EGB Mar/Apr 2018

Endurance OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

VOLUME 15 ISSUE â„–2

MAR/APR 2018

ACCESS AWARENESS

RESEARCHING ROUTES - RIDING NEW TERRAIN PAGE 30 IN THIS ISSUE: RIDER WEIGHT RATIO RESEARCH WWW.ENDURANCEGB.CO.UK

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

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QUICK SOAK less than

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

CONTENTS 22

28

36

04

Views from the Chair

15

Compelling Coaching Conference

26

2018 Petplan Equine Ambassador

06

News

16

‘A’ for Effort - and Awards

28

Huggy Bear ‘The Bug’

08

The Crabbet Endurance Awards Results 2017

18

Fuelling the Endurance Horse

30

The Last Frontier

10

Browsing at Beta

20

Effects of Rider Weight on Equine Performance

32

International Update Spring 2018

12

Updating the Volunteers

22

Golden Days for Golden Horseshoe

34

Tried & Tested

13

Four for the North Competition

24

Golden Horseshoe Ride 2018

36

Groups

14

Ride Previews South & West Wales Group

25

Make or Break

40

Learning, Laughing, Loving the Training...

C

hange…it can be difficult to come to terms with, even if we have instigated the changes ourselves; but life is continually changing, and we face ongoing challenges. Challenges help us to grow and develop, although they can be difficult to get through; what challenges are you taking on this year?

Have you considered what you are working towards, this season? A huge life-changing goal? Or a stepping-stone goal?

For many in endurance this year, there has been frustration as rides have been cancelled or postponed due to weather, or due to venue conditions, but many are being re-arranged for another date. Does this have an impact on your training? Or the way you feed your horse? We have a helpful feature on structuring your feeding plans, in this issue. There are also some Ride Previews to whet your appetite for the season ahead, and a look back at qualifying for the iconic Golden Horseshoe Ride. I would like to thank everyone who sent over photos for that feature.

I recently attended the National Equine Forum, where the great and the good from the equestrian world were in attendance, to listen to and discuss presentations from across the range of equestrianism. One of the most pertinent presentations was from Dr. Sue Dyson, who has been conducting research into rider/ horse weight ratios…an interesting and much debated topic. You can read some of the results of her findings in this issue.

With some Group reports and Award listings, reports from BETA and from the Crabbet Awards, there should be plenty for all in this issue.

I look forward to seeing many of you out on the trail, and wish you every success with your training and competition plans.

Cindy Russell

Editor of Endurance

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

3

Endurance

VIEWS FROM THE CHAIR DEAR MEMBERS Welcome to another edition of the Endurance GB magazine; time has passed so quickly since I wrote my first introduction as Chair.

The Board has been really busy, working hard to turn the 2018 strategic vision into reality; many pre season tasks have been completed. Together we have arranged a lot of different events. Some of the first events have already taken place and in the following pages you will be able to read about our first Young Rider training weekend of the year , and the well attended, hugely informative International Day. Sadly, due to the adverse weather conditions, we have also seen events cancelled; this is always so disappointing for everyone - not just the members due to attend but especially the Organisers and their teams who work so hard to put events on. Some have already been rescheduled and some are pending new dates. We do apologise and hope if you were due to attend one of these, that the new dates will work for you. A huge thank

you to everyone who has been pulling together so many dates for you to attend from seminars to training weekends and last but by no means least, the rides!

As I write this I am sitting in my hotel room in Japan at the start of a business trip around Asia. I am very excited to share that thanks to lovely Japanese friends, known from the USA endurance scene, I will be riding at the weekend at the FEI Ride at Ito-Shizuoka. A great way to spend a business trip weekend!

But it also leads me to thinking about how special our endurance family is; a large and extended family that enables us to meet all sorts of people from all walks of life.

Every time I compete I meet new people and enjoy different conversations about a whole variety of endurance related topics; I always learn something. I am so looking forward to the better weather when we will all be out and about catching up with each other and enjoying both the ridden and the social side of endurance. I don’t think that there is any other equine discipline that enables

people of all ages , all abilities and all levels of qualification to meet up so regularly and the importance of endurance as a family sport is something we really need to cherish.

We have many family combinations competing together such as Rachael and Kate Atkinson who last year each rode as a member of TeamGBR one in the senior team and the other as a Young Rider. This is a great achievement and inspirational for everyone. Whether you pleasure ride with your family or always compete with your best friend , endurance has so much to offer. We are really looking forward to the ride calendar and will be having some additional social events after some of our rides this year; we hope you will enjoy this as much as we are enjoying planning them.

Let’s get ready to ride !

Nicki Thorne

Chairman of Endurance GB

Endurance GB Board of Directors Chairman Nicki Thorne Tel: 07917 094752 Email: nickithorne@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019 Vice Chairman Harry Ingram Tel: 07793 813083 Email: harryingram@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2018 Company Secretary Ann Dark Tel: 01380 818223 Email: anndark@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2020

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endurancegb.co.uk

Finance Director Sue Box Tel: 07867 512673 Email: suebox@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2018

Esther Young Tel: 07454 929919 Email: estheryoung@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

SERC Representation Constance Newbould Tel: 07973 726001 Email: constance newbould@ endurancegb.co.uk

Kerry Dawson Tel: 07818 283144 Email: kerrydawson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

Rebecca Kinnarney Tel: 07801 868481 Email: rebecca kinnarney@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2020

John Robertson Tel 07801 686959 Email: johnrobertson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

Anna Williams Tel: 07572 543538 Email: annawilliams@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2020

Directors of Endurance GB are volunteers, so please be patient and considerate with any queries. Most Directors also work full time elsewhere and so are not always available for calls during working hours. No calls before 9am or after 9pm please.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP t: 02476 697929 f: 02476 418429 EDITOR Cindy Russell Green Farm Stables, Albyns Lane, Essex RM4 1RX t: 01708 688075 e: cynburstud@gmail.com 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 Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Josh Green ADVERTISING Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Catherine Baldock t: 01536 527 297 e: catherineb@matrixprint.com DEADLINES Copy Dates to Editor for future issues of Endurance: Issue May/Jun 2018 by 27th Apr Issue Jul/Aug 2018 by 22nd Jun If you wish to advertise in the May/Jun 2018 issue, artwork deadline is 18th May. 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. ISSN 2516-2349 COVER PHOTO

Intrepid access explorer, Lesley Smith, with Granddaughter Emily at Hexhamshire 2017 Photo courtesy of Eileen Charlton

Follow us on Social Media TWITTER @ENDURANCEGB FACEBOOK @ENDURANCEGB INSTAGRAM @ENDURANCEGBINSTA

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news

NEWS BETA LAUNCHES SAFETY WEEK The British Equestrian Trade Association is putting rider safety firmly in the spotlight with the launch of a new annual initiative to highlight the importance of safety gear that is correctly fitted and fastened – and up to standard!

BETA Safety Week 2018 runs from 28 April to 6 May and is being supported by some of the sport's leading equestrians, including event rider William Fox-Pitt and jockeys Mattie Batchelor and Marc Goldstein, aka Wocket Woy & The Pwoducer, as well as the Pony Club and British Eventing.

During the week, riders are encouraged to visit their local participating BETA retail member to get their safety

equipment checked for the season ahead. Some stores will also be running special promotions and offers.

‘We are extremely pleased to launch BETA Safety Week as part of a drive to flag up the need for fit-for-purpose safety clothing and equipment,’ said trade association executive director Claire Williams. ‘Although there are other safety awareness-raising initiatives in existence, there is nothing that really stresses the importance of a riding hat or body protector's provenance, fit, correct fastening or appropriate safety standards. BETA is perfectly placed to do this and we will be using all our expert knowledge and resources to get the message across to riders.’

CORRECTION AND APOLOGY Many apologies to Anne Brown for using an incorrect image of her stallion in the Jan/ Feb issue of Endurance. The correct image and caption is:

Crabbet stallion Kaalif at Vale of Belvoir & 13-yr-old Roni Sharet from Israel. Roni flew over with her father especially to ride Kaalif in this race.

VENUE CHANGE Change of Saturday Venue for the Cheshire Forest Frolic ride: 12-13 May Due to works being carried out in the Forest, this year both days of the Cheshire Forest ride will start from Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre. This has resulted in a slight change to class distances: https://endurancegb.co.uk/main/Rides/ EGBRideDetails/Auto_ID/31/Ride_ Year/2018 Our thanks go to Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre for allowing us to use their amazing facilities for an extra day.

TRAILER TRAUMA ALISON WILSON SHARES HER EXPERIENCE A warning to anyone with an ageing trailer: my Equitrek Show Treka is now 11, and I’ve had it serviced every February. This time, because I’m planning to sell it this year, I took it to a garage that could put it up on a ramp to check floors etc properly. While the usual things needed a bit of attention, and the floor is sound, when they took the brake drums off they found that I had virtually

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no braking system left, there was extensive corrosion to the back plates, and I had been running around with an unbraked trailer for some time. Luckily, I have a heavy car and never carry two horses, so I got away with it. In this 2007 model the back plates are welded onto the axles, and to replace them with the more up to date bolted back plates would have cost a small fortune, so the bottom line is two new axles with a completely new braking system. I’m told this problem is very common in older trailers, whatever their make, and that sometimes purchasers of older trailers find that the whole brake

system has been removed earlier in the trailer’s life because it has started to give trouble.

So please get your trailer checked thoroughly when it’s serviced!

news

BRITISH EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION APPOINTS NICK FELLOWS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Fellows as its new Chief Executive.

Currently the Chief Executive of Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA), Nick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Olympic and community sport, having worked with British Shooting; the British Olympic Association, as head of the Olympic Medical Institute; and as Interim Director for Bucks and Milton Keynes County Sports Partnership. He has also worked in media as a manager for Newsquest Media Group and as a Director of National Sports Medicine Institute (NSMI).

Nick is currently a Director of British Shooting and sits on the Board of the English Target Shooting Federation.

Says Nick: ‘I am hugely honoured to have been appointed to the position of CEO of the British Equestrian Federation.’

‘My experience of working with the World Class Programme team at the Olympic Medical Institute has given me some insight into the sport and the various facets it embraces. I am looking forward to meeting and understanding the objectives of the wide range of member bodies and the key people throughout the BEF, both staff and athletes, who together deliver the successful outcomes.’

MARATHON WOMAN Congratulations to Tricia Hirst, who recently completed the Tokyo Marathon, despite being only recently recovered from the flu.

TRICIA SAID:

‘My aim this year is to get my Six Major Marathon medal. I have now done 4 of them London, New York , Berlin and Tokyo. I still have to do Boston in April and Chicago in Oct. Fewer than 3,000 people in the world have achieved this to date.’

BECOME A BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR EQUIGLO HORSE FEEDS EQUIGLO Horse Feeds is giving enthusiastic amateur riders from across the UK the opportunity to become brand ambassadors. Applications are invited from those who are passionate about equine nutrition and wellbeing, and have horses and ponies that are fed a healthy fibre diet – including EQUIGLO Quick Soak 10 MINUTE BEET – enjoying life to the max and regularly taking part in competitions.

‘We would like to hear from riders of all ages and in all regions and disciplines who are active throughout the year in local and regional events and competitions’ said EQUIGLO'S Simon Parker. “Those who are chosen will be welcomed into the EQUIGLO family and provided with monthly bags of Quick Soak 10 MINUTE BEET, a smart,

embroidered saddle cloth to wear on outings and an annual invitation to meet up with fellow brand ambassadors and members of the EQUIGLO team at one of the UK's leading equestrian events.

‘This is a really exciting way for us to support talented riders who are doing tremendously well at the lower levels of equestrian sport.’

Riders are sought from the following regions: South East, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, East Anglia, North West, Yorkshire & North East, Wales and Scotland. Those interested in becoming a representative of the EQUIGLO brand should contact Deborah Hayward at EQUIGLO Horse Feeds for an application form, email deborah@profilespr.co.uk or telephone 01765 635314.

HORSE HEALTH IS NO JOKE

SIGN UP FOR THE NATIONAL EQUINE HEALTH SURVEY You owe it to your horse to take equine health seriously and that’s why it’s so important to take part in the next National Equine Health Survey (NEHS), which is being held during 21 – 28 May 2018. You can do it online quickly, easy and anonymously so there are no excuses.

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS now to register and you will receive an email reminder nearer the time.

NEHS is run by leading charity Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. It’s a snapshot survey, reflecting the health of the nation’s horses during that specific week and it’s your annual chance to give feedback about the health of your horses, ponies and donkeys so that the most common diseases and problems be identified, prioritised and addressed.

Over the past seven years NEHS has developed to become one of the UK’s most important endemic disease monitoring initiatives. The data is compared year on year to identify trends and in horse health; the results are regarded as valuable benchmarks for our general knowledge of horse health and are regularly referenced in leading veterinary and equestrian publications and papers.

