Egb march april 2013

Endurance

Volume 11 Issue 2 March/April 2013

Racehorse to Riding Horse Awards New Kids on The Block Endurance progeny starting out

Getting Started in Endurance OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

Contents

10 Views from the Chair News BETA Letters Event Reports Ride Previews SERC Supplements Young Horses Starting Endurance

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20 5 6 8 9 10 12 18 20 22 24

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Abi Tennant Novice Champion 2012 TORQ Back Vika Engel Young Riders Coaching Summer Clothing Group News Management Product Updates

32 26 28 30 31 32 34 35 36 40 42

Val Bradshaw with Magic Powers, runners up in the RoR Endurance Awards, competing at Red Dragon Photo courtesy of David Saunders

Editor’s Comment It’s great to see the competition season get off to such a good start…Winter is definitely on the run now! With a little luck we can all start to plan the season, get out in the countryside and make the most of the fabulous riding country that we enjoy in the UK. With that in mind, and after speaking with many riders over the past few months, it has become apparent that there are many people taking up the sport of endurance who would welcome a little bit more information about how to tackle their first ride, move up the distances, optimize their vet gate procedures…the list is almost endless. So, in this issue, we have articles from several contributors who share their experience in order to help those who have less experience. Novice Champion, Fiona Griffiths has written about how she prepared and competed her horse in it’s first season; Abi Tennant outlines her horse’s first ER season; UKCC Level 2 Coach Rachael Claridge offers some guidance on getting ready for the challenges ahead in a competitive season, and Torq explain why correct nutrition and hydration are essential for a rider to achieve optimum performance. I do hope that all readers find this information helpful and useful, and do please get in touch if there are specific areas that you would like to see addressed in the magazine.

As we move into Spring, the Group BAM’s are finishing up. We have some lovely articles and photographs from the meetings that have

Endurance March/April 2013

been held around the country, as well as some great previews of events that are going to be held both nationally and regionally…there certainly should be something for everyone.

On that note, are you a member of an affiliated Riding Club? Are you interested in being part of the Riding Clubs endurance Challenge?

The final will be held at Red Dragon in the Autumn, but qualifiers are being put on around the country, to find the most successful teams to take up the challenge for 2013.

Give it some thought, then get some of your Riding Club friends involved….give them the chance to ride in those fabulous areas that they might otherwise never see. It would be great to see new members being brought in by this challenge, and great to promote Endurance and Riding Clubs in this way….go on, give it a try!

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed articles etc. for this issue of the magazine; you have been fantastic at sending in articles and updates, news and views…it is much appreciated, please keep them coming!

See you on the trail!

Cindy 3

HEATH STUD

Shamley Green, Surrey •

Breeders of Anglo-Arab and Arabian horses excelling in all disciplines.

•

At Stud Multi-Champion Anglo Stallion SARFRAZ

•

Various stock FOR SALE please see our website

01483 276413 / 07866 058186 heathstuduk@yahoo.co.uk www.heathstuduk.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE IN THE

May/June 2013 ISSUE OF

ENDURANCE

Call Tricia on 01536 747333 or email tricia.mcdougall@mainlinemedia.co.uk.

Views from the Chair Dear members,

Credits Office administration Chris Scott Endurance GB Office, National Agriculture Centre, Stoneleigh Park Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2RP Tel: 02476 697929 Fax: 02476 418429

Editor Cindy Russell Green Farm Stables Albyns Lane, Romford Essex RM4 1RX Tel: 01708 688075 Email: cindy@ cynburstud.fsnet.co.uk

Publisher Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering Northants NN16 9QJ Tel: 01536 527297 Fax: 01536 527294 Email: info@matrixprint.com

Design Danyella James

Advertising Mainline Media Ltd The Barn, Oakley Hay Lodge Business Park, Great Folds Road, Great Oakley, Northamptonshire, NN18 9AS Tel: 01536 747333 Email: tricia.mcdougall@ mainlinemedia.co.uk

And what a view I am lucky enough to have (when the day is clear) – right across the Vale of Kerry in Montgomeryshire into the distant Shropshire Hills.

The long awaited start of the national ride season is underway at last, with a month of rides already past but with so much more to look forward to. I hope you’ve all got lots planned - if one dare plan with horses that is! Our fantastic ride organisers will have spent many hours preparing for ride day so please support them in any way you can, by entering the ride or helping out on the day.

Our whole ride programme is utterly dependent on our generous volunteers and we can’t thank them enough.

The Board is working hard to update the strategic business plan, which defines our vision, mission and objectives and the values that underpin all that we do. By the end of this year we aim to get all this into a short, focussed document that we can share with you all. The Working Party, drawn from the membership, is concentrating its energies on the operational aspects of what we offer. After the initial meeting in early January, small groups have been researching many areas of activity; membership and horse registration fees; competition structure; how best to help new members; the role of pleasure rides; a revamp of the website; how to increase and look after the army of helpers we need to run the rides; the ever growing importance of PR and how we present ourselves to the outside world as well as how we govern ourselves –there is much on-going work that will take time – but everybody involved in this is keen, committed and determined to provide the members with the sport they wish to be part of and, most importantly, stay with.

Some exciting news to finish with - on Friday 10th May a 2* 120km Endurance Ride will take place at the Windsor Horse Show – the first time this prestigious event has included an endurance event alongside the other disciplines competing there – what a fantastic place and occasion to show case our sport.

Good luck and much success to everyone this season. .

Karen Collier

EGB Key Dates for 2013 Magazine Copy Dates May/June issue. Final copy to Editor 20th April. Please contact the Editor if you have any queries about dates/ submissions etc AGM (Kegworth) 23rd November Members’ Proposals 20th September Nominations for Board 20th September

Groups Meeting 26th October

Contact Details KAREN COLLIER: CHAIRMAN Cefn Y Mynach Barn, Kerry, Newtown, Powys SY16 4PL Tel: 01686 671016 Mobile: 07717 607992 EMAIL: karencollier@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JOHN HUDSON: VICE CHAIRMAN Springdale, Cove, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7RT Tel: 01398 332089 Mobile: 07779 797170 EMAIL: johnhudson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014

CHARLOTTE SAUNDERS: FINANCE DIRECTOR 29 Little John Drive, Rainworth, Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JL Tel: 01623 405938 Mobile: 07811 466223 EMAIL: charlottesaunders@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JENI GILBERT: COMPANY SECRETARY Saville House, Saville Road, Skelmanthorpe, West Yorkshire HD8 9EG Tel: 01484 863506 Mobile: 07845 975612 EMAIL: jenigilbert@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

SUE BROUGHTON Woodlands, 33 Kirkby Road, Ravenshead, Notts. NG15 9HD Tel: 01623 408137 Fax: 01623 408138 Mobile: 07870 171641 EMAIL: suebroughton@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2013

ANDREW CHISHOLM Higher Watervale Farm, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon EX20 4AL Tel: 01822 820505 Mobile: 077670 868404 EMAIL: andrewchisholm@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2015

JO CLARIDGE Brightonwater Farm, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4DL Tel: 01208 821328 Mobile: 07917 161599 EMAIL: joclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2014

PETER CLARIDGE Brightonwater Farm, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4DL Tel: 01208 821328 Mobile: 07917 161599 EMAIL: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2015

ANN DARK Devizes, Wiltshire Tel: 01380 818223 EMAIL: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2013 KEVIN HAWES Nightingale Farm, Parrock Lane, Hartfield, E. Sussex TN7 4AT Tel: 01342 825827 Mobile: 07704 535 424 EMAIL: kevinhawes@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JULIE MARTIN 19, Paris Road, Scholes, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire HD9 1UA Tel: 01484 681423 Mobile: 07857 445001 EMAIL: juliemartin@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014

EMMA MILLER Tel: 01749 812210 Mobile: 07779 255801 EMAIL: emmamiller@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JOHN ROBERTSON

Ride Fixtures Meeting 27th October

Tel: 01293 517 495 Mobile: 07801 686959 Email: johnrobertson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

Board Meetings 12th and 13th January, 2nd March, 18th May, 6th July, 21st September, 23rd and 24th November

FIONA VIDELA

Volunteer Conferences 3rd February (South), 10th February (North)

Old Barn, Easton, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 5DL Tel: 01228 576826 EMAIL: christinefarrow@endurancegb.co.uk

Wheelhouse Cottage, Main St, Normanton, Notts, NG13 0EP Tel: 01949 843 349 Mobile: 07841 143032 EMAIL: fionavidela@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

CHRIS FARROW: SERC REPRESENTATIVE

Please do not call between 9pm and 9am

Disclaimer: The views and opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the editor, Matrix Print Consultants Ltd or Endurance GB. Endurance magazine is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without the permission of Endurance GB and/or Matrix Print Consultants Ltd.

Endurance March/April 2013

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NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS. LEADING endurance rider, Linda Cowperthwaite has secured support from TopSpec for her team of horses.

Based in Lancashire, Linda rides and trains three horses owned by her aunt Evelyn Helme, and was in great form throughout 2012 with her top ride, the Anglo Arab, Maraday Mystaron, taking the top position in the FEI World Rankings.

Linda has been competing in endurance for more than 20 years and last competed at top-level in the late 1990s.

With Maraday Mystaron, an 11-year-old chestnut gelding, Linda is aiming at the 2013 Open European Championships in the Czech Republic and then the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Said Linda: “It is a real boost to have support from TopSpec and to know I have access to the experienced team of nutritionists.

Photo: courtesy of West End Photography

TopSpec Support Endurance Rider

Linda Cowperthwaite and Maraday Mystaron in action.

Feeding plays such an important part when it comes to overall health, well being and the stamina required for endurance horses.

aspect because so many people are involved in the success. “The horses look fantastic on TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer, TopSpec Performance Cubes and TopChop Alfalfa.

I am very much looking forward to the 2013 season as we are part of the World Class Elite Squad which is very exciting.

“Endurance horses need slow release energy and I am sure the TopSpec feeding regime helps Maraday Mystaron to compete at his best.”

I really enjoy the endurance riding, both training and competing, and the whole team

New Endurance Ride for Jeni Gilbert

Said Jeni, who is sponsored by HorseHage: “I bought Alfie as he has good conformation, moves straight and has a good nature when handling. I think it’s not so much the breed as the shape I was looking for...but Connemaras tend to be that build and so my choice was made!”

Jeni is hoping to start a novice season with six-year-old Alfie in March this year which will consist of ten rides throughout the

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season at a maximum distance of 40km, travelling at around 10 - 12kph, but it will all depend on how he takes to endurance. It could take three years of competition to find out if endurance is his sport. Said Jeni: “He was a little thin when he arrived and so on the advice of my sponsor, HorseHage, I am trying him on Mollichaff Condition which is an all-in-one, complete high fibre feed and helps to encourage weight gain and maintain condition. I was a little concerned that it Photo courtesy of Kerry Dawson

Huddersfield-based endurance rider, Jeni Gilbert – a former Senior and Supreme Champion (2011) – has bought a new pony to compete with alongside her well-known veteran, Flurrie, who is now 18-years-old.

Like Flurrie, with whom Jeni has had much success, the new ride is a Connemara from Ireland and his registered name is Ballydoolagh Alfie. The Connemara breed is known for its athleticism, versatility and good disposition but is not a typical breed generally seen competing at endurance – a sport that tends to be dominated by Arab horses. However, Jeni’s great results with Flurrie have proved that other types can be successful too.

Jeni with Alfie

might make him a bit flighty for this time of year as we have limited turnout but he loves eating it and he is fairly well behaved despite everything around him being new and exciting.”

“Flurrie is now back in work after his break and we are hoping to continue to compete this year at medium distances but we will see how the plan goes and adjust as required, but fingers crossed, we are hoping for a busy year!”

Mollichaff Condition is a highly digestible, high fibre, high oil and low starch blend which can be fed as a complete concentrate feed alongside good quality forage. It contains a balanced blend of alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint, as well as Yeasacc® and a prebiotic for a healthy digestive system and a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement.

For further information on feeding your horse, pony or donkey, call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www. horsehage.co.uk

Official members publication for Endurance GB

...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS

Photo: courtesy of David Saunders

Calling all Members of a Riding Club!!!

Endurance GB is offering, for the fourth year, a Team Endurance Event to affiliated Riding Clubs on a national scale, including in Scotland with the kind cooperation of Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC).

This year's event is once again being sponsored by KBIS who will be donating prize money totalling £600.

Cambridge Royals, winners of the 2012 final at Red Dragon

will be offered a place in the final which is to be held at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance on Sunday 6th October 2013. Stabling, camping and corralling facilities will be available at the venue on the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.

Riding Clubs are invited to enter endurance teams of three to six combinations into any number of EGB or SERC qualifying rides of 30 to 35km. Riders do not have to be members of EGB or SERC in order to compete, but they must be members of their affiliated Riding Club. Each combination in a team must be declared to the national organisers before they enter any qualifiers.

Riding Club teams can enter the qualifiers and the final at membership rates, with a discount for five or more combinations.

The top 20 teams throughout the country

So, if you are a member of a Riding Club as well as Endurance GB, why not work with your Club to form a team to compete in this event. A team can have any number of EGB members (but of course they must also be a member of the Riding Club), but it goes without saying that the main objective is to provide a way in which non-members can "have a go" at endurance in a supportive team environment.

See website www.rcteamevent. endurancegb.co.uk for further details or call the national organisers, Jane and John Hudson, on 01398 332089.

Don’t miss the National Equine Health Survey

directly from horse owners themselves.

Everyone who takes part will have the chance to win some amazing prizes including Olympia tickets or SPILLERS feed vouchers.

When: 5 – 11 May 2013 Where: Online at www.bluecross.org.uk/ NEHS Why: To help safeguard the future health and welfare of the UK’s horses and ponies The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is run by Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association.

Introduced in 2010 and now an annual fixture, it is a quick and easy online snapshot survey that is helping to discover more about common health issues in horses,

Endurance March/April 2013

The NEHS data collected has revealed crucial information about common diseases such as skin problems, lameness, weight issues and colic. The results are shared across the sector to help establish benchmarks for equine health and disease in the UK and define priorities for future research, training and education. For example the high incidence (15.2%) of skin disease recorded to date suggests a need to raise awareness of skin disease management and prevention amongst the veterinary industry and owners.

Endurance GB Try Before You Buy Scheme Continues For 2013 Try Before You Buy from Endurance GB will continue for the 2013 endurance season.

Try Before You Buy is aimed at people wishing to experience competitive Endurance riding, and offers free registration for horse and rider to enable them to compete in two competitive novice rides up to 40km before becoming a full member of EGB. The list of rides to choose from is extensive, with 23 regional EGB groups and a busy EGB calendar offering over 100 rides, from February to October, covering all levels.

Non-members of EGB are welcome at all non-competitive rides, but Try Before You Buy provides a great opportunity to try this challenging sport in a competitive ride. Participating riders will pay just the competitive ride entry fee for the ride which is £37. The registration fees for horses and riders, which are usually £97, will be free to allow participation in two rides under the scheme. Rosettes will be awarded for completion, but there will be no eligibility for trophy points or progression towards novice qualifications.

Riders may only participate in the scheme for one season, anyone who took part in 2012 will not be eligible to do so again in 2013.

Gemma Taylor, Blue Cross education officer said: “We are urging every horse owner to spare just five minutes every year to complete the survey so we can continue to build valuable knowledge to help improve the future health of our nation’s horses.”

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register for NEHS. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a competition to win some fabulous prizes, including tickets for a family of four to Olympia, three lots of SPILLERS feed vouchers worth £100 each, a Northants jump, an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Equine Referral Hospital at the Royal Veterinary College, London and six pairs of Ariat Mudbuster boots.

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BETA International

BETA International Rewards Innovaton There was a keen sense of competition surrounding the ETN Innovation Awards as entries from across eight categories battled it out for a trophy in these highly prized industry accolades.

The panel of judges, made up of course designer Ian Stark, event rider Nicola Wilson, veterinary surgeon Tom Beech, Jackie Potts, groom for William Fox-Pitt and former Groom of the Year, and Paralympics gold medalwinning rider Natasha Baker, had the difficult task of selecting those worthy of an award.

“Our judges did a tremendous job, as usual,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas.

“The Innovation Awards celebrate the finest traditions of design, invention and originality, and this year we were pleased to include a Country Fashion category for the first time.”

The Innovation Awards took place during the BETA International trade fair, held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 17 to 17 February.

Endurance has picked out the winners that we feel will be of most interest to our readers:

HORSECARE PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT Winner Company: Grabbit Product: Grabbit The Grabbit is the only product on the market designed for moving rubber matting. Designed as a simple solution to a job that everyone hates, the Grabbit tool effectively grabs rubber matting and is great for use in stables and horseboxes.

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Judges’ comments: “The Grabbit is easy to use and very effective. It would be a great piece of kit for any yard with rubber matting.”

Highly commended Company: Equine Fusion AS Product: Performance The first real ‘jogging’ shoe for equines, Performance is flexible, light and durable, protecting hooves from shock, wear and unnatural pressure. It is designed to protect and support while respecting anatomy and biomechanics.

Judges’ comments: “The Performance shoe is very easy to fit and the upper and under-sole is flexible, working in harmony with the hoof and not impeding movement or functionality.

We felt this hoof shoe would be particularly useful for therapy and rehabilitation.”

preventing desensitization of the mouth.

The upper side of the mouthpiece features a rounder shape and provides a smoother impact on the horse’s mouth. The bottom side has an angular shape giving a stronger action on the horse’s mouth. By simply changing the sides, both effects can be alternated.

Judges’ comments: “We would all use this bit as it is well made and the sweet copper link will encourage saliva production for better acceptance of the bit. Advanced and professional riders should find this very useful and versatile.”

