FREE
October 2011
Rugging up for winter
The UK’s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine
WIN! ÂŁ590 prizes worth over
from Harry Hall
Hay quality Cereals and their by-products: barley Laminitis: Fishing out facts from fiction
Managing the
mud menace
Self Carriage on the weight of the rein
Healthcare - News
Act now to help horses transported long distances to slaughter
Contents
Front Cover Kindly Supplied by - Ewan MacDougall - 07891623126 - www.ewanmacdougall.co.uk
ENGLAND & WALES Healthcare
1, 2, 4, 7,
8, 21, 39, 62
News
1, 2, 64
Equestrian Centres
2
Events
4
Livery
4
Field and Stable
4, 44, 45, 62
Hay Quality
7, 8, 12
Bedding
8
Feeding
9 - 27
Laminitis
20
Mud Fever
28 – 34
Physiotherapy
34
Worming
36 - 39
Pilates
38
Holidays
40
Insurance
41 – 45, 62
Riding
42
Horses for Sale
44
Horse Behaviour
44
Book Reviews
46 & 49
World Horse Welfare is urging everyone who cares about horses to act now to help end the needless suffering endured by 80,000 horses driven long distances across Europe to slaughter each year. We are asking people to take action to build mass support across Europe and lend a voice to these defenceless horses. By filling out an ‘Action Card’ with their own personal message, and sending it to their local Member of the European Parliament (MEP), people can show how strongly they oppose these needlessly long-distance journeys. We will be encouraging MEPs to back our campaign for change by bringing all of the ‘Action Cards’ they receive to our stand in the European Parliament between the 10th and 14th October 2011, when we will be
Copy Deadline
10th of the preceding month
Property
47
The Horse’s Eye
47
Training
48 – 49
Equi-Ads Limited
Tack & Turnout
49 – 56,
62, 64
Rugs
53 – 56, 58
Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG To advertise, please call
Giveaway - Masta
58
Competition – Harry Hall 60 Directory
64
White Horse Stables
64
Available on the 1st of the month Equi-Ads is published monthly by:
01738 567700 Fax: 01738 567776
www.equiads.net Please send editorial to: Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG Fax: 01738 567776 Email: info@equiads.net
handing our updated Dossier of Evidence to the Commission. At the end of September, the European Commission (EC) is due to release a report of its own reviewing the current transport Regulation. Our aim is to convince the Commission of the urgent need for amendments to this Regulation, most importantly the introduction of a 9-12 hour maximum journey limit. At present, journeys for these horses can last for days, with little or no chance of food, water or rest. Campaigns Advisor for World Horse Welfare, Jo White, said: “We feel the release of the EC’s report is an important time to get as many people as possible to press for an end to the current needless suffering, once and for all. To do this we need help from the general public and Members of the European Parliament to convince the European Commission to act. “The Action Cards have been designed for people to write their own personal messages on and send to MEPs who are just returning to their offices. We hope that by presenting as many Action Cards as possible to MEPs, that they will recognise the need to act and help us convince the European Commission that there is overwhelming support for changes to the transport Regulation.
are calling upon people across Europe to help us maintain the momentum of our campaign and take action now. This is the only way to drive the current abuse, happening every week, off Europe’s roads.” We are urging people to take action now by: – Downloading an action card from our website www.worldhorsewelfare.org/ help-tomorrow/transport_action Filling out the Action Card and sending it via email or post to their MEP. Telling as many people as possible about the campaign and gaining their support. Sharing the campaign with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter to engage more people. Getting creative by making banners, posters and t-shirts to spread the word. For more information about the campaign please visit www. worldhorsewelfare.org/help-tomorrow/ transport_action or contact the Campaigns Team on 01953 497232 or email campaigns@worldhorsewelfare. org
“While the current, totally inadequate, Regulation remains in place, many thousands of horses continue to suffer. The answer to ending this suffering is to introduce a short, finite journey limit. We
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 1
Equestrian Centres - Healthcare - News
Prebioherb Balance Feed Perfectly Good digestion is essential to the well being of any horse. Even mild upsets can dramatically affect a horse’s well being, state of mind and ability to live a normal life. With the inadequacies of most pasture it is not a surprise that PrebioHerb works so well. These days much attention is given to probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics add extra good bacteria to the bowels and prebiotics encourage the good bacteria inside your horse to grow better. Prebiotics are normally made up of chemicals which are able to feed the good bacteria well enough to overcome any problems that a horse may be having with its feeding. PrebioHerb is a tried and tested formula that contains a unique mix of herbs that work on all aspects of your horse’s intestinal health. It contains no chemicals and no probiotic bacteria, just natural plant material.
gas, no looseness and the chances of any episode of colic will be dramatically reduced. Global Herbs has found that owners feeding prebioherb rarely have problems with their horse’s droppings and overall the horse’s live more comfortable, contented lives. Only a small amount of this powerful formula is needed in the feed each day For more information call Global Herbs on 01243 773363 or visit their website on www.globalherbs.co.uk. A more complete description of the benefits of good digestion is available from Global Herbs. It is called: ‘Digestion Made Easy’
When bowels are working properly there will be no watery droppings, no
Crow Wood Equestrian Centre celebrates £1 million pound facilities upgrade in style.
The equestrian centre based in Burnley, Lancashire will be hosting an inspiring day of lectures and demonstrations to celebrate the opening of their new facilities. Sunday 16th Oct will see many big names at Crow Wood including high profile, professional riders Emile Faurie and Ben Hobday. This marks a very special occasion in the Crow Wood Equestrian Centre calendar as they unveil and officially open their new range of facilities, including an additional indoor and outdoor arena. The planned day includes a training master class with Team GB dressage rider Emile Faurie, a ridden demonstration by 3 day eventer Ben Hobday, show ring preparation with Jo Callwood, Nutrition with Dodson & Horrell, Saddle Fitting with Saddle Direct, bitting, physiotherapy, long reining and Bob the mechanical horse to mention just some of the line up. As the finishing touches are made, Crow Wood now boasts an impressive list of facilities including a brand new additional 60m x 22m indoor wax track arena, a new 60m x 30m combi - ride arena, an all weather gallop, 3 x American barns housing 2 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
50 horses and an extensive 5km off road all weather trail track. In addition the green light has just been given to completely renovate the existing indoor school. For further information and to book your tickets for Sunday 16th Oct please contact info@crowwood.com or / Tel 01282 471906 Limited tickets available £12 per person.
Competition - News
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 3
Events - Field & Stable - Healthcare - Livery
Age-proof your horse Developed by a leading veterinary expert, NEW EquiSenior from VetVits (£14.95 for a 1 month supply) is a specially formulated antioxidant-rich multivitamin providing the most essential vitamin and mineral requirements for the older horse. The nutrients supplied by your horse’s diet help sustain many bodily functions but as your horse ages, their ability to absorb and manufacture these nutrients declines. A senior supplement is the convenient way to ensure your horse receives the crucial combination of vitamins and minerals required for optimum health and vitality. Our advanced formula includes: • • •
powerful antioxidant Ginkgo biloba super-strength vitamin C complex mix of essential B vitamins for vitality
• calcium and vitamin D3 for healthy bones and teeth EquiSenior is suitable for horses of any age but specifically developed for continuous use in horses over 14 and particularly recommended for extra support from autumn through to spring. VetVits have been providing high quality, veterinary developed horse supplements for over ten years. All products are only available direct, are tax-free and all orders include free delivery. To find out more about the VetVits range which also includes top quality hoof and clinically tested joint supplements, visit www.vetvits.co.uk or call FREEPHONE 0808 100 40 80.
Enjoy a VIP Experience at Your Horse Live access into the exclusive private lounge, where celebrities will pop in to say hello, so have your questions ready for Laura Bechtolsheimer, Oliver Townend and many more. There will be no queuing for you either. The fast track will ensure you never miss a demonstration where you’re guaranteed a seat for every show in the main arena allowing you to watch demonstrations by stunt team Rockin’ Horse and show jumper Geoff Billington - just two of the show’s stars. TAKE advantage of this year’s exciting new VIP ticket and receive star treatment all day at Your Horse Live, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, which takes place on November 12 and 13. The limited edition tickets provide a packed full VIP experience. From getting you straight in on the action and onsite parking opposite the main entrance, the VIP tickets also include a day of special treats. On arrival you will be greeted with a glass of fizz and refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will be VIP 4 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
After a day you will never forget, you’ll also be able to take home a goody bag filled with horsey treats, as well as the most current Your Horse magazine to read when you get home. VIP tickets are limited, so book your tickets today and take advantage of this incredible experience, or save £££s by booking standard tickets in advance. Advance bookings hotline closes on Thursday 10th November 2011 at midday. To book your tickets in advance and save money visit www. yourhorselive.co.uk or call 0844 581 0770 and quote EQ-TSM.
Herbs for all reasons Ron Fields Nutrition is an Animal Health Company that provides Veterinarians, Farmers and Pet owners with Special Scientifically prepared herbal products that have the benefit of quality control, laboratory research as well field trials. Specialising in preparing animal health products for all types of animals they are committed to providing information on the products and the problems they tackle. Many of the products have testimonials from people from all backgrounds
especially in the dog and horse markets, and are safe to use. Some veterinarians are not aware of the potency of herbal medicines but Ron Fields Nutrition has convinced many that scientifically prepared plant products that are safe to use can often be combined and prepared to produce efficient and concise results for many animals. For further information please call 01432 851111 or go to www. ronfieldsnutrition.co.uk
Insert Category
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 5
Events - Tack & Turnout - Your Horse Live Giveaway
6 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
Hay Quality - Healthcare
Haysoft - Quality Haylage
Launched in-time for autumn and winter, HaySoft is a nutritious haylage for horses and ponies that is produced from specially grown rye grass, heatsealed to retain goodness. HaySoft is uniquely cut and packed into 3 easy to manage sections, enabling it to be handled, and distributed easily. Many horse owners struggle to break-up packs of traditional haylage, but with HaySoft you can save time and hassle with the HaySoft pre-packed sections. HaySoft is available in two varieties; HaySoft Original and HaySoft High Fibre. It is produced from rye grass that is cut in late May or early June when nutritional values are higher than in July or August. Instead of allowing the grass to dry out completely, the rye grass is baled when the moisture content reaches 30-35% and it is tightly wrapped in several layers of polythene to exclude any air.
The haylage then mildly ferments over a period of 8-10 weeks which preserves the nutrients and proteins and prevents mould or dust spores forming, producing a moist, nutritious and dust free forage with no need for soaking. HaySoft is baled while still moist to create a dust-free forage feed, with more vitamins and minerals and a higher nutritional value than hay. The HaySoft manufacturing process helps to prevent the exposure of horse or owner to potentially dangerous mould spores.
Premium
HaySoft is brought to you from the producers of BedSoft bedding and is based at Frieze Hall Farm in Essex.
Ryegrass Haylage
3
HaySoft is produced using rye grass grown at Frieze Hall and neighbouring farms, keeping raw material, transport costs and the carbon footprint to a minimum! Log onto www.haysoft. co.uk for more information or call 01277 375 647 and to find your local stockists.
Easy to Manage Sections
Nutritious & Dust Free For Horses & Ponies
Equine America Fungatrol Cream provides a waterproof barrier whilst also conditioning and helping to protect the skin from bacteria and fungus infections. Available in 400ml RRP £16.99. Fungatrol Shampoo can be used to wash the whole horse or individual areas which will help to protect the skin from bacteria and fungus. This powerful lathering shampoo is a great start to the Fungatrol programme. For best results, leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Available in 473 ml RRP £11.99 / Equine America www.equine-america. co.uk / Telephone 01403 255809.
l a n i g i r O OR High Fib re
Find your nearest stockist at haysoft.co.uk or call 01277 375 647
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 7 HaySoft-1-2pgAD-HorseDeals.indd 1
21/09/2011 11:04
Bedding - Hay Quality
Eezhay Peasy Forage Feeding
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
®
RETAIL MEMBER
Easy packs winter bedding promotion
From the 1st of October 2011 until the 30th November 2011 buy three bales of either Easy Pack Chopped Straw or Easy Pack Miscanthus Bedding and receive a
8 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
bale of the same bedding FREE. For more information, terms and conditions or your nearest stockist visit www.easypackhaylage.com
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 - Hay Quality
Know the Quality of your Hay There are generally two main types of hay storage barns: fully enclosed, which can be open at one end for ease of filling, but are otherwise totally enclosed, and “roof only” structures, accessible from all sides.
Hay is undoubtedly the ideal forage for horses. Here the experts at HAYGAIN hay steamers share their advice on purchasing hay, taking into consideration the quality of the hay and how to store it correctly to retain its nutritional content throughout the year. The quality of hay depends on the value of the crop, determined by the weather and maintenance of the grass before harvest. Once cut, the grass must be given sufficient time to dry, to remove moisture before baling. The healthier and drier the crop, the better the hay. What to look for? When looking for high-quality hay, knowing what is inside counts. Before buying hay, open at least one bale up and look inside. Slight discolouration isn’t a problem; this often occurs with stacked hay. Obvious signs of bad hay are warmth, extreme sun bleaching, mould, dust, fermentation or abnormal heaviness. Avoid hay that contains weeds, dirt, insects or rubbish. Look at the texture of the hay; it should be fine-stemmed, green, leafy and soft. Good hay should smell sweet; poor hay often smells musty. Try to feed the hay within the year of its harvest, to ensure it still retains its nutritional value. How to store hay? Storage is vital to ensure hay remains top quality. Hay should be stored in hay sheds and barns that offer complete protection from wind, rain, snow and sun. Store areas must be cleaned out before new hay is stacked in. If old hay dust is left, mouldy spores can mix with the new clean forage. Old hay should be kept separate from new bales. Unless the floor of the barn has a waterproof membrane (concrete), bales should be raised off the ground to avoid moisture rising through floor. Once baled, the hay is still drying so it’s crucial to keep it well ventilated; leaving the bales out in the field to develop for a couple of days, if sunny, can be beneficial.
When planning storage, ventilation is the key to good hay. The storage must allow for air exchange, either by natural ventilation, or a fan system. This is especially the case if the hay is not perfectly dry, so the air can get in to the hay and dry it out completely. Good ventilation will also remove excessive moisture; if the moisture is left, it can move from warmer to cooler areas of the stack, damaging more bales. Ventilation will also remove condensation which can form under steel. ‘Visitors’ to hay barns (chickens, foxes, rodents, etc.) can contaminate hay and will leave their ‘calling card’ - adding to the bacteria – as well as their smell, which horses notice far more acutely than humans. (Cats are great for killing rodents.) Hay bales should be stacked with the newer ones at the back and the older at the front, so the older ones are used first, and allow narrow gaps between rows for extra air flow. Try to keep them off the ground to ensure maximum air flow; open lofts are ideal; another alternative is wooden pallets. Steaming Hay Even the best quality hay may contain levels of dust and spores, which can provoke coughing in horses, as well as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), amongst other respiratory diseases. Soaking hay to eliminate dust is not only messy and laborious, but also reduces the nutritional content and produces a liquid waste that is classed as an environmental pollutant, eight times worse than human effluent. Steaming hay with the HAYGAIN hay steamer has been scientifically proven to kill harmful spores found in hay and therefore effectively sterilise hay without nutritional loss. The HAYGAIN hay steamer has been researched and extensively tested at The Royal Agricultural College, by Equine Nutritionist Dr Meriel MooreColyer. HAYGAIN’s unique concept enables steam to penetrate the centre of the bale, releasing steam evenly which defuses outwards, ensuring the entire bale is steamed at the critically necessary temperatures (circa 100°C throughout). Using the HAYGAIN hay steamer cont. on p.10
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 9
Feeding - Hay Quality cont. from p.9
stables.
produces sweet-smelling, palatable, dust-free hay.
The new HG-GO is a fully collapsible bag that will accommodate half a bale of hay or large hay net, ideal to take to shows. It is lightweight and easy to use.
HAYGAIN is currently available in three models: the HG-1000, HG-600 and HG-GO. With all the units steamed hay is ready to feed immediately after steaming cycles of less than 50 minutes depending on model. Complete nutritional value and goodness are maintained with improved palatability and digestibility. Proven by several leading research institutions and establishments, HAYGAIN is endorsed and prescribed by leading vets internationally, and used by professional riders throughout all disciplines. The HG-1000 is designed to steam a full bale. It can process a fully strung bale and withstand the use and abused on the biggest, busiest of yards. The HG-600 accommodates half a bale, hay nets or hay wedges and is ideal for smaller yards and for use away at competitions. The unit is extremely durable, compact and easy to move around, the
All HAYGAIN steamers are exceptionally robust with only stainless steel and brass fittings so they can be used in all climatic conditions. They are uniquely thermally insulated for unmatched performance and energy efficiency and are the only hay steamers with a lifetime guarantee and a patented method which ensures even steaming. Ongoing extensive research continues by HAYGAIN at universities, research centres and veterinary practices in several countries to investigate further the additional benefits of steamed hay with some imminent ground breaking developments. For further information please contact Haygain hay steamers on (0333) 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.co.uk
Balancing your forage this winter Forage is a vital part of the horses’ diet, particularly during the winter months when grazing quality is poor and often horses are stabled for longer. Forage quality can vary, so offering a cost effective, balanced, vitamin, mineral and trace element package can help give peace of mind that horses are receiving the vital nutrients they require for optimum health.
10 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
Horslyx provides a comprehensive nutritional package to combat seasonal health worries, including optimum levels of natural anti-oxidants to help boost the immune system, a high oil content to promote a shiny, healthy coat and a unique healthy hooves package containing biotin, methionine and chelated zinc to maintain horn quality throughout the year. Feeding Horslyx not only balances the deficiencies
in forage, but also provides a trickle feeding pattern to promote gut health and reduce boredom. Horslyx is available in four different formulations, Original, Respiratory, Garlic and Mobility, allowing owners to feed specifically to their horses’ requirements in one cost effective, easy method. Horslyx is available in 5kg, 15kg and 80kg weatherproof tubs, with
prices starting at around ÂŁ9.95. For further information tel, (01697) 332 592 or visit www.horslyx.com
Feeding
Getting ready for winter with HorseHage With winter just around the corner, it’s now time to consider your horse’s feeding regime for the coming months. With the possibility of forage shortages and high prices this winter, you should plan ahead. Whether your horse is wintering out or stabled, the basis of his feeding regime should always be excellent quality forage, particularly during the winter when the grass has little nutritional value. Horses not only need the nutrients derived from forage, but the digestion of forage produces heat, so it is also a vital tool to keep them warm, particularly if they live out or are not rugged. This can then be supplemented if necessary, by the hard feed of your choice, depending on your horse’s type and workload. HorseHage dust-free bagged forage makes an excellent substitute for hay or haylage and is suitable to be fed to all types of horses and ponies as it is available in four varieties – Ryegrass, High Fibre, Timothy and Alfalfa – providing different levels of energy, so choose the one that is best suited to your horse or pony. HorseHage has a sugar content of around 5% which is actually less than hay and so the High Fibre and Timothy varieties can even be fed safely to laminitics. (A typical hay sample contains a sugar level of around 10%.) When HorseHage is fed as the main forage source, it can enable you to reduce your horse’s hard feed by up to a third. HorseHage is 100% dust free and so is ideal for when your horse has to be stabled for extended periods of time. Dust and mould spores can trigger off allergic reactions which may lead to debilitating respiratory conditions such as RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction) and so it is very important to always feed forage that is dust-free.
