elcometoThe Feb/Marchissue. Afterthemassivebuild-up, Christmas cameandwentin aflash.Itseemsages sincewesungin theNewYeartoo.SpeakingofNewYear, themagicofAllTheQueen’sHorses floodedthe streetsofLondonagain onJanuary1st.I have notbeen myself, but everyone Ispeak to whohasbeen lovesit,despitetheJanuary1stweather! Our regular contributor,JoMonck,attendswithhercamera most years,andthisyear’sreportcanbeseenonpage38. Withspringonthehorizon, we have alot to look forward to withthe startoftheoutsideshow seasonlooming –time to putthe CentralHorseNews YearPlannerintogooduse. Part twoisa pull-outfromthe centrepages ofthisissue. We wouldlove to hearofourreaders’achievements and experiences –whetheritis abigwinatashow, exceedingexpectationwith adifficulthorse,ora horseyholiday. We alsolove to hearabout your veterans,hairycobsand ex-racers.Email your storyto h.dodd@centralhorsenews .co.ukalongwithphotos (photographer’spermissionmustbegainedthough!) Seeyouin April.
SPOOKEDHORSES:HOWTO CALMTHEMAND WHAT TODOWHENYOUENCOUNTERTHEM
Aspreyanimals,horsesare hard-wired to fleewhentheysense apotentialthreat. Eventhingsthatseem commonplaceto us —likeaplasticbagrustlinginthebreeze, orthe noisefrom agateslammingshut—canbe very frighteningfortheanimal.Andoncetheirinstincts have kickedin, even apro maystruggle to calmthe horsedown.
As we’veseenfromthe recent events in London, spookedhorsescanbe adanger, notjustto themselves,but to thewiderpublic.So,allhorse ownersneedtoknowwhat to doiftheirhorse becomesspooked.Notonlythis,butit’simportant forthegeneralpublic to understandwhat to doif they encounter aspookedhorse. To help youstay prepared forthis typeofencounter,theequine expertsatHorse &Countryare heretosharethe best waytocalm aspookedhorseandgive tipson what to doif youcomeacross one.
Whymight ahorsebecomespooked?
Horses arefamouslyunpredictableanimalsand canbespooked by avarietyofdifferentfactors, oneofthemostcommonbeingunexpectednoises andmovements.Horseshavesensitivehearing andarenaturallyalerttosuddenloud soundsor movements.Anythingunexpected,from acar backfiring to arustlingbush, canstartlethem. Theycanalsobespooked by unexpected objects whichtheyconsider to be athreat.As creatures ofhabit,horsescanbe waryofunfamiliar objects orenvironments. Evensomethingthat seemsharmlesstous,likeashadowora falling leaf,cantrigger aflight responsein ahorse. Thereare arangeofother factorsthat canmake horses becomespooked,fromphysicalpain to rideranxiety andtriggersfromnegative past experiences.
Horseswhohave hadconsistentgoodquality trainingandfrequent controlledexposure to potentialtriggers arelesslikelytobecomespooked thanthosewhohaven’t.However,asthe eventsin Londonshowus, even well-trainedhorsescanbolt insomesituations,soit’s important to beprepared forthisscenario.
Howtotellif ahorsehasbecomespooked
Thereare afew tell-talesignsthat ahorseisabout to spook. Prickingofthe ears,rolling eyes,snorting, pawingtheground,andthrowinguptheheadare allsignsthat ahorseisgettingspookedandmay bolt.If youthink youknowwhat’s frighteningthe horse, youcan take steps to remove thattrigger wherepossible.
Howtocalm aspookedhorse
Nomatterhowcalmand well-trainedyouthink yourhorseis,it’s vitalthat everyhorse owner understandsthebestway to soothetheirhorse whenthey arespooked.Beforeanythingelse, ensure that youare calm yourself.Horsesarevery emotionallyintelligentcreaturesand canpickupon humanemotions very easily,sotheycanbecome stressedwhentheirriders are. Plus,being calmwill makeiteasier to stay confidentand keepin control ofthesituation.If youfeel stressed, take afew deepbreaths tocalm yourselfdownfirst.
Onceyou feel alittlemorerelaxedand ready to tacklethesituation,makesuretoestablish control with afirmholdonthe reins to preventthehorse
frombolting. Afterthis,tryanddistractthehorse by redirectingtheirattention away fromwhatever causedthespookinthefirstplace. Somethingas simpleasengaginginanactivity theyenjoy can helpthem calmdownand workouttheirnervous energy.However, try to avoidanyvigorous,highenergyactivitieswith aspookedhorse.It’sbest to take thingsslowand steadywith ahorsewho isspooked,assudden movementsorloudnoises maystartletheanimalfurther.
Don’t forget to take sometime to provide reassurancetothehorse too. Stroke themgently andspeak to themin asoothingvoicetoreassure themthattheyare safeandthereare nodangers nearby. Takingthetime to dothisletsthemknow that youare theretoprotect themandthatthey don’tneed to beafraid.
What to doif youencounter aspooked horse
If youencounterarider-less,boltinghorse— like the recentupsettingincidentinLondon —then attempting tostoporcalmtheanimal couldput youbothinmoredanger.Aloosehorseon apublic roadis amatter forthepolice, whowillbeable to bringinthe relevant expertstodealwiththe situationsafely. So,inthe exceptionally rare event that youdoencounteraloosehorseonthe road whiledriving,thesafestthingtodoisbringthe cartoastop,stay inthe vehicle, and callthepolice immediately.
