EVERYTHING HORSE THE HORSE’S EYE • BUILD A BOND • PERFECT YOUR BALANCE June 2015 THE FREE EQUESTRIAN NEWS AND ARTICLE MAGAZINE
JUNE 2015, ISSUE 21
Reports inside from
BADMINTON
&
5
Windsor
Minutes with ...
Sophie Wells
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
WIN
Tendon Boots, a Crystal Belt & More ... 1
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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015
Everything Horse Magazine, June 2015
Horse, Furst Larkshill showing Daisy Jackson how well he can perform his flying chance mid test
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W
ell what a busy month! Equestrian Journalist Amy Bennett hasn’t stopped, rolling from one world class equestrian event to the other. The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials finally welcomed a win from Brit William Fox-Pitt taking the 2015 title, it has been a while since he claimed his last Badminton win so we were thrilled! From the hills of Gloucestershire to the spectacular sight of the Royal Windsor Castle, the following weekend Amy was back out reporting at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. We can assure you however it wasn’t all work and no play for Amy as she was spotted indulging in a little Pimms post event (see the picture we stole) As the ex-racehorse re-training era continues in full boom, we caught up with proven re-trainer of these incredibly intelligent and powerful animals, Victoria Bax. We asked Victoria to share her advice on how best to prepare you and your horse for a cross country outing. We have some fabulous health articles featured in this months issue, including hot topics such as laminitis and electrolytes. One of my personal favourites this month is our article from Louise Napthine, titled the structure of the equine eye. Louise (along with the note-able help from her 'other half ' with a graphic illustration) has detailed the individual components of the eye. Together with some interesting facts this article is a real informative read.
This month I was lucky enough to be given the chance to visit a very special charity for our 'On the road' feature. The Jigsaw Mawdesley Equine & People Trust, based in Lancashire is ran by Sue Carr, BHSAI. Sue has also provided us with an insight into how we can perfect our centre of balance using a ... mechanical horse! We take a look at the latest equestrian hoof care products as well as a few firm favourites in this months hoof care feature, and don't forget our Psssst! must have buys including Amy look jodphurs and what we undies found! situated at the 'rear' if you pardon the pun, of the magazine!
Suzanne Suzanne Ashton Company Director Everything Horse UK Ltd
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Editor: Jennifer McAloon jennifer@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Advertising: advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk News Team: Suzanne Ashton media@everythinghorseuk.co.uk
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Everything Horse UK Ltd endeavors to bring the reader accurate and up to date information from the equestrian industry. We may or may not agree with the information provided in this magazine, however we do aim to make sure it is relevant at the time of publishing. Images are provided by the content writers and Everything Horse UK Ltd will not be held liable for the use of images if copyright authentication has not been accurately sourced. Responsibility for Copyright authentication is left solely with the contributor. Should you have a dispute please contact Everything Horse UK, we will then be able to give details for the writer responsible for the issue of the images. Everything Horse UK Ltd strongly recommend you consult a qualified veterinary practitioner should you have any doubts over your horse’s health.
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Contents
News
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15
12
16 18
. Event Report: The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2015
. Event Report: Royal Windsor Horse Show Grand Prix Dressage and Showjumping report
. British Dressage: Report following the NAF Winter Championships, Hartpury . Equestrian News from around the UK . Sponsorship News
Exclusive Interview
20 Horse Health
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. What are electrolytes Does your horse need electrolytes? Supplement provider Equimins is on had to give us the ‘low down’ on what we need to know
30
. Laminitis Unsure about Laminitis? Read the latest research and learn more on the collaborative study currently under way
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. Internal structure of the Equine Eye Louise Napthine gives an overview of the structure and components of the equine eye including a facinating illustration
Horse & Rider
40
. Building a relationship with your horse As with human to human relationships, human to horse bonds can be just as difficult to cultivate. Here Chrissie Hayes
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from Learn2Horse.com gives great advice on how to improve that all important relationship all owners should have with their horse
Riding
. WIN: A crystal belt and browband courtesy of Equetech
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. ‘Horse Up’ your home Fantastic ideas for your home from Sue Bryant, owner of brand Freddie Parker.
Special Features
. Perfecting your centre of balance Have you ever rode a mechanical horse? ‘Perfect for perfecting’ your centre of balance, Sue Carr writes to tell our readers the real rider benefits earned from riding a state of the art mechanical horse
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Shopping this summer
. Must have items From Jackets to undies, what will be on your wish list this month?
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Competitions
Sophie Wells
50
. Cross Country tips This month ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax joins us with her top tips for successful Cross Country riding
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. 5 Minutes with
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. Hoof Care We take a look at a range of different hoof care products
46
. On the road This month we ventured out to see The Jigsaw Mawdesley Equine & People Trust, based in Lancashire
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. WIN: You have my heart racing Freddie Parker cushion
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015 Image credit Thoroughbred Sports Photography
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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The Mitsubishi Motors
BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS Join equestrian Journalist, Amy Bennett as she reports on the thrills and spills of this iconic CCI**** event.
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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015 Image: Michael Owen (GBR) on The Highland Prince - Smile for the camera please! image credit Mike Bain
Including ...
• Full event report • Interviews • Pictures • Thoughts from the riders
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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EVENT NEWS: Badminton Horse Trials 2015
Cool Fox-Pitt with Red Hot Chilli written by Amy Bennett
The British public waited six years to see one of their own take the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials trophy once more, and what more of a fitting win than for William Fox-Pitt to make history at the same time with the first stallion to win Badminton, Chris Stone’s striking chestnut, Chilli Morning. To think of a four star event in the last twenty years that hasn’t included the legendary event rider in the top 10 would take far too much effort for
Image: William FoxPitt (GBR) riding Chilli Morning image credit Mike Bain 8
very little reward, but this was only the second Badminton title for 46 year old William, who has 12 other notable four star wins (including six Burghley titles) and 53 other three day event red rosettes to his name. But all was not plain sailing for this iconic combination and their win was never assured right from the first phase. The combination under-performed – compared to their usual standards – in the dressage, having three unusual
mistakes including a break in their extended walk and late flying changes, of which Fox-Pitt was noticeably disappointed about afterwards, “I should have ridden it better,” he remarked of the test, “Chilli should have been streets ahead in this field,” he said, referring to his disappointing score which left him lying second going into the cross country phase. However, the pair performed their customary dazzling cross country round to go clear inside the time and retain their second place. They provided a master class in partnership and trust, whereby William allowed the stallion to be the dominant partner and have an opinion on certain matters, in return for him making the decisions in the moments that counted. “He’s feisty, so while it might not be poetry in motion, it’s a good sign that he is fighting,” William said of the horse, and was full of praise for the course also, “He galloped well this afternoon and conditions were pretty much perfect, I think it gave a lot of people a brilliant ride and was a great day for the sport with some great pictures”. Going into the show jumping phase, William couldn’t afford to have a single pole down if he was to place any sort of pressure on the competition leaders Andrew Nicholson & Nereo (more about them later) and Chilli, usually a careful jumper who can be prone to having the odd fence down, absolutely tried his heart out for his rider to produce a clear round, to which the pair both left the arena with smiles on their faces and cheers ringing in their ears. “I couldn’t have asked more from the horse and he
“He’s feisty, so while it might not be poetry in motion, it’s a good sign that he is fighting” William Fox-Pitt talking about Chilli Morning Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015
Image above: Andrew Nicholson (NZL) riding Calico Joe image credit Mike Bain
went extremely well today,” William said of the 15 year old son of Phantomic, “but it is in the lap of the gods when you are lying in second and with someone like Andrew ahead of you, you don’t expect to win. Fortune favoured me today and I really can’t believe it!” With a disappointing start to their competition, it would have been possible for FoxPitt to have gone home rueing about those dressage errors. However, to win eventing’s oldest and most famous trophy is one thing, but to make history in the meantime riding a new legend of the sport is something else. Mr Fox-Pitt, we salute a true star of the sport. The other side to this story is that of disappointment for one of eventing’s stalwarts, New Zealander Andrew Nicholson.
Having led from the first day of dressage to the last phase of the event - that he has never won in his 34 attempts - must have been more than nerve wracking, added to the facts that he had a cross country fall here in 2014 and he has recently been left off the New Zealand squad, he must have felt like he had a huge point to prove and the pressure he would have placed on his shoulders could only be described as immense. It’s safe to say that although Nereo is a relatively careful showjumper, Deborah Seller’s chestnut has somewhat marred his record in recent high level competitions, having a 12 faulter of a round both here and at WEG in 2014. Ultimately the three poles down here cost Andrew a tidy sum of £63,000 in total as well
“I am so pleased, so proud, because he tried so hard in all three phases, and I am very thankful to own such a horse so that no one can sell him!”
