EE FR
The Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine
August 2013
Respect: teaching your horse to accept clipping
INSIDE:
Cross Country Coaching Building Confidence
Forage Hygiene
Buying a Dressage Saddle
Lameness: diagnosis & treatment
Temporomandibular Joint Disease and Bridle Lameness Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 1
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Xxxxxxxxxx Have Your Say
Contents
HAVE YOUR SAY
Have Your Say .................1, 4
DEAR EQUI-ADS, Just wondering if you could get your readers to suggest why my 5 year old mare Roxy sticks her tongue out, always to the right hand-side, is it a habit? It is not her wolf tooth as she has had them removed. It is not her bit as she is in a Neue Schule training bit. I do not have her in flash nose-band or dropped or too tight a nose-band as this could make the situation even worse. She loves her work and I have attached photos of her at this years Royal Highland Show in the 5 year old potential sports horse class, where in a very strong class of 23 she was 12th equal. I have been doing a little dressage with her and the photo is of her in halt with her tongue sticking out, you do get marked down for this as it is seen as an evasion. The third photo is Roxy being shown in-hand and as you can see, even before she started her ridden career she stuck her tongue out?? Would love to hear your readers ideas and thoughts. Lynne McDonald
Feeding .................. 2 - 23, 45 Tack & Turnout .................... ...........................2, 33 - 36, 44 Feed Hygiene ......................9 News ................ 2 - 6, 44 - 46 Subscriptions.......................6 Electrolytes ............... 12 - 15 Health Care ........20 - 31, 48 Lameness .................. 22 - 24 TMJ .....................................24 Worming............................26 Insurance ............27 - 31, 45 Pilates for Horses .... 28 - 29 Horse Behaviour .... 30 - 32 Training..............................33 Saddling Up.......................34 Property ......................37, 46
IN ANSWER: The fact that Roxy did this before she was bitted or backed gives me the feeling that it is just one of those ‘individualities’ that any animal, or human, can perform for no apparent reason. Perhaps it is similar to, say, a person who constantly plays with their hair, or a child who chews their sleeve or similar things. A behavioural expert or psychologist might say that it started at some point when the individual was bored or finding things a little stressful, and it has become
a habit. For example, the way most horses are weaned is extremely stressful, as can be being stabled or separated from friends or family, so ‘nervous habits’ can start at such times as a comfort behaviour or ‘coping mechanism’, as is the case with most stereotypies, formerly called ‘vices’. (I am not saying that Roxy’s ‘tongue habit’ is a vice.) I accept what Lynne says about the bit but just because a bit, of any brand, is called by a name which indicates that it is for a particular purpose does not mean that it will suit all horses. From the photos, Roxy’s bit does look to me a little high in the mouth so might be uncomfortable because of that: it should be creating only one wrinkle when there is no pressure on it. Also, the view of this habit by dressage judges as an evasion, indicating unwillingness to work, for instance, betrays old-fashioned, inappropriate thinking. Like us, or any animal, horses want to feel comfortable as comfort is associated with security and survival. If any coping mechanism is needed by the horse there is a reason for it and it nearly always comes down to life in domesticated circumstances. If possible, it would be a good idea for Roxy to perhaps have a thorough examination by a vet of her mouth and throat to see if there could be any physical cause. If this is ruled out, my view is that sticking out her tongue could have started as I mention above and is Roxy’s cover-all tactic for coping with things in general but has now become a habit. It would be interesting to know if she does this with no bit in her mouth, in the stable or in the field. Susan McBane
Field & Stable ........... 37 - 40 Front Cover Image by www.davecameronphotography.com
Cross Country ..................38 Clipping .................... 41 - 42 Directory............................48
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Shocking statistics lead charity to ask horse owners: “Do you really need to breed?”
A
s 7,000 horses in Britain are deemed at risk of needing rescue or new homes, World Horse Welfare has launched a new initiative to help horse owners understand the impacts, costs and risks associated with breeding.
This initiative came in light of research conducted by the charity showing that collectively, twice as many foals were produced by those who had bred only one to five foals in their lifetime than by those who had bred over 100 each. “The results are truly surprising,” says Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare. “Professional breeders, dealers and the racing industry are often blamed for producing too many horses, and while this may be true, the numbers appear to be reducing in line with the current market. Evidence suggests that in racing alone numbers have reduced by 25%.” “With these bigger players, you would think that those who produce just one foal, or a couple in their lifetimes, aren’t making an impact. But our research shows that this just isn’t the case – each horse owner makes an impact and we hope our initiative will help guide them through the considerations of breeding in a compassionate, realistic and informative way. “It is vital that every group acknowledges their contribution to the problem and takes steps to rectify it.” • According to the breeding survey
from World Horse Welfare that was completed by nearly 4,000 horse owners in the UK, almost a quarter of respondents had bred from the horses they currently own, producing a total of 4,129 foals, and many more were hoping to breed in the future. • Respondents breeding just 1-5 foals each were responsible for over a third of all the foals bred. With thousands of people all doing the same, this means a huge number of extra horses born every year – every foal born increases the chance of neglect either to that horse directly or by taking up a valuable home and thus pushing another horse into an awful situation. World Horse Welfare witnesses first hand just how the breeding of foals can lead to abandonment and severe neglect, the charity has already seen a 40% increase in the number of horses coming into its centres in 2013. Overall, the top five reasons why people bred from their horse were: o To produce a foal to compete on in the future. o Because the horse had a nice nature. o To continue the horse’s bloodline. o To produce a foal they could use for leisure riding or driving in the future. o Because the horse had a good competition record. Roly continues: “No matter what steps you take to produce a healthy foal, it is always possible that he or she could be born with, or develop a problem. Even a top quality mare and stallion can produce a foal with conformational, developmental or behavioural problems. There is no guarantee that the foal you breed will be suitable for its intended role. Half of respondents who had bred from their stallion did so to produce
a horse that could be brought on and sold in the future. “Horses are the same as anything else in that the more there are, the less money they sell for. When horses are readily available for little money, some being sold for as little as £5, this often leads to unscrupulous people taking advantage of the situation. “Breeding a foal can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. However, it is important to consider all the potential problems before making the decision, and whether there may be a better option.” Your choices as a horse owner can make a real difference to many horses’ lives, not only to reduce the amount of neglect, but also to make it easier for horses to find good, safe homes in the future. You can now rehome youngsters from World Horse Welfare and bring them on yourselves. If you don’t gel with the horse or pony, then World Horse Welfare will be happy to take him or her back again. Remember, the number of horses at
risk of needing rescue or new homes has risen from 6,000 to 7,000 in just six months, charities’ need all the help they can get to deal with the problem. If you are planning to breed from your horse or you know someone that is, please, pass on World Horse Welfare’s leaflet which outlines some important points for consideration and please, think long and hard: do you Need to Breed? Visit World Horse Welfare’s webpage to find out more about the ‘Need to Breed?’ initiative, where you can access the leaflet and watch the video: www.worldhorsewelfare. org/needtobreed Please think about rehoming one of World Horse Welfare’s horses, so that you can help to ease horse suffering around the UK. The rehoming team at World Horse Welfare will be happy to chat to you and explain how it all works, that way you can find out if it’s right for you.
Please visit www.worldhorsewelfare. org/rehoming or call 01953 497238 and rehome a horse now.
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News Xxxxxxxxxx • Readers Say
Petplan Equine’s Facebook fans reveal the true definition of ‘Horsey’
‘H
orsey’ is an adjective often used to describe those who love horses but what does it really mean and how do you know when you are horsey? Leading equine insurance provider Petplan Equine posed that very question on Facebook and from the answers received it appears that being horsey is at times only one small step away from eccentricity and, in some cases, it could be said, insanity.
For many, the constant accompaniment of the clinging odour of the stable yard epitomises ‘horseyness’ together with the almost magnetic presence of hay, straw, shavings and horse hair everywhere from clothes to car and even the inside of iPhones. “Every pocket of every jacket you own has the remains of crushed pony nuts and bits of hay stuck inside”; “People hesitate when I offer them a lift as they know they’ll end up covered in hay and straw from the car,” and “When you go shopping straight from the stable yard and everyone gives you a wide birth” were just some of the comments on this theme. The definition of being horsey was summed up perfectly by one Facebook fan: “The stables are immaculate and the house is a tip.” Baler twine and a hoof pick in every pocket and an obsession with your horse to the exclusion of everything else is a must to be considered truly horsey, as the following responses illustrate: “You look at the weather constantly to work out whether your horse is in the right rug not whether you’re going to be in the right clothes;”
“The most satisfying job is getting the ragwort out of your paddock but you haven’t got time to weed the garden... that and finding tidying the muck heap quite therapeutic;” “When a bale of hay makes you happier than a bunch of flowers;” “When your horse gets new shoes more often than you do;” “When jodhpurs and muddy boots are normal clothes;” “When you use the horse’s show shine on your own hair before going out on the town”; “Your farrier and vet are top of the Christmas card list.” The number of horse owners who admitted to clicking at people to ask them to move out of the way, telling their children/partner/dog to walk on or back up, leaning forward to make their car go faster or even patting the dashboard of the car after passing something that a horse might find spooky revealed that many horse owners are delightfully bonkers. However, while referring to your children by your horse’s name is perhaps understandable the horse lover who admitted to trying the new saltlick before putting it in the stable may be in danger of veering from eccentric to completely mad. So the definition of horsey could be “the willingness to spend more time and money on your horse than on either yourself or your family” although in these days of social media it is probably best described as “When your Facebook page is all about horses and not your children.”
Perhaps the last word should go to Petplan Equine’s Head of Marketing Isabella von Mesterhazy, who commented: “It’s clear to see from the responses to our Facebook question that horses define so many aspects of their owners’ lives from the language they use and the clothes they wear to who makes it to the top of the Christmas card list.”
Readers Say - Blinded by Colour Hi there Found your article about choosing for colour very interesting and felt I would like to share my recent buying experience with you. At the ripe old age of 55 with knackered knees, colour was the last thing on my wish list. What I needed was an experienced 15hh gelding, at least part native or cob, who would help me to safely
continue my passion for low level riding club competition, mostly X/C, S/J,WH and who would enjoy hacking in the heart of the New Forest either alone or with friends. A friend found me a local website and by ruthlessly sticking to my criteria (and a budget of £3,500 max) I whittled it down to 3 possibilities. The first horse we looked at was barely backed so we beat a hasty retreat. Feeling rather deflated I rang the second. Saw him next day, vetted and brought home 2 days later. Six weeks on am totally delighted with my Irish cob x Connie (and yes he is a lovely Cremello!) As you can see the only precaution is a UV mask - and I hope the other pictures show what a stunning, happy & talented boy I found. I’m now a Cremello fan for life! Yours sincerely Sara King
I have to admit that the first thing I look at is colour. Whilst browsing through adds in H&H and others if it doesn’t have a picture I don’t look at the ad. If it’s grey, chestnut or bay I don’t look at the ad, black may get a glance. It’s the coloureds I’m interested in along with the 4 | August 2013
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palomino spectrum. This I feel is mainly due to the fact I was taught to ride at a yard where solids were a rarity, coloureds and appaloosas were the norm even then which was over thirty years ago. On the other side of the coin I don’t look under 13 3’ or above 15 3’. At five foot three, 16 3’ of horse is just too difficult to mount in the wilds of Dartmoor, especially when normally wrapped in many layers topped off by waterproofs! My last horse was a appaloosa who sadly had uveitis and went blind in both eyes, a disease to which research shows they are prone due to the genetic make up of their eye. So however gorgeous I think they look they are off the wish list as I couldn’t go through the heartache of that again, however unlikely. To be honest, I’ve seen many that match the looks criteria. Some I’ve ridden and they weren’t suited to the Dartmoor terrain/weather, a few had habits that are annoying or even dangerous. So although colour might be the first thing I look for, the most important factor for me when looking to buy a horse has to be the comfortableness and enjoyment of the ride.
NET-TEX Grooming Range
W
ith the show season in full swing I had the delight of trying out some of the products in the Net-Tex Grooming Range, here’s how they faired: Net-Tex Mane & Tail Detangler - The detangler unlike some wasn’t oily and left my horses mane and tail soft, smooth and and knot free - a super product, literally spray on and brush through. Net-Tex Coat Shine - This will be an essential piece of kit in my grooming box from now on, it left my horses coat super soft and definitely helped stopped the build up of dirt and mud in his coat. Quick Hoof Gloss - I have fallen in love with this as has everyone else at the yard, it’s an instant fix for shiny shoes, literally spray on the hooves and bingo! The quick hoof gloss dried instantly and being as impatient as me and my horse are this is a must have buy!
All these products are ideal for everyday use or for the pre-show ring touch ups! I would definitely recommend taking a look at the range. For more information on the NetTex Grooming Range go to www. nettexequine.com
Regards Aimee
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Feed • News Xxxxxxxxxx • Subscription
PETPLAN EQUINE PROVIDES ADVICE FOR PREVENTION OF COLIC P
etplan Equine, leading UK specialist equine insurance provider, is encouraging horse owners to be more aware of how to avoid colic, which is one of the most common conditions for which Petplan receives vets fee claims and which can lead to equine fatality.
Visitors to the Petplan Equine stand at this year’s Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead ( July 30-August 4) will be able to see a life-size model of the equine gut and discover more about the horse’s sensitive digestive system and the problems that can result in colic. Colic is the term used to describe the symptoms of abdominal pain, which in horses are usually caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the most severe generally requiring surgery and sometimes resulting in death. A healthy digestive system is one of the most important factors in preventing colic and understanding how the system works and what can cause abdominal pain in horses is key in helping to prevent it. Feeding little and often and a consistent diet with a good supply of clean, fresh water are the daily essentials and an effective worming programme and regular teeth checks by a vet or equine dentist must also be incorporated into any horse management programme. Petplan Equine works with vets to provide its customers with expert advice on looking after their horses. “At Petplan Equine we are passionate about the care of the horse,” explains Head of Marketing, Isabella von Mesterhazy, “and we want our customers to look to us for advice and information on how to care for their horses as well as on insurance. With the help of the Petplan Equine Vet of the Year Gil Riley we have created this life-size model as we believe that being able to see the horse’s very complicated digestive system will help people to understand what can create the problems that cause colic.”
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A video of Gil Riley explaining the horse’s digestive system can be viewed on the Petplan Equine Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ PetplanEquineUK Older horses are particularly susceptible to colic and unlike many equine insurers Petplan Equine offers cover for illness as well as injury for horses up to the age of 25 providing they are insured before they reach 20. For further information go to http://www.petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/ insurance-veteran-plan.asp
Nettex All Purpose Vits & Mins
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ettex All Purpose Vits & Mins is a general purpose supplement that promotes overall health and vitality. It’s particularly good for horses or ponies that are on reduced hard feed rations, older equines that need extra support, and competition horses that need to perform at their best, although any horse or pony will benefit from this balanced supplement.
Horses lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can develop health problems - sometimes serious ones - so providing everything your horse or pony needs is absolutely vital. Now, thanks to Nettex, you can ensure you are doing the best by your horse by simply adding Nettex All Purpose Vits & Mins to daily hard feed. Part of the Nettex Nutrition range, Nettex All Purpose Vits & Mins has been newly repackaged in purple for 2013. RRP: £11.50 for 1.5kg For stockist information, visit www.nettexequine.com or call 01634 257150
Fourfl ax 3Mega: Product Review Fourflax 3mega for horses is a premium flaxseed oil supplement that provides a rich concentrated natural source of Omega 3, a key benefit for your horses hooves, skin and joints so I was excited to try the product out. I found 3mega easy to use, it really couldn’t be more straight forward, simply pop it into your horses feed daily. I found my horse who can be a fussy eater was not put off by the taste of the oil and for good measure ensured that his feed bucket was licked out. Within a couple of weeks I definitely noticed that his coat looked more healthy and glossy and within a month his hooves appear to be growing faster. It’s definitely a product that I will be sticking with and will be recommending to my friends. For more information go to www.fourflax.co.uk
6 | August 2013
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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding • Forage Hygiene
FORAgE HygIEnE
Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
F
orage may be defined as bulky food or fodder like grass or hay for horses and cattle and is the base feed for all herbivores. These bulky feeds are coarse and fibrous and contain roughage, which is fibrous, indigestible material that is found throughout a range of vegetable foodstuffs in varying proportions. Herbivores possess the ability to utilize roughage courtesy of a symbiotic microflora that inhabits their gut. In contrast, non-herbivorous monogastrics do not have the specific organisms necessary to degrade roughage effectively so that it only performs a largely physical function rather than acting as a source of nutrients. Under natural conditions, forage is the sole source of energy and nutrients for horses and ponies. Because it is bulky and fibrous it requires a lot of mouth processing before it can be swallowed and of course, this means lots of chewing over an extended period of time. The time required to harvest the forage (foraging!) depends on its availability. Extremes would be hay in a hay rack in the stable compared to limited grass growing over several hectares. A 500 kg horse might
consume 12.5kg hay in the stable compared to 50kg of grass in a field! Thus it should be clear that forage is the key ingredient in any horse diet and that all horses and ponies must be fed forage; the exact quantity depending on the animal’s activity and demand for energy. In all situations, the hygienic status of the forage is its most important characteristic because it can affect the animal’s respiratory health (and yours too!) so nutritional quality will always be of secondary importance. Most horses and ponies kept in the UK will be fed either fresh growing grass or conserved forage that is all grown in the UK. Thus, UK forage will be grown under UK climatic conditions and, as all of us know, rain features rather too often on a day to day basis. This means that the method of harvesting will significantly affect the hygienic
status of the crop concerned. Forage crops that are cut and rapidly removed from the field for artificial dehydration will, in most cases, have the highest hygiene status. It is possible to purchase artificially dried grass and Lucerne (alfalfa) in the UK. The only problem that is likely is that of “dust”. This “dust” can be produced as a result of leaf shatter that occurs through handling and it is most likely with legumes because when they are dried the leaves become very brittle and easily break. Dust particles represent a physical threat to the respiratory system as those of us who have been forced to work
in a dusty atmosphere well know. Forage processors are well aware of this risk and thus treat the dried crop with molasses-based products or syrups. These effectively bind the dust particles together thereby removing the threat. However, artificial dehydration together with processing the dried crop mean that whilst these products have the highest hygienic status of all forages they are also the most expensive. In
(continued on page 11)
Hygienic Hay Bar S
table hygiene is a very important issue. The general state of the stable has a huge impact on the stabled horse’s wellbeing. If your horse or pony has a respiratory problem such as a cough, he wheezes or is short of breath he could be suffering from Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), formerly known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is a common respiratory problem. It is associated with dust and mould spores commonly found in sun-dried forages, such as hay and straw. Horses and ponies suffering from these conditions need special care and management to allow them to live a comfortable and active life. It is essential that we remove as much dust, dirt and spores from the environment as possible. Dust and spores are the enemy and so a dust free stable is very important. Soaked hay helps and the feeding position is very important. Feeding from the floor is essential as this helps the airways to drain down. Hay Bar will contain the forage and help to stop cross contamination with the bedding. Feeding position and keeping the environment clean is paramount. Hay Bar is widely recommended by the veterinary profession to help alleviate some of the problems found in caring for a horse with RAO (COPD). Hay Bar is designed with hygiene and safety paramount. It is manufactured from HDPE which is a robust material which cleans easily and quickly returns to its brand new appearance. It is widely used in veterinary hospitals, not only because of the feeding position but because it also aids hygiene. www.haybar.co.uk Tel 01723 882434
“Hay Bar is ideal for horses with a respiratory problem. It encourages drainage of the respiratory tract also preventing contamination seen when feeding from the floor.” Philip Dixon B.V.Sc. Cert. E.P. M.R.C.V.S
www.haybar.co.uk 01723 882434 www.equiads.net
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Feeding • Forage Hygiene
Steam for Maximum Hygiene W
onderful summer, when all of us would like to keep our horses out at pasture 24/7, but flies, varying grass levels and excessive intakes force many of us to bring them into the stable. After several hours at grass, you may think that the horse does not need to eat anything while inside. However, research has shown that withholding feed for several hours can lead to a more acidic stomach (pH 2) which can predispose horses to gastric ulcers (Murray 1992). Horses evolved to trickle feed and this activity is essential for maintaining gut health and fulfilling their natural feeding behaviour. In these circumstances hay is probably the best fodder to provide in the stable. During the summer months, pasture can be high in water soluble carbohydrates and lower in fibre and so providing coarse hay will give your horse much needed roughage. The problem is that all hays, even high quality –well conserved samples are high in respirable particles. These particles form the dust that you cannot see as they are less than 5 um in size, and they have a 50% chance of being inhaled deep into the lungs and causing respiratory disorders, such as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO). Many owners soak their hay to reduce this dust, but soaking not only leaches out valuable nutrients but can actually increase the bacterial content of the hay. Research has shown (Moore-Colyer and Fillery, 2012) that even after a 10-minute soak, bacterial number can increase by 1.5 fold, so soaking compromises the hygienic quality of the fodder. Steaming, provided it is done properly, is equally effective as soaking at reducing respirable particle concentrations. Furthermore, steaming has other advantages over soaking: 1. Steaming does not leach valuable minerals and electrolytes (very important in the summer time) 2. Steaming actually kills 99% of the mould and bacteria present in hay 3. Unlike soaking no biologically hazardous effluent is produced from steaming Steamed hay remains fresh (low dust, bacteria and mould) for several days so a completely strung bale can be steamed and fed gradually as and when the horse comes into the stable.
