Endurance GB September/October 2019

Team Spirit Championships Edition

Equine Research Recognising Pain September/October 2019

Official members' publication for Endurance GB

Registered Charity No. 209642

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In this

Office Administration Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP t: 02476 697929 f: 02476 418429

Volume 16 – Issue 5

issue

Publisher

Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Northants, NN16 9QJ t: 01536 527297 e: info@matrixprint.com Designed by Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Alex Morris Tolu Akinyemi Production Editor Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Catherine Baldock t: 01536 527 297 e: catherineb@matrixprint.com Advertising Sales Manager Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Andy Etherton t: 01536 527 297 e: andy@matrixprint.com Deadlines Copy Dates to Editor for future issues of Endurance: November/December by 31st October. If you wish to advertise in the November/December 2019 issue, artwork deadline is 2nd December.

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.

Cover Photo Nikki Malcolm and Oso Spiralling Wind

Photos courtesy of David Saunders Photography

Follow us on Social Media Twitter @EnduranceGB Facebook @EnduranceGB Instagram @endurancegbinsta

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Endurance GB 10

European Championships Teamwork and future plans

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Young Riders Camp Lots of laughs and learning

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Pony Club Championships Elizabeth Peplow gives the full report

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Male Focus Meet the male role models

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Red Dragon The end of season party

Regulars

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Features 16

Competition Stress The latest from Thoresby and Cerne

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Towing a Horsebox Jason Hubbard offers advice on transport

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Future Focus Endurance GB Kerry Dawson

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News Mongol Derby and RDA

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Endurance GB News The latest from the endurance community

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Equine Research Sue Dyson on recognising pain and rider influence

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SERC The Scottish Festival of Endurance

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Member Case Study Annie Joppe shares her story

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Rider Profile Endurance rider, Rachel Owen in the spotlight

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Worm Control How to plan a diagnostic led programme

ISSN 2516-2349

contents

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Future Focus Kerry Dawson Communications Director

Dear members, I’m sat here in my office reflecting over the past couple of months and wondering where the time has gone to, having just returned from an awe inspiring and inspirational Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, with only a couple more rides on the national calendar before we sit down to look at the rides running in 2020 and try and balance the schedule as much as possible across the country; not an easy task! Our ride organisers deserve so much respect for the time, energy and effort that goes into making all our events so successful and we send our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making our sport so great.

As you read this issue, preparations are well underway for the Endurance GB Annual General Meeting and Awards Evening and nominations for the Board of Directors and submissions for rule changes have now closed. It’s no small undertaking to put yourself forward for the Board of Endurance GB and we thank every person who has chosen to nominate themselves to serve the Society of the sport they love, helping us go forward as an inclusive and diverse organisation that supports as many participants as possible.

2019 has proven to be a challenging year for many, with several ups and downs across the course of the season, not only for the Board; as this coming Thursday, 10th October 2019, is World Mental Health Day, I’d like to take this opportunity to ask members to remember that, whether we are serving as ride stewards, ride organisers, Technical Stewards, on our local group committees or on the Board of Endurance GB, we are all volunteers trying our very best to take forward the sport for the future. Please think before pressing send on a less than kind email, Facebook post or when “speaking your mind” at a ride; we all understand frustrations and that people can often say things in the heat of a moment that they didn’t really mean, but please, please, remember that there are humans on the other end of the message and words said in the heat of a moment can last a lifetime in the mind of the recipient. So, can I please make a plea to us all to remember that it is our common goal for everyone to have fun with Endurance GB and enjoy our sport, however we may choose to participate.

Safe riding.

Kerry

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future focus

Endurance GB Board of Directors Acting Chair, Vice Chair and Finance Director Sue Box T: 07867 512673 E: suebox@endurancegbco.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021 Company Secretary and Governance Director Ann Dark T: 01380 818223 E: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at theAGM 2020 International Director John Robertson T: 07801 686959 E: johnrobertson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019 Operations and IT Director Esther Young T: 07454 929919 E: estheryoung@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

Groups and Volunteering Director Rosemary Henderson T: 07894 477049 E: rosemaryhenderson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021 Communications, Training and Development Director Kerry Dawson T: 07818 283144 E: kerrydawson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021 SERC Representation Constance Newbould T: 07973 726001 E: constancenewbould@ endurancegb.co.uk Directors of Endurance GB are volunteers, so please be patient and considerate with any queries. Most Directors work full time elsewhere and are not always available during working hours. No calls before 9am or after 9pm please.

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The latest

News and Updates Mongol Derby proves age is just a number

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he Mongol Derby is an annual 1000km race across Mongolia and recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest and toughest horse race. 45 competitors from around the world tackled the 11th Mongol Derby on semi-wild horses, with conditions on the steppe switching from torrential rain to sweltering heat. The participants from 12 different countries ranged from a 56 year old Texan cowboy to a helicopter pilot from Alice Springs, had to self-navigate through the stunning wilderness, but only 27 riders completed. The first across the finish line was 70 year old Robert Long from the USA. Not only was Robert the oldest competitor – he had won! When asked how he feels about older generations being hesitant to take on challenges, he replied- “age is just a number.”

The 2020 race is already full, but applications are already open for 2021. For further details please visit www.theadventurists.com

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news

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RDA Carriage Driving Endurance

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ollowing the success of Endurance in Riding, RDA decided to trial this with Carriage Driving with a view to offering this as an RDA discipline. The team at Forde Abbey Carriage Driving on the Somerset/ Dorset border took on the challenge where participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Jenny Pennell, from Forde Abbey RDA, enlisted a friend whose daughter competed in Endurance to help set up the trial. Sixteen drivers of all ages and disabilities took part in the trial along with four ponies and twenty three volunteers. The stunning grounds of Forde Abbey proved to be a perfect place for Driving hosting woodland tracks and quiet surrounding lanes. The routes were measured and the groups completed 3, 4 and 5km routes. Vet checks were incorporated to encourage education in terms of horse welfare and were similar to those found in Riding Endurance where the heart rate is taken before and after exercise. Distance markers in different colours were situated around the route and drivers were invited to record the colour of each distance reached, which made it more inclusive for Drivers who have learning difficulties.

All RDA Driving groups will receive information packs which tell them everything they need to know to get started with Endurance. Certificates are available in 1km 2km, 3km, 5km, 10km and 15km distances. RDA Honorary Vet Nathalie Cole has created a series of videos including how to take a horse's heart rate, to encourage groups taking on the Endurance Challenge to monitor their ponies' welfare and mirror the usual vet checks completed in Endurance.

For more information please see www.myrda.org.uk and visit the Carriage Driving section or email ebayliss@rda.org.uk

British Breeding Futurity Your Horse Live

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our Horse Live takes place on the 8th to 10th November, Stoneleigh Park – is the ultimate equestrian day out!

It's three days of unmissable performances and unbeatable shopping. Olympic medalist Charlotte Dujardin takes centre stage in the Beta Arena on all three days. See her up close and in action where she will be sharing her secret training tips during a masterclass taking place on Friday 8th November. On Saturday & Sunday Charlotte will be riding some of her stunning horses and share her inspirational insights into her success. Plus, double world champion Valegro will join Charlotte at the weekend, meeting his fans!

Eventing stars Jonty Evans and Padraig McCarthy are set to wow the crowds. The pair will ride through a series of exercises designed to improve horse and rider performance on the cross country course.

Each day of the show promises non-stop action which includes a line-up of trainers, experts and stars performing across 2 arenas, there’s also expert advice and top tips to be gained from our experts, gorgeous rescue horses looking for new homes in the Rescue Village and it’s the best opportunity to get up close with the stars!

Find out what’s on and book your tickets visit: www.yourhorselive.co.uk

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n 30th August, Georgina Vaughan took her homebred CD Elektra (Vlacq Zibaq x Vlacq Bronze Image) to the British Breeding Futurity at Swallowfield Equestrian Centre, where she achieved a score of 8.9 and was awarded a Gold award. CD Elektra is out of a proven endurance mare Vlacq Bronze Image who has had many successes including winning the CEI*** 160km Haywood Oaks ride and the iconic two day 160km Red Dragon ride at Builth Wells with Tricia Hirst, as well as being related to many other endurance stars. She was bred by the Vlacq Stud, and we returned there to use one of their young promising stallions Vlacq Zibaq who is by Vlacq Khazad (sire of Polaris, Vlacq Journeyman and CD Bellatrix all of which have proven themselves as international endurance horses.)

The Futurity provides a fantastic outing for a young horse in a safe environment, enabling a good positive experience. The futurity is an evaluation, rather than a show class.

Where horses are examined firstly by an experienced vet to check for future soundness and any conformational abnormalities. This involves standing the horse square and also an examination in a straight line on a hard surface at both walk and trot. The horse is then examined in an indoor school by a team of 4 national and international evaluators who each have international competition and breeding experience. You have to show your horse in hand at walk and trot around a triangle, which enables the evaluators to see the horse from all aspects. You then let the horse loose, to enable them to show all three paces loose. Once the examiners have seen them move they will ask you to catch the horse and stand it square to enable them to have a further look at the horse.

They then liaise with each other and added together with the vet score you are awarded an overall score, as well as receiving constructive feedback on what they thought.

This is a great opportunity for endurance as, probably more so than other disciplines, starting with a correct frame and good conformation is vital for a long and successful career.

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What's new at

Endurance GB

Robert & Sarah tie the knot

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obert Newall married long-term partner Sarah Armitt on 7th September 2019 followed by a fabulous reception on their farm.

Sarah said "Wow, what an amazing day we had – it was so perfect from start to finish!

Coaching Pathways

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ndurance GB is delighted to announce that UKCC Level 3 coach, Rosemary Attfield has been awarded a place on the British Equestrian Federation's National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence. Places on the programme are strongly contested and we congratulate Rosemary on gaining a place on the course, following her presentation and interview last week.

Rosemary has been involved in endurance riding for more years than most of us can remember and is passionate about coaching all ages but particularly focuses on young and junior riders.

Aimed at coaches who sustain and grow participation in equestrian sports, The National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence is aimed at coaches working with adult and young people who participate in equestrian sport for competitive recreation motives.

Coaches wanting to join this programme will be ambitious in improving their own performance and will already have success in getting more people participating in equestrian sport and retaining them in the sport by creating enjoyable coaching environments. This is a cross discipline programme involving; British Showjumping, British Dressage, British Eventing.

To find out more about the programme follow the link: https://www.bef.co.uk/Detail.aspx

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endurance news

AGM and Gala Dinner

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n Saturday 23rd November it is the Endurance GB AGM and Gala Dinner. The AGM will start at 12.15pm, and will be followed by teas and coffees, with the young riders' AGM taking place at the same time. Please arrive in good time with your membership cards to allow for voting.

Don’t forget you still have time to book your places at the Gala Dinner, taking place at the Village Hotel in Coventry. You can book your meal and your hotel rooms via the Endurance GB shop. Don’t forget to add what you would like in each course, any dietary requirements and any seating arrangements you may have into the comments box, which is right before the final payment screen. This year the dinner will cost £38 and will include a welcome drink, three course dinner, photo booth and a disco until late, with a glitzy and glamour dress code. It really is an occasion not to be missed!

