Equi Ads December 2013 - England and Wales Edition by Equi-Ads Ltd

The UK’s Finest Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

FR EE ®

DECEMBER 2013 7 Lincoln Winter Hamper's up for grabs

Veteran Care

See inside for a great Blue Chip Feeds Competition

Quality over Quantity - Horses are not nutritionally wise... Winter Hoof Care No hoof no horse Christmas gifts plus news and much more besides •Saddle Fitting •Travelling with your horse Part 2 •Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine in Horses •Grass sickness •Tape worm warning •Sarcoids Next Month: A failed dope test - A dietary cause? • Controlling infectious diseases • Emerging infections • Breeding • Pads, Cloths and back protectors • Plus much more…

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Xxxxxxxxxx Have Your Say

Main Features Equine Lameness ............10 Stem Cells ........................12 Hay Replacers ...................16 Winter Hoof Care ..........18 Influenza ...........................22

Emperor favours Cleveland Bay Stallion T

he Cleveland Bay Stallion Carolina Boaz (2699) has been sold to The Imperial Stud of Japan. The six year old stallion, who holds Quality Approved breed status, is now awaiting shipment to his new home. Bred by Mary Hardman of Stiperstones, Shropshire and sold by Helen January of Mold, Clwyd, Wales, this young stallion joins a long list of Cleveland Bay Stallions sold to

Sarcoids ..............................32 Grass Sickness .............. 34 Respect - Travelling with your Horse.........................36 Remember Tape Worm ..41 Saddle Fitting ....................42 Christmas Gifts ................44

Front cover: Kitty King - Photo: Michael David Rogers - MDR Photography

Competition Winners.....48

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the Imperial Stud over many years. Carolina Boaz replaces the North Yorkshire born Cleveland Bay, Botton Grove Brigand, who passed away recently. Boaz was selected from the five UK stallions put forward, all being active, athletic individuals with substance, bone and great potential. Cleveland Bay Horse Society representatives Barbara Martindale, Norma Wilson and Andrew Woods worked with the Imperial Stud agent to obtain their ideal horse. The Emperor of Japan has a history of buying Cleveland Bay stallions for his Imperial Stud for the breeding of ceremonial and carriage horses. The Cleveland Bay breed is England’s oldest breed of horse, originating in North Yorkshire, and

BAD WEATHER here were lots of berries on the trees this year and winter could be

severe. The herbal supplement called ‘BAD WEATHER’ can help your horse get through such situations with ease. Sudden rainstorms, high winds, ice and snow can be a real challenge to the immune system and strong immune support can make all the difference. It might not be pleasant for your horse in the cold but it will be even worse if he or she goes down with ‘a bug’. BAD WEATHER is packed full of very strong antioxidant plants which help stop danger in its tracks. Use this formula as routine prevention or feed quickly when the weather sets in. It can be combined with any other feeding regime but is ideal when mixed with the powerful vitamin and mineral mix, Globalvite. Contact Global Herbs for full info on: 01243 773363 www.globalherbs.co.uk Happy Christmas. We may give this supplement to Santa for his Reindeer ! Presentation: 1kg and 5kg tubs. Cost: 1kg £19.99 5kg £89.99

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Robert Griﬃths, Publisher ISSN 1461-0590

is today an ideal sire for horses of many disciplines. Despite being such a rare breed (category 1 on the RBST’s list) the Cleveland Bay has a history of being exported to many countries for breeding including Europe, Australasia, USA, Canada, Pakistan and Japan and is very well thought of in these countries. To find out more about this wonderful, rare breed please visit the Cleveland Bay Horse Society website www.clevelandbay.com THE EQUI-ADS TEAM Editorial:

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www.conchiesaddlery.co.uk Telephone Dundee 01382 532536

Osberton Horse Trials

he Lycetts British Eventing Young Horse Championships at Osberton played host to the Baileys Horse Feeds/ British Breeding/ BEF Futurity Eventing Championship finals in October, with breeders travelling to the Nottingham venue to showcase their young horses. The horses who qualified for the championships did so by being in the top ten of their age groups and also by scoring 85% or above at the BEF Futurity Evaluations, held at fifteen venues throughout the UK this year. The Evaluations aim to identify young British bred sports horses or ponies destined for careers in endurance, eventing, show-jumping, dressage or eventing and may even find the Olympic stars of the future. The twenty-three entries appearing at the championships this year were divided into four classes; foals, yearlings, two-year-olds and threeyear-olds. The first and second placed horses from each class then qualified for the grand championship, held in the Main Arena. Samantha York’s home bred two year old colt, Oakring Santino was awarded the champion title having qualified at the Arena UK Futurity evaluation where he received a higher first premium. Samantha told Equi-Ads, “I am absolutely chuffed, he is such a lovely boy and a third generation homebred. He received a higher first premium of 8.80 at the Arena UK Futurity which I was a little disappointed with. He just didn’t show off his phenomenal walk, I think the atmosphere got to him. However, at Osberton he was brilliant and really showed off his true potential”. Oakring Santino is by Sandreo, out of a mare by The Outlaw, Its Sod’s Law. Its Sod’s Law evented to Novice level before a field injury put paid to a career competing. Samantha said, “She is a stunning mare and also competed in dressage at elementary and medium level”. Samantha who is a British Eventing coach and a lecturer in

Credit ES Photography

Equine at Nottingham Trent University plans to bring Oakring Santino back to the Futurity in 2014 and then pursue an eventing career with him. She added, “I have evented up to three star level and plan to produce and compete Oakring Santino myself ”. The Reserve champion title at the Osberton Futurity eventing final was awarded to filly foal, Trewitten, owned and bred by Vin Jones’ PreciSpark Stud. Trewitten scored an elite premium of 9.06 at the Solihull Riding Centre Futurity to qualify for Osberton. She is by thoroughbred stallion, Hand in Glove, who was both a grand prix showjumper and competed to Prix St George in dressage, out of a mare by Welton Crackerjack, Treswigga. Liz Jones said, “Treswigga was placed in the four year old Burghley Young Event horse

The Cirque Noir Ball

he Cotswold RDA is holding a fund raising ball on Saturday 1st March 2014. The ‘Cirque Noir Ball’ will take place from 7pm at ‘The Centaur’ located at racing’s prestigious Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. The night will feature Circus themed entertainment from international acts while guests enjoy a sumptuous three course meal and refreshments. The much anticipated auction has some fantastic lots all donated by supporters of the Cotswold RDA. • An exclusive guided tour of the Formula One Lotus Team HQ, a real must for motor racing enthusiasts. • An exclusive dressage demonstration and tour of the stable yard of Team GB Gold Olympic medal winners Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin • An original Alex Echo painting donated by Castle Galleries worth over £1,000 • A holiday in Tuscany • Other lots on offer are hospitality at a Premiership Football match, Remap of a 4X4 to improve performance, plus many other interesting and exciting items to bid on. If you want to support the Cotswold RDA and have a great fun night out – with many celebrities due to be in attendance, then book individual seats or your own table for 10 people and prepare to be enchanted, by the theatrical, circus themed evening. Tables seat ten and tickets are £70 per head including welcome drink, three course dinner, and entertainment.

Tickets are available from: The Cotswold RDA, call 01242 584420 for payment details. 2 | December 2013

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class. Trewitten is now her third foal – all three foals she has bred have received elite premiums at the Futurity. Trewitten is closely related to our four star eventer, Treason”. Vin Jones also bred and owns the winner of the three year old class at Osberton, Treneman, who is the half-brother to Trewitten. Three year old colt, Treneman is by the prolific Grafenstolz, (who sired six of the finalists this year) out of Treswigga. Trewitten and Treneman’s success at Osberton has rounded off a very successful Futurity for Preci-Spark, with five of their homebred youngsters attaining elite premiums. Liz Jones went on to say, “The Futurity marks given to our youngsters can either surprise or disappoint but attending the Futurity gets our name out there. It is also interesting to see the progeny of other stallions and the average marks attained by their youngsters. We firmly believe that the dams are very important. You might get the odd nice foal from a bad mare, but to get consistently nice foals the right mare is needed”. Winner of the yearlings class at the Osberton Futurity eventing final was Katharine Downie’s bay gelding, Carnmellyn Kings Law. He qualified for the final with a higher first premium at the Tall Trees Futurity. Katharine said, “I bred Carnmellyn Kings Law from my Criminal Law mare, Laura Norder who was a successful show horse. I bought her to breed from as I have always liked the Criminal Law bloodlines”. Carnmellyn Kings Law is by Kings Composer. In addition to his Futurity success Carnmellyn Kings Law has also been to several county shows this season and has won Hunter and Sport Horse yearling classes at both Devon County and the Royal Cornwall along with In Hand awards from Sport Horse Breeding. Katharine added, “I really enjoy the in hand showing and plan to continue to take him out next year. He will probably be sold to a competition home when he is four. I am really pleased that horses from Cornwall have done so well, three of (continued on page 4) www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx News (continued from page 2) us have travelled up to compete at Osberton”. Jan Rogers, head of equine development for the BEF, said: “We are grateful to the team at Osberton for providing the Futurity with this opportunity to present its’ top eventing horses at a national young horse eventing festival. The Futurity is showing itself to be an assessment system which British breeders value, because it enables them to demonstrate, long before a horse is able to compete, that it has performance potential. It is serving as a valuable marketing tool for British breeders and we are delighted that so many people want to be part of it”. The BEF Futurity Evaluations were held at 15 venues throughout the UK and young horses go home with a BEF Premium (grade), a stylish rosette and a detailed, informative score sheet. An attractive certificate to keep and frame follows on after the event. All results are published on the fully searchable Futurity site. For more information, visit www.britishbreeding. org. Dates for the 2014 Futurity venues with be launched at the Breeders Awards Dinner in January 2014 and entries open on 1 June 2014.

Parelli Team in East Anglia J

oin in the fun and games with the Parelli East Anglian Savvy Team as they host a series of Parelli Natural Horsemanship Evening Demonstrations. The demonstrations will introduce the Seven Games online and in the saddle, showing the magic of Parelli live. The team, led by Parelli 4* Instructor Lyla Cansfield, will demonstrate with their horses how to play the Seven Games on the ground to develop a strong relationship with your horse. They will also show how to take this leadership into the saddle with Freestyle Riding and then onto Finesse. The Parelli Programme aims to help owners understand their horse’s innate characteristics and behaviour and to know what to do to help their horse remain calm and connected with the rider or handler in different situations. Go along and learn about what it takes to communicate with your horse at their level so they trust you as their leader and want to stay connected and in harmony with you whether you’ve got a lead rope or not and whether you’re on the ground or in the saddle. The objective being to

demonstrate how to communicate with your horse to achieve a better relationship and once this solid foundation is in place you can achieve much more with your horses as they are calmer, smarter and braver with you as their leader. Tickets are priced at £20 per person with 10% discount for group bookings of 10 or more and all events will be helping to raise money for the Animal Health Trust Equine Education Winter Series Dates: • 16th Dec 2013 - Houghton Hall, Cambridgeshire • 13th January 2014 - Easton College, Norfolk • 12th February 2014 - Writtle College, Essex • 19th March 2014 - Topthorn EC, Suffolk Parelli Natural Horsemanship… Way more than riding! Be prepared to learn and enjoy, book your place now!

For more information and to book tickets on-line atwww.synergyweb.net/ events For more information on Parelli Natural Horsemanship visit www.parelli.com

For a Stylish Pooch this Christmas

he Fleece Dog Coat, Dog Scarf and Dog Bandana are bang on trend this season in stylish navy, white and red, and are available exclusively from www.equestrian.com The quality Fleece Dog Coat is made from navy 280g fleece with red binding and red chest and belly straps with Velcro fastenings and comes with the British Showjumping logo embroidered at the back. It is available in sizes 25cm to 70cm and is priced at £10.99. The funky Fleece Dog Scarf in navy and red comes with the British Showjumping logo embroidered at the front of the scarf and certainly has the ‘ahhh’ factor. It is available in 50cm, 60cm and 80cm sizes and is priced at £9.99. Cool and sophisticated all at the same time, the navy cotton Dog Bandana includes a Velcro fastening to attach to your dog’s collar and the British Showjumping logo embroidered on the front. Priced at £5.99, the Dog Bandana is available in one size. For more information visit www.equestrianclearance.com

PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS! E

questrian Vision, the producer and distributor of equestrian DVDs in the UK has some new titles lined up for Christmas 2013 including a series of entertaining and factual books about eventing. This Autumn, Equestrian Vision has launched their range of “Little Books”, perfect individually as stocking fillers or the full set, available at a discount, will delight all readers. The titles are, Little Book of Badminton, Little Book of Burghley and Little Book of Eventing. The Equestrian Vision range of equestrian DVDs has something for everyone, from inspirational training with top riders, fascinating documentaries, educational programmes and thrilling reviews of the year’s top competitions. Among the new DVD review titles available from www. equestrianvision.co.uk are Badminton Horse Trials 2013, Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2013, Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013, FEI European Dressage Championships 2013, FEI European Jumping Championships 2013, Burghley Horse Trials 2013 and The Dressage Convention 2013 (double DVD). New entertainment and training DVDs for Christmas 2013 include Jennifer Saunders - Back in the Saddle, The Joy of Dressage Parts 1 to 3, A Stable Life Series 1 and 2 and Martin Clunes – Heavy Horse Power. The Little Book of Badminton follows the development of the world’s premier three day event since its inception in 1949 and includes a section on the famous Badminton fences. (RRP £10.99). In the Little Book of Burghley, each chapter features a “rider of the decade”, including greats such as Lucinda Green, Virginia Holgate and Mark Todd. (RRP £11.99) The Little Book of Eventing focusses on the sport of eventing, from the trainers to the jumps the horses are expected to tackle. It also includes a very entertaining chapter on the personalities of the sport. (RRP £11.99) An introductory multi-buy promotion offers any two of the Little Books from the series for just £19.99 or three for £28.99 from www. equestrianvision.co.uk.

For more information visit Equestrian Vision’s online shop, www. equestrianvision.co.uk , call 01403 740440 or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/EquestrianVision.

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News

High Wycombe Riding Club ‘Thinks Pink’ for charity Report by Ann James

igh Wycombe Riding Club held an Open Indoor Show Jumping Competition at Berkshire College of Agriculture, Burchetts Green recently to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign. The Club invited competitors, and their friends, to help raise money through sponsorship and donations. Over 200 horse and rider combinations jumped in conditions that varied from dry and sunny, to exceptionally cold and wet, with the odd bit of sleet thrown in for good measure! The first horse and rider jumped at 8.30am and the last entered the arena at 6pm – the only breaks were for the course to be changed and the jumps raised! A beautiful basket of pink flowers, donated by Mrs Lyn Gritton of Callaghan’s Florists of Prestwood, was presented to Claire Collins of Virginia Water, Surrey for collecting the most sponsorship money. Atlas Equestrian, based in Woodcote, donated pink prizes to the winners of the five classes together with bright pink equestrian exercise sheets which were sold on the day with the proceeds going to the Charity. At the end of the day High Wycombe Riding Club were very pleased to announce that with the money raised by the competitors, sales of the

Aivly receives prestigious award A ivly Country Store in Ringwood, Hampshire stepped up to receive the Highly Commended Independent Store of the Year Award from Dunlop Footwear. Over the Counter magazine’s Louise Page explains, “Judges applauded the lively in-store customer initiatives from Aivly and

using loyalty cards, open days and promotions, the business clearly looks to keep customers coming.” Olympic Three-Day-Event rider, Mary King attended the stores open day recently to conduct a prize draw which included winning an outfit worth £600 from Ariat clothing and a Suttons Physiotherapy consultation

Shop a your fav ll o brands t urite Christm his a at Aivly s

01425 472341 www.aivly.com 6 | December 2013

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Photo courtesy of Wayne Jones Photography www.waynejonesphotography.com

exercise sheets and the Club’s donation a cheque for the sum of at least £1,000 would be forwarded to the charity. for horse and rider worth £200. Aivly’s Mervyn Lister says, “Aivly aims to be more than just a store but to provide a resource for its

L to R Dunlop Footwear’s Stephen Jelley with Sheila and Mervyn Lister.

customers and while we’re always keen to hear from our customers its also lovely to have the efforts of our team rewarded by our suppliers.” Although largely known as an equestrian store, Aivly offers plenty for the pet owner, smallholder and agricultural contractor too and Dunlop Protective Footwear joins brands such as Dickies in providing hard-wearing clothing for ladies and gentlemen working in the great outdoors. Rewarded on 23rd October at the 9th Over the Counter magazine awards in a glamorous ceremony fitting for the capital city, Aivly’s Sheila and Mervyn Lister received the award from Stephen Jelley, Sales Manager UK & Ireland for Dunlop Protective Footwear.

Perfect combined nutritional support for the older horse

s the horse ages there is inevitable wear and tear on the joints which can lead to discomfort, reluctance to work and poor performance. Vetrofen and Vetroflex provide the perfect combined package of nutritional support for the older horse. Vetrofen is a fast acting proprietary blend of 100% natural ingredients, which provide a strong antioxidant effect to support the body’s natural recovery process and inflammatory response, offering welcome support for stiff or sore horses. Vetroflex contains the optimum ratio of specially optimised collagen peptides and amino acids needed to protect, strengthen and rejuvenate healthy cartilage in the joints to help your veteran horse regenerate cartilage and help his body deal with the effects of growing older. When combined, Vetrofen and Vetroflex offer a scientifically proven method of easing discomfort, reducing inflammation and encouraging joints to repair, making your veteran horse more comfortable, content and able to continue working well into his golden years. Both are veterinary approved, gentle on the stomach and side-effect-free making them an essential addition to your veteran management regime. Animalife are so confident of the results, they offer a money-back guarantee.* Vetrofen is available in a variety of sizes, priced from £9.99. Vetroflex starts at £39.99 for 500g.

Crow Lane, Hampshire, BH24 3EA

For more information visit: www.animalife.co.uk or call 0845 365 00 50. *subject to terms and conditions

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News

Need a Hooftorchtm?

ooftorchtm offers a convenient bright light source incorporated into a hoof pick. Many people struggle during dark evenings and nights to pick out horses hooves with inadequate lighting; even well lit stables do not give sufficient light underneath a horse. Hooftorchtm resolves this problem. If you go to evening shows/competitions and need to pick out in your horse trailer or lorry a Hooftorchtm makes things both easier and safer. • Made from high-grade impact-resistant codash polypropylene. • Easy grip textured finish handle. • Ergonomically designed and tested to ensure comfort for horse and handler. • Steel chrome plated pick. • On/off switch positioned at handle top for convenient and easy operation. • Aluminum alloy torch equipped with 5 white LED lights for maximum brightness. • LED torch average running time: 150 - 180 hours. • Dimensions: 155mm x 46mm x 33mm. • Available in 4 colours. Although Hooftorchtm has been designed for equine hoof picking in poor lighting it could be used for other farm/zoo animals that may require their hooves picking out. It may also be of use to veterinarians and others working with hoofed animals in dark conditions. Doees my horse require A Hooftorchtm? The care and well being of a horse is dependent on regular hoof care maintenance. One of these tasks is to carry out hoof picking. In order to maintain soundness of the horse, it is essential that the hooves are well looked after. As part of a daily routine, the horse’s hooves should be thoroughly picked out at least once to examine for injuries or other abnormalities, and to make sure no stones have become lodged in the hoof which can cause bruising and discomfort. A horse’s health depends on many things such as proper nutrition, living conditions, genetic influence and more, but one of the most important factors to consider is the care of a horses hooves. Improper or poor hoof care will affect the horses overall health. The old adage of No Hoof, No Horse! http://youtu.be/ML2MLZmJtCY

C Lauren Mills riding Oakleaze Farm Czarko

Ben Corcoran riding Bashir Shamir

Young Riders at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance Lauren Mills riding Czarko

he British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance was once again a hugely popular event. More than 250 competitors travelled to the Royal Welsh Showground and enjoyed good weather conditions and glorious scenery across the roof of mid-Wales. Sixteen-year-old Brett Corcoran and his purebred Arab gelding Bashir Shamir were crowned the Red Dragon Champions as they completed the 160km ride, beating last year’s winner David Yeoman to first place. Based in Staffordshire, Brett made a last minute decision to compete at Red Dragon following a win at Barbury Castle at the end of August. Said Brett: “Unfortunately I missed out on the World Championships as Shamir had a bruised sole, but he came back fighting and won his class at Barbury Castle so I decided to enter him for the Red Dragon ride. “We had only trained on the flat and managed just one hill training session but he coped very well with the undulating terrain and vetted quickly. The weather was good but previous rain left the course slippery in places resulting in a couple of falls for me, so it was a challenging ride.

