Equi-Ads UK January 2015

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

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January 2015

Equine Health • Management • Training

Five minutes with...

...Hannah Biggs Dental Care

•Feeding the pregnant mare •Castration complications •Ammonia & Respiratory Health •Horses behaving badly!

Plus:

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

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•Lungeing your horse over jumps •Enjoy your training - with Sophie Wells 18/12/2014 13:34


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Equestrian Statistics • 3.5 million people (6% of the GB population) have ridden a horse at least once in the past 12 months. • 73% of riders are female.

• 8% of riders considered themselves disabled in some way.

• 25% of all GB riders are below 16 years old.

20% are above 45 years old.

• The estimated GB horse population, including both private and professional ownership, is just below one million horses (988,000). • The estimated cost of the upkeep of horses in the UK is £2.8 billion – £3,105 per horse. • Other indirect consumer expenditure associated with equestrian activity is estimated at £557 million. Figures from British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) National Equestrian Survey (2010-11)

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Main Features Retail Focus ...................................6 Feeding brood mares ..................8 Feeding the pregnant mare........... .....................................................9-10 Dental care for veterans............12 BEVA Dental guidance...... 15, 20 Castration complications .. 18, 24 Equine Vacancies .....................21 Fighting Sycamore seeds....24-25 Nutrition Focus ....................26-27 Lungeing over jumps ...............28 Five Minutes with Hannah Biggs .............................29 Horse Behaviour ..................30/31 Learning to ride the classical way - Part One ............34 Enjoy your training Sophie Wells ..............................35 Tried & Tested.............................42

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Front cover: James 14.1hh, 7 year old by Jay Kirk - www.cherishingmomements.co.uk

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01159 461146

COPY DEADLINE 10th January ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Certificate of distribution This is to certify, that Equi-Ads average distribution is 50,000 copies every month. Average readership, excluding the website is 120,000.

Robert Griffiths, Publisher ISSN 1461-0590

THE EQUI-ADS TEAM Editorial:

bob@equiads.net 020 8302 6069 Advertising:

stephanie@equiads.net 01159 461146 Production/Accounts:

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graham@equiads.net Design:

Vortex Creative Ltd 01474 248 874 www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx News

Age is not a barrier to these Cornish ladies By Kim Hicks O

n 5th October 2014 I had the privilege and exhilarating pleasure to compete at a National Championship event with two lovely mature friends Nicky and Sheila representing my home county Cornwall and riding club Newquay. I was a Pony Club mum ferrying my daughter to her competitions rallies and Pony Club camps always cheering on and an absorbing sponge for the disappointing moments. When my daughter reached the inevitable University have no time to ride, stage in her life, I found myself taking on the role of exercising and looking after the much loved cant part with horse. I joined Newquay Riding club because of its reputation for being friendly grass rooted and welcoming. I wanted to have a go at riding, competing and having fun. It was a tall expectation for anyone to help me with as I never do anything unless it feels comfortable and the timing is right. I was then invited in December 2012 to participate in a new team discipline to the club, Long Distance Endurance Competition Riding. My heart sunk at the thought of huge open spaces and the potential of Apollo taking off with me but friends Nicky and Sheila who had ridden for years assured me they would look after me and ‘it would be ok’ even though we had little information of the new discipline. We started the journey to dizzy heights with a pleasure Christmas Ride at the fabulous grounds of Lanhydrock. Dressed in festive glory we had an interesting ride. Apollo wanted to stride out and I was not so sure, my friends were very understanding and I am

embarrassed to say we walked the majority of the ride but I loved it. From then on we kept going, riding all over the country and moors my confidence growing at every event with all the team members. The rides are very challenging both for rider and horse. There is a checking stage at the beginning of race for the horse. The hooves by the farrier and the vets check the heart rate along with a trot up to check for lameness. This is repeated thirty minutes after a race on return to the venue after the horses have been cooled and sloshed. To our surprise we achieved excellent results in our first year and competed at the Red Dragon National Endurance Championship in Builth Wells. Out of the 14 qualifying teams at the final we were 9t. Throughout 2013 having the bug for the discipline we continued to ride and earned our place at the 2014 National Championships. We drove to the venue at The Royal Welsh Show Ground on the Friday in preparation for the Sunday ride with two other club members. The weather was not kind but we were excited about the ride even I was looking forward to it I had grown in confidence with Apollo and we had begun to be a team. (continued on page 2)

EQUITANA MELBOURNE

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isitors to the horse show Equitana in Melbourne Australia picked up copies of Equi-Ads from the official BETA trade stand and Blue Chip. From the few that have been in contact since the show closed it is clear many of the issues we discuss in Equi-Ads have reached sympathetic ears down under. Equi-Ads was also displayed on the BETA stand at WEG in France earlier in 2014. Show organisers are reminded that if they wish to give away copies of Equi-Ads to visitors to their shows please contact Kirsty@equiads.net

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www.conchiesaddlery.co.uk Telephone Dundee 01382 532536

The Fine & Country Gold Cup Polo Event Returns

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Award for Sue Adams-Wheeler

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iding for the Disabled Association has awarded Sue Adams-Wheeler with an Honorary Life VicePresidency in recognition of her outstanding support of RDA - particularly her dedicated service to RDA abroad and Coaching. RDA President, Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne presented the award at the charity’s AGM.

qui-Ads is delighted to announce the return of the Fine & Country Gold Cup on 5th July 2015 from 11am-5pm at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire. Stoneythorpe Estate, Southam, Warwickshire. CV47 2DL Set within 600 acres of breathtaking grounds of Stoneythorpe Estate, Dallas Burston Polo Club offers both exclusive members’ only options and complementary access for all spectators during weekends, For the seventh consecutive year, spectators will watch the final of the high profile Fine & Country Gold Cup at Dallas Burston’s premier polo pitches. Activities will also be

Thermal Imaging in Lancashire

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eterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) is delighted to welcome Laura Ball to its team of thermographers. She is based in Lancashire and will be covering Lancashire and the Greater Manchester area. Laura has been involved with horses for most of her life, having owned a vast array of equines from a Welsh cob to an Arab stallion. At present, she owns a four year old Dutch bred KWPN and 17 year old Holstein. Through owning these horses, Laura has developed a keen interest in lameness issues, particularly the management of arthritis through rehabilitation and fitness. In her junior years, she trained under the direction of Christopher Bartle and competed up to Elementary level dressage. She now trains with a BD listed instructor and is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science. Laura’s career to date has been predominantly legal, as she’s has worked as a Chartered Legal Executive in a globally renowned law firm for many years, and has a particular passion for equine law related matters. “I’m both proud and excited to have joined the VTI team and greatly look forward to working with the most technologically advanced thermal imaging equipment available, having received industry leading training,” says Laura. “We’re delighted to have Laura as part of our team,” says Helen Morrell, Managing Director of VTI. “With such an impressive equestrian background and a passion for dogs and cats too, we know that she’ll get on well with all the animals that our service images. Having Laura positioned in Lancashire means that customers in the surrounding area will now be able to enjoy reduced travel fees, making thermal imaging by VTI even more affordable.” Prices start from £30 plus travel. For more information call 0844 544 3314 2 | January 2015

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available for the whole family to enjoy, including an exhibitor village, bouncy castle, pony rides, archery, helicopter rides and face painting. Whilst visitors can bring their own picnic, a traditional hog roast and pimms will be served alongside other delicacies from the food court. It’s a complimentary event with a discretionary charge for parking, which will go towards the Fine & Country Foundation. Tickets will be available online from early January on the Fine & Country website. For further information please contact Fine & Country Head Office on 0044 (0) 207 079 1515. (continued from page 1) The weather on the morning of the ride was perfect it had rained overnight and the ground was soft. All horses vetted with excellent calm heart rates so a good start to the race for them but mine was pumping! We set off quietly from the Showground venue heading for the mountains and in preparation for the Hill, a steep rough track that took your breath away with the views. Half way around the ride we had the misfortune of getting a gate stuck under Sheila’ horse. We were all calm as was the horse and we unhinged the gate slid it out from underneath him walked him through then rehung the gate and carried on with the ride a little disappointed knowing we had lost valuable time but hoping the speed we had been travelling may keep us in the top ranking. We arrived back at the venue safely, all three horses were sound passed the vetting trot up and heart rates were on a top grade mark so we were chuffed. The presentation evening was exciting. Fourteen teams competed at the Championship. Results were awarded in reverse order. Ninth place was reached and we had not

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elen West, Clinton Devon Estates Arena Manager, has won British Eventing’s Course Design Scholarship along with the title “Organiser of the Year” voted for by a panel of consultants working for the Event Riders Association.

been called so we knew we had improved from our first attempt in 2013. Fifth position was called then fourth it was not us we then thought due to our time loss at the gate incident we were probably out of the placing so consoled ourselves with getting round safely. Third, second and then oh my Gosh first place WE HAD WON! It was unbelievable we had won we couldn’t believe it. I could not believe it I had competed in a team and we had won. We were three mature ladies acting like teenagers stupid with excitement it was fantastic. We won money for the club funds and we had a lovely jacket each from NBIS. It was a fantastic experience and one I will never forget. I was a late starter to riding but it is well worth the perseverance building confidence with my daughter’ horse. I would recommend to all mature riders, late starters retired Pony Club mums, to give it a go. You are never too old, you see so much of our beautiful countryside and you don’t need a thoroughbred horse to do the rides just a fit one!! We are all looking forward to the 2015 rides. www.equi-ads.com

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News Xxxxxxxxxx • Results

Nicole Pavitt A

nimalife, the creators of Vetrofen and Vetroflex, are proud to announce their sponsorship of talented, South East based show jumper, Nicole Pavitt. She joins a host of Team Animalife riders including show jumper Trevor Breen and dressage riders Gareth and Rebecca Hughes, as well as the ever-growing team of amateur riders who represent the brand at grassroots level. 26-year-old Nicole had an excellent show jumping career on ponies and has since continued to go from strength to strength. In 2014 alone Nicole has won fifteen major classes including the Welsh Masters five Year Old Final, the Ladies Grand Prix Championships, the Winter Grade C Final and the South of England Grand Prix. Nicole is now planning ahead for another successful year in 2015. “I am delighted to be a part of Team Animalife,” says Nicole.

“I am a huge fan of the wide range of Animalife products, but particularly love using Vetrofen, as it helps to keep my horses in winning form!” The team are looking forward to supporting Nicole as she continues to progress and make her mark in the field of show jumping. “Nicole’s talent and dedication to the sport has been clear from the onset,” says Ross Riley. “Nicole is also passionate about maintaining exceptional performance levels, which aligns with the Animalife principles and ensures that Nicole stands out as the perfect representative for our products.” To keep abreast of Nicole’s progress, like Animalife on Facebook for exclusive updates and blogs - https://www.facebook. com/animalifeuk. Call 0845 365 0050 to find your local Animalife Accredited Retailer or order online at www. animalife.co.uk (subject to delivery charges).

His and Her’s Shopping comes to Badlesmere

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ed up with getting nagged at when all you want to do is browse around a tack shop? Need some new pyjamas for your equine friend but can not cope with the other half saying what does your horse need that for! Does all this sound familiar? Come along to Badlesmere near Faversham Kent and you will keep everyone happy. Following the relocation of the Saddlesdane tack shop to the back of the indoor school a country pursuit business has opened in the old Saddlesdane shop. So something for everyone at one location Saddlesdane and Badlesmere welcomed Gail to the premises when she opened on Saturday 1st November with her new store, aptly named ‘In The Country’. Gail will be catering for many of those country pursuits that have been difficult to shop for until now. She has clothing and products for those that shoot, hunt and fly fish and will be more than happy to extend her range as her business grows. She would welcome suggestions, comments and even constructed criticism to expand her already wide knowledge in these pursuits but may need help, with what you, the customer really needs. Gail is giving a 10% discount to new customers making their first purchase. So could be a real bargain visit if you need to soften the blow of those jodhpurs you have seen across the way at Saddlesdane. Come along see for yourself or contact us for more information. Saddlesdane 01233 740178 www.saddlesdane.co.uk In The Country 01233 742700 www.inthecountry.co.uk

ST LEONARDS RIDE FOR THE RESCUE

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he Long Eaton Riding School held a sponsored show jump on 10th October to raise money for the Sandiacre based Moo Haven pony rescue. A team of 21 riders aged between five and 50 years old, took part in the event at the Nottingham Road School. They had gained sponsorship from their friends and families and managed to raise £1,286, half of which was donated to the registered charity. Carol Palmer organizer of the event, presented the cheque to Linda and Richard Hughes from Moo Haven during the school’s annual presentation evening held on 29th November.

A special thank you was given to Grace Davidson who managed to raise more than £350 pounds alone! Carol said that “we hope to hold a fund raising event each year to help the rescue centre.” Richard said “we are very grateful to everyone at St Leonard’s for holding this event for us. The money they have raised will help us to continue to rehabilitate and find new homes for ponies less fortunate than those loved and cared for by the riders at St Leonard’s.” Further information on Moo Haven Rescue can be found on their website www.moo-haven.co.uk or www.facebook.com/MooHaven

SILICA SAND

and all quarry products Supplied throughout the UK with samples available on request

Bardo (Midlands) Ltd. 01778 345609 www.bardomidlands.com equestrian@bardomidlands.com 4 | January 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

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Para-Equestrian Coaching Symposium S peakers and presenters have been announced for the 2015 Para-Equestrian Coaching Symposium, which will be held at Moulton College in Northamptonshire, 7 – 8 February. Supported by Sport England, the two-day conference, back in the calendar after a two year gap, is open to all hoping to develop their skills and knowledge in para coaching. Whatever your role in the sport; rider, coach, judge, trainer, you’ll get something from either or both days. Headline speakers include former England and British Lions rugby player and head of Elite Coach Development for British Swimming, Nigel Redman and Paralympic coach, Nina Venables, who will be concentrating on how to coach a paraequestrian rider in order to produce their optimum performance. World Class Programme vet, Dr Rachel Murray, performance and position analyst, Russell Guire

and Vanessa Fairfax from Fairfax Saddles will be providing discussion on the key management issues essential for maximising a horse’s performance. World, European and Paralympic medallist, Deb Criddle MBE will also be providing a talk based on her experiences, as an athlete, being coached as a para rider from grass roots to achieving Paralympian success. Within this, she will be discussing the importance of a good relationship between rider and coach, using herself as a case study. Attendees will also have the chance to see World, European and Paralympic medallist, Sophie Wells MBE (pictured) and World & European medallist, Emma Sheardown as they’re riding. Tickets for the day cost £30.00 with weekend tickets available for £50.00, please contact Friederike von Voigts-Rhetz on 0247 669 8837 or email friederike.von.voigts-rhetz@britishdressage.co.uk

Somerset schoolgirls raise cash for horses

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group of youngsters from a Somerset primary school have raised over £110 for a West-Country horse rescue charity by selling homemade cakes. Joanna Wilson, Olivia Wade, Laura McMillan and Poppy Tuaima from Milverton Primary School in Taunton held a bake sale in aid of HorseWorld, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses, ponies and donkeys in need and raised a grand total of £110.16. “We were aware of the fantastic work that HorseWorld do as we rehomed our pony from their centre.” Said Joanna’s mother, Emma Wilson. “He had been wild when he was rescued and he is the sweetest pony you could wish to meet now and a real member of the family. We came to the charity’s Open Day in October where we got to see pictures of some of the scenes the staff are faced with when they arrive at the scene of a rescue and learnt what can be involved in their rehabilitation. We all felt compelled to help.” After the sale, the girls visited HorseWorld again to present their cheque. HorseWorld Grooms, Caroline Beek and Caitlin Macaulay

Left to right; Heavy Horse, Gracie-May and Groom Caroline Beek with Laura McMillan, Poppy Tuaima, Joanna Wilson and Olivia Wade. showed them around and brought Gracie-May, a heavy horse rescued from horrific neglect back in 2001 out to meet them. “We would just like to thank these lovely young ladies for their fundraising efforts” Said Caroline. “The money will be used to pay vet bills and towards buying hay and feed for the horses. With around 140 horses on site at the moment, we are so grateful for the money they have raised.” For more information about HorseWorld and upcoming events, please visit www.horseworld.org.uk

RENEGADE HOOF BOOTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SADDLERY

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he Saddlery Shop is one of the industry’s leading authorities on booting barefoot horses, holding the largest stock of hoof boots in the UK. Brand new to the extensive range is Renegade Hoof Boots. Extremely popular in the USA, these striking boots are available in a wide selection of sizes with an extensive fitting guide provided on the website http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk . Renegades took over three years to develop, and underwent rigorous testing. Featuring unique ‘pivoting heel captivator’ technology, if properly sized, fitted, adjusted and installed, the Renegade Hoof Boot will not rub, not even for riding distances of 100 miles. Many UK horse owners recognise the health benefits of maintaining a horse with bare feet. However, some horses take longer than others to progress from wearing shoes to going ‘bare’, and benefit from wearing hoofboots during the transitional process. Some bare horses will always need further protection when working on certain surfaces, or for certain durations, in order to remain comfortable - this is where hoofboots come in! Renegades are supplied in pairs of the same size, one left, one right hoof boot in Black only from The Saddlery Shop. Priced at £169.99. Visit the website: http://www. thesaddleryshop.co.uk

MATT RYAN TRAINING CLINICS - SOLIHULL

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ant to train with a triple Olympic event rider and focus on your cross-country riding before the eventing season kicks in? Supported by Equestrian Direct Surfaces, event rider and trainer, Matt Ryan will be holding training clinics at Solihull Riding Club on Tuesday March 24, 2015. Based in the UK, Matt is a three-time Olympic gold medallist for Australia and has a wealth of knowledge in competing at the very highest levels in eventing. He has jumped round some of the biggest tracks in the world including favourites Badminton and Burghley. Having retired from competitive riding, Matt now focuses on teaching and spends much of his time training and breaking young horses as well as teaching clients and working pupils at his yard in Wales. Seven hourly training slots are available from 9am to 4pm with groups limited to four horse and rider combinations per hour. The sessions will focus on cross-country riding and will take place on the all-weather outdoor Flexiride surface using a mix of show jumps and arena cross-country style fences. Training Clinic Fees: SRC Members £30, Non-member £35. For further information and booking please contact Solihull Riding Club on 01564 770 180 or visit www.solihullridingclub.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

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Retail Focus • News

RETAIL FOCUS D

ickies Pet Centres are based in East Anglia - there’s one in Friesian Way in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, and a second in St. Augustines Road, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The stores represent family business development at its best, and continue to thrive. Proprietors Richard and Catherine Ellwood established the Kings Lynn store exactly twenty years ago, with the aim of selling a wide range of animal goods at the Calf Auction Ring, based at the former King’s Lynn Cattle Market. After several expansions and 12 years of business growth, son Luke launched the second Dickies store in Wisbech; Luke’s sister Georgy went on to set up the canine grooming business, Posh Paws, based at the Kings Lynn branch.

Each issue, we showcase one of the UK’s most popular retail stores, celebrating the ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers stocking equestrian goods. This month, we talk to the proprietor of Dickies Pet Stores.

A family business

“Ours is indeed a family business, and we pride ourselves not only on the extensive range and variety of our products, but also on the friendly personal, service we give to our customers, some of whom have been coming to us since we opened in December 1994,” co-proprietor Richard says. “Whether you visit our store in Wisbech or Kings Lynn, you can be sure of a warm friendly welcome from our knowledgeable staff.” Being on industrial sites, both stores have excellent access and parking. “The spaces for each outlet are approx 500 sq. metres, allowing us to stock a huge range of animal food and accessories, from pets like hamsters and horses, to wild birds, poultry and farm animals,” Richard adds “The stores are great; there’s a really good choice of goods, and a delivery service is available; I’d definitely go back,” one new customer told Equiads magazine. Equine feed and bedding

For the equine market, Dickies supplies hay, straw and shavings from brands including Dengie, Dodson & Horrell, Baileys and Spillers, with bedding

from brands such as Bed Down, Ecobed and Bedmax. “Our own Dickies cool mix and cool cubes are very popular,” adds Richard. “They are made for us in South Yorkshire, at a Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)registered facility, and based on a completely natural approach to feeding animals; we don’t use any artificial ingredients, and the range includes high level of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and herbs.” Quality products

“One of the reasons for Dickies’ continued growth and success is the quality of the feeds, treats and bedding we stock,” Richard explains. “We have sourced all of our feed and bedding products from reputable suppliers, and price them competitively. These suppliers include industry leaders, as well as smaller, niche suppliers that we like to support.” Dickies also sells some equestrian tack and accessories, such as the new range of Glööckler saddle cloths by HKM Sports Equipment. “HKM is a fastgrowing German riding clothing brand, which is proving very

Poplar Park revamped for 2015

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he Organising team behind Poplar Park Horse Trials, one of British Eventing’s longest standing events have announced many exciting developments to improve their event on the 14 – 15 March 2015. The event now in its 32nd year takes place near Woodbridge in Suffolk and welcomes many changes for the re-vamped Event in 2015 including: • Complete re-design of the first water jump • Widening of the last water jump • New XC start and finish area • New XC fences 1, 2 and final fence for all tracks • Introduction of a BE80 course • BE90 following a different route to previously • Many new mobile and in-situ jumps for all tracks • Show jump arena extensively rested and refenced • Re-grading of the land in various areas of the xc course • All take offs and landings meticulously prepared • A hospitality tent for owners and sponsors • Schedule change so Novice and Intermediate run on the same day (Sunday) Joint-Organiser Bo Hardwick commented on 6 | January 2015

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why the changes were taking place in their effort to regain their position as a ‘Go To’ competition: “Being a peripheral venue, we realise that we have to provide a high quality event in order to attract sufficient competitors. As such we are embarking upon a three year improvement plan with renowned Course Builder and Designer Joe Weller. “In moving to April for the last two years, we had to make adjustments to the track to suit the later time of year. Having successfully negotiated a return to our original March date we felt that the cross country course needed a complete overhaul in order to ensure we provide competitors with the ideal early season run: an inviting and flowing track designed to get horses thinking forward. “Having listened to feedback from riders we have undertaken significant ground work to alter the position of the cross country start and finish area. The aim is to give competitors more space to attack those early fences with no distractions. The first water jump too is now far more inviting for young and green horses. “Our unique selling point has to be our ground: sandy free draining soil that can cope with pretty much anything the great British weather has to throw at us!

popular with riders in the UK and customers at our stores,” Richard adds. “The products are all of the exceptional quality standards that you would expect to come out of German manufacturing.” Richard adds that Equiads is the only equestrian mag stocked in the outlets. “It covers everything - from advice to information - and our customers enjoy taking a copy home to read,” Richard states. The Dickies stores have an impressive schedule of opening hours, with both being open seven days a week, including sunday mornings. “The only days we close are bank holidays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday,” Richard adds. “Animals need feeding all year round!” Dickies has an informative website, www.dickiespetcentre.co.uk, which includes contact details, lists of products stocked and some information about team members.