For more information about either event, please contact Darren in the office on darrenbutler@endurancegb.co.uk

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! And of course, a huge thank you to my new husband, Robert, who has been my rock for so long, but we finally made it official! I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to marry my best friend!"

Polite reminder

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ow the season is coming to an end, if you have been using a green master card, you will need to exchange this for a yellow master card. You will not be able to use this again next season. In order to get your new yellow master card for next season, you have two options. You can either send into the office your green master card along with an SAE or you can send a photo of your master card to enquiries@endurancegb.co.uk and make a £1 payment in the Endurance GB shop to cover postage.

If your yellow master card is full, you can also follow the above steps to obtain a new one.

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Endurance GB Chair steps down

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Ingram

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arry and Alice got married at St Nicks in Surrey on the 24th August 2019 followed by a reception with family and friends at South Lodge Hotel, Horsham. Harry said “It was a perfect weekend with the most amazing friends and family celebrating. Thank you all for making it so special for us.

I am a very lucky guy to have married my best friend and have such a beautiful wife!”

Nicky Owen said “Alice looked stunning, Harry didn't stop smiling, a lovely family occasion all round. Many thanks to Michael Beet and Jane Beet for such wonderful thought and organisation. And to Roger Turner for taking his Riley all the way to Surrey to drive the bride and groom! A kind and memorable gesture”.

Followed by a honeymoon in the Moroccan Atlas Mountain region, there are truly exciting times ahead for the new Mr and Mrs Ingram!

They have their own endurance stables together called HA2 Endurance and are looking forward to competing together, supporting the rest of the endurance community and continuing to develop their passion.

Report from Endurance GB Disciplinary Committee

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complaint was referred to the Disciplinary Committee by the Technical Steward of the Poplar Park ride stating that Jane Girling had:

1. Made false and defamatory statements to others about the professional status of the ride farrier, Mr Gary Cook, and declined to make amends by apologising to Mr Cook when it was proven that the claims were false.

should not be permitted to enter or attend any Endurance GB event or FEI ride in the UK in any capacity for a period of 9 months commencing 3 September 2019 and ending on 2 June 2020.

2. Posted on Facebook unacceptable comments about officials at an Endurance GB ride.

The Panel also upheld the second part of the complaint and required Ms Girling to write a suitably worded apology to the officials via the Ride Organiser. It also decided that Ms Girling should receive a written warning in respect of her poor conduct.

A Disciplinary Panel was convened which upheld the first part of complaint and required Ms Girling to write a suitably worded apology to Mr Cook. It also decided that Ms Girling

Without ride officials there would be no competitions, so it is very important that members act in a courteous manner towards the officials at all times.

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n 23 September 2019 the Board of Directors of Endurance GB sadly announced the resignation of Chair, Rebecca Kinnarney, on health grounds.

Rebecca Kinnarney said: “It was a great honour to step into the role of Chair of Endurance GB in November and it has been wonderful to assist the Board of Directors and members in representing the sport and welfare-focused values that we all hold so dear as competitors in the UK. I have huge admiration for the ethos and energy of my fellow board members who are all working so hard on the members’ behalf to provide a platform for the kind of excellent competition and sport, whatever your goal, that we all want to be part of. I wish my successor as Chair every success and want to thank the board for all their support and hard work – I take my hat off to them. I will still be involved as a member and very much hope to be back in the saddle and competing soon.”

Sue Box said: “Both the Board of Directors and the wider membership will join me in expressing both our heartfelt thanks as well as great sorrow and our fullest support for Rebecca in putting her health first at this time. She has given a fantastic lead to the sport over the past 11 months and worked tirelessly and with great integrity as a fantastic ambassador and adroit Chair to take Endurance GB forward.

I think it is fair to say that she has left the sport stronger and more united as we approach the end of the 2019 season and look forward to celebrating all that is good about endurance riding at next month’s iconic Red Dragon Ride.

We wish Rebecca all the very best in focussing on her health and hopefully joining us back on the trail before too long.”

Finance and IT Director, Sue Box, steps up from Vice Chair to Acting Chair. No new Chair will be chosen until after the annual meeting to be held on 23rd November at The Village Hotel, Coventry.

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Team spirit fuels

European success Elizabeth Peplow is Press Officer for Endurance GB and the former Assistant Editor for Horse & Hound. She has reported on endurance at home and abroad for more than 20 years.

Teamwork

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ndurance Team GB is back in business after the best performance for nearly a decade – that was the resounding message from a fantastic FEI European Endurance Championships at Euston Park during the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UK Endurance Festival back in August.

The team of Annette Masterson on Shoshana, Sarah Rogerson on Warren’s Hill Rubyn, Nicola Thorne on LM Bolena, Rachael Atkinson on Tannasg Psyches Realm and Kate Atkinson on DNS Ronaldo, rose brilliantly to the pressure to deliver a strong completion on the first European Championship on home soil since 1993. Despite the misfortune of losing LM Bolena who was spun at vetgate three, the remaining quartet crossed the line successfully placing Britain as the only country along with Championship winners Spain, to secure four

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completions over the always deceptive Euston Park track. Britain finished fifth behind gold medalists Spain, silver medallists France, a resurgent Germany as bronze medallists and Bulgaria, celebrating their best success at an endurance Championship, in fourth.

The British team’s success was celebrated across the park following an emotional finish after dark for Sarah Rogerson who pulled out all the stops with Rubyn to cross the line as the final completion from 31 finishers on the day.

Team farrier Kelvin Lymer, who has supported the team in the role since 1992, said the gutsy performance, medal or no medal, was one of the best he had seen over the past three decades. “This was one of the best team performances I have seen in my years of involvement in terms of pulling together and bringing a positive attitude

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to the challenges of the ride. Every single person involved without exception got stuck in and helped each other. There was a really good atmosphere. Everyone worked together, they were all there for each other and the spirit has been brilliant, it was the key to our success,” he said.

The hunt for medals saw Italian riders lead from the front all day to secure an individual Gold at an average speed of 22.47km/hr for Constanza Laliscia with the 13-year-old Sascha El Kandhaar owned by the United Arab Emirates F3 Stables, however her compatriot Carolina Tavassoli Asli also on an F3 Stables owned horse, Sequinte, was disqualified for failing the minimum weight requirement of 75kg at the end of the ride. She had completed in third place and her removal from the medal table saw Jaume Punti Dachs and Jumas Team’s Echo Falls promoted to bronze medal position behind Paula Muntala Sanchez on the 12-year-old T’aime de Coeur.

"Every single person involved without exception got stuck in and helped each other" The British team had set off towards the rear of a smooth rolling 7am start with 63 horses and riders from 20 countries cantering steadily over the turf in front of Euston Hall in near perfect conditions.

Nicki Thorne and LM Bolena

By the end of loop one, the competition was really heating up with Italy, Spain and France all hotly contesting the team competition and riders from Slovakia and Netherlands in the mix for individual honours just behind the Italians, Spanish and French. Italy’s Carolina Tavassoli and Costanza Laliscia were first out onto loop two having clocked up 23.06km/hr to this point. By now, the British team had settled into a rhythm, with a pattern for the remainder of the ride established. Halfway into the second loop Nicki Thorne and LM Bolena were eight minutes ahead of Rachael Atkinson and Annette Masterson whose Psyches and Shoshana were working well together. They were nine minutes up on Kate Atkinson riding alone with Ronaldo a couple of minutes ahead of Sarah Rogerson and Rubyn who had paired up with Dutch rider Donna Oudshoorn. All were travelling at between 16km/hr and 17km/hr.

With LM Bolena looking so good out on course, there was devastation at the third vetgate in the British camp when the mare was spun.

Nicki, who has represented her country at successive championships said: “We had prepared so well for this and she was ready and spot on for the Championships so it was really disappointing. Our sole aim here at the Europeans on home soil was to get a team around. We had planned to ride at around the same speed and we had aimed to join up with each other after the chaos of loop one. This was a great team to be part of and I am really proud of them.”

For mother and daughter Rachael and Kate Atkinson just being on a British team together was magic enough but getting two completions was off the scale.

Rachael who rode with Annette Masterson for the majority of the ride and finished in 23rd

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place at an average speed of 16.6km/hr said: “This shows that unicorns do exist. As a team, we have achieved what we set out to do and Kate finishing was for me the icing on the cake.

Just to complicate things, Ronaldo (Nessie) had to be separated from Rachael’s horse Psyches, to avoid Nessie becoming ‘clingy’ during the ride so Kate was crewed on the other side of the vet gate well away from the rest of the team.

"It was so nice to see him looking happy and healthy the morning after the ride"

Annette and Shoshana were 24th to cross the line

Championships, finishing in 26th position with Nessie as part of a British Team in 5th place.

Topping that was for me my mum and Psyches getting round in 23rd place.

our team and individual results. We all worked together which I believe is the way forward making us a stronger team and I hope that this continues in the future.”

Kate said: “Anyone who knows Nessie, can appreciate he is “quirky” and this result just highlights how much all the training and hard work have paid off and that all the failures have been worth it so we can improve each time, with everything coming together when it mattered the most. Nessie has shown what he is capable of now and I’m so proud of him.

“I absolutely could not have got around without my amazing crew, [Will Langley, Beth Langley, Cate Langley, Dan Pascoe and Carri Ann Dark], they took on the job as we needed two sets of championship crew between me and my mum. Together we made such a slick team and we pulled off an incredible result. The whole championship ran like clockwork, thanks to our team management and the ride organisers.”

Ireland’s Tom MacGuinness was staging a strong performance moving up to 16th place from 20th by the end of the loop with his 11-year-old mare Horseware Siglavy Bagdady VIII – the duo going on to complete in 11th place at 18.83km/hr - a superb result.

“WE DID IT - our little endurance family smashed it. I can’t quite believe that this happened at my first senior European

Annette Masterson, whose Shoshana had travelled so well alongside Rachael Atkinson’s Psyches said: “I am still over the moon with

There was not a dry eye on the site when Sarah Rogerson and Warrens Hill Rubyn completed alone finishing full of running in the dark at 9.16pm drawing to a close perhaps one of the most remarkable performances of the championship.

Rubyn had tweaked himself and tightened up on the first loop causing concerns for the team when he came into the vet gate but through a combination of crew management, support from the Team Physio Sam Daplyn and Team Vet Georgina Vaughan as well as careful riding, Rubyn rallied and got stronger through the ride.

“It was so nice to see him looking happy and healthy the morning after the ride, considering that there were a few moments during the early part of the day when I was fifty-fifty about what to do and was very close to pulling out. He had used up a lot of energy and just wasn’t feeling as strong as he should,” said Sarah.

Tears of joy for the Atkinson family

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“Sam and Rose [Sarah’s crew] worked so hard on him that they had very tired arms.

He is a very, very tough horse and looking back, it’s just amazing he got round. There was one point where we just stopped and he had a big drink from a stream. After 10 minutes he was back to his normal self, strong and trying his heart out and I just thought it was a glimpse

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of how he should have been all day. After the fifth loop I was pretty sure we were not to go out on the last loop – I just felt he was doing it for me rather than for him and that is not fun. But in the vet gate he ate and drank loads and got A’s from all the vets so I thought we might be able to do this. We were both mentally tired but once we got out onto the last loop and he cantered strongly away from the vet gate I knew we would be fine. We could not have achieved this without the support of all my crew and the management team. Nikki Malcolm who joined me as crew was amazing and I could not have got round without her.

