Horsescene march by Horse Scene Magazine

FR E

March/April 2014

Your free NATIONAL magazine

Legal Scene

Laminitis

what can be done about ﬂy grazing?

products to help cater for your equine

Judge’s comments what they really mean

Jumping issues and how to combat them

Wolf teeth in equines

Feeding the lactating mare IN

• WIN • W

up ! grabs

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stic a t n a F s prizfe or

IN • W IN •W

IN • W •W IN

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WI N IN • •W

Spring fashion fabulous clothing for this season

Inside this issue... Contact Horse Scene Post: 9 Maple Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1NQ Telephone: 01707 880170 Horse Scene Team kate@horsescenemagazine.co.uk charlotte@horsescenemagazine.co.uk info@horsescenemagazine.co.uk

Horse talk news, gossip and updates

Letter scene your views & experiences in the equine world

Legal scene what can be done about ﬂy grazing?

Subscriptions & Back Issues T: 01707 880170 E: subscribe@horsescenemagazine.co.uk

Tack talk advice on saddles for eventing

Cover image Anita Hoyle

WIN a KM Elite half pad

Contributing writers Zoe Davies KK Equestrian DWF Equine Warren Lamperd Glenn Lean Daniel Moseley Society of Master Saddlers

New on the scene new products to the equine market

Laminitis products to help cater for your equine

WIN Verdo horse bedding

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.

Spring fashion fabulous clothing for this season

Feeding the lactating mare

Jumping issues and how to combat them

Travel tips with Daniel Moseley

WIN lots of giveaways up for grabs!

Judge’s comments what do they really mean?

On trial read our product testing reviews

Wolf teeth in equines

Tackroom break relax with our puzzles

Horsetalk Heart of England Summer Show

We are proud and excited to announce the running of the first Heart of England show. To be held on Sunday 18th May 2014 at Solihull Riding Club. Formally known as the NPS Area XI Summer Show this year the NPS Area XI committee has joined forces with the BSPS Area 6 committee in order to provide a wider range of classes by combining two shows into one. The show also moves from a Saturday to a Sunday. The objective of the show is to make the day affordable and fun, yet giving people the change to qualify their ponies for the most prestigious shows in the country without the expense and hassle of going to multiple shows. The friendly yet knowledgeable committee are more than happy to help and encourage families starting out on the show scene, and to have an enjoyable experience at the show. The show is proud of its relaxed atmosphere, the classes and qualifiers are high quality and there is even complementary tea and coffee for exhibitors. The committees are looking forward to seeing friends old and new on Sunday 18 May 2014 to celebrate a great area and bring recognition to the Heart of England's wonderful heritage within the equestrian world. Classes include Ridden, In hand and Working Hunter, For more information and to enter online please visit www.npsareaxi.com or call the show secretary Caroline Cook on 07817 522693 There are also a range of exciting opportunities for sponsors and trade stands, please contact us for further information.

Thirteen donkeys rescued in Cornwall The Donkey Sanctuary Welfare Oﬃcer said: “It was a pretty bad situation. Spice and the other mares were distressed, underweight, frightened and cold. The condition of some of the stallions was very concerning. None of them had enough shelter. Some of them had rain scald. We didn’t know how much food they were getting or how often, we couldn’t tell exactly how bad they were, the weather was getting worse and worse and we really couldn’t leave the donkeys in that situation any longer.”

A distressed mare and foal and group of underweight stallions were among 13 donkeys saved from terrible living conditions and extreme weather from an owner who could no longer cope with them - in a dramatic rescue in Cornwall by international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary. ‘Spice’ was living in a dilapidated exposed barn crammed in alongside six other mares and a foal, seeking scant shelter from atrocious weather and waterlogged fields outside. She was malnourished and had raw patches on her skin which attracted attacks by crows. Besides her, five stallions were packed into another flimsy shed. Some were suffering from rain scald and long feet. Together with the weather and the poor stabling the donkeys’ condition was critical. What began as a routine welfare visit from The Donkey Sanctuary soon escalated into an urgent situation with fears for the donkeys’ safety as the region faced further storms. “When the RSPCA officer and I saw the conditions of the stallions we looked at each other and said, this can’t go on,” recalled The Donkey Sanctuary’s Welfare Officer. “Kept there any longer and they could have died,” said another team member. The rescue took place at the climax of the recent violent storms which hit Cornwall.

In less than 24 hours The Donkey Sanctuary pulled together an entire crew of vets, handlers and lorry drivers to speed the donkeys to safety. The team battled torrential rain and gales to contain the frightened herd and to whisk them away. Taking a gate off its hinges to make a temporary pen and holding it in place for hours until transport arrived in conditions like “Noah’s Ark” was worth it to see the donkeys removed to safety, said The Donkey Sanctuary’s Welfare Officer. She said: “It was just a huge success and a relief to see them removed to safety. That’s the best outcome.” The donkey owners’ personal circumstances had changed so dramatically that she could no longer cope with her pets. Given that The Donkey Sanctuary was able to take them out of immediate risk the owner voluntarily relinquished them and no further action was taken by the RSPCA, who were also called to the site. Wherever possible The Donkey Sanctuary’s Welfare Officers support donkey owners to keep their animals at home. Rescue is a last resort. Staff at The Donkey Sanctuary now face the challenging task of nursing Spice and the others back to health. Many are underweight and nervous with dental and hoof problems as a result of poor care.

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Tiny Tinkerbell waves her wand to become adoption star

WE ASKED Do you prefer mares, geldings or stallions and why?

A tiny new star has joined the Redwings Adoption Club. Adorable Miniature Shetland pony Tinkerbell measures just 78cm. She is the daughter of Elsie, who was rescued from the horrors of Spindle Farm, Amersham in 2008. Both Elsie and tiny Tinkerbell, who demands tummy tickles by lying down in front of her carers, are hoping to meet would-be adopters at the charity’s Essex visitor centre.

Geldings are easier to ride but mares have that special spark. If you win the trust of a mare and she will give you her all. Amber Wilkinson I prefer any! I think their tem perament is more important. My Shetlan d mare is so laid back and not at all mareish , yet my Highland gelding is a right grumpy man at times! If I click with a horse I click, regardless of sex. Lucy Williams I prefer a horse with a goo d disposition. I have had cracking horses from all three categories. I never choose on colour/sex/breed I have alw ays known when I meet a horse if we will click. Wendy Showdayz Rosette s Bunting Mares - when you have a bon d, nothing can stop you when together. Lov e mares. Although I’ve also had fant astic stallions and geldings. Sue Chappelhow I don't think you can choose based on sex.... like people, you just click with some. Becky Terry

Six-year-old Tinkerbell is the daughter of Elsie, who was rescued from the ‘hell farm’ Spindle Farm in Amersham in 2008; it was a story which at the time dominated international media. 7.3hh (78cm) Miniature Shetland Tinkerbell is tiny, but has a largerthan-life endearing character. When she was ﬁrst born, Tinkerbell had several health problems, which led to her spending time in the charity’s horse hospital. During that time she learnt that if she laid down for her examinations she was sure to get a belly tickle, something that she still loves to this day; she will regularly lie down at her carer’s feet demanding that her belly gets fussed!

“We all love dinky Tinkerbell, with her tiny frame and huge personality,” explains fundraising manager Gemma Walpole. “As she is such a ‘people pony’ we wanted to add her to the scheme so our supporters were able to be-friend her through adoption and visits. People coming to her paddock and giving her lots of fuss is this little pony’s idea of bliss!” Tinkerbell lives at the Redwings Ada Cole Visitor Centre near Nazeing in Essex, which is open Friday to Monday 10am-4pm until 22 March, when it opens seven days a week. Entry is free. The Redwings Adoption Club oﬀers a year's adoption of a Redwings horse, pony, donkey or mule at £12.50, which goes directly towards daily care. Adopters receive updates on their new friend’s horsey life including a birthday party invitation.

