August 2016 - In the Stirrups by In the Stirrups

WIN: £5,000 sponsorship with TopSpec! AUGUST 2016

IN THE STIRRUPS MAGAZINE

Tim Lips:

We’ve made it! #TicketToRio

LITTLE HORSE, BIG DREAMS: Sarah and Patrick

Rio Olympics 2016

Hear from Carl Hester, Beezie Madden, Jock Paget, Ruy Fonseca and more!

Equestrian extravaganza CHIO Aachen, 8 – 17th July 2016

‘NEIGH’ REASON TO BE OUT OF FASHION WITH LISA JAYNE MILLINERY

In the Stirrups

the polo

Turn heads wearing the In the Stirrups Polo Shirt. Designed by us, it is a simple yet stylish top suitable for around the yard or just out and about. It sports the In the Stirrups logo to the front breast with the Limited Edition detail in Gold located in the bottom left hand corner. On the left sleeve it an embroidered Union Jack and on the right sleeve the detailing is a number 1. The back of the polo has our name across the shoulders and beneath In the Stirrups is a number 1 corresponding with the right sleeve. These polos are lightweight yet hard wearing and can be worn tucked in or out. Available in mens, womens, and childrens sizes. They are ÂŁ28 plus shipping costs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we post worldwide so please email us for postage costs. They are shipped directly from our manufacturer and sent via tracked post to ensure their safe arrival. Please contact us for pricing on wholesale orders.

To order: info@inthestirrups.com

August 2016

CONTENTS & ED’S LETTER

contents

On the cover: Sarah and Patrick

– The Minature Horse.

21 22 26 28 29 30

The Confidence Boosting Tip Every Horse Rider Must Know. D ressage Tipster, Patricia Pitt, explains why it is so difficult for riders to find direction. Q & A with some of the equestrian athletes competing in the Rio 2016 Olympics. T im Lips – With the run up to Rio Tim and his team haven’t stopped. It’s full steam ahead! S imon The Shetland from Hooked On Dodging Dusting. A lltech® lead the way in the research of mycotoxins. A nother in the series of Dressage Tips from Luke Baber-Davies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline TWITTER In_the_Stirrups WEBSITE www.inthestirrups

Inside this month’s issue… 05 Overdale Equestrian Centre – the latest riding centre to gain Accessibility Mark accreditation 06 F antastic hats from Lisa Jayne Millinery 08 S arah Schaaf and Patrick – The Miniature Horse. New members to the In the Stirrups team. 08 T he equestrian riders selected by The British Paralympic Association for Rio. 12 Fashion and Shopping. 14 T ried & Tested – Ladies smart sleeveless polo shirt from equestrian.com. 15 T opSpec Competition – Win £5,000 sponsorship. 16 C HIO Aachen – A look back at this year’s equestrian event. 20 C onfident Horsemanship with Anne Gage –

Four years and here we

no matter what happens we shall be able to watch

are again... Rio is upon

them provide the rides of a life time under the

us, the worlds greatest

sun. The Olympics also reminds us of how horses

equestrian athletes gathered

can bring us all together, regardless of nationality,

together to celebrate not

discipline or choice of breed, our love for horses

only their discipline but

unites us – something worth remembering in our

the sportsmanship that

day to day lives.

encompasses all sports. Great Britain shall be watching closely to see if we defend our Gold medals won at London 2012 and

Natasha

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS August 2016

THE TEAM

In the Stirrups Magazine is created by a small team, scattered around the globe. We love every second of what we do. Read below if you would like to get to know us better.

Natasha

Shirley

EDITOR

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

editor@inthestirrups.com

shirley@inthestirrups.com

COOMBES Natasha is the Editor and driving force behind the magazine. Her love of horses coupled with a passion for media led to the start of our publication. When not writing and working on bringing you the latest news and stories she can usually be found running around after her two young children, Darcy – 6 and Thomas – 4. Natasha is also supported by Ariat Clothing which ensures she is always in style, yet functional, when at a show or during visits.

TYNAN Shirley has over 35 years experience in designing and producing magazines. With an extensive knowledge of the latest design software, and the pre-press and printing process, she has seen how the industry has evolved over the years. She is excited to be working with, and being part of, the In the Stirrups team.

Marc Ben

SAUNDERS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Ben@inthestirrups.com Ben joined In the Stirrups in March 2015 and has brought invaluable skills to the brand as a whole. From handling advertising, interviewing international riders and developing designs and layouts, Ben is always busy and proves to be a valuable asset to the team.

MOGGRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHER burghleyimages.photoshelter.com Marc is energetic, tenatious and enthusiastic and it shows in his photos. His talent and dedication mean his shots fully capture all of the action, whether its eventing or in the MMA cage. When not taking photos he enjoys rugby, fine scotch and spending time with his family.

Ben

CLARK

04 Tim

LIPS

PHOTOGRAPHER

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR www.timlips.nl 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.

www.benjaminclarkphotography.co.uk Ben is a well-travelled photographer. Adventurous and innovative, he brings an energy to his photos that the viewer can feel. Often found at many events on the continent, he is also well respected for being friendly and approachable.

Rose

Anne

GAGE MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR www.confidenthorsemanship.com 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.

Sarah Schaaf

LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHER www.daydreamequineart.co.uk Rose is young, talented and focused. Through her photographjy and art she is fast earning a name as a polite, courteous and approachable photographer and provides In the Stirrups with various media from portaits to event photos. Also available for personal shoots and group bookings, visit her website to find out more.

Anna

AND PATRICK

NORDHOFF

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

www.patricktheminiaturehorse.com

www.eq-pr.co.uk

GTR Patricks Vindicator (Patrick) is a 22-year-old miniature horse gelding bought by Sarah Schaaf’s parents when she was only two years old. In 2014, Patrick became a registered therapy horse. Sarah started showing Patrick when she was only five, and rode him until she was seven. Sarah has been training and exhibiting Patrick ever since.

Anna is a 21-year-old equine photographer from Germany who loves to visit big equestrian events. “I like to capture and express all the energy and trust between horse and rider. This fascination and inspiration may have resulted from having my own horses over the years. So I spend the rest of my freetime with my horses. My photographies reach from portrait to events but not only horses. As long as I hold the camera in my hand I feel happy.”

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

August 2016

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION

Overdale Equestrian Centre Providing a Unique Approach to Training for Disabled People Overdale Equestrian Centre based in the Cotswolds has become the latest riding establishment to join the ever growing list of centres to gain Accessibility Mark accreditation, enabling them to offer riding opportunities to disabled people. Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme launched the Accessibility Mark scheme to encourage those who do not already partake in equestrian activities or would not usually have the opportunity to do so, to experience the many benefits that riding can bring. Nestling between Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire in the village of Nether Westcote, Overdale Riding Centre is now in a position to offer clients an alternative route to RDA that is potentially closer to home and doesn’t have the extensive waiting list that can be the case with RDA centres that are often massively over-subscribed. The centre specialises in Rider Biomechanics and Somatic Education, to explore and understand how control of the riders’ body influences the horse. Proprietor Karin Major is a BHSAI, Ride with Your Mind Coach and Feldenkrais (Movement) Teacher, she has been working with Mary Wanless since 2000. The Centre is Mary’s UK base. Karin’s main aim is to help people to improve the quality of their riding, their sporting performances and the

quality of their lives in general. Karin said of the unique approach they adopt at I AM LOOKING Overdale: “I am looking FORWARD TO forward to working with WORKING WITH riders with disabilities to RIDERS WITH improve their effectiveness on DISABILITIES TO a horse, using the powerful IMPROVE THEIR combination of Rider Biomechanics and Somatic EFFECTIVENESS Education, through the work ON A HORSE of Mary Wanless and Moshe Feldenkrais.” “Having met all the criteria and following the specialist training I feel we are better placed to be able to confidently and competently train disabled riders.” Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that they offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure they provide you with a first class service and an experience that aims to be hugely beneficial. There are currently 32 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country. ■ For more information about Overdale Equestrian Centre visit www.overdale-equestrian.co.uk

