Ebg july aug

Endurance

Volume 11 Issue 4 July/August 2014

WEG : Rider Profiles Specialist Equipment

EGB - The Way Forward Mid-Season Maintenance

OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

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Contents 10

12

22

Lameness Health Essentials WEG Management Groups Young Rider Results Mid Season Maintenance

Views from the Chair 4 News 6 Views from the Chair (continued) 8 Rider Profile 9 Ride Reports 10 International Ride Reports 16 SERC 18 Athlete Feeding 20 Specialist Equipment 24

Editor’s Comment By the time you are reading this, the World Equestrian Games will be imminent. Following a hot and action filled weekend at the College, Keysoe, ride, the selectors chose a squad to represent Team GBR in endurance at WEG. Congratulations to all who are on the Squad, we send you every good wish for success in Normandy!

The same weekend as College, two Young Riders, Brett Corcoran and Alice Loten, were campaigning their horses in the European Young Rider championships in Verona. Alice placed at a very creditable 20th, but sadly Brett retired his horse at Vet Gate three, as he felt the horse was not right. A commendable decision on Brett’s part, showing wisdom beyond his years. Well done to both of these riders for all their work and effort, and for excellent care of their horses.

Mid season for the competition calendar, in this issue we are looking at how to keep our equine athletes fit and well to continue to compete at top level, whatever that may mean to us. For riders who are just getting to grips with the sport, we have a look at what sort of specialist equipment is available, and how it might be useful.

We have the second part of our in depth look at lameness in endurance horses, and we have great photographic coverage of Windsor FEI ride.

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36 27 28 30 33 35 38 39 42

Cover Photo: Peggy Soffley riding Jane Welcher’s horse CS Clarion at the 2014 Golden Horseshoe Ride. Photo courtesy of David Saunders

The season of AGMs and Dinners will soon be upon us. There are several vacant seats on the Board of EGB…perhaps it is time for EGB members to consider what they might be able to contribute to the running of the organization, and put themselves up for election?

Information on how to do this is available on the EGB website, and the cut off dates are published in each issue of the magazine.

I look forward to seeing many of you out on the trails

Cindy

With all the changes that are taking place in Endurance as a whole, and EGB in particular, John Hudson, the new Chairman of EGB, has taken time to write a broad overview of the aims and aspirations of the Board, and how this will be implemented and cascaded down to members over the coming months. Finance Director, Peter Claridge has also prepared a report on how EGB is doing, and what to expect from the future.

With many members voicing concerns about where EGB is going and how it will get there, these are timely articles that will help inform the membership.

Endurance July/August 2014 3

Views from the Chair Dear members,

It is my pleasure to address you all as Chairman of Endurance GB once again, having taken on the role before when Endurance GB was first formed in 2001.

I look forward with enthusiasm to working with you all to address jointly the many challenges ahead.

Over the last couple of months I have been lucky enough to be out and about as a rider, a crew, a Technical Steward and a helper. I have been reminded that we are blessed with a wonderful sport, being surrounded by friendly and helpful people who share a common aim of enjoying a day out competing in the countryside with their equine companion. Perhaps in recent times we have lost sight of our primary aim, which is to promote and enhance the sport that we all love in order to encourage people to join us in our shared passion.

This is a positive message on which I ask the Board of Directors and our members to focus their energy and commitment in moving forward.

On that note, I am very grateful to Peter Claridge for taking on the role of Vice-Chairman of Endurance GB. Peter’s management experience will be invaluable to me and to the organisation as a whole. I am also pleased to report that at its last Meeting on 24th May the Board of Directors agreed that we should split the Rides and Rules Committee, primarily to spread the ever increasing workload associated with these two key areas. Jeni Gilbert has returned to her responsibility for Rides whilst Julie Martin has retained Rules.

We have now completed interviews for the position of part time General Office Administrator. Heather Wain will be joining us on 22nd July and will be working with Olwen Bryer who is now full time Supervisor Administrator in our Office at Abbey Park. I am sure you will all join me in making Olwen and Heather feel welcome in their new roles. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Chris Scott who has just retired and Val Cammock who will retire soon for all their hard work in the Office.

I’d also like to send all good wishes and thanks on your behalf to Alice Loten and Brett Corcoran for representing Endurance GB at the Young Rider European Championship in Verona, and to those members of the Elite Squad and the Team Management who will be going to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in September.

Now it is time for me to turn my attention to some of the issues that are commanding considerable focus for the Board and of course for the membership as a whole. (continued on page 8)

ENDURANCE GB BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN John Hudson t: 01398 332089 m: 07779 797170 e: johnhudson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014 VICE CHAIRMAN Peter Claridge t: 01208 821328 m: 07771 897925 e: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 FINANCE DIRECTOR Peter Claridge t: 01208 821328 m: 07771 897925 e: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 COMPANY SECRETARY Ann Dark t: 01380 818223 e: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016

Sue Broughton t: 01724 721352 m: 07870 171641 e: suebroughton@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016

Fiona Videla t: 01949 843 349 m: 07841 143032 e: fionavidela@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

Jo Claridge t: 01208 821328 m: 07917 161599 e: joclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014

SERC REPRESENTATION Christine Farrow t: 01228 576826 e: christinefarrow@endurancegb.co.uk

Brian Floyd Davis t: 01293 786253 m: 07771581202 e: brianfloyd-davis@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016 Kevin Hawes t: 01342 825827 m: 07704 535 424 e: kevinhawes@endurancegb.co.uk Retires – at the AGM 2015 Julie Martin t: 01484 681423 m: 07857 445001 e: juliemartin@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014

Jeni Gilbert t: 01484 863506 m: 07845 975612 e: jenigilbert@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 Calls between 9am and 9pm only please.

More details of committees and Board Member responsibilities can be found in the EGB Handbook

Credits Office administration Olwen Bryer Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP t: 02476 697929 f: 02476 418429 Editor Cindy Russell Green Farm Stables, Albyns Lane, Romford, Essex RM4 1RX t: 01708 688075 e: cindy@cynburstud.fsnet.co.uk Publisher Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Northants, NN16 9QJ t: 01536 527297 f: 01536 527294 e: info@matrixprint.com Designer Rick Fraterrigo

Advertising Mainline Media Ltd The Barn, Oakley Hay Lodge Business Park, Great Folds Road, Great Oakley, Northamptonshire, NN18 9AS t: 01536 747333 e: tricia.mcdougall@ mainlinemedia.co.uk Disclaimer: The views and opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the editor, Matrix Print Consultants Ltd or Endurance GB. Endurance magazine is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without the permission of Endurance GB and/or Matrix Print Consultants Ltd.

Deadlines

Copy Dates to Editor for future issues: Issue Sept/ Oct 2014 by 15th August.

Issue Nov/Dec 2014 by 15th October.

If you wish to advertise in the Sept/Oct 2014 issue, copy deadline is 7th September.

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Endurance If you are reading this, so are your potential customers!

Contact Tricia at Mainline Media Ltd t: 01536 747333 e: tricia.mcdougall@mainlinemedia.co.uk

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NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEW FEI Bureau approves Endurance rules revisions The FEI Bureau approved the revised Endurance rules during the second day of its in-person meeting in the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). The revised rules, which are in line with the recommendations of the Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG) and which received widespread support at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne (SUI) in April 2014, will be implemented on 1 August 2014.

Additionally, and in order to more formally recognise the HRH Princess Haya’s previously stated conflict of interest with regard to the discipline, the Bureau voted unanimously to officially mandate the 1st Vice President John McEwen to take over full responsibility for the entire Endurance discipline during Princess Haya’s term of office.

The FEI and the National Federations have consistently stressed the importance of putting the new rules in place as soon as possible rather than waiting for a vote at the FEI General Assembly in December, which would mean delaying implementation until 1 January 2015. Under Article 20.3 of the FEI Statutes, the Bureau can, in emergency situations, pass resolutions that are normally voted on at the General Assembly.

Brian Sheahan, Chair of the FEI Endurance Committee and a member of the ESPG, welcomed the rapid implementation of the new rules. “The new rules for Endurance are a great step forward for horse welfare and fair play, and we strongly believe they address the key issues that the discipline has been facing,” he said.

ENDURANCE GB RIDES AND RULES COMMITTEES SPECIAL PROJECT

“We are all aware that the discipline has faced a number of difficult challenges recently, but the combination of the ESPG, the consultation process with the National Federations and other stakeholders, and the determination of the Endurance Committee and the team at FEI Headquarters to address the issues within the discipline has resulted in some fundamental rule changes specifically aimed at improving horse welfare protocols and ensuring a level playing field globally.

Introduction: The Rides and Rules Committees are looking for a small number of volunteers to help with a short- term project, which is focused on reviewing aspects of national Rides including ride information, documentation and general administration.

Timescale: The project will run from July to November and it is anticipated that the amount of time needed from each volunteer will be in the region of 2 – 3 hours per week.

“Now we can go forward with confidence to the World Equestrian Games, knowing that we have the right regulations and the right officials in place to ensure horse welfare and fair play, and also knowing that the athletes and their teams are confident in the rules and their implementation. While we will of course continually monitor the effectiveness of the new rules to make sure they are fit for purpose, this is definitely a major breakthrough for Endurance that means that we can now turn the focus back onto the sport.”

Interested?

Ideally you are or have been a Ride Organiser and / or Technical Steward and would like to help improve the quality of EGB’s national rides. You also need to have good communication skills – written and oral; be confident in using I T eg excel and word in particular and also have an interest in analysis of data such as statistics and trends. If you are able to give the time needed per week using e-mail and telephone communications and have an interest in steamlining the national Rides information and documentation then the R&R Committees would like to hear from you.

In addition to the new rules and in response to one of the ESPG recommendations, the Endurance Task Force is looking at ways that new technology can also be used to ensure horse welfare and provide a level playing field for Endurance events around the world.

Next Steps To find out more and also to express your interest in helping on this project please contact Jeni Gilbert - jeni_gilbert@hotmail. com as soon as possible! We look forward to hearing from you.

Following on from the strong support for the far-reaching initiatives outlined at the special Endurance session at the Sports Forum, a large number of the leading Endurance National Federations have expressed their further support in writing.

Jeni Gilbert Mobile number 078459 75612

Remember to weigh before worming says Zoetis Worming horses accurately according to their body weight is crucial to help the treatment work as effectively as possible, yet, according to a new survey, horse owners are still not weighing before they worm, explain the worming experts at Zoetis.

Under-dosing is a cause of resistance so it is important to treat horses accurately according to weight, to maintain the effectiveness of the wormers currently available. This means that ideally, every horse should be weighed before giving a worming dose. However, according to the British Riding Clubs Horse Health survey, commissioned by Zoetis and conducted earlier this year, 44% of the horse owners asked do not weigh their horse before worming.

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Resistance is said to occur when a parasite population previously controlled by a drug is no longer susceptible to it. The active ingredient of the horse wormer kills the sensitive parasites in the population, but those parasites not affected go on to create new generations of resistant parasites. In this way, the wormers that we use will gradually become less and less effective.

The most accurate way to weigh your horse is by using a weighbridge – several feed manufacturers offer a portable weighbridge service. If you don’t have access to a weighbridge then using a weigh tape will help make sure you dose your horse accurately every time.

Making use of a WeighTape

Official members publication for Endurance GB

WS...NEWS...NEWS....NEWS...NEWS...NEWS....

YOUNG RIDER

CAMP 2014 Young and Junior riders please apply for this year’s Young Rider Camp. This event is open to all full Endurance GB Junior and Young Riders between the ages of 12-21 years.

Event: Young Rider Endurance Summer Camp

Evening activities will include games (weather dependent of course) The cost per horse and rider will be £175 which will include all camping, corralling, food, coaching sessions and activities. If horses require stabling then this will be an additional cost, with the venue.

For an application form please email Ann Dark - YR Liaison Email anndark@ endurancegb.co.uk

Participation in the annual National Equine Welfare Survey has increased threefold this year, demonstrating the nation’s burgeoning enthusiasm to do their bit to help safeguard the future health and welfare of their horses.

This year data on common health issues in horses was collected from 12,301 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the UK, representing an increase of almost 300% on last year’s figure of 4,730. The information is now being analysed by vets at the Royal Veterinary College in London. It will be published later this summer and the results used to help define priorities for future research, training and education as well as being used as primary source material for veterinary colleges and universities.

Date: 11th August 2014- 15th August 2014 Venue: Willowcroft Equestrian, Sandpit Lane, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 9JG Activties: • Riding instruction and coaching for the endurance competition with Endurance Level 3 Coaches • Veterinary input will be: getting the best out of your vettings and most common metabolic problems in the endurance horse • Nutrition and weighing • Farriers session on foot balance • Training techniques and equine massage workshop

Record response to National Equine Health Survey

Young Riders having Polo practice at

The results will also include keenly awaited answers to some new, topical questions on equine infectious diseases, ragwort and atypical myopathy.

You can view all NEHS results at www. bluecross.org.uk/NEHS from 1 August 2014

2013 Camp

FEI announces host cities for Endurance events The FEI Bureau has today allocated host cities for a number of major FEI events over the next three years,

“The FEI always welcomes new venues for its Championships and Finals and it’s good to see some different cities included in today’s allocations.”

The allocations co-incided with the announcement that the FEI flagship event, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018 will take place in Canada. The FEI Bureau unanimously approved Bromont/Montreal as host city for the FEI’s flagship event, the

FEI World Equestrian Games™, in 2018.

The decision came after the FEI Evaluation Commission’s report was presented at the start of the Bureau’s two-day meeting at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) today.

The Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, venue for the Montreal 1976 Olympic equestrian events, will be the hub for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018.

Bromont/Montreal is only the second host outside Europe following the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2010 which were staged in Lexington, Kentucky (USA).

Cerne Giant Ride bids a sad farewell Dear Readers, Eleven years ago I wrote a letter to the EGB magazine entitled “A plea from the heart”. This was an attempt to encourage people to set up and organise their own, new rides for the EGB. Whether due to this letter or not, we did have a plethora of new and excellent rides in the Wessex area in the ensuing year or two.

However things seem to be on the decline again, and sadly this Endurance July/August 2014

letter is to confirm that I will not be running the Cerne Giant Ride again. This is neither due to health reasons nor ennui, but simply because people vote with their feet (& hooves). Neil Kinnoch said in parliament when he used to goad the Tories at Prime Minister’s Question Time: “Let the people decide” (i.e. call an election). They did and the Labour Party and Neil Kinnoch slunk away for four years.

Well sadly folks you have voted not to come to Cerne Giant this

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year. I am afraid that 56 entries plus 4 pleasure riders on the day is unacceptable and untenable.

This year we have made a huge loss and I am not about to become a burden to the Society.

We have never made a loss hitherto having always returned a good profit for the EGB. I had hoped very much that the Cerne Giant Ride would build up into a two-day event and ultimately have a race ride. This has not materialised, and I fear that the dwindling membership

prefers faster, flatter rides with less gates.

So be it. I wish you all the best of luck with the remaining season.

Incidentally I have not given up myself: I have bought a French endurance horse – a six year old mare – and will be doing some rides in France this summer. In the autumn I will be bringing her back to England. By what means I will leave you to guess.

Anthony Sargent 7

John Hudson

Views from the Chair (continued)

I refer you to Peter Claridge’s financial report in the “Management Update” section of this magazine. It is good to see that the final accounts for 2013 are much improved over forecast and that the measures put in place for 2014 are helping considerably.

Membership recruitment and retention must still be a major priority, so there is no room for complacency.

benefits all our riding members, at both a national and FEI level.

Such a package might also, for example, incorporate funding for the training of more endurance coaches and further training for existing coaches, perhaps with some financial support to our Groups to run additional training for their riders and officials. In the past DEC have supported our Young Riders so this area could also be explored.

Clearly animal welfare is the phrase on everyone’s lips at the moment. The Board and I have been appalled and saddened, as have many members I am sure, not only by the unacceptable practices being witnessed on the international stage but also the damaging comments and conjecture being circulated within Endurance GB by those who seem intent on pulling our organisation apart.

I must stress however that, at the time of writing, Endurance GB has not held discussions with DEC or any other body, and there are no proposals on the table for consideration. However we will keep the membership informed of progress on this and other sponsorship initiatives if or when they might arise. Needless to say, no rides will be staged in Great Britain without the prior approval of the Board and the explicit assurance that the Organising Committee accepts and will comply with the highest standards set down by the FEI and Endurance GB.

I want to make it clear that, although Endurance GB is responsible for the governance of endurance in Great Britain, the British Equestrian Federation is the National Federation for equestrianism, and is responsible for liaising with the FEI which enforces international rules and conduct. Consequently Endurance GB has to work with and through the BEF and must be mindful of doing anything that would compromise our National position. Moreover we are keen to support and be careful not to undermine the excellent work of the FEI Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG), chaired by Andrew Finding, the Chief Executive of the BEF, which is leading to many of the much needed improvements we are starting to see in international competition.

It is worth re-iterating that the major aim of Endurance GB is to provide a safe and supportive environment in which our members and their horses are able to compete whilst upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. Animal welfare is of paramount importance to all of us in Endurance GB. Through training we try to ensure that our officials apply the rules pertinent to animal welfare and fair play with an even hand. I am sure that I speak for you all when I say that we wish to see all animal welfare issues in all equestrian sports dealt with in the same strong and consistent manner. The Board of Endurance GB will continue to work closely with the BEF in this respect and has every confidence that in time this will be achieved. In the meantime we recognise that we also need to be vigilant about welfare within our own organisation.

