In the Stirrups - Janaury 2016 by In the Stirrups

In the Stirrups JANUARY 2016

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND DUTCH STAR TIM LIPS

Being away from home, Rio 2016 and tips for riders

● 6 TIPS FOR REGAINING CONFIDENCE AFTER A FALL ● PERIDONTIS: WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT IT IS

Sponsorship 101: Tips to plan and secure sponsors

Olympia: The ins, outs, up and overs!

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For the In the Stirrups Polo see Page 37

INSIDE THIS MONTHS ISSUE

WELCOMEâ&#x20AC;Ś I hope you all enjoyed a lovely festive period and

Feature

Page Number

havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suffered to much in the rain. December brought us an action packed Olympia as well as

5 Minutes with: Hannah Coleman

the World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses

recognising the very best examples in our sports. New Year has brought us a blank canvas to work

WBFSH: Awards for outstanding breeding

upon and set new goals for you and your horse

this year - from competing to just spending more time together, I hope you all succeed in your

Scott Brash: Life on top

Meet the team: Tim Lips

goals. We speak this month to Scott Brash who finished as World Number One when the year ended and is a fabulous example of hard work and horsemanship paying

Tried and Tested: Cush Gel Grip Whip

off.

whatever

So your

target, stay focus but

Olympia 2015

most

importantly, enjoy yourself! Natasha

Rolex Grand Slam Jumping

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 13

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Manz

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 23

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 29

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 5

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.

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 16

See Page 35

See Page 11

See Page 22

Olympia:

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Photography team:

Marc Moggridge

Rose Lewis

Ben Clark

CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE

Losing “your nerve” after a fall – even if you haven’t been hurt – is not uncommon in horse riding. Your mind is a powerful tool that can work for you or against you. Much of what goes on in our minds happens unconsciously. Here are some quick tips to help get you back on track.

1) How you are feeling is perfectly normal. Even if you haven’t been injured, a fall from your horse or a close call can cause mental trauma. Your brain is programmed to make connections between places or situations and potential danger to your safety. Hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol) are automatically released that prepare you for flight or fight by causing physical changes in your body - increased heart rate, shallow breathing and tense muscles. This chain of physical and emotional symptoms is triggered automatically and unconsciously.

2) Calm your mind with changing your breathing. Changing your breathing is the fastest way to help you to feel more calm and confident. It helps your mind to slow down and relax. When you are in a relaxed state you’re better able to see things as they really are because you’re not experiencing the cluttered thinking caused by your emotions. You can do this before you ride, while you are riding and anytime you recognize the first symptom of fear. Take long, slow, deep breaths using your diaphragm. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Feel your belly expand on the inhale and collapse on the exhale.

CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE

3) Release tension from your body. Stiff muscles and joints not only affect your balance, suppleness and confidence, it also affects your horse. Whenever you are nervous, anxious or fearful, you will hold tension somewhere in your body. It may be in your shoulders and neck, hips, arms, even your toes. Pay attention to where tension creeps in. Then let it go by breathing deeply and releasing on every exhale.

4) Change the pictures you see in your mind. Visualization is a proven technique used successfully by elite athletes to improve their skills and confidence. Your mind can’t tell the difference between a real or an imagined event. When you mentally replay mistakes you’ve made or situations that you imagine might happen, your mind believes you. Replace that negative mental video that focuses on the possible catastrophic outcome with a positive one that focuses on the outcome you want. Your mind believes you either way.

6) Slowly expand your comfort zone. Start and end your ride where you are most comfortable. Move out of your comfort zone avoid gradually and notice your breathing, tension and thoughts. If your stress increases to the point where you can’t manage any of these 3 areas, go back to your comfort zone until you are calm again.

“As you repeat this process, over time the ‘scary’ place will feel more comfortable.” - Anne

5) Mind your self-talk. The ‘audio’ you play in your head has the same affect as the ‘video’. But, positive self talk is more than ‘positive thinking’. Instead of focusing on the problem and what isn’t working, ask questions that gets your brain looking for solutions.

5 MINUTES WITH: HANNAH COLEMAN

What do you find is the most rewarding part of your job? When our horses win! Everything goes into them winning, from preparation, routine, training, everything so it really is a fantastic moment. Also watching young horses come through training and progress, for example My Lady What has been the highlight came to us at 7 years old, she was a of 2015 for you? bit crazy, well she’s a little crazy but Oh it’s definitely got to be the she’s doing great and it makes you Grand Slam overall! Aachen really proud to be a part of that. was amazing, the whole expeSo to counterbalance the last quesrience but also Miami sticks tion, what’s the most challenging out because it was the first part of your job? year it was held on the beach. I think it’s when there is a show It was awesome. every week. I’m lucky because we fly to a lot of shows, I now can’t be What does your daily rouat every single one so I get a few tine consist of? days break. When there were less At home we start at about ‘Fly to’ shows it was harder because 7:30am, giving the horses their breakfast and much out around 7:45-8am. Then you were bouncing to each one all the time, now it’s we head inside for our breakfast at 9am before Scott less strenuous. exercises the horses, either riding or hacking out. We have lunch between 12-1pm before the horses go out How do you cope with being away from home so to the fields, if it’s too wet they will be walked out for much? grass usually twice a day. They will have a feed at I don’t mind it at all, it’s not a problem for me. If 4/5pm and then usual checks done at night. When we anything I feel a bit cooped up when I’m at home for are at a show we are often up at ridiculous times, in too long! fact when we’re away it’s rare we don’t see the hours on the clock twice in a day! We try to keep the feed Do you have a favourite show? times the same and they are worked before being fed. All of the shows inn America are always good, Miami Our main goal is to keep as much routine as possible had the stables on the beach and Los Angeles the stables were in a building but in the middle of LA really. which was a cool experience. The city shows are good How long have you been a groom and had an too, like Paris! interest in horses for? I’ve always loved horses from a young age and I’ve What are your goals for 2016? always wanted to travel so my job is perfect! I’ve been For me, I always said I wanted to do all the 4 year grooming for 8 years and been at 5* shows for three championships; I’ve done 3 so it’s only the Olympics left. So Rio 2016 is a big aim for me as well as Scott! or four years now. Also we have young horses to bring on this year so it’s not just about Rio. 2016 will be as busy as ever. In the Stirrups caught up with Hannah Coleman, groom to World Number One in Showjumping, Scott Brash. After a busy year we asked her what the highlights have been and how she copes with such a full on lifestyle.