As patterns emerge they are helping us to steer equine awareness, education and research to help keep the nation’s horses healthier.

Last year 5,235 people in the UK took

part in NEHS returning records for a phenomenal 15,433 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

THE TOP FIVE DISEASE SYNDROMES RECORDED IN 2017 WERE: 1. SKIN DISEASES 31.1% compared to 25.5% in 2016 (Sweet itch and mud fever were the most frequently reported individual syndromes within this category and made up 6.1% of all returns (6.8% in 2016).

2. LAMENESS (INCLUDING LAMINITIS) 23.4% compared to 32.9%in 2016 3. METABOLIC DISEASES 8.1% with PPID (‘Equine Cushing’s disease’) accounting for 73.4% of this figure, consistent with previous NEHS findings.

4. EYE PROBLEMS 7.6% with ocular discharge (weepy eye) accounting for 54.2% of all ocular syndromes recorded.

5. GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS 7.5% with gastric ulcers accounting for 39% of this figure and 3% all syndromes recorded (2.7% in 2016).

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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event report

R

- THE -

achael Farley-Claridge hosted the fourth Crabbet Organisation Endurance & BEF Futurity Awards lunch at the Compass Inn, South Gloucestershire on 10th February 2018. The awards celebrated the achievements of Crabbet, Old English and Crabbet Related horses with their riders and breeders using Endurance GB, SERC, FEI and BEF database results from the 2017 season. For more information please visit www.crabbetarabian.org or contact Rachael via info@rachaelclaridge.com

CRABBET ENDURANCE AWARDS RESULTS BEF Futurity

12th

Bey Shamadahl Xanthus

2nd

Binley Silvern Sunset

11th

1st

Binley Silvern Tahlia

10th

Kaalif

9th

Kalish

8th

Sefra's Blue Jewel

7th

Silver Zenif

Novice Crabbet 8th

Darees

7th

Red House Quest

6th

Crystal Heartbeat

5th

Spyros

4th

Silver Snowdrop

3rd

Capewell Winged Firestar

2nd

La Mi Khayal

1st

Silver Serendipity

Novice Crabbet Related 1st

Cloughwood Gold Charm

Open Crabbet 9th

Annia Aurelia

8th

Ethaar

7th

Binley Silver Spark

6th

Auberon

5th

6th

Bey Sahli

5th

Treasured Moonbeam

4th

Bright Dawn

3rd

Kazeme El Mystral

2nd

Aurontes

1st

Mirjana

Serinah

Cavatina

6th

Muna

5th

Serinah

4th

Silver Zenif

5th

Altivo

4th

Remynisce

FEI Crabbet

Silver Serendipity Bright Dawn

1st

Mirjana

160km FEI

Bey Sahli

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Treasured Moonbeam

Breeder Anne Brown

Young Rider & Young Crew 3rd

Katherine Bertram

2nd

Becky Bertram

1st

Rebecca Parsler

Crew

Jessie Lethbridge

Crew

Ollie Farley

Veteran Horses 23yrs

La Mi Khayal

22yrs

Cavatina

Champion Crabbet Mare

Champion Crabbet Gelding

Nuraletta

1st

Bey Sahli

1st

Marlak Super Dude

FEI Crabbet Related 3rd

El-Marees

Seren Rigel

2nd

Remynisce

Silver Zourra

1st

Maraday Mystaron

endurancegb.co.uk

3rd 2nd

Imperial Silver Lace - Special in memory - RIP 09/02/2018

Mirjana

2nd

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Silver Snowdrop Binley Silver Spark

Riyah Raquassah

Treasured Moonbeam

13th

13th 12th

7th

2nd

14th

Ethaar

Royal Marque

Avonbrook Green Rose

Seren Capella

Darees

14th

7th

Silver Zourra

15th

15th

6th

3rd

Advanced Crabbet

Old English

Prince Meliodas

8th

Bey Shamadahl

3rd

Silver Serendipity

Kaalif

4th

Open Crabbet Related

1st

8th

Orlando

1st

Silver Zenif

Azarina

1st

Cavatina

Kaalif

2nd

9th

Advanced Crabbet Related

Silver Zaanif

2nd

Silver Zaanif

Silver Zaanif

El-Marees

Azarina

4th 3rd

Silver Zourra

Maraday Mystaron

Royal Marque

Binley Silver Spark

11th

3rd

4th

5th

10th

2nd

3rd

100% Crabbet

Aurontes

Champion Crabbet Stallion Silver Zenif

Champion Sire Winged Saint

Champion Dam Caecilla

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Dianna Whittome Anne Brown Rebecca & Tim Gant Crabbet Heritage - Natalie & Mark Tindall Ariat Europe Verm-x Brinicombe Equine

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beta report

BROWSING AT BETA BETA International 2018 certainly lived up to its reputation as the unmissable trade buying event for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. It welcomed 4,044 visitors* and almost 300 exhibitors from across the UK and overseas to the NEC, Birmingham from 21 to 23 January.

Words by Deborah Hayward

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his world-class industry event flagged up some of the finest products and services on the market, with many unveiled for the very first time.

The Charles Owen Hub remained a hive of activity throughout the show, with a full programme of seminars taking place on each of the days, including Training Tuesday, which was dedicated to retailer education and learning.

Each session was retailer-specific, covering subjects such as visual merchandising, the Consumer Rights Act 2015, customer sales and saddle fitting. James Wishart's SQP seminar Redworms with Green Genes carried 10 CPD points and Claire Williams's seminar Update on Safety Standards and Rules provided 5 CPD points for BETAtrained City & Guilds safety garment fitters.

Visitors were delighted to meet the show's

THE AWARD WINNERS WHO STOOD OUT AS BEING OF PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO ENDURANCE RIDERS AND CREWS, WERE:

GENERAL WINNER Company: Horseware Products Product: Horsepal 1.01 horse monitor This small monitor provides actual temperature and humidity data, and takes the guesswork out of choosing the correct blanket weight on any given day.

Judges’ comments: “We loved this product, which will have mass-market appeal and give equine owners peace of mind in knowing that their horse is warm enough.”

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HIGHLY COMMENDED Company: Estride Product: Estride This multi-functional fitness tracker measures training time, stride count, gait pattern, session regularity, horse stability, calorie burn and other data needed to improve riding and ensure a horse’s good health.

Judges’ comments: “Estride is a fantastically innovative product that brings benefits to both horse and rider, with a more accurate understanding of movement and potentially improved performance through better understanding.”

HORSECARE EQUIPMENT & (HORSE) CLOTHING WINNER Company: Treehouse Product: AeroChill cooling rug The rug is designed to aid in cooling a horse, alleviating heat exhaustion and helping muscle recovery. It is made of a super-absorbent polymer fibre fabric that pulls heat from the horse and improves blood circulation.

Judges’ comments: “The science behind this product is admirable. It is very good quality, realistically priced, useful in all disciplines and comes in fantastic packaging.”

beta report

celebrity guests, Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen, eventing hero William FoxPitt and Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Christiansen. In an illustrated interview, Amanda spoke of her life at Ravenseat – a remote hill farm in North Yorkshire. The mother of nine works there alongside her husband, Clive, as a shepherd, caring for her beloved flock of Swaledale sheep. In addition to her television appearances and writing – she has already had two books published and has her own column in a national newspaper and magazine – Amanda is a keen photographer and brought along some fantastic examples of her work.

William discussed the highs and lows of his career as a top event rider, the horses that have meant the world to him and his road to recovery following a cross-country fall at Le Lion d'Angers in 2015 and subsequent selection for the Rio Olympics. Meanwhile,

Sophie Christiansen spoke of her hopes for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo in an interview peppered with amusing anecdotes.

The spirit of competition is keenly felt at BETA International and this year's prestigious Innovation Awards were highly prized, as usual. Sponsored by Equestrian Trade News, the show's official media partner, they attracted a large number of entries across each of the eight categories.

A carefully selected panel of judges had the difficult task of deciding on the winning products. This year, they were independent equine nutritionist Clare MacLeod, retail manager Wendy Beal, of R&R Country's Melton Mowbray store, Wendy Hofstee, owner of riding holiday company Unicorn Trails, show rider and producer Oliver Hood, master saddler and harness maker – and owner of M Miller Saddlery – Michelle Miller and Blacks Vets Tracey Morley Jewkes.

The awards seek to raise the profile of craftsmanship, design, technology and invention. Every exhibitor is invited to enter products in the competition, provided they have not appeared on the market more than 12 months before the show.

The Society of Master Saddlers showcased the high standard of British saddlery with daily competitions for apprentices and students from Capel Manor College.

“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who supported the show and to our sponsors – Neue Schule, Charles Owen, Equithème, Equestrian Trade News, Henson Franklyn, Hy, NAF, Schockemöhle Sports, Shires Equestrian Products, Stubbs England and Toggi – who really make this all possible.”

BETA International 2019 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 20 to 22 January.

SADDLERY & TACK

PET PRODUCTS WINNER Company: OSS Distribution Product: Sticky Trap This is a cheap, effective and eco-friendly glue that can be used as a fly trap to protect pets from small insects that can be irritating or harmful to them.

Judges’ comments: “The Sticky Trap has excellent commercial potential for retailers and boasts good labelling and packaging.”

WINNER Company: Horseware Products Product: Long Micklem girth Horseware has created a girth that is ergonomically shaped for minimum slippage and maximum elbow comfort, developed following research on saddled horses put through various paces to establish saddle movement and its effect on pressure points on the horse’s elbow.

Judges’ comments: “We have never seen anything like this before. It is a very interesting idea using the Martingale groove and offered at a great price point in the market.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED Company: Horsekraft Equestrian Product: Pic-ha pad This harness is a pad with an interchangeable gullet that fits underneath a driving or long reining pad to create a perfect fit.

Judges’ comments: “Horsekraft has come up with a very innovative product that is easy to use and adjust, boasting great quality and craftsmanship.”

SAFETY & SECURITY HIGHLY COMMENDED Company: Vale Brothers Product: Gizahand LED whip This whip with LED light is highly visible to road users and charged using a USB port providing constant light for 10 hours, flash mode for 14 and flashlight for 20.

Judges’ comments: “A simple but clever idea that fulfils safety criteria and offers a great margin to retailers. It could be expanded to different types of whip.”

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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event report

UPDATING THE VOLUNTEERS Words by Esther Young

All the conferences were well attended, with such diverse speakers everyone took some new information and learning away from the day. Our photo shows Kerry Dawson presenting.

T

he 2018 Volunteer Conferences took place on 27th January, 10th February and 17th February, attended by around 110 Ride Organisers, Technical Stewards, Health & Safety officers and other volunteers from all over the country.

Endurance GB Directors Kerry Dawson and Esther Young were ably assisted

by Endurance GB Chair Nicki Thorne, Development Director Rebecca Kinnarney, Communications Director Anna Williams, Trail Rider Mark Holland, Northern Group Liaison Officer Ian Savage, Technical Steward Stevie Martin, Para Committee Chair Nikki Parsler, and Health and Safety

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Committee Members Brian Floyd Davis and Cath Houghton.

Delegates learnt about the rule changes for 2018 and about developments in coaching and para-equestrian endurance, and also took part in some lively interactive breakout sessions on ride planning, risk assessments, rule breaches, and Endurance GB's proposed new volunteering strategy.

Our thanks go to everyone who attended the conferences for their input and engagement. It is always useful to get together as volunteers at the beginning of the season, and the conferences provide an excellent networking opportunity.

For those who were unable to attend, the

presentations are available for download in the members area of the website.

‘Our thanks go to everyone who attended the conferences for their input and engagement.’

“

regional competition

FOUR FOR THE NORTH COMPETITION Four what? = Rides. Where? = in the North. And prizes?= Yes it’s a competition. The End. The competition costs nothing to enter so maybe it should be called ‘Four free for the North’ but that is a bit of a mouthful.

Words by Janet Lennard

T

o explain, one day back in the year 1900 and Frozen to Death, when EGB was new, and the Ice Age had finally loosened its grip on the area from Lancashire up over, the endurance riders here abandoned the Woolly Mammoth as a prospective riding animal, turning their attention to equines. These endurance members clipped off the thick hair (or used a blow torch in many obstinate cases) fed them depending on their needs either some ‘go faster’ beans or Fa Fa pellets (Fresh air and feck all). Then one evening after much confabulation a few of them -hereafter to remain anonymous – invented this competition.

Time has moved, as it always generally does, forward. So here we are in 2018 ‘so what has happened in that time’ I hear you ask, well actually I don’t but you are stuck reading this now. The basic original idea is

PHOTOS: EILEEN CHARLTON

2nd place Novice class 2017 Lisa Johnson on Magnifique Design

the same. Some feckless Ne’re Do Wells in Northumberland (it could be anywhere actually but our side of the Greenwich meantime line is probably most practical) get together over grits and a few grogs, to select around 10 endurance rides in the Middle Lands.