There is no doubt that the welfare issues on the World stage, fuelled by the resultant adverse coverage in the press, on Facebook and on our Members’ Forum, is putting additional strain on our ability to attract and retain membership. Consequently we should all be expounding the virtues of a well regulated sport here in Great Britain, contributing positively by making suggestions on how we can improve the appeal of endurance to the general riding population, thus increasing participation at all levels, including for exercise and recreation.

Some of you will remember my article in a past magazine entitled “The Future of Endurance GB”, which generated some excellent ideas from an ad hoc Working Group of members. I am pleased to report that some of the actions resulting from that debate have been or are now being implemented. For example the online ride entry system is working well and a dynamic new Endurance GB website will be launched later this year. However the Working Party also identified many actions and proposals for change that regrettably have had to be postponed for the moment due to lack of time and money.

There are some in endurance circles who feel that perhaps exclusion is the correct course of action for those offending in matters of animal welfare and unfair competition. Whilst this is one course of action, I favour cautious inclusion in order that we might provide education and improvement, with consistent application of the regulations but also by persuasion and good example.

The Board of Directors, Board Sub-Committees, Groups and Ride Organisers are a limited voluntary resource. We urgently need more expertise at all levels to ensure that Endurance GB and its activities continue and prosper in the coming years. Unfortunately there seem to be all too few members willing to put themselves forward to stand for the Board or help in other ways. As the Board of Directors elected by the membership, we have been given the responsibility, and will do our utmost, to run Endurance GB in an efficient and effective businesslike manner, and will endeavour to keep members regularly appraised of new developments.

Inevitably the debate over animal welfare and fair play has led to members’ concerns regarding the possibility of international endurance rides being held at Euston Park in 2014. Whilst this has been discussed by the Board during the year, I wish to make it clear that events of this nature have never been an acceptable proposition for 2014. However the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) has expressed tentative interest in discussing possible sponsorship of rides at Euston Park in 2015. If approached, the Board will meet with representatives of DEC to discuss possible options, as we would with any potential sponsor.

In closing I feel compelled to repeat that I am fortunate enough to be involved in this great sport at many levels. I thoroughly enjoy what I feel is a uniquely friendly and supportive atmosphere at our events. The bond between rider and endurance equine is extraordinary. We are all concerned about animal welfare and fair competition, so please join me in working hard to project a positive image and to give constructive messages about our fantastic sport.

At the same time we can also help others to care for their equine companions more appropriately. Indeed no one ever stops learning when working with horses!

In this context, any discussions with DEC would be subject to different terms to those of previous years. We would be willing to consider proposals that support the inclusion of international rides at Euston Park in our calendar for 2015 but only in a way that also

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the remaining rides of the season. Best wishes to you all.

8

Official members publication for Endurance GB

ROSIE AND RED Two years ago, at the age of 61 I finally achieved my ambition of becoming a serious equestrian competitor at Advanced Level endurance riding and it feels amazing!

Rider Profile

An inspirational combination!

Overcoming nerves has always been a huge problem for me, so perhaps my story may give encouragement to other senior horse lovers of a nervous disposition. I have been besotted by the beauty of the horse since toddlerhood. One of my earliest recollections is of being hoisted onto our last remaining working horse – a huge but gentle Suffolk Punch, whilst he carted the sugar beet wagons on the family farm. I adored that horse and from then onwards all I ever dreamt about was having a pony of my own.

My wonderful, but non horsey parents never tried to dissuade me from my dreams but they certainly did little to encourage me. My mother’s foray into horse ownership had been rudely cut short by the purchase of an unruly animal which arrived at her home and duly bolted straight across the road with her terrified elder brother perched aloft. It was sold immediately and never replaced.

My father also had an unfortunate experience as a toddler when the basket saddle in which he was placed slipped underneath his pony, leaving him hanging upside down whilst the pony galloped off. Later, as an army officer when compelled to ride he held the ignominious distinction of falling of 19 times in one hour whilst attempting to jump a grid bareback.

As a consequence of their unfortunate experiences, my loving but concerned parents parting words to me prior to my weekly riding lessons were always ‘ have a nice ride but be careful you don’t fall off’. Consequently I was convinced I would take a tumble and occasionally became so nervous prior to my trip to the local riding school that I was physically sick. Nonetheless the passion I had for horses, coupled with my extreme determination and stubbornness compelled me to persevere and at age of 13 I finally achieved my ambition of owning my own pony – a 13.2 mare called Sprite.

I owe so much to that pony! I began to hack out on my own, enjoyed my first days hunting and took part in the occasional cross country competition - my confidence grew in leaps and bounds but I knew I would never be a thruster.

Riding took a back seat for a few years as I moved to London and had children of my own - my equestrian activities became limited to once weekly lessons at crack of dawn on Sunday mornings at a wonderful establishment in Mottingham on the London edge of Kent. Once we moved back to East Anglia I could not wait to get riding again and after a couple of horses and 3 Shetland ponies on loan, we purchased Bella, a feisty 14.2 section D shared with my teenage daughter Katy. A far more confident rider than me, Katy had fallen in love with Bella – I on the other hand found her feistiness and inclination to land in the nearest ditch if she met anything larger than a transit van, somewhat challenging. However I persevered and 20 years later we finally said a sad goodbye to her at the age of 28.

By this time I had finally found my horse of a lifetime - my wonderful chestnut Arabian ‘Red’. I spotted him completely by chance on the Internet - absolute and utter serendipity as he was the only horse I looked at. I rode him just once and knew I had to have him. At 5 years old he was somewhat younger than I had intended but his gentle temperament and the delightful, relaxed family I purchased him from helped reassure me that I would be able to cope with any youthful exuberance without too many disasters, and so it has proved.

At the start of our journey together I had hopes of a few days hunting in the winter, an occasional pleasure ride and maybe a shot at endurance riding, just to see if my ambition to compete was in any way realistic. Our time was limited due my responsibilities

Endurance July/August 2013

Rosie Marsh with Red

caring for my very elderly Mum plus two part time jobs but I managed one 32k ride in 2008 unaffiliated which Red sailed through with a grade 1 (thank you so much Linda Burrows for letting me ride with you and showing me the ropes) – I was hooked!

In 2010 we managed just two rides and then in January 2011 my mother died after a short illness. I was now able to devote more time to riding and managed enough competitive rides to upgrade to Open Level.

In 2012 Lisa Wilkinson, who is a regular endurance companion, and I egged each other on through a one day 80k, resulting in us both being able to upgrade to Advanced Level and undertake our first ER at Puddingstone. Although we had both said we would cross the line together, I’m afraid my hitherto hidden competitive instinct took over and Red did a spectacular gallop over the line in front of Lisa to take 4th place, leaving me struggling to apply the brakes but totally elated!

Since then Red and I have managed a further 80k ER when we succeeded in completing Kings Forest last year in searing heat, taking 9th place after another racing finish. We then attempted our first FEI1* at Keysoe but the summer’s hard ground took its toll and we were eliminated through mild lameness after 64k. My sense of disappointment was acute, but I guess that’s what sport’s all about and I am happy to say Red was completely sound again t he following day.

This year it’s all to play for, but as both Red’s legs and mine are beginning to suffer from a bit of wear and tear I think next year we will start to take it easier – both he and I love to meet and ride with new people and horses, so maybe we will put ourselves forward as companions to others wishing to make a start in this wonderful sport. Endurance has given me so much in personal achievement, friendship and most of all, in helping forge an amazing partnership with Red, the horse of my dreams.

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Ride Reports

Cirencester Park Endurance, 6th and 7th June 2014 GBR Elite Squad Evaluation & National Championships.Sun, Thunder, Lightning, Showers and Challenging Tracks. By Martin Moore Cirencester Park welcomed us with warm broken sunshine as we drove in mid-day Friday. Like many in endurance riding, I have fond memories of Cirencester Park; it was there, nearly 20 years ago, that I completed my very first Graded Ride – a 20 mile Bronze Buckle Qualifier – and many of the faces from then remain in our exceptional sport. I have a vivid memory of Kay Trigg as the “tack checker” that day ticking me off for having a loose girth; this year Kay was a FEI 3* Ground Jury member. The Cirencester Park ride has had its ups and downs since then, with increasingly restricted access, for various reasons, forcing much of the ride routes into the Park, with a lot of common sections for the different loops.

Inevitably, these repetitive passages with large entry numbers (~300 this year), and the frequently inclement weather in June/July mean the tracks can be heavy going and slippery. That was certainly the case this year, with torrential rain on the previous Wednesday and thunderstorms on Saturday morning, and exacerbated but a number of prior events including a well-attended charity fun-ride two weeks earlier and off-road cycle races. Those are the circumstances of our sport in the 21st century; we are frequently competing not only with ourselves and fellow endurance riders, but, also, in securing good venues and ride routes, against other sporting activities and pleasure and fun riders. In spite of all of that, didn’t the Cirencester Ride organisers and officials do a fantastic job, and deliver a great experience for the many EGB members who attended?

We were fortunate enough on Friday afternoon to be able to observe our Elite Squad riders and horses, Management Team and Selectors making preparations for the WEG Normandy TeamGBR selection. 11 Squad riders with 12 horses, and crews were put through their paces including a 30km loop through the Park at a target speed of 16kph, time-limited recovery crewing for presentation, and canter work along Broad Ride. This was no “walk in the park”, and rightly so; medalwinning teams at Regional and World Championships have to “finish” first of all, be able to deal with everything a ride, often

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in unfamiliar territory, can throw at them – e.g. torrential thunderstorms at WEG Jerez 2002, extreme heat at WEC Dubai 2004 and Malaysia 2008, hazardous mining tracks at European Championship Most 2013 – and complete at average speeds of over 16kph. Any EGB rider who manages to get themselves and their horse(s) to a position where they have the potential to deliver that has already demonstrated huge achievement in our sport. To be selected to represent your country is a great honour and it is the pinnacle of all that work; to miss out on a Team place, having progressed so far, is visceral.

Several Squad combinations were faced with particularly difficult challenges.

Nicola Thorne’s Cleopatrah, which she brought over from the USA earlier in the year, was lame after the canter work – a major set-back for Nicola, Andy and Michelle after such a successful past six months.

Carri-Ann Dark Team officials and her crew, Ann and Roger, had difficulty reducing the heart rate of her horse, Kate’s Mate, heart rate after the fast work tests. Catriona Moon’s Leila had developed a foot abscess earlier in the week, and she was not able to participate in the ridden tests on Friday, but did so on Saturday morning. Nicola, Carri-Ann and Catriona have lots of experience of FEI and international rides; they know just how tough this sport can be, how fragile a position performance excellence is, and the importance of positive thinking.

Primarily, we were at Cirencester to prepare for crewing Saturday FEI class riders, including making sure we were familiar with new routes and crew points and to set up vet-gate positions. Unfortunately,

the condition of the tracks, mentioned previously, and Saturday’s weather forecast caused many riders in the high distance classes – FEI and National – to withdraw or down-grade, and with the combination of horse and rider injuries and all the other calamities that seem to pour down, we quickly moved from plans to crew a 120 2* to an 80 1* to an 80 CER. We awoke on Saturday morning to raging thunderstorms and torrential downpours – it didn’t bode well! Fortunately, Alex Tennant, who we were helping to crew didn’t start until 08:15, and by that time the storms had passed, and, also, her first route was the 35km red loop out to the north-east of the Park, with reasonable crew access at 5 points, but still very wet, slippery and treacherous. And, unfortunately, it was at the top of this loop that Alex’s young horse, Inferno, tripped with a foot in a hole. Inferno’s recovery time was good at the end of this loop, but unfortunately he trotted up lame and Alex was spun. Fortunately, Inferno appeared to have suffered no obvious, lasting harm.

So, we settled down to enjoy the rest of the day watching the events unfold in the vet-gate. A noticeable feature of Cirencester over the years is that it is one of those magnetic rides that attracts so many endurance enthusiasts from across the whole spectrum – past and present riders, young and old, experienced and novice – and that is what creates the atmosphere of these rides. No more is that apparent than around the vet-gate, where those new to the sport can find some of the most experienced riders and crews, and ride officials. Best not to mess with any of the last of these!

Unfortunately, with the track conditions as they were on Saturday, there were no

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finishers in either the FEI or National CER 160km classes, Nicky Sherry’s Silver Zourra being spun lame at VG1. GBR riders Dace Sainsbury, Katie Parkin and Rachael Claridge finished 2nd, 4th and 5th in the CEI 120 2*, and IRL rider Amy McAuley was 3rd completing her bulk qualification to be eligible for WEG as a member of TeamIRL. Katie Bedwin on her chestnut mare Elayla were successful in the CEIYJ 120 2*, expertly crewed by (super) “horse granny” Rosemary Attfield, with help from Belinda Stewart. There were many individual GBR successes in the CEI 80 1* classes and in the National CER classes, notably 14 year-old Hannah Maskell on Joyce’s Choice winning the 80km YR CER to be crowned British National Young Rider Champion. Congratulations to all finishers.

It was a long day (and weekend) for all; some, like Carolyn, managed to grab 40-winks in the afternoon sunshine! For next year, the Cirencester Park Ride is seeking new organisers – Alan and Jacqui Brown, Di and John Latham are wanting to hand over the reins to younger hands. Volunteers, form a queue! Cirencester will not be the only major ride in the EGB calendar to reach this point in 2014. EGB needs to

maintain an attractive ride programme, above all its other difficulties. We have relied too much, for too long, on a few very stalwart servants, many of whom feature in these pages. Thanks to them for giving so much, for the pleasure of so many.

Carolyn grabs 40 winks

Just Chaps extends Endurance sponsorship Just Chaps continues to build links with the Endurance world this season. Continuing the discussion with Scottish Endurance Riding Club, Just Chaps again sponsored the ever popular Sea Cliff Ride which was held June 14th and 15th with the winner of each class receiving Half Chaps of choice.

New for 2014 Just Chaps have extended their sponsorship to include the Welsh Endurance Team at the Championships weekend in August.

“We are thrilled to work with their chef d’equipe Sue Higgins and look forward to seeing the team wearing Endurance Half Chaps of course with the Welsh flag” announced Helen Salmon owner of Just Chaps.

“Equally exciting is the success of Abbi Tennant who we continue to sponsor. Abbi is shortlisted for the British Team for this year’s World Equestrian Games. We wish Abbi and Barik the very best of luck!”

Visit Just Chaps on line store to see the widest range of Half Chaps & Full Chaps on the market. Featured here and perfect for warmer weather or many hours in the saddle are Just Chaps Super Cool Air Mesh Half Chaps. Call Just Chaps on 01730 825797 with any queries.

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Ride Reports

ICENI GROUP NORTH NORFOLK RIDE 21/22 JUNE What a fabulous weekend!

Report by Amanda Roche-Kelly HAPPY is the word that best sums up the majority experience this year, with a variety of classes and special awards, many riders and their four legged friends realised both personal and competitive goals in beautiful weather and stunning landscape.

considerate competitor and smooth running of the event.

Iceni Chairman Ellie Head finally made it to the ride having tried for the last 10 years!

After an epic journey, coordinating family and four horses, Ellie finally enjoyed the PR and fantastic views of the sea, we are all so pleased she made it.

Competitors travelled from as far as the Isle of Wight (Karen Whittington) to enjoy the weekend.

An array of prizes and trophies were awarded. Performance Equestrian and Simple Systems provided the main prizes for the PF classes and GJL animal feeds awarded prizes for the Best Trot Up, Best Novice Horse, Best Turnout and Best Shod.

The atmosphere at this ride was fantastic, so many smiling faces at the Courtyard Farm venue kindly provided by Lord and Lady Melchett. Ride organiser Anna Kidd was thanked by all on providing excellent organisation, maps and route marking and indeed would like to extend her thanks to Brigid Fairman and Peggy Soffley for sharing that workload. Martin Welch provided brilliant high tech timing throughout the weekend.

Isabella Fricker’s horse went lame before the competition and her promised ride for the weekend also failed to materialise, nevertheless she was a delightful helper on both days, a cheerful and willing pair of hands. A young lady who is a really positive example to other young riders reinforcing the view that participation in our sport is more than just riding.

The ‘stewards education scheme’ the brainchild of Brigid Fairman of Iceni Group continued at this Iceni Ride.

Stewards are equipped with full notes on all stewarding roles and addressed their individual responsibilities for the day after an initial briefing with Brigid. This is a very worthwhile scheme and those signed up find it very rewarding. Gaining more in depth knowledge on all aspects of running rides makes for a more

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Photos by Morhaf Alassaf

The caterers Denise’s Snacks are new to the event and really looking forward to returning next year (lovely grub!) EGB Iceni, Anna Kidd and her team look forward to welcoming new competitors and returners next year 20/21 June 2015 (provisional date).