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I've always had a tendency towards mares. Get an understanding with them and you will have a strong bond and more often than not a horse with a bit of spark that really can be a pleasure to ride. I love them! Naomi Stevens I've owned all 3, and I think it depends on the individual horse rather than the sex. However, from my experie nces, I love stallions, they just seem to have that bit more about them. They see m to learn quicker, enjoy their work mo re and want to work, and if one trusts you they will do literally anything for you. Emma T Stallions - the bond, trust and respect I have with my two boys is special. They will do anything for me. Chelsey Leeman Any! Every horse has its own personality and can gel or clash with diﬀ erent people. We currently have mares and geldings, they are all fantastic and lovable but also frustrating in equal measure ! Becky Young Stallions- they have a mag niﬁcent appearance and are a stun ning natural animal that can display a one of a kind attitude. My friends stallion is one of a kind, such a trustworthy animal and has an amazing, calm temperame nt around mares and geldings! Lauren Burton

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I am very lucky to have the ride on Zulu. He is 11 year s old and a brillian t teacher and confidence giver ! At our first show jumping competition, we rode a brilliant course and we came home with a 2nd place in the place in the 80cm 70cm and 3rd - a massive achie vement for one of first shows togeth our er. My mum work s with lots of horse she normally giv s and es me the tricky ones to ride and it's really nice to handle so go to shows and not worry that I'm fall off! One of th going to e things that Zulu has taught me, is go fast and turn how to in jump offs, which I hope will help us more competition win s in the future! Al though Zulu is br have found illiant I that I have to do it his way as he thinks he knows best! Other than show jumping, we really love to go on hacks too! Zulu is the best! Emily Rowland

This is my 9 month old pure bred Arab Colt Foal - Zathura. Sam is telling him a Funny story Cheryl Wallace - Troon

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legalscene

Our expert

What can be done about ﬂy grazing?

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 matters spanning the full services that DWF Last year’s horse meat scandal brought horse welfare to the provide from varied property transactions, forefront of the political agenda, media headlines and public business acquisitions and employment matters awareness. It is difficult for horse lovers to believe that almost to complex contractual disputes, rights of way issues and insurance related claims. We have three and a half thousand horses had to be seized from neglectful the capability to assist a wide range of owners last year alone and that the number is increasing. clientele consisting of, for example, owners/ breeders, racing managers, racecourses, Elizabeth Rhodes, a lawyer and equine specialist at national law corporate entities, charities and firm DWF, comments on the recent horse welfare problems and the competitive bodies/organisations. DWF issue of fly grazing. are the appointed solicitors to The Pony Club and can be contacted on 0845 404 2293 Fly grazing is the abandoning of animals (generally horses) on someone else’s private land without permission. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is a criminal offence to abandon a horse. However, due to limited policing resources and the difficulty of policing country fields, it is very difficult to catch someone abandoning their horses, which is made worse by the difficulty in actually identifying horse owners. In many cases the wrongdoer will get away with it. A further complication is that, once a horse is on a landowner’s private land, the landowner has a duty of care towards that horse and therefore becomes responsible for its welfare until its owner is found or comes forward. If landowners break that duty of care, they themselves break the law. The legal ownership of the horse, however, remains with the person who abandoned it.

What should you do if you discover that horses have been abandoned on your land?

According to the British Horse Society, the number of horses being abandoned has increased signiﬁcantly in recent years. There are numerous factors that have contributed to this increase, including the over breeding of horses (many of which are of poor quality), a depressed market in horse sales, the high price of winter feed and the lack of available grazing land. In recessionary times, many people cannot aﬀord to look after their horses. Even the cost of humane euthanasia can be too much. Consequently, many horses are simply being abandoned. Welfare charities try to take in abandoned horses for rehoming but the sheer volume makes this unsustainable.

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Under EU law, every horse must have a passport for it to be transported, sold or sent for slaughter. However, under The Animals Act 1971, the landowner must put up abandonment notices in prominent places for no less than 14 days before he can apply for such a passport. It then takes time to obtain a passport for a horse without a history that can be conﬁrmed. As a result, landowners cannot do anything about the horse for at least 14 days, during which time they must care for it at their own cost. The Welsh Assembly has recently brought in new laws to address these issues, giving local authorities the power to seize abandoned horses without permission. If the animals are not claimed by the owner within 7 days, they can be euthanased. England has not yet followed suit.

Minimising risk: Tips for landowners Practical points if you become a victim of ﬂy grazing Ensure that the horse is secure, for example that it cannot get onto a road. Put up abandonment notices straight away for a minimum of 2 weeks and, if possible, a further week after this. Take photographs of the notices in place and check the notices regularly. Keep a record of the actions you take to care for the horse, any legal advice you seek and any costs you incur. Report the incident to your local police, the RSPCA and your local authority or council. Check the horse for a freezemark and ask your vet to scan the horse for a microchip. Check to see if any of your fencing has been tampered with and take photographs. Keep the abandoned horse away from your other horses in case of infections.

For more information on the services DWF oﬀers, please contact: Elizabeth Rhodes, Solicitor, on elizabeth.rhodes@dwf.co.uk or 0845 404 2293

Minimise risk by ensuring your land is secure. Lock field gates, fence off vulnerable areas, consider digging ditches and avoid leaving empty pockets of land to go to grass. If you do rent out land, ensure you draw up a written contract. If you feel particularly vulnerable, some insurance companies offer insurance covering fly grazing.

Minimising risk: Tips for livery yard owners There have been some cases where owners seek livery or ﬁeld rental with the intention of abandoning their horse. Ensure you draw up a written contract with any new client and post the contract to them for signature (this way you will obtain their home address). Ask for a payment for at least 3 months’ livery up front.

It remains to be seen whether the UK Government will introduce new legislation similar to that introduced in Wales in order to address this problem. This is a key area of debate. However, we can only expect the problem to get worse as the new Welsh legislation pushes more ﬂy grazers into England. Equine charities continue to lobby the UK Government for a change in the existing legislation, which they consider to be inadequate. If you are concerned about ﬂy grazing, it is recommended that you contact a solicitor to discuss your options to either deal with a current problem or prevent a potential issue.

HorseScene 9

Tacktalkdles

d a S n o e Advic g n i t n e v E for Question

“

I am an amateur eventer moving up to BE90 level this season with my lovely home produced gelding. I have seen that a few other competitors have a speciﬁc dressage saddle for that phase as well as a jumping saddle. Will investing in a dressage saddle help improve our performance compared to our regular general purpose saddle?

Answer

”

The Society of Master Saddlers replies: Depending on each individual situation there are times when Eventing can be more expensive than other disciplines in relation to tack and equipment needed. Ideally most riders would prefer to have specialist saddles and bridles for each phase.

horse by placing the rider at the centre of gravity with a long and relaxed leg position to enable the appliance of a minimum of aids. All of which can help improve performance as they are speciﬁcally designed for the dressage arena.

Such an initial investment is often too much for riders who are just starting out with most having to compromise, as you do, with just one saddle.

There has been a lot of development in ‘GP’, ‘Event’ and ‘All-purpose’ saddles over the years but there is still some compromise on rider fit and performance because no one saddle can perfectly fulfil the needs of two different disciplines.