PET PRODUCTS

This useful ‘multi-purpose’ boot combines high protection, with lightness, flexibility and breathability. It is ideal for use across the disciplines, from leisure rider to competitor.

The innovative design is supported by scientific research and testing carried out in independent laboratories. Flexi Strike Guard protects the most vulnerable areas of the leg, whilst the Ventilated Cushion Lining helps to keep the legs cool.

Winner Company: Microfibre Store Ltd Product: Doggy Bag With the super absorbent Doggy Bag, owners can keep their pet, home and car spotless after walks. It effectively absorbs water, slobber, sand and mud. Ideal when kept in the car, simply zip dogs inside after a walk and they will be dry in no time.

Judges’ comments: “This novel idea offers a practical and simple solution for wet and muddy dogs. The Doggy Bag is made from premium Microfibre material, making it more effective than standard towels and the mess is contained inside the bag.”

Highly commended Company: Equilogical Ltd Product: Spill and Accident Kit SAK The Spill and Accident Kit SAK contains Sprinkle absorbency powder, Germ Kill bactericidal spray and Mess Away; an organic waste digester. All contained in a handy kit bag, the products enable quick and efficient removal of faeces and urine, eliminating the need for disposable gloves and paper towels. The unpleasant mess is turned in to a rose-scented gel which is then swept or scraped up.

Judges’ comments: “The kit would be very handy for use when toilet training puppies and kittens, also great for elderly incontinent pets.”

SADDLERY & TACK Winner Company: Stubben Riding Equipment UK & Ireland Ltd Product: 2 in 1 Full Cheek Snaffle 2273 The 2-in-1 Full Cheek Snaffle features an innovative mouthpiece, which increases attention and concentration, as well as

Highly commended Company: Equilibrium Products Product: Tri-Zone Airlite Allsports Boots

Judges’ comments: “The boots are tough and well-designed offering a suitable level of protection and a flexible lining moulds nicely around the leg for a comfortable fit. They look very smart and are perfect for any activity requiring leg protection and support.”

SAFETY & SECURITY Highly commended Company: L S Sales (Farnam) Ltd Product: Intelligent Ice The Intelligent Ice system stays cold for four hours and reduces inflammation without freezing tissue or causing ice burns thanks to the revolutionary liquid inside. It can be secured on any area, so is suitable for a variety of injuries requiring cold therapy.

Judges’ comments: “Intelligent Ice is very adaptable and robust, a must have product for any horse owner. It is a safe and effective way of applying dry cold therapy without the risk of ice burns or freezing tissue, ideal for inflammation or walking a horse off after cross country.”

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Letters Photo: courtesy of Kerry Dawson

Over the years I have written about the progress of my elderly horse, Ben. Last year was our 23rd year of participating together with long-distance riding societies.

We began with competitive classes in our bridleways group, then with E.H.P.S. and Ben at his 30th B.H.S. We’ve done Birthday ride in lots and won lots of 2012 awards among all the miles and memories.

At the North and East Yorkshire Group’s A.G.M. for 2012, Ben was again first in the Jenny Pleasure Rides Trophy for over fifteen hands. I was also given a rosette to mark our lifetime distance of 10,000 km and a horse worming count kit.

Ten thousand kilometres seems an appropriate place for us to end our EnduranceGB riding, but I will continue to help at events. Thank you to all our friends who have supported us throughout the years and for the good company of numerous riding companions on hundreds of trails between Derbyshire and Scotland. Thank you also of course to those ride organisers and their helpers for providing such good days out.

It’s been a privilege to have taken Ben from being a youngster of four to a very mature thirty-one-year-old. He’s fit enough and well so hopefully his real retirement is still some way ahead. I’ll continue to keep him active - use it or lose it! He’s been an outstanding horse of exceptional ability, health and temperament who has proved to be one of the very best consistent and enduring endurance horses. I was so lucky to get him in reply to my ad just for a palomino coloured hack.

Letters

I hope this update has encouraged other riders with ageing equine pals.

Sue Frusher

EnduranceGB life member no. 33

Endurance March/April 2013

I am excited to share with you information about a worming company and I heard about it word of mouth from someone else..... Now I know it doesn't sound interesting but these guys are not only good, they have a generosity that is so rare these day as most companies just head to profit and it seems that quality customer service is something of the past.....

So we have Westgate Labs who do just this. There is no joining or management fee like some companies and not only that, they are totally independent, which means they can suggest wormers, rather than be bought by drug companies. (Not that I am suggesting for one moment......) The staff you speak to on the phone are all SQP (suitably qualified person) which means they could sell wormers but they have chosen not to do this to concentrate on worming to help us horse owners do the best for our ponies. The company seems to have a generous nature in that after my first set of worm counts (1-4 samples £9.50) I now have a bunch of money off vouchers for later in the year (and they didn't know I am writing this.....) and information is overflowing on their Facebook page and that’s free. This company that has been going 14 years deserves to do well and I do recommend them......

And if you didn't think worming could be fun www.westgatelabs.co.uk or 01670791994

Ride Happy

Sally Toye 9

Event Reports

The SEIB/ROR Ex Racehorse Elite Performance Awards for Endurance 2012 was to compete over further distances at the higher levels.

Photo: Trevor Meeks

We have had a brilliant season and completed 6 rides with Grade 1 results which also resulted in us taking 12th place in the overall Endurance GB Senior Championship. Next year I hope to progress even further with Thea”, said a delighted Victoria. “For a horse that was purchased to sell on, she is no longer for sale. No amount of money will part us – she has given me such a sense of achievement and it is an honour to own her. A few months ago, my father in law who is 69 took Thea hunting – he hadn’t ridden for 15 years before this”.

Photo: Trevor Meeks

The Ballroom at the Grange City Hotel, London, was packed for the glittering British Horse Foundation Breeders dinner and Awards Ceremony held on Saturday the 14th January. The evening incorporated the South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) and the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Elite Performance Awards for ex-racehorses.

This year these valuable awards have a total prize fund of £17,000 donated by RoR. Leading equine insurance brokers, SEIB, instigated the awards over 10 years ago.

The awards provide a focus for exracehorses competing in the disciplines of Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance and Showing and have

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encouraged more riders to recognize the talents and versatility of the thoroughbred and their potential for success in another sphere. The winner of each award was presented with a cheque for £2,500 and the runner up in each section received £500.

Cornish rider, Victoria Ham travelled to London to collect the SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Award for Endurance won with her mare Thea’s Lass. The mare was in training with Milton Bradley and ran on the flat several times without success and then was used as a broodmare for several years. Victoria bought her in 2009 to bring on and sell. “I cursed myself for several weeks after I purchased Thea as she would drag me across the field if I led her in a headcollar and spent the first six weeks lame with an abscess and bruised soles”, said Victoria. Thea turned out to be tricky to retrain and Victoria had to be patient with her but the pair started competing together in endurance in 2010 and achieved some grade 1 results.

In 2011 they continued to progress and also participated in some cross country and show jumping competitions. “Our aim for

Runners up in the SEIB and RoR Elite Performance Award for Endurance were Val Bradshaw and her own, Magic Powers.

Magic Powers was trained by G B Balding, for whom Val used to work, he ran several times on the flat without distinction. Val has ridden Magic Powers since he was a yearling in training. “At the age of three Magic powers suffered a broken pelvis and this had a dramatic effect on his future career. He came back into training as a four year old at the height of 15.2hh and had a try at hurdling. After several attempts it was apparent this was not his game and he was entered into the Ascot sale catalogue. I offered to buy him prior to the sales and his owners agreed. I put him in a field for a year and he grew to 16.2hh”, said Val. The pair started competing in endurance riding in 1995 and in his first three outings as a novice he managed to claim three grade 1 results. After a gap of several years Val went back to endurance in 2012.

Now aged 18, Magic Powers’ earned 1,363 trophy points for the season and the competitive distance covered by him is 772 km to date. Val went on, “Magic Powers was very easy to retrain, once away from the high stresses of a racing environment he settled down and has been a joy.”

Equine Insurance brokers, South Essex Insurance Brokers who provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Event Reports

more, instigated the former Racehorse to Riding Horse Performance Awards in order to support the retraining of the thousands of racehorses who come out of training each year. “The Performance Awards also provide a platform to show how a correctly re-schooled ex-racehorse can be successful in a new career and continue to have a bright future, competing successfully in many different disciplines.

This year’s competition has proved yet again the versatility and resilience of the thoroughbred”, says Nicolina Mackenzie, Marketing Manager of SEIB. RoR is British horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. It raises funds from within racing to provide facilities for the care, retraining and re-homing of former racehorses, and to

promote awareness of the suitability of the retrained racehorse for other equine careers.

Di Arbuthnot, RoR Director of Operations, said “This series provides a focus for exracehorses competing in the disciplines of Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance and Showing, and I hope it will encourage more riders to recognize the talents and versatility of the thoroughbred and their potential for success in another sphere.”

To find out more about the ROR and SEIB Elite Performance Awards visit www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk. Or www.ror.org.uk To be eligible, horses must have run in the UK and be registered with ROR, details of the 2013 competition will be available soon.

Amber in India

Photo courtesy Barbara Millier

Young Rider Amber Sole took part in an Indian International Endurance Ride between each loop. Amber explained, “When setting off I felt slightly nervous and apprehensive as I was riding a different horse to one of my own that I am used to.

The terrain was flatter than I expected and very dusty. The route was well marked out and was set out with flags and many check points which was reassuring”.

The winning team collect their medals

Bishop Burton College student, Amber Sole, 17, from Hessle, East Yorkshire, took part in a 60km endurance ride in Dilbrugarh, Assam, India on the 2nd February, riding a borrowed horse from the local area.

The invitation to ride in the International Endurance Championship at Dibrugharh came in November from the Equestrian Federation of Assam and Amber was eligible to take part in the ride through her membership of Endurance GB. Amber, an experienced endurance rider, was given a local horse on loan for the ride in Assam, a thoroughbred called Aurum.

The ride was set into three 20km loops around a tea plantation with a vetting

Endurance March/April 2013

Amber and Aurum passed the vetting between the first and second loops well.

Amber went on to say, “After my vetting I had a 30 minute compulsory hold before I could set off again. The second loop went well and I made up time with my speed increasing from 15km per hour average on the first loop to to 16.5km per hour on the second one”.

All was going well for Amber and Aurum, they passed the second vet gate but they incurred problems on the final loop just 2km from the end of the ride. Amber said, “I wondered if Aurum had become lame on his left fore so I slowed down as I didn’t want to hurt him.

As I came over the finish line, I got off and he seemed a bit sore. The vets confirmed this and Aurum failed the final vetting, so we were eliminated which was a shame”.

SEIB & ROR ELITE PERFORMANCE ENDURANCE AWARDS 1st THEA’S LASS (IRE) 1999 Bay Mare s: Barathea (IRE) d: Castlerahan (IRE) Trained by Milton Bradley Owned and ridden by Victoria Ham from Callington, Cornwall 2nd MAGIC POWERS 1995 Chestnut Gelding s: Magical Wonder (USA) d: Kissin’ Cousin Trained by G B Balding Owned by Mr SP Nelson and ridden by Valerie Bradshaw from Sherborne, Dorset

All was not lost for Amber though, as well as competing individually on the ride there was a team event too whereby each competitor was drawn into a team with other riders.

The winners of the team event were decided by adding up the fastest times from the members of each team, Amber was teamed up with riders from Switzerland and South Africa who completed in very fast times and so despite the fact that Amber failed to complete the ride, her team took first prize.

“I really enjoyed the ride as it was something different. My favourite part had to be meeting all the people from the other countries and working as part of a team.

Everyone was very approachable and welcoming - I’ve made many new friends.

If given the chance I would love to do it again as it was a really good experience also allowed me to see another part of the world at the same time as I have never really travelled before”. Amber is aiming for a place on the British under 21’s, Young Rider team in 2014.

Riders under the age of 21 who are members of Endurance GB and who have completed a minimum of two rides of 120k at National level are eligible for the Endurance GB Young Rider Squad and may be selected for further training and to compete as a member of the British Young Rider Endurance Team.

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Ride Previews

Mid-Summer Specials in the South West

by Jane Holden

If you are planning a trip to the South West this year, or even if you’re not, come in June.

We have two very different rides planned for that month. We can’t exactly guarantee that it will be dry but our rain is definitely warmer than that in the rest of the country!

Minions Moorland Ride will be on Sunday 2nd June, after lambing, which takes place during April and May, and before the main holiday season when the car parks are bulging with tourists.

Photo: courtesy of Total Leigh Photography

Sue Speed and I reckon we have got the route just right, after numerous changes over the years. There is no roadwork at all, just a few crossings, and the riders follow the flattest and nicest turf over the Moor to CP1 at Gold Diggings (not worth dismounting here, it’s just an old granite quarry!). The route then crosses farmland to reach the forestry that separates Minions

moor from East Moor. This part of Bodmin moor is softer and peatier but we have the help of local rider, Kay Palmer, in finding the driest and fastest loop around.

Classes range from the 80km CER to a 20km PR, with all the usual classes in between. The Minions Challenge is the 50k route, and every combination successfully completing this will be presented with a special prize to keep. The venue at Trewalla Farm has plenty of parking, space for camping and corralling, pubs and lots of places to stay locally. Only 20 mins off the A30, it’s well worth the drive down the M5.

The Boconnoc Ride on Saturday and Sunday, 29th/30th June is set in a very private Cornish estate and Forestry Commission woodland with virtually no roadwork. Near Lostwithiel, the delightful Queen Anne house is surrounded by parkland and overlooks the lake. Thanks to the generosity of the Fortescue family and their tenants, one loop follows woods, tracks and fields – including Paradise, a hundred acre field adjoining the deer park, while another has long stretches of Forestry Commission tracks above the West Looe river. Boconnoc was one of the few rides that was unaffected by the wet weather

A festival of fun and endurance riding, a weekend not to be missed.

Once again the National Championship is to be held in the glorious Kings Forest. It is an event for everyone, whether it be the first graded ride for a young horse or an inexperienced rider, through every distance and level up to the National Championship of 160km.

The National Championships the Kings Forest

by Dianne Luke

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The programme has been carefully designed to accommodate all possible combinations and distances, so whether it is a relaxing weekend away or setting your sights on being the National Champion this is the MUST ride. It is with great pleasure that this year this event will also welcome the InterRegional Championships, a weekend which you definitely cannot afford to miss.

The Kings Forest is unique and offers

last summer. Despite the soggy tracks and puddles, Nicky Sherry on Silver Zourra flew round to win the 80km CER at over 18kph. This is only the second time that the Boconnoc Ride has been run over two days and features the first ever FEI rides in South West Group territory “It’s an ideal opportunity, not to be missed, for those competitors with aspirations to gain international qualifications,” said Ride Organiser Jo Claridge. “No FEI passport is required for a 1* but riders and their horses must be FEI registered with the Endurance GB office. Ring Chris Scott for details.”

Vetting for the 80km classes, both FEI and CER, will take place on the Saturday morning. There is plenty of space for corralling and camping, which is available from 28th June to 1st July. Local stables and accommodation are available within a short distance of the venue.

This is always a very popular event, not least because the estate is totally private with no public rights of way and the Endurance GB ride is the only opportunity that anyone has to enjoy riding around it. The venue is only 11/2 hours from Exeter on the A38, which is dual carriageway almost all the way from the M5, and only 10 minutes from the junction with the A390 at Dobwalls.

So head for Cornwall this summer – you won’t want to miss these two stunning rides!

exceptional going. No matter what the weather conditions, excellent riding will be found on the soft springy turf throughout the forest. With no road work and no gates this has to be one of the best rides which the country can offer. Crewing is predominantly off one B Road making life simple for the long suffering support, who willingly (sometimes perhaps unwillingly!) give their services.

The venue at Wideham Farm Equestrian Centre houses both secure stabling for the 3* horses with additional stabling for others who may require it. There are a number of individual permanent paddocks and plenty of room for those who bring their own corrals. Camping is available in an adjacent field and there are showers on site. Jacks Snacks will be offering their high quality food from Friday lunchtime through to Sunday evening, with a pre-ordered chicken supper

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Ride Preview

on Saturday night. A licenced bar will be open from Saturday lunchtime, throughout the evening, enabling us all to celebrate the National Champion.

Sponsorship, as always, is very generous and will be distributed throughout the classes. Feed Mark have already pledged to give all competitors a goodie bag with various samples of their products as well as adopting sponsorship of three of the main classes. Torq are offering their support and many more feed and supplement companies along with other equine businesses will also adopt a specific class.

With plenty to see in the nearby location

why not take a few extra days away? Visit Newmarket gallops and watch the horses in training on the heath, incorporate a tour of The National Stud and a trip to the racing museum. Or spend the day in the medieval market town of Bury St. Edmunds, winner for many years as Britain’s floral town, enjoying the tea shops and cafes and stroll around the famous Abbey gardens.

Alternatively directly opposite the venue, on its original site, is a reconstructed Anglo Saxon settlement, along with wildlife lakes.

All classes are advertised in the EGB handbook, please read them carefully as there will be a class just for you. Apart from the supreme National Champion there is

also the Young Rider, the Young Horse and the Veteran Horse National Champion. FEI classes are 1, 2, and 3* and with 102km Elevator there are plenty of classes for those doing the higher distances. There are four two day classes and the full range of GER from 80km to 32km, plus pleasure classes on Sunday as well as the family class. With the added excitement of the Inter-Regionals this really must be a date for the diary.

