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JULY 2014 ISSUE 10
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Rearing Where does it start & how to STOP IT
Daniel Moseley
Step inside his life with Everything Horse UK Courtesy of Verdo horse Bedding
INSIDE
• An insight into Team GBR • Tackling ‘Bounces’ with Steph Gumn • Mirrors for Training • Foaling • Grass Sickness and lots more...
Struggle with nerves? Maria and Michael Eilberg are on hand to help out in our new
‘Training Section’
, r e h t a e W l u f Wonder Showing and flies
is summer so far...
a wonderful way to describe th
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Wow! Wow is the word I best feel describes the wonderful weather that most of the UK have been enjoying for some weeks now. How are our horses handling it though? I can’t say I haven’t seen a horse or 10 covered from top to toe in some kind of suitable fly rug. We really are so lucky in this day and age to have such a fantastic selection of items available for us to help protect our horse from the summer flies. This month we have added two NEW sections to our magazine! We are so excited for you to see what we have done and there’s still more to come!
great advice on working the dressage horse and how to get the most from them when in the arena. Natasha Baker is back helping with our lateral work for this months flatwork focus and guest blogger Steph Gumn helps one rider overcome issues with a horse that rushes over those tricky ‘bounces’. We have a wonderful feature ‘At Home with Daniel Moseley’ courtesy of Verdo Horse Bedding. Daniel talks us through his past, a little about his daily routine and lets us inside his prestigious showjumping yard based in Lincolnshire.
Baron with Lorraine read more on page 13
We now have a dedicated Horse Health and separate Training Focus section, each month we will include a selection of topical health issues and training techniques for you and your horse. For health this month Nadine Page from Hamptons vets, based in Cheshire is here to help guide us through those all important moments before the mare gives foal in ‘A Nose and Two Toes’. Kate DouglasDala, Reaseheath Equine Course Manager has written a fantastic article on the Grass Sickness, a disease we should all be aware of especially at this time of year.
We, of course, have lots more inside so it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy.
Suzanne Ashton
Company Director, Everything Horse UK I personally would like to thank all of this months contributors, each and every one person involved in the production of the Everything Horse UK Magazine is responsible for the fantastic end product. Well done everyone and a huge thank you!
Our new training section focuses on three different areas Dressage, Flatwork and Jumping. This month we have Maria and Michael Eilberg who give some Contact Information
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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.
Editor Jennifer McAloon editor@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Sales Suzanne Ashton advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Photography Mike Bain 5star-elite@btconnect.com 2
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Contents
MONTHLY NEWS UPDATES AND INDUSTRY NEWS
6. BRITISH DRESSAGE UPDATE Written by Daisy Jackson 10. HICKSTEAD Breen wins the Equestrian.com 2014 Derby 11. INDUSTRY NEWS 60. PRODUCT FOCUS
SPECIAL FEATURES 18. AN INSIGHT INTO EQUESTRIAN TEAM GBR The successes, the disciplines and the support meet team GBR and learn about what makes ‘it’ tick. 22. AT HOME WITH DANIEL MOSELEY We visit Daniel Moseley, courtesy of Verdo Horse Bedding and learn more about this exceptionally talented, young international showjumper. 26. DRESSAGE FOCUS: OLIVIA OAKELEY MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE UNDER 21’S This month Olivia Oakeley takes us through her journey to now
COMPETITION 21. WIN A NORMAN With the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games almost upon us, Everything Horse UK have teamed up with Alltech to give away a Norman, or two, the official mascot of the WEG 2014
HEALTH FEATURES 28. GRASS SICKNESS, KATE DOUGLAS-DALA Reaseheath course manager Kate helps open our eyes a little further into the tragic world of Equine Grass Sickness 31. A NOSE AND TWO TOES – FOALING – NADINE PAGE, HAMPTONS VETS Nadine Page from Hamptons Vets, based in 4
Cheshire takes us through the last moments before the foal is born 33. 10 TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HORSE IN TIP TOP CONDITION Fantastic tips from Michelle Woolrich for keeping your horse in the best shape in preparation for competition
RIDING FEATURES 34. DRESSAGE – Dressage Tips from Maria and Michael Eilberg. 36. FLATWORK – Laterally Speaking Written by Natasha Baker courtesy of Golly Galoshes 40. JUMPING – Tackling bounces with Steph Gumn, BSc (Hons) Equine and Human Sports Science
ARTICLES 48. DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT How does it affect learning and training? Written by Louise Napthine, MSc
Everything Horse UK Magazine
50. MASSAGE FOR THE COMPETITION HORSES Focusing on the importance of proper warm up and cool down routines, written by Barbara Dreyer, Registered Equine Massage Therapist 54. REARING; WHERE DOES IT START & HOW TO STOP IT MARK LANGLEY Mark is back this month focusing on horses that rear and what we can do to help alleviate the problem 58. HORSEBOX SAFETY With showing season here Mark Loud helps us with his top 5 safety tips for traveling with your horse 59. HOW TO WASH RUGS WITH MOORLAND RIDER Moorland Rider are on hand to help us with washing our rugs without any fuss Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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British Dressage News Update written by TopSpec Sponsored Rider Daisy Jackson It has been another exciting and busy month for British Dressage including some great competitions at the Premier Leagues, Somerford and Addington as well as some great internationals abroad (CDI) at Kapellen, Compiegne and Saumur. Also catching the excitement of our dressage lovers was the brand new show ‘Carl and Charlotte: Going Dutch’. Airing on Horse and Country, the pair pay a visit to Holland in the pursuit of a young talented horse with great dressage potential. Will they find a future Olympic horse?
Carl and Charlotte: Going Dutch
On the 14th of May an interesting documentary was shown on Horse and Country TV involving British Dressage’s leading duo and Olympic gold medallists Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin. This fascinating and valuable footage gives the viewers an insight on Carl and Charlottes desired qualities in a young dressage horse when looking to buy. Throughout the duration of the show, the pair take a trip to visit Holland which was planned to coincide with the KWPN Stallion Show, one the world’s greatest showcases for potential sires.
Brits have been making their mark at the French CDI as part of the Big Tour. Gareth Hughes and DV Stenkjers Nadonna won the Grand Prix with 71.960% and the Grand Prix Special with 74.115%, whilst Daniel Sherriff came fourth in the Grand Prix wih 69.040% and also won the Grand Prix Freestyle with 72.525% on the lovely Bayford Hall Dallaglio. After Gareth’s success in Compiegne I spoke to him about Nadonna and found out that this very talented, 16 year old, mare is owned by Jane Brewin and was a member of the bronze medal team at the European Championships in 2013. Gareth has been riding her for three years now and they have won many competitions both nationally and internationally.
In other news
The young and very talented Charlotte Dicker won the Junior Individual Test at Somerford Pemier League with Catherston Springsteen or ‘Bruce’ as he is known at home. The striking combination got a respectable 67.5% winning the class overall. Bruce is a 17 year old chestnut stallion by Dutch Dream whom
himself is by Dutch Gold, Jennie Loriston-Clarke’s Olympic Grand Prix horse and it is therefore clear he has talent in his blood. Jennie also happens to be Charlotte’s Grandmother, again showing us the dressage genes once again have been passed down! Charlotte and Bruce are aiming for the European Team this year so will hopefully represent Great Britain at Junior level. So far they have been selected for the long list; as yet final selection is undecided. As this combination is doing so well I caught up with Charlotte to discuss Springsteen and their plans together: ‘I love him to bits, we have such a good relationship now, we can trust each other and although he can be a bit lazy he tries his heart out for me. We partnered just before the squad selection day back in October, we gained just over 69% at the selection, judged by international judge David Trott. That was our first ever test together and I had only ridden him about 4 times! I train with my mum, Anne Dicker and Grandmother Jennie L-C. They're both fab trainers and are so encouraging! At shows I tend to get
Image below; Charlotte Dicker and Catherston Springsteen, photo by Charlottes father
Carl also guides us through his own personal breeding programme whilst on the search for a brand new superstar. As if this isn’t enough, Carl shows us some of his own future home grown champions, including Euphoria who Carl describes as “the best bred colt in the world”. He is out of Weidyfleur II, Valegro's full sister, and by Uthopia. This is a great watch and I recommend anyone who has missed it to find it online on the Horse and Country website.
Image above; Henry Boswell and Vincentre II, photo by Karen Chaplin
very nervous, which then makes Bruce quite tense. It’s great having both Mum and Granny there to help, they are both amazing and we get on so well, Mum can tell so easily when I get nervous and she has such a sympathetic, calming effect on me. We are aiming for the Junior Europeans this year, we have been long listed and our final selection is at Wellington Premier League this weekend! Lots of preparations in order, we are riding the Junior Kur and also the Junior Team Test for our selectors to view. I have just recently become a model as well on top of the dressage so hopefully that should be great fun.’ Next I caught up with Henry Boswell who trains with Carl Hester, with Coral Ingham’s Vincentre II a 12 year old by Gribaldi. I got in touch with Henry shortly after his win at Somerford Premier League in the Advanced Medium Freestyle where they scored 71.75%. He told me he is planning to get Vincentre out at Small Tour by the end of the season. Another very successful combination is Ryan Todd and Julie Todd’s Charlex Eskebjerg or ‘Charlie’ as Ryan calls him. Not only did they win the Young
Back to my competition roundup: In Compiegne, two of our top 6
her husband Harvey, has recently moved to a new yard based in Malvern, Worcestershire. Kate and Rockerfella IV gained an awesome 70.83% at the Somerford Premier League winning the Advanced 105 class. Kate was very pleased, saying: ‘We're a new competitive combination - he's only been based with me for 2 months and we are aiming to compete Small Tour so winning at Somerford Premier League with 70% was a real boost.’
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Rider Individual Test at Somerford Premier League with a brilliant 69.54% also; this partnership achieved two top ten scores at Roosendaal CDI. Ryan was 10th in the Young Rider Team Test with 66.75% and then managed to go on and score 69.37% in the Young Rider Freestyle where he finished in 8th place. Charlie is a 13 year old Danish warmblood by Carano whom Ryan is currently training at Grand Prix level at home. Both Charlie and Ryan have been a combination for 2 and half years now and have become very busy with competing and training. Inbetween this Ryan has managed to gain his UKC Certificate. Ryan explains: ‘I am currently on the World Class Development start program and receive training from them. As for competing, our aims for this year would be to receive a place on the Young Rider European Team. Also, in the winter, I aim to compete at Grand prix. Currently I am training for my UKCC level 2, and now based at home in Halifax, West Yorkshire where I am busy training my young horses and teaching local riders.’ I also managed to get in touch with International Grand Prix rider and North West British Dressage Team Trainer Kate Cowell, who alongside
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
‘Rocky’ as his owner Frances Mejer calls him, is a 13 year old German bred by Rubinstein Noir and out of a Weltmeyer mare. Frances bought Rocky as a 5 year old and has trained him up through the levels, with Kate’s help, winning the Pet Plan Advanced Medium. It was clear that this horse has talent when in, only his second Intermediate I, he achieved 69%, which was at the international selection trials at Addington Premier League in May. Kate explained their aim is to compete at Hartpury and Hickstead International CDI*** small tour this summer. Patrick Saddlery Sponsored Kate Cowell also expressed the big important statement we all love to hear: ‘I think he has the potential to go all the way to Grand Prix.’ ME! It has been a very exciting month for the entire Jackson Family as our beloved 4 year old Larkshill Tänzer, whom we have had since birth, has finally been backed and is soon ready to get going in his riding career and experience the joys of dancing or Tanzing as I’m sure he would say! Tänzer was bred by Heather Stack from Larkhill stud and is by Benetton Dream out of a Donauwalzer mare. We bought his dam in foal so he was born at our yard at home. He is a huge, long legged 17.2hh who has taken
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Larkshill Tanzer and I trotting for the first time. He’s very easy and comfortable, just loves his work.
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his time to develop so we have had to accommodate that and take our time backing him. We are thrilled to say that, with the help of a wonderful lady called Sarah Simmons who is very experienced in backing, Tanzer is enjoying being ridden and progressing all the time but of course slowly and steadily. Tango and I are progressing at a rate of knots now which is great news for us. We are getting things solid and established at home as correcting his way of going within a movement is something essential to Tango’s training. He is now at the point where he needs to respond to little corrections and not make a big deal out of a small matter. We have managed to qualify for the under 25’s championships at both Medium and Advanced Medium but unfortunately we were just too late for the regionals. As Tango is my
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Image above; Tango and I in the warm up when competing at Crofton. His work is becoming more solid all the time and he is beginning to sit without arguing about it!
first ever horse that I have trained myself was expecting it to take a little longer and being 17. I am not is a rush to go anywhere right now as long as there is improvement I am happy.
