Horsescene dec by Horse Scene Magazine

FR E

December 2014

Your free NATIONAL magazine

Veteran feeds and supplements

Keep your horse healthy this winter

Products to keep the older horse healthy

Be bold, be bright be seen in every season

Boot guide Products on the market

Having a runner! An overview of racehorse ownership

Respiratory products to help maintain healthy airways

Spotlight on Emily Philp

• WIN • W

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for grabs !

IN • WI N • W

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Fanta st prize ic s up

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Christmas gifts perfect products for the equine enthusiast

Inside this issue... 4

Horse talk news, gossip and updates

New on the scene new products to the equine market

Letter scene your views & experiences in the equine world

Spotlight on Emily Philp

Contact Horse Scene Post: 9 Maple Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1NQ Horse Scene team kate@horsescenemagazine.co.uk charlotte@horsescenemagazine.co.uk info@horsescenemagazine.co.uk

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Published by Horse Scene Magazine is published by KCD Publishing. All contents are copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, stored or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Whilst every eﬀort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted however caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the publishers. The Editorial policy and general layout of this publication are at the discretion of the publisher. No responsibility can be accepted for articles, photographs or illustrations whilst in transmission with the publishers.

Veteran winter feeding with Dr Tom Shurlock of British Horse Feeds

Veteran feeds and supplements products to help keep the older horse healthy

Be bold, be bright, be seen in all seasons

WIN lots of giveaways up for grabs!

How to keep your horse healthy in the winter advice from B&W Equine Group

Respiratory feeds and supplements products to help maintain healthy airways

Christmas gifts perfect products for the equine enthusiast

Tack Talk safety in the saddle

Advice on bitting from Tricia Nassau-Williams and Abbey England

Subscriptions and back issues E: subscribe@horsescenemagazine.co.uk Contributing writers Emily Philp Mags Roxburgh Dr Tom Shurlock Nicola Fletcher B&W Equine Group Shelley Williams Society of Master Saddlers

WIN a year’s worth of Verdo horse bedding

Boot guide products on the market

Having a runner! An overview to racehorse ownership

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Equine toys beat boredom On trial read our product testing reviews

Horsetalk Could you be the next Horslyx Ambassador? Are you dedicated to your sport? If so, could you be a Horslyx Ambassador? Following on from the success of the 2014 Horslyx Ambassador Scheme, manufactures of nutrient rich lick, Horslyx, are offering eight budding riders the chance to become a Horslyx Ambassador for twelve months, beginning in January 2015. In a nutshell, Horslyx want dedicated and enthusiastic Ambassadors ‘on the ground’ to help spread the word about the products and their versatility! The Ambassador Scheme is open to riders over the age of 16 years, competing in any discipline, with one space for a Junior Horslyx Ambassador, under the age of 16. Each of these eight riders will receive branded clothing and equestrian equipment, a supply of Horslyx to last one year and nutritional support wherever necessary. In addition, Horslyx will promote their eight lucky Ambassadors through regional press, social media and their website, helping to gain valuable exposure! So, if you’re passionate and dedicated to your sport, you regularly compete in either affiliated or unaffiliated events, you are actively involved in social media channels and you believe in feeding the Horslyx way, then you could just be the next Horslyx Ambassador! If you think you have what it takes, fill out the form via the Horslyx website at: www.horslyx.co.uk/becomean-ambassador Entries will close on the 31st December 2014 and the eight winners will be announced by the 31st January 2015.

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RSPCA issues sycamore warning to horse owners The RSPCA is advising horse owners not to graze their animals near to sycamore trees due to the seeds’ link with atypical myopathy.

David Rendle is an equine medicine specialist at Liphook Equine Hospital where a number of horses have been treated for the disease in the last few weeks. He said:

Atypical myopathy is a serious illness usually found in grazing horses in the autumn and spring.

“The disease results in muscle damage. It aﬀects the muscles that enable the horse to stand, the muscles that allow breathing and the heart muscle. As a result, horses can display a range of signs but typically become very dull, weak, tremble, show signs of pain and may be unable to lift their heads or even remain standing. The disease can be confused with colic or laminitis and unfortunately some horses are just found dead.”

RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde, who heads a specialist team of equine oﬃcers, said: “It appears that vets have seen more cases of this debilitating and sadly often fatal condition this autumn than in previous years and that risk is likely to be carried through to the spring. “We are concerned that there have been some instances where early diagnosis and therefore potential life saving veterinary treatment has been missed due to the symptoms being subtle or confused with other conditions. It is crucial that horse owners seek veterinary advice at the earliest possible opportunity as, although the death rate is high, up to half of cases can be saved if they are treated promptly. It is worth owners being aware that younger horses appear more vulnerable to atypical myopathy. “We would urge horse owners not to graze horses near to sycamore trees from the autumn through until late spring and to check their horses at least twice a day. Paddocks with sycamores should not be used or areas around trees should be cordoned oﬀ. If horses have to be grazed near the trees then there should be plenty of grazing or supplementary forage available. This should be well away from the trees to prevent seeds blowing into the feed.”

Clinical signs of Atypical Myopathy: • Weakness • Muscle trembling • Lethargy • Pain • Recumbency (lying down) • Discoloured urine (brown/dark red) • Difficulty breathing • Difficulty swallowing Advice for horse owners: • Check your pet insurance is up to date • Section off areas around poisonous trees and collect and dispose of leaves safely away from horses • Check any streams going through the grazing • Be vigilant of the potential signs • Ensure you check your horse at least twice a day

Ensure that supplementary food and grazing is located away from sycamore trees

New New Dublin Nene and Tawe Boots

The Dublin Nene Waterproof Zip Boots are casual yard boots with a zip front, while the Dublin Tawe Waterproof Lace Boots have a lace front design. Both are made from a waterproof leather upper with a HBR membrane to keep your feet dry. They also include the RCS insole for great comfort. With stirrup friendly out soles that feature Positive Traction grip and a spur rest, these boots are versatile enough to be worn for riding, on the yard or out and about. Both the Nene and the Tawe come in Brown and are available in Adults 3/36 to 10/45. The Nene retails at £89.99, while the Tawe has an RRP of £84.99. For more information visit www.dublinclothing.co.uk

on the

scene

WeatherBeeta Freestyle 1200D Detach-A-Neck Extra Heavy This top of the range rug, is packed with features to give your horse the ultimate freedom of movement, comfort and protection. The strong 1200 Denier Polyester outer shell is both waterproof, breathable and triple weaved for extra strength with 500g of polyfill for maximum warmth. Keeping your horse warm and dry from head to tail the NEW Removable Snug Fit fleece neck cuff offers adjustable protection from the elements and the Full Wrap Tail Flap is gusseted to wrap around the quarters for the best weather protection. The Cupped Shoulder Dart is shaped around the shoulder and works with the Forward Positioned Gusset to allow total natural movement. The Comfort Cuff adds padding and warmth at the chest and the Wither Relief Pad helps prevent rubbing on the mane. Additional features include Quick Clip Front Chest Closures, adjustable removable web/elastic legs straps and reflective panels at the gusset and tail so you can easily spot your horse at night. Available in Burgundy/Grey 2 Tone, sizes 5’6 to 7’0. RRP £174.99. For more information visit www.weatherbeeta.co.uk

British Made Boots from Abbey England

Break for freedom

The Equus Overreach ‘Pull-on’ Boots, from Abbey England, are revitalising the rubber boot market. They are easy to apply due to the elasticity of the rubber and oﬀer outstanding protection. Made from quality UK sourced rubber, the boots are available in an extensive range of colours. They are made in England and are exclusively manufactured by Abbey England. The Equus brand strives to maintain quality, using only the best materials for the rubber based products. The materials used result in an end product which is ﬂexible, durable and suitable for all climatic conditions.

If you would prefer to turn your horse out in a headcollar but worr y about accidents happening, shou ld he or she get caught up in fencing, then the Kensington Break Free Headcollar does exactly that – breaks free if your horse gets into trouble! This clever headcollar incorporates a softly padded nose band and attractive plaid fabric, which is a clever 1000 x 2000 Denier Textilene fabric, which is exce ptionally strong as well as withstanding sun bleaching, mild ew, soiling and wear and tear, even in the most extreme weather conditions, ensuring it lasts and still looks good, whatever the British weather has to throw at your horse or pony! A thin replaceab le piece of quality leather below the buckle has been designed to break free should the headcollar be put under high pres sure, helping to prevent a potentially dangerous accident occu rring. Also featuring a snap at the throat for easy removal, this headcollar is part of the Kensington Rug Collection and com es as a set with an extra long tightly woven matching lead rope . Available in Colours: Black, Navy & Slate (Larger sizes), in sizes : Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large. RRP: £38.00

For more information visit www.abbeyengland.com

For more information visit www .shadowhorse.co.uk

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LetterSscene tar WIN... a pair of

Ariat Olympia Full Seat Breeches

docks

I just want to stre ss how important checking your paddocks is. As I'm sure you are all aware sycamor seeds are lethal to e horses. I had seen it all over Facebo and had checked ok my paddock seve ral times. We had some strong wind s and the seeds must have blown down overnight. I went to check m y horse in the mor and I thought he ning was dead. He wa s ﬂat on his side. several attempts After he got up and I m anaged to get him stable - which is to a miracle as the poison attacks all muscles. I called the vet immediately and to my horro told there was no r was thing they can do except give pain relief. For the next 36 hours I stayed with him, hand feeding him and giving him water. That was over a ago now and he week has got over wors t of it - but is still wobbly and lost lots of muscle. Mo st horses do not survive so I was lucky but I have had an awful few and more importa days ntly my horse su ﬀered because of not being carefu me l enough. Please check and double check paddocks and research the symptoms. Michelle Slaymak er

