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April 2014 Issue 7

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Back to School with Natasha Baker

INDUSTRY INSIDER...

Shadow Horse

The shop which seems to be on everyone’s finger tip A Day in the Life of ...

Sophie Wells

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Must Read Article

LitoVet Teaching your April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine Supplements Horse to Hack

Celebrate the Anniversary

World War 1 Special

Everything Horse UK Magazine Welcome to the very last digital only Everything Horse UK Magazine, as of May 2014 the magazine will be available in print!

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W e have now officially had our first day of Spring and that warm feeling is creeping in. The fields are getting greener, skies getting bluer and sun certainly getting warmer. Once again Everything Horse UK has a fabulous magazine for you, which is filled with only the best content you could find!

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Everything Horse UK is welcoming Multi Gold Medalist and Para-Dressage rider Natasha Baker as she takes us ‘Back to school’ courtesy of Golly Galoshes. She gives a few pointers and tips on how to keep your schooling fun so that it is more enjoyable for both you and your horse.

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

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We have a wonderful article on ‘Massage for the Retired Horse’ written by Barbara Dreyer, Registered Equine Massage Therapist. This explains the benefits of massaging the retired horse and also includes an interesting case study on 22 year old Jess. Everything Horse UK is proud to announce that we have a magnificent article on the WW1 Horses written by Fiona Kenyon with the help from the National Army Museum. The article takes you through what the horses were used for and the crucial bond between rider and horse. Mark Langley is here to help with ‘Don’t Rush the Face-Up’ where he

discusses his emphasis is not on the position of the horse’s body but more of the position of the horses mind, this help gains trust for you and your horse. Louise Napthine MSc is back again with another fabulous article titled ‘Equine Learning’. Riding Road Safety part 3 by Fiona Kenyon prepares you for hacking out with the informative article ‘Teaching your horse to hack’. Fiona discusses some of the potential hazards you may meet on a hack and how to train your horse to accept these potential hazards. Keeping you up to date on the goings-on of the British Dressage, British Eventing and British Show Jumping world Daisy Jackson, Nicola Strong and Jennifer McAloon are here to help. Fiona Kenyon is also keeping you informed with the articles correct fitting tack, correct Tack for different showing classes and showing articles for children. We hope you thoroughly enjoy April’s Everything Horse UK Magazine and please don’t forget we will be going to print for the very first time for May’s edition. See you next month!

Sarah Jappy

Everything Horse UK Magazine Editor

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Contact Information General Enquiries contact@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Editor Sarah Jappy editor@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Sales Suzanne Ashton advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Design Beth Callister bethany.callister@hotmail.com Photography Mike Bain 5star-elite@btconnect.com

Disclaimer Everything Horse UK Ltd endeavors to bring the reader accurate and up to date information from the equestrian industry. We may or may not agree with the information provided in this magazine, however we do aim to make sure it is relevant at the time of publishing. Images are provided by the content writers and Everything Horse UK Ltd will not be held liable for the use of images if copyright authentication has not been accurately sourced. Responsibility for Copyright authentication is left solely with the contributor. Should you have a dispute please contact Everything Horse UK, we will then be able to give details for the writer responsible for the issue of the images. Everything Horse UK Ltd strongly recommend you consult a qualified veterinary practitioner should you have any doubts over your horses health.

Contents REGULARS

6. British Dressage Update - Daisy Jackson 8. British Eventing Update - Nicola Strong 10. British Showjumping Update - Jennifer McAloon 12. Industry News including Trailblazers dates, The Alltech World Equestrian Games and more 52. Product Focus

COMPETITIONS

23. LitoVet Giveaway LITOVET® Equine Joint Supplement – TWO Tubs to Giveaway! RRP £49 each!

SPECIAL FEATURES

28. Shadow Horse, the shop which seems to be on everyone’s finger tip We spoke to Chloe Bernard, the brand’s Commercial Director to find out more about the shop which appears to be on everyone’s finger tips 34. Caring for your Stallion Cyden Stallions owner and dressage rider, Lara Dyson, shares her top tips on caring for your dressage stallion

we take a sneak peek into her hectic daily schedule to find out what it takes to make your way to the top

ARTICLES

16. How do Horses Learn Louise Napthine MSc writes about Non Associative and Associative learning 18. Massage for the Retired Horse Barbara Dryer writes about the benefits of massage to the retired horse 32. Don’t Rush the Face Off Another inclusion from Mark Langley this month focusing on the initial approach to gaining a horses trust

RIDING AND SCHOOLING

20. Back to School with Natasha Baker Multi Gold medalist and Para-Dressage rider Natasha Baker focuses on the balance, in terms of variety, when riding your horse 42. Teaching your Horse to Hack Fiona is back with part III of her IIII part riding and road safety series, here she focuses on teaching a horse how to hack and the different hazards you may come up against

SEASONAL

36. Q&A TopSpec Nutritionist Anna Welch answers one horse owners question relating to their horses condition after the winter

24. Recovering your Grassland Peter Hunter of Peter Hunter Seeds is on hand with hints and tips on how to get the most out of your fields this summer

37. Tried & Tested Activate® Initiates Healing for Chronic Neck Wound

27. Nothing Sweet about ME! Tips on managing sweet itch with Aloeride Managing Director, Han Van Braak

46. Correctly fitting tack This article is to assist the rider in understanding, whether their horse’s tack is fitted correctly and to identify signs that a saddle no longer fits or requires attention 58. A Day in the Life of Sophie Wells Here we catch up with Black Country Saddles sponsored para dressage rider, Sophie Wells MBE, as 5

Everything Horse UK Magazine

49. Ridden Showing Tack and Turnout advice for your Pony and You 44. World War 1 Special Fiona Kenyon writes to celebrate the anniversary of World War 1 with assistance from the National Army Museum

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

British Dressage News Update written by TopSpec Sponsored rider Daisy Jackson I cannot believe that we are already at the end of March and the Winter Regional Championships have come and gone! There were plenty of impressive scores across the board this Regional’s, with the highest percentage overall achieved by Daisy Coakley and the lovely mare Cleopatra II owned by Judy FirmstonWilliams. They scored a massive 80.32% in the Elementary Open Freestyle. Hannah Biggs and her stunning dressage partner, Don Caledonia, had great success at the Kingston Maurward Championships. They topped the Medium Open with 71.22% and also won the Medium Open Freestyle scoring an impressive 78.22%. I caught up with Hannah to find out a bit more about her horse who, thanks to Hannah’s Facebook page, is getting as well known for his banana loving habit as his dressage! “I’m very proud of Archie’s success.

Archie (Don Caledonia) is owned by my husband Tim Bisson and my mum, Angela Biggs. He is by Don Schufro out of a Welt Hit II mare and was bred by the Caledonia Sports Horse Stud up in Scotland. He is 7 this year; we bought him as a 6 month old foal. He's been with me ever since and I've done all the backing and training with him. Archie is like a big puppy dog in the stable, always after attention and is the loveliest horse to handle. Generally a very laid back chap but can be sharp when he likes to have fun in training. He loves hacking and leaping around prize giving’s and gets very excited when the lorry comes out as he loves to go to parties!” Another Champion at the Regional’s, was my housemate and work colleague from Dan Greenwood’s, Rebecca Cowderoy on her own horse Celicia. They topped the Elementary Open with 71.77% and were second in the Medium Restricted with 69.28% at Addington. Rebecca was really pleased with Celicia’s

performances and stated that “she always produces results when it matters”. Rebecca, who trains with Dan, went on to tell me “Celicia is a 7 year old 17.1hh mare by Florencio out of a Gribaldi mare. I bred her in Holland in partnership with Jan Brouwer. I have owned her in full since a 2 year old and backed her myself. She was successful in young horse classes at 4, 5 and 6. Now training PSG and finding all the work very easy, I just need to keep working on her suppleness and way of going. She is very intelligent but also sensitive so you need to be quite tactful at times. She’s an amazing horse to ride, finds everything easy, and has all the ability to do Grand Prix. My main aims now are to qualify Advanced Medium this year, compete at PSG later this year and early next year, small tour 2015 and Grand Prix in the future, internationally. I am proudly sponsored by Global Herbs LDT and Kevin McArdle.” Young rider Alex Hardwick has been

Hannah Biggs and Don Caledonia. Image by kind permission of Paul Ruffle Photography

include winning a national title at Advanced Medium and also qualifying for the Winter Nationals at Inter I Freestyle. Donauwein, Don Vino/ Brentando II, is 12 years old and has been placed at small tour. Also aspiring to Under 25's Grand Prix and has qualified for the Winter Nationals at Inter I Freestyle. Image above: Rebecca and Celicia taken by Risto Aaltonen super successful at Patchett’s Regional’s, qualifying 4 different horses for the Winter Championships. Alex clocked up a great score to win the Advanced Medium Open with Royal Chester on 74.61%. The talented rider is currently part of the World Class Programme, was BD 2012 Young Professional of the year and rode at the 2012 European Championships as part of the Young Rider Team. It is always impressive to hear of a young rider who has trained her own horse. Alex is particularly inspiring to me when I found out that she has trained all of her horses since they were 3 year olds. She is also sponsored by Theault and Oakmont. Alex explains a little more about the horses she has qualified for the Winters: Calvin G is an 11 year old, Contendor/ Graf Spotnek, gelding that she describes as “my chunky monkey!” He was originally bought for his talent in show jumping but after competing affiliated for the first two years it was discovered that he had a talent for dressage. Calvin was Alex’s ride at the Europeans in 2012 and is now contesting the Under 25’s Grand Prix with a hope of stepping up to competing internationally at the level. Other strings to his bow

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Royal Chester, Royal Highness/ Weltmeyer, is 9 years old. Alex calls him “the giant of the group who seems to have out-grown everything including rugs, head collars, bridles and even stables”. Chester is working at PSG at home and qualified for three classes for the Nationals and Winter Nationals at Medium, Advanced Medium and the Advanced Medium Freestyle.

for two classes at the nationals at Medium and also in the Medium Freestyle. Not much to tell about me this month, just training hard and enjoying having some sunshine. I had 2 exciting pieces of news in the way of two new sponsors. I am already fortunate enough to be sponsored by TopSpec and The Balanced Rider, so to find out that I now have Bespoke Bandages and Wolds Exclusive Bling as part of the team is such an honour. As well as bandages, BB can also add pretty much whatever logo, embroidery and crystals you would like to rugs, saddle pads, saddle covers and lots more. WEB supply the most beautiful crystal and patent tack, belts, dog colours and accessories. Very exciting! To find out more about me and any of my sponsors follow me on Facebook and Twitter, just search Daisy Jackson Dressage and I hope to catch up with you all again next month. You can find Daisy on Facebook, her page name is Daisy Jackson Dressage. If you have a question for Daisy please email contact@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

Hochandel's Black Pearl, Hochandel/ Woronow, is 8 years old and Alex explains “he is still the baby of the group and can be a little scared but now we have a great bond and he feels like he would do anything for me”. Black Pearl qualified Right is a photo of Alex Hardwick and Black Pearl taken by Sally Hardwick

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

British Eventing News Update written by Headstrong Equestrian Blogger, Nicola Strong And they’re off! After a long, wet and pretty miserable winter, and a few false starts, the 2014 event season is finally under way.

some familiar names, and was won by Aoife Clark and Fenya’s Elegance, who had signed off last season with a win at Blenheim three-star.

sniffed at though, and both Alison Woodgate and Hannah Francis won their sections on a 19 dressage a double clear inside the time.

With a number of events cancelled due to the wet ground, Isleham drew entries from some of eventing’s elite. The BE90 Open section was won by Kettering based Tom How, who led from the outset with a 24.5 dressage with nothing to else to add aboard debutante Dream of Glory. The 16.1 gelding would look a smart prospect, having followed up a week later with another BE90 double clear (HC) at Oasby.

With Moreton and Tweseldown cancelled, Oasby and Aston-Le-Walls were the next destinations, with plenty of the aforementioned riders proving prominent again. Oliver Townend in fact took no less than 18 to Oasby – three wins and two seconds the highlights for him.

Aldon brought Andrew Nicholson out for his first event of the season; he kicked off with a win at Novice and Intermediate, but it wasn’t all plain sailing and his Novice debutante Wictoria II faced elimination after three xc refusals.

Ever popular Piggy French had seven rides, winning two of the BE100 sections and only having one finish outside of the top ten in their respective classes. Not to be outdone, Oliver Townend set out his stall early on winning two Novice sections with double clears. Lambourn’s Laura Collett wasn’t far behind on new ride Pamero 4, owned by Kauto Star’s owner Clive Smith. He must have been pleased with their first outing, jumping faultlessly and recording a 29 dressage. The gelding will be tackling one more Novice at Gatcombe before aiming for Belton Intermediate in April. 16 year old Hampshire based young talent Maddi Briggs got her season underway with a win in the ONu18 aboard Ballyshunnock – the only combination in their class to come home without time penalties. Maddi commented; “Can’t have wished for a better start to the season, although a wild first event I was super pleased to have clinched my first BE win, I was gutted with my wild dressage however lots of improvement was made for a much better score of 28.5 at Aldon. My aims now are to head to the junior trials, the first being Weston Park open intermediate under 21 where I will be contending for the Junior European team this year. I am also hoping to gather a few more rides throughout the season ready to come out stronger for trials over the next 2 years.”