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PATENTED METHOD
Beware of inferior imitations
However, the advantages of steaming are only seen when the process is done properly using the spiked-technology as seen in the Haygain steamers. Award-winning research presented at the European Equine Health and nutrition Congress in Belgium in March (Taylor and Moore-Colyer, 2013) demonstrated that steaming in a bin by pouring a kettle of boiling water over the hay, or indeed using a wall-paper stripper to produce steam, does not significantly reduce bacteria or mould in the hay. Furthermore these processes only reduce respirable particles by 3040%, so the horse is still exposed to significant levels of dust and microorganisms. Lower air movement in the summer can reduce air movement in stables, so the dust literally ‘hangs around’ for long periods. So the best way to maintain a healthy environment is to prevent dust and micro-organisms from contaminating the stable environment in the first place and this is best done by thorough steaming of the fodder. Currently available in three models: the Hg-1000, and the Hg-600 and Hg-gO. Complete nutritional value and goodness are sustained with improved palatability and digestibility. For further information please contact HAYGAIN hay steamers on 0333 200 5233 or visitwww.propressequine.com
You and your horse will too
THEY GAIN
THEY GAIN
Ben Maher
Hannah Biggs
THEY GAIN
THEY GAIN
TRY
BEFORE YOU BUY
William Fox-Pitt
Clean, healthy hay & haylage
Lindie Pickup Livery Yard Owner
Find out more GAINS · www.haygain.com · Call: 0333 200 5233
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HorseHage – enabling you to feed with confidence!
F
reedom from dust and mould spores is probably more important than the nutritional value of forage. Hay is never 100% dust free and even soaking hay only removes some of the dust spores. It can sometimes minimise the levels of dust and mould, however it rarely eliminates all spores. In addition the nutrient value of soaked hay will be greatly reduced and once the hay begins to dry the spores will become airborne again. Most samples of hay contain unacceptably high levels of dust, mould and dust mites, together with their faeces! These can cause serious problems for your horse’s respiratory health. If left un-managed, dust exposure can often result in an allergic reaction which may lead to permanent respiratory problems such as RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction). Steaming your hay is an option but better still is opting for a good quality bagged forage such as HorseHage which is dust-free and gives the full nutritional analysis, so that you know exactly what you’re feeding. HorseHage is bagged straight from the field and not from a large bale at a later date. This ensures there is no risk of mould or myco-toxins contained in the bag. good forage at a reasonable price is a cost effective option. Poor hay at any price is a false economy. Top quality bagged forage, such as HorseHage, has a high nutritional value as well as a full nutritional analysis and quality guarantee. It can be more expensive than hay, but the quality is consistent and there is no waste, plus the nutritional content is far better quality than hay. This means that you can often reduce the level of concentrates you feed. This can help reduce your overall feed bill! HorseHage comes in four varieties with an option to suit all types of horse or pony, including laminitics. If you have a horse or pony who is on the greedy side, try using a HorseHage net which has smaller mesh or more than one haynet (one inside the other), as this will help slow down your horse’s eating time, allowing him to trickle feed as he would when grazing. It will provide mental and physical stimulation, and can help in reducing stable boredom. For more information on forage and advice on feeding your horse, please call the HorseHage Helpline on: 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk
HIGH FIBRE The low energy forage choice
Suitable for laminitics • Provides high fibre with lower protein & energy levels • Dust-free for a healthy respiratory system
(continued from page 9) mitigation, they usually also have the highest nutrient values. Conventional hay making relies on “curing” or drying the forage in situ in a field at the mercy of the elements. One can be lucky (dream on…) and get a spell of sunny, windy weather which results in rapid drying with minimum handling. A rapidly made hay crop is recognisable by its green colour which indicates limited exposure to sunlight and thus limited photo oxidation of the plant pigments. This sort of crop is a joy to handle and smells irresistiblehorses love it too! Remember though that it can be ruined if poorly stored. Rapidly made hay will be dust- and mould-free provided the water content has been reduced to
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14% or below. Hay made during unsettled weather can be of poor nutritive value but not necessarily of low hygiene status. Provided it is thoroughly dried prior to baling it will not support the growth of fungi and thus no fungal spores will be produced. What to do with hay that is contaminated with fungal spores? Conventionally hay is soaked in water to prevent any fungal spores getting airborne and presenting a respiratory challenge to the horse. Length of soak varies from 30 minutes to 2-4hours to overnight. It has been established that soaking results in a loss of dry matter in the form of nutrients; the extent of loss being affected by the duration of soaking. If the purpose is
• Suitable for leisure horses and those that are resting, convalescing or laminitic.
• All natural no chemicals, additives or inoculants HorseHage is available in 4 varieties, offering a choice to suit all horses and ponies, including laminitics.
BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MARK WESTAWAY AND SON MANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE
MARK WESTAWAY & SON LOVE LANE FARM, MARLDON, PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ3 1SP TEL: 01803 527257 www.horsehage.co.uk
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Electrolytes • Feeding solely to “bind” spores then long soaks are unnecessary. However, soaking hay can be a real drag and recently steamers have become available for use with conserved forage. Steaming time is usually between 50 and 90 minutes according to which type of machine you use and it has been shown to effectively reduce “dust” thereby improving hygienic quality. The only significant nutrient losses appear to be of water-soluble carbohydrate so in this respect the steaming process is more effective than soaking which leads to indiscriminate losses of nutrients. The best alternative to hay making is that of silage making which requires a much shorter period of fine weather because the crop is conserved at a much higher water content and thus the “curing” process is curtailed. Farmers have traditionally made grass silage for their cows that contains between 26 and 30% dry matter. Horse owners have always been reluctant to use such material for their horses because it is acidic and not easily traded/moved/supplied. As a result big bale silage was produced with a dry matter of 35+% that could be delivered to stables. From this has evolved haylage which is a very high dry matter version containing between 55 and ~70% dry matter that is available in small or big bales. Clearly the higher dry matter versions must reside in the field longer to reduce water content thereby increasing vulnerability to indifferent weather. Low dry matter
silage is of high hygienic quality and as dry matter content increases there is a greater risk of mould growth if the material is not kept absolutely airtight. Whilst haylages generally are of higher hygienic status than hays there is always the risk of secondary fermentation if the big bale is opened and remains so for a number of days. The use of steam treatment has been tested in this context and shown to significantly reduce contamination of haylage. However this seems to be a somewhat retrograde step as the production of a haylage should result in a better, safer product. In my opinion, the best way forward is to purchase either small bale haylage which is used up rapidly or, to buy big square bale haylage. The latter can be opened from one end and then resealed to prevent the development of moulds, etc. Provided the haylage remains sealed it will be stable and the fermentation will act as a method of preservation of the forage. In conclusion, the highest hygiene status is achieved in “manufactured” forages whereas farm-saved forages can have a very variable status. High dry matter content is critical for hays and for silages/haylages it is essential that they remain anaerobic/airtight in order to maintain their hygiene status. Steaming or soaking remain the options for improving the “safety” of contaminated forages. Alternatively you could burn it (difficult to do with haylages!) or give it to cattle...
On the Road with Likit W
ith the competition season in full swing, long journeys and overnight stays in temporary stabling can be stressful for horses and ponies but help is at hand in the form of Likit stable toys. Products such as the Snak-a-Ball and Likit Holder are compact enough to pack away in the lorry and can be used to help horses settle when away from home. While the Snak-a-Ball can be used to extend feeding times, the Likit Holder is designed to be used in conjunction with a tasty Likit refill to provide a source of interest. Using such products at home first will allow equines to become familiar with the concept which makes them useful when the horse is then required to spend time in a strange environment. The stable toy appearing in these new and often exciting situations can act as a familiar distraction or stress busting device. For further information contact Likit on 01655 750523 or visit www.likit.co.uk
Healthy Hooves in Summer K
eeping your horse’s hooves healthy is vital at any time of the year, but especially during a typical British summer when prolonged periods of wet weather followed by a dry spell can cause havoc with hooves. The best way of ensuring healthy hooves is by feeding a formulation which will guarantee your horse is getting the vital vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed to ensure strong, healthy hoof growth. Biotin, Zinc, Methionine and Copper all play significant roles in ensuring hooves grow well and all the Blue Chip feed balancers contain these elements in the unique hoof supplement, Soundhoof ™ . The combination of these ingredients help to maintain the laminae and enhance the formation of Keratin, an essential building block of the hoof wall. To ensure strong, healthy hooves, Blue Chip incorporates the recommended daily amount of Biotin in a bioavailable form. Feeding a Blue Chip feed balancer with SoundHoof will ensure your horse or pony not only looks fantastic, but will have healthy hooves throughout summer. Blue Chip Feed Limited 0114 266 6200 www.bluechipfeed.com
Electro – the new scientific solution to ReHydrate, ReCharge and ReCover your horse
T
o maximise the performance of your horse it is vital he remains hydrated and alert. There are three clear steps you need to take in order to maintain your horse’s hydration, these are to rehydrate, recharge and recover. Electro has all three covered. ReHydrate: Electro replaces the salt lost in sweat and kick starts the process of replenishing the water levels depleted through sweat, which can be as much as 60 litres a day from a top level performance horse working on a hot humid day. ReCharge: Electro comes in a simple, convenient, squeezy bottle with a sports top, so it may be drenched directly into the horse’s mouth as and when needed, without any delay. Recover: This triggers the all important post exercise recovery process at the earliest possible time, helping to restore the electrolyte and water balance and so avoid dehydration, loss of co-ordination and muscular stiffness. To maximise fitness and performance, introduce your horse to Electro as soon as possible. Peter Charles, International British Showjumper, uses Electro “Electro is really handy… its great to be able to literally get electrolytes straight into your horse’s mouth - as quickly and conveniently as this! The special sports cap and the squeezy bottle makes administering Electro so easy and you don’t even get wet ... absolutely brilliant for when travelling in the heat, or at a show, in the collecting ring on a hot day… such a cool idea!” RRP: Electro comes in outers of 4 x 500ml which retail at: £20.00 Available from all nAF stockists nationwide. For more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373106, email info@naf-uk.com or log on to www.naf-uk.com
Electrolytes - Rockies Baby Pure
B
aby Pure is a pure salt lick that can help to maintain body fluid balance and prevent electrolyte deficiency. Baby Pure is made using pure, premium salt from Cheshire and is formed into licks in high-pressure presses to ensure that it’s long-lasting, hardwearing and does not crumble, meaning that it really stands the test of time. The sodium content works to maintain body fluid
12 | August 2013
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balance and also helps to prevent electrolyte deficiency. In this format, the salt can be offered in a free access manner, meaning that the horse takes on what his body needs, not what the owner thinks he does. Baby Pure is available in 2 kg blocks, which have a RRP of £2.75. For more information, see www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies. co.uk or call 01606 595025. www.equiads.net
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BCcond
The key to condition
“I use Blue Chip Pro to maximise my horse’s performance. It helps to develop their muscle structure, which is essential for Grand Prix level. Just one mug in each feed keeps them in top condition and looking amazing all year round.”
“Blue Chip Original kept amazing condition on Whitakers Prince throughout the year, and gave him the edge he needed to win Champion Riding Horse of The Year at HOYS 2012.”
“I feed Blue Chip Pro to my eventers to aid their performance, stamina, muscle tone and overall health. Pro keeps them all in top condition, 2012 was an amazing year and the results speak for themselves. Thank you Blue Chip.”
Charlie Hutton International Dressage Competitor
Danielle Heath HOYS Champion Riding Horse
Tina Cook Olympic medalist
Feed Blue Chip Original up to novice level then feed Blue Chip Pro when work becomes more demanding.
loyalty card
have you got your loyalty card? Collect 8 Blue Chip Loyalty points and get your 9th Blue Chip product absolutely free. Loyalty points are available on all Blue Chip sacks (Original, Pro, Lamilight and Dynamic) and all Blue Chip liquid supplements (Joint RLF, Karma and Garliq). For more info see www.bluechipfeed.com/loyalty
0114 266 6200 info@bluechipfeed.com www.bluechipfeed.com facebook.com/bluechipfeed twitter.com/bluechipfeed
Photography by Roberto Cubeddu (Danielle Heath), Bob Langrish (Tina Cook)
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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding • Electrolytes
HORSE FIRST Supplements A
s they say themselves, HORSE FIRST Supplements are made by Horse People for Horse people. Their range of quality supplements, packed with active ingredients, are used and endorsed by many of the worlds leading riders. The company has grown out of a life times experience with horses and with this working knowledge and listening to their customers the range of supplements has expanded. With this care and commitment to fulfilling the needs of their customers HORSE FIRST have launched their new nOW range to compliment products in their existing range. nOW supplements are handy convenient syringe based top ups formulated to be used at shows , events and training. Speaking from their head office Paddy Hughes explained “after numerous requests and well over a year in development and testing, we are excited to bring our new nOW range to the market.. RelaxMenOW is formulated to be used in conjunction with your normal feeding routine for RelaxMe. Competition times and travelling long distances to events do not always coincide with your horse’s normal feed times and this is when RelaxMenOW comes to the rescue. you can easily take control of the situation and administer a syringe of RelaxMenOW two hours before the class without having to fit in with feeding times. your horse will have the same calm performance as when fed on RelaxMe you have the convenience of dosing the topup easily. After the show you simply return to feeding RelaxMe daily.” “Our commitment to putting the horse first means that we are thrilled to announce other products in the nOW range, Heavy Sweat nOW, a handy form of our electrolyte. As with RelaxMenOW it is perfect to carry with you to shows and events and means that you can be sure you have replaced those vital salts directly. The importance of water and electrolytes to a horse cannot not be over emphasised. They are pivotal to a horse’s, overall health. Some horses wont drink water with electrolytes added after exercise and this is a sure way of replacing those salts.” HORSE FIRST have also launched CuppranOW, a boost of copper, Cuppra has been delivering amazing results highlighting how important copper is in the diet, from coat pigmentation to bone development, and for iron uptake copper is crucial. Horses being fed can benefit from a daily addition of Cuppra. However with horses at grass you can now ensure that their copper levels are supplemented from the easy to administer CuppranOW syringe. To find out more about these products and the complete range of HORSE FIRST Supplements visit www.horsefirst.net
SUPPLEMENTS
When should I use an electrolyte supplement? W
hatever the weather, horses who are training, travelling and competing are likely to sweat resulting in possible dehydration. This can lead to loss of performance and fatigue so keeping working and travelling horses properly hydrated is vital and regular use of a good quality electrolyte supplement is strongly recommended. Baileys Aqua-Aide electrolyte provides a balance of key salts which mirrors those lost in sweat and includes an optimum balance of sodium, potassium and chloride as well as magnesium and calcium. It also contains just the right amount of dextrose to aid palatability and encourage optimum absorption from the digestive tract. Aqua-Aide can be easily administered in water or wet, sloppy feed whenever a horse sweats in training or competition. The optimum time to give an electrolyte is around 20 minutes after exercise is completed and, if the horse won’t take them in water, adding them to a small amount of sloppy beet pulp and alfalfa is a great alternative. Horses should always have access to fresh drinking water when they have been given electrolytes, in order to avoid further dehydration. Baileys Aqua-Aide is available in 2kg or 9kg tubs priced at around £13.65 & £47.50 respectively. www.baileyhorsefeeds.co.uk. 01371 850247.
www.equiads.net
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HORSE FIRST WINNERS
HORSE FIRST
@horsefirst
www.horsefirst.net T: +44 (0)28 3084 8844 E: info@horsefirst.net August 2013 | 15
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TENBH0513
Corrigan... “Co
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. Corrigan... …sweet natured and a true gent, he inspires confidence in novices and a little admiration from the ladies!