My gorgeous 27 year old mare Chloe ready to go for a ride Naomi Stevens

hi My baby at show Maren Hose

s ﬁrst

My boy Davey at his ﬁrst show Sarah Thomas

My three 3 year old HOPE Dartmoor Hill ponies. Top left Phoebe, top right Jethro and the one dreaming of being a show jumper is Penny. Jan Nagel

Want to be the next HOT SHOT? Send your picture to hotshot@horsescenemagazine.co.uk

Check your pad

Think Joseph is spitt ing out a mouthful of hair here after grooming baby Jaco b! Melanie Bastianiello

Write to: Letter Scene, Horse Scene Magazine, 9 Maple Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. AL7 1NQ or email:

letters@horsescenemagazine.co.uk

hotshot • hotshot • hotshot

hotshot • hotshot • hotshot • hotshot • hotshot

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The winner of the star letter will win these fantastic breeches, featuring four-way stretch schoeller fabric for maximum comfort and mobility, stretch Clarino full seat, front zip and unique hand pocket design with piping eﬀect. Ariat’s patented V3 system in the waist and CFS (Calf Fit System) ensure these breeches not only perform in the saddle but look great too. Available in white, beige, navy, black or truﬄe in sizes 22-36. www.ariat-europe.com

letter

Spotlight on

Emily Philp

Emily Philp (above, holding two of her own horses Pink Profile on her right and Cupido on her left) is a professional event rider based on her own yard in Shropshire. Emily first sat on a horse at the age of two, her mum can remember her screaming every time she was lifted off! It was inevitable from then that horses would play a huge part in Emily's life. Emily got a real taste for affiliated eventing as a 9 year old on her pony Rocky, and won her first affiliated competition at Parkgate Horse trials in 1999 on her first horse Silverquest. After a successful season, they were chosen to represent the Wales and West JRN team in 2001 and 2002. At the age of 18, Emily was offered the fabulous opportunity of working on a professional event yard for the highly experienced Lucy Wiegersma, taking her horse, More Faithful with her. After spending an exciting year at Lucy's, where she made her debut at intermediate level, Emily returned home to Shropshire to undertake a human massage course while riding for a local racing and event yard as well as eventing her own horses. Also during this time Emily secured her first owner and formed a great partnership with Marilyn Gledhill from whom she subsequently rented a yard from enabling Emily Philp Eventing to begin. Marilyn is still an integral part of the team and is a very supportive owner, with her homebred 'Hells Bells' proving to be an exciting horse for the future.

The old yard where Emily rented boxes from Marilyn Gledhill

Jumping at home - Galatea Farm- on Plutonium Emily was producing the majority of her competition horses from 3 and 4 year olds and being recognised for it, so in 2009, having grown Emily Philp Eventing through results and word of mouth, Emily bought her own yard and home in the form of Galatea Farm in Claverley, Shropshire. After a bit of development which included a large American barn with integral stables and having an arena for the ﬁrst time, Emily now has some 18 horses in for eventing, schooling, and breaking so life at Galatea is a busy one!

time to attend some of the bigger events. Anna Skelding works at the yard grooming and riding along with Stephanie Bower. Not forgetting the amazing Charlotte Golby who despite having a ‘ non horsey’ full time job, is the ultimate competition groom!

Early days competition photograph

Mum Carol holding Pink Proﬁle at a competition The driving force behind Galatea is Emily's determination to ride 4* level on a horse she has produced and she is making great steps in that direction. Although all of this would not be possible without her support team which mainly consists of her mum, Carol, who works tirelessly both on the yard and at events, her Dad; the former ‘horse sceptic’ now turned eventing fan. Bonnie Williams who has been Emily's dressage trainer from a very young age and a huge support, even taking the

Eventing is a sport full of ups and downs, many often out of ones control and without the backup from her very loyal and supportive owners and sponsors Fly Away and Groom Away, Blaze Clothing, ARC Equine, LexveT, The Saddleman and Woody Wood Products, Emily would ﬁnd it even harder to do what she does. Remaining focussed, determined and dedicated is the only way to tackle this sport. However, good results, improving horses, happy owners and a proud team gives the adrenaline buzz to ensure all the hard work is worth it. In the next few issues, you can gain some insight into Emily's training methods and how she produces her horses for every phase of eventing.

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Backache to joy! “Block the Shock” Latest range for horses. Written by Mags Roxburgh, Managing Director - Stable Environment Limited Whilst I was enjoying going back into pain free riding with my new saddle seat, I thought it would be a good idea to design a numnah for horses using the same type of memory foam. The prototypes I have made actually fill a builder’s bag! Now at last my testers and I are very happy with the finished design, including the horses! Freedom for your horse The Luxury pressure relief Numnah and the half pad have one layer of memory foam and four optional fillets that can be added if necessary. The memory foam is a natural load spreader and a shock absorbing cover for the muscles under the saddle. The muscles are; Thoracic Trapezius, Latissimus Dorsi, Superficial Medial Gluteal and Tensor muscles (see diagram below). Memory foam helps relieve the muscles from pressure caused by the rider’s weight, allowing the horse to work more freely, thus improving performance. Evidence of this can clearly be seen on my before and after videos. I am qualified in Swedish and advanced Aromatherapy massage in humans. Whether it is human, or animals, I am always looking at gaits and how to improve them. One of the first places I tried and tested the Numnah was at a disabled riding school. The young man riding loved the products on the horse and sat quite well until we removed the Saddle Seat, then he clearly listed to one side, the pony lost its gait and kept catching its front hooves together. When he got off, I quickly took the Numnah off to examine it and one side was clearly flattened down. On that one trial, I decided to change my design. I am glad I did because since the launch of the Saddle Seat many riders have told me that they too have suffered injuries, and they also ride to one side as a result. This convinced me that the finished Numnah design had to be beneficial to both horse and rider.

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The change I made was to add two long pockets one each side of the upper section, this would enable extra memory foam ﬁllets to be added if necessary. The addition will help counter balance listing problems, whilst reducing intense pressure points. They are also useful to have for extra padding if your horse has lost weight through seasonal change or illness where muscle wastage has occurred and the saddle may be too loose. The Velcro secure fastening on the cropped pure British woollen section makes it easy to pull apart for washing. Cropped wool does not go thick and curly which reduces friction. It also wicks away up to 30% sweat/moisture, keeping your horse cooler under the saddle. Riding with the Numnah and Saddle Seat I personally feel morphed into my horse, it feels so natural and free ﬂowing and certainly not rigid.

Feedback on Facebook, emails and phone calls have been phenomenal. People are saying they no longer get oﬀ the horse with backache. I have not had one painkiller ever since I started riding in my Saddle Seat 18 months ago and I am getting back the same experience from other people who have purchased one. I did not expect to get such a huge response back but I am very pleased with it. It makes all my hard work seem worthwhile!

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Win a year’s worth of Verdo horse bedding!

One lucky winner will win a pallet of bedding – that could be enough bedding for a whole year! Worrying about the quality, supply and cost when it comes to your choice of horse bedding is enough to give you nightmares! Fortunately, Verdo Horse Bedding oﬀers the perfect solution for you and your horse. Verdo Horse Bedding are oﬀering one lucky reader the chance to win a year’s worth of bedding! *

Verdo Horse Bedding is a clever heattreated wood pellet product, created for equine use. When a small amount of water is added to the bag a regeneration process is activated and within 15 minutes, you are ready to empty the open bags out into the stable floor and create a soft fluffy and dry bed ready for your equine friend!

Used by top professional riders including international show jumper Daniel Moseley, top eventer Gemma Tattersall and MBE and Multi Gold Medallist Para Dressage rider Natasha Baker to name just a few – Verdo is a name you can trust!

Because the pellets are sourced from 100% virgin soft wood and heat treated to eliminate pests and bacteria, you can rest assured that your horse is sleeping on only the best and its good to know that it also contains a low dust content. When it comes to your pocket, compared to other products on the market, Verdo Horse Bedding can also save you as much as 40% on your yearly bill! * Based on typical one horse supply

Enter online at: www.horsescenemagazine.co.uk Closes: 31st January 2015. See full T&C’s on our website.

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Veteran winter feeding - with British Horse Feeds Dr Tom Shurlock of British Horse Feeds It is naturally assumed that, as your horse grows older, it will put on or lose weight, it will need a specialist diet to maintain condition and at the same time you will need to modify its feeding regime as activity declines, and the form of its feed as teeth will increasingly become a problem. weather means we are less inclined to go out. It means exactly the same to your horse. However, unlike ourselves where lights, central heating and a change in our routine allow us to adapt, the horse potentially, and the veteran especially, has a more diﬃcult time.

