The Equine Magazine for Yorkshire
Autumn 2011 Meet Oliver Townend Yorkshire Riding Centre Parlington Stud Go Western Plus News Competitions Offers
Welcome Back! It’s Autumn already and evenings spent riding out are drawing to an end. But riding is just one part of the equine world and the sheer variety of horse activity in Yorkshire never ceases to amaze me. In this edition we’ve been looking at the slightly under-developed western riding scene in Yorkshire and finding out how you can make a start on finding your inner cowgirl/cowboy. Lisa Bruin talks us through the surprising connection between classical and western riding and I went to meet an amazing lady called Rocky who offers western trail riding near Barnsley. It’s not often you see pictures of chimpanzees, lions and giraffes in an equine magazine (short of going on a South African Safari) but Martin Collishaw from Equine Infrared shows us how thermographic imaging can help identify the onset of disease in any species and talks about how it can benefit horse owners as a diagnostic tool. Leading Homeopathic Vet Sue Armstrong from Wetherby tells us how Homeopathy works and how it can be used with horses. Winner of our Steven Smith show jumping lesson, Stacey Lawrence, enjoyed a lesson with Steven on her Holstein mare Coco Z. Northern Horse Life went along to watch the Masterclass. Stacey reports that she had a great time and is already putting in to practice what she learned from Steven. One of the many highlights in putting together this edition of the magazine was a visit to the miniature Shetland Parlington Stud near Leyburn, spending all morning watching mini shetland foals in beautiful surroundings. Well, someone’s got to do it... We are planning to meet lots of breeders across the region over the next year and we’ll be continuing to visit yards across the county to see who’s doing what. Remember it could be YOU! As always, if there’s anything you’d like to see featured in the magazine do get in touch and tell us. Enjoy your horses
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Susan
In this Issue
6 - 7
Yorkshire Riding Centre - Equine Excellence
12 -13 Parlington Stud - Mighty Miniatures 16 - 17 Photo Lesson with Ali Jones 18 - 21 Western Riding - Go western up north
Yorkshire Riding Centre
22 - 23 Seeing Red Thermographic Imaging by Martin Collishaw
For news and editorial Tel 01535 663663 Mobile 0771 8905036
northernhorselife@btconnect.com
24 - 25 Equine Homeopathy by Sue Armstrong 26 - 27 Show Jumping Lesson with Steven Smith
Editor
Susan Dunne
Advertising
Tel 0771 8905036 Parlington Stud
Deadline for Winter Issue 20th November 2011
32 - 33 Five minutes with Oliver Townend
See website for terms and conditions www.northernhorselife.com
Competitions 10
Win an Equisafety Jacket
17
Win Family Tickets to Countryside Live
21
Win a Horse/Human Match Report with Parelli
Design and Marketing Consultant Karl Helliwell
33
Townend Competition
Join Northern Horse Life on Facebook!
Lisa Bruin
Plus
• News • Special Features • Winners
Oliver Townend
Printed by Jaymill Print of Skipton
NEWS
Liana Accepted for Training by top Classical Rider
Riverside RDA Group Success at National Championships
8 year old Annie Brown who rides at Riverside RDA group in Bingley attended her first competition at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire in July. Annie and RDA pony Tinsel successfully competed in the Countryside Challenge (6th place), Dressage (5th place), Best Turned Out Pony and Rider (2nd place) and Horse Knowledge (Distinction). Tinsel also gained top marks for Obedience of Pony with a score of 10 out of 10. The group would like to thank all the regular volunteers and thanks also go to the following sponsors – Garth Engineering Ltd, Cottingley Primary School and Ogden Equestrian.
Pendle Pride has arrived! Pendle RDA group has named its new mechanical horse Pendle Pride (Pride for short). Pride who was bought with the assistance of lottery funding for the group is now fully installed in his own room and is appealing to young and old riders alike. Kate Bailey said “We can now take riders with more profound disabilities and we are very busy”. The name Pendle Pride was chosen from over 100 entries and he was officially named at a grand publicity launch in June. The launch was attended by 2 mayors and an MP but it was Wayne Lee who is the group’s longest standing rider who did the honours and unveiled the plaque. 4 NHL Autumn 2011
Liana Patchett from Ravenroyd Equestrian near Bingley has been chosen to train with Phillipe Karl at the School of Légèreté on the only UK instructor’s course from 2011 - 2013. Liana who owns and instructs at Ravenroyd is one of only 9 riders in the UK selected for this course and describes herself as being “over the moon about it”. The course consists of 10 separate clinics to be held over 3 years and riders receive their training from Phillipe Karl in person. At the end of the 3 years successful riders will become a licensed instructor of the School of Légèreté (School of Lightness). Phillipe Karl is the author of several books and DVDs on classical horsemanship including the highly influential “Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage”.
Yorkshire Sports Horse Looking for Annual Winners The Yorkshire Sports Horse Association will be holding its annual Dinner and Awards presentation in November. Awards are presented every year to outstanding horses bred in Yorkshire. If you know of any horse that has achieved excellent results in any competitive field, be it eventing, show jumping, showing or point to point, please contact the committee via the website www.yorkshiresportshorse.co.uk.
Success for Local Breeders Meanwhile, Yorkshire breeders had much to celebrate at this year’s GYS. Overall Hunter Breeding Championship was won by Mrs Mafra Smithers’ Stanhopes Mr McCoy; Mrs Hazel Bramley’s First Term won Yearling Filly and her sister What-a-Yarn won overall Hunter Foal Championship. Miss Kath Barley’s Mellamaid was best Yorkshire bred Hunter Broodmare.
Yorkshire Savvy Sisters – Parelli in Yorkshire A new group for Parelli fans has been set up in Yorkshire. Yorkshire Savvy Sisters was founded in June by Sarah French and Bex Mateo to enable Parelli students and those who want to find out more about Parelli to connect up and support each other. Following the success of Lancashire Savvy Sisters, Sarah and Bex set up the group and since launching on Facebook a large number of people have got in contact from across the Yorkshire region. Sarah (21) who lives in Skipton has been a student of Parelli for about 8
it will encourage more Parelli instructors to come up and hold events.” She added “Parelli is literally for anybody who has an interest in horses whether it’s on a purely recreational level or up to Olympic level. It’s open to riders and non-riders alike” The group plans to hold events and meetings across Yorkshire. Fun Days, clinics and even Parelli tournaments with “rival” groups are planned as well as social get-togethers. Anyone who is interested is welcome.
years and her goal is to become a Parelli instructor. She said “There are currently no Parelli instructors in Yorkshire and most events are based down south. We are hoping that by forming a group here
Further details can be obtained from sarahthebadger@gmail.com or visit the group Yorkshire Savvy Sisters on Facebook.
NEWS Turbury Equine gets BHS Livery Approval
Turbury Equine Team “Millie”, Rebecca Marshall, Dawn Lumb, Emma McDonald and “Steph”
One of Calderdale’s premier livery yards, Greetland based Turbury Equine has been granted the much sought after BHS Livery Yard Approval this year. Owner, Dawn Lumb said “It’s great to know that our daily working practices and animal welfare standards are in line with nationally recognized standards. It’s a great stamp of approval and really rewarding after all the hard work we have put in since opening”. The British Horse Society comments: “It can be hard to know who to trust when looking for somewhere to keep your beloved horse or pony, especially as at present livery yards do not need to be licensed in the UK. The BHS Approval Scheme offers reassurance that your horse is living somewhere where their welfare is paramount and where all necessary standards are met”. Dawn commented further “I’d like to thank our team, Rebecca Marshall and Emma McDonald for all their hard work and our referees, horse owner, Deborah Ascott-Jones and Sally Strachan from Hird and Partners Vets who helped us achieve our goal.
Lee Pearson opens Leeds EST Donkey Fair Paralympian and multi gold medallist Lee Pearson MBE opened the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust Summer Donkey Fair this year. The fun day out included donkey cart rides, go-karting, dog displays and falconry. The trust near Eccup in Leeds provides therapeutic donkey riding each week for over 170 children with disabilities and special needs and is funded entirely by donation. Lee who is patron of the trust told NHL “When I was asked to become a patron I jumped at the chance. This trust is all about opportunity. I love the fact that it rescues donkeys and then gives them a job to do and the fact that it also helps disabled children. It covers 2 areas which are right up my street!”. Lee, who learned to ride on a donkey called Sally (his “hairy BMX”) said she had a stubborn streak and just wouldn’t go on the right rein but he added “Donkeys are probably more laid back than ponies. They can be quirky but are usually calmer and have a real affinity with people so they’re great for the children here to start riding on and also the smaller height is helpful”. Speaking about what riding had done for him he said “Riding gave me the chance to prove myself as a human being both amongst abled and disabled people. It’s important to remember that before the para Olympics there was no area where disabled people could prove themselves on the international stage. To any disabled person who is thinking about riding I’d say “just go for it”. Follow your own heart and don’t give up – I was told at the first centre I went to that I was rubbish and not to even bother trying! “. Lee who has 9 paralymic gold medals and nearly 30 gold medals in total also added the warning “Don’t buy a pony – it’s too expensive!”
Turbury Equisport
The training and Events arm of the business has plans to expand its facilities to encompass a 60m X 40m Outdoor Arena and Farm Ride. Dawn said “The prospect of increasing our current events calendar of clinics, Show Cross Competitions and the Annual Show to include Dressage and Show Jumping competitions, both affiliated and unaffiliated, and One Day Events is a really exciting prospect. As there is a lack of multi discipline event centres in this part of Yorkshire we hope to benefit from the Olympic Legacy Funding which is being rolled out across the UK by Hoof. We had planned this development when we started a few years ago but the recession stopped us in our tracks as it has for many other businesses. However we are chomping at the bit to get started!”