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Daisy
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Hickstead 2014; Breen’s Derby dream finally comes true After coming so close for the past two years, Ireland's Trevor Breen finally achieved what he'd always wanted to do - winning the Equestrian.com Derby at Hickstead. Trevor's horse Adventure De Kannan has a superb record at Hickstead, winning the Speed Derby in 2009 and the Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix in 2012. But the Hickstead Derby kept eluding him - despite coming tantalisingly close with a third place in 2012 and second in 2013. Last year Trevor finished in runner-up spot in the Derby when 'Addy', who only has one eye, knocked the open ditch near the end of the course and picked up four faults, meaning Phillip Miller won the top prize. But this year the roles were reversed when Phillip had to settle for second place. There have only been 54 clear rounds in the 54 year history of the Derby, and this year there were none - with Phillip and Trevor both knocking a fence down and having to jump-off for the title. First to go in the jump-off, Phillip and last year's winning horse Caritiar Z picked up another four faults at the Devil's Dyke. So Trevor had the choice of trying to net a steady clear - or going quickly to ensure he was fastest even if he had a fence down. He opted for the latter and when the Privet Hedge Oxer fell he had to leave all the other fences standing and cross the line quicker than Phillip's time of 85.19sec. This he did - to finish fractionally faster in a time of 85.17sec, the closest Hickstead Derby jump-off of all time. After being so devastated not to win the Boomerang Trophy last year, this year Trevor was emotional for all the right reasons. "Addy has an enormous heart, he does whatever you ask him to do," said the Buckinghamshire-based rider. It's been an incredible journey for the pair. Trevor used to be a teacher before turning to showjumping 10
full time, following in the footsteps of older brother Shane, who is based at Hickstead. Adventure De Kannan used to be an event horse when ridden by his owner Karen Swann, before Trevor began showjumping him. They have gone on to international success and represented Ireland on Nations Cup teams, as well as winning several of Hickstead's biggest classes. The 14-year-old gelding has always relished jumping at Hickstead, but his preparations haven't always gone smoothly. Last year the horse was only just recovering from surgery to remove one of his eyes, because of an ongoing condition. "The horse just loves adversity," said Trevor. "Last year he lost his eye, then he came back, this year he tweaked his hind suspensory, came back again and then to top it all off I was exercising him in the sand arena here yesterday and he got kicked in the leg. He's just a Trojan of a horse." Phillip Miller was disappointed not to repeat his 2013 win, but was quick to congratulate Trevor on his win. "I thought I was quite quick, so then it was up to Trevor whether he was going to surrender or come after me. I thought he'd surrendered then all of a sudden he set off!" he said. It was a dramatic renewal of the Equestrian.com Derby, with 16 faults being good enough to make the prize money, four riders falling off, 10 being eliminated and three opting to retire. Three riders shared third place on eight faults Jade Hooke (RSA) and young British riders Harriet Nuttall and William Whitaker. Trevor Breen also took home some more prize money for finishing sixth on Loughnatousa WB. In the showing classes, Tattersalls & RoR Thoroughbred Show Horse Championship went to Allister Hood and Jack The Giant, who raced 26 times during his former racing career and won on the Flat, over hurdles and over fences. Earlier today, the Hickstead Under 25 Masters went to Essex-based Remy Ellis and Warendorf, while Norway's Victoria Gulliksen finished second on Billy Buttercup. The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting drew to a close today with packed stands watching the feature class of the fixture. An estimated 35,000 people attended over the four days of the show. Hickstead's next international fixture is the Longines Royal International Horse Show (29 July - 3 August), one of only three CHIO5* shows in the world. Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Image: Trevor Breen wins the Equestrian.com Derby 2014, riding Adventure De Kannan. He is presented with the Boomerang Trophy from Hickstead and Equestrian.com competition winner Bronte Patterson (right) and Lorraine Meadowcroft, CEO of Equestrian.com July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Equestrian Industry News with Everything Horse UK
From rescue centre to celebrity lifestyle and back again (but still a celebrity!)
Meet the famous Clydesdale in Aboyne, this June, at the Belwade Farm Fun Day Glasgow City Council, which rehomed World Horse Welfare Baron, is supporting this year’s Rehome a Horse Month. Baron. That’s it, that’s really all you need to mention in Scotland, and they know who you’re talking about. It’s him, the rescue horse that rose to the stars, literally.
Showjumping action at The Royal County Of Berkshire Show
IT’S BERKSHIRE SHOW TIME! This year’s Royal County of Berkshire Show (20th – 21st September 2014) returns and it’s even bigger and better than ever before! Now a firm fixture within the event calendar for both competitors and equestrian enthusiasts nationwide, this year’s schedule ranges from Heavy Horses through to Scurry Driving and Shetlands! The show celebrates the diversity of the equine population with a range of showing classes from Highlands, Mountain & Moorlands through to Cleveland Bays and Friesians. The diverse classes incorporate Cobs, Working Hunters and Riding Horses, plus ‘Retrained Racehorses’, which always draw lots of competitors and a big crowd with the showground’s close proximity to Lambourn – a village famous for its association with the training of the world’s finest racehorses.
If the thrill of show jumping grabs you, the main arena will feature the ‘International Stairway Final’, which will once again be televised. Now in its sixth year, up to 30 competitors are set to battle it out, with a total of £7,500 prize money at stake. The series was created as part of an initiative by British Showjumping to identify and assess both potential and existing British team competitors, and international riders and horses. Riders compete at major county shows throughout the summer to clock up league points before heading to Berkshire. New classes for this year include The British Showjumping National Amateur Qualifier classes, for 85cm, 95cm, 1.05cm, which are aimed at amateur riders keen to contest at a prestigious show with all the stature, yet without the pressure of competing against professional riders. The show will also embrace Veteran Horse Society Area Qualifiers for the first time, making this year a truly aspirational and yet attainable goal for many riders of all levels.
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When it comes to combining skill with speed, there are some nonequestrian thrills topping the bill in the main arena. The Honda Bolddog Lings, as featured on TV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ feature a gravity defiant freestyle motocross show with the largest and most sophisticated truck and landing ramp in the world. It allows the riders to jump gaps of over 75 feet and reach heights of over 35ft in the air, which gives the riders enough ‘air-time’ to perform an array of death-defying tricks. If you love horses, horsepower and the countryside – you will love the Royal County of Berkshire Show! Tickets: (Purchase before 31 July) Adults £14.00, Children £5.00 & Concessions £12.00 st
Tickets purchased between 1st August and 19th September Adults £15.00, Children £5.00 & Concessions £13.00 Tickets can also be purchased on the gate. www.berkshireshow.co.uk
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Typically tall Clydesdale, Baron, came into World Horse Welfare’s Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Belwade Farm in Aboyne, after the heavy horse charity that were caring for him closed down in 2000. He was only two, but World Horse Welfare could already see he had bags of potential. Six months later, the big bay boy – now standing at 18.hh and weighing a whopping 894 kilos – was rehomed by Glasgow City Council. When he was mature enough he was trained to pull the traditional dray at Pollok Country Park. After 14 years of providing local school groups, nurseries, children Baron with Lorraine
with special needs and many tourists with fun-filled but gentle rides, Baron has decided that it’s time to park the wheels and put up his hooves. He returns to World Horse Welfare this June 7th at the annual – and increasingly popular – Belwade Farm Fun Day, in Aboyne. Lorraine Clark, Head Carter at Pollok Country Park, has been with Baron from the very beginning and tells us she’s ‘absolutely gutted’ that it’s time to part from ‘her boy’. She says: “I knew he’d had enough at one of the last shows we went to. Normally he loves being a part of the buzz, but this time I could tell his heart wasn’t in it. It’s as if he was saying: ‘No thanks Lorraine, I’m about done in this job. Next.’ I completely understood his message, because I know him so well, and I knew, it was time for him to retire from his public role.” His experiences have not been without success – from winning countless competitions at weekend galas including Reserve Champion Gelding In-hand at the Royal Highland Show, to becoming the focus of a giant horse sculpture in Falkirk known as ‘The Kelpies’, standing 100ft-high as part of £40m+ project. Lorraine and Baron are the closest pair at Pollok Park: “I’m with him all day every day, from mucking him out and giving him a good clean to driving and riding him. He’s the horse I like the most. We’ve been through everything together – I backed and trained him when he arrived and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
“I’m really going to miss my number one boy.” Just like every best friend pair, they’re armed with embarrassing stories to tell: “One time, I was working with Baron and we were intending to cross a bridge at the park. He wasn’t sure about it, but I assumed it was fine. We both went bumbling onto the bridge, and out of nowhere, his whopping great foot broke the bridge!” The park subsequently named the bridge after Baron, calling it the Baron Bridge. “It’s doubtful that people will ever forget him, he’s a local celebrity. He’s known and loved by everyone around here for his gentle, willing and patient nature. There’s currently signage all over the park to let the kids know the date of Baron’s last day here – they’d be gutted if they missed their chance to say goodbye to him.” Baron’s days pulling the country park’s cart singly, in pairs, in tandem and unicorn as ‘wheel horse’ (at the back of the cart due to his strength) as well as being the star of static events due to his sensible nature, are now coming to an end. Make sure the Belwade Farm Fun Day is a date in your diary so that you can meet Baron upon his return. The event runs from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturday 7th June in Aboyne. Keep an eye on the incredible horses up for rehoming on the charity’s website, every single horse is unique and, as you can see for yourselves, often have the most wonderful talents: www. worldhorsewelfare.org/rehoming/
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Equestrian Industry News with Everything Horse UK TopSpec Support Show Jumper Daniel Moseley INTERNATIONAL show jumper, Daniel Moseley has secured new sponsorship from TopSpec, well known for their range of feed balancers and other innovative horse feeds. TopSpec continue to provide top level nutrition for horses that is created without compromise with their team of sponsored riders, producers and trainers now featuring many of the country’s leading names. Now based at South Hykeham, near Lincoln, Daniel was the youngest British male rider to take home the famous Queen Elizabeth’s II cup title, at the age of just 21. He also represented Great Britain in his first Senior Nations cup in Sopot, Poland at the age of 20.
The Pony Club Encourages Continuing Professional Development For Top Coaches A gathering of elite coaches from both Eventing and Show Jumping attended a Pony Club Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Yogi Breisner FBHS & Mary Tuckettevent on Thursday 19 June 2014 at Rectory Farm, Gloucestershire. Olympic riders, British Eventing Accredited Coaches, British Horse Society Fellows and the British Eventing team’s Performance Manager Yogi Breisner FBHS all gathered to take part in an interactive CPD evening, which saw lively discussion and debate.
Daniel continues to rise up the showjumping ladder and has an exciting team of young horses to produce. Said Daniel: “The team at TopSpec have many years’ experience when it comes to nutrition for performance and I am delighted to have gained their support.
Winner of Newcomers Picobello Z @ Bicton Arena last weekend! Daniel Moseley.
“In the sport of show jumping nutrition becomes a very important part of training and development and the advice is so invaluable. My horses look and feel great on the TopSpec products.” Added Katy Mickle of TopSpec: “TopSpec are proud to support Daniel and his team of horses. He
is hard working and has some very exciting talent for the future. “Working with riders who understand the importance of nutrition and health care is very important to us and we are delighted to be a part of the team.” For further information on the TopSpec range contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com
British Showjumping Accredited Coach and Coach Educator Corinne Bracken lead on proceedings, offering plenty of useful tips and thought provoking exercises to encourage coaches to adapt to new teaching methods and compare their existing techniques. As well as leading some of the exercises, Yogi Breisner also received his first Pony Club Coaching Log Book presented by Mary Tuckett, Chairman of The Pony Club; Coaching Log Books, as well as being listed on The Pony Club instructor database, are a requirement for all Pony Club coaches to provide a record of their completed CPD. The evening was created and hosted by Pony Club Area 9 Representative Pleasance Jewitt, who felt that an interactive
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winner of the 2013 Pony Club Open Eventing Championships and long-list rider for this year’s Junior European Eventing Championships. Thomas Tulloch (Sir W.W Wynn’s Branch) who has recently added the Charles Owen British Pony Championship title to his list of wins, Thea Godding (Cotswold Hunt Branch) and Sapphire Graham
(VWH Pony Club Branch), both of whom are based at Rectory Farm.
Hannah Biggs’ Don Caledonia selected for World Class Equine Pathway
potential. Horses are identified through results linked to different age groups or through viewing of the horses. Eligible horses are selected on their movement, expression, trainability and potential for Championship level Grand Prix.
