Equi-Ads March 2013 by Equi-Ads Ltd

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March 2013

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

INSIDE:

Core Stability in the horse

XC fence tips - Drops and slipping the reins

are older saddles up to the job? Best foot forward - hoof supplements

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News

Front Cover Image by www.traﬀordphotography.co.uk

Contents News...........................1, 6, 50 Personality Profile................. .............................. Jo Luton 2 Respect - a two way street..4 Tack & Turnout.... 6, 33 - 35 Field & Stable..........8, 37, 54 Transport..............................8 Feeding Broodmares & Racehorses........................... 9 Feeding......................... 9 - 26 Laminitis................... 12 – 26 Hoof Supplements........... 20 Periodontal Disease......... 26 Health Care............................ .............. 8, 26 - 31, 47, 50, 54 Worming................... 28 - 30 Cross Country...........32 - 33 Horse Holidays................. 34 Saddling Up.......................34 Pilates for Horses..............36 Stud..................................... 38 Insurance...................39 – 41 Horse Behaviour...............40 Sweet Itch...................42 - 48 Competition - Townend... 49 Horses for Sale...................52

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new study explores interaction between horse, saddle and rider

review has recently been published identifying what is known and the challenges in determining what is not known about the influence that horse, rider and saddle have on each other. It follows active discussion among international professionals at last year’s Saddle Research Trust (SRT) workshop, about the importance of the horse-saddle-rider interface. Common causes of poor performance in horses include factors related to the horse, the rider and/ or the saddle and their interrelationships remain challenging to determine. The review, performed by sue Dyson, Head of Clinical orthopaedics at the Centre for equine studies at the animal Health trust (aHt) and line Greve, PhD student, evaluates the critically available evidence and conjectures how next steps may be taken to improve understanding. Horse-related factors such as thoracolumbar region pain and/or lameness, rider-related factors such as crookedness, inability to ride in rhythm with the horse, inability to work the horse in a correct frame to improve its core strength and saddle-related factors such as poor fit causing focal areas of increased pressure, may all contribute to poor performance to varying degrees. a recent large-scale study of British dressage horses demonstrated that 25% had a history of back-related problems and subsequent reduced performance. lameness and back pain or stiffness have been shown to alter the biomechanics of the spine and shift the centre of gravity, which may predispose the rider to back pain or stiffness, abnormal saddle slip and rider crookedness. This in turn may induce focal areas of increased pressure beneath the saddle and exacerbate back pain and lameness in the horse, creating a vicious circle which can be challenging to break. accurate assessment methods of the variations in back movement and their implications are currently limited, but technological advancements are gradually being developed. These include the way in which saddle pressure is measured in the moving horse, how the movement of the horse is evaluated and the accurate assessment of back pain. Dr Dyson explains: “new methods to measure back motion in the ridden horse, such as inertial Measurement Units (iMUs), look very promising. Combining new technology such as this with conventional techniques should help

us to understand more about the basics of the quantitative relationship between back movement variables and limb asymmetries under a variety of movement conditions. The ultimate outcome would be the development of individualised monitoring programmes that will enable preventative intervention.” The saddle research trust is a charitable organisation that hopes to fund further research on the interaction between horse, rider and saddle. anne Bondi, Director of the srt said: “our international workshop on this subject last year involved representatives from veterinary and academic research groups as well as the saddlery industry, riders and trainers. our discussion and Dr Dyson and line Greve’s paper have highlighted the important need for further, detailed research in this area to lay the groundwork for the future health, welfare and longevity of the ridden horse.” The SRT is currently seeking an honorary fundraiser. For further information contact Anne Bondi on 07775 912202 or email annebondi@me.com.

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Personality Profile

Personality Profile - Jo Luton

Hard working, honest and with a wicked sense of humour, Jo Luton is a talented young horse trainer with extensive experience in the horse world with race horses, eventers and family friends. Based in the Scottish Borders she currently runs Equi-Match, a service which matches owners with their dream horse or pony. We caught up with Jo to find out more... What is your proudest achievement in competing to date? a swift reschooling of one of my point to pointers a few years ago. He ran (badly!) at Mosshouses. Three weeks later he jumped double clear round the Pn at floors - still wearing his racing plates! He went on to have a very successful Bs career with his next owner. What is your next ambition in the equestrian world? to invent something very useful for us riders and appear on ‘Dragons Den’ with it, so far i’m not having much luck! i wish i’d invented baler twine. What is the thing you like most about competing? i love so much about competing! it is such a buzz for me riding homebred or home produced horses. if i haven’t bred them they are mostly ex racehorses or ex borstal pupils(!), so it’s so satisfying to give them another career. i love meeting people and seeing horses i’ve had in the yard with their new owners - it is just so satisfying to see smiley faces! When did you first get involved with horses? i was put on a pony before i could walk! Both sides of my family are of the ‘horsey’ persuasion. Plus a mix of motorcycle racing - so horsepower features heavily in our family. What is the funniest situation you Jo riding Lager Than Life (Mossy)

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have been in? There have been so many - and i’m currently thinking i must write a book! i think my personal favourite may be at Hopetoun many years ago when my beloved, but rather ‘special’ Dennis, for some reason only known to himself, decided to jump down into the ditch of the novice trakehner rather than over it!! i was stuck on him wedged in the ditch, and had to stand on the top of my saddle to climb onto the log above me. at which point Dennis noticed an escape route downstream - he shot off like a bullet out of a gun... and proceeded straight through all 3 dressage arenas. i’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to all you lovely people who had your tests ruined by a rather majestic grey hightailing through your arenas, whilst i meanwhile did the walk of shame off the course horseless! Who was your first horse? My first pony was a chestnut welsh section a mare called amy - she arrived on Christmas day on my 4th Christmas wrapped in tinsel. to this day i love chestnut mares! Why did you get involved in riding? i had no choice!! But my pony filled childhood was idyllic. Have you had a favourite horse and how did you meet? larger Than life (mossy) i fell in love with his naughty little face when

going to see another horse! i had to have him and came home with him. He was an unbroken 3 yr old tB with the biggest personality (hence what i called him) and a real need for anger management. He hated dressage with a passion - and would do vertical rears as his party piece when he should be halting at the end of a test! We had to stop when he got to intermediate as unfortunately you had to halt at the beginning of the test - and he was convinced he had finished, so would do his party piece and then gnash his teeth and do two time changes for the whole test with a tail going like a windmill! But he was the best jumper - i point to pointed him, evented, hunted and he was truly the most fun in the world. all of this with a horrendous heart murmur, that sadly finished him at only 15. i will never forget him - he taught me so much. namely patience! What is the most fulfilling achievement in your equestrian career so far? i think it must be having a mixed yard of horses. i so love producing horses to start their eventing careers, but also have such a passion for point to pointing and racing. it is most satisfying starting young horses well, so they can go on to start whatever their chosen path in life is with lots of confidence and a good education. and the ones that come later...well they get a second chance. That really puts a smile on my face What is the most dangerous situation you have been in? The most dangerous situation i have been in....the rein breaking on a very nervous just broken 4 year old in a large field, as it took off faster than frankel, towards a dry stone dyke with a sheer drop on the other side!! it took what seemed like hours pulling on the one rein still attached to the bit, and ending up in ever decreasing circles that gradually slowed down enough to leap off... tie the rein back on...and convince myself i must get back on and ride him home! The joys of working with young horses. How many horses do you have responsibility for? Hmm...rather alot!! Worried my partner may be reading this!! Who do you admire and why? Crawford, my partner. for his support, and tolerance of having to share me with my many equines and

always being ready with coffee and bacon sandwiches on hunting/racing or competing mornings anD gin when we have a runner! Thank you. What is your pet hate? My biggest bug bear is how many young horses are started. i am not a fan of over schooling youngsters - i hate to see just backed horses being ridden round and round arenas!! i think youngsters learn more in their first weeks ridden being hacked out, and learning to go forwards and meet new things. We must all remember how long a general riding horse’s ridden career can span. so why do many people start them in such a way to jeopardise this? i guess i would tie this in with not

being a fan of 4 year old classes - for the same reason! encouraging us to do too much too soon. oh, and clipping!! i just hate clipping.

What would you like to change in the horse world? i would like to change the ‘timewasting’ breed that the 21st century has created! i wonder how many hours bored schoolgirls/ housewives/serial horse shoppers spend on the web!! it has definitely got worse in the last 5 years. What would you like to be doing in 5 years time? i would like to be sitting on a beach in January, sipping a cocktail. safe in the knowledge that someone was looking after my ‘hobby’ horses and planning my next best selling novel! If you could visit another yard, which would it be and why?

i would love to visit Mary King’s yard. she has been at the top of the sport for a very long time, but comes across as such a genuine and unassuming

person. and an allround true horsewoman. If there was a horse past or present you wished you could own, what would it be? Best Mate. a superb racehorse, but such a quality horse and a real athelete. He could have done any job. What is the best lesson you have learned through being involved with horses? you will never know everything about horses, they teach you new lessons all the time! Horses will always keep my feet well and truly on the ground, often quite literally. www.equiads.net

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Respect - a two way street

respect - a two way street Anne Wilson

he sticky subject of respect is one which often causes problems. I admire the feeling in the above quotation and the horse’s stable should definitely be his sanctuary.

However (and i am sure erik Herbermann would agree) respect has to be a two way street. also, in the interests of safety for both parties, the balance of power has to lie with the human handler/rider. We should never barge into his stable and immediately make overpowering demands, in a loud and aggressive way. We can be polite to our horses at the

same time as being masterful. in the same way we should not allow our horses to barge us or be otherwise disrespectful. i have the habit of always ‘asking’ my horse to move over in her stable when i want to pick up droppings. Whilst she is eating her hay i am picking up around her back legs, when i get near to her back feet i often say something like “could you just step over a bit please” and without my touching her she carefully moves over, often being quite tentative about putting her foot back down lest she should tread on me. now, i’m not saying that this is how i would handle a younger or unknown horse, but lucy and i have been doing this for nigh on 25 years and she probably understands my mumblings better than any human would. When she was young i used a more decisive command like ‘over’ and touched her gently on the quarters, but our relationship has evolved over the years to one of mutual respect and understanding. However, because she is a very dominant character, there have been times when i have had to be extremely commanding in order to maintain her respect. at the risk of sounding like an old fogey; i seem to remember that in my younger day most people were more polite in general life and good manners, both on the ground and under saddle, were expected of

every riding horse. naturally, horses being horses, they do not necessarily know about good manners unless we teach them; although some seem to contradict this and to instinctively understand what behaviour is acceptable to humans. young horses can sometimes pull us around and behave towards us much as they would towards another horse. This is when we need to show our authority in a firm, decisive yet kind way. it is not kind to allow a horse to dictate to us, since this could ultimately lead to a nasty accident, especially in a public place where the horse may be in danger from traffic or other hazards. young horses have a lot to learn, so we must be patient and consistent

‘CLASSICAL ORIGINS’, comprising The Baroque Breeds by Liz McCurley and Masters of Equitation by Robert Smith QC These two major and popular series from Tracking-up are now available in this 32-page, A4 booklet. Together they cover the origins of classical riding, its evolution and purposes, the breeds of horse and the people who developed it, and its increasing importance in the horse world of today. For your copy, clearly print your name, address and ‘CO’ on the back of a cheque for £6.17, payable to ‘Tracking-up’, and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ

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Tying-up Many young, and sometimes not so young, horses do not take kindly to being tied up and once they have learned that they can pull back and break away they may do this habitually. We need to persuade them that this is not the thing to do.

“Enter the sanctuary of the horse ever with honour and respect” Erik Herbermann

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

4 | March 2013

with our requests. The odd misdemeanour in the early stages has to be tolerated but not completely overlooked. for instance, if the young horse should rear whilst being led, it is no good shouting or hitting him. on the other hand he needs to be told very firmly ‘no, this is not acceptable’. He may also need some reassurance; if the reason for the rear has been genuine fear of something, then he can be soothed after being told not to do it. in this way the handler can establish a kind but firm and decisive leadership, which will instil confidence and trust in the horse. Here is one way you can begin to teach the young horse that we respect him but he has to not only respect us but obey us, as we are his trusty leader:-

Having the lead rope tied to a piece of string which will break easily is a good safety measure. The horse could do himself a serious injury if he pulls back strenuously in a panic and nothing gives way. of course in the end something will eventually snap, and then he will probably go flailing backwards and over, risking broken bones etc. When you first tie him up, or if you know he is bad when tied up; don’t leave him alone. stay at his head ready to release the rope if necessary. attach the lead rope with a quick release and stand with him, soothing him if you believe he is genuinely nervous and be ready to verbally rebuke him if he is being naughty. tie him somewhere safe, where if he does get away; say he starts to pull back, you have to quickly untie him and can’t manage to hold on to him, he will come to no harm if he is at liberty. i find that a bungee type of tying

rope is good for many horses who have learnt that it is easy to pull back and break the string. The bungee rope is strong but has a certain amount of give which seems to come as a bit of a surprise to the confirmed puller. of course you do need to be there to release him if he is really panicking. never leave any horse tied up unattended with a bungee tie. if something should happen to frighten him, it will not break and could result in a very nasty accident. if you tie him regularly but stay with him on a regular basis, he should start to realise that a) there is no need to try to break away, it is not a frightening experience, b) he gains nothing from it, and c) it is not quite so easy to do it. Gradually, over the days or weeks, begin to leave his head. you can groom him, pick out his feet etc., but don’t walk away completely. as time goes on you can begin to walk a little further from him, when you feel he is completely relaxed, but don’t go too far or for too long for many months, until you are completely confident in his training. in fact it is not safe to leave any horse tied up unattended for any length of time. The calmest horse can still be frightened by something and have a very nasty accident if no-one is there to come to his aid. The furthest you should go when you are confident that he is relaxed is just a few feet away, say to collect his tack.

imporTanT noTe

Horses who pull back on their headcollar, frequently cause damage to the poll area, which is more sensitive than most people realise. This may manifest itself in riding problems, such as reluctance to accept the bit, difficulty in turning and so on. in extreme cases pulling back can cause severe damage such as mild ataxia (lack of balance and co-ordination) or even full-blown acquired wobblers syndrome and, in rare cases, death. if you suspect slight damage, it is best to have your horse checked by a qualified Chiropractor or other suitable professional. i personally prefer Mctimoney Chiropractic as this is a relatively gentle technique. However, prevention is worth more than cure and accustoming your horse to being tied up in a relaxed way will help to avoid the problem in the first place. next time we will be looking at ways to teach your horse not to barge or pull away when in hand or around the yard. Anne Wilson is a freelance classical riding trainer, based in Bedfordshire; trained with Sylvia Loch and holder of the Classical Riding Club Gold Award Certificate – Phone 01234 772401 or email:annewilsondressage@hotmail. co.uk www.classicalridingannewilson. www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 13:44

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News • Tack & Turnout

Bossy’s Bibs - tried & tested i

’m sure that there are many horse owners out there who will find their horses shoulders, chest or withers get rubbed from both outdoor and stable rugs. I had that very problem with my pony whose shoulders had suffered hair loss due to being rugged up over winter. I leapt at the opportunity of testing a Bossy’s Bib and have been delighted with the result.

The Bossy’s Bib arrived in super quick time and is made from a lovely silky soft breathable fabric which was very effective in keeping the coat smooth and glossy. i found the Bib super easy to fit, the clever design of the bib ensures that it stays in place under the rug with an extra security loop set on the front of the bib which the chest strap of the rug is threaded. i have been using the Bib for 3 weeks now and am delighted to report that there has been a vast amount of hair growth on his shoulders. now that i have tried a Bossy’s Bib i certainly won’t be going back - a super product, a bargain price and need i add fantastic customer service. i cannot recommend enough! Bossy’s Bibs are available in a range of sizes to fit 11 to 18 hands. Prices from £18. For more information go to www.bossysbibs.com/ 01442 824033

redwings Horse sanctuary r

edwings, the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, is asking horse owners to get clued up on Strangles. The Sanctuary’s welfare team regularly receive calls about Strangles outbreaks, and a fifth of new arrivals to the Sanctuary in 2012 tested positive for the disease.

W H AT ’ S W RO N G WITH THIS HORSE? He’s got Strangles. Do you know how to spot signs of Strangles? Would you know how to deal with a Strangles outbreak?

strangles cases are likely to continue to rise amongst the UK’s horse owning community, largely due to an increase of horse movements around the country and in particular many lower value horses being sent to markets and sales, which are prime breeding grounds for the contagious disease. redwings has now released ‘strangles: speak out!” - a comprehensive information pack and an all-in-one toolkit for horse owners, yard managers and show organisers. senior Welfare Coordinator for redwings, rachel angell, explains how the pack can help: “strangles is not only highly contagious and potentially life-threatening, but it carries a very unhelpful stigma with it amongst horse owners. some don’t speak out even if they suspect a problem, and often we find there is a philosophy out there of ‘it will never happen to me’. “We want to remind owners that every horse, no matter its value or breed, is still at risk,” continues rachel. “reading our strangles information Pack could potentially save your horse and dozens of others from a distressing and potentially fatal disease”. To order your free copy, please call the Redwings welfare team on 01508 481008 or email welfare@redwings.co.uk.

Smug Bags - Not a 1 trick Pony Smug Bags are not just for taking rugs to the cleaners they can be used to carry tack to and from shows, or store tack in the car or horsebox. To order your free copy of the brand new Strangles Information and Prevention Pack from Redwings Horse Sanctuary, telephone 01508 481008 or email welfare@redwings.co.uk

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www.equiads.net 2/11/2013 9:45:33 AM 22/02/2013 13:44

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Field & Stable • Health Care • Transport

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Jane Gilchrist Clinic, Inchcoonans Equestrian, Errol Tel: 01821 641185 SJ, Edinburgh & District RC, Gorebridge www.edrc.org Wednesday 19th December Clear Rounds and SJ, Rowallan AC, Ayrshire Tel: 01560 600769 Rob Wilson Riders Physio, Inchcoonans Equestrian, Errol Tel: 01821 641185 Clear Round Jumping, Ingliston EC, Bishopton Tel: 0845 301 1010 Unaff Dressage, The Cabin EC, Inverurie Tel: 01467 624378 Thursday 20th December Clear Rounds, Rowallan AC, Ayrshire Tel: 01560 600769 Clear Rounds and SJ Classes, Muirmill EC, Ayrshire Tel: 01563 830088 SJ League and Clear Rounds, West Kype Farm, Strathaven Tel: 01357 521105

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December 2012 22/02/2013 13:44 22/11/2012 19:35

Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding

The inside story on successful feeding of broodmares and racehorses Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh

What defines successful feeding? Well, basically food provides the horse with energy and nutrients to enable the body to function. The first demand of the body is the maintenance of life in terms of organ function and the replacement of cells throughout the body. Beyond this, the broodmare needs food to support pregnancy and/or lactation whereas the racehorse requires it to support work. Deficiencies in the food

supply leads to the utilisation of body stores or tissues to make good any shortfalls. dietary inadequacy either in terms of quantity or quality (nutrient content) can have a negative impact on performance. For example reduced foal birth weight, reduction in mare condition leading to re-breeding problems or, in the case of the racehorse, substandard performance and/or bone abnormalities. On paper the daily ration (the quantity of the diet that is fed) may provide sufficient energy and nutrients to meet the animal’s daily needs however, the way in which it is fed can materially affect whether or not it actually meets those needs. Infrequent large meals fed

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to a racehorse leads to a shift in the sites of digestion and absorption from that which is optimal to sites where nutrient absorption is less and the nature of the digestive process changes toward fermentation rather than enzymatic digestion. These changes result because the large bulk of material fed speeds up the rate of passage through the digestive tract. Less food will be digested in the stomach and small intestine allowing the undigested remainder to enter the large intestine.