“There was some very tough competition, including last year’s winner, so I am delighted to have won and very proud of Shamir.” Speedi-Beet Team Member Lauren Mills (19) also had an excellent run at the event, winning both The Little Dragon (80km) and The Dragon’s Tail (80km, plus 42km) classes with her purebred Arab Oakleaze Farm Czarko. Lauren travelled from her home in Dorset to compete her sixteen-year-old gelding, who she rode in the Young Rider World Endurance Championships in France earlier this year. Said Lauren: “The weather was almost perfect for riding; it was a lot cooler than in 2011 when we were competing in 30 degree heat! Czarko was on great form and it was nice to ride in good company with an exciting racing finish between Anita Gordon and I.” The top three riders in the Red Dragon, Dragon’s Tail and the Little Dragon all won Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet vouchers. A special recognition award was also presented to ‘Best Crew Member’ Bob Dod who has been supporting his wife Linda at endurance competitions for 26 years!

DANGER OF FROSTY GRASS

aminitis is now an all year problem. This is probably because there are now so many chemicals in the countryside that damage a horse’s digestion. Who would have thought that simply grazing in frosty conditions could induce the most feared problem that horse owners face ! One way of eliminating almost all this worry is to feed the digestive tonic called LAMINITIS PRONE SUPPLMENT from Global Herbs. This liquid or powdered supplement will support the normal processes in the bowels that stop the bacterial disturbances that cause laminitis. Frosty grass seems to disturb the balance of good and bad bacteria in the bowels. Laminitis itself is a very complicated problem and is well known to have an intimate connection with key hormonal pathways inside the body. It is suprising what

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happens when digestion is improved because the whole digestive process it vital to the normal function of the hormonal system. Study of such connections between bacteria in the bowels and hormones is currently at the frontiers of modern scientific research. So if your pasture is frosty consider feeding Laminitis Prone Supplement to ensure peace of mind and a happy festive season. Nutritional programs such as this one offered by Global Herbs can save you many heartaches and sleepless nights. We all, including your vets, need a peaceful Christmas this year. For more information see our booklet ‘Laminitis Made Easy’ or special website: www.laminitis-advice. co.uk Alternatively call us on 01243 773363 Global Herbs Ltd www.globalherbs.co.uk F ree veterinary advice is available for very diﬃcult nutritional problems.

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding • Tack

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

e eat to appetite and not to requirement so that in most cases, quantity dictates overall dietary satisfaction. This is well illustrated by the worldwide consumption of junk food in Western Society where bulk (chips?) seems to provide the right signals to the brain. Horses are no different. Although they practice selection this is not based on need as many horse owners would like to think. Horses are not nutritionally wise (like most of us!) and they cannot differentiate quality from quantity. It is a pleasant thought to imagine that a horse licking soil or chewing a tree is seeking out some essential nutrients but it is not. Furthermore, their failure to discriminate against poisonous plants means that they will consume yew, ragwort, etc if available. It is interesting to note that wild herbivores in the UK such as red deer or roe deer do not eat these poisonous materials; they studiously avoid them instead clearly lacking the will to die. Horses kept extensively eat to appetite and spend their time actively foraging to meet this need. The seasons of the year dictate the availability of food and also its quality; young growing material in the spring and summer is always of higher nutritional quality than old senescent forage that is found over winter irrespective of whether it is grass, heather or browse. This means that, during the forage growing season, horses in the wild will over consume energy relative to need and thus deposit fat in their body mass. This energy reserve should see

them over the winter period when forage is usually in short supply. There is a natural ebb and flow in terms of body condition that occurs amongst animals existing in the wild which reflects times of plenty and those of scarcity. Of course, natural bio-rhythms ensure that the young of equids are born when forage is most plentiful and at its highest quality so that the needs of the pregnant/ lactating animal can be met. It is coincident that quantity and quality of forage are both highest at this time. Horses that have restricted grazing areas on managed pastures can be confronted with either very

Airplay By Kathy Carter

nflatable air vests for the mainstream consumer horse riding market have been around for four years now, and are a staple of the eventing community, when worn in conjunction with a suitable body protector. Air jackets are seen by many as being a great addition to the equestrian safety market, and are becoming increasingly used at Pony Club events, in endurance rides, and even out hunting; there are now several reputable brands within the marketplace, offering a range of garments and price tags. Jon Leigh, Registered Osteopath, says in correspondence with body protector and airbag manufacturer USG, that the usual landing position from a fall is on the rider’s back or side. “If no protection is being worn, the head, being at one end of the spinal column, continues to travel downwards until it strikes the ground and absorbs the impact. The sudden stopping of the downward movement causes the head to be bent backwards and then forwards, causing a whiplash effect. This in

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poor quality forage or high quality material or, all types in between! We are all familiar with the skinny horses/welfare cases grazing poor wastelands in peri-urban areas but we do not seem to be too worried about the obese horses or ponies, essentially welfare cases, grazing lush grassland. Because equids have this drive to eat for up to 16 hours in every 24 they can grossly over consume energy relative to need when grass is growing rapidly in the spring. They can eat a great quantity of grass (between 10 and 20% of body weight as fresh grass!!) irrespective of its quality; they do not differentiate between

turn travels down the whole of the spine where the bony pelvis either absorbs the force, or the force is reflected back up the spine,” he states. Preventing injury The design of the air jacket originated from the motorcycling industry, and aims to make horse riding safer and to prevent serious injury if the horse rider falls. These garments are said to have meant the difference between life and death for several top riders. Eventer Laura Collett, who fell at Tweseldown horse trials this year, suffered crush injuries to her lungs and liver, as well as minor fractures, and was placed in an induced coma during her recovery. She was wearing a Point Two air jacket. “The paramedics watched the video footage, and my jacket did ‘go off’ before the horse came down on me. I’m very thankful I had my air jacket on. A few years ago, no-one had heard of them. Now a lot of people wouldn’t ride without them,” Laura told the BBC after her fall. Eventer Gemma Tattersall absolutely loves

quality and quantity and thus do not eat any less because they have access to high quality grass. Contrast this with Zebra grazing on the savannah where food is scarce and is often of poor quality, these equids have to cover great distances to gain enough food to survive-a very different situation from that of a horse kept in a grass paddock. Essentially the animal in the wild has to really actively forage to get enough to stay alive whereas the captive horse in contrast, has its forage virtually “served up on a plate”. There is a quantum difference between having to forage and being fed. We regard the quality of horse food as having two important components that are represented by its hygienic and nutritional characteristics. No matter what the nutritional quality, hygienic quality should always be maximised and never compromised. This means that although nutritional quality is not always the most important characteristic it is vital to support health and high productivity in terms of milk production, growth, etc. Quantity is important for (continued on page 16)

her Helite air jacket. “It is lightweight and so comfortable to ride, in I hardly notice it, yet I still have the reassurance of the garment’s proven trigger system to protect me. I have had a couple of falls when I know I would have been much worse off without the air jacket’s protection - I would now never compete without it.” Eventer James Somerville rides in USG’s FlexiPlus EquiAirbag. “It is a combined body protector and air jacket in one, and has a rear air bag that protects the spine. I like it as it offers freedom of movement to roll and move out of the way in the event of a fall, as the inflation is at the back, protecting the spine.” How do air jackets work?

The jackets work thanks to a lanyard attached to the saddle that triggers the release of CO2 gas from a canister - this quickly inflates the jacket (in some cases, in just a fraction of a second), when the rider parts company from the saddle. (continued on page 20) December 2013 | 9

22/11/2013 16:25

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Equine Lameness

by Linda Greaves BSc (Vet. Sci) BVetMed MRCVS

quine lameness is a broad and complicated subject to discuss, there are many types and causes of lameness. In this article we will discuss acute onset lameness. On arriving at your yard you discover you horse is lame, There are a few things to do before panicking or calling a vet! Firstly can your horse walk? Will he bear weight on the affected limb? If not call your vet immediately and wait for further advice. If he is able to walk, move him slowly to a quiet area such as his stable. Examine the affected leg, does he have any noticeable swelling or heat anywhere on his leg, can you see any blood or cuts? If your horse will allow, examine his foot and pick out any stones or mud, is there damage to the sole of his foot or hoof, has he trodden on a nail? These questions are all important pieces of information that will help you and your vet decide if your horse needs to be seen urgently. Foot abscesses are a very common cause of acute onset lameness and can be extremely painful for a horse. A foot abscess is an infection of the foot that can cause inflammation and pus formation leading to sometimes severe lameness. Infection can be introduced most commonly through the sole of the foot by a bruise or puncture wound or through a hoof crack or by tracking through the white line. An abscess can take several days to develop and show clinical signs. For any horse with a single leg acute onset lameness it is important to rule out an abscess. Either your farrier or vet will be able to use hoof testers to identify if an abscess is present as the horse will resent pressure applied over the area. The horse may also have heat in the hoof and a digital pulse. Then your farrier/vet will firstly remove the shoe if present then be able to pare out the horn and find the abscess releasing the pressure that has built up, horses are usually a lot more comfortable once this has been done. However only your vet will be able to diagnose and treat your horse if it is not an abscess that is causing your horse’s lameness .Establishing drainage is key to successful treatment of a

foot abscess and your vet or farrier will try to remove sufficient horn to ensure that the abscess drains and does not reform. Once drainage has been established it is generally advisable to poultice the foot for several days using a hot wet poultice such as Animalintex to help draw out the abscess. This should ideally be changed twice daily. Once there is no further pus detected when changing the wet poultice, a dry poultice can be used. Once a diagnosis of a foot abscess has been made and treated appropriately, if the horse's lameness has not improved markedly within 2-3 days then it is advisable to speak to the vet or farrier again as the foot may need further paring. Horse limb fractures are usually as a result of either a kick from another horse or falling over. It is often thought that a fracture means that a horse must be euthansed however this is not always the case as it depends greatly on what bone has been fractured and the type of fracture that has occurred. Some fractures may require surgery to be pinned such as pastern fractures, some fractures may need support bandages and the horse cross

An approved feed material which removes toxins from the horse’s system, safely and naturally. Improves Health, Behaviour & Performance. Guards against Ulcers, Colic, Wind-sucking, Crib Biting and Lameness. Very effective and economic to use. www.finefettlefeed.com or call 01600 712496

10 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 10

tying for a period of time such as radial fractures and there are some fractures such as splint bone fractures that may not require any treatment other than box rest. Then there are the catastrophic fractures often seen in racing and competition horses where a bone is fractured and protrudes through the skin, these are often beyond surgical repair and require euthanasia. If your vet suspects a fracture they may take radiographs on the yard or place a support bandage and splints and send your horse to a referral facility for further investigation and possible surgery. It is not unusual for horses to tread on nails or sharp objects especially when you consider that we nail shoes to their feet! A penetrating foot wound can be a serious injury depending on where in the foot the foreign body goes. If your horse has trodden on a nail the best thing to do is leave it in position! Do not remove it, This means that your vet can take an x-ray with the nail in position to see exactly where in the foot it has travelled giving your vet valuable information of the structures that may be damaged. Your vet may then remove the nail and bandage the foot before sending your horse to a referral hospital for further assessment including an MRI scan or even surgery. Those lucky horses that miss important structures may be able to remain at home with medication and daily poulticing. Kicks wounds can be straight forward or very serious depending on where on a limb they are, they can result in fractures but often the biggest cause for concern is a horse being kicked over a joint or

tendon sheath and infection setting in. Septic joints and tendon sheaths will undoubtedly require surgery to flush out the infection. This is often a major concern for vets when treating wounds over joints and although your horse may be uncomfortable your vet will not want to give pain relief in case of masking a septic joint. It may take up to 48 hours after the initial injury for a horse joint to become septic and their level of lameness will increase over this time until they become not weight bearing so it is important to assess your horse level of lameness daily after such an injury. Another common cause of lameness can be due to incorrect or poor shoeing this may not be seen straight away but can take a day or two to develop. A farrier must take care to place each nail into the non-sensitive tissue of the hoof to hold the shoe on, if a nail is placed too closely to or into the sensitive tissues within the hoof this can cause pain and infection. Your vet can diagnose this by using hoof testers and your horse may also have increased digital pulses in the affected limb. The shoe will need to be removed and may require poulticing depending of the severity of the condition. Antiinflammatories are often given to manage the inflammation and associated pain and the horse will require a period of box rest. Lameness can be a frustrating and expensive condition to treat, it is always advisable to seek profession help if your horse suddenly becomes lame or has a worsening lameness as the sooner a diagnosis is made the sooner a resolution can be found. www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:25

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 11

22/11/2013 16:25

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

stem cells and regenerative medicine in Horse Ben Sturgeon, Bsc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS

egenerative medicine technology in humans and in animals is advancing at a much faster pace than most of us realise. It has offered hope to thousands humans suffering from diseases and injuries that destroy and damage vital cells. In animals, much research has been focus on orthopaedic injuries in horses and dogs: bone fractures, arthritis and tendon and ligament injuries and there have been numerous clinical trials on stem cell therapy in these animals, importantly the results have been encouraging and their use has entered clinical practise.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

IRAP

Regenerative medicine is the process of creating living, functional tissue to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to injury, disease, age or congenital defect. This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissue and organs in the body by simulating previously irreparable organs to heal themselves. Regenerative medicine can improve the quality of life by supporting and activating the animals natural healing process. In horses previously untreatable joint disease and equine injuries have been addressed utilising regenerative techniques with vets using IRAP, PRP and stem cell therapies to manipulate then the body’s biological mechanisms to stimulate healing. There is ongoing research for these therapies and new information is being generated primarily looking at longer term results. While the promise of such “cures” is very exciting for both vets and horse owners, it is important to understand the science behind each therapy in order to have an understanding of the processes involved and then a reasonable expectation for success.

IRAP stands for Interluekin-1 (IL-1) Receptor Antagonist Protein although often referred to as autologous conditioned serum. As many of you will have unfortunately experienced horses are highly susceptible to both acute musculoskeletal injuries as well as chronic osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease with osteoarthritis being arguably the commonest cause of lameness. Clinical signs include lameness, joint swelling and inflammation. These signs are a result of cartilage damage within the joint and inflammation of the joint lining or synovitis. Joint trauma results in the release of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1 and other cytokines. These cytokines including IL-1 can lead to further cartilage damage causing a vicious repetative cycle of cartilage and joint damage resulting in on going joint inflammation and lameness. IRAP was developed to counteract IL-1 that is produced in the traumatized joint and to slow the progression of osteoarthritis. IRAP works by preventing IL-1 binding to the IL-1 receptors in the joint therefore blocking the damage and inflammation caused by IL-1. IRAP involves drawing

BAileys tAsty treAts in neW HAnDy poucH B

aileys’ popular Tasty Treats are now available in a handy resealable 750g pouch as well as the mega value 5kg bucket. These delicious chunky high fibre treats are made from natural wholesome ingredients and contain extracts of flavours of essential oils which horses find irresistible. The new handy pouch is ideal for keeping in the grooming kit or horsebox and, priced at around £2.50, will make a perfect stocking filler for the pampered pony, this Christmas. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk 01371 850247 info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

12 | December 2013

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approximately 50 mls of your horse’s blood into a specialized syringe which stimulates the production of the antagonist protein. The blood is incubated in the syringe for 24 hours. After incubation the blood is placed in a centrifuge and the plasma which is rich in the antagonist protein is separated from the blood cells in multiple syringes. IRAP is then injected into the joint once every 7-10 days for 3-5 treatments. Samples are stored in a -80 C freezer until use and multiple aliquots can be kept of indefinite use. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is another product that is derived from horse’s own blood. Platelets are laden with numerous growth factors that are released upon platelet activation. Large amounts of transforming growth factor beta (TGF) and platelet derived growth factor and smaller amounts of insulin-like growth (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and TGF are typically those released upon activation. These growth factors and others act synergistically to encourage access of healthy inflammatory and healing cells to the area of tissue injury with formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), formation of new connective tissue (fibroplasia) and regeneration of skin (re-epithelialization). PRP can be obtained in a matter of minutes. There are currently a variety of PRP kits available. Usually a centrifuge is used to help concentrate the platelets into the plasma which is then used for treatment. PRP has been most commonly used to treat tendon and ligament injuries with the goal of treatment to accelerate and improve the quality of healing. Recently vets also have begun to use PRP intraarticular to treat osteoarthritis with encouraging results. Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is an exciting

area of treatment for equine injuries. Although there is much we still need to learn, the research is encouraging. Current on-going research will begin to offer answers and to shed some light on the best applications and techniques for the use of stem cell therapy. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to replicate and differentiate into a diverse range of cell types. These cell types include tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle and bone. There are two basic types of stem cells: hematopoetic and mesenchymal. We are primarily concerned with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) because they appear to have the best potential for regenerative medicine. These MSCs are found in bone marrow, fat, umbilical cord blood and tissue, and many other organs throughout the body. The younger or more immature the stem cell, the more potential they may have for healing with younger stem cells possessing an increased ability to heal and regenerate tissue compared to adult stem cells. This is the reason behind the interest in storing umbilical cord blood in horses and many companies offering storage facilities for human umbilical blood. In equine practice stem cells are commonly taken from bone marrow obtained from the sternum or the tuber coxae in the pelvis. This procedure is done under standing sedation and is relatively risk free and painless to the horse. Once the bone marrow has been harvested it is sent to a lab where it is cultured and expanded. The culture and expansion process takes approximately 3-4 weeks generating tens of millions of stem cells with an average treatment using between 10-25 million cells. The stem cells are then injected into the affected tendon, ligament or joint. Recently, stem cells have also been used to treat chronic laminitis cases with encouraging results. The multiple uses for stem cells have yet to be determined. The second source of stem cells is fat although fat derived stem cells only contain 2-4% stem cells unless they are cultured and expanded. Research comparing bone marrow derived to fat derived stem cells indicate that bone marrow derived stem cells are superior to fat derived stem cells. Conclusion

Whilst regenerative medicine is an on-going area of research, therapies such as IRAP, PRP and stem cell therapies offer the possibility of successful treatment of previously considered career-shortening or career-ending injuries. www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:25

WINTER

VET REC O M

MENDED

MENDED -

VET REC O

The key to winter condition. “Being a vet, I am very sceptical about product claims and always research what to feed my own horse, Elgar. Last winter I fed Elgar Blue Chip Original and he looked amazing. I liked the fact that the product is based on sound, scientific research. Now that I’ve proved for myself that it’s so easy to maintain condition throughout the winter with Blue Chip Original, I will now be advising my clients whose horses struggled through last winter to feed Blue Chip Original this year.”