Karin Major, owner of Overdale Equestrian Centre l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

LISA JAYNE MILLINERY INTERVIEW August 2016

Fabulous Hats for Fabulous People Natasha Coombes managed to catch up with the fantastically talented Milliner Lisa Jayne from Lisa Jayne Millinery Q. For our readers please explain what you do? A. I am primarily an Artist who creates wearable Art, as a trained Milliner I concentrated my art into headwear, and since starting have turned my hand to styling photo shoots with my creations.

Q. How did you get started? A. I trained in Costume at London College of Fashion where I developed a love of creating theatrical Headwear and so I enrolled at Kensington & Chelsea college to study the full extent of Millinery. I decided to put my skills into building a brand and Lisa Jayne Millinery was created.

Prior to Royal Ascot Lisa and Photographer Owen Harvey organised a photoshoot with Model/Showjumper Samantha Gibbins and her beautiful horses Coco and Sparkie at their stables, these images are from that shoot, each image was added to social media during Royal Ascot and was picked up by the racecourse website. Owen Harvey Photography (www.owenharvey.com)

Q. What is the piece of work you are most proud of? A. My most proudest creation is one of the current headpieces that ended up gaining national press at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ascot, it is a red feathered creation, it has been featured in Vogue Italia, The Telegraph and other press.

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

August 2016 Q. What inspired you to create an Equestrian themed hat? A. M y client Samantha Gibbins is a show jumper and so she asked me to incorporate a horse into her headwear for this years Ascot, this is the second piece created for her with an equestrian theme. Q. What did the design process entail? A. My first stage of design is to liaise with my client to know what their outfit will be, or what they want, to ensure my design will be suitable, I like to know accessories as well as the outfit as it gives me more inspiration of what to incorporate into the piece. My second stage is to do a few sketches, and I then begin to spend time sourcing the right materials. For example this year’s equestrian inspired hat: I knew that Samantha’s outfit was navy, black and cream and some panels were lace, I also knew her shoes would be lace with a gold fleck so I made sure I used all colouring and also lace. I usually like to know whether someone wants to compliment or contrast their outfit, as this can make a difference to the design. I sketched a horse shape from card in order to make a template to cut the horse from fabric, I used a stiffened fabric in-between, I wired the edge to keep the shape from bending. The cream sinnemay base was shaped on a hat block, the edge was wired and covered in ribbon I then used lace that I had cut out and made into appliqué. I finished off the edges with navy crin and some navy patterned trim. I shaped some black sinnemay on another wooden block and turned over the edges in order to make it neat. I edged with trim in cream on one side and navy on the other l then added lace appliqué. I wanted to create showjumping sticks for the horse to jump from so used wire and glass beads, I attached it to the base and to the black shape to secure the two pieces together and to allow the horse to be able to be placed in-between so it gave the appearance of a show jumping horse, it was finished off with a feather tail. Q. What was the most challenging part for you? A. The most challenging part for me is always knowing if I have pleased the customer, Art is very much about putting your soul into something and so the natural fear of rejection every human has is what challenges me the most about any design the need for approval.

LISA JAYNE MILLINERY INTERVIEW Q. Were people’s responses what you had expected? A. I was pleased that Samantha loved her creation, and the response was amazing, more than was expected, as it hit the national press and has been featured on The Royal Ascot website which was a bonus.

Q. What’s next for you and your business? A. My next step is my own catwalk segment as part of the House of iKons show on 17th September 2016 at the Millennium hotel Mayfair, I am opening the show with outfits and headwear I have created, the host is paying tribute to the legend that was Prince and so two of my pieces will be inspired by him, the rest of my segment will be inspired by a fashionista party celebrating Vogues centenary year. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/houseof-ikons-during-london-fashion-week-september-2016tickets-26528535564 ■

Lisa Jayne’s work can be viewed at www.lisajaynemillinery.com

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

SARAH SCHAAF AND PATRICK August 2016 By Sarah Schaaf Sarah is a new member of the In the Stirrups team, and we look forward to reading about Patrick’s adventures each month.

Little Horses

Big Dreams

Most little girls dream of having a horse or pony of their own when they’re young, but seldom does that dream seem to come true. I am one of the few lucky little girls who did get to live that dream. On July 4, 1998, my parents brought home the single best thing in my life – a small chestnut miniature horse, with a crystal blue eye, a gleaming white blaze and a heart as big as any. I was not quite two years old at the time my parents bought Patrick, and another miniature horse – a black and white pinto named TopGun. My mother had raced Standardbreds for twenty-five years, and my father is a veterinarian, so they wanted to instill their love of horses into me, and what better way to do so than with miniature horses? I was five years old when I entered my first horse show with Patrick. It was our small county fair, and we entered in the leadline, youth halter and costume classes. We did well in leadline getting a first, and a first in costume as well. In halter, though, my first time taking him in the arena by myself- at a time when he was still taller than me, Patrick rolled right in front of the judge! Needless to say, we didn’t take home blue in the class! As the years passed, our friendship grew and grew, and with every failure and success we became better and better. We began to expand our endeavors about 8 years ago, when I began teaching Patrick various tricks and how to jump.

In 2008, we attended our first Breyerfest, a model horse festival which also showcases multiple breeds, with the Bluegrass Miniature Horse Club. This started a whole new avenue for us. Patrick is the perfect “ambassador” for the miniature horse breed, and for horses in general. Not only is he versatile and talented, but he also has a wonderful disposition. After attending Breyerfest and the Secretariat Festival from 2008-2014, I decided to branch out, on my own with Patrick to try and reach other events and more people. In 2015, through many hours of writing emails and gathering references, I secured Patrick spots in demonstrations at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, The KY Horse Park Breeds Barn and the CP National Horse Show. AT each event, we were met with overwhelming support, and opportunities have only grown from there. Although I take great pride in our work at demonstrations, our work as a therapy team is what truly fills me with joy. In April of 2014, Patrick was evaluated by a group in Louisville, KY to become a registered therapy horse. I had taken online classes over the course of a few months through Pet Partners to learn the ins and outs of therapy work. At our evaluation, there were barking dogs, scary wheelchairs and lots of people to make sure Patrick was completely prepared for all situations he may encounter on visits. Patrick passed with a “complex” rating, which allows him access to school, nursing homes, hospitals and even psychiatric wards. On our first visit, we went to a facility called the Kindred Healthcare Clinic. The floor that we visited mainly housed patients who suffered from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and are confined to ventilators. Most of the patients in this unit will never be able to leave the hospital again, and many cannot even talk. The first patient was a man, about twenty years of age, who

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

August 2016

was restricted to his bed. When we first entered the room, he was very cautious and stroked Patrick’s muzzle with only the tips of his fingers. It was not until we were just about the leave that he leaned over and said “I love you, Patrick. Thank you.” In a few minutes, we had been able to make at least a little difference in this man’s life and bring some joy to his otherwise lackluster day. When we returned for a second visit, we were able to visit another man who was in the deep grips of ALS. He was paralyzed from the neck down, but when he saw Patrick walk in, a large smile crept across his face. This man apparently had a great love of horses, as he had multiple posters of Friesians, Quarter horses and Arabians hung on the wall of his hospital room. The hospital’s events coordinator, who went with us to every room to help with patients who had physical impairments, said that the patient had been feeling very gloomy as of late, and the staff and his family were losing hope. She said that our visit with him was the happiest he had been in weeks, even months, and that she had to contact his family immediately, to tell them! I was so honored and humbled to have been able to improve this man’s day. For those who have been touched by Patrick, their lives have been far improved, at least for a small amount of time. Patrick’s heroic work at hospitals is what earned him a spot in the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Hall of Fame in 2015.

