FREE July 2009
July 2010
The UK’s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine In this issue
Poor performance…
34
Reasons and remedies
Sarcoids – a review of current treatments 26 Straightening from behind 18 Feeding and management of the competition horse
12
Dealing with ‘Bogey’ fences
38
The importance of transitions
42
and more...
Healthcare
Try out “Flyfree Shine” shampoo win a free sample
Contents ENGLAND & WALES Healthcare
1-8, 19-35
Holly Davis
4
Feed
6, 9-17
Dietary choice
9
Competition feeding
12
Joni Bentley
18
Horse behaviour
22
Sarcoids
26
Bladder disease
30
Worming
33 - 35
Poor performance
34
Training
36
Tack & turnout
37-41,
51-52
NLP
38
Classical riding
42
Insurance
43-45
Horses for sale
44
Field & stable
46-50
Global Herb’s FlyFree has yet again been improved to support palatability. To go with this new palatability the company is now promoting the benefits of using it’s special shampoo. Shine is the ideal shampoo to use with FlyFree as it contains the same herbs which create a wonderful ‘glow’ and shine to a horse’s coat. Of course it also helps with flies. Use FlyFree Shine if you want to make your horse look wonderful and feel relaxed. When flies are around you
often need all the help you can get and the cedar aroma left by Shine can make all the difference. Send in the coupon below for a sample of shampoo and/or a supplement taste sample. You can contact Global Herbs for more info on: 01243 773363 or see them at: www.globalherbs.co.uk You will also be sent a copy of the new Global Herbs 12 year anniversary catalogue.
Walking stick specialists Classic Canes to sponsor Edward Chanin, Para dressage rider Walking stick specialists Classic Canes are delighted to announce that they are to sponsor West Countrybased para dressage rider Edward Chanin during 2010.
10th of the preceding month
Edward, 27, is a former show jumper and jockey. In 2001, whilst working in a racing yard, he sustained a serious head and back injury in a schooling fall. He was on a life support system for several weeks and the accident resulted in him being paralysed on his right side. He was determined to ride again and is now a competitive dressage rider. Classified as a Grade Two para dressage rider, he is a member of the World Class Development Squad (funded by UK Sport), which supports the training of disabled dressage riders. Edward is trained by Nina Venables and is currently competing his own horse, Rhadamanthus, a 16.3hh Hanoverian gelding. His ambition is to represent his country as part of a national team.
Available on the 1st of the month
Charlotte Gillan, Managing Partner at Classic Canes, said, “Edward needs a
Pasture management 48 Snooperstar
52
Directory
54
What’s on
54-56
Copy Deadline
Equi-Ads is published monthly by:
Equi-Ads Limited Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG
stick to walk, so we are delighted to have supplied him with a wardrobe of sticks and seat sticks. We are also providing financial support towards practical needs such as speciallydesigned reins, competition numnahs and horse rugs. As a stick user who attends a wide variety of sporting and social events, he is the ideal brand ambassador for Classic Canes and has also provided us with some very useful feedback on our products.” Edward said, “ I am very pleased to be sponsored by Classic Canes. I now have a wonderful choice of walking sticks, including rustic thumbsticks for everyday use, folding seat sticks for use at competitions and a smart, chrome horse’s-head cane for evening events. My favourite is a carved ramshorn shepherd’s crook. It is fascinating to realise how many different types of walking sticks are available and that there is a suitable stick for everyone, however young or old.” Edward can be seen competing this
spring and summer at events at Hickstead, Hartpury Equestrian Centre and Cricklands Equestrian Club. His progress and results can be followed on the Classic Canes website: www.classiccanes.co.uk. Classic Canes specialises in walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas. The range comprises over 600 models, available from stockists throughout the UK and in 40 countries worldwide. To locate a stockist or open a trade account, please telephone 01460 75686 or visit www.classiccanes.co.uk
To advertise, please call
01738 567700 Fax: 01738 567776
www.equiads.net Please send editorial to: Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG Fax: 01738 567776 Email: info@equiads.net July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 1
Healthcare
Chestfields Equine Products At Chestfields, we create outstanding equine grooming products made from nothing but nature’s finest ingredients. These unique products cover every aspect of equine care from tack cleaning and grooming to stable hygiene and the treatment of minor ailments. Our range of 9 high performance equine products have been created using entirely natural, plant based formulas. They are non-toxic, nonreactive, non-carcinogenic, readily biodegradable and derived from renewable sources. These unique formulations will not irritate your horses’ skin and are also safe for you and the environment. Our product range has been developed
for people who not only want exceptional cleaning results, but who are also environmentally conscious and want to avoid the risk of using a chemical formulation. They are perfect for any occasion, from everyday use up to performance horses competing at the highest level. The range Cut & Graze - A gentle blend of plant based extracts for the treatment of minor skin ailments. Horsebox & Trailer Wash - A natural, specially formulated solution to safely clean and protect aluminium, steel, paint, plastic and rubber.
deep cleaning shampoo and conditioner for manageable and tangle free hair. Multi Purpose - Powerful, fast and effective eco-friendly cleaner designed to deeply penetrate into all of the hard to clean areas of your tack and equipment. Pet Shampoo - Hypoallergenic natural plant based pet shampoo and conditioner. Sheath Cleaner - A natural, nonirritant formula that gently removes smegma and dirt.
Mane & Tail - A natural plant based, Show & Shine - A natural, non-slip conditioning and detangling spray. Stablewash - Natural plant based cleaner to effectively clean your stable in a completely safe odour free way. Total Bodywash - Natural plant based shampoo and conditioner, easy rinsing and non-irritating formula. For more information visit www.chestfields.com
2 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
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June 2010 - Equi-Ads - 3
Healthcare - Holly Davis
Holly Davis Column Barbara with Andy Pandy Andy Pandy is my daughter’s pony. We bred him and he has always been a laid back and easy to handle pony. However, recently he has started to buck whilst out doing cross country, why is this? From what he is explaining this isn’t a pain issue, but rather is more to do with a lack of confidence, on your daughter’s part that is affecting him. He says there was an incident that your daughter had riding, but not with him. Since that has happened he has noticed that she isn’t her usual confident self. He says that each time she approaches a jump he is preparing for himself to be pulled back through her hesitation. At times she is asking him to refuse or delay then suddenly changing her mind. This is completely confusing him and he doesn’t know whether he is meant to move on. Once physical things are ruled out, as they have been then what we are left with is the psychology of the buck. The psychological (rather than physical/pain related buck) and the psychology behind the ‘buck’ is ‘I can’t see to go forwards or backwards, I am stuck in transition with nowhere to go, so have to do something’. Hence it comes from a place of confusion and frustration that isn’t his fault. In order to help him your daughter will need to regain that confidence she had with him before the incident with
another horse as this isn’t really an issue stemming from her pony, just his reaction to the predicament he finds himself in, which whilst not desirable, is pretty normal. Sarah with Timmy Timmy has had on and off laminitis for years. This year he hasn’t been too bad as we have been keeping him in during the day and only out at night. I just wanted to know how he was coping with this and does it make him feel better in himself? He has most definitely seen the difference and is much happier with the new person that is now trimming his hooves. He says that the way they have been trimming no longer gives him pressure at the toes and it has made a huge difference. Whilst he’d like to be out all the time in the spring/summer, he is aware of why you are doing this now. I have explained, there seems to be a problem somewhere along the lines where he is not able to have the sugars work through his body in the way that they should and states that he is ‘insulin resistant’. If you have not had him tested for this then I would recommend that you do. Chances are he has several blocked metabolic pathways. In which case rather than just have him treated medically I would also recommend you look into
zoopharmacognosy, metabolic pathways and nutrition as unless you arm yourself with the knowledge needed to help him you may find that this doesn’t improve other than with drugs, which though they may help will not solve the foundational cause of the problem. Look at treating why his body isn’t working rather than just trying to make it work artificially. Dawn with Quiet Knight Knight has always been very affectionate and a one woman horse. Recently he has seemed distant and appeared a bit annoyed sometimes when I’m around even if I am not touching him. This is very out of character for him, what is wrong with him?
Knight is having problems with headaches that have been going on a few months. He says there was an incident when he was tied up and a low flying jet or something similar came over and really frighten him causing him to pull back and hurt his poll. Best bet is to find someone working with massage or physiotherapy to have a look at him and avoid riding him or asking him to do anything else that could cause more discomfort until this problem has been resolved. From what he says you have an excellent relationship and he is very happy with you. Never before has he found someone he can trust like he does you as he finds you to be very ‘clear and honest’.
To contact Holly please call Aline on 01738 567700 or email aline@equiads.net
Incredible changes happen every day Do you have an issue you’d like to address in order to love the life that you live? Sherree Ginger uses techniques to help people develop their business skills, resolve personal emotional issues, habits and phobias, as well as prepare for exams and competitions. Previous client, Emma, an experienced BHS II Instructor and trainer of young competition horses and ponies, lost her confidence after a series of unfortunate incidents. Emma says, “The season had started
well, but somehow I think I tried too hard and got too technical. This resulted in Star refusing and a fall. Star lost confidence in me and I lost confidence in my abilities. I started to worry about what other people thought of me, and it all just went wrong. Since working with Sherree, I feel that I’m back to the way that I used to be. My confidence has returned and I feel that I can deal with any problems as they arise again.” Using a powerful combination of Hypnotherapy, NLP and coaching tools, Sherree was able to find out what thought patterns Emma was running, and replace those with a much more useful and productive state of mind, so that Emma could achieve her desired goal of jumping her mare happily again. To contact Sheree Tel: 01403 865338, or visit www.sherreeginger.co.uk A registered BHS AI, and qualified Hypnotherapist, N L P and Life Coach.
4 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
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June 2010 - Equi-Ads - 5
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Feed - Healthcare
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CENTRAL
Regulars Tues Eve, S/J Knebworth SJ, Manor Field, Park Lane. See www.knebworthsj.co.uk. 2nd Saturday of each month Antrobus RC Open Dressage, Yew Tree Farm, Nr Northwich. Tel: 01606 891033. Every Day Dean Valley Farm Ride, Dean Valley Farm, Cheshire. Tel: 0161 64391945. - Equi-Ads - July 2010 Every Saturday, Heavy Horse Club,
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Thurs 4th June Dressage Clinic, Trickley Coppice Farm, Coppice Lane, Middleton. Tel Fiona on 07968 059434 or see www.fionafoy.co.uk. Fri 5th June All Day Residential Dressage, Todmorden. Tel Fiona on 07968 059434 or see www.fionafoy.co.uk. Sat 6th June All Day Residential Dressage, Todmorden. Tel Fiona on 07968 059434 or see www.fionafoy.co.uk. Joni Bentley Workshop, Brooksby. Brooksby Campus. Tel: 01442 402756 / 07771 811561.
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June 2010 - Equi-Ads - 7
Healthcare
Equine America summer collection Competition horse supplement Formula1 Plus Cortaflex Pellets. When competing at top level, it can be necessary to have a variety of supplements to aid performance. However, many different supplements can be costly and consume more time and space. Formula1 Plus Cortaflex solves this problem by combining six of Equine America’s top performance products into one easy to feed, palatable cold compressed pellet. Available in 3.6kg a thirty six day supply RRP £98.00 and 18kg RRP £399.00 Electrlyte /summer rehydration products for competition horse Drink More Solution. A hydration aid for horses at shows. At shows or whilst travelling some horses become reluctant to drink. A dehydrated horse will not perform well, if left. Drink More is a salt based solution that is syringed directly into the horse’s mouth encouraging drinking. When using Drink More, fresh water must be available as the horse will instantly require a drink. Drink More is not an electrolyte replacement but a re-hydration aid. If the horse is sweating on a regular basis an electrolyte - Apple Lytes must be given. Available in 473 ml (31 x 15 ml servings). RRP £24.99 Apple Lytes Granules and Paste are the only electrolyte for your horse or pony. As horses work and sweat they lose vital electrolytes and mineral salts. At low levels these can be replaced with Sodium Chloride (sat) but, if the horse is in medium to hard work and sweating on a daily basis, an electrolyte supplement must be provided. Apple Lytes is a salt-based product which can be added to the feed on a daily basis. For high level competition and endurance events, Apple Lytes is also available in a handy syringe for instant replenishment of electrolytes. Electrolytes should not be fed to a dehydrated horse - always ensure water has been ingested first, and that the horse has recovered from exercise. Available in 1.8 kg (a one month supply at maintenance) RRP £15.99, 6.8 kg RRP £49.99, 13.6 kg RRP £79.99 and a 30 ml paste (two servings) RRP £9.99.
Leg/muscle cooling products essential for competition horse Green Ice Gel. A soothing, cooling, easy to apply gel for ‘tired’ limbs. Available in 1.9 ltr RRP £24.05.
Like Ice®. Cooling After Exercise. Sorboplex™, the special ingredient in Like Ice®, begins working on contact to tighten and cool hot, tired legs after strenuous exercise. The 24-hour kaolin base cools the leg, while Aloe Vera and Melaleuca soothes and moisturises. Like Ice® washes off easily, making it ideal for the busy yard. Available in 2.7 kg RRP £15.50 and 11 kg RRP £39.50 Equi-Lin. For Muscles and Limbs after Exercise. An invigorating, aromatic solution containing menthol, oils of cedarwood, worm wood, spike, thyme and rosemary top to soothe muscles and limbs. EquiLin, when mixed with water, creates a stimulating and refreshing ‘all over’ wash for muscles and limbs following strenuous exercise. Contains no camphor. Available in 3.8 ltr RRP £38.95
Skin products Derma Gel. Protection and Skin Care. The number one herbal skin hydrogel, for intensive and rapid skin care, plus a protective barrier effective against foreign contaminants. Derma Gel provides and maintains a moist epidermal environment with the ability to help clean and deride necrotic tissue, encourage natural hair re-growth and maximise skin smoothness. Available in a spray, ideal for very sensitive areas and as a gel in a unique pump dispenser. Derma Gel does not contain steroids and is completely safe to use on a mare in foal and competition horses. Available in a 50 ml spray RRP £7.99 and a 100 ml dispenser RRP £10.99 Fungatrol Shampoo. Washing with water and soap or water alone can strip the skin of its natural protective oils. Fungatrol Shampoo can be used to wash the whole horse or individual areas, protecting the skin from bacteria and fungus. Available in 473 ml RRP £11.99 Fungatrol Spray. A ‘leave on’ waterbased spray containing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredients with added coat conditioners. After washing the horse with Fungatrol Shampoo, spray all over to maintain healthy supple skin. Available in 360 ml RRP £13.76 EQUINE AMERICA www.equine-america.co.uk Tel 01403 255809
8 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Feeding
A need for dietary choice?
Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.
William Cowper's poem, "The Task" (1785) says "Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all its flavour." Many people exploit the message in this idiom by misbehaving, usually by indulging themselves in all sorts of extra-curricular activities! Certainly, in the working environment it is well recognised that on a production line it is beneficial to move people around in order to maintain interest and thus concentration. Nobody really likes to do exactly the same thing day after day. In the same way, taking the example of luxury foods like smoked salmon or caviar; no one would like to eat them every day. This brings to mind another wellused phrase “too much of a good thing” so when there is a sunny day in Scotland everyone is mightily pleased whereas in Spain it is just another day. How is all of this relevant to the horse you might be thinking? Unfortunately we all tend to anthropomorphise our animals, ascribing human features/characteristics to them. In its simplest form we see this in the provision of “meals” and “treats”these are our habits/likes and thus we think that our animals will appreciate the same. This is not necessarily so and in the case of giving meals, it can be positively harmful. It is always instructive to observe horses in their natural habitat in order to determine what they like/dislike when they are free to choose. Unfortunately few truly natural grazings exist in the UK. We have Shetland ponies on the Islands and some Highland ponies on the island of Rhum off the West Coast of Scotland and perhaps a few Exmoors on moorland. The New Forest is overpopulated and the environment affected by human interventions. In spite of this we can draw on information from around the World that gives us some insight into what horses will do in terms of diet selection and, whether they do they seek variety in their daily diet. Depending on location and season, material on offer to grazing horses can be extremely variable. During a cold winter when there is no fresh growth of vegetation a horse only has the opportunity to utilise residues from the growing season in the form of old grasses together with shrubs and trees that can be browsed. There will be a very limited choice of plant materials and often, these are of very poor nutritional quality. As a result, horses kept on natural grazings overwinter may well lose weight simply because they cannot obtain enough energy from the food on offer. There is some evidence however that they try to ingest the better quality material from amongst that food which is available. It is important to realise that the horses’ selection is limited by what is available and it is not necessarily what the horse would choose if the choice were greater. The winter feeding situation on natural grazings in many ways reflects the situation of the stabled horse. This animal relies on you to select its food and its choice is thus limited by your choice! We all know from our horse feeding experience that horses will be selective amongst the food you offer although it is not always easy to determine how much food is dropped rather than deliberately discarded. Most of us have seen horses manipulate food (? sifting) with their lips, particularly when a coarse mix is fed, following placement in the manger. They seem to sort out the tastier bits for initial consumption but will eventually get round to clearing up the rest if allowed sufficient time. Feeding hay over the manger reduces waste and encourages the animal to eat up. Thus, we do not consciously allow choice when feeding housed horses but should we? Some interesting work has been undertaken with housed horses to examine their motivation to exploit feeding choices. Offering different forages in different locations within housing has shown that horses will seek out different materials. In other words, if you allow a horse a foraging opportunity it will take it. Naturally this will vary its nutrient intake but also exploit its natural foraging activity thereby simultaneously improving its welfare. It clearly takes longer for a horse to utilise different forage resources rather than to stand in front of just one hay net. One could conclude from this that a horse appreciates having a choice. If we now consider the horse grazing either natural, uncultivated grassland (heathland, downland, moorland, etc) or improved grassland during the summer period, the animal has a fantastic variety of plant materials on offer. An exception cont. on p.10 July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 9
Feeding cont. from p.09 would be a horse grazing short term grassland (a ley) that is sown as part of an agricultural rotation of crops. It will only have access to probably a maximum of five sown plant species but of course, if traditional hedges exist around the perimeter of the field then it can have access to a variety of hedge bottom plants as well as the opportunity to browse the hedge itself (beech is very popular and often belonging to a neighbour!!). Permanent pastures can contain in excess of 150 plant species although the precise types will depend on location, management, soil type, etc. Similarly the uncultivated grasslands are botanically rich so the horse is confronted with all sorts of grazing opportunities. They will consume a huge variety of plant types (usually just taking a mouthful of what is on offer but because species are mixed getting a variety of plants-deliberate or accidental intake?) together with different forms of browse. One can observe horses sampling the different plants and parts of plants. I have watched horses turned into a paddock dominated by mature (full seed head) perennial ryegrass focus on “beheading” the ryegrass with the result that after a short period only the stalks remained! Clearly, the seed heads were very attractive. Thereafter, they sampled the herbage at all levels within the pasture, grazing some preferred areas bare-not to be confused with the “lawns” that are created by horses grazing limited areas of the paddock because of faecal contamination elsewhere. In another grazing study we observed horses just eating the clover (not wild white clover) within the paddock and once it was finished, they started eating other species. It is obvious that there are clear preferences. It reminded me of the buffet situation where there is a limited supply of smoked salmon goodies together with less exotic components (water cress sandwiches, cheese straws, tuna creations, cream cheese on biccies, etc). Once the hordes are released, the smoked salmon delicacies disappear like snow off a dyke and then the less fleet of foot are left to consume the more mundane goodies!
