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JULY 2014
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es with t u n i M Five ebb
Jason W
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• Licks, love them or hate them! • XC with Jenny Richardson • Corneal Ulcers • Nutrition Focus • News, plus New Products and much more besides…
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Main Features Electrolytes ...............................9 Licks .........................................10 Horse Behaviour ...................16 Five Minutes with Jason Webb.............................18 Cross country ........................20 Corneal Ulcers ......................22 Preventative Medicine ........26 Perfect Posture ......................32 Saddle Competition..............32 Insurance matters..................33 Keeping horses healthy ........34 Classical Riding ................... 36 Paddock management ........40
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Big changes for global Herbs! s
ince 1999 global Herbs has developed over 300 products keeping your well loved animals in the best of health. We have literally thousands of places in the Uk where you can find global Herbs products, but not many can stock our whole range. so if you have a particular need, you can give our advice line a call on 01243 773363 or have a look for yourself on our website: www.globalherbs.co.uk It is here online that you can find your nearest direct retailer. The listed global Herbs direct retailers have the opportunity to be trained by our staff and are supported by our head office, so there is also someone near you who is ready to help and make sure you get the global Herbs product that is right for your horses needs.
CHarItY Horse rIDe t he rotary Club of Church Wilne will again be holding for the ninth year running its Charity Horse ride on sunday 14th september. this will provide a unique opportunity to ride through scenic locko Park, Dale abbey, ockbrook and spondon. the start and finish is located between Ilkeston and spondon off the a6096 with the nearest postcode De7 4PQ. alternative start/finish for riders wishing to hack to the event is Far lane, ockbrook which is opposite the sDsC showground but with no facilities there other than registration.
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DRESSAGE COACH CONTACT 07929 001 996 Trained Clients of Marcus Bauer in-between his visits North Over Forty Years Experience with Olympian Dressage Riders References available upon request
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®
ALL SKILL levels catered for Schooling/Exercise/ Holiday Horse Sitting Options.
The course consists of bridleway, tracks, road and farmland not normally available to the public through beautiful countryside and is approximately ten miles long. there is a short cut to the finish after approximately six miles if the full course is too long. Depending on how quickly you ride the course, it is not a race, it will take between one and two hours. Jumps will be available on the farmland but are not compulsory. the route will be marshalled throughout, to ensure all have a great ride. at the finish riders will receive a rosette and a soft or wine drink. Hot food and soft drinks are also available for purchase from (continued on page 2)
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24/06/2014 15:25
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www.conchiesaddlery.co.uk Telephone Dundee 01382 532536
Search for a Star Qualifier
T (continued from page 1) 9.00 am onwards. Entry forms can be found on the Club's web site www. churchwilnerotary.org.uk/ horseride.html There will be a draw for all entries received by 27th August with the first name drawn out will receive a voucher for a Barbour Jacket, kindly donated by the Barbour Foundation. The second name drawn will receive a voucher from Oxhouse Country Stores, stockist of high quality equestrian, shooting and country clothing. All entry fees will be donated equally to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance and the Children's Air Ambulance.
he 2014 series of the South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search for a Star and the SEIB Racehorseto Riding Horse Show Championships continues on July 6 at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire. Search for a Star has been created by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to produce their horses to a high standard in the show ring and giving them the opportunity to compete at the prestigious finals at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). “The Search for a Star Championship series is a way to give amateur riders the chance to achieve their dream of riding at The Horse of the Year Show. The standard increases every year and we are delighted to give so many riders this opportunity”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager at South Essex Insurance Brokers. 2014 SEIB Search for a Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers will be held at: 6th July 2014 - Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Slapton, Bucks, LU7 9BT. Tel: 01525 222114 10th August 2014 - Houghton Hall Equestrian & Alpaca Centre, Houghton,
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The Search for a Star competition rules, comprehensive information, a downloadable schedule and entry form are available from www.search4astar. org.uk, as well as the latest news, details of previous winners, what to wear and a great forum for riders to share their views. More information on the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship is available from www. racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk where you can download a schedule and entry form as well as the latest news, details of previous winners and take part in a forum for sharing your views. Find us on facebook at www.facebook. com/SEIB.Search4AStar or www. facebook.com/SEIB.R2R.
International Class Dressage at Hickstead
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For all horses
Assists in preventing tetchy and girthy horses.
Cambs, PE28 2DY. Tel: 01480 700236 (during office hours only) 7th September 2014 (Racehorse to Riding Horse Qualifier Only) Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2LH. 8th – 12th October 2014 - Finals, Horse of the Year Show Birmingham NEC
he Westphalian Studbook e.V. is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the Dressage at Hickstead British six Year Old International Class on Saturday, August 2nd. of the annual FEI endorsed CDIO 3* which takes place this year on 31 July – 3 Aug 2014. The Dressage at Hickstead International event has long been a favourite event for British Dressage fans. The 2014 CDIO will also host International FEI Junior and Young Rider classes, as well as Prix St George and Intermediare one classes. The host site of the European championships in 2003, fans from around the country come to watch top British and European riders compete in this team and individual CDIO 3* event. The Westphalian Studbook looks forward to working with Dane Rawlins and his team in producing this exciting class. The Westphalian sales team will be on hand throughout the competition week to answer any questions about Westphalian auctions, sport horse and long history of successful breeding.International Star Damon Hill leads the long list of successful dressage stallions from the NRW region, including Florestan I, Furst Piccolo, Ehrentouche and Rubenstein...to name a few! “This is a great opportunity for us to endorse dressage in Great Britain while promoting the excellence and history of the Westphalian Dressage breeding”,says Rhegan White, Director of Sales and Marketing for the UK and USA. “ Having competed, judged and trained in the UK for almost 20 years, I know that expectations of British buyers are high and I am excited to introduce our Westphalian Brand of Excellence to audiences at this year’s Dressage at Hickstead CDIO 3*. I am also pleased to confirm that our Managing Director, Mr. Wilken Treu, will fly over from Germany to present the rosettes and cooler to the classes six finalists.” The Westphalian Wildcard program will be an adjunct to the British Dressage six Year Old International Young Horse qualifier classes leading up to the event. The Hickstead Committee will alot-four wild cards will be decided by the Dressage at Hickstead Committee for Westfalian Registered horses not otherwise Qualified.
Should you have any further questions about the Westphalian Studbook e.V. please contact Mrs. Rhegan White at white@westfalenpferde.de or for questions relating to the specific six Year Old International Class contact Mrs. Kerry Allen at 01444882150 or kerry@dressagemasters.org.
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24/06/2014 15:27
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24/06/2014 15:27
Xxxxxxxxxx News
Tilney St Lawrence Riding Club Report by Joanna Woolley
“W
e had to cancel the May show due to rain, but yesterdays show (8th June) went ahead regardless of the terrible forecast. It was so hot and sunny and not a drop of rain. Our field is not grazed and is very well maintained so we knew the rain from Saturday would be soaked up to give a perfect surface for all three disciplines. We had a fantastic turn out for the Showing, Gymkhana and Show Jumping. Owen Cavill took 1st place on Destiny in the Lead rein jumping. Helena Webster wowed the crowds
with her super fast jump-off times winning class 5 (2ft) and class 6 (2ft3) with her pony You’ve Been Tango’d and winning class 7 (2ft6) and class 8 (2ft9) with her horse Ryehill Bohemian. Our next show is July 13th, everyone is welcome. Find us on Facebook or call me for more information”
Generous prize fund at Northumberland’s Burgham International O ne of Northern Britain’s premier Horse Trials, Burgham International which takes place next month is set to host a range of prestigious classes to welcome competitors at all levels from BE90 through to the new CIC2* and CIC3* sections as well as new courses and sponsorship (Northumberland, Friday 26th - Saturday 27th July).
Impressive prize fund
The Event’s sponsors Owen Pugh, have allowed Organisers to provide a total prize pot of £6,500 for the two International classes with an impressive £2,000 1st prize for the winner of the CIC3* and £1,000 for the CIC2* victor. Cross Country boost
Alongside the incentive of fantastic prize money, Burgham now has a top class Course Designing and Building team. The successful combination of Designer Eric Winter and the David Evans Building team together have produced educational courses for all levels. Full time Event rider and Joint-Organiser Martyn Johnson from Morpeth commented: “Ground conditions will be given top priority and we have access to a Verti-drain machine to help us achieve this. “We hope to make this a regular fixture in the calendar with a broad range of classes to suit everyone to appeal to riders from around the country to travel to this stunning part of Northumberland”.
International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology
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he WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group sponsored the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology (ICEEP), (16 – 20 June 2014) , in conjunction with Kentucky Equine Research. ICEEP is held every four years with the aim of advancing understanding of the physiology, function and health of athletic horses through the promotion of scientific research. It is organised by a committee comprising leading names within the international equine veterinary and research sector and is open to all researchers as well as veterinarians and other professionals involved in the care and treatment of athletic horses. Professor Pat Harris head of the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group, which provides the scientific support for the SPILLERS® and WINERGY® brands, is a member of the National organising committee and co-chaired the nutrition section of the conference. Professor Warwick Bayly discussed applied exercise physiology, Drs Emmeline Hill and Des Leadon followed with the genetics of equine performance. Professor Ray Geor discussed recent advances in the nutrition of the athletic horse and Jose Rivero explored progress in understanding skeletal muscle design and adaptability of equine athletes. Professor Rene van Weeren talked about biomechanics as the gateway towards better understanding of the horse-rider interaction and Professor Robert Shave on the athletic heart. On the final day Professor Graeme Close looked at the balance between recovery and adaptation – does nutrient timing hold the key and Dr Narelle Stubbs examined comparative physiotherapy and maintaining the equine athlete for optimal performance. > Clare Barfoot, Research and Development Manager at MARS HORSECARE UK Ltd told Equi-Ads: “We are fortunate to have WALTHAM’s® world class scientific expertise behind our brands. The continual, practical application of knowledge consistently helps to improve the health and welfare of horses and ponies worldwide and to this end we are proud to be associated with ICEEP this year.”
British Dressage Pony Team announced for Millstreet Euros
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he British Dressage Pony Selectors have pleasure in announcing the Great Britain Pony Team for the European Championships in Millstreet, Ireland on 30 July – 03 August. The selected combinations (in alphabetical order by rider) are as below:• Rebecca Bell (14) from Farringdon, Oxfordshire riding Caroline Bell’s Valido’s Sunshine (bay, mare, 14.1hh, 11yrs, s. Valido) • Alex Hellings (14) from Bakewell, Derbyshire with Clare Williams’ Der Kleine Lord (brown, gelding, 14.1hh, 8yrs, s. Der Feine Lord) • Bethany-Rose Horobin (15) from Rayleigh, Essex riding her own Gigolo (chestnut, gelding, 14.1hh, 16yrs, s. Going East) • Phoebe Peters (14) from Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire riding Tracy Peters’ SL Lucci (bay, gelding, 14.2hh, 11yrs, s. Lukas)
Classes
Non travelling Reserves:
The full list of classes at Burgham International (26-27 July 2014) is; BE90, BE90 Open, BE100, Novice, ONu18, Intermediate, Open Intermediate, CIC2* and CIC3*. Entries can be made via http://www.bdwp.co.uk/bgm/.
• Rebecca Bell has Caroline Bell’s Valido’s Starlight (bay, gelding, 14.2hh, 10yrs, s. Valido) as a direct reserve pony.
Location
Burgham is located just two miles off the A1, 25 miles North of Newcastle. For more information and schedules visit www. burghamhorsetrials.co.uk. For further information please contact Martyn Johnson mlj86@hotmail.co.uk / 07742 171060 4 | July 2014
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First Reserve:
• Lara Kuropatwa (13) from Malmesbury, Wiltshire with Samantha Jayne Brown’s Le Chiffre (chestnut, stallion, 14hh, 7yrs, s. Caesar 171) Second Reserve:
• Rose Hugh-Smith (14) riding her own Holsteins Derwisch (Black, Gelding, 14.2hh, 9yrs, s. F S Disagio) from Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire • The Chef d’Equipe is Liz Mills and Peter Storr is Pony Team Trainer. www.equi-ads.com
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News Xxxxxxxxxx
Double glory at Knutsford Races Tim Garton reports M
egan Nicholls, (16), daughter of leading National Hunt trainer Paul Nichols was in superb form at a sunny Knutsford Races Point to Point meeting held on Sunday 18 May. Megan is the national Novice Riders champion by winning the 2014 running of the sponsored race. Megan rode Join Together who is trained in Somerset by Rose Loxton and owned by Mrs Wendy Fogg. Charlie Hammond finished second riding Ferbane Man who is trained by his mother Zoe and owned by his father Mike in Worcestershire. Charlie rides/ works for Dr Richard Newland who trains Pineau De Re, winner of the 2014 Crabbies Grand National. Both Megan and Charlie are young stars of the future whose careers will be followed with interest. Megan took the preceding race by winning the Open Race on Current Event who is partly owned by her father Paul and this horse is also trained by Rose Laxton. This finish was keenly contested on the run to the line with the second place going to Cheshire Owner/Trainer/ Rider, David O’Brien with his recent purchase Numbercruncher. The most valuable race on the card with a £1500 fund sponsored by local business man Derek Malam was the inaugural running of the Lord Daresbury North West Area Classic Final.
Horses and jockeys had to qualify for this race by either winning or being placed in specific races held in the North West region this season. This race was won in great style by OverAfrica owned in Shropshire by David Smith and his son in law Willie Bryan. Second was Time Gentleman owned by Robert and Jo Hankey from Allostok, near Knutsford. Robert is also the Clerk of the course at this meeting. Third was Third of the Third who, like Time Gentleman is trained by Gary Hanmer from Nantwich. Oliver Greenall, son of Lord Daresbury, a trainer of point- to- point horses was unable to take home the trophy that his father provided in the classic race. However he did not go home empty handed as he won a supporting Maiden races with Alfa Point ridden by his stable jockey Ed Glassonbury. Ed also rode a double on Genetic Code trained by Guy Brewer from Yorkshire. The Friends of Manchester Tennis & Racquets Club Novice horse race was taken in sparkling form by Executive Benefit owned by leading owner, Richard Hewitt and trained for him at the Kelsall Hill facilities by Joe O’Shea. Executive Benefit was recording her fifth victory of the season and is the leading novice horse in the area. The VW Warrington sponsored race was won by Dr Double Act owned by Luke Holland and
Janou Bleekman Takes Irish Junior Crown at Tattersalls
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attersalls Irish National Junior Championships CCI 1* produced a convincing winner in Granntevka Prince, ridden by Janou Bleekman, who led the dressage with a fabulous score of 36.3 over three marks ahead of the second best test. Prince (as he is known at home) is owned by Gerry and David Mills from Cornwall and was in spectacular form with Janou, storming around the cross country and show jumping, adding no further penalties and increasing their winning margin to an amazing 9.5 penalties ahead of the eventual runner up - Great Britain’s Annie Keir with Flying Machine. A delighted Janou said, “Prince was brilliant all week. He is such a lovely horse to ride and gave me a real buzz in all three phases. He is a new ride for me this season and it is wonderful to have a horse that has been so beautifully produced - and whose father was one of our own stallions!”
For further information on Janou’s sponsor, HorseHage, or for advice on feeding your horse or pony, please ring the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk 6 | July 2014
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trained for him by Charmaine James, both from Macclesfield. The horse was excellently ridden by Ben Furnival who conjured a terrific turn of foot from his mount to snatch victory from Fairymount the odds on favourite. The large crowd of racegoers enjoyed themselves in the fantastic parkland setting of Tabley House. There were plenty of things for them to do apart from the racing with a good turnout of trade stands and fair rides and activities for the children. George Barlow, Chairman of the meeting, commented “We put on the most valuable point to point meeting in the country and were rewarded with some high quality racing for the large crowd to enjoy”
Yorkshire Star Gains More Sponsorship
L
ottie Fry based at Aike Grange Stud, near Driffield,in Yorkshire is no stranger to the world of international dressage and is definitely proving she is a star for the future. Her main ride Remming, owned by Leslie Connor and Christine Graham has been on great form winning every class they entered at Roosendal CDI and taking the Prix St Georges championship title at this year’s National Winter Dressage Championships. Lottie also rides Z Flemmenco at Advanced Medium level for her grandmother, Rosemary Shewen.
She has now accepted TopSpec to her team of sponsors.
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24/06/2014 15:31
Feeding
eLeCTrOLyTeS NeCeSSary Or NOT? Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
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he short answer is yes in terms of bodily functions. They are contained in all feed types in varying proportions and sometimes, they must be added to the daily ration. What are they? Well, any substance that contains free ions and can conduct electricity. animals, humans, etc cannot live without them and the main electrolytes are sodium (Na+), potassium (k+), chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42-). These are substances that ionise/dissociate when placed in a suitable solvent such as water. For example, ordinary salt (NaCl) dissociates as follows: NaCl= Na+ + ClIt should be apparent from the foregoing that electrolytes are charged (+ or -) and they do not all carry the same electrical charge and that the quantities of charge vary. When chemicals dissociate they release charged ions but when they recombine, there is no charge (neutral). The electrolytes are distributed throughout the horse’s body mostly in the liquid phase. about 20% of the horse’s bodyweight is composed of the extracellular fluid. So what constitutes this fluid? There are contributions from various different body fluids including that contained in the joints, the lymph, the plasma, gut fluids and
T
that surrounding the brain. The intracellular fluid accounts for 40% of the horse’s bodyweight! The remaining 40% of the bodyweight is made up of tissues such as bone and muscle. essentially a horse is a bag of water (80% of its bodyweight) and it is a wonder to me how it can get along............... however, your bodily constitution is much about the same so when riding you must both just get into the flow of things! There is an electrolyte balance between the extracellular and intracellular fluid which is carefully regulated to ensure that a precise gradient exists between the two in order that both nerves and muscles can function correctly. Furthermore, a balance is required to control blood pH (acidity/ alkalinity) and to maintain hydration. Tissues such as nerves and muscles are activated by the flow of electrolytes between extraand intracellular fluid. They enter or leave the cells via specialised routes known as ion channels. Muscle contraction is an example of tissue activity controlled by the animal’s own electricity supply. It depends on the flow of calcium, potassium and sodium ions. as most people are aware muscle contraction can also be achieved by passing an electric current through a muscle thus confirming the electrical nature of body function. electrolyte balance or homeostasis is under hormonal control with excesses of electrolytes (eg., Na+) usually lost via the urine. Of great relevance to the horse is a disturbance (or as the americans might say “a perturbation”) to the system such as dehydration which, if not treated quickly, can give rise to a serious medical emergency. The loss (continued on page 12)
he Cambria Polo looks classic in its appearance, yet performs exceptionally and features subtle logo detailing at the chest, a self fabric collar and dainty buttons at the neckline. Team the Polo with breeches for an elegant everyday look, or with denim for casual wear. available in white, sapphire, cherry, pink paradise and absolute green, in ladies sizes XS – XXL. Priced at £44.99. See your local stockist.