Here are some of the results from the two days: Saturday

80k Performance Formula Juliette Jacob and Coralkov Stacey Bushell and Psynan N Malcom and Trop Vite Azureen 65k Performance Formula Karen Day and Aberllwyd Satra David Yeoman and Abu Rukomet Jeni Gilbert and Ballydoolagh Alfie Best Novice Horse Amanda Roche-Kelly and Noble Chieftan Best Turned Out Glynis Grizzell and Redwing Shalico Best Shod David Yeoman and Abu Rukomet Best Trot Up Wendy Miles and Shiduke

Sunday

130K 65/65 Ann Sarah Harrison and DejaVu Ruth Chadwick and Aragorm 80k 40/40 Emily Ferguson and Taaqiib Charis Denham and Maestro Glynis Grizzell and Redwing Shalico 65k 32/32 Gail Jupp and WLA Electra Karen Whitington and Malthouse Maiden Ray Wendy Miles and Shiduke Best Novice Horse Sue Abbott and Ammanvalley Comet Best Turned Out Natalie Chandler and Imagination Best Trot Up Bo Hardwick and Sandlings Joop Best Shod Emma Edwards and CS Clarion 65k Performance Formula 1 Heather Weston and HS Espion Norfolk Pairs Zara Trophy Liz Whyte and Sandra Poole (you don’t have to reside in Norfolk to take part in this pr next year) Ride and Run Jenny Green and Craig Raven

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1 – Liz Whyte and Sandra Poole winners of the Zara Norfolk pairs trophy 2 – Competitors in the ride and run class at the start 3 – winners of the ride and run 4 – Karen Whittington and Sec 5 – Genny Haynes (Max’s owner), Max and Beth Stokes 6 – Max and Beth Stokes waiting to go out onto Loop 3

Ride Reports

WORDWELL 1ST JUNE 2014 To finish is to win…

I travelled down to Wordwell on the Saturday afternoon with my mum Lorraine and Maximillion. Max is a 17 year old ex-arab racer and I’ve had him on loan for 5 years from Genny Haynes. My Dad was going to meet us on Sunday morning after feeding and taking care of my other horse Emir. Max is a lovely horse, very chilled and takes everything in his stride, he settled immediately in his stable at the ride organiser’s (Dianne Luke’s) house.

After feeding Max, mum and I decided we would check out the venue before heading off to the hotel. As we arrived at the venue we were greeted by huge posters, flags, marquees and cameras; it’s safe to say I was overwhelmed, it was like nothing I’d seen before. I looked like a crazy tourist leaning out of the window to take pictures The morning of the ride we fed Max, gave him a check over and trotted him up, then headed to the venue. It was a lot busier, there were horses, riders, and crews all going about their business. I left mum with Max to get my number and paper work, the vetting was already under way and to be quite honest I now felt sick with nerves. I was met at the secretary’s tent by Fiona Videla, Dianne Luke, Carri Ann Dark and her dad. I looked at them all and just laughed, Fiona knew how nervous I was, gave me a big hug and told me to stop being so silly! Everyone was so supportive giving me words of encouragement and reassuring me, I got my paperwork to discover we were number 1! Max was initially vetted by Georgina Hirst, it was lovely to see another friendly

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cretary Peggy Soffley

face and after a super speed trot up by Max I began to relax. Everyone was here to help us, Max looked fabulous and it was just a normal ride (ha!). I left Max with mum again and headed to the briefing in the marquee, when I came out Genny and Dad had arrived. I explained to them all what was said in the briefing and began to get ready to go. After speaking with Fiona I decided to wait for the mass start to leave before I went down to the start.

My aim was to complete the ride and pass with a happy horse, I wasn’t bothered about placing or speed, I was there to experience an exciting event and show everyone how wonderful my 17 year old boy is! After tacking up I rode Max down to the start after the mass had left and said my goodbyes, we were off! I got confused at the start and took about five minutes to realise the way out after checking my map and wandering up and down 2 different tracks; lesson number 1- check where you are going!

Max was a star, completely chilled and cantering beautifully; the route was fantastic, lovely soft tracks and extremely well marked. Max was eating up the ground and we were having an absolute ball, we were caught up by two other riders and I rode the rest of the 32km loop with them. Max was drinking well and came into the vet gate looking like he hadn’t yet started! He has always had a nice low heart rate so we untacked him, put a bit of water on his neck, picked his feet out and took him straight in. We passed the vet no problems and had a 40 minute hold before loop 2, another 32km. Loop 2 went similarly to the first, I ended up riding with the same 2 combinations and we took the loop at a similar speed to the first. As I came into the vet I was a little worried about my speed, my aim was to go at 14-15kph so after passing the vetting we decided we would slow up a little and let the other two riders go. I’ll be honest, that was a mistake, Max left the venue looking well however half way round loop 3 of 20km he began to switch off a little so we ended up doing the loop a little slower than planned. I was a bit annoyed at myself however we came into the vetting, Max was again fine

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and I decided we would do the last loop of 16km similarly. We had a compulsory represent which Max sailed through, we went onto the last loop and Max was bouncing along, pleased to have a different route, he was going well and we met our crew at 6km in, the only crew point on the last loop. After this Max started to slow a little more, I knew he was becoming a bit bored as there were no other horses about so I jumped off and led him for a bit to try and perk him up. It worked, I jumped back on and he began trotting and catering quite happily- Max has a mind of his own and if he doesn’t want to do something he tells you! Another 5km down and he began to get a bit bored again, I gave him a walk and looked down to notice we had lost a shoe. I was a little worried however I knew the ground was soft so I got off and led him through the pine cones until we were on a nice track again. I looked at my watch and began to worry, we were now pushing it for time, I decided we had to push on to give him a shot of finishing and hoped the ground would be ok for his foot. I kept him on the soft bits and as we were nearing the venue I saw FEI official Brian Flloyd Davis walk towards us, my heart dropped. I thought we were out of time however Brian reassured me there wasn’t far left and if I kept going we’d be ok- we had 7mins until we would be out of time! As soon as Max saw the finish line and people waiting for us he began to perk up, everyone cheered and he cantered over the finish line as if he’d won the whole event.

We vetted him straight away, the venue was being packed down and I didn’t want everyone to have to wait even longer for us! He trotted up beautifully; his metabolics were brilliant as they had been all daythis was it! Georgina Hirst confirmed that Max’s metabolics were ok and John Robertson held his hand out to me and said congratulations. I stood there for a second and then shook John’s hand, that’s when the tears really started, we had done it, despite losing a shoe and being the only horse out on course on the last loop we’d made it! Lesson number 2 and 3 came at this point, carry hoof boots (usually I just have spare shoes) and if your horse is going well, don’t interfere! I was hugged and congratulated by everyone. I thanked them all for waiting and along with Genny gave Max a big hug.

Max is looking amazing and having a welldeserved rest, he won the longevity award as at the age of 17 he has had the longest career in racing and endurance combined out of the horses who were at the ride.

Astonishing! I am so grateful to everyone it was an amazing event!

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Ride Reports

Windsor FEI Ride Report and pictures from Gilly Wheeler Brothers-in-law Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of The United Arab Emirates shared victory in the Royal Windsor Endurance 120km CEI** competition.

The start of the ride was blessed with warm early-morning sunshine as a field of 44 started out on the first loop. The course included a stretch on the turf in front of the stunning Ascot Racecourse Grandstand, before sweeping around the edge of Windsor Great Park. The three loops that followed took in iconic landmarks within the park, including Jubilee Statue, Prince Consort Statue and The Long Walk, and also treated riders to spectacular panoramic views of Berkshire and Windsor Castle.

the winners’ fellow countrymen, were averaging speeds of over 24km/h, with the winning average speed recorded as 24.615km/h.

“It was a great race for me, particularly as I was eliminated last year,” said Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamed after finishing. “I loved the race, the track and the competition.”

The highest placed British rider was Harry Ingram, who finished 12th on Bronze Nahdir with an average speed of 21.445km/h.

There were 30 completions over all.

The victorious Sheikhs had been part of the leading pack from the outset. They had broken away from the rest of the field quickly, but their stronghold became particularly evident by the second loop.

Towards the end of the race, the leaders, who were predominantly

Best GBR result, Harry Ingram

Candy Cameron

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Dace Sainsbury and Lisa Adshead

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Leading group on the Long Walk HM Queen .Duke of Edinburgh, King of Bahrain, Sh Mohammed, Sh Hamdan

Annette Masterson leads the French at Ascot Lisa Adshead leads from the Copper Horse statue

Deer behind the vetgate as Nikki Malcolm waits to vet

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International Ride Reports

Photos courtesy of Andrew Bond

FRENCH

Cantering up the hill towards the finish

After spending two months in France with Monty Roberts Instructor, Joanne Bond, in 2012, I set myself the goal of competing abroad. Crewing at Fontainebleau and observing at Castelsagrat, had whet my appetite for international endurance.

When Jo contacted me asking if I would be interested in riding one of her horses together with her, in the 80k CEI * at Castelsagrat, I jumped at the chance.

Julie was quick to book leave and get flights booked to Bergerac in order to be a crew member.

I was to ride the younger and smaller of Jo’s horses, Zamil De Paute and Jo would be riding Roma De Lis. I had my first ride on Zamil, a 7 year old grey Arab, before the competition. He was rather “full of it” and kept looking at Jo riding Roma rather confused as he had never been ridden by anybody else other than Jo. The weight requirement had been removed so my extra eating in the weeks before went to waste! Along with Jo’s husband, Andy, Julie, Carolyn and Alan Pacey, Jo’s French friends, Fabian and Steph were to crew us.

The vetting was 4.30 pm the day before the ride, so the horses were boxed to the venue, around 10 km from Perville, where Jo and Andy live. I had been to the venue in 2012 so I was prepared for the number of horses, hustle and bustle, loud speakers and music. After the vetting we were given the electronic tracking devices which go on the horses head underneath the bridle. The horses came back home for the night. Fabian came to stay the night before

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FLING

By Emma Martin

the comp, and after a late briefing in the town square, we had a feast of pate, french bread, pork chops, pork steaks, haricot beans and a choice of two delicious desserts. Jo and I stocked up on food. I was tempted by the red wine but had just one glass.

The start time was 7.15 am so we were up early to box the horses up to the venue and walk them in hand between all the parked trailers and boxes and down the lane near the venue. 100 horses were starting together. Our plan was to mount at the last minute and start towards the back of the pack. I was conscious to keep my energy levels down as the venue was very busy with people and horses everywhere.

We mounted on a lane away from the main group and both horses were calm; everything went according to plan. Zamil pulled for the first loop so I kept him behind Roma most of the time. The going was good along grassy trails, woodland tracks with short sections of road linking them. It was strange to be slowed down on uphill sections. Jo told me that many of the French riders walk up hill and then go fast downhill; on the basis it does not use as much energy.

The first vetting was very busy and after presentation we had to wait a short while for an available vet. On the second loop Zamil was still very forward going but had stopped pulling which gave me chance to look at the scenery now and again. The two went really well together. There were

fewer horses on the second loop and therefore the crew points were quieter.

Just before the end of the second loop I saw Zamil’s shoe come off, however both horses passed the second vetting with no issues. Most of the hold time was taken up with getting Zamil’s shoe back on, as there was a queue at the farrier’s because quite a few horses had lost shoes due to the muddy sections. After a compulsory recheck we were out on our last loop of 20 km.

We had some lovely canters side by side with little pulling from Zamil, but who was still full of energy at the end of the ride. At the end we vetted quite quickly with both horses qualifying, achieving Zamils’s first one star and my two personal goals of competing abroad and gaining my one star.

Thank’s to Jo for providing me with this unforgettable opportunity.

Crew’s View’s It was a lovely surprise when Emma was asked to go ride Jo Bond’s Zamil de Paute in the FEI* 80km at Castelsagrat and I was delighted to be able to go with her to help crew. We booked the flights and worried about getting time off later! We only had a couple of weeks to prepare, Emma rejigged Vic’s training regime and I sorted the cat sitter and it was no time before we were flying off to Bergerac. We were met by Jo and driven down to Perville which quite

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handily was very close to the venue.

We arrived on Tuesday allowing Jo and Emma to go out for a short hack and I went for a walk along part of the route. There had been a lot of rain the week before and some of the downhill sections were quite slippery but there were some lovely canter tracks to make up for this. We had a trip to the venue and saw the calm before the storm. All the car parking spaces were marked out with white chalk, all horse walks were marked too and the ‘Area de Repos’ had spaces marked out too. All the boxes were erected and a stack of hay and straw bales was available for use. There were plenty of water points all around the venue. The trot out was flat, fenced off area with a good surface, there were covered areas for the vets and electronic display for the heart rate, a large marquee with tables and benches for food and drink and several trade stands. It was looking good and I felt excited even though I wasn’t riding.

On the Wednesday we went across to the venue and registered, at this point we picked up a large envelope with maps, instructions, bibs for rider and crew and “road map” for the crew, these were instructions for each loop on how to drive to each crew point; the colour of the paper they were printed on was the same as the loop they referred to. We prepared the boxes for the horses and went back to Jo’s to study the maps. The loop which came through the village was not on their route which was probably a good thing for the horses as they wouldn’t have to pass home. I also liked the instructions for the crew to be ‘Zen’ and smile in all circumstances! I was lucky in that Carolyn Pacey and husband Al were bringing their car for crewing and so I didn’t need to worry about navigating or driving and would be able to concentrate on the crewing and enjoying the whole experience. We took the horses for the vetting and the first problem occurred here as the horses unusually objected to being separated and Roma got most perturbed.

However this did not seem to affect their heart rates and they passed the pre-ride vetting.

The briefing in the evening in the village square was traditionally late to start, but this was made up for with a supply of wine and food. Driving sensibly was stressed to the crews. Usually in France the horses go

Endurance July/August 2013

to the boxes during the hold time but now had to go to the Area de Repos. We had selected a secluded area in the ‘Grooming’ (they have a slightly different system whereby you go first into your grooming area before presentation and then into the area de repos for the hold) which was lucky as the following day there were no spaces left in the Area de Repos so we could stay in the ‘Grooming’ for the hold.

With almost 100 entries in the 80km classes (the FEI and national classes were to start together) I was a little bit anxious as to how Emma would get on as Zamil was quite full of himself. However Jo and Emma kept out of the way of the main mass of starters and followed on quietly behind.

The idea was to get the horses round and sound to qualify them so we knew there would be no racing. The crew points were very busy and the snake of vehicles up the road was impressive, but everyone was polite and patient and fitted in where possible and others parked sensibly at the side of road keeping out of the horse’s way. The first horses came flying through galloping along the tarmac so fast I couldn’t get their numbers. Emma and Jo passed through smiling; the horses had settled well and were bowling along happily together. Through the first vet get fine.

Having the directions for the crews to follow worked really well and everyone found the crew points easily. One of them was a real pleasure to find – got there to find trestle tables with white cloths laden with coffee, orange, wine, ham sandwiches, black pudding sandwiches and cake all served up by the Lady Mayoress and friends.

It was really welcome.

On arrival at the second vet gate Emma announced that Zamil had lost a shoe – the decision had to be made whether to present him without it or lose time getting one put on.

Jo decided to risk it and Andrew presented him and he trotted out sound so

they were able to get the shoe put on in the hold time. There was a little queue for the farrier, he had been kept busy most of the day as the muddy conditions had meant quite a few shoes had been pulled off.

Shoe back on they set off on the last loop.

A quick whizz round crewing them twice and then back to the venue to watch them come in over the finish line holding hands; it was lovely to see them both smiling and so obviously having a good time. Then there was the nervous time getting them ready for vetting and watching the vetting procedure! All smiles at the end.

We were able to take the horses back and put them in the field and return later for the prize giving which was quite an event with every completion getting something. Everyone got a bottle of wine with a special label celebrating the National Championship.

I was impressed with the standard of riding and the condition of the horses and the happy atmosphere of the whole event reminded me why I love this sport.

In the vet gate/hold area

Coming over the finish line

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Scottish Endurance Riding Club

SEACLIFF ENDURANCE 2014

Francis Bakker

Very shortly after June 2013 we started looking at the tide tables again to pick a date for Seacliff 2014. To get all the routes going over the beaches does take a bit of planning as with high tide some of the loops can’t be ridden. I was planning to do the CEI80* this year but with all the extra faf of being foreign and needing a FEI passport etc I decided rather at the last minute to enter the 160km. The plan was to see how we would get on……..

The advantage I had of course was knowing the route inside out. The disadvantage was that Aratahnes Aphrodite would have to pass her field at almost every loop. Furthermore, it was a rather eventful run up to the event with the horse going upside down on the road and having blood streaming down 2 legs, my being inundated with work, 2 weddings of which one was in Holland and organising the marking of about 100km of route. It’s all part of the fun though!

Aphrodite went on restricted grazing about 3 weeks before D-Day as the grass just kept growing and I didn’t have much time to ride. ‘To do’ lists were made, lost and made again. Some special tasty endurance mix was bought for the ‘horse buffet’ but in the run up I just stuck to the Simple Systems balancer and a handful of Lucinuts. I was very tempted to feed more but I knew that would be counterproductive.

Friday arrived and after emptying the car of coursemarking stuff, the fun could begin.

Having picked up the horse from down the road, I met up with the all- important crew, Rachel McDonald and Caroline Hales and went over route and vetgate procedures. It was going to be a first for all of us.

All 6 starters in the 160km passed the initial vetting on Friday night. So horses were put back in corrals and it was time to start stressing.

At 5.00 am we were off!! A steady drizzle was coming down but that didn’t hold us back. Down the road, through the woods and onto the grass tracks at Highfield.

Aphrodite kept a steady pace and after 10km I already found myself on my own.

We woke up some happy campers near one of the tracks, had to right the markers

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Aprodite on the beach

on the beach as some joker had turned them and had a fantastic canter on the beach. Aphrodite was starting to get in a nice rhythm and all too soon we were back at the venue.

She was still very excitable so it took a few minutes to get the heartrate down but she had a good drink and vetted fine. Luckily she and I have a healthy appetite so we were munching away happily together. All too soon it was time to get going again.

Another beach loop, this time towards Dunbar; a very straightforward and fast loop. The sand on the beach, however, was quite tricky but I managed to find the hard sand and we had another long, lovely canter. Rachel and Caroline popped up everywhere but a quick slosh was all that was required at this point.