SARAH SCHAAF AND PATRICK

Patrick also has quite a large fan base on social media. His Instagram account (@patricktheminihorse) has over 26,000 followers, and his Facebook page has over 3,600 likes. People usually don’t remember my name, but that’s no matter. I’m used to being called “Patrick’s owner” and take the utmost pride in it! I am so thankful for all of the wonderful lessons Patrick has taught me over these past eighteen years, and I know I still have many more to learn. Every day I spend with this wonderful little horse is a dream come true. I am so happy to be a new member of the In the Stirrups team, and look forward to writing for you about Patrick’s adventure each month! 

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

THE BRITISH PARALYMPIC ASSOCIATION (BPA) August 2016

High expectations of Rio athletes The British Paralympic Association (BPA) has confirmed the high calibre squad of five equestrian riders that will represent ParalympicsGB at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, each a multi-Paralympic medalist in their own right. Natasha Baker MBE, Sophie Christiansen OBE, Anne Dunham MBE, Lee Pearson CBE and Sophie Wells MBE have 13 Games’ worth of experience between them and a shared haul of 30 Paralympic medals. Great Britain has been at the forefront of the sport since its inception at the Paralympic Games in Atlanta 1996 and has won team gold at every Paralympic Games since. Outside of the Paralympic arena, the team also has an unbeaten record on the European and World stage despite increasing international competition. Sophie Christiansen OBE is setting her sights on Rio to defend the three Paralympic titles that she won at London 2012. Speaking today, she said: “To be selected for my fourth Paralympic Games is an absolute honour; it’s funny that I’m now seen as a veteran at the grand old age of 28. “I can’t wait to see what Rio has to offer, it will be a very different Games to London but I think my time in Athens and Beijing has prepared me well. It’s been made even more special after what I’ve gone through this year, the challenges

I’ve faced have made me come out even stronger and hopefully I’ll emulate what I did in London – that’s my goal. “The Paralympic Games has grown massively since I made my debut in Athens; the standard across sports has really grown in that time – including both media and spectators, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future. I think that London was the pinnacle of the Paralympic Games and I really hope that even though it’s not a home Games, that people will get behind us again.” Lee Pearson CBE made his debut in Sydney and has won an incredible ten gold medals in Paralympic competition, an achievement that puts him within touching distance of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Dame Sarah Storey, who each have 11 gold medals to their name. He said: “I’m really happy but I was shocked when I was told, as I was for every other Paralympic Games – until you’re told you never quite believe it’s possible until you’ve actually been selected. I am really, really happy, it’s very surreal to be heading to my fifth Games and makes me sound very old! “My fifth one is surreal, how para-dressage has developed

l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

Glittering line-up of multi-medalists to represent ParalympicsGB in equestrian at Rio 2016

August 2016

THE BRITISH PARALYMPIC ASSOCIATION (BPA)

and how strong Great Britain’s riders are, I do feel surprised on selection, as it’s such a strong squad – it makes you appreciate it even more.” Penny Briscoe MBE, Chef de Mission for ParalympicsGB, said: “There are few sports that can boast such a strong trackrecord at Paralympic level, but the huge strength in depth of this squad is clearly on display here. No matter what their past achievements are, each athlete has had to consistently perform at their best in order to earn their selection for Rio. “As competition grows tougher, we know that there will be no complacency from our equestrian riders, and that however calm and composed they may appear in the arena, they will fiercely battle their Paralympic rivals for medals in Rio.” Dan Hughes, Team Leader for equestrian, said: “I am delighted to see the list of athletes selected for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games; it is an extremely strong squad that has every chance of maintaining the excellent record GBR holds in para-equestrian Dressage. We go to Rio with high expectations of these athletes, yet in the full knowledge that each and every medal will be hard fought for. I have no doubt that they will rise to this challenge and make the country proud.” The day’s announcement takes the number of selected athletes on the ParalympicsGB team to 188, across 17 sports.

SELECTED ATHLETES, EQUESTRIAN:

 Natasha Baker MBE with Christian Landolt, Phil and Lorraine Baker’s Cabral Home Town: London  Sophie Christiansen OBE with Diane Redfern’s Athene Lindebjerg Home Town: Berkshire  Anne Dunham MBE with the Lady Joseph Trust and Henrietta Cheetham’s [LJT] Lucas Normark Home Town: Northumberland  Lee Pearson CBE with David and Lynda Pearson, Gillian Chinn and his own Zion Home Town: Stoke-on-Trent  Sophie Wells MBE with her own Valerius Home Town: Lincoln

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FASHION and SHOPPING August 2016

A silver fox with a golden twist!

New from Hiho Silver

Performance with Fluid-Ity 12

As temperatures rise and the competition season heats up, most riders are aware of the importance of keeping their horse hydrated. Of course allowing your horse to drink at liberty is imperative but beyond that, what else can you do? Alongside its own electrolytes, aloe vera can help promote better absorption from a nutritional angle, allowing greater uptake of electrolytes in your feed and assisting the body under stress, resulting in improved recovery and superior performance. Aloeride is an easy to administer alternative to feeding liquid aloe vera and is available in one-a-day sachets. Aloeride is tastefree, has a long shelf life, requires no refrigeration and with 30 sachets (1 month’s worth) containing a whopping 12 litres of aloe vera juice – you can be reassured that your horse or pony is getting the best each and every day. Rrp £55.20 per carton (Month’s supply) with discounts available on multi-purchases. www.aloeride.com 01858 464550

Hiho Silver’s best selling Fox Brooch has had a makeover and is now available with an 18ct gold plated body, but still keeps the silver tip to his tail. The beautiful sterling silver brooch captures the curves of the fox’s head and tail and has a sturdy pin going across the back to ensure it stays in place, whether it’s used to adorn a coat or scarf, or even a stock. With a coating of gold plate, this brooch is even more striking than before, but still retains its character. “Our Fox Brooch in sterling silver has been a best seller for us, so it seemed like the perfect contender to add gold plated detail to,” Sterling Silver and said Emma Warren from Hiho 18ct Gold Plated Silver. “We kept the silver tip Silver Tipped to the tail, as per our Exclusive Fox Brooch Sterling Silver Alex Monroe Hiho Prowling Fox, because we think it adds an extra dimension and an authentic detail.” The brooch is 7.5cm long and is 2.2cm at the widest point. For more information, see www.hihosilver.co.uk or call 01460 221006. Rrp £85 Sterling Silver and 18ct Gold Plated Silver Tipped Fox Brooch Rrp £65 Sterling silver only.