With all her experience and confidence, she just knows all the right things to say – she is also a ball of energy. Georgina (Vaughan) who stepped in at the last minute could not have been more supportive – she was always in the right place at the right time helping us. At the first vet gate she talked to me and we came to a decision that we were going to carry on – she had a perspective as a rider and a vet and she was right – Rubyn just got stronger through the day.

He has shown what he can do in less than ideal circumstances and I’ve learned a lot since my first team place at Kentucky in 2010 and given that we have the World Championships next year followed by the Europeans, I would quite like to get it right next time.”

“They [Sarah and Rachael] are like family and it is wonderful to see Sarah do this.”

Chef d’Equipe Liz Finney said: “Everyone worked so well together – we wanted to prove something and in getting a team around and four horses out of five starters home, we have done that. We have some good horse and rider combinations and this performance is really something to build on for the future. It was disappointing for Nicki and we all felt for her as all the riders had worked so hard to get here but everyone gave of their best for the team.”

I stepped in at the last minute, I have ridden alongside all the riders previously and I know the horses' histories so it is not as if I have come to it with a blank sheet of paper. I am passionate about endurance, I live, eat and breathe it and I want people to do well. This really was a good team effort – we set a realistic goal and we achieved it – I have a sense of satisfaction for having succeeded in my job and I am really proud of what has been achieved. The crews were fantastic and the riders all listened, took everything on board and worked well together as a team. I’ve walked 17km just within the venue.”

Praise was heaped on Georgina Vaughan who stepped in to provide maternity cover for Team Vet Hannah Kelly. Georgina who was vet to the senior team at Florac, looked at all the horses a fortnight before the ride. She said: “Although

Former Endurance GB Chairman, Rebecca Kinnarney, also paid tribute to the management team. “Everyone has played their part in this success, which is now something for Team GB to build on for the future.

Breeder Lesley Dunn gifted a foal to Sarah and her twin sister Rachael for their 18th birthday and they later chose Rubyn. Sarah added: “Hopefully this is also a present for Lesley herself to see him getting this far and maybe we will now start to see what he can really do.”

Lesley was there at the finish line to see the pair complete, and celebrated with them afterwards, saying she felt incredibly proud of their success.

FEI European Championship Results European Championships CEI EU CH, Euston Park, 17.08.2019 160km

Sarah Rogerson (left) and Rachael Atkinson (right)

1. Sacha El Kandhaar (C Laliscia) ITA 22.47km/hr 2. T’Aime De Coeur (P Muntala Sanchez) ESP 22.43km/hr 3. Echo Falls (J Punti Dachs) ESP 21.68km/hr 23. Tannasg Psyches Realm (R Atkinson) GBR 16.6km/hr 24. Shoshana (A Masterson) GBR 16.6km/hr 26. DNS Ronaldo (K Atkinson) GBR 16.13km/hr 31. Warrens Hill Rubyn (S Rogerson) GBR 14.84km/hr

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Not only was the high standard and attitude of our riders, preparedness of their horses and professionalism of the crews clearly outstanding, the team management were pivotal. This included Team Vet Hannah Kelly working with the horses in the build-up as well as the tremendous contribution of Georgina Vaughan who stepped in as Team Vet for the Championships at the last minute and worked so well with Liz Finney, Kelvin Lymer and Sam Daplyn as Team Physio. We send our congratulations to all of them on behalf of the membership – you have done us proud. In particular, the support for Sarah Rogerson and Rubyn who finished after dark after a mammoth effort, said everything about our sport.”

Nick Brooks-Ward, Event Director: “Euston Park was absolutely electric at the Europeans with so many members of the endurance community supporting the riders and teams and a competition that kept everyone guessing until the end. All horses came home safely and it was evident that their welfare was paramount to everyone involved.

“I am hugely grateful to all of the officials and stewards who worked so hard all day, and to the competitors and their teams who brought such a great spirit to this Championship.”

Commenting on the wider Festival, Nick Brooks-Ward said: “It was a huge four days and we really have delivered sport from the grassroots up to the peak of international competition. The scale and enthusiasm of the Pony Club Endurance Championships – which has doubled in popularity since last year - was really special. To see an incredible young Para rider (Caitlin Birkitt) win the Open Championship was a real highlight for me.

Some of the Pony Club members came back to compete in the national rides today and it all points to a promising future for the sport.

“It was an honour to stage a European Championship here. The quality and excitement of the competition and the wonderful atmosphere created by the travelling fans made for an unforgettable day.

“We are extremely grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Grafton, the local landowners and all of our stewards for making the rides possible at the great setting of Euston Park.

Special thanks must go to our generous Patron, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and sponsors.”

Manuel Bandeira de Mello, FEI Endurance Director: “It’s been a fantastic day of endurance riding and I have been delighted to see such a fair competition with excellent standards of horse-care and some very happy horses.”

Horseware Tom’s on top of the World

At the age of 68, Tom MacGuinness, founder and CEO of Horseware was not only one of the stars of the FEI European Championships completing in 11th place with Siglavy Bagdady, he went out the next day to lead the Irish team to its first team completion at Euston Park. The Irish team of Tom, with Chamaille Des Aubus, fellow Team Horseware riders Martin McNamara with Horseware Fontana and Nicola Boud-Tighe with Inchaallah Claddah finished fourth in the FEI CEI 2* 120km Nations Cup with a total ride time of 20:40:30. In the Longines presented contest, it was France that secured gold team place (Ride Time 17:21:01) followed by Spain and then Belgium. The British team of Carri Ann Dark (HS Drift), Bella Fricker (Spanish Heir) and Linda Cowperthwaite (Krakatau) came seventh with a total ride time of 21:11:21.

The success for Tom and the team tops a fantastic season for the Horseware CEO. Back in May, he won his first FEI CEI-3* 160km contest, with his 11-year-old chestnut gelding Horseware Sasha D'Aillais at the 25th Anniversary King’s Forest Ride. At the time of going to press he was in 22nd place in the FEI Endurance World Rider Rankings while as a combination, Tom and Bagdady are ranked 14th.

Nick Brooks-Ward said: “I was delighted to see Ireland’s Tom MacGuinness finish in 21st place in the CEIO2* leading the Irish team to fourth place in the Nations Cup, their first team competition at Euston Park. Having also come 11th in yesterday’s 160Km at the tender age of 68 – it’s a remarkable achievement.”

A keen polo player, Mr MacGuinness took up endurance riding in 2012, qualifying for WEG in both 2014 and 2018. He founded Horseware was founded in 1985 in Dundalk with his wife Carol.

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championships

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Feeding to Reduce

Competition Stress Liz Bulbrook BSc (Hons), Director of Nutrition at Baileys Horse Feeds.

Liz is actively involved in the fitness work and training of her horse for Intermediate level eventing.

Home and away

T

he rigours of competition have many implications for the health of the horse and, although many horses show no outward signs of stress, all the travelling and disruption to routine can have a cumulative effect.

Keeping Calm

The aim on competition day, as on any other, is to keep the potential for rising stress levels to a minimum. If routine dictates that the horse gets a compound feed before the journey, he should ideally have 1 – 1½ hours to digest it before travelling. A horse that becomes excited as soon as he senses it is a competition day is best left to finish his feed before the lorry is moved or other preparations made. He will digest his feed much more efficiently if he is relaxed and calm and he should ideally eat all his feed to prepare him for the day ahead.

Fibre for Health

Restricting the horse’s access to forage (hay or haylage) at any time on a competition day or when travelling, should be avoided.

With good-doers, it may be necessary

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feeding

to select lower calorie forages and feed in a small holed haynet, to make a smaller ration last longer, but this is imminently preferable to the horse suffering long spells without forage.

Horses who self-limit their forage intake at competitions should be introduced to a selection of alternative fibre sources, like alfalfa chaffs, beet pulps and high fibre cubes or nuggets, at home. Offering a “smorgasbord” of these, in the stable or pen, alongside the normal forage ration when overnighting, should then encourage natural foraging behaviour and, hopefully, increase overall fibre intake.

Travelling with haylage or soaked hay will help to reduce the amount of circulating dust spores in what is a confined, and often not perfectly ventilated, space, however, clean, dry hay is preferable to no hay, from a nutritional point of view. Horses on long journeys, particularly those which involve flying and sailing, are prone to respiratory problems due to the inability to eat from the floor and drain their airways so keeping dust down is all the more important.

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Fluid Loss

Studies have shown that, on average, horses lose approximately 0.5% of their bodyweight every hour they travel which is equivalent to 2.5kgs for a 500kg horse. These losses are largely accounted for by fluid being lost through sweat so in hotter conditions, the losses will be even greater. Unfortunately, horses are often reluctant to drink when travelling; one study found that horses were becoming significantly dehydrated but when offered water at 4 hourly intervals they consumed very little.

Drinking Water

Always ensure you take plenty of water with you when travelling to competitions and offer a drink at frequent intervals throughout the day. Having plenty with you is especially important if you need to stay away and your horse is reluctant to drink “foreign” water. You can mix your own water with that available at the competition or, alternatively, get your horse used to drinking flavoured water at home. Adding a little peppermint essence or fruit cordial will then mask any different flavours in the water available at competitions.

Fibre Reservoir

Ensuring the horse consumes plenty of fibre helps maintain hydration as fibre acts as a reservoir while sitting in the hind gut. In addition, feeding haylage instead of hay, as it has a higher moisture content, or feeding soaked hay which is likely to retain even more moisture, both add to fibre and moisture intake.

Adding sloppy soaked beet pulp to the horse’s compound feeds will also help contribute to the horse’s fluid intake and fibre levels.

Energy Reserves

On longer rides, it’s all the more important to help the horse replenish energy reserves ready for the next leg or the next day.

The body’s internal reserves should have been built in the weeks before the competition so, on the day, it’s more about providing readily available energy sources to help fuel the muscles, brain and internal organs. Cereals are easily digested to provide glucose, which can be rapidly absorbed and utilised by the body, and are worth including in the horse’s diet, during training, so that low levels can be given alongside digestible fibre sources, offered at vet gates as well at the end of the ride or leg.

Adrenaline Rush

Stress and excitement result in the release of adrenaline which, among other things, speeds up the passage of food through the digestive system resulting in more, often loose, droppings.

Apart from making a mess, this causes an increased loss of bacteria from the hindgut which can result in an imbalance that could allow pathogenic species to proliferate. Whilst things should right themselves once the excitement has passed, regular “flushing out” of bacteria could ultimately take its toll with potential for digestive upsets, crabby behaviour and weight loss due to a reduction in gut efficiency.

It is therefore worth considering feeding a prebiotic supplement, either on an ongoing basis or before, during and after competition days, as this will help the good gut bacteria flourish and repopulate at the expense of the bad ones.

Since attending competitions often means that a horse is exposed to “bugs” from other horses

or from the environment, the role that some of these beneficial gut bacteria play in the immune system means they are well worth supporting.

Home Coming

On returning home, normal routine should be maintained; feeding a bran or alternative mash, in anticipation of a horse’s day off is the kind of sudden change to his diet that his gut bacteria will not appreciate. Depending on the quantity and type of feeds used, and the length and impact of the endurance ride, the hard feed can be reduced by up to a half but don’t forget that, after a tough competition, the horse needs to replace nutritional reserves so recovery may take longer if rations are significantly reduced.