The Open Intermediate classes saw some of the serious four star horses get their first run of the season, including Vittoria Panizzon’s jumping machine Borough Pennyz who just had a few time faults to keep her in sixth after a very nice dressage of 27.3. Paul Tapner’s grey Kilronan also jumped without fault, but his dressage fell just the wrong side of 30 for ninth overall. Nicola Wilson used this as her first event of the season, and whilst a win eluded her by narrow margins, but each of her ten rides finished in the top 11. Not a bad day at the office. Oasby Queen though has to go to Piggy French, who won four sections, and even picked up a handy 1-2 in Novice section P. Aston on 07 March catered for the grassroots levels, from BE80(T) to BE100. The standard was not to be

Harry Meade made a comeback at Aldon after six months of rehab having broken both elbows in a horror fall last year. Meade reported no ill effects after four entries across the two days and had top ten finishes with Vrolijk and Shannondale Santiago, as well as a solid performance from Wild Lone in the Advanced Intermediate. He gets an entry for Badminton. Mary King showed her class winning an Advanced Intermediate on Imperial Cavalier with a foot perfect jumping rounds to leave them on a dressage of 24.6, ahead of other world class combinations such as Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo and Lucinda Fredericks’ Flying Finish. At Lincolnshire on 14 March, Emily Parker had a successful weekend, Andrew Nicholson and Nereo pictured at Badminton 2013

weekend of the 21st March, winning a class with Thornton Jones and Nereo, who both jumped double clears and just added minor time faults.

Mary King with Imperial Cavalier at Badminton 2013 notching up two wins, two seconds and a fifth. Diamond Sundance was a particular highlight for her, comfortably won his section won his Intermediate section by over 10 penalties, following up from his winning season opener at Oasby the previous week. Having retired NZB Campino on the XC course at Isleham the previous week, Sir Mark Todd rode him to third in the Open Intermediate here with a smart 23.6 dressage – a single pole costing the win, which went to Izzy Taylor and Allercrombe Ellie. William Fox-Pitt was one of a number of riders going for a steady completion with his big guns; he gave Parklane Hawk, Seacookie and Cool Mountain steady xc rounds to finish with time penalties. Great Witchingham was a happy hunting ground for Andrew Nicholson on the Maddi Briggs and Ballyshunnock

Or Noir De La Loge posted a 20 dressage in one Open Intermediate section with Pippa Funnell, but they handed the win to Mark Kyle’s Loughton Pearl when adding time penalties. Funnell in fact had a case of seconditis with Redesigned and Sandman 7 too, whilst Billy Beware was fifth. All jumped double clears and posted sub 30 dressage scores, so a seriously solid event for her. Meanwhile, at Fontainebleau in France, Team GB and the other competing nations kick off the 2014 FEI Nations Cup Eventing Series. Representing Team GB is Emily Llewellyn and Greenlawn Sky High, Gemma Tattersall and Chico Bella P, Izzy Taylor and Dax Van Ternieuwbeke, and Lucy Wiegersma riding Mr chunky.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Zara Phillips is poised for a return to eventing following the birth of her first child Mia. Olympic team member and silver medallist Phillips has entries for Hambleden on 18 April, including Olympic partner High Kingdon who will

run in the Open Intermediate. Entries for this year’s Badminton Horse Trials have now closed. The full list of accepted entries is expected to be released early in April. Sir Mark Todd’s 2011 Badminton winner NZB Land Vision continues to be blighted by injury woes, as another leg injury has seen him withdrawn from the Rolex Kentucky in April. The stunning grey gelding, whom Todd bought from Oliver Townend in 2008, returned to eventing in 2013 following over two years away from competition due to tendon trouble. Eventing legend Todd has claimed the horse is arguably the most talented horse he’s ever sat on, but his ongoing soundness issues clearly put a question mark over the horse’s future.

You can read more from Nicola Strong by visiting www.headstrongequestrian. com or by visiting her Facebook page Headstrong Equestrian. If you have a question for Nicola please email contact@ everythinghorseuk.co.uk Harry Meade and Wild Lone who are entered for a return to Badminton 2014

The Open Intermediate welcomed 9

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

British Showjumping News Update written by Jennifer McAloon INTERNATIONAL NEWS It has been a busy month for Britain’s Showjumpers as once again we retain the top two positions in the World Rankings. Two Grand Prix wins in two days Ben Maher the current world number 2 managed to win two major Grand Prix’s in two days over the weekend of 22nd - 23rd March. The first was the $50,000 CSI2* FEI World Cup Grand Prix in Ocala, Florida on board Jane Clark’s 10 year old gelding Aristo Z. Only 4 combinations managed a double clear but it was Ben’s time of 42.48 seconds which gave him the edge over home rider Ashlee Bond and Argostar. Sunday saw Ben take his second Grand Prix win at the FEI Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida with the 1.50m $84,000 Suncast Jumper Classic riding Tatiana Korsakova’s 9 year old British Bred mare Diva II. There was a vast field of 56 combinations with only 10 jumping clear in the first round and only 6 managing double clears of which Ben was one. Ben went on to win with a time of 43.20. Second place went to Canadian rider Ian Miller on Star Power with 43.70 and 3rd was Columbian Daniel Bluman and Apardi with a time of 44.24. Showing the world once again just how talented Ben Maher is.

being taken by Hertfordshire rider Kayleigh Watts and Robert Smiths 13 year old bay gelding Rooney IV. Abbe Burchmore-Eames, also from Hertfordshire claimed 2nd with 11 year old gelding Wilandri E and Brit Sophie Ryan took 4th place Pacco du Bourg. Third place went to Norwegian Marie Longem on Benito. And finally, British riders managed Spanish hat-trick in the 100,000 Euro CSI 3* Veser de la Frontera 1.60m Grand Prix on the 23rd March. Out of 53 combinations only 5 rode clear in the first round and 4 of them were British, of which then also went on to claim double clears. Jumping the only double clear in less than 50 seconds was 25 year old William Whitaker on Fandango III with a time of 49.27. Not far behind was William Funnell with the Billy Stud’s 13 year old stallion Billy Congo on 50.55 and third was claimed by Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV with a time of 52.58.

Brits Shine in Spain Ben wasn’t the only British rider to shine abroad this month. Britain has dominated the Sunshine Tour in Spain with several podium placings.

BS AREA UPDATES South East Bury Farm, Slapton, Bucks Bury Farm hosted the last of the Fairfax Winter JA Classic Championship qualifiers during its 148cm Pony Premier Show on the 15th - 16th March. 55 combinations across the weekend were competing for one of three direct qualifying places showing that those who did claim a precious ticket really deserved it.

The 1.60 m 50,000 Euro Sunshine Tour IV Grand Prix saw Robert Whitaker on his parents Catwalk IV take second place. The top 5 all jumped clear so it came down to times to decide the final line up with Robert narrowly missing out on the top spot clocking a time of 38.37 seconds just behind winner, Spanish rider, Sergio Alvarez Moya and Zipper with 37.29. Third place went to another Spanish rider Eduardo Alvarez Aznar on Fidux with a time of 40.35.

Saturday saw 35 combinations with only 3 going on to contest the final jump of which was dominated by Faye Adams. The 15 year old from the West Midlands took first and second places with the only treble clear on Cisco Bay II taking first and 4 faults on Some Like it Hot taking 2nd. Third place went to the 14 year old son of Peter Charles MBE, Harry Charles on Murka’s Moneymaker III, who is co-owned by Peter and Team Murka Ltd.

The Classic Tour Grand Prix in Spain saw a British whitewash with first place

Sunday’s qualifier saw 24 starters with

once again only 3 making it through to the jump off. Building on his result from Saturday Harry Charles took 1st on his mother, Tara Charles’ 16 year old gelding Scoubidou IV with a time of 34.88. Second with 4 faults was 13 year old Hertfordshire based rider Jodie Hall McAteer and Tixylix on 34.36 seconds and third went to Lisa Ulven and Cevin III with 8 faults and a time of 35.42. The Championship will be held at Charles Stanley British Masters 3* International Horse Show on the 3rd 6th July 2014. In other news . . . Tickets go on sale for Hickstead’s 2014 Season with tickets now available for the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting 26th - 29th June and Longines Royal International Horse Show 29th July - 3rd August. BT Sport announce that they will be broadcasting Showjumping this summer by showing the 2014 British Stairway Championships over a 6 part series which will focus on action from 6 of the 9 legs that make up the Championship which span a number of the largest county shows. A broadcast schedule will be made available nearer the time. FEI and World Horse Welfare have formalised a long term collaboration of 30 years and become the 4th of the former FEI Associate Members to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FEI. Record prize money of around $12 million US will be part of this years Longines Global Tour series. The countdown has begun to the new season which covers 14 events and the biggest calendar in the tours history. The first ever show jumping event involving international horses in Shanghi, China will feature the highest prize money with a total of approximately $2 million. We want to hear from you! If you are competing at a show you would like us to cover or can give us a short write up on your BS event please yoursay@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

GOLLY GOSH – WHAT A GOOD IDEA! Whatever your chosen discipline, Golly Galoshes, the award winning waterproof and breathable equine gaiters help keep your boots and bandages dry and clean whatever the weather or season! Tried and trusted by riders world-wide, our gaiters are a tack room necessity…. • HAPPY HACKING! ‘Be Seen and Stay Clean’ in both the summer and winter months with our high visibility reflective line in gaiters • DRESSAGE WHITES! ‘Stay Clean With Style’ in the warm-up with our smart Patriotic, Navy and Black gaiters as worn by multi Gold medallist Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker • MUD GLORIOUS MUD! Help keep expensive bandages and boots dry and mud/debris free at home or away & prolong the life of your bandages and boots and that of your washing machine! • SHOW OFF IN STYLE! Show riders in the know keep clean and dry both travelling to shows and in the warm-up with our Golly Galoshes. Easy to use and quick to remove before the class

• AN EYE ON THE COMPETITION! Our Golly Galoshes are endorsed by a leading UK biomechanics company, who agree that our gaiters help riders and trainers develop your horse’s paces by focusing the eye more easily on rhythm and length of step • EVENTING ESSENTIAL Cross-country and interval training need never be dirty work again with our GG’s. Professional eventers including Victoria Bax love them! • TIME OUT! Golly Galoshes give you more time to groom, ride and enjoy your horse- no more daily washing of bandages and boots • FIRST AID MUST HAVE! Help keep your medical dressings clean and dry in the stable or during remedial exercise

www.gollygaloshes.com Photography courtesy of Thoroughbred Sports Photography and David Miller

Equestrian Industry News with Everything Horse UK World Horse Welfare selected as chosen equine charity by Wimbledon Village Stables Wimbledon Village Stables, an approved riding school by ABRS, has offered horse riding in London for over 100 years. For the first time, the award-winning stables decided that as well as raising funds for The Royal Marsden hospital at its annual fundraising ball, it would split the total raised with World Horse Welfare. Held at Cannizaro House Hotel, just minutes from the riding club, the event organised by the owner of Wimbledon Village Stables welcomed over 200 people. Guests from across the stables’ membership, local businesses and sponsors were joined by Horse and Country TV presenter, Jenny Rudall and Olympic gold medallist in tennis, Boris Becker. Through an auction and raffle held on the night that included prizes such as an official Team GB Olympic shirt signed by the gold-medal-winning dressage team (kindly donated by horse insurance

HorseHage Supports Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Oxfordshire has secured sponsorship from forage and feed manufacturer, HorseHage. The company will provide Mollichaff Donkey – a complete high fibre feed formulated specially for donkeys – for the 120 donkeys under the sanctuary’s care.

specialists, Amlin Plus), the total raised came to £10,000 and was split between the two charities. Carol Andrews, owner of Wimbledon Village Stables says: “We selected World Horse Welfare as it is a charity that works to improve the lives of horses, not only in the UK, but all over the world and this is a cause close to all of our hearts.” Director of fundraising at World Horse Welfare, John Blake says: “World Horse Welfare works across the UK and in ten other countries on three continents to improve the lives of horses and their owners through education, campaigning and hands-on care. The charity’s work is entirely funded by voluntary donations and funds raised from this exciting event will go towards improving horse welfare worldwide.” The charity would like to particularly thank the owner of Wimbledon Village

Island Farm was set up by John McLaren and family in 1983 and is now a registered charity which rescues and cares for ill-treated donkeys. John McLaren and Linda Chilton attend most of the larger county and agricultural shows where they are quite successful with showing donkeys in-hand and are always willing to talk to any member of the public interested in donkeys. Many donkeys arrive at Island Farm suffering from some form of neglect associated with a lack of understanding and occasionally, abuse. The most common issues are overgrown hooves along with parasites, malnutrition and skin problems, all of which can cause pain, discomfort and distress. Some donkeys are given to the sanctuary when their owners can no longer look after

Stables, Carol Andrews; chief instructor there, Caroline Stevenson; and all at the stables for putting together such a worthwhile event with such creativity and enthusiasm. This event was sponsored by London auctioneers and estate agents, Andrew Scott Robertson. If your riding school, group or club would like to fundraise in a similar way to help horses that have been neglected or mistreated you can find out more about how to support World Horse Welfare here: www.worldhorsewelfare. org/Support-Us Wimbledon Village Stables team - Image

status allows us to fund raise by holding shows and events and doing special appearances with the donkeys.” Said Chris Tar of HorseHage: “We are very happy to be providing support to Island Farm. We formulated Mollichaff Donkey specifically for donkeys as they require a high fibre, low starch and low protein diet, and have a different digestive system to horses and ponies.”