Horses clearly demonstrate preferences for certain grass species and for different parts of plants. There is also evidence that they eat for nutrients (select more nutritious plants and parts of plants) but, there are also other motivations. Horses eat to live and thus, they must optimise their grazing activity first and foremost to maximise their food intake to meet energy needs. There is evidence to show that horses will concentrate their grazing activity in patches of dense, tall grass so that they can maximise bite size and thus intake rather than seeking out certain plants and exhibiting choice. When I was a child our family's dinner menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it! Now of course few families would practise this and we spoil our children with choice as there are so many different ready meals available nowadays. Anyway, today our housed horses either also eat it or leave it and they “get by” but it does not reflect the natural situation but then, what does nowadays when it comes to keeping horses? If you can offer choice, do so BUT only in the context of within the diet. Changing from one feed to another, meal to meal, without adaptation is risky as all horse owners know.
Feeding for Competition with Ultimate Performance Mix Ensure your horse receives optimum levels of high quality nutrition for maximum health and performance with Ultimate Performance Mix from British Horse Feeds. Ultimate Performance Mix is suitable for all competition horses, is produced under the BETA UFAS NOPS Code and provides high quality sources of essential nutrients to maximise the condition and performance of horses in medium to hard work. The profiled energy release rate ensures the feed is non-heating and that the carefully formulated blend of natural ingredients can be easily utilised to provide calories for competition and condition. A full range of natural chelated vitamins and minerals are also included. Providing a high quality protein and fibre source, Ultimate Performance Mix contains the Super-Fibre ingredient Speedi-Beet (in a safe form that does not require soaking) and essential amino acids, in particular lysine and methionine 10 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
that are limiting in forage. A selected oil source provides optimum levels of essential fats, including OMEGA 3 and OMEGA 6 fatty acids. Added plant extract also helps to maintain hindgut microsystems and joint integrity. All cereals are micronized to improve small intestine digestion, while the optimum level of highly digestible starch fuels performance without loading the hindgut. Ultimate Performance Mix has distinctive blue and metallic gold packaging and is available from all leading stockists; RRP is around £10.90 for a 20kg bag. For more information please contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com
Feeding - Laminitis
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 11
Feeding
Feeding and management of the competition horse
Sarah Nelson Bsc (Hons) SPILLERS® Nutritional Advisor
The competition horse is an athlete, superior in a number of ways to his human counterpart. Regardless of discipline, he must be responsive, obedient, fit for purpose and able to maintain condition. Whilst success undoubtedly relies on a number of factors, correct nutrition plays an integral role in realising the horse’s potential.
energy, they contain poor quality protein and have an imbalanced calcium: phosphorus ratio. Such deficiencies can lead to serious health conditions if not balanced with a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. However, replacing straights for a suitable compound feed is an easy and effective way to provide a balanced source of vitamins and minerals.
When feeding the competition horse there are no hard and fast rules. It is essential to remember that fundamentally, every horse is an individual and this should be reflected in his diet. Workload, temperament and susceptibility to nutritionally related disorders are all vital considerations.
Whilst the use of some supplements may be beneficial, it is important to be realistic about what they can achieve. In addition, minerals are linked, meaning that the increase of one can affect the absorption of another. With this in mind care should be taken to ensure that the addition of supplements will not result in a detrimental imbalance. A nutritionist will be able to offer advice on this.
Meeting the demands The basic rules of feeding offer sound guidance for any horse, the competition horse being no exception. The requirements of horses in the early stages of fittening or competing at novice level may not be any different from that of the leisure horse. However, with increased work comes an increased requirement for energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Protein is often referred to as the ‘building blocks of life’, essential for growth and the repair of tissues. For horses in hard, work high levels (1214%) of good quality protein play an important role in the development of muscle and topline. For the equine athlete, a high specification of vitamins and minerals helps to meet the demands of competition. Such horses may benefit from increased levels of vitamin E, the most important antioxidant, as well as vitamin C for respiratory support. Maintaining the balance A balanced diet is essential for promoting general health and well being. With this in mind, care should be taken when feeding straights such as oats or barley. Whilst cereals are high in
The importance of fibre Second to water, fibre is the most important nutrient for the horse. Traditionally, forage rations are decreased as hard / prepared feed and work levels are increased. This however can have serious effects on health and mental well-being. As a minimum, 50% of the horse’s daily feed intake should be forage, for the 500 kg horse this equates to 5-6 kg per day. Beware, due to the moisture content, 1.5 times the amount of haylage must be fed compared to hay. High fibre diets which contain controlled levels of starch and sugar help to maximise digestive health. Feeds containing a blend of slowly, moderately and rapidly fermentable fibres help to balance the rate of fibre digestion in the hind gut. This in turn helps to safeguard against fluctuations created by variable forage supply; including changes between hay/ haylage sources which are often overlooked. Fitting the energy bill Put simply, the competition horse
requires energy to live and energy to work. Types of energy are often characterised by their effects i.e. heating vs. non-heating, or the ability to improve/ maintain condition, however the source of energy is equally significant as the type and quantity. Whilst excess energy can result in over exuberant behaviour, high starch diets can cause and/ or exacerbate excitability. Traditional competition feeds are high in cereals and consequently starch. Compared with cereals, oil is up to three times higher in energy and has been proven to be twice as efficient at promoting weight gain. Considering this, oil is an excellent source of nonheating, slow release energy. Look for a fibre and oil based competition feed that can be fed at up to 50% of the horse’s daily feed ration. Positive mental attitude Ensuring psychological, as well as physiological fitness is essential for both welfare and success. Horses evolved to live in herds grazing for up to 16 hours a day, roaming distances averaging 26 miles. In many cases, life for the competition horse couldn’t be further removed from this, often stabled for up to 24 hours per day. Providing turnout and equine company wherever possible allows time for the well deserved and necessary expression of natural behaviours.
Forage is generally high in potassium and therefore free access to a salt lick is normally sufficient for those in light work (there is a clear link between intensity of work and sweating rates). As electrolytes cannot be stored, there is no evidence to suggest that routinely supplying excess doses of electrolytes in the weeks prior to competition will pose any benefits.
Whilst ad-lib forage is the ideal, it is rarely the reality for competition horses. Research has shown strong links between decreased fibre intake and the occurrence of stereotypical behaviours such as crib-biting. Feeds containing various sources of ‘long chop’ fibre extend eating time thus fulfilling the horse’s need to chew. Recent studies have found increasing long fibre intake to be effective in stopping or significantly reducing crib-biting behaviour in foals.
Galloping is thought to induce sweat losses of up to 10-15 litres per hour and therefore the provision of electrolytes is essential for horses in hard work. An effective therapy combines 2 tablespoons of table salt and 1 tablespoon of Lo salt in 1 litre of water. However, horses must be introduced to drinking such solutions gradually and whilst less effective, pure water must always be available as an alternative.
Hydration and electrolytes
A number of horses in the competition world suffer from conditions such as colic, tying up and gastric ulcers. Whilst diet may not always be the cause of such conditions, careful nutritional management is paramount. Fibre and oil based feeds are ideal for such horses, providing optimal energy release without elevated starch levels.
Water is essential for the maintenance of every physiological process in the horse’s body; as little as 2% dehydration can cause a decrease in performance. In a typical 500kg horse the large intestine may hold 35-80 litres of fluid, providing a source of both water and electrolytes that can be drawn upon by the horse. Certain high fibre diets, particularly those containing alfalfa, have an increased water holding capacity thus helping to increase the size of the hindgut reservoir. Look for a feed high in fibre and alfalfa which has been proven to help maintain hydration. The horse’s sweat is rich in potassium, chloride and sodium. If not replaced, water and electrolyte losses can result in poor performance and conditions 12 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
such as tying up. With this in mind, provision of electrolytes is often a primary concern for those competing in any discipline. However, depending on work levels, additional electrolyte therapy is not always necessary.
Management Strategies
Unlike humans, horses only produce saliva when they chew. Saliva provides an important buffer for stomach acid and therefore increasing long fibre intake is beneficial in the management and prevention of gastric ulcers. If you would like any further advice on a diet for your event horse or would like a yard visit from a nutritionist please contact the SPILLERS® CareLine on 01908 226626.
Paddock Management Update
September July 2010 2009 - Equi-Ads - 13
Feeding
Schooling and turnout for Dressage – Top riders share their ‘Blue Chip’ secrets….. “Neat plaits are important, as is a nicely pulled tail and quarter marks, if done well, can be really effective. In terms of other preparation, I use Blue Chip’s Joint RLF to ensure my horses’ joints always have correct nutritional support.
When it comes to dressage, there’s no doubt that schooling and turnout are the two most time consuming aspects of successful preparation and getting them right means patience and hard work. Four very successful dressage riders, who all feed Blue Chip, definitely know how to ‘get it right’ and provide an insight into managing schooling time and using effective turnout tricks. Jo Bates, producer of top show horses, successful dressage rider, trainer and judge, says, “When you’re schooling, it’s important to concentrate like you would in a competition. Take time to get your transitions right and work on free, forward movement, with the poll the highest point. Horses should also be quick off the leg and you should be accurate, as correct circle diameters are essential for success.” Talking turnout, Jo feels rider presentation is as important as the horse’s. “A well fitted riding jacket can make a lot of difference and change the rider’s appearance, an ill-fitting one can spoil the whole look!
For international young rider Charlie Hutton, “Schooling is only beneficial if time is used correctly and it’s important to allow enough time to warm-up and cool down. When you’re doing high intensity schooling, adequate breaks are essential to ensure you and your horse don’t lose concentration or get tired. “Planning is also important, so make sure you’ve planned your schooling strategy for each individual horse and focus on specific elements that will enable you to improve. It is also important to know when enough is enough and remember not to ‘over-ride.’ If things do go badly, don’t give up, just try and approach things from a different angle; you’ll be surprised how often that works!” For Charlie, “Correctly fitting tack and clothing is a vital part of turnout and it’s also important to get the focal points right, for example the mane should be nicely plaited, making a short neck look long with lots of plaits or vice versa. “Quarter marks can be a nice finishing touch and at the European Championships for example, we did Union Jack quarter marks, which looked really effective. Hoof oil is also a nice touch but I prefer clear hoof oil – it looks cleaner!” Determined and ambitious dressage
Feeding the competition horse Super Plus Competition Supplement is a product designed especially for horses in hard work. Super Plus contains high levels of important vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids- essential for the competition horse. Super Plus is available in 3kg tubs and 15kg bags, prices start from £20.99. Revitalyte Electro Salts contain a balanced formulation of body salts and probiotics. It can be used after strenuous exercise, heavy sweat loss, travelling and other conditions that could cause 14 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
electrolytes to be lost. Revitalyte Electro Salts are available in 400g, 1kg and 4kg tubs. Prices start from £6.35. For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@ equimins.com or call 01548 531770
rider Henry Boswell advises. “Always start schooling with a relaxed and positive attitude and before every session have a clear idea about what you want to achieve. Be realistic though, not everything is achievable, therefore be prepared to take small steps towards your goal. Don’t get flustered if things start going wrong; take a break, analyse why and start again. Always reward your horse whenever he/she makes progress, no matter how small or slow.” “Turnout is about being spotlessly clean and polished. A lot of the turnout work is done in day to day routines and a disciplined daily grooming regime will make show days easier. I also find talcum powder a brilliant substitute for chalk on white socks. Finally, a relaxed and focused rider completes the picture.” For international paralympic rider Liza Landau, having different warm-up plans, depending on whether your horse feels fresh or sluggish is a very useful tactic and she advises, “If you get nervous, just imagine you are riding your test at home – it really does help take the pressure off! “I also think it’s important to know the meaning of concentration; mental, physical and emotional. Teach yourself to be able to focus on the task in hand and it could make a very significant difference.” Finally, Blue Chip’s nutritional advisor Vicky Ridgeway, BSc(Hons) suggests, “For suppleness feed Blue Chip Joint RLF, for obedience and temperament feed Blue Chip Karma, for condition,
health and well-being feed Blue Chip Original up to Novice level and Blue Chip Pro when the work becomes more demanding.” BLUE CHIP JOINT RLF Blue Chip’s liquid joint supplement Joint RLF incorporates the most effective natural ingredients for healthy, athletic joints and a trouble-free, flexible future. Blue Chip Joint RLF is the first equine supplement to combine rosehip (Rosa canina) with glucosamine, MSM and HLA. Rosehip is proven to be 40% more effective than glucosamine. Blue Chip Liquid Joint RLF is available in convenient 1 litre bottles, priced around £45.00, which will last one horse for approximately 40 days. Contact info:Ask your feed merchant for Blue Chip by name or if you’d like to receive news of great Blue Chip offers and more information about Blue Chip products, join the Blue Chip free newsletter by emailing your name and address details to liz@bluechipfeed. com . You can also contact Blue Chip on 0114 266 6200 or visit www.bluechipfeed.com
Digestive aid Grand Digest, from American nutrition experts, Grand Meadows, is the only equine digestive aid that manages all three digestive stages. But why does your horse need such protection? The equine’s gastrointestinal system is the first system to show signs of emotional and physical stress. Owners can do much to help reduce their horses’ stress levels, but one of the best ways to prevent signs of stress, such as digestive upsets, is to manage the horse’s health consistently, so the animal’s internal systems and metabolism are able to cope with the associated signs more effectively. Grand Digest detoxes the stomach by neutralising mycotoxins, improves absorption in the small intestine with
a multi-enzyme blend, and boosts immunity by supporting the large intestine. It is especially ideal for horses prone to diarrhoea or colic. By feeding it on a regular basis, owners are safeguarding the horse’s physical health by ‘futureproofing’ the animal’s digestion system. Grand Digest RRPs5lb (40 dose) £38.96 10lb (80 dose) £73.73 25lb (200 dose) £154.13 Retailers - to stock the product, call Equine Management on: (01825) 841 303 Consumers - to buy online, visit: www.worldwidetack.com
Joni Bentley
Running out of energy? The work we require from our horses far exceeds that which they have naturally evolved to do. L-Carnitine is an amino type acid which is involved in the process of utilising fat stores in order to produce energy, it also plays a role in maintaining the right conditions for energy production within the cells and acts as a trigger for muscle growth. Because the horses’ herbivorous diet is very low in L-Carnitine (which is gained from the amino acids in protein) horses rely heavily on their ability to produce L-Carnitine in their liver and insufficient amounts often cause fatigue. Nupafeed Staying Power is a unique L-Carnitine based liquid which can greatly improve energy production and recovery, prevent fatigue, reduce muscle enzyme build up and increase muscle growth. L-Carnitine supplementation in the past has shown poor results, this is because it is not taken up into the actual muscle tissue. Nupafeed have combined the L-Carntine with their unique MAHŽ in order to improve absorption which is why it is so effective. Use Nupafeed Staying Power for any horse that tires easily, for travel fatigue, when performing extra work, or to help strengthen young or weak horses. Because Staying Power works by improving your horses existing energy production it will not cause that initial misbehaviour which you often get with energy feeds. Feed everyday, for short periods or for one-offs according to your requirements. To order or for more information, please contact us: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 15
Feeding
TopSpec comprehensive It’s a leaner, fitter feed balancer Monty for Kate TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘non-heating’ pelleted concentrate that contains no cereal grains and only low levels of sugar and starch. It does contain several supplements combined with a feed designed to promote muscle development and function. A top-specification broad-spectrum supplement is backed up by others including a superb hoof supplement, generous levels of anti-oxidants and sophisticated digestive aids. This superb specification allows horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and straights in their diet, which usually means that their hard feed intake can be reduced with many resulting benefits. TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very flexible, nutrient-rich feed designed to balance the rations of most horses and ponies simply by adjusting the rate at which it is fed and the products it is fed with. For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
Keep cool with SPILLERS® The SPILLERS® non-heating feeding system is an easy way to help your horse stay cool and healthy this summer. You can simply choose from a mix or cubes and match them with the perfect cool fibre blend to provide a safe, balanced, non-heating diet. Clare Barfoot BSc (Hons) RNutr, registered nutritionist and Research and Development Manager for SPILLERS® explains: “Your horse’s health is in your hands and the feed you choose can make a big difference to his behaviour, performance and wellbeing. Non-heating products provide controlled energy for calmer behaviour, but with no compromise on the daily vitamins and minerals that they need to stay in tip-top shape.” Choose from SPILLERS® Horse & Pony Cubes or SPILLERS® Cool Mix™ to suit your horse’s preference and then, for optimum effect, add a double handful of SPILLERS® Cool Fibre, which has been specially formulated to help your nonheating feed work as hard as possible for your horse’s health. Carol Karte from West Lothian recently contacted SPILLERS® to tell them how SPILLERS® Horse & Pony Cubes and SPILLERS® Cool Fibre have helped transform her lively and anxious TB x Hannovarian Kierron into a pleasure to ride. She said:
Lucky competition winner and horse owner Kate Hardt was delighted when she won a supply of feed. However, happy with her current feeding regime and believing in the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, Kate from Stoke on Trent, wasn’t initially in any hurry to change her horse Monty’s diet. Explains Kate: “I thought his existing regime was fine and would have kept to that routine but having won the feed from TopSpec, it was obviously too good an opportunity to miss so I contacted the helpline to get some advice. “I have stuck with the previous feed for a long time, but when I won the supply I put Monty on to TopSpec Lite Feed Balancer, TopSpec FibrePlus cubes and TopChop Lite. “Within two weeks Monty started to just blossom. He has always been rather portly even though he is ridden most days and competed often. “He has lost a little weight and looks good, his coat is incredibly glossy and he feels fantastic going across country. I am now looking forward to really getting going this season. “I have to admit that when I was
“However I needn’t have worried, when we went cross country training, I was so impressed with his energy level. We had three long bursts of eight minutes constant fast canter and cross country jumping. I was thrilled with him. “I am so pleased I have put our other horse, Oakie on to TopSpec and he has never looked so good. Within two weeks there was a huge difference. “To save money and have the horses looking so fabulous is brilliant. I can’t thank TopSpec enough for giving me healthy and happy horses.” For further information contact the TopSpec Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
Alltech and Baileys Horse Feeds salute Great Britain Alltech and Baileys Horse Feeds commend the British Equestrian Federation in its journey to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™, the world’s most prestigious and celebrated equestrian championships. Britain is one of 60 National Federations who have submitted entries in principle for the Alltech FEI Games. “The global excitement for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is simply staggering now that 60 countries have declared their intent to send their finest athletes to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park in a little over 100 days,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.
