February 2016 - In the Stirrups

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For the In the Stirrups Polo see Page 35

INSIDE THIS MONTHS ISSUE

WELCOME… The days are slowly getting lighter and it’s

Feature

Page Number

approaching that time of year where we look forward to the summer season. This month we

Beat the Blindfold: Verity Smith

are joined by rider personal Trainer, Scott

5

Henderson who gives us step by step exercises you can do at home to improve your fitness and

Valentines Gift Guide

ultimately your riding. Tim Lips talks about his

10

recent spell in hospital which surprisingly wasn’t horse related and Applause the Therapy Unicorn

Tried and Tested: Hay Carry

14

Get noticed with EQPR

18

shares his mischievous adventures. We test the Moorland Rider Hay Carry - which makes us wonder how we ever lived without it and Chris of EQ-PR keeps aspiring riders on

Get riding fit for Summer and beyond

their toes with his

20

top tips for getting noticed. Have a

30

Raise with Redwings

great month and enjoy.

Natasha

34

Young saddlers put on a show!

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Lips Dutch Olympic Eventer Tim Lips is in hot pursuit of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Tim also won Team Bronze at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy.

See Page 29

Daisy Jackson Daisy is a 17 year old British Dressage rider. Full of ambition, Daisy is certainly one to watch for the future. Also a fully trained instructor, Daisy is always busy as has a lot to tell us.

See Page 31

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Rose Lewis - Designed by EQ-PR

Patricia Pitt Patricia is The Dressage Tipster and founder of Crystal System.

Patricia provides us with usable reliable tips to improve all aspects of your dressage work.

Her advice can help your riding improve and adjust your mindset.

See Page 23

Anne Gage Anne Gage is a Clinician, Riding Coach, Horse Trainer and Certified Professional Coach based in Canada. Anne focuses on the mental and physical aspects of both you and your horse so you can develop trust and respect while building confidence in each other.

See Page 8

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Mike O’Brien

Applause

Chris Baber-Davies

Tyne Sigley

Renowned Equine Dental Technician Mike has experience and qualifications from around the world. Based in Surrey he shares his knowledge on the importance of regular dental care in horses.

Applause is an American Miniature Horse and part of Alamanda Therapy Animals. At just 28” tall, Applause is their main star as well as being, quite possibly, the only therapy ‘Unicorn’ in the world.

Chris runs EQPR Equestrian Marketing & PR - the worlds only full service equestrian agency!

Helping both riders and equestrian businesses stand out from the crowd through a complete range of services.

Chris has a passion for all things dressage thanks to his partner international dressage rider and trainer Luke Baber-Davies.

Tyne Sigley is our trusted review panellist. Providing honest and impartial reviews on the newest and hottest equestrian items. Also a qualified equine veterinary nurse, Tyne has a huge passion for riding and animals in general.

See Page 26

See Page 15

See Page 18

See Page 14

Treat the one you love this Valentines Day with our gift guide!

Want In the Stirrups direct to your inbox each month?

Meet our newest team member: Scott Henderson.

Then visit our homepage and sign up to our newsletter It’s FREE! www.inthestirrups.com

Scott

Henderson

PT

founded

Equifitness. Scott spent the past 30 years as a licensed physical therapist, and he’s been developing sportsspecific

conditioning

since

2000.

Equifitness helps riders achieve a new level of competitiveness and enjoyment,

From Page 10

by improving their ability to balance, respond,

and

relationship and experience.

Photography team:

Marc Moggridge

communicate,

which

creates a more productive horse–rider

Rose Lewis

Ben Clark

#BEATTHEBLINDFOLD Verity Smith is a blind international dressage rider, singer songwriter, author and winner of the Inspirational Guide Dog Owner of the Year Award 2014. From the outset it is clear to tell she is not afraid of breaking convention and full of determination. She is the only blind British rider to compete in able bodied Prix St George level and dreams of one day competing on the able bodied team.

However, Verity’s career and training was thrown into chaos when the International Paralympic Committee made a ruling in January 2015. The ruling, which was only introduced two thirds of the way through the current Paralympic training cycle, singles out only ‘blind’ riders in each mixed disability category and dictates they must wear a blindfold while competing. Essentially taking away the limited light they each have and furthering their disability. The rule change has left athletes just months to dramatically change their training and attempt to adopt to the blindfold in order to qualify for the games in time. "I've been training for years and with a year to go they completely change the rules. It's totally unfair" says Verity.

When riding blindfolded Verity can’t ride at beginner level let alone compete. She believes this ruling not only contradicts the essence of the Paralympics, enabling ability within disability, but also puts her and her horse in danger, and challenges her basic human rights. “Blind riders are being forced to wear a blindfold which is dangerous, humiliating and debilitating as most registered blind people have some residual light and dark’, explains Verity who is registered blind with 10 percent vision. “Horses have always been my sanctuary from my disability, allowing me to quite literally ride the storm of my blindness.

When I ride I am free and afraid of nothing - in the blindfold I am a prisoner frightened of the dark” In the Stirrups spoke with Verity to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges she faces on a daily basis, what the extreme introduction means for her

riding and all round confidence, and also the people she has met supporting her journey.

Verity gave a great analogy to help explain the challenges faced by her; imagine having 10 fingers, then being left to cope with only a thumb… then after learning to be the best you can with the remaining digit, you are told that will be taken away and you will be required to learn all over again. For Verity this is a very real issue, from 100% vision to learning to cope and ride with just 10%, she is now expected to ride in darkness with nothing to reassure or maintain her confidence.

“Horses are flight animals, which is what you want in a competition horse, something forward going”, said Verity, “and naturally horses feed off of their rider’s emotions, if I were to get on my main ride Kit wearing the blindfold required under the new rules in

competition, I could potentially ruin any trust I have with him and that’s just not fair. Not to mention dangerous” When you apply to be an FEI Para Athlete you still need to be medically classified regardless of if you are registered blind already. There are 165 Grade 3 para riders in the world yet just 13 are blind, no other disability has any constraints even remotely like the blindfold yet Verity added “It shouldn’t be, and isn’t about splitting disabilities – that’s the point. We are all exceptional, for rising above stereotypes and working hard to be the best we can be.

Even less reason for a minority to be sectioned out with a rule that is dangerous” Verity attempted to ride her old chestnut, Gatsby, whilst wearing the now mandatory blindfold and before tacking up was overwhelmed with a feeling of foreboding, a lifetime away from her normal enthusiasm to learn and be free in the saddle. For Verity, as with many riders, it is about freeing the spirit, not disabling the body.

