The UK’s Finest Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine
FR EE ®
JANUARY 2014
• Dope Testing - competitors beware • A failed dope test - a dietary cause? • Controlling infectious diseases • Emerging Infections • Breeding • Pads, Cloths and Back Protectors
Competition Win Lifeforce Focus and WEG Goodies
Next Month: Spring Feeding • First Aid on the yard • Worm Control • Joints • Tack - A "Bit" of a minefield! • Insurance • Arenas
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Front cover: Michael Rogers riding Tradition. Photo by Lisa Rogers www.mdr-photo.co.uk
Main Features Can diet cause a horse to fail dope test? ..........................11-12 Preparing for competition?.14 Controlling infectious diseases ....................................16 Respect - Catching your horse from the field ...................19-20 Breeding your mare .......22-24 Equine behaviour............26-27 Speaking the language - Part 19 ......................28-29, 33 New Year resolutions......30-31 Winter homework - Seeing a stride ..................................34-35 Mounting correctly...............36 Mallenders resolved from Inside and Out .......................38 Emerging and exotic equine diseases .....................40
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Veteran Olympian delights at Aivly Open Day! M ary King, a veteran of six Olympic Games for the British Three-Day-Eventing team entertained scores of Aivly Country Store’s suppliers and customers in a fitting crescendo to the awardwinning store’s recent Open Day. The Devon-based rider travelled to the Ringwood store to regale the assembled audience with anecdotes of her eventful career that has spanned six Olympic Games and seen her win two silver and one bronze. “I seem to have one medal missing”! exclaimed Mary, explaining her desire to compete in Rio 2016, adding, “One of the most wonderful elements of an Olympic Games is to be part of the Olympic village and be alongside great competitors from all sports and since no other British athlete has competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games, I would like to achieve that.” Mary’s personality has brought her numerous supporters and she joined Clair Trumper from Ariat, her clothing and footwear sponsor, to draw the winner of an outfit worth £600, from entrants to have purchased Ariat products during the previous month. Winner, Angela Lane said, “Although I don’t own a horse of my own, I am a regular Aivly customer buying food for my hens and riding gear for my daughters so
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I couldn’t believe it when I won I’m so delighted.” The open day also gave visitors a fabulous opportunity to interact with industry experts throughout the day with mini seminars from NatraLiving Products, Neue Schule Bits, Endell Veterinary Group and Suttons Animal Physiotherapy. Safety experts from Point 2 air jackets, Racesafe body protectors and Charles Owen were on hand to check hat and body protector fittings, and feeding advice was offered by Westaway & Son, Baileys Horse Feeds and Top Spec. While Aivly’s friendly and experienced staff benefit from training that they can impart on their customers, suppliers found the Open Day a useful way to interact with their end users with Jo Revell from Baileys Horse Feeds saying, “It was a great opportunity to understand the needs of the customer and to be able to explain the value of Aivly’s own brand budget feeds. Made by Baileys these are quality and nutritionally balanced feeds but being locally produced and exclusive to Aivly costs are saved by reduced transport and
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marketing behind the bags.” Jan Puzio B.Vet. Med. MRCVS and Chartered Physiotherapist Amanda Sutton both gave fascinating talks with Amanda saying, “We are always keen to showcase how scientific research can inform our training and horsecare and bring together training, farriery, veterinary, nutritional and physiotherapy elements for the welfare of the horse and show that putting the horse first does not mean the rider or owners should not look after themselves.” Visitor Sarah Houston said, “There was just so much for all ages and abilities - having a go to make a browbands or having a postural analysis on a mechanical pony and the seminars were excellent. It was fabulous to spend time with suppliers and of course, its always a joy to shop at Aivly whether seeking essentials, a sale items or something just a bit special for myself, my horse, my pets or my friends and family.” Concluding on the day Ariat’s Clair Trumper said, “The atmosphere in the store and the stunning extra marquee was fantastic and it was a pleasure to support Aivly who clearly aim to bridge the gap between supplier and customer and do such a great job for both.” THE EQUI-ADS TEAM Editorial:
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www.conchiesaddlery.co.uk Telephone Dundee 01382 532536
GOLD MEDALISTS CARL HESTER MBE AND LEE PEARSON CBE TO OPEN IN SHEFFIELD
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he Spanish Riding School of Vienna are delighted to announce that Carl Hester MBE and Lee Pearson CBE will be performing in Sheffield as part of the 2014 UK tour. For the first time ever the UK tour will come to Yorkshire kicking off with three performances at the Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on October 31st, November 1st and 2nd 2014. This is the first time the majestic, highly trained horses and riders of the 430 year old “High School for Classical Horsemanship” will have performed in the North of England. Fresh from their success at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, World class dressage sensation Carl Hester and 10-times Paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson will be opening the show with a masterclass to showcase some of the dressage moves that the modern day sport includes. Great Britain’s emotional and history-making performance in dressage in the 2012 Olympics sparked phenomenal interest in the sport amongst the general public. This tour will provide a unique and exclusive opportunity to witness a dressage performance by two of the sports greatest riders. TV presenter and British Dressage Ambassador Nicki Chapman will host the performances. Nicki will guide the audience through the impressive display of horsemanship. Talking about his involvement in the tour Lee Pearson commented; “ It’s a true honour and a privilege to be performing alongside the Spanish Riding School once again. I was lucky enough to be part of the tour in 2013. The unparalleled harmony that I witnessed between horse and rider was absolutely memorising. It was a real inspiration for me as a rider! It will also be amazing to perform in front of an arena audience once again. London 2012 created a huge buzz around dressage and the opportunity to perform in front of 10,000 horse fans every night is completely thrilling!” The Spanish Riding School show is an impressive display of classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école. The audience will be mesmerised by the absolute balance and harmony achieved by these beautiful White Lipizzaner
Friday 31st October 2014 – 7.30pm Saturday 1st November 2014 – 7.30pm Sunday 2nd November 2014 – 3.00pm The Spanish Riding School of Vienna at London’s Wembley Arena Friday 14th November 2014 – 7.30pm Saturday 15th November 2014 – 7.30pm Sunday 15th November 2014 – 3pm. Tickets on sale now, prices from £22.75 - £71.50 available from www.livenation.co.uk
TopSpec Support the 2014 Lindum Spirit Endurance Ride
T stallions and their regal riders. All of their famous in-hand work and movements above the ground such as the Capriole, Levade and Courbette will be performed. Nicki Chapman added; “It’s brilliant to have Carl and Lee on the tour! Both are true dressage legends and their success has ignited a strong passion for the sport across the country! To have such inspirational and charismatic riders performing alongside the celebrated and world-renowned Spanish Riding School of Vienna is a dream come true and ‘mustsee’ for any horse enthusiast.” Sure to be a sell-out, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see the world’s most famous school of equitation and to see Carl Hester and Lee Pearson. Visit www.livenation.co.uk . The 2014 Spanish Riding School of Vienna Tour promised to be one of the most unique, exciting and captivating events of the coming year book now to avoid disappointment – The tickets are perfect Christmas present! The Spanish Riding School of Vienna at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena
he Lindum Spirit Endurance Ride has secured sponsorship from TopSpec for the next three years Well known for their range of feed balancers and other innovative horse feeds, the TopSpec veterinary nutritionist and feed advisors will be on hand during the entire event offering advice to competitors and providing their weigh bridge service. The event which takes place over five days from July 23 to 27 at Market Rasen Racecourse, Lincolnshire, is now a firm favourite on the national endurance calendar. Nicola Tyler of TopSpec told Equi-Ads: “We are pleased to be sponsoring such a well known event on the endurance circuit. The Lindum Spirit Endurance Ride has a great following and a lot of support and we are looking forward to working with the organising team to continue its success.” As title sponsors TopSpec will be supporting the Spirit class in which horse and rider compete over a 170km endurance ride across three days, the Team Spirit class where teams of four riders will take on a 40km ride each, and the Pilgrim class where riders combine dressage, endurance riding and a handy pony obstacle course. TopSpec will be providing a prize fund for each of the main classes as well as presenting product prizes and vouchers to the lucky winners. There will also be a TopSpec fund raising reception evening where competitors will get to dress up in this years’ theme ‘Woodstock’ and mingle with other endurance riders, with drinks and a buffet. There will also be prizes up for grabs for the best fancy dress. What to feed endurance horses and ponies will depend on their individual requirements but products in the TopSpec range that are ideally suited include TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer, TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer, TopSpec Performance Cubes, TopSpec Super Conditioning Flakes and TopChop Alfalfa. For further information contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
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Sophie Wells welcomes Lincoln to her team of sponsors
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eam GB Paralympic rider Sophie Wells is extremely pleased to welcome Lincoln to her team of sponsors. As reigning World, European and Paralympic champion with over eleven gold medals to her name, Sophie is very much aware that success is only possible with the support of her generous sponsors. ‘As the new brand ambassador I am very grateful to Lincoln and really pleased to welcome them to my team of sponsors. The vast product range covers all aspects of horse care and yard management. We have a very busy yard of over 20 horses and are dependent on so many of their
KEEP DRY! S
tabling your horse for long periods over the winter months doesn’t always bode well for a healthy happy horse. One owner who has seen a huge improvement in her horse’s foot health is Rebecca Fall, as she explains: “My eventer has very narrow, upright feet, which prior to using Verdo caused problems with wet bedding getting lodged in the feet and causing thrush, no matter how religiously we picked out his feet. Since using Verdo, we have found that despite the bedding settling in his feet, because it is so much more absorbent than our previous choice of bedding (paper and shavings) the bedding being
fabulous products from the tack cleaning products to the Lincoln Heavy Duty Trugs, working with Lincoln will make a real difference to the daily running of the yard. The products really do keep the horses looking amazing.’ Sophie and Pinocchio were part of the Team GB Paralympic Team that historically smashed all previous records to deliver team gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games and also gained outstanding scores in their individual and freestyle performances to earn another two silver medals. As Sophie’s career goes from strength to
strength she is now facing a fresh challenge as Pinocchio retires from Para Dressage and pursues a career in able bodied competitions at Grand Prix. Which means it is now the turn of the equally talented but less experienced Valerius (Reece) to step up into the limelight. Valerius made his mark on the International circuit as part of Team GB competing at the 2013 European Championships in Denmark. As well as team and individual Gold medals Valerius and Sophie scooped a third gold medal for their freestyle performance posting a tremendous 80.25%.
removed is dry as oppose to being packed solid and wet. Verdo Horse Bedding also condenses the wet & because the bedding is so dense, the wet doesn’t move, keeping the top layer clean This combined with the fact that the whole bed is also much drier means that my horse hasn’t suffered from thrush” Verdo Horse Bedding also contains less than 1% dust, making it the ideal choice for horses with compromised respiratory issues. Verdo Horse Bedding comes in compact, easy to store bags, which once a small amount of water is added to the bag, a regeneration process is activated and within approximately 15 minutes, you are ready to empty the open bags out into the stable to create a soft fluffy and dry bed ready
for your equine friend! RRP: £5.00 - £5.65 Per 15kg Bag.To find out more information and to view a demonstration video, please visit; www. verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009
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oorland Rider, maker of the Horsewear Wash-Bag, confirmed it is now available in black and white too, making it so much easier to keep colours and whites separate. Black and white Horsewear Wash-Bags are available in jumbo and have a RRP of £15.95. The orange version is available in small, large and jumbo and prices start from £8.95. Petwear WashBags are green.
For more information, see www. moorlandrider.co.uk, email info@moorlandrider.co.uk or call 01782 397796 4 | January 2014
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Feel the Difference
We want to hear about your: NEWS RESULTS EVENTS
Send your news articles over to Equi-Ads and see them published.
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articipants in a published scientific study described horses on the LitoVet® joint supplement as ‘appearing more lithe, supple and easier to work the day after strenuous exercise’. The unique supplement is 100% natural and contains specially cultivated Rose Hips which have a high GOPO® (glycoside of mono and diglycerol) and Vitamin C content. GOPO® has been shown to help to maintain, soundness, suppleness and mobility in equine joints and joint tissues. As LitoVet® is a natural supplement is suitable for all horses, including those which are competing. Event rider Victoria Matthews has had excellent results with LitoVet®: “My event horse Dizzy Heights has windgalls and after reading about LitoVet® I decided to try it in the hope that it would help to reduce the swelling and improve her mobility. “I soon noticed that the windgalls were much smaller and less filled, especially on the front legs. Since using LitoVet®, Dizzy has also been far suppler and generally less stiff when first coming out of the stable in the morning. “Dizzy can be really fussy with additives but she ate the LitoVet® without hesitation. I love this product and the remarkable difference it made to my horse. “It really helped with her windgalls and mobility and I will continue you use it all year round.” LitoVet® is 100% plant-based and vegetarian. Prices start at £49 for a 1.5kg tub which will last one horse approximately two months.
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For further information on LitoVet® please visit www.litovet.co.uk or telephone 01452 524 012.
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HORSE AND RIDER INSURANCE HORSE AND RIDER INSURANCE HORSE AND RIDERTO INSURANCE COVER TAILORED SUIT COVER TAILORED TO COVER TAILORED TO SUIT SUIT YOUR HORSE YOUR YOUR HORSE HORSE Because in our experience no two horses are alike. Because in our experience no two horses are alike. Because in our experience no two horses are alike. Call 01296 436142 to speak to Rachel Call 01296 Rachel or Ryan for436142 a quoteto orspeak pop into Call 01296 436142 to speak to Rachel or Ryan for aOffice, quote 1orAlton pop in NFU Mutual House Office Park, or Ryan for a quote or pop in NFU Mutual Office, 1 Alton Bucks. House Office8XU Park, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, NFU Mutual Office, 1 Alton HouseHP19 Office Park, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP19 8XU Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP19 8XU Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.
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Healthcare kit down in price A
s we welcome the New Year and look forward to competitions and events in the spring, now is the ideal time to think ahead and be prepared. The Horse & Rider First Aid Kit from Robinson Animal Healthcare is now available to buy online at the special offer price of just £19.98 (usual RRP £24.99)! The Horse & Rider First Aid Kit provides all the essential items that may be needed in a first aid situation. Available in an easy to carry kit bag, Animalintex® poultice, Veterinary Gamgee®, Wound Dressings, Equiwrap® bandages, Vetalintex® wound gel and Blunt-ended Scissors are all included. For the rider a FastAid® essentials travel pack is also included for minor cuts and grazes.
For more information please contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com to buy online.
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SARCOIDS? ALKALISING THE SKIN CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM POWER AGAINST SAR-X #1 ORGANIC SUPPLEMENT “It has now completely gone!”
“My 7 year old gelding developed a medium sized lump on his belly. I did not want to go down the route of treatment advised by my vet. I started to feed him the powder 10 weeks ago and it has completely gone. His hair has grown back and you would never know it had been there. I am so pleased; I cannot praise the powder enough!” Ruth Mitchell
POWER AGAINST SAR-X IS 100% SAFE FOR HORSES WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS. PLUS ALL INGREDIENTS WILL NOT VIOLATE COMPETITION RULES.
POWER AGAINST SAR-X 6 week supply £35 3 month supply £65 SARCOID CARE PACK £80 For a free consultation ring now: 0800 970 9421 Free calls from a mobile: 0330 100 5266 Email: help@horsesarcoids.com
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Explore the Roof of the World I
f you are looking for a riding holiday which gives unprecedented access to some of the most untouched land in the world then the latest In The Saddle trip will tick all the boxes. The High Plateau Ride in Eastern Tibet provides an opportunity to ride on the ‘Roof of the World’ and be amongst one of the few to experience true nomadic life in this spectacular, vast, open landscape. Tibet became part of China in the late 1950s and the routes you will follow on this wilderness trip lead you through the upland grasslands of what is now the Sichuan Province, where you will enjoy spectacular vistas from the highest plateau on earth and visit the remote Buddhist monasteries to get a feel for the local culture. For intrepid equestrian explorers, visitors to In The Saddle’s High Plateau Ride will revel in the opportunity to spend time with local people, ride through the rolling hills that are framed by snow capped peaks of the Min Shan and Anye Machin mountains, and get a real sense of freedom as they partner with local Tibetan mountain horses known for being sturdy and sure-footed. The fourteen night trip provides visitors with a true exploration of Tibet both on horseback and foot, including visits to the Panda Breeding Centre, the rare chance to have lunch with the monks in Amchok monastery or with a local Tibetan family, embrace the opportunity to learn about the cooking style and produce of the area and take a trip to the interesting town of Songpan. The riding time can be very spiritual, giving guests the chance to reflect on life away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, whether it be sending ‘little prayers’ from the top of the peaceful holy mountain of Tiger’s Heart, or during a smoke offering ceremony at Chudong Sumna and Tso Gamma Labste – the holy seat of the protecting god. This trip will undoubtedly spark some level of emotion due to the empowering idyllic bliss of being literally, ‘on top of the world’! Accommodation is based at the purpose built High Plateau Riding Centre in Amchok, as well as in local hotels and guesthouses. Prices start at £1,882 per person, based on 14 nights full board and includes all activities (flights to Chengdu not included).
To find out more about this exciting equestrian escape visit www.inthesaddle.com or call 01299 272 997 to speak to a member of the team.
Cutting Edge New Breeches
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HAYLAGE
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aySoft is a quality range of haylage and chaff products produced using the finest grass, cut when nutritional levels are at their peak. Packaged into three manageable sections, HaySoft undergoes a state of the art dust extraction process to prevent horses and owners from being exposed to potentially harmful dust and mould spores. The latest addition to the range is HaySoft Timothy, made from quality timothy grass, it provides horses and ponies with a tasty, lower calorie haylage. High in fibre (with a favourable calciumto-phosphorous ratio) and vitamins A and D, HaySoft Timothy is extremely
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palatable and easy to digest. HaySoft Timothy is ideal for horses and ponies who struggle with being overweight, good-doers and those prone to laminitis, plus due to it’s low protein levels, HaySoft Timothy is also perfect for horses that are protein sensitive. Also included in the HaySoft range are HaySoft Original (premium dust free forage), HaySoft High-Fibre (rich in nutrients), HaySoft Oat Chaff (adds extra fibre to the horse’s diet to aid the digestive system) and HaySoft Hay Chaff (can be used to bulk out feeds and prevent the horse from eating too quickly). For more information and to find your local stockists visit www.haysoft.co.uk or call 01277 75647.
N exciting new range of cutting edge breeches has been launched by British Showjumping available exclusively from www.equestrian.com The British Showjumping Ladies Stoneleigh Breeches are made from an innovative, versatile strong fabric which is comfortable and hard wearing. This modern style of breech features a stitched Euroseat, Rubber Flex knee patches for a secure grip, Lycra at the ankles for comfort and ease and a seam which goes down the front of the leg and around the knee making them extremely stylish. The Ladies Stoneleigh Breeches are available in navy and white, ladies sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and priced at £88.99. Girl sizes: 24” / 26” / 28” and priced at £70.99. The Men’s Stoneleigh Breeches are ultra stylish and feature front pleats for a comfortable fit and modern look. Made from hard wearing fabric and complete with a stitched Euroseat and Rubber Flex knee patches, the breeches up to the minute styling add to the high-tech feel. Two front pockets and the British Showjumping logo embroidered on the back belt loop add extra detail to these new breeches. The Men’s Stoneleigh Breeches are available in navy and white, men’s sizes: 30” / 32” / 34” / 36” / 38” / 40” and priced at £88.99. They are also available in boy’s sizes: 24” / 26” / 28” and priced at £70.99.