When budget is limited, the Society of Master Saddlers recommends that you should never compromise by buying ‘cheap’ inferior saddles that may be made with poor quality materials and low standards of craftsmanship that could impact on welfare, safety, comfort and performance. A Registered Qualiﬁed Saddle Fitter will be able to help with recommendations of good quality second-hand saddles when you have a set budget. Most riders would opt to invest in a specialist dressage saddle and keep the existing general purpose saddle for the jumping phases. A dressage saddle is designed with a long straight saddle ﬂap which mirrors the leg of the rider and longer stirrup leathers allowing a longer and straighter leg position. They are designed with a higher pommel and cantle for a deeper seat and pronounced knee blocks to help keep the rider’s leg from moving too far forward. This gives the rider an elegant and tall position in the saddle and allows for the very best communication with

10 HorseScene

For those riders whose budget extends to more than one saddle, the ‘other’ jumping saddle may need to be considered more carefully as a saddle that will best assist the rider in the show jumping phase may not be absolutely identical to the one that would be most helpful in the cross country phase. Many riders opt for a close contact saddle that oﬀers plenty of manoeuvrability helping the rider to adapt their position when things go slightly wrong on the cross country course.

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

SILVER FOX

Advanced Jewel Craft launches New Collection “Mister Renard” for Men, based on the Fox’s elegant, cunning and charismatic charms. Advanced Jewel Craft is Wales’ specialist bespoke jeweller, creating beautiful hand-crafted pieces of jewellery. Launching early March 2014, the new collection is available online at www.advancedjc.com. “Mister Renard” is a brand new collection of six new designs: five pairs of sterling silver cuff-links and a beautiful tie-clip; all inspired by our elegant and mysterious fellow fox. Hand made in the UK, the collection is crafted from the finest Sterling Silver with optional finishes in Rose Gold and Black Rhodium. (Prices: from £130.00)

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This product can be used in conjunction with a saddle cloth. They are available in 4 colour ways; white/natural; brown/brown; black/black and black/natural. Sizes S, M & L. RRP - £62.99.

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The sheepskin encourages muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation, whilst maintaining a soft comfortable contact with the horse. Our pads are fully breathable helping wick away sweat, keeping the horse cool during the summer and warm in the winter.

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Y A D O T E B I R C SUBS

Horsescene FR EE

March/April 2014

Your free NATIONAL magazine

• Never miss an issue

Legal Scene

Laminitis

what can be done about fly grazing?

products to help cater for your equine

Judge’s comments what they really mean

Jumping issues and how to combat them

Wolf teeth in equines

• Enjoy delivery direct to your door

Horse Trailer Maintenance Guide Trailer servicing is a MUST - not a luxury - keep your trailer in tip-top condition, increase its lifespan and residual value - as well as safety for you, your horse and other road users. Although trailers do not have engines to go wrong, and it follows your car, it is essential to remember that they are road going vehicles and therefore you are advised to arrange a regular trailer service to ensure that they are always ‘road safe’ and not going to let you down. Your trailer has brake shoes, brake cables, and a braked hydraulic dampener which must all talk to each other when you place your foot on the pedal-brake of your car. Your tyres must comply with road safety standards too - standing trailer tyres loose pressure and with little use the walls deteriorate / perish. Also, your road lights must all work.

Feeding the lactating mare • WIN • W

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Undetected faults caused by lack of proper servicing are the major cause of breakdown or accidents involving trailers. Faulty lights, brakes and worn tyres being the most common. Make sure you get your trailer serviced by a reputable service centre, not necessarily a car garage as trailer brakes are diﬀerent from car brakes! Whatever the type of trailer you own, we have an experienced team capable of carrying out trailer servicing. To arrange a trailer service/inspection, please call 01609 772449.

Tel: 01707 880170 or www.horsescenemagazine.co.uk

For more information visit:

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New

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Bossy’s Rug Bossy’s Rugs incorporate our existing top selling bib with an extension in the same silky breathable fabric which is comfortable for the horse to wear under all types of rug. It forms a protective layer between the rug and the hair preventing rubs and leaving a shiny coat plus stopping the build of grease on your rugs! Machine washable and quick drying. Bossy’s Rugs are available in a large range of sizes from Shetland to Shire. From £45. For more information visit www.bossysbibs.com

The latest boot steeped in Heritage Part of the brand new Ariat Contour Boot range, the Ariat Women’s Heritage Contour Boot has been designed using premium European calf leather for exceptional quality and performance. A full length elasticised panel on the lateral side with an elastic gusset on the inside of the knee helps achieve the perfect fit, meanwhile a high Spanish cut topline, and a beautifully contoured fit through the ankle projects a flattering and elegant appearance. The classic lace style makes the Ariat Heritage Contour Boot appealing to riders of every level, particularly those who like a traditional equestrian look in the saddle. Designed with a moisture-wicking lining and Duratread outsole, these boots are perfect from both a practical and aesthetic point of view and offer exceptional performance during a range of equestrian pursuits, from dressage and show jumping to cross country riding. Available in black only, the Women’s Heritage Contour Boots are available in sizes 3 – 7.5 & 8.5, in a wide range of height and width combinations. Priced at £230. For more information visit www.ariat-europe.com

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KM Elite ultimate treats New KM Elite Ultimate Treats 4kg bag! If you are looking for a healthy treat for your horse that is 100% goodness and made from natural ingredients then look no further! Only £5.99 for a 4kg bag! We are excited to tell you about this brand new addition to the KM Elite Health Range - the Ultimate Treat! These tasty, healthy treats are made from 100% natural ingredients and include coconut and ﬂaxseed which provide a good source of vital Omega 3 6 and 9. Perfect as a reward or training aid and this big bag will go a long way. For more information visit ww w.kmeliteproducts.co.uk

Carrots go Cross Country! From sporty Hat Cover designs to fabulous Knee High Socks, the Carrots XC Themed Collection is designed for all ages to enjoy, from pony mad kids to trendy teens and competitive grown ups! Available in three different designs; pretty in pink and purple stripes, bold in black and silver stars and bright in multi-coloured pink, yellow and blue! The stretch hat covers each feature a fun and funky pom pom and the bright designs ensure riders will always be spotted wherever they are on the cross-country course! The knee high socks co-ordinate beautifully with the hat covers and look perfect under or over breeches to complete cross country colours. Made with a padded sole for comfort and durability. Hands will be up for the Carrots XC Gloves this season, to match the rest of the Carrots XC set! All Carrots XC Gloves feature leather reinforcements at the fingers and thumb making them durable and grippy, meanwhile the stretch fabric accommodates a variety of hand sizes for a snug and close fit. The Carrots XC Theme Top is the perfect layer for wearing under body protectors when cross-country crazy kids want to make a style statement on course. The lightweight tops come in two designs to suit every need, from black with stars to purple with stripes. Starting at £6 for Socks, £14 for Gloves, £14.50 for Hat Cover and £22 for the Kids XC Tops (available in sizes to fit ages 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13/14). For more information visit www.carrotsuk.com