This geographical paradise dates back to the days before anyone thought to erect a wall along the narrow bit of the UK which we stubbornly refuse to see (a bit tricky if you are venturing over Carter Bar). Like most good parties everyone is welcome who does Endurance competitively. Those riders enter some, or lots of those rides over the season and send their results to the administrator.

The results from each rider are fed into a bewildering enormous calculating machine that oft requires the deft know-how of a blacksmith. The idea is to reward the thinking rider (really), not the fastest oh no, nor the one with a heart rate so slow that one assumes the beast has actually dropped in its tracks oh no. You are going to ask ‘well how does it work?’ Well, think French Formula with extra garlic and croissants.

This competition is proving popular from North and East Yorkshire to Dumfries, and has the full support of sponsor ‘Urban Horse’ an on line supplier of all your endurance needs and more. Actually Carolyn from Urban Horse is a real person who is jolly and knowledgeable and will come out from the Debatable Lands any time you like. The competition attracts Novice, Open and Advanced riders alike and Carolyn is happy to award these 3 categories.

For a round -up of last year’s events go to EGB Northumberland and Tyneside website where there is a cracking photo of the overall winner Constance Newbould, who most will know is the SERC representative on the EGB board. There you can download an

1st place Novice class 2017 Christine Hogarth on Prince

entry form for 2018 and the rules. Shun this opportunity at your peril.

JANET LENNARD

(Current administrator despite no understanding of spreadsheets ‘Are they like Duvets’?)

2018 QUALIFYING RIDES 8th April - Durham Valleys 28/29th April - Tinwald 19/20th May - Eildon Hills 17th June - Dialstone 16/17th June - Seacliffe 24th June - New Marske 15th July - Aram Grange 5th August - Hexham th 11 August - Lowther Castle 2nd September - Cumbria Challenge

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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ride previews

RIDE PREVIEWS SOUTH AND WEST WALES GROUP Words by Laura Robinson

O

n the 21st and 22nd of April we have a new ride – Pembrey. The group has successfully held pleasure rides at this location for a number of years which are very popular.

The ride is held within Pembrey forest and the going is fantastic being flat and on mostly sand/ grass tracks through the pine forest.

There are a few sections of hard forest track but these are kept to a minimum. However, the highlight of this ride has to be the amazing Cefn Sidan beach. All loops will take in a one way section of this beach where you will have views over Carmarthen bay toward

A trip to West Wales could be just the job, You could bring your Arab, you could bring your cob.

Why not come for the day or an overnight stay.

Did I mention it’s on the 26th & 27 th of May? We start with some forestry for you to explore, Then onto the mountain with cantering galore.

There are streams to cross where you can self-crew, But don’t forget to look up and take in the view!

So come to our ride in the Welsh countryside, We’ll order some sun so we can all have good fun!

Pembrokeshire and across to Gower.

There will be camping and corralling offered at the venue so you can come for a weekend. We have lots of options, you could ride both days either in separate classes or a multi-day class. Alternatively you could just ride one day, then why not consider helping the other. The venue will be available from Friday night to Monday morning at a cost of £5 per pitch per night, corralling the same.

Please come and support this ride, we hope to make it a regular on the ride calendar!

PEN DDOL Y GADER - 26TH / 27TH MAY

This well-established ride will be held at Brynllewelyn farm again but at the earlier date of 26th/ 27th of May.

There is the option of camping, corralling and stabling at the farm which can be booked separately with the venue owners.

Vicky will provide wonderful catering again both days and we hope to have the BBQ on Saturday evening which has proved to be a good social event (it’s held undercover!).

The route is hopefully the same as last year, pending forestry permissions. There will be a selection of 2 day and single day rides over the weekend. So a challenge to suit everyone at this wonderful ride.

Riders from last year said; ‘The marking is reassuringly good. You get a wonderful combination of woods and wide open space and a sense of uncluttered freedom in a lovely part of the world’. (Piers Geddes)

Above, Cefn Sidan Beach is a highlight of the Pembrey ride. Top left (opposite), Tracks pass through pine forest. Bottom left (opposite), Pen Ddol y Gader is well established. All photos courtesy of Nicky Rhodes photography.

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conference report

COMPELLING COACHING CONFERENCE

“

‘You get a wonderful combination of woods and wide open space and a sense of uncluttered freedom in a lovely part of the world.’

‘Thanks a lot for putting on the ride, it was a long haul for us from Milton Keynes but an absolutely fantastic experience for my novice horse. Loved the BBQ on Saturday, it was nice to be out of the wet without holing up in the trailer. (Rebecca Parsler)’ We will be launching a new ride website for the ride this year. Please keep an eye on the main EGB website for details.

We look forward to welcoming you to West Wales this spring.

The sell-out Pony Club Coaching Conference was deemed a huge success, with delegates enjoying a day of learning from some of the best minds in the equine world.

Words by Cindy Russell

T

he theme of the conference, held on 12 February at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, was ‘small change big difference’ and the aim was to show coaches how they can view their own training from a different angle; enabling them to get ahead and discover new ways of assisting others to reach their goals.

The line-up of morning speakers did just that, with sessions from equine biomechanics expert Russell Guire, (Centaur Biomechanics) who delivered a thought provoking session on how the horse’s back performs during a range of movements.

Russell also shared information obtained from recent research in to the effect of a 5 point breastplate and it’s impact upon the horse when jumping.

Performance psychologist Charlie Unwin, discussed a range of topics with coahes, to support them to give better feedback to their riders, and to work on going forward.

Dr. Caroline Benoist from the Neue Schule Academy spoke about the effect of the bit on the tongue, the bars of the mouth and the pressures of the bridle on the horse’s head.

Stephanie Bradley from the Society of Master Saddlers spoe about the quality of saddles, the complexities of saddle fitting, and the benefits of assessing the rider on the saddle at the time of fitting. There was emphasis on ensuring that saddles fit the rider as well as the horse, and on the importance of recognising when a rider is too tall for a pony.

The afternoon began with the presentation of the inaugural Coach of the Year Awards, designed to reward those who have gone above and beyond to help Pony Club Members achieve their goals.

The Young Coach of the Year Award went Photos: 1st Class Images

to Old Berkshire Hunt Branch’s Aaron Nobbs and Linda Pearce picked up Coach of the Year for her contribution to the Cottesmore Hunt Branch.

A stunned Linda was very surprised to have been nominated, let alone short listed. She said: “I’m really humbled; it’s a great honour.” Linda continued to talk about how much she enjoyed the Coaching Conference, and how increasing knowledge positively impacts the way coaches teach.

Aaron said: ‘It feels amazing to have won.

I’m so overwhelmed; there are so many good young coaches in The Pony Club.’

Aaron said the Coaching Conference was ‘a real eye opener.’ ‘It’s been a really interesting day with lots of useful information.’

Aaron and Linda received a keepsake glass plaque, a training bursary and products courtesy of sponsors Vydex British Horse Supplements.

Everyone gathered in the arena for the afternoon session, delivered by International show jumper and trainer Matt Lanni. With the help of six young Pony Club riders, Matt ran two sessions; the first dealing with issues such as rhythm, straightness, rushing and refusing, and the second which covered jumping exercises to create a better way of going over a course of fences.

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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scottish endurance riding club

THE CAIRNGORM 100 TRAIL: ‘A’ AFOR EFFORT – 4-DAY CHALLENGE AND AWARDS For many, the AGM is not so much the culmination of the previous season but the signal that the new season is about to start.

Words by Alison Wilson

Left, Jo McIsaac, Mary Stockdale and Gill Steven - three of the four top riders in Lothians Branch who carried off the Archivists Trophy.

The fourth member is Jill Calder.

T

he event usually has a buzz about it, and SERC’s AGM, held in Perth in February, was no exception. While it could be said that we don’t have enough to occupy us over the winter months, and tend to become a little inward-looking, when it comes to prize giving and the prospect of the season to come, all is forgiven and forgotten.

Before the glittering prizes, though, comes the serious work of the AGM. Ably chaired by Marina MacArthur, with Chair of the Rules Committee Kevin Bazley providing background information where required, the meeting rolled along nicely, the only bump in the road being a proposal to discontinue logbooks and mastercards.

There is nothing to be gained by rehearsing the arguments here but suffice to say the discussion continued, fairly one-sidedly, for some time, with members showing a robust preference for the status quo, and sending the proposal back to the newly-re-

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named Club Management Committee for reconsideration.

Marina’s Report from the Chair covered a lot of ground, reminding members that 2017 had been the Club’s 35th anniversary year, of which one highlight had been the formation of a new Branch in the Orkneys.

Enabling riders to clock up the 63,000 kilometres achieved during the year

both excellent results. Marina named several riders (Iain and Seonaid Paterson, Sarah Armitt, Jill Calder and Constance Newbould) as having achieved significant goals – Jill in particular having been for the second time the only rider to tackle the 160kms class at Seacliff. It’s a long way

‘Scotland had won the Home International and come second in the Celtic Challenge, both excellent results.’ involved a host of volunteers, not least the Championships committee, Seacliff committee, the International Selection committee, the Clubhouse team, the Central and Branch committees, the office-bearers and all those whose hard work resulted in enjoyable and satisfactorily testing rides.

Scotland had won the Home International and come second in the Celtic Challenge,

when you’re on your own…

By the time the formal proceedings had come to an end, members had approved proposals that, amongst other things, clarified the definition of ‘bridle’, shortened ride entry dates, and put a time limit on the life of disciplinary sanctions. The Club accounts looked reasonably healthy, with a slight dip in membership income being more than off-

scottish endurance riding club

“

‘...the second time the only rider to tackle the 160kms at Seacliff. It's a long way when you're on your own.’

set by an increase in ride entry fees.

Time for the silverware to be distributed. As usual, a few riders and horses gathered in a significant number of the awards on offer, but left enough for a broad spread of the membership to be rewarded.

We keep saying that you can do endurance with any sound and reasonably fit horse, and this was borne out by the awards going to a range of breeds from Icelandic to Standardbred via Connemara, Highland and pure-bred Arab among others.

Space does not allow coverage of the full awards list but one of the major winners of the afternoon was Lothians’ Mary Stockdale, who rides Anne Short’s black Arab mare Cumbria Khafifa. Scooping the Cassidy Trophy, the Mousquetaires Trophy, the Trooper Trophy, and runner-up to Jill Calder and Silvakhira in the Distance Rider Cup, and with Khafifa also taking the Ashanti Trophy as well as achieving her 3000kms award, plus the combination being part of the Lothians foursome that won the Archivists Trophy, means that Mary will have a lot of polishing to do for the next 12 months…

Junior riders were well represented in the ribbons, with Tayside’s Jordan Usher walking away with the Junior Trophy and a share in the Young Riders Trooper Trophy to top off her successful season with her black Arab gelding Ahan E Sia. The other Young Riders who will be enjoying their share of the YR Trooper Trophy are Emma Matheson, Morven Walker and Tilly Hepburn Wright. Morven also won the Anoushka Rising Star award, and Emma the Young Rider Trophy.

Another combination back in the limelight after a quiet year in 2016 was Lothians Jo McIsaac and her gelding Summertime, who won the Border Trails Intermediate Award and the Alli Balli Bee Gold Cup, with an impressive total of 14 Gold awards last season.

Some of the many award winners pictured with Club Chair Marina MacArthur: Top, Seonaid Paterson. Centre left, Mary Stockdale. Centre right, Jordan Usher. Bottom, Lynda Keeler.

All photos KDM Photography

Endurance Jan/Feb 2018

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feeding

FUELLING THE ENDURANCE HORSE A diet formulated for stamina and endurance can be quite different from that designed for power and speed. What’s the theory behind fuelling for success over long distances?

Words by Emma Short BSc (Hons)

THE RIGHT BALANCE

Achieving the correct dietary balance of energy (calories), protein, vitamins, minerals and water can have a profound effect on the success of the endurance horse who, particularly at the top level, must perform for periods of up to 8 hours, or more, at a time.

The energy and nutrient requirements for this sustained effort are quite different from those of say, a racehorse running flat out over 6 furlongs, and the duration of the competition itself means a horse must often eat and drink whilst ‘on the move’ in order to maintain energy levels.

that forage alone is rarely sufficient for them to maintain satisfactory condition and perform to the levels expected. We therefore supplement it with additional, more concentrated and digestible, sources of calories and other nutrients, according to workload.