EST Donkey Celebrates Success at GYS
Askham Bryan Horse Trials 2011
Mowbray and Holly
Christopher Whittle from Pocklington 2010
Following the success of last year’s highly successful Horse Trials, Askham Bryan College will once again be hosting the event on Sunday 9th October. It is being organised in conjunction with British Eventing and is particularly appealing to newcomers with one of the key aims being to encourage young horses and riders. The College has a thriving equine section so the trials are especially popular with students. British Eventing course designer, Adrian Ditcham is again designing the course which will include around 40 fences all constructed to British Eventing standards. For further details contact www.britisheventing.com
Mowbray, a donkey who provides riding therapy for children at the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust in Leeds scooped 3 top awards at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show. He won first place in the Best Stallion/gelding over 4 years class as well as rosettes from the Donkey Breed society for Best Novice and Best Gelding, in addition to receiving a special rosette from the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Cathryn Williams, manager at EST Leeds said “The Great Yorkshire Show is a truly special event and we were exceptionally pleased that Mowbray received these awards. He’s such a friendly, handsome donkey and so special to us and to the children who visit our centre. It’s wonderful that the judges also agreed that he deserves these awards.” Autumn 2011 NHL 5
NEWS
Lady Godivas bare all for Charity Calender
It seems we like getting our kit off in a good cause here in Yorkshire, home of the original Calendar Girls. 7 Yorkshire lasses and their horses bared all to feature in a charity calendar for Muscular Sclerosis. Judie, Jodie, Jess and Lisa from Elmsall, Sacha from York and Jess from Thirsk all posed in the buff to raise money for the Myelin Project which funds research into Muscular Sclerosis and the Leukodystrophies. These latter day Lady Godivas risked the cold, horses treading on their bare feet and worries about what their mum would think to support this worthy cause. The calendar is the brainchild of photographer Andrew Monk from Burnley whose wife Gwen has suffered from this debilitating illness for 18 years. Andrew and Gwen began fundraising by visiting by doing a sponsored walk to every newspaper office and radio station in England (Gwen on her mobility scooter). After 2000 miles they had to postpone it as Gwen became poorly and Andrew decided to continue fundraising by launching the calender. The Myelin Project was the inspiration behind the film “Lorenzo’s Oil” and relies solely on donations and fund raising. Andrew who has had a lifelong love of horses said “I think I had the most fun taking the photos!”. The Calender showing all the 16 equestriennes who took part in their natural state along with their stunning horses can be purchased on-line from www.hottotrot.org and will also be available from newsagents and other shopping venues across the country. Andy can be contacted on: andy@walkamile.co.uk
6 NHL Autumn 2011
Joe brings back Gold from South Africa Joe Midgely (16) from Denholme came back laden with medals from the International Tent Pegging Junior Championship in South Africa. Tent pegging is a military sport which involves spearing objects with a sword and lance from horseback and involves a high level of precision and control in riding. The sport is very popular in South Africa which leads the field but is less well known in the UK. The success of the Junior British Team is a first and has given the South Africans something to think about. The British team comprising 6 boys and 6 girls returned with a gold, three silver and a bronze medal. The team had not met before flying out from Heathrow together in August but Joe, who was made captain of the boy’s team, said that they managed to gel together really well. He described the host team as very welcoming and the coaches as fantastic. The highlights were the
inaugural championship parade when the British national anthem was played and the Union Jack was raised and finding out that they had won gold. Joe’s achievement is particularly impressive as he achieved gold whilst playing with a fractured ankle from falling off a horse, although had not known it was fractured before flying out to South Africa. He is hoping to be selected for the junior championships again next year. To round off this experience of a lifetime the team were given a helicopter ride to the World Cup Stadium in Durban.
Dreams really can come true! When nine-year-old Courtney, one of the child stars from the recent BBC documentary ‘Poor Kids’, told viewers that her dream was to ride a horse, little did she know that, courtesy of The British Horse Society, dreams really can come true! The original documentary told the stories of just a handful of the 3.5 million children living in poverty in the UK and followed the daily struggles of Courtney and her family who live on the Canterbury Estate in Bradford. Courtney, who harboured a lifelong dream to become a leading lady jockey just so that she could “ride a horse”, jumped at the chance when The British Horse Society contacted the programme’s production team offering her and her sisters a lesson at BHS approved riding school, Throstle Nest, in Bradford. After learning more about the ponies and having a lesson in the indoor school, they then got the opportunity to ride round the fields, before being presented with rosettes from Throstle Nest proprietor Jeanette Wheeler. Courtney even helped to groom her pony JJ, helping to combat first lesson nerves and bond with him further. BHS Yorkshire Regional Development Officer Amy Clements was there and explained that the experience was very humbling. “It was an extraordinary day with some extraordinary people. I am proud that we were able to be part of making their day a most enjoyable one. It was very touching to watch how much it meant to them”.
NEWS
Launch of Equine Recruitment Agency in Yorkshire Equestrian Personnel, a Yorkshire based recruitment agency was launched this year and is the brainchild of Jo Capel. The agency specialises in recruitment to the equine world across Yorkshire. Jo who has a background in commercial recruitment and a National Diploma Jo Capel in Equine Studies set up the business in response to the massive level of equine interest and activity across the county. She told NHL “There is no other dedicated equine career service in the region, although there is so much going on here in the horse world and so many opportunities” The agency deals with a broad spectrum of jobs in the equine field ranging from commercial and managerial roles, manufacturers, horse nutritionists and more practical work on yards. All job postings for registered charities are free of charge. The primary focus is on Yorkshire with some crossover into neighbouring counties. To register and for further details see the website at www.equestrianpersonnel.co.uk or contact Jo direct on 01924 830970/07411 375386
Bishop Burton First International Para Equestrian Dressage Competition
An entrepreneur from Thixendale, near Malton, has set up a new business forum specifically for equine businesses based in Yorkshire. Laura Rafferty-Trow, a former student at Askham Bryan College, has a BSc (Hons) in Equine Management and has experience in Marketing and Business from her time working for Catherine Rattray of Spectrum Solicitors, mywebmove.com and Randale Stud. According to Laura, ‘Many equine businesses are run by people who are passionate about horses but who lack business skills’. The Yorkshire Equine Business Forum aims to offer networking events, training and seminars, in a similar vein to the Chamber of Commerce, but tailored to the needs of equine businesses. “LANTRA identified these specific skills gaps ages ago but no one has made any in-roads into tackling the problem in a proactive way” said Laura. The forum is hoping to unite the many equine businesses in Yorkshire in order to give them a better voice and to improve the image of the industry. The YEBF is able to offer advice on a wide range of issues from marketing, to websites to Health and Safety. Equine students in Yorkshire can join for free. Laura said “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business owners so it’s really important that they get exposure to this aspect of the industry, and I’ve had first hand experience of the lack of provision for this in agricultural colleges.” The forum has just launched its website www.yorkshireequinebf.co.uk and can also be contacted on Facebook and Twitter.
has been brilliant. Everyone’s been friendly and the facilities have been fantastic. It’s really nice to come somewhere fresh and new and the surfaces have ridden really well.” Over 30 competitors from around the world College Principal and President of attended Bishop Burton’s first International the Competition Jeanette Dawson Para Equestrian Dressage Competition in OBE was delighted to welcome the July. Competitors from as far afield as Hong riders to Bishop Burton, saying “It’s Kong, Australia and Bermuda descended been great to see such a competitive on the College’s equestrian centre for 3 competition, however one that days of top flight competition. The event also contains so much friendship, attracted world class riders including fellowship and good spirits is an Yorkshire’s Natasha Adkinson of Bawtry, awesome competition”. She added South Yorkshire. Other local riders included “I hope that each of our competitors Amy Franks from Shipley, Fiona Maynard takes a little bit of East Yorkshire from York and Heather Bennett from Goole. home with them and comes back and Heather, formerly an international show visits us soon.” jumper who turned to dressage after a serious riding accident said “It was a really New Website for nice show and the organisers couldn’t do enough to help people. It was a real Yorkshire Indoor Driving Trials boost for me winning my first class. As A new website has been launched for a show jumper, I came to dressage not the North Yorkshire Indoor Carriage even knowing the arena letters and it’s Driving trials, giving details and schedbeen a very steep learning curve. I had to ules of events. Trials are held at Askham learn freestyle in 2 days – not advisable!” Bryan College from October through British Paralympic medallist Simon to March and everyone is welcome. Laurens was on hand to help and support For further details visit the website young riders who might be coming to an www.northyorkshireindoorcarriagedriving.com international competition for the first time. He said “I really think the competition
Holderness Hunt Pony Club celebrates 20 years of Camps at Bishop Burton 41 young riders and their instructors from the Holderness Hunt Pony Club attended their annual camp at Bishop Burton College for the 20th time. District Commissioner Pam Ireland has accompanied the club on each of their 20 visits and has enjoyed every minute. In the last few years the College has been able to host the youngest members and seniors together at the same camp. Pam said she was amazed by how much the College had grown in the 2 decades she’s been associated with it “I’ve watched it grow and to have this on our doorstep, well, we’re very lucky. The staff are always so friendly – we are made to feel incredibly welcome”. The Holderness Hunt covers the area between Driffield, South Cave and the Vale of Holderness east of Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Autumn 2011 NHL 7
Yard Focus
Yorkshire Riding Centre In this series we visit some of the equestrian centres up and down Yorkshire. This time we take a look at the prestigious Yorkshire Riding Centre at Markington near Harrogate.
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s Riding Centres go, few can boast a pedigree like the Yorkshire Riding Centre. Founded in 1963 by the late Mrs Nicole Bartle, YRC is still family run and is perhaps best known as the home and training ground of Olympians Christopher Bartle and sister Jane Bartle-Wilson. Christopher is national coach to the German Three Day Event Team and both are trainers of national and international riders. Yorkshire Riding Centre is certainly an elite training centre but, as we found out, the yard also has a lot to offer anyone who seriously wants to improve their riding. There are 14 staff in total and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. On the day of my visit Christopher and Jane are out on the yard training. Tabitha Baird who deals with marketing and has her eyes firmly set on winning Badminton describes it as a “Great place to come to for anyone who wants to ride”. Senior trainer Jan Brown who has been here since 1976 (with the odd break here and there for children) agrees “We cater for everyone literally from Olympic level riders to beginners”. Rozalia from Poland who has groomed on the international circuit and is a dab-hand with a camera (she can be booked to film your lesson for you) tells me “There’s nowhere else like this – it’s a fantastic place where everyone can learn from really experienced riders”. The lynch pin of the whole outfit seems to be 8 NHL Autumn 2011
Barolin Guest House
Mrs Nicole Bartle
Billie who is the friendly face on reception and according to the others knows just about everything. “We’d be lost without Billie” Jan laughs “Apart from anything
Christopher Bartle
else she pays our wages!” Jan tells me that everyone mucks in and will turn their hand to anything and Tabitha agrees “We all support each other here – it’s a really good atmosphere”.
A Range of Riders So who comes to ride at YRC? Jan matter of factly reels off a list of top national and international riders who come to the centre. Anywhere else this might be considered serious namedropping but at YRC this is part of daily life where the Great and Good mingle with – well, the rest of us. There’s a distinctly international feel
to the place with students on the day of my visit coming from France, Sweden, Germany and Poland. “We’re in the minority!” Jan laughs. Riders at the yard cross a staggering age range too. The oldest client is John who at 96 is followed closely (well, fairly) by Brenda who at 85 still has 2 lessons a week.
The Centre no longer teaches BHS stages exams but courses range from top level competition training to taster courses. All courses can be tailor made and there are a number of clinics and organized courses throughout the year. Rozalia and Tabitha both point out that one of the great things about YRC is that grassroots riders can watch and mingle with top international riders and just might pick up a thing or two off them. Tabitha said “Often riders come for a lesson in the morning and bring their lunch so they can stay and watch top level riders doing their training”. For those staying at the yard on courses there is the opportunity to talk horses all
Jane Bartle-Wilson
night with fellow guests and this exchange of knowledge and experiences forms a great part of the training process.
The Horses Whilst many people bring their own horses both for lessons and courses, the Centre also provides a number of schoolmasters. For the very advanced, Jane Bartle-Wilson’s Grand Prix level horse might be available and there’s talk of a very serious show jumping horse for those who make the grade. There are 47 stables at the yard and apart from the residents and liveries there is often a large number of horses coming and going – students sometimes bring as many as six! Pre Bramham and Badminton the stables
are often bursting at the seams with those wanting to do pre-event training. According to Jan horses tend to settle very quickly at the yard “We run everything on a strict routine which tends to suit them”. Horses are also taken to be brought on for selling and also as holiday liveries. Word Perfect, who was Christopher’s Badminton winner in 1998 lives at the Centre “He still hacks around the village spooking at puddles!” Jan tells me.