For more information visit www.equestrian.com
Thredbo Valley Horse Riding
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hredbo Valley Horse Riding are second to none when it comes to horse riding in the Snowy Mountains. Join them and follow in the footsteps of the Man from Snowy River, exploring the Australian High Country on horseback. There are many horses to suit your style of riding, whether you are a crack hand with a horse or a beginner, they have the horse just for you. They can show you many scenic views, visit remarkable wilderness areas through fern filled gullies, steep wooded ridges, cool alpine streams and meadows. You choose how long you want to ride - one hour, two hours, half day or full day. Subject to numbers they have a daily ride early afternoon, call them for availability. Pony rides are also available for children. For more information: www.discoverthredbo.com/woolondibby
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fiVe minUteS WitH... Bert Sheffield
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ara-dressage rider, Bert (Roberta) Sheffield, is based in Lincolnshire and rides for the Canadian para-dressage team. She is currently 3rd in the PEC Short List Rankings and 9th in the FEI World Rankings. “I first became interested in horse riding when I was four years old and my best friend went riding…so I went too. I had, however, already killed several rocking horses,” she laughs. Bert says she has learnt so many key things from her most influential mentors. “I had two amazing teachers - Gareth Hughes and Arthur Kottas. Gareth’s favourite mantra was “God gave you an outside rein – use it!” and Arthur Kottas taught me that ‘legs create energy; the seat is the gearbox’.” She says the thing she loves most about riding horses is the feeling you get when a horse ‘switches on’ to the rider. “They say, ‘Let’s dance, you lead’ - even if it is more like a paso-doble than an elegant waltz! My favourite horse would feel as though I was riding the Charleston - legs everywhere, without any inhibitions,” Bert says. “The thing I dislike most about riding is when riders take the horse’s cooperation for granted. The horse does not choose to do what we ask it to do and our competitive ambitions
may not suit its personality,” she adds. According to Bert, a good dressage horse needs to ‘fill’ the arena and have good movement. “But for para-riders, he also needs to be suitable for his particular rider. E.g. a Grade 1a rider will have different needs to a Grade 4 rider. I’m a Grade 3, and I like my horses to be a little boisterous! I feel that para horses must go like developed dressage horses, but not necessarily ‘sweetly and kindly’. There should still be cadence, power and expression,” she states. The horse Bert would have loved to ride is Ahlerich (Reiner Klimke’s greatest horse). “He had so much personality and charm as well as amazing movement and technique,” she explains. If Bert could wave a magic wand and change one thing about paradressage it would be more prize money. “It costs us just as much to train, compete and travel all over, yet in the UK, we don’t get prize money,” she says frankly. “My motto in life is ‘positivity and hard work!’ By building a strong base, it is easier to take the knocks as they occur and bounce back stronger. Hard work will always pay off in the end,” she concludes.
i couldn’t live without...
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“I couldn’t manage without HorseHage,” Bert adds. “I feed both the Alfalfa and Timothy varieties. Its high fibre, low sugar content keeps my horses’ heads in a ‘good place’ while still giving them energy to maintain condition and strength. This builds flexibility into their routine, so they can be worked morning or early afternoon, and when we are away at shows, they don’t have to miss a meal as they happily pick at their Alfalfa HorseHage net in the lorry,” Bert says. (01803 527257 www.horsehage.co.uk )
Spring Feeding
breeding champions with topSpec Stud feed balancer
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ROM winners at the Royal Dublin Horse Show to Champions at the Royal Welsh, TopSec Stud Feed Balancer is specifically designed for broodmares, youngstock and stallions. The feed balancer improves the amount of nutrients a horse can extract from his total diet meaning that breeding stock can receive optimum nutrition from reduced
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levels of hard feed, with many resulting benefits. TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer greatly improves hoof, skin and coat quality, whilst helping to maintain appetite, moderating the effects of stress on horses and helping to maintain a healthy immune system. TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer contains the following features:• Optimum amounts of all the micronutrients needed to complement feed intake and allow broodmares and youngstock to reach their maximum potential. • Excellent quality protein and intracellular soya oil. • Concentrated levels of added micronutrients,
including chelated minerals for improved availability. • Powerful levels of Vitamin E and selenium, vital antioxidants, important for fertility and muscle function. • Effective levels of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements to develop and maintain strong bone and superb muscle. • The scientifically proven levels of Biotin (15mg/500kg horse/ day), and associated nutrients, to improve hoof and coat quality and skin conditions. • Two advanced yeast products to help optimise fibre digestion in the hindgut and remove gut pathogens. For further information contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
First Aid on the yard Worm Control Joints Tack - a “Bit” of a minefield! Insurance Arenas plus much more… COPY DEADLINE JANUARY 10 January 2014 | 9
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can Diet caUSe a HorSe to faiL a DoPe teSt?
Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
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he Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) based in Lausanne lists on thirty A4 pages in PDF format substances that are prohibited in equines! In April 2013 there was a major scandal in Newmarket when it was discovered that horses from a prominent yard had failed a dope test. In this case, the agent discovered was stanozolol, a banned anabolic steroid which had been purposefully administered to the horses. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) endurance horses have figured in 33 FEI Tribunal doping hearings in just one year and several animals have died during the winter season of endurance racing. Thus doping is a major issue in horse sports and also, a recurring issue amongst human sporting activities such as the Tour de France. In most of these cases, it is the deliberate administration of substances that results in a positive test. If a prohibited substance is of dietary origin it may lead to a case of involuntary doping and a positive
test. However, it is impossible to discriminate between these two types of doping as the result is the same, disqualification and possibly banning from the sport. It is because of this that all people who ride competitively must be aware that their horse’s diet could be a source of prohibited substances. The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has introduced two assurance schemes designed to reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) being present in the manufactured feeds and supplements that may be fed to horses. Horses may be fed forages together with compound feed or straights such as oats or, a combination of the latter two. The Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) and NOPS are designed for manufacturers of compound feeds. The Feed materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS) together with the NOPS code are schemes designed both for raw material and straights
providers. Thus, it is important that people in charge of purchasing horse feed only use feed materials from accredited suppliers; the respective logos will be stamped on bags or containers of horse feed or supplement. Accredited feed companies are subject to regular audit by the unbiased Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) to ensure they conform to the requirements of both UFAS and FEMAS. In this way, the risk of NOPS being an issue is much reduced or eliminated provided you buy products from suppliers who belong to these assurance schemes. As with everything, there has been considerable progress over the years in the development of equipment capable of measuring prohibited substances. Whereas in times past the concentration of a substance in blood, urine, feed, etc could only be measured in terms of milligrams/100g sensitivities of equipment have increased so much that microgram quantities can be measured and in some cases even nanogram amounts are now measurable. This is a minute amount equivalent to one part per billion! This means that great care has to be taken in feed preparation to avoid the presence of NOPS in a product; spilling a cup of coffee in the wrong place or losing a piece of chocolate could result in a positive dope test for caffeine and/ or theobromine. NOPS have been defined as “any substance that can exert an effect on a horse” and thus, this is an all-embracing definition!! The most common NOPS are caffeine, theobromine, morphine, nicotine, hordenine, hyoscine, theophylline and atropine. The first three are the most commonly found in feed either naturally present or as
a result of contamination prior to manufacture. Good quality control using laboratory procedures to screen raw materials prior to manufacturing and to check for the presence of NOPS should result in the production of NOPS-free products. Natural products and herbal preparations may represent a risk since they could result in a positive test outcome. Many do not come with an exhaustive analysis and one never fully knows what these products contain. Plants, as most people know, are a valuable source of some common drugs. These phytochemicals are currently attracting a lot of research effort to evaluate their effectiveness in different situations. Some are claimed to have a calming effect in horses such as the herb Valerian; this is not surprising since Valium (Diazepam) is extracted from Valerian roots and is used to calm nervous and/or anxious persons. In contrast, there are other herbs that claim to stimulate activity. The inclusion of materials that have calming or stimulatory actions violates FEI rules. The FEI categorises regulated substances into either Banned Substances or Controlled Medication Substances. The former substances should never be found in any competitive horse at any time or level. The latter refer to substances that are (continued on page 12)
rest assured with Horslyx T
he British Equestrian Trade Association, known as BETA introduced two assurance schemes which are designed to reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances in equine feeds; The Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) and Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS). Horslyx is part of both these schemes which act to prevent naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) such as Caffeine or Morphine originating from natural sources, such as flowers, accidently making their way into your equine’s feed. The schemes are designed to ensure all of these natural, yet not competition legal, ingredients do not enter the equine diet. Horslyx supports this system and believes that this will not only keep our horses safer and healthier but it also prevents issues arising at competitions as a result of a simple accident. This means that when feeding Horslyx you can rest assured that the strictest guidelines have been followed to ensure that your nutritious lick
www.equi-ads.com
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 11
does not include any prohibited or potentially harmful substances. Horslyx is proud to carry the UFAS and NOPS assurance and the range of nutritious and palatable licks supply only beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and oil. For more information about the UFAS and NOPS assurances or the other Horslyx health benefits, visit www.horslyx.com January 2014 | 11
18/12/2013 13:43
Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding
DEAR SIR,
C
hristmas is supposed to be the time of peace and goodwill to all, so it is particularly galling that my family has been the victim of such a terrible crime so close to Christmas. A week ago today my five year old son’s pony was taken from our field in Ramsey St Mary, Cambridgeshire, by a heartless, callous thief. This is an elderly pony, not in particularly good health who is of no value to anyone other than the heartbroken little boy who is desperately worried and missing his beloved pony. Last year in his letter to Santa, all my son asked for was for his pony - who has just been diagnosed with Cushings disease - to get better. This year he faces Christmas having no idea where his best friend is and if he is being cared for and loved the way he would be at home. Tic Toc could be anywhere in the country by now and someone somewhere knows where he is. He is very small, with a distinctive thick curly white coat and a black and pink muzzle. I am literally begging anyone who knows anything to please calls Crimestoppers immediately to help bring our pony home for Christmas. Kate Carnegie Ramsey St. Mary Cambridgeshire
(continued from page 11) commonly used and/or recognised as having significant therapeutic activity. The FEI regulations define threshold levels for these substances because they recognise that many substances can produce a positive result but are present in minuscule amounts as a result of appropriate veterinary treatment, a certain diet or are produced by the horse itself. A good example of the latter is the endogenous production of testosterone in male athletes. High levels suggest drug usage but some men have naturally very high basal levels of the hormone and thus for these individuals the allowable threshold must be higher. There are a number of ways that horse feed may become contaminated with prohibited substances. A problem may occur when raw materials are sourced from overseas where herbicide usage is not so intensive as in the UK. It is not unusual to see poppies growing on wastelands in the UK but they are rarely seen growing in agricultural crops. Imported feed materials, particularly from less developed countries, should always be screened for the presence of poppy seeds since they represent a source of opium. The latter contains about 12% morphine,
eQUine america VentiLator A
natural supplement specially formulated using a unique combination of herbs and natural ingredients to support a clear bronchial system and aid all aspects of respiratory health including the airways and lungs. Available 454gm 1 month supply RRP £19.99. Tel 01403 255809 www.equineamerica.co.uk 12 | January 2014
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 12
used to produce heroin, as well as codeine, an effective pain killer. Poppies represent one of the best examples of a plant that can produce powerful phytochemicals for human usage and a failed dope test. Also, horse food should be purchased from manufacturers who have a feed mill which is dedicated solely to this purpose otherwise there is a distinct risk of cross contamination from other animal products that may contain banned substances. Feedstuffs that are based on sprouted cereals such as Brewer’s Grains, Distiller’s Grains, etc could be a source of hordenine and although these feeds are very
useful in horse diets it might be as well to make sure that they are not included in rations for competition horses. Cocoa beans are used to produce chocolate and are shipped in great quantity to the UK for this purpose. Unfortunately, cocoa beans are a source of theobromine so that containers used to ship it then represent a risk of contaminating the products which are next shipped. There is a real risk of cross contamination. It does not take much chocolate to result in a positive dope test so be careful with the Smarties! We are used to taking Aspirin for pain relief and its active ingredient is salicylic acid, a normal metabolite in horses and a naturally occurring substance in willow (Salix species) and legumes such as alfalfa. Because of this a threshold value is allowed but may not be exceeded. From the foregoing it can be seen that the greatest risks of diet causing a horse to fail a dope test are essentially two-fold; crosscontamination and poor quality control. Finally, personnel must be briefed about controlling their personal habits. All human food and liquid must be kept well away from the feed room, horses and their feeding utensils. Furthermore, personal illegal drug usage could present a risk since contact between contaminated hands and horse feed could lead to a positive result.
Drug free focus I
f you want to feed your horse a more natural diet or if you are competing at the highest level, ensuring the diet you feed is totally drug-free is vitally important for your horse, and your peace of mind. All Allen & Page feeds are completely drug free and produced in the company’s own drug free mill. No artificial flavours or other medicinal additives are used in any of the feeds. In addition, Allen & Page does not use ‘nature identical’ flavours or additives which have been synthetically produced to mimic their natural alternatives. Furthermore, all of the herbs the company uses are absolutely the real thing. To reinforce this, Allen & Page signed up to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) voluntary code of practice for feed manufacturers, to reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) in horse feeds. Substances such as morphine from poppies, hordenine from sprouting barley and theobromine from cocoa products are included within the code as, if they are consumed by a horse, they could show up in dope tests leading to disqualification in competition. Allen & Page manufactures to a strict code of feed safety and monitors for the presence of these substances to ensure the risk of occurrence is minimised. When it has to be drug free, and you want peace of mind choose Allen & Page. For more information and advice on a suitable diet for your horse or pony call the Allen & Page award winning nutritional helpline on 01362 822 902 or visit www.allenandpage.com. www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:43
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18/12/2013 13:43
InXxxxxxxxxx the Spotlight
Preparing for competition? Don’t be a dope!
D
oping issues in competition horses have hit the headlines on many occasions over the last few months where positive tests have been seen in racehorses, endurance horses and most recently in the world of eventing. The doping of horses has been carried out for centuries. There is suggestion that it occurred in chariot racing during the Ancient Roman times and was well-documented in the sixteenth century. Although, over the years doping was considered to be very infrequent, there have been huge improvements made in intelligence gathering and the ability of labs to detect drugs. This has resulted in the detection of various concoctions of human and veterinary drugs in samples from horses. Over the past ten years there has been a huge increase in the testing of horses for banned substances which was driven by the record number of positive tests in horses at the 2004 Olympic Games. Samples taken from human athletes also resulted in a record-breaking number of positive tests and the 2004 Games has been subsequently referred to as ‘the dirtiest Games ever’.
14 | January 2014
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It is very sad that small numbers of competitors will go to extraordinary lengths to compete unfit horses. The pressures of competition, the increasing number of events held and record levels of prizemoney may result in unfit horses participating or even winning in competition with serious detriment to their health. Medication testing, colloquially known as ‘dope testing’ is not only carried out to ensure fairness amongst competitors, re-assure spectators and the general public that high equine welfare standards are maintained but also to ensure horse and rider safety. If we cast our minds back to 1999 when a number of competitors were tragically killed, a report that was issued the following year highlighted the extensive use of herbal calmers in competition horses. The inappropriate medication of horses also raises serious equine welfare
By Caterina Termine BSc(Hons) BVSc CertAVP MRCVS
and ethical issues. For example the inappropriate use of pain-killers could mask the onset of sudden lameness that may occur during competition or long-standing lameness which may be made worse on exercise and even lead to catastrophic injuries. So how does this impact the everyday competitor? Although many of the cases we hear about involve international competition horses, an increase in medication testing has taken place at affiliated competitions over the past two years. Currently dope testing is carried out in any equestrian discipline that is affiliated to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and testing is carried out at every level. Some associations that are not affiliated to the BEF also carry out medication testing. The testing at affiliated competitions is organised by the BEF. A vet and a steward are present at events where competitors may be asked to present their horse for testing. Horses are usually selected entirely at random, unless there are suspicious circumstances or the competition is a major championship where the winner or a selection of placed horses is selected. The procedure for medication testing at national events is very similar to that at international events. Testing takes place in a clean stable known as the ‘testing box’. The competitor must produce the horse’s passport in order for the vet to check the horse’s identity. The horse is then placed into the testing box where a urine sample is taken. Some horses will not urinate therefore they are only held for a short period of time. A
blood sample is also taken from the horse regardless of whether the horse urinates. The samples are split into ‘A’ and ‘B’ samples, packed into tamper-proof containers and sent to the lab in a sealed box. The ‘A’ sample is always tested first. If it produces a positive result the rider is then informed before the ‘B’ sample is tested which often takes place at different lab. If both A and B samples test positive, heavy penalties can be imposed onto the person responsible (PR) for the horse. The PR may differ with respect to the competition’s regulatory body so it is always important to check the rules. Penalties may include a temporary suspension whilst an investigation is carried out, disqualification from the event, a ban or a fine of up to several thousands of pounds. Testing is an important part of competition regulation and failure to present the horse for testing once selected, also results in similar penalties to the above. Many competitors feel that it can be something of a minefield in knowing what supplements, feeds, ointments and medicines are permitted for use in competition. It is always prudent to check the rules in advance however many organisations, follow the Fédération International Equestre’s (FEI) lead. The FEI is the international governing body for all Olympic equestrian disciplines and they produce a list of prohibited substances which can be found of the FEI’s ‘Clean Sport’ website. The FEI have also developed a free ‘FEI Clean Sport’ app. This is a very useful, user-friendly tool where compounds can be typed into the app and checked against the prohibited substances list. It is important to ensure that your horse does not have any prohibited substances well in advance of competition as some medicines can be detected for several months after medication. If your horse requires any veterinary medicines close to competition you must discuss this with your vet to ensure that your horse is fit to compete and comply with medication rules. It is also worth taking advantage of technical support help lines to ensure that feeds and supplements used also comply with competition rules. If in doubt, always ask for advice and enjoy the forthcoming competition season. www.equi-ads.com
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18/12/2013 13:43
Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
A Practical Approach to... Controlling Infectious and Contagious Diseases By Fiona Reed
W
e are all aware via magazine reports and the ever present social media websites, of the dangers and risks of our horses contracting some dreadful infectious or contagious disease. This sort of transfer of information can be very useful, but can also create hysteria and panic, where often none is necessary. There are always plenty of articles written about these diseases looking from the veterinary perspective, but here we hope to give you some practical guidance in how on a daily basis you can observe, prevent and/or control any of these equine health issues should they come your way, and also to demystify some of the technical jargon. How Diseases are Spread • Direct contact from horse to horse • Via droplets from coughs and sneezes • Contaminated objects eg: feed buckets, headcollars, bridles • Feed and water • Vectors – ie a third party carrier like an insect, another animal or person • Dirty bedding, urine and droppings • Veterinary equipment, particularly hypodermic needles • Vehicles, both horseboxes/trailers carrying horses and cars coming on and off the yard Biosecurity is the term used for steps you should take to reduce the risk of infection in your horse and/or at your yard. Biocontainment is the prevention of spread of a disease within the yard. There is no need to be paranoid, but careful observation is important .... far better prevention rather than cure! Care of the horses • Be vigilant and note any change to your horses’ normal demeanour. Has he got a snotty nose, a bit of a cough? Is he listless? Is he eating or drinking more or less than usual? Does he have a temperature? • Try, where possible to avoid direct contact with horses that are not kept at the same yard. When working in at a show, when waiting in the collecting, or when standing in the lineup for your rosette, do not allow your horse to touch noses with others. • When hacking out, avoid doing so with horses from other yards unless you are confident of their health situation, and do not stop and allow your horse to speak to others over a fence when passing. • •Do not share transport if at all possible, even though the share of expenses is very tempting. The enclosed space within a lorry or trailer is potentially a high infection risk • Where feasible isolate any new horse into the yard. Ideally this should be in a stable that does not share the same ‘air space’ as existing horses, or a field well apart and down wind of the prevailing wind for a period of 10 days. • Observe any horse that has been away from the yard for competition, being vigilant for any potential disease. If considered to be high risk then monitor closely by taking temperature regularly and keeping a close eye on food and water intake • Ensure all horses are vaccinated • Keep all feed and water buckets clean and if possible ensure the same buckets are used for the same horse each day Management of yard staff/owners/visitors • It is essential that anyone coming on and of the yard is aware of the risks and those attending horses should have a good idea of the signs of an unhealthy horse • If there is a risk of infection in the locality then visits to the yard should be restricted to essential people only and no-one to visit directly from any suspect yard • Any infected or high risk horse should be cared for by a person who either does not look after any other horse or who changes their clothes and equipment before then going nearly a healthy horse • If there is infection in the yard then the following additional precautions should also be taken: • Consult your veterinary surgeon, not just for appropriate treatment of the disease present but for their advice and help • No horse, whether affected or not, should leave the yard • Affected horses should have no contact with any others • No person from the yard should visit other yards at all if possible, and if essential then only after all clothing and footwear have been changed 16 | January 2014
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• Only receive visitors if absolutely essential • One person should attend to the affected horse(s) and no others • All clothes and footwear should be changed/cleaned/disinfected after attending to affected horses • Disinfectant footbaths should be available for all entering the yard and to the proximity of the affected horses • Hand sanitisers should be available and regularly used • Cats and dogs should not be allowed to move freely around the yard • Rodent, bird and insect control should be implemented as best as possible • Dirty bedding from the affected horse(s) should not be added to the open muck heap but instead burnt/incinerated if possible • Mark all mucking out tools, grooming kit, feed and water buckets for affected horse(s) and ensure they are kept away from and not used on healthy horses • Ensure all disinfectants are used to the recommended strength for the disease present • And last but by no means least ... advise other yards in the locality that you have a problem. Be honest and open and explain the precautions you are taking, that all protocol is being followed, what disease you have, and the probable length of time you are likely to remain in quarantine. There is a lot of whispering behind hands, finger pointing and blame surrounding outbreaks of infectious diseases and yet it is very, very rarely the fault of the poor person whose horse has become ill. Yet, because of this type of scandalmongering and gossip many yards choose to stay quiet when they have a problem, or even opt to deny they have any issue. This in the long run causes suspicion and hysteria and makes it difficult for other yards when they are not sure where and when there may be an outbreak of disease in their area. Apart from the occasional Cough, the main diseases that cause concern with the UK are Equine Influenza, Equine Herpes Virus and Strangles, but can also include the fungus Ringworm and the Notifiable Diseases; Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), African Horse Sickness (AHS) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Take care of your horses, watch out for any changes in their normal behaviour, don’t mix closely with horses of unknown origin and history, but do not become overly paranoid, these diseases are not as common as many would have you believe ..... go out and compete and enjoy your horses, don’t hide away at home!
