September 2011
The UK’s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine
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prizes worth over ÂŁ600 from Tottie Veterinary physiotherapy: pole work
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Equi-Style Autumn/Winter fashion feature Wormer resistance exposed Contact versus pressure Getting the most out of feed
Winter preparation
Healthcare - Transport - Training
Monty Roberts Seeks Your Trickiest Equines!
Contents
The ‘From My Hands to Yours’ Autumn Tour 2011
ENGLAND & WALES Healthcare
1, 2, 4,
18 – 55
Transport
1, 58
Training
1, 60 – 61
Global Herbs Giveaway 2 Livery
2
Photography
2
Property to Let
2
Field & Stable
4, 57 - 64,
68
Insurance
4, 28, 41,
43, 45
Events
6, 68
Tack & Turnout
6, 30 – 43,
68
Monty Roberts, the world famous horse trainer, is back in the UK for his popular Autumn Tour, ready to inspire audiences across the country (including Staffordshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Perthshire, Cumbria, Kent, Hull, Lancashire, Devon and Gloucestershire).
start with his first saddle? If you would like Monty’s help, grab this lifetime opportunity and ring the IH Office on 01488 71300.
This year, the theme is ‘From My Hands to Yours’ – sharing his secrets and vast experience to show you how you can produce your own safe and willing equine partner.
Monty Roberts, recently honoured by The Queen, has helped countless leisure and professional riders alike, in various disciplines from Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping to Racing. Why not come along and find out for yourself how he can help you improve your performance and relationship with your horse?
As part of his demonstrations, Monty is looking for local horses with problems, to show how his kind but effective methods work. Issues might include bucking, spooking and refusal to load. Or perhaps you have a young horse that is ready to
There is a special ‘Early Bird’ ticket price of £25 (a saving of up to £10), and more information and tickets are available online at www. intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk or call 01488 71300.
The winners of the TopSpec Competition in the June edition were: First: Emma Hurford, Somerset. Second: Margaret Peverley, Somerset. Third: B.Turtle, Bristol Fourth: Ann Jones, Norfolk
Your Horse Live Giveaway 6 Feed & behaviour
Competition winners
9
Front Cover: Adrian Sinclair - 07939 272791 - adrian@sinclairphotography.co.uk
Feeding 9 – 18 Getting more from feed 12 Philosophical
22
Riding
24
Pilates
28
Equi-Style
31 – 40
Saddle Fitting
42
Horses for Sale
42 & 44
Equi-Ads Limited
Worming
44 & 48
Vaccination
48
Physiotherapy
52 – 54
Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG To advertise, please call
Horse Behaviour
56
Winter Preparation
61 - 66
Belvoir Bedding Giveaway 66 Directory
66
Tottie Competition
70
Copy Deadline
10th of the preceding month Available on the 1st of the month Equi-Ads is published monthly by:
01738 567700 Fax: 01738 567776
www.equiads.net Please send editorial to: Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG Fax: 01738 567776 Email: info@equiads.net
Vetrofen® Vetrofen® provides natural long lasting soothing without any side-effects for horses needing support or who are regularly stiff with poor movement. You can also increase the loading strength of Vetrofen® to help horses feel an effect sooner. Ideally use two sachets in the morning and two sachets in the evening until the desired effect is reached. Results are normally seen in 3 - 5 days and with very poor cases up to 10 days. Vetrofen® is a unique, patent pending proprietary blend of Scutellaria Baicalensis and Acacia Catechu botanical plant
extracts. These are proven to have a quick and lasting effect like nothing else. Vetrofen® is scientifically formulated from thousands of screened plant extracts to find natural compounds that aid the body in providing improved assistance from all types of wear and tear. The ability of Vetrofen® to quickly aid the body in recovery from all types of wear and tear is phenomenal. Buy from your local retailer today or for more information visit www.animallife. co.uk with free Nationwide Delivery. New customer and retailer support line 0845 365 0050
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 1
Global Herbs Giveaway - Healthcare - Livery - Photography - Property for Let
ALPHABUTE to give away Alphabute is a very successful product at Global Herbs. At some point every horse owner needs a product that soothes muscles and joints. Alphabute is safe and effective and works within an hour of being fed. It can be used after a nasty fall or routinely for horses that need daily support to keep them sound and mobile. Alphabute contains no devils claw and is generally much more effective than this plant when fed to horses. In addition it does not suffer from the troublesome way
Devils Claw raises stomach acid levels. It comes in small medium and large tubs and now sachets as well. To try this product out for the first time we are giving away 10 free 250g tubs which will last an average horse up to 3 weeks. The product can be used at high levels too which mean that it will work quickly and even more effectively Contract Global Herbs on 01243 773363 or www.globalherbs.co.uk for all the info you would need.
QUESTION. What does Alphabute soothe? To enter – send your answer, along with your full name, postal address and day time telephone number to liz@equiads.net or to Global Herbs Alphabute Competition, Equi-Ads Office 1 Tayview Industrial Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG. Entries close 30th September 2011
Fixing Joints & Soundness Global Herbs is achieving increasingly dramatic results with its formulae MovefreePlus and Movefree Liquid. The best way to help joints is to feed herbs, such as those in Movefree, which support the way that the body naturally produces its own rich and sticky joint fluid. By combining these herbs with additional natural ingredients like ginger which soothe the body tissues and support the circulation around joints the most intractable problems often resolve quickly and effectively. Many horse owners are amazed to find supplements that totally transform their horse’s mobility and agility. A case in point was a recent communication with Lucy Badham from Scotland who searched the internet and found MovefreePlus. After watching the information on the product she decided to give it a go and was amazed when after a short while her new horse started jumping well and qualified for the Horse of the Year Show. Her horse was realising it’s naturally ability free from the restraints of the past. Some soundness issues are extremely difficult for any vet or health professional and herbs such as those in MovefreePlus provide the missing link to keep everyone smiling.
Lucy’s comments were very telling. She could not believe that a supplement actually worked so well and she was astounded that her horse was winning for her and enjoying life so much. Movefree contains no glucosamine, chondroitin or HA type chemical. This is quite a shock to so many people who think joint products have to contain glucosamine. In actual fact some glucosamine products do not give such dramatic results. The proof lies in the trying and matters usually resolve a lot more satisfactorily if customers discuss their individual requirements with the relevant veterinary advice lines. MoveFree products can also be used to good effect with StrongBone if hocks are a problem. Alphabute can be used to provide extra comfort and the liver tonic Restore can be used to help the body with flexibility. Call Global Herbs on 01243 773363 or www.globalherbs.co.uk for full information. There is also a free booklet available called ‘Soundness Made Easy’
Come and join Equi-Ads on Are you on Facebook? We’re on Facebook, and we want to be friends. There’s no better way to keep up on the biggest stories, special offers and breaking news than becoming a fan of Equi-Ads on Facebook. Just click the ‘like’ button, one click, and you’re in. Be the first to hear about the Latest Offers, Prize Giveaway’s, Sneak Previews of New Products Plus Loads More... The Equi-Ads Team also want to see pictures of you and your horses to use in our facebook readers gallery. Simply send your pictures in with information about you and your horse to sarah@equiads.net and we will put your pictures up on our page. 2 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
We’ve got some exciting plans ahead for our Facebook Readers, but first of all, join us. We’d be delighted to hear your views on all of this; about what you’re reading and on what is happening out there. To find us, search ‘Equi Ads’ on Facebook, or go to http://on.fb.me/equi-ads
Competition - News
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 3
Healthcare - Field & Stable - Insurance
Why Freeze Mark?
Customers vote visible results No.1 for VetVits
Isn’t It Obvious?
VetVits believe in making great value products that really do work, and it turns out their customers agree. The latest survey revealed 98% of customers surveyed would recommend the brand to friends and family. They voted visible results the no. 1 reason to do so, with high quality products and value for money coming a close second and third.
Horse theft continues and owners are being left devastated. Yet, unbelievably there are many horses and ponies not freeze marked and at risk of theft As Mary Awre of national equine security company Freezemark states: “All too often people will wait until a horse theft or a security scare happens and will want their horses freeze marked straight away. We continually impress upon people to put freeze marking at the top of their list and not wait until something frightens them into action.”
Mary also says – “Many owners who do wait until something happens before they contact us make the same comment, which is that their horses are micro chipped, but they realise the thieves cannot see the micro chip and they need a visible mark. As we always say – you can see a freeze mark, but more importantly – so can the thieves!!” Freezemark is national and offer standard three character marks or owners can choose a mark to make it more personal. Call 01295 788226 for more details and bookings or go to www.freezemark.biz – there is a discount of 10% available until the end of September.
VetVits’ Customer Services Manager says “ We are delighted with the results – we pride ourselves on our veterinary developed supplements and have clinical trials supporting the efficacy of some of our products but it’s great to hear the effects the products have had from the customers themselves.” It’s no surprise customers feel this way every single one of VetVits’ products are
Gloucestershire-based international endurance rider Rachael Claridge has recently secured sponsorship from Verm-X. Rachael has been using Verm-X on her competition horses for over six years and quarterly worm counts assure Rachael that it is doing its job.
As an FEI Endurance rider Rachael has trained and competed at International level for many years and represented Great Britain as a Young and Senior ADCOL_20 Aylesbury 100x75:ADCOL_20 Aylesbury 100x75 30/06/2011 10:11 Pag Rider at venues all over the world. As well as competing, Rachael also works with her mother Jo Claridge (Chairman of EnduranceGB) at the family stud Phoenix Field Arabians.
Odd,
Verm-X is recognised for Environmental Best Practice by the Government supported Green Apple Awards, for their work and success in bringing a natural product into a traditionally chemical and man-made market.
We do.
Call 01296 436142 for a quote or pop into the office to talk to Virginia Stollery & Simon Parker at NFU Mutual Office, 1 Alton House Office Park, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8XU. Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.
4 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Verm-X also has Ethical Accreditation from the ECO and is the only approved product of its type approved for organic systems.
We do right by you
VetVits products are only available direct and all UK orders include FREE P&P. To find out more about what their customers said and the products themselves, visit www.vetvits.co.uk or call Freephone 0808 100 40 80.
Verm-X Sponsor Top Endurance Rider Rachael Claridge
Said Rachael: “I decided to use Verm-X as it is a natural product and there is a lot of research behind it. I feed my horses on home-grown produce and keep them as naturally as possible; they have to be in excellent health to compete in endurance.”
but not everyone knows we do horse and horsebox insurance.
formulated by leading veterinary surgeons to strict manufacturing standards. “All our supplements are backed up by the latest research to provide natural solutions in a highly palatable form”, says VetVits veterinarian, John Foster BVSc CertVOphthal MRCVS.
Verm-X for Horses and Ponies is available in powder, pellet and liquid form.
Prices start at around £11.95. For any further information or to find your nearest stockist please contact Verm-X on 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com. To find out more about Rachael Claridge please visit www.rachaelclaridge.com.
Rachael competing at the World Championships in Dubai with Silver Mistrahl.
Insert Category
Spend less
get more Why not try VetVits equine supplements? Formulated by leading veterinary experts these advanced supplements in highly palatable forms are packed full of high strength quality nutrients and are the cost effective way to help keep your horse in optimum condition.
EquiFlex®
Supergluc (glucosamine HCI) contains the most concentrated form of glucosamine available providing 40% more per scoop than standard glucosamine.
2 months’ supply
VetVits, PO Box 64, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT. Prices valid until 31.10.11.
£17.95 EquiHoof ® Contains high-strength biotin and calcium plus other vital ingredients documented for their effect on hooves. 2 months’ supply
£15.95 Online Shop www.vetvits.co.uk FREEPHONE advice & ordering 0808 100 40 80 TAX FREE PRICES • QUALITY ASSURED • COMPETITION SAFE • FREE P&P ON EVERY ORDER*
✃
Product Description Size/Price EquiFlex – joint health care 1 tub @ £17.95 EquiHoof – hoof health care 1 tub @ £15.95 FREE Postage and Packaging* Please take £3 off my order
Qty
Total (£)
£3
ds Equi-A offer: r e d a re
off
ase 10/11. Ple E ntil 31/ S Valid u ode EQA-U c quote
Please contact me with information about your repeat order facility Name (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss): .....................................................................................................................................
FREE
Address: .......................................................................................................................................................................
-£3
.............................................................................................. Email: ...........................................................................
Total order value £ Post Code: ....................................................................... Tel No: ............................................................................ To order by mail, please make cheques payable to ‘Healthspan Limited’ and post with Visa Maestro Issue No/Start Date: ..................................... this order form to: VetVits, PO Box 64, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT. Prices featured Please debit my: Mastercard are valid until 31.10.11. *Free postage and packaging applies to UK only. Allow 10 days † ................................ Expiry Date: ........................................ Security (CV2) Code: for delivery. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Our Customer Charter provides Card No: a no-quibble refund on our products and a guarantee that your personal data will not be passed on to any third party. †Last 3 digits on the back of your card. Should you not wish to receive any future product updates please tick box.
EQA-USE
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 5
Events - Tack & Turnout - Your Horse Live Giveaway
Tongue over the bit This is an issue that crops up almost daily on the advice line – and I certainly wish that there was one magical solution! Each customer that calls with this question normally also says that they have tried every bit out there with the same result – the tongue still pops over. Of course the first call should be to the dentist to rule out any sort of teeth issue and to have the mouth thoroughly checked. If all is well, we proceed from there. It all depends on what you are doing with the horse as to how important this tongue behaviour is – if you are simply hacking and the horse pops his tongue over and doesn’t panic, it might not be too much of a problem, especially as some are so good at it they pop it back under
6 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
too. However, if your chosen discipline involves dressage, it then becomes an issue which must be resolved. Although all the situations have been different, we have always managed to find a suitable bit for each situation so far. On occasion, it has been to do with an incorrectly fitted bit, other times I have had to suggest one bit to train in and another just for competition. If anyone need help with this issue, please get in touch – it is not always an easy issue to resolve but I will certainly try to help! Telephone Gail on 07789587302 or visit www.horsebithire.com for more information.
Healthcare - News
Enjoy the
Good Old Days
Keep your senior horse in the pink by making In the Pink Senior part of his daily diet.
New In the Pink Senior will: • • • • • • •
Pink SENIOR in the
Help balance the diet Maintain healthy digestive function Provide pre & pro biotics for optimum support of the gut Donate the vitamins & minerals needed for all-round health Supply a unique combination of naturally sourced antioxidants Support a bright alertness Provide nutrients to support joint health
In the Pink Senior is recommended for all older horses and ponies Feed In the Pink Senior and you and your best friend will enjoy the good old days together!
For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com
www.naf-uk.com September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 7
Feeding - Healthcare
8 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Feeding
Effects of different types of feed on behaviour… Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh eating behaviour is “hard-wired” into the horse so that it will continue to try to perform this behaviour wherever it is kept. Thus, putting a horse into a paddock containing an excessive supply of grass means that the horse will not “switch off” its drive to eat when it has consumed sufficient for its needs; the result is that it gets fatter and fatter. Equally in a stable, if you provide the food it will keep eating it but if you do not occupy its ~16 hours of programmed feeding time, it will eat the stable!