Hannah Biggs’ own Don Shufro gelding, Don Caledonia has this week been confirmed as a member of the World Class Equine Pathway programme. ‘Archie’ as he is known at home, is British bred by Caledonia Sports Horses in Scotland and currently out competing at with much success at Medium level. The purpose of the Pathway is to identify horses that have the potential to develop into medal winning horses, the World Class Programme will then work with and support the riders and the owners of the horses in order to help them maximise the horses’
Janou Bleekman Takes Irish Junior Crown at Tattersalls
coaching CPD session would be beneficial to complement the lecture-demo style more common with such events. As well as enlisting the elite coaches, Pleasance also brought in some young talent to receive training from the 28 coaches. These riders included some of Pony Club rising stars; including Tintin Belsham (VWH Branch) an individual
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Tattersalls Irish National Junior Championships CCI 1* produced a convincing winner in Granntevka Prince, ridden by HorseHagesponsored Janou Bleekman, who led the dressage with a fabulous score of 36.3 - over three marks ahead of the second best test. Prince (as he is known at home) is owned by Gerry and David Mills from Cornwall and was in spectacular form with Janou, storming around the cross country and show jumping, adding no further penalties and increasing their winning margin to an amazing
“We wanted to improve how these types of courses had been run previously, and create something more interactive with no one sitting down” commented Pleasance. “We definitely achieved this with Corinne’s input of how to
make the most of the evening, and Yogi especially went away full of ideas on how he could run the next course!” For further information about requirements for Pony Club Coaches visit http://www.pcuk. org/training or contact Jenny Yates 02476 698305 the international stage. The pair will continue to receive access to training and advice as part of the World Class progamme along with Hannah’s Grand Prix horse Weltzin. Image below Hannah Biggs and Archie
This fantastic news comes just 6 weeks after Hannah and Archie took the Medium Open Freestyle title at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships. The 7 year old also took reserve champion in the Medium Open class the following day. Hannah herself is currently a member of the World Class Development Programme 2013 - 2015. Funded by UK Sport, the Development Programme works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success on 9.5 penalties ahead of the eventual runner up - Great Britain’s Annie Keir with Flying Machine. A delighted Janou said, “Prince was brilliant all week. He is such a lovely horse to ride and gave me a real buzz in all three phases. He is a new ride for me this season and it is wonderful to have a horse that has been so beautifully produced - and whose father was one of our own stallions!” Granntevka Prince was bred by David and Gerry from a mare by local Thoroughbred stallion, Prince of Peace, using the Bleekmans’ stallion, Grannex . He has had a wonderful career with Lucy Weigersma previously -
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
Janou Bleekman and Prince
among their many triumphs was winning the CCI 3* at the Blenheim International in 2009. A decision was made by the Mills to let him drop down to Junior level, and
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hopefully Young Riders in the future, and to enjoy him competing with a young jockey rising up through the ranks. Janou’s father, Edward, is Dutch and she represents The Netherlands when competing internationally, but is based in the UK in Devon. She said, “It is the first time for me to stand on the podium for the
‘Victor Von Doom’ Victorious Again ‘Knights-in-Training’ from around the UK recently descended upon the prestigious Knights of Middle England’s base in Warwick for the 8th Bi-Annual Amateur Jousting Tournament. Eleven ‘Trainee Knights’ battled it out over a series of heats which culminated in a Jousting Finale, being marked ‘X-Factor’ style on their ‘Skills at Arms.’ These Skills comprised of three mounted skills or games – striking the dreaded man-shaped target called a Quintaine; collecting small rings onto their lance whilst riding at speed and spearing a ‘peasant’s head’ off the ground from their steed. Bonus marks were awarded for the chopping of suspended ‘targets’ from their horse with their cavalry sword. Points were then collated to decide who would take pole-position for the start of the ‘jousting heat’ against an instructor. Head Instructor Karl Ude-Martinez said: “All competitors were very nervous and had been working hard in preparation for the day. The introduction of a new format to this years ‘Skills at Arms’ section definitely kept everyone on their toes and really put both riding and jousting skills to the test! Those with the steadiest lance and well trained eye (and a little bit of luck!), took the lead for the joust which would prove hard to win back.”
Dutch anthem – and, we believe, the first time our flag has been raised at an Irish three-day-event. I was very proud and now my aim with Prince is to represent Holland in the Junior European Championships if we are selected.” With her other seasoned campaigner, Prince Apollo, Janou finished just outside the money in the CCI 2* Under 25, finishing again on their dressage score.
“My ‘Princes’ have been stars at Tattersalls.” said Janou. “It has been an amazing week!”
For further information on Janou’s sponsor, HorseHage, or for advice on feeding your horse or pony, please ring the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage. co.uk
The eleven participants took up their shield and lance, closed down their visor and the battle for that first place began! They were each marked on accuracy, presentation of their lance and shield and also riding technique. As the most important section of the Tournament, with the most points on offer, the pressure was on to do well! During the “Joust”, three of the Knights of Middle England instructors scored their sheets and the points were all added together to give them the results! 1st: Steve Fearnley, a.k.a. ‘Victor Von Doom’ (Farnborough). 2 : Nic Bevan, a.k.a ‘Sir Nicholas of Oakfield’ (Warwickshire). nd
3rd: Kevin Hallett, a.k.a ‘Sir Kevin Earl of Essex’, who now resides in Durham. Kevin was also awarded the ‘Deramore Rhythm Trophy’ a special award presented to the participant who, the judges felt on the day deserved particular recognition. The day ended with a very entertaining show from The Image below; Tournament winner Steve Fearnley a.k.a Victor Von Doom
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Image above ; Lady Judith of the Wests (Herts) proves Jousting is not just for the boys!
Knights of Middle England, with the Tournament winner as their special guest Knight. As well the Jousting competition, spectators were treated to ‘Havea-Go’ longbow archery workshops, delicious food and drink from Farrier’s Fayre and Falconry and Archery displays and the day raised around £500 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Everyone went home happy and looking forward to the next Tournament in October. For more information on how you can learn to joust with The Knights and take part in our Amateur Jousting Tournament yourself, or to find out more about the various packages we offer including Jousting Displays, stag and hen, corporate and schools events please do get in contact with us! Visit: www.knightsofmiddleengland.comEmail: info@knightsofmiddleengland.co.uk Tel: 01926 400401
Photos courtesy of Andrew Farrier. Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
50% OF WEG SQUAD BRITISH BRED! Three of the six horses selected for the Eventing squad for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) Eventing Championships in Normandy this summer are British bred. Both Kristina Cook’s ride, De Novo News and Pippa Funnell’s ride, Billy Beware are home bred. Izzy Taylor will ride British bred Allercombe Ellie who was bred by Susan Holroyd. All three British bred horses are making their squad debuts in Normandy. Allercombe Ellie, (Jumbo x Poetic Justice) is owned by Frances Carter and Susan Holroyd. She was bred by Susan Holroyd, out of Susan’s mare, My Last Edition, by former HIS stallion, Poetic Justice. Allercombe Ellie is one of several foals from My Last Edition, whose dam line goes back to Grade A showjumper, Late Night Extra and Little Mermaid who was third at Badminton in 1965. Four of the foals bred from My Last Edition
have competed at British Eventing Intermediate level or higher. De Novo News, (Last News x Quouglof Rouge) is owned by Jim Chromiak and his rider / breeder Kristina Cook. De Novo News is homebred by Kristina, out of her former four star mare, the Selle Francais, Douce de Longvaut. Imported from France as a young horse, Douce de Longvaut was a finalist at Le Lion-d’Angers as a 7 year old in 1998 and then went on to complete a clear cross country round at Burghley CCI4* in 2002. Billy Beware, (Kannan x Cavalier) was bred by Pippa and William Funnell and Donal Barnwell of the Billy Stud. He is owned by Jonathan and Jane Clarke and is the first progeny from the Billy Stud to represent the British Senior squad in Eventing. Billy Beware is out of the Cavalier mare, Dollar Day whose offspring also include grand prix showjumper Billy Grand. British bred horses have become a regular feature on Great Britain’s Eventing squads in recent years
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
and this new group of British bred squad horses have replaced the recently retired, Miners Frolic and Opposition Buzz. Other British bred horses that have represented Great Britain in Eventing in recent years include Cool Mountain and Jakatα. The strength and depth of the talent being produced by British breeders is beginning to consistently reap rewards for the profile of British breeding. Head of Equine Development at the BEF, Jan Rogers said “This new generation of British bred horses selected for the British squad is a testament to the thought, consistency and effort that goes into breeding these world class horses. It shows that British bred horses are here to stay, and linking the Futurity with the World Class Equine Pathway through the new, Equine Bridge means that we have a long term plan in place.” For more information please visit www.britishbreeding.org.uk.
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An Insight into Equestrian Team GBR More people, better horses, better places, more medals... this is the ambition that motivates the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), the National Governing Body for horse sports in the UK and the organisation behind Equestrian Team GBR. Toggi, a long-time supporter of British Equestrian Sports, gives us some insights into the magic that is Equestrian Team GBR.
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The successes
Equestrian Team GBR is the official name given to our British Equestrian Teams who compete across a wide range of disciplines and who have enjoyed enormous success on the world stage at both senior and youth levels. Our Equestrian teams and the individual riders and horses who go to make up these teams are among the best in the world, with a medal tally that would be the envy of any great equestrian nation.
From 2000 to 2013 Equestrian Team GBR has won:
• 147 medals across dressage, eventing and showjumping at youth level • 124 medals in Para-Equestrian Dressage • 44 senior medals in the Olympic sports (Dressage, Eventing and Showjumping) • 20 senior medals in the non-Olympic sports (Driving, Endurance, Reining and Vaulting) Our British equestrian teams are supported by the BEF World Class Programme, which is funded by UK
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Sport through National Lottery and Exchequer funds. Without this funding and the support of Equestrian Team GBR’s loyal suppliers, the British equestrian teams would not be so well prepared to compete on the world stage.
The disciplines
The World Class Programme comprises Performance and Development Programmes and the Equine Pathway, incorporating the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, showjumping and the Paralympic sport of paraequestrian dressage. The Programme has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport via UK Sport since 1998.
Great Britain has enjoyed numerous successes over the years, including five Olympic and eleven Paralympic medals won at the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. GB added more medals to their tally at the Championships in 2013, with medals recorded in seven of the eight FEI disciplines and with the World Equestrian Games taking place later this year in France, Equestrian Team GBR will hope to continue to add to this tally.
Horse owners are another vital part of the team as horse power is a key factor in the success that equestrian sport has enjoyed in Great Britain. The BEF, its riders, supporters and all those with an interest in the continued success of our equestrian teams are very thankful to the loyal owners of our equine heroes for their backing over the years.
Equestrian Team GBR competes across all eight FEI equestrian sports: dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-equestrian dressage, reining, showjumping and vaulting.
At Paralympic level, Great Britain are the current undefeated team World, European and Paralympic champions; the drive, determination and talent of riders such as Toggi’s own Sophie Wells, who won team gold and double individual silver at London 2012, is an inspiration to us all.
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Toggi supporting Team GBR
The first Toggi Equestrian Team GBR supporters collection was launched in 2006 and since then Toggi Equestrian Team GBR clothing has been worn by British team members who represent our nation so successfully at equestrian events around the globe. Sarah-Jane Fedarb, Managing Director for Toggi comments “about 10 years ago, Will Connell - World Class Performance Director of the BEF – came to us with his mission to present a stronger team identity across all equine sports that competed at championships around the world. Will’s vision was to develop a uniform look to make everyone feel involved and part of the team, from owners, vets and team staff to riders and grooms. We saw this as a great opportunity for Toggi to get involved – we already sponsored several of the top British riders and the thought of playing a wider role in the success of British equestrian sports was an exciting prospect. The idea then evolved and a supporter range to complement the team kit was created, to
allow the Nation to get involved and to show their support for our equestrian teams - resulting in the production of official Toggi Team GBR collection. The look is obviously key, with a very British red, white and blue theme the focus of the range, which has become extremely popular. As a percentage of sales goes back to the British Equestrian Federation to help generate additional funds for all equestrian disciplines, people are delighted to show their support and to do their little part to help Great Britain remain a world beater in equestrian sports.” Comment from British eventing European medallist, Piggy French
“When you can see the stands full of supporters wearing Team GBR clothing it makes you sit up taller and reminds you that you are there to win, not just for yourself but for everyone that takes pride in the success of the Team" The Team GBR supporters collection includes stylish Toggi jackets, gilets, hoodies, rugby shirts, polo shirts, socks and baseball caps, which all feature the prestigious Team GBR logo which has been specially designed for the team and is available from leading Toggi retailers nationwide. For more information: http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk; www.toggi.com; Tel: 0113 270 7000 or email sales@toggi.com Images left and below: British team members showing their support by wearing the Toggi Equestrian Team GBR clothing.
COMPETITION Recognise this young man? We believe he goes by the name of Norman and he just so happens to be the official Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games mascot!
Would you like to WIN a Norman? To win a Norman all you have to do is simply answer the question below; In which month will the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games be held A) October 2014 B) August 2014 C) December 2014 To enter simply visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ everythinghorseuk and email us the answer including your email address. Entries will close on August 1st 2014, winners will be notified shortly after via email.