Want to be comfy and warm? Worried about the colder months this autumn? Don’t panic, the new E.L Quilted Gilet from Equit’M will keep you warm and cosy. This light padded gilet complete with full hood, is perfect over the top of a sweatshirt or under a coat for extra warmth. Available in navy with stretch fabric piped arm holes and horizontal quilting, this gives a professional finish which makes it suitable for any occasion. Features include inner and outer pockets to store your valuables and a tricolour two-way zip for comfort when riding. For further information visit: www.ekkia.co.uk Prices start at around £52.90 for kids, £57.90 for ladies and men’s £64.90. l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

August 2016

FASHION and SHOPPING

Cool Rider

When it comes to keeping your cool in the competition arena as temperatures rise, Equestrian fashion brand Equetech has some great garments for keeping cool on the move… Keep your cool with Equetech! The Equetech Libertina Shirt is a gorgeous sporty stretch competition shirt with a cool mesh panel across the back for added airflow in the saddle! Also featuring a (Rat catcher) stock collar, diamanté buttons and zip pocket to side hem for stashing horse treats! Colour: White. Sizes: 8 – 20. Rrp £34.50

LOVELY IN LACE!

These cute Lace Topped Socks by Grace & Lace and available through The Spanish Boot Company are the perfect way to add a pretty touch to your favourite short boots. Styled in cool cotton, these socks offer comfort to your feet and glamour to your ankles with their generous wide vintage look lace cuff tops A beautiful finishing touch to any outfit, day or night. One size only (Fits Sizes 6 – 9). Colours: Ecru Rrp £21.00

The Equetech Wainscot Competition Shirt for men combines colour with technical fabric in its clever design. Featuring a crisp cotton ‘button down’ tie collar, contrast Marl Grey sleeves and Navy back panel, this shirt is breathable and quick drying with excellent wicking properties which keep you cool, whatever the temperature this summer. Colour: White/Navy. Sizes: S – XL. Rrp £46.95 The Equetech Symmetry Breeches can help you keep your cool in the saddle with their good looks and performance styling. Integral Lycra leg panels to hem, a reinforced seat seam, silicone knee grip panels and cool cotton and spandex blend fabric add to their summer appeal. Colour: Navy, Coco, Beige and White. Sizes: 24 – 34. Rrp £83.50

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TRIED & TESTED PRODUCT REVIEW August 2016

TRIED & TESTED In the Stirrups Product Reviews

Ladies Smart Sleeveless Polo Shirt

Need a smart polo shirt that can be worn for any occasion, be it for a day at an event or for a lesson? Equestrian.com has the perfect polo to help make you look smarter than the rest. The British Eventing horse logo sleeveless polo is the ideal shirt to keep cool during the summer months. Made from 100% cotton pique this comfortable shirt is extremely breathable when worn. Available in white with the British Eventing Horse emblem embroidered on the front of the shirt and the British Eventing logo stitched on the back makes this polo more interesting. To finish the top off it features contrast coloured side vents, placket and inner neck trim to give this exclusive polo a professional finish. Available in a range of sizes from X-small to XX-large and only priced at ÂŁ24.99, this top is too good to miss. For further information visit www.equestrian.com

This polo has an all round nice quality feel to it. Available in Navy or White, we put the white version to the test. Perhaps not the wisest colour choice for general duties around the yard, it washed well regardless! The embroidery to the side is of great quality and detail giving this polo a stylish touch where ever it is worn. The sleeveless design was a life saver in the sun and left us able to move around freely when riding without being hindered by excess material or overheating! All in all a great purchase for the summer, now just the decision of which colour to go for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or maybe both! Tasha Coombes l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

August 2016

TOPSPEC SPONSORSHIP COMPETITION

TopSpec WIN A HUGE £5,000 SPONSORSHIP WITH TOPSPEC TOPSPEC has launched an amazing ‘once in a lifetime’ sponsorship where one lucky winner will receive £5,000 worth of prizes. Whatever your chosen discipline, show jumping, dressage, eventing, showing or endurance the competition is open to everyone and the North Yorkshire-based horse feed experts wants to hear from you! Well known for their range of feed balancers and other innovative horse feed, TopSpec already sponsor leading names Nicola Wilson, Kitty King, Andrew Nicholson, Hayley Watson-Greaves, Louise Saywell and Robert Walker as well as a host of other riders. But don’t let these superstar riders put you off entering. Whether you are competing at novice level or are about to go international the competition is open to everyone. Said Katy Mickle of TopSpec: “We are very fortunate to support many of the major names across the disciplines as well as young riders, pony riders and up and coming names of the future. “This latest search is open to everyone and is our way of helping one special rider with training and entry fee support as well as feed, rider and horse clothing and equipment. “There are no guidelines or boundaries for the rider we are looking for and we would welcome an entry from

anyone who feels they could be the next rider to join the TopSpec team. “The sponsorship will start from January 2017 and we will also provide in-depth nutritional support as soon as our winner is announced to help get their horses or ponies in great shape for the year ahead.”

Prizes includes:

 £1,000 worth of TopSpec feed  £1,000 for training and lessons  £1,000 to cover entry fees  £1,000 horse clothing, rugs and accessories  £1,000 rider and competition and leisure clothing.

For a chance to win... All you have to do to be in with the chance of winning is email TopSpec at: sponsorship@topspec.com Write in no more than 200 words why you deserve the sponsorship, provide information about your horses or ponies and your ambitions for the future. Attach a photograph of yourself competing. The deadline for entering the sponsorship search is: September 30, 2016 For further information visit www.topspec.com

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CHIO AACHEN, 8 – 17 JULY 2016 August 2016

EUROPE’S

Extravaganza Equestrian

The successful German eventer, Ingrid Klimke, was competing in the DHL Prize at CHIO Aachen in both the team and individual classifications. For her, this is the last opportunity before the Olympic Games in Rio to qualify for the team. After all, the objective is to defend the title. Klimke was also competing in the small tour of the dressage. However, she already heralded in her CHIO participation with a performance in the “Horse & Symphony” on July 9th. She performed an impressive floodlit “pas de deux” with her brother Michael during the popular show event. In an interview, the crowd’s favourite in Aachen revealed her expectations for this year’s CHIO Aachen.

This year the CHIO Aachen is a real family outing for you! Klimke: You can certainly say that again. It is great that my daughter Greta can be here, since the vacations have already started. This is the second time she has taken part in the Opening Ceremony and, of course, she considered it to be a huge honour to be able to make an appearance as Pippi Longstocking this year to match the partner country Sweden. I was even really nervous myself! And it was a fantastic Opening Ceremony, I am still blown away. Impressive!

INGRID KLIMKE

Aged just 12 your daughter is already a successful rider. Does she take after her mother? Klimke: I think she rides more carefully than I do. But in any case she has the same enthusiasm and enjoys riding as much as I do. And that is the most important thing!

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What expectations have you brought with you to Aachen? Klimke: For me Aachen is the last trial before the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. So, of course, I am trying to keep Hale Bob in top form and will try to put in the performance possible with him in Aachen. We are currently working on a lot of fine details, but I can already say: He is in fantastic form! It is also great

August 2016 that my horse Escada can be here, which my main sponsor SAP made possible. So, I simply can’t wait for the show weekend to begin! A victory with the team is no doubt the main aim? Klimke: That is definitely possible. We have won many times with the team in Aachen already. However, we never come to Aachen with the attitude that we are going to put in a relaxed round. We know that we have to do our very best to have a chance of taking the team title here in this demanding competition. If this succeeds you can let the wave of motivation carry you to Rio? Klimke: Yes, if I am ultimately on the team, certainly. Because in Aachen top conditions are offered, for instance the stadiums, the huge jumping arena. This is of course also a unique atmosphere for the horses too, before they continue on to a Championship show.