Having seen that both the type of diet and the way in which it is fed can affect a successful physiological outcome one must remember that for the horse, food is more than just nutrients and an energy source. It is a key part of its environment. In view of the fact that the horse has evolved to spend up to 16 hours a day eating, the replacement of forage in the diet by concentrate effectively reduces the time a horse spends eating. Horses can consume concentrate relatively quickly (1kg/~10minutes) whereas forage intakes are much slower (1kg/4560minutes) so a 500kg Thoroughbred in full work fed 9kg concentrate and 4kg forage will take ~5 hours to eat its daily ration compared to an evolutionary optimum of ~16 hours! Clearly the whole digestive process will be affected. The horse is adapted to little and often feeding over a 24 hour period whereas in training and when fed only 3 meals a day, each lasting about 30 minutes, the digestive tract will be put under a huge load both physically and physiologically. Some interludes of forage access will

provide a little respite and a return

to a degree of normality. However, it is not unusual for these feeding routines to result in animals developing repetitive abnormal behaviours (stereotyped) such as crib biting, weaving, etc. The racehorse in training represents the extreme scenario although broodmares may also be fed large amounts of concentrate because their energy requirements match those of the racehorse when lactating. The early foaling mares are most at risk because there is little or no grass available. Later foaling mares that can be outside can compensate their behavioural needs by grazing, an option not available to the racehorse. Thus, for feeding to be successful it should also meet the behavioural needs of the horse. Food may be regarded as the most primitive form of comfort and we frequently talk about “comfort foods”. For the horse, its comfort food is grass and the next best thing is ad libitum forage. Food has been humourously

described as “an important part of a balanced diet” but there is truth in this quote since water is the most neglected nutrient in your horse’s diet but one of the most vital. This is particularly the case for broodmares whose milk production at peak can vary between 20 and 25 litres daily. Limiting, intentionally or otherwise, the water supply of broodmares will immediately reduce milk production. The wintry weather at the beginning of 2013 is a case in point when many water supplies were frozen up. Furthermore, any shortage of water is a risk factor for impaction colic particularly in pregnant mares. A recent study has also shown that broodmares were 13 times more likely to develop large colon torsion colic than geldings in the period after they had foaled and are thus at greater risk if their diets are less than optimal. For feeding to be regarded as successful it must also support the health and wellbeing of the animal. Broodmares are prone to colic as

March 2013 | 9

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Feeding noted above. Feeding management can play a key role in reducing risk by ensuring that dietary transitions are gradual. For example, the transition from fresh grass (86% water) to a conserved grass diet (35% water in haylage to 14% in hay) will materially affect the horses’ water balance. At grass the horse may “eat” up to 40 litres water whereas when fed hay it will only “eat” 2/3 litres and must therefore

drink the balance of about 37 litres. If the horse underdrinks voluntarily then gut content may be less fluid thereby increasing the risk of an impaction as mentioned earlier. Equally, it is important to realise that the gut flora, particularly in the large intestine, are vulnerable to changes in the nature of the food. Microorganisms adapted to a hay diet are very different from those adapted to a grass diet and

Credit: Cheryl Ann Quigley / Shutterstock.com

A valuable breakthrough in Equine Nutrition

he use of “Happy tummy”tM charcoal for equines has been well established now for over five years and has thrown up a very positive and advantageous anomaly. It’s well established that “Happy tummy”tM charcoal removes toxins from a horse’s system helping it to rebalance to its correct pH (acid/ alkaline balance). However, a secondary and unlooked for advantage of using “Happy tummy”tM charcoal has now emerged! By removing toxins from a horse’s system, “Happy tummy”tM charcoal enables a more efficient nutrient uptake. Essentially this means that by removing toxins that are competing with nutrients for intestinal and intercellular absorption, the cells become better nourished and more healthy. As the cellular performance improves, the animal concerned either loses or gains weight before stabilising at its “home” or optimum weight. This phenomenon of an optimum natural balance has been remarked on by many of our clients, all of whose horses are now significantly more healthy and are maintaining a weight which is the optimum for their size, age, exercise regime and diet. Fundamentally, these horses are getting more out of their diet and putting it to better use, thereby saving their owners money which would otherwise have been wasted on excess feed and vet bills. As we all know, horses are designed by nature to feed more or less continually and to pass a great deal of feed through their system. It follows then that with more efficient digestive systems, their weight is going to stabilise at a healthier optimum – its natural balance. www.finefettlefeed.com 01600 712496

10 | March 2013

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clearly, the feeding of concentrates will create further changes in the gut populations. Sudden changes in diet can precipitate diarrhoea, gas colic or, in the worst case scenario, laminitis. the situation for racehorses is rather different because once in training they are usually maintained on the same diet. Forage concentrate ratios may change according to workload but the overall dietary ingredients remain the same. However, the fact that they are often fed a lot of concentrate in a meal format can in itself create similar problems. Infrequent feeding can increase the risk of gastric ulceration in racehorses since delicate parts of the horses’ stomach can be damaged by exposure to gastric acid; a problem not encountered in little and often feeding systems. Offering ad libitum forage particularly in the form of lucerne can offset this risk of ulceration. Another common problem in racehorses is hind gut acidosis which results from the overflow of starch from the small intestine into the caecum. this substrate rapidly fermented to lactic acid causing a reduction in the pH of the gut contents and the creation of an acid environment. this is potentially risky as acid

can destroy the organisms that the horse needs to break down fibre and can also make the gut wall porous. In this condition endotoxins resulting from bacterial death can cross the gut wall, enter the blood stream and result in laminitis and death! Mild forms of gut dysfunction are often manifest through intermittent bouts of colic and loose faeces. In the case of racehorses, overfeeding in a meal can create the same problems as those brought about by rapidly changing the diet of a broodmare. In conclusion, the inside story is all about maintaining a constant harmonious environment within the horses gastrointestinal tract. Feeds and feeding should always be directed toward this goal. the horse is particularly vulnerable to gut dysfunction because we have removed it from an external habitat where it could eat what it liked over extended periods of time. the racehorse, because it is always housed, is probably most at risk but the winter foaling mare can also be vulnerable. An Arab proverb states “that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man” but, when feeding return the favour and think about what is good for the inside of your horse!

Balanced Nutrition means everything to the Youngster! N

utrition is one of the most important aspects when raising youngstock. It cannot be emphasised enough how important a constant, balanced diet is for the healthy development of the foal, to avoid growth spurts and maintain a smooth, even growth pattern. This is why NAF developed Mare, Foal & Youngstock Supplement, a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, which provides Calcium and Phosphorous in the correct ratio for bone development, with Zinc and Iron present to ensure absorption of those nutrients into the bone. Copper is added for healthy cartilage formation, Vitamin E and Lysine are also included, the former, to support healthy muscle development, and the latter, the first limiting amino acid in the equine diet, to ensure protein is properly utilised. Feeding Mare, Foal & Youngstock Supplement as directed, to the mare and the foal, will ensure the correct micro-nutrient, vitamin and mineral levels are provided for optimum development of the foal. Providing the mare with this nutritional support prior to foaling will enable her to feed the necessary nutrient levels to her foal through her milk. NAF recommend Mare, Foal & Youngstock Supplement is fed daily to the pregnant mare especially during her final three months before foaling through to weaning, and to the foal until four years of age. Mare, Foal & Youngstock Supplement retails at £22.95 1.8kg or £38.95 for 3.6kg For more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line on 0800 373 106 www.naf-equine. eu/uk www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:31

STEP UP not hot up

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding

Blue Chip Pro – The Racing feed balancer B lue Chip Pro is a nutrient dense feed balancer that can help improve the racehorse’s performance and ultimately strike rates. Pro contains a complete vitamin and mineral package, a blood building formula, a hoof formula, a respiratory supplement and is high in oil for a great coat. Most importantly Pro contains a triple action digestive aid and antioxidants for immunity and health. The triple action digestion aid includes; 1 - The EU approved probiotic that is included will double the digestibility of fibre in the diet, so it is utilised much more efficiently. This can help to

Feeding the Laminitic horse or pony

Blue Chip Feed Limited

eeding horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis a low calorie, low sugar, low starch diet feed balancer, such as Blue Chip Lami-light is the ideal way to ensure they receive the correct level of vitamins, nutrients and minerals on a daily basis. The whole cereal and molasses free formula makes it very low in sugar and starch. Lami-light contains a respiratory supplement, including garlic and menthol, and a comprehensive hoof supplement, formulated with biotin, zinc and methionine. The prebiotic in Lamilight helps to remove harmful bacteria from the gut. This, combined with the EU approved probiotic, helps to maintain good digestive health and

promote a healthy environment for the beneficial bacteria to thrive. Many cases of laminitis are thought to be caused by toxicity in the gut. Lami-light contains a generous level of magnesium which not only helps to keep your horse or pony calm and settled but also helps to increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is often linked to overweight horses and ponies, laminitis, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Magnesium is shown to produce a reduction in fat deposits, especially on the crest and base of the tail. Horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis should still receive adequate amounts of fibre, but this should be controlled to limit the sugar and calorie content. Ideally turn out into a bare paddock and provide soaked hay to still allow fibre intake. Grazing muzzles can be used or strip grazing introduced to reduce the amount of grass 12 | March 2013

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consumed, whilst still allowing for daily turnout. Hay may be soaked for several hours to reduce the soluble carbohydrate content and therefore the calories. Adequate amounts can then still be fed to ensure your horse or pony is receiving the correct daily intake of fibre, which will help to keep his gut working efficiently. Never forget horses have evolved to be trickle feeders. The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) uses and recommends Blue Chip Lami-light. Cathy Griffin says “We have always had fantastic success with Blue Chip Lami-light and find it to be an invaluable part of our rehabilitation programme for over-weight, laminitic ponies and equines with poor hooves.” One such pony that was rescued by the ISPCA was Molly Mouse, Cathy tells her story, “Molly Mouse hobbled into the National Animal Centre on appalling, overgrown hooves, having been left for years to endure the agony of laminitis and deformed hooves. In consultation with our vet and farrier she was fed on Lami-light and hay and gradually her hooves returned to normal. Laminitis is now a distant memory as she kicks up her heels and gallops across her paddock every day. Our vet was astonished by the difference and our farrier cannot believe how quickly the neglected hooves are improving.”

For more information on feeding laminitic prone horses and ponies visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200.

prevent common problems such as colic and ulcers as it acts as a buffer in the hind gut. 2 - Blue Chip Pro also includes a prebiotic. There are two types of prebiotics commonly used in equine diets; FOS and MOS. FOS is a long chain of sugar molecules, providing a feed-source for the beneficial micro-organisms in the gut. However, if the digestive system is already compromised through the stress of competing and travelling, there could be a large population of ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut. Whilst the ‘good’ bacteria may start to thrive, the harmful bacteria will still cause an unhealthy gut and negatively affect the general health of the horse. The prebiotic prevents the harmful bacteria binding to on the gut wall; once the harmful bacteria have bound to the MOS, they cannot be released, and so they are rendered useless and ‘flushed out’ of the digestive system – this promotes the overall health of the digestive system, so the beneficial bacteria can thrive. 3 - Blue Chip Pro is the only feed balancer to contain Nucleotides. Nucleotides are essential nutrients that help support muscle recovery and tissue regeneration after strenuous exercise; they also help support red blood cell production, thereby assisting oxygen delivery to muscles and aid nutrient uptake. Independent scientific trials * on thoroughbred racehorses proved that the benefits of nucleotides to high performance horses include; Improved oxygen consumption Improved recovery rates Improved carbon dioxide production Reduced levels of stress hormones Reduced levels of lactic acid * Nucleotide supplementation trial on exercising thoroughbreds at the University in Liege (Belgium) Dr T. Art and Prof P. Lekeux – ref Vet Res (1994) 25, 361-370 For more information of feeding racehorses visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 2666200.

Optimum feeding for the Broodmare

aying close attention to the care and management of your pregnant mare is of utmost importance to successful breeding. Blue Chip Original is the perfect feed balancer for mares to provide the enhanced nutritional uptake required throughout the gestation period, and is used and trusted by leading studs who noticed that mares cycle early and maintain condition throughout pregnancy and lactation. The unique formulation includes folic acid, which is important for the development of a healthy foetus; the highest levels of an EU approved probiotic, which is known to increase mare’s milk production and milk nutrient density and an enhanced vitamin, mineral and nutrient package, which will ensure your mare gets everything she needs on a daily basis. Blue Chip Original has been scientifically proven in a series of trials at Hartpury College. The trials showed that by feeding Blue Chip Original feed balancer the horse can double their ability to digest fibre, meaning they can get twice as many nutrients out of the fibre in their diet. This is vital during the last few weeks of pregnancy, when due to the increasing size of the foetus the mare is unable to eat as much fibre. The specially designed small pellets in Blue Chip Original are the ideal introduction to hard feed for the foal and can be safely fed from 3 weeks of age. Foals will develop good muscle tone, dense bone and strong, pliable hooves. Used and recommended by Joanna Vardon from the National Foaling Bank who says “I have never had my mares cycling and covered so early, youngstock grow at steady, even rates with good dense bone, Blue Chip Original is invaluable.” For more information visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200 www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:31

lami201

Hector BEFORE Molly Mouse BEFORE

Molly Mouse AFTER

Hector AFTER

Two neglected laminitic ponies helped by Blue Chip and the ISPCA. “Molly Mouse hobbled into the National Animal Centre on appalling overgrown hooves. This tiny little girl was left for many years enduring the agony of laminitis and deformed hooves. Our farrier and vet recommended a diet rich in biotin but low in calories to help Molly Mouse recover from her ordeal. Blue Chip Lamilight was fed along with hay and gradually her hooves returned to normal. Molly Mouse now lives with her foster mum who continues to feed her on Blue Chip Lami-light and is delighted with the condition of her hooves and her shiny glossy coat. Laminitis has become a distant memory for this little pony as she kicks up her heels and gallops across her paddock every day.” “Hector was taken into the care of the National Animal Centre as he was suffering from acute laminitis and neglected hooves. Allowed to roam over 40 acres of fertilised grass Hector became obese and developed laminitis.

Unfortunately Hector did not receive the veterinary attention he urgently needed, nor were his hooves trimmed by a farrier for almost two years. As a result this lovely little pony endured much pain and suffering and on arrival it was feared help had come too late for him. Hector however had other ideas. He was immediately examined by our equine vet and started on a course of pain relief and anti inflammatory medication. Of course we also gradually introduced him to Blue Chip Lamilight, which he loves! Less than two weeks later Hector was off medication and sound. Our vet was astonished by the difference in him and our farrier cannot believe how quickly Hector’s neglected hooves are improving. One month later and Hector has been transformed from a crippled overweight sad little pony into a lively, fun loving chap who causes no end of mischief.” Cathy Griffin, Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA)

0114 266 6200 | info@bluechipfeed.com | www.bluechipfeed.com | www.facebook.com/bluechipfeed lami2011_210x297.indd 1 Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 13

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Feeding • Health Care

top Respiratory Health for the Season

hay steamers

Soaking Vs Steaming Soaking BOOSTS bacteria ®

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o ensure your horse stays fit and healthy and on top form, it needs to have a good pair of lungs. Maintaining respiratory health means minimising the amount of dust your horse inhales when in the stable. Most of the dust comes from the bedding and forage, and it is the dust in the animals breathing zone that is the most problematic. Highly allergenic dust, the type that can cause coughing, nasal discharge and reduce your horse’s performance, is mainly composed of fungal and bacterial spores which can be particularly high in fodder conserved in poor weather such as we have had this year. After the wettest summer on record since 1910 finding good quality hay and haylage will be extremely difficult. Most hay was made late last year and that will mean that the nutritional and hygienic quality of the fodder will be lower than normal. The lower nutritional value i.e., the energy, protein and mineral contents can be remedied by balancing the diet with bagged fibre feeds such as dried alfalfa, sugar beet pulp and high fibre cubes. However, the fact that the horse must be fed long fibre such as hay or haylage to maintain normal gut function and ingestion behaviour, will mean that this year it will be exposed to fodder of poor hygienic quality from dusty and mouldy hay and haylage. This type of dust is easily inhaled, reaching deep-down into the airways where it can cause allergenic respiratory disorders which seriously affect the breathing of your horse. Although some stabled horses show no reaction to the dust (e.g., coughing, nasal discharge, expiratory effort), research has shown that many have lost 30% of their maximum lung capacity, which invariably leads to a loss in performance; not something you need during a race. Soaking is the traditional way to deal with dusty fodder. Soaking does indeed reduce the dust, but it also causes significant loss of valuable nutrients, increases the bacteria content of the hay, produces post-soak liquor that is an environmental pollutant and is almost impossible to do in freezing weather. Moreover, one of the biggest causes of death of horses in the UK is colic, and feeding poor quality hay that is low in nutrient value and high in mould and bacteria significantly increases the risk of colic. This risk will be greater this year particularly if you soak last season’s poor quality forage.

Until recently there seemed to be no alternative to soaking, but help is now at hand in the form of hay steamers. Recent research at the Royal Agricultural College has shown that the Haygain hay steamers, which can steam half bale in a HG 600 or complete strung bales of hay in a HG 1000, not only reduce the

TENEQ0213

respirable dust content by 96%, but they also kill the bacteria and fungi present in both hay and haylage. Steaming improves the shelf-life of haylage with bacteria and fungi counts lower 4 days post steaming than the levels found in freshly opened haylage. Furthermore, palatability trials have shown steamed hay to be preferred by horses to dry and soaked hay and this increased palatability remains for 24 hours post steaming. The most important thing about steamed hay and haylage is that it removes the dust from the animal’s breathing zone. Moreover steaming is easy; the bale is placed into the fully insulated steam chest and pushed firmly down onto the spiked manifold. The hay should be steamed for 45-60 minutes depending on environmental temperature and bale density. The freshly steamed hay is extremely hot but quickly cools and can be fed immediately. For a horse with respiratory problems, you will need to pay attention to the whole stable environment by feeding Haygain steamed hay or haylage, using a dust-free bedding such as dust-extracted shavings, paper, rubber matting, paying attention to ventilation and making sure the shared air space is also clean, so neighbouring horses are not fed dry hay nor bedded on straw Once a horse has a respiratory disorder it invariably has this problem for life, so the only way to regain a fully functioning respiratory system and help to maximise the horses health and performance is to maintain it on a minimal dust regime. For further information please contact HAYGAIN on (0333) 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.com

14 | March 2013

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...When we first saw him he flicked my sister’s hat right off her head! We knew then he had something about him. Over the last few years, joint health has been a concern with Ohkee. However since using T.E.N. Challenged Joints, his soundness and suppleness has continued. He now appears more comfortable and he’s going the best he has ever gone... …and that includes his mischief !” Emma Rees (proud owner of Ohkee)

• Contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, omega 3, hyaluronic acid & MSM. • Contains rosehips rich in antioxidants which may help to support joint health. • Includes boswelia, traditionally used for its positive effects on joints.