Stirrup irons from Amerigo The new Amerigo STAF11 is made from super light aluminium giving the rider freedom of movement. They feature a 30° inclination of the hole through which the stirrup leathers are threaded so this allows the stirrups themselves to be constantly in the correct position. To enhance the grip further on the riders boot the surface of the stirrup has a special design. The surface holes oﬀer an excellent grip for all types of boots as well as creating a selfcleaning tread. Available in stylish black or in the bi-coloured silver, or gold versions with black tread, the new Amerigo stirrup combines hi-tech qualities and comfort. In keeping with the Amerigo philosophy, of ensuring innovation and attention to detail for both horse and rider. Priced at £160. For more information visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The Ultimate rain and fly turnout rug from Bucas The Bucas Buzz-Off Rain Zebra is an innovative combination of the waterproof and breathable properties of their proven rain-sheet with the hugely successful Zebra pattern printed fly mesh. This hybrid rug is perfectly shaped in a Black, waterproof and breathable rip stop nylon, to protect the back, shoulders and hindquarters from the rain. The sides of the rug which are generous in length are in the unique zebra stripe which repels flying insects. The Bucas Buzz off Rain Zebra is the ultimate in quality. It comes with a detachable and adjustable zebra stripe belly pad to ensure the horse is completely protected from the flies. It is secured with a comfort, overlapped padded front and has a new tail cover design that incorporates a tail flap over the top of shaped back panels to provide even more protection from flies. An additional Buzz-Off Rain Zebra Combi-Neck is also available to attach to the sheet. This has the Black waterproof, breathable fabric running down the mane area with the sides and under neck being made from the zebra mesh. This Combi neck secures firmly to the rug with hook & loop attachments and covers the horse from the top of the ears with an elasticated head band to keep it in place. Next time you can’t decide fly rug or rain sheet – you can have both. Buzz-Off Rain Zebra Rug: 5ft – 7ft. RRP £109.00. Buzz-Off Rain Zebra Combi Neck: XS – XL. RRP £73.00 Buzz-Off Zebra Fly Mask: XXXS-XL. RRP £17.00 For more information visit www.bucas.com

New Cottage Craft Electra Saddlecloth The new Cottage Craft Electra Saddlecloth will have your horse or pony dressed to impress this spring thanks to its bright colourways and high speciﬁcation. This quilted general purpose saddlecloth is made from high quality polycotton and is cut to a high wither pattern to relieve wither pressure. The lightweight quilted ﬁlling provides comfort whilst maintaining a close contact feel in the saddle - making this a great general purpose everyday saddlecloth. Features include rolled piping, woven label and branded spinal taping. Available in sizes Pony and Full, colours black, navy, pink, red and white. Priced at around £26.49. For more information visit www.cottagecraft.co.uk

HorseScene 15

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For further information visi

o.uk

t www.equine-america.c

Laminitis management the Elim-a-Net way… When a horse is suﬀering from Laminitis or if a horse is prone to the condition, it can also be wise to extend the amount of time the equine is stabled. However constant stabling can lead to our equines becoming restless, anxious, or dejected, particularly as the weather warms up.

Laminitis is thought to result from a number of factors including obesity, so often, veterinary recommendations include; reduction in concentrate feed, reduced exposure to lush pasture and soaking hay to lower the starch and sugar levels.

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Elim-a-Net from Parell Products provides the perfect solution to the conundrum. The unique design of the Elim-a-Net utilises an Inner Net design that alters the size and shape of the holes in the haynet, helping to ensure forage is available for longer and allowing our horses to trickle feed and slow down their eating pattern. This keeps our equines occupied and content in the stable allowing them to have constant

access to forage; without having to overfeed. In addition Elim-a-Net is great for the owners of box-resting horses as the design helps to minimise wastage as a signiﬁcantly lower proportion of hay is dropped and trampled into the equine’s bedding reducing waste and ensuring your Laminitic equine’s hay remains fresh and palatable. Elim-a-Net is available in three diﬀerent sizes; Pony, Cob or Horse size allowing horse owners to assess and provide exactly the quantity their individual equine needs. Prices start at £10.99.

For further information visit www.parellproducts.com

Reducing the Negative Effects of Spring Grass Spring grass, as we all know, can lead to health problems such as laminitis and also excitable behaviour. This is because it can contain high levels of nonstructural sugars and fructans. This sugar can account for 17-20% of the dry content and potentially up to as much as 30%. The total sugar content of Laminitis Trust-approved Speedi-Beet is significantly lower, at around 5%. Speedi-Beet, gram for gram when soaked, has more fibre (cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin) than fresh spring grass. It will supply more of the energy needs of the horse, resulting in a lower intake of the grass. The greatest risk to laminitics is the first feed of the day where intake is proportionately highest and the risk of overloading the small intestine with sugars is most likely. Offering a good meal (1.5 – 2.0 kg) of soaked Speedi-Beet before turnout will provide a healthy, low sugar first feed and allow subsequent feeding at a lower rate. The rate of passage is slower and there is more time for the sugars to be absorbed out of the small intestine and this reduces the chance of hindgut malfunction. Reducing the daily intake of spring grass by avoiding the time of greatest fructans intake (first feed of the day), Speedi-Beet can help reduce the potentially negative effects of spring grass. Unmolassed, 95% sugar free and approved by the Laminitis Trust, SpeediBeet is available in 20kg bags, RRP is around £10.95-£11.90.

For further information visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com

WIN...

g n i d d e b e s r o h o d r e V

ba g for g s up rabs

We are giving one lucky reader the opportunity to win six bags of Verdo Horse Bedding for use in their trailer or lorry. Verdo Horse Bedding is the perfect ﬂoor covering for stable and transport, with the pellets able to absorb up to 3 times their own weight in liquid, which means a drier and more pleasant travelling experience for your horse or pony! The bags are compact and easy to store, so they are ideal for use both at home and away for temporary stabling situations also. For more information please visit: www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009

How to enter

Enter online at: www.horsescenemagazine.co.uk Closes: 15th April 2014. See full T&C’s on our website.

Lucy Nicholas of online retailer The Saddlery Shop oﬀers this advice on restricting grazing with a muzzle this spring, for horses prone to weight gain or laminitis: They are something of a necessary evil for some owners, but a grazing muzzle can be a useful tool. By using a muzzle, your horse can still be moving around the ﬁeld and socialising, but will be getting limited spring grass that has high levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC).

Introduce the muzzle gradually by starting oﬀ using it in the stable - reward your horse with a treat through the hole in the muzzle when you put it on and take it oﬀ. Once outside, feed grass through the hole to help him understand the principle. Leave the muzzle on for short periods, gradually building up the time it is on.

Most manufacturers recommend leaving a muzzle on up to a maximum of 12 hours, so don’t leave on for too long, as you may restrict the passage of food too much!

Remember that grass needs to be at least two inches long for ponies to be able to draw up some grass and not get too frustrated. If your horse is hungry and cross, this is not a good scenario!

A preliminary study Dengie Horse Feeds performed a preliminary scientific study nine years ago to see how much grazing muzzles restricted grass intake. Bite depth, weight, area and volume were measured to ‘determine the effects of a grazing muzzle on bite parameters’ - the study showed a 75% to 86% reduction of intake. In addition to a comprehensive range of spring and summer items including a wide range of grazing muzzles, The Saddlery Shop offers a selection of great summer rugs, all below RRP. It is also a hoof boot specialist, offering one of the industry’s widest range of hoof boots for barefoot horses. The site offers free delivery for orders over £75, and £4.99 for orders £75 and under.

Barefoot trimmer Steven Leigh of natureswaynhc.co.uk says overweight horses are at a much greater risk of laminitis. Steven helped produce the ‘Laminitis app,’ a grazing risk monitoring service that alerts horse owners when their horse is at a higher risk of laminitis due to a potential increase in grass sugars - visit laminitis-risk.com - the app will help you to assess when you need to use the muzzle to help prevent excess intake of NSC.

For more information visit: www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

fashion Fabulous clothing for this season KTY Lake Boots II

Ariat Taryn Polo

The new and improved KTY Lake Boots II are great value for money and perfect for any occasion from walking the dog to music festivals! Made from Nubuck leather with a breathable inner membrane. Featuring lace up detail and a small elasticated gusset at the top of the boot for extra ﬂexibility and comfort. On sale at only £79.99, they’re great value and a huge saving on the RRP of £139.99!