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24/06/2014 15:25
Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx
Licks’ - love them or hate them! L
icks are a little bit like marmite – some horses love them while others hate them! However, for those that are turned out through the summer and are not receiving any supplementary feed, they can provide a great way to top up on essential nutrients. Soils in the UK are generally short of selenium, zinc and copper – and the grass that grows on them is lacking in these key elements, too. Field licks can help to provide these missing nutrients. The downside is gauging whether your horse, particularly if it is turned out
By Katie Williams, MSc (Dist)
with others, is actually using the lick. Obviously, offering a lick is better than nothing, but it is not a guarantee that its diet is balanced.
be said to be providing a balanced diet.
What about salt licks?
Some licks are made with glucose syrup or molasses and do provide sugar. Horses or ponies prone to lamintis or suffering from Cushing’s disease or equine metabolic syndrome should avoid them.
Himalayan rock salt is widely available as a lick for horses. Although it does contain a good range of nutrients, it is not balanced and should only be considered as a top-up. However, there are licks available that have been specifically formulated to contain a balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals – rather than just salt. If the recommended intake is consumed, the lick can
Are molasses-based licks just a sugary treat?
Great boredom busters
Horse or ponies confined to box rest for long periods can suffer from boredom and a lick is a great way to provide a little stimulation.
Provide low-sugar options as a lack of exercise can increase the risk of digestive upsets and muscle problems. Licks for the youngsters
When horses are fed as a group, those down the social hierarchy are sometimes left with less feed to eat. Licks provide something of a back-up for those who miss out – but they are not a guarantee of a balanced diet. There are licks available that have been formulated specifically for breeding and youngstock. They have a higher concentration of essential nutrients for growth and development.
Baby Pure
R
ockies’ Baby Pure is a summer essential, providing horses with a free access, cost effective and calorie free way to supplement the diet with salt. The hard pressed block fits into a 2kg holder and is made using the finest quality Cheshire salt. During manufacture, this salt is compressed into blocks using high pressure presses to ensure that blocks won’t crumble, are long lasting and are really hardwearing. With a high sodium content, Baby Pure supports body fluid balance and helps to prevent electrolyte deficiency. Baby Pure is available in 2kg licks, which have a RRP of £2.83. For more information, see www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies. co.uk or call 01606 595025.
TM
Electrolyte Energy Bar the power to perform
Endorsed by Coco Bongo and friends …and Dan Neilson likit.com 10 | July 2014
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Feeding
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Likit Electro-Bar A
lways ahead of the field when it comes to innovation, Likit Products has launched a new sports bar for horses. The Likit Electro-Bar combines key electrolytes with glucose and peppermint oil to provide a quick, easy and palatable way to administer these important body salts to working horses and ponies, before or after exertion. Glucose and electrolyte gels, drinks and powders are widely used by human athletes during training and competition but until now there has never been a handy or practical equivalent for equines. The new Electro-Bar is manufactured in the popular Likit Bar format, meaning that 2 to 4 pieces can be given before or after vigorous exercise. The re-sealable pocket-sized pack makes the Likit Electro-Bar extremely convenient, while the palatable minty taste ensures good acceptance levels and encourages consumption where other forms of electrolyte supplementation may be rejected by the horse. Contact Likit Products on 01655 750523 or visit www.likit.co.uk for further information.
Nettex Electrolytes – just in time for summer T
he Nettex Electrolyte Range has been formulated to replace vital salts that are lost through any form of sweating brought on from strenuous exercise, travelling or stress-related conditions. Ideal for using during the hotter months and competition season, the Electrolyte Range is available in powder and liquid form or a syringe paste. Containing branch chain amino acids (BCAA), products in the range will assist in muscle recovery, top up energy levels and reduce the buildup of lactic acid that can lead to muscle cramps, tying up and even colic. Nettex Maintenance Powder is designed to replace vital sodium, potassium and chlorides that are required for speedy recovery and help to maintain stamina. The powder should be administered after heavy sweating, either from exercise or hot weather, or when the horse has been stressed, such as travelling or moving yards. The powder can be mixed with feed or diluted in the horse’s water, making it simple to administer. New Size 1kg RRP £15.50 Nettex Maintenance Liquid is ideal for fussy feeders that turn their nose up at powders. In liquid form, this electrolyte is absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly than powder and is therefore suitable for using at a show when your horse might need an energy top up fast. 1ltr RRP £9.75 Nettex Electrolyte Syringe Paste Boost offers results in just 30 minutes and is the perfect electrolyte to carry when you’re on the go with your horse. Easy to administer, the paste is given just like a syringe wormer and is therefore ideal for horses that don’t finish all their food. RRP: £4.99 per 30ml syringe So next time you’re in your tack shop be sure to stock up with one of these vital products to keep your horse healthy and performing brilliantly all summer. To see an exclusive interview with Francis Whittington on the Nettex Electrolyte range of products visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5lVSs-0cM For stockist information, visit www.nettexequine.com or call 01634 257150.
www.equi-ads.com
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July 2014 | 11
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RELIEVE
THE FATIGUE
FORMULATED TO REPLACE VITAL SALTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR The Nettex Electrolyte range has been formulated to replace vital salts that are lost through any form of sweating brought on from strenuous exercise such as hunting, travelling or stress related conditions. Not just for summer, electrolytes can be used throughout the year to reduce the build-up of lactic acid that can lead to muscle fatigue, muscle cramps and tying up. For performance at an affordable price, trust Nettex.
Don’t just take our word for it, scan the QR code to see our products in action or visit www.nettexequine.com
www.nettexequine.com
12 | July 2014
E L E C T R O LY T E S
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Feeding
(continued from page 9) of “water” from the horse’s body means that a l ot of important electrolytes (Na+, k+ and Cl-) are lost simultaneously causing significant electrolyte imbalance as well as likely clinical complications. Obviously, under “normal” conditions diet will provide all the electrolytes needed by the animal. Sometimes electrolytes are administered orally via syringe when horses are sweating excessively as in an endurance event. If they become dehydrated it may be necessary to intubate the horses and administer electrolytes and water via this route. However, a clinical incident might require intravenous administration of an electrolyte solution in order to try to restore hydration and electrolyte balance within the body. So we begin to see the crucial role played by electrolytes within the horse’s body; no electrolytes or imbalance=death! Common electrolyte problems are excesses of sodium and potassium or their deficiencies but other electrolytes such as calcium can be involved. A thumping noise coming from the abdomen of an exercised horse back in 1831 and reported by a vet at that time gave rise to the term, “Thumps”. The condition is also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. This is often recorded in Arabian horses following a long distance endurance event when sweat losses have caused an electrolyte imbalance. Low plasma calcium is often associated with thumps but magnesium, sodium, chlorine and potassium should also be checked. The electrolyte balance of a food can markedly affect how it is used by the animal. For example, the Dietary Cation Anion Balance or DCAB is normally composed of the electrolytes Na+ + K+Cl- but of course one can expand this to include other cations and anions such as Ca2+ and SO42-. Some people use slightly different terminology and refer to the Dietary Cation Anion Difference or DCAD. Both DCAB and DCAD give an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of a food/diet. To give you some impression of the effect of this on its “electrical charge” consider forage. Forages are universally high in K+ and thus their DCAB is high in terms of its charge measured as milliequivalents/kg dry matter (mEq/kgDM). Taking a forage like alfalfa we find that its DCAB is very high (>400) and thus it is a highly basic feed. Dairy farmers routinely manipulate the DCAB of their cow’s diet to control calcium metabolism which is always a worry since hypocalcaemia is
often a metabolic disease problem amongst high yielding dairy cows. They are fed anywhere between -150 and -250mEq/kg DM prior to calving and this creates a mild acidosis in the body which tries to correct itself by releasing calcium from the bone and thus improving calcium availability. One needs to know calving dates with some precision otherwise this technique, if applied too soon, can exacerbate the problem. But you are not interested in dairy cows are you? So what does this all mean for the horse? We know that horses would naturally, if given the chance, consume only green forage. What is the DCAB of grass? It contains anywhere between 300 and 400 mEq/kg DM because grass contains so much K+. So it is really no surprise that horses reared on grass alone have the best bone because a basic diet (grass) maximises calcium retention in bone. The best hunters come from Ireland, the Emerald Isle, where they graze grass 24/7 until sold to be trained. Most Thoroughbreds however, apart from a brief spell at grass with mum, will be fed concentratebased diets (DCAB<100mEq/ kg DM) with much less emphasis on forage. The net result is that these animals are consuming an acidic diet because cereals etc are cation poor (eg., K+, Ca2+) and anion rich (eg., Cl-, HPO42-). In other words, they are being fed an acidic diet just like the dairy cow prior to calving resulting in mobilisation and loss of calcium from the bone. This is the very last thing that we want to happen in a growing horse or, in a competing animal. This situation cannot be offset by pouring calcium down their throats as animals fed an acidogenic diet will just excrete any additional cations via the kidneys into the urine. In conclusion, it should be apparent that electrolytes are very necessary for ourselves and our animals. However, it is not enough just to have the electrolytes in the horse’s diet per se but rather, the balance of electrolytes must be right as it can affect the overall nature of the animal’s diet (DCAB/ DCAD) which can have serious physiological consequences for the horse in terms of bone formation etc. Finally, if you find all of this rather hard going then perhaps a drink would help as Dave Berry (an American humourist) saw fit to say “Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking.”
www.equi-ads.com
24/06/2014 15:26
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Your Loyalty. Rewarded. Since launching over 16 years ago, Blue Chip has always been at the forefront of equine nutrition. This pioneering spirit goes beyond what goes in the sack, it also encompasses what goes on the sack. Blue Chip is the first feed balancer specialist to offer a loyalty card and loyalty points on each of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feed balancers (Original, Pro, Lamilight and Original Native). Collect 8 Blue Chip Loyalty points and get your 9th Blue Chip product absolutely free. For more info see www.bluechipfeed.com/loyalty
Blue Chip Pro The feed balancer for High Performance horses and ponies.
Blue Chip Lami-light The diet feed balancer for overweight horses and ponies and those prone to laminitis.
Blue Chip Original Native The first feed balancer tailored to the nutritional needs of Native Ponies.
To Order or to find your local stockist visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200 info@bluechipfeed.com | facebook.com/bluechipfeed | twitter.com/bluechipfeed | youtube.com/bluechipfeed 4balancers_2014_297x210.indd 13 1 Equi_Ads_July_National_2.indd
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News Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare
robert Walker Wins New Sponsorship! L
eading show rider and producer Robert Walker has secured new sponsorship from Staffordshire-based Black Country Saddles. Cheshire-based Robert has produced many top show horses over the years, consistently winning major titles at the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show. Robert has a promising team of youngsters to campaign this season, as well as established stars, and has made a great start taking the Cob Championship at Nottinghamshire County Show with the heavy weight, Starry Night. Success followed at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, with Robert taking the Novice Hunter Championship on Caesar’s Palace and Small Hunter title on Party Time V. Said Robert: “The Black Country Saddles range is absolutely superb and we are delighted to have them joining our fantastic team of sponsors. “The team has a wealth of experience and knowledge and we are very impressed with the saddles and are looking forward to riding our Show Hunters, Hacks, Riding Horses and Cobs in them this season.” Added John Hartley of Black Country Saddles: “Robert is the ultimate showman and recognises the importance saddles play not only in the
looks and impression when in the show ring, but also when it comes to allowing horses and ponies to move at their very best.” For more information contact Black Country Saddles on 01543 578 243 or visit www.blackcountrysaddles.com
FMBS Therapy Systems
Activo-Med Combi Pro Rug
The Activo-Med Combi Pro Rug is used by horses from all types of equestrian disciplines, to help support and maintain performance. The rug provides horses with sequenced PEMF and massage therapy from the tail to the top of the neck, plus the shoulder and thigh area. It can be used pre warm-up, post exercise and for rehabilitation too. The control box allows the user to select the most relevant pre-set programme for their horse and then, after the selection, the horse can be left (tied up) while the programme takes place allowing you to carry
on with yard duties or riding another horse. The rug contains 19 strategically placed PEMF spools and 14 massage modules that work in sequence, powered by a reliable, rechargeable battery that will last up to 15 sessions before recharging is necessary. The PEMF element uses frequencies and intensities to support venous blood and to promote natural cell efficiency and repair, and the massage modules help to support circulation and the lymphatic systems. There are a number of different rug configurations available to suit your budget and horse. They are all available for hire, and finance is available too. For more information, contact FMBs. Zipped EquiSox Zipped EquiSox, available from FMBs Therapy Systems, provide a fast, effective and reliable way to apply compression to a horse’s legs…removing the need for bandaging for recovery and maintenance. The specially designed zip fastening EquiSox can be applied in seconds, conform to the
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anatomy of the horse’s legs and there are no pressure points thanks to the design. Made using Coolmax material, EquiSox provide thermoregulation, optimise cooling and wick moisture away from the leg. They’re used and endorsed by a
number of riders, trainers, vets and physiotherapists. EquiSox are available in pairs, in a range of sizes to offer the best possible fit. They have a RRP of £75 per pair. For more information see www. fmbs.co.uk or call 01628 472440.
Feed firm sponsor Danielle Heath
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aracen Horse Feeds are proud to announce the addition of successful showing producer and rider Danielle Heath. Danielle, who is based in Cheshire, has had huge successes over the past few years at major the Royal International and HOYS. Recent successes this year include winning the Cuddy Middleweight Hunter at Royal Windsor with Oathill Take The Biscuit, and 2nd place with Carnsale Capability Brown in the four year Hunter class. Danielle bases her horse’s diets on products from the Saracen Show Improver range together with performance balancer STAMM 30® and EQUI-JEWEL®. www.equi-ads.com
24/06/2014 15:29
mix your own low calorie feed
Add Light Chaff (fibre) to 1, 2 or 3 mugs* of Lo-Cal balancer (complete nutrients) for the
perfect low calorie, low starch, high fibre diet! Ideal for any horse or pony needing a low calorie diet eg. good-doers, those prone to laminitis Lo-Cal provides all the essential nutrients* for overall health, muscle tone and healthy hoof growth (which means you can ditch those expensive supplements)! It’s fed in small quantities (see below) all year round, ideally alongside Light Chaff, a low calorie, molasses and sugar free chaff with added mint Fed together, it all adds up to a flexible, easy feeding regime which is more worthwhile than a handful of mix, cubes or chaff
UNDER 13hh (up to 300kg)
eg. Shetlands, Section As etc. 28p per day 225g per day (½ lb)
Bag lasTs
3 months
1 average coffee mug
13-15hh (300-500kg)
eg. Welsh Cobs, Dales etc. 56p per day 450g per day (1 lb)
Bag lasTs
6 weeks
2 average coffee mugs
OVER 15hh (over 500kg)
eg. TB, ID etc. 84p per day 675g per day (1½ lb)
Bag lasTs
1 month
3 average coffee mugs
Request an information pack
Baileys Horse Feeds www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 3) *when fed at recommended levels. Approximate figures based on a 20kg sack costing around £25
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Xxxxxxxxxx Training
HORSE BEHAVIOUR - Speaking the language part 22 A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training. (This series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010, the standard work on the subject. The glossary definition is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)
BRIDLE LAMENESS: ‘An irregularity of gait under saddle that has the appearance of lameness. Mostly seen in the trot, it arises as a result of a longterm training error in which the horse is unable to free itself of simultaneous and persistent bit and leg pressure during locomotion and transitions, or from persistent rising on the same or incorrect diagonal at trot. There is usually an associated crookedness to the longitudinal axis of the body.’ ASSOCIATION OF IDEAS Bridle lameness is one of those behaviours which leads many people to say, often crossly, that their horse is being ‘crafty’ or ‘clever’ because ‘he only does it when he’s ridden because he doesn’t want to work’. In truth, it is yet another of those situations in which we riders need to look to ourselves for the cause, as the above glossary description indicates. I think it unlikely that horses think in this way and pretend to be lame to avoid work. They usually perform behaviours we don’t want because what we are asking causes them pain, discomfort, confusion or distress and they are acting out of self-defence and protection. Sometimes the behaviours have become habits which the horse might still perform even though the original reason for them no longer exists. Horses learn a good deal by the association of ideas. If a particular action we do to or with them causes them any unpleasant emotion or physical feeling, they will naturally ‘know what’s coming’
it is the rider on their back who is wielding it and so spinning is futile. Alternatively, they may try to raise their head and run away from the pain to come, which is their flight or fight instinct kicking in.)
and wisely and naturally try to avoid doing it. This applies to any other creature, including us, and is part of our self-defence instinct. If this circumstance happens a very few times, even only twice, a horse will already know that it’s something to be avoided and his avoidance behaviour is on the way to becoming a habit. Of course, habits can be formed in association with good things as well, such as a food treat or a rub on the withers for ‘good behaviour’, also quick, light responses to aids. (It is interesting that some scientists think it is possible that horses do not actually realise that the sensations horses experience when ridden are caused by the rider, simply that these sensations occur when a human is on their back. Horses’ vision probably prevents them seeing the body of a mounted rider much above rider’s knee level when the horse’s head is in a normal riding position and they may not connect the ‘disembodied’ lower leg with the rider. Horses who are frightened of the whip and react when they see it raised – association of ideas again – have learned that this movement is quickly followed by pain and may try to spin away from the whip, not realising that
‘I CAN’T WAIT FOR IT TO ARRIVE!’ wrote a subscriber to ‘TRACKING-UP’ published by In our current issue: DR GREEN or DEMON GRASS?, Anne Wilson: WHAT IS AN AID?, Lesley Skipper: MILITARY EQUITATION and DRESSAGE, Paul L. Dawson: HOW TO BE A 5-STAR HORSE OWNER, Susan McBane: SCHOOLING AT THE WALK: Caitlin Collins: DOMINANCE IN EQUINE FAMILIES, Lesley Skipper: HALT, HALFHALT and CANTER, Anne Wilson: THE RIDER’S BACK, Sylvia Loch, plus Classical Riding Q&A, strangles, Christoph Hess lecture report and more. ‘Tracking-up’ is published quarterly. Printed copies are £5.27 per issue or £18.98 for a 4-issue subscription. Digital copies are £4.00 per issue or £14 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name, address (and your email address for digital) plus ‘TUA23’, on the back of your cheque payable to ‘Tracking-up’ and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ.