CHIO AACHEN, 8 – 17 JULY 2016

You are not only competing in the DHL Prize class at CHIO Aachen? Klimke: Yes, that is right. I also brought the beautiful 8-year-old chestnut mare, “Geraldine” with me to Aachen. I am very pleased after our first performance in the Prize of VUV, even if there is still some room for improvement, naturally. Also on board: My Trakehner gelding “Parmenides”, an eventing horse that I have also won the odd advanced jumping class with too. I will be riding him on Saturday evening in the new competition, the “Lavazza Prize”. A competition that brings showjumpers, drivers and eventers together. What do you think of it? Klimke: I think it is fantastic that eventing was integrated into the CHIO Aachen in 2006 as a fixed discipline. And in my opinion the high attendance figures speak for themselves. There are always loads of spectators on the cross-country day and they really cheer us on. At the end when you ride into the Main Stadium, you are greeted by this incredible atmosphere that is unique worldwide. If another spectacular competition is added to the programme, it is simply wonderful for us eventers!

ISABELL WERTH Isabell Werth explains what women like!

ALRV Supervisory Board member Stefanie Peters, Sabine Tesch, Vicky Tesch and Siegward Tesch (f.t.r.) congratulating the winner Nations’ Cup this year. With a score of 246.285 points, Germany already had a virtually uncatchable lead in the team classification, ahead of the USA (218.414) and Denmark (214.242). In the competition that Isabell Werth won, three German pairs were awarded a score of over 80 percent in the Grand Prix. That is

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This year the Olympic mode applies for the Lambertz Nations’ Cup of the dressage riders at the CHIO Aachen. That means, the winners of the team competition are not decided after the Grand Prix, but instead after the MEGGLE Prize, the Grand Prix Spécial. Just like at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August: Grand Prix + Grand Prix Spécial = team result. Naturally, one shouldn’t count one’s chickens before they hatch, but after the Prize of the Tesch Family, it certainly looked like Germany was going to win the Lambertz

CHIO AACHEN, 8 – 17 JULY 2016 August 2016

STEVE GUERDAT Steve Guerdat is the reigning Olympic gold medallist, he succeeded in winning the World Cup Final for the second time in a row – and set his sights on claiming his second Major victory in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in succession at the World Equestrian Festival. Read an interview about memorable sporting moments, a horse that sways between ingenuity and madness and the fascination of Aachen. You are only 34 years old, but are already considered to be one of the “old hands” of the sport because of all your achievements. Can you even remember your first CHIO Aachen? I come from a family of riders. My father Philippe rode at the CHIO Aachen himself, so I already visited the show with him as a young boy. I was already fascinated by big sporting events in young

TURKISH AIRLINES PRIZE OF EUROPE GOES TO CANADA The Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe is traditionally the highlight of the jumping competitions on the Wednesday of CHIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Festival. The victory went to Canada, to the Olympic gold medallist of 2008, Eric Lamaze. The number one in the world ranking list, the French rider, Simon Delestre, came second with Qlassic Bois Margot. Third place was claimed by Olivier Philippaerts from Belgium with Challenge v. Begijnakker Z, incidentally a horse that already carried his father, Ludo Philippaerts, through the ring at the Soers. After walking the course, the Rolex Grand Slam winner, Scott Brash, assessed it as being “testing but fair“. Brash added that the water ditch and the combination over the ditches were the two trickiest obstacles. As it happens, he proved to be right. An amazing 18 riders qualified for the jump-off – whereby Brash himself was not among them. In contrast, for example, veterans of the sport such as Ludger Beerbaum, for example, had to retire. Beerbaum’s stallion, Chaman, refused at the combination over the ditches. After the second refusal, the most successful active show-jumper in the world chose to retire.

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historic. So, it is no surprise that the national coach, Monica Theodorescu, said: “That was fantastic, a super outcome and nevertheless there is still room for slight improvement – things couldn’t be better after the first day.” With “room for improvement”, she was referring to the performance of the two youngsters in the team, Sönke Rothenberger (21) and Cosmo (9). The pair gave everyone a fright in the morning when the horse suddenly wanted to stop in the middle of an exercise. But Sönke Rothenberger stayed cool and finished the test well after the incident. And it still sufficed for a score of 75.60 percent, i.e. fifth place in the overall classification. The national coach praised the young team member for showing such nerves of steel. The three ladies in the team, Dorothee Schneider with Showtime, Isabell Werth with Weihegold and Kristina Bröring-Sprehe with Desperados delivered excellent results, particularly Isabell Werth, who not only won the Prize of the Tesch Family, but also achieved a personal best result of 83.271 with Weihegold. Afterwards she beamed: “Aachen really is a special venue! And when things go so well, I am a bit touched…“Whether her mare was nervous because of the setting? “No, she is a lady, they love that!” The European Championship silver medallist of Aachen 2015, Kristina Bröring-Sprehe was also happy and satisfied after her ride with Desperados, which was rewarded with a score of 82.314 percent, the second best result of the day. She asserted herself against the new German Freestyle Champion, Dorothee Schneider with Showtime (80.70). Both riders, Kristina BröringSprehe and Dorothee Schneider, were on the silver-winning German team that competed at the Olympic Games in London in 2012. In Rio the mission is: gold. As Isabell Werth put it: “I think I can safely say that we have an extremely strong team that is certainly in a position to fight for gold.”

August 2016 years and always dreamt of being part of the CHIO Aachen – as a rider of course, not as a spectator. The first time I succeeded in doing so was in 2001 or 2002, and although I had already often been here as a spectator before, the show totally surpassed all of my expectations from an athlete’s point of view. That is still always the case too. I not only have goosebumps every year when I arrive at the CHIO Aachen, but every day of the show as well. The people are so enthusiastic, the crowd, the atmosphere are incredible. Already a member of the league of top sporting events, Aachen, even goes a step further. As the Olympic gold medallist of 2012, you are guaranteed a place on the starting list of the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. So you don’t have to excel in the normal qualifiers throughout the week. Is it an advantage or rather a disadvantage, when the pressure isn’t on until you compete in the final? After all, on Sunday your second Major victory in the Rolex Grand Prix and a bonus of 500,000 Euros in addition to the prize-money is at stake… Of course, I am glad that I don’t have to qualify anymore and that I am not under pressure from the start of the week onwards. However, for all of my horses it is the

CHIO AACHEN, 8 – 17 JULY 2016

first time they have competed here in Aachen, they are not used to the atmosphere, so the more competitions they participate in the better. Of course, I would like to win the Rolex Grand Prix, but it isn’t the huge amount of money that motivates me. It is the big stage here in Aachen. It is the enthusiastic spectators, who cheer me on when I enter the ring. It is the atmosphere; it is the fantastic sport. Even if you could only win a bunch of flowers here in Aachen instead of prize-money, I still wouldn’t want to miss a moment! Which horse are you intending to compete with on Sunday in the Grand Prix? I am planning to ride Corbinian, but I am waiting to see how he performs in today’s Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup first. It is going to be a big competition for him this evening! If he performs well, I am sure he will be good on Sunday as well. He is a fantastic horse with amazing potential. But he is also a very emotional and sometimes spooky horse. He can master the first part of a course brilliantly, then a noise or something else might irritate him – and then he gets really nervous. I am still working on trying to find out how I can support him best in such situations. So, I am very curious to see how the Nations’ Cup turns out for us.