The depletion of energy reserves after particularly a strenuous ride (80km plus) may mean the horse would benefit from as much as 150% of his normal ration, in small frequent meals, alongside ad lib forage, in order to replenish them. While horses should not be carrying excess body fat, they should also not be excessively lean as this indicates negligible internal nutrient reserves as well as body fat. Research has shown that horses in “poor” or “thin” body condition take longer to recover from strenuous exercise than those in “moderate” condition, leaving them also potentially at risk of other health problems.

For advice on feeding before, during and after rides of all distances, contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247, info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Electrolytes

To reduce the effect of electrolyte losses it is important to use a good quality electrolyte supplement. This can be used routinely every day, for horses that work hard or that sweat a lot, or around an intense work period. One of the most frequently asked questions about electrolytes is whether they should be added to the feed or the water? Ideally, they should be added to the water, as the horse requires both water and electrolytes to re-hydrate effectively, and optimum timing is within around 20 minutes after strenuous exercise has ceased.

When getting your horse used to drinking water containing electrolytes, he should have, or be offered, clean fresh water as an alternative so there is no danger of him not drinking and remaining dehydrated. Some horses may also take a sloppy or soupy mixture of beet or alfalfa chaff and electrolytes, which ensures they have electrolytes before being left with water and forage. If drinking an electrolyte solution is not an option, electrolytes can be added to the horse’s normal feed, making sure that the feed is fed wet and sloppy.

It is important to replenish energy levels

feeding

17

Towing a

horsebox Jason Hubbard is the Marketing Co-ordinator for Equi-Trek Ltd, and has a background working in the automotive and agricultural sectors.

Ask the expert

M

ore people are using trailers to transport horses to events, the vets or relocation. There is more to know and beware of when using a trailer than just hitching it up to the back of your vehicle. This article will assess some of the basic knowledge you’ll need to know when transporting horses.

Trailers are a popular choice among horse owners as they don’t require road tax or a MOT. Modern trailers have been designed with the comfort of the horse in mind, along with other practical features to make the owners life much easier.

Weights explained

As the driver you are responsible for not exceeding the trailer’s maximum authorised mass (MAM). You need to ensure that you’re within the law, and that your trailer’s unladen weight, the horse and any additional items such as tack do not exceed the MAM. It should also not exceed the maximum towing weight of the vehicle pulling the trailer.

You also need to make sure that your towing vehicle is capable of towing your trailer when it's fully laden. Exceeding this weight will put

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transport

yourself and your horses, along with other road users, at risk.

Your vehicle handbook should display how much weight it can legally tow. The information should also be displayed on your towing vehicle’s manufacturer plate, which can be found either under the bonnet or on the inside of one of the front doors. The trailer will also have a vehicle plate, giving the gross weight and the capacity of each axle.

If you are still unsure you can always take your vehicle and trailer to a local weighbridge to find out your total weight, you will also need to take your horse or horses, along with all your additional equipment.

Loading

Horses are prey animals, and since most traditional horse trailers have a rear ramp with narrow stalls and a dark interior, resistance when loading is not surprising.

Equally, bad experiences when loading or on previous journeys can leave a lasting impression. There are many things that can be done to help reduce the stress and risk when it comes to travelling your horse.

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Preparation and practice are essential: allow plenty of time when loading your horse. Look closely at the type of transporter you are using and make the environment appealing to the horse. If the horse is not relaxed and comfortable when in transit, it may cause problems when it comes to loading next time.

If you are loading a horse for the first time, ensure the partition arrangement is inviting for the horse by creating light and space inside the vehicle. This is easily achieved when using a side-loading vehicle and is part of the reason why the Blue Cross chose the Equi-Trek SpaceTreka trailer: “The Equi-Trek trailer is an ideal solution for us” says Robert Webb-Bowen, Director of Equine Welfare at the Blue Cross, “these are very beneficial features when faced with transporting stressed or very ill equines”.

Checks

Travelling

Before towing your trailer, there are a number of checks you should carry out each time, especially when most horse trailers aren’t used on a regular basis.

Ensure that your horse has sufficient space when travelling and make use of adjustable partitions to allow your horse room to adjust himself on the journey. Your horsebox or trailer should be of solid and sound construction, with an aluminum floor covered in a good quality, nonslip rubber flooring, and a ramp with a durable rubber surface. Suspension is very important and even more so when transporting livestock.

The independent swinging arm suspension on Equi-Trek trailers was specifically selected over the old-fashioned leaf spring suspension for its smooth and quiet ride quality as well as its exceptional stability.

• Check the tyre pressure on both the trailer and the towing vehicle.

• Check electrical connections are secure and in good condition.

• Make sure the jockey wheel is secure, operational and in good working order.

• Make sure all doors are secure both interior and exterior, and any glass panels are secure and in good condition.

• Check the breakaway cable is properly attached, doesn’t snag or become taut in normal use.

• Remember to pass the cable through the attachment point and clip back on itself.

• Make sure all reflectors are present, correct type, colour and are clean and in good condition.

• Check front and rear lights are functioning correctly.

• If you have a spare wheel on the exterior, make sure it's properly secured.

Once your horse is loading happily, move onto short journeys and remember that the driver’s abilities can make or break a good traveler. Think about the ride for the horse, taking extra care when accelerating, changing gears and braking. Remember, your horse can’t see where you’re going and will be sensitive to sudden movements.

"Towing a trailer requires much greater concentration than just driving" Driving

Towing a trailer requires much greater concentration than just driving and can be very tiring. Whilst driving, maintain good visibility of

your surroundings and other road users. It may be advantageous to fit extended mirrors to your towing vehicle, to provide a full view of all directions, especially behind you.

Familiarise yourself with the vehicle’s response time, turning circle and the additional length of the trailer. Beware of the added weight of both the towing vehicle and trailer when accelerating and braking. Fuel usage will also increase whilst towing a trailer.

Also remember when driving in the UK, there several low bridges dotted around the country, so you’ll need to take heed of the additional height of the trailer being towed.

Reversing with a trailer is quite a difficult manoeuvre, especially for new or inexperienced drivers. If possible, ask someone to spot you whilst performing this manoeuvre as this will help immensely.

Finally, the differences between using an automatic and a manual vehicle for towing are an auto will make towing easier whilst a manual will have a much greater pulling ability.

Plan for a longer journey with regular stops to check the condition of your horse and trailer.

Monitor traffic, roadworks and weather to avoid unexpected delays and ensure you arrive at your destination feeling comfortable and relaxed.

transport

19

Research

Recognising pain and

rider influence

A fit and happy horse, with a well-balanced rider

Sue Dyson is a specialist in lameness and poor performance.

After 37 years at the Animal Health Trust, Sue is now working as an independent consultant. sue.dyson@aol.com

R

idden horse behaviour and the influence of rider weight and height on equine performance were discussed at length at the recent Endurance GB Welfare Symposium. This is a synopsis of the key features of the talks.

There is undisputed evidence to show that owners, riders and trainers have a poor ability to recognise signs of pain manifest as lameness when horses are ridden.

Approximately 47% of sports horses in regular work and assumed to be sound have painrelated gait abnormalities. In an endurance horse the early stages of lameness may only be manifest under certain conditions and may be misinterpreted as conflict behaviour or unwillingness. However tension, evasions, unevenness in the contact, resistances or spookiness could all potentially be a

47%

manifestation of pain. As a result, problems are labelled as training-related, rider-related, behavioural, or deemed ‘normal’ for that horse because ‘that’s how he’s always gone’.

Unfortunately, that means pain-related problems are often disregarded. The horse continues in work, the primary problem gets progressively worse and the horse develops secondary adaptations. If pain goes unrecognised, problems become more difficult to manage than if they had been identified sooner.

Based on many years as both a rider and an equine veterinarian, I have observed many behavioural changes that occur in lame horses that improve when the pain causing lameness is abolished. We therefore set out to investigate whether these behavioural changes could be categorised and tested to determine if they could be used to differentiate non-lame and

lame horses. We started with facial expressions, because these have been used in non-verbal human beings, neonates and adults with dementia, to determine the presence of pain.

A previous study in horses demonstrated that by using changes in facial expressions it was possible to differentiate between horses that had or had not received pain relief after castration.

"If pain goes unrecognised, problems become more difficult to manage than if they had been identified sooner" In phase 1 of our studies an ethogram (a list of descriptors of behaviour) to describe facial expressions in ridden horses was developed and we showed that after preliminary training individuals could interpret and correctly apply the ethogram, with consistency among assessors.

Phase 2 aimed to test if the ethogram could be

welfare

21

Ears back, intense stare and rider on the back of the saddle

used to distinguish between photographs of the heads of non-lame and lame horses. A pain score from 0 - 3 (0=normal, 1-3=abnormal) was applied to each of the facial expressions for the mouth, tongue, muzzle, eyes, ears and head position. We compared non-lame horses competing at international level with lame horses. Pain scores were significantly higher for the lame horses than the non-lame horses. Severely ‘above the bit’, tilting the head, asymmetrical position of the bit, ear position (both ears backwards, one ear backwards and one to the side, one ear backwards and one ear forwards) and eye features (exposure of the sclera [the white of the eye], the eye partially or completely closed, muscle tension behind the eye, an intense stare) were the best indicators of pain. To further prove the effectiveness of assessing pain in a horse with the facial expressions’ ethogram, a selection of lame horses underwent lameness assessment and nerve blocking (using local anaesthetic solution), to alleviate the pain causing them discomfort when ridden. Comparison of their facial expressions before and after the nerve blocks showed a significantly lower pain score once the pain causing lameness had been removed. This verified a causal relationship between pain and the facial expressions.

In phase 3 we developed a whole horse ridden ethogram which initially comprised 117 behaviours. By its application to video recordings of lame and non-lame horses we were able to identify 24 behaviours which were approximately 10 times more likely to occur in lame horses compared with non-lame horses.

These included facial features (e.g. ears back for ≥ 5 seconds, mouth open exposing the teeth for ≥ 10 seconds), body markers (e.g., head tilt, vigorous tail swishing, the tail being held to one side) and gait markers (e.g., resistances, a rushed gait [≥40 trot steps/ 15 seconds, a slow gait [< 35 trot steps/ 15 seconds], moving on 3 tracks, spontaneous changes of gait). The modified ethogram was applied to non-lame horses and lame horses; the average behaviour score for non-lame horses was 2 out of 24, with a maximum of 6, whereas for lame horses it was 9, with a maximum of 16. It was concluded that a score of ≥ 8/24 was highly likely to reflect the presence of musculoskeletal pain, although some lame horses have lower scores.

We have subsequently shown, by application of the ethogram to approximately 400 horses, that the behaviour scores for lame horses are substantially reduced after removing pain using nerve blocks, demonstrating that there must be a causal relationship between pain and these abnormal behaviours.

We have also demonstrated that untrained assessors can apply the ethogram and differentiate between non-lame and lame horses although, as with any skill, training results in more accurate scoring. Equine veterinarians trained in the use of the ethogram were

able to differentiate horses with and without musculoskeletal pain based purely on use of the ethogram. It is important to recognise that behavioural manifestations of pain are exhibited in endurance horses, just as they are in other sports horses.