GOOD LUCK! 20
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
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Special Features
At home with
Daniel Moseley
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE! When it comes to aiming for the stars, talented UK show jumper Daniel Moseley has already reached a high altitude with a number of high profile winnings and courtesy of his sponsor Verdo Horse Bedding, the clever wood pellet bedding, we caught up with him in-between his busy schedule to find out more about this modest young man. Daniel Moseley is probably one of our most exciting British young riders for the future and was the first youngest ever-British male rider to take home the famous Queen Elizabeth’s II cup title, at the age of just 21 years of age. Daniel also represented Great Britain in his first Senior Nations cup in Sopot Poland at the age of 20 and continued on to become a member of the under 21 European championship team in Jardy, France. Perhaps his first ever big prestigious International triumph was the International 3* Grand Prix in Spain, which attracted some of the worlds best riders, putting Daniels name on the map as ‘one to look out for’. Daniel was crowned the National Gents Champion in 2012, as well as representing Great Britain on the Senior Nations Cup Team in Portugal. Previously based with William and Pippa Funnell riding for The Billy Stud, he now heads up his own luxury competition yard in Lincolnshire, so we were thrilled to get a chance to look around. The picturesque yard, which is owned by Daniel’s partner Becky Roe is ideal
for Daniel, but as he explains, he is still keen to put his own stamp on it: “Presently there is a good sized outdoor arena with a course of jumps, this helps to training the younger horse, as I can jump them at home a couple of times a week to get them used to it. There is a Claydon walker if needed, around 20 stables, wash bays, a Roequine treadmill to help keep the horses fit and acres of land for the horses to graze. We have all the facilities we need right now, but we are always looking to do improvements to make it how I would like it including plans for a new stable block, new tack room and wash bays and a purpose built office with the capabilities to enable us to show exciting and prospective clients videos in comfortable surroundings ” With a string of established horses and youngsters, a typical day is a busy one, as Daniel explains: “We start the yard at 7.00am to feed the horses. We currently have seven horses in for competition training so it’s pretty full on! After early morning yard duties,
“Presently there is a good sized outdoor arena with a course of jumps, this helps to training the younger horse, as I can jump them at home a couple of times a week to get them used to it” Daniel Moseley
Sponsored by
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Special Features Then, the last job of the day is to roll the arena ready for the next day and then start all over again!”
we try and have breakfast at 8.00am so we can discuss the diary for that day, which also gives the horses a chance to eat in peace! Normally we would come back on the yard at 8.30am and I would get on my first horse of the day. I like to give the horses plenty of variety so I co-ordinate their work between working them in the arena and hacking”
Factor in Daniel’s UK and international show schedules, his growing demand as a trainer and sponsorship commitments and you have a very busy young man, but even so he still has time to evaluate his present ambitions and future:
This principle is also applied to those horses, which have competed, ensuring that the following day is always a rest day to allow them unwind and keep their bodies and minds in good form.
“Now with a new yard, some exciting new horses coming through, I want to get out there and continue to build my name here in the UK and also abroad, with the view to hopefully one day representing Britain at the Olympics”
Daniel takes his training programmes very seriously, as he explains:
With this, he smiles: “With the four/five year olds, I jump them at home normally “I suppose a lot of riders say two times a week at home, which I find is more than Daniel Moseley in action Image credit David Miller that don’t they?” enough to help improving their skill set and also offers Yes, but when your track record is as consistent as me ample indications to see how fast they learn as Daniel’s, with age on his side and hopefully the right individuals. It’s so important with youngsters to treat horse, we can certainly see him up there with the best them all as individuals and just like humans, some learn at quicker paces than others, so you need to For further information on Verdo Horse Bedding adapt your training schedule to suit” www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk We normally take a short lunch break and then use the afternoon to exercise the rest of the horses or teach. By 4.00pm we like to have all the horses done, ready to feed and bed down. Using Verdo Horse Bedding really helps speed up our day. Mucking out and skipping out are made easier because it just soaks up the wet so easily and is quick and simple to remove.
www.danielmoseley.co.uk
Daniel and the team spend a lot of time on the road. Image credit David Miller
Social media for the EQUESTRIAN BUSINESS The Basics – easy wins you CAN’T afford to miss
By Emily Huxtable of Equine Events Managing over a dozen Facebook pages, I see all the equestrian activity going on and it is sometimes disheartening to see people missing out on the basic functions built into Facebook. These functions are so important and put you on a level playing field with top social savvy competitors. Everything Horse UK has asked me to help support the ever-growing equestrian businesses and riders to keep you up to date with the constant changing social media world. Every month I will share my top tips that will help you improve the quality of your social media presence. URL – In your FB Page settings make sure that your page has a url that is your name or business name. i.e Facebook.com/ EverythingHorseUK Make sure this is the same name that is used on all other accounts; Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn etc.
All the horses are relaxed at the yard even when you put a lot of bedding bags in front of their stable door! Image credit David Miller
Why? Consistent online branding is step one to a great online presence.
‘Personalise your facebook URL’
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Profile picture & cover photo – Use a profile picture that is your company logo and colours and use the same one across all your social & web platforms. If you are a rider and don’t have a logo, use a high quality image that reflects you and stick to it! Make sure the logo and photos are the correct size. If you aren’t sure how to resize it correctly ask a designer to do it for you. Why? Again, consistency of your visual identity increases brand awareness. It is important that your official page develops trust and is engaging for your potential customers. Posting content & timing – Facebook can tell you the gender and age range of your page fans, as well as when they browse the site most often. Make sure your content is relevant to them and posted at peak time.
‘Use Facebook insights to discover when your fans are online’
Why? Research shows that posts which include a photo get 120% more engagement than text only! Give a good service – Make sure that every comment and question gets answered politely and honestly. Keep an eye on your page and respond to people quickly with fantastic customer service. Why? Showing that you are human and care about the opinions and questions of your audience is vital in gaining their trust. Your reputation will grow and your happy customers will return to you again and again. With special thanks to Emily Huxtable of Equine Events. To visit the Equine Events website please use the address below www.equineeventsuk.com
Why? Your post is then more likely to be shared and your brand shared with it. Use photos – Try to always include an image, link or video within every post you do. Getting your fans engaged in this way should be a primary aim of any Facebook page owner.
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Special Features Friday. Rio and I were quite late on in the class and he was such a good boy whilst working in but during the test he just became very strong and I had to ride extremely carefully to prevent him from exploding! We had a couple of mistakes in the 4 and 3 tempi changes which was frustrating but I was thrilled to get just under 70% and to top it all – we won! It was the first time I have won a CDI and it was so exciting to have the National Anthem played for us. The following day we had the Individual test which really suits Rio. However Rio decided that he didn’t really feel onside during the warm up but he went into the test feeling much better than in the Team test and although we did have 2 big mistakes again, we actually got a higher of just under 71% but we were pipped to the post and came 2nd.
Dressage Focus: Olivia Oakeley My Journey Through the Unders 21’s Everything Horse UK teamed up with Dressage rider Olivia Oakeley. Hear Olivia takes us through her campaign for European Dressage selection...
I have been on the U21 European Dressage team for the past 4 consecutive years, 2 years as a Junior and 2 years as a Young Rider. This year is my final year as an U21 and I am aiming for my 5th team place with my horse, Donna Summer (Rio). We have been together since I was 13 and Rio was a just backed 5 yr old and we have trained through the levels together and had many wonderful times. The European Championships will be held in Arezzo, Italy in July and our campaigning began in January with the High Profile Show at Addington. The Young Rider team test is the same FEI PSG test, so I entered the senior PSG class to give us arena practise whilst also aiming for points to qualify for the Regional Championships. Rio was an absolute star and was with me on every stride and we finished on a plus 70% score and in 3rd place. I was so thrilled with him. The next day we did the same test but in the YR class and 26
it was the first test of the year ridden outside! Rio was very fresh and had the wind under his tail, we had a number of costly mistakes but we still managed a 70% again so it was a great start to our campaign. I train with Carl Hester and Sandy Phillips and it was back to the training straight after the HPS. I need to keep improving Rio’s way of going, particularly in the canter, so the movements become easier for him, especially the pirouettes. I knew we had a couple of months before our next outing so we have worked hard. Our next big competition was our first International of 2014 at Addington Manor in March. For an International show there is a trot up the day before competition starts and this is where the judges get their first look at both horse and rider. The horse needs to be turned out beautifully and the rider needs to be smart, ready to present to the judges. Although Rio is good at the trot up, there is always an element of nerves as there are often so many horses around and you just never know how they are going to behave being in-hand. We passed with flying colours and settled down to prepare for the team test on the Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
as a freelance trainer! Part of the selection process is to travel to a CDI abroad so we will be heading off to Saumur at the beginning of May where we will be aiming for scores in the plus 70% bracket if we can. From there we will be heading to Somerford Park Premier League which will be the last competition in our campaign. We will then be waiting with baited breath to see if we will be selected and compete at our 5th consecutive Europeans and aim for a medal. Wish us luck! You can follow our campaign on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OliviaOakeleyDressage or my website www.oliviaoakeley.co.uk Image courtesy of Rui Pedro Godinho
The 3rd day of a CDI is the freestyle competition which is for the top 15 combinations in the Individual test. It was to be the first time I had ridden my new floor plan and music and I was so excited. Thomas Farnon, a good friend of mine had composed my music and I just love it. Rio is not too keen on music and he gets very tense and subsequently we had mistakes but the judges loved the music and the choreography so we ended up on just under 73% and came 3rd. The next couple of months before the European Team is selected are going to be extremely busy with lots of training for Rio and I and I am starting out on my own
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
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Equine Grass Sickness written by Kate Douglas-Dala, Advanced Practitioner for Equine
Equine Grass Sickness: Questions and Answers for Horse Owners Kate Douglas-Dala worked as an equine grass sickness nurse at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, specialising in the intensive nursing of chronic grass sickness patients. Kate now works as a Senior Higher Education Lecturer in Equine Science at Reaseheath College in Cheshire.
Is Grass Sickness a new disease?
No. Despite historically being renowned as a Scottish disease, equine grass sickness (EGS) has been reported in every county in the United Kingdom with cases following a seasonal distribution, with the highest incidence in May. Grass sickness is not Figure 1: Reported cases of Equine Grass Sickness in the UK (Source: www.horsetrust.org.uk)
a new disease but was first officially documented in the early 1900s with an outbreak recorded at an army remounting camp in Aberdeenshire. A summary of the distribution of cases in UK can be seen in Figure 1 to the left.
What is the cause?
The causal agent is thought to be the soil-borne Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produce harmful neurotoxins once inside the horse’s body, leading to paralysis of areas of the autonomic nervous system (the division which controls bodily functions which are not under conscious thought). However, despite many years of research, the exact trigger mechanisms which lead to individual cases are still unknown.
What are the clinical signs of the disease?
Whilst working as a specialist grass sickness nurse at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D) SVS) in Edinburgh, one of the first signs which owners reported was that the horse had not been ‘quite right’, although there can be a whole host of reasons behind this observation!
Are all cases the same?
There are three types of the disease: acute, subacute and chronic cases. Only chronic cases have any chance of survival. Acute and sub-acute cases account for about 75-80% of EGS cases and are usually euthanased upon humane grounds once a diagnosis has been reached (Doxey, 2014). Chronic cases have a low survival rate, but there have been higher success rates in those selected for intensive nursing based upon criteria defined by the R(D)SVS, including retaining some ability to swallow, only mild colicky signs and a reasonably bright demeanour. The time taken to intensively nurse animals back to functionality should not be underestimated – the longest staying resident which I nursed was in hospital for 91 days. Chronic cases can be easily recognised by extreme weight loss, a severe ‘tucked up’ appearance and a base narrow stance, known in everyday terms as the animal resembling ‘an elephant on a tub’ (see 28
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Horse Health
The EARLY signs Knowledge of the clinical signs of the disease is key in early diagnosis and referral; some of these are listed below:
- General Demeanour
is the horse bright, alert and responsive to its surroundings?
- Pulse and Respiration
Are pulse and respiration rate elevated above normal values (between 36-42bpm and 8-15 breaths per minute)
- Colic Symptoms?
Are colic symptoms apparent such rolling, pawing, flank watching and/or patchy sweating?
- Passing Droppings?
Is the horse having difficulty passing droppings?
- Water and Food
Can the horse swallow water or food and is there any ‘drooling’ of saliva?
- Other Key Signs
Is drooping of the eyelids (known as ptosis) visible? Is the horse having muscle tremors, particularly of the triceps (behind the elbow) and the quadriceps (flank region)? Everything Horse UK strongly recommends consultation from you vet should you ever be in any doubt over your horses health. Figure 2).
How does the vet know that the horse has equine grass sickness?
The vet will first take a clinical history of the affected animal including any management changes, clinical signs and normal behaviour for the individual. These will help to form the initial diagnosis and at this point it is not unusual for colic to be suspected. Routine diagnostic tests include assessing the horse’s droppings for a mucus covering, using eye drops to check for ptosis (see Figure 3) and measuring vital signs such as pulse, respiration rate, temperature and presence of gut sounds in the four quadrants (the
Figure 3 right:
Ptosis in the left eyecompared to the right eye treated with diagnostic eye drops test
Figure 2: A highland pony showing clinical signs of chronic grass sickness
top and bottom of the flank on both sides).
Is it treatable?
There is currently no cure for the disease and a high proportion of affected animals are euthanased. Selected chronic cases can be intensively nursed to encourage eating and minimise depression, in addition to veterinary administration of pain relief to ease colic-like symptoms. The vet will advise upon the best course of action for each individual animal, based upon the initial clinical signs and diagnosis. July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Horse Health Can I do anything to prevent it?
According to Scott Pirie, one of the experienced clinicians at the Dick Vet, the best form of management is to control the risk factors related to the individual horse, its environment and management. Animals in ‘show condition’, between the ages of 2-7 years who have recently moved premises or undergone a change in management (which may involve the use of ivermectin based wormers) are classed as having a higher risk of contracting the disease.