Riding Facilities and Accommodation There are two large indoor arenas and 2 Olympicsized outdoor arenas. The outdoor dressage arena,
jumping field and Cross Country jumps are all within a compact area near the indoor arenas. Tabitha points out that the advantage of this is that you can potentially practice all three disciplines in one schooling session which is particularly good for bringing on young horses. It’s not just the riding facilities which are excellent. Guest accommodation at the on-site Barolin Farm Guest House is superb – gracious living meets home-fromhome. Under the expert management of Belinda
a little touch of Jane Austen. Guests are not always riders but for those who have spent the day in the saddle the Guest House provides a wonderful place to relax and unwind. For those on a budget there is a range of accommodation available which enables people to choose to spend more on the riding and less on the accommodation and vice versa. There is chalet accommodation for those who want their own space (also useful for those who want to bring the dog!). Chalets can accommodate groups or individuals and there are room prices to suit most budgets. For further details visit the website www.yrc.co.uk
Bartle, the guest house offers individually designed rooms and great home cooking in country house splendour. At the back is an enclosed wall garden which has more than
Autumn 2011 NHL 9
Competition
Free Equisafety Jacket! Be Seen
Be Safe As darker nights approach, many riders will be digging out their fluorescents to increase their visibility. Here at NHL we’ve been talking to the BHS who give some compelling reasons why you and your horse should wear hi-viz gear all year round.
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ccording to the BHS wearing hi-viz gear means a vehicle driver can see you up to three seconds earlier and take appropriate action to avoid causing you problems. In 3 seconds a car travelling at 30mph can cover 40 metres - which is the length of a dressage arena! You and your horse should wear hi-viz at all times of the day and all year round regardless of the prevailing weather conditions as it will always make you more visible. How long does it take to see the horse?
You should also wear hi-viz gear off-road because military helicopter pilots can see you up to half a mile sooner and therefore avoid flying directly over you. Other helicopter pilots can see you even earlier and take avoiding action. If you are unfortunate and have a fall in which you are injured, wearing hi-viz items will make you more visible to passers by, air ambulance crews and searching police helicopters. Your rescue will therefore be much quicker. It’s not only your safety which will be increased - if you fall and your horse is loose, the horse will be safer if he/she is wearing hi-viz items as well, as they will be seen more easily.
NHL has teamed up with HI-viz experts Equisafety to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a fabulous Blaithwaite Jacket. Ideal for every season, the Blaithwaite (BSEN1150) Jacket from Equisafety will ensure you are warm, dry and visible whatever Mother Nature throws at you. With its flattering fit, this jacket is designed for style and comfort without forgetting the safety aspect that Equisafety is known for. Manufactured from Textile Intelligence 100% waterproof, breathable fabric (rain and snow beads up and rolls off the surface), combined with a winning high performance design and taped seams probably make the Blaithwaite the best the market has to offer. The jacket also features 360 degrees of reflection and fluorescent properties and is lined in a soft 2oz quilt in the body with 1oz lining in the sleeves. The jacket also features an adjustable reflective belt and double storm cuffs, ideal for keeping the wind and rain from going up your arms. A strong waterproof zip and 2 large hidden pockets are on the outside, whilst inside there is a zipped pocket. Equisafety’s unique warning triangle that fastens at the sides of the jacket pulls down from and can be rolled back up into the collar and states PLEASE PASS WIDE AND SLOW. Sizes Child (8 – 10), Small (10 – 11), Medium (12 – 14), Large (14 – 16), X Large (16 – 18) Colour yellow/black or pink/black For further information contact EQUISAFETY on +44(0)151 678 7086 www.equisafety.com
_____________________________
Competition To win a jacket just answer the following question: Q. The Blaithwaite is manufactured from Textile Intelligence 100% waterproof, breathable Fabric A. TRUE or FALSE Email your answer with your name, address, phone number and preferred size and colour to sue.manorprgmail.com
All entries should be marked Northern Horse Life Competition. Closing Date 30th October 2011 10 NHL Autumn 2011
Special Feature
Crowthers Equestrian Hits the Ground Galloping
Crowthers Equestrian Horse Supplies near Wakefield opened in April this year and has got off to a flying start. Formerly Equitack Saddlery, the store has been taken over by 24 year old Stacey Rushworth . Crowthers, named after her dad, Andrew Crowther, is rapidly establishing itself as a great equine retail outlet in West Yorkshire. Since opening, Stacey and her assistant Emma Vaughan have been working hard to establish a friendly, well-stocked store catering for a wide range of equine needs. Walking into the shop you are struck by the spacious layout and the relaxed atmosphere. This is equine retail therapy at its best with time to browse and lots to look at. Stacey and Emma enjoy chatting to customers in a non-pressurised environment and are always happy to offer advice when needed. Stacey said “I really look forward to coming to work here in fact, it’s not like work because I love doing it”. Emma admits that being around so many equine products can be like being “like a kid in a toy shop!”
Based at Spring Garden Nurseries on the Pontefract Road near Wakefield, the shop benefits from ample parking; there are a large number of other retail outlets on the premises for non-horsey partners and a café on site. Or, as Emma says “You could make a whole day out of shopping here!” The shop covers a wide catchment area of West Yorkshire including Wakefield, Pontefract and Leeds and has good motorway access.
Wide Range of Stock
“A great equine retail experience”
The shop is open seven days a week and offers an exceptionally comprehensive range of stock on the shelves. Many major clothing ranges are available (including Harry Hall and Caldene) both for everyday wear and for showing. There are all the usual horse accessories including rugs, stable equipment and a range of second-hand saddles. As well as nearly every lotion and potion you could ask for, the shop is also licensed to sell wormers and has a line in dog accessories, supplied by Cherished Pet Products.
Despite only having opened for a short time, customer response has been very positive with lots of great recommendations on Facebook and Stacey and Emma have already received their first postcard from a customer! Stacey said “I want people to feel that this is their tack shop and that they have a say in how it is run. We really welcome feedback and will always listen to what customers have to say”.
Manager Stacey who has five horses of her own and has worked in the grass-roots side of the industry says “We aim to have a wide variety of stock all the time. We know that when people come shopping they want to buy things there and then rather than have to order it through the shop so I want people to come in and know it’s there on the shelves. Being in horses myself I know what people want and I follow the market closely all the time”. She gratefully acknowledges the help and support from her family, especially dad, Andrew and from her suppliers, especially Richard Lawrence at Matchmakers International in Bradford.
To encourage people to feel part of their local tack shop, customers are encouraged to put up photos of their horses on the wall, there is a suggestion box and a free noticeboard. The shop aims to stay competitively priced and there is a 10% discount for members of riding and pony clubs on production of a member’s card. Whilst it may still be early days for Crowthers, Stacey and Emma seem to have discovered exactly the right note to create a great equine outlet. Well-stocked, friendly and in a great location, Crowthers looks set to become a Mecca for all those in search of a great equine retail experience in West Yorkshire. Autumn 2011 NHL 11
Parlington Stud In the first of this series we talk to Di Johnston at the enormously successful Parlington Miniature Shetland Stud near Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales.
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arlington Stud goes back over 50 years when Di’s mother, Barbara Johnston bought the first Shetland pony for her baby son in 1955. Parlington Sally was born in 1960 and became the foundation mare and it was the start of a journey to national, international and world success. Parlington Pimpernell, born in 1984, was exported to Holland, and did exceptionally well both there and in Sweden and sired numerous foals which have firmly put Parlington on the European map.
Inset Parlington Pimpernelll
Parlington Boys on the hill
mentally sensitive area where artificial fertilisers are banned. The hilly terrain and less rich grass are similar to the native environment of the Shetland Islands. On visiting the Shetlands for the first ever breed show on the islands Di was delighted at the similarity of the environment – oh and also happened to win Mini Champion with Quentin whose son and daughter also took first and second prizes!
Meanwhile, back in Yorkshire, the stud now comprises approximately 100 ponies including 20 licensed stallions. Most notable amongst the stallions is 8 year old Quentin who Di describes as the most successful stallion they have ever had, taking supreme champion at the 2006 Breed Show (a very rare feat for a 3 year old miniature stallion) and Mini Champ at the first ever Breed Show to be held on the Shetland Islands.
Breed Standards Jess feeding Yasmin
Sitting talking to Di outside on a sunny day in the Yorkshire Dales you could almost forget all the success and just bask in the sheer enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings and the glorious little ponies. Yasmin, a tiny new foal who was rejected by her mother, is happily nosing around, more like a friendly dog than a pony (she is in fact smaller than Di’s golden retriever). Every so often she sucks milk from a bottle given by helper Jess, who is on work experience and can’t quite believe just how lucky she’s been to come to the stud. Di tells me Yasmin has now gone from hourly round the clock feeding to 3 hourly and is delighted with the progress she is making.
quick to credit her mother’s excellent judgement: “Mum always had a good eye for quality animals and always went for a good choice of sire. She would do lots of research into bloodlines and temperament before using a stallion. Mum also had experience of hunters and bigger horses before coming to Shetlands so had a good understanding of conformation”
Breeding for Success
A Natural Lifestyle
Dragging my eyes off Yasmin I ask why the stud has been so successful. Di is
This region of the Yorkshire Dales near Leyburn has proved particularly fortuitous for Shetlands. It is an environ-
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So what exactly makes a good miniature Shetland? Di explains that to a large extent it is the same as for all breeds: good conformation and action leading to correct tracking up and in the Shetland’s case the head should be small and neat with a big bold eye and wide forehead, lots of mane and tail, plenty of chest room and sure-footedness. Parlington Stud aims to keep ponies around 32 inches (34 inches is the maximum
Di describes herself as a bit of a perfectionist – “I’m always looking for ways to improve. Lots of people breed on a colour basis when the most important thing is to breed to correct deficits. The aim is always for the stallion to improve on the mare”.
Parlington foals
Breed Feature
Ulrik -Quentin’s son and German Gold Medal winner
height for miniatures). Di explained that there is a tendency to breed as small as possible but vets have pointed out that very tiny mares can have problems foaling and conformation and action defects are more likely.
Versatile little Ponies Miniature Shetlands are a natural and popular choice as a child’s first pony – being so small means that children can catch, groom and pick feet from a very young age. Di describes them as great confidence givers and has enjoyed watching shy children develop as they learn to handle and perhaps go on to show the ponies. They are also a popular choice for older people who may not be able to cope with larger horses any more but still want to enjoy all the benefits that their companionship can bring.
Parlington Quentin - the stud’s top stallion
Super Stud! We finish off with a visit to Parlington’s
Parlington Ulla with Chloe Johnstone
Parlington Maria (Quentin’s dam)
Di’s ponies have served in many capacities including companions, driving and showing. She says “They are so responsive and quick to learn and they just seem to take everything in their stride in the way larger ponies sometimes don’t”. The Parlington ponies have even appeared in ballet at the Grand Theatre in Leeds and as part of the Cinderella crew at City Variety with Leeds football team. They have visited old people’s homes, been petted by children from Chernobyl and provided great pleasure to children with autism and disabilities.
top stallion, Quentin and his harem of brood mares and progeny. Quentin is a delightful bay and white stallion who simply oozes breeding and quality from his beautiful head and sloping shoulders to his chunky powerful little body. Watching the ponies peacefully grazing against the hilly backdrop, however, the sheer pleasure of being amongst them takes over. I put it to Di that she must have the best job in the world. She laughs “I need reminding of it sometimes when I’m going up the hill with sideways sleet in my face in winter, but yes, we’re very, very lucky here”.