Image: Ingrid Klimke (GER) riding Horseware Hale Bob image credit Mike Bain
Ingrid Klimke, talking about Horseware Hale Bob June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Image: Kristina Cook (GBR) crashes from De Novo News image credit Mike Bain
as the coveted title that he has been hankering after for almost two decades, resulting in the pair slipping five places to end up in sixth overall. Similarly, Oliver Townend’s Badminton ended worse than it started, having performed what Oliver called “the horse’s best dressage performance to date”, followed by their typically epic cross country round, the pair had been in third place across the first two phases. But Armarda, full brother to Nereo, is known to be a tricky horse in the final phase and had a heart stopping four show jumping poles down for the Brit, which dropped them down to 11th place in the final rankings. However, this did allow others up the placings and German Ingrid Klimke, who was hot on the heels of the leading trio all weekend and was my “one to watch”, pulled up from fourth to second riding her own Horseware Hale Bob – a very smart 11 year old who won Pau four star in 2014, on what was only her second visit to the Gloucestershire event. “I am so pleased, so proud,” she said of the bay gelding, “because he tried so hard in all three phases, and I am very thankful to own such a horse so that no one can sell him!” Pulling up to third from fifth after the cross country phase with just one pole down in the show jumping was 2013 winner, Jonathan Paget riding his second string horse, the chestnut gelding Clifton Lush. It was lovely to see this horse’s time to shine and for Jock to have another podium finish, which has hopefully 10
Jonathan ‘Jock’ Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise image credit Mike Bain
put some ghosts to rest after his controversial FEI ruling regarding the doping of Clifton Promise (in which he was cleared). Overall, my impression of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2015 is that we were, unfortunately, left with a predominantly dressage and show jumping competition once more. The cross country phase did little to impact on the higher echelons of the placings after the day’s competition and I still stand by my remark that this year’s course was somewhat devoid of a true ditch. I am sure there were not many riders who were sitting in their lorries the night before cross country agreeing with me, but I do believe it was a total shame to pull riders to the right of the iconic Vicarage Vee and ask them to jump an innocuous set of rails that could have been at any three star event. But, as event director Hugh Thomas said,
“The spectators are as important as the riders, sponsors and press – the event cannot run without them” Hugh Thomas, event Director “the spectators are as important as the riders, sponsors and press – the event cannot run without them,” and, after last year’s complaints of spectators not seeing enough horses on the course, their opinions have a hefty weighting when they bring in easily a million pounds worth of gate money on the Saturday alone. So a softer course, yes, but a true Badminton with a rightful winner making an historic event? I think so. All images kindly provided by Mike Bain and are subject to copyright.
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2015 title holders William Fox-Pitt and Stallion Chilli Morning image credit Mike Bain
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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FEI Grand Prix Freeestyle to Music Winner Carl Hester on Nip Tuck image credit Kit Houghton 12
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW EVENT NEWS: Royal Windsor Horse Show 2015
Hester Nips into First, whilst Lennon Makes a Winning Return to Windsor written by Amy Bennett
The five days at Royal Windsor Horse Show are always packed with a variety of different classes and disciplines to please even the most discerning equestrian fanatic and this year was no different. Friday night saw the Grand Prix Kur rock the private grounds of Windsor Castle, whilst the final day hosted the Alltech Grand Prix, the jewel in the show’s crown for lovers of show jumping. The Kur line up saw a host of British talent - Carl Hester, Lara Griffith and Fiona Bigwood campaigned their mounts along with other up and coming Brits, as well as a strong European contingent and even a challenge from America. Always the crowd favourite, Carl Hester took the top spot with a score just 0.55% shy of his target with the promising and ever improving Nip Tuck,
“my aim was 80% and we didn’t quite make it, but ‘Barney’ has come so far since he wobbled around the test here last year and all he ever wants to do is his best.” Carl used his 2012 freestyle music, designed for gold medal winning stallion Uthopia, but I am sad to say it didn’t quite have the same effect on me. Uthopia was known for his extravagant movement which so suited the iconic programme, but Nip Tuck just doesn’t yet exude the same flamboyance, so the impact just wasn’t as impressive for me. Having said that, his last piaffe programme down the centre line to the sounds of God Save the Queen, with Windsor Castle as a back drop, promptly gave me goosebumps! Second and third places went to marital team, Fiona Bigwood and
Anders Dahl respectively. Fiona, a pupil of Carl rode the powerful bay mare Atterupgaards Orthillia, showing off her extravagant trot work to an Enya medley which was previously designed for her former ride Mr G De Lully who sadly died in a field accident. I would tip this mare to be on Team GB’s European dressage team this year and certainly a hot contender for Rio in 15 months’ time, and Fiona agrees, “You spend your whole career riding horses that are too hot or lazy, but this one’s just perfect, she has everything and gives you her soul.” Danish representative, Anders Dahl was competing Fiona’s WEG 2010 silver medal winning gelding Wie Atlantico de Ymas riding to the horse’s iconic Ricky Martin programme that had the entire crowd nodding and clapping along throughout. “His changes have been
FEI Grand Prix Freeestyle to Music Winner Carl Hester on Nip Tuck image credit Kit Houghton June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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his weakness but they were better than ever today,” Dhal said of the 16 year old chestnut who has been competing at Grand Prix level for 8 years now. Less than 48 hours after the sun set on the dressage, it was the turn of the show jumping Grand Prix to wow the crowds with a tense battle for the top spot in a four rider jump off and Ireland’s Dermott Lennon made his return from a 10 year absence at Windsor worthwhile by clinching the honours with a two second lead over last year’s winner, Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker. “I wanted to get over the planks first and then we were away,” Lennon said of his round on Loughview Lou-Lou, “I always love to come to Britain and win,” he joked. Up and coming British talent, Yazmin Pinchen laid down the gauntlet with a stylish clear, but Dermott shaved three seconds off her time (on Van de Vivalde) to set the unbeatable time as the penultimate rider in the jump off, “When there’s only four in it, you might as well try to win as you can only end up fourth” Lennon said of the jump off. Robert Whitaker, riding last year’s champion Catwalk IV made a strong attempt to reclaim their 2014 title but the win eluded them this year. During the event, plans were also unveiled for the celebration of the
The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery image credit Kit Houghton
Queen’s 90th birthday next year. The equestrian extravaganza will run for four days from the 12th–15th of May 2016 and will play host 550 horses and 1,200 participants including musicians, dancers and choirs plus famous actors, actresses and artists such as classical singer Catherine Jenkins. The performance will recognise and celebrate the 90 years of her Majesty’s life so far including her birth, World War Two, her coronation and reign of more than 60 years in a choreographed show.
The participants will reflect The Queen’s private and public interests and performers will come from countries including Oman, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji and South Africa, but horses will certainly take centre stage throughout the proceedings. It will also include members of the military, The Queen’s Mounted Troops and over 100 pipers, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to a number of the Queen’s Charities.
