OUT AND ABOUT
Spotlight on international dressage at home
Leading dressage riders, trainers and judges have been gathering together around the UK as the international season kicks off in the countdown to London 2012 Pictures by: Leslie Bliss
RIGHT: Future stars: Twelve-year-old Grand Prix partner Tellwell produces some impressive uphill canter changes for Laura Bechtolsheimer at Addington CDI BELOW: Dutch dressage legend Anky van Grunsven was spotted at Addington CDI, which she attended in her capacity as trainer
LEFT: Lizzie Murray rides her four-yearold Brightwells’ auction purchase Sweatheart at the BDSC Convention
RIGHT: Stephen Clarke and Wim Ernes discuss the merits of the five-yearold DHI Bravo, ridden by Nathalie Kayal
june 2012 Horse Deals
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OUT AND ABOUT
RIGHT: Pure class: Imke Schellekens Bartels and the 12-year-old Hunter Douglas Toots dominate the big tour at Addington CDI, winning on the combination’s international Grand Prix debut BELOW: Carl Hester watches his protegÊ Charlotte Dujardin compete Tatler in the CDI Grand Prix at Addington EC
BELOW: Demo riders Richard Davison and the talented Hiscox Aliano demonstrate piaffe/passage transitions at the BDSC National Judges Convention
RIGHT: Anky van Grunsven adds a touch of glamour with some funky Western boots at Addington CDI
BELOW: Olympic judges Wim Ernes and Stephen Clarke, who hosted the BDSC [British Dressage Supporters Club] National Judges Convention held at Bury Farm EC, Bucks, in front of an appreciative audience of more than 400
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june 2012 Horse Deals
buying a dressage horse
f For 100s o dressage le sa horses for w. see ww . horsedeals co.uk
Expert advice to help you find the perfect dressage horse to match your ability and ambitions‌ JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
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buying a dressage horse
Get set for success C ompetition has never been hotter in the dressage world. With our Olympic medal chances at an all-time high, dressage fever has gripped the sport at all levels – from the popular Trailblazers league and Petplan Area Festivals to the prestigious British Dressage regional and national championships. Even at grass roots level, riders are specialising in the sport and looking for a horse that fits the bill. So what makes the perfect dressage horse? Whether you aim to impress at Prelim or Prix St Georges, making your mark in dressage means finding a horse willing to work with energy, expression and obedience. While it’s easy to believe that the warmbloods have the sport sewn up, the good news is that a variety of breeds are showing their flashier counterparts how it’s done. Natives such as the Welsh Section D are topping the leaderboards at the lower levels, while further up the scale the likes of Gelderlander-Hackney Grand Prix superstar Mr President have proved that trainability can triumph over bloodlines. The key to dressage success lies in the partnership between horse and rider, so great breeding and spectacular paces are nothing if the two of you can’t present a picture of harmony. If your relationship is fun and productive, your time spent together will be all the more rewarding. It’s all down to finding the horse that suits your budget, your ability and your ambitions.
First steps
Dressage trainer Alison Short teaches a number of combinations starting out on the dressage ladder. What advice would she give those looking for a horse to take them through Prelim, Novice and Elementary? “Trainability should come first,” she says. “Some riders new to the sport have a considerable budget, but there’s a real risk of being over-horsed. While it’s easy to be tempted by flashy and expressive paces, they’re no use if the horse is uncooperative or dangerous.” Being trainable doesn’t just mean sensible, www.horsedeals.co.uk
‘Trainability’ is essential in any dressage horse
according to Alison. “Trainability also refers to a horse’s ability to recall information,” she explains. “Some learn quickly, while others need the same lesson repeated again and again. What’s also important is the horse’s willingness to learn. Ideally you’re looking for a horse with a consistent temperament who’s not easily distracted or difficult when in season – something more inclined to say ‘yes’ than ‘no’.” A horse’s age doesn’t necessarily dictate how sane or obliging he’ll be, but a less experienced rider should consider the implications of educating a youngster. “Many people buy a dressage horse without the budget or inclination to train, yet training is key,” says Alison. “Weigh up your own ability alongside the horse’s experience before factoring in the quality and frequency of the training you intend to take. Something young or green may be cheaper, but it takes an experienced instructor to train a novice rider on a novice horse. While you’ll have to spend more on a
schoolmaster, you’ll need less intensive input.” How important is movement at the introductory levels? “With continued training, good basic paces can become expressive,” says Alison, who puts suppleness and rhythm as a priority. “What’s most important is a good walk that goes hand-in-hand with a good canter – but beware of a walk that scores a ‘9’ as it usually means an enormous canter. A horse can struggle with this, especially if he’s young, and really needs professional training.” Even the lower levels demand a considerable amount of gymnastic ability. Very straight hind limbs can mean that the horse is likely to encounter difficulty flexing the hocks and engaging his quarters. “If he’s easy to train he’ll try to do the work you ask, but problems with hocks and hind suspensory ligaments can develop,” admits Alison. “Similarly, watch for age or careerrelated injuries in horses who have previously evented or showjumped. The older ones can be a bit stiff and one-sided, making it JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
SELLING YOUR HORSE
Guaranteed S
elling a horse can never be as easy as selling a car or a house. While the aims are the same – a smooth transaction, a realistic price and a satisfied buyer who won’t cause problems, you also have to factor in the horse’s temperament and ability, and do everything possible to ensure you find him the right home. Yet there is a common denominator to all successful sales: to attract the right interest, you have to market your horse correctly, often making use of different media. The more insight you can give, the more interest you will generate. And one way of achieving this is to include a video – an option available via the Horse Deals website www.horsedeals.co.uk JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
sale
When it comes to showing your horse in the best light it’s vital to tailor the video according to your horse or pony and the home you’re looking for. While those looking for a competition horse will want to see him moving and, where
applicable, jumping – perhaps with competition footage as a bonus – parents looking for a first pony will have different priorities and could be impressed by a video showing one that can be handled and ridden safely by small children.
