Equi-Ads UK February 2015

The UK’s Largest FREE Equine Magazine • Now in its 20th year

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February 2015

Equine Health • Management • Training

Safety matters Body Protectors

Forage/Hard feed requirements Weight loss: Common things are common!

Mixing and Matching your training Saddle Fitting New to horses?

Insurance jargon busting

Plus:

•Cross Country •Classical riding •Nutrition •Veterinary matters •Event Listings Products and much more besides...

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■ Rider of the Year Awards ■ Vaccinating against Strangles and other equine infectious diseases ■ Walking with your Horse

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Main Features

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ALL THE QUEEN’S HORSES...

News............................................1, 4 Olympia Report ...........................5 Retail Focus ...............................6 Rider of the Year Awards ...........8 Quality of Forage .........................9 Weight Loss ..........................14-15 Mixing & Matching your Training .................................18-19 CashJumping ..............................20 Nutrition Focus ..........................22 Saddle Matters ............................24 Your Letters ...........................26-27 New to Horses? ................... 32, 39 Learning to Ride the Classical Way (Part Two) ........34 Riding Safely ........................36-37 Understanding Insurance ..38-40 Richard Meade .........................43 Vaccinate Against Strangles .................................44-45

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Xxxxxxxxxx News

www.conchiesaddlery.co.uk Telephone Dundee 01382 532536

CHESTNUT GELDING WINS! K enny, a 17-year-old chestnut gelding owned by Carrie-Anne Ashbolt from Gloucestershire has been chosen as ‘The Face of TopSpec 2015’ in a nationwide competition.

For Carrie-Anne, who works in the opthalmic lens industry, Kenny, also known as Shooting Star ll in the showing world, is very special and they have been a partnership for 11 years.

Said Carrie-Anne: “I was over the moon when I was told Kenny had won. He is such a star and very special to me. Last year we had a truly incredible season and he looked fantastic.

“His highlights were winning the National Side Saddle Veteran Championship at the National Side Saddle Show. We also won the Concour D’Elegance class at USK as well as winning several Side-Saddle classes at area shows.

“To top it off, Kenny had a brilliant year doing dressage with nearly all his scores over 70% at both Prelim and Novice levels with a personal best of 76.25%.

“I believe he feels great on the inside as well as looking fantastic on the outside and would like to thank TopSpec for helping me keep my special boy in tip top condition.

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ocial and training programme, Young Equestrians aims to give the opportunity for young people aged 13-18 to connect and re-engage with equestrian sport through a fun and informal hub.

The Young Equestrians group at Nine Acres Equestrian is coordinated by proprietor Hazel Heaton, who welcomed an initial eleven participants on Saturday to take part in a riding session, a talk on saddlery, a creative session involving quarter marking the ponies with paint and even some zumba!

“I really enjoyed the day and all of the activities” commented Georgie who took part in the inaugural session. “The practical session on quarter marks and the talk about saddles were particularly interesting to me. I’m really excited to be involved in Young Equestrians and look forward to future sessions”.

Participants can log their sessions at www.youngequestrians.club, where they can record their activities and achievements as well as access training materials offered by The Pony Club.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved in Young Equestrians, and even more so at the success of our first event, which received 2 | February 2015

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Carrie-Anne Ashbolt and Kenny – The Face of TopSpec 2015.

“He is fed a diet of TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer, CoolCondition Cubes and TopChop Grass and couldn’t look any better.”

positive feedback from all those who attended” commented Hazel Heaton. “Nine Acres Equestrian is really passionate about offering opportunities to all abilities, so Young Equestrians feels like it fits nicely in to our vision for the future. It’s great to be able to offer such a wide variety of activities to participants, and they have already put forward a host of ideas that they want to organise for forthcoming events”.

Originally developed by Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme, the Young Equestrians scheme is being delivered through The Pony Club and will target riding schools across England.

Thanks to Sport England funding, Young Equestrians will provide participants with more choice and freedom in how they take part in equestrianism, as well as providing a focus on skill development.

Riding schools who deliver the programme will be given access to virtual tools to help them establish their Young Equestrians club that include example session plans, marketing materials and a host of different ideas on how to retain teenagers in equestrian sport.

If you are a riding school or young person and want more information on how to get involved in the programme please visit www.youngequestrians.club or email contact@youngequestrians.club

I

f you need to invest in a new jacket to take you from chilly mornings into the summer then look no further than this stylish and cosy Mickleton from Just Togs. RRP: £69.95; Sizes: XS - XXL Colours: Navy 01922 616777

Discreet enough for dressage!

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ir vests offering protection for horse riders have been on the market for several years with very few riders now being seen out on the cross-country course without one. But recent trends and high profile falls have seen air vests becoming popular in a whole host of disciplines including Dressage, Show Jumping and everyday riding such as hacking and schooling.

The old age saying that you can’t put a price on safety has

never been more prevalent and the team at Hit-Air believe that whatever type of equestrian sport you take part in, an air vest can be an essential investment.

While dressage riding is not normally associated with the same high number of falls that eventing or jumping is, there have recently been some well-publicised incidents that have lead to a greater awareness of some of the dangers in the sport. Despite not leaving the (continued on page 41)

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An Evening with the Masters – Christoph Hess and John Ledingham W

ant to improve your flatwork and jumping skills in the run up to the new season?

Trot North is hosting ‘An Evening with the Masters’, Christoph Hess and John Ledingham held at Myerscough College, Preston, Lancashire, on Wednesday, March 11 at 7.30pm – doors open 6pm.

The lecture/demonstration, ‘Flatwork and Jumping – What’s So Different’, aims to explain what is required to succeed in the different disciplines and will take a look at their training techniques and how they differ – or not.

The evening will feature German

dressage specialist, Christoph Hess and Irish Show jumper, John Ledingham – both bringing their many years’ experience to the event which is set to provide a fascinating insight into how flatwork and jumping work alongside each other.

A former director of training for the German National Federation, Christoph is an FEI ‘I’ judge in both dressage and eventing. He is actively involved in the training and education of judges and instructors worldwide.

Legendary international rider and coach, John Ledingham, has enjoyed a long and successful showjumping career and is an

HORSE SENSE

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orses in their present form have been around for hundreds of thousands of years during which time they developed a very sound basic sense. They know a great deal about the herbs they graze on and if kept on a free range, they instinctively select herbs which are good for them and which address various problems that they may experience.

For many years I’ve watched horses pick the fields and hedgerows for herbs, bark and fruits that will nourish them and keep them healthy. I reason that it is no coincidence that horses in the wild usually don’t get worms, colic or any similar problems that are often attendant on their unnatural lifestyle in captivity.

Natural athletes, horses in the wild are either quick or soon dead, so survival has driven much of their accumulation of instinctive herb lore.

Many years ago, I began to experiment with ways to help our horses live disease and parasite free. I did this by making various herbs and complexes of herbs available to them and scattering these about in separate paths to record their preferences.

We’d had a fire which demolished most of an ancient hedge along one side of the ten-acre paddock and to my surprise the horses pushed into this area and began munching on the carapace of charcoal that the fire had left on some of the older trees.

Within a few days, all of those who’d had a tendency towards colic had cleared up and were clearly in much better health.

Remembering my sojourn in France as a young man when girlfriends of mine would often eat a piece of charcoal if they were feeling “bilious”, I realised that I’d stumbled on to a solution to tummy problems in horses (as well as humans)!

Years of research ensued to find and develop the perfect feed-stock additive and a decade later, we now run the biggest dietary charcoal business in Europe (if not the world) and owe it all to horse sense! And sound scientific research.

To learn more of how this can help you, go to www.finefettlefeed.com or call 01600 712 496.

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official coach to the World Class Showjumping Equine Pathway, which aims to identify horses that have the potential to be future medal winners.

With such a wealth of experience on offer the lecture/ demonstration is sure to prove both interesting and insightful for anyone involved in any of the three major disciplines.

Tickets are priced at £20 for those purchased in advance, or £25 on the door.

To buy your tickets send SAE and cheque (payable to Trot North) to: 3, Brackenwell Lane, North

Christoph Hess Rigton, Leeds LS17 0DG. Lessons will be available on March 12 and 13, with both Christoph and John. To book your place contact Sue Stewart on 07753 910832 or sue@swanfarm@ gmail.com. – and is supported by TopSpec.

Take the Equimins Advance Challenge!

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f your horse is condition as the Equimins has the perfect solution – Advance Concentrate Complete. This forage balancer with money back guarantee complements a fibre diet and, as an extra incentive, the best ‘before and after’ pictures will be featured on the company’s blog…with a prize for all horses who make the cut!

Advance Concentrate Complete is a high specification, concentrated forage balancer that contains vitamins, trace elements and bioavailable minerals in addition to ingredients that support the horse’s gut, such as probiotics and Saccharomyces cerivisae yeast. Unlike many balancers, the concentrated formula means that most horses receive just 60g a day, whether this is in powder or pellet form. What makes this balancer really stand out is the money back guarantee – it’s simple – if the horse’s owner doesn’t see an improvement in condition after using the product for two months alongside the horse’s normal feeding routine they’ll receive a refund (subject to Ts and Cs). For this winter season, Equimins is asking its customers to send in their ‘before and after Advance’ pictures with those selected for the blog receiving a prize.

“We continue to be inundated with people who are delighted with Advance Concentrate Complete,” says David Willey from Equimins.

“It uses a truly superb combination of ingredients to support health and condition and, with the money back

starting to lose winter draws on, guarantee, it gives people additional confidence in the product. We call it a forage balancer as that’s all that needs to be added to the diet, although people do feed it alongside a reduced ration of ‘hard’ feed. It’s designed to support a more natural way of feeding, which works with the way the horse’s body works…so there are lots of different angles that are covered with this product.

“We love receiving images from our customers and enjoy seeing their posts on Facebook, but we thought that, actually, we’d really like to showcase people’s stories and their ‘Advance’ horses in our blog…so we’ve launched a ‘before and after Advance’ competition. It’s easy to take part and the stories we feature will receive a prize.”

In order to enter, the horse’s owner needs to submit an image showing the horse before he or she started using Advance, and an image taken at least two months after showing the horse’s condition. Equimins would also like to know a bit about horse, his diet and the activities he does.

More information is available on the company’s blog www.equimins.com/ blog/.

For more information on Advance Concentrate Complete, see www. equimins.com, email sales@equimins. com or call 01548 531770. For the Advance Concentrate Complete brochure, just email or call Equimins.

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Improve your Trail Riding Skills By Bill Tait R

yedale Bridleways Group ran a successful “Improve your trail riding skills” Clinic on Sunday 9th November at Hamley Hagg Indoor School, Appleton le Moors.

Instructor, Emma Chapman, arrived bright and early to set up the trail course. This included, a bridge, a hanging plastic fringe (on a 9’ frame), a box square, L shaped pole chute, a folded blue tarpaulin, a raised pole and three trotting poles.

There were two groups of three in the morning. The first hour of each session was spent learning and practising the best way to negotiate the obstacles and then in the last thirty minutes a marked competition. The hanging fringe proved the hardest obstacle and the horses needed the ribbons to be parted before they would go through.

Whether English or Western everybody enjoyed their session and responded well to Emma’s, cheerful and easy style of teaching.

Many Thanks to the volunteers Brenda Lambert, Alison Fuller and Diane for letting us use her indoor arena.

I hope as a result of Emma’s help all the riders have gone away more confident to tackle trail obstacles.

If there is enough demand then a similar event will be considered for 2015.

Mel Mellor on Rapture

Whitney James on Arthur

Veterinary Thermal Imaging Leg Scan

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hermal Imaging can be used as a diagnostic tool, to monitor a condition or injury and to assess the efficacy of a treatment. All of these applications mean that thermal imaging is very useful when it comes to joint issues.

Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) uses state of the art infra red cameras to map heat patterns across an area of the horse’s body, in this case, the joints. Each scan captures thousands of temperature readings and converts this information into a technicolour picture that shows hot spots and cold spots.

When a horse has a condition such as arthritis, there’s initially an increase in blood flow to the area, which increases the temperature of the area. Over time, the horse

will reduce his use of the joint and inflammation will decrease, but an increase in sympathetic tone and vasoconstriction occurs which produces a decrease in temperature.

Both of these stages are visible using thermal imaging.

VTI thermographers are trained to interpret the images captured and will work with the horse’s vet or physio as needed, to help support the horse’s health. Only a vet can diagnose illness.

A Leg Scan costs £65, plus travel, for a pair of legs. The scan will take place at the owner’s premises, so there’s no need to travel the horse.

For more information, see www.veterinarythermal-imaging.com or call 0844 544 3314 or email enquiries@vtiuk.com to find your nearest VTI thermographer and book.

HICKSTEAD WINS AN AWARD

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he Longines Royal International Horse Show has been crowned the world’s best showjumping competition by the Horse International year book, L’Année Hippique.

The international show, which has been held at Hickstead in West Sussex since 1992, won the award for ‘Best Showjumping Event of the Year Award 2014’, taking a massive 40% of the vote ahead of CHIO Aachen (19%) and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (11%).

Hickstead Directors Edward and Lizzie Bunn accepted the award from Inge Van Der Net from L’Année Hippique during a presentation at the London International Horse Show at Olympia.

“We’re delighted to accept this award,” said Lizzie Bunn, whose father Douglas founded the All England Jumping Course in 1960. “It’s an incredible honour, especially considering the calibre of the second and third placed events.

Hickstead is host to one of only three CHIO 5* events in the world, alongside Aachen in Germany and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The Longines Royal International Horse Show features the highest levels of showjumping alongside championship showing classes, while an international dressage nations cup is run concurrently within the venue by Dressage at Hickstead.

The Longines Royal International Horse Show boasts the only Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup leg held in Britain, where the world’s best

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teams go head to head. The show concludes with the British Grand Prix – formally known as the Longines King George V Gold Cup – which has a €200,000 prize fund.

The show (patron: Her Majesty The Queen) is more than 100 years old, making it one of the oldest horse shows in the world. It is the official show of The British Horse Society.

This year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show will run from 28 July to 2 August, and tickets are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

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London International Horse Show Showcases the Best of the Brits

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he capital recently hosted the 107th London International Horse Show at Olympia. Billed as ‘the world’s biggest equestrian Christmas party’, horsemanship from around the world was showcased in December to a packed house night after night.

With FEI World Cup competitions in Show Jumping, Dressage and Extreme Carriage Driving, the world’s top riders were present to contest some impressive prize funds. Displays from the Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team, the Mounted Branch of the Metropolitan Police, plus the Shetland Pony Grand National and a Kennel Club Dog Agility display, added to the fun.

For the second year running, British show jumper Ben Maher won the Grand Prix event in a nail-biting competition, riding the fiery chestnut mare Diva ll; he had to drop the cherished trophy when his ride took exception

to the buzzing atmosphere, but took away the leading rider of the show accolade.

German rider Marco Kutscher, riding Cornet’s Cristallo, won the Longines FEI World Cup, with British favourites Michael Whitaker and Ben Maher uncharacteristically mis-judging the time allowed, and gaining penalty points ahead of the jump off. Scott Brash gained a disappointing four faults, however won the H&M Ivy Stakes, so didn’t leave the show empty handed. Meanwhile, Ireland’s David Simpson cleared a massive height of 7ft 3in riding Richi Rich, to win the crowd-pleasing puissance.

Dressage was of course a big draw and a record breaking event, with Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro winning the Grand Prix and Freestyle classes in style, and setting a new world record with their Kur score in the process.

Seeing the dressage events supported so well by the public is testament to our leading riders and their horses.

All in all, the 2014 event at Olympia was a wonderful finale to 2014, and a great showcase of British talent on the world stage.

Results -U23 British Championships Top 10:

1. Kerry Brennan (Wellington M, owned by Liane Smith) – 0 / 41.33 2. Alfie Bradstock (Caicos, owned by Graham Fletcher) – 0 / 42.67 3. Joseph Davison (Vennoot II, owned by Richard Davison) – 4 / 39.61 4. Jessica Dimmock (with her own Tinkas Tyson) – 4 / 41.46 5. Emily Ward (Witch, owned by Nick Ward and Michael Whitaker) – 4 / 41.55 6. Abigail Newbery (Valentino VII, owned by Sharifa Al-Homaizi and Tony Newbery) – 4 / 43.05 7. Chloe Winchester (Avoca Valkyrie, owned by Gillian Winchester) – 4 / 43.69 8. Harry Charles (Murkas Nevada VI, owned by Olga White and Team Murka Ltd) – 8 / 42.71 9. Aimee Bell (Cameron Poe, owned by Sally Guild) – 8 / 47.23 10. Jake Saywell (Special K IV, owned by Rachel Gascoine) – 11 / 52.80

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February 2015 | 5

23/01/2015 14:46

Retail Focus

RETAIL FOCUS

‘B

irchalls the Riding Shop’ is a wonderfully longstanding establishment in Kent, owned by the Pleasant View Garden Centre, in Chart Sutton; a family-run shopping complex with a nursery, coffee shop and antique centre in Chart Sutton, on the outskirts of Maidstone.

Birchalls itself can trace its roots back to 1897, when it was established by James Birchall, who made tailor-made clothing for the hunting community; with the surrounding areas being some of the UK’s most prolific hunting regions. 83 years later, and the store moved premises to a bigger space in Sutton Road in Maidstone - the saddlery and leisure riding side of the business was gaining in popularity. In 2000, Birchalls made its final move to Pleasant View Garden Centre, with a much larger premises that enabled the shop to expand all areas of its equestrian business.

Manager Vicki Thew says Birchalls offers a complete range of riding clothing, both formal and casual, as well as many items for the horse. “We meet the needs of both the serious

Each issue, we showcase one of the UK’s most popular retail stores, celebrating the ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers stocking equestrian goods. This month, we talk to the Birchalls in the South East

competitor and the leisure rider and ‘happy hacker’; from bridles to bandages and forks to fly rugs, we have something to suit everyone. We are also renowned as safety specialists, as our staff specialise in riding hat, air jacket and body protector fitting, for all levels of rider,” she adds.

optimise the space. It is bright, organised, clean and tidy, and very welcoming. There’s a wide range of rugs in-store, including Horseware, Masta, JHL and Saxon/Weatherbeeta, and a modern clothing range that includes a selection from brands such as Harry Hall,

Heads up for safety

Birchalls stocks various safety ranges, including Rodney Powell and Hit Air, and has a wide range of helmets from brands including Charles Owen, Harry Hall, JTE and Champion, so customers can try on lots of different models to find the hat best suited to their head shape and riding activity - popular styles include the Gatehouse HSI Skull, and the Conquest Riding Hat. “Children have around three head changes whilst growing up, so we especially encourage families to come in, even if they are just having their hat checked,” Vicki says.

Situated in a traditional country building, Birchalls is easily accessible, as it is spread over one floor, and recently saw a refit and layout change, to

Hat fitting is especially vital for children.

Photo by Charles Owen

Caldene, TBK, Legacy, Rugged and Dublin. There’s also a range of gifts and accessories aimed at children, that includes the popular Carrots range.