Although when it comes to work, Corrigan can be a little too laid back. Since taking T.E.N. Energy Boost, Corrigan has upped his enthusiasm and focus for work whilst still maintaining his waistline. Corrigan is still calm and collected, but now has more of a spring in his step!” Kathryn Herring (proud rider of Corrigan)
A range of targeted nutritional supplements from the makers of SPILLERS
®
...because your horse is an individual
buy exclusively online at
tensupplements.co.uk Call us on 01908 311010 ®MARS and SPILLERS are Registered Trademarks. © MARS Horsecare UK Ltd 2013
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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding
The Healthy way to Feed for Energy and Strength F
eeding starchy hard feeds comes with an array of downsides, and some horses will continue to fatigue in spite of what you feed. If you are looking for a way to improve stamina, strength and fitness without causing short lived fizz, increasing unwanted body fat, or giving feed that is detrimental to gut or muscle health, then Nupafeed have a unique solution. nupafeed Staying Power is an L-Carnitine based liquid supplement that improves energy turnover and specifically targets the use of fat as an energy source. Staying Power helps to increase the utilisation of fat stores, improves energy production, reduces fatigue and speeds recovery, without the concern of added calories, temperament difficulties or problems associated with the gut or muscles. L-Carnitine also acts as a trigger for muscle growth allowing the horse to develop stronger, leaner body mass. nupafeed Staying Power is uniquely developed to allow absorption of the L-Carnitine into the muscle tissue where it is required and is formulated to include MAH® magnesium. This magnesium content allows healthy relaxed muscle function and supports correct glucose metabolism, particularly in the brain, to help natural energy production and concentration. Staying Power is easy and flexible to feed and can either be given daily to improve energy levels and fitness, or on days of extra work or competition to help prevent fatigue and improve recovery between bouts of exercise. Provides the ideal solution for horses/ponies prone to Laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome or those that require a high fat and fibre diet. For more information or to order please contact Nupafeed UK: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk
Rowen Barbary to sponsor Six Bar at Blair
T
he popularity and success of Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair continues to grow and for 2013 Rowen Barbary has announced sponsorship of the Six Bar, which looks set to be an exciting addition to the event. Taking place in the Main Arena on the Saturday the Rowen Barbary Six Bar sees horse and rider tackle six fences in a straight line and after each round the heights are raised, until there is an eventual winner. Blair Castle International Horse Trials & Country Fair is Scotland’s leading equestrian event, running over four days in August and features all things equine, including top class international three-day eventing, show jumping, Highland Pony and Hunter showing, the national Pony Society Scotland Finals and Pony Club games. Rowen Barbary will be on hand for the duration of the event, so if you have any concerns over your horse’s diet when visiting Blair please feel free to visit the Rowen Barbary stand for friendly impartial advice. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk
T.E.n. Supplements get even bigger
N
ew T.E.N. supplements are now bigger than ever. The range of Targeted Equine Nutrition Supplements, from the makers of SPILLERS®, have been so wellreceived since they were launched back in March that, in response to numerous requests, some are now available in bigger tub sizes. T.E.n. Challenged Joints, T.E.n. Challenged Hooves, T.E.n. Challenged Digestion and T.E.n. gastric Health, which are amongst the most popular in the range since it launched in March 2013, are now available in tubs for six months’ supply for one horse. Larger packs mean it’s more convenient and cost-effective to feed several horses on the yard but they are also a great option for the one horse owner who will only need to supplement-shop twice a year! Claire Dyett, T.E.n. Marketing &
18 | August 2013
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E-commerce Manager explains: “We have been bowled over by the response to T.E.n. Feedback confirms that our phenomenal choice of supplements and our no nonsense approach are exactly what horse owners want and what their horses need and now with the benefits of bigger packs too.” The T.E.n. range is available exclusively online. There’s a choice of 31 supplements across 12 categories: Hoof, Joint, Digestion, Behaviour, Immunity, Electrolytes, Skin and Coat, Lifestyle, Wellbeing, Weight Management, Muscle and Respiratory. Such breadth of range means you can target your horse or pony’s individual requirements with precision, providing exactly what you feel he needs, without including what he doesn’t. Visit www.tensupplements. co.uk or call T.E.n. on 01908 311010, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
For m
www.equiads.net
® MAR to pro
24/07/2013 16:16
Size B '
Cool things down. Fizzy behaviour can pose problems. SPILLERS® Cool Mix™ is already well known for helping to keep horses and ponies well behaved and healthy. Now with reduced cereal starch and the calming properties of magnesium, SPILLERS® Cool Mix™ just got cooler. The best non-heating mix* for horses with low to medium energy needs, SPILLERS® Cool Mix™ is packed with vitamins and minerals for all round health. Cool things down with SPILLERS® Cool Mix™
Feed from our experience.
For more information contact SPILLERS Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com ® MARS and SPILLERS are Registered Trademarks. ©MARS Horsecare UK Ltd. 2013. *A non-heating feed is one that is less likely to produce excitable behaviour in some horses and ponies when fed at the recommended rate.
Equi_Ads_Aug_National_Rev.indd 19 Size B 'Cool things down' ad 2013.pdf
24/07/2013 16:16 06/07/2013 11:34
Feeding • Healthcare • Laminitis
HICKSTEAD HORSE FEEDS - A great year for hay.
A
fter the appalling hay harvest of the last couple of years, 2013 has produced perfect hay making weather when it matters the most. Yield may be slightly down in some areas of the country due to the cold, wet spring and early summer weather, but on the whole, hay made in early July will be (grass species dependent) clean, dry and nutritious. So why not consider a slight change in your feeding regime when you start to feed this year’s hay. For horses at maintenance or in light work, consider Hickstead Horse Feeds Leisure Balancer as it will compliment this year’s hay crop perfectly. It contains quality protein sourced from soya to promote muscle tone and skin condition; it is low in starch (under 10%) and sugar (under 7%) so is suitable for those prone to laminitis and excitability and it provides all the essential vitamins and minerals including bioplex minerals (organic trace minerals in a highly digestible form) as well as yea-Sacc, a live yeast culture which has been scientifically proven to stimulate the growth of fibre digesting bacteria in the gut. At £17.99 for a 15kg bag, this balancer competes exceptionally well with other leisure balancers on the market and when two bags are bought together, they can be delivered free of charge to your door via our BoxClever service. To find out more on the balancer and BoxClever, or for any information on Hickstead Horse Feeds products, or for nutritional advice of any sort, please feel free to contact us on 0845 0250 444, or check out our website. We really are very friendly. info@hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk www. hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk Facebook: Hickstead Horse Feeds.
InSULIn RESISTAnT LAMInITIC IMPROVES DRAMATICALLy 15.3.2013
“I would like to thank you for the product noMetSyn on behalf of my 15h PBA Tyson who has had chronic laminitis since last September. He is now on Day 9 of the product and since Day 2 has not had a single dose of Danilon. He has had up to four sachets daily since his laminitis started in September. He has it in all four feet, worse in one front. He never exhibited the classic symptoms but has been “footy” with a bounding digital pulse and the vet and farrier all felt he would come sound in a few weeks as the attack seemed mild. He is now able to canter around his stable, something he has not done for such a long time and can have his feet picked out without flinching. His feet feel cool to the touch. My vet is flabbergasted by the sudden and dramatic improvement. Extensive blood tests had been inconclusive and as he is only 11 it was felt unlikely he had Cushing’s disease. My farrier cannot believe he can stand to be trimmed. Formerly he could barely stand even though on deep shavings and had to keep changing feet. We are fans of your products, having used Formula4Feet successfully but we really cannot believe how noMetSyn has given him such a new lease of life, literally!” 11.7.2013
“It is amazing how Tyson has improved so dramatically since the first day of receiving
noMetSyn. He has been shod every four weeks and will stand now on the concrete without any problems. His feet are almost hoof shaped again! He is now out 24/7 unless it rains. He is on a scratch paddock about 20 x 40m next to his pals and has company in the day so he can groom and gallop around. He has 2lb hay morning and night, 1lb Dengie High-Fi molasses free with his noMetSyn and Formula4Feet daily. He has also lost an amazing amount of weight, something we have struggled with, he lost only 20kg over 32 weeks but has lost nearly 90kg since the noMetSyn and being outside. He is a fabulous mover and it is amazing to see him floating around his paddock again. I never thought he would recover but this product has turned the corner for him, it cannot be co-incidence as he had been so bad for so long. Tyson has a future at last!” Louise Willis, Grimsby. NoMetSyn is available from Equi Life Ltd at: Mead House Dauntsey Chippenham, Wilts. SN15 4JA. Tel 01249-890784 Fax 01249-890780 email: info@equilife.co.uk www.equilife.co.uk with secure online ordering
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Hickstead Leisure balancers provides all the essential vitamins and minerals that your horse or pony requires. The inclusion of Bioplex® chelated minerals and Selplex® selenium maximises the availability of these nutrients and their subsequent utilisation by the horse.
Added Oil
Ensures gleaming coat shine.
Quality Protein
A high level of soya is included which provides essential building blocks required to promote quality muscle tone and skin condition.
3 Provides essential vitamins, minerals and quality protein without the unwanted energy or calories of a conventional mix or cube. 3 Economical to feed – available in 15kg sacks which will last a 500kg horse for 30 days! 3 Non-heating formula, free from cereal grains. 3 Low in starch and sugar so suitable for horses and ponies at risk of laminitis or those prone to excitability. 20 | August 2013
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Low In starch
Contains no grain, but a blend of soya, cereal fibre and oilseeds, making it suitable for laminitics and excitable types
“M Sh fe sh
Digestive Support
Contains the live yeast “Yea Sacc” which has been shown in scientific trials to maintain and improve digestion and to support the effective digestion of fibre
Biotin, Zinc, Methioine and Calcium Added to help promote good hoof quality
For more information: tel: 0845 0250 444 www.hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk info@hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:16
“I often think about my Mum...
if only she’d had NoMetSyn” “Mum was fed coarse mix and haylage and didn’t have enough exercise; she got fat. She kept getting really lame, walking on her heels and lying down a lot. Then her feet got distorted. I heard the vet talking about insulin resistance and laminitis and she would never be any good for showing. Then I was sold; I never saw her again. My people say they want me to stay fit and healthy, they only give me feeds approved by the Laminitis Trust and I get plenty of exercise - I hope I will never need NoMetSyn.” NoMetSyn could have changed his Mum’s life. Equi Life Tel; 01249-890784 www.equilife.co.uk (secure online ordering available)
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Xxxxxxxxxx
Your farrier will be able to pair out the horn and find the abscess
EqUInE LAMEnESS
Linda Greaves BSc (Vet. Sci) BVet Med MRCVS
E
quine lameness is a broad and complicated subject to discuss, there are many types and causes of lameness. In this article we will discuss acute onset lameness. On arriving at your yard you discover your horse is lame, There are a few things to do before panicking or calling a vet! Firstly can your horse walk? Will he bear weight on the affected limb? If not call your vet immediately and wait for further advice. If he is able to walk, move him slowly to a quiet area such as his stable. Examine the affected leg, does he have any noticeable swelling or heat anywhere on his leg, can you see any blood or cuts? If your horse will allow, examine his foot and pick out any stones or mud, is there damage to the sole of his foot or hoof, has he trodden on a nail? These questions are all important pieces of information that will help you and your vet decide if your horse needs to be seen urgently. Foot abscesses are a very common cause of acute onset lameness and can be extremely painful for a horse. A foot abscess is an infection of the foot that can cause inflammation and pus formation leading to sometimes severe lameness. Infection can be introduced most commonly through the sole of the foot by a bruise or puncture wound or through a hoof crack or by tracking through the white line. An abscess can take several days to develop and show clinical signs. For any horse with a single leg acute onset lameness it is important to rule out an abscess. Either your farrier or vet will be able to use hoof testers to identify if an abscess is present as the horse will resent pressure applied over the area. The horse may also have heat in the hoof and a digital pulse. Then your farrier/vet will firstly remove the shoe if present then be able to pare out the horn and find the abscess releasing the pressure that has built up, horses are usually a lot more comfortable once this has been done. However only your vet will be able to diagnose and treat your horse if it is not an abscess that is causing your horse’s lameness. Establishing drainage is key to successful treatment of a foot abscess and your vet or farrier will try to remove sufficient horn to ensure that the abscess drains and does not reform. Once drainage has been established it is generally advisable to poultice the foot for several days using a hot wet poultice such as Animalintex to help draw out the abscess. This should ideally be changed twice daily. Once there is no further pus detected when changing the wet poultice, a dry poultice can be used. Once a diagnosis of a foot abscess has been made and treated appropriately, if the horse’s lameness has not improved markedly within 2-3 days then it is advisable to speak to the vet or farrier again as the foot may need further paring.
22 | August 2013
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Horse limb fractures are usually as a result of either a kick from another horse or falling over. It is often thought that a fracture means that a horse must be euthansed however this is not always the case as it depends greatly on what bone has been fractured and the type of fracture that has occurred. Some fractures may require surgery to be pinned such as pastern fractures, some fractures may need support bandages and the horse cross tying for a period of time such as radial fractures and there are some fractures such as splint bone fractures that may not require any treatment other than box rest. Then there are the catastrophic fractures often seen in racing and competition horses where a bone is fractured and protrudes through the skin, these are often beyond surgical repair and require euthanasia. If your vet suspects a fracture they may take radiographs on the yard or place a support bandage and splints and send your horse to a referral facility for further investigation and possible surgery. It is not unusual for horses to tread on nails or sharp objects especially when you consider that we nail shoes to their feet! A penetrating foot wound can be a serious injury depending on where in the foot the foreign body goes. If your horse has trodden on a nail the best thing to do is leave it in position! Do not remove it, This means that your vet can take an x-ray with the nail in position to see exactly where in the foot it has travelled giving your vet valuable information of the structures that may be damaged. Your vet may then remove the nail and bandage the foot before sending your horse to a referral hospital for further assessment including an MRI scan or
even surgery. Those lucky horses that miss important structures may be able to remain at home with medication and daily poulticing. Kick wounds can be straight forward or very serious depending on where on a limb they are, they can result in fractures but often the biggest cause for concern is a horse being kicked over a joint or tendon sheath and infection setting in. Septic joints and tendon sheaths will undoubtably require surgery to flush out the infection. This is often a major concern for vets when treating wounds over joints and although your horse may be uncomfortable your vet will not want to give pain relief in case of masking a septic joint. It may take up to 48 hours after the initial injury for a horse joint to become septic and their level of lameness will increase over this time until they become not weight bearing so it is important to assess your horse level of lameness daily after such an injury. Another common cause of lameness can be due to incorrect or poor shoeing this may not be seen straight away but can take a day or two to develop. A farrier must take care to place each nail into the non-sensitive tissue of the hoof to hold the shoe on, if a nail is placed too closely to or into the sensitive tissues within the hoof this can cause pain and infection. Your vet can diagnose this by using hoof testers and your horse may also have increased digital pulses in the affected limb. The shoe will need to be removed and may require poulticing depending on the severity of the condition. Antiinflammatories are often given to manage the inflammation and associated pain and the horse will require a period of box rest. Lameness can be a frustrating and expensive condition to treat, it is always advisable to seek professional help if your horse suddenly becomes lame or has a worsening lameness as the sooner a diagnosis is made the sooner a resolution can be found.
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t is now a very well established fact that our equines require their diet to be supplemented with vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. In the past many horses could survive and often flourish on forage alone but modern yard set ups, with changes in agricultural methods, can lead to our equine’s pasture being overgrazed resulting in deficiencies in their diet. Pair this with an increase in performance expectations - with regular training, competing and travelling becoming a customary part of our horse’s routines - the need to supplement and balance the diet is becoming more paramount. Specialised supplements in the form of comprehensive balancers such as Horslyx provide one of the easiest and most efficient ways of providing these essential nutrients to best meet our
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horse’s needs. Many people only think of a balancer as a concentrated feed substance, however a nutrient rich lick such as Horslyx can provide a simple and cost effective method of balancing and supplementing the equine diet. The well-formulated lick is the equivalent of a human multi-vitamin supplement and balances the diet with the inclusion of essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including the unique Healthy Hooves package containing Biotin, Zinc, and Methionine. Available in four different formulations; Original, Respiratory, Mobility and garlic, Horslyx will appeal to even the fussiest of feeders. nutritious Horslyx is extremely palatable, providing equines with essential nutrients in an appetizing recipe.
Along with optimum levels of forage, Horslyx allows your horse to slowly trickle feed the remaining nutrients required, allowing for optimum digestion and absorption. The unique composition of Horslyx is designed to be licked not chewed which slows down the rate of consumption and helps to keep your horse occupied and engaged, minimising stress and boredom levels - particularly when stabled. Horslyx provides the ideal feed balancer to help keep your equine happy and content while supporting the diet with all the nutrients required for optimum health. Horslyx is available in 5kg, 15kg and 80kg tubs. Prices start at £10.75. For more information about Horslyx visit www.horslyx.com or call 01697 332 592.
August 2013 | 23
24/07/2013 16:16
Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
TEMPOROMAnDIBULAR JOInT DISEASE AnD BRIDLE LAMEnESS – Perhaps they do Exist? Ben Sturgoen, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS I
t is hard to admit but vets can be arrogant sods. We know best, Owners are flaming idiots, there there have a sweetie. This happens because we know what we know, or perhaps more pertinently, remember what we remember. So if we don’t or can’t remember then the default position is to ignore it or pretend it doesn’t exist or call the owner a nutter. Bridle lameness is one such thing. It is not a veterinary term but a “lay” term with a vague meaning proposing anything from feeling heavy in your hands, pulling of the reins, head twisting or tossing through to bucking, baulking or even rearing. No wonder we “ignore” it, anything could be going wrong from having a bad back to having a bee on its bum. See? It’s easy to get flippant and go to science and fact. So let’s start just here. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the articulation between the temporal bone which expands across the horse’s forehead and the upper part of the mandible. Cartilage covers the surface and a cartilage disc separates the joint into upper and lower compartments as well as making the joint surface congruent. Ligaments surrounding the TMJ are incorporated with the capsule and serve to stabilise the joint. Whilst the sizes and shapes of the compartments vary; the angles of the compartments are consistently
aligned at 15° (side to side and front to back). The relevance of this is that this 15° angulation is reflected in the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the cheek teeth. As the horse also has anisognathism (the upper jaw wider than the lower), the TMJs effectively control the necessary chewing movements across both sides of the jaw (even if as we know horses appear to be either right-sided or left-sided chewers). Whilst the joint is effectively hinge like it also moves slightly forward in a gliding movement allowing full chewing actions. This is obviously under control of nerves (the fifth cranial) and the muscles of chewing. Of these there is a disproportionate muscle mass with the majority being “depressors” as apposed to “elevators”. This is obviously evolutionary allowing for the huge forces required to crush and grind fibrous food. Other factors in chewing are also important – lips and tongue, oropharynx, soft palate, epiglottis and laryngeal retraction and contraction ultimately constituting swallowing. Does this or can any of this result in “bridle lameness?” The blunt answer is who knows but there are perhaps several pieces of information we need to consider. 1. There is an intimate anatomical relationship between the TMJ capsular ligaments and the external and middle ear which some suggest can affect balance.
TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support T opSpec 10:10 contains an excellent specification of nutrients to help the development and maintenance of healthy joints. Synovial joints are stabilised by a complex network of tendons, ligaments and muscles in and around the joint, and by the joint capsule itself. In ideal circumstances this enables joints to function smoothly and comfortably. TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support is designed to help support joints subject to excess trauma
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2. Effective and balanced movement is dependent upon the co-ordination of all parts of the skeleton. The mouth and jaws are collectively called the stomatognathic system; whilst it is overly simple to ask Rory McIlroy how disease of his stomatognathic system affects his performance it is thought that changes in muscle tone in the head and neck will increase “tension” all the way to the sacrum. It is postulated that it is not uncommon then to see reciprocal changes of muscle tone in the pelvis and sacrum in response to changes in the TMJ thus affecting movement. 3. Horses with oral pain (TMJ related or not) will carry their heads abnormally; holding it to one side or with a twist. This can lead
similarly to uneven loading of limbs, uneven muscle development and “imbalances” and further changes such as foot shape alterations on one side. 4. The horse in motion tends to maintain closure of the mouth, an inability to achieve this may have undesirable side effects (swallowing, palate displacement, salivation, playing with the bit etc). Whilst these “points” are not factual, it is important to consider the potential causes and linked factors to a then difficult diagnostic presentation instead of simply dismissing the possibility. It is important though to stress that true “bridle lameness” (i.e. the placement of a bridle makes the horse actually and visibly lame) is highly unlikely to exist and what riders are really talking about is the longer term changes in muscle balance and overt head sensitivity (and how that affects riding) when pressure is placed on the bit. So what could be going on in this
When targeting joint comfort the solution is devilishly simple… D
evil’s Relief offers your horse targeted joint comfort and more. First of all Devils Relief is not phenylbutazone. It is however, a unique natural formulation created to target optimum joint comfort. Devils Relief is a powerful herbal liquid which contains Devils Claw plus other herbs all known for their natural comforting properties, combined with a high concentration of naturally sourced antioxidants. These ingredients compliment each other in their action to support comfort and a stronger resistance to the detrimental effects of the aging process – making it the ideal choice for older horses and those prone to impaired movement and stiff joints. Devils Relief is also economical to feed. So, if your horse or pony deserves comfortable joints and quality of life is your main objective, the choice is devilishly simply… Just add Devils Relief to his daily diet. RRP’s: 500ml - £10.95; 1litre - £18.95; larger sizes available. For more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106, email info@naf-uk.com or visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk
and/or repeated wear and tear. It is particularly suitable for horses working hard and elderly horses. TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support can be fed at a maintenance rate (half the recommended) to support healthy joints. TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support contains a generous combination of glucosamine (10g/500Kg horse/day) and MSM (10g/500Kg horse/day). It also contains an antioxidant blend of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and natural
tocopherols which help combat excess free radicals around the joint. 1.5kg TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support £29.95 For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:16
Xxxxxxxxxx Book Review • Healthcare
BOOK REVIEW UnDERSTAnDIng THE HORSE’S FEET
John Stewart MA Vet, MB, MRCVS Published by Crowood Press at £25
T
his book is a practical guide to understanding the complexities of the horse’s feet and is aimed at horse owners, riding instructors, veterinary nurses and students. It covers foot-related issues including an in-depth examination of the perennial problem of laminitis. Topics covered include: The structure of the horse’s foot; Examining horses’ feet; The function of the hoof and the other foot structures; Laminitis and Investigating lameness. John Stewart is an experienced vet and has his own equine practice. Having obtained his veterinary-degree from Cambridge University, he then worked in mixed practice for fifteen years before setting up his own predominantly equine practice. He became interested in laminitis due to his own frustration in dealing with the condition; this led on to in-depth study of horses’ feet, and setting up an information website. In his quest for information, John
An approved feed material which removes toxins from the horse’s system, safely and naturally. Improves Health, Behaviour & Performance. Guards against Ulcers, Colic, Wind-sucking, Crib Biting and Lameness. Very effective and economic to use. www.finefettlefeed.com or call 01600 712496
has attended numerous veterinary and farriery conferences at home and abroad and has spoken at farriery conferences in Europe and the USA. He was inducted into the I’nternational Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame of the American Farriers Journal in 2012. not only is this book very easy to read but it is superbly illustrated with 228 colour photographs and diagrams. At only £25 it really should be on every horse owner’s bookshelves. Email: enquiries@crowood.com www.crowood.com
Aromaitch might be the answer for your horse’s itching Catherine Adams, an Equinat customer wrote…
‘I
recently purchased Aromaitch cream for my horse. I have tried many products and spent lots of money on things which haven’t worked, so this was just another trial and error. After the first application I could see a difference, the skin started to improve and the hair began to grow again. I would not have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. My horse must have realised that this was going to help her as each time I applied it she stood rock solid even when I applied it round her face, whereas with any other products it
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was a fight to apply it. So I would like to say a huge thank you for this product - I have just ordered another 3 tubs and I will be telling all my friends about your products. Thanks again from me and Milly!!!’ The ‘Aromaitch’ range from Equinat provides you & your horse with a totally natural solution for fly-related problems. This topical range of products is formulated from 100% pure essential oils and herbal extracts, offering a non-toxic, environmentally friendly option for conscientious owners. Steroid, Deet &
Citronella free, they can be applied to areas with broken skin and/or hair loss without the need to wear gloves to apply. This product range can be applied with/without a preventative rug. Launched in 2005, Aromaitch and Aroma Pre-itch have helped thousands of horses feel comfortable in their own skin and successfully prevented the self-mutilation & destruction of their manes and tails following fly bites and the associated irritation. Order online from www.equinat.com 01427 811765
August 2013 | 25
24/07/2013 16:16
09
to stay calm. A panicking owner is not able to communicate clearly and will also be of no reassurance to the horse. Your safety is paramount, never put yourself in danger and in the way of a fractious horse.
try and get them out unless it is safe to do so. - Do not open the jockey/ grooms door as some horses will panic and try to get out of the open space. Instead try to keep the horse as calm as possible while waiting for the vet and fire service to arrive.
Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Worming
There are a number worse by dramatically altering again with29 a confirmed diagnosis with chewing patterns, dropping 16:32 food, joint? Acute damageofissituations certainly EQUJun09-N.qxd 20/5/09 Page where knowing some firstkicks aid (Genuine emergency) the action on a changed appropriate therapy (steroids, shock bony prominence on the TMJ possible as a result of basic trauma, “Do notof the putTMJ yourself willaccidents be useful.orFirstly is important wave, stem cell, joint supplementation mouth. Hence, any corrections area, atrophy or loss of symmetry or whereit the horse’s to ascertain theor fulljammed severityin ofan the •and If faced a horse withorcolic it should done of little by evenwith condylectomy surgical of facial musculature; abnormal head is caught in thebefistaged, ringi.e.line situation. These This can loosely be grouped is importantIttoisassess the situation little with monthly reviews after removal). important however incisor alignments, abnormal molar opening. cases will present aeach horse pain, or into three a horse requiring before entering stable. causes If it is safe change. in Furthermore, over to re-assess anythe initiating or occlusions, losseye) of mouth balance, with pain categories, on direct palpation and (Staple in horses emergency treatment, horse requiring to go into the stable, remove any food zealous dentistry as a routine, rather ongoing issues such as balancing of pain on palpation of the joint, loss of manipulation with possible swelling one that is scared immediate care and those not What toand do rostral whilst waiting forforward) the vet and water and makeand surecorrecting he is not too than correctional, could be just as the dental arcades lateral (side and and asymmetry of the facethat anddoeven as they especially can bewhere very requireand medical attention. in an emergency? hot wearing rugs). Depending on detrimental power any(if dental abnormalities along with jaw excursion; head shaking, undermolar incisor alignment. Your vet will advise what to do, the severitydietary of the colic yourAvet mayof tools are used badly decreasing the necessary changes. word development of theyou axial (limbs) More chronic cases, which are dangerous. ” 261181 Freephone 0800 5831361 Fax: 01829 If you are under-diagnosed unsure you shouldbut call your dependingimbalanced on each individual situation, advise you to gently walk the horse surface contact between molars that warning here is appropriate. Firstly, skeleton, riding position, probably Email: sales@wormers.co.uk vet – even if it isthan for advice. Theyare will but heremuscle are some general guidelines. in-hand if it is safe to so. a horse would naturally have. This despite treatment anddocorrections uneven development and more common we think, be more than happy to talk over a •can Most importantly remember stay lead to myofascial pain astothe the TMJ may still manifest as a both secondary fore and hind limb likely osteoarthritic chronic “wear problem hours • Do not put yourself in to thepoor fi16:32 ringsaddle line Page calm! youto areachieve stressed and panic EQUJun09-N.qxd 20/5/09 29 horseIftries contact between dysfunction and never entirely dysmetria even leading and tear”with andyou mayduring be dueoffitocedental WORRIED ABOUT WORMS? and advise if they think younormal need of aStruth, horse in pain, or one thatoyster is scared horse will sense your“clenches” the molars so effectively recover from the mind condition so with a your fit. the world’s your irregularities influencing Put your at rest worm count by post concern from a visit.movement For a genuine emergency as they be very dangerous. which willconstantly only act tocompressing aggravate thethe the jaw ongoing therapy and management with thiscan one. TMJ (although TMJit ABBEY DIAGNOSTICS doesn’t will matter whatcertainly time of day or situation. muscles, tendons and ligaments. may be necessary. Secondly, over Diagnosis then is based on looking disease almost affect Easy to do - just send a sample using our free kit. night it is,and a vet callalso willcause be happy • Ifeverything the horse has a suspected fracture, Sometimes zealous dental correction can be above, on exclusions chewing so,on will dental at Low cost - Only £6.00 or less for new clients, with discounts forit can take years for a to help. is non-weight or is pumping Even if not showing signsback of being multiple damaging. samples & special veterinary, trade and charity clinical crown to come intoin equally In long standing of other causesbearing of lameness, on irregularities). Infections of the joint packages. Rapid and reliable - same day results. extreme with blood DO NOT move him unless pain your vet willand alsoeffect need to contact and its absence cases (years) it is quite likely the horse nerve blocking of the joint and with and dislocations are also recorded Loyalty scheme - for all customers. Page 29 So when is an emergency a genuine advised by your vet (or if faced with an your horse they have a wound on molar tableifangle and on the has its chewinginformation patternspack withor to see imaging modalities such as x-ray, although hopefully more obvious to Calladapted us for a no-obligation discuss your requirements, or visit our website where you could evena win a free worm count. emergency? addedscans, dangerous situation, such as in over joint; (even if the wound biomechanics of chewing, andlooks then the dental irregularities reflecting bone computer tomography, the observer. Free information sheets available on request. Common sense and horse owner’s the middle of a road). minor). If left untreated infected on riding, is one now Ian hope you this. Correction then to a proposed MRI and importantly and best In cases as I am suggesting, the Our kits are supplied free of charge, so0800 all you pay for is what Fax: you use!!! Freephone 5831361 01829 261181 intuition will tell may prove fatal and all cases might just consider, likeinme, a little “perfect” mouth may not be perfect ultrasonography. These will allow presentation mayyou bewhen vaguea–situation head Abbey Diagnostics - working with you for joint your horse. Email: sales@wormers.co.uk 01638 http://www.abbeydiagnostics.co.uk (Colic) is a genuine emergency, such as: • If the horse bleeding heavily try to require treatment from your vet. more closely? for this552122 horse and may in•fact make it will imaging of theis TMJ, hopefully tilting, leaning on the bit, abnormal Healthcare Worming
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HORSES InSIDE OUT - The Anatomy of Muscles. Part 1. By Gillian Higgins
Continuing the theme from last month’s article Gillian continues to look at the horse’s muscular system in more detail. Having already looked at muscle types and fibre types, this month will cover, how muscles contract and create movement. Parts 2 and 3 will focus on how muscles support posture and how they strengthen and respond to training. Gillian Higgins is an Equine Sports and Remedial Therapist, BHS Senior Coach, Lecturer, Author and founder of Horses inside Out. With a background in human therapy, Gillian’s ethos is strongly based around muscle function and balance. “To enable optimum performance, suppleness, flexibility and range of movement, muscles need to be appropriately strong, supple and working together in harmony and balance,” says gillian. “Muscles that have a tendency to become tight and sore require regular stretching and muscles that have a tendency to be ineffective, slow to support, long or weak benefit from regular strengthening exercises. Knowing which muscles need to be strengthened and which need to be stretched comes from an understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, movement and experience.”
Types of Muscle Contraction
There are two main types of muscle contraction, isometric and isotonic. Isometric contractions occur when the muscle is working statically to maintain a position. In the human this could be holding a heavy object in the hand at arms length. After a time the muscle would burn. In the horse this can equate to holding the weight of the head in a fixed outline.
Muscles
Muscles control every aspect of movement both internal and external. They form the largest tissue mass in the horse’s body. There are various types of muscles performing a wide variety of tasks all working in a similar way. Electrical impulses instruct the fibres to contract and shorten then relax and lengthen.
Isotonic contractions result in movement and can be further divided into: • Concentric, where the muscle shortens to create movement for example when the horse is trotting or cantering.
Superficial Muscles The superficial muscles are located between the deep muscles and skin. Although they vary in size and shape they are generally classified as movement muscles. They are either :-
• bulky, such as the superficial gluteal muscles, around 25cm thick in a 16 hand horse, the triceps muscles, around 20cm thick or the masseter muscle that moves the jaw or • sheet like, such as the external abdominal oblique which spans the entire abdomen and contributes to rib movement, bend and protraction of the hind limb.
How Muscles Contract
Muscles are made up of thousands of fascicles which are bundles of fibres running parallel to each other and bound together by thin layers of fascia. This is what gives muscle its striated appearance. Within each fibre are thousands of other smaller threads known as myofibrils. Within each myofibril are millions of minute bands known as sarcomeres which are made up of two proteins, myosin and actin. When chemical messages are sent to the muscle via a nerve, smaller actin filaments slide between the larger myosin filaments causing it to shorten and contract.
Horses use a combination of isotonic and isometric contractions. Dressage horses performing advanced movements particularly those involved in exaggerated flexion of the joints in the hind limbs or when required to carry more weight on the hind quarters use isometric and eccentric muscle contraction to maintain the posture. Superficial Muscles from above
Superficial muscles are located further away from bone and joints thereby having points of origin and insertion into fascia and other muscles as well as bone. The latissimus dorsi and superficial gluteal muscles attach into the thoracolumbar fascia. The surface of the superficial muscles can easily be felt for tension, heat and swelling. They are readily influenced by complementary therapies such as massage, magnetic therapy, active and passive stretches.
28 | August 2013
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Deep Muscles
The function of the deep muscles is posture and stability. They: • attach directly to the bone • are located close to the joints • often have a number of points of origin and insertion • are often responsible for supporting individual joints for example, the deep • eccentric, where the muscle controls the movement for example when landing from a jump, breaking, going downhill or coming to a sudden halt. This article includes extracts from Horse Anatomy for Performance by Gillian Higgins and Stephanie Martin. For this and other Horses Inside Out Books and Videos please visit www. HorsesInsideOut.com . Look out for part 2 of Horses Inside Out – The Anatomy of Muscles next month. If you would you like to hear about Horses Inside Out events and courses, email Gillian@horsesinsideout.com with your name and county and reference EquiAds.
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WIN A FREE COPY OF HORSES INSIDE OUT – THE DVD MOVEMENT FROM THE ANATOMICAL PERSPECTIVE
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gluteal muscle only affects the hip joint • have a high number of nerve endings which makes them more sensitive to postural alignment. Deep muscles tend to have fibre arrangements for posture and support whereas the superficial muscles tend to have fibre arrangements for movement.
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30th August 2013 – Evening Lecture Demonstration – John O’groats, Scotland. 31st August 2013 – Ponies Inside Out – John O’groats, Scotland. 11th September 2013 – Anatomical Riding Lecture Demonstration – Vale View Equestrian Centre. Leicestershire 15th September 2013 – Anatomical Painting and Pilates for Horses Day Course – Elms Farm, Leicestershire 26th September 2013 – Anatomy and Training Evening Lecture Demonstration – AM Dressage, gloucestershire 5th/6th October 2013 – 2 Day Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics Course – Moulton College, northamptonshire 16th November 2013 – Head and neck dissection Hartpury College, gloucestershire. Details for these events and more can be found at www.HorsesInsideOut.com
HORSES INSIDE OUT Two Day Applied Biomechanics Course Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October 2013 Pitsford Campus, Moulton College, Northamptonshire. NN3 7QL Equine Biomechanics is the study of the anatomical principles of movement related to the horse. This course will take an in depth look at the structure and function of the equine body and relate it to the way of going. The course is of interest to anyone who would like to appreciate the relevance of applied anatomy to how the horse moves. The course is a mix of theory and practical observation. For More Information : 01159212648 or Shirley@horsesinsideout.com www.HorsesInsideOut.com August 2013 | 29
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Horse Behaviour Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare
HORSE BEHAVIOUR - Speaking the language part 14
A series by Susan McBane explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training . This series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented at the First International Equitation Science Symposium, 2005. The glossary description is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)
This picture shows a perfect example of a horse being given two opposing instructions simultaneously. The horse is well behind the vertical which, in addition to the points detailed this article, is preventing him seeing properly where he is going because of the way equine eyes function. The bit contact is firm and, particularly because a curb is in use, will be causing some pain. His neck is shortened and his poll not the highest point of his outline. The significant bit pressure is telling him to slow down or stop yet the coarse use of the spur is driving him on. Irrational, unethical riding like this is a cause of conflict behaviours or, conversely depending on the horse's temperament, learned helplessness.