Tel: 01733 468000
SELLING YOUR HORSE
Visit www.horsedeals. co.uk to sell your horse or find your dream one today 58578 15-5-12-82
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The correct marketing campaign will help ensure your horse sells fast – and to the best home, as Carolyn Henderson discovers Some dealers have it down to a fine art and if they are selling a horse who is great to hack in heavy traffic, will put up a video showing this. At the same time, you need to look at whether the horse you are selling could be successful and happy with a new owner www.horsedeals.co.uk
whose interests might be different from yours. For instance, could your show horse wow the dressage judges or does he have jumping ability that you haven’t capitalised on? Think about where you advertise your horse, too. Packages that combine print and
internet advertising can offer a great deal. You can also use Facebook, or, if you are a professional, your own website, but remember that advertising via specialist sales media is likely to target buyers, rather than browsers. JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
OntheMarket Well-presented equestrian properties
House doctor
Equestrian property may have bucked the national trend as residential sales and prices appear to remain stable (if you’ll pardon the pun), but buyers can still be choosy. So what can you do to make your property stand out? “You only get one chance to make a first impression – so make sure it’s a good one,” advises Graham Hain of Rural and Equestrian. “Ensuring the entrance drive is weed-free and clear for viewers to park is one essential. Anything broken or damaged, including old cars and trailers, etc, should be out of sight.” Ideally, go to the end of your road and approach your property and see it through a buyer’s eye for the first time. Take a friend who can also sweep a critical eye, as they may see something you miss. Gates and fences need to be in good repair – and remember to poo-pick the paddocks! Buyers may say that the equestrian facilities are more important than the living accommodation, but when viewing a property chances are they don’t mean it, so sell them the lifestyle. “Have you got five-star stables and a two-star house, or a five-star house and two-star stables?” asks Graham. “They should be equal! And if you have horses, do they reflect the state of your property?” Emily Cooper-Reade of ECR Properties points out that if your property is presented well from the beginning, buyers may not raise any issues with maintenance. “Some equestrian properties can look tired, and the horses and stables better cared for than the house,” she says. “So de-clutter and think of Phil Spencer’s advice from the TV show Location, location, location and you won’t go far wrong!” Generally, prospective buyers viewing equestrian properties are going to be animal lovers – but of
£995,000
Redgate Cottage, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire
£899,999
have you got five-star stables and a two-star house?’ course, there is always their non-horsey other half. However much of a lover of dogs, geese, chickens, etc, they don’t wish to be met by them on arrival. “They certainly don’t appreciate animals jumping up at them or their vehicles,” says Graham. “Also, animals can smell – so before a viewing, open the windows and air the house.” It’s wise to tidy up and de-personalise your home both indoors and out. Sweep the yard, tidy the haystack and place tack and rugs out of sight or tidily in the tack room. If a mobile home is sited on your property, take a critical look. Is it clean and tidy, or looking tired and unloved? A manure pile also needs to be tidy, rather than messy and poorly contained. Minor repairs can make all the difference, too. A leaking tap by the stables causing a constant puddle JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
Spring Acre Farm, Thorpe in Balne, Doncaster, Yorkshire and an ice patch in winter is a hazard, but may only require a five minute job. Finally, clean the windows and cut the lawn – the majority of people love the smell of freshly cut grass. Rural and Equestrian [ruralandequestrian.com, 0845 127 9919] have several properties on their books ably demonstrating well-presented, clean and tidy homes for sale.
