Equi-Ads November 2011

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November 2011

Breathe life into your riding

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Vet

expensive?

WIN

4 top of the

£142 Range Rugs worth

each from KINGSHEAD

The UK’s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

OLD

HORSES Healthy bedding & stables

Be safe be seen

Seasonal weight gain/loss the implications

Healthcare - News

Contents Healthcare

1, 2, 4,

25 - 38, 64

News

1, 2, 4

Front Cover: Adrian Sinclair - 07939 272791 - adrian@sinclairphotography.co.uk

Global Herbs Giveaway 2 Field & Stable

6, 51 - 56,

59, 61

Insurance

6, 41 – 43

Photography

6

Tack & Turnout

6, 7,

45 - 49, 6

1, 63

Transport

6, 50

Feeding

8 - 24

Seasonal weight

9

Riding

28

Classical Riding

32

Pilates

34

Worming

34 - 36

Physiotherapy

36 - 38

Horse Behaviour

42

Horses for Sale

42

Training

45, 48 – 49

Hi Vis

46 – 47

Woman found guilty of cruelty to more than 20 horses A woman who left more than 20 horses in ‘dreadful’ conditions has today been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to them. Banff Sheriff Court convicted 65 year old Valerie Pritchard of Cuminestown, Turriff, Aberdeenshire of five offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During the trial, the court heard that World Horse Welfare Field Officer Doug Howie visited a field at Ms Pritchard’s farm on Wednesday 14 May 2009. The visit was in response to a telephone call to our UK Welfare Hotline from a member of the public who was concerned about a large number of horses in a field which looked underweight.

On arrival, Doug Howie found a foal which had been still-born that morning along with a herd of more than 20 semi-feral horses consisting of stallions, mares and foals. They were in a poached field with several areas of marshland, little grass and no shelter.

One of the fillies, a two-year old, could not get to her feet, was sweating and her

Spencer before

eyes were rolling. A vet was requested and shortly afterwards the horse was put to sleep.

Several visits were needed to be made to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. On one of these visits Doug Howie and Eileen Gillen, who is the World Horse Welfare Centre Manager at Belwade Farm, detected a strong smell of decaying flesh from one of the sheds and 12 to 15 carcasses of horses were found.

Competition Kingshead 60 Directory

64

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10th of the preceding month Available on the 1st of the month Equi-Ads is published monthly by:

Equi-Ads Limited Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG To advertise, please call

01738 567700 Fax: 01738 567776

www.equiads.net Please send editorial to: Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG Fax: 01738 567776 Email: info@equiads.net

Spencer after

The remaining 23 horses, which were all underweight, had poor feet and were covered in lice, were taken to World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire, some of which have now been rehomed.

During a previous court appearance, Ms Pritchard admitted to one charge of failing to dispose of carcases but had previously denied the other four charges of causing unnecessary suffering and one charge of failing to provide for the welfare of her horses.

After hearing the verdict Field Officer Doug Howie said: “We are pleased that Ms Pritchard has been found guilty today as this case shows there was a blatant disregard to care for these animals. They were kept in dreadful conditions and had never been wormed, vaccinated, or seen a vet for many years.

“These horses could have easily died if left in the location where we found them but now many of them will go on to lead happy, useful lives in loving new homes.”

Valerie Pritchard was convicted of all five charges and is due to be sentenced on Tuesday 1st November 2011 at Banff Sheriff Court.

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 1

Healthcare - News - Global Herbs Giveaway

Worms can kill, warns vet practice An equine vet practice in Derbyshire is emphasising the importance of responsible worming following the sudden death of a seemingly healthy horse from severe worm damage.

World Horse Welfare is deeply disappointed with the adjustments to the whip rules announced today by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), particularly the weakening of the penalty structure.

Kirsty MacGregor, MRCVS, of Bakewell Equine Clinic in Derbyshire, was called out earlier this year to examine a sixyear-old horse which had suddenly dropped down dead in the field.

The horse had appeared normal on the day of turn out. He was outwardly healthy and had relatively good body condition.

He had been seen walking across the field five minutes previously but within minutes he had fallen in mid-stride, indicating a very sudden death. A full post mortem confirmed that the cause of death was ‘verminous thromboembolism’ - a fatal blood clot caused by severe worm damage.

Kirsty MacGregor explained: “The large intestine was loaded with encysted small strongyle larvae and there was evidence that other worms had migrated to the arteries and the liver causing inflammation and damage. The horse also had lesions in the small intestine, which, although common, are likely to be associated with parasite migration and chronic gastric ulceration in this case.”

The horse was kept on a large DIY yard with around 40 other horses and ponies.

With so many individual owners it had proved difficult to implement a regular worm control programme although the yard owner and her liveries had tried hard to manage the situation.

Kirsty continued: “This unfortunate case serves to highlight the tragic consequences of being unable to coordinate an effective worming programme. Subsequently we have carried out emergency dosing, treating all the horses on the yard with a combination of moxidectin and praziquantel (Equest Pramox – Pfizer Animal Health) to treat encysted small redworm and tapeworm.

At the yard owner’s request we have also put together a worm control programme for all the horses.”

Bakewell Equine Clinic has seen a number of cases involving encysted small

World Horse Welfare deeply disappointed with adjustments to whip rules

redworm infestation this year, presenting symptoms such as violent colic and weight loss which in some cases have proved fatal, so they have put together ten tips to help horse owners make sure they keep their horses safe from worms: • Use diagnostics on a regular basis to build a picture of your horse’s worm burden.

• Understand your enemies – familiarise yourself with the main types of worms affecting horses.

• Select the wormer most appropriate for the parasite you are targeting, by looking at the chemical ingredients of each wormer, rather than just choosing the wormer for its name alone.

• Use a weigh tape or scales to make sure you dose accurately according to weight.

• Treat horses as individuals as well as a part of the herd to make sure they are wormed according to their need as well as for their environment.

• Worm new horses before they mix with your existing animals.

• Don’t overstock paddocks and do rest them wherever possible to let the parasites die off.

• Grazing with sheep or cattle on the same pasture is an excellent way to cut the worm population as they will ‘hoover up’ horse worm larvae which then die.

• Keep stables hygienic and clean feed buckets well.

• Collect and dispose of dung from the field promptly, at least every week as this will significantly reduce the number of worm larvae getting on to the pasture.

For further information and advice on equine healthcare visit www.bakewellvets.co.uk

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “We have said throughout the review that it is important for any penalty structure to be aimed at changing the behaviour of jockeys as well as trainers and owners. The rules and the penalties have now been weakened, which must decrease their chances of working. We will be watching closely to see if the rules are followed, enforced and result in a major reduction in the number of whip offences.”

The charity is also dismayed that the Authority has chosen to allow jump racing jockeys to whip horses eight times after the last jump instead of the previous limit of six.

“We accept that the BHA has decided to remove the limit on the use of the whip in the final stages of flat racing in response

to jockeys’ claims that they may not know precisely when they have entered the final furlong. However, we do not see why the limit should be removed for jump racing as there is no ambiguity here at all. Our concern is, especially at the end of what can be a long race, that we will once again have the spectre of jockeys repeatedly whipping exhausted horses.”

The charity is however pleased that the Authority has retained an element of denying jockeys their percentage of any prize money if they break the rules. Roly Owers said: “It is unfortunate that this has been watered down, but we appreciate that a significant financial deterrent for jockeys that overuse the whip remains.

We feel that by hitting the pockets of the minority who do so will make them think twice before they use their whip. No one should profit at the expense of the horse.

“If these rules do not change behaviours and attitudes of all those directly involved in racing, we see no other choice but to call for a move to hands and heels racing, with the whip used only for safety.”

OLD AGE

Formula Giveaway OldAge is a ‘dramatic’ product from Global Herbs. It has a quick effect on almost any old horse. It’s digestive tonic herbs give a new lease of life to your old boy or girl and the immune support component helps repair all the damage that has occurred over the years.

OldAge can be combined with any mobility products that might be needed

such as Alphabute but generally only OldAge is needed to help horses regain that ‘spring in the step’. Quite often a 24 year old horse look like a 4 year old again.

OldAge can be used on any horse not just old horses.

Its rejuvenative effects are useful in any horse that is a little under the weather OldAge 1kg RRP £19.95

To win a tub of OldAge answer the following question from the Global Herbs website:

QUESTION. How long does OldAge take to transform your horse ?

To enter send your answer, along with your full name , postal address and telephone number to liz@equiads.net or to Global Herbs Old Age Giveaway, Equi-Ads Office 1 Tayview Industrial Estate, Friarton Road, Perth, PH2 8DG. Entries close the 30th November 2011

OLD AGE guarantee Doctors often tell people that they are getting old and they have to expect lack of energy and aches and pains.

Global Herbs think that your horse can live a fit and active life much longer than is commonly thought possible.

One of the keys to this concept is the product OLD AGE. The digestive and immune system herbs in this product make such a big difference that older horses get a new lease of life in a matter 2 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Add in GlobalVite for a complete balance of minerals and vitamins.

If more serious matters are amiss consider helping the joints and mobility with the products listed in our ‘Stay Mobile’ advertisement in this magazine.

speaking to our veterinary advice team they will give you a money back guarantee that they can make a great difference to your old horse. At the same time they will send you full information on the various options that are open to you.

The keys to a complete approach to an older horse are:

Global Herbs would like to challenge you and promise that they can make a difference to your horse.

Call Global Herbs today on 01243 773363 info@globalherbs.co.uk

Use OldAge formula to start with.

Call Global Herbs today and after

of weeks. The most common experience when using Old Age is that an old tired horse of say 24 years of age is able to run and jump again and starts to look and feel more like a 4 year old. This quick change can be maintained at a good level by using the product at a maintenance level.

Look at their website on www.globalherbs.co.uk

Competition - News

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 3

Healthcare - News

New Dressage Duo at Your Horse Live

VTI needs you!

This year’s Your Horse Live is set to see a new dressage duo wow the crowds, as Anna Ross-Davies and Roland Tong team up for a magical dressage display.

Held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on November 12 and 13, Your Horse Live is always a brilliant two days packed with demonstrations and shopping.

This will be Anna’s first appearance at Your Horse Live, and together with fellow dressage rider Roland Tong, she’ll be giving a masterclass on riding dressage to music.

Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) needs your help to spread the word about how useful thermal imaging can be…but don’t worry, there’s something in it for you too…a free scan!

“Whenever we do a demo, we find that people really grasp what thermography is all about, and the practical applications it can have,” says Helen Morrell, Managing Director of Veterinary Thermal Imaging.

We know how effective thermographs can be in all types of different areas, whether this is as a diagnostic tool, to see how a saddle fits, as a management technique and a lot more…and now we’ve found a way to show people first hand, at minimal cost.”

The idea is simple, if you’re interested in having your horse scanned using VTI, the team’s state of the art cameras and highly trained thermographers, all you need to do is organise a demo.

Arrange for five or more people to view,

and you get a free back and saddle fit check.

If you have more than five people wanting to come and watch the demo, VTI is happy to check more than one horse for you. This can be run on the same day, or different days…but they do need to be different people.

If less than five people attend, the scan is chargeable at the full rate.

“A member of our team will come to your yard or home, wherever the horse is kept, and you will receive a free scan. If you live over 15 miles away from one of our bases, travel is charged at cost.

Your friends who attend the demo will receive a money off voucher, your horse gets a free scan…everyone is a winner,” says Helen.”

For more information, please see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging. com, email enquiries@vtiuk.com or call 0800 408 3891.

Breathe easy this winter with forest farmacy There are many reasons why a horse may suffer from respiratory compromise – from coughs and colds to dust allergies. During the winter these are often exacerbated due to change in routine. Organic Horse now provides a natural supplement which can help soothe and prevent some of these distressing conditions...

Contains Barks, Seeds, Roots and Shoots that are known to be instinctively sourced in the wild as well as seasonally changed ingredients including Wild thyme – which has anti-microbial properties and assists in expelling fluid from the lungs and upper respiratory tract and Ginger to help relieve congestion and modulate the immune system.

Respiratory Power is a ‘breathe easy’ herbal concentrate made with wild thyme and cloves to support respiratory function.

Respiratory Power helps to clear excess mucus, expel allergens, soothe respiratory tract, open airways and fight germs and viruses. The powerful herbal formula is ideal for horses that are susceptible to coughs, colds, COPD, asthma, dust, hay, pollen and mould allergens.

Forest Farmacy uses nothing in the formulation of this product that contravenes competition rules and only contains organic ingredients.

4 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

RRP: £32 for 40 days supply For more information tel: 0800 970 9421 or visit: www.forestfarmacy.com

International Grand Prix dressage rider Anna has represented Great Britain at Grand Prix level all over the world. She was the highest placed British team rider at the European Championships in 2007, and in 2008 was non-travelling reserve for Beijing. Anna trained for five years with the German Olympic Champion, Ulla Salzgeber, and is supported by the Lottery funded World Class Programme.

Get the chance to meet these two well known figures in the dressage world as they plan to ride a specially choreographed pas de deux, with added bling and some rather unconventional music!

Roland (31) has also won numerous titles, from Novice level to Advanced and has also represented Great Britain at the World Young Horse Championships in Verden.

To book your tickets in advance and save money visit www.yourhorselive. co.uk or call 0844 581 0770 and quote EQ-TSM. Hotline closes on Thursday 10th November 2011 at midday.

Come along to find out more!

Pippa Wins EquestrianClearance.com Pippa Funnell and Billy Balou triumphed in the EquestrianClearance. com Senior Newcomers Championship at HOYS to give the well known event rider her first ever win at the prestigious show.

From 23-starters, seven made it through to the jump-off with Pippa drawn first on the talented bay gelding owned by Carol Toliver.

With a determined ride, Pippa cut every corner to perfection to cross the finish line in 43.61 seconds on the six-yearold Billy Balou.

Paving the way, Pippa stopped the clock nearly three seconds ahead of her nearest rival, Lola Wade and Zorro, owned by David Jackson.

A former rosette girl at the Horse of the Year Show for many years, Pippa couldn’t believe she was receiving a winning one.

“All those years ago I worked at HOYS handing out rosettes I never thought I would be receiving a winner’s one,” said Pippa.

After a hectic autumn on the eventing circuit Pippa added: “I almost got William to ride Billy Balou here as I have been so busy eventing and haven’t had a chance to get him indoors.”

Pippa Funnell and Billy Balou receive their award from (left), Lorraine Meadowcroft and (right) Katie Farmer of EquestrianClearance.com The prestigious EquestrianClearance.com Senior Newcomers Championship saw Harriet Nuttall and her father’s A Touch of Imperious taking third place on the seven-year-old chestnut gelding.

With just three going clear in the second round, the Pavitt sisters Nicole and Louise, well known for their speed against the clock put in fast rounds on Festiena van Texelhof and Lupicos, however poles fell leaving them in fourth and sixth places, while Steven Franks and Pacome du Bois Mesnil took fifth.

Insert Category

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 5

Field & Stable - Insurance - Photography - Tack & Turnout - Transport

ADCOL_20 Aylesbury 100x75:ADCOL_20 Aylesbury 100x75 30/06/2011 10:11 Pag

Odd,

but not everyone knows we do horse and horsebox insurance.

We do.

Call 01296 436142 for a quote or pop into the office to talk to Virginia Stollery & Simon Parker at NFU Mutual Office, 1 Alton House Office Park, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8XU. Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

We do right by you

Bitting advice At this time of year the advice line gets busy with customers needing more control in situations like hunting.Â

the horses lips, it can often be a better solution to use an alternative bit which uses other pressure points.

I always think it is preferable to change the bit to suit the current work.

There are many choices available ranging from those with mild mouthpieces, to those that should help when a strong horse snatches or leans down.

If most of the summer has been spent concentrating on flatwork in a dressage legal bit for example, it is a very different situation to that of the hunting field.

Rather than sticking with the original bit and pulling hard against the corners of

6 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

For further information please contact Gail on the advice line - 07789587302

Hay Quality - Healthcare

Olympia, The London International Horse Show unveils new Extreme Driving Competition for 2011 Tickets now on sale for the world’s best equestrian Christmas party 13 – 19 December 2011 at London Olympia Celebrating nearly 40 years of world class equestrian sport, Olympia, The London International Horse Show is introducing a brand new Extreme Driving competition to its coveted event format for 2011. The new indoor carriage driving competition will see the world’s best four in-hand drivers battling it out for the title on the evening of Thursday 15th December and the afternoon of Friday 16th December.

Renowned for immense speed and precision, the driving competition will feature marathon-style obstacles and pairs of cones, which drivers navigate against the clock.

To mark the London Olympia debut, three of the world’s best will take part including Boyd Exell, Ijsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde. Flying the flag for Great Britain Pippa Bassett, will also take part with her team of Lipizzaners - an entry that is sure to get the support of the home crowd.

Simon Brooks Ward, Managing Director of H Power and Event Director said: “We are enormously excited by the introduction of driving to the Olympia programme for 2011. The event is magnificent to watch and is performed by the world’s best carriage drivers, which will have spectators literally on the edge of their seats.”

This year’s seven-day equestrian extravaganza kicks off with the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Qualifier on the evenings of Tuesday 13 December (Grand Prix) and Wednesday 14 December (Freestyle to Music). With Britain, and particularly Carl Hester and Laura Bechtolsheimer, winning recent top dressage competitions, this will provide a good indication of Britain’s ability to go for gold in 2012.

Jumping classes start on Thursday 15 December and highlights include the Alltech Christmas Puissance (Friday 16 December’s evening), The Rolex FEI World Cup™ Qualifier presented by H&M (Sunday 18 December’s afternoon) and The Olympia Grand Prix on the evening of Monday 19 December. Olympia favourites, The Kennel Club Dog Agility,

The Shetland Pony Grand National and the Christmas Finale will feature in all jumping performances from Thursday 15th to Monday 19th December.

The line-up of displays includes the return of the magnificent Lorenzo, The Flying Frenchman and the Lusitano Quadrille from Portugal. This is the first time that this high school display has been seen at Olympia.

Billed as ‘the world’s best equestrian Christmas party’, there will also be an Olympia Christmas Finale supported by The Hilton, London, Olympia complete with Father Christmas on a sleigh, carol singers and lots of fluffy white snow.

Visitors can also stock up on Christmas gifts and equestrian goodies courtesy of the Shopping Village. The retail experience will be open from Wednesday 14th at 1pm and then every day from 10am till close with 200 shops and stalls selling items ranging from food, gifts, homeware, clothing, art, jewellery and much more.

The annual event attracts over 80,000 horse-loving enthusiasts from around the UK with a broad range of attendees.

Tickets for Olympia, The London International Horse Show, are priced between £21 and £55 with various discounts available for groups, seniors and children. Tickets include entrance to the Shopping Village but these can also be purchased separately without a show ticket for only £10. For further information and a confirmed programme of events please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com For tickets, call the box office on 0871 230 5580.

Ticket prices: £21.00, £29.75, £30.00, £34.50, £42.50, £49.00, £55.00 + booking fee from www.olympiahorseshow.com

For more information on The London International Horse Show visit: www.olympiahorseshow.com November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 7

Feeding

British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Success 2011 Competitors at The British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance 2011 enjoyed excellent weather as they competed in glorious sunshine over the roof of Mid-Wales surrounded by the breath-taking scenery.

Tricia Hirst - BHF Red Dragon Winner 2011 Tricia Hirst travelled from her home in Welshpool, Powys to win The British Horse Feeds Red Dragon with her French Anglo Arab Madjin. Also awarded Best Condition (164km) and the Farrier’s Award, this was an excellent finish to the season for Tricia, who was a member of the British Team at the European’s earlier this year.

Heading the British Horse Feeds Dragon’s Tail, Leicestershire-based Larissa Whiley and her 13-year-old Arab Ben Shah had a fantastic ride and Larissa is delighted with her first place prize – a year’s supply of feed from British Horse Feeds. Said

Larissa: “Ben Shah loved the heat and the going was excellent, the prizes are very much appreciated.”