Fibre remains a particularly useful source of energy for the endurance horse however, because its fermentation in the hindgut results in a slow

FIBRE FUEL

Horses have evolved to thrive on fibre from forage but increased work demands mean

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SUPER FIBRES

Fibre can be divided into various parts: • Lignin - the ‘woody’ part which cannot be digested • Cellulose – fermented to release low levels of energy by bacteria in the hind gut • Hemicellulose and pectin – more easily digested by the horse and yielding more energy than cellulose

FUEL FOR WORK

The horse obtains energy from three main dietary sources - fibre, starch (providing glucose) and oil - and then stores it in the muscles and liver, as glycogen, or intramuscularly and elsewhere, as fat. These different fuel sources are then mobilised, as required, by the muscles to perform work and the type or intensity of the work dictates the fuel used.

At slower speeds - walk, trot and, with improved fitness, slow canter - the muscles use fat, glycogen or glucose in the presence of oxygen (aerobically) to fuel their work. As the speed and intensity of the work increases and heart rate exceeds 150bpm, the heart and lungs cannot provide enough oxygen for the muscles to use fuel in this way so they have to work without it (anaerobically).

This limits the fuel they can use to glycogen resulting in the production of lactic acid which, if not removed efficiently, can accumulate and cause fatigue.

release of its energy over a period of time.

This means that energy from fibre is available for use hours after it was consumed, thus helping keep the horse going for longer periods. Fibre is also important for the healthy functioning of the digestive system and, importantly for the endurance horse, it acts as a reservoir for water and electrolytes in the hind gut, helping to maintain crucial hydration levels.

Ingredients that are high in hemicellulose and pectin, include sugar beet pulp and soya hulls - as well as alfalfa, which is also rich in quality protein - and it is these ‘super fibres’ that are helping feed manufacturers to increase the proportion of energy in their feeds which is provided by fibre.

“

‘...the aim being a fit, lean, muscular horse not a thin one.

Feeding the right balance...should achieve this.’

OIL ENERGY

Oil is particularly concentrated and provides 2 ¼ times as many calories as carbohydrates (starch) from cereals, again in a slow release form. What’s more, it is said to have a ‘glycogen sparing’ effect, since it is used by the muscles at low work intensities allowing glycogen to be saved for times when they have to work anaerobically and can only use glycogen. This helps to improve stamina, essential for the endurance horse, whilst the slow release nature of energy from oil, like that of fibre, is

feeding

non-heating and unlikely to cause excitable behaviour.

Oil must be provided in considerable quantities in the diet to make a significant energy contribution; if straight vegetable oil is fed, at least 250 – 500 ml per day is necessary, which can present palatability problems. The more oil that is included in the diet though, the greater the body’s requirement for antioxidants to deal with the free radicals produced during its metabolism. Alongside straight oil, these can be provided by feeding a vitamin E/selenium supplement or, alternatively specialist high oil supplements are available which already contain the necessary antioxidant support.

BRAIN FUEL

The energy provided by cereals is much more readily available to the horse than that from fibre, since it is digested by enzymes in the foregut and absorbed into the blood stream as glucose. As well as being used by muscles during the intense work of, say, a sprint finish, glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and other organs, so an exclusion of all starch and sugars from the diet is not necessarily a good thing. To offer the ‘best of both worlds’, there are high energy feeds available which contain elevated levels of oil and fibre alongside some cereals so have reduced starch levels compared to traditional competitions mixes.

PROTEIN

Protein is of particular importance to any performance horse since it provides the building blocks of muscle tissue. It comprises a number of amino acids, some of which can be manufactured by the horse and some which have to be provided in the

diet. It is the proportion of these ‘essential’ amino acids in a protein source which determines its quality and, as with so many things in life, quality is just as important as quantity. Some protein is provided by traditional forages but specially formulated compound feeds aim to provide an optimum balance of amino acids to help muscle development and function, as well as support tissue development and repair.

ANTIOXIDANTS

A broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals are essential to ensure the healthy functioning of body systems. Reputable feed manufacturers use chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed by the horse’s body than other common mineral sources, benefiting tissue integrity, immune status and overall health. Boosted levels of those vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties, should also be found in performance feeds, to help protect the body from the effects of free radicals resulting from increased work levels.

HYDRATION

Free choice access to clean water and salt is essential in any feed regime, especially for prolonged endurance exercise where dehydration leads to decreased blood volume and blood flow to muscles, resulting in poor muscular performance, fatigue and exhaustion.

Essential body salts including sodium, potassium, chloride and, in lesser amounts, magnesium and calcium, are lost in sweat and their replacement is essential through the addition of electrolytes to wet feed or water. These are best administered whenever a horse has sweated to ensure their rapid replenishment by the horse’s body thus minimising the risk of fatigue and aiding recovery.

Opposite page, Alfalfa is rich in quality protein; a super-fibre.

Top right, Balancers can be added to feed, as appropriate.

Bottom left, It is important to fuel an endurance horse for both energy and sustained effort. (Beth Langely and Pria at Hayward Oaks, 2015) All photos supplied

by Baileys

COMPLETE PICTURE

Condition is as important in the endurance horse as it is for all other performance horses, with the aim being a fit, lean, muscular horse not a thin one. Feeding the right balance of energy and other nutrients to fuel the horse’s workload and maintenance requirements should achieve this. Supplementing forage with small volumes of a highly digestible, concentrated source of additional nutrients (compound feed) continues to make sense. It leaves more of the horse’s limited appetite for forage consumption, benefiting both physiological and psychological well-being and giving for a happy, and hopefully, successful endurance horse.

For those whose calorie requirements are met by forage or who require only reduced amounts of a mix or cube, say during early fitness training, a balancer will ensure that levels of essential protein, vitamins and minerals can be maintained without additional calories. The role of nutrition in healing and recovery should also not be under estimated so a balancer can be useful during periods of ‘down time’ too and ensuring the diet is fully balanced at all times will give the horse the best possible chance to perform at his best.

This article was kindly provided by Baileys Horse Feeds For more information, contact: www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk 01371 850247 nutrition@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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rider fitness

EFFECTS OF RIDER WEIGHT ON EQUINE PERFORMANCE Results of a new pilot study presented at the National Equine Forum on 8 March 2018, show that high rider: horse bodyweight ratios can induce temporary lameness and discomfort. In simple terms, if the rider is excessively heavy for the horse in question it can have a negative impact on the performance of the horse.

Words by Dr. Sue Dyson

U

ltimately the study should help with the development of guidelines to help all riders assess if they are the right weight for the horse or pony they intend to ride, to enhance both equine welfare and rider comfort and enjoyment.1 Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust’s Centre for Equine Studies, Newmarket, who led the study said: “While all the horses finished the study moving as well as when they started, the results showed a substantial temporary effect of rider weight as a proportion of horse weight. The results do not mean that heavy riders should not ride but suggest that if they do they should ride a horse of appropriate size and fitness, with a saddle that is correctly fitted for both horse and rider.

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‘We must remember that this is a pilot study: further work is required to determine if horse fitness, adaptation to heavier weights and more ideal saddle fit will increase the weight an individual horse can carry. This should help us further in our quest to develop guidelines for optimum rider: horse bodyweight ratios.’

As the average weight and height of humans continues to increase there is growing debate about relative rider-horse sizes, with riding school horses epitomising the variety of weights of rider that a single horse may be exposed to. Numerous inter-related aspects are involved with the horse and rider combination including the age of the horse, its fitness and muscle development, the length of its back and the presence or absence of lameness. The rider’s skill, fitness, balance and coordination are important factors, as is the fit of the saddle to both the horse and rider. The type, speed and duration of work and the terrain over which the horse is ridden must also be considered.2 To date little research has been conducted on the effects of rider weight on equine welfare and performance. To address the shortfall World Horse Welfare, the Saddle Research Trust, the British Equestrian Federation and a number of other organisations helped to fund a pilot study last summer, the results of which have now been analysed.

The influence of rider to horse bodyweight ratios on equine gait and behaviour: a pilot study1 assessed gait and behavioural

‘...height has major potential implications for saddle fit... and consequently the rider's position and weight distribution.’

“

responses in six horses ridden by four riders of similar ability but different sizes. The riders were all weighed in their riding kit and were subsequently categorised as being light, moderate, heavy and very heavy. Their body mass index (BMI) was also calculated.

The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight by their height squared and the score is used to assess healthy weight.

Each rider rode each horse in its usual tack and performed a set pattern of exercises comprising mainly trot and canter.

Gait, horse behaviour, forces under the saddle, the response to palpation of the back, alterations in back dimensions in response to exercise, heart and respiratory rates, salivary cortisol levels and blink rate were assessed for each combination.

The riding tests for the heavy and very heavy riders were all abandoned, predom-

rider fitness

inantly because of temporary horse lameness. This was likely to have been induced by bodyweight rather than BMI, given that the heavy and moderate riders had similar BMIs, both being classified as overweight, yet only one of the moderate rider’s tests had to be abandoned. An ethogram, developed

by Dr Dyson specifically to assess behavioural markers which may reflect pain in ridden horses3, was applied. The scores which may reflect pain were significantly higher in the horses when ridden by the heavy and very heavy riders.

The study also raised the issue of rider height and saddle fit. The owner of one of the test horses had a similar body weight: horse bodyweight ratio to the heavy rider and was of similar weight, but significantly different in

height (157.0 and 185.5 cm, respectively). This large difference in height has major potential implications for saddle fit for the rider and consequently the rider’s position and weight distribution. The taller rider sat on the back of the cantle, overloading the back of the saddle and making it more difficult to ride in balance, with the heel being in front of a vertical line between the shoulder and ‘hip’.

REFERENCES

KG

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, said: ‘These pilot results arecertainly not surprising but are very significant in adding vital evidence to inform an appropriate rider: horse weight ratio. It is common sense that rider weight impacts equine welfare however many might not fully understand or recognise this. What is desperately needed is basic guidance to help riders identifyahorseor ponythatisrightforthemand this research is a vital step in that direction.’

The study was generously supported by World Horse Welfare, the Saddle Research Trust, Frank Dyson, British Equestrian Federation, British Horse Society, Pony Club, Polocross, The Showing Council, The Showing Register, The Society of Master Saddlers, Riding for the Disabled, British Eventing, British Dressage, the British Horse Foundation, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and Endurance GB.

1. The influence of rider to horse bodyweight ratios on equine gait and behaviour: a pilot study Dyson, S, Ellis, A, Guire, R, Douglas, J, Bondi, A, Harris, P. 2. Clayton, H, Dyson, S, Harris, P, Bondi, A. Horses, saddles and riders: Applying the science. Equine Vet Educ 2015; doi:1111/eve.12407 3. Dyson, S, Berger, J, Ellis, A, Mullard, J. Development of an ethogram for a pain scoring system in ridden horses and its application to determine the presence of musculoskeletal pain. J Vet Behav: Clin Appl Res doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.008

endurance history

GOLDEN DAYS FOR GOLDEN HORSESHOE - PART 1 Reading the article by Julie Martin in May / June 2017 brought back so many memories of what 'Long Distance Riding' was like when I first started out.

Words by Hazel Armstrong

Waiting for Vetting in the White Horse Yard 1980 Julie Martin with Coxwold Whisper, Linda and Dan Jackson, Mary Cranfield with Coxwold Red Grouse

I

'd ridden when I was young and had a coloured 14.2 loan pony in my late teens, but then went to live abroad for a while, came back, got married and had a good career job. I needed some down time, so in 1976 – the long hot summer- I bought a 15.1 mare called 'Mary' She originally came from Fleetwood, had pulled a fruit cart and my subsequent search to find her origins took me back to the dales.

She was 'Dales type' according to the Dales authority on these matters, but at 15.1 she was oversize and, as he said, that was common in those days so she wasn't registered.

I bought her for the view between her ears – she was willing and forward going with a huge turn of speed but a very short stride. She was a joy to ride, except when she was in season, when any gelding within miles was fair game for a 'display' of her charms when she stopped and liberally washed the ground behind her.

The area we live in is flat and rural and I hacked for miles with my friend, Jill Cross, and at one point we discussed this thing

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Some winners from 1979 – the hot year! Margarite Burton on Lady Mary Townley’s Miss Muffett - the only gold winner that year, Linda Jackson on Setra - Silver, Judy Beaumont on Fforest Orchid - Silver

called The Golden Horseshoe which happened somewhere down south and seemed to be the pinnacle to a good long ride, so I decided to look into this.

By the end of 1977 – Jubilee Year – I had ascertained that it all happened on Exmoor and you had to qualify by doing a 40 mile ride which sounded rather a long way. I had also been told that it was often over-

Dr June Alexander, of Okeden Stud, who bred both Arabs and Welsh Cobs, was a great ally. Many people will remember her Okeden Horses being ridden by John and Alison Harris over the years and many miles, but also Okeden Yeoman, who was out of a TB by a Welsh Cob and was a great dressage horse based in the New Forest. Dr Alexander was on the BHS Committee and

‘The examining Steward was concered that ‘This is not the sort of horse to be able to do 40 miles and survive’...’ subscribed, so the more qualifying rides you had the beter the chance of getting accepted (still not sure if that was true or not) so training started in earnest, maps were purchased, distances measured and times checked I must add at this point I had no transport, but sought help wherever I could now that I had embarked on this project.