The website flags up special offers that are being launched, (www.birchallstheridingshop. com) while a loyalty card is popular, allowing customers to obtain a discount on popular tack and equipment products, with an impressive five per cent discount given on the overall purchase price, with transactions over £20.

In addition, a knowledgeable ‘SQP’ advises customers on wormers for their horses, while the store also offers repairs and cleaning, and a wide range of feed and bedding from brands such as Spillers, Baileys and Bed-down wheat straw bedding.

“It’s a real one-stop-shop,” Vicki admits. “We have many regular customers at Birchalls, and really enjoy interacting with people, and helping them with their shopping. It is great to be able to stock Equi-Ads magazine, and offer the title free to customers, as an added thank you for their business,” she concludes.

Body Protectors and BETA Standards

M

ost riders these days, regardless of discipline and experience would agree that a body protector is an essential investment and is often a compulsory piece of riding equipment when competing.

Body protectors are designed to by absorb the impact from a fall or kick.

All body protectors have to meet a set of criteria that is set out by BETA. When purchasing a body protector, look out for the BETA Standard symbol which will be attached to the body protector. These Standards are split into three levels, each designed for different activities and are denoted by a colour-coded label on the garment.

Level 1 (black label), this level is appropriate for licensed jockeys while racing as it provides the lowest level of protection. Level 2

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(brown label), this level is considered suitable for low risk situations and offers a lower than normal level of protection, it is not intended for jumping, riding on the roads, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced. Finally there is Level 3 (purple label) which is the safest, meeting the highest standards of the three. The purple label is appropriate for general riding, competitions, hacking, eventing and working with horses and should help prevent minor bruising, reduce soft tissue injuries and prevent rib fractures.

Aivly Country Store only stocks body protectors that meet BETA Standard Level 3. Visit us in store to get professionally fitted by one of our trained staff members, Seven days a week. Crow Lane, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3EA (01425 472341) www.aivly.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:46

Xxxxxxxxxx News

Get confident this season with Total Confidence Live!

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April 25-26 2015

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TOTAL CONFIDENCE LIVE 2015

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f you’re looking for a confidence boost ahead of the 2015 competition season, then head to the brand new event, Total Confidence Live, taking place 25-26 April at the South of England Show Ground, West Sussex.

Brought to you by the organisers of Your Horse Live, the event offers an amazing day out with so much to do.

In the Main Arena you’ll be able to watch live demonstrations from top trainers and behaviourists including Jason Webb, Melanie Watson and the team at the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre.

Head to the Horse Care Village to brush up on your horse care knowledge and to ask the questions you’ve been struggling to find an answer to. The XL Equine Vet, Nettex Tack and Turnout, Feed and Horse Answers Zone’s will feature a range of experts who will be on hand to give one-on-one advice and practical demonstrations.

It was a big hit at Your Horse Live so, due to popular demand, the Rescue Village will be at Total Confidence Live too! Charities from across the country will be bringing along horses and ponies in need of new homes. Be sure you come along - you could meet your perfect equine partner!

Stock up for the spring/summer in the shopping avenues where you can buy all your essentials in one place. Top brands on offer include Baileys Horse Feeds, Feedmark, Joules, Nags Essentials and more.

Great show entry deals are on offer for a limited time only… book yours today • Mates Rates - buy 4 tickets for the price of 3! Pay from just £36 and save from £28.* • Yard Organiser – book for a group of 10 or more and pay a special rate of £10 per person. To say thank you Total Confidence Live will give you an extra place absolutely free! Save from £76.* If you’re looking to increase your riding skills and confidence, why not book onto an expert clinic and bring your horse along? Choose from cross-country, dressage and show jumping - coaches, including Laura Renwick and Hannah Biggs, will be on hand to give you on-the-spot advice.

Clinics are now open for bookings - book today to avoid disappointment!

Find out more at www.totalconfidencelive.co.uk *All tickets are subject to a £1.50 fulfilment fee. Both offers expire at midnight on 20 Feb 2015. See website for full terms and conditions.

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www.totalconfidencelive.co.uk FOLLOW US ON *ALL TICKETS ARE SUBJECT TO A £1.50 FULFILMENT FEE. BOTH OFFERS EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT ON 20 FEB 2015. FOR FULL T&CS PLEASE SEE WWW.TOTALCONFIDENCELIVE.CO.UK/TICKETS

Bad Weather …Be Prepared with Verdo!

W

orrying about the weather and the disruption it can bring to your routine and riding isn’t the only consideration this season, especially when it comes to your choice of bedding.

With demand rising as temperatures are dropping, Verdo Horse Bedding, the clever heat treated wood pellet horse bedding is not only available nationwide, but because it’s manufactured 364 days a year at their dedicated UK plants, you won’t ever have to worry about supply issues again!

Add to the fact it’s made from

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100% virgin soft wood, features highly absorbent properties with a low dust content and is easily stored away in easy to stack lightweight bags which take up very little room and you have a bedding option which won’t let you down this winter on any level!

Verdo Horse Bedding – Giving you and your horse a good night’s sleep whatever the weather!

RRP: £5.65 - £5.95 per 15kg bag www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 726 760

February 2015 | 7

23/01/2015 14:46

Xxxxxxxxxx Results

Rider of the Year Awards Emma Sumbler reports P

resentations of Rider of the Year Awards 2014 were made at the Hall Place Christmas Show in Tilehurst, Reading. Accumulator points are awarded for three challenges to all those placed 1st to 6th at Hall Place shows throughout the year.

Junior Royle Rider 2014 was presented by sponsor Kevin Royle of RPE Events, to the best 16 years and under – Taylor Swift from Calcot with 179 points. 10 year old Taylor

was also the winner of 2013! She loves jumping and showing and gained the points with Kingsmead Campion early in the year and then with Blue Genie her new Connemara bay mare. They plan to do some more dressage in 2015, possibly affiliate later in the year to British Showjumping and continue local showing.

The winner of the Show Jumper of the Year was Anastasia Bishop with 104 points. Annie age 17

Equi-Ads Subscription Form_Layout 1 18/11/2014 16:00 Page 1

Dressage Rider of the Year 2014 Beth Hazell

from Calcot competed throughout the year riding her own black thoroughbred mare Ellexa, and also Hall Place Barney. She has started an Equine Management course at Sparsholt College and aims to go onto university to become an Equine Sports Therapist.

The winning Dressage Rider was 10 year old Bethany Hazell with 88 points. Beth competed at Walk & Trot, Preliminary and progressed to Novice and Dressage to Music with her own pony Doodlebug. Beth from Purley-on-Thames trains at Hall Place with Tracey May (Lawson) and Doodle is stabled at Tidmarsh Stud.

Beth will be looking for a bigger pony and hopes to affiliate in 2015.

Well done to these hard working, enthusiastic and dedicated competitors. Hall Place, Reading, is looking forward to another year of tough competition for the 2015 championship titles with extra shows added to the grass roots programme.

Schedules and entry forms www.hall-place.com.

Family Pony & Pc Pony - Blue Genie & Taylor Swift Images by Royle Photography Equestrian Events www.rpeevents.co.uk.

Junior Royle Rider of the Year 2014 Taylor Swift

The Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

Subscribe to Equi-Ads Get your copy of Equi-Ads delivered to you, hot off the press, every month and never miss another issue!

Equi-Ads, now in its 20th year of publication, is well known for its in-depth articles on health, management and training issues.

Each month, topical articles on feeding and healthcare are provided by experts in the various fields, together with behavioural and training topics, all designed to provide the reader with practical advice on building a better relationship with their horse and ensuring his well being.

Cut out the coupon below and post it to Equi-Ads Ltd, 126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts NG10 4LS, with a cheque made payable to Equi-Ads Ltd.

Annie Bishop & Ellexa

Taylor Swift & Blue Genie

Beth Hazell & Doodlebug

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Please send 12 issues for ÂŁ20

8 | February 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:46

Feeding

HOW QUALITY OF FORAGE AFFECTS QUANTITY OF HARD FEED TO BE FED Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh

T

he primary consideration when constructing a suitable diet for a horse is to determine its physiological status. One has to ask the question what is the horse doing; is it at maintenance (idle!), pregnant, lactating, working, undergoing rehabilitation, etc? All of these different situations will affect the animal’s total energy and protein requirements and thus proportionate forage/hard feed needs. Remember that supplying vitamin and mineral needs will have no real impact on quantitative feeding (g vs. kg!).

Forage quality. Fresh grass is the basic forage for most horses and it is also available in many conserved formats. Traditionally hay was the conserved forage of choice mainly for winter feeding. However, advances in agricultural machinery have resulted in the development of new grass cutting and preservation technologies. Originally silages were available in the form of clamped or big bale bagged silage.

The production of plastic film led to wrapping grass bales of various sizes and shapes. Hay making was always heavily weather dependent so that a very high quality grass crop could be downgraded by poor weather. Nowadays grass can be cut when its nutritive value is high and rapidly conserved with minimum

loss of quality. The nutritional value of any conserved forage depends initially on the quality of the parent material. Conservation cannot improve the original material but it can certainly lead to its degradation.

So it follows the computer truth GIGO, which in computer science, means garbage in, garbage out!

Quality will usually dictate how much hard feed is needed but this is not always the case as detailed below.

In the first instance I would like to compare different forages on the basis of their Digestible Energy (DE) content and their Crude Protein (CP) content expressed on a dry basis (DM) rather than on a fresh basis (see Table 1). This allows a direct comparison across different forages on a common basis without the complication of variable water contents eg., fresh grass contains say 80% water compared to only 15% in grass hay.

Furthermore one can easily see the impact of choice of forage on hard feed requirements. For any given purpose, more hard feed will require to be fed if only the poorer quality forages are available. Thus, to state the obvious, a horse owner should always seek out the best quality forage in order to reduce both hard feed usage and the cost of feeding their horse. Exceptions are where obesity/laminitis are issues and soluble carbohydrate (sugar!) intake must be controlled. A coincidental benefit of maximising forage usage is that the horse receives a much more “natural” diet that ensures gut health. Table 1 gives the average nutritive values for the commonest forages fed to horses and if you (continued on page 14)

®

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Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx

Balancing for Inconsistent Forage Quality

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ibre is well known to be the base of any horse’s diet. Making up approximately 80% of the total diet, fibre is number one in the equine diet and normally consists of grass and hay or haylage. It is also common to supplement with fibre-based feeds such as chaff, chop or sugar beet. The quality of grass, hay and haylage is important for your horse’s digestible fibre, energy, protein and nutrient intake, so how can you balance inconsistent quality of hay or haylage?

The nutrient levels found in grass changes between seasons, and can be quite poor at this time of year having ‘winter off’. Hay and haylage on the other hand can be more consistent in nutrient levels provided, yet if you don’t have the luxury of a consistent supply, you will find these nutrient levels can fluctuate significantly from source to source. It is commonplace to source your hay or haylage locally and in small batches, and you may find yourself regularly changing supplier due to availability and price. This has a potentially significant impact on the base of your horse’s diet so how can you compensate for this?

To balance inconsistent forage quality intake, it is a great idea to seek a high quality balancer that will supply your horse with all the

vitamins and minerals and high quality protein that he needs. By doing this you ensure that no matter what quality of the forage, he always gets his minimum daily requirements of vits and mins, as well as a regular intake of necessary high quality protein.

Balancers are commonly fed to good-doers, horses on box rest or in light work and horses that are not being fed a full ration of a mix, such as a competition mix, and they are also the ideal compliment to a forage based diet.

When choosing balancer it is important to consider what makes a good balancer and what makes one different from the next. What should you be looking for in a balancer?

Digestibility

We can’t see what is happening inside a horse so it is easy to forget that some products are more digestible than others.

Look for a balancer that has been through a cooking process such as wet steam extrusion, which can increase digestibility to over 90% in the small intestine (where most vits, mins and amino acids are absorbed).

High quality protein from multiple sources.

The building blocks of protein is amino acids, and these need to be in the correct profile for horses to effectively utilise the protein and convert it into lean muscle, bone and soft tissue.

Chelated minerals

High quality balancers will use minerals from organic sources.

Omega 3 Oils

The omega 3 to 6 ratio in the total diet is important for maintaining optimum health and a balancer should contribute positively towards this.

Prebiotics and Probitics

These are very important for maintaining optimum hind gut health and enhancing fibre digestion.

Mark Todd Perfect Balance

by Keyflow is the evolution of balancers. Being one of the only balancer products on the market to be fully wet steam extruded, it produces exceedingly good results at very low feeding volumes. Contact us at advice@keyflowfeeds.com or on 01672 519 000 for more information or grab a free sample at keyflowfeeds.com. Available from your favourite feed store. our knowledge but also to give practical support to owners of susceptible animals.”

Two new rides for Izzy Taylor

F

ollowing her best year ever, leading event rider, Izzy Taylor continues to strengthen her growing team of event horses with support from Jocelyn Riley and Equestrian Direct Surfaces.

As a producer of world class event horses and a keen event rider, Jocelyn has followed Izzy’s rise to prominence closely and decided to support the talented Banbury based rider with two new rides under a joint partnership.

Having enjoyed a very successful season Izzy finished in fifth place in the British Eventing rankings list, and 17th in the FEI World rankings as the third highest British rider and highest ranked British female.

Izzy will be campaigning the five-year-old gelding, Direct Cavalier, a grandson of Cavalier Royal out of a Touchdown mare, who has already proven to be a promising star for the future.

Her second ride is the four-year-old gelding, Direct Casino, by Casino out of the Irish mare, Diamond Double.

Said Izzy: “I am delighted with the new partnership with Equestrian Direct Surfaces, and am really excited for the new season. The two new additions to the team come with the pedigree, the talent and the temperament to really go up the grades.

“The Flexiride surface I have is fantastic and with a yard of 25 horses the right surface is crucial to their fitness and performance. There is no weather condition during winter that prevents me from being able to ride as Flexiride is both absorbent and frost resistant. For me the Flexiride surface ticks all the boxes.”

Said Jocelyn Riley of Equestrian Direct Surfaces: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring Izzy and are excited for the new season following the horses. She is at the top of her sport and on great form and we are delighted to supporting such a talented rider.”

For more information contact Equestrian Direct Ltd on 01564 794020 or visit www.equestriandirectltd.co.uk

10 | February 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:56

13639 F

Fast Fibre® – suitable for laminitics

Fast Fibre® ➤ Low calorie, barley and molasses free, low starch and low sugar* ➤ Ideal for older horses and ponies, and those with poor teeth ➤ May be fed as a partial or complete hay replacement ➤ Super fast soak, in just 30 – 60 seconds ➤ Includes linseed for a glossy coat

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today 01362 822 902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk Quote Ad Reference: 4 laminitics

* When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels

www.allenandpage.com 13639 Fast Fibre comfortable V2.indd 1 Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 11

17/03/2014 14:56 11:47 23/01/2015

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Equine Shiatsu Research Project

By Liz Eddy

T

he Equine Shiatsu Association (tESA) is undertaking a research project which will run until 30th June 15. The project is called MYMOP – Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Profile and has been adapted from to equine use from an existing study on people. It was developed by Dr Charlotte Paterson of Bristol University as a way of measuring the effectiveness of both orthodox and complementary medicine settings.

Equine Shiatsu is varyingly known as a sister therapy to acupressure, Japanese physiotherapy or for a more scientific approach – it turns on the parasympathetic nervous system. More information about equine shiatsu can be found on www.equineshiatsu.org.

However, for the purposes of this project, it is not only for specific diseases but also for more simple symptoms that a horse may have eg difficulty in bending one way, biting when girthed, lethargy, a general feeling of something being wrong, which can be addressed. So if you are interested in trying shiatsu for your horse, check out the website for a practitioner registered with tESA. All practitioners registered with tESA are fully trained and insured

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23/01/2015 14:56

Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx

SPILLERS® Essentials

W

e all want to feed our horses the best quality we can afford which has prompted SPILLERS® to introduce a new essentials range, helping horse owners to do exactly that.

SPILLERS® essentials are new and improved versions of the three essential feeds that horse owners know and love: SPILLERS® High Fibre cubes, SPILLERS® Horse & Pony Cubes and SPILLERS® Cool Mix™. Each one contains the finest ingredients for the best quality and value and each one is competitively priced to help you choose it over a budget brand.

It’s important for all horses and ponies to receive the essential vitamins and minerals they need, in the right quantities and on a daily basis for good health and welfare, especially during the winter months. A premium brand feed, fed at the correct quantities is the easiest way to ensure that they do.

SPILLERS® High Fibre cubes are cereal-free for positive energy and contain live yeast and fructooligosaccharide for pre and probiotic digestive support. SPILLERS® Horse & Pony Cubes are packed with over 30 nutrients for optimum vitality, while the natural ingredients in SPILLERS® Cool

Mix™ include added magnesium known for its calming properties. It’s easy to select the right essentials product for your horse or pony by using the SPILLERS® essential selection chart at your local feed store.

“SPILLERS has always been trusted for its dietary and nutritional expertise and we firmly believe you should never have to choose affordability over quality, especially with the feeds you rely on every day,” said Clare Barfoot, SPILLERS® nutritionist. “The SPILLERS essentials range means you won’t ever have to.”

For friendly feeding advice contact the SPILLERS® Care-Line on +44 (0)1908 226626, email careline@spillers-feeds.com or visit www.spillers-feeds.com.

(continued from page 9) do the arithmetic you will see that if you feed poor quality hay you must provide about 20% more hay to provide the same amount of energy intake compared to when good quality forage is fed kg for kg. In terms of protein, there is such a large difference between forages that the only way to make up any protein deficit is to feed a high protein concentrate or balancer since increasing the quantity of poor quality forage fed is, in many cases, impractical and will exceed appetite constraints.

Table 1: Forage characteristics Forage

DE (MJ/kg DM)

CP (g/kg DM)

Young grass Mature grass Alfalfa, early flowering Young grass silage Mature grass silage Maize whole crop silage Good grass hay Poor grass hay Dried grass Dried alfalfa

11.1 9.2 9.7 9.6 8.3 11.5 9.9 8.5 10.9 9.5

185 80 165 160 110 90 99 65 190 200

Feeding scenarios. Horses at maintenance should not require any hard feed in addition to forage. An exception might be when only very poor quality forage is available that is both low in protein and micronutrients.

In this case an appropriate balancer or supplement should suffice. A 500kg horse fed the best quality conserved forage at 2% body weight (BW) as DM would consume about 160% of its energy requirement and thus would become fat. This perfectly illustrates the need to try to balance forage type to requirement and it also shows that no hard feed would be required. If only the best quality forage is available then intake will have to be limited to avoid obesity but from a welfare perspective this is not a good thing.

Horses/ponies in work need additional dietary energy supplies. As work intensity increases the contribution of forage to need becomes progressively less, simply because the animal cannot eat enough. Horses in hard work cannot accommodate the large volumes of forage that would be necessary to meet energy needs. Furthermore, a lot of forage would impose a burden on the horse in terms of non-functional weight or “ballast” and, 14 | February 2015

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HOYS 2015 SHOWING QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCED T he countdown to the 2015 season has already begun. Get your 2015 calendars at the ready, the list of Horse of the Year Show 2015 showing qualifiers has now been published at http://hoys.co.uk/competitorzone/showing-qualifiers/.