Despite it all, Verity is sure the rule has no malicious reasons behind it and that it is just an oversight by the governing bodies believing the blindfold rule can be applied to riders as it is in other blind sports such as soft ball or running, however the goal of #BeatTheBlindfold is to make governing bodies and the general public aware that it is not quite so simple when riding a horse! The public response the campaign has been wonderful and for that she is extremely grateful. She told us of attending at a high level Prix St Georges competition recently, and having many people encourage her and the point she was making.

Although capable of competing in able bodied PSG competitions, Verity’s point is valid; no one should feel trapped in an already difficult world. It takes strength and courage to push forward and break stereotypes and the rule may put off aspiring riders effectively dashing their dreams.

Verity is asking for support to #BeatTheBlindfold and revive the spirit of the Paralympics which invoke the ideals of courage, determination, inspiration and equality. “The Paralympic aim is to challenge stereotypes and transform attitudes and redefine the boundaries of possibility,” says Verity. “The blindfold removes these ideals. Instead we want to remove the blindfold and allow blind riders to compete using every glimmer of sight they may still have. No one should be handicapped any further - don’t blindfold our dreams.”

Show your support for Verity and her campaign on social media using the #beattheblindfold hashtag!

CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE

When Your Horse's Aggressive Behaviour Has Damaged Your Trust and Confidence Has your trust and confidence in your horse been damaged by his aggressive behaviour? Aggressive behaviours include kicking, striking, biting or even forcefully pushing through you to get at the feed bucket.

The first question to ask with any unwanted behaviour is "WHY is the horse exhibiting this behaviour?"

Your horse's behaviour is his communication. You can ignore what your horse is trying to tell you by punishing him; or you can listen to him and look for what's really causing the behaviour.

Unwanted behaviours are generally caused by by physical pain (eg. gastric ulcers, ill fitting tack, undiagnosed muscle or joint pain) or mental stress. (eg. fear, confusion, no escape). Using punishment of any sort (eg. shouting, hitting or gadgets) will only increase the stress and pain your horse feels.

While one behaviour may be eliminated, it will likely be replaced by another or your horse will develop learned helplessness. He gives up and shut down emotionally.

Here are 2 examples of aggressive behaviour, their possible root causes and ways to resolve the problem.

1. Kicks the stall or at other horses at feeding time.

Possible causes include pain from gastric ulcers or the need to guard his food because he feels threatened. Guarding is often seen in horses who have been experienc ed starvation or very limited resources in a herd.

A commonly recommended solution to this problem is using kicking chains or tying the horse's hind leg to his halter. It only makes the situation worse for the horse.

If he is suffering from ulcers, anticipation of the food causes the release of digestive juices irritate his gut even more. If he kicks, he feels more physical pain; and if he can't express his anxiety and pain, he becomes even more anxious and stressed.

If he feels the need to guard his food and is unable to kick, he may escalate to other dangerous behaviours like striking or biting.

CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE

What to do Instead: ·

Get a veterinary examination. If ulcers are diagnosed, they can be resolved with medication and diet.

·

Feed him away from other horses. When he feels less threatened he'll be less likely to kick out, and he'll be more relaxed while eating which is better for his overall well being.

2) Crowds you and displays threatening body language (eg. ears pinned back, mouth and nostrils pinched). Pain and food guarding may also be possible causes of this behaviour. It's also a sign that your horse does not recognize you as his trusted and respected leader. Common responses of shouting, hitting or tying the horse create an adversarial situation where both you and the horse are feeling threatened and stressed.

What to do instead: ·

Set clear, consistent boundaries for you personal space every time you're with your horse. Only allow your horse into your personal space when he displays calm, passive body language.

·

If your horse is pushy or shows strong, excited or threatening body language, send him away firmly with energy that equals his.

Use a rope or a whip to extend your space if necessary, but only direct it towards his body (chest, shoulder, barrel or hip) and never into his head.

The bottom line– When you eliminate the root cause of a behaviour, it can be resolved without punishment. Build your relationship with your horse on a foundation of mutual trust and respect, and you'll both feel safe and more confident.

Anne

S how some love

FASHION PUPPY LOVE! If you LOVE French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs or Freedom of movement is further complimented Pugs, then you will LOVE the brand new design- by the brand’s exclusive ‘Easy Fit’ system, which er dog wear fashion label created specifically for allows you to adjust the coat for the perfect fit and put on and remove with ease, these breeds! Dogissimo thanks to zip and popper debrings together fashion with sign and fully adjustable chest function and incorporates strap. A clever elasticated sectechnical fabrics, great prints tion on the hips allows your dog and design with beautiful exto strut their stuff with plenty of ecution. swagger.

This gorgeous coat called the A stylish belt echoing the tone ‘Florence’, is new for this seaand colour of the jacket comson and brings together the plete with brushed Gold buckultimate in luxury and practile, finish this beautiful coat and cal. The adjustable soft faux offer a gorgeous garment prefur lined collar, cosy fleece cisely created for your Pug, lining and high quality canvas Frenchie or Bulldog! membrane waterproof lightweight outer shell in a stunning geometric print ensure that your dog is Prices start at £59.95 .www.dogissimo.co.uk ready for their walk in style, whatever the weather!

SWOON FOR EQUETECH This Valentines you can literally wear your heart on your sleeve with this cool cross-country shirt, with a personalized finish. The Equetech Bespoke Cross Country Shirt is designed through the ‘Equetech Design Lab’ on-line and offers a bespoke shirt with a difference!

also available, you can invent a very personal and stylish look that everyone is bound to fall in love with!

Cross Country Shirt: Prices start at RRP: £40.95 for Unisex (Men’s, Simple and easy to use, you can Women’s & Junior sizing also create your own perfect shirt and available) Hat Silks: RRP: £9.95 with Equetech Custom Hat Silks www.equetech.com

www.inthestirrups.com

FASHION PEGASUS SNAFFLE BRACELET We love the stunning Snaffle bracelet from Pegasus Jewellery.

The Lazered Snaffle on a Napa leather plaited strap is stunning whether dressing down on the yard or up at an event. Available in combinations of black and brown leather with snaffles in rose, gold and silver finish. It is priced at a reasonable £30 and available in all combinations online.

Full Range available available at pegasusjewellery.net.

Racing Hearts!

Paw the love of your life!

The Tweedest Things!

Styled in a quality Cotton Drill cotton, the ‘Freddie Parker Sweet Heart Cushion’ is printed with the equestrian inspired fashion brands own unique valentine’s design in Marl Grey and White with their signature bold graphic galloping horse and rider logo, interspersed with love hearts and the message 'You Set My Heart Racing'.

RRP:£22.00 ww.freddieparker.com

These dog socks (Yes, you did read that right) are the perfect Valentines present for pooches who suffer from cold feet!