Useful links and information can be found on The Kings Forest website, www.kingsforest. co.uk A warm and heartfelt welcome awaits you all

Photo: courtesy of RADFOTO

Berkshire Downs is back – 23rd June 2013

I would like to encourage you to support the Berkshire Downs Ride, reinstated for 2013, and running as a one day ride this year (better than nothing, I hope you will agree).

Held at the fantastic Alden Equestrian Centre, situated adjacent to the Ridgeway in an ancient landscape almost untouched by the 21st century, this ride arguably offers

Endurance March/April 2013

Katie Bedwin riding Burfield Red Dragon at Berkshire Downs in 2011.

some of the finest riding country in the UK. With easy access from both the M4 and M40, and only an hour’s drive from London, the route uses the ancient Ridgeway path and its surrounding beautiful rolling chalk downs as well as grassy tracks and stretches of delightful woodland.

Offering GER classes from 34km to 82km

(PF), together with PR classes of 34km and 20km, there is something here for everyone, so please do support this ride; maybe it will become a two day event again in 2014.

If you are unable to enter, why not offer to help? A warm welcome will certainly await you! See you there!

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EW

N

Deng e devotion

Our experts are devoted to creating the best and healthiest feeds because we love your horse as much as you do Healthy Tummy contains the latest ingredients known to promote gut health including alfalfa, herbs and Protexin In-Feed Formula. A high specification of vitamins and minerals are included to create a complete high fibre feed

www.dengie.com

for friendly feeding advice contact the Dengie feedline on 0845 345 5115

Competitions are the high point of the year for many riders, but the training, preparation and travel involved can for some horses and ponies be extremely stressful, which takes its toll on the health of the digestive system. This is where Dengie’s Healthy Tummy can help.

Healthy Tummy is a complete fibre feed containing the latest ingredients for optimum digestive health. It incorporates alfalfa, known for its natural buffering and a unique blend of herbs including oregano, ginger and cinnamon. There’s also Protexin In-Feed Formula to supply live yeast and prebiotics and a high specification of vitamins and minerals, including a full range of B vitamins such as biotin. Special calcium and magnesium are included to further enhance the buffering capabilities of the feed.

Feeding a high-fibre diet, as nature intended, can help to promote a healthy gut and provide plenty of energy in a form that is far more sympathetic to the horse’s digestive system. Fibre takes much longer to chew than cerealbased feeds, which increases saliva production - the horse’s natural way of regulating acidity in its stomach.

Photo: courtesy of RADFOTO

Katie Williams MSc (Dist), senior nutritionist at Dengie which developed Healthy Tummy, says, “Research shows that 60% of competition and 40% of leisure horses could be affected by Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, (EGUS). Gastric health has become an increasing concern for horse owners as we learn more about how the stresses of many horses’ lifestyles could be causing serious health issues such as gastric ulcers.”

Feeding the Endurance Horse Despite endurance horses typically being fed relatively high fibre diets compared to other performance horses, it seems that they are still vulnerable to ulcers. A study by Tamzali et al., reported that endurance horses competing in rides of 90-160kms showed an incidence of EGUS at 93%. This suggests other factors contribute to EGUS. It is also important to note that not all fibre is the same. Due to the presence of calcium and other nutrients, alfalfa has been independently shown to be a more effective buffer than other fibres.

‘I brought my first youngster who’s been brilliant but suffered severe periods of diarrhoea. On further veterinary examination no solution could be found; then my local feed store recommended Dengie’s Healthy Tummy. Oakley is now holding his weight, has a super shiny coat, better concentration when working and more importantly no diarrhoea! I now have a much happier, healthier horse – thank you Dengie!”

Charlotte Scott and Oakley.

for more information on Healthy Tummy visit www.dengie.com or call our friendly Feedline on: 0845 345 5115

James Revitt, Flawless Photography

Some Top Tips • Don’t work on an empty stomach! The presence of fibre in the stomach literally acts as a barrier to protect the stomach from acid being pushed up into the area of the stomach most vulnerable to ulcers.

• Make sure your horse isn’t stressed unnecessarily – try to keep your horse relaxed by turning out as much as possible and with a companion they like!

• Fibre and oil can easily meet the energy requirements of most horses working up to moderate levels – Healthy Tummy contains as much energy as a medium energy mix.

• FOS prebiotics found in Healthy Tummy have been shown to alter the populations of bacteria in the stomach, thereby helping to promote good gut health

Ride Previews

Come and enjoy the Ride at Hornshill, West Sussex. 7th July

The Hornshill ride this year is at the same venue but has completely changed the route. This year we are going South over woodland paths, along a very pretty canal path, open farm land all using bridle paths and with very little road work. The Farmers have kindly told me that where there is no stock we can tie the gates back so hopefully there will be very few gates to negotiate. The pleasure ride is 23km.

The 33km and 66km GER classes will take you over two bridges over the river Arun. They are very horse friendly with high fencing either side.

Anyone who would like to look at the map can find it on the South East Web site and if a crew route or riders route is required if they email me at horseygranny@btinternet.com I will email them it.

If it is your first season or ride I can also email you the procedure at a competition and the vetting so please be in touch. Rosemary

Golden Horseshoe continues to grow

If there’s one date to put in your diary this year it’s the 2013 Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor. The UK’s biggest and most demanding endurance ride, which will take place on May 12th-14th, is set to be better than ever, with some exciting new classes in place.

Following on from the success of Britain’s para riders at the 2012 London Paralympics, this year’s Ride will host an invitation only para class, with some high profile para riders set to take part or attend the event to offer their support.

New competitive classes for 2013 include the Exmoor Extra (120km over three days), the Exmoor 40 (40km in one day) and the Exmoor Novice (40km in one day). Advanced riders can choose from the Exmoor Experience (80km over two days), the Exmoor Stag (120km over two days), the Exmoor Eighty (80km in one day) and of course the famous Golden Horseshoe (160km over two days). All these classes are open to para riders, too, making this year’s event the most exciting to date.

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Chobham Common

Pleasure Ride Unfortunately, the 2nd Chobham Common ride had to be cancelled at the last minute last year due to a suspected case of strangles. I’m therefore hopeful nothing will stop this year’s ride going ahead on Sunday 21st April and that the extended wet weather we’ve all been experiencing will be behind us and therefore give for much drier conditions.

We are fortunate to have a great venue at Langshot Equestrian Centre, positioned on the edge of Chobham Common, providing great parking facilities and catering in their Clubhouse. Once again, Saintwestwell Saddlery has kindly offered to provide a couple of prizes for Best Turned Out Junior Rider/Horse and Adult Rider/ Horse, so hopefully better weather by April will make it even harder to decide the winners.

The ride has two routes of 16km and 24km, Chobham Common has lovely sandy tracks and bridleways perfect for great trots and canters, with limited road work. For those doing the longer route there’s a tunnel that takes you under the M3!

The Common is a National Nature Reserve covering over 500 hectares of lowland heath.

Fact: Queen Victoria reviewed her troops on Chobham Common before the Crimean War. There are many users of the Common such as walkers with their dogs, radio controlled airplane enthusiasts and other horse riders and we are therefore fortunate to be given permission to hold the ride by Surrey Heath who maintain the Common.

If you would like to enter the ride you can find my address on the South East Group website at www.endurancegbsoutheast. co.uk , or feel free to call me on 07540 256726 or email sumiddleton49@hotmail. com for any further information.

Says the Ride’s organiser Barbara Wigley: “I’m really thrilled with how plans are proceeding for this year’s event and I’m delighted to welcome some high-profile para riders along. Golden Horseshoe is not only the highlight on every keen endurance rider’s calendar, but it attracts numerous entries for the annual pleasure ride, too, where riders can experience the joys of riding on Exmoor at a more leisurely pace.”

Roll up! Roll Up… for the Lindum Festival of Endurance 2013!

It may only be the very start of the season, but hopefully everyone will be looking forward to the kick off of the summer hols with The Equilibrium Lindum Spirit! This year, 2013, our theme will be luck and there will be several special events and features with this flavour!

We are thrilled and honoured to have several new and enthusiastic sponsors supporting the event, Setzi Saddles become our Team Spirit sponsors, Torq will sponsor the Little Lindum, and Jack’s Tack becomes The Pilgrim sponsor. On top of this, we already have 10 trade stands provisionally booked.....plenty of shopping opportunity....There will be two evening party events, opportunity to train with UKCC level 2 coach Beccy Broughton, an informative talk by Sasha Hart of Torq, a horsemanship demo by Dan Videla, horsey fancy dress and a dog show! This is truly an event with something for everyone, unrivalled catering and a bar, and enough going on both at the beautiful venue and in the surrounding area to entertain all your non riding family and friends too!

This year’s Lindum Spirit’s charity cause will be the very worthy NSPCC, with many features and special events dedicated to boosting their funds.

The Saturday evening auction this year boasts some particularly illustrious lots due to the outstanding generosity of the donors. We’d like to publicise these to all our members and beyond......you don’t have to be at the event to bid! We will accept pre-bids via e mail or post to Thay, just mark it with the lot number and your maximum bib and you will have your chance at securing one of our fabulous items AND helping a deserving cause. check it out at the Lindum Spirit website! http://www.ponies.me.uk/lindum/

Last year’s persistent rain failed to prevent Horseshoe from going ahead and this year will be no different. “Of course we’re hoping the weather will be kinder to us this year,” adds Barbara. “But if not, I always have back-up plans in place.”

For more information about this year’s Golden Horseshoe Ride, visit www. goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

Official members publication for Endurance GB

The Key to Staying Settled Magnesium is essential in the body for a range of processes and requirement is greatly increased by stress and strenuous exercise.This means that our competition horses are likely to be getting sub-optimal levels of magnesium and this is detrimental to both health and behaviour.

Magnesium is the body’s key stress management tool. In a normal settled state magnesium is found mostly inside the cells, but when stressed magnesium moves out of the cell and is flushed into the blood where it is then lost through urine.This allows calcium to move into the cells, which is the trigger for the stress response, or ‘fight or flight’. Inadequate levels of magnesium leave your horse more sensitive to stress, they will react more easily and may become spooky, tense or anxious.

MAH® magnesium is a special form of magnesium developed for human medicine for its superior absorption and lack of negative interactions. MAH® has been shown to reduce heart rate in response to mental stress in horses (mental stress being transportation and new surroundings). Magnesium is also extremely important for healthy energy and cardiac function, and helps to protect against physiological stress during strenuous exercise. In the same test horses were given four weeks of fittening and then asked to perform a standardised exercise test. MAH® supplemented horses showed improved (lower) heart rates.

Nupafeed MAH® is a pharmaceutical grade magnesium supplement suitable for any stress related problem including general anxiety or excitement, bad travellers, headshaking etc.

Nupafeed MAH® is available as a Liquid for those animals that show signs of stress on daily or regular basis and MAH® Concentrated Syringes for competition.

Purchase direct from Nupafeed UK, or contact us for advice: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net

www.nupafeed.co.uk

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

FEI ** 120km Class The Seacliff ride on 15 and 16 June 2013 is one of the biggest rides of the year for the Scottish Endurance Riding Club. With classes from pleasure rides to 160km ER, there is something for everyone. All FEI classes, ERs (60, 120, 160km) and competitive rides (30, 50 & 80km) will take place on the Saturday with the pleasure ride taking place on the Sunday.

We are pleased to announce that after last year’s successful FEI* 80km we will also be hosting an FEI** 120km with Young Riders classes for both distances too. The ride has expanded, based on the success of the

Number Crunching The new season means a new goal for Johnny Edgar and his Irish mare Ruby.

Johnny and Ruby in their prime (Janet Lennard in the rear)

Spring at last and I am scanning the ride calendar, checking gear and getting out and about again. However, this season, for me and Promises to Keep (aka Ruby) it boils down to one number: 232. That is the number of kilometres between us and 3000 endurance kilometres. That is all that comes between us and our moment of glory at the AGM, the engraved goblet, the tearful acceptance speech and a cloud of rosettes.

It has taken a while and a lot of blood,

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previous four years, with everyone enjoying the fast, flowing routes and fantastic going around the beautiful grassy farmland and beaches of East Lothian.

The route’s combination of excellent flat grassy going and long stretches of beach means that higher speeds are easily attainable with the 80km ER being won at 17.35kph in 2011 and the 160km at 15.1kph.

2012 speeds were slightly slower owing to the torrential rain!

Seacliff is located 30 miles south of Edinburgh, not far off the A1, and at just 37 miles from Berwick-Upon-Tweed it is also easily accessible for those south of the Border.

join in the fun this year and receive a warm Scottish welcome at our “Surf and Turf” ride!

Photo: Francesca Nunn

Seacliff Announces

Marjorie Grant and Eriskay eating up the beach at Seacliff.

There is camping and corralling space on the venue field as well as plenty of space for exciting racing finishes! With local stabling and B&B available too why not come and

For further details (and a lot more pictures!) please go to http://seacliff160km.webs.com or for other enquiries please contact Kirsten Jenkins at kak103@hotmail.com

sweat, tears and vet wrap.

towing, I became aware that we were not alone. A dozen Texel tups were lined up staring curiously at Ruby and me and the half-open gate. An agony of fiddling and I still could not shut the bloody thing. Ruby would never stand for a tractor roaring past her nose so I abandoned the gate which immediately swung wide open, and headed for the high ground while hopefully bellowing at the tups 'Sit! Stay!'

Ruby came to me in the autumn of '99 with no papers and only a vague Irish-born back story and my vet thought she would be five in the spring. She is 19 this year. You’d have thought that the passing years would have mellowed her a little, but if anything she is more competitive, more intolerant of anything but endurance pace and her urge to get round that next bend or over that ridge is stronger than ever. This means that early spring fittening rides can be a bit 'fraught'.

Last week we were trotting happily along our usual route when Ruby spotted a branch lying where she thought it shouldn't. She went from brisk trot to all stop instantly.

Unfortunately I continued to travel north rapidly until the pommel crunched into my, er, lower regions ...Yes quite.

I curled up on the saddle whimpering till my vision returned. Ruby remained rooted to the spot so I had no alternative but to dismount with all the grace of a load of bricks going down a rubbish chute. I led madam past the obstacle, doing my ‘Igor the faithful manservant’ imitation.

Then I heard the tractor. The high revving roar familiar to all riders foretold the full 4x4 cross between a block of flats and a tank and it was coming our way fast.

I dived through the nearest gate, and attempted to shut it one handed. Above the noise of the tractor and the flatbed it was

Tractor safely past and five minutes of sheep wrangling later I was back on board, peering through my mud-spattered glasses and feeling the sweat trickling out the back of my helmet which is always a sign that that I am having one of 'those' rides.

However, I nurdled Ruby into some sort of trot as we were approaching the local holiday cottage. I always like to give whoever is staying there an 'Escape to the Country' moment, so gut appropriately sucked, sweat wiped out of the eyes, we 'endurance trotted' past and turned sharp left at the road end.

A pheasant exploded out the bushes and Ruby lurched left, scrabbling for grip on the road and once again I went straight on. For a classic Wile E Coyote moment, I realised that there was nothing under me but road.

Fortunately Ruby swung her rump back round and I clung to her neck like Gollum.

Finally home, with solid ground under my trembling legs, the number 232 seems a very large number indeed.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

A horse for half-seasons

Some horses have a homing instinct for the vet hospital. Alison Wilson’s Piecki is one of them…

Poco in 'his' box at the Dick Vet.

At the SERC AGM in February I picked up the beautifully engraved glass goblet that marks my horse Piecki’s 3000km achievement. Nothing too amazing in that, you might think, but in that case you don’t know my horse! Let me introduce you to Piecki (Poco to his friends), 14yo purebred Polish Arabian and walking veterinary miracle … The first miracle is that he’s reached the age of 14. I didn’t think he’d even make it to double digits.

He started his career as a frequent flyer with Edinburgh’s Dick Vet Hospital at age 4, when he put a hind leg through a stock fence. Two years later he broke his lower jaw on a bucket handle while on box-rest for cellulitis (no, I didn’t know either). A

Kelso Racecourse, Championships venue.

couple of relatively uneventful years later (discounting the odd scrapes, bumps and bulk orders of vetwrap) he tore his deep digital flexor tendon in the 69th km of an 80km ride.That meant 15 months of rest and rehabilitation, but he came back sound and with a lesion reduced from 30% to 10%. We were back on the road again! But not for long. In June of the 2010 season we were travelling home, tired but happy after successfully completing a 60k ride at Seacliff and winning best condition, when Poco had a total panic in the trailer where enthusiastic but inexperienced crew had failed to tie down an empty water container.

We had to unload a sweating, panic-stricken horse, dripping blood and trailing skin from his right hind leg, at the side of a busy dual carriageway while phoning for the vet.

He was lucky (Poco, not the vet). Despite the gruesome appearance of that wound which extended over the full length of the cannonbone and much of the hock, it had avoided tendons, ligaments and bones.

Two months later he was coming back into work when exactly the same thing happened again as I was trailering him to a local forest to meet friends for a ride – only this time there was nothing loose in the

Come and try the New Improved

SERC Championships!

The Scottish Endurance Championships will have a new route for 2013 to build on the success of last year’s event. We also have a major new sponsor, Simple System Feeds, who are providing a range of prizes and other goods across the whole event.

We have managed to arrange a route through the stunning Hendersyde cross country course, south across the River Tweed, and then heading for the beautiful Cheviot Hills,

Endurance March/April 2013

near Yetholm. This will be slightly more challenging than last year’s routes, but will hopefully be more weatherproof, not that we are expecting bad weather!

This enhanced route will suit the longer distances; the shorter routes will go north of Kelso, but again through some marvellous Border countryside, and past Hume Castle.

More details will be available as the event draws closer (30 and 31 August, and 1 September); keep an eye on the SERC

trailer as the whole thing had been turned into a padded cell.