If you’re on foot,yourbest betis to remove yourselfandanyoneelsefromdangerandtry to givetheanimalasmuchspaceaspossible.Put anydogson atightleadandkeepchildrenclose, thenquietlymoveawaytoasafearea.Whileit’s tempting to shoutorscream,trytokeepquietand calm, to avoid causingthehorsefurtherdistress.
KatieAllen-Clarke, HeadofMarketingatHorse &Countrysays: “Even well-trainedandusually in controlhorses can become spooked, especially in unfamiliar environments.In mostsituations, the rider can successfully calm them down by redirecting their attention andstaying calm andin controlofthe situation
“However, ifa horse does bolt, members of thepublic can avoidbeing in danger by removing themselves from the situation andstaying as calm andquietaspossible, or stopping the car and stayingputifthey are in a vehicle
“Horses cangetvery sprightly andreactive at this time ofyear, withrich, sweetnewgrass and freshweather conditions triggering spring fever So, ifyou’re outon a walkandsee horses running, rolling, andjumping in the fields, it’s notnecessarily a cause for immediate concern(unlessyou’re about to try andbring them in from the fieldorgetin the saddle!) Give them space andavoidentering their enclosure andyou shouldbe fine”
THOROUGHBREDAFTERCAREPROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY THEHOWDEN WAY
TheThoroughbredAftercare Programmeaims to help racehorses to livearewardinglifeaftertheyretirefromracing
Thelaunchof anew Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme(TAP) attheHowden Christmas Racing WeekendatAscot Racecourseisthelatestevolutioninthesignificant investmentmadeintoeventing byDavidHowden. Further to thelaunchofTheHowden WayinMay 2022,whichofferstrainingandopportunitiesto ridersofallagesandabilities, TAPhas aclearand concisemission; to enablemore racehorsestolive arewardinglifeaftertheyretirefromracing.The programmeoffersanationwidesupportframework foranyone takingonan ex-racehorsetoensurea smoothtransitionfrom racehorse to ridinghorse withtheirnewcompetitive, ornon-competitive rider.
Funded by DavidHowden,CEOand Founderof Howdenand Founderand Presidentof Cornbury HouseHorse Trials,TheHowden Wayiscomprised ofthreeareas:TheHowden WayTalent Academy, TheHowden WayYoungHorse Academy andThe Howden WayThoroughbred AftercareProgramme. Through TAP, thosewhohave takenonanexracehorse canaccessacomprehensiveeducational programmethatdeliverssupporttomatch aspirations.Theprogrammewillassistridersto understandtheirhorse,progressthroughthe transitional stagesof racehorse to ridinghorse includinglunging,hacking,schoolingand,ifitis theirambition,todevelopthrough to adiscipline specific competitionstructure.
Withan estimated35,000 former racehorsesin theUKalone,andon average 7,000horsesretiring fromBritish racing each year,TAPwill focusonthe correctre-trainingofthesehorsestoenablethem to goon to becomesuccessfulridinghorses.Asa resultofthecommonmisconceptionsthatpeople oftenhave aboutthoroughbreds,ridersmay be reluctant to take oneon. TAPwillhelpbreakdown thesemisconceptionsthrougheducation,giving peopletheconfidence andsupport requiredto take onan ex-racehorse.TAPwillbe atremendous industry-wide forceforgood by ensuring exracehorseswillhave thechance tostepintotheir future lives asseamlesslyaspossible.
EllieWass, MandyFrostClinic, BictonJan2025
DavidHowdensaid:“As someone who is passionate abouthorse racing, Isee itas vitalthat Iam supporting the sportin any way Ican By creating a nationwide, freely accessible support programme thatalso includes 2,000subsidised training sessions ayear, Ihope we willsee more horses leave racing safe in the knowledge that theirpathway to becoming a riding horse willbe as smoothandstress free aspossible”
HelenaFlynn, ProgrammeDirectorHorse WelfareBoard, commented:‘’We are delighted to see stakeholders coming together to support this vitalinitiative Congratulations to Davidand his team for developing suchimportantwork This programme represents a significantstep forwardin ensuring thatex-racehorse’s transition successfully into fulfilling andrewarding lives withtheir new owners andriders.It’s inspiring to see the industry unite for the welfare andfuture ofthese incredible animals ”
David Catlow, ManagingDirectorofRetraining of Racehorses,said:“Supporting the retraining offormer racehorses is a vitalstep in ensuring they transition successfully into secondcareers
andleadfulfilling lives beyondthe racecourse The ThoroughbredAftercare Programme is a fantastic addition to the landscape andcomplements
RoR’s establishedinitiatives in education, competitions, advice, andcommunity support This programme highlights DavidHowden’s unwavering commitmentto the welfare ofracehorses, and we applaudthe significanteffortandinvestment behindits development”
Inaddition to Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme,ex-racehorsescompetingwithinthe Eventingenvironmenthave anew competition to focuson. CornburyHouseHorse Trials,in conjunctionwithJayneMcGivernof DashGrange Studhaveannouncedanew classwitha first prize of £45,000whichwillrun forthefirst time in2025.