Parlington Wins Below are just a few of the many Parlington wins over the years 1982 First National Shetland Pony Stud Book Society Breed show - Supreme Champion foal 1986 SPSBS Breed Show - Reserve Supreme of Show 1990 SPSBS Centenary Show at Edinburgh - two firsts and best miniature foal 1994 First international Shetland Show Holland - Miniature Champion 1996 International Show Malvern - Reserve Junior Champion 1998 & 1999 SPSBS Breed Shows - miniature Champion and overall Champion Brood Mare 1999 SPSBS Breed Show - Best miniature stallion, best miniature foal and overall champion foal 2004 International Show Belgium - four Firsts, best yearling colt and filly 2006 SPSBS Breed Show Supreme Champion of Show (Quentin!) 2008 International Show Germany - Best Miniature Yearling 2009 SPSBS on Shetland Islands - Miniature Champion 2009 Westmorland County Show - Best Miniature overall Champion, reserve Supreme of Show, overall Junior Champion Shetland 2011 SPSBS Breed Show Falkirk, Best miniature brood mare, best exhibitor bred, reserve miniature champion, best miniature foal and reserve supreme foal, best yeld mare and two firsts
For more details about the Stud Tel 01969 640232 or visit the website www.shetland-pony.com
Jess and Ty having a snooze with Yasmin Autumn 2011 NHL 13
Special Feature
Founder of All Saddle Solutions, Claire Fitzmaurice has been involved in the equine industry for over 20 years as a trainer, international event rider and qualified saddler. She is passionate about finding the right saddle for each partnership. All Saddle Solutions is based near Skipton and offers high quality, affordable saddles with innovative design and adjustable elements to create greater synergy between the horse and rider. Claire says: Perhaps If I had one wish it’s that people would understand how much damage ill-fitting saddles can cause horses. As a trainer I’m constantly assessing riders and their horses’ conformation so I approach saddle-fitting with these concerns in mind. At All Saddle Solutions we think of the horse and rider as a team and see the saddle as an essential part of helping that team communicate effectively and work in harmony. Ours saddles are designed to remove pressure and encourage freedom of movement for the horse whilst helping the rider develop a secure, independent seat. We want to help riders achieve their goals whilst also promoting their horse’s performance, health and well-being.
Range of Saddles The beauty of All Saddle Solutions is that each saddle is tailormade so they can accommodate all shapes and sizes of horses and riders. All horses are different and will change shape throughout their lifetime, due to age, fitness and condition and so a saddle needs to be adaptable as well. All Saddle Solutions designs saddles with that flexibility in mind. The A.S.S. range of Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and GP saddles are all custom made by award winning master craftsmen in finest quality English materials and are designed to allow maximum movement through the shoulder whatever the discipline. The innovative girthing system minimizes rolling and slipping and the panels have a wide surface bearing area to remove pressure points and improve stability. The wide gullet ensures that swing through the horse’s back is not 14 NHL Autumn 2011
restricted, thus encouraging engagement of the hind quarters. They are available with a choice of either the Flair Air Adjustable system, or traditional Flocking (see our website for an illustration of how these work). And for that extra bit of sparkle we can even embellish your saddle with Swarovski Crystals!
The Saddle Fitting Process Choosing a saddle is a major investment and it’s important to get it right. At All Saddle Solutions we provide personalized support through all stages of the process. An initial consultation and discussion of horse and rider individual requirements is followed by an in-hand assessment of the horses’ conformation and gait. Full templates and measurements are then made to ensure the saddle is tailor-made to suit you and your horse. All Saddle Solutions offers you a chance to try out their saddles before you buy and will advise you on the best saddle to suit your needs. Once your bespoke saddle is made (approximately 4 weeks), we will revisit to fit and make any final adjustments. This is then followed up by on-going support to ensure your new saddle continues to work for you throughout your horse’s lifetime.
A Really Good Investment Often people don’t want to admit that there is a problem with their saddle because of the cost. Many riders have experienced the frustration of buying a supposedly tailormade saddle only to find that it doesn’t fit anymore as their horse develops and changes shape. All Saddle Solutions recognises that horses will change and develop and have designed their range to accommodate this without the need to replace the saddle as the horse progresses.
What customers say about A.S.S. This is the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever ridden in... Wish I’d discovered you years ago! Becky Clark Baildon Not only did A.S.S. instantly change the freedom of movement of my horse, it also improved my position Susanne McIntosh Wakefield A thoroughly professional service for whom nothing is a problem Zoe Rymer Driffield I am a very happy horse and saddle owner Lisa White North Yorkshire GET ONE OF THESE SADDLES! Liz Byrne Chorley For more testimonials see our website. See our main advert on p 30. For further advice contact Claire on:
07970 558437
or visit our website
www.allsaddlesolutions.com
Autumn Grass Top Tips
Special Feature
Liz and Miles Greenwood from Equine Pasture Maintenance near Haworth continue their seasonal advice with equine pasture maintenance tips for the Autumn Well, we have had very mixed summer weather wise but as Autumn is now upon us it is time to take a look at how we can keep our grass growing a little longer. The second growth of ragwort is now due to be sprayed, and as ragwort seems to be everywhere this year and spreads so easily it is something that needs to be kept in check.
needs to be done when there is moisture in the ground but before it becomes too wet. If your paddocks are not very compacted then they would benefit from a harrow once they have been closed up at the end of Autumn. This will set them in good stead for the Spring and there is still time to over seed any bare areas. Take a look around your paddocks and repair any fences that may have been damaged over Summer and any stones or foreign objects that have risen to the surface should be removed.
Soil samples can still be taken especially on paddocks which are to be closed up for the winter or on any spare paddocks that could then be fertilized or limed so as to help prolong their growth into the winter without them becoming too rich. This should be done in early September if possible.
We hope you are finding our Top Tips useful. If there are any questions on anything we have covered in the issues so far please email us and we will be happy to answer them for you. Winter tips coming up in the next edition.
The aim for spring would be for a more fibrous grass rather than new rich grass. Fertilizing in early autumn and shutting the paddocks up can help achieve this. Paddocks that are being closed up and have had a lot of hard wear over the Summer will have become compacted and will benefit from being aerated. This Autumn 2011 NHL 15
Photo Lesson with Ali Jones
With an upright/leaning back torso, the rider inevitably lands heavily towards the back of the saddle, where the horse is particularly sensitive. Bringing the leg back and up and gripping at the knee not only throws the rider out of balance, but stops the horse’s rib cage from swinging, making it difficult for him to bring his hind legs under his body to propel himself forwards. This combines to block and slow the horse, leading to a downward spiral where the rider then makes more effort, thrusts further forward, lands more heavily and blocks the horse more. The end result is a rising trot which is hard work for the rider and uncomfortable for the horse (who might also be labelled lazy and uncooperative).
How can Carin and Cameron improve?
Carin and Cameron
This photo lesson for Northern Horse Life reader, Carin Robinson, focuses on rising trot. With Enlightened Equitation teacher Ali Jones.
Initial Impressions Carin has a good basic position through the classic shoulder, hip, heel line. She is slightly rounding her shoulders which could lead to lower back stiffness when moving. This also stops her upper arms from fully relaxing from shoulders to elbow. Cameron is a big horse who looks as if he has some work to do to properly engage his abdominal muscles and the muscles over the top of his neck and back. He could look super!
Rising Trot Sequence Carin combines two common faults in rising trot – keeping her upper body too upright/far back, whilst propelling her pelvis forward; and gripping with the knee, bringing the lower leg back and up. Despite this, Carin is not hauling herself up on the reins and is keeping quiet, steady hands. Cameron is not tracking up and looks hollow and uncomfortable.
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Carin has a great build for riding and a nice basic position. She also has quiet, soft hands. Improvements to Carin’s rising trot mechanism will make a massive difference to Cameron’s trot. As she becomes an altogether lighter passenger, moving in harmony with him, he will be able to use himself much better and will go more freely forward.
My initial advice to Carin would be: • Be aware of your tendency to round your shoulders and of the knock on effects this has. • Keep your leg gently draped round Cameron’s side. You should just be able to see your toe beneath your knee. • Concentrate on how you are giving your leg aids (few riders are taught precisely “how” and it can make a tremendous difference). Use the leg with a forwards and inwards motion, so that the inside of the calf applies pressure. Think of keeping your little toe lower than your big toe. • When rising, incline your upper body forwards from the hip (not collapsing at the waist) and concentrate on landing lightly. As you return to the saddle. Your seat bones should be pointing slightly backwards ready to receive the next push forwards from your horse (at the moment Carin’s seat bones will be pointing straight down or slightly forwards on landing).
Competition Fact File Rider Carin Robinson From Bingley Horse Cameron, 16.2 warmblood x Silesian. Age 16 Status and Aims Currently do mainly hacking. Want to improve schooling - for fun and to help with Cameron’s stiffness and reluctance to go forwards in the school • Rise only as much as the horse propels you forward (some top dressage riders might look as if they’re “thrusting”, but in reality they’re just getting a massive push from a big-striding horse). • Remember if it feels like hard work – you’re doing it wrong!
Countryside Live 22 - 23 October 2011 Once again Countryside Live Is returning to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate to offer a fun-packed family event. For the first time the show is a qualifier for Mountain and Moorland ridden section at Olympia and Olympic Stars Tina and Graham Fletcher will be in the judge’s hot seat looking for Britain’s most talented show jumper. There are special prizes for the highest placed Yorkshire Horse and rider in each class
In terms of schooling (both in the school and out hacking too), things to try include: • Lots of transitions – including direct transitions from halt to trot/trot to halt. Doing transitions within the pace – initially slowing the trot by using seat aids (just try squeezing your bum and the top of your thigh muscles) and then relaxing those aids to allow the trot more forwards again. It works even in rising trot. • Learn some lateral work such as leg yielding and shoulder in. This adds variety, will encourage Cameron to bring his hind legs underneath him and will also help his suppleness and bend (it’s a myth that you and your horse must be advanced to benefit from some lateral work). Ali Jones BHSAI is an Enlightened Equitation teacher accredited by Heather Moffett. For more information call 07552 677424 or visit www.goriding.org.uk. If you would like to take part in a photo lesson, email ali@goriding,org.uk. Riders featured will receive a “real” lesson voucher or a copy of Heather Moffett’s newly revised Enlightened Equitation book.
Competition Win Family Tickets to Countryside Live!