Featuring an especially shaped anti-slip silica pad on the underneath, these dog socks are the perfect lounge wear for dogs at home, also offering extra grip for paws on wooden or tiled floors. £6.00 per set. Sizes: S, M, L www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk

Give your loved one a message from the heart with these gorgeous Timothy Foxx Tweed Note Hearts.

Available in a variety of different British coloured tweeds with a contrast ribbon hook, each heart is emblazed with a heart felt message including ‘I Love You’, ‘Be Mine’, I Heart you’ and ‘For My Love’ amongst others.

RRP:£8.99 www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

www.inthestirrups.com

FASHION KEEP CLASSY WITH AUDREY The Audrey jacket is available in sizes XS – XXL in a choice of seven colours with contrasting linings – Warm Red/Brunette, Brunette/Mykonos Blue, Minimal Grey/Teal Green, Majesty/Minimal Grey, Ivy Green/Majesty, Blue As well as being breathable, it is Night/Minimal Grey or Mykonos also water resistant and features a Blue/Warm Red. RRP: £178 two-way zip as well as two front zip pockets.

The Equiline logo is featured on the For stockists please visit front left chest and upper left sleeve. www.fearnsfarmpartnership.co.

The Equiline Audrey ladies jacket is smart, stylish and also practical. Made in a quilted design, it is filled with feather down so is lightweight but will keep you warm on the coldest days.

uk

SPOIL YOUR EQUINE THIS VALENTINES Both Nedz Original and Nedz Pro also go through a rigorous dust extraction process. So whether it’s a dusty summer, or a long season of being stabled during winter, Nedz will provide a non-toxic environment for your horse all year round.

As an additional benefit, all Nedz bedding features the organic Natural Nedz formula - a unique blend of Manuka, Silver, Cade Oil and Aloe Vera. The organic formula supports your equine’s health and helps promote a hygienic environment for them to be stabled on.

Give the gift of comfort this Valentine’s Day, while also prioritising health and welfare. Nedz Original and Nedz Pro are priced between £6.50 - £8.50 per 20kg bale. For more information about Nedz visit the website www.nedz.co.uk

www.inthestirrups.com

TRIED AND TESTED Moorland Rider Hay Carry Tired of wayward hay in your car? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a way of transporting haynets and loose hay without leaving half of it behind!

This month we try the new improved Hay Carry by Moorland Rider.

The Hay Carry from Moorland Rider provides a tidy way of moving hay or haylage in the lorry, trailer or car.

The shower proof bag holds up to half a bale of hay or haylage, whether this is put in the bag loose or in a haynet. It has a drawstring at the top to keep the contents safely contained, a new shoulder strap to make it easy to carry, and has a handle at the base to make it simple to empty out when needed.

The Hay Carry is available in blue and has a RRP of ÂŁ13.95.

From the moment this arrived at In the Stirrups HQ we were excited, no stray pieces of hay? Haynet getting caught on random things? Yes please!

Easy to use but very functional - the Hay Carry feels well made and looks to last. Not only could be use it for a medium size haynet, we also found other uses for it such as storing tack or rugs due to be taken home to be cleaned. It made usually mucky tasks far more pleasant and the shoulder strap is a great addition to the design. Another handy feature was the grip strap at the bottom to provide extra grip if you are carrying something between both hands in the bag!

www.moorlandrider.co.uk

AROUND WITH APPLAUSE ALAMANDA THERAPY ANIMALS

Applause is an American Miniature Horse and part of Alamanda Therapy Animals. At just 28” tall, Applause is their main star as well as being, quite possibly, the only therapy ‘Unicorn’ in the world. His work involves going into Care Homes, Hospices and Special Needs schools. Alamandas Therapy horses are trained to go indoors, into lifts and are also trained to walk alongside a wheelchair. He has met many celebrities including Sir Patrick Stuart, Phillip Scholfield, Amanda Holden and more. To find out more about Alamanda check out their Facebook page and their website www.alamanda.co.uk

Around with Applause!

Hi it’s Applause again!

It’s been another quiet month and it’s been wet and cold but I’ve been in a nice warm snuggly stable for most of it with lots of food and Prince to annoy.

Talking of annoying ponies, I was minding my own business the other day escaping from my stable, when I went over to say hello to Deano, a 13hh New Forest who is my friend Brianna’s pony. Deano was eating his breakfast outside and I went running over to compare his breakfast with mine, at this point, Deano seemed to not appreciate my investigation and he was REALLY naughty, putting his ears flat, bearing his teeth at little old me and lunging towards me. It was at this point that I decided that my breakfast in my stable was far more interesting than him anyway, so I took myself proudly, and VERY quickly back to my breakfast with my Mum muttering “stupid little horse, you’ll get yourself into trouble one day” under her breath.

Talking of which, I thought I’d share with you all how I nearly died and one of reasons that my Mum calls me a hero.

Back in September 2013 I wasn’t feeling very well, in fact my tummy was hurting me so much that I took myself up on to the top patio to show my Mum. She had just come back from the school run dropping Brianna off when she noticed me through the patio door windows. I suddenly saw her looking VERY worried at me and then she ran out to me and shouted “oh no colic”. She says that I was throwing myself around in pain and my eyes were rolling back in my head. I can’t remember most of this just the terrible pain. I then saw my Mum on the phone to different people and then I saw her friend Catalina the Vet arrive, she’d only popped over for a chat and coffee with Mum but it was perfect timing. I also then saw Danny, one of the other Alamanda team members arrive. They all started rushing around me, walking me up and down the garden for a very long time, which was hard because my tummy hurt and I just wanted to roll around on the ground. They then put a tube up my nose and put water down it to try and help but that didn’t do anything. Another vet then turned up and told my Mum that I was going to have to be rushed to hospital, my Mum was in tears, I remember that, she was really worried about me and she kept hugging me.

After a long time of travelling I arrived at a new big place which was called Rossdales Equestrian vets. I got taken from the trailer and into a big room covered in rubber, I remember that because I wanted so much to roll around on it to ease the pain. A nice man arrived and told my Mum that he was going to have to operate as it was the only option to save my life. I then heard her say to him, “He’s the only therapy Unicorn in this

My mum and Brianna visiting me at Rossdale

Around with Applause!

My friend Prince and Mum at the Opera country and probably the world, so no pressure!”

The man said to her “I will do my very best to save his life, try not to worry he’s in good hands now.”