O U T S TA N D I N G E X A M P L E S O F B R E E D I N G H ON OU R E D BY W B F S H I N G E N E VA

The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses has held the annual award ceremony in cooperation with their sponsor Rolex in Geneva to honour and celebrate the leading breeders The world's leading breeders gathered in the city of Geneva Saturday night to be honoured for their extraordinary breeding products. The winners of the WBFSH Rolex Breeder Rankings in dressage, show jumping and eventing received their WBFSH diplomas presented by Jan Pedersen, president of the WBFSH, and an exquisite Rolex watch presented by Laurent Delanney of Rolex. Dutch breeders Martje and Joop Hanse won the dressage prize for the third consecutive year whilst Belgian breeder Willy Taets won the show jumping prize for the second year in a row. The winners were:

Credit: Ridehesten.com

Martje and Joop Hanse, the Netherlands for breeding the No. 1 dressage horse Valegro by Negro/Gerswin

From the very beginning Valegro was a star, winning national championships as a four-, five- and six-year-old on his way to a triumphant London 2012 Olympic Games. Following the Games it was rumoured that Valegro would be sold, but the two owners, Carl Hester and Roly Luard, subsequently assured the world that Valegro would finish his competition career with Charlotte Dujardin, and also that he had a home for life. Willy Taets, Belgium for breeding the No. 1 show jumping horse Hello Sanctos by Quasimodo vd Molendreef/Nabab de Reve As a member of the British showjumping team, Hello Sanctos and Scott Brash (GBR) won team gold and fifth place individually at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Rolex representative Laurent Delanney, Willy Taets, his daughter Lieve and sBs president Marc Pierson.Credit: Ridehesten.com and one year later at the European championships in Herning (DEN) again claimed team gold, plus an individual bronze medal. In September 2015, Hello Sanctos wrote himself into the history books when he carried Scott Brash to victory in the CP International Grand Prix presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, and in so doing became the first winners of the Rolex Grand Slam, following their victories in Geneva (December 2014) and Aachen (May 2015). Rolf Lück, Germany for breeding the No. 1 eventing horse Horseware Hale Bob by Ituango xx/Carismo

Credit: Ridehesten.com

The 2014-2015 season started brilliantly for Horseware Hale Bob when he won the Pau CCI4* in France – only his second CCI4* level event. He also had podium places at Luhmühlen CIC2*, Badminton CCI4*, Luhmühlen CIC3* and Aachen CICO3*. Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob this year also finished second in the German eventing championships held in Luhmühlen.

Scott Brash jumping Hello Santos. Photo Credit: Ridehesten.com

RIDING HIGH: SCOTT BRASH AT THE TOP After finishing 2015 as World Number One in Showjumping, we spoke to Scott Brash, asking what he loves most about his job, how he feels about Rio 2016 and the spur controversy at Olympia. What moment of 2015 stands out to you? It would have to be the Rolex Grand Slam. It was amazing and it really stands out above everything else. Day to Day, what is your routine? I don’t really have a routine, it’s a bit erratic. I’m always doing something different each day, preparing to fly to different shows and things like that. It keeps me busy but it’s never the same. How many weeks of the year are you away from home? Do you find that difficult? That’s a good question, probably 45-48 weeks of the year are spent away from home. I don’t mind it, I like

being away, I’m the type of person who would get bored in an office job. It does get tiring but you get used to it, it’s part of my life and part of my job so I really don’t mind it. If you could give one tip to aspiring riders, what would it be? It has to be ‘Never give up’, follow your dreams. Keep your head down, when you’re younger and you’re working hard but don’t seem to be getting anywhere it’s easy to think you don’t have enough money to reach your goals, you’re too tired and things like that, don’t give up on it. You need to keep going, I know many successful business people who all started with nothing so just don’t quit!

Scott Brash

With the Olympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro, just around the corner, how are you feeling?

we have to have welfare rules and checks in place but within reason.

I’m looking forward to it, we’re in a good position. I have 2, maybe 3 horses to choose from and Rio is definitely on my mind. We’re are looking good.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

You were at Olympia last month, what was the best part for you? The World Cup was good, I finished fourth and was really pleased with how my horse, Hello M’Lady, jumped. It’s a nice show and it’s always great to ride in front of a home crowd – that’s always great! What are your feelings regarding the Bertram Allen spur Controversy at Olympia? I felt it was wrong, I saw the horse and I feel the rules need reviewing. I know Bertram really well and he didn’t go in to spur the horse, he’s such a nice guy. He came out with a touch of a spur mark, behind where spurs would usually touch – I’m guessing he slipped his leg back and the skin there wasn’t used to contact. When the horse came out it looked happy to have jumped a clear round, didn’t have its ears pinned back or show any signs of being unhappy. I think it was the wrong decision, don’t get me wrong I think

Just getting to work with great horses on a daily basis, I really enjoying seeing them progress. It’s really satisfying teaching horses and bringing them on. The feeling of winning is also great, winning a Grand Prix class, it’s the sort of feeling that money can’t buy. It’s amazing! What do you find the most challenging about your job? It’s probably the logistics, getting to different venues and shows each week. A lot of hard work goes into it all and it’s not just me – the whole team has to work hard ensuring paperwork and other important things are ready. Really it’s all part of the job so I still love doing it, it’s no hardship! Do you have a New Year’s Resolution 2016? Errrm No… not really. It should probably be to eat less biscuits but I know I’ll break it so I just wont bother!

The What, Where and How to getting on the sponsorship ladder

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 Chris Baber-Davis of EQ-PR explaining how you can always ensure your marketing & PR are tiptop! After the success of our last issue we thought it best to follow on from last month and cover off each of the crucial steps that you should follow in order to bag that crucial sponsor: 1. Get organised! Ensure that all of your social media accounts are performing well and getting a good level of engagement, it is worth spending time beforehand increasing followers or running competitions to increase the number if people that interact with your page. You also want to ensure that your blog or website is also up to date and showing your full potential to your possible new sponsors. 2. Create your wish list, this step is crucial and well worth spending the time to get it right. Come up with a list of 10 potential sponsors! These sponsors should be current suppliers as they will check their database and they will probably bin your application if you have never placed an order. If the sponsor is a brand or sold through multiple distribution channels (lots of different shops or websites sell it) then you might want to think about getting some photographs showing how much you love their products. 3. Get personal, do not just write to “The Director”, “The Manager” or “The Owner” as your request

will probably just end up in the recycling bin! There are lots of websites that allow you to check company information so just a simple search on the internet would tell you who the director is by name and make your request personal to them. The government also allow you to search for a company by using their online tool. 4. Decide on your approach, this is the chance for you to shine so be creative, be different and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd. There are hundreds of people asking the same company for sponsorship every year so it is important to get creative. 95% of people seeking sponsorship do so by sending a plain email with no photographs to the potential sponsor and many fail to even get a response. Just put yourself in their shoes and think about what would make you respond to someone. 5. What media will you use? You might want to make a small investment and get some professional help here to design and print your collaterals to help bolster your offering. Think outside the box and you will be sure to succeed! You could put together a sponsorship brochure which would introduce you and easily display the ways in which you could help promote their brand in return for sponsorship. You might also want to think about a A4 leaflet or flyer too which would help describe and promote your offering. You might also choose to put on your director hat and make a short video to introduce you and this way the potential sponsor will get to know you a little better too! Whichever the approach it is all about standing out, evoking emotion and getting your sponsor to bite! 6. Create a checklist, now we know who we are going to target, how we are going to target them and what we are going to use! You must now come up with a checklist and way of recording