Because HorseHage is more digestible than other forages, it allows more efficient utilisation of the available nutrients. Ryegrass HorseHage is higher in calories and is ideal for those horses that tend to lose weight over the winter months or those in higher levels of work. High Fibre and Timothy HorseHage have a lower energy value which is similar to that of hay and because of the lower sugar levels they both carry the Hoof Kind logo to show that they are safe to feed to laminitics and good doers. Alfalfa HorseHage has higher levels of protein, digestible fibre, energy, calcium and vitamins than the grass varieties. The protein content has the optimum balance of amino acids and lysine, which are especially important for growth, pregnancy and milk production. These higher nutrient levels make it suitable for horses in hard work, poor doers, veterans and show horses. The best way to feed HorseHage is from a HorseHage small mesh feeding net which is designed to hold up to two slices of HorseHage. The small mesh helps to prolong the eating time and therefore reduce boredom in the stable. For more information on what to feed your horse or pony, please contact the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk
Respirator Boost - the powerful natural alternative for healthy lungs Comes with a 48 hour Money Back Guarantee! Respirator Boost provides unrivalled, fast acting, nutritional support to help keep your horse’s airways clear, and, support the integrity and normal function of the capillary blood vessels surrounding the lungs. Furthermore, NAF have such confidence in the product, it comes with a 48 hour money back guarantee! Respirator Boost is a powerful liquid supplement formulated from tinctures of ingredients particularly beneficial to the respiratory system. Utilising tinctures enables the product to work very quickly, they are combined with Echinacea to support the immune system, highly concentrated antioxidant nutrients - to mop up and flush
away toxins, essential oils of clove and eucalyptus to help clear the airways, plus soothing ingredients such as honey, peppermint and lemon. Feed Respirator Boost and see a clear difference in your horse’s breathing within 48 hours! RRP’s: 500ml: £14.95. 1 litre: £26.75 2 litres: £47.95. Larger sizes available. Available from NAF stockists nationwide. For further information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line 0800 373 106, email: info@naf-uk.com or go to www.naf-uk.com October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 11
Feeding
Fibre aplenty: Making the most of the hay in your horse’s diet Fibre is essential in a horse’s diet, ensuring your horse has an adequate supply is vital for their health and welfare. Horses evolved as trickle feeders, grazing on a variety of grasses of different types and ages for up to 18 hours a day. It is therefore important alternative sources of fibre are provided for your horse when the grass is sparse or there is little access to grazing. Hay is one of the most common sources of fibre regularly fed to horses and ponies in the UK, other than grass to maintain their fibre intake. However, the quality of hay can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the soil, the variety and species of grass, the weather conditions experienced during the growing season and the maturity of the grass when it’s harvested, so it cannot be relied upon to provide a
complete diet. Adding a feed balancer, such as Blue Chip Original is an easy, trouble-free way to combat any imbalances found in the diet and to ensure your horse is making the most of the hay fed. Blue Chip Original not only contains a complete vitamin, mineral and nutrient package, using organic/chelated minerals to ensure optimum absorption and effectiveness, but an EU approved probiotic. The probiotic found in Original has been scientifically proven in a series of trials at Hartpury College to double the horse’s ability to digest fibre, maximising the nutrition taken from their diet. Blue Chip Original is trusted by thousands to provide everything horses need on a daily basis without the need for additional supplements, and allows the amount of hard feed required to be reduced.
Alternatively, for those prone to laminitis or good doers that need to restrict their calorie intake, feeding Blue Chip Lami-light, the low calorie, low starch, low sugar diet feed balancer leaves you safe in the knowledge that horses and ponies are receiving all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need on a daily basis. The whole cereal free formula contains a respiratory supplement, including garlic and menthol, and a comprehensive hoof supplement, formulated with biotin, zinc and methionine. The prebiotic in Lamilight helps to remove harmful bacteria from the gut. This prebiotic combined with the EU approved probiotic helps to maintain good digestive health and promote a healthy environment for the beneficial bacteria to thrive in. Even when on a restricted diet, your horse or pony should not be starved, so soaking hay is the perfect way to ensure your
horse is still receiving an adequate amount of fibre in their diet, without the unwanted calories. Feeding a Blue Chip feed balancer alongside a high fibre diet is the perfect, cost effective way to ensure horses and ponies have a balanced diet, in spite of the quality of their hay. For more information on the Blue Chip range visit www.bluechipfeed.com or for feeding advice please call 0114 266 6200.
Mycotoxins - the hidden danger? What do you do when you find a patch of mould in your hay or haylage? Do you still feed it on the basis that your horse doesn’t have a cough and it won’t really cause any problems? Or maybe your bag of horse feed is past its sell-by date. Do you give it a quick sniff to see if it is musty and, if not, feed it and keep your fingers crossed? Well an increasing threat from mycotoxins could just make you rethink your feeding practices. Mycotoxins can occur on growing, harvested or stored cereal and forage crops. Invisible to the naked eye, these toxic chemicals are produced by some types of mould growth under certain environmental conditions. Mycotoxin poisoning has the potential to suppress the immune system and cause a wide range of conditions, ranging from sub-clinical symptoms, such as general lack of form, hypersensitivity and loss of well-being, through to possible liver damage and, in cases of severe exposure, death. Mycotoxins have also been cited as a possible factor in Grass Sickness. A known hazard to human and animal health, mycotoxins are significant enough to warrant regulation to limit
their presence in food intended for humans or animals. One of the key difficulties in identifying risk is that mycotoxins can be present in feed or forage without the presence of mould. Equally, not all mould growth indicates the presence of mycotoxins.
exposure to mycotoxins:
Should I be concerned?
• Boost the immune system: a balanced diet with good levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, C & E), prebiotics and yeast cultures, can aid general health and boost immunity.
• Quality first: always feed good quality cereals, compound feeds and forage from a reputable source; store in a cool dry place; and do not use beyond the sell-by date.
The Way Forward?
Just as we live with various strains of unfriendly bacteria, so we must expect to come into contact with mycotoxins. But just as some bacteria have the ability to cause harm in certain circumstances, so high levels of exposure to mycotoxins, or exposure in more vulnerable equines, can result in some sort of negative reaction. Risk groups include those whose immune system may already be under pressure, such as youngstock, broodmares, veterans, performance horses, poor doers or sick equines for example. What can I do to protect my horse? More equine specific research is required, but leading figures in the industry agree that it is an area requiring attention. In the meantime, horse owners can follow some basic precautions to help reduce potential
• Haylage: experts recommend using inoculants plus stabilizers to reduce the presence of mycotoxins occurring during manufacture; big bales should be well wrapped with at least 8 layers of plastic; and open bales should be used within two to three days. If concerned, ask your producer what they do to reduce contamination. • Hay: mycotoxins occur in damp, humid and drought conditions and are more prevalent on mature crops, so hay is more prone to a higher level of contamination than haylage. Be aware of harvesting conditions and check that hay is/was fully dried before baling – and that it has been stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment. • Hygienic practices: keep feed, water buckets and feed bins clean. Incidence of contamination has been found on feed/water buckets, as well as feed bins that have not been emptied properly before refilling.
12 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
• Keep bedding fresh and clean: bedding is fast becoming noted as a potentially significant source of mycotoxin toxicity, and some believe that contaminated straw may cause allergic skin reactions.
Leading biotechnology company, Alltech, believe that one option would be to include a mycotoxin adsorbent, such as Mycosorb, in horse feed through the manufacturing process. Mycosorb is a natural feed material produced from yeast cell wall, which specifically targets mycotoxins and removes them from the gut. It offers many advantages over the alternative - clay binders - which require high inclusion rates and can also remove key nutrients in the diet. Mycosorb has been successfully used in the farming industry for many years and Alltech believes that it has the same potential to benefit equines. Visit www.alltech.com for further information or contact Alltech UK on 01780 764512.
Feeding
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 13
Feeding
Cereals and their by-products: Barley Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
Barley is an annual cereal grass although it might seem a little strange that it is classified as a grass. It has been grown for about the last 12000 years according to some archaeological remains that were found in the Nile
Valley of Egypt and it was used as food for humans and animals as well as for producing beer. Additionally, it was even used as a form of currency. The UK produces about 10% of the total EU production; the latter accounts for about 43% of total World production of barley. It is regarded as the major cereal for animal feeding and is grown in the colder, more temperate parts of the World where maize cannot be grown successfully. Thus, it is a very important feed grain in the UK. Prior to the 19th Century barley grains or corns were used as a linear unit of measure and because of their uniform size the statutory equivalence was three
barleycorns to the inch. Thus, this old English unit equaled one third of an inch or about 8 mm. Surprisingly this unit remains in use to the current day and is the base for both the English and the US shoe sizing systems. Quality shoes are available in “half” sizes that represent one and a half barley corns!
appearance. It can then be used as a component in soups/stews, as a thickening agent or flaked. Whole barley may be regarded as a health food when included in meals because the rise in blood glucose that normally occurs following a meal of starchy food is less when barley is fed.
Prior to the 1500’s barley flour was the main ingredient in bread flours and in some parts of the World it is still used in bread/biscuit making. Nowadays, a lot of barley used in human diets is in the form of “pearl” barley. The barley is firstly dehulled, and then steam processed to remove the bran and finally polished to get the “pearly”
Traditionally, barley was the only grain to be cooked for horses by boiling in water. Barley is boiled in water and then simmered for about ~one hour (time varies according to local practice) often in the evening and then left overnight to expand and cool ready for feeding in the morning. This rather tedious cooking cont. on p.16
Dodson & Horrell welcome Philippa Gilmore as their new National Sales Manager New National Sales Manager, Philippa Gilmore has joined Dodson & Horrell bringing a wealth of experience in the sales and marketing function. Having graduated from Seale Hayne Agricultural College with a BSc Honours degree in Rural Estate Management and
14 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
her passion for rural issues, combined with her love of horses and eventing from a young age, Philippa will be a great asset to the Dodson & Horrell Team. Philippa has two Thoroughbreds that she competes at unaffiliated level and her aspirations are to compete at
affiliated eventing again at some point. Philippa has been involved in sales and marketing across a wide sector of companies and will be responsible for the Area Managers across the UK.
Joni Bentley
December 2010 - Equi-Ads - 15
Feeding cont. from p.16
process favoured by traditionalists produces a highly digestible feed that has always been credited with a “fattening effect”! In other words if you want to get “condition” on a horse, feed boiled barley. This ignores the simple fact that if you feed calories in excess to need, irrespective of origin (forage or concentrate), a horse will gain in weight and “condition” or more correctly, it will get fat. Raw barley grains can be physically processed by rolling, grinding, flaking or pelleting neither of which materially affects the feed value for horses since their own teeth are perfectly capable of physically processing whole grains. A word of warning though as uncooked dried barley grains (<~14% moisture) are very hard and if you compare chewing wheat, oat and barley grains for yourself you will see what I mean.
Thus, raw barley is best fed rolled, although to do this successfully, a moisture content of at least 16/18% is needed otherwise it just cracks or shatters. The optimum forms of barley for horses are as flaked micronized barley or as extruded barley. These cooked forms of barley are highly digestible and thus the starch is converted to glucose in the horse’s small intestine. With raw barley there is always the concern that some starch might reach the large intestine undigested. Micronised barley is widely used in high energy horse diets although extruded forms are gaining in popularity because they are less dense, take longer to eat and result in more salivation through increased chewing times than any other forms of barley. Raw barley is used in both the brewing and distilling industries as a source of starch that can be fermented to alcohol.
Hay Bar feeds as nature intended The slogan “Feed As Nature Intended” has been used by Park Feeders to promote their forage feeder Hay Bar since it was first introduced in 2003, and for good reason. A huge amount of time and money has been spent in all disciplines trying to improve performance, by fine-tuning diet and supplements. Sometimes we miss the obvious. We are all creatures of habit and once in a routine we are very loathed to alter our ways. Do we even stop to consider not only what we feed but also how we feed it? The feeding position has a huge impact on a horse’s welfare. The dental profession strongly advise feeding from the floor. As soon as a horse raises its head to feed his jaw goes out of alignment and this causes uneven wear on the teeth, which results in dental abnormalities such as hooks and ramps. We all know what a nightmare bitting can be when a horse is not comfortable with his mouth, his mind is not on his job.
Feeding forage from the floor can be a very wasteful and costly exercise and we can also lose touch with how much forage is actually being taken and with how much is being wasted. This is where Hay Bar proves its worth helping to stop cross-contamination, it saves waste not only on forage but also on bedding and time taken mucking out. The Hay Bar system is truly the way forward or rather - the way back – to what NATURE INTENDED. For more information telephone: 01723 882434 or visit www.haybar.co.uk
Varieties favoured for these purposes are low in protein so that the maximum amount of starch is supplied in order to obtain the most alcohol! However, the byproducts from these industries (brewer’s and distiller’s grains) are very good sources of protein because the starch has been “used up”. For example, dried grains may contain over 20% protein and less than 7% starch. These materials are “safe” because of their high fibre, low starch content and they are also very palatable to horses in fresh or dried form although the latter is most commonly available; dried distiller’s grains are great if you can get hold of them. Single malt Scottish whisky producers rely entirely on barley for alcohol production; barley, yeast and water are the only ingredients. However, malt whisky produced outwith Scotland might use other cereal sources such as Rye (American Rye Whisky) and of course grain whisky relies on using cereals such as wheat or maize. Thus, the distillery byproducts for horse feeding will vary in quality depending on their origin. Because barley is such an important feed grain large areas of arable land are devoted to its production in the UK. As a result, large tonnages of barley straw are available both for feeding and bedding. In terms of the latter, barley straw makes a good free-draining, springy bed that is far superior to that of wheat straw. However, a straw made from a spring barley variety may be more palatable than some indifferent hays and thus, the horse may well “eat its bed”. Not a good idea when first housed as the horse may not be well-adapted to dry forage feeding and drinking from an unusual supply
Marion Winter. Bsc MA VET MB MRCVS. South Moor Veterinary Hospital
01723 882434
www.haybar.co.uk 16 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
“John Barleycorn” is an English folk song and represents barley and the beer and whisky that are made from it. Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet, personified barley as John Barleycorn the man who was subsequently blamed for causing distress to people in the form of alcoholic poisoning who then sought their revenge upon him! Barley is often thought by horsemen to be less palatable than other cereals. I think that this is undeserved, as in the case of the treatment of John Barleycorn, as it is usually only a problem when it is fed unprocessed. In conclusion, barley is a very valuable cereal feed for horses when properly cooked and an essential component of high energy diets.
Tip Top Condition This Winter with Fibre-Beet Help give your horse all the goodness he needs this winter and maintain his fibre levels with Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds. Fibre-Beet is a formulated blend containing all the benefits of the original Speedi-Beet product with added high quality Alfalfa for condition. Alfalfa can help with topline and that extra finishing touch for competition horses or simply in maintaining weight and a healthy, shiny coat. It is also beneficial for veterans or youngsters in helping keep the weight on during cold months.
“I am so pleased with the Hay Bars which we have installed in our Equine Hospital. I have no hesitation in recommending their use to all my clients.”
(bucket/automatic drinker/etc) with the result that it might develop an impaction. Clean barley straw can be used as a “top-up” forage where calorie limitation is desired as, in common with other straws, it is less digestible than grass-based forages and thus will supply less energy. Big round bales can be supplied in cattle ring feeders to minimise wastage although they should be placed on a hard standing (preferably concrete) to avoid poaching around the feeder with its concurrent risk of foot infection. It is not advisable to feed barley straw from high level feeders as there is always the risk of barley awns (the broken hairs from the grain) getting in the horse’s eyes and causing irritation and inflammation. You will know how uncomfortable these awns can be if you get them next to your skin in areas where clothes rub. Thus, it is better to feed barley straw on the ground in the stable/loose box or outside in a ring feeder.
Rich in protein, it provides an excellent source of digestible fibre and a high level of slow release energy without fizz. Fibre-Beet can be fed to replace a proportion of forage sources such as hay and grazing. It can be fed up to 40% of the daily feed and the combination of Speedi-Beet and alfalfa means
the bulking will improve the inherent digestion in the horse. It also provides a good range of minerals, trace elements and amino acids. It can be used as a top dressing, or to replace hard feed and is extremely palatable. Ideal for all types of horses and ponies, it is also beneficial to laminitics due to its high fibre, low sugar content and is approved by The Laminitis Trust. Fibre-Beet also contains Biotin to help maintain hoof integrity. Fibre-Beet is soaked and ready to feed in only 45 minutes in cold water or 15 minutes in hot water. It is available from all leading wholesalers in easy to handle 20kg bags and costs around £10.90. For more information on Fibre-Beet contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com
Feeding - Health Care
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 17
Feeding
Be prepared and prevent laminitis this autumn Laminitis doesn’t just happen in the spring. The autumn is also a danger time for this debilitating condition, which can affect any type of horse or pony. SPILLERS® has put together some practical management tips to help reduce your horse or pony’s risk of laminitis and is also offering £2 off their Laminitis Trust approved SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® to help you keep your horse safe. Clare Barfoot RNutr and the research and development manager at SPILLERS® advises: “The key to preventing laminitis it is to recognise the warning signs such as a cresty neck, sore feet or a change in hoof shape. All these are indicators that all is not well but you still have a chance to take preventative action; waiting until it happens could prove disastrous for your horse.” The following tips should help you to keep your horse or pony healthy this autumn: • Review your horse’s diet Whether your horse is prone to laminitis or not it pays to be aware of how his diet may affect his risk of developing it. Look for low starch, high fibre feeds such as chopped fibre feeds approved by The
Laminitis Trust or feed a low calorie balancer to balance the nutrients in a forage-based diet without providing high levels of energy or starch. • Monitor your horse’s weight Learn to condition score, use a weigh tape or take your horse to a weigh bridge regularly so that you can keep a watchful eye on his shape. • Increase the workload Sometimes we’re not keen to ride in the cold and rain but keeping your horse or pony active could be a life saver not only by helping to reduce his weight but also by reducing the risk of him developing insulin resistance which can predispose him to laminitis. If you can’t always ride try loose schooling, lungeing, leading off another horse, using a horse walker or by simply turning him out in a field with more active horses –anything that will help burn up the calories! • Analyse your forage Hay and haylage can be deceptively calorific and contain high levels of water soluble carbohydrate (sugar+fructan). The only way to really tell how many calories and sugar your forage is providing is to have it analysed (most feed companies offer this service).