What YOU can do... As the bacteria are found in the soil, trying to control soil disturbance and potential ingestion is important and can be achieved by: - Avoiding mechanical disturbance such as harrowing, pipe laying or mechanical droppings removal - Avoiding close grazing of pastures by adhering to stocking density guidelines - Avoid grazing previously affected pastures if possible - Feeding supplementary forage when horses are at pasture (Pirie, 2005)
The Equine Grass Sickness Fund The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is a specialist charity which is dedicated to supporting the intensive nursing of chronic cases of the disease, in additional to funding a number of research projects each year and raising awareness of the general public. A vaccine trial is currently under development in Eastern Scotland, supported by the Equine Grass Sickness Fund, the Animal Health Trust and the British Horse Society. This may offer a promising avenue for premises in high risk areas which suffer the economic and distressing effects of multiple cases of the disease each year. A knowledge of the characteristics of the equine grass sickness, its development within individuals and the control of known risk factors are the best armoury currently available to horse owners in the UK.
Foaling:
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A nose and two toes Written by Nadine Page MRCVS Hampton Veterinary Group
Two downward facing front feet followed by a nose in a glistening white bag. This is what we all hope to see as the mare starts to foal. Foaling is a very exciting time but can also be quite nerve-wracking. Everything Horse UK were lucky enough to come into contact with Nadine Page MRCVs from the Hampton Veterinary Group in Cheshire. Nadine will be joining us over the following months producing a series of articles in our new ‘Horse Health’ section of the magazine. Here is her first article, a nose and two toes.
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Leading up to foaling The length of pregnancy for a mare is variable, ranging from 320 to beyond 365 days. For this reason it is essential that owners are aware of the signs of impending parturition (birth). These include enlargement and dropping of the abdomen, relaxation around the tail head and lengthening of the vulva,
udder enlargement and formation of a thick waxy secretion on the teats (‘waxing up’). The mare may also run milk. Check with your vet whether she has been stitched (caslick) and if so contact your vet to organise opening of this. Countless sleepless nights The majority of mares will foal at night when all is quiet, without human interference. Sending your mare to stud to foal will save many sleepless nights. If you decide to foal at home there are many different types of foaling alarms which can be helpful but 24 hour surveillance with someone regularly checking is best. CCTV is an excellent way of monitoring the mare from afar without disturbing her.
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Horse Health vet if you are concerned that the foal is not presented correctly or if despite obvious straining there is no progression of delivery. If the foal is presented normally there should be minimal human interference. Some mares will require assistance with passing the foal’s shoulders. The foetal membranes and fluid can be cleared away from the foal’s nose and mouth. Allowing mare and foal to lie quietly with the cord still intact ensures plenty of blood travels to the foal from the placenta. Image Courtesy of Juan Navarro
Immediately prior to foaling The signs of imminent foaling include rolling, digging, box walking, sweating, lip rolling, frequent urination and raising of the tail. Unfortunately these signs can last for up to 24 hours!
If instead of a glistening white bag, a thick red bag appears, this is a The cleansing The placenta is normally delivered genuine emergency 1-2 hours after the foal. To prevent
Birth of the foal Birth commences soon after breaking of the waters and appearance of the glistening white bag. On the whole mares will foal lying down however some mares will foal standing, if this is the case be careful not to get kicked and support the foal whilst being delivered. The foal should be delivered with one leg slightly in advance of the other, with the nose lying on the legs. Powerful contractions expel the foal and the whole process should take little more than 20 minutes. You should call your Image Courtesy of
Red bag If instead of a glistening white bag, a thick red bag appears, this is a genuine emergency. The red bag is part of the placenta and indicates its premature separation. The bag must be opened by yourself with a sharp implement such as scissors and the foal delivered as quickly as possible.
the mare from trampling the placenta it can be tied up with baling twine. If not delivered within 10 hours veterinary advice should be sought. The placenta should be retained in a bucket for inspection by your vet. Image Courtesy of Twemlows Stud Farm
rm Twemlows Stud Fa
Top 10 tips for keeping your horse in tip top condition Part 1 ( one to five top tips), written by Michelle Woolrich
Keeping horses sound, progressing and in great physical and mental condition can be a very difficult task. Here are my top ten tips to help you toward this goal. 1. Good warm-up, cool down routine Warm-up for approximately 20 minutes using just an active walk and a long relaxed canter. Keep the reins loose and encourage them to work as long and low as possible, using leg yield and schooling figures no smaller than 15m for the first 10 minutes. When in canter keep your weight off their back slightly standing up in your stirrups, especially in the downwards transition. In the final 5 minutes gather up the contact, use active trot work, & smaller circles. Cool down for 10 minutes with an active walk on a long rein, leg yield, & tight circles to get the hind leg cross over to stretch the hamstrings. 2. Daily stretches After cool down, un-tack and carry out some basic stretches. Integrate them into other routines, they will make a big difference to you horses' musculoskeletal well-being. As you take each boot off use a treat to get them to stretch as far back to that leg as possible. When you pick each foot out stretch the limb forwards and backwards always keeping it in line with the body. Never force or fight for a stretch just hold it until it relaxes then take it a little further. Never stretch a cold horse, their muscles must be warmed first either by exercise, solarium or massage. For more information see www. cheshireequinetherapy.co.uk. 3. If you don't need it don't use it We often fall for fancy marketing and end up impulse buying faddy gadgets, bits, feeds or supplements that make unsubstantiated claims of changing our horses for the better. Do your research know what you are buying, what it contains, how it works and ask your self does your horse really need it? If not don't buy it, just
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
because everyone else on the yard is feeding it, riding in it etc. doesn't mean that you should, it could do your horse more harm than good if he doesn't actually need it. With regard to feed, look objectively at you horses' body condition score, and workload. Calculate the feed ration he requires, if you need help all of the big feed companies have helpline numbers. 4. Natural habitat Keeping your horse in an environment that is as close to their natural habitat as possible is really important for both physical & psychological well-being. In the wild horses are roaming & eating for most of the day, try to replicate this. Turn out as much as possible even if they need to be on a paddock with very low grass for some of the time. If stabled for part of the day feed forage and hard feed on the floor rather than in hay-nets or door hanging buckets allowing them to stretch their back and neck muscles. Give them something to little and often to help prevent EGUS. They need to be able to stretch their legs either by being ridden, lunged, loose schooled or even just taken for a walk at least once per day. 5. Regular health checks Regular checks with vets, farriers, dentists, physical therapists, etc. are highly recommended as they will be able to notice differences in your your horse that you may not be aware of. When you are seeing your horse every day small changes can easily go unnoticed as you don't see the subtle small things build up slowly over time.
Join us next month for tips six - ten.
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Dressage Tips from Maria & Michael
Training - Dressage
Putting in a Positive
things slowly in a constructive way when you feel you are ready! It’s always a good idea to have a full dress rehearsal, including travel etc, even just going to a few local shows just to ride and not actually to compete, especially for young horses/inexperienced combinations.
‘You are doing fine in the warm-up, but as soon as the judge rings the bell for you to start your test, you find you and your horse going to pieces’
Learning your tests can also help with nerves. Even if you choose to have a caller on the day, knowing the test will help you prepare for each movement better and allow you to concentrate on something other than feeling nervous! It can be useful to have a warm up test before the main test, if you find that your second performance tends to be better .If you find that you have tried everything and your horse still plays up in the arena, it may be worthwhile to hire the arena at the end of the class so that you can practice riding the test and school at the same time if necessary.
Performance If this sounds pretty familiar, we have got some great tips courtesy of premium on-line retailer Shadow Horse, from their international sponsored dressage riders Maria and Michael Eilberg. “Lots of riders suffer from competition nerves, so you are not alone, however you do need to learn how to manage them, otherwise they cannot only ruin your scores, but also your enjoyment! You need to acknowledge what it is exactly that you are nervous about: Is it that you are worried about executing certain movements in the arena, which you know you or your horse struggle with or is it a behaviour problem, such as being naughty or spooking? Fortunately both the above can be resolved with time, patience and training. The rule of thumb is always to try and compete at a level lower than the one, which you are working at home at. Even at the higher levels, there will always be some movements individual partnerships will be weaker at than others – the key to this is to make sure the best bits are as near to perfect as you can make them! When we are training our clients or ourselves in preparation for competition, we always run through elements of the tests and run through the entire test at least once, so we can look at any ‘sticky’ areas. Very often riding certain movements alone is easy, but when you put them into the sequence of the test, you can find yourself getting unstuck, which might be why you are having problems in the test. Practicing at home and getting regular training will help with your confidence issues, as well as ensuring that you and your horse are better prepared for test riding. It can also help to create as close to an competition atmosphere as possible with flowers/ banners / noises at home and also prepare for a busy warm up arena by riding with as many different horses as possible. Of course you will want to introduce these
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Another important factor to consider is that your horse’s tack fits correctly. Again if your horse is playing up, it could well be that he or she is uncomfortable. As the season progresses, your horse may well have changed shape so don’t forget to have your saddle checked during the course of your season. Remember, if your horse is sore, he or she won’t perform to their best, so it’s worth getting a check to ensure this isn’t the case. At Shadow Horse they have a great selection of saddle pads designed to help your saddler with the fit of your saddle when your horse changes shape. Alongside their Sheepskin and Therawool range, they also have products such as the Ogilvy Equestrian Half Pad which uses friction free technology combined with high grade memory foam and optional removable memory pad foam shims to help ‘bridge’ the gap with seasonal changes in shape. If you have looked at all these areas and had your horse’s back and teeth checked and your horse is still being naughty, it might be worth asking your trainer to ride your horse in a few tests to help iron out any problems. It can be also be incredibly helpful to watch what is going on to help identify the problem, so taking video footage is extremely helpful. Finally, if you are really battling with nerves and you feel you need some help, why not try a sports psychologist. Lots of top-level riders use sports psychologists to help them with huge success. Good luck and remember take a deep breath and smile as you enter down the centre line – dressage is supposed to be fun so enjoy it!
www.shadowhorse.co.uk
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Laterally Speaking
Training - Flatwork
A Common Fault
A common fault with leg yielding is that the horse doesn’t move sideways when asked or moves with the quarters leading or falls through the shoulder as you attempt the movement. With a young horse or Novice horse, don’t be too militant about this at first – when teaching anything new, if the horse even shows an attempt to try, this should be rewarded as perfection will come later!
Written by Natasha Baker
Natasha Baker joins Everything Horse UK in this months flatwork training section. Here Natasha focuses on leg-yield. If you are struggling to crasp your lateral work and don’t quite know what you are doing wrong? MBE and Multi Gold medallist Para-dressage rider Natasha Baker has some great advice to help you perfect your side-steps! Courtesy of her sponsor Golly Galoshes, the versatile equine gaiter, Natasha shows off her fancy footwork in this feature….
Leg-yield
I always start teaching my horses leg-yield well before it is actually required in a dressage test (which is Elementary level) as it’s ideal for getting your horse to respond to the leg and seat correctly, as well as helping to supple the horse and engage his hind legs.
Sponsored by
Photography David Miller 36
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Looking at the reason why you may be having a problem
If your horse understands the concept, but you are still encountering problems, such as falling through the outside shoulder, this could be caused by the rider using too much neck bend to the inside and allowing the horse to fall out through the shoulder. The most important aspect is to maintain straightness and think of the outside shoulder pointing straight to a marker – so you avoid being wonky! If you find that your horse just gets stuck, you may well be ‘blocking him with your seat or using too much hand, so make sure that you ask, then relax, ask then relax and maybe don’t ask for so many side-steps all at once. A good exercise to try is to turn down the centre line and ask for some forward straight steps, then a couple of lateral steps, then forward again and straight, so that you maintain the forward momentum whilst maintaining the straightness. This can work well for horses that get stuffy and I find that another good exercise is once you reach the fence line, pop him up into canter and If you horse becomes crooked, the best way to correct this is to go straight
for a few steps and then ask again, but make sure that you are not over using your inside leg
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
and forgetting your supporting outside rein and outside leg, otherwise the horse is likely to go crooked.
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Training - Flatwork Crooked Rider?
Some riders are also very crooked themselves and this can lead to them making their horses crooked or making lateral work difficult – be sure to keep your shoulders level and do not collapse when asking for lateral steps – sit tall and keep a soft and supple seat.
“A good exercise to try is to turn down the centre line and ask for some forward straight steps, then a couple of lateral steps, then forward again and straight”
Don’t forget to give it a break... Lateral work can be quite tiring mentally and physically for a novice or older horse, so make sure that you give your horse plenty of walk breaks in-between and build up slowly.
My Essential bit of kit: The Golly Galoshes gaiters which my horses wear for schooling not only keep their 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 my horse is moving straight, if their legs are crossing over equally, as well as helping me keep a good rhythm by checking in the arena mirrors. They also are invaluable for lessons as well for the same reason. 38
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Training - Showjumping
Training for Showjumping
USING BOUNCES TO IMPROVE TECHNIQUE In this months ‘Training for Showjumping’ Everything Horse UK guest blogger and showjumper, Steph Gumn Bsc helps Amy Richardson with her 7 year old Dutch mare, Benike. Amy aims to concentrate on improving her approach and riding through the ‘bounce’ smoother and more effectively. Amy told Steph “Benike or Nike, as she is known at home, is a dressage horse turned show jumper. She has been jumping BS now for 9 months and is currently jumping British Novice and Discovery. Our weakness is that Nike can shoot across the fence which can cost us a fence in the ring.