Spring Acre Farm in Thorpe in Balne, Doncaster, Yorkshire, is a prime example. The substantial character farmhouse with attached two-bed cottage, lake and equestrian facilities is an appealing, spacious and comfortable family home standing in 10 acres and priced at £899,999. Dating from around 1800, the three-storey, five-bed house with drawing room, dining room, sitting room, snug and study has been Tel: 01733 468000
£649,999
£735,000
Malt Kiln Farm, Hatton, Market Drayton, Shropshire
159 Allanton Road, Allanton, North Lanarkshire Tollgate Barn, Crowfield, Ipswich
£525,000
£449,999
Tol lg a t e B a r n , C r o w f ie l d , S u f f ol k
£675,000
Anstey House, Forncett St Peter, Norfolk Brewery Farm, Polstead, Colchester extensively improved over the years, and has an impressive first-floor roof terrace with views over the manège and lake. The equine side comprises of nine internal stables, two tack rooms, manège, workshop, barn and feed store and a two-acre stocked lake. Anstey House in Forncett St Peter, 10 miles south of the cathedral city of Norwich in Norfolk, is also with Rural and Equestrian with a price tag of £449,999. The modern, detached house near the end of a ‘no through’ country lane is extremely well presented and ready to move straight in. This four/five-bed home with spacious living has family and equestrian accommodation with two timber stables, tack room, hay stores and fenced paddocks totalling 1.6 acres. Redgate Cottage in Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, is a dream property for the equestrian after the wettest April since records began – it has an indoor school. A U-shaped stable block of 10 stables is set around a central lawn with hay store, wash-down area, feed room and Claydon horse-walker. An outdoor arena is adjacent to the indoor one, with a lungeing area and a modern barn with four internal stables and space for horse box storage. Paddocks are post and rail, and the outer perimeter is a mix of hedgerow and stock fencing. The 14-acre property with five-bed family accommodation, priced at £995,000 with Rural and Equestrian, is also located on a bridleway, accessing www.horsedeals.co.uk
extensive bridleways across the area. Travelling to Scotland, 159 Allanton Road, Allanton, near Shotts in North Lanarkshire is a stunning 45-acre, modern detached property with stables. This spacious family home, within easy commuting distance of Glasgow, Edinburgh and the M74, has been finished to the highest standard. A lower ground floor provides a five/six car garage and gymnasium while the yard has 11 stables, a hay barn and access to the extensive grazing land. Further land may be available to rent with a manège. On the market with Rural and Equestrian, this four-bed property is priced at £649,999. Berrys [www.berrybros.com, 01743 271697] has a well-presented country home in 7.04 acres with potential for equestrian use marketed with a guide price of £735,000. Malt Kiln Farm in Hatton, Market Drayton, north Shropshire, is a well-positioned, lovingly restored character farmhouse with adjoining stone barn, gardens and land. “This is an immaculate family home with superb stone barns offering the potential to be used as additional accommodation ancillary to the main house,” says Sarah Reece who is handling the sale for Berry Bros at their Shrewsbury office. “These attractive buildings are currently used for livestock, garaging, storage and office space, but could easily be developed, subject to planning consent.”
In a picturesque position at the end of a sweeping lane, this property has a master suite bedroom and two further en-suite double bedrooms, all served with a fabulous landing large enough to convert into a further bedroom. On the ground floor, a spacious hall with impressive parquet flooring gives access to the main reception rooms and cellar. The breakfast kitchen has wooden fitted units, beams and a utility room, while the sitting room’s spiral staircase leads to the sunroom where the idyllic views can be appreciated. The land is divided into five fenced paddocks with mains water and field shelters. ECR Properties [www.ecrproperties.com, 07767 327327] has two must-view properties. The first, on with a guide price of £675,000, Brewery Farm in Polstead, is a charming, three-bed, restored Grade II listed period farmhouse with four loose boxes, a tack room, hay store, manège, in 5.5 acres. There is also a detached period barn – formerly a farm shop – on the property and a former animal feed business outbuilding. The second is Tollgate Barn in Crowfield, Ipswich, Suffolk, which comes with a guide price of £525,000. The detached three-bed, barn-style home was built in 2008 and has an attractive breakfast kitchen, L-shaped lounge, study, conservatory and master bedroom suite with Juliet balcony. Standing in 3.5 acres, the equestrian facilities, which has its own separate access, has a stable block of three loose boxes. There is also a tack/feed room, barn and paddocks. JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
Track Inside
Dressage rider Spencer Wilton rises to the challenge of the Premier League series and, as the foaling season begins, reflects on what it takes to produce a future winner
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ell, it’s been another hectic month and I’m happy to report that our Premier League campaign is in full swing and going well. I took Doogie and Neville [Super Nova] to Addington EC in Buckinghamshire, and was delighted when Doogie won the Prix St Georges on the first day with more than 72%. He felt amazing, totally focused and produced his best test ever. It was one of those rare days when, from the moment I got on, everything went right! I did another PSG with him the next day and we had a couple of little blips and finished fourth, but I was still really pleased with him. Neville was great in both his PSGs too, and got a couple of good placings on very respectable scores. He’s growing ever more confident with every outing and now just needs to clock up some more mileage. These days the standard at this level is sky high – Carl [Hester] won the class on more than 75% – so if you want a look in you need to be scoring over 70%. There are a lot of classy horses at small tour level and the competition is hot. Years ago, you just needed to ride a mistake-free test on a nice horse to stand a chance of winning, but not any more. Now you really need to be riding for 8s all the way through the test if you want to win, and there are increasing numbers of riders who can do this. The game has been raised at all levels, but I think it’s a good thing for our sport. Dressage has changed a lot in the past four years and horses and riders are just getting better and better. These days, prospective Grand Prix horses not only have to have spectacular movement, but they need to be highly trainable too. At the top end, our team prospects such as Valegro, Uthopia and Mistral Hojris are all horses with superb temperaments as well as movement. These horses all want to work and want to do dressage.