AboutTheHowden Way
TheHowden Wayofferstrainingandopportunities to ridersofallagesandabilities.It waslaunched inMay2022andhasbeenindevelopment bya specialistteamtoevolveintotheuniquetraining programmethatitistoday.Thelargeinvestment into thesportofeventing,madebyDavidHowden, CEOand FounderofHowdenandFounderand PresidentofCornburyHouseHorseTrials,hasfive keyareas;TheHowden Regional Training Academy, TheHowden TalentAcademy,TheHowden Young HorseAcademy,TheHowden WayYoungHorse Leagues andTheHowden WayThoroughbred AftercareProgramme. Formoreinformationvisitwww. britisheventing.com/train/the-howden-way
Sarahtubbs18Jan
AVONVALE BREEDING SERVICES &AICENTRE
We have an experiencedteamofstudvets, dedicatedtoop mising fer lity andcaringfor your mare andfoal. We offer highly compe veAIpackages forbothchilled andfrozensemen,tailoredtothe individual needsofyour mare.
· Ambulatorystudservices
· Pre-breedingexamina ons andsampling
· In-clinic Ar ficial Insemina onCentre, approved by BEVA
· Chilled andfrozensemen AI,frozensemen storage
· Pregnancydiagnosis andtwinmanagement
· Inves ga onand treatmentofinfer lity
· In-houselaboratory
· 24 hour out-of-hoursservice
· Management of pregnant andpostpartummare
Meet theVets
DIRECTORS
NaomidePennington
MA VetMBCertEM(IntMed)MRCVS
NaomiisanRCVSRecognisedAdvancedPrac onerin
Equine Internal Medicine.She leadsthe stud teamandAI service, with par cularinterests in stud andfoalmedicine, gastroenterology,ophthalmologyand cardiology.She rou‐nelyperformsgastroscopies andisanexperienced colic surgeon.
ASSISTANTS
EmilyDouglas-Osborn BVSc Cert AVP(EL)MRCVS
Emilycompletedher internshipat Avonvalebefore gaining experienceinallaspectsofar ficialinsemina onatTwem‐lows,aswellasworking in ambulatory prac ce. Emilyholds acer ficate in Advanced Veterinary Prac ceandhasa keen interestinlamenessandpoorperformance.
Chris naqualifiedfrom RVCinJuly2024, gainingthe Vial St BelMedal prize. Sheislookingforward to comple ngher internship,developingherskillsingeneralprac ceandhasa par cularinterestinbothstudworkandden stry.
Ratley Lodge, Ratley,Banbury, OX156DT
Tel: 01295670501
Claire Maher BVetMedCertAVP (ESO)MRCVS
Claire is an RCVS Recognised Advanced Prac oner in Equine OrthopaedicSurgery,leading theorthopaedic anddiagnos cimagingteamsandhasakeeninterestin lamenessandpoorperformanceinves ga on. Sheisan experiencedequinevetwhoperformsalargenumberof pre-purchaseexamina ons(ve ngs).
LauraHolmes BVM&SCertAVP(ED) MRCVS
Before joiningAvonvale, Lauraservedinthe Bri sh ArmywithtoursofIraqandAfghanistanand inLondon (Household CavalryMounted Regiment). Lauraholdsa cer ficateinAdvancedVeterinaryPrac ce andhasa par cularpassionforequineden stry.
Marika Sodano DVMMRCVS
Marika graduatedin2019 from University of Naples, workedinKuwaitandItalybeforereloca ngtotheUK. Hermaininterests arestudmedicineand anaesthesia andshe is currently comple ngher cer ficateinStud MedicinewiththeUniversityofLiverpool.
Thetooth,the wholetooth andnothing butthetooth!
Theadvances inandimportanceof equinedentistryare nowwell known,thanks to equinedental vets upanddownthe country campaigningandeducatingat everyopportunity. Theimpactthis hashadonhorse welfarehasbeen atremendousone.Thereare manyvets who worksolelyinequinedentistry, hold certificates in Advanced Veterinary PracticeinEquineDentistryandthe RoyalCollegeof VeterinarySurgeons even recognisesadvancedpractitionersinthesubjecttoo.Sochoosing your vettolookafter yourhorse’steethhasneverbeen easier!
Thereare somedentalproblemssuchas toothrootabscesses,fractured teethandperiodontaldiseasewhichwill resultinthe toothneeding to be removedcompletely.Sometimesremovalwillbeenoughtosolve theissue andsometimesitwill formpartof alongertreatment protocol.Unlessthe toothor toothfragmenthas extremelynegligibleperiodontalattachment, the removalofincisors, caninesandcheek teethcanonlybeperformed bya veterinarysurgeon.
Signsof adiseased tooth canrangefromnosymptomsatall,right through to acuteinappetance.Othersignsincludedropping weight,dropping food,halitosis(badbreath),nasaldischarge, facial swellings,headtilt,biting issues or evenheadshaking.
The removalofteeth canbedoneinseveraldifferent ways.Themajority canbecarriedoutinthe standingsedatedhorseusingnerveblocksand
thereare some carriedoutsurgicallyundergeneralanaesthesia.Wherever possible we willoptforhavingthehorsesedatedasgeneralanaesthesia comeswithitsownadditionalsetof complications.