• Manage pasture Restrict grazing during the autumn by using a bare paddock previously grazed by sheep or other horses or by strip grazing. Alternatively use a manège or dry lot for turn out. Another option is a grazing muzzle but remember to give your horse or pony time to get used to it first.
For friendly feeding advice on how to keep your horse or pony safe from laminitis please telephone the SPILLERS® Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626, email to careline@spillersfeeds.com or visit the SPILLERS® website at www.spillers-feeds.com. You can also join Team SPILLERS® on Facebook.
• Take advantage of a great offer on SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® You can save £2 on every bag of SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® from mid September while stocks last. Look out for the special flash packs in your local store.
TopSpec Launch Allin-One Supplement TopSpec All-in-One is the fully comprehensive supplement. All-in-One is a multi-supplement containing optimum levels of all the commonly-needed supplements expertly balanced into one product. It is designed for all horses and ponies, whether competing, in light work or breeding and is also suitable for horse and ponies prone to, being treated for, or recovering from laminitis. TopSpec All-in-One promotes a supple skin and shiny coat, muscle development and function, performance, excellent hoof quality, digestive health, blood quality, bone
development and strength, fertility, a healthy immune system and feed utilization. This new supplement also conforms to the BETA UFAS NOPS code for HRA/ competition use. TopSpec All-in-One now offers a 4kg tub for a 3kg price £27.50. For further information please contact the Multiple AwardWinning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
The Hard Working Veteran
18 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
Just because a horse becomes older does not necessarily mean that its competitive working career is finished, with many older horses still leading very active lives. Regular work combined with every day turnout where possible will help the horse’s general health and wellbeing. This work will also help keep their muscles toned and joints supple.
oils to help ensure excellent overall condition, encourage weight gain and improve topline whilst perfecting a great coat bloom. Every 2kg of Senior Active provides 4g of Glucosamine Hydrochloride to help support joint mobility and 5g of Yeasacc 1026. Yeasacc will help support optimum fibre and mineral digestion within the hind gut and help maintain gut health
If you have a veteran that shows no specific age related problems and is still enjoying an active life then the main priority is to continue to feed a suitable ration according to bodyweight and workload, but if you feel your veteran may benefit from a senior specific feed then Rowen Barbary Senior Active may help.
Extra Biotin is added to help maintain healthy hooves along with super high levels of Vitamin E to help support the immune system and maintain a healthy antioxidant level. Additional Lysine and Methionine are also included for optimal protein balance and protected bioplex Selenium, Zinc and Copper for improved availability.
Senior Active is a medium high energy mix well balanced to supply slow and instant release energy for older horses still in active work with high levels of
For more information on Senior Active from Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds please call 01948 880598 or visit www. rowenbarbary.co.uk
Feeding - Health Care
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 19
Health Care - Laminitis
Fishing out facts from fiction; the final furlong of the Laminitis puzzle Teresa Hollands It maybe that we never finish the final furlong in the race to ‘cure’ laminitis, but it does feel that we are getting closer to a better understanding of laminitis and metabolic problems in our horses. Remember though, it always takes awhile for new information to become accepted as mainstream and because our knowledge is continuously evolving, it is sometime difficult to keep on top of all the new theories. In the last article which was featured in the July issue, we highlighted that fatness isn’t the only cause of laminitis, but the two factors do seem to be increasingly linked. The key might be the length of time that your horse has been fat, so for example, if he puts on fat during the summer and loses it in the winter, then he may never succumb to metabolic problems? ‘Considerable selection pressure against laminitis must exist among wild equids, as a foundered animal would quickly attract the attention of predators. In fact, it can be argued that laminitis is a disease resulting from the association of horses and humans, as it is commonly the artificial environment under which horses are kept that results in the development of the disease.’ Professor Chris Pollitt, University of Queensland
Why is fat associated with inflammation? Over the last 5-10 yrs, we have learnt that fat is not simply a store of excess calories but it is a metabolically active tissue and produces substances known as cytokines or adipocykines. It doesn’t really matter what you want to call them and there are lots of different ones, what is important to appreciate is that they act like hormones and change the metabolism of all animals. Some of them increase insulin resistance, some of them cause inflammation, some of them affect the lining of the blood vessels. That’s why you find that fatter people often have problem, spotty skin (and we saw that with horses too) , that’s why they are more likely to be insulin resistant, and that’s why they are more likely to be susceptible to viruses, because they are chronically inflamed. It is possible to reduce the effect of inflammation (free radical damage) through dietary support, (f, g) and you must make sure that your horse’s nutrition is supportive but remember that nutritional support does not work in isolation.
This month Dr Teresa Hollands R.Nutr adds some more pieces to the jigsaw that makes up the laminitis picture. Piece 4 Fat stored in the muscle of a 13.2hh pony
Laminitics have 3 times the levels of free radicals compared to non laminitics.(a) Before researchers started looking at fat as the source of inflammation, some work undertaken at Lincoln University showed that laminitic ponies had three times the level of inflammation compared to non laminitics. This re-enforces the fact that laminitis is an inflammatory problem. More recent work (c) has shown that inflammation is linked to obesity in horses as inflammatory markers were higher in obese horses and also these markers were also measured in a group of laminitis prone ponies (d)). Interestingly, studies in human patients and laboratory animals suggest that the blood flow dysfunction associated with inflammatory stimuli is greatly exacerbated by obesity (e)
20 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
You should also realise that for every 1kg of fat you can feel on the outside of your horse, there is 1kg inside. (personal communication, Dr Alex Dugdale) Think of it being wrapped around his organs and killing him from the inside out. Piece 5 Horses and ponies with a fat score >3.7 (0-5modified score) are at greater risk of laminitis and foot related problems. (h) In a study supported by Dodson & Horrell and The Horse Trust; the Royal Veterinary College undertook an epidemiological study in the south east of England to measure the health risks of fatness. They found that for every increase in fat score the risk of getting
laminitis increased by a factor of 6. There was also a correlation between fatness and foot related problems. Early warning signs of things going wrong in the foot are divergent growth rings; get your vet or farrier to show you how to recognise them. Piece 6 It is likely that if a mare is on a diet deficient in protein, vitamins and minerals (suboptimum nutrition in utero) her foal will be born with insulin resistance. (j) Your comfortably cuddly horse could be starving to death! (i) There is a huge amount of research across humans, sheep, pigs, rats and mice that show that when a mother is eating too many calories but is imbalanced in protein, vitamins and minerals, then their offspring are born with insulin resistance. There are two possible explanations for this. One is that there simply isn’t enough protein in the diet for genes to be switched on (known as methylation) or the higher levels of cortisol of the mother due to dietary stress affects the genes that predetermine insulin activity. If the young animal is fed correctly (enough calories, but not excess, balanced vits and mins and protein) then the insulin resistance never expresses itself as a disease. But if a young child for instance eats too much, then they are likely to become diabetic by the time they are 10 or 12years old. High insulin affects thyroid hormones which influence bone development; maybe that’s why fast growing foals get developmental orthopaedic disease? Yard studies have recently identified fat patterns that suggest equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) in horses as young as 2yrs
There is plenty of research to show that restricting (not starving, which increases insulin resistance) calories improves the way insulin works in fat animals/people. However with horses it is important to remember to distinguish between the amount of bulk the horse eats and the number of calories in their food. It is important to give your horse enough food to satisfy his need to chew and to maintain a healthy digestive system. But this food doesn’t need to be high in calories. There are loads of references out there that show what happens to horses when we restrict their bulk. They get gastric ulcers, they develop stereotypies, they are more likely to get colic. So if you are trying to get your horse to lose fat, then make sure he is eating lots of low calorie, bulky food (similar to you and I eating celery and lettuce!). You can keep your horses bulk up, but reduce his calories by restricting grazing and soaking hay or feeding oat straw and feeding 2-2.5% of his bodyweight. Very recent research (p) has shown that soaking hay for up to 16hrs results in an average water soluble carbohydrate loss (main source of calories) of 27% but some hays lost as much as 54%!!! So it is quite possible to halve the calorie content of your hay by soaking for 12hours. Some hays can be quite high in calories; however 80% of hays analysed in the D&H lab over the last 3 years are lower than 10% water soluble carbohydrates, in other words low in calories. If you are in any doubt, then get your hay analysed or fed oat or barley straw. http://www.dodsonandhorrellpetfood. co.uk/forage-analysis-service-1. Piece 8
Piece 7 Reducing calories improves insulin resistance (n,o) but restricting a horse’s dry matter intake increases the risk of stereotypy, colics and gastric ulcers. (k,l,m)
Exercise is protective against insulin resistance. (q) Just as nutritional changes don’t work on their own in people, neither do they in horses. Bringing a horse in from the field is the equivalent of us staying in bed, not the ideal way of shifting unwanted pounds! 24 hr turn out on a paddock with little access to grass is best (get the lawn mower out and remove the grass, pick up the cuttings though) try a muzzle, at least your horse can keep moving.
Horse eating fence
cont. on p.22
Feeding - Health Care
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 21
Feeding cont. from p.20
If you are feeding soaked hay in the field, then put small piles all round the paddock, so your horse has to move to get his forage. Turn out on a field doesn’t count as exercise; we have to commit to riding/ driving/lunging/long reining; whatever it takes, for a minimum of half an hour of active walk/day. Your horse should be doing enough exertion to increase his breathing rate and in the summer he should come back sweaty! Even if the new research is constantly changing, you won’t go far wrong if you follow our 10 point plan. • Ditch the word diet; think nutritional support • Relish the sight of your horse’s ribs when he moves or breathes in • Cry over his crest and commit to creating topline from muscle • Feed forage • Soak hay, substitute with straw; Stop starving • Nourish his nutrition • Exercise every day • Control calories • Provide enough protein • Feel his fat fortnightly
Previous articles in this series can be found on the Equi-Ads website www. equiads.net in the Featured Articles section. References (a) Neville,R.F,Hollands,T. Collins,S.N. Keyte,F.V (2004) Evaluation of urinary TBARS in normal and chronic laminitic ponies. EVJ 36 (3) p292 (b) Raymond Geor and, Nicholas Frank. Metabolic syndrome—From human organ disease to laminar failure in equids. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 129 (2009) 151–154 (c) Vick, M.M., Adams, A.A., Murphy, B.A., Sessions, D.R., Horohov, D.W., Cook, R.F., Shelton, B.J., Fitzgerald, B.P., 2007. Relationships among inflammatory cytokines, obesity, and insulin sensitivity in the horse. J. Anim. Sci. 85, 1144–1155.
(f) Atherosclerosis. 2005 Aug;181(2):215-24. Antioxidants and endothelium protection. Praticò D. (g) Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2010, 16, 3776-3807 Herbal Medicines and Nutraceuticals for Diabetic Vascular Complications: Mechanisms of Action and Bioactive Phytochemicals Eshaifol A. et al (h) Epidemiology of equine obesity in south east England: preliminary findings Salonen, L.K., Hollands, T., Piercy, R.J. and Verheyen, K.L.P. (2009) Proceedings of 48th BEVA Congress p247 (i) Impact of micronutrient deficiencies on obesity. (2009) Nutrition Reviews Volume 67, Issue 10, García, et al. (j) Br J Nutr. 2001 May;85 Suppl 2:S75-80. Immunobiology of mild micronutrient deficiencies.
(d) Treiber, K., Carter, R., Gay, L., Williams, C., Geor, R., 2009. Inflammatory and redox status of ponies with a history of pasture-associated laminitis. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 129, 216–220.
(k) A. J. Waters,. J. Nicol, P. French (2002) Factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours in young horses: findings of a four year prospective epidemiological study. EVJ 34(6) 572579
(e)Singer, G., Granger, D.N., 2007. Inflammatory responses underlying the microvascular dysfunction associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Microcirculation 14, 375–387
(l) Murray MJ, Eichorn ES ; Am J Vet Res. 1996 Nov;57(11):1599-603. Effects of intermittent feed deprivation, intermittent feed deprivation with ranitidine administration, and stall
confinement with ad libitum access to hay on gastric ulceration in horses. (m) Hillyer MH, Taylor FGR, Proudman CJ, Edwards GB, Smith JE and French NP. Case-control study to identify risk factors for simple colonic obstruction and distension colic in horses. Equine Vet J 2003; 34: 99-100 (n) J. Clin. Invest. Volume 101, Number 7, April 1998, 1353–1361 Caloric Restriction Reverses Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Aging Rats by Decreasing Visceral Fat (o) Effect of Calorie Restriction With or Without Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity, β-Cell Function, Fat Cell Size, and Ectopic Lipid in Overweight Subjects Diabetes Care June 2006 vol. 29 no. 6 1337-1344 (p) Effects of soaking on the watersoluble carbohydrate and crude protein content of hay (2011) A. C. Longland, C. Barfoot, P. A. Harris. Vet Rec (q) Pratt, S. E., R. J. Geor, and L. J. Mc Cutcheon. 2006. Effects of dietary energy source and physical conditioning on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in standardbred horses. Equine Vet. J. Suppl. 36:579-584.
TopSpec Upgrade Additives Range THE TopSpec range of additives has been upgraded, following extensive research and development and offers exceptional value to horse owners. New TopSpec Digestive Aid is designed to optimise digestive health and stimulate appetite in horses. It is particularly effective for horses that are working hard, on high concentrate/low forage diets, or stressed. It contains high levels of pure protected probiotic yeast and prebiotic MOS. TopSpec Digestive Aid is ideal for competition horses and horses that are travelling or away from home. It can also be used after antibiotic/ worming treatments which can upset the microbial hind gut balance, and helps to maintain firm droppings. TopSpec Digestive Aid has an appetising aroma, with added mint making it very palatable, and includes B vitamins to stimulate appetite. TopSpec Healthy Hoof is designed to be added to any horse feed to greatly improve hoof quality. It not only includes optimum levels of all the micronutrients that promote hoof quality but also a broad range of micronutrients that improve the efficiency of the hoof supplement whilst 22 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
also supporting light work. Healthy Hoof also produces a shiny coat and supple skin. It contains the levels of Biotin (15mg/500kg horse per day), and associated nutrients, scientifically proven to improve hoof quality, including chelated zinc, methionine, MSM, copper, iodine, calcium and Vitamin A, which all improve the effect of Biotin alone. Caramel flavoured TopSpec Healthy Hoof is recommended by equine veterinary practices, farriers and independent equine nutritionists.
caramel-flavoured, additive to be mixed into the feed. It can be fed daily to stressed or anxious horses or occasionally to help horses cope with stressful situations eg, competitions, travelling and fireworks. TopSpec Calmer can improve performance by improving focus and reducing the effects of stress. Some ingredients start to work within two hours but maximum effect will be seen within three weeks.
TopSpec Calmer is designed to be fed to horses and ponies with anxious temperaments, particularly those that cannot cope with stressful situations such as showing, travelling and competing.
TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support contains an excellent specification of nutrients to help the development and maintenance of healthy joints. Synovial joints are stabilised by a complex network of tendons, ligaments and muscles in and around the joint, and by the joint capsule itself. In ideal circumstances this enables joints to function smoothly and comfortably.
Not all horses are anxious for the same reason so TopSpec Calmer has been developed with much more than a ‘single ingredient’ approach. It contains a pure protected yeast, MOS, B vitamins, magnesium, tryptophan and sepiolite clay, which all act in different ways to help calm and relax responsive horses.
TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support is designed to help support joints subject to excess trauma and/or repeated wear and tear. It is particularly suitable for horses working hard and elderly horses. TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support can be fed at a maintenance rate (half the recommended) to support healthy joints.