Equilyptus and Bio Security go hand in hand….
E
quilyptus has been specifically designed to be used by vets for Bio Security when travelling from yard to yard. It eliminates odours, kills bacteria and germs helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as Strangles, Ringworm and EHV plus many more. It is also effective against Thrush, Mud Fever and Sweet Itch. Equi-Ads tried Equilyptus on our rubber matting, the bare concrete floor and have used it each time we have cleaned out the trailer after use with excellent and refreshing results. It does what it says on the “tin” and certainly eliminates odours and is especially beneficial during the winter months when it is too cold and wet to wash stables out or trailers and lorries, minimising icy conditions. The bedding has also been freshened up and its all natural, environmentally friendly and safe to use on clothes, fabric, leather or indeed any surface. Equilyptus have just become official sponsors of Robert Smith who said of the product “I am always keen to support (continued on page 20) www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:43
Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding
oPtimaL feeDing for brooD mare & YoUng StocK
strong, pliable hooves throughout development. Joanna Verdon from the national farming bank finds Blue Chip Original invaluable, she reports “I have never had my mares cycling and covered so early, youngstock grow at steady, even rates with good dense bone.”
Broodmare
Meeting the nutritional demands of your broodmare throughout her gestation is paramount to her health and to the health and vitality of her foal. The final trimester is of particular significance as the majority of foetal growth occurs in these last few months of gestation. During this time the foal begins to store essential trace minerals including zinc, copper and iodine in their liver which will be used in the first two months of life. Thus, it is vital that these trace minerals are supplied to the mare via supplementation throughout the pregnancy. Blue Chip Original provides organic, chelated minerals at levels which adequately meet the needs of your broodmare throughout her entire pregnancy. A mare’s energy requirement increases as the foetus matures and significantly rises during the final trimester. As the foetus reaches maturity a mare’s gut space is reduced reducing the mares ability to consume adequate forage to meet her nutritional demands. The probiotic yeast found in Blue Chip Original has been scientifically proven in a series of trials conducted at Hartpury College showed that by feeding Blue Chip Original horses can double their ability to digest fibre, allowing a mare to get twice as many nutrients out of the fibre she consumes. Conversely, it is important to ensure your mare does not become overweight during her pregnancy. Mares that carry excess weight during gestation have less muscle tone and can be at a higher risk of birth difficulties. The inclusion of folic acid in Blue Chip Original is important for the development of a
Weaning
healthy foetus along with its unique probiotic is known to increase mare’s milk production and nutrient density. Creep-feeding
Blue Chip Original specially designed small pellet are the ideal introduction to hard feed for the foal and can be safely fed from three weeks of age. Blue Chip Original supplies a quality protein source to facilitate good muscle development along with the correct ratio of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. SoundHoofTM in Blue Chip Original is a comprehensive hoof supplement found in all Blue Chip balancers and includes biotin, organic copper, organic zinc, methionine, and lysine which are invaluable inclusions to maintaining
Weaning can be a stressful time for both mare and foal and like anything, prevention is always better than a cure. Blue Chip Karma supplies a concentrated water-soluble source of magnesium which is rapidly absorbed, along with L-Tryptophan for the formation of serotonin the ‘feel good’ hormone. Providing Blue Chip Karma to both mare and foal for two weeks prior to weaning and until both are settled can aid in minimising stress and reduce the risk of stress related problems. “I gave my 6 month old Connemara Blue Chip Karma before he was weaned and transported to his new home. Well, I have just taken a phone call from his new owner, and despite a 4 hour journey, he has walked off the lorry as cool as a cucumber and has already settled in with his new Shetland pony friend! The driver of the lorry watched him throughout the whole journey, and says that he didn’t move at all. Thank you Blue Chip for helping to keep my mare and foal settled during what could possibly have been a stressful experience for both.” Judith Young Blue Chip Karma the natural, liquid calmer is made with 100% natural ingredients and guaranteed free from prohibited substances. (continued on page 19)
Champion Horse Feed Range (continued on page 19)
Carrs Billington’s own range of Champion Horse Feeds provide excellent quality nutrition to keep your horses and ponies fit and healthy, including an exclusive mineral package unique to us.
Products Available: Horse & Pony Mix, Horse & Pony Cubes, Working Mix, Conditioning Cubes & Veteran Mix Order yours today Call our customers service team North England & Scotland 01228 518860 South England & Wales 01785 760535 Or Visit your local Country Store
www.equi-ads.com
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 17
www.carrs-billington.com January 2014 | 17
18/12/2013 13:43
Lifeforce Focus and WEG Goodies
WIN
Equi-Ads has teamed up with Alltech, title sponsor of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 to give six lucky winners the chance to win a tub of Lifeforce Focus, a Norman, the official mascot to the games.
This exciting equestrian extravaganza is taking place in Normandy, France from August 24 to September 7, 2014 and is the largest equestrian event ever organised in France. Competitions will take place at various venues throughout Normandy, Northern France taking in some iconic landmarks such as The Bay of Mont Saint Michel and competitors from 60 countries around the world will come together to compete in eight official disciplines. Lifeforce Focus from Alltech is a supplement specially designed for leisure horses with low levels of activity or those that spend a lot of time grazing. Containing all natural ingredients Lifeforce Focus creates an ideal digestive environment which allows good bacteria to work most effectively throughout the gut helping to prevent digestive upsets.
It also addresses challenges related to weight loss and body condition and provides organic trace minerals that are more easily absorbed and maintained. Lifeforce Focus should be fed at the rate of 56g per day split between two feeds and is available in a 5kg tub which is a 90 day supply. A 5kg Tub of Lifeforce Focus retails at £60. Alltech is title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France. The Lifeforce range is the cornerstone of the Alltech Equine Advantage series, developed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.
HOW TO ENTER
The first six correct answers drawn to the following question will be deemed to be the winners. What is the name of the of the official Mascot to the AlltechFEI World, Equestrian Games? Email your entry direct to Kirsty@equi-ads.net or post your answer to Stephanie Walker, Equi-Ads Ltd.,126, Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS. For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512 This Competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 and resident in the UK. The winner will be picked from all correct entries. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into with regard to entries or the selection of the winner. Equi-Ads cannot be held responsible for any entries that for any reason fail to reach us before the closing date. Entries close on Friday 24th January 2014. Winners will be published in the March, 2014 issue. If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be provided.
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 18
18/12/2013 13:43
Xxxxxxxxxx Training
Respect: CATCHING YOUR
HORSE FROM THE FIELD By Anne Wilson
I
deally your horse should come eagerly towards you when you reach the field gate and call his name. If not, most horses will calmly stand whilst you walk towards them and put on the headcollar ready for leading in from the field. But sometimes, no matter how good a relationship you have with your horse, he/she will decide that the grass (particularly in spring/ summer) is too lush, sweet and tempting for him to want to leave. Added to this may be the fact that his companions are still munching and he is reluctant to leave them. However, as his owner/carer he has to learn to comply with your wishes. There may be several good reasons that he shouldn’t stay out with his mates. Too much grass is not good for many horses and there are many other reasons, in the horse’s best interests, why he should need to leave the field, as well as for exercise/ridden work. In my experience a serious unwillingness to be caught is more prevalent in horses living out day and night, and who have not been in regular work for some time. The field has become ‘their home’ and since horses are creatures of habit, they are loathe to change their routine. It is very important for all horses, whether retired, on holiday, or recovering from illness/injury, that they be caught and brought out of the field on a regular daily basis. This facilitates the tasks of picking out feet, adjusting rugs, checking coat and general condition, checking for injuries or illness etc., as well as keeping the horse in a routine of being caught and led away from the field.
This young horse is having fun running away from his owner Photo courtesy of Black Tent Photography -www.blacktent.co.uk Notwithstanding all of the above, sometimes a horse who is normally easy to catch and is caught and ridden every day, will suddenly decide (often in spring time) that the grass is too tempting, and he will resist being caught. Often he will allow the owner to walk up to him and just when the headcollar is about to be put on, he will swing round and dash off; often giving a joire de vivre buck or kick out as he goes. Normally this kicking out is no more than a playful naughty show of exuberance, and is not aimed at harming the owner/ handler. But you must always be aware that when the horse swings round to avoid you, he may well do this – you must be quick to step out of the way, so as not to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Advance and Retreat Method A method which often works well and is advocated by modern natural horsemen, and has doubtless been used by traditional horse people for
(continued from page 17)
Stallions
Fertility problems in stallions are not uncommon and can often go unrecognised. Blue Chip and Stallion AI Services Ltd, the UK’s leading stallion semen collection centre, have been working closely for the last two years to develop a feed supplement specific to the needs of breeding stallions. The result of this collaborative research has led to the development of Blue Chip Feed’s newest supplement Stallion SPM-20. Blue Chip Stallion SPM-20 has a 100% natural formulation and includes Organic Zinc, which is known to be a vital component of the sperm’s protective formation, organic Copper which is shown to have direct links to both semen quality and libido, and Organic Selenium which is essential in the production of testosterone and is essential for normal sexual development. Tullis Matson from Stallion AI Services reports, “At Stallion AI Services we trailed Stallion SPM-20 on our stallions and found improvement in sperm mobility, velocity and overall viability on both fertile and sub-fertile stallions. We are now recommending that every stallion that comes to us for collection is given Stallion SPM-20”. For advice on feeding the broodmare and foal visit www. bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200. Stallion SPM-20 is only available directly from Blue Chip or from Stallion AI Services. For more information on Stallion AI Services visit www.stallionai.co.uk or call 01948 662 663. www.equi-ads.com
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centuries, is the advance and retreat method. This simply means walking calmly towards the horse with passive body language; eyes cast down, shoulders slightly hunched (as opposed to marching sharply towards him making eye contact), then you retreat away from the horse, as though you are not interested in catching him. Often after a few retreats, the horse will either come towards you or be ready to stand as you catch him. Walking down
This is a method which has been used to great effect by Richard Maxwell, even on horses who are confirmed ‘bad catchers’. It involves attempting to catch the horse as normal. When he moves away you walk after him, don’t chase him, but keep walking and don’t allow the horse to rest and graze. This in itself can be very difficult if he happens to be in a very large field, since it could take you a considerable time to reach him. In this case I would suggest sectioning a smaller area, say with equestrian electrical tape, so he hasn’t got so far to run. In the case of a horse who has been difficult to catch for a long time, you may need to set aside a whole day for this process. However, after the initial time, subsequent attempts should take progressively less time before the horse gives in, and is fed up with being unable to eat, which is his main purpose. A reluctance to being caught does not mean that he hates his stable or that he doesn’t want to be ridden; it is usually just normal equine naughtiness which nearly all horses display from time to time. The (continued on page 20)
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Xxxxxxxxxx Training • Healthcare (continued from page 19) main thing to do is to remain calm – don’t get cross and don’t chase him. That would make the situation a great deal worse and be very likely to wind the horse up into an excited state where he is determined not to be caught at all costs. Obviously one great advantage you can have is bribery – if you have a tit-bit in your pocket, especially if it is in a bag that you can rustle. More often than not, this will be the deciding factor, in the horse being willingly caught. In some cases, a bucket with a small amount of food which you can rattle, would be a good idea. This can also present problems if there are a lot of other horses in the field. You may get a whole herd of horses wanting to be caught and trying to get to the bucket! This is an extremely dangerous situation for horses and humans. If there are more than two horses in the field, I would not take a bucket. If just two horses, you could take two buckets, providing the owner of the other horse agrees. You may have to enlist the help of one or two other people to temporarily catch the other horses, which should make it much easier for your horse to be caught. Obviously all this is very time consuming and annoying, but you must keep your temper and not become annoyed – it’s just one of
life’s little set-backs. Field-Safe Headcollars
If you know that your horse is often difficult to catch, then it’s a good idea to turn him out in a fieldsafe headcollar. This will make it easier to quickly clip the lead-rope on when you do get near him, without him pulling away at the last moment, as can often be the case when you are struggling to put on a headcollar. A field-safe headcollar is better from the safety point of view; it should snap off in the event of it being caught in a hedge or fence. Head-shy horses
Some horses can be head shy (or maybe they just use this as an excuse for not being caught). We all know the scenario; the horse allows you to approach and caress him, may even take a tit-bit, then just as you are about to slip the headcollar over his nose, off he goes again. The obvious thing to do in this case is to turn him out in a field-safe headcollar. However, if you want to ultimately be able to turn him out without a headcollar, you can try catching him with the field-safe headcollar as usual, then slip another headcollar over the top. He then learns that the feel of the headcollar being fitted is not unpleasant, and at the same time he has already been caught so cannot
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make a break for it. You may need to do this many times before you can trust him to be caught without a headcollar. Some horse who are perpetually difficult to catch, end up being caught less frequently, and because they are not in a regular routine, they become more and more difficult to catch. In some cases, they may not wish to be caught because their experience of life in a stable has not been a happy one. They may have had the experience of being left alone in a stable for long periods without food or attention, and this will understandably; make them wish to stay out in the field. Most horses who are well cared for and given love and attention when stabled, and ridden correctly, will want to be caught. If they are in a routine they will usually be waiting at the gate at the normal time to be brought in. But don’t be offended or upset if even with such a regular routine and
good care, the horse occasionally has a different agenda. It is not a good idea to leave them out; the horse should respect the owner’s wishes and comply with what is being asked. However, sometimes leaving for say ten minutes, and returning with a bribe, works wonders. All horses are slightly different but above are some useful ways of overcoming the usual problems. As in all things we do with our horses, we are less likely to have problems if you have already built up a bond of mutual trust and respect, and the horse knows he will have a good experience after being caught. 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
(continued from page 16) innovation in the equestrian world, so when I came across Equilyptus spray I was naturally interested to learn how this environmentally-friendly product could benefit the hygiene and biosecurity of our competition yard. Since trying it, Equilyptus has impressed us so much that is has now become a routine feature of our horse care and stable management. It’s hard to believe that one simple, safe to use bottle can be such an effective multi-tasker – it’s quite a revelation and every stable yard should have one!” And according to Tim Stockdale “if you own a horse you need Equilyptus all year round, It’s Brilliant !!!” Equilyptus are looking for distributors and stockists nationwide and can be contacted on 01604 217804 www.equilyptus.com
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nimalintex® from Robinson Animal Healthcare is a world renowned, multi layered poultice and wound dressing. It is a veterinary licensed poultice on the market for the treatment of canine and equine wounds. Highly absorbent, it is extremely versatile and can be applied either as a wet, hot or cold poultice, or as a dry dressing, to suit the needs of the injury. It contains an antiseptic to clean and prevent re-infection and natural poulticing agent, Tragacanth, which, when it reacts with water, draws out any infection and creates a clean area for the wound to heal. When applied as a hot, wet poultice increases the blood supply to the injured area, providing more oxygen, and white blood cells, which fight infection. The
improved blood flow reduces the swelling, whilst the warmth of the poultice relieves the animal of pain, providing comfort. Cold, wet poulticing can be refrigerated before application if necessary, and is recommended for use on sprains and strains, rather than on cuts. Use Animalintex® dry for pressure padding after a lot of hard work to prevent or relieve inflammation. It can also be applied directly to a wound as an absorbent dry dressing. Sold in a 41cm x 21cm dressing, which can be cut to the size and shape needed. Retails at around £5.50. For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www. robinsonhealthcare. com. You can also join Robinson Animal Healthcare on Facebook. www.equi-ads.com
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WINTER
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The key to winter condition. “Being a vet, I am very sceptical about product claims and always research what to feed my own horse, Elgar. Last winter I fed Elgar Blue Chip Original and he looked amazing. I liked the fact that the product is based on sound, scientific research. Now that I’ve proved for myself that it’s so easy to maintain condition throughout the winter with Blue Chip Original, I will now be advising my clients whose horses struggled through last winter to feed Blue Chip Original this year.”