Young rider Lauren Mills (17) won The British Horse Feeds Little Dragon after an exciting racing finish. Riding pure bred Arab Oakleaze Farm Czarko, Lauren only started competing in endurance three years ago and is over the moon with her win.

“Oakleaze Farm Czarko really enjoyed the ride and was pulling the whole way round! It still hasn’t really sunk in that we won,” said Lauren.

British Horse Feeds also launched a special recognition award at this year’s

Jane Smith - Best Crew Member 2011

Lauren Mills - BHF Little Dragon Winner 2011

For more information please contact British Horse Feeds on +44 (0)1765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com

Red Dragon for ‘Best Crew Member’.

Entries came in thick and fast from riders praising the excellent support they receive from crew members but one lady shone out against all others.

Martin Bielby of British Horse Feeds explains: “We received two entries nominating Jane Smith who always goes the extra mile to help despite a hectic working life and an imminent hip replacement.

Larissa Whiley - BHF Dragon’s Tail Winner 2011

“Riders described Jane as ‘a selfless star’ and are convinced her calm presence and excellent map reading skills help them to improve grades. A very well-deserved win.”

Eezhay Peasy Forage Feeding

®

RETAIL MEMBER

8 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

As advocates of simple and natural feeding methods, Eezhay have launched a brand new feeding system which incorporates the benefits of their existing Hay Feeder with some innovative additions to bring customers the future in feeding...

To add to the innovation, the Eezhay Premier now incorporates a unique detachable feeding manger within the Hay Feeder. Made from super tough, 1.5mm powder coated mild steel, the stylish design of the Eezhay Premier Combo allows horses to feed in their natural position which in turns encourages healthy digestion, respiration and aids the natural wear of teeth. The removable feed manger is made from mild steel and offers horse owners a space saving, mess-free feeding method.

The sleek design of the Eezhay Premier Combo takes up little space and provides a simple method of feeding as nature intended, whilst still preventing mess and wasted forage. With safety a high priority, the innovative shape has been created with no sharp edges so horse owners can have peace of mind that the risk of accidents occurring in the stable is reduced.

Efficient and effective, the Eezhay Premier Combo negates the need for time

consuming hay-net-filling and can hold up to a whole bale of hay in one go. With hay and haylage prices on the increase, forage is precious and research suggests that wastage can be reduced by up to 25% with use of the Eezhay Premier Combo as horses no longer drop hay from a haynet or traipse it throughout their bedding.

Designed to fit an internal corner, the Eezhay Premier should be installed a few inches from the ground to allow removal of seeds, dust and waste, meaning daily clearing is quick and easy.

By popular demand, the Eezhay Premier Combo is available in pony size as well as the original full size, there is a wide range of powder coated colours to choose from and every product comes with a one year full manufactures guarantee. With prices starting at just £64.99 for the Eezhay Premier Pony, this innovative product will be a true investment in to your feeding routine.

For more information visit www. eezhay.net or telephone: 01246 240099

Feeding

Seasonal weight gain/loss - the implications of too much either way Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh because little sugar is synthesised. Thus it should be obvious from the foregoing that throughout the year the food supply to naturally grazing herbivores will fluctuate. The most important aspect of this is the variability in energy supply.

Animals continuously respond to energy inputs. If energy intake is restricted animals lose weight and if available in excess, they get fat! This contrasts with their responses to nutrient intake which are not continuous. For example, removing vitamin A from a horse’s diet for three months should have no noticeable effect on the animal.

The UK has a temperate climate and because of this we are blessed with fairly equable year round weather compared to the continental climate with its harsh winters and very hot summers. However, we still enjoy (!?) marked seasonality and the further north you go the differences between the seasons become more marked. This is reflected in the hours of daylight, the number of hours of sunshine and of course, temperature. Grass does not grow below about 4-6C so that persistent cold means no fresh grazing.

Even when grass is growing, “short” days and little or no sun mean that the energy value of grass is very low

Naturally grazing herbivores (semi-feral native ponies such as the Exmoor, Dartmoor, New Forest, etc) may show considerable fluctuations in body weight over the year. The scale of change during this annual cycle will depend to a large extent on the severity of the winter that they have to endure. The last two winters have been particularly hard. Wild herbivores such as Red Deer have protective mechanisms to offset food shortages over winter.

These include utilising accumulated body energy stores, a reduction in metabolic rate (up to 60% lower in winter than spring and summer) and a reduction in food intake that is not a function of lower food availability.

The latter is also a feature that has been measured in horses/ponies that cont. on p.10

Joint Aid Plus for Horses - Next to go GM Free and Benefit from Omega 3 Thanks to GWF Nutrition’s continual development policy, Joint Aid Plus for Horses has been the next product in the company’s line up to receive the attention of their technical department.

Already a key player in the joint supplement market, Joint Aid Plus for Horses now benefits from a Non-GM, soya free formulation and the additional health benefits of Omega 3. These changes provide horse owners with the assurance that their horses

are receiving one of the highest quality and technically advanced product available today.

A 5kg bucket of Joint Aid Plus has a RRP of £49.90. It will last 100 days at full support level.

For more information, stockist details or to order, please visit: www.gwfnutrition.com or call GWF Nutrition direct on 01225 708482.

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 9

Feeding - Healthcare cont. from p.9

were fed ad libitum. This adaptation is probably controlled by hormonal changes initiated by the changes in day length and temperature. Pre-winter preparations include fattening, growing a thick coat and a reduction in activity.

Additional to the foregoing, Red deer have also been shown to be able to temporarily reduce their metabolic rate and lower peripheral body temperature (a temporary hypothermia) in response to short periods of cold stress during winter thus saving energy. Horses appear to be able to withstand low environmental temperatures (-20C) very well provided that they are in good body condition, possess a good winter coat, are fed and remain dry; rain/sleet destroys the insulating effectiveness of the coat and, together with wind, cause severe heat loss.

Horses grazing summer pastures will almost certainly become fat unless their access to grass is restricted in some way. For many animals this is not an apparent problem so long as they can still drag themselves around the paddock. Of course, if a fat animal is made to work then it will be hugely handicapped and will expend more energy moving itself than one that is not obese. Furthermore, it will sweat more and be more prone to dehydration.

These penalties of fatness are the same for humans-go to any airport and observe fat people trying to cope with their luggage! Fatness is not good as it causes exercise intolerance and is really unnecessary for most horses because they are cosseted and have no need for winter survival aids. More serious is the possibility that obesity is a prelude to, and predisposes animals to, serious disease either recognised as metabolic syndrome, laminitis or insulin resistance/insensitivity (have high circulating levels of insulin because normal insulin production is ineffective in regulating blood glucose levels). The risk of type-2 diabetes developing in humans is increased when they are insulin-insensitive but this is not the case with horses where it is rare.

Weight loss by horses is a result of energy under-nutrition. Its extent is governed by a number of factors including energy supply, environment, body condition, hair coat and physiological status. Clearly the magnitude of the energy deficit will affect the rate of tissue loss irrespective of the other factors which may amplify its effect. For example, a harsh environment that is a combination of cold, wet and wind will maximise weight loss. Additionally, poor body condition together with the absence of

10 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

subcutaneous fat and a poor hair coat will result in less heat being retained by the body. Physiological status is important because it regulates bodily energy needs. For example, a young growing animal has higher energy requirements than a mature animal and this is often a reason for the deaths of feral pony foals and young deer during their first winter. Body size is important when it comes down to survival during inclement weather. The heat loss from a big horse is less than from a small horse on a pro rata basis so the latter are more vulnerable and will lose more weight under adverse environmental conditions. Pregnant animals have higher energy requirements over winter than non-pregnant animals and thus will lose more weight. If the winter is followed by a poor spring and late summer, lactation will impose a further drain on energy reserves exacerbating weight loss. The “knock-on effect” of this is that rebreeding may be unsuccessful. Horses in less than optimal body condition (<3 on a scale 1 to 5) are more difficult to get pregnant and deer and hill sheep may remain “yeld” or barren following a year in which they have produced young in order to “recover” their body reserves.

A more serious consequence of weight loss due to an energy imbalance is a condition known as hyperlipemia.

Basically, a negative energy balance triggers excessive mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue that results in high levels of circulating fat in the blood together with fatty infiltration of the liver. It is more common in ponies and donkeys although it may be seen in horses secondary to a systemic disease. The prognosis is often poor in ponies that have the disease confirmed.

Anything that imposes a high energy demand (pregnancy, disease, etc) when energy intake is limited may precipitate the condition particularly in obese animals that may be insulin-resistant.

Thus, it is unwise to impose a severe dietary energy restriction on a pregnant pony! Enforced weight loss by an obese animal must be managed very carefully indeed.

The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) considers an animal’s welfare in terms of the “Five Freedoms”.

These are freedom from (1) hunger and thirst, (2) discomfort, (3) pain, injury or disease, (4) fear and distress and (5), the freedom to express normal behavior. These freedoms define ideal states rather than standards for acceptable welfare however, it should be clear that excessive weight loss or gain compromises a horse’s welfare and thus should be avoided if at all possible.

Feeding

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 11

Feeding - Healthcare

Likit Winter Treats Add a little variety to your horse’s life with these exciting new additions to the Likit range. The Likit winter selection includes three new flavours: Berry Blast, Liquorice and Butterscotch. Designed to be used in conjunction with Likit Stable Toys, the delicious Likit

treat blocks keep the horse interested and occupied, so helping to alleviate stable boredom and reducing stable vices. For information on Likit Products, plus tips on how to keep your equines happy and entertained, visit www.likit.co.uk

Recovery from suspensory ligament tears is attributed to Grand HA Synergy feed supplement Mel Wiles from East Yorkshire owns Charlie, a coloured 17hh Gypsy Cob x ID with conformational issues in his hind legs. “He was bought as my only horse to do low level dressage and hacking, but in September 2010, a week before our first dressage test he went lame,” she says. “After a full lameness work up by a very experienced vet, including full x-rays and ultra sound scans, he was found to have suspensory ligament tears in his left hind and severe arthritis of the fetlock joint in both hind legs. The vets were sceptical of a full recovery due to the nature of the injury and his size and breed.

concludes.

“I was instructed to keep Charlie on box rest and immediately started looking for a joint supplement to ease the arthritis. In my vast search, I found Grand Meadows’ Grand HA Synergy product. It immediately appealed to me due to the ligament injury Charlie had as it contained Collagen that may help to repair the ligament. I was sceptical but I had nothing to lose.

“Charlie started the supplement at the end of September 2010. We followed the exercise programme to the letter, but he was not medicated by the vets whatsoever. By March 2011 Charlie was showing great progress and I was instructed to begin riding again and by June I was doing short schooling sessions.

Grand Meadows is an expert in animal health supplements, and offers a range of equine and canine products for digestion, joints, hooves, coat and general health and wellbeing.

“On Tuesday 9/8/11 we had our final lameness work up and scans showing that the ligament has repaired to that of a “normal” horse.

The vet commented with regards to the arthritis that “his injections have lasted for a long time, haven’t they?”, to which I responded that he hadn’t had any injections or medication of any kind. The vet was astounded!

“Since Charlie has not been medicated in any other way, I believe wholeheartedly that his rapid and full recovery was due to the Grand HA Synergy supplement he has been having and the excellent rest and recuperation programme I was given by my vets.

“We are shortly attempting our first dressage test “take two” in two weeks time, all due to the Grand HA Synergy supplement. Thank you so much for giving me my horse back!” Mel 12 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Grand H.A. Synergy contains ingredients including BioCell Collagen IIT, which contains type II Collagen; Depolymerised Chondroitin Sulphate and Hyaluronic Acid. This potent formula is blended with effective levels of Glucosamine HCL, MSM, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, for complete support for healthy equine joints.

RRPS Grand HA Synergy 5lbs (40 dose) - RRP £60.48 Grand HA Synergy 10lbs (80 dose) - RRP 114.78

Retailers - to stock the product, call Equine Management on: (01825) 841 303 Consumers - to buy online, visit: www.worldwidetack.com

Feeding

Click with SPILLERS® and win a trailer SPILLERS® has launched a brand new website www.spillers-feeds.com and we would like to invite you to click on and join us to celebrate. We are also celebrating the re-launch of the long established SPILLERS® Diamond Club, online by offering you the chance to win a fabulous Equi-Trek trailer worth over £8,000 if you sign up to become a Diamond Club member.

Well-fed horses are happy horses and www.spillers-feeds.com brings everything you need to know about feeding them straight to your fingertips.

Our new site is friendly, interactive and blissfully simple to navigate. You can talk horse with members of the SPILLERS® team, get the advice and information you need to help keep your best friend healthy and you can also

use the brilliant new feed finder tool to search for the perfect feed for your horse and pony.

You can check out the FAQ area, bringing you easy-reference information sheets on topics such as laminitis and obesity or discover how quality matters to us and how we are doing our bit to look after our planet. If you’re more technically minded why not take a look at the latest research that we are doing with the world-leading WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group to help us enhance our knowledge of nutrition.

As a crucial part of the new website we have re-designed our famous Diamond Club to offer some amazing new offers and rewards to our loyal members.

Register with the Diamond Club today

for your chance to enter an exclusive competition to win a SPILLERS® branded Equi-Trek Space Treka M Trailer with a value of over £8,000.

Rachel Austin, brand assistant at SPILLERS® said: “We all want our horses to be happy and healthy and in the best shape to do the jobs we ask of them. We hope that within the new site you will find all you need to help make feeding your horse a quick and easy task, freeing up that time to spend with your horse or pony.”

Click on to our brand new website www.spillers-feeds.com today and you may soon be the proud owner of a new Equi-Trek Trailer!

Explaining the Winter Spooks It is not uncommon for perfectly well behaved horses to become a little difficult to handle over the winter months. Besides the obvious blusters, bangs and hiding pheasants, there is another more biological reason for this.

unmatched levels of magnesium absorption. This superior level of absorption is crucial to achieving results. Readily available forms of magnesium such as magnesium oxide and magnesium sulphate provide a low rate of absorption which is inadequate to compensate for modern feeding

and the stresses experienced by the domesticated horse.

For more information or to order: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk

Magnesium is needed in the body to regulate muscle, nerve and adrenaline function. Several things occur over the winter months that can mean that your horse is not getting enough. The stress of extra stabling and cold weather mean that magnesium requirements are higher during the winter. Feeding more hard feed reduces transit times through the gut so there is less time for magnesium to be absorbed and the extra levels of ions such as potassium and calcium will hinder absorption.

Reduced grazing time and the lower levels of magnesium in grass growing in wet soil mean that less magnesium is being consumed each day. These factors combined often lead to misbehaviour, commonly spooking, tension and a generally less settled demeanour.

Nupafeed MAH® Calmer contains only our exclusive MAH® magnesium compound which has been pharmaceutically developed to provide

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 13

Feeding

Seasonal Weight Loss

It’s available as powder and pellets, in sizes 1.2kg-10kg. 2kg lasts the average horse 25 days and retails at £21.99.

Equimins Advance Complete is a concentrated feed balancer that comes with a full money back guarantee.

Equimins’ Cooked Linseed is a great way to add calories to a feed, in a similar way to oil, but with added fibre.

Advance Complete contains vitamins; trace elements; minerals; bound to an amino acid source to make them almost entirely digestible; Saccharomyces

cerivisae yeast; prebiotics and probiotics. It’s designed for use with a fibre diet. Equimins are so confident in this product that they offer a full money back guarantee if a difference in topline and condition isn’t noticed after feeding for just eight weeks.

Cooked Linseed is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils and works well with a high specification feed balancer. In addition to adding calories to a diet,

it will also help create a shine on any horse’s coat.

Cooked Linseed is available in 3kg, 10kg and 20kg bags, and prices start from £8.95.

For more information see www. equimins.com or call 01548 531770.

Stay Cool & Collected with Allen & Page Allen & Page is delighted to introduce a new feed to its popular Barley & Molasses Free Range. Cool & Collected is a high fibre, low starch, low sugar, quick soak feed suitable for horses and ponies in light to medium work.

Due to the feed’s positive effects on behaviour, Cool & Collected is particularly beneficial for Dressage, Pony Club, Riding Clubs, Hacking or anywhere you need a calm and composed horse or pony.

Allen & Page is well known for producing high quality, natural feeds with GM-free ingredients at its Norfolk mill, and now Cool & Collected is another great feed with the same natural philosophy. Cool & Collected

fits within the core range of Barley & Molasses Free feeds and provides enough energy for medium work and it can also be combined with other feeds in the range, but in order to gain the full benefit it should not be fed with other products containing barley or molasses.

This soft, palatable mash follows the same principles as the ever-popular Fast Fibre, creating a tasty, easy to chew feed providing energy from fibre.

Cool & Collected is low in starch which makes it ideal for horses and ponies that tend to become fizzy on traditional mid-range energy feeds and because it contains Ceregest GLC 1, a unique pre and pro-biotic blend, it helps to promote good gut health too.

Being low in sugar and cereal free, Cool & Collected is ideal for horses and ponies that suffer from feed-related behavioural issues. Not only that, packed with vitamins and minerals, there is no need to feed an additional balancer. The quick soak formula has many benefits too, providing extra water in the diet to help maintain hydration and forming an easy to chew mash, great for horses who may have poor teeth.

from feed-related behaviour issues • Contains Ceregest GLC 1, a unique pre and pro-biotic blend for Gut Loving Care • Highly digestible with high fibre energy sources • Suitable for horses and ponies with intolerances to barley, molasses and alfalfa

This great all round feed is: • Barley & Molasses Free – low starch, low sugar • For horses and ponies in light to medium work • Ideal for horses and ponies that suffer

To find out whether this could be the perfect feed for your horse, contact the friendly Nutrition Team on 01362 822902 or visit www.allenandpage.co.uk

RRP: £8.60 – £10.40, prices may vary depending on location.

Winter Feeding Tips from Allen & Page As the nights draw in your horse’s winter routine will change, so make sure your feeding routine changes to match. Key areas to adjust are energy intake, fibre and hydration, so Allen & Page provides some top tips for winter feeding.

1 - Fibre First Fibre in the form of hay, haylage and grass should always form the majority of the diet and the amount fed should not be less than 50% of the total diet. Fibre is often thought of as just adding bulk to the horse’s diet, however, it is vital for a healthy digestive system and also provides the horse with excellent levels of slow-release energy. When grass is not growing and hay is in short supply, use alternatives such as hay replacers and short chops. Frequent small bucket feeds provide a more natural way of feeding, or try scattering high fibre cubes over the grass to encourage foraging behaviour.

2 - Veteran Care Older horses are at particular risk of weight loss in the winter months. Poor dentition means they struggle to chew long stem fibre and can lose weight and condition quickly. Poor body weight also means that veteran horses will struggle to maintain body heat. A high fibre diet is excellent for older horses as the digestion of fibre produces heat as a by-product. The main problem is providing enough fibre to older horses 14 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

that is easy to chew and digest – soaked fibre feeds are an excellent way to add fibre to the diet and if soaked with warm water, are a good way to provide comfort on a cold day.

3 - Calm Performance Many horses still need plenty of energy to compete throughout the winter, but increased time in the stable can increase anxious behaviour. Slow release energy is good for providing sustained energy levels without the fizz. Feed ingredients such as fibre and oil, which are good sources of slow release energy and are ideal for horses that require extra stamina, such as endurance or event horses. Avoiding feeds containing high levels of sugar and starch can also help to improve the horse’s behaviour, even if turnout is restricted.

4 - Restricted exercise Some horses can put on weight over winter, especially if they are ridden and turned out less. If you do not adjust your horse’s feed according to the decreased workload then your horse could be at risk from laminitis come spring. A high fibre, low sugar feed should easily provide enough energy for a light to medium workload, so if your horse is expending less energy, he should be consuming less energy.

Product information Allen & Page’s Fast Fibre is low calorie and free from cereals and molasses

making it very low in starch and sugar and suitable for horses and ponies that are good doers or prone to laminitis.

Fast Fibre contains quality fibre sources for energy and healthy digestion and can be fed as a complete or partial hay replacement. Quick soak in just 30–60 seconds, Fast Fibre is palatable and easy to chew for horses and ponies of all ages.