16 | July 2014
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Issue 23 – May 2014
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR When bridle lameness occurs, the horse will appear lame in front, usually, with lack of engagement of the hindlegs and quarters, and have irregular, crooked movement. The shoulders may be uneven and the horse not reach out in front. This may also be caused by the saddle and girth being too far forward: the saddle will interfere with the movement of the tops of the shoulders and the girth will dig in behind the elbow when each foreleg moves back. ‘Rubbernecking’ is common as the base of the neck is unstable and crooked; the body may also be ‘wriggly’ and crooked. The horse may try to vary the bit contact in an effort to relieve the pain of a harsh contact or use of the bit by the rider, or of an uncomfortable fit, adjustment or design of bit. The horse may go behind the bit, behind the vertical, try to open his mouth to avoid and express his pain, put his tongue over the bit, and/or champ the bit actively. He may produce lots of froth and saliva, a known sign of distress in mammals. The mouth should be moist only, not dry or slobbery. Tight nosebands add to the horse’s dilemma as they prevent him moving his lower jaw and tongue freely to make himself more comfortable. Restriction of the tongue prevents the horse
swallowing his saliva so it may drool out of the mouth but some may trickle down into the windpipe, which must be a really frightening feeling, especially if the rider is stopping the horse coughing it up by fixing his head position. The main reason given by riders who tighten nosebands is that this prevents the horse ‘evading the bit’. Of course it does! A correctly and humanely ridden horse will not want to evade the bit – and does not need a noseband at all. Apart from the lack of ethics and morality in using tight nosebands, the crazy thing is that the mouth can only be closed so far as the teeth permit. Once the incisors, at the front, are touching each other, the mouth, very clearly, cannot be closed any further and the lower jaw cannot be easily moved from side to side. So, there is no point having the noseband vice-tight as the only effect it can have is to cause even more pain by injuring the tissues and even cutting off the circulation. The International Society for Equitation Science, ISES, (see below) reminds us that tight nosebands remove the horse’s means of expressing mouth pain by keeping his mouth closed and fairly still. There are, though, other means of detecting how a horse is feeling in addition to those given already, whether the horse is suffering from a tight noseband, an uncomfortable bit or painful contact. His facial expression will show pain and fear in the eyes, the skin on the face may appear tight, and the nostrils be wrinkled up and back, with a mobile (continued on page 28)
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DON’T MISS THIS! BRAIN-TRAINING FOR HORSES How Horses Learn, and why we need to know by Lesley Skipper This new booklet from the Tracking-up Library could change your and your horse’s lives. It explains how horses really learn, and how to train using humane, effective methods. In 40 A4 illustrated pages it covers: The horse’s brain and intelligence; different learning modes; punishment; understanding and using negative and positive reinforcement; getting the timing right; behaviour modification; training good behaviours; breaking it down into easy steps; plus recommended reading. For your copy, clearly print your name, address and ‘BTH.EA’ on the back of a cheque for £6.70 made payable to ‘Tracking-up’, and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ.
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Facebook.com/naturalvetnutrition @NVetnutrition
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Equi-Ads-FiveMinutes-JULY-2014_Layout 1 04/06/2014 14:38 Page 1
Personality Profile
‘Five Minutes With...”
Jason Webb
Kent-based Jason Webb, of Australian Horse Training, specialises in starting young horses and solving behavioural problems using common sense. “I became interested in horse riding from a very young age and was “born in the saddle” in outback Australia, following my dad rounding up sheep and cattle in the Snowy Mountains. I had a pretty idyllic childhood. I now love the UK, but after eleven years, I am still not used to the English winters. An indoor school is on my wish list!” “The key thing I learned from my most influential equestrian mentor is that there were no short cuts or magic wands. My dad’s motto was, “If you want a better horse, you’ve got to ride it!”, meaning that you can’t expect to gain results without putting in the hard work first.” “If I could wave a magic wand and change one thing about riding, it would be that more people would
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recognise how important the starting/ breaking in process is for the ridden future of that horse. This is the area I specialise in and it is vitally important to get it right!” “The most common negative aspect I see in horses that are competing is a lack of ‘forwardness’- they have become resistant, or have started rearing. I think a lot of the time, this is caused by riders wanting their horses to look good before they are going forward freely and holding their gait without the rider nagging the horse along.” “I find horses incredibly fascinating, and enjoy learning something new every day. I enjoy figuring each horse out, and how best to proceed with their training and then teaching the owner/ rider how to progress once the horse goes home. I also admit to being a little bit of an adrenalin-junkie, so I like the fact that there is an element of unknown in the work that I do!” “I have inherited a love of fast Thoroughbreds, so my ideal ride would be the Aussie sprint mare, Black Caviar. I have also been involved in behavioural work with some top level dressage horses, so riding them has given me a bit of a
buzz too. In polo-crosse, I missed out on riding my sister’s horse Doondi Sapphire, as I had moved to the UK. She went on to win Champion Horse at the Australian National Championships, and on a recent trip to Australia, I started one of her sons who feels pretty special too.” “The motto I try to live my life by
is “The only difference between Try and Triumph is Umph!” but I also like one of Dad’s favourites, “Wet saddle blankets make good horses” meaning that horses need work, and we should make them sweat under a saddle cloth to become reliable and consistent, and ultimately happy within the horse-human
II advocate couldn’t live without... Aloeride, a natural aloe vera supplement - it has wide
reaching health benefits, and its 100% natural approach fits in perfectly with our ethos of going back to basics. We have many horses through our doors that arrive in a less than ideal condition, so Aloeride is the perfect supplement for us.” www.aloeride.co.uk
24/06/2014 15:33
Does your horse have any of these?
Poor horn quality
“Shelly” hooves
No apparent horn growth
Hoof cracks
Collapsed heels
Can’t hold shoes
Red Soles
Smelly frogs
then use Formula Feet and 4 4 Solution Feet or Solution Feet Matrix, to produce a set of healthy strong hooves and a happy horse. 4
Please phone for an information pack and free sample of Formula4 Feet Equi Life Tel; 01249-890784 www.equilife.co.uk (secure online ordering available) Equi_Ads_July_National_2.indd 19
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Xxxxxxxxxx Training
LaCkING CONFIDeNCe rIDING DOWNHILL aCrOSS COuNTry? By Jenny Richardson BHSAI
The careful horse will be a pleasure to ride downhill
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ven the most courageous rider can get butterflies in the stomach at the thought of riding downhill in the faster gaits - as you are required to do on the XC course, or at a hunter trial. Your attitude to downhill riding will probably depend on your horse’s own attitude to self-preservation, as well as his temperament and jumping experience. The careful horse will be a pleasure to ride downhill,
carefully placing his feet, going at a speed to match the going, and responding to his rider’s cues; however if you have a strong or hot-headed horse that goes too fast downhill, then you may need to do some preparatory work, perhaps considering a stronger bit, carrying out extensive schooling to manage his paces, or replacing excess calories in the diet with fibre sources, to optimise your mutual safety. You will be unlikely to restore your own confidence if downhill riding is simply too dangerous! In any case, whether riding downhill, uphill or on the flat, you should have the ability to go ‘up and down the gears’ in canter. This can be done on the flat in your arena, for example riding a short bouncy canter along the short sides and opening out along the long sides. Thrown in some smart upward and downward transitions, to hone obedience. Assuming that you have done all that you can to create a safe environment on a well schooled horse, and that perhaps you are just suffering from a perfectly
natural lack of confidence when riding downhill, there are steps you can take to make the experience an enjoyable one! On the undulating Irish hills at Castle Leslie, we teach guests to sit up and back wherever they can, to prevent themselves from getting in front of the horse’s movement, putting themselves in a vulnerable position for a fall, and tipping the horse on to his forehand. Use the ‘safety position’ when XC riding with the lower leg forward and anchored with the heel down, and push your shoulders back for stability. Keep your reins short enough to aid steering, but not so much that you have to lean forward to maintain their length. If you need to, straighten your arms a little rather than tipping your torso forward. Remember that a horse may run out from a fence if not sufficiently balanced to jump downhill. Slow down if your approach is too fast, and try to lift the horse’s head a little if he is ‘ploughing’ too low into the approach to a fence. Keep a straight line, and remember that many fences can actually be
jumped from a trot. Top tips 1. Make sure you walk the course, or if you are at a training venue, at least walk around on horseback to get a good look at the jumps and the terrain. 2. It is generally better to be behind the movement than in front of it over XC fences, in terms of confidence and staying on board, so put your shoulders back, your heels down and ride positively to the fences without rushing. 3. Look up, look up, look up! It really does help when riding downhill. 4. Consider riding with a neckstrap or a rider safety aid, or hold the mane if you need to, to aid balance! 5. Don’t go too fast - simple but obvious advice. Forget about fast, timed elements and go for a safe round within your capabilities, until you are sufficiently confident to speed up. If you need XC practice, consider a training break at a
Just Plain Nasty!
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QUINE AMERICA JUST PLAIN NASTY! Anti-chewing and Anti-crib biting gel. Just Plain Nasty is a gel that been formulated to strongly discourage all types of horses and ponies young and old from the serious habit of biting and chewing stable doors, gates, fencing, rugs etc. Also suitable for dogs who are prone to destructive chewing. 250ml RRP £14.95 www.equine-america.co.uk Tel 01403 255809.
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www.equi-ads.com
24/06/2014 15:34
Xxxxxxxxxx Training
New Air Jacket
T
he new garment incorporates proven airbag technology which offers an inflation rate of one tenth of a second. Designed to complement the companies BETA Level 3 body protectors, the air jacket is manufactured in lightweight fabric with a soft shell collar. The airbag component has a lifetime warranty, provided that it is registered and receives an annual service with a nominated specialist. RRP £398 available in small to xl.
When XC riding the lower leg should be anchored. Credit@ Adam Fanthorpe leading venue. Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that offers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and offers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides over an extensive XC course. Visit www.castleleslie.com
www.equi-ads.com
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Ride positively to fences without rushing
July 2014 | 21
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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Feeding
corneal ulcers
Ben Sturgeon, Bsc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS
E
quine Corneal Ulcers are one of the most common eye conditions, and because of their potential severity and difficulty in distinguishing them from other eye conditions, they should never be neglected or underestimated. The horse’s cornea consists of 4 main layers; from front to back these are: 1. Corneal Epithelium – The outer surface, consisting of 8-10 layers of flattened cells which don’t absorb water 2. Corneal Stroma – The bulk of the cornea (>90%), consisting mainly of loosely arranged lamella of collagen fibres. The fibres are aligned in the same direction creating optical clarity and will absorb water. 3. Descemet’s Membrane – This is a thin acellular layer of protein attaching the stroma to the endothelium 4. Endothelium – A single layer of cells that forms the inside of the cornea. Importantly, both the Descemets and endothelium do not absorb water but pump water out of the cornea keeping it dehydrated, as any water within the stroma would render it opaque. A corneal ulcer occurs when the corneal epithelium is disrupted to the extent that corneal stroma is exposed. A shallow ulcer involves just disruption of epithelial cells, while a deep ulcer would involve additional significant loss of stroma. Extremely deep ulcers can entirely remove corneal epithelium and corneal stroma, exposing Descemet’s Membrane. This
is known as a descemetocoele and is an extremely serious condition. In the majority of cases there is no obvious cause of ulceration, and it is assumed some form of trauma initiated it. Less commonly ulcers can be caused by a foreign body stuck to the inside of either the eyelids or the 3rd eyelid. These cases often have characteristic linear ulceration where the foreign body is swept across the cornea. Corneal ulcers can also be seen secondary to problems with blinking, most often due to facial nerve paralysis, although extremely uncommon, or with abnormally developed eyelashes (ectopic) irritating the cornea. The signs of a corneal ulcer are very similar to signs seen with any other form of ocular pain, namely: Blepharospasm – a closed eyelid Photophobia – avoiding light Lacrimation – more tears being produced Miosis – a closed pupil If your horse’s eye is open, you may also be able to see a small cloudy area on the cornea. Once suspected your vet will carry out a comprehensive ocular examination. A vital stage is the application of a nonpainful fluoroscein dye. This dye does not stain a corneal epithelium, but will stain corneal stroma. If the epithelium has been damaged and an ulcer created, the stroma will be exposed and become stained as a
green area centrally with an often paler rim surrounding. This is where epithelium is still intact, but the dye has diffused through the stroma underneath the epithelium. In the case of a descemetocoele, then a similar staining pattern will be seen. However, there will be a central dark area that does not pick up dye. This is because Descemet’s membrane does not stain. A second important part of examining an ulcerated eye is determining whether pupillary light responses are present. Even if the pupil in the affected eye is miotic/closed or not visible due to opacities, a consensual response to the opposite eye can be evaluated. Here shining a strong light into the affected eye, should provoke the opposite pupil to constrict. Absence of this response warrants a poor prognosis for restoration of vision implying disease of the deeper ocular structures, such as the retina and optic nerve. The surface of the horse’s eye normally has a population of “friendly” bacteria that live within the conjunctival sacs. They cause no problems here, and the corneal epithelium prevents them from establishing infection. However, if the protective barrier of the epithelium is breached, with an ulcer, then infection can set up rapidly with serious consequences. The bacteria release, and induce the horse to release, certain enzymes that break down protein (Matrix Metallo-Proteinases or MMPs) into its constituent amino acids. The
Nutrition focus I
n this feature, we invite experts to answer your burning questions - please email us at nutrition@equiads.com if you have an equine nutrition enquiry. (Your questions may be shortened to fit the available space.) Q. What are the best energy sources for endurance horses? It has been 20 years since I took part and I expect that best practice may have changed? From Dana Southern, Ashford, Kent
22 | July 2014
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A. The endurance horse needs the sustainability of muscle power, as well as the short, intense bursts. Sustainable power is aerobic; intense power is anaerobic. Although glucose (generally derived from starch) is needed for the first part of glucose metabolism, other nutrients such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are the hindgut fermentation products such as amino acids, fats etc, can join the second part of glycolysis, to provide energy. Therefore, for intense short power, dietary starch is required, but for more moderate, sustainable power, protein, fibre and fat can be utilised. For a normal, healthy horse, the amount of starch that can be effectively absorbed from the small intestine is 3.5-4.0g per kg of body weight. Higher amounts will enter the hindgut and will have the potential to disrupt the fermentation of fibre. So, how do we maintain power and endurance without adding too much dietary starch? When you rode in endurance rides previously, you may have struggled to find a fibre source that delivered sufficient energy to minimise starch levels. Nowadays however, we have
Dr Tom Shurlock of British Horse Feeds shares his expertise...