Horses have also been shown to have a muscle fibre shift away from an aerobic profile and a decline in aerobic capacity and a reduction in maximal heart rate. However, as with humans, older horses (20+) have the ability to perform in athletic events but, as with senior humans, training and type of athleticism will be different to that of younger horses. Short hard bursts of energy will increasingly be beyond the older horse but sustained, moderate exercise should cause no problems. Diet should reflect this. We need to be looking more at fermentable fibre, perhaps reducing reliance on cereal feeds. The dentition of a horse need not be regarded as deteriorating, with age, to a point where the animal cannot handle fibrous material. Recent research has shown that molar occlusial angle and the number of dental abnormalities did not affect digestibility, water balance or faecal properties to any great degree, and was also not apparently age related. So far, then, it would seem that the senior horse does not need any special treatment. However changes do occur with age, and these are primarily due to a decline in physiological effects. As the horse ages, a number of processes begin to slow; or more accurately the rate of generation of these processes falls. For example wound healing takes longer and immunological functions decline. And with these come changes in the horse’s ability to maintain his body heat, as metabolism becomes a little less efficient and so we provide speciality feeds, such as a veteran mix, to provide added vitamins and trace minerals to bolster metabolic processes, and highly digestible nutrients to give that metabolism something to work on. But then, in winter we need to go a bit further, because shorter days and colder

Shorter days mean less feeding time and, for an animal that requires an almost continuous intake, less intake. Less intake, means less energy and colder days require the horse to generate, or retain, more heat. To a certain extent this is offset by a general reduction in activity, but this in itself can cause problems as activity generates and maintains deep body heat, and the energy we feed for activity may not be ideal for heat generation. For the veteran, intake can be a problem at the best of times. Although poor dentition is not directly responsible, coupled with reduced appetite (in part due to a reduction in the natural rhythms and secretions of the gut) we are in danger of underfeeding and so feed needs to be offset with a more specialist diet that compensates for these limitations, such as a good veteran mix and the provision of super fibre. However these may be needed all year round and changes may be needed during the cold winter months.

mashes. Cold feed and water will chill the gut and energy will be expended to combat this. The third step is to increase the amount of fermentation in the hindgut. This will generate more heat, this heat will help maintain deep body temperature, and provide more absorbed nutrients to metabolise. 80% of metabolisable energy is used to maintain body temperature in the veteran during winter and this can be supplied with super fibres. Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet are both super fibre providers and can substitute some of the less fermentable forage. This increases the energy density of the diet. As your veteran will tend to spend less time feeding, increase the energy density by increasing the amounts of Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet (high proportions of fermentative energy) to provide the energy to keep warm! Protect your horse through stabling or with a coat against the additive effects of cold, wind and wet. Provide super fibre (Speedi-Beet, FibreBeet) to generate heat in the gut and more metabolisable nutrients. Soak them in hot water to then feed warm, and if possible provide warm drinking water to warm the gut.

The major challenge over winter is to maintain body heat within the Zone of Thermoneutrality – the environmental temperature range within which a horse can maintain its core body temperature without resorting to extreme methods; that is shivering or sweating. For a mature animal the lower temperature is around 70C, but for the veteran it can be considerably higher. Insulating the veteran is the ﬁrst step. Stabling, or a good coat, is a physical step we can take, but feeding up during autumn will add a layer of fat beneath the skin – the best insulation you can get. Feeding a good veteran feed, like Baileys No.15 Senior, will help build up and provide that insulation, as well as those extra nutrients which are essential to bolster metabolism. The second step is providing heat. Feed Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet as warm

Try to ensure your horse enters winter in the best condition possible. A little extra fat not only acts as insulation it also mobilises energy and heat quickly giving you time to adjust your feeding regime. For more information on Fibre-Beet or Speedi-Beet please contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com. You can also join British Horse Feeds on Facebook.

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Veteran feeds and supplements Products to help keep the older horse healthy Veterans with vitality! If you own a veteran horse or pony, keeping them looking and feeling good during the winter months, can be a challenge. Aloeride, the pure organic aloe vera supplement is the choice supplement of the Veteran Horse Society. A pure organic aloe vera supplement, Aloeride not only helps promote a healthy, shiny coat, but also helps to support your veteran’s immune system, which can often become compromised with age. Ideal for veterans and those horses or ponies lacking lustre, Aloeride also helps support healthy skin, conditions hooves and aids rejuvenation and recovery too: all from one taste-free sachet a day! Either add the powder to your horses’ feed or for those that live in on ‘thin air’: simply mix with a little water in a syringe and you have a supplement, which is cost eﬀective and easy to feed. Each box of Aloeride contains 30 sachets (30 days worth) equaling a whopping 12 litres of aloe vera juice and its great to know that its also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds, so you can rest assured that Aloeride won’t interfere with your veteran’s medication or tummy! RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply). For more information visit: www.aloeride.co.uk or: 01858 464550

Pernamax Equine Tablets Pernamax Equine Tablets are a natural joint care supplement for horses that suffer from stiff joints. They contain only our high strength Green Lipped Mussel extract called SuPerna which has a unique profile of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known for their natural soothing properties which help to ease stiff and sore joints. Pernamax Equine Tablets can act as a natural alternative to Bute. Pernamax Equine Tablets are designed to be fast acting with results often seen in as little as 7-10 days. Maxavita provide a free loading dose inside every pot of Pernamax Equine Tablets. RRP: £26.95 120 tablets, £72.85 360 tablets. For more information visit: www.maxavita.com or: 08450 752754

Super Codlivine The Joint Supplement Give your horse a boost this winter with this speciﬁcally formulated joint supplement. Containing essential broad spectrum vitamins, with the addition of primrose oil, MSM and glucosamine for extra support. RRP £25.75 2.5kg bucket. For more information visit: www.battles.co.uk

Care for Veterans with HAYGAIN With the older horse more prone to losing weight, owners need to ensure their horse receives enough forage. Hay is undoubtedly the most ideal forage. Its only flaw can be the levels of dust spores it contains, which may put horses off eating and can cause respiratory problems. HAYGAIN’s scientifically proven steaming method provides the complete solution, destroying all dust spores, mites, bacteria and mould found in hay. Research at Royal Agricultural University has shown that steaming at the high temperatures achieved in the HAYGAIN steamers (HG 1000 and HG 600) kills all the bacteria and mould and reduces the respirable particle content by >95% so it the best option for providing ‘clean’ forage. Feeding steamed hay is therefore the perfect solution for entice veterans to eat more forage throughout the winter. For more information visit: www.haygain.com or: 0333 200 5233

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Wendals Old Timer A supplement designed speciﬁcally for the ageing horse needing a little extra support. If you have an older fussy eater this is the perfect choice – containing appetite enhancers to encourage horses to eat, whilst still providing essential nutrients. RRP £20.72 1kg For more information visit: www.battles.co.uk

BOLD, BRIGHT, SEEN in every season Highly visible workwear is now noticeable on a daily basis with emergency services, council workers, highway maintenance, cyclists, horse riders and even the ‘bobby on the beat’ decked out in the familiar ‘yellow’. This means it’s now somewhat impossible to walk anywhere without seeing someone being ‘visible’. However, as this type of apparel is now worn throughout the year by a variety of people, in all seasons and all weathers, we thought it might be of interest to find out a little more about this safety fabric, so we asked Nicola Fletcher, MD of the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer of equine high visibility apparel, to let us into some of her secrets! “I consider the Equisafety range of items to be functional fashion products. This means that not only will they help keep the horse and rider visible and safe, but that they do the job they were designed for as well. All the items we retail are designed inhouse, and the initial consideration is when the product is going to be worn. Different seasons will bring with them their own distinctive natural colours and light. Some of these colours can almost be luminescent – the first leaves of Spring are electric green while in Autumn they can be fire orange, and of course grey fog plus the white of snow and ice mean Winter. Horses automatically blend in to their environment, camouflaging themselves against natural predators, so in order to make them visible we, their riders, have to use items which will catch the eye of drivers and passers-by. The sun’s ultraviolet rays react with the fluorescent colours making them appear to ‘glow’ therefore increasing daytime visibility. This effect is much stronger in poor light conditions such as in fog, at dawn or towards dusk. Therefore fluorescent coloured fabrics look exceptionally bright because of the way they absorb and emit different kinds of light.

However, what most people don’t realise is that these ﬂuorescent fabrics do not show up in the dark.

14 HorseScene

To be seen at night you must also wear apparel that includes reflective tape. This tape comes in three different types; printed ink, silver tape or plastic tape. The microprismatic retro-reflective tape (plastic) uses its millions of tiny glass particles to reflect light back to the source, and is therefore much more visible due to the strength of the reflective light. The printed and silver tape, although also utilising glass particles are classed as reflective, meaning the ‘reflections’ bounce everywhere, but not necessarily back to source. Nevertheless, whichever type is used, as long as it’s on a quality garment it should offer reflective properties. To be sure of being seen the tape should be a minimum of one inch wide. Photo shows a close up of 3M retro-reflective tape.

driver’s position. What is the ﬁrst thing they see when approaching a horse from the front? The rider and the horse’s head – so use a high visibility noseband or ears and perhaps a neckband on the horse, and a hatband (highest part visible) and jacket, waistcoat/gilet for the rider. If the driver is approaching from behind, the most noticeable thing would be rear, tail and again the rider. If rider is wearing products as mentioned earlier they would be visible, so ideally the horse could wear a ﬂuorescent tailguard. A pair, or two, of leg bands is also advisable as the movement of the horse’s legs also catch the eye of the driver, plus a sheet or saddlecloth will also help. If the rider is not sure about colour, I always advise them to mix the colours up.”