Oral extractionisthepreferredmethodof toothremovalasitcarries fewercomplicationsand canbecarriedoutinthe standingsedatedhorse. Thegummarginisseparatedfromthe toothanddentalelevators and forcepsareappliedtoloosentheperiodontalligament.This requires time
andpatienceasfractureisariskduringthismethod.Oncelooseenough,the toothis removedfromthesocketandthereforethemouth.Due to thelength ofthewhole tooth,sometimesitmustbesectionedand removedinparts. Occasionallythe toothis removedfromthesocketinpieces,ifthe tooth iseitherinfragmentsalready,requires sectioningorbreaksupduringthe removalprocess.Ifthecrownofthe toothisdamagedbeforeorduringthe procedure then atechniquecalledminimallyinvasivetransbuccalextraction (MTE)isused.Thisinvolves putting asmall portalthroughthecheek to allowa screwtobeputintothe toothand forces beputonitfromoutside themouth.
Froman owner’s perspectivetakingoutahorse’stoothorsometeeth isnot to be takenlightly.Firstlyitchanges ahorse’sability to chewandso potentiallydietaryrequirements,secondlyitistime consumingbutitisalso costlyandisnotwithouta plethoraofcomplications.
From avetsperspectiveinorder to decidewhether removing atooth/ some teethotherdiagnostic techniquesmay be requiredsuchasoroscopy, radiography, sinoscopyoreventheuseofother techniquestoseeifthe tooth canbesalvaged.
Remarkablyhorsesactuallyliveveryhappilywithoutany incisors, canines or wolf teethbutremovalofcheek teethcanhave adramaticeffectonthe chewingpatternanddietaryrequirementsofahorse,sorequires careful consideration.Planningandpreparingin consultationwithyour vetisvital to ensure your expectationsasanowneraremanagedandyouaremakingan informeddecisiononbehalfof yourhorse.
If youwouldliketolearnmoreaboutteethextractionsthendon’thesitate to give us acallandourequinedentistry certificateholderand RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitionerin EquineDentistry wouldbedelighted to answeryourquestions.
LauraHolmes
Lauragraduatedasa veterinarysurgeonfrom EdinburghUniversityin 2005. Shethenservedin the BritishArmy, as avet, fornearly9 years. During thistime, sheworkedall over the worldinplaces such as Iraq,Germany, AfghanistanandinLondon at the HouseholdCavalry MountedRegiment, gaininga hugevarietyof veterinary experience.
Sinceleavingthe Army shehas worked solely in equinepracticeandhascompleted herCertificate in Advanced VeterinaryPracticeincluding modules in equinedentistry,asshehasa particular love for allthingsequinedentistry.Laura spends time bothin the clinic andoutonthe road sharinghercar with her naughtydog, LoobyLou.
Thekit containsallthenecessaryproducts to dealwithminorcuts and
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It contains twokey ingredients;Boric Acidwhichactsasanantiseptic minimisinginfectionand re-infectionandpromotes healing,and Tragacanth, anaturalpoulticingagent,which,whenit reacts with water, helpsdraw out infectionallowingthe woundtoheal.
VeterinaryGamgee®isanidealadditiontoany first aidkit,andisused to promotewoundhealing by insulating,cushioningandprotecting wounds from externaltrauma.
Vetalintex®WoundHydrogelis amustforanyfirstaidkit,itpromotes woundhealing by maintaining excellent hydration formoist woundhealing. Availablein awiderangeofcolours including fluorescentgreen,orange andpink,Equiwrap®CohesiveBandages areapowerful, flexiblebandage that sticks to itselfbutnot to skinorhair.
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TheAnimalintex GoodieBagis wortharound£35.
RobinsonAnimalHealthcarehas awide rangeofproductsforallyourfirst aid requirements.
Intheunfortunate situation whereyourhorsebecomes severelysickorinjured, aquick response to contactyour vetcan makeallthedifference.Emergency veterinary care isoftencritical, butknowinghowtoact insuch ahigh-stresssituation canhelp youhandleitmoreeffectively. Preparation fortheseemergency scenariosiskeyto providingthe bestcare.Here’souradviceonhow to be ready forthatunexpected emergencyvetvisit.
1.KnowYourHorse’s History Beforeanemergencyevenarises,it’simportant to have aclearunderstanding of yourhorse’shistory.Ifyouhaven’talready,keep arecordofyourhorse’s vaccinations (especially tetanus),currentmedicationsandanypastillnesses or injuries.Havingthisinformation readywillhelp to provide your vetwithmore informationandallowthem to assess thesituationquickly.
Makesuretohavethese recordseasilyaccessible,whetherin adigital form or aphysical folder.Thiswillsavevaluabletimeduringanemergency. Often, wecan’trememberthese keydetailsin apanicsohavingitdocumentedis helpfultoboth youandthe vet.
2.IdentifySignsofEmergency Whilesomeemergenciesare obvious, othersmay bemoresubtle.Knowing what to look forcanhelp youcatch problemsbefore theyescalate. Commonsignsthat yourhorsemay needemergencycareinclude:
have aphysicalcopyincase youneed to borrow afriend’sphone.Ifyou aregoingawayandleavingyourhorseinsomeoneelse’s care,makesure to let your vetknowthenameandnumberofthe responsibleperson,as wecanonlyletnamedpersonshave permissiontocallthe vetonyour behalf.
4.Stay CalmandAssess theSituation
Whenanemergencyoccurs, stayingcalmis essential.As we know, horses areextremelysensitiveandpotentiallyreactiveanimals;theyoften pickupontheirowners’anxiety. Take afew deepbreaths,assess the situation,andtry tostay as composedaspossible.