“As a vet I get to find out about most products on the market. Blue Chip Original is the product that I recommend to anyone who struggles with their horses’ condition. Not only have I used Blue Chip Original to bring my shire horse, Hope, back from near-death when I rescued her, I also have used it for the last 10 years on my 18 year old, Midas. Without feeding Blue Chip Original Midas looses his weight and condition during the winter, no matter what else is in his diet. I wouldn’t be without Blue Chip Original during the winter months”

Sam Baker BVSc MRCVS

Vikki Fowler BVetMed MRCVS

loyalty card WINTERcondtion_297x210.indd Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 1 13

have you got your loyalty card? Collect 8 Blue Chip Loyalty points and get your 9th Blue Chip product absolutely free. Loyalty points are available on all Blue Chip sacks (Original, Pro, Lamilight and Dynamic) and all Blue Chip liquid supplements (Joint RLF, Karma and Garliq). For more info see www.bluechipfeed.com/loyalty

0114 266 6200 info@bluechipfeed.com www.bluechipfeed.com facebook.com/bluechipfeed twitter.com/bluechipfeed

08/11/2013 22/11/2013 10:48 16:25

Xxxxxxxxxx Veterans • Feeding

feeDinG tHe veterAn

By Sarah Butler BSc, (Hons) Equine Sports, Science and Nutrition

eeding a balanced diet is particularly important when it comes to veterans. As horses get older their digestive system can be compromised and become inefficient at absorbing nutrients from the diet, therefore a balanced diet with enhanced levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is required. Older horses can begin to loose condition easily, especially during the winter months, and keeping them looking well can often be a challenge. As horses get older their appetite can also decrease so feeding a high quality and trusted balancer, which is nutrient dense, will ensure they are getting everything needed in their diet without having to feed large quantities of hard feed. This is also a better way to feed horses as their digestive system is not designed to have large feeds. To ensure your veteran gets a balanced diet with all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients they require feed a Blue Chip feed balancer which all include the revolutionary ingredient; nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are found naturally in the horse’s diet, however at low levels. All horses and ponies can benefit from the inclusion of nucleotides in the diet but they are especially beneficial to older horses that need extra nutritional support. Nucleotides increase the length of the intestinal villi in the gut, an increase in these villi can increase nutrient absorption, enabling the horse to get more out of their diet. Nucleotides also support the immune system by facilitating the immune cells, helping to fight viral and bacterial

infections. Blue Chip are the only feed balancers in the UK to incorporate this remarkable product Blue Chip Pro is perfect for veteran horses that need to maintain or gain condition. Blue Chip Pro contains a probiotic yeast, which increases fibre digestion and allows your veteran to utilise the fibre in his diet more efficiently. The prebiotic in Blue Chip Pro will help to boost their immune system and remove pathogenic bacteria from the foregut. Pro also contains a comprehensive hoof supplement with biotin, lysine and zinc; a respiratory supplement that contains garlic, eucalyptus and menthol and an elevated levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to meet your veteran horse’s daily requirements. All Blue Chip balancers are whole-cereal and molasses free and contain a natural, fruit derived form of Vitamin

E, which is a highly powerful antioxidant. The small pellets of Blue Chip balancers make it easier for older horses to eat and it can be fed by hand if necessary or could be made into a tempting mash by the addition of warm water. Pro contains high quality protein to provide the necessary amino acids, vital for maintaining muscle mass which can often be a problem for the older horse. Horses can use up to 80% of their digestible energy keeping warm; keeping them well rugged up will save them wasting energy and essential calories in the cold weather. Older horses requiring extra condition can be fed unmolassed sugar beet which is a highly digestible, good form of fibre. Oil is also very calorie dense and can help to improve weight and condition; feed linseed oil to ensure your veteran receives the correct balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils. Some veterans hold their weight well or can be prone to laminitis, so consider feeding them a low starch, low sugar; low calorie feed balancer such as Blue Chip Lami-light. Lami-light contains the beneficial nucleotides, fruit derived form of Vitamin E and essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients your veteran requires whilst not encouraging any weight gain. For more information on any of the Blue Chip range visit www.bluechipfeed.com or for feeding advice call 0114 2666200. For competitions, news and rider updates follow Blue Chip at facebook.com/bluechipfeed.

fast results with nettex Keep the airways clear! U Arthri-flex

ettex Arthri-Flex is now part of the Nettex Joint Care range - a collection of fast working products that really do work. Used by leading riders Carl Hester and Francis Whittington – these products allow equine friends to perform to the best of their ability for much longer. New Nettex Arthri-Flex is a joint and muscle supplement that’s suitable for every horse or pony and it helps to protect horse’s joints, whatever discipline you ride or compete in. During winter months some horses and ponies can get quite stiff from being in the stable or can be affected by the cold weather or just show their age. Arthri-Flex helps combat these symptoms and gives equines a much more comfortable and free moving life. Used on a regular basis, Arthri-Flex will prevent the onset of joint and muscle wear and tear and prevents concussion during heavy work. It delivers results quickly and provides the essential building blocks that maintain and assist in joint regeneration, muscle recovery and comfort. RRP: £48.99 for 500g. For stockist information, visit www.nettexequine. com or call 01634 257150. 14 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 14

nfortunately we all have to spend extra time inside during the dark, cold winter months. Keeping your horse confined in a stable for longer periods can dramatically increase chances of lung irritation. This can affect behaviour or performance but there is an easy way to help your horse maintain healthy lungs. WINERGY Ventil-ate® is a unique supplement that has been scientifically proven in research to support the horse’s own natural lung defences, with the use of antioxidants. They are a key part of the body’s natural defences and have been shown to help support the lungs when challenged with unwanted dust particles, mould allergens and other airway irritants found in the stable. Providing powerful nutrient support through a combination of antioxidants, including vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium. It can also help support horses with pollen allergies. Available in 8.4kg or 2.8kg tub sizes. Find out more by calling 01908 576277, visiting www.winergy.com or www.facebook. com/winergyfeeds.

www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:25

J00064

TRY NETTEX GUT BALANCER FREE AND SEE THE DIFFERENCE Nettex Gut Balancer helps to keep your horse in tip-top health and reduces the risk of digestive problems. • Carefully formulated using the highest grade ingredients • Contains Diamond V, a concentrated yeast culture for optimum performance

CON TAIN S

• Dramatically reduces acid levels, alleviating discomfort and minimising the risk of gastric related conditions • Helps against the onset of digestive related problems • Promotes healthy skin and coat condition, maintain weight with effective vitamin, mineral and nutrient absorption and maintain a healthy hind gut function

• Can complement and enhance feed digestibility, palatability, ﬁbre digestion and overall health quickly and efﬁciently

• Helps to calm irritable horses and is ideal to be fed after periods of illness or medication to restore the overall balance of your horse’s health

• Helps to keep your horse healthy, happy and in peak condition from the inside out

• Economical feeding rates and rapid results • Available in 750g, 1.5kg and 3kg. Prices start from £19.99

Get your free 14 day trial pack today!* Scan this code or visit www.nettexequine.com/freetrial *See website for terms and condtitions

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NUTRITION Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd J000645 GUT BALANCER PROMO15 AD.indd 1

22/11/2013 09/10/2013 16:25 13:49

AP Ad_T

Veterans •Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding • Healthcare

Hay Replacers A

side from water, fibre is the most important component of every horse’s diet and for the majority, their fibre needs are easily met through grazing and supplementary forages such as hay and haylage. There is though, a growing need for alternative sources of fibre, most notably for the increasing population of veteran horses and ponies who can have difficulty chewing long stem fibre, due to poor teeth. Why is fibre important?

Horses have evolved to eat a diet that is predominately fibrous forage and in the wild they would graze for 18 to 20 hours a day. To mimic their need to ‘trickle feed’, our domesticated horses should ideally have fibre in the form of grass, hay or haylage available at all times. Fibre is not only essential for good digestive health, its digestion also provides a good source of calories and body heat as it is fermented in the gut. This means that the horse has to use fewer calories to keep warm and more likely to maintain condition. If a horse is not getting enough fibre in his diet, he will lose weight, almost in spite of how much high calorie ‘bucket’ feed he may also be given. Horses that do not eat enough fibre are more likely to develop serious problems, including gastric ulcers, colic and hyperlipaemia, as well as behavioural issues such as aggression, grumpiness and crib biting due to their inability to fulfil their natural feeding and chewing behaviours. Hay replacers for veteran horses

Continued advances in veterinary medicine, together with an increase in our own understanding and management of our horses and ponies have led to a significant increase in their lifespans, with many horses now healthy and active well into their twenties and thirties. Unfortunately, even with the best possible care and regular attention from a qualified equine dental technician, there is little we can do to prevent the deterioration in tooth condition that occurs naturally with age. Loose, worn or (continued from page 9) occupation and normality of behaviour but can be extremely bad for animals prone to obesity or laminitis. An excessive quantity of food obviously causes fatness. In contrast, limiting the food supply to stabled horses can result in the development of stereotyped behaviours including some that are not very obvious (licking surfaces) unlike the well-recognised abnormal behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking etc. Horses are generally regarded as requiring a minimum quantity of long forage to maintain adequate gut function. The figure used is 1% of body weight but often less may be fed in parts of the World where forage is in short supply. For example racehorses kept in full work in places like the West Indies, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong etc may well get less. The least quantity I have come across was 2kg/day fed to 450kg horses in work. Inadequate tooth wear 16 | December 2013

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By Joanna Palmer BSc (Hons) Allen & Page

missing teeth and pain from sore gums will all affect a horse’s ability to chew efficiently. Balls of partially chewed food form in the horse’s mouth and are then dropped on the floor. This is known as quiding and is a tell-tale sign that a horse is suffering from problems with their teeth and would benefit from a hay replacer. The choice and availability of these hay replacers has grown significantly over the last few years and includes short-chopped chaffs, sugar beet, grass nuts, alfalfa pellets and specially prepared, fast soaking fibre feeds that combine all the necessary ingredients and vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced diet. It is important to be aware that products such as sugar beet and some of the grass and alfalfa chaffs are high in calories and so not suitable to be fed in large quantities to good doers already at ideal bodyweight. A hay replacer should provide similar nutrition to that of good quality hay. If necessary, additional higher energy fibre sources or a conditioning feed can then be added to the horse’s diet, to provide a calorie boost. A hay replacer can be fed to replace all or part of the horse’s normal daily fibre intake, depending on their individual needs. As well as veteran horses and ponies, other equines that may benefit from a hay replacer include: • Fussy feeders who simply do not eat sufficient fibre to meet their nutritional needs; • A horse or pony that has sustained an injury or undergone an operation that affects their ability to chew - a soaked fibre feed that is easy to eat can be particularly beneficial during recovery; • Horses and ponies who are prone to colic or recovering from abdominal surgery - again the provision of a soaked fibre feed ensures the horse receives the fibre they need for digestive health and the additional water content helps to keep the gut hydrated and able to function efficiently; • Those with access to only poor quality grass, hay and haylage; • Horses with a history of gastric ulcers, where providing an additional source of fibre together with their normal hay/haylage helps to

occurs in these situations and, as a result, more dental care is required. Also, these horses are more prone to large intestinal dysfunction such as acidosis and of course, gastric ulcers are more common. Thus, limiting forage supplies can result in abnormal behaviours as noted above but more importantly, there are serious health issues associated with this practice. Quantity has been used as a sales tool in order to sell product and to allow sales people to claim that their product X contains more of an ingredient than someone else’s product Y. Remember that more is not necessarily better! Vitamin A levels have been used from time to time in this context because it has been a relatively cheap nutrient and thus an easy way to enhance a product’s specification. However, I would like to remind you of a quote by Albert Einstein that goes “Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts”. To illustrate

maximise fibre intake and promote chewing, which in turn stimulates saliva production to neutralise the ulcer causing acid. Feeding a soaked hay replacer

Many people enjoy the convenience and peace of mind of feeding a specially made product with known nutritional content. One of the most important qualities of a hay replacer is that it is easy to eat, particularly as the main reason for a horse needing an alternative fibre source is poor dental condition. An affected horse is more at risk of choke, simply because he is not able to chew properly. For this reason a fast soaking fibre feed is popular with horses and their owners alike, not only for ease of eating and preparation, but with the added benefit of increasing water consumption. Veteran horses can be reluctant to drink enough water, particularly in the winter and by feeding a soaked hay replacer their water intake can be significantly increased. As a soaked fibre feed takes considerably less effort and time to eat than the equivalent amount of hay, it is important to try to maximise the amount of time a horse spends eating to avoid long periods when no fibre is passing through the gut. A horse’s feeding time can be extended by: • Dividing the horse’s daily feed into as many meals as possible; • Feeding from a long trough or straight on the floor to spread the feed out and prevent the horse from taking large mouthfuls; • Placing obstacles such as large, flat stones in the trough so the horse has to eat around them; • Splitting each meal into several containers around the stable or field to encourage foraging behaviour; • Mixing in a chaff if the horse is capable of chewing one. For further information, contact our friendly, award winning nutrition team on 01362 822 902, email us at helpline@allenandpage.co.uk or visit our website www.allenandpage.com

this quotation, one cannot count palatability but it is very important and whilst one can count vitamin A levels, at high inclusions they are irrelevant. Thus, in certain cases quantity can be meaningless. Furthermore, the quantity of an ingredient per se can be dangerous since it is the balance of ingredients that is important to the horse’s wellbeing. One of the simplest and best examples of balance in a horse diet is that of the quantities of the major minerals, calcium and phosphorus. The absolute amounts present in a diet could satisfy the animal’s requirements for these individual nutrients but if the ratio of calcium to phosphorus was 1:2 rather than the desired ratio of 2:1 then the imbalance could negatively impact calcium absorption and thus bone health. In conclusion, I have considered the hygienic and nutrient aspects of quality and noted that high nutrient quality is not always the most important characteristic of

a diet for a horse. The animal has basic requirements for nutrients but usually more is fed in order to meet recommended daily allowances. However, it is critical that appropriate nutrient balances are achieved within the diet to maintain health. It is worth remembering a couple of quotes by John Ruskin that are germane to these issues. Firstly, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort” and that is what goes into the production of quality horse feeds. Secondly, “There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man’s lawful prey.” This is worth bearing in mind when purchasing horse feed or any other commodity come to that, since quality always comes at a price-something to ponder when buying Christmas presents? Cost savings rarely confer benefits other than to the wallet... www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:25

T M

B y a t

F n h

D f * Q

AP Ad_The Steps_210x297_12.3.13_Layout 1 16/04/2013 09:47 Page 1

THE BARLEY & MOLASSES FREE RANGE

STEP-BY-STEP Barley Free – Low Starch, Molasses Free – Low Sugar*

By moving up and down the Barley & Molasses Free Range, you can provide your horse or pony with exactly the right amount of energy as his needs change throughout the year.

Power & Performance®

Calm & Condition® Step four: Estimated DE 12.5 MJ/kg

Veteran Vitality® Cool & Collected®

Ride & Relax®

Step two: Estimated DE 9.5 MJ/kg

At rest or light to medium work

At rest or light work

• High fibre, low starch, low sugar

• A palatable light muesli mix with added mint

• High in fibre and low in starch and sugar

• Quick soak – less than 3 minutes!

• Quick soak – under 60 seconds!

• Ideal for horses and ponies with feed related behaviour issues

• Highly digestible with high fibre energy sources • Slow release energy from fibre and oil

• Highly digestible with slow release energy sources

• Includes linseed, a good source of Omega 3

Fast Fibre® Step one: Estimated DE 8.0 MJ/kg

• Suitable for good doers and those prone to laminitis • Can be fed as a partial or complete hay replacement

At rest to hard work

Step three: Estimated DE 11.0 MJ/kg At rest or light to medium work • High in fibre, with a good calorie level to help maintain weight

• For horses that need to put on or maintain condition, or for those working hard • Quick soak – less than 10 minutes!

• Quick soak – less than 3 minutes! • Highly palatable and easy to chew for horses with worn or missing teeth

• Slow release energy from fibre and oil • Contains linseed, a good source of Omega 3

Step five: Estimated DE 12.8 MJ/kg Hard work • Unique highenergy competition feed • Highly digestible with slow and fast release energy sources • Ideal for horses and ponies in hard work such as eventers, dressage horses and hunters • Boosted with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes for performance

• Includes linseed, a good source of Omega 3

For veterans As fed by Pippa and William Funnell

Fast Fibre® – ideal by itself or as the feed from which everything else can build

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today on 01362 822 902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk or visit www.allenandpage.com Digestible Energy (DE) levels correct at time of printing. To get the full benefit from these feeds they must be fed at recommended levels. *When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels. Quote Advert: Step216

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 17

Winners of the 2013 HAYGAIN Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award, for excellent advice and customer service

22/11/2013 16:25

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Winter Hoof Care

Richard Knight BVetMed MRCVS on behalf of Peter Fenton Equine Vets

ith winter fast approaching it is important to note that hooves generally grow less during the winter months but regular hoof care and monitoring is still essential. Checking all four hooves and legs daily is still vital, although this can be more difficult when they are wet and covered in mud! Many owners will remove their horse’s shoes during the winter as they plan to ride less or want to give their horses feet a ‘rest’ and to save some money, it is important to discuss this with your registered farrier as some horses are unable to cope without shoes and removing shoes may help the bank balance but may be detrimental to your horses feet. The time between seeing the farrier may be able to be increased slightly in winter as hoof growth may slow slightly but again it is wise to speak to your farrier about extending time between shoeing. Even if your horse is unshod, regular trims are important to maintain good hoof health A balanced diet is essential for quality and consistent horn growth. Poor or slow hoof growth may be due to a dietary imbalance or deficiency and a supplement may be beneficial it may be

worth discussing this with your farrier or vet who can make any recommendations. Take care to monitor your horse feet during winter, a horse stabled for for 24 hours a day with little or no turnout can have very hard feet and those turned out all winter in muddy or frozen paddocks can have feet that become very soft making shoeing more difficult in both cases and can lead to further hoof problems. Horses can be more prone to hoof bacterial infections in winter and diseases of the whiteline, such as thrush it can be related to standing in dirty wet bedding or very muddy paddocks. This can be diagnosed by a foul smelling odour

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Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 18

and a dark coloured discharge from around the frog, thrush can travel deep into the sensitive tissue within the frog causing pain and lameness. Warm, moist bedding in stables or the accumulation of mud and dirt from the field encourage the growth of bacteria. Picking the feet out and checking them daily will help to prevent infection or to recognise infection in the early stages. If an infection occurs there are many topical treatments available containing antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, commonly being iodine and copper sulphate based solutions. These applications can also be used weekly as a preventative measure in horses and ponies prone to such infections. For the more serious conditions or if you are finding infections difficult to resolve you may need to seek veterinary advice. One complaint often heard in winter is that ‘my horse keeps pulling shoes’ this is often more common in winter as horses are turned out in wet, muddy conditions and the mud acts like glue on the bottom of horses shoes, sucking them into mud. When a shoe had been traumatically pulled off the farrier may then find it difficult to nail on a new shoe if there is damage to the hoof wall and the horse may be more likely to pull the shoe off again. Limiting horses turnout in muddy paddocks will help them to keep hold of their shoes and also smaller paddocks with less horses often decreases the chance of horses charging around the fields pulling shoes, remember that ridden work and turning out in a ménage are great alternatives for your horse to get out and about in winter! Abscesses can be more common in winter due to the wet boggy conditions and they can be extremely painful for a horse. A foot abscess is an infection of the foot that can occur at different locations and for a variety of reasons. They can occur when a bruise (or corn) becomes infected, when a puncture wound occurs or for an unknown cause. An abscess can take several days to develop and show clinical signs.

The usual history for a foot abscess is that a horse is seen to be normal then a few hours later will be bought in from the field/out of the stable hopping lame and unwilling to bear weight on the affected limb, the horse may also have a warm hoof and a digital pulse. Either your farrier or vet will be able to use hoof testers to identify if an abscess is present as the horse will resent pressure applied over the area. Then your farrier/vet will be able to pare out the horn and find the abscess, once the abscess is found and the pressure released, horses are usually a lot more comfortable. However only your vet will be able to diagnose and treat your horse if it is not an abscess that is causing your horse’s lameness .Establishing drainage is key to successful treatment of a foot abscess and your vet or farrier will try to remove sufficient horn to ensure that the abscess drains and does not reform. They may also have to remove the shoe as many abscesses are found beneath it and would go undetected if the show were left on. Once drainage has been established it is generally advisable to poultice the foot for several days using a hot wet poultice such as Animalintex to help draw out the abscess. This should ideally be changed twice daily. Once there is no further pus detected when changing the wet poultice, a dry poultice can be used, ideally in conjunction with something to harden the hoof such as Povidine, Sugadine (Povidine and sugar mixed together), magnesium sulphate or proprietary hoof hardeners. Once a diagnosis of a foot abscess has been made and treated appropriately, if the horse's lameness has not improved markedly within 2-3 days then it is advisable to speak to the vet or farrier again as the foot may need further paring. Roads can be slippery throughout the year but this is often more noticeable during winter when surfaces are more likely to be wet, icey and covered in snow making hacking out more dangerous for both horse and rider. Similarly horses being worked in fields and across country may experience an increased loss of traction when conditions are wet and muddy. Shod horses will gain from shoes being in good condition. Increased traction may be gained from the addition of studs and talking to your farrier will help to decide which may offer the best solution for you and your horse. The old saying of no foot no horse is particularly relevant in winter and paying close attention to your equine friends hooves can help to stop problems before they start.

“ F

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MRY_E

How Equi Life helped Fergie “In June 2009 we bought a twenty three year old Welsh pony, Fergie, for our daughter to start to learn to ride. Fergie had a cresty neck, so needless to say I didn’t take any liberties with her for fear of her getting laminitis. In Dec 2009 she went down with laminitis in cold snowy weather. We blood tested her, she had an insulin level of 237µIU/ml (normal is less than 40µIU/ml). My vet, Claire Devitt, said that she had insulin resistance and Cushing’s Disease. We kept her shut up as part of her treatment. By Feb 2010, she was still shut up, we weren’t really getting on top of the laminitis. She was having bouts of it about every three weeks. We blood tested her again only to find her insulin levels had gone up to >330µIU/ ml. Still in her box, she was getting much worse and gaining weight. We even had a period of about ten days of her looking extremely laminitic first thing in the morning and walking around her box more easily by late afternoon. By 25th March 2010 her insulin levels had rocketed up to 873µIU/ml. We were absolutely stuffed. I couldn't move her out of her box to help her metabolism because of the laminitis. We really needed to find the right button to press to bring the levels down. I had seen an article in a magazine that mentioned NoMetSyn. I spoke to my vet about it and she duly got in touch with Mr Eustace, he advised us to use NoMetSyn, Vitex4 Equids and Formula4 Feet. The results of the new regime were spectacular! Eight days after receiving these supplements she started 'head tossing' and having a roll followed by a buck! The change in her was so obvious after all the months of her stuck in her box looking half dead. We blood tested her thirty eight days after she started her new supplements and incredibly her insulin levels had gone down to 48.7µIU/ml. We had X-rayed her feet and found there to be mild pedal bone rotation: my farrier Jim Hayter provided expert corrective farriery. She was finally turned out on the 15th May 2010 and we started working her gently a month later. Two years on we still have (hang on wood) a sound, slimmer pony that has enjoyed some Pony Club outings this winter. We have kept her on the three supplements, combined with regular exercise and careful management. Long may it last. 14/06/2013; Hi Sue, hope you are well. Thought you might like to see these photo's of Ellie and Fergie at their first show. Ellie was 2nd in her best rider class and dearest Fergie won the veterans and was joint champion with the hunter in the championship! A great day was had by all. I have told Ellie to make the most of it as you don't get days like that very often!! Fergie's weight has remained stable; she is very slim but I think she looks pretty good. She has had the most amazing dapples up her neck and shoulders all the winter and my farrier Jim is really pleased with her feet. Best wishes Jane, Ellie and Fergie Gingell.”