What are the important characteristics of horses that we affect when we take them into our “care”? Firstly, they are a prey species that depends on flight rather than fight to escape danger. Secondly, they are highly social animals that associate in subgroups of 5 to 6 within a herd. Lastly, they are largely grazers but may browse if given the opportunity. It is the grazing characteristic that is of relevance in this article. There are two aspects to the feeding of horses that affect their behaviour; the way in which food is provided and the type/nature of the food supplied. Irrespective of the type of food given, the manner of its provision has the greatest effect on behaviour. The modern-day horse evolved to live on extensive natural grasslands (plains) that were unrestricted in terms of area but produced very little herbage per hectare. Thus, the horse was forced to range over long distances (up to ~50 miles) daily in order to seek out and harvest enough food to sustain itself. Typically a horse in this situation would spend 16 hours out of every 24 in ambulatory grazing and the remainder of the time at rest and/or in social behaviours. The consequence of this eating behaviour is that the horse would consume food very slowly over an extended time period whilst on the move; any deviation from this will result in behavioural change. It is important to realize that this type of
Confinement of horses equals imprisonment of humans! The freedoms to move, socialize and select food are curtailed. Clearly, the extent of confinement (stable vs. paddock) will affect the severity of these effects. Essentially confinement limits the horse in terms of its ability to explore and to select food: food is provided to the horse, often in excess, thereby robbing the horse of its need to find it. Perhaps it is hard for the average horse owner to accept that putting a horse in a paddock imposes a chronic stress that is worsened when stabled. Obviously horses, like people, can become habituated to chronically stressful situations but this does not mean it is good for the animal’s welfare. Mentally a horse may, on the surface, adapt to stabling but often there are physical signs such as stiffness, filled legs, etc which indicate the adverse effects of confinement. In contrast, misbehaviour or more correctly, abnormal behaviour, results from the drive to eat being frustrated. It does not matter what food you give a horse, if its feeding time is restricted, in most cases, abnormal behaviour will result. Different feeds affect the behaviour of horses in different ways. Everyone is familiar with the “oat effect” when horses can become “exuberant” and thus hard to handle when fed oats. But why is it that all horses do not respond to the feeding of oats in this way? Is it that some horses are particularly sensitive to oats in the same way as some children become “hyper” when given drinks laced with tartrazine? The other question is what is it in the oats that causes the reaction as all cereals are fairly similar in terms of composition? It could be that we are confusing “personality” (the horses cont. on p.10
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 9
Feeding cont. from p.9
not the owners!) as some horses are just slugs whereas others are “full of beans”. A fit horse will be lively, particularly when first out of the stable, and it is generally accepted that feeding cereals will result in raised blood glucose about one hour after feeding and this may last for a little while. This will tend to put the horse on a “high” for a while. Perhaps oats are so effective in stimulating horses because the starch that they contain is the most digestible of all cereal starches and thus a “glucose high” will be achieved very rapidly. Some work has shown that horses fed high fat diets are less “excitable” and more easily handled than those fed cereals as an energy source. This of course would fit with the above since feeding fat will not raise blood glucose levels compared to when feeding cereal starch. However, if you have a horse that is difficult to handle, changing it to a high fat diet will be unlikely to resolve the situation. We know that eating behaviour can be affected by dietary additives. The best known is probably molasses which improves palatability. There are other “sweeteners” such as syrups which have a similar effect; total intake and speed of consumption can both be increased. There is of course a natural sweetener in grass represented by the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) fraction. The content of WSC is affected by the amount of sunlight so that as the day progresses more WSC is produced. Thus grass destined to be made into hay, haylage or silage is best cut after noon on a sunny day when the WSC
content is at its highest. Of relevance to laminitis-prone horses/ponies is that if their grazing is restricted (by time or grazing muzzle) then they should not be turned out in the afternoon. This is because it has been shown that when horses have restricted access to grass they compensate when given grass, by eating faster. Furthermore, it has also been shown that more high WSC grass is eaten in a fixed time because it is more palatable. Clearly the composition of grass/grass species can have a significant effect on eating bahaviour. Dietary additives are also being marketed as a means of “calming” horses-rendering the unmanageable into the manageable? Herbs are popular in the context of calming. For example Catnip, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginseng, Valerian, etc have all found application although there are question marks over Valerian vis a vis drug issues. Other substances such as Thiamine (vitamin B1, a member of the B complex), magnesium and the amino acid Tryptophan are used in various preparations. In conclusion, food limitation has the greatest effect on horse behaviour and can result in serious abnormal behaviours (stereotypic behaviour) irrespective of feed type. Abnormal behaviour is less likely when horses have ad libitum access to forage irrespective of type. Cereal feeding can make horses harder to handle but this can be confounded by the level of fitness that the horse has (and also the owner!). Various means are available for “calming” horses although their efficacy is sometimes questionable. A companion for a stabled horse might be more effective!
Feeding and Behaviour Feeding and behaviour have not yet been scientifically linked in horses, however as with humans, changes in behaviour can be seen with alterations in the diet. Feeding a probiotic, like the one found in Blue Chip feed balancers, Original, Pro and Lami-light, aids gut metabolism and promotes the optimum functioning of the digestive system. Blue Chip Pro and Lami-light also contain a prebiotic which helps to ‘mop-up’ the bad bacteria. These help to support and settle the digestive system, keeping the horse calm and feeling comfortable in themselves. This combined with generous levels of magnesium helps to keep your horses and ponies more relaxed and stress free. Horses fed Blue Chip have even stopped box walking, weaving and cribbing. 10 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
If additional support, to calm and settle a ‘hot’, nervous or spooky horse is needed, giving a calmer such as Blue Chip Karma, the liquid calming supplement is the answer. Before a scary or exciting situation a calmer such as Blue Chip CARROTCALM and APPLECALM, the new naturally flavoured, concentrated instant calmer syringes, will help thanks to a readily available source of magnesium, L-tryptophan and Vitamin C. For more information on the positive effects Blue Chip can have on your horses behaviour visit www. bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200.
Feeding
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 11
Feeding
Getting The Most Out Of Feed Nicola Tyler BSc (Hons), Nutrition Director, TopSpec Equine When nutritionists think about a horse’s feed they think about everything he eats, not just his ‘hard’ or ‘bucket’ feeds. So to us getting the most out of feed means largely optimising the utilisation of the forage in a horse’s diet, whilst also bearing in mind what we can do about the hard feed that might also be in his diet. As forage should make up by far the largest proportion of most horses’ diets, it is the most important ‘ingredient’ for us to consider. Forage can make its way into horses’ diets in several ways. Most obviously as grass, which the horse does us the favour of harvesting for himself. In the UK grass is conserved for winter use as either haylage or hay, weather conditions increasingly favouring production of the former. Smaller amounts of forage are consumed as chops/chaffs, which usually contain grass, alfalfa or straw in a multitude of combinations. The exception to this is elderly horses or those with dental problems that may consume a large proportion of their forage in the form of chop because of the state of their teeth. The horse could also consume relatively small amounts of forage in high fibre
feeds or ground in cubes. So how to go about getting the most out of your horse’s feed: Step 1. Keep your horse’s teeth in good condition. When teeth are in good condition the molars grind all a horse eats down to a particle size averaging 1-2 mm before he swallows it. This small particle size improves the accessibility of the feed to the enzymes in the small intestine of the horse and the bacteria, which digest fibre for the horse, in the hindgut. You can check the efficiency of your horse’s teeth by donning a pair of rubber gloves and examining one ball of his droppings. More than 80% of the particles in that ball should be below 2mm and less than 20% should be 1cm or longer. If your horse’s droppings contain too high a percentage of longer fibres then he will not be making the most of his feed and you need to call the dentist. A bi-annual visit by the dentist to all horses over the age of four is a good investment. Step 2. Feed your horse, not worms.
We all understand the need to consider the environment, the risk of worm resistance developing and the concerns about powerful chemicals. However whilst it is reasonable to try and avoid over-worming it is also important not to allow worm burdens to increase to the level where they are having a significant impact on your horse’s feed efficiency and may even threaten his health. Be aware that worm egg counts only measure the output of adult round worms in the lumen of the digestive tract that happen to be laying eggs at that time. Neither immature worms in the intestinal walls nor tapeworms are detected. A simple, cheap test that reflects all worm activity is needed and may be on the horizon. Step 3. Keep your horse warm and dry, but not too hot. We all know that keeping a horse well-rugged in the winter reduces the loss of calories spent by horses trying to keep warm. Equally well known is that cold wet weather uses up more of the horses energy than cold dry weather because of the calories burnt in trying to dry out the coat. However do not forget that rugging a horse in the spring/autumn when the day warms up can also cause weight loss, due to the horse becoming too warm and sweating
under the burden of unnecessary rugs. Step 4. Feed forage ad-lib. Usually. For most horses feeding forage ad-lib (as much as they want) is the most economical way of providing them with the bulk of their diet. It is also the most natural way of feeding as horses can only consume forage a little bit at a time, as nature intended, so providing it ad-lib is a no-brainer. There are some horses that need their forage limiting, for example those that are overweight or laminitic; but even then forage should not usually be limited unless soaking it thoroughly, in ample fresh clean luke-warm water for six to twelve hours before feeding, has failed to exert sufficient effect on weight/ soundness. This is because the fibre in forage is such an important ‘feed’ for the bacteria in the hindgut that limiting it, and therefore prejudicing optimum bacterial fermentation, is not in the best interests of the horse. Step 5. Buy good-quality forage. Usually. Good quality forage always represents better value for money than poorer quality forage so if your horse needs it, buy ryegrass hay/haylage which will cont. on p.14
Equador: Recovery from Colic Jennifer Bekhuis contacted Rowen Barbary as she was having difficulty trying to find a feed that was suitable for her horse Equador, a 13 year old Hannovarian. At 177cm Equador is a lovely tempered big horse but unfortunately is now retired as he suffers from OCD. On the 18th February 2011 he suffered from his first bout of sand colic, with another attack following shortly after on 14th March 2011. Jennifer decided to try Equador on ReadyMash Extra, to help improve his digestion and gain the necessary condition. As ReadyMash Extra is very high in fibre it helps to encourage slow rates of digestion throughout the hindgut and is particularly valuable for horses like Equador that require a diet that is sympathetic on the digestive system. With high levels of oils and milk powders it also provides a higher calorie diet for horses that need condition and 12 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
controlled weight gain. Eight weeks after Equador was put on ReadyMash Extra Jennifer contacted Rowen Barbary once again, she was so happy with the results, explaining how well he looked and how he had really filled out. Even her vet was shocked with the improvements with Equador, when examining him 5 weeks after starting on his new diet. For more information on ReadyMash Extra contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598 or visit www.rowenbarbary.co.uk
Feeding
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 13
Feeding - Health Care cont. from p.12
provide him with a significant proportion of his nutritional requirements. As always there are exceptions and e.g. if you have a good-doer you are better sourcing late-cut meadow hay that will be higher in fibre and lower in calories. Another important exception are laminitics and horses that otherwise need to avoid high sugar levels in their diets: these horses are best fed low sugar varieties such as Timothy hay and it may also need to be thoroughly soaked as explained above. Step 6. Maximise the nutritional utilisation of the forage in his diet. By ensuring that a top specification feed balancer is the first ingredient in your horse’s feed you can vastly improve his ability to utilise his forage. This happens in five different ways: I. The vitamins and minerals in the feed balancer balance those supplied by the forage compared to the requirements of the horse. II. The protein in the feed balancer balances the quality and quantity of protein from the forage. III. The pure, protected yeast in the feed balancer has a pro-biotic function, improving fibre digestibility in the hindgut by 20%. IV. The MOS (mannan oligosaccharides) in the feed balancer binds to pathogenic (bad) bacteria throughout the gut, leaving the beneficial bacteria, which digest fibre in the hindgut, free to multiply. MOS also acts as a pre-biotic in the hindgut. V. Because feed balancers are packed
with nutrients in a very dense fashion they leave more room in the digestive system for forage, this improves what nutritionists call the ‘forage to concentrate ratio’, which in itself improves digestive efficiency. Step 7. Maximise the utilisation of any straights in his diet. This is done by balancing any nutrient levels in the straights that are less than optimum. In my opinion the best way to do this is by feeding a top specification feed balancer which will work largely through Step 6 – 1,2 and 3. Step 8. Feed small amounts of hard feed. Nowadays we often refer to hard feeds as ‘bucket’ feeds as they are often not very ‘hard’ at all! For example a bucket feed for a good-doer may consist of nothing more than half a scoop of chop and a 50ml measure of supplement. However horses working harder or needing to gain condition for example, are often fed significant quantities of hard feed. It is much better to divide this up into as many feeds as are necessary to keep below the recommended ‘meal size’ for your horse. For example a 15.2hh middleweight weighing 500kg should never receive more than 2kg (dry weight) in any one feed. NB just one level Stubbs scoop holds 2kg of most cubes. It is important to feed in small amounts cont. on p.16
TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘non-heating’ pelleted concentrate that contains no cereal grains and only low levels of sugar and starch.
horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and straights in their diet, which usually means that their hard feed intake can be reduced with many resulting benefits.
It does contain several supplements combined with a feed designed to promote muscle development and function.
TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very flexible, nutrient-rich feed designed to balance the rations of most horses and ponies simply by adjusting the rate at which it is fed and the products it is fed with.
A top-specification broadspectrum supplement is backed up by others including a superb hoof supplement, generous levels of anti-oxidants and sophisticated digestive aids. This superb specification allows
For further information please contact the Multiple AwardWinning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
Keep your senior horse in the pink…. A brand new, scientifically balanced formula from NAF, In The Pink Senior, has been especially formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of your older horse, giving him all he needs to stay forever young. Make In The Pink Senior part of your older horse’s daily diet and by addressing the natural aging process of the body’s systems it’ll help keep him in tip top condition both inside and out. In The Pink Senior will: · Help balance the diet and the digestive system, to enable your horse to maximise the value of his feed intake. · Provide pre and pro biotics for optimum support of the gut.
· Donate all the vitamins and minerals required by the older horse for all round health. · Supply a unique combination of naturally sourced antioxidant ingredients to flush excess toxins from the system. · Support a ‘youthful spark’ in your horse in response to the selective herbal content of the formula. · Provide nutrients to support joint health. In The Pink Senior is recommended for all older horses and ponies, whether signs of age are obvious or not. For more information please call the NAF Freephone advice line: 0800 373 106, or visit www.naf-uk.com
Get the most out of fibre feeds with Advance Equimins’ Advance Complete helps horses thrive on a more natural, fibre diet. Advance Complete contains essential vitamins, trace elements and minerals bound to an amino acid source (to make them nearly entirely digestible). In addition, Advance Complete contains probiotics, prebiotics and Saccharomyces cerivisae yeast to improve digestion of fibre in the hind gut.
Advance Complete comes with a full money back guarantee, should the horse owner not see an improvement in condition after feeding Advance Complete for two months. Advance Complete is available in powder or pellet form, in 2kg, 4kg and 10kg tubs. Prices start from £20.35. For more information see www. equimins.com, or call 01548 531770.
The Nupafeed Big Giveaway! Nupafeed are giving you the opportunity to try Staying Power liquid energy supplement, for free! Staying Power is the only supplement developed to promote L-Carnitine absorption into the muscle tissue. L-Carnitine is an amino-type acid which is vital for maintaining healthy energy production within the cells. Use for horses which tire easily, for travel or heat fatigue, competition, extra work and to 14 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
improve recovery. We have 100 Staying Power syringes to give away, to get yours simply email us at info@nupafeed.net, write ‘NFREESP’ in the subject and include your full name and address. Offer ends 18/9/2011. To keep up to date on our news and offers, why not join us on Facebook? Just search Nupafeed UK and click ‘like’.
Joni Bentley
December 2010 - Equi-Ads - 15
Feeding - Health Care
Dodson & Horrell support Budget Busting Raffle Dodson & Horrell is pleased to announce its support of the Budget Busting Raffle as run by Saddle Up for Spinal Research. The raffle is due to be drawn on Friday 2nd December 2011 and Dodson & Horrell has donated a budget busting prize of one year’s supply of Dodson & Horrell horse feed and supplements as well as a Dodson & Horrell rug, saddlecloth, jacket and baseball cap for one lucky winner. This is the first Budget Busting raffle that Saddle Up for Spinal Research has run and the idea came about following the rise in costs that people have faced this year. Alongside the prize donated by Dodson & Horrell, there are three other prizes up for grabs as follows: · One of three pairs of Ariat Boots · One Point Two Jacket · A selection of KP Equestrian products The aim of the raffle is to help you reduce your costs whilst raising money for vital research. Over 800 people a year are paralysed
16 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
in the UK and many of these are from horse riding accidents. Paralysis does not only mean being unable to walk, but depending on the part of the spinal cord that is injured it can cause loss of movement in arms and hands, the inability to breathe on your own and perhaps the worst of all, the loss of independence. Your support helps to fund research projects that could have potentially life changing implications for people living with paralysis. A high spinal cord injury can mean difficulty breathing and dependency on a ventilator. Translating ground breaking findings into human trials can help researchers take a step closer to restoring independent breathing that would transform people’s lives. Each raffle ticket will only cost you £2.00 and for further information on how to enter the Budget Busting Raffle or to get involved with fundraising opportunities with Saddle Up for Spinal Research, please visit www.spinalresearch.org or email saddleup@ spinal-research.org or call 01483 898786.
cont. from p.16
as the horse has a small stomach and overfeeding will result in rapid transition of feed through the small intestines resulting in only partial digestion. Not only will your horse not have been able to extract maximum nutrients from his feed but also that partially digested feed will then upset the microbial balance in the hindgut, possibly resulting in inefficient fibre digestion, colic or worse. Step 9. Buy nutrient dense feeds. Nutrient dense feeds offer the best value for money in terms of nutrients per £ spent and the most nutrient dense feeds are the best top specification feed balancers.
Step 10. Protect your investments. Look after the forage and feed you have bought. Keep hay in a well ventilated barn and do not use any hay or haylage that is mouldy or suspect in any way. Keep all hard feed cool and dry and airtight. I have lost count of the number of times I have visited yards to find highly nutritious feed tipped out of its sack into a large feed bin with the lid up and all its contents exposed to the air. Oxidation reduces the nutrient value of feed so by all means put it in a rodent proof bin but keep it in its sack with the top firmly rolled down and a brick on top. Nicola can be contacted for advice on the TopSpec Multiple-Award-Winning Helpline. Tel: 01845 565063.
Feeding - Health Care
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 17
Feeding - Health Care
A calmer your horse will love! If you were stressed out, you’d want something tasty too. Blue Chip has formulated a new range of delicious, naturally flavoured, concentrated, instant calmers based on the tastes your horse loves the most: carrot
off my young horse in the arena – he was much calmer, better behaved and didn’t spook.” Young, up and coming show jumper Beth Vernon, describes “My mare can be a handful when I’m trying to mount, after giving her Applecalm, she stood perfectly for me, with no-one to help!”
and apple. Each syringe of Carrotcalm and Applecalm has 3 concentrated calms which contain a superior watersoluble form of magnesium that is quickly absorbed into the blood stream; L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid required for the formation of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ and ‘anti-stress’ hormone and Vitamin C, which is vital to horses under stress from exercise, training and new environments or situations. Carrotcalm and Applecalm will give your horse an instant boost of magnesium and calm, without leaving a bad taste in their mouth. The results have been incredible with Carrotcalm and Applecalm working very quickly and horses loving the taste. Already horses and ponies that have taken part in our trials have qualified for HOYS. The syringes have been tested on a large variety of horses and ponies, from one that was petrified of water, one that would not be shod, to those that got very anxious at shows, with a 92% success rate. Trials featured leading riders including:
As well as: Jerome Harforth of Stanley Grange Stud and Show Team, “We get a lot of youngsters that come to us that haven’t been handled very much or have just been weaned, leaving their dam can be very stressful. It is a big change for the youngsters coming to our busy yard, and we have found that Carrotcalm and Applecalm has been very effective. It helps to relax them, removing their anxiety when trimming, if they are being shod and when travelling. These calmers have helped a number of our horses and ponies to cope with new situations, without affecting their performance in the ring.” Shetland pony show producer Frances Morkill, her “Shetland pony mare normally gets very stressed the day before a show, she loved the taste of Carrotcalm, and was so much calmer and settled in her stable after her bath.”
