and an exceptional daughter who needed a professional rider to bring out her potential. However, Liz has had the pleasure of watching Razzle come up through the levels and seeing her talent shine.

LEFT: BREEDER LIZ CONNOLLY VISITED A STALLION SHOW TO CHOOSE RAGAZZO AS A SUITABLE MATE FOR HER HOMEBRED MARE, AND THE RESULT IS RAZZLE DAZZLE, HEADING FOR GRAND PRIX WITH KIM SEABY.

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22 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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NUTRITION.

FEEDING FOR

breeding

NUTRITION PLAYS A BIG PART IN THE CORRECT DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOAL, AS WELL AS THE CONDITION OF THE DAM. STEPHANIE BATEMAN FINDS OUT WHAT TO FEED AND WHEN, AND WHY MAINTAINING THE CORRECT WEIGHT IN BOTH THE MARE AND FOAL IS VITAL.

G

ood nutrition is the key to successful breeding, the aim being to produce a healthy foal that is able to carry out the work required of it in adult life.

The development of the foal begins at conception, so the diet needs to be right from this point onwards.

“The foetus growth rate is very small during the first five months, and even at seven months’ gestation the foetus only weighs 20% of its birth weight,” explains Lizzie Drury MSc, Registered Nutritionist at Saracen Horse Feeds.

“Therefore, the mare can be fed as if she were not pregnant and care taken to ensure that she does not become overweight.” An ideal

diet would be access to a quality forage if pasture is scarce or unavailable. “The forage should be balanced with a hard feed that can be fed in small amounts to provide optimum intakes of quality protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant,” adds Lizzie. “Suitable feeds include balancers, which are typically fed at 100 grams per 100Kg BW per day.”

After seven months’ gestation, the foetus begins to develop rapidly, and its nutrient requirements become greater than the mare’s maintenance requirements.

“Energy requirements only increase 15% during pregnancy, but protein and mineral requirements increase because the foetal tissues are high in protein, calcium and phosphorous,” says Lizzie. “The mare also needs additional protein for the growth of the placenta and amniotic tissues.

This protein must be of high quality with emphasis on the range and level of essential amino acids.”

Copper and zinc also play an important role in reducing the risk of physitis, osteochondrosis, wobbler syndrome, and other developmental orthopedic disease.

“Daily concentrate feed intakes would be 2.5–3.4kg for mares

LEFT: LACTATION PLACES HIGHER NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS ON YOUR MARE THAN AT ANY OTHER STAGE OF HER LIFE. ABOVE: GETTING YOUR YOUNGSTER’S DIET RIGHT PREPARES HIM FOR THE FUTURE.

24 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

NUTRITION.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOAL BEGINS AT CONCEPTION, SO THE DIET NEEDS TO BE RIGHT FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS >550kg,” says Lizzie. “Mares that require more condition can be fed a high fat supplement at 500g-1kg per day on top of the existing ration.”

Lactation places higher nutrient demands on the mare than any other stage of her life. During the next three months milk is produced at a rate equal to 1-4% of body weight per day. Milk is rich in protein, energy, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins.

“The aim is to use the highest quality forage and keep the concentrate proportion low to avoid digestive upsets,” advises Lizzie. “Concentrate levels should be gradually increased in the later stages of pregnancy so that the mare is consuming nearly the amount required for milk production by the time she foals.”

From birth to approximately three months the foal is dependent on a milk-based diet.

“The foal will consume about

3% of its mum’s bodyweight as milk,” says Lizzie. “Further on into lactation at about five weeks the mare’s milk production will drop and while it will still facilitate growth, it will not encourage development of strong tissues and bones. Those foals that do not have access to pasture will require additional concentrates in the form of a creep feed.”

FEEDING WEANLINGS AND YOUNGSTERS From three months of age foals should ideally be introduced to a stud balancer to encourage the digestive system to adapt to hard feed in preparation for weaning.

“From this age, any foals requiring further nutritional support for condition should be fed a traditional stud cube/mix or, where this may provide too many calories, feed a reduced amount topped up with a stud balancer,” advises Liz Bulbrook

OVERWEIGHT YOUNGSTERS – THE DANGERS “The implications of obesity can affect the performance horse throughout every stage of its life, not just as an adult,” warns Professor Pat Harris, who heads the Waltham Equine Studies Group, providing the science behind the Spillers brand. “Obesity presents potential issues even before conception and can lead to reduced fertility in mares and stallions. Potentially it can have a negative impact on embryo health, especially in the first month of gestation, with possible long-term consequences.”

Overweight dams are also at risk of increased insulin resistance, and their foals may show decreased insulin sensitivity, increased lowgrade general systemic inflammation and may be at increased risk of developing osteochondrosis (OCD).

“Excessive mammary adiposity and subsequent reduced milk production can lead to reduced growth rates in foals and/or exaggerated compensatory growth rates once they have been weaned,” adds Pat. “Overweight youngsters are at increased risk of orthopaedic disease through increased weight bearing on the developing skeleton.

Excess fat in the thoracic cavity could lead to respiratory compromise, which can exacerbate reduction in performance.”

All obese horses, young or old, are likely to have an increased risk of laminitis and a poorer prognosis for recovery.

“They have reduced ability to thermoregulate and an even more reduced immune function as they age through enhanced ‘inflammaging’,” explains Pat. “It is usually much easier to prevent obesity than to manage the obese individual. Ideally you should work with your vet and nutritionist, using a weighbridge periodically for accuracy and then assessing and recording condition and weight regularly through evaluating body condition and using a weigh tape. This will help you notice any changes promptly and take immediate steps to stop any excessive weight gain getting out of hand.”

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 25

NUTRITION.

BALANCERS FOR BREEDING STOCK A feed balancer is a very nutrient dense feed, so only a small amount needs to be fed to achieve the same level of nutrition in most compound feeds.

“The benefit is that hard feeds are going to be smaller and forage intake is then maximised which results in a more natural way of feeding,” explains Anna Welch from TopSpec. “A stud feed balancer should supply optimal levels of vitamins, minerals and trace elements as well as high quality protein without excessive calories. This will support healthy growth of the youngster without over topping them.”

Most will be low in sugar and starch and cereal and grain free as well which can be beneficial from the point of view of avoiding developmental issues such as ulcers.

“In a good balancer you’ll have the correct ratio of calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese and vitamin K for bone development and healthy musculoskeletal system,” says Anna. “There should also be a hoof supplement and a pre and pro biotic.”

A foal who has stressed off condition through weaning may need additional feed alongside their balancer, whereas an over-conditioned foal will need a lighter version.

“A conditioning balancer will improve the utilisation of everything else the horse eats, meaning they will be less likely to need additional supplement or feed,” says Anna. “If you have a youngster who does well, the light version would be more appropriate as it will give them the vitamins, mineral and trace elements without the additional calories.”

MEGAN DENT PHOTOGRAPHY

26 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BSc (Hons), Director of Nutrition at Baileys Horse Feeds. “The aim should be to have the youngster’s diet established before weaning to reduce stress and the associated loss of condition.”

Should the stress of weaning cause loose droppings, a digestive enhancer such as a pre- or probiotic may help.

At 12 months of age the typical yearling should have achieved 90% of its mature height, 95% of its bone length and 75% of its adult weight.

“By following the same feeding principles introduced from 3-6 months of age, the nutritional demands of the yearling will be met in a safe and e cient form says Liz. “For the larger framed yearling re uiring muscle to fi ll out without weight gain, feed a low-calorie stud balancer diet.

The quality protein supplied by stud balancers not only supports growth but also promotes muscle development.”