"Behavioural manifestations of pain are exhibited in endurance horses, just as they are in other sports horses" So here we have a tool that can be used to determine the likely presence of musculoskeletal pain. It cannot tell us the source of pain, but it can tell us that there is something wrong, which merits further investigation, sooner rather than later. We utilised this tool in a second study in which we investigated the effect of rider weight and height on ridden horse performance.

As the average weight of humans continues to increase there is growing debate about relative rider-horse sizes, with riding school horses epitomising the variety of sizes of rider that a single horse may be exposed to. Numerous inter-related aspects are involved with the horse and rider combination including the age of

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the horse, its fitness and muscle development, the length of its back and the presence or absence of lameness. The rider’s skill, fitness, balance and coordination are important factors, as is the fit of the saddle to both the horse and rider. The type, speed and duration of work and the terrain over which the horse is ridden must also be considered.

We performed a pilot study to investigate the influence of rider size by assessing gait and behavioural responses in six horses ridden by four riders of similar ability but different sizes. The riders were all weighed in their riding kit and were subsequently categorised as being light, moderate, heavy and very heavy. Their body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight by their height squared and the score is used to assess healthy weight.

Each rider rode each horse in its usual tack and performed a set pattern of exercises comprising mainly trot and canter, lasting 30 minutes. Gait, horse behaviour, forces under the saddle, the response to palpation of the back, alterations in back dimensions in response to exercise, heart and respiratory rates, salivary cortisol levels and blink rate were assessed for each combination.

The riding tests for the heavy and very heavy riders were all abandoned part way through, predominantly because of temporary horse lameness. This was likely to have been induced by bodyweight rather than BMI, given that the heavy and moderate riders had similar BMIs, both being classified as overweight, yet only one of the moderate rider’s tests had to be abandoned. The tests for the very heavy rider were terminated earlier than those for the heavy rider. The ridden horse ethogram was applied to all tests, and the behaviour scores were significantly higher in the horses when ridden by the heavy and very heavy riders compared with the lighter riders, although

Excess bodyweight of the horse can compromise performance and musculoskeletal health of the horse

did not exceed 8. The horses had more backmuscle tension having been ridden by the heavier riders compared with the lighter riders.

Back dimensions usually increase during exercise when horses are ridden well in a correctly fitting saddle; back dimensions decreased compared with baseline for the two heavier riders.

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

Back dimensions usually increase during exercise when horses are ridden well in a correctly fitting saddle

height (157.0 cm versus 185.5 cm, respectively).

This large difference in height has major potential implications for saddle fit for the rider and consequently the rider’s position and weight distribution. The taller rider sat on the back of the cantle, overloading the back of the saddle and making it more difficult to ride in balance, with the heel being in front of a vertical line between the shoulder and ‘hip’. The very heavy rider also overloaded the back of the saddle inducing substantially higher pressures under the back of the saddle, even in walk, compared with the other riders.

Further work is required to determine if horse fitness, adaptation to heavier weights and more ideal saddle fit will increase the weight an individual horse can carry. This should help us further in our quest to develop guidelines for optimum rider: horse bodyweight ratios. The influence of rider weight and height and weight distribution is of key importance to endurance horses at all levels. At lower levels, the issue of equine obesity also comes in to play. The ratio of rider to horse bodyweight may superficially appear satisfactory, but if this is the result of excess bodyweight of the horse, this in itself can compromise performance and musculoskeletal health of the horse. At higher levels, small Arab horses carrying relatively large men, who sit on the back of the saddle in poor balance will inevitably lead to both equine back pain and a compromise in performance.

welfare

23

Photo courtesy of Gilly Wheeler

Getting Back

in the saddle Case Study

2018

began for me full of plans and excitement.

Although I wasn’t planning on International selection for my horses, I had my sights set on several longer rides. Firstly, however, was an expedition to the Antarctic aboard a square rigger as voyage crew. This changed my life in more ways than one! Towards the end of our trip, I gaily leaped off a rock to avoid some noxious penguin poo (it really must be the worst kind!) and bang; the pain in my back was so intense and I knew I had done something quite serious. My first thought; lying in the snow of the Antarctic, was how will I look after my horses now?

On return to the UK I visited various physios and chiropractors to no avail but gradually returned to riding but in quite some pain.

I pretended to myself that I was OK, but reality had to kick in eventually. I even managed to do a 2* at Royal Windsor with my young horse but realization came that something had to change when I simply didn’t have the function in my legs to actually get on and every jolt in canter sent pains shooting down my back and into my legs.

I have to say, I cried thinking that endurance is over for me just when I have, possibly, the best horse ever in the shape of HS Chiara (with the exception of the mighty Dilmun of course).

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rider fitness

Eventually I got to visit the consultant (the NHS is great but so, so slow) and was rushed into hospital to have spinal surgery to free the squashed nerves in my back and file away some of the vertebrae to make more room.

It was a success!

"I owe it to my horses to be the best that I can be" Three days after I was dancing (sort of) and a week later I was back on a horse. I was weak and delicate at first but grimly stuck with it, gradually feeling the strength come back. I had lessons to assess my straightness, attended a squad session where I wore a ‘straightjacket’ (a Centaur biomechanics jacket to assess straightness in the saddle) and to my delight discovered that I was at least as straight as before, possibly even straighter.

The squad physio was fantastic giving me specific exercises to work on to build up my weak left side.

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I worked at my exercises, worked at my fitness and just kept going. It is so important to me not to let my horses down: they have to do so much to meet my aspirations at the highest level that I simply owe it to them to be the best that I can be and anything less than that is just not good enough.

After the usual ups and downs of an endurance season, I took Fantom to Red Dragon at the end of September 2018 for the National Championships 160 km and, to our delight, came second.

I am so glad I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing what you can do if you really want to. To me the horses always come first, and I spend my time trying to do them justice.

Annie Joppe

Photo courtesy of Marco van Zelst

As a postscript, I am now as fit for riding as I ever was. I am even considering running again for fitness but still have issues with numbness in my left leg which seems to weigh more than the other one, but I am hopeful I will overcome this too. So far, the 2019 season has been a little mixed for me but heyho: aim high and roll with the lows!

A highly palatable and digestible conditioning fibre feed for slow release energy.

Ask the expert

A diagnostic-led

worm control programme A

ll horses are exposed to worms while grazing, but how we control these parasites is essential to horse health and performance. Most horse owners are aware of testing to determine whether their horse needs deworming. The tests comprise faecal worm egg counts (FEC) for redworm/roundworm detection and EquiSal Tapeworm saliva testing to detect tapeworm infections (standard FEC methods are unreliable for tapeworm). Until now encysted small redworm larvae have remained undetectable as FEC only determines the presence of egg laying adult worms. This has meant that routine winter moxidectin treatment has become recommended practice to target potentially lifethreatening burdens of small redworm encysted larvae. Excitingly a new small redworm blood test is being commercialised* which detects all stages of the small redworm life cycle, including the allimportant encysted larval phase. Together, these tests offer a complete worm control programme for common horse worms using diagnostic information; this is known as ‘diagnostic-led worm control’. Essentially, testing is used to tell you whether your horse needs deworming or not.

26

horse health

Why should you use testing to determine whether you should use dewormers or not?

Gone are the days of routinely administering dewormers to every horse and hoping for the best. That strategy is out-dated as it has caused widespread drug resistance in worms - meaning that worms are able to survive the killing effects of dewormers and remain in place after treatment, which can lead to disease in worst cases, death. To reduce the risk of further resistance occurring, we need to ensure that dewormers are only used when they are genuinely needed – when testing detects that horses have a worm burden requiring treatment. Regular testing also helps identify horses likely to be more susceptible to infection and thus at risk of disease in the future.

How to plan your horse’s worm control programme

Figure 1 illustrates a seasonal diagnostic-led worm control programme that can be put in place for most adult horses in the UK.

Figure 1 Seasonal diagnostic-led worm control programme

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Tapeworm programme

Recently published UK Vet deworming guidelines state that blood or EquiSal Tapeworm saliva testing should be conducted to detect tapeworm burdens. The publication states, “The traditional approach, to routinely treat for tapeworms annually or six-monthly without diagnostic testing, is obsolete.” “Treatment should only be administered to adult horses in response to positive serum or salivary antibody testing.” Figure 1 highlights that testing should

Common horse worms The most important worms that infect horses are the strongyles (redworms). Large redworms can cause colic, but in the UK, these are now uncommon in adult horses as they are very sensitive to the most widely used dewormers, moxidectin and ivermectin.

Small redworms (cyathostomins) are extremely common in most grazing horses. Healthy adult horses usually have low burdens, but large burdens (several million worms), can cause a fatal colitis which is difficult to treat.

Unfortunately, small redworms are expert at developing resistance, so control plans need to balance the requirement to ensure horses do not build up extreme burdens with the need to preserve dewormer effectiveness. It is important to preserve moxidectin dewormer for strategic use against the encysted small redworm larvae that cause lifethreatening disease as this is the only compound that has a high effect against these larvae.

The most common horse tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata, predominantly attaches to the ileocaecal junction in the gut, a narrow section between the small intestine and the caecum. Large burdens can cause health problems, including significant gut inflammation and blockages, leading to either acute or low grade recurring colic symptoms.

With no new dewormers being developed for horses in the foreseeable future, control plans must aim to maintain horse health whilst protecting the currently effective dewormers. You should work with your veterinary surgeon or a suitably qualified person (SQP) to design and implement an appropriate worm control plan.

be carried out every six months, preferably during spring and autumn. The saliva test provides a low, borderline or moderate/high diagnosis and deworming is recommended for horses diagnosed as borderline or moderate/ high.

Redworm and roundworm programme

FEC analysis should be carried out for measuring worm egg shedding throughout March to October (Figure 1) for detection of adult redworm (strongyles, including small redworm) and roundworm (ascarids). It is recommended that at least three FEC tests should be conducted to monitor for egg shedding in spring and summer periods. Horses with high egg shedding (for example, those excreting >200 eggs per gram of dung) should be treated with a dewormer, ideally effective against adult strongyles.

The new small redworm blood test can now be used to detect the presence of small redworm (including encysted larval stages) at a time when previously an annual treatment with moxidectin was recommended. The optimum testing period for these small redworm stages is September to December, but if this is missed, testing should still be considered until April the following year (Figure 1).

Before the small redworm blood test can be carried out, your veterinarian will assess each horse’s risk of small redworm infection.

If signs of active infection are evident, such as previous and consistent high FEC results, or is in a high-risk environment (for example, high herd turnover, high exposure levels and poor paddock management), they may recommend treating with moxidectin without testing. To get your horse blood tested, contact your veterinary practice for advice. They can sign up for the testing service by contacting info@austindavis.co.uk.

Visit www.equisal.com or www.austindavis.co.uk for more information.

Note: Moxidectin is the only licenced drug to effectively kill encysted stages. Although 5-day fenbendazole treatment is licensed to kill encysted stages, there is widespread resistance to this product so without knowing the worm population sensitivity status to this type of dewormer, its use would not be recommended. *Commercialised by Austin Davis Biologics Ltd, providers of EquiSal Tapeworm testing, and developed by Prof. Jacqui Matthews’ group at Moredun Research Institute (funded by The Horse Trust).