“Kierron was very neglected when I first got him. We had to go right back to basics and he used to get so worked up that there was no calming him down. On advice I changed him onto a non-heating diet of SPILLERS® Horse & Pony Cubes and SPILLERS® Cool Fibre and now he is a pleasure to ride. I can also see a big difference in his coat as it's so soft and shiny. It may be sheer coincidence but the only thing I changed is his feed and it was only about two weeks after this that we had such a break through. Three people on my yard have now changed to SPILLERS® feeds because of Kierron’s dramatic transformation.”
“As Official UK Feed Partner to the Games, it’s great to have confirmation that our team will be heading to Kentucky. We’ll be doing our best to support them and hope they bring their fair share of medals home to the UK,” said Baileys Horse Feeds’ Marketing Manager, Jane Buchan.
For friendly feeding advice please telephone the SPILLERS® Care-Line on www.spillers-feeds.com. also join Team SPILLERS® on Facebook.
Final entries and individual athletes will be named in August.
16 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
advised to feed the TopSpec FibrePlus cubes I had my doubts as to whether they would give Monty enough energy for cross country.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™ will define a new chapter in the history of the World Equestrian Games as the first time the Games have been held outside of Europe and the first time that all competition events will be held at one location – the 1,200 acre Kentucky Horse Park. The 16-day competition involving more than 700 riding competitors and 800 horses from 60 countries is expected to be attended by as many as 600,000 spectators and viewed on television by an international audience exceeding 460 million people. Like the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games are held every four years and are the world championships for the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Tickets have already been sold to enthusiasts in all 50 U.S. states and 50 countries. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and to purchase tickets while they are still available, visit www.alltechfeigames.com
Joni Bentley
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 17
Joni Bentley
Straightening from behind Bodywork practitioners know that the human body is naturally crooked – and they know how our day-to-day lives compound the problem. Their services help us adapt to our bodies’ quirks, aches, pains, and asymmetries. Unfortunately, bodywork therapy is not yet part of our traditional riding establishments. If it were, we would understand how our bones and our horses’ bones are put together in their own unique way. We would learn how both our and our horses’ tendons, muscles, and ligaments are all connected and work in ways specific and individual to each of us.
Joni Bentley
It broke my heart when my new hunter Annie went unsound with a tendon injury after a moderately fast autumn hunt. It was a terrible winter of three months’ box rest, wondering if she would ever come right. When I met Joni, we talked about the vital importance of straightness and correcting crookedness in preventing lameness. She explained that my rather unschooled horse was a right hind driver, pushing from her right hind into her left fore. This made complete sense to me, as the injury was in Annie’s left foreleg. The more I spoke with Joni, the more convinced I was: I’d only be able to hunt Annie with a clear conscience if I got help to correct her misalignment. And as I was about to find out, I too was misaligned – and contributing to Annie’s problems! My lesson with Joni was different from any other I’ve ever had. I actually learned to relate to my body and my horse’s body in an intelligent and sensitive way!
We’re all unique and different – horses and riders both. And we need to work with that in mind. Imposing a picture-perfect ideal position on riders and their horses doesn’t create what we’re hoping for. Instead, it only adds an extra layer of crookedness on top of the existing wonky foundation.
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Does your horse tend to drag his right hind? Left hind? Does he lean on one shoulder?
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Do you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall when you try to turn?
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Does your horse always jump to the right side of the fence – or is it the left side? Does your saddle slip out to one side? Does your horse hollow his back, refusing to round up and take contact?
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Those are all symptoms of one-sidedness. And if you don’t address them, sooner or later they lead to soundness problems – for your horse and for you. On the other hand, when you understand how every rider and every horse has their own physical quirks, and you learn to see and feel those quirks and work with them, it becomes surprisingly easy to address issues that riders (and their horses) have struggled with for years. One layer of crookedness on top of another. The first level of crookedness in the rider comes from your right- or left-handedness. This orientation and way of working spreads a misalignment throughout your whole body, developing over the course of years. It can’t be voluntarily switched off or relaxed. And it’s a root cause of problems in horsemanship. Just as you’re right- or left-handed, so your horse is a right- or left-hind driver, preferring one side over another. That’s your horse’s first level of crookedness. The second layer of crookedness begins when you try to impose a desired outline onto your body, attempting to meet a picture-perfect ideal image of how you should look. This new layer of crookedness is laid on top of your already-crooked foundation. And both layers – the layer of your one-sidedness, plus the layer created when you attempt to adhere to an ideal image – are imposed on top of your horse’s onesidedness. It’s no wonder people experience schooling and soundness problems in their horses! Crookedness in the horse is traditionally tackled through lateral work. This is great if the rider is supple and schooled enough to absorb rather than block the horse’s movement. But most riders haven’t been taught how to feel what’s happening in their own bodies, never mind in their horses’. And the rider must lead by example, performing in his body what he expects of his horse. Christian’s and Annie’s story What follows is Christian’s tale of what happened to his horse, Annie, and their work with Joni and her Correction through Movement process. 18 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
In my dismounted work, it was apparent that I was very stiff in the diagonal between my right shoulder and left hip. Gently and gradually we worked on correcting this by stretching both diagonal connections: right shoulder/left hip, then left shoulder/right hip. Eventually, the stiffness between my left shoulder and right hip dissolved. In the mounted lesson, I learned to feel how my diagonal stretch related to Annie’s rhythm and movement. At first, as I began to stretch my left leg down away from my right shoulder (my stiff diagonal), nothing seemed to happen. Joni explained that the horse’s crookedness was pushing me over to the right, making it impossible for me to sit straight. In fact, Joni videotaped me riding Annie, and the first thing I noticed when watching the video was that even when Annie was standing, I was pushed over to the right.
Before: Here on the left rein Annie is swinging Christian and her quarters to the right to avoid stretching out her right ribs. Although Annie should have a left bend, she tries to maintain her favoured right bend because it feels more comfortable for her. In doing so, she affects Christian’s position, pushing him out to the right whilst she drives into her left foreleg (the one that was injured). This makes Christian’s position very awkward to control, especially as he rises with the trot. He feels as if there’s too much weight in the right stirrup, leaving the left empty and unbalanced. As described above, in dismounted work Christian discovered that the diagonal between his right shoulder and left leg was stiff and contracted. In the photo to the left, you can see that Annie’s habitual way of moving exacerbates the weakness in Christian’s right shoulder/left leg diagonal, disempowering his position even further.
cont. on p.20
Feeding
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 19
Joni Bentley you, his rider, is rarely successful. As Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, well-known veterinarian, speaker, and teacher on the biomechanics of the horse, discovered in his exploration of bridle lameness, the horse’s crookedness is inevitably affected by the rider’s crookedness, and vice versa.
Annie and I will be able to ride out hunting without my having to worry about her soundness!
To resolve this, horse and rider need Correction in Movement therapy in partnership. Correction in Movement educates the posture of rider and horse into straightness and self carriage.
Your opportunity to try Correction in Movement
As Christian describes, you begin to experience – not just understand intellectually – what happens when rider and horse are asymmetrical. Even more exciting, you start to feel, in your bones and body, what it’s like to be in alignment with yourself and with your horse. You begin to know when you’re truly straight, able to support and strengthen your horse’s movement. Then your horse goes easily into selfcarriage, taking up his natural rhythm on the bit. Which is exactly what Christian and Annie have been experiencing. With a few more lessons, Christian will have more power to send Annie forwards, so she works over her back, happily moving on the bit. With a few more lessons, Christian will improve his contact and leg position which will give him more finesse and skill to power Annie forwards, over her back, onto the bit. As the lesson progressed, I learned to
When you understand how your horse moves, you begin to understand the effect of your crookedness on each other – and on this third entity that’s created from the two of you together. This is why the common practise of treating your horse in isolation from 20 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
They’re lucky because they live close enough that we can work together. Now, no matter where you live, you have the opportunity to try Correction in Movement for yourself. Along with this article, I’m launching a brand new DVD training program.
Before finishing up the lesson, Joni taught me an exercise that I can do whilst out hacking. In the past, I’ve found shallow loops very difficult and complicated. Now I can relate back to what I learned in the dismounted exercises, and I simply use the same directions mounted. So when I turn my body to the left, I push down through my right leg and allow my left shoulder to follow. When I turn to the right, I push down with my left leg and allow my right shoulder to follow.
It’s fascinating how I can tell now when I’m sitting centrally, and how Annie’s ribcage and hind legs are working underneath me. The time I’ve spent doing the dismounted work has been invaluable in the simplicity and clarity of achieving my aims while riding. Watching the video was a revelation. I could see the problems with my position. Before, I had to take it on trust from verbal directions that I didn’t always understand and couldn’t visualise.
(Yes, the cat finds it fascinating too! She’s 21, older and wiser, and she’s seeing what she can pick up!)
Correction in Movement: a partnership
Christian and Annie are lucky – as Christian’s already told me in words, and Annie has told me by her response to the work.
This is a whole-body movement and avoids tight straying shoulders or collapsed hips. And my horse literally copies my movement.
Perched on the edge of the bench with no support under his left buttock, Christian stretches his left side. By releasing down and then lifting his left side, he’s also learning how the horse’s rib cage works in relation to the movement of her hind leg. This helps Christian understand by feel where Annie’s hind leg is placed at any given moment – a necessary understanding for more advanced riding.
See my article “Schooling the Rider: Understanding and Releasing OneSidedness” (on my website, www. jonibentley.co.uk) for more details of this exercise.
I’ve booked up regular lessons with Joni, and I ride into the future knowing I am doing the best for my horse – and for myself!
feel Annie’s rhythm and direct her force through her ribs into the right shoulder to counterbalance her crookedness. In just one lesson, I could really feel the change as she started bringing her left hind under. Joni’s guidance was very useful in correcting my over-active left shoulder and Annie’s tendency to push my hips to the right. You can see this in the photo above – and it’s not what’s supposed to be happening at all.
Now I know how to be aware when Annie pushes my hips over to the right. I can feel how that weakens my position. And I also understand that need to watch my over-active shoulders, which disconnect me from my lower body, especially at the trot. That evening after the lesson I felt taller. I noticed that I walked down the street with a fluid spring in my step and a sense of balance. It was a beautiful spring evening. And I’m so happy that
This goes way beyond any home-study program you’ve ever tried – because the first lesson includes instructions on how to have a friend videotape you riding your horse. I’ll review the video, and I’ll send you personal, written instructions on how to customise the program to meet your specific situation. The DVD program is a full 12 months – one year – of monthly lessons, with 2 DVDs each month. And you get to try the first month, including the videotaped assessment with personal, customised instructions, at a trial price of £55. This gives you the opportunity to dip your toe (and your horse’s hoof!) in the water without having to jump in at the deep end. Joni’s diary 10th 11th July Aston Manor Equestrian Centre, Market Drayton, Shropshire 24th July Cotswold RDA, Prestbury Park Racecourse, Cheltenham 7th August Writtle College, Chelmsford, Essex 21st August Willow Farm, Faversham, Kent 27th 28th 30th and 31st August at: Whitfield Farm, West Linton, Peeblesshire See What’s on section for more details. All tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Dismounted workshop (limited to 10) £57.50 Mounted (limited to 6 riders) £85 Watch for the day £35. Further workshops will be announced so keep your eyes on the website. If you can’t make this workshop but would like to attend, then contact me. I have many private workshops that you may be able to join in your area. Tel: 01442 402756 Mobile: 07771 811561 www.jonibentley.co.uk
Feeding - Health Care
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 21
Horse Behaviour
Just ask your horse Finding a teacher who is sympathetic and encouraging towards you, kind but not weak with your horse and whose methods are effective can be a nightmare. Apart from people qualified by our two establishment organisations – The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and The British Horse Society (BHS) – there are teachers and trainers with no widely-recognised or even any ‘paper’ qualifications, from classical riding to natural horsemanship, and some of them are really excellent.
The problem is that, as a client or student, it can be extremely difficult to sort out who is best for you and your horse. You ideally want someone who genuinely likes your horse and, hopefully, you, and whom you can talk to and get on well with. Those qualities, however, don’t by any means guarantee that they know their stuff and can put you both right and bring you on. As a teacher and trainer myself, I often come across horse and rider combinations who are clearly confused and, therefore, often tense due to having tried different instructors with different views who have, understandably, taught them in accordance with differing ideas, so the pair don’t know what to do, or why really, or where it is leading them. It isn’t for want of trying to get things right: the rider tries an instructor for a while, feels things aren’t ‘right’ and that they aren’t progressing, tries another, gets a similar result and so on. Another confusing source of conflicting information can be other livery owners and also yard proprietors. Some of this advice may be good, some bad, and, as the moral and legal guardian of your horse’s safety and welfare, it’s up to you to make the final choice. Tricky. DON’T DESPAIR You can get round this upsetting, frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. The absolute foolproof way is to go straight to the bottom line – your horse – because he will tell you plainly (if you know what to look for and I am going to tell you) whether or not what is happening to him is good or bad, whether 22 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Susan McBane
it’s working or not and whether he is happy and comfortable with it or not. Most people, initially at least, ride in the way they have been taught. Obviously, certain signals or aids must be learned as our universal rider-language and, when we are novices, we apply them as told. But there is another element to riding and caring for horses which I feel should be considered much more than it is and that is to remember that horses are, like us, creatures of flesh and blood, nerves and feelings. They have emotions as well as being physically able to feel pain or pleasure. Because of this, it not only makes sense but is also a humane way of going on to consider whether what we are doing to a horse is likely to cause him discomfort or pain. You don’t have to be an advanced rider to start thinking in this way. If you stick a pin in your horse (please don’t) it will hurt him as much as it would hurt you. If you whip him, it will hurt him as much as it would hurt you and if you jab him in the mouth (even accidentally) or keep up a sustained, firm pressure on the bit it will hurt him as much as it would hurt you. All you have to do to look at things from a horse’s point of view is put yourself, in your imagination, inside a horse-shaped body with the same physical and mental feelings that you have in your human one, and ask yourself, about any particular feature of riding: How would I like that? How would I feel about it and, if I didn’t like it or was frightened by it, what would I do? Communication In any kind of relationship communication is key. If you don’t communicate with each other in some way or other you get nowhere. Horses’ main way of communicating is body language and humans’ main way of communicating is talking. Horses have to learn what our words mean and we have to learn what their body language means. Our physical aids such as seat, legs and hands are human body-language communications to our horse and, correctly applied, they are tremendously effective. Our voice, again correctly used, is also a very effective communication aid, used simply, sparingly and with appropriate tone – brisk to stimulate the horse and low and calm to soothe him. In the May issue of Equi-Ads my article on abuse contained a comprehensive chart by the late Dr Moyra Williams called ‘Signs of emotion’. This chart is very well worth cutting out and keeping, particularly if you are not too sure about equine expression and communication. Two very helpful books are the classic The Horse’s Mind by Lucy Rees and The Horse Behaviour Handbook by Abigail Hogg. Both give detailed and illustrated explanations of how horses communicate and express their feelings by means of the positions of the different parts of their bodies.
Going from one extreme to another and as a general guide, a relaxed, awake, confident and secure horse will naturally hold his head level with or just above the height of his withers with, rather obviously, his neck horizontal or up a little. His nose will almost always lead the way, not be carried back behind a line dropped down from his forehead. His ears will, together or separately, point towards whatever is holding his attention, or else be held loosely towards the sides. His eyes will have a bright, calm and soft look, or look a little more animated when, for instance, his feed or a good friend is coming. His tail when he’s at rest will fall loosely down between his buttocks. He will be interested in his surroundings. A horse who is in some way agitated, nervous, anxious or frightened will give an altogether more tense appearance. The head and neck will be up (out of harm’s way), the ears pointing towards whatever is bothering him, the muscles and skin tight, the eyes wide open and maybe showing the whites, and the nostrils flaring and maybe wrinkled up and back (anger). A thrashing tail also indicates anger, one with the dock held stiffly or kinked during work rather than swinging smoothly is saying ‘tension’ and ‘anxiety’, and one clamped down between the buttocks indicates fear. When a horse is thinking of biting you, his ears will usually be back, he will have a cross look in his eyes and, of course, he will extend his muzzle towards you, perhaps baring his teeth. These features may be less if he is just going to take a quick nip, possibly to warn you about something you are doing or which he is expecting and which he doesn’t like. Horses can kick forwards, sideways and backwards with their hind feet, and can strike out forwards with their fore feet – and they can do so like lightning and with unbelievable power. If you are lucky, they might warn you by hovering a foot in the air. Pawing the ground with a forefoot is a sign of impatience, uncertainty or insecurity. Biting and kicking are serious ‘crimes’ against us in self-defence but horses always have a good reason which has usually been brought about by some human in their past. Horses soon learn how effective these strategies are against humans and other animals, and they can become habits like bucking, shying and rearing. Between these two extremes, any of these physical features, and those on the chart, may be shown to varying degrees and it is very important to learn what they mean to the point where recognising them becomes second nature, not only because they are the key to understanding what your horse is thinking and saying but also because it might save your life. Regularly watch as many horses as you can until you can read them infallibly.