“Our committee, organisational team and loyal volunteers are second to none and every year they ensure we provide a professional yet friendly event working together to secure the future of Poplar Park Horse Trials.” Event information

Classes: BE80 and BE90 will take place on the Saturday whilst the Novice and Intermediate take place on Sunday whilst the BE100 will run on Sunday as well as possibly on Saturday. Stabling: The Poplar team have also generously announced that they will reduce the stabling fees at the event due to the distance many competitors will have to drive to get to the venue. Discounts are available for those staying multiple nights or with multiple horses. The first 45 horses will be on site in permanent stables then the remainder will be no more than 5 miles from the venue. Event sponsorship

The Event is supported by long term and loyal sponsors Bed Down Horse Bedding, Feedmark Supplements, Coltsfoot Equestrian, Miles Drainage, Juddpurs Saddlery, Nelson Potter Wodyard. A new sponsor for the show jumping arena is Equitrek, as well Saracen Horse Feeds as sponsor for the BE90 sections plus Clarke and Simpson who are sponsoring the final cross country fence. www.equi-ads.com

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Holidays Xxxxxxxxxx • News

Getting away from it all By Kathy Carter

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re you planning a riding holiday? Even though it may be something of a ‘busman’s holiday’ to a horse owner, equestrian vacations offer many benefits, from improving your riding skills and making new friends, to developing fitness and challenging your own boundaries. If you are planning a trip this year, remember my four top tips – 1. Be honest about your experience

If you exaggerate your level of riding skills, you will either hold the other riders back, or put yourself in danger – either scenario could spoil someone’s holiday! Some travel operators specifically match riders with other guests of similar levels of experience. 2. Get riding fit

Probably the biggest issue that riding holiday guests face is a lack of fitness appropriate to their trip. This occurs whether you opt for a simple training holiday with maybe one or two hours’ daily riding, or a lengthy trek with seven hours in the saddle each day! If you can find time, try and get in some general fitness work before you leave home, or increase the riding you are doing. 3. Pick a trip that meets your needs

An obvious statement; but one that warrants some thought. There’s no use complaining that there aren’t enough fast canters if you have booked a trip that involves trekking through woodland. And if you want to swim with your horse, this is something you will need to discuss with your travel provider first, as not all beach rides offer this. Truly adventurous rides in challenging environments may actually be very slow, due to difficult terrain, while beach rides can be fast and furious. 4. Pack sensibly

Most riding trips are informal, so you are unlikely to need more than one or two smart outfits. Instead, focus on your riding wear. Your footwear should be water proof and extremely comfortable – you may need to lead your horse in some circumstances – and you should take your own lightweight riding helmet meeting current safety regulations. (Some providers may supply hats, but their fit will be questionable. Plus, not wearing a helmet is likely to compromise your insurance cover). Also, don’t forget several pairs of jodhs, gloves, shirts with collars (for protection from the sun) and a waterproof coat. Additions like sun cream, camera and sunglasses are also important, plus a bumbag or rucksack to store them in while you ride.

TOP TRIPS FOR 2015 Ranch Rider’s unique wildlife experience at Colorado’s Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch, owned by The Nature Conservancy, involves herding and riding close to the wild conservation herd of bison. Gourmet food and a true, working ranch experience await. Prices from £1495 pp (per person) sharing, exc flights. Visit www.ranchrider.com If it’s a beach ride you want, consider Unicorn Trails’ Atlantic Coast Trek across 250km of protected beaches and forests. Fast riding up to 6 hrs daily on Anglo Arabs. Basic but comfortable accommodation, with beautiful French food and wine. Prices from £769 pp sharing, exc flights. Visit www.unicorntrails.com In The Saddle’s horseback adventures in Morocco give riders access to amazing riding and sensational scenery, whilst providing an insight into the unique culture which has Berber, Arab, African and European influences. Four different itineraries; prices from: £448 pp sharing, exc flights. Visit www.inthesaddle.com Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate is a Lonely Planet ‘Top 10 worldwide equestrian destination’. Their three day ‘Horse sport’ package is for experienced riders wanting to expand their skills or try a new riding discipline. Three hours’ riding per day. Prices from: £610 pp sharing, exc flights. Visit www.castleleslie.com

Hallmarq Reaches New Milestone with 50,000 scans H

allmarq Veterinary Imaging continues to see success with its standing equine MRI scanner, as MRI is now considered a best practice for diagnosing lameness in the equine foot and lower limb. MRI has revolutionized veterinary care for horses. It is an easy, reliable diagnostic tool that provides vets with the information they need. In the last year alone, the company has recorded almost 10,000 standing MRI scans helping quickly achieve their current 50,000 scan total. Since 2003, veterinary surgeons using the Hallmarq system have learned how lameness originating in the equine foot (sometimes termed navicular syndrome) can

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involve many different bones and soft tissue structures. Conditions that were barely recognized in

the past can be seen using MRI, and are now understood to underlie many otherwise puzzling

lameness cases. “Today,” says Tim Mair, BVSc, PhD, MRCVS and Hallmarq’s first customer, “MRI is our first thought for lameness located to the lower leg when there are no obvious changes on x-ray or ultrasound”. “Owners are much happier to see their horse awake and standing up during the scan, he adds, “and some examinations, like racehorses shortly before a race, or repeated MRI scans for monitoring elite competition horses during the show season, would be out of the question if down scans were the only option.” To find out more about Hallmarq, its products and locations of standing MRI machines, visit www.hallmarq.net. January 2015 | 7

18/12/2014 13:34


Feeding for Breeding

FEEDING BROOD MARES

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he Equerry range includes two products specially designed for broodmares, youngstock and stallions. Stud & Youngstock Cubes, and Stud & Yearling Mix help provide the correct nutrition which is so vital for all stages of reproduction, lactation and growth. Whether you are feeding a broodmare to support late pregnancy or lactation, or are aiming to promote steady growth and development in your youngster, rest assured the Equerry range will provide them with top quality nutrition. Both include high levels of protein to support pregnancy and growth. Highly digestible energy sources promote condition and milk production, while raised levels of Vitamin E are an important anti-oxidant and assist with fertility

Highly digestible cereals improve digestive efficiency and added vitamins and minerals include calcium, phosphorous, copper, zinc and manganese to support bone development. The Equerry range of top-quality horse feeds contains something for every horse or pony, whether you are feeding youngstock, a leisure horse or a competition horse, there is a product in the range to meet their nutritional requirements. Equerry horse feeds are formulated by experienced nutritionists, using only the best quality ingredients and are produced under the BETA NOPS scheme giving horse owners peace of mind. The range includes seven cubes, six coarse mixes, one mash and one treat in the form of Equerry Minty Horse Treats.

Equerry Stud & Youngstock Cubes, and Equerry Stud & Yearling Mix - 20kg size - £11.25 and £13.85. To find out more about the Equerry range of horse feeds visit www.equerryhorsefeeds.com or telephone 01845 565640.

Feeding for Breeding I

t is important to support youngstock, as well as the stallion and pregnant or lactating mare, with a balance of nutrients through a healthy diet. Many of us associate growth with protein and calcium, both of which are essential to the development and strengthening of muscles, tissues and bones. However, it is also crucial to provide a balance of vitamins and minerals, helping to produce a welldeveloped and healthy equine from day one. Horslyx is the ideal solution to providing extra nutritional value in the diet of broodmares, stallions and youngstock, as the comprehensive and palatable lick helps to supplement the diet with vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants, which are essential not just for healthy growth, but also fertility. Providing free access to Horslyx will also help to balance the deficiencies typically seen in modern day forage and grazing by supplying important nutrients including; magnesium, zinc, copper, iodine,

cobalt, selenium and vitamin E, all of which help to support healthy growth, vitality and a strong immune system. Initially, a foal will be completely dependent on its mother’s milk as the most nutritious source of energy, as it will be unable to digest forage or concentrates efficiently. This means that a balanced diet for the mare is essential and Horslyx is completely practical whether they are stabled or living out, avoiding the hassle of having to provide additional concentrates at pasture. Protein is also essential as a building block in the development of muscle mass and a strong immune system, as well as providing fuel for energy and movement. As with any equine, forage will likely provide the bulk of a youngster’s diet, but it may also require some additional nutritional help to maintain tip top condition and Horslyx provides the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio, as well as good quality protein, which is essential for healthy, efficient growth. This helps to maintain a strong immune system,

withstanding disease and setting youngsters off to a strong start in life. Prices for Original, Garlic, Mobility and Respiratory Horslyx start at £10.75 and are available in 5kg, 15kg and 80kg tubs (Original, Garlic and Respiratory only). For more information visit www.horslyx.co.uk or telephone 01697 332 592.

Essex Bridleways Celebrates 35 Years

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ssex Bridleways Association has rounded off it’s 35th Anniversary year with a celebratory birthday cake. Committee member Lesley Gillman made the cake - a representation of the EBA logo - for

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the group’s AGM. After the formalities of the evening, the audience enjoyed an interesting talk by Mark Meter of Blaircourt Equine Veterinary Clinic before chatting to EBA Historic Researchers, Area Reps, Bridleway Development Officers and Simon Taylor, ECC PRoW Liaison & Enforcement Officer. The EBA raffle raised over £160 with prizes kindly donated by the Mark Todd Collection, Equisafety, Baileys Horse Feeds and Likit Products. www.essexbridleways.co.uk

RDA Winner

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he winners of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Photographic Competition 2014, supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery, have been announced. The overall winning photograph was taken by Karen Thompson, Senior Instructor at Kesteven RDA in Lincolnshire. Called ‘Having some ‘Roma’ Therapy’, Karen’s picture of a joyful rider looking down from his pony, Roma, was a clear favourite with the judges. There were four categories in this year’s competition: RDA is Fun, Magic Moments, A New Challenge and Indispensable Volunteers, with winners chosen for each category, out of which an overall winner was selected by People’s Postcode Lottery.

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18/12/2014 13:35


Feeding

FEEDING THE PREGNANT MARE

Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh

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or most species, the extent of foetal growth determines the length of the pregnancy. Small species such as the dog have a shorter pregnancy (58-67 days) than large animals such as an elephant (645 days). Pregnancy lasts for about 11 months in the horse but as with all biological events the exact timing varies. For most mares, foaling will occur within a 10 day period (335 to 345 days) but it can vary between 320 and 370 days; foals born at less than 326 days are considered premature. Although there can be large differences between horses in terms of the length of their pregnancy, when bred regularly, individuals tend to be fairly consistent year on year. Various other factors can be involved in determining the duration of a pregnancy. In humans, male foetuses normally remain in utero for several days longer than females and multiple pregnancies last for a shorter period. As in humans, sex can also influence the length of a mare’s pregnancy; mares with colts will be pregnant for 2 to 7 days longer than those with fillies. However, absolute foal growth does not always determine the length of pregnancy in the horse. Species, such as the horse, that naturally have a breeding season usually give birth during a specific time of year when food is available. Mares foaling in late spring and during the summer will tend to have a shorter pregnancy than those, such as the Thoroughbred, that foal in January/February. Use of artificial lighting during the last third of pregnancy can shorten the pregnancy by up to 10 days. It is of interest to note that both Zebras and Donkeys tend toward a 12 month pregnancy. A pioneering study was conducted at Cambridge in 1938 to determine any maternal influence on foetal development and hence birth weight. Mating large Shire females

with small Shetland males (using artificial insemination!) produced offspring larger than those from pure Shetland crosses, but smaller than those from Shire crosses, while crossing Shetland females with Shire males produced offspring no heavier than those of pure Shetland crosses. It was plain that there was a very strong maternal effect. A Shetland foal will weigh around 20kg and that of a Shire about 70kg. For a startling contrast, a new borne Elephant calf will weigh ~120kg! Generally we assume that foals borne of light horses will weigh the equivalent of 10% of mature weight whereas foals from draft horses will average around 7% and those of Shetlands about 13%. Large mares will have bigger foals than lighter mares and this is highly relevant in the Thoroughbred breeding industry. This is because the heavier foal grows faster, has a higher final mature weight and will be likely to perform better on the track. Mare age and parity affect foal birth weight. Thoroughbreds produce the heaviest foals between 7 and 11 years of age in contrast, maiden mares and multiparous mares produce lighter foals. Thoroughbred foals weigh about 50kg when new born and those that weigh less than 45kg are less viable and require additional care. Thoroughbred colts are generally heavier than fillies at birth and tend to grow at a faster rate. Since heavier Thoroughbred foals are desirable, attempts have been made to manipulate birth weight by overfeeding mares through providing excess supplementary feeding in late pregnancy. None of these strategies work. However, disease in the form of strangles during pregnancy has been shown to markedly reduce foal birth weight. It should be clear from the foregoing that ultimately, the pregnant mare will have stored a lot of energy and nutrients in the foetus and it is crucial to the wellbeing of the newborn foal that this is done properly. It is also worth remembering that the foetal membranes and associated tissues will also create a demand for nutrients and energy that must be supplied throughout the pregnancy. A welldeveloped placenta is needed to ensure that the foetus is “well fed” during the pregnancy and that it develops normally. For example, a Thoroughbred foal weighing about 55kg will be accompanied by a placenta weighing around 6.5kg. Furthermore, formation of colostrum (continued on page 10)

®

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18/12/2014 13:45


Feeding • Breeding Xxxxxxxxxx

THE FORMULA FOR A HEALTHY NEW LIFE! I n order for a foal to mature into a healthy horse that will withstand the rigours of its life ahead, its mother must be provided with correct nutrition before conception, right through the pregnancy and while lactating. As the foal is completely reliant on the mother for nutrition, it is with the dam that the foundations for a strong healthy foal lie. During the first trimester of the pregnancy it is recommended that the mare is fed as normal, according to workload as at this stage the foal is not placing too much demand upon the mares’ nutritional reserves. The second trimester is when the mare will need to start building necessary fat reserves that she will rely on in the months to come when nursing a foal at foot. Extra protein, vitamins and minerals will also now be required for essential growth of the unborn foal, while supporting the nutritional needs of the mare. In the third and final trimester of gestation the foal doubles in size and as the concentrate rations increase now is the time to gradually introduce a specialist stud feed that will be nutritionally

balanced with the right levels of protein as well as important amino acids. The nutritional demand of a lactating mare is double that of the first trimester with the diet being sufficient to maintain the condition of the mare and provide adequate energy to produce milk. We should also not forget the welfare of the stallion when breeding. A large amount of effort goes into the care of the mare both before and after conception but the nutritional needs of the stallion should also be considered, especially if they are competing at the same time. A stallion that is in high demand will need to be in peak physical condition as some stallions can lose condition quickly during the covering season. Some competing stallions take a break while at stud but those that are still in work will need feeding accordingly to maintain condition and energy levels. Successful reproduction is dependent on the health and wellbeing of both mare and stallion and the role that correct nutrition

(continued from page 9) in late pregnancy and subsequent milk production will depend on adequate nutrition in late pregnancy. Initially the developing foetus is rather slow growing. During the first 6 months of the pregnancy of a typical Thoroughbred mare weighing ~550kg the foetus grows very slowly attaining a weight of only ~4kg by the end of this period. Although a heart beat may be detected as early as day 21, the requirement for energy and nutrients by the developing foetus is trivial at this stage of the pregnancy and thus during the first 180days a mare should be fed for maintenance if doing no work, for lactation if feeding a foal (common amongst Thoroughbreds) or for work if used in riding activities. This presupposes that the mare is in good bodily condition. A desirable score would be 5 on a scale 1 to 10 or 2.5 to 3 on a scale 1 to 5. The goal when feeding the pregnant mare is to achieve and maintain the appropriate condition score. The estimated date of foaling will affect the nature of the feeding programme because feed availability changes with the seasons. Assuming that the mare is a non-lactating Thoroughbred due to foal in January she will be at grass for the first 6 months of the pregnancy and will obtain sufficient energy and nutrients from the grass alone. However, some owners prefer to feed a small volume of a commercial product at that time to guard against any mineral/vitamin shortfalls and thus provide some “insurance” against deficiency. A mare foaling in June will have her first 6 months of pregnancy through October to March and thus grass is unlikely to be a great supplier of nutrients and energy during this period although any deficiencies can easily be made up with good quality hay or haylage and a supplement if deemed necessary. Overweight mares can be managed to lose weight under veterinary supervision only after the first 90 days of pregnancy have passed. Underfeeding during the first 90 days can lead to a higher risk of early embryonic death and foetal abortion when compared to those mares maintained at constant bodyweight. After the first 90 days it is safe to put an obese mare on to a controlled weight reduction programme. Feed intake and exercise should be adjusted to achieve a weight loss of no more than 1% of the mare’s bodyweight by the end of each week (1kg/100kg bodyweight) 10 | January 2015

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Masterclass at SCT

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nternational event rider Mark Kyle had been due to take the Masterclass at Parklands Equestrian Centre near Sheffield on 21 November. But the Irish Olympian was injured the day before, and Andrew Saywell gallantly stepped in to provide an extremely interesting and informative day for Stubbing Court Training Limited apprentices and employees.

plays in the breeding should not be underestimated. Taking into consideration all of the above it is important to stress that fibre should form the basis of every horses diet, including those used for breeding and should be of the very best quality with a high nutritional content as well as to avoid respiratory issues and exposure to mycotoxins. Lifeforce Formula from Alltech is specially designed for breeding horses and leisure horses in medium

work, enhancing fibre digesting bacteria and enabling the horse to extract maximum nutrients from all its feed sources. It contains minerals that are shown to support the reproductive system of both mares and stallions, while also helping to maintain the quality of the mares’ milk, promoting healthy growth in young foals. For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512

until she reaches and maintains the desired condition score described above. Starvation or the use of poor quality forages should not be allowed but it would be a good idea to feed a low energy, broad spectrum product to guarantee adequate protein/mineral/vitamin intakes during any period of weight reduction. During the last 90 days of pregnancy foetal growth accelerates. At 224 days (~7.5 months) a Thoroughbred foal will weigh ~9kg and 60 days later it will have more than doubled in weight to ~19kg. After another 60 days to term it will have more than doubled in weight again to ~45kg, a gain of 433g per day! In the last 90 day period the weight gains are impressive and demand a huge increase in both energy and nutrient supply to the mare. Clearly the early foaling Thoroughbred mare will depend totally on conserved forage and concentrate food since there will be minimal grass growth during the winter period. The grass in the field may be green but its nutritional value will be zero although it might provide some occupational therapy. The goal as stated earlier, is to maintain the mare in the right condition score so that concentrate usage will have to be judged against forage quality. Normally ration composition should not exceed 30% concentrate with 70% forage at term since really poor quality forages should never be fed to pregnant mares. Concentrate feeding can be roughly incremented by 10% per month starting with 10% concentrate and 90% forage at the start of month 9 of pregnancy. If very high quality haylages are available then concentrate usage may be restricted to one of the low volume balancer products designed specifically to provide micronutrients rather than energy. The mare foaling at grass during mid summer is likely to require no concentrate feed at all other than a low volume product designed to provide just vitamins and minerals. Pregnancy in the horse is characterised by there being an extended period of time during which there is very little foetal growth followed by a period of very rapid growth over the last 90 days (up to 1kg/day for a Clydesdale foal in utero). This exceptional growth must be carefully supported nutritionally. Strategies to achieve this depend on mare condition and when the mare is expected to foal. The latter determines the type of feed available which can vary from an all-grass diet to one that is a mixture of conserved forage and concentrate. www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:46


Until you’ve fed him Veteran Vitality®… ...you’ll never know how fantastic he could look

Veteran Vitality® ➤ Barley and molasses free, low starch and low sugar*

➤ High in fibre with a good calorie level to help maintain weight ➤ Quick soak in less than 3 minutes! Ideal for horses and ponies that struggle to chew ➤ Highly palatable and balanced – with essential vitamins and minerals**

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*When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels **When fed at recommended levels

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today

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18/12/2014 13:46


Xxxxxxxxxx Dental Care

Dental Care of the Older Horse By Karl Holliman BVM&S CertEP BAEDT MRCVS, Cliffe Veterinary Group

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entistry is an essential and important part of the health care of your horse. This is especially true for the more veteran equine. Your horse’s teeth should be examined at least once a year. In some individuals, particularly for those with dental abnormalities, dental work may be required more frequently.As qualified veterinary surgeons we are able to provide sedation, pain relief and local anaesthesia as required during dental work, allowing a more thorough examination and treatment and less pain and stress to your horse. This can also be safer for the horse, veterinary surgeon and the handler.

Why do old horses have specific dental problems? During the course of evolution, horses’ teeth have adapted to chew grass and fibre, but in doing so the teeth wear down at a rate of 2 to 3mm per year. This wear is balanced by eruption at an equal rate, until the horse reaches its mid to late twenties, when all of the reserve crown will have erupted. With improving management and veterinary health care our equine friends are now living longer. It is now not unusual to find horses and ponies living into their mid 30’s and beyond. This ‘wearing’ out of dental tissue presents us with a particular challenge to provide dental care and dietary management. The grinding surface of the equine crown is a complicated arrangement of folds of enamel, dentine and cement. These structures vary in hardness and wear down at different rates (enamel being the hardest); this ensures the surface of the tooth is a rough grinding surface. It is this rough surface that makes the equine tooth so efficient at chewing fibre and grass. With age the crown is lost as it wears out, leaving the root of the tooth in the mouth. The root of the tooth has no central folds of enamel, only a simple rim, the centre is mainly softer dentine and cement (figure 1). This makes the root smooth centrally and therefore, much less efficient at grinding fibre. The molar and premolar (cheek) teeth are tightly

Figure 1. Worn cheek teeth with little enamel and poor grinding ability 12 | January 2015

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and 5). The gum around the incisor teeth may be swollen with severe gingivitis and marked tartar formation. This is a painful disease and may require incisor tooth extraction or antibiotics.

Figure 2. Displaced back tooth with food packing in diastema

packed together so the row of teeth act as a single grinding surface. Equine teeth are narrower at the root and as such, as the horse gets older and teeth erupt gaps start developing between the teeth. These gaps (or diastema) allow food to become trapped between the teeth and can lead to very painful gum disease (periodontal disease) (figure 2). Signs of which include bad breath (halitosis), quidding (dropping food), weight loss and pouching of food in the cheeks. Affected horses are also more likely to develop choke and impaction colic due to poor chewing of fibre. As teeth wear down towards the root, teeth may become loose and displace into the soft tissues causing ulcers. They can become so loose that they may actually fall out. When a horse has diastema (gaps between the teeth), the periodontal disease can damage the ligament holding the teeth in place, and the loss of teeth may be accelerated. When examining older patients, it is common to identify movement in many or most of the teeth due to the limited root anchoring the tooth in place. Many of these teeth do not require extraction and should only be removed after careful veterinary assessment (figure 3).