I was put to sleep and the rest I can’t remember but when I came round, I was surrounded by lots of lovely people and the pain although bad was easing a little, but, I was missing my Mum. Lots of lovely people kept coming to see me and check on my huge 12” scar down my tummy and they even took me into the office to try and get me to eat, but I was still missing my Mum. I was depressed and I didn’t want to really eat much but then my Mum and Brianna came to see me and gave me hugs and kisses and I started to feel a bit better. I heard the vet tell my Mum that I was indeed very lucky to be alive as I had something called a Fecalith in my belly that was completely obstructing my guts, whatever that means I don’t know, but apparently they removed this and made me better. I was in the hospital about a week and in that time I got to annoy lots of huge hunter and TB horses and apparently because I was so cute (cute? I’m not cute! I’m a huge scary stallion, or I was until that other operation!), anyway I digress, because I was CUTE, I got

so many visitors and attention and this made me much better, so much so that I got to go home and see my family which was brilliant. I still had to stay in a stable on my own though for many months but I got better and less than 5 months later I was back at work with the team. I heard my Mum saying to someone how grateful she was to Rossdales for all that they did for me and I’m pleased to have had their help too.

I have to go again now as Prince is stealing all MY hay and I need to tell him off. Hope you liked hearing about me being a Hero, but you know, I’m not really a Hero or I’d be Super Horse! Maybe that’s why they called me Applause the Wonder horse on TV ? Oh, who knows, you humans are SOOO confusing.

Bye for now and if you are a small horse and reading this remember this small trick, try the weak spots on the fencing until you find a way in, works for me!!

Love and Unicorn nudges Appy. xx

Find us online! www.inthestirrups.com

In the Stirrups

In.the.Stirrups

Stand out from the crowd…

Get your equine business noticed!

Happy New Year All, I hope that 2016 is full of success for you all! For those who do not already know me I head up EQ.PR Equestrian Marketing & PR which is the worlds only full service equestrian agency. We work with some of the best riders, businesses and equestrian products all over the world and over the upcoming issues we will be explaining how you can always ensure your marketing & PR are tip-top!

As a rider or livery yard standing out from the crowd is not always easy as many local areas are highly saturated with lots of riders, trainers and coaches all within a stones throw from one another. We have also had over 20 requests for a similar topic so this month I am going to run through the 4 essential marketing & PR checklist items then expand on these in months to come.

1. Getting social! Social media is one of the best ways in which you can connect with your clients and also attract many new clients. We recommend setting up a Facebook Page rather than a group or personal page as it is easier for people outside your network to connect with you. Twitter is also good but very fast moving so you might want to get to grips with Facebook first! Facebook also enables you to “Boost” or promote certain statuses, links or photos to those outside your network which is a great way to reach a targeted audience. Ensure you post on a reg-

Chris Baber-Davies of EQ-PR

ular basis and remember that your following love the little things that happen so keep your camera phone at the ready!

2. Create a community! Using social media is also a great way to help keep your clients up to speed whilst also attracting those new clients! Encourage current clients to post reviews on your social media sites and also ask them to share their success stories. We all like to do our own research before making a purchase so why should it be any different when we are looing for a new trainer?

3. Spot the difference? Make sure that you highlight why you are good at what you do!

Why should someone come and train with you? What do you do that works well? Why

do you do it? How have you learnt to do what you do? What is your teaching style? What are your own goals? – These are all great questions to ask yourself and get to grips with the answers as new clients want to know this information.

4. Get accredited. Getting an accreditation is often a good idea but make sure you do your research as to the best route to go down!

There are several roads in but when evaluating ensure that you checkout the duration and also cost to becoming accredited.

5. Get a website or blog! There are a huge number of people that are not on social media or those that are looking for a trainer or rider via search engines, this means that if you do not have a website or blog then unfortunately you are missing out. Those that creating their own website or blog need to make sure that the behind the scenes technical stuff such as SEO (Search engine optimisation) are correctly administered because if it is not set up correctly you will not appear in the search results! Having a website or blog also allows new clients and also sponsors to get to know you giving you a better chance of bagging that new client – or bagging a sponsor. We know how important a website is to a rider or livery yard which is why we are offering a 5-page website for only £299 instead of £599 just for In The Stirrups readers (terms and conditions apply, quote In The

Stirrups, offer expires at midnight on 29th February 2016).

6. Promote yourself! Promoting yourself is often the hardest bit but it is very important.

You could decide to produce some flyers or leaflets to put up at local show grounds, tack shops or training venues as that way you are reaching out to your targeted audience. You might also wish to consider getting some clothing embroidered or perhaps some items branded as you then become a walking and talking advert. Getting a coat embroidered can cost as little as £25 and a great way for people to know who you are at shows or events.

7. Get Connected! There are several websites including our favourite “Horse Scout” that enables riders and livery yards to create their own profiles for free which will allow those new clients to find you. Having profiles and more importantly links to your website or blog coming from lots of other websites works wonders for you search engine ranking! Ensure your profiles & contact information are always kept updated so you do not miss an enquiry.

8. Already doing all these? Get a free review today! At EQ.PR we always offer riders and business free advice with no obligation. We will produce a detailed report for you covering your social media accounts, website, branding and also any marketing activity that we can see. We will also let you know if we find any critical errors or let you have our suggestions if we have any! Just head over to our website (www.eqpr.co.uk) and fill out the free review form.

Stay tuned next month for more marketing & PR tips and if you have a question you would like us to answer just use #AskEQPR on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.eq-pr.co.uk or email us at hello@eq pr.co.uk

GET FIT FOR SUMMER AND BEYOND! You already know how critical balance is to your riding success. But strength? Even steady, mature horses respond to slight touches and subtle inputs; so what’s strength got to do with improving your riding?

Actually, it takes immense physical strength to maintain perfect balance when your horse moves unpre- Balanced - Unbalanced - dictably or doesn’t respond as anticipated. Knowing that you have the strength to maintain balance, to stay with your horse’s motion, and to guide him back to control creates mental confidence which is equally important to your balance.

You’ll want to build strength in your legs, hips, core and upper body. The level of strength and conditioning you’ll want to achieve depends of your riding level, but a serious intermediate level competitive rider probably needs to train at least six hours per week.

Think about it – you and your horse are an athletic duo; the effort and resources you put into your horse must be converted into performance (that’s your job). The ability to create that performance, at will, requires investment in all kinds of things…including you.

About Scott Scott Henderson PT founded Equifitness as highly-specialized personal conditioning for eventing, dressage, and western competitors. Scott spent the past 30 years as a licensed physical therapist, and he’s been developing sportsspecific conditioning since 2000.