Equestrian.com to sponsor the Hickstead Derby The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead is delighted to announce that Equestrian.com is to sponsor the famous British Jumping Derby. The Equestrian.com Derby will be held on Sunday 29 June on the final day of the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting (26-29 June 2014), and will boast a total prize fund of £115,000. As well as taking on the sponsorship of Hickstead’s most famous class and becoming title sponsors of the five-day show, Equestrian.com are launching an innovative online community to allow equestrian fans to be part of this unique event.

them. In addition to the donkeys living at the sanctuary, Island Farm also has foster carers and has also rehomed around 100 donkeys. Their ages vary from a foal born last year to around 45-years-old. Said John McLaren: “Many people don’t realise the commitment required when they take on a donkey. They can live for around 50 years which is a commitment in itself, but they are also very different to horses and ponies, and require a different type of diet and management.” “We are thrilled to receive this support from Mollichaff Donkey as the financial commitment for caring for these donkeys is huge and we also have six paid staff working here alongside our valued volunteers. Having charitable

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Members of the Hickstead Derby Community will have access to a range of exclusive benefits and prizes. Showjumping fans can join by purchasing a stylish Hickstead Derby Community polo shirt, exclusively designed by Equestrian.com, which automatically gives them a free Members’ badge to the opening day of the Derby meeting and the opportunity to upgrade to a special Community members’ hospitality area overlooking the International Arena. Members will be automatically entered into a host of exclusive, money-can’t-buy competitions and offers to help ensure their Derby experience is unforgettable. “We want as many people as possible to really feel a part of the Hickstead Derby, which is such a fantastic and thrilling

Mollichaff Donkey is highly palatable and contains a balanced blend of fibre pellets, oat straw, and soya oil with camomile, mint and lemon balm. It also contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, which includes limestone and magnesium.

For further information please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www. horsehage.co.uk

The Donkeys at Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary

event,” said Lorraine Meadowcroft of Equestrian.com. “The 2014 Equestrian. com Derby is the people’s competition and the community provides a unique opportunity for show jumping enthusiasts to be a part of this legendary event.”

Held since 1961, the Hickstead Derby features some of the most iconic fences in showjumping, including the double of water ditches, one of the widest water jumps in the world, the tricky Devil’s Dyke and the 10ft 6in drop of the Derby bank.

The new sponsorship deal coincides with the rebrand of the successful online equestrian retail business, EquestrianClearance.com, which has been expanded to be headed by Equestrian.com, offering its customers a huge range of premium brand clothing, tack and accessories.

Former winners include British showjumping legends Harvey Smith and David Broome, while Ireland’s Eddie Macken and Boomerang won four years in a row from 1976 to 1979. Olympic rider Michael Whitaker has also won the class on four occasions, while recent Team GB gold medallists Nick Skelton, Peter Charles and William Funnell have each won the Derby three times. Last year’s winner was Phillip Miller from Hertfordshire, riding the grey gelding Caritiar Z. “Winning the Derby has been an incredible boost to my career - every rider dreams of competing in the Derby so to win it is even more special,” said Phillip.

After running the class without a title sponsor in 2013, Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn said: “We are delighted to welcome Equestrian.com on board and to be associated with their brand, and very much hope that the equestrian world will get behind the innovative Hickstead Derby Community and all the benefits it will offer.”

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Phillip is hoping to be back at the All England Jumping Course this June aiming for a second win in the Equestrian.com Derby. “I am so pleased a sponsor has been found and that a leading equestrian company is supporting one of the oldest and most famous classes in showjumping,” he added. To purchase tickets for the Equestrian. com Hickstead Derby Meeting, or to join the Hickstead Derby Community, visit www.hickstead.co.uk.

Charity Boosts British Young Breeders A group of four young breeders who are members of the British Young Breeders’ (BYB) programme have received financial awards to enable them to fine tune their knowledge of conformation, handling and breeding of horses over the next few months. A generous donation made to the charity the British Horse Foundation by the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust has been earmarked for four recipients to use during 2014 to attend breeding events and to expand their knowledge and skills. Selected when they took part in the training and competition for the 2013 International Young Breeders’ (IYB) Championships in Bollerup, Sweden, these young people will be using the funds to attend a range of events across

Exciting Season Ahead for Trailblazers The 2014 Trailblazers series is underway and there is a packed season ahead for competitors with 65 equestrian centres offering Trailblazers qualifiers for show jumping, dressage, combined training and showing. With venues spread throughout the UK, there is a wealth of opportunity for competitors to progress up the levels and qualify for the prestigious Trailblazers National Championships from 25th July to 3rd August 2014. Trailblazers provides every aspiring competitor with an opportunity to compete at the level they wish in their chosen discipline. There is no joining fee

old German bred gelding who has been based with Ben since he was a six-yearold.

the UK and Europe, enabling them to build on their successes. Where they are still within the eligible age brackets, they will also be seeking squad selection to represent British World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses studbooks at the next International Young Breeders’ Championships at Hartpury College in 2015. The bursaries made available by the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust mean that British young breeders can, for the first time, benefit from real investment in the future, bringing them more in line with their continental counterparts. With British bred horses having experienced some high profile successes in the last few years, it is important that investment enables this to continue and helps to shore up the future of British breeding.

Picture courtesy Carole Mortimer: Team GB at the IYB championships in Sweden L to R green shirts team SHBGB Josh Rees (junior individual), Claire Nicklin, Kirsty Millard, Rosie Bown; BHHS yellow shirts Stena Hoerner, Jack Cross, Emma Wolley, Emma Crompton, Felicity Aldridge-Newman and Emma Cunnington; WBS UK Blue shirts; Rebecca White, Shelley Ellis (junior individual), Samantha Brown and Camille Best

Recipient of the senior bursary is Rebecca White who was individual fourth at the IYB Championships, and the junior bursary goes to Rosie Bown who was the top scoring junior, in spite of having joined the programme late in the day.

Additional bursaries are also awarded to Felicity Aldridge-Newman and Stena Hoerner for their commitment to the young breeders’ programme and their overall performance in Sweden.

or horse registration and competitions are held at 65 Trailblazers Centres throughout the UK. Competitors can complete to a level within their comfort zone.

and qualification at the second rounds enables the successful competitors to compete at the prestigious National Championships held on 24th July to 3rd August.

Trailblazers first round competitions are held throughout the year. Competitors in first round classes are awarded a qualification pack towards the second round competitions if they achieve the specified level when competing in the different disciplines. In dressage that means gaining a score of 58% or more; in show jumping a double clear is required; in showing and working hunter classes, competitors need a top 4 placing and in combined training a place in the top 5 will earn a qualification pack.

The Trailblazers Championships take place over 10 days at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, a unique venue which offers superb facilities. For competitors, this event is the highlight of the season and there is a great atmosphere with many treating it as a holiday as well as a competition.

Successful competitors can then progress to the second round by purchasing a second round qualification card costing £12 as proof of qualification. They can enter as many competitions as they wish at this level to try and achieve National Finals Qualification. Trailblazers Second Rounds are held from March to June,

There are lots of opportunities to qualify for the 2014 Trailblazers Championship and a full list of first and second round dates and venues, as well as comprehensive details of the Trailblazers series, is available on the website, www. trailblazerschampionships.com. For the latest news and updates, you can also follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TrailblazersChampionships-Ltd/661652150541855,

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

British Company Grub’s Up Support for British Event Rider Performance neoprene boot manufacturer, Grub’s, are delighted to announce that they will be sponsoring one of Ben Hobday’s advanced event horses, Ramilo. Known as Jack, Ramilo is an eight-year-

Caen - the City of the World Equestrian Games Hosts for this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Caen in France will be the place to be this summer. Here we find out more about the city. August will see the eyes of the equestrian world focus on the beautiful city of Caen, Northern France when the city plays host to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Set within the picturesque countryside of the lower region of Normandy, Caen is a deeply historic city, boasting stunning architecture. Caen is the cultural capital of the Basse-Normandie region and has a young, lively feel thanks to the local University. The city itself is dominated by its Castle and two Abbeys built by Caen’s most famous son, William the Conqueror, hero of the Battle of Hastings. Rich in history spanning centuries, Caen also played an important role in the D-Day and Normandy landings of World War Two.

Ben and Ramilo are currently competing at CIC*** level with the aim of competing at Bramham International Horse Trials this season before working their way up to four star international level. Said Ben: “I am really grateful that Grub’s are eager to be involved. Ramilo has a very bright future ahead of him and is a great horse, which I have really high hopes for.” Grub’s have a very well established relationship with Ben and also sponsor The region of Normandy has close thinks to all things equestrian, being France’s leading region for horse breeding and the birthplace of the Selle Francais (French Warmblood). Home to two French national studs, Le Haras du Pin, which will hold the Cross Country phase of the Eventing competition and Le Haras de Saint-Lô, which is dedicated to the breeding of Selle Francais, the Norman Cob and Percheron. Seven of the eight disciplines being contested at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are taking place at venues within the city of Caen making the most of existing venues. The D’Ornano Staduim is just a short two and a half kilometre walk from Caen’s bustling city centre and will host the opening and closing ceremonies and be the venue for the show-jumping and dressage competitions. In the heart of Caen, The Exhibition Centre will be the venue for the Reining competition as well as hosting the Equestrian village and being the nerve centre of the Games. Located next door to The Exhibition Centre, is The Zenith Indoor Arena that will be home to the Vaulting competition. The Para Dressage and the Carriage

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

young horse Shadow Skyfall who will be starting his eventing career this season. Said Jan Foster of Grub’s: “We are extremely proud to be increasing our support of Ben and his team. We are a British company wanting to support the very best of British and we are huge supporters of Ben and his horses. We truly believe in his ability, this is a great way of giving something back to help the future of eventing.” Follow Ramilo’s progress as Ben prepares him for Bramham, at www.facebook. com/hobdayinternational or on Twitter @BenHobday.

Driving competitions will be located at La Prairie racecourse, situated just on the outskirts of the town. The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games brings an equestrian spectacle close to the UK shores, coming not long after increased enthusiasm of equestrian sports following the huge success of the London Olympics. The city of Caen itself is just a six hour journey from London and just a two hour journey from Paris, making this enormous worldwide equestrian event so accessible to horse lovers in the UK. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games takes place from the 24th August – 7th September. For further information about holiday packages to the games and to purchase tickets go to www.equestrian-escapes. com. Alltech®, the title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France has developed the LIFEFORCE Range of all-natural daily digestive aid supplements. These products are designed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals. For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

stallions were individually exposed to an umbrella and a tarpaulin whilst heart rate and behavioural responses were recorded. Over the following 6 days, the horses were habituated to the umbrella via twice daily exposure, but not to the tarp. On the 7th day, the stallions were re-exposed to both objects and responses were recorded. The team found that, whilst the number of behavioural responses correlated with the heart rate, habituation training reduced both the behavioural and physiological indicators of fear. This reduction only related to the umbrella, the item to which horses had been habituated, demonstrating that habituation was specific to the object itself. In contrast to habituation, horses also learn by sensitisation. This describes how a horse can become more reactive to a particular stimulus after repeated presentation and it is often seen when Mouthing is a form of habituation used in training Foals learn to follow their dam through filial imprinting

How Do Horses Learn? Written by Louise Napthine MSc

Horses learn in a number of ways. Many training methods focus on certain methods of learning; however, to gain an understanding of the bigger picture, a general understanding of all aspects of equine learning is important. Central to the theory of equine learning are the concepts of associative learning and non-associative learning. A stimulus is something which causes a response physiologically or behaviourally. Nonassociative learning occurs as a response to a single stimulus, whereas associative learning takes place when a link is made between two stimuli.

Non-Associative Learning

Early equine learning is derived through imprinting. Observed in a number of species, the term 'imprinting' describes a phase-sensitive early learning period. Whilst equine research has yet to define the exact boundaries of this

period, imprinting is thought to occur in very young foals and influences the development of social preferences. For example, during the filial imprinting period, a foal learns to follow it's mother and siblings. In a similar vein, adult mating preferences are influenced by early sexual imprinting. Indeed, research studies include examples of how animals raised by a foster species later show a sexual preference for the foster species rather than their own. Horses also learn through habituation. During habituation, a stimulus is repeatedly presented until the responsiveness to it is decreased. Habituation can occur naturally within

a horse's environment or as part of the training process. An example of habituation might include a horse turned out in a field next to a train track. Initially, the horse might be highly responsive to a passing train, however after repeatedly experiencing the passing trains, the horse's responsiveness is reduced. In free-ranging equids, habituation is vital to survival as it creates a balance between the need to respond to threatening stimuli and that of over-responsiveness which is costly in both time and energy. A study by Leiner and Fendt examined the relationship between the behavioural and physiological responses in horses before and after habituation. Eighteen

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

an individual cannot escape or avoid an unpleasant experience. For example, if a horse became tangled in live electric fencing, it might become highly sensitised to the presence of electric fencing following that incident.