Figure 3. Old teeth worn to roots with ulceration

If a tooth falls out there will be a gap in the gum and the tooth opposite this will have no tooth to grind against. Without the normal wear caused by grinding, this tooth will grow tall into the gap. After a few years this tooth may grow into the gum and cause damage. These problems of wear and gum disease can also affect the incisor (front) teeth (figure). Loss or damage of these front incisors may affect the horse’s ability to graze, especially on short grass. Although horses are able to manage without these incisors very well provided their cheek teeth are in reasonable condition and with correct dietary management. Older horses can be affected by a disease of these incisors that may be related to chronic gum infection. The disease known as Equine Orthodontic Tooth Reabsorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) involves a destruction of the tooth enamel and reaction around their roots (figures 4

Figure 4. X-ray of EOTRH with destruction of tooth enamel

Figure 5. EOTRH with severe gum disease and loose teeth

Approach and aims of dentistry in old horses Dentistry in the geriatric equine requires a sympathetic approach and careful management. As a general rule a little work to specific areas is the best approach. Correction of overgrowths such as wavemouth or large hooks may not be appropriate as such reductions are likely to remove areas of teeth that are functioning in grinding fibre. Work carried out should involve: • reduction of any sharp enamel points that are likely to cause soft tissue injury/ulcers; • examination of focal overgrowths and correction only if causing injury or affecting, or likely to affect, the horse’s ability to eat; • assessment of loose teeth and removal only if required; • examination for the presence of diastema (dental mirror may be required) and appropriate treatment. Although the amount of dental work required may be relatively minimal, it is essential the older horse or pony has regular and careful dental assessment. The intervals between dental care will depend on the dental health of each patient and you should discuss this with your vet. Dietary Care As horses and ponies get older and their teeth become worn down, their ability to chew and eat long fibre, such as hay, will reduce. Many older horses will not eat hay or long fibre at all, or if they do, may not chew it effectively. This inability to chew long fibre will have a serious effect on older horses, especially over winter when there is no grass or grass of little nutritional value. Dietary care is essential for these older ponies and must be considered alongside routine dental care. www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:46


Condition. Comfort. There’s something comforting about having your horse in great condition over winter. It certainly becomes more of a challenge to build and maintain weight during the colder months however, there is an easy solution. Adding Key-Plus by the mugful to the existing daily diet provides concentrated calories in their most digestible form through the advanced cooking process wet steam extrusion. Made from stabilised rice bran extract Key-Plus is a gluten free, low starch, low GI concentrate that delivers amazingly effective results. Try feeding Key-Plus and discover the comfort and enjoyment of having your horse in perfect condition this winter.

MAX Fully Steam Extruded

Stabilised Rice Bran

Gluten Free

Low Starch

Low Sugar

“Key-Plus is remarkable at putting on topline and increasing all over condition without making the horses fizzy at all. I start using it in autumn and then carry on right through winter” – Tiny Clapham

Available from your favourite feed store. Find out more and request a free sample at keyflowfeeds.com/free-sample Web: keyflowfeeds.com Phone: 01672 519 000 Email: advice@keyflowfeeds.com Twitter: @keyflow

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18/12/2014 13:46


Quality Horse Feeds

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A Winter Warmer

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

Soaks in 5 to 10 minutes

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

Good level of protein for muscle development and topline.

Highly digestible fibre sources including sugar beet.

Oil and linseed to promote condition and a shiny coat.

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

With added vitamins and minerals including magnesium.

£9.95 throughout January, February and March* Tel: 01845 565640 or (062) 85401 (Ireland) www.equerryhorsefeeds.com Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 14

*special introductory price

18/12/2014 13:46


Dental Care

EQUINE DENTAL CARE T he British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has issued guidance to horse owners to help them understand the rules surrounding equine dental care. To help protect the health and safety of horses and the legal status of those all involved, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has a section devoted to equine dental care on their website http://www.beva.org.uk/useful-info/ CareersinEquineHealth/DentalTechnician including a document on current regulations for dental procedures. It’s important for horse owners to recognise that all diagnostic and treatment procedures in the horse’s mouth (i.e. recognising and rectifying abnormalities) are Acts of Veterinary Surgery under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The removal of small dental overgrowths and sharp enamel points with hand rasps is considered to be routine care rather than diagnosis/treatment and can legally be carried out by anyone. However there are some procedures that, despite being Acts of Veterinary Surgery under the law, may be delegated safely to “suitably qualified” Equine Dental Technicians (EDT) without compromising the horse’s welfare and safety.

Category Two procedures; • Examination, evaluation and recording of dental abnormalities • The removal of loose teeth or dental fragments with negligible periodontal attachments • The removal of erupted, nondisplaced wolf teeth in the upper or lower jaw under direct and continuous veterinary supervision • Palliative rasping of fractured and adjacent teeth • The use of motorised dental instruments where these are used to reduce overgrowths and remove sharp enamel points only. Horses should be sedated unless it is deemed safe to undertake

any proposed procedure without sedation, with full informed consent of the owner. Suitably qualified EDTs are those who have a “Defra approved” qualification – having either passed the rigorous BEVA/BVDA examination or the Worldwide Association of Equine Dentistry (WWAED) examination. No other qualifications are currently recognised by the UK authorities. Vicki Nicholls, equine vet at Wright and Morten in Cheshire,told Equi-Ads: “It’s scary that so many horse owners don’t recognise the health, welfare and legal risks they are taking if they don’t know the status of the person carrying out dental procedures on their horse; getting it wrong might not only result in pain and poor performance for the horse but could also put the owner on the wrong side of the law.” BEVA recommends that, if you are a horse owner, you should safeguard your horse (and yourself ) by: Asking your dental care provider whether or not they have passed the BEVA/BVDA exam or the WWAED exam (or checking online that they are full members of the BAEDT or WWAED). Asking your dental care provider whether or not they are allowed to do whatever needs doing in your horse’s mouth (and checking with your vet if in doubt) Asking what continuing dental education your dental care provider has done in the last couple of years. Checking that your dental care provider has third party and professional indemnity insurance in case anything goes wrong. The number of vets taking the BEVA/BVDA exam in equine dentistry has increased in recent years with about 15% of those who have passed the exam being vets. This is indicative of the growing awareness, amongst owners and vets, of the importance of dental health. Recently both certificate (continued on page 20)

Well Oiled

Key-3 Oil by Keyflow® is an equine specific oil blend that provides a direct source of long chain omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. DHA and EPA are known to assist and support: l l l l l l l

Joint mobility Muscle suppleness Circulation Respiratory systems Fertility Skin and coat health Cognitive function

Key-3 is made from a blend of virgin cold pressed vegetable oils, sustainable marine oils and garlic. It contains all omega groups 3, 6, 7 and 9 in a scientific balanced ratio. The health benefits of feeding Key-3 Oil are wide reaching. Available in 1 litre, 5 litre (with free 30ml pump) and 20 litre pack sizes.

Available from your favourite feed store. For more info phone +44 (0)1672 51 9000 email advice@keyflowfeeds.com or go to keyflowfeeds.com www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

HORSES BEHAVING BADLY! F

or horse owners, whether for leisure or competition, good behaviour is vital. The components of bad behaviour are many and include; wind-sucking, weaving, fence refusals, aggression, squealing, squirting, biting, kicking, bucking, stress as a consequence of travel, neighing and spooking when ridden and difficulty in shoeing and catching. All these are ways in which horses can behave badly and which are potentially serious problems for owners and riders. There are many feed supplements available which are supposed to calm such behaviour. One of these, eCalm®, a new, unique wheat germ - based calming supplement, is extremely effective at improving equine behaviour. In a series of veterinary -supervised studies carried out on 40 mares over four years, it was found that eCalm® had a positive effect on all these

mares that were behaving badly when in season. eCalm® is also effective in improving behaviour in geldings, particularly where the behaviour problem is long-standing. The same is true for mares which behave badly but with no evidence of this being a hormonal effect. These mares and geldings usually return to normal good behaviour in five days when supplemented with eCalm® A particular advantage of eCalm®, is that it can be used, continually during the spring and summer months when mares are in season, or as a therapy on the regular five days that the seasonal bad behaviour is evident. Used in this latter way, it takes as little as 12-36 hours for a badly behaved mare to return to normal. eCalm®is unique in that it is thought to work by acting as a potent probiotic to produce a healthy gut flora balance, which in turn powerfully influences brain function and behaviour. Furthermore, eCalm® is safe to handle, is free of naturally occurring prohibited substances and requires no veterinary prescription. The exact mode of action of eCalm® is the subject of present research with behaviour and nutritional scientists. Project2_Layout 1 07/08/2014 16:15 Page 1 eCalm®, in improving equine behaviour, will increase the safety for riders, stable workers and for the horse, as well as for the vet and the farrier.

th

! 16 ar ye

The Elico Equine Decahedron...

It’s horseplay

The most popular stable toy on the market with a persona of its own. A twenty-sided, equine boredom-beater. Fill with treats and let the horse play – with tasty rewards!

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Available from all good equestrian and agricultural retailers

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

CASTRATION COMPLICATIONS

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

C

astration is the most common surgical procedure performed by equine vets. Although the surgery is technically easy to perform, the complication rate associated with it is relatively high with 20–38% of horses experiencing complications. Whilst pre-operative identification of risk factors can help eliminate some, even with appropriate evaluation and proper surgical technique, complications still occur. Therefore, prompt recognition and quick therapy are essential. This may include treatment performed in the field or in some cases at a referral center. Post-Operative Swelling and Oedema Although some degree of swelling develops in almost every horse after castration post-operative swelling and oedema of the

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prepuce and scrotal area are the most common “complications”. Swelling generally peaks 3–4 days after surgery resolving in 10–12 days. Swelling beyond this time especially associated with clinical signs such as a stiff gait, reluctance to move or urinate is abnormal. This may be caused by failure to remove or stretch scrotal skin after castration, or more commonly because of inadequate exercise after castration, allowing incisions to close prematurely and excess fluid to accumulate. Swelling beyond the initial post-operative period can also be suggestive of infection. Swelling not suspected to be infectious is treated by drainage, anti-inflammatory drugs and importantly with daily exercise to prevent closure of incisions. If untreated, excessive swelling can lead to penile paralysis, deeper infection and urination difficulties. Infection Infection is the second commonest complication at 3–20%. Clinical signs occur anywhere from days to years, and include fever, scrotal/ preputial swelling, lameness, and incisional discharge. Use of ligatures around the spermatic cord has been associated with a higher risk. Different forms of post-castration infection exist. Champignon, infection caused by Streptococcus sp., is characterized by a pussy discharge from the spermatic cord stump with excessive granulation tissue. Scirrhous cord refers to chronic infection of the stump, typically with a Staphylococcus sp. In such cases, the incision heals but the infected stump continues to

LIFEFORCE FORMULA

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enlarge and abscess with a draining tract eventually developing. This may take months to years. The stump is often palpable as firm tissue in the inguinal area. In some cases, the abscesses involve the entire cord stump, through the inguinal ring into the abdomen. Any horse with a fever and scrotal/preputial swelling after castration should be treated as a post-castration infection until proven otherwise. Early treatment is usually successful, and consists of opening and stretching the incision, lavage, and administration of antimicrobials. The incision may need to be reopened periodically, and exercise should again be instituted to again prevent premature wound closure. Most infections will resolve if treated early. For those that do not resolve or where signs occur months after castration, surgical resection of the infected tissue is often required for resolution. Other cases warranting immediate attention are those with systemic signs of sepsis or endotoxemia (shock) and those where infection with a Clostridial sp. is suspected. Although rare, tetanus and botulism can occur in unvaccinated horses, and wound infections with other Clostridial sp. can cause serious necrotizing cellulitis, myositis, systemic endotoxemia and even death. Hemorrhage Some bleeding is typical for 5 min, however, hemorrhage in the form of a fast drip or a stream beyond 15 min is excessive and should be addressed. The common sources of post-castration hemorrhage are the testicular artery, a scrotal vessel

or a vessel within the cremaster muscle. In the acute situation, the horse is sedated and the cord stump inspected. If the stump is the source of hemorrhage, then it is emasculated again, and a transfixation ligature placed. If the stump has retracted then it can be clamped with forceps which are left in place for 24–48 h. If the hemorrhage is from a scrotal vessel, then it is clamped and ligated. If the source cannot be identified, then the scrotal incision is packed with sterile gauze and sutured closed. Referral is considered in cases where the source of hemorrhage cannot be identified, substantial blood loss has occurred, the horse is in shock, or significant intra-abdominal hemorrhage is suspected. These horses often require general anesthesia to identify and eliminate the source of hemorrhage. All horses with postcastration hemorrhage, regardless of source and how quickly it is identified, are at an increased risk for infection and therefore, should (continued on page 24)

In this issue we have teamed up with Alltech to give away three 5kg tubs of Lifeforce Formula

and stallions as well as helping to maintain the quality of the mares’ milk, therefore promoting healthy growth in young foals.

To Enter simply answer the following question: What two types of horses is Lifeforce Formula suitable for?

By enhancing fibre digesting bacteria it supports the fermentation of feeds and forages in the caecum, enabling your horse to extract the maximum nutrients from all feed sources.

Lifeforce Formula also has many benefits for leisure horses in a moderate activity level; those not exercising at the level of a serious competition horse but who are in regular work.

To have the chance of winning, please email your answer to: kirsty@equiads.net or post it with your name, address and telephone number to Lifeforce Competition, Equi-Ads Ltd.,126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS. Entries must be received by 31st January 2015

It contains organic trace minerals that are shown to support the reproductive system of mares

A 5kg tub of Lifeforce Formula retails at £90 and is a three month supply.

For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512

18 | January 2015

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www.equi-ads.com

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What makes it good

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Dental Care • News Xxxxxxxxxx

Megan at Olympia

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egan Morris who is 11yrs old from Lauder is days away from her trip of a lifetime. Saturday 20 Dec saw her heading South to jump at the Olympia horse Show in London. Megan has dreamed about this since the first time she went to Olympia to watch the show, and now realised that dream. She has been picked as one of only two 128cm riders from Scotland to go and compete in the mini major speed class on Monday 22 Dec. This is a class where they will be paired up with a top international show jumper and jump a round against the clock , the fastest pair wins. Megan is keeping her fingers crossed to be paired with Scott Brash World number 1 who is also from the Borders. They will competing against two junior riders from England, Ireland and Wales. This is the first time in 6 years that there has been a Scottish junior rider taking part. Megan has had ponies from a very young age and has always show natural abilities on and around them. She has had Brown Sugar III since August 2012 after a friend brought her home from a show and suggested we should try her, we did and Megan loved her, so she has been with us on the farm ever since. In this time they have done everything together from pony club games to cross country to BS show jumping. Brown Sugar III is a very

(continued from page 15) and diploma level post-graduate qualifications in equine dentistry have become available for veterinary surgeons with increasing numbers enrolling and achieving these very high level specialist qualifications. Category 1 Procedures The procedures that an individual can perform after recognised training without specific attainment of qualifications. • Examination of teeth • Removal of sharp enamel points using manual rasps only • Removal of small dental overgrowths (maximum 4mm reductions) using manual rasps only • Rostral profiling of the first cheek teeth (maximum 4mm reductions), previously termed ‘bit seat shaping’ • Removal of loose deciduous caps • Removal of supragingival calculus. Category 2 Procedures Additional procedures suitable for delegation to an EDT who has trained and passed an examination approved by DEFRA: 20 | January 2015

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experienced pony and has jumped at all major venues including Scope and HOYs. They started out jumping 70/80cm classes where they successfully qualified for the Stepping Stones and Tiny Tots finals at Scope Festival last year 2013. They then went on to qualify for the 90cm Springboard final this spring 2014 but were unable to take part due to the restrictions as Megan had now won too much money for this class . In July 2013 Megan and Sugar attended BS camp and on the final show day they qualified for the Academy team to represent Scotland at the finals at Weston Lawn Coventry, and although the team didn’t get a placing it was a very successful show and great experience. This partnership became very successful and they were rewarded at Kingsbarn Equestrian Championship show in Oct 2013 when they won the 90cm championship class then went onto win the 1m (continued on page 23) • Examination, evaluation and recording of dental abnormalities • The removal of loose teeth or dental fragments with negligible periodontal attachments • The removal of erupted, nondisplaced wolf teeth in the upper or lower jaw under direct and continuous veterinary supervision • Palliative rasping of fractured and adjacent teeth • The use of motorised dental instruments where these are used to reduce overgrowths and remove sharp enamel points only. Horses should be sedated unless it is deemed safe to undertake any proposed procedure without sedation, with full informed consent of the owner. Category 3 procedures All other procedures and any new procedures, which arise as a result of scientific and technical development, would by default fall into category 3, which are those procedures restricted to qualified veterinary surgeons and are not proposed for deregulation. It is therefore NOT legal for these to be performed by non-veterinarians. www.equi-ads.com 18/12/2014 13:46


Xxxxxxxxxx Equine Vacancies

EQUINE VACANCIES • Westgate Laboratories are looking for a health advisor (worm control).www.westgatelabs.co.uk • Sparsholt College in Hampshire are seeking a lecturer (BHS Qualified) in FE and HE.www.sparsholt.ac.uk or HR@sparsholt.ac.uk • Busy Cheshire yard requires horse groom.Needs to be good team player, energetic etc. email mandylakins6@hotmail.com • Avon Riding Centre are looking for a new chief executive officer. Contact neil.truelove@avonridingcntre.org.uk • Clifton-on-Teme Hunt are looking for Master-Huntsman/Joint Masters for the 2015 season.(Herefordshire).Send CV to chairman@clifton-on-teme-hunt.com • Three Counties Mink Hunt require Joint Masters, amateur huntsman and Whippers for 2015 season. email mckillopb9@aol.com • Chippenham family stud require Stud Manager. Contact sharon@seasonsholidays.com • World Horse Welfare require specialist groom. See info@worldhorsewelfare.org • Weekend groom required in Ashover, Derby. Three top dressage horses. email liz@bluechipfeed.com • Performance Manager - Jumping required by Team GBR. Full info from www.bef.co.uk/job-vacancies. • Hunting family require groom, live in near Ipswich. Send full details to groom2014@hotmail.com • The Horse Trust require Welfare development co-ordinator. Email Lorraine@horsetrust.org.uk • Portman Hunt require Master/Huntsman for the 2015/16 season. email Honsec@portmanhunt.co.uk • Pupil vacancy available in eventing yard. Contact Wiggychanner@btinternet.com • Full time work rider/stable staff required for David Elsworth in Newmarket. Not over 9 stone 7lbs. Contact david.elsworth@virgin.net • Show jumping yard manager/rider required for family yard in N.Ireland. Must be experienced. CV to groomsjob@gmail.com • Live-in groom required for PC and hunting family in Suffolk. Letter required giving personal deals and phone number to groom2014@hotmail.com Send your equestrian vacancies to Equi-Ads for quick response. Bob@equiads.net

Riders Selected for World Class Development

N

upafeed UK were delighted to see so many familiar names announced in the World Class Development Squad. As part of the Lottery Funded, World Class Programme, the development programme aims to identify and nurture talent through the provision of education, training and experience. New to the development squad for 2014, announced by British Equestrian Federation on the 1st December, are long standing Nupafeed customers, Alice Oppenheimer (Dressage) and Millie Dumas (Eventing). Both riders are very much self-driven so it is a real achievement to have their talent recognised. The Development Squad stands until the next Olympic year, 2016. www.equi-ads.com

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News Xxxxxxxxxx

HAY FEEDER Manufactured and Designed by Plastic Mouldings Northern Ltd. Moulded from 4.2mm HDPE (High-density polyethylene), with very heavy duty plastic across the top for increased strength and durability. To be fitted in the corner of stable. Less waste - prevent feed mixing with bedding. Allows horse to eat at a natural position. Two sizes available, Horse and Pony 5 years Manufacturers Warranty Buy direct from the manufacturer or appointed stockist in your area. Stockists wanted nationwide, contact sales@pmn-ltd.co.uk tel: 01388 777700 for further information.

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SOPHIE BEATY – A SHINING STAR Horse

45” x 43”

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43” x 33”

M

odel for the British Eventing range, available from Equestrian.com and a shining light on the Young Rider circuit, here we catch up with Sophie Beaty to find out how the year has gone for her combining riding with college and modelling. Tell us about your horses? I currently have five horses. Stanly my top horse, is just a star. He has taken me to two European Championships at Junior and Young Rider level. Then there is Pink Gin another seasoned campaigner who I have competed up to Advanced level. Navigator who used to be ridden by William Fox-Pitt at four star level and is in fact still owned by him, my granny and Lynne Earle is still on great form. My younger stars are Mister O who is an eight-year-old I've produced myself and who I am aiming for Young Rider teams, and then Bueno Sino who is the newest member who is another eight-year-old and one I see to be a serious star for the future.