This time he ended up on 10 weeks’ box rest, minus a splint bone which had fractured and had to be removed. All the healing tissue had been stripped off again, and the endless vet visits for re-dressing plus the hospital stay cost my insurers £4000, to add to the £3000 for the previous trauma … Thank you, NFU! So, 2011 and we were back on the road, amazingly sound if heavily scarred. By then Poco had evidently decided that he’d had enough of being the injured party and that it was my turn. In April I came off onto a forestry track after an argument over a bridge, and he planted one hoof on my chest as I lay thinking it was heading for my face.

Three cracked and displaced ribs and another season bit the dust. 2012 and I lost another half-season due to a back injury.

Poco stayed mainly in the field and somehow managed to slice open his chest, producing a pocket of skin that you could have stuffed a grapefruit into. All this without disturbing his rug…

So, 2013 – and I’m wondering whether this might just be our first complete season since Poco was 9. Anyone fancy a bet?

website www.scottishendurance.com and click on the Championships link.

But we can be certain that there will be classes for everyone at all levels, including the flagship 2-day 160km ER, and the popular Kelso Challenge will be back for those who want to ride on all three days.

Kelso Racecourse makes a terrific venue, with camping, corralling, stabling and all-day catering on-site. The town of Kelso itself has much to offer by way of shops and facilities, and the stunning Floors Castle, home of the Duke of Roxburghe, is only a mile from the Racecourse if you fancy some non-horsey R&R. All Simple System products are free from cereals and their by-products, pulses, molasses, preservatives and additives (www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk).

A representative will probably be at the Championships with further information.

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Supplements

SUPPLEMENTS The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

Dr David Marlin explains...

implication as will the climate and distance you are competing at. There will also be a difference in terms of whether you are in an event to complete or riding at your horses maximum race pace to win. And the distance also can influence what you should be using.

So, the big question is, should you be feeding supplements? If your horse is at pasture and your soil is not deficient, probably not. If your horse is in work and has no health issues, then maybe. If you are entering rides regularly and if you are competitive then your horse may not need but would probably benefit from some supplementation regimen.

There are various estimates for the use of supplements by horse owners. Some data I have seen suggests around 2025% of horse owners regularly use some form of supplement. In terms of legislation, supplements are actually defined as “complimentary feedstuffs” and you may (should) see this on labels. So in what context do we use the term “supplement”, as if we define this it may help us understand what you should be able to expect? A typical dictionary definition of supplement would be along the lines of “something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole”. So as one example we can imagine that we may be feeding a supplement to replace something missing from the horses’ diet that it has a definite need for, such as selenium in selenium deficient areas of the country.

If our horse is in work and is losing large amounts of electrolytes on a daily basis, we can also imagine adding or supplementing the main feed with an electrolyte supplement to meet the deficiency of electrolytes in the horses’ diet. But other supplements fall outside the normal definition used so far, in that they are there to enhance performance.

For example, joint supplements are not addressing a specific deficiency in the horses’ diet but are used to try and modulate joint function. There may be a very good reason for using a joint supplement but it is not

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supplying nutrients that are essential in the horses’ diet.

When we therefore think of supplement usage in the endurance horse, we can think of a variety of scenarios. There is the need to supplement the diet with nutrients that the horse cannot manage without and which a deficiency over time may lead to real health issues, for example copper or selenium for horses in deficient areas. We can also think of supplements that are not required at maintenance but which are required when horses are in any form of work; for example, electrolytes. We can also think of supplements that may be useful to feed and be beneficial but which are certainly not essential. Joint supplements, calming supplements, energy boosters, etc may fall into this category. Sadly, there is also another class of supplements – those for which there is no benefit or function other than to part you with your money. They are supplements for which a need or benefit to the horse has not been proven, but the pseudo-science and marketing claims sound too good to be true….in which case they probably are.

Whether or not you feed supplements and what supplements you choose to feed will depend on a large variety of factors. The breed, age, sex and health of your horse for a start. Stage of training will also have an

So with the internet and shops filled with so many different supplements, how do you begin to make a choice? Many of you may be surprised or shocked to learn that it is possible to set up a company to sell supplements without involving a qualified nutritionist and absolutely no knowledge of equine nutrition whatsoever. A company does not have to prove that its supplements are either safe or even whether they actually work. Even for qualified nutritionists it can be hard to compare products in the same category. For example, two joint supplements may both provide for example 5g of glucosamine per day. Does this mean they are equivalent? Not necessarily. There are hundreds of possible suppliers and grades of glucosamine that supplement manufacturers can buy and the different products will vary both in the extent to which they are absorbed and the degree to which they are “active” within the horses’ body. The only real advice in this instance is to go to a manufacturer who has actually conducted scientific and clinical trials on their product. In this case they will be able to tell you very specifically what you can expect to see if your horse responds to being fed their product, in terms of how long it will take to see an effect and what the effect might be.

Another essential part of deciding what to buy is who to buy it from. There are a number of different compounds that are natural and commonly present in feed which at the typical levels do not present a threat to health but which can be detected in urine and result in a positive under national or international (FEI) rules of competition.

These are referred to as Naturally Occurring

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Supplements

Prohibited Substances (NOPS). The most common are Atropine (e.g. from nightshade), Caffeine (e.g. from cacao which is used to make cocoa and chocolate), hordenine (germinating barley), hyoscine (e.g. nightshade, Angels’ trumpets), morphine (opium poppy), nicotine (from tobacco), theobromine (cacao), theophylline (tea). It’s therefore essential if you are competing to use products from manufacturers who test for NOPS and state this clearly (if they don’t state it they probably don’t do it) on their packaging, literature and website and or are a member of the BETA (British Equine Trade Association) UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme) NOPS scheme.

Another potential risk to a horse failing a drugs test from feed supplements for those competing comes from cross-contamination during manufacturing. This is a greater risk where manufacturing takes place in a site that uses ingredients such as antibiotics and there have been a number of high

profile cases where riders have had action taken against them due to the presence of such substance in their horses’ urine during competition.

Finally, remember what scientists call the placebo effect. If you make the decision to buy a supplement you are already investing in that supplement working. You want it to work. The problem is that you can then “imagine” that it has worked. If a supplement claims to increase water intake then it should do that and it should be obvious to you that it has. If it claims to boost energy, then you as a rider should feel that effect.

If you are not sure if it worked, it probably didn’t.

So other than trying to address specific problems, such as gastric ulceration or joint wear and tear, what type of supplements are most likely to be of most benefit when it comes to endurance competition? If you are competing at more than 60km then you

should be feeding an electrolyte supplement daily and also possibly during the ride. If you are competing over 90km then you should consider using some form of slow release energy supplement. I say consider, because if your horse always drinks well, eats well, never gets thumps or ties up, never tires and you always win…stick with what you are doing!

The problem for any rider is that there is a huge amount of opinion on the use of supplements. Some good, some indifferent, and some that would actually be detrimental to performance and in some circumstances potentially harmful to your horse. Another problem is that we have no good information about supplement usage amongst endurance riders in the UK and so from an educational point of view, it’s difficult to know where to begin to put together a source of good and reliable information for riders. But this could change! Watch this space.

REDMOND ROCK NATURAL MINERAL LICK Redmond Rock is a natural lick, containing a wide range of minerals essential to horses’ wellbeing. Its hardness means it can be fed in the stable or left out in the field. Continuous access to the salt and trace elements they need means your horse can regulate his intake according to his needs.

It is particularly useful as a supplement for laminitics.

Being on a restricted diet, they risk deficiencies of trace elements. Having Redmond Rock available to them at all times helps ensure this doesn’t happen. One owner of a laminitic pony speaks for many: “Since he has been using Redmond Rock mineral lick, his lameness, apparent discomfort and sad, dejected demeanour have evaporated. He now moves with agility and ease, and appears to have regained his cheeky, yet endearing personality once again. It has undoubtedly helped improve his quality of life”.

For information on Redmond Rock, including your local stockist,

visit www.redmondrock.co.uk e-mail info@equimatters.co.uk or call EquiMatters on 01494 721763 Endurance March/April 2013

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Young Horses

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Our Facebook page recently opened a photo album entitled “Youngsters and Horses New to Endurance 2013”. We were very heartened to receive nearly 50 photos for inclusion in the album. It is encouraging that so many people are bringing more horses into the sport. We thought you would like to learn a little bit more about a small selection of these.

Ros Clark & Mystic Rose

Esther Young & Wolfie

Esther Young has been competing in Endurance since 1998. Her long term partner, Guadalcazar (aka Harry), was retired from competition in 2008 but Esther has still been very much involved with Endurance as a West Riding EGB Group committee member and ride organiser. Her new horse, Wolfie (registered name Asterix), is a rising 4 year old gelding by the American National Show Horse (Saddlebred x Arab), SV The X Factor, out of the Welsh Section D, Cwmafon Gemini (ex Tireinon Roger).

Esther has had him since weaning and he was bred by a friend of hers. “He's a tough and intelligent little critter with a leg at each corner and I hope that he will make a good hill pony.” He was lightly backed last year with the help of Bridget Brown, also an Endurance GB member.

“Bridget licked us both into shape, and we are just starting up again now after having the winter off. Our aims for this year are to play at being a ridden pony, to learn to canter and, endurance gods willing, maybe get to a 10 miler or two by the end of the year. Baby steps...” Esther doesn’t make plans but if she did, there might be a dream of “The Golden Horseshoe” one day......

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Ros Clark is new to Endurance, having started last year. Her new horse is a 5 year old Arab mare called Mystic Rose (aka Missy). “Endurance is something that I've always wanted to do but I had to wait until I had my children before I could get going.

I bought Missy as a 6 month old weanling with endurance in mind and played with her while my own children were babies.

I'm really excited about Missy! She is now hacking out short distances and we're hoping to do our first Pleasure Ride at the end of this season.” Mystic Rose was bred by Karen Dewey. She is by Calimeer (Biddesden Stud) and is a grandson of the legendary Dhruv. She is out of Susanna Rose, a Harwood mare by Sky Bandolier.

Missy has some great performance lines in her pedigree. “She is a lovely, friendly, bold filly with a nice long stride and a positive outlook on life.

I backed her at the end of the summer last year as a 4 year old. Sitting on her was just another little game we played. I back my youngsters using simple equipment as we have no facilities, just a field and me.

I find it helps us start at the bottom and work up and we only progress once we're comfortable with the stage we're working on. No gadgets or restraint to paper over any cracks in their education. I tend to carry on riding in a rope halter in the field

for schooling, but use an S hackamore on the roads as it's legal for the purposes of insurance. All four of my horses are unshod and I'm hoping Missy will do well barefoot.

I'm trying not to make too many plans for her, but if she does 80km, I'll be pleased. If she does 120km, I'll be over the moon. In terms of rides, I'd love to do Red Dragon and the Golden Horseshoe. My brother did the Exmoor Beast, a 100 mile bike ride across Exmoor last year so there's a bit of family competition! We live at the start of the Pennine trail and I have always wanted to ride it's entire length too. Plenty to keep us occupied! ”

Rachel Rolfe & Bashir

Rachel Rolfe's 6 year old homebred partbred Arab gelding, Bashir (aka Tommy) is starting his endurance career this year.

He is out of Rachel’s proven 160km unregistered mare, Tara's Dream and by the predominantly Crabbet Arab, Vlacq Khazad, who already has stock competing in Endurance at FEI level. “I should have called Bashir 'Born in a storm' as after going to the expense of installing a camera in the stable and staying up on foal watch for 3 weeks, he was eventually born out in the field 30 minutes after his mother was turned out for the day.

As his front feet and nose appeared we watched the dark storm clouds approaching

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Young Horses

and heard the first rumble of thunder. At 5 minutes old Tommy got to his feet and walked 30 metres across our yard following his mother into the stable - lets hope this bodes well for his endurance career!” He has already taken part in ridden and in-hand Showing classes and a couple of Dressage tests. He will start his Novice qualifications this year.

Karen Corr & Bond Hardman Charlotte & Hamra

Harry Ingram & Warrens Hill Chayze

The Chairman of our Young Rider Committee, Harry Ingram, has a new horse.

Warrens Hill Chayze has a lot to live up to if his pedigree is anything to go by. His father, Chatanz, will be known to many of you as a successful racehorse, endurance horse and respected sire of endurance stock. His mother, Cathy de Boisset, was twice winner of the Arab Marathon and competed abroad in International events. Chayze is a 5 year old Anglo Arab gelding. Harry got him last summer, “At one point I thought what had I let myself in for buying an unbroken, recently gelded 4 year old. However, he soon settled.

He never needed telling more than once and that has continued to this day.” Chayze went to one 16km pleasure ride late last year.

Harry aims to get him out to a few more early this year and then start their novice qualifications. “We have big plans for this horse but I have to keep reminding myself that although he acts mature he is still a young horse so we won’t be rushing things.

Hopefully he will be my senior FEI horse in a few years to come.” Photo taken at Cheshire Forest Frolic.

Photo Credit: www.thefotografer.co.uk

Endurance March/April 2013

entered in the BEF Futurity grading and was awarded a high point first premium. “Since backing as a 4 year old, Anna has done a Dressage test, some Horse Agility and plenty of quiet hacking. She’s been out to a local Pleasure Ride and the Offas Dyke group Christmas Ride.” Camilla’s plans for this year include plenty of schooling, hacking and some more Horse Agility, plus a two day Trec training course in May”

Tamara Habberley, Alex & Shandy

Karen Corr and Bond Hardman each have a young horse coming out this year, "Riyah Raquassah (aka Charlotte on the left) and Hamra bint Krayaan (aka Hamra on the right) with Bond Hardman in the middle!” These are half sisters by the Bahraini bred Arab, Krayaan Dilmun. Hamra “picked” her owner, Bond Hardman, when she was only a few months old at her breeders, Pearl Island Arabians. Bond had always admired her dam so Hamra came to us at 7 months old to keep her half sister company.

“Hamra is a really easy going mare, takes everything in her stride, is very bold and can be ridden in a rope halter. Bond hopes to complete a season of Novice rides in 2013 with her. Charlotte has taken a lot longer to mature mentally than her sister so has yet to do any Endurance but this is definitely the plan for 2013. She is currently having regular Dressage lessons and being hacked out.

She is very athletic and also enjoys Jumping.

These girls were both entrants in the first year of the BEF Endurance Futurity grading and gained a first premium and high first premium."

Camilla Mascall & Bordesley Golden Ayanna

Camilla Mascall’s new horse, Bordesley Golden Ayanna, will be 5 years old this year. She is 65% Arab, by Crabbet stallion Prince Iman and out of a part-bred Arab mare, Legend Indian Shadow (Legend and Colebridge breeding). As a yearling she was

Tamara Habberley has had a break from endurance for more than 10 years. She sadly lost her long time friend and exendurance horse, Brychen, last year after 17 years together. Tamara knew there was no way he could be replaced but a little 7 year old Fell mare called, Greenholme Shandy, wormed her way into Tamara’s heart.

“Shandy is from one of the last free-ranging Fell herds in Cumbria. She wasn't handled until she was 5 years old. Her breeder claims it makes for a quieter pony and Shandy bears this novel theory out. I had planned on an Arab or Welsh youngster to bring on but after a lot thought decided I was looking for a native capable of living out on the moors if I needed to save money”.

Tamara plans to do a bit of everything but especially Endurance and Trec. Having an ex-wild pony has its moments. “She has a tendency to get excited if she sees black cattle on our moors in case they might be her Fell herd. The first time she ever ate an apple she swallowed it whole and choked, resulting in a vet’s visit!” Tamara has to share Shandy with her son, Alex, who is 8.

“My little boy wanted a pony with what he calls ‘cowboy’s trouser legs’ (fluffy feather like chaps!) so having a pony we can share is great. She is kind enough for him to hack out with me on foot leading the way. I plan to bring her along slowly and do some Shows, Dressage and Pleasure Rides and just take it from there really to see what she enjoys and shines at. I'm hoping long term to get her to Advanced Endurance but we will see. That is if Alex (pictured) allows me to! "

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Photo courtesy of Leah Tuck

Starting Endurance

Silver Zenif

Preparing for your 2013 season

by UKCC Coach Rachael Farley-Claridge

With Christmas a distant memory and with the 2013 endurance season nearly upon us I thought I would share some ideas on how to plan your year ahead.

I use basic project management skills to assist with my endurance season and keep my horse, crew and me as the rider on track to achieving our goals. At the start of each season I work out what our aims, goals and objectives are. To formulate a strong plan effective objective setting is very important.

Ineffective objectives may steer you and your horse off in the wrong direction.

The use of SMART objectives is my recommended approach to achieving your plan. SMART stands for:` • Specific • Measurable • Achievable • Realistic • Timely

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At the start of each year I set half a dozen objectives which I then review on a quarterly basis to ensure my horse and I are on track.

Being Specific about what you would like to complete during 2013 is important because it focuses your mind when you initially look at the 2013 schedule. Specific goals usually relate to the 5 W’s of • What – do you want to accomplish?

• Why – benefits of accomplishing this goal?

• Who – is involved?

• Where – identify location?

• Which – identify requirements and constraints? e.g. To complete a 32km with a novice horse in his first season at the St Meubreds Ride at over 12kmph. Recording Measurable objectives are the most important part of SMART because through the use of vet/time sheets you can track your performance and ensure you are keeping to your plan.

Having Achievable objectives are equally as important because if you have a 5 year

old horse you won’t be able to enter a Competitive Endurance Ride (CER) for example until the horse is 7 years of age.

Being Realistic about your objectives are key to your success because your aspiration may be to complete 80km, however, the horse you have at the moment might be a great 64km horse but not necessarily a 80km horse. The use of your vet/time sheets will support this decision not to ‘over face’ your horse and look for an alternative challenge e.g. a two day ride.

