WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE #01 WINTER 2013:14 by ALL SAINTS DESIGN LTD

westcountry

EQUESTRIAN

PRICE £2.50 | ISSUE #01 | WINTER 2013

LEARN MORE ABOUT OLYMPIC THREE DAY EVENTER

MARY KING HANNAH BIGGS TALKS ABOUT THE DISCIPLINE OF DRESSAGE

INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP THINK LIKE A PONY PONY CLUB HORSE & HOUND CHALLENGE JUNIOR SHOW JUMPING DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GROOM PLUS: ADVICE ON FITNESS, WINTER FEEDING, WORMING AND MUCH MORE!

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[ contents ] westcountry

EQUESTRIAN

PRICE £2.50 | ISSUE #01 | WINTER 2013

LEARN MORE ABOUT OLYMPIC THREE DAY EVENTER

MARY KING HANNAH BIGGS TALKS ABOUT THE DISCIPLINE OF DRESSAGE

INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP THINK LIKE A PONY PONY CLUB HORSE & HOUND CHALLENGE JUNIOR SHOW JUMPING DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GROOM PLUS: ADVICE ON FITNESS, WINTER FEEDING, WORMING AND MUCH MORE!

ntr PLUS wes tcou - 8TH 7TH 2013 DEC

PRO

GR AM

contents

[ mary

king

05 WELCOME

]

see

LIVE

10 FITNESS

at the show

mary

Are You Fit to Ride?

there’s something about

11 INTELLIGENT

One of the most admired and prolific British event riders, Mary has represented Great Britain at six Olympics winning two silver and one bronze medal in the team eventing

t the World and European Championships, Mary has collected four team gold medals and won British Champion four times. In 1992 she won the CCI Badminton Horse Trials on King William, the only horse to accumulate more than 200 points in competition. In 2000 she won Badminton again on Star Appeal. Mary and team have also won silver at London 2012 with Mary on Imperial Cavalier.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS You would be forgiven for thinking that Mary has a rich horsey heritage, but this not the case. An Axe Vale Pony Club Coach trip to Badminton Horse Trials when Mary was 12 years old gave her the bug to want to be a

HORSEMANSHIP

A practical guide to Short Reigning

12 PONY CLUB

OLYMPIC GAMES Silver 2004 Athens Silver 2012 London Bronze 2008 Beijing

Team Eventing Team Eventing Team Eventing

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Gold 1994 The Hague Silver 2006 Aachen Gold 2010 Kentucky

Team Eventing Team Eventing Team Eventing

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Gold 1991 Punchestown Gold 1995 Pratoni Del Vivaro Bronze 1995 Pratoni Del Vivaro Gold 1997 Burghley Gold 2007 Pratoni Del Vivaro Silver 2007 Pratoni Del Vivaro Bronze 2011 Luhmuhlen

Team Eventing Team Eventing Individual Eventing Team Eventing Team Eventing Individual Eventing Team Eventing

Mary will be appearing at this year’s Westcountry Equine Fair in the Supreme Equine Arena, demonstrating her Three Day Eventing skills on Sunday 8th December at 10.30 - 11.15 am and again at 4.00pm 4.45pm. For fans of Mary King and the opportunity to see an olympic icon, this is an event not to be missed!

06 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

WINTER 2013 / 07

MARY KING We learn about what inspires Mary successes see her perform at the Westcountry Equine Fair

HORSE & HOUND CHALLENGE

Four pony clubs pit their wits against each other

13 JUNIOR SHOW JUMPING 15 Young riders get to compete in this exciting annual competition

14 THINK LIKE A PONY

You Ride The Horse That You Lead

[ hannah

biggs

]