New all-mesh Hunt coat A

n all mesh show coat? Air moves right through the Zephyr II, evaporating sweat and keeping you cool. The Zephyr II features a single layer of mesh in hot zones under arms, a triple layer to shape lapels, and a double layer everywhere else for opaque airflow. The new navy Zephyr II has a three-button closure and conservative navy satin detailing. It features two zippered slash pockets, lovely feminine seaming, and a double vented back. The Zephyr is washable, durable, easycare, with 10% Spandex for wonderfully stretchy comfort. Also in black with silver trim in a four button style for the dressage and jumper markets. 22 | January 2015

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News

Xxxxxxxxxx

How did 2014 go for you? I had a great year, with lots of successes and after moving house I was able to expand my team of horses which is so important when you are looking to the future. What were the major highlights? I finished second in the Under 21 National Championships, was a member of the Young Rider team for Europeans in Portugal, am now on the World Class Development Programme, and completed three Advanced classes on Pink Gin. Do you have a favourite horse in your team? I would never say I have a favourite horse, but Pinks (Pink Gin) I do love a lot as he is literally the colour pink and also my aim with him is to do our first Four Star together, maybe even the 2016 Olympics – you have to aim high! What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I am currently studying Business in Oxford at the Oxford Media and Business School. But I love doing arty things like taking photographs and painting, as well as almost all sports. Do you plan to make riding your career? I would like to think so. But I believe everything happens for a reason, so fingers crossed all goes to plan and I can make it my official career as such. What do you look for in the ideal event horse? I think a genuine horse is the best, one which is happy to work with you as a team and always wants to please. Not necessarily the most beautiful, flashy horses are the best! Do you have a favourite event and why? I love Rockingham Castle event as it's the home of one of my best mates and I also really see the potential as a new event to grow bigger and better than it already is. In your career so far who do you feel has been the biggest influence? I would have to say my mum, Annabelle, she is my inspiration and 100% the reason I am where I am today! What aims do you have for 2015? My main aim is to get into the Young Rider team again and complete my first CCI3*! (continued from page 20) 05cm championship class and being the only clear round. Throughout autumn 2013 this pair were regularly found up the stubble fields enjoying some fun, chill out times. Megan has since given Sugar to her younger sister to compete on but still regularly rides her. 2014 got off to a good start with Megan qualifying one of her ponies for the 128cm class at The Royal Highland Show, but sadly she didn’t get to compete as she had taken part in her local ride out and got kicked and broke her leg. After what seemed like a lifetime she finally got the ok from the hospital to jump again and was back in the saddle the same day. Within a week it was our Pony Club camp and Megan decided to take Sugar .They enjoyed all the activities despite the fact she was still recovering. At the end of camp at the awards she picked up the ‘most dedicated member’ Megan has been regularly competing this year on her other www.equi-ads.com

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ponies and qualified two of them for Dengie second rounds and has had numerous wins and placings. Megan has put so much effort and dedication into her ponies since returning to the saddle and has been rewarded by being picked as reserve for the Scottish 128cm team at Scottish Home Pony International only weeks back in the saddle , and then more recently picking up the Trophy for the most improved Scottish 128cm rider from British Showjumping Scotland. We have just heard that Megan has picked up Sponsorship from Rockrose Equestrian Sport, East Lothian. This was through their flatwork coach Karon Carson. She described Megan as a naturally gifted young rider who thoroughly deserves the opportunity to compete at Olympia. Unbeknown to us Karon approached Rockrose Equestrian Sports about helping Megan with some sponsorship which has been the icing on the cake. Rockrose support to us as a family is so exciting and will help us so much on our trip to Olympia and beyond. January 2015 | 23

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare (continued from page 18) receive antimicrobial therapy.

may be required to perform daily lavage.

Eventration Eventration after castration is thankfully rare, occurring in only 0.2–2.6% of cases, but it most likely to be fatal. Therefore, referral is always recommended where intestine is involved. Horses with omental eventration do not normally require referral and is generally removed by ligation and transection with few complications. Intestinal eventration usually occurs within 4 h of castration. Risk factors include breed (Standardbreds and Draft Horses), pre-existing inguinal hernias and presence of an inguinal hernia as a foal. In these cases, it is recommended that a modified open castration technique with ligature placement is performed. If intestinal eventration does occur, therapy is aimed at keeping exposed bowel safe from damage and further contamination and in preparing the horse for transport for surgery. The bowel is cleaned of all contamination and replaced into the scrotum, which is closed with suture or clamps. If not possible, then a moist towel or drape can be made into a sling and be used to support the bowel during transport. Survival rates after surgery range from 36% to 87%, depending on length of prolapsed bowel, and the need to perform a resection.

Penile Damage Veterinary caused penile damage is thankfully rare but has been reported usually when vets mistake the penile shaft for a testicle. However, when the penis is partially dissected from surrounding tissue, while searching for an inguinal or small testicle, then resultant inflammation and trauma can lead to swelling and paralysis. In these cases, cold hosing of the penis and scrotum, to reduce swelling, is indicated, and the penis should be replaced into the prepuce and then held in place with a sling until the swelling subsides enough for the penis to retract normally. If the penis is inadvertently transected during the procedure, then the horse should be referred for immediate surgical repair or partial amputation.

Peritonitis Septic peritonitis rarely occurs after castration; however, the vaginal (or scrotal) and peritoneal cavities do communicate, and therefore, the potential for infection to spread from the spermatic cord to the abdomen exists. Clinical signs include fever, depression, dehydration, colic, diarrhea, and anorexia. Horses with septic peritonitis require IV antimicrobials and antiendotoxic treatments. In severe cases, indwelling abdominal drains

Conclusions Although castration complications are relatively common, most of these can be resolved quickly with prompt treatment. However, complications with acute, lifethreatening potential, such as hemorrhage, eventration, and infection or peritonitis with systemic signs of endotoxemia, are true emergencies. Apparently simple complications may still require surgery at a later stage if the horses do not respond to initial therapy.

Hydrocele A hydrocele is an accumulation of sterile fluid within the scrotal cavity, it is non-painful, and can occur months to years after castration. They generally do not require treatment unless for cosmetic purposes or in rare cases, where the swelling is significanrt enough to cause lameness. Surgical removal under general anesthesia is the treatment of choice, because the swelling will recur after simple drainage alone.

Fighting Sycamore Seeds By Wendy Newing

T

o our usual fears regarding the poisoning of our horses by oak leaves and acorns this autumn we were faced by a new terror, sycamore poisoning. Also known as atypical myopathy it is a life threatening illness affecting more and more grazing horses, mainly in the autumn and spring. It is a muscle disease with high rates of mortality and veterinary surgeons believe it is caused by hypoglycin A, which is a toxin contained in seeds from sycamore trees. The toxin is not always present in every seed or every sycamore tree but has been found in high concentrations

in all the horses affected by this illness. In every case sycamore trees were present. In America it is found in box elder and causes deaths in horses there too. They call it Seasonal Pasture Myopathy. It is thought that the problem here has been intensified by our weather conditions, i.e. a really wet weather for months, and unusually for us, a nice hot summer with lots of dry sunny days. This has increased the concentration of the toxin within the plant. Vets are warning that if your paddocks are bare beware! Fence off the tree and feed lots of forage in the form of hay or haylage. These seeds travel across fields carried on the wind, so even if you do not have sycamore trees in your hedges you need to check. They can also travel in via streams and rivers. To keep my horses safe I fenced off the trees and then spent back breaking

SYCAMORE SEEDS T

here is now evidence that there is a strong link between the ingestion of sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus ) seeds by horses and the development of the catastrophic muscle disease atypical myopathy. This is a disease that affects the horses’ muscles including the diaphragm and heart and carries a very high mortality rate approaching 89% of cases. In a study performed in Belgium a toxin found in the “helicopter” seeds of the sycamore was found in 100% of cases of atypical myopathy and the tree itself was located in the pasture of all of these horses. This a disease found in horses that are at grazing on parched or bare land with no supplementary feeding available. There are also sycamore trees in or near the field so that the seeds are shed during the early autumn and are, therefore, available to these horses to eat. Treatment for this disease is continuous intravenous fluids and anti-inflammatory drugs but, as mentioned above, many cases die or require euthanasia. Diagnosis is by blood sample and urine sample. If a case is identified then all other horses on the same paddock should be stabled and observed for clinical signs, or at the very least moved to a different pasture. Prevention is by primarily avoiding at risk fields with little grass and sycamores present but if there is no choice then supplementary feeding should reduce the risk of scavenging the seeds. Leaving hay or haylage on the floor should be avoided, especially in damp weather and the use of racks or nets is better.

‘I JUST LOVE IT!’ said a subscriber about ‘TRACKING-UP’ magazine published by In our current issue: WINTER HORSE CARE, Anne Wilson: THE FUNCTION OF THE SEAT, Arthur Kottas book extract: CO-OPERATION and PROTECTION IN EQUINE FAMILIES, Lesley Skipper: MILITARY EQUITATION and DRESSAGE, Paul Dawson: UNDERSTANDING NORMAL EQUINE BEHAVIOUR, Susan McBane: SHOULDER-FORE and SHOULDERIN, Anne Wilson: SHORT NECKS and HIGH MARKS, Uwe Spenlen: JUDGING GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE, FEI judge Nick Williams: plus Worming alert; Mud Fever Prevention and Treatment; Classical Riding Club dressage; ‘Absent Friends’; book reviews, and more. ‘Tracking-up’ is published quarterly. Printed copies are £5.27 per issue or £18.98 for a 4-issue subscription. Digital copies are £4.00 per issue or £14 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name, address (and your email address for digital) plus ‘TUA25’, on the back of your cheque payable to ‘Tracking-up’ and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ.

24 | January 2015

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Healthcare • Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx hours collecting these seeds but it was ineffective, rather like trying to empty the ocean with a thimble with a hole in the bottom of it. I tried raking, but that was nearly as bad. During these painful hours I thought longingly of a lottery win where I could buy my own equestrian establishment and a ride on paddock vacuum and um ... chop the ruddy trees down! Sorry conservationist. With vacuuming still in mind I thought of gardens and leaf blowers and wondered if they sucked as well as blew? Investigations revealed that they do and the cordless ones range in price from £95 up to £460. Off I went to my local DIY store and acquired a petrol driven one for £95. I have to confess that it is heavy and uncomfortable for this horse mad female to use. I think men with their stronger frames would be more comfortable, sorry to sound sexist but there it is. It is big and awkward but it is a much more efficient system than my other methods. As it is still a time-consuming process it is more

Link found between tree seed and Seasonal Pasture Myopathy

R efficient to fence off a paddock with electric tape and with that as clear as possible then work outwards over time sucking up the seeds and leaves until you have your whole field back. And to think I used to regard acorns as a problem. At least squirrels, rats and pigs eat them. Nothing wants to eat theses sycamore seed pods, which of course is why they designed themselves to fly. They are still on the ground months after leaving the trees, so we cannot ignore them and hope they will just go away. The problems in the spring probably occur when they germinate and get eaten with the grass.

Feeding for the Colder Weather

A

ll horses have a critical temperature, which is dependent on condition and if the outside temperature falls below this the horse must then produce extra heat to maintain its body temperature. For a horse in moderate condition with a good winter coat in calm weather the lower critical temperature is just below freezing, at approximately -1°C. As temperature drops maintenance energy requirements increase, increasing even further in the presence of wind and even more so in both wet and windy weather. As a general rule for every ten degrees below freezing you can increase the horses hay ration by another 10 percent. Hay alone is usually insufficient to supply the energy demands for a horse to maintain its body weight, so you may consider adding extra calories to the diet through the use of conditioning feeds such as Rowen Barbary Show ‘n’ Glow, Solution Mash or ReadyMash Extra. Show ‘n’ Glow is a highly palatable mix containing high levels of oils alongside key antioxidants to help encourage weight gain and improve topline. Containing a balance of energy sources and a controlled protein level Show ‘n’ Glow is suitable for horses that get easily excitable. Also added are digestive enhancers, natural herbs spearmint and garlic and it is also fully balanced in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. With no cereals and under 1% sugar Solution Mash is suitable for feeding to horses that suffer from a starch and sugar intolerance, but where condition is required to help promote excellent overall condition. With high levels of oils alongside key antioxidants, digestive enhancers, natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek and a complete balance of vitamins, minerals and trace elements Solution Mash is ideal for horses requiring a higher calorie diet. With a combination of oils, milk powders and cereals ReadyMash Extra is the ultimate conditioning feed for horses requiring an improvement in body condition. Glucose powders are added to help provide an excellent energy source, aiding a reduced recovery time following strenuous work and it is also fully balanced in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. If you have any questions on winter feeding please contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598 for friendly, impartial advice. www.equi-ads.com

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esearch from the USA published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVI), has shown that a toxin from the box elder tree is the likely cause of Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM), the US equivalent of the European disease known as Atypical Myopathy (AM). Preliminary comparisons of these results with cases of AM in Europe suggest that the European condition may be linked to similar trees which could have an important bearing on the future prevention of the disease in Europe. Seasonal Pasture Myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease in Midwestern USA and Eastern Canada. A similar disorder called Atypical Myopathy is becoming increasingly frequent in the UK and Northern Europe. Outbreaks of both diseases tend to be seasonal, with most cases occurring in the autumn. Horses that develop SPM and AM are usually kept in sparse pastures with an accumulation of dead leaves, dead wood and trees in or around the pasture and are often not fed any supplementary hay or feed. The research identified that seeds from box elder trees were consistently present in the autumn pastures of all twelve horses enrolled in the study. These horses were from eleven different farms and had all presented with the clinical signs of SPM, which include muscular weakness and stiffness, dark urine, periods of recumbency, colic—like signs and muscle trembling. The toxic amino acid hypoglycin A, which is known to cause acquired multiple acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) was shown to be present in the box elder seeds and hypoglycin metabolites were identified in the serum or urine of all the horses. All but one of the cases proved fatal. Professor Valberg DVM PhD of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of e the should b Testing orming w f o tone corners

Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, who instigated the study, said: “The fact that another acquired form of MADD in rats and humans is caused by hypoglycin A ingestion strengthens our conclusion that hypoglycin A is the likely toxic cause of SPM in horses. We are intending to conduct further studies to determine the factors that affect the highly variable hypoglycin A concentrations in box elder seeds.” Professor Valberg has established collaborative links with groups in Europe in order to investigate if a similar toxin is involved in European Atypical Myopathy. Working with Professor Vince Gerber and Dr Lucia Unger at the University of Bern, Professor Valberg has obtained seeds from a tree related to the Box Elder found on many pastures where Atypical Myopathy has occurred. Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said “This is a really important step forwards. We don’t yet know for sure that the cause of European disease, Atypical Myopathy, is the same as Seasonal Pasture Myopathy in the US. But the clinical signs and MADD aberrations are identical and both conditions have a high fatality rate. lt remains to be seen whether this research will help European horses, but there is no doubt that it will allow American horse owners to prevent this devastating condition affecting their horses with immediate effect.” Seasonal Pasture Myopathy/ Atypical Myopathy in North America associated with Ingestion of Hypoglycin A within Seeds of the Box Elder Tree Stephanie J Valberg DVM PhD, Beatrice T Sponseller Dr. med. vet, Adrian D Hegeman PhD, Jennifer Earing PhD, Jeffery B. Bender DVM MS1, Krishona L Martinson PhD, Steven E Patterson PhD5, Lawrence Sweetman PhD.

Westgate Labs

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18/12/2014 13:47


Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Feeding

Mud fever and Millennium mites!

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ield conditions can be horrific at this time of year with wet weather turning grazing and gateways into mud in no time at all, and skin conditions such as mud fever and the winter-attacking ‘millennium mites’ affecting many horses that are turned out. Lisa Wood’s Welsh Section D, Chester, had suffered from mud issues for years and for the first time ever, he also developed a reaction to the chopped rubber surface in Lisa’s school. She started putting socks on Chester when using the school which helped, but his pink and tender patches started to spread when the wet weather arrived and with Chester living out, it was looking like a painful time ahead. Then Lisa saw a magazine advert for the soap-free Ruggle-it shampoo and 100% natural vegetable oil blend, and wondered if it would help. She was amazed with the results! She said: “Your product actually does what it says! Chester’s heels are much better, we have no crusty skin or pinkness for the first time ever! I have and will, totally recommend Ruggle-it.” Said Karen Ruggles of Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd: “The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties in Ruggle-it are put to good use in conditions like this, and, unlike many preparations, the oil can be applied to wet skin which can make life a lot easier. It also helps create a moisture barrier helping legs become like ducks in water!” Another benefit with the MotherNature-inspired Ruggle-it products is that mud issues are increasingly caused by mite damage, so to tackle both issues for no extra cost, you just use the products differently! Mother Nature clever, cost-effective and kind! Please visit www.karenruggles.co.uk for further information or to purchase online or call call 01823 259952.

BOOK THIS SPACE FOR NEXT ISSUE

Copy deadline 10th January Please call: 01159 461 146 07712 305 258 (Scotland)

NUTRITION FOCUS Peter Fishpool of Scientific Nutritional Products shares his expertise in the field of translating dietary terms...

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n this feature, we invite experts to answer your burning questions - please email us at nutrition@equiads.com if you have an equine nutrition enquiry. (Your questions may be shortened to fit the available space.) Q. Can you simply explain what the key nutrients are that my horse needs in his diet? Carla Broom, East Farleigh A. Balancing a horse’s diet while meeting the digestible energy requirements - e.g. the energy available via feed digestion - is vital. To simplify, the four components a horse requires are water; protein; fats and carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. The exact ration is dependent on the equine’s age, weight and workload. 1. Water All horses should have access to clean water, their most important nutrient. A 500 kg horse will drink approximately 30–45 litres per day. 2. Protein Protein’s main function is providing the building blocks for tissues, muscle, hormones and enzymes. Protein quality refers to the amino acid ‘make up’ of a feed. Some amino acids can be made by the body; those that cannot, such as lysine, must be provided in the diet. 3. Carbohydrates and Fat Carbohydrates and Fats generate energy through being metabolised. Complex carbohydrates, such as fibre, are vital for digestive tract health, while fats such as the omega fatty acid group are essential for key bodily processes. 4. Vitamins and Minerals Vitamins and Minerals are necessary in small quantities to support functions including immunity, bone and teeth structure, eyesight, and nerve and muscle function.

Wounds Heal Quicker! I

s your horse or pony prone to bacterial infections, such as mud fever and other forms of pastern dermatitis? Give bacteria the boot with the new Equi-Med Ag Antibacterial Pastern Boots. These boots offer a revolutionary way of preventing and fighting against bacterial issues. They have been designed to fit closely to the skin around the pastern and up over the fetlock joint. Their antibacterial properties come from the advanced dual action of the activated carbon and silver fabric that is used in all the Equi-Med Ag products. The activated carbon draws bacteria out of the infected area into the fabric whilst the silver works to eliminate bacteria, allowing the wounds to heal faster. The boots are ideal to use on knocks, scrapes or cuts to help reduce the risk of infection and any post-exercise swelling. Using the Equi-Med boots is hassle-free and eliminates the need for additional topical products and possibly the need for other medication, saving you money. They can be used as part of your everyday stable management routine for horses that are prone to bacterial infections to help maintain a healthy skin. Designed for indoor use, the boots can simply be applied to clean

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legs when the horse is stabled and should allow you to continue turning out during the day as normal. They are designed with a comfortable and breathable design which doesn’t restrict movement. The boots can be machine washed as per instructions, making them a very cost effective way of keeping bacterial infections at bay. Any grease or dirt can simply be brushed away with a body brush for day to day cleaning The Equi-Med Ag Pastern Boots start from £59.99 for a pair and are available in sizes small, medium or large. In severe cases always consult your veterinary surgeon first. For more information on the Equi-Med Ag products visit www.EquiMedAg.co.uk or call on 0191 5118323 or 0777 5577165. www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:47


Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx • News

DOG GROOMING BUSINESS

Q. When a feed company lists components on a forage analysis result, or on a feed bag label, what do they mean? J Simms, Alvechurch

CENTRAL SCOTLAND

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A. The following are the key nutritional terms used on feed labels, and will also be detailed if you have forage analysis carried out to ascertain a hay sample’s nutritional and mineral profile. • Digestible Energy: the energy available via feed digestion. The more work your horse is in, the more digestible energy he requires. • Ash: the total mineral content of the feed. • Crude protein: CP is the estimated protein in the feed, determined by nitrogen levels. • Acid detergent fibre (ADF): A measure of fibre, consisting mainly of cellulose and lignin. The higher the ADF, the less digestible the feed. • Crude Fats and Oils: the total amount of Fat & Oil in a Feed. Fats provide slow release (non-heating) energy, and are renowned for many functions, including lubricating joints. An example of their use in feed supplements is Scientific Nutritional Products’ top-selling mobility additive, ‘Joint Right Supreme’, containing 17.0% of Fats and Oils, consisting of essential fatty acids including Omega 3 sourced from Green Lipped Mussel and Micronised Linseed. • Macrominerals: These major minerals, essential to the body’s functioning, include Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), potassium (K), and sodium (Na). An example of such minerals in a supplement is Scientific Nutritional Products’ ‘Horse Electrolytes’, which includes 23% sodium, 12.5% potassium, 46% chloride, the most important macrominerals for electrolyte function. • Microminerals: Key minerals with a daily requirement below 1mg 100mg. Including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn). • Starch: This carbohydrate, obtained chiefly from cereals, is broken down in the small intestine to provide quick release energy. It should not be consumed in excess. • Fibre: This structural carbohydrate, broken down slowly in the large intestine by bacteria, is the horse’s most vital dietary component. • Non-structural carbohydrates: The NSC is the fraction of a feed containing mostly simple sugars and fructans, ideally less than 10% of the overall diet. • Fructan: A type of carbohydrate indigestible in the small intestine, but readily fermented in the large intestine. Visit www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk to see a range of canine and equine supplements, or call Peter Fishpool for dietary advice on FREEPHONE 0800 032 7774.

BEF World Class Development Programme riders selected

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venter David Doel, ParaDressage rider Natasha Adkinson and showjumpers’ Holly Gillott and Beth Vernon have all been selected onto the 2014-2016 UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Development Programme! The programme looks to provide coaching and support to athletes through human and equine sports science, nutrition and sports psychology as part of an established training pathway. Holly Gillott says, “Just thought I would share my exciting news with you. I am (continued on page 32)

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Things You Didn’t Know About the Cyden Dressage Stallions

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s the Cyden Stallions look forward to a new year competing and standing at stud for a second year running, here we find out some of the more unusual things about the Cyden boys! Anyone who owns a horse or pony knows they all have their own little quirks that make them special and unique. To owner Lara Dyson, the Cyden Stallions are not just competition horses or breeding stallions; they are a much loved part of the family and live happily on the yard side by side with other numerous horses and ponies belonging to Lara’s nieces and nephews. Here, we find out a few interesting things you might not know about the three Cyden Stallions, KWPN approved Cydens Cadans M, KWPN approved Cyden Bodyguard Moorland and NWPCS pony stallion Cyden Oosting Amigo. At home Amigo is affectionately known as ‘little diamond’ due to his amazingly good temperament, and is quite happy to let you muck out his stable around him while he has a sit down. Cadans loves to play with his natural horsemanship ball; Lara developed this game with the help of natural horseman Guy Robertson, to help Cadans be more accepting of objects around him and is now happy to have the ball rolled under his tummy! Bodyguard is a complete teddy bear, sharing the same great temperament as his own father, the famous black stallion, Gribaldi and has been ridden by an 11 year-old girl, even performing changes and half passes. Amigo has a flair for fashion with a love of furry clothing, during the cold winter months when everyone on the yard is wearing a furry headband, he loves to nuzzle the fur and try to pull it off your head. Cadans loves nothing better than to have his tongue tickled and his ears rubbed and makes funny faces if you give his back a good scub, “I can get away with doing anything with him while he enjoys this attention,” said Lara. Amigo loves his sports massage but hates the massage pad, disliking the vibrating and he has been known to stand and shake when it is just put over his stable door. Both Bodyguard and Amigo live out all summer, which some would consider a rare luxury for stallions but both enjoy this time to chill out in the field. Aside from his massage, Amigo’s other favourite thing is to get out of the school and go hacking, loving a good canter. All three have a treat ball, well actually, Cadans has two! Cyden Cadans M and Cyden Bodyguard Moorland will be standing at Stallion AI Services for a limited time this summer with frozen semen available from Cyden Oostings Amigo. For Further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739, visit www.cydendressage.com or like the Cyden Dressage facebook page for news of all three Cyden Stallions and other horses and ponies for sale. January 2015 | 27

www.equi-ads.com

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(continued on page 34)

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News Xxxxxxxxxx • Training

ABANDONED PONIES SAVED A

family of ponies have found their happy ending together at Meadow Family Rescue & Rehab, following their abandonment. The herd of four were rescued and will soon become five, as one of the mares is due to foal in the spring. The rescue was headed by equine behaviourist, Emily McDonald, who then turned to Verm-X for help. Emily explains: “The ponies had not been wormed for at least three years and I was worried that a chemical wormer may cause an impaction with the immediate purge, whereas Verm-X works over 21 days and so is gentler on the system. “I avoid using chemical products which can cause side effects so Verm-X is ideal. To begin you couldn’t touch the ponies and they had never had

a head collar on so Verm-X was perfect as they could eat the pellets out of my hand. Also, I’m sure everyone will agree that using a worming paste is an unpleasant experience for horses. We were just at the beginning of our relationship and I didn’t want them to lose trust in me by me forcing them to eat a nasty tasting wormer. The Verm-X pellets had the opposite effect, with Tulla even nickering to ask for more! “The Meadow Family may not have a fancy yard but they do have what horse’s need most; family/friends, forage and freedom!” The market leader in effective control of intestinal hygiene, Verm-X is made from an herbal formulation which is tough on intestinal challenges but gentle on the gut, making it ideal for all horses and ponies, including veterans and

Lungeing Your Horse Over Jumps I

f your horse is safe and balanced on the lunge, introducing jumps into the mix can really benefit his work – although it isn’t for all horses, or people! Some trainers do not advocate jumping on the lunge, as it is difficult to regulate the horse’s pace, while the handler, if inexperienced, can restrict the horse’s movement over a fence. However, other people maintain that jumping on the lunge aids hind leg flexion, develops carriage and boosts the horse’s jumping confidence, without rider intervention Ask your instructor for advice, if you are unsure! If you are confident, try this simple, lunge-based exercise 1. Place a single pole in the arena where you are lungeing, so it lays across the track. Lungeing the horse normally over the pole will encourage him to relax and lower the head and neck; poles also help to improve the paces and bring extra variety to the work. It is often useful to place the pole at the end of the school at A or C, so the fence can help ‘guide you in’. 2. Lead the horse over the pole initially, so he knows what you are asking him to do. Even experienced jumpers may spook at single poles if they were not aware of them.