Top show producer Danielle Heath, found “After giving my 4 year old a dose of Carrotcalm before he travelled and before his class, he was much more settled and relaxed at the show.”
Both Carrotcalm and Applecalm cost £12.50 per syringe (RRP), just over £4 per calm. All ingredients are 100% natural, contain no banned substances and are nondrowsy, making them perfect for every eventuality. The calms are designed to be given between 30 and 60 minutes before an exciting or stressful situation to help ensure a better experience for all involved.
International dressage rider Henry Boswell felt his “5 year old really liked Carrotcalm. It really took the edge
For more information please visit www.bluechipfeed. com or call 0114 266 6200.
Avoid Autumn Laminitis Autumn time is on its way and new grass will still be coming through for many weeks. Equine America’s Lamigard® is a highly effective supplement for a horse or pony prone to Laminitis and can be used at high levels in the short term, and at a maintenance level for long term health. Lamigard® will ensure your horse’s feet stay healthy all year round and will complement a careful feeding regime.
over a 14 day period to instantly provide the powerful anti-oxidants to quickly ‘mop up’ enzymes in the feet. Lamigard® is also safe to be administered to the infoal and lactating mare. Leading Equine Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr David Platt BVSc, PhD, DEO, FRCVS, RCVS says “I am always very cautious about these types of products but I have found Equine America’s Lamigard® to be outstanding”.
Lamigard® contains powerful ingredients to help remove excess free radicals which settle in the feet, supporting a healthy enzyme level within the hooves and providing nutrients to the internal sensitive structures, as well as promoting external hoof wall condition. For horses or ponies already with Laminitis, Lamigard® XXXTREME Paste can be administered
Lamigard® is available in 454 gm tub providing a two month supply at maintenance for an average pony £39.99. Lamigard® XXXTREME is available in a 60ml oral paste £31.31. For further information please contact Equine America www.equine-america.co.uk Telephone 01403 255809.
Let’s Play Ball Enhance feed time and reduce boredom with this robust feeding ball from Likit Products. Designed to be filled with tasty low sugar Likit Snaks or dry horse food, the Snak-A-Ball is perfect for overweight equines that are on limited rations, as well as stabled horses and ponies that need a source of interest to keep them entertained. The Snak-A-Ball delivers small amounts of feed onto the floor as it is pushed around by the horse, encouraging natural foraging 18 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
behaviour and extending feeding times, making it ideal for those that bolt their feed. Retail Price: £24.99 (Likit Snaks cost 99p for 100g or £3.50 for 500g) Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 for stockists or visit www.likit.co.uk for further information.
Feeding - Health Care
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 19
Feeding - Health Care - Subscription
Natural or Super Activated?
Dr Keith Foster
There is an enormous difference between doing something properly and overdoing it! For example, regularly using medicinal grade super adsorbent charcoal for horses and other animals, can have serious repercussions for the animals concerned, since super adsorbent charcoals, such as those used in hemoperfusion in hospitals, are said by some scientists to adsorb both vitamins and nutrients from the animal’s system. They can do this because of the way the super adsorbent is manufactured. Basically, the manufacturers take a quantity of rags, bones, sawdust, coconut shells, coal or other organic material. Heat it to a 1,000 degrees centigrade with steam then acid wash it. This produces micro-granules (and powder) of super activated charcoal 300% more adsorbent than natural charcoal. The source material is important since, for example, nutshells (coconut, pecans) produce super activated charcoal with high micropore volumes, which are very adsorbent; much more super adsorbent than that from soft or hardwoods. Natural wood charcoal, on the other hand, has a pore size concordant for human and mammalian health. Animals seek it out in the wild to balance out toxins in their system and it works in harmony with all creatures’ digestive systems.
Super adsorbents are used as filters in industry and also for hemoperfusion and similar medical processes for humans where almost everything is required to be taken out of a fluid. Highly activated, super adsorbent charcoal has its place but not in animal husbandry. Their use for animals is contraindicated, partly because they can take nutrients and vitamins out of the animal’s system, but also because they work too rapidly to accord with the natural peristalsis, which takes place throughout the digestive system. For millions of years horses and all other creatures including man, have evolved with natural charcoal in their environment. A natural product (e.g. Happy TummyTM charcoal) will help remove toxins and gases from the digestive system and works in tune with the animal’s system. Since the industrial revolution, mankind has tried every effort to improve on nature often forgetting the first principle of the Hippocratic oath “FIRST DO NO HARM”! For more information on Happy Tummy telephone 01600 712496 or visit www.finefettlefeed.com
New Mollichaff Condition - A Complete Conditioning Feed in One Bag! Does your horse have a tendency to lose weight over the winter? Perhaps you are worrying about which feeds to choose in order to maintain his weight without spending too much money? Instead of shopping for various bags of concentrates and expensive supplements, why not opt for a complete feed which can save all that hassle as well as saving your money too! New Mollichaff Condition, from the makers of HorseHage, is a highly digestible, high fibre, high oil and low starch mix, which can be fed as a complete concentrate feed alongside good quality forage. It contains a balanced blend of alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint as well as Yea-sacc® and a prebiotic, plus vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Soya oil provides essential fatty acids to help improve skin condition and 20 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
encourage a healthy, glossy coat. Yeasacc® and a prebiotic help maintain a healthy digestive system, along with mint, which is particularly palatable to horses. Mollichaff Condition is suitable for encouraging weight gain in all horses and ponies, especially those that struggle to maintain their condition. It can be used as the sole concentrate feed as it contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. All products in the Mollichaff range have the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) certification which means that they are manufactured under the strictest hygiene conditions from premium ingredients which are fully traceable because we care about your horse or pony’s health. For further information call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk
Feeding - Health Care
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 21
Philosophical
We All Love Horses, Don’t We? Anne Wilson Communicating as I do, largely with like-minded people in the classical world of horsemanship, it’s easy to think that the vast majority of people involved with horses are true horse lovers. Why else would they be involved with horses, I ask myself, since it’s not a very lucrative career? Unfortunately, this is a nice cosy view of the world, which is nowadays quite frequently shattered when I come into contact with keen competitors and competition trainers, who clearly think of winning medals as their main aim; the horse being merely the means by which they achieve their aim. Of course not all people involved with competition are in this category, but for those who are, the horse comes as a poor second on their list of priorities. This realisation came as a shock to me some 25 years ago, but now I realise it is more commonplace than back then. What is perhaps even more disturbing and surprising and is definitely more prevalent than in past decades, are the ever growing number of horse vets, back specialists, dentists, farriers and other professionals involved in the horse world who appear to have little or no natural in-built love of horses in general. One can usually get a good idea of someone’s ‘horsiness’ by observing their approach to the horse. Sadly some vets and practitioners involved in the periphery of the veterinary profession no longer approach the horse to greet him, but merely ask the owner what the problem is; then go straight to the problem, be it leg, mouth, whatever, without so much as a ‘by your leave’ to the poor horse – as though he were a slab of meat! Some farriers (and I have employed some of these people in the past) seem to me to actively dislike horses; cursing, swearing and prodding them for the least little misdemeanour. My present farrier couldn’t be more different; I’m so glad to say! Horse vets themselves appear to have changed almost out of all recognition in the last twenty years. With the great advancements in veterinary science, we seem to have a new breed of vets who think firstly of the scientific possibilities regarding diagnosis, preferring to refer practically all horses to hospital centres where they can be ex-rayed, scanned and tested for all manner of possible causes for their problem; without first considering the likely stressful effect all this will have upon the horse. Obviously things have to be weighed up and consideration must be given to the severity of the problem and how long it has been established and the likely 22 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
ability of the vets, after diagnosis to put it right. There have been many times over the last few years when I feel that the best interests of the horse have not even been given a thought. It was suggested to me a few years ago by a young vet that my 32 year old pony, who was only slightly lame, should be sent to a hospital for ex-rays. Obviously this would have involved a fairly long journey (he had not travelled anywhere for over ten years) and he would have been sedated whilst undergoing these investigations, which is very stressful, physically and mentally, especially for an elderly horse. Added to which travelling a horse who is lame, or has any other injury such as a painful back, is surely a very last resort, since he would find it very difficult to keep his balance during the journey, which could cause a lot of pain, possibly making the problem worse. I refused to do this and was made to feel like a neglectful owner. However, I stood my ground and insisted that he should be given a chance to recover with rest and pain killers/anti-inflammatory treatment. After a few weeks he was perfectly sound again, without the need for any stressful intervention; not to mention at a far reduced vets’ bill. It is this last point which I feel is driving the modern ‘scientific revolution’. More and more vets have invested in modern premises with very expensive equipment. They no longer want to bring out the small ex-ray machine to ex-ray a horse at home, and even fewer will do it without sedation (which I can never understand, since most well handled horses will stand perfectly still for an ex-ray). It would seem that the expensive equipment at the hospital has to be fully utilised to give a return on the capital outlay. It may seem that I am against all modern diagnostic equipment and procedures, but that is not so. There have been fantastic advances in veterinary science and the availability of new equine hospital facilities has made a huge difference to the quality of life and longevity of many horses, giving us cures for ailments that at one time would have been untreatable. This is a huge benefit to us all. However, I do feel strongly that the horse’s circumstances and particular needs should be considered first and foremost. The less invasive, stay at home treatments, can often be tried or ruled out for good reason, before shipping the horse off to hospital. You can always recognise a horse vet who loves horses. He/she will interact with your horse, call him by name and show respect for him. Of course just having a love of horses is not enough in
a vet, there must be sound veterinary knowledge behind any diagnosis and treatment, but the chances of a correct diagnosis and treatment is vastly improved if there is a ‘feel’ for the animal in question, with an understanding of his needs, locomotion, etc. There are some super vets still around but you must be discerning and try to foster a good relationship with your vet once you’ve found a good one; so that both of you are working for the animals’ best interests at all times. Give the vet as much information as you can. This will help him in his diagnosis and a good vet will always listen to the owner, as much can be gleaned about a horse that way. There are even one or two fairly wellknown trainers, calling themselves classical, who do not appear to love horses. They too don’t interact with the horses that they teach. They don’t stroke them before, during or after the lesson, and rarely look into the horse’s eye. Looking at the horse’s facial expression and general body language to me, is a crucial part of teaching a horse and rider. I can tell a lot about what the rider is doing by the expression on the horse’s face! So why are these people working with horses if they don’t love them? Obviously in the case of the veterinary profession, there is the question of the very good income it provides. The second reason for others such as trainers, competitors and so on, there is the kudos that horses bring to them. I am unfortunate enough to have come across one Jockey Club registered racehorse trainer who, judging by how she treats them, definitely does not even like horses. In this case there is money and a great deal of kudos involved. When it comes to farriers; I think that some of them probably began their careers being keen on horses but became soured by the very hard work they do. They may have been kicked one too many times, by horses who have been poorly handled and prepared for the farrier by neglectful owners. I just wish that if this is how they feel they would find another occupation, although I know this is not easy in this financial climate. The list of people involved with horses who have little affection for them is endless, and I cannot finish this article without mentioning us – the owners. Most owners do love their horses. There are exceptions of course, where someone has bought a horse merely as a piece of sports equipment. There is also kudos involved in horse ownership
Anne with Lucy Lou
and some people just like to boast that they own a horse. But is love enough? Well it certainly goes a very long way, but it does not give the horse all he needs. He needs an owner with practical ability and knowledge of how to look after him and ride or work him properly (unless he is retired), and the strength of mind not to over-indulge him, i.e. too much food etc. It’s all too easy to kill a horse with kindness. Horses also need a dependable leader, not a sloppy sentimental person who lets the horse have his own way all the time. There is a happy medium in all things and horses need to respect their owner/trainer, in order to feel secure and content, as well as for the owner to respect them as individual animals. If you possess these attributes, as well as love for your horse, he should have an ideal life. Anne Wilson, who is based in Bedfordshire, is a Classical Riding Trainer trained by Sylvia Loch. She is an author and co-publisher of Tracking-Up, a quarterly independent equestrian magazine, obtainable by subscription (see the advert in this issue). Also author of ‘Riding Revelations - Classical Training from the Beginning’ www.black-tent.co.uk Anne can be contacted on Tel: 01234 772401 website: www.classicalridingannewilson.com
Health Care - Worming
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 23
Riding - Stunts
The Subtle Energy of Core Breathing Jenny Rolfe Introduction We live in an era where the natural forces of our planet earth such as the wind and the waves, are being harnessed to produce much needed energy. This will create power for the future as our modern lifestyle is rapidly destroying the natural resources of our planet.
Delfin - my greatest teacher
All life is energy and if we become more aware of how our personal energy can be used to connect with the horse, a much deeper empathy can be built over a period of time. Much of our present day teaching relates to technical knowledge but my experience, working daily with my stallions, has taught me the significance of a further dimension. The power of breathing and energy exchange remains almost unexplored, between people and horses. This dimension offers a future of revelation for the student who becomes conscious of personal breathing patterns and energy. When we are fully aware of our thoughts, body language and breathing we can communicate with the horse in a most profound way, connecting with his world. Our busy, over active thoughts can become more tranquil as we connect with the ‘here and now’ and allow our mind just to stay in the present moment. In this way we learn the personal power of just feeling, being and allowing. We can let go of our more stressful thoughts of achieving,
perfecting and the demanding expectations of our normal life style. Where The Mind Goes The Chi Will Follow Within Eastern culture, controlled energy is known as ‘Chi’ energy which can be used as a vehicle for healing and also within the martial arts. In China there is an old saying ‘Where the mind goes, the ‘chi’ will follow’. This energy of ‘chi’can have a huge impact on our relationships and often when we feel ‘on the same wavelength’ with another, it is created by a connection of ‘chi’. Chi energy can be used to enhance healing normally through a state of meditation allowing the healing energy to flow through the hands and finger tips. It is good to remember these possibilities as we caress the neck of the horse to help him to calm and release tension. If we are capable of healing and giving out therapeutic energy, the horse will immediately receive this and it can become part of our day to day relationship with him. This type of energy awareness will help to build a very deep bond of security and connection. We can use the power of a gentle touch to settle a horse who has suffered either physically or mentally. Once we make a decision to take time out to focus on our breathing we become empowered to create an environment where we can flourish mentally, physically and spiritually. This decision will detach us from the pull of past events and the concern for the future. We can become aware of the present moment and how we feel physically as we re-connect with our inner spirit. Once we allow ourselves time to connect in this way, we can feel a depth of harmony and oneness with creation. The horse will instantly feel an attraction as we create a place for focus and communication. The connection is
similar to a meditation, a communion of souls. The gulf between man and horse is bridged as all our senses are brought into that one moment in time. The horse feels our complete focus and energy as our true personality can flourish. We are not suppressed by concerns for either the past or the future. Subtle Energy When we are in good general health, there will be an invisible aura of energy which surrounds every living creature, including human life. Much scientific evidence now recognises the importance of personal energy in the western world. For centuries the cultures of the east have placed more importance on the practise of deeper breathing to expand personal energy to support good health.
I have learnt that our thoughts and emotions influence the energy signals from our heart, which can actually be felt several feet away. The expressions, ‘good vibes’ and ‘bad vibes’ are a result of receiving energy signals which mirror the emotions of a person. We are all capable of receiving and transmitting subtle energy exchange which can occur between all living beings. I believe horses are very highly tuned to receiving such signals which could in fact save their life in a natural environment. The fear and flight instinct is based upon these signals together with a keen awareness of body language in the herd. The horse will respond immediately to any variation within their energy field as they are highly sensitive to any change, however subtle. This explains why the awareness of our breathing to connect with the horses, can gain such amazing results. Awareness of changes in breathing and emotions IS the language of the herd. I have heard people say that horses do not experience emotions yet they are motivated by fear and flight. Fear is a deep emotion.
The power of a gentle touch - Habil closes his eyes in response to Jenny’s subtle breathing
Short Extract From Jenny Rolfe’s Next Book
Our Breathing Has A Potent Effect On The Mind Of A Horse Over many years I have been fascinated to see the potent effect of our breathing upon the mind of the horse. Each day working with different horses I find a connection with the horse where he seems to feel secure and comfortable. As the horse really begins to connect with my breathing I sense his focus and attention are more directed towards me which brings the relationship together. My stallions have taught me the power of this subtle energy but I have also spent time reading books to enlighten me as to why and how these techniques gain such profound results.