Fergie is just one of the many ponies that Equi Life has helped

MRY_Equi_Life_FP.indd 1 Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 19

09/08/2013 16:26 12:28 22/11/2013

Xxxxxxxxxx Tack • News (continued from page 9) Air jackets are designed to provide a shock buffering and body stabilising system that slows down a rider’s fall, absorbing shock and helping to distribute pressure upon landing. They also aim to limit the extra torsion movements that can cause the rider’s body to naturally contract when hitting the ground. Air jackets also give cushioning protection to areas of the body including the base of the neck, spine, collar bones, lower back, rib cage and vital organs when falling from a horse, helping to limit fractures and other internal injuries. (Each manufacturer’s garment is different in design however, and offers key benefits, inflation speeds, areas of protection, and immediate mobility once the garment has inflated.) The neck protection provided by some air jacket is designed to decelerate the neck in the event of a fall, significantly reducing the possibility of hyper-extension and whiplash. Air jackets can also help guard against crush injuries in the event of a rotational fall. While air jackets are strongly

Fluf com Mau

Falls are all-too-common when jumping fences. (Photo bywww.rditchfieldphotography with thanks to RS-tor.) advised to be used in conjunction with a body protector - see below they are said to significantly reduce the risk factors for injury when worn alone, when compared to not

Martin Bielby of British Horse Feeds presents Bob with his recognition award

wearing any form of protection. Key points

According to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), air jackets are not a replacement for a body protector, but an addition. A body protector offers permanent, static protection, both on and off the horse; meanwhile, an air vest provides temporary, dynamic protection once the garment is inflated. It is important to note that standalone air jackets are not tested to the same standards as body protectors, the latter typically EN13158-2009. Air jackets are sometimes tested to lower motorcycle industry standards - the newest is EN1621-4. There are however two ‘air jacket and body protector hybrids’ on the market. The body protector components of these garments are approved to EN13158-2009 and BETA 2009

Level Three. They are Point Two’s ‘P2-RS’ and USG’s ‘FlexiPlus EquiAirbag’. BETA currently sits on the motor cycle standard committee, and is discussing with companies how and whether this may be utilised to form an acceptable standard for air vests designed for horse riding. Manufacturers of air jackets Hit-Air UK Ltd - 0845 894 2868 / info@hitairuk.co.uk / http://www. hitairuk.co.uk Point 2 - 01306 621 368 / info@ point-two.co.uk / http://www. point-two.co.uk Helite – contact distributor Treehouse Air Jackets for stockists - 01299 851625 / info@ treehouseonline.co.uk / www. treehouseairjackets.co.uk USG - contact distributor Walk, Trot, Canter for stockists - 07590 714539 / info@walktrotcanterltd. com / www.walktrotcanterltd.com

no feet, no horse! Bob Dod ‘Best crew member’ B K ritish Horse Feeds was delighted to once again launch the search at the Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, for the ‘Best Crew Member’. Competitors were invited to nominate their best crew member for the recognition award, to show their appreciation for the help and support they receive from valuable team members. This year’s winner, Norfolk-based Bob Dod, was nominated by his wife, endurance rider Linda Dod. Bob has been crewing for Linda for 26 years and is always on hand to help out other riders too. Said Linda: “Bob is an amazing crew member, he has often given up his own hobby and rescheduled work to support me at endurance competitions; I wouldn’t be able to compete without him! His infectious humour always calms me down and he has a very calming influence on the horses too. “I am so pleased he has won the British Horse Feeds Recognition Award and I would like to thank him for his continued support myself, and on behalf of all the other people he assists at competitions.” Bob was awarded with a trophy and a British Horse Feeds branded jacket.

20 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 20

eeping your horse’s hooves healthy is vital at any time of the year, especially with the unpredictability of British weather, which can see prolonged periods of wet weather followed by a dry spell that can cause havoc with hooves. The best way of ensuring healthy hooves is by feeding a formulation which will guarantee your horse is getting the vital vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed to ensure strong, healthy hoof growth. Biotin, Zinc, Methionine and Copper all play significant roles in ensuring hooves grow well and all the Blue Chip feed balancers contain these elements in the unique hoof supplement, Soundhoof ™ . The combination of these ingredients help to maintain the laminae and enhance the formation of Keratin, an essential building block of the hoof wall. To ensure strong, healthy hooves, Blue Chip incorporates the recommended daily amount of Biotin in a bioavailable form. Feeding a Blue Chip feed balancer with SoundHoof will ensure your horse or pony not only looks fantastic, but will have healthy hooves all year round. Blue Chip Feed Limited 0114 266 6200 www.bluechipfeed.com www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:26

ew N

Fluff and Puff, retired racehorse competing in a Hunter Trial at Maunby, ridden by Natalie Towers.

TopSpec Senior Lite A Combined Low Calorie Feed Balancer and Joint Supplement

• Very low in sugar and starch • High fibre • Contains vitamins, minerals and probiotic yeast • Includes a hoof supplement

“Since using TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer I have been delighted with his coat which is so soft and shiny. He really enjoys his feed and it is great to know he is receiving all the glucosamine he needs as well as a top specification feed balancer which includes an effective hoof supplement.” Natalie Towers ®

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Multiple Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service’ Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 21

22/11/2013 16:26

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Christmas Gifts

eQuine influenZA:

Are we protecting our horses eﬀectively?

he protection afforded by equine flu vaccinations is not as straightforward as we might think suggests a special focus on Equine Influenza (EIV) published this month in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ). The editorial includes scientific, surveillance, animal health industry and regulatory viewpoints that raise questions over the role of vaccination in both limiting the spread of infection and reducing the severity of clinical signs. The importance of vaccine strain and composition is also discussed. The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) meanwhile is working with key parties to ensure that the UK’s horses are protected from EIV in the most effective ways possible. Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease. It is rarely fatal, usually resolving within two to three weeks. It has the potential to be highly disruptive to training and competition schedules. Graeme Cooke, FEI Veterinary Director writing in EVJ points out “protection against influenza depends on good management combined with a good vaccination programme using efficacious vaccine products, with as much of the equine population as possible being vaccinated. Limiting the effect of outbreaks also depends on having good organised surveillance, or at least taking samples quickly to obtain an early diagnosis. Very important for prevention is the routine application in stables of simple biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of this and other diseases or at least to reduce their onward transmission. Biosecurity should be the first piece of advice that clinicians give to their clients about influenza prevention” [1]. Vaccination against equine influenza has been mandatory for racing Thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom (UK) since 1981, and major outbreaks have been few and far between since

then. The aim of vaccination is two-fold: to protect the vaccinated individual from becoming ill and to limit the spread of infection by reducing the amount of virus a vaccinated horse will shed if it does become infected, this latter aim being the more important of the two. Contrary to the perceived efficacy of robust vaccination protocols and absence of infection and disease, EIV was found in around 15% of nasopharyngeal swabs from both vaccinated and unvaccinated horses in a recent retrospective analysis of laboratory samples in France [2]. In her state-of-the-art review What can mathematical models bring to the control of equine influenza? Dr JM Daly uses key findings from various modelling studies conducted over the past 10 years to illustrate how this technique can be used to help inform decision-making on prevention and outbreak management. The review concludes that the majority of outbreaks in vaccinated groups of horses are of limited size and that vaccination reduces the occurrence of epidemics [3]. The flu virus has an ability to mutate the proteins on its surface, a process known as antigenic drift. These surface proteins are the structures that are recognised by the immunesystem and if they change, a vaccine which has been produced to recognise proteins on older virus strains will be less effective. However, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is using continual analysis of field surveillance data to recommend suitable vaccine strains for inclusion in commercial vaccines in order to help prevent this problem. This work is supported in the UK by the Equine Influenza Programme (www.equiflunet.org.uk/), which is backed by the racing industry via the Horserace Betting Levy Board (http://racehorsehealth.hblb.org.uk/) [4].

snuGGy Ho Ho HooDs! A

lthough buying for the horse and dog obsessed can seem an easy task. Sometimes the choice can be a little, boring. Snuggy’s believe functional can also be fun, we have plenty of gift ideas on our website, www.snuggyhoods.com . For example; how about a Onesie to match your recipient’s horse’s rug, or a Jumper to do the same? Made from soft polar fleece these start in our baby range and go through to adults. A Show Tidy will encourage even the messiest of competitors to get organised – and you will get a pat on the back for finding the perfect pressie. Don’t forget Hand and Ear Warmers! For more information visit www.snuggyhoods. com or email sales@ snuggyhoods.com or call 01225 783399.

22 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 22

None of the vaccines currently on sale in UK have the most recently recommended strains and only one in the US achieves this [5]. However, Loïc J. Legrand’s recent study Surveillance of equine influenza viruses through the RESPE network in France from November 2005 to October 2010 concludes that vaccination is not the whole answer to the prevention of EIV outbreaks. He is one of many to have diagnosed flu in horses that were vaccinated as well as those that were not [2], which is a likely result of the use of mismatched vaccine strains. Although of little consequence for individuals, mismatched vaccine strains increase the likelihood of large outbreaks and played a role in the escape of the virus from the quarantine station in Australia, which seeded the major epidemic there. However Dr Horspool, in her article Equine influenza vaccines in Europe – a view from the animal health industry, makes the important point that this is not the only factor influencing the effectiveness of any specific product and that although some vaccinated horses develop signs and shed virus when exposed to natural challenge with EIV, to date there have been no major flu outbreaks in vaccinated populations [6]. Dr Woodland from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate also highlights that an important aim for the licensing authorities is to ensure that vaccines we use in our horses are safe as well as effective. The process of developing a vaccine strain for inclusion in an authorised vaccine may take several years. A degree of cross protection between flu strains can be expected and, in contrast to most human influenza vaccines, most equine influenza vaccines contain adjuvants which help boost the immune response and increase the effectiveness [7]. (continued on page 24)

The christmas present with a practical theme! T

his sturdy fork has been designed to help make mucking out specialist bedding even easier, so it’s the perfect gift for yard or horse owner! It’s ingenious design traps even small pieces of dung, yet allows the clean bedding to fall freely through the teeth of the fork, helping to eliminate waste and make mucking out the bed EVEN quicker! The rounded tines help pick up debris and lift wet patches without getting caught on or damaging rubber matting. Extremely lightweight and strong with a rubberised handle for excellent grip and comfort, this fork makes light work of mucking out all year round! RRP: £35.00 (Including VAT & UK delivery) Available to purchase online at: www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009

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22/11/2013 16:26

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22/11/2013 16:26

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Veterans • News (continued from page 22) Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: “The EIV disaster in Australia in 2007 was an important wake-up call, yet many racing authorities still have no requirement for vaccination. On-going surveillance and a better route to updating vaccine strains are key, while compliance with sport regulators’ requirements is a powerful motivator to ensure vaccination takes place.” Professor Marr continued: “The British horseracing industry is to be commended as they fund a major surveillance programme via the HBLB but it would be good to see this effort translated into new products. It is important that horse owners realise that vaccinating their horses simply to comply with Sports regulators requirement may not actually achieve the frequency recommended by the manufacturers, particularly at the beginning of the course. The manufacturers recommendations must be followed if the vaccine is to be effective.” The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is currently working with representatives of the animal health industry, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the Fédération Equestre International, British Horseracing Authority and scientists involved in influenza surveillance. The working party aims to establish revised guidelines to facilitate and reduce costs of approvals for vaccine strain updates, encourage further education and surveillance on EIV and to review FEI and BHA rules to ensure vaccine use is in accordance with manufacturer’s data sheet. David Mountford, CEO of BEVA commented “In order to drive the development of new vaccine strains there needs to be collaboration between all stakeholders based on the risk to the equine industry, the understanding of individual disease outcomes (i.e. clinical disease and virus shedding), and the demand from Sporting Authorities, Veterinary practitioners and horse owners. These factors, alongside proposed simplification of regulatory requirements, will generate the commercial environment that will effect change.” 1. Cooke, G, Vaccination for equine influenza: The sports regulator's viewpoint, Equine Veterinary Journal, DOI: 10.1111/evj.12151 2. Legrand, LJ and others, Surveillance of equine influenza viruses through the RESPE network in France from November 2005 to October 2010, Equine Veterinary Journal DOI: 10.1111/evj.12100 3. Daly, JM and others, What can mathematical models bring to the control of equine influenza? Equine Veterinary Journal, ,DOI: 10.1111/evj.12104 4. Elton D, Cullinane A. Equine influenza: Antigenic drift and implications for vaccines, Equine Veterinary Journal DOI: 10.1111/evj.12148 5. Marr, CM, Sellon, D. Mountford, D. Influenza: are we protecting our horses effectively? Equine Veterinary Journal, DOI: 10.1111/evj.12172 6. Horspool LJI, King, A. Equine influenza vaccines in Europe: A view from the animal health industry. Equine Veterinary Journal, DOI: 10.1111/evj.12171 7. Woodland, RM, Influenza vaccine strains: Licensing perspectives. Equine Veterinary Journal, DOI: 10.1111/evj.12155 24 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 24

Ariat sponsors Olympic Show Jumpers S how jumpers Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum have joined the sponsored Ariat team. Meredith is the first woman to be ranked number one worldwide for the sport of show jumping. Meredith has been riding horses since the age of seven; her equestrian achievements include: three-time World Cup Final winner, World Champion, European Champion, German Champion, Winner of the Preis von Europa CHIO Aachen 2011 and three-time Rider of the Year. Additionally, Meredith represented Germany in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where she was placed fourth in the individual round. Currently, she is training for next year’s World Equestrian Games in France and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Markus has been a competitive, international show jumper since 1990. Markus’ achievements include being a reserve for the German show

jumping team for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Markus was champion at the 2007 World Cup Final in Las Vegas and placed in the top four in several World Cup competitions including: Amsterdam, Wellington (three times), London and Berlin. Other achievements include winning team gold at the World Championships and team gold at the European Championships as well as the bronze medal at the German Championships. Currently, Markus competes regularly and is a successful trainer and horse dealer. “Having two show jumping icons like Meredith and Markus join the Ariat team is a real honor,” said Melanie Selman, Marketing Manager at Ariat Europe. “Meredith and Markus are extremely accomplished riders that bring extraordinary grace and true athleticism to the sport of international show jumping.” Ariat supply equine apparel, footwear and accessories.

Older horse’s joints can still perform A

Vetroflex contains the optimum ratio of specially optimised collagen peptides and amino acids needed to protect, strengthen and rejuvenate healthy cartilage in the joints to help your veteran horse regenerate cartilage and help his body deal with the effects of growing older. When combined, Vetrofen and Vetroflex offer a scientifically proven method of easing discomfort, reducing inflammation and encouraging joints to repair, making your veteran horse more comfortable, content and

able to continue working well into his golden years. Both are veterinary approved, gentle on the stomach and side-effectfree making them an essential addition to your veteran management regime. Animalife are so confident of the results, they offer a moneyback guarantee.* Vetrofen is available in a variety of sizes, priced from £9.99. Vetroflex starts at £39.99 for 500g. For more information visit: www.animalife.co.uk or call 0845 365 00 50. *subject to terms and conditions www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:26

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Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 25

introducing the new series to the 2014 finals, and welcoming HAYGAIN as sponsors,” Kelvin Bywater says, “The Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships has grown over the past few years, particularly since moving to Hartpury Arena, and we are very pleased to be able to offer another opportunity for competitors to contest an exciting new class in a championship environment. The team are looking forward to seeing who will be the first rider to take the title of the inaugural HAYGAIN hay steamers Diamond Championship.” To find out more about the HAYGAIN hay steamers Diamond Championship series visit www. bluechipchamps.co.uk

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s more and more competitors aspire to qualify for the prestigious Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships, Show Organiser, Kelvin Bywater, has created a brand new series giving show jumpers an additional chance to qualify for the finals held at Hartpury Arena, Gloucestershire, from 2 – 6 April 2014. Now in its 23rd year and with nearly 300 qualifiers nationwide, the Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships is one of the calendar highlights for British Showjumping affiliated competitors. Joining the already established list of Championship classes the 2014 show will host the first ever HAYGAIN hay steamers Diamond Championship. Aimed specifically at riders outside the Top 200 on the British Showjumping ranking lists, the course height of the HAYGAIN hay steamers Diamond Championship will be 0.95m and qualifiers will take place at venues nationwide starting in December. Competitors who qualify for this exciting new series will jump in the Kingsland Equestrian Outdoor Arena on the Saturday and Sunday of the show, with the top 20 combinations going through to jump in the Championship Arena before the winner is crowned HAYGAIN Hay Steamers are a range of scientifically proven hay steamers that eliminate respirable dust in hay and haylage by killing mould spores and bacteria to produce hygienically clean forage. HAYGAIN’s Director Becky James says, “We are delighted to be involved in this new and exciting series.” “I’m looking forward to

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TackXxxxxxxxxx • Arenas • News

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     

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Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 26

Help reduce risk of antimicrobial resistance! T

he British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is calling on horse owners to support vets’ efforts to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance by better understanding where and when antibiotics are needed. The BEVA told Equi-Ads that around two thirds of the UK’s equine practices have now adopted policies on the responsible use of antimicrobials. The uptake is predominantly in response to the Association’s education and awareness campaign launched on EAAD in November last year. This year BEVA is further developing their Protect ME campaign to help horse owners understand the role and responsible use of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging clinical problem that is recognised internationally as one of the largest threats to human and animal health. All major health and veterinary organisations are working to try and limit the development of resistance so that effective antimicrobials can be retained for use in clinical practice. The focus of this year’s Protect ME campaign is on horse owner education. Posters, fact sheets and light-hearted comic strips have been produced for BEVA members to share with their clients at the surgery or through social media. These resources will help horse owners understand more about the importance of antimicrobial resistance and why antibiotics are not always required. The importance of good hand hygiene is also highlighted, to decrease contamination between horses and between horses and people, further reducing pressure to use antibiotics. Ask your vet for further information about BEVA’s Protect ME campaign.