OUR EXPERT, STEPH GUMN Steph (pictured right) completed her Equine Sports degree in 2013. She now runs her own livery yard, competes, teaches and takes part in the World Pathway Training programme.
I like to regulate speed through the seat rather than the rein as I find using the hand round a course has too much of an effect on rhythm and can cost a fence if the horse comes back too much. Using the seat is much more subtle and doesn’t block the horse but does take time to train at home if the horse is used to listening to the rein alone. Nike started to relax and trot down the poles. Now Nike is coming down the poles relaxed it was time to start jumping.
Never underestimate a good warm up
Amy started off by warming up on a loose rein, Nike has a tendency to get tense when jumping and come behind the vertical, so warming up on a long rein allows her to work forwards and relax without any restriction.
“Nike has a tendency to get tense when jumping and come behind the vertical”
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Once worked in on both reins I asked Amy to come down a line of poles. Nike became tense again and tried to canter rather than trot down the poles. I asked Amy to keep working down the poles and to slow her rising, helping to slow the rhythm of the trot. Slowing the momentum of how often you rise encourages the horse to slow down, if slowing the rising down doesn’t work on its own then a half halt can be used alongside it.
Starting with a small upright, I asked Amy to canter a circle up the top end of the school and only when Nike was in a relaxed rhythm to come down to the fence. Nike jumped relaxed but rushed down the poles after the fence. I then added another fence to make a bounce. This will encourage Nike to land and shorten after the fence, she will have to balance herself and slow Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
her thinking. Bounces also encourage a horse to prop before the fence teaching her not to dive forward and have poles in front. As you can see when Nike lands in the middle of the bounce she has to put her back end right under her to push up and take off for the second part, this stops her diving in front.
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Training - Showjumping
Once Nike was popping over the bounce quietly we added an upright one stride away with a pole in between to encourage Nike not to rush. Now that another fence is added Nike starts to tense up and shoot down the line. After we added some V poles to the final upright which helped Nike ‘back off’ a little
and slowed the jump down allowing Nike to come up in front and take more time over the fence. Once she relaxed she became more careful in front as she was allowed more time in front of the fence to snap her front end up out the way.
We ended the lesson with Nike feeling, moving and looking more relaxed. Moving forward if we worked together again I would add more bounces before the upright and also ask Amy to halt Nike after the last fence. Although in years past we as riders were often encouraged to keep the horse moving after the fence, by halting this would give Nike more to think about, helping slow the whole jumping process down. With consistent work practicing exercises just like this, Nike would find a relaxed rhythm and have less fences down in the ring. We wish Amy and Nike the very best of luck in the future.
Images above and right: Both Amy and Nike looked more relaxed as the lesson drew to a close.
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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How can mirrors help your training?
to, to suit the movements you’re working on at the time.
Mirrors for Training
Arena mirrors are becoming more and more popular with amateur and professional riders alike, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are these training aids affordable and easy to use, but integrating mirrors into your training programme can really deliver results as Managing Director of Mirrors for Training, Andrea Miles, explains. The idea behind a mirror to check on something isn’t new. If you want to check your hair or outfit before you leave the house, what do you do? Yes, you look in the mirror…and the same theory can be applied to your training too- if you want to check your position, your horse’s movement, straightness or anything else that can be seen, a quick glance in a mirror allows this to be assessed, any adjustments to be made at the time, and then checked again to ensure improvement.
How can mirrors help your Most riders would love to have an instructor with training? them each time they ride, to help them perfect
their position, to feedback on movements and Arena mirrors aretake becoming more andinstructor more more. Mirrors don’t the place of an popular with amateur and professional riders as they can’t provide you with instruction, but thealike, andfeedback it’s easy delivered to see why. Not only these training visual through an are accurate, clear aids affordable and easy to use, but integrating reflection allows significant improvements to be mirrors into training can really made, to get theyour most out of programme your instruction at the deliver results as Managing time and when schooling alone.Director of Mirrors for Training, Andrea Miles, explains. Visual feedback provides a great way to learn, in fact, ideapopulation behind a mirror to check on something 65%The of the are visual learners. isn’t new. If you want to check your hair or outfit before you leave theyourself house, what do you do? Have you ever videoed (or asked someone Yes, you look in the mirror…and the same theory to video you) in the arena, to review the footage at canand be applied your training too-inif the yousaddle, want home see thattoyou’re not straight check yourwasn’t position, your horse’s movement, thattoyour horse working correctly or that a straightness or anything else that can seen,of a movement could have been improved if abe couple quick glance a mirror allows this toinbethis assessed, adjustments hadinbeen made? Assessing way any adjustments to be made at the time, and then can be frustrating, as the moment has passed. Using checked again to ensure improvement. mirrors to check at the time allows instant correction,
leading to faster improvement…and using mirrors to Mostallows ridersyou would love to have an you instructor with do this to check whatever need to at them each time they ride, to help them perfect the time, before you get used to (and train yourself to) position, to feedback on movements and thetheir feel of the movement. more. Mirrors don’t take the place of an instructor as they can’ttoprovide you with instruction, but the Adding mirrors your indoor or outdoor arena visual feedback delivered through an accurate, doesn’t have to cost a fortune…buying and using just reflection allows to oneclear mirror can make a bigsignificant difference.improvements Of course, we’d be made, to get the most out of your instruction all like mirrored walls to give exceptional feedback, at time and when schooling butthe if money is an issue, why notalone. invest in one with a view to expand Visual feedback provides when finances allow? You cana great even way to learn, in fact, the opt for moveable mirrors65% thatofenable population are visual learners. you to position your mirrors in different places as often as you need
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If you’re looking to invest in one mirror or a whole wall, be aware that not all mirrors are the same, far from it. Whether you opt for a mirror from us or another manufacturer, we have a few top tips when it comes to positioning your mirrors in the arena and, also, what to look for when it comes to the mirror itself- you don’t want to invest in something to find that next year it’s warped and looks more like a fun fair attraction than a training aid! Perfect positioning
One mirror is a great start- positioning this across the centre line is the most popular option. If you’re looking to buy two/three mirrors, placing one across the centre line on the short side, and one at Havecorner you ever (or asked each on videoed the sameyourself short side (facingsomeone up the long to video you) in the arena, to review the footage side) can be really useful. home seemore, that you’re not straight in the Ifatyou canand afford using mirrors to cover one saddle, that your horse wasn’t working correctly short side will give you amazing feedback and, if your or that is a movement couldthe have been improved if a budget larger, mirroring long side is even better. couple of adjustments been made? For a 20m x 40m arena,had eight mirrors willAssessing do cover the in this way can be frustrating, as the moment has short side, and 16 mirrors will cover the long side. passed. Using mirrors to check at the time allows Of course, other configurations can work really well instant correction, leading to faster improvement… toospeak to the mirror provider and ask their advice andpositioning. using mirrors to do this allows you to check on whatever you need to at the time, before you get used to (and train yourself to) the feel of the movement. Arena mirror checklist Adding mirrors to your indoor or outdoor arena doesn’t have a fortune…buying and make sure Check the size-toifcost you’re comparing quotes, using just one mirror can make a big difference. all mirrors are the same size…8ft x 4ft is good; don’t Of course, we’d alltoo likesmall mirrored walls tobe give opt for something as they can hard to exceptional feedback, but if money is an issue, use. why notoninvest in one with a view tomain expand Reflect the reflectiona mirror’s job when is to finances allow. You can even opt for moveable provide a crisp, accurate reflection…but not all mirrors mirrors thatmaximum enable you to position your mirrors in do this. For benefit, mirrors must be high different places as often you need to,doesn’t to suit the quality and mounted on aasmaterial that warp movements you’re working on at the time. as this will distort the reflection. A distorted reflection
could well render the mirror useless, as it won’t be If you’re lookingaccurate to investvisual in one mirror or a whole able to provide feedback. wall, be aware that not all mirrors are theLook same,forfar Got your back? How’s the mirror backed? from it. Whether you opt for a mirror from us orsuch mirrors that are backed and framed with metal, another manufacturer, we have a few top tips when as galvanized steel, to prevent the back from distorting it comes to positioning your as this could compromise themirrors mirror. in the arena and, also, what to look for when it comes tochoose the Weather worries- make sure the mirror you mirror itselfyou don’t want can withstand the elements, to invest in something to find that especially if you’re using it outside. next year it’s warped and looks Maintenance for mirrors? Wood more a fun fair attraction backedlike mirrors require a lot more than a training aid! maintenance than metal ones. Safety first- although you won’t Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Perfect positioning
One mirror is a great start- positioning this across the centre line is the most popular option. If you’re looking to buy two/three mirrors, placing one across the centre line on the short side, and one at each corner on the same short side (facing up the long side) can be really useful. If you can afford more, using mirrors to cover one short side will give you amazing feedback and, if
your budget is larger, mirroring the long side is even better. For a 20m x 40m arena, eight mirrors will do cover the short side, and 16 mirrors will cover the long side. Of course, other configurations can work really well too- speak to the mirror provider and ask their advice on positioning.
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Arena mirror checklist Check the size If you’re comparing quotes, make sure all mirrors are the same size; 8ft x 4ft is good; don’t opt for something too small as they can be hard to use. Reflect on the reflection A mirror’s main job is to provide a crisp, accurate reflection…but not all mirrors do this. For maximum benefit, mirrors must be high quality and mounted on a material that doesn’t warp as this will distort the reflection. A distorted reflection could well render the mirror useless, as it won’t be able to provide accurate visual feedback. Got your back? How’s the mirror backed? Look for mirrors that are backed and framed with metal, such as galvanized steel, to prevent the back from distorting as this could compromise the mirror. Weather worries- make sure the mirror you choose can withstand the elements, especially if you’re using it outside.
Maintenance for mirrors? Wood backed mirrors require a lot more maintenance than metal ones. Safety first! Although you won’t want to think about your mirror breaking- ask the manufacturer what will happen should it become damaged? Will it shatter and spread glass all over the arena, or will it stay in its frame due to a film or coating? Is there a cushion? Some mirrors include a cushioner for impact protection, just in case. This can help to absorb impact and help to protect horse, rider and mirror from serious damage. Fabulous fitting You may be able to fit the mirrors yourself, but don’t underestimate how heavy these can be… each mirror weighs approximately 65kg. See if the company you’re buying from has a fitting service available or, at least, is happy to give advice on fitting.
Mirrors for Training supply high quality, maintenance free arena mirrors to riders across the UK and Europe. With prices starting from just £350 for one arena mirror, having you own mirror is more affordable than you might think.
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 www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk
For more information, see www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk
Image above: Pippa and William Funnell both use mirrors to help with their training
Image right: Professionals to leisure riders all benefit from mirrors in the school. 46
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
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Researchers Grindy and Cooper examined how abnormal repetitive behaviour affected a horse’s ability to learn a task. The researchers studied 28 horses, ten of which were known to express stereotypic behaviour. During the study, the horses were given a learning task and trialled over 12 repetitions. For the task, each horse was shown 2 buckets with a food reward placed inside one bucket.
Image above: Locomotor activity can improve equine learning. Image credit Corradee Stud
Domestic Environment:
How Does It Affect Learning and Training? Written by Louise Napthine MSc
Given the importance of training in the domestic equine environment, scientists have increasingly begun to explore the effect of environmental conditions, such as nutrition, stress, housing and management, on the horse’s ability to acquire new tasks and retain information. There are many factors which might affect a horse’s ability to learn. Recent research details a few of the ways in which equine learning can be impacted. The Impact of Management on Training and Learning
Rivera and colleagues examined the effect of housing and management on a group of young horses 48
undergoing initial training. The group of 16 two-yearolds was divided in two and placed in either pasture grazing or individual stalls before being given initial training. For comparison purposes, four horses were placed in a round pen and not trained at all. The team measured blood samples, heart rates and behavioural observations. The team found that over the training period, the stalled horses took significantly longer to train and required more time to habituate to training activities, than pasture grazed horses. Researchers also observed that more undesirable behaviour occurred in the stalled horses. Management can also affect behaviour through the development of abnormal repetitive-type behaviours, known as stereotypy. This commonly occurs in stabled horses and is considered a management-related welfare concern. Stereotypic behaviours include weaving, crib-biting and box-walking. Beyond simply identifying the causes of this type of behaviour, equine behavioural research continues to explore the effect of stereotypy on the learning ability of horses. Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Recent research also suggests that horses with a history of chronic stress, in the form of long-term neglect or cruelty, may respond better to rewardbased positive reinforcement training, than to negative reinforcement. Scientists believe that negative reinforcement, which often takes the form of pressure release, could cause acute stress in horses with a history of chronic stress.