‘Fear is a deep rooted emotion’
‘Breathe Life Into Your Riding’ To Be Published By J A Allen. Available early 2012. Copyright Jenny Rolfe See Jenny’s web site www.spanishdressagehorses.co.uk for more information
Jenny Rolfe Competition winners The winners of the Jenny Rolfe competition featured in the June issue were: First Prize - Mrs D Venables, Birmingham, Second Prize - Jade Vale, Somerset, Third Prize - Brenda Miles, Somerset. 24 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Health Care - Tack & Turnout
Mouth bruised from pinching bit
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 25
Health Care - Physiotherapy
26 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Health Care
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 27
Insurance - Pilates
Pilates for Equestrians The eighth extract in our series by Liza Randall In this extract, we will demonstrate the Leg Circles exercise from the Relaxation Position. As discussed in last months extract, the Relaxation Position is the position from which many exercises start, and it will reinforce the neutral pelvis/neutral spine position.
then fold up one leg at the knee and straighten it, turning your leg out slightly from the hip. As you breathe in, draw the leg in and up towards the middle of your body then, as you breathe out, circle the leg around and up, back to the starting position. Imagine you are drawing a ‘D’ shape with your leg.
with complete stabilisation through your pelvis.
If you can’t wait for the next instalment in Equi-Ads, Liza Randall’s book, Pilates for Equestrians, is available from Kenilworth Press – see Reader Offer below.
Leg Circles Repeat six times then reverse the movement before swapping legs.
Why? These challenge core stability through unilateral leg movement as well as mobilising the hip joint and strengthening the leg muscles.
Equestrian advantage To assist in opening your hips to lengthen your legs and promote an independent seat. Previous extracts in the series can be found on the Equi-Ads website www.
How? From Relaxation Position, stabilise,
28 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
The movement must be initiated from the hip, rather than the knee or foot. Feel that the leg is heavy in the hip socket. Keep the circles small at first until you have mastered the exercise
equiads.net in the Feature Articles section.
Copyright c 2010 Liza Randall Studio Photography by Simon Lusty; mounted and other photographs by the author and Karl Randall Line illustrations and cartoons by Diane Breeze. Extract courtesy Kenilworth Press, an imprint of Quiller Publishing Ltd
Horse Behaviour
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 29
Health Care - Insurance - Tack & Turnout
Bespoke Bombers Bits: Live in the UK The world-famous range of Bombers Equestrian Equipment Bits was brought to the UK earlier in 2011, however now customers can view and buy the renowned products through a brand new, feature packed website which also allows them to design their own unique bit using what is believed to be the first online ‘bespoke bit’ service in the world! Known as the ‘true blue’ collection, Bombers Equestrian Equipment Bits have become well known for the blue sweet iron metal, which oxidises easily, encourages salivation, helps bit acceptance, and has a warm, sweet feeling for your equine’s mouth. The new website allows customers to browse and purchase online from the comprehensive collection of ‘off the shelf’ bits which are used across the disciplines, in particular show jumping and cross-country, and have become
favoured by top international riders, including UK based show jumper David Macpherson. However, in answer to popular demand, Bombersbits.co.uk is more than just a retail outlet. Customers can now create their own bespoke bit tailored exactly to their horse’s needs using a revolutionary ‘design your own bit’ service. Shoppers can choose whatever mouth piece, cheek piece and size they require and customise each bit with personal instruction. On receiving the email order, Bombers Equestrian Equipment Bits will respond with a quote and estimated turnaround time. BombersBits.co.uk offers excellent customer service, quick and easy navigation and fast delivery. For more information tel: 01825 840 002 or visit www.bombersbits.co.uk,
CORRECTION The article entitled: “New Treatment for Sandcracks” on page 32 of the August edition had two errors, for which we apologise. 30 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Firstly Andrew McDiarmid’s initials should be Cert ES(orth) rather than (UHL) and the web address should be: www.clydevetgroup.co.uk
Equi-Style Equi-Ads
Autumn/Winter Fashion Supplement - September 2011
Equi-Style Autumn/Winter Fashion Supplement 2011 With Autumn wrapping its fresh, leafy arms around us and winter closely on its tail, it’s time we started dragging out winter turn outs from lofts and sheds, digging around for heavy reflective gear and preparing our horses’ legs for that heavy, sticky mud that these seasons bring. Once the horses are sorted, we’ve also got to grab the heavy winter jackets from the back of the cupboard, layer up in our own reflective gear and pull on the dreaded waterproofs. Then there is the question you only ask during these shorter days: ‘Shall I ride today?’ You’ve dragged the horse in from the field, he looks cosy in the warmly lit stable and it’s bucketing down outside. Sometimes, it seems more struggle than pleasure to cover up you and your horse enough to go outside and ride, not to mention the abandonment of all fashion dignity in the traditionally unattractive winter cover-ups. Now, this question can be a thing of the past, modern equestrian fashion has evolved immensely, especially during the past couple of years and designers have discovered just what horse riders need in their wardrobe. Now, riding through the colder month’s means you can stay dry, warm and still look good. 2011 is the year to beat fair weather riding! A good number of us face the problem of looking slightly underhorsed during the winter months as the layers of fleeces, hoodies and oversized waterproofs make us look about three sizes bigger than we actually are. On the high street, fashion fans talk about the ‘art of layering’ during winter, suggesting a carefully constructed, considered and comfortable winter outfit. This is a highly regarded fashion concept, so why does it make us equestrians feel like we have gained a couple of pounds? There are, perhaps, a few reasons why it’s hard for us to look slim and sleek during these colder months. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, horse owners and
riders are generally most interested in the way their horse looks, paying less attention to the human species. Therefore, the choice between getting to the horses that bit earlier and carefully selecting an outfit for the morning shift isn’t much of a contest. Also, in the past, equestrian clothing has been bulky and difficult to wear underneath jackets and jackets themselves have been boxy and unflattering. However, when we modern equestrians do have the time in the morning, perhaps it is possible to embrace this wintery fashion statement. Designers have clearly noticed that, during the past few years, equestrian style has become more and more fashionable on and off the high street, appealing to a broad demographic of fashion followers. Alongside this, equestrian brands seem to have developed more modern and stylish designs and pieces that are acceptable for use both on and off the yard. New items made by top brands can be used as part of an expansive winter fashion wardrobe. Stylish Polo tops, hoodies and jodhpurs that resemble skinny jeans are just some of the pieces that have graced the shelves during the recent seasons. Therefore, it is easy to adopt high street trends such as layering, due to the new ranges of slim fit, stylish and modern equestrian styles. The 2011 Autumn/Winter collections are proving to be the most modern and flattering yet, finally allowing equestrians to parade around public high streets following a visit to the yard, without too many sideways glances from passersby, at least from a distance that is! The designs are also practical (which is not usually something associated with fashion) and new intelligent fabrics allow for a new slim line image, eliminating those fabric fat stores created by huge jackets etc. These coming seasons, when the weather brings the judge’s permission to
wear a waterproof layer over your show gear, you can treat yourself to one, versatile jacket that could last you all year round. Look for a lightweight outer material that is easy to move around in and keep an eye out for ‘Gore-Tex’ material or something similar, which is both breathable and waterproof. Also look for something with a ‘slim fit’ label or draw cord waist for women, and shoulder pads for men for a more flattering silhouette. Don’t forget pockets as they are always useful and if you are going for something a bit longer, rear riding vents are always useful to help you feel more comfortable in the saddle. Another aspect that designers have cottoned onto is the significance and importance of reflective and visibility fabrics in equestrian fashion. General outerwear, such as jackets, are now almost always interwoven with subtle, but effective reflective strips to improve visibility. Reflective tabards have also been updated in an attempt to make them more fashionable and accessible to riders of any age and experience. Now you can get them in a range of colours with phrases like ‘Does my bum look big on this?’ on them to add a bit of fun to the outfit. Some companies have gone one step further and added flashing lights to their reflective wear. These lightweight, yet robust items provide additional visibility and add a modern sparkle to the traditionally, unflattering styles of reflective gear. Additionally, the bright colours of the summer season have been leaked into the Autumn/Winter collections, adding verve and vigour to everyday activities, brightening up those long evenings at the yard. So it’s good news again for the modern horse rider, as we no longer need to look like a fluorescent bin man in order to stay safe and supplementary lights definitely brighten up a cold, dark winters hack.
Although there are some great designs heading for the shelves in the coming months, I feel there is one huge gap in the equestrian fashion market that could really do with an update, which is, waterproofs. By waterproofs, I mean those huge baggy, uncomfortable overalls that you pull on over your jodhpurs that only the fashion ignorant or hardcore winter horse owners will dare to wear. During those months when suddenly, it seems impossible to remember riding in lovely cool polo tops and summer jodhpurs, I have succumbed to the thick, heavy overalls and hung my head in fashion shame. It took me two winters of horse ownership to finally don these unattractive items, it seemed that brains overcame beauty and the practical horsewoman inside me kicked in. However, in these fashion conscious times and the positive innovation that comes with it, there needn’t be this resentment towards what is a practical, and sometimes necessary, item of outerwear. Surely, with all the advances in fashion technology, at least one equestrian designer should be able to revolutionise waterproof overalls, as they would be hard to resist. So here’s a plea to an innovative designer somewhere, please design some waterproof overalls that we are able to ride in and maybe (if they are clean) do the weekly shop in. As the nights draw in, riders can venture out into the defiant British weather and say yes to riding, no matter what the conditions. The combination of practicality, style, intelligent fabrics, bright colours and hardwearing but flattering outerwear allows us equestrians to keep warm while looking cool during these coming seasons.
Jessica Gill Fashion Editor
A Colourful Vibe From Tottie When it comes to Tottie you can always be sure of something a little bit different! Stripes, flock motifs, baby chord trims and gold lurex thread are the order of the day for Autumn/Winter 2011. The leisurewear range is modern, cosy and functional, offered in a rich pallet of dark greys, plums, violets, reds, gold, mushroom and dark chocolate, to suit all tastes or occasions. Each Tottie garment complements others in the collection, with matching leg wear available, making it easy to put together a whole outfit. The new Tottie Uma baby cord shirt, is a quirky twist on a traditional design, which is perfect for a day out. A comfy yet fashionable collection, it features all sizes and shapes from tight fitting garments, mixed with sportier, looser and longer items.
The oversized Tottie Jessie hoody, is ideal for lazy days at home. This year Tottie continue to expand the children’s wear range, which is designed with the ‘horse mad’ girl in mind. Featuring children’s jodhpurs with a lady bird design. Stylish yet durable, the new Tottie range is a must for all those fashion conscious riders. For further information please contact Tottie on 01274 711101 or visit www.tottie.co.uk
New Poppy Soft Shell Jacket From Tagg New for Autumn from Tagg Clothing is the Poppy, a stylish soft shell jacket that flatters the figure, while keeping the wearer warm and dry. In navy with intricate stitch detail, a full front zip up to a snug funnel collar, front zipped pockets and a micro
fleece lining. Ride in style with Tagg. The Poppy is sized XS to XL at an RRP of £59.99. Tagg Equestrian 01636 636 135 www.taggequestrian.co.uk
A step forward in country chic Walking, riding or simply making a style statement, country style boots have made their place on the equestrian catwalk and are here to stay! Famous for their footwear innovation, Ariat have added two new styles to the range. Incorporating their well researched and patented technologies, the Ariat Trent and Windrush Boots combine classic designs with comfort bringing a touch of country chic to practical outdoor apparel. The Ariat Trent and Windrush Boots are both stirrup friendly making them versatile for a multitude of country pursuits, and the barnyard acid resistant outer sole helps promote long term use for daily wear. Both styles come in ladies sizes 3 – 8.5 and cost around £149.99 for the
Ariat Trent Boots and £215 for the Ariat Windrush Boots. www.ariat-europe.com or telephone: 0800 600 3209.
Country Elegance from Caldene’s range is designed to create style and elegance in the country/ equestrian sector. Leading the way in classic designs appropriate for country activities and competing. The Autumn/Winter range from Caldene combines practicality with elegance. The collection includes shades of ruby, black and dark grey marl colour ways helping to provide style and sophistication. Gilets are still a must so there’s no excuse for not looking fashionable even when out on the yard, with either the Larch quilted gilet with fur collar or the Elder padded gilet. A new version of one of Caldene’s most popular jackets is available in the form of the Hamilton. The wax finish in navy or chocolate is simply stunning. Priced at around £90.50. For riders looking for a waterproof and breathable jacket the Beech is a very practical, polyester microfibre that will prove wearable whatever the occasion. Available in S, M, L, XL and priced at around £80.50. The Birch is a stylish warm jacket for winter. Created in a soft touch fabric, in colours black and forest. Priced at around £90.50. New children’s leg wear includes the Poplar, pull on style jodhpurs with a knitted waste band.
Caldene leg wear is known for its versatility and style. The Elm breeches are created from textured denim with a contrast seat. Caldene Winter Breeches are the ultimate solution for winter riding. The breeches are windproof and water repellent, created in breathable fabric that allows moisture to pass away. They are fleece lined for extra warmth and protection against the elements. Available in Ladies and Mens in Black, in sizes 24”-34” reg and 24”-32” long and 30”-40” and prices start at around £74.99. For the competition circuit, Caldene will have riders dressed to impress. The show jacket range is varied and beautifully designed, to enable you to create your own classic look from the range of colours and styles. All the jackets are elegant, fitted and comfortable to wear. Look out for the brilliant Regent shorter fitted jacket. For further information please contact Caldene on (01274) 711101 or visit www.caldene.co.uk.
Function and Style from HARRY HALL A tried and trusted name in essential equestrian clothing and leisurewear, Harry Hall, has launched an exciting new collection for Autumn / Winter 2011.
Ladies Colorado Jodhpurs are available in brown, grey, black and navy in sizes 24” to 34” regular leg and 24” to 32” long leg and priced around £53.50.
There is a fabulous new range of leisure tops featuring mock shirt collars and hems which are sure to prove popular and bring a real fashion edge to the range.
The Jeggings are available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL reg. Priced around £28.99. For children in colours Black, Denim and Black Denim, in sizes S, M, L reg and priced at around £19.99.
The Epsom long sleeved rugby top includes striped trim which will have you standing out from the crowd. Available in Lilac, Expresso Brown and Plush Pink. Priced at around £42.50. The Harry Hall tops all look set to be sure fire winners throughout Autumn/ Winter 2011 with their exciting colourways of rose and expresso, Chinese violet and lilac, and dark grey marl, plush pink and navy. The new Catterick from Harry Hall is a fitted long sleeve rugby top. An essential staple piece for autumn. Available in the colours Chinese Violet, Rose and Navy. In the sizes S, M, L, XL and priced at around £32.99. For riding or leisure activities the Harry Hall Jeggings, in black or chocolate denim will prove a must have for the season. The Jodhpur Jeggings from Harry Hall are a pull on stretch denim design, enabling a comfortable yet stylish look, with woven stitching at the side. Investing in jodhpurs that look this good, means you can even wear them when you are not riding. Available for Ladies in Black Denim, Brown Denim, Denim and Black. The Colorado jodhpurs are ideal for everyday use. The traditional style jodhpurs are created in a cord fabric with self knee patches.
When it comes to jackets Harry Hall is well known for a range that really fits the bill whatever the weather or occasion. The Hexham is available in a waterproof fabric with faux fur collar. In Sage or Black and priced at around £69.50. The Taunton is a padded, fitted jacket with a feature collar. Perfect for keeping you warm on a cold day out. Available in Black and Plum and priced at £64.50. For children there are fun print jodhpurs featuring horses, stars and zebras in plumb, pink and navy. Harry Hall’s fabulous footwear collection is high quality, hard wearing and fashionable. The range features snowboots, wellingtons, long boots, yard boots and jodhpur boots. After such a harsh winter last year, be prepared with the must have Thornbury boots. Perfect for winter the Thornbury boots from Harry Hall are designed to keep your feet warm and dry in any conditions. Featuring a rubber sole and synthetic upper, the snowboots are three quarter length, with faux fur tops. Available in Brown, in sizes 3-8 and priced at around £37.50. For further information please contact Harry Hall on (01274) 711101 or visit www.harry.co.uk
Ride tall in the new Volant As innovators in footwear and apparel, Ariat are proud to unveil the newest addition to their already established collection of equestrian footwear. Combining cutting edge technology with revolutionary design, the brand new Ariat Volant Boots answer modern riders’ demand for contemporary styling, comfort and performance in their riding attire. Available in two styles; Front Zip and Back Zip, the Ariat Volant Boots incorporate the exclusive Ariat Cobalt Quantum Technology which provides the rider with unrivalled comfort, durability and foot stability, whilst still
offering a stylish appearance and high quality construction. Packed full of revolutionary features, the Ariat Volant Boots support riders both in and out of the saddle. The Cobalt Quantum Technology helps provide all-round day in day out
comfort, assisted by the unique temperature-managing X-STATIC lined footbed which keeps feet cool and dry. More than just a tall riding boot, the Ariat Volant Boots are made from top quality European calf leather but differ from conventional boot designs. The addition of carefully positioned stretch mesh provides a breathable, supple and contoured fit which not only enhances performance and comfort levels but ensures the boot fits elegantly without hindering freedom of movement or feel. The oiled leather inner panel of the Ariat Volant Boots gives additional grip to enhance lower leg security and, for riders spending hours in the saddle, the anatomical design and honeycomb shank promotes a flexible, stable foot position to reduce fatigue. For ultimate durability the Ariat Volant Boots discretely hide the midsole construction leaving it less exposed to the elements, resulting in an even longer lasting outsole, which enhances appearance and comfort. The Ariat Volant Front Zip is a stylish everyday boot which incorporates a contrasting zipper down the front to prevent interference with saddle contact and enables the wearer to put on and remove the boots with ease. Ideal for those looking to make a statement, the Front Zip Boot features red detailing and gives a stylish twist to conventional footwear. The Ariat Volant Back Zip Boot is designed in a more subtle fashion and is suitable for competition wear. The high Spanish top line and stretch gore panel in the Back Zip Boot has plenty of ‘give’ in it to ensure the very best fit making it the perfect boot for riders who don’t want to compromise on performance or appearance.