20 LORINERY

see

E Lat IV show the

Choosing and using the correct bit

DRESSAGE RULES

22 HALL PLANS,

SHOW TIMES AND EXHIBITOR’S LIST

Hannah is one of Britain’s leading female dressage riders. She is an international Grand Prix Competitor and a motivational and inspiring trainer of riders of all levels. She combines traditional and classic values with modern training ideals

orn in Hong Kong, Hannah gained experience from a young age, riding a variety of ponies and horses. She enjoyed competing in every discipline, participated in Pony Club activities and tasted her first international dressage success at the age of 13. She was drawn into the precision, control and beauty of dressage and was hooked! Since moving to the UK, Hannah gained experience and knowledge from trainers at the very top end of the sport. She has represented Great Britain on Junior, Young Rider and Senior teams at the European Championships and Nations Cup shows. Hannah has been a member of the World Class Development Squad since 2010; a lottery funded programme through UK Sport, designed to select

and support talented riders and combinations that have the ability to deliver medal winning performances on the World Stage for Great Britain.

A typical day “My day is very varied” says Hannah. “Usually riding horses at home in the morning and teaching in the afternoon. I also drive up to Emile Faurie’s Yard to train with him on my Grand Prix horse, Weltzin.” Hannah also travels the country and

Go shopping with over 200 stands Plus What’s On at the Westcountry Equine Fair 2013

Europe, not only competing but providing teaching clinics. What kind of training is required to reach the top? “I have spent many an hour on a cold, wet windy day putting in the training. I’ve spent time working hard at top yards both here and abroad. I’ve absorbed information watching videos online, reading books, sitting in on lessons, travelling to see top names at major shows and attending demonstrations, just like this one at the Westcountry Equine Fair. I have also gained an incredible amount of experience riding a huge range of horses and ponies. My horses teach me something new everyday.” Hannah has been specialising in dressage training for 15 years. “I started when I was 5 and don’t think I will ever stop learning, even when I’m 95!.”

MY HORSES TEACH ME SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

16 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

WINTER 2013 / 17

HANNAH BIGGS Demonstrates the disciplines of Dressage Don’t miss her at the Westcountry Equine Fair

30 NUTRITION

Balanced nutrition advice from Aimee Redfearn

32 DAY IN THE LIFE (OF A GROOM)

Do you have what it takes to be a groom for a day?

34 WINTER FORAGE [ stallion

parade

Winter feed advice from Devon Haylage

]

see

E Lat IV show the

well bred Mare owners have probably never been more spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a stallion. Marian Eydman (Sports Horse Breeding GB) explains the many factors which need to be taken into account when it comes to making this very important decision

STALLIONS TAKING PART IN THE 2013 WESTCOUNTRY EQUINE FAIR SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER AMBASSADOR (Dutch Warmblood) ANGELO AF ASGARD (Knabstrupper) Biscouillack Spotted Sports Horses ATINADO (Lusitano) Southey Farm Lusitanos CHOLDERTON IXION (Cleveland Bay) Densome Stud FREE SPIRIT (Sports Horse) Grafham Stud HALLMARK Dalcotes Stud PALOUSA SAN SEBASTIAN YAWL HILLBILLY (Part Bred Arab) Yawl Hill Stud

SUNDAY, 8TH DECEMBER

M SEE THE HORSE IN THE FLESH, ASSESS THE HORSES’ TEMPERAMENT, LOOK AT THE FACILITIES AT THE STUD AND DON’T SKIMP ON THE STUD FEE

26 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

ares should be well put together, have stayed sound and have a good temperament. Mare owners need to breed with the future of the offspring in mind and choose a stallion that is most likely to produce a foal that fits in with their criteria. If you are hoping to breed a competition horse, look at the performance record of the potential sire to see where and how and at what level he has performed. The stallion also needs to be suitable for the mare in terms of size, this is especially important in maiden mares. All Sports Horse Breeding (SHB) (GB) Graded Stallions, will have been inspected by a panel of experts and only those with correct conformation and good straight movement will be accepted. See the horse in the f lesh, assess the horses’ temperament, look at the facilities at the stud and don’t skimp on the stud fee.