the superfibres, such as beet pulp and associated feeding products. Giving feeds such as British Horse Feed’s beet pulp product, Speedi-Beet, or FibreBeet, which is beet pulp with additional, highly digestible alfalfa and oat fibre, means you can fuel sustained muscle contractions and reduce reliance on starchy feeds, using starchy feeds sparingly to fuel the power muscles only. Q. Are ‘normal’ leisure horses really prone to ulcers, and how can they be prevented? From Barbara Stone, Exeter A. It is believed up to 90% of performance horses experience equine gastric ulcers, and as you state, it is likely that many leisure horses also suffer. Ulcers are caused by a disruption of stomach physiology. The horse’s stomach constantly produces hydrochloric acid (HCl), an aggressive acid prevented from burning the stomach wall by a thick layer of mucus. Stomach acid provides an environment for the pre-digestion of nutrients, as well as stimulating enzyme-release by the pancreas, and small intestine. Recent research shows that fermentation of some feed products by the gut’s gastric microflora can have a role in ulcer production. The correct pH balance of the stomach encourages growth of microbials that ferment nutrients and help breakdown protein and www.equi-ads.com
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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Feeding corneal stroma is made up primarily of collagen protein, and these enzymes can rapidly destroy the stromal integrity, and the cornea itself, predisposing eyeball. This is known as a melting corneal ulcer. The activation of these MMPs, and effects on the corneal stroma must be stopped before this occurs. The formation of an ulcer also creates significant inflammation. Inflammation is a primarily vascular process, but due to the lack of blood vessels in the normal cornea does not occur here, instead “spilling over” into nearby structures seen as conjunctivitis, with reddening and swelling of the conjunctiva. Unfortunately, this inflammation will travel into the eye, and is seen as inflammation of the iris, ciliary body and choroid, together known as uveitis. This is an extremely painful process, and is usually seen as a constricted pupil with blepharospasm and photophobia. In severe cases inflammatory cells and proteins can be seen floating in the front of the eye. Unless treated, this can cause iris adhesions and permanent visual problems. Corneal ulcers progress rapidly (within hours), so early and aggressive treatment is always indicated even for seemingly minor ulcers. The primary targets for treatment are: 1. Reduce ocular pain 2. Prevent and/or treat infection 3. Prevent and/or reverse proteolytic enzyme activation 4. Reduce inflammation internally and externally The treatments commonly used are: • Systemic anti-inflammatory and painkillers Flunixin has the greatest effect on the eye, so is most commonly used as a paste, powders or intravenously • Topical Antibiotic starch; one of the major end-products released when this occurs is lactic acid, which can generate ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. (Interestingly however, horses on permanent pasture have a much lower incidence of gastric ulcers. Chewing and producing saliva, which contains neutralising sodium bicarbonate, binds up some of the acid, and suppresses acid-producing bacteria.) Abnormal behavioural activity (such as stabling and transportation), and a lack of a consistent, high fibre diet, can disrupt the production of mucus lining the stomach, increasing ulceration risk. Ulcer preventions include avoiding obvious stresses, providing plenty of water and moist feeds, and minimising starchy feeds. Ensure any starch feeds are micronized, as the starch content will be gelatinised and more easily absorbed. In addition, consider introducing beet pulp, as it is high in moisture levels and also pectins, and has a good acid binding capacity; it works well a replacement for starchy feeds. Consider introducing feeds such as British Horse Feeds’ Fibre-Beet, Alfalfa Blend and Alfalfa Plus Oil; ideal sources of digestible fibre, and natural acid buffers. Visit www.britishhorsefeeds. com Fibre beet is ideal for horses prone to ulcers www.equi-ads.com
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Topical antibiotic cream (Chloramphenicol ointment commonly) or drops may be used. Creams have poorer penetration but do not need to be applied as frequently as drops. Oral or injectable antibiotics are rarely used as they will not reach sufficient concentration at the target site • Topical Atropine Atropine is a parasympatholytic, meaning it has effects typically associated with a “fight or flight” response. In a fight/flight situation the pupil would normally dilate, allowing for greatest vision, so atropine dilates the pupil (and paralyzes the ciliary body in iridocycloplegia). Pupil dilation is important to relieve pain and to prevent iris adhesions. Overuse can be associated with impaction colic, so it is used sparingly to keep the pupil dilated and faecal output should be closely monitored while under treatment. • Topical Anti-Protease Treatment There are several options to achieve this, including plasma extracted from your horse’s blood or topical EDTA (an anti-protease mixed with horses’ blood). In severe cases, several different antiprotease treatments are used. The key to successful medical management is frequent drug administration, in severe cases, hourly. When treating a horse’s eye this frequently they can become resentful and head shy, so placement of a Sub-PalpebralLavage-System (SPLS) may be needed. This allows delivery of treatments into the eye via a tube attached to the mane. The catheters are inserted through the eyelid under sedation, and desensitisation with anaesthetic. In the most severe cases of ulceration, and especially with melting ulcers and descemetocoeles, or if the medical therapy fails, surgical treatment may be necessary. The latest surgical treatments include conjunctival pedicle grafts, where a piece of conjunctiva is used to cover the ulcer, following removal of the infected cornea by surgical keratectomy, or repair of the defect using pieces of amniotic membrane. Previously 3rd eyelid or conjunctival flaps were performed, where the 3rd eyelid was sutured across the ulcer to protect and to provide a blood supply. These are rarely performed now as it does not allow
corneal examination, and the newer techniques are more successful. In the initial stages of managing a corneal ulcer, your vet will want to re-examine your horse’s eye regularly to ensure treatment is working and there are no complications. This is vital, as any complications must be dealt with to ensure a positive outcome. Uncomplicated corneal ulcers heal quickly, leaving minor scarring. New corneal epithelium migrates inwards from the ulcer edge at a rate of approximately 1mm/ day. A 10mm diameter ulcer therefore heals in 5 days (as migration occurs from all edges). If healing has not occurred within the expected time frame, then there may be a problem. Potential reasons for slow healing are numerous including old age, immunosuppression (Cushing’s Disease) and other infections. Of these fungal infections are most concerning with a fungal keratitis’ appearing very similar to a bacterial keratitis. Fungal keratitis is however, less common than bacterial keratitis, and is often associated with previous topical steroid use. However, either can cause rapid loss of vision. Immediate aggressive diagnostics and treatment are again critical with corneal scraping for cytology and culture, and possibly biopsy required for precise diagnosis. Other causes for healing failure include viral infection, foreign body, underlying ocular disease, and epithelial dystrophy. While rarely reported, equine herpesvirus has been documented to cause keratitis. Slit lamp biomicroscopy assists with detection of small foreign bodies. Nearly any intraocular disease, such as uveitis and glaucoma, has detrimental effects on the cornea and can cause an ulcer to become refractory to treatment. Lastly, epithelial dystrophy will cause an ulcer to be refractory. This type of ulcer usually has a rim of nonadherent epithelium at its periphery, and the eye may be relatively comfortable. Electron microscopy has shown this condition is due to basement membrane abnormalities in humans and dogs with the same probably true in other species. This condition requires surgical intervention. A multiple punctate or grid keratotomy can be done standing, and is about 80% successful. The success of surgical keratectomy approaches 100%, and is used in the event that simpler procedures fail.
Support your equine’s ability to cope with hard ground
R
iding on hard ground raises a multitude of issues, not only can it cause damage to tendons and ligaments, it can also cause bruising to the foot, jarring and concussion to the leg and shoulders, activate splints and boney changes and trigger excessive wear on joints. Vetroflex provides ongoing support to the joints and encourages the body to naturally fight the problems caused by hard ground. However when hard ground is unavoidable, Vetrofen Intense can support comfort levels. The proprietary blend of natural ingredients has been formulated by leading nutritionists to support the body’s natural recovery process and inflammatory response. Vetrofen is a great injury management aid, which supports the body when it is recovering from the stress of heavy work. When combined Vetroflex and Vetrofen offer comprehensive nutrition to help horses deal with the effects of hard ground. Vetrofen Intense is now available in a maximum strength Instant Syringe to provide a simple and easy administration method that can be used at home, or on the go – perfect for use at competitions and after training. Vetrofen Intense Instant Syringes cost £24.99 for a twin pack. Vetrofen Intense is available in either a 105g or 315g pack with prices starting at £54.99. Vetroflex is available in 500g, 1kg and 2kg tubs, prices start at £39.99. Animalife are now offering a money back guarantee on all Intense Lifestage products, including Vetrofen Intense. Call 0845 365 0050 to find your local Animalife Accredited Retailer or for more information visit www.animalife.co.uk July 2014 | 23
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Healthcare
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he prevention of certain diseases is a core component of veterinary medicine, however it can be difficult to promote. Especially in this current economical climate, it can be hard to convince that prevention really is better than cure until it is too late. This is why regular health exams for horses are so important, as with veterinary advice it is possible to intervene before serious issues arise. Many veterinary practices now offer promotions that combine vaccinations, dental exams and general health checks. These also offer the opportunity to ask your veterinarian any questions about other proactive measures that you could be taking or to resolve any concerns that you have. Therefore these yearly assessments are useful in preventing horses develop a number of clinical problems. Tetanus vaccination is seen as a minimum level of veterinary care that every horse should undergo. Tetanus is a bacteria that lives within the soil that can easily
infect wounds and then progress to clinical disease. Signs of a horse infected with disease include a stiff or rigid gait, abnormal sensitivity to touch, inability to open mouth, prolapse of the third eyelid or colic. Horses are quite susceptible to contracting tetanus due to the ease at which they obtain wounds on their limbs that are often contaminated with dirt containing the tetanus spore. If a horse develops tetanus it is highly unlikely that they will recover. The vaccination for tetanus is a relatively cheap and safe preventative measure that will protect horses, ponies and donkeys against developing the disease. The normal course of vaccination consists of two primary vaccines 4-6 weeks apart and then booster vaccines given regularly after.
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Healthcare These are normally given every two years but will depend on the vaccine manufacturer. Pregnant mares can also be given a booster 4-6 weeks before foaling as this will help the foal receive sufficient antibodies in the mare’s colostrum. If an unvaccinated horse sustains a wound then anti-toxin should be administered. This is only a temporary measure and a vaccination program should also be started at the same time. Equine influenza is less likely to be as fatal as tetanus however can cause severe enough illness to prevent horses from being worked for long periods of time. Although influenza is very contagious between horses and can spread very quickly within yards. Therefore vaccination is another important intervention in the containment of this disease. Clinical signs of the disease include a dry cough, high temperature, discharge from the nostrils and decreased appetite. Vaccination can be combined with tetanus that is given 4-6 weeks apart followed by a third vaccination given six months later. Annual boosters consist of alternative vaccinations of influenza and influenza combined with tetanus. The exact protocol may differ again depending on the brand of vaccine used by your veterinarian. There has been
some controversy on the efficacy of the current influenza vaccines available on the market. However the immunisation provided by the current vaccinations is better than none at all and hopefully new vaccines will be made available soon. Vaccination is especially recommended on yards where the movement of horse on and off the premises is frequent. There are other vaccinations currently available for horses, such as strangles and equine herpes virus, as well as some that may be needed for overseas travel. The suitability of these for your own horse can be discussed with your veterinarian. Horse wormers have been on the market for a number of years now and the majority of people will have tried to implement some form of worming regime for their horse. However due to the increasing resistance towards wormers shown in the UK, proper use of faecal egg counts and suitable wormers is becoming very important. There are a number of clinical signs that horses infested with parasites will show, these can include weight loss, diarrhoea and colic. A worming regime should be tailored to each individual horse based on their faecal egg count. Your veterinarian will be able to perform (continued on page 36)
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Training
(continued from page 16) muzzle plus the above-mentioned excessive froth. The ears may be laid flat backwards rather than simply angled softly towards the rider, and the tail is likely to be swishing. AFFECTING THE ACTION Horses cannot move naturally or comfortably if the head and neck are restricted or are the sites of pain or discomfort. The famous ‘balancing pole’ function is necessary for the rest of the body to move and function as it evolved to do. Preventing a horse using that balancing function will make him move using muscles other than those intended for the purpose, and use his body generally with an awkward, unnatural and uncomfortable action. Over time, and it may even be during one schooling session, the horse’s body will feel the strain and become injured. Because bridle lameness is said to occur when the horse is ridden and does not occur when he is trotted up in-hand on a loose rope or rein, the injury stage may not have been reached at that point or may be sub-clinical (not noticeable). This does not mean all is well because he will almost certainly be feeling stiff or sore and will be continuing in work, making matters worse. Bridle lameness can occur when the horse is trotted up in-hand on a short-held lead rope or reins by a handler preventing free head and neck movement. This is why vets, physiotherapists and the like want a horse trotted up on a loose rope or rein. PREVENTION AND REMEDIES Tack The first and most obvious solution to bridle lameness, in view of the above discussion, is for the horse to be managed and ridden in a more appropriate way. All his tack needs to be comfortable, not only because it is unkind to ride a horse in discomfort but also because his attention will naturally be more on his discomfort than his rider and his work. I recommend that his saddle and girth be fitted and checked twice a year by a saddle fitter qualified by the Society of Master Saddlers. Well-made, correctly fitted and adjusted bridles do not need any padding, integral or otherwise. Bridles should be fitted so that you can easily pass a finger all the way round under every part that touches the horse’s head. The headpiece should lie, or be shaped away, so that it cannot rub the base of the horse’s ears, or be pulled into them by a too-short browband. 28 | July 2014
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The browband also should not be so long that it flops up and down and annoys the horse. Cheekpieces should fall well away from the eyes and no straps should rub the facial bones. The throatlatch should allow the width of your hand between it and the round jawbone. Another gauge for correct adjustment is that it should fall half-way down the jawbone. Decades ago, just at the time when people were starting to strap their horses up and down in a more forceful way of riding, a saddler told me that if a noseband is correctly fitted it is useless and, therefore, pointless. Quite. Cavesson nosebands were originally used for attaching a standing martingale to the back of them: if fitted so that the strap from the girth to the noseband can be pressed up easily into the horse’s throat when the horse is standing with his head in a normal position, this is still a useful piece of kit for young or green horses who throw their heads up into your face for no obvious reason, because the martingale only comes into effect when the head is just above the point of control. ISES can supply nifty gadgets called taper gauges to everyone from individuals to international competition organisers. These are slid down between the noseband and the front of the face, and have a mark showing the correct adjustment. It would fly the flag for horse welfare but probably be highly unpopular if used at every equestrian show or competition, and entrants who did not meet the correct adjustment were not allowed to compete. The gauges comply with the old, horsefriendly standard of allowing the width of two or three fingers between the noseband and the flat bone down the front of the horse’s face, so ensuring that the horse can open his jaws a little to manipulate the bit, remain comfortable (rider permitting), communicate with the rider and move his tongue to allow him to swallow his saliva. If you use a drop, flash or Grakle, remember that you need to be able to easily run your finger under them all around the lower jaw, and that they must lie about four fingers width away from the nostrils so as not to interfere with the horse’s breathing. Jointed snaffles should generally make only one wrinkle at the corners of the horse’s mouth, otherwise they can stretch the skin with the risk of splitting it. Non-jointed mouthpieces, whether snaffle or Pelham, should just touch the corners of the mouth. You should be able to fit the width of one finger flat between the cheek or ring of any bit and the horse’s face at one side. Double bridle bridoons are fitted like snaffles. The curb bit www.equi-ads.com
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Xxxxxxxxxx Training should not touch the corners of the mouth but lie beneath the bridoon and lower than it by about half an inch or a centimetre. Curb chains should come well down into the chin/curb groove (hence its name) when the curb is used, not slide up the lower jaw, and you should be able to slide one finger easily under it all along its length. Contact They say that there is no secret so close as that between a horse and his rider, and bit contact is probably the closest of all. These days, the secret is often out because horses make it plain that their rider’s contact is causing them discomfort, pain and distress. A good, general contact is like a friendly hand-holding feel or handshake, or just enough to guide a (well-behaved!) toddler over the road. Another guide is to imagine that you have a small bird in your hand; you need to hold him so that he cannot fly away but your pressure does not frighten him. Of course, circumstances change all the time: your contact needs to be flexible and consistent enough to follow your horse in a friendly way, and listen to what he is telling you up the reins, while reassuring him that you are there for him with directions when needed, and that your directions
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or bit aids are fair and friendly, comprehensible and not onerous or upsetting. Easy! Equitation scientists have devised a simple and useful scale for contact in which zero is none at all (free rein) and ten is as hard as you could pull if you were being carted towards a cliff or a motorway. Any contact up to three or so is classed as light, four to six is moderate and above that heavy. Much depends on how willing a conventionally-trained rider is to try something different.
Riding and schooling Bridle lameness develops due to strong and uneven bit contact by the rider, as described above, and because the horse has never been thoroughly trained to respond quickly and lightly to the aid (signal or cue) to slow down, shorten stride, stop and step back. As well as appearing lame, the horse is probably inconsistent in his responses because he is uncomfortable, and insecure, and responding quickly and lightly has not become a habit. If the rider maintains a hard contact, he is preventing the horse doing this. By going back and re-training inhand and then under saddle the basic responses to stop, slow down, shorten the stride and step back (which all use the same muscles) and
also to go and to turn, as described earlier in this series, the horse is clear about his response, confident and the problem disappears – unless the rider’s contact reverts to the previous high level. Crooked, ‘wriggly’ horses unstable at the base of the neck and prone to falling in or out through the shoulders are improved by training them to turn in response to the indirect rein; that is, pressing the outside rein sideways against the neck to ‘push’ the horse into his turn or straighten his shoulders, rather than ‘pulling’ him round with the inside rein, which unbalances him and makes matters worse. Tapping on the outside side of the withers with your knuckles or fingertips in the early stages of this work is also a great help. Keep doing it till the horse responds as you wish. Classical riders and trainers have always wanted a light contact and quick responses, and although many modern riders and trainers claim that their method is ‘all based on classical’, in practice clearly it isn’t. Being prepared to take the time to confirm the horse’s training at the early stages, together with an empathetic attitude towards the horse’s comfort and emotions is the way to go.
LEARN MORE AT: The Classical Riding Club (www.classicalriding. co.uk), the International Society for Equitation Science (www.equitationscience.com), EquiSci for the UK (www. equitationscience.co.uk), the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc.org.au) and the Equine Behaviour Forum (www.equinebehaviourforum.org. uk). Also, follow up the links and publications on each site. (The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine ‘Equine Behaviour’. For your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the Editor, Dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.) SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, is a Classical Riding Club listed trainer and Gold Award holder, co-founder of the Equine Behaviour Forum and a Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. Author of 44 books, she is a co-publisher of ‘Tracking-up’ (see advert this issue). For lessons and clinics in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email horses@susanmcbane.com
July 2014 | 29
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Tack Xxxxxxxxxx • Turnout
WIN
THREE LUCKY WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A SET OF GROOMING TOOLS FROM WAHL WORTH OVER £45.00 Wahl’s new collection of Equine Grooming Tools, as used by Tim Stockdale, offer an ergonomic handle that has a soft rubberised surface to offer maximum user comfort and makes grooming tasks simpler and easier. The Wahl Rubber Curry is ideal for sweat, dirt and loose hair removal, allowing the user to quickly and effortlessly remove mud and debris with a flexible, easy to use, quality tool. The innovatively designed Wahl Body Brushes are available in three different varieties. The Stiff Wahl Body Brush removes mud and dirt, the Soft Wahl Body Brush is perfect for polishing, and the unique Wahl Combo Body Brush is a versatile tool offering the user one side that removes heavy dirt, and the other with softer bristles to help promote a glossy coat!