During the first 6 trials, the food was placed in Bucket A and then, during the next 6 trials, placed in Bucket B. The time in which the horses approached the buckets lessened over the course of the study. However, once the food had been re-positioned in Bucket B, the stereotypic horses took longer to find it in its new location. The results suggested that there are potential differences to the way in which stereotypic and nonstereotypic horses learn new tasks. The researchers surmised that stereotypic horses may become more persistent in their ready-learnt behaviour or less responsive to new environmental cues. From a training perspective, horses which display stereotypic behaviour may perform less well than other horses when required to learn a new task.
In an examination of training strategies for rehabilitated horses, researchers Innes and McBride used positive and negative reinforcement techniques to train horses in a variety of tasks. During the study, sixteen ponies were trained to lead in-hand, stand for grooming, complete an obstacle course and load into a trailer. The scientists used either positive or negative reinforcement and measured the ponies’ heart rate twice a week before, during and after the training sessions. They also observed the ponies’ behaviour outside of the training sessions and carried out a weekly temperament test for reactivity using a novel object. Results showed that the ponies in the positive reinforcement group engaged in more ‘trial and error’ type learning and were also more motivated to participate in the training The Effects of Stress sessions. Additionally, the and Fear Horses trained using positive reinforcement were more eager to start researchers noted that To investigate the effects their training sessions. Image credit Corradee Stud ponies in the positive of acute stress, Valenchon reinforcement group and colleagues studied the sought more contact with their trainers which, given relationship between stress and timing in relation to their background of mistreatment, is of particular training. Following an initial temperament test, the interest to rehabilitation work. horses were divided into 3 groups: those purposely stressed before the learning task, those stressed after and those not stressed at all. Horses were each given the opportunity to learn the task and were then re-tested 8 days later. The researchers found that stress applied either before or after the initial learning session did not improve learning ability. Additionally, of all the horses studied, those stressed after the learning task found it most difficult to retain the information. Horses classed as ‘fearful’ were also impaired during the learning task. Interestingly, locomotor activity, such as turnout, was seen to improve performance between sessions.
To conclude...
Overall, it is important for horse owners to understand the effect of the horse’s environment on its ability to learn. There are many factors which can influence equine learning ability. Adopting a management system which is sympathetic to equine needs can allow training to become more effective, thereby improving equine welfare.
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Defining the terms • An ‘over-bent’ neck position is when the horse works in a forced outline, is over bent and not worked with engagement, this will not allow the horse to move freely. • A ‘broken’ neck position is when the 2nd or 3rd vertebrae is carried higher than the poll. This occurs when the neck is drawn by the hand rather than encouraging engagement from behind. When ridden in this position the ligaments and muscles in the back will be affected creating an imbalance in his engagement. • A high and extended neck position is when the horse carries his head up high. This creates overdeveloped muscles on the underside of the neck, the horse will ‘lock’ the neck which prevents lateral flexion, poor gaits, resistance when working, lack of concentration, incorrect muscle development, stress and tension in most of the horse’s body.
“Even though competition horses get a lot of exercise it is only a good thing if the exercise is focusing on the correct muscles”
r Massage fo
Competition Horses written by Barbara Dreyer, Registered Equine Massage Therapist
Have you ever had to run after the bus? Or tried to run after your dog/child who has decided that something is a lot more exciting on the other side of the field or yard? I’d like to think I am in good shape, but when I have to run without a warm up I suddenly get faced with the truth. My friend is training to run a half marathon and she came round the other day and could barely walk, she hadn’t managed to do a proper cool down routine and her legs were very sore. When we do that to ourselves at least it is just our own legs and muscles that suffer. When we do that to our horses they cannot tell us that they are suffering with stiff legs or a sore back. Competition horses generally get regularly exercised and they are well looked after with grooming, regular farrier visits, vet check ups and the proper nutrition. They are just like all other horses, but they have a tight schedule. They regularly complete clinics either show jumping, dressage or showing. They have several lessons a week with instructors, they go to shows or competitions most weekends and they spend a lot of time in trailers or transporters.
to get injured. So massage to a competition horse is an important part of the competition regime. Competition horses being show jumping or dressage horses spend a lot of time in an outline, when working in a correct outline the horse is carrying himself. If this outline is forced or not achieved in the correct way it affects the way the entire horse moves.
To carry themselves horses have to have: • Well conditioned back muscles supported by a strong core • Isometric contractions of the neck muscles • Have a forward going movement to raise the back to allow more space for the hind limbs to come underneath him
Showjumping horses most vulnerable areas are:
Massage to the dressage horse will:
Massage to the show jumping horse will:
• Promote optimal benefits offered through the fittening and repair process. • Target the needs for muscular stability and strength used in more advanced dressage executions. • Limit connective tissue damage by promoting overall muscular health and working ability. Preventing the tendons, ligaments and myofascial tissue from performing compensatory acts of support. • Target the needs for ventral, dorsal and lateral flexion.
• Target the needs for muscular and connective strength used in takeoff and landing • Target the needs for ventral and dorsal flexion for clearing the jump • Balance concussive forces delivered to the skeletal structures, tendons, ligaments and muscles and therefore stopping the development of stress points. • Drain the muscles from anaerobic influences that encourage lactic acid build up, therefore stopping the development of trigger point. • Promote flexible lumbar and abdominal region to encourage effective collection for takeoff and flight over the jump.
The poll, jaw, neck-topline, neck-underline, withers, Neck- topline, withers, back, pelvis, hindquarters, back, pelvis, hindquarters, abdominals and shoulders. abdominals, shoulders and forelimbs.
Warm up
The aim for the warm up is to raise your horse's core body and muscle temperature. This will enable the muscles to become loose and supple as there will be an increased flow of blood to these areas which delivers more oxygen and nutrients. The beginning of your warm up should be spent walking your horse round in the school in big circles and sweeping shapes, not making him turn tightly.
Well exercised and maintained muscles are less likely 50
Dressage horses most vulnerable areas are:
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
Alternatively, a simple hack around the block often works well. This could be a 10- 15 min walk. After this time you can start taking up a loose contact. Ideal warm up exercises are transitions, changing the rein, shallow loops, large circles and serpentines. You may then want to go on and introduce some suppling exercises such as leg yield and some flexion. This will enable him to use all his muscles to loosen him up thoroughly.
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“You should never underestimate the importance of cooling your horse down as this will prevent many injuries such as strained muscles”
Cool down
Before you put your horse back in the stable, you should always cool down after you have ridden him. It is essential to spend time to cooling down as it allows your horse to relax and unwind after he has worked. It is also important for his muscles, as this is when the waste products which have built up during work will be removed. It will prevent problems such as tyingup, which is when your horse suffers from cramp in his muscles from a built up of lactic acid. You should never underestimate the importance of cooling your horse down as this will prevent many injuries such as strained muscles.
horse will cope with a stressed situation better like a competition environment. Images Dressage Pictures of Julie Ehlers and Lopas
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Top left Barbara Dreyer and Milana
Ideal cooling down exercises are trotting around the school on a long rein, with a light contact in large circles, changing the rein often to allow all muscles to relax. This will let the blood to flow through his muscles and flush away the lactates which have built up during exercise. Everything we do affects our horses, the way we sit on them, the tack we use, the exercises we ask them to do and it is our right to look after them. Massage will help the sore muscles, loosen up stress points and detect and treat trigger points it will also give your horse a relaxed state of mind. A relaxed 52
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
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doors closed, and having no time to understand what is in front of it, the only way out is the door that we haven’t managed to close: up. Similarly, when we are teaching our horse to back up, rears can happen from a sense of being trapped. Say your horse is really having trouble thinking about where it’s back feet are and where to place them in reverse. Backing up takes a lot of concentration. Your horse becomes unsure on its feet. There is confusion and because of consistent backward pressure, it hasn’t got the mental space to think about its feet. With the constant pressure coming from the front or pushing on the horses face, or the constant squeeze of the legs, and without having the room to think about its feet, the only option is to jump sideways or go up.
Rearing
The application of pressure is what’s important
Article by Mark Langley www.EquineAbility.com.au
of pressure that sets up the train of thought which in turn leads to consequences and movements that we then have to train with. If you ask different people the same question, your tone of voice can determine the answer they give. It’s how you push the stick, it’s how you jam the spur – it’s that initial pressure that will determine how a horse finds the answer, not the release. The release is the reward that confirms the answer. The pressure is the guide. Used incorrectly, it will cause blocks and stiffness. So use your reins in the right way – too much pressure too quickly can cause an evasive reaction.
Where does it start & how to stop it
I got called to ride someone’s mare in town quite a few years ago. She had been broken in, just hadn’t been ridden for a while, maybe 12 months. Seemed like an easy case and at the end of the day, I allowed an hour to go and help this person out. I did some ground work with her, she was a little cold backed with the saddle but she was just a reasonably small filly that was in good condition. It was obvious that she hadn’t had a bit in her mouth for quite a long time and was uncomfortable with it. Once I was up on her, I gently reached down with one rein just to tilt her head slightly and put a very small amount of pressure on her mouth. The next thing I knew I was crawling out from underneath her on the ground. In a lot of cases, horses go up and get pulled over because there is no release of pressure but this mare had just a touch of her rein and the first jump was enough to keep her going all the way over. This is the only time that I have ever seen a horse react this quickly and I think it is the only time that I ever will. About 15 minutes after, I had brushed myself down and was cantering her around on the flat. But my back has always played up since. Since starting many hundreds of horses and horses that have had very limited handling or understanding 54
of pressure, there have been a few that have come along that have had a tendency to go up as their first resort, as oppose to their last resort. If rearing is their first resort, introducing pressure correctly will curb it to become a thing of the past, never to be done again. If however, rearing is the horse’s last resort, it could have been avoided and comes down to bad management.
Rearing can most often be prevented through a simple release of tension. We really have a tendency to trap our horses when we ride. I’ve seen many people grab for the reins as soon as their horse becomes anxious or wants to be somewhere else, trapping them in the process. If we ride down an arena fence and our horse leans away from the fence, we instantly push it back into the fence; if the corner comes up and our horse tries to cut it, we trap it into the corner to say it has to go there. Or if we are riding up to a gully or something that our horse is trying to tell us that is frightened of, we kick it up further. If our horse tries to go left we trap it with the right rein and pull it right. Our horse tries to escape right and we pull it left. Our horse still feels uncomfortable with the gully so it tries to go backwards – we respond by trapping it with our legs to go forwards. Suddenly with all the Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
The common saying around horses “pressure and release”, usually has the most emphasis on release. I do believe that the release is extremely important – showing horses when they have done the right thing is essential to horsemanship.
horse been left grazing or camping under the tree. It is very important when we are working with horses to notice and acknowledge the tension that we have created and to work on releasing it to create a relaxed horse. So if you are walking along and a gully comes up and you know your horse becomes anxious and wants to go left, don’t trap the tension with your right rein, release it with your left rein – turn left – and then in a few seconds, you will be facing the gully again and your horse will have another take. Your horse didn’t get away with anything by you allowing it to go left because it is still back to square one, looking at the gully. But you have diffused some of the tension. Give your horse plenty of time to look. Reward any tries (a sniff; a step; a lean; a look) in the right direction with time and no pressure. Horses can evaluate and make decisions much better when pressure is not applied. If your horse is habitually quick to rear that doesn’t think left or right because it has used rearing before as a way out, before your horse has a chance to back or go up, divert the tension by picking up a rein and
But what I think is far more important is the application of pressure. It is the first application
Notice and acknowledge the tension that we create and work on releasing it to create a relaxed horse When we work with horses, training or trail riding, we create tension that would not have been there had our July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Riding a Rear
turning your horse on its comfortable side. Remember, when a horse rears, it is escaping from something. Most horses have a stronger side and a tendency under pressure to escape or go through one preferred eye. It is good to know which side this comfortable side is. (To find out, trot your horse around and whichever side it trots better on will be its good side.)
If your horse has already started to rear, and has elevated as you are riding it, the best thing to do is to learn forward and keep your weight as close to your horse as you can. Be prepared at all times to slide off Commonly, people use one rein to shut a horse down. In most horses though, rearing to one side. Do not have any pressure “If your horse has happens because they want to be on the reins. Keeping on pulling could Shutting them down pull your horse over. As soon as your already started elsewhere. with one rein may only bottle up the horse starts to fall forward and you feel to rear, and has pressure; or in the case that they don’t the momentum going down, smoothly pick up the rein on the side that your elevated as you are want to leave the yard, shutting down just rewards the rear. So keep your horse turns best on, and as soon as its horse moving and give it other outlets riding it, the best feet touch down take it off on a circle. Keep your horse moving forward – thing to do is to learn until your horse relaxes and connects back to you - use changes of direction don’t necessarily shut it down. When your horse starts to connect with you forward and keep of energy in small relaxed spirals and in a small circle and it starts to soften, your weight as close serpentines, only using one rein at a time until they relax. Standing and allow the circle to increase and ride it out on a loose rein. It is much better to your horse as you relaxing with them will also help, but only when they find it. Some will find if you can catch your horse and release can” stand and relax quickly, others will take the tension in a nice forward soft circle time. before your horse elevates. Aim to even your horse on both sides in training but More foundation will create in the case of rearing, the quick connection is the safe option. Once our horse softens and connects with us more tools and you will at some stage be again then we can ride it on the other rein. able to use two reins to connect with and
With horses that habitually rear under saddle, my advice is to get off and walk home because it is so dangerous. If you are not understanding why your horse is doing it, try to get some professional help.