Fast Fibre RRP: £7.50 – £9.30, prices may vary depending on location.

Calm & Condition is ideal for horses and ponies that are in medium to hard work or for those that struggle to maintain weight. As it is barley and molasses free Calm & Condition is suitable for horses with a true barley intolerance, is low in starch and high in fibre, and features a careful high-oil balance of linseed and soya oil. Boosted vitamin and mineral levels and premium grade herbs combine to promote optimum condition.

Calm & Condition RRP: £9.65–£11.45 prices may vary depending on location Veteran Vitality is easily soaked in under three minutes to form a palatable mash.

Containing tasty mint, fenugreek and garlic, Veteran Vitality will tempt even the fussiest of feeders and is easily chewed and digested. Veteran Vitality also contains linseed as a source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Veteran Vitality RRP: £8.80 – £10.60 prices may vary depending on location.

Power & Performance is a completely new approach to performance nutrition.

Being free from barley and molasses, Power & Performance is low in sugar and starch and provides the horse with a blend of both fast and slow release energy allowing horses to work hard, achieve results and perform to the best of their ability all winter long.

Power & Performance RRP: £9.90 – £11.70 prices may vary depending on location.

Ride & Relax is a light, muesli mix for horses in light to medium work. Ride & Relax contains probiotics to help maintain the balance of friendly bacteria in the gut, in turn helping to promote healthy digestion.

Ride & Relax RRP: £9.02–£10.82 prices may vary depending on location.

For more information on winter feeding or the Barley & Molasses Free Range visit www.allenandpage.com or call the Allen & Page Feed Helpline on 01362 822902.

Joni Bentley

December 2010 - Equi-Ads - 15

Feeding

Delivering Nutritional Excellence to Your Yard Would you like to be able to talk to someone about feeding? Is your horse’s diet balanced and supplying him with the correct nutrition or do you need help with feed related problems?

The TopSpec team of experienced nutritionists and equine advisors with be happy to provide friendly advice at your yard, tailored to your individual horse or pony.

Whether you are having problems with your horse’s energy levels or they need extra condition, are lazy, have poor hoof quality or you feel you are spending too much money on supplements, the TopSpec team are on hand to help.

TopSpec now has five weighbridges available with their free yard service covering the whole of the UK, as part of their commitment to providing the very best advice in equine nutrition.

A TopSpec nutritionist and/or equine advisor can visit your yard to offer experienced advice when it comes to feeding and managing horses and ponies of all types.

more. The yard service is open to both existing and potential new clients.

Said Katy Mickle of TopSpec: “We have visited both new yards and long standing customers for many years but now with five weighbridges available the service can reach even more horse owners in their home and yard environment.

“Our multiple award-winning helpline continues to form the backbone of the advice we provide and is very busy all year round.”

Aimed at bringing expertise to your door, the yard visits are backed up by the TopSpec Helpline – Multiple Award Winner for Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

To find out more about organising a visit to your yard contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

Owners are provided with individual diet plans for each horse during the visit with the weighbridge, where required, provided at yards with 12 horses or

Win Fabulous Prizes on the New British Horse Feeds Website British Horse Feeds are delighted to announce the launch of their exciting new website which will be taking place at Your Horse Live (12th & 13th November) on stand number 167.

To celebrate, British Horse Feeds has a fabulous pair of Ariat® Grasmere Boots to give away to one lucky winner, plus a three month supply* of Speedi-Beet for five runners up.

Perfect for winter, the Ariat® Grasmere Boots (worth £229) are fashioned in suede and leather, with a dual lace system and a riding outsole. SpeediBeet is a highly digestible sugar beet feed packed with fibre, ideal for saving you time; it soaks and is ready to feed in just ten minutes.

The new website features exclusive nutritional advice at the click of a button and an interactive area where users can manage their equestrian diaries and 16 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

share their favourite horsey photos and stories with others. Visitors to the site can also keep up to date with breaking news and enter regular competitions.

Call in at the British Horse Feeds stand (167) at Your Horse Live to find out more or enter the competition online from 1st November. *Three month supply of Speedi-Beet equates to one bag per month. Each runner up will receive three 20kg bags of Speedi-Beet.

For more information contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www. britishhorsefeeds. com. You can also find British Horse Feeds on Facebook.

Feeding - Health Care

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 17

Feeding - Veteran

Show ‘n’ Glow from Rowen Barbary is a highly palatable mix designed for horses that need a high calorie diet for conditioning and controlled weight gain. With high levels of oils enhanced

by Sumo Original this will help ensure excellent overall condition, helping encourage weight gain and improve topline whilst perfecting a great coat bloom.

The balanced energy sources together with a high oil content and controlled protein make Show ‘n’ Glow suitable for horses that tend to be easily excitable, providing an excellent source of slow release energy for sustained performance. Super high levels of Vitamin E are also included, helping support the immune system and maintaining healthy antioxidant levels.

Yeasacc 1026 is included for optimum fibre and mineral digestion within the hindgut and to help maintain gut health along with the herbs spearmint and garlic. Containing all the essential

nutrients needed for a fully balanced diet Show ‘n’ Glow is ideal for everyday feeding.

For more information please contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds in 01948 880598 or alternatively visit www. rowenbarbary.co.uk

Feeding the Veteran with Blue Chip Clare & Glenn copyright real time imaging

Maintain Condition this Winter with Show ‘n’ Glow

With modern nutrition and advanced veterinary care and knowledge, many horses and ponies are living and still being ridden well into their twenties and even thirties, however ensuring your veteran gets everything that they need from their diet, on a daily basis can be challenging.

As horses get older their dietary requirements change and their gut becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients. Feeding your veteran a nutrient dense feed balancer, such as Blue Chip Pro will help to ensure their health and well being.

Blue Chip Pro is ideal for veteran horses and ponies, as it not only provides them with the enhanced levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, but also high levels of a probiotic and prebiotic to support their less efficient digestive system. The probiotic Blue Chip has been proven to double the digestibility of fibre, allowing your horse to get more out of the fibre in his diet; while the prebiotic will help to boost your horse’s immune system and remove pathogenic bacteria from the foregut.

Pro also contains a comprehensive hoof supplement with biotin, lysine and zinc; a respiratory supplement including garlic, eucalyptus and menthol and good quality protein to provide the necessary amino acids, vital for maintaining muscle mass which can be a problem in older horses. Older horses can start to struggle chewing their feed, so Blue Chip Pro’s small pellets make it easy to eat and it is so palatable it can even be fed by hand.

Also, for those who have lost their teeth it can be made into a tempting mash with the addition of warm water.

18 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

To help your veteran stay supple, mobile and sound it is vital to use a joint supplement. The synovial fluid which lubricates joints thickens as the horse gets older, contributing to joint stiffness. Blue Chip Joint RLF is an easy way to help protect your horse’s joints.

This revolutionary product contains Glucosamine, MSM, Hyaluronic acid, Yucca and Manganese which all help to nourish the joints, but it also contains a rosehip extract, Rosa canina (more commonly known as the Dog rose).

Rosehip has been proven to be 40% more effective than glucosamine* and this specific extract of rosehip has been shown in published scientific studies to be a powerful natural nutraceutical.

Rosa canina contains a special glycoside that helps maintain joint comfort by limiting the number of white blood cells allowed into the joint, thus keeping joints clean and healthy. All the ingredients in Joint RLF are 100% natural and many horses and ponies are comfier in their joints with the help of this remarkable product.

For more information on any of the Blue Chip range visit www. bluechipfeed.com or for feeding advice call 0114 2666200. *Reported in the daily telegraph 19/05/09

Feeding - Health Care

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 19

Feeding - Veteran

An old codger’s blog An insider’s view on the life and management of the mature horse; as told to Dr Teresa Hollands R.Nutr Who am I?

• Bank holidays, shows and diet I used to love bank holidays, there was always a show on and without wanting to be too immodest I was usually in the winnings.

Winning rosettes meant a celebration and often a chance to share an icecream with the jockey.

Show days were great, none of this messing about with trailers and bandages, we hacked everywhere up to 10 miles away and if it was further than that, we simply didn’t go.

This is a photo of me I am a fit, young at heart male horse.

I am actually 20yrs old, (middle aged in human terms) I like to think of myself as 5yrs old with 15yrs experience!!!

I’ve done a bit of everything through my life; got a bit of experience under the old belt……I’m sure the young fillies love my wisdom I am single at the moment and always happy to spend time with others out hacking.

20 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Mind you, I’m lucky the current partner I have realises that just because I am 20, it does not mean that I’m not just as capable as I have always been. We are off to a show tomorrow and that means a bit of indulgence.

I really enjoy all that grooming and pampering before a show.

• Changes in diet Thank goodness she doesn’t feed me any extra just because I am competing tomorrow. She is quite good at keeping up to date with things and knows that Professor Chris Proudman from Liverpool Vet School has highlighted that changes in diet are highly correlated with an increased risk of colic.

• Staying hydrated She has also been getting me used to tasting orange juice in my water so that I still drink during travelling and at shows. I get a lift to the shows now, I’m happy to accept some compromises because of my age!

Dehydration reduces performance regardless of age. You should take a

look at the table below, because it’s just as relevant for the owner as it is for the horse.

Often some of the old fogies I see around in the veteran classes won’t drink, because they don’t like the taste of the water at the shows and the stuff they bring with them in plastic containers just tastes of plastic. Don’t cont. on p.22

Stay mobile Mobility and Soundness are by far the most important health issues for horse owners in the UK. Global Herbs is promoting its complete approach to joint function. This involves: 1. Support for the joint fluids and cartilage with MovefreePlus 2. Help for the way that tendons and ligaments repair and strengthen themselves with TendonEaze. 3 Achieve extra comfort with Alphabute.

These products help the body do the work for itself so that any problem resolves much more quickly than has been possible before. The combination of these three products is, in the experience of Global Herbs, a

dynamic approach unmatched by normal glucosamine type approaches.

This approach is so different from normal regimes that the vet at Global Herbs has written an article that describes these new concepts in more detail. You can receive this publication and more details of the above products by telephoning Global Herbs or emailing the company at: www.globalherbs.co.uk 01243 773363 If you have a specific and difficult problem can phone the free veterinary helpline and get the advice tailor made to your own situation.

Feeding - Health Care

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 21

Feeding - Veteran Result of water loss on the body.

Clinics in sports medicine 13, 235-246 (1994)

% bodyweight loss.

Normal heat regulation and performance

0%

Thirst is stimulated, performance begins to decline, constipation and bloat

1%

Decrease in heat regulation, worsening performance,

2%

Continuing decrease in performance, muscular endurance decreases

3%

20-30% decrease in performance, dizziness occurs

4%

Headache, irritability, nausea, fatigue Weakness, severe loss of thermoregulation, heart races

5%

6%

Collapse

7%

cont. from p.20

blame our fussiness on old age, all horses are very susceptible to changes in taste…me I just taste the orange juice.

• Anti-oxidants and the fit old horse Something else the Mrses has been reading about is the fact that when we exercise we use more oxygen. When we use oxygen we produce free radicals.

Now fit, young and mature horses upregulate their anti-oxidants to combat the increased levels of free radicals. But I am sad to say that Dr Rachel Neville, Senior lecturer at Lincoln University who is Dr anti-oxidants, has shown that old horses that are in work are unable to up-regulate in the same way…………thank goodness I get extra anti-oxidants from my bucket feed. That helps minimise cell damage and at our age one needs all the help one can get!!!

• Overweight youngsters No this isn’t just a whinge from an older horse about the youth of today….. but can’t they take more pride in their appearance.

Nearly all the youngsters I see in the show ring today are overweight…..you know you can’t see their ribs, they have lovely apple shaped bottoms and you

see the fat wobble over the shoulder and as for the crest; well really it’s simply not sexy!.

They really need to understand the importance of a balanced diet. By the time they get to my age they will be insulin resistant, laminitic and obese and be suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome, (EMS). When I was young no-one had heard of Cushings; now lots of us oldies get it. Mark my words in 10-15yrs time these youngsters will be suffering from EMS. It is preventable just get them to lose weight.

Mind you the owners can’t just starve them. They need vitamins and minerals especially anti-oxidants and omega 3s are good…staves off that arthritis for a little longer. If they are overweight the stress on their limbs, lungs and hearts is far more significant that a few extra supplements.

Talking of showing and fatness I think Dr T should remind us all of the latest work that was presented at BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association Annual Congress 2010). It might seem from the quote below, that we are a little behind on our awareness, but of course until recently other illnesses killed humans and horses before the long term risks of fatness had a chance

to have an effect. Indeed, really our increasing waistlines can be traced to an increase in ready, high calorie meals and a more sedentary lifestyle............. so here’s the latest!

Update on the long term effects of fatness on the health and welfare of horses,(BEVA 2010) Sudden death is more common in those that are naturally fat than in the lean’, Hippocrates 400BC The danger of fatness is neither new nor unique to the showing world; however the showing world is more in the spotlight and often shapes the views of many horse owners. So real is the risk of long term fatness to the health of horses, that the veterinary profession dedicated a whole session at BEVA to the latest research in the subject; to put it in perspective horses are developing Cushings as young as 6yrs (Dr John Keen, University of Edinburgh); fat horses are 6 times more likely to develop laminitis (L Salonon RVC).

The health risks of being fat are similar in both horses and humans and are cumulative. Not all the fat is the same; some secretes hormones causing insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and changes to the lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) resulting in blood flow changes causing heart attacks in humans and laminitis in horses. The longer you are fat , the more dangers to health; you get a heart attack because you’ve been eating too many calories for years, horses get laminitis because they have been eating too many calories from a young age. Children are getting type 2 diabetes because they are born to parents that have been fat and are on an unbalanced diet; similarly ponies get laminitis at a young age. Fatness is inheritable.

Think of laminitis as the horse equivalent to the human heart attack, the metabolic and biochemical changes are very similar.

Old, fat horses won’t get laminitis or EMS because of what they eat today, anymore than you and I get a heart attack because we ate a doughnut today. They get the life threatening problems because their metabolism has changed over a period of time due to being fat; in addition they may be genetically predisposed, they might be stressed (increases cortisol),they might have long term mechanical damage to their lamellae from carrying around excess weight.......

• Forage and occupational therapy The other thing they need to remember is we do like to be kept occupied.

I’ve more time on my hands now and standing around in a bare paddock, (beats being stuck in a stable, better for my joints and my brain) without some hay is deadly.

I know that there are rumours about hay shortages this year, but we’ve lived through several of these shortages (1977, 1994, 2006) and it’s never as bad as the headlines suggest. BUT, I have a psychological need to chew and if she restricts the grass too much and doesn’t give me hay, then I’ll eat her b….. fence posts and the bark of the trees. OK I understand why she restricts my grass as I do have a tendency to gain weight now I am no longer hacking to shows.

But the latest research has shown that if you restrict fibre then you increase the risk of 1. wood chewing, (Walters) 2. gastric ulcers, (Murray) 3. colic, (Hillyer) So what she needs to do is soak my hay for 12hrs and then let me have enough so that there is always a wee bit left when she comes to give me my next lot.

Soaking hay for 12hrs gets rid of most of the calories, but it also leaches out the protein, vits and mins…so I need a balancer, cont. on p.23

Dodson & Horrell veteran feeds If your older horse or pony needs help to maintain or gain condition, a veteran-specific diet comes highly recommended. The Dodson & Horrell Sixteen Plus veteran feeds are specially formulated to help combat weight loss through ageing and poor dentition and can be used for horses and ponies in work or retirement.

Dodson & Horrell Sixteen Plus is available as a tasty mix or as a cube which can be soaked down into a mash for those horses that have difficulty chewing. Sixteen Plus is high in fibre and oil with added antioxidants, yeast, glucosamine and MSM. Hay replacer Fibre is an essential dietary requirement for any horse. As a guide, your horse should look to receive 2% of their bodyweight as fibre each day to ensure 22 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

healthy digestive function.

Help keep your laminitic Safe & Sound.

In most circumstances, during the winter months, calories from fibre are predominantly provided from either hay or haylage. If you have an older horse who is perhaps struggling to chew hay and haylage, fibre intake is likely to be considerably reduced. Unfortunately this may result in weight loss.

Do you have a horse or pony that’s prone to laminitis? If so, Dodson & Horrell Safe & Sound has been formulated specifically with the laminitic horse or pony in mind. Global research suggests that once your horse/ pony has had laminitis, the likelihood is that they will get it again, therefore providing your horse with the most appropriate diet is more important than ever.

It is vital that you replace the fibre your horse in not receiving, which can be done by providing what is known as a hay replacer. Dodson & Horrell recommend using a combination of products - High Fibre Nuts, Alfalfa and KwikBeet. The feeding guideline for this hay replacer is 600g dry weight of each product per 100kg of body weight. Ideally this should be divided into several small meals and spread throughout the day.

Safe & Sound is a low calorie, low sugar and low starch feed enriched with vitamins, minerals, biotin, yeast, MSM and herbs. The feed also offers a bespoke antioxidant package to neutralise free radicals as studies have shown that laminitics have three times the levels of damaging free radicals when compared to non-laminitics.

For friendly, expert and practical feeding advice, give the Dodson & Horrell Nutritional Team a call on 0845 345 2627. We’re available between 8.30-5.00 Monday-Friday.

Feeding - Veteran cont. from p.22

• When are we old?

The researcher who found that we need more and different nutrients back in the 80s, (Professor Sarah Ralston) has done more work; she now knows that because we are looked after so much better that the different nutrient requirements don’t exist. Really we only need a special feed like for seniors when we show signs of aging such as weight loss, problems chewing and stiffness.

• When we are old?

Work carried out by a team at Liverpool University Vet School, Leahurst (supported by The Horses Trust) was presented by Jo Ireland at BEVA. She researched a group of old horses to characterise what being old in horse terms means.....humph Did you know?

• 96% of old horses had dental abnormalities (average age = 20yrs but varied between 15-40yrs) • 26% of us are overweight, with only 4.5% being underweight • Scarily 49% of us were lame in trot.... and our owners often didn’t realise • 18% of us had curly coats (hirsutism) • 80% of us had hoof abnormalities Guess the most significant effect on us in terms of what makes us old, is when the old teeth wear out. Then we can’t eat hay anymore and it doesn’t really matter what fancy feed they give us; it is VITAL that they sort out a fibre replacer first.

I’ve a stable mate, who is 30, and I have to keep an eye out for the old folk, he’s started quidding and his muscle tone is going, well his owner doesn’t ride him anymore and you know what they say,; ‘if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it’. I’m hoping my ‘Mrses’ gets her Mum to call the nutritional helplines to chat about hay replacers.

The best one I know about is

• High Fibre Nuts (damped just to make them soft) • Unmolassed sugar beet shreds • Alfalfa chaff or Just Grass (no straw chaffs, can’t chew them well enough) • Start with a small handful of each in a feed bucket and gradually increase over 14 days • Probably will need 600g/100kgBW of each product, so you are eating 1.8% of your bodyweight as forage • Remind your Mum that this is the equivalent of half a bale of hay a day, so there will be loads, but we need that amount!

• If you’ve got diastemas (and the latest work from Liverpool University found that 43% of us do) then you can’t eat short or long fibre it just gets stuck!!)

Don’t know if you had time to see the BBC programme on the ‘Young Ones’? It followed humans in their 70s and 80s and showed how by taking a positive attitude, moving more, being independent, having to think for oneself and not be mollycoddled; improved their cognitive and fitness levels within just one week!!

So to keep me sprightly, please treat me like a younger horse, whilst keeping an eagle eye for me getting too fat or stiff........

It’s not complicated really being old, (middle aged)…..just keep us warm and give us shelter, loads of low calorie forage and a decent feed balancer. If we are unable to eat forage then get us onto a hay replacer and an old horse diet. In light of that new survey, then please get my teeth and feet done regularly by a professional; also get the vet to do me a MOT every year, even if there appears to be nothing wrong; prevention is better than cure Let us keep moving around and please don’t make us fat; it shortens our life and me, well I’ve loads of rosettes yet to win and a filly or two to meet.