what you have done on what date to help with following up your requests. 7. Crunch time! I would recommend picking your top three potential sponsors and approaching those first! You do not want to do a mass mail as you simply will not have sufficient time to follow these up. You might want to pick three sponsors for three different types of product at first then in the second wave you can have a far more targeted approach. If you are using a brochure or flyer I would recommend a snappy and gripping cover letter and try to include a photograph of you and the product you are seeking sponsorship for. For those choosing to go down the video route you might want to think about emailing the contact directly as the link can be embedded within the email versus them having to try to retype the long URL from a letter. 8. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a waiting game, out of all sponsorship requests that we have created or sent on behalf of our clients - over 80% respond to our request, 20% agreed to sponsor just off the back of our

request and 60% agree to discussing next steps or to schedule a date to come and meet the rider! Compare that to the usual 95% of people who just send a boring letter or email at least 90% of those requests are ignored. 9. Next steps, hopefully your new potential sponsor will have jumped at the chance of coming on board and your approach has grabbed their attention so they get in touch with you! Businesses are busy so if they do not reply I would simply follow them up as they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t said no! I would give it 2 weeks before making a phone call to enquire whether they had received the sponsorship pack you sent. You could also send them an email to follow up but we recommend using a alternative method to follow up to that that you chose initially. You can then think about repeating the process to approach other sponsors in similar sized batches. 10. Keep them happy, you have promised to do certain things for a sponsor so make sure that you manage their expectations and do as you promised. This will help to keep them happy and keep the relationship strong which will lead to greater opportunities in the future.

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

Be Original in your approach!

TICKET TO RIO: TIM LIPS The best team any person could hope for.. I have, over the years, gathered a great team around me. Each team member plays, in his or her own way, a large part in my success. I imagine they are very proud of that, as I am proud of them.

part of our sport which I feel lucky to have. My mother and sister are not working for us, but have been supporting me for years whenever necessary. My mom has been with me for years as a groom and also during the London Olympics, she was there with me, she and my sister will still jump to it if necessary! My mother does not ride anymore, but she still lunges the horses as well as accompanying new grooms, teaching and explaining everything to them. My sister supports us whenever possible. She has a full-time job, but when we are away at competitions, she rides in her spare time sometimes rearranging her plans to ensure she can help us out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for that I am grateful.

The first person I must mention is my girlfriend, Emma, who works very hard at our stables. If you want business, you'll need to put a lot of effort into the sport and for the people who are close to you is not always easy. Training weekends, large amounts of travelling for competitions, long hours, you name it... none of this makes a relationship any easier! Fortunately, they all understand what importance the sport has to me and us Besides my family, my team at the as a team and never fail to support Tim and Emma stable is indispensable. Unfortunately, I do me. I can talk to her and when necessary she always keeps me grounded and level head- not have the time to train and care for all of my ed. I have occasionally needed a moment to horses, so my groom Klara handles all of my take a good reflection. At the same time, she sport horses and always goes with them to interhelps me to relax, to unwind and take a moment national competitions. For competitions the stable team are responsible for the for myself, beside the sport not preparation and the packing of leaving much time for other things, everything before we leave! At first I think it's very important that I can I found this quite difficult, I am very let go and relax with Emma. meticulous and found it so difficult to let go, but she has helped out all Family is obviously very important season and done a fantastic job. for an athlete anyway, but it is The horses always look gorgeous especially important for me. My and she has the same drive as me, father Martin Lips, is essential for namely to put a top performance in me as a coach as well as a father. Rio so I feel assured I can let her Besides being the Dutch eventing handle things! team coach, he also has so much to teach us. What I find very imporBesides my groom we also have tant is that he has always let me go several stable riders around. It is my own way, he has let me make obviously crucial that all of my my own mistakes so that I would horses receive proper training, learn from it. But on the other even if I am not home, for example hand, I can always turn to him for because of a competition. That is advice, even when it comes to why, this summer, Francois startbusiness. That is also an important Tim and his mother Annette ed with us. He is a French event-

Foundation 2016

Tim with his Father Martin

JiangSu Team

ing rider who rides all of the younger horses and when I am away from home, he rides the older horses too. This is to ensure that all horses can develop well and consistently. He has done a course in Samur, one of the best courses for riders in France. He also rides at a high level and participates in international competitions, so I am very pleased that he has come to join our team.

much as possible so they can do great at the China Games. Not only in the stable, but also at competitions I am extensively supported. When with the Dutch team we have Rob Ehrens for jumping, Dressage with Wim Ernes and my father Martin for the cross country. As a team we can be very pleased that we get guidance from these three great specialists!

Evelien Hammers has four ON H During competitions, veterinary horses in our stables, I have T A R A S Dr. Welling responsible for vetguided her, but with her "A M ER RUN erinary supervision, he overgroom Elenore, they are reN RUN GOOD E sees the welfare of all horses. ally part of the team. We S N O In addition, I ensure a check is train and compete in the HOR A ; done on all of the horses once same competitions lot toS E O H a quarter, by a private veterigether. S IS NO NT" narian. Gerrie de Krom and LeAt the stables, Johan is our E R E on Leuster, our farriers, are of handyman. Anything not diDIFF very great importantance. A mararectly related to horses, rethon runner runs on good shoes, a quires Johan! He takes care of all horse no different! These men both dethe important peripheral issues so liver masterpieces and ensure that the horses that we can focus fully on the horses and their care, which is very nice! He is the silent can perform at their best. strength in our stables which ensures that everyThe sponsors and the board of my foundation thing goes smoothly and we are thankful. In addition to the staff, I have to mention a are really part of the team, without their support, particular group at the stable... The team from I could not be at this level of elite sport. They the Chinese province of Jiangsu who are prepar- think proactively with us and often provide other ing us for the Chinese Games. We exchange insights which prove very useful in solving probknowledge with each other and try to assist as lems. To me, they are just as much a part of

TICKET TO RIO: TIM LIPS

Team Lips. Be it groom, owner, financial support, rider or family, they all form part of one team with the goal to follow the Road to Rio 2016!

Francois, rider.

Rianne, left.