Dr Corrine Austin and Prof Jacqui Matthews

horse health

27

Fun with friends

Young riders'

Camp

F

irstly, on behalf of all of the young riders who attended camp this year, we want to thank everyone who made the show go on! We all appreciate the last minute work to make camp a brilliant one for us! We all had a fabulous few days and learnt a lot!

The journey from mid-Wales to Euston Park meant my family woke up at 4:00am! A total of 5 hours without traffic, and of course there is always traffic when you want to get somewhere quickly! Very generously I was given a lift for the last few hours of our journey, however, we hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come the furthest! I imagine the journey down from Scotland was a lot longer for the Patersons! By 11:30am, on Wednesday,

everyone had arrived and settled their ponies and horses in. We gave them a final check and went to meet the new riders and see old friends; as there were several new faces, we got to know each other over lunch.

Jasmine Grogan, a Baileys Horse Feeds nutritionist, then gave a talk on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Feeding the endurance horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We discussed the paths to feed a variety of horses that compete in endurance. The talk was beneficial to all and to finish, we took part in a mini quiz to ensure all had listened very closely! Within the talk we mentioned body condition scoring, we headed out to score our own horses and evaluate their condition. Suzie let us gather around Spot as an example whilst Jasmine explained what to look

for on our own horses. Spot was given a perfect five for his tip top condition!

Next up was gymkhana! We tacked up and headed past the scary tents being set up for the European Championships the following week.

Everyone warmed their horses up whilst Ella and Katie set up the games. Gymkhana was a new one for some of the horses. Sophie and Habiba proved to be very fast and furious, with their quick turns and Scarlett and Chloe were also very speedy. By the end we were all grinning and rode back to the stables laughing and chatting away!

"We were all grinning and rode back to the stables laughing" We settled the horses into their stables for the evening, before we headed off to go bowling. I must admit a few of us were definitely winging it with the barriers up! After eating and getting to know the other riders more, we had another game. We arrived back to feed and bed down the horses, before getting into our respective tents,

28

endurancegb.co.uk

lorries and caravans for some much needed sleep after a tiring day of travel and fun activities!

The next day, saw everyone up bright and early to feed, water and skip out our horses. At 7:30am we sat down for breakfast before heading back to the stables. Group 1 tacked up and prepared for a lesson with Rosemary Attfield, whilst groups 2 and 3 made their way back to the pavilion for a RiderCise video activity with Ella and goal setting with Rachel Judson. I was put into group 2, which started with Ella. The video worked on core strength, balance and engaged all the muscles required for riding. We used weighted hula hooping to improve core strength and a wobble board to improve balance. After an hour we all switched activities, moving onto goal setting with Rachel. We sat in the beautiful sunshine and started the session with everyone introducing themselves, their horse and their goals. The definitions and differences of an aspiration and a goal helped us write our SMART plans. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. Some of us wrote a long term goal and a short term plan, for example mine was to complete my first 65km and first 80km next year on my horse, Razil. Rachel helped me to think through my goals for this year and make sure they were possible. So far, I am achieving the steps towards my goal and Razil and I are on track to reach our goal at the start of October!

"The young riders are by far the friendliest and most welcoming group of friends I have made" Going into our dressage lesson with Rosemary, I was feeling slightly nervous as Razil had been in minimum work for 2 years whilst on loan and had not done any dressage since before then.

We all began warming up and immediately Razil started being a bit argumentative, he’d rather have been racing around the huge start field at Euston Park than do dressage in it! Rosemary gave all of us helpful and positive comments and advice. By the end of the session Razil was going forwards, trotting in a rhythm and even cantering around without bucking!

the mini dressage competition. Everyone rode a nice test and enjoyed the relaxed competition.

Lola won the group 1 and overall highest score on Pinky, Suzie won group 2 on Spot and Sasha won group 3 on Dee Dee. That evening, we were treated to pizzas, which is starting to be a camp tradition for Suzie and me!

Everyone had a lovely evening in the sunshine; the young riders are by far the friendliest and most welcoming group of friends I have made. We all get along, help each other and include everyone.

Friday, we were given a challenge to ride at a set speed without our watches! This suited Razil perfectly. We had a fabulous ride, switching places to ride in the lead and the back to develop the ability to ride in a slightly bigger group. We were incredibly close to our given aim, with a few bucks here and there courtesy of Razil and Tintin!

Having attended my first camp in November and young rider camp this year, I feel I’ve made some incredibly good friends! As I’ve gone

through my first full season, I’ve learnt an incredible amount, met many fabulous people and found a sport for life.

I would recommend camp to all levels, whether you are starting out in endurance and would like to learn about the sport, or you would like to catch up with friends and add to your existing knowledge. Thanks to Rachel’s goal setting talk, I have set my SMART goal and have slowly ticked off a portion of my steps. I have achieved everything and more I could’ve hoped for this summer.

I am feeling positive and determined as I prepare to take on my first 50km at Red Dragon. I have gained practical skills for situations I may have just panicked in before!

I hope we see more new young riders join and love the sport as much as we all do! I think camp gives a new endurance rider a fabulous set of skills and an understanding of what it’s about, along with making friends for life!

Edith

Camp gives a new endurance rider a fabulous set of skills

After lunch we headed back to the stables to plait and shine up our horses and tack ready for

young riders

29

Euston is happy hunting ground for

Hampshire team Elizabeth Peplow is Press Officer for Endurance GB and the former Assistant Editor for Horse & Hound. She has reported on endurance at home and abroad for more than 20 years.

Pony club

H

ard work paid off for the New Forest Hunt branch of the Pony Club who came home as National Champions at every distance they entered at the Pony Club National Endurance Championships.

Together with a member of the Hampshire Hunt branch, the New Forest fielded a combined Hampshire team to take the top slot in the overall team competition.

The Championship held on the opening day of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UK Endurance Festival at Euston Park saw the biggest entry yet for the competition which was first run in 2014 at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire.

A total of 80 riders from 22 branches and two Pony Club centres had qualified at Endurance

30

championships

GB rides during the year to take part in classes ranging from 20-56km.

The New Forest team’s Maya took the Senior 40km Intermediate Championship with Zebedee, the pair completing at a speed of 12.7km/hr with a heart rate of 42bpm at the finish. Maya’s teammate Katie, took the Junior 40km Intermediate Championship with her pony Mitsubishi Mouse. They crossed the line after averaging 11.9km/hr.

Amanda Barton said: “It was wonderful to see some really lovely teamwork from our team members. The children had an amazing experience at the FEI European Championship venue including a spectacular gala opening dinner after the ride to which

endurancegb.co.uk

Caitlin is Pony Club National Open Champion Caitlin Birkitt (21) of the Bedale and West of Yore won the hard-fought Open Championship 56km class with Mistletoe, ahead of Ella of the Easton Harriers Hunt riding Redwings Milky Way. Caitlin from Selby North Yorkshire was competing at Euston Park for the first time.

Her win was all the more remarkable because she is a para-rider, who lost the use of her foot in 2018. She is currently studying for a degree in physiotherapy at Leeds Beckett University.

She said: “This has been such a brilliant event to be at and an exceptional place to ride. It’s amazing to be part of such a close team.

Mistletoe gave me such a good ride. She was an absolute trooper throughout and went like a dream. I wasn’t feeling very well after the first Vet Gate and the pony looked after me so well.

She just went, ‘right this is what we need to do and this is how we need to do it’! She’s only eight but it was like she was 10 – just brilliant.

In fact, the car broke down on the way here so I didn’t think this was going to be a very lucky event, but look how it turned out!”

we were all invited. They were spoilt not only by great tracks and amazing facilities but by the most wonderful atmosphere at this amazing venue.

There were also placings for Forest team members Charlie and Tori as well as the branch’s Heidi, Paige and Freya plus completions for Evie and Charlotte.

“The riding was on perfect going on flat grassy courses and our team had some lovely moments on their fantastic ponies without whom we could not do any of this.”

Five of the New Forest team members qualified back in July at Endurance GB’s Piddle Ride. The technical, hilly qualifying ride over distances of 35km and 22km also brought the fresh challenge of hot weather to contend with.

New Forest Hunt branch team member Amelia ‘Milly’ rode Cuffnells Royal Fern to victory in the Junior 32km Novice Championship. Her mother Lyndsey said: “Dreams really do come true. To achieve this on a homebred pony is truly amazing. The Championships were inspirational.” Milly also won the best turned out/handling prize for her section.

The Hampshire Hunt’s Team rider, Violet and her pony Solstice Sunrise had been training with the New Forest’s squad in the build up to the competition and joined the winning combined team.

Amanda Burton said: “All coped well with the warm weather and learned a little about dehydration scores from the vet and the difficulties of getting heart rates down on warm days. More than anything all enjoyed stunning countryside and companionship of ponies and friends along the way.”

The qualification of nine New Forest branch members for the championship was the result of seven months' hard work.

Amanda Barton, an endurance rider and Endurance GB Coach, who set up Tilefield

championships

31

Equestrian, a new purpose built equestrian training centre in the New Forest last year, said: “It all started out as a project for the portfolio for my UKCC Level 3 qualification. For this, it is required that you get an Intermediate team to a Pony Club Championships.

Well, endurance was the obvious option for me and I have spent a large amount of the last 10 months working out how on earth to see it all through. With a lot of dismounted evenings through the winter, full days of training in the Spring, arena based coaching sessions, training rides in the New Forest, support at Endurance GB competitions in order to qualify we succeeded in qualifying a team of four intermediate 40km riders as well as six Novice 32km riders. With the exception of two of the riders, none of these children had ever done any endurance at all before February this year.

It’s funny how a project like this turns into something so much more than you could have imagined at the outset. For the team to have achieved that is beyond my wildest dreams and to have three National Champions in addition, one of them being Katie on Mouse is a little difficult to comprehend!”

and lower heart rates provided by most of the competitors, proving that this year they had really concentrated on getting their horses fit.

“What is really encouraging is the large number of young riders who had qualified to ride at the championships. All bar one of our entries completed the ride successfully and passed the final vetting.”

At the beginning and end of their ride every competitor is encouraged to show correct handling and turn out of their horse/pony and they are judged on their efforts. The following members were the winners of this class. Open

Ella (Eastern Harriers) Intermediate Ella (Ivel Valley) Novice Amelia (New Forest Hunt) Grassroots Lydia (Waveney Harriers). The best shod pony belonged to Gracie (East Essex) One of the most sought-after prizes is the Best Condition trophy, judged by the vets on the day and this was won by Katrina (Whaddon Chase) Many thanks to Sue Meadows, Rosemary Attfield and Emma Moffat who were the foundations of this year's championships and yet again to HPower, without whom we couldn’t have run what is fast becoming one of the highlights of the Pony Club calendar.

Let's hope for the same success next year.