Vetgate 2 and she was still not switching off. It did not help that she had a poo while getting her heartrate taken! We had to present again. Fine this time and so were all the other parameters. We left the vetgate on our own again and back to Tyningham beach. Aphrodite knew the way so I just had to sit quietly and she cruised along on the buckle end. It’s a bit boring though riding on your own and my brain was doing maths overtime. Not even halfway…..

Vetgate 3 went very smoothly, Aphrodite started to know her job! Out on the orange loop, Bruce had caught up with the crewing team and gave some moral support. Then finally halfway we caught up with another rider. I was planning to relax and have a chat but A was in a rhythm now and didn’t

Official members publication for Endurance GB

really want to slow down so after a short chat we were off again. Aphrodite had her eyes on the next horses to overtake. Closer to the venue I wanted to slow her down a bit but madam had other thoughts so we just continued in the same speed. The 120km mark!! No discussion necessary, horse and rider were looking and feeling good so we were going on the try to get the elusive 160km. The last 2 vetgates had a compulsory re-present, I always find these nerve -wracking! You want to give your horse enough rest and time to eat and drink but you do not want them to stiffen up. No need to worry though, we sailed through them even although the sun came out in force at some point.

The crew was doing an ace job; plenty sloshes and water for horse and rider.

Aphrodite prefers normal water which makes it all a lot simpler. The last loop just went in a blur. For the first time I had to use a bit of leg when turning away from her field for the last time but when we came into the finish field she must have known it was different this time. Ears pricked and an easy canter. What a horse!! Many thanks to her owner and breeder, Anne Turner, for letting me ride her. I couldn’t have done this without SUPERCREW Rachel MacDonald and Caroline Hales - many many thanks.

1st in our first 160km at a speed of 15kph.

What an amazing horse I have.

The next day it was back to hard work…… vet duties all day for the 50 and 30km’ers.

Seacliff 2015 is already in the planning.

Watch this space!!

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

Caramel is a Real Sweetie 2 Day 120km at Darnaway, near Forres May 2014 – report by Suzanne Taylor Celebrating 10 years together this year, I and my Part Bred Arab, Salsa Caramel, won the Darnaway 2 Day 120km Race (ER) ride.

The venue was at Brodie Castle near Forres, Moray. The ride was organised by Diane Michie offering a pleasure - 2 Day 120km riding through Darnaway Estate and Culbin forest.

Having ridden the 80km ER here last year this was one ride I was determined to return to. Highland Hospitality is renowned in SERC and as usual the helpers were out in force ensuring smooth running of a large ride entry.

Day one’s 80km course was 40km/21km/21km. Caramel was full of running for the first loop and presented within 4 minutes. Luckily, I had my supercrew, Jamie Craig, with us all the way.

He did an excellent job all weekend. On the next 21km, Caramel was starting to ask where all the other horses were? By this time the sun had decided to shine. Again we presented quickly and took time to eat and drink in the vet hold. On the final loop we happily met up with a few of the 80km riders which gave Caramel a second wind to finish day one. After day one I was informed we

had a 10 minute lead on the rider behind; Nicola Price with her horse Fifi Le Bon. After a good night’s rest, we awoke the next morning to rain, falling quite heavy.

Caramel’s shoes were needing some attention so we had a few nails put back in to secure them for the last 40km. Caramel seemed quite fresh on the ground, walking off any possible stiffness from the day before.

We set off at 9am and I felt like I was being chased the entire way around. Well we were!

Nicola was on our heels! The weather was wet and windy and getting into a stride was tricky. Again there were no other horses in front. After about 10km Caramel perked up and realised he wasn’t out for a hack. All the crew points were excellent. Jamie said we were about 6 minutes ahead and Nicola was getting closer. About one mile from the finish, after seeing Jamie for the last time, I turned and saw a pink bib! Nicola was catching us up. Caramel turned and finally saw a horse chasing him. He just went into, “We are being chased mum!” although I had been telling him that all the way around!

We crossed the finish line at an enthusiastic canter and won the 2 Day 120km, vetting

Salsa Carmel in the ribbons

at 54-52 & a Best Condition. Nicola and Fifi crossed the line only 45 seconds behind us.

What an exciting finish!

Huge thanks are due to Diane Michie, the ride organiser, and all the helpers who put so much time and effort into Darnaway.

Thanks too to the people who lent us a hand during the weekend and of course to Jamie for being such great crew. But finally a huge thank you is due to Caramel, who has bounced back after tying up at Barbury Castle last year. It’s been emotional.

Finishing at the 2 day 120 km at Darnaway

Endurance July/August 2014

19

➤ Ideal for horses and ponies that need to put on or maintain condition

Feeding the Athlete

➤ Quick soak in less than ten minutes

Fibre Fuelled The horse’s digestive system is perfectly designed for an almost continuous supply of fibre and it is imperative that fibre forms the majority of every endurance horse’s diet. A typical diet of grass, hay or haylage and a nutritional balanced, high fibre bucket feed will not only keep the digestive system healthy, but will also provide an excellent source of slow-release, stamina giving energy. Some horses may also benefit from some fast- release energy supplied in the form of a small amount of additional starch in their diet.

Starch is a carbohydrate found in cereal grains such as barley, maize and oats and provides energy for short periods of power and speed.

Whilst the feeding of large quantities of starch commonly associated with traditional cereal based diets can have negative effects on a horse’s performance, behaviour and digestion, the inclusion of starch in small, controlled amounts as part of a high fibre diet can provide a horse with the necessary fuel to allow them to perform to their full potential. Striking the careful balance between feeding a diet that suits an individual horse’s temperament and also meets their energy needs is vital for success.

levels. Whilst the entire range is completely oat and barley grain free.

Allen & Page has excellent advice on feeding your endurance horse on its website at www.allenandpage.com or you can contact the Nutrition Helpline on 01362 822902 for individual solutions.

The Barley & Molasses Free Range has something to suit all horses, with all feeds being high in fibre and of varying energy

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today 01362 822 902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk Quote Ad Reference: glossy1

*When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels

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Recommendations for Feeding the Exercising Horse The most important thing to remember in feeding the performance horse is that as activity or exercise increases, you need to increase only the amount of energy fed.

The horse in training has no more need for an increase in the concentrate or percentage of other nutrients in the diet than does a horse of the same class that is not being worked.

The horse needs long stem forage. The fibre content of the roughage aids in normal gastro-intestinal function. Ideally, rations should contain at least 50% of forage intake. This can be adhered to fairly easily for maintenance, light work and moderate work levels but is somewhat more difficult for horses performing intense work.

Activity of the horse is categorized as light, moderate and intense work.

Increasing work load requires no increase in percent protein but does call for an increase in energy. Any nitrogen loss as a result of work should be met by the increased intake of feed required to meet horses’ energy needs.

The energy needs of horses at high work intensities cannot be met by feeding 50% hay. Thus, the concentrate must be fed at more than 50% of the diet.

Typically, performance horses fed low forage, high grain diets with forage accounting for less than 50% of the diet, exhibit a higher incidence of colic. Horses

consuming less than .5 lb of forage/100 lb of body weight do not get enough fibre intake and are considered high colic risks.

Remember, horsesreceiving large amounts of concentrates require extremely good management.

Remember that horses are individuals and vary greatly intheir requirements for feed. Some horses become overweight when fed according to the guidelines while others lose weight. Therefore, monitor each individual horse’scondition constantly and feed each one accordingly.

Hereagain, remember that these are guidelines. It is our responsibility as horsemen to make sure our horses receiveadequate feed to meet their needs.

Until you’ve fed him Calm & Condition®… ...you’ll never know how glossy his coat could be Calm & Condition® ➤ Barley and molasses free, low starch and low sugar* ➤ For horses and ponies at rest to hard work ➤ Ideal for horses and ponies that need to put on or maintain condition ➤ Quick soak in less than ten minutes

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today 01362 822 902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk Quote Ad Reference: glossy1

*When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels

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Feeding the Athlete

When size matters Is a handful of this, a spoonful of that and a sprinkle of the other a good enough way to prepare our horse’s feed? Dengie provides a handy guide to mastering portion control...

• • • • • • •

•

Always read the feeding advice printed on the product packaging.

Weigh out your horse or pony’s feed – never guess! When nutritionists formulate a feed, they make sure that the correct levels of vitamins and minerals are present in a given ration to provide a balanced diet.

If you give your horse less feed than is recommended for his weight and workload, he will miss out on essential nutrients.

You can have too much of a good thing - over-feeding vitamins and minerals can cause toxicity problems.

Chopped fibre feeds such as those offered by Dengie can be fed in larger amounts as they are low in starch and sugar and are high fibre. This means they won’t overload the digestive system as cereal based feeds can.

Fibre is lightweight and a large Stubbs scoop of chopped fibre feed weighs around 400g, but the same size scoop of Cool Mix would be about 1.25kg.

To get the same weight of feed, three times more volume of fibre would have to be given. The bonus with this is that it gives far more chew time, keeps horses occupied when stabled and helps to maintain healthy digestive systems. A 20kg bag of fibre will last just as long as the mix if fed at the same weights; it’s just the volume that is different.

Don’t forget to weigh your horse, too, because most feeding rates are based on the weight of the horse.

If you would like further information or advice on portion control, telephone the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115 or visit www.dengie.com, where you can chat live with a nutritionist.

Article Supplied by Dengie Horse Feeds

Summary of Nutrition Recommendations The primary diet should have a foundation in forage, regardless of whether the horse is a retired pasture ornament or an Olympic level show-jumper.

Careful selection of forage can mitigate a number of problems observed in equine athletes The purpose of concentrate feeds and supplements should be to provide what is missing in the forage portion of the ration. For nearly all forages tis means a source of trace minerals, certain vitamins and fatty acids.

For horses that cannot maintain condition on forage and a ration balancer, a more calorie dense feed should be added to the ration.

Horses that are overfed calories can become over exuberant, and when this is not given an outlet such as turnout, undesirable behaviours under saddle can result.

For those struggling to keep weight off their good doers, or who feed commercial deeds in quantities less than the manufacturer recommended amounts, a suboptimal diet can result. Horses may appear to be in good condition, when in fact, they are suffering from a level of malnourishment.

22

Fat sources are an effective way of adding large amounts of supplemental energy to a ration. However, when fed in excess, fat has the potential to disrupt hindgut fermentation and absorption of some minerals. As always, the key is in finding the correct balance.

Note that any additions to the diet should be introduced gradually over a period of seven to ten days.

Fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 can be found in good quality fresh pasture. Grains and oils provide larger amounts of Omega-6.Approx 5.5g/day of Omega-6 is recommended for a 600kg horse (0.5% of dry matter intake). Exercise caution with herbal anti-inflammatory supplements as they may violate antidoping regulations.

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. It can be found in good quality fresh pasture and in quality commercial feeds.

Whenever possible, hay should be tested, especially when several months of hay is purchased at one time. Make sure that the lab chosen for testing provides equine based information.

Provide a source of salt to ensure that the daily minimum sodium requirement is met.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

MacWet Sports Gloves for all seasons

MacWets are fast becoming the most popular riding glove—with Ollie Townend, Ben Mayer and Zara Phillips being regular wearers of the brand. Safety is the key word, wet or dry MacWets give you the best grip possible. Recognised by many leading sports people as their glove of choice-used in 40 sports and forty countries— participants love the ‘second skin’ touch as the aim of MacWet is to achieve comfort and give the wearer the chance to forget they are wearing gloves so that they can concentrate on their performance.

Why not join them?

You can win a pair – Just tell us the funniest thing that has happened to you whilst riding

BUFF® is a registered trademark property of Original Buff, S.A. (Spain)

How will you wear it?

BUFF® is the world’s leading brand of multifunctional headwear.

Based on a seamless tube of 100% polyester microfibre Original BUFF® can be worn in up to 13 different ways around the head, neck or wrist. It won’t fade or come undone, is easy to wash and is available in a wide selection of prints and patterns.

Lauren Mills, GB Endurance rider says, “My favourite thing about BUFF® is how lightweight, comfortable and warm the products are. In my sport, comfort is one of the most important factors; I find BUFF® Headwear so easy to wear for hours on end. I wear it as a balaclava when competing and training in cold weather to keep my neck and face warm. In warmer temperatures, I wear it as a liner underneath my riding hat for comfort and to keep my hair out of the way.”

BUFF® Headwear is available from most good equestrian retailers and online at www.buffwear.co.uk.

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What is…

Specialist

Equipment?

Cindy Russell takes a look at what you might want to add to your kit list.

When we first get started in Endurance or Long Distance riding, we generally use the equipment for both horse and rider, that we already have. A GP saddle, a standard bridle, jods, boots, long or short, standard hat ( up to recommended/approved standard) etc.

But as we progress in the sport, ride longer distances, see what others use and wear, things change, and we start to covet the specialist equipment that is available to us.

The Saddle

Most horses are ridden for general work in a General Purpose (GP) saddle. The fit of the saddle should have been determined by a saddler, and for shorter rides this will be perfectly adequate, indeed for longer rides, it may well be fine. But what else is available? Technically advanced saddles are very much more available nowadays than they were 20 years ago, but the golden rule is to ensure correct fit, and correct weight distribution over the horse’s back. Don’t forget rider comfort either; a rider who is suffering discomfort in the saddle will ride poorly and cause problems for the horse. Leather or synthetic is also part of the choice, tree’d or treeless, made specifically for endurance or simply made to fit the horse…but don’t forget to have the fit checked regularly, as the shape of the horse will change throughout the year

Numnahs

Often made to go with a particular saddle, modern fabrics mean that numnahs can be sluiced off and replaced during an event. Some horses have reactions to synthetic fabrics, so consider sheepskin as an alternative. Other fabrics may offer a reduction in the concussion transmitted to the horse’s back.

So where do we start? What is available, and how will it help us achieve our aims of a more comfortable experience for both horse and rider?

Lam map

Handy to h even on ho being slos

Rugs

Ensuring that you have the right rug for every occasion is almost impossible. Get to know your horse, and carry what will be most useful in your kit. So many technical fabrics are available now, that it should be possible to restrict the choice to two or three. Magnet rugs, coolers, fleeces, waterproof, fly sheets...

Boots

Bag with Shoof or similar hoof boot for emergencies (lost shoe etc) Make sure that boots are well fitted to the horse, and will not cause rubs or hold grit. Wash them well at vetgates, or fit clean dry replacements.

Stirrups

These can mean the difference between numb toes and achy knees, or comfort fro the whole ride. A wide tread will support the foot and allow the leg to remain in a relaxed position, taking pressure off the sole of the foot.

Remember to use cages on stirrups if you are wearing boots or trainers without a heel.

Equipment modeled by Sue Henry’s Monkey Boy. Photo courtesy of C. Russell 24

Girth

Essential to ensure comfort here.

Have more than one available at a competition, so that dirty girths or sleeves can quickly be replaced with clean.

Bridle

Again, a choice of fabrics. Leather is traditional, but takes a lot of care to keep it in top condition. Biothane or webbing offer easy clean alternatives, and allow the rider to chose bespoke colours for competition. Combination bridles make for ease of use in vet gates etc at events.

minated ps

Specialist Equipment

Bit

The range of bits available is huge, but as ever, ensure that it is a good fit, and does the job you need it to do. If you need to change bits in the course of a ride, then clip on bit attachments on the bridle will facilitate this.

Massage units

have on wet days, or ot days if the horse is shed off frequently

Can be very useful for keeping muscles warm and soft at vet gates and in holds. Can also be useful for warming a horse up before the start of the ride.

Crew’s Equipment

Slosh bottles, Water containers, Sprays, Mobile washdowns, Carriers / trunks – All equipment that the crew will be using…should be well packed into the crew vehicle, with the most frequently used items being easily to hand.

Practice makes perfect with crew vehicle packing!

A List

always a good idea to have one! Especially for the crew, so that they know what to have to hand in the vetgate!

Breastplate/ martingale attachments Breastplates can be very useful when riding in hilly country, and can stabilize the saddle too.

Again, available in a variety of fabrics, can be made to match the rider colour scheme, and can be fitted with clips instead of buckles for ease of use.

Martingales and attachments also can be quickly removed for vetgates etc.

Endurance July/August 2014

Map cases

Make sure that your map case is securely attached to you, but also that it cannot fly up and hit you in the face, or flap about and be irritating

Spare Tack

Hoof boots and spare tack can be essential pieces of kit, as can a spare set of shoes for the horse!

25

Using Specialist Equipment?

Use a Specialist Coach!

EGB’s UKCC Coaches are: Experienced, Qualified, Insured, Accessible Call or email the EGB Office for a full list.

EquiAmi for endurance

Make the most of your sport!

Enhancing your horse’s performance in endurance involves improving back strength, power, stride length and speed. If you could see these improvements in just two twenty minute sessions per week for six weeks would that sound too simple?

Regular use of the EquiAmi lunge aid has been shown to significantly increase stride length and speed whilst improving symmetry in an independent study done with thoroughbred horses. In all disciplines a strong back is key to balance and power and the EquiAmi lunge aid develops this simply and effectively. Endorsed and used by professionals it’s time to give your horse the edge.