Someone who might be less known to the public is Rianne. Behind the scenes, she is busy 24/7 with my administration, communication and events for sponsors. She also maintains contacts and contracts with sponsors and all sorts of other tasks. Around competitions she regulates the applications of health and transport papers for the horses. Over the years she has become indispensable to me and she is always there for me, I would be lost without her! Besides Rianne I have three other leaders who guide me personally. Robert van der Sluis is my physiotherapist and always makes sure I'm fit as a fiddle. Heidi Stiegelis accompanies me as a mental coach and helps me perform more consistently. Additionally, Elly Hardenberg is my dietician, she makes sure that I get proper nutrition so that I can perform at my

best. I also wear a movement monitor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it provides data to analyse and on that data they give me additional advice. The sport runs the difference between a good and bad performance for percentagesâ&#x20AC;Ś and similarly for me, it means I can make the most of my career. I myself, do not sit still and do I EG management and finance. But I try above all to focus on riding and also to stay motivated, to ensure I perform optimally in all areas. I've never been so pleased for our team as I am now, so I am looking forward to working with this team on the Road to Rio! Incidentally, I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mentioned all of the people in this piece that support me on my Road to Rio, including my fans that I follow closely through my website and social media. I am very grateful to all of you and hope with your support we will put in a superb performance in Rio!

Rio is in sight! Have a great 2016 from Team Lips!

Happy Mouth + Happy Horse + Happy Owner = Happy New Year! Periodontal disease (Peridontitis) is probably the single greatest cause of premature tooth loss in adult horses. Around 60% of horses over the age of 15 will have some degree of periodontal disease, which if left untreated, could culminate in tooth loss. During my recent visits to clients I have seen a large amount of periodontal disease and it is because of this I have decided to explain it to you today. Peridontitis is a painful condition that damages the gums, the cementum, gingiva, and periodontal ligaments. The periodontal ligament and supporting tissues can cope with normal masticatory (chewing) forces, however excessive forces can overload the support system to the tooth, weakening the periodontal attachment causing the beginnings of inflammation and degeneration. It can eventually result in the tooth loosening completely and falling out. When inflammation is not too advanced, the periodontitis can disappear by removing the cause, however in well advanced periodontitis, extraction of the tooth is sometimes unavoidable.

Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien: Equine Dental Technicion

So what are the symptoms and causes of periodontitis and what can you and your dental technician do to alleviate the problems? A diastema is a narrow opening between two molars that should normally fit neatly together. Food can be forced up between the teeth while the horse is chewing. Humans can

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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Equine Unityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 Periodontal Pocket in a young horse

Severe periodontal pocketing of food caused by cheek teeth diastemata.

A diastema with a periodontal pocket, which has already been cleaned of accumulated feed material.

remove this food with either their tongue or by flossing, however a horse cannot and therefore suffers continuous discomfort and pain in the gums underneath. Food stuck between the teeth is a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply; which then causes inflammation at the edge of the gum that can affect the outside of the tooth and cause periodontitis. This in turn leads to periodontal pocket formation and Gingivitis (inflammation of the gingiva). This may be located to a single tooth or series of teeth or even an entire arcade. External signs of periodontitis include abnormal mastication (chewing), halitosis (bad smell), hyper salivation and loss of body condition. Quidding may also be an obvious and well recognized sign; food falls from the mouth due to pain caused by extra pressure on the gums from chewing. As we talked about last month, chronic pain can result in a change of behavior or problems when being ridden or handled. However, horses may show no signs at all, so proper diagnosis requires careful examination using a speculum, a good light source and a dental probe. Treatment consists of removing the wedged food with long forceps and cleaning the space between the teeth with water and/or air pressure. This however is usually a temporary solution and it is often a good idea to exchange hay or dry feed for softer grass or watered down feed. Periodontitis and subsequent tooth loss can be minimized or prevented by regular treatment by a qualified Equine Dental Technician. In severe cases your EDT may work in conjunction with your vet to aid your horse and a more permanent solution may be sought. Happy Mouth, Happy Horse, Happy Owner and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

FASHION What to buy, where to buy for you, your horse and pets!

This cute knitted sweater from Pink Whiskers brings a touch of Nordic glamour and warmth to your dog’s winter wardrobe. The Nordic Style Wool Sweater is woven in natural wool, which allows your dog’s skin to breath, whatever the weather and features a gorgeous Nordic design throughout in Slate Grey and Ecru. A cute jumper that you will be wishing came in human sizing! Sizes: XS - XL RRP: £18.00 www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk

FASHION SHIRTS WITH STYLE This long sleeve striped shirt is Freddie Parker graphic print. A styled in 100% poplin striped gorgeous shirt for this season cotton and features a classic cut which looks great whatever your and some gorgeous design de- occasion and with the new womtails. Proudly displaying the en’s collection also available: his Freddie Parker signature em- and her equals super stylish! broidered motif on the chest, the Sizes S -XXL Available in Dark Freddie Parker Epsom Shirt lin- Blue, Light Blue and Lilac ing of the retro short button Freddie Parker Epsom Shirt down collar, placket and inside RRP: £79.00 of the cuffs also feature the www.freddieparker.com

SADDLE UP! The Childéric FXL Double Flap Jump/GP Saddle incorporates Childéric’s unique tree technology, which allows the horse greater freedom of movement, thanks to it’s anatomically shaped panels and carefully positioned points. The further set back points coupled with the tree work together to allow the horse to move through it’s shoulder to ensure that the horse’s stride is never compromised in-between or over jumps. The Childéric FXL Double Flap Jump/GP Saddle for a bespoke saddle that ‘jumps out at you’ for all the right reasons! Available in seat sizes 16 -19”. Tree Widths: Medium & Wide +. Colours: Black, Master & Irish. Leathers: Grain, Calf, Or Buffalo . Also available in single flap. RRP: Prices start at £3,400 www.childericsaddles.co.uk

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Ariat have got it in the bag!

Whether travelling to an equestrian event, transporting essentials on a weekend away in the countryside, or heading off near or far on a holiday, the new Luggage collection from Ariat makes light of staying organised! With a solution to every packing problem, Ariat’s Luggage collection has been designed to be smart looking, yet practical, and is made from a durable nylon outer that features leather trims and a beautiful branded lining for classic, yet modern styling. The equine enthusiast will adore the Hard Hat Bag and Tall Boot Bag – both of which provide the perfect housing for horse riding equipment. The Hard Hat Bag features an extra pocket with a simple magnetic closure for easy access to essentials such as hairnets, hair bands and other equestrian must haves. Meanwhile, the Tall Boot Bag incorporates brass ventilation detailing to allow riding boots to breathe, as well as an inner divider to separate footwear and help keep it in tip top condition. The Hard Hat Bag and Tall Boot Bag are both available in navy

only and have an RRP of £39.99 (Hat Bag) and £59.99 (Boot Bag). For people on the go, Ariat’s Luggage collection has a number of styles to meet varying requirements. The Tote and Weekender both present the perfect accessory to pack for work days, mini-breaks and holidays – with plenty of pockets to house such items as laptops, mobile phones, clothing, toiletries, paperwork and other essentials. Both items of luggage feature an over the shoulder holder strap, zipper puller, magnetic closures on the extra large pockets and leather for a classic and traditional appearance. For the active enthusiast, the Backpack provides all of the same features as the Tote and Weekender, plus a quilted rear panel for comfort on the back and padded, adjustable shoulder straps to help provide the perfect packing solution for work or play! The Backpack, Tote and Weekender are available in navy or olive. RRP £44.99 for the Backpack, £64.99 for the Tote and £79.99 for the Weekender.

