to the November 2024 issue
Summer 2024 has been a difficult one in which to be an equestrian. There’s been so much to be proud of in the sport we love, but also many difficult conversations and upsetting times. I’m sure you’ve felt it keenly, just as the team at Horse&Rider has. But if changes to horse sport make it more equine-centric and improve welfare, then they can’t come too soon. And, in the meantime, we will continue to educate ourselves – and share that learning with you – to make sure we’re all developing
riders and carers of our incredible fourlegged friends that we can possibly be. They deserve no less because they give us everything so wholeheartedly. Until next month
Louise Kittle, Editor-in-Chief
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
Do you know the common symptoms of respiratory problems? On p72, vet Hayley explains what to look out for and management considerations to keep your horse healthy.
Maximising your lessons will help you use your time and resources effectively to achieve your goals. Alison explains how on p58.
Instilling good habits on the cross-country course is key for your safety. On p30, Nicola shares her advice for making your first training session fun and positive.
Whether you’re introducing your horse to skinnies for the first time or polishing his skills, Laura gives us her guide and tips to make it a smooth and simple process on p20.
Louise
Editor-in-Chief
Louise was bitten by the horsey bug at age two, and has ridden and owned horses ever since, competing in eventing as well as enjoying training her horses – and herself: she’s a BHS Int SM.
DON’T MISS...
The Horse&Rider autumn/ winter Gear Guide magazine with this issue! Style up your riding wardrobe with this season’s colours and check out our guide to rugging systems.
In an extract from his new biography, on p42 John talks about the horse who kicked off his incredible career and some of the most special moments along the way.
Whatever your chosen discipline, mixing up your horse’s training can help you produce better results. Ingrid explains her simple exercises on p48.
Laura Collett
Alison Buttery
Kittle,
Hayley Chidlow
John Whitaker
Ingrid Klimke
Nicola Wilson
IN THE SADDLE
20 Slim line Teach your horse to tackle skinnies confidently with Laura Collett
26 5 secrets to memorising courses We lead you to showjumping success
30 Off to a positive start Build your horse’s cross-country confidence
36 Building trust Steps to creating a happy dressage horse
48 Essential elements Improve your horse’s way of going with Ingrid Klimke’s advice
MIND MATTERS
58 10 ways to get the most from your lessons Alison Buttery shares her tips
ASK A VET
64 Down to the bone Vet David Rutherford talks all about ringbone and sidebone
72 The breath of life How to support your horse’s respiratory system
ASK THE EXPERTS
82 Management know-how
84 Mind matters
86 Ask a vet
88 Horsey shopping
90 In the saddle
92 In brief
MANAGEMENT KNOW-HOW
94 Joint decision 20 things you need to know about equine joints
100 7 steps for beating worms Stay in the know and even save some pennies
106 Management 101 Tips to keep your non-ridden horse happy
114 Banishing bedtime blues Our experts answer your bedding questions
HORSEY SHOPPING
120 Fits like a glove We put winter yard and riding gloves to the test
126 This month we love... Bedding, boots, gloves and more!
IN THIS ISSUE
8 Victory in Versailles We reflect on the Olympic and Paralympic
Whatever your goals with your horse, our experts will take you from creating the foundations for success to refining your technique.
14 Horseworld hub Keep up to date with the latest horsey news
18 Horseworld science Discover the latest research in the equine industry
42 In the beginning An extract from John Whitaker’s biography
54 Try something new... Everything you need to know about endurance
70 Win! A Supreme Products advent calender
78 Perfect prizes Amazing goodies for you and your horse
104 Next month A sneak peek at the December issue
112 Subscribe to H&R Get every issue delivered straight to your door
128 Dream horsey homes Find your ideal equestrian property
130 My life with horses Mum and business owner Laurie shares her busy schedule
Photo by Jon Stroud
Your main focus should be on building and maintaining your horse’s confidence
Slim line
Teach your horse to tackle skinnies confidently with Laura Collett’s simple steps
When it comes to teaching a horse something new, it’s important that you work to improve his confidence as well as his skillset – the two go hand in hand. Simple steps, repetitions and plenty of rewards are the three key things to have in your mind whenever you’re training.
Skinny fences, found on almost every crosscountry course and occasionally in showjumping
Laura Collett MBE won team gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as team gold and individual bronze at Paris 2024. She’s also won Badminton and Luhmühlen 5*s.
In this feature Check your controls
Teach your horse to jump between the flags
How to prevent your horse from drifting
rounds, are often considered to be challenging because a higher level of accuracy is required. But by gradually introducing your horse to the idea of jumping a narrower fence, you’ll soon be flying over them every time.
So, whether you have a young event prospect who’s new to the game, you often run into trouble with skinnies out on course, or you’re yet to give them a go, my guide will help you and your horse tackle them confidently.
What you need
To introduce your horse to skinnies, you’ll need a pair of wings, two flags, a short pole and two longer poles to use as guide rails on the approach. You can add two more poles on the landing if you think your horse may benefit from having the extra support.