Equifitness helps riders achieve a new level of competitiveness and enjoyment, by improving their ability to balance, respond, and communicate, which creates a more productive horse–rider relationship and experience. For more information go to equifitnesstraining.com or

contact

us

info@equifitnesstraining.com.

at

For anyone entering a strength and fitness program, there are three key areas that must be addressed: 1) Flexibility, 2) Endurance/Cardio Vascular Health, and 3) Strength Training. All components are important and the order in which they are addressed, in the exercise program, is key. As discussed in the previous article, "Achieving Balance Via Releasing and Reeducation", areas of tightness must be released first. This brings stablity to the rider’s body and then allows for flexibility, cardio, and strength exercises to be effective.

Prior to beginning the strengthening component of a program, the rider must be sure that the body is prepared to accept the exercises. This preparation must be deliberate and address the lack of stability within the body. As I explained in an earlier article (Achieving Balance via Releasing and Reeducation), all of us have been through "challenges" in life. It could be an injury, a series of injuries, or simply the unique way that the individual was created. Whatever the cause, the body has adapted to these changes in order to maintain balance and protect the body from injury.

Imagine your body as a series of building blocks. These blocks are stacked in such a way that the body remains balanced. An injury or imbalance in the foot/ankle leads to correction in the building blocks in the lower leg, through the upper leg, pelvis, and upper body. Often I see strength exercises being conducted with an imbalanced body. This leads to overemphasis of the current imbalances and to limitations in strength gains. Instead, proper release and reeducation creates stability in the lower leg, or in the pelvis, allowing the rest of the building blocks to change in response, leading to a balanced body. Only then can the strengthening exercises be added, as the body is now better able to receive the challenges of the exercises leading to increased levels of flexibility, cardio, and strength.

GET FIT FOR SUMMER AND BEYOND! Exercise: Improving Pelvic Mobility Using an Exercise Ball. We use this as a beginning exercise for our program. Our riders also use this particular exercise to get their core and hips warmed up before getting on their horse.

What you will need: An exercise ball that is blown up to a size where your knees are at a 90 degree angle with your hips.

Repetitions: Complete 10-15 of each movement, or simply spend 5 minutes alternating movements!

Instructions: Start with, and maintain a good neutral riding position with your hands. Your shoulders should be back with your arms relaxed at your side, elbows bent, and thumbs up. Your core must be engaged!

As you move your hips, it is very important that your shoulders are "still". I recommend that you complete this exercise in front of a mirror.

Many things are happening with this exercise. Your core must be engaged to maintain a solid trunk position, and keep your shoulders still. Your hips then have to hinge allowing the various movements.

Initially, your movements will be small due to tightness in your hips and lower back. As you improve, your range of motion during all of the movements will increase.

An Equifitness rider demonstrating a good starting position for this exercise.

1. Side to side :

There are three movements:

2. Front and back:

3. Circular/hula movements – both clockwise and counter clockwise.

GET FIT FOR SUMMER AND BEYOND! Exercise: Seated marching using an exercise ball. We use this to target the hip flexors while maintaining a good riding position.

Repetitions: complete 10-20 repetitions on each leg or until muscle fatigue.

Instructions: same starting position as pelvic mobility with the core activated. smoothly raise one knee at a time(marching). Hold the side of the ball initially for stabilization. Keep the knee and leg moving in a straight plane-the hip will often want to move out to the side to compensate for lack of stabilization. Pause at the top of the movement and then repeat with the other leg. as the exercises get easier to do, remove your hands from the side of the ball and add additional difficulty by holding the knee at the top for a 5-10 second count.

Multiple things are happening with this exercise. Your core needs to be engaged to stabilize your body while moving your leg. Your hip flexors are working on the side that is raising your knee, and the leg/foot remaining in contact with the floor is completing an isometric contraction to also aide in stabilization.

Exercise: seated kicking while using an exercise ball. We use this exercise to target knee extensors while maintaining a good riding position.

Repetitions: complete 10-20 repetitions with each leg or until muscle fatigue.

Instructions: same starting position as first two exercises with core engaged. Hold the side of the ball for additional stability. Smoothly straighten one knee at a time pausing at the end of extension. Repeat with the other leg.

Many of the same muscles are activated as in the previous marching exercise. This exercise is often more difficult as the leg is moving further away from the rider's centre of gravity and puts greater stress on the stabilization muscles to maintain balance.

It is vitally important to focus on correct riding position and to not let your form breakdown by allowing other muscles to compensate for weakened muscles.

The suggested repetitions are their as a guide. You should stop the exercise once you feel your form breaking down. Just like in riding, we compete how we practice. Completing more repetitions by compensating can cause injury and continue to feed into compensatory patterns that the rider is trying to change "Sports specific manual therapy is also vitally important for opening up the hips."

(Scott Henderson PT working with an Equifitness client)

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER Patricia Pitt is In the Stirrups dressage training advisor. Known as The Dressage Tipster and joint owner of www.likecrystal.com with her partner Mark, Patricia provides direct and usable advice to improve your ridiing each month… as 85% of riders do. Why? Because of muscle memory. Most of us have come across this term at some point in our training, but it is not a memory stored in the muscles, of course, but memories stored in your brain. If you're practicing your riding skills over and over again, the idea is that you'll continue to improve, after all ‘practice makes perfect’ right? The more you do something, you build up what is known as ‘procedural memory’ and An extract from The Crystal System Book:

your brain can fairly quickly learn to instruct your mus-

A note about asymmetry - You are having a lesson.

cles to carry it out its instructions. Great, all we have to

Your issue is that your outside shoulder drops and

do is regularly repeat. You can become very good at

turns to the outside on the right rein.

Your coach

something through repetition, but in exactly the same

explains what is happening and demonstrates how

way it can make you weak at that same thing. Your

your body position is affecting your horse. You are very

muscle memory can actually play against you if you’ve

clear in your mind what is going wrong and what you

constantly been practicing something the wrong way.

need to do to rectify it. It’s your turn to show what you have learnt. You put yourself into position and off you

Muscle memory doesn't have the ability to judge wheth-

go onto the right rein. You start off with the shoulders

er you are riding well or not so if you practice sitting

in alignment with the horse but before you have turned

crooked (unknowingly) for hours on end you're going to

half a circle the shoulder has dropped and is tuned in

be really good at making those same mistakes over

the wrong way, exactly as you had before the instruc-

and over again. When you repeat faults again and

tion. You do it wrong.

again, you build a muscle memory with those mistakes

Are you not trying? Are you a fool? Of course not,

built in. That makes them really hard to overcome. This

you are perfectly normal and have reacted exactly just

is why some rider faults plague us in the same way that

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER: PATRICIA PITT the very irritating matter of rolled up sleeves that fall down would. Yes, you are training, you are getting hot so, up go the sleeves. You feel the sleeves creeping down your arms but its ok they’re only just past the elbow. Before you know it they’re down and you are getting hotter but you don’t know why. Then you realise you’re sleeves are down and you have to push them back up. This is exactly the same as your muscle memory.