•Minimise stress:Ifpossible,keep yourhorseina quiet,securearea to avoidexacerbatingtheirconditionorfurtherinjury.Ifunwillingto move,leaveyourhorsewheretheyare.Evenifinthemiddleof alarge field,sometimeswalkingthemincan exacerbateissues.
5. Follow theVet’s Instructions
When youcall your vet,theywilllikelyask fordetailsaboutthe situationandguide youonhow to proceed.Besure to provideasmuch informationaspossible, including:
Provideclearandaccurateinformationthenfollowany advice thevet givesuntiltheyarrive. Themostimportantthingtorememberhereis that yoursafetyisparamount.If yougetinjured,youareofverylittlehelp to your vetoryourhorse!
6. EquineEmergency First-AidKit:
Makesureyouhave awell-stocked first aidkitandhaveachatwithyour vetatyournext routineappointmentaboutwhatfirst aidcouldbegiven in eachscenario.Somepracticeswillrunfirst aid courses, so getintouch withthem to seewhentheirnext eventmightbe!
While youshouldneverattempt to diagnoseortreat yourhorsewithout veterinaryguidance, having abasicunderstandingoffirst aid canhelpyouact inthemoment.Commonemergencytreatmentsmightinclude:
•Bandaging:Knowinghowtoapply abandage to awound canprevent furtherinjurybeforethe vetarrives.
•Wound care:Abasicknowledgeofhowtocleananddresswounds can helppreventinfectionand reducepainuntil your vetcantreattheinjury.
•Prepareforquickaccess:Ensure gates anddoorsare easyto openincase your vetneeds to examineortreatyourhorseimmediately.Ifinafield, perhapshave someone wait forthe vetbythegatetohelpdirectthem.If youare in afield, youcoulduseWhat3Words to giveanexact location.
8.Have aPlan forTransportation
You’llneed to transportthemtoa clinicor referralhospitalif yourhorse requires emergencytreatmentthat cannotbeprovidedon-site. It’s important to have aplaninplacefortransporting yourhorseinanemergency:
•Ensurethetrailer/lorryis ready to go.Checkthatthetrailerisclean,wellmaintained,andlargeenough foryourhorse to be comfortableduring transport.
owntransport,it’s goodtohavealistofcontactsforsomeonewhomay beable to transport yourhorse.
•Practiceloading.Anemergency isnotthetime to teachabadloaderhow to load.Makesuretheyare well-practisedloadingsothatthisdoesn’t add more stressto thesituation.
9. Stay Prepared
Emergencies are, by nature, unpredictable, butthere aresteps youcan take to ensureyou’re ready.Reviewyouremergency planandsuppliesregularly, and makesurethatallinvolvedparties (e.g., yard staffandother caregivers)are familiarwith yourprocedures.
Preparationisthebest waytoensureyou’rereadywhen youare facedwith anemergency. Themoreyouknow aboutwhatisnormalfor yourhorse, the better you’llbeat recognisingwhensomethingiswrong.By keeping acool head,having yoursupplies and contactinformation ready, and workingclosely with your vet, youcangiveyourhorsethebest possiblechanceinacrisis.
EQUINE MERGENCIES ASICFIRSTAID
EMERGENCIES & BASIC FIRST AID
S need to know: Where the wound is leg, body, joint etc How recent the wound is The size Extent of lameness swelling discharge, heat and pain
Whattodo: What we needtoknow:
Wherethewoundis:leg,body,joint etc. Howrecentthewoundis. Thesize. Extentoflameness,swelling, discharge,heatandpain.
What to do: If bleeding, then apply pressure to stop bleeding Clean with dilute HIBISCRUB® Apply light dressing, wound gel, Melolin® Soffban +/- Gamgee and Vetrap
Whattodo:
Ideallyputthehorsein astable, removingsharpobjects/ buckets Keepoutofthe wayifviolent behaviour- DO NOTGETHURT If it safetodoso- walkhorseifit’ goingtogetcast Monitor
What we needtoknow:
Whatthehorsehaseaten Age Any previousepisodesofchok Ifthey’re distressed
Whattodo:
Leavequietly andcontactthe vet
EQUIPLANBENEFITS
THEFINALHOORAHOF2024
Followingon fromthe preparatory
winatBury Farm whichwasdetailedin ourlastentry,Sofia wasconfidentthatall thehomework would bearInternationalfruitat Mansin France.
Jezz PalmerandSofiahad been workinghardbehindthescenes,withSofia beinggrantedspecialscholasticdispensation fromschool,enablingher to travelandtrain whilst maintainingandhonouringheracademic assignments.Therewerenoconcessions,and ifthestudy wasnotundertaken,the reward of ridingwouldnotbe received.
Jezzand TeamOliver-Games travelled to Le Mansfromhis baseinSouthampton,withan overnight stopat theInternational HorseTransportersParkers,who areconvenientlybased fivemiles fromtheEuro-tunnel. Parkersdo themajorityofthetransportation forTeamGBRandareavitalpart ofthepursuitofmedals forour Nation.