The game has been raised at all levels, but I think it’s a good thing for our sport’ www.horsedeals.co.uk
Doogie’s been on a winning streak of late
To get to the top, you need a horse with a generous nature – in my opinion, talent without generosity is a lost cause! For example, take Germany’s Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht, who, several years ago, were at the top of the sport and winning World Cup qualifiers on high scores – yet in the Grand Prix Freestyle at Hagen CDI in April this year he was spooking and tense which lost marks and they finished in 10th place. Another thing that’s also changed is the whole environment horses are now being asked to perform in. These days the big internationals have much more of a ‘showbiz’ atmosphere with lights, music and applause – it’s a lot to ask of the horses so they need to be able to cope with the big occasions, and again temperament is a key factor.
Breeding talent
I’m happy to report that the first of our foals has been born. Jay’s Irish Sport Horse/Thoroughbred broodmare Eye Candy, who won the Burghley Young Event Horse title as a four-year-old in 2007, produced a beautiful chestnut filly by Zamboucca, whom we’ve named Candy Black, or “Cilla” to her friends! She was born a week early at West Kington Stud but she is absolutely drop dead gorgeous. We’ve got our second and third foals due shortly. The first expectant mum, Tanita, is an 11-year-old mare with Ramiro bloodlines, and the other is a Thoroughbred by Mayhill called Maybee Babee. Both are in foal to Zamboucca.
We’re looking at breeding with a view to producing good moving, dual purpose sports horses. It’s so hard to find unspoilt talented youngsters at an affordable price, so we’ve decided to try our luck and see how things work out. Talking of youngsters, Jay gave me a totally unexpected present last month – a beautiful yearling filly called Goose, who is by Ferro out of a Weltmeyer mare. I’d seen her on the internet but didn’t follow up with an enquiry straightaway. When I eventually made the call to the breeder, I was disappointed to hear that she’d been sold, so you can imagine my astonishment when a month later she arrived in our yard and I found out Jay had done the deal in secret. She is gorgeous and has a sweet nature, so now it’s just a case of being patient and keeping our fingers crossed. I’m a big fan of Ferro offspring as they are amazing horses, so it’s going to be exciting to see how she grows up!
About Spencer
Spencer started as a working pupil for eventing luminaries Lucinda Green, Mark Todd and Ruth McMullen. After taking up dressage, he was based with Carl Hester and won the 2007 national dressage title on Dolendo. He now has a training base at Grove Farm, Gloucestershire, with his partner, event rider Jay Halim. For information on the team, visit www.spencerwilton.co.uk
june 2012 Horse Deals
Win dressage training DVDs! competition
Improve your flatwork skills with help from top rider Laura Bechtolsheimer in our exclusive competition
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e’ve teamed up with Equestrian Vision – the leading producer and distributor of equestrian DVDs in the UK – to offer two lucky readers the chance to each win a set of six Laura Bechtolsheimer training DVDs. Plus two runners-up will each receive a copy of the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 DVD. These new titles feature training with the European Championships British gold medal-winning team member, and our main competition winners will each receive the following six DVDs: Laura Bechtolsheimer Works With Youngster Dan – in this DVD, Laura works her six-year-old dressage horse Dankeshoen (Dan) at home in three different sessions over a four-month period, as she gives advice on warming up, de-mystifying lateral work and the start of piaffe. (Running time approx 58 minutes.) Laura Bechtolsheimer: The Baby And The Finished Horse – here, Laura takes us from one end of the training spectrum to the other, working with her four-year-old horse Stepdance (Step), then showcasing her Grand Prix horse and Olympic partner Mistral Hojris. (Running time approx 60 minutes.) Laura Bechtolsheimer And Her Grand Prix Horses – this is a privileged insight into Laura’s training at home with top horses Mistral Hojris and Andretti H. (Running time approx 60 minutes.) Laura Bechtolsheimer And Dr B Train Their Future Stars – here, the Bechtolsheimers start their youngsters on the ground and under saddle. Dr B provides a demonstration of long-reining and interprets Laura’s lesson with German trainer Klaus Balkenhol. (Running time approx 64 minutes.) * All of the above DVDs are priced at £24.99; all four DVDs bought together cost £74.99, giving a 25% discount.