...because your horse is an individual buy online at tensupplements.co.uk

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22/02/2013 12:31

Feeding • Health Care

tried and tested C

an’t say enough about Lexvet mineral mix! Here’s a before photo..

This is my 12 year old Welsh Section d, Mickey d. I’ve owned him for a year and it took a long time to get any kind of condition on him at all! His coat was dull and oily, mane and tail was dry and constantly breaking. Until we started the trial! Three months later...

HAPPY TUMMY® CHARCOAL

Improves health, behaviour & performance. Adsorbs toxins, guards against colic, ulcers and lameness.

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And here’s a close up of his mane.. This was 4 months after we started the trial! How amazing is that! His coat is beautiful, shiny and healthy! He smells delish even though he hasn’t had a bath since the summer and has filled out so beautifully! He has one scoop of Winergy Low Energy each day plus hay and daytime grazing! Mickey bolted away from me (he has issues with being spooky and bolts (less now) but he managed to run off at a full gallop down a concrete road (no traffic and it is surrounded by open fields luckily!) He galloped down the road and back.. twice.. With thundering hooves! I almost cried thinking he was going to smash his hooves off ! When he stopped racing around and came back he didn’t have a single chip on any of his hooves!! When I told the farrier he said it was ‘luck’ until he went to give him his routine trim! His hooves are indestructible! I supplement him with biotin plus but his hooves have never been so strong! I also give him seaweed as this is the only thing that has truly calmed him. Magnesium has never worked for him! I am so amazed by this product I started giving half scoops to my gypsy mare who I never rug and her mane has blossomed along with her feathers and tail! She is super fluff y due to the cold weather but she is so soft and shiny people can’t resist touching her! I noticed on your link that you do a cool mix? Is it the same base product at the mineral mix? Would love to have a small trial of the cool mix for Mickey to see if it works if there’s anyway I can?! Otherwise I can be a bit more economical and get them both on mineral mix! It’s quite expensive but for two horses over three months I might convince my hubby its a good investment! I can’t thank you enough for this trial! It’s not something I could have justified paying so much money for on a whim but its absolutely amazing!! Once again thank you so much! Kirsty, Mickey & Lucy

Feeding for Good Behaviour in Horses

utrition is the foundation of a healthy, happy horse that performs to the best of its ability so when looking at the factors that make a horse “hot” or “excitable” it is important to look at the overall diet and realistically assess your horses needs, as some minor adjustments to feed or activity level might make all the difference. It is important when feeding horses that tend to be a bit excitable to keep starch levels to a minimum. diets high in starch are rapidly broken down in the horse’s digestive system to release a rush of fuel into the bloodstream, so by providing controlled levels of starch alongside a high fibre level, Calm ‘n’ Easy supplies the low energy levels required for horses that are prone excitable behaviour. The balance of digestible fibre sources together with cooked flaked cereals provides an excellent source of slow release energy, with the high fibre levels helping to encourage slow rates of digestion throughout the hind gut. The high fibre content combined with soya oil for coat shine and a controlled level of starch help meet the energy requirements for horses requiring a low energy diet. With essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements for a fully balanced diet Calm ‘n’ Easy is ideal for everyday feeding. For more information on Calm ‘n’ Easy from Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds please call 01948 880598 or visit www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

18 | March 2013

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To supplement or not to supplement + LexveT Vitamins & Minerals

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Water

Horses need all three of these to be able to ensure optimal health and get maximum performance. With LexveT you get the macro minerals, trace minerals, vitamins and salts in one easy scoop without the added fillers, energy or protein. Our supplements are suitable for ALL horses no matter there size or age, they are economical and designed to be fed everyday all year.

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Feeding • Hoof Supplements

BESt FOOt FORWARdS Verity Beaton BSc (Hons)

T.E.N. (Targeted Equine Nutrition)

As we all know healthy hooves are vital for happy, sound horses. This year’s unusually wet weather may have brought about some additional challenges for our horses’ hoof health. So what are the issues and is there anything we can do nutritionally to help? Standing around in muddy fields or in urine/faeces for long periods can lead to softening of the hoof wall, leading to an increased chance of infections such as foot abscesses and thrush. When horses are then put in a nice clean dry stable or the weather changes then the hoof dries out and in some cases taking with it the natural oils, leading to brittle hooves. Many horses have also had far less turn out and exercise than normal due to the weather which is also thought to be detrimental to hoof health. You may also believe that your horse has inherited poor quality hooves, although there is little research that proves this; there are many that believe certain breeds have poor feet. However, there are studies that do show that nutrition can play an important role in good hoof health and luckily for us it is an area that we can have an influence on,

requirement for regular farrier visits but this also means that your horse requires a constant supply of various vitamins and minerals plus energy which is needed to fuel the hoof making process. If your horse has a poor diet then he is likely to be at greater risk of poor quality hooves or reduced hoof growth. The first step in providing good hoof nutrition is to ensure that his diet is well balanced. You can check your diet is balanced by contacting a reputable company’s careline. As a guide if you are feeding the manufacturer’s recommended amount of feed and your horse is neither gaining nor losing weight then your horse is likely to have a balanced diet. If your horse is not receiving a balanced diet then look to balance with a broad spectrum supplement or balancer. What can you do for your horse or pony if they already have a balanced diet and they still suffer from challenged hooves? Continued on P22

unlike the weather! The hoof itself is a complicated structure but in very simple terms the hoof wall is made up of cells which produce the extracellular matrix – a complex meshwork of proteins (such as keratin) and lipids (fats) which form the hard hoof horn. The hoof is continuously growing hence the

Classics Never Age... 1985 1995

try The HoofKind diet For Your Laminitic

f you have a horse or pony that is prone to this painful condition you need to be alert. Mollichaff HoofKind from HorseHage is a complete fibre feed designed for the nutritional support of horses and ponies prone to laminitis. Made from a balanced blend of high quality oat straw, dried alfalfa and fibre pellets, HoofKind is topped with a light dressing of soya oil with added vitamins and minerals, trace elements, antioxidants and biotin. It is low in starch and sugar, high in fibre and does not contain any cereals, and because it is very palatable, it’s great if you have a fussy feeder. It is also low in protein and calories which is excellent if your horse tends to get a bit ‘fizzy’. HoofKind contains all the vitamins and minerals your horse or pony needs along with added biotin to keep his hooves healthy, and so, unless he gets lots of hard work, you don’t need to add anything extra other than good quality forage such as High Fibre or timothy HorseHage. If you would like further information or feeding advice, please visit www.horsehage.co.uk or call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 .

Hooves

E They Only Improve With Time! • The original hoof supplement • The only product of its kind subjected to independent scientific research and published in a refereed journal • Vacuum packed and nitrogen flushed to remain ‘fresh’ three years from manufacture date • GM free and Vegetarian Society approved Life Data Labs, Inc. 12290 Hwy 72 Cherokee, Alabama 35616 http://fb.me/lifedatalabs Product of the USA 20 | March 2013

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EU Sales Representative Karen Zetsche Mobile: +44 (0) 7535151022 kzetsche@lifeatalabs.de www.LifeDataLabs.co.uk

T E

very Horslyx contains a comprehensive nutrient package including Biotin - which helps strengthen hooves and can assist hoof health in the presence of laminitis; Methionine - a major building block in the development of healthy connective tissue; and Chelated Zinc - which is vital for the laying down of tough and strong Keratin. Horslyx is also high in oil, which not only leads to a glossy, healthy and shiny coat but also adds to the pliability of the hoof structure. This Healthy Hooves formula is paired with the unique vitamin, mineral and trace elements offered in every Horslyx and can help your horse reach optimum health, vitality and over all well being. 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, low calorie and easy method. Horslyx is available in 5kg, 15kg and 80kg weatherproof tubs, with prices starting at around £9.95. To find out more about Horslyx visit: www.horslyx.co.uk, or tel: (01697) 332 592.

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•

HIGH FIBRE

The Forage Choice For Low Energy Levels & Laminitics

High Fibre HorseHage is safe to feed to laminitics • Provides high fibre with lower protein & energy levels • Dust-free for a healthy respiratory system

• Suitable for leisure horses and those that are resting, convalescing or laminitic.

• All natural no chemicals, additives or inoculants HorseHage is available in 4 varieties, offering a choice to suit all horses and ponies, including laminitics.

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

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

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FeedingXxxxxxxxxx • Hoof Supplements There is no miracle answer but there are certain nutrients which have been shown in research to be beneficial in hoof quality and growth.

BioTin

Biotin is a B vitamin which when deficient has been shown in other species, leads to poor hoof quality. In horses it has been shown that supplementing the diet with 15-20mg per day of biotin improves hoof quality but at 60mg per day of biotin ponies did have significantly higher hoof growth rates. Therefore look for feeds or supplements that provide at least 15mg per day but ideally more than this, especially if slow hoof growth is an issue. It is not only biotin that is required for good quality hooves though, there are other nutrients which can be equally important.

LYsine

The hoof is made up of a large proportion of protein. Many amino acids which form the proteins in the hoof can be made by the horse, however lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning that the horses cannot make it, therefore it must be supplied by the diet. Lysine is an amino acid found in the proteins that make up the hoof and so it is thought to be of value.

ZinC And CoppeR

It is thought that the cells in the hoof require zinc to function and that copper is needed when forming keratins. Some studies have shown that diets

deficient in zinc or copper can lead to poor quality hoof horn; even a slight long term deficiency has been linked with an increased incidence in white line disease. Chelates or bioplexes (which are trace elements combined with amino acids with the aim of increasing digestibility) have been shown to have some value in increasing hoof growth in young horses although the effect on healthy adult horses remains unproven.

suLpHuR

Sulphur is important as it is part of the disulphide bond which forms between proteins helping to create the structure required. For the hoof wall, the proteins form into tubules which are very strong. Sulphur comes in the diet in many forms from the sulphur containing amino acids such as methionine and cysteine and also as is common in hoof supplements, MSM – methyl sulphonyl methane. So supplements that contain any or all of these are desirable.

CALCiuM

A deficiency of calcium is thought to cause crumbling of the hoof horn and general collapse of the heel horn (where the hoof wall isn’t strong enough to support the weight of the horse and the horn tubules bend). This effect is thought to be due to the role of calcium in maintaining the attachments between the layers of the hoof horn. If the hoof horn doesn’t create a good barrier then it is likely to be weakened and more likely that

Be precisely on target with new t.E.N. supplements

.E.N. is the definitive new range of highly targeted Equine Nutrition supplements for horses and ponies, brought to you from the makers of SPILLERS® and available exclusively online from March 2013. developed by passionate horse owners who understand that every horse has individual needs, t.E.N. stands for targeted Equine Nutrition and that’s what makes this new range outstandingly different. t.E.N. provides an honest choice of 31 supplements across the 12 important categories of Hoof, Joint, digestion, Behaviour, Immunity, Electrolytes, Skin and Coat, Lifestyle, Wellbeing, Weight Management, Muscle and Respiratory. Such breadth of range means you can target your horse or pony’s individual requirements with absolute precision, providing exactly what you feel he needs, without including what he doesn’t. The t.E.N. approach is very straightforward with no wild product claims or suggestions for generic solutions. The ingredients for every supplement have been carefully chosen for their efficacy, safety and traceability and blended together using considerable nutritional and veterinary expertise. t.E.N. Product Specialist Verity Beaton explains: “We have taken the best lessons from nature and combined these with what we have learnt through science. This has helped us to produce truly synergistic products that enhance the power of nature, giving your horse or pony the best possible support for his needs.” Verity continues: “We also know that the best judge of our products is you. This is why our supplements are trialled by fellow horse owners including our own horses here at t.E.N. and the feedback is available for you to see.” Initial consumer trials have been impressive. 80% of participants would recommend the t.E.N. supplement they trialled to a friend. In blind trials the new t.E.N. calming and joint supplements out-performed key competitors. The T.E.N. range is available exclusively online from March 2013. The website is very easy to navigate, making shopping for supplements quick and eﬃcient and helping you to make precisely the right decisions for your horse. Visit www.tensupplements.co.uk.

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bacteria or fungi can invade. Overall it is advisable to make sure adequate calcium is provided and it is in the ideal ratio with phosphorus. Other Useful Ingredients:

RoseHips

Rosehips are a natural source of vitamin E, C and polyphenols. Polyphenols are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and in horses there has been some research showing an enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Rosehips have been traditionally fed to horses to promote healthy hooves due to their content of biotin, however it has not been proven nor dis-proven that rosehips actually contain any biotin, therefore it may well be their antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects that make them useful for good hoof health. If you are at all concerned about your horse’s feet, first look to his current diet and ensure it is balanced. Then look to a hoof supplement that contains at least some of the ingredients discussed here. Be aware it can take between 6 and 12 months for the hoof wall to be replaced and you will not see a difference in your horse’s feet immediately. You need to be prepared to make a change to your horse’s diet and stick with it to see any results!

PRO FEEt - five star liquid protection against cracked, brittle hooves

RO FEEt Liquid is a first in equine nutritional support. developed by veterinary scientists, with the assistance of farriers from around the UK, PRO FEEt offers the most concentrated, fast acting, liquid nutritional support for quality hoof growth. Used and recommended by the best farriers in the world, PRO FEEt provides: a.optimum daily levels of biotin, b. unrivalled daily measure of MSM c. a broad blend of amino acids, d. essential fatty acids e. a complex of vitamins and minerals And there’s more. PRO FEEt is unique. It provides nutritional support that targets Liver function. A healthy Liver is fundamental to healthy hoof growth. All too often the liver can become stressed which compromises its function, and this is turn, has detrimental effects on the health of the hoof. Feeding a blend of naturally sourced ingredients, scientifically verified to have antioxidant properties, will help achieve optimum liver function, thus supporting quality hoof growth. The hoof specific nutrients in PRO FEEt work in synergy with the naturally sourced antioxidant ingredients in the formula to provide a hoof supplement that out performs all those that came before. PRO FEEt supplement also comes in a powder To find out more please visit your nearest stockist or call the NAF Freephone: 0800 373 106 www.naf-equine.eu/uk www.equiads.net

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Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx • Hoof Care

Poor horn quality? Horn infections?

The Laminitis Clinic has dealt with hundreds of horses and ponies with “bad feet”; without the correct products they can be a real pain to sort out! The data we collected from these cases 4 4 enabled us to develop Formula Feet and Solution Feet. They proved so successful that they are now regarded as the “Gold Standards” against which other hoof care products are measured. Formula4 Feet is the market leader. It is highly palatable, produces excellent improvement to horn and coat in as little as six weeks by providing over 65 essential micronutrients. 4

Solution Feet is the most efficient way of preventing and the most effective way of dealing with 4 horn infections such as white line disease and seedy toe. Solution Feet contains no dangerous chemicals and, being isotonic, it can even be used painlessly on wounds. Farriers use Solution4 Feet Matrix where prologned horn disinfection is needed e.g. under pads or in white line defects or hoof cracks.

Equi Life Ltd Tel; 01249-890784

will be at Royle Equestrian Centre, Burnley www.equilife.co.uk will be at Royle Equestrian Burnley online ordering available) on Saturday 18th(secure February -Centre, 9am until 2pm on Saturday 18th February until 2pm Come and see our range of premium horse feeds. Wecan9am discuss the best feeds for your horse andour there’s the to win 3 months supply of one of our products*. Come and see range ofchance premium horse feeds. We can discuss the best feeds for your horse and there’s the chance to win 3 months supply of one of our products*. *Based on one bag per month for 3 months *Based on one bag per month for 3 months

Reducing the Negative Effects of Spring Grass • • • • •

Super fibre for slow release energy, non-heating Quick soaking unmolassed beet pulp flakes, 95% sugar free Economical to feed costing just 6p per soaked scoop* Stabilise the ingestion of sugars present in spring grass when Speedi-Beet is fed before turnout Laminitis Trust approved

www.britishhorsefeeds.com Quick Soaking Conditioning Feed

Quick Soaking Beet Pulp Flakes

The Mill, Thorpe Road, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 4JB

Martin Bielby - 07921 687940 for further information Tel: +44 (0) 1765 680300 Email: info@britishhorsefeeds.com The Mill, Thorpe Masham, HG4 4JB British Horse Feeds® isRoad, a registered trademarkRipon, of I’AnsonNorth BrothersYorkshire, Limited.