Web www.equiami.com email enquiries@equiami.com Tel 01584 891049

Keep your saddle fitting Korrectly…

The Korrector is an adjustable air filled saddle pad that can be quickly and easily adjusted in just a few minutes by the rider to offer an ergonomic fit to the horse’s back. The innovative Korrector allows horse owners to change the fit and balance of the saddle in order to fit their horse as their musculature changes, increasing or decreasing throughout the year. The Korrector also allows owners with multiple horses to improve the fit of shared saddles by utilising the handy pocket sized pump to simply inflate or deflate the pad as and when necessary. The Korrector is available in two sizes, medium - to fit 16.5” – 17.5” saddles - and large - to fit 17.5”+ saddles. The Korrector is available for both English saddles and Western Saddles. Prices start at £175 For more information call 01227 831614 or visit www.fteltd.co.uk

Common Lameness Issues in Endurance Horses

Bone, Joint and Tendon Injuries

by John Kohnke BVSc RDA

Rehabilitation of Joint Injuries Studies have shown that lameness accounts for around 70% of lost training days, with lower limb joint injury making up over 60% of the underlying cause of lameness in training. Joint deterioration is associated with progressive damage to the soft tissues, cartilage and underlying sub-chondral bone within the joint. Most joint injuries are initiated by the physical disruption of the joint’s structural components due to excessive or abnormal weight loading, overflexion or extension, as well as internal joint ligament sprain forces.

These types of joint injuries can be cumulative over a training season and are often influenced by the age of a horse or how many kilometres in training it has accumulated over months or years of endurance training and competition. However, although joint injuries are the most common cause of lameness and need for downtime from training, with modern therapies and careful rehabilitation, joint injuries are often more easily managed to allow a horse to return to training. This is in contrast to tendon injuries, where even a mild tendon strain will require mandatory long term rehabilitation and have a high risk of recurrence in an endurance horse, especially in heavy weight rider divisions and as it ages.

Minor Joint Sprain It is relatively common for a horse which is trained on roads and tracks to suffer a minor knock, twist or over-extension of a joint, with associated ligament sprain, or concussion on a hard training surface, and in more severe cases, increased joint fluid swelling in response to the minor injury. The horse may exhibit a shortened stride and pain on flexion of the joint, and if not rested up from training, it could develop into more chronic joint damage if the internal cartilage surface or sub-chondral layers become damaged and begin to erode. These are graded as minor ‘wear and tear’ type injuries and commonly affect the front fetlock joints. They may appear as early ‘windgall’ type soft swellings in the joint pouches on the rear upper sides of the joint, which indicates internal inflammatory reaction and joint fluid effusion.

This is a sign that joint capsule or cartilage damage has occurred.

It is a natural protective action to cause discomfort so the horse will rest the joint and reduce further aggravation to the minor joint sprain.

In a ridden horse in training, it is important to assess the condition and rest the horse, initially confining it to a stable and small yard, rather than turning it out into a paddock where it is likely to further damage the joint. If the horse only exhibits a low grade lameness (warmth in the joint, lameness score 1-2 with increased discomfort to flexion), in most cases, minor joint sprains with fluid swelling in the joint, will respond to a short period of rest for 7-10 days.

Endurance July/August 2014

PART 2

During this short term rest-up period, prescribed and judicious use of anti-inflammatory medication, once daily ice packing under an elastic pressure bandage, or alternatively 5-10 minutes of cold water hosing, may help to reduce the joint swelling and discomfort.

Application of an overnight ‘Lintex’ under a light pressure bandage, or application of a clay poultice is also a popular method of rehab therapy. The horse may also benefit from joint active therapies to assist cartilage health and function, such as intramuscular injections of pentosan polysulphate or intravenous hyaluronic acid, combined with daily oral supplements of a glucosamine based joint supplement as ongoing supportive therapy on return to training. In other sport horses, wrapping a figure 8 support bandage (eg polo bandage or cohesive bandaging tape) to provide protection and flexion support a troublesome fetlock joint is common practice during training.

However, because of the cross-country nature of endurance training and exercising during rainy weather and through puddles and even creeks on the trail, these type of bandages become wet, constrict around the joint or limb. Sand can work its way down inside the bandage to abrade the skin and cause discomfort and lameness.

Your vet will be able to advise you on the best course of ongoing therapy.

Once the joint discomfort has settled down, then ongoing physiotherapy, with introduction to light exercise on flat country, including leading the horse off another horse under saddle (‘ponying’), so as to reduce the overall weight on the limbs, will assist the rehabilitation process.

Acute Joint Injury Severe, sudden lameness with heat, swelling and minimal flexion in a joint, are symptoms associated with external or internal ligament sprain or tearing, cartilage erosion or tearing or internal joint fracture. Prompt first aid by ceasing exercise, cold therapy by icing or cold water hosing and then applying a support bandage to minimise flexion of the injured joint, and judicious use of oral anti-inflammatories, such as ‘bute’, is an essential early part of the planned rehabilitation process. Once the swelling and discomfort has subsided, then X-rays, nerve blocks and ultrasound scanning may be necessary to fully evaluate the degree of damage. A rest, treatment and rehabilitation program can be planned in consultation with a veterinarian to hasten the repair of the injury and allow the horse to return to training.

Part 3 of this article will be published in the September/October issue

27

Health Essentials

Equine Health Essentials

By Nicola Snowden BVM&S MRCVS, Equine Veterinary Adviser for Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy Equine welfare is paramount to everyone involved with horses and, with that in mind, Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy (KBHH) – a high-profile BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) supported, nationwide campaign – embraces a commitment to the promotion of the well-being of Britain’s population of horses.

Prevention is better than cure, so advancing the concept of preventative healthcare through an integrated approach incorporating appropriate vaccination and sound equine husbandry is crucial in reducing the risk of illness and disease amongst the population of the one million or so horses in Britain.

Endurance horses are trained to the limit and no chances should be taken with their welfare. Vaccinating against equine flu is mandatory for any competitive horse, but it is equally advisable for equines at all levels and those who remain at home. Vaccination is key in preventing infectious disease, by helping to protect the individual horse against the disease and reducing the ability of disease to spread to other horses. Not only are unvaccinated horses at risk of ill health themselves, but they also endanger the well-being of other equines through facilitating the spread of disease.

Your horse, although unique and an individual, is part of a bigger population or herd of horses whether this is at field, stable, yard or local level. To control the spread of infectious and contagious disease, considerations need to be given not only to the individual horse but also to the immunity of the equine herd.

Herd immunity describes the situation when a sufficient proportion of a population – though not necessarily all – are vaccinated against

a disease. If there are too few susceptible horses in a population the disease is unable to spread. The minority of horses who aren’t vaccinated receive protection because the spread of the disease is contained by the large majority that are. Essentially the principle can be described as safety in numbers. KBHH strongly believes in the concept of herd immunity and will strive to improve vaccination uptake to help protect the entire equine population, prioritising diseases that are widespread in Britain and thereby place many horses at risk.

FEI regulations stipulate that all competitive endurance horses be vaccinated against equine flu, but such directives do not cover other infectious and contagious diseases such as strangles and herpes.

By encouraging a greater proportion of owners to vaccinate their horses against these endemic diseases we can get closer to the herd immunity targets required to protect our equine population.

Equine flu is a highly contagious infectious viral disease that can cause profound symptoms in susceptible horses; usually an episode of acute respiratory disease with clinical signs beginning abruptly and including high fever, coughing and nasal discharge. Depression, reduced or absent appetite, and weakness are frequently observed.

Most horses recover from the initial episode within two weeks however the time taken to regain full health and able to resume normal activities may be many months.

Some horses may suffer permanent lung damage or damage to the heart and those that are very badly affected may never regain their previous athletic performance, something clearly pertinent within an endurance horse. If exercise is resumed too early there is more risk of long term consequences. Flu is an airborne virus and can rapidly spread through a yard or even to neighbouring yards under the right prevailing weather conditions, particularly where there are susceptible unvaccinated horses.

The Animal Health Trust recorded 14 separate outbreaks of equine flu in 12 different counties in the UK during 2013, with all cases occurring in horses which hadn’t been fully vaccinated (data from the DEFRA/AHT/BEVA disease reports). This is likely to underestimate the number of outbreaks as in some instances the vet may not be called or samples may not be taken. The current evidence suggests fewer than half of Britain’s horses are vaccinated against equine flu, and it’s widely agreed that to achieve an effective level of herd immunity, vaccination rates need to be considerably higher – in the region of 70%.

Another key disease to ward against is tetanus; tetanus is caused by a bacterium (clostridium tetani) whose spores are present in soil and therefore a risk to all horses, ponies and donkeys throughout the UK. Although most domestic animals can be affected, horses are particularly susceptible. The bacteria enter the body through wounds, with punctures of the sole of the foot a common route of infection. The bacteria then cause disease by producing toxins that affect the nervous system.

28

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Horses can only be protected from tetanus through vaccination, yet it is currently estimated that less than 60% of horses are vaccinated against this killer disease.

The theory of herd immunity doesn’t apply here given that tetanus is infectious but not contagious so disease will not spread from horse to horse. As such only the vaccine will protect the horse from disease. As a result, the target is to have 100% of horses vaccinated against tetanus. Vaccination consists of a primary course of two injections followed by a booster vaccination. Speak to your vet about vaccination schedules and timings.

There are several types of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) with EHV-1 and EHV4 being most commonly associated with disease. Equine Herpes disease is widespread in the UK with most horses carrying the virus but not showing signs of the disease. This is because the virus remains latent within the horse, a similar phenomenon in humans where the virus periodically re-emerges to cause ‘cold sores’. Once reactivated the Having a fully vaccinated horse doesn’t absolve an owner from further responsibilities with regard to sound healthcare practice of course. No vaccine is able to afford 100% protection so it is vital to be aware of the symptoms of these diseases to ensure that any potential outbreak can be identified and controlled at the earliest possible juncture.

• Strict adherence to biosecurity and sound management practices remain as important as ever when it comes to minimising the conditions in which illness and disease can flourish.

• Some everyday biosecurity actions will help minimise the risk of disease introduction.

• Good hygiene practices including using clean and separate equipment such as tack, grooming equipment, feed and water buckets. It is also good practice to avoid horse to horse contact with unknown horses – particularly whilst out competing.

• If possible isolate new arrivals to your yard for a minimum of three weeks before introducing them to the rest of the herd.

It’s not only the individual owner who should be aware of the all-round benefits of a preventative approach to healthcare. Livery yards and riding schools will have a healthier population of horses in a yard, leading to an environment with happy horses, happy owners and a positive yard reputation.

Vaccination and herd immunity should be seen as the basis from which a healthy equine population will stem, a firewall or a safety net which doesn’t reduce the need for adherence to biosecurity, good hygiene and sound animal husbandry, but does ensure such measures will prove even more effective.

KBHH Equine advisor Nicola Snowdon and Tara

Vaccination is key in the prevention of infectious and contagious disease

To find out more about KBHH and participating veterinary practices, visit www.healthyhorses.co.uk

WEG Profiles

WEG Rider Profiles The Team Riders and Horses selected to compete in Normandy at the World Equestrian Games in August are:

Annie Joppe I started competing in show jumping as a pony mad teenager, graduating onto eventing up to BE intermediate level.

A family, time and financial constraints meant that eventing was over for me so I found endurance about 14 years ago.

I live in Cornwall and work with my husband running a small bathroom mobility business from home. This mode of working makes it possible for me to train my endurance horses to the highest level possible whilst doing my part in the business and organising the family.

When (if) I have any free time, I enjoy writing and keep starting a children’s book but never seem to get very far. Ski-ing is another passion and an essential winter highlight, with sailing and surfing being something I love doing in the summer but have very little time for.

I have one son at university and a step-son periodically living with us in between working on tugs! Live is never dull, always so much to do but nearly always great fun!

DILMUN DIL Pure Arab – Grey – Gelding – 15yrs – 15.1hh • 2013 First CEI 1* Boconnoc, Cornwall • 2013 First CER Minions, Cornwall • 2013 First CEI 2* Keysoe • 2012 2nd CEI 2* King’s Forest, Norfolk • 2011 First CEI 2* Cirencester • 2011 2nd CEI 2* King’s Forest, Norfolk • 2009 Part of Team GB European Championships, Assisi, Italy • 2008 – 2014 4 x CEI 3* placings with Dilmun

Beth Langley I work full time as a Physiotherapist within elite sport at Perform St.George’s Park. I’m keen on being active and fit, being a black belt in karate, Olympic lift 3 times a week, Pilates instructor, Divemaster and ride 16hrs a week.

I started endurance in 2000 on my little 11hh Sec A Amigo then progressed onto a Welsh Cob and then my 14hh arab Tissy. I recently got gifted a horse from Halsdon Arabians; HS Pirouche who’s showing great promise for the future.

I first represented GB at YR level in 2007 and since have had 5 International caps and hold the record for highest placed YR at a World & European Championship. This year is my first year up for Senior selection on the same horse that’s taken me through young riders.

Tissy is an absolute trooper and pocket rocket.

She overcame a horrific field accident as a 4yr old, where there was a very very real possibility she would not make it through twice during recovery then only last year fractured her pedal bone in the field and has made an outstanding recovery back onto the international endurance scene. So as you can imagine she holds a very special place in my heart.

HS AMETISTA (TISSY) Purebred Arab – British bred – Grey – Mare – 16yrs – 14hh • 2012 European Bronze medallists • 2010 Individual 4th European Champs YR • 2009 Individual 13th World Champs YR • 2008 European 4th Champs YR • 2007 Team Silver CEI 3* team event YR

• 2003 2nd National Championships - Ludlow

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Official members publication for Endurance GB

WEG Profiles

LEILA Pony – Grey – Mare – 15yrs – 14.2hh WOTAN WOLKCHEN (SMOKEY) Connemara x Arab – Grey – Gelding – 9yrs – 14.1hh • 2014 6th place in CEI 3* 160km in Holland (Ermelo) with Leila

Catriona Moon

• 2012 Represented GB at Senior World Endurance Championships in UK (Euston Park) with Leila • Invitation to compete in HH The President Endurance Cup (160km)

in Abu Dhabi and successful completion with Leila • 2011 Represented GB at Senior European Championships in France (Florac) with Leila • 2010 1st place in RAF Cranwell 122km ER with Leila • 2009 Represented GB at Senior European Endurance Championships in Italy with Leila • 2006 Shortlisted for World Equestrian Games in Germany (Jerez) with Nidah

Anna Williams Many podium positions in races across the world including South America, Australia, Middle East and Europe I have 3 horses in total, HS Saboteur with whom I’ve represented Great Britain at World Championship level. ‘Sabby’ had an incredible career and competed all over the world. His career highlight was finishing the Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup 160km event in Dubai in 2008. He is now happily enjoying his retirement! I also have a young horse who has just completed Novice Level. He came to us in August of last year and has taken a lot of work to reach where we are now! Finally my top horse, owned by both myself and my mum is our Elite Squard horse Crystal Wissam. He is homebred

by Tango d’Ayres out of our homebred mare Crystal Latifa. Both my Mum and I competed at World Championship level with Sam’s grandmother Druimghigha Shiera.

I recently moved back to the UK having worked abroad for the past 12 years.

Up until December 2013 I worked for the International Equestrian Federation based in Lausanne, Switzerland for 9 years. Prior to that I worked as a rider in Dubai at an international endurance stable. I’ve also ridden for professional yards in both Australia and Argentina.

CRYSTAL WISSAM (SAM) Bay – Gelding Arab x Trakehner, 11 yrs, 15hh • 2013 Sam’s first 160km where he came second in the British National Championships and also took the Best Condition award

Annette Masterson MILLENIUM CHORUS Bay Anglo Arab – Gelding – 14 yrs – 15.3hh Annette has been riding for 42 years, starting off with working hunter ponies and junior show jumping. At 16 she was the champion Arab jockey, and she has been riding in endurance for eight years

Endurance July/August 2014

• 2004 1st Place Australian National Young Rider Championships / PanAmerican Championships, Pinamar (ARG) • 2003 British Young Rider Champion, Dukeries (GBR) / British Team Member, Perugia (ITA) • 2002 British Team Member, Wicklow Hills (IRL) • 2001 British Junior Champion, Cirencester (GBR) / British Team Member, Villacastin (ESP)

WEG Photos courtesy of David Saunders

• 2005 British Team Member, Bahrain (BRN)

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WEG Profiles

Non Travelling Reserves • 2013 Kings Forest FEI 160km 5th • 2012 Barik’s first competitive season and FEI. Kings Forest Young Horse 80km 1st

Abigail Tennant BARIK BAZ French Arab – Chestnut – Gelding – 10yrs – 15.1hh CHADOR SHANDY French Arab – Chestnut – Mare – 16yr – 15.2hh DJELANZA JAZZ Arab – Chestnut – Gelding – 3yr – 14.3hh

• 2011 – Did 6 months in South Africa working at Perseverance Stud. Also completed my first FEI 160km in 4th place • 2010 competed at the lower levels • 2009 competed at the lower levels • 2008 – YR European Championships • 2007 – Team Silver medal at YR Nations Cup in Kreuth, Germany

Carri Ann Dark KATES MATE (SPIRIT) AHS – Grey – Gelding – 10yrs – 15.2HH

I started riding from a very early age and as most young riders start out I was interested in the high life of eventing but although being quite successful at crosscountry I soon found I enjoyed the endurance scene more. Originally I grew up competing at smaller events with my mum and then crewing her at her bigger events. Very quickly I started to compete at different classes to my mum and began riding solo. I began endurance on Golden Charlie whom I achieved my first bronze buckle qualifier on, when achieving this I became the youngest rider at eight years old to complete 30 miles in the country.

It was not long before I found myself competing in my first FEI Young Rider CEI 2* 120km at Red Dragon and completed the ride coming 2nd.

I found myself getting more and more involved with the Young Riders and before long I was going out with the Young Rider Team to Kreuth, Germany and had an amazing time, to top it off, together we achieved Team Silver for Great Britain.

From then I had become hooked on the Young Rider Team comradely and spirit. Yet again I saw myself travelling abroad with the team this time to the Young Rider European Championships FEI 120km in Ovideo, Spain where we achieved Team 4th coming 26th.