Whether pasture or barn kept during winter, the growing youngster should ideally consume hay or haylage equivalent to a minimum of 1% of bodyweight.

“The better the quality of the forage, the lower the risk of ‘hay belly’, but, if the nutritional quality of the forage is in

uestion an alfalfa chaff may be fed alongside it,” says Liz. A well-grown, well-muscled youngster will better withstand the stresses associated with being broken and worked under saddle.

“While the three- or fouryear-old may have reached his adult height, his body will still be maturing and therefore requirements for nutrients remain for development and now, for work,” says Liz. “At two years of age it is acceptable to introduce a youngster to an ‘adult’ ration where the choice of feed will still be dictated by body condition but also temperament.”

ABOVE: CREEP FEEDING FOALS CAN PROVIDE NUTRITION IF PASTURE IS POOR, AND HELPS THEIR DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS ADJUST TO CONCENTRATE FEED, REDUCING STRESS AT WEANING. BELOW: THE FOAL CAN BE INTRODUCED TO A STUD BALANCER FROM THREE MONTHS OF AGE.

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28 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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SARACEN HORSE FEEDS LEVEL GROW CUBES™ have been formulated to provide a low glycaemic response after feeding which helps to maintain normal skeletal development. The mix is based on highly digestible ‘Super-Fibres’ and oil to provide a balanced energy source for daily weight gain and steady growth rates, as well as supporting manageable behaviour in young horses. The cubes contain our Stamm 30® stud balancer to ensure the essential vitamins and minerals are being received on a daily basis.

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30 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

FARRIERY FOR YOUNGSTOCK.

FEET FIRST GIVING A FOAL THE BEST START IN LIFE MEANS PUTTING FEET FIRST, AND THE VALUE OF CORRECT FARRIERY IN EARLY LIFE SHOULD NEVER BE UNDERESTIMATED. EXPERTS AGREE IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT FOALS SHOULD RECEIVE HOOF CARE WITHIN WEEKS OR EVEN DAYS OF BEING BORN. BARBARA YOUNG REPORTS.

L

eading farriers and breeders advise that early corrective trimming, to ensure foot balance, is one of the building blocks for establishing soundness and athletic prospects.

“Regular foot trimming is absolutely vital from an early age, the sooner the farrier deals with an irregularity, the better the outcome,” says Theresa Oakes of Penhaligon Stud in Shropshire.

“It’s a slow process to rectify a misalignment, so we would have the farrier out every four weeks to steadily balance the foot.”

Some aspects of foot care can even impact a foal’s limb anatomy for life. “A lot of what you do to the horse as a foal is going to affect the animal as an adult. Our foals are checked at two weeks old to rectify any issues with their foot balance,” explains Theresa. “Quite

often, a foal can be born with slight deviations in straightness.

If these deviations are treated by a competent farrier as early as possible, this is can normally be put right in a few trims.

“We’re lucky to have a world champion farrier in Jim Blurton of Forden Farriers, who looks out for any abnormalities. We’re very aware that the vital time for rectifying problems is the first si months prior to the joint growth plates closing. Once this has occurred, there is not much you can do.”

Cotswolds-based farrier Barry Payne has worked alongside leading vets all over the country, including Bourton Vale Equine Clinic and Hook Norton Veterinary Group, and is established as a valued expert in treating foals.

Barry, who is soon to retire, says he is usually called out to

IF DEVIATIONS ARE TREATED BY A COMPETENT FARRIER AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, THEY CAN NORMALLY BE PUT RIGHT IN A FEW TRIMS RIGHT: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOOVES AS A FOAL CAN AFFECT ITS PROSPECTS AS AN ADULT SO EARLY ATTENTION TO FARRIERY IS ESSENTIAL.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 31

FARRIERY FOR YOUNGSTOCK.

look at a foal in the first few weeks of its life or even sooner if the breeder has concerns.

“I would usually treat a foal about a week or fortnight after it’s born and trim according to what’s needed e plains Barry. “ hen I first visit I look at the foal stood up - you want to see two straight front legs - then watch it walk and study the way the foot falls and hooves strike the ground. Ideally you want the foot to land level but the ma ority of foals’ feet land to the outside which is where correct trimming comes in to help prevent lameness issues developing in later life. egular foot balancing with additional support of plastic e tensions where necessary allows the foal to grow as straight as possible while trimming keeps the weight of the foal evenly distributed over the limbs. lthough the foal’s hoof may be trimmed more often than that of a mature horse less hoof is removed and ust the e cess wall is trimmed down.

Barry believes that many of the problems found in foal foot conformation today lies in e cessive feeding of mares. “ od’s green grass is the best thing in the world for mares and foals. If you talk to the old stud grooms in racing the only time they used to feed their mares was if they were looking a bit poor coming up to ovember so they might give them a few stud nuts ahead of foaling in anuary or February but now you’ll see people feeding all the year round.

Barry also points out that as foals’ feet grow twice as fast as those of adult horses the natural wear to hooves of foals born in the wild differs dramatically to those of future performance horses.

DRESSAGE HORSES ARE OFTEN ASKED TO TURN VERY SHORT AND IF THEY ALSO HAVE UNBALANCED FEET, THEY’LL GO LAME FOR TWO OR THREE STRIDES AFTERWARDS “If a foal is born in the wild within uarter of an hour it’s got to be up and on the move or it gets eaten. It would do miles of walking a day following the herd’s leader so the hooves begin to wear straight away he e plains. “However for domestic horses it’s a different story which is why farriers are called in at an early stage to trim. heresa says that it’s essential to have a calm uiet farrier who will be compassionate when handling young foals. “ e handle our foals from birth to pick up their feet some are very willing while others need more time but they have to learn that this is their normal routine.

Because our youngsters are handled from birth we find they are accepting of new e periences with trust and willingness. ccording to Barry many foals are born with irregular foot conformation such as upright feet which re uire immediate attention. “ ith an upright foal the farrier needs to get there within a day or so because the sooner you can trim that foot down it will begin to walk more correctly Barry e plains. “If it’s not landing level or is bent over at the knee we would look at fitting a lightweight plastic e tension.

It’s a bit like planting a young tree and putting a supporting stick ne t to it to help it grow straight. hen using the plastic e tensions we don’t build up we

build out and let that stay on for four or five weeks with regular trimming each week. If not resolved this would have a long term effect on performance for the rest of its life. “ ears ago before plastic we would put a tiny three- uarter shoe but this crushed the oints above and risked ossification so foals would be written off. “ ith long-legged foals you’ll see them rest one leg when they’re eating which will make that hoof become more upright as the tendons contract.

Barry reveals that antibiotic in ections can also play their part in correcting upright feet and he would like to see more veterinary research into the connection to knee oint lameness.

“In cases of foals with very upright feet it’s now routine to administer a strong dose of antibiotics which will take the foot down in ust two or three hours which is absolutely ama ing. “ ressage horses are often asked to turn very short and if they also have unbalanced feet they’ll go lame for two or three strides afterwards. In . of cases the problem is incorrect foot balance where the knee is taking all the stress and those tiny oint capsules are getting bruised because the knee is rotating every time the foot hits the floor. “ here’s no doubt about it correct farriery early on can prevent performance problems in later life.

LEFT: THE IRREGULAR FOOT CONFORMATION OF THERESA OAKES’ FOAL DUNCAN WAS PICKED UP BY HER FARRIER, ITS IMPACT REVEALED ON AN X-RAY AND CORRECTIVE SHOEING USED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. LOWER HOUSE EQUINE CLINIC AT LLANYMYNECH.