I had helped for many years in her yard. She said the best thing would be to hold a qualifying ride in East Yorkshire and set about doing just that, along with Major Gleadow, who knew most of the local landowners, and Tony Wilson, who was a BHS Steward.

She knew I was concerned about doing more than one qualifying ride so very kindly offered to lend me her box, on the

endurance history

premise that I went to an early ride some distance away and if we failed it would all be off the radar locally!!

I drove the box, emblazoned Okeden Arabian Stud, containing one big bolshie black mare... down to Worcestershire...

We were stabled with Joan Bomford, at Moyfield Riding School and it was daunting, to say the least. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing and indeed, knew each other, so a stranger in a fairly posh box with a fat black cob in it, from the far wastes of Yorkshire, who didn't appear to have a clue about things, was a bit odd to say the least.

The next day, Sunday 18th March, we were vetted, had a tack inspection and we were away, It was very wet underfoot, but the weather stayed fine and we arrived back tired but happy with a certificate to say we'd done our qualifying ride of 40 miles at 7mph – It took a trip to the beach and into the sea on our return, to get the clay lags out of her feathers.

2nd April 1978, East Yorkshire ride was next and we started from Mr Mountifields farm at Brantingham. The examining Steward was concerned that 'This is not the sort of horse to be able to do 40 miles and survive' and wanted to eliminate me, but the vet, Mr Weighton, said she seemed fit enough and Dr June pointed out that she'd done 40 miles 2 weeks before – shock horror that was pushing it to the extremes!!

However, we were allowed to start. With Jill Cross accompanying me, we had a splendid ride on ground we knew well from our childhoods in that area and came back to

another qualifying certificate. (That was the map shown in Julie Martin's article) With the thought of needing lots of qualifying still in my head, I ventured to ask a friend’s husband if (for a healthy cash payment) he would get up at some ridiculous time, drive east to pick me up, then drive north west to Hellifield Market, for yet another qualifier, he agreed, and on 16th April 1978 we got yet another ride under our belts – a ride that to say the least, had a lot of eliminations because of the going. It was on this ride that I first met Dr Margaret Miller, and for much of the ride we rode together, as Fritz and Mary went at a similar pace.

Margaret was keen to qualify and had

entered the Northumberland ride and suggested I do likewise to get some terrain practice in. So 23rd April found us at Manor House Inn in Northumberland, again riding together. My friend’s husband had once again taken me and slept whilst I rode, to be refreshed to drive us home. It was during this ride that Margaret said was I looking forward to going to Exmoor? and I explained that at that moment, I had no way of getting there as my 'driver' couldn't take that amount of time off work and I had no transport. Her wonderful reaction was- “get Mary to Sheffield and she can travel with Fritz in my trailer” – Ecstasy!! I was going to The Golden Horseshoe.

Final Vetting 1983, Julie Martin and Swansong of Shamala and vet John Yeats waiting for Song to bother breathing

Top left, Golden Horseshoe setting out 1979, Mary Cranfield – Coxwold Red Grouse, M Warriner – Coxwold Sparrowhawk, A Gore – Tim. Top right, River crossing Golden Horseshoe 1983, Julie Martin on Swansong of Shamala, Pauline Holloway on Clementine.

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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ride preview

GOLDEN HORSESHOE RIDE 2018 The one good thing about organising a ride for more than one year is that everything comes a little easier the second time…

Words by Jo and Andrew Chisholm

B

y early January we had the venue, marquee, vets, farrier, officials, accommodation and helpers all booked. It is a testament to the durability of the Horseshoe volunteers that they are all willing to come and help for yet another year!

MORE CLASSES

As promised we are offering more classes this year to include the 80km 1 day PF class, and also a 40 km PF class as well as a Novice 40 km class, along with the ever popular Pleasure Ride Class. The Golden Horseshoe itself now has an Elevator option at the 120km vetgate . Although queried by some members, we have toughened the qualifying rides required for some of the classes on the advice of the veterinary panel.

PREPARATION

Many members will remember “in the old days” we had to do a 64k Golden Horseshoe Qualifier during the early season before you could enter Horseshoe or Stag classes. The riding on Exmoor is quite unique.…there are large expanses of what can be very tough (and lonely) going - sometimes in very harsh weather even in May - with very little opportunities to see your crew, so you and your horse need to be mentally and physically prepared for this challenge.

SPONSORS

We are hoping to get a local TV celebrity to ride at the event, and at the time of writing nearly all of the vet lanes and check points have been sponsored by many of the EGB groups and some private sponsors, and along with confirmed major sponsor Performance Equestrian, (who will be there with a trade stand) this is a great start to our Horseshoe, allowing us to be confident about its future in the EGB calendar. By increasing the spread of classes and with the Elevator option in the 160 km we are hoping this will encourage more members to come and ride in this iconic ride on the stunning Exmoor hills.

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Top, Nikki Harris on Makuto starting the 2 day Exmoor Hind 80k class in 2017. Bottom, Riders crossing the river at Marsh Bridge at the 2015 Golden Horseshoe ride Photos courtesy of David Saunders Photography

scottish endurance riding club

MAKE OR BREAK In the summer of 2017, Tayside member Karen Inkster set off to ride/walk the length of the Outer Hebrides with her horse Connie and dog Pip. One of her aims was to fundraise for her local branch of the RDA – which she did to the tune of £4,200.

But she had another objective, as she explains here Words by Karen Inkster

L

ike my dog Pip, my mare Connie is a rescue animal, but one which I completely underestimated, to my peril! I got Connie for £300 from a rehoming charity after a 20 year gap in horse ownership. At 10 years old she hadn't been ridden much at since being broken in and seemed sweet and biddable. These traits didn't last long and were quickly replaced by biting and rearing, despite taking things very slowly.

I read every book on horsemanship, emailed professional trainers, spoke to specialists, got the saddle fitter, the dentist and the vet involved. Her back was checked, I got a horse whisperer involved and had equine touch and reiki sessions on her. I spent £1000s. No one found anything wrong.

I spent hours and hours with her, doing liberty training, taking her on walks with Pip, sitting reading in the field, where she would come over, say hello and then bite me. My first overnight trip away with her saw me in A&E after she kicked me with both hind legs, sending me flying and breaking ribs (thank goodness she was barefoot otherwise the damage would have been far worse). This was my second visit to hospital in 12 months. She would have major tantrums where she appeared blind to your presence. She would rear tied up, flipping over backwards, once smashing the fence. I returned to the vet who did further tests; she bit the vet. On again finding nothing physically wrong he suggested having her put down. Yet with children and other animals she was so sweet. My hens and one of my cats sit under her and of course Pip being deaf is always getting under her feet and she will

stand stock still, with never even so much as ears back.

Connie and I had done well in our first year of endurance. She was super fit and seemed to really enjoy the rides, always wanting to go faster! But her behavioural traits would often pop up. She would

bite me if the vetting took too long and often reared on rides. During training for endurance I would always jump off and stride out beside her for a few kilometres, giving her back a rest and keeping my fitness up. The endurance had given her a really good top line and both the saddle fitter and equine touch professionals con-

firmed that her back was really strong.

Connie is also barefoot. It had taken about a year to sort her feet out due to the awful conditions she had been kept in prior to me getting her. But hacking out and doing endurance had really toughened her hooves up and often she doesn’t even need boots any more. In the summer of 2017 we had completed our second Bronze Thistle Qualifier and she won the Best Presentation rosette so I knew that she was definitely fit enough for a long distance ride.

I decided over a glass of chardonnay that our Hebrides trip would be my final attempt at bonding with Connie. The vet gave me two syringes of sedative in the event of a major tantrum where I needed to physically protect either myself and/or Connie. Two horsey friends who I respect questioned my sanity and safety. My poor mum was almost taking sedatives herself at the thought of our journey! I needed to go, I needed to be with her 24hrs a day, to journey as her herd and be the only constant in her life. But the big question was...would it work?

To find out how it went and if Connie finally decided to bond with me, you can read about our adventure in a short book which is the diary of our trip. The Deaf, the Daft and the Ditsy – A journey across the Outer Hebrides.

Priced at £4.00, 25% of the proceeds go to The Dogs Trust.

For a copy please email: karen_a_inkster@hotmail.com

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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rider success

2018 PETPLAN EQUINE AMBASSADOR Endurance rider, Laura Graham, from Shrewsbury in Shropshire, has been announced as one of three new Petplan Equine Ambassadors for 2018.

F

ollowing the success of the Ambassadors programme last year, Petplan Equine has continued with seven of the current Ambassadors from 2017 and selected three more riders for 2018 from their customer base.

These riders are all well known in their local equestrian community, advocates for responsible horse ownership and are passionate about competing. Ambassadors are armed with the task of helping promote the brand and highlight the importance of

mare, currently competing at Novice level.

Sox is a chestnut homebred Arab gelding who Laura backed this year and is currently gaining confidence.

Laura commented ‘I feel honoured to have been selected to be a part of the 2018 Petplan Equine Ambassadors. I have experienced Petplan Equine’s care and compassion first hand when I lost my young endurance horse.

With Petplan Equine’s support we were able to try all treatment options and as a result we were left with no ‘what ifs’, we did all we

‘Laura places huge emphasis on the wellbeing of her horses ...to take care of and meet her horses'...needs at all times. responsible horse ownership and insurance, in keeping horses happy and healthy.

Laura has been riding, training and competing in Endurance for 20 years. She has a team of horses competing from Novice up to FEI level. This year, she aims to achieve FEI3* status and qualify to represent Great Britain. Laura places huge emphasis on the wellbeing of her horses to ensure she is able to take care of and meet her horses’ physical and psychological needs at all times.

The Petplan Equine Ambassadors will be provided with branded kit as well as £500 towards competition entries and training costs. Media training will also be given to support them further in their equestrian careers.

Laura has 12 horses, four of which she competes. Farrah is a quirky, 14.1hh pocket rocket who lives on adrenaline and she competes at FEI 2* level. Pearl is a cob, competing at Advanced level and Indie is a Tobiano

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could for him.’

Holly Kirkham, Marketing Executive for Petplan Equine added ‘We’re delighted to continue working with seven of our current Ambassadors as well as welcoming three new Ambassadors to the team for 2018. During the application process, it was clear that Laura, Katie and Heather are true champions of responsible ownership and were well respected members of their local equestrian community. We are looking forward to working with all ten Ambassadors and supporting them on their equestrian journey.’

For further information on Petplan Equine Ambassadors visit www.petplanequine.co.uk/ambassadors

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life profile

HUGGY BEAR ‘THE BUG’ 1983 TO 2017

The privilege of keeping one horse with us for it’s entire working life, is not granted to many. Huggy Bear enjoyed a diverse life, much appreciated by his owner.

Words by Judy Ainley

I

really do not know where to begin.

This little pony entered my life 30 years ago when I rescued him as an unbroken, 4 year old Welsh Section D. He was extremely thin, nervous and had diseased legs. We began a journey that has been so special and so wonderful.

We developed a bond so strong that we could almost read each other's minds.

At the beginning of our life together, I worked for a Trail Riding Centre up in Scotland and Huggy Bear became a favourite of many riders. We often led the trail over the Cheviot Hills and he loved this life. I was never taught to jump but we trusted each other and jumping became second nature to Huggy. He was very steady and careful and over the years after leaving Scotland we entered many shows in Ridden M&M and Working Hunter M&M. He gave me so much confidence and together we excelled at these disciplines, winning many trophies and rosettes. Not only did he give me such courage but he helped other people gain confidence, teaching them to ride and jump.

‘Endurance folk were always so friendly and helpful, supportive and very willing to give advice’ When I was 40 I suffered a serious seizure and was diagnosed with Epilepsy. The next three years were tough, losing my licence and having frequent Grand Mal seizures. I remember one time I had an episode whilst riding The Bug and I fell off, remaining unconscious for a short while. When I came round Huggy was standing by me so close, as though he was protecting me. I was told by my neurologist to give up riding for a year

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or until my ‘fits’ were controlled. Hmmmm?

I think not! I trusted Huggy so much and whilst I chose to give up jumping, I decided to try Endurance and for the first season, I never rode alone. There was always someone willing to let me ride with them.

Endurance opened up a new chapter in both our lives. When working at the Trail Centre Huggy loved the fells and moorland and being out in the open country. He started

doing Endurance at the young age of 16 yrs.