Drivingsuchanenormouslorry onto atraindefies theordinary logicofthebrain,andwithmum Katieatthewheelit wasan intrepidadventure. Magnificently guidedbytheusual‘pilot’ JoJo, Katie overcameherapprehensions andsuccessfullydrove thelorry throughthe fifteen carriageswith meremillimetretospare either side, to theallottedparkinglot. EventheattendantMarshallwasimpressed.His thumbsup wasrewardedwithsmilesofrelief from Katieandaninsouciant,glamorousflickofa silkscarffromJoJo.
focusenables Sofia to switchfromStudentMode to DressageRidermode,assoonastheyparkup atthe venue,allowing fortotal focusbetweenthe two commitments.
DayOnesawSofia competingalongsideold team-mates whohadalso‘toppedout’ofPonies. The camaraderie remainedthesame,asdidthe competitiveness.Sofia wasconfidentof asolid test withHoneyundertheguidanceofJezz.The mareissuper consistent,andthe relationshipthey have developedisbaseduponsolid foundations. Vitalforclimbingthe ranks.It’s likeconstructinga ladder.You cannothave one faultyrung,otherwise theentirestructure collapses.Thispreparation sawthemwin by ahealthymarginof2%,andjust shyoftheelusive70%mark.
TeamOliver-Games were greeted bya wonderfulsurpriseintheshapeof fifteen year
together.Wouldthisbe anegative? Absolutely not.Whennomovementsare anticipatedbetween the combinationitcanaddafreshness and sharpnessto the test thatisappreciated by the Judges.Thisprovedtobeso, andTheNational Anthemresonatedthroughoutthe venue forthe secondtime.
DayThree.Thepressure wasmounting for thedreamofaTreble.Sofiaalwayspressurises herself to beherultimatebest,andshe was loadingher ownshoulderswithher owndesires and expectations.Thepreviouscompetitorhad performed astunning test which couldhave intimidatedmanyothers,butactedasabar to assail forSofiaandHoney. Andassailtheydid, dancing to aglorious74.31%andachievingthe dream. Tearswereshedandratherinelegant noseswipedamidst theelation. TeamOliverGameswas asoggymess.
Upondisembarkingtherefollowedaseven hourdrivetoSofia’ssecondhomeof Le Mans. Avenuethathasbeensoprominentthroughout Sofia’scareerthus far. TeamOliver-Gameshas spentnearlyeight weekstherein2024alone.Itis thesceneofmany firsts.Itisalsoa journeythat hasseenmuchofSofia’s studying take place. The rhythmicrumblingofthelorryisalmost conducive to studytime,andbeingenclosedwithout distractionsenables her to maximisethetime.As reflectedinher extraordinaryexamresults.This
ForanInternationaldebutthis wasstratospheric,and aprecursor to 2025,which youwillbeableto followviaSofia’sInstagramand TikTok.
Theelationofthetreblelifted thelorryhome.And straightback to studying forSofia.There was however, abriefandglamorous respite. TheCheltenhamNovember Meeting.Sofiahadbeeninvited to enjoythe racing by friendsina privatebox anddressedtolookthe partinHolland Cooper.The very funkyendofthe collection.Head totoeblack,literally.Fromherhat to herboots.Shedidlookamazing. (Ihave to say, Iwanttheoutfit for myselfwhenSofiagetstoo tall andtheskirttooshort).Iaminthe shrinking stageoflife.
2025haslauncheditselfandthemonthsof preparationandthepursuitofqualifications arebeingmeticulouslyattended to.Jezzisnow backfrom teachinginAbu-Dhabiandbracing himself fortraininginthechillyBritishclimes.The quarterlyhealthchecks forequinesandhumans have beenundertakenandcleanbillsissuedtoall participants,leavingthepathcleartoLeMans andotherEuropean venues.
Sofiahasalsodecided to pursueTheDukeof EdinburghGold Award,andissomehowshoehorningthatintoherschedule.Thereisnotan ambitionthatisallowedtopassby. Appreciating alltheopportunitiesthatshehasenjoyedhas madeSofiadetermined to supportothersin theirendeavoursand to give back to asport thatsheissopassionateabout.Sheistherefore alsovolunteering fortheRDA,muckingout, tackingup,filling waterbucketsandalltheother mundane tasksneeded to helpanenterpriserun smoothly.This youngladyistrulyanexampleof gratitudeandI’mproud to be asmallpartofher team.
By Maria Wynne ofWynne-Wynne Marketing &PR Email:Eqwynne@icloudcom
To keep up withTeam Games, please follow Sofia on Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/sofiagames. dressage/?hl=en
THECHNSHOWS &EVENTSDIARY
WEDNESDAY 12THFEBRUARY
12/02/2025SeniorBritishShowjumping
Cat2atSolihullRidingClub,FourAshes Road,BentleyHeath,Solihull, West Midlands,B938QE. Contact:01564 770180www.solihullridingclub.co.uk
TUESDAY 18THFEBRUARY 18/02/2025BritishShowjumpingJuniors atCherwell Competition Centre, MillLane, Oxford,OxfordshireOX30QG. Contact: 07974151272 entries@cherwellcompetition.co.uk www.cherwellcompetition.com 18/02/2025SeniorBritishShowjuming Cat2atCoombelands Equestrian, Pulborough, West Sussex,RH201BQ.