32 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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34 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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A SOUND BASE FOR PERFORMANCE ABOVE: INTENSIVE WORK PROGRAMMES, ARTIFICIAL RIDING SURFACES, LONG COMPETITION SEASONS AND STABLING ON DRY SURFACES CAN ALL PLACE ADDITIONAL STRAIN ON THE HOOVES OF A DRESSAGE HORSE.

CAN YOU BUILD A HOOF FOR DRESSAGE? BEN BENSON AWCF MASTER FARRIER AND

W

NAF’S NUTRITION TEAM LOOK AT HOW CARE AND NUTRITION CAN HELP.

orkloads and environmental stresses can quickly expose any weakness in an initially healthy foot. Increased farriery visits, remedial shoeing and focused nutrition can help support the weakened hoof, but what is the recipe for success?

Ben Benson, Team GBR Farrier, comments: “As farriers we have seen a marked change in the way horses are managed over the last 20 years. More horses are stabled and schooled on manmade surfaces. If not managed proactively, this can have a hugely negative impact on the health of our horses’ feet.”

Sometimes it can be as simple as good foot maintenance such as picking the feet out properly, he explains: “Ensure the hoof pick goes under the inner rim of the shoe and down each side and in the middle of the frog. As time goes we see more horses washed off each day rather than the traditional grooming routine they once had. Horses are also stabled on rubber matting and for longer than before.”

Ben points out that we have witnessed a huge change in the intensity and style of riding in the UK. “The technical ability and standard across the board has increased over the last 20 years and as a result we see more horses worked harder on surfaces. We have also seen an increase in the length of the sport’s season with some horses performing 12 months a year, and to an older age. As farriers we are

much more aware of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and as a result we have a much greater understanding of how we can support horses to maintain their soundness.

He comments that the different types of synthetic surfaces each bring a different type of footing, resistance and energy absorption.

“This also requires horses to cope with different levels of deceleration and tor ue through their feet and joints when they work

HOOF DRESSINGS Products ideally should be applied daily. If your horse has fantastic feet, using an application regularly will help to protect the horn for the future. Helping to prevent bacteria gaining access to a small crack and creating havoc with your otherwise healthy hoof should be a safeguarding approach.

Dressage horses are regularly exposed to dry surfaces for training, on top of the dry bedding we stable on. The right daily external support gets to work straight away to nourish the horn as well as protect it without forming a barrier as the horn has to breathe.

Dressings should have the ability to penetrate the structure itself and not sit on top leaving a greasy residue. They should also be able to protect the horn from environmental threats and protect clenches/nail holes and cracks/splits from contact with anaerobic bacteria.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 35

ASK THE EXPERT.

ABOVE: BEN BENSON WITH STEPH SHARPLES OF TEAM HUGHES, APPLYING NAF PROFEET. BELOW: IF YOUR HORSE NEEDS A HOOF SUPPLEMENT, CHECK IT CONTAINS MORE THAN JUST BIOTIN.

through the corners. All of these have a huge impact over time on the horse’s body and to farriers, most importantly, on the hoof wall and inner foot structures.”

“If injury or pathological changes such as sidebone or tendon/ligament injuries have occurred, we can only support the horse by fitting a shoe to help the area taking into account the horse’s conformation. This means an increased shoe size that needs to sit outside the hoof capsule and with that comes increased leverage on the hoof wall.”

1

“Where environmental conditions have had an influence you can see hoof walls becoming stressed and failing, shoes coming loose or feet getting flatter with collapsing heels. his can then create a downwards spiral as the farrier then has to work harder to stabilise the feet whilst also stabilising the limb when the horse is working.

Ben points out that using a high quality hoof product that penetrates the hoof wall, without being so oily that it over-moisturises, and soaks in to give nourishment and fle ibility is fundamental to maintaining sound and healthy feet. here poor growth is witnessed looking to a trusted manufacturer of supplements is always the farrier’s ne t recommendation he says. “ ome make ama ing claims but my port of call would always be the supplier that can prove and deliver a high quality product, while also having solid clean sport policy.

“Maintaining happy and healthy farriers is also key. emember the little things your horses being in and ready for shoeing with clean dry feet, while warm bacon sandwiches with flowing cups of tea will always put you at the top of the emergency list!”

For more information on hoof care, call the NAF Nutrition Team on 0800 373106 or email info naf-uk.com

NUTRITION Signs that the horse needs a hoof supplement in their daily feed • Reduced horn quality • Struggling to keep shoes on between visits • Cracks/brittle horn • Injury • Poor growth leading to difficulties fulfilling a successful shoeing process What to look for in a hoof supplement • Biotin, naturally produced by microbial synthesis in the horse’s hindgut – of which levels produced tend to be sufficient for general health. However, where poor hoof health and quality is seen, research1 has shown feeding 15-25mg of Biotin has helped to improve hoof growth rates.

• Methionine converts to cystine which accounts for around a quarter of the total amino acids in keratin. Formation of keratin is vital for hoof structure and soundness; it has a low moisture content, which is why the hoof wall is firm and coarse. Hoof horn with low methionine, and as a result, low cystine, can appear to be tacky and soft to the touch.

• Lysine is known as the ‘first limiting amino acid’ and is a building block of protein.

Deficiencies can limit the synthesis of proteins and therefore prevent the uptake of essential amino acids.

• MSM donates sulphur to support the overall function and capability of each area. Connective tissues benefit from MSM as it plays a crucial role in helping to maintain their overall health and elasticity due to its high absorption rate.

• Zinc cares for connective tissue, growth, repair and the maintenance of cells throughout the body. It functions by helping increase blood flow to areas that are often overlooked and provides immune support.

• Antioxidants help flush out free radical toxins that can accumulate in areas of stress and upset the horse’s natural homeostasis. Supporting with antioxidants helps to effectively restore the area to its healthy state.

Josseck H et al (1995) Hoof horn abnormalities in Lipizzaner horses and the effect of dietary biotin on macroscopic aspects of hoof quality. Equine Veterinary Journal. 27. 175-182

36 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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38 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

LEGAL AND INSURANCE.

Get coverings COVERED IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BREEDING FROM YOUR MARE, OR MAKING YOUR STALLION AVAILABLE AT STUD, LEGAL AND INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS SHOULD BE PROMINENT ON YOUR ‘TO DO’ LIST. HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS AND SHEARWATER INSURANCE OFFER SOME ADVICE.

T

he key issues to be considered should ideally set out in a formal written ‘contract of service by a stallion’.

A contract will include standard provisions surrounding details of the parties to the contract (i.e. the name and addresses of the mare and stud owners), the name of the mare and stallion, their age and passport number, the method of breeding, the time and place of breeding and the breeding fee. However, certain bespoke provisions should be put in place to safeguard against disputes.

FAILURE TO CONCEIVE OR PRODUCE A ‘VIABLE FOAL’ It is widely accepted that stud agreements will contain a clause on failure to conceive or produce a ‘viable foal’. When considering such clauses, it is important to consider what recompense, if any, will be provided.

Breeders will seek to avoid an industry rumour that their stallion is not producing viable semen or that any guarantees on the birth of a live foal are not being satisfied. herefore often a clause in the contract will provide that in the case of a failed conception or birth of a ‘viable foal’, the mare will either be served in the next season free of charge or at a discounted rate (commonly half of the stud fee).

CONDITIONS OF BOARDING It should be considered how long the mare will remain at the stud, the weekly grass fee for each mare/mare with foal and the fee to keep the mare/mare and foal in stable.

LIABILITY FOR INJURIES The stud agreement should address who is liable if there is an injury or death to a mare or stallion. It is commonplace for stud agreements to provide that a stallion owner will not be liable for any injury, however it is caused, to any mare or foal at service.