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Also included in the Wahl Equine Grooming Tools range is an ergonomically designed hoof pick, mane and tail brush with moulded ends to reduce split hairs and damage to the skin and a soft, gentle face brush. All essential items for your new season grooming kit!
F
HOW TO ENTER To be in with the chance of winning a set of grooming tools please answer the following question. Which top show jumper uses Wahl products? Email your entry direct to kirsty@equi-ads.net or post your answer to Stephanie Walker, Equi-Ads Ltd., 126, Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS. Closing date 31st July 2014.
The new Wahl Equine Grooming Tool range starts at £3.99. For more information visit www.wahl.co.uk or call 01227 744330.
Carl takes time out to catch up on the latest news in Equi-Ads
ollowing our editorial in the June Equi-Ads Carl Hester invited a group of retailers and the media to watch a demonstration of the new range of saddles which offer new design options for both rider and horse. Carl told Equi-Ads the new PDS collection will give dressage riders the fit and performance needed for outstanding results. The visitors were impressed with
NEW EQUINE GROOMING TOOLS!
“A perfectly designed range, Wahl have really considered the needs of the groomer and the horse with these tools” - Tim Stockdale, British International Show Jumper
visit us at www.wahl.co.uk 30 | July 2014
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Tack • Turnout the running commentary given by Carl when he explained how dressage was an expanding activity and his riders gave examples of some of the predetermined movements such as the piaffe (a cadenced trot in place), passage (an elevated, powerful trot) and pirouette (a 180 or 360 degree whirl). The recently deceased Esme Jack (aged 96) along with the Duchess of Richmond persuaded the FEI that music would add something new to ‘horse ballet’. The first international competition set to music was at Goodwood in 1979 - the Goodwood International Dressage Competition. Musical tests - are also known as Kurs.
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roy, a 16.2hh, nine-year-old Trakehner owned by Karen Freeman from Devon, always struggled to keep his weight on during the winter months. Like many Equi-Ad owners, Karen is busy working full time and spends any spare time riding and caring for her horse, who she has owned since he was just six months old, and her life revolves around him. Feeding in the past had been quite a trial for Karen as Troy is fussy and she tried various products and supplements, trying to mix and match to get something to work but to no avail and he still lost weight, despite just being on light to medium work through the winter. Then last year Karen visited the HorseHage trade stand at Badminton so decided to explain the problem and see if they could recommend a product that would help Troy to build up some weight and condition. The team recommended Mollichaff Condition – a highly digestible, high fibre, high oil and low starch mix, which can be fed as a complete concentrate feed alongside good quality forage. It contains a balanced blend of alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint as well as Yeasacc® and a prebiotic, plus vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Soya oil provides essential fatty acids to help improve skin condition and encourage a healthy, glossy coat. Yea-sacc® and a prebiotic help maintain a healthy digestive system, along with mint, which is particularly palatable to horses. Said Karen, “The team at HorseHage were extremely helpful and advised me to feed six round scoops of Mollichaff Condition per day, split into a minimum of two feeds, alongside good forage.”
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Xxxxxxxxxx Saddlery
PerFeCT POSTure IN THe SaDDLe
Question:
I have just got back in the saddle again after a good ten years on the ground. After buying my horse I had a Society of Master Saddlers’ Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter out to check and fit a second-hand saddle but is there anything I can do to help improve my riding technique in the saddle? Answer:
The Society of Master Saddlers replies: As riders, we are always looking to improve our technique and performance in the saddle. However, it is all too easy to develop bad postural habits which affect our position in the saddle. We have carried out a number of research projects to establish if physiotherapy can positively affect rider asymmetry and balance in the saddle. It is quite common to see riders who are crooked, riding over to one side or gripping up with their knee more on one side than the other, and not even know it. These small misalignments can have a significant effect on how your horse moves and can cause him to become crooked too. During our research half of our sample riders were selected randomly and given simple exercises to do by a physiotherapist to help correct their imbalances. We found that those riders who received exercises significantly improved their postural stability by reducing sideways movement. The
control group, who did not do any exercises, did not improve their stability measure. At all four points of the biomechanics testing it was noted that those who had taken part in the exercises were sitting up straighter in the saddle. The riders who exercised were significantly more symmetrical showing pressure readings that were much more even on both sides when tested again. From carrying out the research we found that improving your core strength allows other muscles to work more efficiently, reducing fatigue, helping prevent injury and improving technique. Improving your overall fitness and suppleness is very important; it is not all about strength. A strong pelvis helps riders to absorb the forces of their horse’s movement without losing control of their arms and legs Try some hip and knee exercises, such as squats, with resistance bands to help strengthen the legs and pelvic area. Upper body exercises such as ‘upper body’ press ups can help stretch and strengthen the lower back and core muscles which can help you sit straight and balanced in the saddle. Exercising two to three times a week can help significantly improve your posture in the saddle and hopefully help improve your riding too. Most importantly you need to make sure you are exercising correctly and not
encouraging a bad posture. If in doubt make an appointment with a physiotherapist for a personalised exercise programme. For more information on research carried out by the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
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Laura has worked in the insurance industry since 2006 after achieving a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science from The University of the West of England. She studied at Hartpury College in Gloucester and has extensive equine knowledge from personal experiences as well as further professional training. She has two horses to compete – ‘Molly’ who is an Intermediate/ CCI** level eventer and ‘Lex’ who showjumps at 1.35m level – and can regularly be seen competing around the UK.
here is no escaping the fact that owning a horse is an expensive hobby. In fact, it’s more like a full-time job that costs you money rather than earns it! Many owners are looking for ways to bring in some extra cash without too much outlay on their part; those spare stables that are used for storing rugs/stable tools/grooming kits/hay and anything else that needs a home are starting to be looked at in a new light as owners realise they could make money by making their stables available for livery. But have you thought about the insurance implications of such a business venture? Unlike Riding Establishments, there is no legal requirement for livery yards to hold Public Liability insurance, however it is strongly encouraged. The policy is designed to cover your legal liability as a business and provides cover against accidental bodily injury to individuals (e.g. anyone coming on to your yard) or accidental third www.equi-ads.com
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Xxxxxxxxxx Saddlery
Can you feel the seat bones?
A
ll too often asymmetry in the horse is simply masked by schooling, and while this offers a short-term quick fix, it doesn’t address the cause. Using pressure testing the team at WOW Saddles have analysed different riders and the vast majority sit with weight dispersed asymmetrically. A simple way to test this is to ask yourself when you last felt both seat bones in the saddle?
How does the rider affect the horse?
Typically we would see a rider subconsciously slipping right in the saddle, which automatically tenses the left thigh muscle, the left heel creeps up and the left knee goes forward, meanwhile the right leg hangs loosely with more weight down in the stirrup. Over time the left leg will become weaker and the right shoulder will fall back and
party property damage caused by one of the horses on your yard. The limit of indemnity is available up to a maximum of £5 Million and can normally be extended to include cover for shows/events held on your premises or if you hire out any facilities to the public. You may think you are covering yourself sufficiently by ensuring your clients have their own Public Liability insurance in place, but whilst this is recommended it does not guarantee to leave you in the clear in the case of third party damage. What if, for example, your own horse was turned out with a livery horse and one day they escaped out of the field due to some damaged fencing. The worst case scenario hardly bares thinking about, but even if the only damage is minor scraping to a third party’s www.equi-ads.com
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the rider appears to collapse to the left. Saddle fitting to the rider
Instead of simply flocking a saddle to mirror the asymmetry in the horse, it should be adjusted to sit the rider’s weight square and centred. The rider should be in the same pelvic position as if they were standing – both legs should hang relaxed and they should be able to feel both seat bones clearly! It is important to remember though that the saddle is simply a tool which, when fitted correctly, allows you to ride with evenly distributed weight across a large symmetrical area on your horse’s back. What makes riders go WOW?
WOW offers a longitudinally rigid, but laterally flexible carbon fibre tree, which twists to the horse enabling greater
shoulder freedom and more expressive movement. Used by many professional dressage riders, including Richard Davison, the saddles can be fully customised to the individual riders’ personal preferences, whether that is a specific seat style, flap position or knee roll or, from a more visual point of view, personalised coloured leather and bling detailing. More information is available from the WOW team by calling 01227 831614 or visit www. wowsaddles.com.
Brand new on-line tack shop Stockist of Toggi, Sebago, Champion, John Whitaker and many more Free shipping for all items. www.equestriansaddlery-online.co.uk equestriansaddlery@mail.com Tel: 07725033931
car, there is no way to categorically say which horse was responsible for the dent and you, as the person responsible for maintaining the fencing, could be held liable for any losses sustained by the third party. There are other optional extensions available as well including Care, Custody & Control cover (recommended if you are involved in the care of anyone else’s horses) and Employers’ Liability cover (legally required if you have anyone working for you, whether paid in cash, paid in kind or voluntary). Make sure you don’t end up losing out substantially due to insufficient insurance cover, or you could find your lucrative business idea turns out to be another way of generating significant financial expense. July 2014 | 33
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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare
keePING HOrSeS HeaLTHy
Nicola Snowden BVM&S MRCVS Equine Veterinary Advisor for Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy
I
mproving the all-round health of Britain’s population of horses through the adoption of preventative healthcare practices is in the interests of everyone involved with horses. Promoting an integrated approach to equine care, with appropriate vaccination backed up by sound animal husbandry and hygiene procedures are critical in minimising the risk of illness and disease amongst Britain’s estimated one million horses. Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy (KBHH) is a BEVA supported (British Equine Veterinary Association) highprofile campaign, which seeks to convey this message to owners up and down the country. Initially concentrating on increasing awareness of the widespread infectious diseases in the UK, but also on providing sound nutritional advice. When we talk about prevention of infectious and contagious disease we need to consider the immunity of the equine herd and not just our individual horse. Although our own horses are unique and very much individuals to us, they are part of an equine herd whether this is their field or stable companion,
other horses on the yard or even other horses in the local area. By encouraging a greater proportion of owners to vaccinate their horses against endemic diseases such as equine flu, strangles and herpes, the national population can ideally reach the threshold to achieve ‘herd immunity’. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient proportion of a population – though not necessarily all – are immunised against a disease. If there are too few susceptible horses in the population then the disease is unable to spread and will eventually die out. Essentially the principle can be described as safety in numbers. The current evidence suggests fewer than half of Britain’s
horses are vaccinated against equine flu, and it’s widely agreed that to achieve an effective level of herd immunity, vaccination rates need to be considerably higher – in the region of 70%. Tetanus, on the other hand is infectious but not contagious so does not spread from horse to horse. As such herd immunity doesn’t apply and individual horses can only be protected from this deadly disease through vaccination. Current estimates suggest that fewer than 60% of Britain’s horses are vaccinated against tetanus, where KBHH will push for 100%. Vaccination alone is not sufficient to ensure the health and well-being of a horse and doesn’t absolve an owner from basic responsibilities. No vaccine is able to offer 100% protection so the need to be aware of the symptoms of these diseases remains vital to ensure that any potential outbreak can be identified and controlled at the earliest possible juncture. Some everyday biosecurity
actions will help minimise the risk of disease introduction. Good hygiene practices, including using clean and separate equipment such as tack, grooming equipment, and feed and water buckets. It is also good practice to avoid horse to horse contact with unknown horses and if possible isolate new arrivals to your yard for a minimum of three weeks before introducing them to the rest of the herd. A balanced diet is of course key in helping ensure a fit and healthy horse, whether they are working or not. Modern pasture and forage has been shown to be deficient in certain nutrients, particularly quality protein and some minerals so campaign nutrition partner, Baileys Horse Feeds, strongly recommend some form of supplementary feeding to supply these essential nutrients and provide a fully balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are involved in a wide range of body functions as well as being components of many body tissues so, despite not necessarily being required in huge quantities, they
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
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Healthcare • News play essential roles in maintaining health and well-being. Some, like vitamins C, E and the mineral selenium, are antioxidants so help protect the body from the potentially harmful effects of free radicals, whilst selenium and zinc also support the body’s immune response. Body tissues, including muscle, are made of protein, the components of which are called amino acids. The horse’s body can manufacture many of these but some are ‘essential’ and have to be supplied in the diet. These include methionine, which is integral to healthy hoof growth, and lysine, which is important for strong tendons, muscle and cartilage. Good quality horse feeds and balancers are formulated to ensure that essential amino acids, such as these, are included so, when fed at recommended levels, support overall tissue integrity and muscle tone. Energy/calories are also an important part of a healthy balanced diet and can be supplied by a number of nutritional sources, including fibre, oil, sugars and starch. Horses have evolved to obtain all or the majority of their calorie requirements from high fibre forage and pasture but, if this is insufficient for them to maintain condition and fuel their work, additional sources should be fed. These range from highly digestible fibre sources, like beet pulp, to
more concentrated sources, like oil and cereals. Modern compound feeds (mixes and cubes) are designed to supply a balance of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals, according to the horse’s workload – the higher the workload, the greater the requirement for a range of nutrients, not just energy . Balancers are ideal for those whose energy requirements are met by forage alone as they provide the essential nutrients, likely to be lacking in forage, but without additional calories. All horse owners know that a healthy horse is a happy horse and by adopting preventative healthcare measures owners are able to help and protect the health and happiness of their horses – and indeed all horses – day-by-day, year-by-year. It’s not only the individual owner who should be aware of the all-round benefits of a preventative approach to healthcare. Livery yards and riding schools will have a healthier population of horses in a yard, leading to an environment with happy horses, happy owners and a good yard reputation. A healthy yard means you can enjoy your passion without restriction. To find out more about KBHH and participating veterinary practices visit www.healthyhorses.co.uk
Horseboarding with Candy
H
orseboarding is a new sport where riders are pulled along on a skate board.Participants are towed behind a horse at speeds of up to 35 mph on an off-road skateboard while the rider and boarder work together to control speed and acceleration. The thrill-seeking sport is actually very accessible to all abilities be it horse, rider or skater and many find it a handy alternative to other activities that your horse may not enjoy.“Your horse doesn’t have to be particularly good at it,” says Rachel Simington, a keen member
of Horse Boarding UK, the organisation which founded the sport in 2004. “People see the sport and think their horse has got to be at competition level to take part but that’s simply not true. My horse, Candy, was a rescue horse and could barely even canter before we started boarding together, she just didn’t like doing it, which limited us when it came to activities like jumping and dressage. In 2012 Candy was rehomed to Rachel and before long the pair were winning competitions at local shows all over the country.