It happens in your subconscious, without

your knowledge and before you know it your hip has collapsed and you are sitting crooked. It takes something in your conscious state to have you make the adjustment.

This explained to me why, after many years of riding, I had not progressed. I was not using my hands, legs and body the way I thought that I was using them.

ing good muscle memories is to focus on the quality of

Because of this, I practiced the training techniques over

the quantity and here is that old saying again, ‘practice

and over but made no improvement. The key to build-

makes perfect’, well, no it doesn’t actually, only ‘perfect’ practice makes perfect.

You may have heard, probably from Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, that 10,000 hours is the magic number to make you an expert. It's likely that this is the case when you practice well, but if you spend those 10,000 hours practising ineffectively you will build procedural memory in your muscles over and over again and guess what? You get really good at repeating your mistakes. Most of us don’t want to be expert anyway, competent will do. So it is not going to take 10,000

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER: PATRICIA PITT hours for you to eradicate those irksome rider faults that

needed, when needed. This is one of the reasons that

creep in and out of your riding.

learning an appropriate technique can be stressful.

Once you have identified your fault, be it collapsing,

You want your muscle memory to reflect the correct

head tilting, knee gripping, elbow flying, hand opening,

way to do things, not the incorrect way.

heel lifting, whatever it may be, when you practice, take

Dressage is a thinking sport, riding is all about strategy

it slowly at first. Don't identify several faults and rush to

and although the general consensus is that muscle

change everything.

Break the faults into parts and

memory is best cultivated when the same activities are

concentrate on learning one part really well. Prioritise

practiced over and over again, with any corrections of

the effects that your rider errors are having on your

form that are needed, it appears that despite this prac-

training and practice the most important one until

tice, attitude can interfere with muscle memory. Nerves

you've got it down, then add other elements until even-

can lead to clenched or tight muscles that can’t quite

tually you will have mastered the faults. Try, practicing

perform as they would if you weren’t thinking about it

for about 5 minutes whilst just sitting on the horse if this

and self doubt about your abilities to perform may also

is possible. Have a friend video you riding your horse

affect muscle memory. The ‘lack of confidence’ factor

and study the video closely, often actually seeing what

can over-ride any positive strides achieved in rectifying

you are doing wrong is immensely helpful.

muscle memory faults.

This is

where mirrors are a real bonus. If you still aren’t doing

The great master Nuno Oliveira said, ‘I don't want riders

it right, sit on your horse, concentrate and go through

who work physically hard. Work by thinking.’ - 1998.

the motions correctly. Do this over and over until you

When you consider that even the training of your mus-

get the feel of it. Then pick up the reins and try it for real.

cles is actually down to training your brain to work your muscles and the way you approach your riding can

As always, be patient. In time you won’t have to con-

overcome even this very strong instinct, you can begin

sciously tell your body ‘keep your hands closed’ the

to appreciate this approach to your training.

body just knows how to do it, largely because neurons communicate with the muscles and say, ‘close hands’.

Patricia – The Dressage Tipster

Using the muscles in a positive way thus becomes an unconscious process in exactly the same way as the

www.likecrystal.com

original issue became ingrained. The muscles grow

Buy The Crystal System Book

accustomed to certain types of movement; extremely

here:

important in training for dressage. The more often you do a certain activity, the more likely you are to do it as

The Young and the Old! What happens at each stage of my horse’s development, what problems can arise and how often should they be checked?

Newborn foals should be examined for inherited defects such as an overbite, underbite or congenital defects of the lips or palate. If there are any indications of problems, they should be checked again at 3 months. Methods of treatment can then be discussed if necessary.

At 6 to 9 months the incisors and first three milk molars are fitting together, a check could be made for missing teeth and sharp enamel points or hooks may start to develop.

Regular dental checks are often started before the horse is bitted, although many of my clients like their horses to be checked as two year olds. A positive experience being examined and treated for the first time is invaluable, even if work is not carried out. The most active period in a horse’s mouth is between 2 ½ to 4 ½ years of age. During this time the horse loses 24 milk teeth and these are replaced with 36-44 permanent teeth. The force of emerging permanent teeth destroy the roots of the milk teeth and the remains of these milk teeth ‘the caps’ are pushed into the mouth and can sometimes be found in the feed bucket or on the floor.

Within 3 to 6 months after a cap is pushed out or removed, the permanent teeth can already develop sharp enamel points. You may also get persistent milk incisors or persistent caps on the third molar. Since most of early training is taking place during this time it is important the horse is checked regularly (every 6 months) so as to avoid Mike O’Brien: Equine pain. As discussed in my previous article, pain can lead to Dental Technicion developing bad habits, definitely not what we want when training our young horse! Wolf teeth or blind wolf teeth appear in the mouth between 8 months and 1 ½ years, although you Mike is a fully qualified Equine Dental Technician. Priding himself on practicing a calm and gentle approach, he has vast experience handling a wide variety of horses and donkeys; running his own yard ‘Equine Unity’ for 5 years as well as working in racing for 25 years. He has completed dentistry training both in the UK and the USA and worked in Egypt doing dentistry for an equine charity 'Prince Fluffy Kareem'. He is now based in Surrey and covers the whole of the UK. Mike wishes to educate about the importance of equine dental care.

Follow Mike on Facebook: Mike O'Brien Equine Dental Technician Molar Caps that have been shed.

WHAT IS THAT BIG LUMP UNDER MY HORSES JAW?

An example of a Mandibular Bump in a young horse

A mandibular bump, as shown in the picture (left), is a thickening on the lower edge of the lower jaw (the mandible). It is caused by the roots of the permanent second or third molar. As the molar develops in the lower jaw and before it erupts into the mouth, pressure from the tooth is created in the jaw bone.

The bone becomes thinner and gets pushed down from the pressure of the growing tooth. It will sometimes appear at the age of 2 – 4 years and usually slowly disappears again in the following year as the tooth erupts into the mouth. Unless complications arise it is common and usually nothing to worry about. The same process can be seen in the upper jaw; however most go unnoticed due to the muscles present in this part of the head.

may get a late emergence between 2-4 years of age. These can also be detected at this first examination and removal discussed. I recommend wolf tooth removal if the horse is to be bitted in the future.

that 60% of older horses have abnormal abrasion of the molars and periodontitis (which we talked about last month) is present. The loss of molars is accelerated due to abnormal pressure on the molars and the loosening of the tissues around the tooth.

Dental Care for Older Horses

In older horses plaque may also be present around the canines, the corner incisor and on the outside of the first upper molars. This can lead to gingivitis around the tooth. Plaque can be removed but in some horses can return within a month.