Maintaining a happy veteran Correct feeding for your much-loved Veteran is imperative especially with the onset of winter creeping up. Recent years have brought about advances in equine nutrition and improved veterinary care, which has ensured our horses are living for longer. Whilst every horse is individual there is no doubt that their immunity, digestive system and teeth will naturally deteriorate with age; so it is essential to give them the support they need to carry them into their golden years.

As horses grow older they can find it difficult to chew concentrate feeds and even hay and haylage. This could result in a loss of condition particularly during the winter months when turn out is limited and the grass is of a lesser quality. Inefficient digestion of what feed they are consuming can result in problems such as choke, or digestive upsets if the feed has not been broken down properly before reaching the gut.

To maintain a happy veteran it is crucial that the feed source provided is easy

for your horse to consume and digest to ensure they get the vital vitamins, minerals and trace elements they need.

As Horslyx provides these essential nutrients through a palatable and digestible lick, it helps to reduce these concerns.

The high specification of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and natural anti-oxidants in every Horslyx acts to support the immune system and the high oil content helps maintain a shiny, healthy coat. A unique healthy hooves package contains biotin, methionine and zinc to support hoof quality and the variety of formulas available enable horse owners to target their horses nutrition in one simple, cost effective tub.

Horslyx is available in Original, Respiratory, Garlic and Mobility formulations in 5kg, 15kg and 80kg weatherproof tubs. Prices start at £9.95.

For further information tel, (01697) 332 592 or visit www.horslyx.com November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 23

Feeding - Suppliments - Veteran

Equimins Veteran Support Equimins’ Veteran Supplement has been created with the older horse or pony in mind, and pays particular attention to the digestion of fibre.

Veteran Supplement contains high levels of probiotics and prebiotics to help conditions in the early part of the gut, and Saccharomyces cerivisae yeast

to help digestion of fibre in the hindgut.

In addition to this, this supplement contains B vitamins and organically bound minerals to make them easy for the horse to digest.

Veteran Supplement is available in 2kg and 5kg tubs, with prices starting from £18.50.

Inflam-e-rase is one of the latest additions to Equimins’ joint care range.

treatments, or even as an alternative to some prescription drugs.

Inflam-e-rase helps to nutritionally maintain the joints, bones and ligaments using a blend of well known, anti inflammatory ingredients.

Inflam-e-rase is available in 600g and 1.2kg tubs, where 600g will last for 30 days and retails at £21.50.

It contains Devils Claw root, Bromelain (a derivative from pineapples), important vitamins, organic minerals and fourteen different herbs. It can be used with more conventional joint

For more information see www. equimins.com, email sales@equimins. com or call 01548 531770.

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer New Horse & Pony Keep your veteran in tip top condition with TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer.

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘non-heating’ feed that contains several supplements including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements.

Of particular importance to elderly horses is the inclusion of micronutrients known to help maintain mobility.

The scientifically recommended rate of 10grams of glucosamine/500kg horse/ day is a key feature of the mobility supplement included in this formula.

This superb specification allows elderly horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and straights in their diet, which often means that their hard feed intake can be reduced with many resulting benefits.

Using TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer

will help to maintain mobility and also promote muscle development and topline, which often starts to decline as horses’ age.

Feeding it will help to maintain good hoof quality and promote a supple skin with a shiny coat.

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer helps to maintain a healthy immune system and also includes a highly available source of vitamin C to help maintain healthy lung tissue.

Feeding it may also lead to a calmer temperament in stressed horses and ponies.

When feeding TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer there is no need to add any further supplements.

For further information contact the Multiple Award-Winning TopSpec Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

Supplements from Fullolife DO you want your horse or pony to be in the best of health, full of life and vitality, looking in the best of health and enjoying life?

Fullolife has introduced a new range of nutritional oil based supplements for horses and ponies. The new range includes Pure Cod Liver Oil, High Strength Joint Care and Soya Oil. These complementary oils are designed to help promote the best of health whilst providing a nutritionally formulated blend containing essential nutrients and vitamins.

Fullolife Pure Cod Liver Oil is a pure and natural conditioner that provides an excellent source of vitamins A and D, as well as polyunsaturates to help maintain good health, skin and coat.

Pure Cod Liver Oil also promotes strong teeth, firm

bones and bright eyes and is suitable for all horses and ponies providing them with essential nutrients.

Fullolife High Strength Joint Care is a formula designed to help maintain supple and mobile joints ideal for both young and veteran horses.

High Strength Joint Care is ideal for all breeds and those prone to stiffness and joint problems, containing a unique blend of Omega 3 oils.

Also in the range is Fullolife Soya Oil, a natural oil supplement to help promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. Containing Omega 6 fatty acids and a source of linolenic acid, Soya Oil provides an excellent source of slow releasing, non-heating energy for essential for improved stamina.

For more information contact AAK UK on 01482 701271 or visit www.fullolife.co.uk

Nutritional Support for Veterans This Winter Make sure your veteran horse or pony receives maximum nutritional support this winter with Veteran Care Mix from British Horse Feeds.

Formulated specifically for the mature digestive system, the Veteran Care Mix has a fibre profile ideal for the older horse. Inclusion of whole milk also provides ideal protein, highly available lactose and essential oils. Protein levels are formulated to provide optimum levels of essential amino acids, in particular lysine and methionine, to match the changing physiology of the ageing horse.

Support for bones is available thanks to the added Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which helps to maintain bone accretion. Yucca Saponins ‘mop up’ fermentative end products reducing their adsorption across the hindgut, many of which have been implicated in joint cartilage destruction.

The high specification of carefully selected, natural ingredients includes Speedi-Beet (that also works as a probiotic), plant extracts (to combat 24 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

the negative effects in hindgut fermentation), 100% of key minerals in a natural form and enhanced vitamin and antioxidant levels to maintain optimum uptake, maintain the integrity of the gut wall and nutritionally assist natural defences.

Cereals in the feed are precision micronized to maximise small intestine digestion and starch levels have been partly replaced with highly available disaccharides. Highly available sugars and protein ensure ease of digestion and the mix can be fed wet as an aid for poor dentition.

RRP for a 20kg bag of Veteran Care™ Mix is around £11.20.

For more information please contact British Horse Feeds on +44 (0)1765 680300 or visit www. britishhorsefeeds. com. You can also find British Horse Feeds on Facebook.

Health Care

Mouth bruised from pinching bit

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 25

Health Care - Vet

Is Your Vet Expensive?

Ben Sturgeon, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS Money is an emotive subject. One of the hardest things to talk about, especially when you don’t think you’ve got enough. Almost everyone suffers from the green eyed monster at some point and I will try and remain as unbiased as possible.

Without trying to expose, elaborate or look wistfully at the grass over yonder, here is your first basic fact: Average UK salaries 2010 GPs £53-81k Dentists £80k Vets £37k As with all averages there is a scale from low to mind-boggling, though I’m yet to find reference to any vet in the latter category. The above though are reliable figures based on an average of all practitioners.

Basic facts number 2 (or leading question) - do all medical professionals provide a 24 hour service? The answer is plainly no, with the caveat that you

26 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

can call a “helpline.” I do not think provision of an out of hours service is a prerequisite of medicine but it isn’t far off. Whilst not all vets provide emergency cover, the vast majority do. I am presently on call which in our practice stems from Friday morning through to Monday night. Effectively then, before I am officially “off” I will have worked 80 hours. Yes, this is generally not a constant, but it requires constant professional attention and readiness. Then it is back to a normal working week which for a 9 to 5er is 36-40 hours, for me 52 hours. I can hear the sarcastic violins and I am not trying to moan or complain, this is a choice I have made and I know for fact my rota and hours is significantly better than a majority of vets. No I am merely trying to paint you a picture. Break our salary down then to an hourly rate and guess what? It’s below the minimum, but with it carries responsibility.

Responsibility to the animal, to the client, to the Royal College, and yes to a business. As we constantly hear, the country needs businesses to make

money, we are not an apparent nonmoney generating public service or quango, we have to make money or we will simply not exist.

Basic fact number 3 - we cannot compete. Tesco’s, Sainsbury, Aldi (as well as many other outlet services for fear of litigation) are taking over, why? Price. Pile em high, sell em cheap. People often complain of the cost of veterinary drugs. Aside from the millions that goes toward testing, the underlying reason for a higher fee compared to pharmacies is this. We stock drugs we never ever use. In other words, when you phone at midnight, we will come and be prepared for every eventuality, whether the condition is common, requiring common drugs, or rare, requiring uncommon drugs, or an emergency requiring specialist drugs.

But we must stock all “sets” of drugs.

As these drugs are under “medicinal law” we must dispose of them if they are out of date, not used in their entirety upon opening, or are damaged in any way. Such costs must be accounted

for. Without this we would be forced into treating only certain (i.e. common) conditions. No good at a midnight emergency. Pharmacies only stock common drugs, you can’t phone at midnight, also they will have no clinical understanding of the presentation and simply sell what they have, whether or not there is a better alternative generally provided by the vet. The simplest example I can give is lice treatment - repeatedly we see itchy bald horses who have been “treated” for lice. It has a nice flashy box, recommendations and an ingredients list on the side. Guess what? It doesn’t work and people pay for it without complaint.

Basic fact number 4 - drug mark ups are small. Because of the unknown we store many drugs, again, just in case you, the client, need them. The average cost of storage of a drug is 10% of the overall cost of the product. So if for example, we buy 10 tubes of a drug and 1 is lost or damaged or goes out of date, the result is zero profit from the

Subscription entire batch. Compare this to a simple cup of coffee - where the mark up is in the region of 2000%. The chain will no doubt cry cost of premises, staff, washing up etc but please tell me, what’s new and don’t get me started on the value and cost of x-rays, ultrasound, lasers, shock wave, surgical suites, induction rooms, stables, kennels, nurses, managers...

Basic fact number 5 - we are professionals. I have always been a strong advocate of service. I believe drugs should be cheap - in all medical disciplines. But I also believe our skills, knowledge, work rate, professional demands justify charging a sensible price. That price must be unfortunately determined by the value of the end product - i.e. the horse, cow, sheep, dog, cat, mouse etc. Historically, and I’m sure currently in some areas, sheep caesareans were not undertaken and

the animals simply euthanased because the cost of surgery outweighed the value of the ewe and lambs (assuming they were born alive). Why take your mouse to a vet when they are £3.50 from a shop. This is the harsh reality.

This is simply why human medics can charge more - what is a human life worth? Certainly, rightly or wrongly, more than an animals. The question then should not be are we expensive but what are we worth? For a 24/7 service, often free advice, for a service that will reasonably cope with all eventualities from A and E to routine procedure, for up to date advice not driven by sales figures or shareholders but by clinical justification; simply speaking, for care?

That my dear reader is up to you, and your choices will shape the service you receive in the future. That is no threat, that is fact number 6,

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 27

Healthcare - Riding

Breathe life into your riding - the power of visualisation Jenny Rolfe Looking at balance and straightness

I would just ride a few strides of one exercise then change the rein to ride and re-balance through further exercises. When he felt in more equal balance, I asked for the transition into trot. Habil then would move with more equal activity in his hind limbs, mobility through his shoulders and also there was more release through his whole body. The lateral work had improved his fluidity and enhanced his symmetry.

Visualization

There can be no true collection without empathic connection- Jenny with Habil

When you ride forwards on the straight line, try to ensure that you have straightness. In other words feel that the horse is balanced and not leaning and feeling more weighted to one side.

He needs to work purposefully forward, feeling centred underneath you. Both hind limbs need to be tracking up with equal energy to propel the horse forward in balance. You cannot ask for true collection if he is moving through a spine which is crooked and not well aligned. Balance comes from symmetry of both horse and rider.

Let us look at a programme of training, for my stallion Habil as I decided to spend time working him just straight and forwards. Naturally it was rather difficult for him to maintain his straightness as he was very ‘wriggly’.

He would easily move his quarters either to the left or right. I still found problems on the right rein, where he tried to fall out through the left shoulder. I went back to the valuable lateral exercises in steady walk, working in shoulder in, pirouettes, turns on the forehand and leg yielding.

In the very early days with my Lusitano stallion, Habil, I would sit in the saddle and feel his tightness and anxiety. It is a natural response when sitting on a tense horse to mirror his state of mind, so the discipline of ‘top to toe’ posture awareness becomes really significant as a positive aid for connection and calmness. I also used the power of visualization and imagined it was a warm and sunny spring day, even though the wind was howling outside on a bitter, cold morning. I pictured the serenity of sunshine, flowers, trees and a sense of calmness.

As I visualized these thoughts, both physically and mentally I felt lighter and more relaxed. I felt my jaw release into a smile which allowed my body energy to flow freely. The ride became more joyful and Habil began to mirror my happiness. This endorses the principle that our mind controls our body. When we learn to use techniques of relaxation and visualization to control our mind and thoughts, we can then, and only then, gain control of our body.

Technique in horsemanship is not enough

not enough, but if we expand our knowledge of theory to include control and co-ordination in mind and body we can take technique, to a more profound level. Our mind will control our body and our breathing will control our mind.

When we are sufficiently aware of our breathing and letting go of tension, our horse can then connect with his natural centre and inner being. As long as we live and breathe, we will always convey to the horse a message, whether it is anxiety and anger or joy and security.

Our energy and body language will give positive signs of relaxation or manifest our higher levels of stress.

Without discipline and focus, our thoughts within the moment, are few and far between. It is the essence of communication to cultivate awareness and authority so we understand the impact we have on our horse. There can be no true collection without mutual empathic connection between horse and rider.

Visualization - paint a picture of collection True impulsion comes from the heart.

The horse who can perform with vitality and pride will be feeling confident with his rider, seeking to please his leader.

Impulsion is not only a visual and technical goal for the trainer, but a way to stimulate pleasure and co-operation between horse and rider.

When we study technique in horsemanship we find that this is

Visualise riding on a warm spring day through a field of flowers

Paint a picture in your mind of the relaxed rider with a lengthened relaxed neck, released jaw and mobility of the shoulders. The rider is aware of deeper core breathing which will enhance 28 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

lower back stability. More emphasis on controlled, steady core-breathing will support the upper torso as it absorbs the extra elevation of collection.

Breathing into ‘allowing’ shoulders supports the movement of the spine.

This enhances fluidity as energy is harnessed and released, as a wave in the sea.

The core becomes stronger but maintains mobility and the upper torso lengthens and strengthens with this pattern of breathing. It encourages a feeling of pride and lightness in the upper body which can efficiently absorb the elevation of the horse within collected balance. We talk about corestability for the rider but this is also a goal within training, for our horse.

Now paint a picture in your mind of the horse with the lengthened relaxed neck, a released jaw and mobilized shoulders as a result of calm yet energized movement and deep regular breathing.

The rider can melt and flow within the core whilst gaining the feel of lightness and energy through the upper body.

Rhythmic core breathing will help the chest to elevate and expand akin to blowing up a balloon. This expansion creates more buoyancy so the horse can carry the balanced rider in more lightness. The rider sustains steady contraction and release through the spine and by relaxing the jaw, pushed back gently to enable the head to be supported in balance. When the head is supported through lengthening the back of the neck the whole body energy can flow from head to toe. Every stride towards collection is ridden with an uphill feeling which can be assisted by a depth of feeling from within, of pride and joy. The power of the breath will enhance this wave of mobility so the rider can feel at one with the horse.

The rider who is aware of sitting in good posture and lightness becomes a picture of human collection and self carriage. Use techniques of visualization to paint this picture in your mind.

These breathing techniques are the essence of developing further lightness, cadence, collection and moving on into passage, the ultimate ‘dance’ for both horse and rider.

Jenny gives clinics with her Iberian stallions. Her book and DVD ‘Ride From the Heart’ are available from her web site www.spanishdressagehorses.co.uk

Horse Behaviour

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 29

Health Care - Mud

30 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Health Care - Worming

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 31

Classical Riding

A 50/50 partnership?

Anne Wilson Most caring or good riders aim to create a partnership with their horse.

Good classical riding creates the ultimate harmonious partnership, where both body and mind of horse and rider appear to be as one whilst in motion. This is sheer joy to watch and I liken it to a glimpse of Heaven to experience.

The type of partnership But what kind of partnership do we set out to create? Do we want a 50/50 partnership, where the horse takes as many decisions and has as much input into any situation as the rider? However I, along with all other classical or good horsemen that I know (including the past Great Masters) strongly disagree with this. In fact, I would go so far as to say that a completely 50/50 partnership is unfair on the horse, to the point of being cruel in many cases. Horses emanate from a herd situation and although they have been domesticated for thousands of years, still retain many of their herd instincts which are, to a large extent, adapted to their lives with humans. Every wild horse looks to the herd leader for guidance, and even the leader has some ‘help from their friends’ from time to time. Without the discipline imposed upon the individual by the rules of the herd, the horse is lonely, lost and frightened. I believe that this is how a domesticated horse feels without kind but firm leadership from their surrogate ‘herd leader’ – the human. If you happen to own or ride a natural leader; then this horse may feel less threatened when left to make major decisions alone. However, their decisions may not be in their own best interests (let alone that of their rider); such as they may not understand the absolute necessity of standing still at a cross-road to wait for traffic to pass. They may not understand how dangerous it is to shy out into the middle of the road, when startled by an object in the hedge. It is during these situations that any horse needs a confident, calm, but determined rider/leader. In fact a horse without a strong leader is much more likely to shy because of their lack of security and confidence in their rider.

A 50/50 partnership may sound very attractive, and almost romantic on paper, but it is completely impractical and not good for the horse. Any good partnership needs to give the horse due respect and a leeway to sometimes metaphorically say ‘I can’t do that, it’s too hard’ or ‘I don’t understand’. The rider should be attuned to the animals’ signals and listen for this kind of message. But in times of emergency 32 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

the balance of power in the partnership must be on the side of the rider/handler.

and gradually be shortened as and when he is capable of carrying himself in a more upright frame.

Anne with Lucy Lou

Opposing ends of the spectrum Excessive lowering of the head During the past decade or so, there are two opposing types of horsemanship which appear to have emerged. On the one hand, we have ‘natural horsemanship’ trainers and on the other we have the ‘tie them down and control them’ brigade. I’m not saying that all natural horsemanship is bad; there are many excellent trainers of this type around, but some have gone too far in one direction, and some are even too hard on the horse when pretending to be kind.

The ‘tie them down and control them’ brigade are largely made up of people who are keen competitors. They exist in all disciplines. Here again, I must qualify this to say that not all competitors are like this, just that many are.

Controlling the horse via gadgets The explosion of gadgets available to ‘improve the horse’s way of going’, ‘put him on the bit’ or ‘teach him to use his back’ is mind blowing. All of these gadgets are completely unnecessary if people would just take time to train the horse in the time honoured way, which has stood the test of time for centuries – and they all add up to two things – domination of the horse and front to back thinking.

‘Front to back thinking’ comes from the extremely misguided belief that you can strengthen or supple the horse’s back and create collection by adjusting the head carriage. The truth is that pulling the head down and in towards its chest does exactly the opposite – it weakens and often damages the back muscles and puts more weight onto the forehand, instead of the hind legs.

There are numerous gadgets on the market to ‘assist’ in the process of lungeing, some are useless but most are damaging. The only tack I have ever used when lungeing is a lunge cavesson, lunge whip, lunge line, brushing boots, roller and side reins.