And finally being Timely refers to setting clear time scales for achieving your objectives.

For example as a Novice horse and rider combination set a 3-6 month window for completing a couple of 32km rides successfully before entering a 50km, or alternatively focus on achieving a Completion in Month 1, a Grade 4 in Month 2, a Grade 3 in Month 3, a Grade 2 in Month 4 and a Grade 1 in Month 5.

Reviewing your objectives on a regular basis will help you keep on track throughout

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Starting Endurance

the year. These are yours to adjust, revise and add to as required. Please don’t feel pressured into sharing or copying others objectives, these are specific to you however if you can ‘buddy up’ with a friend this can also help keep you ‘on track’ during 2013.

Good luck and enjoy the 2013 season!

If you would like further information about objective setting please visit www.rachaelclaridge.com or call me on 0778964104/01454238942 What about a Fitness Regime?

At this time of year riding in daylight hours is very difficult. The first piece of advice I am going to give about getting your horse fit is, don’t stress, spring is on its way. By the time you read this the clocks may have changed ready for British summertime and there will be more hours in the day to spend with our four legged friends. Getting horses fit over the winter can be stop start stop start due to the weather and this year has not been any different. However the winter is also a good time to plan for 2013 and start building core stability, flexibility and suppleness ahead

of increasing speed and distance once the ground dries out.

Preparing your own fitness as well as your horses is very important. For the endurance athlete to perform at their best the foundations must be laid for core stability, flexibility and suppleness to be effective. All of these can be achieved at relatively low costs if you think outside of the box. If you are unable to enrol at the local gym for a Pilates or Yoga class then try it at home, borrow a Wii Fit or simply download some simple exercises off the internet. Don’t forget that practice makes perfect and any concerns please consult your doctor.

Exercises for your horse can be done in the stable or arena with simple carrot stretches or with the use of a lunge training aid.

However, if you do not have access to an arena then encourage your horse to ride up into a comfortable outline whilst out hacking, engaging from behind, thus lifting their rib cage and you!

Establishing a good walk and nice working

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trot over the winter will pay off ten fold in the height of the season. Conditioning work can take a month to establish and as a rider or crew you can also benefit by walking alongside your horse. By doing this you can establish what your horses natural paces are in training and use them to your advantage, use a GPS or Smart Phone application to track your speed for a guide ahead of competitions. A good tip for the start of the season is to take photographs of your horse from the front, behind and each side without a rug and tack on. Using a weigh tape is also advantageous, review on a regular basis and monitoring your own weight can also prove to be a valuable aid.

Alongside your fitness regime you can start to plan your endurance season with the www. endurancegb.co.uk ride programme.

Annotating a calendar for your kitchen or office and having a dedicated diary at the yard to remind you which branch training rides you intend to enter followed by your first pleasure and later graded endurance ride will ensure you start your competitive season on the right hoof!

Zilco

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Dace Sainsbury - 2012 Photo courtesy of Melanie Cottel-Askew

2013 sees the launch of a new brochure and an extended range of endurance tack for both competitors and leisure riders. The new range includes specially designed lightweight stainless steel fittings, and extra padding on nosebands and headpieces. Strapping is Zilco’s own reliable, pliable coated webbing, constructed with attention to detail and smooth inner surfaces. Colour choices have been extended to include both Arab and Full Size. Bitless bridle options have been increased and there is a new rein material in 16mm pliable rubber with an inner core of webbing for reliability. Zilco Puffer pads are available with or without a corner pocket. The new range will be featured in the 2013 brochure, which will be available from the end of March.

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Strength Reliability EasyClean Smart Bridles - multiple colour options Lightweight stainless steel fittings Hackamores - different styles New cross strap bitless bridle Reins - choice of four materials Martingales Breastplates Saddle bags Saddle pads

2012 Dace Sainsbury Melanie Cottel-Askew Photo courtesy of

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Zilco Europe Ltd Aylesbury, England 338623 Tel: +44 (0)1844 338921 Fax: + 44 (0)1844 europe.com Email: sales@zilco

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2013 brochure available March

Zilco Europe Ltd Aylesbury, England Tel: +44 (0)1844 338623 Fax: + 44 (0)1844 338921 Email: sales@zilcoeurope.com

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Zilco equipment is supplied through approved dealers throughout the UK and Europe.

www.zilco.eu for details

Available from approved stockists nationwide

Endurance March/April 2013

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Abi Tennant Recounts

Barik’s First ER Season

Photo courtesy Melanie Cottle-Askew

by Abi Tennant

So 2012, has come and gone and what a fantastic year it was! Having some marvellous rides with Barik and finishing the year with the National Windard Trophy for Best Newcomer.

So how did we do it?

Barik is an Arab gelding who previously competed in Arab Racing as a youngster before finding his career as an Endurance horse. His previous owner did Arab Racing with him and completed his Novice stage in 2010 with his three rides (rather fast!) before upgrading him to Intermediate.

His first season with me was spent competing in graded rides up to 80km, so that I could build him up slowly and get him used to endurance without the excitement of racing. This also built up our bond as horse and rider.

My aim for 2012 was to compete Barik in his first ER, with the ultimate goal of competing in a 120km, if all went well.

Our training starts in December after his rest break with walking over varied terrain. This slowly builds his back up and strengthens his bones to be able to endure the long rides, as bone strength develops slower

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Abi with Barik at Barbury Castle after the final vet gate, 106 km completed, 20km to go

than muscle. This starts off as an hour and increases to about 3 hours of walking. It is boring but it is after all more important to get this early strengthening work in.

Towards the end of January trot is introduced. Starting with short lengths of trot and slowly progressing to longer. This mixture of walk and trot we did about 4 times a week for 2 hours at a time.

Canter work was not introduced till the middle of February, by which time my plan of rides for the year had been mapped out and the first ride entered. My canter work starts off with short periods before increasing as time and fitness goes on. I was lucky enough to have had access to a 14km loop across headlands to do my canter work on. We did canter work once a week starting with 14km loop, and building up to 28km with a crewing/ mock vet gate half way round.

March saw us start our endurance season with graded rides of 50km at Forest of Dean and 64km at Cannock Chase. This was in preparation for his first ER which was to be an FEI* 80km at King’s Forest. The week before King’s Forest had been light work with gentle hacks out but nothing strenuous.

Barik’s racing background means he can get quite excitable and will take hold of the bit. In order for me to be fully in control and for him to not realise we were about to do his first race I did not leave with the group, but left a minute or two after. Barik breezed round the 80km quite comfortably in trot, never breaking out of his comfort zone, finishing in 4th place. After this achievement I flew out to compete again back in South Africa for a month and half before returning at the beginning of June. In my absence, Barik was let down to doing short PR’s and fun rides to maintain his fitness with Krissie Jones, who is part of Barik’s crew.

I flew back in at the start of June and could pick up our training with some canter work back on the headlands. I also took a few trips to Cotswold Farm Park where I would go round the course about twice with the crewing/mock vetgate in between loops.

Barik and I also took the opportunity to cross train by using the cross country jumps en route. I have found it is important to cross train so that my horses effectively use all of their muscles themselves.

Our next ride was the Young Horse 80km ER at Kings Forest. Both Barik and I loved

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the route there so it seemed perfect for us to return. The class was small so I set out with the others, although Barik did not realise he was actually in a race. Once again Barik, took the course in his stride and came home in 1st place.

After King’s Forest, was Barik’s biggest challenge yet, a 120km at Barbury Castle.

Had Barik not performed so well during his 80km rides I would never have entered this, but I felt he was both physically and mentally ready to tackle this distance.

Barbury Castle was a very hot day, and the class was large with some experienced horses and riders. This ride was also the first time Barik started a ride as a pack, which all proved very exciting as he knew he was racing! Barik’s long trot was definitely shown off at this ride with both the 1st and 2nd loops being completed at 17kph. By the second loop the sun was in full force and the heat was reflecting off the white chalk ground, so we slowed down to a comfortable 15kph.

At the third vetgate, the heart rate had to be under 60bpm and this was where a lot of horses failed. Due to the heat, we used plenty of water to cool him down. We left ice in our buckets to keep the water cool throughout the day. Unfortunately, on my last loop Barik lost a shoe 6kms from home so the farrier was called, which lost us about half an hour. This brought our speed down to 13kph. With shoe back on Barik crossed the line in 5th place. Although we did canter work to build Barik’s stamina up,

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New Light Chaff represents a low calorie, tasty accompaniment to Performance Balancer and can be fed in larger amounts as a total or partial forage replacer, if desired New Alfalfa Plus Oil, like Light Chaff,

Endurance March/April 2013

these rides were all done at a trot. It was not my intention to push him too far too fast, or to go out of his comfort zone. My aim was to complete and the placings were just an added bonus!

Crewing/Vetgate Procedure Due to Barik’s racing background he can be excitable at the venue so I would dismount before the vetgate and walk him in slowly, in order for the heart rate to have dropped by the time we came in. My crew also each have their own jobs to do during a vetgate procedure; one person to take off saddle and boots, one to stethoscope/ heart rate monitor and the other to have a slosh/water if needed. This means no one is running around Barik and he has learnt our routine from our mock vetgates during training.

Barbury Castle was an exception as my parents came to watch/help out as well as my Uncle and 3 small cousins. Barik is used to having my little cousins around him at home with supplying pony rides so this was not a major issue.

These results would not have been achieved without our fantastic crew of course!

(unmolassed), and a sprinkling of porridge oats, this was all divided into 3 feeds per day with a scoop of electrolytes as when needed during training and prior to the ride.

In a vetgate I have found my horses like to pick and choose their food so I do not mix it together. Barik instead has few buckets with a bit of each in and he eats what he likes, his particular favourite being porridge oats. He has the option to drink either plain water or blackcurrant water as well (I use Robinsons Blackcurrant and Apple Squash or Horse Quencher). However, he does have a tendency to like to watch what everyone else is doing in a vetgate so I often feed him by hand whilst I also eat, (this was where my little cousins came in useful at Barbury Castle as he could nibble his food from their hands whilst also watching everyone else). Before each loop and after eating and drinking Barik is given his electrolytes with an added supplement of calcium (the added calcium I learnt about from a personal experience in SA and after consultation from my vet) mixed into Greek yoghurt with a dash of honey and syringed into his mouth.

All very tasty and there is no wastage!

Feeding Barik is fed on controlled grazing, with soaked hay and horsehage leading up to a race. During his high training he was fed; 8 mugs of Baileys Endurance mix, 2 mugs Baileys Outshine, 4 mugs Dodson and Horrell Build Up Cubes, 2 handfuls Dengie Original Alpha A, 2 handfuls Dengie Alpha Oil, 2 mugs soaked sugar beet

After Barbury Barik had fulfilled our goal of completing a 120km so I finished our season there. His shoes were removed and he enjoyed a 3 month break out in the field.

contains UK-grown alfalfa and no added sugar or molasses and has sufficient added soya oil to bring the overall Digestible Energy (DE) content up to performance levels, at 12.5MJ/kg. This can therefore be fed to provide additional calories, alongside forage, again with Performance Balancer, or simply as a forage alternative. Further useful sources of digestible fibre calories include Baileys’ preferred beet products, SpeediBeet and Fibre-Beet, both quick and easy to soak and also handy for encouraging moisture intake.

highly palatable mix contains loose fibre, in the form of Baileys Alfalfa Blend, which reduces the need to add additional chaff, and supplies elevated levels of vitamins and minerals, including Bioplex® chelated minerals and Sel-Plex® selenium, which are more easily absorbed and utilised by the horse’s body.

A fully balanced option for horses working up to the highest levels, Baileys All-Round Endurance Mix is high oil and high fibre, with carefully micronised cereals to provide a blend of energy sources. For a mix with a DE of 13MJ/kg it is also relatively low in starch so is ideal for stressy types or those whose starch intake needs controlling. This

So that was our year in 2012! Barik is now back in the start of his training for this current season after his long rest.

Baileys’ “high spec” electrolyte supplement, Aqua-Aide, completes the “endurance menu” by providing a range of key salts to mirror those lost in sweat. Easily administered in water or wet feed, AquaAide contains calcium and magnesium salts, as well as sodium, potassium and chloride, and sufficient dextrose to encourage optimum absorption.

Baileys Horse Feeds, tel – 01371 850247, email – info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk, web – www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

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Novice Champion 2012

Talishla

Novice Champion 2012

by Fiona Griffths

and very sensible and as a bonus easy to crew. Balishla was happy to go anywhere as long as his sister was near and would trundle along behind, happy as Larry. He too found the distance easy and loved his work, but he would get cold very quickly and this made crewing a little more of a challenge.

After doing his first 4 rides we decided to rest him for a while and give him more time.

Unfortunately after doing his next ride he was lame so more rest and an expensive trip to the vets. He will now come back in to work slowly and do dressage for a while - Growing up time.

The long journey to Daventry started in 2011, when by chance I had a call from a lady whose mother had passed away; she needed to sell some of the horses. As usual I had to have a look - two Anglo Arabs, home bred, rough broken, done nothing, oh well costs nothing to look. A week later and we had both, Talishla 15hh 6yrs mare and Balishla 15.2 5yrs gelding. With all winter to start them off, they had done very little which was a good thing, as it gave us a chance to bring them on our way.

As they had never been apart, we kept them together and they lived out for most of the winter. We started work straight away, 10/15 mins a day in the school for the first few weeks, then building up to 40 mins twice a week flat work, with some jumping or pole work or a lunge session. Also hacking out twice a week, starting again with 15 min building up to ½ hr then 40 min. Gentle work, not too much trotting and hardly any canter. Lots of walk to build them up slowly.

Although they were already 5 and 6 they had

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no foundation of fitness. They would normally work 4 days over a week sometimes 5 if there was time, I didn’t want them too fit, just fit enough.

Talishla was now going from strength to strength. Going away from home over night, learning about corralling and being good with the vet, meeting lots of new people and places. Taking it all in her stride. I try to arrive in time to let her settle and graze for a while before vetting and to have a chat... then set off quietly, warming up over the first few k’s, then settling in to a steady trot rhythm for most of the ride. If I’m lucky and have a crew, we offer water when possible and at the last crew place sugar beet water. Walking in to the venue, one eye on the time, wash and sugar beet water and off to vet.

We also upped the work before upping the feed. I didn’t want either of them thinking they were given chocolate before they knew their job. We feed chop to everyone- a huge scoop (Stubbs scoop), Baileys no6 ½ scoop (depending on work and horse) Winergy Condition ½ scoop (as before) sugar beet large scoop. If they need extra condition we use calm and condition, and at a ride we take some of everything and let them eat what they fancy. Hay is soaked and haylage used when travelling away (introduced slowly during the week before).

Then there was the setback; we had been away competing over the weekend and on the Monday when I went to work Talisha, she was lame. We washed the mud off and found a deep cut in her pastern - probably put her foot through the wire fence? Vet out and the flap removed, dressing and antibiotics and box rest to keep it clean. This was new as she had not been stabled before, but was very good about it. Cut the food out, lots of hay to keep her amused and company all the time.

Sam and I decided that we would do a novice year with both horses and if they did well, we would aim for the championship. But we had a very definite plan that if there was any problem they could just back off. Talishla took to the rides straight away, always keen

Plan, what plan? I started the year with the rides each horse was aimed for mapped out, then it rained and rides were cancelled and the plan changed - You have to have a plan and a back-up and a reserve and maybe you will get to some rides. Then they go lame,

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Novice Champion 2012

you get ill, you have to work, the car breaks down and all the other things that happen.

I’m very lucky that I work with horses and my life is horses and Brian. Oh and Sam who Events when that’s not rained off, and does dressage. Then there’s Alex - chief crew and time waster. But time is always too short and the list of jobs too long.

Anyhow, the plan back in the spring was to do 10 rides of 40k but time was now running

The rides we did 18/3/12 Wentwood

27/5/12 Pen dol y gader

10/6/12 3 Rivers 15/7/12 Wentwood 5/8/12 Phoenix

11/8/12 Myndd Machen 19/8/12 Barbury Castle 23/9/12 Bonham 5/10/12 Red Dragon 14/10/12 New Forest

Speed 13.70kph

11.16kph

11.6kph 11.06kph 10.8kph

11.53kph 11.27kph 11.4kph 11.56kph 11.59kph

out. September was here, and we needed to do more rides. I had tried to space them out, to give her time off after each ride, but it was getting close to the end of the season. We had to do 3 rides in August due to weather and other problems. A bit too much, too close together, but then time off. Our season had been going so well; on the bright side her wound healed very well and the break did her good. ‘No rush’ had been the chant all year, but what to do?

Time to vet 22mins (a mix of muddy tracks and forestry, good fittening hills) 25mins (a little forestry, lots of open moor and mountains) 20mins (bridleways and tracks) 25mins 24mins (muddy tracks and bridleways, you can see the sea) 20mins (tracks and mountains) 26mins (bridleways grass tracks and chalk) 15mins (forestry roads and fantastic gallops) 25mins (mountains and roads) 18mins (muddy tracks and lovely canters on sandy tracks)

Mud was the theme for most rides; we were so lucky that many were put on, as many more were cancelled. For Ghost it was a very good year.

Rides

3 Rivers Went Wood

The first section rides quite slowly as the tracks can be muddy but there are fantastic views of the Severn, there’s a steep section on the way down, the forestry is like any other, stony tracks with a steep pull up, lots of places for a canter and a little road work. It is well marked ride with lots of friendly helpers at the venue, take an extra rug for vetting.

Pendolygadder The venue in an old quarry means everything is close by, you climb out through the forestry and on to the open moor for some breath taking views, lots of steep climbs and plenty of cantering. Plenty of mud, good marking and friendly faces. Wood chip vetting area.