TopSpec Calmer is a palatable,
TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support contains a
generous combination of Glucosamine (10g/500Kg horse/day) and MSM (10g/500Kg horse/day). It also contains an antioxidant blend of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and natural tocopherols which help combat excess free radicals around the joint. All TopSpec additives conform to the BETA UFAS NOPS code for HRA/ competition use. 3kg TopSpec Digestive Aid £26.95 3kg TopSpec Healthy Hoof £20.25 3kg TopSpec Calmer £24.95 1.5kg TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support £29.95 Also available in 9kg and 20kg sizes, offering a 25% and 40% saving compared to smaller tubs. For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
Health Care - Worming
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 23
Riding - Stunts
24 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
Health Care - Tack & Turnout
Mouth bruised from pinching bit
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 25
Feeding - Health Care
Product of the Year for Vetericyn Vetericyn, the all animal Wound & Skin Care spray from Innovacyn was this month honoured by one of the Industries largest global players. At its annual awards, Animal Health International (AHII) voted Vetericyn as its Product of the Year for 2011/12. Commenting on the award, Vetericyn noted “for an organisation the size and reputation of Animal Health International to give this top honour to Vetericyn is a
great indication of the product’s efficacy but also the very positive feedback they have received from users” Vetericyn is available throughout the UK from Agri, Pet and Equine stores as well as many animal health retailers. Further information from www.vetericyn.com or email enquiries to uk@vetericyn.com
Haylage Balancer will help your horse gain maximum benefit from his roughage and save you money… As the winter progresses our horses have to spend more and more time in their stables. So, it’s up to us to make sure they are kept as happy and as comfortable as possible. To ensure this, its vital they have a happy, healthy gut. If you feed haylage, feed Haylage Balancer… Why? To help your horse thoroughly digest and maximise his intake, allowing him to gain full value from the haylage eaten, and to help keep him comfortable. What is Haylage Balancer?... An advanced, totally natural, nutritional support formula that will help neutralise and absorb excess acids in the gut, whilst slowing down the rate of passage of partially digested food through the gut, thus maximising the digestion of roughage. The benefits… Feeding Haylage Balancer will help to settle the gut but minimise the production of acid and any potential acidic build up. So, your horse will become more comfortable,
happier and able to fully enjoy his haylage. There are other advantages too - you may find you can cut back on the quantity of hard feed given, you could find your horse will be cleaner in his stable, saving you time and money on bedding…so, not only will your horse be happier so will you! The wise choice this winter is to feed Haylage Balancer. Note: While Haylage offers many advantages, it does have drawbacks - it tends to be richer and more heating than hay, plus it’s more acidic. These issues can be associated with gut upset (often noticed by loose recurrent droppings, or uncomfortable, unsettled, possibly stereotypic behaviour). Haylage Balancer retails at: 1.8kg (30 days supply): £16.95; 3.6kg (60 days): £23.95; 9kgs (150 days): £47.95 For further information please call the NAF Freephone Line: 0800 373 106 or log on to www.naf-uk.com
Getting to the root of stress and misbehaviour... It is widely known that horses are vulnerable to magnesium deficiency, often resulting in stress related behavioural problems. The lifestyle and feeding of the domesticated horse means that magnesium intake is often well below requirements. The winter can be problematic; cold weather and being stabled increase magnesium requirements while limited grazing and wet soil limits availability, this is further complicated by the large amounts of calcium and other ions in feed. MAH® is Nupafeed’s renowned magnesium formula, it has been specifically developed to address stress related problems associated with poor magnesium levels and quite simply cannot be rivalled. Other forms of magnesium have an absorption rate which is too low to meet the large demand of the domesticated horse. Beware calmers which claim to be magnesium calmers but in actual fact depend on other contents to suppress your horse’s nervous system creating an artificial calm. Nupafeed MAH® works to allow your horses body to function normally, preventing the increased adrenaline level and heart rate which result from stress. We are 26 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
proud that MAH® works by addressing the underlying cause of most behavioural issues, rather than trying to mask them by supplying unnaturally high amounts of suppressive compounds. Effective for a huge array of problems, from everyday anxiety or spooking to show day nerves, travelling and box rest, MAH® can make a huge difference to your horse’s health and behaviour, and your sanity! You can adapt how you feed MAH® to meet your requirements and the Concentrated Syringes can be used without the daily Liquid if required. If your horse does not need much additional magnesium in its diet, only a tiny amount of MAH® given daily will be effective; you only give what your horse needs. For more information, advice or to order please contact us or go online: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk
Feeding
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 27
Healthcare - Mud
Managing the Mud Menace Dr Shaun A. McKane, BVSc, BSc(vet), PhD, DACVIM, DECEIM, MRCVS. With the changing of the seasons comes the turning of the leaves, cold days, long nights, rain and unfortunately mud. “Mud fever”, “greasyheel” and “scratches” are names for an all too common equine skin condition otherwise known as pastern dermatitis. Anyone who knows a horse that has had mud fever knows the long and troubled path of treatment and management that it can bring. Mud per se is not the problem, but the persistent wetting of the skin (especially non-pigmented skin) that is the root cause of pastern dermatitis. This is why we see it most commonly in winter when the ground stays wet and on white rather than coloured legs. However there are certainly cases of mud fever that develop in summer and although more resistant, coloured legs are also at risk in the muddy conditions of winter. In summer the skin of the pasterns may get wet, but it then dries with the warm day time temperatures, while in winter the pastern region may remain wet for weeks or months on end. The shape of the feet of some horses may increase the chance of trapping water and mud, making mud fever more common in horses with
deep folds between the bulbs of the heels. Feathering also makes mud fever more likely and worse by trapping the moisture against the skin and by hiding the early signs of skin disease from the owner. Mud fever occurs as the persistent wetting of the skin leads to softening of the surface. This allows bacteria to swarm and multiply in a warm broth of dirt and dead skin, which instead of flaking away is trapped by the surface moisture. Either this alone, or combined with minor scratches caused by contact with stones and other debris in mud, results in cracking of the skin surface and invasion by bacteria. The area becomes sore and painful to touch. Constant flexing and movement of the inflamed skin maintains the crack and inhibits healing. Scabs form at the surface and provide more protein for the bacteria to feed on. Oozing of serum through the skin results in matting of the hair and chronic cases become very ugly indeed. The skin tries to heal but repeated wetting and trauma leads to scar tissue formation and granulomas that produce further crevices in the skin surface for the bacteria to thrive. For this reason it may be impossible to totally resolve some long term cases
where there is thickened folded skin, hair loss and severe scarring. There are many different bacteria including Dermatophilus congolensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp that can all individually or together infect the area and cause what we see as mud fever. The fact that these different bacteria and even fungi are present to greater or lesser degrees in different cases is one reason why no treatment for mud fever works every time. Particularly, long standing Staphylococcal infections of the skin are difficult to treat and may be resistant to many antibacterial therapies. There are many mud fever treatments and preventatives out there claiming to beat all, however the condition can often be made worse by the application of barrier creams and ointments to already infected cracked skin especially when scabs are present. So owners need to be cautious. Certainly, if you have tried something for a week or two and seen no improvement it is time to try something else, preferably via the advice of your veterinarian. While treatment may need to be long term especially in some difficult long-
This horse was lame from long standing severe pastern dermatitis. In this case the use of a barrier cream over the scabs and the irritation of purple spray on broken inflamed skin had simply added to the problem and prevented drying and healing.
standing cases, certain basic principles can be applied in most cases. The main principle being, keep the skin as dry as possible throughout the treatment period. The first stage of treatment is to house the horse in a clean dry stable area. The next most important treatment is to clip (not shave) the hair and remove all the scabs and bacteria filled debris from the surface of the skin. Although this may mean the short term loss of those beautiful feathers on a draft horse, it is crucial to allow air to contact and dry the skin surface. Removing the scabs may cont. on p.30
No Stress This Festive Season Global Herbs is having increasing success with their range of FireworX products. These are their most powerful calming products and can have a dramatic effect on the safety and peace of mind of horse and dog owners. One particular story we remember from last year was a lady who was terrified about the prospect of a big bonfire with lots of fireworks next to her horse’s field. She knew she was going to have big problems and was
28 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
expecting something terrible to happen. When she received a bottle of Global Herb’s FireworX liquid she called the advice team to make sure that it would work well for her. In the end she was amazed when the evening started as the horses looked up at the bright lights in the sky, looked a little shocked for a minute and them calmly walked down to the other end of the field where it was a bit more peaceful. She avoided a potentially dangerous situation and expensive vets bills.
Dogs are even more amusing. Quite often when on FireworX capsules over the festive season, instead of hiding in utter terror they look out of the window in interest to see what is going on. Such stories are not unusual and of course every dog is very much an individual. You can use these powerful herbal formulae at any time throughout the year for any stressful situation and loud noises.
To find out more about Global Herbs’ FireworX products call the team on 01243 773363 or 07734240709
Horse Behaviour
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 29
Health Care - Mud cont. from p.28
involve the use of a gentle medicated cream to soften the scabs and lift them from the skin surface. The pain from inflammation may make it necessary to sedate and nerve block some horses to permit proper cleaning of the pastern. Once the scabs are all removed and the skin surface is visible, it can then be cleaned with a single wash with warm water containing a small amount of mild antiseptic solution and the area carefully rinsed and then dried afterwards using paper towel. This should only be done once as water is the real enemy in pastern dermatitis. In mild cases of mud fever, simply keeping the area dry for a period may be sufficient treatment. In other cases topical antibiotic creams and occasionally corticosteroid creams may be required. In the most severe cases oral antibiotics combined with topical creams can be necessary. If you have a case that needs more than simple rest and drying to permit healing, then please consult with your veterinarian about the best treatment for your particular horse. I personally will select from a range of about a dozen different products depending on the severity of scarring and stage of healing, and the medication applied will change as the condition improves. Prevention is certainly better than cure, and much cheaper too when it comes to mud fever. However prevention can itself be a real challenge in the British
climate. It is impossible to completely avoid exposing the pastern to mud or water, especially in winter. However there are some basic things that you can try to do that will help. Areas of standing water need to be fenced off or drained. Grass is better than mud and so horses should be fed away from muddy areas or moved to other fields. Gateways are notorious for getting muddy and so try to prevent your horses gathering and standing in gateways for long periods of the day. Short grass is less wetting than long grass. Stabling of horses during wet weather may be necessary. Susceptible horses should be brought in and their lower legs dried with paper towel, this may need to be done after each ride in some horses. Clipping of the pasterns and removal of feathers in late autumn helps the skin to dry naturally. The hair will grow back and if your horse is for riding rather than showing, then it is better to have it sound than pretty. Resist the urge to frequently wash the lower legs especially with shampoos. Better to quickly hose thick mud from the leg and then dry it, or in cases of light mud dry the leg with the mud left on and then brush the dry mud out. Either way, dry the skin of the pastern with paper towel. You may not think this environmentally friendly, but a towel that has been sitting around a stable for a week and used to dry horses legs is two things, damp and covered with mud fever causing bacteria. Paper towel is very dry, absorbs water extremely
well and can be composted. Being disposable it collects and removes the moisture and bacteria and does not return them to the horse’s skin the next time. The application of barrier creams to healthy dry skin prior to exercise and then wiping them away and drying the skin after exercise may also be useful in some cases. There are may barrier creams and mud fever preventatives on the market. The choice is yours, however expense does not compensate for how you use it. A cheap lanolin ointment applied correctly before the skin is wet or damaged is better than any product applied inappropriately to wet or already damaged skin.
While mud fever will continue to be a risk each winter, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk to your horse’s health: 1. Where possible eliminate standing water and mud. 2. Regularly check the pastern skin especially in horses with white legs and feathers. 3. Carefully clip (not shave) the pastern area, so that air can get to it and allow it to dry. 4. Stable susceptible horses on clean dry bedding. 5. Carefully dry the pasterns with paper towel after riding.
Beat the mud with Equimins Equimins have created a great range of products designed for use in wet, muddy conditions.
a microbial agent. The silver ions are held in suspension in the lotion, and work to eliminate bacterial infection.
Mud Block Supplement Helping support and nourish the skin from the inside out, Mud Block Supplement contains carefully selected minerals, essential oils, dried herbs and roots to help maintain skin integrity during the winter.
Mud Block Lotion is supplied in 500ml bottles which retail at £10.70. Mud Slide Lotion This is one of the latest products to join Equimins’ mud care range, and uses two traditional ingredients for mud related issues- Pig Oil and Sulphur.
Whilst this is a great product to use on its own, for best results, it should be used with one of Equimins’ external mud products.
The Pig Oil helps to repel the mud and wet, with Flowers of Sulphur acting as a very effective anti-bacterial agent.
Mud Block Supplement is available in 600g, 1.2kg and 2.8kg tubs. Prices start from £16.50.
Mud Slide Lotion is available in 500ml and 1 litre bottles, prices start from £4.40.
Mud Block Cream Mud Block Cream has been created for use during the winter months, to help protect skin from wet, muddy conditions.
Winter Leg Scrub A great product for washing off mud (or a mud care product) at the end of the day, Winter Leg Scrub is a bactericidal and fungicidal leg scrub that does not need to be washed off.
It should be applied to the lower leg every morning (before turnout) to help protect against infection from the bacteria in the mud, and washed off at the end of the day, when the horse comes in from the field. It contains a bactericide as well as Aloe Vera, Castor Oil, Zinc and Tea Tree Oil. Mud Block Cream is available in 500g and 1kg tubs and prices start from £7.45. Mud Block Lotion Mud Block Lotion is a great alternative to the cream, and is particularly well suited to those who prefer this application method, or those who own horses with feathered legs. Mud Block Lotion contains positively charged silver particles which act as 30 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
In conclusion winter is coming, so now is the time to be thinking of how to best keep your horse’s feet dry.
It’s very concentrated meaning that 500ml lasts for 25 applications, and should be used to wash off mud. Sponge on and leave to dry, ready for the next day. Winter Leg Scrub is available in 500ml (25 applications) and 1 litre (50 applications) bottles. Prices start from £8.90. For more information see www. equimins.com, email sales@equimins. com or call 01548 531770.
Health Care - Worming
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 31
Health Care - Mud
Prevent those muddy issues naturally with Ruggle-it! Does your paddock get increasingly muddy during the winter months? Are you worried that your horse will develop those horrible winter skin problems? Many winter skin issues happen because skin cannot escape the relentless damp which gives bacteria and fungi a foothold to live and breed whether on the legs or on the back. Ruggle-it is a 100% natural vegetable oil blend and hypoallergenic shampoo that can help with an incredible 18 common issues including those horrible mud-related issues, plus mane and tail rubbing, summer itching, mites, flies and midges, minor wounds, scabs, crusty lumps, fungus, hot skin and even head lice. So it’s a very useful product to have around the yard all year round too!
It is extremely gentle and does not contain any harsh ingredients such as Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Tea Tree that research indicates can cause other skin irritations, and it can be used on many different animals and even humans! Said Louise Harmer, of Eastbourne: “It’s the first time my horse, Leo, has been free from mud issues and my other horse is doing really well. I’ve been able to let his feathers grow - he used to have severe feather mites. I am extremely pleased.” For an impressively long list of testimonials and more information on the Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd range including probiotics and arthritis products, visit www.karenruggles.co.uk or call 01823 259952
Gard against the Mud NAF’s unique approach to guarding horses and ponies against the ravages of the winter mud encompasses three steps: Attack, Defend, and Protect.. The battle is approached from the inside and out. Attack from the inside by feeding Mud Gard, and defend and protect externally using Teatree Oil Shampoo and Mud Gard Ointment. Attack: Feed Mud Gard. This advanced formula, rich in antioxidants, works from within offering a nutritional approach in helping to address seasonal mud reactions. Key ingredients of this complex formula include MSM and Zinc which are important for skin health and integrity, combined with a natural antioxidant complex - which helps to mop up harmful excess toxins from within the system - these proliferate as a result of the damaging reaction to the bacteria in the mud. Defend: Cleanse with Teatree Oil Shampoo, a mild cleanser which will naturally disinfect the area, without stripping the skin of its natural defences. Sensitive skin becomes more susceptible to bacterial invasion when weakened by exposure to wet mud. Great care must be taken to dry the area thoroughly after use. 32 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
Protect with Mud Gard Ointment. - a rich barrier cream Mud Gard Ointment is designed to be applied to clean dry heels and legs prior to turning your horse or pony out in the mud. It provides a mud and moisture repellent barrier to help protect the skin from the chaffing effects of prolonged exposure to the mud. This unique Ointment contains MSM and Rosemary for their inherent natural benefits to skin integrity and Teatree Oil for it’s natural disinfecting properties. Carefully apply to areas exposed to wet mud, paying particular attention to any sore, broken areas of skin. RRP’s: Mud Gard 500g: £19.95 1kg: £36.85 Mud Gard Ointment: 1kg: £13.95 Teatree Oil Shampoo: 250ml: £4.75, 500ml: £6.95, 1lt: £10.95 Larger sizes of all products available. For more information on NAF’s mud care products please go to your nearest NAF stockist, call the Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106, email info@ naf-uk.com or visit www.naf-uk.com
Winter Skin Care Tips from Robinson Animal Healthcare Robinson Animal Healthcare offer readers ten top tips on winter skin care... Management – most winter skin conditions result from a dirty coat which provides the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Keep coats as clean and as dry as possible with suitable rugs or shelter and regular grooming.
Treatment – a skin condition must be correctly identified in order for treatment to be as effective as possible. If you are in any doubt or if the condition has appeared for the first time always seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. Washing – avoid excessive bathing during winter; grooming will remove dirt and scurf without stripping the coat of its natural oils.
Hygiene - rugs, tack, grooming and stable equipment can spread contagious skin conditions or repeatedly re-infect the same horse unless you eliminate infectious agents by disinfection and cleaning (veterinary surgeons can advise on suitable products that will not harm your horse).
Products - anti-bacterial washes can be used prophylactically on susceptible animals or to treat existing skin conditions caused by bacterium. They will help to remove any encrusted debris such as scabs.
Correct Nutrition – poor diets, especially those lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, can have dire effects on the skin health. Consult an equine nutritionist if you suspect current dietary intake is not aiding a healthy skin and coat.
Healing - removing scabs carefully using an anti-bacterial cleansing wash (if bacterium is the causative organism) will remove any existing bacteria and dirt held in the scabs allowing new clean scabs to form and heal. It is very important that any sponges that are used in the washing process are clean and that the area washed is rinsed well with clean water and then dried thoroughly.
Vigilance – check horses daily for signs that a skin condition may be imminent. Thick winter coats can easily mask problems such as mud fever, rain scald, ringworm and lice. Prevention – if it is known that an individual horse is prone to certain winter skin conditions then preventative measures should be taken. For example, horses prone to mud fever may benefit from a barrier cream or regular treatments with an anti-bacterial cleansing wash such as Activ Wash. Clipping and Trimming – it may help to trim or clip horses coats during winter to make them easier to keep clean and dry. Skin problems will often be more evident when coats are clipped and horses in work will be more comfortable as they will sweat less and dry off quicker.
Activ Wash is a mild, antibacterial cleanser which gently removes scabs and debris caused by mud fever or rain scald. Available in a 500 ml bottle, it can be easily applied with a damp sponge. RRP is around £9.50. For more information on the Robinson Animal Health Care range please contact them on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com
Health Care - Stunts - Training - Worming
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 33
Health Care - Mud - Physiotherapy
Veterinary Physiotherapy: Optimising Equine Performance. Eccentric Exercises. Tara Jamieson ACPAT CAT A, MCSP, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists are all qualified in Human Physiotherapy before training in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Chartered Physiotherapists therefore complete a thorough assessment of an animal before developing an appropriate and evidence based treatment plan.
These two groups of muscles are known as agonists and antagonists.
This month’s article focuses on the benefit of eccentric exercises which can be used throughout a rehabilitation programme or incorporated into an existing training programme for your horse. Before learning about eccentric exercises, a basic understanding of how muscles work to produce movement is required. Muscles generate movement by pulling on the bones they attach to, via the tendon, and as a result operate the joints, thus creating movement. To achieve this, muscles work in pairs or groups to create the movement. When one muscle contracts and shortens another has to lengthen to allow the movement to happen and vice versa.
Agonists are muscles which move the body part through contraction resulting in the overall muscle length shortening. Antagonists work in conjunction with the agonist by lengthening to allow the movement to happen. To help in understanding this think of the hamstring muscle group on the back of the thigh. As this muscle contracts and shortens to bend the knee (Agonist) the partner muscle on the front of the thigh, the quadriceps group, lengthens (Antagonist).
To make things more complicated, as well as agonists and antagonists, muscles have different types of contractions. The type of contraction of interest to eccentric exercises is what is known as isotonic contraction. Isotonic contraction results in movement of the limb/joint and is divided into two categories.