In the event that a stallion should be injured or die prior to breeding, the contract ought to provide for a refund of the breeding fee or allow the mare owner to breed from a different stallion.

DEALING WITH DISPUTES It is common for agreements to contain a clause that provides a mechanism for disputes to be resolved. Sometimes it is said that these are to be resolved by arbitration, or by determination by a third party.

It is di cult to guard against every eventuality when drawing up an agreement. However, the equine legal specialists at Harrison Clark Rickerbys can help. Please feel free to use your British Dressage members’ benefit and call the legal helpline if you have any uestions 08450 178 601.

INSURANCE Where insurance for vet’s fees is concerned, cover for the routine care for mares in foal is not covered, but any complications requiring veterinary attention to the mare is. Insurance only extends to the insured mare and not the foal they are carrying.

Some insurers will require owners to notify them of a change of horse address, when going to stud. Shearwater Insurance works with a selection of underwriters all with different re uirements. e’d therefore always advise owners to notify their brokers, and insurers, of any changes.

Foals will require their own insurance. Mortality cover is available from 24 hours old and full cover is available from 90 days.

For those looking at a more extensive breeding operation, hearwater is able to offer a specialist stud insurance option 367110. This would provide cover for care, custody and control, legal expenses, death due to accident, illness, disease or an accident in transit and even loss of an unborn foal following accident or illness.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 39

DRESSAGE BASICS.

BASICS BROUGHT TO LIFE

ABOVE: PRESENTED ONLINE IN 2020, THE BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION GAVE RIDERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH THE BASICS IN ACTION.

INSPIRED BY THE BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION, JANE KIDD REFLECTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BASICS AND HOW THE CONVENTION GAVE AN OUTSTANDING PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF THESE KEY FACTORS IN DRESSAGE.

T

he happy athlete – that is our goal, but how do we get there?

The technical requirements are clear but what is much more di cult to grasp are the basics. Judges, trainers and riders have had the training scale drilled into them, that it is rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness that we must keep foremost in our minds.

THE FEI DIRECTIVES

THE SCALES OF TRAINING

The FEI describe this training scale as: ‘the most important guideline for trainers, riders and judges’, and ‘a systematic physical education of a horse, a gymnasticising program to develop the horse’s natural physical and mental aptitudes’, and ‘developed over the centuries as a method to train horses harmoniously and to keep the horses sound’.

The scales of training are recognised generally and more and more people can list them, but this is only the start. Until it is much more than a list they are di cult to achieve. It is easier to understand what it is to make a square halt or shoulder in at an angle of 30degrees etc, but it is the way that these movements are done, the realisation of the basics for the level that is the essence.

What is more, when the basics are in place it is much easier to achieve the technical requirements.

THE THEORY • Rhythm: the paces are regular and in an appropriate consistent tempo • Suppleness: muscles and joints are flexible to both directions • Contact: horse works forward with acceptance into a steady elastic feel from the mouth • Impulsion: power being generated in the hindquarters passes through the horse’s body to be controlled by the rider’s hand • Straightness: the horse remains straight on lines that are direct or curved • Collection: the transfer of the balance to increase the weight on the hindquarters as the strides shorten and lift.

RIGHT: A BALANCED RIDER WHO CAN GIVE CLEAR AIDS HELPS THE HORSE TO DEVELOP THE BASICS.

40 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

DRESSAGE BASICS.

RIGHT: A SESSION STARTED WITH A CHECK ON THE RHYTHM OF THE PACES AND IT WAS THE WALK THAT WAS MOST VULNERABLE TO DEFICIENCIES. FAR RIGHT: ESTABLISHING A BANANA SHAPED BEND AROUND THE INSIDE LEG THAT DEVELOPS SUPPLENESS AND IF EQUAL TO BOTH SIDES STRAIGHTNESS. BOTTOM RIGHT: CARRYING THE NECK HIGH WHILE MAINTAINING A GOOD CONTACT AND SUPPLENESS THROUGH IT.

NEGLECT OF THE RIDER he fi rst step is for the riders to have their own basics in place. hey have to help the horse not hinder it with clumsy aids and an unstable posture. he aim is to say clearly what they want with their leg seat and hand aids and to do this from a balanced and ultimately supple and influential seat. hese are what have to be worked on before there can be e pectations of teaching the horse much. oo often this stage has been skipped in this country and greater emphasis could be placed on it.

More tests assessing the rider not the horse as in ermany and more trainers taking the risk of disturbing their clients by focusing on the way they ride the horse rather than only the horse would be helpful.

many of the same points were worked on with each of the horses establishing those same but increasingly demanding basics at the level. his made the technical re uirements of a movement better.

THE RHYTHM hythm is the foundation for a dressage horse and any flaws in the regularity correct se uence were not brushed over by our premier udge tephen larke. Much encouragement was given also to keep a consistent tempo speed of the rhythm when going from one length of stride to another and one movement to another. his helps to build up power and to make the horse more supple.

THE SUPPLENESS uppleness was a fre uent area of attack through all the grades. I liked Ferdi ilberg’s split into natural suppleness fle ibility of the muscles ligaments and oints and submissive suppleness the horse is su ciently through’ to react without losing the malleability softness .

It is the suppleness of the back that is so crucial to the novice horse starting to establish the basics and its correct muscle power. It takes time before there are signs that it is working. onger strides tracking up in the trot and stretching forward to the bit are the indicators that suppleness of the back

VISUAL OPPORTUNITY he ma ority of dressage people are practical people learning by actually seeing feeling and riding those basics. Being able to recite what they should be is the start but understanding all that each basic encompasses comes from intensive watching and listening teaching and riding. great opportunity for that intensive watching was given to us at the B onvention this year. here is a report in this maga ine and I would like to connect my words with some points that might help bring the scales come more alive.

THE SYSTEM hat systematic education was well illustrated by the obvious changes in the horses from novice to grand pri . It was clear too that

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 41

DRESSAGE BASICS.

is increasing and it is these same indicators that are looked for all the way up the grades.

Suppleness is forever needing attention.

The other area of suppleness that was mentioned often at the Convention was the neck. Tackling tension in the neck (pulling back or blocking with the reins usually makes it worse is particularly important to achieving the next of the scales – contact.

THE CONTACT Contact is made by the horse working forward to the bit and this is only possible if the rider can use the driving aids without the horse going faster. Ferdi appeared to follow the advice I was given by his ‘mentor’ Reiner Klimke, to make the horse somewhat lazy before pushing it forward. Then it can be encouraged by the rider to stretch forward,

the rider keeping the contact into a relatively long and low stretch, initially for some months with the young horse and usually at the beginning and end of work sessions with most horses.

This same feeling of elastic stretchiness is what is needed in the hands whether the horse is being ridden up or forward and down.

THE IMPULSION Impulsion was asked for frequently in terms of energising, revving the engine, making more ambitious, especially with the more advanced horses. A tool to achieve this was speeding up the hind leg action, the rider giving quicker aids and thinking faster. The success of this

varied according to the strength of the horse’s connection between the hind legs and the contact felt in the rider’s hands, so that the momentum went through a supple back and neck.

THE STRAIGHTNESS Ferdi gave a less common valuable approach to straightness when he worked on the young horse by using serpentines. The aim was to ride towards a ‘banana’ shaped bend around the rider’s inside leg (not just a bend in the neck and that the rider worked towards making this bend the same on both sides.

THE COLLECTION Collection is the gathering of power into shorter strides. What is critical is making sure that as the horse is brought back to carry more of its weight on its hindquarters so that the energy is not lost by slowing the strides but is even increased by using the aids positively to energise the horse.