Introduction to Equine Behaviour Course Starts 14th July – limited places available! Equine Education offers a variety of courses for those interested in enhancing their equine knowledge. All courses are delivered by recognised experts in the field. Equine Behaviour course content: This Equine Behaviour is taught by Dr Sebastian McBride who is an expert in Equine Behaviour. The course will cover a range of topics including: evolution of equine behaviour, development of behaviour, abnormal equine behaviour (e.g. weaving), and the underlying behavioural principles surrounding learning and training. This course will consist of recorded lectures, notes, links to interesting articles and online discussion forums. Your course tutor will also be on hand to answer all of your questions. Flexible learning: The course is delivered fully online over a period of 4 weeks and during that time you can login to the course site and take part whenever suits you, allowing you to fit your learning in around your busy lives and, of course, your horses! All you need to take part is a computer and internet access. If you have not studied online before, don’t worry you will be guided through how to login and access all of the course materials. Registration and cost: You can register online at www.equine-education.com. This 4 week course with expert tuition and learning support costs £99. Further information: Web: www.equine-education.com Email: enquiries@equine-education.com Phone: 07515 427729
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Training
CLASSICAL RIDING - Part SIX:
THE TRAVERS OR QUARTERS-IN By Anne Wilson
A
fter the demi-Pirouette and Shoulder-in, the Travers is the next logical step on the ladder of classical exercises. These exercises do not necessarily have to be taught on a strict rotation basis, but it is normal for Travers to be taught after Shoulder-in and before Half-pass. Travers is a good preparation for Half-pass but occasionally some trainers, with some particular horses, will begin Half-pass first, but personally I much prefer the horse to have mastered Shoulder-in, then Travers, before commencing the Half-pass, which is more difficult and requires more collection. As with Shoulder-in, Travers can be practiced anywhere in the school, but it is much easier and preferable to begin training it on the track of the arena. Here we will have the wall of the school to help us contain the movement and keep the sideways travel, which I believe makes it not only easier for the rider to aid, but easier for the horse to understand what is being asked. In Shoulder-in we ask for the shoulder to come off the track and for the horse to bend around the (continued from page 27) this for you and give you recommendations based on the result. Unfortunately this will not give information regarding pinworm burden, although there are other tests that your veterinarian can perform to aid in diagnosing this parasites. The egg count also does not detect larval encysted worms, however with a correctly implemented worming program this should not be a problem. Other management programs such as poo-picking and field rotation can also vastly decrease the worm burden that your horse is subjected to. Tapeworms are another parasite that can potentially cause problems in horses. They are often found at the junction between the small and large intestine and if they accumulate in large enough numbers can alter the motility of the gut. This can lead to an increased risk of developing certain forms of colic such as spasmodic, impactions or intussusceptions. Unfortunately faecal egg counts will not diagnose this problem, but instead a blood test should be performed. It is suggested that horse be treated for tapeworm at the end of a grazing period, which is normally in autumn. As with
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rider’s inside leg, with the hind legs travelling down the track (see my article in the May issue of Equi-Ads – ‘Shoulder-in – The Aids’). Now, for the Travers we ask that the horse keeps his forehand travelling down the track, still bent around the rider’s inside leg, but this time he brings his quarters in from the track, travelling sideways in the direction of the bend (whereas in Shoulder-in he is travelling away from the direction of bend). Some horses take to this exercise like the proverbial ‘duck to water’, whereas other horse and rider combinations struggle with it unduly. The key here is to maintain the bend, which needs to be from poll to tail, not just an inside flexion of the head and neck. It is so difficult for the horse to perform the movement with a straight body and for this reason I feel it imperative that the horse has fully mastered the Shoulder-in beforehand, with the accompanying ability to bend from poll to tail. The aim eventually is to bring the quarters in from the track at about a 30 degree angle – the other wormers, drugs that target tapeworms should be used in a targeted manner to reduce the chance of resistance occurring. Currently there are some wormers available on the market that combine two types of drugs that will target both roundworms and tapeworms. The field of equine dentistry has vastly expanded in recent years and now dental exams and routine rasping are much more commonly carried out. Horses can often have quite severe dental disease before clinical signs such as quidding and weight loss become apparent. This is why it is recommended that dental exams are performed annually as it can help prevent issues from requiring such intense treatment in the future. Sedation is sometimes required to allow a thorough exam to be performed, however this is a relatively low risk procedure and lets your veterinarian before a much more detailed assessment. Other husbandry considerations such as shoeing and weight gain/ loss can also be evaluation during a health exam as well. Weigh tapes are useful to keep an eye on your horse’s weight and reduce its chance of developing related diseases. Credit: Peter Fenton Vets
making it easier for the horse in the beginning. The greater angle from the track requires greater flexibility and bend from poll to tail, as well as more collection. Also, in the same way as Shoulderin, Travers assists with the development of collection; the quality of the Travers improves as the collection improves. Therefore, one complements the other. The Horse’s Movements in Travers
A good Travers showing the left hind crossing over in front of the right Elizabeth Tate with Elliot - photo -www.blacktent.co.uk same as for a normal three-track Shoulder-in. However, in the same way as we begin Shoulder-in with the lesser angle of shoulder-fore (that is with the shoulder only just off the track), we also begin the Travers with the quarters just a little in from the track; thus
As mentioned above, the horse should be bent around the rider’s inside leg with equal bend from poll to tail. For instance, in a right rein Travers he should be flexed to the right, looking down the track as he would when being ridden straight down the track. His forehand should be on the track, with his quarters brought in from the track and he is bent to the right; the bend beginning at the poll and continuing to the tail; travelling sideways to the right. In this case his left hind leg will be the driving force, which should step under his body, cross over the right hind, and propel the movement sideways. In
Exciting New Online Equine Education Venture
E
quine Education has launched its first online course for people interested in learning more about a range of equine topics. The first course, which starts on 14th July will provide participants with an introduction to Equine Behaviour and will cover a range of topics including: development of behaviour, abnormal behaviour (for example, weaving), and also the underlying behavioural principles surrounding learning and training. This course will be delivered by Dr Sebastian McBride who is an international expert on equine behaviour with years of experience teaching online and will consist of recorded lectures, notes, links to interesting articles and online discussion forums. Dr McBride will also be on hand to answer all of your questions. This exciting new venture was set up by Dr Jo-Anne Murray. Dr Murray has been involved with horses since a young girl and after many years of working on various yards and attaining her British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor qualification, she moved into academia. After gaining her PhD in Equine Nutrition, Jo-Anne went on to set up the world’s first and only online Equine Science masters programme at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, at the University of Edinburgh. Dr Murray said “After years of providing degree level courses online, I realised that there were many people unable to take online courses in equine topics to learn more about managing and working with horses without committing to a degree level study.” “I set up Equine Education to provide quality, affordable education that is accessible to everyone. Our aim at Equine Education is to ensure that participants get an excellent educational experience that is interactive and fun and allows them to learn more about the subjects they are interested in. Best of all, studying online allows people to fit their studying in around everything else they have going on in their busy lives, including their horses!”. www.equi-ads.com
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Xxxxxxxxxx Training Travers and Renvers (which will be covered later in this series), only the hind legs cross over. There is virtually no crossing of the front legs. This makes it clear to me that, contrary to popular opinion, Travers is a different exercise to Half-pass in which both front and hind legs cross over, as they also do in Shoulder-in. Nevertheless Travers does have distinct similarities to Half-pass and is a good preparation for it. Head to The Wall or Full-Pass
Some trainers like to use a greater degree angle of quarters-in, often as a warm-up exercise. This is usually termed ‘head to the wall’ or ‘full-pass’. At this greater angle it is virtually impossible for the horse to bend throughout his body, and all that is required is an inside flexion. I am not a great fan of this movement as it has none of the benefits of true Travers, or quarters-in, and I feel it can serve to discourage the requirement to bend his body. This greater angle from the track is often offered by the horse in the beginning of training, in order to avoid the bend and as a way of straightening his body to make it easy for himself. I therefore feel that it should not be encouraged. This is very similar to the scenario of too great an angle of Shoulder-in which is often offered by the novice horse in
Overhead diagram showing position of quarters in relation to the track order to avoid bending his body – again see my article on Shoulder-in in the May issue. The Differences in the Driving Leg which equates to the direction of travel
It is important to understand that in the right rein Shoulder-in, where the horse is travelling away from the bend, the driving leg is the right hind. In the right rein Travers, the horse moves into the direction of the bend and his driving leg is the left hind.
This explains why many horses will find right rein Shoulder-in easy, but may struggle with right rein Travers. Whereas on the left rein, they may find the opposite – left Shoulder-in may be more difficult than left Travers. This is usually because their right hind is stronger than the left. With other horses of course, the opposite may well be the case. Most horses begin training with one hind leg stronger than the other. This, combined with a tendency to bend easier in their bodies in one direction than the other, i.e. the muscles on one side of the body being more developed than the other; makes for what is termed a ‘one-sided’ or ‘crooked’ horse. One of the main aims of the classical exercises is to supple and strengthen the muscles, joints and tendons equally on both sides to create what we term a ‘straight’ horse. In this way lateral exercises aim to straighten the horse, as well as to help him collect, lighten his forehand and take more weight onto the strong hindquarters. This relieves the precious front legs; making the horse much lighter in hand, more pleasurable to ride, and should substantially increase his chances of a sound, healthy and long life. Don’t do too much too soon
All these beneficial effects are of course wonderful and a joy both to
ride and behold. BUT beware – some riders and trainers are in too much of a hurry and doing too much, too soon, especially when the horse is unfit or too young; can have the opposite effect. If the horse is in any way forced or coerced into performing these movements, they cease to be beneficial exercises and can cause strain, particularly to the hocks, fetlocks and tendons. Always Begin New Exercises in Walk
Start the Travers, as you did with Shoulder-in, and every new exercise, in walk. Just ask for a stride or two at first, then ride straight again; gradually building up the number of steps and degree of angle, until the horse finds it easier. The Rider’s Aids for Travers
It is best to begin to ask for Travers on the track in the second corner of the short side of the arena, just before commencing travel down the long side. Here we will assume you are on the right rein:Give a short, gentle, Half-halt just before the corner to balance the horse; your left leg should be behind the girth at the corner. Deepen your right (inside) leg as you come around the corner (continued on page 40)
GOOD FOR GUTS! EQUIMINS LAUNCH NEW GUT HEALTH e
quimins’ new Gut Health is a concentrated herbal extract containing 14 different herbs to help support gut health in a natural way. The liquid contains quassia, cinnamon, peppermint, cayenne, garlic, chamomile, fenugreek, ginger, mint, fennel, thyme, liquorice, wormwood and clivers. For best results, the company suggest that Gut Health is added to the horse’s feed for five days, every three months. “Gut Health helps to support the health of the horse’s gut in an entirely natural way,” says David Willey, Managing Director of Equimins. “The unique blend of herbs we’ve selected is safe to use and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. “This is the latest addition to our Digestion range. We understand how important the horse’s gut is to his overall well being, and Gut Health, along with Inner Balance Probiotics, Activated Charcoal and other products in the range, ensures that there really is something for every horse.” Gut Health is available in 250ml bottles, which have a RRP of £14.25. For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@equimins.com or call 01548 531770.
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July 2014 | 37
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Xxxxxxxxxx News
Less Stress this Show Season
M
inerals, and in particular, magnesium, play a vital role in the diet of the horse, helping to maintain a normal blood sugar level and improving the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Magnesium is also important for the general growth and repair of tissue and assists with blood circulation and transmission of nerve impulses. In the spring when the growth is lush, grass can have an increased sugar content due to its fast growth, but this often means that it is deficient in minerals, including magnesium. This in turn can lead to a magnesium deficiency in the horse’s diet. The result of this is very often a fresh, excitable horse and that is when many owners turn to a calming supplement or feed. Of course there can be many other reasons for a fizzy, tense horse and it is important to try and find out why. Analyse your
horse’s diet as too many carbohydrates or too much protein combined with too little exercise can have a similar effect. If your horse just has a nervous temperament, patience and a quiet atmosphere can help too. If you think your horse may have a magnesium deficiency, ask your vet to take a blood sample to check it out. An alternative to an expensive calming supplement is a complete fibre feed such as Mollichaff Calmer. It contains a balanced blend of fibre pellets, oat straw, dried grass, herbs, soya oil, vitamins, minerals, limestone and trace elements, and it can be used as the sole concentrate feed when fed at the recommended levels. It is suitable for all horses and ponies, including laminitics, as it is low in sugar and starch providing limited controlled energy from high quality, digestible fibre and oil-based ingredients. In Mollichaff Calmer we have included elevated levels of magnesium along with a carefully formulated combination of camomile, lemon balm and mint, to help relax your horse. It also contains Vitamins B1 and B12 which are known to help decrease anxiety by exerting a calming influence on the horse. For more information on feeding your horse or pony please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk
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The BPS Variant Performance Gala & National Championships 2014 12th & 13th July at Three Counties Showground, Malvern
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his is a new show concept from the British Palomino Society aimed at promoting and celebrating palominos, cremellos and other horses with the cream gene (dilutes/variants) as performance horses. This year we offer both members and non-members the opportunity to compete over two days. The National Championship Show and the Performance Gala with showing, dressage and jumping open to ALL COLOURS with special awards to palominos and variants. The BPS National Championships offer Ridden and In-hand showing classes for ALL horses with the Cream gene. For all classes the exhibits are judged on conformation and performance. For Inhand Registered Palomino’s they are also judged on colour, this is to encourage the Society’s primary aim ‘To preserve and promote the ideal Palomino’ The Variant Performance Gala comprises of Ridden and In-hand showing, dressage and show jumping, also introducing the ‘Tipplers Challenge’. These classes are open to ALL COLOURS with special awards to palominos and variants. Lots of fabulous prizes on offer Palomino’s and Cream Variants come in all breeds, shapes and sizes and many are performing at a high level in dressage, show jumping, eventing, western riding and open showing. This show aims to showcase the talents of these beautiful horses and provide an opportunity for cream enthusiasts to get together for a fun weekend with their horses. Our classes on the Performance Gala Day are qualifiers for Equestrian Life Magazine Showing and Working Hunter Championships 2014, Cricklands Show jumping and Dressage Championships of Great Britain, 15+ Horse and Pony Championships and the Showing Register Riders Championship. We also have a Cherif Qualifier for Part-Bred Arabs. Schedules available at www.britishpalominosociety.co.uk Onsite stabling available, free camping, lots of trade stands, a great atmosphere and a very warm welcome!
The British Palomino Society now has 3 registers The Palomino Register, the Cremello Register And the NEW Variant Register All animals with the Cream Gene will be eligible for the Variant Register The Cream Gene creates – Cremello, Perlino, Smokey Cream, Palomino, Buckskin, Smokey Black and any ‘coloured’ variant (Buckskin & White etc.) For more information regarding Registration please see www.britishpalominosociety.co.uk
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24/06/2014 15:40
Xxxxxxxxxx Turnout
Shampoos clean and revitalise skin and coat
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he Wahl Shampoo range is designed specifically with equines in mind, in order to cleanse and revitalise the skin and the coat. The five litre Wahl Shampoo Containers complement the existing range of 500ml bottles and include the coat enhancing Diamond White, the natural extract Shampoos; Aloe Vera, Tea Tree and Oatmeal Essence, along with the coat conditioning Easy Groom Conditioner and iconic Dirty Beastie Shampoo! Ideal for competition yards, livery yards and for horse owners with several horses at home the containers last longer and are easy to store, negating regular trips to the shops.Owners can indulge in using a top quality shampoo without the extra cost of paying for excess packaging when using small bottles. The handy pump dispenser attaches to the container and is available to purchase separately from Wahl to allow horse owners to dispense exactly the quantity they require quickly and easily. Wahl five litre Shampoo costs just £22.99. For more information visit www.wahl.co.uk or call 01227 744330.
NeW CHaMPION SHOWING raNGe
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M Elite Products are delighted to announce the launch of their new Champion Showing Range. The products are suitable for show horses and ponies and offer a professional show ring finish. There are four products in the range detailed below. Prices start at RRP £10.99. Champion Black (RRP £12-99) is a professional concealer used to cover over marks, scars and stray dark hairs or to add definition to dark legs. • Ideal for last minute show touch ups. • Covers blemishes. • Adds definition to dark legs. • Conceals marks and stray hairs. • The ultimate showing product. Champion White (RRP £12-99) is a professional concealer used to cover over marks, scars and stray white hairs as well as to whiten socks and cover over last minute stains. • Ideal for last minute show touch ups. • Covers blemishes. • Whitens socks • Conceals marks and stray hairs. • Eliminates yellow staining. • The ultimate whitening product. Champion Sparkle and Shine (RTRPO £12-99) provides an all over glossy shine to your horse’s coat, neck, plaits and quarters. It will enhance and sharpen any black points, enriching the depth of colour and shine, resulting in the ultimate professional finish. Champion Sparkle & Shine will even put a glisten into a grey’s tail. Quick and easy to use in final preparation on show days and excellent for ‘fixing’quarter markings. Champion Highlighter (RRP £10-99p) is a clear facial highlighter which illuminates, enhances and defines eyes, muzzle and bone structure giving the finishing touch to show ring turnout. Create an eye catching glisten and glimmer with Champion Highlighter. A little goes a long way. • Accents eyes and muzzle. • Highlights facial bone structure. • Helps cover scars and blemishes. • Contains sunscreen. Products are available via the website www. kmeliteproducts.co.uk Telephone 01403 759659.
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NEXT MONTH Feeding for performance Selling your horse • Poor Performance Blood immunity • Off the peg saddles Equi-Style plus gadgets, new products, news and more besides... ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE 10TH JULY EDITORIAL TO BOB@EQUIADS.NET
revitalyte electro Salts
Equimins’ Revitalyte Electro Salts help to replace and maintain important electrolyte levels. The salts can be fed to any horse that has lost electrolyte salts through heavy sweating, whether this has been caused by strenuous exercise, travel, stress or something else. The balanced formulation of essential body salts can be added to the horse’s feed or dissolved in water, making it a really versatile product. Revitalyte Electro Salts are available in 400g, 1kg and 4kg tubs. Prices start from £6.60.
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July 2014 | 39
24/06/2014 15:41
Training • Xxxxxxxxxx Paddock Management (continued from page 37) and make sure that the whole of your left (outside) leg, from the hip downwards is definitely back. Keep the right bend created on the corner if necessary by a gentle squeezing or give and take of the fingers of the right (inside) hand, but ensure that you support the horse’s left shoulder with the left (outside) rein – this is important. On no account pull with either rein and keep your hands together. Your right hip should be in advance of your left and your upper body, including your head, shoulders and torso should be positioned where you want your horse’s head and shoulders. In other words, your shoulders and hips should be a mirror image of your horse’s, or vice versa. You need to be looking where you want your horse to look. Your outside leg gives the aid to request the quarters to move inwards and your body posture and hands guide the forehand into the correct position. It is quite likely that the first step or two will be faltering and difficult. This is only to be expected. Praise the horse at every attempt he makes to comply with your request, then ride straight forward again. Starting from Shoulder-in
It is sometimes easier for the horse to understand what is required if you begin with a couple of strides of Shoulder-in, which he should by this stage, be well acquainted with. The aids are very similar in many ways as for Shoulder-in. Your right (inside) hip is already foreword and your left (outside) leg and hip are back. In the Shoulder-in, your shoulders and torso are turned in and you are looking in towards the centre of the school. To ask for Travers, turn your upper body from the waist, taking your hands as a pair back towards the wall of the school. Turn your head at the same time and look down the track. Keep your upper body tall and erect with an expanded chest, elbows gently resting on your sides, making sure you keep the right bend. Make sure you don’t overdo the left (outside) rein, which could well turn the horse’s head to the left. Just keep the right amount of support in the outside rein; keeping your hands together as a pair should help with this. Your left (outside) leg makes the request for the quarters to move to the right at the exact moment that you make the turn with your upper body. Your right 40 | July 2014
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(inside) leg becomes passive but remains supportive; it is now the pillar which the horse is bending around and moving towards. Your left leg discreetly requests the sideways movement and maintains the quarters-in position with either a gentle pushing movement or an on/off vibratory aid. Continuing the Training
In the beginning of training don’t push the horse into performing Travers all the way up the track, even if he appears to find it easy. As with all new exercises, just practice it on both reins say two or three times in each training session. At first it is likely to be much easier on one rein than the other, but with tact and patience this difference should gradually become less noticeable. After a number of weeks of regularly practicing this new exercise, and when it has become easy in walk, you can then commence a few strides in trot. Travers should not be practiced too often with horses who already have a tendency to throw their quarters in, usually on one particular rein. However, this crookedness can usually be corrected by the appropriate use of lateral movements. Moving from Shoulder-in to Travers, then back to Shoulderin is a very good exercise to create impulsion, and can be carried out both in walk and trot, once the horse is strong and supple enough to find it easy. Always build up the number of strides gradually week by week, depending on your horse’s fitness and aptitude. Don’t neglect the other work; it is still important that you can ride straight and practice bends and circles etc. There are varying views as to which exercises should be carried out at the canter. I adhere to the view of the late Col. Alois Podhajsky, former Director of the Spanish Riding School, that Shoulder-in and Travers should only be ridden in walk or trot, not the canter. Anne Wilson is a freelance classical riding trainer, based in Bedfordshire; trained with Sylvia Loch and holder of the Classical Riding Club Gold Award Certificate – Phone 01234 772401 or email: annewilsondressage@ hotmail.co.uk www. classicalridingannewilson. com See Anne’s book ‘Riding Revelations – Classical Training from the Beginning’ available from www.blacktent.co.uk
Paddock Management By Scott Millar I
f your spring paddock management has gone to plan and the weather has been kind, the grass in your paddocks should be growing. It is important that you continue to manage your paddocks to ensure the grass continues to grow throughout the summer an extended grazing season will potentially save you money on feed, managing your paddocks can also cut down on costly vet bills. There are a few tasks that need to be completed to ensure you get the most out of your grass. 1) Soil Sample: If you haven’t already taken samples from your paddocks, early summer is a good time to do so, this will give you enough time to remedy any nutrient or pH deficiencies the soil may have. Testing the pH of the soil is equally as important as testing the nutrients, if the soil pH is wrong then the soil will not make the most of any nutrients you apply so you could waste money the optimum pH is 6.5. If the soil test results suggests a fertiliser application, be careful that you then do not end up with lush, nitrogen rich grass as this could lead to laminitis. 2) Topping: Encourages new leaf growth and stops the grass from growing stalky and going to seed. Topping also helps to produce a dense sward which will reduce the chances of weed growth. The optimum grass length for grazing is 5-7cm therefore we recommend that topping is carried out throughout the growing season 3) Weed Control: It is best to carryout spraying when the weeds are still growing, weed control is important when wishing to achieve maximum grass growth. Spraying will allow weeds such as Docks, Nettles, Buttercups an Thistles to be killed, healthy well maintained pastures might not need spraying each year and the ability to spot spray ensures that the problem area is treated rather than boom spraying the whole field unnecessarily. Remember that if you spray off poisonous weeds such as ragwort you should remove the dead plants as these are palatable to horses and will cause health problems. Most herbicides have a grazing withdrawal period of 7 – 14 days it is important that anyone applying herbicides to your paddocks is qualified to do so, reads the product label and gives you the correct grazing withdrawal information. It is therefore useful to plan ahead your grazing rotation. 4) Manure Management: The way you deal with your horse manure in the field will be different depending on the field size, location and the number of horses grazing the field. Whilst it can seem like a huge chore, removing horse manure from paddocks is important as it helps to remove areas of rank grass which leads to selective grazing and will reduce the risk of parasitic infestation if you have lots of horses grazing a small area then removing the manure is the best option, this can either be done using a wheel barrow and fork or you can get mechanical manure pickers to tow behind quad bikes or four wheel drives. If picking up the manure is not an option and you have larger fields and less horses grazing it is possible to harrow the manure piles and spread them out, it is best to do this job on a hot day as the UV light from the sun will kill the parasitic worms.