Competitors up and down the country will contest the qualifiers, held between March and September, in a bid to secure their place 7th – 11th October 2015 at Birmingham’s NEC. The Ladies’ Hunter of the Year Championship will become the Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship.

From 2015, this final will be open to hacks, cobs and riding horses, as well as hunters, ridden side saddle by a lady. The hugely popular Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year Championship will now be open to ponies whose breeding is in part Dartmoor, New Forest or Connemara, as well as ponies whose breeding is, in part, Welsh or Arab.

as everyone knows, weight is a real handicap to horse performance. For a racehorse in full work even the very best quality forage can only be fed in limited quantities. A typical forage concentrate ratio would be 30:70 and thus the quality of the forage would have a negligible effect on the quantity of hard feed used; in this case, energy needs dictate the nature of the diet, not forage quality. A difference of 2MJ/kg DM would have little impact. However, at lower work rates and within appetite constraints, a high quality hay fed to a 500kg horse at the rate of 6kg DM/day would supply the energy equivalent of one kg hard feed more than if 6kg of poor hay were fed. Thus, quality forage can lead to savings in hard feed usage depending on the type of work done.

Yearlings that are being produced for the Thoroughbred Yearling sales are conventionally fed quite a lot of hard feed prior to the sales because the desired “finish/top line” cannot be obtained using forage alone. However, the contribution of forage to overall need will be affected by its quality and good forage could allow a saving in hard feed as in the example above.

Pregnant mares can do well on average forage alone in the early stages of pregnancy without the need for any hard feed. Of course, they should never be fed inferior quality forage at this stage. Hard feed usage at this time would be unusual. As the pregnancy advances space in the mares abdomen becomes restricted by the developing foetus and associated placenta so clearly conserved forage will have a limited usefulness. Of course, mares foaling in the natural season should be able to exist on fresh grass without recourse to hard feed. Doubts about grass quality in terms of micronutrients might suggest the use of a low-volume balancer/ supplement.

Lactating mares have a relatively high requirement both for energy (2x maintenance) and protein (3x maintenance). Assuming a 500kg mare can eat 2.5% of its bodyweight (12.5kg DM) then poor quality hay would only supply ~80% of energy need and ~52% of protein need. In contrast, good hay would supply ~90% of energy need but only ~80% of protein need. It is clear from the foregoing that hard feed must be fed to the mare in early lactation to match need and that the quantity and character of the mix fed will be affected by the quality of the forage. For example, a higher protein stud mix would be needed to accompany poor hay compared to that needed for good hay.

It should be clear from the foregoing that forage quality significantly affects not only the quantity of hard feed but also its nutrient profile.

In some notable cases, such as racehorse diets, the quality of the forage is almost irrelevant because so little can be fed and in some tropical and subtropical countries, very little forage is naturally available for feeding racehorses (West Indies, Hong Kong, UAE, etc). However, what is paramount in terms of forage quality is its hygienic status although this does not affect the quantity of hard feed fed! www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:56

Low g in Feedtes Ra

3 Partly Steam Extruded

Partly Micronised

Low Starch

Low Sugar

Stabilised Rice Bran

Beetroot

Omega 3

Prebiotics

Protexin® Probiotics

“The Best Of Everything” – Sir Mark Todd

Mark Todd Stay Cool by Keyflow is a low sugar, low starch feed that is packed full of goodness. Containing nature’s own superfood beetroot, omega 3 rich virgin cold pressed rapeseed oil and the world leading Protexin® probiotics, Stay Cool is an appetising mix that leaves your horse feeling his best.

Ingredients are made ultra digestible through the latest feed technologies wet steam extrusion and micronisation, which means you can feed less yet expect a better result. Not only will this save you money, but it also supports normal, calm behaviour so you can get on with what you love – riding.

Simply add plain chaff for a complete diet that is as good for your horse as it looks.

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 15

Ask for Mark Todd Stay Cool at your favourite feedstore.

Find out more and request a free sample at keyflowfeeds.com/free-sample Web: keyflowfeeds.com Phone 01672 519 000 Email: advice@keyflowfeeds.com

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23/01/2015 14:56

Healthcare

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Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 16

WEIGHT LOSS: COMMON THINGS ARE COMMON

Ben Sturgeon, Bsc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS

A

n apt subject given perhaps the indulgences this time of year? I’m sure we’re all feeling a little worse for wear? Whilst it is common knowledge as to the dangers of obesity in equids with laminitis being the number one complication. That this still remains difficult to treat, presents long term recurrence and management issues and is a welfare and ethical issue for chronically lame horses and ponies living a life of virtual starvation and exercise intolerance is or should be warning enough. It is the converse however, that we are starting to see increasingly and especially over the winter periods. This is compounded somewhat, although by no means a complaint, by the fact that our animals are definitely living longer so we are witnessing diseases and conditions of degeneration and chronic deterioration. These latter presentations can often be extremely difficult to effectively treat, with the initiating changes long since passed or the repeated small insult developing into a situation where major changes have now arisen due to the overall accumulation.

The first example of this is in dental disease, still the number one cause of poor condition, lack of condition or of weight loss.

The equid’s jaw is classified as hypsodont, wider on the top than the bottom, and combined with the modern diet incorporating less fibre and increased concentrate means that the simple action of chewing is reduced. This quite naturally

results in the emergence of small and sharp enamel overgrowths which will cause cheek or tongue lacerations and ulcers. With more time and increasing size of the overgrowths the mechanical action of the opposing maxilla and mandible will become affected with a “shear mouth”. The loss of the “prehensive” phase of digestion will obviously impact upon weight and condition and can also predispose to colic due to the lack of digestive efficiency.

If the horse has a compounding condition such as a parrot mouth or sow mouth, fractured, extra-numary (extra-teeth), or maleruptions then the emergence of the overgrowths will be more extreme. The overgrowths however can and should be dealt with early and simply with routine rasping, the frequency of which will depend on the level of oral abnormalities found. Of greater difficulty is the treatment of a very common oral condition in weight loss cases, diastema, or “gaps” between the teeth. The incidence of these diastema is high and in some horses, run between every tooth. These can be developmental and disappear with age and tooth eruption but in many cases they are permanent.

The gaps allow the packing of food material and a subsequent gingivitis leading to recession and even bone involvement. Therapy is dependent upon the severity and is requires frequent re-evaluations.

Diet changes are recommended

Feet First into the Competition Season!

C heck to see if your horse or pony suffers from poor hoof growth or crumbling/split hooves, then this can make it difficult to keep shoes on and interfere with your planned competition schedule!

Aloeride is a pure organic and natural aloe vera supplement, which with its unique blend of nutrients could help improve your horses’ feet.

Clinical trials have shown that aloe vera can boost hoof growth by

more than 50% over a four-month period – and the unique spectrum of nutrients within Aloeride can bring even better results. And don’t forget that in supporting hoof growth, you’re also supporting the growth of healthy skin and hair too, in one small daily sachet of Aloeride.

RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply) www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464550 www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:57

Healthcare but the exact diet (to reduce food packing) is controversial with some recommending short chopped feed and others longer fibre, experimentation is necessary.

Removal of the food is always helpful but brushing a horses’ teeth is not easy!

Training the horse to accept a hose pipe wash out can be done but often management will not truly aid the problems. Again routine examination and rasping should identify the problem, removal of overlying overgrowths called “transverse ridges” is the mainstay in early cases, if it is more advanced (grade 2) food removal, vigorous cleaning of the gingival margins for a few days before packing with dental glues is the norm although the various packing materials are all temporary and rarely last beyond three months. For more advanced (grade 3) cases widening of the gaps to encourage less food impaction can be done although practically difficult in some smaller mouths, followed lastly by dental extraction where bone involvement is recorded and dental pain evident.

Management is in my experience number two one the list. This does not mean abject idiocy but failure to recognise a change in field and population dynamics. Old or young horses are often down the dominance pecking order and so lose out on feeding opportunities.

Where compounded by common dental changes the older horse also requires a significantly longer time to feed or have access to feed and in a field situation this can be lost with more aggressive field maters. This should also serve as a reminder that such horses will often “do” better on a more frequent feeding protocol utilising smaller feeds incorporating highly and easily digestible feed stuffs fed perhaps 3-4 times daily rather than in one or two larger feeds. The simple addition of oil (a calorie dense, easily prehensible and digestible, and cheap option) can often provide excellent results in these animals.

Parasitism can never be ruled out in any case. This could be despite the fact that worm egg counts are low as the results depend upon the technique used with most only detecting large strongyles rather than the more injurious cyathostomes and tapeworms.

Additionally, it is recognised that the small red worm can remain in hibernation for several years, resulting in a low or zero faecal egg count. This is the reason a modern worming protocol will still advocate use of anthelmintics for the encysted cyathostomes and tapeworms at least once during the winter period to deal with any in that category. Of course worm damage can be present within a gut despite worm management,

a large burden as a youngster can have consequences much later in life. Of more concern though is the possibility that if indeed you do find high faecal egg counts, that you have a resistance problem to the drugs used or that you are using them ineffectively (under-dosing being commonest). This should always be discussed if you find your horse has repeated high counts.

Metabolic conditions such as Cushings disease are always a consideration where the horse has lost muscle, has a pot bellied appearance or more commonly shows evidence of laminitis, hirsutism, recurrent infections, changes in mentation, excessive drinking &/or urination. Whilst the condition tends to be in the older animal cases have been recorded in animals as young as 4 years of age. Although not every horse should be blood sampled for Cushings where weight loss is evident, the failure to maintain condition especially in the face of potentially more subtle signs should give cause for thought.

Abdominal disease is lower on the list of differentials. Inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease are commonest with the former being recognised more in middle aged horses and the latter in much older animals or those in very poor grazing where hepatotoxic plants such as ragwort are eaten.

Conditions such as kidney disease, peritonitis or abdominal tumour formation, whilst recorded, are rare.

Lastly infectious or inflammatory conditions should be considered.

Any chronic condition such as recurrent airway obstruction, especially if deteriorating will impact upon the metabolic status of the animal. Infections such as Anaplasma and even widespread skin conditions such as rain scald, mud fever and Staphylococcus Aureus have much the same influence.

In short then the horse or pony in a poor condition can have a multiplicity of possibilities. It can be very difficult to accurately diagnose the causal relationship because for example, with dental treatment, the result will only be seen a few months later. As a result the diagnostic and therapeutic approach tends to be more scatter gun, ruling out more sinister conditions and treating the more common ailments irrespective of their exact level of significance.

This combined with a review of the management and feeding protocols usually results in a good response although only after an acceptable period of recovery.

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Xxxxxxxxxx Training • Healthcare

Equine Products

Mixing and Matching your Training By Jenny Richardson BHSAI T

- Horse Feeders - Hay Protectors - Drinking Bowls - Water Troughs - Tipping Wheelbarrows - Pony Houses

o produce a strong partnership between horse and rider, there are many exercises to help with obedience and balance. Groundwork is the foundation for all good competition horses at any level, and in any discipline. Pole work plays an important part of your production of the horse, and should be practised regularly.

New ideas and different exercises keeps interest up for both parties and the prospects of new challenges can help raise your game!

Why not mix and match?

Here’s a nice exercise to try. Once good trot and canter pole work is well established, set out three canter poles down the three quarter line of one arena side, approximately three metres apart (different horses will vary, and it should be specific for your horse – having someone on the ground to make alterations will help). Across the diagonal, from

F to H as per the diagram, arrange three to five trot poles, approximately one metre apart. On the opposite three quarter line, set up a small fence or cross pole centrally, with a placing pole either side, in order that it can be jumped in both directions.

Lastly, a second obstacle should be diagonally set from K to M. Warm up using your trotting poles - you can also trot through the canter poles, getting the horse used to the set up, and loosening up his muscles.

Move on to some canter work incorporating the canter poles, then separately play over the two small jumps - you are now ready to start with the mix and match exercise!

The foundation of this exercise is to canter over the canter poles, trot at A, change the rein from F to H over the trotting poles, pick up canter between C and H, and proceed over the obstacle at B. Maintain canter, and change the rein from K to M over the other jump and at C trot. Your goals are to be accurate in the transitions and to maintain straightness, have an even

Looking for a Joint Supplement that really Works?

C

old weather and extra stabling mean that many horses will be feeling their joints. Now is the time to make sure that your horse is getting the right nutrition to maintain healthy joints, especially if you are looking to increase work load for competition.

Nupafeed Flex GLM is an innovative Green Lipped Mussel based joint supplement which provides complete care for joints and connective tissue to keep your horse flexible and free moving.

Flex GLM contains more Green Lipped Mussel than any other supplement, an important source of long chain DHA omega-3, nourishing glycosaminoglycans (building blocks needed in order to maintain structure and impact absorption) and trace minerals.

We have complemented this special extract with targeted anti-oxidants which mop-up damaging free radicals produced during work and MAH® magnesium which allows the body to effectively manage calcium so that it does not accumulate in soft tissues.

Flex GLM is a highly palatable daily supplement which can be added to your normal feeding regime.

“After injuring her hock quite badly Rosie needed surgery to remove a large fibrous mass from her hock. The surgery went well and after a very long road she was able to start work again but her hock filled with fluid and our vet advised not to drain it. During the next few months we tried everything we could from old wives tales of applying goose fat to very expensive feed supplements and products. After finding Nupafeed and reading other owners testimonials I didn’t think twice about phoning up. After three weeks of her usual routine we noticed her hock was looking considerably better. These days it’s barely noticeable and we are able to enjoy showing again. No other joint supplement we’ve tried compares to Flex GLM and the Nupafeed team are extremely helpful, a big thank you!" Amy Johnston, Clackmannanshire.

Visit our testimonials online to see Rosie’s amazing before and after photos!

Flex GLM is only available direct from Nupafeed UK: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk

18 | February 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:57

Xxxxxxxxxx Training

When cantering, ensure you’re on the correct lead rhythm throughout and when cantering, be on the correct lead. Many horses tend to change canter leads over canter poles or jumps as they lose balance and fall out or in. If you can master this exercise, it will help you ride a more calculated show jumping round, and it will also help your horse’s flatwork, if you have dressage tests in mind.

A tailored exercise This exercise can be tailored to your specific needs or problems. A horse which rushes after a fence should perhaps be asked to come in trot over the fence at B, and if he canters away, bring him back to trot at C, and change the rein from H to F over the trotting poles. If your horse is the opposite and rushes towards a fence, the

first thing to do is master the canter poles without rushing, then apply this technique to the obstacle at B, as the placing pole coming in and out is likely to back him off, and make him think. You could also trot your small jump on the diagonal, from K to M. Change this simple course to suit your needs; ride it from both directions and don’t be afraid to mix and match any order of the tasks.

If you want to hone your pole-work, consider a training break at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, where Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager. This venue offers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland.

Visit www.castleleslie.com

Sometimes a change makes you realise what you have been missing Only the very best ingredients are used in Hickstead Horse Feeds, ensuring you peace of mind.

Our horse feeds are available throughout the UK and Europe and are supported by an excellent infrastructure of high quality feed mills, logistic support and customer liaison.

Maybe it’s time to make a change?

For more details about our horse feeds: visit: www.hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk Email: info@hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk Tel: 0845 0250 444 HicksteadHorseFeeds

www.equi-ads.com

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February 2015 | 19

23/01/2015 14:57

Xxxxxxxxxx News

British Polo Day is one of the Highlights of a Landmark Equestrian Year in the UAE T

his year not only marks the 20th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup Races but the return of the sixth British Polo Day Abu Dhabi and seventh British Polo Day Dubai. Following HRH Prince Harry’s recent visit to Abu Dhabi - swinging his polo mallet for the crowds at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club for the Sentebale Polo Cup - British Polo Day is only too delighted to keep the British polo ‘buzz’ alive across the region…

British Polo Day Abu Dhabi starts the ball rolling for the 2015 British Polo Day Global Series, on Saturday 21stMarch.

Some of Britain’s best young players will take to the prestigious pitch of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club – one of only three floodlit pitches in the world and the private royal club of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed al Nahyan - for an evening of fast-paced polo, fine dining and philanthropy.

Arriving in chauffeured Land Rovers to a glamourous black tie Taittinger reception, guests will enjoy a traditional game of camel polo – the Hackett Camel Polo Cup – followed by the eagerlyanticipated Land Rover Trophy between the British Exiles and the home team Ghantoot, eager to maintain last year’s victory. As the sun sets, guests will then sit

Jamie Morrison and Yusaf Bin Desmal.

Credit Sam Churchill

down to a three-course dinner

by Gaucho, followed by a charity auction for the benefit of WAHA (Women and Health Alliance) and Help for Heroes. With lots including seven days on the edge of wildness at exclusive retreat Nihiwatu, Sumba; a week in one of 3rd Home’s luxurious properties; and a private Taittinger reception and dinner for four at Wiltons (with a unique Royal Salute Quaich experience and fine Davidoff Cigars), British Polo Day hopes to kick off an impressive year of fundraising, which has to date contributed over US$1.2million to worthy causes.

Travelling with Abercrombie & Kent, guests, players and polo enthusiasts will then spend the proceeding days exploring the region – Abu Dhabi’s majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque,

its sweeping Corniche, boat trips across the crystal clear waters of the Persian Gulf and, of course, the vertiginous architectural wonders of Dubai’s spectacular skyscrapers and world-famous islands.

Then, on Friday 27th March, the magnificent British Polo Day Dubai returns to the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club – the birthplace of British Polo Day and the setting for its very first event in 2009. Hosts, the Habtoor family, will welcome an anticipated 500 VIP guests for a day of camel, Brompton bicycle and traditional polo! Meanwhile guests will soakup the sunshine pitchside.

A firm fixture on the sporting and social calendar, British Polo Day Dubai falls on the first day of the region’s biggest equine weekend – that of the 20th Anniversary of the Dubai World Cup Races. Marking the momentous occasion, members of the elite Cavalry and Guards Regiments of the British Army will entertain guests with the Hackett Camel Polo Cup match followed by Eton vs Harrow Brompton bicycle polo. Following this, players from the prestigious British institutions of Oxford and Cambridge will compete for the Falcon Cup against local players from the Dubai Polo club - while hosts and generous patrons,

The Right Hon Nicholas Soames MP, Lady Violet Manners, Nicholas Dellaportas

Habtoor Polo finally take on the British Exiles team.

Tom Hudson, Co-Founder of British Polo Day: “We are delighted that the British Polo Day series has become a global platform that celebrates the history and heritage of polo whilst also raising significant amounts for good causes. We began in the UAE in 2009 and always feel that this is the home of British Polo Day and that the success of the event is no small part due to the vision and spirit in the UAE. We are also proud to be working with so many of the world’s best brands to deliver an unrivalled experience for our guests.”

All British Polo Day guests will travel through official travel partner, Abercrombie & Kent.

Those wishing to apply for invitations should contact: britishpoloday@abercrombiekent.co.uk 0845 485 1544

Welcome to Cashjumping™

D

esigned for all show jumpers whatever their level and will provide fair competition for all with reasonable entry fees, decent prize money and good facilities.