ground when the horse is seen from the side. (The opposite position, with
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rotein is vital in all horse’s diets to support growth, development and repair. Increased levels of high quality proteins are essential in competition horses and those that are exercised strenuously. These additional proteins and amino acids are required to ensure the proper functioning of muscles and particularly for recovery after exercise. They are not available in sufficient quantity from forages alone. During times of strenuous exercise, these amino acids can be broken down in the muscle tissue, providing valuable energy for the muscles, helping to delay the onset of fatigue. The inclusion of additional high quality protein in the diet in the early stages of training can be beneficial to support muscle and blood development. Giving your horse additional high quality protein, such as that from soya can help maintain muscle mass during extended training. Soya is rich in lysine, one of the essential amino acids that can only be supplied via the horse’s diet. Blue Chip Pro contains a high quality protein in the form of soya. This, combined with the industry leading levels of essential vitamins, minerals, prebiotic and probiotic, and a blood building formula will help ensure optimal digestive health and assist the equine athlete in their training and competition programme. The unique inclusion of nucleotides in Blue Chip Pro will further aid muscle development due to their essential role in cell repair. Again, this is particularly valuable for performance horses where recovery after exercise is critical. 0114 266 6200 • www.bluechipfeed.com • facebook.com/bluechipfeed
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the muzzle/nasal planum on the other side of that line, is called ‘in front of the vertical’.) The behind-the-vertical posture is one of those errors in riding which, in the last couple of decades, particularly the last, has, sadly, become so widespread as to be seen in most ridden horses, mainly those ridden and owned by people who want to ‘do dressage’, compete (including show) or ‘make’ a horse ‘go properly’. It seems actually to be taught as a correct way for the horse to hold himself - desirable and beautiful. The whole point of equitation is, or should be, to strengthen a horse by means of specific work and exercises to enable him to perform all his natural movements easily under the weight of a rider and saddle. The word ‘natural’ is particularly important here because no horse goes naturally for more than a few seconds when cavorting about for pleasure with the front of his face behind the vertical. yet many riders are keen to have their horses adopt this posture very soon after being mounted whether they are working in the school or going for a hack. BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE The posture itself can come about for various reasons. Sometimes riders actually pull their horses’ heads in or use various items of training
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BEHIND THE VERTICAL: ‘The appearance of a horse with a shortened neck posture. As a result, it positions its nasal planum behind the vertical line (the horse’s chin becomes closer to its chest). Such a horse is generally heavy in the feel of the reins or has no contact during locomotion and transitions and, when this occurs, its stop/slow/step-back response is diminished. As the horse offers two independent responses (shortening neck or slowing) to one signal, it often exhibits conflict behaviours.’ THE nasal planum is the area or plane between the horse’s nostrils – part of what horse people call the ‘muzzle’. Being ‘behind the vertical’ means that the muzzle is behind an imaginary perpendicular or vertical line dropped from the forehead to the
equipment to bring about this posture forcefully, in the mistaken belief that working a horse in that way will develop the correct muscles for being ridden. Often they do it for no better reason than that they have seen other people do it who are ‘better’ than they, so they think it must be the right thing to do. In practice, incorrect musculature develops, and is a sure sign to the knowledgeable that the horse has been incorrectly trained. Some believe that because the horse looks ‘rounded’ and ‘proud’ he is on the bit. Many times, I have heard instructors say firmly and dogmatically to their students: ‘get hold of his head and pull it in so his neck is rounded, and get him between your hand and your leg because you won’t get anywhere till he’s on the bit’, or words to that effect. It is no wonder, with this kind of bullying and ill-conceived riding technique being widely taught (and by some of our household names), that a horse behind the vertical is thought to be on the bit. This is not so. The state of being on the bit comes from the hind end of the horse when he has been sufficiently strengthened to take a little more of his weight back on to his hindquarters, is able to engage his hindlegs powerfully and more under his belly, raising his back and bringing about a slight lifting of the forehand. This creates lightness in the mouth (rider permitting) and the horse rounds his neck of his own accord as he uses his head and neck to counterbalance the rearward shift of his and his rider’s weight. This natural use of his head and neck as a balancing pole is how roundness comes about: it is a RESULT of correct work, and was why the criteria of the poll being the highest point of the horse’s topline and the front of the face being in front of the vertical were laid down. Horses quite often come behind the vertical voluntarily, without being pulled there, to naturally try to avoid the discomfort of a harsh, too firm or blocking contact. It can also happen if the horse has trouble with his mouth or teeth, or is ridden in an unsuitable bit. Known as ‘behind the bit’ and recently covered in this series, this is a sign of significant discomfort or pain, present or remembered and expected. Again, such horses do not carry themselves like this when at liberty, and this way of going is a sure sign of poor horse care and bad riding, past or present. There will be little or no contact with and acceptance of the bit in a horse behind the vertical for this reason, and he is not under good control.
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Horse Xxxxxxxxxx Behaviour If a horse behind the vertical is, conversely, heavy in the hand, he is usually on the forehand and is leaning on or pushing against the bit. Therefore, he is not in good riding balance and is, again, not easily controllable or particularly agile. I am not talking here of young or green horses who are naturally on the forehand but of more experienced horses whose heads have been pulled or held in and have developed the habit of leaning on the bit. FREE TO SWALLOW Holding the head and neck in and behind the vertical like this also causes problems theStable throat area. Books - Fieldin& glands in this area are often painfully compressed because of the enforced and unnatural posture, which is known to prevent a horse from swallowing his own saliva, stimulated into production by the bit in his mouth. Sometimes this saliva drools out of the horse’s mouth, frothing and splashing on to his chest, shoulders and legs, but some ofPilates it can for runEquestrians down his windpipe which by Liza Randall must a truly frightening sensation is anbe indispensable guide that tackles for the horserider who, becauseareas of the individual problem toway help hethem is being ridden, is not even freebytothe achieve the winning edge cough up. - an invigorating and use ofitPilates Because of the modern obsession proven body conditioning method, with ‘forwardness’ , many horses which helps to strengthen the core are forcedused on tointheir forehands muscles riding and restores because of the excessive speed usually the body’s balance. demanded, lean on the bit for balance (perhaps the rider is toldcovers that she This essential workbook the
has to ‘support’ the horse in this way) and end up being behind the vertical as well. The problem is in the misunderstanding of the term ‘forward’. ‘Forward’ today is taken to mean ‘fast’. This is wrong: the original meaning of a horse being forward was similar to today’s expression ‘on the aids’ – he is ready to obey any aid within his capability the moment it is given, whether the aid asks for him to go forward, sideways or, indeed, backwards. Overall speed has been substituted, over the past couple of decades, for power, thrust and weightcarrying ability. It is these qualities we want, not speed. The sight is depressingly common of horses on their forehands powering around the arena with their heads behind the vertical, their backs down, Achieve thetheir hind legs left behind and their forelegs edge with taking allwinning the impact and, so, extra core weight ofincreased their excessive speed. The shortened neck by posture stability Liza mentioned in the glossary description Randall at the beginning of this article is the result of the position rider plainly “The rider’s is an pulling integral part inofthe headthe and neck, under getting best out clearly of the horse. the influence of the misconceptions The rider needs balance, coordination mentioned above. This enforced and good reactions. To achieve this posture blocks the correct the rider needs basic core stability, biomechanical the horse and Pilates has movement proven to beofimportant because he cannot use his head and in developing the right core stability neck freely. Yogi Breisner, World Class for riding.” We do not Manager see, in horses Performance for theridden British thus, the freely Eventing Team swinging back and dock (which is part of the spine, of course), theEquestrians neck naturally stretched Pilates for will help and arched up or forward according dressage riders achieve better harmony towith thetheir horse’s stage trainingand (and horse andofeventers strengthening), the enhancement showjumpers can, after a few shortof his natural limb their action and the joyful weeks, improve balance over a air of a comfortable horse revelling fence, becoming more effective in their inseat hisand ownwill abilities. we see be at anInstead advantage anda muscle-bound parody of an equine more tuned-in to their horse should it athlete stiff body,intended! a desperate decide with not toago where Or for look in his eye, a rigid back and stiff riders whose goal is to experience an tail, and anhack, action which the enjoyable safe in thegives knowledge impression he isbalanced treadingwith on their hot that they arethat better coals. The faultsis mentioned mount, Pilates an essentialresult tool for from enforced improved, moreincorrect effective movement and ultimately ofsafer the riding. horse, compelling him to use the ‘wrong’ muscles for what is being asked himbest andthing resulting As Liza saysof “The aboutin their development at the expense Pilates is that it is for everyone - of the ‘right’ ones. They also more regardless of your age,are physical ability susceptible to injury because or size. Using this programme,they you are doing work for which they were not intended. The glossary description also mentions ‘conflict behaviours’ because the horse is being asked to make two actions from one aid, without having any means of knowing which his rider wants. In any system of riding, pressure on both sides of the bit is initially taught in the early stages as meaning stop or slow down (also used in rein-back). Somehow, as the horse gains experience, he is also expected to understand that it means ‘get your head in’ which almost always involves shortening his neck backwards in a most uncomfortable way. The conflict behaviours mentioned and which horses variously and wisely try out to avoid the unnatural and
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Equi_Ads_Aug_National_Rev.indd 32
very uncomfortable posture forced upon them involve trying to stretch the neck any way they can, often by dropping the head (so the poll is no longer the highest point), opening the mouth to lessen the painful bit contact (to which the rider responds by tightening the noseband), coming behind the vertical, going crookedly, moving the head to the side, trying to hold it up in the air depending on the horse, squirming, not responding to bit contact and, if desperate, bucking, rearing, plunging and leaping, shying and spooking or, as a last resort when totally defeated and unable to take any more, lying down. THE WAY TO GO Correct training and a humane, can pickattitude and choose what can exercises ethical to riding prevent to do they are all colour-flagged all theasabove scenarios. The level ofin fivecontact stages, to with orange beginner bit aim for inyour general, and through to pink, yellow, itexercises, should be variable according to green and red”.is a light but present circumstances, touch on the horse’s lips so that you Liza Randall is an equestrian writer have two-way communication with and former editor of Britishback Eventing him but without pulling the magazine. is a qualified and corners of She the lips significantly. registered Control Pilates The bit Body should be comfortable: a Instructor and abe member the Register snaffle should such a of height in the of Exercise Professionals. Following horses mouth that it creates only one a riding accident which of resulted in wrinkle at the corners the mouth her bursting several vertebrae in to and is wide enough to allow you herthe lumbar spine, Lizafinger had to at learn fit width of your one end how to sitthe up,horse’s stand and walkand again between cheek the bit - all inAawell-trained pioneering metal cage. ring. and body ridden horse Hydrotherapy, andlike then does not needphysiotherapy a noseband. If, Pilatespeople, followedyou enabling herhorses to get back many feel that look on the wearing road to full health and led that to herthe better one, remember qualifying asstandard, a Pilates Instructor. She traditional also promoted now a varietySociety of ridersfor in Pilates by thecoaches International to help themScience, go on to isachieve their Equitation that you should goals, it iswidth a pain-free hack or be ablewhether to fit the of three, riding round two, an international event. or certainly fingers between the noseband and the bone on the front of the face. Tight nosebands, padded or not, are a rider comfort blanket which, however, are extremely uncomfortable and even painful for horses – neither humane nor ethical. Equestrian eccentrics from Horse & The exercises you need to work Hound. on to strengthen your horse so that he can take his weight back On reading a collection of stories such aaslittle, as described above, are this I am inclined to the view that we correctly performed transitions and should all send a copy to at least one bending exercises. These develop person who fits at least one character the appropriate muscles for weightto a ‘T’. The gift should be on condition carrying, balance and agility. The that the recipient acknowledges the transitions are between halt, walk, story with which he or she identifies. It trot, canter and, of course, back again, doesn’t of course have to be the story and in-gait transitions which means which you identify but the result would lengthening and shortening of stride be amusing. You might lose a friend within the same, natural rhythm of course, but if you cannot laugh at of the horse. The bending exercises
involve initially large curves such as minimum 20m circles, long, shallow loops, 2-loop serpentines if in a 20m x 40m school and shallow corners. As the horse strengthens and finds the foregoing easy you can make the circles gradually a little smaller, the loops a little deeper and so on. you can ask him by means of a gentle but clear bit aid to look around his curves, so that you can just see the outside corner of his inside eye (i.e. right eye on a right-rein bend) and the curve of his inside nostril. Later, you can use shoulder-fore and shoulder-in, which create bend and lighten the forehand, and turns on the haunches/partpirouettes. Performing the latter when turning corners is excellent for weightadjustment, balance and agility. Also Pilates for technique, Equestrianstry by‘riding Liza Randall using this a 50p (Kenilworth Press) RRP £19.95 is piece’ instead of a circle. available fromteacher all good shops or Any good oftack classical riding direct from Quiller Publishing Ltd on or equitation science will be able to 01939 261616. help you with the work you need to www.kenilworthpress.co.uk do, and to do it correctly. I very much doubt that either of them would tell you to ‘get your horse’s head in’. FURTHER InFORMATIOn: The Classical Riding Club (www.classicalriding.co.uk), the International Society for Equitation Science (www.equitationscience. com), EquiSci for the UK (www. equitationscience.co.uk), the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc.org.au) and the Equine Behaviour Forum (www. equinebehaviourforum.org.uk). Also, follow up the links and publications on each site. (The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine ‘Equine Behaviour’. For your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the Editor, Dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.)
Stable Stereotypes
yourself you are the poorer for it. A SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in delightful read and ‘Oh so true’.
Equine Science and Management, is a Classical Riding Club listed Available from trainer and Gold Award holder, coKenilworth Press founder of the Equine Behaviour Tel: 01939 261616 Forum and a Practitioner Member email: info@ of the International Society for quillerbooks.com Equitation Science. Author of www. 44 books, she is a co-publisher kenilworthpress. of ‘Tracking-up’ (see advert this co.uk issue). For lessons in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email horses@susanmcbane.com.
www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:16
Using gentle, non violent methods, I can explain the
EQUMay09-S.qxd 12:15 Page ance themselves andriding a state calm or se many variauations a certain23/4/09 amount of aggression once63 again enjoy your and of your horse. cause of misunderstandings and identify whether a the GB Para team on self trained horses. She has been a based,to learned develops. and However, in rically opposite is usedmisbehaviour to enableis fear/pain the animal put their neutral emotion For confidential misbehaviour or simply a re-education issue. member of the World Class program 2006 to 2008. domestication seems that some highly complex safety atExperienced, risk as they challenge personal ithypnotherapy Trained and Insured.a situaThisBozena aggression is 0800 usually are struggling to find calm y adapt to a va- tion. Training Tel 01259 742283/0778 993the 8266 For more information telephone 07801 322001 Call on 07837 58 tem- equines Tack & Turnout Xxxxxxxxxx pered by the underlying “fear” of injury balance and more and more•horses are muli. Saddlery Tack & Turnout • Training and often prevents individuals in soci- being labelled as aggressive and danetyCommercial from coming to actual blows. In gerous, we must ask ourselves why this Training private individuals by following simple procedure (bear in is We to get up. Iforthe horse other words,thisthey may be angry but so. had forage available and split the cise himself in a controlled manner. We are horse to get purchase companies in all by you Jackmust Murphy Transport TV into ashave manyasmall as pos- also careful to have paddocks that graduate is he mind thisalso is a 17.2hh horse who, castAlma and jacket is injured they are afraid one andtonne as discussed in hard Wefeed currently horsefeeds in training categories andcall the is ideal for town or country wear. unted if he wants to leave would quite sible given throughout theasday. vet for advice, your priLorry but Loader other articles, fear aisstable, nature’s way of who had been labelled very aggres- in size from not much bigger than a round owner and theForklift, Training a range of saddlecloths including the This quilted jacket is anSAFED, elegant erforming between the white (HIAB) d larger areas easily go“pay through a wall or closed door!). Don’t:-Be unreasonable by not and allowing pen, to ½ an acre to 1 acre. In this way the ority is still to get the horse into a position saying attention and take care”. sive and potentially dangerous her and stylish must-have piece for your boards can be intimidating but sumptuous Lemieux range and your Tachographs Services rol of weeds We kept the open onto a yardcan with a dressage other horses to keep the injured where they are at least lyingvibrant naturally and injured horse can be gradually conditioned wardrobe. essentials of white glovesanimal and Available in two looking andbox feeling the part ort, docks, Atview CTTS we offer the complete range of driving thus enabling gainback theinto licence entitlement require to meet your requirements. fullgive of the goings on. company. (some people become fixated byyoutotobeing not onthis their backs. This unnatural the herd. Because ofyou the colours, ESTcourses 1975 ERIC GILLIE LTD bridle numbers in store. fabulous jacket not position you the edge. histles Inand order to undertake on management the C1, C &ofC+E: Kept a horse stabled next door,preferably stable noinone else can use training it. careful canlooks causegood untoldbut damage to internal this injury the horse only AndTRANSPORT why not step to the is practical as organs Head to Aivly Country Store and SCOTLAND’S SPECIALISED“their” HORSE You first pass a vocational medical and apply forobsessive provisional licence the and category (forms well. With available from our office). able to lean themust wall and have contact Some yard owners canshowroom be equally and cause the animal to go intoside shock. is now back inforwork being brought competition clothing fora the panels down each it The you’ll findover a wide range of saddlery sured slimline hats, dressage flatters theremains figurecast andthe with a damto complete your attire including the the finest with the• injured animal. and horse canmust go riding into another’s box). longer a horse more into fullPerception fitness. He has You also pass a Theory back / Hazard test.not suffered really Regular journeys throughout UK nofitting 05 506120 breeches, competition shirts, jackets, lining the sleeves Jeffries or double bridle 5 snaffle new custom built Oakley boxes Rotated•IR the babysitter throughAfter two weeks of box restand we were age ispatterned doneweekend until there comes any stress or upset about being confined quality a point where All training isregularly carried out on modern full size vehicles cancrebe tailored to the needs of the individuals including courses. stock and boots from look fashionable back. including headpiece the a stocks, First class facilities Train in a stabling relaxing manner making use ourleather own area and andhis learn the skills you require pass theuptest. out the day•comfort with various horsesand taking ative and builtpins aof“stable” outreversing of round pen owner is delighted that he has to gotsuccessfully the horse will notturned get and will have to be renowned such as Charles Owen, Sizes: 10-20 , RRP latest Shires Patent bridle alongcompany. withgrooms Training on C1 and above includes tachograph training if required extra • Experienced drivers and turn at keeping the injured horse panels. Thetailors pen was no bigger than 14ft through his ordeal a happy at andnowell bal-cost. put to uk sleep. Pikeur, Equetech, Ariat and Tredstep. £64.99, Available in two colours- Dark being ALL oneHORSES of the few retailers in theAUK MUST TRAVEL WITH PASSPORT For further information or clarification on licence categories, medicals and theory training please contact the (No owner will object to this and no one by 14ft (the same size as his stable) but be- anced boy. It is absolutelyoffice essential that all yard ownAivly Country Violet (pictured) and Purple Blue to boast the new range of exceptional onVisit 01506 633100 and Store, ask forCrow Jim or email us at enquiries@cttstraining.co.uk Family run business celebrating 30 years cause heRingwood, was out in the open air, had 360 Sadly however this is not always the out- Forersyour would mind letting horses use“their” Lane, havenearest a basic knowledge of first aid and Hampshire stockist contact bridlework fromother Schockemohle. 33a Inchmuir Road, Industrial Estate, Bathgate, West 01506 633100 / 07971204694 www.cttstraining.co.uk come if2EP things Tel: are done incorrectly. I cannot stable for a while as noseparate oneWhitehill would want degrees view www.aivly.com. and could see theLothian other EH48 theMurphy dangers involved when dealing with BH24 3EA. Jack at www.jackmurphy. you can also find diamante Tel: 01573 430252 Fax: 01573 430210 www.ericgillie.co.uk horse to suffer if they had aleathers, fracture.) Tel horses in the field next to him he was happy. stress enough to those yard owners out co.uk horses. They should01768 have a suitable equine d construction their 01425 472341. or telephone 867590 browbands, slimline stirrup the injured horse had a good This horse spent the next three months qualification. If you are on a yard where the there that they do have a duty of care by gement. He will 62We•ensure April 2009 • Equi-Ads bed with high bankings. (It helps if rider turned out pen and at night law and they must try to do all they can to standard practise is more in line with the Denise Shawns International andin this trainer is stabled available ing, harrowing deep is an anti-cast strip around the wall and was perfectly happy and relaxed. ensure an animal makes a full recovery. “don’ts”in our article than the“do’s”then so available for therefor flatwork training to improve your horse’s balance, ns and house just in case, or you can put bales of straw When it came to the point where he could Horses that are stabled,especially if the sta- quite simply you are putting the life of your and for performance the wall toability make it easier the be given for moreany spacediscipline. we could gradually in- ble is not big or the animal is confined (as horse at risk. The only way to make a poorly ore contact Al- around athletic horse to get up and minimise the risk of crease the size of the a period of may be the case in box rest) can easily be- run yard change is to vote with your feet, if Denise has a 25m by 65m mirrored arena pen at over home appear on the cover the force being cast). time until it was full size and he could exer- come cast. This means that the horse rolls want clientstoare leaving then theyofwill (5 mins from J4 M8 or J4 M9) or can travel to you. over and gets trapped against a wall. This 2010 changecatalogue. or the yard will have to go out of is a highly serious predicament and can re- business. As a horse owner I would rather ‘Like last year, we are looking for RACTOR sult in the death of the horse. If a horse is pay the extra to have my horse safe than someone who looks good on a horse, found cast your absolute priority is to try to enjoys cut corners and risk losing my beloved aniONS riding and understands what Shires Equestrian are thrilled to illers Town & Country at Fordel, the event. The day was a great success right the horse. This canofbethe done easily by Shires mal. is all about,’ explains Marcus ANCE announce the launch 2010 Dalkeith held an open day to launch catering for the children with face painting two people long linesand or lunge SIONS Cover Star with competition invite lines Cridland, Shires’ Sales & Marketing new range of spring/summer stock on 15th and an Easter Egg Hunt and for the adults, looped the front and TC ‘We had a great Cover Star anyonearound and everyone whoback is legs and Director. TEMPLETON TACK Linda Scott, Strathdectyn, Rosemill, March. In attendance were the gentlemen discounts on clothing,feed promotions and gently pulling the horse over. Obviously do semi-final for the 2009 competition interested in appearing on the front ction Bridgefoot, Dundee DD3 OPW number people who have of Shires’ involved in the re-launch of the Edinburgh added discounts throughout the store. not put your2010 head catalogue near the legstoifapply! the horse andTelif the 01382 813553 of Mobile 07517 607513 email linda.scott35@btopenworld.com been in touch with us already about Riding of the Marches, Through this we were able to donate in which R.H. Miller is struggling (you should have a hard hat www.templetontack.co.uk com Thebut Cover Starthrow competition, like last Town & Country are the main sponsors of money to Alzheimer’s and Comic Relief. on) you can a loop around a leg the competition is anything to go we are in for another great one! year, is up of three phases. The One Stop easily (trymade practising this technique on a by,The We are really pleased to be hosting first phase invites everyone interested fence post). I am 5ft 2” and I can easily Tack Shop the selection day at Talland School in becoming the Shires 2010 cover right a 16.2hh horse myself, it does not re- of Equitation. It is a stunning venue star to fill in an application form. This Suppliers of all Master Saddler & SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter quire strength but technique,sometimes fabulous reputation for many can be downloaded from the website all with ahorse tack, rugs, you have to from do is your movenearest the quarters and we hats are really&pleased to or acquired Shiresfar reasons boots, feed enough stockist.away from the wall to allow the be working with the Talland team on
ntrol
Tread the white boards with Aivly Country Store
Looking smart in town and country
T
P
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Shires Cover Star 2010 …the search is on!