WOW!!! We were both smitten and of course Hug Bug and I caught the Endurance ‘Bug’!

As my Epilepsy was now controlled with medication, we embraced this new discipline with such enthusiasm. Although not a fast pony, he was always so sure -footed, careful down hills, reliable and steady. At the vetting after the rides I used to sing ‘ Go to sleep my baby, close your pretty eyes’ to keep his heart rate as low as possible. His eyes would close, as did the vet's eyes - ha ha!!!

We achieved quite a lot in his Endurance career with Lancashire EGB, as well as winning quite a lot of prizes at Lindum Spirit

life profile

‘As we rode back into the venue for the last time my friend and I could not hold back the tears.’

“

over the years. He has done rides all over the country, including Spirit of Sherwood, Cumbria Challenge and Red Dragon.

Endurance folk were always so friendly and helpful, supportive and very willing to give advice. Huggy and I did not do long distances; just up to 40k. We had no crew so we begged, stole and borrowed whilst on route and the majority of people were only too pleased to provide water and sloshes for Huggy. The Bug really enjoyed these rides and we had soooo much fun together and isn’t that what riding is all about?

He retired from Endurance at Lindum Spirit in 2015 where he was presented with a beautiful glass trophy and sash. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a weekend. As we rode back into the venue for the last time my friend and I could not hold back the tears.

When the vet passed him, we whooped and cheered. They joined in too.

Throughout Huggy’s life he has achieved

many awards, not just for his ability in the ring but he helped disabled people overcome their fears and was presented an award by the Mayor for his services to the Community. He also attended Disability open days and has led a protest in support of the Hard of Hearing with me carrying a banner along the promenade on Blackpool front. For five years on the trot, he visited a Youth Offenders Unit giving little rides to the ‘guests’!!!!!

Although retired I continued to ride The Bug up until his passing on October 13th.

He remained a cheeky, enthusiastic little pony to the end.

Colic took his precious life away from me but I never let him suffer. Even when the injection began to take effect he gently and ever so slowly lowered himself to the ground.

It was incredibly dignified. It was as though he knew he had to pass with elegance and

serenity for his Mum. I held his head as he quietly went to sleep, tears flooding and my heart breaking.

The following day he was laid to rest next to my two precious dogs.

Even his burial was dignified and I could not have asked for anything better. My friends and I threw apples and carrots plus a Cadbury's Cream Egg (his fave choc bar) into his grave as we wept buckets.

Losing Huggy at the tender age of 34 devastated me. I expected him to live on well into his 40's as he was so fit and healthy.

He gave SO much to so many and brought friendships together.

My best friend, Janette, was initially a pen pal via work because she responded to an article in the DWP magazine about Huggy and me. For two years we emailed each other and shared our lives by mail. Then one day I asked her if she would like to ride Huggy on a social ride accompanying me on my Arab, Orion.

Bearing in mind Janette was only used to riding school ponies, had never taken Huggy on a hack before and we had never even met until that Saturday, the ride was brilliant and the whole experience was amazing. Huggy looked after her so well, as I knew he would. Janette was smitten and they started a beautiful relationship riding many miles together accompanying me on Orion (and subsequently on Tommy Piglet).

We became the best of friends and I know a little of her heart died when Huggy passed over the Rainbow Bridge. And she travelled from Wigan on the afternoon of his last day when she heard he was so poorly.

I know he will be bucking and frolicking like a stallion over that rainbow bridge, as he had continued to do right to the end of his life.

Huggy Bear was my soul mate and his memories will be cherished forever. Rest in Peace my beautiful little pony!

Opposite page, Huggy and Judy Tackling Walesby Hill at Lindum. Top, Huggy and Judy also enjoyed jumping. Bottom left, Enjoying some relaxation. Bottom right, Judy with of the members of her herd of Alpacas.

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access and rights of way

THE LAST FRONTIER Looking back over the years to when we started checking out trails and tracks seemed a bit daunting, but once I got started memories came flooding back; I could have written twice as many words! The photos are all from the past few years so areas are much improved. Sue and I never took a camera with us on our explorations, no mobile phones then either, so there is no visual record of just how rough it was.

Words by Lesley Smith Photos by Eileen Charlton

I

t was the early 1980’s that I first became aware of Endurance Riding.

I was disappointed to find my nearest group was closer to Nottingham than to Newcastle upon Tyne. Then one day I spotted an advert in a tack shop – a 25mile CTR was to be held in the North Pennines.

Turned out the organiser, Sue Rogers, was just as new to this sport as I was!

We soon realised the only way to bring the sport to the proper NORTH was for us to start a local group. We found 3 more riders keen to try endurance and the Northumberland & Durham Group was born! To attract more people we had to get more rides. Sue and I pin-pointed an area, which, on the OS map, seemed to have a good network of bridleways. This was

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Hexhamshire in Northumberland – a vast open landscape of heather moorland with Slaley Forest at one end.

For some reason, the red broken line denoting a Bridleway (BW) on the OS map made me think there would be at least some evidence of it on the actual ground. Nope – absolutely nothing to see except the odd sheep trod (not always going in the right direction) on overgrown lumpy ground, with the odd bog and deep ditch thrown in to keep us alert. No GPS in those days – just a map and compass. But our enthusiasm knew no bounds; we kept at it and eventually worked out where the BW’s were meant to be. We even persuaded the council to put in some new culverts so we could get across a few really bad places.

No thanks to the local farmers, who were the most difficult people I had ever come across. I don’t think many of them had been off their remote farms in years. They just would not admit they had a Right of Way (ROW) across their land and did everything they could to put us off using them. At one point I was threatened with a shotgun!

That had the opposite effect and made us more determined to get the BW’s open.

It was an exciting day when I first test rode the modest route we had worked out.

Still no visible track, but there was a tall transmitter mast in the far distance and I used this to keep me going in the right direction and by now I knew where every soft spot was and how to get round them. We very soon expanded this route to the extent we

access and rights of way

were able to hold the most important ride in the then endurance calendar – The Summer Solstice 100 miles in a day ride. Very little was repeated in the route and the vet gates were out on course.

From then we dabbled in other areas, which had limited BW’s but were fine for shorter Competitive Trail Rides (CTR’s).

By now we were used to dealing with awkward farmers/landowners but one did manage to catch me out. He owned most of the land over which I was looking to put on a Pleasure Ride. He was extremely helpful and even pointed out a better alternative across one part of the route. The event was well underway when an irate farmer drove up with a fist full of our course marking

riding f lat out up the hillside to the next gate on the brow of the hill, before he got to us. Once at the gate, puffing and panting we f lung ourselves off the horses to get the gate open, all the while imagining the bull charging at us at any second. Only when we were safely on the other side of the gate did we look back, to see him miles behind and struggling to trot up the hill!

Eventually we had a full 60 miles of tracks, but finding a venue for the Alnwick Ride was the biggest problem – no local racecourse as per Hexham. But in the end we were able to use a corner of Hulne Park – the Duke of Northumberland’s back garden – how good was that!!!

Our attention now turned to the Cheviot

‘…my horse went over OK but Sue's horse, being bigger sank right in, she rolled off and got covered in green slime.’ flags and demanded to see the organiser – me. It transpired the ‘helpful’ farmer had suggested the ‘better’ route because it went across land belonging to his neighbour (who he didn’t get on with) and through his stock and was not a BW. Fortunately after my profuse apologies and explanations the irate farmer very kindly allowed us to continue with our event and even re-instated the flags in his cow field.

Sue and I soon turned our attention to the Alnwick moors. The big plus here was that the farmers and landowners were mostly very horse friendly and there was more evidence of the BW’s on the ground. We explored on foot every weekend throughout the winter and found the most amazing trails. We couldn’t wait to do some test riding.

One such occasion was made very memorable by a very large black bull. He only appeared when we were through the gate and well into his field. He wasn’t at all friendly and started running angrily towards us. In a split second Sue and I were

Hills. Sue had been looking at this area off and on for a number of years. The areas we had explored before paled into insignificance compared with these huge hills and valleys, which are part of the Border between England and Scotland. The tracks here were mostly evident, so we could do a lot of exploring on horseback, as long as we got the gates open!

That proved quite a challenge at times but armed with a penknife and masses of baling twine to repair any we had to ‘dismantle’, we generally managed. The only time we had to think differently was high up in the hills, miles from anywhere, when we came to a wicket gate with a padlock and chain. Sue started removing a few stones in the wall and suddenly came across a jam jar with a key in it!

Soft ground had to be treated with caution as it could be deceptive. We came across a large patch, which my horse went over OK but Sue’s horse, being bigger sank right in, she rolled off and got covered in green slime.

Her brand new red fleece was never the

same again!

This was BIG country and the trails went on for miles, so eventually we had the bright idea of getting dropped off with our horses at a starting point, which on this day was in Scotland. Our trailers were then taken round to a designated pick up point in England.

All was going well until half way through the day we realized there was an awful lot of smoke in the direction we were heading.

It was a ‘muirburn’, when the heather is set alight to encourage new growth - still happens but with more Health & Safety applied.

The ground ahead of us was completely ablaze and blocking our way.

No mobile phones then so no way of letting our crew know what was happening. As we wondered what to do, the fire began gradually moving away giving us just enough space, so we decided to keep going. It wasn’t too bad until the wind changed direction and the smoke started blowing towards us. The fire was still a few yards away but the crackling was very loud and quite frightening.

We kept the horses’ heads turned away from the fire and smoke as best we could, reassuring them constantly - they were brilliant and so trusting. It seemed an age before we eventually came out the other side. Phew.

More exploring followed and soon another 50 -mile ride route was established and it was amazing. Later it was incorporated into the Scottish Championships.

I can honestly say that exploring for these riding routes became just as addictive as endurance riding itself and even now I still can’t pass a track without finding out where it goes.

What a pity the current trend is for flat fast rides with repeated loops and not these amazing routes where the terrain, the weather and the self reliance in remote places all play a part in the challenge of Endurance Riding.

Opposite page, Lesley still out exploring new tracks around Harwood Forest, February 2018. Top right, Lesley enjoying competing in the Hexhamshire ride in 2017 with granddaughter Emily Smith on some much improved tracks. Bottom left, Looking over to Hexhamshire from Blanchland Moor.

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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international

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE SPRING 2018 INTERNATIONAL SQUAD BULLETIN FOR SPRING 2018 We are now planning a programme for the International Squad leading up to the European Championships in 2019.

Our aim is to involve riders aiming at WEG, the European Championships in 2019 and those who are just about to start their FEI career.

Please send an Expression of Interest form to Lindsay Wilson if you have not already done so. The form can be found on the EGB website and informs us that you want to be on the squad along with some information about you and your horse(s). The more we see of your horses and follow you at rides, the better chance we have of developing a really strong squad for 2019 and the better chance you have of being selected for the team.

The SMT will be attending the following rides in order to watch those combinations that are competing: • • • • •

Kings Forest – April Windsor – May Euston Park – June and August Seacliff – 16th June Lowther Park – 11th August

Once we have a clearer idea of rider’s ride plans for the year, we can attend more rides to see you ‘in action’.

We are running regional assessment days

Team competing at the European Championships 2017

in indoor arenas, in March and April for horses and riders.

March 11th – Solihull Riding Club (south of Birmingham) April 21st or 22nd – venue near Edinburgh April 28th or 29th – venue tbc; Hartpury or another venue nearby.

The dates for April will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Please book into which date you prefer by contacting Lindsay Wilson and also copying in Liz Finney. The cost for each one will be £30. Stabling is available at roughly £30 per night, depending on the venue.

INTERNATIONAL SQUAD KEY DATES Date(s)

Location

Purpose

11th March

Solihull

Assessment Day

22nd April

Edinburgh

Assessment Day

28 April

Hartbury (TBC)

Assessment Day

14th April

Kings Forest

Viewing Ride

21st June

Euston Park

Squad Training Day

18 August

Euston Park

Team Competition

10 – 16th September

Tryon, USA

World Equestrian Games

14th October

Abbey Park, Kenilworth

Squad Rider Day

th

th

th

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The aim is to check the horses to pick up any problems, assess the level of the horse’s fitness, check horse and rider balance and discuss your future plans.

A training day will be held on June 21st at Euston Park, prior to the FEI ride on the 23rd to monitor progress.

We hope to have other training days in different regions.

We intend to organise two, possibly three, teams to compete at the Euston Park on August 18th in either the 160 3*or 120 2* classes.

We have six riders hoping to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon on September 12th and are hoping we can arrange for some horses to travel from the UK, though the logistics are proving difficult.

Liz Finney International Squad Chef D’Equipe

YOUNG RIDER SQUAD BULLETIN FOR SPRING 2018

Young Riders and their crews met up with Squad Management at the International Squad Day on February 4th at Abbey Park where all the riders present told us their hopes and plans for the next few years.