Then a year later I was travelling again to the Young Rider World Championships FEI 120km in Bablona, Hungary.

Annette Masterson EL SABIO Bay Anglo Arab – Gelding – 18 yrs – 16.2hh

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Through the years I have continued to compete and had several highlights including ending the year as the Young Rider Champion of 2011. In 2012 I completed one of my ambitions of a FEI 160km ride.

Later that year I also competed as part of the Young Rider Team in the European Championships, gaining a Team Bronze medal in Mont Le Soie, Belgium for Team GB. This was the best result for Team GB at a Championships for over 17 years. At the end of the year we also got invited to a medal parade at Olympia, London to parade with other Team GB medalists including London 2012 Olympians.

In 2013 I had a great year, including numerous highlights, however the main ones had to be getting to paraded before HM the Queen & the King of Bahrain after coming 8th in the inaugural Royal Windsor Endurance FEI 2* 120km. Along with cantering across the line after 160km to become Open National Champion 2013 with Vavavoom.

The other great highlight of 2013 has to be being selected to represent Great Britain as part of the Team GB Elite Senior Squad in the European Championships FEI 4* 160km in Most, Czech Republic.

I am currently a full time Graphic Designer for Wiltshire Council and enjoy using my Multimedia background to cover endurance events by film or photography when I can.

I have completed over 18,000 successful endurance competition miles over the years

Annette has been chosen as third reserve, in the event that she does not compete with MILLENIUM CHORUS for any reason.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Management

International Report The International Committee have been very busy since the last magazine. Cirencester assessments and training have taken place for the Senior Squad in their preparation for WEG. Interesting and informative observations were made to help the selectors with their task to ensure the best team goes forward to WEG. Ten riders and eleven horses have now been invited to the next stage of the process.

Two more FEI rides have been and gone with another on the near horizon – Keysoe. Next years FEI fixture list is already in the planning as ride dates need to be submitted to the BEF even earlier this year, through Rides and Rules.

The YR’s will be busy preparing for their trip to Italy this week ready to leave on Saturday for their big adventure in Italy – we all wish them well and I know both riders will do EGB proud.

WEG is looming! Final selection will be taking place on the

12th and 13th July with dreams being shattered or achieved.

The next step will be preparing for the competition of a lifetime for 5 of the riders and their horses. Please get behind them and cheer them on. It has been a long, tough journey for them.

We wish them all the success possible for the ride of their lives. For the SMT it is a busy time – collating information for the OC and the BEF. The BEF, as always for WEG preparation, help us greatly. The Chef, vet, farrier, physio and logistics manager have been to meetings at their invitation.

A huge thank you again to the International Committee – your expertise, advise and help has been much appreciated over the last few weeks. Also to all the SMT’s helping prepare horses and riders for competition abroad. Your time and effort, given freely is also much appreciated.

Sue Broughton, Chair of IC

Finance Update from Finance Director Peter Claridge: July 2014 As we are now half way through the competitive season and financial year, I wanted to give you a brief update on our financial position. As you will remember, our previous Finance Director Charlotte Saunders gave us a very clear presentation at the AGM last November on the challenges Endurance GB faced this year and beyond. At that time we were forecasting a loss of about -£50k for 2013 which was clearly an unsustainable position going forward, particularly in the absence of external support and sponsorship. In order to bring EGB back into balance in 2014 the Board was actively implementing a number of difficult cost cutting measures, without compromising the services being provided to Members, as well as having to put forward proposals to increase the cost of Membership and Competition. Although not a popular move, Members were understanding and responded positively to these proposals at the AGM by approving the necessary price increases.

The financial results for last year have now been audited and I’m very pleased to report that the measures the Board put in place during the late Autumn and Winter are starting to bear fruit. On a

turnover of £582k for 2013 (previous year £549k) our actual deficit was reduced to -£32k (previous year -£10k) which we have covered from our Reserves. These Reserves have now fallen to £165k, although we have put in place a clear Policy to protect them in case they’re needed for future emergencies. Although our loss in 2013 was still significant, it indicates a step in the right direction.

The main factors contributing towards this smaller loss were contributions from Groups towards our common expenses and reductions in overhead costs which are ongoing, particularly following our move to less expensive but much better accommodation in the BHS building. We were also able to pay several relocation and one off costs which will have benefits for the current year and beyond. Our cumulative Income, Spend, Deficit and predicted Deficit during the year are shown in the Figure. The significant increase in December is predominantly due to the inclusion of Groups accounts.

£

Early in 2014, the Board put together a robust Budget, based on estimated income of £599k from our activities and the direct and indirect costs of delivering

Endurance July/August 2013 33

Management them, to try and achieve our aim of ending the current financial year in balance or with a slight surplus. We are monitoring our actual income and spend closely this year against three main business sectors: Core, Rides and Groups. Our objective is for each to operate in surplus rather than any one subsidising another, or having to rely on external income which if we are lucky enough to get would be treated as a bonus and used for specific additions or enhancements to our normal activities. If we can exceed the difficult targets that we’ve set ourselves for the year we will be able to keep our prices to Members down and invest in more activities for us to enjoy. The forecast Income, Spend and Surplus for the year are shown in the Figure. We are now trying to include Group accounts throughout the year.

Although Membership Subscriptions and Horse Registrations are unfortunately and worryingly down again on previous years, there are encouraging signs that we

are currently on target with our financial aims. However time will tell if we can keep our costs under control and achieve the financial successes needed at Rides and within Groups to deliver our ultimate goal. Currently our income is running below budget for this time in the year, but thankfully so is our spend, so we are slightly ahead of where we expected to be. We must all keep our fingers very firmly crossed that this continues!

The downward trend in Membership numbers, amounting to a reduction this year of around 15% overall, is a major concern if we are to maintain and improve the quality and range of benefits we provide without significant increases in subscriptions again. Associate Membership has been particularly affected, falling by about 30%.

The large rise in subscription this year won’t have helped, although the greater benefits that Associates enjoy – not to mention all the Group activities being offered to them – mean they only have to ride at four National

Pleasure Rides to recoup their annual subscription! Hopefully Associate numbers will pick up during the second half of the year.

Rides of course are our largest earner as well as cost. Increased Entry Fees are helping, but there appear to be signs that lower distance, less expensive classes, particularly Pleasure Rides, are proving more popular than the longer distances.

This of course adversely affects overall income and profitability, especially at the larger Rides which are expensive to run, although Ride Organisers are continually trying to minimise their costs against the inevitable rising tide of what they have to pay for services. However achieving a surplus on every Ride, as we must aim to do, is on a knife edge, particularly bearing in mind the vagaries of entry numbers and the weather! Overall last year, Rides operated at just under 3% surplus on income of £333k which demonstrates the tight margins under which Ride Organisers operate. This highlights how important it is to receive Ride Accounts from Organisers as soon as they are finalised, and for the prompt return of any unused Advances, so that our financial situation can be kept under review.

Another high profile activity is International which, as those directly involved will know, is predominantly funded by those participating. This year we’ve already successfully enjoyed an International Seminar, an FEI Officials Course and several Squad Training Sessions, with other events including Development and Young Rider Competitions and of course our participation in the World Equestrian Games to come. I’m pleased to say that to date all of these activities have covered their costs which is no mean feat.

Groups have a crucial role to play, not only in encouraging new people to start endurance and become Members, but also in putting on local activities to generate funds for themselves and for the common good of Endurance GB. This explains why it’s necessary for us to receive their quarterly Accounts so that we know how things are progressing across the country and don’t get any unpleasant surprises at the end of the year! Last year the 23 Groups contributed £12k from a total income of £127k towards general costs; if this could be even higher this year it would be very welcome!

I hope you’ve found this brief update interesting. I’ll try and give you more information later in the year when we have a better idea how things are progressing towards our goal of making EGB successful and sustainable into the future.

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Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

Northumberland & Tyneside group news by Eileen Charlton Our group is hosting the Northern Championships this year at our well established Hexhamshire Trophy Ride on 2nd/3rd August. For the first time we are making this ride into a 2 day special with the Northern Championship class being a 45km/65km CER. There will be other 2 day classes, 85km and 60km GERs, with all the supporting classes from 19km up to the 80km CER Hexhamshire Trophy Class sponsored by Mike and Sally Bell who have sponsored this class since its inauguration in 1999.

A sub committee was formed to run the Northern Championships and all the routes are now confirmed. Sponsors are still being sought but we have some good support already including TORQ (NC Class), Classic Upholstery and Foam (Best Condition in the 65km GER on Sunday – embroidered cooler rug), Pets At Home, Katy Carr Equine Body Worker, The Dukesfield Project (Optimum time in the

Pleasure Classes), GLB Wood Fuels.

There will be a BBQ on the Saturday night in the big barn. Tickets are £6 and will include three meats, salad accompaniments and a choice of pudding.

To be booked with entry. More information can be found on the ride website http:// www.hexhamtrophyride.moonfruit.com/ and on our facebook page.

Our next Competitive Ride is Titlington on 28 June. Entries have been slow to come in but, as I write, things have picked up and the ride will go ahead. This ride, organised

by Gill Brown, holds a 40km Performance Formula Class.

Members have been enjoying success both sides of the border. Notably Janet Lennard and Linnelwood Digby who came 2nd in the 2 day 86km Cheshire Frolic Trophy, Lesley Smith and Blue Shadow won Best Condition in the 2 day 62km SERC Eildons

Cheshire riders go the distance

Ride, Barbara Austin & Bonnie Lass won Best Condition in the 31km class at the SERC Hoddam ride, Rachel Sykes & Djoval and Gill Brown & Hissane Orashaan came 5th and 6th respectively in the 80km CER at Cranwell out of 10 starters.

Biggest achievement so far this year is Robert Newall & Loti du Caussanel who won the CEI 120km** at Haywood Oaks in April. Robert and Loti went on to be long listed for the British Team going to WEG in August.

Later in the year we have Wark Forest TR/PR and Druridge Bay TR/PR (mainly beach ride) And finally, ALL the helpers throughout the year, members or not, get their name put into a prize draw every time they help. The draw will take place at the BAM. For more information on our group please visit our website http://www. northumberlandandtynesideegb.co.uk/ where you can find links to our facebook page.

Meanwhile, congratulations go to Cheshire Group rider from Allostock, Harry Ingram on being the first British rider to cross the finish line at the Royal Windsor Endurance Ride and achieving 12th place overall. Harry, riding Bronze Nahdir competed the 120km CEI 2* course and was up against some top international riders from the UAE, Bahrain and France. The race was observed by three different royal families, including HM Queen Elizabeth, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the UAE and King Hamad of Bahrain.

Harry said, “the atmosphere was fantastic from beginning to end and I felt very lucky to have been able to have taken part. It was a privilege to ride around the Great Park and even do a lap of Ascot!.

Ali (Bronze Nahdir), was on top form and although this was his first 120km ride, he managed to maintain a decent page over 20kph.

Thanks goes to my fantastic back-up crew, who were exceptional in looking after myself and Ali the entire time.

Harry Ingram at Windsor FEI ride. Photo courtesy of Gilly Wheeler

To find out more about how to get started in long distance competitive riding visit www.endurancegbcheshire.co.uk

Cheshire Endurance Group are celebrating the success of two of its’ riders in two of the toughest events in the endurance calendar.

Cheshire physiotherapist from West Kirby, Jo Gibson won the 100km (62 miles) “Denbigh Slate” endurance ride, riding her arab mare SG Anesstasia. Jo completed the gruelling ride in just under 6 hours, an average of 16.6 KPH speed over some very testing terrain.

Jo said, “endurance riding is a fabulous sport at all levels, it has its social side and you get to see some otherwise inaccessible areas of the countryside but the real test is getting yourself and your horse fit enough to take on the challenge. I was delighted to have won. Whilst the terrain was challenging the good bits outweighed the muddy bits!”

Endurance July/August 2013

The Cheshire Group of Endurance GB covers the whole of Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales. Local, non-competitive pleasure rides and competitive endurance rides are organised on behalf of the National body (Endurance GB) together with Training Sessions for members and groups such as the Pony Club.

For more information visit www.endurancegbcheshire.co.uk Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cheshire.egb Follow on Twitter @CheshireEGB

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Group News

Summer report from South West Group by Jane Holden Congratulation to Rachael Claridge and Maarhabi for surviving the mud and coming 5th in the FEI 120k** class at Cirencester. He finished with a pulse of 46 bpm.

“Apart from losing a shoe everything went fantastically,” said Rachael. “On the last loop he squelched through the mud and then took off with renewed enthusiasm the moment his feet hit the grass.”

Luckily, after the wettest winter most of us can remember, things are drying up nicely here in Devon and Cornwall. The going on Bodmin Moor is fantastic, short dry turf and very few boggy bits. Lambing has finished and now there are baby calves and moorland pony foals everywhere.

We have had three of our competitive rides – all with good entries, particularly from local pleasure riders. We do try to make them feel welcome – they may well become members in the future. Quite a few have joined as Associate Members and have progressed from our South West Pleasure Rides to Competitive Rides, and increased the distance they ride.

This was particularly noticeable at Minions, where there were a number of new members riding in the competitive classes and lots of familiar faces in the longer of the two PR classes. There were 22 entries in the 32k and 30 in the 16k – most of whom were new.

That was out of a total of 100 entries. With any luck they will soon all be hooked on endurance!

By the time you read this, the two-day Boconnoc Ride will have taken place. Taking place over the beautiful parkland, woods and fields of this very private estate, the ride is popular with members and non-members alike. The longer blue route on Sunday, also takes in some stretches of Forestry Commission woodland.

In July we are looking forward to the new Clinton Estates ride with the venue at the Bicton Arena near Budleigh Salterton, in Devon. Karen Wood and Caroline Hooker are reviving a ride that was very popular in the early 1990’s but with an entirely new route that includes fields and forestry managed by the estate. It’s great to have another competitive ride in Devon as that part of the south west has been sadly lacking in rides since suitable routes have proved hard to find.

Photo courtesy of Farlap Photogrpahy

Also in July is the Penpont Ride, organised by Sarah and Tristan Bishop. This uses parts of Bodmin Moor, previously part of the West Moor Ride but keeping to the north side of the A30. This ride is run entirely over the moor and with some of the grassiest going in Cornwall. With the venue reached in minutes from the A30, it is well worth travelling down to. See you there.

Left to right: Emilia Douglas on Tiger Lily, Tanya Southworth on Latifia Amirah and Sarah Jane Scrase on Valuta heading for home across Bodmin moor on the Minions Ride.

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Group News

Endurance GB Iceni Group. Poplar Park Sandlings Ride Report by Amanda Roche-Kelly Poplar Park Equestrian Centre organised an endurance competition for EGB Iceni on 24th and 25th May. Graded Endurance Rides from 80k down to 32k were run for individuals along with pleasure classes. Ingatstone and Blackmore, Cambridge and District and Balsham and District Riding Clubs fielded 3 teams aiming for the EGB Endurance Riding Clubs end of season trophy.

The torrential rain on the Friday night and early Saturday morning had washed away most of the route markings and Bo Hardwick says she is indebted to the Trail Riders Fellowship who went out on their motorcycles on the Saturday to re mark the course – particularly trying on the maze of tracks in the forest section.

This is the first time an endurance competition has been run at the venue for 10 years and judging by the fantastic congratulatory emails received by Bo Hardwick, organiser, this year has certainly reinstated the event. EGB Iceni members acted as stewards and a good number competed on both days. Competitors travelled from as far as North Yorkshire and the South West to this idyllic part of our region and it is hoped that if the event runs on a bank holiday week end again next year, it could become a 3 day competition to encourage more competitors from afar to visit and enjoy the area.

Having ridden the GER 40k on the Sunday when the weather was much improved I can say that the course was interesting and varied – plenty of puddles but good going nevertheless. It offered fantastic views of the Deben Estuary, dotted with sailing boats and rode through the pretty village of Shottisham. For those used to the Thetford Forest rides it offered a refreshing and different experience within the Iceni area.

Photography Caston Camera Club

Bo Hardwick, as a first time organiser, has said the experience was challenging and hard work but it was all worth it as positive feedback is still being received. I for one, look forward to next year.

Endurance July/August 2013

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Young Riders

Young Rider European Championships Verona, Italy

Brett Corcoran I’m 17 years old and currently study Sports and Exercise Science at Stafford college. I have been involved with horses since I could walk and started

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In my first year as a young rider my aim was to get qualified for the team, going round my FEI qualifying rides steadily, and successfully did this on my main horse Bashir Shamyr. I achieved 2nd place in the FEI Jun/YR World Rankings.

The following year I was selected for the team and Shamyr felt great until a week before the European championship when he sadly developed an abscess which stopped us from competing. I wanted to see what it was all about and gain experience so went along to watch the other team members be successful, gaining a Team Bronze...this gave me even more determination for the following year.

Again we qualified and were selected for the team to go to the World Championships held in Tarbes (France)... Shamyr felt great until he picked up a stone bruise a week

Photo courtesy of David Saunders

I have been competing in endurance for nine years now, and qualified for the Young Rider Squad this year with my horse Warrens Hill Kizmet. Our best achievement to date was winning the Young Rider National Championships in 2013 at King’s Forest. Kizmet is an eight year old Arab mare, bred by Lesley Dunn. We purchased her in May 2011, I then took her on a gradual progression up through the stages to become Advanced and on to FEI level.

Kizmet and I were also part of the England Home International Team last year. She is our only horse and is very much a part of the family. Living just outside the house she is very demanding and knows how to get what she wants. When being ridden she is full of character and likes to make her opinion known. My parents are my crew, they have always supported and encouraged me.