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3. Then add two more poles, around 9-12 feet apart, so you have three poles in a fan shape, with the middle one at A or C – you will be able to walk, trot or canter over these, obtaining around one canter stride, two trot strides and three walk strides, depending on your horse‘s gaits. 4. Bear in mind that it is tricky to get the distances accurate on a circle, and that you may not be able to ‘place’ the horse at the centre of the poles when lungeing. If the distance is too long between the poles, the horse will lose his rhythm, raise his head and stiffen his back. If the distance is too short, he

Jumping on the lunge without a rider will aid hind leg flexion, to help equine agility when you ARE back in the saddle.

competition animals The natural and herbal ingredients provide vitamins, minerals and trace elements that contribute to overall health and well-being, in addition to natural control of intestinal hygiene. As well as herbs to control intestinal challenges, there are herbs in Verm-X for blood cleansing and others for gut maintenance. The equine formulation is available in three forms – a liquid, a powder and a pellet. A 250g box of Verm-X Pellets for Horses & Ponies (containing 5 x 50g sachets) retails at around £11.95. For any further information or to find your nearest stockist please contact Verm-X on 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com. For regular updates on Meadow Family Rescue please visit their page on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ meadowfamilyrescue.

By Jenny Richardson BHSAI

may stumble over the poles. 5. You will need an assistant on the ground to move the poles and get them accurately placed, or re-position them if the horse knocks them. Ask your assistant to move the poles in or out as required, to match your horse’s stride length. Walk the horse over the three poles in hand first. 6. Lunge the horse in walk and trot over the poles, working on establishing an even rhythm. 7. When the horse is happy over the ground poles, alternate ends can be lifted onto blocks, which will help the horse’s stride and encourage more flexion in the joints. 8. Once the horse is happy lungeing over the raised poles, introduce a cross pole jump where your middle pole is. Jumping blocks are best as your ‘wings’, as they are sturdy and the lunge line shouldn’t get caught on them. 9. Once the horse has jumped, if he’s getting excited or too fast, lunge him away so that your next circuit will not take him over the jumps - return him to a circle to gain control and rhythm. Then re-approach the jump every two or three circles. 10.Work as evenly as possible on both reins; your jump should

Lungeing over fences should boost the horse’s jumping confidence, ultimately improving your ridden performance.

be able to be approached from either direction. Do you need lungeing practise on a horse? Then consider a training break. Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that offers riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and offers expert tuition on the lunge, as well as in show jumping and flatwork, plus gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides www.castleleslie.com www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:47


Personality Profile

‘Five Minutes With...”

Hannah Biggs

International dressage rider Hannah Biggs is one of Britain’s leading lady dressage riders. She is a Grand Prix competitor, and combines traditional and classic values with modern training ideals. Notably at the recent Saumur CDI3*, held at the Cadre Noir in France in September, Hannah sealed her first international dressage to music victory, riding Weltzin in the Grand Prix Kür. Hannah, who was five when she first sat on a pony, says her ethos when riding is to enjoy every competition. “Dressage is about the journey, not the idea and the dream,” she says. “Enjoy your horse at every stage, and work on the bond with him. That is what dressage is all about; dancing with your best friend inside the white arena boards.” She explains that her parents rode for fun during the summers, when the family would visit Hannah’s grandmother in Devon. “I started at the local riding centre, and used to gallop across Dartmoor with my Dad. I then carried on lessons back in Hong Kong, where I grew up,” says Hannah, who is based on the

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 29

Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset borders. If she could wave a magic wand and change one thing about her sport, Hannah says she’d change the Government and VOSA driving regulations. “They cause prohibitive costs and legislations before riders have even got to a competition,” she state`s. “The Government’s rules on business rates on indoor schools are also crippling! Other than that, I would like to judges to be seen in a different light. It is still a little ‘riders V judges’. I would like to see more accountability for the judges, but also a better attitude towards them from the riders, and a greater understanding of human error. A solution to that would be great too!” When asked what the most common negative aspect is, in the sport of dressage, Hannah says that some riders are too quick to blame the horse, or any other external circumstance, at an event. “Rather, we should all look to ourselves,” she says wisely. When asked what else she dislikes about her industry, Hannah says uneducated equine breeding is exasperating “Breeding from a mare who is unable to work due to conformational injury, or a un-rideable temperament, will not provide you will a sound, pleasant horse in the future!” she explains. Hannah is, however, a notably positive person, and says riding horses is a passion and a lifestyle

than a job. “There are great highs followed by real lows, combined with unconditional love, and the fact that horses are great levellers,” she states. “I believe that working with horses means a full life, pushing yourself to the limits, achieving goals and dreams, and constantly improving yourself as a person. Plus, there’s no rat race and rush hour traffic jams, at least for me!” When asked which horse she would love to ride, Valegro is obviously Hannah’s equine hero.

“To feel such power, suppleness and harmony with a horse like that, which has such an obvious desire to do his very best with his rider, would be amazing.” Finally, Hannah shares her personal motto: ‘If it's meant to be, it's up to me’. “Nothing is handed to you on a plate; even if you are granted natural talent, you still have to work hard for your dreams to come true. I am the ruler of my own destiny, and will handle whatever is thrown at me along the way!” she wisely concludes.

www.haygain.com

I“Haycouldn’t live without… is undoubtedly the most ideal equine forage, its only flaw

being dust spores. Remove the spores, and you have the perfect forage. I use my HAYGAIN HG-GO steamer at shows; it fits in the lorry, and accommodates half a bale, or alternatively hay nets or single hay slices,” Hannah says.

18/12/2014 13:47


Xxxxxxxxxx Training

HORSE BEHAVIOUR - Speaking the language part 28 A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training. (This series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010, the standard work on the subject. The glossary definition is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

COLD BACK (girth shy): ‘Hyper-reactive behaviour (occasionally bucking) or instability, sometimes to the extent of collapse when the girth is tightened, or the saddle is placed on the back, or the horse is mounted.’

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he original idea behind this term was that horses showed dislike of the saddle because they did not like the feel of cold leather on their backs, not that the backs themselves were cold. Decades ago, it was the exception rather than the rule to use numnahs or saddle pads and in winter working riding horses were often clipped out (thankfully not so often today). This was widely felt to be the reason for horses sinking down away from the saddle when it was placed on their backs. Tightening the girth, it was imagined, pressed the cold saddle down on to the back, increasing the cold feeling. Horses might veer away from the saddle, showing the usual defensive posture of head up, frightened eyes, ears pricked hard and back down. Some made various energetic movements to avoid having the saddle on such as rearing, bucking, spinning round, backing into a corner or, if tied up, kicking their own bellies or the handler, trying to turn round and bite him or her or pulling hard back on the tether which, of course, could result in the horse falling and swinging with resultant serious injuries, breaking the ring attachment or the headcollar, or pulling the ring out of the wall which sent it flying around on the end of the rope – a lethal weapon. Collapsing or lying down was/is another defensive technique to avoid the pain associated with tack. Various methods of lessening the horse’s behaviour or fear were recommended, such as gradually retraining the horse to accept the saddle, warming the leather against a car radiator or the tack room stove, tacking up slowly and carefully and leaving the girth fairly loose, then walking the horse around for some time to give the saddle time to warm up and the horse to get used to it, before mounting. Some less considerate people would simply put the saddle on and girth up normally (if they possibly could), saying that they ‘wouldn’t stand any nonsense’ and the horse ‘has to learn to behave and get used to it’. Not many, from 30 | January 2015

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my memories, considered that the horse’s back or girth area might actually have been painful, or that the horse associated tack with being ridden which, in his case, must have been also painful or otherwise unpleasant, hence the fear reaction. Some horses do behave in the above ways from memory or habit even though the original pain or discomfort may no longer exist, and these can be retrained by ‘overriding’ or ‘over-shadowing’ which basically involves (ideally a helper) giving the horse distracting food treats during careful tacking up, and rubbing around the withers when he allows progress. In this way, provided the existing tack does not hurt him, he begins to associate being tacked up with something pleasant. ‘Cold backs’ are not uncommon today and people often resort to the old remedies. In fact, the hyper-reactive behaviours shown by ‘cold backed’ horses are the result of discomfort or pain now or in the past, and there are myriad reasons for that, even something as simple as the horse rolling on a stone or tweaking himself in the box. A true horseman of generations past, Reginald Sheriff (R.S.) Summerhays, who found my first horse for me, wrote many excellent books on horsemanship

and horsemastership (care and management) and says in his Summerhays’ Encyclopaedia for Horsemen, under ‘Back, sore’, not ‘cold’ interestingly: ‘Caused by bad stable management and poor horsemanship, e.g. the use of illfitting saddles, creating pressure or friction on particular parts of the back; slack girths; working unfit horses, etc. Prevented by ensuring the back is hard, that the saddle fits, and that the rider is sufficiently competent to sit squarely without rolling in the saddle.’ Three cheers for that! Ever the gentleman, he nevertheless didn’t mince his words and always spoke out for horses. He lived well into his nineties. TIMES CHANGE, OR DO THEY? How sad it is that the causes RSS gave all those decades ago still exist today. Yes, we do not clip horses out so much now (with legs off and leaving no saddle patch), and we almost always use numnahs or saddle cloths (which can cause problems in themselves) so the original thinking no longer holds water, but ‘cold’, or rather sorebacked horses are still with us. I think the problem is actually getting worse as people increasingly buy saddles unseen and untried via the internet. The lack of instruction in horse care and management, specifically the use and fitting of tack, by many of those riding schools that remain, and by some instructors, plus reluctant owners who naturally don’t want to hear that their expensive (or cheap) saddle doesn’t fit and is hurting their horse, are other reasons for badly fitting saddles continuing to be used and harming horses. Buying the correct length and width is not enough: the saddle

has to be the right shape to fit the profile of the horse’s back, and the cut and seat have to fit the rider and the purpose for which he or she wants the saddle if there is to be any hope of sitting in a balanced position. If a rider follows the old advice of fitting the saddle loosely and walking the horse round for a few minutes before mounting (if the horse permits that), her problems are not over because riding a horse in an ill-fitting saddle is inviting back injuries, pain, fear and violent behaviour, or at least a ‘poor’, but justified, way of going on the horse’s part. The answer is to leave the saddle off and bring in expert help and advice. Causes of pain should first be diagnosed by a vet; other specialists may then be brought in, such as a physiotherapist or a chiropractor. RSS mentions ensuring that ‘the back is hard’. He meant that the skin has been hardened by rubbing methylated or surgical spirit into the saddle and girth area, common practice years ago. COMPENSATORY MOVEMENT If you have ever had to wear shoes, boots or clothing which restricted your movement, or which actually caused discomfort or pain, you will understand compensatory movement. You will have found yourself moving in an unnatural, unaccustomed way to avoid the pain. This would involve using muscles which were not meant for that movement, or muscles which were not fit and conditioned to the level of work you were expecting them to do. You might have been surprised to find that your body started hurting in areas far from the source of the discomfort because of this unaccustomed muscle use, as your body tried to balance itself in your new way of moving. This is exactly what happens to horses when they have painful or even just uncomfortable tack. Lameness in any leg can cause pain further up the body, often in the back, as the horse tries to save the leg. Pressure from the saddle will mean that the horse tries to hold his back in a stiff, defensive way to avoid the pain while keeping on trying to work for you, and, because of this unaccustomed muscle use, will start to hurt elsewhere. He may become desperate and buck you off, he may rear, nap, squirm around or www.equi-ads.com

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Training Xxxxxxxxxx • News do anything to try to get away from the pain and discomfort. All the time, his body is sustaining injuries, both in the back and elsewhere, which can take a long time to heal. This can also happen with bad riding. Holding horses in a firm, rigid and unrelenting contact is a prime candidate for causing neck, shoulder, back and hindquarter pain because the horse is denied the effective use of his natural head and neck balancing pole, being forced to compensate by using his body tissues in a way for which they were not designed. This, to my mind, cruel way of riding is extremely common and a well-known cause of pain, lameness, defensive behaviour and, ultimately, a possibly crippled horse. This has been known for years yet this style of riding is still common. From the viewpoint of a ‘cold-backed’ horse, pain, however it is caused, in the back and/or girth area can be the reason for his not wanting to be tacked up. Ensure your saddle and girth FIT! One of the best developments in the horse world in recent years has been the appearance of thoroughly trained and qualified saddle fitters. These are not necessarily ‘master saddlers’, who specialise in making saddles, although a person can be both with appropriate training and experience. The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) runs an excellent training course for saddle fitters in the UK, and there is a very thorough training course accredited by the University of Utrecht School of Veterinary Science. Google ‘Society of Master Saddlers saddle fitters’ and ‘Master Saddle Fitting Consultants’ respectively, and you’ll find information about both qualifications, and information to enable you to find a suitably qualified fitter in your region. Another important website is www. saddleresearchtrust.com, which is the site of, obviously, the Saddle Research Trust. The SRT is doing

sterling work, publicising the vital importance of saddle and girth fit, and keeping us up to date with research including the use of sensor technology to reveal pressures and fit. Some fitters carry a stock of good used saddles, so the expense of a new one may not be necessary. A used saddle may be able to be altered to fit your horse (who, remember, will change shape throughout the year so will need periodic checks by your fitter anyway); this may mean that your fitter will have to send it to a saddler, if he or she is unable to make the necessary changes. I cannot stress strongly enough that it is crucially important to have a properly qualified fitter fit your saddle and girth. With respect, I have always found that fitters trained by companies specialising in their own saddles, and who do not have either of the above two qualifications, do not have the same depth of knowledge as fitters who have attained one or the other of them. A good fitter will show you where a saddle should sit on the horse’s back. The current fashion is to put them too far forward, restricting the shoulders at the top near the withers when the horse moves (it’s no good just checking a saddle on a stationary horse), and can also bring the girth too far forward, digging in behind the elbows as the forelegs move backwards. Girths cut away behind the elbow help to avoid this. You should be able to fit a hand’s width between the elbow and the front of the girth. The girth should be made of comfortable material with a means of expansion such as elastic inserts in the centre or at both ends, so that your horse can breathe freely. Many modern girths are too hard and rigid to be suitable for anything but standing still, and girths with elastic at only one end pull the saddle over to (continued on page 33)

Young Show Jumper Lands Bedding Sponsorship Deal

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p and coming show jumper Spencer Roe has just landed himself a sponsorship deal with Snowflake equestrian bedding. Spencer’s team of six horses including his top ride Wonder Why will all be stabled on the premium bedding. Spencer has had a fantastic start to his career, aged only 21 he made his debut on the Top Level Nations Cup team earlier in the year. This was followed by jumping a superb clear at the Dublin Nations Cup which led to him being called up to represent Team Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. To add to this, he was recently awarded the accolade ‘Leading rider 21 years and under’ at the British Show Jumping Awards Ball. Spencer has joined the World Class Development squad which is funded by the National Lottery via UK Sport, with sights firmly set on riding at the Olympics in Rio 2016. His top ride, 11 year old Wonder Why, is owned by his mother, Sally, and has been brought on by Spencer for the past six years. His string of 6 horses, who are kept on the family owned yard in Lincolnshire, will now be stabled on the premium wood shavings bale, Snowflake Standard. Snowflake Standard is manufactured from 100% virgin softwood. The bedding is highly absorbent, which makes it quick and easy to use creating less waste. All bales are dust extracted which supports a healthy respiratory tract in stabled horses, maintaining peak health and fitness. Spencer Roe told Equi-Ads, “At our yard our horses are part of the family, so naturally we want the best for them. As far as bedding goes that’s Snowflake. I am pleased to be sponsored by Snowflake and look forward to the year ahead”

A Weekend with Mary Wanless

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wo lucky competition winners recently spent the weekend with international trainer Mary Wanless, courtesy of Verm-X. Samantha Ross (16) and Kathy Brown (56) entered the national competition and were delighted to win the weekend training with Mary, along with a whole host of Verm-X goodies. Kathy had owned her horse Corky for just three weeks when she arrived at Mary’s yard in Oxfordshire, so was very much looking forward to help in her new partnership. Mary repositioned Kathy’s body www.equi-ads.com

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as Corky was above the vertical and resisting the contact, then by moving Kathy’s focus away from

Samantha Ross & Echo (left) pictured with Mary Wanless (centre) and Kathy Brown & Corky (right)

Corky’s head and on to his whole body, they worked a lot more harmoniously together by the end of their first session. Samantha and eight-year-old Echo, an Anglo European Sport Horse, entered the competition to improve their flatwork and saw excellent results following Mary’s tuition. Said Sam: “I had a fantastic weekend and learnt so much. Mary re-aligned my heel-hip-shoulder vertical to centre my weight and as a result Echo worked in a balanced and rounded outline. Many thanks to Verm-X for a brilliant weekend.”

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January 2015 | 31

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Saddlery Xxxxxxxxxx

TALKING TACK

with Robert Walker

In this issue Black Country Saddles sponsored showman Robert Walker discusses the importance of correct tack and turnout for Show and Working Hunters and provides advice on how to make your horse look his best.

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irst and foremost, it is important to realise that every class and type of horse is required to wear different styles of tack. However one thing is a necessity…. no matter what class you enter all tack must be fitted correctly and be comfortable for the horse. Turnout is also extremely important therefore special attention should be paid to how your horse looks in the ring. Show Hunters Ideally, Show Hunters should be ridden in a double bridle and the noseband must be a simple, plain, flat cavesson. The size of the noseband used depends on the horse’s head. You can make a lot of difference to whether the head is large or small by making sure the noseband enhances the appearance. I like Show Hunters to wear a straight cut saddle with a plain brown or black numnah. The Black Country Classic Show Saddle offers style and elegance when in the show arena. It is straight cut to help accentuate the horse or pony’s shoulder but has a subtle knee roll to help keep the rider in the ideal show position. The low cantle helps provide a flatter seat for a neater appearance with the close profile of the saddle helping to show off and enhance the overall (continued from page 27)

you to all who have been part of the Holly Gillott Showjumping team, we’re looking forward to 2015!

delighted to have been selected by the British Equestrian Federation for the World Class Development Programme and it is a great boost following all our hard work this year. Dougie Douglas has been outstanding throughout the season and I couldn’t have got this far without the on-going support of my trainer, owners and of course my sponsors (Blue Chip), so thank

picture which is so important in the world of showing. For turnout, Show Hunters must be plaited with a neatly pulled tail. Make sure all whiskers, ears and heel feather is trimmed to give your horse a more defined outline. For Working Hunters the turnout is the same as a Show Hunter however the tack differs. I would always opt for a General Purpose or Working Hunter style saddle which gives enough security for you to jump in, whilst at the same time does not cover too much of the horse’s shoulder, hindering the appearance. Bright numnahs and square saddle pads are a ‘no no’ whilst brown or black numnahs - which aren’t too big for the saddle - are the norm. In Working Hunter classes you are also allowed to use a martingale if you need to. 01543 578 243 Web: www.blackcountrysaddles.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Training (continued from page 31) the non-elasticated side with each breath your horse takes. Numnahs and other pads need to be smooth and clean so that they do not create pressure and friction due to caked-on dirt, dried mud, bits of bedding or hay, creases in their fabric, or stitching. (Of course, check that your horse’s back and girth area, plus his head, are free of mud and dried sweat before tacking up.) Seams are a common cause of pressure with numnahs and pads, so make sure whatever you use comes outside the edges of the saddle all round, and stays there with appropriate fastenings. Good numnahs today are shaped to fit along the shape of the horse’s withers and backbone; they should be pulled well up into the gullet of the saddle so that they do not press down on the withers or spine, causing pressure and injury. If your saddle is slightly too big and ‘loose’, you can amend this temporarily by using various pads and risers (some risers are hard and uncomfortable), but be aware that they will also change the balance of the saddle and maybe your position, weight distribution and riding. Conversely, if your saddle is too tight, putting padding underneath it will clearly make it even tighter. To check whether the pressure

on your horse’s back is even, when you remove the saddle look for an even imprint on his back with no areas sweatier or more pressured than others or with obviously disturbed hair, and with no depressions in the flesh where the saddle has been pressing in. If soft swellings arise later, you’ve got a problem. Check the girth area before and after riding, and at other times in between, to check for lumps, swellings or, heaven forbid, bare patches, or raw or bleeding wounds. The latter should be treated like any other wound on your horse. Any saddle or girth injuries mean that your horse cannot be ridden till they are gone, and then not in the tack that caused them. If your horse flinches at all when you are grooming him, suspect pain. RUGS Rugs pressing on withers, points of shoulders and hips can cause discomfort and restrict a horse’s movement which, again, can result in compensatory movement and have long-lasting bad effects on a horse’s action and comfort. Again, look for rubbed, disturbed hair or, worse, bald patches. RIDING AND LEARNING Being competent enough to sit straight and squarely on your

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seatbones and not move about too much, therefore moving the saddle itself and inadvertently giving the horse weight aids, or at least causing him to alter his way of going to compensate for the pressure of your changing weight, all come down to riding properly. The rider’s seat, its position and use (application of leg and weight aids) is totally influential: no horse will or can go well if poorly ridden and today there is much poor riding because of poor instruction and lack of learning in riders. The standard classical seat, easily adapted for jumping, is still the gold standard to acquire. In addition to a deep, balanced, still and moulding seat, permitting independent, sensitive hands, you need the correct techniques – ones which are effective, easy for the horse to understand and for you to apply. This takes effort on the part of the rider and the willingness to pay for good lessons, but nothing worthwhile will be achieved without it. To find a teacher of classical riding or Equitation Science in your region, go to the appropriate websites in the next paragraph. LEARN MORE AT: The Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc.org.au), EquiSci (www.equitationscience.