Under saddle Ridden horses are usually not entirely free to express their feelings fully. Their head and neck actions are often restricted, sometimes severely so by harsh rein and bit contact or tightlyadjusted training aids. (This also applies to gadgets used in groundwork when adjusted so that they coerce a horse into a position.) Depending on the effectiveness of the rider and their own temperament, they may feel quite helpless as far as expressing their feelings goes. The scientific expression describing the state of horses who become zombie-like, depressed, uninterested in life and who perform like automatons is ‘learned helplessness’. Even when being caused actual pain, they have learned that they can do nothing to relieve it and stop trying. This affects the whole of their lives, not just their working time. Some horses, depending on their temperament, react more or less violently to riding or groundwork which they find unpleasant, frightening, painful or confusing (due to poor preparation or badly-given and timed aids). Such horses will usually express a level of the anxiety/ fear features described above. They are usually tense with head and neck held stiffly up and on the alert. They may take choppy, short steps, not go freely forward, drift sideways, throw their heads and necks about to escape or start being even more ‘difficult’. Some people still call these actions ‘evasions’, implying that the horse is misbehaving, when they are actually self-defensive actions due to experiencing or expecting, discomfort, pain, confusion or fear. These horses’ self-defence mechanisms are switched on and, if things get bad enough, their flight-or-fight survival response may come into effect – they will try to run away from the situation by actually running or bucking, napping, running backwards, shying, spooking or rearing. If they don’t succeed at this, they may actually fight back at their trainer if he or she is on the ground. The problem is, once an action ‘good’ or ‘bad’ has been performed by a horse three times it is on the way to becoming a habit. Once it has been performed five to seven times it has become a habit. Last month’s article explained the practice of over-riding or ‘overshadowing’ such actions. If we think logically and fairly about this whole situation, we have to agree that we can’t blame the horse. Most horses cont. on p.24 are not by nature
Feeding - Health Care
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 23
Horse Behaviour cont. from p.22 vindictive or out to get humans. Those who appear to be so have been taught to use such natural defence strategies by some human or humans in their lives and have learned that certain actions work very well at getting rid of them. That is why some horses are said to have ‘tricks’, like dropping a shoulder (usually always the same one) and spinning round which gets a lot of riders off. The horse associates the action with removal of the rider (and, therefore, his problem) and is likely to repeat it when he deems it necessary. Bucking is probably the most effective removal technique and the most dangerous. Rearing is another as are shies and spooks to a lesser extent. Ponies often learn that rolling is a sure way of ditching their young riders but horses don’t seem to have cottoned on to this technique.
Pain and discomfort Horses will, as we all know, react appropriately when their tack is causing them pain or discomfort. Badly-fitting saddles and girths cause a poor way of going, too-fast gaits and bucking, and even well-fitting saddles and girths if placed too far forwards restrict the shoulder and forearm action so the horse gives the feeling of ‘not wanting to work’ (who would?) or not going freely. Uncomfortable bridles cause head-tossing and rubbing, and painful or uncomfortable bits often produce rearing or running backwards, not to mention over-bending and going behind
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the bit, although bad hands can obviously cause these things. The most common fault today with bridles is that they are adjusted too tightly, particularly the nosebands, and the bits are pulled up too high. So, then, depending on your horse’s temperament he or she may sink into depression or react against pain or discomfort however caused. I hope the information given above, plus that in the two books mentioned, and your own observations, will give you reliable skills in recognising how horses are feeling and what could be the cause. Making your decision Once you are fairly at home with judging your horse’s feelings you can quite safely make your own decision as to what riding and training techniques are suitable for him. If anyone at all tells or advises you to do something with or to your horse, think about it and if it comes into the category of ‘I wouldn’t like that if I were a horse’, don’t do it. If someone else is riding or schooling your horse, anyone at all, and they do something which rings alarm bells in your head (and doubtless in your horse’s), tell them not to do that particular thing and say why. If that person is a teacher or trainer it can be hard to do this but your horse doesn’t have anyone else to stand up for him, only you.
Any good and beneficial training movement should be an enhancement of how a horse goes naturally. The object should be to develop his physique so that he becomes strong and supple enough to be a comfortable, obedient ride for us without undue risk of danger to himself. Watch horses socialising and playing in a field and you can see every dressage movement ever invented by humans - but note that they are maintained or performed for a few strides or seconds only. Also, horses never work themselves up into a sweat during the process! Things to avoid Some riding techniques which I feel are detrimental to mind and body and, therefore, not horse-friendly include: pulling the head and neck from side to side under the guise of ‘suppling’ the neck, shoulder and forehand; holding in or continually placing the horse’s head so that the front of his face is behind the vertical, or even on it if he is a Thoroughbred or Arab type; holding him ‘together’ so much that his neck appears shortened and out of proportion to the rest of his body, possibly with wrinkles down the sides of the withers; forcing exaggerated action; maintaining a constant, relentless, firm pressure on the bit which can be seen by the sad or tense expression on the horse’s face, the noticeable pulling back of the corners of the mouth, possibly the tongue protruding from the mouth and the probable stiffness of the neck and shoulders; tightening the noseband so much that the
horse cannot accept the bit but is forced to tolerate it and the bruised skin and mouth which will go with it; the rough use of bit, whip or spurs; and maintaining and repeating gaits, exercises, ‘outlines’ and movements for several minutes at a time – even several seconds can be too much in some cases. Never mind the fact that the FEI have announced that ten minutes is alright – I disagree strongly. A must-see video If you subscribe to the wonderful on-line magazine HorsesForLIFE you may have seen the tear-jerkingly beautiful video of the French dressage champion of the 30s, Taine, performing one of his championship-winning tests. It is worth subscribing just to see it. That is how a riding horse should go, and how they used to go until a couple of decades ago, not the comedy of errors we so often see today. Taine is showing quite clearly how relaxed, strong, supple, calm, free and co-operative he is - no sweating, no lathering, no frothing, no tension, no force, no jerky action, just beauty in motion as it should, and can, be. Do try to see it. SUSAN McBANE is a classical rider, teacher and trainer holding The Classical Riding Club’s Gold Award. For further information, go to Susan’s website (www.susanmcbane.com), email her at horses@susanmcbane.com or ring her on (01254) 705487
Feeding
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 25
Health Care - Sarcoids
The Big S I always wondered what happened in Treasure Island when Billy Bones receives the dreaded "Black Spot"? Was it just a heart attack? Even Captain Jack Sparrow couldn't escape the black spot, on the palm of his hand, when the Kraken came calling. Its the medical equivalent of "The Big C", words none of us ever want to utter. But here's the thing, Long John Silver had the Black Spot but lived, you know how, he kept calm and just like celeb break ups, carried on. Sarcoids are the equine black spot, an immediate condemnation, but with enough knowledge and enough common sense we can all just carry on. So what we need first are some facts, the scary heart attack facts. Sarcoids occur in all types and breeds, all colours and both sexes. Horses are affected world wide. They are best and simplest regarded as skin cancer. There are 6 different types: Occult, Verrucous, Nodular, Fibroblastic, Mixed and Malignant and are generally found in areas with thin skin, minimal hair and with a tendency to sweat. Additionally, sarcoids often develop at important body sites such as the eyelids, over joints and coronary bands and cause severe functional problems.
Ben Sturgeon, BSc, BVMS, Cert EP, MRCVS Treatment at these sites is usually very restricted An individual horse may have one lesion or may have up to several thousand. Sarcoids are difficult to treat, not all horses respond equally to treatments and treatment is better if done early and if the horse is under 4 – 6 years, inappropriate treatment is a potential disaster. A horse that has any sarcoids at all is, by definition, liable to them and will remain so for life, if they injure themselves they can develop serious lesions at the injury site. It is not known whether sarcoids are transmissible between horses but it is thought that flies may be important in the spread across a horse, furthermore, the more sarcoids a horse has the more it will get (and equally the fewer it has the fewer it will get) often multiplying over summer and growing in winter. Although the disease seldom “kills” horses, many are destroyed either because it is untreatable, the sarcoid becomes infected, ulcerated, exudative and painful, or because the horse is unsellable. Some horses are so badly affected that there are systemic effects including low blood proteins and anaemia leading to euthanasia. There is no vaccine, there is no cure. Those of you unlucky enough to have
drawn the Ace of Spades you will know how difficult it is to deal with a case, for the rest, just wait your turn for it will come with approximately 6-7% of horses in the UK affected, and each with an average of 20-30 lesions. It is not, as some think, a new disease, being recorded thousands of years earlier, although the first pathological description was in 1936 by Jackson in South Africa who gave the name “sarcoid” signifying its sarcomatous (tumourous) appearance and there are many features including the behaviour of the tumours, the difficulties of treatment, and the tendency to recurrence and the spread, that are consistent with a genuine neoplastic disease:
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The sarcoid is a tumour of fibroblasts – a skin cell responsible for many structural components.
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Some sarcoids are small and have a benign behaviour remaining static for months or years.
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Although some forms are very aggressive locally, the condition is limited to the skin and tissues
directly beneath.
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Some sarcoids develop beneath the skin and have no skin involvement.
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It does not spread to the internal organs.
Whilst sarcoids have fairly obvious visual features there can be mistaken similarities with viral papilloma (‘milk warts’) and there is further evidence that the bovine viral fibropapilloma (‘angleberry’) has some role in the aetiology of the condition leading to the suggestion that the common predilection sites are those where flies frequently feed and potentially spread or inoculate viral particles. The commonest sites are the axilla, groin, face, scrotum and sheath. Occasionally they are found elsewhere (back, neck and trunk) but when they occur here they are thought to be a consequence of skin damage (i.e. injection sites or tack rubs) and sarcoids developing on legs are invariably associated with a wound of some variety. Although the visual features cont. on p.28
The natural approach to beating sarcoids Research has shown that sarcoids thrive on an acidic internal state, so alkalising the body from the inside, makes it harder for them to grow and establish. Organic Horse’s Power Against Sarcoids is an alkalising herbal concentrate containing Alkanet Root, Titanium Clay, Fenugreek and Homeopathic Thuja 12X, designed to encourage the body to produce an alkaline state, strengthen the immune system, support the body’s natural defences and make the bowel lining as resilient as possible. Dressage rider Mary Jane Haigh tried the conventional veterinary route without success and was amazed at the results. “We have a high level dressage horse that
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had them in the girth area and having spent over £700 with the vet to have them removed unsuccessfully, our trainer suggested Power Against Sarcoids. After feeding the supplement for six months we no longer have a sarcoid problem, just a small patch of bare skin. It is a miracle powder and we would strongly recommend it to anyone with a sarcoid problem. Cheaper than the vet, the horse can still work during treatment retaining fitness and most importantly it works!” Power Against Sarcoids also works on other lumps and bumps and has shown to help reduce melanomas. RRP £32 for 40 days supply; £60 for 100 days supply. For more information, tel: 0800 970 9421 / 07736 282 729 or visit www.forestfarmacy.com
Health Care - Flies - Sweet Itch
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 27
Health Care - Flies - Sweet Itch cont. from p.26 are important, diagnosis can be reliant on histopathology of a biopsied lesion. This also allows classification indicating the most appropriate treatment option for the individual lesion.
Treatment is difficult and expensive whichever method is chosen. Currently there are around 40 different treatments suggesting no single method is universally effective. Furthermore, the various treatments have variable effects; some can be very successful on some occasions and ineffective on others. Do not expect a 100% cure rate! The prognosis is 40 – 60% although radiation and BCG around the eye carry a higher prognosis. Prognosis drops with delay but also with each and any unsuccessful therapies and a failed treatment usually results in the appearance of a more aggressive sarcoid type. It is best then to use the most successful treatment first or if this cannot be done leave the lesion until the best treatment can be used even though this means the condition will deteriorate in the future. Treatment depends on type, number and site of the lesions but options include: Surgery. The disadvantage of removing the tumour surgically is that there is a high failure rate with poor wound healing and sarcoid recurrence. Ligation. This involves applying a tight band around the base of the tumour. While it works for some, there is a high risk of leaving cells behind to grow back and hence it is dangerous if there is any root. It is then only applicable to small nodular and pedunculated fibroblastic lesions. Cryotherapy. The tumour is frozen to destroy it, but often requires repeat treatments and general anaesthesia to be carried out safely. Immune therapy. This method involves injecting the horse with substances, such as BCG, to stimulate the immune system to eliminate the tumour. It can work well for sarcoids around the eye, but several treatments are necessary, under sedation. Topical cytotoxic treatment. This involves application of special creams. Research has been carried out by the University of Liverpool and results are very good in some cases. Based on 5-fluorouracil with a plant oil enhancing agent and various antimitotic and cytotoxic chemicals. There are several strengths available with variations in the power, duration and intervals between treatments. They can only be applied by a vet. Radiation therapy. This is very effective although unfortunately, the danger of radiation makes the treatment expensive and, again, general anaesthesia necessary. Only available at specialised centres because of technical procedures. Chemotherapy. Injection of cytotoxic drugs into the centre of lesions is a useful method of treatment but is restricted to certain types. Photodynamic Therapy. A rare and variable method relying on the ability of cells to absorb a photodynamic chemical (delivered to the sarcoid following injection or applied topically), to cause cell damage when the tissue is subjected to an appropriate wavelength light. In addition to any or a combination of the above therapies it is important to consider management changes such as preventing fly damage to lesions, careful wound management in horses with sarcoids or those in the summer months where flies are feeding more voraciously. A common question asked is whether sarcoids are inherited or can be passed on to offspring (via either mare or stallion?) It appears that some families of horse are severely affected indicating it reasonable to assume that they should not be bred, and certain animals, the Lipizanner, appear to be significantly immune implying breeding could be used as control. The biggest problem is that the theoretical susceptibility exists in around 45 – 55% of horses but only between 2 and 8% of horses get the disease making it likely other factors are at least as important. It would be sensible then to assume that if a mare or stallion has sarcoids the foal would be at risk and that management or treatment options be taken at the earliest possible opportunity. A final question to address is whether a horse with sarcoids should be either bought or sold? Understandably any horse with sarcoids will have a lower value and their likelihood to spread, affect performance, and best possible treatment options should be discussed fully with your vet. It is important to appreciate that any sarcoids identified at the vetting would not be covered by any insurance policy and this may further affect your decision to buy.
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NAF Off Fly Repellent comes in a choice of ‘serious black’ or ‘natural pink’… NAF’s two best selling fly repellent formulas are fully HSE approved and only contain ingredients that can be lawfully included. Popularly known as NAF’s ‘black’ fly repellent, NAF Off Deet, is seriously, the best there is!... Flies don’t mess with Deet – that’s proven. Neither do NAF! NAF Off Deet contains simply Deet, an extensively researched and proven fly repellent, for maximum effect. We’ve not mixed the Deet with any other insect repelling ingredient as it is most effective when used alone. It’s included in the formula at a level of 19.6%, which we believe makes it the strongest available on the market, whilst falling within the HSE guidelines. NAF Off Deet Fly Spray and NAF Off Deet Gel both fulfil all legal requirements, and are registered as HSE recognised fly repellents (HSE No 8448 and HSE No 8447). NAF’s ‘Pink’ fly repellent, NAF Off Extra Strength, is naturally the best!.. This totally natural formula contains Garlic Oil and Australian Tea Tree Oil, which combine to powerfully repel flies and other irritating insects. NAF Off Extra Strength comes in a choice of a spray or a gel, both registered with the HSE as approved fly repellents (HSE No 7881 and HSE No 7887). *Special offer for 2010: This summer NAF Off Deet Fly Spray, will be available at your local NAF stockist with a very special offer – the 750ml Spray will have a recommended retail price tag of £11.95 – offering you a great saving of £5.00 per purchase! Available from NAF stockists nationwide. (*Available while stocks last). For details of your nearest stockist please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com
D-Itch Skin Spray… At your wit’s end watching your poor horse or pony itch and scratch away at his mane and tail every spring, once the irritating midges and flies arrive? You need worry no more, with the timely arrival of NAF’s newly launched D-Itch Skin Spray – an effective, soothing spray to calm seasonal skin irritations and itching caused by biting insects and thus helping to negate the need to scratch. D-Itch Skin Spray is a natural formula combining unique herbal extracts with powerful antioxidant properties to support and comfort the reddened areas of hot, irritated skin, with MSM which is readily absorbed into the grazed, broken skin to support the natural healing process. For best results simply spray evenly over the affected areas, as and when required. D-Itch Skin Spray is fast acting. You’ll be amazed at the speed of the results… RRP’s 750 ml: £18.95 Available from your local NAF stockist from May 2010. For more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line on 0800 373106, email info@nat-uk.com or log on to www.naf–uk.com
Health Care - Flies - Sweet Itch
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 29
Health Care
Diseases of the Bladder The Basic Science The urinary system consists of two kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. The system is responsible for maintaining the balance of fluids in the body and eliminating waste in the form of urine. The kidneys biggest job is to filter the blood to remove waste products, which is then sent to the bladder by the two ureters. When empty the bladder is the size of a small fist, but when full will extend into the abdominal cavity. From the bladder the waste urine is removed from the body by way of the urethra. In geldings/stallions the urethra extends all the way to the tip of the penis, up to 90 cm long while the mare’s urethra is very short, just six cm. The urethral sphincter is a muscle which controls the opening and closing of the neck of the bladder, allowing urine to be stored in the bladder before being voided in one stream as the horse urinates.