Riders and their Horses or Ponies compete in Classes from 60cms up to 1.40M, with entry fees from £10 and 50% of the entry fee being placed in the prize fund pot, and distributed amongst the winners. This provides a decent entry fee to prize money ratio. Membership is set at £15 for the first horse or pony a rider registers and £5 for every subsequent horse/pony registered.

Winnings are recorded in National League tables available here and the top 50 riders in each class will qualify for the National Cashjumping finals in September.

Upcoming Events 1. Blue Sky Equestrian November 23, 2014 January 25, 2015 2. TACK FARM January 4, 2015 3. HARGATE ARENA January 4, 2015 4. Norton Heath January 11, 2015 March 15, 2015 5. HARGATE ARENA January 11, 2015

20 | February 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:57

KEEP CALM a delicious, quick soaking

NEW

high fibre feed

What makes it good

n High fibre, non-heating, slow release n low sugar & barley free n Maintains condition whilst helping encourage a calm temperament n quickly soaks in 10 minutes n Balanced with vitamins & minerals n For all horses & ponies at rest up to moderate work, as well as those prone to laminitis*

What makes it Better

n Very low starch (7%) n contains magnesium & calcium

What makes it unique

n With digest Plus prebiotic for gut health n With flavours of essential oils to tempt fussy feeders n contains

The Super-Fibre Ingredient

GET YOUR FREE SAMPLE PACK Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 3) e: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk *except when needing a calorie-controlled diet

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 21

23/01/2015 14:57

Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx

NUTRITION FOCUS This month, nutritional expert, Anna Welch, BVSc, BSc, MRCVS, Veterinary Nutritionist at TopSpec, shares her expertise.

I

n this feature, we invite experts to answer your burning questions - please email us at nutrition@equiads.com if you have an equine nutrition enquiry. (Your questions may be shortened to fit the available space.)

Q. How can I ensure I am feeding my horse well without overspending?

Daniel Bloomfield, Staffs A. The best value feed for horses is grass. Conserved grasses, hay and haylage, are the next best value, and so it makes sense to maximise the use of these in most cases by feeding them ad-lib. (Laminitics and overweight horses are an exception, where grazing/forage may need restricting).

Ensure a good worm management programme, regular dental checks and, for horses’ that struggle with condition, adequate rugs and stabling.

One way of saving money may be to buy a cheaper compound feed.

However, if you have to feed more of it to maintain condition and micronutrient support, you may need to buy supplements to address any problems such as poor hoof quality, joint mobility etc.

Feeding a top specification feed balancer that includes high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and yeast products will improve the digestibility and utilisation of feed (including grass, hay and haylage), thus reducing the requirement for extra hard feed. You can eliminate the need for additional supplements such as a hoof supplement, joint support, anti-oxidants, blood tonics and digestive aids because they are

Horses Need Fresh Air! F

resh air is healthy for horses, but over the winter it’s often hard to give your horse much access to the open air. Instead he may spend long periods in the stable and this could affect the way he behaves or performs. But there is an easy way to help your horse maintain healthy lungs.

WINERGY Ventil-ate® is a unique supplement that has been scientifically proven in research to support the horse’s own natural lung defences, with the use of important antioxidants. Antioxidants are a key part of the body’s natural defences and have been shown to help support the lungs when challenged with unwanted dust particles, mould allergens and other airway irritants found in the stable.

Clare Barfoot, nutritionist at WINERGY® said: “Unsuitable or limited winter grazing in many areas of the UK means winter stabling of horses is often a necessity from November to March. Unfortunately this can dramatically increase the chance of lung irritation, which in turn can affect behaviour and performance. Giving your horse a proven supplement throughout the winter really can help.”

WINERGY Ventil-ate® is available in 8.4kg or 2.8kg tub sizes.

Find out more by calling 01908 576277, visiting www. winergy.com or www.facebook. com/winergyfeeds

22 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 22

included within the balancer. So, not only are you simplifying your feeding regime, but saving money in the long term.

Eventing and polo enthusiast Paul Thomason MA VetMB MRCVS represents Thomason & Walters equine veterinary surgeons, and says TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer keeps his own polo ponies and team chase horses in excellent condition. “Because the balancer is so well formulated, we don’t need to add lots of expensive supplements to their feed,” he adds.

Q. How can diet help improve my horse’s behaviour? I am interested in finding out about non-heating feeds.

Carly Hammond, Carlisle A. The horse’s digestive system functions optimally when fed little and often with forage. Those equines that are fed in this way tend to have less behavioural problems.

It is important to mimic the natural way of feeding, and in most cases, provide ad-lib forage (hay/haylage). The equine digestive system will struggle to cope if fed high levels of cereals or cereal-based compound feeds, mixes or cubes. The high level of starch results in a disturbance of the microbial balance in the hindgut, which increases its acidity and can affect a horse’s behaviour. Even some products marketed as ‘cool mixes’ contain some cereal grains and are often molassed, so can cause ‘fizzy’ behaviour. Hard feeds and balancers should ideally be low in sugar and starch, and cereal-grain free.

Horses that are anxious, even when fed a low sugar and starch diet, can benefit from the use of a calmer on top of a low sugar/starch diet.

Horse owner Janet Pilling has owned Gypsy for 14 years. “At competitions I found he could get very fizzy and lose focus in the dressage. I decided to try TopSpec Calmer in addition to his TopSpec diet, as although I wanted him to remain relaxed in the dressage I still needed him to have plenty of energy and go for the cross-country phase,” she says. “The difference has been amazing and I now go to competitions confident that he will keep calm in the dressage phase rather than argue with me.”

TopSpec can be contacted, free of charge, on 01845-565030

New Sports Mix

N

ew Equerry Sports Mix is designed for competition horses and ponies in medium to hard work.

Providing highly digestible cereals to meet the high energy demands of competition horses, it includes good quality protein for muscle development and function.

Oil and linseed help to promote a shiny coat and stamina with raised levels of Vitamin E, an important anti-oxidant.

Yeast is included for a healthy digestive system and with added vitamins and minerals including magnesium.

The Equerry range of top-quality horse feeds contains something for every horse or pony, whether you are feeding youngstock, a leisure horse or a competition horse, there is a product in the range to meet their nutritional requirements.

Equerry horse feeds are formulated by experienced nutritionists, using only the best quality ingredients and are produced under the BETA NOPS scheme giving horse owners peace of mind.

The range includes seven cubes, six coarse mixes, one mash and one treat in the form of Equerry Minty Horse Treats.

Equerry Sports Mix - 20kg size - £12.25.

To find out more about the Equerry range of horse feeds visit www.equerryhorsefeeds. com or telephone 01845 565640. www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:57

Quality Horse Feeds

Trusted since 1675

Win Condition Cooler Mash and a Horseware winter wardrobe at

www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

A Winter Warmer

Condition Cooler Mash Quick-soaking mash for horses that need to gain weight and condition.

Soaks in 5 to 10 minutes

•

Low levels of starch, ‘Non-Heating’ formula.

•

Good level of protein for muscle development and topline.

•

Highly digestible fibre sources including sugar beet.

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Oil and linseed to promote condition and a shiny coat.

•

Includes a high level of yeast for a healthy digestive system.

•

With added vitamins and minerals including magnesium.

£9.95 throughout January, February and March* Tel: 01845 565640 or (062) 85401 (Ireland) www.equerryhorsefeeds.com Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 23

*special introductory price

23/01/2015 14:57

Xxxxxxxxxx Saddlery

When Fit and Quality Really Matters!

I n the last few years more and more horse owners around the world have started to realise the true importance of a correctly fitting saddle for both horse and rider.

Yes we all want value for money and a saddle that stands the test of time, but have you ever wondered why some saddles cost £1,000 while some can be twice as much.

Here we look at - 10 Reasons Why Your Saddle is a Sound Investment.

The Society of Master Saddlers offer advice on what to look for in your saddle when making a new purchase and the best process to go through to ensure an exacting fit for horse and rider.

1. It is vital that you have a thorough consultation with your saddle fitter. This may take up to three hours but is time well spent to get the best end result. If required have your trainer and

physiotherapist on hand at the same time.

2. When your saddle is ready and finished, don’t simply allow it to be sent in the post, in the hope it will fit, make sure a return visit is part of the buying and fitting process.

3. We all know that old saying ‘You get what you pay for’ and in any walk of life you have to pay for expertise. When buying a new saddle you should always get it fitted by a Society of Master Saddles Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter, as you are guaranteed they are fully qualified, professional and have a minimum of three years’ experience.

4. Making sure the saddle is created from the highest quality leather from around the world and the craftsmanship behind the saddle is at the top of the skill level helps to result in a superior quality product.

5. When having your saddle

Fitting a saddle

made, go for a supplier who can make a saddle where all design features are interchangeable across the entire saddle to provide the highest degree of comfort and freedom for the horse and support and security for the rider.

6. Whatever your discipline, from dressage to showjumping, cross-country to showing or leisure riding, a bespoke saddle should be designed and fitted by highly trained experts who really understand your horses needs.

7. Your saddle should balance comfort, with style and performance, helping to maximise your partnership and ensuring neither horse or rider have to compromise.

8. Remember there is ‘leather’ and there is leather! Cheaper quality leather can have a tendency to be slippery, not great when in the saddle, and not the best policy to scrimp

on quality in this instance.

9. Remember saddles need to be checked regularly as the horse gains fitness or changes as it gets older.

10. By following the nine points above and with experts on hand to check your saddle on a regular basis, this will ensure your investment will hold high value if later resold or changed.

To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

Back and Saddle Fit Scan Perfect, patent…and now in V

eterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) offers a range of thermal imaging scans for horses, including the Back and Saddle Fit Scan, that allows you to see exactly how your saddle fits.

The simple process maps heat patterns across the horse’s saddle and his or her back, showing how the saddle fits using the thermal patterns generated. The ideal fit will produce an image showing uniform temperature distribution across the saddle and the horse’s back, with areas affected by overly narrow or imbalanced areas shown by hotter colours due to increased pressure, and areas of less or no contact shown by cooler colours. The state of the art infra red camera takes thousands of temperature readings per click, which then produce a technicolour image that shows what’s really going on under the saddle. As an extra service, thermal imaging can show if the rider is one sided and how their weight changes the way the saddle sits on the horse’s back!

A Back and Saddle Fit Scan costs £50 plus travel and takes place at the owner’s premises.

For more information, see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com or call 0844 544 3314 or email enquiries@vtiuk.com to find your nearest VTI thermographer and book.

24 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_p24.indd 24

chestnut!

K

ate Negus Saddlery is delighted to announce that its Patent Trim Leather Bridles are now available in chestnut, as well as black.

All Kate Negus bridles are made using top quality English leather that’s tanned in Yorkshire and crafted in Walsall. Each style of bridle allows the buyer to personalise their purchase, whether they need a mixture of sizes to ensure the perfect fit, want to change a standard headpiece to the Grand Prix Padded Headpiece, or if they want to switch the matching browband supplied for a diamante one at the time of purchase. Being able to customise the bridle at the time of purchase not only keeps costs down, as there’s no need to buy additional parts, it also makes it truly bespoke.

“Shine and sparkle are definitely trends that we’re seeing at Kate Negus Saddlery,” says Julia Andrews from Kate Negus. “Our Padded International Patent Trim Bridles continue to be popular, but people have been asking us for a chestnut version and, due to customer demand, we had one made. We put this on the stand at our last show in 2014 and people

loved it, so we put in an order. The chestnut version is now available to buy online and will be available on our tradestand this year. As per the black version, it has patent trim on the noseband and browband, but the browband can be changed for something with even more sparkle, like an SR Diamante Browband or the Full Curved Diamante Browband pictured.”

The Patent Trim Leather Bridle is available with a cavesson pull back fastening noseband, flash or as a double bridle. Prices start from £175 depending on style and options selected. Chestnut patent nosebands and browbands are also available to buy separately.

To find out more, see www.katenegus.com, call 0780 115 0571 or email contact@katenegus.com. www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:53

For Great Gut Health

Cereal free for positive energy

With live yeast and pre biotic for digestive support

Made with no compromise The For more information call our Care-Line: 01908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 25

range from SPILLERS® ©MARS Horsecare UK Ltd.®MARS and SPILLERS are Registered Trademarks.

23/01/2015 15:22

Xxxxxxxxxx Letters

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lecture/Demo wondered if your readers might be interested in a lecture/demo that we are organising at Myerscough College, Lancs, in March?

“We” are a small group of people who want to bring top class instructors to the North of England for lectures and training. We have already had Christoph Hess, an international judge and instructor, for three very successful visits and we’re now combining Christoph’s flatwork training with John Ledingham’s showjumping expertise.

They will be discussing “Flatwork and Jumping: What’s the Difference?” on Wednesday 11th March at 7.30pm in Myerscough College’s big indoor school.

Details can be found on the Trot North Facebook page.

Regards, Judith

I

Safety first...

I am a big fan of equi-Ads, but was surprised to see you had allowed a picture (back

section) showing two people hacking out with not one piece of reflective clothing on. This sends a bad message to all riders.

Sorry if I sound picky but having experienced a serious riding accident many years ago, I feel it is important to ensure maximum safety.

G. Taylor

Dear Editor...

I have to say what a splendid front cover on December’s Equiads.

Usually they are all horses jumping or dressaging but the beautifully turned out huntsman on his Chestnut with the hounds is a real joy to see. Thank you. Best wishes for the festive season.

Gill Grimwood Hello Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the tickets to Olympia - the show was amazing and the seats were in a fantastic place - just one row back from the arena! A brilliant start to my Christmas Thank you!!

Best wishes, Lisa Emery

painting, massage and stretching road shows are as popular as ever) to more in depth biomechanics and dissection courses. This year we are running more CPD for therapist days in Leicestershire.

As well as fulfilling the need for CPD they give people who work alone the opportunity to ‘bounce’ ideas off other professionals. We are also dipping our toes in the water by running a day course for saddlers to learn more about the practical aspects of applied biomechanics and anatomical principles of movement related to the horse’s back.

In Switzerland in 2014 Gillian combined her interest in Anatomy and Biomechanics with her BHS Senior Coach qualification and ran a course assessing horse and rider combinations then suggesting individual exercises to help with imbalances and asymmetries.

This was a great success! If you can get a group together at your yard this makes a wonderful day course.

This year we are giving many more courses related to the horses’ back and veterinary

Dear Editor..

Horses Inside Out January Newsletter 2015

Happy New Year! All of us at Horses Inside Out hope you have a great year, achieve your aims, enjoy your horses, and have a happy, healthy and successful 2015 whatever that means to you!

Our diary is certainly filling up fast with courses of all ‘shapes and sizes’. These range from day courses for livery yards, horse owners and clubs (our anatomical

th

!

16 ar ye

The Elico Equine Decahedron...

The Equi-Ads family!

I read the letter about sycamore seeds and the owners whose horse died. I do remember the article well, and the one in the January number.

Over a year Equi-Ads provides an enormous amount of very useful information to any horse owner, or rider, plus news which makes one feel we are a part of a family with a common interest the health and well being of our stable friends.

The web site is excellent.

Yours, Felicity Mitchell, Portsmouth

It’s horseplay

The most popular stable toy on the market with a persona of its own.

A twenty-sided, equine boredom-beater. Fill with treats and let the horse play – with tasty rewards!

STOP IT Naturally...

Helps prevent stable boredom Acts as a trickle feeder to avoid overeating Made from strong military-grade materials (beware of inferior copies!)

|

Beat .HEALTH issues ...naturally equine • pet • farm • plant • human

● Vitamin D ● Joint Care/Ageing & Skin (Omega 3 oils, Maxavita OM3 Green Lipped Mussel, Pillules) ● Hoof, Gut, Immune, Stress, Cold/Flu (Protexin Probiotics) ● Superfood Green Barley ● Skin Issues, Insects, Bugs (Ruggle-it) See web for masses of Testimonials for animals & humans

.Ruggle-it 1 product - 18 issues

Choice of 5 distinctive colours in two sizes

equine • pet • farm • plant • human

NO Tea Tree/Harsh Chemicals 100% Natural Oil Mix + Pioneering Shampoo ● Mud & Fungus Issues ● Mites/Lice/Ticks/Fleas ● Stamping/Leg Rubbing ● Midges/Flies/Mossies ● Itchy Pet Paws/Ears/Body ● Bites ● Mystery Itching (animal/human) ● Mane/Tail Rubbing ● Hair Loss ● Scurf ● Crusty Lumps ● Minor Cuts ● Plant Aphids ● Head Lice...

5

YEARS

www.elico.co.uk 26 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 26

Available from all good equestrian and agricultural retailers

●“Horse stamping, mites & mud scabs gone”●“It saves me a fortune”●“Spray-shampoo - ideal in winter”●“Great for dog's hair loss, itching, fleas”●“Your products & approach are unusual - but results impressive”●“Fly rugs rarely needed”●“Ruggle-it beats the Scottish Midges!” Used by Vets

Ruggles

&

Stopitall Ltd

| www.karenruggles.co.uk |

01823 259952

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23/01/2015 15:22

Letters • News

Equine Cortaflex HA Superfenn A

A Role for Magnesium Equine Nursing Careers Calmers Boots for all occasions Sweet Itch Products PLUS news and much more besides…

COPY DEADLINE 10TH FEBRUARY EDITORIAL TO BOB@EQUIADS.NET

A safe and natural alternative to provide the horse with joint comfort and to support mobility.

Super-Fenn™ Powder contains Bromelain and Yucca, fortified with ASU, and does not contain Devils Claw or alcohol.

Available in 450g – a one month supply for an average horse or pony. This product does not contravene current FEI and Jockey Club rules. Will also be available for dogs.

W EW N NE A unique combination of natural ingredients which support the vital functions performed by a healthy liver. Liver Flush™ Solution will help to protect the liver cells and the processes relative to digestion, metabolism, the storage of important nutrients, tissue regeneration and the reduction of toxins from the horses body.

Available in 500ml – a 10 day course for an average horse or pony. This product does not contravene current FEI and Jockey Club rules.

PRO-PELL PLUS® Iron rich vitamin and mineral tonic. High levels of work or competition can leave some horses feeling flat and without sparkle.

Pro-Pell Plus® is a daily tonic designed to increase energy levels and act as a pick me up - its iron rich formulation will provide energy with beneficial vitamins & minerals, leaving the horse fresh and full of vitality.

Pro-Pell Plus® can also be fed to horses that are recovering from illness and to older horses when they need a little boost.

Available in 1ltr – a one month supply at maintenance and 4ltr. This product does not contravene current FEI & Jockey Club rules.

ULS-GARD™ The lifestyle of a domestic horse, whether used for leisure or competition, creates the conditions which very frequently lead to poor gastric health, including damage to the stomach lining. Uls-Gard™ has been developed as an inexpensive supplement which can be fed continually to achieve healthy performance in the stomach by coating & soothing the stomach lining.

DIGESTIVE

NEXT MONTH

CORTAFLEX® HA + SUPER-FENN™

LIVER FLUSH™

VITS & MINS

new product being launched by Equine America combines the world renowned clinically tested equine joint supplement Cortaflex HA Super Strength Solution with Super Fenn to provide the very best value top quality care for horses and ponies of all ages and condition.