Additional 10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT
Available at selected retailers from July onwards, the Ariat Volant Front Zip retails at £350 and the Back Zip Boot retails at £385 For more information about Ariat or to view the comprehensive range of footwear and apparel available, visit: www.ariat-europe.com or telephone: 0800 600 3209.
Health Care - Insurance - Tack & Turnout
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 41
Tack & Turnout
Whose Saddle is it Anyway? Part 3 by Lesley Taylor
Last month, I talked about the difference between what we (BALANCE) call traditional/conventional saddle fitting methods and ‘Constructive Saddling’. Certainly, for a horse owner whose priority is to just get a saddle, fast and easy, the conventional way will be appealing. Most people have easy access to a fairly local tack shop and traditional saddle fitters. So, why should they go to the trouble of seeking out the few individuals and organisations like BALANCE, who offer a different approach? Perhaps, if more horse owners, fully understood the benefits of working with a Constructive Saddling approach, the old, conventional ways would gradually become a thing of the past. Horses need their people, to know about the impact that saddles have on them and to be discriminating about who they work with, and what they buy. Horses also need to be given an opportunity to try more than one kind of saddling, in order to demonstrate what works for them. During the past 20 years, we have been astounded by the level of impact that saddles have on ridden horses. We realised early on that saddles could disturb things like stride length, flexibility, engagement and general comfort. What we were not prepared for, were the reports that we started to get from horse owners we were working with, where their horses were showing improvements and even full recovery, from issues such as: COPD, Navicular, Recurring Colic, HeadShaking, Azoturia, Rearing, Stumbling, Toe Dragging, Locking Stifles, Refusal to be Caught, Spooking, Bolting, to name but a few. Horses that needed
42 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
chiropractic adjustment every month just to keep them sound, became strong enough and correct enough in their patterns of movement to not need adjustments. Horses with difficult behavioural issues were becoming easy to ride. Are we saying that their old saddles had caused all of these problems in the first place? No, but the only thing that had changed in most of these horse’s lives was that they had been taken out of their conventionally fitted saddles and were now being ridden in saddles that had been designed, ‘fitted’ and used in a Constructive way, that respected their comfort and bio-mechanics. You will have to draw your own conclusions.
Unbalanced riding exposed by horsefriendly saddling methods! Constructive Saddling makes more demands on the rider, because when providing the horse with a saddle that ‘does no harm’, the rider has to be willing to take responsibility for the influence that they have on the saddle
when they ride. Saddles that work well for the horses, do not hide crookedness, un-co-ordinated movement and poor balance in the rider. They encourage better standards of riding, so one could say that it is a win-win situation. Sadly, some riders insist on a saddle that is clamped tightly into the soft tissues of their horse, so that they can get away with being crooked, or braced against the horse with their hands and seat. For these riders, a Constructively ‘fitted’ saddle can be a challenge. They will tend to move the saddle over to the side or up the horse’s neck because of the influence they are having on it, (and the horse underneath it!). If they really understood the damage and discomfort that their horse had to endure for them to use a saddle that doesn’t move despite their riding technique, would they continue to insist on using it? I would like to think not. I can’t imagine anyone who really loves their horse to knowingly choose a saddle that sacrifices their horses comfort, soundness and health for their own convenience, so I have to conclude that they just don’t fully understand the issue. When BALANCE first went public with this information back in the early 1990’s, there was a big shift in the saddle industry. In 1994, Anthony Wakeham, the secretary of BETA, was quoted as saying: “The standards of saddle fitting could have been transformed thanks to ‘BALANCE’.” It could have been the start of a whole new approach that was embraced across the board, by horse owners, saddle makers, saddle fitters and therapists. However, here in 2011, we are aware that things are slowly slipping backwards Awareness of the need for something better, seems to be slowly fading into the back-ground. Maybe we (BALANCE) took our ‘eyes
off the ball’ in the UK, with a lot of our work and attention in the past 10 years, being in the USA, Australia and other European countries. Therefore, these articles in the popular Equi-Ads magazine, feel important, because there is a whole new generation of horse owners who know nothing about the work we do and are therefore, willing to make do with the very same saddle fitting methods that were recognized by BALANCE co-founder Carol Brett, as being responsible for so much damage to horses, at the start of her research, back in 1991. So, whose saddle is it? Surely, the saddle ‘belongs’ to the horse who wears it, and as such ‘his’ needs and comfort are the priority and ‘his’ opinion asked for and respected, by offering him a choice. We will be happy to help you to explore this important topic in more depth. Our website (www.balanceinternational. com) has some good information for you and we are happy to discuss any specific concerns over the phone or via email. If you are going to Blenheim Horse Trials, come and see us on our stand. There are people in the UK (including the North of Scotland) who can help horses and people to try BALANCE saddles and explain the basic principles of the BALANCE Saddling System, with no obligation to buy anything! Horses are the most reliable and honest critics when it comes to identifying saddles that support their needs, but they need their people to provide the opportunity to try alternative saddle options.
Horses for Sale - Insurance - Mortgage Brokers - Training
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September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 43
Horses for Sale - Health Care - Worming
Wormer resistance exposed Claire Edmunds, EQVALAN® Product Manager, explains why wormer resistance is a problem and provides key ways horse owners can tackle the issue head on. Resistance is when a greater frequency of individuals in a parasite population, usually affected by a dose or concentration of compound, are no longer affected, i.e. when treatments become less effective than they have previously been. Once resistance is present in a worm population, the health, welfare and performance of horses infested with resistant worms will be increasingly compromised.
Within a total worm population, some worms will be resistant to treatment, and some worms will not. When using a wormer we remove the ‘treatmentsensitive’ worms and we are left with the worms that can survive treatments, i.e. the resistant worms.
Why is resistance a problem?
Refugia consists of: • eggs and larvae on pasture. • some species and stages of worms in the horse that are not susceptible to particular worming treatments.
The main concern about wormer resistance is that its development is both inevitable and irreversible. We can take action to slow down the rate at which resistance increases, but we can’t stop it completely. At present there are no new types of wormers on the horizon, so we cannot rely on a new drug to solve the problem of resistance. We therefore have to make the best of the drugs we have now, and combine them with other strategies to manage worms. How does resistance develop?
At any one time there is a population of worms not exposed to treatment. This population is termed ‘refugia’.
The key to reducing the rate of resistance is to maintain a reasonably sized population of worms that are not exposed to a treatment. In this way there is always a population of worms that are not resistant, which helps to dilute the proportion of worms that are resistant. Why is resistance growing? We can’t stop the development of resistance, but certain worm control
methods are making the situation worse:
determine roundworm burden, and the ELISA blood test for tapeworm.
• Worming too often reduces the opportunity for the development of refugia, and therefore resistant worms become an increasingly higher percentage of the total worm burden. • A low dose may not effectively kill worms and may encourage them to develop a tolerance or resistance to the drug. • Blanket worming, or treating all horses with the same treatment at the same time, means that some horses may get wormed unnecessarily. It is estimated that in most groups of horses 20-30% of horses harbour about 80% of all worms present within the hosts.
Consider treating only those horses with a worm egg count of 200 epg (eggs per gram) or over and target the wormer to the actual worm threat present.
What tactics can you take against resistance? 1. Treat each horse as an individual Use testing to determine the worm burden of each horse and to identify those horses that need treatment and those that don’t. The two most common tests are the faecal worm egg count (WEC), used throughout the year to
Check that your wormers are working by undertaking a faecal egg count reduction test after treatment. Contact your vet or Suitably qualified Person (SQP) if you have any concerns. Treat every horse as an individual, tailor worming programmes to meet each horse’s worm burden. Remember the 80:20 rule: approximately 80% of the worm burden is carried by 20% of the horses in the group. 2. Use accurate dosing based on the weight or girth measurement of each horse, rather than guess work. You can either use an equine weighbridge or estimate your horse’s weight using a tape measure. You can calculate the approximate weight of cont. on p.46
Verm-X - The Choice to Avoid Artificial Chemicals wormer Of The Month equiMax buy 10 @ £11.40 each fRee uK DeLiVeRY N.B Discounts available on bulk buys. We also stock Frontline Spot On, Effipro & Drontal for both Cats & Dogs
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44 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Concerns about the wide-spread use of synthetic chemicals in animal husbandry, particularly amongst horses, dogs and cats, have long been present. Herbal preparations have many added health benefits and to date there are no reported issues regarding resistance as found with some pharmaceutical preparations. Herbal preparations can be brought into regimes (internal parasite control) take the strain off pharmaceuticals. Resistances are a well reported problem that appears to be increasing. Herbs can play a valuable role alone, and alongside conventional medicine where necessary. Made from a 100% non-synthetic herbal formulation Verm-X has found that the herbs and plants used in its production have many superb benefits to offer. Garlic, Peppermint, Common Thyme, Cinnamon, Echinacea, Quassia, Tansy, Cayenne, Fennel and Nettle are some of the herbs used in the careful production of all Verm-X products.
The natural and herbal ingredients provide vitamins, minerals and trace elements that contribute to overall health and well being, in addition to internal parasite control. Verm-X is recognised for Environmental Best Practice by the Government supported Green Apple Awards, has Ethical Accreditation from the ECO and is the only approved product of its type pre-approved for organic systems. Verm-X is available for a wide range of farm and domestic animals. For any further information or to find your nearest stockist please contact Verm-X on 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com
Insurance
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 45
Heath Care - Worming cont. from p.44
each horse from its girth and length as shown – measure girth at the withers and length from shoulder to buttock. Weight in kg = girthxgirthxlength (cm) 11,877 So, for a horse 170cm in girth and 175cm in length the approximate weight would be 426kg. Professor Jacqui Matthews from the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh says: “To avoid resistance, make sure you administer the correct dose – it is really important to make sure you have an accurate way of weighing your horse before you administer.” To assist with accurate measurements, this autumn Merial is offering a free weigh tape with every purchase of EQVALAN Duo. This will help you to calculate the measurements and ensure your horse receives the correct dose of wormer when it is required. 3. Aim for control rather than eradication.
What environmental strategies can you use? We can use other strategies alongside anthelmintic treatments to help control worms. Reducing our dependence on wormers can help slow down the rate at which resistance is growing.
a population of sensitive parasites. Co-grazing with other species such as sheep or cattle can be a useful tactic – the majority of equine parasites won’t survive being eaten by cows or sheep. Avoid overstocking and over-grazing the pasture as this increases the pasture contamination and forces horses to eat from worm-infested areas around dung.
Removing droppings from paddocks is an important part of worm management (Image Courtesy of Merial)
Resting the pasture i.e. leaving it ungrazed by horses from the end of one year until the middle of the next summer, will help worm control, as the majority of the worms left on the pasture over winter will have run out of energy and died off.
Pasture management
Stable management
Many of the measures used to help control worms are standard pasture management procedure including: Regular cleaning or poo-picking removes dung, which could be infected with worm eggs. Poo-picking should be done at least twice a week.
Again, many of the measures used to help control worms and parasites in the stable are part of standard stable hygiene:
Horses have evolved with their parasites and a small worm burden does not cause any significant health problems –and may even help build a natural immunity. Leaving some horses untreated (based on a WEC result of under 200epg) contributes to the refugia, diluting the numbers of resistant parasites.
Dry harrowing, or breaking up the dung with a harrow in hot dry weather exposes parasites to the sun so they dry up and die. Be wary of weather conditions though as worms thrive in wet, warm weather, so harrowing during this time can just spread the parasites over a larger area.
Wormy Poo (Image Courtesy of Merial)
Do not “dose-and-move”: dose-andmove is the practice of worming horses and then moving them immediately to ‘clean’ pasture. However, when you apply treatment any worms that survive are likely to carry resistance genes, so if you move the horses to clean pasture the surviving worms won’t be diluted by
Regular cleaning of all surfaces, bedding and feed containers in the stable – ideally daily.
of horses helps keep disease and parasites at bay. It is advisable to quarantine all new arrivals for at least 48 hours. New horses with unknown worming histories may introduce drug resistant worms into a susceptible population. Assess the parasite status of new arrivals with a worm egg count and the ELISA blood test so that they can be treated separately before mixing with other horses. If this is not manageable, treat with moxidectin and check its effectiveness 14 days later with a WEC.
Redworms (Image Courtesy of Merial)
For more information on worming and adopting a SMART approach talk to your vet or SQP or visit www.smartworming.co.uk
Regular grooming and inspection
Worm risks for autumn Autumn sees a rise in tapeworm populations and these can only be detected by an ELISA blood test, so consider testing for this parasite. Encysted small redworms are also not identified by WECs. Routine treatment for these should be considered during the winter time. EQVALAN Duo is licensed to treat more species and stages of parasite than any other
spring and autumn wormer, including tapeworms, and if you purchase the product now you will receive a free weigh tape. For more information on worming and adopting a SMART approach talk to your vet or SQP or visit www.smartworming.co.uk
Free Weigh Tapes for Accurate Worming Merial Animal Health is offering a brand new special offer to encourage more accurate and efficient worming this autumn. Throughout September and October, while stocks last, when you purchase a tube of EQVALAN® Duo you will receive a free weigh tape to help you accurately assess how much wormer your horse or pony needs. Product Manager Claire Edmunds explains: “It is essential that your horse is dosed accurately according to bodyweight. Using too low a dose of wormer may speed up the development of resistance but on the other hand, giving too much wormer is unnecessary. The key to reducing the likelihood of resistance is choosing the right wormer, and then giving it at the correct dose and time. Knowing how much your horse weighs is key to getting the dose right.” EQVALAN® Duo is licensed to treat 46 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
more species and stages of parasite than any other spring and autumn wormer, including tapeworms. The weigh tape will be provided free when you purchase a tube of EQVALAN® Duo within the promotional period and while stocks last. For more information on accurate dosing and measurement, as well as how to take a SMART approach to worming, visit www.smartworming.co.uk and start your free online planner today.
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Health Care - Vaccination - Worming
Vaccinations - Worth the Risk? Ben Sturgeon, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS Vaccination has been called “medicine’s greatest triumph,” responsible for almost eradicating childhood killers such as polio and smallpox. Vaccinating your horse protects against equally frightening diseases, such as tetanus which is invariably fatal. In the past decade, however, primarily due to the questions emanating from human medicine, vaccine opponents have rightly raised concerns and begun to question they’re necessity. Should you vaccinate your horse? If so, which vaccine(s) should you give? It’s hard to know what’s right and I’m increasingly questioned by owners. I do believe that science has lead us this way and if it’s wrong, then we have to change our minds. There seem to be five arguments made against vaccination (human and veterinary) and whilst some concerns are legitimate, many are not and highlight that the consequences of under-vaccination can be more devastating than the fears of vaccinating. The Arguments Vaccines are dangerous. “They lead to a hyperstimulated immune system causing headshaking and allergies.” When it comes to horses, there are no legitimate studies that link vaccination to diseases related to an over-stimulated immune system such as allergies or skin disease. The stories you hear are just that—stories. While there may be other reasons to question whether or not to administer a certain vaccine to your horse, this simply isn’t one of them. The side effects are awful. “OK, maybe there’s no scientific proof that vaccination causes diseases, but side effects are horrible. Every time a horse gets vaccinated he can’t lift his head for days. Death is even possible.” Vaccinations can cause side effects—
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some more than others. This is clearly a legitimate reason to consider your horse’s vaccination. Some horses are more sensitive to vaccines than others, and if yours is one that seems to have a problem, you may choose to take the minimal vaccination route. In this situation, the concept of “herd immunity” is important: if 80% of the herd is vaccinated, the remaining 20% have some protection against an outbreak. If your horse is a reactor, you should look at individual vaccines. Vaccines for some diseases are more problematic than others, and different forms of vaccines for the same diseases have different reactivity. Decide which vaccines are most important due to exposure risk (in your herd and area) and the potential severity of disease. Once you’ve decided which diseases are most important to target, consider different forms of each vaccine. For example, killed-virus vaccines may not be quite as effective as modified-livevirus vaccines, but they typically cause less reactions. If you’re considering strangles vaccination, you can measure antibody levels in the blood prior to vaccinating; if antibody levels are high, your horse is at greater risk from side effects (and could be protected anyway), so don’t vaccinate. Finally, if your horse is exceptionally sensitive, ask whether it would be advisable to administer an antiinflammatory prior to minimize side effects. For example, we have a horse in our practice that’s highly reactive to vaccines. He gets a fever, swollen legs and a sore neck. He lives in a competition yard, where his exposure risk is high. His vaccination program consists of tetanus (because it’s a safe vaccine against an extremely dangerous disease) and a killed virus influenza where side effects are less. Helpfully, he is in a yard where all the other
horses are vaccinated so herd immunity is high. Additionally, he receives a dose of Bute prior to every vaccine. Vaccines are unnecessary. “I’ve never known a horse to get any of the diseases we vaccinate against.” Guess what? I have. One of the factors contributing to the current trend against
vaccination is a bit ironic. We live in the vaccination age. Many of us have never seen these diseases, because they’ve been held in check so effectively by vaccination. Young mothers have never seen a child with polio or experienced a measles outbreak, and horse owners have been saved from watching their horse die of tetanus following a simple cont. on p.50
3D Worming - Dose Callum Blair MRCVS, Senior Veterinary Adviser for Virbac Animal Health The last time you were prescribed a wormer for your horse, how confident were you of knowing its weight? For practical reasons only a few horses will have been weighed accurately but this is a critical aspect of using wormers correctly. The dose of wormers is determined through extensive research to establish the optimal amount of drug to achieve the desired effect (kill parasites) whilst avoiding undesirable side effects. Accordingly, if the full recommended dose is administered the level of efficacy can be predicted under normal circumstances. Without access to a weighbridge it can be tempting to make an estimate fit in with the weight that one syringe will treat (or half a syringe if you have a pony). This is not universal across all products as syringes vary from sufficient to treat 575 kg up to 700 kg. The graph shows the proportion of horses weighed in a recent survey that would have be adequately treated with a single syringe based on this approach. In the same survey, owners’ guesses of their horse’s weight ranged from as low as half to over twice the actual weight. It also showed that owners tended to overestimate the weight of horses under 14.2 hh, but underestimate the weight of horses over this height. The bigger
the horse the greater the error tended to be so it is advisable that before any horse or pony is treated it should either be weighed or a good estimation of its weight obtained by using a weigh tape which will also make allowances for body shape and not just base the weight on height alone. Inaccurate dosing favours the development of resistance to wormer drugs. Do not be tempted to under dose your horse for any reason, especially to make your horse fit in with the weight of one tube/sachet. This is false economy and not only puts your horse at risk but could also create problems for the horse population as a whole.