Endurance March/April 2013

Proper English countryside rolling hills and bridle ways lots of grassy cantering, short bits of road work, huge venue with lots of space for everything. Vetting on grass lots of space.

Phoenix The venue is on top of the world you can see the sea and a boating lake at one point, bridle paths and fields plenty of space to canter. lots of mud and a little road work, well marked route, draughty vetting on grass on the top of the hill. Very good fittening ride.

MM Lovely venue and everyone was really helpful, but a long walk for number, well marked in sections. Some steep climbs and huge views of South Wales, mountains and moorland with a section of road. A great ride to get your horse fit.

Barbury Grassy gallops for miles, bridleways and an old fort, a stony track on one section, a steep climb out of the venue on some loops, fab

Dragon was calling, do two days Friday and Sunday? But I didn’t want to do too much and Dragon is a tough ride. We had purposely not over done the fittening work.

Going slowly at rides, experience was what we wanted, not speed- I couldn’t throw that away now we were so close. It would all come down to the New Forest. Only one week’s rest, stabling away- another new experience and all in the hands of the weather. What if it’s cancelled? And it’s a 45k ride - the farthest she had had to do.

And that, they say, is history.

It was a fantastic learning experience, testing our horsemanship at every turn, both crew and riders (as Sam rode her as well). We were told that we shouldn’t do 10 rides - it’s not necessary. I understand that to upgrade I don’t need 10 rides, but the experience she has gained and the time I have spent with her has been more than worth it. Gates, bridges, flooded fords, cows, traffic, rain, walking miles in the rain when she lost a shoe, climbing on and off and everything else.....Not so long ago I joined EGB to ride in different parts of the country and that got a little lost, but riding Talishla gave me the chance to remember what is important to me, spending time with my horse, riding new routes and meeting wonderful people (and winning- sorry but I like competing too).

venue well organised with party atmosphere.

Good marking.

Bonham A mix of everything forestry, hills, grassy gallops, cattle, gates, a ford (deep) it rained all day, we lost a shoe and walked miles, everyone was so friendly and helpful they must have been frozen, a great ride everyone should go.

Red Dragon Tough welsh ride steep hills, mud, tracks, roads and more mountains, views forever, a real acheavment to finish, good marking and great venue, indoor vetting, all the facilities you could need.

New Forest Flat, fast and fab, cows, dogs, bikes, donkeys, prams, fords, mud, sandy tracks, underpasses, trees n everything, got lost leaving venue but after reading map (following local rider) it was well marked, lovely venue even with the frost first thing.

Vetting on grass.

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TORQ Back

Don’t feel DEPLETED & DEFEATED Nutritionally “REIGN your REIN” & ENJOY this SEASON Will you “reign your rein” this season and re-enforce your partnership and goals with your horse and crew, or will you leave your nutrition completely to chance?

This Winter, many of us have been determined to try and maintain a good level of rider and horse fitness through putting in the hours of riding in incredibly gruelling, WET and MUDDY conditions.

Therefore as the Ride Season rapidly approaches, bringing many exciting and incredible Rides, now would be a good time to question your understanding of correct fuelling in terms of RIDER hydration and nutrition before it is too late.

Will you allow all of those WET, WINDY, MUDDY early mornings and DARK FROSTY evenings of feeding duties etc. and filthy training conditions to have been to no avail, or will you approach the season prepared to give your crew, your horse and yourself the best chance possible?

It has to be said that generally there is an increased awareness of the benefits of utilising sports nutrition in Endurance riding.

We have seen an increase in the number of nutritionally related reader questions and have felt that there are many questions that still require answering.

Readers wishing to obtain a better understanding of the necessary hydration systems have been a regular. Particularly as riders look to increase their distances and hence time in the saddle.

If you have been following the regular nutritional references in Endurance GB, have taken part in many a Major Distance Ride over the last few seasons or indeed have attended a TORQ talk, you may well have taken the time and opportunity to talk (pardon the pun) to Sasha from TORQ Fitness about such issues. Which leads us onto our first Rider Question.

I recently qualified to be able to enter the longer distance Competitive Rides

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(CER) and am still a little confused about my hydration. Do I really need to use an energy drink for the longer distance rides, or will just drinking water be enough?

This is indeed a regularly asked question as Sasha from TORQ Fitness explains.

There are still a number of grey areas with reference to hydration. Last season, I sadly regularly witnessed riders (of all distances and levels) being able to cater for their horse’s training and competition nutritional requirements, but then completely neglecting their own. I was told by many, including the Longer Distance riders that they felt that riding all day on just a banana & water would be sufficient. I am afraid to say I also witnessed a couple of riders actually collapsing due to dehydration ….. this would be virtually unheard of in any other sporting discipline.

I also spoke to several riders who would regularly naively leave home very early in the morning to get to a Ride venue in time for vetting, ride all day and then drive home on barely any “correct nutrition” then wonder why they felt so awful and sleepy during the drive home and indeed the day after the ride. One poor lady actually reported having such extreme cramps from underfuelling during her ride, that once back home she was literally unable to climb out of the driver’s seat of her horse lorry and had to be rescued.

In simple terms, your body can be compared to a car. It would be impossible to comprehend driving all day on an empty tank, or fuelling your vehicle with water instead of Petrol, Diesel or LPG. Nutritional fuelling can be simple and makes your day and crews’ life (for the incredible riders taking part in the longer rides) far easier and more enjoyable. Correct nutritional fuelling not only helps to maintain your horse’s balance, but it also boosts his/ her moral. If you are exhausted due to poor fitness or under- fuelling and are bobbing about like a sack of potatoes in the saddle, you are being more of a hindrance to your

horse than a help. Similarly as our reliable steeds are very sensitive, they will also pick up on your energy levels and spirit; if you are feeling “depleted and defeated” (be it consciously or subconsciously) your horse will be the first to register the change.

So how do we address successful hydration & fuelling?

At TORQ, we believe we have simplified the procedure & have introduced the new “TORQ Fuelling system.” As a rule of thumb, research has proven that the body can digest up to 90g of carbohydrate an hour, be it through an energy drink, gel or bar.

However, as Endurance riding is generally of a lower intensity than say running or cycling, we would suggest that one aims for 30-60g of carbohydrate per hour as this will be sufficient to fuel performance.

To simplify procedures, we have recently reduced the size of our TORQ bars to be a 45g bar (in place of a 65g bar) to allow each bar to now contain 30g of carbohydrate.

This now brings the bars’ carbohydrate content levels in line with the TORQ gels & 500Ml of TORQ energy drink (when mixed at 6%). We have called these items ‘TORQ units’:

Part 2 in next issue of Endurance

Official members publication for Endurance GB

From Bay to Hay Vika Engel is fundraising by riding…..

Her father, Matthew Engel, tells us more…

There are a lot of ways to spend a fifteenth birthday. My daughter Vika is planning to spend hers, with her chestnut pony Sparkle, on a ride of more than a hundred miles.

She will be travelling across Wales on an epic journey “from the Bay to Hay” – from a sandy beach on the coast to the book-town of Hay-on-Wye on the English border.

But it won’t be just about her birthday. The ride will also cover what should have been her brother Laurie’s 21st birthday, nearly eight years after his death from a peculiarly rare and cruel form of cancer.

When Laurie died, we started fund-raising for a project that did not even exist: building a new teenage cancer unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where he was treated.

We initially set out to raise £10,000, though heaven knows what we thought anyone would build with that.

However, at this point strange things began to happen. I was able to write an article in The Guardian newspaper telling Laurie’s story; the chief executive of the hospital knew that the wretched facilities I described did no justice to the skill of the staff or the needs of the patients. Many of these children spend years in and out of hospital; they deserve the best. And he now decided to do something about it.

In conjunction with Teenage Cancer Trust,

Endurance March/April 2013

the hospital set about building the new unit.

And donations beyond our wildest fantasies poured in. In early 2010 it opened, to unanimous delight and praise. It cost £2.5m, and the Laurie Engel Fund – with help from thousands of friends, most of them friends we had never met – somehow raised £1.1m of that.

There was just one problem, which has become more and more obvious in the past three years. The children’s cancer ward in Birmingham has now become like an aeroplane. At one end, there is first-class hi-tech spacious luxury with a pool table, jukebox, satellite TV, video-game consoles and room to chill. But at the other, where the pre-teens are housed, conditions are still as cramped and inadequate as ever.

In a funny way, it would have been worse for Laurie, who was 11 and 12 when he was in the hospital. When he was there, things were as they were. Now everyone knows they don’t have to be that way: the teenage unit has set new standards. The evidence suggests better conditions make recovery much more likely.

And so last year the hospital started its own £4m appeal to rebuild the rest of the cancer centre. But this is a tougher time to raise money than a few years back. And we decided we couldn’t just stand by.

When Laurie died, Vika took refuge in the love of her Labrador and her ponies. Her latest, Sparkle, is the best yet: an 11-yearold 14.3 hands gelding, born wild on Clee Hill in Shropshire, expertly schooled (not by us), and blessed with a calm temperament except for a bizarre fear of roadside salt boxes. But throughout 2012 a serious ankle problem meant Vika needed two operations and almost a year off horseback.

At the same time we had just got to know our Herefordshire neighbour Andrea Champ, who is an experienced endurance rider. As Vika’s ankle got better, she thought both pony and rider might be up to the challenge of a trek like this. So, with Andrea’s help, my wife Hilary began a rigorous programme of preparing rider and pony for the journey, while starting on the complex planning of the expedition.

Perhaps the best news came when a speeding motorist spooked Sparkle on a country lane, and Vika fell off. Almost every

bit of her hurt for a couple of days – except her dodgy ankle, which survived the test.

So the plan is to start on the sands at Ynyslas on Saturday, May 25, finishing at Hay five days later. Hay will be in the midst of its annual literary festival and we hope the crowds might be diverted at least momentarily by the sight of one very tired girl on a pony and, we hope, several members of the local Pony Club keeping her company on the final leg.

It is more traditional to ride through Wales the other way. But we wanted the sensation of heading homewards. In any case, it’s bound to rain – it’s Bank Holiday Week – and this way the wind should be at her back. Either way, the logistics are frankly terrifying.

We still need help. We are not expecting Sparkle to do the whole journey and, though we have had a couple of offers, we are still looking for spare ponies for Vika.

We have already a great deal of assistance from the trail riding community in planning the route, finding accommodation and assembling kit. This does seem a particularly kindly and welcoming part of the riding world. But we also still need experienced trail and endurance riders willing to travel with her on some of the days. And people who can help us with the crewing.

If you can do anything at all to help, please call Hilary at 01981 241210 or email hilary. engel@gmail.com.

To read Laurie’s story, please go to www. laurieengelfund.org If you wish to make a donation, please go to www.justgiving.com/bchlaurieengelfund or post a cheque made out to BCH Charities (LEF) to Laurie Engel Fund, Fair Oak, Bacton, Hereford HR2 0AT. Many thanks.

THE ROUTE: Saturday May 25: Ynyslas to Tal-y-Bont Sunday May 26: (Vika’s birthday): Tal-y-Bont to Aberhosan Monday May 27: Aberhosan to Llangurig Tuesday May 28: (Laurie’s birthday): Llangurig to Pen-y-Bont Wednesday May 29: Pen-y-Bont to Bryngwyn Thursday May 30: Bryngwyn to Hay-on-Wye

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Young Riders

Harry Ingram’s experience of racing in the desert: This was my first time visiting the Middle East and I was riding one of Anzac Mehmood’s horses in the Presidents Cup for Juniors 120km 2* ride at Bou Thib near Abu Dhabi.

I had met my horse, Ralvan Legacy, the day before the ride. He is a beautiful horse, very nicely put together, with an effortless canter.

He is only 8 years old and this would be his first 120km race. The tactics were to ride off the leaders’ pace but still bowl along at around 21-22kmph.

The day of the race, we started as the sun rose, alongside 68 starters. It was cool at about 10 degrees, but soon warmed to peak at 28 degrees at midday.

Harry on Legacy cantering on the track the day before the race

The start was relatively relaxed and drama free, all the horses are used to cantering with others around and I didn’t see any out of control. The same cannot be said for the crew cars who sped off at what seemed like a hundred miles an hour! It was like riding down the middle of a rather sandy M6 at this point!

The tracks are all man made and the sand varies from very hard areas to very soft.

The key was to aim for the depth in the middle. I rode with a Belgian girl who was also riding for Anzac. We were followed by two crew cars, and Anzac’s car. The crews leap-frogged each other to slosh at 400 yard intervals.

At first, Legacy found the crews very spooky and broke stride every time he saw them. So as the day went by, we worked on this with the help of some blinkers. During the midday heat, the horses were sloshed even more, maybe at 200 yard intervals. People have asked ‘did you not think it was hot or get tired?’ The answer is that concentrating on my pace and getting the next slosh meant I never really had time to think of the heat!

All the vet gates ran very smoothly, presenting under 3 mins each time. We galloped in to finish 23rd at a speed of 20.58kmph. The winner of the race was Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri riding Vasco with an average speed of 26.9kmph.

It was a fantastic first experience of riding in the desert. Thanks to Anzac for letting me ride such a beautiful horse.

and came second individually. The horse that I rode was called Aurum, an ex racing chestnut thoroughbred.

Amber Sole’s Experience of India India was a good experience!

There were 7 international riders from all over the world; Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Thailand and of course the United Kingdom and also 7 Indian riders.

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We were put into teams of 3 and there was one team of 2. My team consisted of the girl from Switzerland who did amazingly well and came 3rd individually, and also the man from South Africa who did really well

There was a Cocktail party the night before the ride where we met all the Indian riders, as well as reuniting with all the international riders who we had been doing other activities with all through the week.

We met up for dinner at each others place of stay and was nice to find out how endurance was different all over the world.

The day before we got the flight to come home we went on a boat trip and had lunch on an island with the international riders.

It’s an opportunity that I’m glad I took, and would recommend that other young riders take the chance to go. Thank you to Allyson Sole and Peter Hawksley for all their support.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Young Riders

Young rider’s team training at Bury Farm Report by Katie Bedwin

On Saturday 16th February we left West Sussex, and headed for Bury Farm, Leighton Buzzard for the first Young Rider Training Weekend of 2013. It was to be a very busy weekend with lectures, lessons and much much more!

Assessing the horses

Photo courtesy Emma Miller

The Young Rider Management team for the World Championships in Tarbes, France in July 2013 are Chef d’Equippe Helen Boston, Logistics Manager Philip Hirst, Team Vet Georgina Hirst, Team Farrier Glyn Trundle and Team Physio Lee Clark, who were all there to help us over the weekend, except Lee who was in the UAE with Dace at the President’s Cup. We had been divided into four groups prior to our arrival. Group 1 consisted of Katie Bedwin, Fionnghuala Paterson and Tilly Hepburn-Wright, Group 2; Kate Atkinson, James Dickinson and Penny Amond.

Group 3; Brett Corcoran, Andrew and Caitlin Theodorou and David Hawes and Group 4; Amber Barnicoat, Iain Paterson, and Caroline Hawes. All four groups started in the cafe at 9.30am with a talk by Dr. C.A.Roberts on drugs in our sport. Everyone found this very interesting and inspirational.

He was an exceptionally good speaker and we all learnt a great deal on what we needed to be aware of and how to ensure we stayed within the FEI rules.

We then introduced ourselves to the rest of the group. Afterwards we had a talk

by Louise Talintyre from The Pure Feed company. She told us all about Pure Feeds which are mainly made up of grass, oat straw, Soya oil and a balancer and therefore mainly Fibre. She also stressed our horses having hay ad-lib as horses

Endurance March/April 2013

are trickle feeders. Later she gave us the opportunity to have our horses weighed on her weighbridge and showed us how we can have a nutritionist from The Pure Feed Company to give us a feed plan for our horses.

Next, Mike Jones, a sports and exercise scientist from Keele University gave us a talk. We all found this very helpful and interesting. He started by explaining that if we allowed our core strength to weaken over a 120km competition, our horses strides would shorten, therefore slowing our overall speed down by a considerable amount. He went onto explain that running would help our cardiovascular system but what was really important was our core strength and over the weekend he would help us with exercises to strengthen us, enabling us to ride our horses better and stay in balance over 120km.

We had a short break for lunch, then split into the groups to move round various activities. The activities included a lesson with horses in the indoor school with Rachael Atkinson. The lesson focussed on the riders become more balanced in trot and canter. Preparing us not only for the 2013 season but also for our mini dressage competition that was to be held on Sunday, judged by two of the Team Selectors’ , Pam James and Di Latham.

Next we had our horses weighed on the weighbridge. Some of the horses were very good and walked onto it immediately, but a few were much more suspicious and took time to walk on! It was really interesting to see how much our horses weighed, especially as it was the first time that most of the horses have been on a weighbridge.

After this we went to see the team vet and farrier. We started by telling them our plans for the 2013 season and then they watched the horses walk and trot in a straight line and

then on a circle on each rein on the tarmac.

After this they advised us on our horse’s soundness and how to correct any problems they might have had.

The final thing to do on Saturday was our first fitness session with Mike Jones. This was excellent and he had us all doing exercises which we’re to continue with over the next eight months. When we see him again hopefully he will see a considerable difference. We did all sorts of exercises including using a swiss ball, standing absolutely straight against a wall and making T’s, W’s and Y’s with our arms and many others. It was hard work, but really helpful and something that I’m sure all of us will continue with.

This ended the first day other than us all joining together for a lovely dinner in Bury Farm’s Cafe, with a brilliant view of the indoor international arena and we even got to see a sneaky peek of a demonstration by Monty Roberts!