The combination of these two outstanding supplements supports joint mobility for horse in competition or work, or those requiring help with joint care due to age or other reasons.

Cortaflex HA Super Fenn Solution contains the key isolates of Chondroitin and Glucosamine with ASU, Sodium Hyaluronate (HA), Silicon and Bromelain to give your horse the best help at very affordable prices.

Available in 450gm RRP £52.99, 4.5 kg RRP £435.00, 1 litre RRP £52.99 and 4 litres RRP £199.99. www.equine-america.co.uk Telephone 01403 255809.

THE MAKERS OF:

COMPETITION

Once again we wish you All the Best for 2015.

Gillian

Products that really work!

JOINTCARE

Training Therapy and Performance Conference 28th February/1st March 2015.

Warwickshire England.

Dissection Series 24th January Head and Neck; 4th March The Limbs.

Gloucestershire, England

Advanced CPD Courses for Professional Therapists 21st and 22nd January, Leicestershire, England

Practical Course for Saddlers and Saddle Fitters Monday 9th March Leicestershire, England

2-Day Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics Course 28th and 29th March 2015 Derbyshire, England.

Books and DVD’s All our books can be viewed at our online bookshop. We dispatch books on a daily basis so there is never too long to wait!

There are details of other courses including live horse demonstrations, biomechanics courses, courses for saddlers and lots more online.

Alternatively you can ring for more details +44 (0) 1159212648

G IN N MO O O C S

practices’ client evenings. Our ‘painted horse’ evenings and day courses are as popular as ever so have a look at our ‘What’s on’ page to see if there is one near you. If you would like to arrange something just get in touch.

Everything is tailor made and we always have time to talk!

Details for all our courses, demonstrations, events and suggestions for many more can be accessed from the ‘What’s on’ page of our website.

Available in 1ltr – a two month supply at maintenance and 4ltr. This product does not contravene current FEI & Jockey Club rules.

Find out about the full range:

www.equine-america.co.uk 01403 255 809

cortaflexuk or equineamerica

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 27

23/01/2015 15:23

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Step Out Of Stiffness with JOINTS Green Lipped Mussel R

uggles & Stopitall offer the unique, potent and proven Omega 3 joint product from New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM). The Maxavita Pernamax Equine tablets can be fastacting (7-10 days) and help soothe your horse’s stiff, sore and aching joints naturally. Ideal for arthritis, bone issues with foals, competition bone stresses and after laminitis as well as dealing with Omega 3 deficiencies (also available for humans and dogs).

Tablets are crushable and without bulky fillers.

Visit www.karenruggles.co.uk to purchase online and see testimonials or call 01823 259952.

Vetroflex Original - same great formula, new orange packaging!

A

nimalife, the creators of Vetrofen and Vetroflex, have formulated an advanced nutritional formulation to support joint health and performance.

Vetroflex Original is ideal for all horses and ponies at varying stages of their careers, and is free from banned substances. When a more hard-hitting approach is necessary, combining Vetroflex and Vetrofen can support comfort and mobility, as well as assisting the body’s natural ability to maintain healthy joints. Vetroflex is available in 500g, 1000g or 2000g tubs, prices start at £39.99.

Call 0845 365 0050 to find your local Animalife Accredited Retailer or order online at www.animalife.co.uk (subject to delivery charges).

LECTURE-DEMO

g n i K y r Ma with international event rider

Thursday 26 February, 2015 at 7pm Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre, Manor Farm, Hurstbourne Priors, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7SE Discover the secrets of Mary’s training success and how her methods can set you on the road to achieving your goals – from the working rider enjoying the grassroots levels through to those dreaming of representing their country.

Mary will also be answering your questions and signing copies of her new training guide, Mary King – My Way Way.

Tickets cost £25 each. For more information and to order tickets, contact Jane Gazzard on % 07557 377257 or email janegazzard257@btinternet.com

28 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 28

Flexijoint Powder With a full money back guarantee and high levels of important ingredients, Flexijoint Powder is a superb joint supplement to feed.

The powder contains high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, MSM, ascorbic acid and hyaluronic acid to support healthy cartilage, strong joint structure and the quality of the synovial fluid. If the horse’s owner isn’t satisfied with the product, Equimins offer a money back guarantee.

Flexijoint Powder is available in 600g, 1kg, 1.5kg, 3kg, 5kg and 10kg quantities. A 600g tub will last for up to 40 days, and prices start from £26.25. Two liquid versions (one with bromelain and one with devil’s claw) are also available.

Glucosaflex 12000 Equimins’ Glucosaflex 12000 is a high specification joint supplement that’s excellent value for money.

The powder, created to provide nutritional support for the cartilage and tendons, contains 12000mg of glucosamine and 2400mg of MSM per 30g serving.

When fed at maintenance level, a 900g tub of Glucosaflex 12000 will last for 60 days.

RRP £14.99.

Inflam-E-Rase Inflam-E-Rase supplement helps to nutritionally support the horse’s bones, tendons and ligaments.

The supplement uses a range of ingredients including devil’s claw, bromelain, important b vitamins, organic minerals and fourteen different herbs (boswellia serrata, yucca, acacia catechu, bay laurel, turmeric, skullcap, nettle, celery, burdock, dandelion, clivers, chamomile, ginkgo and meadowsweet) to help nutritionally support the horse’s joints. Available in 600g and 1.2kg tubs, prices start from £21.50.

Turmeric Equimins’ Turmeric is a new addition to the range, and forms part of the new Straight Herbs collection.

Turmeric is one particularly popular line. It’s part of the ginger family and has a vibrant yellowy/orange colour. It can be fed to support joints.

Equimins’ Turmeric is available in 1kg bags, which have a RRP of £4.55. There are 23 products in the Straight Herbs collection, and prices start from £3.

For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@equimins.com or call 01548 531770.

M

ovefreePlus is a seriously effective product that enables horses to remain comfortable without the need for chemicals such as glucosamine. Feeding from the inside (like HA) enables horses to get back to normal like nature intended. Our Movefree Maintenance formula is designed to help you feed Movefree regularly for everyday support. MovefreePlus is the only HA-like herbal formula that works to feed joints from the inside. It helps the body make very rich joint uid that bathes and feeds the inside of joints and soothes tendons and muscles.

Joints and limbs are designed to recover from wear and tear of everyday life and even in old age horses should be able to move freely every day IF they get the right nutrition. Amazing things are possible when we get feeding right.

Movefree plus powder form for everyday situations, liquid form for quick action and for fussy feeders and Maintenance for general support. Use on its own or with Globalvite, Strongbone, Alphabute or Restore.

• For normal mobility in all equine joints. phone our advice line for a consultation • For specific joints (eg hocks, navicular bones, fetlocks, coffin joints, knees, shoulders) • For serious competition or everyday hacking • For general use when your vet is involved (phone us for details) E: contact@globalherbs.co.uk www.globalherbs.co.uk T: 01243 773 363 www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 17:13

Be amazed at the condition of your horse, it will be much healthier without lots of extra hard feed and will utilise its forage to the best advantage.

The average horse will require 60 grams per day which means that a 4kg tub will last 66 days and cost just 64p per day.

Available in powder & pellets.

Look at our spec on the website, nothing else comes even close to ADVANCE CONCENTRATE COMPLETE! ADVANCE COMPLETE POWDER 1.2kg £13.55 · 2kg £22.65 4kg £42.40 · 10kg £101.50

A full money back warranty comes with Advance Concentrate Complete, if you are not delighted with the results after using for two months.

(A 4kg tub will last just over two months for the average horse.)

ADVANCE COMPLETE PELLETS 2kg £23.25 · 4kg £43.25 · 10kg £104.30

2KG UP TO 33 DAYS SUPPLY / 4 KG UP TO 66 DAYS SUPPLY / 10KG UP TO 166 DAYS SUPPLY

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 29

23/01/2015 15:23

Xxxxxxxxxx Training

HORSE BEHAVIOUR - Speaking the language part 29 A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training. (This series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010, the standard work on the subject. The glossary definition is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

COLLECTED WALK/TROT/ CANTER: Where each step of the stride of the gait is shorter and higher rather than longer. The horse should remain on the bit, the hindquarters should be engaged (lowered), with the horse showing activity, impulsion and lightness. Collected paces should develop from the correct training of the horse over time so that it is physically able to travel showing true collection.

COLLECTION: ‘The progressive development of increased carrying power in the hindquarters of the horse. The resultant transfer of weight from the forequarters to the hindquarters allows the poll and withers to be carried higher, the hindquarters to drop slightly and the hind feet to step further forward and to carry more bodyweight with higher and shorter steps. This confers more power to the hindquarters, enabling the horse to perform more collected movements. In classical equitation, collection develops from repeated gait and stride length transitions that occur in three beats of the [gait’s] rhythm. The combined effect of the transitions and the inertia of the animal is that over time the horse’s physique changes. The propulsion of the body is then in a more upward and forward direction giving greater cadence [see article 25, Equi-Ads, Oct. ‘14] to the strides and increased lightness of the forehand.

Collection can occur in the walk, trot or canter. So, for example, in a collected canter, the strides are shorter and the horse’s frame

is short and compressed. See also False collection.’

FALSE COLLECTION: ‘Forcing a horse into an apparently collected outline through the simultaneous actions of the rein and leg or with the use of gadgets and pulleys rather than the progressive development of collection over time through training. False collection frequently results in conflict behaviour because concurrent stop and go signals [aids] cause confusion and pain.’

WELL that’s clear enough, isn’t it? No gadgets of any kind, no forcing the horse into an outline that looks to the unknowledgeable like collection (but, in truth, isn’t) by taking a firm and usually unrelenting contact on the bit/s sufficient to shorten the horse’s neck and bring his muzzle closer to his chest, and no ‘riding the horse up to the bit’ by means of demanding leg aids and/or spurring.

There is a lot of wrong thinking and misguided ideas about why the above no-no’s are accepted as normal, necessary and effective in much modern riding. Aggressive, domineering riding as described in

the two paragraphs above is, as it says, confusing and painful to the horse. Here’s why: It is confusing because horses cannot understand or cope with being asked to go and stop at the same moment. Neither can we. It is unreasonable and irrational of us to expect a horse to understand that pressure on the bit could mean either ‘slow down, stop, shorten your stride or go backwards’ (four actions there) or ‘shorten your neck and bring your muzzle closer to your chest’ (two quite different ones there), and to be able to differentiate between those six. His problems are compounded when our legs/ spurs are telling him to either ‘go forward’ and/or ‘go more actively’ (which?) at the same time as trying to work out the bit aid as well.

No wonder his answers are either conflict behaviours (napping, head tossing, squirming, tanking off, bucking, rearing, spinning and what have you) or what is termed ‘learned helplessness’ where his brain is so overloaded that he just shuts down, having learned that he is helpless to improve his situation.

When we ‘ride our horse up to the bit’ or ‘forward into halt’, which both mean legs on into a resisting bit pressure, we are applying two conflicting aids at the same moment, and when we attempt to obtain a collected-looking outline by the same techniques, we are also applying conflicting aids at the same moment.

It is physically painful to the horse because: (1) The pressure that can be exerted by the bit/s, particularly the increased

pressure afforded by the leverage facility of any curbtype bit with a chain or strap, is more severe than many realise. From my long experience, I am certain that most riders do not realise how much pressure they are applying to the very sensitive tissues in their horses’ mouths.

To understand this, we only need to imagine ourselves in a horse-shaped body, specifically the head, and ask how we would feel if forced to endure the level of pressure in our mouths that we apply to our horses. With curb bits, the tongue and lower jaw are trapped and squeezed between the chain or strap and the bit, the pressure felt in the mouth being greatly increased by the leverage effect of the lower bit cheek.

(2) The horse is forced to move in an unnatural way demanding the unaccustomed use of muscles and their associated soft tissues. This feels very awkward and causes pain.

Horses need their heads and necks to balance and move naturally but this function is removed when we restrict the head. The horse then has to use other muscles (known as ‘compensatory movement’), which can become injured and painful because of inappropriate and over use.

CORRECT TRAINING The term ‘correct training’ in the definition at the beginning of this article means progressively getting the horse athletically fit

‘I JUST LOVE IT!’ said a subscriber about ‘TRACKING-UP’ magazine published by In our current issue: WINTER HORSE CARE, Anne Wilson: THE FUNCTION OF THE SEAT, Arthur Kottas book extract: CO-OPERATION and PROTECTION IN EQUINE FAMILIES, Lesley Skipper: MILITARY EQUITATION and DRESSAGE, Paul Dawson: UNDERSTANDING NORMAL EQUINE BEHAVIOUR, Susan McBane: SHOULDER-FORE and SHOULDERIN, Anne Wilson: SHORT NECKS and HIGH MARKS, Uwe Spenlen: JUDGING GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE, FEI judge Nick Williams: plus Worming alert; Mud Fever Prevention and Treatment; Classical Riding Club dressage; ‘Absent Friends’; book reviews, and more.

‘Tracking-up’ is published quarterly. Printed copies are £5.27 per issue or £18.98 for a 4-issue subscription. Digital copies are £4.00 per issue or £14 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name, address (and your email address for digital) plus ‘TUA25’, on the back of your cheque payable to ‘Tracking-up’ and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ.

30 | February 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 15:23

Xxxxxxxxxx Training like a gymnast, allowing him to use himself naturally during work so that he strengthens the right ‘riding muscles’, and performing certain movements, described below, on a light contact, also described below, which will build up his physique in the right way.

This will enable him gradually to go in horizontal balance rather than on the forehand by taking his weight slightly back more on to his hindquarters, strengthening them and his back so that they can develop both propulsive and carrying power, and lightening his forehand. He is then well on the way to the famous ultimate of selfcarriage in correct collection on the weight of the rein.

We know that horses stand and move naturally with about two-thirds of their weight on their forehands. When we add the weight of a rider and saddle, this puts extra stress on all the horse’s legs and feet, and adds proportionately to the weight the forelegs and feet have to bear, which is an excellent reason for our wanting to make a backward shift in his weight and balance. Another reason is that a horse on the forehand is not a pleasant ride; he is often not as agile or responsive as he could be, might lean on the bit and give a heavy, unbalanced, downward sensation. This can leave us feeling that we aren’t really

in control which, obviously, is not safe either.

During the fitness programme and training process, the horse’s natural (correct) head and neck carriage will, because of the gradual changes in his weight distribution and balance, change from stretching forward and down from the withers to arching, still stretching from the withers, forward and up. Because his forehand has lightened and lifted a little, he will use his head-and-neck balancing pole to accommodate his new balance, and VOLUNTARILY carry his head on a light contact with the front of his face slightly in front of the vertical and with his poll the highest point of his outline.

That is the correct and ethical way to train a horse towards what we call collection. It is simply a strengthened, balanced physique and posture which is ecstasy to ride, rather like the feel you get from a powerboat or powerful sports car, which push you along from behind, the powerboat lifting up in front, and do as you tell them at the lightest touch. I am told that when surfers ride on the crest of a wave, they feel that they are being pushed forward and up in an arc from behind, and this is exactly the feel a good rider expects from a well-schooled horse in collection.

In comparison, the false collection seen almost everywhere up to the so-called highest levels of competition is neither correct nor ethical. Cramped, shortened necks are common, as are behindthe-vertical head carriages usually with ‘broken crests’ or ‘broken necks’, where the neck line breaks downwards towards the poll about two hands’ width behind the poll, so that the break point is the highest point of the horse’s posture, not his poll. This area apparently often becomes injured and sore. Horses also cannot see properly with their heads in this position as their eyes cannot look ahead but mainly at the ground.

All this is due to excessively firm bit contact, far from the lightness stipulated for collection. Such horses are invariably being spurred forward at the same time.

The pained, distressed expressions on their faces give it all away. They often drool saliva and froth instead of having just a moist mouth, ears are often flattened hard back and down which is a sign of anger and fear, their muzzles are distorted with nostrils wrinkled up and back because of the pain in their mouths, and their eyes show anxiety or fear.

YOUR CONTACT Between the two extremes of riding with a vice-like grip or on washing

lines is a happy medium contact.

Good contact has been described like having a clear but gentle enough hold on a child’s hand to guide him or her across a road, or like holding a small bird in your hand so that it cannot fly away but is not hurt or frightened.

For those who like more precision, the Equitation Science contact scale is simple and clear.

Going from zero to ten, zero is no tension down the reins, as in a free rein, and ten is as hard as you could pull in a real emergency. A fair contact is sufficient to apply light pressure on the horse’s lips and tongue but not the bars: this can be achieved with a contact of about two or three on the scale, which regards anything up to four as ‘light’. (Research shows that the tongue takes most of the pressure or, in some cases, abuse, sometimes sustaining painful injury in the process.)

Good hands are still and sensitive, able to increase or decrease pressure as the horse requires for comfort and unrestricted but guided movement.

The unfortunate word ‘elastic’ is often used to describe an adaptable contact but if ‘elastic’ means that the contact is the same all the time, that is not what you want – and for that reason do avoid like the plague elastic rein inserts which (continued on page 33)

Mud Fever Our podiatry clinic has had its share of horses and ponies which develop skin infections during turnout in the winter weather. They are a real nuisance!

We developed Solution4 Feet to combat horn infections, and found that it also works extremely well against mud fever.

Solution4 Feet contains two natural oils, each having potent antimicrobial actions and four po disinfectants, providing both modern disinf release rapid action and sustained sus properties.

It does not irritate the skin pr so tthe horse does not try and lick it off; of you don’t need to use gloves.

Solution4 Feet is unique by combining the effects of the natural ingredients ef Equi Life Ltd Tel; 01249-890784 with wit state of the art polymer www.equilife.co.uk technology. technology So let our research work (secure online ordering available) help your horse this winter. y www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 31

February 2015 | 31

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Starting Out Xxxxxxxxxx

NEW TO HORSES???

By Peter Fenton BVM&S, MRCVS

T

aking on a horse for the first time can be a big task but if you’ve considered the effort and the costs that go into keeping a horse then you may end up with a great companion to work with, play with and to relax with.

Costs The initial cost of purchasing a horse varies a lot depending on what type of animal you buy and what its intended work is, and can quickly become insignificant when you start to look into the costs of keeping a horse over its lifetime. The cost of livery (stabling your horse) in addition to regular farrier visits, routine vet costs, dentistry costs, insurance, wormers etc has been shown to add up to between £5,000 and £7,000 per year for a diy stable yard and over £10,000 per year for a full livery yard. Given that horses are generally living into their early 30’s then this can represent a significant amount of money. Owners often choose to keep their horse on a DIY scheme which reduces the costs of keeping the horse but also means that that they have the entire responsibility of looking after their horse.

If you decide to go ahead with purchasing a horse or pony then it is a good idea to insure it. This may get you out of making difficult decisions based on cost if your horse has an accident and needs surgery or other expensive treatment. Vets bills can quickly add up if your horse becomes sick so insuring your horse for vets fees will help towards these mounting costs, especially as medicine improves and more advanced procedures are possible.

Where to Keep the Horse?