Even side reins can be mis-used if adjusted too short for the stage of training of the horse. They should be there to help the horse; to offer a modicum of support and give him an idea of how to carry himself; not to pull his head inwards. Their length should be dictated by his stage of training, i.e. with a green, unmuscled horse they should allow him room for the necessary stretch of his head and neck,

After telling us how excessive lowering of the head can be physically damaging, here is what Paul Belasik has to say on the subject (from Dressage for the 21st Century published by J.A.Allen):“All this holding the head and neck down for thirty minutes at a time demands submission. In many show horses today, complete submission means no mistakes. This work has turned into a kind of Greco-Roman wrestling, where one party must be pinned down and then surrender to the conqueror…..I am not suggesting that horses are angels and never need firm correction, but if you base a system of training on domination, it can never reach the realm of art.” He goes on to say:- “There is one place where I have seen this kind of obsession on neck lowering and, oddly enough, it is in Spanish bullfighting where picas are placed in the trapezius area directly in front of the bull’s withers for the sole purpose of weakening the neck muscles. The bull then cannot raise its head and horns, which could otherwise be very dangerous for the matador. In a converse way, the more riders keep their horses’ heads down, the more they weaken the same muscles of the neck and the more manageable they make their horses. We know how the bull ends up – it is the goal of the horse trainers that is confusing.”

Ride From Back To Front Good trainers and riders think in a more ‘back to front’ way; always working to gently improve the hindquarters; strengthening and suppling the joints of the hind legs through the systematic training of the classical exercises.

When time and patience is taken over this training, the head carriage naturally takes care of itself. The forehand will gradually become lighter and the neck will arch upward, with the poll the highest point and nose just in front of the vertical.

A Mobile Mouth Is Essential The other very popular misconception of latter years is that of clamping the mouth shut with the use of crank nosebands. Whoever began the misnomer that the horse’s mouth should be completely closed and still, must never have read any of the books of the Masters – they all say that the mouth should be mobile and gently chomp on the bit, whilst accepting the

bit with willing submission. How can the horse possibly do this when it is clamped tightly shut?

Apart from the physical damage that most of these gadgets do; from the psychological point of view we cannot hope to create a meaningful partnership when using forceful, vice-like gadgets.

The conclusions I have come up with as to why people wish to tie their horses down and subjugate them are:1. They are frightened of the horse and tying them down makes them manageable.

2. They believe that it gives them kudos and makes them look clever to control a big animal in that way.

3. They are told to do it by their peers/ trainers or they see successful competitors doing it, and therefore believe it to be the only way.

Surely it’s time now for things to change. Anna Sewell in her book ‘Black Beauty’ exposed a lot of cruel practices; amongst them the bearing rein, which is not too dissimilar to draw reins in common use today. It’s time we all spoke up for the horse and refused to accept these practices in this so called enlightened time.

The need to create a good partnership with our horses has never been greater.

Anne Wilson, who is based in Bedfordshire, is a Classical Riding Trainer trained by Sylvia Loch. She is an author and co-publisher of Tracking-Up, a quarterly independent equestrian magazine, obtainable by subscription (see the advert in this issue). Also author of ‘Riding Revelations - Classical Training from the Beginning’ www.black-tent.co.uk Anne can be contacted on Tel: 01234 772401 website: www.classicalridingannewilson.com

Health Care - Stunts - Training - Worming

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 33

Health Care - Pilates - Worming

Pilates for Equestrians

found on the Equi-Ads website www. equiads.net in the Feature Articles section.

The tenth extract in our series by Liza Randall

If you can’t wait for the next instalment in Equi-Ads, Liza Randall’s book, Pilates for Equestrians, is available from Kenilworth Press – see Reader Offer below.

In this extract, we will demonstrate Curl-up exercises from the Relaxation Position.

Curl-ups

As before, but as you curl, extend one leg away from the knee, returning it to the mat as you place your upper body back down.

Why? To strengthen the abdominals.

Repeat 8 times

How? From Relaxation Position, lightly place your hands behind the back of your head, fingertips just touching, arms positioned so that you can just see your elbows out of the corner of your eyes.

Previous extracts in the series can be

Repeat 8 times Optional Extra 2 – Curl-ups with Arms Breathe in and lengthen the back of your neck, stabilise, then on your outbreath nod your chin, soften your chest and start to curl your upper body off the floor. As you breathe in, return down to the mat.

Repeat 8 times.

Equestrian advantage A stronger centre leads to improved core stability.

You can further increase the challenge and change the dynamics of your Curlups as your abdominal strength grows by adding one of the following two progressions.

Optional Extra 1 – Curl-ups with Leg Extension How?

Copyright c 2010 Liza Randall Studio Photography by Simon Lusty; mounted and other photographs by the author and Karl Randall

How? As before, but as you curl your upper body off the mat, stabilise and, as you breathe in, reach out one arm along your side, followed by the other, then as you breathe out, replace each arm back behind your head, then return to the mat on your in-breath.

FREE Equest weigh tape when you treat for encysted small redworm this autumn “Now is the time of year to treat your horse for encysted small redworms,” advise the experts at Pfizer Animal Health. These parasites are the most common worms found in horses today.

They can pose a very serious health risk to your horse and it’s important to make sure that they are treated properly during the autumn or early winter.

To encourage owners to dose their horses accurately this season Pfizer is giving away a free equine weigh tape with every purchase of Equest™ & Equest Pramox™* - the only wormers in the UK that treat encysted small redworm in a single dose. Using a weigh tape to work out your horse’s weight helps you to avoid under dosing, which increases the risk of resistance development.

Small redworms can grow up to 2.5cm in length and are thin and reddish in colour. Small redworm eggs are passed in the faeces and then hatch on pasture and continue to develop into more advanced larval stages before being ingested by the horse as it grazes. The larvae burrow deeply into the wall of the gut where they encyst and may account for up to 90% of the redworm burden in your horse1. Encysted small redworm will not show up in a Faecal Worm Egg Count - even if your horse has shown a negative or low count it could still be harbouring several million encysted small redworms2.

Encysted small redworms can remain dormant inside a horse for up to two years, but they usually ‘wake-up’ in late winter or early spring, developing and emerging from the gut wall all at the same time. In severe infestations mass emergence can lead to a disease syndrome known as ‘larval cyathostominosis’, causing diarrhoea and colic with up to a 50% mortality rate3. Young horses of less than six years of age are likely to be at higher risk of the disease3 but small redworm

34 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Line illustrations and cartoons by Diane Breeze

can cause life-threatening illness at any time of year and in any age of horse.

“Treating encysted small redworms successfully in the late autumn or early winter is important to avoid the risk of larval cyathostominosis, says Ben Gaskell, Pfizer’s vet adviser. “Make sure you choose a product that is licensed to treat encysted redworms if these are the worms you are targeting and that you give the correct dose, by weighing your horse beforehand, as this will help preserve the efficacy of the drug you use.”

When choosing your wormer this season, ask yourself – does my wormer measure up? To receive a FREE Weigh Tape valued at £7 that helps you dose accurately, purchase a tube of Equest or Equest Pramox, and pick up an accompanying leaflet to apply. Fill in your details and send us the batch and expiry flap from the pack and we will then send you a FREE Weigh Tape while stocks last. For further information speak to your vet, SQP or visit www. wormingyourhorse.info 1 Bairden K. et al (2001) Veterinary Record 148, 138-141 2 Dowdall S. et al (2002) Veterinary Parasitology 106, 225-242 3 McWilliam H. et al (2010) International Journal for Parasitology 40, 265-275 * While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

Insurance - Training

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 35

Health Care - Physiotherapy - Worming

Veterinary Physiotherapy: Optimising Equine Performance Maeve Grant, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist Over the last ten months the Scottish members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) have written a series of articles about how your horse moves, problems that effect this optimal movement, how the rider affects the horse and advice and exercises to improve how your horse moves. In this article we will show you a series of case studies of horses that have required physiotherapy and the results of this All Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists train as human physiotherapists by completing a three or four year degree. This is required as in human medicine Physiotherapist is a protected title, meaning only people with training to this recognised level can use the title Physiotherapist.

However this protection does not exist for treating animals. After obtaining our degree in physiotherapy we then complete a further two year masters level course in veterinary physiotherapy. This training allows us to use the Chartered status and ensures competence in assessment skills and in all treatment modalities. Chartered Physiotherapists have a strong scientific background and work hard

to ensure that treatments are based on evidenced research. ACPAT members are committed to developing a larger and stronger evidence base to enhance veterinary physiotherapy treatments.

Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists will always work within the remit of the Veterinary surgeons act, meaning we will always request veterinary referral or consent prior to assessing an animal.

We will work closely with your vet, farrier, saddle fitter and instructor to ensure the best possible outcome for your horse.

So when do you phone a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist for your horse? The purpose of physiotherapy is to restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance. Physiotherapy can help your horse by relieving pain, increasing mobility and promoting healing. Horses may display obvious signs of pain such as lameness and inability to do normal activities, but often horses only display subtle signs of pain or discomfort such as a change in behaviour, a change in performance, stiffness or a change in their normal movement pattern.

Physiotherapy is extremely useful in assessing these animals and providing the correct treatment or referring to the

vet if there is an underlying condition.

In the equine athlete, physiotherapy helps to achieve and maintain optimal performance levels. A Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist will fully assess each horse and provide an individually tailored treatment and exercise plan to address your horse’s specific problems.

Below are a number of case studies provided by the Scottish ACPAT members which show how physiotherapy can help after surgery, for behavioural changes, for specific injuries and to improve movement, thereby enhancing performance.

Case Study 1 – Rehabilitation following surgery for kissing spines.

Horse A presented as an unbroken 3 year old Dutch Warmblood mare diagnosed following x-ray and scintigraphy with impingement of the dorsal spinous processes of T14-17, also known as kissing spines. She received veterinary treatment at a secondary referral centre of a series of steroid injections into the interspinous ligaments and was then referred for physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy treatment consisted of : Weeks 1 – 6 • In hand pole work at walk including hogs back and fan poles.

• Backing the horse up for a few strides was included to increase spinal movement and recruit the abdominal muscles.

• Baited stretches involving the diagonal patterns, lateral flexion and between the front legs.

• Long reining in straight lines and incorporating transitions • Walking in hand up a small slope • Soft-tissue work including massage, trigger point release and myofascial release • Electrical muscle stimulation Weeks 7 – 10 In addition to continuing all the exercises from weeks 1-6 the following were added in: • Increased duration on the long lines • Pole work in trot cont. on p.38

36 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Health Care - Physiotherapy

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 37

Health Care cont. from p.36

Photo taken October 2010 after 3 months with new owner.

Following this intervention the horse was backed and ridden away successfully at walk, trot and canter including small jumps for the following year.

After one year this horse’s behaviour began to deteriorate including dislike of being saddled and rearing and kicking out at the girth area while being ridden.

This behaviour lessened with trials of analgesia. Further x-rays were taken of the affected spinous processes and it was found the kissing spine had progressed further. The horse was then operated on under local anaesthetic and standing sedation to remove the spinous processes of T12 and T14.

The post-operative physiotherapy rehabilitation plan was to improve core stability, improve spinal flexibility and to increase hind limb muscle power. The goal was to be able to reintroduce ridden work. Physiotherapy intervention included baited stretches, proprioceptive taping over specific muscle groups to facilitate their activity, rhythmic stabilisations, reverse walking, myofascial release, trigger points and massage, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, pole work and transitions walkhalt-walk. This horse is now able to be ridden and schooled and no analgesia is required.

Example of Proprioceptive taping to facilitate the gluteal and abdominal muscles (Tara Jamieson, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist) Case study 2 – Physiotherapy for movement dysfunction.

Horse B is an 11 year old dutch warmblood mare bought in July 2010 and had been out of work for one year.

Her new owner was bringing her into work gradually and had experience of this previously with other horses. The owner reported finding the horse to be quite one sided.

The horse was assessed at this time after discussion with the vet, and no major problems/injuries were found.

She was stiff in her lumbar spine and weak around her right hip, also a little stiff in rotation of her right shoulder.

The owner was provided with advice on exercises to add into her general work programme for the horse. The plan was to review the horse in the springtime to see how she was progressing.

In January 2011 another physiotherapy assessment was requested as the mare had become intermittently lame in front although the vet had found no problems.

Veterinary consent was given to assess and treat the horse as required. The owner reported the horse got better after half an hour of ridden work and had warmed up.

On observation the horse trotted up sound and lunged well on the right rein.

On the left rein however she appeared unbalanced when landing on her right fore as it moved around the outside of the circle. She was exaggerating the lateral movement in her neck to help her balance. On palpation she was tense and sore in the thoracic area on both sides, sore in her lower back (worse on the right), tender in her pectorals (chest area), and she had trigger points (sore spots in the muscle) in her right triceps (behind the shoulder) and left gluteals (quarters).

The physiotherapy diagnosis was an injury to the right shoulder, possibly caused by a slip in the field, and the rest of the pain and tension was secondary due to altered movement patterns to compensate for the sore shoulder.

The horse received four follow up physiotherapy treatments through January and February with a combination of treatment techniques.

Manual therapies, massage, trigger point release, myofascial release and reciprocal inhibition were used to release the tight muscles, encourage increased circulation and relaxation into these areas. Spinal mobilisations were used to encourage the muscles and joints to stretch and maintain the relaxation and movement achieved.

After three treatment sessions the pain and tension had resolved but the horse was still lacking stability and balance through the right shoulder. At this point schooling exercises and pole exercises were introduced to facilitate movement through the shoulder and build up strength in the stabilising muscles.

The owner was given a progressive exercise plan to work on. They are currently getting on well, have been able to take part in the fun dressage league on their yard and are having

38 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

regular lessons to keep on improving.

Photo taken September 2011 after a year of rehabilitation.

(Anna Armstrong, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist) Case study 3 – Physiotherapy for behavioural changes.

Maverick, a 13.2hh pony, was assessed by physiotherapy at World Horse Welfare’s rehabilitation centre at Belwade farm, Aberdeenshire. He had a history of bucking and was also a handful to handle as he tended to barge his way through people. He had been assessed by a vet and farrier and was deemed to have no underlying problems.

On physiotherapy assessment Maverick was found to have very little lateral bend through his thoracic spine, no lumbar spine flexion and was tight through his scapulae (shoulder blades).

Often a lack of lateral bend will make it difficult for a horse to bend while going round a corner or on a circle and a lack of lumbar flexion will result in difficulty at transitions especially canter which can cause the pony/horse to buck at transitions.

The physiotherapy treatment consisted of a form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to start to get the spinal and shoulder muscles to relax and contract in a more normal pattern. Following this, joint mobilisations were used to improve the movement through the spine and the grooms were left with box exercises and pole exercises to further consolidate the treatment.

After a couple of physiotherapy sessions it was noted that Maverick’s behaviour had improved and that he had stopped barging through people. The physiotherapy continued and eventually the pony was backed and commenced some ridden work, following on from the in hand exercises.

Physiotherapy assessment revealed the tightness round the scapula had improved and there was more thoracic lateral bend and lumbar flexion. At this point the grooms continued with the exercises and ridden work and the pony had stopped bucking. cont. on p.40

Insurance

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 39

Physiotherapy - Christmas Cards cont. from p.38

The physiotherapist was then asked to re-assess the horse a few months later as his behaviour had deteriorated and he had begun to barge again. On assessment he had tightened up around the scapulae. This was treated in one session and the behaviour once again returned to normal.

Often physical problems can manifest themselves as behavioural problems initially before they become major pain issues and if caught early can easily be addressed. If your horse’s behaviour changes it is important to make sure there is no underlying physical problem.

(Kim Gunstone, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist) Case study 4 – Physiotherapy for left forelimb lameness.

Charlie is a 9 year old 17.2hh Irish draught cross gelding. He had been brought in from the field and was found to be lame in trot on the lunge.

His vet assessed him as 2/10 lame in trot and advised a week of box-rest and analgesia. After this he was turned out in a restricted area, to enable him to move around but prevent any overexuberance.

As there was still a mild lameness present at trot two weeks after onset of lameness, the vet advised full lameness examination at the Veterinary Hospital.

Lameness examination included gait assessment at walk and trot, flexion tests and nerve blocks, and indicated an x-ray of the left carpus (knee) which showed signs of injury at the distal attachment of the collateral ligaments of that joint. Ultrasound scanning of the left superficial pectoral muscle (front of the chest) showed no abnormality.

The vet advised a further two weeks of analgesia and continued restricted turnout.

Five weeks after onset of lameness reassessment by the vet revealed him to be sound and gradual return to exercise was advised.

Initial physiotherapy assessment was carried out following veterinary assessment. Physiotherapy examination was limited initially due to box-rest.

Observation and palpatory assessment revealed heat and moderate swelling over the left superficial pectoral muscle and left carpus (knee) medial and lateral ligaments and palpation of medial and lateral collateral ligaments was painful. Pain response was also noted on end range flexion and extension of left carpus and on abduction of the left shoulder during passive movement assessment. Diagnosis was a suspected superficial pectoral muscle strain and strain of collateral ligaments 40 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

of the left carpus.

Initial advice was to use cold hosing for 15 minutes 2-3 times daily to control inflammation. Electrotherapy was also used to help stimulate and support the healing process in the form of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEFT) twice a day over the carpus and pectoral muscle. Gentle stable exercises were carried out twice daily. On a follow-up visit one week later there was a reduction in heat and swelling of the superficial pectoral muscle and the carpus, with a further reduction after two weeks.

During the additional two weeks of analgesia and restricted turnout, treatment was continued with the PEFT twice daily to support and optimise healing.

Full gait assessment was carried out once the lameness had resolved and palpatory and passive movement assessments were repeated at this time. The left forelimb showed a restriction in end part of stance phase with reduced quality of extension of the carpus. There was full range of movement of the left shoulder and carpus with no pain response but there was a reduction in muscle length of the muscles which extend the carpus. Advice and a graded exercise programme were given including gentle stretches of the carpal extensors and in-hand pole exercises to optimise coordination and timing of muscle action.

Twelve weeks after onset of lameness Charlie has returned to ridden flatwork and ground poles and small jumps have been added to his exercise regime. His owner is aiming to return to competing at BSJA discovery and novice.

(Emma McCagherty, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist) Case study 5 – Physiotherapy to optimise performance.

Angel is a 14 year old cob mare owned by the Blue Cross and has been with current loaner Natalie for three years.

She was rescued by the Blue Cross at age three and was in foal at the time.

Her history is unknown but she had severe muscle damage on both sides of her neck, huge gauged areas the left side worse than the right, and severe damage to the left eye leaving her with very limited vision. Natalie was trying to compete her at dressage but was having difficulty with canter, especially on the left rein where she felt the canter was four beat and Angel often disunited. The vet had done a lameness assessment and nothing was found.

On initial physiotherapy assessment eighteen months ago, Angel had a high head carriage and lordotic spinal posture (sway back) at stance. On movement in walk and trot on a straight line Angel struggled to bring her hind

legs forward under her body. She was noted to be very stiff through her spine and ribcage when put on a tight circle, and this was more obvious on the left rein. On palpation, Angel was very tight and tender along the muscles either side of her spine especially on the left, and had no lumbar flexion. As Angel was unable to lift her back, she was unable to bring her hind legs far enough forward under her body to power herself forward. She was reliant on fixing at the poll and through her neck and pulling herself along instead. Muscle wasting of the thoracic trapezius muscle (just behind the withers) on the left side was noted and this was causing the saddle to tip down in front on this side. As the saddle was tipping down in front to the left, it was tipping up behind and swinging to the right. Each time the saddle swung to the right it would hit into the muscle on the left side of Angel’s spine, causing it to tense up to protect itself. Angel was treated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation to relax the muscles along the spine, hindquarters and neck and encourage them to contract in a normal pattern.

Joint mobilisations and manipulations were used to improve the movement throughout the spine and neck once the muscle relaxation had occurred. Natalie was given a programme of exercises to do in-hand and ridden to encourage Angel to move in a more efficient way and to strengthen and build the core stabilising muscles and the large force producing muscles of the hindquarters, stretch the muscles in the neck and around the shoulder blades, and specifically targeted strengthening work for the muscle behind the withers on the left side. A qualified saddle fitter was called in to help adjust Angel’s saddle to stop the tipping down.

Templates of the muscle bulk behind the withers and at the back of the saddle area were taken and marked asymmetry was noted. Following the initial treatment session Natalie reported a huge improvement in Angel’s trot and canter. After four physiotherapy sessions over a five month period Angel’s movement was improving well.

She had a much improved posture

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with increased topline and a huge improvement in muscle bulk behind the withers and in the hindquarters.