Alltech Grand Prix for The Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy Int jumping comp CSI3* Presentation by Alltech to winner Dermott Lennon with Loughview Lou Lou image credit Kit Houghton 14
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
NAF WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS, HARTPURY BRITISH DRESSAGE REPORT: NAF Winter Championships, Hartpury
Surprises and Excitement at the NAF Winter Championships written by Daisy Jackson
This month our British Dressage report focuses on the NAF Winter Championships, held at Hartpury. Jade Whitelaw and her ride Dauphin III had a great result during this years event. The combination scored over 72% in both the Prelim and Novice Restricted and went on to win both classes. Jade’s own Dauphin, a Donnersohn gelding was bred by Suzy Mainprice (Morgan Equine) and is now 8 years old. Dauphin was bought by Jade as a green 6 year old 2 years ago and then went on to begin his competitive career shortly after. After the pair had finished their day I caught up with Jade to speak about the winters, she said; ‘‘Our wins at the winters were our biggest to date and were very exciting as I had not expected it! We qualified for the KBIS Preliminary Championship after winning the Regional Championships at the Scottish winter regionals and qualified for the Blue Chip Novice Restricted Championship on a wild card. My plans for Dauphin are to continue working away with my trainer Jennifer Johnston to train and move up the levels. I have never ridden an Elementary so that is the next thing that I will be giving a go and will try to qualify for Area Festivals at that level.’’ Also gaining some impressive scores
were Alice Oppenheimer and Soccs, who won the Advanced Medium Open and the Freestyle with 73.77% and 76.28%. Becky Moody also had a successful outing with Carinsio scoring 77.29% in the PSG Freestyle, along with a mega 79.25% in the Inter I Freestyle, again winning both of their classes. Another combination rising through the ranks is Gemma Maddocks and El Paso Van Overis, who won the Petplan Inter I at the Winters this April. Gemma bought Mars (as he is known at home) 3 years ago, he is now 10 years old. Surprisingly Mars is by Heartbreaker – a show jumper, he has taken very well though to high level dressage. They are now aiming for Grand Prix very soon and are putting forward for small tour at Hartpury CDI in July after having much success at PSG. Nicola Buchanan and Daryl Smith train the pair who are planning to move up to Inter II next month. It is always exciting for our Under 21’s at this time of year as Junior and Young Rider long lists have now been announced for the European Championships in France at the beginning of July. So far the squad looks strong and we look forward to our selector’s (Islay Auty, Clive Halsall and Andrea Smith) making their final choices in June. Other combinations can be considered and the long list will be monitored carefully until final selection to ensure we Image: Daisy riding Furst Larkshill mid flying change
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
European Championships Longlist For now though, the list is as follows: Junior long list Amber Barton (18) Labiat Emily Bradshaw (16) Remarkable Charlotte Dicker (16) Sabatini Ruth Hole (16) Winnetou GEP Rose Hugh-Smith (16) Florentino Joanna Thurman-Baker (17) Dea II Chloe Vell (17) Kaja Di Valentina Erin Williams (17) Bolsan B AND Waverly Young Rider List Georgia Davis (19) Manta Elspeth Day (20) My Delilah Rebecca Edwards (18) Ufano II AND Don Archie Charlotte Fry (19) Z Flemmenco Gaby Lucas (19) Salo AND Zante Claire Gallimore (21) Annette Ballerina Anna Lawson (21) Bryan II Robyn Smith (18) Foold Uz Tamsin Vaughan (21) Casse-Cou send our best team to represent GBR in France and give the nation the best chance of bringing home a medal. I too have been having the most exciting month! All three of my ridden horses are doing great, progressing quickly and very much enjoying their work. I have had a great time brining my 5 year old gelding, Benetton Dream back into work after a hacking break, he has really taken to his job. Furthermore, Tango has been enjoying his lessons with Nicky Barrett and getting out and about helping him to relax away from home as he has tendencies to tense up during tests. Also loving her lessons with Gareth Hughes and competing out and about is Blackberry, Tracey Bywater’s beautiful mare that I have the pleasure of riding, training and competing. To follow me on Facebook please visit Daisy Jackson Dressage. 15
EQUESTRIAN NEWS
#ehuknews
Students Awarded at the Fifth AlltechHartpury Student Conference The fifth Alltech-Hartpury Equine Student Conference took place on the 22nd April 2015 at Hartpury College, Gloucester. This annual conference is aimed solely at higher education students, providing an opportunity to experience writing and submitting an abstract, through to delivering a theatre presentation to a full conference audience. Often a daunting experience, the Alltech-Hartpury Student Conference allows students to present to fellow students, without additional intimidation from experts and supervisors. Around 100 delegates attended representing more than eight colleges and universities from the UK and France, with 13 theatre presentations and over 15 poster presentations on offer covering a vast range of topics, including preliminary work in to the incidence of nocturnal sleep behaviour of horses on performance, and the influence of position within a race, and on the track for catastrophic fractures in racehorses. The morning session was chaired by Dr Rachel Murray from the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, this focussed on the incidence, prevalence and management of equestrian injuries, with a very interesting keynote presentation from Dr Sue Dyson who gave a fascinating insight into the prevalence of suspensory ligament injuries in dressage horses. This was followed by presentations from students from Hartpury College, Oxford Brookes University, Sparsholt College and Myerscough College. The afternoon session, chaired by Dr Sue Dyson, focussed on strategies for prehabilitation and rehabilitation of the equestrian athlete, with Dr Rachel Murray opening the afternoon session with a talk on the prevention of injury in sports horses. Students’ presentations filled the remaining time in the afternoon session with students from Sparsholt College, Aberystwyth University and Hartpury College discussing topics, including the laterality of semi-feral New Forest ponies, the influence of joint 16
supplements on stride parameters in the horse and the influence of increased workload on hoof conformation in shod and unshod horses. The standard of presentations from the students was high and they were rewarded with engaging discussion from both the student delegates and the keynote speakers with whom they were able to network over coffee breaks and lunch. International rider and equestrian coach, Warren Lamperd, presented the closing address giving the audience a humorous and interactive insight into his career and his thoughts on the requirements of the equestrian coaching industry. Posters on topics, such as the ingestive behaviour of three novel forages in horses, the effects of an oral glucosamine sulphate and MSM complex on limb kinematics of sound horses and osteopathic effect on back kinematics of horses in walk were displayed throughout the day. Prizes for the best student theatre and poster presentations were awarded at the close of the conference by Warren Lamperd. The prize for best theatre presentation went to Katie Grimwood from Oxford Brookes University, for her talk on ‘The Mineral Intake of Horses used for Leisure Purposes in the UK’. Best poster went to Imogen de Lavis from the Royal Agricultural University for her study entitled ‘A histological study of G-cell Concentrations in the Fundic and Pyloric Regions of the Equine Stomach: A Pilot Study’. The Lifeforce Range of all-natural daily digestive aid supplements from Alltech are designed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals. For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk
Chosen charities named for BETA International 2016 BETA International 2016 is supporting two equestrian charities – The Brooke, an international animal welfare organisation dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the world’s poorest communities, and Hope Pastures, a Yorkshire-based centre that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes equines throughout the region. Both charities will have a presence at the show, with information stands and a session in the Horse Demonstration & Seminar Arena. “The Brooke is delighted and very grateful to have been chosen as one of BETA International’s charities for 2016 and we’re looking forward to meeting people at the trade fair who care about the welfare of working horses and donkeys,” said Peta Ingram, chief executive of the Brooke. Kim Pengelly, fundraising and PR co-ordinator of Hope Pastures, thanked BETA International for its support. “As one of the show’s chosen charities, Hope Pastures will enjoy exposure within the industry,” she said. “This is a step-change opportunity for us” Visit www.beta-int.com for more information
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015
New Laminitis Information Video from British Horse Feeds Find out more about the symptoms, causes and management of laminitis with the new information video from British Horse Feeds, the makers of Speedi-Beet. British Horse Feeds has invested thousands of pounds in to laminitis research over the past few years by supporting The Laminitis Trust charity. In addition, they recently commissioned a new information video to provide facts
and advice for horse owners wishing to learn more about the disease. Both Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet, from British Horse Feeds, are safe to feed to laminitics as they are low in starch and sugar. You can watch the video on YouTube by searching for ‘Laminitis by British Horse Feeds’, For more information please visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com
What’s on in June: Bramham Horse Trials 11 - 14th June, West Yorkshire
Royal Ascot
16 - 20th June, Berkshire
Bolesworth CSI*** International 18 - 21st June, Cheshire
British Jumping Derby
24 - 28th June, Hickstead Showground, West Sussex
A ‘Bit’ of Good! Premium retailer Dressage Deluxe are pleased to announce that they have become a ‘Bit Drop Off ’ portal for the Gambia Horse And Donkey Trust. Customers can either drop or post their old bits to the retailer’s head quarters in Kent or drop off at their stand at various shows this season. The Gambia Horse & Donkey Trust is a charity, which aims to reduce rural poverty in the Gambia through improving the health, welfare and productivity of working animals. Alison Nye-Warden, MD of Dressage Deluxe explains: “This is a fantastic cause. With our customers help, we can actively assist in preventing suffering to horses and donkeys abroad by donating our unwanted bits. Most of us have a tack room full of old bits and this is the perfect way to put them to good use and give to a worthy charity” For more information please visit www.gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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SPONSORSHIP NEWS #ehuksponsorship
Childéric Saddles UK Continue Sponsorship Childéric Saddles UK is proud to announce that they are to continue to support Little Downham Horse Trials at the Ely Eventing Centre in Cambridgeshire. The sponsorship, now in it’s fourth term will see the French saddlery brand return as key sponsors and as Senior Specialist Saddle Technician Tricia Bracegirdle of Childéric UK explains, they are keen to continue to support this event: “We are delighted to be involved with Little Downham once again and visibility at this event means that Childéric UK is seen by riders of all levels, from grass roots up through to top international event riders, encompassing our Childéric clientele’ The Little Downham Advanced track is fast becoming a very popular calendar fixture attracting many of the world’s best riders as Childéric rider Gemma Tattersall says: “Little Downham is a great event and one of my favourite one-days on the calendar. The courses are always educational throughout the levels and they are updated regularly so it is not the same track each time. It is a fab venue and I always try to get to at least one event there during the season.” Childéric Saddles UK will also be donating an additional one off prize
TopSpec Sponsor Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show Hunter Championship TOPSPEC is sponsoring the prestigious Hunter classes and Championships at this year’s Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show, from August 5 to 9. Held in the RDS main arena, the Hunter Championships are the most highly sought after competitions throughout the five day show and the competition will include Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight hunter classes. 18
Sponsored rider Gemma Tattersall image credit David Miller
of £500 to the leading rider after the completion of the AI Dressage and Show Jumping at their June event. This will be in addition to the overall class prize money and will add a combined training element to the event. This prize will be awarded to the leading rider as opposed to the owner of the horse. Little Downham Horse Trials takes place June 5th–7th, August 1st-2nd & Oct 3rd – 5th. For further information on Childéric Saddles UK: www.childericsaddles.co.uk First introduced in 1868, the classes have a very long history and tradition with the event, demonstrating the best examples of the famed Irish Hunter. Said Katy Mickle of TopSpec: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the hunter classes at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show for a second year in 2015. “It is a very prestigious event and as we are feeding more and more horses and ponies throughout Ireland, we are very pleased to support the show, and Irish breeders and riders.” A parade of Hunter Champions will take place in the main arena before the start of the Puissance competition on the Saturday. For further information on the TopSpec range visit www.topspec.com
Fibre-Beet Sponsor Foulrice Park Racing Fibre-Beet is the proud new sponsor at Foulrice Park Racing. Based in Middleham, North Yorkshire, the racing yard is delighted to be supported by the super fibre conditioning feed, produced by local feed manufacturers, British Horse Feeds, a feed division of I’Anson Bros Ltd at Masham. Foulrice Park Racing benefits from the newly refurbished yard, ‘Little Spigot’, providing first class training facilities in Middleham the heart of racing in the North. The yard is run by Trainer Patrick Holmes, with his business partners Colin and Ailsa Stirling and a very experienced senior team - horse welfare is paramount to all. The team started using FibreBeet when they were looking for a high fibre feed which would promote gut health and maintain condition. Trainer, Patrick Holmes, explains how the relationship developed with the brand: “We started using Fibre-Beet last year and were very impressed with the palatability even the fussiest of horses enjoy it. They look very well on the feed and maintain condition throughout the season.” Foulrice Park Racing and British Horse Feeds celebrated the sponsorship deal at York Races Dante Festival 13-15 May. For more information on FibreBeet visit www.britishhorsefeeds. com Foulrice Park Racing can be contact via their website at www.foulriceparkracing.com. Picture Caption: “Will I’Anson & Colin Stirling celebrating the sponsorship at York Races.”