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our lucky runnersPlus up will each receive a copy of: FEI European Dressage
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JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
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Laura Bechtolsheimer Progresses her Youngsters, Parts 1 and 2 – see how Laura and her trainer, Dr B, develop their talented youngsters. Part 1 covers progressing from ‘baby’ work with five-year-olds Step and Teddy, through lateral work and focussing on balance. In part 2, Laura and Dr B develop the core work of their youngsters and prepare them for their first dressage tests. (Running time for each DVD is approx 60 minutes.) This two-part series costs £24.99 per DVD.
Championships 2011 – watch as British team members Carl Hester, Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emile Faurie and Charlotte Dujardin take these championships by storm to win their first ever European team gold medal. All the top tests are shown in full, as well as the other main highlights of the team competition. (Running time approx 100 minutes.) It’s priced at £21.99.
TO ENTER
Visit www.horsedeals.co.uk/win to enter for free, before the closing date of June 28, 2012. Not a winner? You can buy the DVDs from www.equestrianvision.co.uk, call 01403 864173 or find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/EquestrianVision
Tel: 01733 468000
Bridles
Seeing
double Carolyn Henderson explains how to use a double bridle so you can ride using one with confidence
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sing a double bridle doesn’t have to be twice as complicated as using a snaffle, but you do have to make sure that both you and your horse are ready, and that you’re using it for the right reasons. A double bridle isn’t designed to give you twice the braking power. It’s there to give the ultimate refinement to your aids and make the communication down the reins more subtle. Before you use it your horse must be established and confident in his way of going and capable of working in self-carriage. Your part of the bargain is to make sure you have an independent seat and understand how to use the two bits so they complement, rather than contradict, each other.
Getting started
It’s important to choose not only the combination of bits that suits your horse, but to introduce a double bridle carefully so that he gets used to its action before you use it in a competition environment. If you haven’t ridden with a double before, try to have a lesson on a horse who’s schooled to its use, and get an experienced trainer to help you through the
JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
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Tel: 01733 468000
Bridles
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JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
showing coloured horses
The beauty of coloureds Jo Prestwich asks the experts to share their tips on producing coloureds in show ring condition
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t wasn’t that long ago that coloured horses were limited to the unfashionable end of the market, but as quality has been bred into them their rise has been meteoric. A handful of classes at local level JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
have snowballed to classes at all the major shows and a HOYS Championship to aim for, Grand Prix dressage horses, international show jumpers and CCI**** eventers. So what do winning producers look for in a coloured
show horse? Sue-Helen Shuttleworth rode her own and husband Andrew’s traditional cob stallion Del Boy to win his class and stand reserve champion at HOYS 18 months ago. She breeds and produces cobs from Tel: 01733 468000
showing coloured horses
Turnout tips • Get those whites whiter than white; scrub
and when you think you’ve scrubbed enough, then scrub some more! • A few drops of Stardrops in water is an efficient and very economical way of removing stains. • A drop of baby oil in the water will give extra shine when shampooing a coat. • A cotton sheet as a base layer to the main rug will help keep a horse’s coat clean as it can be washed regularly. • A leg cut off an old pair of tights and pulled over and up the tail with a tail bandage applied as normal is a great way to keep a white tail clean. • Applying show conditioner spray or detanglers on manes or tails will make them impossible to plait. Also be careful to keep Show Sheen off the reins as they will be slippery too. • If you are plaiting stock up on white, brown and black rubber bands or white, brown and black thread so that you can match it to a multi-coloured mane.
Showing coloured traditional types
her Lancashire base near Preston. “Traditional coloureds have their own set of rules, but good conformation and movement are essential,” says Sue-Helen. “They need a good length of rein with a quality head and to www.horsedeals.co.uk
be clean through the jaw. Good flat bone with plenty of straight silky hair and good feet are a must, plus they should stand four square with an ‘apple bottom’ and move straight in all three paces with a light, uphill action.”