Quality lightweight Gloves S chwenkel have re-launched their lightweight glove aimed at the leisure rider in four great colours. An affordable all round every day glove, the Schwenkel 4 You glove is made from a soft, durable and comfortable “Amara Suede” fabric that is fully machine washable. It's faux suede keeps the hands protected but gives an exceptional level of contact through the reins and has excellent grip qualities. The wrist has a wide Velcro band for a secure fit. With this value for money price tag for such a quality product they are an essential bit of kit for every day riding. RRP: £30.00 Colours: Black, Mocca, Blue and Cognac Sizes: XS - XXL From all good retailers or online from www. zebraproducts.co.uk

Win a years supply of feed! T

eam Hickstead Horse Feeds realised that the demand for their feeds is rising, but the number of stockists available to fulfil this need is not increasing fast enough so Team HHF is asking the public for help and in return they have an amazing competition to win a year supply of feed, along with a consultation with Nutritionist Christine Smy. Hickstead Horse Feeds would like to know if your local stockist does not supply their range of feeds. You can let them know by sending an email or Facebook message (details below) with the stockist’s details, as well as letting your stockist know you want to buy HHF, most of them will be more than happy to stock HHF once they know the demand is there. Competition details: Slips will be available through current and new stockists. Send the completed competition slip and proof of a HHF purchase to Hickstead Horse Feeds before the closing date of 31st December 2013 to be in with a chance of winning one years supply of HHF. www.hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk www.facebook.com/hicksteadhorsefeeds info@hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:27

Healthcare

feeding the older horse

Winter Joint support W

inter is here, and for some horses, the cold weather and reduced activity will result in stiff joints and/or fluid accumulation in the legs. One of the ways to help manage joint problems is by keeping horses’ mobile (exercise/turnout) and now thanks to leading joint supplement LitoVet® we can also provide effective nutritional support. LitoVet® was trialled in performance horses before being brought to market. The published independent double-blind placebo controlled trial, was undertaken on horses in active trotting training as they often develop early osteoarthritis as a result of their intensive programme. All horses were based at the same yard and put on a standardised training regime. Tests during and following the trial showed that the horses’ natural repair processes were more active in those being fed LitoVet® than those on the placebo. Those on LitoVet® also recorded significantly higher levels of vitamin C than the placebo group. Of the trainers, over 70% said horses appeared more lithe, supple and easier to work the day after strenuous exercise. The patented process used in the production of LitoVet® ensures that the unique natural qualities, such as the high level of the GOPO® (glycoside of mono and diglycerol) and vitamin C are not depleted, thereby delivering support to the horse’s natural recovery processes helping to maintain soundness. LitoVet® is 100% plant-based and vegetarian. Prices start at £49 for a 1.5kg tub which will last one horse approximately two months. For further information on LitoVet® please visit www.litovet.co.uk or telephone 01452 524 012.

eteran Vitality has been specially formulated for horses and ponies from the first signs of ageing. Using only the finest Non-GM ingredients, it provides all the nutritional requirements for optimum health in older horses and ponies. High in fibre, but low in starch, it is gentle on the digestive system. Ceregest GLC 1, a unique pre and probiotic blend, is included to help maintain a healthy digestive system and linseed is added as a source of Omega 3. Veteran Vitality is highly palatable, even to fussy feeders and has a good calorie level to help with weight maintenance. Ideal for older horses and ponies at rest or in light to medium work and for those with intolerances to barley or molasses. Quick soak - less than three minutes! Price: £9.50–£11.30 prices may vary depending on location. For more information and advice on a suitable diet for your horse or pony call the Allen & Page award winning nutritional helpline on 01362 822 902 www.allenandpage.com

Hoof oil F

ungicidal Hoof Oil is a 100% natural, anti-fungal, antibacterial, fine strengthening, glossy lubricant for the all year round maintenance of healthy hooves. Suitable for application to dry or wet hooves to help protect against weak brittle hooves, splits, chips, sand cracks, smelly and spongy frogs. Will not completely seal the hooves, allowing them to breathe and maintain natural moisture balance. Free from all prohibited substances under current FEI and HRA rules. (Available in 500ml, Black & Natural – costs around £6.10 incl VAT)

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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Feeding

new topspec senior lite feed Balancer N

ew TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘Non-Heating’ very low calorie feed that contains a multisupplement including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements. Of particular importance to elderly horses is the inclusion of micronutrients known to help maintain mobility. The scientifically recommended rate of 10 grams of glucosamine/500kg horse/day is a key feature of the mobility supplement included in this formula. This superb specification provides micronutrients to balance the diets of Good-Doers at rest or in light to medium work. Using TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer will help to maintain mobility and will not promote weight gain. Feeding it will help to improve hoof quality and promote a supple skin with a shiny coat. TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer helps to maintain a healthy immune system and also includes a highly available source of vitamin C to help maintain healthy lung tissue. Senior Lite is available in 15kg sacks, RRP £31.50. For further information please contact the Multiple AwardWinning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

Sometimes a change makes you realise what you have been missing Only the very best ingredients are used in Hickstead Horse Feeds, ensuring you peace of mind. Our horse feeds are available throughout the UK and Europe and are supported by an excellent infrastructure of high quality feed mills, logistic support and customer liaison.

Maybe it’s time to make a change? For more details about our horse feeds: visit: www.hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk Email: info@hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk Tel: 0845 0250 444 HicksteadHorseFeeds

28 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 28

www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:27

Veterans • Feeding

Mollichaff Veteran for Your Golden Oldie M

any of us have an older, much-loved horse or pony that has served us well over the years – an equine friend that deserves special care and attention to keep him healthy, comfortable and content through his final years. Mollichaff Veteran from HorseHage is a high fibre forage mix that has been specially formulated for older horses and ponies and those that are unable to consume long forage and require a partial forage replacer. Many elderly equines have loose or missing teeth and cannot chew long stemmed forage such as hay or haylage. Mollichaff Veteran is made from chopped ingredients so it is easy to manage and is very palatable too, making it great for fussy feeders. It is made from a balanced blend of dried grass, dried alfalfa and high quality oat straw and is topped with a unique dressing combining linseed and soya oil with a small amount of low sugar molasses and added vitamins and minerals, plant-based antioxidants, biotin, mint, nettle and salt. These added ingredients have all been carefully chosen to benefit the equine veteran. Linseed oil is a rich source of amino acids and essential fatty acids including Omega 3 which can help in the nutritional maintenance of arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions and also help optimise the immune system. Antioxidants from a plant-based source are included to help combat free radicals and maintain your horse in good health. Nettles are naturally high in vitamins and minerals and therefore make this herb ideal for use in feeds to help in the nutritional support of the circulatory system, rheumatism and arthritis, which many older horses can suffer from. Mint contains flavanoids that act to relax the digestive tract and most horses also find the aroma and taste of mint to be particularly appealing; and salt provides two important electrolytes – sodium and chloride. Mollichaff Veteran also contains added limestone to provide additional calcium and biotin for healthy hoof growth. Containing only natural ingredients, Mollichaff Veteran can be fed alone, or as part of the forage ration. If you would like further information or feeding advice, please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

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Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 29

er c a o ls as epla a n d r Ca use hay l bertia pa

Dougie aged 23

When You Care Enough

MolliChaff Veteran • With Omega 3 Oils • Added Antioxidants • Nettle and Mint • High in Digestible Fibre • Easy to Chew • Natural Ingredients • Added Biotin

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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MARK WESTAWAY AND SON MANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE

MARK WESTAWAY & SON LOVE LANE FARM, MARLDON, PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ3 1SP TEL: 01803 527257 www.horsehage.co.uk

22/11/2013 16:27

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Winter Hoof Care Thrush

Wet environments or poor hygiene can lead to bacterial growth within the frog tissues and/or clefts of the frog. The blackened decay of degenerating frog material is called thrush and is accompanied by a foul smell. Animalintex® can help with the treatment of thrush by drawing out any discharge. Always consult your farrier and veterinary surgeon if in doubt or if problems persist. Bruised Soles

A bruise on the sole of the hoof, may be caused by the impact of a hoof coming down on rocky or uneven ground, although several

other factors can be attributed, it is not an uncommon ailment. The sensitive structures that lay beneath the sole (soft tissue between the sole of the hoof and coffin bone) are damaged as tiny blood vessels underneath the sole haemorrhage (bleed). If the damage to blood vessels is minimal bruising usually disappears within a few days and poulticing can help. However, such damage may result in the formation of a haematoma (blood blister) between the sole and sensitive tissues which could lead to an abscess. If in any doubt always contact your veterinary surgeon. Hoof Abscesses

An abscess is a cavity containing pus, which is a collection of dead cells, bacteria, and other debris resulting from an infection. As the amount of pus increases in a foot abscess it becomes painful as the hoof continually bares weight and it is unable to swell. Foot abscesses are more common in wet weather because horses' feet are softer and it is easier for foreign objects or dirt to penetrate the foot. If a horse is standing in mud there are more opportunities for dirt to get under the shoe, or into the foot of an unshod horse. Hoof abscesses are

commonly caused by dirt or gravel penetrating the white line (weakest area on the sole of the foot) or when a sharp object penetrates the hoof sole. Infection then rapidly develops, with a build-up of pus within the confines of the hoof, which is extremely painful for the horse. Abscess treatment needs to commence quickly to halt the abscess finding its own exit point - often the coronary band, but of course if it does this, then it has destroyed sensitive foot structures along the way. A vet or farrier will need to locate the abscess and drain the pus. Once the pus has been drained the foot must be cleaned, Animalintex® Hoof Treatment, secured with Equiwrap, is ideal for

drawing out any remaining pus. Maintaining the Hooves

Over winter you should check and clean hooves daily. If hooves are muddy, even after you have picked them out, then use water and a hoof brush to clean the feet – this will allow a thorough inspection to check for any damage to the hoof which could otherwise be masked by dirt. Horses that suffer from thrush may benefit from the use of a preventative product; your farrier will be able to advise you. If your horse is shod check shoes carefully to make sure they are not loose, a twisted shoe can easily penetrate a (continued on page 32)

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30 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 30

Telephone: 01909 735000 or www.robinsonhealthcare.com www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:27

Training

he UK Parelli team are excited to announce they have a variety of courses available for you and your horse in 2014. There is something for everyone, from a Kidz Fun Day to the four-week Fast Track course. If you are just starting out on your Parelli journey, take a look at the two-day Jump Start course, which will really kick start your progress! For those of you needing a savvy boost, they have a variety of one-week courses at different levels. The Become A Horseman Course go over two Savvys each week; you can take part in one, or you can combine multiple weeks, depending on your goals. They will also be running a Positive Progress Series, which will focus on a Savvy of your choice and includes an audition at the end of the week. This year Parelli will be launching Parelli Horsemanship Camps, so come along and join in for a week of horsemanship and fun! These camps will provide a great opportunity to meet like-minded horse lovers, and will include BBQs, campfires, presentations and some other fun-filled Parelli team events! Finally, for those of you who just cannot get enough, they have the Fast Track course. Following the great success of this year’s course in Italy, they will be running Fast Tracks in both the UK and Germany for 2014. So as the nights are drawing in, it is the time to plan your adventures for 2014. This is the perfect opportunity to keep you motivated during the winter. Here are the dates you have been waiting for: 2014 UK Parelli Campus Course Dates: Short Courses: Kidz Fun Day - 13 July Jump Start - 3 and 4 May, 11 and 12 July Become A Horseman Courses: On Line and Liberty – 5 to 9 May On Line and FreeStyle – 12 to16 May Advancing On Line and Liberty – 19 to 23 May Advancing FreeStyle and Finesse – 26 to 30 May Parelli Horsemanship Camps: Partnership Camp – 4 to 8 August Refinement Camp – 11 to 15 August Positive Progressive Series: Level 1 and 2 – 18 to 22 August Level 3 – 25 to 29 August Level 4 – 1 to 5 September Become a Professional Fast Track - 9 June to 4 July What to do next...

For more information on all the courses download a course pack and booking form at www.parelli.com If you have any questions or would like to book your course, you can also call the UK Parelli team on 0800 0234 813, or email them at uk@parelli.com.

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22/11/2013 16:27

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Insurance

SARCOIDS- ALKALISING THE SKIN CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM

(continued from page 30)

he present view is that sarcoids are in fact, locally invasive, non-spreading tumours of the skin. At first they look like a wart, but as they grow the skin covering the sarcoid becomes thin and breaks, allowing an ulcer to develop Sarcoids can occur anywhere on the body, either singly or at multiple sites and seldom undergo spontaneous remission. They are notoriously difficult to treat as they have a tendency to recur when removed by surgery. It is possible that sarcoids develop as a result of earlier nonproductive infection with the virus that causes juvenile warts or due to infection with the virus that causes warts in cattle. We know that after the inoculation of young horses with an extract of bovine papilloma virus, a sarcoid-like growth appears at that site.

How to get rid of them?

Research has shown that Sarcoids thrive on acidic conditions, so alkalising the body from the inside stops the virus from feeding, making it harder for them to grow and establish. Forest Farmacy take the approach of alkalising the skin (thus reducing the food supply to the virus) This rids the body of sarcoids from the inside out. The 100% herbal powder ‘Power against Sarcoids’ helps rid the body of Sarcoids without needing invasive treatment and time off from exercise. The Herbal Powder contains ingredients that alkalise internally and are designed to encourage the body to produce an alkaline state, strengthen the immune system, support the body’s natural defences and make the bowel lining as resilient as possible which all helps to give your horse the tools to fight the Sarcoids virus naturally. Horses can still be worked, and will start to feel fitter and healthier. ‘Power AgainstSarcoids’ contains 100% organic herbal ingredients; it does not contain any banned or prohibited substances. ONLY one scoop a day and is totally palatable. It has been used effectively on broodmares and is totally safe for foals! ‘I have only been using the product a few weeks and already the sarcoid which my horse had has already gone!No sign of it at all!!Great product.” catriona SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL EQUI ADS READERS £10 off voucher code “THANKS” 6 week supply £35 or sarcoid care pack £80 Please ring 0800 970 9421 for more details or visit www.horsesar-x.com www.forestfarmacy.com

hoof which has been softened by wet weather, providing an entry point for dirt and bacteria. Animalintex® Hoof Treatment from Robinson Animal Healthcare is cut to shape for economy and convenience. Suitable for the rapid treatment of foot conditions it is the only veterinary licensed poultice on the market for equine treatment. It contains an antiseptic to clean and prevent reinfection and natural poulticing agent, Tragacanth, which, when it reacts with water, draws out any infection and creates a clean area for the wound to heal. Animalintex® and Animalintex® Hoof Treatment can be applied dry or as a hot or cold, wet poultice. Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all first aid and wound care requirements. For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com.

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Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 32

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22/11/2013 16:27

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare • Feeding

Healthy Harley! A

t 42 years old Harley is a cheeky veteran and still likes to give everyone a run around, but 18 months ago it was a different story. He is owned by Gemma Page who bought the Clydesdale cross, over 20 years ago as a super safe horse for her mum after she had a nasty accident on another horse. He always lived out, up until he got colic, pneumonia and then had an asthma attack. Vets didn’t think he’d pull through but he came back fighting! Following his illness and with only about three teeth left Harley struggled to eat hay and dropped condition. By now he was looking rather old and ribby so Gemma started to look into hay replacers. It has always been important to her to keep Harley as healthy as possible so after doing some research she began feeding ReadyFibre Mash from Rowen Barbary and the difference has been amazing. Harley looks like a different horse now and no one believes his age, even the vets can’t believe how well he looks. Gemma is amazed and thrilled with the results from feeding ReadyFibre Mash. For Harley it has been life changing as it was very difficult finding something he would enjoy eating and that worked, but thankfully they found ReadyFibre Mash. For more information contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598 or visit www. rowenbarbary.co.uk for more pictures of Harley.

Will winter turn your horse into a monster? W

inter often brings out the worst in even the best natured of horses, and it isn’t just a case of bangs, blusters and hiding pheasants. Magnesium is the body’s key stress management tool. The combination of cold, extra stabling and a less consistent routine are all going to increase your horses need for magnesium, but intake is handicapped by reduced levels in grass, reduced time grazing and increased intake of hard feeds which are high in competitive nutrients that increase magnesium inadequacy. These factors work to make your horse more reactive, difficult and easily stressed. It’s not just riding out that becomes difficult, often simple handling is a nightmare, but - if your horse is not ordinarily in habit of dragging you in from the field via a few hedges - this behaviour can be easily solved. Nupafeed MAH® calming supplement contains MAH® magnesium, a special form of magnesium that provides the body tissue with far higher levels than any other form. Pharmaceutically developed specifically to target magnesium related health concerns, MAH® works to reset your horse back to neutral, so you can correct difficult behaviour without the use of sedative ingredients found in typical calmers. Please call us for help, advice or to place an order: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 33

Classics Never Age... 1985 1995

They Only Improve With Time! • The original hoof supplement • The only product of its kind subjected to independent scientific research and published in a refereed journal • Vacuum packed and nitrogen flushed to remain ‘fresh’ three years from manufacture date • GM free and Vegetarian Society approved Life Data Labs, Inc. 12290 Hwy 72 Cherokee, Alabama 35616 http://fb.me/lifedatalabs Product of the USA

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22/11/2013 16:27

Healthcare • Stabling

New research project to look at role of pasture fungi in EGS Dr Scott Pirie

ew research project to look at role of pasture fungi in EGS Dr Scott Pirie Researchers from the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies have teamed up to further explore the potential causal role of pasture fungi in Equine Grass Sickness (EGS). The Equine Grass Sickness

Saltire

Fund have provided funding for this collaborative effort to revisit this route of investigation which was a major focus in the 1990s, predominantly through the work of Dr Jean Robb. Although this earlier work revealed a high detection rate of Fusarium on EGS pastures, this did not prove a causal role for this pasture living fungus in disease

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34 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 34

induction, despite it demonstrating “nerve damaging” properties when added to isolated nerve cells grown in the laboratory. Although no further advances were made on this route of investigation, it is likely that the nerve damage resulted from certain toxic components released from the fungus, termed mycotoxins. However, the study of mycotoxins and their effects on plants and animals is an inherently difficult area of investigation and at the time of this work being conducted, the laboratory tools to further investigate this phenomenon were not readily available. Fortunately, recent years have seen significant advances in the development and availability of appropriate tools to study the role of mycotoxins in a variety of diseases. The state-of-the-art laboratory techniques required to advance this route of investigation are available at only selected institutes, including FERA which is the UK National Reference Laboratory for Mycotoxins in Food. Both researchers from FERA and the Dick Vet Equine Hospital were independently revisiting the “fungal hypothesis”, initially unaware of their common route of investigation. However, upon realisation of their mutual goals, they quickly joined their collaborative efforts in what is hoped will be a productive and synergistic partnership. The researchers from FERA will provide an unparalleled range of expertise in the field of mycotoxicology with the researchers from the Dick Vet providing an extensive knowledge of the clinical, pathological and epidemiological aspects of the disease. Dr Judith Turner and her team at FERA have recently conducted a pilot study, the results of which have supported an association between EGS occurrence on a pasture and the detection of high levels of Fusarium on the same

pasture. Furthermore, they have identified certain mycotoxins to be present in these pastures in very high concentrations. The levels of toxins present in grass were several orders of magnitude higher than those commonly found in harvested wheat grain samples, a major host for Fusarium infection. Despite the previously published association between Fusarium growth and EGS occurrence on a particular pasture, these data on mycotoxin detection are extremely novel and of considerably greater significance with regard to any efforts to establish a link between Fusaria and EGS. Without the detection of mycotoxins and/or confirmation of the Fusarium’s capability to produce them, any proposed link between fungal pasture contamination and disease-inducing potential remains (and will likely remain) highly speculative. The current study aims to further confirm this association by analysing a larger dataset, incorporating appropriate control pasture analysis and to screen for an extensive array of mycotoxins (around 50) on EGS-affected pastures using advances laboratory techniques. Furthermore, although the proposed sample number has been selected to provide only “pilot data”, full case histories, details of

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Healthcare • Worming capable of either triggering and/or causing EGS. The investigative team, which includes researchers from FERA (Dr. Judith Turner, Dr. Susan McDonald, Dr. Phil Jennings) and the Dick Vet Equine Hospital (Dr Scott Pirie, Prof. Bruce McGorum), are well placed, in their respective roles, to shed significantly more light on the potential role of pasture fungi in EGS. Should such a role be discovered, then appropriate and targeted management strategies could be developed to significantly reduce the incidence of the disease. The researchers will continually liaise with the Equine Grass Sickness Fund to remain informed about the occurrence of cases, thus facilitating early access to pasture and co-grazer samples. Therefore, we would ask that readers continue to inform the Fund about any confirmed EGS cases.

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field agronomy and meteorological data will be collected for each case and control location. This will allow these data to be incorporated into a larger scale study, should initial results warrant a subsequent funding application. In addition, soil samples and, where possible, faecal and urine samples (from horses co-grazing with the EGS case at the time of disease onset) will be collected to facilitate both mycotoxin analysis and analysis for toxin break-down products. Finally, FERA are currently in the process of analysing samples of archived cat food obtained from “outbreaks” of feline dysautonomia to determine whether mycotoxin ingestion may also be associated with this closely related disease. If a link is established between EGS and field exposure to both Fusarium species and certain mycotoxins, followon studies are planned to further investigate whether these toxins are

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Travelling with Xxxxxxxxxx your Horse • Holidays

RESPECT – TRAVELLING WITH YOUR HORSE – A follow-on from last month’s article on Loading By Anne Wilson T

ravelling a beloved horse, for whatever reason, whether it be necessity (a veterinary hospital visit) or for pleasure such as a competition, clinic or special riding destination, can be a fraught affair. I remember one woman telling me that starting to hitch up the trailer was one certain way to start a full-scale row between her and her husband. This is no doubt due to nervous tension and stress caused by the anticipation of things going wrong. I don’t have any doubt that this tension contributes hugely to the horse’s apprehension, both of the loading process as well as the journey. Last month we dealt with ways of de-stressing the loading situation, by doing it so many times before actually going anywhere, that it becomes an everyday occurrence for both horse and handler. If you still feel tense when you know that the journey is actually going to take place, you might do well to consider treating yourself with some Bach Flower remedy such as ‘Rescue Remedy’; just to help you calm down and take things more in your stride. Any tension and apprehension you feel will quickly be transferred to your horse, so you owe it to him to stay calm. By now your horse should be loading with ease and now our aim is to make him just as relaxed during transit. Firstly, the first few journeys should ideally not be too long. Your horse should be rested but not too fresh before he travels. Ideally he will have had some turnout and time to let off steam or relax with his friends in the field, before he is loaded, but he should not be tired

from work, since travelling itself is very tiring. FOOD AND WATER BEFORE AND DURING TRAVELLING

• Do not travel your horse after a large hard feed. Make sure any hard feed if necessary, is given at least an hour beforehand. • Offer him water before travelling but do not let him over-drink before the journey.