We woke up to a frosty morning on Sunday, and after the horses were fed and dealt with, we assembled for another session with Mike. We refreshed our minds with our exercises and stretches to ensure we all knew what to do when we got home!

Then we prepared our horse’s for the mini dressage competition. We were very lucky to have the brand new huge arena to work them in, before going individually to ride Prelim 19 for the judges, Pam and Di. The horses all did lovely tests and on the whole the riders were very happy.

We then each talked to Helen about our plans for this season and the future. This was really helpful, and gave us all goals to work towards. Just before our final debrief with Helen, we spoke to Pam and Di individually, and discussed our dressage test and were given helpful tips to improve our riding. To finish the weekend off we had a prize giving. Andrew Theodorou won and James Dickinson, Catlin Theodorou and Katie Bedwin were commended for their tests. It was then time to say our goodbyes and thank everyone for another super weekend. We all look forward to the 2013 season and the next training weekend in November, but hopefully will see each other at the various competitions throughout the season. Thank you Helen, Emma and everyone who had an input into the weekend, it was brilliant.

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Coaching

Coaching Update Several of the UKCC Level 2 Endurance Coaches are now embarking on their training to become Level 3 coaches, so we thought it would be good to let readers know who they are, and why they are doing it! trained students to gain BHS qualifications to level 2 and the Riding and Road Safety qualification. Sue is mostly self taught but has also trained in Portugal with Jorge Pereira. She has given many young riders support and encouragement in their Endurance career, some of whom have become Champions.

Rachael Farley-Claridge

Judith Piggott Judith Piggot is from Scotland and currently based in Perthshire. She is an active member of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club and Endurance GB. Judith also lived in California over a 10 year period and was a member of the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the American Endurance Riding Club. She has trained and competed endurance horses for over 15 years and has FEI, multi-day and gated race ride experience. Judith uses a SMART Horsemanship approach to develop horse and rider endurance skills so that partnerships can safely and successfully go the distance. Judith’s best endurance memories include riding the 200 mile 4 day Death Valley Ride - a wonderful way to spend Christmas in California and endurance in Brazil. In the future Judith hopes to share her endurance knowledge with others interested in the sport using her UKCC level 3 endurance coaching skills.

Sue Lees Sue Lees is from Portland in Dorset. She is Vice chair of the Wessex group. For many she years has run her own Equestrian Centre and Stud, and is also a qualified Horse Transporter. Sue has competed and crewed for more than 20 years and has FEI and International experience. She has

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Rachael Farley-Claridge moved to South Gloucestershire from Cornwall four years ago, where she was an active member of the South West Branch committee of Endurance GB. She has been involved in the sport of endurance riding for more than 20 years after being a member of the East Cornwall Hunt Pony Club. As a young rider Rachael was mentored by Jane James and Jill Thomas who alongside her parents ignited her passion for the sport. Rachael qualified as a UKCC accredited level 2 coach in 2010 and is now studying for her level 3 qualification.

In 2012 Rachael married husband and crew Adam Farley, who is an explorer scout leader which is very useful in this sport!

Together they are expanding her parent’s Phoenix Field Arabian Stud and starting an endurance training centre near their home in Badminton.

Rachael says:

As an endurance coach I hope to give something back to the sport at grass roots and international level. I have ridden alongside some of the most experienced endurance riders on the national and international circuit. At young rider and senior level I have competed in several European and World Championship events and with my young horse I am currently on the World Start and Potential Squad. I also worked as a wrangler at an Arabian horse ranch in Wyoming after my degree, picking up additional horsemanship skills that assisted me when I rode in Dubai and South Africa at FEI level.

I am currently working with British Riding Clubs and Pony Club UK along with existing members of Endurance GB to help riders and crew fulfil their goals and also have fun along the way! If you would like to find out what activities I have planned for this year or enlist my help please visit my website www. rachaelclaridge.com or call me on 01454 238942/07789641014

Julie Martin Julie has been involved in endurance riding since 1975, joining EHPS as a life member almost immediately and did her first competition in 1977 with the BHS LDRG and went on to compete with EHPS, SERC and now EGB. With her horse Swansong of Shamala she was National Champion with both BHS LDG and EHPS, with Song she won the lightweight class at Montcuq in 1983.

Julie has more recently been Reserve Champion with EGB two years running on her little mare Solitaire’s Star. She has also mentored many young and junior riders, on two separate occasions escorting them to successfully complete the 160km Summer Solstice ride.

Julie has been involved as a ride organiser, technical steward and general helper, so has a good overall view of the sport and problems encountered and at group level has been involved in a number of roles including Chairman.

She has seen the sport progress, develop and change, with new methods of feeding and training being introduced along with technological aids making for a more professional and competitive environment.

Having ridden many different horses in training and competition Julie is aware of the adaptations that have to be made to riding techniques, feeding, training and managing to allow successful competition.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Summer Clothing

Get Summer Ready!

According to the calendar, summer’s just around the corner, although snow in March may suggest that t-shirt weather and sunscreen are a little further away than we’d like to think. Based on last year’s ‘summer’, we’re in line for a good one, so the question is…what should you be wearing?

No matter how hot the weather is, safety is paramount, so a riding hat is a must. For the summer, opt for a lighter weight hat with plenty of ventilation holes to help air flow around your head…but make sure it conforms to the necessary standards, that it’s fitted correctly and that the harness is correctly adjusted. It sounds obvious, but fitting is really important. Having a hat too tight could cause you pain, and a hat that’s too loose could fall off or slip when it’s needed the most. Moving down, think breathable and think layers. It might be the summer, but in Britain that doesn’t guarantee

dry, sunny conditions. Consider wearing a breathable, lightweight top with some element of stretch. This should help to keep you dry and comfortable in the saddle whilst moving with you. Look at tops with collars, to help give your neck a bit of extra protection from the elements. A fleece or long sleeve top can make a great second layer, or, depending on the conditions, a gilet for extra warmth across the body on cooler days. If it’s due to rain, look at lightweight, breathable, waterproof jackets too- something that will keep you dry whilst allowing you to stay cool and comfortable. Moving to legwear, apply the same principles as for tops- breathable, lightweight, comfortable and stretchy…you’ll appreciate all these attributes throughout the day. Breeches, jodhpurs or even riding tights will help to ensure comfort in the saddle… and some are even water repellent. Look for fabrics that dry quickly, in case you get caught in a downpour or get wet when washing your horse off.

For footwear, it’s got to be comfortable…but not just in the saddle, but if you’re having to mount and dismount or walk/run with your

horse. Ensure you’ve worn any new boots before you climb on board, make sure that they fit and they give you adequate support in the stirrup and on foot. Team these with lightweight, washable half chaps. This combination should help keep you well shod and ready for whatever the day throws at you, and should keep you comfortable too.

Of course, you could opt for long boots, but make sure you can get on, off, run, walk and ride in them before the event itself. An area that’s regularly overlooked in underwear… but it’s the foundation of all great things!

Ladies should consider investing in a well fitting sports bra and ladies and men should chose comfortable, well fitting underwear and socks.

As for the crew, their clothing choices aren’t quite so vital, but as per the endurance rider, comfort is key! Invest in layers rather than one or two hefty items as this allows you to change your kit according to the weather conditions and level of activity.

We would like to thank Toggi,Tayberry, Tuffa Boots & Champion Hats for their advice.

Just Chaps on a Great British Adventure Just Chaps is proud to be supporting William Reddaway on a marathon round Britain ride.

William, from Cheltenham will cover over 2500 miles over the estimated 6 months that it will take - setting off from the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds in May this year. William, who fully admits to always being mesmerised by the idea of travelling long distances on a horse, has been planning this epic trip for more than 2 years. The basic route is set by the four corners and 30 cathedrals of England.

He will be raising money for two worthy charities The Family Holiday Association and Wormwood Scrubs Pony Club and is still looking for help with accommodation and stabling on his way. Contact William on william@rideroundengland.org or visit www.rideroundengland.org for the whole story.

William will be made more comfortable on his ride by Endurance Half Chaps provided by Just Chaps.

Endurance March/April 2013

35

Group News

Cromwell Group

Lesley Ann Parker with Velvet Echo competing at Euston Park

On Saturday 25th January, Cromwell Group met for their Branch Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. With so many BAMs having to be cancelled because of the snow, it was a close call as to whether it would run at all but, as luck would have it, we were just one day ahead of the heavy snow arriving in Cambridgeshire. There was a great turn-out of hardy souls and we are happy to say that attendance at the meeting and awards is growing year on year.

The evening began with the Branch Annual Meeting when we looked back over what had been a very successful 2012 for the Group as a whole and for many group members individually. In her Chairman’s

Lancashire Group

Presentation Evening EGB Lancs Group held their Annual Awards Presentation Evening in The Garden Room, Ribby Hall, Kirkham on Saturday 26th January 2013. This was a lovely venue, and the food and service was excellent. We were very pleased to welcome local vet, Michelle Lingard from Moy Farm Vets to present the awards. Michelle is well known to a lot of our members both from her work there, and also in the long relationship she has built up with

36

address, Caroline Cherry spoke about the achievements of riders within the group and said that, in spite of being a relatively small group, we cover all aspects of endurance riding from active pleasure riders up to Elite Squad and Team GB riders.

She mentioned particularly Lesley-Anne Parker and her horse Velvet Echo who are riding at the very top of our sport and represented Great Britain at the World Endurance Championships, Euston Park, in July. Lesley-Anne and Taia (Velvet Echo) went on to take the Chelwood Rosette Advanced High Points Award, the Cromwell Pure Bred Arab Award and the Perfect Dream Award for their FEI 3* 160km at

Haywood Oaks. A particularly poignant moment came when the award for the Best Crew was given to Lesley-Anne’s daughter, Lucy, and her husband, Roger. Shortly before the WEC in July, Roger suffered a terrible climbing accident in Switzerland, which resulted in him going into a coma.

Lesley-Anne paid particular tribute to Lucy, who, despite having the terrible worry of her father’s condition, supported her mother in realising her dream of riding at the WEC. She also went on to tell us that Roger is well on the way to recovery now and all in the Cromwell Group wish him a continued and speedy recovery.

For the first time this year, Cromwell Group had an award for Pleasure rides, the Seren Arabians Hanson Legacy Award. This was a hotly contested award and the winners were Carol Fricker and her adorable unregistered pony, Crunchie. Crunchie clocked up well over 350km, way ahead of the other contenders! The Cromwell

Photos courtesy of Edwin Devey of ‘whatapicture.biz’

Michelle presenting to Hannah Wright Michelle Lingard presenting our Highpoint Champion Jackie Lloyd & Jenny Rand

Lancs EGB over the past 20 years or so by ‘vetting’ at our rides.

successfully raised £300 for the Brain Tumor Research Charity. We would like to thanks all of our raffle prize donors who generously gave some wonderful prizes which allowed us to raise so much.

Over 70 members and friends attended the event all of whom seemed to have a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

The awards were announced by Master of Ceremonies, Alan Green who also conducted the Chorley Auction and Raffle in which we

Michelle presenting to Amy Edmondson

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

Dressage Award was impressively taken by Claire Mellor and Queen of Hearts, proving that endurance horses can turn their hooves to all sorts of things. A special award was given to Jim Parsler in recognition of the

work and dedication which has gone into his endurance blog and fund-raising page: http://endurancediary.wordpress.com.

The evening was not just about awards however, it was also about having fun and

meeting up with friends to share stories, dreams and, in the case of Terry Fricker and his granddaughter Isobella, to share the biggest ice cream sundae anyone has ever seen!

Cromwell Group Trophies 2013 CAMBRIDGESHIRE HUNT SUPPORTERS CLUB Novice High Point

Winner

Joyce's Choice - Hannah Maskell

Ultraflex Shield

Winner

Simply Dennis - Sue Gregg

Open High Point

Reserve

Queen Of Hearts - Claire Mellor

Chelwood Rosette

Winner

Velvet Echo - Lesley-Anne Parker

Advanced High Points

Reserve

Polly - Isobella Fricker

14.2 & Under

Reserve

Longcross Velvet - Bryony Parsler

Winner

Longcross Velvet - Bryony Parsler

Reserve

Cadenza Talisman - Jim Parsler

Perfromance Equestrian

Performance Equestrian

Perfeq Dream Award

Velvet Echo - Lesley Ann Parker

(For Those Completing 160Km

Haywood Oaks 160Km Fei 3*

Perfeq “40” Short Distance

Winner

Polly - Isobella Fricker

Over 1 Or 2 Days)

(32 & 40 Km Rides Only)

Reserve

Joyce's Choice - Hannah Maskell

The ‘Steeple Charm’ Award

Cromwell Middle Distance

Winner

Joyce's Choice - Hannah Maskell

Junior/Young Rider

Winner

Isobella Fricker

(40 & 50 Km Rides Only)

Reserve

Simply Dennis - Sue Gregg

(18 & Under)

Reserve

Hannah Maskell

Cromwell Pure Bred Arab

winner

Velvet Echo - Lesley-Anne Parker

The Cromwell Egb Award

Reserve

Seren Capella - Rebecca Kinnarney

Veteran Rider

Winner

Helen Gipson

(Over 60)

Reserve

Janet Ivens

Seren Arabians Hanson Legacy Award - Prs And Ncrs

Winner

Crunchie - Carol Fricker

The British Benzole Plate

Reserve

Seren Capella - Rebecca Kinnarney

Associate Member

Winner

Jo Parker

Part Bred Arab

Winner

Cadenza Talisman - Jim Parsler

Crew

Winner

Lucy & Roger Parker - Nominated By

Sunny Boy Black Beauty Shield

Winner

Simply Dennis - Sue Gregg

Best Native

Reserve

Longcross Velvet - Bryony Parsler

Perfeq “57”

Winner

Polly - Isobella Fricker

The Susan Cox Tankard

(Unregistered)

Reserve

Queen Of Hearts - Claire Mellor

Steward Award

Lesley-Ann Parker Reserve

Performance Equestrian

Rebecca Kinnarey

The 'Mousse D'eau' Trophy Ex Arab Racehorse

Endurance Story Winner

Djelai - Janet Ivens

The Interfit Hydraulics Trophy Veteran- 15 – 21

Sarah Robins - Nominated By

Helen Gipson Winner

Ella Molloy

Reserve

Hannah Maskell

The Dressage Vase Winner

Polly - Isobella Fricker

Dressage

Queen Of Hearts - Claire Mellor

Lancashire Trophies The trophies placings and mileage awards are as follows:- Many annual and cumulative mileage rosettes were awarded but not listed.

Tarka Trophy 1st DELFYW SQUIGGLE KAREN CORR 2nd WEEPING WILLOW GLENDA GRIFFIN Winston Memorial Trophy 1st EMILY MCHUGH 2nd KATH WILSON Britannia Double 1st ZIM NAZKA & APRIL 1 2nd PETERBROOK SUNSET SURPRISE & HT ORIENT Chanel Pairs: 1st ZIM NAZKA & MIDNIGHT I 2nd MARADAY MYSTERON & MOON MAGICIAN The Competitive Trophies Young Rider Trophy 1st ZAMEL KATE ATKINSON 2nd OAKTHWAITE SAMARA KATE ATKINSON

Endurance March/April 2013

Helme Trophy 1st SANDY W Willowsweet Trophy 1st R’BARABUS 2nd SANDY W Collee Memorial 1st PETERBROOK SUNSET SURPRISE 2nd MOON MAGICIAN AHS CUP 1st ZIM NAZKA 2nd MARADAY MYSTARON Norah Trophy 1st PETERBROOK SUNSET SURPRISE 2nd TOMMY

MAX WILSON EMILY MCHUGH MAX WILSON

CAROLYN CUMMINGS SUE TAYLOR-GREEN JACKIE LLOYD LINDA COWPERTHWAITE

CAROLYN CUMMINGS DIANE HUDSON

37

Group News

Novice Trophy 1st R’BARABUS 2nd CAPELLO Cumbria Za Trophy 1st MOON MAGICIAN 2nd TOMMY Graded Ride Champion 1st ZIM NAZKA 2nd PETERBROOK SUNSET SURPRISE Endurance Champion 1st MARADAY MYSTARON 2nd OAKTHWAITE SAMARA Highpoint Champion 1st ZIM NAZKA 2nd MARADAY MYSTARON

Special Awards:EMILY MCHUGH KATH WILSON

LEN CUMMINGS-The Saar Companion Trophy for assistance to members during the year

SUE TAYLOR-GREEN DIANE HUDSON

Life Time Achievement Awards-important and touching awards to show some recognition for our horse companions who have sadly passed away during the previous competitive season and who always deserve to be remembered.

JACKIE LLOYD

LINDA COWPERTHWAITE KATE ATKINSON

Hammadat-owned by Evelyn Helme-he completed 3765 km during his endurance career and achieved many national awards including National Champion. He was ridden by Evelyn and several of the young ‘Helmery’ for many years.

JACKIE LLOYD LINDA COWPERTHWAITE

Whispering Willow-owned by Glenda Griffin, who completed 900.5 kms in her endurance career.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS

South East Group News from Lindsay Sparrow At the South East Group Branch Annual Meeting, our 2012 awards were handed out (see previous issue for the list of winners)

by Alice Beet, from the South East Group and member of the World Endurance Championship British Team. Congratulations to all.

Many Congratulations to Kate Curry riding Doyenne Endurance GB South East Group’s 2012 Champion The new committee met for the first time in January, and have many exciting ideas to promote and maintain membership in EGB in the South East. As part of this, we will be using an online survey tool to obtain information so that we can promote our sport in the South East.

The South East Group is fired up for the 2013 season. We have a total of 14 rides

in the South East Area for the season and thanks must go to all our Ride Organisers who have taken on the mammoth task of organising a ride, some for the first time.