Choosing an SHB (GB) Graded Stallion will ensure that the stallion is registered as a breeding stallion. An official breed society covering certificate will be issued if you have the correct clean swab certificates to show that the stallion is free from contagious equine metritis (CEM), Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and tested seronegative for Equine Viral Arteritis or been vaccinated against EVA. Reputable studs will require mares to be swabbed for bacterial infections before visiting their stallion. Breeding is never an exact science and so there are no guarantees but by carefully choosing a stallion based on a combination of factors including conformation, movement, performance and temperament should increase the chances of a successful outcome. Using a stallion that has been successfully inspected by a panel of experts should give the necessary reassurance to the breeder.

CIDER APPLE (Exmoor) HENIARTH QUINNELL (Welsh Mountain Pony) Sarum Stud HISLEY SILVERSMITH (Dartmoor) Newoak Stud ROSECOOMBE SYMPHONY’S MIDNIGHT FLYER (Welsh Cob Section D) Remelleon Stud TIGER TIM

(Traditional Gypsy Coombe Farm Stud

Cob)

26 TINVAAL GAUCHO (Welsh Section C) Cherrytop & Spicery Stud

TREDELLANS BLACK PRINCE (Fell Pony)

35 WORMING

The early bird catches the...

36 DONKEY SANCTUARY A typically wonderful day with these gorgeous creatures

38 ENDURANCE RIDING The Golden Horseshoe Ride

TREBUDANNON FELL PONIES WHITELEAZE DOULTON (British Riding Pony) Puzzletree Stud

WINTER 2013 / 27

WELL BRED What to consider when selecting a stallion and this years Stallion Parade

40 COMPETITIONS

AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Win a lesson with Event Rider Helen West or a Months supply of Aloeride

42 MY FAVOURITE RIDE Join us on this special ride

WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE No. 01 • November 2013 • Year 1 EDITORIAL lisa@contour.uk.net ADVERTISING sandra@contour.uk.net SUBSCRIPTIONS/GENERAL ENQUIRIES 01392 421 500 / sales@contour.uk.net GRAPHIC DESIGN & ART DIRECTION allsaintsdesign.co.uk

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WINTER 2013 / 03

[ fitness ]

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“I feed Blue Chip Pro to my eventers to aid their performance, stamina, muscle tone and overall health. Pro keeps them all in top condition, 2012 was an amazing year and the results speak for themselves. Thank you Blue Chip.”

Charlie Hutton International Dressage Competitor

Danielle Heath HOYS Champion Riding Horse

Tina Cook Olympic medalist

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4 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN Photography by Roberto Cubeddu (Danielle Heath), Bob Langrish (Tina Cook)

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[ welcome ]

HI, Welcome to the first edition of the Westcountry Equestrian Magazine! An exciting, new publication for horse lovers!

quarterly publication bringing you interesting articles and facts, news, views and information about everything equine! This ﬁrst winter issue focuses on the stars of this year’s Westcountry Equine Fair: Three Day Eventer Mary King MBE and Dressage Rider Hannah Biggs. We learn about their early years and successes and, just what it takes to get to the top of these highly disciplined sports. Plus, you can read about training experts Intelligent Horsemanship and Think like a Pony who will take you through extremely skilled leading exercises, and who are both performing at the Equine Fair. Have a look at the amazing shopping opportunities in our Exhibitor’s Pages where you can be sure to ﬁnd Christmas presents ranging from horse tack to crafts, from portraits to saddlery and even seasonal tipples for the rider! With an array of articles on equine nutrition, forage, and much more, this will be the equine magazine to subscribe to! We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the show sponsors – The British Equestrian Trade Association, Horse & Rider and Pony Magazines and Science Supplements. We hope you enjoy reading the magazine and would welcome any comments on content for the future. Please email lisa@contour.uk.net Contour Exhibitions & Events Publishers

WINTER 2013 / 05

[ mary

king

]

se e

Eow Lat IthV e sh

mary

there’s something about

One of the most admired and prolific British event riders, Mary has represented Great Britain at six Olympics winning two silver and one bronze medal in the team eventing