Associative Learning

Classical conditioning involves linking a previously neutral stimulus with physiological response or an innate behaviour. The most well know example of classical conditioning concerns the work of Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov performed a series of trials using dogs, whereby a buzzer would be sounded prior to feeding. Because the sound of a buzzer seemed to predict the arrival of food, the dogs began to salivate upon hearing the noise alone. Dressage is good example of the application of classical conditioning in horse training, since when the previously neutral seat aid is employed prior to the application of the leg or hand aids, consequently the horse learns to respond to the seat as an aid in itself. Operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning in that it uses punishment and reward to alter behaviour. The term reinforcement refers to a reward, which makes behaviour more likely to occur, and punishment which refers to something aversive, making a behaviour less likely to happen again. The terms 'positive' and 'negative' describe the addition and removal, respectively, of either a

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

punishment or reward. An example of positive reinforcement is a horse on restricted grazing that learns to escape from its paddock. In this case, the horse associates the breaking of the fence with the reward of grass, increasing the likelihood that the horse will try to escape again occur in future. In a training context, using leg pressure when riding is a form of negative reinforcement since the release of that pressure following an upwards transition rewards the horse. This makes the horse more likely to give the same response in future. It also highlights how timing is critical in the application of operant conditioning. A recent study by Bierke and colleagues explored a direct comparison between positive and negative reinforcement techniques. The researchers used 16 horses, split into 2 groups, to compare the use of grain (positive reinforcement) and whip taps (negative reinforcement) to train the horses to load into a trailer. There was no difference between the two groups in time taken to load, heart rate or body temperature. However, horses in the negative reinforcement group were seen to display more avoidance behaviour and those in the positive reinforcement group showed more investigative behaviours.

Want to write for Everything Horse UK? Everything Horse UK are always eager to hear from equestrian professionals specialising in particular subjects. We have recently enjoyed contributions from several professionals working in particular areas of the industry including behaviour, chiropractor manipulation and sports massage. If you are interested in writing a series of articles in your professional area please contact us via email contact@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

Benefits of massage to the retired horse: 1.Emotionally and physically relax the horse thus serving to inhibit the development of trigger points 2.Targets the needs for muscular and connective tissue stability to support anaerobic demands 3.Targets the needs for muscular and connective tissue stability to promote dorsal, ventral and lateral flexion 4.Targets the needs for muscular and connective tissue strength for unrecognised and unconditioned demands of work

5.Balance concussive forces delivered to the muscular, tissue and skeletal structures

6.Promote the fittening and repair process to strengthen muscular, tissue and skeletal structures thus inhibiting injury

7.Ease lumbar and abdominal stress 8.Detect individual trigger and stress points 9.Detect lines and patterns of muscular tension with pathways of trigger points 10.Detect lines and patterns of muscular tension with compensatory stress points 11.Provide immediate and progressive release of muscular malfunction cause many muscular stresses and malfunctions. This can be sore muscles, lameness and headaches. Because of the irregular rides the tack won’t fit as the muscles will start to waste away when they are not kept fit and active, this will cause pain and aches

Massage for the ‘retired’ horse This article is inspired by and written for my late grandmother Signe Dreyer who never gave up.

s we grow older our body starts to change. We can’t move as fast or for as long. We need longer breaks between exercise. We take longer to get up and down from sitting or lying down. The same goes for our horses. Retirement doesn’t have to mean ‘forgotten about’ or ‘too old to use’. My grandmother lived to the age of 95, she was a brilliant woman and she kept active for most of her life. She would bike to the shop in all kind of weather, she would tut at me if I didn’t want to go outside to play because it was raining. Once I missed my school bus so we biked to school 6 miles away in the

snow- I was 7 she was 77 years old. My point is, that because she kept busy and was active in her retirement she lived a very long and healthy life. But it wasn’t just her body that she kept active, she loved cross words and crime dramas so she also kept her mind busy. We should aim to do the same for our horses/ponies in retirement. Just because a horse is getting older doesn’t mean he is reaching his expiration date. Older horses still have a lot to offer, but it is up to us to make sure we change our demands to our horse so that they can give us what we would like rather than

keep failing as our demands and goal posts are too high. Many retired horses will live a life of luxury and not experience a single problem. Well kept, well fed and with lots of attention and company. But it is not always the case. Some retired horses will live a life in stress, not because they are being over ridden or rushed around, but because they are left to live their life in retirement until their owners have time or opportunity to ride them. This causes stress in the horse as his muscles won’t have the strength to deliver what the owner demands. The irregular bursts of activity will

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

in several areas like back, shoulders, hindquarters and top-line. Well kept muscles will perform better, the horse will feel better and live longer. Massage to a retired horse will have several benefits, not only for the horse

The world’s original horse charity

CASE STUDY 22 year old Jess was on the verge of retirement and a non ridden life when her owner Laura, decided to try one last one last time to find a solution. Jess was struggling to keep on weight and her pelvis was too weak to carry a rider. Laura decided to try massage and stretching. Massage 2 times a week and gentle stretches of the hindquarters and hind limbs seemed to transform Jess. Jess is now 24 retired but in light work. Her pelvis seems stronger and

but also for the rider as the massage will seek out areas of muscular malfunction to eradicate the negative influences, helping to restore the horse back to physiological health and emotional wellbeing. This will benefit the rider as the horse will show a renewed life vitality.

The Horse Trust At the forefront of rescue, respite, retirement and research for Britain’s horses since 1886.

Laura enjoys not daily but several rides a week on her beloved horse. Our horses and ponies are amazing athletes and they should be treated as gold medal winners no matter what age. Regular exercise, correct fitted tack, correct feed, turn out, cuddles, fun and love are all they ask in return. Let’s take care of our older horses and ponies and give them the retirement they deserve.

Commando gave a lifetime of service to his country Please help us provide him with the retirement he deserves

SPONSOR COMMANDO FROM £2 A MONTH Call 01494 488464 or email info@horsetrust.org.uk or visit our website www.horsetrust.org.uk The Horse Trust, Slad Lane, Speen, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0PP Reg charity no 231748

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Courtesy of Golly Galoshes, the versatile equine gaiter. We spoke to Natasha to pick up some vital tips, as she talks us through how she produces her horses in preparation for their future careers as top dressage riders.

Back to School

egardless of your discipline, when training any horse, you need to keep a good balance in terms of variety, which is why we incorporate a lot of hacking into our horse’s routines.

with Natasha Baker

Hacking out Hacking offers a great education in terms of building confidence, introducing them to the sights and sounds of the big wide world and also helping to establish that rider and horse bond which is so important for the future.

When it comes to producing horses into future dressage super stars, Multi Gold Medallist and Para-Dressage rider Natasha Baker knows plenty, having brought home Gold at the London Games!

School work When it comes to our school work, we like to keep sessions short and sweet

with lots of reward and stretch breaks, especially with the young horses as they tend to get tired quickly, both physically and mentally and this is when injuries can occur. Keeping the horse thinking forward Keeping them thinking forward is imperative and with dressage is a key building block to future work, so at the beginning of the session after a good 5 10 minute walk, we start to think about trot work. With a horse working at Novice level don’t forget to focus more about forward and softness, than anything more complex. I ride a few transitions from trot to walk, walk to trot then canter to trot and trot to canter and look to push on the canter to help open up my horse’s paces. Some horses find this easy in canter, however with a young horse be careful not to ask too much or push him onto his forehand. Even at this level, you want the horse using his hind leg and showing some impulsion.

canter longer in straight lines, as well as encouraging them to think forward, so use this to your advantage. Lateral work We incorporate lateral work very early on in our horse’s schooling, as your horse needs to start learning the aids. My horses have to be taught to go off my weight distribution and seat, as I have no feeling in my legs, however as an able bodied rider, you would still need to use your balance and weight distribution, with a stronger leg aid than I can apply! Natasha Baker recommends using... The Golly Galoshes gaiters which my horses wear for schooling not only keep his bandages clean and dry and help prevent sand getting underneath, but the reflective strip down the outside also helps draw the eye to the leg, giving a clearer picture of whether the horse is moving straight, if his legs are crossing over equally, as well as helping me keep

If you have good hacking, sometimes young or green horses find it easier to

Think about keeping your horse forward and in front of your leg 21

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

GIVEAWAY TIME

Reward is important

LITOVET® Equine Joint Supplement – TWO Tubs to Giveaway! RRP £49 each!

LitoVet® is a 100% natural and scientifically proven equine feed supplement developed to help maintain soundness, suppleness and mobility. Entirely plant-based, LitoVet® does not contain glucosamine or chondroitin and is a rich, source of GOPO® (glycoside of mono and diglycerol), a key component of the specially cultivated rose-hip Rosa Canina. High in antioxidants, particularly bioavailable vitamin C, essential to the formation and maintenance of joint cartilage, tendons and ligaments. LitoVet® reduces the likelihood of loss of performance due to over-training and the effects of age and uniquely, is supported by clinical trials that substantiate its efficacy in horses. We have two 1.5 kg tubs of LitoVet® worth £49 each, to give away. To enter the giveaway answer this simple question and email your answer to media@everythinghorseuk.co.uk LitoVet Equine Joint Supplement reduces the likelihood of loss of a)Height b)Performance c)Age Winners will be announced on the 1st May 2014 For further information on LitoVet® please visit www.litovet.co.uk or telephone 01452 524 012.

a good rhythm by checking in the arena mirrors. They also are invaluable for lessons as well for the same reason. Shoulder-in, a good exercise A good exercise to use is some shoulderin down the fence line to help straighten up any crookedness and also to get the horse to soften. Leg-yield is a great way to encourage your horse to step up and underneath with the hind leg. In the early stages, I am not so worried about a test perfect leg yield as he or she is still learning but the emphasis must be to keep the forward momentum.

Reward and encouragement I cannot emphasis enough, how important reward and encouragement are to horses and youngsters especially thrive off this. If your horse has done something good, then leave it on a good note and call it a day early. It is far better to finish on a high note, than drag out a session just for the sake of it! If you have time, maybe finish the

Take a step at a time If you feel them falling through the shoulder, straighten for a few steps before asking again. This will all come with time and I think its important to remember that when you are training any horse, be it young or novice, you have to take each step at a time, when teaching something new. Never expect perfection at first and if the horse is showing willing – reward, regardless of how good you thought it was! 23

session off by taking your horse out for a short hack to cool down his muscles, which again is very important for all horses. Remember schooling should be fun not a chore, so make it enjoyable for both you and your horse! www.gollygaloshes.com Photography: David Miller

Don't forget to your stretch down work afterward too

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

helmet TM

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Recovering Your Grassland In this issue Peter Hunter of Peter Hunter Seeds offers advice on reclaiming our paddocks after unprecedented rainfall and returning them to green and pleasant land.

palatable, less productive and less the land. nutritious. Poached land can be rescued, but Weather conditions such as we timing is very important. If the have experienced this winter, ground is too wet, using a tractor speed up the rate at which will make a real mess. If the reversion will take place. Much ground has dried out too much, of the fertility that better grasses then hoofprints and ruts will not Recovering Your Grassland with thrive on will have been leached roll back, leaving you with an Peter Hunter away by incessant rainfall, uneven rough field which is not allowing poorer grasses to thrive. suitable for riding on. The past winter has been a testing So where do we begin to return Harrowing the field will help tear time for land owners up and our paddocks back to their out old feg and moss, and make a with Peter Hunter of Peter Hunter Seeds down the country and going into former glory? partial seedbed, if droppings are spring our paddocks will need If you live in a flood affected not collected regularly, harrowing some serious workPeter before Hunter we see area and your paddockSeeds has beenoffers should be done a matter of In this issue of Peter Hunter advice onas reclaiming the first signs of spring grass. turned into a lake, you may have routine. our after unprecedented and returning them toorgreen After apaddocks winter of record feared that it rainfall will never recover Over-sow poached damaged breaking rainfall, that has seen without an expensive complete patches of land to prevent weeds and pleasant land. many paddocks be completely reseed. invading these areas. Grass seed submerged under flood water, However, this is not necessarily can be spread by hand, drill or there have been days when the case. If the field has only fertiliser spreader and then if building an ark seemed like a flooded this year because of possible harrow again and lightly good idea! the terrible storms, it should be roll. possible to carry out cultivations Ideally, if you are lucky enough to Even those that have not suffered as normal, once it has dried out, have sufficient acreage, partition the effects of the horrendous if, on the other hand it floods the field and over-sow each flooding will still be faced with every year, the grasses that are section, leaving to rest for five severely poached land after already growing there, will have weeks. months of muddy conditions. adapted to the conditions but April is an ideal month to start All grassland tends to revert over will probably not be of the best any renovation work and overtime to the indigenous varieties quality. sow poached and damaged land, that were there before the field Weather conditions play a crucial to allow new seedlings to establish was last sown. Indigenous role in choosing when to start before existing weeds and grasses varieties tend to be what we with the renovation work. The start to grow. However, after the would nowadays call ‘weed land needs to have started to dry atrocious recent weather, these grasses’. These grasses tend not up and the temperature needs to jobs will have to be done when only to be invasive but are less have risen sufficiently to warm conditions allow.