The saddle fitter was called in to adjust the saddle again as Angel had changed shape. Templates showed a huge improvement in muscle bulk with symmetrical shape over the thoracic trapezius area (behind the withers).

Angel has had occasional physiotherapy sessions since then to pick up on any small movement dysfunctions and keep her in tiptop condition for dressage.

Natalie says “Since getting physio treatment Angel’s paces have not only generally improved but her canter is no longer four beat. She is also now able to track up in both walk and trot which she found quite difficult to do previously and we are now able to work on establishing her medium paces”.

Natalie and Angel competing at Trailblazers in August 2011 (Maeve Grant, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist) Next month is the final article in this series entitled Veterinary Physiotherapy: Enhancing Equine Performance. Jo Paul will discuss rehabilitation of the horse.

For more information on Veterinary Physiotherapy or to find a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist in your area go to www.acpat.org.

Health Care - Insurance - Tack & Turnout

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 41

Horse Behaviour - Horses for sale

WHAT, WHY, HOW and WHEN Part 12 in a series by SUSAN McBANE discussing equestrian principles from the viewpoint of equine psychology and behaviour THE last two articles in this series – ‘Contact versus Pressure’ in September and ‘Self-Carriage on the Weight of the Rein’ in October – were closely related, and at the end of the latter I said I would give details in the November issue of how to perform the work needed to develop and strengthen your horse properly, and offer a progressive programme of what to do, why, how and in what order – so here goes. This is a 2-part article within the series, continuing next month.

PRE-REQUISITES Before schooling/training a horse, there are four things you will need – (1) a secure, independent and preferably classical seat with independent hands (which can keep still or move independently of your body). These have been dealt with previously in this series. (2) a sound knowledge of ethical equestrian principles (delivered in this series), (3) a focused mind and (4) somewhere reasonable to work.

The ability to ride with one hand is an advantage – see later.

You need to know what you’re doing and what to aim for, and have the ability to take your time and stay patient and calm whilst being positive and clear. A beautifully-surfaced manège is ideal but not essential. Years ago, most of us had to school out hacking, in a field, on a beach or on any bit of ground we could find. Every time we rode was a chance to school – without constantly nagging, of course. Champions were made that way and went much better than most modern, conventionally-trained horses.

Also, as I’ve mentioned regularly, I teach old French classical riding combined with the scientifically proven principles of how horses think (called ‘equine learning theory’) as defined by the growing discipline of Equitation Science (ES). Therefore, if you can find a suitable teacher of one or both of these methods you’ll find it a great help.

Contact the Classical Riding Club (www. classicalriding.co.uk) for classical trainers in your area, and EquiSci (www.equitationscience.co.uk) for ES trainers.

For home study of classical riding I recommend any books by Nuno Oliveira, any books and DVDs by Sylvia Loch especially ‘Invisible Riding’, ‘Riding Revelations’ by Anne Wilson and my own ‘Revolutionize Your Riding’ and ‘Horse-Friendly Riding’. For ES, look for ‘The Truth About Horses’ by Andrew McLean, ‘Equitation Science’ by Paul McGreevy and Andrew McLean and the hands-on study pack (a big book plus three DVDs) ‘Academic Horse Training: Equitation Science in Practice’

by Andrew and Manuela McLean. The latter is sometimes available on line, otherwise direct from the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www. aebc.com.au) and it is a worthwhile investment. The AEBC also sells the other ES books. I also like Jenny Rolfe’s work.

WHAT TO DO

WHAT YOU NEED AND DON’T NEED

As this happens, he will naturally be inclined to stretch his head and neck forward to balance himself in his new posture (correct, natural ‘long and low’). As the work progresses and he becomes stronger over weeks and months, the head and neck round up and in naturally, not by means of manual force or coercive gadgets, both of which actually make correct work and physical development impossible.

You need to maintain a light but ‘there’ contact on the bit (see earlier articles on the contact scale) which touches the tongue and the corners of the lips, not the jaws/bars.

You don’t need to lunge, long-rein or work your horse loose, or to use any fancy equipment. You do need a healthy, sound horse with comfortable feet and mouth, in a comfortable saddle and girth, a simple snaffle bridle (lozenge or French link mouthpieces being more comfortable than single joints) comfortably fitted (with loose noseband, if any, bit creating only one wrinkle at the corners of the mouth) plus a long, stiff schooling whip as a guide to give accurate tapping aids when needed.

In both classical riding and ES, there are helpful and effective in-hand groundwork techniques which prepare the horse physically and mentally for ridden work. I hope to deal with them in future. It is quite possible to get excellent results with most horses and ponies without the groundwork – it is simply a case of the rider being willing to think differently (like a horse) and use slightly different and more precise principles and methods to improve ridden work through making things not only comfortable for but also crystal clear to the horse. Horses find this reassuring and enjoyable.

Basically, the work which, correctly performed, will persuade your horse to shift his weight back a bit and so to lift and lighten his forehand a little is transitions and bending exercises.

These strengthen the appropriate muscle groups to enable a horse to carry more weight on his hindquarters and legs, to support his spine from underneath, to lift and lighten his forehand and to go in self-carriage or balance. They encourage the horse to use and supple himself, to lift his belly and back and so to tuck his ‘bottom’ (pelvis) under a little and inevitably (because they’re joined to his pelvis) to bring his hindlegs further under his body. In time this way of going becomes a habit to him.

It is essential that you allow your horse to go in self-carriage, balancing himself with guiding aids from you, because the muscles he must use for this independent way of going, carrying your weight, are those we need to strengthen for work. Holding or strapping a horse into any unnatural or forced posture compels him to use other, inappropriate, muscles which causes not only incorrect muscle development but also discomfort, stiffness and pain and is, therefore, not only counterproductive but also unethical. It makes the goal of all correctly-educated riders – self-carriage on the weight of the rein – impossible and prevents true, ‘connected’ lightness developing. Of course, the front of your horse’s face should always be in front of the vertical in groundwork or riding.

You need to perform transitions not only between gaits, including halt, but also within gaits – that is, lengthening and shortening of stride whilst keeping the

same rhythm of the gait. Bending work comprises single oval curves the length of the school, 20m circles or larger to start with, shallow corners initially, 20m-loop serpentines at first, forehand turns leading to turns on the haunches and walk and canter part-pirouettes, shoulder-in and shoulder-out and, when you and your horse are ready, travers, half-pass and renvers, in that order and in walk, trot and canter. Transitions and lengthening and shortening of stride in canter are particularly effective, when the horse is ready, in developing the appropriate muscles.

WHY DO IT You’ve already absorbed that the above kind of correctly (classically) performed work physically strengthens horses and enables them to carry riders safely and easily. From a behaviour viewpoint, horses are better behaved when they feel safe – physically strong and well-balanced, secure in their lives and work, confident in their riders and their own strength and agility and free to control their own bodies in independent self-carriage. This makes for comfort and the knowledge that they are not being caused confusion, discomfort, stress and strain, pain and, their end result - fear. Because they feel safe with you they go well, enthusiastically and comfortably, they play up less, if at all, they are a joy to ride and thrive in other areas of their lives. Keeping a horse or pony in any other state is, at the least, unfair to them and both unpleasant and counterproductive for us.

HOW TO DO IT Horses need to become confidently, reliably and instantly responsive to our bit and leg aids for go (going forwards), slow/stop/back, turn the forehand and yield the hindquarters (move them away from leg pressure). If you have control of the feet you have control of the horse. The object is to use one clear, cont. on p.44

42 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Insurance - Hourse Behaviour

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 43

Horse Behaviour cont. from p.42

distinctive aid for each movement so that the horse knows exactly what to do in response to each aid. Expecting more than one movement from an identical aid, as often happens in conventional schooling, is unfair to the horse.

The four basic aids (called signals or cues in ES) which cover the above four main movements are simple and horses take to them easily: from them, all other movements can be developed. As we go along, you may find that these aids are familiar but that some other uses of rein and leg are omitted (such as riding with ‘inside leg to outside hand’) so as not to cloud the issue for the horse. Classical riding itself is minimalist riding aiming for a safe, strong posture in horse and rider and instant responsiveness from the lightest possible aids; ES has refined and rationalised it even more to make a superb joint method.

Remember that these are riding and training/schooling techniques; they are applicable to any equestrian discipline.

The reins give two basic aids - they ask the horse to slow down, stop or go backwards (both reins at once), and to turn the forehand (one rein only at first).

The legs also give two basic aids - they ask for forward movement or more activity (both legs at once), and request sideways movement of the hindquarters

(one leg). These are the horse’s ABC, as it were.

The whip is used to TAP only, to emphasise rein or leg aids, if necessary.

The ability to ride with one hand is useful when schooling because if you give a whip aid whilst holding the rein you can’t avoid also moving the rein and giving a signal in the horse’s mouth, which he might understandably interpret as ‘turn’, and can confuse him.

Most people find this challenging and inconvenient, but it’s something to think about.

There is no question of the whip being used to punish the horse if he does the wrong thing. If the aids are given correctly, the horse will usually get it right quickly by working out by trial and error how to respond. Fairly quickly, this all becomes an interesting procedure for the horse, who appears to wait for your requests and, if ridden well and considerately, enjoys learning new things. With anything, the more you learn and the better you do it the more pleasure you get from it, and this applies to horses, too.

GIVING AIDS When giving any aid, it is essential to keep the aid on till you get your response, then release (stop) it the instant the horse does as you’ve asked.

You need to be really quick to release instantly within one second, otherwise he cannot learn that that aid is his signal for that response. Because of the way his brain works, he will connect your release with whatever he was doing the split second before you released. Whilst the aid stimulates or motivates the horse to do something, it is the release which teaches him that he has done the right thing. At first, your aid may need to become heavier than you would like but, as the horse gets the message which he can only do by working it out for himself by trial and error, you can progressively lighten it to a mere touch.

One of the most crucial points to remember is to give only one aid at a time because (again, as dealt with earlier in this series) horses become confused if asked to do two things at exactly the same moment. They learn to obey aids given in fairly quick succession, but not simultaneously, such as driving a horse up to the bit or ‘into the hand’ with a firm contact – an extremely common error which is telling the horse to ‘go’ with the legs and to ‘stop’ or ‘slow down’ with the bit. He will obey whichever pressure (aid) appears stronger to him, to get away from it. He can become desensitised to the other aid if ridden this way regularly.

There are, of course, other aids such as voice and seat/weight aids which can be trained once the bit and leg aids are established. The idea of first getting horses to be reliably responsive to the bit and leg aids is an essential safety feature. When things become difficult, you need to know that you have at your disposal clear, persuasive, physical contact/pressure aids which your horse will reliably, almost automatically, obey unless he’s in a genuine panic, which can happen to all horses as prey animals. This level of responsiveness can be achieved within days or weeks depending on the horse’s starting level.

This article continues next month with the nitty-gritty of doing the exercises, coping with problems if they arise and introducing and integrating voice and weight aids.

SUSAN McBANE is the author of 44 books and co-publisher with Anne Wilson of ‘Tracking-up’ magazine (see advert this issue). She co-founded the Equine Behaviour Forum and is a classical teacher, with an HNC in Equine Science and Management and the Classical Riding Club Gold Award. For lessons in Lancashire and neighbouring areas, ring her on 01254 705487 or email her on horses@susanmcbane. com. Her website address is www.susanmcbane.com.

Not a novice ride?

Alison Averis Not a novice ride is a common statement in adverts for horses for sale and it’s meant as a warning to prospective purchasers. Although in some cases it means that the horse in question is highly sensitive and likely to react badly to a rider who isn’t in full control of her body parts, it more often means a horse who is hard to stop or who is given to bucking, rearing, spooking, napping and similar forms of equine-assisted mayhem.

These are all technically described as conflict behaviours and they’ve been discussed quite a bit in recent issues

44 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

of Equi-Ads, mostly by Susan McBane.

The point is that these behaviours are, in almost all cases, a horse’s response to frightening, painful or confusing actions on the part of his rider. They are stressful for the horse and dangerous for the rider. So they really are things that you don’t want to happen, for ethical reasons as well as for everyone’s safety. The sad thing, though, is that some riders really don’t object to these sorts of behaviour: because if you can ride a horse that isn’t a novice ride it means that you are not a novice rider and everyone can see that you’re not. You’re one of the good ones: a skilled rider; a professional or perhaps serious amateur competitor.

You’re not a novice; not, heaven forbid, a happy hacker. There’s a prevailing belief in some quarters that if you are able to stay on a horse who is behaving violently, or are able and willing to use fierce bits, tight nosebands, whips, spurs and other gadgets to control your horse, you are a serious rider: one of the good ones. As Stephen Budiansky remarked1: ‘A rider whose horse

goes quietly on loose reins through the thick and thin of the hunting field never seems to evoke quite the same attention and admiration as the one wrestling heroically with a foaming bundle of nerves barely held in check by a gag bit.’ In fact, the well-trained horse is likely to be dismissed as ‘a plod’ and his rider as one of those sad souls who isn’t brave or competent enough to ride something more spirited.

Part of this is the result of our equestrian history: riding in Britain has traditionally been biased towards hunting, racing and jumping rather than to the finer points of schooling, and nerve, or courage, has long been regarded as the most admirable trait in a rider. In other parts of Europe this isn’t the case: for example Portuguese children learn to ride on their parents’ stallions2, and a visitor to Croatia discovered that horses – even Thoroughbred ex-racehorses – weren’t considered properly trained until they were safe for a child to ride3.

The aim of correct training is to make the response to the aids a habitual response, rather than a forced response. The horse stops when you use a light rein aid and goes when you use a light leg aid because that is what he is in the habit of doing, in the same way that you automatically answer your telephone when you hear the ring tone.

If you ask your horse to stop and go at the same time, or use the same aid to mean several different things, he’s going to feel as confused and annoyed as you would be if your telephone continued to ring after you’d answered it and while you were trying to speak to the person on the other end, or if it rang at random times when there was nobody trying to contact you. Would you want your relationship with your telephone to involve that amount of stress? Might your horse feel that way about his relationship with you?

The fact that badly-trained horses continue to buck, rear and run away despite all the attempts made to control cont. on p.45

Tact & Turnout - Training cont. from p.44

them by pain-inflicting tack and other equipment surely says something: these methods don’t actually work. Sure, you can make your horse behave, most of the time, by making him afraid of what you will do to him if he doesn’t, but when you encounter something that he fears more than he fears you, you’re in trouble.

Good training avoids eliciting conflict behaviours altogether. If you teach your horse to respond instantly to the lightest possible aids, are careful to use a single, separate aid for each action, don’t ask for two (or more) opposing responses at the same time and aim to have your horse in self-carriage at all stages, he simply won’t feel the need to act in these ways4. Then what you are doing is riding, rather than just damage limitation. Any horse – every horse – can and should be trained in a way that doesn’t make him want to fight his rider, though admittedly it does take more time, thought and effort than simply rolling up your sleeves, pulling the noseband as tight as you can get it, strapping on your spurs and climbing on to do battle with your horse. It’s not as heroic, either, but it is hugely satisfying.

It would be a great step forward for

equine welfare if the equestrian culture changed, so that pain-inflicting bits, crank nosebands, sharp spurs and other gadgets were seen as announcements that the rider using them was not good enough to be able to ride her horse without them, rather than as badges of honour for the advanced rider, and that not a novice ride was interpreted as badly trained rather than as for good riders only.

What would it take for that to happen?

1 Budiansky, S (1998). The Nature of Horses. Weidenfield & Nicolson, London 2 Skipper, L (2010). The Natural Stallion. Black Tent Publications, Stockton-on Tees 3 Maling, S (2011). Riding in Croatia.

Equine Behaviour 87. Autumn Issue.

4 McGreevy, P & McLean, A (2010).

Equitation Science. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.

Alison Averis is a rider, horse owner and the Editor of Equine Behaviour, the journal of the Equine Behaviour Forum.

If you are interested in how horses behave and in what might be going on inside their heads, please see the advert in this issue or go to www.equinebehaviourforum.org.uk.

A boot for all seasons Cavallo boast on their website that they are “The simplest, safest and most comfortable hoof boot in the world. After trying a pair on my pony for a week I can agree with everything apart from the most comfortable, she is the only one who can comment on that and so far she hasn’t! However, is happy to have them put on which is always a good sign.

The Cavallo horse boots are easy to size, very easy to fit and easy to care for. You just slot the hoof into the boot and the velcro attachments hold the wrap around sides in place. They are shaped to fit the natural horse hoof

and promote healthy hooves while allowing for expansion and contraction of the hoof. With the hard ground in the summer and the iced ground in the winter the unshod horse can find the going tough, but with horse boots available you can ride out happily without feeling guilty. These are ideal for emergency shoe loss or for the unshod horse. We tested the Simple boot over all types of terrain including boggy ground and they stayed on well.

The boot retails at approximately £105.99 per pair. For more information contact Battles on 01522 529 206

New Saddlecraft Yard Boot

A new addition to the Saddlecraft range, these Fleece Lined Yard Boots combine rugged styling with a snug sherpa fleece lining and Thermolite insulation, making them perfect for cold winter days on the yard. Featuring a chunky zipped front fastening and suede ankle section, the boots are ideal for those who enjoy the countryside in all weathers. Available in child sizes 11 to 2 and adult sizes 3 to 8.

Contact Westgate EFI 01303 872277 for stockists or visit www.wefi.co.uk

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 45

Tack & Turnout - Hi Vis

Be Safe, Be Seen Fiona Reed Riding on public roads is a hazardous business these days. Cars with higher speed capacity, drivers with pressured lives needing to cram more into their days, and a far less tolerant attitude to others, makes for potential dangers for those who either have to, or choose to ride on the roads.

As the shortest days approach many equestrians struggle to find enough hours in the days to care for and exercise their horses and if no outdoor or indoor schools are available, then hacking out is the only option which in almost every case will involve riding at least some distance on a public highway. This is often in little or poor light.

Photo courtesy of Golly Galoshes

Whilst we, as riders, may feel there is adequate light as we can see where we are going, it is important to realise that although our eyes have adapted to the limited light and can cope quite admirably and indeed see quite some distance and in good detail, a drivers eyes will have adapted to see to the end of his headlight beam and the area outside of this beam will appear much darker to him than to us.

High-visibility clothing is clothing made of fluorescent material with added reflective tape or shapes. Now for the technical bit...

The sun’s ultraviolet rays react with the fluorescent colours to make them appear to ‘glow’, increasing daytime

visibility. The effect is stronger in poor light conditions such as in fog or towards dusk. At night, light from sources such as car headlights bounces off the reflective areas to make the tape glow, increasing night time visibility. Some reflective materials are retro-reflective which means the light bounces back to its source. If a car shines it’s headlights on retro-reflective material, most of the light is reflected back to the driver. Other reflective materials are made using glass bead technology which scatters the light, some of it getting reflected back to the driver. High visibility products can include either type.

Fluorescent colours help you to be seen in the daytime and near dusk.

They work really well in dull or rainy weather and when daylight is fading. On a rainy day it’s hard for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists and riders so it’s a good idea to wear or carry something fluorescent. Fluorescent colours look really bright because of the way they absorb and emit different kinds of light. Many people don’t realise it but fluorescent colours don’t show up in the dark or ‘glow in the dark’. To be seen by drivers at night you need something reflective.

To be seen day, dusk and night you need something that is fluorescent and reflective, which is why most safety garments comprise both. Lots of colours can be fluorescent and used for high vis clothing and equipment, not just yellow but red, pink, green and orange too. Horse-riders often wear pink as it is a colour not found often in nature and so shows up well against autumn leaves and summer greenery.

Reflective materials work at night by bouncing back the light from a source.

To work properly it needs to be dark and there must be a light source such as car headlights. Light can also be reflected by white or pale objects such as a newspaper or white carrier bag; these will reflect light but scatter it in all directions so a driver will see some brightness, however, special reflective materials work much better. They are called ‘retro-reflective’ because they are designed to bounce most of the light

back to its source instead of scattering it. The light from a driver’s headlights will go straight back to the driver who will see the reflective materials REALLY well.