ter
Open day at R.H. Miller Town & Country
M
Donald McLellan
• Large Selection of Saddles Available - New, Second Hand, & Synthetic • Qualified Saddle Fitting by Appointment Day or Evening Groups can be catered for (please phone for a quote) Denise has & ridden bothare internationally at highest small standards tour and in • Repairs Alterations completed to the andonmost quickly She has been a the GB Para team selfimportantly trained horses. • Bespoke bridlesClass & tackprogram made to measure member of the World 2006 to 2008. for your specifications Horses taken for schooling or to produce for competition.
Tel 01355 – 573000
For more information telephone 07801 322001 Millbrae Saddlery Redwood Dr Thorntonhall G74 5BD
this exciting contest.’ All applications must be received before 24th July 2009. From the If you think you’ve got what it takes to entries received, the final 10 will be be on the front cover of Shires’ 2010 selected and these will be invited to range of catalogue, you need to be able to ride attend an Stocking assessment day at Tallanda wide to a reasonable standard, look good School products of Equitation, Gloucestershire for Horse & Rider on a horse and apply. In addition to on Tuesday 4th August for phase appearing on the catalogue you will two. Here, all semi-finalists will 01259 be Tel: 753384 also receive a £300 voucher to be assessedTilly on a variety of points and Tack Shop, Blackfaulds Farm, spent on Shires products if you win. then the final three’s details will be Blackfaulds Road, posted online where visitors to the By Tillicoultry FK10 3AP Mon-Friday 9am-6pm, Sat 10-4pm www.shiresequestrian.co.uk ShiresOpening website willHours vote for-who they
O Ne p w e n ly e d
Saddle Fitting Services
Tilly Tack Shop
SADDLERY TRAINING SCOTLAND Unit 6 Langlee Workshops Marigold Drive Galashiels Scotland TD1 2LP
Tel/Fax: 01896 750004 www.saddlerytrainingscotland.com
Society of Master Saddlers
QUALIFIED MASTER SADDLER PHILIP HOWARD Society of Master Saddlers QUALIFIED SADDLER KAREN HOWARD
SADDLERY SHORT COURSES
Now available, Designed for all, from complete beginners to experienced Saddlers or Leatherworkers, Courses of 1 week duration: Saddle, Bridle, Harness making, Repairwork or General Stitching Skills. If you are looking for a new hobby or job, or even starting your own business, let our courses be your gateway to a new beginning. www.equiads.net 2 - Equi-Ads - July 2009
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August 2013 | 33
Equi-Ads • May 2009 • 63
24/07/2013 16:17 23/6/09 12:30:25
Saddlery
IMPROVIng MOVEMEnT AnD yOUR POSITIOn I n this issue, The Society of Master Saddlers provide advice on the importance of fit for good movement and how your dressage saddle can improve your position. Only a few years ago ‘saddle fitting’ was something in which the vast majority of horse owners displayed little interest. It was only when something went wrong that they called in the services of a saddle fitter – and even then, it could be somewhat reluctantly. Things have changed – and for the better. Today the riding public has far greater awareness of the important part the saddle plays in terms of welfare, comfort and success. A well-designed, well-made and well fitting saddle is an excellent tool. A saddle that is poorly designed - or one that has inherent manufacturing defects - or one that doesn’t fit well is at best a hindrance, at worst, a disaster in the making. It is important that the dressage saddle fits horse and rider perfectly. If the saddle rolls to one side or pinches the horse’s back, the horse will never be able to work or move well, however skilled his training. If the saddle is uncomfortable, there are times when a horse will simply stop working altogether and in the long run a saddle that does not
fit will lead to soreness and injury. In dressage the horse is trained to perform a series of accurate controlled movements with the horse responding to clear but minimal signals from the rider, so that the whole picture is one of harmony. Whether riders intend it to or not, their weight influences the horse all the time. This ‘weight’ is the centre of gravity of the whole seat of the rider which runs from the chest through the stomach and pelvis into the thighs. Through muscle tone and control of this middle part of the rider, assisted by the saddle, the weight becomes the control centre of all influence. The response to all leg and hand signals is dependent on the position of the weight and the seat. A dressage saddle is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, which
When you expect your horses to compete at the highest level competitively, you can’t take any shortcuts! This is why I use Childéric Saddles Jonathan Paget
Winner Badminton 2013
mirrors the leg of the dressage rider. They also have a deep seat and knee blocks that are usually pronounced. The dressage saddle has been designed with a longer stirrup as well as longer and straighter saddle flaps. It has a higher cantle and pommel to help encourage the rider to have a deeper seat. A dressage saddle is designed to allow the very best communication with the horse by placing the rider
in the centre of gravity, providing a sufficiently deep seat to feel secure but still be able to absorb the horse’s movement and by placing their leg long and relaxed to enable the appliance of a minimum of aids. The dressage saddle should encourage a good position without being restrictive. On a dressage saddle the stirrup bars are set further back to encourage a longer, straighter leg position. A correct leg position will come from good balance and posture and it is better to buy a dressage saddle that encourages you in to a good position rather than one which forces you into that position. To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www. mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.
DRESSAgE WITH FREnCH DRESSIng! T
he Childéric Dressage Saddle Collection offers the ultimate in bespoke dressage saddles. Created around Childéric’s unique tree technology, the saddles allow the horse greater freedom of movement, thanks to it’s anatomically shaped panels and carefully positioned points. The further set back points coupled with the tree work together to allow the horse to move through it’s shoulder to ensure that the horse’s stride is never compromised. The French designed bespoke saddle can be built completely to the horse and rider’s requirements, including a variety of girth strap positions, which ensure that the horse is not restricted around this highly sensitive and venerable area. The refined panel shapes are individually shaped to suit the anatomy of the horse being fitted, with careful consideration to alleviating pressure points. Bespoke knee blocks, seat depths and sizes ensure that the rider can sit comfortably and centrally in the saddle with ease, whist the wide soft panels distribute the rider’s weight evenly and kindly and allow for clearer communication between rider and horse. With a choice of buffalo, calf or suede covering, the Childéric Dressage Saddle Collection has dressage saddles covered! Available in seat sizes 16 -19” Tree Widths: Standard, Medium & Wide Colours: Black, Master & Irish Calf, Buffalo or Suede RRP: Prices start at £2,900 www.childericuk.com
Whatever level you ride at Childéric help you do it better.
Contact Tricia Bracegirdle Tel: 0788 680 2553 Email: tb@childericuk.com
childericuk.com 34 | August 2013
Equi_Ads_Aug_National_Rev.indd 34
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24/07/2013 16:17
Saddlery
Is rider asymmetry affecting your horse? A
ll too often asymmetry in the horse is simply masked by schooling, and while this offers a short-term quick fix, it doesn’t address the cause. Using pressure testing the team at WOW Saddles have analysed different riders and the vast majority sit with weight dispersed asymmetrically. A simple way to test this is to ask yourself when you last felt both seat bones in the saddle?
How does the rider affect the horse?
Typically we would see a rider subconsciously slipping right in the saddle, which automatically tenses the left thigh muscle, the left heel creeps up and the left knee goes forward, meanwhile the right leg hangs loosely with more weight down in the stirrup. Over time the left leg will become weaker and the right shoulder will fall back and the rider appears to collapse to the left. If you went to the gym and lifted more weight on one side of your body, you would develop more on one side. Every time you sit on your horse, whether simply hacking down the road or competing, you are effectively acting as the weight in the gym, therefore you as a rider are the biggest contributing factor on your horse’s way of going and muscle development.
In an ideal world our horses would use their limbs equally to propel them, however if the rider is unbalanced and we load the horses asymmetrically, then the obvious result is uneven muscle development that mirrors that of the rider. Saddle fitting to the rider
Instead of simply flocking a saddle to mirror the asymmetry in the horse, it should be adjusted to sit the rider’s weight square and centered. The rider should be in the same pelvic position as if they were standing – both legs should hang relaxed and they should be able to feel both seat bones clearly! It is important to remember though that the saddle is simply a tool which, when fitted correctly, allows you to ride with evenly distributed weight across a large symmetrical area on your horse’s back. What makes riders go WOW?
WOW is the only saddle to offer a longitudinally rigid, but laterally flexible carbon fibre tree, which twists to the horse enabling greater shoulder freedom and more expressive movement. Used by many professional dressage riders, including Richard Davison, WOW Saddles can be fully customised to the individual riders’ personal preferences, whether that is a specific seat style, flap position or knee roll or, from a more visual point of view, personalised coloured leather and bling detailing. More information is available from the WOW team by calling 01227 831614 or visit www.wowsaddles.com.
SMART SPORT V2™ - Be in the right place at the right time
T
he SMART™ SPORT V2 Dressage saddle has been developed to meet the extra demands and precision required by high performance horses and riders. • Rigidfree™ saddle design allows the saddle to flex with the horse’s movement. Unimpeded, the horse moves confidently with greater suppleness, range and freedom of movement - essential to the dressage competitor. • UltraContact™ seat - Allows ease of movement for the rider to make controlled postural adjustments and facilitates precision timing for accurate aids. • Flexible gullet assists in easy, comfortable fitting for a range of back shapes and sizes. Invest in one saddle for the future! • Available in 5 different sizes, from child’s (size 2) to larger lady (size 6) – now all shapes and sizes can ride to the best of their ability in an inclusively designed SPORT saddle. • Rental saddles available for you to try before you buy. • Be confident that the saddle is right for you and your horse! • GP, Jump and Show saddles also available. • 10% Off - Summer Sale now on! smart@solution-saddles.co.uk 07738 711099 Website: www.solution-saddles.co.uk
www.equiads.net
Equi_Ads_Aug_National_Rev.indd 35
26/07/2013 14:01
Tack Xxxxxxxxxx & Turnout
Blue Sky Thinking from Snuggy Hoods T
he Snuggy Bug Body® from Snuggy Hoods has become a ‘must have’ in every equine’s wardrobe. It’s a HEADLESS OPTION – pleasing customers who don’t wish for head coverage on their equine, but want complete fly protection. The Snuggy Bug Body comes in beige, black, brown or Haint Blue. Haint Blue is a spiritual colour believed to keep away evil spirits; it also cleverly fools insects as the blue matches the sky. This deters bugs from making themselves at home. The Snuggy Bug Body offers protection from poll to tail; it includes a well fitting belly flap, lined hood, tail guard which wraps around the dock and a tail flap. It is elasticated behind the ears to prevent any unwelcome guests. Snuggy Hoods can protect your equine from nose to tail if a Sweet Itch Head is added. It gives customers complete choice on how much or how little their horse or pony needs protecting. The Snuggy Bug Body comes in sizes 4’6 to 7’ and has an RRP of £124.00. For more information visit www.snuggyhoods.com or email sales@ snuggyhoods.com or call 01225 783399.
36 | August 2013
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Xxxxxxxxxx Field & Stables • Property • Transport
A secluded rural home with excellent equestrian facilities
T
his attractive red sandstone building is situated in a secluded position surrounded by approximately 15 acres of land. Over the past six years the house has undergone a programme of refurbishment and as such comes to the market in excellent condition throughout. The property enjoys a secluded setting, being situated at the end of a long tree lined avenue. Adjacent to the house is an extensive range of sandstone buildings containing a one bedroom cottage and 6 loose stables with tack room and feed store. In addition there is a former coach house which is in excellent condition and has been granted permission for conversion to a 3 bedroom home. There is great potential for all outbuildings to be converted (subject to planning and consent) and subsequently offer an excellent holiday let business. For more information telephone Smith gore Edinburgh office: 0131 344 0880
grabbit, Drag it, Wash it
R
ubber matting is a convenient and comfortable bedding option for equines but while horse owners may muck out regularly, the mats are often left in situ leaving an undesirable cocktail of bacteria and ammonia to fester underneath. Such actions are largely down to the cumbersome nature of rubber matting, which is why the award winning Grabbit Mat Mover is proving so popular. Ammonia is known to be damaging to the respiratory system as well as irritating the sensitive tissue around the eyes and in the nasal passages but good hygiene is also important for biosecurity and avoiding the spread of sickness and disease. The grabbit clamps onto rubber matting to provide a handle that enables horse owners and stable staff to move bulky rubber mats quickly and easily with reduced effort and back strain. Once outside, the mats and stable floor can be hosed down or disinfected as required to help create a healthy and pleasant environment for horses and their owners or grooms. Tried & Tested As my horses weigh upwards of 800kg each I am obliged to have seriously heavy duty rubber mats. They do their job well until the time comes to move them,
Kirtlebridge, Dumfriesshire A compact and secluded residential estate with development potential Boot room, drawing room, family room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, utility room, 3 double bedrooms, study, family bathroom, shower room, WC. Separate 1 bedroom cottage. Coach House with planning for large 3 bedroom house. Courtyard of outbuildings, indoor arena, outdoor arena (50m x 30m), Monarch Horse Walker. Offers Over £790,000 Edinburgh office t 0131 344 0880 edinburgh@smithsgore.co.uk
EPC rating E
smithsgore.co.uk
which was a nightmare...until I was introduced to the grabbit! Anyone with rubber mats should invest in one of these fabulous gadgets, which do exactly as it says above. At a retail price of only £29.99 you can even afford 2, to make life even easier for those of us with monster mats!
(MM Equi-Ads)
Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 or visit www.wefi.co.uk for stockists.
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Equi_Ads_Aug_National_Rev.indd 37
August 2013 | 37
24/07/2013 16:17
Cross Country Coaching Practice at a hired cross country course, ideally with instruction from the ground. (Trainer Simon Travis is pictured – credit RS-tor rider safety aid).
Be sure that both you and your horse are as fit as you should be. (Eventer Victoria Thirlby is pictured – credit: Taurus Footwear)
CROSS COUnTRy COACHIng Building confidence Jenny Richardson BHSAI
I
f you feel you have lost confidence in your cross country riding, either through a fall, lack of control or a bad experience of any kind, there are many techniques available to boost and rebuild your partnership. Perhaps you have over-faced yourself, are worried problems may occur through being on a young or new horse, or are a beginner at the particular level you are attempting? Home-based training It is often advisable to take a step back and do some training at home and then at a hired cross country course with instruction from the ground. This will rebuild your foundations – if , for example you had problems at a ditch, either a fall or refusals, there are many options open to you. At home, you could place two poles apart replicating a ditch and increase the distance between them as you gain confidence jumping over them. Whatever type of fence that is worrying you, endeavour to copy it at home on a smaller scale. Help on the ground is invaluable to adjust the obstacle as required and repetition will render it commonplace.