FASHION IT’S SHOWTIME Tuffa’s Showtime Boots have part.”says Michelle Girling from won fans from all different eques- Tuffa Footwear. Showtime Boots trian sports with the most recent are made from soft Italian leathgroup to embrace the boots’ ele- er, have a contoured fit and have gant design and traditional style garter straps, full length rear YKK being those who hunt. “The zips for easy fitting and rubber boots’ classic design really ap- riding soles. They’re available in peals to lots of people, but we’ve sizes 4-9, in standard and wide combined this with more modern calf widths, in black and brown, materials and features like rear and have a RRP of £199.99 for zips that mean that the boots are standard

sizes.

easy to wear, but still look the www.tuffaboots.com

SNUG AS A BUG The Equetech Cozy Zip Top is a technical pro-stretch knitted zip top with a brushed plush soft lining. Practical for all equestrian / country activities, this garment helps to wick moisture away from the body, keeping you warm and dry all day long. Other features include cover stitching to all seams, 1/4 zip at the neck, Equetech 3D logo to front chest, a rolled top collar design and scooped back hem. Machine washable. Sizes: XS –XL RRP: £41.95 Colours: Black, Navy, Mélange Grey www.equetech.com 01296 688 966

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TRIED AND TESTED KM Elite Cush Grip Schooling Whip This month we were amongst the first to get our hands on the KM Elite Cush Grip Schooling Whip. These smart schooling whips have a cushion grip that have been designed and manufactured to be durable and resilient without forfeiting the comfort of the rider. They are specifically designed to be weighted to balance in your hand when riding and the slick, speckled design will complement your riding attire for any occasion. It is made from made from TPR, which is different to gel whips on the market which can split and spill everywhere. Colours: Purple, Black, Hot Pink, Silver/Grey and Royal Blue. Size: 110cm RRP direct from KM Elite of ÂŁ9.99 and available to buy here: http://www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk/whips/new-cush-grip-

What really stuck out to us with this whip is how comfy it was to hold. The weighted end made you aware of its presence but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cumbersome or annoying. The gel grip does look like it has the potential to get a tad fluffy but nothing drastic and certainly doesn't outweigh the overall feel and quality of the whip. We tested the Navy and Silver colour variation and were impressed by the vibrant yet stylish look suitable all round. Available at a great price, we would recommend having one of these in your tack locker! Or one in every colour if you are an equine fashionsta!

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DAISY JACKSON DRESSAGE 2015 is now coming to a close and after reflecting on the past year I am very proud and happy to say that it has been the best yet. This has been down to many reasons from supportive sponsors, amazing owners to two awesome new trainers in Nicky Barrett and Gareth Hughes. I have made the greatest progression in 2015 than ever before. Finishing the year happily training at Advanced Medium with Blackberry who at the end of her 6th year is showing a huge amount of potential and talent giving both her breeder and I butterflies in our tummies when picturing her future! My highlights with her this year have been being given co-ownership of her by her breeder Tracey Bywater; qualifying for the Regional Championships at Novice and Elementary Open and the Novice and Elementary U25 National Championships, coming 3rd in the Elementary semifinals. Tango is finishing 2015 comfortably training at PSG. He is beginning to really relax in training and allow me to eradicate the tension and increase the suppleness. As soon as we are at that point I am able to develop the paces further for more expression. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights with Tango are competing in the Regional Championships in Medium Open and Advanced Medium Restricted along with getting through to the U25 National Championship Finals. In training I am excited by progressing the tempi changes, canter pirouettes, the passage and piaffe ready for competing at PSG next year. I do have to thank Nicky Barrett for being largely responsible for this huge step forward with Tango and I very much look forward to continuing this improvement with Nicky. Next year I am also very excited to back our Don Frederico x Rotspon Gelding, Larkshill Divinity, who I co-own along with his breeder Heather Stack of Larkshill Stud. I am also looking forward to competing our 5 year old gelding Larkshill Tanzer and of course continuing with Tango and Blackberry. I wish you all a very Happy New Year and especially a thank you to my wonderful and supportive sponsors and owners

Daisy

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In the Stirrups Magazine

OLYMPIA 2015

5 IN A ROW FOR CHARLOTTE CREDIT: KIT HOUGHTON/ H POWER

For the fifth consecutive year Charlotte Dujardin has won the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix, much to the delight of the packed crowds at Olympia, The London International Horse Show. While the last four Grands Prix have been won with her Olympic gold medal partner Valegro, this year her winning ride was Uthopia (77.46%). The 14-year-old breeding stallion owned by Carl Hester was last ridden in competition by Dujardin to win the Grand Prix at Royal Windsor 19 months ago. He was also the horse that gave Hester his first team gold (European in 2011). Uthopia came back to competition like he had never been away with a mistake free test full of expression and as first to go, the pair was the one to catch. Hester and Jane De La Mare’s team horse Nip Tuck (76.66%) couldn’t quite match the score. Despite highlights of clean piaffe and pirouettes the extensions failed to match those of the stallion and the pair was just less than 1% behind for second. While Dutch rider Hans Peter Minderhoud, a regular at Olympia, produced a strong test with Glock’s Flirt (76.12%) the 10-

year-old Florestan gelding ran out of steam on the final line, losing balance and rhythm and valuable marks, to be a close third. Unlike the past four years this year’s win was an unexpected one for Dujardin especially as the indoor arena and the electric atmosphere at Olympia can prove difficult to master. “It was quite a risk to come here and you couldn’t do that with many horses but he has the best temperament in the world and I am over the moon to win.” “It was also nice to bring another horse, take the pressure off Valegro and give another horse a chance,” said Dujardin who would now like to take Uthopia to Amsterdam. Hester intends to come out fighting in tomorrow’s Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Freestyle with a new test for Nip Tuck set to new music based created by Tom Hunt. “I have gone for the most difficult test possible,” said Hester.