THE OPPORTUNITY These are glimpses of an invaluable overall picture of what the basics means and you can see for yourself on catch up with Horse & Country, you can still purchase a ticket.

For my part thank you Stephen Clarke, Ferdi Eilberg, Peter Storr and Clive Halsall as well as the commentator Bobby Hayler for giving us such a high class educational opportunity.

ABOVE: A WELL ENERGISED HIND LEG. LEFT: HIND LEG ACTION THAT WILL PROPEL THE HORSE INTO A GOOD EXTENDED TROT.

42 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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THE BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION

TRAINING TO TEST RIDING

W

IN ASSOCIATION WITH HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS

e were delighted to assemble British team medallist Ferdi Eilberg alongside FEI 5* Judges, Stephen Clarke, Clive Halsall and Peter Storr at Cotswold Club Equestrian on 2122 November 2020. With restrictions on spectator events, the training forum was held behind closed doors; however, in an innovative new move, it was broadcast on a pay per view basis via Horse & Country for viewers to watch from the comfort of home.

Starring a selection of combinations from Novice to Grand Prix, Saturday covered training practices to develop the horse whilst Sunday’s focus was presentation and test riding. Joanna Bowns summarises some of the key themes from this inspiring weekend.

DAY ONE From the Saddle, with Stephen Clarke and Ferdi Eilberg Rider: Roberto Scalisi (right) Novice horse: Laurentia (mare, 4yo, Blue Hors Zack x Painted Black, owner: Debbie Stibbe).

Impression: Beautiful, quality horse. A lot of

natural reaction and a good engine. Willing and polite, uphill and active, good balance and going forward for herself. Connection and contact could be more consistent.

Messages: • The dressage horse must learn to use its energy in connection with a supple body.

• Suppleness of the back in trot often improves after a period of canter.

• Serpentines promote suppleness and use of the body.

• The eager horse must relax onto the aids and allow the rider to influence the pace.

• Work on a circle helps contain and balance the horse.

• For bigger strides, ask the young horse little by little – think of pushing a lever rather than fl icking a switch.

Rider: Phoebe Peters (above right) Elementary horse: Trojaner 9 (gelding, 5yo, Tomahawk x Fürstenball, owner: Vanessa Knight).

Impression: Attractive horse. Ground covering walk. Trot shows elastic, regular cadence. Connection is secure.

Much ability to cover ground.

Phoebe sits very well and thinks in an uphill way. Canter has clear rhythm, it could have more balance.

They create a lovely picture.

Messages: • Have collection and adjustment in mind now so it doesn’t come as a surprise later.

• A big horse with big paces will take longer to develop collection.

• Frequent transitions, including within the pace, quicken the horse.

• The horse must always know he needs to take his energy under the body.

• You sometimes have to ‘disturb’ the horse a little so that he wakes up to considering doing something differently put him a little out of his comfort zone.

• Demand more for a short period of time – indicate to him what the future holds.

Rider: Elice Willet (top) Medium horse: Gerento (gelding, 9yo, Sorento x Don Primaire, owner: rider).

Impression: Horse is fluent and correct.

A pleasing partnership. Stephen and Ferdi would like to see Elice raise her expectation and make more of the horse’s ability. Dramatic improvement as the session progressed.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 45

THE BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION.

Messages: • Horse must be supple enough to deal with the energy.

• Keep him round in the neck through movements and transitions.

• Activate to the canter and develop it.

• Disturb the horse a little – develop his incentive to go forwards.

• Periodically go rising to allow the back to swing in the medium trot.

In the flying change insist he stays under behind.

• Straightness comes from suppleness.

• Keep suppleness alive in the neck, gently feeding the engagement into cadence.

• If the horse falls onto the shoulder in the extension, vibrate the hand and keep the head up.

• Make small interferences to point the horse into better balance.

Rider: Roberto Scalisi (right) Advanced Medium horse: Billy Elliot (gelding, 11yo, Soliman de Hus x Grand Cru, owner: Debbie Stibbe).

Impression: Walk is clear and easy to develop for collection and extension. Trot is regular and balanced, could have more energy and elasticity.

Horse has correct reactions and creates a nice picture but is a little underpowered. A lot of ability for flying changes. oncluded the session looking impressive.

Messages: • Simple changes indicate the reaction for the flying change. nergy must flow through the body without restrictions.

• Travers (as pictured) occupies the canter and helps with suppleness. nhance the lateral neck fle ion in canter half pass as a gymnastic exercise.

• Ride medium to collected canter with a series of half halts to keep the horse on the hind leg.

Rider: Lucinda Elliot (right) PSG horse: Hawtins Bellegra (mare, 9yo, Belissimo M x Weltmeyer, owner: Judith Davis).

Impression: Powerful horse. Trot is well engaged with a super hind leg. Clear, regular, full of impulsion. Balance sometimes goes a little into rider’s hand but good enthusiasm. Lucinda sits well and is able to influence the horse well.

Messages:: • Work a little on passage. It helps elasticity and submission and aids the transition to higher levels. he horse must offer energy from the hind leg to a polite contact.

• Prepare for the future – increase adjustability so that everything is on tap.

• Keep the horse round and pliable (as pictured) when collecting the canter. at the horse to give confidence.

• Suppleness allows a big-framed horse to come smaller.

• Approach canter pirouettes in shoulder-fore to help the shoulder into the turn.

• In the trot extension stay in touch with the contact to maintain softness.

Rider: Caitlin Burgess (left) Inter I horse: Chocotof (gelding, 13yo, Lord Leatherdale x Negro, owner: rider).

Impression: Elastic impression in the trot.

Horse shows straight fluent uphill se uence changes. uiet yet effective riding. onsistent harmonious partnership that would benefit from further developing the collection.

Stephen commented on super reactions from horse and rider during the session.

Messages: • If you have to look after your horse’s walk rhythm, only walk when you can pay it your full attention.

46 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

• Vary the trot half pass – collect and energise then open the stride and repeat. Keep it alive.

• Create energy and transform it back into cadence.

• When training canter pirouettes, don’t worry about the place or size. Imagine a metronome. Think 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and the moment the horse slows, energise.

• Increase collection before coming into the pirouette, create activity, and then you have control.

Rider: Dan Greenwood (below) Grand Prix horse: Chevaler-O (gelding, 13yo, Lord Leatherdale x Negro, owner: Juliet Leighton).

Impression: Impressive techni ue and ability. More energy and suppleness now re uired. assage very nice easy and natural. Horse has real highlights and as the session progressed demonstrated high uality work.

Messages: It’s healthy to let piaffe travel forward a little.

• Transitions are where it happens. If reaction and engagement is good, the horse is set up.

• Horses need to be fully committed to give maximum expression.

• Teach him to have higher expectations of himself. ood techni ue of collection enables you to ride for greater expression.

• Don’t support the horse too much. Be the defibrillator not the life support machine • Keep the hind legs swinging forward in passage to keep it alive. This stops them drying up into piaffe.

• The horse should feel some urgency – going for himself ready to offer more. If he doesn’t offer remind him then sit still.

• Ingredients for a pirouette: collection that waits, energy, bend. Bend releases the balance.

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Diamond, owner: Samantha Britton).

Score: P Storr (C) 72.81%, C Halsall (B) 71.70%, Spectator App 71.46% Messages: To access the back, it’s OK to ride the horse lower in the poll, just make sure he doesn’t become short in the neck. Staying up in the back is where the development lies.

Stretching and changing the outline helps develop suppleness and access to the hind legs.