• Give him a small haynet to nibble on the journey, but not a large amount if you are going to ride him. Take another larger net for the homeward journey. TO USE A PARTITION OR TRAVEL ‘LOOSE’?

This is a big question and one which cannot be answered definitively when referring to every horse. It has been my experience with my horses,

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Xxxxxxxxxx Travelling with your Horse • Holidays that once they are used to the feel of the padded partition being placed near to them; they not only come to accept it, but they rely on it whilst in transit. I have actually travelled in the back with my horses and witnessed how they relax and lean on the partition whilst going round bends, which must relieve a lot of stress on their legs which they would otherwise have to rely on to keep their balance. As I referred to in the last article, just try travelling yourself in a train without holding on or leaning on anything and you will see how difficult it is to keep one’s balance. It may be slightly easier for horses since they have four legs, but then they have a lot more weight which is continually being shifted from one side to the other as well as back and forth. Nevertheless, there are many experienced horse people who prefer to travel their horses with plenty of room to move around and it seems to work for them, but personally I feel this is dangerous. There have also been studies suggesting that horses travel better facing backwards. One of the reasons for this conclusion has been given that, given the choice, when travelled loose with plenty of room to make their own choice, they are nearly always found with their backs against the front wall. It is my opinion that this is just to give themselves the benefit of the rear wall to lean on (the rear wall will not usually push them right or left.) I do not believe that they prefer to travel facing backwards. Anyone who has ever suffered from travel sickness will know that there is no worse position to be in than facing backwards. This is something to do with the fluid balance in the nose/ ear area of the head which causes the nauseous feeling. PROTECTIVE HORSE CLOTHING

There are some super travel clothing items on the market these days. The invention of Velcro means we don’t always have to use time-consuming bandages. The possibility of uneven pressure and

obstruction of blood flow always concerns me when bandages are put on in a hurry. Of course the use of a good padding of Gamgee on the legs underneath goes a long way to reduce this possibility. But tail bandages can often be applied too tightly, in which case would be very uncomfortable and not help the horse to have a good journey. Tail Protection Modern tail guards don’t seem to have this problem and give good protection from rubbing on the tailgate of the vehicle. Leg Protectors Leg protectors are a very good idea, providing the horse does not feel too restricted in them. Here again, there are some lovely soft, well padded leg protectors on the market today, which are quick and easy to put on and take off. The hocks are an area which can easily be banged against the tailgate. However, some horses seem to hate the feel of anything restricting their hock movement. Some horses will not walk up the ramp with them on, but will accept them if they are applied after loading. I had a horse who hated them so much; she once kicked the back of the trailer the whole of the journey. On the homeward journey I left them off, and she stood perfectly calmly without any kicking. I decided that the kicking was more harmful to her legs than the possibility of damage to her hocks, and she always travelled well after that with leg protectors below the hocks.

HANDLER

Always wear a hard hat and gloves when loading and unloading. TYING-UP

Unless you are travelling your horse loose, always tie him securely with a quick release knot, not so short that he cannot reach his haynet, but short enough to prevent him from turning round.

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Travelling with Xxxxxxxxxx your Horse • Healthcare

LEARN TO DRIVE SMOOTHLY

The way in which the vehicle is driven is likely to have the biggest effect on whether the horse has a comfortable journey. You should drive as though you had precious eggs in the back. Well, actually you have something a lot more precious! Learn to anticipate any slowing down or stopping, long before it actually happens. When you see red stop lights ahead, slow down in good time, much sooner than when driving a car. Take your foot off the accelerator and aim to slow down gradually, preferably without braking. Obviously there will be times when you will need to use the brake, but do it as smoothly as possible. Accelerate slowly and smoothly; anticipate any bends, round-abouts, etc., by slowing down well in advance, taking the bends very slowly and steadily, so that the amount of swing to the passengers in the back will be minimal. Don’t worry if this annoys following traffic, you are entitled to drive carefully and slowly like this when you are carrying livestock. If they get impatient with you, just ignore them, it’s their problem, not yours. If you are on a road where passing is impossible and you know there is a long tail-back behind you, it may be courteous to pull into a lay-by or suitable place if available, just to let them get past, before slowly pulling out again. RECOVERY TIME

If you are going to ride, make sure you reach your destination in good time, not only for preparation, grooming, saddling up etc., but allowing time for your horse to relax and recover from the journey. Remember that travelling is quite tiring for the horse, so he needs a rest before he is gently warmed up. 38 | December 2013

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 38

Scientists have said that a horse needs an hour’s rest for every hour’s travel time. This may well be impractical, and your horse may be too excited when he gets there to rest properly, and standing in a lorry or trailer will not really amount to proper rest. It would be best to walk him slowly and graze him in hand. By putting his head down to eat he is more likely to relax and clear his airways. If he is then ridden, for say an hour, he should again be rested before travelling home. The scientists say an hour’s rest for every hour’s work. However, this length of time may be impractical, if not impossible and circumstances are

not always ideal, but it is well worth bearing in mind. If he will stand calmly eating a haynet outside the vehicle, then this would be ideal. Alternatively again walking in hand and grazing would be good. In any event he should always be walked after work. CHECK LIST OF THINGS TO TAKE

1. Carry a water container and bucket, so your horse can be watered when you reach your destination. Horses often refuse to drink when away from home because the water from a different source smells or tastes different.

2. Carry a packet of Horse Quencher to add to a bucket of water (a feed based water additive designed to encourage horses to drink) in case your horse starts to become dehydrated and refuses to drink. 3. Take enough full haynets – no need for him to be hungry. 4. Take appropriate rugs – especially if you are riding, e.g. rug suitable for travelling according to the weather conditions, anti-sweat rug, outdoor rug in case of rain, and a cotton cooler. 5. Carry suitable grooming equipment, hoof pick, and a sponge to cool your horse if he becomes overheated. 6. Carry farriery tools such as pincers and a buffer or similar tool to enable you to take off a shoe in an emergency. 7. A human and equine first-aid kit is essential (take it and hopefully you will never need it). 8. Don’t forget your saddle and bridle if riding, as well as your own riding clothes. You will already have your hard hat on your head! After all this preparation, I hope you and your horse arrive relaxed and enjoy yourself. 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

BREED BETTER/STRONGER FOALS W hen a mare conceives, its bloodstream nourishes and supports the life of the foal within it. At this stage the two are effectively one, so that any toxins present in the mother also affect the foal. This situation holds sway until the foal is born and in one respect for some time after. When a foal is born, its gut is sterile and only after birth does it acquire its population of gut bacteria from its dam and from its environment. Without a healthy population of gut bacteria, the foal cannot digest grass, hay or concentrated feeds. So that at the outset the foal is entirely dependent on its mother’s milk. It’s at this stage that the foal acquires its immune system which comes in the colostrum from its mother. If at this stage the mare has a depressed immune system, due to the presence of toxins in her bloodstream, then this is passed on to the foal as it suckles and this gives it its start in life. Later, as it acquires more gut bacteria from its feed, its digestive system matures, but it is the very early formative period that concerns us here. You may be familiar with the fact that human mothers often get a

craving for charcoal before their child is born. This occurs because of an instinctive desire on their part to thoroughly clean up their system so as to give birth to a really healthy baby. It’s the same with horses! Charcoal, particularly the very high quality hardwood charcoal in Happy Tummy®, is capable of adsorbing over 4,000 toxins and removing these from the system naturally. So it represents the best “insurance” against (a) toxins transferring from the mare’s bloodstream to the foal before birth, and (b) a depressed immune system transferring to the foal during that critical period of its life when it is entirely dependent on the mare’s milk. By adding Happy Tummy® charcoal to the mare’s feed, you can help to ensure that its offspring have the best possible start in life, free from any “inherited” toxins or depressed immune responses. Happy Tummy® charcoal – an EU approved feed material - is absolutely safe to use in these circumstances and as a feed additive with a ‘difference’ it can only do good. Full information is available at www.finefettlefeed.com.

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BeddingXxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare • News

Beat the box rest blues “

Box rest” the dreaded words every horse owner hopes to never hear, but despite us taking every care and caution illness and injuries mean that a period of box rest is inevitable. However box rest doesn’t have to be all bad, providing we are adequately prepared to provide optimum care for our horses and ponies whilst they have to remain stabled! The most important thing to consider if your equine requires a period of enforced rest in their stable is to ensure that their environment is as “equine friendly” as possible, offering a place of solace which is clean and hygienic. Alongside providing fresh water, ample forage and mental stimulation, one of the most important factors to consider for your box-resting equine is suitable bedding. Purchasing a high quality, absorbent bedding is a must, as wet, urine-saturated bedding not only causes moisture to permeate our equine’s hooves potentially causing thrush, but also leads to increased levels of noxious ammonia in the stable which can lead to damaged hoof horn, a weakened outer layer of the foot, an irritated respiratory system and sometimes eye and sinus problems.

Nedz Advance is the perfect product for the box-resting equine. The virtually dust-free formulation is kind on the respiratory system whilst the comfortable bedding is composed from natural, high quality chopped straw. Nedz Advance is chopped and ground to produce highly absorbent fibres, which are then sterilized to reduce moulds and spores and presented in a compact pellet form. With no need to water, Nedz Advance expands as your horse or pony is stabled on it, absorbing up to five times its weight in liquid and establishing a sturdy base for your equine to stand or lie on. We all know that box resting our equines can cause our day-to-day costs to experience a bit of a hike and lead to a very time consuming operation, however muck does not stick to Nedz Advance meaning you are removing waste – not bedding and the quick-rotting formula means muckheap removal is virtually eradicated to keep costs to a minimum! Nedz Advance is available in easy to store 15kg bags and costs from £7 - £8.50. For more information visit www.nedz.co.uk or call 01254 677 762.

Who doesn’t need some form of bag to carry their equestrian items in? A

nd what better than in one of the new pieces of luggage from the Carrots Me To You collection? To find out more about the Me To You range or check out the wide selection of equine accessories available visit www.carrotsuk.com or call 01245 445362.

Equimins’ Equi-Red gets Alltech Launch New Website a rebrand

“

We’ve recently undertaken a review of our packaging and it’s given us the opportunity to adjust any product names that could explain more fully what they do,” says David Willey, MD at Equimins. “Equi-Red is a great example. Now called Tip Top Equi-Red, we think the new name promotes what a superb supplement this is. Its high specification combined with fast absorption and the vitamins, minerals and iron make it the perfect choice for any horse needing to boost their iron levels. As per all our products, it’s excellent value too.” Tip Top Equi-Red is available in 1L, 2.5L and 5L bottles, where 1L will last the average horse for 33 days and has a RRP of £10.65. For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@equimins. com or call 01548 531770. www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 39

lltech has launched a new website for their Lifeforce Range of supplements designed to optimise digestive health to horses of a specific lifestyle and consists of three all natural daily nutritional supplements. The website features information about each supplement allowing horse owners to select the right product for their horse, as well as news from the team at Alltech and interesting articles that have featured Lifeforce in the press. “With the Lifeforce Range now complete thanks to the launch of Lifeforce Focus and Lifeforce Elite joining Lifeforce Formula, we wanted to make sure Equi-Ad readers access to the range” said Isla Browne, Alltech’s UK Marketing Manager. “Awareness of the Lifeforce Range within the horse community has really started to grow and with people’s busy lives, often combining working and looking after their horses, the new website provides a platform for all Alltech and Lifeforce information and news from the UK in one place,” Isla added. Alltech is title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France. The Lifeforce range is the cornerstone of the Alltech Equine Advantage series, developed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.

December 2013 | 39

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Arenas • Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx

on the surface of it all

hoosing to have an arena laid down is a costly exercise, so make sure you spend your money wisely. There are so many considerations to make before choosing a company to lay your schooling arena. Of course cost is an issue, but scrimping on money could end being false economy, so be sure to choose a reputable company you trust. Asking around will give you a good idea of decent companies in your area, but there are personal considerations to make, too: Drainage: Wet arenas ultimately lead to surface failure and the need to have surfaces topped up more frequently. Ideally you want rain water to be slowly encouraged off your arena surface, and this will depend on the weather in your area, the type of soil you have and the natural lie of the land around the area you plan to have your arena built. Materials: Deep – or very solid - surfaces are not only hard going for horses, but they can take their toll on your horse’s limbs and lead to lameness issues. There are plenty of modern-day materials that make good riding surfaces, and good quality sand, such as silica sand, is a proven base material to go for. Usage: If you run a riding school or busy competition yard then your arena is going to get plenty of use, which means you will need to choose a surface that’s going to last. If, on the other hand, you are a one horse owner and plan to ride in there a few times a week then you might be able to cut your budget slightly. Dust free: This is particularly relevant for those looking to erect an indoor school, and if you have horses with breathing difficulties or dust allergies then it’s even more important. Lighting: Do you want to ride in the evenings when it’s dark? If so, you’ll need to get floodlights put in as well, which is an extra cost to consider. Whatever you go for, do plenty of research. Some companies offer a ‘try before you buy’ option, which is a really useful thing to do and could save you money and disappointment in the long run.

Horse & pony Direct’s muD fever /cut creAm

inter can herald the onset of muddy gateways and boggy fields. Horses that are turned out during winter can all be predisposed to the potentially chronic condition; mud fever. Mud fever occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised through periods of exposure to mud and wet conditions. Micro-organisms enter the skin and cause bacterial infections which, if left untreated can cause swelling, pain and lameness. We all know that prevention is better that the cure, so the best way to prevent mud fever is to be proactive at the first signs of muddy conditions. Apply Horse and Pony Direct’s Mud Fever/Cut Cream to the back of heels, fetlocks and pasterns, these are the most common areas for mud fever to take hold, but be vigilant for other areas becoming affected. Horse and Pony Direct’s Mud Fever/Cut Cream contains a silver/chitosan complex, a real innovation in wound management. This unique complex has been scientifically proven to kill the bacteria responsible for mud fever. The antibacterial formula acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria and also aids 40 | December 2013

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tuﬀa boots

uffa’s new Breckland Boots are the boots for riders with larger calves who like to compete. Breckland Boots are made using aniline leather with leather linings and durable, neat rubber riding soles. At the rear of the boots, an elastic panel has been included to ensure a comfortable and close fit around the calves, and the side YKK zip fastenings mean that boots are very easy to put on and take off. The positioning of the zip also reduces the strain that back zips are subjected to during normal ridden activity. Available in black in sizes 3-9, in standard and wide calf widths. Prices start from £225. Check your local stockist.

topspec HeAltHy Hoof T

opSpec Healthy Hoof is designed to be added to any horse feed to greatly improve hoof quality. It not only includes optimum levels of all the micronutrients that promote hoof quality but also a broad range of micronutrients that improve the efficiency of the hoof supplement whilst also supporting light work. Healthy Hoof also produces a shiny coat and supple skin. It contains the levels of Biotin (15mg/500kg horse per day), and associated nutrients, scientifically proven to improve hoof quality, including chelated zinc, methionine, MSM, copper, iodine, calcium and Vitamin A, which all improve the effect of Biotin alone. Caramel flavoured TopSpec Healthy Hoof is recommended by equine veterinary practices, farriers and independent equine nutritionists. 3kg TopSpec Healthy Hoof £20.25 For further information please contact the Multiple AwardWinning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

recovery of affected areas. Horse and Pony Direct’s Mud Fever/Cut Cream is available in a 200 gram pot priced at £12.99. Exclusively available through the website www.horseandponydirect.com or on the 24 hour order line; feed balancers, supplements, creams, sprays and grooming products can be ordered at much lower costs than through tack shops and delivered direct to your door (or yard) within 48 hours. You will not find them in any shops. Always low prices. Always high quality. All products are made in the UK under the Horse and Pony Direct brand so you can rest assured that you always get the highest quality products at the best possible prices. Horse and Pony Direct was launched last year and is already picking up awards for its products. The super value fly repellent ‘Insect Away’ won Horse magazine’s ‘best value’ award. For more information on how you can buy these high quality products direct for less visit www.horseandponydirect.com or call our order line on 0844 2472144. www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:28

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Remember tapeworm, encysted small redworm and bots says Zoetis Vet Wendy Talbot

et experts at Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) are reminding horse owners of the importance of tackling the threats of encysted small redworm (ESRW), tapeworm and bots this autumn and winter. None of these parasites will reliably show up in a standard faecal worm egg count so need to be treated on a targeted basis, by using the correct wormers at the right time of year. Encysted small redworm are one of the most persistent and dangerous parasites to affect horses in the UK. Encysted small redworm are larval stages of the small redworm that have buried into the lining of the gut where they lie dormant for a period of time. They can pose a potentially fatal health risk but won’t show up in a standard faecal worm egg count. It’s important to make sure that encysted small redworm are treated properly during late autumn or winter otherwise they may develop and emerge en masse from the gut wall in the early spring and could lead to a disease syndrome known as ‘larval cyathostominosis’, causing diarrhoea and colic with up to a 50% mortality rate1. Young horses (< 3 years of age) are particularly susceptible to this condition; however, all ages can be affected. It is recommended that all horses receive a treatment for ESRW during the autumn/winter, regardless of their faecal worm egg count.2,3 Bots are the insect larvae of the bot fly and are a common adult parasite found within the horse’s stomach. The female bot fly can lay up to 1,000 distinctive yellow eggs on the hair on your horse’s legs and shoulders or around the eyes, mouth and nose. Infection can show as mouth irritation or ulcers or stomach irritation. It is recommended to administer a wormer licensed for the control of bots in the winter, after the first frost when the adult flies have died and before the bots mature. Tapeworms are white, flattened, segmented worms which can grow up to 20cm in length. They are usually

found at the junction of the small and large intestine in your horse and use suckers to attach themselves to the gut wall. They can result in a number of health-related problems, ranging from loss of condition to diarrhoea and colic. An infected horse has been shown to be 26 times more likely to develop ileal impaction colic than a non-infected horse, and eight times more likely to experience spasmodic colic.4 The accepted method for tapeworm control is to break the cycle by using a wormer specifically licensed for tapeworm about every six months5, traditionally in the spring and autumn. “Worming can be confusing and complex, not least because of the jargon that’s sometimes used and the complicated names of the chemical ingredients of wormers,” says Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot. “I strongly advise you to speak to your vet or SQP at your local equestrian shop to make sure you get your winter worming right this year, to help keep your horse in the best health.” Visit www.esrw.co.uk to test your knowledge on ESRW and speak to your vet or SQP about responsible worm control. 1. Dowdall S.M.J. et al (2002) Veterinary Parasitology 106, 225‑242 2. Nielsen (2012) Veterinary Paristology. 185. 32-44 3. AAEP (2013) Parasite Control Guidelines 4. Proudman CJ Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2003) 23 (1) 6-9 5. Proudman and Matthews, In Practice (2000) 22, 90-97

RSPCA Get Mark Todd Kit T

he RSPCA's Equine Officers will be that bit warmer this winter thanks to clothing supplied by the Mark Todd Collection. The brand has donated Mark Todd jackets, gilets, waterproof trousers and winter gloves to the specialist team, which provides equine expertise and support to the Society, as well as promoting its role in the equine industry. RSPCA Equine Officer, Sarah Keith said, "We would like to thank the Mark Todd Collection for the donation of our marvellous new uniform, which has been branded with the RSPCA logo. The team is made up of Inspectorate staff, and was put together in 2012, to bring together a wide range of expertise from the equine industry, including racing, eventing and even farriery. The team do this specialist role on top of their 'day jobs', attending events such as Equifest, and the Grand National, as well as large scale rescues and local equine welfare projects".

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Dec_National_rev.indd 41

Do you want to see yourself on the newly designed Equi-Ads website? Pop over to our website www.equi-ads.com and see your photographs published live on our site. Send your photographs to instagram@ equi-ads.com and we will have them put on our website. Follow us on Facebook for all our up to date news and competitions. December 2013 | 41

22/11/2013 16:28

Competition Xxxxxxxxxx • Tack

C O M P E T I T I O N sADDle fittinG LINCOLN WINTER HAMPERS UP FOR GRABS: – Essential Knowledge

Lincoln Heavy Duty Trug - Black-45 litre RRP £13.00 Ideal for feeding, drinking, bathing and storage. Incredibly strong and durable. Two carry handles. Colour coordinated with all your favourite Lincoln products and accessories.