The sporty Ariat Taryn Polo is ideal for warm spring days whether you are riding or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Designed with stylish colour blocking for a fashionable look, the Taryn Polo is available in ladies sizes XS – XXL in absolute green and pink paradise. Priced at £44.99. For further information visit: www.ariat-europe.com

Ariat Daphne Zip Hoodie Sporty and stylish, the Ariat Daphne Zip Hoodie is perfect for spring days when a t-shirt is not enough, but a jacket is too much! Made from a cotton blend ﬂeece and featuring embroidered logo details, this trendy hoodie features a full zip and looks great with jeans or riding apparel. Available in navy only, in sizes XS – XXL. Priced at £49.99. For further information visit: www.ariateurope.com

For further information visit: www.equestrianclearance.com

British Showjumping Stoneleigh breeches The British Showjumping Stoneleigh breeches are great to wear every day or for competing in! Made from an innovative, strong material they feature a stitched Euroseat, rubber patterned knee patches to help increase grip and a beautifully stylish row of diamante crystals on the back. Another feature is the contemporary stitching and seam detail; running down the front of the leg the seam gives a slimming and on trend look. Only £88.99. For further information visit: www.equestrianclearance.com

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Bring on the bling! Add some sparkle to your riding wardrobe this spring with this beautiful Otto Schumacher Crystal Belt available through online retailer Dressage Deluxe. Featuring a bold parade of Swarovski Crystals throughout its exquisite and elegant design, the belt comes in Black leather, Black patent and White. The perfect partner to your competition breeches or jeans for daytime glamour! Available in sizes 75cm and 85cm Black Leather & White Leather Belt RRP: £189.00 Black Patent: RRP: £234.00 Black Leather Belt is available with Clear, Rose or Aqua crystal options. For further information visit: www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Pikeur striped knee length socks The Pikeur Striped Knee Length Socks available through Dressage Deluxe are beautifully soft in a ﬁne gauge knit and gently hug your leg and foot for a slim line ﬁt, making them ideal for wearing with breeches and long boots this season. Available in Purple, Chocolate and Navy Blue. RRP: £12.00 For further information visit: www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

BOGS Rainboot BOGS lightest welly yet, the Rainboot is 100% waterproof and suited to warmer temperatures, making it ideal for when Spring turns to Summer but the rain persists! The super stylish boots are made with an incredibly soft and ﬂexible natural rubber upper that can withstand any shower or muddy puddle and feature an easy pullon handle for practicality. As with all BOGS boots, the Rainboot has an Aegis antimicrobial odour protection insole and non-slip outsole. Available in Daisy Black, Daisy Navy, Plum and Black in sizes EU 37-42. £60-£70. visit: For further information or m .co ear otw sfo www.bog om www.muddyfeetﬁrst.c

Our expert Zoe Davies Msc.,R.Nutr. A qualified and highly experienced Equine Nutritionist, Zoe is one of only a handful of Registered Equine Nutritionists in the UK today. Zoe is able to offer independent advice across the full range of feeds and feed supplements available commercially. She has over 25 years of experience in equine nutrition and offers advice to feed companies, supplement manufacturers and their customers, she also undertakes veterinary referrals and diet and forage analysis.

Feeding the

lactating mare Lactation is a period of significant physiological stress for mares. The nutrient needs of the lactating mare are greater than any other, except perhaps the racehorse in peak training. Add to this a possible new pregnancy as lactating mares are rebred and the likely effects of nutritional stress become abundantly clear. The lactating mare has increased requirements for many nutrients and a deficiency in any minerals for example will cause the mare to use up her own stores causing possible deficiencies in the mare and foal and problems with rebreeding. It is vital to keep mares in good condition prior to foaling and through lactation.

Research has shown that underfeeding a mare could extend gestation by up to ten days. In addition, mares with a condition score (CS) of 5 or greater have better fertility for rebreeding. The energy status of mares is therefore important for breeding. Mares going into the breeding season in a moderate body condition (CS 5/6) required fewer cycles for conception and had higher conception rates than thinner mares (CS 4 or less).

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Mare’s foals in thin condition tend to remain thin through lactation and have a longer period from birth to the second oestrus period. Mares in better condition also ovulated sooner than mares with a CS of less than 5. It also appears that keeping mares at a higher CS of 7/8 did not impair or improve reproductive performance. A 550kg lactating mare may produce an astonishing 11-14kg milk per day for the first three months. This amount will decrease to about 8kg per day by 5 months. This equates to about 450 gallons over a 150-day period. This is obviously a huge metabolic effort by the mare and graphically explains the importance of meeting her nutrient requirements during this time. Mare's milk is also rich in protein and fat and therefore the mare's diet must also have more protein and energy to meet these increased needs. It is important to choose a good quality concentrate stud feed/balancer from a reputable manufacturer as wellbalanced nutrient formulations will contain higher levels of nutrients in their most bio-available forms. For example, different carriers of the same mineral can be absorbed and utilised at significantly different levels. Some forms of minerals are much more easily used within the mare’s body than others while others are very poorly absorbed. When lactating mares are fed concentrates based upon fat/oil and fibre (low starch rations) as compared to higher starch based concentrates such as stud mixes, milk composition is affected in ways that help to improve the health of suckling foals. Levels of the important essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in milk are increased and this in turn may lead to a reduction in gastric ulcers in foals. Higher colostrum levels of IgG are also found and colostrum is vital for immunity of the foal. Mares fed on fibre and fat based diets should also be given a good low starch stud balancer which contains all the quality amino acids, vitamins and minerals to meet requirements.

It goes without saying that all lactating mares will drink large amounts of water and clean fresh water must be available to them at all times. A free choice salt lick is also beneficial. Pasture should be analysed to look for any mineral deficiencies. Over the last three months of lactation daily requirements start to decline significantly. Although the volume of milk remains much the same, the nutrient density, particularly energy, decreases substantially. By month 4 mare’s milk will provide less than 30% of the total energy needs of the foal, which should now be eating well on its own. Concentrates can therefore be reduced by roughly fifty per cent at around three months. Foals should be eating well, preferably a low starch balanced creep feed or balancer to prepare them for weaning.

A good choice of oil is linseed or flaxseed oil. Linseed oil is the same as common flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum) and is a rich source of ALA which is also thought to be beneficial for fertility. Lactation typically lasts about six months due to varying management factors such as time of weaning. During the first three months of lactation, mares certainly need individual attention. Overweight or “good-doers” will need a different approach to feeding to the underweight mare. Some mares sail through lactation with little if any loss of condition whereas others may lose a significant amount of weight. If mares lose weight during early lactation or mares are underweight at foaling, then the time for rebreeding may be lengthened and conception rates may be lower, as discussed earlier. These mares may need a higher energy stud cube preferably with lower starch levels than a stud coarse or cereal mix. Oil and fibre may not provide enough calories for some of these mares, during early lactation particularly where pasture or forage quality/quantity is not sufficient.

stud balancer only. The levels of all nutrients required increases in early lactation. All these will be provided if the chosen stud feed is fed at the recommended quantities. If not then nutrient intake may be compromised. If the correct levels of stud formulated feed is being fed, there is absolutely no need for an additional pasture mineral block.

Research showed that lactating mares were less stressed at weaning when fed an oil and ﬁbre based diet compared to high cereal starch feeds. It makes sense therefore to prepare mares for weaning by feeding plenty of top quality forage, with alfalfa/beet pulp and oil with a stud balancer supplying vitamins, minerals and quality amino acids. Throughout lactation the mare’s bodyweight should be monitored closely and minor adjustments to the concentrate ration made as and when required to maintain the mare in optimum condition. This will help mares maintain their health and breeding performance.