OLYMPIA 2015

HESTER MAKES GOOD OF HIS PROMISE After the Grand Prix at Olympia, Carl Hester threw down the gauntlet. Tonight he put words into action and with Nip Tuck (83.750%) emerged as the winner of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Freestyle. Promising the most difficult freestyle he could muster, the British Olympic and European gold medallist delivered with a brand new test of high technical difficulty and was delighted to nail the win. It was also a convincing personal best (PB) freestyle score for the combination. “This is really huge for me,” said a delighted Hester. “Last night I thought I had a chance and decided to grab it. I was a little nervous as to whether it would come off and to produce a test like that you really have to have a horse on your side. It just goes to show that after 25 years in the job and riding Grand Prix you never really know what you have and Nip Tuck is really turning into something I never thought he was.” The composition was created by Tom Hunt, the man behind many top riders Freestyle music such as Charlotte Dujardin amongst others. The showcase performance by the British Master relegated the then leaders Charlotte Dujardin and Uthopia (82.55), to second place. The pair had produced an energetic and expressive test and also produced their highest and best score to date. “I am really happy with the test,” said Charlotte who is lining up the Dutch-bred stallion as a second string for Rio. “Last night he felt really fresh and tonight a little tired and there were a few errors. He is a very different ride to Valegro and is a little ring shy and I still have to hold his hand a bit but he tried so hard.” Hans Peter Minderhoud, a regular Dutch visitor to Olympia and Glocks Flirt (80.975) took third and in a night of PBS followed suit producing a score marginally higher than their bets and winning score in Stockholm last month. “I was pleased with that – it was a little difficult coming in after Charlotte but he really tried for me and it is a great feeling when they are on your side,” said Minderhoud who always puts Olympia in his diary, “I love the show and London,” said Hans. “It is a great show, a great audience and a good way to end the year before Christmas.” CREDIT: KIT HOUGHTON/ H POWER

1, Nip Tuck (Carl Hester) GBR 83.750; 2, Uthopia (Charlotte Dujardin) GBR 82.550; 3, Glock’s Flirt (Hans Peter Minderhoud) NED 80.975; 4, Rubin Al Asad (Lara Griffith) GBR 78.025; 5, Paridon Magi (Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven) SWE 77.700; 6, Jojo Az (Agnete Kirk Thinggaard) DEN 76.950; 7, Rubins Nite (Hayley Watson-Greaves) GBR 75.075; 8, Annarico (Fanny Verliefden) BEL 74.125; 9, Vancouver K (Judy Reynolds) IRL 73.525; 10, Batuta (Goncalo Carvalho) POR 73.225; 11, Santurio de Massa (Daniel Pinto) POR 73.200; 12, Bonzanjo (Diederik van Silfhout) NED 73.100; 3, Don Gregorius (Inna Logutenkova) UKR 72.775; 14, Tiamo (Jorinde Verwimp) BEL 72.725; 15, Wie-Atlantico de Ymas (Anders Dahl) DEN 72.375.

OLYMPIA 2015

CREDIT: KIT HOUGHTON/H POWER

PUISSANCE BATTLE BETWEEN TWO Two riders fought all the way to share a thrilling Alltech Puissance at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, after both their horses jumped superbly over five rounds.

itor, he is celebrating winning one of the most prestigious classes. His horse, the 13-year-old Continuo by Contendro, is a puissance specialist and has taken many classes in Europe.

Jos Verlooy from Belgium and Germany’s Hilmar Meyer were the only two to make it through to the fifth round and shared the spoils - which were presented by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, paying her annual visit to Olympia - after soaring over the famous wall at 2.15m (7ft 1in).

“I’m very proud of my horse,” said Meyer. “It’s an unbelievable feeling jumping that high, but only with the right horse. It’s been great to ride here at Olympia, it’s such a great atmosphere.”

Meyer first came to Olympia a couple of years ago as a groom; now, on his first visit as a compet-

Unusually, Verlooy, 20, was using the class as a warm-up for the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier on Sunshine, a nine-year-old chestnut gelding. “I think that jumping a puissance can work

well as a warm-up before a really big class,” he explained. “It was really exciting. I couldn’t believe how easily my horse jumped.” Swiss rider Pius Schwizer riding Leonard de la Ferme CH, Victoria Gulliksen (Grand Balou), daughter of Norwegian Olympian and perennial Olympia visitor Geir Gulliksen, Ireland’s Trevor Breen on the dual Hickstead Derby winner Loughnatousa WB and last year’s runner-up, Karline De Branander from Belgium on her gallant mare Fantomas de Muze, all crashed out in the fourth round when the wall was 2.10m (6ft 11in).

OLYMPIA 2015

ITALIAN SPEEDS TO VICTORY IN LONGINES WORLD CUP LEG AT OLYMPIA Credit: Kit Houghton/H Power

Dashing Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano snatched victory in the Longines FEI World Cup™ leg presented by H&M at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, with an audacious display of speed jumping on his heroic chestnut gelding, Admara. At one stage in the marathon 17horse jump-off it looked as if the British were keeping their World Cup™ leg to themselves with Ben Maher on the feisty chestnut mare Diva ll, world number one Scott Brash (Hello M’lady) and Guy Williams (Titus) heading the leaderboard.

to slot into third place. ‘I don’t think the course was too easy,’ said Michael, commenting on the large number through to the jump-off, ‘in fact, it was quite difficult. It’s just that everyone had really prepared their horses well and had been saving them for this class plus the standard is now very high.’

But the Italian police officer blew them out of the water with his ambitious round, shaving 0.95secs off Ben’s time. The remaining riders – Germany’s Marco Kutscher and Hans-Dieter Dreher, Britain’s Laura Renwick, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Ireland’s Bertram Allen – couldn’t get close and it all came down to the last rider, Britain’s Michael Whitaker on Viking.

Portuguese course-designer, Bernardo Costa Cabral, admitted that the course was ‘difficult to build for these superstars’. He commented: ‘Achieving a balance is a thin line. It wasn’t the highest track but it obviously rode tougher than it walked. However, it resulted in a brilliant jump-off.’

The packed house roared Michael down to the final fence, but he had struggled to get a good stride to either the third or fourth fences and, despite his desperate efforts, he finished just 0.13secs slower than Ben

‘Emanuele certainly spoiled our party,’ joked Ben, ‘but I don’t think I could have done any more. My horse did everything for me – it felt like coming down to the last at Cheltenham! I’ve been a bit short of horse power this year, but she has

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always come forward for me when it matters and I won’t forget that.’ ‘And I love my horse,’ declared Emanuele of the 10-year-old by Padinus that he has owned since a two-year-old. ‘He is clever and careful. I tried my best and it was good! I particularly chose to come here to try to qualify for the World Cup because I love this show, so to win here is great.’ Emanuele is now looking good for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final at Gothenburg, Sweden, in March; his win has propelled him from 42nd to 13th in the rankings which are headed by Germany’s Christian Ahlmann. The FEI’s World Cup Director John Roche congratulated Olympic Director Simon Brooks-Ward and his team on an outstanding show. ‘It’s a great surface, horses love to jump in this environment and riders have the best crowd in the world behind him,’ added Ben Maher. ‘This is why it’s my favourite show.’