Concentric - this type of contraction is where the muscle shortens to create movement. Eccentric – this is where the muscle slowly lengthens to control the
Keep “your” shoes on Mudtek this winter! ShoeSecure the horseshoe shield and hoof protector is the answer to the year round problem of lost shoes and damaged feet, an even greater problem in the winter months! Many happy customers from all over the World have sent in fabulous reviews of this popular and essential piece of kit. Have a look at the review page on the web site www.shoesecure.com. They list saving of time and money, peace of mind, improved hoof growth, no more over reach injuries, no emergency calls to the Farrier or Vet as being some of the many benefits of using ShoeSecure. ShoeSecures have been developed in consultation with leading vets and farriers to maximise protection without
Newto fit! ier
eas
34 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
impacting on the horse’s gait. It is a unique new product that works, and is a “must-have” for those horses that over reach and risk pulling their shoes off when out in the field. Shoesecures last for months and months; one horse has been wearing the same pair for well over a year! ShoeSecures are light yet extremely strong, and come with 4 bespoke SupaStuds and comprehensive fitting instructions. “NEW” ShoeSecures are now easier to fit and are able to fit a greater range of shoe size. Tel: 07836 740 557
Fabtek Solutions provide a two step programme to help initially treat, and secondly help prevent issues caused by the bacteria in the mud. The company’s products all contain Zorflex®, an antibacterial fabric that has undergone studies and proven effective against many types of bacteria, including Dermatophilus Congolensis. Mudtek® The Mudtek® range of bandage pads, pastern wraps and stable boots can be used to help maintain a healthy environment (i.e, when there is no open wound). Each item has been designed to provide optimum, close coverage to the horse’s leg. They are for indoor use, can be integrated into a daily management
“Best thing I have bought!” “Shoesecures paid for themselves in 3 weeks!” “My Farrier’s bill has been reduced too!” “Shoesecure has saved me so much time expense, and most of all worry.” “Peace of mind with ShoeSecure!” “Thank you ShoeSecure for a brilliant product!”
movement. In addition eccentric muscle contraction occurs when the horse comes to a sudden stop or when landing following a jump, in these situations it acts like a shock absorber. Muscle injury is most likely to occur when a muscle is working eccentrically. The muscle is then in a lengthened position and likely to become overstretched and damaged, and the tendon may lengthen too far and also become injured. Therefore working the muscle eccentrically during training is an important part of injury prevention. As well as being an integral part of a rehabilitation programme this type of exercise will make a valuable addition to an established schooling routine to maintain and optimise performance. Before you begin, ensure the horse is at a suitable level of fitness to successfully perform eccentric training. The prescription for eccentric exercise is dependent upon the stage of training or rehabilitation your horse is at. cont. on p.36
regime and applied after the horse’s legs have been washed off and dried after a day in the field. When applied, the Zorflex® which the products contain, draws bacteria towards it, thanks to permanent electrostatic charge. Here, the bacteria are held, removed from their source of food and die, a process accelerated by the particulates of silver the products contain. All products in the Mudtek® range are washable and reusable. Prices start from £24.00. For more information on this amazing range, see www.fabteksolutions.com, email admin@fabteksolutions.com or call 07794094011.
ShoeSecure horseshoe shield
®
Call +44 (0)7836 740 557 or visit
shoesecure.com to buy online
Insurance - Training
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 35
Health Care - Worming cont. from p.34
Galloping is best left to more than 6 months after injury to prevent reoccurrence.
Early Rehabilitation In the early stages just varying the terrain the horse is standing or moving on will alter the load on the antagonist muscle and associated tendon. For example, a rubber surfaced school or mossy grass will increase the “spring” in the surface and in turn increase the load on the muscle which is working eccentrically. Various surfaces may be utilised during a treatment session performing rhythmic stabilisations or weight transference on an appropriate surface (rhythmic stabilisations and weight transference were discussed in the August physiotherapy article). Since muscles work eccentrically during everyday movement the introduction of walking in hand, in a straight line can be one of the first steps to eccentric training. This can be progressed by increasing the duration of the walk and again varying the surface as above. Later the introduction of working on the lunge in a circle will make the eccentric muscle load more challenging. Mid stage training Once walking in a circle has become well established, move on to trotting, first in straight lines and then once again in the circle. Changing the pace will challenge the eccentric muscle contraction further. It would also be appropriate at this stage to introduce inclines to the treatment programme. At first a small incline is all that is required, approximately 10 degrees is sufficient. Walking downhill in a straight line or lunging on a slight slope increases the eccentric work load. The introduction of transitions, for example walk – halt – walk, on the slope again progresses the exercise. Once the walk and transitions are established the trot can be introduced and transitions added in as appropriate (e.g. trot – walk – halt – trot – halt etc).
Moving on from this the introduction of canter and increased slopes would be the next step. Downhill, slopes of 10-15 degrees are suitable for walk and trot, with anything greater being limited to the walk. Introduction of the rider at this stage will increase weight and load on the target muscle. Late stage training The use of greater slopes, speed work and poles in conjunction with an incline will increase loading and should be introduced at this stage of the programme. The exact specifics of the late stage rehabilitation for eccentric strengthening are dependent upon the individual horse’s occupation and rate of progress. Examples of typical exercises include hogs back circle, sway back circle, slalom, straight poles and fan poles placed on a surface with a slight downhill incline (these pole exercises were discussed in the September physiotherapy article). The introduction of small jumps and increasing the height with guidance are a must for those horses whose career involves jumping.
Various factors influence the specifics of an eccentric training programme. These include – site of injury, age of horse, discipline and the stage of healing and rehabilitation. A specific eccentric training programme can be established for your horse in conjunction with your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist. Furthermore,
Tara Jamieson MCSP ACPAT Cat A Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist Tel 07989435560 Email info@charteredvetphysio.com Web www.charteredvetphysio.com Covering Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Southern Highlands Photography courtesy of www. animalsnapperphotography.com
Reader Letter Dear Editor, I would like to make the following comments regarding the Anne Wilson’s article, “How long will it take?”. I have a full ID and an ID x TB. The former was a grade A show jumper by the time he was 6. It took me 2 years to be able to put anything over his ears or touch him anywhere: no confidence, tense in back, fragile legs etc. There is still lots to do but because it’s been put through too much too soon, I am taking extra care. I had the IDX as a 2 year old and he is now 7. He is still very immature and only been hacking out for the last year. Prior to this, most of the work before and after backing, was done from the ground on 2 lines. They are like chalk and cheese. I have read elsewhere that some dressage horses are now so forced that they will be lucky not to be completely broken down and unable to work again by the time they are ten years old. Ten to twelve years used to be seen as the age at which a horse would ‘peak’ and from here to his late teens be at his most useful and best. The modern maxim seems to be ‘use them and replace them’. After a break from the equestrian scene for a while, coming back into it was a real eye opener - how things have changed! I am alaramed by the use and dependency of a whip. I’ve seen small children beating ponies and even riders at Badminton this year beating their horses after a refusal. When did it become acceptable to beat a horse for rider error - or for any reason? I
36 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
eccentric exercises would not be used in isolation. They are part of a comprehensive treatment plan, developed specifically for your horse, which will include other physiotherapy treatments. The appropriate treatments would be identified following assessment. Visit www.acpat.org to find a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist in your area.
was brought up with this definition: a whip is an extension of the arm used to aid and encourage the horse. It should never be used to inflict pain and certainly not because a rider is angry: now both seem to be acceptable. The embarrassment in the voices of the commentators at Badminton this year was very apparent when one rider, after her horse refused at the water jump, gave it at least 2 sharp whacks. Graham Fletcher commented recently about how riders ask with the leg whilst hanging on for dear life with the reins - giving very confusing signals. After doing some local fence judging (and watching the aforementioned rider at Badminton), I would concur with this ‘style of riding’. At least the Jockey Club have become more aware of how detrimental over use of the whip can be. The jockey on the Grand National winner was banned for this along with another rider at the same meeting and others since. When I think of the most successful riders, I cannot recall ever seeing them do more than a quick one-off: wake up tap. You did not feel angry or embarrassed to be associated with the sport but knew that it was done to prevent a mistake and injury and not as punishment. Any blame and anger would be for rider error, never the horse. There is definitely a need to steer away from the present trend of treating horses like commodities to pass on, pick up, put down and force to ribbons and personal gain. Riders at the top level competitions should set an example, particularly when the events are televised. Yours faithfully, Fran Steele. (Dorset)
Health Care - Physiotherapy
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 37
Health Care - Pilates - Worming
Pilates for Equestrians In this extract, we will demonstrate the Single Leg Stretch exercise from the Relaxation Position. Single Leg Stretch Why? To strengthen the abdominal muscles and challenge co-ordination.
leg out and, at the same time, bring the other leg back towards your chest. Your hands switch to the leg you are bringing in to your chest, one hand on your shin, the other placed lightly on your knee. Alternate between legs, keeping your Curl-up and your centre stabilised and engaged; establish a rhythm with your switches and breathing.
The ninth extract in our series by Liza Randall
Alternative If you find it difficult to maintain the Curl-up position and remain strong through your centre, build up to it by starting with your upper body down on the mat, and work on patterning your legs and engagement through the centre, increasing your stamina and strength until you can work in a Curl-up position. Equestrian advantage –
How? From Relaxation Position, as described in the August issue, stabilise then, on your out-breath, fold in one leg at the knee from your hip towards you, followed by the other, and balance them in a double knee-fold, heels lightly connected and knees apart. On your next out-breath, stabilise and curl the upper body off the mat and place your hands on your knees. Take a wide breath into the sides of the ribcage and, on your next out-breath, straighten one
When you have completed ten to twenty changes, fold the legs in towards your chest, then come out of your Curlup, resting back down on the mat. One at a time, with stability, bring your legs back down to the mat.
This is a great exercise for strengthening your core and stretching and lengthening the legs. Previous extracts in the series can be found on the Equi-Ads website
www.equiads.net in the Feature Articles section. 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. Copyright c 2010 Liza Randall Studio Photography by Simon Lusty; mounted and other photographs by the author and Karl Randall Line illustrations and cartoons by Diane Breeze Extract courtesy Kenilworth Press, an imprint of Quiller Publishing Ltd
Lynn Russell Live presented by Equimax draws in the crowds at Equifest Lynn Russell Live, presented by Equimax, proved to be a great success on the opening night of Equifest, arguably one of the largest horse shows in the country. In her typical and direct style Lynn welcomed eight participants who were selected from many applications by the team at Equifest, to join her in the impressive indoor arena and benefit from her unique insight into what the judges are looking for in a show animal. Once the clinic began Lynn selected six members of the audience at random to be ‘the judge’, asking them to explain what they were looking for in each gait on the go-round and during an individual show. This proved to be no easy task and highlighted just how little time a judge has to assess a class
38 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
and make a decision. But did Lynn agree with their choice? ‘Well it’s not easy, especially when you are new to judging’ explained Lynn ‘ you have to really know what to look for; a good even gait, forward flowing movement, not over ridden, and then of course there is type and conformation to take into account as well. It’s something that takes a good eye and there is no substitute for experience. I think it also highlighted how different things look from the centre of the ring as opposed to the ringside’. During the evening the audience were also treated to an educational but fun session from Virbac’s Senior Veterinary adviser Callum Blair who gave an informative and entertaining demonstration on the importance of knowing the weight of your horse or
pony to ensure that the correct worming dose is delivered. Callum invited spectators to guess the weight of six similar height but different types of horses and ponies put across the Virbac weighbridge in the grand arena. The results were interesting, ranging from very close to very wide of the mark. ‘It’s so vital to know the weight of your horse as wormer should always be administered by weight and not height’ explained Callum, ‘incorrect weight assessment can result in over dosing, which is of course a waste of money, or worse, under dosing which means that the animal is not receiving enough wormer to be effective and can lead to resistance’.
their horse weighed and gain invaluable advice on worming. ‘The stand was really busy all week. Said Equine Brand Manager Tom Blacklock ‘we met many competitors and received great feedback both for the availability of the weighbridge during the show and of course Lynn Russell Live’.
The Equimax Travelling Weighbridge, was also in attendance during the show to offer owners the opportunity to have
For more worming information please visit www.3dworming.co.uk
Virbac also sponsored the Equimax/ Equifest Ridden Mountain and Moorland Final which was won from incredibly strong competition by Lauren Campion on her Connemara gelding Chilham Aquarius.
Insurance
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 39
Holidays
Don’t frighten the horses Bonfire Night may seem a long time away but we know that preparations will commence long before the day itself. With this in mind, The British Horse Society would like to issue some timely reminders to help all horse owners prepare. Fireworks can frighten even the most sensible horse. Therefore, we have put together a checklist for owners: • Look at local press and shop notice boards and listen to the local radio stations to find out where displays will be held in your area. Ask your neighbours if they have any plans to hold a bonfire party. • Check if there will be a bonfire near your yard. If there is, make sure that someone is going to be around on the night and that you have an emergency fire procedure in place. If you have any doubts, talk to your local fire safety officer, who will be happy to advise you. • Let organisers and neighbours know there are horses in the area so that
fireworks can be set off in the opposite direction and as far away from the horses as possible. • Decide whether to stable your horse or leave it in the field. • If you know your animal will be stressed, talk to your vet about sedation or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night, away from any potential danger. However, it is often best to keep the horse in its normal routine so as not to stress the horse unnecessarily. • If stabled, check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury, such as protruding nails. • If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is not broken and that there are no foreign objects lying around that could cause harm. • Some horses will be soothed by a radio playing calming music, so leave one playing near the stable – try this in advance of Bonfire Night so that it is
not something else the horse has to get used to when it may already be nervous of what is going on. Many people do this all the time as it is soothing for the horse. • Be aware of your own safety, a startled horse can be dangerous, it won’t mean to hurt you, but might in its panic. • Make sure that you have adequate third party public liability insurance. If your horse is frightened and causes an accident in his escape, then you could be held liable for compensation. Third party public liability insurance will cover such an incident. The BHS Gold Membership includes third party public liability insurance as one of its benefits. By being proactive in planning for fireworks and bonfire night, you can make the annual celebrations less stressful for you and your horse. But it is not just horse owners who need to be careful. Organisers of firework displays should inform local horse owners –
it’s not a good idea to let fireworks off anywhere near fields or farms, particularly where there is livestock. Most people don’t realise how much suffering fireworks cause to animals, particularly horses. Those who really want to have fireworks in their back garden should think carefully about how it will affect local animals and preferably go to an organised display, which will hopefully have been positioned to avoid discomfort for anyone. The BHS has launched a dedicated horse accidents website, www. horseaccidents.org.uk, designed to provide statistics and data which will be used to lobby the Government for better riding conditions. This includes firework incidents. If you have experienced a problem with fireworks, please report the incident through the online form or by downloading the form and sending it by post. This will help the BHS to help you by collating statistics that will show just how big the problem is.
Experience a winter getaway like no other Are you looking for the ultimate winter adventure combining skiing and snow activities with your passion of riding? Look no further, Top50Ranches.com showcase a number of ranches that have it all and will certainly be a once in a lifetime trip! Visit Triple Creek Ranch in Montana, they specialize in families with teens. Grab your camera and go on a photo safari hunting for wildlife and rare birds – capture their beauty before they disappear forever. There are plenty of activities to do in the snow! Saddle up and go horseback riding in the fresh snow, take a snowmobile expedition, put on snowshoes or go ice-fishing. You can also take cooking lessons from their gourmet chef if you’re not into hitting the slopes. For a luxury ranch trip with
gourmet food and wines, Triple Creek is hard to beat. At C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado, you can have great fun tubing, sledding, snowmobiling, or if you fancy something a little slower try cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, or winter ice fishing. After an adventurous day kick back in one of the coolest tent spas ever. In this authentic tent setting, treat yourself to massages, facials, manicures/ pedicures, and the “Cowboy Soak” - a relaxing moonlit soak in deep copper tubs overlooking the creek - complete with champagne and strawberries! Bar W Guest Ranch in Montana offers cross-country skiing in the breathtaking Glacier National Park. If it’s action and adventure you hanker after, Bar W’s
plethora of winter sports will satisfy every adrenaline junkie! From dog sledding and romantic sleigh rides through the snow, to ice-fishing, skating, and a full range of incredible winter sports. Then, go relax at the day spa! If you’re travelling as an individual, you will quickly feel part of the family. Stay in the comforts of Tod Mountain Ranch, British Columbia, Canada, with homemade meals and enjoy ski and snowshoe activities nearby at Sun Peaks Ski Resort. A highlight is their relaxing indoor fireplace for a cosy night in their game room with shuffleboard, pool table, card table, dice, and board games. The TV lounge offers a DVD library and satellite TV with fireside lounge complete with book and magazine library. Snowshoe in Yellowstone National Park right past elk and moose with a trip to Lone Mountain Guest Ranch, Montana. Rated Top Nordic Ski Resort you’ll love their back-country ski and snowshoe tours. Yellowstone National Park has endless trails to offer right next door. Ski literally with elk and wildlife within metres of you, during this ultimate snowy adventure. Then head back to the lodge for a gourmet meal and fine wines. Step back into Montana’s past on Big Sky’s original sleigh ride dinner while the snow falls down around you on a magical winter ride. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana, is a guest ranch that achieves the perfect balance between invigorating exercise and relaxing tranquillity. Skiing and hiking on the ranch is perfect for
40 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
families of all ages and abilities plus downhill sledding, skeet shooting, snowball fights, and hockey or ice skating on one of the ranch’s frozen ponds. Being one of the world’s most luxurious resorts, The Ranch’s sleigh rides are truly unforgettable. With their grand sleigh and gorgeous horses, you can snuggle up for an intimate sleigh ride for two. Bundle up in a blanket, soaking in the wintery landscape with your loved one sipping on hot-buttered rum. Back in the Ranch’s luxurious cosy lodge warm yourself by the crackling fire. If skiing is your family’s passion, Latigo Ranch, Colorado offers Nordic ski lessons and use of 60 kilometres of Nordic ski trails, most of which, guests will have to themselves! Complete with tubing hill, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding, the slopes offer the ultimate in adventure throughout the day. Back at the ranch snuggle up in front of a blazing fire and get a good night sleep in your queen size bed. If this has got you yearning for a once in a lifetime winter getaway, visit www.top50ranches.com to find your ideal trip with that personal touch!
Health Care - Insurance - Tack & Turnout
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 41
Riding
Breathe life into your riding Jenny Rolfe Looking at collection - part three Warming up Self-carriage is gained through a system of warming-up exercises, which encourage the horse to produce a calm energy in his work. Our goals will be to achieve steady, submissive work from a highly active horse. I regularly use lateral exercises in a steady walk to create more suppleness and engagement. These exercises are an excellent preparation for balanced and more collected work. In my articles we have studied the importance of a sound top-to-toe preparation for the rider. It is equally important to prepare the horse with a thoughtful programme of exercises that will assist in developing his natural, athletic ability. To give this concept a more individual touch, we will look at some of the methods I use with my beautiful strong-minded bay Spanish stallion, Maestu.