Therefore to be seen day, dusk and night it is essential you wear items that are both fluorescent and reflective. Lifeboat crews wear orange lifejackets because this colour shows up best against blue and grey water. Horse riders are now wearing more pink. This is probably because it is a colour that is not found in nature (apart from flowers) and therefore shows up well in the spring and summer light as they are completely different aspects of the colour wheel. Although there is a blue fluorescent fabric, it is not popular as its wavelength is not ideal for emiting light and the human eye does not see it well. Photo shows a Colour Wheel. So what product(s) should riders wear? Honestly, anything is better than nothing! However, riders should put themselves in the

For further help or advice contact Equisafety on 0151 678 7182 or visit www.equisafety.com

Giveaways MaxaCalm

worth £22.95

up for grabs!

MaxaCalm is a daily calming supplement, ideal for sharp and nervous horses. MaxaCalm contains a patented Green Lipped Mussel extract known as SuPerna, which contains unique Omega 3 ETA fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to aid concentration levels and improve brain health, helping your horse to remain calm and focused on the task in hand. Optimum levels of magnesium, L-Tryptophan and specially selected calming herbs help to take the edge oﬀ sharp and nervous horses without losing sparkle. MaxaCalm is fast acting and designed for results to be visible in as little as 7-10 days. It contains no listed banned substances and is suitable for horses competing at all levels. RRP: £22.95 900g tub/30 day supply.

New Equerry Cool Mix

worth £10.45

In this issue we up fo have teamed up grab r with Equerry Horse s! Feeds to give 15 lucky readers the chance to win a bag of Equerry Cool Mix. New Equerry Cool Mix is ideal for horses and ponies in light work. ‘Non-Heating’ the mix is a low energy, high ﬁbre formula that is suitable for horses and ponies that tend to be sharp or ﬁzzy. Equerry Cool Mix contains low levels of sugar and starch and added vitamins and minerals including magnesium. Equerry horse feeds are formulated by experienced nutritionists, using only the best quality ingredients and are produced under the BETA NOPS scheme giving horse owners peace of mind.

Hy Winter Quilted Half Chaps

worth £47.99

In this issue we are giving 3 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of Hy Winter Quilted Half Chaps. These chaps are the perfect choice for those nippy winter rides, featuring fur lining and a stylish fur trim. A zip fastening with a secure press stud at the bottom, and a reinforced elastic foot strap. A comfortable, water resistant option with an elasticated calf to provide a closer ﬁt. They are available in either Black or Brown, with sizes pairs for g up ranging from Smallrabs XLarge with a RRP ! of £47.99.

up fo grab r s!

The Polite 360° Winter Wraparound Rug

worth £49.99

Complete with the iconic blue & silver chequered tape and the Polite logo, this fabulous winter rug is 100% Waterproof, Breathable and Windproof but nevertheless is lightweight and will not overheat the horse. Manufactured from a more durable, wickable fabric and slightly quilted. This tough performance fabric is built for abuse, it provides durability and increases abrasion and snag/pick resistance in a soft breathable fabric whilst maintaining an excellent after wash appearance. 360° reflective and fluorescent performance fabric has been used to guarantee the highest performance. The fully adjustable chest protector is fitted at the top of the pommel area so that it does not get in the way of the horses movement, it is also detachable and can be clipped on to the saddle. The rug can be used without the saddle and, when just using the surcingle straps, is very handy for long reining or leading horses. The unique exclusive designed girth slits, guarantee 100% the rug will not slip. A fillet string is attached at the back to make sure it does not blow up in the strongest of winds and cross over straps under the belly have been added for extra security. At the front and back we have added webbing straps for our flashing attachments, for the riders who have to hack in the dark. We have added a large pocket on the right hand side of the rug, for food/drinks/maps etc. Machine washable at 30 degrees using non-bio, hang to dry. Yellow Only. Available in sizes: XXS to Xfull. RRP: £49.99

Enter online at: www.horsescenemagazine.co.uk Closes: 31st January 2015. See full T&C’s on our website. HorseScene 15

scene vet How to keep your horse healthy in the Winter has a habit of sneaking up on us every year and you can ﬁnd yourself under prepared and overwhelmed. Here are a few things to be thinking about while the nights draw in. Rugging

Clinics... Breadstone 01453 811867 Cardiﬀ 02920 899200 Failand 01275 392956 Willesley 01666 880501 www.bwequinevets.co.uk

The first thing we reach for are the rugs and one of the most common mistakes is to keep adding on another rug to your horse as you put on an extra jumper each morning. It is important to remember that unlike most people, horses do grow a substantial winter coat to provide them with extra warmth and this means they are pretty hardy in cold weather. The cycle of coat growth is triggered by day length changes and a rule they start growing a thicker coat in July and shed their thinner summer coat in October. It is easy to forget that a horse with a natural winter coat which has access to shelter from the elements and who is receiving proper nutrition and is in good health can happily winter out in the UK. Over rugging in fact may cause the horse to overheat and sweat under their rug which may lead to issues with dehydration, chilling or skin problems such as infections or parasites. Horses find wet and cold less tolerable than dry and cold so if there is no shelter you should prevent them from getting wet with appropriate rugs. If the horse continues to be exercised in the winter causing them to sweat the longer thicker coat can hamper the drying and cooling down process. In these cases partial or full body clipping may be necessary to avoid the horse catching a chill, getting dehydrated or suffering from skin infections. A horse with a full or partial clip will usually need rugging to protect it from the elements.

Housing Most horse will be healthier and ﬁtter if they have access to turnout through the winter as increased periods of housing in the winter months can cause its own set of health issues. Increased time spent indoors can cause respiratory problems such as dust/fungal allergies (COPD/ROAR or heaves). This can be improved by maximising ventilation in the housing, remember don’t close all

16 HorseScene

the doors even if you feel a bit chilly, clean fresh air is essential to maximise lung health. In addition to increasing ventilation if you can reduce dust/fungal spore exposure by using dust extracted bedding and soaking/steaming hay or feeding haylage. Trying to minimise creating dust in restricted air spaces as well, for example by not using leaf blowers indoors or when the doors are shut and avoiding storing hay and straw in the same airspace as the stables. Some horses with significant respiratory disease may benefit from wintering out but be aware of the quality of hay you use if you end up having to feed extra hay in the field as this may still trigger the allergy. Veterinary intervention maybe required to manage these frustrating cases.

Exercise Regular exercise can be diﬃcult when the weather sets in with icy roads, frozen paddocks and schools. It is tempting to give your horse time oﬀ over the winter but beware of your horse turning into a ‘stable potato’ over the winter months.

Horses like humans beneﬁt from regular exercise all year round and in fact may be at higher risk of musculoskeletal injury if they return to work after a long period of inactivity. Consider daily turnout or exercise for about an hour or consider lunging to achieve some exercise each day. Don’t forget that hard frozen ground puts more stress on the horses legs so be careful not to do any high impact work when it is frozen. Being inactive can also cause digestive problems and it is important that owners monitor that the stabled horse is drinking enough and passing a normal amount of normal consistency droppings each day. The combination of a reduction in water intake, eating more hay and possibly straw from their bed combined with a reduction in exercise or turnout due to the weather can result in a sluggish and dry digestive tract making the horse at higher risk of impaction colic. These horses may show mild signs of colic and the owners may have noticed fewer droppings over the previous few days often quite dry. If you notice any of these signs you should consult your vet. Reduced activity may also exacerbate existing arthritis problems and you should consult your vet with regard to keeping your horse comfortable and mobile during the chilly winter months.

Water intake

Don’t rely on snow and ice on the grass to provide enough hydration. Your horse must have access to unfrozen drinking water at all times during the winter and you definitely can’t rely on snow and ice on the grass to provide enough hydration. As mentioned above the risk of impaction colic maybe increased if your horse doesn’t have access to drinking water at all time. Interesting research in America has shown that by offering horses warm water only, they will usually drink more water, but that if you offer them the option of cold or warm they tend to only drink the cold water but less volume. So the take home message is that if you need to increase their water intake you might be able to do this by offering them just warm water.

Your horse must have access to unfrozen drinking water at all times

Health Issues It is important to make sure you maintain foot care during the winter months which should consist of regular farrier visits for either trimming or shoeing. Not only does this decrease the chances of foot abscesses originating from hoof cracks but also helps stay on top of foot issues like thrush which may involve the frog area and lead to discomfort. It also ensures the horses feet are in the best condition they can be for the rest of the year. Hooves should be picked out daily and regular farrier visits will ensure feet stay healthy through the winter. The muddy, wet conditions and cold weather can also irritate the skin on the lower legs and result in ‘mud fever’ which is a nasty bacterial invasion of the skin which can lead to painful scabs and even lymphangitis. There are many ways to tackle ‘mud fever’ including clipping fetlock hair, barrier creams, turnout boots, antiseptic washes and antibacterial creams and it is best to ask your Vet for advice on this common condition. Another potential issue is a bacterial skin infection on the body usually over the rump or back called ‘rain scald’. This can occur where there is persistently damp hair which provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria which then cause scabs and hair loss.

Beware this can also occur under rugs if the horse becomes damp, so rugged horses need to be regularly checked under their rugs for signs of disease. Again your vet can advise on how to treat rain scald, usually combining topical antiseptic washes and creams.