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
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5
Minutes with ...
Courtesy of Robinson Animal Healthcare
Sophie Wells MBE
How does it feel being a part of Team GB Para-Dressage? It's an honour to represent our country and to be part of such a successful team for so long. Can you share your views on the current dressage judging debate regarding dropping the top and bottom score? I think it would make judges more cautious. I do think there may be an advisory panel to prevent big discrepancies. Can you tell us a little about your team at home? I have a strong support team at home, a couple of senior staff that are in charge of the care of horses when we are away, as well as a couple of junior staff that have been at the yard for a couple of years and are growing up knowing how we like things done, which really helps. My support team of farrier Mark Connole, vet Matthew Barlow and physio Maxine Poole are key to the health and well being of the horses on a regular basis and appreciate the high level sport we are in. Also my sponsors are key to me being able to provide my horses with the best I can, which is really important to me. We were sorry to hear about the loss of Wolf (Essentially Beowulf) at the beginning of the year, is there another horse you're team is preparing to campaign for Rio? Wolf was owned by Emma Sheardown and was bought for her to campaign for Rio. We are just in the process of acquiring new horses for her to campaign, but it's been a very hard time for us all as Wolf was part of the family and I was training him through the levels on a daily basis, and he was a lovely character. I am campaigning Reece and Jorge at the moment for Rio. 20
Do you think there are other ways of revamping the current judging system? Maybe an advisory panel like they had in able-bodied dressage, but it's very hard as it is subjective; it's someone's opinion at the end of the day. How about your horses? How many do you have in and are they all trained for Dressage? I have three of my own, and then four or five others that I ride for other people on the yard, as well as the ones that I help from the floor. They are all in dressage, most high levels in dressage or para dressage, but also some lower levels too. What are your views on what the perceptions of Paralympic sports, from both sponsors and the public since London? I think everyone has embraced Paralympic sport much more since London which is great, especially as children are much more accepting. Hopefully it has made people less scared of asking about disability. How are you preparing for Deauville for the European Para dressage Championships in September? Jorge is getting as much exposure as possible at the moment, and the winter championships and Deauville CPEDI earlier in the year was a big part of that, it's time for him to see more now. Reece is doing well too, I’m varying his work to keep him happy. What are you goals for Grand Prix dressage this year – are you aiming for another nation’s cup selection? I'm aiming to keep Noki happy and fit in his work, as long as he is we can enjoy the competitions, we take each one as it comes now and pick the right ones for him at the time. I am loving it though, he
has taught me so much and it's now our third year at the level; I have learnt so much that I can hopefully take on to the other horses. What does your daily routine involve? At the moment I'm all over the place as we are mid-competition season, but I make time to ride my horses and then the rest will be a mixture of working (teaching or riding) competing (they all have their own competition plan), fitting in the gym, meetings, paperwork, and normal chores such as emptying the muck trailer with the tractor and harrowing the school which is my job every day! What item couldn't you do without? Probably my looped reins, or my phone as it has all the photos of my animals on there and even though I don't get much time to catch up with emails etc, at least on my phone if I get a minute I can where ever I am! Sophie is sponsored by Robinson Animal Healthcare, a successful manufacturer of a wide range of quality, innovative first aid and wound care products, is equipped with a wealth of knowledge stemming from more than 170 years experience, since the founding company Robinson and Sons first started in 1839. For more information on the Robinson Animal Health Care range please visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com.
Products from the Robinson Animal Health Care range
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015 Image: Sophie Wells riding Valerius, stable name Reece
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Cross Country Tips
with Victoria Bax
Courtesy of Aloeride, the natural organic aloe vera supplement for horses and Golly Galoshes the versatile gaiters for horses, sponsored rider event rider and ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax gives readers her cross-county top tips and also caring for your horse post event. All images supplied by Thoroughbred Sports Photography
June 2015
“I would recommend that you get to a standard that you are able to canter happily for at least 3 minutes consistently before even considering taking on the added pressure of competing in an unaffiliated cross-country competition”
M
ost of us have been there, we get to the event hopeful for a positive outcome, whether it be a 1st place or a 1st outing it doesn’t matter in some way no matter what we wonder if we’ve done enough to prepare our horse for the competition ahead. Fitness, quality of canter, approach to a jump and other important factors can all be worked on prior to the competition to maximise your horses performance.
Fitness
Horses need to be fit to be able to comfortably go cross-country. It is no good getting halfway round a course and finding your horse and sometimes even the rider are completely out of breath and can no longer continue to canter safely incorporating fences as well. o ensure your fitness levels are good enough, regular hacking needs to be included in your horse’s general routine. This includes trotting and cantering for periods of times, rather than simply walking everywhere. Try to make this a habit rather than an inconvenience, so try to find a good piece of ground and use it to your advantage. I would recommend that you get to a standard that you are able to canter happily for at least 3 minutes consistently before even considering taking on the added
pressure of competing in an unaffiliated cross-country competition. However, the further up the levels you go, the higher the level of fitness is required. Up to BE100 level you need to be able to canter for at least 4 minutes. Obviously when actually going cross-country, you need to incorporate jumping the fences too so this will take up more of both yours and your horses energy levels so you need to be practising cantering at home on the flat for slightly longer periods than you would at an actual event. This canter includes the rider being able to balance him or herself out of the saddle rather than bumping around on the horse’s back and doing the “rising canter” which is commonly seen but not correct. To enable the horse to use its back comfortably the rider needs to carry his weight completely off the
horses back and ensure that they stay relaxed and move with the rhythm of the horse rather than tensing up and going against it.
Canter and the approach
As with the dressage and show jumping, your horse’s needs to be responsive to your leg more so than ever, as there are many different canters which are required when jumping cross-country fences. These stem from a balanced forward canter for the more straight forward galloping type fences to the shorter bouncy canter required for steps or coffins etc. One thing that needs to stay the same throughout though is the rhythm.
Puddles ... ?
A good schooling tip is to make use of puddles when out hacking, don’t avoid them, as they are a great way to help your horse get used to getting his feet wet before he makes it onto a crosscountry course and sees a purpose built water feature. My Golly Galoshes come in really handy for this and also crosscountry schooling!
“Make use of puddles, don’t avoid them, as they are a great way to help your horse get used to getting his feet wet”
Practice makes perfect
Cross-country schooling practice is required BEFORE you go out and expect your horse to jump different types of fences, especially ditches and water fences alike.
Fuel in the tank
Make sure your horse has enough fuel in the tank when it comes to feeding. Alongside a good diet, we also feed Aloeride, which helps keep our horses in great condition and them feeling and looking great throughout the year.
“Alongside a good diet, we also feed Aloeride, which helps keep our horses in great condition”
CROSS COUNTRY TIPS WITH VICTORIA BAX
“If it is possible to turn your horse out for a while once you have returned home, this can be helpful so he doesn’t go straight back into his stable after having exerted himself, otherwise he may become stiff” After the event
If you want your horse to be fit and well ready for his next event, you must make sure that he is looked after following the event too. You can’t just load him up and leave and then put him back in his stable for the night and go home. You need to check him over thoroughly to ensure that he had not knocked or banged himself at any point during the event. He needs to be washed off properly otherwise if sweat marks are left on him, they can become very uncomfortable and cause
For more information on Victoria’s sponsors please visit: www.aloeride.com or www.gollygaloshes.com Photography: Thoroughbred Sports Photography
constant scratching which can then lead to further problems. If it is possible to turn your horse out for a while once you have returned home, this can be helpful so he doesn’t go straight back into his stable after having exerted himself to the limit and then travelled home, otherwise he may become very stiff. Make sure that you check over your horse again the following morning to ensure that nothing obvious has come up over night whilst stabled.