Horses need access to some form of contained shelter at the very least so that they can be put in if they ever need to be put on box rest for veterinary reasons or very adverse weather conditions mean it is not fair to leave them out, this can include bright sunshine if the horse is pale skinned and to try to avoid flies. They also need plenty of space to have a good run around and are naturally herd animals and will exhibit more normal behaviour if kept with other horses. Horses should not be stood in deep mud for any length

EM 24 E H SE RG OU RV EN R IC CY E

Peter Fenton Equine Veterinary Practice Ltd 100% Equine Practice

Using modern, mobile diagnostic equipment including digital x-ray, ultrasound, video endoscope/ gastroscope and advanced dentistry equipment to manage equine health throughout Greater Manchester.

639-641 Manchester Old Road, Middleton, Mcr, M24 4PN

Telephone: 0161 643 7724 www.peterfentonequinevets.co.uk

32 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 32

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of time, especially horses with white ‘socks’ as the delicate skin underneath can easily become infected – this is known as ‘mud rash’ or ‘mud fever’.

Worming Horses need to be wormed regularly to prevent the build up of intestinal worms. These worms can cause severe disease, weight loss and death.

Your vet is the best person to advise you on when and how to worm your horse as each horse is different.

You can cut down on the amount of wormers that you need to use by doing regular worm egg counts. Your vet can use your horse’s droppings to estimate how heavy your horse’s worm burden is and then tailor your worming plan accordingly. This targeted approach to parasite control is now the preferred method over routine treatments.

Footcare Horses require regular attention from the farrier, this is approximately every 6-8 weeks in most cases. Even if your horse does not require shoes it will need regular trimming and your farrier will be able advise you on good foot health. Feet should be picked out on at least a daily basis to ensure that no stones become stuck and to prevent the sole of the foot becoming infected and smelly.

Routine Veterinary Attention All horses and ponies should be vaccinated against Tetanus. It is an incurable disease that is caused by an organism that is everywhere in the environment, particularly outside. Horses require an initial course of 3 vaccines over the first year, then a booster vaccine is given every two years.

In addition, horses can be vaccinated against other diseases such as equine influenza (‘Flu) and ‘Strangles’. Your vet will be able to help you decide whether your horse is at high risk of any of these diseases and therefore whether these additional vaccines are necessary.

Annual Health Checks are a good way of picking up any changes in management that can be changed in order to improve your horse’s health and welfare. Your vet will be able to do these for you at the same time as your annual vaccinations.

Teeth Horses should have their teeth checked annually by either a vet or an ‘EDT’ (Equine Dental Technician). Horses’ teeth are designed for rough grazing and they have not yet adapted to the more domestic setting of lush grazing and bucket feeds. They do not use their full range of movement when chewing and can develop sharp points on the sides of their teeth. These can ulcerate the inside of the cheek or the sides of the tongue long before any abnormalities such as quidding (dropping partially chewed food out of the mouth) are seen. Horses and ponies start to lose their baby teeth at around 2 years old and continue to change them until around the age of 5 . It is advisable to check youngsters teeth regularly to ensure that the new adult teeth are growing correctly (and to get them used to wearing the specialist equipment which is needed to allow the mouth to be examined). There is now a great range of dental treatments that can be given to horses and a full yearly examination like our 6 monthly examinations should be given to check for disease or injury.

Weightcare A large number of horses that we see on a daily basis are now obese. Horses can put weight on very easily as their bodies are designed in a way that they do not need to eat large quantities of nutritious feed or lush grass. They are also designed to run for long periods of the day so if the horse is not exercised regularly it will quickly become fat. Being overweight leads to all sorts of problems; as well as being prone to life threatening diseases such as laminitis your horse will also find day to day life a struggle and is less likely to be able to perform the work that you need it to do. Your vet will be able to advise you on how to maintain your horse at a healthy weight.

Behaviour Youngsters and horses that have an ‘unknown’ background should only be taken on by experienced horse owners. If youngsters are not handled in a very consistent way they can easily become either very scared or very dangerous, no matter how small the pony is. (continued on page 39) www.equi-ads.com

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THE ‘MAGIC MOVEMENTS’ The movements that will best put your horse on the road to the strength and power which will produce collection as a result of them are transitions and ‘bending’ work. Do transitions both within and between gaits, so use shortening and lengthening of stride and frequent transitions between gaits. Once your horse is fit enough for canter school work, transitions between trot and canter and back really build up muscle and develop balance.

For bending work, ask your horse to turn his head (not just his muzzle!) in the direction of your bend so you can just see the outer www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 33

LEARN MORE AT: The Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc.org.au), EquiSci (www.equitationscience. co.uk), the International Society for Equitation Science (www. equitationscience.com), the Classical Riding Club (www. classicalriding.co.uk), and the Equine Behaviour Forum (www. equinebehaviourforum.org.uk).

Also, follow up the links and publications on each site.

(The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine, ‘Equine Behaviour’.

A hard copy costs £3.50 and a digital copy (include your email address) costs £2.50. Please make your cheque payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ and send it to the Editor, Dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.) SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, is a Classical Riding Club listed trainer and Gold Award holder, co-founder of the Equine Behaviour Forum and a Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. Author of 44 books, she is a co-publisher of ‘Tracking-up’ (see advert this issue). For lessons and clinics in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email horses@susanmcbane.com

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corner of his eye and rim of his nostril; this will set the tone for the rest of his body and he will form his body to the curve naturally as he strengthens up. Start with large half-ovals, half 20m circles and 2-loop serpentines, aiming for accurate shapes, and progress to full 20m circles in all gaits before gradually reducing their size.

Small circles are damaging and frightening for unprepared horses, particularly if done fast. As you progress, introduce shoulder-fore and shoulder-in. Corners should be shallow at first. Corner by using your outside rein sideways against your horse’s lower neck, or your knuckles against his withers, to push his outside foreleg in a little as he turns, giving the aid as the outside foreleg comes forward.

Also use quarter turns on the haunches in walk. The advantage of bending work is that it lightens the forehand, so weighting the hindquarters slightly, which is your aim.

A good classical or equitation science teacher can help you with all your work, and help you to achieve a quality of genuine collection which will put many competition riders to shame.

N IO RS ON VE SO AN G M IN U M H CO

(continued from page 31) give a false feel on the mouth. You need to be able to vary the contact as needed while staying in touch.

There are times, particularly with a green horse or one being rehabilitated, when you need to increase the contact to get your result. If you feel an increase in pressure is called for, instead first try a little vibration at your current pressure. Vibrations are more attention-grabbing than a constant pressure and often get good results.

Of course, if your bit is too high in the mouth (no more than one wrinkle at the corners of the mouth for a snaffle is correct) there will be noticeable and unpleasant ‘contact’ all the time, even on a free rein. This is not only uncomfortable and, therefore, distracting and upsetting for the horse but also confusing, and your aids will never be gentle and clear. The bridle must fit comfortably, not rubbing anywhere and adjusted so that you can slide a finger easily under the straps all around the horse’s head, including the noseband.

Tight nosebands are a modern abhorrence and I have no hesitation in calling their use cruel: they certainly adversely affect your contact and distress horses. You need to be able to slide a finger easily all around under your flash strap, if used, and be able to fit the width of at least two and preferably three fingers between the cavesson strap and the front bone of your horse’s face. Good, ‘thinking’ equestrian education seems to be rare today, which is perhaps why riders and trainers often believe that horses must keep their mouths closed when ridden so that they cannot evade the bit, therefore nosebands have to be excruciatingly tight to enforce this.

The truth is that they need to be loose so that the horse can slightly open his mouth and move his jaw, so he can take part in that essential two-way communication via the bit that every good horseman and woman welcomes.

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Xxxxxxxxxx Training

LEARNING TO RIDE IN THE CLASSICAL WAY - PART TWO:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR PRIOR TO BOOKING A LESSON By Anne Wilson What to Look For on First Inspection

It is well worth visiting the school before you commit to booking a lesson.

The first thing to look for is a well run stable yard, which should be tidy. Although this doesn’t matter to the horses, it is an indication of dedicated staff.

The stables themselves should be clean, with good quality bedding, ample room for the horses to move around and lie down. They should have good ventilation, with the horses being able to put their heads over the doors and see each other. There will obviously be a few droppings around, but the general air should not smell foul; just a healthy horse smell.

It goes without saying that the buildings should be in good repair, with no leaking roofs etc.

The horses themselves should look bright eyed and in good bodily condition, without any noticeable ribs or hips protruding, and not over-fat.

Talk to the Chief Instructor or Proprietor

If possible have a chat to the instructor, telling them about your requirements; whether you have any previous experience and so on.

Be honest; do not say that you have more experience than you really have; this will not help.

If he or she is teaching when you are there, then all to the good; in fact I would say it is essential that you should watch a lesson in

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How Much Work Does Each Horse do?

I would be interested in how many lessons each horse gives per day.

In my opinion this should be no more than three active lessons, even at weekends, which will obviously be busier than weekdays. These lessons should also not be consecutive; the horses should have a rest period in between, and a day off per week, when they can be turned out to socialise with their friends. Occasionally it may be necessary for a horse to give one lesson straight after another, perhaps if one horse has become lame, but this should not be the ‘norm’.

By ‘active’ lessons I mean lessons consisting of a proportion of trotting and possibly cantering.

If they are doing no more than a gentle walk, say being led around, then this will obviously be less tiring for the horse.

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As a new ‘horse person’ you cannot be expected to assess whether a saddle does or does not fit the horse, any more than you can really assess the correct body-weight for a particular horse. However, you may be able to make a reasonable assessment that the saddle does not pinch at the withers. You should be able to run your fingers down along the front of the saddle; the feeling should be of a snug fit, but

not too tight. The gullet of the saddle (this runs along the top from the front which is the pommel, to the cantle at the rear) should give good clearance for the horse’s spine.

The saddle, in general, should look proportionate in size for the horse’s back, i.e. it should not be too long so as to put pressure on the horse’s loins and it should not interfere with the movement of the shoulder.

Many of these principles will be difficult for you, as a beginner, to assess, so it will be very helpful if you could take a friend who may have more knowledge. If not, then I would say that you should take note if the tack is reasonably clean and supple, rather than stiff; this is normally a good indication of the standard of care.

Lunge Lessons

If you are a complete beginner, it would be far preferable for your first lessons to be on the lunge. This will give you one-to-one time with the instructor and a 20 minute session on the lunge will be plenty to start with. In fact no horse should be asked to work on the lunge for more than 20 minutes.

When you are ‘on the lunge’ you should be provided with a neck strap which you can hold in order to keep your balance. You cannot be expected to hold the reins and guide the horse until you have control of your seat, upper body and legs, and this can only really be achieved on

the lunge. It is very unfair to the horse to learn any other way, as you would be bound to pull on the reins and inadvertently jab the horse in the mouth, whilst trying to keep your own balance.

Providing the school has a good lunge horse and the instruction is good, the number of lunge lessons cannot really be too many. At the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, new recruits usually spend around six months having lunge lessons before they are allowed to ride free, and they are already experienced riders! This degree of excellence may not be practical for ordinary riders, but it is worth bearing in mind. The more time you can spend working on perfecting your seat, the better you will cope when you take up the reins.

What You Should Expect from your Instructor

Everyone learns in slightly different ways and our perception of certain phrases can mean different things to different people. You need to be taught by someone with whom you are ‘on the same wave-length’.

Look for a warm, friendly welcome, both on the initial phone contact as well as arrival at the yard.

You should not expect to be ridiculed or shouted at if you cannot do what is asked straight away, nor if you don’t understand.

You should be treated with respect and you should treat your instructor, and the horse, in the same way. Your instructor should be approachable and eager to answer any questions you may have.

You need to be in a relaxed frame of mind, without being worried about doing anything wrong. This is how people as well as horses, learn best. You also need to feel safe; if you are constantly worried about falling off, then you need more help. Don’t be afraid to tell the instructor of your fears. He/she should be appreciative of this and tailor the lesson in the best way to help you over this phase.

Next month we will look at appropriate clothing, the technicalities of the seat and how to give the aids or instruction to the horse.

Anne Wilson is a freelance classical riding trainer, based in Bedfordshire; trained with Sylvia Loch and holder of the Classical Riding Club Gold Award Certificate. Phone 01234 772401 or email: annewilsondressage@hotmail.co.uk www.classicalridingannewilson.com See Anne’s book ‘Riding Revelations – Classical Training from the Beginning’ available from www.blacktent.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 15:23

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Straight from the Horse’s Mouth By Kathy Carter W

e scour the equestrian world for news and views on nutrition and veterinary matters, to give you the latest information.

Citrus pulp in horse feed said to be beneficial A study entitled “Citrus Pulp in Concentrates for Horses”, from Brazil’s University of São Paulo, recently looked into the use of Citrus Pulp, a by-product of the orange juice industry, to clarify whether its increased use in horse feed was beneficial.

The study involved giving five adult horses “diets formulated to meet the animals’ requirements for maintenance”, with a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 60:40. The roughage was fed as hay. Researchers increased the citrus pulp ration gradually and assessed the diet’s effectiveness, analysing the animals’ dung.

The study, published in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, found that citrus pulp can be safely and beneficially used in horse diets at up to 28% concentrate. They described it was a safe, “easy fermentable” carbohydrate energy source that benefited digestibility. (Ref: Concentrates for Horses. Brandi et al. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 5, 1272-1279.)

Natural compounds said to help veterans A new study from America has addressed the issue of reducing inflammation in ageing horses, through diet.

The research at the University of Kentucky aimed to identify “effective nutritional

Natural dietary compounds are said to reduce inflammation in ageing horses.

Photo: Veteran Horse Society.

options” for improving the function of the immune system in older equines. Several of the compounds tested were found to outperform the common anti-inflammatory drug, Bute (Phenylbutazone), at low levels in reducing inflammation.

Dr Amanda Adams, from the university’s Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, acknowledged that chronic inflammation is a major underlying condition of many agerelated diseases, such as arthritis, cancer and metabolic syndrome.

Specifically, flavonoid (quercetin) Get to know your horse’s behaviours and demeanour, so you and polyphenolic compounds can spot clinical signs of illness (curcuminoids, resveratrol, and her colleagues. pterostilbene and hydroxypterostilbene), found One of several studies showed that stabled in fruits, vegetables and nuts, were found to horses often finish their forage in the early reduce cellular inflammation. More studies are evening, and then spend most of the night planned. without food. Researchers also found that layering two small-holed haynets and placing Beat the flu them in several locations around the stable Are you prepared for the possibility of equine may be even more valuable in prolonging the flu affecting your horse, or those at your yard? time spent foraging. The full results of this Caused by various strains of the influenza virus study should be published later this year. Small that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract holed haynets are widely available in tack of equines, the condition produces a sore throat shops and at online equestrian retailers - they and cough, damaging the airway membranes. It tend to be more costly to buy, but are a great has an incubation period of one to five days, and investment. is acquired through inhalation as well as indirect spread via yard and feeding utensils. Clinical signs include an ongoing high temperature of 39-41°C (103-106°F), a frequent dry cough, a nasal discharge and lethargy / loss of appetite. As soon as a horse shows any suspected signs, isolate the animal and contact the vet. Vaccination is the preferred method of control and prevention - consult your vet for advice. (Vaccinated horses may show clinical signs, but they are usually milder than those that are unvaccinated.)

Small holed haynets extend eating time It may be obvious - but researchers have confirmed that using hay nets with small holes extends eating time in horses, can aid weight management, may reduce the risk of equine gastric problems, and extends eating time.

A series of studies was conducted by the Waltham Equine Studies Group in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University’s Andrea Ellis,

These large holed haynets will not extend eating time.

EQUINE VACANCIES

• Quantock Stag hounds require second whip/groom for 2015/16 season.

Call Nick Gibbon on 0l984 632495

• High Peak Hunt require amateur Huntsman/Master for the 2015/16 season. Email hf.birks@orange.net

• Sherwood Forest Ltd (Puffa Original) are looking for new agents covering East Anglia and the South East. There are three vacancies.

Contact HC@gangotra.com

• Stable staff/riders required for breaking yard. Experience with youngsters an advantage. Lou@longholes.com • Myopia Hunt near Boston, MA require Huntsman/Whip for 2015/16 season. Kimcutler@aol.com • Myerscough College are looking for a Lecturer in Equine (maternity cover). Details on the college web site or cal 0l995 642289 • The Southdown & Eridge Hunt require Master/Amateur huntsman for 2015/16 season. Apply quinton@poultonmanagement.co.uk • The Fernie Hunt require Huntsman starting May 2015. Call 07887 838231 for initial talk. www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 35

• North Herefordshire Hunt require extra Masters and a kennelman for the 2015/16 seasons onwards. pbutd@yahoo • Instructor/Rider/Groom required by Attridges. No accommodation.

07887 603707 • Mark Johnston racing require a Yard manager and travelling manager.

Apply m.flory@markjohnstonracing.com • Bransby Horses are looking to recruit a Welfare Team Leader.

01427788464 Send your equestrian vacancies to Equi-Ads for quick response.

Bob@equiads.net February 2015 | 35

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Body Xxxxxxxxxx Protectors

Champion Vanguard and Freedom Body Protectors T

he Champion Freedom and Vanguard body protectors incorporate superlative flexibility into a design that offers a fit especially tailored for the female figure. A darted and tailored bust design, a slim and sculptured underarm for a close contact fit and a broad shoulder panel for enhanced weight distribution all work together to offer unrivalled comfort while maximising protection for lady riders.

6 sizes from Girls Large to Women’s X-tra Large and 3 different back lengths.

Vanguard £79.90 - £126.90; Freedom £95.90 - £145.90 depending on size.

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Champion EVO-FLEX Body Protector E

xtremely light weight and superbly flexible, the EVO-FLEX takes body protector comfort and style to a whole new level.

Incorporating Champion’s revolutionary Cut-Flex® and HingeTek® technologies which maximise the flexibility of the EVO-FLEX’s ultra-light weight foam, the bottom of the protector moulds into the nape of the back, for unparalleled comfort and fit when you are in the saddle. A sculpted lower profile further increase comfort without compromising on safety.

EVO-FLEX also incorporates a high-tech Polygiene treated inner lining, with its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties helping to keep it fresher for longer.

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36 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 36

Safety matters

F

ortunately, body protectors and their air-jacket cousins are now widely worn and highly regarded - you can’t put a price on safety.

With horse riding being potentially 20 times more dangerous than motor cycling, and the majority of riding injuries occurring through falls, it makes sense to protect the rider’s body. Unsurprisingly, the more often we ride, the more the risk factors for accidents increase. Although body protectors are required across country in the discipline of eventing, they are optional for adults in other disciplines. These include show jumping, horse driving trials, showing, endurance, polo and dressage. You should always visit a BETA-trained retailer to be fitted for a body protector.

Setting standards

There are two main types of body protector - tabard (over the head), and front opening. Safety equipment bears the CE mark showing compliance with the appropriate European safety standard. The BETA 2009 Body Protector Standard meets all the requirements of the European standard (EN 13158:2009) and is recommended. It encompasses three levels, denoted by a colour-coded label: 1. Level 1 (black label) - the lowest level of protection for licensed jockeys.