Nutrition Horses will burn up more calories as the temperature drops and some horses may lose weight. Increasing the amount of forage (hay) provides excellent calories and the actual process of digesting ﬁbre and fermentation provides internal heat a bit like their very own internal radiator which helps to keep them warm. This is the simplest way as long as the horse isn’t on a calorie restricted diet but in these cases you should consult your Vet for advice. Be careful when increasing calories by just feeding more hard feed as this may make your horse more lively which might make them diﬃcult to manage especially if they are stabled more and exercised less.

Summary • Think before over rugging • Consider partial or full clipping if continuing to exercise • Ensure access to unfrozen water at all times • Monitor droppings • Minimise dust in closed air spaces • Try to exercise daily • Ride carefully on frozen hard surfaces • Maintain foot care • Increase hay intake to provide extra calories and digestive heat

Maintain foot care - with regular farrier visits for either trimming or shoeing to avoid problems.

• Maintain regular grooming and check for skin disease • Consult your Vet if any concerns

HorseScene 17

Products to help maintain healthy airways in the modern day equine

Respiratory MaxaBreathe MaxaBreathe is designed to help maintain healthy airways and support the respiratory system in the stable, ﬁeld or during exercise. It contains a patented Green Lipped Mussel extract called SuPerna, which has a unique proﬁle of Omega 3 fatty acids. These Omega 3s are known for their natural soothing properties which help ease irritated airways to combat coughing and wheezing. MaxaBreathe contains key antioxidant ingredients, amino acids and Vitamin C. These ingredients are essential for clearing congestion and maintaining healthy airways. MaxaBreathe also contains a specially selected soothing herbal blend which is designed to work alongside the active ingredients to maintain healthy breathing. MaxaBreathe is fast acting with results often visible in as little as 7-10 days, it contains no listed banned substances and is suitable for horses competing at all levels. RRP: £29.85 for 900g tub/30 day supply. For more information visit www.maxavita.com or: 08450 752754

Wendals Respiration Does your horse suﬀer from dust allergies when stabled in the winter? This uniquely designed supplement contains Thyme, Fennel and Liquorice Root, all of which are natural herbs to aid with soothing of the respiratory system. RRP £20.72 1kg For more information visit www.battles.co.uk or: 08450 752754

1-Step Tackbox from JSW A great useful Christmas treat to help keep you organised on the yard and at competitions is the 1-Step Tackbox. Perfect for plaiting, this brilliant multi-usage product serves many purposes such as storing of grooming kits and doubling up as a mounting block when you need one! With the festive season upon us, this versatile block would make the perfect Christmas gift that can be used every day, can be left outside and won’t crack or discolour. The lid which has a moulded tread plate finish for safety whilst mounting, can even have a padlock fitted to keep the contents secure. Make your Christmas colourful this year with a choice of up to eleven different colours!

Available online: www.JSWHorseboxes.co.uk

Christmas gifts TTTTT perfect products for the equine enthusiast TTTTT Lincoln advent calendar - the countdown to Christmas has begun! Spoil your horse every day with these bite-size treats. www.battles.co.uk/lincoln

£5.00 The Cone Cup - This cleverly designed simple looking durable plastic jump ‘cup’ can be used to create an almost endless variety of schooling aids from jumps to ground-training obstacles such as raised trotting poles, corridors, S and Z bends. Jumps can be created in a matter of seconds by placing the lightweight cup on top of a road cone - also available from JSW in 60cm and 75cm heights. Horses can then be safely lunged over obstacles without risk to horse or owner. www.JSWHorseboxes.co.uk

£19.99

Block The Shock Saddle Seat - for the most comfortable ride of your life. The saddle seat cushions the rider and reduces percussion on the horses back by spreading the load, relieving pressure on the rider’s lower back and cushioning the pelvis. This brilliant product absorbs up to 90% shock. It is suitable for all aspects of riding - the slow recovery foam helps maintain your riding position, maximum comfort from advanced technology memory foam. It has a non-slip base, which is secure and easy to ﬁt and it stays pliable in extreme conditions. British designed and manufactured using breathable fabrics with a luxurious look and feel. Available in Black or Brown. To ﬁt saddle sizes 16.5" - 18.5" - 42cm - 47cm www.stable-environment.co.uk

£24.99 Providing a more stylish alternative to the traditional grooming box or tray. The Dublin Imperial Grooming Bag has a lid with zip closure, to help keep out bedding and dirt while the external pockets keep items close to hand. With a fully adjustable and detachable carry strap and webbing handles. Available in colour: Chocolate Cream. www.dublinclothing.co.uk

£95.00

For price n please informatio aygain H ct ta n co

The HG-600 is ideal for non-stop use in a yard or away at shows. Accommodating more than half a strung bale, or the equivalent in large bale sections or hay nets. With latest technological advancements the new HG-600 cycle time from cold is approximately 30 minutes, making the process incomparably fast and eﬃcient. The HG-600 has ﬁve steam spikes enabling steam to penetrate the centre of the hay outwards at temperatures in excess of 100ºC to kill all fungal spores, bacteria and dust mites without nutritional loss. By rehydrating the hay, it also makes it more palatable and sweet smelling. Hygienically clean HAYGAIN treated hay can be fed immediately or within 24 hours. HAYGAIN is now available in three models: the HG-1000 for a full bale of hay, the HG-600 and HG-GO for half a bale of hay or hay net, which is ideal for when away at shows or travelling. www.haygain.com

Looking to charm that special someone this Christmas? Then, this stunning handcrafted sterling Silver bracelet available exclusively through premium online retailer Dressage Deluxe makes the perfect gift! This beautiful bracelet comes with one individual charm and further charms can be added at any time so come the lucky recipient’s birthday, you won’t be stuck for a great present idea! Charms available to purchase additionally include: Solid Heart (£59.00) Crown, Shooting Star, Stirrup or Angel (£49.00). www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

0 0 . 5 9 1 £

Dublin Imperial Saddle Bag - made from stylish, durable fabric allowing maximum protection for your saddle. Featuring carry handles for ease of transportation making this ideal to use for both competition and everyday use. Available in colour: Chocolate Cream www.dublinclothing.co.uk

£9.00 Hy Fleece Hat & Scarf Set - A perfect stocking ﬁller for any equine enthusiast, warm up this winter with this stylish hat & scarf set. Comes in a selection of colours to match your wardrobe. Available in Baby Blue, Black, Navy, Pretty Pink. www.battles.co.uk/hy

£11.99 Per pair

£32.99

ot and H erson, e p h t e p iv t e to ke ny ac a lp r ks e o c f h o gift se s ey’ll istmas deliver as th er long. The e using r h C t ll wint nd are mad they a grea ocks really able a make Socks ee Length S and comfort ositioning a aring too, so n e tp ch Togs’ K t’s feet warm sure perfec ey’re hardw otection, ar . r h n n ut T p e . o ie r o h e t y ip t t rec , da arm legs , blis ibbed e yarn for w dded soles rtable day in s 4-8 and r e v a h lit fo pa size hermo lightly ’re com lilac in 1/20 T t! With seams, they and NEW s la o d e wn really ﬂat to ey, bro rt and lue/gr b , k suppo in p ble in Availa .co.uk 8-12. ottogs www.h

For price information please contact A Stable on Your Table

Back in 1978 a mother set about making a model stableyard for Christmas for her pony-mad daughter. By New Year she had orders from friends - by the next Christmas she had a business. 36 years on, still handmade by a small workforce on a welsh hill farm, the aim remains the same - to create the whole world of keeping horses all scaled down to dolls house size, realistic and sensibly priced. Only available online and at major equestrian shows, you can buy everything from a ﬁlled haynet (80p!) to a complete layout. www.astableonyourtable.co.uk

£239.99

Take your wrapping up to another level with the Ariat Primo Down Jacket. This flattering channel quilted jacket is filled with luxurious Down Insulation to provide exceptional warmth, with minimal bulk. Practical and stylish, the Primo Down Jacket features include a 2-way zipper, Always soft fleece inner lining, storm cuff and zippered hand popular for pockets and feels like the ultimate indulgence this Christmas and Christmas. Available in coffee bean, sizes XS – XL. perfect for www.ariat-europe.com having everything to hand when you’re away from home. The Tardis-like plastic Tack Pack is one of our best sellers and fits perfectly into the front of most horse trailers as well as horse boxes and tack rooms - in fact anywhere you need it to be! Portable and lightweight, the Tack Pack is made of extremely durable plastic and features two large fixed saddle brackets and bridle hooks. Remove the racks and use it for rug storage or anything else that needs to be packed away neatly and securely. www.JSWHorseboxes.co.uk

9 £179.9

An oil painting of your pet or horse is the perfect Christmas gift. I capture the unique character of your pet or horse. With every careful brushstroke I bring out the personality of your pet or horse in an oil painting that can be enjoyed forever. Promotional prices for a limited period start at £70. A £30 deposit secures your painting. The balance is payable once delighted with your painting. Email david@petsinportrait.com with your pet or horse photo. www.PetsinPortrait.com From

£70.00

Dublin Imperial Hold All Bag – this spacious bag has two reinforced carry handles and an adjustable strap. Available in colour: Chocolate Cream www.dublinclothing.co.uk

£29.99

Tacktalk

e l d d a S e h t Safety in

“

This season I intend to start aﬃliated eventing with my horse, my tack is second-hand and I have had it a few years now. Are there any saddle safety checks I should make to ensure that I am safe in the saddle whilst out on the cross country course? The Society of Master Saddlers replies: One of the most important safety factors of riding is that which concerns good quality saddlery, which is carefully selected, ﬁts the horse well and is subsequently maintained to a high standard. Accidents occur when equipment fails as a result of neglect or misuse, or when the components and the process of manufacture is below an acceptable standard. An obvious safeguard is to purchase from established saddlers, many of whom are members of the Society of Master Saddlers and are committed to maintaining high standards in respect of materials and workmanship. Nonetheless, the responsibility for safety belongs as much to the rider as it does to the manufacturer and/or retailer. Here are some things to check and look out for…

On the saddle itself the most vulnerable area is concerned with the girth straps and their attachment. The stitching securing the girth straps to the webs passing round or over the tree will wear or perish in time and will need to be replaced. Girth straps, however good the quality of the leather, are also subject to wear. When the holes stretch - and the leather is in danger of splitting between the holes - new straps should be ﬁtted.