MEDIUM 75

DAY TWO From the Judges Box, with Clive Halsall and Peter Storr Combinations rode a test at their respective level in front of Peter and Clive who afterwards engaged in fascinating discussions on marks given. Viewers watching live could put their skills to the test with the Spectator Judging App, submitting their scores in real time.

NOVICE 37A Rider: Imogen Jones Horse: Kastello (gelding, 5yo, Blue Hors Zack x Krack C, owner: rider).

Score: P Storr (C) 73.50%, C Halsall (B) 70.90%, Spectator App 70.18% Messages: udges marks will always differ as they see different things depending on where they’re positioned. The judge can allow a little progression in the transition to halt. Obedience and immobility are more important than squareness. A horse must show acceptance of the contact, throughness, balance and ease of movement for a high mark. Collectives must reflect what’s gone on in the body of the test.

ELEMENTARY 59 Rider: Darren Hicks Horse: Woodcroft Django Mon Ami (gelding, 6yo, Dante Weltino x Really

Rider: Kathleen Keller Horse: Flanell (stallion, 9yo, Fidertanz x De Niro, owner: Helga Stotmeister).

Score: P Storr (C) 77.02%, C Halsall (B) 78.70%, Spectator App, 74.98% Messages: Simple changes show the throughness in transitions and clarity of walk.

It helps to be working at a higher level at home. If riding a test without flying changes stop training them a few days before. There was a disparity between the Spectator App score and those of the judges, which comes down to the confidence to give higher marks.

Marks are deducted for mistakes but quality must be rewarded.

ADVANCED MEDIUM 98 Rider: Sarah Cheetham Horse: Stoibers Black Pearl (mare, 10yo, Stoiber SN x Sir Donnerhall, owner: rider, Sandra Grede and Fabian Rammenzweig).

Score: P Storr (C) 71.05%, C Halsall (B) 69.47%, Spectator App 63.56% Messages: Think shoulder-fore on the centre line to improve straightness. Ride accurately to save giving marks away. Contact and bend in the half pass improves suppleness.

Keep the poll up if horse has tendency to go too deep. Maintain impulsion in extended paces – don’t allow the power to fade. Ensure horse is equal in both reins otherwise it will catch up with you in the lateral work.

PRIX ST GEORGES Rider: Darren Hicks Horse: Hemisphere (gelding, 12yo, Hofrat x Daylight, owner: Vanessa Chinn).

Score: P Storr (C) 73.16%, C Halsall (B) 71.00%, Spectator App 72.89% Messages: You don’t have to have the biggest mover to earn marks. It’s about accuracy and riding movements well. If a horse is ticking along scoring 7s and 7.5s,

48 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

they all add up. It’s better than trying for spectacular and pushing the horse out of rhythm and balance. To position half passes, think of riding travers across the diagonal.

INTERMEDIATE I Rider: Katie Bailey (above right) Horse: Hillgrounds Wolkenhall (gelding, 9yo, Wolkenderry, owner: rider).

Score: P Storr (C) 78.16%, C Halsall (B) 74.40%, Spectator App 74.16% Messages: The transition out of the halt and rein back is important, it is directly to trot.

The judge is looking for suppleness, relaxation and purpose in the extended walk. In the HIBP extended walk movement, the degree of di culty is in the ability to swiftly collect for the canter transition so ride your extended walk to nearly P before collecting. A rider completely in control of the pirouette can place each step. This earns a high mark.

GRAND PRIX Rider: Kathleen Keller (top left) Horse: Hampton Court (gelding, 12yo, Hofrat x Walt Disney, owner: Gunter Boeckmann).

Score: P Storr (C) 70.40%, C Halsall (B) 73.00%, Spectator App 72.28% Messages: Allow it to not be perfect in order to keep the horse’s confidence. hen there’s a mistake, the judge will consider all aspects of the movement. Passage must be adjustable in order to make a good transition to piaffe. assage can sway if there’s insu cient push from behind.

There’s still time to purchase a digital pass and watch all sessions plus insights and overview from the studio team of Jenny Rudall and Bobby Hayler. Brought to you through Horse & Country, watch via desktop or the mobile app from the convenience of home up until 19 February 2021! Visit britishdressage.co.uk

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BODY ZONE.

TEN STEPS TO

con dence CONFIDENCE CAN BE ELUSIVE. THIS STATE OF SELF-BELIEF TENDS TO EMERGE WHEN WE’RE FEELING HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL, ONLY TO DESERT US WHEN WE NEED IT MOST. ANDREA OAKES BEGINS A NEW SERIES ON IMPROVING THE BODY’S PERFORMANCE WITH THAT MOST COMPLEX OF ORGANS, THE BRAIN.

W

e can take control of our confidence according to e uestrian performance coach andie obertson. e can master our mental approach rather than succumbing to competition nerves or spiralling into uncertainty when things don’t go as planned. hether you need a uick refresher course or a total reboot after a challenging year a good starting point is to consider what confident riders have in common. It turns out that positive people

THERE’S NO REASON WHY YOU SHOULDN’T GET THE SAME PERFORMANCE IN THE ARENA AS YOU DO IN TRAINING 50 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

… KEEP PERSPECTIVE confidence crisis can affect an lympian as readily as those on their way up the dressage ladder according to andie. “ s the stakes get higher the pressure gets more not less she says. “ obody is immune to being e cited or deflated. hat’s different is that the confident rider has more perspective and is better able to regard the inevitable lows the lamenesses the lockdowns and other hiccups as part of the ourney.

… FOCUS ON THE GOOD “ valuating performance is essential to progress says andie. “ onfident riders look back and see what went well asking themselves hat can I learn ’ rather than beating themselves up with the negatives. his simple shift of focus has surprising mindset-boosting potential. “ onsider the whole process from the show lead-up to the warm-up and the test itself to evaluate the good and bad adds andie. “ hen see what you can do to turn things around.

… SET ATTAINABLE TARGETS “ our horse doesn’t need to move like alegro to be more than good enough says andie who advises an honest approach to goal-

setting. “It’s important to identify the level you’re at and crucially to let yourself live up to that reality. Many of us pretend that we don’t e pect to do well but confidence comes from setting attainable targets and admitting to yourself that you can succeed.

… AVOID COMPARISON hen si ing up the competition confident people give themselves a fair chance. “ here’s no point comparing yourself to others in different categories says andie who cautions against udging yourself too harshly at events or on social media.

… FACE THEIR FEARS “ few nerves are natural but successful riders don’t let this become a negative narrative’ says andie. “ hey may hear the voice of doubt in their head on occasion but they’ve learned to acknowledge these thoughts and to keep them in check. ur subconscious mind has no logic and will believe everything we put in it andie e plains. o banish damaging self-talk we must first realise our fears and then decide whether they are genuine or made up.

“If they’re irrational don’t spend time indulging them and making them feel a reality she says.

BODY ZONE.

TICKING ALL THE BOXES, BY DOING YOUR HOMEWORK, FOR EXAMPLE, AND PACKING THE LORRY WITH CARE, WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A POSITIVE MINDSET

… NAIL THE PREPARATION “ confident person knows that the groundwork is done says andie. “ ou can’t e pect to do well without preparation it’s the key to success.

“Be sure that everything is ready rather than turning up on a wing and a prayer. icking all the bo es by doing your homework for e ample and packing the lorry with care will contribute to a positive mindset.

… KNOW THEIR HORSE “ onfidence comes from understanding a horse and realising how he will be affected by e ternal impacts such the ourney the weather and the warm-up she adds. “He’s your best friend and half of the partnership. reat him as an individual and invest time in getting to know what makes him tick.