Virbac, manufacturers of leading wormer brands Equimax and Eraquell, are proud to be celebrating 10 years of innovation in the equine industry. More information on 3dworming can be found on their website www.3dworming.com
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 49
Health Care cont. from p.48
wound. Yet if you look around, there are numerous examples where serious outbreaks have occurred that could have been prevented. In 2007, Australia experienced an influenza outbreak. Large numbers of horses became ill or died, and the entire equine industry was shut down for many months. Why was this outbreak so severe? Australia had previously been influenza free, with the result that horses had no natural immunity and were unvaccinated when exposed. Had they been vaccinated, the outbreak would have been more easily controlled, and fewer deaths. Compare this to the UK, where whilst new influenza outbreaks are not uncommon, deaths are rare due to our current relative levels of vaccination. On the human side, measles and whooping cough, two diseases that were unheard of several decades ago, are on the rise. In fact, a number of reported epidemics have included infant deaths, most commonly in areas where parents are turning away from vaccination. Vaccines are expensive. “You can save loads of money if you just skip them.” This is faulty logic. The cost of
vaccination pales in comparison to the cost of treating a serious disease. For example, an annual tetanus vaccine costs between £10 and £15. To provide supportive care for a horse affected with tetanus would run in the thousands. And what if your horse dies? Costs associated with less deadly diseases add up too. Consider an outbreak of a simple respiratory virus in livery. Although it may not be terribly expensive to treat each individual horse, it can mean weeks or even months of lost training time and missed competitions. Vaccines don’t work. “I’ve heard of vaccinated horses still getting the disease in question, so vaccinations aren’t effective.” Simply not true. Although vaccinations won’t completely prevent every instance of disease, they do make a difference. Some, like tetanus are extremely effective for preventing illness. Less effective vaccines can still help keep symptoms to a minimum if your horse does get sick. And most play a big role in preventing outbreaks by controlling spread. Estimates from human medicine say we’ve added 30 years to our average lifespan simply because of vaccination. So while you can’t expect vaccination
to be 100-percent protective, you should recognize the importance of a vaccination program for keeping your horse healthy. Decision Making Time So, should you vaccinate your horse with every vaccine available, or not at all? Just as with most debates, the answer rests somewhere in the middle. You should evaluate risk vs. benefit to your horse for every individual vaccine. In other words, is the risk of the vaccine greater than the risk of the disease? If so, just say no. To help you decide on a rational vaccination program, ask the following questions: • How bad is the disease? Is it almost always fatal such a tetanus? If so, vaccinate. For diseases that are usually mild or easily treatable, vaccination may not be as important to you. • What is your horse’s exposure risk?
Does your horse live by himself with no exposure to other horses? If so, tetanus vaccination might be more important than influenza. Does he live in a busy competition yard? Vaccinating against influenza would be advised. • How effective is the vaccine? There’s no doubt some vaccines are more effective. Vaccines for tetanus are highly effective compared to equine herpes virus which although helping minimize signs, are unlikely to prevent illness completely, and have low efficacy against the most severe, neurologic form of the disease. It may not make sense to administer this vaccine then unless exposure risk is considered high. • What type of side effects can you expect? Some vaccines carry a much greater risk of side effects than others. If a vaccine is known to cause more reactions, and/or if your individual horse seems particularly sensitive to it, that could be one to miss, especially if the disease is a less serious one and/or your horse’s risk of exposure is low.
Make the eco choice with Equimins Equimins’ new eco packs contain around 95% less packaging than the non eco version. “We’re always looking for ways to be more eco friendly,” says David Willey, Managing Director for Equimins, “ and another great benefit of our eco packs is that they cost our customers a little less too. The packs are resealable to help ensure that the supplements stays fresh, and they are high quality to help prevent them being ripped and torn, which we know can happen with inferior packaging. We wanted to be able to supply our customers with an effective eco solution, it had to reduce wastage, but couldn’t be detrimental to the product.”
Diamond Omega, Glow & Shine, Tip Top Supplement Powder and Air-Way Herbs. “We’re delighted with how well the eco packs are being received,” says David, “and we’re pleased that they’re really performing, keeping the supplements fresh and in tip top condition, with a lot less waste and packaging.” For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@ equimins.com or call 01548 531770.
Eco packs have been introduced to select products across the Equimins range, including: Devils Claw Root Herbs, Mobile-Mover Herbs, Cooked Linseed, Echinacea Herbs, Nettle,
Flygon Giveaway Winners The winners of the Fine Fettle (Flygon) Giveaway in the June issue were: Rhona Glynn, Derbyshire; Jackie Foulds, Suffolk; Neil Dorman, Oxfordshire; Debbie Fisher, Kent; Julie Walker, Bristol; Isabel M Haywood, Kent. 50 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
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Health Care - Physiotherapy
Veterinary Physiotherapy: Optimising equine performance. Pole work – by Melanie Grant and Jo Paul Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists are all qualified in Human Physiotherapy before training in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Chartered Physiotherapists therefore complete a thorough assessment of an animal before constructing an appropriate and evidence based treatment plan. This month’s article focuses on the use of pole work as a physiotherapy technique which would frequently be used in a rehabilitation programme in conjunction with other appropriate physiotherapy treatments which would be identified following assessment. Rationale for pole work The theory is that locomotion over poles alters how the horse moves, with alterations in stride characteristics, increased limb movement and increased spinal flexion. Therefore a variety of different pole work exercises can be used to encourage these movements in addition to promoting the strengthening and relaxation of specific muscle groups. In particular Veterinary Physiotherapists often use a variety of approaches including pole work in order to encourage strengthening of the horse’s abdominal muscles in addition to promoting relaxation of the spinal muscles. Muscles in the body work in pairs to allow economical movement so that as one muscle tightens and shortens its opposite must relax and lengthen. This is true for the abdominal and spinal muscles which create a relationship which is suggested to be similar to that of a bow and string with the movement of the limbs also influencing the length of the muscles.
The spinal and abdominal muscles are considered to act in partnership to flex and extend the spine and maintain stability through the spine and trunk. If the abdominal and spinal muscles work correctly in partnership together then the abdominal muscles should work to support and lift the mass while the spinal muscles work to stabilise the spinal segments and maintain the horses top line, consequently allowing the horse to work in a rounded outline in addition to allowing efficient hind limb propulsion and the horse to bring the hind limb underneath, therefore optimising performance. In addition to affecting the spinal and abdominal musculature, pole work also impacts on many other areas of the horse’s musculoskeletal system which will be identified as we look at the different pole exercises. Back pain in horses will inhibit the correct activity of these muscles therefore must be dealt with first When to use pole work In addition to being used as part of a rehabilitation programme, pole work can be used to strengthen young horses prior to ridden work or can be regularly incorporated into a schooling programme to maintain and optimise performance. Before starting Pole work can be done using just a caveson and lunge line and carrying a stick. You should not need any other equipment or gadgets such as side reins as we want to encourage the horse to move in a correct movement pattern independently. Before starting on the poles it is an idea to practice moving around the school with the horse on the lunge line but keeping him a couple of meters away from you. You may need to use your stick in your hand to push him out if necessary. It is best to begin pole work in walk so that you can ensure the horse is moving properly and able to achieve the task before you ask for an increase in pace. 52 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
Distances Poles should be set at between 90cm to 100cm apart for walking exercises although may need to be altered to suit your individual horses stride. It is important that the distance is comfortable for your horse to encourage him to adopt the correct movement pattern. When raising the poles, doing so by about 20cm at one end is usually sufficient. How many Six repetitions have been demonstrated to be effective when re-training and strengthening muscles therefore six repetitions of a particular exercise on each rein is recommended. Twenty minutes of pole work is usually sufficient , however if you find that your horse fatigues before this and begins to struggle with the exercises then more frequent, shorter sessions may be more beneficial. Exercises When setting up the exercises it is important to ensure that you are always setting the horse up to achieve the correct movement pattern. Hogs Back Circle This is the most beneficial exercise to start with to promote engagement of the abdominal muscles. It consists of having two poles end to end and raised on the inside by 20cm. The idea of this exercise is to stand in the middle of the two blocks and get the horse to walk in a circle round about you so that he is stepping over the middle of each pole.
This exercise encourages the horse to: • Contract the abdominal muscles on the inside of the circle resulting in relaxation of the outside abdominals. • Laterally bend the thoracic spine. • Reduce tension in the spinal muscles and flex the spine and lumbrosacral junction therefore creating space to enable the horse to bring the hind limb through and underneath him. • Lift the inside hind limb higher due to the pole being raised on the inside therefore creating greater lumbrosacral flexion. • Encourage greater extension of the outside hind limb. • Mobilise the scapula on the ribcage as the ribcage rotates, therefore re-training the scapular stabilising muscles that may be locked on. • Use the head and neck to assist balance and encourage the horse to judge distances related to the poles. • Mobilises the limbs through a high short arc of the step in the inside limbs and a low long arc of the step in the outside limbs. Slalom This exercise consists of three poles end to end and raised at alternate ends. The idea is to walk the horse along the poles getting him to step over to one side and then back again. This exercise is more difficult for the horse than the hogs back as the abdominal muscles have to be used alternately. cont. on p.54
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Health Care - Physiotherapy cont. from p.52
This exercise encourages the horse to: • Change lateral bend in the thoracic spine every two to three strides therefore training the abdominal muscle to contract and relax in partnership. • Flex the lumbosacral region to bring the hind limb underneath. • Move and balance through the forelimbs, scapula and ribcage. • Transfer weight through a diagonal pattern.
Sway Back Circle This exercise consists of two poles placed end to end and raised at the outer ends with you standing in between the two poles and asking the horse to circle round you so that he is walking over the centre of each pole.
Straight Poles This exercise consists of four poles raised at alternate ends and set 90-100cm apart depending on the horses stride. You may also want to put a placing pole before the first raised pole to encourage the horse onto the correct stride before the raised poles.
This exercise encourages the horse to: • Engage the abdominal muscles in sequence to stabilise the trunk and allow alternate hind limbs to step over the poles. • Move the ribcage up and forward between the scapula. • Flex through the lumbosacral junction in a symmetrical pattern due to the poles being raised at alternate ends. • Engage a soft rounded outline through the neck if the movement pattern is correct through the trunk and scapular area. • Symmetrical, even step length on either side of the poles are set up to ensure that the horse can achieve the movement.
This exercise: • Requires the horse to engage and have control of the abdominal muscles to ensure that he can maintain the correct bend on the circle and not fall in through his ribs. • The inside abdominals and the side flexor muscles will be required to contract to maintain the bend on the circle, this then facilitates the relaxation of the outside abdominals and side flexors therefore promotes a greater range of movement of the outside scapula. • With the efficient movement of the abdominal muscles the lumbrosacral junction should be able to move through optimal range. • The inside limbs will move through a short and low arc of movement whereas the outside limbs will move through a more challenging higher and longer arc. Trotting Fan This exercise can be begun by placing four ground poles in a fan shape approximately 1.5m apart at their centres depending on the horses stride. To progress the exercise the middle two poles can be raised by 20cm on the outside edge. To progress further all four poles can be raised at alternate ends. The poles can be raised on the inside or the outside of the fan depending on what areas of the body you are wanting to work on i.e. the muscles you are wanting to strengthen or lengthen and also what flight pattern you are wanting the limbs to take. The exercise can additionally be progressed by adding in walk and halt transitions at the beginning and the end of the fan.
This exercise: • Tests the control of the movement pattern at a higher pace where higher forces are exerted through the body. • Asks for more range of movement through the limbs, scapula and lumbosacral junction. • It encourages some rotational mobilisation of the joints in the thoracic and lumbar spine when the bend is maintained. The above exercises are all suitable for horses in work with an aim of optimising performance. Once the horse is comfortable doing these exercises in hand they can be done ridden to encourage greater strengthening and maintenance of the movement pattern. Remember always to set the horse up to achieve. To use these exercises most effectively as part of a rehabilitation programme your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist would be able to give you advice on how to best use pole work for your horse’s particular issues and also on how to progress the exercises in addition to other beneficial physiotherapy treatments. Melanie Grant MCSP ACPAT Cat A 07708792332 melanieg_@hotmail.co.uk Scottish Borders, Lanarkshire and Lothians Jo Paul MSCP ACPAT Cat A 01368 830633 www.werc.co.uk East Lothian and Borders 54 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
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Horse Behaviour
CONTACT versus PRESSURE Part 10 in a series by SUSAN McBANE discussing equestrian principles from the viewpoint of equine psychology and behaviour TODAY’S horse world, nearly all disciplines of it, seems to be obsessed with the appearance of the horse’s front end and with contact. Gradually, since the 1970s, riding, and contact along with it, has become harder, harsher, more injurious to the horse’s mouth and body, damaging to his mind and ruinous to his way of going. Go to almost any equestrian event and you will see lots of forced, hard, jerky riding with stiff, ‘handy’ riders hampering the brave efforts of their struggling, contorted, distressed horses. Seemingly uncomprehending judges often promote this sad state of affairs by putting up or giving good marks to, often, the worst offenders. Quiet, balanced riders on calm, cooperative horses going easily, correctly, happily and lightly are often accused of being ‘not on the bit’, ‘not going forward’, ‘lacking presence’ and other perceived ‘faults’ such as ‘needing more lift in his paces’ or even ‘needs to wake up’. In the archive of the superb online magazine ‘HorsesForLife’ there is a video of Olympic champions of the 1930s – Taine ridden by Lesage of the academy at Saumur, France. Apparently his work-in was even better than his test. Do make the effort to see this as this is how well-trained horses (which were much more common than today) used to go and should go, whether they are dressage horses, hunters, eventers, show horses, show-jumpers or private hacks. Ignore those who mock and put down this video and horses who, even today, go like Taine because they don’t know their stuff when it comes to skilled, caring horsemanship. The force, stiffness and distasteful flash which dominates modern, competitive riding, not just dressage, is fuelled by hard, usually constant pressure on the mouth, not by mere contact. That’s where it starts. Those who use pressure think that pulling in a horse’s head is ‘putting him on the bit’ but it isn’t. Being on the bit is a state of physical balance which comes from the engagement of the back half of the horse’s body - lifted back and belly, ‘tucked-under’ pelvis and the flexed joints of strong hind legs. This enables the forehand to lighten by lifting a little, and the neck and head to counterbalance the backward shift of the horse’s weight by stretching forward, and rounding, provided the 56 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
rider is not actually pressuring the mouth but is merely ‘in touch’. The term also implies two-way listening communication via the bit. An over-firm contact (pressure), especially combined with strong use of leg and spur, upsets, hurts and frightens horses, prevents them balancing themselves and produces exaggerated action which would look comical were it not so sad to see. Misplaced Kindness At the other end of the scale, many riders follow the school of thought which believes that we should take practically no contact at all. Laudable though their sentiments are in trying to be kind to their horses, horses must initially be correctly trained to understand various ‘feels’ and aids from the bit if they, as potentially explosive prey animals whose first priority is their own survival, are to be safe for us to ride – and to be safe themselves in a man-made environment in which they are not mentally or psychologically equipped to make life-or-death decisions such as stopping at crossroads, level-crossings or on a crowded showground. When the chips are down and the horse is going into another orbit, saying ‘and walk’, pulling on the headcollar or just giving a seat aid for halt won’t work. Maybe the desire to take no contact at all partly stems from riders having seen pictures of highly-schooled horses trained to go in self-carriage (selfbalance) on the weight of a looped rein, which is still a contact if an extremely light one. This is fine if the horse is well trained and strengthened up to engage so that he can go that way but not unless. Even then, if panic starts to rise, the rider of such a horse will take a contact – as many a bull-fight rider knows. Horses ridden simply without a contact and not trained to engage always go in a weak and risky posture. Their backs and bellies tend to sag, and probably ache, which puts their hind legs out behind them where it is more stressful for them to push and weight-bear, and they go on the forehand, stressing the forelegs. They are not well balanced, easily manoeuvrable or light in the true sense. This is not a kind way to ride. An engaged body as described above is a strong structure for bearing a rider’s weight, the horse is balanced,
manoeuvrable, responsive and light, safer and more comfortable for himself and his rider. A Lesson In Contact During the 1980s, the Association of British Riding Schools managed to persuade probably the best classical rider (in his middle and later years) of the 20th century, the legendary Portuguese Maestro Nuño Oliveira, to return to England (after, most shamefully and revealingly, having been laughed out of the arena after giving a display at a top show during the 1960s) to give a couple of clinics. His trademark was the height of lightness – fully engaged horses working in complete self-carriage on the weight of the rein. I was/am very familiar with Oliveira’s methods having been taught for two years by a long-time friend and faithful student of his, Dési Lorent, so was intrigued when, at one of the clinics, Oliveira was politely taken to task by a very prominent horseman and teacher, whom I’d better call Mr X even though he is no longer with us, about his encouraging each rider to take a much lighter contact. I seem to remember that Mr X made the usual remarks such as a horse needing to ‘seek the contact’, that he needed a contact to balance and so on. How would Oliveira deal with this, I wondered? He picked up the lead of Mr X’s microphone and asked him to take up what he proposed as a contact. This looked fairly firm to me and the maestro’s hand was pulled forward by the taut lead. Then Oliveira lightened the contact a little and asked Mr X if he considered that to be contact, too. Mr X said yes. Oliveira lightened it again and asked the same question, getting a slightly more hesitant yes. Then Oliveira released the lead completely so that it looped down, swung it from side to side and asked Mr X if he could feel it (yes) and whether he therefore considered that, too, to be a contact. Mr X had no choice but to say yes. The audience murmured. Oliveira said no more. Equitation Science I am a classical rider, teacher and trainer who now uses also the scientifically-proven principles of Equitation Science (ES) marketed accurately as ‘ethical, sustainable,
evidence-based equitation’, applicable to all horses and ponies. I use it because it works beautifully and goes hand in glove with time-proven classical techniques. Much of it has turned out to be the same as old French classical riding as developed from earlier methods by François Robichon de la Guérinière in the early 18th century. It spread throughout Europe, was taken by early settlers to the Americas where it formed the basis of good Western riding, and was the type studied, taught and developed further by Oliveira. ES has refined it even further in the precise nature of the aids (called cues or signals) and by using the psychology of ‘equine learning theory’ which has revealed how horses really think and learn, enabling them to be trained in ways which don’t confuse or distress them. One of the many admirable objectives and achievements of both classical riding and ES is to attain the lightest possible contact depending on the horse’s level of training, not through driving a horse with the legs ‘up to the bit’ but to develop him through correctly performed and progressed gymnastic training (see my recent articles). In time, weeks or months depending on his starting abilities, he becomes more and more able, through increasing strength, to lift his forehand, get his weight back, balance more on his hindquarters and as a result become light in hand in a naturally rounded head and neck posture. This is contact without pressure. It is sustained pressure which horses dislike, not contact. (Incidentally, as you’ll know if you’ve been following these articles, driving a horse up to the bit into the usual kind of pressure-type contact taught today is a serious no-no in both classical riding and ES, because it involves giving two aids at once – ‘go’ plus ‘stop’ or ‘slow’ – which horses cannot understand cont. on p.58
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Field & Stable - Horse Behaviour - Horsebox cont. from p.56
because of the way their brains work. Earlier articles now archived on the Equi-Ads website deal with this.) The Contact Scale Dr Andrew McLean and his wife, Manuela, of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, who developed ES and continue to do so, have defined a contact scale of 0 – 10, zero being no contact at all and ten being the hardest you could possibly pull, such as in a real emergency. Levels 1, 2 and 3 are classed as light; the bit is comfortably touching the lips and tongue but not the jaw (bars) and the corners of the lips are not pulled back. Above this, 4, 5 and 6 are moderate and 7 to 10 are heavy. I think of and teach 1, 2 and 3 as contact and 4 upwards as increasing pressure.