If you have any tips you would like to share with our readers please send them to: contact@everythinghorseuk.co.uk
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
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June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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What are electrolytes (and does your horse need them)?
There are many different types of electrolyte products available on the market, with most presented as powders, liquids and pastes that you can add to your horse’s food, water or just syringe straight into his mouth. Many bagged feed products contain electrolytes too. But do you know why electrolytes are important? Do you know if your horse needs them? In this feature, we speak to Equimins to find out a bit more.
E
lectrolytes are commonly associated with performance horses and it is easy to see why. Electrolytes are lost through sweat (as well as urine and faeces) and it would therefore make sense that a horse sweating more, such as a performance horse, is going to lose more electrolytes that require replenishment as he’ll be getting hotter and sweating more as this is used as a way to cool down.
Electrolytes are most often presented as powders, liquids and pastes
28
However, in the hot summer months, even horses that aren’t tackling huge cross country courses can sweat a lot during a schooling session, long hack or when being transported on a hot day. It’s important to be aware and to supplement the diet as needed. What are they? Electrolytes are body salts with the main ones being sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. You’ll no doubt notice that sodium and chloride together form ‘normal’ table salt, and that’s why adding a small amount of salt to your horse’s feed and allowing
free access to a salt lick can be a simple way to replenish depleted levels of those two electrolytes, especially for horses in light work. However, it doesn’t cater for the other ones, or horses in hard work, as the losses will be greater. Horses that fall into this category could well require additional electrolytes, which can be supplied through an electrolyte supplement. Why use Electrolytes So, why does the horse need electrolytes? To help maintain fluid balance in certain cells, improve recovery, support muscle function, prevent dehydration
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
ELECTROLYTES A long hack, schooling session or being transported can often lead to needing to feed electrolytes (as the horse can’t retain water without electrolytes) and support performance. Low levels of electrolytes can even be a contributing factor to conditions such as azoturia. We’ve said how electrolytes are lost and when you think about how much a hard working horse can sweat on a hot day, you can quickly see how loss of electrolytes can become an issue. A litre of sweat can contain around 10g of electrolytes. If you think of how much you add to your horse’s feed, you can see how long it might take for your horse to be back to his optimum electrolyte level again. When to replenish We’ve said what can happen if the horse doesn’t receive the right amount, but the symptoms that could point to an electrolyte deficiency are also important to note. These include dark urine, a reduction in performance, lack of coordination, dull coat and depression. If you’re worried about your horse’s health, it’s always best to call the vet as some of the symptoms above may be indicative of other conditions. You may not be able to prevent the loss of electrolytes if your horse is in work, but you can prevent the loss becoming an issue and impacting on your horse’s health. There are
a few different ways to feed electrolytes and these include adding a specially formulated liquid or powder to feed or water or using an oral syringe that allows the horse’s owner to give the horse a concentrated electrolyte paste quickly. Don’t forget, if you offer your horse water with electrolytes, always make sure you have a bucket of fresh water too, just in case he decides he doesn’t like the taste or smell. This issue might be addressed by adding delicious tasting extras to the water too, such as apple juice. Equimins We make two different types of electrolyte: Electrolyte Paste, which also contains trace elements and helps to replenish electrolyte loss and assist recovery from exhaustion and fatigue; and Revitalyte Electro Salts that contain a balanced formulation of essential body salts and minerals. We do also make another product, called Dee-Tye & Drink, which isn’t an electrolyte supplement, but contains body salts in addition to a range of other carefully selected ingredients that help to provide nutritional support for healthy muscle function and also encourages the consumption of water. To find out more about electrolytes or any of the products mentioned above, just visit www.equimins.com
Equimins make two different types of electrolyte: The paste, in an oral syringe and the Electro Salts (both featured here)
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Image: Height was found to be a risk factor, with smaller animals at a higher risk. However, it does not mean that taller animals are risk free image courtesy of World Horse Welfare
A
Laminitis Risk factors, research other findings
healthy foot ensures that the horse is able to perform its natural behaviours; to search for food, move away from danger and interact with other horses. The horse’s unique anatomy means that they distribute their weight over four limbs that undergo almost constant forces of impact and weightbearing. They cannot spend any great length of time ‘resting’ their feet. This
has important implications when their feet are compromised, as is the case with laminitis. Laminitis occurs when the interlocking lamellae, which suspend the bones of the foot within the horse’s hoof, undergo degenerative changes and are ‘weakened’. Foot pain results as lamellar changes progress and it is difficult to predict what the prognosis for the animal will be. Early detection and
“Laminitis is triggered by the interaction of several factors, making it difficult to pin-point the exact cause of the disease” 30
rapid diagnosis are extremely important to give the horse the best chance of recovery. In severe cases, lamellar damage can lead to the loss of a horse’s career or even more tragically, their life. Laminitis is triggered by the interaction of several factors, making it difficult to pin-point the exact cause of the disease. However, it is known that several disease processes are associated with its development. These include systemic disease/infections, inflammation, blood circulatory changes, hormonal imbalances and/or mechanical trauma or overloading. To learn more
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
LAMINITIS about laminitis, and its common clinical signs, visit www.careaboutlaminitis.org. uk.
The frequency and risk factors of laminitis
A collaborative study between the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) published in 2013 considered the frequency of, and risk factors for, laminitis in Britain in a population of veterinary-registered animals. An estimate of the ‘veterinary-reported’ frequency of laminitis found that active episodes of veterinary-diagnosed laminitis occurred in nearly 1 in 200 horses/ponies registered with veterinary practices, and accounted for nearly 1 in 200 equine visits. This may potentially underestimate the proportion of animals affected by the disease considering not all cases are attended by a veterinarian.
Existing conditions linking to laminitis
Existing endocrinopathic disease, such as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)/Equine Cushing’s Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome – Animals with an existing endocrinopathic disease were almost 20 times more likely to have laminitis than those without. If you suspect endocrinopathic disease or are unsure what to look for, talk to your veterinarian about the clinical signs and available testing. Medication can help to control these diseases and thereby reduce the risk of laminitis. Previous history of laminitis – Once an animal has had laminitis, evidence indicates that there is a much greater risk of it happening again. These animals then require careful ongoing management.
Other findings
Two novel findings were that the feeding of supplements and transportation appeared to reduce the risk of laminitis,
“Two novel findings were that the feeding of supplements and transportation appeared to reduce the risk of laminitis, but further insight into these is needed”
Image: Monitoring the weight and condition of your horse over time will highlight unwanted weight gain or loss
The study also identified a number of factors which were associated with either an increased or a reduced risk of laminitis. The non-modifiable factors included: Season – Once considered a spring-time disease, laminitis occurred year-round with regional and seasonal differences. However, animals were found to be more at risk of developing laminitis in summer and winter compared to spring. This emphasises that owners should remain vigilant all year. Height – Taller animals were less likely to develop laminitis than smaller animals. The following factors were found to increase the risk of laminitis and are of particular interest as they have the potential to help reduce risk: Rapid weight gain – Evaluating your animal’s weight and condition regularly will help you notice weight gain and will prompt you to re-evaluate their diet and exercise
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
regimes. Join the CARE study which gives guidance on how to do this and provides access to an online weight tracker for your horse: www.aht.org. uk/cms-display/cal_weight.html New access to grass – Make changes to diet gradually and over a long period, even if only changing hay or pasture. Strip grazing, muzzling or turnout in a dirt paddock with regularly-available rationed forage are options of restricting access to grass without having to restrict movement in the sound horse. Box rest – Further research is required to clarify if the box rest is associated with initiating laminitis or if owners had recognised a problem with their horse that required box rest, prior to a diagnosis of laminitis. Lameness or soreness after shoeing/trimming – Work with your farrier/trimmer to develop a regular hoof care routine for your animal. 31
Image: Degenerative changes in the lamellar region of the foot can cause debilitating pain, crippling the horse. These changes are initiated BEFORE the onset of clinical signs, which makes early detection extremely important (image courtesy of Prof. Chris Pollitt) 32
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
LAMINITIS but further insight into these is needed. Increasing time since last worming – Further research will help decipher whether increasing worm burden or can effect of the drugs themselves may be associated with laminitis, and may allow worming programmes to reduce laminitis risk. As highlighted above, we still require further understanding of the actual proportion of animals that are affected by laminitis, as well as additional evidence-based knowledge on how best to prevent the disease.
Image: Regular hoof care will help detect any abnormalities in the feet
For further information, please contact danica.pollard@aht.org.uk or visit www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk
How can I help?
An AHT-RVC collaborative study is currently under way, with generous funding from World Horse Welfare. The CARE study aims to take a closer look at the previously identified factors, as well as identifying potential new ones. CARE members regularly submit online information about their horse’s health and management. Capturing changes in the animal’s environment as they happen, and the occurrence of laminitis, creates a timeline; increasing the certainty that exposure to a factor contributes to laminitis occurring or not occurring. Any horses/ ponies residing in Britain are able to take part, even if they have never had laminitis previously. Help us learn more about laminitis and how to help prevent it by becoming a study member!