Maestu my stallion lunging over trotting poles
Mentally and physically he is not naturally gifted to demonstrate the highest levels of collection. His conformation shows great power in the forehand and neck but his hind limbs and quarters are lighter and less powerful. He prefers to move with minimal effort and mobilisation of his joints. His true nature complements this way of going, as he is very steady and laid-back with the attitude that less is just enough! I not only need to enhance these qualities when we are training but also to instil him with some joie de vivre. We have, over the years, however, built a relationship and way of training where we can come together
in energetic dance, connected by our core breathing. Here are some of the methods of training I use regularly to achieve this partnership with him. Work on the lunge is beneficial for building the correct top-line muscles and encouraging work with impulsion. I begin by lungeing Maestu and when he has warmed up in all gaits, I trot him over two or three poles, about 6in (15cm) off the ground. This exercise really promotes active mobilisation of his joints and you can clearly see the stages as he progresses and begins to elevate through his spin. Initially his movement is minimal but after a few minutes he begins to show flexion through his joints, which adds both cadence and elevation. This will be the key to advancing collection. I lunge using the bridle, saddle (or roller) and side reins but I also sometimes just lunge from a head collar. When working over trotting poles I either use loosely fitted side reins or none at all. My aim is for the horse to be able to stretch naturally down and forwards through his top line. When Maestu initially comes into the school and is standing still, his hind limbs are often trailing out behind him. When he comes to halt after the exercises over the poles, his hind legs naturally come underneath him to better support his weight and balance. Because he is not a ‘natural’ the fruits of training are quite pronounced as our exercises help him to engage and collect in a positive way. I use a variety of different exercises over trotting poles. A particularly useful one is to trot in a circle and then halfway around, come down to walk. As he approaches the poles in walk I ask for an energetic trot about three or four strides away. He then trots over the poles with more elevation gained from the walk to trot transition. I try to keep him energetic whilst maintaining a steady rhythm. If he is allowed to rush forwards, the true value of the exercise is lost. I am looking for elevation and suspension with every stride. Impulsion and energy are not only about
Before warming up- Maestu’s hind legs are trailing out behind him
the forward impulsion but the elevation and cadence, or time of balance off the ground, within each stride. This is the key to building self-carriage as the movement elevates to propel the horse forwards. There is more power and lift with each stride, which is on the path towards collection. Collection for the Rider The horse mirrors the rider and so if we are to be successful at riding in lightness, balance and collection we need to understand the posture of collection for ourselves. We cannot expect to suddenly jump into the saddle and be instantly balanced in body, mind and spirit unless we take some time to build more discipline and awareness in our everyday lives. We have looked in detail at various exercises to gain self-awareness and balance, which are fundamental to becoming an effective rider. The time spent in preparation from the ground is of paramount importance.
There are as many ways to breathe as waves in the sea and so explore and listen to the horse as he responds to your subtle energy. You will become less aware of distractions and disturbances as you build on your connection. HOMEWORK: Learn to observe your horse- when working from the ground to see the benefits of the exercises and his development in self-carriage. With discipline, exercises and deeper awareness, you and your horse can develop harmonious ‘ collection’ together.
After warming up Maestu is standing with his hind limbs supporting his body weight- in good self carriage.
It is useful to practise walking around the school, visualising the top-to-toe posture described in my previous articles. Begin to feel really tuned in to your core breathing and aware of your posture. Now raise both your arms and hands, stretching upwards, high above your head. Keep your energy deep and low in your core but feel the elevation and expansion within your ribcage and feel the power of your breathing both 42 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
wide and full. Soften your eyes and sense the energy flow of the breath creating both space and lightness in your upper body. Then gently lower your arms and continue walking slowly. Do you feel lighter and more buoyant in your upper torso? This is the feeling a rider should establish when developing collection. When we are totally selfaware, we gain control and influence. For instance, the horse may have good energy but his rhythm may be too fast. If we steady our pattern of breathing and slow the rhythm of our seat, the horse will mirror our balance and begin to use his energy with more calm elevation in his gaits. The breath can be used to strengthen our core or, by using more gentle breathing, we can relax through the core.
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 Previous articles in this series can be found on the Equi-Ads website www. equiads.net in the Feature Articles section. Looking at collection part 2 was featured in July and part 1 was in June.
Insurance
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 43
Broker - Field & Stable - Horse Behaviour - Horses for Sale
Self-Carriage on the Weight of the Rein Part 11 in a series by SUSAN McBANE discussing equestrian principles from the viewpoint of equine psychology and behaviour THIS article carries on, in large degree, from last month’s article ‘Contact Versus Pressure’. We all know that horses did not evolve to be ridden. Their bodies are not ideally designed by nature to carry weight on top of the spine but to wander around taking in lots of high-fibre, low-nutrient grass with some leaves, roots and other plants. This bulky, vegetarian diet necessitates voluminous intestines in which the heavy food burden is broken down and the nutrients extracted. These intestines are slung by means of other tissues from the underside of the spine/back, which creates quite enough weight for it to carry. There is no bony support in the belly area to help carry this great weight from underneath. There is only muscle, skin and other ‘connective’ tissue. Weight added on top of the spine creates something of a problem for the horse, particularly if there is too much of it, it moves around affecting his balance, and applies even more weight via the pressure felt if the rider bangs about in the saddle, mainly at faster gaits. Sound, pain-free horses push themselves along mainly with their hindquarters and legs much more than they do with their shoulders and forelegs. The job of the back end, therefore, is propulsion, as in rear-wheel drive. A point to remember for later in the article is that the back and hindquarters are not intended for carrying weight. That is the main job of the forehand. Balancing Act You’ll have heard that about two-
44 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
thirds of a horse’s weight is carried on the forehand/forelegs: that weight comprises the front part of the trunk, the shoulders and the neck with the relatively heavy head on the free end of it. This doesn’t seem like a particularly efficient structure at first glance, but it turns out that the horse makes excellent use of his head and neck as a ‘balancing pole’ just as we use our less effective arms for the same purpose. You only need to watch horses playing and careering around their paddocks to notice how much they move and use their heads and necks to help them balance, and where they position them as a counter-weight; for instance, when taking a tight turn fast the head and neck will be angled to the outside of the turn to help stop them falling. When they shy violently to one side to avoid a challenging field-mate, their head and neck will swing to the opposite side, and when they want to spin round away from him they do so on their hind legs with their weight back. The use of the head and neck is particularly interesting when horses are slowing down or stopping, particularly suddenly. The base of the neck is usually stretched up a little and out from the withers and shoulders, with the head and top part of the neck being lowered to a horizontal position, or almost so, as the horse’s weight is flung back on to the quarters and the hind legs come more underneath. The whole of the spine, including the neck, is arched upwards a little and the quarters tucked under. You can also see this in a good Western sliding stop which is achieved mainly through the rider’s weight distribution, with little or no bit contact: in a bad one, particularly
where the rider has applied pressure to the (curb) bit, the head will be flung upwards to avoid the pain, which flexes the spine, again including the neck, downwards so the quarters cannot tuck under the same, severely stressing the hind legs as the horse tries to slide to a stop. The good posture described is the essence of that adopted by a horse trained by a knowledgeable and skilled rider to carry the weight of a rider and saddle in the safest way, and that which enables him to be most agile under his added burden. This, of course, makes the horse much more pleasurable for us to ride as he is lifting his forehand slightly and becoming light in hand, shifting his weight and balance back a bit towards his hindquarters. He adopts the correct posture of his own accord as a result of the development of his body and the light contact of the rider’s hand, NOT because his rider is forcing his head and neck in, up and back in a false, injurious posture, and/ or working him behind the vertical. This actually makes it physically impossible for a horse to work correctly. It causes him a good deal of mental distress, and puts him at risk of injury as he has to use compensatory movement, using unaccustomed and inappropriate muscles and other structures to try to escape the restriction. An Impossible Task
It is biomechanically impossible for a horse to use the rest of his body naturally, correctly and safely if the rider fixes the horse’s head and neck, thereby effectively denying him the natural use of his essential balancing mechanism. To get the feel of this, try dancing or doing gymnastics, or even just going for an active walk cont. on p.46
Insurance
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 45
Book Review - Horse Behaviour cont. from p.44
over varying ground, with your arms strapped to your sides. Remember, the back and hindquarters are not intended to carry weight but we have decided to ride horses anyway, so the least we can do is make them strong enough to carry us and perform all sorts of manoeuvres under us, on the ground and in the air, with as little risk to themselves as possible. The type of good rider mentioned will do this through correct gymnastic training. The work strengthens the back and hindquarters to carry weight, and the belly muscles to support the posture from underneath. The horse’s core muscles are strengthened and his topline builds up into the outline unknowledgeable trainers and riders at all levels seek to present when they force the horse’s head and neck into a ‘rounded’ shape. Power Riding Correct, ethical work will never come from the front end but from the back, which is why you so often hear or read (in good company!) the expression ‘riding from back to front’. The horse has to become strong and to be enabled to balance with his weight back more and his front end lifted slightly and more or less free on a light contact. He balances himself and his rider without having to be ‘held together’ by firm bit contact (that doesn’t actually happen
but has been covered previously). When you ride such a horse you feel as though you are being pushed from behind your seat by the hindquarters and legs in an upward and forward arc, with acceleration faster than a family car and the equine equivalent of power-assisted steering and brakes. It is unforgettable. This is self-carriage on the weight of the rein. At its ultimate, you need no direct pressure on the bit, merely that of a looped rein moved from side to side, maybe gently vibrated, and the educated weight and posture of a skilled, classically-trained rider. The legs are used for ‘forward’, the weight and positioning of seat and legs for changes of gait and direction, including slowing, halting and reining back, and the hand/reins for back-up and clarification. The Horse’s Opinion Horses also love the heady power that a strong, agile body and a schooled mind create. The horse works naturally by means of a non-interfering but directing partner-rider, and seems to glory in his own abilities and the sheer fun of the feel of what his own body can do. Coming back down to earth, this is not an impossible dream – classical riding is for every riding horse and pony – but how do you reach the euphoric state of self-carriage on the weight of the
rein? Unfortunately, many never will because they will just not make the effort and take the time to study, work and give the horse time to develop and strengthen. I believe that it is unfair at the least to ride a horse if we are not prepared to improve his body and train his mind so that he is up to this unnatural task we have set him which he was not equipped by nature to carry out and in which he has very little choice. On the other hand, properly trained horses not only enjoy their work more, are much more content in their daily lives and clearly feel good in themselves but also are able work for many more years than those over-stressed by having had to work when not really in a fit state to do so. Correct physical development benefits any horse, including the much-maligned ‘happy hackers’ who, in fact, have to be not only strong but also well-behaved and responsive if they are to be safe. Proper training gives them those qualities. You don’t have to aim at the highest levels. Aim for a sound, basic way of going, with your horse pushing forward from behind in a horizontal balance and light in your hands, rather than pulling you both along from in front and perhaps leaning on your hands and boring down into the ground as well. This is enjoyable for both of you, and perfectly achievable for any normally sound and healthy horse or pony with reasonable conformation, and can be the launching pad (sorry) for further work.
Next month, I’ll give details of how to perform the exercises and gymnastic work needed to develop your horse properly and a suggested programme, from scratch, of what to do when. The type of work to concentrate on is, for yourself so that you can ride well, the development of an independent seat and hands and, for your horse, properly executed lengthening and shortening of stride, upward and downward transitions, correct bend on 20metre circles (smaller only if your horse can do them without losing it), correct bend on shallow corners or tighter ones if, again, your horse can do them well, shoulder-in and –out and, if you can both do them, half-passes and turns on the haunches. Also try bringing his forehand around a little in front of the quarters when turning (like one step of a turn on the haunches). All these exercises need him to bring his weight back a little and, so, strengthen his body as well as getting his mind used to going differently and using his body rather than cruising around in neutral. You can do all this work in any location, not just in a school. SUSAN McBANE is a classical teacher working in Lancashire and neighbouring areas. For lessons, ring her on 01254 705487 or email her on horses@ susanmcbane.com. Her website address is www.susanmcbane.com. To get more details of classical riding and the related discipline of Equitation Science, go to www.classicalriding. co.uk, www.equitationscience.co.uk, and www.aebc.com.au.
Book Review Dressage Dreams 10 by Stephen Clarke Available from Amazon or www lewishardingpublications.com This is a gorgeous book, glossy, lushly filled with photos and rich with fascinating stories from the world’s best dressage riders. With serendipitous timing, it comes out just after Britain’s fabulous result at the European Championships in Rotterdam, where the dressage team won the Gold medal by a very convincing margin. Carl Hester, lynchpin of the British team, is the first rider to be featured in this book, with a first-person account of his life and achievements to date. Each rider profile is followed by a description of their “best” horse, and words from their trainers. The result is a fascinating, and often moving, insight into the lives and work of top-class athletes. Household names (well in horsey households anyway!) abound – you can read about the day in the life of Totilas, Mistral Hojris, Salinero, Blue Hors Matine – and hear from their riders of course!
46 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
The book is cleverly structured too – each rider / horse / trainer section is headed by a description of the movement that partnership are best renowned for, or get perfect 10s for – so we have Flying Changes – Ulla Salzgeber & Rusty, or Collected Trot – Isabell Werth & Satchmo. The author Steven Clarke, an Olympic and List 1 dressage judge, brings a depth of knowledge to what otherwise could have become a coffee-table book. He writes excellent, accessible descriptions of the advanced level movements, and his introduction on the History of Competitive Dressage explains the upper echelons of this sport clearly to those of us who may not experience it first hand! More than just a beautiful book, this offers a real insight into the relationships between world class riders and their horses – those long and rewarding partnerships which achieve recognition when awarded the eponymous “10” on the stage of the dressage arena. Rown Tweddle B.Sc (Hons) BHSII (SM)
Property
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 47
Training
Training the young horse - preparation for ridden work part 2 Heather Gwillim the saddle desensitisation work and gentle feels and flexions on the bit as well as your own jumping up and down by the horse.
By now your young horse should be very happy about the saddle and bridle they are wearing and I now begin the work more seriously of the horse accepting the bit and communication from the rider to the bit. At this point I am still working with the lunge lines attached to the cavasson but I now begin to use side reins. I attach the side reins to the saddle and whilst I am working the horse in a circle, lunging on 2 lunge lines both attached to the rings of the cavasson, I attach the inside side rein (the side rein on the inside of the circle) loosely to the bit so that the horse can feel the weight of the side rein but there is no direct contact as the rein is too long to place any on the bit. I am always very careful the first time I use even a loose side rein as many horses find them claustrophobic and panic. This is far more likely to happen if you attach them tightly and far more likely if you attach both reins at the same time straight away. I work the horse as normal on the circle and when I change the rein (direction of the circle) I un-clip the inside rein and then attach the other side rein that is about to become the new inside rein before sending the horse off in the other direction on the circle. I then finish the session as normal with some work weaving in and out of cones and straight lines around the yard and arena leaving and entering the arena several times. If you have a suitably quiet road and your horse’s feet are up to it, or you have protective hoof boots, it may also be a good idea to start long reining the youngster out on a quiet road with the help of an assistant; but do wear high vis clothing, on you and your horse and the assistant and take every precaution, even quiet roads today are not that quiet. Then returning to the arena do 48 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
your usual patting and rubbing of the saddle; pulling on stirrups and jumping about by your youngster, making sure you do this on both sides of the horse as a normal part of the procedure. I would also stand above your horse on the mounting block, jumping off the block when your horse is standing by it or walking past it. You need the young horse to be so relaxed and used to you doing these strange antics that he totally ignores you; the repetition of the desensitisation work may seem unnecessary but there is no substitute for spending the time doing these sorts of things around your horse and a bit of extra time and effort now is never wasted. It is better to go slowly and methodically than miss something out because it seems ok. If a problem does occur it always takes time and effort to fix and some of the trust you have built up will have gone and that could affect everything you do from then on. Now we will go back to the use of the bit. Once the horse seems relaxed about one side rein being attached I then start attaching both side reins but they are both loose. Over a period of several days I will shorten the side reins until the side rein on the inside of the circle has the lightest brief contact on the bit when the horse nods his head when he is walking. The outside rein is longer and when I change the direction of the circle I shorten the new inside rein and lengthen what has become the new outside rein. I must stress the side reins are still long and they are putting no pressure on the horse’s mouth, there is only the merest suggestion of contact on the rein that is on the inside during the circle work. The training sessions are still short and the circle work of the training session is at the most 15 minutes long and usually nearer 10 minutes. The straight line work in walk is another 10 to 12 minutes and the other 5 minutes or so is when you do
Once you feel the young horse is reacting well to you gently turning his head to the right and left from gentle feels on the bit and that he relaxes his jaw if you gently vibrate the bit then I would transfer the lunge lines to the bit at the end of one of your training sessions and walk your horse in a figure of eight pattern around the school with your assistant at his head helping to turn him as he becomes accustomed to the communication coming straight to the bit. If he becomes at all worried the assistant should lead the young horse doing the steering while you just hold the long reins gently. You may have to continue for a few days with your assistant leading the youngster but gradually the person doing the long reining should be able to take over guiding the horse around the arena. Do not worry if this process takes several days. The important thing is that the young horse goes quietly and continues to accept the bit with a relaxed jaw. Under no circumstances do you want to get into a pulling situation, with the horse opening his mouth to avoid the pressure on his soft mouth, as this will frighten him. As is always the case, if a flight animal becomes frightened, 9 times out of 10 they will try to run away from what is frightening them and then the situation will go from bad to worse and you will have given yourself a problem that will reappear time again during this horse’s life. As I have said, if you don’t want a bad reaction make sure you teach a good reaction first. Over the next week or so you will use the long reins attached to the bit more and more until you are working the horse in circles and straight lines in the arena, round the yard and perhaps on
the road off the bit. The more work you do on the long reins and the more the horse can see as he is being long reined the better, because if there are any problems your assistant can step in and help when needed. All of this long reining is great preparation for when you begin riding your horse as he will encounter the same things when under saddle as he has when he was on the long reins. So do make sure that you long rein the young horse wherever you are intending to ride him in the future. This allows him to learn to cope with situations while he can still have support from the ground, but at the same time he is the one facing the situations not just following along behind someone. If it is possible to have someone ride another horse along with you, or work in the arena at the same time as you, this gives you the opportunity to teach your horse how to react to another horse in a working situation. I also like to take an opportunity to teach my youngster that the other horse may leave him at any time. You can have the other horse arrive or leave the arena whilst you are working your youngster. I also like to go off down the road with another horse and then have that horse take a different route halfway round or maybe have the horse join you half way round. The first few times you do this make sure you have your assistant there to help in case your horse becomes upset by the arrival or departure of another horse. Spending this time now training your horse how to react to situations will be repaid many times on countless occasions over the future years. If you missed any of the previous articles in this series, you will find them on Equi-Ads website www. equiads.net in the Features Articles section.