Many people don’t realise it but reflective material on your clothing will not reliably help you to be seen in daytime (unless it is also fluorescent)!

Although reflective tape can sometimes glint in the sunlight, it doesn’t show up properly to drivers until after dark.

There are different kinds of reflective materials. The silver grey reflective bands often found on the yellow high vis items is called glass bead tape.

When light shines on them at night they shine very bright white. Glass bead tape is cheap to make which is one reason why it is so popular.

Other reflective materials are made of special plastic vinyl. Lots of tiny prism shapes are sealed inside. These prisms bounce the light around and then straight back to the source. This is called microprismatic retro-reflective tape. This plastic tape is quite costly to make but is very long-lasting and can look great as it can be made in lots of different colours, shapes and can even have a holographic effect.

reflective strips on the front and rear corners to make them more visible should the worst happen and your horse escape onto the road and are also useful to find them in the field in the dark.

In addition to the above you can also wear lights fitted to your stirrups, on an armband or built into a breastplate.

For those of us who are perhaps still resistant to the idea of riding out looking like a lollipop lady, there are alternatives, although they will not give quite such good visibility. Many riding jackets have reflective piping which will give a good human shape when picked up in headlights.

However, whatever you wear when out on our busy highways, ride with good

Reflective materials can help drivers to see you three seconds sooner at night which could save your life. At a speed of 30mph, this means they will react 135 feet earlier, and at 70mph this is a truly huge 315 feet!

Photo courtesy of Golly Galoshes

Now for the practical bits ... there are a multitude of items available from mail order, your local tack shop and now even the occasional supermarket chain. Ensure you have items that will make you seen from front and rear when on the roads, so a vest or some form of reflective piping on your jacket or a tabard or harness are most useful.

Hat bands are also available as are armbands. Some jodhpurs may also have reflective piping or you could wear a band around your lower leg or ankle.

There are also an array of items that your horse can wear from fluorescent and reflective covers for browbands, nosebands, reins, breastplates, leg bands, boots and exercise sheets.

road sense; use your advance warning of being able to hear traffic approaching and make defensive moves to anticipate problems. Always acknowledge drivers or slow down and move over .... if you do not, they may not be as considerate the next time they encounter riders, and if possible avoid the roads in adverse weather conditions with depleted light and when longer stopping distances would be required. Try to avoid narrow roads that are used as ‘rat runs’ during rush hour and roads with a lot of bends where drivers will come upon you without warning.

Stay safe, and enjoy your winter hacking.

Many New Zealand rugs now also have

Tried & Tested - The Polite Aspey Jacket With the long dark days ahead of us the importance of being safe and seen when out on our horses is a must. I had the pleasure of doing a Tried and Tested on the The Polite Aspey jacket

by Equi-Safety. Not only does this jacket look good but is fully functional and practical too. Inside the jacket there is a zipped money pocket and mobile phone pocket. It has the benefit of 360 degree 46 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

of reflection and fluorescent properties which alongwith it’s statement logo Polite™© Notice Please Slow Down, with blue & white checked reflective strips makes you unmissable on the roads. I have to say I have never had so many drivers giving me second glances, all to the amusement of the other party I was hacking out with.. I found this jacket a great fit and very comfortable,

it’s 100% waterproof and breathable with taped seams. If you are looking to stand out from the crowd this is a must have purchase.

RRP: £65.99 For further information contact: EQUISAFETY on +44 (0)151 678 7182 www.equisafety.com

Tack & Turnout - Hi Vis

Golly Galoshes is a product for all seasons - a truly versatile piece of tack - it is a 365 days of the year product.

This product is for use over boots and bandaging in the ménage for schooling/lunging; over boots hacking/exercising with the superb high visibility and reflection of the material; to cover wound/injury dressings – controlled exercise, short bursts of turnout, or indeed stabled to ensure no debris enters the dressing.

(Mini-pony can be used without boots or bandages for the little miniatures).

Golly Galoshes are easy to fit over your horse’s existing boots and are really highly visible when you’re riding out.

They are waterproof so will protect your horse’s legs and boots/bandages and the high quality material is breathable.

They are ideal for anyone who has a horse with injuries, or skin problems, or who needs high visibility on the roads.

Horses that have to be managed for specific problems, short or long term

- would benefit from this product – it would allow the horse to be kept dry, clean and more importantly comfortable – so perform better. This one piece of tack is so very versatile and is a must have for your horse or pony.

Offering leg protection, improved visibility and unparalleled quality, Golly Galoshes will last for years (if correctly looked after) and are the simple solution. Golly Galoshes are proudly made in Great Britain and made to last!

Full size horse/standard horse (cob), pony and mini-pony. These come in reflective yellow and orange, black (more for ménage and competition warm up work) magenta and salmon pink. Please look at our website for videos showing the gaiters in action at www.gollygaloshes.com or telephone 01465 861274

www.midkinleith.com Wide range of quality tack & clothing at bargain prices Spend over £50 for FREE Delivery

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 47

Training

Training the young horse - preparation for ridden work part 3 Heather Gwillim If you have been following the training system set out in these articles, by now your horses should be long reining safely and calmly out on quiet roads and lanes and in the arena.

They will be relaxed and calm to tack up and respond well to the bit. If you have any problems along the way just take a step or two back and go over the process again, always being calm and consistent with your training and quick to reward your horse.

I would expect your horse to have seen quite a lot by now too. So he is able to cope with most things you would expect to come across in your area and in your arena; he is also happy to work with another horse or if a horse joins or leaves him on a hack. Your horse should also be happy with you rubbing and patting his saddle, jumping up and down by his side (both sides), pulling on his stirrups rocking the saddle gently and standing above him on a mounting block and jumping off the mounting block. He should also be turning quietly off the bit now, with a relaxed jaw and be easy to steer around cones etc.

Now is the time to start to introduce the rider. So with your assistant to help, at the end of a normal training session,

having also done all the usual things and on a nice calm (not windy) day when it is nice and quiet at your yard, you back your young horse for the first time.

Some people like to mount their horse for the first time in a stable and there is a lot to be said for this, as the horse should be relaxed and confident in his stable, or you can do it in your arena.

It really depends where you feel your horse will be the most relaxed and where you think you will have the most confidence. Obviously the lighter you are and the lighter you can land in the saddle the better.

One of the best people I ever saw backing a horse was a flat jockey called Roger Wernham, who would back the horses in a stable and get on and off several times so lightly and quietly the horses were very relaxed for him and hardly seemed to notice him as he mounted and dismounted numerous times landing like a feather on the saddle praising them all the time as he was working. I, unfortunately, am not really athletic enough to emulate the ease and lightness he could demonstrate, while accomplishing mounting and dismounting, so I do more

preparation work to make up for my short coming in this sphere.

So after you have decided where you want to back your horse for the first time, have your assistant there to hold your youngster by your usual mounting block and after you have finished patting the saddle, just quietly lean over your horses back, over the saddle, only for a few moments. Hopefully your horse will just stand there nice and relaxed. As always, how fast you can go at this point is up to the horse; if he gets upset you may have to work quietly to get him to accept you leaning over the saddle and that’s as far as you will proceed that day and quite often that is all I do. If however, you find your horse is not worried at all then stand up again and have your assistant bring your horse to the mounting block again and repeat the procedure. It might be worth giving your horse a titbit as you lean over him. Pat him on his rump and on his flanks if you can as you are leaning across the saddle and move the stirrups etc., all while you are leaning over him. I try to pretend I am mounting, so I give the left stirrup a pull then I brush my arm over the rump (just in case I accidentally touch him when I get on) and then I lean over him and move the offside stirrup. Do all of this a few times until you are happy the horse is totally happy and relaxed. You can now proceed in one of two ways. You lean over the saddle a bit further and get your assistant to lead your horse round quietly in a small circle then slip to the ground and this time when your horse is led to the mounting block quietly mount him, making sure you land lightly in the saddle. Give him a scratch and get your assistant to give a titbit, then quietly dismount again, then repeat and leave for that day. One thing to note here, lots of horses don’t seem to mind the weight or the feel of you in the saddle, but do sit up slowly when you mount, especially the first time, as some horses panic when they catch sight of you as you sit up. I had one horse I had to ride for the first week crouched down over his neck before he accepted me straightening up in the saddle and a friend of mine resorted to using blinkers with one horse he was starting because he was so frightened by the rider sitting up straight. That is why some horses get worried when you lean forward to dismount too, they suddenly catch that movement up above them and react.

OR you proceed by skipping being led in a small circle whilst you are leaning over the horse and go straight

48 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

to mounting quietly getting on and off a couple of times. If you feel confident enough, your assistant can lead you round in a small circle when you are mounted but if you decide to do that, do hold onto either a balance strap attached to the front Dees of the saddle or a piece of mane or neck strap just in case the young horse decides to jump forward when he feels the weight as he moves off. The pros and cons of these two methods are easy to see. If you are only leaning over the youngster and he does get worried by you being there you can easily slip off with hopefully no harm done to person, horse or confidence of either. If you are mounted properly you cannot slip off so easily and if the horse has jumped forward you will be left behind and the feel of the shift of weight and possible pull on the reins could frighten your horse.

Hopefully nothing worse has happened, but even this small setback will take a few training sessions to regain your and your horse’s confidence. I certainly would do no more than walk a circle, being led by the person on the ground.

I might even leave it at just getting on and off a few times, without moving, it all depends on how you feel and the way your horse reacts to everything.

As I have mentioned, be careful not to frighten your horse dismounting, it is very easy to frighten your horse as you are dismounting and it can be a problem to cure. I have known horses that have had a bad experience with the dismount and it is really difficult to get off them, because every time you lean forward they take off. So do be very careful the first time especially when you dismount.

I usually lean forward and make a fuss of the horse then sit gently back up then lean again and if the horse is relaxed and quiet, slip carefully to the ground often distracting the horse with a titbit if necessary. Hopefully you will have no problems what so ever and you can look forward to doing a little more the next day. I would try to work with the horse again the following day, doing more or less the same thing, except I would have my assistant lead me around in a couple of circles, try a few halts and maybe a change of direction, with you giving the aids from the saddle for the stops and turns and the assistant only helping as required.

The only reason I wouldn’t ride the horse the next day would be outside factors such as a wet windy day, someone doing some noisy work by the yard or maybe the local hunt is in the cont. on p.50

Tack & Turnout - Training

Perfect boots for cold weather conditions Temperatures do not have to drop that low for you to feel the cold and once the feet feel frozen, it does not take long for the rest of the body to follow.

cold. The Climate Control system works when it is warm too and when it is really hot they will keep your feet cool. Comfort whatever the weather.

Equitector boots are the ideal solution.

They have a heat reflective lining (space blanket) built in which works like a vacuum flask. Within minutes you warm up to your own body temperature and you are no longer affected by the outside temperature.

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Equitector have an extensive range of paddock and tall boots.

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November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 49

Transport - Terms and Conditions cont. from p.48

area. Any of those things are the sort of upsets you need to avoid for a while.

Always make sure you follow the same routine so both you, your assistant and your horse know what to expect and also discuss with your assistant, before you are on your horse, what you are planning to achieve and how much help you think you will need. Make sure that you stick to the same aids for turning and stopping and both of you are using the same voice commands and also decide how you would like the assistant to help if the horse starts to do something untoward, such as nap, rush forward, rear or try to buck. It is better to have an idea of what you expect from the person on the ground in any of these circumstances and they are aware of what you expect before any difficulty has occurred, because that could be crucial to everyone’s safety in the event of any difficulties. It is rare

to have problems with a horse if you have been consistent, patient, kind but firm and you have been careful with the training program and made sure you have given the horse enough time and he has been happy and relaxed whilst doing what you are asking of him by the end of each training session. However as all people who work with horses know they are un-predictable and if you are as prepared as you can be for every eventuality you can think of you will have fewer problems and the problems you do have will be less likely to escalate into big problems. In all things with horses, take every precaution to ensure everyone’s safety as much as you can. In my next article I will cover the early training under saddle.

Previous articles in this series can be found on Equi-Ads website – www. equiads.net in the Featured Articles section.

CONDITIONS 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 stamped 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 advertisement’s first appearance. Furthermore we trust that 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.

50 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Field & Stable - Arenas

Interlocking Perfo Tiles – 10 years on and going strong After many years of sinking up to our knees in mud in winter and having to deal with all the implications of horses churning up the field into a sea of mud around the ring feeder and water trough, with the resulting problems of poor hoof quality and mud fever, we didn’t want to deprive the horses of a natural outdoor life but we did want to provide a healthier environment.

So 10 years ago we decided it was time to invest in a system for reinforcing soft ground - Perfo interlocking tiles. I am pleased to report that the system has definitely stood the test of time…..and weight!

The system is simple to install, UV & frost resistant, has a textured surface for safe grip and reduced risk of injury, preserves the natural environment as grass can grow back through the tiles and maintains natural drainage by allowing water through.

For further information, contact Paxton Agricultural Telephone: 01225 816528 www.paxtonagri.com

The testers, weighing close to a ton each have benefited from healthier hooves and skins not to mention less wasted forage.

The matting looks as robust today as it did 10 years ago and it is very easy to sweep off the droppings, spilled forage or snow

Healthy Stables Microlat Stable Disinfectant isn’t any normal stable disinfectant, it can also be used on chopped straw and sprayed into the air space of stables to help kill dust bearing bacteria.

smells from urine.

It’s anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral and is simple to use, just sprinkle on to flooring or matting as and when required. It can also be used in kennels and in trailers/horseboxes.

Microlat Stable Disinfectant is bactericidal and fungicidal and, despite being powerful, Microlat Stable Disinfectant is safe too. It’s made from essential oils and, when diluted correctly, it can even be used on open wounds.

Stable Fresh is available in 5kg and 10kg tubs. Prices start from £26.50.

For more information see www. equimins.com, email sales@equimins. com or call 01548 531770.

Microlat Stable Disinfectant is available in 1 litre and 5 litre bottles where 1 litre makes 160 litres of ready to use disinfectant and costs £17.89.

Stable Fresh is a dry disinfectant powder that helps remove ammonia November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 51

Bedding

Healthy Bedding and Stabling Dr Shaun A. McKane BVSc, BSc(vet), PhD, DACVIM, DECEIM, MRCVS Cotts Farm Equine Hospital, Pembrokeshire Winter is coming and predicted to be cold again this year, so it is time to think about how we are going to house our horses for the winter. We want our horses to be comfortable and healthy, but what is comfortable for a horse and how healthy is it to keep a horse warm and cosy in winter. Obviously the most natural thing is to keep a horse in a well drained non-muddy field with or without a rug. Grass is the most natural feed and bedding and being outside is ideal for good health of the lungs. However there can be two main drawbacks to this, weight loss and the growth of a thick hair coat.

Especially if horses are to remain in regular work, then it can be difficult to

maintain condition and a long woolly coat is not practical. Also if the ground freezes or the field becomes muddy then the practicality of living out can be completely lost.

So what should we consider when thinking about housing horses over the winter months? The three biggest changes that we impose on a horse when we move it from the field to a stable are warmth, bedding and feed.

The choices we make regarding these can have a huge impact on the comfort and health of our horses. There is a tendency for people to want to lock horses up from the cold and keep them cosy. Perhaps this stems from a thought

Hay Bar Helps the COPD Sufferer If your horse or pony has a respiratory problem such as a cough, he wheezes or is short of breath he could be suffering from Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), formerly known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is a common respiratory problem. It is associated with dust and mould spores commonly found in sun-dried forages, such as hay and straw.

Horses and ponies suffering from these conditions need special care and management to allow them to live a comfortable and active life.

Dust and spores are the enemy and so a dust free stable is very important.

Soaked hay helps and the feeding position is very important. Feeding from the floor is essential as this helps the airways to drain down. Hay Bar will contain the forage and help

to stop cross contamination with the bedding. Feeding position and keeping the environment clean is paramount.

Hay Bar is widely recommended by the veterinary profession to help alleviate some of the problems found in caring for a horse with RAO (COPD). www.haybar.co.uk Tel. 01723 882434

that horses feel the cold as much as we do. Also many owners express concerns about horses developing colds and chills. However horses are perfectly happy and healthy at temperatures as low as 0oC especially if they are not wet. With a rug on a horse, the critical comfort temperature, ie the temperature before the horse will begin to feel the cold and start to shiver, can easily go down to -10oC or below. In fact heat and high humidity are much bigger problems for the comfort and health of horses as they are prone to over heating, and high humidity in a stable promotes the growth of disease and allergy causing organisms such as bacteria and fungi. Therefore our horses do not need cosy they just need dry.

Stable design and ventilation are important considerations, but are things that you may not be able to easily change, although it is always worth trying to maximise ventilation and turn out. Stables are often dusty places and to spend your days in a small dusty room breathing the same air over and over again is not good for the health of the lungs. 50% of UK horses over the age of 5years have a degree of allergic airway disease and stabling is the main reason for this. In comparison the number of horses with allergic airway disease in Australia where it is

What you feed to a stabled horse is also very important to its health. Every year at about this time veterinarians see a peak in the number of horses presenting with impactions of the large colon. Stabling a horse reduces its general level of movement and also the natural motility of the intestine.

This combined with a change from wet grass to dry hay or haylage can cause impaction colic and this may have disastrous results. However there is an easy way to make forage safer for your horse. Soak it before feeding (30-60 minutes). Not only does this soften the feed, but it also increases the water intake of your horse and helps to cont. on p.54

Aubiose Bedding Aubiose is made from 100% natural, high quality, organically cultivated hemp.

It is 4 times more absorbent than wood shavings and virtually dust-free.

Absorbency - 4 times more absorbent than wood shavings Virtually dust-free - particularly suitable for horses with respiratory ailments 100 % Natural

The bedding works by soaking up liquids in a small area at the base of the bed. The capped layer that forms over this saturated material reduces the chance of wet bedding being mixed in with the dry. The top layer of the bed remains warm, soft and dry for your horse.

Furthermore, Aubiose is an annually renewable resource, which can be traced back to the field in which it was grown. It completes its own ‘life cycle loop’ naturally, by breaking down rapidly, without the need for composting agents, to form a valuable compost.

Most importantly Aubiose is good for your horse, providing a clean, natural and healthy stable environment.

Key Benefits

52 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

drier, warmer and stabling is much less intensive during winter, is only 2%. So if your stable is dusty or you think that the stable is at all stuffy, then think about your horse living in it for 20 hours a day.

A good stable should have sufficient ventilation to permit 6 complete changes of air in each hour. In reality this means that your horse’s stable should be drafty. Cobwebs can be a good indication of how well ventilated a stable is. Spiders do not like a draft and so the fewer cobwebs the better the ventilation is for your horse. A stable with a door or at least a window that opens to the outside is essential.

Environmentally Friendly To find out more about the premium benefits of Aubiose’s highly absorbent and virtually dust free bedding please contact Laura Gibbins on 07739 165083, email info@aubiose.co.uk or visit our website: www.aubiose.co.uk

Saddle Fitting - Tack & Turnout

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 53

Field & Stable - Bedding cont. from p.52

maintain good hydration. A third benefit of soaking feed is that it reduces the dust in the stable, which is good for the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s respiratory system. It is critical to remember that when the temperature really drops and the water on the yard freezes, you still have to soak the feed.

In fact it is even more important at these times as many horses naturally reduce how much they drink when it is very cold and so impaction colic is more of a risk.

Bedding is the third big change for your horse and probably the biggest choice for you as a horse owner. Proper bedding is essential to reduce dust, absorb moisture and prevent injury to your horse. Too little bedding and you risk the chance that your horse may slip and fall. While poorly absorbent bedding creates a wet environment that can lead to thrush and other foot problems. Appropriate bedding can also help reduce the tendency for horses to become cast in a stable and cushion the horse to prevent capped hocks and elbows. Capping of the hocks or elbows occurs when too much pressure is applied to these areas when a horse is lying on a hard surface. This causes the skin to thicken and develop a fluid swelling below the surface in an attempt to provide more cushioning between the ground and the bones of the skeleton. These swellings may form pockets of fluid that can be difficult to treat, requiring needle drainage and prolonged bandaging to resolve them.