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

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Xxxxxxxxxx Training

LEARNING TO RIDE IN THE CLASSICAL WAY - PART ONE:

WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO GO ABOUT IT By Anne Wilson

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nfortunately the choice of riding schools has diminished greatly in the last few years. This is mainly due to the constrictions of the financial recession, but also due to administrative matters such as Local Authority Licences, Council Tax (payable on arenas, stables etc.) and the ever increasing costs and need for insurance. We now live in a litigious age, when many people who accidentally hurt themselves in the pursuit of a sport, however minor that injury may be, look for someone to blame and subsequently sue. All of these financial difficulties added to the cost of horse feed, bedding, up-keep of stables, tack, schooling areas, vets’ bills, farriery bills and labour costs; make life hard for riding school proprietors. It is a legal requirement in the UK that anyone teaching riding on their school horses should have a Local Authority riding school licence, but there is no legal requirement to possess British Horse Society (BHS) or

Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) approval. There is no reason why someone should not run a very good riding school without such approval. However, if you are new to the equestrian world, or do not have a very good personal recommendation from a knowledgeable person; then I would say that you would be better to go to a school which is approved by the BHS or ABRS. Many schools are approved by both of these associations. This should mean that the standard of stable management and horse care should be good. The horses should be kept in good condition, not overworked, and wearing well-fitting tack. It should also mean that the instruction given is up to a minimum standard and safety issues adhered to. At this point, you may be thinking ‘all I want to do is to sit on a horse, learn to walk, trot, canter and steer. I don’t need to know about classical riding’. There is a big misapprehension about

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classical riding. Many people think it is all about complicated dressage movements and pompous terms. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. ‘Classical’ means pure and in riding this means following the laws of nature, being aware of and using the laws of gravity to convey what you want to the horse. Classical horsemanship also encompasses a range of ethics such as patience, perseverance, kindness etc. Above all else classicism means putting the horse’s best interests first, before any human ambitions. Unfortunately in the present day climate of everyone being in a hurry and in the competition world, of ‘winning being the main aim’; many of the age-old, tried and tested, classical methods have been forgotten or by-passed, but they are still just as valuable as they ever were. I cannot stress enough the fact that if you learn to ride in the correct, classical way, you will not only be a lot safer (your seat and balance will be a lot better), you will gain sheer joy from the experience of working in harmony with a horse. The uplifting adrenaline of being at one with the horse will far surpass the momentary thrill of a fast gallop. The former joy will transport you to a place nearer to nature and will stay with you forever. I would say that it is worth the time and trouble of seeking a

school which is as classically based as possible. In my experience these are usually the ones approved by the Association of British Riding Schools. That is not to say that any other school or particular instructor will not be classical, but many people do call themselves classical when in fact they are not. Conversely some instructors are brilliant, and in tune with horses; they are in fact classical without even knowing it! So it is not an easy task to find the school you are looking for. Speaking to knowledgeable horse people should be the first thing to do. You may have to travel further afield to find the school you are seeking, but it will be worth it. Anne Wilson is a freelance classical riding trainer, based in Bedfordshire; trained with Sylvia Loch and holder of the Classical Riding Club Gold Award Certificate. Phone 01234 772401 or email: annewilsondressage@ hotmail.co.uk www. classicalridingannewilson. com. See Anne’s book ‘Riding Revelations – Classical Training from the Beginning’ available from www.blacktent. co.uk Next month Anne discusses what to look for prior to booking a lesson. Ed

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18/12/2014 13:47


Xxxxxxxxxx Training

Enjoy your training with Sophie Wells In this issue we catch up with Black Country Saddles sponsored dressage rider, Sophie Wells MBE for some top training tips.

• Dressage is not just for dressage horses and riders - All horses can benefit from dressage, keeping them supple, flexible, moving easily and in harmony with their rider. •

Working-in for a workout – Dressage is gymnastics for horses so if you don’t warm up correctly injuries can occur when you start the more complex work. Try walking for around 10 minutes to start with, encouraging your horse to work long and round, stretching the muscles in front of, and behind, the saddle.

• Stretching off muscles – Encourage your horse to stretch regularly throughout training sessions to help him relax, reducing tension that comes with repeating individual movements. This can be achieved by lengthening the rein, lowering your hands and squeezing and releasing the rein to gently massage the bit in the horse’s mouth.

• Achieving Self-Carriage – To help get your horse to carry his head and neck ask for a few lengthened strides before coming back to a working pace. Keep repeating this until he achieves good self carriage. • Mirror, Mirror on the wall... – Mirrors situated around the school are one of the best training aids. You can see exactly what your horse looks like and you can also have a look at your own position. • Reward with a Treat – A great treat to reward your horse during training is sugar lumps. They encourage the horse to drool a bit and he will become lighter in the hand. • Standing Square – A good square halt on the centre line is something that is often overlooked but is something that we should train for. Teach your horse to always stand square even when you are mounting and dismounting.

• Mixing it up – Dressage may be your thing but try mixing up training sessions with some hacking and jumping to help keep your horse Equi-Ads Subscription 18/11/2014 16:00 A cool down is1 just as important as aPage warm1up and help • Cool down – Form_Layout interested….. And more importantly for you, relax and have some fun! prevent stiffness and injury. Gradually slow the pace winding down, especially if you have been practising any complex movements. Your • Hill work – Hacking up hills can help with fitness and developing and horse should be feeling tired so let him stretch out in walk for a good 10 strengthening muscles. minutes or so. Telephone: 01543 578 243 Web: www.blackcountrysaddles.com • The Saddle – I ride in the Vinici Dressage Saddle from Black Country Saddles. I am very fortunate to be sponsored by Black Country Saddles who provide me with their bespoke, made to measure saddles that are simply the best. The team understand what I need and I work very closely with them when designing and developing a saddle for me and my horses. • Repeat, repeat, repeat! – Dressage is about repetition so once again make sure your training is varied. Repeating exercises over and over again until it becomes a natural movement for the horse is what we do, but if things aren’t going too well and the horse becomes upset or less responsive try some other movements. You can always come back to it later, it’s all about dedication! • Rhythm and balance – Two very important aspects of dressage. To help you maintain a rhythm while training sing a song in your head while you ride. For balance try using lots of half-halts before you ask for any other movement which will steady him and allow him to naturally find his balance. • Working the trot – Try lots of transitions from trot to canter and canter to trot. This will help improve your trot work making your horse carry more weight on his hind quarters.

NEXT MONTH • How quality of forage affects quality of hard feed to be fed • Nursing the strangles case • • Joints • Saddle fitting • Insurance • • Body Protectors • PLUS news and much more besides... COPY DEADLINE 10TH JANUARY EDITORIAL TO BOB@EQUIADS.NET www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 35

The Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

Subscribe to Equi-Ads Get your copy of Equi-Ads delivered to you, hot off the press, every month and never miss another issue! Equi-Ads, now in its 20th year of publication, is well known for its in-depth articles on health, management and training issues. Each month, topical articles on feeding and healthcare are provided by experts in the various fields, together with behavioural and training topics, all designed to provide the reader with practical advice on building a better relationship with their horse and ensuring his well being. Cut out the coupon below and post it to Equi-Ads Ltd, 126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts NG10 4LS, with a cheque made payable to Equi-Ads Ltd.

Name: .............................................................................................. Address: ........................................................................................... Postcode: ......................................................................................... Please send 12 issues for £20 *England & Wales edition / *Scottish edition (please delete) January 2015 | 35

18/12/2014 13:47


Xxxxxxxxxx Saddlery

BUCKLES OR HOOK Ladies Ride STUD FASTENINGS? Side Saddle! Here the Society of Master Saddlers takes a look at both buckles and hook stud fastenings on the bridle.

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uckles or hook stud fastenings? Which you choose may well come down to personal preference but which is actually best? Found at the bottom of the cheek pieces with their main function being to attach the bit to the bridle and reins. Hook Stud fastenings are traditionally seen in this country and are the fastenings of choice within the racing industry, often seen as fiddly and difficult to undo but providing a much neater overall appearance. Buckles seem to be becoming increasingly popular especially within the dressage and eventing worlds. The buckle allows the leather to lie flat against the horse’s head meaning there is less chance of rubbing or chaffing as the buckle

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is on the outside. As the buckle is actually stitched into thick leather, they are generally seen as the stronger more durable option. Which to choose could also depend upon the horse that you intend to bridle. Horses with small heads tend to suit the hook stud fastenings more, with large hunter type horses complemented better by the buckles. In the interest of safety whichever type of fastening you choose should be inspected regularly, cleaned and oiled to prevent the leather from drying out and becoming stiff and any bent or loose hook studs should be replaced immediately. Buckles with any sharp edges or that have become loose or bent should also be replaced by your Master Saddler. To find out more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

Multi-Purpose Saddle

he GPX from Black Country Saddles is an all-purpose model lending itself to many activities from general hacking to show jumping and cross-country. The saddle features a medium-depth seat, and has a slightly more-forward knee position than the GP Event allowing a longer hip-to-knee measurement for the taller rider. A variety of trees are available for the saddle allowing the Black Country Saddles team to work with all profiles of horses and ponies. The saddle is available in black, brown, havana and oxblood, sizes 16in to 19in, in a range of width fittings. Telephone: 01543 578 243 Web: www.blackcountrysaddles.com

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iding side saddle is often associated with an era of yesteryear when ladies rode in long skirts and couldn’t possibly be seen astride a horse. One of the most memorable scenes from the first series of the popular period drama Downton Abbey was that of Lady Mary out on the hunting field galloping, riding side saddle. The side saddle was designed to allow women to ride a horse whilst maintaining their modesty and also whilst wearing some beautiful but restrictive clothing. The side saddle itself is a masterpiece of saddlery craftsmanship, a design that has not changed for over a century. In the 1830’s Jules Pellier designed the side saddle that is still in use today, with previous versions only featuring one pommel. Jules Pelliers’ two pommel design allowed the rider to stay both securely in the saddle and also control the horse. One of the pommels sits near the top of the saddle; this supports the right thigh of the rider when it is lying across the saddle. The right leg hangs down and rests on the shoulder of the horse. The second pommel, sometimes referred to as the leaping horn, lies below the first and is gently curved to fit snuggly over the rider’s left thigh, placing the left foot in the stirrup. This design allows the rider to be locked in position, enabling participation in every equestrian pursuit from hunting and galloping to jumping. Today side saddle classes at events and shows are a source of much fascination, with numbers rising in the many classes that now accommodate side saddle riding, with classes for everything from showing to show jumping and even a lead rein competition available, for young enthusiasts. The side saddle must be fitted by a suitably qualified person who understands side saddle fitting. The seat of the saddle has to be level from the front to the back and from left to right. As well as fitting the horse, the saddle must also fit the rider in order for them to sit in the correct position. One of the most famous and accomplished side saddle riders is of course The Queen who regularly rode side saddle during Trooping of The Colour, most famously on her beloved horse Burmese. A well turned out horse ridden side saddle by a rider decked out in traditional fashion is undoubtedly a head turning sight to see. To find out more information on the Society of Master Saddlers and to find Side Saddle specialists visit www.mastersaddlers. co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

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IF YOU NEED A QUALITY STABLE, FIELD SHELTER OR JUST A STABLE DOOR AND WINDOW, CALL US NOW FOR A COPY OF OUR COLOUR BROCHURE.

OUR PRODUCTS ARE ALL HAND CRAFTED, USING QUALITY MATERIALS AND OFFER EXCEPTIONAL VALUE FOR MONEY.

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WHEY CARR FARM, SAND HUTTON,YORK YO41 1LB TEL: 01904 468433 FAX: 01904 468433 e-mail: sales@johngoodrick-equestrian.co.uk www.johngoodrick-equestrian.co.uk WE ALSO OFFER MOBILE SHELTERS, RUBBER STABLE MATS AND ELECTRIC FENCING

36 | January 2015

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 36

he Childéric Saddles Jump Girth Collection offers four different styles, which all feature triple thick elasticated ends for excellent saddle stability and an ergonomically cut to ensure even distribution of pressure. The shape of the girths allows for the girth to sit in the correct position, without catching the horse around the sensitive area behind the elbow and eliminating the possibility of trapping the muscles. Sizes: 45cm – 85cm Prices start at £240.00 Colours: Irish, Black and Master. www.childericsaddles.co.uk Image shown: Childéric Short Anatomical Girth www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:48


Xxxxxxxxxx Saddlery

Showing is all about looks and performance! In this issue Rob Cullen and John Hartley of Black Country Saddles provide advice on what to look for in your show saddle.

A Classic Show Saddle

I

n the world of Showing it is all about looks and performance, so when it comes to choosing a saddle there is nothing more important than selecting one that will be comfortable for both horse and rider and also help provide the perfect picture. If you have bought a new show horse or pony over the winter months or are just looking for a new show saddle there are a number of important points to consider. First and foremost make sure the saddle you buy is a perfect fit for your horse or pony. Getting a qualified saddle fitter to assess the situation is vital in the long run and will ensure you pick the right saddle for the job. We always recommend using an experienced and competent saddle fitter who will have the knowledge and skills to make sure your saddle is fitted correctly. Also make sure you ride in the saddle as you would at a show, this way you can ensure that it fits the horse nicely ensuring that he moves well under the saddle as well as being comfortable for the rider. Remember your horse changes shape regularly and the frequency of these changes will relate to his age, training, management and so on. Try to develop an eye to recognise these changes. In Showing, a fleece numnah under the saddle is often used. Ensure the saddle fitter is aware of the actual numnah you will be using and make sure it is available throughout the fitting process. This will allow the saddle fitter

to get the perfect fit as adding any numnah can alter the fit. Look and appearance in the ring can give you the edge over someone else so the finished picture must look smart and elegant with the saddle complimenting both horse and rider. You should also consider what type of horse or pony you have and choose a suitable saddle for its build and size. A show pony will require a totally different fit to a native pony or a show hunter for example. If you are mainly aiming at working hunter classes you may wish to opt for a specialist working hunter saddle that offers a little extra support for the knee when jumping but still looks elegant with straight cut saddle flaps when it comes to the individual show. For most other showing classes most riders opt for a traditional elegant looking saddle that is straight cut to accentuate the horse or pony’s shoulder and allows an elegant position in the seat down to the legs.

Choosing the right saddle! In this issue the Society of Master Saddlers offer advice on General Purpose saddles versus discipline specific saddles.

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or many, starting out in horse or pony ownership, a General Purpose saddle provides the ideal choice. Whether you simply enjoy hacking or compete at a lower level it can offer everything you need in the early stages. Even within the General Purpose category there are many different styles to choose from so when looking to buy a saddle make sure you think about the disciplines you will focus on when it comes to competing. If dressage is your preferred choice ask your Qualified Saddle Fitter to recommend a General Purpose saddle with more knee roll, longer saddle flaps and a straighter cut. If you intend to do more show jumping or cross country when you start to compete your horse then look for a saddle with forward cut flaps and knee roll to offer support when positioned forward and slightly out of the saddle. The General Purpose saddle offers a host of advantages for when riders are looking to have just the one saddle for their horse or pony and with careful consideration and advice from a Qualified Saddle Fitter they will be able to compete across a number of disciplines if not aiming too high. In recent years, a lot of research and development www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 37

The Classic Show Saddle from Black Country Saddles offers style and elegance when in the show arena. The saddle is straight cut to help accentuate the horse or pony’s shoulder, but has a subtle knee roll to help keep the rider in the ideal show position. Made using pre-oiled, vintage leather, the saddle offers an ultra-comfortable seat and is flocked with pure wool to allow for greater bearing pressure and fitting adjustment. The Poppy Show Saddle

The Black Country Saddles show collection also includes the Poppy Show Saddle, specially designed with Lead Rein and First Ridden ponies in mind. Ultra stylish, the Poppy Show Saddle is crafted on a bespoke tree with a slimmer profile to enhance the overall picture when in the competition arena. This saddle is ideal for smaller children just starting out in the world of showing and provides a closer contact to the pony and so aids confidence in the saddle for those younger riders. The Poppy Show Saddle has been developed with well-known show rider and producer Katy Carter, and is named after her daughter Poppy, a major winner in show pony circles. For more information or help with buying a new show saddle contact Black Country Saddles on 01543 578 243 or visit www.blackcountrysaddles.com

– often working with elite riders – has gone into the design of such saddles. However, they all involve compromise because no one saddle can perfectly fulfil the needs of two different disciplines. Some General Purpose-type saddles are designed for the rider who spends most of the time involved in flatwork with just a little jumping. Others are intended for the combination that does a lot of jumping – and not a great deal of flatwork. And then there are the saddles that fall in the middle of these two extremes. The very diversity of today’s ranges of saddles indicates the importance of seeking advice from a Qualified Saddle Fitter. For riders looking to progress through the competitive ranks consideration must be made that at some point it may be necessary to invest in a dressage or jumping saddle. With so much choice available today there is also the option of buying a saddle designed and made specifically for cross-country jumping as opposed to show jumping. It is also worth considering buying a second hand saddle if your funds are stretched but you would prefer a discipline specific saddle rather than having just one General Purpose saddle. In this connection, the Society of Master Saddlers issues another recommendation that every saddle should be fitted by a Qualified Saddle Fitter - in fact - fitting a second-hand saddle is even more important than fitting a new one! A saddle adopts the contours of the horse on which it is regularly used – this means that asymmetric musculature, for example, can easily be passed on unless the flocking is carefully adjusted. To find your local saddle fitter and for more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642. January 2015 | 37

18/12/2014 13:48


Xxxxxxxxxx Insurance

NO VETTING REQUIRED!

“Do I need a vetting to insure my horse for £5000 or more?”

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Laura has worked in the insurance industry since 2006 after achieving a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science from The University of the West of England. She studied at Hartpury College in Gloucester and has extensive equine knowledge from personal experiences as well as further professional training. She has two horses to compete – ‘Molly’ who is an Intermediate/ CCI** level eventer and ‘Lex’ who showjumps at 1.35m level – and can regularly be seen competing around the UK.

ot necessarily, no, is the simple answer. This is, however, a very common misconception. Many people believe that £5000 is the cut-off point at which a BEVA 5 Stage Veterinary Certificate will be required by the Insurer to permit the horse to be covered for this value. Insurers now take into account other parameters as well as the Sum Insured for the horse when they are determining whether or not a veterinary certificate will be required. If the horse is a new purchase then some Insurers may base their decision on the purchase price of the horse rather than the Sum you wish to insure the horse for. This is so that under-insurance cannot be used to avoid having a vetting carried out which Underwriters may feel will provide them with valuable information regarding the horse’s current state of health and evidence of any previous injuries. Dependant on whether Loss of Use cover has been requested for the horse in question may also

dictate if a vetting is required and also what level – in some cases the horse may be insured for a higher value and still only require a BEVA 2 Stage vetting if no Loss of Use cover has been requested. If no cover for veterinary fees is required then the maximum Sum Insured accepted without a veterinary certificate may increase further again. The same rules apply for defining whether x-rays will be compulsory for the insurance policy; the value of the horse and the covers requested will all be taken into account. If your horse has been owned for some time and has been insured elsewhere with a clean history (i.e. no significant claims) and you wish to move to a new insurance company, it is sometimes possible to waive any vetting requirements that would normally apply to a new risk as long as you can provide proof of insurance and also a copy of the vetting that was carried out when you purchased the horse, or if this is not available then a clinical history printout from your veterinary practice will often suffice. For horses that have been purchased abroad and have a European vetting this should not pose a problem providing that all the applicable stages of a UK vetting have been carried out and recorded. European vettings

can often be more in-depth (particularly in comparison to a 2 stage vetting) and the findings are reported quite directly on the certificate, usually by way of a series of tick-boxes. Vettings written in a foreign language will obviously require translation though! Generally speaking, the vetting must have been carried out within 30 days of the policy inception date. If your horse was vetted more than 30 days before your policy started then an addendum is usually accepted in addition to the original certificate – this involves a vet assessing the horse in order to confirm the details noted on the original vetting are still accurate and there is no new information that must be added to the comments recorded previously. If the horse’s health or condition has changed in any way then this must be advised in the vet’s report. It is advisable to speak to your Insurers to discuss their requirements before you arrange to purchase the horse, so you can arrange for any prerequisites to be carried out in good time and avoid any extra expenditure. You can also ensure you are able to insure your horse for the appropriate covers without assuming what the threshold is before a vetting becomes obligatory, and potentially reducing your cover unnecessarily.

Bedding Solutions for Respiratory Health!

D

Equestrian World Insurance Services oFFer tHe FolloWinG specialiseD Facilities

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or EMAIL Festival Business centre, 150 Brand street, Glasgow G51 1DH email: equestrianwrld@yahoo.co.uk equestrianwrld@yahoo.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Services Authority Equestrian World Insurance Services is a trading name of Greenwood Insurance Consultants Limited which is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Registered office 2 Buchanan Gate, Stepps, Glasgow, G33 6FB. Company registration no. SC268105.