Whilst competing in endurance I have also recently completed my Psychology degree and aim to undertake further study in order to pursue a career in psychotherapy.

I slowly came through in the endurance world winning the Junior National Championship but still I felt I wanted more...so I aimed to be selected to compete for Equestrian Team GBR as soon as I became a young rider and eligible to.

Brett competing Bashir Shamyr at Dukeries

before which bruised his coronet band so, again, we had to pull out at the last minute.

This was the biggest down of my career but me and my family picked ourselves up and competed at Barbury Castle where he won. This clearly shows the ups and downs of horses - and endurance – an emotional roller coaster. After this I set my eyes on the Red Dragon, a competition I have always wanted to win since being very young and Shamyr made this come true for me and gave me a great ride to win the 160km, the biggest competition win of my career so far and also to be the youngest ever to win this race.

We have been in training since December for the European Championship (Verona, Italy) on the 12th July 2014 which we have been selected for and it is a great an honour to represent Great Britain along with Alice Loren.

As well as competing in endurance I also play rugby for a local team when I have the time as horses take up the majority of my life.

I have 4 horses competing in endurance Bashir Shamyr, Aristotle Bay both of which are FEI horses but as well Shafeeq OS and also Sirius OS who are two young horses who will be slowly getting their qualifications and hopefully also become team horses of the future.

My aims for the future in endurance are simple... Be successful and win medals!!!

Photo by AGC Photography

Alice Loten riding Warrens Hill Kizmet and Brett Corcoran riding Bashir Shamyr represented us at the YR European Championships, riding as individuals on the 12th July in Verona, Italy. Sadly Brett retired his horse at VG 3, as he felt the horse was not right. Alice went on to finish 20th in the YR European Championships

showing and fun rides at a very young age. But I really wasn’t enjoying it so through my mum taking part inendurance I thought I’d give it endurance a shot...from there I’ve never ever looked back.

Alice with Warrens Hill Kizmet

Official members publication for Endurance GB

RESULTS XXX

HAYWOOD OAKS - DAY 1 (19/04/2014) 160kms 2 day Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Mister Mylo (Robyn Catterall), 12.8kph 1 elimination F.E.I. 3star 160kms Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride 1st: Millennium Chorus (Annette Masterson), 15.9kph 2nd: H S Ametista (Beth Langley), 15.9kph 3rd: Dilmun (Annie Joppe), 15.2kph 4th: Just C’Mall (Helen McFarland), 14.8kph 5th: Eskar (Abigail Tennant), 14.8kph 6th: Dacora (Jayme Bone), 14.1kph 5 eliminations 120kms Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Earlsdon (Alex Tennant), 15.7kph 2nd: Almaak (Jason Tse), 14.8kph F.E.I. 2star 120kms Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride 1st: H S Drift (Andrew Theodorou), 14.6kph; Kates Mate (Carri-Ann Dark), 14.8kph 2nd: Chazan (Vivian Cheung), 13.9kph 3rd: Tes Ezraa (Fiona-Jane Price), 13.8kph 4th: Senjai (Heather Alexander), 13.8kph 1 retired F.E.I. 1star 90kms Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride 1st: Maraday Mystaron (Linda Cowperthwaite), 17.3kph; Oakleaze Farm Czarko (Lauren Mills), 17.2kph 2nd: Shakmari Gold (Lisa Adshead), 17.2kph 3rd: Marouk Du Caprice (Claire Wertheimer), 13.3kph 4 eliminations and 1 retired 80kms Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Rassam (Anne Booth), 15.9kph 2nd: L M A Hadayyah (Emily Ferguson), 14.9kph 3rd: Rosies Brown Sugar (Penny Amond), 14.9kph 4th: Just Giles (Tracy Thompson), 14.9kph 5th: Murphy Himself (Bridget Brown), 14.9kph 6th: Zakhir (Charlotte Fleming), 14.9kph 7th: Oreci De Tenelles (Jeanette Bennett), 14.3kph 8th: Ravel’s Bolero (Amie Grainger), 13.6kph 9th: Ruwais Bolero (Victoria Davies), 13.6kph 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Emir (Bethany Stokes), 13.7kph Grade 2: Basford Showman (Amber Sole), 13.7kph; Zim Nazka (Jacqueline Lloyd), 12.8kph Grade 3: Oakleazefarm Czako (Susan Rich), 12.7kph Grade 4: Benzuga (Hilary Cuming), 12.8kph; Khalifa B J (Carolyn Livesey), 12.8kph 1 elimination and 1 retired HAYWOOD OAKS - DAY 2 (20/04/2014) F.E.I. 1star 90kms Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride 1st: Za Marengo (Nicola Thorne), 14.5kph Completion: Sadhira (Katherine Willings), 14.8kph 4 eliminations and 1 retired 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aragorn (Ruth Chadwick), 13kph Grade 2: Blaenllain Cardinals Dream (James Dickinson), 13.2kph; Hazelcroft Gosens Tsar (Charlotte Chadwick), 13kph; Warrens Hill Chayze (Harry Ingram), 13.1kph Completion: My Marco (Amy Theodorou), 10.3kph 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Jack Dawson (Lorna Kidson), 13.3kph; Warrens Hill Rubyn (Sarah Rogerson), 11.5kph Grade 2: Belle Etoile Bolero (Amie Grainger), 11.6kph; Warrens Hill Chiara (Jane Smith), 12kph Grade 3: Moet (Richard-Bradley Hancock),

Endurance July/August 2013

11.6kph; Sg Anesstasia (Joanna Gibson), 13.8kph; Teadies Spirit (Sarah Thompson), 11.7kph Grade 4: Magpie (Samantha Fearn), 11.6kph; Open T’ Offers (Rachael Cratchley), 11.5kph; Shermans Riva (Charlotte Strang), 11.6kph; Taaqib (Allyson Sole), 11.3kph; Vlacq Hamra Surri (Georgina Hirst), 12.3kph Completion: Crystal Topaz (Rebecca Pearson), 10.8kph; Painted Lady VII (Susan Russell), 10.7kph 3 eliminations and 3 retired 50kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Sisco (Toni Davis), 11.1kph Grade 3: C.S.Khamsin (Elizabeth Ellesley), 11.1kph; Katie (Herbie Owen), 12.6kph; Linnelwood Digby (Janet Lennard), 11.1kph Grade 4: Zyta (Gaynor Rose), 12.8kph Completion: Eas Indiana Al Arabi (Laura Davies), 13kph; Meadowland Mack (Tania Fitton), 11kph; Orelie Griff (Christopher Fitton), 11kph 1 elimination 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Bey Dryad (Gillian Wright), 14.3kph; Squire (Gaynor Jones), 13.2kph Grade 3: Delorto Zaranz (Jackie Lockett), 10.5kph; Sanchi (Louise England), 12.3kph Grade 4: Cs Chimera (Alex Tennant), 10.4kph; Ltf Narada (Nicola Bowley), 11.8kph; Tommy (Diane Hudson), 11.2kph Completion: Cosmo (Helen Foster), 11.3kph; Djoval (Rachel Sykes), 11.4kph 1 elimination 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Redwings Milky Way (Madison Pomroy), 11.7kph Grade 2: Barabaschi (Pauline Daley), 12.1kph; Psynan (Stacey Bushell), 11.5kph; Strong Rebel (Paul Daley), 12.1kph Grade 3: Jam (Liz Campey), 11.8kph Grade 4: Angies Girl (Angie Williams), 12kph; Red House Oberon (Vicky Carter), 9.4kph Completion: Cavalier Katie (Rhiannon Woods), 11.8kph; Earl Of Killmurray (Jane Girling), 11.7kph; Ima-Gine (Stuart Barkway), 10.2kph; Warrens Hill Elanzo (Abigail Taylor), 10.5kph; Warrens Hill Nahzir (Valerie Cammock), 10.3kph 2 eliminations 30kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Ashurst Bunty (Iona Peat), 10.1kph; Bashir Nadeena (Claire Kinney), 10.2kph; Copshawholm Roman Emporor (Jean Spearing), 12.1kph; Golden Pride (David Catchpole), 10.1kph; Kastano Kuriaki Abaramenito (Carolyn Joesbury), 10.5kph; Magners Gold (Jane Wyatt), 12.1kph; William Bonnie (Steven Bates), 10.5kph Grade 2: Blossom I (Caroline Le Butt), 11.7kph; Cs Clarion (Gemma Edwards), 11.6kph; Itsy (Aline Peat), 10.1kph; Lazy Lena (Jane Stewart), 12.1kph; Spola From Old Hills (Janet Fentiman), 12kph Grade 4: Aja Chantelle (Jane Meacham), 10.2kph Completion: Jigsaw Puzzle (Claire Parkinson), 10.1kph HAYWOOD OAKS - DAY 3 (21/04/2014) 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Amira Zahra (Amie Grainger), 11.9kph Grade 3: To The Last Man (Christine Myers), 10.7kph Grade 4: Ballydoolagh Alfie (Jeni Gilbert), 11.2kph Completion: Flynn (Lucy Walker), 10.1kph; Ricco Esta Artisan (Robert Blane), 11.5kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Gb Aliaanah (Amanda Morriss),

11.1kph; Westfields Lady Grey (Lisa Bainbridge), 11.5kph Grade 2: Beckmeetings Karim (Heidi Lewis), 10.5kph; Country Dolly Mixture (Tara Barker), 10.5kph; Sirius Os (Gerina Corcoran), 9.2kph Grade 4: Montana (Vicky Carter), 11.1kph; Shafeeq Os (Brett Corcoran), 9.2kph Completion: Ammanvalley Comet (Sue Abbott), 10kph 1 elimination 30kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Justin Nobility (Elisabeth Carter), 11.3kph Grade 4: Blaze IV (Kathryn Naysmith), 11.1kph 1 retired 30kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 2: Redwings Milky Way (Madison Pomroy), 10.3kph Grade 4: Nyrobi (Anna Williams), 11.5kph Completion: Earl Of Killmurray (Jane Girling), 10.3kph CRANWICH - DAY 1 (26/04/2014) 134kms 2 day Competitive Endurance Ride Multi Day 1st: Warrens Hill Kizmet (Alice Loten), 16.3kph 109kms 2 day Medium 2day Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Bizout (Hannah Lydon), 12.2kph 84kms 2 day 2 Day Graded Endurance Ride ROW Grade 1: Cardinal Panache (Julia Harman), 13.2kph; Saintwestwell Silvermask (Raymond Davison), 15.6kph; Zorro (Sharon Davison), 14.3kph Grade 2: Cadenza Talisman (James Parsler), 14.7kph; Zaferan (Jane Girling), 12.5kph Grade 3: Redwings Milky Way (Keighley Pomroy), 12.5kph Grade 4: Longcross Velvet (Bryony Parsler), 14.7kph 66kms 2 day Graded Endurance Ride 2 Day Grade 1: Redwing Shalico (Glynis Grizzell), 11.7kph; Zowington (Gb) (Elaine Wallbridge), 13.9kph Grade 3: Paramal (Helen Gipson), 13.3kph; Silver Linnet (Carol Fricker), 12kph Grade 4: Shiduke (Wendy Miles), 13.4kph 1 elimination 65kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aberllwyd Satra (Karen Day), 15kph Grade 2: Colliga Starling (Belinda Stewart), 13.2kph Grade 3: Hs Emlin (Sally Hall), 14kph; Spellbound Secret (Julie-Ann Squire), 10.8kph 2 eliminations 50kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Neverly De Mescam (Lisa Powell), 17.6kph; Open All Hours (Carri-Ann Dark), 16.3kph 50kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 3: Ramona (Maddy Mangan), 14.7kph 42kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Spiranthes (Nicholas Tweedie-Smith), 15kph Completion: Elsa Del Azahar (Katherine Mills), 14.7kph; Simeric Sinnaman (Bridie Lydon-Towle), 11.8kph 1 elimination 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Flurrie (Jeni Gilbert), 15.1kph; Laity Red Alert (Rosie Marsh), 13.5kph; Meiros Victoria Capella (Richard Lowe), 12.7kph Grade 3: Elana Bint Chatanz (Michelle Denniss), 13.7kph; Monkey Boy (Sue Henry), 14.6kph Completion: Apache (Katy Williams), 12.6kph; Simple System Trizeyah (Jane Van Lennep), 10.1kph

39

Results

33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Bassey (Linda Burrows), 12.1kph; Bud White (Wendy Garter), 10.4kph; El Azraff Amirah (Judith Yarnold), 13.2kph; Fravias (Lorraine Kerslake), 10.4kph; Makuto (Nicki Harris), 10.4kph Grade 2: Cotswolds Azraff (Sashikala Davies), 10kph; Drossi (Nikola Kelly), 13kph; Inde 2 (Janice Morton), 11.1kph; Lily’s Legacy (Sarah Bird), 12.8kph; Noble Chieftan (Amanda RocheKelly), 12kph Grade 4: Asabache (Melanie Boggia), 12.8kph Completion: Same (James McIntosh), 11kph 1 elimination RIDE THE WIGHT - DAY 2 (26/04/2014) 105kms 2 day Graded Endurance Ride 2 Day Grade 1: C.S.Khamsin (Elizabeth Ellesley), 11.5kph 1 elimination 80kms 2 day Graded Endurance Ride 2 Day Grade 1: G Elinore (Linda Brown), 12.5kph Grade 2: Aleys Cognac (Maurice Whiteley), 14kph; Duchy Mimosa (Martin Voysey), 11.9kph 65kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Muna Bint Shuwaimeh (Rosemary Henderson), 12.9kph 64kms 2 day Graded Endurance Ride 2 Day Grade 1: W L A Elektra (Gail Jupp), 12.2kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Doyenne (Kate Curry), 12.7kph; Merlyn (Elizabeth Whiteley), 13.4kph Grade 2: Vlacq Melika Kayal (Lorraine Flood), 11.7kph Completion: Laddie (Linda Dod), 12.2kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Trowan Max (Elizabeth Child), 10.7kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Red House Shamil (Trilby Herriott), 10.8kph Grade 4: Puleski (Charlotte Robinson), 10.6kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Perowne Cha Cha (Caroline Cooper), 13.3kph; Pinball Wizard (Ann Ely), 11.4kph; Romany (Linda Morris), 11.4kph; Setae (Joanne Hogan), 13.3kph; Truway Delilah (Abigail Newnham), 9.6kph Grade 2: Obelix (Amber Wilson), 9.7kph; Truway Daphne (Kirsty Newnham), 9.6kph Completion: Bellindene Magnum (Frances Hall), 8.1kph; Rannoch Of Stanford (Jeanette Hopkins), 8.3kph; Trowan Duchess (Georgina Child), 8.1kph BLUE CHIP ST MEUBREDS, CARDINHAM (27/04/2014) 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 4: Rocheros Qasbah (Nicola Martin), 11.4kph 66kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Latek (Victoria Mosey), 11.2kph Grade 2: Mellow Jazz (Karen Jones), 11.3kph Grade 3: Astral Mystique (Jan Prettejohn), 11.2kph; Dubai Valentino (Sarah Bishop), 11kph Grade 4: Evermore Artistic (Carina Kane), 12.9kph 49kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: H S Envoy (Christine Cameron), 13kph; Rumpus (Laura Quick), 12.5kph Grade 3: Hs Ecuador (Matthew Cameron), 13kph; Jasper P (Roz Plail), 14.7kph Grade 4: Pigaro (Catherine Woodford), 11.1kph 49kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Trigger F (Morrighan Frost), 12.5kph 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aurontes (Judy Holloway), 12.2kph; Desert Kudoss (Ginny Gidley), 14.4kph; Firebird (Lesley Nott), 11.1kph; Master Flash (Philippa Davidson), 11.1kph Grade 2: Cyrion (Abigail Chisholm), 11.3kph Grade 3: Ja Noor (Susan Speed), 11.6kph;