Loch Leven Equine Practice explains
manually, or with surgery depending on the size and number. In mares it may be possible to enter the urethra through the urethral sphincter and manually remove the stone(s). In males, the process is much more difficult because of the length of the urethra. Some smaller stones may be removed with endoscopic forceps while larger stones may require surgery.
potassium levels. If left untreated this condition is fatal so it is imperative that a diagnosis is made so that the bladder can be repaired surgically. This is usually done following correction of the electrolytes using fluid therapy and abdominal drainage to decrease the risk of cardiac arrest. If diagnosed and treated in time then long term prognosis is good.
Bladder Rupture
Urinary Incontinence & Bladder Paralysis
This is most commonly seen in foals and can occur sporadically during the birth process. It is thought that the rupture of the bladder wall is caused by increased abdominal pressure as the foal passes through the mare’s birth canal, although developmental defects can also be the cause. This is more commonly seen in colts rather than fillies which is thought to be due
Involuntary incontinence occurs when the horse looses control of the muscles in the bladder wall. The bladder then becomes too full resulting in overflowing of urine into the urethra and involuntary passing of urine. Scalded skin from urine dribbling can usually also be seen.
Urinary Bladder Stones
Clinical signs of bladder stones include difficulty in urinating, straining to urinate, urinary incontinence and blood in the urine. Some horses will get in a position to urinate and hold the strained stance for a prolonged period of time. Other clinical signs can include weight loss, recurrent colic, or in geldings/ stallions penile prolapse may be seen. Diagnosis of the stones can be made with an endoscopic exam of the bladder as well as ultrasound. If stones are found then they can be removed either 30 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Bacterial Cystitis (Infection of the bladder) This is very rare as a primary infection in horses. It is usually secondary to either urine stasis or urinary calculi (stones). Common clinical signs usually involve increased frequency of urination with discoloured or even blood tinged urine. Successful treatment usually involves ruling out any other possible cause of the cystitis and culturing the urine to assess which bacteria is involved.
Tumours
Draining urine from abdomen in a foal with a ruptured bladder
to the length of the urethra. Another risk period is when young foals struggle to pass the first faeces (meconium). Excessive straining and colic can also increase the possibility of bladder rupture. Because the bladder has a hole in it, urine leaks from the bladder into the abdominal cavity. As the urine accumulates in the abdomen, clinical signs of disease become apparent after 24 – 48 hours.
Urinary bladder stone
Urinary incontinence and bladder paralysis are diagnosed on the obvious clinical signs (the inability to control urine output). Treatment involves irrigating the bladder to remove sediment and giving antibiotics where bacterial infections are present. A drug called Bethanecol can be used to stimulated bladder empting, but has mixed success and is very expensive. Long term prognosis for bladder paralysis is poor.
After culture of the bacteria the correct antibiotic can be chosen to help fight the infection.
Urinary infections in horses are, on the whole, remarkably uncommon. One of the most common urinary tract disorders in horses is cystic calculi, or urinary bladder stones. It is not always clear what causes bladder stones, although infection is strongly incriminated. There are two main types of stones and both are believed to be formed from desquamated cells and mucous in the bladder.
such as rabies, herpes and upper and lower motor neuron disease.
This can be caused by both neurological and non-neurological disorders. This kind of disorder usually leads to sabulous urolithiasis which is an accumulation of sediment in the bladder. Large amounts of sediment build up can lead to eventual bladder paralysis. Bladder paralysis is usually observed with other neurological signs such as tail and/or anal sphincter paralysis and hind limb ataxia (weakness). Causes of bladder paralysis can also be congenital defects, trauma, urolithiasis or neurological diseases
Clinical signs are initially vague, with the foals becoming dull, depressed and off suck. They can then progress to frequent posturing and straining to urinate, little/no urine production, distension of the abdomen (as the abdomen is filled with urine), colic, and an increased respiratory rate can sometimes be seen. Timing of the clinical signs, ultrasound of the abdomen, blood tests and a belly tap (peritoneal tap) will confirm if the bladder has ruptured. A peritoneal tap is performed to assess the electrolyte distribution in the abdomen as leakage of urine into the abdomen will increase
Irrigating the bladder to remove sediment
Bladder tumours are rare in horses but have been seen in all ages. Squamous cell carcinoma tumours are most likely to be seen. Clinical signs usually involve blood in the urine, continuous squatting, weight loss and depression. Diagnosis usually occurs via endoscopic examination of the bladder, ultrasound and rectal examination. As these tumours have usually spread to other abdominal organs by the time a diagnosis is made removal is usually not undertaken. Loch Leven Equine Practice, covering Kinross-shire, Perthshire and Fife, 01577 840022, www.lochlevenequine.co.uk
Health Care - Sweet Itch
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 31
Health Care - Skin Care
Wound infections Robinson Animal Healthcare is a successful manufacturer of a wide range of quality innovative products for wound care and first aid. The company’s wealth of knowledge stems from over 170 years experience, since the founding company Robinson and Sons first started in 1839. Here they explain how you can take steps to avoid wound infections...
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Clean all open wounds as soon as possible (even minor wounds) with a saline solution or a level teaspoon of salt per pint of previously boiled water.
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If necessary clip the coat and clean around the wound area.
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Avoid spraying water directly onto the wound as this can force any contamination further inside.
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Assess the wound and if unknown, try to discover the cause as there may be foreign bodies hidden below the wound surface.
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Do not poke about in the wound as this will cause infection.
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Flush the wound with saline solution before covering the affected area with a non-adherent dressing if necessary. Keep the horse in a clean, dry environment.
If a wound does become infected, use a hot poultice such as Animalintex to draw out the pus and change it every 12 hours. If the pus is not drained away, the wound may heal around it causing pressure and infection to build up causing extreme pain. It is also important to make sure your horse is vaccinated against tetanus as some wounds e.g. puncture wounds are ideal for tetanus to flourish undetected. When the infection has disappeared the wound should be covered with a dry dressing until it starts to heal over, it is vital to keep it clean and dry. If in any doubt about treating a wound or if the horse’s state deteriorates consult your veterinary surgeon immediately. For more information on the Robinson Animal Health Care range contact them on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com
Summer skin allergies in horses Over 50,000 horses in the UK suffer from skin allergies during the summer season. However, Vet-Medic’s John Rosie advises there are a number of simple measures that can be taken to ease what can be a very distressing time of year for horses and ponies. It is most commonly the saliva from insect bites, especially from the Culicoides midge that trigger an allergic reaction. John urges owners to consider their animal’s environment – midges breed near water so susceptible horses should be removed from wet areas. Stabling at dawn and dusk when midges are most active is recommended, as well as fitting a fly screen on the stable door and using a fan to create a breeze, as midges cannot fly against strong air movement. A full body blanket will help prevent midges from biting, and cleaning the water trough regularly will stop flies breeding there. 32 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Using a repellent such as Deosect will provide protection against most biting flies and should be applied monthly. This should be diluted with water and applied with a spray or sponge. It is recommended to use repellent in conjunction with a Sweetitch control product such as the Cavalesse Combi Pack. This is easily administered - it contains a natural food supplement which reduces the release of histamine into the blood stream. It also improves the skin’s barrier by increasing natural fats on the skin’s surface and includes a cream to soothe sores. It is also worth noting that midges don’t like to bite through layers of oil, so citronella garlic and tea tree oils can be helpful to provide barrier protection. For further information visit www.vet-medic.com or call 0800 387 348
Health Care - Flies - Worming
Fly protection that lasts! When it comes to beating flies this summer, be prepared with the Net-Tex fly control collection. The Net-Tex 50% Extra Range has incorporated two of its most popular insect repellent products and re-introduced them with 50% absolutely free –that’s double the protection for half the money!! Top eventer Francis Whittington wouldn’t be without the range as he explains: “The last thing I need is horses fussing with flies when it comes to competing at top level, which is why I use Net-Tex fly sprays and wipes – they work and continue working –even when the going gets tough”. Net-Tex 50% Extra Fly Repellent Advanced is available in a handy trigger spray bottle and offers up to three days worth of full fly and insect protection with just ONE application - giving you and your horse peace of mind and a stress free summer. Ideal for the busy horse owner or those horses living out at grass, this new addition to the range combines advanced technology with a natural compound developed by Net-Tex to ensure that horses will live life free of flying insects for days on end.
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Provides fly relief in excess of three days
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Contains DEET and a newly developed natural compound for maximum protection
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Blended with conditioners and moisturisers to enhance longevity
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Does not contain any banned substances
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Cost-effective
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Soothes the after sting
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Does not contain a gimmicky perfume
Net-Tex 50% Extra Fly Repellent Spray is a daily spray and offers those horse owners who stable overnight, all day protection against flies and other flying insects and includes DEET amongst its ingredients, which is universally recognised as an effective repellent and even used by the MOD for protecting troops in the jungle. Net-Tex Fly Protection also includes conditioners and moisturisers to slow down the evaporation process that ensures all day protection. Upon application the actives will sit on the surface and evaporate slower compared to water based solutions that cease to work once the water has evaporated. NET-TEX: www.net-tex.co.uk. Stockist information/help line 01474 813 999
Fly Gon – tried & tested Hector is a 17 year Clydesdale gelding with incredibly thick feather on his legs. Over the years this appears to have provided a perfect haven for biting mites and he has increasingly been tormented with itching of the back legs, and front to a lesser extent, then broken skin and weeping sores. Various treatments have been tried over the years under veterinary supervision, some of which have helped a bit but many have had drawbacks of one sort or another. Recently I was made aware of a new product Fly Gon, which really is impressive in its speed of action. It comes in a spray bottle but for Hector, who does not like sprays, it had to be applied by hand. It is not greasy or sticky but it is effective, quick and easy to apply. Hector is a bright boy and very quickly decided that this was good stuff, as he now stands quietly to have it applied (as long as you don’t try to spray it!). According to the manufacturers, Fine Fettle Feeds, it does not need to be used every day and this does appear to be the case. After 2 weeks of applying Fly Gon every few days with no sign of itching, I decided to see if perhaps the itching had spontaneously self corrected and I was inappropriately giving credit to Fly Gon, so I stopped applying Fly Gon for about 10 days and the familiar old itching, stomping, scratching and agitation returned with a vengeance. So, the Fly Gon was re-applied daily for a few days and the itching stopped. Once again I have a contented horse and to my mind proof that I have found a solution to the mite problem. Conclusion - This product works! For more information see advert above.
LaminTec 5-HT Groundbreaking new approach in veterinary medicine for managing/preventing chronic symptoms and diseases. Developed from investigating the causes of Laminitis. LaminTec 5-HT is made from the naturally occurring herb Feverfew which contains a compound called Parthenaloid. Parthenaloid Research suggests that Parthenaloid better supports blood flow to the horses foot, so helping to protect the horse. Maintains healthy circulatory and physiological systems in the horse. www.battles.co.uk
Tel: 01522 529 206 July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 33
Health Care - Performance - Worming
Poor Performance - reasons and remedies Dr Shaun A. McKane BVSc, BSc(vet), PhD, DACVIM, DECEIM, MRCVS Unlocking the potential within a horse is without doubt one of the most satisfying aspects of their training. This makes conditions that prevent a horse from realising its competitive potential or that cause a loss of performance, extremely frustrating to manage. Although Thoroughbred racehorses and advanced eventers may come to mind first when one
Elite racehorse wearing an ergospirometry mask in preparation for a high speed treadmill exercise test considers poor performance in horses, exercise intolerance and loss of athletic ability can occur in all breeds, and may affect any age of horse used for any purpose. Determining the cause of a subtle loss of performance that results in a Thoroughbred racehorse finishing 4th rather than winning is a complex task that often requires exhaustive testing using specialist equipment. However many of the same principles apply when investigating more obvious levels of exercise intolerance in other types of horse. Racing quarter horses are unusual in that they rely almost totally on
anaerobic energy sources to provide the energy to sprint over a short distance. However for almost all other horses, the key to performance is the ability of a horse to take up oxygen and to use it efficiently to produce energy to move the limbs in a sound horse over long distances. In much the same way that a high performance car is reliant on the efficient mixing of fuel and oxygen to produce power to turn the wheels. And while in a car this energy must be transferred to properly balanced tyres, in the horse the energy is used to propel the horse on sound legs. Remarkably the oxygen uptake and energy production ability of an average horse, pound for pound, is over twice that of elite human athletes, and the rate of oxygen uptake in the horse increases markedly in response to appropriate training. Unfortunately the measurement of oxygen uptake in an exercising horse requires expensive specialised equipment, which makes it unavailable to the average horse owner. However changes in oxygen uptake
Racehorse undergoing high speed treadmill exercise to investigate a cardiac problem that only manifests during intense exercise
ability are reflected in changes in heart rate during training, and heart rate can be easily and cheaply measured in horses using commercially available heart rate meters. Conditions that cause poor performance can be very difficult for veterinarians to unravel, because subtle clinical signs may be impossible to detect at rest. It is only during exercise, and often only competition level exercise, that the disorders that cause poor performance become evident. Due to the difficulties of recreating an exact combination of exertion and climatic conditions experienced by a horse on a particular competition day, arriving at an accurate diagnosis of the cause of exercise intolerance can be a complex process. For this reason it is important for riders to be vigilant and critically assess the performance of their horse so that they can describe accurately the signs a horse is showing when it performs poorly in a competition. Although any disease can make a horse feel lethargic, resulting in exercise intolerance, there are 4 main categories of disorders that commonly cause poor performance in horses: obesity; lameness; respiratory disorders; and cardiac disease. Lameness accounts for approximately 50% of poor performance in racehorses and is the leading cause of poor performance in most other types of horse also. If lameness is obvious at the walk and trot, such as occurs with pus in the foot, then it is easy to detect. However subtle lameness, such as sacroiliac joint arthritis, may only be apparent when the horse is asked to canter. This is because the discomfort of sacroiliac arthritis is elicited when the back is rhythmically flexed rather than held straight as in the trot. Obesity is an important modern day cause of poor performance. Not common in racehorses, endurance horses or high level eventers, obesity is sadly far too common in lower level competition horses, show horses and general riding horses. Over-conditioned horses carry anywhere between 10 and 20% of their body weight as excess fat. This fat has several effects on the horse, including the most basic effect of changing the horse’s power to weight ratio. Just like filling saddle bags with lead, excess fat slows a horse down during exercise because it is simply extra weight that the horse must move around. No one would consider it sensible to put an extra rider on a horse and expect it to compete or exercise well. Fat not only acts to weigh a horse down, but on a hot day prevents cont. on p.36
34 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Health Care - Flies - Summer Care - Worming
EnerG Shot - the instant you need it… New EnerG Shot is a concentrated nutritional blend of essential amino acids & bio-available iron to support energy metabolism, red blood cell production & help replace sweat losses. It comes in an easy to administer syringe, making it easy to feed on an as and when needed basis. EnerG Shot is a unique, scientifically advanced nutritional formula that readily provides a particular kind of high quality essential amino acids (Branch Chained Amino Acids – BCAAs). These are key to energy and performance, in that they are utilised for energy, particularly in the muscles, during exercise. While supporting the increased need for energy at times of peak performance, EnerG Shot also supplements the levels of BCAAs lost in sweat and fulfils the requirement for increased levels of iron required for healthy red blood cell production – fending off lethargy and a lowering of performance.
EnerG Shot is designed for use when needed, so is ideal for competition or training. For daily support of optimum energy metabolism in working horses feed liquid EnerG – please ask your nearest stockist for details or log on to www.naf-uk.com to find out more. EnerG Shot has been launched as a FREE Offer attached to the 2 litre bottle of EnerG, the daily liquid supplement. Alternatively it can be purchased separately as a single 50ml syringe at the rrp of £4.95 For more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line on 0800 373106, email info@naf-uk.com or log on to www.naf–uk.com
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 35
Health Care - Tack & Turnout - Training cont. from p.38
the horse from cooling effectively while exercising and therefore causes the horse to fatigue sooner and recover more slowly than expected. This causes the horse to breathe hard during and following exercise, which may be diagnosed as a respiratory problem. For this reason whenever I am presented with a horse suffering poor exercise tolerance, I immediately assess its body condition score and if it is carrying excess fat suggest that this must be addressed regardless of any other diagnostic findings. Respiratory tract disorders are responsible for approximately 40% of
the cases of poor racing performance in Thoroughbreds. Lower airway inflammatory disease such as recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) make up a majority of these cases in all types of horses. However upper respiratory tract obstructions such as laryngeal paralysis (roaring) and soft palate displacement are also important. Cardiac problems such as murmurs and arrhythmias account for only 10% of poor performance in racehorses, however they represent a greater percentage of these cases in older horses as many murmurs develop in horses when they are in their teens. In general cardiac disorders do not result in rapid loss of performance or collapse of horses during exercise. Rather it generally results in a slowly developing reduction in performance. Therefore horses usually show signs of early fatigue and poor recovery from exercise long before there is any chance of the horse suddenly collapsing during exercise. So what should a rider be looking for in assessing a horse for poor exercise tolerance? Firstly it is necessary to be critically objective about the body
cont. from p.34
condition score of the horse. Regardless of any other problem an over weight horse may have, reducing excess body fat will improve a horse’s exercise tolerance, by improving the power to weight ratio. Beyond that lethargy and reluctance to work, poor or prolonged recovery after exercise, coughing throughout exercise, and lameness are all signs that should alert a rider that a horse is not optimally performing. If any of these signs are present, then further assessment and perhaps diagnostics, are required to determine the cause of the performance loss. Subtle lameness or back pain should be considered as a probable cause of poor performance in any horse that is reluctant to work, but that breathes normally and recovers rapidly after exercise. The exact cause of the lameness will only be revealed by further veterinary investigations, however the total cost of the investigations will be reduced if the rider can accurately direct the veterinarian towards a lameness problem and eliminate the need to do any respiratory or cardiac diagnostics. Likewise a lameness problem can be eliminated from the list of possible
Racehorse undergoing dynamic endoscopy on a high speed treadmill causes of exercise intolerance, if the rider can accurately state that the horse is making an abnormal respiratory noise, is short of breath during exercise, or recovering slowly after exercise. In this circumstance the veterinarian can concentrate their diagnostic tests on cardiorespiratory causes of poor performance. Some riders might like to do further assessments themselves. The most useful of which would be to use a heart rate monitor particularly one with GPS capability. Heart rate can be used as both an indicator of poor performance and an indicator of improving fitness. When a horse is unfit it will have a higher heart rate at a trot or canter than it will have at the same speeds when it is fit. Similarly a horse that has a cardiac or respiratory problem causing poor performance will have a higher heart rate at a given level of work than it had before developing a problem. Again veterinary investigation would be needed to determine the exact diagnosis of the problem, but the use of a heart rate monitor can both confirm that training is being effective in improving a horse’s fitness and also alert to the development of a cardiac or respiratory problem. In conclusion poor performance is a problem that may be seen in horses for many reasons, however with a critical eye and careful observation a rider can identify and narrow the possibilities very effectively. The exact cause of the loss of performance will generally only be determined through veterinary investigations, however the rider’s description of the characteristics of the exercise intolerance is crucial to these investigations.