The past winter has been a testing time for land owners up and down the country and going into spring our paddocks will need some serious work before we see the first signs of spring grass. After a winter of record breaking rainfall, that has seen many paddocks be completely submerged under flood water, there have been days when building an ark seemed like a good idea! Even those that have not suffered the effects of the horrendous flooding will still be faced with severely poached land after months of muddy conditions. All grassland tends to revert over time to the indigenous varieties that were there before the field was last sown. Indigenous varieties tend to be what we would nowadays call ‘weed grasses’. These grasses tend not only to be invasive but are less palatable, less productive and less nutritious. Weather conditions such as we have experienced this winter, speed up the rate at which reversion will take place. Much of the fertility that better grasses thrive on will have been leached away by incessant rainfall, allowing poorer grasses to thrive. So where do we begin to return our paddocks back to their former glory? If you live in a flood affected area and your paddock has been turned into a lake, you may have feared that it will never recover without an expensive complete reseed. However, this is not necessarily the case. If the field has only flooded this year because of the terrible storms, it should be possible to carry out cultivations as normal, once it has dried out, if, on the other hand it floods every year, the grasses that are already growing there, will have adapted to the conditions but will probably not be of the best quality. Weather conditions play a crucial

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

role in choosing when to start with the renovation work. The land needs to have started to dry up and the temperature needs to have risen sufficiently to warm the land.

for many years.

Poached land can be rescued, but timing is very important. If the ground is too wet, using a tractor will make a real mess. If the ground has dried out too much, then hoofprints and ruts will not roll back, leaving you with an uneven rough field which is not suitable for riding on. Harrowing the field will help tear out old feg and moss, and make a partial seedbed, if droppings are not collected regularly, harrowing should be done as a matter of routine. Over-sow poached or damaged patches of land to prevent weeds invading these areas. Grass seed can be spread by hand, drill or fertiliser spreader and then if possible harrow again and lightly roll. Ideally, if you are lucky enough to have sufficient acreage, partition the field and over-sow each section, leaving to rest for five weeks. April is an ideal month to start any renovation work and over- sow poached and damaged land, to allow new seedlings to establish before existing weeds and grasses start to grow. However, after the atrocious recent weather, these jobs will have to be done when conditions allow. When choosing the seed mixture you are to use to repair your land, you should think carefully about which mixture to buy and ensure that it is suitable for grazing land for horses and ponies. A good paddock mixture will produce a short dense sward that is highly palatable and will provide grazing for as many months as possible, with a wide range of ‘bottom’ grasses’. Hunter’s Newbury Paddock Mixture has been a firm favourite with horse and pony owners all over the country

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

MEET THE EXPERT PETER HUNTER Peter Hunter is the great grandson of James Hunter, founding member of Peter Hunter Seeds. For over 129 years the company has been supplying the best varieties of seeds and the best mixtures to suit every condition and requirement. For more information please contact Peter Hunter Seeds on 07831 442415 or visit www.hunterseeds.com

Mixtures are designed for two main functions: length of time they should be productive and the use for which they are required. To complicate matters even further, grazing mixtures can be divided for cattle, sheep and horses and to get value for money it is imperative to choose the right mixture for your needs. The length of time for short term productivity is up to three years; medium term productivity is up to five years and long term being over five years. Most grasses are now bred for drought

conditions and higher yielding grasses, that provide short term productivity will not grow under the conditions that we have experienced recently, so the mixture will need to provide long term productivity to withstand wet weather. Long term mixtures, like Newbury Paddock mixture are the most suited to grazing land for horses. Get your preparation right and the amount of maintenance and upkeep needed throughout summer will be easy. As horses are selective grazers, topping the grass occasionally will help stop the grazing sward becoming too leggy and encourage the horses to graze the field more evenly.

Having two gateways is often a good idea to alternate between the two or use one in winter and one in summer to allow the land time to rest and recover. If an extra gateway is not an option the only way to completely solve the problem of a muddy poached gateway during winter is to lay down some hardcore.

“Prevention is better than a cure and any work that can be done during the Alternatively, grass mats can placed in and summer to stop be around gateways grass seed things getting so with sprinkled in the bad during winter holes. Do this at the optimum time is time and money and the grass will grow over the mat, well spent” securing them

Pull up any weeds when you see them to prohibit them from taking hold and poo pick regularly, ideally everyday in summer. Looking ahead to the summer months we all hope to enjoy, provides us with time to think about improvements that can be made to our land before next winter. Prevention is better than a cure and any work that can be done during the summer to stop things getting so bad during winter is time and money well spent. If your field is surrounded by

drains and ditches make sure they are cleaned out and free from weeds and if not, consider the options for putting in some drainage.

NOTHING Sweet about ME! Tips on managing sweet itch with Aloeride Managing Director, Han Van Braak

Sweet itch is an awful condition that generally starts in the spring and continues over the summer months, right through to the autumn and is a delayed hypersensitivity to insect bites resulting in an over-vigorous response by the horse’s immune system. Aloeride is a pure organic aloe vera supplement, which has not only been found to help improve the horses’ negative reaction to midges’ bites, but also has a positive effect on skin condition and helps to accelerate the healing process. Therefore I would recommend that if you keep a midge/fly rug to hand to put on instantly to avoid any bites.

in place, creating firm footing that is less susceptible to turning into mud so deep it will suck off your welly and also your horses shoes! This is also the time to review your fencing and carry out repairs. So, after the worst winter for rainfall in over 100 years, let’s hope that Mother Nature is kind to us this spring and summer and brings us some long sunny summer days to make up for the winter of wet weather we have just had to endure! Peter Hunter Seeds offers advice on all aspects of grassland management and supplies grass seeds for the equine and agricultural industry.

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Image credit World Horse Welfare

Alongside feeding Aloeride, Han Van Braak, MD of Aloeride also has some valuable advice to give on managing the condition…. TAKE ACTION If you know you own a sweet itch sufferer, it makes sense to be prepared before the warmer weather arrives. It is often hard to predict, when our seasons are so mixed up and whilst I would suggest feeding Aloeride at least 1 x month before the sweet itch season kicks in, most of the time you wouldn’t be able to predict this! Unfortunately it often takes just one warm day for the midges to come out in force and just one bite to set the whole itch cycle to start.

MANAGEMENT Good management is vital and there are lots of things that you can do to help your horse. For example you could try turning your horse out during the middle of the day, rather than at night or early morning when midges are more likely to be more active, especially in fields that are marshy or near rivers or lakes (which midges love). Midges also do not fly in strong wind, heavy rain or bright, clear sunshine, so under these weather conditions your horse shouldn’t be under such strong attack. Keeping your horse stabled at ‘high risk’ times will help keep them at bay and you could try using fly strips with citronella in the stable (making sure of course that they cannot be reached) is another option.

back that by using Aloeride they no longer require rug protection, I always recommend that you should hang onto your rug, as I believe a multi-pronged approach to tackling the condition is always more beneficial be it a rug or fly/midge spray used in conjunction with our supplement. There are quite a few sweet itch rugs on market now, as well as a variety of topical products, which have been designed to help repel midges and soothe the irritations. Aloeride can also be mixed up with a little water and applied as a paste to help soothe irritation, so as well as working internally, it can also be applied externally! Follow these tips and hopefully you and your equine friend can enjoy an itchfree, happy and healthy season! www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464550

If you can turn out your horse on grazing that is well drained and also avoid fields that are next to rotting vegetation, such as leaves or muck heaps this will also help avoid the midges. ALL AREAS COVERED Whilst many of our customers report

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

they are confident that our products do as we say they do and won’t fall apart on them or hurt their horses! We’re very happy and proud with what we’ve already achieved for such a new business.

last. Also, we don’t believe selling solely online is a workable approach or the best thing for people and their horses – many people want to be able to touch and feel the products, and want to be able

What are your backgrounds and (Horsey and non-horsey) experience and how do they come into play with the business side of things?

Shadow Horse, the shop which seems to be on everyone’s finger tip Shadow Horse, the on-line store dedicated to carrying exclusive quality products, which perform, is rapidly becoming a one-stop shop for grass roots riders right through to top professionals. We spoke to Chloe Bernard, the brand’s Commercial Director to find out more about the shop which appears to be on everyone’s finger tips.. You are a family business, when did you set up and how did the concept of Shadow Horse come about? “ Shadow Horse came out of my experience of riding in the U.S. and France as well as the UK. Coming back to the UK with two horses, I became frustrated as I realized there were products available in other countries which were significantly better quality and more innovative than what I knew was and found available in the UK.

Horses have always been a passion from a very young age and after graduating in business and working in a large tack shop for a while, I considered opening one. However, I realized that I really didn’t want to sell the same products as everyone else and saw an opportunity to make available to UK customers some of the exceptional products I’d found in America and the Continent.

“Shadow Horse came out of my experience of riding in the U.S. and France as well as the UK” Chloe Bernard After a few ground rules were set out, namely all brands and most products have to be tested, we as a family took

trips to the US and the continent to find brands and choose the best of the best. After testing the products, Shadow Horse launched at the Olympia Horse Show in 2011. How has the business developed since 2011? We have grown substantially since then: Our range has expanded significantly from just three brands in the beginning to seven and we continue to carefully select brands each year. Our sales are growing all the time and we’ve had great customer feedback. We’re becoming known for having a really special set of products, as well as being able to give good and honest advice and customer service. Our brands are exclusive to us and we are proud to work with them, including helping with product development specifically for the UK market. From the feedback we have had from our customers, it’s apparent that

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

As I said, horses – and in particular their care, training, and equipment - have been a passion for me ever since I was very young. I have loaned, owned and ridden many different horses, and I know what a difference the right equipment can make to a horse’s performance, comfort, and health. All that experience becomes invaluable both in evaluating products and in discussions with my suppliers. More importantly I find I am constantly interacting with customers on our trade stands, on the phone or via email, about their horses’ problems and needs, and generally I’m able to give them what I hope is good advice on potential solutions, whether it involves our own products or something else. I get a real sense of satisfaction when a customer tells me that what I suggested really did the trick, often solving an issue that may have been going on for a long time! I also have the support of my parents, both of whom have business backgrounds. Their horse knowledge was a bit rusty, to say the least – they’ve had to brush it up a lot over the last couple of years!

folded or gone into receivership. At the same time, on-line sales are growing. We also think shows and equestrian events are really important: Where they have an attractive programme and a good shopping village, people are drawn by the sheer choice on offer. We feel that we are well positioned in relation to equestrian retailing trends. What we’re still learning, though, is how to get our brands and ourselves even more widely known. You trial all the products before putting them in-store - which lucky person gets to trial them and how long do you test them before you will sell them ?!

Image above: The Shadow Horse trade stand at Badminton Horse Trials to interact face-to-face. So we aim to have a trade stand at most of the major equestrian events, including Badminton, Windsor, Hickstead and Olympia. We believe that an on-line equestrian store needs to go beyond just presenting the products – it needs to incorporate lots of helpful information and reviews (which we’re constantly working to expand), and be supplemented by the ability to talk to a knowledgeable person (generally me!) to get advice and answer questions. How do you think retail has changed since you set up the business and what has been your biggest learning curve? The recession has resulted in quite a shake-up in tack retailing. Some tack shops, including fairly large ones, have

How we test and for how long depends on the product involved. As a general rule we test them for how long we would expect a ‘hard wearing’ product in the UK to last, then add some and expect it to be in good shape to continue to be used. For the Kensington rugs, for example, we tried them out on our own horses (who are arch rug-destroyers!) for a season to see how they lasted and performed, they then needed to be in good enough shape to use again the next year (which they were). Where it’s more appropriate – as for example in the case of our newly launched Majyk boots – we sent them to a couple of our sponsored professional riders to try out and report back on. Where do you see the future of retail? Retail has always been tough, and it’s not

What sets you apart from other on-line retailers? What sets us apart from ALL retailers, not just on-line, is that we don’t sell the same stuff everyone else has – our products are sold exclusively by us in the UK and are carefully selected for their innovation, quality and performance. As part of that selection we, personally or via our sponsored riders, try out every brands products by using them just as our customers would. That way, we know how things perform - and how well they

As with all their brands their new Majyk Equipe Boots were tested before being put on their virtual shop shelf

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

getting easier! Customers’ expectations are – rightly - constantly growing, and they are unforgiving of a retailer that doesn’t deliver – or who sells products that don’t. The internet - social networking, forums etc. – makes it easier for customers to share experiences – both good and bad. So more and more, retailers who get it right – offering great products and great service – will succeed, while those who don’t will struggle. As an on-line retailer what are the key factors, which make your business so successful? We put a lot of effort into getting visibility, both on-line and in magazines etc., so people know about us and have confidence in our offering. But underneath that, the critical thing is having great products and making customers happy: without that, no amount of marketing effort, PR or advertising will deliver success. Who would you say were your customers? We sell to all sorts of people, but the

common theme seems to be that they are riders who care about their horses, their comfort and their performance, appreciate the value of good kit, and feel it’s worth being selective – which sometimes means paying a little more, sometimes not - to get something that really performs and lasts.