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The expression “testing” was certainly no confidence to jump the wide oxers. When you ride exaggeration. The jump-off also proved to be her like that, she can jump everything.” Fine Lady demanding. The pairs that rode first risked a lot has repeatedly proven this over the last few months. and picked up faults as a result. Daniel Deußer from Lamaze and Fine Lady will also be able ride from Germany was the first rider to jump clear with his victory to victory all over the globe in the future candidate for the Olympics, First Class van Eeckelghem. too. Namely, the General Sponsor, Turkish Airlines, However, he wasn’t able to stay in the lead for long, awarded the winner one million airline miles as a because Christian Ahlmann’s followed him with bonus.  Taloubet Z, his Ferrari as the man from Marl likes to describe his stallion. The horse did justice to his nickname, jumped clear and was faster than Deußer’s First Class. Nevertheless, his time was indeed beatable. Ahlmann ultimately came fifth and Deußer seventh. When Eric Lamaze approached the first obstacle, everything was clear, he had set himself a goal! So much so that Lamaze didn’t even have to push his little mare much. On the contrary: “She is very ambitious and always gives 100 percent. Yigit Bilge Avci (left), General Manager, Turkish Airlines Cologne; Nurullah Oguz, She is naturally fast too and needs a certain General Manager, Turkish Airlines Berlin (right) and the President of the Aachenground speed so that she has enough Laurensberger Rennverein, Carl Meulenbergh congratulating the winner

CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE August 2016

The Confidence Boosting Tip Every Horse Rider Must Know By Anne Gage of Confident Horsemanship

It’s human nature to be uncomfortable with uncertainty. We feel nervous, on edge, even scared when we can’t predict what’s going to happen. When you work with horses, there is often a level of uncertainty because you can’t always predict with 100 per cent accuracy how your horse will behave in every situation. Will he let you catch him today? Will he spook in that corner of the arena? Will he spook ‘at nothing’? Will he be calm on the trail today? What will he do at the show? Uncertainty is uncomfortable because it triggers the fight or flight centre of your brain causing fear, anxiety and even temporary mental or physical paralysis. These reactions worked well for our prehistoric ancestors who had to be wary of dangers that threatened their lives every day. I can only imagine what it would be like to come face to face with a sabre tooth tiger or a meat eating dinosaur. But these reactions aren’t so great when they interfere with the pleasure of the activities you want to share with your horse. You miss out on so many possibilities and amazing experiences. You lose the magic of true connection and partnership. You may have looked at other riders who never seem to be afraid and wondered if some people are born with a genetic predisposition that allows their brains to not go to that place. There may be a very small number of people who do seem to have these genes. They don’t seem to be triggered into fear as easily as the rest of us. But that is a tiny, tiny part of the population. For the most part, people are not born that way. What most of us (including me) have to do is develop skills and practices that help us to take positive action in the face of uncertainty – despite the fear and anxiety that we feel. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have it. We simply learn to manage it. People who are able to move through their uncertainty are able to take forward action because they turn that uncertainty into curiosity and creative thinking. They ask better questions and are able to solve problems. Horses don’t behave randomly. There is always a reason for what they do. It may be a learned response that needs to be “un-learned”. It may be a natural response to a noise we don’t

hear, a movement we don’t see or a scent we don’t smell. It may even be a response to a subtle shift in your energy, your position in the saddle or posture on the ground. When you become curious about your horse’s behaviour, you gain a better understanding of him and of his perception of the world. You begin to see with certainty what causes his behaviour and then you can take actions to change it. You become pro-active instead of reactive. So how do you become curious and ask better questions? You start by staying in the moment. That means you stop creating stories about what is going to happen – that future thinking you do where you predict what is going to happen before it happens. Things like – “he’s going to spook in that corner and he’ll bolt and then I’ll fall off and break something and end up laid up for weeks. OMG – I won’t be able to work or look after the kids …..” STOP! When you are curious and creative about the same situation your thinking would be more like this: “I know my horse doesn’t like that corner. How I can help him deal with it better? I could hand walk him around the arena until we both feel calm. I’ll remember to breathe to keep the tension out of my body. I could lunge him in that corner. I could ask my coach (or another competent rider) to ride him so I can see how they handle it and if he gets tense with them or maybe it’s my tension affecting him. Maybe we just have a pattern about getting tense in that corner….” When you give your brain a problem to solve, that’s what it focuses on. It can’t focus on two thoughts at the same time. And your brain doesn’t know the difference between what is real and what you are making up. So, when you ask better questions, your brain focuses on finding answers. As you focus on solving the problem, your uncertainty decreases and you are able to take forward moving actions. The more you do that, the more your confidence increases. ■

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August 2016

DRESSAGE TIPSTER – PATRICIA PITT

So You Want To Ride Dressage …

Why?

Knowing the reason you want to ride well is a vigorous motivator. You see, it’s simply not enough to just want to ride well, if you’re going to be successful you really do need to determine why you want to ride dressage. The fact is that really, really skilled riders establish a way of thinking which for them, creates incentives to take on the necessary actions and choices that leave them no other path to follow than the one which leads directly to their training success.

You can do this too At the start of my journey I had a vague idea that I wanted to ride well. I wasn’t really sure what that meant and certainly wasn’t prepared for how strong this ‘want’ would develop. Wanting to learn is an important element of attaining success and I like the word ‘wanting’, it is a powerful, basic human drive, whilst ‘motivation’, although it might mean the same thing, is a word to fairly dispassionately describe ‘wanting’. After all those years in the wilderness, my light bulb moment came when it occurred to me that I needed to do something but I wasn’t quite sure what. There was so much going on in my head that it stifled me and I got to wondering why it’s so hard for someone to change direction and begin to take control.

The answer is clarity I like clarity. In fact, I am utterly obsessed with it. When I come across equestrians that fill their world with ‘techie’ speak I become disinterested, somehow it switches me off. After all, for me simplicity is the key to brilliance and I so want to be more than mediocre. I have already illustrated that I wanted to ride well for many, many years, became very frustrated and nearly gave up altogether, until I recognised that I was stuck in my ways, needed to clear my mind and be a beginner again, as if I had never ridden, accept how badly I had been taught, by people who either knew no better or didn’t care enough. I needed to take a long, hard look at myself, get fit and rebuild my skills.

This is the basis of The Crystal System.  Believe that you will overcome any difficulties you might face, picture your success and be certain of attainment of it.  Be mindful that success doesn’t usually happen quickly and be grateful for this. It carries with it a certain burden and you need time to prepare for the responsibility.  Don’t give up so easily and don’t expect instant gratification.  Be ready and willing to change yourself after all, it is ridiculous to expect success when you refuse to make changes that will enable it. It is worth taking a little time to work out what is driving you and try to get some clarity about what it is you actually want to do. Need help, go to www.likecrystal.com, subscribe to the blog or get The Crystal System Book from http:// likecrystal.com/book-purchase/

The Crystal System Book

£21.85

INCLUDING POSTAGE AND PACKING

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RIO OLYMPICS 2016 August 2016

We’re

Ready for RIO

With just days until the opening ceremony, In the Stirrups grabbed a moment with some of the big names heading to Rio, poised to set the stadiums alight with their equestrian partners with the pride of their countries supporting them. Find out what they had to say below.

question

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OLYMPIC MOMENT? WHETHER IT’S A PERSONAL ONE OR ONE WHICH STANDS OUT FROM WATCHING ANOTHER COMPETITOR

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS GOING INTO RIO? WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST?