36 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Tack & Turnout
New for 2010 - from Rodney Powell Updated PRO. Svelte, modern, clean line aesthetics, twisted together with fastpaced technical innovation is what riders have come to expect from Powell body armour and the updated PRO model will not disappoint. This continued innovation of the PRO has earned it a reputation for being the body protector chosen by today's serious rider. Providing unequalled comfort with a revolutionary tension equalising waistband, for simple unaided adjustment at the front of the garment. Available in both female and male templates, the garment has been cleverly designed to follow the natural contours of the body, resulting in no constriction of the chest and allowing unparalleled freedom of movement. The front panels offer fantastic flexibility with the 4-layer glide architecture of the ‘Flextec’ technology, combined with a comfort panel to provide superior comfort over the abdomen.
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The PRO is available in over 200 sizes as well as a bespoke made to measure service.
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The PRO is available in black or navy, or a choice of the Powell cross-country colours.
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The PRO conforms to BETA 2009 Level 3 and BS EN 13158 Level 3 ASTM F1937-98.
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The PRO is available with two back options, the Flexiback and X2ESP.
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The PRO is compatible with Powell shoulder protectors.
and flexibility. It utilises 4 layers of super-soft Nastec™ gel foam for rapid moulding to the wearers shape. The ‘X2ESP’ [Enhanced Spinal Protection] is for people who feel the need for increased spinal protection from their Body Protector. It features centre back protection of laminated varying density gel foam providing in excess of twice the required BETA 2009 Level 3 protection. 'X2ESP' is highly recommended for the serious eventer. In addition to our long term sponsored rider Rodney Powell we are proud to announce that the current European Champion, Tina Cook and ranked third in the world, Lucy Weigersma have also joined the team. "When the pressure is on and things are tough, I need to be focusing on the job in hand NOT on my safety or my body armour. That's why I use Powell" says Tina. Further details are available direct from approved stockists or contact K C Sports Ltd on; (01823) 662800 email: info@powellprotec.com or visit www.powellprotec.com
RRP- child’s from £78.00 & adults from £120.00 Now with ‘X2ESP’ or ‘Flexi Back’ giving the rider the choice of fit and protection. The 2010 versions of our most popular body protectors the ELITE and the PRO, now come with a choice of two different back options. The ‘Flexi-Back’ is for riders who want extreme comfort
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 37
NLP - Tack & Turnout
You get what you focus on The thing about our mind is that it often plays tricks on us and can build on negative thoughts or memories until they become an ‘issue’ (an issue that doesn’t really exist, except in our minds!).
had successfully jumped over the years as this fact did not support his new belief that these fences are monsters. Thus a bogey fence was created out of thin air! So how do we deal with them?
Case Study Mark had never liked jumping Trakehners. As he came into the fence he would feel himself tense up and stop riding forwards. His legs would go to jelly and he would have a feeling of dread and negative anticipation of what was to come. This would inevitably result in either a stop or at best, an uncomfortable ‘scrape’ over the fence thus reinforcing his belief that trakehners were particularly horrid, and successfully convincing his horse of the same. The fact remains that our impressions of certain scenarios are not the same as reality. They are merely our interpretation of a situation that we then look to reinforce through subsequent events or thought processes i.e. we actually look for ways to prove ourselves right by focusing only on those aspects that are consistent with our beliefs. Although Mark had never had an accident at this type of fence before, he had conveniently disregarded all the hundreds of trakehners that he
There are a range of techniques we can use to deal with this type of issue. Here are a few for you to do. Technique 1 – Orange Circle Thinking 1. Take a sheet of blank A4 paper and cut out a circle (12cm diameter) and square (10cm). Colour the circle orange and the square blue. 2. Place the blue square on the floor and stand just behind it. 3. Recall a real situation when you felt you lacked confidence at a particular type of fence. Remember how unpleasant it felt as you visualise a picture of yourself in that situation. Notice any feelings and in which direction they are moving. 4. Project your feelings down and on to the blue square and then step 1 m away to the right. Ask yourself how you would like to feel next time you are jumping this type of fence. (For example, presumably you would like to
KM Elite Products support Breast Cancer Campaign KM Elite Products are extremely proud to be supporting the ‘PINK’ campaign which raises vital funds towards finding the cure for breast cancer. The best selling Cashel Fly Masks exclusively distributed in the UK by KM Elite Products has launched a limited edition mask with pink ears to support the campaign. For every fly mask purchased with the pink ears, KM Elite will be donating 5% of the RRP to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation who are a global leader in the fight against breast cancer. The Cashel Fly Mask is the ultimate in fly protection. Each mask has the unique three-hole cap for ears and forelock that provides great stability and fit. The unique design of the eye darts keeps the mesh well away from the ears making the mask safer and more comfortable for the horse. The plastic coated mesh is durable, blocks 70% of damaging UV rays and reduces symptoms of Head Shaking Syndrome. Also available in the Cashel range is the quiet ride bug armour rug, leg guards 38 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
and quiet ride fly mask. Karl Middleton, Managing Director of KM Elite Products says “I am delighted to be supporting such a fantastic charity through the sale of the Cashel fly masks. The range has been voted number 1 in the USA for the last 5 years and in my opinion they really are the best fly mask products on the market.” For further information on the pink fly mask or any other of the other Cashel products please Tel 01403 759659 or visit www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk
Danielle Olding
have more confidence, maybe some focus and excitement, sense of ease or some other resource you think would be useful next time). 5. Now think back to a time when you had these particular resources – perhaps a time when you were jumping your favourite fence, when you were feeling confident and had all the resources you needed to deal with the situation you were engaged with at the time. Take a few minutes to recall a really good experience where you were feeling very confident. The strength of your feeling in this situation will be used to ‘collapse’ the feeling of low confidence you have been experiencing with the ‘bogey fence’. 6. Place the orange circle on the floor at least 3 m to the right of the blue square and, with your eyes looking upwards, recall the positive situation of jumping your favourite fence. Create a bright and colourful picture of yourself. Make the picture big, turn up the volume of any sounds you can hear, make them sharp and clear. Notice any feelings you have and make them stronger. Now, if you have not already done so, bring the picture towards you, so close that you become part of it (associated). 7. Notice how your posture has changed. Enjoy this moment and feel good about it. Intensify the feeling by imagining sending it around your body – all the way to your fingertips and toes, and upwards to fill your chest – making you smile in a confident way. 8. When your feelings are strong, turn your head and look back to the blue square. Notice how your feelings towards the blue square (bogey fence) have changed. You have now permanently collapsed the bad feelings. 9. Maintain this positive state, pick up your orange circle and walk back to the blue square.
10. Place the orange circle over the blue square and imagine yourself jumping your bogey fence with this new confident state. Technique 2 – Peripheral Vision By going into peripheral vision, before or during a competition, you can calm your nerves and remain focussed on the task in hand without distraction. When in peripheral vision it is almost impossible to feel negative emotions like fear or anxiety, or to perceive something as a ‘real’ problem. It is important to teach yourself the technique so you can do it quickly and effectively before trying this out on the course! Here’s how to…. 1. Pick a spot on the wall a little above eye level to focus on. Relax the jaw muscle. 2. Focus on that spot. Allow yourself to notice that even though you are focussing your eyes on that spot, you can see either side of it. So even though you’re looking at that spot you can see the whole of the front wall, both of the corners of the front wall ahead of you. cont. on p.40
Tack & Turnout
Bitting advice and mental horse management. Choosing the most comfortable equipment that fits well is more likely to encourage the horse to relax into what is required rather than resist.
In this issue bitting experts Abbey and Hilary Vernon offer bitting advice to a reader who has just started a young horse... Q: What is the best bit to start my youngster in? At the moment he is being worked in an ordinary snaffle without any major problems, but I would like to encourage him to soften a little. A: You don’t say what sort of youngster your horse is or what age and if he or she is destined for a specific purpose. Conformation and breed are always a consideration when choosing a bit for your horse. Temperament and level of training give a good indication of what signals you will need from your bit and lastly what will be required of the horse and how soon, are also deciding factors. Time patience and repetition is the key to training coupled with good physical
Bits should fit the conformation of the mouth and give the rider the ability to signal the horse clearly and humanely. Mouthpieces should allow for tongue room and follow the conformation of the inside of the mouth. Single jointed mouthpieces can really pinch and do not give much release of pressure so round, flat or half lozenge, Hartwell and medium ported mouthpieces allow for more tongue room. Try to bit your youngster in something that it will be able to train forward into competition if that is what it is to do. For instance, a dressage horse into a dressage legal Snaffle or a show horse into a mouthpiece that can be reproduced in a Bradoon or a Pelham or Weymouth so that the transition is easy from level to level of the training. For further information please contact Abbey on 01565 650343 or visit www.ridingbitz.com or www.equestrianknowledge.co.uk
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 39
NLP - Tack & Turnout cont. from p.38 3. As you keep your eyes on that spot and your jaw relaxed, notice that your awareness spreads along both adjacent walls at the same time, so that even though you are looking at the object you are aware of everything either side of you (180 degrees).
2. Watch yourself jumping the fence / course successfully many times as if watching yourself on a TV screen. Notice what it looks like to jump it confidently, notice your body position, your positive thought processes, how happy you both look.
4. Once you are able to do this, you can notice how relaxed you feel (it helps to relax the jaw muscles).
3. Now ‘step in’ to your film and imagine you are actually there inside the body and mind of the ‘you’ in the film. Notice how it feels to have positive thoughts and feelings whilst jumping the fence, notice what it feels like to be sitting correctly, in balance and feeling confident.
5. When you feel relaxed and that your mind is still, lower your eyes so that you can address the problem fence in hand. Consider the situations where up to now you have been getting anxious. Notice how you feel now as you think about it.
Repeat this process between 5 and 8 times until you are riding confidently by habit!
6. Now think of other scenarios that previously might have made you feel anxious in some way. Notice how you feel now as you think about them. 7. Walk around the room and then repeat the exercise. After this, do it enough times so that you can reproduce it when you need to. As you ride into the fence, maintain your peripheral vision so that the fence becomes a very small part of a much bigger picture. It also makes it very hard to focus on the parts of the fence that concern you the most. As you get closer to the fence, only notice the element that you enjoy jumping i.e. the rail rather than the ditch. Keep your eyes above eye level.
Sporthorse NLP is led by Danielle Olding NLP Trainer, Master Sports Practitioner and Coach who works extensively with a range of equestrian sports, coaching both amateur and professional riders. Danielle spends time delivering workshops and seminars throughout the UK for Equestrian Centres, and Clubs and works on a one to one basis with both professional and amateur riders to improve confidence and develop consistent levels of performance. She will be doing a monthly series of seminars and coaching days at Park End Equestrian Centre, Hexham, throughout 2010. To book, please contact Park End Equestrian directly. To book a workshop or seminar at your Centre or Club please contact Danielle directly.
Technique 3 - Mental Rehearsal 1. Finally, ensure that you rehearse the fence many times as you would want to jump it:
danielle.olding@sporthorsenlp.co.uk www.sporthorsenlp.co.uk tel: 07884 110735
Does your numnah pass the blow test? Whether you use a numnah, cloth, riser or treeless saddle pad, make sure it is breathable to avoid heat build up problems under your saddle. A pad which does not allow airflow will “bake” your horses back. Imagine how it would feel to you running a marathon with plastic bags strapped onto your skin. The best way to check the breathability of your numnah, is to place your lips on the thickest part of the pad and blow through it. Any restrictions indicate that your pad is not very breathable. For example Italian numnah specialist Equitex offers pads of extreme breathability combined with maximum shock absorption for horse and rider. As one rider puts it ‘Good for my horse to be pain free, but at last I can feel a benefit too’.
40 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Birgit describes that it is very important for horses with hollow areas between shoulders and withers to use numnahs with maximum airflow to encourage re-growth of muscles. This can be enhanced by materials which are soft enough to allow for muscles to grow and supportive enough to fill out these hollow areas between shoulders and withers to ensure the saddle sits level. The close up picture of the red pad shows the built up areas in the underside of a specialised high wither pad.
Although Birgit Michaux has become an expert in treeless saddles over the past 15 years, she also calls Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks her customers who have been using the Equitex Pads for tree’d saddles already for many years. Birgit explains that the correct numnah for your horse is even more important when using a treeless saddle. Only specially designed treeless saddle pads will ensure a pressure free zone above the spine (picture right). Their inserts or thicker panels on either side of the spine make them suitable for treeless saddles without gullets. I see many people stacking a sandwich of pads and numnahs on the horses back before placing a saddle. It would be much cheaper to have one pad which really suits the horse’s needs. Why not e-mail a picture of your horse, side
aspect, to us if you would like advice on what to use under your tree’d or treeless saddle (info@dreamteamproducts.com). For more information call Birgit at Dream Team Products on 08450 725 765 or visit www.dreamteamproducts.com
Tack & Turnout
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 41
Classical Riding
The importance of transitions - part 1 - the walk In a recent article, ‘Does Your Horse Dislike Schooling’ I commented upon the fact that too many people rush around the school without any real aim; generally going faster and faster and more on the forehand with every forward aid. There seems to be a general belief that to get a horse fit you need speed and plenty of time in fast paces. Obviously if you are training a horse for racing or cross country eventing, there comes a time when faster aerobic work needs to be practiced, but really it only needs to be in short bursts, with the time element being enlarged upon slowly. If the horse has been prepared carefully and correctly, then the fast work will not prove to be anywhere near so stressful for his joints, tendons, muscles and heart, than if he were sent whizzing round straight away. I would like to explain how slowing down and using more transitions is far more likely to improve your horse than ‘getting stuck’ in any one pace. If you improve the transition then the pace itself is far more likely to improve, rather than battling on in the same pace. The importance of stretching and relaxing
42 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
It is vital that every schooling session should begin, end and be interspersed with periods of walk on a long rein. In cold weather an exercise sheet can be worn. This is to warm up at the start (at least five minutes before trot work is commenced), to reward and relax several times during the lesson, and to cool and wind down (at least five minutes) at the end of the lesson. If you are worried that your horse may take off or trip, then just allow him to stretch as much as is safe and practical to do so. Hurrying the walk is a big mistake The only pace which I often see people neglect, and very rarely ‘get stuck in’ whilst schooling, is the walk. This is one pace that could benefit from a lot more use. That’s not to say that the walk necessarily needs to be altered. As long as the horse is stepping through from behind in an active walk, it should never be hurried. Hurrying the walk is a big mistake and many horses actually have their naturally good walk ruined by the rider mistakenly pushing them on too fast. Never confuse energy and impulsion with speed. Some large, long striding horses, may feel as though they are walking laboriously; especially to a rider who is used to riding a smaller, shorter striding horse. However, more often than not, the horse is not being
Anne Wilson
lazy, this is merely what his natural walk is like, and a naturally good walk is something to preserve. If you push it on too fast, then the horse can eventually become used to rushing and having too much weight on the forehand, and it can then be extremely difficult to regain the natural good striding walk. Different movements to vary the work To improve the quality of the walk and to make for a varied lesson, there are very many exercises you can ride. To help the horse lift his forehand and take more weight behind, transitions to and from the halt are very helpful. These transitions must be done tactfully and not practiced to excess. They can be interspersed with quarter turns on the haunches, changes of reins via a demi-volte (a semi-circle in the corner of the school, walking a diagonal line back to the track to change the rein), small circles interspersed with straight lines, large circles, loops in from the track between the quarter markers and serpentines; to name but a few. It is best to make your halt transitions whilst walking a straight line on the track, but you can vary the place chosen to halt to add variety. On the other hand, in some circumstances, it is helpful to the horse in the beginning, to make the halt in the same place. That way
All schooling sessions should begin, end, and be interspersed with free walk (or as free as possible) on a long rein he can anticipate and may be better placed to follow your aids. You can practice making a smooth and as square a halt as possible, with very little feel on the reins, but advancing your hips and tummy and closing your knees and thighs, with the inside of your calf muscles gently against the horse’s side, requesting that he step under with his hind legs, to facilitate the square halt. If you practice this correctly in the same place several times, it is surprising how little you need to close your fingers on the reins to request the halt. Always release the aids as soon as the horse has responded. Eventually you will be able to halt anywhere with the same smoothness, with aids which are almost imperceptible to the onlooker. However, it is important that these halts cont. on p.44 are interspersed
Insurance - Stud cont. from p.50
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 43
Classical - Horses for sale - Insurance cont. from p.42 with other forward walking, as if the halt transition is repeated too many times, this may be perceived as a punishment by the horse. Always praise him liberally when he has made a nice halt, even if it is not exactly square.