So good bedding is not just a matter of comfort, it is a matter of welfare.

There are countless different brands and types of bedding on the market and deciding which one is best is not easy. Over the years I have used straw, shavings, paper, rice husks, wood chip, wood pellet, stringy bark, rubber matting, and sand. All of them have their benefits and drawbacks.

So what is the ideal bedding? The ideal bedding should be inexpensive, easy to transport, comfortable to lie on, absorbent, dust free, ecologically friendly, produce little waste and be non-palatable. Palatability is a major problem with straw as impactions caused by horses eating dry straw are much worse than those caused by horses eating dry hay. Also dust is often a greater problem with straw than say with rubber matting alone, however straw generally provides a softer more comfortable bed than matting. Recently new straw based bedding products have been released that address the issues of palatability and dust. They are compacted treated straw that is less palatable, more absorbent and less dusty than traditional straw bedding, however these advantages must be weighed up against the increased cost.

At the present time dust extracted shavings are probably the most popular choice for stable bedding. This type of bedding is relatively cheap, although not as cheap as straw. The dust free nature means that the allergic airway disease often associated with the presence of fungal spores and dust in straw bedding is greatly reduced.

Shavings are also quite clean, absorbent and soft which are areas that rubber matting, paper and sand can all be less than satisfactory. Horses will not generally eat shavings and so they are useful for horses on a diet. Shavings do however take much longer than straw to compost and therefore create more waste and are sometimes not welcome on stable yard muckheaps.

Another way of disposing of shavings is by burning, but your local authority may have restrictions on this and so please check first.

Shredded news paper was the original choice for dust free bedding, but is much less popular today. It is a light

and compact material that composts very rapidly and that came at a relatively cheap cost. Unfortunately it has a tendency to become very damp and soggy, which then causes it to clump together and makes it difficult to muck out. Being news paper the other drawback is that light coloured horses and ponies can become stained by the ink. The increased availability of dust free wood shavings has seen a decrease in the popularity of paper bedding for horses.

Some horses with severe allergies cannot cope with being on anything but plain rubber matting alone, however this does result in a relatively hard surface that is not absorbent. Too improve comfort and absorbency a small quantity of another bedding material can be used on top of rubber.

Matting is an initially expensive installation but can often pay for itself

over time by reducing the quantity of other bedding you need to use. It must be remembered though that unless the rubber is bonded to the floor underneath, then the mats must be periodically removed to clean underneath. This can be a challenge depending on the size and weight of the matting and therefore must be considered when initially selecting rubber matting for a stable.

Other forms of bedding for horses include hemp, flax and rapeseed in various chopped or pellet forms. These materials are excellent for composting and thereby reducing waste. They are also very absorbent and provide a soft, low dust bed. They are however more expensive than straw or shavings. Peat although once popular for bedding is an unrenewable source and the price has increased recently making it far less cont. on p.56

Top riders promote easibed Easibed equine bedding is gearing up for a busy winter as its sponsored riders prove bedding their horses on a premium product helps them stay at the top of their game.

Easibed, a clean, dust free wood fibre bedding, is used by international show jumpers Billy Twomey and Ellen Whitaker, and triple Olympian Richard Davison. And as anyone following the riders will know, all three are at the top of their sport.

Easibed now has more robust packaging and is on the market at the RRP of ÂŁ6 to ÂŁ6.50 per bale. It provides a dust-free, supportive bed

and its consistency allows the wet to drain through to the base where it is absorbed, leaving the top dry and comfortable for your horse. Easibed is economical to use, easy to muck out and produces a smaller muck heap. Its dust free qualities make it a healthier choice for the rider and the horse. For more information call 0161 370 2360 or visit www.easibed.co.uk.

Shred-a-Bed Shred-a-Bed animal bedding from Galloway Recycled Newspapers has been completely cleaned and dust

extracted, this is absolutely essential for horse bedding.

It is available in bales of approximately 20kg in weight for easy handling.

This quality, dust free, low cost horse bedding is absolutely clean and safe for all animals. It contains no harmful toxic material or allergen dust and is free from fungal spores, weed seeds, etc.

Shred-a-Bed has outstanding thermal insulation qualities and is highly absorbant.

Paper is environmentally safe and pollution free and used bedding can be applied direct to the land or for composting and is an excellent soil conditioner and fertilizer. When managed properly paper can be cheaper to use than many other bedding materials. To find out more telephone Roddie on 07718 406602

54 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Bedding

Make life easier with Megazorb Do you need a bedding with high levels of absorbency that creates the minimum amount of waste?

That provides high levels of comfort and softness yet is dust free? Megazorb could be the answer.

Made from virgin wood pulp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a byproduct of the paper making industry, Megazorb is a truly recyclable product that has high levels of absorbency allowing owners to use only a small amount but still capture liquids and smells. It is ideal when combined with rubber matting as the absorption capacity means that there is minimal waste and mucking out time

is kept to a minimum.

Double dust extracted it provides a clean and dust free stable environment, ideal for helping to maintain a healthy respiratory system in horses and ponies.

Highly biodegradable, Megazorb breaks down more easily than shavings and is classed as a soil enhancer when spread on arable or grassland.

Megazorb is available in handy 85 litre bags. For a list of stockists please visit our website www. northerncropdriers.co.uk or call 01759 318396.

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 55

Bedding cont. from p.54

attractive.

In the end, the choice of bedding that is

right for your horse is yours and is likely to depend on a compromise between cost, what is locally available and the specific needs of your horse.

A cement block stable. Note the upper halves of the walls are vented metal so that air circulates freely through the stable. The floor is rubber matting bonded to concrete underneath, permitting the use of a small quantity of shavings for absorbency and comfort.

Wood Pellets as an Alternative Bedding Material Harpers produce a range of innovative wood products and their newest product is Puffin Equine, a wood pellet bedding specially designed to be suitable for horses.

Puffin Equine Pellets are 100% sterile and made from top-quality raw materials with no additives of any kind, making them the perfect bedding material for your horse.

The following steps work quite well in most situations: 1. In a clean stable place the contents of three to five bags (20kg each) in the center two-thirds of the stall, and spread the pellets out to an even depth of roughly 2 inches. Alternatively, you may locate the bedded area where the horse prefers to “go”.

2. Next, lightly moisten the pellets with 2 to 3 gallons of water to initiate their opening to a “fluffy” consistency.

3. Within 20 minutes of wetting, the bedding will expand to approximately 3 to 4 times its original depth and it will

56 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

take on a much softer texture and a whitish color. It will continue to “grow” somewhat over the course of the first week.

Approximately once a week, up to 1 bag of new pellets will need to be added to compensate for the amount of manure and saturated bedding taken out of the stall. Many horse owners who use pellets strip the stalls once every two or three months, instead of weekly, thereby saving a considerable amount of waste volume and significantly reducing the cost of bedding and labor.

Because the solid manure separates so easily from the fine wood fibers, very little of the bedding is actually removed from the stall. The urine saturated areas should be removed entirely, leaving only dry to moist bedding (Key: Do not scatter the saturated bedding, as some brands suggest, as this will lead to ammonia odors and necessitate mucking out the entire stall before the material has been fully utilised). For more information telephone 01464 820011

Tried and tested Littemax by Bedmax The first thing I noticed about Littlemax, is how lovely and fluffy the shavings are and completely dust-free.

My usual shavings tend to be a bit dustier and not as light and I usually end up coughing and spluttering after I open a new bale. The Littlemax bedding comes in a very compact bale that is easy to move around on your own -important if you have your horses stabled at home.

I put two bales of Littlemax down on rubber matting to start a brand new fresh bed and I was amazed at how far they went. I didn’t need to put any more down and this was more than enough for Mo to lie down in comfort – which he promptly did, rolling in the shavings

just to make sure they were extra comfy.

As the flakes are light and fluffy, they are very easy to muck out and very absorbent, keeping the beds clean and stink- free. Littlemax is very costeffective too as I only needed to use a half to one bale per horse per week to keep the beds clean and comfortable.

There is nothing more satisfying than laying a lovely clean bed of shavings.

But for Mo, there appears to be nothing more satisfying than going into that clean bed and christening it with a big poo. That’s horses for you.... www.littlemaxshavings.com

Bedding

Save time, money and your muckheap this winter with Nedz Advance Nedz Advance is a unique straw pellet bedding which has been dust extracted and then steamed to further remove any moulds and spores.

Capable of absorbing up to five times its own weight in liquid, Nedz Advance virtually eliminates any traces of the noxious gas ammonia, which is known to irritate the delicate sinuses and respiratory system.

Quick and easy to muck out, Nedz Advance requires no watering and does not need to be disturbed on a daily basis which means there is no ‘kick-up’ of dust and debris into the stable environment.

The pellets break down to create a sturdy, yet soft and supportive base for horses that keeps moisture away from their feet and biodegrades within a month. Nedz Advance also contains a unique oil which helps condition hooves as your horse is stabled on it.

Kent based Maggie White is revelling at the change in her horses since changing to the innovative bedding. “Having changed to Nedz Advance we no longer have any coughing and there is no dust,” she says. “Maintenance of the bed is

minimal; you only need to take out damp patches and droppings, leaving the rest to compact to a soft fluffy bed that does not raise dust as you move around in it. We would not change back.”

Nedz Advance is priced around £6 - £8 for a 15kg bag. The recommended setup is around 8-10 bags for a 12 x 12 stable, with one further bag added every 7 – 10 days.

For more information tel: 01254 677 762 or visit www.nedz.co.uk

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 57

Masta Giveaway - Healthcare - Rugs

StableZone - Anti-bacterial Bedding Powder StableZone, is a natural antibacterial bedding powder that helps you to maintain a dry, safe, healthy environment in stables and horseboxes by reducing moisture and eliminating ammonia and associated smells.

StableZone kills odours and improves the atmosphere in the stable or stall for your horse or pony. Its antibacterial properties also reduce the risk of bacterial and viral respiratory contamination.

The natural anti-bacterial bedding powder reduces dampness and will help to keep bedding dry, which will help to eliminate foot and hoof problems, including thrush and abscesses.

StableZone can be used with all types of bedding and on all flooring, including rubber matting and livestock vehicles. You simply sprinkle StableZone onto the floor immediately after cleaning, or you can apply directly onto the top of the bedding.

For a normal application you only need one (50g) scoop, so a 5kg tub should last the average horse or pony about a month.

Available in 5kg and 25kg tubs, StableZone can be found at all good tack shops and bedding stockists, or alternatively log onto www. equinehealthandherbal.co.uk to buy StableZone and find out more about the other products in the StableZone range!

Save Time • Save Effort • Save Money Equimat - the original interlocking Stable Mat used and recommended

by Tim Stockdale

“Worth Every Penny”

www.theblackmat.co.uk

The Black Mat Warm, Comfortable, Easy-clean, Budget Priced Stable Matting www.equimat.co.uk

58 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

For your nearest stockist: t: 01536 513456 e: sales@davieskett.co.uk

Tack & Turnout - Tried & Tested

Belvoir Bedding just got better!

Belvoir Bed is fast becoming one of the most popular bedding products to use on yards across the country and this isn’t solely due to an economical aspect. Using Belvoir Bed ensures peace of mind that horses are stabled in the most hygienic environment possible and thanks to the inclusion of a new and improved natural formula, the benefits just got better!

Belvoir Bed is made from a mix of wheat and rape straw, which works together to provide exceptionally absorbent bedding in traditional form. The raw material is passed through a state of the art dust extraction process to produce a clean and virtually dust free bedding which is ideal for performance horses and those suffering from respiratory problems.

Belvoir Bed has now re-formulated its existing treatment, which uses a natural, organic formulation to give ‘added extras’ and enhance the benefits of the cosy, traditional bedding. The principle ingredients are Lemongrass - a nontoxic and non-irritant plant offering a pleasant lemon smell without the potency of citronella - and Cade Oil, which helps retain this fresh aroma.

Both ingredients combine together to offer antiseptic, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties which helps repel insects, fight against bacteria and reduce moulds and spores. This exclusive formula is ideal for all yards especially larger establishments to help keep viruses at bay – such as flu and strangles - and can help keep equines content and free from insects and flies.

Belvoir Bed is quick rotting, easy to muck out and comfortable for your horse. Prices start at £4.90 + vat, Belvoir Bed can only be ordered direct enabling prices to be kept to an absolute minimum. To find out more information tel: 01254 677 786 or visit: www.belvoirbed.co.uk

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 59

Events - Field & Stable - Tack & Turnout

60 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

Field & Stable - Tack & Turnout

A Little Extra Help When Mary King was presented with a year’s supply of Alltech Lifeforce supplement as part of her prize at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, she had no hesitation in choosing MHS King Joules to trial the product.

Lifeforce is a natural feed additive that aids digestion and helps improve and maintain condition and muscle tone, so the 6 year old eventer - nicknamed Jay was an ideal candidate since he was still growing into his frame and lacked top line and condition.

Mary King & MHS Kings Joules before feeding Lifeforce Mary explained, “Jay was not fully developed so he just needed a little extra help, especially as we were trying to build him up while much of his energy intake was going into getting him fit. I found that Lifeforce helped him get the most out of

his food and he has certainly improved as a result.

“Not only has he put on weight and muscled up, especially along his top line, but his coat is a lot brighter, too.”

“He’s had some good results, so is definitely performing at his best and he absolutely loves the taste, so I don’t have to worry about him eating up – in fact he licks his bucket until every speck has gone. |” “I think the before and after pictures say it all.”

Alltech Lifeforce is suitable for all kinds of equines, from the child’s pony to the fit performance horse.

Daily supplementation helps create an ideal digestive environment to help achieve and maintain peak body and muscular condition, as well as supporting healthy hooves and coat and promoting overall healthy growth.

For more information visit www.alltech .com/uk

MHS King Joules after feeding Alltech Lifeforce

Neddy Shack: Your one stop shop!

100’s of brands to choose from and if you don’t see what you are looking for just contact Neddy Shack and they will endeavor to list it for you, how’s that for customer service!

They sell everything equine, but don’t stop there, also available are product ranges for all pets, even to exotics all you need in one place. Plus giving you the choice of economy to elite brands.

You will also benefit from Reward Points, Product Reviews, Offers, Daily deals,

Gift Vouchers and Wish Lists. Go take a look now!

07866 426969 01945 440283 www.inky-dinky.co.uk November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 61

Field & Stable - Healthcare - Insurance - Tack & Turnout

62 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

New Equissage Red – The Ultimate Equine Therapy After extensive research and development, Equissage has launched a new system which delivers the ultimate equine therapy.

Developed by Niagara Healthcare, whose unique cycloidal massage products have been used on humans for both injuries and mobility for more than 50 years, Equissage Red is manufactured in the UK and used worldwide by vets, physiotherapists, trainers and riders.

Equissage Red delivers powerful cycloidal (three-way) vibrations to the whole body, which have been scientifically proven to improve local blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, relaxation and joint mobility. The system can also actively treat a number of specific problems, as well as helping to maintain peak condition and general good health.

The new system consists of a balanced back pad with twin batteries which deliver a more powerful therapy and extended running time. It has been fitted with upgraded plug and socket connections for dual leg boot and back pad usage, and a hand unit which can be powered directly via the back pad, or separately via the handy belt pack.

Safe, versatile, non-invasive and easy to use, the system is suitable for every horse, in every discipline. From leisure horses to top competition horses, Equissage Red has the ability to improve the lives of many horses and ponies worldwide. Excellent for ‘warming up’ and ‘cooling down’ before and after exercise, Equissage Red also reduces the risk of performance related injuries.

Used by top equestrian competitors Piggy French, Maria Eilberg and Lee Pearson, the system is an invaluable asset to any horse owner. For further information and a FREE demonstration on Equissage Red, please contact 0800 072 1180 or visit www.equissage. co.uk.

November 2011 - Equi-Ads - 63

Directory - Healthcare

Promise me strong, flexible and healthy joints now and for the future “I have owned Promise Me (Harry) since he was 4 years old. He has always been an incredibly flexible and supple horse, nearly always leading the dressage when out eventing.

However, he started experiencing a low level of post competition stiffness in the middle of last season, and would take a few days to work out of this.

This year, I decided to try Harry on the combination of Vetrofen and Vetroflex, and he has never felt better. Competing in pure dressage alongside eventing at 2* level is obviously very tough on any horse, but this year, whilst being fed Vetrofen and Vetroflex, Harry was able to finish fourth in the Open Intermediate at the South of England Horse Trials on the Sunday, where we ran fast on hard ground, and then, only four days later, finished 5th at Advanced Medium

level at the National Winter Dressage Championships.” “ I am also an equine Vet, so feeding horses the correct supplements, and not throwing away money on products that have no scientific proof, or no clinical evidence of working, is of great importance to me. I have started a couple of much older horses on Vetrofen, as an alternative to reaching straight for the NSAIDs, and owners have reported that their elderly horses and ponies seem much happier with much lower levels of stiffness.” Natalie McGoldrick MA Vet MB MRCVS. So what is Vetrofen and why feed it along side Vetroflex?

“Use Vetrofen to maintain the body’s inflammatory response associated with the stiffness and arthritis common with

old age and, if needed, in parallel with Vetroflex to strengthen and protect the joint now and for the future whilst regenerating the joint cartilage where damage has occurred, therefore reducing the likelihood of the swelling and stiffness in the first place or in the case of hard ground just simply taking it their stride.”

Ross Riley Animalife.

The science behind them Vetrofen is a proprietary blend of the plant extracts Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu, clinically proven to assist the bodies’ inflammatory response and antioxidant properties.

Vetrofen works by supporting the dietary balance of the metabolic processes involved in maintaining joint comfort rather than simply focusing on the symptoms. This approach is in sharp contrast to masking symptoms with the use of chemical alternatives. Vetrofen can be used in acute cases, long-term and in tandem with Vetroflex. Both contain 100% natural pure active ingredients for maximum effectiveness with no fillers, no banned substances, safe for long term use with no side effects.

Vetroflex is a proprietary blend of specially optimised collagen peptides, clinically proven to stimulate the growth of new joint cartilage cells counteracting wear-and-tear effects on joints brought about by injury, aging and the active lifestyle.

Directory Crematorium

Horse & Pony Cremation Genuine Individual Cremation.

Leyland & Cheshire Pet Crematorium.

Tel: 01772 622466

Property Abroad

Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices.

Tel: 01775 630 008

Saddlery

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

64 - Equi-Ads - November 2011

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 01728685638

FEEDING

The Haylage Co. A cost effective alternative to hay.

Based South Hertfordshire, we deliver to locations nationwide.

Telephone: 07836 514 435 or 07831 454 166 Email: guybrook@btinternet.com Website- www.poloforage.com

Vetroflex works by protecting cartilage and synovial fluid against deterioration, whilst stimulating the cartilage cells to produce more collagen and proteoglycans. Vetroflex has the same amino acid composition as collagen and supplies the amino acids such as glycine

and proline, important for the synthesis of collagen. Vetroflex supports strong flexible and healthy joints whilst providing regeneration of joint cartilage in areas of weakness or damage. Vetroflex offers regeneration as opposed to degeneration which is something quite extraordinary, now offering significant benefits over traditional Glucosamine or Chondroitin blends to enhance and prolong your horse’s active lifestyle now and for the future of your active or ageing horse.

Vetroflex has had such a quick uptake by Vets that it is now available to them by specialist wholesaler National Veterinary Services and for equine retailers Trilanco and now Battle, Hayward & Bower.

Animalife products are used by leading International and British team riders and recommended by World renowned team vets and proven by clinical research. Make the change and see the difference…

Buy from your local equine retailer today or visit www.animalife.co.uk with FREE nationwide delivery and 10% off * using voucher code: EA10 New consumer and trade support line 0845 365 0050. *Valid until the end of November, while stocks last, subject to T/C. Trade retail accounts can be set up with Trilanco on 01253 891697 or Battle, Hayward & Bower on 01522 529206, Vets should contact National Veterinary Services on 01782 771100.