Martin - 07921 fora 20kg further information *Costing basedBielby on a 700g scoop of soaked687940 Speedi-Beet from bag, RRP £10.25 The Mill, Thorpe Road, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 4JB

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Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 23

www.britishhorsefeeds.com www.twitter.com/brithorsefeeds www.twitter.com/brithorsefeeds www.facebook.com/BritishHorseFeeds www.facebook.com/BritishHorseFeeds

March 2013 | 23

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Feeding • Hoof Care

Formula4 Feet: the Providing Nutritional Support best hoof and laminitis T supplement available F OPSPEC AntiLam is a pelleted multi-

ormula4 Feet has been the UK’s leading hoof and laminitis supplement since 2006 (Source; Industry Information). The clinical response to supplementation is obvious with stronger horn growth and a radiant hair coat, in as little as four weeks. Formula4 Feet is made to the highest quality control specifications, providing over 65 nutrients from non-GM ingredients. Uniquely, every batch is tested to ensure no listed prohibited substances are present. Combined with our unique blend of essential phospholipids, inorganic and chelated forms of zinc, three powerful antioxidants, the two rate limiting amino acids lysine and threonine and an ample supply of omega 3 fatty acids makes Formula4 Feet the most cost effective supplement or feed balancer available. Solution4 Feet: the best hoof disinfectant available. Solution4 Feet is truly a breakthrough in hoof disinfection, it is used at the Laminitis Clinic to deal with white line disease, thrush and seedy toe. Being an emollient isotonic emulsion it can even be painlessly used on wounds against infections. For use under pads or to fill hoof defects we have developed Solution4 Feet Matrix; an organic base containing the active ingredients of Solution4 Feet to provide sustained disinfection throughout a shoeing interval. Please contact Equi Life on 01249-890784 for further information or visit the website www.equilife.co.uk. for case histories and testimonials. 7kg bag of Formula4 Feet RRP £34.99 20kg sack of Formula4 Feet RRP £89.99 500ml bottle of Solution4 Feet RRP £16.39 600gm pot of Solution4 Feet Matrix RRP £12.43

supplement designed to provide nutritional support for those horses and ponies prone to, being treated for, or recovering from laminitis. Most overweight ponies, and some overweight horses, are susceptible to laminitis. topSpec AntiLam is a brilliant formulation combining several supplements with a high-fibre, very low-calorie carrier to make it palatable. Long-term trials at Middle Park Laminitis Research Unit have shown that horses and ponies on restricted/poor grazing do not gain any weight when fed topSpec AntiLam. It can also be used very successfully as part of a calorie-controlled diet when weight loss is required. This unique multi-supplement is so palatable that it can be fed out of the hand to horses and ponies at pasture to provide vital nutritional support. topSpec AntiLam should be fed on its own with forage. The forage can be in the form of late-cut hay and/or unmolassed chops e.g. topChop Lite, or controlled grazing, or a combination of these, depending on the individual circumstances. topSpec AntiLam contains the following features: • The level of Biotin (15mg/500kg horse/day) that is scientifically proven to improve hoof quality, plus the levels of methionine, cysteine, lysine, calcium, zinc, copper, iodine, and vitamin A known to improve the efficiency of biotin alone. Chelated sources of copper and zinc are included in the formulation. Certain of these nutrients also promote supple skin and a shiny coat. • High levels of a pure, protected yeast to help maintain near-neutral (normal and healthy) conditions in the hindgut. • Additional MOS (mannan oligosaccharides). • A top spec broad-spectrum supplement, vital for horses and ponies on a restricted diet. • Generous levels of anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C and E plus selenium to neutralise the excess free-radicals that have been increased by stress. • A highly digestible, high-fibre ‘supplement carrier’ to stimulate the fibre-digesting bacteria in the hindgut. • A ‘Non-Heating’ formula, because it is formulated without cereal grains, is very low in sugar and starch, but high in fibre. For free nutritional advice please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on (01845) 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

A Simple Step in Your Fight Against Laminitis

here are two key hormones associated with laminitis; insulin and cortisol. The reason for this is because insulin resistance and heightened cortisol levels increase obesity, reduce peripheral blood supply and increase inflammatory responses (laminitis is characterised by inflammation of the hoof laminae). MAH magnesium is a special form of magnesium developed for human medicine where its use is booming. It is your key nutrient in the fight against laminitis because it plays critical roles in managing both insulin and cortisol. In human trials not only was MAH shown to be more effective than changes to lifestyle and diet, but incredibly it was more effective than most drug treatments. By helping your horse to regulate insulin and cortisol, MAH helps to improve blood supply to the hooves, normalise glucose levels in the body, reduce systemic inflammation and protect against stress laminitis. MAH is a pharmaceutical grade liquid supplement that is easy to feed. Although often used as a calmer, MAH is not a sedative and will not dull an already settled horse/pony, in fact magnesium’s role in energy production means that MAH actually supports endurance. Please visit our website for detailed articles on Laminitis and EMS, or contact us for information or to purchase. Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk

24 | March 2013

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Laminitis trust Approved Feeds from British Horse Feeds

peedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds are both approved by the Laminitis trust. This means the feeds are suitable for horses and ponies which are considered prone to laminitis, or are suffering from laminitis. Speedi-Beet from British Horse Feeds is a highly nutritious sugar beet feed. It is unmolassed 95% sugar free and provides an excellent source of digestible fibre. due to its unique manufacturing process Speedi-Beet can be soaked and ready to use in 10 minutes. Quick, convenient and excellent value for money, Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds is formulated using all the benefits of Speedi-Beet incorporated with good quality Alfalfa, making it a great conditioning feed. This low sugar/high fibre feed also contains added Biotin to help

maintain hoof integrity. Speedi-Beet is an ideal fibre source for horses’ prone to laminitis as it releases the required nutrients without generating large amounts of lactic acid. Including Speedi-Beet in the diet means owners can reduce the amount of hard feed and ‘risky’ forage sources. Both Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet are made from pure unmolassed sugar beet pulp and are excellent fibre providers. RRP is around £10.25 for Speedi-Beet and £11.35 for FibreBeet. For more information contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www. britishhorsefeeds.com

•

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MRY_T

Recommended by Vets

Worried about laminitis? • TopSpec AntiLam includes a unique 5 way approach to nutritional support for horses and ponies prone to, being treated for or recovering from laminitis • Very palatable, pelleted multi-supplement. Can be fed on its own or with un-molassed chop • Contains optimum levels of vitamins, minerals and yeast probiotics • Used and recommended by veterinary surgeons, farriers and thousands of horse owners • Free feeding and management advice from the nutritional team based at the multiple-award-winning Middle Park Farm Laminitis Research Unit • Economical to feed, a 20kg sack lasts a 500kg horse for 6 weeks. A 7.5Kg tub is ideal for small ponies and will last a 250kg pony for 30 days. ®

CREATED WITHOUT COMPROMISE by experienced equine nutritionists

Tel: 01845 565 030 www.topspec.com

Multiple Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service’ 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012

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11/02/2013 12:31 11:00 22/02/2013

HealthXxxxxxxxxx Care • Hoof Care

PERIOdONtAL dISEASE Ben Sturgeon, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS I

t is usual in veterinary pieces to pick on a common condition which would not only raise a reader’s awareness but then hopefully significantly add to a horse’s quality and longevity of life. Cushing’s, laminitis, colic, worming, EMS, LAd, sarcoids, osteoarthritis etc are the important “bog standards”. So why should I do periodontal disease? Surely I can do better than that? Well I could but not much better because we really should and, in my opinion absolutely must, add it to the list. Periodontal disease is the presence of disease and loss of tissue in those structures that surround the tooth – the bony socket, gingivae and periodontal ligament securing the tooth. The disease is incredibly widespread in all species. Skulls of cave dwellers show evidence of chronic periodontal disease. It was reported in the Greek army of Xenophon in 400 BC. Current equine studies found a 40% prevalence in horses aged 3-5 and a 60% prevalence in those over 15 years. Compared to those in the above list, this is far and away the

number one! Many of you hardened old lags out there will say “so what? Old horse loses teeth, tell me some news” like man bites dog? If he had teeth no doubt? So let me begin with the graded categorisation of periodontal disease based on the lesion itself: • Local gingivitis with swelling and reddening around the tooth • Erosion of the gingival margin 5mm and a periodontal pocket accumulating food • Periodontitis with loss of the gum • Gross food pocketing, loss of bone and loosening of the tooth. Horses with grade 1 (and possibly a few grade 2’s) are unlikely to show clinical signs of oral discomfort. A careful owner may note greater salivation and a sensitivity to cold water. But from grades 2 to 4, myriad symptoms may occur: head

LaminShield

aminShield is a mineralised, calorie free lick, which can be fed to horses, ponies and donkeys prone to or at risk of laminitis. The lick contains bioavailable magnesium and Bioplex. Magnesium is involved in many of the body’s vital processes and a deficiency of this mineral can potentially cause a number of issues. LaminShield can be offered in a free access manner, meaning that the horse takes on what he wants, when he needs it. As it’s calorie free, it can be fed to all horses and ponies, even those on restricted calorie intake. It’s also ideal for those who don’t receive a bucket feed. LaminShield is available in 2kg and 5kg hard press licks, and prices start from £12.49. LaminShield Pure For those who prefer more conventional supplementation, LaminShield Pure is supplied in premeasured sachets, making it easy to add this supplement to the horse’s feed ration. Each sachet contains bioavailable, palatable magnesium and Bioplex. Magnesium is responsible for 100s of body processes, and a deficiency of this mineral can, potentially, cause the horse issues. As per the lick, LaminShield Pure is calorie free. LaminShield Pure is supplied in 25g sachets. These sachets are available in boxes of 28, and have a RRP of £28.50. For more information, see www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies.co.uk or call 01606 595025.

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shaking, bit refusal, quidding, weight loss, behavioural changes, bucking, halitosis, and a predisposition to colic are simply a few. If you’ve ever had an infected gum, someone even gently stroking your cheek will launch you into a fit of apoplexy. try being ridden? The cause simply begins as a minor localised disturbance at the level of the tooth chewing margin leading to inflammation and plaque formation (see diagram below). This can explain, in some instances, why there appears to be two distinct age affected groups, the youngsters and aged horses. In young horses the physiological process of eruption (i.e adult teeth coming in) will predispose to arcade irregularities with food impaction in gaps and then its fermentation. This suggests that at least in some animals, the pathology will resolve once normal occlusion (the teeth meeting correctly as a bite) occurs as they age and the teeth fully erupt. In the older horses, arcade irregularities (waves, steps, shears etc), tooth displacements, dental fractures, diastema (abnormal gaps between teeth), parrot and sow mouths are the most common initiating factors. Given also that our horses chew less than ever with the modern feeding regimens, arcade irregularities are increasingly common and the percentage affected by periodontal disease will only increase.

Other factors will play a role in its development, Cushings, general health, breed, chewing patterns, diet, immune status and local irritants (i.e. grass seeds, sticks) but these are probably less influential. Importantly the process of periodontal disease is that of a “domino cycle” with one tooth with periodontal disease often leading to another and another: And most importantly and ethically, throughout this process, the horse is in pain, demonstrating clinical effects beyond dental disease and, as increasingly recognised, affecting performance. Alarmingly, this process can take and evolve over years without anyone apparently noticing. This means that your annual dental “check” should and must take on a different emphasis and approach. It is, in my opinion, no longer acceptable to simply “float” a horse’s mouth. A gag must be used, a high powered torch, a dental mirror to evaluate the teeth alignment and its junction with the gum margins and a dental pick to assess any areas of reddening or pocketing to asses depth and so severity. If needed (and this is probably 90% of horses) sedation should be used, an extra £20 can make all the difference to a full evaluation and proper full treatment. In the horse, as in man, where periodontal disease is concerned, prevention is better than cure. Once gum recession and loss has occurred,

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Inflammation

Plaque (protein and bacteria) formation

Hyperaemia and oedema

Loss of support tissue

Loss of tooth no treatment will reattach the gum. The irregularities of wear, causing the problem, must be addressed as a priority. This however should also be routine. Grade 1 lesions can be treated conservatively by cleaning using high power gas or water and the gum may then reattach. For higher grade lesions, cleaning of any pockets and possible use of a dental putty to close deep areas of erosion can be attempted but it is often very difficult to completely affect a cure. Repeat treatments are often necessary until a satisfactory level is reached. Where diastema or other arcade irregularities are present the decision should be made as to whether these are developmental and so should “grow out” or whether they are permanent with possible

enlargement (or rasping, cleaning and packing) of them necessary to prevent further food pocketing. If grade 4 lesions are identified, tooth removal is the only treatment currently deemed acceptable. Whilst this may be common in older horses they often have a multiplicity of dental irregularities in addition to grade 4 periodontal disease and tooth removal will advance their inability to feed properly predisposing them to added lifestyle complications such as colic and weight loss. Anyone reading this will no doubt already have good horse management but as we should all be aware, time and ideas move on and if you don’t move with it, you and your horse will be left behind.

Equine knowledge with a natural viewpoint! NOW IN WALES Fast Track Level 1 27 May 2013, 28 October 2013 Fast Track Level 2 3 June 2013, 22 July 2013 26 August 2013

SCOTLAND Fast Track Level 1 18 March 2013, 20 May 2013 Fast Track Level 2 29 April 2013, 5 August 2013

For further information please contact Morag Higgins:

Tel: 01698 886 492 Mob: 0797 974 1672 www.scottishhorsehelp.co.uk

don’t miss your training or competitions due to lost shoes.

hoeSecures work at keeping your shoes on, and in many cases pay for themselves within a few weeks. Read the reviews from other happy customers on www. shoesecure.com where ShoeSecures can be ordered, purchased and will be sent out the same day if ordered before 2pm. So cancelled competitions and frantic farrier calls could be a thing of the past.

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Xxxxxxxxxx

SPRING WORMING S pring worming is possibly the most important worming dose your horse will receive all year. This is because horse’s turned out without being wormed in spring will immediately shed eggs onto the summer turnout fields, meaning these fields will be infested with infective larvae all year. In order to understand why spring worming plays such an important role in worm control we must first understand the lifecycle of the worms in question. While horses can suffer from infestation from many worms, thankfully they can all be divided into 4 general groups, Redworms, Ascarids, Botfly Larvae and tapeworms. As they are not a problem at this time of year this article will not discuss Botfly Larvae or tapeworms. Horses cannot avoid becoming infested with Redworms. Their eggs and larvae are ubiquitous (always found) in horse paddocks and are also commonly found in hay/haylage. traditionally Spring and Summer have been the periods most associated with worm infestation, but with a warming climate and milder winters larvae are now found all year round. Larvae ingested in Autumn and Winter will not develop into adults immediately, and will instead hibernate in the wall of the stomach until Spring. The reason that Redworms hibernate in the winter is to maximise their reproductive ability. Eggs shed in the winter will hatch less efficiently due to the low environmental temperature. Secondly, once hatched the young larvae can be killed by frosts but as aforementioned milder winters now allow larvae to survive all winter. As these worms do not develop fully into adults they do not produce eggs meaning that a low Worm Egg Count in the winter does not necessarily mean that your horse has a low number of worms. Indeed, over winter only 10% of your horse’s worm burden can be adults with the remaining worms hibernating. It is therefore important that worming is taken seriously through spring and summer to prevent a large worm burden going into winter. As all horses will slowly acquire worms overwinter from hay or haylage it is important to remove these larvae and emerging adults before horses are turned out in order to prevent eggs from being deposited onto the pasture. If no action is taken, eggs will be shed onto the fields at a huge rate as adult

28 | March 2013

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Peter Fenton BVM&S, MRCVS

worms can produce 1000’s of eggs per day. When we perform a Faecal Egg Count on horse’s faeces we report back the result in terms of “Eggs per Gram”. While a count of 250EPG may not sound like a lot, it actually corresponds to an alarming number of eggs per horse. If a horse produces 20kg of faeces per day, 250EPG x 20000g = 5,000,000 eggs per day! These eggs will hatch, infect grazing horses and start the cycle of infestation. All animals will become infested, but most at risk are young and older horses. These individuals will commonly suffer higher worm numbers and produce more eggs as a result. As spring progresses to summer the temperature will rise, accelerating the development of the eggs/larvae on the pasture, meaning that if worming is not kept under control by the end of summer every horse will be heavily infested with thousands of worms. Redworms feed by biting into the gut wall and sucking blood, therefore if enough Redworms are present, horses can show clinical signs of weight-loss, lethargy, diarrhoea, colic, and inappetance. While these clinical signs are relatively rare it is important to note that towards the end of summer the worms will begin to hibernate. The hibernating worms cause damage to the stomach lining, disrupting the normal production of acid and digestive enzymes, making digestion much less efficient, but the most damage occurs when the larvae erupt the following spring to resume their development to adults causing enormous damage to the stomach, leading to colic and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Continued on P30

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16:32

Page 29 So when is an emergency a genuine emergency? Common sense and horse owner’s intuition will tell you when a situation is a genuine emergency, such as:

www.wormers.co.uk inally you can take the ‘stress

and guess’ of worming, and Freephone 0800 5831361 Fax:out 01829 261181 still use a formula you can trust, Email: sales@wormers.co.uk

thanks to New Equimax Tabs, the palatable worming tablet for horses fromWORMS? Virbac Animal Health. WORRIED ABOUT Put your mind at rest with a worm count by post from reHaving conducted extensive search into worming methods, VirABBEY DIAGNOSTICS Easy to do - just send a sample using our free kit. bac became increasingly concerned Low cost - Only £6.00 or less for new clients, with discounts for at their findings - that up to two multiple samples & special veterinary, trade and charity packages. Rapid and reliable - same day results. thirds of horses spit out part or in Loyalty scheme - for all customers. someyour cases most of their worming Call us for a no-obligation information pack or to discuss requirements, or visit our website where you could dose, even win arefuse free worm count. inally you can take or to take athe feed‘stress conFree information sheets available on request. and guess’ out of worming, taining this Our kits are supplied free of charge, so all you pay for is whatgranules! you use!!! Not only is and still horse. use aless formula trust, Abbey Diagnostics - working with you for your situation than you cost can effective, 01638 552122 http://www.abbeydiagnostics.co.ukthanks to New Equimax Tabs, the but it can also result in under dosn.B Discounts available onworming bulk buys. palatable tablet for horses ing, leading to increased worm burfrom Virbac Animal Health. den and even resistance. Donconducted ’ t Let extensive them Having e the ‘stress Containing the same trusted reinWriggle out of it VirWe also stock Frontline Spot on &and search into ivermectin worming methods, worming, and gredients, praziEQUEST buy 20 @ £8.85 each WORMERS FOR THE SUMMER!!! bac became increasingly ERAQUELL u can trust, Drontal botheach Cats &as Dogs quantel, the hugelyconcerned popular EQUEST PRAMOX @ £14.40 buy 20for Buy 10 @ £6.11 each at their - tasty that up toon. two EQUIMAX @ control £11.59 each 20to ax Tabs, the he question of howbuy best worms in findings our rumbles EQVALAN Equimax Gel,horses plus Apple Ex-If EQUIMAX TABLETS Buy 20 @ £7.43 each buy 10 @ £14.40 each thirds of horses spit out part or in you are still dosing regardless all through the year please don’tTabs ignore let for horses tract, the New Equimax are MAXIMEC EQVALAN DUO buy 20 @ £12.67each Buy 10 @ of £5.95 each thePANACUR problemGUARD any longer. some cases most their worming alth. the culmination of eight years of rebuy 20 @ £13.40 each NOROMECTIN did you know that vets so worried resistance STRONGID P PASTE £6.75 each buy 5are@now dose, about orand refuse take each aand feed conBuy 10to @ £5.58 extensive research development by the Virbac over use of wormers that they want to: change thegranules! licensing Not rulesonly so that CALL NOW ON 0800 731 7464 taining is this methods, VirAnimal Health that simply and efUKonly POSTAGE & PACKAGING . ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED youFREE could buy wormers from them? NoDEBIT/CREDIT more less popping along to your situation than costand effective, WORMERS PURCHASED MUST NOT BE RESOLD ly concerned fectively take the stress guess local merchant or handily ordering on the internet. us want McCaskie Farm Supplies . 4 Munro . Springkerse IndustrialNone Estate .of Stirling . FK7 that 7UU to Secure on-line ordering * Road wormers purchased must not be resold but it everyone can also result in under dosat up to two worming! Dosing guidelines happen so it is more important than everout thatof uses the minimum ing, leading to increased worm burut part or in are easy, just feed 1 tablet for every number of doses 30 - Equi-Ads - Julyneeded 2009 for good worm control. den and even resistance. heir worming to further underline the gravity of the100kg situation, manufacturers will no bodyweight of the horse eiContaining the same trusted longer be allowed to advertise their products to athe general public from a feed conther as treat from the hand or inas later in the year, so expect to see wormer agredients, adverts disappear fromand magazine ivermectin prazit only is thisnational.indd tasty extra in the feed. 30 pages soon. quantel, theare hugely popular ost effective, EquimaxasTabs available in a Worm control is such an important aspect of horse care Equimax Gel,re-sealable plus and tastyshould Apple Exn under dosdamp proof, and childbe based on worm count results for much of the year, only worming if tract, the New Equimax Tabs are ed worm burproof plastic tubeand each containing necessary, plus a winter dose to cover encysted redworm tapeworm, the of eight years of rece. tablets, which once opened neither of which can be reliably detectedeight in aculmination test. search and development by Virbac e trusted inthree or four worm counts a year plus can onebe or stored two wormer doses, and used for up to Animal Health that simply efdepending on products used, coupled with good management and andyour and prazione year. Available through poo picking, form the base for worm control in a take healthy horse. fectively the adult stress and guess ely popular local supplier each tube of Equimax Youngsters, rescues, oldies and some others need more worming, but outmay ofcosts worming! Dosing guidelines ty Apple ExTabs around £17.77 – pound why dose all when they don’t need it? are easy, just feed 1 tablet for every ax Tabs are for pound the same as an Equimax If you are still confused or not convinced thenbodyweight please drop 100kg of an theemail horse eit years of reSyringe. Equimax safe for or call the team at Westgate Labs. Experienced SQP’s dealTabs withare every therinasalla equines treat from the hand orand as use inc. pregnant ent by Virbac conceivable worming problem on a daily basis and will be very happy to a tasty extra in the feed.offrom lactating mares, two mply and efhelp you too, whether a single horse owner or managing a foals yard eighty Equimax Tabs are available in a plus horses. As ever, advice is always freely available and totally unbiased weeks and stallions. ss and guess damp proof, re-sealable and childas Westgate don’t sell wormers. Help preserve wormers for when we really ng guidelines need them by not using them the rest of the time. proof plastic tube each For more information on containing Equimax blet for every Join in the wormy chat on facebook whereeight you tablets, can get which your worming once opened Tabs or further technical informathe horse eiquestions answered quickly www.facebook.com/Westgate.labs can be stored and used for up to tion/data call Virbac Animal Health e hand or as Gillian Booth SQP one01359 year. 243243 Available through your on or visit d. local supplier each tube of Equimax www.equimax-tabs.com vailable in a Tabs costs around £17.77 – pound le and child* for pound the same as an Equimax h containing * BVA advice Syringe. Equimax Tabs are safe for once opened me based on worm counts Get it right with a simple program use in all equines inc. pregnant and ed for up to season pack are foals |healthc a 4 count lactating with mares, from two d nise orga Be hrough your y weeks and stallions. e of Equimax All you need for four tests in a hand