Lateral work is beneficial in walk If your horse is at a stage of training when he is ready for lateral work, then walk shoulder-in is most beneficial. This, and other lateral movements, gives you yet another way of varying the work in walk. Although the trot is a very important pace, and the one that most classical movements are performed in; remember that slow, gentle lateral movements can actually bring about greater muscular and joint strength than performing these exercises fast. Think of the weight lifter; he lifts slowly and deliberately and shows his greater strength by being capable of holding the particular pose for several seconds. These lateral exercises in walk are particularly helpful when a horse is young, old or unfit – perhaps coming back into work after a lay-off. They strengthen without stressing the joints and ligaments. Lengthening and shortening strides in walk Lengthening and shortening strides in walk is another way of varying the walk work, but this should not be attempted until the horse has acquired a modicum of collection. If you do want to lengthen your horse’s stride, remember that lengthening should not mean speed; and shortening the stride (although you may cover less ground in the same time), does not merely mean slowing down. When the stride is shortened, the same amount of impulsion should be employed, thus the horse will lift his legs a little higher. This is the beginning of collection, but it should not be attained by purely using the reins to block the forward movement whilst driving with the legs. The horse must be prepared by the classical movements in the first instance, so that he is ready to take more weight behind. Collection comes from behind the saddle – not in front of it.
Shortening the stride in walk To ask for a shortened stride in walk, a half halt should be employed, using the same aids as described above for the halt, but obviously the aid is momentary and ceases as soon as the horse begins to respond. The inner calf muscles are then very tactfully used to create impulsion, usually by a series of very gentle taps. The rider’s hands, with a gentle squeezing action on the rein, indicate to the horse that faster forward movement is not what is required. The rider’s inner thighs against the saddle should also have a feeling of containing the forward movement, without deterring it too much (which would result in a halt). The position of the rider’s entire body is very important. He must sit erect, with expanded chest, tummy forward, shoulders relaxed back and down, with elbows resting on his sides. The head should be held erect and proud with the chin slightly inwards (or neck to the back of the collar). If the rider has a feeling of lifting his upper body, then the horse soon gets the idea that he too should lift his forehand. Just two or three shortened strides are sufficient to begin with; then the horse should be returned to a normal medium walk, and possibly allowed a break to stretch on a long rein. Lengthening the stride in walk Lengthening should never be attempted until the horse is capable of shortening the stride, and again should only be ridden for two or three strides to begin with, or even less. If you try to lengthen your horse’s walk too soon, as mentioned previously, you will only succeed in pushing him downhill, onto his forehand and risk ruining his natural way of walking. A good square halt - something If you think your horse is ready for to aspire to. (Elizabeth Tate with lengthening his stride then remember Elliot:photo by Lesley Skipper from that it should be his whole frame which Anne's book 'Riding Revelations' lengthens. His hind legs should stretch and push from behind just as much as his www.black-tent.co.uk) front legs and shoulders stretch forward. Obviously to begin with, this stretching will be minimal. Some horses with upright shoulders find it very hard to stretch their shoulders forward. To the true horseman, this is of no matter, so long as the horse is lengthening within his ability, that is all that matters. What you don’t want to encourage is a toe flicking action, which is all too common in the competition scene, mainly seen in trot extension. This is definitely incorrect and is biomechanically harmful to the horse; causing much unnecessary jarring of the lower joints of the front legs. It is usually without the accompanying extension of the shoulders or the correct stretching of the hind legs. It is generally easiest to request the lengthened strides after the shortened strides (or just one stride at first). The rider should remain sitting tall and erect, with expanded chest. Take your shoulders back slightly, whilst allowing with the fingers on the reins (but do not give the contact away altogether) and use a forward impulsion aid with the inner lower leg, slightly forward of the normal ‘on the girth’ position. Allow the horse to stretch his head and neck slightly, but do not give away the contact as this would encourage a shift of weight onto the forehand. As soon as you have felt a response for a stride or too, return your lower leg to the normal ‘on the girth’ position, also returning your upper body position to neutral (less backwards feel of the shoulders), and return to a natural medium walk. It is important that whilst taking your shoulders back slightly, you do not bear down with your seat on the horse’s back. Keep your tummy muscles advanced and try to sit lightly, with your upper body supported. Never over-practice these shortening and lengthening of strides– intersperse them with other work and halt transitions. In fact never over-practice anything. There is so much diversity of movements and transitions, that there is never enough time to include everything in one session. Hopefully from the above, you will see how a full and challenging programme can be put together to keep both horse and rider interested in a full schooling session, just in walk if desired. Also remember that a schooling session does not have to last for an hour. Half an hour of good work is worth far more than two hours of rushing around aimlessly. Anne Wilson, Classical Trainer, Author and co-publisher of quarterly equestrian magazine ‘Tracking-up’ – see advert – see also her book ‘Riding Revelations’ for more in-depth advice on aids etc. – www.black-tent.co.uk
44 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Riding Holidays
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 45
Field & Stable - Pasture Management
Give your grass a fighting chance Field maintenance is a daily chore that horse owners must undertake. Whether you have a whole yard of 50 horses or two ponies on a paddock, the land must be carefully managed to ensure the horses remain healthy and the land remains useful. A boggy field or desert-dry paddock is no use to anyone. Pasture plays a major part in equine husbandry and welfare, and if you manage your land efficiently you can lower production costs, improve Early stage ragwort in a field of grass
aesthetics, promote a healthier environment and provide substantial feed and recreation for your horses. Just one acre per horse can provide much of its maintenance for most of the year if managed correctly. Daily checks Good pasture management is about keeping on top of the problems before they develop into an unmanageable mess. Checking the field every day will go a long way to preventing serious
problems, so make sure you walk the boundary every day. Whatever type of fencing you have, nothing is unbreakable, so check that all wire is taught, hedges are solid and wooden rails are not chewed or broken. Whilst you’re walking around, check for unwanted plants in your pasture, such as ragwort. By catching this deadly plant in the early rosette stage and digging it up and destroying it, you can prevent it seeding, spreading and potentially threatening the life of your horses. Just as every horse needs an eye casting over them every day, so does your paddock – after all it’s better to remove a protruding nail before it causes an injury, rather than afterwards. Manure management Picking up droppings is a daily chore, but if you find you’re short of time then it is a job that often gets left. Piles of droppings will quickly build up and cause sick areas of grass that horses won’t want to graze, encouraging weeds. Manure is also a health hazard as it increases the spread of worms amongst horses.
Colin Debenham, Terra-Vac
In smaller paddocks of only a couple of acres, manure can easily be removed by hand if the time is taken to do it regularly. For large areas of land, manure management is a far more difficult and time-consuming job. One method is to leave the manure in situ and harrow the fields regularly. Although harrowing is good for the grass, during the time the manure is left on the land it could easily encourage the spread of worms or cause the grass beneath to sicken. The best option is to remove the manure from even large fields using a machine designed specifically for the job. cont. on p.48
Paddock maintenance with Abbey After winter fields are often left in poor condition and are likely to need some attention. Firstly check around the field for any broken or chewed rails. Replace any rails that could either injure your horse, allow him to escape or just generally look a mess. Once the field is secure again use creosote to preserve the wood. Also using a barrow and a pooper scooper go around the field picking up as many droppings as you can. Not only will this make the field look smart, but it will help with worm control and allow the grass to grow better. Make light work of paddock maintenance with the Stubbs Super Scooper from Abbey. Made with smart polyethylene moulding, tubular steel handle and very tough wheels, the super scooper is great for saving backs and removing droppings from fields, stables and arenas. The Stubby Barrow is an immensely strong, high capacity stable barrow with a modern twist. Hop dip galvanised steelwork for lifelong durability with robust Stubbythene body. Light to handle and well balanced, capacity and strength are increased by the stylish stepped side. The colossal top size allows high peaked loads whilst retaining full manoeuvrability. The Stubby Barrow is available in Pink, Purple, Green or Blue, RRP is around £298.99. The Super Scooper is 24% larger than the original Stable mate and comes with a handy scraper rake. RRP is around £36.00. For more information or your nearest stockist please contact Abbey Saddlery on 01565 650343 or visit www.abbeysaddlery.co.uk
46 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Field & Stable
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 47
Field and Stable
Thorough cleaning cont. from p.46
Cleaning paddocks is not just about manure – branches, stones, weeds and litter can also be a problem. When undertaking your regular field checks, make sure you remove all debris from the field, helping the grass to remain healthy and preventing the horse from injuring itself. Once again, there are useful machines to help with this. Paddock sweepers are highly versatile machines that fulfil a number of roles. Firstly, they pick up manure by sweeping it into a large hydraulic hopper. Secondly, they sweep away any debris from the surface of the field, leaving a safe environment for
the horse. Thirdly, paddock sweepers help to keep grass healthy by removing weeds and scarifying moss, providing space, light and air for the grass to grow. Preventing poaching Grass may cover 40% of the earth’s surface, but it can also be quite fragile. Horse’s hooves can cause a great deal of damage to the grass and the ground beneath, especially in high traffic areas, so it is important to do all you can to protect it. This may involve harrowing, seeding and rolling each year, to prevent bare patches forming, or you could let nature do the repair work by
resting paddocks. Rotating summer and winter paddocks is a good way to allow the grass to recover, but if you don’t have the land, try partitioning off small areas of your paddock with electric fencing. Alternatively, you could dig drainage ditches to prevent waterlogging, lay hardcore in gateways to prevent poaching and move water troughs to prevent a single area becoming a mud bath. This may all seem like hard work, but daily checks and regular maintenance will mean both you and your horses will reap the rewards of good quality grazing in an enjoyable environment.
Paddock maintenance with the Colt The Colt from Terra-Vac is a compact machine that can be towed by a tractor, 4X4 or quad bike, and makes light work of paddock maintenance. Providing easy access to open spaces and fast, efficient manure removal, a machine such as this will save so much time that the investment will quickly be returned. For more information visit www. terra-vac.com or call 01440 712171
Making life easier with Gordon Agri Gordon Agri's ethos is simple - All of their equipment and machinery is about making life easier for you - enabling you to complete daily tasks more efficiently and to give you more time to enjoy your chosen country pastime. They believe its very satisfying being able to manage your own land and watch you improve your own little piece of the larger environment. The benefits for your horses/livestock are also very noticeable as with anything in life you get back out what you put in. Above all it’s also great fun and an excellent way to pass an evening and possibly the best benefit is no more waiting around for contractors!
48 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
Furthermore for the less experienced we are happy to guide you through the various stages in agricultural duties and identify the appropriate tool for the job. We will happily organize delivery and give a demonstration of all equipment to ensure you maximize its usage. We appreciate that some of the terms and phraseology may be new to some potential customers so unlike many companies we are happy to assist and answer even the simplest questions... We don't bite! For more information telephone 01360 661001, or see their advert
Field & Stable
10 Top tips for keeping your paddock in good condition Want your paddocks to be ready for the winter? Here we offer advice from grassland expert Peter Hunter of Peter Hunter Seeds, whose family seed business was founded in 1883.
maintenance and upkeep is relatively easy. Topping stops the grazing sward from getting leggy and encourages horses to graze the entire field, not just parts of it.
1. Poached land can be rescued, but timing is very important. If the ground is too wet using a tractor will make a real mess. If the ground has dried out too much then the hoof prints and ruts will not roll back, leaving you with an uneven rough field which is not suitable for riding on.
8. Pull out weeds when you see them and don’t leave them to spread their seeds. Ideally droppings should be removed on a daily basis.
2. August and September, is an ideal time for seeding and over sowing.
10. Put in an extra gate. This will prevent poaching and allow one gateway time to recover.
3. If over sowing, harrow the field. This will tear out old moss and feg, and make a partial seedbed. Harrow as a matter of routine, particularly if the droppings are not being collected. 4. Over sow poached or damaged areas as weeds may invade these areas. Grass seed can be spread by hand, drill or fertiliser spreader. 5. After the seed has been sown, lightly harrow then roll. 6. Choose your grass seed carefully. A good paddock mixture should be hard wearing and provide a thick and relatively short sward. If your field needs a complete reseed, March, April, August or September is a good time. 7. If the preparation is right then the
9. Feed in different parts of the field to avoid poaching and spread by hand a little seed in those areas each time.
Peter Hunter Newbury paddock mixture, designed specifically for horses, has been a firm favourite with horse and pony owners all over the country for many years. It provides long-lasting grazing, with an abundance of ‘bottom’ grass. Herbs can be added to provide minerals from deep in the soil. Peter Hunter Seeds offers advice on all aspects of grassland management and supplies grass seeds for the equine amenity and agricultural industry. Peter can be contacted on 07831442415 or place an order to peterhunterseeds@farming.co.uk or visit www.hunterseeds.com
10 Reasons to freeze mark!! • Visible theft deterrent • Thieves see it - and leave it! • Immediate and permanent identification • No expensive equipment required to read it • Greater chance of recovering straying or stolen horses • A personalised mark - sets your horse apart • Inexpensive
• Equestrian crime will continue • Gives you peace of mind 10% off bookings until 1st September 2010 For details and bookings contact Freezemark Ltd on 01295 690090 or email info@freezemark.biz or visit www.freezemark.biz
July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 49
Field & Stable
Stable matting on the road Spot the Delivery Van Davies and Co (Kettering) are hitting the road in style in their distinctive new delivery van which, on the back door, features a dynamic image of two friends galloping along the seashore. The riders convey the message ‘With stable mats less time’s spent mucking out, so there’s more time to enjoy riding out!’ Offering a choice of Equimat, the original interlocking stable mat, or The Black Mat, the budget priced alternative, Davies and Co cater for all types of horses and for owners with varying funds. Both mats provide comfort and safety for the stabled horse whilst minimising the amount
50 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
of bedding material required, thus reducing mucking out time and effort accordingly. Check out the different mats available by visiting the Davies and Co marquee at Burghley or Osberton Horse Trials, or the Horse of the Year Show and look out for the distinctive delivery van at all these events and on the road throughout the UK. Product details may be found on the websites www.equimat.co.uk and www.theblackmat.co.uk or contact Davies and Co. tel: 01536 513 456, email: sales@davieskett.co.uk
Tack & Turnout
Swish those pesky flies away! If flies bother your horse when you’re riding, Moorland Rider has the perfect product for you…the Rider Fly Whisk! The Rider Fly Whisk is made in the UK and benefits from a synthetic hair swish and a rubber grip handle. It’s a brilliant way to help keep flies away when riding and also doubles as a riding crop. The Rider Fly Whisk is available in Black, Silver, Purple, Red and Brown and retails at £13.95. Moorland Rider Tel: 01782 397796 www.moorlandrider.co.uk
Online distance learning programme in Equine Science a huge success The first postgraduate programme of its kind in Equine Science launched at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2008 is now going into its third year of running and is proving to be a great success in terms of recruitment and student satisfaction. Students can opt to study for a Certificate (one year), Diploma (two years) or an MSc (three years) through part-time online distance learning. The programme aims to enhance knowledge of scientific study and research as well as assisting students in understanding how scientific knowledge can be applied to aid equine
performance and welfare. Current students rate the programme very highly. Dr Jo-Anne Murray, Equine Science Programme Director, said: “We set up this programme after research showed that online learning was the preferred option for those wishing to enhance their career professional development while not having to give up their jobs or relocate.” “The online distance learning programme in equine science will provide that competitive edge for those wishing to progress in their careers while also enabling learning in a flexible and easily accessible format.”