Stirrup Irons

”

Buy stirrup irons made from stainless steel, nickel ones are cheaper but are liable to bend or break. If using a conventional pattern iron choose a heavy one big enough to slip oﬀ the foot in an emergency but not so big as to allow the whole foot to pass through and become trapped. Always wear boots or heavy shoes rather than ﬂat-soled footwear.

Fit for Safety

The so-called "safety" catch on stirrup bars should at all times be kept in the open position. A closed catch can prevent the leather being freed in the event of a fall and may result in the rider being dragged.

Buckles "A Stitch in Time" is a good saying to observe when it comes to girths, leathers and bridles too, but when purchasing any of those items the buckles, and in the case of the bridle the hook stud fastenings, deserve particular attention.

The Saddle Avoid the buckle which is obviously poorly ﬁnished with the edges left sharp and the tongues loose and perhaps bent. The former cut into the leather and the latter are likely to prove unreliable. Replace bent or loose hook studs immediately.

The fitting of saddlery is as important an aspect of safety as its proper maintenance. Saddles and bridles, which for any reason cause the horse discomfort and inhibit his movement, can create an unnecessary stress situation which inevitably leads to a lowering of the safety threshold. To ride safely it is always best to have a new or second-hand saddle fitted by a reputable saddler and to consult him about any subsequent adjustments to the fitting.

Stirrup Leathers Stirrup leathers receive the most wear at the point where they turn through the eye of the stirrup iron. A wise precaution is to have leathers shortened every so often so as to move the point of contact with the iron. A better insurance is to replace leathers regularly with best quality new ones. The saddle and its mountings - the leathers, stirrup irons and girth - are items of equipment which, if cared for, will last almost a lifetime. But there are points of potential failure which need to be checked regularly.

24 HorseScene

Also regular cleaning with a glycerinebased soap and reliable "leather food" preparation is essential if equipment is to be kept soft, supple and serviceable. When leather is neglected or is subjected to constant immersion in water (particularly hot water) or dried over heat, it becomes brittle and will snap in use.

To ﬁnd out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to ﬁnd your nearest member visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

Tricia Nassau-Williams & Abbey England oﬀer advice on bitting...

My horse has progressed in his training (he was broken last year in a loose ring snaﬄe) but now he is ﬁtter and in full work he has started snatching the bit. Is he ready to progress to another bit or is he misbehaving?

I cannot give you a deﬁnitive answer to this without seeing you and your horse but I can suggest a progressive way for you to work though the situation to ﬁnd the answers.

Firstly as you have a young horse I would suggest getting his mouth and teeth thoroughly inspected by a recommended qualified Equine Dental Technician (EDT) or Vet. Also get his back and the saddle fit assessed. This is very important so that you can be quite sure that any form of resistance or misbehaving as you put it, is not being caused by pain or discomfort. I would recommend having routine inspections done in this way at least every 12 months. You mention that you have been working him in a loose ring Snaffle but do not say what design of mouthpiece it has. If it is a single joint it may be worth trying him in a lozenge mouth. The smooth shape double joint action of these is more sympathetic to the conformation of the horse’s mouth than that of a single joined mouthpiece, consequently many horses settle more readily with them. A loose ring bit is more prone to pinching than one with fixed sides (cheeks). You may find a fixed full checked Snaffle bit helpful as it will keep the bit central in the horse’s mouth, be less likely to pinch his lips and also provide gentle pressure to the side of his face which is

helpful with a youngster as it aids with turning. When introducing a new bit, particularly to a young horse, do so from the ground first before you ride. Make sure it is well made and the correct size and fit. Next look at his schooling. Get sound help and advice with plenty of ground work backed up by working hacks and regulated faster work but only when he is ready for it. Keep schooling sections regular but short, a young horse can tire easily and this will only encourage snatching. Take his schooling slowly and steadily so that he is ready for every progressive stage. Review his routine, feeding and stable management as well as his tack and schooling. Snatching can be caused by, discomfort, apprehension, tiredness though lack of muscle and fitness or from sheer exuberance. Whatever the cause, you will reap the dividends if you take the time, trouble and patience to correct and work though it now. For more information please contact Abbey England on 01565 650343 or visit www.ridingbitz.com or www.abbeyengland.com

Equine Answers

Premier Flex HA Scientiﬁcally proven to work Premier Flex HA is a very high specification equine joint supplement that has been formulated to include the very best ingredients that a horse owner can buy in a modern equine joint supplement. Not only does it include high levels of the essential ingredients super strength Glucosamine HCL (far stronger than standard glucosamine), MSM and Omega 3 oils we have also included the very expensive ingredients Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) which are the latest innovations in joint supplements and work in synergy with the above. We believe Premier Flex HA to be the best joint supplement you can buy for your horse on the market today. Premier Flex HA does not contravene any rules of the FEI or British Horseracing Authority.

Premier HA was recently the subject of a trial at Bishop Burton College to test whether after supplementation it could increase the stride length of horses thereby proving it’s eﬀectiveness at improving joint function. The test was an independent double blind study with one group of horses being fed placebo and another group of horses being fed Premier Flex HA. The results using Temple Motion Analysis (a gait analysis system) were incredible. The trial (carried out in 2013) was completely independent and was in no way sponsored or assisted by Equine Answers. In fact, Equine Answers did not even supply the Premier Flex HA free of charge as we did not want in any way to be seen to have any inﬂuence on the outcome of the trial. We were approached by the head of the study to see if we wished our product to be the joint supplement on trial and we agreed, being prepared to stand or fall by the results of

the trial. At all points Equine Answers were completely detached from the study, not knowing any details of the trial from supplying the product to receiving the final results. The trial involved using Templo Motion Analysis (a gait analysis system) in walk and trot to measure if there was any significant difference in stride length after six weeks of supplementation with Premier Flex HA on the sample group of horses.

The results of the trial are as follows:

“This study has produced findings and results which highlight the benefits of the equine joint supplement Premier Flex HA by demonstrating a significant difference in the horses stride length during both walk and trot after receiving a six week course of the supplement" “...good, accurate and useful results were produced. It is this which proves that Premier Flex HA worked on the sample... These results should now be taken into consideration when comparing future equine joint supplements”. "Premier Flex HA maybe a relatively unknown product in the equine industry, but the product has shown a significant increase in the horses stride length in the two most commonly used gaits. This therefore proves that Premier Flex HA worked on the horses used and further investigation into this product would allow more demonstration of the benefits provided by it and the ingredients used." These extracts are published with the permission of Bishop Burton College who hold the intellectual property rights to the study and associated data.

www.equineanswers.co.uk 26

Boot guide

Talolo Boots

Talolo Boots’ Original Cowboy Wellies provide the fashion conscious and fun with a new take on the traditional welly! The high quality rubber boots are available in three funky designs plus a cool new snakeskin design, to keep feet dry and desirable all winter long! The boots’ traditional cowboy boot design incorporates a small heel and a flattering fit and finishes at mid calf height. Talolo Boots are ideal for time on the yard, walking the dog…they’re stylish enough to wear to the shops too! Talolo Boots are available in Floral Bliss, Pop Graphic Print and Paisley Dublin Vibe in sizes 37-41, and have a RRP of £32. Pinnacle Urban Black is available in the same range Boots of sizes and has a RRP of £34. The Dublin Pinnacle Boots are made from the For further information visit highest quality Redskin leather. www.taloloboots.com They’re both waterproof and breathable due to their HBR membrane and the Dri-lex lining, which keeps the wearer cool and dry. Features include a stylish and attractive lace design for full adjustment and the Dublin Rider Comfort System with Tough Tech lightweight and durable rubber sole. Experience true comfort and style with the Dublin Pinnacle Boots. Available in Chocolate Brown in sizes: 3/36 to 9/43. RRP: £159.99 For further information visit www.dublinclothing.co.uk

BOGS New Tacoma Welly BOGS introduces a great new style to its ladies collection - the Tacoma - keeps feet warm down to -15˚C. Ideal for all-year-round use, the Tacoma oﬀers protection and comfort coupled with a fresh look that will look great in the urban - as well as rural - outdoors. BOGS have an all rubber outer, which is 100% waterproof. Comfort rated to -15˚C with a DuraFresh lining to ﬁght odours. Priced around £85.00 For further information on stockists visit www.anatom.co.uk

HyFootwear Durham Boot

Country Rider Boots from Tuffa

A sturdy, high quality jodhpur boot at an affordable price. Featuring a heel grip rubber sole for longlasting comfort and support, as well as elasticated sides for that snug fit. This boot is smart enough for shows, yet practical enough for everyday use: the best of both worlds. Available in adults: sizes 4-8, Childrens: sizes 1-13, black and brown RRP £25.00 (childs) £36.00 (Adults).