Image: Factors such as ‘box rest’, which was found to increase the risk of laminitis, require further research June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Horse Up Your Home with some Fantastic Summer Styling! Looking for great ideas to brighten up your home this summer? Sue Bryant, MD, Creative Director and Designer for equestrian inspired fashion brand Freddie Parker has plenty of great style advice… Chuck Out Your Chintz! Summer is the perfect time of year to review your décor and soft furnishings and make a decision to change, add or update. Taking advantage of better weather means you can clear rooms out and review items on the lawn and make a decision to ‘throw out or keep’. Spending some time organizing and de-cluttering rooms, bookcases, etc. can have a positive affect on your mood and make your home a more enjoyable space. Colour Me Beautifully! Colour is a huge factor and is perhaps the most obvious starting point for changing a room. Make sure you really look into colour and imagine living with it throughout the year. A lovely cool colour is great in summer but if your house is prone to be cold over the winter months, you may need to paint it with warmer tones. You can easily buy tester pots so paint as big an area as you dare 34
and ‘live’ with it for a while. Ask yourself how you feel when you look at it and will you enjoy it as a whole room? A neutral paint colour is a lot easier to work with when it comes to accessorizing, however picking out a bold colour and using it in soft furnishings such as a throw, cushions or rug is a great idea for those who want to make a statement. If your room is small but you love brights, how about a statement wall of colour and the rest of the room in neutral? Or add an inspirational wall sticker, there are some great ones around this season. Shopping With Style You don’t have to spend a fortune on accessorizing your home, reclamation yards are great for finding interesting bits and pieces for your home, as are junk shops, boot fairs and even the high street. For example, our inspirational Freddie Parker cushions aren’t expensive
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
SUMMER SHOPPING ‘HORSE UP YOUR HOME’ and are neutral enough to blend into any room from conservatory, bedroom through to hallway chair and also make a statement! Themed with a lightweight throw in this year’s ‘on trend’ colour Marsala, this compliments the Duck Egg Blue and Cream perfectly. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but time spent looking and browsing to pick up these items will pay off and will really make a difference to your home. For equestrian inspired interiors – how about a polished horseshoe tied with ribbon and hung in the kitchen or hallway? It’s little touches like this that make a difference and talking point in the home. We’ve also seen horse bits used as loo roll holders, so browse the Internet for inspiration and ideas to put a horsey touch to your home. Our aprons and tea towels can also add a discrete equestrian touch to your kitchen and our “I’ll get it all back on the last” mugs always raise a smile with racing enthusiasts! The Great Outdoors Don’t forget to make the most of our short UK summer by opening up your home and bringing the garden indoors. Flowers add a fresh touch and don’t have to be expensive, even daisies, and
dandelions, can look lovely in a jam jar if they’re arranged beautifully. Don’t forget that your garden is an extension of your home too and another very useable ‘room’ in the summer, so make the most of this and make it an inviting space – get friends round for an impromptu garden party and dine out alfresco style!
I hope I have given you some ideas for your home this season and enjoy the summer – it doesn’t last long! For more home inspiration visit www.freddieparker.com
WIN Win: A Freddie Parker ‘You Set My Heart Racing’ cushion RRP £22.00
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Instructions: Like our page, share the competition post and tag x3 ‘horsey’ friends into the comments box. The competition post will be pinned to the top of the page. Entries close 30/06/2015. The winner will be announced via our Facebook page.
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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In the
Eye
of the
Beholder
Image credit Bryan Pye Photography 36
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
Internal Structure of the Equine Eye Visionary Equipment:
Internal Structure of the Equine Eye written by Louise Napthine
E
yes are magnificent! Owing to their position on each side of the head, the horse's eyes give it a vast visual field amounting to 350 degrees, 65 degrees of which are binocular! Considered to be the largest of any land mammal, the equine eye sits inside a bony cavity known as the 'orbit'. The front of the eye and inside of each eyelid are lined with a moist, thin and transparent membrane called the conjunctiva. With its lowfriction surface, the conjunctiva facilitates the smooth opening and closing of the eyes and also adds some protection.
The very centre of the eye is occupied by a jelly-like substance known as vitreous humour. The vitreous humour is transparent, allowing light to pass through it and onto the retina. The pressure of the vitreous humour both holds the retinal layers in position and helps the eye to maintain its roundness. At the front of the eye, the area between the cornea and the iris is filled with clear, watery aqueous humour. This maintains the curvature of the cornea and, unlike the vitreous, the aqueous humour is continually secreted and drained away.
There are three layers to the eye: the outer fibrous tunic, the vascular tunic, and the innermost nervous tunic.
the front of the eye, the iris sits between the cornea and the lens. The iris contains a great deal of pigment, the arrangement of which gives the eye its colour. The more tightly packed the pigment is, the darker the eye appears. In response to its light-sensitive fibres, the muscular iris expands and contracts, to allow varying amounts of light to pass through the pupil. In low light, the pupil becomes wider and in bright light, narrower. The lens of the eye sits behind the iris and is held in place by a system of suspensory ligaments and also the cilary muscle. Together they allow the lens to change shape in order to focus on different objects.
The outer fibrous tunic The fibrous tunic is strong and gives form to the eye. Commonly termed the 'white of the eye', it has two main features: the sclera and the cornea. The sclera, which covers the back of the eyeball, is made up of elastin and collagen. Together these two materials provide the strength and elasticity needed to both protect the delicate inner layers of the eye and also maintain its shape. At the front of the eyeball, the sclera meets the transparent cornea, the surface through which light passes into the eye. The vasular tunic The vascular tunic provides the eyeball with nutrients. The main features of the vascular tunic are the choroid, the ciliary body and the iris. The choroid layer is made up, almost entirely, of blood vessels and serves to nourish the retina. At the back of the eye, it forms the tapetum. The tapetum causes the yellowish-green eye shine seen when light is directed into the eye at night. By reflecting light back on to the retina, the tapetum allows for greater light absorption in dark conditions. To
The Nervous tunic The Nervous tunic contains the retina; an area made up of optic nerve fibres, pigment cells and blood vessels. Lightsensitive photoreceptor cells within the retina receive light and, via nerve impulses, transfer it to the brain for interpretation. These photoreceptor cells, which are extensions of the brain, are called rods and cones. Of the two, cones are the least light-sensitive, yet allow the eye to see colour and provide visual acuity.Rod cells are more light-sensitive and provide night vision, but can only see light and dark. 37
The more tightly packed the pigment, the darker the eye appears image credit Corradee Stud
Short-sightedness in Horses Like humans, equines can be both short- and long-sighted. Whilst most horses were found to have normal vision, researchers at Nottingham Trent University found that 2.7% of eyes examined during a study had an abnormality. In normal vision, distant images are focused onto the retina without any need for adjustment. However, long- and short-sightedness can occur when the eye has too much or too little power to accurately focus light onto the retina. This is called 'refractive error'. Too much refractive power can cause light to focus in front of the retina. This is termed 'myopia', but is commonly called short-sightedness. In 'hyperopia', the eye has too little power so that light is focused behind the retina, commonly referred to as long-sightedness. Bracun and collegues found that 54% of the eyes with abnormal focusing abilities demonstrated hyperopia and 46% showed myopia . Long-term there are multiple factors which can contribute abnormalities in focusing, including genetic predisposition, early life development and environmental factors. 38
Eye-Shine versus Red-Eye Not all animals possess the lightreflecting tapetum. Humans do not and therefore do not experience eye-shine. Eye-shine is different to the 'red-eye' effect sometimes seen in flash photography. Interestingly, red-eye is also produced by light reflected from the back of the eye, however, the red colouring results from the reflection of light by the blood-rich choroid layer, situated to the back of the retina. The red colouring is caught on camera in dark conditions, as the flash operates briefly before the image is captured, giving the wide-eyed iris insufficient time to narrow in adjustment to the bright light. Unlike horses with darker eyes, blue-eyed equines can also exhibit the red-eye effect. Ordinarily, high levels of pigment would block the light reflected from the choroid. However, the low pigment levels in blue-eyed horses mean that they can also display a red-eye.
Considered to be the largest of any land mammal, the equine eye sits inside a bony cavity known as the 'orbit' Below: Eq uine Eye La image cre dit ‘A.J. Fu belled rnell’
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015
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Everything Horse UK Bringing the world of horse together Everything Horse Magazine - www.everythinghorsemagazine.co.uk You can also visit Everything Horse UK, our news and article website - www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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Building a relationship with your horse written by Chrissie Mayes
Have you ever wondered what you could do to improve that all important bond with your horse? Here, Chrissie Mayes owner at Learn2Horse.com, an online resource for equine learning, explains how with time, thought and training it IS possible to improve the relationship you have with your horse.
Image credit Bryan Pye Photography
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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
Quick question:
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Do you get on with every single person you have ever met?