OLYMPIA 2015

Chardon leads the race for FEI driving leg Dutch carriage-driver Ijsbrand Chardon stood up in his carriage and waved to a madly cheering audience at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, after winning the FEI World Cup™ Driving Leg presented by Dodson & Horrell. Ijsbrand had achieved the seemingly impossible in overhauling the hitherto unbeatable world number one Boyd Exell, who was competing on a wild card at Olympia, and is now guaranteed a place in the final in Bordeaux, France, in February. Koos de Ronde, also from the Netherlands, finished third, despite a tip-up after crossing the finish line in the final round. His horses, however, were none the worse for the spill and were able to perform in the traditionally rousing prize-giving ceremony.

the more experienced but harder to manage Lipizzaner Inci. ‘The feeling was just great,’ said a visibly elated Ijsbrand, a man who has dominated the sport of carriage-driving for three decades. ‘I know that Inci has to grow in competition, he just needs a bit of time. My horses felt super and I haven’t knocked any balls down for three days, which is brilliant.’ The British representative Daniel Naprous, whose ‘day job’ is as a stuntman on the film Wonder Woman, put up a good performance with his team of Lipizzaner horses. He was disappointed to finish last, but acknowledged that the overseas drivers are very hard to beat. The sell-out house was also treated to a spectacular competition from the Kennel Club Large Senior Dog Agility Finals where Greg Derrett and Devongem Rehab Sproglett went clear in an impressive time of 32.78secs to clinch the title.

Showing the camaraderie for which the sport is renowned, all the other drivers rushed to help. Boyd commented: ‘No one likes accidents to happen but it is good for spectators to see how difficult our sport is.’ He added sportingly: ‘It is good for the sport for someone else to win – this certainly won’t ruin my Christmas!’ Ijsbrand’s victory was all the more remarkable because he had to switch his usual lead horse, Aladin, due to the horse having a cough. Instead, he drove Credit: Kit Houghton/H Power

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THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER Patricia Pitt

I have changed. I hadn’t noticed the change because it’s really sneaky. Bit like being a child and growing. You get taller but you didn’t notice until you stand up against a wall and mark it. The same holds true for my changes. We are all constantly changing, but it’s hard to notice. It’s not even a question of if you’re changing; it’s more about which direction are you going in. How in control of your changes are you? Here are 10 ideas around the way you think about your riding which may help you get the right mind set for your challenges. Baby Steps! 1. Baby Steps A baby learns to crawl before it can walk, and it learns to walk before it can run. Most people who decide they want something better to happen in their training expect and want big changes and they want them now. I’m not saying this isn’t possible, because it is, but in most cases it’s not going to happen overnight. So the very best approach is to accept that there will always be problems, that happiness is not in the absence of problems but in how you go about dealing with them and that it’s not our job to eliminate them. Our job is to do our best towards resolving them; take baby steps, and see where it takes us.

Sometimes you feel so overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do that you actually don’t feel motivated enough to do anything. The secret is to keep taking one step at a time, you will reach a tipping point where there is a major shift - that’s when the big changes happen. This is how I approached writing my book The Crystal System, it took 2 years but I got there, with baby steps. 2. Acceptance Accept where you are. My lack of progress towards becoming a skilled rider helped me realise many things one of which was that if I wanted to be successful I had to accept where I was. The only way forward was this starting point, my delusional state of thinking I was better

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER: CHANGES than I was, actually restricted my progress. An assessment of my flaws helped me put into place a plan to resolve many, many issues. If I had not accepted my failings, I would not have done anything about them!

ing me ride, I was very self conscious, so, and when Mark booked me a lesson with an elite rider I was horrified. But I resolved to give it a go, I faced this fear and it was sooooo good, I absolutely loved it.

3. Patience

My confidence has grown exponentially as a result. The best advice I can give is not to compare your-self to anyone else. Follow your inner GPS; the path you set for yourself, then you only have yourself to fear and you are not a scary person. Or are you?

I’ve been blogging www.likecrystal.com.

since

2013

I had big ambitions in terms of competing when I set out but my horse had back surgery and everything changed. It was a big lesson in patience. I learnt so much about how she is put together and what was needed for her rehabilitation that it led me to understand what is needed in terms of building strength and fitness for dressage. Doesn’t matter what’s going on. There will always be problems. But it doesn’t mean you give up on your dream. Try to be patient with your progress. Slowly, slowly catchee monkey! 4. Fear When you face your fears possibilities open up. There are times when we are all afraid of the unknown, fears don’t disappear they simply diminish; become less important. I didn’t like people watch-

5. Align Those Excuses Your excuses are fantasies. You may think you have legitimate excuses about why you can’t follow your passion, but are they really true? If

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER: CHANGES you really wanted to, you could take one tiny step forward. Then see what happens, re-assess, and take another step. I am terrible for taking a break when training, because my fitness levels are inadequate! I’m just making excuses not to push myself and get to where I need to be. 6. Take Responsibility Since talking with more and more riders I’ve started to notice a pattern. A lack of responsibility; I see people wanting to make changes but they aren’t willing to do what is necessary. They are waiting for that all knowing, white knight to give them that one tip that will transform their riding and influence them sufficiently to help them realise their dreams. I hate to burst your

Get Out of your Comfort Zone

bubble, but it’s not going to happen unless you are the one making it happen and that will only start with a decision by you. 7. Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone If you want to make real positive change get comfortable with being out of your comfort zone. When you’re learning something new, you’ll bump into the walls of your comfort zone. You don’t have to suddenly immerse yourself in discomfort. All you have to do is dip your toes from time to time. Stretch your mind, stretch your body, stretch your limits. 8. Focus In order to really make progress in your riding you have to change your focus. If you don’t take control of your mindset it will run amok. You will naturally focus on the negative, you will imagine the worst possible scenarios and they will become a self fulfilling prophecy. In my training, when I really focus on the actual task at hand, I almost immediately relax. Last night I was so exhausted I could barely ride, but I pushed because I knew I could do better and really focussed on the task (uphill canter). Until the point I made the decision to really focus, my thoughts of fatigue were taking me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hindering my progress. The only difference is the thought.

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER: PATRICIA PITT “Ok, focus!” - then it was all over, because I achieved what I set out to achieve and I could finish. 9. Reclaim Your Personal Power You know what to do. You just haven’t been listening to your inner voice. It’s easy to give the decision to someone else, but it’s your path. The sooner you realise that, the more fun you will have. But, what exactly do you want to do? If you don’t know, then start somewhere. Action will bring clarity. 10. Accept Failure

The change I have noticed within me is the way I view the world. I’m pretty laid back these days, not really worried what other people think, have discovered that people quite like what I have to say. So, given that you are definitely changing, where is that change taking you? What direction are you going in? If you need help finding out you might be interested in The Crystal System Book.