Made for riding at home on colder days, Country Rider Boots are ideal for winter weather. These nubuck leather long riding boots have real wool linings for exceptional warmth and rubber soles that are stirrup friendly and offer great grip when not in the saddle. The boots have a stylish, country look with Tuffa’s dual hook and loop closure system around the calf, to give a tailored, close fit. Country Rider Boots are available in brown in sizes 3-9 and have a RRP of £189.99.

For further information visit www.battles.co.uk/hy

28 HorseScene

For further information visit www.tuffaboots.com

legalscene

Our expert

DWF is a leading national law firm with an equine team committed to horses, with some owning and showing their own horses in their spare time. The team has developed a breadth of expertise in contentious and non-contentious equine Racehorse ownership has evolved in recent times to the extent that it is no longer matters spanning the full services that DWF just for the wealthy and elite. It is now more accessible than ever for racing provide from varied property transactions, enthusiasts to enjoy the thrills and spills of the ﬁrst hand action that comes with business acquisitions and employment matters owning a racehorse. to complex contractual disputes, rights of way Shelley Williams, a lawyer and equine specialist at national law ﬁrm, DWF, issues and insurance related claims. We have considers the practical and legal elements of racehorse ownership. the capability to assist a wide range of clientele consisting of, for example, owners/ breeders, racing managers, racecourses, corporate entities, charities and competitive bodies/organisations. DWF are the appointed solicitors to The Pony Club and can be contacted on 0845 404 2293. www.dwf.co.uk/businesses/ litigation-and-disputeresolution/equine-law

Having a Runner! An Overview of

Racehorse Ownership

A brief overview of British Horseracing History The origins of all modern-day thoroughbreds trace back to three Arabian stallions (the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Goldolphin Arabian) imported from the Middle East in the late 17th and 18th Centuries and being bred to English mares to produce the speed and stamina of thoroughbred that we know and love today. Racehorse ownership and breeding used to be restricted to those with wealth and title to participate. This resulted in the Jockey Club being founded in 1750. The Jockey Club “handed over the reins” to The British Horseracing Authority (“BHA”) in 2003. The BHA is now formally known as the sport’s governing and regulatory body with the role of ensuring the continued success, development and overall control of the sport. Considering Racehorse Ownership Although racehorse ownership is an exciting and potentially lucrative prospect, it is also a complex industry and ownership should not be taken on lightly. It is essential to have as much knowledge of the industry as possible or at least to seek advice from those who have that knowledge. For example, the industry is subject to many rules and regulations, which are governed by the BHA. An owner may be subject to disciplinary action if such rules are not complied with. As well as the BHA, there are a number of other associations involved within the industry and it is important to have some background knowledge of these associations in order to build up a contact base from which to seek appropriate advice and assistance.

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Before making a purchase of a horse, whether outright or as part of a partnership or company set up, as detailed below, you should also consider the following: • Seek guidance from those familiar with purchasing horses, such as a trainer or bloodstock agent. • Check the background of the horse that you are looking to purchase to ensure it is a worthy investment. There are likely to be sales records from auctions, catalogues and also race results for the horse in question. • Pre-purchase vetting by an independent vet before any prospective purchase is essential. • Ensure that a sale and purchase agreement is drawn up by a legal advisor. • Check the level of insurance appropriate for your requirements. One option, for example, is to take out a bloodstock mortality policy to insure the value of the horse. Another option is third party liability insurance in case the horse does any damage to bystanders or their property whilst at a race. Many of the policies are bespoke to racing and so it is essential for an expert broker with knowledge of the industry to assess your insurance requirements. • The costs involved in addition to the initial purchase price. Additional costs to consider include, but are not limited to, start-up registration and administration fees, training costs, running costs, tack and equipment costs, veterinary and legal costs. • Obtain advice regarding the legal and tax implications of ownership. • The requirement to enter into a training agreement in respect of any horse before it runs.

Diﬀerent Types of Racehorse Ownership The Racehorse Owners Association (“ROA”) is the representative body for racehorse owners in Great Britain and exists to protect owners by providing expert and impartial advice to existing owners and those considering taking the step into ownership. It was during the 1980’s that racehorse ownership became more accessible to the general public with the introduction of commercially run racing syndicates and clubs which enabled the shared expenditure and responsibility of associated costs. Today, there are a number of ways to become involved in the ownership aspects of the sport and according to the ROA’s most recent publication of statistics in late 2013, just over 60 per cent of racehorses trained in Britain are now raced under some form of joint ownership, syndicate or partnership. The most popular types of ownership include the following: 1. Sole ownership – The horse will be owned outright and you can often name it yourself and the horse and jockey would wear your chosen colours. You will be responsible for all costs associated with training and upkeep, although you will also enjoy the sole beneﬁt of any prize monies won. You will have the responsibility of all key decisions and if you are not experienced in the racing industry, it would be prudent to ensure that you seek advice from licensed trainers who have the knowledge. 2. Co-ownership – a horse can be coowned with family and friends and also colleagues. a. A joint ownership arrangement can be set up between two and up to twelve individuals and the horse can be

registered to run in a joint ownership name, or the name of one or more of the joint owners. This arrangement is diﬀerent from a racing partnership as each joint owner is required to be a registered owner. Upon registration of a joint ownership arrangement, it is also necessary to declare the percentage share of each horse owned by the joint owners. b. Racing partnership/syndicate is a multiownership set up for groups of between two and twenty individuals and at least two must become registered owners, or be existing owners. The two registered owners (known as nominated partners) are responsible for the set up and administration of the racing partnership and the BHA will ask the nominated partners to provide the details of the other listed partners. Under the Rules of Racing the nominated partners are treated as though they were the joint owners of the horse and are consequently jointly and severally liable for any sums due as owners. Registration costs are higher than for joint ownership. These types of partnership are often run by a trainer or a commercially based partnership where there is a manager in place with knowledge of the administrative complexities. 3. Company ownership – the horse is owned by the shareholders of a company who will appoint a registered agent to act on their behalf. There will be director and company secretary provisions and those

individuals can have colours registered in their names. Foreign companies can register as a recognised company under rules in the UK. The company pays the bills rather than the individual but HM Revenue and Customs are inclined to tax that as a benefit to the director. As there are tax implications involved and the company is a separate legal entity in its own right, these complications dictate that as well as seeking advice from a company lawyer, additional prior advice should be sought from a qualified accountant. 4.Leasing – this involves the leasing of a racehorse for a set period of time and a legal agreement setting out the terms of the lease will need to be entered into. This option off-sets the cost of the outlay in purchasing a horse, however, throughout the lease the lessee is responsible for any costs incurred and also has to register as an owner. The horse can run in the lessee’s colours and can keep the prize money, or a percentage of the winnings, dependent upon the type of agreement entered into with the lessor/owner of the horse. 5. Racing clubs - you will be a member of a club enjoying some of the benefits of being an owner, but without any actual ownership rights to the horse. A one off fee is usually paid and you may get a share in the prize monies or reduced rates to attend the races and will also be able to attend the training yards. You would be involved at an affordable rate and enjoy the social benefits, but without the

problems which can be incurred in having the responsibility of full or joint ownership of a horse. Any arrangement between the parties/owners involved must be recorded in writing so as to ensure that all involved are aware of their personal and financial responsibilities, as well as recording who will be entitled to the profits, benefits and winnings going forward. It is also important to consider and record how such an arrangement will come to an end. Racehorse ownership involves high value transactions, which can often become the subject of litigation when communications break down. It is, therefore, important to consider all possible outcomes/issues to ensure that you can safeguard against these from the outset in order to prevent such issues arising at a later date. Once a racehorse comes to the end of its career, there are now a number of options available to it, such as alternative careers in dressage show jumping and eventing. Organisations such as Retraining of Racehorses (“ROR”) are invaluable in encouraging responsible racehorse owners and trainers to allow their ex-runners to have post racing careers and it is important that this is recognised by those involved in racing to ensure the reputation and integrity of the industry is upheld in terms of horse welfare.

Equine toys - beat boredom Super Licker Happy Snacker If you have a horse struggling with the boredom during the winter months, then look no further! Combining the nutritional beneﬁts of a Super Licker with a soft resilient play ball that hangs below, this will provide endless fun. RRP £35.60.

Beat Boredom with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball

www.battles.co.uk The Rock ‘n’ Roll ball from Stubbs, distributed by Abbey England is the ideal way to keep horses, or even dogs busy. This attention grabbing toy is a shape that is hard to roll in a straight line, and with a trickle treat feeder, it is sure to catch any horse’s eye! Durable and safe, it has no removable parts and the dispensing hole is 30mm diameter, which is perfect for most treats. Available in many colours including Red, Blue, Green, Purple and Pink. RRP is around £17.99. www.abbeyengland.com

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A MAG-nificent 10 years In 2004, like most ﬂedgling enterprises, MAG Equipment Ltd started as a home business, based in the house and garage of its founders Mark and Georgina Dennis.