2. Level 2 (brown label) - suitable for low risk situations - not including jumping.

3. Level 3 (purple label) appropriate for general riding, eventing and working with Eventing with a body protector horses.

4. There is a separate BETA Standard for shoulder protectors, which protect the end of the collar bone. Eventing research shows that these reduce the risk of breaking the collarbone by up to 80%.

According to BETA (www.beta-uk.org), most body protectors use two layers of heat-sensitive PVC Nitrile foams. (Body Protectors should be replaced every three to five years, depending on use, as the foam’s impact absorption properties may decline.)

Body protectors soften and mould to the contours of the body with the rider’s body heat. The foam is often perforated to increase flexibility, reduce weight and increase and improve airflow. Under no circumstances should body protector foam be subjected to excessive heat, e.g. from a radiator.

Always check your body protector for dents immediately after a fall; the foam will expand back to its original shape around 30 minutes after impact, but won’t provide the same protection in the dented area; this is because the functionality to absorb impact in that area declines.

Some manufacturers do supply replacement panels, however.

Air jackets are commonly worn as an addition to a body protector. A body protector offers permanent, static protection, while an air vest provides temporary, dynamic protection once the garment is inflated.

Some manufacturers now offer body protector/air jacket hybrids.

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E

Body Protectors

Product round-up

Kanteq Kan body protector www.kanteq.com This product contains moulded foam panels that allow for the female form. The material, advanced Polyurethane High Resiliency Foam, is flexible and comfortable, and helps absorb energy.

Champion ZipAir body protector www.championhats.co.uk This zip-front body protector is superlightweight, and combines protection with supreme flexibility and comfort - it also boasts a Polygiene antibacterial lining. A long-backed version is available.

Rodney Powell Elite Series 7 MK2 – www.rodneypowell.co.uk This is the best-selling zip-closure body armour from Rodney Powell, now in its sixth generation. The lightweight Elite features the X2ESP back system, offering enhanced spinal protection.

Airowear Women's Outlyne body protector www.airowear.co.uk The Outlyne combines maximum protection and unrestrictive movement with perfect fit and flexibility. It fits the female body shape and boasts ‘UltraFlex’ technology that moulds to body contours.

Racesafe RS2010 - www.racesafe.co.uk The RS2010 features up to seventy independently hinged foam sections that allow movement and circulate air. It aims to enable riders to perform consistently at their peak, moulding to individual body shape.

Extremely light weight and superbly flexible, the EVO-FLEX takes body protector comfort and style to a whole new level.

Features a high-tech Polygiene treated inner lining, with powerful anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties keeping it fresher for longer .

Champion’s revolutionary Cut-Flex ® and HingeTek ® technologies maximise the flexibility of the EVO-FLEX’s ultra-light weight foam, for unparalleled comfort and fit.

A sculpted lower profile offers exceptional comfort, without compromising on safety.

Tel: 0113 270 7000 Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 37

www.championhats.co.uk

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BODY PROTECTOR Email:info@fbi-ltd.co.uk 23/01/2015 15:25

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She has two horses to compete – ‘Molly’ who is an Intermediate/ CCI** level eventer and ‘Lex’ who showjumps at 1.35m level – and can regularly be seen competing around the UK.

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38 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 38

I

nsurance terminology can be a bit of a minefield to those outside of the industry (and to some connected with it too!). Owners can often struggle to determine exactly what is meant by certain phrases or clauses listed within their policy which can cause confusion when trying to ascertain the level of cover available to them. Every policy wording will have a ‘Policy Definitions’ section within the document which will help to clarify any unknown terms,

but there are many common phrases which we will cover in this article.

Accident A condition that could not be classed as an illness, usually involving an external, visible injury resulting in a wound, cut or puncture which occurred as the result of an accident at a single time and place (not something which developed over a period of time)

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Insurance Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare Condition An illness or disease e.g. a condition of internal origin including tendon injuries, muscle disorders, colic, gastric ulcers and viruses Class of Use The purpose for which your horse is used and as described on your insurance schedule. Normally referred to as Class A, B, C or 1, 2, 3 etc. in increasing levels of risk Excess The amount that will be deducted from each and every claim made.

This will be confirmed on your schedule and can usually vary from £150 to £500 for the vet’s fees section of the policy. Other excesses may also apply to other policy sections e.g. saddlery and tack Co-insurance A percentage of the amount claimed that you will be liable for. This may appear as part of your main vet’s fees excess or it may be a separate excess that only applies to certain procedures, for example an MRI scan. This can vary greatly between Insurers and may not be specified on your schedule so check your policy wording carefully Incapacity” The total inability of the horse to participate in one or more of the activities for which it is insured for Market Value The current value of the horse based on the market at that time.

In the event of a claim for death or loss of use of the horse the value will be taken as it was immediately prior to the condition occurring which resulted in the claim. You may be asked to provide evidence to support your horse’s value which could include adverts for horses for sale that are of a similar age, ability, breeding, competition level etc. Purchase receipts, competition records and pedigree details can also help quantify the horse’s value. (continued on page 40)

Coolmax Grip Breeches

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This quality performance fabric wicks moisture away from the skin to keep the wearer cool and comfortable. Features include silicone grip knee patches, belt loops, slimline sock ankle design and the famous Mark Todd signature. While the ladies breeches have zipped front pockets, the mens have a back zip pocket and side pockets with stud fastening. Available in white, navy, beige or grey in ladies sizes 24” to 34” and mens 28” to 38”. Ladies £89.99, Gents £99.99 Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277

(continued from page 32) Horses that have an unknown background may have been maltreated in the past and may be very unpredictable. Leave them to the experts!

Taking the Plunge!

If you have not been put off and are still keen to go ahead and purchase your first horse then the first step is to get your potential new horse examined before you hand over your money. Your vet will give the horse a very thorough pre purchase examination which will include testing the heart and lungs, ensuring that there is no evidence of lameness, and making sure that the horse is appropriate for what you intend to do with it (from being a field companion to being an international Three Day Eventer!). The examination also gives you some legal protection in case the vendor has medicated the horse so that you can recoup your costs from them. The benefits of getting a horse vetted far outweigh the financial costs involved and although you may still be struck with bad luck, with the full Pre Purchase Examination you will have done all you can to ensure you buy a well matched, healthy companion or competition animal. www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 39

HAY FEEDER Manufactured and Designed by Plastic Mouldings Northern Ltd. Moulded from 4.2mm HDPE (High-density polyethylene), with very heavy duty plastic across the top for increased strength and durability.

To be fitted in the corner of stable.

Less waste - prevent feed mixing with bedding.

Allows horse to eat at a natural position.

Two sizes available, Horse and Pony 5 years Manufacturers Warranty Buy direct from the manufacturer or appointed stockist in your area.

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COUNTRY STORES

CALL 01159 461 146 the same proximate cause, for example, whilst a horse is being treated for an infection he may develop colic as a result of the treatment/management routine required for the infection. Both of these incidents are linked to the same proximate cause

(continued from page 39) Material Fact Any piece of information relating to the risk (i.e. the horse) proposed for insurance that could affect the contract or terms applying to the policy e.g. a previous illness. If you’re not sure if something is of relevance it is always advisable to ask your Insurer for guidance Pre-existing condition An accident that happened or condition that was present or occurred prior to the inception date of the policy, whether or not identified at the time. Insurers will use the professional opinion of your vet to determine whether a condition could have been present before your policy was started. In the event of a claim being submitted shortly after a policy was purchased that is not the result of an accident Insurers will seek further advice from your vet to determine the true onset date Proximate Cause The first event in a chain of events that give rise to a claim e.g. more than 1 condition may stem from

Onset Date The date that the accident happened or the symptoms of the condition were first noticed, regardless if this was when your vet first attended or not Territorial Limits The geographical area that your policy covers you in; usually the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. Some Insurers can extend this to include travel within Europe for a specific time period As always, you should check carefully the specific terms that relate to your policy as variations will occur between Insurers.

If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss in a future article please contact Equi-Ads with your suggestions!

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www.petsensedirect.co.uk freephoNe 0800 731 7464 secure on-line ordering . wormers purchased must not be resold FREE delivery to UK Mainland only.

40 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_NAT_rev.indd 40

Steel & Timber Internals

Fieldshelters • Stable Doors • Projects EQUIMAT flooring

For priority information, Quotations Call: 01334 654 974 - Fax: 01334 653 749 Email: sales@saltirestables.co.uk - Web: www.saltirestables.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 15:25

Xxxxxxxxxx Events

Begin your Parelli Journey in 2015

THE TRAILBLAZER CHAMPIONSHIPS • Showjumping Gain a double clear

I

f you want to improve your relationship with your horse this year, sign up for one of the Parelli courses taking place throughout 2015.

Parelli are running a series of Introduction to Level One and Level One courses, aimed at people just starting out on their Parelli journey.

This could be your opportunity to learn how to get the most out of your horse, whether you are experiencing difficulties on the ground, in the saddle or are looking for the confidence to compete.

These courses will help you understand and explore the fundamentals of the Parelli Programme, and learn the key components to safety and fun with your horse!

There are three one day Introduction to Level One courses and four two day, more intensive, Level One courses available, all of which are run by experienced Parelli professionals.

Courses and Dates

One Day Introduction to Level One - £120 April 28 - Rignall Farm, Towcester.

June 20 - Rignall Farm, Towcester Two Day Level One - £200 May 2, 3 - Willow Fields, Marlow.

May 30, 31 - The Spinney, Kennett, Newmarket.

July 25, 26 - Warren Farm, Merseyside.

September 19 & 20 - Viewpoint Stables, Dormansland, Surrey.

For the One Day Introduction courses, Parelli are running an offer of, buy one get one free, so here is your chance to sign up and enjoy the Parelli journey with a friend!

For anyone who doesn’t own their own horse but is interested in finding out about Parelli, spectator tickets are available to buy at £20.

For more information contact Parelli UK on 0800 0234 813 or visit www.parelli.com (continued from page 2) ground intentionally, top dressage horses can be highly-strung and sensitive, meaning that accidents do happen! In addition, young horses facing new experiences can be spooky and unpredictable – not just in the competition arena, but also at home. So why leave safety to chance?

Hit-Air Vests are British Dressage legal and can help reduce the risk of injury in the unfortunate eventuality of a fall. The system acts as a shock buffer in the event of an unscheduled dismount and stabilises the body giving protection to the neck, spine, collarbones, lower back and rib cage.

The strategic position of the air bags in the Hit-Air Vest cover the areas which are most prone to riding injuries, including unique rib cage air bags that are exclusive to Hit-Air, and a lower back cushion. www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_EW_rev.indd 41

Alongside this, the innovative design of Hit-Air causes the vest to inflate outwards rather than inwards, reducing the possibility of the rider being winded when the system inflates! Designed with the sensitive nature of equines in mind, Hit-Air vests are quiet when they inflate to reduce the chance of further incidents caused by a nervous equine reacting to the noise of inflation.

The discreet appearance of the Hit-Air Vest is ideal for the dressage arena as the comfortable, flexible and smart vest can easily be fitted over a show jacket – and barely seen.

Available in a wide range of sizes, from Kids to Large Adult, in various colour choices including black or navy to match competition attire, the Hit-Air Vest starts at £325. For more information visit www.hitairuk.co.uk or call 0845 894 2868.

A

fter many years running the Championships Norman Bargh told Equi-Ads “We are extremely pleased that Kelvin Bywater of Show Direct Ltd will be taking over the management of the Trailblazers Championship series and finals.”

They organise the Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships, which hosts a five day show jumping final in April each year for competitors at all levels who have qualified at one of the 280 qualifiers held all over the country.

At Trailblazers first round, competitors are awarded a qualification pack towards the second round competitions, if they achieve the following when competing in the different disciplines: • Dressage Gain 58% or more

• Showing & Working Hunter Placed in the top 4 • Combined Training Placed in the top 5 With these qualification packs competitors can, if they wish, purchase a Second Round Qualification Card costing £12, which then allows the competitor to enter as many second round competitions as they wish upon payment of the entry fee to try and achieve National Finals Qualification.

Show Direct has always aimed to provide professional, well organised and polished events. Kelvin says “I am delighted and honoured to become show organiser for the Trailblazer Championships and look forward to the long term development of this important series.”

ULC30 Plus For all horses Scientifically designed to assist healthy stomach and digestion. Completely safe for use in all horses including performance horses.

Assists in preventing TETCHY HORSES when tightening the girth strap.

Helps alleviate sensitivity when GROOMING. Maintains HIND GUT DIGESTION. Used by many TRAINERS and recommended by many FARRIERS. Testimonials available but if you have any doubts try a FREE SAMPLE and see the difference yourself.

ONE OWNER HAS RECOMMENDED IT AND COMMENTED: “AT LAST I HAVE MY LOVELY HORSE BACK.”

Tel: 01432 851111 Email: ron@ronfieldsnutrition.co.uk February 2015 | 41

23/01/2015 14:46

Xxxxxxxxxx News

SUCCESSFUL EVENT FOR HARTHILL STUD STALLIONS

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ooking in top class condition, Harthill Stud stallion, Ramiro B drew a lot of attention at the British Stallion Event at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

As the only Event horse sire attending from the top ten Event Horse Sire World Rankings, he was much admired at the stables and in the arena.

Ramiro B paraded with his seven-year-old son, Cooley SRS, winner of the 2* at Floors Castle, last season.

Ridden by Oliver Townend, Cooley SRS performed immaculately, and displayed clearly all the natural ability passed on to Ramiro B progeny. He showcased his excellent movement and jump while having the ultimate temperament – willing to do his job and being rideable at the same time.

Nina Barbour of Harthill Stud told Equi-

Ads: “Oliver had brief discussions with the commentator – explaining that the demands of modern eventing mean that a four star horse needs to be an out and out jumper, complete with the thoroughbred blood necessary to give them the stamina to make the time over the big testing cross-country tracks that they face.

“In discussing the importance of breeding from correct bloodlines, Oliver recommended putting a quality show jumping stallion like Ramiro B over a mare with as much blood as possible to give the best shot at breeding horses needed for the top of the sport, and that making the most of proven sires rather than just performers is the most obvious helping hand to any breeder.”

The British Stallion Event, was the first stallion parade attended by Harthill Stud’s young show jumping stallion Arkol who made easy work of the up to height jumps William Whitaker displayed him over.

Added Nina: “Again, all that we say about him was displayed with his very good attitude, scope and quality. William is looking forward to producing Arkol on the International circuit further in 2015, and has no concerns that he will be restricted in anyway when his time comes to jump the biggest classes in the sport.”

A son of Argentinus – also the sire of Nick Skelton’s former top ride, Arko lll – Arkol is known for his trainable attitude and athletic ability, already making a name for himself on the showjumping circuit.

Harthill Stud is also the home of the Thoroughbred stallion, Power Blade, well known for producing event, show jumpers and show horses.

Power Blade is an Approved Irish Sport Horse Stallion and Approved by Sport Horse Breeding GB. Progeny include event horses Power Line and Power Drive, show jumpers Wexford and Shantonagh, and show horses Woodfield Indo and Hitman.

Harthill Stud offer a full range of services from foaling and AI packages, to semen collection and dummy training, and work alongside renowned industry stud vet Sarah Stoneham BVSc Cert ESM MRCVS of Cheshire Equine Clinic.

For further information contact Harthill Stud on (01829) 720775 or visit www.harthillstud.com

How to keep your horse safe from sarcoids this winter S

arcoids spread in the summer BUT they Grow in the winter.

‘ALL NATURAL SAR-X helps rid the body of Sarcoids without needing invasive treatment and time off from exercise. It's a Herbal feed supplement that contains ingredients that alkalise internally and are 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,which all

helps to give your horse the tools to fight the Sarcoids virus naturally.

Horses can still be worked, and will start to feel fitter and healthier. Needs to be fed ONLY one scoop a day and is totally palatable.

6 weeks supply £42 or 3 months’ supply £75 £10 discount for Equiads code:EQUIADS2015 Please ring 0800 970 9421 for more details or visit www.horsesar-x.com www.forestfarmacy.co.uk

Directory Country Stores Lillico’s Country Store The Forstal, Beddow Way, Aylesford ME20 7BT Tel: 01622 718062 Email: layla.siggers@lillico.co.uk Website: www.lillico.co.uk

Feeding The Haylage Co.

A cost effective alternative to hay.

Based South Hertfordshire, we deliver

42 | February 2015

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Include your details here.

Call 01159 461 146

to locations nationwide.

Tel: 07836 514435 Email: guybrook@btinternet.com Website: www.poloforage.com

Andrew Reilly Saddlers Spoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET Tel: 01825 830484

Park Farm Hayage Large quality bales of haylage.

All guaranteed.

Based East Midlands Tel: 07721 675728

Wholesale

Saddlery South East

Thinking of starting your own equestrian retail business?

Then contact us: Hucklesby Associates Equestrian Wholesalers to the trade Tel: 01362 696 309 Fax: 01362 696 582

Email: hucklesbys@aol.com for a free trade e-catalogue Website: www.hucklesbyassociates.co.uk

Worming East Regular worm egg counts can save money! 6-8 weekly spring through autumn £5 each.

Church Farm FEC Tel: 01728 685 638 Email: churchfarmfec@hotmail.co.uk

www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:46

Xxxxxxxxxx News

Society of Master Saddlers’ Film Premier Success I

was looking forward to going to the Barbican cinema in London to view the release of The Society of Master Saddlers film premier – The ‘Mysterie’ of Saddlery, The Art of Saddlery from Hide to Horse but a bad biota of flue laid me low.

More than 150 members, guests and VIPs packed into the cinema to see the fascinating hour long film by documentary film maker Paul Kelly.

Filming for over 100 hours, Paul travelled the length and breadth of the country in his search to provide the journey of leather from a raw hide to finished piece of saddlery, the fitting process and beyond.

From visiting saddlery sales and auctions around the

l to r Hazel Morley and Paul Kelly

country to looking at the tanning process, work of a Master Saddler, side-saddle expertise, metalwork, the history and heritage of saddlery, the currying process, harness making specialism, the pliance system, life at a tack shop, the Saddlery Training Centre, work at the Royal Mews as well as leather skills required to make objects such as leather kitchen door handles, and a visit to the National Saddlery Competition, the film really does cover all aspects of the industry.

Said Society of Master Saddlers’ President, Peter Wilkes: “The film was so good I would consider giving away a copy with every saddle sold in markets where they appreciate the quality and craftsmanship involved.”

l to r Neil Russell, Izzy Russell, Malcolm Russell, Lori Russell

Richard Meade OBE I

t is with great sadness that we share the news that Britain’s most successful equestrian Olympian, Richard Meade, has died.

Monmouthshireborn, Richard came from a family with a legacy of equestrian links. His parents were joint masters of the Curre Hounds at Itton near Chepstow and set up Britain’s first Connemara stud. Richard was educated at Lancing College and Cambridge University, where he read Engineering. He served in the 11th Hussars and worked in London before embarking on a life committed to the horse world.