There has also been a Junior and Young Rider Training Weekend at Hornshill Farm, Guildford by kind permission of Rosemary

international

YOUNG RIDER SQUAD KEY DATES Date(s)

Location

Purpose

14 April

Kings Forest

Viewing Ride

22nd April

Edinburgh

Assessment Day

21st – 23rd June

Euston Park

Viewing and Final Selection Ride

23rd – 27th July

Pisa, San Rossore, Italy

European Championships

18 August

Euston Park

Team Competition

14 October

Abbey Park, Kenilworth

Squad Rider Day

th

th

th

Attfield on February 24/25th with a packed weekend of demonstrations, schooling, vetting and vet gate practice along with a visit to the local bowling alley.

We currently (at the time of writing) have 2 combinations qualified for the European Championships for Junior and Young Riders this year which is at San Rossore, Italy in July 2018. Being so early in the year means that any riders still trying to qualify will have to do so by the end of May which we know is a very short lead time. We are therefore also concurrently working on a 2 year plan leading up to the 2019 World Championships for Junior and Young Riders which will be also at San Rossore (qualification to be achieved by mid July 2019) – this gives YR combinations more time to qualify. For this year however, we are still hopeful that we will be taking at least 2 or 3 combinations to the Europeans which will give us a great opportunity to get to know the layout and the terrain at San Rossore to prepare for the Worlds in 2019. By experiencing the event this year, we should then be armed with the knowledge to help the team train and prepare specifically for the World UPCOMING EVENT

Championships next year.

YR Squad Management will be attending some of the FEI rides at which many of the Young Riders are hoping to qualify during the season, and we are intending to view the riders at Kings Forest in April rather than have an assessment session, because of the short time available to the qualification cut-off date.

Young Riders from the north and in Scotland that are interested in coming onto the YR Squad can attend assessments alongside the Senior Squad which will be held 21/22 April near Edinburgh, please contact Lindsay Wilson if you would like to be included.

Junior and Young Rider Camp is scheduled for the week of 30th July at Euston Park; more details on this to follow. We may have a YR team to compete at the Euston Park on August 18th in either 80 km 1* or 120 km 2* alongside the Senior International Squad team(s) again we will update you on firm plans for this ASAP. Jo Chisholm Young Rider Squad Chef D’Equipe

With the Support of HPower Endurance Ltd

An International Endurance Seminar Friday, 13th July 2018 at Euston Park, Near Thetford IP24 2QP FEI Rules & Regulations - Endurance Presenter: Ian Williams (FEI 4* Judge, Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Level 3 Steward) A full day conference examining all aspects of FEI regulations governing Endurance Competitions at International Level The programme is designed to support and assist all those existing and prospective International Endurance Athletes, Horse Owners, Trainers and Competition Officials.

Those attending will have the opportunity to actively participate in theory, practice and scenario content sessions.

Lunch and coffees will be provided and conference attendees will each receive a ‘take home’ Conference Pack that can be used as a reference source going forward.

Places will be limited and so early booking is recommended.

Enquiries: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk

KEY CONTACTS

Jo Chisholm (YR Chef D’Equipe): jochisholm@ endurancegb.co.uk

Liz Finney (International Chef D’Equipe): lizfinney@ endurancegb.co.uk Lindsay Wilson (International Committee): lindsaywilson@ endurancegb.co.uk John Robertson (Director of International): johnrobertson@ endurancegb.co.uk

SMT INTERNATIONAL SQUAD Chef D’Equipe: Liz Finney Vet: Hannah Kelly Farrier: Kelvin Lymer Physiotherapist: Sam Daplyn YOUNG RIDER SQUAD Chef D’Equipe: Jo Chisholm Vet: Tom Eaton-Evans Farrier: Harvey Lymer Physiotherapist: Robyn Dunn

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

33

tried & tested

MUD DADDY

PORTABLE DOG WASHER

W

inter brings it’s own challenges, and one of the major challenges in my life over the winter is keeping my dog clean enough to come back into the house after a walk down to the fields or out in the woods.

I have a hose outside the door, and I can wash him off there, but he hates the cold water and the high pressure of the jet of water. He gets cold afterwards, and then he is extremely reluctant to come anywhere near the hose after a walk. I hate doing this to him.

So I was very interested when I saw a product from Mud Daddy, called a portable dog wash.

The idea is so simple, and the product so easy to use! There is a can, a bit like a petrol can, with a hand pump, and a narrow hose attached at one end to the can and at the other there is a soft brush. Water in the container is pressurized by pumping, and then released through the brush with a trigger.

Simple! You fill up the can with warm soapy water (or plain water) and then pressurize,

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then brush the mud off with the soft brush and the gently jets of water. There are four jets in the brush head. You can use cold or warm water.

When you have finished, you simply empty the can, leave it to drain, and clean off the brush. There it is, ready for the next use! No electricity required, completely portable, easy to use and safe!

My dog is much happier, because the water is warm, I am happier because my dog is not distressed, and he is also clean! Additionally, because I put a little shampoo in every couple of days he is sweet smelling too!

Things to be aware of when you put the kit together initially: Ensure that you attach the hoses tightly, using the nuts supplied; ensure that you screw the pump in tightly, otherwise you cannot build up enough pressure.

Such a simple piece of kit, but so very

effective! The washer can also be useful for washing bikes, boots, other kit…

Available in 5 litre or a larger 12 litre version, that can be handy for washing off your horse too, the 5 litre washers come in a range of colours, and retail at around £34.00.

For more information visit: www.muddaddy.com

tried & tested

THE STIERNA AIRJACKET

A FULLY REFLECTIVE JACKET FROM STIERNA EQUESTRIAN SPORTSWEAR

B

rowsing on the internet one evening, as I was researching information about how riders can stay safe on our busy roads, I came across an image and information about this jacket.

My first thought was that it would be an excellent addition to endurance riders kit, and I then started to investigate where the garment was made, and how we could find out more about it.

I discovered a company called Stierna Equestrian Sportswear, and spoke to them about putting this jacket on test. In due course the jacket arrived, and my first impression was how lightweight it is, and how much it reflects light!

Many years ago a different company made reflective jackets and gilets, that were not fluorescent, simply reflective. This jacket has similarities; it is an attractive silvery colour, with darker panels on the sides of the body and the inside of the arms. These darker panels are made from a stretch fabric, which allow your body to move without restriction, this also means that the garment can be worn over a bulky sweatshirt, or a lightweight coat. There might not be any need to wear too much bulk underneath though, as the fabric is windproof, and the panels are designed to allow air movement and ventilation, as well as enable mobility.

Stierna are a Swedish company, who take great pride in creating ergonomi-

cally designed, practical stylish clothing for the equestrian.

There is great attention to detail, in the styling, in the practical aspects and in the translation of the design into a garment that will work with the rider, not restrict them.

As I have to move horses around on darker evenings and mornings, along farm tracks and small roads, the ref lective properties of the jacket are invaluable. A car approaching us with lights on, immediately realizes that we are there.

The jacket can also be easily rolled up and carried in a saddle or waist bag, so that it is available for those times when the light starts to fade while out riding in the late afternoon.

With generously sized pockets, a two way, good quality zipper and a neat stand up collar, one of the things I really loved about the detailing, is the cover over the top of the zipper…so it doesn’t scratch my chin when I have the jacket zipped right up.

Comfortable to wear, lightweight, warm, easy to carry with me, or to wear at any time…this has been a great addition to my kit, and I would highly recommend it.

You can find out more at: www.stierna.com or UK stockists see website, e.g. treehouseonline.co.uk and randrcountry.co.uk Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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groups

CROMWELL GROUP The Cromwell Endurance GB Group recently held a very successful training weekend on the beautiful Edgcote Estate near Banbury.

Words by Anna Williams

F

or the second year running the weather was determined to have an impact on the weekend – last year temperatures were so cold we struggled with frozen trailer hitches and solid gallops. This year we were hampered by the very wet weather, resulting in no option but to cancel the training ride section of the weekend. Participants, however, were still able to take part in a ridden lesson with event rider Sarah Gardner of Danesmore Sport Horses and also a gallops session supported by Anna Williams.

With participants from across the region, a great day was had by all. We had riders of all levels, from those looking to compete in their first competitive EGB season to those with international goals. Ever conscious that we are early on in the season and for many the gallops session was the first opportunity of the year for their horses to do canter work, our main goals were consistency of pace and working with our horses to ensure they were listening and that horse and rider were working as a partnership. Many of the lessons focused on improving our approach and enabling the riders to ask and support their horses in ‘using’ themselves properly with goals set to improve top-lines and balance.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will soon improve and that we will be able to run our training ride, and possibly re-run the lessons and gallop sessions. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming training events in the Cromwell region.

Edgcote Gallops are open to the public and offer both a round gallop and a hill gallop.

Further details can be found on Facebook under ‘Edgcote Gallops’.

‘With participants from across the region, a great day was had by all.’

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groups

DURHAM AND TEESIDE At the beginning of last season, Olivia Morris joined us at Durham and Teesside group of EGB and enjoyed her very first experience of endurance riding, taking part in the 5km lead rein ride at Tanfield.

Words by Nikki Dawson

B

y May, Olivia and her pony Summers Harmony, had entered the 16km at Jolly Moors, riding with her Mum, Catherine Grant - and the lead rein was well and truly a thing of the past!

Olivia and Harmony took part in the 30km pleasure ride at Dialstone in June and enjoyed this so much, that on the 1st July she upgraded to a Full Junior Member of EGB. The very next day, at New Marske, Olivia and her pony completed their first 32km competitive ride, achieving a fabulous grade 2.

In August, Olivia and Summers Harmony achieved a Grade 1 at the Hexham 30km GER and gained another Grade 1 at the 32km Cumbria Challenge.

This wonderful little partnership qualified for the Novice Championships and on the 30th September, along with her Mum Catherine, completed the 48km competitive ride as part of the Novice Championships, held at the Red Dragon in Wales.

This young lady has gone from a 5km lead rein ride to a 48km competitive ride in 7 months and was placed 8th in the Junior Rider category on the National Leader Board.

A remarkable achievement for any rider, but particularly special as Olivia is only 10 years old.

At the Durham and Teesside Group Annual Meeting in December, Olivia was given a very well deserved Rider Achievement Award as well as their 200km distance rosette.

Olivia also took home several trophies! First for Junior Rider, the Frisky Moors Award (awarded to junior / young rider for the most points in competitive rides) and the Whisper Trophy (junior rider and pony combination completing the most km in pleasure rides).

We look forward to many more personal achievements and successes to come, for this enthusiastic young rider and her trusty steed!

Top left, Receiving awards at the BAM. Bottom left, Starting out on the lead rein at Tanfield. Top right, 30km PR at Dialstone. Middle right, On the way to a G2 at New Marske. Bottom rightm, Esther Young presenting awards to Olivia at the BAM.

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groups

NORTH & EAST YORKSHIRE ESCRICK PARK RIDE Words by Caitlin Birkitt

E

scrick park ride is the first ride of the year for North and East Yorkshire. It is always received with a great turn out as many riders new and old come to begin their season of riding.

The weather on the day was perfect with a small amount of fog that cleared as the first rider set off, leaving a clear sky of beautiful sunshine. Perfect for the first ride of the year. The route was very well marked with orange spray paint and had very good going without too much mud for this time of year!

Riders commented on how well the route was marked and how friendly all the helpers were while out on course.

There was a very good turn-out for this lovely ride, covering distances of 12km and 20km. This was a good introduction to many riders first ride of the season or their first ever endurance ride.

The ride was kindly sponsored by R & R Country who provided goody bags for all riders. The bags contained treats for the horses, a brush and a bandage. A rider also commented on how well made the bag was and

was very happy with the goody bag provided; that contained many useful things that an endurance rider can never have too many of.

Many thanks to ride organiser Angela

Hields and ride secretary Ann Featherstone for running this well-loved ride. Also, thank you to all the helpers as the rides would not be able to run without their support.

‘Riders commented on how well the route was marked and how friendly all the helpers were while out on course.’