Northern Horse Life has teamed up with Countryside Live to offer 3 lucky winners a family ticket. The ticket will admit 2 adults and up to 3 children on either day of the event
To enter simply answer the following question and email us your answer with a daytime telephone contact number: Q. Where will the Countryside Live Event take place this year? Closing date for entries 10th October 2011 northernhorselife@btconnect.com
Ali Jones and Lexi Autumn 2011 NHL 17
Go Western
Lisa Bruin from Huddersfield writes about the origins of Western Riding and of its similarities with Classical Riding
W
estern riding is a style of riding whose origins can be traced back to Xenophon, who is widely accepted as the founder of modern horsemanship. He wrote about weight control, balance and patience being the key to a well-trained horse. His philosophies have been maintained and evolved through the years, and when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in America in the early 1700s they brought with them cattle working and warfare practices that form the basis of western riding as it is today. Cowboys were required to work long hours in the saddle and their riding style and gear had to accommodate the need to cut individual cows from herds and rope them, often riding at speed over rough terrain. To rope a cow the horse needed to be ridden one handed and so the horses were taught to guide from light touches of the rein on the neck – hence the term neck reining. Horses were also taught to move from a shift in the rider’s weight.
Lisa Bruin
according to the countryside and type of work to be done.
“Western Riding is not that different to English”
So western riding is in essence a style of riding horses with control in all gaits with precision and responsiveness by using light rein aids and weight transfer. It is very easy to learn but requires tremendous dedication and skill to perform at high levels.
Western riding is not that different to English riding. The weight aids are the primary aids, followed by the leg and then hand; the posture is very similar, balanced over the feet and the riders hands work independently of the seat. Western clothing is very practical – jeans, boots, longsleeved shirt and Stetson. Stetson hats protected the face and ears from the hot sun or the rain when the cowboys were out on the open ranges.
“The western saddle was the cowboy’s office”
Quarter Horses
The western saddle was the cowboy’s “office”: it needed to be comfortable to allow the men to ride for hours on end yet sturdy enough to be able to hold a full grown cow for doctoring or branding. The saddle needed not only to be comfortable but it needed to be supportive; cowboys were often many hours from civilization or medical help and so the saddles were designed to have a deep seat with a high cantle to support the rider in comfort. Throughout the States the style of tack changed in accordance with the type of terrain. In California there is a very heavy Spanish influence, which includes lots of silver on the tack, romal reins (a closed rein with a long attachment called a romal which could be used to flag/move the cattle or encourage the horse forward). Ornate silver bits were also used. In Texas, however, the tack is much plainer with not much silver as it could get ripped off by trees, split reins, a heavy influence of the snaffle and grazer bit as opposed to the hackamore and spade bits of California. Throughout each state there would be something a little different 18 NHL Autumn 2011
The type of horse traditionally used for western riding was the American Quarter Horse, which was originally bred to race/sprint over a distance of quarter of a mile, hence the name. They are small in stature, short coupled with a strong well-muscled body and powerful hind quarters with a small refined head. They typically stand from 14 to 16hh. They were bred to do a variety of jobs from racing to ranch work, rodeos and barrel racing. There are also different body types within the Quarter Horse today, depending on what work the horse is doing: the reiners and cutting horses are compact and athletic with a very powerful hind end. The horses which are shown at halter are generally bigger and are heavily muscled like body builders. Then there are the race horses which are similar to our thoroughbreds, tall, lean and smooth muscled so they can sprint short distances efficiently.
Western Riding Today Today western riding is becoming more and more popular and is not exclusive to the Quarter Horse any more. In the UK people compete on Welsh ponies, natives, coloured cobs, thoroughbreds and warmbloods to name a few. Western riding is beneficial to learn for both the horse and the rider because the primary aid is weight. It teaches humans to do less with the reins and legs and more with the seat and it teaches horses to become more responsive to smaller and lighter aids. It is enjoyable, easy to learn and friendly competitions are run regularly throughout the UK.
About Lisa
Lisa Bruin has been helping people and their horses develop a better relationship for 25 years. Her career started with classical dressage but through the years has moved through natural horsemanship in to western riding, particularly the Californian style which brings the best from all these connected disciplines together. Lisa and her husband Mark are associates of the Silversand horsemanship program. Lisa is a Western Equestrian Society instructor who has trained with some of the world’s top horsemen and women and every year she travels to the USA and Australia to develop her own skills further. Lisa enjoys competing in western events and has successfully competed both in the UK and Europe. Lisa and Mark offer private lessons and clinics on site or at your yard. They start many young horses for all kind of disciplines and help with problem or difficult horses. They also breed American Quarter Horses, offering stud services and occasionally have foals for sale. Lisa and Mark can be reached through their website www.lisabruin.com or Tel 01484 603907/07789990129
Western Riding Up North According to the song “it’s hard being a cowboy in Rochdale”. It isn’t that easy on this side of the Pennines either. Compared with other parts of the country, Western Riding Facilities are a tad underdeveloped in Yorkshire. Nonetheless Western Riding is growing in numbers and popularity and there are people who can help you get started. One thing all Western Riders agree on is that Western Riding and Showing is friendly, relaxed and welcoming to newcomers. The Western Equestrian Society WES has a regional branch and holds monthly members’ days where newcomers are very welcome to come and find out more. Brenda Lambert from WES says that 1 or 2 members have horses they can let people try out if they can ride. WES can also supply details of approved Western Instructors in the area. For more details visit their website www.Wes-uk.com For those just wanting to have a go at Western Riding, Rocky’s Ranch near Barnsley offers Western Trail Riding which is a great way of finding out more before going on a ranch holiday. For more details contact Rocky on 01226 767315 or visit the website www.rockyswesternadventures.co.uk It isn’t essential to have Western Tack before learning Western riding techniques although Brenda Lambert from WES recommends split reins. For more on Western Tack, Jim Lyner from Hooves Equestrian (see advert) can advise you. Amanda Oates-Patterson in Sowerby Bridge specialises in Natural Horsemanship and can teach you Western on your own horse in her round pen. Amanda also has a wide variety of Western tack of various sizes which she can let you use on your own horse. Contact Amanda on 01422 834290 www.inharmonywithhorses.co.uk Autumn 2011 19
Rocky’s Ranch
Western Trail Riding with Rocky Susan Dunne goes in search of the inner cowgirl in South Yorkshire
There can’t be many riding centres where you can find skins of possum, raccoons, bears and snakes hanging up in the shed. Still fewer where the owner has shot quite a few of them herself. But then, Rocky is no ordinary yard owner. She has been running Rocky’s Western Trail Riding centre near Holmfirth for over 20 years and the Ranch is testimony to a passion for all things Cowboy. It all began, she tells me, when she saw Roy Rodgers in a film as a child “Ever since then I’ve wanted to be a cowgirl!” she laughs. She learned to ride bareback and when an American friend brought her a western saddle she was all set to live the dream.
The Ranch She shows me round the self-styled ranch which is packed with Western regalia – all of it genuine. Her daughter thinks she should turn it in to a museum. Everywhere you turn there’s a new item to wonder at and Rocky is a mine of information about life in the Wild West. She points to the spurs hanging over the chandelier “Cowboys used to hang them there when they came home. When they were called away to war, they were left there and as some of them never returned the spurs stayed there for years”. In keeping with the self-sufficiency and resourcefulness of the cowboy lifestyle, Rocky is a dab hand at leather tooling (she is self-taught); she makes and mends her own harness and can tell you all about making clothes from animal skins: “It takes 3 rabbit skins to make a hat” she tells me confidently, adding that as a former sheep owner she made jackets for the children from sheep skins.
It’s a misty dew-drenched morning on the South Yorkshire Pennines. A few scraggly sheep are munching in the fields and at Rocky’s Ranch we’re saddling up Western Style for a stint of trail riding. The ponies, aptly called Custer, Sundance and Maverick, seem glad to be off and we walk down the road against a backdrop of green hills and purple heather. It’s a far cry from the lonesome desert trail and the nearest Indian is the Bengal Spice in Holmfirth - definitely more Pennine Trail than Waggon Trail. A Highland pony watches us from over a drystone wall and from the nearby reservoir you can hear the honks of some interbred geese. As we head on to the Trans Pennine Trail I try to assess my western saddle – it’s comfortable enough, though I mention to Rocky that the stirrups feel a tad long. She tells me it’s normal to ride longer western style. It’s certainly a relaxed way of riding and as I settle in to it I’m starting to enjoy myself. The trail is deserted apart from a solitary dog walker. I wonder if the correct greeting
I’m slowly connecting with
my inner cowgirl
Riding along on a loose rein, in a comfortable saddle I stop doing the usual mental checks of English style riding – shoulder to heel alignment, rein contact, seat contact – and just start to enjoy the ride. I’m slowly letting go and connecting with my inner cowgirl. With lots of open riding and no one about, we start to canter (or lope, as they say in Western) and something is welling up inside me. Suddenly it comes out: “Yee Haw!” I yell to Rocky and the open scrubland and the horses. My inner cowgirl has finally arrived.
Rocky’s Western Trail Riding near Holmfirth is a great way to have a taste of riding in a Western saddle. Various rides are available from 2 hours, pub rides, picnic rides or several days. Riding on the Trans Pennine Trail and in the Peak District National Park, offering some excellent off-road riding in beautiful surroundings.
Before I leave she shows me the horses. There are six altogether, a mixture of crosses, coloureds
under the circumstances is “Howdy Pardner” but he preempts me: “Ey up mind them Indians”.
“Ey up - mind them Indians”
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As we approach a short hill, Rocky issues a warning “Watch out that the pommel doesn’t get caught under your bra strap as you bend forward”. Now that would be a first. There are quite a few firsts today – where to hook your lasso on the saddle, dangling pieces of leather to hold your sleeping bag and all sorts of information about cow cutting and bush popping.
Western Trail Riding
The Horses
and that great rarity a fabulous, elegant Tennessee Walking Horse (called Tennessee). They all live out and are clearly a contented herd. Rocky walks amongst them against the backdrop of the South Yorkshire Pennines . It’s so still you could imagine yourself out in the wilds somewhere - possibly even the wild west.
the brushes. “That’s why you wear these” Rocky explains, indicating her full length leather chaps. I am in fact wearing jeans and half chaps – jodhpurs are just sooo not western - but the BHS standard crash helmet is still de rigueur for insurance purposes.
When we go in to some open scrubland with bushes (could be the Wild West if you add a bit of sunshine and airbrush out the pylons), Rocky demonstrates neck reining – the use of gentle rein pressure on the horse’s neck to change direction. We neck rein our way through the scrubland. At the end of it I’m feeling a bit – well dragged through
Riders come from as far afield as Devon and can be novices up to advanced. This kind of riding is a popular choice with those who are planning a ranch holiday as it can give some idea of what to expect and owner, Rocky, can give you lots of information about Western Tack and Western Riding. For further details visit the website: www.rockyswesternadventures.co.uk or Tel 01226 767315
Competition Angie Kirtley from Denholme in West Yorkshire rode in a traditional English style before taking up Western Riding in her mid-fifties. She rides Star, her Fell/ Dale X and loan horse Beth who is a welsh section D with cremello and palomino colouring. Angie said: I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in doing Western Riding until about 5 years ago when I bought Star. I was looking for a new horse and fell in love with Star but he had only ever been ridden western so I had to learn western! I had 7 lessons riding Star western style and now 5 and a half years later I would never go back to the English riding style. Western is very comfortable, more relaxed, more fun and safer. I find horses which are ridden Western tend to be more relaxed – perhaps because in Western as soon as the horse responds to you you take off the pressure whereas in English we tend to keep nagging them all the time. Western horses are often kept more naturally too – for instance many of them are barefoot. Star and Western Riding have opened up a whole new world for me. As well as lots of trail riding we attend shows and rodeos where we do lots of different things - just a few are barrel racing, flag racing, relay racing, ribbon racing and pick up racing! People at shows are fantastic and everybody helps everybody out – it’s all about adults having fun and as Monty Roberts said “if you don’t have fun on your horse, you’ve got the wrong horse!” As well as the shows we often get asked to attend Gala Parades because we’re different and people always want to stop and talk to us when we’re out. I’ve ridden lots of different horses over my life-time but I think you lose confidence as you get older. Now with Star and Beth I feel really confident and safe riding. I never ever imagined that at my age I’d be whipping round barrels at speed!