Carl Hester

Team GBR Gold Medal (2012) Winning Dressage Rider

CARL’S ANSWER 2: Going into Rio we are confident, this is my 5th Olympics so if anything I’m prepared! We are defending champions of course so we’ll be staying focused; Charlotte is also going to defend her individual Gold so it’ll be one to watch. l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline

CARL’S ANSWER 1: It has to be staying in Greenwich during the London 2012 Games, to be able to interact with all the fans. It really was the people’s Olympics! In the past there had always been a separate feel to the athlete’s village and the fans plaza but London united and everyone mixed. It was great!

August 2016

RIO OLYMPICS 2016

Mary King Team GBR Silver (2012) Medal Winning Event Rider

Jock Paget

Team NZL Bronze (2012) Medal Winning Event Rider

JOCK’S ANSWER 1: I think my most memorable moment isn’t something I’ve done. It is probably Mark’s (Todd) round on Campino at the London 2012 Games. It was just amazing. JOCK’S ANSWER 2: I’m looking forward to the whole competition from start to finish, each individual phase will present itself on the day and it will be exciting as well as challenging all round! MARY’S ANSWER 1: My most memorable moment has to be my first Olympic Games in Barcelona, it was amazing and just met all of my expectations – especially the Olympic village which was stunning.

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MARY’S ANSWER 2: Going into Rio we are confident, this is my 5th Olympics so if anything I’m prepared! We are defending champions of course so we’ll be staying focused; Charlotte is also going to defend her individual Gold so it’ll be one to watch.

RIO OLYMPICS 2016 August 2016

Beezie Madden 24

Team USA Double Gold (2004 & 2008) Medal Winning Showjumper Beezie also won Individual Bronze in 2008 and was the first woman to pass the $1million earning mark for showjumping which she accomplished in 2004.

Ruy Fonseca

Team BRA (2012) Team Brazil Olympic Eventing Rider

BEEZIE’S ANSWER 1: Athens, it has to be Athens when I jumped the second round clear and it got us into the Team jump off for the Gold Medal. It was the most amazing moment that fully met my expectations in the Olympics. BEEZIE’S ANSWER 2: Heading to Rio I’m most looking forward to the team experience, it’ll be such a positive experience with a great team. I can’t wait! RUY’S ANSWER 1: I have two moments really, it was hard to see a our greatest rider all time, Rodrigo Pessoa, losing gold medal on the final day of showjumping with two fences in hand riding Baloubet De Rouet at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. But it was amazing to see same combination winning a gold medal four years later in Athens, they truly deserved it. RUY’S ANSWER 2: Since Rio was chosen as the hosts of the 2016 Olympic Games seven years ago I told myself that is the one. I’m looking forward to representing my country as best as I can in front of my home public and who knows, winning medals, it’s all about the details and I’m ready to try together with the best horse of my career Tom Bombadill Too.

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August 2016

Tim Price Team NZL (2016) Travelling Reserve

Jonelle Price

Team NZL (2012) Bronze Medal Winner TIM’S ANSWER 1: From my perspective and as the travelling reserve, I’m excited as it sounds like I’ll get most of the perks as the other team members! I get to stay in the Olympic Village, get full accreditation and full uniform!

JONELLE’S ANSWER 1: Naturally delighted to be representing New Zealand at my second Olympics. For me the Olympics is truly special all round, it is the pinnacle of any athletes career.

TIM’S ANSWER 2: I’m also excited to be a part of a team that I think could achieve big things in Rio. First job is having the horses arrive healthy and in top form and the rest is easy.

JONELLE’S ANSWER 2: Rio promises to be an exciting and vibrant games and I am hopeful that Faerie Dianimo can foot it with the best out there.

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TIM LIPS – TICKET TO RIO August 2016

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I’ve been super busy again this past month, especially the last week with competitions and all of the preparations for Rio. It is now very close and approaching quickly. A little gas, to steam ahead, and then the chaos begins

es, it’s fair to say it has been pretty tough lately! For Bayro, it was a heavy training period. We have been to jump CSI Twente in Geesteren, purely for exercise. We had two flaws, but it was actually quite instructive and Bayro is sharper for the experience, so not all bad. I was really pleased with him, like always. On Wednesday I went to the official presentation of the Dutch team of NOC* NSF in the Kurhaus in Scheveningen. It was nice to see almost all of the athletes together and the moment we gathered the platform all together to take a picture was pretty special. It felt a bit like the beginning of the Games. A kind of green light, all systems go!

“We have our homework for the next few weeks” Yesterday I got up before dawn to ensure I was up very early at the National Championships in Dressage Ermelo to ride my test. My instructor, Nicole Werner, was there to help me actually in the ring because I was listening to her comments. I am delighted the eventers were given the opportunity to practice a phase of the games in that way. We even took the time to plait up our horses to let the horses think it was ‘real’. It was top, Nicole still had many tips for me between the paces and we can be even better, I’m sure. We now have our homework for the next few weeks.

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August 2016

TIM LIPS – TICKET TO RIO

EVERYONE IS JUMPING IN TO HELP EACH OTHER WITH THE LOGISTICS OF SUCH A LARGE-SCALE MOVE

From Ermelo I jumped in the car with my dad and Alice Naber to quickly travel to CHIO Aachen, one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. My girlfriend Emma brought Bayro home, so he has a few days, which are a little quieter. So I went to Germany to start the competition with Keyflow. At least that was the intention, but unfortunately turned out upon our arrival that he was lame. It would have been nice for my rhythm and I could do with it, but it is not in there and of course his wellbeing is the most important thing. Well on the Saturday I did the relay test with Balou. It was full of laughter; it’s a show down with teams consisting of a driver, an eventer and two jumpers. After the weekend I went straight to Amerongen, where we spent two weeks in a kind of quarantine with the whole team. The horses can no longer

travel from fourteen days before their departure so they have been carefully looked after also. My groom took Keyflow from Aachen and my mother had already moved Bayro. Everyone is jumping in to help each other with the logistics of such a largescale move but then there is finally a little peace.