For advice on horse nutrition and feeding in formation, please visit Zo e Davies’ website: www.horsefeed ing.info

On the other hand, most lactating mares will hold their condition well on top quality forage/pasture and a low calorie

HorseScene 23

S H OW J U M P I N G

Stopping where do we start?!

Our expert Warren Lamperd is Aussie throughand-through, but has been in UK for about ﬁfteen years – arriving as a rider for World and Olympic champion, Sir Mark Todd. Warren has competed in high level dressage, show jumping and eventing on a worldwide scale including Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, jumping at the Australian Showjumping Championships and various World Cup Shows. He also competed at the Australian Dressage Championships, winning his classes. Warren runs White Hart Stables along with his wife, together combining almost forty years coaching experience. Visit www.warrenlamperd.com for information on clinics and coaching.

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Do you have issues with your horse and jumping? Is your horse stopping? Frustrating isn't it?! The frustration really comes from not knowing why it is happening more than that it is happening. The reality is there is always a reason and it isn't the horse. The hardest thing is working out what the reason is when you don't know. Actually it's probably just as hard as working out what to do about it - but at least then you are a step closer to working it out. I often see, as a coach, riders getting frustrated, possibly even depressed, because they feel they aren't very good as they become aware of things that could be improved. Remember that this is the first part of the learning cycle, bringing things into a conscious environment that were originally happening in the unconscious. Once you have them in the conscious, you can start to formulate a plan to improve that technique. There are two things to consider when looking at the problem. One is psychological and one is physical. Both factors influence each other and both are things that are experienced by horse and rider - also influencing each other. That all goes to making it a very complicated thing that we do at whatever level. When something isn't

working, you have to break the process into its components, and then look at where the issue is. To improve, it is also then important to focus on that component and then build up the complexity of the situation that the rider is working in, to develop technique and incorporate it into performance.

Riders looking down with the horses ears back and a compromised technique from both horse and rider

It has to be remembered that jumping a fence comprises the approach, the jumping phase, and the movement away from the fence. I see it as being like a pendulum, any imbalance existing at the start, in the approach, will swing backwards and forwards, laterally or longitudinally, affecting the way the horse moves and jumps. Imagine you are carrying someone on your shoulders and you are being asked to run around and jump. If they stay in balance you can almost forget about them and concentrate on the task at hand. If they are moving, you have to adjust your motion accordingly and concentrate on them as much as the task at hand. The result is the horse compromising its' ability to jump. If a horse has to, it will become quicker in the way it jumps, creating momentum on approach to carry it over the fence, flattening the way it jumps and taking coming off the fence in the takeoff and landing further away on the other side. There are all sorts of things a horse will do to accommodate us as the rider if we are interfering with their technique. They With confidence comes trust and with trust comes responsibility!

will handle the odd mistake but consistent mistakes will reduce their confidence and have them develop coping mechanisms to complete the task at hand - to get to the other side of the fence. I often hear riders say ‘my horse loves jumping, he always wants to go to the fence’ or ‘he needs a bigger fence before he starts to jump’. To me, as a coach, these are just coping mechanisms that the horse has developed to accommodate our technical weaknesses. It is much easier to go to a fence on a confident horse that trusts its' rider and can concentrate on the fence. If you give it the balance and quality of pace on approach both you and the horse will see a good distance and go down and jump a good fence without the need to take the bridle and run or slow down and jump from almost a stand still. The way I see it is speed hides things. Like riding a bike, a slower speed exposes a lack of skill in balancing, while going a bit quicker will hide this. For me I have to take away the speed to make it more apparent what is happening technically and how that is affecting the combinations jumping. For a lot of riders this is confronting as they draw confidence from the speed too. I will often get the riders approaching fences from trot and, ultimately walk, to allow the horse to balance and concentrate on the fence. At trot the horse has two legs on the ground while in canter there is even a moment of suspension so the horse can find it difficult to maintain balance if we are struggling. I will also use a neck strap, getting the rider to hold this with their index finger while maintaining the reins, so that the rider can balance on this as opposed to the horses mouth. The horse’s head and neck are like your arms, they need them to be free in order to work like a balancing aid. If we

restrict them then if makes it harder for the horse to balance and undermines their movement, particularly restricting the horses hind leg. This is important because it is the hind leg coming under the horse and the horse rocking back onto this that dictates the power that a horse can generate and the quality with which it can jump. When a horse has been running at the fence and you take away the speed it will feel like it has no power. It has to go through a phase where it doesn't have the speed but it hasn't found its hind leg, the power, yet. In this phase it may stop but this is more it running out of energy to jump with than it stopping. If this does happen understand that the horse needs to work out its hind leg and that it hasn't been disobedient. It doesn't need a whack with a big stick or a sharper set of spurs, it just needs to be allowed to work out its' technique and develop its understanding and in turn its confidence, exactly like you do as a rider. With confidence comes trust and with trust comes responsibility! Your horse may need help to understand what it needs to do as do you and this is where good coaching comes in. This is hard stuff to work out on your own. Your own balance is also enhanced by keeping your head up. Easiest way to do this is stay looking ahead. I get my riders to concentrate on their line to the fence and then focus on a point beyond the jump, often the top of a tree, and then to let the horse do the jump worry about the fence. If you can keep your eyes up your head stays balanced. It all starts with the eyes and then the body follows. Try walking around with your chin on your chest. This is how if feels for the horse when we get in front of the movement. Now try jumping something on your own like that! One of the good things about the old photo boards at events was that you could look at the various techniques the riders, comparing your own with that of some of the worlds best. The thing that always struck me was a good professional rider always had their head and eyes up looking ahead to the next fence. Often you would see the horses ears and eyes looking in exactly the same direction. Compared to this you would see a lot of amateur riders looking down with the horses ears back and a compromised technique from both horse and rider.

These a re all ide as that s you bein hould se g able to e jump a fe and a co urse wit nce h better Next we style. will look at what when it to do is all go ing wro how to g ng and o about rectifyin g things .

HorseScene 25

Daniel’s top travel tips

Top Tips

Heading out in the horsebox this spring/summer? Courtesy of Verdo Horse Bedding - the cost effective and environmentally friendly bedding solution - top international show jumper Daniel Moseley gives you his top tips for travelling your horse during the busy show season…. Make sure that you have plenty of water onboard for drinking and also washing/cooling off. Many horses will not drink strange water, so making sure you have plenty is key. You can also wet your horse’s hay, which again will help get some water into his system. Many horses get anxious when travelling and stress from the journey will mean they won’t drink, even when offered water at regular intervals, and this can have a disastrous effect on their performance. With water, tack, people and horses on board, make sure that you are not over your payload. It’s incredibly easy to bump up your weight during the competition season, especially if you are travelling long distances or stabling over night. Verdo Horse Bedding is a clever pellet bedding, which comes in lightweight easy to store bags, which unlike shavings and straw take up very little room in the lorry.

Verdo Horse Bedding ﬁts in the lorry or trailer with ease

ON THE ROAD… As temperatures rise, so does the heat inside your horsebox, so it’s essential that your horsebox or trailer has good ventilation. If you haven’t checked the windows or ceiling sky light in your box for a while (since last summer) then make sure that they open easily – the last thing you need is to get to a show and ﬁnd that on the way home, they don’t open! If you know the temperature is going to be high and you have to travel your horse long distances, then try and transport your horse in the early or late hours, when hopefully the traﬃc will be less and also a little cooler.