40

Kalaway (Jane James), 11.1kph; Okeden Timothy (Sarah Urwin), 11.4kph; River Gypsy (Victoria Ham), 11.6kph Grade 4: Misteltoe (Anne Marvin), 10kph; Mualim Shael (Maria Baverstock), 13.3kph; Seadeke Mystif (Valerie Hansen), 12.2kph Completion: Khanspur (Andrew Chisholm), 11.3kph; Salimrashid (Jill Thomas), 11.1kph 1 elimination 33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Ali Shamahl (Rosalyn Davis-O’leary), 9.8kph; Jula Royal Phoenix (Shanade Holmes), 10.5kph; Killyanchor Magical Jewel (Jessie Lethbridge), 11kph; Silver Zaanif (Diana Rundle), 9.9kph; Velucius (Juliet Martin), 11kp Grade 2: Brechfa Dansker (Kim Hicks), 12.1kph; Cwmtynant William (Nichola Hodge), 12.1kph; Derwen Bradon (Andy Howard), 10.7kph; Right Side Up (Zoe Hyslop), 9.9kph; Samson (Ann Jobson), 10.5kph; Tiger Lily I (Emilia Douglass), 10kph Grade 3: Alfie I (Julie Elvy), 10.7kph; Bulbul (Robert Lovell), 9.8kph; Its Me Alfie (Graham Wright), 10.1kph; Schmeichel (Sheila Penhaligon), 12.1kph; Zarazi (Victoria Queen), 11kph Grade 4: Ac Latifa Amirah (Tanya Southworth), 10kph; Flying Artist (Valerie Jones), 10.8kph Completion: Carthew Melody Maker (Linda James), 11kph; Shahlisha (Annie Lovell), 9.8kph; Valuta (Sj Scrase), 13.6kph CRANWICH - DAY 2 (27/04/2014) 101kms Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Vavavoom (Carri-Ann Dark), 19.1kph 2nd: Elayla (Katie Bedwin), 18.5kph 3rd: Barik (Abigail Tennant), 18kph 81kms Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Joyces Choice (Hannah Maskell), 20.4kph 2nd: Agyl (Stefania Martinoli), 17.4kph 3rd: Kazeme El Mystral (Sue Box), 13.2kph 2 eliminations and 1 retired 81kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Ghalib Zafir (Emma Martin), 14.8kph Grade 4: Taifa De Arcos (Katherine Mills), 12.1kph; Talek Des Godets (Richard Allen), 13.4kph 2 eliminations 65kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Cs Chimera (Brett Corcoran), 11.3kph Grade 2: Cleopatrah (Nicola Thorne), 17.4kph; Simeric S’Moudh (Thay Stephenson), 12.2kph Grade 3: Simeric Smooth Criminal (Stephanie Brown), 12.2kph Completion: Inferno (Alex Tennant), 11.3kph 2 eliminations 50kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Storm I (Joannah Parker), 15.1kph 42kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Rjt Tariq (Jacqueline Atkin), 14.4kph; Simply Dennis (Sue Gregg), 12.4kph Grade 2: Arabian History (Claire Freeman), 13.6kph; Coralkov (Juliet Jacob), 16kph; Kal Baishakhi (Rebecca Northover), 12.9kph; Simeric Sinnaman (Bridie Lydon-Towle), 13kph Grade 4: Aratahnes Maia (Lisa Powell), 14.4kph; Athleague Merc (Ines Hoffmann), 12.4kph Completion: Boolagh Betty (Hilary Carr), 12.4kph; Push The Button (Karen Carr), 13.6kph 42kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Completion: Ammanvalley Comet (Sue Abbott), 12.5kph 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Barnabas (Rebecca Parsler), 11.9kph; Flurrie (Jeni Gilbert), 12.2kph; Maia (Jo Holt), 12.3kph Grade 4: Sg Esscent (Susan Cox), 13.8kph Completion: The Exterminator (Celia Przyrembel), 13kph 33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice)

Grade 1: Dakaman (Heather Cornick), 13.3kph; Royal Innfusion (Diane Archer), 11.1kph Grade 2: Breton Boy (Elizabeth Rymer), 11.1kph; Make Me Fameous (Fiona Luke), 12.3kph Grade 3: Ballybloolagh Bengee (Sally Featherstone), 13.4kph; Bh Ablaze In Colour (Dianne Luke), 12.3kph; Legs (Gillian Riviere), 12.2kph; Pernod (Anne Dethlefsen), 13.3kp Grade 4: Imagination (Natalie Chandler), 9.2kph Completion: Jigsaw Lad (Anne Muir), 12.2kph 1 elimination FOREST OF DEAN BLUEBELL (27/04/2014) 67kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Marcus Aurelius (Katherine Bertram), 12.4kph Grade 2: Bey Shebaan (Laura Short), 13kph Grade 3: Autumn’s Child (Becky Bertram), 12.4kph; Orion’s Firefly (Janet Kenward), 11.1kph; Warda Bint Shuwaiman (Pippa Morris), 11.1kph Grade 4: Palaza (Gwendoline Pickering), 12.4kph; Sa’da Sekora (Gillian Talbot), 10.3kph; Suchaking (Malcolm Greenaway), 11.3kph 1 retired 49kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Bright Dawn (Sue Loveridge), 12.4kph; Ibn Al Helal (Anita Gordon), 13.7kph Grade 2: Aden Silver Moonlight (Janthea Newman), 12.1kph; Indian Princess (Karen Jones), 14.2kph; Warrens Hill Farrah (Laura Graham), 13.7kph Grade 4: Aberllwyd Solstice Morn (Doug Wilson), 12.5kph; D’Hab (Kim Sinnott), 12kph; Keen Pleasure (Charles Newman), 12.1kph 1 retired 41kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Arranberg Mai (Fiona Valentine), 11.5kph Grade 3: Ground Kontrol (Susan Rich), 12kph; Lynwood Boxer (Emma Machin), 10.6kph; Vlacq Gilfae (Gail Andrews), 14.6kph Grade 4: Oakleaze Farm Czelo (Louise Rich), 12kph; Roundhills Harvest Shine (Heather Evans), 12.6kph; Venturoso Repoula (Jenny Myerscough), 10kph Completion: Bright Diamond (Julie Payne), 11.6kph; Poppet (Evelyn Watt), 11.5kph; Pstylistic (Gillian Campbell), 12.1kph; Seashore (Nikki Pearson), 14.3kph 41kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Frayaa (Lesley Dunn), 11.3kph; Sky Indigo (Donna Taylor), 10.4kph; Stella II (Janine Malone), 10.2kph Grade 2: Hendrewen Pirate (Nicola Davies), 10.2kph; Madinah (Carol Jones), 10.7kph; Merlin III (Bethan Lewis), 10.7kph Grade 3: Barons Rock (Kat Ingram), 10.9kph Completion: Cwmcae Morgan (Tamzin Furtado), 10kph; Dolly Parton (Morgan Wride), 10kph; Red House Oberon (Vicky Carter), 10.8kph 1 elimination 34kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Summersplace Sweet Juliet (Heather Caddick), 15.5kph Grade 2: Equiloan Phoebes Gold (Larissa Whiley), 12.4kph; Midnight Star (Rachel Williams), 11.3kph; Perfeq Pacha De Blaziet (Julie Kendall), 12.5kph; Sanchi (Louise England), 12kph Grade 3: Aberllwyd Prince Elky (Claire Pilkington), 12.2kph; Clinwil Charmaine (Debbie Williams), 11.3kph; Spring Steps (Kerri Costello), 13kph Grade 4: Cs Shaikh Al Jubail (Susan Buckley), 13.3kph Completion: Alazan (Alexandra Nix), 10.7kph 1 elimination 34kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Becky C (Karen Cadman), 11.8kph;

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Results

Bint Al Reeh Janoob (Hannah Verkerk), 11.2kph; Blaentawe Swallow (Louise Rowlands), 10.4kph; Cosmic Prince (Adrian Davies), 11.8kph; Druimghigha Lantana (Olwen Bryer), 10.3kph; Druimghigha Luxor (Andrea Champ), 10.3kph; Foxcourt Tiamarrie (Sharon Jones), 11.8kph; Indygo (Mary Stubbs), 10.5kph; Marl Joclyn (Laura Robinson), 10.4kph; Shaikha Bint Krayaan (Amanda May), 10.6kph; Steady Eddie II (Alyson Williams), 9.5kp Grade 2: Azaleah (Rachael Cratchley), 10.5kph; Ben Shah (Rachel Judson), 12.4kph; Sahir Opulence (Katy Mellor), 12.2kph; Systemaatic Golden Girl (Abigail Summerfield), 11.8kph; Twice Shy (Jessica Minett), 11.8kph Grade 3: Loui (Gemma Ramcke), 8.9kph; Vlacq Hadiyah Kayal (Nicola Pell), 10.7kph Grade 4: Black Sand (Nicola Ravensford), 10.9kph; Cwmceffyl Autumn Breeze (Alison Smale), 11.8kph; Seren (Eva Marshall), 10.6kph; Silver Zenif (Rachael Claridge), 11.4kph; Vlacq Golden Sprite (Annabel Ings), 12.5kph Completion: Springfrog (Fenella Lloyd), 9kph 2 eliminations RIDE THE WIGHT - DAY 3 (27/04/2014) 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Doyenne (Kate Curry), 13.9kph; Merlyn (Elizabeth Whiteley), 14.7kph; Vlacq Melika Kayal (Lorraine Flood), 12kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Red House Shamil (Trilby Herriott), 13.3kph Grade 2: Muna Bint Shuwaimeh (Rosemary Henderson), 14.2kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Desya (Ollie Holman), 11.6kph; Reena Screena Star (Coralie Holman), 11.6kph ULNES WALTON WANDER (27/04/2014) 41kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Blanche (Susan Crabtree), 12.5kph; Cayenne (Jill Templeton), 11.8kph; Tommy (Diane Hudson), 11.4kph 1 elimination 41kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Gb Aliaanah (Amanda Morriss), 11.3kph Grade 2: Miyaz (Karen Robinson), 11.5kph Grade 3: Stas Hazelaar (Ger) (Tracy Sieminski), 11.3kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Jamie-Son (Barbara Jordan), 13.9kph Grade 2: Foxghyll’s Folly (Kathleen Mcghee), 13.9kph; Goyallt Shanco (John Illingworth), 12.9kph Grade 3: Peterbrook Sunset Surprise (Carolyn Cummings), 14.1kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Badran (Hannah Ormerod), 11kph; Ibn Derkisha (Emily Mchugh), 11kph; Khezya (Dale Jones), 10.3kph; Littletree Smokey Joe (Fiona Carradus), 13kph; Lucy G (Jacky Goodman), 11.4kph; Mill Starlight (Julie Banks), 11.1kph; Oakthwaite Zahir Adham (Jessie Mchugh), 11kph; Ohran O Feillion (Timothy Jones), 10.3kph; Rusadia (Ann Speirs), 11.3kph Grade 2: Keeloges Shamoah (Jenny Kidd), 12.6kph; Marlak Super Dude (Carol Taylor), 11.7kph Grade 3: Croftys Springtime Frost (William Gate), 11.1kph Completion: Dns Ronaldo (Kate Atkinson), 11kph 1 elimination WYKEHAM (27/04/2014) 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 4: Solstess Blossom (Melissa Leppard), 11.1kph 42kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Bright Destiny (Angela Johnson),

Endurance July/August 2013

12.6kph Grade 3: Ltf Narada (Nicola Bowley), 12.6kph; Silver Zeph (Bridget Brown), 12kph Grade 4: Hissane Orashaan (Gill Brown), 11.6kph; Wotan Wolkchen (Catriona Moon), 11.6kph 42kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Corker (Marion Lowe), 10kph; Country Dolly Mixture (Tara Barker), 10kph; Fifi (Tina Smith), 12kph; Tinkerbell’s Image (Nikki Brown), 12kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Al Masa (Sue Headland), 12.9kph Grade 4: Ricco Esta Artisan (Robert Blane), 11kph Completion: Flynn (Lucy Walker), 10.3kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Jo Mouse (Christine Freear), 10kph Grade 2: Oban Dancer (Julie Dunn), 10kph; Wayside Falcon (Helen Ward), 8.9kph Grade 3: Sun Kissed Saffron (Caitlin Birkitt), 11kph 1 elimination RAMBOUILLET (FR) (02/05/2014) F.E.I. 3star 160kms FEI Competitive Endurance Ride Completion: Oakleaze Farm Cziko (Louise Rich), 12.7kph; Oliver Twist IV (Fiona Griffiths), 12.7kph 2 eliminations R.A.F. CRANWELL - DAY 1 (03/05/2014) 161kms 2 day Raf Cranwell 161km 2day Cer 1st: Aurontes (Judy Holloway), 13.4kph 132kms 2 day RAF Cranwell 130km 2day CER 1st: Maraday Mystaron (Linda Cowperthwaite), 13.6kph 2nd: Aragorn (Ruth Chadwick), 13.1kph 128kms 2 day RAF Cranwell 128km 2day GER Grade 1: Déjà Vu (Ann Harrison), 14kph; Zim Nazka (Jacqueline Lloyd), 13.9kph Grade 2: Basford Showman (Amber Sole), 13kph; Bizout (Hannah Lydon), 12kph Grade 4: Daante (Ellie Moxon), 11.3kph 1 elimination 81kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Hassam (Christine-Anne Hull), 13.6kph Grade 2: Aratahnes Aphorodite (Francis Bakker), 13.9kph; Bey Sahli (Carri-Ann Dark), 15.5kph 4 eliminations 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Cwyrtai Kahil (Tess Wheldon), 11.8kph;

Moet (Richard-Bradley Hancock), 12.8kph; Silva Quartz (Emma Martin), 13.2kph; Steele Independent (Anne Anderson), 14.6kph Grade 3: Rudi (Susannah Sadler), 11.8kph Completion: Eas Indiana Al Arabi (Laura Davies), 12.3kph 1 elimination 51kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Duke Of Burgundy (Christopher Rose), 13.2kph; Marcus Ibn Gayet (Jean Gilbert), 11.9kph; Storm I (Joannah Parker), 13.9kp 51kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 3: Buster P (Sophie Pickard), 12kph 1 elimination 41kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Bolero Phantastik (Charlotte Strang), 12.2kph; Diamond Flight (Shaun Walsh), 13.1kph; Jamie-Son (Barbara Jordan), 11.8kph; Monkey Boy (Sue Henry), 12.6kph; Viniculture (Rebecca Broughton-Booker), 12.1kph Grade 3: Bright Diamond (Julie Payne), 12.6kph; Tullia (Nicholas Tweedie-Smith), 11.8kph; Zaferan (Jane Girling), 12.6kph Grade 4: Simeric Sinnaman (Bridie Lydon-Towle), 12.3kph Completion: Same (James McIntosh), 11.9kph 41kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 2: Qi (Quite Interesting) (Katherine Mills), 13.4kph Grade 4: Sky’s The Limit (Charlotte Chadwick), 13kph Completion: Nyrobi (Anna Williams), 12.1kph 31kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Iglo (Colin Sykes), 13.8kph Grade 2: Tommy (Diane Hudson), 13.8kph Grade 3: Apache (Katy Williams), 12.4kph; Macsen (Susan Scarborough), 10.6kph Grade 4: Wisespares Tempo (Helen Ganney), 10.6kph 1 elimination 31kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Castlecoote Westside (Jane Meakin), 12.4kph; Freddie Mac (Victoria Uca), 10.8kph; Kingston Cove (Ellie Bunyan), 12.4kph; Lolly-May (Kelsey Marriott), 10.1kph; Unbelievable (Gaynor Laverick), 12.4kph Grade 2: Good Time Charlie (Jo Bunyan), 12.4kph Grade 3: Jess (Katrina Marriott), 9.7kph Completion: Parker (Yvonne Toms), 10.3kph

KEY DATES 2014 Annual General Meeting 22nd November Daventry Court Hotel, 12 noon (unless otherwise advised) Daventry

Receipt of National Ride Proposal Forms 17th October 24th October

Receipt of Members’ Proposals for AGM In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office before 5pm on 26th September

Board of Directors Meetings 18th/19th January 8th March 24th May 19th July 27th September 22nd/23rd November

Nominations for the Board of Directors In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office before 5pm on 26th September Nominations for Unsung Hero, John Yeats Bursary &Young Volunteer of the year awards 31st October Receipt of FEI & Major Ride Proposals 12th September

Ride Fixtures meeting 25th October

Volunteers Conference (For Groups, Ride Organisers, Health & Safety South – 1st February Representatives & Technical Stewards) North – 15th February Groups Meeting - 25th October

41

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99.00*

Mid Season MaintenanceA time to reflect and regroup Cindy Russell considers how to get the best from the remainder of the season At the beginning of the season, in fact at the start of the New Year, most endurance riders make plans for the forthcoming competition season; we make training schedules and start to decide which competitions to attend, which distances to aim for, speeds to attain, levels to achieve.

trying a different approach to some aspects to gauge improvement.

Think also about yourself as a rider, and how you might improve your own performance, your own fitness, your own comfort on rides.

You will be well aware, as you ride longer distances, that often what worked at lower mileage, is not working under greater pressure.

Something that caused a small niggle at a 40km ride, can cause a limiting injury at a 65 or 80km ride.

At the end of the season, we look at how we are going to let our horses down for the off months, rest them and make changes to routine.

Maintenance also applies to often-used equipment. Ensure that heart rate monitor and watch batteries are in good order, that spare tack, and the regular tack, is in good condition. Keep everything as clean as possible. On return from an event, ensure that everything is properly checked over, any repairs are effected promptly, and everything is put back in the correct place. Replace anything that has been used from first aid kits or repair kits. Dry out anything that has been out in wet weather, or soaked in vetting or crewing areas.

But what about mid-season? What about now? When do we make evaluations about how the season is progressing, what we have achieved, how we could change our plans, how we are going to progress for the second or third part of the competition season?

In order to gain the most from what is to come, it can be valuable to assess what has gone before, and learn how changes may to our benefit. Studying vet sheets from the rides we have completed (or possibly, not completed) and re-reading the exercise and training logs we have kept in conjunction with our competition results, can yield interesting and enlightening insights regarding training, feeding and horse management.

Think about your own clothing; is everything comfortable? Is there anything that you would like to change? Check your hat regularly, and if there is damage, replace it. It surely goes without saying that if you have a fall onto your hat, or even if you drop it onto hard ground, it should be replaced. Are your boots giving your feet and ankles enough support? Do your half chaps rub the inside of your knee or slip down over the course of the ride? Small things such as this can distract your attention during a ride, to the detriment of your riding, and thus the way your horse performs.

Spending a little time considering these aspects may mean that you change the plans for your horse and your competition schedule over the remainder of the season; perhaps doing a little less, perhaps a little more. Possibly doing fewer rides, but higher mileage, or shifting down a gear and consolidating what has gone before.

Discuss things with your crew, your coach, your instructor, and others who help you with your horse and your riding, in order to achieve your best performance, and to improve on that throughout the season.

Although making major changes mid-season may not be advisable (unless something is very obviously not working), it may well be worth

Cindy Russell is a UKCC Level 3 Coach, Registered Instructor, Assessor and NLP Master Practitioner

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