“As a vet I get to find out about most products on the market. Blue Chip Original is the product that I recommend to anyone who struggles with their horses’ condition. Not only have I used Blue Chip Original to bring my shire horse, Hope, back from near-death when I rescued her, I also have used it for the last 10 years on my 18 year old, Midas. Without feeding Blue Chip Original Midas looses his weight and condition during the winter, no matter what else is in his diet. I wouldn’t be without Blue Chip Original during the winter months”
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Xxxxxxxxxx Breeding
Breeding your mare, it’s a game of two halves Ben Sturgeon, Bsc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS
follicular activity. If your mare has never been bred Let’s ignore the money and concentrate on the or you have no knowledge exciting stuff. You’re thinking that this is “the of her reproductive history year” you’re going to put your mare in foal. If it is also advisable to have that’s the case then it’s time you got started, yes her examined. These in winter. Not having your mare in optimal examinations are generally condition to conceive results in lower fertility, called a pre-breeding exam frustration, and financial losses that can extend and contain many facets: through one season and into the next. But we’ll get to that later. Firstly, mares are long day breeders and 1. Clinical examination their natural breeding season is in spring and The mare should be in good summer. To ensure she is having regular cycles physical health, in lean the mare needs to be exposed to increasing day to good body condition length starting 2 to 2.5 months before you want as overweight mares have to breed her. For example, for mare owners reduced fertility; any wanting to breed in February, the supplemental orthopedic problem should lighting program should have been started in not significantly worsen as December. Even if you want a March or April the mare gets heavier and foal, it is a good idea to start mares under lights any systemic medical issues in January, as it isn’t unusual for mares that have such as cushings disease or not received light treatments to not cycle until insulin resistance should be May. The old standby of 16 hours of continuous addressed. light a day is easy and highly effective. The supplemental light is added in the evening, and 2. Vulvar examination in winter, this generally means the lights need to A vital part of the be on until 11 pm. many foals may have difficulty conceiving. It is reproductive tract frequently overlooked is Secondly, it is important to ascertain that the also important to check for inflammation and vulvar conformation. The vulva, along with mare is a good candidate to breed, with a normal infectious and sexually transmitted diseases. the vestibulo-vaginal sphincter (hymen) and and healthy reproductive tract. Fertility declines You should have a reproductive examination the cervix form the three barriers of the uterus with age, so horses Ad over(134x90) 10 years 11_13_RR of age who have performed early in the season after they 11:35 Page preventing contamination from air, urine and RR QuarterPage QuarterPage Ad (134x90) 11_13 05/11/2013 1 not had a foal previously or mares that have had have emerged from winter anestrus and have faeces. The vulva should be vertical with the anus Kick off
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4. Rectal examination and ultrasound
Rectal palpation and ultrasound allows the ovaries, uterus and cervix to be evaluated anatomically and functionally. Ovarian structures (follicles, corpus luteum, etc), uterine edema, intra-uterine fluid, endometrial cysts and cervical length are all important to note 5. Pre-breeding tests
6. Uterine Culture and Cytology
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Biopsy provides information with respect to what problems need to be addressed and the probability of the mare carrying the pregnancy to term. Endometrial biopsies are recommended for mares that have a poor reproductive history or a history of fetal loss or abortion. Mares with a lot of scar tissue (fibrosis) in their uterus have a poor chance and may not be worth sending to stud. Putting the exam together provides you with the knowledge of whether your mare has a normal reproductive tract and cycle which aids in preparing her for breeding, alternatively your vet may suggest some treatment prior to or during breeding or pregnancy to improve the chances of her successfully conceiving and carrying a foal. Finding out this information at an early stage can prevent the expense and disappointment of trying to breed from a subfertile mare. Half time. Second Half
So far so good? Let’s then get to the nitty gritty, what’s it gonna cost? There is something about horses that make even savvy business people forget what they learned. Few breeders calculate in advance what it will cost them to breed and raise a sales yearling. As a result, a large number of the yearlings, even a majority, are sold at a loss. Even when everything goes “right,” it costs a lot more to breed a horse than most realise or admit. Let’s assume that this year you apply a few business principles to breeding. The starting point is to find your breakeven and this comes down to doing some honest number crunching and eliminating all wishful thinking. The expenses calculated are those accumulated when breeding a horse (continued on page 24)
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Three main tests are generally required by the stud or semen provider: Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) an infectious disease tested for using the Coggins test. Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) a sexually transmitted infection causing abortion, and flu like symptoms. Clitoral swabs and cultures identifies Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), a sexually transmitted disease Some studs now require additional Strangles blood testing It is preferable to swab the mare before she goes to the stud (as long as this is after 1 January) for two reasons: the result is not available for seven days and, more importantly, if positive, the mare can be treated before being sent to stud. Once the all-clear has been given, mares are issued with a laboratory certificate confirming their disease-free status in the current breeding season. A mare must not be used for breeding until all test results are negative and certificate issued. In many cases, mares are simply carriers of venereal disease and show no outward signs of infection.
7. Uterine Biopsy
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Examining the cervix and vaginal walls is done by placing a speculum into the vagina. Observing the cervix visually allows determination of where the mare is in her estrous cycle, as well as signs of inflammation (redness), infection (discharge) or pooling urine. The cervix is evaluated for scarring, which can result in difficulty dilating leading to fluid being trapped within the uterus as well as potential complications at foaling. The ability of the cervix to close completely without any defects is also necessary. If the cervix doesn’t close properly it allows contamination of the uterus potentially leading to chronic infection and inflammation.
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important in identifying infection and inflammation. A culture provides evidence that bacteria, fungal or yeast infections are present. Cytology helps determine if inflammatory cells are present. A mare can have endometritis (uterine inflammation) with or without infection. It is important to identify inflammation since causes of inflammation alone can significantly decrease a mare’s ability to conceive. Whether a culture or cytology is required prior to breeding, is determined by the stud/farm requirements, stallion contracts, and most importantly by the mare - if she has a poor reproductive history, any evidence of abnormalities on reproductive examination, or problems foaling, then these procedures are highly recommended.
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Breeding Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare (continued from page 23) and raising a foal for sale as a yearling. The sum of the expenses determines the breakeven. It is as simple as accurately listing anticipated costs in each category and adding the numbers. 1. Stud Fee - One of the more easily calculated expenses. The stud fee is what you pay for it. Simple enough? Assume £2,000 for a good stallion. 2. Mare Cost - To produce foals you need a broodmare and her cost must be factored. Her true cost is the price you paid for her divided by the number of foals you expect her to produce over her productive career (10 years). The average on well-run studs for getting mares in foal is about 70%, so your mare is likely to produce about eight foals. So if the mare cost £15,000 pounds, the cost will be 15,000/7 = £2143 3. Breeding Expenses - This goes beyond the stud fee. It may include semen collection, semen transportation, veterinary examination prior to breeding, fees to inseminate and fees to confirm pregnancy. Importantly it is likely that you will incur these several times before your mare conceives. The average is about two “cycles” for each pregnancy. There are 3 categories:
Semen Collection - Most studs charge for collecting semen, processing and packaging it for shipment. The amount varies but is around £100, so the total is £200. Semen Transportation - The semen will be shipped in an insulated container that you purchase or hire. Add this to next day shipment your cost will be approximately £75 or £150 for two. Veterinary expenses - Can add up quickly, particularly using artificial insemination.
The mare undergoes the breeding soundness examination and ultrasound to monitor ovulation allowing accurate semen ordering. It is not an exact science. Miss by just a few hours and it’s back to “Go.” Total approximately = £750 4. Mare Maintenance (13 months) - The cost of providing “room and board” for 13 months. This assumes 11 gestation months and an additional two before she is back in foal. There are four sub-categories.
Livery - This has a large potential for wishful thinking. You can board your mare first-class for about £15 per day. Even if you keep your mare on your own property, a strong argument can be made for charging yourself the same price it would cost to board her commercially. The labour you provide should be compensated at the same rate as if someone else were providing it unless, of course, it is your hobby. The value of labour, feed, bedding, utilities, supplies, and the dozens of other expenses probably comes to no less than £10 per day. You can compute your own costs depending upon your situation but here we will use £10 or £4,260 for the 13 months. Veterinary Care - Assume a healthy mare requiring routine checkups, vaccinations, worming, at £15/month or £195 for the 13 months. Farrier - Varies from mare-to-mare but assume unshod and trimmed every 6 weeks (9 times in 13 months) at a cost of £30/trim or £270 total. Insurance - Every business must insure its valuable assets and the horse business is no different. In our example, we have a £15,000 mare that we insure for £500 for 13 months. The total of all mare maintenance expenses is £5,300. 5. Foal Maintenance (18 months) - You must
maintain the foal from the time of its birth to the day it’s sold. Livery - Assume you’ll be raising your foal at home. A fair cost is £2 per day for the first 6 months (£364) and £11 per day for 12 months (£4,015). Total of £4,379. Veterinary Care - The foal requires examining within 24 hours of birth, and requires vaccination and worming. It may get ill and may require stitches. If the vet bill averages £20/ month over 18 months = £360. This leaves nothing for something seriously wrong. Farrier care - The farrier will look at the foal every six weeks or about 12 times in 18 months. Sometimes no work will be required. But, as the foal grows it will require complete trims and eventually shoes. On average, the 12 farrier checks cost £30 totaling £360. Insurance - Good business practice dictates the foal is insured. Most insurance companies will insure the foal for twice the stud fee (£2,000), or £4,000 for 18 months at a premium of £300. Total for foal maintenance = £5,399. 6. Sales Fees - There is a huge variety of variables; advertisement, auction fee, commissions, transport, head collars etc, assume £1,800 So once you’ve added all this up you can reach a grand total of £17,727 to break even and anything less represents a loss! Of course the values I’ve picked can vary massively and your approach to the various factors will have a huge influence. Additionally, ensuring your mare is capable of breeding before embarking on any of this can literally save thousands. So the important point is not go into breeding blindly. Yes it is wonderful to breed from your own mare, to make those choices, but most of those choices are not free. If I’ve saved you a few quid then, mine’s a beer.
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inter can take its toll on your horse leaving them more vulnerable to environmental stresses. HorseSource Seabuckthorn provides a powerful natural boost for skin and coat, vitality and wellbeing. Seabuckthorn is a natural plant extract with over 190 identified nutrients, providing a level of nutrition that simply can’t be matched by formulated supplements. In addition to its exceptional vitamin profile, Seabuckthorn is high in omega oils, being especially revered for its rare omega-7. But the most remarkable components are probably its highly potent antioxidants which include sterols, flavonoids and carotenoids. These natural plant compounds help defend cells throughout the body supporting natural resilience and new cell growth. HorseSource Seabuckthorn is made using unique processing techniques developed to preserve the plants’ nutrient potential. It is entirely natural to horses, in fact the Latin name for the plant literally means ‘shining horse’, a name derived from the extraordinary coat shine and vitality seen in horses fed on the Seabuckthorn plant. HorseSource Seabuckthorn is a highly palatable daily liquid supplement which can be added to their usual feed and is especially recommended for horses with digestive upsets, lack lustre or scurfy coats or irritable skin as well as general immunity support. Available to purchase from Nupafeed UK: www.nupafeed.co.uk Tel: 01438 861 900 E: info@nupafeed.net 24 | January 2014
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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
give your foal the best Start in Life B reeding mares and stallions should be in top condition, and correct nutrition is key to optimum fertility. For working stallions the covering season can prove stressful which can have a detrimental effect on fertility and reduce the rate of conception, this can be both time consuming and costly. Also the nutritional needs of the broodmare are different for each stage of pregnancy and excellent nutrition throughout each stage encourages growth and development before and after birth. Lifeforce Formula from Alltech is a supplement specially designed for breeding horses. It ensures breeding mares and stallions have the correct combination of nutrients that are vital for breeding a strong healthy foal. It helps improve reproductive health and allows horses to get the most from their diet. Containing all natural ingredients, Lifeforce Formula provides support for your horse’s immune function while maintaining a well balanced microflora in both the gastrointestinal tract and the caecum, this allows
your horse to extract maximum nutrients from all its feed sources. Lifeforce Formula also improves the quality of a mares’ milk which in turn promotes healthy growth in young foals and supports the reproductive system of both mares and stallions which increases the likelihood of a successful conception. Fed as a daily supplement, the supplement provides the building blocks to enhance the body’s own natural immune system. Lifeforce Formula should be fed at the rate of 56g per day split between two feeds and is available in a 5kg Tub which provides a 90 day supply. nA 5kg Tub retails at £90. Alltech is title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France. The Lifeforce range is the cornerstone of the Alltech Equine Advantage series, developed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals. For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512
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rearing or biting. If you can relate to one of these problems, or have an issue with something else, follow our checklist to get you back on track. Have your horse checked over physically by a back specialist and an equine dental technician. Also, get a saddle fitter to check his saddle isn’t causing him any pain. Try to discover why the horse is refusing to cooperate. Is he scared? Is he showing a lack of respect for you? Is he in pain? Is it purely excitement in the event of a horse bucking, for example? Get the right help from a respected trainer. There are plenty of equine behaviourists out there as well as riding instructors, so do your research to find out which method is best for you. Decide whether the problem can be fixed and be honest about your abilities. If your horse is scaring you there could be someone more experienced out there who could offer him a more suitable home, allowing you to find a more suitable horse for yourself. Persevere with your training if you feel you want to crack it. There aren’t any magic cures and improvement may take time, so you will need to be prepared to have plenty of patience.
here has been a great deal of coverage in the press of late of substances banned by the FEI turning up in a variety of horses across a range of equine disciplines. The use of Reserpine, a little used human antipsychotic tranquiliser to calm down hot and stressey horses is a major case in point. However, with the addition of ammonium chloride which has the potential for abuse as a nerve blocking agent, metformin, an anti-diabetic drug with a potential welfare risk and levothyroxine an exogenous thyroid hormone replacement, the plot thickens. Gamma-butyrolactone and gamma-hydroxybutyrate are also both now prohibited as both have potential to elevate growth hormones. Fundamentally, all of these drugs were developed for the human market, where broadly speaking, several of them act as hormones to govern the body’s messenger system. Whilst their widespread use in horses is generally frowned upon, they may well have a role to play in helping horses with specific problems and we would normally applaud this activity were it not for one significant and fundamental stumbling block. This is that they have not been tested or trialled over a reasonable length of time so as to assess their long-term affects both
deleterious and otherwise and therefore they should not be used until such tests are carried out and the long-term use of these drugs is proved to be safe and effective. Whilst it’s very important that we have a competitive horse industry, we should not hazard the lives of horses beyond the normal risk factors involved in racing, eventing and so forth. Fortunately, there is a way of safeguarding horses and taking unlookedfor and unwanted drugs out of their system. This method has been around for a long time and it involves adding quantities of active “Happy Tummy”™ charcoal into the horses’ feed. The reader may or may not know that when a human is taken into hospital as an emergency drug-overdose case, these unfortunate individuals are given a large quantity of charcoal to take the drugs out of their system. Accordingly, the same practice can be followed with horses where liberal doses of “Happy Tummy”™ charcoal added to their feed stuff will clean up their systems admirably in a short space of time. Further information on this detox approach is available from Fine Fettle Feed who can be contacted on 01600 712496 or their website www. finefetttlefeed.com. www.equi-ads.com
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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
Good worming practice W
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estgate Labs, the worm count people, are taking the initiative on good worming practice this winter by offering customers a great value resistance test. We always encourage customers to use the correct products against possible encysted stages of redworm which should be targeted in winter regardless of worm count status. We want to promote correct worming and monitoring of results. This winter, during Nov/Dec/Jan we are encouraging customers to send a post worming resistance test for only £5.00. Here’s how it works: Simply send the box end with the batch code from either Equest, Pramox or Panacur Guard with the sample for a £5.00 resistance test. These are the only products licenced to treat encysted stages of redworm. Take the sample 2-4 weeks after worming. One box end per test please. We know you can’t test for encysted stages of redworm, but any eggs present in the droppings after worming would indicate that other stages of redworm are still active.’ Contact the lab on info@westgatelabs.co.uk or Tel: 01670 791994 for further information.
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You can teach him a lot of ridden exercises from the ground, such as lateral work, rein back and transitions. • Make sure you provide your horse with everything he needs to stay happy and gauge his behaviour to check he’s calm and relaxed in his life. Horses must have food, water, friends and shelter from the elements.
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18/12/2013 13:43
Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx • Training
What's in your horse feed? HorSe beHaVioUr D
o you know exactly what is in your concentrate feeds? It is easy to find out as a list of ingredients is required by law to be present on all packaging. These are either found on the back of the bag along with the analysis and recommendations for feeding, or are stated on a label which is stitched onto the base of the bag. The ingredients are there for us to see, but how many of us actually take the time to read and understand these ingredients? Ingredients are listed from most to least abundant. Straw and NIS (nutritionally improved straw) are the cheapest ingredients, offering little or no nutritionally value and are therefore used as a fibre filler in budget ranges and some high fibre feeds. Feeds requiring high digestible fibre should have ingredients such as soya hulls and sugarbeet shreds present in the ingredient list Oatfeed and wheatfeed tend to be the cheapest cereal by-products and cereals such as barley, wheat, maize and wheat are around a third of the price of Soya. Non-GM soya is exceptionally expensive. Check where molasses comes in the pecking order; it is usually included at a rate of 5 – 6% in mixes and cubes and is used to bind the ingredients together and improve palatability. If you are feeding a medium or high energy ration or conditioning ration, molasses should come well down the list of ingredients, below oats and especially below weight gain ingredients such as soya and linseed. A quick tip to determine whether or not your mix has high levels of molasses: In cold weather, molasses becomes hard so it will be difficult to scoop out of the bag! Why not contact us to find out more about our feeds For any information on Hickstead Horse Feeds products, or for nutritional advice of any sort, please feel free to contact us on 0845 0250 444. We really are very friendly. info@hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk www.hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk Facebook: Hickstead Horse Feeds.