Patricia – The Dressage Tipster BUY THE CRYSTAL SYSTEM BOOK:

Make failure your friend. You will make mistakes and you won’t even know if they are mistakes when you make them, because mistakes and failures have a tendency to transform into blessings. You only fail if you give up, so if you never give up, you can never fail, only learn, and grow.

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http://likecrystal.com/buy the-book/

STEVE GUERDAT AND NINO DES BUISSONNETS - WINNER OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX ÂŠROLEX/KIT HOUGHTON

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE WITH ROLEX When the Top 10 riders in the world gather under one roof to battle it out to be crowned champion, excitement, tension and world-class competition are guaranteed. The crowds watching the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva were privileged to have experienced a thrilling encounter in this year's competition, with Kent Farrington riding the wonderful Voyeur, racing to the top of the podium and taking his first ever win in the competition. The roll-call of riders in the Rolex Grand Prix was a truly star-studded cast, with riders travelling from 18 different countries. These included some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top current riders: the reigning double World and European Champion, Jeroen Dubbeldam from the Netherlands; Daniel Bluman from Columbia; and Lauren Hough from USA. Speed and accuracy are essential to winning the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. Staged over two rounds with no jump-off, and with eight riders taking a clear into the final round, expectation was high that the final round would produce a classic in this, the fifteenth edition and the eleventh time that it has been staged at CHI Geneva. Second round clears were proving hard to find until Kent Farrington and Voyeur came into the arena. Living up to their deserved reputation as one of the fastest partnerships on the circuit, they sped around the course whilst the crowd held their collective breath, and laid down a lightning fast 37.54 second round; it looked difficult to beat. Both Simon Delestre and Daniel Deusser followed Farrington onto the course and although both succeeded in going clear, they simply could not match Farrington's time. It was left to the final two riders, Bertram Allen, the youngest rider to ever compete in the Final at just 20 years old, and the 2014 winner, Scott Brash, to challenge Farrington. Valiant in their efforts, not Kent Farrington kisses the trophy

JUMPING

even the combined athleticism of equine superstars Molly Malone and Hello Sanctos could match Voyeur, and Farrington was crowned the winner in only his second time of competing.

Speaking after his victory, Kent Farrington said, "My horse was amazing today; I had to go early in the second round and I knew that some of the fastest riders were coming after me. This is a great way to start off with Voyeur at the show ahead of the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. My horse has been on form so I hope he continues for the weekend." All eyes turn to Sunday and the Rolex Grand Prix, where one rider will start their journey towards emulating Scott Brash in winning their first stage of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. 16 riders made it through the challenging first round course into the jump-off. Guerdat was ninth to go, chasing an incredibly fast time of 41.45 seconds set by Eric Lamaze from Canada. Steve Guerdat knew he had to be fast, and as he entered the arena the Swiss fans went wild. The crowd then hushed and held its breath as Guerdat expertly guided Nino around the course with a new time of 40.94 secs taking him into first place ahead of Lamaze. With seven more riders still to follow to try and beat his time, Guerdat could only watch on. France’s Simon Delestre held nothing back and came within a breathtaking 0.03 seconds of Guerdat’s time. It was then left to Kent Farrington from the USA, to beat Guerdat. Typically, Farrington gave it everything and went clear, but his time of 41.47 was not quite fast enough on this occasion. Having already written his name into the history books, Scott Brash

from Great Britain, riding Hello Sanctos, came to CHI Geneva as the first, and so far only, rider to succeed in completing the extraordinary feat of winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping: he won the three Majors of the year – the Rolex Grands Prix of CHI Geneva 2014, Switzerland; CHIO Aachen 2015, Germany; and the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2015, Canada. Unfortunately, it was not to be his day this time around, as Brash just clipped fence 11 in the first round, taking him out of the competition. So a new cycle of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has now began at CHI Geneva 2015, with Steve Guerdat – who must now win all three Majors in succession to claim the biggest challenge in the history of the equestrian sport. Steve Guerdat said: “The beginning of the jump-off was a little bit difficult for me and Nino, but he is a special horse – he is a genius. The rest of the jump-off went like we planned and I am really happy with the result. This show is really, really important for me. I always plan it as it is one of the main weekends in the year for me - for me it is not just another show so I try to plan in long in advance and come with fresh horses like it was a Championship for me – the crowd always helps me and luck must do the rest”.

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

Applause with Pickles and Amanda of Alamnda

Hi Everyone and a Happy New Year! I’ve actually been resting this last month as we still have not been able to replace the stolen trailer but that has not stopped the rest of my therapy chums visiting sick and dying children, in fact, just today they left me to visit Richard House Hospice, Pickles (the very naughty Mini Daxie dog, who likes to run away from me when I try to chase her out of my field….well it’s my field after all isn’t it ??!) , Peter the one eared Mini Rex rabbit (he was born with 2 ears but his Mum over-groomed him leaving him and his sister Flopsy with one ear each !), Maximus the big softy Keetso cat, Pingu the cuddly Japanese Bantam chicken (she’s really nice, as she is blind in one eye and doesn’t mind me rubbing my nose on her cage) and finally Hippo the Skinny pig, who is rather like a Clanger. I was a bit sad to see them all go without me but I know that it’s the New Year and I am hoping the trailer will get replaced so I can go and meet my many friends in the hospices, care homes and special needs schools. One of my favourite things about my job as a therapy horse is that I get to be really nosey, sometimes in people’s houses like I did in September, where I actually got to sniff the lounge of a family with a very sick little boy, they were very nice to me. I also LOVE other people’s gardens, they can be really fun to explore and the grass in them is always rich and tasty! One of my favourite gardens to visit is at Ellenor Lions Hospice, they have this really cool water sculpture surrounded by apple trees and grass, and those fallen apples are just amazing! All the nursing staff there look forward to seeing me do my ward rounds and lots of them take Unicorn selfies

with me. The other thing I like is that they also remember to give me a lovely bowl of tea which I slurp on purpose to make them laugh and occasionally Mummy slips me a biscuit too – shhhh don’t tell anyone it’s our secret! This is also the place that I get to hang out with my number one fan who walks me around the garden in his wheelchair, which is super cool as no-one has to push it, it just goes on its own, although Mummy says it’s actually electric and that I am not to chew on the control knob for it, as much fun as that is. Talking of gardens, I saw this week that someone had forgotten to secure the fence to Mummy’s garden again, I know how much she loves me going in there in the winter churning up the grass and trying to break into the rabbit feed again, which incidentally tastes quite nice, I know how much she loves me but she seemed to not enjoy at all chasing me round the garden, whilst I played tag with her…sometimes she has no sense of humour at all! Well, I best go now; I can see a fox has entered my field and I must go and show him it’s not his territory – cheeky thing! I will make sure that my best friend Prince helps me with this great task and that we have as much fun as possible doing it. Be good all of you…someone needs to be. Love and Unicorn nudges, Applause.

Applause on a hospice visit

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