38 | January 2015

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 38

uring the winter months, a horse’s respiratory health can become a concern if stabled for longer periods of time with limited or poor ventilation. Horses are especially sensitive to changes in their routine and environment, so as the cool, wet climate approaches there is an increased risk of developing respiratory problems, in turn leading to potential disruption of airflow to the lungs, varying degrees of difficulty in breathing and in some cases an intolerance to exercise. Help manage respiratory health by being prepared this winter and prevent a disorder from becoming a long-term problem! Just as we are inclined to shut out the miserable weather by closing barn doors and windows, one of the most common causes of respiratory problems is inadequate ventilation for stabled horses, leading to an increased risk of exposure to mould, spores and dust. Disorders such as Recurrent Airway Disease (RAD) can become a persistent, long-standing problem for horses, leading to a decline in health and overall performance, however one of the best solutions to preventing a problem from occurring this winter is to provide a fresh supply of clean, hygienic, low-dust bedding! Nedz bedding provides a hygienic, virtually dust-free, non-toxic environment for your horse. Made from chopped and treated high quality straw, it is comfortable, absorbent and cost effective. Nedz Pro is made from exceptionally absorbent rape straw to give a hygienic alternative to other bedding methods. This high absorbency reduces the risk of harmful ammonia, while dust, mould and spores are removed via the state of the art dust extraction process during manufacture. Before baling, Nedz Pro is coated with a bitter tasting formula containing Manuka, Cade Oil, Aloe Vera and Silver to provide a hygienic anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment to further boost respiratory support Nedz Pro is quick and easy to muck-out, working best on a deep litter basis, giving you more time to spend with your horse during those dreaded winter months when mundane chores seem to take twice as long! Nedz Pro is available in 20kg bags, priced from £7.50 - £8.50. To find out more tel: (01772) 877096 or visit www.nedz.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:48


Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

A Clean Yard is a Healthy Yard! Keep Stable

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here has never been a better time to start using HAYGAIN Envirocair Veterinary disinfectant to safeguard your yard. With diseases easily spread, are you doing everything you can to minimise the risk to your yard and your horses? We are all well aware of the importance of correct feeding methods, but the need to implement correct bio-security, to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of disease is so often overlooked. Both are essential to horse’s welfare. New disinfectants have a residual barrier, which offers longer protection therefore preventing an area from becoming infected between applications. Adopt a new cleaning regime with Envirocair Veterinary disinfectant and you can relax with the knowledge your yard is better protected for up to 14 days. Top Dressage rider Hannah Biggs, expresses her concerns: “Media awareness has highlighted the importance of bio-security and yard hygiene. It is every rider’s responsibility to minimise the risk of disease spread and a useful tool for this is Envirocair disinfectant. “Envirocair gives me peace of mind that I am doing my best for my horses in the fight against disease. The Herpes Virus is ever present, but we can take steps to help to reduce exposure and infection.” Protect your horses from bacteria, fungi and viruses including Streptococcus Equi (Strangles),

E. Coli, Herpesviridae (Equine Herpes), MRSA, Parvovirus and Candida Albicans with Envirocair Veterinary. Due to its food-safe and non-corrosive properties, it is so simple to apply, you can use just a garden pump sprayer to disinfect your stables, lorry and walker, use the hand gel to help prevent cross contamination between horses, even put it in your washing machine to disinfect rugs and numnahs to ensure your yard is disease free. For large yards it’s even easier with the use of a fogging machine which produces a fine mist of Envirocair, giving complete coverage within a barn or stable block. This is a great time saving method of application and reaches all the awkward places. Envirocair Veterinary is DEFRA approved and when prices start at under £10 for a trigger spray bottle why would you not protect your yard? Act now to ensure bio-security. For further information please contact HAYGAIN hay steamers on 0333 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.com

Bedding Dry! W

ith winter here, isn’t it time you looked for a bedding solution that’s not only cost effective, but could even give you some extra time in bed on those cold and dark winter mornings?! Verdo is a new generation of horse bedding pellet which not only has a low dust content, making it the ideal choice for horses with compromised respiratory issues, but also absorbs three times its own weight in liquid. This not only helps maintain a dry environment, but also reduces ammonia.This in turn not only reduces your muckheap but also the amount of bedding taken out, saving you time and money in the long run! To find out more information and to view a demonstration video, please visit; www. verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009 RRP: £5.65 £5.95 per 15kg bag

Premium Premium quality, quality, finely finely chopped chopped and and dust-extracted rape dust-extracted rape straw straw BENEFITS BENEFITS  Highly absorbent, easy-to-handle  Highly absorbent, easy-to-handle

with with fast fast rot rot down down

 Treated with Trus-STEED  Treated with Trus-STEED

stable stable guard guard and and bitter bitter taste taste

 Available with added  Available with added

eucalyptus eucalyptus or or citronella citronella essential oils essential oils  Economical to use with  Economical to use with recyclable recyclable packaging packaging  UK sourced  UK sourced

www.blissbedding.com Phone the number below for your nearest stockist quoting refEJ1

Tel: Tel: 01335 01335 310202 310202 || info@blissbedding. info@blissbedding. com com Yew Tree Farm, Wetton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Yew Tree Farm, Wetton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 DE6 2AF 2AF www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 39

Phone the number below for your nearest stockist quoting refEJ1

January 2015 | 39

18/12/2014 13:48


Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

KEEP YOUR STABLE FRESH AND CLEAN

Ammonia & Respiratory Health A

Stable Fresh Stable Fresh is the perfect way to banish ammonia smells and disinfect floors all winter long – making it a valuable product for any stable yard. The dry disinfectant powder doesn’t require drying time and can be sprinkled onto concrete floors or matting as and when needed. It’s anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal at the same time as being non harmful to animals and humans. The long lasting powder can be used as and when necessary with a little going a long way. Stable Fresh is available in 2.5kg, 5kg and 10kg quantities. Prices start from £14.95.

mmonia is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. Horses excrete urea in both urine and faeces and this is rapidly converted to ammonia. Ammonia molecules tend to be deposited in the upper and proximal lower airways where they primarily cause musical irritation, inflammation and dysfunction, promote mucus secretion and airway narrowing and disrupt defences against other inhaled particles.

Microlat Stable Disinfectant Supplied as a concentrated liquid, Microlat Stable Disinfectant is made using essential oils and is safe for animals but powerful on bacteria, viruses and fungi. The anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti viral liquid can be used like a conventional disinfectant on flooring and matting, but can also be diluted and used as a body wash for ringworm and other skin conditions, sprayed onto straw to act on dust bearing bacteria, and even sprayed into the air space in the stable as needed. Microlat Stable Disinfectant is available in 250ml, 1L and 5 L bottles, with a 1L bottle making up to 160 litres of ready to use disinfectant. Prices start from £8.75. For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@ equimins.com or call 01548 531770.

Like many noxious gases, ammonia probably acts additively or synergistically with other inhaled non-infectious or infectious agents, or exacerbates pre-existing disease processes such as asthma, or modulate T-lymphocyte responses and decrease pulmonary immunity. Heaves (Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) or Recurrent Airway Disease (RAD)) is a very common condition in horses. IAD and RAD are known to be caused by inhaling irritants like dust and ammonia and/or allergens. Ammonia may also enhance the Inflammatory response in airways induced by other dust agents, particularly endotoxin and bacteria, and therefore may be an important additive component in the generation of IAD in horses. While ammonia levels in stables will inevitably have peaks and troughs, it is long term low level exposure to noxious gases that more commonly results in airway inflammation than acute exposures. In the beginning horses with ammonia induced airway disease will suffer from decreased stamina and will tend to cough during exercise. Prolonged exposure leads to horses that have an increased respiratory effort even at rest that can progress to difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, horses with RAD will lose weight due to the difficulty of breathing while trying to eat. It is not uncommon for a horse to have a respiratory tract infection between the ages of two and six months. Ammonia inhalation can exacerbate the respiratory disease, which can lead to pneumonia.

Equissential offers your horse an enhanced living environment, enabling improved breathing conditions whilst stabled, convalescing or travelling. Equissential is non-hazardous, non–irritant, non-toxic, noncarcinogenic, environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

 Clinically proven to remove 98% of ammonia *

 Kills bacteria & germs  Stops the spread of viruses and disease  Eliminates odours on contact  Improves air quality and encapsulates dust  Improves living conditions  Offers revolutionary equine biosecurity  Tested to BS EN1276 and BS EN1656 protocol  Use to clean stalls, barns, wash racks, blankets, etc  Available in 1 litre ready to use professional trigger spray or 5 and 25 litre concentrate.  Used by leading race yards and show jumpers  Accredited as a genuine scientific breakthrough. Made and invented in the UK. Manufactured by 2Pure Products, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE13 7BA. Tel: +44(0)191 217 1717. Email: info@2pureproducts.com

www.equissential.works 40 | January 2015

Equi_Ads_JAN_NAT_rev.indd 40

Ammonia and Airway Diseases

Treatment & Prevention

Prevention is better than cure has long been a true saying, and with no simple solution available from the veterinary cabinet it is important to focus on environmental management.

Experts advise that this is the single most important factor in ammonia reduction and the improvement of respiratory health for horses in general. In particular, owners should focus on the horses ‘breathing zone’, the two foot sphere around the horses nose from where they draw their breath. Ammonia Reducing Products

Using a product that reduces the amount of ammonia present in the barn or stall can significantly assist in the control of ammonia levels and in some cases can reduce the ‘elbow grease’ required. Additionally some products will encapsulate dust and provide further advantages. The most popular options are: Lime Traditionally lime based products have been used in barns and stalls. These products have the disadvantage that they do not actually absorb or neutralise the odour, they just cover it up. Some are also caustic which is not recommended. Natural Minerals These products use a mixture of minerals that tend to include ingredients such as earth, clay and natural minerals. While these products are non-toxic, moisture absorbing and trap ammonia they add to the workload of the owner or workers. Apart from absorbing ammonia there are little other benefits to their use. Enzyme Based Products In simple terms this is using one type of bacteria to eat the problem bacteria. While this type of product is widely used in a number of different applications to remove odours, research has shown that enzyme based products may be responsible for triggering things like asthma on their own, work extremely slowly and may cause other issues if the horse eats its own bedding and consumes the bacteria. Equissential A scientific break-through, Equissential should be used as part of the mucking out regime. This product immediately encapsulates and removes the ammonia molecules permanently. Additional benefits include protection against virus and disease and the product is safe to use around your horse, is non-irritant and bio-degradable. www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:48


Xxxxxxxxxx Results

Hall Place Autumn Show Emma Sumbler reports

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new home in Nettlebed and Jack, age 9, has grown in confidence – he loves ‘Berry’. Tiffany Faires had a successful day winning 2 classes – Best Chestnut and Family Pony with Arazmataz. Schoolmaster, Oldcourt Amadeus, aka ‘Puff’, took first place in the Veteran 21 and over section. He is a new pony for the Henman family to give Olivia and Grace riding confidence. Winners from the 19 showing classes went forward to compete for the Best In Show sponsored by the British Equestrian Trade Association. Judges Mrs Jane Gaut and Miss Louise Good were in agreement – the well deserved Champion was DL Maple Ruby Princess, a 9 year old arab from Carterton, ridden by Isabel Mora. Good weather helped the success of the day. Hall Place Show Manager, Kate Turner, was delighted to see new faces with familiar ones. ‘We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2015. Hall Place has a full programme of events with 33 competitions!’ Fixtures and schedules www.hallplace.com. Interview opportunities: Emma Sumbler, Show Secretary, at Hall Place Equestrian Centre 0118 9426938 or email info@hall-place.com

eovet were the new sponsors of the Autumn Novice Show at Hall Place Equestrian Centre, Reading. Horse care prizes from Leovet were presented to the winner of each class. The show began with the Youngstock class won by the foal Taincwn Zita led by Neil Wandless from Dorney Reach. New Forest pony, Pepper, took first place in Best Condition Grass Kept, with 13 year old Skye Hunt from Beenham. This dun pony was also second in Best Roan, Dun, Palomino. The winner was the palomino, Robin, ridden by Lola Dance of Swallowfield. ‘Robin is such a loving pony – he follows Lola around like a dog, plays chase and whinnies when he sees her!’ said Lola’s mum Stacy. They are looking forward to more competitions next year. The Best Child Handler went to 3 year old Holly Larkcom- Cox with Tommy Tickle Toes. They were also placed in the Lead Rein class and the Fancy Dress as a witch! Shetland pony Burnside Lara was the Lead Rein winner ridden by Gavina Semonella, and led by mum, Carmen Streams from Goring Heath. Jack Wells with his new pony, Blackberry, were the winners of Best Black. This delightful Welsh C mare has recently settled into her

Best Child Handler – Holly Larkcom-Cox & Tommy Tickle Toes

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

Feeding The Haylage Co.

A cost effective alternative to hay. Based South Hertfordshire, we deliver

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_JAN_EW_rev.indd 41

Call 01159 461 146

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

Park Farm Hayage Large quality bales of haylage. All guaranteed. Based East Midlands Tel: 07721 675728

Wholesale

South East

Youngstock – Taincwn Zita

Include your details here.

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

Saddlery

Best Condition Grass Kept – Pepper & Skye Hunt

Best Black – Blackberry & Jack Wells Images by Royle Photography Equestrian Events www.rpeevents.co.uk.

Best In show – DL Maple Ruby Princess & Isabel Mora

Directory Country Stores

Lead Rein Pony – Burnside Lara & Gavina Semonella

Thinking of starting your own equestrian retail business? Then contact us: Hucklesby Associates Equestrian Wholesalers to the trade Tel: 01362 696 309 Fax: 01362 696 582

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

Worming East Regular worm egg counts can save money! 6-8 weekly spring through autumn £5 each. Church Farm FEC Tel: 01728 685 638 Email: churchfarmfec@hotmail.co.uk

January 2015 | 41

18/12/2014 13:35


Xxxxxxxxxx News

TRIED AND TESTED Harthill Stud Stallions

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qui-Ads sent Moo Haven Animal Sanctuary in Sandiacre, Derby a GViz head collar to test on one of their residents - Bobby, a very nervy pony who can be difficult to catch. The temptation to leave a head collar on Bobby was hard to resist but as we have lots of fences, trees and bushes he could get caught on this was never an option - until the quick release head collar arrived at Moo Haven! They told Equi-Ads “We are glad to say Bobby has got over his initial nervousness and leaving a head collar on him without having to worry has helped. I would recommend this head collar without a doubt and I do know the quick release works as we did find it on a fence one morning! It’s very easy to spot E“ p tnellecx cudorBrilliant being eV .torange! yrbright E“i x c e l l e n t rwpdessercpxm dtoidefinitely cruwill Vus.twe product y”rsetand E“i h erpm l l e e n t l p r o d u c t . e s V es y”rsetlto iw dyou. continue erith- tthank ususe roC i

attend the British Stallion Event

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arthill Stud stallions Ramiro B and Arkol will be showcased at the British Stallion Event at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire. The one day spectacular at Hartpury College on January 3, brings together many of the leading stallions from the UK and Europe. The event allows owners to present their stallions while commentary is provided with a biography of the stallions’ pedigree, competing history and notable progeny. Before the demonstrations get underway the stables are always busy wanting to view the stallions first hand. ”stluser gnizawith mapotential ylpmBarbour imare s thowners guob reve eva h Iare gndelighted iht tseto b ebehtaking T“ Said Stud: “We ”stluser gnizam a yNina lpmis thgofuoHarthill b reve e v a h I g n i h t t s e b ehT“ touthe ”stluser gnizaRamiro d ma yBlpand agW aBritish miArkol v iA s rth orb re veStallion evah Event. I gniht tseb ehT“ raW “They are twodvery different in ravitypes A at both ends of the spectrum d r a W r a v i A terms of their careers as stallions. Arkol, at seven-years-old is just starting out while Ramiro B is long established and highly sought.” At the British Stallion Event, Arkol, a top class, modern day esahcrshowjumper up taepewill r abesiridden sihTby.tcWilliam udorpWhitaker. citsatnaF“ sa hycM ruThe p tua eopofrepArgentinus r saihsti seishu–Talso .ttcethe uudnsire oitrnpofoccNick itlslaaSkelton’s son top ride, n ese r o h . t c d o httathletic sa IF d““nformer sa hycM a rArko u.p tuad preknown r saihstfor i seishis huTtrainable . t c u d o r p c i t s a n a F ese r”o lll –eo is attitude and ability, already h t c p on c ilw laohhssIsdi na su smaking ti m od rfo e snsfor oih phimself se rsuevo ittte ithe su on piittan g esr”oe tcu r p a name on showjumping circuit. t e o e u n n o c l l a h s I d n a ehsuyM sti.m orf esnopser evitisop a gniwohs si B, introduction sire of Nations Cup level ”esu stiRamiro tngonpino morfn eosneeds rT slele rK evyic tiaso pwith a gthe niw ohs si showjumpers noand tgn4*ilEventers leK ycproviding arT a blend of some of the best notgniand lleK ycarbloodlines Belgian Warmblood Holstein available today. T He is currently 10th in the Event Horse Sire World Rankings, created in total FEI points accumulated by the success of his progeny, and is also the only stallion in the top 10 available with fresh semen into the UK and Ireland, with frozen available worldwide. Offspring include leading eventers Cooley Masterclass, Noble Bestman and Ballynoe Castle RM, while in the world of showjumping Ramiro Cruise, Samgemjee and Heracross all show superb talent. In the 2014 Go for Gold Sale at Gorsebridge, a three-year-old Ramiro B gelding certainly caught the eye making a fantastic €53,500. Harthill Stud is also the home of the Thoroughbred stallion, Power Blade, well known for producing event, show jumpers and show horses. Power Blade is an Approved Irish Sport Horse Stallion and Approved by Sport Horse Breeding GB. Progeny include event horses Power Line and Power Drive, show jumpers Wexford and Shantonagh, and show horses Woodfield Indo and Hitman. Visit the Harthill Stud stand at the British Stallion Event and the stallions Arkol and Ramiro B. For further information contact Harthill Stud on (01829) 720775 or visit www.harthillstud.com

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he Equetech Vision Breastplate is a bold V-shaped breastplate with 50mm reflective vertical stripes, which helps draw attention to you and your horse and also features a neck strap with adjustable buckle clip, m oc.xreflective -rasesro h@ pleh :liand am E adjustable strap, reflective badge reinforced binding m oc.x-rasegirth sro h@ pleh :liam E to hem. Colours: Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Pink Sizes: PONY/COB & COB/FULL. RRP: £20.95 The Equetech Vision Neck Band is made from a soft 38mm polyester webbing with printed 25mm reflective stripe for maximum visibility. Colours: Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Pink Sizes: FULL.RRP: £16.75

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42 | January 2015

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24/10/2014 14:51 09:29 18/12/2014


Bridleway Xxxxxxxxxx News • Healthcare

Peak Horsepower Bridleway News Monsal to Matlock and Buxton - hiccough for riders A

£7.5m project is afoot to improve cycling for leisure and daily journeys in and out of the Peak District. Called ‘Pedal Peak’ (Phase 2) it will create four new routes which will take cyclists and walkers into and through the Peak Park from the surrounding areas. Four highway authorities are involved (Derbyshire County Council, Staffordshire County Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council) plus the Peak Park. Of particular interest, but also of concern to horse riders, is the loop which will connect the Monsal and High PeakTrails to Matlockand Buxton.The intention is to make the part of the loop that goes through the Haddon Estate as far as Rowsley available to horse riders. But for safety reasons Peak Rail, which runs steam trains between Rowsley and Matlock, does not want to allow horse riders to use the Rowsley to Matlock section because it goes close to the railway line and the trains. Peak Horsepower and MADBAG (Matlock and District Bridleways Access Group) encouraged members to take part in the consultation on the project, which recorded over 860 responses and considerable interest from the horse riding community. The PHP response agreed that horses and steam trains do not mix but suggested either allowing horse riders access at times when Peak Rail is not operating (trains do not run every day) or providing an alternative route for riders around the Rowsley-Matlock section.This could be done by upgrading footpaths to the south west of the route. Although we were complemented on the constructive nature of our response, the project officer has confirmed that Peak Rail remains adamant that horse riders should not be allowed near to the track on which the steam trains run and they insist that Pedal Peak is first and foremost a cycling initiative. We will press for an alternative route to be created for riders.

BHS AROWAC Visit W (AROWAC = Access and Rights of Way Committee)

e reported in the June newsletter that Mark Weston, Director of Access at the BHS, had visited the Peak District to see for himself the problems being caused for riders by off-road 4x4s and motor bikes. Mark then invited members of the BHS Access and Rights of Way Committee (AROWAC) to come up to the Peak District to see the for themselves the problems riders are facing. We took them to Brushfield and Hollinsclough, two of the many locations where ‘off-roading’ is driving riders away from places they should be able to ride. We were hoping to persuade the committee that the BHS needs to change its current stance on off-roading. Sadly, the visit showed that we still have a long way to go in shifting the views of the majority of the committee. Most (though not all) members who took part in the visit did not agree that off-roading is denying us access to riding routes. One member even suggested that the only real problem is that ‘people don’t know how to ride any more’! However, we had a major success when the issue was debated at the BHS National Access Conference in October. Peak Horsepower were invited to speak on ‘Whether the use of unsealed highways by motor/mechanically propelled vehicles is denying access to horse riders’. Patricia Stubbs spoke strongly on our behalf. She was opposed by a speaker from The Land Access and Recreation Association (LARA), the organisation which represents off-roading interests. We were delighted by the vote at the end of the debate when Peak Horsepower’s view was supported by a good majority. We are now calling for all BHS members to be consulted on what should be the BHS’s position on the use of unsealed highways by off-road motor vehicles. We have also raised with the BHS the issue of conflicts of interests as far as membership of AROWAC is concerned. One member of the Committee is the Chair of the Hertfordshire branch of the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) - the trail bike riders’ organisation - and he has been publicly supporting the TRF’s High Court Challenge to the decision of the Planning Inspectorate that Bradley Lane, Pilsley, is a bridleway 44 | January 2015

Equi_Ads_JAN_EW_rev.indd 44

What is an MRI?

I

f your horse has to go to the vets it may have one of a number of types of scan: ultrasound scan, bone scan, CT scan, and MRI scan are the most common. Each type of scan allows the vet to create an image of part of the body, and so see inside the region where they are trying to diagnose a problem. The different types of scan use different physical properties of the body to form the image, and so show different things. An MRI scan relies on a peculiar quantum property of the hydrogen atom. Hydrogen is a part of everything in the body; in particular it is part of the water molecule (the H in H2O) and of fat. The nucleus of the hydrogen atom has the commonly understood properties of mass and electric charge, and also another called spin. Spin causes the nucleus to wobble when placed in a magnetic field, much like a spinning top will wobble under the influence of gravity. MRI physicists since the 1950’s have learned how to manipulate these wobbles. By synchronising many different atoms together the effect is made strong enough to detect by radio waves. Using electric coils to change the magnetic field in different places shows where exactly the signal is coming from. And the time it takes for the wobbles to build up and decay away can be used to distinguish fat from water. The end result, from a single examination of a horse foot, is about 500 different black-and-white images showing slices in different places and different directions, with bright and dark areas relating to different fat and water content. These images are interpreted by an experienced vet who knows where fat and water would be in the normal animal, and so can detect any abnormalities. The unusual presence of water is particularly significant as swelling and uptake of water is a common response of the body to injury. The benefits of a standing scan Because MRI can directly detect water it is a very powerful way to locate lesions. But the signal from the nuclei is tiny, and so has to be collected for a long time to make an image. While an x-ray might take fractions of a second, and ultrasound only a bit longer, an MRI image might take five minutes to collect and a whole examination more than an hour. During this time the animal cannot move, or the image would be smeared and fuzzy. Yet you cannot just ask a horse to stay still in the same way as you can a human patient. The easy option, and the universal one until the invention of the Hallmarq standing MRI, was to anaesthetise the horse and place it in a modified MRI machine like the ones used in human hospitals. But general anaesthesia of a horse carries

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Katy Carter! B

lack Country Saddles sponsored show pony producer Katy Carter, from Stoke-on-Trent had a very busy and successful 2014 season.