You do a lot of shows and events, how important are these to the business and why? Very! People often need to touch and feel our products to appreciate their quality, and they value the face-to-face contact. We want to have a relationship with our customers, not just sell to them, and the shows are absolutely key to achieving that. Through the shows and events we also make available the opportunity to feel the products and meet us to a much wider group of people than a local tack shop could do, making them especially

important to us. You have Maria and Michael Eilberg as your high profile sponsored riders, how did that relationship come about? At British Dressage Nationals 2012 we met Maria, Michael and their family. We showed them the products and they were interested, perhaps a little reserved on hearing the product’s wide range of selling points, but because we are so confident in our products and were keen to have their input, we gave them a couple of our pads just to test and we were thrilled when they came and agreed with us that yes - the products really do work! Our relationship has continued to develop from there and we look forward to continuing to work with them as part of our team of experts, who help us promote what we do. What are their favourite items from the ranges? I would say definitely the Ogilvy Profile Pad has to be a definite favourite for the majority of the horses they ride. The Ogilvy Friction Free pad and the Therawool Perfect Balance pad are also right up there though as well.

What trends are you seeing coming through for 2014? I would say that as people become more expectant of products to last and disappointed when they don’t, we are going to see a trend for quality to win The Ogilvy Profile Pad is a firm out over looks. We started to see that trend growing favourite with Shadow Horse over 2013 and I expect it Director, Chloe Bernard to continue to grow. I also think some more traditional aspects of horse care are likely to come back but combining these principles with modern technologies is really a lot of what we’re about as well.

70 to 100% of your horse’s diet should be provided by forage...

How do you envisage the future for Shadow Horse? Our aim is to continue to grow and to reach more customers. We’ll keep looking for good products to add to our range, though we now cover most of the main items riders need when equipping their horses. We’ll continue our policy of choosing what we think is the best brand, with the best range of products in any particular area, and our aim is that those brands continue to be imported exclusively by us. We’ll continue to focus on selling at shows and on-line and we’ll continue to help our customers any way we can. Finally, what advice would you give to consumers shopping on-line?

HorseHage

Get the seal of approval from your horse

Security is critical: Before entering credit card details or your Paypal password ensure you have a secure connection by looking for ‘https’ replacing the normal ‘http’ at the beginning of the page address, and for a lock symbol. We also advise against allowing sites to store your card details – even big retailers have had customers’ details hacked. Remember you have the right to return on-line purchases (exceptions include perishable and custom-made products) for a full refund up to 7 days after they are delivered. But do tell the seller of your intention in writing (e.g. by email) within the 7 days. And, it’s important to choose a retailer where you can be confident Shadow Horse Director, Chloe Bernard about their service ethic and integrity, and can be trusted to deal quickly and fairly with any problems you may have, and not to sell on your email address!”

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• No chemicals or additives • Lower sugar content than hay • High Fibre and Timothy variety are suitable for laminitics

Official supplier of dust-free forage to Equestrian Team GBR

• Can enable you to reduce hard feed by up to a third

www.shadowhorse. co.uk

Maria & Michael Eilberg. Photo Leslie Bliss Photography 31

• Dust-free

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

BY APPOINTMENT TO April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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

MARK WESTAWAY & SON 31 LOVE LANE FARM, MARLDON, PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ3 1SP TEL: 01803 527257 www.horsehage.co.uk

Standing at a safe distance Mark demonstrates the horse is starting to learn to trust

Don’t rush the Face-Up written by Mark Langley www.EquineAbility.com.au

Over the years, and especially in the last 10 years where I have focused training horses as a full time profession, I have changed the way I have approached certain areas of my horsemanship and in some areas, gone away from what people had taught me. I guess this is the area that every horse person can say that in the long run, we end up learning more from our horses than anywhere else. There was something that always seemed so important in horsemanship not so long ago – getting a horse to face up. Whether handling a foal or a horse that you were starting or trying to connect with, the face-up was always the first aim. I now realise that the face-up, even though it is still useful, is not necessarily the best way to start your relationship with a horse. Whether we are connected to our horse with a rope or at liberty, horses will over time, softly and calmly, come around and face us. There is no need to push them (or pull them) thinking that the face-up is the key to respect or understanding. A horse can have all their attention on you in a calm and soft way and you can be standing behind them and they will look around at you calmly. To me this is great – if a

horse trusts you when you are standing a safe distance behind it; if it can look at you calmly without moving, you know that it can start to trust us. Whether I am using a rope or my body language, my emphasis is not on the position of a horse’s body, more so the position of its mind. So all I ever want to do is to draw my horse’s attention to me and reward it with space or a release of contact. If you watch horses in the paddock following each other around, they follow each other or go in directions

by just looking and following their focus. Generally they are very soft and bendy from their nose to their shoulders. It is only when a horse is nervous or slightly over alert that their head lifts up and their body stiffens and they look as if they lead through their shoulders more. What I have increasingly seen is an emphasis on the face-up as oppose to how and why their horse faced up. If you are using body language, your horse should face-up in a calm and inquisitive

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

fashion and if you are using a lead rope, your horse should look through the lead rope and then face-up. If you rush the face-up you may only be contributing to your horse stiffening to pressure and not softening. This contribution will have to be undone in later education. I have worked with many horses which although are alert on a lead, tend to stiffen and shift their body to face up when I ask for softness, roundness and focus. This has always been what they have been taught.

“If a horse trusts you when you are standing a safe distance behind it; if it can look at you calmly without moving, you know that it can start to trust us” Mark Langley, Equine Ability It is not recommended you stand directly behind your horse in the stable, field, pen or manage. Everything Horse UK recommends you wear a suitable riding hat.

I used to teach a horse to face-up and then to flex. I now know that this is back to front. If you are standing beside a horse and it looks at you calmly, it has to flex. So, why not teach a horse how to flex through the pressure you have applied on a rope. Then, flexing becomes focus. Once this is achieved, facing you will be easy but done in very natural and softer fashion. Whereas, if you pull your horse’s face and it shifts its body to face you stiffly, you have just taught your horse to stiffen to pressure and not even focus through a rope. Disengaging the hindquarter seems to be a common way of gaining the face-up. Yes it is a quick way to get your horses body facing you but it is not the best way. April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Caring for Your Stallion

Cyden Stallions owner and dressage rider, Lara Dyson, shares her top tips on caring for your dressage stallion.

Looking after any horse requires hard work and dedication but if that horse is also a stallion, there are other factors that need to be considered. The Cyden Dressage team consists of three stallions, KWPN-approved Cyden Cadans M, KWPN- approved Bodyguard Moorland and NWPCS pony stallion, Cyden Oostings Amigo, so at Lara Dyson’s yard in North East Lincolnshire the boys rule!

Here Lara shares some of her top tips on caring for a stallion: 1. Make sure you handle your stallion in a firm but fair manner, being consistent so they understand the behaviour you expect. Testosterone levels can soon rise in a stallion, turning playfulness into annoyance.

4. Get out hacking! All the Cyden

Stallions are regularly hacked out. Seeing the world can help make them less spooky and varies their routine, giving them a break from the more intense dressage training.

2. Allow plenty of turn out in the field to help them relax and play. Many of today’s competition horses are high value animals but the desire to protect them must not come before their welfare. All the Cyden Stallions get to enjoy time to chill out in normal paddocks just as any other mare or gelding. 5. Feed a balanced diet with plenty of fibre to aid good digestion and help prevent ulcers. The Cyden Stallions are all fed on Baileys Horse Feeds and Lifeforce Elite from Alltech to ensure they receive the correct balance of nutrients to keep them feeling and looking good and support their reproductive systems as working stallions. 8. At Cyden Dressage there is

Maintain a routine, so where possible your stallion knows what to expect every day - consistency is key in every aspect of your stallions care.

10. Stallions undoubtedly have special personalities that make them uniquely different from mares or geldings and to develop a mutually respectful bond with a stallion is incredibly rewarding and well worth the effort.

Lara and Bodyguard 35

more than one stallion on the yard. Be aware that on yards with multiple stallions one might be more dominant, so ensure that he is kept in a suitable stable and not allowed to worry the other horses on the yard. Bullying can be a cause of stress-induced ulcers.

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

3. Always turn out in protective boots or bandages to avoid knocks and injuries during any over-exuberant play.

6. Feed little and often. The Cyden

Stallions get five small meals a day to help prevent boredom during periods when they have to be stabled and also to maintain their weight and condition, particularly when combining competing with their stud duties.

9. If your stallion has been imported from abroad as all the Cyden Stallions have, be aware of any small ponies that you might have on your yard and stable them out of sight of the stallion. It is common practice in Europe to use small ponies such as Shetlands as a tease. The Cyden Stallions interact safely with the ponies on the yard once they or the ponies are tacked up.

All three Cyden stallions will be standing at Stallion AI Services for a limited time this April and May. After this, frozen semen will be available. For further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739 or visit www.cydendressage.com

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Q&A

Tried & Tested

TopSpec Nutritionist Anna Welch answers one horse owners question relating to their horses condition after the winter

Activate® Initiates Healing for Chronic Neck Wound

Q. My horse is lacking condition after the winter months – can you provide advice on what I need to feed? By Anna Welch, BVSc, BSc, MRCVS. Veterinary Nutritionist, TopSpec. Most horses do best when fed all the forage that they can eat (i.e. ad-lib). This is a more natural way of feeding than offering large feeds. It usually makes sense to buy good quality hay or haylage because the more nutrients provided by forage, the less hard feed your horse will need. However there are exceptions, such as laminitic horses. In order for your horse to get the most from their feed, I would suggest basing their hard feed ration on a top specification feed balancer. Conditioning feed balancers such as TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer and TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer provide protein, vitamins and minerals to balance your horse’s diet and allow it to be utilised more efficiently. High quality protein (which is provided in TopSpec conditioning feed balancers) is important for building muscle and topline . The inclusion of yeast products improves the digestibility of fibre and allows your horse to gain more from his diet. When feeding for condition, nutrient dense products are most effective, not only to achieve high forage to concentrate ratios but to keep meal sizes small. If maximum meal sizes are exceeded, feed will be forced through the stomach and small intestine too quickly and overload the horse’s large intestine, or hindgut. This reduces the efficiency of digestion in the hindgut meaning that your horse will obtain fewer nutrients from his forage. For a 500kg horse, meal sizes should be no more than 2kg (approximately one heaped Stubbs scoop of cubes). You should also use a conditioning chop e.g. TopChop Grass even though the small amount you feed will mean that it only makes a small difference. A much bigger difference to your horse’s condition will come from feeding conditioning cubes e.g. TopSpec CoolCondition Cubes. These are low in sugar and starch and cereal-grain-free but high in super-fibres. They are ideal for horses that need condition, without ‘fizz.’ 37

When Nicola Lawlor’s pony sustained a nasty neck wound on a tree whilst turned out in the field, the vet was called immediately. Nicola followed the vet’s advice but became concerned after nine days as the wound was healing so slowly.

For horses that need an exceptionally nutrient dense product TopSpec Super Conditioning Flakes can be used, providing excessive amounts are not fed as they contain 36% starch. For example a 16hh horse should not receive more than a heaped Stubbs scoop (1.3kg) of flakes in a meal.

After carrying out some research she decided to try Activate® wound dressings from Robinson Animal Healthcare, as they were recommended for use on chronic wounds that were previously not responding to treatment. The wound responded well to the dressings and quickly started to heal. “Within a week the difference was remarkable”, said Nicola, “ten days later the wound had healed and the hair was growing back well.”

Activate® is an activated carbon dressing for cleansing and healing open and infected wounds. The multi-layered dressing incorporates activated carbon which has been found to attract and absorb bacteria into the dressing keeping contamination away from the wound surface. The dressing promotes rapid wound closure and improves normal healing process of wounds susceptible to exuberant granulation (proud flesh). Excellent results have been observed when Activate has been used on chronic wounds that were previously not responding to treatment. The dressings are sterile, non-adherent and absorb exudates, eliminating odours.

If your horse is not a fussy feeder, soya oil could also be added as a source of ‘Non-Heating’ calories. Do not exceed 200mls per feed. TopSpec can be contacted, free of charge, on their MultipleAwardWinningHelpline Tel: 01845-565030 or visit www. topspec.com Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Above; the Robinson animalhealthcare Activate dressing Right; Neck wound, stages of healing April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

A Day in the Life of

SophieWells

Here we catch up with Black Country Saddles sponsored para dressage rider, Sophie Wells MBE, as we take a sneak peek into her hectic daily schedule to find out what it takes to make your way to the top. At the age of 23, she is reigning World and European Champion at Para Dressage Grade IV, with eleven Championship Gold Medals between her two top horses, Pinocchio and Valerius. She has also ridden as an able-bodied athlete at the Young Rider European Dressage Championships and the Young Rider World Cup, and now rides at Grand Prix. I am based in Nottingham with trainer Angela Weiss, who is the Squad Coach to the World Class Development and Excel Squads, she is an international Grand Prix rider and also the Director of Para Dressage for British Dressage. I am very lucky to have access to such wonderful facilities that are available at Angela’s, to help train my horses to the very highest level. My day begins between 6am and 7am when I arrive on the yard along with Cheryl and Becca to feed the 22 horses that are based there. It is very hectic at feeding time making sure the horses all get their correct breakfasts. I usually begin exercising the horses between 8am and 9am and have around eight horses to ride each day which takes me through until lunchtime. I ride all my horses in the Black Country Vinici dressage saddle which helps me

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

feel closer to the horses, and also allows my legs to hang longer around them greatly helping my nerve problems too! My para horse Reece is now showing great talent for tempi changes and Noki had a fantastic season last year in which we made our Grand Prix debut. Alongside my own horses, I also ride training liveries and work closely with Emma Sheardown who is also a para dressage rider. At 3pm it is finally time for a break and some lunch followed by catching up on paperwork. I then often go for a session at the gym or to a physiotherapy appointment which might be for me or my horses or all of us! It is very important for me to make sure I’m moving freely and keeping up a strict, strengthening training regime, helping me to improve my position to get the best from the horses. As early evening draws in around 5pm, the arena is harrowed and the horses are checked over and hand-walked if they have been in during the day. This is always a lovely, quiet time of the day to unwind and enjoy some time with the horses without the stresses of training. The evening begins at 7.30pm with a nice hot bath to unwind in before dinner and some time to relax. For more information about Sophie Wells MBE please visit www.sophiewells.com For more information contact Black Country Saddles on 01543 578 243 or visit www. blackcountrysaddles.com

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Reaseheath Student Column with Chloe Lewis, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management student

Geoff Billington rises to the challenge on Cruise Control to provide the arena party at the Horse of the Year Show and Bob regularly visits the college to inspire the students and help them run their own shows.