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There is an old idea that horses must ‘accept the bit’ but most riders today seem to be taught in practice to create forcible pressure rather than take a contact. No horse can or should be expected to accept that. Some trainers actually tell riders that they need to feel so many kilograms or pounds of weight (depending on their generation!) in each hand for horses to be on the bit, accepting it and submissive. It is actually abusive to force a horse to tolerate sustained pressure in this way as it can only create considerable discomfort and probably pain. It is also confusing as the pressure is giving the horse a constant, inescapable stop/slow aid whilst the rider’s legs are probably telling him to go all the time – the very common kick/pull syndrome. The most difficult contact to maintain is a level 1 because, unless the rider is very skilled, it can so easily deteriorate into a .5, giving the horse repeated little jabs in his mouth in time with the rhythm of his gait. This alone is enough to cause most horses anxiety and to raise their heads and poke their noses in discomfort even if it isn’t hurting them; with that head carriage, of course, goes the sagging back, hind legs in the next county and weight on to the forehand. Horses ridden on no contact but not exactly on
Saddle Fitting - Tack & Turnout a free rein are often subjected to a .5 contact without their riders realising it so they’re in a lose/lose situation. You need to be very much in control of your body to maintain a level 1 contact, with an independent, deep and soft seat, a still, controlled upper body, still legs and, of course, still, sensitive and independent hands. In general, a level 2 contact is good to aim for. Two Common Scenarios What do you do if you have a horse whom you have been riding on a zero or, perhaps, .5 contact, who pulls the reins forward out of your hands when you start to ride on a ‘light but there’ contact? Take up your light-but-there feel and simply fix your hands in that position when he ‘rakes’, as it is called. Don’t pull back, jab or anything, just fix and keep riding, relaxing your hand on to a level 2 contact the instant he softens. Fix every time he rakes. You are just blocking him rather than pulling. The feel he will get is that he is pulling against himself which feels quite different from the rider pulling. If he doesn’t soften when you fix and ride on, maintain the fix and gently vibrate the reins quickly, ideally both together but, if necessary in a light, left-right movement. Never, ever saw at your horse’s mouth because it is cruel, ineffective and won’t ‘teach him a lesson’, despite the fact that you may see other supposedly accomplished riders doing it. If the horse stops, release the contact and use your legs to get forward movement again then
retake it. If you are riding a horse with the opposite issue, used to significant pressure rather than contact, or even a vice-like grip like many dressage horses, lighten up a bit at a time and by the end of one schooling session you should be able to ride him well on a 3 contact. I have done this with many horses and their relief is palpable. With these horses very often go a high bit and a tight noseband. These make a correct contact impossible. Drop the bit till it is creating just one wrinkle at the corners of the mouth unless it is a pelham which should just touch there. With a double bridle, fit the bridoon as described and the curb half an inch or one centimetre below it, lying under the bridoon in the mouth. Curb chains should lie flat and down in the chin/curb groove, and you should just be able to slide a finger between the chain and the lower jaw. Loosen the noseband until you can slide a finger easily all around underneath the strap/s and make sure it is not so high that it rubs the horse’s facial bones. SUSAN McBANE teaches in Lancashire and neighbouring areas. Ring her on 01254 705487 or email her on horses@ susanmcbane.com. Her website is at www.susanmcbane.com. For more information about classical riding and equitation science, go to: www. classicalriding.co.uk, www.equitationscience.co.uk and www.aebc.com.au.
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Training
Training the young horse - preparation for ridden work Heather Gwillim
Now that your young horse is hopefully happy and relaxed, carrying a saddle and is getting used to a bit, though you should still be doing all work with the lunge lines attached to the cavasson; you are now three quarters through the preparation work and for the first time you will actually sit on your young horse.
I like to spend the next few weeks doing desensitising work for that big day alongside the work you are doing on the long reins. I feel it is really important to try to avoid any problems the first time you try to mount your youngster and time spent now on getting the young horse used to the feel of the saddle moving a little or the stirrups moving or the saddle creaking could avoid future problems. Therefore I continue to lunge the youngster on 2 reins off the cavasson with a bit still with honey on to encourage gentle chewing and a saddle with the irons pulled down. I still keep the training sessions short and I also start to do some straight lines and weaving in and out around cones to improve the communication and control and to teach the young horse to keep their concentration on me. To have someone available if you need them, is very useful. I keep the sessions to about 20 minutes or so and as always try to end the training session with a nice relaxed attentive horse. At the end of each session I remove the long reins and clip a lead rope to the centre ring of the cavasson and spend time tugging on the stirrup irons rocking the saddle from side to side gently, sometimes with the horse standing still but also getting your helper to lead the horse forward whilst keeping pressure in one of the stirrup irons and moving the stirrup back and forth along the horses side. Make sure you do this on both sides of the horse. I always either have a leg up or mount off a mounting block, as I feel it is easier on a horse’s back and also the saddle. I also spend time getting the horse used to standing by a mounting block, again tugging on the stirrup irons, rubbing the saddle and banging my saddle with my hand. I also jump off the mounting block by 60 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
the horse as well as jumping up and down sometimes whilst hanging on to a stirrup iron. Some youngsters will not bat an eye with any of this treatment but others will become anxious. Some young horses particularly don’t like you jumping off things near them and this is a very important issue to get over because you may find you have no problem mounting your horse for the first time but you frighten him when you jump off and then you find on the next occasion when you lean forward to dismount your youngster shoots forward in anticipation of you jumping off. Suddenly you have a dangerous problem and a horse you can’t dismount safely is just as dangerous and difficult to deal with as a horse that is difficult to mount. So all this jumping about tugging on stirrups and rocking the saddle is time well spent. You must do this desensitisation equally on both sides of your horse and as with all work with horses you must finish the work with your horse happy and relaxed no matter how much jumping or tugging you are doing on the saddle. If I have found the young horse to be particularly sensitive I will once again introduce a plastic bag and rub and flap the bag all over the horse and saddle, maybe even attaching the bags to the saddle in fact anything I think that will help that horse to be relaxed when he starts his work under saddle. Once the youngster is really relaxed about the saddle I start to work in hand on some ground work, again going over old ground, teaching the horse to step away from pressure applied by my hand where I will give a leg aid when mounted. All of these things should make it easier for our horses to understand our aids once we are in the saddle. As the training moves on and I start to think of using the bit to communicate with the horse, I will stand at his head and gently turn his head to the left or right using gentle pressure or slight vibration on the bit rings. As soon as the horse turns his head even slightly in the direction I am asking, I immediately release the bit. I try to encourage the horses I work with to relax their jaws which is why I put honey on the bit to encourage a gentle chewing, so now again, standing at your young horses head, take a gentle feel on both bit rings, vibrating the bit gently in the horse’s mouth. As soon as your horse responds by relaxing their jaw and swallowing maybe even a slight flexion from the poll, release the bit immediately. What we are doing here is teaching the horse how to react to the bit.
There is nothing worse than putting a bit in a horse’s mouth and using it to long rein or lead off straight away without teaching your horse how it should react to vibrations or gentle feels on the reins. If you just start to pull on it the horse will become frightened and confused, will become difficult to bridle and try to avoid the bit by getting his tongue over or opening his mouth wide to get away from the pressure he is feeling in his mouth. What else can he do if he has no understanding of what we are asking, so being a flight animal he just wants to get away from frightening or uncomfortable situations. By taking a little time to teach him now how to react, when we start to use the bit to communicate with him you are going to avoid a lot of the problems occurring. It has also become the custom to use nosebands with a flash on to prevent the horse from opening his mouth to escape the bit and quite often you see these nosebands done up tightly and the horses tongue is trying to poke out of the side of their mouth. I think to resort to strapping a horse’s mouth up tightly with a nose band is not good training policy; I am sure we all like to think we train in a correct and ethical manner and we are keen to listen to our horses and try to train them so that we have a partnership with them and work in true harmony, so to strap their mouths shut so they can’t communicate with us does not make sense. If a horse is opening his mouth or putting his tongue over the bit or tossing his head up to avoid the bit or going behind the vertical or a combination of these problems, something is wrong, so do check their mouths for sharp teeth or wolf teeth. Make sure the bit is comfortable for them and also take a step or two back in the training and spend some time showing them the way to react to a bit. I am always reminded of a lady a few years ago, who came to me with
a problem horse that she was having trouble with both on the ground and when riding the horse, who always seemed to be in a rush. She had trouble slowing him down or getting him to stand still for any length of time at all and whether she was riding or leading, she would be saying whoa to the horse as she went along. I asked her if she had actually taught her horse what whoa meant. She was clearly surprised at my question and I pointed out that if she was using the word whoa and expected the horse to stop on the voice command had she actually taught him that whoa meant stop. It’s like a chicken and egg situation, if you don’t want a bad reaction to something then teach the horse a good reaction before you start. I am not saying there are no circumstances that require an experienced rider/trainer to use a stronger form of noseband. Nosebands with flashes or grackles do have their uses and can be a valuable piece of equipment if you have a horse that crosses his jaw and is hard to control, perhaps when you are jumping cross country for instance. There could be many reasons for the horse behaving this way, one of which is right at the beginning of that horses training he was not taught how to react to a bit, so learnt to avoid it and now uses that trick when he gets excited or tired on a cross country course. Then with the need for control in tricky situations for the safety of horse and rider, if an experienced partnership finds these stronger nosebands are the only thing that works for them that is one thing. However I still feel it is wrong to use them as a matter of course to keep your horse’s mouth closed. I always feel that spending time teaching the basics of all training is time very well spent and actually stop problems ever occurring.
Training - Winter Preparation
Snow, Wind, Ice, Rain and Dark ......are you ready for WINTER? Fiona Reed As we go into the tail end of summer, are you organised before your horses come in for the winter? Each year I promise myself I will be more organised and do everything as soon as they are turned out in the Spring, yet, more often than not the Summer ‘To Do’ list is just as long as Autumn is upon us. We need to think ahead to make things as easy as possible when time and daylight are in such short supply. Do you have your field, fences, shelter, stables, tack room, feed room and muck heap prepared? Are your supplies organised for straw, shavings, hay, haylage and feed? Are your rugs all washed, proofed and repaired? No? Well I am sure you are certainly not alone and so we thought we would give a few gentle reminders of some of the things that ought to be done over the next month or so to give us all a trouble free and organised start to the Winter months. Firstly, how are you fields? Ragwort should have been pulled or weedkilled and then removed, the plants may have died off in the autumn, but that is just when they are at their most dangerous and once wilted the previously bitter tasting plant becomes palatable and the horses will be happy to consume these over the autumn and winter months. Search the pasture for any other poisonous weeds as those that would be ignored in summer could become
appealing when other greenery is in short supply. Check fencing carefully as it could be put under more stress in the winter if leant across to reach tasty morsels on the other side. This is also the right time to sort out any boggy gateways and trough areas which could be filled with hardcore or even some of the wonderful products on the market that can be laid as mats or tiles and allow grass to grow through but keeps a good footing beneath. If you have a friendly neighbourhood farmer or friends with a few sheep, arrange for them to graze your fields for a few weeks, they will eat the dead grass your horses won’t touch around their droppings and will also happily eat any dead or dying ragwort hence removing it from availability to your horse. Outside field shelters should also be checked, repaired, painted , stained or creosoted and any outside feed rings, mangers and water troughs checked and repaired.
Winter bedding by Aquamax If you’re sick of smelly stables, high bedding costs, bulging muck heaps and the time it takes you to muck out… Aquamax has the answer.
pallet that is ordered. Get stocked up for the autumn and receive your free gift now! Offer ends 30th September 2011.
Aquamax is a high quality wood crumble bedding made from pine white wood fibre. The bedding is made to produce a larger surface area than conventional pellets, helping to improve and accelerate absorbency.
To find out more about Aquamax, wood crumble bedding, see www.aquamax. co.uk, email sales@aquamax.co.uk or call 01285 648240.
Aquamax helps to eliminate the smell of ammonia and is virtually dust free when managed correctly. It is around nine times more absorbent than shavings, totally biodegradable and economical to use. It’s ideal for use on mats or concrete floorings, and most people use around one bag per week. Aquamax is currently running a promotion where the company gives away a free fleece gilet with every
Next we should turn attention to the stables ... be they wooden or stone, tiled or felted. Once thoroughly cleaned out and pressure washed, they should be stained or painted, door hinges oiled, kick over bolts oiled and shoot bolts adjusted if they don’t open and close smoothly, and any repairs undertaken. Remember to remove all old cobwebs, contrary to popular cont. on p.62
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 61
Winter Preparation cont. from p.61
believe they do not catch flies .... only new ones do that .... but the gathered dust can cause problems to horses with wind conditions. If you have a muckheap, it should be spread on any field that it is to be ploughed or reseeded and if you use a trailer for regular disposal it should be checked over for tyre condition and that any tipping mechanism is in working order. Check all light fittings and bulbs, both inside and out, not forgetting any spotlights you may have in the school. Add further outside lights to any dark corners and areas that posed a problem last winter.