Re-Hydrate with Rowen Barbary
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hen horses undergo prolonged sweating for example during strenuous exercise or whilst travelling essential minerals are lost through sweat and can cause fatigue, decreased performance, dehydration, muscle cramping and other problems. Re-Hydrate provides all the necessary minerals on a palatable, readily absorbed, water soluble glucose base to aid recovery for optimum performance. Designed to be fed according to intensity of work and can be fed whenever the horse sweats, on an ongoing basis or before, during and after competition days. Re-Hydrate is available exclusively online and is supplied in 500gm resealable pouches which will last a 500kg horse 20 days. Economic 1kg and 2.5kg tubs are also available. For more information on Re-Hydrate contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598 or visit www.rowenbarbary.co.uk www.equi-ads.com
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Results
Fenland Equestrian Centre - Westbrook Forge Summer Dressage League Results Amanda Pinder reports W
onderful weather and wonderful turnout. The dressage league is now in full swing with several competitors already qualified for the September Championship Show. To be in with the chance of winning a cash prize, all you need to do is enter at a minimum of two dressage dates at F.E.C and earn at least 10 points in your selected level of test. Prizes have kindly been sponsored by Barry Richards at Westbrook Forge. Well done to all competitors and thank you to our judge Diana Fisher.
Intro B
Prelim 7
Prelim 18
Novice 27
Novice 30
Elementary 44
Place
Name
1st
Clare Barcroft
Horse Big Bess
2nd
Sue Bramich
Faramir C.A
3rd
Vicki Grey
SpongeBob
4th
Aimee Wallace
Neveah
5th
Katy Rumsey
Pilgrim
6th
Clare Barcroft
Abbey
1st
Sarah Chambers
Midas
2nd
Helena Parkinson
Lonach of Forglen
3rd
Sue Bramich
Faramir C.A
4th
Lucy Smith
Pilgrim
5th
Tina Cross
Evening Beauty
6th
Lynn Davis-Pannell
Corrib Buoy
1st
Helena Parkinson
Lonach of Forglen
2nd
Lynn Davis-Pannell
Corrib Buoy
3rd
Janine Hagger
Floating Angel
4th
Tina Cross
Evening Beauty
1st
Kerry Wright
Empire Dancer
2nd
Jenny Rushmer
Viva La Diva
3rd
Aimee Wallace
Neveah
1st
Kerry Wright
Ballykiss Boy Prince
2nd
Sarah Williamson
3rd
Sarah Williamson
Merlin
4th
Jenny Rushmer
Viva La Diva
5th
Eleanor Brown-Ahern
WS Balourina
6th
Jo Chisam
Billy
1st
Sarah Williamson
Gandalf
2nd
Sarah Williamson
Bert
3rd
Jo Chisam
Billy
RDA at Hickstead
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Nicky Thompson with Gary Ethan Rolf, age 11, from Arundel RDA covets his trophy for winning the Junior Newcomers at the RDA Regional Dressage day at Hickstead.
Timothy Foxx have renewed their contract with top eventing name Gemma Tattersall seen here walking at Badminton. Image By Sebastian Oakley 8 | July 2014
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he rain held off for the Riding for the Disabled’s South East Region’s Dressage Qualifier which was held at Hickstead. During a fabulous day nearly 60 riders of all ages from 13 RDA groups across Kent, Surrey and East & West Sussex converged on Hickstead to show off their accuracy skills in dressage riding. And while the results were being collated, blind para-dressage rider Nicky Thompson gave an amazing display of her expertise on her new horse, Gregorian Chant (Greg for short) before answering questions. There were 21 classes held across three arenas in all, of which 13 were qualifying classes for the RDA National Championships at Hurtpury, Gloucestershire this month.. Phillip Mumford, MD of RDA Regional sponsors, Cowan Architects, presented the prizes. “I watched these riders in a number of the classes and I really take my hat off to them as they all have such empathy with the horses. They’re all
winners in my book” he said. There were a couple of annual newcomer trophies presented where Michael Andrews from Pebsham RDA won the cup for the highest non-qualifying score among the seniors and Ethan Rolf, aged 11, from Arundel RDA won the horse trophy for the highest nonqualifying score for the juniors. Stephen Wagland, Epsom RDA, won a pewter tankard for the highest qualifier. Nicky Thompson (now Greenhill) gave a demonstration of dressage at the Grade III International level with her new husband, Gary, calling out the markers so that she could orientate herself to the arena. She said that trust was the number one requirement both in her horse and in her caller. It stunned the audience to learn that her partnership with Greg, her Oldenburg German warmblood, was only two weeks old but at 10 years, Greg has plenty of scope and experience and the pair have the Olympics in Rio as their goal. www.equi-ads.com
24/06/2014 15:32
News • Results
World’s best riders heading for Hickstead!
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everal of the world’s leading showjumping nations will head to the All England Jumping Course this summer for the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead (29 July – 3 August), the official show of The British Horse Society. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ (Friday) and the Longines King George V Gold Cup (Sunday) are the showpieces of Hickstead’s CHIO5* fixture, each having a prize fund of €200,000. In the former, the British team will be competing against Belgium, Germany, Ireland and The Netherlands as they all bid to pick up qualifying points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona in October. They’ll face further opposition from the USA, France and Sweden, who have also elected to send teams to Hickstead.
New showing classes at Hickstead this season include a Ponies (UK) mountain and moorland amateur class and an amateur maxi cob class, plus the two highest placed junior riders in each coloured horse and pony class will go through to a brand new championship. Showing riders will also benefit from a new all-weather gallop track in Jacksons Fencing Ring 5. Ladies’ Day will once again be held on the Saturday of the show, and this year proceeds will go towards the charity Dreamflight. A team of ‘spotters’ will pick out the best-dressed guests and invite them into a special ringside enclosure. A celebrity judge will then pick out a winner and two runners-up from the top 10 finalists, with the winner receiving a two-night stay with dinner and spa treatments from the Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa in West Sussex.
Will Furlong Crowned Askham Bryan U21 Champion
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n an extremely competitive field of both established British Youth team regulars as well as rising young talent, 19 year old Will Furlong from Battle in East Sussex topped the leaderboard to take this year’s Askham Bryan National U21 title at the EQ Life Houghton International Horse Trials (Norfolk, 22-25 May 2014). On an influential final day, when just four horses left all the poles in their cups, Will moved three places up the leaderboard to claim the title riding his own German-bred dark brown 11 year old gelding, Livingstone II. Will is no stranger to the podium having an received individual bronze medal at the 2013 FEI Junior Europeans with his mare Pioneer Silvie as part of the Racesafe British Junior team. As part of his raft of prizes at Houghton, Will also won the use of a Suzuki quad bike for 12 months, thanks to Suzuki ATV plus a bridle from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. Sophie Beaty (18 years old from Northamptonshire) also climbed up the leaderboard with just one rail down riding her own and Alison Booth’s bay
To book tickets for the Longines Royal International Horse Show go to www.hickstead. co.uk or call 01273 834315. Longines Royal International Horse Show 2014 (c) Samantha Lamb
Dutch-bred 15 year old gelding Stanly to take the runner up spot while Isabella Innes Ker (19 years old from Roxburghshire) dropped one place to third, with two jumps down, riding the Duchess of Roxburghe’s Irish-bred grey nine year old gelding, Rosses Captain. There had been disappointing news in the morning with the withdrawal of overnight leader Navigator, also ridden by Sophie Beaty. Having enjoyed a fabulous cross country day, the only combination to complete on their first phase score, Sophie did not present Navigator at the final vet inspection. Chairman of the British Young Rider Selectors Alex Colquhoun commented on the weekend’s highlights; “It was a glorious competition at Houghton with a very exciting finish. Will Furlong showed good maturity and coolness under pressure to produce a solid performance to take the Askham Bryan National U21 Championship title. “It was also good to see some less experienced riders perform well in their first two star competition with some surprises among them.” Philip Grant, Deputy Principal of Newton Rigg College [part of Askham Bryan, sponsors of the U21 Championship] said: “It’s our pleasure to be able to be associated with the Under 21s and support the up and coming riders as they progress in the sport. The weekend has been a great success and very enjoyable.”
Results - Houghton International, 22/05/2014 YR** - Young Rider Two Star (CCI) YR** - Section C Optimum XC Time - 08:00 Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Horse Livingstone II Stanly Rosses Captain Cloud Atlas Columbo III Minnie Moo Brendonhill Doublet Ivar Gooden One More Step The Rusty Box Twister V Kasseedorf Be Be III Toucano Cairo A Pair Of Monkeys Kings Rock Tomgar Jess Ballyhooly Carolyn Zamor II
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Equi_Ads_July_EW.indd 41
Rider Mr Will Furlong Miss Sophie Beaty Miss Isabella Innes Ker Mr Daniel Alderson Miss Alex Liddle Mr Harry Humfrey Miss Imogen Gloag Miss Imogen Murray Miss Alyssa Yallop Miss Freya Hibberd Miss Alicia Earee Mr Adam Gillespie Miss Sophie Platt Mr Robert Barker Candice Bibot Mr Charlie Clover Mr Charlie Clover Miss Imogen Murray Mr Dickon Reader Miss Isabella Innes Ker Miss Jodie Loveday
Pts 30 28 26 24 22 20 16 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 -
FP
D 42.5 47.2 45.3 50.6 50.0 55.6 59.7 60.0 62.2 59.4 52.2 58.0 71.7 65.5 52.5 68.6 55.3 61.1 56.1 44.7 65.8
DEM DEC XCJ XCT 12.4 8.0 7.6 4.0 13.6 8.4 2 10.8 12.0 2.0 8.4 17.2 19.2 4.8 18.4 20.0 14.4 - 21.0 8.8 12.8 28.0 - 20.0 26.4 35.2
SJ 4.0 8.0 12.0 4.0 4.0 8.0 4.0 8.0 4.0 4.0 12.0 4.0 16.0 8.0 4.0 4.0
SJT 4.0 1.0 1.0 4.0 -
Total 54.90 59.20 60.90 66.60 67.60 68.00 70.50 72.00 72.20 75.80 77.40 81.20 81.50 83.90 84.50 88.00 89.10 89.90 92.10 95.10 105.00 July 2014 | 41
24/06/2014 15:33
News
Parelli success at Suffolk County Show
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around the show ground. “The rain held off for our two demonstrations each day and we were on between the Suffolk Punch demonstration and the Highland Ponies with their World War One reenactment. “Our demonstrations were 30 minutes each and started with Cath, Anthony and Jen playing on line which enticed people to become curious as to what was going on. “There was a short explanation as to what Parelli is about and why we do it. We showed the first two games and got the audience involved by clapping louder and softer to help the horses get confident. By demo number four the horses weren’t bothered by clapping so we asked the audience to do Mexican waves around the arena. “Then it was Jen’s turn to wow the crowd with her play at Liberty with her young horse Kane. It was a lot of fun to watch and the connection between the two of them was excellent. “Anthony and Cath then showed freestyle riding and
he Parelli team was led by Jody Ruysen 3* Instructor and the Savvy Team included Cath Langley and Jennifer Woods, 2* Instructors and Anthony Greenleaves, 1* Instructor. Jody told Equi-Ads: “A group of us arrived on the Tuesday to set up the stand. The ever increasing amount of rain that was falling out of the sky did nothing to dampen our spirits and good humour. The Suffolk show attracts thousands of visitors and has an array of displays, entertainment and competitions going on
how what we did on the ground relates to being in the saddle. They both did an excellent job of putting the relationship first as well as being able to go bridleless. The environment certainlyprovided its own challenges on each day with many things going on around us. “We had another arena close by which had tractors coming and going, horses jumping, the Shetland grand national and during our last demonstration the inter hunt relay competition. “Cath’s horse Fred thought it would be fun to join in when all the hunts did their galloping lap of honour to the sound of several hunting horns but Cath remained focused and was able to ride him bridleless and show rhythm and relaxation; quite a contrast.”
For more information visit www.parelli.com or call the Parelli UK Office on 0800 0234 813.
Royal places for Whitakers at Windsor
We want to hear about your: NEWS RESULTS EVENTS
Send your news articles over to Equi-Ads and see them published.
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Give us as call and see your company advertised in the magazine.
Please contact stephanie@equiads.net Tel: 01159 461146 42 | July 2014
Equi_Ads_July_EW.indd 42
I
t was a family affair at Royal Windsor Horse Show with cousins Robert and William Whitaker taking first and second place in The Alltech Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy. Robert rode to victory on the 11-year-old Catwalk IV, owned by his mother Claire. Cousin William was a close second riding Fandango, with Daniel Neilson third on Varo M, after being first to go in the jump off and having to sit and watch the rest jump their round. “It is tough being first to go, especially with so many good riders following you,” Daniel told Equi-Ads. From an international field, 12 went through to the jump off with the top three all being British, much to the delight of the patriotic crowd. The starting line was made up of many hoping for selection for this summer’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in particular, Nick Skelton, back riding Big Star with the hope of securing a place on Great Britain’s team. Said Robert:
Robert Whitaker & Catwalk Wnner’s of The Grand Prix for The Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy at Royal Windsor Horse Show “It has been great to win this class here. It’s always been a top show, and I am sure the weather has helped, there are lots of people here, backing all the riders, providing a great atmosphere and the horses have jumped fantastically.” “Catwalk is still improving even at 11; he just gets better at every show and there isn’t a fence too big for him.” For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512 www.equi-ads.com
24/06/2014 15:33
Xxxxxxxxxx News
WelsH golD! Report by Emma Sumbler
H
all Place, reading, hosted show Jumping on the first of the May bank holidays. riders from Hardwick stud, Whitchurch, had a successful day. Melody Hill took first place riding Miss Money Penny in the Minimus and Jack stovell was the winner of the novice rider jumping with nye Beauty. 14 year old Jack was also placed second in the restricted novice. Max a Million took the red rosettes for restricted novice and the top score speed class. He was Jack Stovell with ridden by Millie smith age 15 from Nye Beauty Whitchurch. riders and ponies from Hardwick stud are assisted and trained by Manager leanne turnerstephenson. Bramley rider, kerris Baker, had a good day winning the novice and Intermediate competitions. kerris was riding her own Welsh gold – a new partnership since kerris has grown out of ponies. Welsh gold is a beautiful 15.2 hands palomino quarter horse cross arab. riders qualified for Uk riders regional Finals and the sunshine tour. Hall Place is looking forward Kerris Baker with to a full programme of shows and Welsh Gold clinics throughout the summer. Images by Royle Photography Equestrian schedules and entry forms are Events www.rpeevents.co.uk. available from www.hall-place.com
Black Country saddles to sponsor Jo Bates B
espoke saddle manufacturer John Hartley (Black Country saddles), is delighted to announce they will be sponsoring Jo Bates one of the country’s leading show riders and producers. along with her daughter Holly run a busy training yard which focuses mainly on showing and dressage. This season they will be aiming to qualify for key championship shows such as the rIHs in July and HoYs at the end of the season. The small Hack, Comberton Corncockle has already won three championships and Jo is delighted with their success and the fit of the new Black Country Classic show saddle. as well as Comberton Corncockle, Jo also has the rides on the large Hack, Primitive Dazzler, large riding Horse, Daldorn lara’s Theme and Maxi Cob, Colebourne for the season. Jo had a fantastic Devon County show qualifying for HoYs with Colebourne and taking the Hack Championship with Comberton Corncockle, the third one in a row. Whalton Daydream has also been in great form taking the Hack Championship at BsPs to secure their rIHs ticket.