Equestrians take on Olympic style challenge at Reaseheath Two World class equestrian personalities offered a unique insight into Olympic sport during a masterclass at Reaseheath College’s Equestrian Centre last week. Several hundred visitors and equine students from several colleges watched as Nantwich based showjumper Geoff Billington, who has represented GB at two Olympics and three European Games, pitted his wits against international and Olympic course designer Bob Ellis. Bob, who was the leading course designer for the London Olympics 2012 and regularly designs courses worldwide, challenged Geoff to jump Olympic size fences on his advanced show jumper Cruise Control. Geoff, who was an individual and team medal winner with his horse of a lifetime, Virtual Village It’s Otto, also demonstrated the early training of a

novice show jumper. Both equestrians described their life story and Olympic experiences, outlining the hard work and dedication it takes to compete on a world class stage. Earlier in the day they gave a lecture to 80 equine students in Reaseheath’s dedicated Higher Education and Business Centre. As well as describing their own journey to the top, their presentation described the development of show jumping and the career opportunities available in the equine industry and the skills which the students would require to get a rewarding job.

Image above: Equine degree students Steph Hamilton, Sonia Laughton, Amelia Kenyon, Hannah Luke and Emily Cockerill and Reaseheath’s Equine Events Co-Ordinator Becky Erskine join Bob Ellis and Geoff Billington in the college’s indoor arena

Reaseheath’s equine department has strong industry links and the lecture was just one of a number of events aimed at giving students an insight into potential careers. Reaseheath equine students have worked with Bob Ellis for several years

Equine event specialist Alan Beaumont Management, which organised the event, is a supporter of Reaseheath and mentors the students at the Bolesworth Classic showjumping event where they provide the arena party. Geoff Billington has also shown interest in developing training opportunities with the college.

Said Geoff: “I very much enjoyed working with Reaseheath College. The students were very enthusiastic, took an interest in the subject and were keen to learn. I was delighted at the number of visitors who said that they had enjoyed the event. We tried to offer something which was a bit different and brought fun to a serious subject.” To read more on Reaseheath College please visit the website www.reaseheath.ac.uk

I have had a very busy and exciting month at college with lots of new experiences and opportunities. Since the summer many of us have been applying for university. We have received lots of support in choosing our future options and institutions with an emphasis on finding routes into our chosen careers. This week I received my results for a scholarship exam that myself and several Above: L to R Amy Holmes, Chloe Lewis, other students sat and three of us Aimee Thomas (Level 3 Extended Diploma achieved a Merit award meaning an in Horse Management) all achieved the un-conditional offer and a £1,000 merit award and £1000 towards their award for our first year of study at course fees at Aberystwyth University. Aberystwyth University! As part of our course Reaseheath College provides us with opportunities to gain an understanding of the different career options available by running sessions throughout the year where guest speakers come in to talk to us about the routes into the industry and the expectations of employers. This provides us with hands on, realistic knowledge on the career choices available and also helps us when choosing which course to apply for when applying for university. This month our industry mentor, Zoe Cappaert who runs Lloyd Farm in Shropshire, came in to talk to us about her successful livery business and explained how their role as mentors can help us to become as employable as possible ready for moving into a career in the equine industry. As part of the role Zoe has provided us with a job description that we have to apply and be interviewed for (scary!), to help us build our confidence and skills required when applying for future jobs. We have also been lucky enough to have visits from guest speakers to enhance and apply our knowledge, this month we had an interactive session delivered by Bedmax whereby we got to evaluate bedding and management systems in real life situations. Earlier this year we also took part in a practical day with the BHS Road Safety Awareness campaign where we got to look practically at the safety precautions required for travelling horses. It was really useful to learn some straightforward, life saving tips especially as I travel my own horses regularly. For me the highlight this month was the demonstration by show-jumper Geoff Billington and Olympic course designer Bob Ellis, before the evening show we had a very inspirational (and funny!) student only lecture about how Geoff and Bob got to be where they are today, this was followed by an evening demonstration where they explained courses and demonstrated how to ride the approaches. We also got to chat to them and have our photos taken! So after all that I am now left with the huge decision of which university to go to as well as going out on work experience at Michael Owens Eventing yard, another busy few weeks ahead!

Geoff Billington and advanced horse Cruise Control Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Teaching your Horse to Hack Riding Road and Safety Part III Hacking is a great way to vary your horse’s workload and have fun together. It also builds the trust between you both. As hacking is full of possible hazards it is vital that you prepare yourself and your horse for possible problems.

Hazard Training It is vital that your horse accepts hazards before leaving the yard. Hazard training in the safety of an arena or small field is great way to boost his confidence and stop him napping and spooking. Make the sessions short and positive. Set up a variety of hazards that you may encounter, such as wheelie bins, bags of rubbish, flapping bags, balloons and road works. Working over tarpaulins, round

cones, umbrellas, as well as practising lots of transitions in the school will make your horse responsive to your aids. You can work in-hand or in the saddle, walk your horse to each hazard, let the horse have a good look, he is unsure, stay calm and rub his neck. Gradually move him closer until he feels confident to walk up to the hazard and sniff it. If he baulks or shoots past, it means you have pushed him too far so try slowly leading him past whatever is worrying him.

Above all keep the whole situation calm and non-threatening. Walk your horse out alone You can walk with your horse or long rein him. When long reining it is best to have someone walking alongside the horse to assist if he becomes spooky. This will help the horse to become confident in going out alone and will build the trust between you. You can also pick up on things that you didn’t cover in hazard training and work through these. Hacking out When you start hacking, many riders feel it is always best to hack out the first time with a seasoned horse; this will help give both you and your horse confidence. However going out with the same horse could make your horse dependant on company, so solo hacking short distances will help this. If you are still a bit unsure, it may be advisable to have some one walk alongside you for the first few times. Start with short hacks and familiar routes until you feel confident. All horse can react differently when hacking so building your horse’s and your own confidence will both bring trust and inject the fun into your riding. 43

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Hazards you may meet on a hack 1. Rogue Rubbish The dreaded plastic bag flapping in a hedgerow - often a horse will route his feet to the floor and refuse to move. You need to react as soon as you see the obstacle, if your horse’s confidence has failed him, stay calm and positive, if you back off your horse will take this as confirmation there is something to worry about. The trick is to keep him moving, turn on the haunches, going sideways, even if he gives the hazard a wide berth his front feet are moving again and with luck this should take his mind off the spooky object. 2. Cyclists Cyclists often creep up on your without warning, your horse knows something is there, but won’t be able to see it. In this situation you need to distract your horse to give him something else to think about i.e. leg yielding, flexing his head away from the cyclist.

3. Farm Equipment etc. If your horse tries to nap round anything, you have to react quickly, turn him back the way you were going,. You want to make it as awkward as possible for him to evade the situation and easy as possible to pass it. This make take a few tries, but eventually your horse will realise the easiest option is to continue. 4. Loose Dogs If a dog runs under your horse this is not only dangerous for the dog, but it can cause your horse to rear. If your horse rears it is important to go with him lean forward, grab some mane. DO NOT pull back on your reins, this could pull you horse over backwards, which is extremely dangerous for both of you. When he lands ride three tight circles, as he can’t go up again if he is flexed. If a horse habitually rears you need to break the cycle, and you should seek professional help. Training him around dogs on the yard will help lessen any fear a horse might have of them.

5. Bolting Some hazards, birds flying off, can make a horse bolt; this reaction comes naturally to a horse-with every bone in his body telling him to run at the first sign of danger. Your first reaction will be to tense up pulling back on the reins, this is the worst thing you can do. Your horse will just pull against you. If you can muster up the courage to release the reins you should be able to get your horses attention by using firm half-halts. Do this until you get a response. Making yourself sit tall in the saddle gives you more leverage and strength as you are half-halting. Make sure your legs are off, so that you are not encouraging him to go faster. If these actions are not slowing your horse lift the reins to raise the bit in his mouth. This has the effect of lifting the horses head out of the racing position and it causes the bit to act on the more sensitive upper part of his mouth.

Advertising Opportunities Do you want to advertise your business in the Everything Horse UK Magazine? We offer affordable and realistic advertising opportunities in the magazine and on our extensive equestrian media website. For more information and our rate card please email advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Joey) from private families. Officers were allowed to pick their horses. As the war progressed 469,000 horses and mules left the British countryside for the western front, but more were needed the Remount Department looked overseas, America, Ireland, and other European countries, all the horses were brought for a ‘fair price’ and branded. The Horses and Mules were carefully checked and trained, when passed fit for service; they were transported by boat and rail to the front. At the start of the war the horse was used mainly by the cavalry, but it was soon apparent that because of trenches, barbed wire and machine guns, cavalry charges could no longer be used. The last major Cavalry charge of the war was Mons in August 1914. There were occasional other cavalry charges which for obvious reasons failed miserably one notable one was in the spring of 1918 when 150 horses took part in a charge against the Germans and only four survived.

World War 1 The Great War

Join the Everything Horse UK team in celebrating the anniversary of World War 1 written by Fiona Kenyon

World War 1 the Great War - Facts about the Real War Horses 1914-1918 With the release of Stephen Spielberg’s film War Horse, late 2011 to early 2012, the true extent of the fourlegged warriors’ sacrifice became known to millions. The film and the stage show were adapted from Michael Morpurgos’ 1982 novel of the same name.

For years, many did not know of the unimaginable suffering of the million horses and mules sent overseas to help the war effort, this was the forgotten tragedy of the Great War. Of the million sent to the western front only 67,000 returned, the rest tragically dying, through injury, disease or exhaustion. When the war broke out in 1914 the British Army only had 25,000 horses, this was nowhere near enough. The Remount Department was

responsible for finding the hundreds of horses and mules that were shipped to Europe, during the course of the war. The horses were brought from horse breeders, auctions or (as in the case of

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Despite this the horses were still invaluable to the war effort. They were used to pull artillery, carry ammunition, transporting the wounded and general transport. All of this through heavy mud, the noise of war and the risk of being gassed by mustard gas. Horses were used extensively during the four years with over eight million losing their lives (on both sides), alongside the men they fought with. The bonds that were forged during the Great War, between the men and their horses were unlike any other amid the horrors of the First World War trenches.

The poem below epitomises the bond between the warhorses and the men that fought alongside them: Good-bye, Old Man (Suggested by Matania's picture of a soldier's farewell to his horse commissioned by The Blue Cross 1916) Good-bye, old man; we've fought our last together, You've struggled bravely, but you've got to die! Old man, it almost breaks my heart to leave you, Without one other word, except "Good-bye". Good-bye, old man; we've kept up well together, And always shared whatever's come

our way, We came to help old Britain fight the Germans, And up to now we've kept 'em well at bay. Good-bye, old man; I know you're going to suffer, For there are great tears in your eyes, I wish you understood that 'tis for Britain That every hero fights, and bleeds, and dies! Good-bye, old man; you won't be here much longer, You've got to go, old man, and go alone, We've always had our troubles both together, And life won't seem the same when you are gone! Good-bye, old man; I wish that you

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

could answer, And tell me all your brown eyes try to say. You know, old man, I've seen a lot of suffering, But never felt just like I feel to-day. (author unknown)

Next month

Next article to cover the men and the care of their horses, and the most famous of the war horse who did make it home.

We would like to thank the National Army Museum for all their help with these articles www.nam.ac.uk

Image courtesy of saddleworld.co.uk Image courtesy of snazzyhorses.co.uk

CORRECTLY FITTING TACK In collaboration with Chris Taylor of Saddlers Den It is essential that any tack used on a horse should be suitable for the purpose intended and fitted correctly. Damaged or ill-fitting tack can affect the horse’s comfort (causing behavioural problems when being ridden) and can result in serious injuries.

This article is to assist the rider in understanding, whether their horse’s tack is fitted correctly and to identify signs that a saddle no longer fits or requires attention. Tack will need checking if a horse’s shape alters, this can be due to weight gain, muscle development or age If you are unsure or tack isn’t fitting correctly then you should call a qualified saddle fitter.