… SET THE SCENE “ here’s no reason why you shouldn’t get the same performance in the arena as you do in training andie e plains. “ op riders learn to control their breathing at home and in competition so that wherever they are in the world they can generate calm energy rather than high-pitched an iety. By breathing and keeping things such as tack and pre-test routines consistent they create a situation where the horse says this is familiar’. andie suggests practising positive

visualisation so that you know the test will go well. nd if you do free e in the big moment “ sk yourself if you notice three things about the arena she advises. “Becoming aware of a feeling or a sound can re-focus your mind. ome riders use a mantra or a sentence something that means I’m ready’.

… ENJOY THE LIMELIGHT “It’s ama ing how many people are more scared of success than failure says andie. “ hile confident riders dream of the positives it’s not uncommon to secretly dread doing well. “ emoving yourself from the e uation can

help. ou know how good your horse is so concentrate on showing him off to the world.

… REWARD THEMSELVES “ ressage is a natural focus for perfectionists but don’t be afraid to reward yourself andie says. “ he scoresheet may say eight but give yourself a if you feel it’s deserved. mbrace the positives and be proud of what went well.

“If things don’t go to plan remind yourself that you’re doing this because you love it she adds. “ ometimes it’s ust not your day. here’s a difference between making e cuses and recognising that the pressures of life can affect your performance.

‘A LESSON I’VE LEARNED’ “Confidence is not just about keeping your cool in competition,” says international rider and coach Charlie Hutton, who has worked with Sandie to develop a winning mindset. “It can also mean having the courage to say ‘no’.”

“I’m a competitive person, so I have to be careful not to place too many expectations on myself and my horses,” says Charlie, explaining that he also has to juggle many hats to manage owners, clients and sponsors. “There are times when it doesn’t feel right to go out and compete; perhaps the horse is not quite ready at that level, or he doesn’t feel 100% in himself. However difficult it is to admit it to myself, and however disappointing it may be for the horse’s connections, I’ve learned that it’s important to have the integrity and self-belief to say ‘not today’.”

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 51

52 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BD ACTION.

BRITISH DRESSAGE

ACTION

KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST NOTICES, NEWS AND VIEWS FROM BRITISH DRESSAGE AT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK

RULE CHANGES FOR 2021 Rule changes and new rules are marked in bold in the new members’ handbook effective from 1 January 2021. Please visit the Competitions section of the BD website for the fully searchable online version.

BRONZE ELIGIBILTY TABLES

PRELIM GOLD

To be eligible to compete in the Bronze section; as well as not having won more than 25 points at the respective level, the rider (on any horse) and the horse (with any rider) must not have competed at the levels above.

To qualify for a summer Regional Championship, combinations must earn 20 points, all from qualifiers, with a minimum of 66% (as per Silver in 2020).

PSG & INTER I SILVER QUALIFICATION

For 2021, the Quest qualifying season will run from 1 Jan – 31 Aug.

Qualification for the Regional Championships will be by achieving 6 points from qualifiers at a minimum of 66%.

QUEST ELIGIBILTY TABLES

MIDDLE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

To be eligible to compete in My Quest or Team Quest; as well as not having won more than 15 points at the level above their respective level, the rider (on any horse) and the horse (with any rider) must not have competed at any levels higher than this.

To qualify for the Middle Tour Championship, combinations must achieve 3 points in Inter A/B/II classes in either the Silver or Gold section. Scores from qualifiers and non-qualifiers may be used including PYO.

QUEST COMPETITION

TOP HATS PARA Para riders with a large pocket badge are not permitted to compete in Area Festivals in any section.

In line with the FEI, from 2021 riders will no longer be able to wear top hats in Advanced to Grand Prix classes.

Protective hats must be worn at all times by anyone when mounted.

EXTREME WEATHER

JUDGES

During extreme weather conditions or other extreme situations, the judge at C may ring the bell for interruption of the test. The rider should return to complete their test when conditions permit. It is up to the rider whether to restart the test from the beginning or to commence from the point the weather or extreme conditions occurred. In either case, the marks already given to the point at which the test was stopped will not be changed.

HAVE YOU OPTED IN FOR OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY? If you wish to be included in the online ‘find a judge’ directory, please let us know by selecting the free ‘judge’s listing’ option through Bookwhen. Simply visit this page: bookwhen.com/ britishdressage/e/ ev-s0nm-20181115000000 and select Judge’s Listing to give your consent.

By completing this free booking, you consent to your information and contact details being displayed on the BD website for the viewing of organisers, venues, competitors and other members of the public. Please note that your full address will not be visible – only your county and region.

EXTENSION TO GAINING PSG STATUS Due to lockdown, it has been more challenging for riders to gain their eligibility to compete at Prix St Georges (PSG) level.

In view of this, for one year there will be an extension of 3 months to the period during which riders can achieve their 62% in Advanced or YR level tests. Riders must now have achieved their qualifying score within the 15 months prior to competing at PSG for the first time, providing they have kept their membership throughout.

ONLINE DRESSAGE Why not use lockdown to get some competition practice using one of our four authorised providers: www.dressageanywhere.com, www.dressageonline.org, www.e-riders.co.uk, www.themaneshow.co.uk

JUDGE RETIREMENTS Allison Fellows (List 3) from Highland and Bridget Beresford-Wright (List 3) from East Sussex have retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Allison and Bridget for all their hard work and support over the years and wishes them both all the best for the future.

BREXIT Final information for transporting horses to Europe for competition, export and residency is still a work in progress. We now have a trade deal, have been awarded third country status and our studbooks are approved so things are progressing but the details and processes are being negotiated. Visit our Brexit information page in the BD Info section of www.britishdressage.co.uk but the advice is to avoid taking horses to the EU for the early part of the year where possible.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 53

British Dressage

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handbook Rules & regulations Competition guide Championship info We’re going green this year! Download your copy of the rules and regulations for training and competing with us in 2021, visit www.britishdressage.co.uk.

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54 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

10/12/2020 10:39:07

REGIONAL ACTIVITY.

CENTRAL

SCOTLAND

NORTHERN

Chairman: Jane Imbush 07739 644064 Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562 Rider training: Gemma Dainty 07780 705788 BD Youth: Contact RDO Judges: Richard Baldwin 07903 942498 Para: Caroline Unwin 07842 219043 Marketing: Contact RDO EASTERN RDO: Katharine Perry M: 07872 603871 E: eastern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Lotte Olsen 01277 822525 Coaching: Tracy Wright 07951 570315 Rider training: Contact RDO BD Youth: Phillippa Coles 07860 215895 BD Youth (U12s): Jessica Brown 07852 282983 Judges: Jane Howard 07831 406406 Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth 07967 605566 Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497

Chairman: Vikki Hayton 07860 276578 Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141 Rider training: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148 BD Youth: Jess Griffiths 07590 732896 Charlotte Clark 07868 344617 Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864 Para: Gillian Brown 07872 923456 Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360 NORTH WEST RDO cover: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: northwest@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Tim Downes 07775 797484 Coaching: Jane Critchley 07966 865604 (South) Alison Calvert 07980 886004 (North) Rider training: Jackie Crombie 07816 216594 BD Youth: Sue Blackshaw 07528 570681 Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633 Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766 Para: Alison Ramseir 07809 456296 Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176

SOUTH WEST RDO: Emma Devoy M: 07584 147258 E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk

RDO: Jo Byrne M: 07783 791191 E: northern@ britishdressage.co.uk

RDO: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: central@ britishdressage.co.uk

RDO: Amanda Rodgers M: 07894 232355 E: southwest@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211 Coaching: Jean Stephen 07718 315834 Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039 BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248 Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132 Para: Johanne Picken 07507 270508 Marketing: Amelia Ratcliffe-Smith 07837 533506 WALES RDO: Mari O’Connor M: 07398 763414 E: wales@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677977 Coaching: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 BD Youth: Joanna Lees 07709 376470 Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499 Para: Contact RDO Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700 Paula Holland 07748 666794 SOUTHERN

Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315 Coaching: Amanda Leaker 07980 309398 Rider training: Bethan Powell 07545 082247 Helen Hopewell 07971 490038 BD Youth: Kelly Bergheim 07792 735909 Megan Roberts 07807 053246 Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953 Para: Tracy Ormrod 07973 616497 Marketing: Jen Smithson 07900 993223 Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941 Quest: Lorry Davies 07940 449002

RDO: Sharon Walker M: 07894 232358 E: southern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Samantha Osborn 01428 656188 Coaching: Emma Butler 07843 585504 Rider training: Contact RDO BD Youth: Eve Fifer 07879 643047 Emma Mansfield 07748 902655 Judges: Yvonne Huber 07933 133132 Para: Joyce Wood 07949 035021 Marketing: Caroline Gibson 07795 035581 Sam Mabb 07971 871888

JUDGES’ DIARY Important information: In view of the disruption to last year’s judge training and competition calendar, dispensation has been granted for fulfilling CPD requirements as a judge. The exemption allows an extended period - until Spring 2021 – to attend CPD. We recognise the challenges around face-to-face CPD as a number of the regional seminars were cancelled, along with the cancellation of the 2020 Principles of Judging Seminar. As an alternative, you will be able to fulfil your CPD requirements by attending two online Zoom judge training sessions at your current level. These are available to book via your regional Bookwhen page. We thank you for your continued understanding and support.

To apply to become a Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/how_to_become_a_judge. For judge training dates and further information on upcoming seminars and induction days, please see the BD website. Please note that the new exam policy is now in place, so any judges wishing to upgrade must have been at their current list for a minimum of one year before coming forward.

REGIONAL TRAINING

PART 3 EXAM DATES

Please visit each region’s Bookwhen page for the latest dates and to book your place.

Central Region North West bookwhen.com/bdcentral bookwhen.com/bdnorthwest Eastern Region Northern Region bookwhen.com/bdeast bookwhen.com/bdnorthern Southern Region Scotland Region bookwhen.com/bdsouthern bookwhen.com/bdscotland South West Region bookwhen.com/british-dressage-south-west Reminder: It’s a compulsory requirement for Wales Region 2020 for all judges to attend two zoom sessions bookwhen.com/bd-wales at their relevant list before Spring 2021.

All judge examinations that have been cancelled will be rescheduled in 2021 to accommodate candidates. Where possible, those booked onto cancelled dates will be offered priority booking for any rescheduled dates at their previously chosen venue.

For more information visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/judge_ training and to book: bookwhen.com/britishdressage

All dates are subject to the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please keep an eye on the British Dressage website and social media channels for the latest updates and arrangements. For the most current dates, please refer to the regional Bookwhen pages which can be found on each regional web page: britishdressage.co.uk/regions/

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 55

DRESSAGE DAYS.

DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A MEET CAROLINE IRONSIDE In recent years, the MFS prefix has become familiar on championship scoreboards across the UK. This is down to the vision and passion of Caroline Ironside who, alongside her husband Gordon, established MFS Studfarm (MorayFirth Sportshorse) – a family-run breeding operation which has helped put Scottish breeding on the map. Caroline, a DEFRA approved artificial inseminator, is also a Practice Manager at a medical centre. The stud, overlooking the Moray Firth in North East Scotland, is home to Caroline and Gordon, their 10-year-old daughter Abbie and border collies, Lucy and Lottie.

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED WITH HORSES? I started at a riding school aged four, along with my sister. At 16 I purchased a foal my first horse from my mum. I’ve trained horses ever since, although not ridden for a while due to lack of time.

which I was latterly a director of.

Mum later set up on her own and we bred a handful of foals each year. For a while, I was Studbook Manager of Scottish Sports Horse.

WHAT LED YOU TO SETTING UP THE STUD?

I was accepted to university for a degree in computer programming.

However, as an impressionable teenager I reconsidered and went into hairdressing! I later worked in the oil industry before moving into the NHS. I’ve been Practice Manager for 17 years and love it. COVID has been hard for healthcare professionals. My weekly hours went from 30 to 50 at the start of the pandemic. PS I do still cut hair for family!

It was through breeding that I met Gordon. He had a mare and happened to be driving past when he saw our stallion in the field.

Gordon then enquired about sending his mare to us. From here our relationship grew.

After marrying, we started breeding as a hobby. We headed to Holland, the VDL Stud. Here we purchased Royal Geneve. He went on to become licensed by British Bavarians and Scottish Sports Horse. Sadly we lost him to colic aged eight. We started to source mares and have improved year on year with what we are breeding.

HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN BREEDING COME ABOUT?

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR MARES, AND STALLION SELECTION.

My mum, a school teacher, decided on a career break and took up the role of Stud Manager at Straloch Stud. They set up the British Bavarian Warmblood Association,

We currently have 13 mares, all from performance pedigrees.

We own the full sister to Vivaldi, half-sister to Desperados FRH and half-sister to Painted Black.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

58 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

We’ve several just starting in sport and hope to breed from them via embryo transfer.

We’ve two of our own stallions Don Aqui, a Bundeschampionate finalist and MF ayden HH who’s in training with Davy Harvey. We hope he’ll be out at Grand Prix soon. We also import semen from Germany, Denmark and Holland using both proven and young stallions.

fi rst Inter I and MF ance with me Fürst scoring 80% recently. Our highest accolade is on the showjumping front, with MFS W Diva Rosa, currently on the Swedish team with Annika Axelsson. She was awarded British Hanoverian Showjumping Horse of 2019.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF YOUR LOCATION?

I’m up at 5.40am every day.

Gordon and I do the horses before heading off to our respective jobs. We’ve two girls who work for us part-time and they are a god send. During breeding season we might not fi nish until pm and then up every couple of hours on foal watch. We try our best to make sure Abbie gets plenty of time with her ponies. We’re very fortunate that we have good family friends and staff.

We’ve top class ground and it’s a great climate for youngstock to thrive. We never have issues with summer fl ies and the location has never been a concern with buyers. The challenge would be the weather. During winter we cannot keep horses outside 24/7 as we’ve no natural shelter and get the wind right off the sea. e also miss out on attending so many events in the UK due to distance.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A BREEDER? MFS High Fashion doing her

HOW DO YOU COMBINE YOUR DAY JOB WITH RUNNING THE STUD?

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS. Hardworking, adaptable and witty.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 1 2021 // 59

Outstanding Results #FedonTopSpec

Everdale, competing in Amsterdam, ridden by Lottie Fry and owned by Van Olst Horses.

“At Van Olst Horses we aim for the best. In TopSpec we have a top partner. Their quality food and expertise is a great help in getting our horses in top shape to achieve our targets.”

Anne Van Olst

Typical Feed Reg im

Photograph by Petra Kerschbaum

e for a 17hh (600 kg) horse in m edium to hard work:Ad lib good qu ality hay or hayla ge, plus grazing Plus two feed s per day - each containing:• 300g TopSpe c Comprehensiv e Feed Balancer (for condition; muscle developm ent and topline, performance; re covery; hoof qu ality; behaviour ; dige stion and utilisat ion) • 300g TopCho p Spor t (combi nes British alfalfa with a bl end of British gr asses, lightly coated wi th linseed oil) • Up to 2kg TopS pec CoolConditio n Cubes (‘Non-H eating’ Conditio ning Cubes quantity adjusted accord ing to condition) ®

Multiple Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service’ 60 // Issue 1 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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