"Dreams really do come true, the Championships were inspirational"

32

championships

Photo courtesy of H Power

Robert Blane, Chairman of Pony Club Endurance said: “The high standard of horsemanship and care achieved by the participants could be seen by the faster times

endurancegb.co.uk

Results

1ST

2ND

3RD

4TH

OPEN 56KM

Caitlin Bedale and West of Yore

Ella Eastern Harriers (& best turned out)

SENIOR/INTERMEDIATE 40KM

Maya New Forest Hunt

Hannah The Curre

Charlotte New Forest Hunt

Victoria New Forest Hunt

JUNIOR/INTERMEDIATE 40KM

Katie New Forest Hunt

Alex Brecon and Talybont

Lois Bisley and Sandown Chase

Elizabeth Bedale and West of Yore

SENIOR NOVICE 32KM

Olivia Whaddon Chase

Sasha Whaddon Chase

Katrina Whaddon Chase

Paige New Forest Hunt

JUNIOR NOVICE 32KM

Amelia New Forest Hunt

Violet Hampshire Hunt

Ella Belvoir Hunt

Jamie Trent Park Equestrian Centre

JUNIOR NOVICE 32KM – TEAMS

Hampshire (New Forest & Hampshire Hunt branches)

Bedale and West of Yore

Area 10

GRASSROOTS 20KM

Siobham Bramham Moor

Isabel South Norfolk

Isabel Waveney Harriers

GRASSROOTS 20KM – TEAMS

Area 3.

The Yorkshire Arrows

Waveney Harriers

Area 8

Katherine York and Ainsty South

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Championships

Our experience of the

Scottish Championships O

wning two sibling horses bred by Marthe Kiley– Worthington, with the Druimghigha prefix to their names and MacLaren blood in my veins, writes Andrea Champ, how could I not be drawn to a Scottish ride!

In fact, this had been a long held ambition, and I had two abortive attempts at entering the Cairngorm 100, the second of which fell by the wayside when

34

my husband Rod became ill and we realised it was probably a foolish idea to make such a long journey only five weeks on.

So, to an alternative as I didn’t want to leave it too long! I wanted to get Lantana to a ride, ideally before the end of July. I considered Cirencester but she hates multi loops with repetition – just thinks it is pointless! Then I saw the listing for the Scottish Championships, only a week later than the Cairngorm 100. Best of all, there was the remote vet gate – perfect!

endurancegb.co.uk

So, we entered, once having negotiated our way round the SERC website. Fate then assisted us – a very good school vet friend of Rod’s lived only 40 minutes from Peebles, providing an ideal excuse for a catch up.

As continued recovery was the plan for Rod, we indulged a little and found a super hotel, Cringletie House, complete with a paddock for Lantana. Another extraordinary coincidence was that Rod’s friend’s grandfather had once owned this hotel, transforming it from a nursing home.

I had to find a crew through Endurance Chat UK on Facebook and was amazed at how generous people are! Jamie Templeton Craig kindly offered as his partner was going to be helping at the Championships anyway.

Then a hiccup. I received word 10 days or so before the ride that entries for the longer distances were low and the remote vet gate had to go. I have to admit to hesitating there.

My biggest concern was the lack of that vet gate – it was an awfully long way to go to do the sort of ride I was avoiding doing in England!

After a think and chatting with the very helpful Lindsay Wilson, I decided to downgrade to the 2 day, 120kms class. The route would be divided into 2x 63kms and plenty of people would be going out each day.

On the Thursday before the ride, we set off on our 350 mile journey from Herefordshire. Rod comfortably reclined on all of the back seats of the pick–up, whilst the crew stuff all got shoved in corners and relegated to the boot.

We were rewarded at the top with the magnificent views, that improved on the second day. It was quite eerie in the wet and mist and I was grateful for company! We skirted around the edge of what to me seemed like mountains – not sure if they count as such in Scotland – more like foothills!

"The views were magnificent with some beautiful canters to be had" This first loop involved climbing over more wild mountain moorlands with some beautiful canters to be had. Upon rejoining the main section and having met our crew again, we then took the tow path along the Tweed which stretched flat and grassy for what seemed like a good couple of miles – beautiful place for endless cantering. We then made another huge climb and had a tantalising look down over the venue, before snaking our way back down a broad

stony track and then through lush fields back to the vast venue.

Lantana seemed completely unfazed by the whole thing and her parameters and recovery were excellent. Rod and Mike had met us at the end and Jamie’s crewing had suited us perfectly.

Lantana and I felt relaxed and happy as we finished our first day.

Day 2 was much warmer and I was due to start with the 60km ER class. Everyone was so friendly and cheerful whilst we were all warming up to start. We very much enjoyed the company of Denise Murrow for the first part and then Gill Brittle and Gill Steven on the last loop.

Unfortunately, Gill Steven’s horse Rocky stood on a screw close to the finish and had to be taken to the veterinary hospital. Gill Brittle and I then came into the finish together and both horses looked and felt fresh. I was delighted with Lantana as we vetted without incident. I came home with a super, rather large cup and tartan rosettes. I will certainly remember where those came from!

I experienced a wonderful, tough ride, just as it should be! Thank you to all the organisers, the helpers on those gates and in seemingly very remote places! We felt so welcome and shall be back!

Andrea Champ

Our day off was spent visiting the venue, meeting Jamie for the first time and setting up the vet gate. Everyone was so friendly, and I do love the Scottish accent! In the twinkling of an eye the first ride day had arrived. It was raining and misty – not entirely unexpected. Rod was to spend the day with Mike, his old school friend, so Lantana and I went off to start our adventure. On this day I was to start with the 80km ER class. Chris Macmillan with her indomitable Coolagoree Glen Thunder was in that class and we decided to ride together.

The ride started with a bit of road work, then after a mile, turning off into forestry. A long slowly climbing track brought us out into an opening, where there was a pretty spectacular but mercifully short climb up through heathland.

Photos courtesy of Kris Clay/TopGearPhotos.com

The hotel was as lovely and welcoming as promised and Lantana was soon in her very large paddock with so much grass I feared that I might be riding a whale at the weekend. However, she did retain her lovely shape through making the most of her extensive surroundings.

Lantana and I felt relaxed and happy as we finished the first day.

serc

35

Meet the TAMA LE LE N T

Young

James Dickinson, Rudgwick, West Sussex

Male focus

Q: How did you get involved in endurance riding in the first place?

J: I started riding aged three and had a number of ponies on loan over the years who I did a bit of everything with. My mum loaned a Crabbet mare, Iranna, from Flick Edmeston who introduced her to endurance. I rode the Derbyshire group Christmas ride one year on Iranna and have never looked back. Iranna first started her working life as an arabian racehorse with Ann and Gordon Harrison, jockeyed by Annette Masterson. I have since been lucky enough to crew for Annette - small world!

P: I got involved in endurance by starting off crewing for my mother, Tricia Hirst. Then followed up by riding along with my two sisters.

Q: Were there any other horse/ non horse sports you might have gone into?

J: When I was younger, I also played tennis and did a lot of swimming, until the horses took over.

P: I have been around horses my whole life so it was inevitable that I would compete in an equestrian discipline. Before I became involved in endurance, I participated in mounted games and hunting.

Q: Do you have any male role models in the sport who have inspired you and why?

J: I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really had a single male role model in equestrian sport. I look up to anyone who takes good care of their horses and treats them with the respect and gratitude they deserve.

36

spotlight

Q: Are you conscious of competing in a sport where women compete equally with men and in fact in Europe, dominate the sport in terms of numbers?

J: Competing on a level playing field is one of the great aspects of equestrian sport in general.

In fact, I think this puts greater emphasis on the horse and rider combination.

P: Although I am aware that there are a lot of female competitors in endurance, I feel as though both men and women have equal chances of success. I believe that in order to be successful at International level, you have to have a good support crew / family around you, so I don't think gender plays a big role.

Q: Are there any aspects of the sport/competing/training where you think men would have a different approach to women?

J: I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more dependent on the individual opposed to whether they are male or female.

Some people are more competitive than others and in terms of training, each rider has their own view on what will best prepare their horse.

I try to always keep the end goal in mind during training and on ride day. At each ride we have a plan and we stick to it.

P: No, I have trained and ridden alongside many female competitors and although every trainer/rider approaches each scenario slightly differently, I have never noticed that there is a big difference in how men and women approach things.

endurancegb.co.uk

Guns While historically endurance was a femaledominated sport, male riders are represented in equal numbers at FEI level and increasingly within Endurance GB. In the first in a new series, Elizabeth Peplow talks to some male role models leading the way.

Philip Hirst,

Q: Do you see this in your own family?

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

P: No, I would say we all approach things in more or less the same manner.

Q: Are there any advantages or disadvantages to being in a minority?

P: I think over the years, men are becoming less of a minority in the sport at FEI level.

Q: What lessons have you learned from the endurance women in your life?

J: There are a number of women who have helped me along my way who I am so grateful to. To name three things: take each day as it comes, try to stay positive and believe in yourself. If you asked my partner Katie’s (Bedwin) mare Elayla she would say treat ‘em mean keep ‘em keen, since she has four boyfriends, but for some reason I chose not to take this advice.

Q: How do you keep fit/train?

J: Every week we set out a plan for the horses that fits in around our work. Late nights and early mornings are a given but poor preparation prepares you for poor performance.

Each horse has 6 days on a week. Schooling, jumping, lunging and hacking are included in each horse's schedule to keep their training varied - unfortunately endurance rides don’t generally consist of miles of smooth going.

P: I put all of the training into my horse myself, so I get a lot of my fitness through riding.

We have a total of three horses at home, so I am also very active with the day-to-day care for those.

Q: What would you say to encourage other men (of all ages) to get involved in the sport beyond crewing?

J: Endurance has taken me to parts of the country I may not have otherwise seen and I have gained so many memories and friends from the sport.

At school I hardly mentioned my riding since it was seen as a girly sport. Looking back, I should have spoken about it more - everyone else spoke about football enough!

I do however think understanding the crewing side of endurance is important. Sometimes people forget that you need your crew more than they need you. Therefore, reversing the roles might provide both parties with the other point of view.

P: My favourite part of the sport is racing and competing at FEI level. I get a lot out of being in a big busy endurance atmosphere and I have met some great people whilst riding in the UK and across the world. It is very rewarding to be able to train a horse to compete over such big distances and I would encourage anyone to get involved.

spotlight

37

Photo courtesy of Indie Pics (www.indiepics.co.uk)

Rider profile

My Life Favourite ride in the calendar?

Name Rachel Owen

Endurance GB group Lancashire

Date of first endurance ride?

28th March 2018

How did you first get involved in endurance?

I bought my horse Aurora in January 2016 to just hack out on and go on adventures. I livery on a yard owned by two top British endurance riders so I started getting interested in the sport through following them and decided I wanted to have a go myself in 2017, so set about learning all I could to make my debut in 2018.

What was your first ride?

Wootton / 28th March 2018 / 21km Pleasure ride

First endurance horse (or pony)?

Aurora / 15.3hh / PRE mare

38

spotlight

Cirencester - I was reserve for the North West team in 2018 at the inter-regionals and the whole weekend was just awesome. I was made to feel part of the team and learnt so much! It was my first time corralling and staying overnight.

Most challenging ride so far?

Harwood Dale.

Ride or distance you most want to do?

64km on Aurora – I would love to do a 120km one day although I know Aurora will not be able to do this distance.

Where and how do you train your horse(s)?

I use the gallops as often as I can, aiming for a ‘proper’ training session somewhere once a week.

I go on long hacks trying to include hill work, both from our yard and also other locations. I do pole work on the lunge once a week and Aurora goes on the water treadmill weekly.

Live in or live out?