It is essential that your horsebox or trailer has good ventilation

26 HorseScene

Photos: David Miller

Verdo Horse Bedding oﬀers great protection against slipping on wet

Once you arrive at the show, you simply activate the product with water to create a dry, fluffy bed with less than 1% dust. It is great choice of coverage on your lorry or trailer floor during the competition season, because it is highly absorbent and virtually dust free making it ideal for general stabling, but especially key for horses travelling in an enclosed environment for long periods of time.

AT THE SHOWGROUND… If there isn’t any shade available at the showground, then sometimes leaving your horse in the box with the back open and windows down can be the safest and coolest place for him or her. Always check on your horse at regular intervals to check that he or she is comfortable and oﬀer drinking water repeatedly.

Make sure that you create a pleasant journey for your horse, by driving at a relative speed to the road and conditions and planning ahead when approaching road junctions or roundabouts. Slamming on the brakes or going fast around corners, will not make for a comfortable ride, so be considerate to your rear seat passengers.

FINALLY… On the way home, make sure you don’t rush the journey back. Plan out your route to avoid traﬃc hot spots and when you get home, allow your horse to settle and cool down before giving him his dinner.

When it comes to the journey home, make sure that your horse has cooled down completely after your classes before loading him back up and hitting the road again. Time taken at the showground to let your horse unwind mentally and physically is important. Some horses also fret when they have to travel on their own, so you may want to look into installing a stable mirror in your horsebox, if you travel your horse alone frequently. This might also help him or her settle inside the box when at a show also.

For more information about Verdo Horse Bedding, please visit: www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009

HorseScene 27

Giveaways

Equine America Lamigard TRT Solution

worth £24.99

up for grabs!

Six lucky winners will each receive Lamigard TRT Solution from Equine America. Lamigard TRT is a supplement for the horse or pony which is prone to laminitis, and can be used at high levels in the short term, and at a maintenance level for long term health. Lamigard TRT will help your horses feet to stay healthy all year round and will complement a careful feeding regime. Lamigard TRT contains ingredients to support a healthy enzyme level within the hooves and provide nutrients to the internal sensitive structures, as well as promoting sound hoof wall condition.

Blue Sky Thinking from Snuggy Hoods

worth £175.00

Grub’s Rideline Boots

pairs u for gra p bs!

worth £86.00

The Rideline boots from Grub’s are a long boot ideal for riding and stable work, keeping your feet dry and warm in all weathers. Featuring the brand new equine design with a tapered toe, tall shaft and smooth hair grain rubber ﬁnish for an elegant look. They also feature 4mm rubber over the foot that is cut low to just cover the ankle to provide protection while allowing ankle rotation for a comfortable riding position. The new Outline equine sole provide safety and grip designed for the riding environment in and out of the stirrups and the cupped arch supports the heel whilst the positive heel stops the foot falling through the stirrup. They also incorporate the Hexzorb shock absorbing technology to help minimise shockwaves when dismounting and walking and are lined with moisture wicking terry knit, which keeps you dry and has a super stretch to ﬁt most calves. Available in black in sizes 4-8.

TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer

worth £35.50 r

up fo ! The Snuggy Bug Body from Snuggy grabs Hoods including a headless hood offers protection from flies and biting midges from poll to tail. The Snuggy Bug Body includes a well fitting belly flap, lined hood tail guard which wraps around the dock and a tail flap. It is elasticated behind the ears to prevent any unwelcome guests. The Snuggy Bug Body is available in several colours – black, brown, beige and uniquely Haint Blue; this colour deters bugs from making themselves at home as the blue matches the colour of the sky. No fly will be interested and will leave your four- legged friend in peace. The Snuggy Bug Body comes in sizes 4’6 to 7’. Snuggy Hoods has teamed up with Horse Scene magazine to offer one lucky reader a Snuggy Bug Body and a matching hood in the size and colour of your choice.

New TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘NonHeating’ feed that combines the beneﬁts of a top speciﬁcation conditioning feed balancer with a joint supplement. It contains a multi-supplement including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements. Using TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer will support the maintenance of healthy joints plus promote muscle development and topline, optimise bone strength, greatly improve hoof quality and produce a supple skin with an exceptionally shiny coat.

bags for graup bs!

agazine.co.u m e n e c s e rs o .h w w w Enter online at: on our website. 14. See full T&C’s Closes: 15th April 20

28 HorseScene

Competition clean up! When it comes to keeping your horse’s boots, bandages and legs clean and dry, Golly Galoshes are your secret weapon this competition season!

Golly Galoshes are clever waterproof and breathable gaiters that are designed to be worn over your boots and bandages during schooling and general exercise, making them ideal not only for keeping your bandages and boots pristine in the warm-up, but also a brilliant solution for use at home for everyday use. Fans of the product include MBE and Multi Gold Medallist Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker, uses them for both hacking and schooling, as she explains: “Golly Galoshes are an ingenious idea for both schooling/warm-up and out hacking, helping to keep my boots and bandages looking good and staying dry, no matter what the riding conditions and we love the Navy Patriotic versions!” As for eventer and ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax, they are also ideal for keeping legs dry and boots from getting soggy in the rain and heavy with mud when cross-country training, as she says: “Golly Galoshes are quick and easy to put on/take oﬀ and also help prevent mud, sand or grit getting underneath your horses’ protective leg wear and unlike your horses’ legs, Golly Galoshes are also machine washable!” Available in a variety of colours, including plain Black and smart Navy Patriotic and feature a secure hook and loop fastenings and full length zip with protective ﬂeece lapel for security and comfort. Whatever your discipline – Golly Galoshes are an essential piece of kit this season! Prices start from £25.99 per pair Miniature Pony through to £34.99 for horse sizing.

For more details please visit

www.gollygaloshes.com

D R E SSAG E

Judge’s comments what they really mean... Our experts KK Equestrian is run by Kate Rowland and Karen Bennett. Both are national level dressage riders and have many wins and a wealth of experience between them. Kate has also show-jumped for many years and is known for bringing on young and diﬃcult horses. One of her passions includes being an international dressage groom. Karen is very good with nervous riders, she loves judging and is a stickler for a riders position. KK Equestrian is based at East Herts Equestrian Centre and oﬀers competition, selling and training livery.

What do the judges’ comments mean? What a question! Often you hear conversations in the café discussing the comments on the sheets, never that complimentary as sometimes it’s difficult to understand where you went wrong! Some comments can be confusing because unless the scales of training are not taken into account when training the horse, it will reflect in the marks given by the judge. We do not want to rattle on about this but the scales of training are paramount in dressage. A judge is primarily looking for rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and eventually collection. On all British Dressage tests you will find the directives to the right hand side of the sheet. As with all scales of training the harder tests you do the more defined the work the judge is looking for. So what do the comments mean? Some of the comments are self explanatory, but others can leave you wondering what the judges really want to see!