Throughout his eventing career he was the outstanding rider of his time and the lynchpin of British teams for 21 years. He won a wealth of medals including team gold at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 (riding Cornishman)

O

S

and, four years later, both individual and team gold at the Munich Olympics (Laurieston). He competed in four successive Olympic Games, as well as the substitute competition in 1980 at Fontainebleau during the partial boycott of the Moscow Olympics. Richard carried the British flag at the closing ceremony of the Munich Olympics.

He is survived by his wife, Angela, and their three children, James, Harry, and Lucy.

ver 400 people got to their feet in a standing ovation for the late, great, Richard Meade, OBE, who was posthumously awarded the prestigious SEIB Meritoire Award in the climax to the British Breeders Dinner and Awards ceremony, held at the Grange City Hotel in London on Saturday 10th January.

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_EW_rev.indd 43

CHANCE FOR TALENTED RIDERS TO EXCEL

upported by Sport England, the British Equestrian Federation’s England Excel Talent Programme launched its selection process in January by releasing the policy for the 2015-2017 cycle.

The Programme seeks to identify, support and develop riders and horses which demonstrate talent and potential in the Olympic (dressage, eventing and showjumping) and Paralympic (para-equestrian dressage) disciplines, sustain participation and support the development of talented athletes.

The minimum criteria for each age group within each discipline must be achieved by the closing date for applications, Monday 31 August 2015 with applications opening on Saturday 1 August 2015.

The 2015 Policy sees the introduction of a ‘Young Horse criteria’ for all disciplines, for riders between the ages of 16-24 years, who can be considered on younger horses (up to seven years) who demonstrate the talent to compete successfully at International level*.

Lead Co-ordinator for the Excel Programme, David Hamer commented; “Currently supporting over fift y athletes across the disciplines, the Programme was developed to extend the rider talent pathway below the UK Sport funded World Class Programme and we saw eleven riders selected to this in December 2014. The Programme is open to all riders who meet the criteria, and I would urge those who are aiming for selection to review the document and understand the benchmarks set to enable them to gain the best possible chances when applications open in August”.

To view the Selection Policy, please visit the BEF website www.bef.co.uk/Excel-TalentProgramme/ February 2015 | 43

23/01/2015 14:46

News Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare

HEATHER BENNETT HEADING FOR RIO

Vaccinating against Strangles and other equine infectious diseases

By Nicola Snowden BVM&S MRCVS Equine Veterinary Advisor for Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy

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G

oole based para dressage rider Heather Bennett is one of just six para equestrian dressage riders selected onto the 2014-2016 UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Development Programme.

The programme looks to provide coaching and support to athletes – through human and equine sports science, nutrition and sports psychology – as part of an established training pathway of performance excellence.

An experienced International show jumper, Heather has been riding since she was three years old, progressing from pony club to riding clubs until she was able to turn her a passion into her career. As an adult Heather spent time training with renowned show jumping legend Paul Schockemöhle going onto enjoy many seasons travelling throughout Europe competing her horses at Grand Prix.

However, in 2003 Heather suffered a life changing fall from a horse whilst competing at local venue Bishop Wilton. The fall left Heather with a broken neck and the prospect of never riding again. This debilitating injury left Heather with no use of her arms, the need for numerous operations and extensive rehabilitation. Although Heather was told that she would never ride again, a life without horses was never an option, so her journey back to riding begun and two years later Heather realised her dream and finally got back into the saddle.

Heather very quickly realised that although she had begun riding again, resuming her career as a show jumper was not an option.

Reduced movement through her neck, on going pain related issues and lack of strength and balance put pay to this ambition. However, a chance encounter with the late Jane Goldsmith a member of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee, and founder of Para Dressage quickly saw Heather talent spotted and encouraged to start riding in Para dressage.

So began Heather’s rise to Championship level as a para dressage rider and a successful 2014 has seen Heather ride both in the UK and Europe including for Team GB in Moorsele.

Now as part of the world class development programme, Heather has been selected as a future prospect with the potential of representing Great Britain at European Championships and Olympic Games. As a rider selected for this programme Heather will benefit from access to the team coaches, vets, physiotherapist etc in order to ensure that horse and rider continue to progress and develop, with the aim of selection for Rio 2016. Tel – 0780 372 8646

BOOK THIS SPACE FOR NEXT ISSUE Copy deadline 10th February Contact: stephanie@equiads.net 01159 461 146 44 | February 2015

Equi_Ads_FEB_EW_rev.indd 44

ust like humans, horses are susceptible to an array of illnesses and diseases, many of which are relatively common and readily preventable. Without being mandatory in Britain, the vast majority of children are inoculated against a wide range of diseases from a young age because of the obvious benefits of vaccination, and these equally apply to the nation’s population of horses. Every owner has the welfare of a horse or pony at heart and vaccinations are a fundamental starting point for helping to ensure their wellbeing.

Vaccines work by stimulating an immune response and by tricking the body into believing that a disease is attacking it so it creates specific antibodies and killer cells to fight that infection. This means that if natural infection does occur at a later time, the immune system is primed and able to produce a fast and strong response before the disease becomes debilitating or spreads to others. The ability of the immune system to respond like this will wane

over time, which is why booster vaccinations are necessary at regular intervals.

Most horses are part of a herd whether this is their field companion, other horses on the yard or even other horses in the local area. When we consider infectious and contagious diseases, which spread from horse to horse, such as strangles, it is important to take into account the immunity levels of the herd and not just an individual horse. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient proportion of a population – though not necessarily all – are immunised against a disease. If there are too few susceptible horses in the population then the disease finds it more difficult to spread.

For those put off the idea of immunising their horse or pony due to the costs involved it’s important to consider the risks implicit in keeping an unvaccinated horse. In truth, vaccinations represent a minimal cost in the overall keeping of a horse, especially when set against the amount that may have to be

Hobday Demo for Baileys Championships W

ith the Baileys Jump Training and JAS finals taking place for the first time over the same weekend at Hartpury College (Gloucestershire, 21-22 February), we are pleased to announce that Baileys’ sponsored rider Ben Hobday will be giving a demo on the Saturday evening of the Championship weekend.

A top international eventer with numerous top ten placings at CCI3* level, as well as a double clear at the Land Rover Burghley International Horse Trials in 2014, Ben will be providing a 45 minute demo, as well as giving those attending the chance to take part a Q & A and ‘selfie’ session.

“I will be bringing some young and more experienced horses to show the different levels of training these horses require”, commented Ben when we spoke to him about the session, “and will be addressing and explaining how to overcome problems everyone has, both amateurs and professionals.”

Forming part of a bumper weekend of competition, entry to the demo for JAS and Jump Training Finalists and up to four friends and/ or family members is free of charge. The evening, however, is open to anyone wishing to attend with tickets at £10 per head which are available to purchase on the door on the evening.

There is still time to qualify for the Baileys JAS and Jump Training Championship, find your nearest competition and enter now by visiting www.britisheventing.com/fixtures www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:47

News Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare spent should your horse contract one of these easily preventable diseases: in short, not vaccinating is a false economy!

It shouldn’t be forgotten that no vaccine is able to provide 100% protection from the disease, so having a fully vaccinated horse in no way means that an owner is excused from further responsibilities when it comes to sound healthcare practices. It’s vital to be aware of the symptoms of these diseases to ensure that any potential outbreak can be recognised at the earliest possible time and disease spread prevented.

Strict adherence to biosecurity and sound management practices remain as important as ever when it comes to minimising the conditions in which illness and disease can flourish. Some everyday biosecurity actions will help minimise the risk of disease introduction. Good hygiene practices include using clean and separate equipment such as tack, grooming equipment, feed and water buckets. It is also good practice to avoid horse-to-horse contact with unknown horses and if possible isolate new arrivals to the yard for a minimum of three weeks before introducing them to the rest of the herd.

Vaccination and herd immunity should be seen as the basis from which a healthy equine population will stem, a firewall or a safety net, which doesn’t reduce the need for adherence to biosecurity, good hygiene and sound animal

SOUTH ESSEX INSURANCE BROKERS S Failing to vaccinate against infectious diseases such as Strangles is a false economy which can have distressing consequences husbandry, but does ensure such measures will prove even more effective.

Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy (KBHH) is a highprofile, nationwide campaign committed to minimising illness and disease amongst Britain’s one million or so horses by advocating the benefits of preventative healthcare, through an integrated approach incorporating appropriate vaccination and sound equine husbandry.

Your vet will be able to advise on a suitable vaccination or prevention programme and the frequency of booster vaccinations. Visit the campaign website for expert advice and more information or to find an equine practice participating in Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy, visit the vet finder at www.healthyhorses.co.uk.

Police to Launch Countywide Green Yard Scheme O fficers from Derbyshire Constabulary are set to launch a scheme to target stray horses on roads across the county.

The initiative aims to minimise the number of stray horses on the roads to help prevent road traffic collisions, along with encouraging people to take responsibility for their animal’s safety.

Once a stray horse has been reported to police, the green yard scheme will see the horse being taken to a safe place whilst officers carry out inquiries, such as checking for microchips, to help find the owner.

Police will then have 14 days to trace the owner of the horse. Once the owner has been traced, they will have to pay the costs incurred by police and will face prosecution for letting their animal stray on the highway.

Community Safety Inspector, Erika Green, said: “The number of stray horses out on the roads this year appears to have doubled from www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_FEB_EW_rev.indd 45

previous years, with around 700 incidents being reported to us in 2014 so far.

“This is an unacceptable number which can be dangerous for both the animal and road users and the green yard scheme is set to tackle that.

“A huge amount of officer time is spent herding animals back into fields only to have them escape again and again.

“I would like to encourage all horse owners to take steps to passport and microchip their horses according to current legislation. It is also vital to ensure that land is properly secure to prevent animals from escaping.”

Discounted event days will be held in the near future to give horse owners the opportunity to have their horses passported and micro-chipped at a cut-down price.

For more information about the events, contact Lesley Manger, your local county co-ordinator for Horse Watch, on 01773 831 251.

outh Essex Insurance Brokers will now be known as SEIB Insurance Brokers, with a new logo and marketing campaign.

The company re-brand reflects the fact that SEIB is a national company and provides insurance throughout the UK and also places business internationally.

Since Barry Fehler started the company over 50 years ago, the business has developed a reputation for service, claims handling and employing customer focussed staff that understand the specialist needs of their customers in the niche markets within which it operates.

Cover is available for horses, veterinary fees, equestrian business, horseboxes and trailers and equestrian liability. The company is the preferred equine supplier for BIBA and offers a range of products through nationwide intermediaries.

SEIB also provide the member benefits for British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, British Showjumping, Arab Horse Society and insure

Redwings too.

SEIB is wholly owned by specialist insurance group Ecclesiastical who are themselves owned by a registered charity.

Earlier this year, the group set itself an ambitious goal to give £50m to charity over the next three years and in 2014 £16.5m has already been donated from its profits. SEIB is well known for its support of charities and will have a key role to play in Ecclesiastical reaching this target.

For more information, visit www.seib.co.uk

We want to hear about your: NEWS RESULTS EVENTS

Send your news articles over to Equi-Ads and see them published.

Please contact bob@equiads.net Tel: 020 8302 6069 Want to advertise and promote your business?

Give us as call and see your company advertised in the magazine.

Please contact stephanie@equiads.net Tel: 01159 461146 February 2015 | 45

23/01/2015 14:47

Training • News

Walking with your Horse

By Wendy Newing

I

n every contact we have with our horse we are teaching it and so it is very important to be kind, clear, consistent and full of sympathy for this sentient creature which we are taking out of its natural environment. The benefits of leading your horse out for a walk are great and cannot be over emphasised. Long lining is a valuable aid in training the young horse but the act of simply going for a walk with your horse, be it when you are starting the youngster, keeping an injured horse interested and exercised before you can begin riding again, or restarting the remedial horse are wonderful therapy for both of you. It works as a tremendous assistance in bonding and building a partnership between you ... and it certainly helps get you fit and a few pounds lighter too! Horses really enjoy being taken for a walk by you and grow in confidence as they encounter various situations with the comfort and protection of having you beside them.

I know that here in the UK we are taught that you should lead in hand with the horse’s shoulder level with the person leading it. I personally favour Monty Roberts teaching on this and have trained my horses to walk with their heads level with my shoulder, so that we walk together rather than with the horse leading me. They are also trained that this is the ‘sweet spot’, so the line is comfortably relaxed and soft when they walk in this position. I use a Monty Roberts Dually Training Halter and 30ft Long Line coiled neatly in my hand when leading out because it gives much more control and is a great training aid. A lunge line suitably coiled would work well too. If you use a standard lead rope it can easily be snatched out of your hand if your horse shies and then it gets away from you which is dangerous. This happened to

me out on the open moorland of Dartmoor when I was leading my horse Saringa. Something spooked her and up she went and leapt away from me.

As with all things equine it happened in an instant and I was amazed and impressed that the Long Line was still in my undamaged hand, albeit at the end of its length. The Dually Halter had brought my horse to a sudden stop as it tightened instantly on her and Saringa had not by accident learnt how to get away from me.

During her rehabilitation and retraining I walked miles with this frightened and insecure little horse. As we did so she learnt about the local area of villages, country lanes and open moorland we would soon be riding in, her bond with me increased immeasurably, we were out enjoying the countryside together and I got fitter and thinner; what’s not to like.

WINTER GROOMING WRAPPED UP WITH WAHL

W

inter usually signals thicker coats and plenty more mud, not a great recipe for easy grooming! Keeping horses’ coats looking shiny and healthy during the summer seems a simple job, but during the winter it can be easier said than done and grooming can become a daily chore, but luckily help is at hand in the form of the Wahl Equine Rubber Curry Comb!

The Wahl Equine Rubber Curry Comb is designed for easy, versatile use, with a new comfortable rubber grip that fits perfectly into any size hand for a non-slip finish. The rubberised bristles of the Curry

Comb are ideal for removing the first layer of loose hair and dirt from the coat and any dust, shavings and other debris are quickly eradicated from under the coat surface. Any loose hair is quickly and easily pulled through the coat by the rubber bristles, leaving a brilliant shine and smooth finish. The contoured design offers rubberised grip for the user and bristles that are strong enough for mud removal, yet gentle enough for use on sensitive areas, such as the legs, offering maximum

comfort to both horse and groomer.

When used in a circular motion, the bristles flex and move with the contours of the horse’s body to free dirt and grit without scratching the skin, perfect for use on heavy or light coated horses. Most horses are now rugged up against the miserable cold and wet weather, so the Curry Comb is perfect for tackling the coat once the rug is removed and ensuring that skin irritation is staved off with the

removal of layers of dirt and grease buried deep into the hair! The brush is also great for working shampoo into the coat when washing the horse, helping to massage and stimulate the muscles. This is ideal for those still competing or hunting over the winter months and needing to keep their horses spick, span and squeaky clean!

The Wahl Equine Rubber Curry Comb is priced at £5.99 and is available from all good tack shops and online at Amazon. To shop online to view more from the Wahl range, visit: www.wahl.co.uk or telephone: 01227 744330.

New Rider for Waverley Stud

T

he team at Waverley Stud in Warwickshire continue to add to their expertise with Small Tour rider, Greg Sims joining them to produce and ride their talented dressage youngsters.

Owned and run by Sara Longworth, Waverley Stud provide foals to British and International dressage riders, and now has three horses under Greg’s guidance.

Greg told Equi-Ads: “Waverley Stud use only the very best bloodlines when it comes to both the mares and stallions and I am very pleased to be a part of this dedicated team.

“Their aim is to breed and produce exceptional foals and young horses for the dressage market at home and abroad, and hopefully there are already a number of future stars.”

Added Sara: “We are delighted to have

46 | February 2015

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Greg’s skills and expertise to hand for producing our talented youngsters.

“He has a great empathy with the horses and is very natural in his way of training and working them. Greg is just wonderful with the young horses and has a bravery you wouldn’t believe.

“Whatever they are doing underneath him he maintains balance and his hands always remain soft and giving – a fantastic quality.”

Greg’s main role is stable jockey for the Eilberg’s and he rides and trains at Waverley Stud twice a week as well as competing his own horse, Tennessee at Small Tour.

Greg’s is currently riding Waverley Florisgold, a three-year-old Floriscount x De Niro x Banditentraum mare; Waverley Bellagio, a three-year-old Belissimo M x Furst Heinrich x Der Clou gelding and Waverley

Dalloway, a five-year-old mare by Desperados x Lauries Crusador x Tannenberg.

He will compete the three –year-olds in Young Horse Classes in the Spring, as fouryear-olds and Waverley Dalloway, who had a foal this year, in Novice classes.

To find out more about Waverley Stud, and their exceptional youngstock visit www. waverleystud.com or call Sara Longworth on (07770) 999755. www.equi-ads.com

23/01/2015 14:47

Personality Profile

‘Five Minutes With...”

Linda Parelli

Linda Parelli is well known throughout the world for her natural horsemanship techniques. Here we invite her to sit down for five minutes and catch her breathe!

What key things have you learned from your most influential equestrian mentor(s)?

From Pat Parelli - how to be more natural with horse’s, put the relationship first and figure out how to get the horse to 'want' to be your partner. He completely changed my life with horses and helped me realize that I could have more fun, be safer and reach my goals using more of a behaviouralpsychology approach to training. It's all about understanding a horse's needs mental, emotional and physical so you never have a bad horse day again!

If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about your discipline, what it be?

While my approach is natural horsemanship, my favourite

Equi_Ads_FEB_EW_rev.indd 47

discipline is Dressage. I would like to see riders and trainers using more behavioural-psycholgy in their training and to know how to produce happy athletes. By understanding what motivates horses you can completely revolutionize your results. Having also studied with dressage master Walter Zettl for several years, and now Christoph Hess (we made some DVDs together) I'd like to see the Scale of Training implemented more strongly. It profoundly affects the quality of the training, happiness and health of the horse.

What’s the most common negative aspect you see in horses that are competing in you discipline, and what do you think causes this?

Tension. When horses are confused, afraid or arguing they get tense and of course this affects their ability to perform to the best of their ability. It’s important for horses to be calm, connected, responsive and successful.

What first made you interested in horse riding and how old were you?

I loved horses from the moment I was born! My first books were all about horses, it's all I drew, all I talked about… and I even tried to be a horse with little sticks for my front legs!

What do you love most about riding horses / the equestrian industry?

Everything. And for me, horses are about way more than riding. They have taught me to be a better human being… a better partner, communicator, leader, listener and teacher.

And what I love most about the equestrian industry is that we are all in it because we love horses.

What do you dislike most about riding horses / the equestrian industry?

There's nothing I dislike about riding horses! And the only thing I dislike in the equestrian industry is our disunity. We need to work together to make sure that horses

are still in our lives for generations to come.

What are the key things you think make a successful sports horse, in your discipline, and why?

Aptitude, attitude and partnership. That magical relationship with a horse that tries his heart out for you.

Tell us your phrase/motto/ethos you live your life by, and why you believe in it.

Love-Language-Leadership. For me it's a wonderful model for horse training, relationships and life.

• For further information visit www.parelli.com

23/01/2015 14:47

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23/01/2015 11:58