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Equ

Equi-Ads • June 2009 • 29

22/02/2013 12:31

Equ

Health Care • Worming

Kick Start Spring with a Natural Intestinal Hygiene Regime

or a chemical free regime which controls intestinal hygiene during periods of challenge and also enhances health, with high quality herbal ingredients, try Verm-X Pellets for Horse & Ponies. Spring is the perfect time to address health as horses make the transition from winter and may benefit from an extra boost. 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, Elecampane (Horse Heal), 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 wellbeing, in addition to intestinal hygiene control. Verm-X Pellets for Horses & Ponies retail at around £11.95, each 250g box contains five individual sachets (one sachet to be used every day for five consecutive days every 12 weeks), also available in powder and liquid form. For any further information or to find your nearest stockist please contact Verm-X on 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Peter Fenton Equine Veterinary Practice Ltd

100% Equine Practice Using modern, mobile diagnostic equipment including digital x-ray, ultrasound, video endoscope/ gastroscope and advanced dentistry equipment to manage equine health throughout Greater Manchester 2 Hollins Drive • Middleton • Manchester • M24 5LN

Telephone: 0161 643 7724 www.peterfentonequinevets.co.uk 30 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 30

This disease is called Larval Cyathostomiasis and can be fatal meaning it is of vital importance to know how many worms your horse has and to worm accordingly. Ascarids are the thick white “bootlace” worms that commonly affect foals. They have a similar lifecycle to Redworms but rather than developing in the stomach and intestines they will migrate around the body through the liver and lungs before finally arriving in the intestines. Ascarid worms are hugely productive and can shed up to 25,000 eggs per day. Ascarid eggs are encased in a sticky shell which makes them very resistant in the environment, and allows them to survive for many years. Ascarids are mainly a problem in young animals, as adults will develop immunity over time, but they can cause pneumonia in foals as they migrate through the body and fatal colic when then collect in the intestines.

Both Ascarids and Redworms are susceptible to most commonly used wormers, but it is crucial that owners worm appropriately. The most common mistake made by owners is to under-dose their animals. It is totally useless to continue to worm horses with a WHOLE tube of wormer, and ponies with HALF A tUBE. Wormers are given at a dose determined by body weight, and from looking at our stock shelf some wormer tubes contain enough wormer for 575kg horses while others will worm up to 700kg. Giving by the tube will result in most horse’s being underwormed and most ponies being overwormed. This is not acceptable! With the weight of the average horse increasing it is not uncommon to find horses which require more than a whole tube and underdosing wormers will not only leave horses infested after the owner feels they have “wormed” but also dramatically increase the rate at which resistance develops against wormers. Resistance occurs when a population of worms survive a dose of wormer which kills many others. This means that the worms which survive are the only ones continuing to produce eggs, resulting in a large number of offspring also being resistant. Over time this problem escalates and results in whole worm species being unaffected by certain wormer compounds. Bottom line, if resistance develops we will run out of wormers and we are already seeing extensive resistance to certain wormers now. developing wormers is a difficult and time consuming process so we need to maximise the effectiveness of the wormers we have at the moment. Achieving this will only be possible through both ACCURAtE and APPROPRIAtE worming. It is a well known fact that 80% of horse worms are in 20% of the horses. This means that for every 100 horses wormed up to 80 are being wormed needlessly. We therefore need to be sure that each horse requires worming before we start, and this is achieved though Worm Egg Counts and blood tests. Worm egg counts detect the eggs produced by adult worms which are then shed in faeces. A specific volume of faeces is weighed and diluted in a concentrated salt solution. This liberates the eggs from the faeces and makes them float, allowing them be to seen under a microscope. Eggs are then counted using a specialised chamber and a total number of Eggs per Gram is calculated. Horses with more than 200EPG require worming. It is not possible to determine whether a horse has worms or not by simply looking at them, and with egg counts costing less than a wormer there is no excuse not to get out there and sample your horse’s poo! Both vets and some tack/feed shops will offer an egg counting service, but remember only vets are qualified to give advice about the result. Having determined which horses require worming it is then crucial to worm them appropriately to their weight. This means using a weight tape, or better, a set of horse scales. Weight tapes are cheap and easy to use and give a much better estimate of weight than guessing. Simply pass the weight tape around the horse’s chest at the level of their withers and read off the scale. Most tapes have Pony and Horse sides, so make sure you read the right one! With vets, owners and worming suppliers working together there is no excuse to worm inappropriately or inaccurately this Spring, and as we have discussed, starting your Spring worming off on the right foot, is vital to reduce your horse’s worm exposure all year, reducing the risk of colic and poor thrift through the summer. www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:31

MRY_E

Horse or Pony prone to Laminitis? For the nutritional support of the Laminae and hoof integrity. Laminator is formulated with high levels of Hesperadin, a natural bioflavanoid which together with ascorbic acid helps to maintain the flow of blood into the laminar corum. High levels of Zinc Methionate, essential for strong keratin growth are included. LAMINATOR n Powder 3kg £59.95, 2.4kg £49.75, 1.2kg £26.25 n Pellets 3kg £61.50 n 3kg will last 60 days at maintenance

TESTIMONIAL I have been giving my 13 year old 17.2h dwb mare two scoops a day of your Flexijoint, and within a week she is a different horse, she is happy and moving like a 3 year old, and rode her and asked for collection and she was very willing, not been able to ask for it in 4 years, her sore back has gone and the elevation in her hind and front legs is amazing, she has gone through x-rays and bone scans costing thousands, vets said nothing wrong its in her head, was going to give up. Just want to say thank you and I have my horse back. Amazing product. Karina King FLEXIJOINT POWDER TUBS

n 600g £25.45 n 1kg £39.95 n 1.5kg £56.45 n 3kg £107.25 FLEXIJOINT LIQUID

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Fantastic Flexijoint for fluid movement. Try it yourself in capsules and in powder or liquid for your horse or dog.

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MRY_EQUIMINS_FP.indd 1 Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 31

11/02/2013 12:31 16:56 22/02/2013

CROSS COUNtRY COACHING - Dropping off

n cross country riding, a drop fence is a very common obstacle at all levels, and likely to be encountered in many different guises. A good introduction to a drop is often just a change of level on similar ground, made in the form of a step and flagged with red and white markers for you to pass between. The step will be reinforced with a substantial holding sleeper or something similar, and should be easy and encouraging to horse and rider. There will probably be only about one foot difference in ground level for you to negotiate and it can be ridden both ways, up and down. A good starting introduction would be to warm your horse up and jump a few simple small fences you are familiar with, and to then approach the drop the wrong way and trot up over it - horses in general find negotiating a step up more simple and you should have no problem when you then make the opposite approach.

Jenny Richardson BHSAI neGoTiATinG dRops

Initially trotting towards the step up, maintain straightness and at take off point encourage him with a little extra leg; lean forwards and give with your reins to allow freedom of the head and neck to help him make the forward and upward motion. On landing you will need to return to the usual riding position and regain normal rein contact; keep the trot active and ride away. Once you are happy with the exercise and have repeated as necessary, change direction and trot down the step. When riding any drop or step downwards, you will need to lean back marginally and slip the reins to allow the horse’s head to drop unimpeded. This will

keep you in balance with your horse and make his job easier by keeping the rider’s weight off his forehand. Your lower leg and hips should remain in the usual position and you should look ahead and never down at the drop, as you would then cause an incorrect body position. Be ready to tactfully regain your reins on landing. Proceed into canter with this exercise when you are established and confident.

VARiATions

You will meet many different types of drop fences, several steps up or down, drops from earth to sand and into water. You may be asked to drop down into dark woodlands, and the drops can vary in height from one to four foot and the most advanced drops would never be ridden the wrong way. Sometimes there could be a fence or hedge either before or after the drop which would be part of a combination of obstacles, and can also be incorporated into the drop itself. The trust between rider and horse is paramount and can only be achieved by schooling and repetition over all the different elements of a cross country course. Any new environment on the landing side of the drop, such as water, dark woods, etc. must be well practised before attempting a drop into it. The principles of riding drop fences remain constant, however the degree of drop would govern the angle your body needs to lean back, i.e. the steeper the drop the more acute the angle to avoid unbalancing your horse on landing. training to educate and improve both horse and rider with an instructor on actual courses is invaluable to both beginners and accomplished cross country riders. Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that oﬀers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and oﬀers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides over an extensive XC course. Visit www.castleleslie.com 32 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 32

www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:31

Cross Country Coaching • Tack & Turnout

Equestrian Centre on course for expansion S

outh Staffordshire College’s Equestrian Centre at Rodbaston is witnessing an exciting new development as it moves forward with expansion plans to meet increasing demand. these developments are set to place South Staffordshire College at the forefront of equine excellence for both facilities and student experience with the first phase of development is due for completion this Spring. Already a BHS approved centre, South Staffordshire College offers courses for Stage 1 and 2 exams as well as the Horse Owners Certificate and the Riding and Road Safety training and exams. Looking forward, there will be RdA riding lessons, along with adult Summer residential camps offering tuition in dressage, show jumping and cross country plus there is a new Cross Country Schooling Course opening soon. For the serious competitor there is a full competition programme available covering both affiliated and unaffiliated dressage, also British Show Jumping Association competitions and unaffiliated show jumping. the Equestrian Centre is available for public and club use, with excellent facilities for hire including a 60m x 30m indoor arena, a 60m x 20m covered outdoor arena and a 40m x 20m outdoor arena. For more information: www.southstaﬀs.ac.uk

Rodbaston Equestrian Centre is set within a 180 hectare estate and boasts a wide range of facilities for general hire. These include... • 60m x 30m indoor arena with viewing gallery • 60m x 20m covered arena • BSJA show jumps • PA and music system • Café • Events field • Cross country course • DIY livery

Cross Country Facilities • Cross country schooling course coming soon • Water feature • Variety of fences from 70cm • Schooling area • Available for public hire and club hire All facilities are available for hire for schooling, training sessions, demonstrations, shows and more!

For more information please contact:

07515 062 231

equine@southstaffs.ac.uk

Made in England

British Bits & Boots • Manufactured from best quality UK Sourced Rubber. • Available in a wide range of colours and sizes. • Flexible for easy application, performance and comfort. • Pull-on or velcro boots available, suitable for use in all climatic conditions.

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Contact Abbey England to find your nearest stockist. T: +44 (0) 1565 650343 E: sales@abbeyengland.com F: www.facebook.com/AbbeySaddlery W: www.abbeyengland.com www.ridingbitz.com March 2013 | 33

22/02/2013 12:31

Saddlery • Tack Xxxxxxxxxx & Turnout • Holidays

Are older saddles up to the job? I

n the third part of our series with the Society of Master Saddlers we look at research carried out by the society into the use of older saddles in an era when horse owners are surrounded by the latest innovation and technology. Is your saddle a comfy classic or a hidden health hazard? Is it really worth splashing out on a brand new fitted saddle or is your old faithful fit for its job? The experts at the Society of Master Saddlers have conducted research into the effects of using older saddles and how reflocking could improve them.

THe TesT

After the initial testing the old saddles were assessed and changes were made to their flocking. The monoflap had very hard flocking and was more compressed on the right side. This saddle was completely reflocked using Jacob wool, which moves with the horse and has very good recovery properties. The split flap saddle had been reflocked recently so only small adjustments were made to the flocking as both panels were rounded giving a narrower bearing on the horse’s back. The asymmetry of the saddle was also adjusted and both panels were ‘bashed’ to soften the stuffing.

it was reflocked and 24% lower after it was reflocked. Compared with the split flap saddle, the new saddle recorded peak pressures 27% lower before adjustments and then 16% lower after. The pressures recorded when riding in the old saddles were far higher than expected, even after reflocking and adjustments. As a result of these findings the Society of Master Saddlers suggest that in the future, saddlers and saddle fitters should recommend that riders who are unable to buy a brand new

saddle should make an attempt not to ride in very old saddles for extended periods. top tip: Whether buying a new or second hand saddle it is important to have it fitted by a qualified saddle fitter and have it checked regularly. Also remember old saddles can be improved with a complete re-flock. To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www. mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

THe ResuLTs

As predicted, the pressure readings from both old saddles were very high two old saddles, a monoflap and a split flap saddle from the 1980’s, were before any alterations were made. The monoflap was the worst with its tested against a brand new saddle. A hard flocking. Pliance system was used to measure After alterations were made, both the pressures that were exerted on the old saddles still recorded very high horse’s back during riding. pressures but did show a significant Recordings were taken down the improvement. The reflocking of same long side of the arena each the monoflap saddle reduced peak time, recording ten strides of trot pressure by a massive 43%. and canter for each saddle. The The final test with the new saddle testing was repeated on both reins recorded peak pressures that were and completed three times with an RR QuarterPage Ad (134x90) 11_12_RR QuarterPage Ad (134x90) 11_12 07/11/2012 11:57 Page 1 57% lower than the monoflap before average result calculated for each.

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ith over 200 different bit patterns in stock and the ability to meet demand, Abbey are able to capture and follow bit trends, supplying specialist bits in a wide variety of sizes. The vast range includes Snaﬄes, Gags, Pelhams, double Bridles, driving Bits, Hackamores, Sweet Irons and a variety of rubber and vulcanite bits. Abbey made to measure bits can easily be customised from existing parts and they offer superb comfort and quality. Available in various materials including copper, stainless steel, sweet iron and vulcanite. Also from Abbey England, the Equus Overreach ‘Pull-on’ Boots are revitalising the rubber boot market as they are easy to apply thanks to the elasticity of the rubber and they offer outstanding protection. They are durable and suitable for use in all climatic conditions. Made from quality UK sourced rubber, the boots are available in an extensive range of colours. Highly regarded for their rubber based products, the range also includes rein grips, bit guards, Bell Boots, Quarter and Quick Release Boots to name just a few. For more information and to ﬁnd your nearest stockist please contact Abbey England on 01565 650343 or visit www.ridingbitz.com or www.abbeyengland.com www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:31

Tack Xxxxxxxxxx & Turnout

Has your horse made a good impression on you? A

lmost every rider will have been trodden on at one time or another. This often results into broken or badly bruised feet. Of all accidents that can happen at the stables, foot injuries are the most common. Therefore, why not protect yourself against the unforeseen by wearing riding or yard boots with built in toe protection. When you mention ‘steel toe caps’, one often thinks of uncomfortable work boots. Not so with Equitector Hoof Proof riding boots. All their long and short boots have steel toe caps that are so well padded and insulated that you will be totally unaware that you are wearing steel toe capped boots. Visually they are shaped like any other boot. With Equitector Climate control technology, your Hoof Proof boots will give you warm feet in winter, but cool in summer. But how safe are you in these boots? Equitector has put a lot of research into the safety aspects. Whilst the toe cap can withstand 1000 kilos, it is on soft ground where the rider is most at risk. If the sole construction is insufficient in strength and rigidity, then the steel toe cap will squeeze through the sole into the soil and

squash all your toes with the ceiling of the cap. As we are horse riders, we were aware of this problem from the outset and therefore our sole construction is re-enforced to eliminate this exposure. In case of an accident on soft ground, the whole of the forepart of the boot will sink into the ground and not just the steel toe cap. The compartment that protects the foot remains intact. Equitector Hoof Proof boots are safe on both ﬁrm and soft ground. For more information; www. equitector.com Tel: 0208 0904029

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BEFORE

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Xxxxxxxxxx This is a photograph illustrating the main core muscles of the horse. This photograph has been taken from the Horses Inside Out Anatomy Poster Book Volume 1 : The Musculo-Skeletal System. This is available from www.HorsesInsideOut.com

CORE StABILItY This article includes extracts from Gillian’s book How the Horse Moves, Pilates and Stretching for Horses and the Horses Inside Out Poster Book Volume 1: The MusculoSkeletal System available from her website www.horseinsideout.com

ore stability and core strength refer to the condition of the core muscles to provide, maintain and improve posture, self-carriage and balance. Improved strength will also help carry the weight of the rider (see July) and reduce the risk of injury. Good core stability is an important ingredient in performing all movements and is vital in performing those involving high levels of collection. Stimulating and strengthening the core muscles comes from working the horse appropriately to age and stage with particular attention being paid to the positioning of the neck and back and hind limbs. Ground exercises have an important part to play and are extremely useful in maintaining muscular condition, where the horse is recovering from injury or has been using the wrong muscles to perform a movement in compensation for weak, damaged or painful muscles.

piLATes FoR HoRses?

For those of you who missed the first article in this series, Pilates is a conditioning system that increases core stability, strength and body awareness; redresses imbalances, and re aligns the body from the inside out. It can improve posture, achieve a balance between strength and flexibility and relieve tension. It is popular with Olympic athletes and sportsmen from all disciplines. Joseph Pilates, an authority on movement and biomechanics, continually developed and refined a programme of exercises and stretches based on the principal that a strong core supports the back and minimises the risk of muscular damage.