Your lorry should have antifreeze added to the radiator water whether it will be in use or laid up for a few months. Check all tyres as any with cracked walls will be susceptible to ‘flats’ in the cold weather. Remove any duvets, clothing and food from the living as they make ideal bedding and emergency rations for mice. If you are one of many of us who’s rugs from last winter are still to be sorted then go through them checking for any repairs that may be needed and power wash, machine wash or send off to a horse laundry (there is bound to be one near you). Outdoor rugs should also be cont. on p.64
Verdo Horse Bedding Summer Sale An ideal bedding material for your horse is Verdo Renewables’ wood pellets. Verdo Renewables have two production plants in the UK; Grangemouth in Scotland and Andover in Hampshire, with a total annual production capacity of 110,000 tonnes. Verdo Horse Bedding is manufactured from locally sourced virgin timber; no additives of any kind are included in the manufacturing process. Verdo Horse Bedding is more cost effective, compared to traditional bedding such as wood shavings, because it’s cleaner, more comfortable, less smelly, less wasteful, easier to use and more hygienic due to the pellets’ absorbency.
with water to fluff up, to provide comfortable, absorbent bedding for the horse. Mucking out is also significantly easier. To view an instructional video of how to use Verdo Horse Bedding, please visit our website; www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk For a limited period, Verdo Horse Bedding is available at the special price of £229 per pallet including VAT and delivery direct to your door – that’s an impressive £41 saving on the normal price. This one off special price is only available to on-line customers so, to take advantage, customers should log on now to www.verdohorsebedding. co.uk and enter the promotional code EQADAUG11 at the checkout.
Once spread, they are sprayed
Preparing for winter Forage is a vital part of the horses’ diet, particularly during the winter months when grazing quality is poor and often horses are stabled for longer. Forage quality can vary, so offering a cost effective, balanced, vitamin, mineral and trace element package can help give peace of mind that horses are receiving the vital nutrients they require for optimum health. Horslyx provides a comprehensive nutritional package to combat seasonal health worries, including optimum levels of natural anti-oxidants to help boost the immune system, a high oil content to promote a shiny, healthy coat and a unique healthy hooves package containing biotin, methionine and zinc to maintain horn quality throughout the year. Feeding Horslyx not only balances the deficiencies in forage, but 62 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
also provides a trickle feeding pattern to promote gut health and reduce boredom. Horslyx is available in four different formulations, Original, Respiratory, Garlic and Mobility, allowing owners to feed specifically to their horses’ requirements in one cost effective, easy method. Horslyx is available in 5kg and 15kg weatherproof tubs, plus 80kg in Original only, with prices starting at around £9.80. For further information tel, (01697) 332 592 or visit www.horslyx.com
Winter Preparation
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 63
Winter Preparation
“Best thing I have bought!” “Shoesecures paid for themselves in 3 weeks!” “My Farrier’s bill has been reduced too!” “Shoesecure has saved me so much time expense, and most of all worry.” “Peace of mind with ShoeSecure!” “Thank you ShoeSecure for a brilliant product!”
Big Bale Buddy The Big Bale Buddy is a new concept in round bale feeders, keeping expensive hay clean and contained. Removes the risk of leg and neck injuries that can be caused by metal feeders. Quickly pays for itself in saved hay and ensures that almost all your hay gets eaten. Saves you money everytime you feed! Pays for itself in 6-12 uses. Feeding large bales without a feeder can waste up to a 1/3rd of a bale. Lightwieght, superstrong, easy to use. easy to care for and affordable. One year free replacement warranty against tearing and manufacturers defects. The Big Bale Buddy comes in 3 sizes. The small fits a bales up to 4’4”, large up to 5’2” and extra large up to 6”.
The Hay Bar Investment Hay Bar has proved it is a sound investment. Stabled horses fed from the floor maintain their natural way of foraging. This helps to ensure that mentally they are more relaxed and that there are fewer respiratory, dental and physio problems, all of which can prove to be costly Hay Bar helps to ensure that forage does not become contaminated or mixed with the bedding, and this
ensures there is little or no waste. Labour costs are rising and filling hay nets is time consuming. The Hay Bar system is labour saving, safer, more hygienic, better for our horses and the solution to numerous problems. www.haybar.co.uk Tel: 01723 882434
ShoeSecure horseshoe shield
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cont. from p.62
reproofed. Make an inventory of various rug types and sizes to enable you to work out any new purchases that may be needed. Try and have a few spares for extra layers in particularly cold weather, for damages mid-winter and to allow for outdoor rugs that have not had a chance to dry properly overnight. If you have growing youngsters then also check for fit – you may be surprised how many sizes up they may be this winter! If you clip your own horse then check your clippers, possibly send away for a service and send all used blades to be sharpened. Any badly broken blades should be discarded and replaced. Now is also the time to ensure you have ample supplies either stored if you have the space or a guaranteed supply if bringing in in smaller quantities, straw or your choice of bedding, hay or haylage and of course hard feed. All have risen in price dramatically over the last couple of years as demand increases and harvests are poor. Now is an ideal time to sit down and look at prices for different products and suppliers, remembering to factor in distance as any money saved per bag could be counteracted by delivery/ collection costs. The best deals can obviously be made when buying in larger quantities, so creating ample storage space or splitting orders with friends can make a huge saving. Rubber mats in your stables can also reduce the amount of shavings/ paper/woodpellets used but are not so effective with straw. Keeping your horse warm with adequate rugs can also aide their body condition and save on hard feed. As we are talking feed, it is also the right time of year to be analysing your horse’s current body condition and as the goodness starts to leave the
summer grass a supplement feed going into the autumn will help him go into the winter better able to keep condition on in the poorer weather. In any case hard feed (and possibly hay/haylage) should be introduced at least two weeks before your horse comes in for his winter routine to acclimatise his gut to the change in feeding regime. For those with horses that suffer mud fever, or just want to preserve feather, mane and tail throughout the period of muddy turnout, there are many and various products on the market that will help protect from both the mud itself and the ensuing bacteria that can attack the skin of the heels and lower legs. Gaiters can protect the legs from getting muddy in the first place, whilst a tail bag will protect a full tail. Legs and feather should be washed clean of mud when bringing in and one of the many effective products available on the market applied to protect both after washing and before turnout. Last, but by no means least, what about you? Are your wellies in good working order? Are they leather or neoprene lined to give you excellent foot warmth, and if not maybe a pair of wellie warmers or boot liners would help. We spend so much time outside in bitterly cold weather and pouring rain, that it is essential for our welfare and comfort to ensure we stay as dry and warm as possible. As well as the obvious cosy and waterproof jacket, don’t overlook hats, scarves and gloves. Invest in good quality silk or thermal vests, leggings and glove liners ... they will make all the difference in the world and can prevent chilblains and chapping. And for those who have to ride in the half dark after work or school, next month we will discuss the essential winter safety gear ... Hi-Viz wear for both you and your horse.
CONDITIONS OF PUBLICATION “I am so pleased with the Hay Bars which we have installed in our Equine Hospital. I have no hesitation in recommending their use to all my clients.” Marion Winter. Bsc MA VET MB MRCVS. South Moor Veterinary Hospital
01723 882434
www.haybar.co.uk 64 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
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Winter Preparation
Winter Time Saving Tips with Harriet Morris-Baumber
Save Time • Save Effort • Save Money Equimat - the original interlocking Stable Mat used and recommended by Tim Stockdale
Winter does not have to be all about dark nights and early mornings. In this issue event rider Harriet MorrisBaumber of team EquestrianClearance. com provides some handy hints to relieve some time throughout the autumn and winter. •
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Before bringing your horse in, why not pick his feet out into a rubber skip. This will save you having to spend time sweeping the yard. Always place a small plastic football or tennis ball in your horse’s water bucket to prevent water freezing, this allows constant access to water. Buy plenty of haynets and fill them all at once, this can save time on dark mornings and nights. Invest in a set of overalls to wear over your day to day clothes, this
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saves time changing and prevents unnecessary trips home. When turning your horse out in a morning, weather permitting, try to get your stable ready for the evening. If all the mucking out is done, water buckets filled and haynets full, then you won’t have to do this in the evening and can concentrate on riding. To save time on mucking out why not deep litter your horse’s bed until you have more time at the weekend. When pushing a full wheelbarrow from the stable to the muck heap, be sure to throw a sheet or blanket over it to prevent mess spilling onto the yard. This will save you from having to sweep the yard.
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For your nearest stockist: t: 01536 513456 e: sales@davieskett.co.uk
Work together! Try and join up with a fellow horse owner at your yard and devise a rota where you take it in turns to bring each others horses in from the field or turn them out. This will give you a little more free time. Prepare buckets of hard feed in advance this can shave a few minutes off your daily routine. Save time having to brush your horse by investing in a rug with a neck cover. This is more likely to keep your horse clean and reduces time spent brushing and increases time spent riding.
For further information please visit www.equestrianclearance.com
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 65
Belvoir Bedding Giveaway - Directory - Winter Preparation
Hilarious advertising and a must see set of videos! A first in the industry, Stable Environment Limited have created unique packaging with cartoon characters that actually illustrate what the product does on the inside. In the new videos, all these characters come to life causing mayhem, but showing the end user their beneficial and multiple uses in a fun way for adults and children alike.
getting out and about nationwide. They are available to hire for opening new stores or departments in pet and equine shops. Any appearance money will go to Animals in Distress Charity no 515886.
The horse and dog are actual replica mascots of the characters and will be
www.youtube.com/user/ stableenvironmentltd
66 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
The videos are also a useful aid for retailers as they can be played on screens for people to watch whilst in the counter queue, or next to a display stand.
Directory Crematorium
Saddlery
Property Abroad
Worming
Horse & Pony Cremation Genuine Individual Cremation. Leyland & Cheshire Pet Crematorium. Tel: 01772 622466 Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices. Tel: 01775 630 008
South East Andrew Reilly Saddlers Spoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET. Tel: 01825 830484. East Regular worm egg counts can save money! 6-8 weekly spring through autumn ÂŁ5 each. Church Farm FEC churchfarmfec@hotmail.co.uk or 01728685638
Tack & Turnout - Tried & Tested
New EquestrianClearance.com Turnout Rug Combining both great protection and excellent value, the NEW EquestrianClearance.com Turnout rug will be just what your horse needs this autumn/winter. The stylish rug includes fantastic features such as cut-away leg curves and a full neck cover with adjustable straps to allow your horse more freedom of movement and a comfortable fit. Made with strong 600 denier ripstop outer, the rug is available in medium weight and heavy weight specifications with either 200g or 350g insulating filling.
leg straps, the new EquestrianClearance. com Turnout rug has it all, including a large tail flap. In traditional navy blue with contrasting yellow piping and branding, the new EquestrianClearance.com Turnout rug is available in sizes 4’3” to 7’6” and is priced from £49.99. For further information please visit www.equestrianclearance.com
Fully nylon lined, the new EquestrianClearance.com Turnout rug is made from a waterproof and breathable fabric Also featuring quick release, adjustable front fastenings with the added security of Velcro and adjustable, removable back
Special reader offer for Non invasive, natural Sarcoids treatment..... Using a non invasive approach, Forest Farmacy has created an innovative way to rid the body of Sarcoids. Research has shown that Sarcoids thrive on an acidic internal state, so alkalising the body from the inside stops the virus from feeding, making it harder for them to grow and establish. Organic Horse’s Power Against Sarcoids is an alkalising herbal concentrate containing Alkanet Root, Titanium Clay, Fenugreek as well as other alkalising herbs, designed to encourage the body to produce an alkaline state, strengthen the immune system, support the body’s natural defences and make the bowel lining as resilient as possible. Laura Munson tried Power Against Sarcoids with her mare Rosie because she wanted something that would eradicate the Sarcoids in delicate areas without an aggressive approach. “Since using Power Against Sarcoids, these have shrunk dramatically. The Sarcoid on her ear - which was very obvious - is barely noticeable and she is far happier about having her ears touched! I would highly
recommend this product.” Mrs Morris tried Power against Sarcoids with her horse; ‘We used power against sacroids, and it was like a miracle. My horse had one on his face about 1 to 2 inches round. The vet recommended a course of treatment,but we decided against it. We then scoured the internet for information and come across your website we decided to try your powder in his feed,and was amazed at the results. The sarcoid healed up and it has not come back. Thank you.’ Power Against Sarcoids also works on other lumps and bumps and has shown to help reduce melanomas. Special offer for a limited time 100 day supply (3.5 months) is now £55 6 week supply is £32 For more information, tel: 0800 970 9421 / 07736 282 729 or visit www. forestfarmacy.com
Horsewear Wash-Bag Get yourself ready for winter with a Horsewear Wash-Bag, the perfect product to help you wash numnahs, boots, bibs, fleeces and summer sheets for under rugs, in a standard washing machine. The bag acts like a filtration system, allowing water to pass through to wash the horse clothing, but keeping hair inside, thus preventing the filter becoming clogged.
The Horsewear Wash-Bag is a great product for a pre winter rug wash, or to keep rugs and other items of horse clothing clean and fresh during the winter. It is available in orange in three sizes. Prices start from £8.95. To find your nearest stockist of to learn more about Moorland Rider see www.moorlandrider.co.uk, email info@moorlandrider.co.uk or call 01782 397796
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 67
Events - Field & Stable - Tack & Turnout
Setting the Rug World Alight this Autumn Masta are set to launch a new cutting edge range for Autumn/Winter 2011. The brand new Turnoutmasta collection is set to wow horse’s owners.
Building upon Masta’s rug knowledge and experience, the new range features creative designs and innovative extras to ensure it fits the horse correctly whilst remaining strong and hard wearing.
Following extensive research, development and customer feedback the team at Masta has launched the new Turnoutmasta range for Autumn/ Winter 2011.
The latest innovations make rugging up quick, safe and easy, whilst preventing rubbing or slipping and providing ultimate freedom and comfort for the horse.
The launch is the culmination of more than 30 years experience in making horse rugs with the range developed to perform as well as they look. High end materials, innovative design and functional styling combine to deliver the best horse rugs Masta have ever offered. Masta continues to be a world leader in the development of equestrian products with a strict philosophy to design products to meet the needs of riders and their horses.
Horse Auction Online is the place to sell horses! Horse Auction Online is proving to be the place to buy and sell horses, in fact, the company currently has over 200 quality horses on the website www. horseauctiononline.co.uk, all taking full advantage of the current 2% commission fees only payable on a successful sale. “We’re really pleased with how many people we’re having buy, sell and view horses on the site,” says Melanie Golby from Horse Auction Online. “We’ve already sold a number of horses from not only the UK, but also Southern Ireland, through our auction format. In addition we offer a ‘handshake’ facility.” The handshake facility allows a potential purchaser to buy the horse before the end of the auction if a price is agreed with the vendor. “One of the many great things about buying through our site is the fact that we do our best to look after the buyer, the seller, and the horse. We archive listings for additional security, owners have to approve potential buyers before they can bid, and potential bidders are advised to visit and try the horse before they bid. The successful bidder then has two working days to have the horse vetted before parting with any money. The buyer never pays a penny more for the 68 - Equi-Ads - September 2011
horse than the final bid amount” says Cindy McDonnell also from Horse Auction Online. The site launched at the end of February this year and has had over 1.3million hits since then. The introductory commission rate of 2% means it’s an even better way to sell. Buyers have a fabulous selection of equines to choose from, many of which are not normally advertised on the mainstream market. The team at Horse Auction Online are always happy to help and advise both buyers and sellers through the messaging facility. “We understand this is a new concept and we are always available to help buyers and sellers through the process, and answer any questions you may have,” says Cindy. Horse Auction Online enhances conventional paper and web advertising as the site provides a venue to interact with vendors, find out more and place bids. The team encourages and advises sellers to still invest in advertising their horse, but use the Horse Auction Online portal address in place of contact details. For more information and to see the current horses available, see www.horseauctiononline.co.uk.
Whatever the requirements of the modern day horse owner, Masta continues to offer one of the most extensive ranges of horse rugs in with world, providing products for every horse whatever the condition. Look out for the Masta Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck Check, it is set to be the must for winter. For further information on Masta rugs or any of their other products contact Masta on 01274 711101 or visit www. masta.co.uk.
Classical Riding - Field & Stable
September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 69
Training
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H Dentisty - Feeding - Field & Stable - Insurance - Livery - Tack & Turnout
Effective care for your tack, yard and those Autumnal equi-knocks. Excellent! Fabulous! Brilliant! Fantastic! Amazing! (At least, that s what our customers tell us...) tinyurl.com/ivhorseflygel
My mare had sores on her face from flies, tried everything. This cleared it in days. Use it for cuts and scratches too. I tell everyone about it!
tinyurl.com/ivhorsebodymist
This item is great‒ great‒a must for everyone s tack box. It helps with minor skin conditions, bites and abrasions as well as being useful on rainscald.
tinyurl.com/ivhorsemfp
Fabulous product‒ cleared up Ben s mud rash when all else had failed. Absolutely brilliant! 10/10 product. Wouldn t be without it!
Sarah Murray
Emma Glacken
tinyurl.com/ivhorsedryshampoo
tinyurl.com/ivhorseleatherfood
tinyurl.com/ivhorsedisinfectant
Fantastic product! I keep this in my grooming kit and one in the tack room as a spare. I d say it s the best dry shampoo on the market.
This produced truly amazing results. It made all my tack look like it had just come straight out of a shop and smells great too truly amazing!
Excellent! Excellent product, excellent price. Smells great and leaves our yard really clean and germ-free.
Buckie
Lynsey Gray Lanark
East Lothian
Sue Porter
Nottingham
Máirín Ní Aonghusa Dublin
Nicki Morley Blairingone
Find more care and conditioning items in
The Grooming & Maintenance Range Over 60 high quality products for horse, rider, tack and pets.
4horse.co.uk
01888 544261
info@4horse.co.uk September 2011 - Equi-Ads - 71
Directory - Field & Stable - Healthcare - Training
72 - Equi-Ads - September 2011