Joe Midgeley (16) from Denholme has ridden Western for 2 years and was introduced to it through a friend of his mum’s. After a year he got Bandit a 15.1 Quarter Horse who came as an unbroken 3 year old.
Win a Horsenality and Humanality Match Report with Parelli!
Want to learn more about both you and your horse, what makes you a partnership and what areas need improving to make your relationship and bond the very best they can be? In this issue we team up with Linda and Pat Parelli to give two lucky winners the chance to win the complete digital version of the Horsenality and Humanality profiles and your match report. This ground-breaking tool has been developed by Linda Parelli, matching you and your horse based on your unique Horsenality and Humanality. As you know your behaviour can bring out different aspects of your horse’s character. The Match Report will teach you how to adapt your natural behaviour to become the leader your horse needs you to be. Connecting horse personality and human personality is something that has never been considered before and links the psychology behind it. The Horsenality and Humanality Match Report is designed for personal growth and helps map out new ground for achieving the best possible relationship with your horse.
Joe said: Three years ago I had no interest in riding whatsoever and I don’t think I’d be doing riding today if I hadn’t gone down the Western route. I think it’s easier for lads to get interested in Western rather than English style – maybe it’s a cowboy thing!
Your custom report will help reveal the similarities and differences between you and your horse, your relationship dynamics and challenges.
I’ve never had a lesson in my life and I’m entirely self-taught. There was nowhere really to learn so I watched others and picked up tips at shows where everyone is really helpful. I’ve done work breaking young horses which I think helped. It’s difficult to start in Western because there’s not much around up here. I’ve got friends up and down the country who do it but very few in Yorkshire.
These new custom reports for you and your horse will make your journey together more successful building a bond that is unbreakable.
I think you find in Western that the horses are more free and it’s a lot more chilled out. There are lots of different things you can do in Western – I do Barrel racing and I’m planning to do neck racing as well as building up to doing sliding stops! I’m a member of the Western Horsemanship Association which tends to be more associated with the faster disciplines but I think it’s also good to do the showmanship as well. I’d definitely recommend Western riding to anybody – you get a real buzz off it!
It will also offer partnership strategies on the ground and in the saddle and identify situational stress behaviours and what you can do about them for a more positive experience.
To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question: Who developed the New Horsenality and Humanality Match Report? Send your answers to northernhorselife@btconnect.com, including your address and a daytime phone number. Entries to arrive no later than 20th October 2011
For further information visit www.parelli.com Autumn 2011 NHL 21
Thermograhic Imaging
Seeing Red Martin Collishaw from Equine Infrared based near Hull talks about how Thermographic Imaging can help diagnose and predict disease in the horse
E
quine Thermography is the use of a specialised camera that detects the surface temperature of the horse. This in turn gives an indication of soft tissue health (muscles, ligaments and tendons). The camera converts over 80 000 screen pixels to temperature readings and converts to a predetermined colour key to form an accurate view of the horse’s thermal patterns. The camera depicts the individual temperature point of each pixel in its camera screen as a colour spectrum which forms an image. “Rainbow” is the ideal colour palette in animals. Cold temperatures show up as black, blue and purple whereas the highest temperatures are depicted in white and red with yellow and greens in the middle ground. Although thermal imaging has been around since the 1960s, developments
Taking images
in micro technology mean that cameras have become smaller and less cumbersome as well as less expensive. In turn this has meant that the service is now accessible to all horse owners, not just the privileged few and costs vary between £30 - £60 per horse. 22 NHL Autumn 2011
Martin Collishaw
So what does it involve? Unlike some modalities, thermal imaging is non-invasive and the horse can be imaged in its own environment with no stressful travel involved. The thermographer comes to you and conducts the imaging approximately 6 ft away. Imaging can take as little as 20 minutes to conduct followed by computer analysis back at the office lasting between 1 and 3 hours. The process of thermal imaging is not just “point and shoot” as it may look – there are specific protocols to be adhered to that only a trained equine thermographer is normally aware of. In conducting the scan, over 40 images are taken of the whole horse in pre-determined positions. These images can be viewed instantly and owners advised of immediately obvious problems, though small ambiguities can be found later when
analysed on specialised thermographic software. Reports are produced from the computer analysis and owners then receive a full, vet-ready hard copy or electronic copy of all images with all concerns added in greater detail.
Why it works The camera picks up the heat over the whole horse anatomy and can detect subtle differences in temperatures to 0.1 degree C, 40 times more sensitive than
Congratulations to
parts of the horse as revealed through Thermographic Imaging
human hands. The heat is predominantly a result of increased blood flow, a result of pain and inflammation. By comparing these subtle differences we can advise owners of problems not known, confirm suspected injury, monitor extent of pain in locality and identify transferred pain. We can also identify cold spot areas which are indicators of nerve damage.
Wider Applications Thermographic imaging is not just restricted to equines. It can be applied across the human and animal kingdom. It can be used to great benefit on greyhounds as they pick up many injuries in competition due to racing round the track the same way causing additional pressure on certain muscle groups as a result. On a more exotic level, zoo animals can also benefit from the imaging. Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire were interested in using it for flamingos as they suffer from foot infections due to standing on unnatural surfaces. The Camera
could pick up these infections and they could therefore be treated earlier, also providing an economic benefit as the birds often die from these infections and cost £1000 each. Animals in the wild can also benefit as the camera does not need visible daylight to operate in and can be used to find hidden species in open areas at night time that otherwise could not be seen. From an agricultural perspective, studies are currently being performed to better detect the cycles of cows in season.
Benefits We know the horse can’t talk and inherently tries to mask its pain so by identifying the pain and suffering we can give owners, trainers and carers a better understanding of what is going on and why the horse may be performing poorly in competition or showing uncharacteristic behaviour traits. Whilst thermal imaging is not a treatment in itself it allows for early diagnoses and therefore can assist in earlier treatment.
Martin Collishaw has been involved in thermography for 8 years. He has been operating as an independent thermographer since 2009. For further details contact Martin on 07805 486004 or through Facebook. You can also email Martin for further details martin@equineinfrared.co.uk Exotic animals can also benefit
Liz Valentine and Cleo. Cleo ridden by Daisy Shufflebottom, qualified for the Ultimate Showcase of Champions at Great Yorkshire Show in August by winning Novice Jumping at Horsforth RC show (where she was the only horse in the show who went clear throughout). Liz said “I am really, really pleased with her. She did really well and Daisy rode brilliantly”.
Julie Everett and Sheer Ambition. Julie from Barnsley qualified for HOYS in the SEIB Search for a Star in the Show Hunter Class HOYS Qualifier at Osbaldeston.
Victoria Smart and Chivola. Victoria from Thirsk qualified for HOYS in the Racehorse to Riding Horse Qualifier at Osbaldeston. Also... Congratulations to Nicola Wilson who retained the Scottish Open Championship at Blair International Horse Trials for the third year running riding Bee Diplomatic. And to Joe Clayton from Huddersfield who won the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead riding Michael Whitaker’s Doobally. Autumn 2011 NHL 23
Complementary Therapy
Equine Homeopathy
by Sue Armstrong MA VetMB VetFHHom CertAVH MRCVS RsHom
Sue Armstrong owns and runs the Balanced Being Group in Wetherby which includes a small animal veterinary centre, a human homeopathic consultancy and an equine referral service for complementary medicine.
H
omeopathy is a complete system of medicine in its own right with its own philosophy and understanding of health and disease. The most important principal is revealed in the very name homeopathy: this is the principal of ‘similar suffering’ or ‘like cures like’.
Many conventional medicines are aimed at switching off a symptom e.g. anti-inflammatories switch off inflammation or conventional medicines may be totally unrelated to the disease whereas homeopathy works by creating an artificial disease state that matches as closely as possible the symptoms expressed by the diseased animal and stimulates the animal’s own defence system to create a counteraction to annihilate the disease. Homeopathy is more than a set of pills and potions The art and science of homeopathy as a system of medicine is more than a set of pills and potions, it recognizes the importance of good diet and environment as being key to health and has a clear understanding of the progression of diseases within an individual over time.
24 NHL Autumn 2011
Our current modern medicine often sees each illness as a series of isolated incidents without any clear relationship. Not only are illnesses often seen as separate but each organ can be viewed in isolation with a separate specialist for each! Homeopathy recognizes that each patient is not only an individual but that the mind, body and emotions act as a whole, not as a series of isolated parts. Even a horse’s reaction to an accident or injury will have a large individual component and homeopathy takes into account the mental, emotional and physical response to disease and individualizes treatments for each animal. This individualization is one reason why homeopathic medicines might fail if they are chosen as off the shelf remedies for a given condition as they do not work in this way.
as a complementary medicine alongside conventional medicine and surgery. The author works extensively in the flat racing industry where both conventional and homeopathic approaches work well together to improve the health and performance of the racehorses.
Homeopathy takes in to account the mental, emotional and physical response to the disease and individualizes treatments for each animal It is only in acute conditions where the majority of horses will react in the same way that consistent results will be seen by the horse owner with no homeopathic understanding. An example of an acute treatment that would be reliable in most cases would be the use of the remedy Arnica for soft tissue injury – this is because most horses when bruised will show pain, avoidance of touch to the affected area and swelling, i.e. there is little individual variation in response to an acute soft tissue bruising so finding the right remedy is easier, plus in injury past medical history is less important. In chronic conditions a qualified veterinary homeopath should be consulted as each case will require individualization which is a skilled job. Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine and surgery To find a qualified veterinary homeopath visit the BAHVS (British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons) website www.bahvs.com which provides a regional listing. A referral from your conventional veterinary surgeon will be required. Homeopathy can also be used
Claude
Case Study Claude presented with a history of never being well since vaccination. He was vaccinated in the spring and within 48 hours had a high fever and marked lethargy. The owner had rested him for a week but although the fever had reduced over that time he was very lethargic when ridden and started to sweat excessively. The conventional vet was called and bloods were taken which showed a raised white cell count but otherwise nothing abnormal. He was again turned away for a month having been given a course of antibiotics. Each time the owner tried to bring him back into work he had no stamina and he developed a dry cough on eating. I was called to treat him six months into the problem. His past history revealed a tendency towards soft hooves and thrush, problems with infection of the sheath and a strong tendency to sweat. His body had a strong sweet odour.