Speaking the language part 19
A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training (THIS series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented at the First International Equitation Science Symposium, 2005, and an updated version published in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010. The glossary description is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.) BOLTING: ‘(a) Accelerating, usually to a gallop out of stimulus control (see Running away) and showing a lack of response to the stop/slow/step-back cues [aids]. Bolting reflects an extreme activation of the HPA axis (hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis). This is a manifestation of conflict behaviour. Sometimes referred to as ‘running blind’. (b) Eating (concentrated food) too rapidly.’ Running away is described in the glossary as ‘A hyper-reactive state in the horse characterised by acceleration and, usually, heaviness in the reins. The horse is exhibiting conflict behaviour and attempting to flee the aversive situation. Such states are usually the result of incorrect negative reinforcement
and can be associated with conflict behaviour. See Rushing.’ Rushing is described as: ‘Seen in a horse that is not under the stimulus control of the cues to slow, usually in relation to approaching a jumping obstacle. Often
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28 | January 2014
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 28
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18/12/2013 13:43
Xxxxxxxxxx Training • Feeding anthropomorphically interpreted as “keenness”.’ The HPA axis description reads: ‘The physiological response to arousal, involving the limbic system [part of the nervous system], which stimulates the hypothalamus [see below] to produce corticotrophin releasing factor, which, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotrophic hormone, which then stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids.’ (The hypothalamus is an organ in the brain which activates, controls and integrates many of the involuntary functions necessary for living, including the flight-or-fight response involved in bolting.) Stimulus control of the cues means that a horse is not responding to or under the control of the aids. Aids are signals or cues that stimulate the horse to respond to them in a particular way. Reasons for failure to respond to aids are (a) the horse has not been adequately trained to understand them and to develop the habit of responding, maybe because the aids are not given clearly and consistently, or (b) is so upset, panicked or frightened that powerful hormones and the flight-
or-fight response take over in selfpreservation and they, rather than our aids, take control. Conflict behaviour: Behaviour often termed ‘naughtiness’ that is actually caused by confusion, which can lead to frustration, anxiety and fear. Self-defensive actions such as bucking, rearing, shying, excessive spooking, pulling, going crookedly and bolting are some examples. Confusion is caused by, among other things, giving the horse two conflicting aids at the same moment such as a ‘go’ aid with the legs and a ‘stop’ aid with the bit (driving the horse up to the bit or into a strong hand), and by using one aid for two or more different actions such as bit pressure both to stop or slow and to achieve poll flexion. Not giving aids clearly and identically every time also creates confusion. Pain and discomfort can naturally cause the horse to defend himself by ‘evading’ or ‘resisting’, which should not be interpreted as ‘naughtiness’. Negative reinforcement (NR): The incorrect use of negative reinforcement is another prime cause of confusion and conflict behaviour. The correct sense of ‘negative’ here is the mathematical one of subtracting or taking away;
feeding an excitable horse
D
ark winter nights often result in a lack of exercise for some horses, and with many yards having restricted turnout over winter this can lead to irritable of excitable behaviour. To help reduce the chance of this excitable behaviour occurring it is important to look at the overall diet and realistically assess your horses needs, as some minor adjustments to feed or activity level might make all the difference. By providing your horse with ad-lib fibre this will help maintain a healthy hindgut, but fibre alone is usually insufficient to supply the energy demands for a horse to maintain bodyweight during winter months, so extra calories may have to be added. It is important when feeding horses prone to excitable behaviour to keep the levels of starch to a minimum, so diets high in oil are recommended to help provide the horse with additional calories without causing excitability. Combining high fibre levels with a high oil content and a very low starch level, Solution Mash is suitable
‘reinforcement’ means ‘reward’ or strengthening the likelihood of a behaviour being performed again. NR involves the subtraction of something slightly unpleasant to the horse, such as pressure from legs or bit, to reward the desired response. (In time, the unpleasantness gives way to a mutually understandable communication between horse and rider, resulting in lighter, quicker responses.) The correct way to use NR is to apply an aid clearly until we get the correct response or a good try at it, then instantly stop (subtract) it to reward (reinforce) the right response. If we do not stop the pressure instantly the horse cannot connect the aid with the movement, cannot learn what to do and becomes confused. (You might find it helpful to re-read last month’s article on ‘blowing up’, which is a similar issue.) BOLTING is one of the most dangerous things a horse can do, bucking and rearing being the next two down the list. A wise, old farmer-horseman said to me ages ago: ‘If you ever think you’ve just stopped a horse bolting, you haven’t because you can’t. You’ve stopped one that’s just decided to stop bolting.’ Salutary words indeed.
for horses prone to excitable and unpredictable behaviour. The high oil content found in Solution Mash not only helps provide an excellent source of slow release energy for improved stamina, but also helps improve condition and encourage weight gain so is ideal for poor doers. Super high levels of Vitamin E are also included helping support the immune system and maintain healthy antioxidant levels along with Yeasacc 1026 for optimum fibre and mineral digestion. Natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek are also added along with a high specification vitamin and mineral supplement, providing your horse with all the essential nutrients needed for a fully balanced diet. For more information on Solution Mash contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598 or visit www. rowenbarbary.co.uk
Many people do think that they have stopped a bolting horse when actually it was one who was getting ‘strong’, excited, distracted or frightened and losing the plot, but not to the extent at which he or she was ‘running blind’; that is, completely panicked, unable to think of anything but getting away, in fact not thinking at all because the flightor-fight response would be in full flow. Real bolting can be terrifying because the horse might run ‘blindly’ headlong into anything in its path, maybe headlong into a building (as witnessed by my father), the path of a vehicle, down ravines, into water – you name it, - taking the rider with him into the next life. (Incidentally, we might think that aiming a bolting horse into water would be a good idea to slow him down, which might be all right if you can swim. A schoolmate of mine did this when her horse took off on the beach: she slid off in the sea but the horse kept going out to the horizon and his body was washed up on a neighbouring beach several days later.) This brings us to the oft-dispensed advice, far, far easier to give than to take, of shipping out – throwing yourself off to hopefully save your life. If you decide on this and have the presence of mind, allow your body to go limp and drop off the side, choosing your spot if you possibly can. What about the horse, who is an out-of-control, lethal weapon capable of travelling at up to about 40mph? If he’s really bolting everything is in the hands of the gods because almost nothing anyone does will stop him. If he doesn’t kill himself beforehand, nature will take its course and he will slow down within a few minutes to a state where his self-control returns, and he will probably stop. Horses who are not actually bolting may keep going longer but may be able to be guided by vehicle blocks, people waving coats at him, and otherwise blocking his way – all these have been tried to some effect in situations (continued on page 33)
‘IT’S AN INSPIRATION’ said a reader of ‘TRACKING-UP’ published by In our current issue: TO CLIP or NOT TO CLIP? Lesley Skipper: COLLEGES AND THE HORSE INDUSTRY, Margaret Aspinall: HOW TO BE A 5-STAR HORSE OWNER, Susan McBane: ADDRESSING PROBLEMS IN CANTER, Anne Wilson: THE SOCIAL LIFE OF HORSES, ‘Natural’ v. ‘In the Wild’, Lesley Skipper: HUMAN BODY ASYMMETRY, Lynda Thompson: WARMING DOWN and COOLING OFF, Susan McBane: DISCOURSE or DISCORD? Stephanie Plaster, plus Peggy Sue on Getting a New Human; 2013 Dressage Convention reports; new laminitis research findings; sycamore poisoning; calming lavender; and book reviews. ‘Tracking-up, is available quarterly for £5.17 per issue or £18.70 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name, address and ‘TUA21’ 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.
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January 2014 | 29
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Xxxxxxxxxx News
MY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION IS... “My New Years resolution is that I am going to be more efficient with my admin (Although this has been the same for the last few years and it doesn’t seem to have improved as yet!)“ Becky Moody, international dressage rider, Courtesy of Childéric Saddles
“Mine will be to work harder to achieve my goals on getting my business/yard going and making back onto the international scene being picked again for a Senior Nations Cup” Daniel Moseley, International ShowJumper, Courtesy of Verdo Horse Bedding “Looking forward to sharing our success with the new horses coming through in 2014 and our one to one clinics” Damian Hallam
“I’m hopeful that next year I will have a horse for Badminton and will make my way on to the Team so my NY resolution will be to get super fit in preparation for this”Gemma Tattersall International Eventer, Courtesy of Verdo Horse Bedding, Childéric Saddles & Timothy Foxx
30 | January 2014
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“No New Years resolution in particular, always too busy to stop and think of anything.We try to take things a little quieter over the winter to review and catch up on things!” Maria Eilberg, international dressage rider Courtesy of Shadow Horse
“To ride my warm-ups to maximum effect to ensure that I get the same quality of work in the arena as I do at home” Jane Lavington BD Judge and dressage rider Courtesy of Dressage Deluxe
“Remember to stock the fridge more regularly so we actually have food in it with which to cook!” Loraine Homer, show rider, producer and judge Courtesy of Aloeride
“I say it every year but to eat less chocolate!” Natasha Baker, MBE & Multi Gold Medallist Courtesy of Verdo Horse Bedding and Golly Galoshes
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18/12/2013 13:43
Xxxxxxxxxx News “To Stop eating so much Chocolate :-) “ Lucy Cartwright, international dressage rider
“To attract new racehorse owners with their steeds to try a new career eventing with me!” Victoria Bax, Event rider and exracehorse trainer Courtesy of Golly Galoshes and Aloeride
“Eat less take-out!!” Michael Eilberg, International Dressage Rider Courtesy of Shadow Horse
“To win more events!” Laura Collett, international event rider Courtesy of Kentucky Horsewear “To stop for morning tea break with my team, I’m a bit of a workaholic and I always keep riding when really I should stop for a cuppa and a yarn (chat) with my team!” Jason Webb, Australian Horsemanship Courtesy of Aloeride
“Hands forward, heels down, hands forwards heels down, to improve my rider marks and enjoy, enjoy my gorgeous horses!” Maisie Scruton, Young International Dressage Rider Courtesy of Childéric Saddles
“Train harder and win more!” Francis Whittington International Event Rider, Courtesy of Kentucky Horsewear
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January 2014 | 31
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Health care advice C
Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
Feet first
hanging weather can take its toll on our horses’ hooves. Here are some top tips to help them stay healthy as winter approaches. Pick feet out regularly and check for any objects which may have become wedged, such as stones. Keep an eye out for nasty smelling feet, which could be a sign of thrush. Make sure your horse’s feet are regularly attended to by a farrier. Hooves need shoeing or trimming every four to six weeks. Ensure your horse has access to a dry area to stand in, such as a field shelter, yard or stable. Try to avoid sudden changes from very wet to very dry conditions as this can cause the onset of cracks. Avoid riding too fast on hard or boggy ground and stick to good going where possible. Invest in a good hoof supplement or dressing if necessary. Your farrier will be the best person to advise you on which products are best. Feel regularly for any signs of heat in the hooves and get to know what’s normal for your horse’s feet temperature. Keep stable bedding dry and fresh to avoid the risk of thrush.
competition season arrives, you may need to review your horse’s dietary needs. Here are some points to consider. 1. If you’re changing to a less heating feed because you will be cutting down on your horse’s workload, ensure you make any changes gradually to avoid upsetting the horse’s gut. 2. Reduce energy in the feed before you reduce exercise, otherwise you could end up with a very fresh horse or one who’s at risk of developing azoturia (tying up). 3. Always choose good quality hay or haylage and soak or steam hay where necessary to avoid the horse ingesting dust. 4. Little and often is always the best way to feed your horse, so try to give him smaller feeds at least twice a day, rather than one big feed. If he’s stabled more, then pay careful attention to the amount of energy he is getting and consider changing to a less heating feed. 5. Balancers are a good way of ensuring your horse gets all the nutrients he needs without the extra calories or energy. Talk to one of the feed companies’ nutritionists for more advice.
Dietary matters
Stress-free horses
As the end of the summer
Are you doing everything you
Mark Rashid UK Clinics 2014 We at Ross Dhu Equestrian are delighted to announce that Mark Rashid enjoyed his last visit to the UK so much he has returned!
English Dates Mark will be holding a two day horsemanship clinic on 13 – 14 May 2014 Mark will be holding Aikido workshops for riders on 16 – 18 May 2014 and 19 – 21 May 2014 All English events will be held in Brockenhurst, Hants, New Forest. Please contact Amanda Barton, amanda@amandabarton.com or see www.amandabarton.com for details.
Scottish Dates Mark will be holding four two day horsemanship clinics on 23rd – 24th May 2014, 25th – 26th May 2014, 30th – 31st May 2014, 1st – 2nd June 2014 All Scottish events will be held at Ross Dhu Equestrian Sunnyside Farm, Sunnyside Road, Quarter, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, ML9 1RB ALL FORMS AND DEPOSITS FOR SCOTTISH DATES MUST BE IN BY 30 JANUARY 2014.
For further details please contact Morag Higgins at horsehelp@mypostoffice.co.uk or visit www.scottishhorsehelp.co.uk
32 | January 2014
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can to keep your horse happy and healthy? Horses don’t want much out of life. They simply thrive on feeling safe, with survival being top of their list. First and foremost it is essential that you provide your horse with all the essentials he needs in order to survive. These are: Water. Shelter. Food. Friends. Horses feel much safer in groups and would never live on their own in the wild. In the wild horses will roam several miles in a day and graze along the way. Try to mimic this
natural lifestyle as much as possible by providing large turnout areas and feeding him little and often. Spreading hay piles around the field will encourage him to move around more. It’s also important to ensure that your horse isn’t being bullied by anyone in the field and that he’s happy in his herd and knows his place in the pecking order. A stressed horse can develop behavioural problems, such as fence walking or crib biting, or even physical disorders, such as stomach ulcers, so it’s really important to give him a happy stress-free lifestyle where possible.
HeaLtHY beDDing
D
uring the winter months when our horse’s stabled time increases many equines suffer an increase in respiratory problems. Respiratory issues can range from a mild cough and a runny nose to serious conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) but in every case, our equine’s performance ability is significantly reduced and their health and wellbeing is compromised. Respiratory problems can result from the inhalation of dust, dirt and ammonia in the stable, yet there are simple ways to help manage these conditions. Alongside the state of the art dust extraction system used to virtually eradicate dust in Nedz Original and Nedz Pro bedding, Natural Nedz now also provides the healing powers of Silver! Silver has been incorporated into Nedz Original and Nedz Pro bedding. Available in 20kg bales, prices start around £6.50 per bale. For more information about Nedz and the health and respiratory related benefits of Silver visit the website www.nedz.co.uk or call: 01254 677 762.
Launch offer for fiVe Star oPtimUm feed balancer N
AF Five Star OPTIMUM will restore and maintain five star condition, topline and health, maximise the nutritional value of the daily feed ration, and optimise the health and efficiency of the digestive system. Concentrated and easy to feed, OPTIMUM comes in a highly palatable pellet form. It is of the highest supplement specification and has a great sugar free flavour. OPTIMUM is formulated to complement either a high fibre low concentrate or performance diet. When a daily feed is not necessary, the great news is that OPTIMUM can be simply given on its own, direct from your hand. OPTIMUM, designed to optimise every horse’s diet from family pony to performance athlete, is the optimum choice for all. Launch Offer – ONE WEEKS SUPPLY FREE, 3.7kg for the price of 3kg! RRP: 3kg (30 day supply): £27.50. Newly available from NAF stockists nationwide. For details of your nearest stockist or for more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106, email info@ naf-uk.com or go to www.nafequine.eu/uk www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:44
Xxxxxxxxxx Training (continued from page 29) where it has been possible to ‘phone ahead of him to mobilise help. Usually, though, things happen too quickly for effective action. THE NATURE OF BOLTING
Bolting is less dangerous when it happens in the horse’s natural environment – miles of open, grassy plains – because there is less to crash into. It is designed by nature to remove the horse from danger, usually predators, as quickly as his body allows. The horse can’t argue with his hormones and his body was developed for running and stamina – and eating. A panicked herd normally runs for a few minutes unless continually harassed. A kill will probably be made within that time and by the time the herd has slowed down the predators will be concentrating on their prize. Predators also may tire or consider the chase too expensive of energy. All of us involved with horses have to realise that bolting is something horses can do, by their nature, and we are usually helpless to stop it once it has started. If a horse is terrified enough, he will bolt if he can get away. That aside, a sensible plan is to try to prevent it by learning to keep horses calm, cultivate their trust, and understand what frightens them. Horses tend to stay calm with calm, firm, positive riders and handlers who treat horses consistently in a way they understand, and as feeling, living beings with minds of their own. The qualities required come from the confidence of competence, humility and experience. Learn good handling and riding techniques, be ready to learn with an open mind, admit that ‘mind over matter’ is often the way forward and that you may not succeed with every horse. Finally, get as much experience with as many different types of equine as you can. WHAT TO DO
If you are on a horse who is ‘getting strong’, keeping up a dead, hard pull on the bit is unlikely to work. Horses tend to lean and push into sustained pressure but back off intermittent pressure. Keeping the contact on but vibrating it quickly, and not stopping it until the horse slows down, will make your aid more effective and more likely to be obeyed in future. Advice is often given to pull and release but, thinking back to NR, releasing the contact before the horse slows down is rewarding him for not doing so, confuses him and makes him more likely to take off in future. If the area permits, trying to turn the horse in an ever-decreasing circle often works. If you know the horse has a tendency to cart people, ride him in a cheek or D-ring bit so that www.equi-ads.com
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you can turn him without fear of the bit being pulled through his mouth and lessening what control you have. Another excellent plan is to train the horse to the point of habit to obey aids to slow down, stop and go backwards. It is amazing how many horses do not have the benefit of this training today, and their consequent failure to obey bit aids is perpetuated by the strong, relentless bit contact on which so many are now ridden. Equally amazing is that this is widely taught as correct, even necessary to form the desired ‘outline’ and keep the horse under control. Many riders also have ‘busy’ hands: they use them too much and too harshly, which confuses and hurts their horses. To train a green or ‘spoiled’ horse to obey the bit: Start from the ground with the horse wearing a simple snaffle bridle, reins in riding position. Have a schooling whip in your right hand, stand on his left by his head facing his tail and hold the reins under his neck with your left hand. Apply gentle but clear, vibrating pressure on both sides of the bit evenly straight back towards the underneath of his neck, at the same time quickly tapping (not hitting) the front of his left cannon with the whip. (Do not use your voice unless he already understands the command ‘back’, in which case say it.) You may need to keep this up – without stopping - for a little while the first time but the instant he moves his hoof back, even only a little, stop the bit and whip aids, and rub him near the withers. This release of the aids and the pleasant rub confirms he has done the right thing, and he links the association with the pleasure. To get him to go forward again, give the rein aid forwards so he feels a vibrating pull on his poll, and tap him with the whip where your leg will be when riding. (If he already understands ‘walk on’, say it.) Repeat this routine four or five times on each side, then leave it for several hours or until next day. Do it in different parts of the yard and when leading around, so he doesn’t associate it with only one place. He will quickly catch on and respond to a light aid. Gradually raise the taps to his chest. When riding, use the same lightly vibrating bit contact to slow down or stop (making sure you are applying NO pressure with your legs which will confuse him) and have a friend tap his chest or cannon immediately if he does not do so. You can do this when riding alone by accompanying the bit aid with tapping on his chest if he doesn’t respond. It is crucial to apply the aids clearly and consistently, keep them up till you get your response, and stop instantly when you do, praising and rubbing your horse. Soon you won’t need the whip taps.
BOLTING FOOD: This is almost always due to the horse having been hungry (or even remembering being hungry), which is an unnatural state for horses, or to pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat due to bit injuries, tumours, infection, impacted food or dental problems. Soft food and wet or steamed hay may be needed during healing after treatment from vet and/or dental technician. In future, make sure the horse goes no longer than two hours without food at any time (so give more or less constant hay or haylage), add a large double handful of chop to each feed to make him chew more and eat slower, and feed and water him at a comfortable level (poll lower than withers) to reduce discomfort and anxiety. FURTHER INFORMATION: The Classical Riding Club (www.classicalriding.co.uk), the International Society for Equitation Science (www.equitationscience. com), EquiSci for the UK (www. equitationscience.co.uk), the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc.org.au) and the Equine Behaviour Forum (www.equinebehaviourforum.org. uk). Also, follow up the links and publications on each site. (The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine ‘Equine Behaviour’. For
your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the Editor, Dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.) 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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January 2014 | 33
18/12/2013 13:44
Training • Healthcare
Winter homework - seeing a stride W
hat is ‘seeing a stride’ to a fence? Essentially, it is knowing exactly where your horse will take off. It is an essential art for the rider to master, in order that horse and rider work together, forging a strong partnership in which the horse can learn to understand exactly the rider’s requirements. There are many variations to seeing a stride as horses differ, each one being an individual and depending on the style of the horse’s way of going. Some will tend to prefer a close take off point and others like to take off early, but ultimately the perfect take off point should suit most combinations and be the one riders want to achieve. There are many useful arena exercises to help you to master seeing a stride through the winter, in preparation for the next cross
country season. 1. A useful starting point is to place two poles on the long side of your arena, some four or five canter strides apart. If the room is available, up to six strides is preferable to start with. The game is to put six EVEN strides between the poles, followed by lengthening the pace and upping the tempo to put five EVEN strides. Then collect the pace and put seven EVEN strides. If you can alter these exercises at will you will be progressing very well, remember that the shorter the distance between the poles, the harder it will be and when you are happy with your performance, raise the poles to small jumps and repeat. If you are able to lengthen and shorten your horse and remain in control and balance, you will be able to see the
By Jenny Richardson BHSAI
different points of take off available to you. 2. Start with three canter poles set to the perfect stride of your horse, and practise counting the strides as you cross the poles, then add a cross pole jump after the canter poles. This will give you a perfect take off point all the time and keep the horse at the same even pace, making it easier for you
to learn the strides and take off point. The fence can be raised as confidence increases. 3. Imagine a clock face in your arena – place a small jump at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. This exercise will help you to see a stride off a corner. Begin by jumping the two placed at 3 and 9 o’clock and when comfortable include the one at 6 o’clock and eventually the last
Rushing into any fence is not advisable – yet shortening and collecting the pace can be notoriously difficult to achieve.