Lincoln Stirrer RRP £2.20

A Lincoln branded, strong plastic stirrer ideal for mixing milk and feed. Sterilisable. Coordinate with your Lincoln Trug.

Lincoln Omega Gold Rapeseed Oil- 4 litre RRP £21.58

100% pure cold pressed Rapeseed Oil. A balanced source of omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids together with a valuable source of Vitamin E. Maintains and improves body condition and is a good source of energy.

Lincoln Clipper Oil -150g RRP £5.99

A fine lubricating oil for use with all types of clippers. Contains a powerful antibacterial agent. Cleans, lubricates and disinfects.

Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Powder 15g & Cream 200g RRP £46.00

Fast, effective therapy for mud fever. Scientifically proven to kill the bacteria responsible for mud fever. Use the powder during the initial painful stages- no need to touch the wound. Contains Metalosan 47, a breakthrough in wound management.

Lincoln First Aid Kit RRP £30.99

A handy first aid kit containing the following essential items: Animalintex, Digital Veterinary Thermometer, Metal Hoof Pick, 250ml Lincoln Antibacterial Green Oil Spray, 20g Lincoln Antibacterial Powder and 100g Dermoline Skin Ointment

www.battles.co.uk/lincoln QUESTION

What is the best Lincoln product for mud fever? To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic Lincoln prizes, please email your answer to the above question to kirsty@equiads.net or post it with your name, address and telephone number to Lincoln Competition, Equi-Ads Ltd.,126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS. This Competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 and resident in the UK. The winner will be picked from all correct entries. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into with regard to entries or the selection of the winner. Equi-Ads cannot be held responsible for any entries that for any reason fail to reach us before the closing date. Entries close on Friday 27th December 2013. Winners will be published in the February, 2014 issue. If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be provided.

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n the latest column from the Society of Master Saddlers we discuss essential knowledge and tips when it comes to saddle fitting and the checks that need to be made. Horses change considerably over time. A horse’s ‘shape’ is very dependent on the horse owner’s management. A horse can change shape for many reasons. Maybe he is enjoying a break from work turned out in a field with lots of grass. Possibly, the competition season is well under way, and he is leaner and more muscled than he was at the beginning of the season. Maybe he is a young horse and he is going through a period of rapid growth and development. Maybe his owner, school over for the summer, has vastly increased his exercise and schooling programme. Or perhaps he has lost condition over winter. It’s surprising how many owners notice a rug getting tighter but the fact that the saddle no longer fits well completely escapes them. This is why it is very important to get saddles checked regularly. Saddle fitting checks are an important part of horse care. Yes, they cost money. And yes, occasionally the saddle fitter may need to return quite quickly because the horse has changed shape so rapidly. This isn’t an unnecessary expense - it is vital to make sure your horse is comfortable. A saddle that is too narrow and is pinching and exerting other unwanted pressure - or too wide and pressing down and restricting the horse’s ability to use himself correctly - can result in welfare, veterinary, behavioural and performance problems. Overcoming the resulting problems could be expensive in terms of veterinary, schooling and other professional services. Meanwhile the horse has suffered totally unnecessarily. Recognise that changes in exercise and feed regimes have the potential to alter the horse’s shape. Try to stick to the principle “one saddle should fit one horse” and remember a saddle adopts the contours of the horse. If placed on a different horse, it could be very uncomfortable. When a saddle suffers an accident or when the horse suffers a fall whilst being ridden the saddle should be examined by a Master or Qualified Saddler. Internal damage such as a broken tree can be difficult to spot and, not rectified, it may result in complicated veterinary problems. Use the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter to undertake fitting checks regularly. Always have a new saddle fitted and recognise that it is at least equally importance to have a second-hand saddle fitted. SMS saddle fitters have a comprehensive knowledge of saddle brands and designs. They are aware of the rules and regulations applicable to tack and equipment used in all the equestrian www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:28

Xxxxxxxxxx Tack • Feeding

from pAsture to stABle T

disciplines and sports, and offer advice and professional services. 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.

he coming winter weather can fill many horse owners with dread as they bring their horses and ponies from pasture into stabling, often resulting in a higher risk of equine digestive problems and the cliché “spooky” behaviour and excessive energy. However with careful planning and correct feeding the winter can be a time to enjoy your horse… Some horses may need to be stabled 24/7 during winter but where possible owners should try and maintain some turnout, to keep their routine as natural as possible. When transitioning from pasture to the stable make sure the process is gradual allowing your equines’ sensitive digestive systems to adapt to the change. The winter time causes the grass’s nutritional quality to depreciate so most horses will require some level of supplementary feed in order to meet their nutritional requirements. This is of course in addition to their grazing, hay or haylage. What to feed your horse is dependent on their workload, condition, age and your horse’s temperament. Chestnut Horse Feeds offers a range of feeds suitable for all, from the hardworking equine athlete to a friendly field companion. It is common knowledge that fibre is the most important aspect of equine diet and this becomes even more crucial when our horses are stabled. This is why the basis of all Chestnut Horse Feeds’ Complete Feeds is a selection of natural, high fibre ingredients that enrich the diet of the stabled equine. The palatable, nutrient rich feeds offer essential calories and

vitamins and minerals in a natural way, which will minimise the risk of digestive issues and help maintain an even temperament. Designed to complement the equine’s unique digestive system the range includes a wide collection of formulations, including Sports Horse Mix, Alpha Easy, Chestnut Lite and Alpha Plus, all of which incorporate a level of long chopped fibre that stimulates chewing and saliva production. Packed full of vitamins and minerals Chestnut Horse Feeds provides products, which enhance our equine’s immunity during winter time whilst gleaning calories to promote condition through fibre and oil. Chestnut Horse Feeds is only available direct and can be ordered in 20kg bags or the unique Bulk Bin Feeding System. To find out more about the Bulk Bin Feeding System and to discuss which Chestnut Horse Feeds product will best suit your equine during the winter and beyond, simply visit www.chestnuthorsefeeds.co.uk or call 01455 558 808.

StoP Shoe loSS eaSy fit: for a range of SizeS & remedial ShoeS “ShoeSecures paid for themselves in 3 weeks!” “Shoes are staying on, even in the torrential rain and hock deep mud!” “Best thing I have bought!” “Shoesecure has saved me so much time, expense, and most of all worry.” “A wonderful piece of kit!”

Save time, money & fruStration with

ShoeSecure horSeShoe Shield

horSe Shoe loSS Prevention heel ProteCtion Call +44 (0)7836 740 557 or visit shoesecure.com to buy online www.equi-ads.com

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December 2013 | 43

22/11/2013 16:29

Christmas Gifts

stand out from the crowd

he British Showjumping Striped Fleece Rug comes in navy and red versions and with its distinctive striped pattern it really does stand out from the crowd and will make a great Christmas present. A quality 280g fleece rug, features include adjustable front buckles with quick release clips, low cross surcingles, wither pad and fillet string. The British Showjumping logo is embroidered at the front of the rug. It is available in sizes: 4’6” to 7’3” and is priced at £54.99. For more information visit www.equestrian.com

rockies have it licked! F

ive Star is a 5kg lick from Rockies that helps to promote excellent condition…can you get a better Christmas gift than something that’s delicious and full of goodness? The lick contains Bioplex protected zinc, cod liver oil, seaweed and the herbs rosehip and fenugreek, with the latter working with the apple in the product for enhanced palatability. This combination supplies the horse with a range of trace elements and minerals that help to support various areas of his body. Five Star can be fed to grass kept or stabled horses and whilst your horse will see it as a treat, you know he’s getting something that’s helping to keep him healthy. Five Star is available in 5kg blocks which have a RRP of £7.19. For more information, see www. rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies. co.uk or call 01606 595025.

christmas Wellingtons T

ottie Wharfedale Wellingtons a must have gift for that stylish someone. Combining fashion with durability and comfort. Featuring galloping horses and a side buckle to tighten for that ideal fit. Red or navy Wellingtons, priced at around £28.99 for adults and £20.50 for children. For further information please contact Tottie on (01274) 711101 or visit www. tottie.co.uk

mirror, mirror on the Wall M irrors for Training is running a Christmas promotion where four arena mirrors cost £1,200 (rather than £1440). With four arena mirrors, the rider has plenty of options when it comes to positioning. The Mirrors for Training team are happy to advise on what set up will work best for you, to ensure maximum benefit. www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk.

The perfect gift for the person who really has everything! W hy not give your loved one a fabulous Xmas gift of a holiday at Castle Leslie Estate in Ireland? The Estate’s Christmas package includes two nights bed and full Irish breakfast, with one hour’s tuition each day. Castle Leslie Estate is located within 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside and the venue is a cross country specialist, with excellent XC facilities. This festive trip is the perfect equestrian get-away, and includes the opportunity to explore the 1,000 acre parkland on horseback, including excellent XC facilities. A wide range of quality, safe horses, suitable for all levels of experience, is available. Price per person is €140. Based on two people sharing a classic room at The Lodge, midweek. Visit www.castleleslie.com for details or telephone +353 (0) 47 88 100.

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www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:29

Christmas Gifts

treat your horse – and yourself – this christmas to something special, handmade with love by you A

t Equigems I make gemstone jewellery for horse and rider. For Christmas I have designed some special jewellery kits where you can design your own bracelet, necklace or earrings with gemstones, beads and horse charms. I can also provide kits for you to make your own mane, tail clips and browbands for your horse or pony so you

both look great together. All kits come with easy-to-follow full colour photo instructions and you can always contact me through my website if you want any advice. Prices start at just £4 for an earring kit; £6 for a bracelet/necklace kit; £6 for mane/tail clip and £20 for a browband kit.

And if you want to keep the horse theme going during your Christmas celebrations I also have wine glass charms which can have equine charms attached. For more information, and lots more gift ideas, please see my website: www. equigems.co.uk

prevent a fall T

he RS-tor was designed as a safety aid to help prevent falls, or allow the rider to fall in a more controlled manner. The strap has a ‘bungee’ element that helps prevents rider falls by ‘absorbing’ the velocity of being unseated. It fits easily to the stirrup bars. Priced £44.99 – available in Childs, S and M/L sizes. Typically, adult riders between 5ft 4" and 6ft select size M/L Visit: www.rstor.co.uk. Call Polypads for stockists - 01842 752020.

Dressage saddle to fit H

ow about this stunning saddle from Childéric Saddles for the ultimate Christmas present for your horse? Created to complement sophisticated Swarovski crystal brow bands, this clever bespoke finish offers sparkle without being too gaudy or too obvious. Image shows the DGP Childéric Dressage Saddle with ‘Childéric Bling Finish. RRP: £2,900 plus £350.00 for this bespoke bling finish Childéric Saddles UK. For further information: 07886 802 553

www.equi-ads.com

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Christmas Gifts

A toy to be eaten T

he ProStable Buddy is a virtually indestructible stable toy that will provide your horse or pony with hours of fun. The toy takes the form of a large inflated ball that can be hung from the ceiling and has a compartment where licks, treats and vegetables can be added, to further engage the horse. Even though the ProStable Buddy is incredibly tough and hardwearing, it’s also soft to the touch. The ProStable Buddy is available from equestrian retailers across the UK. It is priced at around £29.99. For more information, see www.trilanco.com or call 01253 888188.

stunning Bridles from Kate F eaturing a white lined cavesson noseband and browband, this stunning bridle looks great on dark coats. The bridle is made using top quality English leather and comes with a cavesson noseband with a pull back fastening. As with all Kate Negus bridles, you choose the size and style of all the component pieces at the time of purchase to ensure that your horse gets a bridle that fits first time. Available in full and cob, in black, and prices start from £147.50. The Diamante Browband is available in cob and full, in black and chestnut, and has a RRP of £55. To find out more, see www.katenegus. com, call 01249 740590 or email contact@katenegus.com.

Hot togs H

elp friends stay snug and look stunning, get them a pair of Hot Togs’ Fashion Leggings with Bamboo for Christmas… are available in diamond and flower designs in sizes S, M and L. RRP of £15. Thermolite Socks from Hot Togs are ideal gifts for anyone who spends time outside. Hardwearing and durable at the same time as being comfortable, breathable, moisture wicking and quick drying. Available in pink, khaki, blue/grey and brown, in sizes 4-8 and 8-12. RRP of £9.50 per pair. To find out more, see www.hottogs.co.uk or call 01270 882798.

A Bag to Wash

Hot tog leggings H

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or anyone who owns a horse or dog, the Horsewear Wash-Bag is a great gift, and it’s now available in black and white too, to help keep your whites and colours separate! The bag acts like a filtration system, keeping hair away from the machine’s drum and filter while the water and detergent wash the products within. It can be used for saddlecloths, numnahs, boots and lightweight rugs, but is also perfect for dog beds, clothing, towels and more. The Horsewear Wash-Bag is available in sizes small, large and jumbo, and prices start from £8.95. It’s available in black and white in jumbo only. Horse Stuﬀ Big Bag The Horse Stuff Big Bag makes a super Christmas gift. The 10oz cotton canvas bag is a great way to transport your stuff or horse stuff. It has a large capacity and comes with a mini version to store the larger bag in when not in use. Available in pink and natural and has a RRP of £10.50. Trolley Coins A great stocking filler for a horsey pal. Each coin features a fun equestrian slogan in pastel shades, whether this is ‘Horse Mad’, ‘Born to Ride’, ‘I’d Rather Be Riding’ or ‘Nuts About Neddies’. The silver coloured coin comes on a keyring that can be clipped to keys, a purse or a bag to prevent time being wasted searching for a pound at the supermarket to free the trolley! Available in four designs and have a RRP of £2.25. For more information, see www.moorlandrider.co.uk, email info@moorlandrider.co.uk or call 01782 397796

www.equi-ads.com

22/11/2013 16:29

Christmas Gifts

Great choice from nettex N ettex have some great ideas for horsey habits this Christmas – so if your best mate is into hacking, your kids are into Pony Club or your hubby is into grooming and polishing his steed (errr we all know that one probably isn’t right) then grab some Nettex Mini’s and fill up a stocking. Girly Grooming Essentials for under £13.00 Grooming essentials for a shiny, happy horse... Nettex Mane & Tail Detangler 200ml £4.50; Lavender No-Rinse wash 250ml £3.99; Coat Shine 200ml £4.50; Lovin’ the leather for under a tenner

Cherish your tack and preserve it for Christmases to come… Nettex Traditional Tack Cleaner 200ml £3.75; Traditional Tack Conditioner 200ml £4.75 Muddy Marvellous for under £20.00 Banish Mud Fever this winter… Nettex Seven Day Mud Away 250ml £5.50; Muddy Marvel De Scab 100ml £3.55; Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream 300ml £8.99 Nettex Mini’s are the ideal stocking filler for any of your horse colleagues or family – and available from all good tack shops or online retailers. For stockist information, visit www. nettexequine.com or call 01634 257150.

your Horse could look like a Knight

ly Fringes have become popular, not just to repel insects during the summer months, but also to help keep horses calm and relaxed when competing in particularly buzzy environments. Ideal for indoor winter competitions and championship shows, the WOW Bling Fly Fringe is multi-purpose and can be used with a traditional browband or as a comfortable alternative to conventional bridlework as it can be easily threaded through the headpiece to secure the bridle without the risk of pressure points.Priced at £189, the WOW Bling Fly Fringe is available in black or brown leather, in small, medium or large. For more information on the WOW Bling Fly Fringe, or any of their custom made Christmas ideas from WOW Saddles, tel: 01227 831614 or visit www.wowsaddles.com. Be the first to find out about new products by liking the company at www.facebook.com/wowsaddle

Buy Three and save £65!

he ‘Aloeride Christmas Special Offer’ could be something to bring a little Christmas cheer & extra cash into your life! For a limited period only (1st December – 25th December 2013) the naturally organic aloe vera equine supplement is offering its customers the opportunity to save a whopping £65.60, when you buy three cartons in one transaction! Aloeride is a totally palatable natural, certified organic aloe-vera supplement, which not only helps to promote healthy skin, condition hooves, encourage great coat shine and glossy locks, but also supports the immune system as well –another key factor to consider over the long winter months. Each box of Aloeride contains 30 sachets (30 days worth) equalling over 12 litres of aloe vera juice and its great to know that it’s also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds. Aloeride Christmas Special Offer: £100.00 for three cartons purchased Normal RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply) www.aloeride. co.uk 01858 464550

www.equi-ads.com

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Joints Horses love S

PILLERS® Treats are the neatest way to reward your horse this Christmas. There are five different types to choose from, including some with special added benefits to help support joint and hoof health, so you can be sure to find a flavour your horse will love. SPILLERS® Treats come as chunky, bite-sized pellets that you can keep in your pocket without them crumbling and making a mess. For health support choose from SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb with added Biotin, to support healthy hoof growth or SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb with added glucosamine, to support healthy joints. Alternatively you can choose original SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb, SPILLERS® Spearmint or SPILLERS® Apple flavour treats. All SPILLERS® Treats are available in 1kg bags from your local SPILLERS® stockist and make the perfect stocking filler for your horse or pony this Christmas. For friendly feeding advice contact the SPILLERS® Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626, email careline@spillers-feeds.com or visit www.spillersfeeds.com. You can also join Team SPILLERS® on Facebook.

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22/11/2013 16:30

Competition Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare

Blue cHip nAf HAve five lots competition of ‘in tHe pinK senior’ up for GrABs! O

o help keep your veteran In the Pink this Winter, enter our competition to win some In the Pink Senior! Specially formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of your older horse and designed to give him all the support he needs to stay active and feeling forever young. Make In the Pink Senior part of your older horse’s daily diet, and by addressing the natural aging process of the body’s systems, it will help keep him in tip top condition both inside and out. In the Pink Senior is recommended for all older horses and ponies, whether signs of age are obvious or not. For your chance to be one of the Five lucky winners just email your contact details to kirsty@equiads.net or send them on a postcard to Equi-ads Ltd 126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottm, NG10 4LS

Horslyx competition T

he lucky winners of the October competition were as follows. The answer was ‘The new Lick Holder weighs 15kg’.

Raff Whitehead - Ruthin Jan Budd - Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Mrs D Eldridge - Kent Miss Zoe Hughes - Long Eaton

Bernadette Murray - Bristol Mrs L Bacon - Worthing Jessica Burn - Birmingham

COMPETITION

ver £500 worth of prizes were awarded to the winners of the Blue Chip competition which we published in October Equi-Ads. The lucky winners are as follows and the answer to the competition question was Blue Chip Original.