He could be irritable and could easily over-excite and be difficult to handle particularly at shows. He did not like too much affection. To take a full history in such a chronic case would take on average an hour and involves an investigation of both the current situation and past events, plus the mental and emotional makeup of the horse and of course a physical examination and examination of diagnostic test results where appropriate. The main features of this case matched the remedy picture of Thuja occidentalis. A single dose of Thuja 1M was administered to Claude. In 36 hours Claude produced an increased discharge from the sheath and a slight nasal discharge from the left nostril but already he was brighter in himself. In one week the owner tried him under saddle again and he was markedly improved. Over one month his stamina levels and vitality had returned to normal. Sue Armstrong qualified from Cambridge Veterinary School, England in 1984. Sue studied homeopathy at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and with the HPTG in Oxford. She obtained VetMFHom status in 1996. After further study she gained her RSHom status in 2007 which has enabled her to help human as well as animal patients. Sue went through teaching training with the HPTG and is the HPTG current Course Director. Sue is the Senior Vice President of the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons and President of The College of Animal Homeopathic Medicine in Vancouver, Canada. She lectures extensively internationally.
Hope Pastures
Hope Pastures Horse and Donkey Sanctuary is based near Headingley, Leeds and is currently home to 24 horses, ponies, donkeys and a mule. We rescue equines from all kinds of situations including elderly horses whose owners are also elderly and can no longer cope, neglect cases and strays. We aim to rehome wherever possible and currently have two ponies in need of loving homes.
Vicki Shaw from Cononley near Skipton owns P, a 4 year old Section D. P was suffering from sweet itch and all over body itching. Vicki tells us why she chose to use homeopathy P had been on box rest due to a splint and was overweight. I didn’t want to use a traditional vet incase they prescribed steroids which increase the risk of laminitis so I called Sue. Sue spent 2 hours taking a full case history about how P is in the field, stable and when worked. She asked about feed and any products used and did a feed analysis. She took the information and worked out a remedy which she posted out within 48 hours. Since taking it I’ve noticed a great improvement in P. The itching has slowed down a lot (at one point she was rubbing her bum so much it used to pop open the stable door!). In April her mane was down to the skin. She’s had 2 inches of mane regrowth and her tail looks really nice and full - like a proper Mountain and Moorland tail. Sue also recommended use of a Boett rug in the field and for the past 3 - 4 weeks there’s been no itching in the fields. An additional thing that has happened is that P had 2 sarcoids which have completely disappeared since using the treatment. The great thing about homeopathy is that it looks at the whole problem not just individual parts. Things are still not totally 100% but I’d say we’ve had a 75% improvement and I’m very happy with it.
Harvey is a 13hh 16 year old cob gelding. He is quite nervous until he is settled and needs restricted grazing as he gains weight easily. He has been a riding pony but needs a confident older child/small adult rider. He can be a little cheeky to catch but is fine once he is in a routine. Harvey gets along well with other horses and ponies.
Lucky is a welsh type yearling gelding who loves cuddles and being groomed. He will make somebody a great little show pony and he loves human company. He is currently a silver roan colour and should make 12.2hh. He is good to handle and just needs socializing. He is not yet fully weaned so even a shorter term foster home where he can have the company of other youngsters would be ideal. Lucky came to us by request of the police along with his dam as they were stray and at high risk of being injured on the roads. All attempts to trace an owner have failed. For further information please email: sophie@hopepastures.org or call 01132614344 Autumn 2011 NHL 25
Show Jumping with Steven Smith Stacey Lawrence from Riddlesden near Keighley is the winner of our Summer Show Jumping Lesson competition with Steven Smith. NHL went along to find out how she got on.
S
tacey has been riding for over 30 years and competes affiliated. Her horse Coco Z is a Holsteiner mare bred and backed by local breeder and trainer Karl Fuller. Coco has excellent bloodlines and comes from top show jumping stock. Coco is 6 years old and Stacey describes her as very willing but still a bit green with a tendency to spook and get strong in a show environment. She is hoping Steven can give her some advice on how to best cope with this.
Steven Smith, Coco Z and Stacey Lawrence
Photos by David Gresham
Steven begins the lesson by telling Stacey to enjoy herself, adding “If it’s miserable we’re not doing our job right!” He explains his method of working: “I don’t have a set pattern – I work with what’s in front of me and everyone will be different”. He then asks Stacey to spend 5 minutes settling Coco. Coco is a little tense and spooking at the electric gate on the school. To help settle her Steven tells Stacey to keep circling at this end of the school, getting closer and closer to the gate until Coco ceases to worry. After several circles on each rein Steven is pleased – “It’s getting better every time. Sometimes it can take a very long time but the main thing is to keep repeating it till they learn”. The spooking issue sorted, Steven asks Stacey to go large and begins to assess her riding and Coco’s way of going. After a while he asks her to halt and tells her she has one major flaw: “You’re too timid, too nice. You must tell a horse (in a nice way) what to do”. He stresses the importance of keeping a tighter feel on the rein “that way you’ll feel the spooking before it happens and can send the horse forward. The horse can do what 26 NHL Autumn 2011
it wants if you haven’t got a contact but if you keep a feel at all times spooky horse’s do it less – it’s like holding someone’s hand, it’s a confidence-giver”. He advises her that the main issue is one of control and getting the horse to go where she wants it to “once you’ve got control it’s down to the rider and horse ability.”
“Once you’ve got control it’s down to the rider and horse ability” When Stacey has trotted on both reins, Steven asks her to start changing the pace within the trot as a means of regulating the horse and getting it to listen. He then lets Stacey and Coco take a rest before moving on to canter.
When Coco breaks pace Steven tells Stacey to keep her going “Whatever decision is made is yours. Have a break when you want to but rather than get her tired stop in time”. After cantering on both reins Steven then discusses the importance of the canter stride in jumping: “You need to aim for a slow canter which is harder for the horse because it makes them work harder. On a scale of 1 – 10 in canter speed you should jump on a 5”.
“On a scale of 1 - 10 in Canter speed you should jump on a 5” When Stacey resumes cantering she is again encouraged to achieve variation in the pace as variety will keep the horse interested and it will be more alert and listening. Stacey is now a bit out of breath and Steven says that riders should be aiming to stay cantering for 20 minutes. Both Steven and Stacey agree they should give up smoking!
The canter has been going well and it’s time to start jumping a cross pole. After the first jump Steven calls out “You’ve just done my pet hate!” “Cut a corner” Stacey calls back “Excellent!” Steven says “Turn a corner when you want!”. When Stacey jumps again Steven asks her to stop “The horse told you when to go. She has to understand she can’t go until you tell her to and if we don’t get this right on cross poles it’s not going to get any easier on bigger jumps. Go slow and control it and when you land slow it down”. Stacey jumps again and it is much more controlled. Steven says “If you can find a distance every time at a cross pole you can find it for any jump. So long as you’ve got a stride you’ve got a chance even if everything else is wrong”.
“So long as you’ve got a stride you’ve got a chance even if everything else is wrong”
Coco is still anticipating the jump too much so Steven tells Stacey to come out of the corner on the approach to the jump, stop and rein back. Stacey does this twice and then is told to jump. Coco is much more controlled this time and Steven is pleased. He advises her “Keep changing the goal posts - don’t let them know what’s coming. Horses anticipate so if you get them to expect to wait they will. They have to think.” He then encourages Stacey to do less and be prepared to sit and wait: “There’s no point doing anything until you’ve seen what you need to see. It’s hard to do nothing on approach to a fence but you need to wait and sit until you see something”. Stacey does less and the pace is more controlled. Steven raises the jump and is really pleased with the results: it’s all coming together really well and a very clear difference is starting to show. Coco is more settled and Stacey is controlling the pace better. To finish off Steve gives some advice: “It’s important to jump every jump the same. It’s very easy to go forward and fast and get it wrong but you can add pace once the basics are in place. It’s the rider’s brains that will alter it so think about what is happening. Our sport is a thinking sport – you win with your head”.
To book a lesson or clinic with Steven call 07786 265600
And the verdict... Steven: Stacey did well. She got the basic grasp straight away. The main thing she needs to work on is control (which is the same for everybody). Coco is a nice horse with good breeding and a good attitude. She’s not stupid and needs a good rider. I don’t think Stacey could get much better and they could go a long way together . It’s important for both of them to train on a regular basis and to keep challenging themselves. Stacey: I really enjoyed the lesson. It all made sense and Steven was very clear about what he wanted me to do and how to do it. I definitely think we improved. The main thing for me to work on is control and I’ve got lots of things to go home and practice. Coco was a star! Autumn 2011 27
Special Feature
In Harmony with Horses – the power of Equine Facilitated Learning
struggling through the traditional educational system. Positive results have been seen with people suffering from autism, ADHD, depression and a wide spectrum of mental, physical and emotional difficulties. Amanda and Sue very much want the services offered by In Harmony with Horses to be available to as wide arrange of people as possible and with this in mind are now pursuing the venture as a Social Enterprise. Referrals can be made by individuals, schools or social care facilities.
Sessions
S
et in the beautiful Calder Valley, In Harmony with Horses offers a peaceful rural setting where individuals and groups can learn through the Wisdom of the Horse. Founded by two highly experienced horsewomen, Sue Brook and Amanda Oates-Patterson, In Harmony with Horses provides specially designed programmes to help people from all walks of life towards health and emotional well-being.
Sue and Amanda both have backgrounds in natural healing as well as over 20 years involvement with horses. Sue is an Equine Touch and Equine Aromatics therapist and Amanda takes a holistic approach to all aspects of Equine business on her livery yard, practicing Equine Massage and Aromatics and Animal Healing. Both are practitioners of Natural Horsemanship and together they combine their experience and skills to help children and adults learn communication and life skills using horses as their leaders.
Equine facilitated learning can benefit anyone who wishes to learn through the wisdom of the horse and is particularly suited to groups or individuals with disabilities, learning or behavioural issues or those 28 NHL Autumn 2011
The Equine facilitated learning sessions take place within a round pen, providing a safe, enclosed area where the person and their selected horse or pony can spend time working together and create a bond. As in Natural Horsemanship which uses the horse’s own communication system to create a greater level of understanding between trainer and horse, equine facilitated learning uses the same methods with a trained horse to enable people to build a relationship with the horse. Group sessions last half a day and individual sessions last about an hour but Amanda stresses that there are no rigid time limits as sessions are very much tailored to individual needs and are client and horse lead. Skills are developed over a number of sessions working towards the client moving the horse or pony through a series of obstacles or long-lining single-handedly in the round pen
Benefits
David and Teddy
Who is it for?
Below Sue Brooks and Diesel
Indi enjoying equine touch
The Benefits of equine facilitated learning are many. It can be particularly empowering for the person who typically controls very little of their own environment. Equine facilitated learning promotes self-awareness and increased self-esteem which in turn can be built on to develop further skills and learning. The programme aims to help attendees learn how to control or release emotions, communicate on an effective level and learn to trust and form relationships away from the confines of the traditional educational system.