Keeping your horse warm and healthy! H WISHING WISHING WISHING WISHING WISHING WISHING EVERYONE EVERYONE EVERYONE EVERYONE EVERYONE EVERYONE AA VERY AVERY VERY A VERY A HAPPY AHAPPY VERY VERY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY NEW HAPPY NEW NEW YEAR NEW YEAR NEW NEW YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR FOr FOr FOr FANTASTIC FOr FANTASTIC FOr FANTASTIC FOr FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC PrICES PrICES PrICES PrICES &PrICES PrICES &EXPErT &EXPErT EXPErT && EXPErT &EXPErT ADVICE EXPErT ADVICE ADVICE ADVICE ADVICE ADVICE ON ON ONON ON ON
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Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 34
orses need to burn more calories during winter in order to keep warm. But deciding which feeds and supplements you need to keep your horse healthy can be a challenge, so why not ditch your shopping list and opt for a complete feed such as Mollichaff Condition which contains everything your horse or pony needs in one bag. This can save you time as well as money! Mollichaff Condition, from the makers of HorseHage, is a highly digestible, high fibre, high oil and low starch mix which can be fed as a complete concentrate feed alongside good quality forage. It contains a balanced blend of alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint as well as Yea-sacc® and a prebiotic, plus vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Soya oil provides essential fatty acids to help improve skin condition and encourage a healthy, glossy coat. Yea-sacc® and a prebiotic help maintain a healthy digestive system, along with mint, which is particularly palatable to horses. Mollichaff Condition is suitable for encouraging weight gain in all horses and ponies, especially those that struggle to maintain their condition. It can be used as the sole concentrate feed as it contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. For further information call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk
feed like a champion this year C hampion Horse Feeds provides horse owners with well-formulated, comprehensive nutrition made using top quality ingredients in a state of the art mill in Lancaster. Consisting of five products, Horse & Pony Mix and Cubes, Working Mix, Conditioning Cubes
and Veteran Mix, every single bag of Champion Horse Feeds contains an exclusive mineral package, a unique set of ingredients to aid digestion and absorption, all priced competitively against other leading brand names. What makes Champion Horse Feeds unique is the inclusion of www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:44
Training • Feeding one so that you can complete all four on a circle. It is not an easy exercise to perfect but with practise it will teach good balance and even strides. Do not overdo this one as it can be very tiring on the horse and do remember to change the rein frequently on all exercises. In an arena, your canter will be slightly shorter and more collected than the canter you would adopt when riding across country. Getting your strides right is vital on a course offering many different demands and undulations, and anything practised and learned previously will stand you in good stead. Shortening and collecting is the most difficult task to achieve on a cross country course, so the more practise you can get in an arena, the more obedient your horse is likely to be in competition. If you need XC practice, consider a training break at a leading venue. Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that offers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and offers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides over an extensive XC course. Visit www.castleleslie.com
cattle drives where the kids can come too! R ‘Seeing a stride’ is knowing exactly where your horse will take off.
A horse that takes off from its own ideal take off point will generally jump the fence comfortably, and the rider is ‘ready’ for the jump.
new adaptor Pad K
M Elite Products have launched another addition to their already popular Distinction Range – the new Adaptor Saddle Pad which is set to take the market by storm. The clear spine, which is swept up at the wither, relieves pressure on the horse's back, allows air to flow through and ensures an optimum fit. The sheepskin encourages muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation, whilst maintaining a soft comfortable contact with the horse. The pads are fully breathable and the Merino fibres help wick away sweat, holding forty times their own weight in moisture, which keeps the horse cool during the summer and warm in the winter. There are four pockets with Velcro fastening, two on either side, front and back,
both Nu-shield and Profeed in every product. Nu-Shield is a blend of fruit, vegetable and herb extracts which have natural anti-oxidant properties. Anti-oxidants counteract free radicals by making them inactive, which helps prevent damage to cells that can result in problems such as immune suppression, liver damage and poor performance. Nu-Shield works synergistically with other antioxidants in the feed, including Vitamin E and organic selenium. www.equi-ads.com
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 35
anch Rider specialises in riding holidays aimed at giving you an authentic taste of the cowboy lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean your partner or kids have to be familiar with the reins. Working stroke guest ranches including, Wyoming’s Vee Bar allow children as young as six to whet their western appetite as a cowhand, and at the Sweet Grass in neighbouring Montana, you and your brood can also learn to cut and sort the herd. Earn your team penning spurs at Arizona’s Tanque Verde, the Grand Canyon state perfect for a winter sun escape or for a more exotic round up head to South Africa’s Triple B Cattle Ranch. Horseback safaris to view the local game, energetic games of polo-crosse, a gymkhana and the cross country riding course will all hone your skills in the saddle and you can extend your stay with a tented holiday at Camp Davidson, the intimate bush camp featuring a new swimming pool and large decking area where you can relax after a day in the saddle! Perfect for families who crave adventure, Idaho’s Red Horse Mountain Guest Ranch has a 1,100-metre mega zip line, a 3D archery course where you can shoot a life size mountain lion and moving raptors, plus the opportunity to schedule a family ride and sleep in a teepee! Family riding holidays across the tour operator’s entire portfolio start from £725pp, many ranches operating year round. The team have also recently returned from a riding holiday in South Africa. Ranch Rider; 01509 618811; info@ranchrider. com; www.ranchrider.com. ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.
and each pad comes with 16 inter changeable inserts of 12 felt shims and four memory foams to allow the rider to personalise the pad to suit their own saddle. The shims and memory foam inserts can also be purchased separately in packs of four should the original ones become lost. The Adaptor Pad can be washed with ease at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees, and dried flat, naturally. Available in White/Natural Medium and Large, and Black/Natural - Large only, at an RRP of £89.99. The KM Elite Distinction Range is a now a brand leader offering superior quality at affordable prices. This high quality, versatile collection includes half pads, numnahs and squares, in a mixture of plain cotton, and half lined or fully lined in 100% Merino Lambswool. This range is proving to be the
Profeed is a prebiotic found in plants and is only utilised by the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This helps improve the health of the digestive system and reduces the risk of digestive upsets. Both Champion Veteran Mix and Conditioning Cubes also contain Actisaf live yeast, which helps stabilise the gut, increase digestibility
choice of many professional riders as they are ideal for everyday and competition use. For further information on KM Elite Products please contact www.kmeliteproducts. co.uk Telephone 01403 759659.
and decrease lactic acid in the hindgut. All of the ingredients in Champion Horse Feeds have been carefully selected to help horses maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. So whether you have a young horse in training, an advanced competition animal or a veteran equine, Champion Horse Feeds provide
cost effective nutritional products for all. Champion Horse Feeds can be purchased through a network of Country Stores across England and Scotland, as well as direct from the mill in Lancaster in one tonne quantities. Prices start approximately at £7.95 for a 20kg bag. For more information visit www. carrs-billington.com. Alternatively call 01228 518 860 if you are in North England or Scotland, or 01785 760 535 if you are in South England or Wales. January 2014 | 35
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Xxxxxxxxxx Tack
Mounting Correctly! I n the latest column from the Society of Master Saddlers we discuss the importance of mounting correctly when getting on your horse or pony. DID you know you could be putting your horse under extreme pressure when you are trying to climb into the saddle? In a study conducted by the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) a range of mounting techniques were tested in relation to saddle movement and pressure on the horse’s spine. Using a Pliance system under the saddle to measure the pressure exerted, the research also looked to establish the effects of different riders when mounting and develop the best practice for getting into the saddle. Equine and human physiotherapists would be quick to say mounting from the ground isn’t recommended, but what is really the best way to mount? Tested
The six different mounting techniques tested were: • Unaided from the ground • Supported from the ground (right-hand stirrup leather held) • With a leg up • From a low block (22.5 inches high)
• From the low block supported (right-hand stirrup leather held) • From a high block (38 inches high) For each an average pressure reading was calculated for the different method, showing how each technique affected the horse and the saddle. Results
The most pressure on the horse’s back came from mounting unaided from the ground, which is no surprise. The least amount of pressure came when mounting from a high block and putting no pressure on the stirrup. Another finding from the results was the amount the saddle actually moved across the horse’s spine when mounting. The most movement was seen again when mounting unaided from the floor. The technique used was considered the most important factor rather than the rider’s fitness Less pressure was exerted when riders pushed up with their legs rather than pulling themselves up with their arms. The position on the rider’s hands also proved influential when mounting. The worst readings
Bad - Hanging from stirrup and the saddle
Mud Glorious Mud! I
f you are battling to keep your horse’s legs dry, clean and mud free both in the field and out hacking, then award winning Golly Galoshes could be the solution. The gaiters, which are both breathable and waterproof and designed to be worn over the horse’s boots and bandages to help prevent your horse’s protective legwear (and legs) getting soggy and muddy. They are tried and trusted by horse owners worldwide across all disciplines, including established UK eventer Victoria Bax and Multi Don't let mud Gold Medallist & wet ruin Para- Dressage rider your horse's Natasha Baker. Prices boots use Golly start from £25.99 per Galoshes. Photo pair Miniature Pony Thoroughbred through to £34.99 for Sports Photography horse sizing. 36 | January 2014
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 36
were seen when the left hand was on the pommel and the right hand on the cantle. The best results were seen when the rider placed their left hand on the withers and right hand on the offside of the saddle behind the flap. Lengthening the stirrup leather to help mounting was also found to increase the amount of pressure, as did bouncing to help build up momentum in mounting from the ground. This caused more leverage on the saddle and increased pressure on the horse’s spine. Best Practice for Mounting:
• The best way is to mount from a high block so you can more or less step across on to the saddle. • Mounting from a low block is better supported with the right stirrup being held. • A leg up is best supported at the knee and ankle. • Holding the withers with the left hand and the offside of the saddle with the right hand – this prevents the amount of saddle distortion. • Try not to ‘bounce’ and reduce the length of time ‘hanging’ from the stirrup if mounting from the floor. For more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
Good - Mounting from a high block allows you to step across onto the saddle
Dress to impress A
s you put your summer riding clothes away, consider what you might need for the winter months ahead. Britain’s changeable weather forecast can leave riders at a loss about what to wear at the yard or in the saddle. If you go for layers, then you can’t really lose out because you can peel or add them depending on the current conditions. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for horse riding as you’ll stay more comfortable and won’t feel weighed down. Nowadays, companies offer a wider choice in comfortable, practical and safe riding clothes and there are even ventilated hats on the market. Of course, it’s essential to stock up with fluorescent gear if you plan to ride out on the roads. The more highly visible you are to other road users, the safer you stay in the saddle. Ensure you can move freely in your riding clothes so when you try on new items, walk around in them before you commit to a purchase. Waterproofs are a must-have in wet weather so choose a jacket that’s lightweight, waterproof and windproof for the ultimate in rider comfort. Wet feet will leave you feeling chilly, so invest in a good quality pair of yard boots that will protect your feet from the elements. There’s a saying that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. With this in mind, pick your riding clothes wisely. www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:44
Xxxxxxxxxx News • Healthcare Photo of Arthur competing. Photo taken by Studio Taine.
A horse being scanned in the Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI at Clinique Equine de Livet
Hallmarq Celebrate 40,000 MRI Scan
M
ore than 40,000 horses have now been scanned using Hallmarq MRI Equine Scanners. The number of horses scanned continues to grow rapidly as the benefits of standing MRI are becoming more widely recognised and MRI becomes available in more and more clinics worldwide. One French showjumper’s MRI scan has allowed the rider to give her horse the best chance of a successful recovery. Follow-up studies are common in the Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI as horses are easily scanned without disrupting their training schedules. Despite this, Selle Francais gelding Arthur’s re-examination this October caused quite a stir as it was the 40,000th scan to be conducted in the ten years Hallmarq has been designing, installing and supporting Standing Equine MRI systems. An eight-year-old showjumper, Arthur came to Clinique Equine de Livet earlier this year with pain in his front legs, the right one in particular. The vet carried out a clinical examination and observed that Arthur was more lame on a right circle on a hard surface. Nerve blocks subsequently localised the pain to both front feet. The usual radiographs and ultrasound examination did not show a significant abnormality so the vet referred Arthur for an MRI. The Standing MRI showed that the horse had a few different lesions in his front feet. The right front showed damage to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and injuries affecting the distal interphalangeal or coffin joint. The left front also had damage to the DDFT as well as an erosive cystic lesion in the navicular bone. For these sorts of injuries, time is the best healer. The vet recommended 4 months of rehabilitation with a gradually increasing exercise regime. The first month was strict box rest, then 15 minutes walking a day for one month increasing to 45 minutes walking and trotting in the fourth month. After the four months the horse showed good signs of improvement. The rider was pleased with R.’s recovery but the vet noticed he was still slightly lame on a right circle on a hard surface. The rider was keen to put Arthur back into full work and return to competition but didn’t want to risk his health if he wasn’t fully recovered. Tendon and ligament injuries can be very disappointing as the horse may appear sound but then become re-injured on a return to work. To www.equi-ads.com
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 37
give a clear picture of his recovery status Arthur returned to Clinique Equine de Livet for a follow-up scan. The 40,000th standing Equine MRI study showed that the months of careful rehabilitation had done their work and Arthur’s injuries had healed well, particularly for the tendonitis of the right foot. The only adverse change was that the erosive cystic lesion had progressed slightly. The vet advised the owner to continue the controlled exercise programme for two months, gradually introducing gallop work. This would make sure that the healed structures could stand up to a full workload. The farrier also gave Arthur egg-bar shoes on both front feet to support his recovery. “This case particularly shows the importance of rescan examinations for the management of these lesions, which are not easy to treat” said Clinique Equine de Livet vet and Hallmarq customer Matthieu Cousty. In this case, MRI allowed the vets and owner to agree on a rehabilitation plan that would give Arthur the best chance of returning to full health. “Tendonitis of the distal DDFT carries a guarded prognosis but MRI allows better management of cases” continues Cousty. As a direct result of the re-scan the team was able to adapt the exercise programme for the quickest return to fitness without compromising Arthur’s long-term health. Dr Matthieu Cousty would like to thank Dr Meredith Smith (Newmarket Equine Hospital)
Image acquired from Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI of R.’s initial injury. This transverse slice (plane indicated by red line on the sagittal view) shows a small lesion in the proximal portion of the lateral lobe of the DDFT (white spot indicated by arrow). A rescan 4 months later showed that the appearance of this lesion had improved, allowing R.’s rider to increase the workload. for her help interpreting the examinations and Dr Géraud Tourtoulou for the management of this case. For more information on MRI or to find the nearest practice with a scanner visit www.hallmarq.net.
Have you adopted a rescued horse or pony?
R
ecent media stories have reported story, after story of cases where horses and ponies have been neglected, unfed and untended to in a way that is truly distressing to any horse lover. Scientific Nutritional Products want to support those re-homing unwanted equines by offering their Horse & Pony Multivitamin Supplement free of charge to those horse owners which have just adopted rescue horses or ponies in order to help them return to health. The most desirable diet for the trickle feeding equine is a diet which is rich in forage such as grass and hay. Some horses will also require a concentrate feed but all equines diet can benefit from additional vitamins and minerals through a supplement. This is because vitamins and minerals are truly vital. Vitamins and minerals play a multitude of important roles within the body including supporting the immune system, bone and teeth structure and the eyesight and vitamins and minerals assist in nerve and muscle functioning. Scientific Nutritional Products have limited stocks of Horse & Pony Multivitamin Supplement, worth £19.50 per 4kg tub, to give away so if you have rescued a horse or pony recently get in touch with us to tell us your story and receive your free of charge healthy and nutritious supplement. For more information or to receive one-to-one advice specific to your horse contact our nutritional specialist Peter Fishpool on FREEPHONE 0800 032 7774 or Tel: 01377 254900 January 2014 | 37
18/12/2013 13:44
Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
mallenders resolved from inside and out
M
allenders – an old-fashioned term for cracks in the skin behind the horse’s knee (see the photo) – are becoming more and more common, particularly in horses with feathers such as some cobs and heavy horses. (If they are on the front of the hocks, they’re called sallanders). They are rarely easy to get rid of once established because the place they occur is stretched every time the horse takes a step and so the scabs struggle to heal, leaving the skin increasingly traumatised. Sadly, horses can suffer from this painful problem for years.
They often appear after an unresolved mite infestation (even if no itching is observed), but can also be caused by the skin being nicked with a clipper blade, and often get worse when mites are active during the colder months, as the skin is already fragile, weak and cold. Arguably the best way to tackle it is through a combined approach from the inside as well as the outside. Ruggles and Stopitall Ltd recommend this dual approach – it regularly proves the fastest and most cost-efficient way to manage this nasty issue. 1. Use the Ruggle-it shampoo and 100% natural vegetable oil blend which have anti-mite, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and that will help cleanse, soothe and moisturise the vulnerable skin so that the body can selfheal. Persistently open wounds can be at risk from infection of Staphylococcus Aureus – a common skin bacterium which has strains that are resistant to some antibiotics, i.e. the dreaded MRSA, and is increasingly found in wounds which will not heal. 2. Give the body’s struggling immune capability a ‘serious leg up’ on the inside by feeding a
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‘pure’ and intensive probiotic supplement such as Protexin Equine Gut Balancer which is free from cereals or unnecessary fillers which can further threaten immune strength. Although fed at intensive levels initially, it still costs only pennies because it’s ‘pure’. If not supplemented intensively, it’s like a flimsy walking stick when we’ve twisted an ankle – the first time we trip, and it’ll be too weak to support us. If possible, try to exclude all molasses and haylage whilst the body recovers. Mrs Sharland of Ipswich used this dual approach on her coloured horse, Malbec. (She selected Starter Pack 2-H on the R&S webshop – over 14.2hh – because Malbec had mallenders and was itchy.) The ‘before’ picture was taken on 26th October and the ‘after’ picture on the 10th November. Said Mrs Sharland: “I am totally thrilled at just how quickly things have improved after following the advice from Ruggles and Stopitall Ltd.” Another horse owner from Kent – Julie P-D – tried this combined approach on her veteran horse,
Bobby, with great success. Julie used Starter Pack 1-H as Bobby had no itching. Said a delighted Julie: “The Ruggle-it shampoo with warm water softened the crust behind the knees and I applied the neat oil every second day – the scabs came away. It also worked on his sore heels. We are really keeping on top of it now” [NB: with Ruggle-it, picking scabs is banned!] Mallenders can be complex because they are rarely just a skin issue, and often prove costly to owners and painful for long periods for horses. And there’s seldom a single answer to ‘fix all’, whether chemical or natural. The R&S Ltd way is gentle and helps empower the body to self-heal itself, naturally. See www.karenruggles.co.uk for impressive testimonials, information or to buy Starter Pack 1-H or SP2-H or call 01823 259952.
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ots more information on the web site, including many ‘rave’ reviews from happy customers, including from those who are using them to ride in. See shoesecure.com
The right rugs
I
f you’re not sure how to measure your horse for a rug, here’s how to get it right. 1. Using a tape measure (or a piece of string you can measure later on), measure your horse from the mid-point on the front of his chest along his side to where the rug should end. 2. Allow a couple of extra inches for turn out rugs, especially if you’re buying a rug with a neck cover. 3. If your horse is in between rug sizes then go for the bigger size because a tight fitting rug will be less comfortable than a roomy one. 4. Rug designs vary and while some are better suited to chunky warmbloods and cobs, others are a better fit on narrower breeds, such as Thoroughbreds. It’s a good idea to seek advice from other horse owners or ask your retailer to advise you on the best purchase for your horse. www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:44
Xxxxxxxxxx News
Medals galore for Team GBR T
he summer of 2013 has seen the Senior teams notch up a total of twenty medals at their respective championships. The showjumpers won team gold at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark, with Ben Maher taking individual silver and Scott Brash clinching bronze. The dressage team won team bronze, whilst Charlotte Dujardin won gold in both the individual and freestyle competitions. The para-equestrian team were triumphant once again, winning team gold and ten individual medals amongst the five-member squad. William Fox-Pitt flew the flag for Britain at the European’s in Malmo, Sweden, and won individual bronze. Joanne Eccles won individual bronze at the vaulting European Championships in Austria, and then teamed up with her sister Hannah to win silver in the Pas De Deux. Still to come are the World Driving Championships for Ponies in Pau, France (31st Oct - 3rd Nov).