06 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

top event rider. Mary left school at 16 and worked for Sheila Wilcox, the first female eventing professional, for three years before starting out on her own. Even now for Mary the training is constant: “I have dressage and jumping lessons with my trainers and I train the horses most days – whatever the weather”. For those wishing to enter the world of three day eventing, Mary’s advice is to “follow your dreams!” Speaking of which, Mary followed her success at the 2012 Olympics, receiving the MBE in March 2013 for her services to equestrianism. Mary will be appearing at this year’s Westcountry Equine Fair in the Supreme Equine Arena, demonstrating her Three Day Eventing skills on Sunday 8th December at 10.30 - 11.15 am and again at 4.00pm 4.45pm. For fans of Mary King and the opportunity to see an olympic icon, this is an event not to be missed!

OLYMPIC GAMES Silver 2004 Athens Silver 2012 London Bronze 2008 Beijing

Team Eventing Team Eventing Team Eventing

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Gold 1994 The Hague Silver 2006 Aachen Gold 2010 Kentucky

Team Eventing Team Eventing Team Eventing

Team Eventing Team Eventing Individual Eventing Team Eventing Team Eventing Individual Eventing Team Eventing

WINTER 2013 / 07

[ eventing ]

so what is eventing? The ultimate equestrian challenge combining the skills of dressage, showjumping and cross-country into one exciting activity

his breathtaking sport that engages all ages and has competition opportunities for all levels of rider. The first eventing competition was recorded in France in 1902 and became an Olympic sport in 1912. It is one of only three sports where men and women compete on equal terms at the Olympics alongside sailing and mixed badminton. The sport is unique in that the genuine amateur can compete against world and Olympic champions. The first phase of eventing is dressage. Horse and rider perform from memory a series of predetermined movements. They are judged on grace, precision, responsiveness and athletic ability. The second phase is the showjumping round, where horse and rider must jump a set combination of coloured jumps in a stated order, achieving a clear round without knocking the poles and accumulating penalties. And the third phase is crosscountry which has horse and rider tackling up to 36 obstacles over approximately 6km. The obstacles are made to look natural and range from banks, ditches, water and logs. This round tests endurance, speed, boldness and bravery as horse and rider strive to jump all obstacles clear and complete inside the optimum time set. Great Britain enjoys much success in eventing with over 200 championship medals in over 80 years of competition. www.britisheventing.com

08 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

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[ fitness ]

ARE YOU FIT TO RIDE? There has been a huge increase in riders’ awareness around fitness levels; everyone is talking about their core stability and improving suppleness through Pilates or Yoga

10 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

here is a growing body of research around safety in eventing, with the recognition that when a rider tires they will lack concentration and their reactions slow - which in turn can lead to accidents. A fit, body-aware rider is able to apply their aids more accurately and become a more effective, empathic rider. There are many leisure riders who use riding as a form of exercise to improve their fitness levels, and enjoy the stable management

minimise stress and injury. There is a definite correlation, I believe, between fittening horses and their riders. A whole range of activities, and not just the same exercise routine, develops different muscle groups, boosts cardiovascular performance and can lead to improved heart recovery rates. At Bicton College equine students have the opportunity to work with Jon Pitts, Human Performance Coach, as well as having access to the on-campus

TOP RIDERS TRAIN 6 TO 10 HORSES A DAY ON AVERAGE AND, ON TOP OF THAT, THEY WORK OUT IN THE GYM, PLAY DIFFERENT SPORTS AND USE PILATES OR YOGA AS A WAY OF IMPROVING FITNESS and range of activities that owning a horse routinely presents. So, riding and caring for a horse can improve fitness levels as part of a daily routine, but other forms of exercise such as running, swimming and core strength training can also benefit your riding. When I try to define what is required from a rider’s fitness, I tend to think about what they are expecting from their horse. Whether it’s a Sunday stroll around the block or 3 day eventing, riders need to be “fit for purpose”, as much as their horse, to

gym, and a variety of diﬀerent sports and exercise routines to improve overall stamina, balance and co-ordination. Quintic software is also used to analyse speciﬁc areas of the body, to facilitate improvements in balance and core stability. If you would like to discover how to improve your fitness and overall performance as a rider, then visit the Bicton College stand at The Westcountry Equine Fair on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December and test yourself using Quintic biomechanical software. Our Elite riders and grooms will be on-hand to demonstrate the equipment.