Building trust
Creating a trusting relationship with your horse is key to producing a happy and willing athlete. We’re here to help you do just that
Whether you’re producing a young horse or preparing for the higher levels of dressage, always aim to finish a training session with a happy equine partner. Not only because you want your horse to enjoy his work, but also because when you give him a good feeling he’ll want to do his best for you, so you’ll get better results, too.
That’s why it’s so important to communicate with your horse and give him your full attention during your time in the saddle. Talk to him, praise him when he tries for you and allow plenty of walk breaks, especially with younger horses.
In this feature, we’ve highlighted some exercises which can be applied and adapted to any horse. Here’s how to give every horse a productive schooling workout that will leave you both feeling confident, relaxed and happy in your partnership.
10
get the most from ways to
your lessons
Alison Buttery helps you maximise your coaching sessions and achieve the results you want
EXPERT
Alison Buttery is a certifi ed mindset and confi dence coach, a BHS APC senior coach and an experienced rider, who specialises in helping riders overcome their nerves. She’s also the founder of The Everyday Equestrian.
If you’re reading Horse&Rider, the chances are you’re interested in improving both your own and your horse’s skills. This means you’re also likely to be having lessons from a coach, or are planning to do so. But how can you get the most out of your sessions so you see real progress and use your time and resources e ectively? I have some tips that will help you do just that.
First steps
Finding the right coach is more than just ticking a box. It’s about fi nding someone who can make a real, tangible and positive di erence to you and your horse so you make progress towards your equestrian goals – while having some fun along the way. There are some specific steps you can take to do this...
1. Spend some time observing potential coaches by attending their lessons or clinics. Watch how they interact with riders and horses. Are they clear and encouraging? Do they give constructive feedback? Observing these sessions gives you a fi rst-hand look at their coaching style and approach.
2. Talk about your riding goals with potential coaches to ensure their coaching methods, knowledge and experience align with what you’re looking to achieve.
3. Ensure it’s someone who makes you feel comfortable and motivated, who respects your pace of learning and communicates clearly so you feel understood and supported in every session.
TOP TIP
Being fully engaged in your lessons accelerates your learning. By actively participating and applying what you’re working on, you’ll improve both your riding and the connection with your horse.
Experienced
coaches can tailor lessons to the individual needs of each horse and rider
TOP TIP
Finding the right coach is not only about improving your skills, as it’s also about ensuring their training approach and values align with yours, particularly in terms of horse welfare.
Down to bone the
Ringbone and sidebone are common foot conditions. Vet David Rutherford explains how they’re treated and managed
EXPERT
David Rutherford BVM&S Cert ES(Orth) Dip ECVS SFHEA MRCVS is Clinical Associate Professor in equine orthopaedics and imaging at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
You may have heard the terms ringbone and sidebone, and while they may sound similar, they are, in fact, quite different conditions, each with its own specific, long-term prognosis. So what are they and what does a diagnosis mean for your horse?
PART ONE
Ringbone
The condition known as ringbone refers to osteoarthritis (OA) of the coffin or pastern joints. Low ringbone is OA in the coffin joint and it affects all types of horses. It’s quite common and usually seen in the front feet. Similarly, high ringbone is OA in the pastern joint (right). It’s more common in heavier breeds such as cobs and draughts and is often seen in the hindlegs. The name ringbone comes from the firm swelling that can develop around the front of the pastern.
X-ray of a fetlock, pastern and foot taken from front to rear, showing severe OA of the pastern joint (high ringbone)
Cause and effect
Ringbone is an acquired condition that develops as a result of wear and tear on the joints and, therefore, it tends to be seen in middle-aged and older horses. Many things can contribute to the development of the problem, including genetic predisposition, conformation, nutrition in early life, workload, lifestyle and any previous injury, such as dislocation or fracture.
Horses who work hard on firm ground and those who jump place increased stress on their joints, predisposing to microinjury and subsequent development of OA. However, the problem is also sometimes seen in younger horses and those who have had a seemingly easy life.
Many horses will remain sound during the initial development of ringbone until a threshold of damage is reached, at which point problems are detected. Most commonly lameness is the first abnormality noticed, usually being more obvious on hard ground and on circles, but sometimes swelling across the front of the pastern or a drop in ridden performance – such as refusing jumps – may occur first. Veterinary advice should be sought at this stage.
MANAGEMENT 101:
non-ridden
horses
Part one: Happy in the field
Suitable turnout is important for any horse but especially so for those who are not ridden. Fizz Tickridge-Marshall explains how to get it right
EXPERT
Fizz Tickridge-Marshall has worked with all types of horses in her six years as Centre Manager at the Equine Therapy Centre at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire. More recently she’s managed racehorses for Jonjo O’Neill and been Yard Manager for Carl Hester.
Whether your horse is retired, on a temporary holiday, living out full time or just in the field for a few hours a day, having safe, well-maintained paddocks is a must. Not only will this allow your horse to get the most out of his turnout but it will also help keep him healthy both mentally and physically. Having your horse turned out in the field is as close as he will probably get to his natural state. Grazing freely while wandering around in the company of others allows him to reset and relax, but, nevertheless, the environment in which your horse experiences his freedom is important. Doing your best to minimise any stress-inducing situations will not only make his time in the field all the more relaxing for him, it could also save you time, money and effort right across the board. ➤
Photos: Jon Stroud