CoRe sTABiLiTY eXeRCises FoR HoRses

Many of the Pilates principals can be applied 36 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 36

to the horse. By performing specific exercises, the core muscles can be strengthened. these include the deep internal muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, thoracic sling, and back together with the more superficial muscles of the trunk. Neutral Spine, a key feature in Pilates is the natural position of the spine when all body parts are in good alignment. In horses this translates to correct alignment of the vertebrae and correct spinal curves forming a strong bridge, relieving pressure on the back and allowing movement to become fluid and free. Performing core stability exercises helps to keep the equine athlete strong, supple and injury free. these exercises are active, where the horse uses his own muscles to move his body or reach for a carrot.

pRACTiCe MAKes peRFeCT!

For core stability exercises to have an impact they must be performed regularly four to five times per week over a period of about six to eight weeks. For ongoing benefit, it is advisable to perform them regularly three times per week. Where appropriate they must be performed equally to both sides. the more proficient the horse becomes, the greater the benefit. If you suspect any muscular skeletal problems, check with your vet before embarking on any stretching programme. It may also be worth asking a well qualified and experienced therapist to perform a muscular assessment and prescribe a set of exercises designed specifically for your horse. Continued on P38

FACT FiLe - CoRe MusCLes oF THe HoRse These are some of the main core muscles of the horse. Stimulating and strengthening these will help to maintain a good posture: • Multiﬁdus Muscle. This runs very close to the spine and contributes to vertebral stability and postural re-adjustment. • iliopsoas Muscle Group. These muscles are situated underneath the lumbo –sacral spine and pelvis, help to stabilise and flex the lumbo-sacral junction and are highly involved in tilting the pelvis during collection. • Abdominal Muscles. As well as supporting the abdomen and assisting with breathing and defecation, the abdominal muscles help to flex (lift) and create latero-flexion of the thoraco-lumbar region. They therefore have an important role to play in helping to maintain good back posture particularly when carrying the weight of a rider. • Thoracic sling. These muscles support the weight of the thorax between the forelimbs in the absence of a collar bone. When toned they can lift the withers up in between the scapulas making the horse appear to grow in height. • Hip and pelvic stabilisers. These muscles include the biceps femoris and are particularly important in movements which require the hind end to carry more weight and create sideways movement simultaneously for example in the canter pirouette. www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:31

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of Publication All material submitted to Equi-Ads will be subject to the following conditions. The placing of an advertisement or editorial copy will be deemed to be an acceptance of these conditions. 1. Typewritten contributions accompanied by a tamped addressed envelope for return are invited, however, no responsibility will be taken for photographs, transparencies, illustrations or literary contributions. 2. The publishers cannot accept liability for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any readers as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this magazine. Nor do they accept liability for loss arising from the non-inclusion or late publication of any advertisement. 3. All advertisements are accepted subject to our standard conditions of trading (a full copy of which is available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the editorial offices.) 4. The publishers reserve the right to refuse, amend or withdraw any advertisement without explanation. 5. Cancellation must be received in writing 14 days prior to the publication date.

6. All copyright reserved by Equi-Ads. No part of this publication may be recorded, or reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Equi-Ads is a registered Trade Mark, which is the property of Stable Productions. 7. The opinions expressed in literary contributions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. 8. The publishers reserve the right to revise advertisement copy to conform to the standards of Equi-Ads’ house style. 9. Advertisers should notify the publishers of any errors immediately after the appearance of the first insertion to allow subsequent insertions to be corrected. The publishers will not accept responsibility to correct all insertions ordered if the error is not reported immediately after the advertisements comply in all respects with obligations and duties to 3rd parties e.g. rights relating to Copyrights, Intellectual Property, Trade Marks and this list is not exhaustive. 10. The advertiser warrants that his advertisements comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and do not contravene the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

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Conditions

• • • • • •

10/07/2012 12:06 22/02/2013 12:32

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Stud Multiﬁdius muscle is stimulated, stretched and recruited as the spine moves

Flexion at the base of the neck and through the cervico-thorac junction

Longitudinal Flexion of the thoraco-lumbar spine region

pelvis tilts asiliopsoas muscles are recruited Muscles through the neck wither and back are stretched

Longissimus dorsi and Abdominal oblique Muscles contract to create bend

Abdominal Muscles contract to lift and ﬂex the back, and create bend through the ribs Lateral Flexion of the thoracolumbar spine region

Tips:

This year we are standing 6 stallions at Stud: • Craigmancie Gold • Spartan Heights • • Western Armada • Craigmancie General • • Craigmancie X-Factor • Imbir • Al Available For more information see www.craigmanchie.co/.uk or Tel: 01464 831 372 Mobile: 07909 617 623

• Perform this exercise in the stable. • Always maintain a contact between your back and his ribs. • to help achieve extra flexion, hold the end of his tail as well.

GOOD FOR: • Improving suppleness through the base of the neck and the back. • Supporting the correct posture of the back • Improving the ability to bend

 Understanding How Your Horse Works Improves Performance

bhs_equ

Anatomy & Biomechanics made easy with Books & DVDs by Gillian Higgins

GOLD Bay 174cm FOR 2012 SELECTIONSERANO OF STALLIONS STANDING RUBIN STAR N (Rubinstein x Ramino) STANLEY GRANGE REGAL HEIGHT (Sandro Hit x Grundstein x Futuro)

2004

Vice Landeschampion. Finalist Bundeschampionat 2005 Scored 9.75 from test rider in 30 day test 2006 Qualified for Bundeschampionat.. 100% foal PREMIUMS Willowcroft Regal Bronze x Stanley Now an ELITE stallion with the SHBGB due to his Progeny 2007 Qualified for Bundeschampionat Grange Heavens Above. Bay, 148cm competing at international level, Rossini, Rush Hour & Willibald Riverdance GP dressage, Roly Poly advanced SJ &stallion Wonderful young sire, former Cuddy 2010 Sire of BWBS reserve champion finalist, Ponies UK Sup Champ, twice Rolling Stone II (pictured) CCI3* advanced eventer in USA. SFORZANDO JB memorial sup champ etc. First crop Favourite Star Sup in hand hunter champion etc. Proven foals exceeded expectations. Has euros fabulous all round sire. 2011 Sire of SMILLA P vicelandeschampioness,ofsold at auction 40000 wonderful temperament & movement. 2012 Sire of CASHMIR Shearwater International Young Dressage Horse Champion &ROYAL PAVOJUBILEE world Cup qualifierROMANNO SERENDIPITY DEANHILLS 2012 Sire ofRoyal SNOW PATROL £19500 @ Brightwells (Sandbourne Ensign x Bradmoresold Nutkin) (Deanhills Royal Portaitauction x Colbeach Sensation) Bay 136 cm, Bn 2002, NPS NEW FOR 2012, PBA PBW Black, 122cm, NPS NPS YOUNG STALLION OF is a Also standing RUBIN STAR N (Rubinstein x Ramino) Black, SERENDIPITY 166cms sire of THE YEAR 2008/2009 quality stallion with an JUBILEE was unbeaten in show amazing front & good international grand prix dressage horses, CCI*** eventers, ring and now his offspring movement. He has champion show horses etc are winning championships the excellent pedigree at major shows Including combination of his Also available selection stallions from 122cm – 148cm including: multiof suptop champpony ROMANNO sire Deanhills Royal ROMANY GYPSY and his dam the STANLEY GRANGE REGAL HEIGHTS Portrait (pictured), Runnon Quick illustrious 3 times HOYS March,Grange etc. Excellent sire OfPenelope – Hack Champion winner COLBEACH sire of Sutton Lady SENSATION. RP, SH & sports ponies.

DEANHILLS ROYAL PORTRAIT

introduction a leading sire126cm, of champions Also standing needs PENDLEYno GOLD LINK (Carmargueas Tribute x Pendley pony Loving Cup) bay sire of champions BECCA ORLANDO & LR RIVENWOOD CLASS ACT etc & DEANHILLS ROYAL JUBILEE DEANHILLS ROYAL PORTRAIT (Sandbourne Royal Ensign x Bradmore Nutkin), former HOYS Inhand finalist & sire of numerous 128 RIHS & HOYS ridden finalists and county champions. sire of HOYS BSJA TYNEBANK ROYAL JUBLEE www.romannostud.co.uk

e-mail info@romannostud.co.uk tel: 07703 535179 PENDLEY GOLD LINK grandson of 4 times HOYS winner HOLLY OF SPRING ROMANNO SERENDIPITY son of 3 times HOYS winner COLBEACH SENSATION.

Tel: 07703 535179 or 01899 810223 Email: info@romannostud.co.uk 38 | March 2013

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

New for 2013

omanno Stud have a new modern, impressive stallion, Serano Gold. He has 3 outstanding gaits, a wonderful character and trainability. He has impressive credentials; Vice champion as a 3 year old and finalist in the Bundeschampionat. He scored 10’s for both character and temperament in the 30 day test and 9.75 from the test rider. His sire Sandro Hit needs no introduction as one of the modern dominant breeding sires in recent times. His dam St PR Eskoria derives from one of the most successful dam lines in

Oldenburg, and she is also the dam of 5 licensed stallions. There are 17 licensed stallions from this dam line including Furst Romancier and several grand prix horses and 2 Olympians. Serano Gold is known as the “foal maker”. His first crop all received the prestigious Premium title from the Oldenburgs. He is the sire of Cashmir, 2012 Shearwater Young International dressage Champion, Snow Patrol sold for £19,500 at Brightwells and Smilla P 2011 Vice Landeschampioness and sold for 40,000 euros. To ﬁnd out more see www. romannostud.co.uk or phone: 01899 810223 mobile : 07703 535179 www.equiads.net

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Horse Xxxxxxxxxx Behaviour

HORSE BEHAVIOUR - Speaking the language part 10

A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training

(THIS series is based on a glossary of equestrian

and scientific terms presented at the First International Equitation Science Symposium, 2005. The glossary description is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

BALAnCed seAT: The position of a mounted rider that requires the minimum of muscular effort to remain in the saddle and which interferes least with the horse’s movements and equilibrium. It is generally understood that the balanced seat allows delivery of the cues in the most effective manner. The rider has equal weight on both seatbones and feet. See “Independent seat”.’

independenT seAT: ‘The ability of a rider to maintain a secure, firm and balanced position on a horse’s back, without relying on the reins or stirrups. See “Balanced seat”.’

I CAN imagine many readers, having read the above two definitions, especially the last one, giving up before we have started and turning the page. If you are still with us, you must be made of sterner stuff and have an interest in acquiring such a seat or at least be curious about it. For today’s riders, it must sound like an impossible dream, something they have occasionally heard or read about but rarely seen, because it seems clear from my experiences and observations that this seat has not been widely taught for a few decades. You might expect the seat seen in dressage riders to be an independent, balanced seat, otherwise known as a classical seat, but this is usually not so, and the same goes for most riders in other disciplines. Unfortunately, this also applies to many trainers and teachers, who do not have correct knowledge of it, either. From remarks made to me by new clients and from watching others’ lessons, it is obvious that many teachers today, qualified and unqualified, do not tell or show riders how to sit, or why, and do not frequently remind them during lessons to ‘correct your position’, presumably because they themselves have not had it explained and stressed to them. A balanced, independent seat is a priceless asset: it is independent precisely because it is balanced, and used to be taught as an essential foundation principle and technique to riders attending good riding schools or having private instruction from a good teacher whose priorities were in the correct order. Until a rider was secure in walk and not hanging on to the horse’s mouth or neckstrap, he or she would not be able to progress any further. Without the security given by good, independent balance the rider would not be safe as he or she would not be secure in the saddle so would be relying on the reins and stirrups to stay on. This would unavoidably mean exerting sometimes violent pressure on the horse’s mouth which would cause him pain, and which would certainly cause him confusion as he would not know what those random pressures meant and what he was supposed to do. He would also be preoccupied with avoiding the pain and discomfort rather than with obeying pressures that may or may not be aids.

FindinG A TeACHeR The independent, balanced seat is applicable to flatwork and, slightly modified, for jumping. The ideal way to find a suitable teacher is to contact the 40 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 40

Classical Riding Club through its website at www.classicalriding. co.uk to ask about listed classical trainers who might work at or have a riding centre, or work freelance and come to you. You can also surf the internet and ask around to find a riding centre with, ideally, good lunge horses, and classically trained teachers within whatever distance you are prepared to travel because then you will be taught correctly and ultimately progress quicker.

(If you do your homework first and swot up on what is involved, you will know whether or not you are being taught correctly as many teachers say, and believe, that they teach classically but do not. I recommend you read ‘The Classical Seat’ by Sylvia Loch first and/or ‘Riding Revelations’ by Anne Wilson. I also cover it in more detail than I can here in my books ‘Revolutionize Your Riding’ and ‘Horse-Friendly Riding’, and in ‘Equestrian Principles’, the booklet of my previous ‘Equi-Ads’ series and available from the tracking-up Library at www.tracking-up.com.) A good lunge horse, a valuable partner in your quest, has impeccable behaviour, comfortable gaits and will keep going round at a steady pace under the control of the teacher-trainer so you don’t have to worry about directing or controlling him or her but just concentrate on acquiring your balance, posture and position. You may have heard stories of riders at the Spanish Riding School being taught on the lunge for about a year before being allowed to ‘ride free’ and this puts many people off. This is the Credit: Perry Correll / Shutterstock.com ideal for dedicated students but it is not essential. You can certainly be taught the seat during normal riding. You may find it an advantage to use a neck strap, a flash strap fitted to the dees of your saddle or a commercial product such as the RS-tor (www.rstor.co.uk) which fastens to the saddle and which you hold in one hand (although one of my clients used to have one for each hand) and is excellent for helping you stay in place during ‘incidents’.

but basically it depends on sitting on your seatbones rather than forward on your fork or back on your buttocks, and on learning to balance in your stirrups. It is rather like standing around your horse rather than sitting on him.

You need to sit tall with your upper body stretched up from the waist, controlled but not rigid or stiff. Your lower body drops down from the waist and, from the side, an observer should be able to see an imaginary straight line running down from your ear, through your shoulder, your elbow and hip which are together and on through your ankle joint to the ground. Your neck is pressed gently back into your collar and your chin slightly tucked in. Your breastbone is lifted, your shoulders pushed gently back and down and your elbows are resting on your hips, with your upper arm dropping vertically down, not angled forward which throws your upper body out of balance, especially in motion, and lessens the quality of your feel of the bit. There should be another straight line from under the elbow, the forearm and side of the hand, down the rein to the horse’s mouth. Hold your hands so that your thumbs are on top. Your seatbones are in the deepest part of your saddle. Your seat opens wide from the hip joints across the saddle: this can be carefully and gently achieved by slightly rotating your hips forward, your left hip clockwise and your right hip anticlockwise. This will cause your knees and toes naturally to face forward rather than out unless you have some tension or conformation issue that could This rider’s position is as described in my article. Note the straight lines and good elbow position. As a classical trainer, I should like to see this pair, who are clearly advanced, working with the horse more in selfcarriage, his weight balanced back a little more, enabling a more lifted forehand, head and neck stretched up and out a little more freely on a lighter contact. This is a much happier picture than most dressage photos seen today.

THe seAT iTseLF The seat we want involves the whole body but because it is centred around your actual seat/ pelvis area we’ll start with that. Different teachers may teach very slight variations of the classical seat, www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:32

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Another happy ending... This is Chester, one year after his surgery and the first time he was allowed a little freedom outside the confinement of his stable. He genuinely looks happy to be alive and thanks to SEIB and the advances in Surgical techniques he is well on the road to recovery.

CALL 01708 850099 AIMS is a trading name of South Essex Insurance Brokers Ltd., who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Terms and conditions apply.

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Horse Behaviour Xxxxxxxxxx • Sweet Itch prevent it. Your thighs and knees drop down and lie flat against the saddle flaps. Your legs softly touch your horse’s sides without active pressure unless applying an aid. The weight of each leg drops down through your ankle joints which, like your hip and knee joints, flex to absorb the movement. A flexible ankle joint will thus cause your heels to drop a little, your feet resting with the ball of your foot (its widest part) on and straight across the stirrup tread. This leg, ankle and foot position makes it easier for you to learn to balance in your stirrups. Your saddle for flatwork and low jumps should have the deepest part of the seat in the centre with the stirrup bars far enough back to allow your feet to remain naturally underneath your body (your ankle joints underneath your hip joints). If the bars are too far forward, the stirrups, hanging directly underneath them, also will hang too far forward and will constantly pull your feet forward out of position. It is awkward to have to keep holding them back to counteract this, yet if you don’t you will be constantly pulled out of balance. Jumping saddles have the bars further forward to allow for the shorter stirrups and adapted seat for jumping.

GeTTinG used To iT Mount your horse, ideally from a mounting block high enough to enable you to simply step over him without having to use a stirrup and pull the saddle out of position, which is very uncomfortable for him.

With your feet out of the stirrups, widen your seat as described, let your buttock and leg muscles go completely loose and let your legs drop loosely right down your horse’s sides with your toes pointing naturally downwards. Stretch up from your waist with a straight back, not hollowed or rounded. Now adjust your seat in the saddle so that you can feel your seatbones, which might feel further forward than you expect. Sit on them lightly, upright and vertical. Perhaps give yourself the impression that you are trying to straighten your thighs and push your knees back a little. With your horse standing on a long rein and your elbows on the sides of your hips, not in front of them, keep still, relaxed and controlled, sit up, drop down and get used to the feel of this position and balance. Combined with the dropped, loose buttocks and legs and the pushed-up torso, with your elbows held at the sides of your hips, you will soon realise how much more stable and adhesive your seat is. Even at this stage, standing still, horses notice the difference. Their ears often flick back to you and they might stand to attention and listen as though they sense that you are more tuned in to their centre of balance or gravity. Anything new feels strange at first so give yourself time to get used to the feel of this vertical, deep but not heavy seat. try just to raise your toes, not your knees, to take your stirrups. Keep your hips open, your chest expanded, your upper body pushed up and your lower body and legs dropped down, taking the weight more in your stirrups than perhaps you are used to. Remember the ‘standing around’ feeling rather than the ‘sitting on’ one. The horse’s natural movement constantly encourages our weight to move back in the saddle, so you need to be always aware of this and keep your crotch/seatbones pushed towards the pommel, correcting this regularly as you ride. Some teachers say to ‘advance your tummy’ but be careful with this if you are at all hollow-backed. Even after one lesson, conscientious riders say how much more part of their horse they feel, how much safer and more comfortable and how much more in control they feel. Furthermore, they usually comment on how much more attentive and co-operative their horse is. If you have any physical restrictions which might affect your riding take appropriate advice before trying something which may be new to you. Many riders are stiff in the hips, shoulder area or are generally tense throughout their bodies. Many, also, are hollow-backed to various degrees, which can angle the top of the pelvis forward with the bottom sticking out. I have this problem so

‘IT’S SO GOOD, I NEVER KNOW WHERE TO START!’ wrote a subscriber to ‘TRACKING-UP’ published by In our current issue: SHAVING THE WHISKERS, Lesley Skipper; PRACTICE and PRACTISING, Margaret Aspinall; HAS DRESSAGE DAMAGED OUR WAY OF RIDING? Sylvia Loch; SCHOOLING FROM SCRATCH series 2, pt. 2, Anne Wilson; ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT, Susan McBane; RECOGNISING EQUINE FEELINGS, Lesley Skipper; LONGITUDINAL FLEXION, Michael Stevens; STALLS AS STABLING, Susan McBane plus comment, worming, segregating mares and geldings, riding in the 50s, visual laterality, Peggy Sue and book reviews. ‘Tracking-up’ is available quarterly for £5.17 per issue or £18.70 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name, address and ‘TUA18’ on the back of your cheque payable to ‘Tracking-up’ and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ.