The dental care of the older horse is aimed at finding the most comfortable and efficient form of food intake. This is opposed to the normal restoration of the molar table in horses of an average age. Floating the teeth of an older horse too much can mean the grinding tables do not meet and the horse is barely able to chew at all.

Older horses’ teeth continue erupting throughout the horses life, however in older horses the reserve crown becomes shorter and shorter within the socket. The last part of the reserve crown and root of the molar contain no enamel.

This means that the structure is far less hard and when these parts are used for chewing they will wear down very quickly. Research has shown

Dental defects are also common in older horses.

The horse will not be able to take in as much food and grind it finely enough. Due to insufficient grinding the starch present in hard feed does not make its way through the digestive process to the enzymes in the stomach.

Undigested starch can lead to imbalances that cause colic. With hay or roughage, insufficient grinding will mean the horse will not benefit from the full amount of nutrients. Where there are dental problems you may want to offer grass,

Mike O’Brien - Equine Dental Technician chopped hay or grass pellets, alongside soaked hard feed, as these are digested easier than long hard strands of hay.

Happy Mouth, Happy Horse, Happy Owner!

The older horse may also have hooks and irregular abrasion of the molars or incisors, diastemas and periodontitis or loose teeth.

In next month’s column I shall be answering questions put forward by you. Whether it is specific to your horse or just something you have always It is because of these dental wanted to know about defects, associated dentistry. Please submit problems and the buildup of any questions you may Missing Incisors in an older horse I treated last week. plaque that I suggest an older have to horse is checked by a dentist regularly. If your mikeobrienEDT@hotmail.com or via our horse displays irregularities in its eating patterns facebook group Mike O’Brien Equine Dental then the advice is always to call your dentist.

Technician

Submit your questions to mike for march’s issue via: mikeobrienEDT@hotmail.com

TICKET TO RIO: TIM LIPS Hello, this month has been a trying month for me.

I have been unwell with Kidney Stones but that hasn’t slowed me down! It has been a little problem but I have planned around it and dealt with it, I was told by the doctors that I will be able to have a minor operation in the future and that then I will be on my feet and feeling fit within 2 days so this is good news!

I have spent time at home this month, training horses and students. Lots of dressage and jump training, we are maximising this time to prepare to the next season!

This year I’m a little sad, there will be no Badminton for us, we completed the last 3 but this year between Rio and preparations there is no room for it in our coaching plan. I will miss the atmosphere for sure but with Keyflow being my reserve ride at the Olympics, I don’t want to risk his safety or performance. But to visit the UK in 2016 is still in our plan, to compete at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trails in September.

Looking towards Rio I feel prepared, as a team we made our mark last season and we have worked to improve upon our performance again. We have made our competition plan along with our training plan and I really feel we are in a great position heading to the games!

As for my fitness, I am still taking care of myself like always, just with a little more cardio. The weather in Rio de Janeiro is normally around 83 so I need to be ready and able to perform under the heat as well as the pressure! I competed in Hong Kong which was hot too, interestingly I found the horses coped better with the heat and where largely unconcerned, it was the riders who struggled so that is a focus of mine!

At the moment I am concentrating on Concrex Bayro and Keyflow N.O.P with a few competitions to keep them in the rhythm I hope will carry us through the season. I am feeling really confident and also with my recovery from kidney stones! Have a wonderful month.

www.timlips.nl

Dr D’s Tasty Treats aims to raise £2500 this winter to go towards the winter feeding of the veterans and permanent residents at Redwings Horse Sanctuary with the help of our Tasty Treats customers. With over 40 high dependency horses at Redwings, every single donation, no matter how large or small, will be of huge benefit to Redwings.

RAISE FOR REDWINGS From field shelters to forage, hay to haynets, keeping these horses safe, warm and well fed is a considerable cost. Dr D’s have come up with some fun rewards to thank everyone for their donations. Every donation from £1 upwards will receive a reward, from discounts on Dr D’s to Redwings goodie bags and treats.

Redwings’ foundations are built from a belief that every horse, pony, and donkey has the right to a happy and healthy life, free of fear and neglect. Having rescued abandoned, mistreated and neglected horses and donkeys from across the UK, many are rehabilitated and suc-

cessfully re-homed however there are some through medical, age or behavioural issues that need to stay within the Redwing family. Our Dr D’s fundraising pledge aims to help!

Dr D’s philosophy is to provide tasty treats that are GM free, ultra low in sugar and starch, without anything artificial, and our campaign can really help residents including Amigo, a 5 year old, 13.1hh piebald cob, found abandoned in Wakefield with a severe skin condition and photosensitivity, and Moonlight, 31 years young and of the chestnut mare variety! Her best friend is Stanley, the pair

act like an old married couple – and Stanley is sensible enough to do as he’s told! She’s a bit of a grumpy old woman but is easily won over by a treat or two…

Follow their fundraising progress on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/DrDsTasty Treats where we’ll also be meeting a few of the Redwings High Dependency horses and ponies over the coming weeks.

Dr D’s Tasty Treats are available online at www.drdstastytreats.com and at selected retailers. Prices start from £3.99 for 270g.

Daisy Jackson Dressage I have had a very encouraging and exciting start to 2016, beginning with test riding practice with Anna Ross at Altogether Equestrian, Cholderton. Both horses behaved impeccably, Tango and I had our first run through of a PSG giving the Young Rider Team Test a go. I was thrilled with how well Tango performed and once we have established a little more straightness in the tempi changes we can compete in our first PSG together.

Anna has given us some exercises to work with to improve the straightness, the first being to set out a channel made out of either cones or jumping poles and place them across the diagonal line. That way the horse is likely to keep themselves straight whilst the rider can work solely on the changes themselves. I am looking forward to putting this into action then booking some dates to compete in our first PSG. Blackberry was also fabulous running through her very first Advanced Medium mistake free. Despite some spooking in the trot work Berry, rising 7 this year, got all 6 changes and they were clean and expressive. I thrilled by her behaviour being it was the most difficult Advanced Medium, 98. We have now entered Berry for her first Advanced Medium in a week or so and look forward to what the judges think. I have started introducing some of the more advanced work to her and am now aiming for PSG. We have started to work towards passage, piaffe, tempi changes and canter pirouettes which she is taking in her stride. We alternate between training in a double bridle and a snaffle to make sure that contact and way of going isn’t compromised when she finds the higher movements more difficult. I am looking to get the same consistent feel in both bridles with her keeping a good connection without getting strong or using the bridle for balance. This is a good gauge of self carriage and strength.