“Everyone is jumping in to help one another” It has been lovely to focus myself entirely on Bayro and Keyflow and have no distraction from the other horses, to have shows or competitions. Besides the training competitions we have made sustained gallop workouts, so Bayro could use some relaxation. This remains a difficult balance: good exercise without overtraining. Everything must be just so, so that you can find peaks in Rio in that one moment. Oh it’s so hard, so complex… But, I have the best trainers and coaches, so it should be okay. On to Rio, we made it! ■

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HOOKED ON DODGING DUSTING August 2016

Simon The Shetland

Q. Who are you and what do you do? A. Hello. I’m Sammie. I am a 26-yearold artisan known as ‘Hooked On Dodging Dusting’ across social media and ‘HoDDminiatures’ on etsy. I specialise in making miniature plush animals, mystical creatures and pet representations. Q. What started you off making miniatures? A. I started making miniatures when a couple of friends asked how small I could work as they required teddies for their own creations- dolls houses and polymer-clay babies and I loved it so, here I am! Q. How long does the average make take? A. There isn’t really an average as I try to suit all budgets but the longest I’ve worked on a single item I offer for recreation is 18 hours Q. Is there any animal you haven’t tried yet? A. Yes. I have a huge list of animals I haven’t made but would love to. I have made over 80 animals so far but that number doesn’t include different breeds or the zombie and rainbow variants I offer. Q. How long did Simon take to make? What was involved? Simon was created from raw materials to final photographs in five hours but Simon was a special order because

I had no reference and he required some extra work. To make Simon I had to source stock images and mix the references to create a unique item. I draw every animal before making it 3D. It’s like a body map so I can work out where markings go and also helps me visualise the creative process before starting because every item is made as I go. He is made with a crochet base, which has multiple techniques and mediums applied. Q. What are you currently working on now? A. I tend to work on a few pieces at once. At the moment I have a Giraffe, two dogs and one of my toadstool friends on my desk. Q. Can you really make a likeness of any horse? No matter the breed or type? A. I would like to think I could. I am always challenging myself and being challenged with custom orders, Simon was only my second horse representation. Q. How do we order from you? A. Custom orders such as pet representations are taken through my Facebook page. I have my Etsy store for popular made to order items and ready-made items.  www.facebook.com/hookedondodgingdusting www.instagram.com/hookedondodgingdusting/ www.hoddminiatures.etsy.com

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August 2016

THE FIGHT AGAINST MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION

Hygienic Feed Management to Reduce Mycotoxin Contamination Animal nutrition company, Alltech® are leading the way in the research of mycotoxins. Here they explain why good hygiene is so important. Mycotoxins are produced by some types of mould growth under certain conditions and can occur in growing, harvested or stored cereal and forage crops. One of the key difficulties in identifying risk is that mycotoxins can be present without the presence of mould. Equally, not all mould growth indicates the presence of mycotoxins. Feed mills and producers have a responsibility to ensure the feed you buy is free from contamination and fit for consumption by the animal. Cereals commonly used in feed manufacture are routinely tested for certain mycotoxins and, if levels are sufficient, the sample or batch is rejected. However, horse owners can also help in the fight against mycotoxin contamination by controlling the storage and feeding of forage, cereals and bedding. By following some simple steps horse owners can develop their own ‘risk assessment’. Key areas to think about when trying to reduce contamination are: FEED:  Check hay and haylage, as well as bedding material for moulds and mycotoxins – this can be a visual check and/or laboratory test.  Offer only fresh feed.  Store feed and forage in dry, cool conditions.  Use haylage within 2-3 days of opening.  Check temperature of haylage – hot haylage indicates the presence of yeasts and moulds. You can do this with either a temperature probe or by sticking your hand into the bale, it should feel cool.  Avoid soaking hay for prolonged periods. WATER:  Clean water buckets/troughs/utensils regularly.  Check for signs of mould etc and remove.  Check for contamination of other contaminants e.g. heavy metals. EQUIPMENT:  Clean and wash out feed bins between batches and feed

Wash feed buckets regularly to reduce the risk of potential exposure to mycotoxins buckets after each use – ensure they are dry before storage and their next use.  Store feed in a dry, well-ventilated area.  Keep all additional feeding equipment, such as scoops and mixing spoons clean.  Address the risk of rodents/pests including birds. ENVIRONMENT:  Check the ventilation in stables and barns – cobwebs are a good indicator that there is no air movement in that area.  Check moisture levels in feed storage areas.  Check for the presence of moulds, particularly on wooden structures.  Disinfect feed rooms regularly.  Avoid over-grazing pastures. Creating a checklist or flow cart that is kept on the yard and that everyone understands is an excellent way to help reduce the risk of a potential mycotoxin problem. Useful tools to have include a torch, disposable gloves, disinfectant and ziplock bags for any samples. Overall, keeping equipment clean and ensuring storage conditions are well-ventilated, dry and cool will go a long way to reducing the exposure of horses to mycotoxins. Mycosorb A+® from Alltech is the next generation of mycotoxin binders, offering superior binding capabilities, a broader adsorption profile and increased efficacy, reducing mycotoxin adsorption within the horse, thereby negating the damaging effects of mycotoxins on its health. The unique technology behind Mycosorb A+ makes it the most advanced mycotoxin binder on the market, offering many advantages over the alternative clay binders, which have been known to remove key nutrients from the diet.  For further information on managing the threat from mycotoxins, please visit www.knowmycotoxins.com or call 01780 764512 today

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DRESSAGE TIPS FROM LUKE BABER-DAVIES August 2016 Team LBD Dressage home of international rider and trainer Luke Baber-Davies will be helping you by providing some dressage and schooling tips. During the next few editions we will be covering off a series of lateral work exercises with some great tips to improve what you are doing.

Luke Baber-Davies

Team LBD Dressage International Dressage Rider and Trainer

Horses are athletes too so we like to use lateral work when we are exercising our horses. Lateral work helps to keep them soft and supple through the body and we will first look at the leg yield. Leg yield is when your horse steps forward and sideways crossing the fore leg in front of the other and the hind leg in front of the other also, the horse will also show slight poll flexion away from the direction of travel (see diagram). Leg yields are a very useful exercise for developing suppleness, softness and helping you with the connection form the inside leg ot the outside rein.

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Line up, line up…

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Use your legs as aids Use your inside leg just behind the girth to ask your horse to step over using your outside leg and rein to stop the horse from rushing or falling out of the outline.

Take your time When you are first starting out, just ask for a couple of steps and build up only when your horse is responding positively and moving well laterally.

Choose the line of your leg yield – it is best to pick the either the centre or ¾ line.

Half Halt Before you ask your horse to leg yield remember to ask for a half halt (block the outside rein for a second or so), this will ensure your horse is listening, avoid any rushing and stop them from anticipating the movement so that you can maintain a steady, balanced and controlled rhythm.

Light inside, steady outside rein When in leg yield keep a slight inside flexion with a lighter inside rein but keep a steady contact on the outside rein whilst putting your weight down into the outside of your seat bone.

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August 2016

DRESSAGE TIPS FROM LUKE BABER-DAVIES

Stay balanced Try not to tip your body to either side of the horse and sit up straight, look straight ahead and keep your balance.

BUILD UP ONLY WHEN YOUR HORSE IS RESPONDING POSITIVELY AND MOVING WELL LATERALLY

Pick a pace Try leg yielding in canter as well as some find this easier than doing it in trot.

Make it more advanced Once your horse understands the concept of moving away from your leg you can move on and start asking for the leg yield heading down the track with the quarters to the inside which can really help loosen through the horse’s back as well as helping the transition into the lateral movements.

Use both reins Just like all other exercises its important to ensure you ride both reins evenly and not to stick with the horse’s best rein.

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Seek help If in doubt or if you are struggling with a particular movement speak to your trainer as they will be able to quickly get you back on track without souring the relationship between you and your horse.

Praise, glorious praise Remember to praise your horse – a happy horse is far easier to train.

Have a specific question or what us to cover a particular subject? Just use #AskTeamLBD and we will do our best to feature your request! You can also head over to Facebook to follow us or visit our website at www.team-lbd.co.uk. ■ l editor@inthestirrups.com l www.inthestirrups.com l www.facebook.com/inthestirrupsonline