42 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 42

Issue 18 – February 2013

always sit with my back very slightly flattened and my bottom a little tucked under, to keep my seatbones where they should be. You must never force your position as this creates stiffness rather than self-control. Just tell your body that this is how it is from now on, remind it constantly, and it will soon form good habits. You need actively to check and correct your position regularly when riding, as in any physical activity. Your body won’t make the effort on its own; it will always take the easy way out. Never do anything to cause yourself pain as this means you are close to injuring yourself. If you start to ache a bit from unaccustomed use, stop, raise your knees to the pommel and have a break. Your tissues need to get fit as in any physical activity and these breaks enhance this process. This balanced, secure seat is what will result in independence of the reins, so you can free up your horse’s mouth and give your aids humanely and with finesse. You will not need to grip much of the time with your legs, confusing your horse if he does anything unwanted, because your balance and security will help you stay in place. You will find riding less physically tiring because you are using more balance than muscle. This seat is the basis of all the best riding and your horse will go better, also with less effort because he is not having to use his muscles to stay upright under a moving weight that is disturbing him, as well as trying to respond to aids. teach yourself as you ride. Mentally block your old habits sneaking back and keep telling yourself: ‘stretch up from the waist, drop down from the waist, keep my seat wide and my elbows back with my ankles under my hips.’ That’s your basic position and it will become second nature sooner than you think. (The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine ‘Equine Behaviour’. For your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the Editor, dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3dX.) SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, is a Classical Riding Club listed trainer and Gold Award holder and a Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. Author of 44 books, she is a co-publisher of ‘Tracking-up’ (see advert this issue). For lessons and clinics in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email horses@susanmcbane.com.

Win with Equimins! Extra Strength Fly Repellent and Biting Midge Cream up for grabs

quimins are giving away six bottles of Extra Strength Fly Repellent and six tubs of Biting Midge Cream.

Extra Strength Fly Repellent is powerful, easy to apply, and should help keep flies and biting insects at bay during the spring and summer. It’s been trialled and tested in the Far East, where they have biting insects all year round, and has proven to be very successful. A little goes a long way, meaning it’s great value for money. Extra Strength Fly Repellent is available in 500ml trigger spray bottles, which have a RRP of £13.55. to help repel flying, biting insects and soothe and cool irritated skin, Biting Midge Cream is the perfect two in one product. It contains tea tree oil, chamomile extract and apricot oil, in addition to other ingredients, and is gentle on the horse’s skin and easy to apply. It’s available in 350g and 1kg tubsprices start from £8.35. to be in with a chance of winning one of these excellent prizes, please email your name, address and telephone number to info@equiads.net Subject: Equimins Giveaway. Alternatively send your details on a postcard to Equi-Ads Ltd, (Equimins Giveaway) Office 1, tayview Estate, Friarton Road, Perth. PH2 8dG. Please state the product you’d like to win when you enter. To see the rest of the Equimins Fly & Midge range, or for more information on Equimins, see www.equimins.com, email sales@equimins.com or call 01548 531770. www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:32

Xxxxxxxxxx Sweet Itch

Ruggle-it Helps Rare Breed Recover!

STOP IT NATURALLY... |

loe, a Cleveland Bay mare, was purchased by Mrs Turner of Halifax, West Yorkshire, last summer. Chloe was suffering from terrible summer itching which had caused her to rub almost all the hair from her tail. Mrs Turner decided to treat Cloe’s hair loss and itchiness with a Ruggle-it Starter Pack - a pioneering soap-free shampoo and a 100% natural vegetable oil blend which can help with up to 18 issues affecting horses, ponies and donkeys, including sore and bald patches, itchy skin, mites, flies, midges, ticks and lice.

Ruggle-it contains no harsh chemicals or ingredients such as Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (often found in garage floor cleaners!) or even tea tree that research indicates can cause further skin irritations, yet are sadly found in a high percentage of today’s products. It very gently soothes, moisturises, cleans and protects and is ideal for even the most sensitive skin. By January 2013, the hair on Cloe’s tail had grown enough for Mrs turner to plait (see the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images). So when the summer itching season starts, Ruggle-it will give Cloe her natural ‘barrier’ against bugs – if she’s not being bitten, she’s no need to give herself a ‘punk hairdo’! If your horse or pony is threatened by ‘punkdom’, pick a Ruggle-it Starter Pack and get some protection in place before the bugs start biting. www. karenruggles.co.uk or call 01823 259952

www.equiads.net

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 43

.Ruggle-it ... 1 product - 18 issues equine • pet • farm • plant • human

NO Tea Tree/Harsh Chemicals 100% Natural Oil Mix + Pioneering Shampoo

• Mites/Lice/Ticks/Fleas • Stamping/Leg Rubbing • Mud & Fungus Issues • Midges/Flies/Mossies • Itchy Pet Paws/Ears/ Body • Crusty Lumps • Mane/Tail Rubbing • Summer or Unidentified Itching • Hair Loss and/or Scurf • Minor Cuts • Plant Aphids • Head Lice... ●“Horse stamping, mites & mud scabs gone”●“It saves a fortune”●“Ruggle-it's beaten the Scottish Midges”●“Great for dog's hair loss/itching & fleas”●“Spray-shampoo-how clever”●“Fly rugs not needed now”●“Your approach & products are unusual - but results are impressive” Used by Vets See web for 100's of detailed/verbatim Testimonials on all our ranges

Beat .HEALTH issues ...naturally equine • pet • farm • plant • human

• Vitamin D3, Superfood GBG • Hoof, Gut, Joint, Weight, Immune, Stress, Cold/Flu (Probiotics) • Joint Care/Ageing, Skin (Omega 3 oils-Fish & Flaxseed), Maxavita, Green-L-Mussel) • Skin Issues, Biting & Flying Bugs (Ruggle-it)

Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd

| www.karenruggles.co.uk |

01823 259952

Combat Summer Itching the Natural Way

he ‘Aromaitch’ range from Aromesse provides your horse with the perfect solution to fly problems. The range is formulated from 100% natural pure essential oils and herbal extracts and contains NO harsh chemicals or pesticides which can potentially be harmful to you, your horse and the environment. The products are also steroid-free and contain NO Deet or Citronella. Aroma Pre-itch is perfect for those owners who wish to beat the flies before they become a nuisance and when the first tell-tale signs of itching appear, stopping itching for up to 48 hours. It comes in the form of a

trigger spray bottle and a convenient roll-on bottle for use around the face and eyes. Aromaitch is suited for application to affected areas where hair loss and/ or broken skin has occurred. Its action provides an instant soothing effect relieving the urge to itch and rub, whilst promoting natural regeneration of sore areas and hair regrowth. Aromaitch and Aroma Pre-itch have successfully helped thousands of horses save their mane and tail and experience an itch-free summer and feel comfortable in their own skin. 01427 811765 www.equinat.com

March 2013 | 43

22/02/2013 12:32

Xxxxxxxxxx Sweet Itch

SUPER PLUS Fly Repellent

Your best form of defence against airborne attack. Keep bots, horseflies and midges at bay, whilst soothing and calming the effects of midge bites.

don’t be caught out this summer! B

Tel: 01953 456363 Fax: 01953 455594 e: sales@barrier-biotech.com www.flyrepel.com www.ragwort.com

HSE Licence Nos 8243/4

do you own a horse or pony with sweet itch?

loeride® is a pure organic aloe vera supplement for horses, which can help with the horses allergic reaction to the midges, as well as helping to promote healthy skin and accelerated healing in cuts and sores caused by the horses’ scratching. Aloe vera is renown for having anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which alongside additional anti-inflammatory qualities and a range of B vitamins (which again are known to help with allergic skin reactions) it can quickly help tackle the problem inside out. Aloeride® is an easy to administer alternative to feeding fresh aloe vera and is available in one-a-day sachets. Aloeride® is taste-free, has a long shelf life, requires no refrigeration and with 30 sachets (1 month’s worth) containing a whopping 12 litres of aloe vera juice – you can be reassured that your horse or pony is getting the best each and every day. Aloeride® aloe vera has also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds and if you need topical aloe vera to soothe cuts and sores –simply mix with water to create a cream! Aloeride®. RRP: £55.20 (1 x month supply) www.aloeride.com

COMING TO YOUR AREA SOON

arrier Animal Healthcare is constantly looking for ways to help animals live as comfortably as possible and offers a wonderful range of products to repel flies, ticks and fleas, in addition to soothing and calming the effects of summer related problems. Manufactured, onsite in Norfolk using the highest quality 100% natural ingredients, offering best value for money, whilst ensuring they are totally safe and kind to the animal, the user themselves and to the environment.

Sunburn Soother contains 100% natural ingredients including minerals to give high factor protection against sunburn, whilst soothing and calming sore areas. Award Winning Super Plus Fly Repellent (HSE No: 8243/4) and Enhanced Formula Fly Repellent (HSE No: 8245), both do an excellent job in deterring flying insects, including midge, bots and horse flies and can be applied to sore areas, to help soothe and calm irritation and stop the need to rub. during the cooler evening and early morning, Anti-bacterial Skin

Spray can also be sprayed to soothe, calm and stop irritation, further. Spray into the mane, top of tail and sore irritated areas. Quickly absorbed it can be applied directly to minor cuts, insect bites and scaly scabby skin. Contains tea tree, combined with further natural herbal concentrates known for their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Aloe Vera Gel is one of the bestknown healing aids available. Helps protect and aid natural healing for minor cuts, grazes, irritations, sunburn, insect bites and scaly, scabby skin caused as a result of mite or flea infestation. designed, Manufactured & Marketed by Barrier Animal Healthcare Available Through Saddlers & Agricultural Merchants Visit www.ﬂyrepel.com

£5 off Z-itch! S

ave £5 on Z-itch, the once a week pour-on product designed to aid the control of sweet itch in horses and donkeys.

SWEET ITCH

It won’t be long before the Culicoides midges pester us again. If your horse is sensitive to bites, then now is the time to take action:

Aloeride the aloe for horses you value ®

www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464550 44 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 44

This easy to use product contains permethrin and should be poured onto the horse’s coat just once a week- it really is that easy! The dosage required is determined by the horse’s body weight. After this has been established, the integral dosing chamber helps the horse’s owner measure out the correct amount and then this is applied, in equal proportions, to the mane and rump, avoiding the saddle area. Sweet itch is an allergic skin condition that can make the summer months very uncomfortable for horses that suffer. The allergy is to the saliva of a specific type of midge and, once bitten, the horse will scratch the area. In some cases, the horse may itch to the point that mane and tail hair is removed and, in more extreme cases, to the point where he damages his skin and causes bleeding, leaving an open wound. The best way to help a horse or pony with sweet itch is to try and prevent the condition taking hold. Using Z-itch before the horse starts to exhibit symptoms is a good way to help do this, but so is getting prepared by researching protective rugs, looking at pasture that isn’t near sources of water, and also looking at ways to keep the horse stabled during times when midges are most active. If you think your horse has developed sweet itch, it is best to contact your veterinary surgeon. to claim £5 off a 250ml bottle, just find the Z-itch advert in this issue of Equi-Ads, cut out the voucher and take to your local tack shop. If the tack shop doesn’t stock the product, you can use Z-itch’s stockist finder at www.z-itch. co.uk, or just buy online through quoting the code on the advert. For more information, see www.z-itch.co.uk and use the stockist ﬁnder. www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:32

A4 Z-itc

UK authorised veterinary medicinal product

40mg/ml Pour-On Solution

Aids in the control of sweet itch in horses and donkeys

The Weekly TreaTmenT for sWeeT iTch

£5 off!

the purchAse of every 250ml pAck of Z-itch to obtain your discount, simply complete the voucher below and hand over to the retailer when making your purchase:

Name........................................................................................................................ Email ........................................................................................................................ Telephone................................................................................................................. Retailer’s name and address................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................. to the retailer: Please discount a 250ml pack of Z-itch by £5, including VAT and return to Trilanco with proof of sale and we will credit your account. Offer expires 30th April 2013. VOUCHER MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL TO BE VALID. By using the voucher you are agreeing to your details being used for marketing purposes, however your details will not be passed on to a third party. Redemption value £0.0000001.

if ordering online at www.z-itch.co.uk then use voucher code “equiAds”

www.Z-itch.co.uk A4 Z-itchAd_Jan13_Equiads_FINAL.indd Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 45 1

07/02/2013 12:32 10:01 22/02/2013

ELA025

Xxxxxxxxxx Sweet Itch

Sweet itch – the big itch

he Spring and Summer months can be a distressing time for sweet itch sufferers and their owners. Indeed, research1 conducted by Elanco Companion Animal Health, distributor of Cavalesse®, has revealed that nearly a third (30%) of horse owners consider sweet itch to be a very serious condition with nearly a quarter (24%) believing that it causes serious distress to horses.

Moreover, over half (52%) of those questioned stated that they would be unlikely to buy a horse with sweet itch with 82% of owners of horses with sweet itch feeling concern, frustration and/or worry at the start of the sweet itch season with 2% even admitting that they panic. And while most horses are managed using a combination of products, including Cavalesse®, over a quarter (27%) do not use stable or field management, such as stabling horses from dawn to dusk. “Sweet itch can be a very distressing condition for both horses and their owners and the constant irritation caused by the exaggerated immune response to the midge bites can lead to severe welfare issues if left untreated,” comments Ed Whittle, technical consultant at Elanco Companion Animal Health. “While

nearly three-quarters (74%) of horse owners feel that sweet itch is timeconsuming to manage, they should be carrying out simple preventative measures, such as stable and field management, to help alleviate the condition. These include moving the horse away from standing water and boggy land, stabling from dawn and dusk and the use of fly repellents. The most effective fly protection for horses out at grass are light rugs and hoods which can cover all the areas of the horse susceptible to bites.” Cavalesse® is an easy-to-administer nutritional supplement, containing nicotinamide, which helps to maintain healthy skin in horses prone to summer skin allergies. Cavalesse

topical is a skincare gel that can be used in combination with the Cavalesse solution. Elanco Companion Animal Health will be joining forces with the

British Horse Society (BHS), Blue Cross, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare (WHW) to highlight summer skin conditions, such as sweet itch, during Sweet Itch Awareness Month (SIAM) in April. The campaign will raise awareness of the preventative measures that will help alleviate sweet itch and the importance of management of the condition before the start of the midge season in the spring. For further information on sweet itch, Sweet Itch Awareness Month or Cavalesse, please contact your local veterinary surgeon, animal health supplier or saddler or Elanco Companion Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, RG24 9NL, 01256 353131.

Itchless I

tchless is a liquid herbal tincture that can be used as a body wash and as a feed supplement.

It contains extracts of marigold, dandelion, nettle, garlic and seaweed in a strong herbal tincture. It can be fed during biting midge season, to help combat itching and nutritionally support the skin and coat, but it can also be diluted with water and used as a body wash. Itchless is available in 1 litre containers that last the average horse for 50 days, and have a RRP of £19.25. For more information see www.equimins.com, email sales@equimins.com or call 01548 531770.

National Sweet Itch Centre

hey don’t profess to know ‘absolutely everything’ about Sweet Itch but there can be few who have a better understanding of this complicated allergy. Over the last twenty years they have spoken to thousands of horseowners, veterinarians, entomologists and research scientists in the quest for clarification of this immune system dys-function.

today, with a wealth of knowledge behind them, they can freely offer sound advice and also supply the latest in tried and tested Sweet Itch management products. They and many others world-wide, consider Sweden’s Boett Blanket to be the ultimate occlusive ‘cover’. Indeed today, in the UK alone, when a horse, pony or donkey is covered up in mid-summer, it’s more than likely that he’s wearing a Boett – and underneath it the chances are that he will look fantastic! Now, however, there is a new product that is experiencing considerable success. A scientifically developed agent designed to alter the immune system’s response to midge bites has been incorporated into a small white capsule. BioEos, who developed this new approach, are justifiably proud because the lengthy trial process proved that the non steroid capsules were without side effects, and were accepted happily by horses. Results have been impressive and many owners are now feeding a ‘BioPlus’ capsule each week. More information about Sweet Itch and how to manage it is available on The National Sweet-Itch Centre’s revised web site www.sweet-itch.com or by calling 01352 771718

46 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 46

www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:32

ELA0255 Cav Equi Ad 210x297_Layout 1 15/02/2013 10:20 Page 1

The success of CAVALESSE ®

straight from the horse’s mouth ®

CAVALESSE

Case studies

Case 1: Apollo

which I a food supplement “I tried CAVALESSE, sults ... ed, with fantastic re added to Apollo’s fe horses t for owners whose us m a is E SS LE VA CA mend allergies and I recom er m m su om fr er ff su it all the time.” Sussex Jan Weightman, East

t e r a g r a M : 2 e s a C in, hat a state she was w e se d ul co t ve he “T giving CAVALESSE so he recommended tched since and a go. She hasn’t scra anged personality.” Margaret is now a ch A Spokesperson, HAPP ection Association) (Horses & Ponies Prot al supplement containing CAVALESSE is a nutrition n to maintain a healthy ski nicotinamide which helps ut ne to allergies on turn-o in horses and ponies pro in warmer months. out if you have concerns ab Always consult your vet n. your horse’s skin conditio

Call 01256 353131 for further information

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 47

Email: elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com Technical enquiries: elancovets@elanco.com

Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke RG24 9NL, UK

22/02/2013 12:32

Xxxxxxxxxx Sweet Itch

ditch the Itch with d-Itch d -Itch is a completely unique complementary feed that can be fed to horses and ponies prone to seasonal skin disorders. It offers a revolutionary approach, in that rather than simply addressing the symptoms of the condition, ie the sore, itchy areas on the skin’s surface, D-Itch provides the necessary nutrients the animal needs to tackle the root cause of the problem.