The first thing Sue-Helen does with a new arrival is assess his condition. “To be fair, with a cob adding weight is not normally an issue and I’m usually deciding what I need to get off,” says Sue-Helen. “Fit not fat is my motto. “If you set off with a clean horse and travel with plenty of clean shavings in the box then it will help your horse arrive as clean as possible,” she says. “When we arrive at a show we skip the lorry out straight away – let’s face it, everything helps! “That just leaves us with finishing touches and I always brush out the mane and tail just before entering the ring to give them plenty of volume. Traditionals are always shown ‘au naturelle’. “That said you do need to do a bit of trimming particularly with the smaller ones,” adds Sue-Helen, who is sponsored by Supreme Products. “Too much mane and too long a mane can make them look short and stuffy in the neck. I trim the mane just enough to show off the shoulder and the length of rein. I keep my tack as plain as possible and try different widths of cavesson to make sure it complements their head.” Type is the first thing that springs to mind when show producer Andrew Collins is looking for a horse. Andrew runs Millstone Stud on the outskirts of Stoke on Trent with wife Steph, from where he has shown HOYS champion LB’s Legacy and sourced the likes of the top class Sheer Impulse, currently ridden by Katie Jerram. “Most of mine come out of Ireland,” says Andrew, who has specific criteria when buying a horse. “They have to be a model,” he adds. “Riding horse, hack, hunter, cob. JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
Driving a 3.5 tonne lorry
Compact versatile and
New developments to smaller lorries mean they can be used to carry bigger horses, for longer stays away and in more comfort – as Jane Carley reports
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mall horseboxes have revolutionised horse transport for many owners and riders, providing a convenient, economical way to get to shows, go in search of off-road riding or simply take their horse to the vet. The smallest can even be driven on a standard car licence without taking an additional test, which has made them attractive to younger drivers. But there have historically been some drawbacks, including limited payload to transport more than one june 2012 Horse Deals
horse, lack of storage space or somewhere clean to change or shelter and, in some cases, safety concerns. However, the market has matured considerably in recent years, and manufacturers have come up with some innovative ideas to overcome any issues and help horse owners get more out of their vehicles. Payload will always be an issue with smaller lorries – most owners will want to carry two horses at some point, for enjoyment, company or to share costs. The 3.5 tonne designation is
the Gross Vehicle Weight of the lorry, made up of its unladen weight and payload, ie what it can carry. This has to include the driver, any passengers, fuel and any tack or equipment as well as the horses. So given that most 15hh-plus horses weigh at least 500kg, driver and one passenger an average of 70kg each, two large horses, all their tack, hay and water are not going to go in a lorry with an average payload of 1000kg! Some manufacturers use lightweight materials to reduce the unladen weight and Tel: 01733 468000
Driving a 3.5 tonne lorry This 3.5-tonne Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox was up for grabs last year in our win a horsebox competition – see next issue for details of how you could win one again!
therefore boost the payload, and another solution is to consider a vehicle with an uprated chassis which increases the GVW to 3.9, 4.2 or 4.5 tonnes. These slightly larger lorries still offer the advantages of a 3.5 tonne vehicle – manoeuvrability and economy – but give extra payload. The main downside is that younger drivers will have to take an additional test to drive a 3.5-7.5 tonne vehicle. Galloper Horseboxes offers a 3.5 tonne model with a payload of 1.3-1.4 tonnes, as the company’s director Colin Smith explains. “We use a lightweight honeycombed material for the structure, which is 25mm thick as opposed to the 14-15mm used by other manufacturers and due to its composition is www.horsedeals.co.uk
stronger. We also fit lightweight mats and keep fixings to a minimum by using sealants and glues instead. The panels are more expensive which means a higher purchase price, but the result is a strong horsebox with a better payload.” Equi-Trek was one of the pioneers of the modern small lorry, and added its four tonne Supersonic model to carry two larger horses. Managing director Tom Janion comments: “The Supersonic can legally carry two horses, and we have recently added a 4.5 tonne model which has a 1900kg payload, allowing day living to be fitted too. The six-wheeler 5 tonne Valiant has a 3m living area, comparable to that on a 7.5 tonne horsebox, but with the economy of a smaller lorry.”