Book Review - Tack & Turnout - Training
Book Review The BHS Manual for Coaching and Teaching Riding by Islay Auty FBHS, updated and revised by Margaret Lynington-Payne MA (Ed) BHSI Published by Kenilworth Press (RRP £14.95) There are many, many books on teaching the art of horse riding, however this one is a fantastic resource for anyone teaching, or planning to teach, in a riding school environment. With sections on the various routes available for someone to become an instructor and excellent detailed lesson plans covering all ages and abilities, it is aimed at the new or less experienced instructor. Chapters on teaching children, teaching adults and teaching jumping are all enlightening and have useful illustrations. Where this book differs from the many similar titles available is in the detail. Focusing on the specific requirements of the “typical” weekly rider it gives valuable advice on how to promote and advance these riders’ skills. The reader is often reminded of the importance of considering their clients individual needs. A particularly effective reminder, I thought, was the point that for the client their lesson is often a highlight of their week, and although for the instructor it may be lesson 4 of 8 in a day, their duty is to put 100% of their enthusiasm and effort into the lesson. I recognise many of the “types” of riders described and have to admit reading this book made me re-consider their motivations for learning to ride and
how I could serve them better. An often overlooked issue that this book covers in some detail is the wonderful job that “school horses” do. The point is convincingly made that school horses are a remarkable tribe – tolerant and forgiving, yet often able to perform at surprisingly high levels with more advanced riders. The sourcing of such paragons is considered, and their particular management needs. To confirm that the BHS are at the forefront of modern coaching methods some fascinating sections cover teaching styles, learning styles, body language, communication skills, goal setting and more. An excellent book, of special interest to those teaching in commercial establishments, and a timely reminder that the recreational rider too deserves top quality instruction and coaching: after all they are the “bread and butter” of most riding schools. Rowan Tweddle B.Sc (Hons) BHSII (SM)
www.midkinleith.com Wide range of quality tack & clothing at bargain prices Spend over £50 for FREE Delivery
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.
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 49
Classical Riding
How to get the best from your riding lesson Anne Wilson Sometimes having a lesson from a new instructor can be a daunting thought. Some people even become quite nervous; others appear the opposite and seem not to care whether they take the instruction or not. I would prefer to deal with the former; at least they can be reassured and hopefully are put at their ease when they realise I am not an ogre and I am there for the sole purpose of helping them and their horse.
instructor has been to your yard, they may have difficulty with directions or traffic hold-ups, which had not been envisaged, so a little understanding in this aspect will be appreciated.
Choosing Your Teacher
Try not to feel nervous, the teacher is there to help you, not to pull you apart. Helping to improve a pupil usually requires constructive criticism; don’t take it personally, embrace it with open arms. Don’t be too suspicious or sceptical about what may be a totally new way of riding. If you have not ridden classically before you may find it completely alien at first, but hopefully before the first lesson is complete it will be wonderfully illuminating; like a fog being lifted from your eyes, and your horse should feel similarly enthused.
Choosing a riding instructor is a mine field unto itself and one has to be very discerning; asking a lot of pertinent (but not impertinent) questions before making a booking. Even then one cannot be one hundred percent sure that the trainer/instructor is actually what they purport to be. In my last article I referred to the fact that many instructors ‘get on the bandwagon’; they say they teach classically when in fact they have little or no idea of classical teachings. If you are after a good classical teacher, and I hope you are, I think it’s a good idea not only to ask about the person’s background and training, but enquire as to which of the classical masters they most admire. Many people claim to have trained with this or that famous trainer when in fact they only had one lesson, or maybe just worked on the yard as a groom. However, the question of which masters they admire or have studied will usually put a charlatan on the back foot, as they will have limited knowledge in this field; whereas a true classicist will probably bubble over with enthusiasm about, for instance Guerinere, Egon Von Neindorf, Podhajsky or so on. How To Approach The First Lesson Assuming you have found someone you believe to be classical, you must then assume that they do have the knowledge you are seeking. You and your horse should be turned out in a sufficiently clean and tidy workmanlike way, but there is no need to go overboard as though you were going to a show. Most good trainers are more interested in how you ride than whether your boots are spotless and shiny and whether you are wearing gloves. If you don’t normally ride in gloves, then I would not wear them in your lesson. Anything unusual, such as gloves, new boots or breeches, can make you feel stiff and uncomfortable and distract you from the job in hand. It is always helpful to a busy trainer if the pupil is ready on time, but bear in mind that if this is the first time the 50 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
It will be helpful if your horse is physically fit enough for the lesson. He does not have to be in hard fitness but it would be detrimental if he were tired from an extra long hack or day’s hunting the day before.
A good classical trainer will possess almost limitless patience and understanding when it comes to shortcomings of the horse and should also exercise understanding giving confidence and encouragement to the rider, whilst at the same time pointing out faults and how to put them right. No-one learns well when they are nervous; that goes for horse and rider, and if the rider is nervous then the horse is also likely to be so. No-one rides perfectly and we all had to start somewhere, so don’t think that because there are a number of faults in your position or your aiding, that you are a bad rider – maybe just as yet a relatively uneducated one. You have been brave enough to make the first step in employing a classical trainer, and that’s more than a lot of people ever have the courage or foresight to do! The weight aids can be truly liberating to horse and rider, and because they are based on the natural law of gravity, the horse normally responds to them immediately. However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that your progress will always be so easy and immediate. The road to lightness and ultimate joy is paved with occasional setbacks and must be approached with patience, diligence, concentration and hard work on the part of the rider. If Things Are Not As Expected As I mentioned above, many of the instructions you receive may be totally
new to you, so it may be difficult for you to know whether these are right or wrong. The best advice I can give is that if anything seems harsh towards the horse, then it is probably wrong and not classical. Any forceful aiding; pulling hard on the reins, forcing the head behind the vertical, booting with the leg or beating with the whip is most definitely wrong and not classical. But that is not to say that good riding should be too soft and sloppy. The horse needs to be taught in a kind and gentle way how to respect his rider. A quick sharp tap with the whip behind the leg if he is completely ignoring the leg aid is much kinder than continual kicking. As long as every compliance on the horse’s part is praised and the aid immediately ceased when he is doing what has been asked, then the horse should respond willingly and happily. Attitudes which I find totally opposed to classical principles are those when the instructor insists on certain things from the horse, giving no leeway for misjudged aids, misunderstandings or physical difficulties on the part of the horse. For instance if, during canter work the horse breaks back into trot, many instructors yell at their pupils such words as ‘don’t let him get away with that; use your legs and get him back into canter’. When horses break from canter it is usually for one of three reasons:• They are too young or unfit to sustain the pace. • They begin to feel unbalanced. • They believe that the rider wishes them to come back to trot because the rider has returned their outside leg to the neutral ‘on the girth’ position; thereby causing their inside hip to cease the necessary advancement. In other words the rider has lost the canter position, i.e. inside hip advanced, outside leg (including thigh) slightly back. Canter is a skipping motion; the horse’s inside hip needs to advance and if the rider does not advance their inside hip, then they are hampering the horse and in fact giving the signal, albeit unwittingly, to return to trot. Of course many horses learn to canter on despite the unhelpful position of the rider, but this is only because they have learnt what is required of them and they manage to overcome the difficulties presented by the rider’s position. Any instructor who doesn’t understand this and doesn’t give the horse the benefit of the doubt (i.e. the horse is probably trying to please) is not
Anne with Lucy Lou
classical, however much technical knowledge they may possess. Another very common bad mistake concerns the canter lead. If a horse repeatedly strikes off on the wrong lead it is usually due to one of the same reasons given above when they find it difficult to keep the canter. Many instructors imply that the horse is being disobedient and instruct the rider to give harsh aids, even unfair use of the whip, to obtain the correct lead. This is so detrimental to the horse’s training as to be an abuse. No horse will deliberately repeatedly give the wrong strike off. There has to be a reason; either rider error, physical or possibly psychological difficulty on the part of the horse – and the horse should never be punished for this. Sometimes a horse will offer canter when trot is requested from the rider. This too should not be reprimanded and the horse should not be abruptly brought back to trot; unless of course it is obvious that the horse is deliberately behaving badly and becoming out of control. Young or unschooled horses often mistake the rider’s aids and if canter is offered the rider should take up the canter position (inside hip forward, outside leg including thigh a little back) and make the most of it; bringing the horse back to trot diplomatically when it is obvious that the horse is ready to oblige. Riding should not be a battle of wills, as some trainers seem to portray it, but a delicate tactical conversation. When
Tack & Turnout the rider is able to give clear and helpful aids to the horse, at a time when the horse is ready to comply with them, the horse becomes more than happy to respond. Immediate and exact response to aids should only be expected at a fairly late stage of training. What To Do If You Don’t Agree With The Instruction As a pupil it is obvious that you need to follow the instructions you are being given. Sometimes these new instructions, such as ceasing to use your leg at every stride (only using the leg when necessary) is very hard to do – or not to do; especially if you have been doing it for years; possibly on the advice of a previous instructor. Rome wasn’t built in a day and to ride classically usually involves less movement but more control of your own body parts. This may take some time to achieve, so don’t give up, it will be worth it in the end. However, if what you are being asked to do appears harsh towards the horse, as in some of the examples above, then you must be strong enough to say ‘no, I am not prepared to do that’, or ‘I am not comfortable about doing that’. It takes a lot of courage to contradict someone in whom you have temporarily put your faith, but it is very necessary. Obviously if the instruction you have received has not been what you expected and if it seems the opposite of patient classicism, then you are quite within your rights to call a halt to the lesson. You will probably be obliged to pay for the whole lesson but there is no need to feel embarrassed or upset; you are doing what you feel is right for you and your horse.
mount your horse until you know how they work. If the instructor has mounted to show you how something is done and proceeds to be harsh with your horse, don’t stand there cringing – stop them! Ask him or her to dismount and say why. Remember that you are paying for this service and have the right to terminate it at any time, and don’t be afraid to do so. Obviously if you have had disagreements with your instructor, then it is unlikely that any future lessons would prove fruitful. A good rapport is needed between teacher and pupil, as with horse and rider, for optimum results. There are, however, odd occasions when one can overlook an instructor’s brusque manner with people, if they are wonderful with the horse and what they teach is correct and kind. In some cases this kind of teacher/pupil relationship can work and a mutual respect may evolve. The most fruitful results are normally from a teacher and pupil who both ‘sing from the same song sheet’ so to speak, and hopefully your instructor will be able to open up a whole new and exhilarating aspect to horsemanship for you and your horse. 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
My advice would be not to allow any person, instructor or otherwise, to
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 51
Tack & Turnout
What the eye of a horse reveals Cora Roberts Humans and horses are both visuallyorientated creatures. We assess the world largely through our eyes: scanning our surroundings for useful, safe, inviting or hostile situations in order to adjust our reactions accordingly. Impairment of vision influences our behaviour by making us draw more information via hearing and touch but it also shapes our perception of things. For instance I am very short sighted. Firstly through vanity, and later from habit, I only wear glasses for driving, watching TV or working on my laptop, hence my natural habitat is ‘blurred’. When, at the age of fourteen, I was introduced to the Impressionists in art history I could not understand why they were regarded as special – this was how the world looked to me every waking hour!
The importance given to eyes goes beyond their physical function: ‘Eyes are the windows of the soul’, ‘The truth shows in the eyes’, ‘Dead eyes’, ‘Cold eyes’ – all these expressions denote meanings that we read into those sensory organs which then affect our emotive responses. Eyes are variously described as clear, mean, deep, kind, evil, etc. with particular emphasis on their shape as a sign of character: narrow, slitty, small, close together etc. suggest someone ill-intentioned whereas large, almond shaped and
52 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
wide or wide apart refer to positive, even desirable, traits. What then if someone loses their eyes due to illness or accident? What about eyes dimmed with age or a pathological condition? People born blind often have dull eyes – does this reflect their character?
When it comes to horses’ eyes there is even more prejudice. One makes allowance in the show ring because here it is all about appearance. Since horses cannot be enhanced with make-up to the same extent as girls in beauty contests, shortcomings of eye colour, size or shape may well make a difference in the final placings. Of real concern are pronouncements by horsey people such as, ‘Can’t trust a horse with small eyes’, ‘White around the eye is a sign of a mean/ungenerous animal, ‘Don’t touch a horse with a wall eye’. Actually for everyone endorsing such sayings as true, there will be someone who knows just such a horse which
has been the most honest, kindest etc. they’ve ever met. Where then lies the truth?
The Eye as Guide to Character and Mood. Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultures traditionally believed in hiding feelings behind a fixed smile or, in the case of women, behind a fan or the sleeve of their kimono. Eyes alone cannot communicate much. This is one of the reasons why France has legislated against Muslim women wearing the veil in public places. Human faces are very expressive and people with conditions that reduce this expressiveness can appear less communicative. How much harder is it then to assess a horse’s character or mood from the eyes? There are three distinct and unmistakeable expressions a horse’s eye can display: alert/ awake (open), sleepy/relaxed (semi-closed) and fear/aggression (bulging or rolling). (Although I have come across horses in a state of complete exhaustion where it appeared that the eyes had lost focus, giving a far away impression, which was very distressing to see. I will concede, however, that the whole horse looked close to collapse and
therefore my pity for the creature may have led me to that conclusion about the eyes.) Any other interpretation of equine expression must include an assessment of the ears, the mouth and nostrils, the posture of the neck and tail and body stance. ‘Reading your horse’ actually means observing the entire animal and his/her reactions to any given situation. Only in novels or films can a human look deep into a horse’s eyes and understand what the animal is thinking. As for horse whisperers, the clever ones are aware of the whole horse’s body language and tailor their response accordingly. Let’s be honest, if you had a horse with piggy eyes or white ringed eyes or wall eyes that you could qualify for the 2012 Olympics in your chosen discipline, would you care? Of course not, because ‘handsome is as handsome does’ and a good horse is one that cooperates with you and fulfils your expectations. The best way to convince you, dear reader, is to test the notion of establishing character or mood from the eyes alone by closely looking at the photos on this page and deciding what each reveals about the horse pictured. It would be of great interest to hear your views, so why not contact the magazine with your thoughts?
Saddle Fitting - Tack & Turnout
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 53
Rugs
Rugging Up for Winter With winter well on the way, Masta is offering expert advice on rugging up. With help on hand to understanding a horse’s ideal temperature, making sure he isn’t too hot or cold; showing how to find the perfect rug for winter and avoiding the struggle of how to choose the best rug. Whether it be stable or turnout, lightweight or heavyweight, whatever the shape and size, Masta will find the best rug for your horse.
shivering or has hair standing on end, with his tail tight down or has cold ears. If he is too hot, your horse will be sweaty, have an increased pulse and respiration, or may seem anxious.
Whatever the season, the weather remains unpredictable, so it is important to have a variety of rugs covering light, medium and heavyweight, to ensure your horse is fully protected. The filling of the rug will be shown in grams or ounces, ranging from lightweight with 90g/3oz to heavyweight rugs with 340g/12oz of filling.
Layering rugs and adding a neck cover is a great way to ensure your horse stays warm and comfortable. Neck covers are ideal to help keep extra warmth in during those cooler periods, as well as keeping mud off your horse’s neck. Detachable covers allow the rug to be used in warmer or colder conditions.
It is crucial your horse maintains the correct temperature; common signs that a horse is cold are, if he looks uneasy,
Finding the perfect rug
The breed, age, fitness of the horse and clip needs to be taken into consideration. A mostly indoor kept competition thoroughbred will need a thicker rug than an outdoor hacking cob.
With the dramatically changeable
Perfect for Ponies The Mark Todd Collection is renowned for its horsewear range which incorporates a choice of pony rugs, including this smart new heavyweight stable rug. Manufactured with a 600 denier outer shell and cosy 350g fill, the rug has a nylon anti-rub lining that leaves the coat shiny, while the addition of a neck cover makes it perfect for ponies that are clipped. Six Mark Todd Pony Rugs are available in total - all come in Ocean Blue in sizes 4’3” to 5’3”. The Mark Todd Pony Heavyweight Stable Rug’s priced at £39.99 (neck cover £19.99)
Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 for stockists or visit www. marktoddcollection.co.uk
Mark Todd Heavyweight Stable Rug
winter weather, it is ideal to have a variety of rugs covering, light, medium and heavyweight so your horse is fully protected. Alternatively a cost effective solution is to have a medium weight rug, then have a rug lining for those colder days. Try not to simply follow size guides always measure your horse first. The guides usually work from the height of the horse, but the weight of a horse will make a difference on the sizing, therefore a lightweight 16hh horse will need a different size rug from a 16hh heavyweight horse. When looking at turnouts, it’s important to take into consideration the nature of the horse when in the field, so you can find a rug that lets the horse have the freedom it requires in the field. It is crucial to ensure that the rug fits correctly at the withers. This will avoid excessive rubbing and pressure. Making
I was warned, long before I accepted Bonny, the 13.1hh unbroken piebald mare that ‘Pride comes before the fall’ and one should always get down from their ‘high horse’. Yes, years before I was even born the human race had learnt vital lessons concerning ego, over-confidence, and pig-headed young girls. But when Bonny walked down that ramp, well, she was simply adorable! Anything that sweet and innocent couldn’t possibly cause any harm. Could it? Really? So yes, I’m afraid I approached the job 54 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
with a rather steely arrogance. The whole affair was quite mad really. I had a month to transform Bonny, previously untouched (she was bred for meat and had set her owners back a mere £100) and very wary little mare into a pony that could be ridden by a thirteen-yearold girl whose riding experience was limited. I believed, somehow, at the time that it was a perfectly plausible and reasonable request. But never fear, Bonny was nearby, ready to put my easy assumptions to bed. Oh Bonny! How nonchalantly you defied your name, with its sickly connotations of bouncy, blooming good times. Instead you left me with the white of your eye and that ever-swift cow-kick
When ensuring a secure fit for a turnout rug, it must feature two front straps. The straps need to be tough to hold the weight of the rug together and flexible to enable quick fastening. The straps should fit neatly at the chest without pulling. Look for rugs that have cross surcingles, as this will eliminate any pressure to the spine. Neck covers are ideal to help keep extra warmth in during those cooler periods, as well as keeping mud off your horse’s neck. Detachable covers allow the rug to be used in warmer or colder conditions.