Aurora lives out in summer as part of a herd of mares in a huge field; she does come in for a few hours during the day.

In winter she goes out for 3 full days a week in the winter field – a huge 30 acre woods – our livery yard does alternate days for mares and geldings.

Vet or physio support?

Aurora has regular visits from Beech Veterinary Physiotherapy Services.

Nicola generally comes a couple of weeks before a ride to check all is ok and then a post ride treatment a few days after a ride. When not competing, Nicola comes every 8 -10 weeks.

What do you feed your horse(s)?

Aurora is fed on Baileys Alfalfa Oil and Baileys Low-Cal Balancer. I also include Baileys Endurance Mix when in hard training and leading up to competitions. She is a good doer so manages really well without much feed. She is also on table salt, electrolytes and biotin. We have just started feeding Saracens recovery mash before and after training and competitions.

Who is your farrier?

Mark Barnard AWCF.

Any special shoes?

No.

Team colours?

Royal Blue.

What saddle and bridle do you use?

I use a Performance Equestrian Deluxe Biothane Bridle and a FnE saddle.

endurancegb.co.uk

What clothing, hat and footwear do you wear?

For a competition I wear riding tights, a base layer and t-shirt. If it’s really hot I don’t wear the base layer. I wear trainers and neoprene chaps.

My hat is a Tipperary Sportage.

Most vital piece of equipment?

My Polar M400 watch and heart rate monitor.

I use the watch every time I ride to track our distance and speed and it’s invaluable for competitions. The HR monitor is great for training but also on return from competitions.

How do you plan your endurance season?

As a wedding videographer I work a lot of weekends so plan my season around when I am working, then rides that are closer to home, then ones I would really like to do.

I don’t get to do many a year so I pick the best that I am available for.

What do you eat the night before a ride?

I try to eat a nice meal of carbs and protein, so maybe a pasta dish with meat or fish and vegetables.

How do you keep fit and healthy yourself?

I am not that good at this – all the pampering goes on Aurora but I do walk regularly with my dogs and try to do some stretches and exercises at home.

Who are your crew?

I don’t have a regular crew but in my first season my friends from the yard helped me, my partner Mick has crewed for me once, I have ridden with people who have shared their crew

and my friend and Aurora's physio, Nicola, has crewed for me on my last ride; hopefully she will want to come again!

What inducements do you offer them?!

Lots of food and a good day out!

What are the challenges of crewing you and your horse?

Aurora is really easy to crew for; she drinks well and is normally a pleasure to deal with. I on the other hand might be a bit stressed until the final vetting is over.

What can you learn from other sports (equestrian and non equestrian)?

Train well and look after yourself and your horse. Minimise the risk of injury with appropriate training! Listen to your horse, they will tell you when it’s not right.

What have you learned about yourself competing in endurance?

That I am competitive! I never thought I had this side to me, I have never competed in any other discipline but endurance has brought out a side to me I never knew I had! I just want to be the best I can be and go as far as I can in the sport I have fallen in love with.

Your best endurance moment?

Getting a Grade 1 at The Lions Tail in 2019 – my last ride of the season after a few setbacks that year – it makes all the hard work worthwhile!

And also riding the amazing advanced endurance horse Zim Nazka around 2 x 45km rides in 2019.

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to ride such an experienced horse.

Your biggest endurance mistake?

Riding too fast at Euston Park on my last ride of 2018. We had a fantastic ride and Aurora felt great but we were vetted out at the end. She was fine later that night but I am convinced I pushed her too fast too soon.

Top tip for success?

Training and rest. The biggest things I have learnt whilst competing in Endurance are train properly and rest accordingly. Quality of work is more important than quantity of work.

Who is your endurance sporting hero?

Team Atkinson – Rachael and Kate Atkinson are the reason I started endurance in the first place and with Andrew they make the perfect team. They have achieved so much though sheer hard work and determination! I am so lucky to be a livery on their yard and have access to some great advice!

Horse of a lifetime?

Aurora – I never dreamed I would have a horse like her and we have achieved so much together. I know she can only go so far in endurance so eventually I would love another horse alongside her so I could compete at a higher level. If I can ever afford another it would be an Arab!

How would you sell the sport to a friend?

I tell everyone what a great sport endurance is!

There is no better feeling than cantering though the countryside with your best friend. You get such a bond with your horse like no other. It is great for the soul and keeps both horse and rider fit. Everyone should try at least a pleasure ride – be warned though it’s addictive!

Golden Horseshoe, Red Dragon or Florac?

Red Dragon.

Desert or mountain?

Most definitely mountain.

Photo courtesy of West End Photography (www.west-end-photography.co.uk)

If you could choose one of the iconic rides, Tevis, Quilty or South Africa’s new ride The Wild Coast 350km 5-day challenge, which would it be and if you could pick any endurance horse from history who would it be on?

The Wild Coast Challenge!

Do you have any sponsors?

I am sponsored by Aurora’s physio Nicola from Beech Veterinary Physiotherapy Services and Ellenthorpe Livery Gallops. I am also Brand Ambassador for Equissimo.

spotlight

39

British Horse Feeds’

Red Dragon

Festival of Endurance

T

he three-day British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival of Endurance attracted record numbers this year with a total of 265 horse and rider combinations travelling from all over the country to take part in more than 30 classes from the venue at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.

The feature competition, the Speedi-Beet Red Dragon Ride is a 160km class run over two days, with 80km being covered on each day riding across the iconic mountain grassland and heather tracks of the beautiful, but often tough, Begwns hills. Over the opening two loops of day one, Nikki Malcolm and Oso Spiralling Wind set a strong pace creating an impressive one-hour lead over the rest of the field.

Going into the overnight hold, 11 pairs were

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championships

deemed fit to continue at the end of day one, with Esther Groen and Watt Du Colombier unfortunately being vetted out lame and Sally Farrell with Sirius OS deciding to retire at the start of day two.

Nikki said: “The forecast had been for heavy rain on Saturday night so we thought we would kick on during the first day – we did the second day bar 5km all on our own. He just feeds off his rider – you have got to keep him interested and let him know that the race is still on.

It’s not an easy task to prepare a horse for Dragon and I certainly wouldn’t want to be nursing a tired horse round a second day.

So I put so much thought and prep into it and look for tiny improvements that can be made as it all adds up and aids performance.

endurancegb.co.uk

I look at myself critically, work hard to get stronger and fitter in my legs and core, have osteopath sessions to improve my balance and keep me even, stop drinking any alcohol in the lead up to the event, supplement my diet with vitamins if I’m not eating my five a day, make sure the days leading up to race I’m fully hydrated and sip electrolyte drink throughout the day, the same as I will when I’m in the race.

I like to keep my mind sharp during ride day.”

The pair conquered one of the toughest tracks in the Endurance GB calendar at an average speed of 12.7km/hr to secure Nikki’s 4th 160km win at Red Dragon ahead of Chris Rendle with Druimghigha Shatish who completed in second place at 12km/hr with Ella Bunting and Aly’s Estrella De Rock (Rocky) taking third place at an average of 11.7km/hr.

Oso Spiralling Wind also scooped the prestigious Red Dragon Best Condition Award.

Little Dragon

On a cool October day with occasional squally showers, 22 combinations set off to contest the Little Dragon, an 80km CER over three loops. Ylva Samantha Mowatt emerged the winner with Terminators Dream at 13.4km/ hr from Kathy Carr with Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle in second place at 13.4km/hr.

Abigail Chisholm took third place with Mellway Royalblue Diamond at 12.8km/hr.

Kathy Carr’s Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle took the Best Condition Award.

Carol Legg said: “Wow what a day, so proud of our homebred boy Arnold (Terminators Dream) in winning the Little Dragon today.

A big thank you to Mel Bradley for her help crewing and a massive thank you to Sammy for riding such a brilliant race and looking out for the boy”.

Nikki Malcolm and Oso Spiralling Wind win at Red Dragon

Home International

Results at Red Dragon are hugely influenced by the weather, and this year was no exception with the strongly fought Home International team event between the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh teams seeing riders taking on very low cloud, fog, wind, rain and sunshine all in the space of a few hours with the pay off for riders being the superb views despite the route being made testing by the evening’s downpours.

Achieving the fantastic feat of getting six riders home, England won the Home International ahead of Scotland with Ireland in third and Wales fourth. The Celtic Challenge went to Scotland.

England’s Chef d’Equipe Maggie Pattinson said: “I am proud of my stewardship as Chef for the England Home International team but

in particular this year bringing the cup home makes the glow of pride even brighter!

“Following a couple weeks of wet weather, I think we all knew we were in for a tough Dragon although we did largely get away with mostly dry weather in riding hours.

“John and Jane Hudson once again pulled together an amazing team of stewards, vets and helpers of all sorts to once again put on a fantastic event for which I speak from every national Chef to say a huge thank you – they are all amazing!”

"John and Jane Hudson once again pulled together an amazing team – they are all amazing" Among highlights for the winning England squad were three notable ‘firsts’, a third place in their first 160km for Ella Bunting and ‘Rocky’, a completion at their first CER for Rebecca Parsler and Shade, while in the 48km Home International Junior Class, Beth Stanley-Whiteley with Tiny was the youngest ever junior at eight years old achieving a remarkable second place.

championships

41

A record number of entries took part in the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance

ILDRA’s Helen McFarland announced that Ireland would be hosting the 2020 Home International at the St Patrick’s Coastal Ride over the first weekend in September. Like the British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival, this is another tough ride but with the promise of seal watching whilst cantering along miles of beach in the shadow of the Mountains of Mourne.

British Riding Clubs

Sunday’s action featured The British Horse Feeds’ British Riding Clubs Endurance Team Final with nine Riding Clubs vying for the top prize in the 36km Novice Graded Endurance Ride. The hotly contested competition was won by Yorkshire RC, which numbers riders from across area 4 (Yorkshire). Ellen Valley followed in second place with the Wessex Wanderers in third.

The other Riding Clubs who reached the final were; East Mendip, Hampshire Combined, New Forest Hunts, National Forest, Angels of the North and Red Kite.

the three external teams who help to run the event: The Gloucestershire TRF led by Jacky German who mark the route so brilliantly, the medics from SARA led by Merv Fleming and RAYNET led by Evan Jones.

“A great team of hard-working volunteers worked together to steward the event brilliantly and our thanks also go to the Showground staff at Builth Wells for whom nothing was too much trouble. All in all, it added up to the best Red Dragon yet in our view.”

Will I'Anson, Sales Director for British Horse Feeds said: “We are delighted with our long and successful association with this prestigious ride and team behind it and so pleased that the weekend went so smoothly and produced some excellent competition. The British Horse Feeds’ Riding Club Endurance Championships is also

going from strength to strength and this bodes well for the future.”

Official ride photographs are available from David Saunders Photography https://www.saundersphotography.co.uk /red-dragon-2019 Kerry Dawson

"All in all, it added up to the best Red Dragon yet in our view."

John Hudson said: “We are delighted with the level of entries and would like to thank both our fantastic headline sponsor British Horse Feeds who have been hugely supportive as ever and we simply could not do all this without them, as well as all the other companies who get behind the ride. We also work with more than 30 landowners and large sections of the route are across private land. We cannot praise them enough for their friendly welcome and level of cooperation. We are very grateful to

42

championships

endurancegb.co.uk

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