Poppy in Finals! Report by Emma Sumbler
a
nine-year-old equestrian talent from The elms Junior school in long eaton, nottinghamshire proved the old adage that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough after qualifying for the Under 16s’ trailblazer national Dressage Championship finals. Poppy Field will travel to stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire at the end of July to compete alongside some of the best age-group riders in the country, having qualified with an impressive second-place finish at the regional final at Beaver Hall last month. trailblazers operates at around 65 centres nationwide and enables horse and rider to compete in any or all of the disciplines of dressage, showing, showjumping, working hunter and combined training. There are two qualifying rounds of competition, with those achieving the standard in round two going to the nationals. Poppy, who has been riding with her freelance instructor mum Fleur since she was just two years old, completed her first round on her pony little Picasso in the morning at Beaver Hall, and won the class, which included adults and juniors. she needed a score of 58% to qualify for round two, and scored 70%, which was 4% higher than any of the other 11 competitors in her class. Poppy Field in action at Beaver Hall in May 2014 Credit: the Hungry Aperture / www.thehungryaperture.co.uk
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erena has a flattering cut, four fully functioning pockets including inner pocket and full front zip placket. It’s available in eggshell blue and magenta, in sizes s-xxl. It has a rrP of £35. see your local stockist.
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July 2014 | 43
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At Petplan Equine we’ve been making horses count for over 25 years. Sharing our knowledge to make horse ownership better for horses and their owners is central to all we do. And with all these years of experience, we understand horse owners and what matters to them!
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Petplan Equine is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited and Allianz Insurance plc. Petplan data taken from the 1st November 2013 excluding claims payments which was taken on 1st January 201 Petplan Equine freely allows these statistics to be reproduced, on the understanding that acknowledgement is given to Petplan Equine.
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Equi_Ads_July_EW.indd 45
24/06/2014 01/05/2014 15:35 12:19
Xxxxxxxxxx News
Pony Club Activities at Royal Windsor Horse Show Clare Walkden reports V
isitors to the Royal Windsor Horse Show (14-18 May 2014) were treated to a wealth of Pony Club activities, including mounted games and tetrathlon. Daily sessions of the DAKS International Mounted Games proved very popular with the crowds who were entertained by teams from England, Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. England took an early lead, winning the first two sessions, but Wales pulled out all the stops to win the third event and close the gap on England who were leading by just three points going into the penultimate session. Once again Wales were victorious resulting in them taking overall lead with a total of 121 points heading into the final. England were just one point behind on 120 points and the Republic of Ireland were lying in third position with 79 points. Sunday saw a closely fought final, with England and Wales trying especially hard to benefit from the double points on offer. The teams played seven games including ‘Spell DAKS’ and the ever popular ‘Milk Race’ which requires teams to dress in cow costumes. Eventually the Welsh team, trained by Lisa Pearson, triumphed to victory with England taking second place and the Republic of Ireland third. Just a few points separated Scotland and Northern Ireland who came fourth and fifth respectively. The Welsh team, comprising of Lilli Antcliff (Banwen & District), Frankie Lee (Berwyn & Dee), Grace Dalton (Llangeinor), Victoria Dakin (Sir Watkin Williams Wynn), Gwen
Williams (Neath) and George Knight Eddins (Monmouthshire) were delighted to receive their prizes from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Wales also won the Tack and Turnout Trophy, awarded for a high standard of turnout, exceptional behaviour and attitude and for demonstrating excellent stable management throughout the week. Stable management was judged daily by officials from The Pony Club and celebrity guests including dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin. For the first time in its history, the DAKS Salver Award was presented to an individual from Northern Ireland. Mickey McCann was thrilled to receive this special accolade from Mr Paul Dimond, Deputy Chairman of DAKS, in recognition of over twenty years dedicated commitment to the activities and values of The Pony Club which has inspired a remarkable succession of Iveagh Branch and Northern Irish success in National Championships both in Ireland and the UK. Scotland retained their title in the Tetrathlon competition, held over Saturday and Sunday. The team, comprising of Anna MacFadyen (Moray and Nairn), Lewis Khan (Bennachie) and Daniel Woods (East Stirlingshire) scored 13,884 points in total, just ahead of the Wales and Borders team who took second place and Southern England who came third. Jack Stephens (Brecon and Talybont) took first place in the individual competition; Lewis Khan (Bennachie) and Josh Raw from (Zetland Hunt) were second and third.
Pony Club Volunteers Rewarded
T
he annual awards are held in honour of volunteers who have given in excess of 20 years to The Pony Club. 65 awardees were nominated for 2014, proving their incredible worth to The Pony Club with over 1300 years of combined voluntary service between them! Janet Hunt, was awarded both her Cubitt and *Cubitt Bar for an incredible 48 years of service to the Portman Branch in Dorset. She started as a Member and even passed the prestigious Pony Club A Test, before moving on to be an Instructor followed by Chief Instructor and is now the Branch President; her citation from the Branch read “she is an exceptional lady and the Branch feels lucky to have her”. Shelagh Oakes, from the Argyll South Branch, who with 40 years’ service also received the Cubitt and Cubitt Bar award. Starting out as a ‘Pony Club Mum’ Shelagh has also held the position of Pony Club District Commissioner, been the organiser of a major annual fund raising event, helped to build and maintain cross country courses and trained Members for Riding and Road Safety! Following lunch and the opportunity for officials to meet the awardees and hear their many Pony Club stories, a citation for each of the Cubitt Award attendees was given as the individual awardees made their way to the stage, to be presented by current Pony Club Chairman, Mary Tuckett. “We welcomed Cubitt awardees from all over the country, across many different roles this year” commented Mary after the ceremony “but the one thing these volunteers all had in common is that they are all truly remarkable people that The Pony Club simply couldn’t function without”.
A full list of recipients and citations is available from the website: http://www.pcuk.org/index.php/news/item/news_the_pony_club_says_ thank_you_for_thousands_of_valuable_volunteering_ho
What a Coincidence By Lynn Uphill
R
ui Campeao meets the foal he helped to break in Portugal seven years later at Saddlesdane in England and brings him to Detling for Equi Expo. The beautiful Lusitano Absinto, or Abs as he is affectionately known, is 9 years old, (born 16.4.2005) and stands just under 16.2 (167cm). He was bred by Francisco Bessa de Carvalho Director of the Portuguese School of Equitation in Portugal where Rui also started his career alongside his mentor Francisco. Absintos father is the great Sobrano and mother is Naufraga. His owners: Tracy and Steve Clements. Absinto arrived in sunny Kent in June 2013 and although Tracy has been a confident rider for many years, Steve has only recently been persuaded to take to the saddle through his admiration of kind natured and gentle Absinto. He purchased the stunning stallion for Tracy following a surprise trip to the Portuguese school and with the encouragement he received from Francisco is now hooked on the Lusitano breed and horse riding. Tracy and Steve wanted Absinto to show his full capabilities and knew that they would need help with his training for the horse to progress. In March 2014, they heard of Rui Campeao from Portugal holding demos at Saddlesdane and visited one evening to watch a demo. At the end Tracy and Steve chatted with Rui, and it became apparent not only that Rui trained with Francisco for many years, but that he also knew Abs as he had helped break him and provide his early years of training. They immediately arranged to bring Abs to Saddlesdane to re-introduce them. From the moment they arrived and Rui rode him, they could see the instant connection and infinity Rui has with the Lusitano. It was fantastic to see what Abs was capable of under the guidance of Rui...a great team! Rui rode Abs once again at Saddlesdane a few weeks later and it was agreed for them both to perform (continued on page 48)
46 | July 2014
Equi_Ads_July_EW.indd 46
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Showing Xxxxxxxxxx • Turnout
Get That Show Ring Sparkle with tips from Jo Bates
Jo Bates Thriller Royal Windsor 2012 Credit ES Photography
L
eading show horse producer, Jo Bates, from Banbury knows a thing or two about getting her team turned out beautifully for the show ring. Sponsored by leading horse care and turnout Products Company, Absorbine, Jo has had a great start to the 2014 season. Jo has several horses qualified for the Royal International Horse Show and is looking forward to a busy few days at Hickstead at the end of the Month. In order for her horses to be so successful at the big shows, planning ahead and the attention to detail with the turnout of both the horses and rider are crucial. Jo said, “We keep our horses legs, heads and tails trimmed up all the time as we like to both keep them looking smart and it saves on having a big job to do just before a show. On the day before the show, I go over them and make sure they are given a final trim to ensure they look super sharp. The horses generally have their tails cut to the top of their chestnuts, cobs in particular need to have relatively short tails”. Jo also uses Absorbine SuperShine hoof polish to black out the horses’ chestnuts a day or two before a show. Each horse in Jo’s yard will be given a thorough bath the day before a show, using a good quality shampoo such as Absorbine’s ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner. Great care is taken to make sure the manes and tails are squeaky clean and ShowSheen is used on the tail for extra shine and to get the tangles out. She added, “There is nothing worse than seeing bits of grey dandruff in a black mane once it has been plaited, thorough washing is the key to avoiding this”. “To achieve a really good shine to the coat, apply ShowSheen after bathing your horse and massage it in. I am very careful though not to get it on the horse’s neck or saddle area as it will make them slippery!” Jo continued. “With the horses that have white socks, we will clip the socks in the week leading up to the show and the day before the show, we wash them with Absorbine ShowClean whitening shampoo, chalk them and then bandage up. We don’t takes these bandages off until just before going in the ring. It really makes white socks sparkle. To avoid stains in grey horse’s tails I find Absorbine’s Stain Remover and Whitener is effective”. If there is a chance that a horse will need studs on the day of the show Jo is a big advocate of cleaning stud holes out the day before with a stud tap and filling the holes in with new cotton wool. She said, “This is a brilliant timesaver at a show and it is far better to realise you have a stone stuck in one of the holes at home, the day before a show, rather than ten minutes before you need to get one the horse!” With regard to feet and condition, Jo always uses Absorbine Natural Hooflex conditioner on the horses hooves every day, this helps maintain the correct moisture balance whether the horses are turned out or stabled and maintains a healthy looking hoof. Jo added, “Absorbine also make an excellent product, Hooflex Frog and Sole Care which helps keep smelly feet at bay during wet conditions”. The correct tack for the horse is also crucial to the overlook in the show ring. Jo said, “Riding horses Hooflex in use and hacks wear colour browbands, hunters and
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Equi_Ads_July_EW.indd 47
mountain and moorlands plain ones. We use brown leather bridles and saddles. A flat noseband is generally the norm and if the horse has a long head a wider one can be used. I generally use a snaffle and Weymouth for the double bridle but pelhams can also be used. In Novice classes snaffle bridles are also permissible. Check on the relevant society rules for what saddlery is permissible. I generally use a straight cut brown leather showing saddle with a brown sheepskin numnah fitting snugly and neatly underneath with a brown leather Ear trimming showing girth. White girths can be used in hack classes which create a bit of bling. I tend to school my horses in the bits that we use in the show ring at home so that they become used to them. Ensure that they fit correctly and comfortably. Ensure that the saddle whilst fitting the horse correctly is also a comfy one so that when the judge comes to assess your horses rider they feel like they are getting into a comfortable pair of old slippers! There is nothing worse than a shiny new slippery saddle – trust me! So if you do have a new one make sure that it is well oiled! Once you have all your show tack assembled for your horse – one useful exercise is to tack them up and get an independent assessment or take a photograph of them and get an expert opinion on what the finished picture looks like. You may be able to make some improvements on how the finished picture looks before the horse goes into the ring”. PLAITING
The whole task can be made much easier by careful preparation • Make sure that you have everything you need: blunt needle (threaded), spare thread, scissors, mane comb and hair clips can all be put in the pocket of an apron so that they come easily to hand when needed. • You may need to stand on a plastic crate or steps and it is a good idea to make sure that your horse is used to this before you need to plait on the morning of the show. It is also useful to have someone to hold the horse for the first few times that you plait, so that the horse gets used to the idea and doesn’t start messing about because he thinks that you are about to pull his mane. • A dab of ShowSheen Detangle Gel added to the mane after plaiting will add some extra sparkle for a finishing touch. TAIL PULLING
A clean, neatly pulled tail is a must for the show ring. • I use latex gloves and a metal comb for this job. I always wear protective equipment as well – hard hat, boots and chaps – some horses do object to having their tails pulled and can kick. • It may be necessary to dope the horse for the first time but make sure that this is done in plenty of time before the show for the withdrawal period of a dope. • I do also pull horses tails over a stable door as well. Obviously it helps to have a person holding your horse as well. If in doubt seek expert advice. • A well pulled tail looks amazing and can really improve the look of the horse’s hindquarters. • Mountain and Moorlands tails are left au naturel but great care is needed to ensure that they remain silky and tangle free and we used lots of ShowSheen and Detangler Gel for this job 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 July 2014 | 47
24/06/2014 15:35
News Xxxxxxxxxx
auction SStrong TNInternational EMELPBidding PUSat German MUIM ERP
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strong contingent of British buyers were present at the Westphalian Auction Hall in June to bid on a selection of 29 young horses.
Euros purchased by a Bavarian buyer. Close on Six went to British clients signalling a growing her heels, four Year Old Gelding El Dorado was interest from UK buyers in the Westphalian purchased for €41,000. “Brand of Excellence”. An additional three bids were made by telephone from the UK and USA. “We have spent the last year promoting these wonderful sport horses to our British and American audience by improving our website and information accessibility.” notes UK Director of Sales, Rhegan White. “There is a definite increase in interest from many new international buyers for Eventers, Show Jumpers and Dressage 59.32£ )tnemelppus tnioj decnavda( AH XELF REIMERP Horses”. The average sale price was €14,945 with 59.v.6Rock 2£ Forever )wI/alc slived htiw( SULP XELF REIMERP beautiful mare Ronjador Fidermark garnering the highest bid at €44,000
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rub’s sponsored event rider Ben Hobday, riding Ramilo at his first ever three star event, picked up the George Lane Fox Memorial prize at Bramham in the Equi-Trek CCI3*. Shared with Angus Smales and It’s a Jackpot, the George Lane Fox Memorial prize is awarded to the riders who most improved on their dressage position. The attractive three handled tankard will sit with them for six months each. Ben and Ramilo a fantastic cross country round despite the wet YLhad NO )ylppus hconditions tnom 4( which saw them move up the Aleader Hx el35 fRplaces EItoMfinish ERa P board ! ! 9 9 . 1 4£ credible 27th at their first ever three star event. Video clip: http://youtu.be/h7Ypq8Nn1eA?xFor elF more reimecoverage rP esooof hCthe yhW event visit www.eliteeventing.co.uk ylsuomrone reffid yeht tcaf ni ,emas eht era stnemelppus tnioj eniuqe lla toN tnioj ytilauq pot A .meht ni deniatnoc stneidergni evitca eht fo slevel eht ni a si hcihw enimasoculG fo level doog a ylno ton niatnoc dluohs tnemelppus (continued from page 46) .MSM dna AH ,nitiordnohC fo slevel hgih osla tub tneidergni paehc ylevitaler at !the yadEqui ot tneExpo melpat puDetling s tnioj eniuqe ceps and tsehagain gih ehmuch t ylbisto sothe p siaudiences xelF reimerP
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amusement and Rui’s quick witted comments. The demonstration was based on classical equitation of basic dressage movements showing the horse stretching flexing and moving laterally. Just the start of things to come with the hope of the horse moving on over the weeks to Medium dressage level. Follow the progress in Equi Ads A as Absinto MLAC and Rui continue training.
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South East Andrew Reilly Saddlers Spoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET Tel: 01825 830484 48 | July 2014
showground on May 17th. Rui put on a superb demonstration with Abs, (‘showing off ’ as the Portuguese like to call it), in national costume and tack and provided ‘on the job’ commentary via wireless sound system to the crowd who thoroughly enjoyed the performance. It was Abs first time out and he behaved impeccably, YLN O himself )yperhaps lppus syshowing ad 04( off a little adding in a little piaffe !!every 99.now 92£
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Calma Calma is our is our latest latest product product and and takes takes equine equine calming calming products products to to thethe next next Calma is our latest product and takes equine calming products to the next level. level. Equine Equine Answers Answers Calma Calma uses uses a unique a unique formulation formulation of of neutraceuticals neutraceuticals level. Equine Answers Calma uses an a unique formulation ofcalming neutraceuticals and and special special calming calming herbs herbs to to provide provide an amazingly amazingly effective effective calming product. product. and special calming herbs to provide an amazingly effective calming product. In Informulating formulatingCalma Calmawewehave haveused usedthethevery verybest bestforms forms of ofabsorbable absorbable In formulating Calma we have used the very best forms of absorbable magnesium magnesium in in Magnesium Magnesium Aspartate Aspartate and and Magnesium Magnesium AAC. AAC. WeWe found found that that magnesium in two Magnesium Aspartate and Magnesium AAC. We found that combining combining these these two high high quality quality forms forms of of magnesium magnesium with with secret secret calming calming combining these two high quality forms of magnesium with secret calming herbs herbs gave gave usus thethe best best possible possible calming calming formulation. formulation. herbs gave us the best possible calming formulation. “Would “Would justjust likelike to to thank thank you you forfor creating creating thisthis supplement...it supplement...it has has made made anan “Would just like to thank you forto creating excitable excitable ex-racehorse ex-racehorse anan angel angel to own" own" this supplement...it has made an excitable ex-racehorse an angel to own" Faye Faye Griffiths Griffiths Faye Griffiths
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Global H erbs
Summer Collection
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