Chances are you answered no, as people’s personalities clash all the time. The same is true of the human/ horse relationship; some horses you will naturally bond with better, and others will drive you to distraction and cause you hours of frustration. Just like us, horses have likes and dislikes, and respond differently to a variety of people. The good news is, you can build a good working relationship with any horse, but some may take longer to develop than others. In order to gain the most pleasure and satisfaction from the partnership, building a relationship is a must for both horse and human. Relationships are complicated by nature and in order to develop the horse/human bond, you first need to understand some of the factors that affect it. Time One of the differences between horses and companion animals such as dogs is the amount of time spent with them. Dogs live with us 24/7 and have plenty of time to build up a relationship with us. Horses, on the other hand, are lucky to have two hours attention a day. Using this time productively can be the difference between a successful and a strained relationship. Think horse, not human It is important to remember not to humanise horses. Don’t assume they think the same way as us, have the same feelings and mental ability. Horses are prey animals which makes them naturally wary. They possess species specific reactions, which are to run, bite, kick and rear. When building a relationship you must remember that these actions are their natural defences and if they display them, it is because of a trigger from the environment, which could include you and your actions. However, horses are also social and affectionate with each other, like to play and are curious by nature. They have a great memory and although their ability to solve problems is much more limited than ours, it can be developed through training and learning. Horses are herd animals and there exists a clear hierarchy. When you
“It’s important to remember not to humanise horses. Don’t assume they think the same way as us, have the same feelings and mental ability. Horses are prey animals which makes them naturally wary” Image above: the strong bond between Daisy Jackson and horse Furst Larkshil is clear to see
introduce a new horse to a field, they very soon work out the pecking order for themselves and build their own relationships. Their needs are much simpler than ours, and include a need to survive in safe and comfortable surroundings, with an abundance of food, shelter and freedom to exert themselves. Domestication Through domestication horses have gained a comfortable and safe environment, with an abundance of food. However, the payoff is that they have had to compromise their lifestyle in other ways, and accept factors that are foreign to them. This has been achieved through training and developing respect for humans, but it is important to remember that horses have their own values which do not match up to ours. Building partnerships In order to build trust, respect and a lasting relationship, you need to use
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
your time together wisely and integrate certain aspects into your daily routine that demonstrate your understanding of your horse. Grooming and massage Grooming is not just about getting the horse clean and making him look good. It’s a chance to spend time with him, and allow him to become used to your voice and the way you move. It gives you both a chance to familiarise yourselves with each other, and most horses love the feel of being brushed. Horses mutually groom each other, often at the withers, so mimic this and find their special spot. A good scratch in the right place is a reward for horse. It also reinforces relationships in the herd environment, so use it to reinforce your own relationship. Massaging your horse can help to ease minor muscle issues and also can able very relaxing for both of you, so learn from an expert how to massage and use it to strengthen your bond. 41
“Spend time pottering in the field either poo picking, weeding, checking the fencing, or just enjoy time outside reading a book. It doesn’t really matter what you do, but this extra time with your horse will help build a better bond”
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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HORSE Walking in hand Who says you need a dog to go out walking? Horses love to see other places apart from their field and stable, so why not take them out in hand? It allows you to spend more time with them without working them, which will help shape your horse’s view of you. Spend time in the field If the only time you enter the field is with a head collar to catch your horse, he will start to view you as something associated with work rather than as a member of his herd. Spend time pottering in the field either poo picking, weeding, checking the fencing, or just enjoy time outside reading a book. It doesn’t really matter what you do, but this extra time with your horse will help build better bonds. Do different things When you are working your horse, don’t stick to the same thing every day but alternate to keep your horse fresh, active and interested. If you do dressage, try some show jumping. If you tend to stick to schooling, go out for a hack. Go on a
pleasure ride or meet your friends on the beach. If your horse is dull and bored, he is less likely to interact in a positive manner with you. Training As a trainer, you need to be firm but fair. How you train your horse will often shape your long term relationship and if you are inexperienced, seeking help is advised. Consistency and reinforcement is key in training, as he needs to feel secure and confident in his dealings with you, while understanding what you want from him. There is no magic wand for relationship building, and there is no E-harmony for horses and humans. However if you are prepared to put the time in and see things from your horse’s aspect rather than your own, you are likely to build stronger mutual respect and long term relationships. Many thanks to Bryan Pye Photography and LizzyMint Photography for providing images
Points to take away ...
• Time we get to spend with our horse is often limited, use your time productively • A horses reaction may be to run, bite, kick and rear, remember this is a species specific reaction which may well have been caused by something you may have done • Horses values are different to our own, we need to learn to understand this and work with it • Building trust, respect and a lasting relationship takes time, be consistent with your approach • Walk your horse out in hand to give him a change of scenery without being worked • Spend time pottering in the field, poo picking is a great excuse! • Training needs to be firm but fair to shape a long term relationship
Consistency and reinforcement is key in training, as he needs to feel secure and confident in his dealings with you,
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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PERFECTING YOUR CENTRE OF BALANCE
Perfecting your Centre of Balance using a Mechanical Horse written by Sue Carr BHSAI
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hen learning to ride or wanting to improve your riding, it is good to know where yours and your horse’s centre of gravity are, and how both rider and horse should be in balance for fun and forward riding! By working with a coach and mechanical horse this goal can be achieved in a safe, comfortable and relaxing way. A good mechanical horse will (even though bolted to the floor) give the rider a feel of all paces, the coach will provide an appropriate saddle or you can use your own. The coach will also provide an appropriate mounting block and ensure you mount in a way that protects both rider and horse from any discomfort. When mounted you will be able to try out the paces that you are comfortable with. The coach will operate the horse for you and prepare you for the changes of pace so that you can relax and enjoy the experience. This is the time your coach will start to access your position. Once you have got over the initial shock of getting on and riding a machine your coach will help you alter your
posture and position in small, gentle, comfortable stages, allowing you to get used to the different feelings the changes make. The mechanical horse, as opposed to a real horse maintains a constant centre of gravity, allowing the rider to concentrate on their position and posture. When riding a real horse the rider also has to take into account the change to the horses centre of gravity and balance, due to their concentration, the difference in gradients, levelness of surfaces and other environmental factors. Once the rider has achieved a good posture and position, they then are able to learn how to give signals (aids) using the specially adapted pads on the sides of the mechanical horse, this will then allow for a change of speed and direction, teaching the rider to steer with their legs and body taking the focus off their hands. The coach will use the mechanical horse’s hinged neck to teach steering, and also teach the rider how to achieve halt by pressure and release combined with use of seat. Pressure pads are used under the rider’s legs to enable the rider to understand the position of their leg and the correct level off pressure needed to encourage the horse to move forward nicely and change pace. When the rider and coach feel this has been achieved it is time to transfer these skills on to a real horse.
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
Images credits: LizzyMint Photography
A person who has their own horse may benefit from combined rider and horse training sessions by assessing capabilities and way of going. Whereby a rider can use the mechanical horse, the other member of the partnership (the horse) can then be assessed either loose, in a round pen or on the lunge. When the rider has been assessed on the mechanical horse then a coaching plan can be built. The plan may be implemented over a number of sessions. The over-all objective is to enable the rider to balance with their horse in order to allow their horse to retain natural movement whilst being ridden. Whether new to riding or a rider for life, assessment, training and time are all needed to perfect one’s skills. A mechanical horse is a fantastic way of learning new skills in a calm, comfortable and confident way! The Jigsaw Mawdesley Equine & People Trust is located in Lancashire. For more information and prices on coaching sessions please visit the Jigsaw website www.equinextra.com
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On the road:
The Jigsaw Mawdesley Equine & People Trust
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written by Suzanne Ashton
hat a fabulous place, tranquil in its setting with a wonderful team on hand to help owner Sue Carr BHSAI run this wonderful charity set in Mawdesley, Lancashire. The Jigaw MEPT charity was opened by Sue and her husband some 14 years ago; three five-year business plans later it is clear to see Sue has put her all into making this charity what it is today. Historically, having managed a riding school, this was a little different from experiences she had already taken on but Sue was ready for the challenge. The charity works towards rehabilitating horses that are unable to be re-homed, providing them with a long-term, secure home to live out their remaining days. The team at Jigsaw consists of a wide variety of volunteers, and several paid staff. The charity was named after a driving pony, aptly named Jigsaw, who unfortunately whilst this article was being written suddenly passed away leaving Sue and the team shocked and understandably very upset. From helping horses to children, the centre has been built to offer educational opportunities in other areas too; the wildlife corner is of particular interest to 46
visitors and young children. A nearby school regularly visit with a group of children with varying levels of disability, Sue can teach up to four children at a time using a variety of facilities the centre offers. On approach, the yard looks well positioned with stables in a typical U shaped fashion. In the middle is a large pen used by the team for short periods of turnout and for working with the horses on a one-to-one basis. The round pen is also where Sue starts her journey with many young children and adults that visit the charity. All of the horses in the charities care have their own story to tell and over time Sue and the team work with them so they are able to express their own fears and feelings. A selection of the charity’s horses graze peacefully in their perfectly adapted paddocks, most are barefoot and others have shoes only on their front. The feeling of freedom and peace is echoed throughout the setting. One of the residents had a particularly difficult story to tell. Ben Reeves, a thoroughbred gelding, was amongst those stood Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
ON THE ROAD
Case Study - Catherine McGiveron, from Liverpool, has a ride on a mechanical horse affectionately called 'Bob' under the watchful eye of Sue Carr from Jigsaw, Mawdesley Equine and People Trust; during the MS Society's MS Life event quietly grazing. Ben was taken in by Sue six years ago, previously a chaser with his legs already pin fired. By the time this chap arrived at the charity he had a more than one issue the team had to deal with. Over time, careful rehabilitation and a consistent approach to gentle horsemanship Ben is now at peace. The process has been so successful that on occasion, he also helps with the children that visit the centre. Paddock Paradise Helping take the charity into the future, Sue and the team are currently focusing on the Paddock Paradise approach, an adaption first thought of and developed in the USA. Although still in its infancy, the method works towards reverting the horse back a more natural environment by providing a variety of terrains and pasture types to graze on. A hidden Gem - Bob the mechanical horse Situated in a room on the yard is what appears to be the heart of the charity -
Bob the mechanical horse or simulator if you prefer. If you have never had the opportunity to ride one of these magnificent inventions I recommend you do. Bob is one of the original mechanical horses, first built several years ago by Racewood. Since then there have been several manufacturer’s adaptions. Delving deeper, Sue explained how she preferred her simulator over one of the newer models “Our Bob has been adjusted to unique specification” said Sue “He looks like a robot but feels like a real horse”. By allowing the rider to adjust seat, posture and balance without having to worry about the horse’s way of going is a truly remarkable development. For the first time riders are able to be feel more and learn how to sit correctly. Working on posture and rider fitness, Bob is able to prepare the rider for the ‘real thing’. You can find out more information on Bob in the article titled ‘Perfecting your Centre of Balance using a Mechanical Horse’, also featured in this month’s issue.