WINNER

D Noakes - Kent 2ND PLACE

Mrs Lynne Hewitt - Walsall 3RD PLACE

Mrs M Friend - Cornwall 30 RUNNERS UP

Sue Baker - Anna Valley Steven Burgess Chippenham Emmaleigh Webb Norwich Mrs Angela Sherwin Alsager Louise Middleton - Rugeley Penny Russell Birmingham Nerys Marchant Burntwood

Mrs E Barlwwow Wrexham Angie Wilson - West Lothian Pamela Akerman Lymington Marie Riddiford - Grimsby Michelle Watmough Bradford Dan Caldon - Chesterfield B Morley - Kent Anneliese Lewis - Chepstow Alison Whiterod - Norfolk Dianne Adams - Leeds Felicity Cromarty Jedburgh Mrs McSean - Essex Mrs Sally Dunn - Swindon Mrs E M Hallett Tarporley Linda Friend - Surrey Marion Herbert - Kent Miss L Allan - Stirling Miss G Green - Romford Bridget Hatcher - Norwich Trulie Simmons Heathfield Miss Debbie Galloway Fife Bernadette Murray - Bristol Miss K Love - Suffolk

Blue Chip Goodies up for grabs 1 X WINNER TO RECEIVE: • A Blue Chip balancer of choice • A Blue Chip Hoodie • A Blue Chip AppleClam or CarrotCalm Syringe 2 X RUNNER-UPS TO RECEIVE: • A Blue Chip supplement of choice • A Diamante Saddlecloth • A Blue Chip AppleClam or CarrotCalm Syringe 10 X FURTHER RUNNER-UPS TO RECEIVE:

• A £10 money off voucher • A Blue Chip baseball cap QUESTION Which Blue Chip performance feed balancer would be suitable for competition horses and veterans? Answers by email to kirsty@equiads.net or by post to Blue Chip Comp; Equi-Ads Ltd., 126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts NG10 4LS. Please include your telephone number. Closing date is December 29 th 2013. 48 | December 2013

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22/11/2013 16:30

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“My 7 year old gelding developed a medium sized lump on his belly. I did not want to go down the route of treatment advised by my vet. I started to feed him the powder 10 weeks ago and it has completely gone. His hair has grown back and you would never know it had been there. I am so pleased; I cannot praise the powder enough!” Ruth Mitchell

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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • News

Grooms of the Year Awards T

he Absorbine sponsored Groom of the Year Award at the Showing Council and Showing World Awards Dinner held at the East of England Showground on the 26th October was this year split into two sections to recognise the valuable contribution of both professional and amateur grooms. Jess Tapscott, head groom for leading showing yard, Team Hood in Diss took the professional groom of the year award and Stirling grandmother, Margaret Cousin won the amateur groom of the year award. Over 400 showing enthusiasts turned out to attend the gala dinner in its inaugural year held at the East of England Showground. Jess and Margaret were presented their awards by the Vice president of the British Show Horse Association, David Ingle. Jess (23) has worked for Team Hood for the past four years. She said, “The whole Hood family nominated me for the award and were as delighted as I was that I won. It was a lovely evening and I am looking forward to using the Absorbine products given to me as part of the prize”. As head groom for team Hood Jess has a busy and varied time at work,

she said, “I really enjoy my job, I get to go to the big shows and during the height of the season we are on the road for several days a week”. The Hood family regularly have over 20 horses in at their yard and Jess oversees a team of two or three others on a day to day basis. She told Equi-Ads, “I went to Switzerland to work with dressage horses for a year and then came back to the UK to work for the Hood’s. I really enjoy looking after the horses and my favourite horse has to be the Cob Champion at Horse of the Year Show, The Comedian”. Margaret was nominated for the award by her granddaughter, April Pollock. She said, “I am thrilled to receive the award and many thanks to everyone that voted for me. It was a lovely evening and I was thrilled also to receive the huge selection of Absorbine products given to me as part of the prize”. Margaret only found out that she had been nominated for the award when her husband was in hospital for a serious operation, she said, “I was in the hospital and picked up Showing World magazine to take my mind off the operation and saw my name in the nominations!” Over the years Margaret has

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fostered over 300 children in addition to her grooming. She said, “I have three foster children at the moment and one of them is learning to ride. Lots of the foster children love the ponies and really enjoy getting involved with them”. Margaret has groomed for granddaughter April for several years. April has had great success with ponies loaned from Jenny Gilchrist of the Romano Stud in Lanarkshire including qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show and winning the best home produced show pony at Equifest with the 148cm show pony, Jackets Mayfair. Margaret added, “April has now gone to college and so next season I will be grooming for my other grandchildren who will be competing in lead rein classes. It is a real family effort with the ponies and we all get them ready for the shows together. I am so pleased to have

received the grooming products from Absorbine which will make sure the ponies are looking at their best, their SuperShine hoof polish is the best on the market!” Absorbine has sponsored the Showing Council / Showing World for several years. European marketing manager, Rachael Holdsworth said, “It is great for Absorbine to be associated with providing recognition for all the hard work put in by showing grooms throughout the season. The introduction of the professional and amateur sections has been a great success and our six finalists this year were of an exceptional standard”.

The full range of Absorbine products are available from Equestrian retailers and Absorbine Stockists. For more product information, visit www. absorbine.co.uk or find us on facebook www.facebook.com/AbsorbineUK

HorseHage’s continued charity support H

orseHage has announced it is to continue supporting the Meirionydd Special Riding Group – a registered charity and member of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) based in the Meirionydd region of Wales - which has been providing riding and horse care opportunities to people with physical disabilities, special needs, behavioural difficulties and mental health problems since 1973. Approved instructors give lessons through the medium of Welsh and English and each rider works towards a goal. Aiding the instructors is a team of volunteers that is the backbone of the group. As well as regular riding lessons, riders have www.equi-ads.com

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News Xxxxxxxxxx

Diary dates

Cassie Hartley and Acheval Boutique Amadeus

Lincolnshire Horse Trials at Lincolnshire Showground, on Mar 14th 2014 British Dressage Para Home International at Vale View Equestrian, on May 31st 2014 The British Jumping Derby Meeting at Hickstead The All England Jumping Course, on Jun 25th 2014 The Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead The All England Jumping Course, on Jul 30th 2014 Senior Home International at Arena Uk, on Sep 12th 2014

Cassie Captures Guy Fawkes III Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

assie Hartley certainly finished the showing season in style with a big win at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show. After a season on top form with Faye Hesketh’s Acheval Boutique Amadeus, 20-year-old Cassie secured the top spot in the Guy Fawkes III Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year. Produced by the Staffordshirebased Katy Carter Show Team, Cassie and Amoo, an eight-year-old bay gelding, were foot perfect in

every way and wowed the judges in the International Arena. Said Cassie: “He is a real superstar, we have had a brilliant season and this is just amazing to end the showing season in style with such as big win. “Qualifying for and riding at HOYS is always amazing, to actually go and win was incredible I could not believe it. “I don’t know how I managed to canter round on the lap of honour

I was crying so much I couldn’t see where I was going, it is just brilliant. “I get so much support from my mum and dad, the team at work at Black Country Saddles and of course Katy, that it is a real joint effort and a fantastic way to end the season. “I ride him in a Black Country Classic Show Saddle and consider myself fortunate that I can fit in competing alongside my roles in sales both in the office and on the stand at the various shows we attend.”

the opportunity to take the RDA’s graded tests, ride out through the beautiful countryside, compete in regional and national competitions and learn to care for ponies. The riding group runs sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for 38 children and adults who travel from Gwynedd and Powys. As well as the physical benefits of riding, the riders achieve specific skills and targets set during the weekly lessons, and each year up to 10 of them go on to compete in the North Wales Regional Riding for the Disabled Championships held near Wrexham. For the last four years, riders have qualified to go through to the National Countryside Challenge Finals at Hartpury College, and within the last couple of years, two riders have qualified for the Dressage finals. However, the group is currently at full capacity, due to the restricted

number of suitable horses available to rent at the riding stables where the sessions are held. Therefore they have expanded the group to set up an equestrian vaulting session. Vaulting is often described as ‘gymnastics on the back of a moving horse’ and is an intensely motivating team sport that encourages selfconfidence and increases physical fitness in each individual. This sport uses only one horse per session for up to eight young people who share time on the horse, time working on the ‘barrels’ and time practicing technical moves on gym mats. The group currently uses Sheridan – a 12-year-old cob – for teenagers and adult vaulters and has recently been gifted a pony by a local couple to start training for the future of the younger vaulters. In addition, to mark its 40th Anniversary, the group is currently applying for a grant to either buy or

rent land to move to a new venue and are looking for land in the Dolgellau area (Gwynedd, North Wales). This will allow them to keep their (continued on page 54)

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WANTED Land to buy not to rent djk03@hotmail.co.uk

07554 144 496

Have you got an Equestrian property for sale? Advertise a property for sale advert in Equi-Ads and get a free advert on the newly launched Equi-Homes website.

Telephone 01159 461146 for more information December 2013 | 51

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TowXxxxxxxxxx Vehicle Review

Land Rover Discovery 4

and Rover Discovery 4, complication is thy name. Land Rover kindly sent along their latest Discovery, the 4. I have been road testing vehicles since there was an ‘L’ in the registration plate and the Discovery 4 is easily the most complex car I have had the pleasure of road testing. Being on the wrong side of sixty I have the feeling that the inclusion of an eight year old as a travelling companion to unravel the car’s fantastic amount of what were ‘extras’ just a few years ago. In fact one’s imagination would or could not envisage the features the Discovery 4 has with TV, Radio CD/DVD player, GPS with TMC (Traffic Message Channel) telling of any road delay problems. The 4X4i (displays vehicle status for example, wheel articulation graphics) Voice and Off Road guidance. All this takes a bit of practice to use and that is only necessary if you are an off road fan, not many owners are. With the radio/CD/DVD/ TV player you have the choice of normal FM or DAB when listening to Radio 1, 2, 3 or 4 etc. Whether this is a benefit I didn’t find one at the time of the loan because I found the quality of the sound was very

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good and very much the same. There are 17 speakers delivering 825 watts where you feel the lower notes deep in your diaphragm. All that’s fine, there are many features you probably won’t need but the car is an epic vehicle, the 3 litre diesel is exceedingly powerful and enables the Discovery to lift up its skirts and almost fly, top speed 112 mph and 0 – 60mph is in an amazing 8.8 seconds, equal to or quicker than many hot hatches. Not that these impressive facts will mean much towing a half ton horse in a trailer. However, the fuel consumption is very different from a hot hatch, the

claimed combined mpg is 32.1, as the average Yorkshire man would say, “you don’t get owt for nowt”. The interior of the test vehicle was in an attractive ivory leather, perhaps not the best choice for those with equine interests. It would show the dirt very quickly and dealing with horses is not the cleanest of pastimes. This might be teaching my granny to suck eggs but when dealing with the horses placing waterproof seat covers over the leather seats would save a lot of cleaning, heartache and costs. Out on the road the car is a delight, its quick, responsive and gives the occupants a feeling of security.

There are five full size seats with two folding seats for smaller people in the rear. Carrying seven will of course cut down the luggage capacity but there should be enough room for all seven to have an overnight bag. The test car had an eight speed auto box which was virtually seamless in the changes. Horses prefer a non-jerking tow car! Manoeuvring into parking spaces I found easier than parking a small car owing to the sensors fore and aft and in reverse there is even a camera which automatically fills the screen on the dash with what is going on at the back. The camera has a very wide lens so distances are misleading when first used but you soon get the measure of it. Along with the camera are sensors that tell you how close you are by the beeps that become quicker until you are an inch or so away when the beep becomes a continuous sound. When moving forward in a parking space the car also has forward facing sensors which also give you warning of how far the car is away from another car. All in all a very class act, a very sophisticated car which will take the new owner a couple of weeks to find every item of delight. Basic ‘On the Road’ Price £59,450 as tested £62,880

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Tow Vehicle Review • Feed

Xxxxxxxxxx

NEW

SPECIFICATION: Engine Type: V6 Diesel Capacity: 2993cc BHP: 255 @ 4000 rpm Torque: 600 ft lb @ 2000 rpm Gearbox Transmission: 8 Speed Auto Performance Top Speed: 112mph Fuel Consumption Urban; 28.8mpg Extra Urban: 34.9mpg Combined: 31.1mpg Brakes: Ventilated Discs All Round + ABS Steering: Rack & Pinion Power

Assisted Turning Circle: 11.45 (Kerb to Kerb) Dimensions: Overall Length: 4829mm Overall Width: 2176mm Height: 1887mm Wheelbase: 2885mm Kerb Weight: 2583Kgs Max Roof Load: 75Kgs Max Trailer Weight Unbrake: 750Kgs Max Trailer Weight Braked: 3500Kgs Tyre Size: 275/40R20 Fuel Tank: 82.3 Litres Emissions: EU5 CO2 g/km (combined): 230 Annual Road Tax: £460.00

Timothy Haylage Lower Calorie

Premium Haylage & Chaff

Quality Dried Forage

Nutritious and Dust Free

Haylage of Choice

ttention porky ponies and hefty horses, step away from the scales… NEW HaySoft Timothy has arrived! Lower in calories but with the same great taste, will make sure you don’t bust out of the weigh tape. Launching in November, it’s made from the very best Timothy grass to produce a tasty, lower calorie haylage and is the latest product to be added to the range of premium haylages and chaffs. High in fibre, calcium (with a favourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio) and vitamins A and D, it’s extremely palatable and easy to digest. Ideal for horses and ponies who struggle with being overweight, gooddoers and those prone to laminitis, plus due to it’s low protein levels, it is also perfect for horses that are protein sensitive. With vets and equine nutritionists stating that horses require a minimum of 40% forage in their diet, HaySoft Timothy is an ideal replacement for hay. Not only is it closer in matter to the horses natural diet of grass but it also adds a higher amount of fibre to the horse’s diet to help maintain a healthy digestive system. The low moisture content making it less susceptible to mould and is tightly packaged in three easy to manage sections. The haylage undergoes HaySoft’s dust extraction process ensuring it is dust free preventing horses and owners being exposed to potentially harmful dust and mould spores. HaySoft haylage has proved to be popular within the equestrian industry with several of Britain’s top International riders using HaySoft as the haylage of choice for their horses. For more information and to find your local stockists visit www.haysoft.co.uk or call 01277 75 647. The care and well being of a horse is dependent on regular hoof care maintenance. One of these tasks is to carry out hoof picking. In order to maintain soundness of the horse, it is essential that the hooves are well looked after. As part of a daily routine, the horse’s hooves should be thoroughly picked out at least once to examine for injuries or other abnormalities, and to make sure no stones have become lodged in the hoof which can cause bruising and discomfort.

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Holidays Xxxxxxxxxx • Feed • Tack (continued from page 51) own horses, picked and trained especially for this type of work. The eventual aim is to set up an independent specialist equestrian centre in the area to provide horse riding, vaulting and carriage-driving opportunities for people with special needs, disabilities and mental health problems, as well as working with local schools to target disadvantaged and/or demotivated youngsters. One of the group’s trustees said: “We recognize that this is a challenging and ambitious plan but feels this is the right direction so that we can continue to promote the values of the Riding for the Disabled Association in supporting local people with additional needs. We will now be actively fundraising and looking for land and facilities where we can be autonomous as a group.” Said Matthew Cooke of Friendship Estates, regional producer of HorseHage: “The Merionydd Special Riding Group provides a valuable facility in the area and the fact that these RDA horses do so well on HorseHage helps us to shatter the misconception that Horsehage is too high in energy for the everyday horse. High Fibre Horsehage is the ideal forage alternative.” For further information and advice on feeding your horse or pony, please ring the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk www.msrg.org.uk

Horsey holidays W

ith the coming of the New Year, you might be thinking of getting away in 2014, so why not make your getaway a horsey one? Here are some options • Take your horse with you. For starters it saves on paying livery costs and you can choose a centre with fantastic hacking, tuition on site or somewhere close to the beach. If you have a non-horsey partner, then consider somewhere with other activities on site or a centre close to towns, so you can both have a great time. • Horseback safari. The ultimate dream for most horse owners, horseback safaris don’t come cheap, but you’ll return home with life-long memories and an experience that’s guaranteed to push you out of your comfort zone. • A ranching vacation. Whether you want to get involved in the daily life of a cowboy, enjoy some tuition that helps you get closer acquainted with your equine friends or have a go at activities, such as barrel racing or a wagon ride, a ranch

holiday offers something for everyone. • Improve your riding. If you’re passionate about learning, then why not book into a well-respected UK training centre and have daily lessons on schoolmasters to improve your riding no end? It’s not everyone’s idea of a break, but you can guarantee you’ll come home with plenty of new skills to use on your own horse. • Scenery. Of course ranch holidays offer the ultimate in scenery, but there are plenty of places closer to home where you can chill out on horseback and enjoy the views. Consider Italy, Spain or Austria if you want to travel by plane or boat, or the Lake District, Peak District or even head right to the south to Cornwall for some fantastic riding views. • Try something different. If you’ve never ridden an Icelandic horse then consider it a must-do experience. Icelandic horses have two unique gaits – the tolt and pacing – and unless you’ve tried it, don’t knock it.

Comfort Matters E

nsure you are kitted out to stay comfortable in the saddle, whatever the weather. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right gear • Hat - While you want to stay warm during the colder months, a correctly fitted hat with ventilation will allow your head to breathe when you’re out and about. Most important of all, of course, is to ensure it meets current safety standards. Visit: www.beta-uk.org for more information. • Layers - Choose clothing that’s breathable, and consider layers, such as a thin top, a gilet and a jacket over the top. That way you can strip off according to what you are doing in the saddle. • Gloves - These shouldn’t be too bulky so that you still have a good feel on the reins. Ideally, choose gloves with extra grip in the areas where you need it, i.e. where your fingers have contact with the reins. • Jodhpurs/breeches - Full-seated jodhpurs/breeches will give you a more secure feel in the saddle, but make sure you opt for ones which allow freedom of movement and are warm and breathable, to offer maximum comfort. • Boots - Whether you prefer to ride in long or short boots, ensure they are a good fit and when you try them on, ensure you walk around in them first. They must allow your feet to move freely, while offering some support. Half chaps are a good combination with short boots as they offer more support and contact with the lower leg. • Seat savers. If you enjoy hacking for long distances then consider investing in a seat saver to save your backside!

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Training • News Xxxxxxxxxx

Hillwork – the benefits A

s the New Year approaches, many of us will be thinking of getting our horses fit for competition. So why not incorporate some hillwork exercises this season? Riding up and down hills is a great way to strengthen the muscles required for dressage and jumping, but it’s also a fantastic way to fitten up your horse for eventing, endurance or any other disciplines you take part in. Choose long but not too steep hills, where there is lots of room to turn, without tiring your horse out too much. Here are some great hillwork ideas. Exercise one: Ride straight up the hill in walk, making sure your horse is straight and is working actively forward into a contact. Turn a big circle at the top and ride straight back down again. Exercise two: Ride a 20-metre circle on a slope in walk and trot to start with and then, if it is safe to do so, and your horse is balanced enough, try it in canter. Aim to keep the same rhythm and balance throughout. You’ll find the horse struggles with balance more coming down the hill, so take a half-halt to help him rebalance. Exercise three: Transitions on hills. Trot up the hill and ask for a walk and then a halt transition as you go up. Make a big turn at the top and repeat the exercise coming down the hill, which your horse will find harder. Exercise four: Canter up hills. This builds up fitness and muscle to help with jumping and fitness for cross country. Make sure you ride in a straight line, encouraging your horse to take the contact forward and down.

Christmas Cards

he 2013 EGSF Christmas Cards feature a beautiful winter scene ‘Snowy Day’ by Teresa Vecere. £5 plus £1.50 P&P per pack of ten quality cards in one design with envelopes, size 121 x 172mm. Greeting inside reads

‘Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year’, with EGSF details on the reverse. Kindly sponsored by United Coloured Stud. Available, along with other gifts, at www. grasssickness.org.uk or 0131 445 6257

Credit: Ian Wigley Exercise five: Try leg-yield. As you go up or down the hill in walk or trot, ask

your horse to move to the left for a few strides by pushing him away from your right leg, then straighten him and push him to the right with your left leg. Make sure he stays straight through his body and doesn’t fall through his outside shoulder by supporting him with your outside rein and leg.

Lillico become Lillico Attlee

any readers in the southern counties of England are familiar with Lillico Country stores who sell a wide range of products for the equine market including Bedmax, Horslyx and Horseware, Weatherbeeta, Amigo and Mark Todd rugs. Now they have acquired AHS (Canterbury) Ltd (animal health products) to form Lillico Attlee. Mike Booth, the jovial sales director of the new company based in Aylesford, near Maidstone, Kent said “Acquiring AHS was a natural fit for our business”.

CONFIDENCE IS A GIFT!!

f your riding confidence has taken a knock or you are looking for a gift this Christmas which will just keep on giving, then buying an individual life coaching session could be the perfect way to start someone’s new year off to a great start! First Focus Consultants have a wealth of experience ranging from individuals through to huge corporations and firms and partner Anna Morris is also a former event rider, giving her further kudos within the equestrian sector, as she explains: “Having ridden all my life, I understand how delicate that balance between building and breaking your confidence is and the riders I work with range from novice through to professional, across all disciplines. Sometimes we can work through an issue in one session, others require a few more, but the long-term rewards are enormous. We also offer a free 20 minute phone consultancy to discuss your needs or how we can help you” For further information on Anna and First Focus Consultants including costs: www.firstfocusconsultants.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Training • News

STNEMELPPUCheeky S MWin! UIMERP M

Improve your riding off horse

Emma Sumbler reports

!!SECIRP WOL

f bad weather or a lack of facilities means you can’t ride much in winter, improve your riding without getting in the saddle. Here’s how 1. Watch training DVDs and read equestrian books and magazines. Write down the ideas you like and plan to incorporate them into your riding when the weather gets better. 2. Start yoga or Pilates classes to help with core strength and balance. You’ll see massive results in your riding in no time. 3. Attend any top rider clinics or demos in your area. These are a great way to learn new skills and again, you can attend armed with a notepad and pen to take ideas away. 4. Observe your horse – and other horses – during their time in the field. It’s amazing how much you can learn about these wonderful creatures just by watching their body language. 5. Book a lesson on a schoolmaster if money permits. Riding a horse that’s more highly trained than your own can give you invaluable ideas about training and help you to get a better feel for what you’re trying to achieve with your own horse. 6. Visit equestrian forums to gain ideas from other horse riders. Forums can be a great place to seek advice on your own riding issues, too.

Images by Royle Photography Equestrian Events www.rpeevents.co.uk.

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