Pulling and rearing horses need more education and softening A common rear is when horses get a fright, pull back and rear or perhaps they don’t want to go somewhere and they pull back to the lead rope pressure being applied to their poll. Horses that pull back or that try to rear when being led generally need more training and understanding of the true meaning of leading and softening and focussing with pressure. Remember, a very important thing that I try to tell everyone is that when you leave a horse alone, tied up to a post the only comfort or friend that it has is the lead rope and halter. So next time think wisely about what you do with your lead rope and halter because they will be there to guide them when you are not. A halter and a lead rope are not trainers; only tools. Only tie a horse up once it understands lead pressure.
The hind quarter is the big power house in a rear. There are exercises that you can teach your horse, like stepping the hind quarters across in either direction.
In the case of a horse rearing on a lead rope, there are many exercises that you can do to get your horse soft. Every time you lead it, slightly challenge it – lead it at different speeds so that your horse is happy to go with the rope whenever the weight picks up. Lowering the poll and getting your horse to lower from poll pressure regularly to build a habit is really good. Look for lateral roundness when your horse is following the rope, i.e. looking through the lead when you walk a circle, not elsewhere. If your horse rears when you are leading it and you keep pulling, you are very likely to cause it rear over backwards. The best thing that you can do is to allow the rope to go with your horse and quickly manoeuvre yourself to the nearest side of your horse’s head. Have at least 2m of rope between you and your horse. As your horse comes down (not before), take the rope and walk off in the direction that is 900 to your horse’s eye. This off-balances them from the original brace and direction that they reared. It is important that you keep moving, keep focused on a new direction and busily walk there. If your horse continues to rear, keep doing this. Timing is important in this. Pulling too early can cause your horse to go over backwards; pulling too late may give you less strength (the horse has re-braced). Just before the front feet hit the ground is when you want to pull 56
Shoulders are equally important and should be light and controllable also. When you can control the direction of the hindquarters you can often diffuse the power before the rear happens.
soften your horse’s mind. Rearing will by then hopefully be a thing of the past.
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. in a new direction and pretend that it never happened. I now believe that as a trainer, it is bad management to let any horse rear over and unacceptable to let a horse rear over more than once, no matter how extreme the horse. Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
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Top 5 Tips for travelling with your horses
The eventing and show season is once again upon us, and it’s time to pull out your trailer or lorry and get ready to go travelling with your horses. But before you do, we’ve got five top tips to make sure every journey is as stress-free as possible for both you and your horses, whether you’re heading abroad or just a few miles to a local gymkhana.
#1 – Check your trailer
If you haven’t used your transport all winter, don’t just ‘assume’ that it’s going to be in perfect working order when you need it. Just like any other roadgoing vehicle, it needs to be regularly maintained and roadworthy. Your number one concern is safety – this is paramount for both you and your animals. So check the brakes (including the cables), the integrity of the trailer or lorry itself, the state of the ramp, and that all lights are working. Also check the condition of your tyres – rubber can perish so even if the tread is acceptable you will still need to make sure that the sidewalls of the tyre don’t have any splits or cracks, or that there is any obvious sign of degradation. Replace as necessary, and always carry a spare!
process if you take your time and plan ahead. But things can and do go wrong – equipment can be lost, stolen or damaged in transit, or at the event itself. To make sure you minimise the financial stress that this could cause, make sure you have proper horsebox insurance all year round. If you are travelling abroad then check with your broker that your insurance will cover you outside the UK.
#4
– Experience counts If you’re travelling with two or more horses, let an older, more experienced horse take the lead to keep younger horses calm. Horses are herd animals, and younger horses will take their cue from the older animals. So when loading, work with the calmer, more experienced horse first so that the younger animal can see that there is nothing to be afraid of!
#5 – Be prepared for emergencies
Travelling with horses invariably means travelling with all the kit that goes with them! But apart from grooming kit, tack, food, water and rugs, make sure you travel with your horse’s first aid kit too including sterile saline, wound powder, anti-bacterial scrub, vet wrap, blunt-ended scissors and a torch, as a minimum. Keep a record of useful numbers with your first aid kit too including your vet’s and insurance company’s contact details. And make sure you have all your paperwork too, especially if you are travelling abroad. Marc Loud is a partner at Park Insurance specialist insurance brokers for over 30 years.
#2 – keep stress to a minimum
Not everyone is blessed with a horse that loads first time, every time. Ensure that you leave yourself plenty of time for loading, and even more if you know you’ve got a reluctant loader on your hands. Keep calm yourself; make sure you talk calmly and quietly to the animal, reassuring it throughout the entire process. If there’s one thing that isn’t conducive to a stress-free and successful loading session, it’s lots of shouting. And if you know your horse is prone to becoming agitated then for your own safety, and your horse’s, make sure you have a couple of experienced friends to help you.
After a rather long winter there’s almost no doubt those turnout rugs will need a good wash. Lets not forget travel rugs, show rugs and well the list goes on. This month we are joined by Caroline Graham from Moorland Rider who gives some great ideas on the different ways we can wash rugs...
Warm spring and summer days give us the chance to clean our horse’s rugs, and the good news is that, for those on a budget, it’s possible to wash a lot of rugs yourself. Size is the key factor here, and it’s important to be realistic on your equipment’s capacity if you’re planning to use a washing machine- it is not worth damaging an expensive machine when a professional rug cleaner doesn’t charge that much! For some rugs, choosing a professional rug cleaning service could well be the best option. Thick, winter weight turnout rugs and stable rugs are definite contenders, because it’s not just whether the rug will fit in the machine, the water and detergent need to be able to penetrate all the layers properly, to make sure it’s really clean. If your horse’s rugs also need a patch up after winter, you might find that it makes sense to get the two jobs done at the same time.
For lighter rugs, such as summer sheets, fleeces, lightweight stable and turnout rugs, washing the rug in a domestic washing machine is a very real option. If it’s covered in chunks of mud or straw/muck, consider spot treating those bits first to give a better finish. All horse rugs have hair on them, in them…hair gets
Travelling with horses can be an event-free Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
The Moorland Rider’s Horsewear Wash-Bag is the perfect product to wash lightweight rugs, numnahs, rugs, saddlecloths, boots
The spring and summer weather gives us, the chance to clean and repair things around the stable yard, whether this is disinfecting and repainting stables, or cleaning and repairing rugs.
It is possible, however, to wash rugs by hand…and can be quite fun on a hot day if you have all the right kit! If you have a thick rug that won’t fit in a machine, you’ll need something like a bath or large bucket to add the water, rug and suitable detergent to. Make sure you invest in the correct cleaning products for the type of rug you have, and follow the instructions on the bottle. You’ll also need brushes to scrub off any dirt and grease, and use these to give the rug a thorough going over.
#3 – make sure you’re insured
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How to wash a rug
everywhere. You can either do your best to remove this with a brush, or put your rug inside a fabric bag to keep the horse hair inside it. Using a bag made of the correct fabric allows water and detergent to pass through it and wash the rug inside, and also stops hair, straw and whatever else your horse has managed to find, clogging up your machine. Using a bag also has another advantage in that you won’t need to clean your machine afterwards. After washing, spread the rug out and dry naturally or as per the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to make sure the rug is completely dry before you put it away, as damp fibres can create mould if they aren’t given the chance to dry before being bagged up for a few months. Washing your rugs is also a great way to check for damage and to highlight areas that need repair. Doing this in the summer also means you might be able to pick up some winter rug bargains if you need to replace anything! Moorland Rider’s Horsewear Wash-Bag is the perfect product to wash lightweight rugs, numnahs, rugs, saddlecloths, boots…even pet beds and towels. The zip up bag keeps hair contained as the fabric allows water and detergent to pass through and clean the items within. At the end of the cycle just unzip, shake out loose hair, and you’re ready for the next load! The Horsewear Wash-Bag is available in sizes small, large and jumbo, and prices start from £8.95. For more information, see www.moorlandrider.co.uk
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Product Focus with Everything Horse UK A Headcollar with a Difference! The new Candy Stripe Headcollar from Cottage Craft will certainly have your horse or pony standing out from the crowd. This high quality headcollar has extra fleece padding on the noseband and headpiece for extra comfort. Both the noseband and the headpiece are specially shaped to
New Avante Fly Mesh Combo from Masta The new Avante Fly Mesh Combo rug from Masta offers the ultimate in protection against both flies and summer showers! Providing the best of both worlds this combination rug includes a 600 denier waterproof and breathable section along the top line protect from showers and a fly mesh lower section to protect against pests. The rug has been designed to encourage airflow to keep horses and ponies cool and comfortable during the summer months.
Superior Show Jackets from Caldene Stand out from the crowd in the show jumping arena this season with the Hardwick show jacket from Caldene. This smart, elegant red show jacket is sure to be a head turner. It has a classic design with an inset navy velvet collar and waist belt and white satin piping on the collar, waist and pockets for a contrasting finish. The Hardwick show jacket features a new and improved flattering
Carbon Gel XPro Tendon Boot by Veredus The ultimate in horse protection
fit the contours of the head and for that special touch of glamour, come with multi-coloured striped embroidery.
The Carbon Gel XPro boots from Veredus are an anatomicallyshaped boot that provides greater freedom of movement at the knee and fetlock. Its unique shape guarantees the maximum comfort and perfect positioning on the horse's limb.
The hardwearing, satin finish fittings make the Cottage Craft Candy Stripe Headcollar very stylish and your horse or pony will be proud to be seen wearing one! Available in sizes pony, cob, full and extra full – colours black, red, pink and royal. Price £25.50. For more
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Twin surcingle fastenings, tail flap, fillet string and easy touch close fastenings on the neck cover make this rug a brilliant choice this summer. Reflective badging add to the finish of the Avante Fly Mesh Combo which is revolutionary in its design and manufacture.
The shell consists of two distinct parts with different density and rigidity. The main shell is a flexible and extremely strong polyurethane mixture that provides excellent protection against abrasion, deterioration and the multiple stresses caused by the activities of sport horses. It also maintains its elasto-mechanical properties at a wide range in temperatures (–15 °C to +50 °C) without variations of rigidity and flexibility.
The carbon gives an impenetrable barrier against any type of strike providing absolute protection for the suspensory tendon, a part particularly exposed to being hit by the shoes of the rear limbs. The shock-
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fit at the waist which provides a feminine and elegant style. Antique gold buttons feature as the front fastening of the jacket and also on the rear waist belt and cuffs for a traditional look.
If ‘bling is your thing’ then premium online retailer Dressage Deluxe is the one stop shop for the seriously stylish equestrian looking to add some sparkle to their performance! This gorgeous Otto Schumacher Crystal and Pearl Stockpin features two generous Swarovski crystals in coordinating colours with a
Not only is the Hardwick show jacket a bold fashion statement, but it is also designed to do its job in the saddle with well positioned rear vents to allow a comfortable seat and plenty of movement. Made from 100% polyester, the Hardwick show jacket is available red in ladies sizes 34” – 42” and retails at around £136.99.
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In the back of the tendon boot, where the flexor tendon is found there is extra protection provided by an “X” made of an even more robust and rigid protective polyurethane mixture containing carbon. The special rear carbon “X” which is extremely strong, protective, light and shockabsorbing is internally covered with a 3-mm film of gel that gives exceptional protective, shockabsorption and comfort features.
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014
contrasting pearl. Designed to be worn vertically, it features a cap on the end to fasten and is available with Topaz, Platinum, Green, Black, White or Pale Blue coloured
absorbing properties of the polyurethane gel reduce the transmission of shocks and impacts by 40%. Not only is the rear of the leg where the tendons lie protected, but there is Carbon protection for the fetlock. An insertion of a thin carbon plate inside the boot that covers the fetlock ensures protection to the area that is subject to continuous micro-traumas and shocks. Soft, adjustable elastic straps provide perfect closure on all shapes and sizes of shin, eliminating problems caused by too tight a fit or excessive pressure. The special elastomers used in the straps maintain constant tension over time and don't change their elasticity when wet. Certified Protection. Protection tested and certified by RCT Rico TEST. Sizes: M and L Colour: Black RRP: £179.00
crystals, with a Silver toned pin. RRP: £22.00 For those riders who are all fingers and thumbs when it comes to tying the perfect stock, be prepared to be dazzled by this stunning Pearl & Crystal Ready Tied Stock. Delicately
embellished with tiny Swarovski crystals and seed pearls, this beautiful stock features a hidden buttonhole for easy attachment to your competition shirt. RRP: £45.00 The Otto Schumacher Crystal Buckle Belt is a striking belt, which features a bold buckle encrusted
July 2014 • Issue 10 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
with Swarovski crystals. Beautiful with breeches but also too good to keep just for your riding wardrobe! Available in Black leather in sizes 75,85 and 95 cm from stock - other colours and sizes are available to order. RRP: £120.00 For further information & other great ideas for a glittering presentation in the competition arena this season go to: www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk Sponsor of the British Dressage Medium Championships 2014
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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 www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk
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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 10 • July 2014