Contact:01798873011
www.coombelandsequestrian.com
18/02/2025SeniorBritishShowjumping at Parwood Equestrian Centre, Westwood Lane,Normandy, Surrey,GU32JE. Contact:01483616313bookings@ parwood.co.ukwww.parwood.co.uk 18/02/2025SeniorBritishShowjumping at Prestige Equestrian,Bath Road, Hardwicke, Glos,GL22RG. Contact:01452 726633 shows@prestige.training www.prestige.training 18/02/2025Valentine FunJumping Show atBeechwood EC,TheWheatsheaf Centre, Main Road, RettendonCommon, Chelmsford,EssexCM38DY. Contact: 07510621428info@beechwoodec.co.uk www.beechwoodec.co.uk
18/02/2025Clear RoundJumpingat Codham Park Equestrian Centre, Braintree, Essex,CM75JQ. www.codhamparkequestrian.co.uk 18/02/2025SeniorBritishShowjumping Cat2at Coombelands Equestrian, Pulborough, West Sussex,RH201BQ. Contact:01798873011 www.coombelandsequestrian.com 18/02/2025Crawley&HorshamPC Show at FelbridgeShowGround, East Grinstead, Sussex,RH192NU. Contact:01342321601 info@felbridge.netwww.felbridge.net
WEDNESDAY 19THFEBRUARY
19/02/2025 WinterLeagueDressage& ShowJumpingTrainingShowatElms Farm Equestrian Centre, FriestonHeath Lane,Caythorpe,Grantham,Lincolnshire, NG323HD.Contact:info@elmsfarmec. comwww.elmsfarmec.com
19/02/2025 Gymkhana &FunShowing atGlebeFarmEquestrian Centre, Bozeat, Northants,NN297LB.Contact:01933 666034glebefarmec@gmail.com www.glebefarmec.co.uk
19/02/2025SeniorBritishShowjumping Cat2atSolihullRidingClub,FourAshes Road,BentleyHeath,Solihull, West Midlands,B938QE. Contact:01564 770180www.solihullridingclub.co.uk
23/02/2025BRC Area 5SEIBNovice& EquilibriumIntermediate WinterShow JumpingQualifieratSolihullRidingClub, FourAshesRoad,BentleyHeath,Solihull, West Midlands,B938QE.Contact:01564 770180www.solihullridingclub.co.uk
23/02/2025UnaffiliatedShowJumping
atStourportRiding Centre, Stourporton-Severn, Worcs, DY139JD.Contact: enquiries@stourportridingcentre.co.uk www.stourportridingcentre.co.uk
We serveanareawithina 30mile radiusof Nuneatonand currentlylookaftera largeequineclientbaseinthe North Warwickshire andSouth Leicestershirearea. Part of XLVets.RCVSaccreditedPractice
15/03/2025Unaffiliated &British Dressageat FullersHill Farm,Fullers Hill, Amersham,Bucks,HP65RQ. Contact:
07711199166(before8pm) www.amershamdressage.com
15/03/2025AffiliatedDressageatBeaver Hall Equestrian Centre, Bradnop,Leek, Staffordshire,ST137EZ.Contact:01538 304433 horses@beaverhall.co.uk www.beaverhall.co.uk
15/03/2025BSPSatBrook Farm Training Centre, Stapleford Abbotts,Essex,RM4 1EJ.www.brookfarmtc.co.uk
15/03/2025UnaffiatedShow Jumpingat Checkendon Equestrian Centre, Reading RG80NE. Contact:01491680225 info@checkendonequestrian.co.uk www.checkendonequestrian.co.uk
15/03/2025UnaffiliatedDressage& Team QuestatEland Lodge Equestrian Centre, Newborough Road,DraycottInTheClay, Ashbourne,Derbyshire, DE65HD.Contact: 01283575856 events@elandlodge.com www.elandlodge.com
29/03/2025BritishDressage atKingswoodEC, County Lane,Albrighton, West Midlands,WV73AH. Contact: 01902374480support@ kingswoodec.co.uk www.kingswoodec.com
05/04/2025BritishDressageat West WiltsEC,Nr Trowbridge,BA146QT. Contact:01225 783220info@westwilts. comwww.westwilts.com
05/04/2025UnaffiliatedShowJumping at WestonLawns Farm,Bedworth Rd,
BLAKESLEYSHOW BLAKESLEYSHOW
2ND AUGUST 2025
AT BLAKESLEYHEATH FARM,MAIDFORD, NORTHANTS,NN12 8HN Pony Club and Unaffiliated Showing, Heritage Mountain & Moorland, RoR, SSADL,Working Hunters, Working Hunter Ponies and In Hand classes
Qualifiers for:
aPRICE FAMILY SUPREME IN HAND SEMI-FINAL aSIXTEEN BSPS/BSHA LIHS DIRECT QUALIFIER CLASSES aBSPS NEW HORIZON PLASTICS RIDDEN M&M SEMI-FINAL www.theblakesleyshow.co.uk
ClargesStreetis coming to life. Fromthe horseboxesandthegrey dayemergethe peoplewhowerewrappedin waterproofs,now dressedinthemostsuperb costumes,horses andriderstransformedfromtheordinary to the extraordinary.Elizabeththe Firsttrots past me, closely followedbya supremely colourfulhorse andriderwhosecostumeis completedbyahuge pairofwings. AsetofShetlandponiesstand by thehorseboxeswearingdungareesand yellow t-shirts,oh,not forgettingtheirspectacles.A setof Vikingsappearfromroundthe corner,and thena stepbackintothepast as asidesaddle rider completes apictureof19th century London. TheWorcestershireCavalrygatherinperioddress looking readyforthecharge, and abeautiful SpanishhorseandriderbringtheMediterranean sunshineon arainyday to West London.Riders
in extravaganzasofcostumesinpinkandblue completethisbombardmentof colour to chase away thebluesona rainyday.