The Saddle

It is vitally important that a saddle

should be both well-fitting and correctly positioned on the horse’s back. The saddle should be placed on the back over the withers, and then slid backwards into its natural resting place. The saddle needs to be balanced and level not tipping backwards or forwards; the weight should be distributed evenly along the horse’s back. NO part of the saddle should touch the horses wither or spine, there must be a clear channel from the front to the rear

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

and the saddle should rest on the ribcage evenly each side of the spine. Clearance from the spine should be at least three fingers. The gullet of the saddle should be approximately 6.5cm wide along its full length, a similar clearance should be between the front of the saddle and the top of the horses withers.

this may make the saddle move over.

The point of the saddle tree should sit behind the horse’s shoulder blade, to allow freedom of the horse’s natural movement. Check that the points of the tree Do NOT dig into the horse’s shoulder. The back of the saddle should not sit any further along the back than the start of the horse’s last rib. (a horse is not designed to take weight on its lumber region)

Saddles should be checked for damage regularly

Once the above checks have been completed, the horse should be ridden , and the above checks looked at again , as with a rider on the saddle may move making it ill-fitting and unbalanced. The saddle should not move significantly under the rider. The rider’s position when riding is also a consideration as

The final check is for the rider to stand up in the stirrups this pulls the saddle down and again checks should be completed to make sure the saddle doesn’t make contact with the spine or withers.

To check if the tree of the saddle is damaged support the front of the saddle against one thigh, press on the seat and pull cantle towards you or reverse the saddle on your thigh grasp the front edges under the pommel and pull upward and outward, in both cases an intact tree does not give into pressure, whereas a broken tree does. Movement or noises show a compromised saddle, it may not always be a broken tree but one with rivets that are loose. Another check is to turn the

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

saddle over and visualise a line from the pommel down the gullet if it veers from straight the tree is twisted or broken. If a saddle is lumpy, hard, not been flocked for some time or panels are out of symmetry, back pain, leg pain, muscle spasms’ and lameness can occur. It can also cause problems for the rider, consultation with a qualified saddle fitter will determine if your saddle needs reflocking

The Girth

Although girths come in a range of different shapes and sizes, essentially a girth should be smooth and broad fitting comfortably round the horses breast. A correctly fitted girth should rest approximately one hand’s width behind

the horse’s elbows. On most saddles there are three girth straps and the girth needs to be attached to two of them.

Saddle Cloths, Numnahs and pads

Saddle cloths and Nummahs are used to keep the underside of the saddle clean, to soak up sweat and to minimise saddle slip. If they are too thick or crease up under the saddle, they can alter the fit

of the saddle. They should not be used in an attempt to improve the fit of an ill-fitting saddle. Undue pressure can be placed on horses’ backs and withers if the cloths are not pulled up fully into the gullet. If such measures are necessary long term, then clearly the saddle does not fit and you need to speak with a qualified saddle fitter to discuss your options.

The Bridle

Bridles come in three main sizes (pony, cob and full) and are full adjustable. They normally come with a standard cavesson nose band which can be changed to a different style if required.

‘Check out’ the 5 point system for fitting a bridle below!

5 POINT CHECKING SYSTEM FOR A FITTING A BRIDLE

1. The headpiece, which forms the main part of the bridle along with the cheek pieces, should lie comfortably behind the horse’s poll.

2. The brow band (prevents the headpiece from slipping back) should rest across the horses forehead, with a clearance of 4.

two finger widths to prevent the headpiece from pinching the ears.

If the cavesson nose band is correctly fastened you should be able to place two fingers under it.

The cheek pieces should be buckled evenly on both sides , and allow the bit to lie comfortably in the mouth, creating only a slight wrinkle at the corner of the lips.

The bit should lie flat in the horse’s mouth, with approximately one centimetre of clearance on either side of the mouth.

Correctly fitting tack is a necessity for both horse and riders comfort

Introducing the

Next Generation The Childéric

DSC Dressage - now even better

www.childericsaddles.co.uk 49

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

Ridden Showing

Tack and Turnout for your Pony and You With the showing season upon us, it’s easy before you know it to be confused with what to wear and how to turn your horse or pony out for the ‘big event’. Here Everything Horse UK writer Fiona Kenyon writes to give us her advice on what to do and how to do it, to get you and your fellow equine ready for the season ahead. Class: Show Pony Lead Rein and First Ridden

tidy, in a pony tail if collar length, or plaited, which maybe turned up and looped if plaits are long.

Rider In show pony lead rein and first ridden classes the rider should wear a navy jacket of correct length (just touching the saddle) with the sleeve showing a small amount of the cuff of the shirt. Jodhpurs should be canary coloured (or lighter for boys) it is traditional to wear brown leather jodhpur boots with a navy jacket although black jodhpur boots are acceptable. Brown leather gloves should be worn. Shirts with collar and tie are best, with a small knot in the tie. Tie pins keep the tie in place. Ties usually match the Pony’s browband. Hair needs to be neat and April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

A competitor’s number should be visible at all times. Buttonholes are worn on the competitor’s right lapel and should not be too large. Ribbons on the back of the jockey’s caps should be stitched up. Lead rein attendants should be tidily dressed in a smart yet practical fashion. Sensible shoes and hats should be worn, practicality is important as the judge is judging the pony and not the attendant! Ladies can dress similar to the rider. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a dark suit and bowler which always looks very smart. Pony Manes should be plaited, tails pulled, feathers whiskers ears etc. trimmed.

rider’s hair should be neat and tidy. The competitor’s number should be seen at all times. Lead rein attendants normally co-ordinate themselves with similar tweed jackets, shirts and ties.

Image courtesy of native horse www. stallionai.co.uk Browbands can be coloured or plain. Saddles should be straight cut, with no handles, and of fine stitched leather . Numnahs are normally fine sheepskin. Snaffle bridles should be used and have a ribboned browband, Quarter markers help show the pony’s quarters. Hooves should be oiled, makeup can be worn.

Class: Show Ponies & Intermediate Show riding type Rider The rider should wear the same as lead rein/first ridden, except that top boots should be worn. Riders should have their hair in a bun; if scrunches are worn they should be discreet. ‘Bling’ is not encouraged Lead Rein and First Ridden Show Hunter and Mountain & Moorland Rider In these classes Tweed should be worn, colour can be chosen to work with the colour of the pony! Generally velvet collars and buttonholes are only correct with navy jackets, however, discreet velvet collars are acceptable, navy with blue and green tweeds or brown with brown toned tweeds. Buff or paler jodhpurs should be worn. Jodhpur boots and gloves should be brown leather. Hair ribbons should be plainer than the show pony, but the

gentleman.

The overall look is smart country style, for both ladies and

Pony Show hunters should be shown plaited with tails pulled, whiskers, ears and feathers trimmed. All mountain & moorland ponies must be shown in their natural state with a full, unplaited mane and tail, full feathers, unclipped/minimal clipping and for some, minimal trimming and general tidying up (some breeds are not to be trimmed at all, eg. Fells, Dales). Make-up is a no-no for M&M ponies but you may use a little oil around the eyes, muzzle, mane, tail and dock area, hoofs may be oiled and finish with a spritz of coat enhancing spray. Saddles should be straight cut, no handles are permitted. Snaffle Bridles with a plain browband should be used. For Working Hunter classes, a saddle with knee rolls/WHP saddle is preferable and any suitable bridle is permitted, as is a martingale if necessary and brushing boots, the latter being removed after

the jumping phase to enable the judge to check the horse or pony’s conformation.

Class: Show Hunter Ponies & Intermediate Show Hunters Rider Again the same as Lead Rein and First Ridden, and as the riders progress to intermediate topper boots with a strap are preferred, hair should be in a neat and tidy bun.

Have fun, enjoy your classes and Remember.... be alert at all times as you never know when the judge is looking at you

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Product Focus with Everything Horse UK New Hawling Jacket from Caldene Caldene’s new Hawling jacket is both practical and fashionable. Ideal for a day out, the jacket will be the envy of the crowd. The Hawling is a waterproof jacket with taped seams. The jacket is available in Chocolate and Black in S, M, L, XL. Priced at around £93.49. For further information please contact Caldene on 01274 711101 or visit www.caldene.co.uk

The New Solare Jump Saddle from Black Country Saddles Dove Jacket from Tottie This seasons must have is the classic blazer. Dove jacket is perfect for the spring; the traditional design is teamed with a fashionable Tottie twist. Designed in a fitted jersey style, the jacket is brilliantly versatile and great to keep you warm on a day out.

Offered in sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, in the traditional colours of Light Grey Marl and Navy Blue and priced around £52.49. For further information please contact Tottie on (01274) 711101 or visit www.tottie.co.uk

AS we head into the warmer weather don’t get caught out by April showers!

Great for riding out during damp weather, the Harry Hall Draycott Chaps are lightweight and waterproof with Velcro fastenings on the trouser hem.

The pull on Draycott Overtrousers include side zips for ease of use, shaped legs for a superior fit and a reflective Harry Hall label.

For further information please contact Harry Hall on 01274 711101 or visit www.harryhall.co.uk 53

Images above of the Harry Hall Draycott Collection from left to right... 1. Draycott Chaps, lightweight and waterproof, prices from £46.99 2. Draycott Coverall with taped seems, an elasticated waistband and cuffs, prices from £70.49 3. Draycott Overtrousers with side zips, shaped lets and a reflective label, prices from £58.49 Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 7 • April 2014

For more information contact Black Country Saddles on 01543 578 243 or visit www.blackcountrysaddles.com

Kentucky Horsewear launches new Fetlock Boot Kentucky Horsewear has taken another step forward in design for fetlock protection with the launch of the Kentucky Moonboot. The small, ultra light boot marries together the latest in technical materials with an emphasis on protection, comfort and freedom of movement, without compromising on style. The Moonboot has been designed with leading International Showjumpers to allow a good hind leg action without exaggerating the balance of the horse.

This luxurious and fragrant cream contains warming oils such as ginger and juniper, which are believed to help promote improved circulation to stiff joints, along with uplifting rosemary plus a soothing action from arnica oil.

The boot’s strike zone is made of impactprotective D3O material, which locks on impact and disperses the blow in order to give the hind fetlock joint optimum protection from injuries caused by the horse as it leaves the ground before a fence. A light but tough TPU outer shell also helps to protect against impact, while the neoprene fabric offers freedom of movement and comfort. The Moonboot is fastened with a single Velcro fastener for ease of use, and is designed to stay in place and remain secure.

Just massage the cream into any stiff or aching joint or muscle – gentle massage is important to trigger the ‘actions’ within the product’s ingredients.

Testing results, sales and feedback from showjumpers worldwide have proven that Moonboots are the fetlock boots of the future.

Available online from www.karenruggles.co.uk along with other naturally inspired products (Omega 3’s, probiotics, superfoods, skincare plus human and animal bug deterring products).

RRP £92.65

The pure wool flocking in this versatile saddle helps to offer the perfect fit and

Soothe those aches with the Ginger

If you need an all over cover up, the Harry Hall Draycott Coverall is a must have this spring.Taped seams, an elasticated waistband and cuffs provide extra protection and styling.

The new Solare Jump is available in colours Black, Brown, Havanna or Oxblood and in sizes 16 inch to 19 inch, in a range of width fittings.

Custom-made as always, this saddle has a discreet knee roll providing support without blocking the leg position whilst the forward cut flaps help the rider’s balance and security.

Do your muscles ache after spending longer riding than intended? Are your knees, back or joints stiff on dismounting or during yard chores or even the gardening?

The Draycott Collection from Harry Hall is fantastic yard wear that will have you prepared for every eventuality.

The Harry Hall Draycott Chaps are priced at around £46.99, the Draycott Coveralls are £70.49 and the Draycott Overtrousers are priced at around £58.49.

Made with vintage leather, the Solare offers excellent value for money with the saddle combining cutting edge design and technology providing riders of all levels and ability with a close contact saddle and a forward-fitting seat that allows freedom of movement.

Soothing Ginger and Juniper Joint Cream for Riders

Be Prepared for April Showers

All are available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large – colour grey.

Black Country Saddles are proud to introduce you to the new Solare Jump Saddle - ideal for those riders looking for a quality saddle and the latest innovations.

allows greater adjustment options.

and Juniper Joint Cream from the R&S Naturally Inspired skincare range – formulated by a former rider with riders in mind. Said Mrs V Johnson, from Nottinghamshire: “I tried this for joint stiffness and it was very good – much better than any cream my doctor has suggested.”

April 2014 • Issue 7 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Available from Kentucky Horsewear UK Tel - 01403 786021 or follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/ KentuckyHorsewearUK

“The worlds most innovative High Viz equine clothing that does an amazing job at slowing the traffic” 100% Legal, 100% Fantastic The BBC fully apologised and stated that the Fake Britain programme (January 2014) was inaccurate, misleading and unfair toward Equisafety. Also the interviewee should have been introduced as an associate of a small rival company

“We would like to thank all our customers for their constant support in wearing the POLITE apparel. We will continue to design and manufacture this brilliant range”

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19a Tarran Way West, Tarran Way Ind Est Moreton, Wirral, Ch46 4TT. Tel - 0151 678 7182 Web - www.highvizibility.uk.com www.equisafety.com