Safety in transit
The most popular layout for smaller vehicles is to travel the horses facing to the rear, with a small storage/living space at the back. There have been incidents with horses in rear facing lorries climbing over the breast bar into the space behind and becoming trapped. This has been tackled in a number of ways. Discouraging the horse from climbing over by using v-shaped grilles similar to antiweaving bars is one option, while fitting a breast bar or chest partition that can be easily dismantled minimises injuries if the horse does try to get over. Fitting a wider door at the rear means that the horse could be unloaded by this route if he does climb over or in another emergency. JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
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Colourful genes Whether you’re looking to achieve a skewbald, cremello, palomino, piebald or buckskin foal, breeding for colour is a challenge, as Carolyn Henderson discovers…
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reeding a foal who has all the necessary attributes for performance is difficult enough – but add the challenge of breeding for a particular colour and this gives you even more hoops to jump through. Despite this, it’s an obstacle race many are prepared to tackle. However, at the same time, successful breeders – whether professional or amateur – are keen to get their priorities right. While they do all they can to ensure a match results in a particular colour, this isn’t the top priority, and conformation, movement and temperament must come first. As the old saying goes, a good horse is never a bad colour, and there’s no point breeding a foal who has the required patches or coat hue if the essentials aren’t there. Some colours – skewbald, piebald, cremello, perlino and dun/buckskin – can be found in all breeds
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Guaranteed results
Greater knowledge of genetics, plus the growing availability of DNA testing, means that in some cases you can be sure of getting the colour you want. For instance, there is an ever growing number of homozygous-tested skewbalds and piebalds; if one parent is homozygous, then the offspring will always be skewbald or piebald no matter what the colour of the other partner. Similarly, a homozygous cremello crossed with a chestnut will always produce palomino. If the other partner is palomino, the foal will be either palomino or cremello.
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Stallion
Of the month Greenvale Audacity Meet Jo Milnes’ talented young part-bred Trakehner stallion Greenvale Audacity, who is starting his promising eventing career this season
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o Milnes admits she had virtually made up her mind about “Dazzle” the moment she first saw his photograph as a two-year-old, but his outstanding Trakehner bloodlines simply confirmed she had made the correct decision to buy him. “I was attracted to his beautiful head with a very kind eye and good conformation. On paper his pedigree
I was attracted to his beautiful head with a kind eye and good conformation’ was what I was looking for in a potential event sire,” says Jo, who bought him from Greenvale Stud, near Carmarthen. “When I met him he had a lovely character – kind with a little bit of cheekiness! The good looking coloured stallion has excellent Trakehner bloodlines, which go back to Muschamp Danube, the UK Trakehner foundation stallion. This includes Fleetwater – a well known name in the eventing world and on his sire’s side there is an influence of Thoroughbred – again ideal in event breeding. His dam Fleetwater Acclaim, who was a successful dressage horse in the 1990s, is a graded Trakehner and BWBS [British Warmblood Society] mare, while his grandsire Elvis, a graded coloured Trakehner, has produced many successful sports horses. According to Jo, Dazzle (so named because of the way he turns on the charm) has inherited traits from the best Trakehner bloodlines – bold over a fence,
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attention,” she says. “He also loves his stable at home, which is the first box visitors come to. He has a window just inside the gate and if something has been left in his reach, he has been known to throw something at people just to draw their attention to him! He also loves to chat up his mares – he would certainly be the perfect gent that would wine and dine his date first!” Greenvale Audacity’s progeny to date have been ideal sports horse types, which have proved to be athletic, people-friendly, inquisitive youngsters. “He has been used by a few people to produce family horses – these have all is th : job e th r Bred fo had a lovely nature that would go and is bold Trakhener stallion ce do any job, while still being a member fen a er ov ic let ath and of the family,” says Jo. “He suits many types of mares – we Greenvale Audacit y have used him on Thoroughbreds and has been approved by sports horses to produce sports horses, CHAPS UK but he has had a few quite large mares to downsize the offspring and also a couple of ‘cobby’, smaller mares to refine and add quality and lightness to progeny. “The oldest progeny is now three years old and has turned out to be a very similar stamp to Dazzle, with a kind eye and athletic conformation. “He certainly knows he’s special – I think his temperament and cheekiness makes him the horse he is!” moves well, extremely athletic, as well as being capable of producing sports horses. • For more information about Greenvale Greenvale Audacity was produced for Audacity, contact Jo Milnes on the CHAPS UK gradings by Derek Morton 07779 637507 or 01262 490570 at Beech House Stud and is currently with email info@westendfarmstud.co.uk event rider Vickie Dennis near York, being or www.westendfarmstud.co.uk prepared for his first season eventing. The plan is for him to spend the stud season About Greenvale Audacity between training and competitions and home for covering duties. • Owned by Jo Milnes of West End “He has always been easy to handle and Farm Stud, Yorkshire was quick to learn his covering job,” says • Home-bred by Jane Richey, Jo. “Starting first with a natural cover and Pembrokeshire • Born: 2005 then progressing to AI shortly afterwards. • Colour: skewbald • Height: This season’s plans are that he will start 15.3½hh • Breed: part-bred with a few BE90 before progressing with Trakehner • Sire: Alderfarn VII the aim of going Novice this year.” • Dam: Fleetwater Acclaim • Approved with CHAPS UK Type and temperament • Available fresh AI or chilled semen His owner is full of praise for this via West End Farm Stud, Driffield, stallion’s temperament and ability: Yorkshire “He loves to jump and be the centre of
JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
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Best known for its striking coat pattern, the versatile Appaloosa enjoys every discipline
Stud mas, Tresaison Pics: Lesley Tho stud.co.uk on ais res w.t ww
These photos show how the Appaloosa coat can develop over time. Here we can see Tresaison Lone Wolf as a youngster (above) – but a year later his colour change is marked (see left)
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Talent spotting
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ore than just a pretty coat, the growth in the popularity of the Appaloosa as a general riding and sport horse is testament to the breed’s versatility. One of the few breeds to be characterised by its colour, the Appaloosa evolved in North America as a tough, sturdy stock horse. But due to the influence of several different breeds over the centuries – including the Arab and Quarter Horse – as well as more recent crosses with European sport horses, its size and conformation can vary hugely. One Horse Deals reader who’s a huge fan of the ‘spotties’ is riding instructor Steffanie Singleton, who appeared on the cover of Horse Deals’ sister magazine Your Horse earlier this year with her striking Appaloosa Cheyanne (pictured below). Steffanie’s owned the 15.2hh, 14-yearSteffanie and her leopard-spotted Appaloosa Cheyanne
old mare for nearly five years, and though Cheyanne does have her quirks, she wouldn’t have her any other way. “She can be sharp and she certainly knows her own mind,” says Steffanie, “but now we’ve developed a bond she’ll do anything for me.” Bought on a whim from a sale in England, Steffanie, who lives in Ayrshire, didn’t go with the intention of buying a new horse – but fate took a hand. “As well as Cheyanne’s markings there was just something in her eye that drew me to her,” adds Steffanie. “We believe she originally came over to the UK from France, and while she was sold as not a novice ride, she was very green. She only knew how to gallop in a straight line, but while she’s still got a spark and is very sensitive to my leg we’ve got a great relationship and understanding. If you bond with an Appaloosa you’re friends for life.” The pair have since competed at riding club level in show jumping, cross-country and dressage, though Cheyanne excels in endurance and loves mounted games. “Her Quarter Horse heritage means she’s very agile and can turn on a sixpence,” says Steffanie. “We ended up winning the riding club mounted games points league! “I’m hugely proud of her and would love to breed from her in the future. She’d produce a gorgeous foal and I already have one or two stallions in mind.”
Looking for an Appaloosa?
Go online now to view hundreds of horses for sale – of every colour and type! Visit www.horsedeals. co.uk
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BREED OF THE MONTH
A brief history While the exact origin of the breed is unknown, according to The British Appaloosa Society, these striking horses have been decorating pastures across the world for thousands of years – not to mention cave walls, as French cave paintings dating back to prehistoric times provide the earliest recorded evidence of the existence of spotted equines. Whether or not today’s Appaloosas can be traced back to them is up for debate, but today’s American-based breed (thought to have been brought to the US by the Spanish Conquistadors) was strongly influenced by the Nez Perce Indian tribe, who developed a strict breeding programme. The breed was known as the ‘Palouse’, after the river that ran through Nez Perce country. This evolved into Palousey, Appalousey and, finally, Appaloosa.
Spot the difference Appaloosa coat markings are many and varied, including: l Leopard – dark spots over a white coat l Blanket – dark spots over white hair in the loins/hip area only (with a plain dark coat over the rest of the horse’s body) l Some Appaloosas are born a solid colour and fail to ever develop spots; while in others the spots can be more like tiny flecks. l For a full list of the coat variations within the breed, see www.appaloosa.org.uk
Find out more l The British Appaloosa Society, established in 1976, is the oldest Appaloosa organisation in the UK and an independent breed registry. Visit www.appaloosa.org.uk l The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) UK holds the only Appaloosa breed register in the UK with daughter-breed status that’s officially recognised by DEFRA. It is affiliated to the Appaloosa Horse Club in the US and has two main registers – the A Register (American) and the B Register (British) – as well as one P register (Part-bred). It promotes and supports English and Western disciplines. Visit www.aphcuk.org l The British Spotted Pony Society has a breed registry for spotted ponies, as well as a sales list and stallion directory, visit www.britishspottedponysociety.co.uk
JUNE 2012 Horse Deals
Essential buying & selling advice
Next month in
Horse Deals On sale 26 JUNE Off to a winning start Our essential guide to
trying a new horse will ensure you make the right buying decision
Vetting explained What do you really need to pay for?
insure & go! Expert advice on insuring your horse whatever his age, talents or value
PLUS! • Are you a nightmare
buyer? We reveal the home truths that may well ring true! • We have all the behindthe-scenes gossip and sporting news from top riders Clayton Fredericks and Spencer Wilton
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