Fal pro Bulldog Turnout Rug This is one of Fal pro’s most popular turnouts with a very loyal following. It has a rip stop high tenacity Cordura outer fabric which is strong and light. It is warm and will dry very quickly and is easy to throw over the horse. There is nothing like it!
Bulldog 40gm £119.50 40 gm neck £61.50 Bulldog 200gm £175.00 Bulldog 350gm £186.50 Tagg Equestrian Tel: 01636 636 135
The rug is waterproof and breathable with an absorbent blotting layer, no side seams matrix belt fittings and an easy clean fillet string. The Bulldog is available in a 40g lightweight in Lilac with an optional neck cover, a 200gm medium weight in Plum including a neck cover and a 350gm heavy weight in Chocolate including a neck cover.
Why So Small and Angry? A summer spent learning the hard way that good things don’t always come in small packages.
sure the rug is cut fairly high helps, and use an anti-rub vest if required.
Zoe Gray
(oh, she was quick). Much like Damien from The Omen, her appearance of sweet and uncostly pony-ness cheated the little witch within. Now, of course I’m getting carried away. A drama-queen in my own right, the idea that this little minx of a pony had been bribed by the devil is the perfect displacement for my own disappointment. Because, in truth, there were days when I really liked Bonny. She could be a sweet, quiet, appeasing type. Head tucked in, marching briskly forward on her long reins. Halting to the voice and earning herself a generous ten gold stars. Yet, like Dr Jekyll, Bonny had her Mr
Hyde. The juxtaposition of good pony against bad meant that Damien-Bonny appeared far more tragically-villain like. And so we went forward, and immediately reversed back. Progress followed by memory loss, fresh bouts of pony temper and white-eyed fear. The first day I managed to pick out her hind feet without being threatened with a hoof to the face, I believed, stupidly, that we had turned a corner, made some progress. I should have touched wood. By the afternoon, when I had proudly invited Mum to watch our new party trick, devil-Bonny was back. I can’t explain what a plunge my spirits took. Being back on not-so-bonnyBonny’s hit list; knowing that it might be cont. on p.56
Rugs - Training
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 55
Rugs cont. from p.54
wise to invest in some insurance for my poor little face. Approaching the riding with caution, Bonny rewarded my lack of faith with excellent behaviour. The golden manner of a pony finally resigned to her fate? I dared to ask. Caution turned to confidence, and eventually a friend came to ride her (the friend can ride. I’m not mad/cruel). I always make sure my breakers are ridden by at least one other person than myself early on. Like toddlers on their first day with the babysitter, ‘Stranger Danger’ can often bring on a horsestyle mental breakdown. And so it was with Bonny. Immediately the friend’s bottom touched the saddle, her hackles were up. I stayed by her side, talking nonsense, and eventually she settled. Everything was going swimmingly until the trot. It was at this point in the morning that Bonny decided that actually, she wasn’t a great fan of this new-person malarkey, promptly bronking poor-friend off. I was then left with a bruised and battered friend, a pony gone half-mad, and the awful knowledge that, Bonny, at this stage in her life, was not going to suit a child, however good their riding may be. I rang her owners and filled them in. There was no point in promising to right all of her wrongs. Although I knew I could break her in successfully that
56 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
really wasn’t the point. Bonny had shown what she was capable of, and it certainly wasn’t first pony material. The moment she learnt that there was a self-eject button that she could press to free herself of that awful human burden was a moment impossible to turn back from. And so Bonny left and was exchanged for a fifteen year old , level-headed Welsh section C. A very sensible choice, I’m sure you’ll agree. Buying the Right Horse for You: Five Top Tips 1. Know your own capabilities. Be reasonable. If you have just learnt to ride on a bombproof cob, looking at a 7-year-old ex-racehorse for your second horse is silly. If an ad specifies that a ‘confident rider’ is necessary, then the horse in question probably needs firmer handling than a novice can offer. 2. Take a friend. Sometimes our judgment can be clouded by a pair of big brown eyes and a dashing white blaze. Take a knowledgeable friend who, when love has boggled your mind, will remind you that beautiful white blazes won’t help you to sit any tighter! 3. Budget. Whilst the price has fallen out of the horse market, many horses are still
advertised for far more than they are worth. Research your market thoroughly before taking the plunge. Speak to experts, friends, instructors. Know what the type of horse you are looking for is worth and stick to your budget. 4. Ask around When you have finally found the perfect horse for you, don’t be afraid to don your detective cap and fully research their history. Remember that some people, however nice they seem, will withhold certain aspects of a horse’s past to ensure it sells well. Find out what pony/riding club they were
involved in. Try and get hold of past owners. Be ruthless with your research! 5. Take a trial… Most owners selling horses will usually, automatically, offer you at least a week’s trial . Obviously, if you are buying from a market, sale, or straight from a racing yard, this is usually impossible. In this situation, just make sure you don’t blow the bank. It is a great risk to take and will very rarely pay off… Email: zml.gray@gmail.com Telephone 07500 600509
“Avon calling....!” Kingshead, the well known horse rug brand, are looking to recruit a small army of part-time ‘county representatives’. Not quite the familiar ‘Avon ladies’ but a similar concept in that they will provide local support and representation for the brand. Events and ‘parties’ will be planned to promote new product launches and to gain feedback directly from end users of the products. In return, agents receive a percentage commission of all sales that are made by the company in that county. Kevin Jeffkyns, the MD of Kingshead,
says ‘we see this as a great benefit to the customer. The public are now able to buy directly from us the manufacturer and enjoy cheaper pricing whilst being supported ‘on the ground’ by a network of equestrian experts’. Kingshead, first established in 1785, are now selling its products directly to the end user via a new website www. kingsheaddirect.com. Interested parties should contact Kingshead either by e-mail sales@ kingsheaddirect.com or by phone on 01738 580080
Winter Preparation
Warmer rug deals from EquestrianClearance.com warmth and so layering rugs is a good way of keeping your horse extra warm.
Choosing a rug for your horse or pony, could be one of the most important things you do this winter. But how do you know what type of rug to choose or which weight of rug to buy?
You can often use a summer sheet and a thick top rug, and for the coldest days try adding a quilt or under rug as a middle layer. Combining both great protection and excellent value, the new EquestrianClearance.com Turnout rug will be just what your horse needs this autumn/winter.
It goes without saying that in the height of winter all efforts must be made to keep both the stabled and turned out horse as warm as possible.
The Turnoutmasta range of turnout rugs from Masta are available in a range of different weights, so you can choose a rug that is suitable for your horse whatever the weather! EquestrianClearance.com stocks a wide range of winter rugs for stabled and turned out horses. They stock rugs for all seasons, especially winter rugs.
A heavier rug with increased fill will keep your horse warmer, but what about those that have been clipped?
Check out the ranges from Masta, Weatherbeeta, Caldene, Mark Todd, Fal Pro and many more.
For the clipped horse it is important to insulate them as they have lost a layer of
For further information please visit www.equestrianclearance.com
Tried and Tested Turnoutmasta 200 Zebra
The Turnoutmasta 200 Zebra from Masta is a must buy purchase for this season for durability and comfort which has been designed with the horses’ needs in mind. The attractive zebra print 600 denier polyester turnout is perfect for the Winter or in the case of 2011 the Autunm which up here in Scotland has felt more like Winter. Fully waterproof and breathable, this rug fitted snuggly and gives good freedom of movement and protection from the elements. My horse is a notorious rug trasher and loves prancing, rolling and showing off in the field, but this rug never moves. I have used it in all the recent windy (tail end of a hurricane), cold and wet weather and he has always felt toasty warm and dry underneath. Other features include buckle and clip front fastening, 6-rear pleats, extended gusseted tail flap and reflective badging,
which make this rug user friendly and tidy. The overall look of the rug is fantastic and the Zebra Print design has gone down well at the yard being much admired by others. If you are looking for your new Middle Weight Rug I cannot recommend the new Turnoutmasta 200 Zebra enough. What’s even better is pop a fleece or stable rug underneath and it transforms it into a heavyweight winter rug. Available in Black Zebra, offered in sizes 4’6” to 7’3” priced at around £88.50. Also available is the Turnoutmasta 200 Neckcover Zebra. The separate neckcover can be simply and safely attached to the turnout rug. In sizes S/M/L and priced at around £45.50. For further information please contact Masta on 01274 711101 or visit www. masta.co.uk October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 57
Masta Giveaway - Healthcare - Rugs
Equine proprietors urged to beware after attempted theft Proprietors of riding schools and livery yards are warned to be on their guard following an attempted theft at a British Horse Society (BHS) Approved establishment in Northamptonshire. An unidentified female arrived at the centre last Thursday (8 September), claiming to be a British Horse Society Approval Inspector visiting to carry out the inspection and take photo’s for a portfolio. The proprietor was suspicious and contacted the BHS Approvals team who advised him that the woman was not an inspector and not connected to the BHS in any way. The Society confirmed that all BHS Approval inspectors carry ID and will be happy to show it. They also advised the proprietor to step up security and be particularly vigilant in coming weeks. However just hours later, on Friday evening, there was an attempted break in.
The burglars were unsuccessful and the Police attended the scene. The proprietor said: “This female was in her late twenties, early thirties with blonde hair, well spoken and with an accent. We want to advise all centre owners and staff to be more vigilant and to check for ID.” Chris Doran, BHS Senior Executive Approvals said: “This matter is very concerning and we would urge all centres to be particularly cautious in coming weeks. If you have any concerns please call the BHS Approvals team immediately for reassurance.” The British Horse Society Approvals team can be contacted on 02476 840509. For further information and pictures, please contact: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society, 02476 840463 or a.coleman@bhs.org.uk
Smug Bags - The ideal solution With winter fast approaching and the thought of cold and wet mornings it is time to get those smelly horse rugs off to the cleaners. Why not use the SMUG Bag to transport your rugs in style. You no longer have to worry about getting yourself and your family car covered in the lovely aromas that come with them, you simply open the SMUG bag drop your rug in, zip it up and then off you go to the rug wash putting an end to trips where you end up covered in the caked mud and smells that our beloved equines leave behind. The top quality SMUG Bag is the ideal solution. They are made from heavy-duty cotton with a waterproof interior that zips
into a bag, containing all the mud, drips and smells. It also has handles so you can carry your rug to the cleaners easily. The SMUG Bag is large enough to easily fit a heavy weight 7ft 6in rug with no difficulty. The SMUG Bag is available in pink or black and features the smart SMUG logo. SPECIAL OFFER: Order in October for the Special Price of £15.99 including p&p. There has never been a better time to buy one! To order one of our fantastic SMUG Bags you can visit www.smug-bags. com or simply give us a call on 078 2527 1512 to order one over the phone.
Personalise And Protect!!!
Don’t forget you can choose your own freeze mark and give your horse the very best protection. Freeze marks can make all the difference between keeping your horse or losing it to thieves. Yet, there are still horses and ponies without these marks and therefore more vulnerable to theft than those with freeze mark security. In order to encourage more people to
58 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
freeze mark, Freezemark Ltd allow owners to choose their own marks. In this way animals carry a mark which their owners easily remember and also have a personal significance, but most of all give their horses the very best security.
people to go the way of freeze marking and they love having something of their choice on their horses or ponies and in doing so they have given their animals the very best chance of being safe and secure.”
own, the main thing is to get your horse freeze marked as it has been proven over and over again that thieves are more likely to leave a visibly identifiable animal alone than one that has no obvious distinctive theft deterrent.”
Mary Awre, who runs Freezemark, states – “Allowing owners to choose their own marks has definitely persuaded some
Mary’s final message though is – “Whether you make the decision to have our standard mark or choose one of your
For details of Freezemark, telephone 01295 788226 or visit their website – www.freezemark.biz
H Tack & Turnout - Tried & Tested
Effective care for your tack, yard and those Autumnal equi-knocks. Excellent! Fabulous! Brilliant! Fantastic! Amazing! (At least, that s what our customers tell us...) tinyurl.com/ivhorseflygel
My mare had sores on her face from flies, tried everything. This cleared it in days. Use it for cuts and scratches too. I tell everyone about it!
tinyurl.com/ivhorsebodymist
This item is great‒ great‒a must for everyone s tack box. It helps with minor skin conditions, bites and abrasions as well as being useful on rainscald.
tinyurl.com/ivhorsemfp
Fabulous product‒ cleared up Ben s mud rash when all else had failed. Absolutely brilliant! 10/10 product. Wouldn t be without it!
Sarah Murray
Emma Glacken
tinyurl.com/ivhorsedryshampoo
tinyurl.com/ivhorseleatherfood
tinyurl.com/ivhorsedisinfectant
Fantastic product! I keep this in my grooming kit and one in the tack room as a spare. I d say it s the best dry shampoo on the market.
This produced truly amazing results. It made all my tack look like it had just come straight out of a shop and smells great too truly amazing!
Excellent! Excellent product, excellent price. Smells great and leaves our yard really clean and germ-free.
Buckie
Lynsey Gray Lanark
East Lothian
Sue Porter
Nottingham
Máirín Ní Aonghusa Dublin
Nicki Morley Blairingone
Find more care and conditioning items in
The Grooming & Maintenance Range Over 60 high quality products for horse, rider, tack and pets.
4horse.co.uk
01888 544261
info@4horse.co.uk October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 59
Events - Field & Stable - Tack & Turnout
60 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
Classical Riding - Field & Stable
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 61
Field & Stable - Healthcare - Insurance - Tack & Turnout
ADCOL_20 Aylesbury 100x75:ADCOL_20 Aylesbury 100x75 30/06/2011 10:11 Pag
Keep your pets calm this bonfire night
Odd,
Over the past years firework displays have become bigger, louder and seem to continue for weeks before and after NOVEMBER 5TH. Instead of the excitement and enjoyment that fireworks bring to others, for many animal owners this time of year fills them with dread and worry.
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
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
62 - Equi-Ads - October 2011
For your nearest stockist: t: 01536 513456 e: sales@davieskett.co.uk
A large percentage of the countries animals, including dogs, cats, horses and birds – suffer from the trauma that fireworks night brings. Commonly animals can react in a variety of ways from shaking and trembling, to barking, loss of appetite, howling or in extreme cases sickness and loss of bladder or bowel control. Not only is this stressful for the animal, but for owners it can be extremely distressing to see a beloved pet suffering in this way. This is why we have developed a unique product to help alleviate the fear and stress associated
with loud noises such as fireworks and thunder. Soothing Animal Solution (SAS) helps animals to stay calm and relaxed using only natural and organic ingredients derived from flower essences and aromatherapy. Safer than sedation, it can be used over a sustained period of time without causing drowsiness or side effects. Simple and easy to use, SAS is administered using a spray, which works on a two pronged effect. By administering the spray orally it floods the body internally with effects lasting between four and six hours. When sprayed around the animal and its environment the formula targets the olfactory system - where emotions are stored - to help trigger endorphins bringing instant calmness. Instantly works 300 sprays for £12.50 For more information, tel 0800 9709421/ 07736282729 or visit www.forestfarmacy.com
Dentisty - Feeding - Field & Stable - Insurance - Livery - Tack & Turnout
October 2011 - Equi-Ads - 63
Directory - News - Tack & Turnout - White Horse Stables Horse Rescue
Former Barrister found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his horse
A former Barrister from West Sussex has been ordered to pay over £11,000 in costs after neglecting one of his horses. The case was brought by the RSPCA with the help of leading international equine charity World Horse Welfare.
feet and was suffering from Laminitis.
Christopher Wilkins, 46, a Solicitor and former Barrister, of Up Marden, West Sussex was found guilty on Wednesday 24 August 2011 at Worthing Magistrates of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering to ‘Angel’, an eight year old 13.3hh bay mare.
“I am pleased that Mr Wilkins has been ordered to pay substantial costs as there was no excuse for allowing Angel to get in such a poor condition. As a former barrister and trained solicitor, Mr Wilkins would have been aware of the consequences of leaving his horse in such a condition and therefore should have known better.
Wilkins was sentenced on the same day and received a £700 fine with a £15 surcharge, was ordered to pay £9159.99 in costs to the RSPCA, as well as an additional £1500 in costs. On 21st July last year World Horse Welfare Field Officer Ted Barnes received a call about a horse in a field at Wilkins’ property. Ted and RSPCA Inspector Becky Carter then visited the field belonging to Wilkins where they found ‘Angel’ who was very overweight, had extremely long
Ted Barnes said “Angel was extremely overweight and her feet were in a terrible condition when we first saw her and I was very concerned for her current and future welfare.
”Angel’s condition was so severe that she still requires medical treatment more than a year after she was taken into care.”
Tucked away in the glorious Sussex countryside at Staplecross is a little known gem - White Horse Stables Horse Rescue, a registered charity founded in 1995 (Charity Number – 1060620) to rescue and care for abused, neglected and abandoned horses and ponies. There are currently 28 rescued horses ranging from 7 months to 32 years, all have terrible stories to tell including Dolly who came riddled with worms and lice and untrimmed feet, all now have a home for life either on site or with new foster homes. These fortunate ones are cared for entirely though public donations and legacies and the hard work of dedicated volunteers.
The court made a Deprivation Order against Angel meaning she will remain under the care of World Horse Welfare for the rest of her life and is currently being rehabilitated at our Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk.
We could do so much more with your help – if you would like to make a donation, re-home or adopt a rescue horse or pony or help in anyway please contact Diane on 01580 831266 to arrange a visit or go to the website: www.whitehorsestables.com Sharing the site is Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre, a British Horse Society approved riding centre that raises funds for the charity
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 - October 2011
White Horse Stables Horse Rescue
by providing riding lessons for all ages and ability and training for those wanting to work in the equine industry. We have ponies and horses to accommodate all sizes and offer riding holidays, hen parties, pony club, school groups and shows to encourage more people to ride in this safe and friendly environment. This is a family run business with 3 generations of expertise and facilities include an indoor school, jumping paddock and conference suite.
Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre Ellenwhorne Lane Staplecross East Sussex TN32 5RT Tel: 01580 831266 www.ellenwhorneequestrian.co.uk
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
Bitting advice Gail will be at the Horse of the Year Show on stand H9F so pop along for bitting advice and to see new bit designs. If you are thinking of changing your bit, it always helps if you bring your current bit with you so I can measure it and discuss with you
how it fits. Look forward to seeing you there! For more information telephone Gail on 07789587302 or visit www.horsebithire.com