For further details Tel 01422 834290 www.inharmonywithhorses.co.uk
Special Feature
David Mitchell Equine Cremation and Disposal Service is a family run business with over 40 years of experience in the disposal and cremation of horses and ponies. We are based near Bradford and over the whole of Lancashire and Yorkshire. David is the third generation of Mitchells to continue offering services to horse owners and vets and he is helped by his daughters Liz and Catherine. Having all bred and competed horses in our own right, and having suffered the sad loss of our own family friends over the years, we understand how upsetting this can be. We are here to offer you a reliable, discreet and compassion ate service at a very sad time 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Our Services We offer a choice of service to suit your requirements. Should you choose to have your ashes returned to you, we guarantee that the ashes you receive will be those of your horse or pony.
Simple Disposal This service provides the collection of your horse or pony either at a pre-arranged time or through our 24/7 emergency call out. This is a communal disposal with other horses and ponies with no ashes returned.
Individual Equine Cremation This is our premier service and provides for the collection of your hose or pony at a pre-arranged time, or through our 24/7 emergency call out and individual cremation and ashes returned in a wooden casket with an engraved name plate to which you can add the message of your choice. Ashes can also be returned in a wicker basket for scattering. We can also offer the return of token ashes which again can be returned either in a wooden casket with a name plate or in a wicker basket to scatter. A new product we now have to offer is token ashes which are returned in a box picture frame along with one of your horse or pony’s shoes, a name plate and piece of your horse or pony’s mane or tail plaited. This can be hung on your wall. We are here at any time to answer any queries you may have and can be contacted on 01274 833084 or take a look at our website at
www.david-mitchell.equine.co.uk
Autumn 2011 29
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Holistic Animal Healing by Spirit Of Pegasus
My approach to working with horses is purely holistic, using Natural Horsemanship, Equine Touch and animal healing techniques, I can look at the root cause of behavioural problems which are often due to under-lying issues. Working in this way can create a deep and trusting relationship between horse and handler which can be truly remarkable Equine Touch can help the horse deal with physical and emotional problems in which its own innate healing power is able to work to its maximum potential. Equine Touch is a non-diagnostic, non-invasive energy and muscle release discipline that works at a completely holistic level. This will assist reduction of muscle tension and stiffness, promote relaxation and detoxification, reduce the pain spiral, help the horse to deal with emotional stress and therefore promote general well-being. Natural Horsemanship, working with horses by appealing to their instincts and herd mentality, involves communication techniques derived from many years of wild horse observation. Communication is silent, through body language, and the horse feels calm and safe with the handler and, in return, the bond and trust between horse and handler can be wonderful.
To discover how I can help your horse call me on 07852 142066 or email susan.brook.94@btinternet.com www.spiritofpegasus.co.uk Autumn 2011 NHL 31
Interview
Five minutes with Oliver Townend Local lad (and World Class Eventer) Oliver Townend (28) hails from Scapegoat Hill near Huddersfield. His dad Alan was a milkman and his mum Eve rode side-saddle. Oliver began riding aged 7 and the rest, as they say, is history. In 2009 he won Badminton and Burghley back-to-back joining a highly elite group of riders. He lives in Shropshire and as well as developing the Harthill Stud which aims to breed world class event horses, he has launched his own range of clothing (see competition opposite). He has his sights firmly set on London Olympics 2012
What’s your first horse memory? A muddy field at home on a pony called Rebel
What’s been your best riding moment? Winning the 2009 Burghley Horse Trials with Carousel Quest owned by a great owner and friend Andrew Cawthray.
And your least finest hour?
Do you miss Yorkshire?
Falling off at the Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event when in contention for the Grand Slam.
At times, yes. I miss the hills for getting the horses fit and the Yorkshire people especially Mum, Dad and my Grandma.
Who’s inspired you the most? Lester Piggot - an amazing horseman
What’s been the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? You are not competing against the other riders just yourself and getting the best out of your horse.
And the Worst? Winning doesn’t matter. It does.
If you hadn’t had a career in riding what would you have done? Some sort of successful business, I hope.
Is there anything you don’t miss? The wind and cold.
If you were a horse what type would you be?
I’d hope a very fashionable stallion...
What’s the best thing about horses? I love how they come in such different types, because I’m interested in the breeding side. But basically I love every aspect.
And the worst thing about them? The 4am starts to get to events
Photo by Tom Jones
Last time mucking out? Last Christmas
Any advice for aspiring Event Riders? Do it as a hobby and get a proper job! 32 NHL Autumn 2011
Competition
Special Feature
Audrey Honeyman, Executive Manager of The Body Shop at Home and Group Organiser at Dial Wood Carriage Driving for the Disabled in Wakefield tells us how a career change to the Body Shop helped her successfully combine work and horses Having been made redundant from a high flying job, I decided to go back to University to study for a Masters degree. I was passionate about how ponies can help people, and had an RDA group to help run with fellow volunteers on a part-time basis. Being a student meant limited income, so I started my own part time business with The Body Shop at Home – trading ethically meant a lot to me. Doing parties and events during the evening, freed up my time during the day, so that I could deal with visits to my ponies from the vet, blacksmith or equine dentist with a degree of flexibility, whilst also studying. Gone were the days when I had to ask permission for annual leave or give time back in lieu! When I graduated, the selfemployed style of life really suited me, and flexibility was the key! Yes, I had to balance my income and out goings to make sure that I was earning what I needed – this is just good business sense!
I now have a £4 million business turnover and flexibility to enjoy my ponies and still have fun I enjoyed the variety of people that I met through the parties, events, fundraisers and sales opportunities, which, as time went on I did both during the day and evening to suit my diary. I knew the more I did, the more was going into my business, and it began to grow. The Body Shop at Home career plan gave me the opportunity to go up the ladder and expand even more. Being a manager meant that if I looked after my consultants well, then they would enjoy the job, as I did, and I would earn a commission, not only from my own parties, but from theirs too. I now have a £4 million + turnover business, the flexibility to enjoy my ponies and still have fun doing The Body Shop at Home parties throughout Yorkshire, as well as within the equine community. Our peak season is just round the corner - Christmas starts in September/October with The Body Shop at Home and it’s a time when earnings can be maximised. For further information please contact Audrey on 01924 849368, 07905 331917 or email audrey.honeyman@virgin.net Autumn 2022 NHL 33
For Sale
Glanvyrnwy Rainbow Lad (Nemo)
Very striking Reg. Welsh Sec D 15.1, 11yr old Chestnut Gelding. Good Blood Lines Brilliant forward going all rounder, no vices. Will box, shoe, clip passes the scariest of obstacles. Jumps well, hunted, done Trec and loves showing Would suit any family member. Good weight carrier. A very willing handsome boy. Only for sale as retired lady owner downsizing All tack, rugs etc £3,750 ono Good Home only need apply Tel Margaret 07890 174792
GYS Competition Winners
Congratulations to the winners: Liz Orme from Dewsbury Joyce Whitehead from Flawith
Next Edition Winter 2011 Try Side-saddle The Good Spa Guide Donkey Focus Plus News Interviews Local Breeder Yard Focus Therapies Competitions and much more!
Advertising Deadlines Winter 2011 20 November contact 0771 8905036 info@northernhorselife.co.uk
For editorial contact Susan 01535 663663
northernhorselife@btconnect.com 34 NHL Autumn 2011
Reader Notice Due to increasing demand for the Magazine we will be charging £2 per copy from December. This is so that we can continue to provide a high quality reader content and increase our distribution across the county. We very much hope that you will continue to support us in providing a magazine that reflects equine interests across our region. The magazine will be available at outlets across the county (see website for further details) or why not take out an annual subscription with us? For just £12 we will deliver 6 copies to your door. Further details are available on the website or email northernhorselife@btconnect.com
Special Feature
Yorkshire Horsebox Hire
Self drive horsebox hire 3.5t - 7.5ton daily to longer term. Flexible collection/return times,valet service, test drives and customer parking. We stock BLISS bedding. FREE delivery for orders of 10bales+ within 10miles of YO8 6EL, FREE delivery orders of 20bales+ within 30miles. Collection welcome by arrangement. 2011 Hay & Haylage available
TEL: 01757 638925 E: claire@brackenholme.co.uk
www.yorkshirehorseboxhire.co.uk
Yorkshire Horsebox Hire A leading Yorkshire horsebox hire company talks about the advantages of hiring over buying
A
s a horse owner one of the dilemmas is whether to purchase your own transport. Whether competing, doing leisure rides or going to training clinics, there are so many great opportunities to enjoy time with your horse, if transport allows. Purchasing a box is a big investment with not just the initial purchase alone, but the continuous upkeep of the vehicle from mechanical repairs, maintenance, road tax, insurance and possible storage costs. If you were to divide all these costs over the number of times the box is used, would it really be worth it? Then there is the issue of leaving a vehicle designed to be used regularly standing for long periods of time, often outside in the elements.
and affordable prices, enabling more horse owners to enjoy being out and about with their horses without the burden of ownership. Based just outside of Selby on Brackenholme Business Park, their fleet includes vehicles from 3.5 ton to 7.5 ton with full living for those longer stays away from home. Hire periods can be from 24 hours to longer term. Whilst the 3.5 box is a popular choice, a lot of horse owners may be over the vehicle weight limit, often unknowingly. Yorkshire Horsebox Hire’s 5 – 6 ton vehicles are just as easy to drive as the 3.5 ton but with greater payloads, keeping everyone safe and legal. Collection and delivery times can often be difficult for customers who work full time. Yorkshire Horsebox Hire offer flexible collection and return times as part of their service, along with a reasonably priced valet service that allows their customers to return the box uncleaned. Free test drives, without time limit, ensure all customers are confident with their chosen vehicle prior to putting their horses in and travelling to their activity, which can be stressful enough without worrying about driving a strange vehicle. This helps build confidence and allows first time drivers of horseboxes to feel comfortable taking a horsebox out on hire. The loyalty scheme offers great rewards for regular customers, including equestrian retail store vouchers and free hire periods, as customers collect points for each hire period. To find out more about Yorkshire Horsebox Hire visit: www.yorkshirehorseboxhire.co.uk or tel 01757 638925
Yorkshire Horsebox Hire set out to provide high quality boxes Autumn 2011 NHL 35
ChurchViewEquestrianCentre Riding School, Livery Yard & Breaking Centre Pony Days along with private, semi-private and group lessons and hacking in the beautiful countryside area of Coley-Halifax
Friendly and approachable staff and horse with a warm welcoming stable yard
Located in the Coley area of Halifax West Yorkshire we offer you magnificent countryside, beautiful scenery and wood land hacks, 7 days a week, regardless the weather, you will always be accompanied by a experienced member of staff, and on carefully selected horses and ponies providing a range of sizes, types and temperaments to suit all, from total beginners to the more experienced rider. This will help you enjoy to the full! Our lessons are held in our newly refurbished floodlit Olympic sized arena with the lesson tailored to you whether you want a private, semi-private or group lesson just call and lets us know. A member of our helpful team will always be at hand to guide you and offer the best advice for you. We also have pony days where children can come along and have fun with the ponies at our school whilst learning and Horses all about them!
Riding tuition training for all levels, abilities and ages from 4 years upwards
both bought and sold along with part and full livery vacancies with 5* facilities
Contact Us: 01422 207 932 Email: churchviewec@hotmail.co.uk Find Us On Facebook: Church View Equestrian Centre