30 HorseScene

Examples of comments that are often written on test sheets

Ensure your horse is working from behind

A little wobbly down centre line You were probably a little worried about your entry so did not really push your horse forward, therefore not having enough impulsion. This does not mean a judge wants to see you going at ninety miles per hour, just think forward and ride with purpose. Not enough bend at C This is a mark so easily lost; too often the rider looks like they’ve just remembered they have to turn, not giving their horse time to bend. When you are about one horses length away from C, give a little half halt and put your inside leg on, depending on your turn, and let the horse know in advance what you want them to do. Set the horse up for the movement. The judge is looking for rhythm (tempo) and suppleness (showing a little inside bend). Not always round your inside leg / horse showing incorrect bend Quite often you see a horse working in good rhythm but they have the incorrect bend - i.e. the head is looking outside the arena. The horse should soften round your inside leg and show a slight inside flexion, so you can see the inside eye. Poll a little deep, or behind the vertical at times The poll should be the highest point - sometimes the head drops down and the horse becomes deep. Young horses can do this when they become tired, so you need to keep correcting with little half halts and leg to push the horse up. Behind the vertical is when the horses head comes back towards the chest. Again in training, you need to ask the horse out a little by softening your contact and pushing forward with your leg. Not tracking up / would like to see the horse a little more active This all comes down to rhythm. In the walk there should be a four time beat with an active step. The trot is a two time beat, the legs move in a diagonal pair - think of a V. The canter is a three time beat - only one pair move together and there is a moment of suspension. So be brave - just ask a little more, think of a ball bouncing up and down! Ineffective aids Remember - if you are kicking and kicking and not getting the desired result, then you need to rethink your training. A horse should understand to go forward off a light leg aid.

Whichever pace, the judge wants to see the horse working from behind. Imagine the engine of the horse is in the back behind the saddle, so it is up to you, the rider, to channel the power through so the horse flows forward. Half marks have now been introduced which should help, as sometimes the horse is going well and the judge sees a small mistake - so now instead of losing a whole mark you can lose just a half. Don’t over ride! In a nervous situation we just make things worse. When we become tense the horse becomes tense and it becomes a difficult situation. So just relax - try not to over ride and your horse will relax too. Think of a song to sing - we would not suggest Humpty Dumpty - after all we all know what happened in that nursery rhyme!!! Dressage should follow the scales of training, which we have mentioned in the past, and this is what we should be striving to achieve. Remember, a judge can only comment on what they see for the 5 minutes of your test. If you feel happy with your horse’s way of going and think it’s the best your horse has gone, give your horse a big pat and be happy - regardless of the score. Many a time, our clients say “I think I did a better second test but the scores don’t reflect it”. All judges mark slightly differently - if you’re happy with the test and know you did the best you could, smile - you had a good day!

If you’re happy with the test smile - you’ve had a good day!

We are holding dressage test riding clinics at East Herts over the next few months so check KK Equestrian’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/KKEquest) for more information you never know it might help you improve your scores.

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We have put 4 products to the test this month, check out what our testing panel think to them, their honest opinions may help you to make a good choice... Protexin Gut Balancer Over the winter, my horse is prone to losing condition so I was very excited to be asked to test this product. By adding this every day to my horse’s feed, his energy and condition deﬁnitely improved and I have noticed that he has been maintaining his weight. Starting from only £15.95, this is a very aﬀordable supplement, and as a healthy gut is so important in the horse, I would really encourage anyone to try this product - I will certainly be carrying on feeding this to my horse.

For more information visit www.equinepremium.com

Classic High Handles Shiny boot from BOGS These are the most comfortable boots that I have ever worn! The handles are great feature, making the boot really easy to pull on and also to carry in one hand. These boots have kept my feet toastie warm even through the recent very cold snap, without making my feet sweat. The boots are 100% waterproof and are very ﬂexible making these a pleasure to wear for long periods of time. I found the height of the boot particularly good as I am quite short and they are also very light - all adding to the comfort. The boots have a non-slip rugged sole which makes walking in muddy conditions feel safer. These boots, in my opinion, are very good value for money at £80, and I would highly recommend them.

For more information visit www.bogsfootwear.com

Saddle Clinic's Equestrian Leather Care Kit

When I spend a lot of money on my tack, I want it to be well looked after and to last as long as possible. I was very impressed with the way this kit cleaned and maintained the leather. It was simple to use, and included both a sponge and a cloth, which meant I didn’t have to provide anything else to clean my tack - it includes saddle soap for cleaning and conditioner to prolong the life of my leather. My tack was sparkling clean after using this and I would recommend this for use on any leather equipment - every tack room should have one of these kits!

For more information visit www.furnitureclinic.co.uk

anie Hat SealSkinz Peaked Be ad warm proof, it keeps your he t only is it 100% water bonus of a d de ad the has This hat is amazing! No hat hy and sweaty! This itc ad he ur tside all day. yo ou g ng kin rki without ma face whilst wo p the rain out of your kee and I have to d, lps yar he the ich m wh fro ak pe ce being worn away pla of t ou k you can loo t es no This hat would s in a range of siz so ilst wearing it! It come wh anyone ts to en lim hat s mp thi co nd ny had ma uld highly recomme wo I y ctl rfe pe ﬁts t always ﬁnd one tha price tag of £28. and it is well worth the

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Accessorise your spring fashion with the Bling Equestrian Collection.

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Wolf teeth

in equines this is known as bit seating and more commonly found in competition horses. • Lacerations are often found with mandibular (lower) wolf teeth around the tongue area and if the wolf tooth is sharp it can cause bleeding whilst the horse is working. This can be very uncomfortable and can cause the horse to be inconsistent. • A small or thin wolf tooth can easily be snapped oﬀ by the action or rough handling of the bit during work or when putting the bridle on or oﬀ.

Our Expert Glenn Lean is an equine dental technician covering Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire. Dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of equines of all shapes and sizes, young and old, from companion to competition in a quiet and professional manner. Tel: 07804217817 www.glennlean.wix.com/ equinedental

Modern horses’ ancestors were called Hyracotherium which lived in the lush forests of North America 54 million years ago. They were a three toed animal which resembled a dog or sheep in size and consumed leaves, twigs, vines and fruit. As a result of its varied but sometimes rough diet it had four pre-molars and three molars in each arcade (row of teeth). As they developed over millions of years they evolved into one toed, hoofed, animals capable of greater speeds to avoid predators and began living on the open grassy plains and due to this diet change their teeth evolved as well, with the ﬁrst pre-molar becoming smaller in size developing into what we now call the wolf tooth. Wolf teeth (not to be confused with the canines) come in all shapes and sizes from a couple of millimetres to a few centimetres. They are more commonly found in the upper jaw (maxilla) but can also be found in the lower jaw (mandible) and whilst one or two are common there can be up to 4 with around 80% of horses having wolf teeth. Wolf teeth usually appear between 6-9 months of age and don’t always cause a problem and should certainly never be removed without appropriate vet sedation and pain

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relief. The variation in position and size of wolf teeth can bring them into contact with the bit whilst the horse is working causing possible pain issues and a negative reaction. There are various types of wolf teeth which can be found in diﬀerent areas of the mouth and can cause many problems; • A displaced wolf tooth is often found in front (rostral) of the 1st pre-molar but can also be found several millimetres further forwards. • A palatal wolf tooth is often found facing towards the hard palate (roof of mouth) usually close to the palatine artery which runs parallel with the teeth. • A blind/un-erupted wolf tooth is when a wolf tooth has not erupted and is covered by a layer of soft tissue but can be felt. • A wolf tooth that is found in front of the 1st premolars can make it impossible to round the premolars;

• Horses that just have one wolf tooth can become inconsistent or a little 1 sided when being ridden or in work. To avoid issues like these wolf teeth are often removed from young horses as a preventative measure so the problems can’t occur. However there is little reason to remove wolf teeth from a horse that is not working for example a broodmare or companion horse as they will never wear a bit and therefore there is no risk of injury or discomfort. It would also be unwise to remove a wolf tooth from an older horse that was happy and healthy with no problems as removing it could then cause them to develop issues. When a wolf tooth or teeth have been removed and if everything has gone to plan there is very little aftercare. The horse or pony will need roughly 10-14 days oﬀ work or without a bit in place and their mouths ﬂushing with water 2-4 times within this period to avoid food becoming trapped or embedded in the exposed area until completely healed.

Tackroombreak Wordsearch hunt

Fallen phrase

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