Youcouldbeforgiven forthinkingthat you have wokenupinOz butno,thisis Central LondononNewYear’sDay.Such stuffasdreams aremadeof.
The routestartsofffromtheRitzHoteland proceedsdown towardsPiccadillyCircus.It pouredwith rainbutthecrowd were stilloutin fullforce,umbrellaswereabundant.Underthe watchful eyeofLordNelsoninTrafalgarSquare, Iwatch atentativehand reachoutfrombehind thebarrierasthehorses stop to meetthecrowd; thehand strokesthe velvetmuzzleofthehorse withsuchan expressionof wonder,possiblythe first timethispersonhas even toucheda horse, itis apreciousmoment.Itisthisinteractionthat makes AllTheQueen’sHorsessuchanamazing sectionofthe Parade.
Thecrowd’scheersnearlydrownoutthe clatteringofthehorse’shoovesastheymake their waydownWhitehall,pastDowning street andon to the Finalein ParliamentSquare. Even inthe constant rain,peoplearestandingthree deepandonanythingtheycan to get abetter viewofthe Parade.What asplashof colourand funtheridersbring to London.Theriderssmiled throughoutthe Paradedespitethe constant rain, likearay ofsunshinealongthe Parade route.
This year we were accompanied by Russell Marks,thejudgewhomadlygot struckoff bya showingsociety forstrikingafrivolousposeina photo takenata show. He wastheperfectjudge forjudgingthe costumes;the Winner,astriking, eye-catchingintricatecostumeinpink, worn by
Lottie Parmenterridingher DalesponyLola. Russell washugefunthroughoutthe Parade,and Imanaged to getsomegreatfrivolousshotsof himon route!
All toosoon ParliamentSquarecomesinto viewandthatistheendofthe Parade.Thereis a comparative silenceasthehorsesmaketheir waytoHorseGuards,withtheclatteringofthe horse’shoovesand fewmodernbuildingsit hasthemomentaryatmosphereofatimeslip. Afterwards,itisuptheMall to Buckingham Palacetobephotographedinfrontofthe famous gates.
The WorcestershireCavalrymadethetrip to London,and Iaskedthemwhattheythoughtof theirfirst ridewiththeparade.
“Worcestershire Cavalry were thrilledand honouredto have been invitedtojoin Allthe Queen’s Horses in the New Year’s Dayparade in London The whole team were blown away by the vibrantcolours, the music andthe sheer size andspectacle ofthe event The crowds were so welcoming andhappy, despite the terrible weather.
It wasparticularlypoignant for us, as four ofour horses have retiredfrom King’s Troop
RoyalHorse Artillery They spent mostoftheir working lives in London, pullinggun carriages for ceremonialoccasions, RoyalBirthday salutes for Queen ElizabethIIandstate funerals. They really are the Queen’s horses.”
EmmaRichardsonSteele,whoparticipated this yearas awalkingsupporterdescribedher dayAllTheQueen’sHorses.
“What an incredible andunforgettable way to ring in the New Year!
Welcoming the New Year alongside fellow horse enthusiasts who shareyour passion for costume, performance, andpure entertainment The London New Year’s Day Parade is unlike anything else in the world a truly unique experience
It’s an absolute honour to ride andwalk
throughthe iconic streets ofLondon, starting outside the famous Ritz Hotel, pausing for a photo opportunity at Horse Guards Parade, andfinishing at Buckingham Palace The atmosphere is nothing shortofelectric!
Thisyear, Ihadthepleasure oftravelling to London at the crackofdawn to support my friendCarole Negus, who wasparticipating in theparade for the very first time.ImetCarole throughthe Concours d’Elegance Society of GB, where we bondedover our sharedlove of costume design Being her “wingman”for the Parade was an absolutejoy.
Eachhorse in the Parade has two costumed walking supporters to assist ifthe horsesget a little too excitedby the buzzing atmosphere Aspartofour duties, we ensure everything
runs smoothly, including scooping up any droppings so theperformers behindus don’t have to treadin them!
There’s truly no better way to welcome the New Year. We’re already brainstorming anddesigning costumes for nextyear’s parade!”
Imakemyway backacross Green Park, thedayhasgonepast in ablurofcolourand cheeringcrowds,Igetback to Clargesstreet whereIseeonthegroundthat alittlemulti colouredsparklypuddleremains, areminder ofanotherNewYear’sDay Paradewhere AllTheQueen’sHorsestook overthislittle street fora whileandshowedLondonsome extraordinarilybeautifulhorsesandriders. www.allthequeenshorses.co.uk
Ifyou’ve everdreamedof workingwith horses,ShuttleworthCollege’s Equine Centre istheperfectplacetotakeyourfirststep— or stirrup—intothe worldofequine careers. Combiningaprofessionalsetupwithawarm, familyatmosphere, thecentre providesstudents with everythingtheyneed to succeedintheanimal care industry.
BritanniaRoyal is ason of thelegendary triple5*winning mare HeadleyBritannia. He is atalentedAdvanced/3*event stallion with eye-catching good looksand 70% TB blood.Hehas afabulouscalm, polite, workmanliketemperament,and is producingverysmart, correct foals.