Safety first W
hatever you wear in the saddle, make sure your gear is safe and will protect you in the event of a fall. Hat. Choose a hat that meets the current safety standards and always buy a new hat if you have a fall or drop it. Look after your hat well and remember it is the probably the most important part of your riding equipment. Body protector. There are three levels of body protectors, which are all designed for different purposes. Visit www.beta-uk.org for more information. Nowadays, as well as standard body protectors, there are air jackets on the market, which inflate should you have a fall. Many riders claim their lives
have been saved by these ingenious inventions, so if you participate in more risky equine activities, it’s worth investing in one. Boots. Always ride in boots with a heel and ensure that you can move your feet freely in them. Riding boots should also offer good grip to prevent your feet slipping through the stirrups. Hi-vis gear. Nowadays, hivisibility clothing comes in numerous forms – tabards, jackets, rugs for your horse, leg bands, tail bands and much more. Remember, there is no such thing as wearing too much hi-vis gear and it’s even important to wear it on sunny days, where road users’ visibility can also be highly reduced.
Derby House close! A
ccording to the latest BETA newsletter retailer Derby House, well known to Equi-Ads readers has gone into administration and subsequently sold to a company called Newtyle Trading Co.Ltd. The joint administrators are Chris Newell of Quantuma LLP and Simon Bonney of Baker Tilly Business Services. They were appointed on the 6th December. A spokesman said “All customer orders previously placed with Derby House Ltd will be honoured” but made no comment as to monies owing to suppliers. Newtyle, trading as Derby House continued to email past customers with email offers on rugs etc. prior to Christmas.
www.equi-ads.com
Equi_Ads_Jan_National.indd 39
Do you want to see yourself on the newly designed Equi-Ads website? Pop over to our website www.equi-ads.com and see your photographs published live on our site. Send your photographs to instagram@ equi-ads.com and we will have them put on our website. Follow us on Facebook for all our up to date news and competitions.
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They Only Improve With Time! • The original hoof supplement • The only product of its kind subjected to independent scientific research and published in a refereed journal • Vacuum packed and nitrogen flushed to remain ‘fresh’ three years from manufacture date • GM free and Vegetarian Society approved Life Data Labs, Inc. 12290 Hwy 72 Cherokee, Alabama 35616 http://fb.me/lifedatalabs Product of the USA
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18/12/2013 13:44
Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx
emerging and exotic equine Diseases By Peter Fenton BVM&S MRCVS T here are a number of infectious diseases that have historically been only seen in the warmer climates of the world that are getting closer to our shores due to the undeniable change in climatic conditions. They are mostly viral diseases that are spread by biting insects of one sort or another and some will solely affect horses where others may infect the owners too! These are often serious infections that are very debilitating or potentially fatal and will certainly be a major concern if they start to be seen in the UK regularly. Currently these diseases are notifiable, which means that if a case is suspected then the attending vet has a duty to inform their local DEFRA office. They would then usually initiate investigation of the infection themselves.
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is commonly known as Swamp Fever. It is a notifiable exotic viral disease spread by flies that affects horses, mules and donkeys. An affected horse may take anywhere up to several months to show clinical signs. These include recurring fever, anaemia, oedema, emaciation and death. Some horses may show very mild symptoms and may become chronically infected for life, picking up secondary infections very easily and suffering from high worm burdens. To confirm EIA a blood sample will be tested for the virus. Any horse that has a positive result to this test will be humanely euthanased and any other equines it has been in contact with will be tested and their movement restricted until proven not infective. The disease is not currently endemic in the UK although sporadic cases have been reported in 2010 in Wiltshire, Devon and Northumberland. The disease is generally brought into the UK when horses have been bought in from or travelled abroad to countries where the disease is endemic, or from the use of biological products infected with the EIA virus (such as infected blood products). There is also a lesser risk of spread through faeces, secretions, saliva, semen, ova, embryos and any equipment contaminated with these infected products. African Horse Sickness (AHS)
African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a viral notifiable, infectious, fatal disease that severely affects horses. Mules, donkeys and zebras can also be infected but generally less severely. It also affects dogs, with infection becoming apparent usually after eating infected equine meat. Currently this disease is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa but there has been outbreaks reported in areas such as Spain associated with importation of infected Zebra meat. The disease is spread via the Culicoides midge, which is also responsible for the clinical signs of sweet itch so we know how common this midge is already in this country. This midge requires specific wind and weather conditions to survive but when these conditions are met (as in 2008 with the last confirmed Bluetongue outbreak in farm animals in the UK) the disease could easily reach the UK. Signs of AHS depend on what form it takes in the horse. In the ‘Acute’ form horses will have a fever, laboured breathing, high volumes of nasal discharge and 95% of cases will, unfortunately, die within 7 days. In the 40 | January 2014
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‘Cardiac’ form horses have swelling of the head, eyelids, lips and 60% of cases will die of associated heart failure. Horses can also suffer a ‘mixed’ infection of the acute and cardiac forms and the ‘horse-sickness fever’ form shows no signs other than significant fluctuations in body temperature with a low temperature in the morning, peaking by the afternoon. The disease is confirmed by a positive blood sample. There is no vaccine available in the UK but one would be available in an emergency outbreak situation. West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a notifiable viral disease spread by mosquitoes that affects birds, horses and importantly humans. It is spread via mosquitoes that have bitten infected animals and then transmit the disease to unaffected animals by biting them. Human and horses are known as ‘dead-end hosts’ as there is no direct spread from them to other animals. It causes inflammation of the spinal cord and brain and in up to 30% of horses infected will show signs varying from depression, fever, neurological signs (such as weakness, blindness, lack of coordination, excitability, disorientation and coma) and sudden death. Treatment is based on supportive therapy for the affected animal. Humans can be infected and be symptomless, show flu-like signs or in 1% of cases have meningo-encephalitis which can be fatal. A horse is confirmed as having WNV by testing a blood sample for the virus or antibodies that are produced in response to
infection. WNV has never been identified in a horse or person in the UK but antibodies to the disease have been found in birds. This may represent undetected disease in the UK or simply that birds have developed antibodies during exposure to the disease during migration overseas. Traditionally the disease had only been reported in Africa, Western Asia and Eastern Europe. However since then the disease has been reported closer to home with horses as near as Italy and Spain testing positive in September 2010. Currently Britain’s status as WNV-free is thought to be linked to the inability of the mosquito to survive the current UK climate and therefore transmit the virus. A vaccine protecting against WNV has recently become available in the UK for horses but as yet there is no vaccine available for people. If your horse is travelling to Europe or North America then you should consider the new vaccine, which is available and licensed in the UK against West Nile Virus. The primary course is 2 injections, 3-5 weeks apart, with annual boosters. The vaccine is proven in the face of an outbreak & is safe for pregnant and lactating mares. If you would like more information please contact the practice on 0161 643 7724. DEFRA are currently providing a ‘Text Alert’ system which is a free news alert subscription service is designed to help people on the move keep in touch with the latest developments regarding equine disease. To sign up to this service follow this link: http://www.defra.gov. uk/animalhealth/alerts/subscribe.htm
Pro feet making huge steps in hoof care… D
eveloped by veterinary scientists, with the help of farriers, PRO FEET offers the most concentrated, fast acting, nutritional support for quality horn growth and strong healthy hooves. Available in a powder and a liquid, giving you the choice of how to feed this highly specified formula to your horse. To complement the nourishing effects of PRO FEET nutrition, the brand new range of premium hoof care applications have been launched... Rock Hard - a uniquely formulated hoof hardener to naturally protect brittle hooves, strengthen soft soles and disinfect frogs prone to fungal and bacterial attack. Contains Zinc Sulphate and MSM. Hoof Rub Ointment - a premium hoof ointment made with extracts of essential eucalyptus oil. Helps keep the horn supple and protect the hoof from becoming brittle and prone to cracking and breaking. Hoof Moist - an entirely natural water based gel formulated to sustain the moisture content of the hoof. Frequent application will replenish the moisture levels of dried out, brittle hooves. RRP’s: PRO FEET Liquid – from £28.95 PRO FEET Powder – from £29.95 PRO FEET Rock Hard - £21.95 PRO FEET Hoof Rub – from £7.75 PRO FEET Hoof Moist – from £7.25 The PRO FEET range is available from NAF stockists nationwide. For more details call the NAF Freephone Advice line: 0800 373106 or email info@naf-uk.com
nutrition matters! E
qui-Ads is shortly introducing a new nutrition Q&A column – please email us your burning feed questions to nutrition@equiads.net and you may win a prize and get your question answered by an equine nutrition expert. Ed www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 13:44
Xxxxxxxxxx News
Hi There! I
f you own a horse with high withers, looking for a smart competition saddlecloth means your choices can be narrowed down. Fortunately on-line retailer Dressage Deluxe understands this issue and stocks a variety of great hi-withered saddle cloth styles including this gorgeous saddlecloth in White, which not only features a generous high wither cut, but also incorporates a clever black tab to secure to your dressage saddle’s D-rings, giving a smart finish to your overall appearance! The Dressage Deluxe Nuumed Hiwither Saddlecloth With Black Tabs has made exclusively for Dressage Deluxe by Nuumed and is available in large and extra-large. RRP: £ 38.00
www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk Dressage Deluxe Free Phone: 0800 321 3001
Gold Medalists Support Charity C
otswold Riding for the Disabled, are keeping their “golden oldies” in peak health and condition. The twenty herd of horses and ponies that belong to the Cotswold RDA will be fed on a diet of Veteran Mix, a complete feed designed for horses and ponies over the age of 16, and Veteran Pencils, the same ration but provided in a soft, dust free pencil. Both products are low in starch and free from whole oats and make use of Saracen’s “Super-fibre” technology, which provide a similar level of energy to that of cereals, but in a slow release form helping to keep the gut working efficiently, an essential requirement for older horses. Olympic Gold medal winning riders Natasha Baker and Charlotte Dujardin, who live locally to the stables, are firm supporters of the charity and visit regularly.
Suzuki: the world in ATVs S
uzuki is the original innovator of four-wheel all-terrain vehicles(ATVs). Today, each of the eight model Suzuki range encompasses over 30 years of development and customer feedback, backed by millions of hardworking miles. All ATVs in the Suzuki range come with outstanding features, build quality, power and performance as standard. From farming and estate management to recreation, there is a Suzuki ATV to meet all your needs. Suzuki is committed to ensuring the safety of all its customers, so it offers free EASI (European All-terrain Vehicle Safety Institute) training to customers buying a Suzuki ATV from any authorized Suzuki dealer. EASI is a non-profit making organisations which aims to promote safety education training
and awareness when using ATVs. The five hour course teaches riders how to carry out proper pre-ride inspections, rife in a variety of conditions and negotiate obstacles. The company strongly recommends that you gain an EASI certificate before you try using a Suzuki ATV. All Suzuki ATVs come with a full two-year unlimited mileage warranty which is subject to owner registration and scheduled service records (there are certain exclusions for service and wear and tear items may apply, so see the owner's Service Book for details). Suzuki GB PLC does not manufacture for, or offer any warranty on, ATVs which are used on or registered for the public highway, other than in commercial applications. For more information about the Suzuki ATV Range, call Howard SW Ltd on 01823 451800
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR EVERY JOB Suzuki Atv range available from Howard SW Ltd
TEL: 01823 451 800
Directory Property Abroad Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices. Tel: 01775 630 008
Saddlery South East Andrew Reilly Saddlers Spoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET Tel: 01825 830484 www.equi-ads.com
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Worming
Feeding
Wholesale
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
The Haylage Co.
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
A cost effective alternative to hay. Based South Hertfordshire, we deliver to locations nationwide. Tel: 07831 454 166 Email: guybrook@btinternet.com Website: www.poloforage.com
Include your details here.
Call 01159 461 146
January 2014 | 41
18/12/2013 10:10
Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Tack
Planning ahead now for next season
D
uring the winter months it seems there is precious little time to get everything done for our horses. Riding time is limited to daylight hours and the inevitable mud and wet makes stable chores more cumbersome. However, this is a key time to make sure your horse is in the best shape to deal with the winter cold and next season’s competition preparations for the Spring. Teeth rasping should be up to date so your horse is able to benefit most from the hay and feed, and saddle checks may be advisable if your equine friend is prone to dropping condition in the winter months or has had a busy summer of rides or competitions. But have you also considered your horse’s back as a priority this time of year too? Probably not. After all, if you are riding more in the spring and summer it may make sense to get the back checks done then. However, as your horse’s workload reduces over the colder months, it is a good idea to use this opportunity to have a McTimoney treatment and get your horse’s back in tiptop shape before you start to work him harder in the spring.
McTimoney Animal Practitioners assess where there are asymmetries within the equine spine and pelvis, and treatment of these key areas allows the skeletal frame to function evenly on both sides again. Many riders have felt the benefits of McTimoney treatment on their horses with improvements in flexibility on both reins, rather than their horse always working better in one direction than the other. Another common issue riders face is difficulty with cantering on one lead in particular, which is often related to asymmetry of the pelvis and improves markedly after McTimoney treatment. If a habit pattern is well established, it can take a couple of treatments and a short period of re schooling for your horse to realise his improved flexibility, but winter is a prime time to rehabilitate your horse’s movement patterns. With a straighter, more comfortable horse, you are ready to face 2014 a step ahead of everyone else! Endurance rider, Karen Jones has always favoured the McTimoney approach for all her horses. Having competed internationally with three of her horses, Karen is emphatic about their training and straightness. Karen says “I can clearly remember the first time I had my International horse Mellow Jazz treated using McTimoney, and I couldn’t believe how relaxed he became. He almost looked sedated, but when I rode him a couple of days later I could definitely feel an improvement in his movement. I have used a local McTimoney Animal Practitioner on all my horses since then and I try to maintain a regular treatment programme to ensure that any slight stiffnesses are dealt with while they are still mild. Endurance demands a lot in terms of stamina and resilience so a slight stiffness can build into a major issue and even lameness if left untreated. I use my winter training to progress the horses’ schooling and have regular lessons so the McTimoney treatments fit in well to maximise the improvements I am trying to make.” For more information on the McTimoney College go to www.mctimoney-college.ac.uk or to find your local McTimoney Animal Practitioner go to www. mctimoney-animal.org.uk
THE PERFECT PROFILE!
L
ooking for a saddlecloth with the ‘perfect profile’ for your dressage or Jump/GP saddle? The Ogilvy Equestrian Profile Pad, available through on- line retailers Shadow Horse follows the line of your saddle and features a unique ‘V-Top’ shape, which not only reduces movement at the withers and along the topline, but also ensures that the pad sits at the base of withers without pulling down. This pad incorporates a special ‘quick-dry’ anti-bacterial / anti-fungal brushed poly lining which sits against the horses’ skin comfortably. It also doesn’t move due to its incredible anti-slip properties. The outer is a smart quilted stain-resistant poly cotton twill. A high performance hollow core fibre is sandwiched between, helping to wick away sweat and moisture from the horse with rapid drying time. The ideal choice for competition riding or schooling – whatever the season or chosen discipline! Dressage cut available in Small, Medium, Medium/Long and Large Colours: White & Black RRP: £45.00 Jump/GP cut available in Small, Medium & Large Colours: Black, Navy & White: RRP:£45.00 www.shadowhorse.co.uk 01628 857 466
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Internet non-slip saddle mesh
T
he Internet NonSlip Saddle Pad is a lightweight, breathable mesh saddle pad that can be used with a saddlecloth or without. The pad helps to prevent lateral and forward saddle movement and can be used in a range of different sports. The lightweight mesh material allows air to flow through it, to help keep the horse’s back cool, a property that also makes it ideal for hot and cold conditions alike. The Internet Non-Slip Saddle Mesh is available in one size and can be cut to fit as required. It has a RRP of £10.50. For more information on New Equine Wear, see www. newequinewear.co.uk or call 01172 303700.
www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 10:10
Healthcare • Tack Xxxxxxxxxx
OLIVIA FLEECE T
he Tottie Olivia fleece is ideal to keep you warm. Soft and cosy it features an oversized neck with two zip pockets and velvet ribbon detailing for a fashionable look. Available in Grey Marl and Fuchsia, in sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and priced at around £39.50.
Saddlecloths from EquestrianClearance.com T
he high tech British Eventing Saddlecloth, comes with a Coolmax® lining and has been cleverly designed with a high wither function. The navy saddlecloth features a diamond quilt pattern with navy binding, silver and white cord piping and the British Eventing logo embroidered on both sides. The white version has white binding and white cord piping. A woven label with the British eventing logo is sewn onto the girth strap – to allow sponsorship logos to be embroidered on the saddlecloth. Sizes: Pony, Cob, Full Size. RRP £34.99 The British Showjumping Saddlecloths are available exclusively from EquestrianClearance.com. The navy saddlecloth is both smart and stylish and is ideal for competition or everyday use. This hi -wither cut saddlecloth has a cotton outer with a waffle lining, velcro girth straps and white and navy cord piping. It also features British Showjumping embroidery on the off-side of the saddlecloth, leaving the nearside free for you to personalise with your own name or sponsor! The white saddlecloth has red and navy cord piping. The sides are left completely free for your own embroidery. Both saddlecloths come in sizes Pony, Cob and Full and are priced at £28.99.
Also new from Tottie, the Tweed Tara Skirt is certain to be a wardrobe staple this winter. Tara comes in sizes 8-16, available in Green or Brown and is priced at around £74.99. For further information please contact Tottie on (01274) 711101 or visit www. tottie.co.uk
For more details visit www.equestrianclearance.com
www.equi-ads.com
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News Xxxxxxxxxx
Coaches, coached! D
elighted equestrian coach Pauline Brimson has been awarded a bursary to support her journey through a new bespoke coaching qualification. Kent Sport, funded by Sport England, awarded the £1500 grant to the head coach and founder of Fallowbrook Western Riding Club at the start of the course in July 2013. The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Rowing have teamed up with Northumbria University to raise standards and recognise high performing coaches in the two sports. The United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) level four is a bespoke programme, established in September 2012, for the sports and aims to deliver an advanced syllabus of professional education for coaches with considerable experience. “The course is going to be a challenge but I am very excited to do it” commented Pauline. “It is a
real step up from the level three in terms of both reflection and self-evaluation as a coach as well as the academic side – I feel like I need to go back to school and learn how to write properly again! The first session at the University was quite daunting as I didn’t go to Uni when I was younger but I just can’t wait to get stuck in.” The qualification is aimed at high performing coaches and is not exclusive to those working in a high performance environment; it incorporates coaches working from grassroots level up to individuals supporting Championship teams. The two year course culminates in a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Professional Practice in Sport Coaching, the current course will complete in September 2015. Reining, a style of western riding in which a rider guides their horse through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops, is Pauline’s specialism. “I got into reining around fifteen years
ago following a medical condition that stopped me from riding. My husband knew how much horses meant to me and was keen to keep me involved. We attended a western demo and both decided that it looked great fun, my husband was particularly keen that jodhpurs were not a prerequisite to participating! Once I recovered there was no looking back.” Pauline got such enjoyment from the sport she was determined to further her involvement; becoming a Coaching Development Officer for British Reining in 2006, she played an instrumental role in the development of the UKCC level three alongside Endurance GB in 2007. In the same year she was crowned Intermediate and Limited Open British Champion and founded the Fallowbrook Western Riding Club in 2008 and took on the role of coach educator and assessor for the UKCC qualifications.