I am also excited to announce I will be doing a series of clinics at Foxhills Farm located in Wellow near Romsey organised by my good friend Di Williams and yard manager at Foxhills Charlotte Fricker. My first clinic will take place on the 21st of Feb, a great chances to get out of the cold and wet and book a lesson in an indoor arena.

Daisy

DREAMED OF COMPETING INTERNATIONALLY? NOW YOU CAN… Competing is, for some people, an important part of owning a horse… the dedication of training, the social interaction and even the chance to strengthen the bond between horse and rider. But what if you can’t travel to shows? What if you don’t own a trailer, have a horse with loading issues, lack confidence at shows – which can often be a daunting and competitive atmosphere, how do you show off your capabilities to the world?

Equi-Show.com is the new international competition and learning platform, offering 10 disciplines, a variety of breed classes and even in-hand test. How? You submit a video of the test you have chosen in your preselected class. When you enter an Equi-Show class online, your video will be judged, along with the videos of your fellow competitors. Should you place, you will be rewarded with either a gorgeous EquiShow rosette/ribbon to add to your collection, OR a fabulous discount gift coupon for your next class on Equi-Show.com.

So what is the process?

1.

Choose your sport (Western, English or Other) & Discipline. Select your Level & your Test.

2.

Read up on Equi-Show’s Rules (and the required video specs). Make sure you’ve had a good look at the rules of your chosen discipline.

3.

Set up your court/arena. Video your best ride!

Ensure you & your horse are in focus & in frame at all times. No editing, one shot only.

4.

Go to Enter Now on the main menu.

5.

Fill in the easy entry form. Upload your video straight from your PC, your phone or a YouTube/Vimeo link.

(Note: 1 entry form, per 1 class entry. If you are entering more than one class for this month, or are entering the same class with a different horse/rider combination, please create a separate entry for each).

6.

You will be directed to PayPal to pay your class entry safely & securely (entry fee is per class entered). Don’t worry if you do not yet own a Paypal account, enter and when it comes to payment, you can sign up there and then! Easy.

7.

Await your results & feedback from your judge!

If you have not had an email with your results within 14 days of your class entry closing date, please CONTACT US. The judges will always judge the entire class for that month, but the judge may change month by month as per their schedule.

The array of international judges includes; Sylvia Loch (Classical Riding Club), Peter Maddison (El Caballo de España. Judge at Royal Windsor Horse Show), Karen Rohlf (Founder and author of Dressage Naturally. USEF ‘R’ judge), Alice Cornwell (The British Horse Society ‘Young Trainer of the Year’ / Grand Prix rider / Classical Riding Club Judge), Lyn Ringrose Moe (Cowboy Dressage), Steve Ross (USA NRHA judge), Heiko Keuchel (APHA), Karen Blignault (author of Four Steps to Riding Success / top level FEI competitor). Amongst other great inspirers and leaders. Please see www.equi-show.com/our judges/ for a list of all the judges.

Not only are you being judged by internationally acclaimed judges, you have the chance to compete against riders all over the world, save money on travelling and stabling costs and compete in a familiar and comfortable environment!

“Equi-Show is very exciting for us, and is for a great deal of riders out there. It’s all about bringing you personal access to top international shows & world-renowned instructors, all from the comfort of your own barn. Its also about partnership, about lightness, freedom and above all, FUN! We want to give riders the opportunity to compete in ways they are not necessarily able to, in the ‘real-life’ showing world. Whether this is because you want to compete bitless in a dressage test, whether you want to be judged by international masters or whether it is simply too difficult to truck your horse from wherever you live. This is a top equestrian instruction and judging experience, in the safest and most convenient online format, where the focus is on quality judging, expert training, your partnership and your happy, healthy horse”. (Founders of Equi-Show, 2014)

WHAT IF I WIN?

WHAT DOES IT COST?

OFFER!

Firstly, congratulations!

You have placed among riders from across the world! You will receive a beautiful Equi-Show rosette straight to your door OR a fabulous discount gift voucher for your next test. Some tests are eligible for a prize too. Every entry gets their scoresheet back, with a score & comments. There will be a chance to q ualify for the Equi-Show Global Champs in late 2016.

Equi-Show allows you to be judged and trained by world-famous celebrity trainers and judges, yet we have still ensured that the entry fee is extremely reasonable and affordable!

You pay only your entry fee when you enter a class which is currently £12.

However In the Stirrups are offering you a great discount of £3.50 off your first entry and this offer is valid until the end of March 2016.

Use coupon code “STIRRUPS0987’ to receive £3.50 OFF your first class entry!

Go to www.Equi-Show.com

APPRENTICE SADDLERS PUT ON A SHOW AT BETA THIS year’s BETA International saw young and talented apprentices and trainees competing for the top awards in the Society of Master Saddlers’ competitions throughout the three days. Always a major feature of BETA International, the competitions draw a lot of interest, with visitors able to see quality craftsmanship in the making as the students work at their stations in the Saddlery Pavilion.

Once again the prize money was kindly donated by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers with BETA International providing the area for the competition space.

The apprentices and students taking part made a martingale attachment on the Sunday, a foal slip on the Monday and a head piece on the Tuesday.

On the Sunday competitors included Julia Balfour of Chobham Rider, Peter Robinson of T&C Robinson, Victoria Barnett of Bear House Saddlery and Corrin King of S. Milner & Son. The winning prize went to Corrin with Julia claiming the second prize after judges Master Saddlers’ Emily White and Roger Coates had made their deliberations.

On the Monday second year Capel Manor College students included Amy Baldwin, Rebecca Simmons, Lucy Ellis and Samantha Coulman. Judges Chris Taylor and Louise Palmer, both Master Saddlers, noted the excellent standard across all four entries but the eventual winner was Lucy with Amy taking second place. Winner Lucy said: “I never thought for one moment I would win. This is my first time at BETA International and it has been great.”

On the Tuesday, first year Capel Manor College students Katja Noergaard and Naomi Rodgers were joined by Saddlery Training Centre apprentices Kelly Jones and Hannah Mustoe. The four made a head piece judged by Master Saddlers’ Ian Hastilow and Ian Silman, and the top award went to Naomi with Hannah claiming the runner-up award, a fantastic effort by both students.

Members and officials from The Society of Master Saddlers were on hand in the Saddlery Pavilion throughout BETA International to answer questions and offer advice about the various courses available and benefits of being a member. The exhibition stand at BETA International also included an area showcasing the President’s Choice class for the Society of Master Saddlers’ National Saddlery Competition. The result will be announced at the Society’s awards evening on February 8 and the entries were based on a bag, case or box suitable for a country pursuit.

Information about the Society of Master Saddlers can be found on the website: www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

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