Stepping down a level If you feel you have both lost confidence, ask an instructor/rider with more experience to teach your horse over the type of fence that you have had the problem with. Often when you can see him happily taking on the fence with someone else, you will be encouraged to have a go yourself. When you have overcome the problem at home, hire a course and if possible take a friend and horse to lead you if necessary and/or your instructor. Once returning to competition, a good plan is to drop down a level – e.g. from novice to minimus or clear round, and enjoy a good positive experience before returning to your original height. Clever organisation A lack of confidence can happen without sufficient preparation. It is a good idea to be practising over a slightly higher height than your next event, so that you feel well within your scope of ability at the show. Avoid any last minute panics, and have a check list of all equipment for you and your horse – make ready all you can the day before, and load it into your transport. Ensure you know exactly where you
Do competition fences, like corners, challenge you? Try to re-create them at home on a smaller scale. (Eventer Polly Tucker is pictured – credit: RStor rider safety aid). 38 | August 2013
Equi_Ads_Aug_National_Rev.indd 38
are going, what time your class starts, and how long it takes, then add half an hour for comfort. Clever organisation will ensure a happy and relaxed day, giving you every opportunity to concentrate on the riding and enjoy the day. Self motivation The best way to ensure you reach your goals is to be able to have the skill for self-motivation: begin by watching professionals who will have fully prepared their horses in all ways possible. Going to events with a friend or as part of a group will create a team spirit. A realistic goal of a certain event, level or course is an excellent focus. Be sure that both you and your horse are as fit as you should be, which will avoid any fatigue before the end of the day; tired horses and riders can mis-judge fences, lose enthusiasm and seek alternative options. Finally, avoid negative thoughts; once you are completely prepared, you should be able to confidently address the enjoyable task ahead of you. Only focus on the positive and correct way of riding the course, and don’t worry about the ‘what ifs’ which have not happened and may never do so – only fix a problem should it arise. Every time a blip is overcome, you are strengthening your bond and you and your horse will gain a trust that is not easily broken.
Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that offers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and offers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides over an extensive XC course. Visit www.castleleslie.com www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:17
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24/07/2013 16:17
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24/07/2013 16:17
UST
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13 08:31
Xxxxxxxxxx Clipping
RESPECT – TEACHING YOUR HORSE TO ACCEPT THE CLIPPERSAnne Wilson
W
hilst we are in the middle of summer, clipping seems a long way away, but now is the ideal time to prepare.
If you send your clippers away for servicing and blade sharpening now, before the autumn rush of work, they should return to you much quicker. You need to familiarise your horse to them soon, so he is completely relaxed about it when the time comes to actually clip. To begin with all you need to do is to turn them on for a minute or two in the yard, possibly when the horse is in the stable. Don’t attempt to take them anywhere near the horse. Do this every day, or even several times a day, until the horse is completely relaxed about hearing the buzzing sound and does not show a reaction. The next step, if at all possible, is to let your horse see another horse having the clippers placed on his body. This horse must be relaxed and well used to being clipped. You don’t need to actually do any clipping, but just pretend. During the coming days/weeks gradually bring the clippers, whilst turned on, nearer to your horse (preferably whilst still in the company of the clipper friendly horse), but don’t actually touch him with them. If you have spent enough time familiarising him with the noise previously this should be no problem to him. The next step is to show him the clippers when switched off. Let him sniff them and if he is happy with this, just nonchalantly place them gently on his neck (still not switched on). If he accepts that, praise him and call it a day for that lesson. The next day (and still with the clipper friendly horse nearby) turn the clippers on for a few minutes just a little distance away from the horse. Then turn them off and repeat the previous day’s lesson, but this time stroke his neck for longer with the switched off clippers. Gradually, day by day, progress to touching him all over with the clippers turned off. Spend time gently touching him in all the areas which sometimes cause problems; under the belly, on the legs, inner thighs, and eventually around the face and ears. It may take a long time for your
Above and overleaf are two clips often used for hunters. The leg hair is left on to protect from thorns, mud fever and chilling. Normally the saddle area is left unclipped to reduce the risk of saddle sores. Both these clips would be too drastic for a first-time clip; I would suggest a bib clip (gullet and chest only clipped) or an apron clip (like a trace clip but with hair left on from behind the girth). www.equiads.net
Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 41
Teaching the horse to accept the clippers in a relaxed way, before you actually need to clip. - Photo courtesy of Pip Worthington, Equine Dentist based in Bedfordshire 07872069116.
horse to accept the clippers around the face, even when they are turned off, so don’t worry about this, since you probably won’t be wanting to give him a full clip (which includes this area) to begin with, if ever. But over time, and it may take a long time, after he has had experience of being sympathetically clipped for several years, he should be happy to accept them in these areas. Note: Never remove tactile whiskers from the face/muzzle area. When he is relaxed, possibly to the point of boredom, with the feel of the clippers, you can then progress to bringing them closer to him whilst switched on. Gradually progress to clipping a very small piece of hair from his neck or shoulder. Don’t worry about what it looks like, it won’t matter to him, but perhaps don’t do it if you are entered into a showing competition. When he accepts one or two short strokes of the clippers actually clipping the hair, you could think about giving him a low neck clip even in the summer. This will prepare him nicely for the
longer and more precise process of clipping away part of his winter coat later on. But remember to protect the clipped area with plenty of fly repellent (on the hair around it, in case of a reaction on the bare skin), as the area will be more vulnerable to biting insects without hair. Also the skin will need protection from the summer sun. Horses can be sunburned just like us. WHEN AND WHY SHOULD YOU CLIP?
For winter clipping it is best not to clip the horse until the winter coat is through, which is normally early October in the UK. The main reason for clipping is to prevent excessive sweating during exercise. If the horse grows a thick winter coat and is then exercised or worked in fairly fast gaits, he is likely to sweat profusely and must feel rather like we would if running in a heavy overcoat. For this reason it is a kindness to take away a proportion of the natural winter coat. A full clip, where only the coat under the saddle is left in tact, is quite extreme and not usually necessary for most leisure horses. A low trace clip, where only the hair on the lower part of the neck and under the belly is taken away, is normally enough to keep most horses comfortable when working in the winter. These are some of the main areas where the horse sweats and if this is not found to be enough, then the clip can be taken higher up the neck and body to suit the circumstances and the particular horse. There are plenty of books covering the subject of clipping, giving precise details of how to do it and the different types of clip. Obviously if we take away all or part of the horse’s natural winter coat, we must replace it with appropriate rugs. It has always seemed an anomaly to me that when the belly is clipped, leaving virtually bare skin, this is the one area which is never covered by a rug. There are belly flaps on fly rugs to cover this area, but they are not common on either stable or turnout rugs. Perhaps there is a missed opportunity here for rug makers! I do not approve of the practice of clipped horses wintering out. Having a bare belly must, at the very least, inhibit their desire to lie down in wet cold conditions. The benefits of good quality relaxation, lying down and thus relieving their legs for a short time, are often underestimated. August 2013 | 41
24/07/2013 16:00
Xxxxxxxxxx Clipping should be kept comfortably warm but not too hot. SAFETY WHILST CLIPPING
Obviously, where electrical cables are involved, there are a number of vital safety issues to bear in mind. Probably the best place to clip would be a large, well-lit, airy stable, with a rubber floor and no bedding. All obstructions (especially water buckets) should be removed. A nearby power point is required and a circuit breaker should be installed. Keep excess cable away from the clipping area and wires should be kept off the floor as much as possible. The handler should wear rubber soled boots. IN CONCLUSION
If the horse is bare underneath, because heat rises, it will still help to keep him warm by having an extra layer or layers on top. I believe that with bare legs and belly, they should be stabled at night. Their legs should be protected with turnout leg wraps during the day if out, and stable wraps at night. CLIPPING IN THE SUMMER
It is perfectly good practice to clip a horse who is overheated in very hot summer weather. Horses with Cushing’s disease, whose coats continually grow are often candidates for summer clipping. This has nothing to do with whether they are working or not; it is just a kindness and in the horse’s best interests. As mentioned above,
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remember to protect them from biting insects when their coat is taken away, as well as from sunburn – a lot of good things have a down side! WHEN NOT TO CLIP
It is sometimes the case that people clip for the wrong reasons; when it is not at all necessary and the horse would be best left with a normal winter coat. This would save the owner a lot of time and trouble in clipping, as well as money if they have to pay someone to carry out the clip. Added to this is the extra expense and work of the extra rugs needed to compensate for the loss of natural protection. So it is not only foolish to clip a horse to make him look good, it is
selfish and not in the animal’s best interest. Some horses do not grow a very thick winter coat and if kept relatively fit, simply do not sweat when ridden in the winter; even if worked fairly hard. Don’t forget, the fitter your horse becomes, the less he will sweat. It is the aim of all good riders to return the horse to his stable with as little dampness on his coat as possible. In other words his fitness is increased gradually over the months, and he is never put under too much duress, resulting in excessive sweating. Also if he is stabled at night and wears a rug when the temperature starts to drop, this will also inhibit the growth of thick winter coat. However, I would definitely NOT advocate that anyone should over rug a horse for this purpose. The horse
HAVE YOUR HORSE CLASSICALLY SCHOOLED AND IMPROVED FREE OF CHARGE I am offering a loving long-term home in North Bedfordshire for the right well mannered, safe young horse.
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42 | August 2013
Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 42
Anne Wilson, Classical Riding Trainer and Author
Small expenses to be discussed. The owner will be welcome to ride as and when appropriate and could have a lesson from me say once a fortnight, free of charge. The new arrival will be welcomed and treated as one of the family. I have two other horses, both mares.
Anne Wilson 01234 772401 or email:- annewilsondressage@hotmail.co.uk
It is essential for the comfort of the horse whilst clipping that the blades are sharp and do not drag through the coat. Check the temperature of the blades on your hand regularly whilst clipping and cool them down frequently by immersing the blades in cleaning fluid. Wipe any excess cleaning fluid from the blade before recommencing clipping as this can have a reaction on the horse’s skin. Clipping can be made as comfortable an experience as possible by ensuring that the clippers are in good order and do not overheat, and that the person clipping is competent and does not move the machine too fast. Giving the horse a break now and then with the addition of a nice tit-bit or two is also a good way to keep him happy. Keep him warm if the weather is cold by covering the parts of his body which are not being worked on. Choose a mild day if at all possible. Both you and your horse should be calm and comfortable, so don’t clip at turnout or feed times. Make sure he has a calm equine companion nearby. He should be exercised and clean, with no mud or sweat in his coat to clog the blades. YOU SHOULD BE YOUR HORSE’S BEST FRIEND AND LEADER
Persuading your horse to accept the clippers, as with everything else we do with horses, requires patience and calm confidence from the handler. In this way the horse will learn that there is nothing to be afraid of and his confidence in his human leaders will grow. We must respect the horse’s need to feel safe and comfortable as much as he needs to respect our authority. The two go hand in hand – he will automatically respect our authority when he has confidence in us to provide a safe and comfortable environment. Anne Wilson is a freelance classical riding trainer, based in Bedfordshire; trained with Sylvia Loch and holder of the Classical Riding Club Gold Award Certificate – Phone 01234 772401 or email:- annewilsondressage@hotmail. co.uk www.classicalridingannewilson. www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:00
was recently asked to do a tried and tested for Brincombe Equine ‘Think Itch’ with my pure highland gelding Glenbanchor Inch Kenneth aka Kenny. Kenny and I compete in breed showing as well as riding club events.
Kenny has suffered from sweet itch since he was a foal, and is particularly itchy in early spring and late autumn. He also suffers from very dry skin. As a native breed he is to be shown in his ‘natural state’, so it is very important to me to try and maintain his mane and tail at as good a length as possible. In previous years he has given himself some particularly nasty sores by repeated itching. When I first introduced the product to his feed he would not eat it, as the smell is quite strong. I had to start off with half a scoop, gradually building up to the full dose. I also found that if I damped his feed down then he was more inclined to eat it and was unable to pick it out. As he is in full work I am able to give him fairly substantial hard feeds, but I did wonder if people who owned horses on limited rations might struggle to feed the amount required. The full dose of 3-4 scoops is quite a bit when you see it in a bucket, a more concentrated form would perhaps be easier to feed. Due to the weather this year, our fly and midge numbers have been quite reduced. I have noticed that general flies seemed to bother him less, but have also continued to keep him covered up with a sweet itch rug and a face mask. He has still rubbed where he has been bitten by a midge, but his coat condition is better and his mane and tail less scurfy. In addition he has not given himself any major sores, as he has done in previous years. Whilst the product has not eliminated completely his desire to scratch, I am pleased with the results and would buy it in future. It has given him a lovely sheen on his coat, and his itching levels are certainly reduced, which have added to his comfort levels. I will be buying more of this product once my tried and tested tub has been finished. For more information go to www.brinicombe.co.uk/equine
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24/07/2013 16:00
News & Views Xxxxxxxxxx • Tack & Turnout
“Too many horse vets and not enough jobs,” says BEVA survey T
he British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) says that there may be up to five times as many veterinary graduates wishing to work in equine practice as there are jobs available. This alarming mismatch, which has been of growing concern to the Association, was highlighted in a survey of BEVA members’ practices conducted earlier this year.
BEVA represents 2,500 vets and vet students who work with horses in the UK and overseas. The survey was carried out amongst members in the spring of this year to ascertain manpower requirements of equine practices in the UK. Of the 819 new veterinary graduates in the UK in 2012, it is conservatively estimated that between 10 and 15 per cent intend to work in equine practice. The extrapolated results of the survey suggest that in 2012 there was less than 1% growth in full time equine vet positions and as few as 24 new permanent jobs available in the UK. In line with the survey’s suggestion of restricted opportunities, some BEVA members are also finding that internships, commonly the domain of new graduates to gain paid, supervised experience in practice, are now often taken by vets with some post-graduate experience. Furthermore, unpaid externships, which traditionally gave vet students valuable work experience, appear to be being filled by unemployed veterinary graduates wanting to gain experience in order to improve their chances of securing a job in equine practice. “Earlier this year we had more than 80 applications for just one internship,” said Tim Mair, a partner at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic in Kent. “Several years ago we would expect 50 or so applications for an advertised intern post but now, without advertising at all, we are constantly receiving applications, not just from new graduates but also from those who have been qualified for a year or more.” On the subject of externships Charlie Schreiber, a partner at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery in Berkshire, commented: “We take on an average of two externs a month and over the past four years have had more than 350 applicants but their calibre is noticeably changing. We used to hear primarily from students but now it tends to be recent graduates or those who have already done a job in mixed practice and are keen to move into equine but can’t find an internship.” Andrew Harrison, a partner at Three Counties Equine Hospital in Gloucestershire, continued, “In addition to the numerous applications we received for our recently advertised internship position, we are inundated with unsolicited enquiries about job opportunities from recent veterinary graduates from across the globe. Our most recent advertisement for an equine veterinary nurse has attracted interest from a handful of recently qualified vets desperate to find work. This employment problem is not confined to internships; some of our recent interns have found it very difficult, if not impossible to find a job in horse practice, once they’ve completed their internship.” Amanda Piggot, a recent graduate, has first hand experience of the challenge of finding a suitable placement. She said: “I have always wanted to work in equine practice and my approach has been very strategic. It took me five months to find my current position at Kessock Equine Vets in Inverness, which necessitated moving 500 miles further north than I ideally wanted. For my next position I applied to Liphook twice and had no luck but I have now been accepted by Rossdales for a two year internship.” According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) the problem
isn’t confined to equine practice. The Association’s President Peter Jones commented: “The findings of the BEVA survey make sober reading and reflect the growing concerns in the wider veterinary profession about opportunities for new graduates in all types of veterinary practice. “The issue has recently been brought into sharp focus by the announcement of a new veterinary school opening at the University of Surrey in 2014, with many BVA and BEVA members worried about an oversupply of veterinary graduates into an already competitive market. We are expecting the results of the RCVS survey of recent graduates shortly and, alongside the findings of the BEVA survey, they will provide an evidence-base to build on as we continue to assess the UK veterinary manpower implications of potential new veterinary schools in the future.” BEVA is keen to help both potential employees and employers tackle the situation as constructively as possible. BEVA President Keith Chandler explained: “BEVA is proud that equine practice is attractive to so many younger members of the profession and it can provide a rewarding and fulfilling career. However we urge all stakeholders to ensure that current and prospective veterinary students are fully aware of the very limited opportunities in equine practice. Most of all we urge the students themselves to consider carefully their career path and prospects before making their final decisions.” Next month the RCVS will be releasing details of a survey of vets who have graduated within the past five years and how easy they have found it to find a job that meets their needs. For further information visit www.rcvs.org.uk.
Smug Bags - Not a 1 trick Pony Smug Bags are not just for taking rugs to the cleaners they can be used to carry tack to and from shows, or store tack in the car or horsebox. To order or for more information see
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44 | August 2013
Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 44
Conditions of Publication All material submitted to Equi-Ads will be subject to the following conditions. The placing of an advertisement or editorial copy will be deemed to be an acceptance of these conditions. 1. Typewritten contributions accompanied by a tamped addressed envelope for return are invited, however, no responsibility will be taken for photographs, transparencies, illustrations or literary contributions. 2. The publishers cannot accept liability for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any readers as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this magazine. Nor do they accept liability for loss arising from the non-inclusion or late publication of any advertisement. 3. All advertisements are accepted subject to our standard conditions of trading (a full copy of which is available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the editorial offices.) 4. The publishers reserve the right to refuse, amend or withdraw any advertisement without explanation. 5. Cancellation must be received in writing 14 days prior to the publication date.
6. All copyright reserved by Equi-Ads. No part of this publication may be recorded, or reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Equi-Ads is a registered Trade Mark, which is the property of Stable Productions. 7. The opinions expressed in literary contributions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. 8. The publishers reserve the right to revise advertisement copy to conform to the standards of Equi-Ads’ house style. 9. Advertisers should notify the publishers of any errors immediately after the appearance of the first insertion to allow subsequent insertions to be corrected. The publishers will not accept responsibility to correct all insertions ordered if the error is not reported immediately after the advertisements comply in all respects with obligations and duties to 3rd parties e.g. rights relating to Copyrights, Intellectual Property, Trade Marks and this list is not exhaustive. 10. The advertiser warrants that his advertisements comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and do not contravene the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
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24/07/2013 16:00
FeedingXxxxxxxxxx • News • Insurance
Blue Chip team up with Lima Horse Weighing
B
lue Chip has teamed up with Lima Horse Weighing to help horse and pony owners by offering a mobile horse weigh bridge. Lima Horse Weighing currently operates within a 50 mile radius of Birmingham and is very competitively priced. They will come to your yard to weigh your horse or pony and give free nutritional advice tailored to your horse’s needs. Blue Chip is offering nutritional advice to all Lima Horse Weighing customers to help them create a feeding plan designed specifically for their horse’s needs. Blue Chip’s nutritional advisor Sarah Butler says “It is amazing how many people don’t know their horse’s actual weight and as weigh tapes can be out as much as 50kg it is a very good idea to get your horse or pony weighed by Lima Horse Weighing. This will ascertain your horse or ponies correct weight to enable you to accurately work out feeding, worming and medicinal quantities. Follow up ‘weighing’ can also reveal weight loss or gain that may not be visible to the eye.” For further information on Blue Chip products visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 2666200 or to book a ‘weighing session’ email Luke or Vikki at limahorseweighing@hotmail.co.uk
Grand National-winning jockey claims Speed Derby R
Mollie Gillard and her wonderful pony Bert.
obert Power, the National Hunt jockey who won the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National on Silver Birch, made a winning return to Hickstead today.