MAG premises With £5,000 in start-up capital borrowed from a relative and lots of enthusiasm, the journey started. Mark with his 15 years plus of experience in the laundry trade, and Georgina with her background in business administration were ready to take on the world. The early days delivered huge challenges with the new business demanding constant attention, the growing family making its presence known and both partners taking turns preparing mailshots while feeding the dog. From the beginning, what set the company apart was Mark’s determination to use technology to promote and market the business. MAG invested a significant amount of its available resources into the creation of its first website. Mark supplemented the available funds with his own rapidly expanding expertise in web-related activities all of which were self-taught and involved many hours burning the midnight oil. When the website was launched in 2005 it was a true leader in online marketing, this coupled with leads from advertising in Laundry & Cleaning Today, immediately generated sales and provided the platform that would give the company rapid and sustainable revenue growth. A huge compliment to MAG in these early days was that a number of existing ‘major’ players in the laundry equipment supply sector took their lead from their ecommerce activities and created competitive websites and on-line advertising campaigns. As always the company looked to the future and continued to innovate and develop its online offerings coining the in-house slogan of ‘MAG leads while

others follow’. During the next three years, the company continued to grow, taking on additional staff, moving to a purpose built premises, and becoming a limited liability company in 2007. Although operating on limited resources MAG has always invested both time and money on the development of its most prized asset – its people. This investment in people has reaped huge benefits as each and every team member has the company ethos instilled from the outset, namely ‘Customers are our future so take great care of them.’ The emergence of Kieron Kendell as the sales manager and then his progression to sales director provides great testimony to the personal development plans laid down. Kieron’s development and progression had a massive impact on the business propelling it forward and dramatically increasing sales both in volume and quantity. In late 2009, Mark and Kieron secured a dealership with the Spanish manufacturer Primer – what a difference that made! The company could now compete in the ‘new’ equipment marketplace – MAG had arrived… The working partnership between MAG and Primer has evolved and matured over the past five years and is now providing great security for customers while delivering commercial success to both companies. MAG has a huge stock holding of over 17,000 different spare parts at its Halifax premises which enables the service team, armed with its van stock, to fix the majority of calls at the first visit, saving costly follow-up calls due to the time lag in ordering the required spare parts.

The company provides nationwide coverage for service calls and exports machines to many countries far and wide. The overseas-based customers are provided with ongoing support from delivery through installation to maintenance. Their standard practice is to provide a comprehensive supply of spare parts, however the Primer machines have an outstanding track record for reliability as per numerous testimonials received from a myriad of satisfied customers. In more recent times Mark has introduced an effective and sustainable operating model, encompassing quality sales of new and used equipment together with an ever expanding engineering/maintenance operation. MAG has a great reputation in the reconditioned equipment market place and provides many purchase, lease and rental options to get its customers up and running. The comprehensive in-house funded rental package sets them apart from many competitors and it’s yet A MAGnificent 10 years another example of the company’s innovation and customer focused thinking. To support the expanding reconditioned machine element of the business MAG has made significant investment in its Halifax based workshop. The workshop, installation and service teams are all fully trained and possess the appropriate electrical and gas safe accreditations. So, what does the company look like in 2014? They now have many high profile customers, is involved in the innovation and design of new equipment, and has great sales, service, and aftersales teams. Finally, it is now a multi-million pound turnover company and is equipped and ready to take on any challenge from any quarter. Thanks to the company’s many loyal customers, it is firmly established as a major player in the laundry equipment supply sector, both in the UK and abroad. As you would expect, plans are in place for the next five years, so watch this space for more news.

Happy birthday MAG!

www.equinewash.co.uk

We have put 10 products to the test, check out what our panel think of them their honest opinions may help you to make a good choice... Nude Thermal Leggings from Hot Togs

Dublin Waterproof River Boot My feet have not been wet once since trialling these amazing boots! They are waterproof, but if my feet got over-hot in my thermal socks they have a breathable membrane designed to help keep the feet cool. These boots are both stylish and comfortable which is very important to me when choosing footwear. They have a padded heel cushion and a steel arch foundation to keep the shoe comfortable but strong and tough. The rubber sole has brilliant stickability due to the traction control grip which makes them a brilliant boot to wear in the winter when the ground is slippery. The boots I tested, came in an attractive chocolate colour - the boots come in a choice of ﬁttings which would make them accessible to everyone. I would deﬁnitely pay £149.99 for these top quality boots.

For more information www.dublinclothing.co.uk

These thermal leggings have been a wonderful addition to my winter wardrobe. They are really close fitting and very stretchy but do not have any baggy areas which is great for being discreet under clothing. They do not have a side seam which makes them very comfortable and do not move when wearing as they have ankle cuffs and a high waistband. I have never been more warm in winter and at only £15.00 they are a must have item, and I will definitely be investing in another pair.

For more information www.hottogs.co.uk

Tip Top Supplement Treats As my horse lives out the whole year without any hard feed, I often worry about how he is getting all his vitamins and minerals especially in the winter. When I was asked to test the Equimins Tip Top Supplement Treats, I was really pleased, as they provide a broad spectrum of supplements that a horse needs - all in a pallatable easy to feed treat. At £10.50 for a 1.5kg bag (which should last the average horse 30 days) it works out to just 35p a day, I think this is great to put your mind at rest whilst giving your horse a tasty treat!

For more information www.equimins.com

Dublin Supa Shape It Performance Full Seat Breeches These breeches really ﬂatter your curves - they have been the most comfortable I have ever worn. They have been invaluable in this wet weather as they are made from a quick drying material - yet they are still breathable. I found that the breeches were very stretchy but they did not rub under my long boots. They are extremely smart for special occasions but equally are suited to every day use as they are such good quality. Priced at £69.99 these breeches are highly recommended and still look brand new after a month of constant wear.

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For more information www.dublinclothing.co.uk

Tacoma from BOGS Having yet to ﬁnd a pair of wellies that have lasted the whole winter season with every day wear in the muddiest of conditions - I was thrilled to test these BOGS wellies. My ﬁrst impression was that they were extremely easy to put on due to the handles on the side of the wellies. They also come in a variety of attractive colours which is a nice feature for the fashion concious of the horse world! They are incredibly warm and although I have yet to test them in arctic conditions, they are said to be comfort rated to -150c. The sole is non slip which is brilliant in the mud, ice or snow. I have been very pleased with these wellies - after continuous wear every day for a month, they still look as good as the day they turned up in the post (apart from the addition of many layers of mud!). At £85.00 they are a good quality, hard wearing welly which I believe will last the winter plus many more.

For information on stockists visit www.anatom.co.uk

Glamourati Starry Glitter Quartermarker Kit My daughter and I love to add a little bit of sparkle and glamour when attending a fun event. She definitely loves a bit of bling and these glitter tattoos brightened up her day when we used them at a local event. When you are dealing with all the stresses of a busy show day, the last thing you need is to add difficult to apply extras but these are very simple to apply with easy to follow instructions and are long lasting. There is no need to worry - these are completely safe for use on horses, easy to remove with hot water, shampoo and a brush. My daughter felt like a star and loved competing with these - with lots of different designs, there is one for every occasion. The kit is priced at £39.99 and would be a fantastic gift for any pony princess!

Tuffa’s Broadland Boots Having a wider calf makes finding riding boots that fit comfortably, whist looking smart and being practical, a challenge! However, the Broadland Boots from Tuffa fit the bill. They are made of nubuck leather with an elastic panel at the back of the calf meaning they are stretchy enough but offer a close fit. They offer moisture wicking and antibacterial lining with generously crafted ankles and a side fastening zip for easy fitting. The boots come in 3 different sized calf widths - plus size standard, plus size wide and plus size extra wide which means they have a boot to fit every calf. At £189.99 they are worth every penny due to their comfort, style and performance.

For more information www.tuﬀaboots.com

For more information www.glamouratiuk.com

Easidri Pet and Equestrian Towel As my horses legs seem to spend the majority of the winter being wet, and I spend so much time drying them - the Easidri towel has become a much needed part of my grooming kit. This product looks like a towel, but it absorbs water like a sponge. It is extremely easy to use and very eﬀective in drying the coat, especially in the awkward areas such as the heels. I found it particularly useful when my horse had been sweating and needed drying oﬀ quickly to keep warm. The Easidri towel is easy to wash, I pop it in the washing machine and fold it up damp in the plastic storage tube it is supplied with - ready for future use. Starting at £11.00 I found this a vital piece of equipment and would not be without one.

For more information www.easidri.com

Horsewear Wash-Bag from Moorland Rider Sometimes the most simple ideas are the most brilliant! I didn’t want to spend a fortune taking my dirty saddlecloths, boots/bandages etc off to be cleaned but was worried Talolo Boots about my expensive washing machine. So when I tested Original the wash-bag I was extremely pleased that such a simple Cowboy Wellies invention could solve this problem. No longer is my washing machine clogged up with hair, dirt and mud, it also prevents the next load being hairy! The bag allows These boots definitely the detergent and water inside but prevents the dirt stand out with their from escaping. The bag comes in 3 different colours funky and innovative so you don’t have to worry about mixing colours. cowboy boot style. The With prices starting at £8.95, this reusable wash-bag design incorporates a small heel, a has made washing my horse items stress free. flattering fit and finishes at mid calf height. These are not just for use at the yard, For more information they are stylish enough to wear in your every day life. These are a www.moorlandrider.co.uk completely new take on the traditional welly whilst keeping the original useful features. They start at £32.00 which I think is a great price for a stylish pair of wellies - a very cool improvement - sure to make you stand out from the crowd!

For more information www.taloloboots.com

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