On the surface of it all
C
hoosing to have an arena laid down is a costly exercise, so make sure you spend your money wisely. There are so many considerations to make before choosing a company to lay your schooling arena. Of course cost is an issue, but scrimping on money could end being false economy, so be sure to choose a reputable company you trust. Asking around will give you a good idea of decent companies in your area, but there are personal considerations to make, too: Drainage: Wet arenas ultimately lead to surface failure and the need to have surfaces topped up more frequently. Ideally you want rain water to be slowly encouraged off your arena surface, and this will depend on the weather in your area, the type of soil you have and the natural lie of the land around the area you plan to have your arena built.
T
he Toggi and Champion brands have added Jason Webb and his team at Australian Horsemanship to their stable of top riders.
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Materials: Deep – or very solid - surfaces are not only hard going for horses, but they can take their toll on your horse’s limbs and lead to lameness issues. There are plenty of modern-day materials that make good riding surfaces, and good quality
sand, such as silica sand, is a proven base material to go for. Usage: If you run a riding school or busy competition yard then your arena is going to get plenty of use, which means you will need to choose a surface that’s going to last. If, on the other hand, you are a one horse owner and plan to ride in there a few times a week then you might be able to cut your budget slightly. Dust free: This is particularly relevant for those looking to erect an indoor school, and if you have horses with breathing difficulties or dust allergies then it’s even more important. Lighting: Do you want to ride in the evenings when it’s dark? If so, you’ll need to get floodlights put in as well, which is an extra cost to consider. Whatever you go for, do plenty of research. Some companies offer a ‘try before you buy’ option, which is a really useful thing to do and could save you money and disappointment in the long run. www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 10:10
News • Clothing Xxxxxxxxxx
A Fashionable Winter Wardrobe W
rap up warm this winter with some great advice and fashion tips from Team EquestrianClearance.com rider Harriet MorrisBaumber. The colder weather has started to bite and fingers and toes need a bit of extra wrapping up – so why not be organised and get thinking about those few clothing essentials that will help you get through the icy conditions. I tend to find layering up is the best way. It allows you to be flexible in cases where the weather is variable and two thin layers can be warmer yet lighter than one thick layer as the air trapped between layers serves as thermal insulation. With rider fashion ever changing following in the footsteps of the high street fashion there are plenty of great items that are practical yet also
stylish. Look out for key winter colours crossing over from the high street. Mixing and matching key items can make for a totally different look and have your friends thinking you have an extensive wardrobe to choose from! A couple of new items can really help you freshen up your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Again try and tie new clothing in with your current styles to make the most of your spend. If you want to look warm and snugly this winter you can’t beat a fleece for that soft to the touch feel. It is worth looking at the fabric before you make your new purchases as everyone has their favourites! Must-haves for winter: • A couple of pairs of thick warm gloves for pottering about the yard and an extra pair in case they get wet as well as gloves for riding in. I hate having wet gloves! • A good waterproof jacket suitable for even the worst of weathers. • A pair of lined boots or wellies with a good tread on them, ideal for icy and wet weather conditions, especially when you have to trek down the field after the horse. • Don’t forget thermal socks! • A hat and scarf to keep the ears and neck warm. I have found a snood pretty useful for riding in; I can pull it up around my ears and you don’t
have any flapping bits that need tucking in. • Thermal jodhpurs are a great addition to the wardrobe too, keeping your legs warm whilst riding and also suitable for layering up. • Finally I definitely couldn’t be without a pair of waterproof trousers or chaps. What with the British weather these are handy all year round! For further information visit www. equestrianclearance.com
Wadworth donate £3,000 to support HorseWorld
H
orse World Managing Director Mark Owen was handed a cheque for £3,000 from Charles Bartholomew, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Victorian Tower brewery which opened in 1875. Mr Bartholomew invited Mr Owen down to the Victorian Tower Brewery which is a landmark in the centre of Devizes to hand over their very kind and generous donation. Whilst visiting the extremely unique site Mr Owen also enjoyed a trip around the Visitor Centre and was introduced to three of Wadworth’s beautiful Shire horses, Prince, Monty and Max who all occasionally enjoy a pint of the Wadworth famous 6X after a long days work. HorseWorld will use half of the donation to fund two 6-week long Discovery courses for two separate schools and the other half will go towards the core equine rescue and rehabilitation work of the charity.
R
hea is the latest addition to Tayberry’s winter tweed collection and joins the Ginny Jacket, Hattie and Trudie Tweed Headbands, Jade Tweed Hat, Meryl Tweed Bag and Fee Ear Muffs. Available in mocha in sizes 10-18 and has a RRP of £110. For more information, see www.tayberry.co.uk, call 01507 524816
H
iho Silver’s new Strap and Rider Bracelets have been inspired by horses and bridles…and look great on any wrist! Strap and Rider Bracelets are available in one size, in brown, and have a RRP of £60.
www.equi-ads.com
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News Xxxxxxxxxx • Training
Winter training opportunities with Paul Tapner A
You and your horse! A
re you looking for inspiration, to improve your relationship with your horse and develop a bond and real connection? As is the case with most things in life, having a support system is key to success and the Parelli Savvy Club provides a wealth of information and advice to help you every step of the way. The Savvy Club is a worldwide membership community where you can connect with Pat and Linda Parelli, find friends, learn, ask questions, get inspired and get support to help you become the best you can be for your horse. The Savvy Club offers three levels of membership – Parelli Digital, Parelli Savvy and Parelli Premium. Membership of the Savvy Club gives natural horsemanship fans access to unlimited knowledge and experience including: • On demand streaming access to the entire Level 1 educational content. • 25% merchandise discount • Unlimited access to Parelli Connect • Personal access to Pat and Linda • Interactive ‘to do’ lists • Eight instructional DVDs and four issues of Savvy Times magazines – for the Digital membership these come in digital format. The Savvy and Premium level membership also includes a Savvy Welcome Kit while the Premium level has the added bonus of video library access and VIP seating at events. Parelli Digital is £6.95 a month or £69 annual, Parelli Savvy is £16.90 a month or £139 annual, and Parelli Premium is £52.99 a month or £529.99 annual.
For further information contact Parelli UK on 0800 0234 813 or visit www.parelli.com
Lillico Attlee acquires animal health business L
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Dates for Paul Tapner Clinics • at Wickstead Equestrian Centre • Sunday 5th January 2014 - (AM Dressage Clinic, PM Showjumping Clinic) • Sunday 19th January 2014 - (Simulated XC on a surface) • Sunday 2nd February 2014 - (AM Dressage Clinic, PM Showjumping Clinic) • Sunday 16th February 2014 - (Simulated XC on a surface)
Visit www.tapnereventing.com for more details or to book
which are qualities that we want to uphold and build on. This acquisition will now give us the opportunity to develop a greater presence in the market. "Over the coming months our team will work with Leon to increase and diversify the animal health products on offer. We will also continue to invest in training our staff so that we can provide the very highest levels of advice and expertise. "This is a really exciting time for Lillico Attlee and I am looking forward to making some positive changes that will greatly benefit our agricultural customers across Kent, Surrey and Sussex." Lillico Attlee will add to the existing range of animal health products, which are sold from their country store in Aylesford, near Maidstone, in Kent. The Aylesford shop has three full SQPs (suitably qualified person) in animal health, with the firm planning on training additional staff to meet projected increases in demand for animal health products and knowledge. For more information about Lillico Attlee, its services and the products available, visit www.lillico.co.uk, or call in to one of the stores. Photo credit: Doug Harman
illico Attlee has acquired Kent-based animal health products firm AHS (Canterbury) Ltd. The deal will strengthen Lillico Attlee's animal health offering, giving customers greater choice and more access to specialist knowledge. Leon Price, who set up AHS (Canterbury) Ltd around 15 years ago, will continue to work with Lillico Attlee, supporting customers and helping to grow the animal health products division. Mike Booth, Lillico Attlee sales director, said: "Acquiring AHS was a natural fit for our business. We already sell some animal health products but have been looking to expand this retail area for a while. "AHS was renowned for its exceptional and reliable customer service, and had a strong and trusted relationship with a large number of farmers and smallholders in Kent,
ustralian event rider and Badminton 2010 winner Paul Tapner is holding indoor dressage, showjumping and cross-country clinics this winter at his yard (Wickstead Farm, Highworth, near Swindon). Open to all ages and abilities these training clinics are happening on Sundays in January and February (dates listed in full below and on the website at www.tapnereventing.com). Jumping groups range from 80cm for nervous riders and novice horses up to 1.1m for more experienced horses and riders and are held in groups of no more than four. Dressage lessons are available individually or in pairs and are tailored to whatever level the riders are working at. Paul is an exceptionally talented coach and has many years of international riding and training experience as well as an excellent grounding in the Australian Pony Club! His popular teaching methods have helped hundreds of horses and riders to grow more confident and improve their technique. “Amusing and inspiring instruction”; “my daughter had a great lesson and learnt a lot from him”; “I can’t wait for the next clinic” all comments from Paul’s happy pupils who have attended his clinics in the past. Why not book a session for someone as a Christmas or birthday present? Please visit Paul’s website to find out more or to book online (www. tapnereventing.com).
Mike Booth, sales director, of Lillico Attlee and Leon Price, owner, of AHS (Canterbury) Ltd www.equi-ads.com
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Tack & Turnout Xxxxxxxxxx
Square pad that thinks outside the box!
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leeceworks Therawool GP Square Pad which incorporates a clever hidden Velcro pocket, which can accommodate either a full length memory foam insert or a front or rear riser pad, offering both versatility and adaptability with unrivalled comfort to the horse. Image shows: Fleeceworks Therawool GP Pad Colours: White Only Sizes: One Size RRP: £103.00 (Foam inserts available to purchase separately) www. shadowhorse. co.uk 01628 857 466
New Waterproof Trousers
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he cold wet months can be difficult when out on the yard so making sure you are well wrapped up is key to maintaining comfort. The new British Eventing Waterproof Trousers are both waterproof and breathable. In colour navy the trousers have an elasticated waist, two pockets and zips at the ankles. They are lined with mesh to the ankles and have a nylon lining at the bottom of the leg. Sizes: XS to XXL / RRP £29.99 Visit www.equestrianclearance.com for further information.
Tip Top Tack T
hinking of buying a new saddle or bridle this year? – well make sure you give this costly investment the care it deserves from the start and it will stand you in good stead for years to come. We all know that a new piece of leather tack can be stiff to start with. To achieve that soft, pliable and comfortable feel, it needs to be conditioned and cared for. Nettex Traditional Tack Conditioner is a blend of glycerine and natural oils that nourish and protect leather to leave a lustrous shine after every use. Used on new leather it treats and conditions without the soggy mess you can sometimes get using oil. This penetrating formula keeps leather soft, supple and weather resistant all year round and it contains antibacterial properties to prevent cross infection from shared tack. What’s more, it won’t rot stitching and it can be used on any leather product. It will also stop the build-up of mould and mildew on tack and other leather equipment and it’s easy to use as it comes in a handy trigger spray. What’s more, you can use Nettex Traditional Tack Cleaner on any leather product, so it’s perfect for leather furniture, shoes, bags, motorbike leathers and belts, too. Nettex Traditional Tack Cleaner RRP: £3.75 for 200ml, £5.50 for 500ml Nettex Traditional Tack Conditioner RRP: £4.75 for 200ml, £7.99 for 500ml For stockist information, visit www.nettexequine.com or call 01634 257150. www.equi-ads.com
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NATURE MEETS NEW-AGE!
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he Fleeceworks FXK Dressage Sheepskin Half Pad exclusively from retailer Shadow Horse is styled in the finest Australian merino sheepskin, which is not only super dense and soft, but also far more robust than lambskin and superior in its breathability and overall performance. The chemically untreated sheepskin is ideal for horses with sensitive skin and is also cut shorter than most on the market, giving the shorter dense hair incredible cushioning qualities, which also stops the sheepskin matting over time. The thinner hind, which has been carefully tanned to lengthen and enhance the life of the product further adds to this half pad’s appeal, allowing for improved flexibility and breathability. The complete sheepskin coverage also dispels any pressure points caused by gullet-free channel seaming. Incorporating their very own ‘FXK’ technology, the pad features a clever internal vertical elastic strip, which allows the pad to move with the horse’s movement, without rubbing, slipping or pulling down and causing pressure along the spine whilst helping to keep the pad in place. Ideal for large moving horses or those animals, which are sensitive to any restriction around the shoulders or under the saddle area. This half pad also features a longer cut under the tree points to allow for the straight cut shape of the dressage saddle. RRP: £110.00 Black, White & Cream. Sizes Regular & Large www.shadowhorse.co.uk 01628 857 466
January 2014 | 47
18/12/2013 10:10
Xxxxxxxxxx News• Healthcare
New Fetlock Boots
‘Hope’ well named! V
eterinary surgeon Vikki Fowler contacted Blue Chip to share the amazing progress of her rescued Shire horse, Hope. Vikki found her nearly two years ago laid face down in a ditch, inches away from death. Vikki managed to persuade her owner to sell her and then the struggle began; they managed to get Hope back to the yard where it took her three weeks to be able to stand unaided, during this time they gave the mare a bath to try and get rid of the ingrained mud and faeces that had built up over the years which then revealed just how underweight and malnourished Hope was.
WANTED Land to buy not to rent djk03@hotmail.co.uk
07554 144 496 48 | January 2014
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As a vet, Vikki was all too aware of how important is was to make sure that Hope got the correct feed, which had to be introduced very gradually to prevent her system going into shock and causing digestive upsets. Once she started eating hard feed I kept going with Blue Chip and within six months she was unrecognisable. Having always fed my horses Blue Chip in the past I knew how much it helps but the progress Hope made was remarkable and I have no doubt the Blue Chip played a major role in her amazing recovery.” As the photos show Vikki has transformed this mare and she is now a magnificent winning show horse, a testament to Vikki’s hard work, time and dedication.
qui-Med Ag have launched a new range of Fetlock Boots to help with mud fever and wound care issues. Scientifically proven to help tackle mud fever and treat wounds the new boots are designed with a layer of activated carbon and silver, which is proven to have very effective antibacterial properties. Trials have shown 100% success rate at treating and preventing mud fever or pastern dermatitis. They feature elasticated straps for a comfortable fit and are ideal when the Heel Boot is not enough but the full Stable Boot is not required. The new boots can be used as part of everyday stable management, with their unique seamless design allowing for total comfort and freedom of movement. They are designed for use in the stable after legs have been cleaned with water and then dried. They are hard wearing and breathable for everyday use and they are also machine washable. Launched after three years of research, the Equi-Med Ag boots have been successful on many different case studies where skin diseases and wound infection was proving very difficult to bring under control using conventional treatment. The Equi-Med Ag Fetlock boots start from £85.00 in sizes small, medium and large. Extralarge or extra small boots can be made by special order. The range also includes Stable Boot, Heel Boots, Knee Boots, Hock Boots and Cannon Wrap. For more information on all of the Equi-Med Ag products, how they work and what other things they can be used for please visit www. EquiMedAg.co.uk or call on 0191 5118323 or 0777 5577165.
THE 22ND NATIONAL EQUINE FORUM
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he 22nd National Equine Forum, to be held on Thursday 6th March 2014, will bring together a panel of prestigious speakers from Government, equestrian sport, veterinary science and welfare. Following his well-received first visit to the Forum in 2013, The Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will address the Forum again this year, to discuss Defra’s perspective. Representatives from sporting bodies in Germany and Switzerland should be discussing growth and challenges faced in horse sport and the chief executives of World Horse Welfare and Redwings, together with the proprietor of the UK’s largest abattoir, will debate the contentious issue of welfare and the horse meat industry. The National Equine Forum brings together all sectors of the UK’s equestrian industry to listen to and debate the latest equestrian news and research, and then mingle and network over lunch and afternoon tea. The thoughtprovoking 2014 programme will include subjects of interest to all elements of the equestrian sector.
The National Equine Forum is organised by a committee reflecting various sectors of the equestrian industry and has as its President HRH The Princess Royal. It is sponsored by the Association of British Riding Schools, Bedmax, BEVA Trust, the Blue Cross, British Equestrian Federation, British Equestrian Trade Association, British Horse Society, British Horseracing Authority, Bulley Davey, Darbys Solicitors, Dodson and Horrell, Donkey Sanctuary, Equine Products UK, Horse Trust, Jeffress Scholarship Trust, NFU Mutual Insurance, South Essex Insurance Brokers, Weatherbys Group and World Horse Welfare. Tickets are available to equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals at a cost of £100 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. To apply or to find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a Friend of the Forum please contact the Hon Secretary, Ms Tracy Allen, at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, Warwick, CV35 9BL email teallen@warkscol.ac.uk. For further information on the NEF visit www.bef.co.uk www.equi-ads.com
18/12/2013 10:10
VetVits, PO Box 64, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT. Prices featured are valid until 28.02.14.
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EQA-XJ
EquiFlex
®
£5 OFF
Clinically tested blend of Glucosamine HCI†, chondroitin and antioxidant vitamin C to help keep your horse young and active.
Developed by Vets V
40% more glucosamine per scoop than standard glucosamine sulphate 2KCI. †
6 month supply £56.95
NOW £51.95
HALFE PRIC
SALE
VetVits, PO Box 64, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT. Prices featured are valid until 28.02.14.
EVERY PRODUCT REDUCED! 1 LF £A H PRFFICE O
HALFE PRIC
£1 OFF
EquiSenior ®
EquiHoof ®
EquiCalm®
Advanced antioxidant-rich multivitamin containing 15 vital nutrients for vitality and health.
All in one farrier approved formula for strong resilient hooves.
Soothing blend of natural ingredients for naturally calmer horses.
1 month supply £15.95 NOW £7.95
2 month supply £17.95 NOW £16.95
1 month supply £16.95 NOW £8.45
OR YO UR M BACK ONEY
Available exclusively online at www.vetvits.co.uk or FREEPHONE 0808 100 40 80 + FREE P&P* Product Description EquiCalm® – natural calmer
Size/Price 434g @ £8.45
Qty
EquiFlex® Bargain Bulk 1488g @ £51.95 496g @ £19.95 EquiFlex® – joint health care EquiHoof ® – hoof health care 496g @ £16.95 EquiMSM® – joint health care 600g @ £13.95 EquiSenior® – complete health care 496g @ £7.95 FREE Postage and Packaging* Total order value £
Total (£)
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18/12/2013 16:00 10:10 13/12/2013
optimum-A4-ad-13-1_0 14/08/2013 09:07 Page 1
Every horse deserves the Optimum life
Launch Offer
The five star feed balancer for your five star horse • restores and maintains five star condition, topline and health • maximises the nutritional value of the daily feed ration • optimises the health and efficiency of the digestive system • easy to feed, palatable, pellet with great sugar free flavour • provides the best supplement specification Feed Optimum to put the balance back into the diet and to optimise your horse’s health. OPTIMUM will restore and maintain five star condition, topline and health, maximise the nutritional value of the daily feed ration, and optimise the health and efficiency of the digestive system. OPTIMUM comes in a concentrated pellet, each one is of the highest supplement specification available, with a great sugar free flavour. OPTIMUM is formulated to complement either a high fibre low concentrate, or a performance diet. When a daily feed is not necessary, OPTIMUM can simply be fed on its own directly from your hand. OPTIMUM is the perfect choice for every horse, from family pony to performance athlete, it is the optimum choice for all. For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com
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