Here we catch up with Katy to catch a glimpse of her hectic lifestyle. 1. I went to Moorside High School in Stoke-on-Trent but I didn’t like school much as I always wanted to be out riding. 2. My nickname was Budge! 3. If I hadn’t become a show producer in the equestrian world I would have liked to have been a fashion designer or run my own restaurant.

4. My Dad is the person who inspired me most and is still involved in producing show ponies. 5. I have a dog called Widget, he’s a real character! 6. I am fortunate to be sponsored by Black Country Saddles and my daughter Poppy has a saddle named after her! 7. I help promote the saddles which not only fit extremely well but also enhance the www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:35


Bridleway Xxxxxxxxxx News • Healthcare some risks, partly because the animal is so heavy it prevents blood flow in the underneath parts squashed down by its own weight, and partly because it may panic on waking up and risk causing another injury. With the advent in the 1990’s of modern sedative drugs, and computers powerful enough to run motion compensation software, Hallmarq was able to develop a special MRI for standing horses. Today MRI is routinely accepted as the best way to see inside the hoof of a lame animal, and the lessons learned from MRIs of tens of thousands of horses have also helped vets better understand how to interpret all those other scans: ultrasound, CT and nuclear scintigraphy. Casper Recovers Thanks To MRI Scanning Event rider Annabelle Farrar’s horse Casper went lame after a competition in May last year. The eight-year-old gelding showed no external signs of injury, so came to Oakham Veterinary Hospital to investigate the problem. The vets did nerve blocks that showed the foot was the source of the pain and, when X-rays showed no abnormalities, an MRI scan was performed to investigate the soft tissues. The MRI scan showed that Casper had a small tear in his deep digital flexor tendon, low down within his hoof. Casper needed to have keyhole surgery to clean up the tear and an injection of ‘platelet rich plasma’ to help the tendon to heal. This treatment went well. A repeat scan last month showed that the tendon had healed well. Casper is now back in full work and hoping to be back out competing this season. Said Annabelle: “The Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI scanner has been fantastic. It revealed in detail what was wrong with Casper, enabling a full diagnosis. After the treatment it then gave the ability to do a repeat scan to see how well Casper had recovered. Giving me the confidence to push on with him, back into work. For further information contact Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging on (01483) 877812 or visit www.hallmarq.net

overall appearance when it comes to showing. 8. My favourite show of the season is the Horse of the Year Show which is a really prestigious event and you have to qualify to compete there. 9. I could not live without my

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partner Jason, my two sons Harry and Harvey and daughter Poppy. 10. I am a BSPS, PUK, Chaps, BSPA and Veteran judge and I have my BHSAI and BSPS Accredited Trainers Certificate.

Bradley Lane Pilsley T - the saga continues

here have now been two public inquiries intothe BOAT claim on Bradley Lane. There had to be a second Inquiry because the TRF objected to the initial bridleway decision. The second Inquiry took place in March. We got the decision in June. It confirmed the decision of the first Inquiry that Bradley Lane is legally a bridleway. The TRF have now asked for leave to appeal to the High Court! The TRF legal challenge is being openly supported by BHS Access and Rights of Way Committee Member Mario Costa Sa. We understand that the case was heard in December.

BOAT Claim Round Up S

ince the last newsletter, Derbyshire County Council has started to investigate BOAT claims on three more riding routes: Derby Lane, Monyash; Martin Lane, Wingerworth; and the route from Over Haddon via Meadow Place farm to the Conksbury Bridge road, Youlgreave.We expect all of these BOAT claims to lead to Public Inquiries.The next inquiry in the pipeline will to be into the Brushfield route.

South Peak Loop Pilot Ride P

HP member Sarah Burnley has done a successful test ride of the South Peak Loop. This new long-distance ride is now fully researched and mapped but it is not yet way marked or officially open. Sarah did it over four days in September on Cracker her 13hh Exmoor pony, accompanied by her friend Gill on Patience, a 12.1hh Exmoor. Cracker was barefoot but Sarah took her Back Country boots in case they were needed. Sarah and Gill researched and arranged their own overnight accommodation. The total length of the ride is about 85 miles, so to do it in four days Sarah and Gill needed to average just over 20 miles a day, a big task for their small but tough ponies. Their first day was from Little Hucklow to Wolfescote Grange (outside Hartington) via Millers Dale station on the Monsal Trail, the Pennine Bridleway from Chee Dale and the High PeakTrail.The overnight stop for the ponies at Wolfscote Grange was an airy cow barn, which Sarah says was excellent as it gave the ponies plenty of space to move around in.The human accommodation was, she reports, ‘luxurious’. The route for the second day was via the Manifold Valley and the Tissington Trail to Carsington Water. Because it was difficult to find accommodation around Carsington, day two had to be 25 miles rather than 20, which made for a long day. But all was well:‘We arrived at our overnight stop about 8:30pm (don’t tell my husband!) and put two tired ponies to bed in the most luxurious stables, piled high with a straw bedding. Our hostess heated up a spag bol and we shared a bottle of wine I had bought with us and retired to bed with relief thinking that we had broken the back of the ride’. The third day was round Carsington Water, and then North towards Elton and Bakewell. Sarah and Gill decided to miss out a small section because of the big effort their ponies had put in the previous day. ‘Luckily’, Sarah says,‘there are so many options here it was easy to tailor the route’.The overnight stop in Bakewell was a livery yard where the Exmoors and the ride generated a lot of interest. Day four involved a bit of retracing of steps from Bakewell to rejoin the route proper and passing Lady Manners School after 9:00 am, to avoid the start of the school day. The intrepid pair were now on their way to Chatsworth. This part of the route currently involves a short section of the busy A6. Sarah decided to keep the ponies on the footpath to be a bit away from the traffic and she reports that this worked OK. PHP hopes to establish an alternative to using the A6 before the ride is officially opened. Sarah reports that Chatsworth ‘felt like one of the highlights of the route, and the ponies were keen to strike out and canter as soon as we hit the turf ’. She adds:‘it did seem odd to find ourselves back in Bakewell again a couple of hours later, only a mile from where we had started earlier that morning. It seemed to go against the point of a longdistance ride, but worth it’. The last leg was via the Monsal Trail, a photo call at Millers Dale station,Tideswell and home.‘Cracker’, says Sarah,‘had led nearly the whole route and by now was on a mission (continued on page 46) January 2015 | 45

18/12/2014 13:35


Bridleway News • Fixtures (continued from page 45) get back home after four full days riding, nearly 8 hours a day and covering 85 miles’. Sarah did use the Back Country boots a little on the first two days but as they were making Cracker’s feet sweat she did the last two days barefoot, trotting only on tarmac or grass verges. She says he was fine. Sarah’s verdict? “Overall it was a fantastic ride and took us over the most beautiful and stunning scenery and countryside, with the added bonus of plenty of brew stops along the way.There was plenty of hill work so you have to make good use of the trails to make the schedule. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone and I look forward to the official opening!”

New BHS Board member P

HP committee member Diane Tranter has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the BHS. Di and PHP would like to thank everyone who voted for her. She received over 800 votes. Congratulations to Di. We wish her well in her efforts on behalf of horses and their riders. PHP membership is now 292

Chapel Gate repair row A

rumpus has broken out about DCC repairs to the upper section of Chapel Gate (the link to the Pennine Bridleway from Edale and part of the Kinder Loop long-distance ride). The Council has been bombarded with objections from mountain bikers who don’t want the rocky steps repaired or the track flattened. They also want user groups to be consulted about the character of all DCC repairs to unsurfaced highways. PHP and the BHS are being consulted about the repair plans and will be meeting DCC shortly. All the repairs complained of so far have been to BOATs, Restricted Byways or unsealed unclassified highways. Horse riders, cyclists, pedestrians and carriage drivers are all legal users of this class of right of way. We think that if DCC were willing to use Traffic Regulation Orders to exclude motor vehicles from routes which cannot sustain the wear and tear of 4x4s and motor bikes, they would not have been having to repair them in the first place.

House of Lords T

he organisations pressing for changes in the law on green lanes are continuing to exploit the passage of the Deregulation Bill. At the time of writing, the Bill is in the House of Lords. An amendment to the Bill obliging the government to identify the costs and burdens of motor vehicle use of unsealed highways and to create a timetable for consultation and new legislation was debated in Committee on 28 October.You can read the amendment and the debate in Hansard at http:// www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldhansrd/ text/141028-gc0002.htm#1410292000226 Discussions about the content of the amendment are now taking place with government. The original Green Lanes Protection Group amendment (see June newsletter) was not debated as the Lords Public Bill Office (don’t ask, but it’s part of the legislative process) decided it was outside the scope of the Deregulation Bill and could not be tabled.There were no surprises here, but the original amendment, which sought to classify over 3,000 miles of green lanes as restricted byways, was worth a shot.

‘Zorbing’ H

orses have to learn to cope with all sorts of hazards. In the last issue we ran an item about a planning application for a war games centre near Chesterfield, thankfully turned down by the planning authority, in part because of its proximity to a riding establishment. The latest hazard we have come across is ‘zorbing’. For readers who don’t know about zorbing, it involves several people getting inside a huge transparent ball about 3m across and then rolling in it down a hill. Good fun you might think. But this is happening on a golf course near Chesterfield on a hillside which ends next to a bridleway, spooking any horses which happen to be passing. We will keep you posted.

46 | January 2015

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HALL PLACE FIXTURES 2015 SHOW DATES

Monday 12th January Dressage inc – UK Riders Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Monday 9th February Dressage inc – UK Riders Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Monday 16th February Show Jumping inc – UK Riders Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Friday 20th February Mini Show Jumping Monday 16th March Dressage inc – UK Riders Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Friday 3rd April Easter Show Jumping & Games inc – UK Riders Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Monday 6th April Spring Show & Fun Dog Show – Ridden & In Hand Monday 13th April Dressage to Music and pick your own test Monday 20th April Mini Show Jumping & Combined Training Monday 4th May May Day Show & Fun Dog Show – Show Jumping inc – UK Riders Qualifiers, CT Rider Summer Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Monday 18th May Dressage inc – UK Riders Qualifiers, CT Rider Summer Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Monday 25th May Show Jumping inc – UK Riders Regional Finals, CT Rider Summer Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Sunday 7th June Mini Cross Country Monday 15th June Dressage inc – UK Riders Regional Finals, CT Rider Summer Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Sunday 21st June Cross Country inc – Horseware National Hunter Trial Qualifiers Sunday 5th July Eventers Challenge - Short Form One-Day Event (Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country) Monday 13th July Dressage inc – CT Rider Summer Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Sunday 19th July Mini Eventers Challenge Friday 24th July Show Jumping & Mini Show Jumping inc – CT Rider Summer Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers Monday 3rd August Dressage to Music and pick your own test Sunday 9th August Cross Country inc - Horseware National Hunter Trial Qualifiers Wednesday 12th August – Friday 14th August Pony Camp Friday 14th August In House Show Monday 31st August ANNUAL SHOW CT Rider Showing Qualifiers & Sunshine Tour Qualifiers, & Fun Dog Show Monday 7th September Dressage inc – UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers & CT Rider Summer Qualifiers Sunday 13th September Mini Cross Country Monday 5th October Dressage inc – UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers & CT Rider Summer Qualifiers Sunday 18th October Mini Show Jumping Monday 26th October Show Jumping inc – UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Friday 30th October Autumn Novice Show & Fun Dog Show – Ridden & In Hand Monday 16th November Dressage inc – UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:35


Bridleway Xxxxxxxxxx News • Fixtures Monday 7th December Dressage Sunday 13th December Christmas Show - Show Jumping & Pony Games UNAFFILIATED DRESSAGE

Monday 12th January Introductory A (2008) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 1 (2006) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 12 (2005) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 24 (2010) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 42 (2008) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 9th February Introductory B (2009) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 4 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 13(2006) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 27 (2007) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 44 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 16th March Pony Club D level 1 Walk & Trot Preliminary 7 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 14 (2006) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 28 (2008) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 49 (2009) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 13th April Dressage to Music Intro, Prelim, Novice Pick your own Intro A/Prelim 12(2005) Novice 30(2006)/Elementary 42 Monday 18th May Introductory B (2009) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 7 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 18 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 34 (2009) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 50 (2007) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 15th June Pony Club D level 1 Walk & Trot Preliminary 1 (2006) inc. UK Riders Regional Final Preliminary 12 (2005) inc. UK Riders Regional Final Novice 24 (2010) inc. UK Riders Regional Final Elementary 42 (2008) inc. UK Riders Regional Final Monday 13th July Introductory A (2008) Preliminary 4 (2002) Preliminary 13 (2006) Novice 28 (2008) Elementary 49 (2009) Monday 3rd August Dressage to Music Intro, Prelim, Novice Pick your own test Introductory B/Prelim 14 Novice 28/Elementary 49 Monday 7th September Pony Club D level 1 Walk & Trot Preliminary 7 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 18 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 30 (2006) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 50 (2007) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 5th October Introductory A (2008) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 1 (2006) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 12 (2005) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 34 (2009) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 42 (2008) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 16th November Introductory B (2009) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 4 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 18 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 24 (2010) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 44 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Monday 7th December Pony Club D level 1 Walk & Trot Preliminary 14 (2006) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Preliminary 18 (2002) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Novice 27 (2007) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers Elementary 50 (2007) inc. UK Riders Challenge Qualifiers For further information, please visit www.hall-place.com Show secretaries - please send your event dates/results to bob@equiads.net www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_JAN_EW_rev.indd 47

Some Recent feedback on the Kinder Loop... ‘W

e did the first stage of the Kinder Loop today. We used the maps and instructions from the website and it was brilliant. Superbly described and marked and the map was fantastic. .... It was an fabulous ride and really what riding should be all about. Many thanks for making routes like these accessible and maintaining them for horse riders’. ‘Just completed the Kinder Loop last week. Great ride thank you for all the hard work setting it up. Be glad when the Hadfield section is sorted out as the roads quite busy’. ‘What a variety of environments it provides with the woodlands to the reservoirs to the challenging moor’.

AGM W

e held a lively AGM in November. Members heard reports on the things PHP had done over the year. There were also lots of positive ideas and suggestions for the future. Committee membership: Sarah Burnley decided to stand down from the committee and was thanked for all her work. All the other committee members who were willing to stand were reelected, along with new committee member, Karen Haywood.

PHP Committee W

endy Neilson (Chair) Sue Dunk (Treasurer) Sue Mayer (Secretary) Barbara Crossley Charlotte Gilbert Christine Harding Karen Haywood Hilary Stephens Patricia Stubbs (off-roading) Diane Tranter Ally Turner NicolaTym (HVRC) Louisa Wilson (SPEED) Margaret Slater (MADBAG) Representatives of all the riding clubs and groups affiliated to PHP receive agendas and minutes and can also attend committee meetings.

Always Dial 101 P

lease remember to report to the police any dangerous incidents you see involving offroad vehicles. And please report any use of bridleways by motor bikes, quads and 4x4s. Taking a motor vehicle onto a bridleway is illegal. Just dial 101. Always ask for an incident number. Without one your complaint doesn’t make it into the statistics. Contacting PHP: peakhorsepowersecretary@hotmail.co.uk You can now follow us on twitter: @Peak_horsepower www.peakhorsepower.co.uk With on trend design details such as contrast embroidery, logo’s and applique patches this top is ideal for time spent in or out of the saddle. Sizes go from XS to XXL Just Togs are proud to be catering for the larger girls who love to be stylish. RRP: £24.00 Colours: Persian Red, Loganberry, Navy Just Togs Stockist information: 01922 616777 www.justtogs.co.uk

T

his great flattering cotton pique, Benville polo shirt from Just Togs is the perfect wardrobe essential to brighten up the winter days and take you through to the warm spring weather.

LAND WANTED djk03@hotmail.co.uk

07554 144 496 January 2015 | 47

18/12/2014 13:35


STNEMELPPUSpooktakular S MUIM ERP Success! Charlotte’s Corner Xxxxxxxxxx

ULC30 Plus

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48 | January 2015

Equi_Ads_JAN_EW_rev.indd 48

www.equi-ads.com

18/12/2014 13:35

SOU_E


PREMIUM SUPPLEMENTS

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Even the horses are talking about us! PREMIERflex HA ONLY £41.99!!

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Why Choose Premier Flex? Not all equine joint supplements are the same, in fact they differ enormously in the levels of the active ingredients contained in them. A top quality joint supplement should contain not only a good level of Glucosamine which is a relatively cheap ingredient but also highof levels of Rockies’ range mineralised salt licks provides Chondroitin, HAhorses and MSM. Flex is a bucketfeed (or don’t that Premier don’t require possibly the highest spec full equine joint need their ration) with a simple and cost supplement today! effective way of acquiring vitamins, minerals and

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PRODUCTtrace elements. Rockies’ range of mineralised salt licks provides * COMPARISON Here are some top products for winter… Rockies’ of mineralised salt (or licks provides horses that range don’t require a bucketfeed don’t NAF 5 STAR SUPERFLEX Health Licks arewith available in and five cost delicious horses that bucketfeed (or don’t flavours need their fulldon’t ration)require aa simple CORTAFLEX VETVITS EQUI FLEX (carrot, apple, cherry, mint and garlic) andcost sized to fit effective way offull acquiring need their ration)vitamins, with aminerals simple and and PREMIER flex into a 2kg holder. They contain salt and a range trace elements. effective way of acquiring vitamins, minerals and of

Rockies’ range of mineralised licks provides minerals selected for horses. salt MagnaCalm contains trace elements. Here are some top products for winter… horses that don’t require a bucketfeed (orto don’t Health Licks are available in five delicious flavours bioavailable magnesium and is designed counter Here are some top products for winter… their ration) with a simple and cost (carrot,need apple, cherry,full mint andhas garlic) and linked sized to to fit hypertension, deficiency, which been Health Licks are available in five delicious flavours into£19.95!! a effective 2kg holder.can They contain salt andvitamins, a range of It’s way of acquiring minerals and ONLY (50 days supply) cause behavioural great (carrot,which apple, cherry, mint and garlic)issues. and sizeda to fit way of minerals selected for horses. MagnaCalm contains trace elements. providing horses that don’t receive a bucket feed with into a 2kg holder. They contain salt and a range Rockies’ range ofdesigned mineralised saltoflicks provides bioavailable magnesium and is 365 Complete is a superb high spec to counter a calorie freebeen source of magnesium. Here are some tophorses. products for winter… minerals selected for MagnaCalm contains (or don’t which linked to hypertension, horses that don’t require a bucketfeed balancerdeficiency, that goes farhas beyond normal Field & Stable Block is cost effective andflavours great for Health Licks are available in five delicious bioavailable magnesium and is designed to counter cause It’s a great needbehavioural their fullissues. ration) withway a of simple and cost vitamin which andcan mineral products. 365 groups of horses and ponies who live out. It’s to packed (carrot, apple, cherry, mint and garlic) and sized fit providing horses that don’t receive a bucket feed with deficiency, which has been linked to hypertension, Complete includes every vitamin and effective way of acquiring vitamins, minerals and a calorie free source of magnesium. full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It’s ideal which can cause behavioural issues. It’s a great way of into a 2kg holder. They contain salt and a range of mineral a horse needs and these minerals traceBlock elements. Field & Stable is horse cost and great for the multi owner, and costs for fromwith just 3p per providing horses that don’t receive a MagnaCalm bucket feed minerals selected foreffective horses. contains unlike many products are provided in The greatest range on earth groups of horses and ponies who live out. It’s packed Here are some top products for winter… a calorie source oftomagnesium. dayfree per horse use.far more bioavailable magnesium and is designed to counter chelated form which makes them full of vitamins, minerals trace elements. idealdelicious flavours Health Licksand are available inIt’s five “I am not one usually to write about products, SALT but LICKS Field &Complete Stable which Block is cost effective and great for MINERALISED deficiency, has been linked toper hypertension, absorbable. 365 also includes pre for the multi horse owner, and costs from just 3p To find out about Rockies’ range groups of licks, go to... apple, cherry, mint and way sizedofto fit as a HUGE sceptic before I tried it, I just had toon earth of(carrot, horses and ponies who liveand out.garlic) It’sa packed The more greatest range which can cause behavioural issues. It’s great and pro-biotics (gut health), MSM (joints, day per horse to use. into a 2kg holder. They contain salt and a range of full providing of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It’s ideal drop you a line about 365 Complete. I cannot skin, breathing etc) and biotin 365 horses that(feet). don’t receive a bucket feed with minerals selected forpeak horses. find outinmore about time Rockies’ of licks, to... forhelps the multi horse owner, and costs fromMagnaCalm just 3p per contains Complete keep horses believe the difference inTomy 5yo the short I range a go calorie free source ofin magnesium. The greatest range on earth bioavailable magnesium and is to counter day per horse to use. www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies.co.uk or call 01606 595025 condition, the spec on 365 Complete is Field & Stable Block is cost effectivedesigned and great for have been feeding him 365 Complete, his coat is deficiency, which has been linked to hypertension, unsurpassed and yet it is still much cheaper groups of horses and ponies who live out. It’s packed gleaming, he's so relaxed and content and he is To find out more about Rockies’ range to... than of welllicks, known go balancers. which can cause behavioural issues. It’s a great way of

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for the multi horse owner, and costs from just 3p per a calorie source of magnesium. day per horsefree to use. Field & Stable Block is cost effective and great for To find out more about Rockies’ range of licks, go ofto... groups horses and ponies who live out. It’s packed full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It’s ideal www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies.co.uk call 01606 595025 MINERALISED SALT LICKS orfor the multi horse owner, and costs from just 3p per The greatest range on earth day per horse to use. The greatest range on earth

Tel: 01388 420222 www.equineanswers.co.uk To find out more about Rockies’ range of licks, go to...

www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies.co.uk or call 01606 595025 SOU_Equine_Answers_FP.indd Equi_Ads_JAN_EW_rev.indd 49 1

18/12/2014 12:09 13:35


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