The Irish rider partnered the 12-year-old stallion Doonaveeragh O One to victory in this afternoon’s feature class, the LED Sport Europe Speed Derby. This fast and furious competition, with a £21,000 total prize fund, sees riders tackle some of Hickstead’s fixed obstacles such as the Irish Bank and the less steep side of the Derby Bank at speed, with each knock-down adding 4sec to the clock. Robert grew up competing in showjumping, winning a silver medal at the European Young Rider Championships, before switching to become a professional jump jockey. He is the son of former top showjumper Capt Con Power, and the brother of Elizabeth Power, Irish Olympic eventer. “My sister evented ‘Tommy’ up to three-star level but he was injured and switched to showjumping,” said Robert. “He’s got a very big stride, and because he’s done a lot of eventing, he’s not bothered by the unusual fences so I can kick on at them.” Asked if he was quitting racing to go back to showjumping, he answered ‘Definitely not!’. “I’ll be racing for a good few years yet, hopefully, but I’ve been showjumping during the summer. I’m very competitive and love to win – so it doesn’t matter whether it’s racing or showjumping here on the big stage at Hickstead,” he added. It was another Hickstead success for the Irishman, who finished third in last year’s Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix at the Longines Royal International Horse Show. In second place on Arantos, just 0.15sec in arrears, was new father David Simpson, whose partner Louise Pavitt recently had a baby.
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Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 45
Age is Just a Number for Veteran Pony Bert A
year ago, when Steph Gillard went in search of a show jumping pony for her 12-year-old daughter Mollie, never did she think she would turn to a 26-year-old pony named Bert to keep up with the busy competition schedule.
Now some 12 months on, Steph and daughter Mollie are extremely pleased they found Bert, a 14.2hh New Forest cross gelding, who had been turned away to grass for several years after his previous family had outgrown him. Said Steph: “Bert had been turned out in the field for years but his owner said that he had a brilliant jump in him. At first we thought his age would have affected him, he would be too old and would not have enough go in him. “However when we went to see him and Mollie tried him out we realised his owner was not wrong! We bought him June time last year and then set about gradually bringing him back into work. “Since getting him fit Mollie and Bert have been unaffiliated show jumping nearly every weekend, jumping indoors in the winter and taking part in Pony Club activities throughout the year. “A big part of his success is down to his diet, we needed a feed that would help build him up and help him regain condition as we started to work him more and more. “After feeding TopSpec in the past and using their excellent helpline service I knew I could get all the advice I needed and Bert would get the correct nutrition required. “He is fed on TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer which provides essential nutrients to help keep his joints supple as well and TopSpec Cool Conditioning Cubes, to help provide him with the condition he needs without fizzing him up. Despite his age he already has plenty of go in him! He also gets TopChop Grass or TopChop Alfalfa to help bulk up his meals and keep his weight on. “Bert has been jumping up to a metre with Mollie and they have been winning most weekends. A favourite spot seems to be the Half Moon Stud, in the three times we have jumped there they have completed a treble success, winning all three height classes each time.” Added Steph: “We can’t believe how amazingly well he is and he still loves his job and has plenty of get up and go in him, beating other ponies that are up to 20 years younger. Even our vet can’t believe how old he is and how well he looks for his age.” Mollie and Bert have a busy season of outdoor show jumping ahead with Pony Club rallies and events to look forward to as well as the Pony Club Area Finals which they have qualified for. For further information contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
August 2013 | 45
24/07/2013 16:00
STNEMELP PU MUIMsystem ERP Equestrianism and theSplanning Xxxxxxxxxx News & Views • Property
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eil Henderson, Senior Planner with Carlisle and Durham based H & H Land and Property www. hhland.co.uk, talks us through the planning system for those considering developing an equestrian facility.
Farmers enjoy certain exemptions from planning control - the use of land or buildings for agricultural purposes does not require planning permission, and many farm buildings do not require the submission of a formal planning application. Similarly, simply grazing horses in fields does not require permission but the keeping of horses, while sharing certain characteristics with agriculture, does not enjoy the same exemptions. The question arises then; what is the difference between grazing and keeping horses? Well, case law has shown that the following questions are critical to coming to a decision: Is the land used permanently for horses? Are there related structures on the land such as stables, field shelters, jumps etc? And is fodder brought in from external sources? If the answer to these questions is yes then planning permission is likely to be required. For the most part then the use of land or buildings for equestrian uses will need planning permission, as will the provision of stables or horse exercise areas. Fortunately most local planning authorities accept that equestrian uses require a countryside location and are not generally opposed to them in principle. Equestrian activities can be divided into two broad categories. The first is when horses are kept for personal use. The principle of such proposals is rarely contentious, although the details of siting and appearance of stables and exercise areas might be the subject of debate. The second category occurs when there is a commercial element such as the provision of livery facilities and riding schools. The nature of such uses means that planning authorities will consider a wider range of issues than if the facilities were solely for personal use, but in terms of principle planning authorities
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site of the facility and its design and materials. For tend to recognise the setting up of commercial example providing prominent floodlighting columns equestrian uses as appropriate farm diversification, for a horse exercise area might well be considered particularly if existing buildings are utilised. inappropriate in a rural area within a National Park. Readers may be surprised to know that More formal boundary fencing such as white post generally speaking the planning laws for dealing and rail fencing might be considered “too suburban” with equestrian needs within specially protected for an area designated for its natural beauty. landscapes such as National Parks and Areas of For commercial enterprises, the planning Outstanding Natural Beauty are no different than authority would also consider the likely traffic those which apply outside. In other words if a generated by the proposal, in terms of both the proposal needs permission it will do so whether it is of vehicles, theR impact inside or outside a National Park. 59.3 2£Policy)tapproaches nemelppus tnnumber ioj decnand avdatypes ( AH XELF EIMonElocal RP 59local .32planning £ )authorities tnemelppus tntracks ioj decand navbridleways, da( AH X ELF of Raccesses, EIMEand RP suitability do however vary between of U increased character. and it is not surprising5that 9.National 62£ Park)walc slivethe d himpact tiw( S LP Xactivity ELFonRrural EIM ERP .62rigorous £ approach )walc stolived Ifhyou tiw(areSconsidering ULP XaEventure LF Rinto EIequestrian MERP Authorities often apply5a9more then point would assessing landscape harm, formulating policy 59when .81£ ylno )rfacilities ecnala b da egood ef( starting ETEL PM OCbe563 59 .81£ ylno )rtoespeak cnalto aba planning deef( E TELPorMyour OClocal563 consultant or considering planning applications. authority advice Clearly when existing 59redundant .51£ farm buildings ylplanning no ertiL 1 ETtoUget TIsome TSB USonEwhat TUisB 59 1£ and landscape yllikely no etortbe iL acceptable, 1 ETUT ITwhat SBissues USneed ETtoUbeB and are used for stabling etc, the.5 visual successful impact is likely to be minimal. 59.72If£new buildings are ylppaddressed us yadto5achieve 4 gk1a R OIRRoutcome. AW DUM .72£is proposed, thenylppNeil us Henderson yad 54 ofgkH&H 1 RLand OIR RProperty AW D UM provided however, or if5a9manege and can this has the potential to lead harm. or R viaA email 05to .5landscape £ gbe 00contacted 2 MAon E01228406260 RC ROIR W on Dneil. UM 5.5£ be given to the ghenderson@hhland.co.uk 002 MAERC R-O RAW DUM Careful attention should0therefore W:IR www.hhland.co.uk
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ttcceerriidd rreeddrrO O e h t m o r f e h t m o r f GB HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIPS FOR 2013 ENDURANCE
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rEerutcafunam ndurance GB is pleased to announce that half year memberships are now available to all riders wishing to participate in competitive endurance rides. Half year membership fees start from just £16.00 for non riders and £31.00 for adult riders and apply to rides taking place from the 1st July to the end of the season in October.
encompasses all 23 regional groups used as a follow on to riders availing* * £19.00 respectively. The relevant of Endurance GB which offer rides of Endurance GB’s popular Try joining fees and horse registrations at all levels. Before You Buy scheme which will also apply. Endurance GB Chairman, permits non members wishing to Riders participating under Try Karen Collier said, “The half year experience competitive Endurance Before You Buy will pay just the riding to compete in two competitive memberships provide flexibility competitive ride entry fee for the and they help keep endurance a novice rides up to 40km before ride which is £37. Riders may only very cost effective discipline. The becoming a member of EGB. Y L N O )ylppus syad 04( AM LoneAC forL also open The list of rides organised by )yhalf lppuyear s symemberships ad 04( !!Y 9L9N .9O2up£ participate in the scheme A M AC the possibility for riders Endurance GB in the second !!9from 9.9other 2£ season, anyone who took part in txen eht oto t stake tcudo rp gin nim lac eniuqe se2012 kat dwill na tcnot udobe rpeligible tsetal rto uodo si so amlaC disciplines part endurance half of the season is extensive and on rpoigthorses cfit ksaetsd tclauCdosrrpew tssenta inaam 2013. rides stxlaecnitto ueehhelp ct aorttuskeep etcnufdotheir anliummlaro feenand uiuqqineusaeagain un Al erunoiusqiEa.m lela veCl s l a c i t u e c a r t u e n f o n o i t a l u m r o f e u q i n u a s e s u a m l a C s r e w s n A e n i u q E . l e .tcrefreshed”. udorp gnimlac evitceffe ylgnizama na eFull divodetails rp ot sbabout reh gmembership nimlac laiceps dvneal is an equestrian and rates can be found atcnwww. .etlcbuadbEndurance ororpsbganim l a c e v i t c e f f e y l g n i z a m a n a e d i v o r p o t s b r e h g nC imla fo smrof tseb yrev eht desu evah ew amla g iltaailcuemprsofdnnaI discipline that is rsuited to every endurancegb.co.uk alongside e l b a b r o s b a f o s m o f t s e b y r e v e h t d e s u e v a h e w a m l a C g n taulufurther taht dnuof eW .CAA muisengaM dna etatrapsA muisengaM ni im ismernogf an mI type ofofperson and horse. Ifngshow information about Endurance riding tganhim t d n u e W . C A A m u i s e a M d n a e t a t r a p s A m u i s e n g a M n i m u i s e n g a lac teror cesdressage htiw misuinot senreally gam fyour o smrofinythe tilauUK. q hgih owt eseht gninibmomc jumping gnicup mlacofttea ercbut es hyou tiw don’t muis.newant n g a m f o s m r o f y t i l a u oitaluto mbe rof gnimlac elbq isshogpihtsoew b tee hst esh ut egvnaignisbbmreohc .naround oitalumthe rof gnimlac elbissop tseb eht su evag sbreh confined to just hacking na edam sah ti...tnemelppus siht gnitaerc rof uoy knaht ot ekil tsuj dluoW“ na block, edamEndurance sah ti...tneriding melppmay us sbe ihtthe gn"itnaweorcortole f gunoay nkanaehstroohteeckairl-xtseuej lb da luto icW xe“ answer. No specialist equipment "nwo ot legna na esrohecar-xe elbaticxe shtiffirG eyaF is required for the lower distance shtiffirG eyaF events and everyday riding clothes are the norm. Half year membership starts at just £16.00 for a non-riding member. The rate for an adult (22 years and djk03@hotmail.co.uk over) half year riding membership is £31.00 and the rates for Young Riders and Children are £24.00 and
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A half year membership can be
WANTED
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Land to buy not to rent
46 | August 2013
Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 46
00448844112255 55448800 ::lleeT T
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07554 144 496
www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:00
LIZ_Equ
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18/07/2013 24/07/2013 16:10 16:00
Xxxxxxxxxx Directory • Healthcare
The Naked Truth about Vitamin D and Deficiency!
M
B) Humans. 15-20 minute ‘loading sessions’ at least twice weekly during April to September - expose the midriff, back and/or full legs (the head and arms are ineffective converters of Vitamin D from the sun’s UV). Do not apply suncreams during these short ‘loading’ sessions – at all other times take care in the sun so a sensible approach is required. Each short session can naturally ‘load’ up to 20,000 IU of Vitamin D3 into your body’s circulation. And even better…it’s free! Supplementation. If you cannot manage the above (perhaps via a skimpy vest-top or rolling up your trousers or skirt during your lunch break), Ruggles & Stopitall offer Vitamin D supplements - 100 x 1-a-day Vitamin D3 (5000 IU for optimum human benefit) for £20.58 or 200 for £39.99. Or to establish if you are deficient in Vitamin D, they offer humans a simple home test kit (NHS approved) for £25.99
ost horse owners and riders would consider themselves to be ‘outdoor’ people and very likely think they get plenty of sunshine to boost their health, but recent reports show that this is frequently not the case. Vitamin D is the only vitamin you cannot get enough of from a healthy, balanced diet – it needs to be supplemented.
After reviewing research studies around the world over the last year or so, Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd is not only raising awareness of Vitamin D deficiency, but helping us understand what body parts need exposing for maximum effect, and, how easy it is to ‘charge up’ your and your horse’s bodies. Surprise. Only between mid-April and September in the UK are the sun’s UV rays strong enough to convert into Vitamin D within the body. The other seven months deliver no Vitamin D, even if you were totally naked! So with many people using sunblock and covering up under clothing (or horse rugs), we are just not getting enough. Studies. Recent studies demonstrate that around 86% of UK adults are Vitamin D deficient during the winter – and 57% are still deficient in our summer despite many going abroad for the sun. In Scotland the statistics are around 92% deficient in winter and 75% in summer due to a weaker northern sun. (Deficiency is classified through blood tests as below 50 nmol per Litre) Signs. So if you are lacking in energy, struggling to recover from illness, joints and/or muscles seem unusually challenged, or you feel a bit depressed or under par, it could well be Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is vital in humans and animals for nerve and muscle control as well as for joints and bones as it helps the body retain calcium for bone formation. Equally critical are its roles for healthy immune systems and mental equilibrium. Exposure – Load it fast and free (UK Latitudes only) A) Rugged or Stabled Animals. Try to let them have around 20-30 minutes at least twice weekly without rugs (ideally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. between April and September) – this allows conversion of the sun’s UV rays into Vitamin D. If you’re worried about them being plagued with flies, just try some Ruggle-it for a natural and great value fly repellent.
S
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Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd – helping bodies be healthy, naturally. Visit www.karenruggles.co.uk for information on all their naturally inspired products or to order online (or call 01823 259952).
Natural solution for windfalls and splints A
s the summer goes on, hard ground and strenuous exercise can take its toll on our horses’ legs, which is why Clean Limbs from Forest Farmacy is constantly in demand at this time of year.
The super easy, spray application of Clean Limbs means no longer are you covered in messy clays and gels, and no longer do you have to waste time washing product off the next morning. The unique formula is the perfect precautionary measure after legs have worked hard and will help your horse through temporary muscle soreness, stiffness, or swelling caused by exposure to tough ground conditions or exertion. Every single ingredient in Clean Limbs is totally organic and natural, having been chosen by experts to help reduce swelling, tighten legs, assist in the care of splints and wind galls, plus in the event of a knock or injury help promote healing by improving circulation and relieving pain. Amongst the formulation of herbal ingredients you will find basil, chosen because of its powers to assist in muscle spasms, rose geranium, for its soothing properties and witch hazel, which contains analgesic and astringent properties to cool, take any sting away and relieve bruising. The gentle, yet effective formulation means there is no risk of blistering the skin and the liquid formula ensures the skin can still breathe allowing tendons and ligaments to cool down and recover efficiently. Clean Limbs is being utilised by riders of all levels in all disciplines helping to maintain clean, healthy legs from dressage riders, showing riders and leisure riders to show jumpers and event riders. Clean Limbs contains no prohibited substances and is available in a convenient spray form making it easy to apply to those hard-to-reach areas, priced at £25 for 500ml. For more information, tel: 0800 970 9421 / 07736 282 729 or visitwww.forestfarmacy.co.uk
48 | August 2013
Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 48
Directory Property Abroad
Feeding
Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices. Tel: 01775 630 008
The Haylage Co.
Saddlery South East Andrew Reilly Saddlers Spoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET Tel: 01825 830484
Worming East Regular worm egg counts can save money! 6-8 weekly spring through autumn £5 each. Church Farm FEC churchfarmfec@hotmail.co.uk or 01728 685 638
A cost effective alternative to hay. Based South Hertfordshire, we deliver to locations nationwide. Telephone: 07831 454 166 Email: guybrook@btinternet.com Website: www.poloforage.com
Wholesale Thinking of starting your own equestrian retail business? Then contact us: Hucklesby Associates Equestrian Wholesalers to the trade Website: www.hucklesbyassociates.co.uk Email: hucklesbys@aol.com for a free trade e-catalogue Tel: 01362 696 309 Fax: 01362 696 582 www.equiads.net
24/07/2013 16:00
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SARCOIDS? ALKALISING THE SKIN CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM POWER AGAINST SAR-X #1 ORGANIC SUPPLEMENT “It has now completely gone!”
“My 7 year old gelding developed a medium sized lump on his belly. I did not want to go down the route of treatment advised by my vet. I started to feed him the powder 10 weeks ago and it has completely gone. His hair has grown back and you would never know it had been there. I am so pleased; I cannot praise the powder enough!” Ruth Mitchell
POWER AGAINST SAR-X IS 100% SAFE FOR HORSES WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS. PLUS ALL INGREDIENTS WILL NOT VIOLATE COMPETITION RULES.
POWER AGAINST SAR-X 6 week supply £35 3 month supply £65 SARCOID CARE PACK £80 For a free consultation ring now: 0800 970 9421 Free calls from a mobile: 0330 100 5266 Email: help@horsesarcoids.com
www.horsesarcoids.com Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 1
24/07/2013 16:00
pinkpowder-claire-oliver-A4-13_b_0 04/07/2013 11:46 Page 1
Champion
Again!
Photo Credit: www.esphotography.co.uk
in the Pink
Just two outings this year!
Champion Hunter Royal Cornwall Show 2013
Feed In the Pink Powder, with value added condition, the best feed balancer to keep your horse in perfect condition.
Champion Hunter Royal Three Counties Show 2013
Loughkeen Dancing Lord, HOYS Heavyweight Champion of the Year 2012, remains In The Pink and continues his reign as a true Champion. Says Rider and Producer Claire Oliver, “We remain so hugely proud of this magnificent horse, he’s simply a superstar through and through. We totally believe that In the Pink Powder has greatly contributed to him maintaining his condition for so long and incredibly we even feed him less! We cannot recommend the product highly enough.”
A unique, concentrated, perfectly balanced formula Optimises gut function and balances the diet Maximises the available nutritional value of the diet Provides all necessary vitamins & minerals for general health Adds value to the diet allowing you to feed less, and so balances your budget
all this is to d e e n you feed e c n a l a b
Feed In the Pink Powder,save money and add condition. It’s the only feed balancer you’ll ever need.
For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com
www.naf-equine.eu/uk
Equi_Ads_Aug_EngWales_Rev.indd 2
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