The equine programme uses the University’s award winning online learning environments using a blend of online learning methods and expert tuition from internationally renowned researchers and clinicians. Courses include systems biology, scientific methodology as well as equine digestion and nutrition, equine reproduction, equine orthopaedics, equine behaviour and welfare and equine exercise physiology. The programme is open to students with a biological science background; for example a degree in: veterinary science, biological sciences, zoology, animal/equine science, and pharmacology/pharmacy. Candidates
with a relevant background and alternative qualifications should contact us for further details. Applications for this programme, which will commence in September 2010 are currently being taken and interested students are encouraged to apply now as there are only a few places remaining for this academic year. To join one of the leading research and teaching institutions in the world, or for further information, please contact: 0131 6506259 or Jo-Anne.Murray@ed.ac.uk Or visit Website: www.vet.ed.ac.uk/equinescience
The Harrogate Horse approaches first birthday Created in August 2009 The Harrogate Horse equestrian retail store in the middle of Harrogate, North Yorkshire is nearing the end of its first year trading and reports the year has gone fantastic. The concept of old school bespoke customer service alongside a concern for the well being of all horses The Harrogate Horse owner, Marylise Smague, says “The venture hasn’t been without its issues but overall for a first year business I am over the moon”. “We really value our clientele and work hard to identify their needs and support with the correct product, rather than sell what I have in stock I like to sell what is required” she comments. The brand and product mix has clearly been worked hard on, with a mixture of affordable essentials to the premium riding luxuries
that have gone to establish The Harrogate Horse as a respected retailer in the industry. Proudly featuring Ariat, Toggi, Weatherbeeta, Pikeur, Eskadron, Veredus, Thorowgood, Vega Saddles and also a key retailer for the exciting new saddle and leatherwork brand Dapple. “I work closely with the Dapple brand and the co-owners have become good friends, I really believe they put a lot of pride in their products and I am very happy to be a stockist”, what The Harrogate Horse stock and promote is clearly an important part of what makes the service so tailored and comforting. For information please call Marylise on (01423) 701349 or 07590714539 www. theharrogatehorse.com July 2010 - Equi-Ads - 51
Snooperstar - Tack & Turnout
From the Horse’s Mouth - Ramblings of a Delinquent Twenty-Something... Nag-Hags & glad rags… The party season is in full swing for Team Bounceypants! Maurice and I have both been out partying this month, some of us with more success than others of course. Mum was no sooner back from her holiday than she was bathing, trimming and plucking Maurice to within an inch of his life in preparation for his party. Maurice wasn’t very impressed at all the fussing although he did seem to enjoy being scrubbed with the scratchy sponge thing. He was less happy about being rinsed with the hose and protested by treading on Mums toes and untying himself when she wasn’t looking. By the time she had finished, Mum was red-faced and soaking wet. And Maurice was clean and shiny and ready to party. Now as you know, I am always happy to impart my wisdom to the young fella. It’s the least I can do really, but I take no responsibility for what happened next. Mum and Maurice came back from the party, Maurice looking very pleased with himself, Mum less so and hobbling slightly. I overheard Mum telling Nice New Yard Owner that Maurice had been rather exuberant to say the least and that he had spent most of his class off all four legs, displaying some rather interesting airs above the ground. It was during this display that he managed to catch Mum on the leg with a stray flying hoof resulting in a severe ticking off and subsequently, no supper. Mum was not impressed with his youthful high-jinks and neither was the One Who Decides Who’s Best. Maurice had dropped two places as a result of his antics and only managed an orange rosette. Later in the field, I took Maurice aside and gave him a bit of advice. I explained that although it is fine to engage in some frivolities now and again at parties, there are certain rules that must be followed. Firstly, displays of naughtiness should not be flaunted in front of the judge. The professional show-horse will always ensure that any
bucks, squeals, high-kicks or bronking is executed when the judge is looking the other way. Secondly, said displays of naughtiness should never result in Mum being hurt in any way. Well not too much anyway. Mum is the source of food, shelter and belly-scratching and any injury to her may result in loss of these services. The One With Money is a fairly useless replacement. Maurice seemed to understand, but you never can tell. He isn’t the sharpest knife in the box. Anyway, the following week Mum took me out to a party with Nice New Yard Owner, obviously preferring my professionalism over Maurice’s silliness. Maurice didn’t seem to care though, happy to be stuffing his face in the field instead. The weather was fairly dismal so Mum left me in the lorry to keep me dry while she went off to check our classes. I amused myself by pawing at the lorry floor and rattling the clip of my lead-rope off of the lorry window. I also find it highly entertaining to sway backwards and forwards, causing the lorry to sway with me. This is especially effective when Mum is trying to make a cup of tea or cooking something. Eventually when it was time for our class (and Mum was feeling suitably sea-sick) we tootled off to the ring just in time for the rain to really start falling. I tried to put a brave face on it but Mum and I were both soaked within minutes. In the line up, the horse next to me was so cold he was sniffling and coughing and didn’t look very well at all. Mum moved me further away from him and stood by my head. I think she was worried I would catch something. The weather didn’t improve as the day went on and I was thoroughly fed up when it was time for our next class, but being the professional that I am, I trotted my socks off and did my very best for Mum. I even attempted a little gallop which resulted in a momentary loss of balance on the wet grass. Mum
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things that you have achieved together. http://www.facebook.com/pages/EquiAds-Ltd/1146502519067111
gasped and grabbed my neck but I managed to save us both and finished with a bow and a smile. The One Who Decides Who’s Best was obviously impressed by this and gave me a lovely sash that said reserve champion on it and Mum and Nice New Yard Owner gave me a big cuddle and warmed me up with my fleecy rug back at the lorry. After a long, wet day, I was glad to get home safe and dry and without any sniffles, thank goodness. Mum says that the only predictable thing about the Scottish weather is its unpredictability. I don’t know about that but what I do know is that it was roasting hot at our next party, the following week. So much so that Mum and Nice New Yard Owner even bared their legs for a bit which was a frightening sight for everyone else. Chester the Shetland came along for the trip and shared my hay net while we stood in the back of the lorry, sheltering from the hot sun. Mum, Nice New Yard Owner and The Small Sparkly One were not so sensible and very quickly turned a nice shade of pink. When it was time to strut my stuff, Mum was very pink-faced and hot whereas I was nice and cool having stood in the shade. Who says we are the dumb animals?
weeks has resulted in the grass in my field growing rapidly. I warned Maurice and my Nag-Hag Jay to go easy on the scoffing as they wolfed down as much grass as they possibly could. After all, a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips and obesity is so not a good look in the show ring. Jay didn’t heed my warning though and ended up with sore feet from stuffing her face and was confined to her stable for a week. Mum was so worried that Maurice would end up the same way, she brought him in to stand in his stable for a few hours everyday, to reduce his bloated tummy.
The One Who Decides Who’s Best also looked a bit hot, so I made sure I was on my very best behaviour and did everything he asked me to. He was so impressed that he decided that I was the best and gave me a huge champion’s rosette and a trophy. Mum was very pleased and we both smiled while The One With The Camera took our photograph.
As I was the only sensible one, I was allowed to stay in the field and eat the nice sweet grass. But I never stuff my face, to the point of gluttony, like Maurice and Jay. After all, I am a finely tuned athlete and I must maintain my god-like appearance. My league of fans would not approve of a flabby tummy and fat pouches on my bottom.
As I am so very famous and incredibly handsome, our photo was included in the newspaper a few days later. The One With Money says he is surprised that I can still get my head through my stable door. Personally, I think he is jealous of my good looks and fame.
Everything in moderation I say. Translated from horse-speak by Gayle Culross
The rain and sun over the past few
Now, I’m off to have a nibble of that tasty grass.
Directory - Whats On
What’s On Central
Regulars Tues Eve, S/J Knebworth SJ, Manor Field, Park Lane. 2nd Saturday of each month Antrobus RC Open Dressage, Yew Tree Farm, Nr Northwich. Tel: 01606 891033. Every Day Dean Valley Farm Ride, Dean Valley Farm, Cheshire. Tel: 0161 4391945. Every Saturday, Heavy Horse Club, Milton Keynes Museum, 07889 339551
North
REGULARS Every Weds Evening, S/J Horses and Ponies, Barton EC, Preston. Tel: 01995 640033. Every Weds Dressage Unaff Rossendale & Hyndburn EC, Accrington. Tel: 01706 213635. Every Thursday Senior BSJA, Hollingworth Leisure Park, Milnrow, Tel: 01706 644484 Every Friday SJ Unaff Rossendale & Hyndburn EC,
Accrington. Tel: 01706 213635. Every Friday Evening SJ Unaff Indoor, Mill Lane Stables, Selby. Tel: 01757 702940. Every 3rd Sunday in March - Sept, Rossendale Valley RC Show, Rawtenstall, Lancs. Tel: 07976 056677. Every Month Dressage Camp, Mill Lane Stables, Selby. Tel: 01757 702940. Every Day Dean Valley Farm Ride, Dean Valley Farm, Cheshire. Tel: 0161 4391945. Every 2nd Monday, Virtual RC meets in Chester.
South Central
Regulars Monday evening class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792. Tuesday Evening Advanced Dressage class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792 Tuesday 12-8pm, Clear Round SJ, Hoplands EC. Tel: 01794 388838 Wednesday Evening Novice Dressage class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792
Winchester RC, weekly dressage and S/J Clinics for all abilities on Tuesday eve & Thursday mornings, Woodhams Farm Equestrian, Kings Worthy. Thursday Evening Jumping class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792 Friday Evening Kids Club, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792 Saturday - Heavy Horse Club, Milton Keynes Museum, Tel: 07889 339551 SJ Clear Round 10am-2pm, West Wilts EC, Trowbridge. Tel: 01225 783220 Wylye Valley PC Evening Rally 6pm, West Wilts EC, Trowbridge. Tel: 01225 783220
South West
Regulars Monday - Dressage Clinic with Julia Buckle, Shannonleigh Stables. Every Monday - Bournemouth Horse Ball Club Training, Stocks Farm EC. Tel: 01202 57028 Every 2nd Wed, Dressage, St Leonards EC. Tel: 01566 775543. Wednesday - Jumping (Lwr/Higher), Badgworth Arena, Nr Axbridge, Tel: 01934 732543 Wednesday - S/J Clinic with Sarah Scott, Shannonleigh Stables.
East
Directory Crematorium Horse & Pony Cremation Genuine Individual Cremation. Leyland & Cheshire Pet Crematorium. Tel: 01772 622466
Horse Transport South East Chiltern and Thames Horse Transport Defra Approved. Fully Licenced. Fully Insured. London Immission Zone Compliant. Fitted with CCTV Monitors for horses safety. 24hr Emergency Call Out. For more information please call 07711 1700 01 or email: donna@
54 - Equi-Ads - July 2010
cthorsetransport.co.uk. www.cthorsetransport. co.uk South Central Hoofmove Horse Transport Theault horsebox 2x17.2hh. Very low ramp. Fully insured. Defra approved. Established 2001. Monty Roberts schooled driver. 24/7. www.hoofmove.co.uk enquiries@hoofmove. co.uk 0845 0620088 or 07958 701651
Property Abroad Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of
UK prices. Tel: 01775 630 008
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 01728685638
Regulars Monday Evening Class, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792 Tuesday Evening Dressage Class, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792 Thursday - Contessa Club Night, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792 Friday - Kids Club 5.30pm, Young Riders Club 6pm, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792 Saturday / Sunday - Kids Club, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792
South East
Regulars Tuesday to Thursday, Vicki Thompson Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield, Tel: 01293 822414 2nd Tuesdays + Last Saturdays Clear Round SJ, Ingleden Park EC, Tenterden, Tel: 01580 765160 Wednesday, Clear Round SJ, Blue Barn EC, Tel: 01233 622933. Thursday evening SJ Unaff, Duckhurst Farm. Tel: 01580 891057. Thursday evening, Sam Ray SJ Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield, Tel: 07787 575475 Every 2nd Thursday (starting 19th July), Beginners S/J Evenings, Newthorpe EC, Newthorpe. Tel: 07917 303000. Tues-Sun, Group&Private lessons for adults&children, Badshot Lea EC, Kiln Cottage. Tel: 01252 312 838.
Thur 1st July
Eve Unaff Dressage, Church Farm EC,Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Flatwork Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581
Fri 2nd July
Colette’s Friday for a Fiver, Willow Farm, Faversham Tel: 07949 096086 Unaff Dressage, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450
Sat 3rd July
SJ & Eventers Challange, Coombe Farm, Folkstone Tel: 01304 820671 Horse Agility Training Day, Deer Park, Brockhampton Tel: 07780 668136
-4th BHS Trec, Lower Grove Hill
EC, Worcester Tel: 01886 884163 British Eventing, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Senior BSJA, Barraclough Show, York Tel: 07980 758817 Charity Ride, Cardinal Allen School, Fleetwood Tel: 01254 823260 4th Club Show, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Understanding Horses, Horseford Farm, Devon Tel: 01884 251251 Unaff / Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07943 391224 Endurance GB, Kings Forest Ride, Bury St Edmonds Tel: 01686 671016 Endurance GB, Wirrel Ride, Heswall Tel: 0151 6257333 Endurance GB, Windsor Park Ride, Windsor Tel: 01623 797279
Sun 4th July
SJ, Eaglesfield, West York Tel: 01304 820671 Two Phase Day, EXE EC, Exmouth Tel: 01395 265752 Eventers Challenge, Hall Place RC Reading Tel: 0118 9426938 South Hants Pony Protection Day Tel: 01489 790982 Colette’s Summer Show, Barville Farm, Nr Dover Tel: 07949 096086 Show, Ribble Valley RC, Witton Park Blackburn Tel: 07939 169179 British Eventing, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 4 Points Show, Beacon RC, Tel: 01257 451924 Jnr BSJA, Barraclough Show, York Tel: 07980 758817 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Endurance GB, Boconnoc Ride, Liskeard Tel: 01566 880029 Equestrian Boot Fair, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Mon 5th July
Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581
Tues 6th July
Ground Poles, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856
Wed 7th July
Unaff SJ, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Eve Unaff SJ, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Clear Round Jumping, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933 Snr Aff SJ, Limes Farm EC, Kent Tel: 01303 891222
Insert Category What’s On Wed 14th July
Unaff SJ, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Senior BSJA SJ, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Clear Round Jumping, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933 Clear Round Jumping, Limes Farm EC, Kent Tel: 01303 891222
Thur 15th July Thur 8th July
Flatwork Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581 SJ Course to hire, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Fri 9th July
Unaff Dressage, Haydon House, Taunton & District RC Tel:01823 442448 XC Schooling, Castle Farm, Wickwar Tel: 01454 299866 Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07943 391224
Sun 10th July
SJ, Ingleden Park, Black Horse Shows. Tel: 01304 820671 Unaff Dressage, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Understanding Horses, Horseford Farm, Devon Tel: 01884 251251 Unaff Championship, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07951 121708 Pleasure Ride, Coniston Cold, Nr Skipton Tel: 01254 823260 Dressage, Limes Farm EC, Kent Tel: 01303 891222
Sun 11th July
SJ & Dog Show, Barvill Farm, Nr Dover Tel: 01304 820671 Honnington RC Annual Summer Show Tel: 01892 681229 SJ, Hall Place RC, Reading Tel: 0118 9426938 Colette’s Essex Show, Ingatestone Hall Essex Tel: 07949 096086 British Dressage, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Unaff Dressage, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450 Family Fun Horse Show, Turkey Hall Stables, Rochester Tel: 07779 098297 Bigger Fun Jumping Show, Hillside Farm, Coolham Tel: 01403 740041 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Endurance GB, Silk Willoughby Ride, Sleaford Tel: 01526 343133 Endurance GB, Piddle Ride, Piddletrenthide Tel: 01305 823719 Endurance GB, FEI Euston Park, Thetford Tel: 01638 732100 Endurance GB, Kildale Ride, Kildale Tel: 01287 280633 Lecture Demo of the Year!, Myerscough College, Lancs Dressage, Limes Farm EC, Kent Tel: 01303 891222
Mon 12th July
Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581
Tues 13th July
Ground Poles, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856
56 - Equi-Ads - July June2010 2010
Flatwork Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581 SJ Course to hire, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Fri 16th July
Unaff Dressage, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450 Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07943 391224 -18th Endurance GB, Ludlow Ride, Salop Tel: 01452 813670
Sat 17th July
Robert Pickles Clinic, Limpsfield RC Tel: 07748 844350 Cheltenham Horse Show, Cheltenham RC, Tel: 01452 527031 Derby Day Jnr & Snr, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Church Farm EC Summer BBQ, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 -18th Endurance GB, Tally Ho Ride! Kingston Tel: 01985 840155
Sun 18th July
SJ & Dog Show, Coombe Farm Folkstone Tel: 01304 820671 Fun Jumping Show, Hillside Farm Coolham Tel: 01403 740041 Unaff Dressage, Lower Grove Hill EC, Worcester Tel: 01886 884163 Trentham & District RC Show, Tel: 07506 712131 Hunter Trials, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Unaff SJ, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450 XC BHS Qualifier, Beacon RC Tel: 01257 451924 Unaff SJ, Barraclough Show, York Tel: 07980 758817 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Endurance GB, West Moor Ride, Bolventor Tel: 01579 362948 Endurance GB, Last of the Summer Wine Ride, Holmfirth Tel: 01484 681423 Trailblazers, Limes Farm EC, Kent Tel: 01303 891222
Tel: 01233 622933 Clear Round Jumping, Limes Farm EC, Kent Tel: 01303 891222
Thur 22nd July
Flatwork Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581 SJ Course to hire, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Fri 23rd July
XC Schooling, Castle Farm, Wickwar Tel: 01454 299866 British Dressage, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856
Sat 24th July
-26th Adult Camp, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Understanding Horses, Horseford Farm, Devon Tel: 01884 251251 Nutwell Court Aff Horse Trials Tel: 01404 841331
Sun 25th July
SJ & Showing, Chaucer Stables Walthum Tel: 01304 820671 Nutwell Court Unaff Horse Trials Tel: 01404 841331 Summer Pleasure Ride, EXE EC Exmouth Tel: 01395 265752 Mini XC, Hall Place RC, Reading Tel: 0118 9426938 Hunter Trials, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450 Little Bradley Church Ride, Tel: 01440 783756 Dressage, Sevenoaks RC, Tel: 01732 461462 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07943 391224 Endurance GB, FEI Euston Park, Thetford Tel: 01638 732100 Charity Horse Show, Huntersrace, Lavant Tel: 01243 374238 Medal Show, Bridgewater RC Tel: 07979 031619 Ride with Confidence Workshop, With Sheree Ginger Tel: 01403 865338
Mon 2nd Aug
Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581
Tue 3rd Aug Wed 4th Aug
Wed 28th July
Thur 5th Aug
Thur 29th July
Unaff SJ, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Eve Unaff SJ, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 -25th Endurance GB, Equilibrium Lindum Spirit Ride Tel: 01205 480394 Clear Round Jumping, Bluebarn EC
Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Unaff Dressage, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450 5th Points Show, Beacon RC Tel: 01257 451924 Unaff SJ, Taunton & District RC, at Hazle RC Tel: 01884 255627 SJ, Coombe Farm, Folkstone Tel: 01304 820671 Dressage, Hall Place EC Reading Tel: 0118 9426938 Open Show, Bookham RC, Leatherhead Tel: 01344 420028
Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581 Tue 27th July Eve Dressage, Sevenoaks RC, Tel: 01732 461462
Wed 21st July
Tues 20th July
Sun 1st Aug
Mon 26th July
Ground Poles, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Trailblazer, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450
Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581
Horse Agility Training, Pembroke Centre, Wilton Tel: 07780 668136 -6th South Staffs Pony Club Camp, Etland Lodge,Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Hay Horse Show, Cusop, Hay on Wye Tel: 01497 847340
Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Ribble Valley RC Show, Witton Park, Blackburn Tel: 07939 169179 Eve Unaff SJ, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Riding & Road Safety Test Day, Hall Place EC Tel: 0118 9426938 Clear Round Jumping, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
-30th Adult Camp, Etland Lodge, Ashbourne Tel: 01283 575856 Saddle Club Under 16’s, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580764450 Eve Unaff Dressage, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801 Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07774 211640 Riding & Road Safety Test Day, Hall Place EC Tel: 0118 9426938 Clear Round Jumping, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Mon 19th July
Sat 31st July
Flatwork Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581 Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07943 391224 SJ Course to hire, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Fri 30th July
Unaff Dressage, Inglenden Park EC Tenderden Tel: 01580 764450
Flatwork Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 01342 837581 SJ Course to hire, Bluebarn EC Tel: 01233 622933
Fri 6th Aug
XC Schooling, Castle Farm, Wickwar Tel: 01454 299866
Sat 7th Aug
-8th British Dressage, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield Tel: 07943 391224 Eastington Horse Show, Claypits Tel: 07720 987481 Unaff Dressage, Barraclough Show, York Tel: 07980 758817 5th Club Show, Church Farm EC, Nr Ormskirk Tel: 07921 649801