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
at Manchester Central. (15/04/2012) Credit: Tony Hall © Tony Hall 2012 All rights reserved For further information please contact Tony Hall Tel: +44 (0) 7772 655 839 E-mail: info@tonyhallphoto.com
Sue Carr BHSAI and Charity Founder Having ridden all of her life, Sue’s training and experience has included tuition at the Riding School of the Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Lipica, Slovenia. Her teaching approach tends not focus on the typical modern day style but more of a relaxed technique to build a relationship between horse and rider. Using a large selection of techniques perfected over the years, Sue certainly stands out as a thoroughly rounded and experienced equestrian. Opportunities at the charity Lessons on Bob start from £20 per half an hour session on a one-to-one basis. For more information, prices and the latest news please visit the website www.equinextra.com Unless otherwise stated all images have been provided by photographer Liz Pastore and are subject to copyright. To learn more or to get in touch with Liz please visit www.lizzymint.co.uk 47
FEATURE: HOOF CARE
Hoofcare
Dry ground, lost shoes and cracked hooves are just a couple of the reasons why, at this time of year, we reach for the hoofcare products. Here we look at a selection of products, from new to old including items you may not necessarily think would have an impact on the quality of hoof.
New Hoof Disinfectant Gel hits the shelves
Fiebing’s Hoof Dressing from Abbey England
Made from a variety of safe bactericidal and fungicidal oils, along with a biocide developed specifically for the type of environment hooves are exposed to. This product can also be used on minor wounds.
Used regularly this product helps maintain healthy a health hoof. The liquid dressing also improves hoof appearance, imparting a semi-gloss finish.
RRP of £8.75 visit www.equimins.com
RRP £12.99 for 946ml visit www.abbeyengland.com
Activo-Med Combi Hoof Boot The Activo-Med Combi Hoof Boot from FMBs Therapy Systems combines pulsed electromagnetic and massage therapy in one product. The boot, which fastens around the hoof and is connected to the Activo-Med control box, can be used for a range of hoof conditions including bruises, cracks, abscesses, concussion, arthritic changes, inflammation, ligament and tendon damage and more. Each
Goretex boot has a rubber base and covers to above the fetlock joint. Each boot has two massage units and two PEMF spools to help improve circulation to the area. The Activo-Med Combi Hoof Boot can be bought on its own, as a pair and it can also be hired. For more information visit www.fmbs.co.uk
FMBs Magnetic Therapy Bell Boots FMBs Magnetic Therapy Bells Boots are comfortable boots that have been created to provide maximum magnetic therapy to the horse’s pastern and hoof area. The boots contain 20 circular magnets of 1000 gauss each, housed in lightweight, comfortable boots with self sticking closures. The boots
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are highly adjustable and can be used on fore and hind feet. Magnetic Therapy Bells Boots are available in pairs in one size only. RRP £49.99 visit www.fmbs.co.uk
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
HOOFCARE Biotin Everyday – Nettex Biotin plays an essential part in healthy hoof growth and is necessary to achieve consistent improvement. Zinc and Manganese are two minerals that support the formation of keratin and collagen that are vital for sustaining healthy skin, hair, cartilage, bone and hooves. Available in a 1.5kg Pouch RRP: £10.45 visit www.nettexequine.com
Aloeride - Aloe Vera in a sachet! Aloeride is a pure organic and natural aloe vera supplement, ideal for those who suffer from poor hoof growth or crumbling/split hooves. Clinical trials have shown that aloe vera can boost hoof growth by more than 50% over a four-month period!
Hoof Heal - 5 in 1 Hoof Care
RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply) visit www.aloeride.co.uk
Aids in maintaining a healthy frog, sole, heel and coronary band. Conditioning treatment for brittle, cracked hooves by helping maintain moisture balance. The product creates a breathable barrier for lasting protection.
Foot Perfect Hoof Spray
Prices start from £12.50 visit www.cut-heal.com
Nedz Bed for a clean happy hoof! Wet bedding not only can cause saturation of the foot but also leads to increased levels of ammonia in the stable which can damage the horn and weaken the outer layer of the horse’s hoof. Nedz is the ultimate bedding solution for the wetter horse, and can help support the management of thrush and other fungal infections. The dust extraction process makes the range ideal for equines suffering from respiratory problems. Priced between £6 £8.50 per 20kg visit www.nedz.co.uk June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
Used by farriers this Anti-bacterial spray is used to cleanse the hoof and sole. The liquid formulation allows for easy application, directing the product to penetrate all cracks in the hoof. Prices start from £12.99 for 300ml visit www.animalmedicationdirect.co.uk
Groom Away Healthy Hoof Conditioner cream with essential oils helping protect against fungal diseases. Helps keep the hoof, frog and coronary band healthy. Especially effective on ‘sand cracks’. Other benefits include leaving a high shine professional finish to the hoof. Prices start from £6.37 for 200ml visit www.pegasushealth.com
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Must haves... New Ergonomic Quarter Marking Comb
Pikeur Malisha Contrast Breeches
With its ergonomically designed handle, the comb has three interchangeable comb heads allowing you to use the comb on all sizes of horse or pony. The three sized combs are 25mm, 35mm and 50mm and cover most quarter marking size requirements. RRP £12.00 visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk
Part of the ‘Pikeur Premium Collection’, the Pikeur Malisha Contrast Breeches. Available in a variety of different colours RRP: £169.00 Sizes: UK 20 - 30 including long sizes visit www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk
Wahl Aloe Soothe Shampoo
Equetech Men’s Boxers
Created to embrace the latest fabric technology with comfort and performance, the Equetech Underwear Collection takes bounce out of boobs and gives support and comfort to your posterior in the saddle! RRP: £17.95 www.equetech.com
Designed to calm skin irritations as it cleans, and lifts grease from the coat. Whether your horse is pony from the paddock or stained from the stable, this concentrated shampoo will gently remove dirt, grease, stains and odours, conditioning the skin as it cleans. Available in 500ml or 5 litre bottles. Priced from £6.99 visit www.wahl.co.uk
Vitamunch
Available in five varieties. Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow, Vitamunch Marvellous Meadow, Calmmunch, Fleximunch and Hoofmunch. Let your horse enjoy and benefit from the great taste of Munch. Prices around £8.80 visit www.haygain.co.uk 50
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015
June 2015
Pikeur Malista Jacket
The Pikeur Malista Jacket from the Pikeur Premium Collection, available through premium online retailer Dressage Deluxe. Available in Dark Stone RRP: £185.00 Sizes: 8 -16 visit www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk
June 2015 • Issue 21 • Everything Horse Magazine
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EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE
Subscribe to the digital copy for FREE!
Free monthly publication
LOOKING TO ADVERTISE?
We offer AFFORDABLE, REALISTIC advertising opportunities. Prices start from £18, fantastic advertising packages available. For more information and our 2015 media pack please email our sales team on: advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk
Event reports
Health articles
Everything Horse UK Bringing the world of horse together Everything Horse Magazine - www.everythinghorsemagazine.co.uk You can also visit Everything Horse UK, our news and article website - www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk 52
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 21 • June 2015