It is important to recognize that the skin reaction is caused by an internal chain of events, triggered by the saliva of a biting midge penetrating the skin of the susceptible animal. It is a hypersensitivity to this that causes a significant increase in free radicals (toxins) within the system, which in turn trigger the sore, itchy reaction associated with the condition. Correct nutritional support can be highly effective in helping to address this free radical cascade. d-Itch is rich in a broad spectrum of naturally sourced, targeted antioxidants, such as hawthorn & ginger, combined with other natural ingredients that particularly benefit skin health. The antioxidants act as free radical scavengers and mop up the increased levels of harmful toxins, while the other nutrients support natural tissue repair and integrity. to achieve maximum results NAF recommend that d-Itch is fed prior to the ‘midgey season’ in order to help provide the horse with the nutritional resources needed to resist the

reaction. Available from £19.95 for 500g. Larger sizes available. d-Itch Ointment is a soothing, creamy gel to help comfort areas of broken, irritated skin susceptible to seasonal skin disorders. When applied to these areas, prior to turning the affected horse or pony out, d-Itch Ointment - a blend of essential oils in a petroleum jelly base - will provide an effective barrier, helping to resist further attack from the offending midges. Apply as necessary (this will generally be once a day, but in more extreme cases a second daily application may be needed), and regularly wash the affected areas with NAF teatree Oil Shampoo. RRP: 600g - £20.95 For further details please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line on 0800 373 106, email info@nafuk.com or visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Itchy Problem?... Feed the Solution!

hink Itch is a ground-breaking feed supplement recommended for horses prone to sweet itch. It incorporates the internationally renowned Think Fly formula together with ingredients for a healthy immune system, effectively combining the benefits of two products into one. The principle behind Think Itch is to deter midges from biting the horse, whilst at the same time helping to support the immune system and soothe the irritation. It therefore offers a unique dual approach to sweet itch, and is the first product of its kind. Now available in larger, more economical 9kg tubs to help you stock up in time for the sweet itch season.

A 4kg container will last a horse for 33 days. RRP £39.95. For further information please contact Brinicombe Equine on 08700 606206 or visit www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk

Itchy Problem? Feed the Solution! Think Itch – the brand new nutritional supplement for horses sensitive to midges

Before feeding

After feeding

Before feeding

After feeding

The dual acting formulation which helps to deter biting midges whilst soothing skin reactions. Contains only natural ingredients to maintain a healthy immune system and protect the horse from the effects of midge attack. “After trying every product under the sun on Jacko, I can’t believe that I have finally found something that works. After just four weeks he was looking more comfortable. His sores started to heal and his mane and tail started to grow back. I am really impressed with Think Itch” Read Jacko’s story and others on www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk Manufacturing since 1974

To find out about other products in the THINK range, visit www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk or call 08700 606206 Denis Brinicombe Group, Fordton Industrial Estate, Crediton, Devon EX17 3BZ 48 | March 2013

Equi_Ads_March_National_Rev3.indd 48

www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 12:32

Health Care

Win with Snuggy Hoods One winner will receive a

SNUGGY HOODS SWEET ITCH BODY To enter simply answer the following question: Name one colour the sweet-itch body is available in? Send your answer alongwith your name, address, rug size and contact number to liz@equiads.net - entries close 31/03/13 Fully machine washable. Available in black, brown and beige. Hoods start at XXXS -XXL (miniature – heavy horse) and rugs start at: 3'6" - 7'6". A heavier weight fabric is also available on request for 'rug thugs'! Prices start at: £205.00. Snuggy also offer a full alteration and repair service. To Order: Tel: 01225 783 399 www.snuggyhoods.com

“to supplement, or not to fly away itch is a distressing condition caused by an allergic reaction supplement - that is the question” sweet to the bite of the tiny cullicoides midge. Midges are active from

orses require vitamins and minerals EVERY day just as they need roughage to eat and water to drink. To get maximum performance from your horse and to ensure optimal health, supplementation is necessary.

Most diets of hay, pasture and grain, do not provide all of your horses nutrient needs in the correct proportions. severe deficiencies and imbalances quickly present with clinical signs of disease while chronic imbalances present as faded and dull coats, poor body condition, poor muscle development (topline), tying up, anhydrosis (puffs), seedy toe (white line disease), laminitis, crooked legs in foals, reduced fertility in mares, lack of energy, training off, decreased resistance to infection and poor hoof quality to name just a few. Most equine diets will have multiple issues of deficiencies and imbalances of crucial vitamins and minerals. Therefore to target supplement by feeding one or two minerals has limited effectiveness. a broad spectrum supplement that contains macro minerals, trace minerals, vitamins and salts is an excellent option to ensure that your horse receives the necessary levels of minerals and vitamins. This will also address any imbalances in the diet. some minerals and vitamins are stored in the body whilst others need to be replenished daily for a horse to remain in optimal health, this is why supplements are required to be fed every day. lexvet Mineral Mix and lexvet B1 Cool Mix are broad spectrum supplements specifically developed to be all-in-one-supplements for all horses and ponies. lexvet products are an economical way to supplement all your horses from foals and weanlings to yearlings to performance horses to retired veterans. www.equiads.net

Equi_Ads_March_EngWales_Rev.indd 49

March through to October so encourage your customers to start early – prevention is better than cure. Applying a cream based formulation, such as Fly Away’s Midge Away, that is specifically targeted at repelling midges offers good protection and longevity of cover. Pay particular attention to mane, tail, rump and belly, applying at dawn and dusk when the midges are most active. For more information go to www.flyaway.ltd.uk

Directory Property Abroad

Feeding

Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices. Tel: 01775 630 008

The Haylage Co.

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

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

A cost effective alternative to hay. Based South Hertfordshire, we deliver to locations nationwide. Telephone: 07831 454 166 Email: guybrook@btinternet.com Website: www.poloforage.com

Wholesale Thinking of starting your own equestrian retail business? Then contact us: Hucklesby Associates Equestrian Wholesalers to the trade Website: www.hucklesbyassociates.co.uk Email: hucklesbys@aol.com for a free trade e-catalogue Tel: 01362 696 309 Fax: 01362 696 582 March 2013 | 49

22/02/2013 13:44

SARCOIDS? ALKALISING THE SKIN CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM POWER AGAINST SAR-X #1 ORGANIC SUPPLEMENT “It has now completely gone!”

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

POWER AGAINST SAR-X IS 100% SAFE FOR HORSES WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS. PLUS ALL INGREDIENTS WILL NOT VIOLATE COMPETITION RULES.

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www.horsesarcoids.com Equi_Ads_March_EngWales_Rev.indd 50

22/02/2013 13:44

Quiltmasta Light Check

CoMPetition

4 Winners Will eaCH reCeiVe tHe folloWinG: ToWnenD you2 LaDieS poLo SHirT soft feel cotton polo shirt with wide stripe pattern. ‘oDt’ townend branding. est’ 2011 townend tab at the left hem. a great sporty top for all occasions. 100% cotton. Machine washable. navy/Windsor White or Pink Dust/ Melange Grey 8-16 rrP £34.99

ToWnenD VinTage HoLDaLL Bag Perfect as a sports bag or weekends away! it can be hand held or over the shoulder. side pockets and internal zip pocket. This versatile bag complements everybody’s outfit. navy or navy & Pink strip rrP £69.99

ToWnenD eLDmire Long SoCKS townend branded long socks with reinforced toe to heel for durability, and long lasting comfort. Machine washable. rrP £19.99 to enter simply answer to following question: What is the name of the townend ladies Polo shirt? send your answer along with your name, address, contact number and clothes size to townend Competition. equi-ads ltd, office 1, tayview industrial estate, friarton road, Perth, PH2 8DG alternatively email your entry to sarah@equiads.net - entries close 31st March 2013.

1 6 m

www.townenddirect.com 01522 529 206

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Health Care • News

Veterinary Physiotherapy – optimising equine Performance Case study series written by ACPAT Scotland members

onach is a 16 year old hackney stallion who competes at driving trials at a national and international level. In the 11 years he has been with his current owner they have always had problems with bending on the left rein, falling in on the right rein and canter being rushed and poor on both reins. I was asked to see Lonach to try to improve his performance in the dressage component of the driving trials. When I first assessed Lonach in June 2012 he was swinging his quarters to the right and had huge assymetries in the muscles in his scapular (shoulder) area. The left scapular area was about twice the size of the right. The muscles in this area had developed in this way after many years of moving in this poor movement pattern. On the lunge Lonach didn’t bend at all through his ribcage on the left rein and fell out with his quarters. On the right rein he fell in through the shoulder and quarters and had to fix his head to the outside to stay balanced on the circle. His canter transitions were very poor on both reins as he had very little flexion through his lumbosacral junction so struggled to get his quarters under him.

on palpation lonach was extremely tight and fixed in latissimus dorsi, especially on the left side. This muscle, which runs from behind the saddle area and runs forward and downward and attaches in the shoulder, is responsible for drawing the front leg back but if tight will prevent the horse from being

able to laterally bend through his ribcage. This makes it impossible for him to stay straight on the circle and therefore he is forced to balance himself by falling in or out with the quarters and head tilting to the outside. lonach was also tight and tense throughout the long back muscle, longissimus, and very tight in his lumbosacral junction. He was overdeveloped and tight in his cervical trapezius and brachiocephalicus, neck muscles, especially on the right. This overdevelopment had occurred as a result of him fixing his head out on the right rein to stay balanced. lonach was treated using electrical muscle stimulation to release off the tight muscles along his back, ribcage, shoulders and neck areas. Joint mobilisations of the thoracic and neck areas were carried out to allow lonach to be able to gain more lateral flexion in these areas. The owner was shown a specific exercise programme for lonach, which included stable exercises, pole work from the ground and ridden work. immediately after the first treatment session there was a dramatic improvement in lonach’s ability to stay straight on the circle. He was able to bend much more easily through his ribcage on the left rein and the falling in on the right rein was much better so he could keep his head and neck straight. Due to the chronicity of lonach’s problems and the fact he had an

international competition due in september, he had 6 physiotherapy treatments in 3 months. He continued to improve dramatically and by the beginning of september he was moving evenly on both reins. His trot and canter work were much smoother. Picture 1 was taken on the first day of lonach’s physiotherapy assessment. it is taken from the hindquarters looking down over his back to his shoulders. in this photo you can see the huge asymmetry in his scapular area so that his left shoulder looks about twice the size of his right shoulder.

Picture 2 was taken 3 months later. The scapular muscles are much more symmetrical and his movement is vastly better. He is now bending beautifully on both reins and his canter has drastically improved. He previously consistently scored 4s and 5s for his left canter

(and on one occasion a 2) and at his first competition out again after physiotherapy treatment at the end of august 2012 he scored 8.

Maeve Grant, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist. BSc Hons Physiotherapy, PgDip Veterinary Physiotherapy, MCSP, ACPAT Cat A. Tel: 07815 839790 E-mail: maevegrant@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.animalphysioplus.com Facebook: Maeve Grant – Animal Physio Plus Based in Edinburgh, covering Central Scotland. For more information on Veterinary Physiotherapy or to find a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist in your area go to www.acpat.org

Countdown to the equestrianClearance.com British Riding Clubs Winter Championships

ollowing a busy winter of qualifying rounds, the countdown is on to the EquestrianClearance.com British Riding Clubs Winter Championships.

Held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, the championships take place on March 30 and 31, drawing competitors from all over the country. rider Jess Johnson, from Malton and District riding Club, area 4 is delighted to have qualified Bijou for the dressage finals. Jess made it through to the championships after competing at richmond equestrian Centre.

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Bijou has fought back from a check ligament injury to take the place in the finals with Jess. “i put my name forward to do area Dressage at richmond equestrian Centre but thought i was just making up numbers, i had no expectation of doing well,” said Jess. “We arrived at the centre and got warmed up and i thought right let’s just do my best and have fun here, i did my test and was very pleased with Bijou because he’s a hunter, not a dressage horse! “i was interested to find out my score as i had no idea what a judge would think of Bijou, especially as it was our first main competition. “When i saw the team had won and i had come second individually i could not believe it and was over the moon! it was a great start for me and Bijou and i cannot wait for the championships!” Berkeley and District riding Club are delighted to have Kath Griffiths representing them at the finals. Kath is a riding club stalwart who gets involved in all activities and does everything on her little grey pony. also competing from Berkeley and District riding Club is firefighter, Karen Gobey who combines her busy work schedule with riding. This year’s championships are a case of sibling rivalry for eleanor newman from swindon riding Club who will be making her way to Gloucestershire for the show jumping with solo savannah. after working really hard, eleanor has qualified for the finals at Hartpury and is delighted to report it will be her twin sister ruth Bramwell, a member of Corbridge riding Club, and regular in riding Club championships over the last few years, who will be doing the grooming for once. For further information on the EquestrianClearance.com British Riding Clubs Winter Championships visit www.bhs.org.uk www.equiads.net

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Horses for Sale Sell Your Horse with

Featured Adverts £35 (with or without photo)

The largest monthly equestrian circulation in the UK, plus free web listing

Full Display Adverts £18 (with or without photo) Horse Classified Adverts £8

Email your photo and text to sandi@equiads.net Post your photo (if you have one) with text to: Equi-Ads Ltd, Office 1, Tayview Estate, Friarton Rd, Perth PH2 8DG (if you want the photo returned send a SAE) Or telephone your ad in to Sandi on 01738 567700

Seeking nelly’S foal

Quality Sports Pony Central Scotland

Adored bay Clydesdale x mare, born 1992, 16.1 hh, 4 white socks, sold by Borders dealer to Chapelton Equestrian Centre (Highlands) 2000 or thereabouts. Current owner welcomes information about past history and her foal(s). Contact: dilyshartland@ btinternet.com 07795 633 154

Homebred 2 year old Dartmoor XTB Gelding. Saddlers Wells and Cusop bloodlines. Futurity 1st premium as foal. Successfully shown as SHP to make 14.2-3 HH. All-round potential for showing, jumping, eventing or pony racing. Sensibly priced to competition home.

AsrAr

Snowie Super older gent looking for a useful but simple life with sensible mum. 15.2hh Irish type. Not a “boring old cob” so no novices/ joyriders please.

Tel: 01259 750113

£2000 with everything. 07711 120130

Stunning bay TB mare by Kings Theatre.

11 year old approx 16.1hh

Just brought back under saddle after breeding a foal. Very well schooled and an ideal dressage prospect. Lovely mare who’s easy to do in all ways Tel: 07746 186465 www.fairoaksstud.com

MISS CARAMAC

Push button, controlled pretty 20 year old 12.1hh bay mare. Mothers dream and a real confidence builder. 2nd pony. Very easy to do in every way, load, shoe, travel, clip, vet & traffic. Super allrounder, been PC pony whole life. Full wardrobe, bargain price. £1,500

07974 409326

Smart Gelding 14.1hh, 12yo reg Connie gelding. Has previously qualified for Blair Novice M&M 2011. Nice natured wee guy but does require an experienced knowledgeable home/rider as can be sharp. Price negotiable to the right home. For more information please call 07837511176.

Deadline for the April 2013 issue - (March 12th)

Charges Feature Adverts:

£35 - Includes three months online plus one month in the magazine (Adverts max 40 words) - All adverts must be pre-paid

Just go to www.equiads.net Standard Adverts - £18 Includes three months online and one month in the magazine

You can submit your horse for sale by any of the following methods: By Post: (Complete the form below, all sections, and send it along with a photo if possible) to: Equi-Ads Ltd, Office 1, Tayview Industrial Estate, Friarton Road, Perth, PH2 8DG

Pure bred arabian gelding yearling should make over 15hh, grey. By multi champion HT Nybraska. Ostarii is very correct with good strong limbs. He has a tremendous length of stride and fantastic elevated paces. He has been very well handled from birth, and is a well adjusted yearling ready to go on and prove himself. Fully vaccinated, passported etc. £1500 ono

Name: ...............................................................................................................................

Tel: Cameg Arabian Stud 07920055879

Region: ................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ................................................................... Post Code: ................................................ By Email to: sarah@equiads.net Complete the form below with the wording you require:

Heading: ..............................................................................................................

Text: .....................................................................................................................

Horse/pony sales, schooling and tuition www.macintyrehorses.co.uk 07766832061 01292 570203 17hh gelding, 2006, will succeed in any discipline; best Irish blood lines; very athletic scopey jumper

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Event/Show jump/Dressage New arrivals available for sale Also selection of sensible all rounders

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Horses for Sale Booking Form Online Only: £10 Magazine & Online:

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............................................................................................................................... Standard Advert

Feature Advert

Payment: I enclose a cheque (payable to Equi-Ads Ltd) for £.........................

Credit or Debit Card - If you would prefer to pay by card we will contact you by phone to take the payment.

www.equiads.net

22/02/2013 13:44

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13/02/2013 13:45 16:28 22/02/2013

Health Care • Field & Stable

new to the market: Global Herbs launches Vitamin-C G lobal Herbs, the Veterinary based herbal service for horses, have developed a brilliant new supplement; designed to maintain top form, vitality and fitness.

Vitamin-C is an amazing plant-based supplement that works just like normal Vitamin-C, but is more stable, stronger and longer acting. it is an excellent source of a phytochemical similar to ascorbic acid, which is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties. one of the principle plants involved in the preparation is indian Gooseberry. The fruit contains natural chemicals that exert an effect almost identical to Vitamin C. The main way to use this formula is as a general daily tonic to help keep your horse in the best shape. This is particularly important when the weather is bad or changeable.

WANTED Land to buy not to rent

djk03@hotmail.co.uk

0800 2927770 07505 711115

some tests suggest that excitable horses, who are over-stressed, may cease to produce any ascorbic acid themselves. research has shown that they may benefit from daily supplies of ascorbic acid, which appears to replace normal endogenous supplies.

In summary, use this product for: 1. Everyday well being, vitality and fitness 2. To help maintain your horse and keep it free from common problems 3. When your horse is overstressed 1 gram of Herbal Vitamin C is equivalent to 1 gram of normal vitamin C 1 blue scoop (provided with a tub) normally carries 12 grams of powdered Herbal Vitamin C Small horse up to 300kg – half a scoop once or twice daily Medium horse up to 500kg – 1 scoop once or twice daily Large horse up to 800kg – 2 scoops once or twice daily Because of the safety of this product the rate of feeding can be easily doubled when a special need arises.

For more info call our advice team on 01243 773363 or visit www.globalherbs.co.uk.

Dust Extracted Animal Bedding 100% Recycled

Distributors, Stockists and Agents Wanted Tel: 0141 881 6622 www.freshbale.co.uk

56 | March 2013

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give him strength_A4_13:0

12/2/13

16:10

Page 1

Give him Strength

S R E D I R L L A G N I CALL

. k witht r o w o rea th t strengmonths of G se’s f o o h r the six r ho farriers of the lastnd help you trength. r u o y a ct ll s ve will gi mental effe ’ve endureds back to fu T E E F i e r PRO t the det eather w hoove a w b h m s i o t i C Br

The Five Star Farrier approved PROFEET range offers formulas designed to nourish and protect your horse’s feet. Addressing the problem from inside and out is the most effective approach. Improving the diet with PROFEET’s five star Liquid or Powder formula - the most concentrated, fast acting, nutritional support for quality horn - will impact on the strength of the hoof growth. To complement the nourishing effects of PROFEET nutrition, protect with PROFEET applications: Rock Hard - a uniquely formulated hoof hardener to naturally protect brittle hooves, strengthen soft soles and disinfect frogs prone to fungal and bacterial attack.

Good farriery and PROFEET a great combination.

Hoof Rub Ointment - made with extracts of essential eucalyptus oil to help keep the horn supple and protect the hoof from becoming brittle and prone to cracking and breaking. Hoof Moist - an entirely natural water based gel formulated to sustain the moisture content of the hoof.

For more details please call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

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