Robert Blane on Buzz being assisted before the ride by Claire Greenbank

Ride organiser Angela Hields and Ride secretary Ann Featherstone with rider Kathryn Featherstone

LINDUM GROUP TROPHY RESULTS 2017 NEW MEMBERS Alison Prior Lynda Snowling Barb Kingshot

Danni Foster Rebekah Hirst

Annual Lindum Distance Awards 150km- Ballyskeach Darcy, Bizout, Castle Hill Harvey,Checker, Eric, Flint, Miss Clintown, Mouse, SP Dakota, Simeric Cassini, Simeric Sinnaman, Star Hill Sapphire, Twywell Jay Cee 250km - Oliver 350km - Wisespares Tempo, Great Endeavour 450km - LVA Troy

Cumulative Lindum Distance Awards 1000km-Twywell Jay Cee, LVA Troy 4000km- Bizout

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TROPHIES Barefoot Trophy - for the barefoot horse completing the highest distance in all EGB rides 3rd

Horse

Ridden by

Distance

Castle Hill Harvey

Pam Fromm

152km

2nd

Mirjana

Gill Plumbley

161km

1st

Cumbria Khafifa

Mary Stockdale

233km

Zorrow Trophy - horse and rider combination successfully achieving the greatest distance in all EGB rides 3rd

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

596km

2nd

LVA Troy

Sue Scarborough

731km

1st

Star Hill Sapphire

Claire Mellor

744km

groups

Molly Stubbs Memorial Trophy - high point mature rider 3rd

Debbie Hilstead

162pts

2nd

Helen Ganney

892pts

1st

Sue Scarborough

1596 pts

Maniliam Team Award- teams of 3, highest successful distance completed this year 1st

LVA Troy

Sue Scarborough

Wisespares Tempo

Helen Ganney

SP Dakota

Andrea Campbell

1448km

High point Arab Award 3rd

Simeric Sinnaman

Bridie Lydon-Towle

1129pt

2nd

LVA Troy

Sue Scarborough

1596pts

1st

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

1748pts

High Point Part Bred Arab Award 1st

SP Dakota

Andrea Campbell

288pt

Rigley award - high point unregistered horse 3rd

Vinebud

Nicola Chappell

502pts

2nd

Oliver

Heather Burchnall

519.5pts

1st

Great Endeavour

Danni Foster

560.5pts

Coulmore Rogart Quaich - high point native 3rd

Castle Hill Harvey

Pam Fromm

151pts

2nd

Eric

Sue Warsap

166pts

1st

Twywell Jay Cee

Sheila Smith

189pts

Maple Kai trophy - high point horse of any other registered breeding 3rd

Miss Clintown

Debbie Hilstead

165pts

2nd

Wisespares Tempo

Helen Ganney

892pts

1st

Star Hill Sapphire

Claire Mellor

1800pts

Gentle memorial trophy - horse aged 5-7 years gaining most points in EGB competitive rides 1st

SP Dakota

Andrea Campbell

168pts

Gainsborough Express trophy - horse aged 18 years and over gaining most points in EGB vetted rides 3rd

Oliver

Heather Burchnall

326.5pts

2nd

Wisespares Tempo

Helen Ganney

784pts

1st

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

1716pts

Ronald Gledhill memorial trophy - highest attendance at Lindum group rides by a rider, successful completions only 1st

Danni Foster

Minty trophy-horse gaining most points in EGB non competitive rides, horses competing in any graded rides excluded 3rd

Ballyskeach Darcy

Rebecca Hirst

165pts

2nd

Eric

Sue Warsap

166pts

1st

Twywell Jay Cee

Sheila Smith

189pts

Webster trophy-novice horses gaining most points in all types of EGB rides, subsequent year novice horses excluded 3rd

SP Dakota

Andrea Campbell

168pts

2nd

Great Endeavour

Danni Foster

219.5pts

1st

Oliver

Heather Burchnall

326.5pts

Ravendale trophy-open horse ridden by open rider, gaining most points in EGB competitive rides, upgrading horses excluded 1st

Wisespares Tempo

Helen Ganney

763pts

Rocket man memorial trophy-high point open horse gaining most points in EGB competitive rides under 66km. Winners of countess Francesca and Ravendale trophy excluded 1st

Star Hill Sapphire

Claire Mellor

1761pts

David White memorial trophy-advanced horse ridden by an adult gaining most points in EGB competitive rides 3rd

Simeric Sinnaman

Bridie Lydon-Towle

1047pts

2nd

LVA Troy

Sue Scarborough

1409pts

1st

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

1716pts

Wiltshire Joinery trophy- horse ridden by an adult gaining most points in all Lindum group rides 3rd

Wisespares Tempo

Helen Ganney

675pts

2nd

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

740pts

1st

LVA Troy

Sue Scarborough

1030pts

Willow Cup-horse gaining most points from all Lindum group rides and up to three rides in other areas, excludes winners of major trophies except breed awards 2nd

Simeric Cassini

Bridie Lydon- Towle

819pts

1st

Simeric Sinnaman

Bridie Lydon- Towle

847pts

Revcom trophy Sarah Hawken Hebditch

Lynne Hardwick memorial trophy- person selected by the group members for their special qualities and involvement in the Lindum group Sue Scarborough

Sweet Afton trophy-horse and rider combination gaining most points in EGB graded rides 50km and above

South Dene Equestrian trophy-horse gaining the most points in all EGB competitive classes, group champion and reserve

3rd

Star Hill Sapphire

Claire Mellor

1002pts

2nd

LVA Troy

Sue Scarborough

1220pts

Reserve Champion

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

1716 pts

1st

Bizout

Hannah Lydon

1576pts

Champion

Star Hill Sapphire

Claire Mellor

1761pts

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

39

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LEARNING, LAUGHING, LOVING THE TRAINING… ENDURANCE GB YOUNG RIDER TRAINING CAMP 23 – 25 FEB 18 Endurance GB is introducing many exciting initiatives in training and development for all ages of rider and horse. The season has already begun for the Young and Junior Riders with the first camp of the year at Hornshill Farm.

Words by The Young Riders

N

ine young riders, with ages ranging from 8 to 21 were warmly welcomed to the training weekend by Rosemary Attfield, Level 3 UKCC coach and Katie Bedwin, Chair of the Young Riders. Katie had worked tirelessly for weeks on the run up to the event, making sure that there was a varied, fun-packed, safe range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Not the easiest of tasks to do for the first time but she carried it off with aplomb and as though she’d been doing it for ever. The event was superbly organised and everyone absolutely loved it. The main comment the young people gave on their

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feedback forms was along the lines of ‘please can we make the weekend longer’! A sure sign that a good time was had by all.

Friday afternoon everyone arrived at the farm to settle their horses into their stables.

Unfortunately, Hannah and Bryony arrived later than planned, meaning that they were settling their horses in the dark! Eventually we all managed to get into the house and squeeze around the dining table to dig into dinner, which was pasta and garlic bread.

Following this we played a game of wink murder to help get to know one another and to communicate in a fun way. This game caused a lot of noise and confusion as certain

‘During this ride Suzie and Spot overcame their fear of riding next to a canal!

Whoop whoop!’

“

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(Formulated in accordance with the FEI Clean Sport initiative)

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people could not wink! After checking the horses, we all split and went to our accommodations, either at the house, in a lorry or for the faint hearted, the local Travelodge.

The following morning, the horses were checked and fed at 7am followed by breakfast in the house at 7:30 for the riders. The first ride of the day started at 9am, with a quick lesson/warm up to take the edge off the horses, before going on a hack. This was followed by the second group starting their lesson at 9:30. The first group included Suzie, Lara, Hannah and Anabelle, escorted

by Katie and James. Katie’s group headed off to ride along the canal and ended up riding around 20km with a fair amount of trotting and 4 steady canters and 1 canter led by Reggie.

During this ride Suzie and Spot overcame their fear of riding next to a canal!

Whoop whoop! The second group included Bryony, Katie and Alex escorted by Sam and Rosemary. To begin with, this group had a steady lesson to enable the organisers to work out their horses’ abilities. After this, the young riders in the second group left with their escorts on a slightly shorter loop.

The first group arrived back at the farm at 11:30 and cooled their horses down and

‘...it was soon discovered that they will not be becoming bowling stars anytime soon! Especially not Bryony!’ put their horses away with the second ridden group arriving back around 11:45. Archie and Lettie had their lesson after we had allsettled our horses, as they arrived quite a bit later than they planned. Lunch was then eaten at 1pm which included sandwiches and crisps. A physiotherapist came out for the afternoon to give us a talk and a demonstration of what she looks for when assessing different horses. She used three young rider horses (Spot, Ben and Teddy) giving her opinion of what she thought was good and what could be improved to help them carry themselves better. She also used a couple of Katie’s horses to demonstrate what to look for when assessing horses on the lunge. This led to her also giving us an idea of what to look for when watching a horse do a trot up, so we have a better chance at spotting if our horses are lame or not.

After getting changed and feeding the horses, we got to have dinner. We were all rather excited for dinner that night as it was chicken nuggets, fish fingers and chips!

Everyone was wanting seconds of both chicken nuggets and chips with Hannah having multiple cups of tea, just as she had

the whole weekend.

We left the farm at 6:30pm for bowling and after a few issues with the older riders' (Archie, Hannah, Bryony and Anabelle) lane not working, it was soon discovered that they will not be becoming bowling stars anytime soon! Especially not Bryony! The youngest riders (Suzie, Lara, Katie, Lettie and Alex) had their own lane and they just threw the bowling balls towards the pins and hoped for the best. Whatever works!

For Bryony’s 21st, her family made a surprise visit with the world’s most impressive homemade gluten free unicorn cake. It was obvious that the older riders were way too competitive, with them nearly breaking the barriers down the bowling alley, slipping over in despair and being loud and encouraging. Meanwhile, the younger riders had trouble with their lane malfunctioning but continued to stay in high spirits. After the bowling had finished, everyone departed to their separate accommodations, with the

aim of being back at the farm the next morning for just after 7am.

On Sunday morning, everybody started sorting their horses out at 7:30, including feeding, mucking out and watering. 45 minutes later than planned, we all headed up to the house to have breakfast. It was during breakfast that we were told the days plan and what groups we would be having our lessons in. The first lesson began at 9:15.

The youngest three were in a group together. They all rode first, having a lesson with Rosemary, starting with flatwork, trotting poles as well as riding without stirrups.

Lettie even got to get over her fear of jumping during this session and the lesson helped to improve her seat! This group learnt that the four natural aids are your legs, hands, weight and voice. They also learnt how to do a circle and a proper canter transition. This lesson was followed by talking to Rebecca K about goal setting. Each rider had to come up with a target to reach before the end of the season. Katie and Lettie’s target were to get to the endurance championships and Alex’s target was to get to the Pony Club Endurance championships. Katie then gave them a chat about stable management and

Opposite page, Young riders prove their ability at the Bowling Alley. Top right, Everybody had the opportunity to hack out.

Endurance Mar/Apr 2018

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young riders

endurance in general. This included looking at hoof boots, shoeing and how to look after a horse at the end of a ride.

The next group started off their day talking to Katie about their ride experiences and the importance of rider fitness. They also looked at shoeing and padding, talking about the types of shoes their ponies wear along with the importance of carrying spares. Their ridden lesson began at 10:15, working on the same areas as the previous group. Lara managed to lose her steering ability, nearly running Rosemary over! After putting the horses away, their final session was led by Rebecca, looking at goals. They did talk about the importance of rest to help build and repair the muscle tissues. Suzie’s goal was to go to the EGB novice championships and the Pony Club intermediate championships. Lara’s goal was the same as Suzie’s, competing as a pair. Annabelle’s goals included competing in another country and to get her pony, Theo, to load.

The third and final group was comprised of the three oldest members. They started off talking to Rebecca, talking about their aims and looking at micro goals. Each of us had such different levels of goals which was interesting to look at and talk about as we got to work out what the micro goals would be. For instance, a long-term goal was to get a horse to the young rider’s European championships. A micro goal of this would include building up the horse’s top line. During

Lessons were taken in the outdoor arena, with Rosemary Attfield

Katie’s session, we were talking about traveling horses abroad, the home team that is needed to keep a high-level horse healthy and fit. This was followed with the lesson with Rosemary, following the same pattern as the following groups. We were warned by Rosemary not to run her over, after a close call from the previous group. Both Reggie and Ben enjoyed the little jumping session with Echo being a little reluctant. After the

KEY DATES Annual General Meeting Daventry Court Hotel 24th November Daventry, NN11 0SG, 12:15pm (unless otherwise advised) Receipt of Members’ Proposals for AGM In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office by 5pm on Friday 28th September Nominations for the Board of Directors In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office by 5pm on Friday 28th September

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Nominations for Unsung Hero, John Yeats Bursary & Young Volunteer of the year awards 26th October Receipt of FEI & Major Ride Proposals 30th August Receipt of National Ride Proposal Forms 12th October Claims for Distance Awards 19th October Board of Directors Meetings 5th May 21st July

13th October 24th /25th November Groups Meeting 20th October Ride Fixtures meeting 21st October

horses were sorted and comfortable, we went inside to have lunch.

The next training weekend is due to take place at the Cheshire Frolic Ride on the 12th and 13th May. Keep an eye out so as not to miss your chance to secure your spot! And Seniors, don’t panic – you’ll have your chance too!

There are three training dates in the pipeline, details of which will be announced very soon.

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