We must especially thank Jane Cook, Julia Watts and Judith Yarnold for organising two completely new pleasure rides this year-we really hope the Church Farm, Coombes Ride and the St.Clere Ride will prove to be popular and enjoyable for all. We have just had our first Pleasure Ride of the season, on February 17th at Brendon Stud, Pyecombe. It was full before the closing date, an excellent start to the season and the day itself was glorious, so all the riders could appreciate the wonderful South

Mid South Group Report

Downs views in the rare sunshine. We have a number of rides coming up over the next couple of months, including Primrose EGB Ride and Southdowns EGB ride. We look forward to seeing everyone out and about competing again, for the 2013 season.

The South East Group has also already arranged 2 training events for the start of the season. An early opportunity of an adult camp booked up very quickly and will be running over the first weekend in March, kindly hosted and run by Rosemary Attfield, a Level 3 Coach. A Junior and Young Riders Camp is running in April, also hosted and run by Rosemary Attfield.

Our Facebook page continues to grow and alongside the website, it is the best way to keep up to date with all the events on the South East Calendar. Go to our website on www.endurancegbsoutheast.co.uk, or our Facebook page at www.facebook. com (search for Endurance GB South East (official)) The South East Group would like to wish everyone a successful 2013 season.

and massage, a mechanical horse riding session, equine hydrotherapy demonstration and informative sessions from experienced endurance riders covering fitness, ride preparation, map reading, crewing and more...

We have just held the 1st ride of this year’s Silver Gambler Series in The New Forest where 22 riders enjoyed lovely weather riding 10 – 30km through inclosures and across open heath land. This ride was nearly cancelled 2 days before as the course was virtually under water.

the day for some lovely long canters for those fit enough and every one seemed to enjoy their day.

We are also holding a training day on Sunday 24th March at Quob Stables, Southampton.

Cost £50 for horse, rider and a crew/helper.

Un-mounted is £15 per person.

Although there were a few places that were pretty wet, the going was good enough on

This will include a ridden session, physio assessment for your horse with stretching

For details contact Sarah Denham via e-mail at sarah.denham@hants.gov.uk

38

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

West Riding Group

by Kerry Dawson The West Riding Group started 2012 with a very cold Nostell Priory, where we just escaped the snow. We also managed to have a VIP guest in the form of Larissa, one of the ‘Your Horse’ editors who came and rode the ride for a magazine feature.

Thank you ever so much to those members who really pulled out all the stops to make her ride enjoyable, both by providing her with a mounted and unmounted escort, a horse to ride, and plenty of people to talk to before and after. Her magazine feature was excellent.Then we had a very wet and oversubscribed Brodsworth.

Brodsworth was oversubscribed so Sue ran it twice. We were lucky that the rain stopped for just one day and that was the day the second ride was taking place.

Next we had our first coaching session with our resident UKCC coach Julie Martin. Julie doesn’t like blowing her own trumpet but I have to say she is a bit good like. She taught me to ride back in the day and she has a lot of endurance experience at all levels. And don’t think that you have to be really good already to benefit from a coaching session – heck, me and Spud gained a lot from it and normally Spud grinds to a halt in the school.

Well he’s done one perfectly adequate circle and he doesn’t see why he should have to do another one. Nidderdale was meant to

Alison Harris We’re very lucky in this group to have a number of very special people who may not always blow their own trumpet but have a huge amount of experience to share. Alison Harris is one of those people. She has been involved with endurance since the early 80s and during that time she has done an incredible amount for our sport – serving on the national committee of the Endurance Horse and Pony Society as was, being part of the national disciplinary committee, organising many rides both nationally and locally, and spending time on the local group committee.

Alison has also achieved a lot with her Welsh Cobs. Okeden Meteor remains one of the

Endurance March/April 2013

be our next ride, but it was so wet on the moors it would have been dangerous. So we moved the date once hoping it would be drier later in the year, and then when it wasn’t we moved the ride to Rothwell instead.

Wharncliffe was looking a bit touch and go with the rain, but Super-Jeni pulled it off.

Even though the venue field was virtually unusable, she tucked horseboxes and trailers in obscure corners all over the farm and we managed to squeeze everyone in. Both days went ahead despite the wet and the ER was won by Rachel Atkinson & Badran. Then we had Last of the Summer Wine booked in. Although we always say that West Riding don’t cancel – unfortunately we did have to cancel. Rain damage on the tracks and a fallen tree over the route meant that we lost half the route.

Next was South Yorkshire. This is a ride that on paper should be straightforward to run but for some reason it is the one that creates the most organiser stress (and I know, I used to organise it). Super-Jeni

highest lifetime mileage endurance horses in this country with nearly 8000km to his name. Okeden Frenin wasn’t far behind him with nearly 7000km to his name. If anyone ever tells you that you need an arab….. Not only that, but Alison has regularly roped in willing volunteers to compete her horses which has both motivated and inspired them to get involved with the sport. I spent a couple of years competing Alison’s welsh x arab, Okeden Orient Express, as did Sarah

pulled South Yorkshire off, too, in the face of a BE100 event being held on the same land, a tank drive in the wood, paintballing going on In the wood, and a large combine mowing over most of her markers. The West Riding Challenge has changed from being an end of year trophy to being a team event at the South Yorkshire ride involving the competitive riders and the pleasure riders. It was well supported and the teams all got well into the spirit of things. The winners were David’s Angels comprising of Christine Hull, Sue Headland and Angela Hield. Last but not least was our second Nostell ride. More wet weather had left the parklands waterlogged but the estate were very accommodating and allowed us to go ahead.

Our members had a good 2012 too. At national level, Amber Sole won the trophy for the best Young Rider doing graded rides, and Julie Martin & Ghalib Zafir won the trophy for the best first open season.

The incredible Flurrie picked up his 7200km lifetime mileage award. Susi Sadler got her homebred gelding Rudi to advanced.

Appleby. Orrie competed in endurance at the same time as doing county level showing, competing in hunter trials, and being a familiar face on the hunting field. He was that good that he even won the WPCS part bred performance award. Not only that, but knowing Alison and riding Orrie inspired both me and Sarah Appleby to get our own araby welshy pones. Alison’s legacy will go on for a long time yet.

Alison finally decided it was time to retire last year, and we couldn’t let the moment go without the group doing something to say thank you. So we commissioned this painting of Orrie for you and we hope that you will accept it knowing that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything that you have done for us.

39

Management Updates Are you a para rider? Do you know a para rider?

Endurance GB is delighted to announce that Para-equestrian Endurance is available for para riders this season – there are rides all over England and Wales waiting to welcome you to the sport of endurance riding.

The distances range from 10km to 170km so there are classes for all!

If you are interested then this how you can get started.

Step 1 Contact juliemartin@endurancegb. co.uk; she will be able to advise you how to become para registered, what additional equipment may be used and whether you

should have an escort. She will be able to give you info on your local rides.

Step 2 Contact your local Ride Organiser and discuss what might be needed for you to enjoy that ride. Do you need a special parking space, do you need a helper, a disabled loo? The Ride Organiser will help you and will be able to describe the type of venue and the type of route/terrain the ride covers eg the type of gates, going etc. This will allow you to decide if this is the ride for you and your horse.

Step 3 Go onto the EnduranceGB website

www.endurancegb.co.uk and view all the rides on offer and handy tips on entering your first ride. Once you have your ParaRider ID Card you can then enter online the ride you have selected (please highlight that you are a para rider) Step 4 Your ride info and paperwork will arrive, you can plan your day and look forward to a great day out………………..

For full information on rules, qualifications and rides please check out www. endurancegb.co.uk or contact juliemartin@ endurancegb.co.uk

Cirencester Park Endurance Gold Cup Friday/Saturday/Sunday 30th and 31st August and 1st September 2013 OPENING DATE:None

CLOSING DATE:20th August 2013

ORGANISER:

Alan & Jacqui Brown and John & Di Latham

ORGANISER PHONE/MOBILE

01788 832581 07976 971859

ORGANISER EMAIL:

jacqual@btopenworld.com

ENTRIES TO:

Di Latham:12 Timothy Grove Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9BU

PHONE/MOBILE

07710 217871

EMAIL:

dilathamhorses@aol.com

LOCATION:

Cirencester Park Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 6JT

OS Map No: 162/163 Grid Ref: SO994024

RIDE DESCRIPTION:

The Ride will, as usual, be centred on Cirencester Park and quite a large part will be contained within it. The route, however, will have to be altered to accommodate management changes within the Park. The character of the ride will wherever possible be maintained with bridleways and private tracks still forming the core of the Ride. Tarmac will be kept to a minimum CLASSES: Competitive Endurance Ride = CER Graded Endurance Ride = GER Pleasure Ride = PR FRIDAY 1. 50km GER 2. 50km GER 3. 40km GER 4. 40km Novice GER 5. 30km GER 6. 30km Novice GER 7. 30km Pleasure Ride 8. 16km Pleasure Ride 9. 10km Pleasure Ride

40

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

11. 160km CER Gold Cup 12. 160km CER 2 day Platinum Achievement 13. 130km CER 2 day The Cheryl Logan Memorial Trophy 14. 130km CER 2 day Silver Achievement 15. 100km CER Denbigh Slate 16. 100km CER Gold Achievement 17. 80km CER Corinium 18. 80km CER Young Riders 19. 80km CER Veteran horse (17+ years) 20. 80km GER 21. 65km Performance Formula Ermine

23. 80km Performance Formula 24. 65km GER 25. 65km Bronze Achievement 26. 50km GER 27. 50km Novice GER 28. 40km GER 29. 40km Novice GER 30. 30km GER 31, 30km Novice GER 32. 30km PR 33. 16km PR 34. 10km PR

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Sheer Versatility Novice Endurance Award 2013

by Judy Phillips Sheer Versatility, which promotes the versatile Arabian, is offering £100 in AHS vouchers to the highest placed AHS/EGB member bringing out an Arab registered with the Arab Horse Society in Novice Endurance rides with Endurance GB in 2013. The horse registration document must show the current correct ownership.

Horses are to be 6 years old or over and to remain Novice all year. A minimum of five and up to ten rides to count (under EGB rules Novices may take part in up to ten rides.) Members should have joined, or re-joined the AHS AND have the horse registration document up to date by 31st March 2013 or by their first ride, whichever is sooner.

Any rides completed before AHS membership is paid will not count. Points will be as per EGB rules. Should two horses be on equal points at the end of the season, the horse with the lowest heart rates shall win.

Prizes - £75 to the highest placed horse

ACHIEVEMENT SERIES QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: Bronze Achievement Cup (Novice Horses) 65km One day For Novice level horses that have not at any time competed at Open level.

Entry qualification: Successful completion of at least 3 competitions between 30km and 50km from the start of the championship year (ie 1st Jan 2013). Horses can be upgraded to Open immediately prior to entering this class or will automatically be upgraded as a result of competing in this class.

The winner will be the horse achieving a bogie speed of 12 kph and passing the final vetting. In the event of a tie the lowest heart rate will be the winner. Time penalties will be incurred for speeds either side of 12 kph. For example 12.04 and 11.96 kph = 1 penalty; 12.08 and 11.92 kph = 2 penalties.

Silver Achievement Cup (Open Horses) 130km Two day For Open level horses that have not competed at Advanced level.

Entry qualification: Successful completion of 2 competitions between 65km and 90km, one of which must be between 80km and 90km ridden at a speed of 16kph or under.

The winner will be the fastest horse (with an upper limit of 16kph) with a HR not exceeding 50 bpm at the final veterinary inspection. Horses with a HR of 50 bpm or less will be placed in order of speed.

Endurance March/April 2013

Pulse penalties will be converted into time penalties over 50 bpm 51-52 = 5 minutes; 53-54 = 10 minutes; 55-56 = 15 minutes; 57-58 = 20 minutes; 59-60 = 25 minutes; 61-62 = 30 minutes; 63-64 = 35 minutes; 65 or above = elimination. Minimum speed for each day - 10 kph; maximum speed for each day - 16 kph. Riding times for each day, taking into account any time penalties, being added together to give the final result.

Gold Achievement Cup (Advanced Horses) One day 100km CER For horses that have upgraded to Advanced level since Barbury Castle Ride 2012 and are in their first full season at Advanced level.

Entry Qualification: Successful completion of 2 competitions between 64km and 90km ridden at a speed of 16kph or under.

Platinum Achievement Cup (Advanced Horses) Two day 160km CER Entry Qualification: Successful completion of two competitions of 80km or over, with at least one being a CER, since Barbury Castle Ride 2012.

The horse and rider may have competed at Advanced level for more than one season or be newly qualified in the year between Barbury Castle 2012 and Cirencester 2013.

Note: Barbury Castle kindly hosted the Achievement Series in 2012 as Cirencester did not run.

owned by a member of the AHS and EGB plus £25 if the rider is also a member of both the AHS and EGB, if the horse is not ridden by the owner. If the horse is ridden by more than one rider only those rides in which the horse is ridden by an AHS member will count towards this part of the award. A copy of the EGB mastercard and the horse’s Arab Horse Society registration certificate should be sent to me by the end of October 2013. There is no entry fee. Please let me know if you are likely to take part. Email me at judy_phillips22@hotmail.com with any queries.

I do hope there will be a good response to this initiative.

International Report from Emma Miller I can’t believe it’s March already!

The World Class Senior, Development and Young Rider squads shared a joint training weekend at Bury Farm in February, it was super to see them all together and this was the first, or what we hope will be many, joint training sessions.

By joint training we will be able to utilise facilities and speakers more efficiently and to everyone’s benefit, plus get the squads working together and learning from each other. There was a lot going on but as well as the usual horse and riding assessments we had a super talk on drugs from Dr Roberts who is a member of the Scientific Advisory Group of the British Equestrian Federation and a member of the FEI’s Medication Control Panel and very enjoyable fitness sessions with Mike Jones. All three squads will be at Haywood Oaks so this will be another busy weekend for them.

Congratulations to Amber Sole who has been to The Eastern Himalayan Ride in India and Dace Sainsbury took Lottie to the Presidents cup where Senior Squad member Emma Finnie came 11th which is a super result.

All the squad management are busy sorting out the details of their trips abroad this year and we are also working on the World Equestrian Games as the first set of organisational meetings with the BEF is later this month with the pre run being in August – we will keep you all posted on developments.

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Product Update

Saracen Saracen Enduro-100 is a high-oil, energy efficient mix designed to meet the specific requirements of the modern equine athlete.

Alternative energy sources (oil and fermentable fibres) are used to help to reduce the reliance on cereals in the diet, and so to avoid the metabolic consequences associated with a starch overload in the hindgut. These alternative energy sources are highly fuel-efficient and will provide the equine athlete with sustainable energy throughout a competition.

Research studies have concluded that feeding oil to horses resulted in a greater

mobilization and utilization of this energy source during long distance exercise - Oil is primarily digested in the small intestine and will 'spare' glucose as an energy source Enduro -100 is an extremely versatile ration and has been successfully used in other disciplines such as dressage, eventing and show jumping where a combination of both power and stamina are required. Valegro, Charlotte Dujardin's Olympic-Gold-medal winning ride is fed on Enduro-100 to provide the power and stamina required to compete at that level, for a long period.

The ideal electrolyte to feed with Enduro-100 after fast work, sweating, travelling or competing is Endura-Max (powder) & Endura-Max Plus (paste) formulated by Kentucky Equine Research.

Equestrians can now benefit from the ergonomically designed Bionic Glove which featured on Dragon’s Den last autumn, winning backing from Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis.

20 Kg bags RRP £24-25 per bag info@saracenfeeds.com Tel: 01622 418487

This innovative glove improves grip and reduces friction that causes blisters, calluses and hand fatigue, resulting in what is possibly the most comfortable and durable glove on the market. In-built features also allow for greater flexibility and dexterity.

The Silver Gambler Series The Silver Gambler is a series of training/ pleasure rides run over the season with 3 rides in The New Forest and 3 rides in Tilford, Surrey. It is designed to give local riders a good training ride and to introduce newcomers to the sport of Endurance.

Depending on venue, 3 distances are on offer – 8 or 10km, 16 or 20km and 30 or 32km.

Each distance has 4 categories.

Open – for EGB members, Open and Advanced.

Novice – for EGB members/Associate members/Non members – see schedule Newcomers – Associate members/non members – see schedule Pony club – Riders bring their horses to be ‘vetted’ by an experienced endurance rider at the end of the ride who will take a heart rate and watch a trot up.

The riders /horses are then scored using the

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Riders Go Bionic

Bionic Aquagrip, Classic and Show Gloves all feature the unique pre-rotated finger design which follows the natural curve of the fingers when flexed. Designed to feel like a second skin, Bionic Gloves are ideal for all ages and can also benefit those with reduced grip pressure. Event rider, Francis Whittington, is already a fan saying, “Bionic Gloves are very comfortable as well as stylish and offer total support which is perfect for riders.”

Bionic Gloves are available from Westgate EFI stockists. Contact 01303 872277 for more information or visit www.wefi.co.uk

choose any distance in any ride.

Rufus Scoring System. This system gives points for heart rate and speed.

The combined points are then used to give placings. Scores that are tied are placed according to the time they have taken to vet.

The points plus distance points (1 per km) are then carried forward to the end of year Accumulator with prizes being awarded in each category at our annual BGM. Combinations stay in the same category they started in for the whole season and can

It is a good introduction for youngsters (both human and horse!) due to the laid back atmosphere and also for more experienced horses needing a good training ride to improve their fitness.

It is also a good place for newcomers and novices as they can ask as many questions as they like!

See website for more details.

Official members publication for Endurance GB