[ intelligent

horsemanship

]

se e

Eow h Lat IthV es

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Short reining is not a standard Intelligent Horsemanship technique and yet it falls very neatly within Intelligent Horsemanship principles since it employs pressure and release and desensitisation

hort reining is where the handler walks beside the horse’s girth area with one arm over the horse’s neck holding the reins in both hands as a rider would. This can be done with the reins connected to a Dually halter, and later to a bit, and can really help a horse to accept direction, the aids, and to tolerate the constant movements of a rider. Short reining doesn’t require a massive amount of finesse – indeed at first it can resemble two drunks in a nightclub, propping each other up in order to make their way home – but it can be fine tuned as much as you wish to. In a way it is it’s lack of finesse that sets the horse up to accept the body weight and movement of a rider since it teaches him to re-balance himself to take the ‘rider’ into account and desensitises him to a lot of ‘white noise’. Once it is safe to hold the reins in just one hand, the other arm and hand can move around in arcs, out and in to help desensitize the horse to the potential sudden movement of the rider. With the handler next to his girth area,

AT FIRST IT CAN RESEMBLE TWO DRUNKS IN A NIGHTCLUB, PROPPING EACH OTHER UP IN ORDER TO MAKE THEIR WAY HOME

the horse is encouraged to walk forwards to a very light bump with the hip. Later this becomes a very gentle squeeze. If the horse walks forward even just a couple of paces he can be told that he is a ‘good boy’ and be given a lovely rub. He can be asked to halt by lifting the reins gently and closing the hand – rather than pulling. If he ignores this then he can be gently circled using slightly more weight on the inside rein until he can ﬁnd his halt and then be given a lovely rub. This should be practiced from both sides. Once the horse has the basics established you can work in straight lines and circles, in the school or out on quiet lanes and tracks. Later the same short reining technique can be used to help transition the horse into a bit – asking him to acknowledge any request to soften his jaw, drop his head, turn or back up through the reins and then giving him a lovely rub when he does as he is asked. Short reining is one of the most companionable techniques that can be used in the training of a horse, they

seem to ﬁnd it reassuring. In this way the horse gets used to the ‘rider’ not being at their head all the time, and to accepting direction from their girth area. Nevertheless, the handler can get to the horse’s head very quickly if his conﬁdence falters and they need to lead the way or perhaps need to open a gate or negotiate some other obstacle. Whilst it is great training for all horses, it is particularly useful for small children’s ponies. Six Short Reasons for Short Reining · · · · · ·

Preparation For Riding Getting Out And About Understanding The Aids Acceptance Of Direction Creating A Bond Desensitising To Movement

Sarah Weston is a Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship, Bronwen Packham and Jenny Major cover the South and South West of England. www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk They offer regular Hands on Horsemanship Courses at the HorseWorld Trust in Bristol.

WINTER 2013 / 11

[ pony

club horse and hound challenge

]

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Eow h Lat IthV s e

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Imagine performing as a young rider in front of a large crowd in an arena. The competitors in the Pony Club Horse & Hound Challenge will do just that! Introduced to the annual Westcountry Equine Fair six years ago, it now has a dedicated following from both Pony Clubs and audiences alike

n Saturday 7th December, the Pony Club Horse & Hound Challenge will see four pony clubs pit their wits against each other. In this fast-paced and thrilling competition, riders will jump a course followed by runners and their dogs. This year the Pony Clubs taking part are: Banwell Pony Club, The Cotley Hunt Pony Club, The Four Burrow Hunt Pony Club and the Weston Harriers Pony Club. The Banwell Pony Club incorporating the area from Bristol to Axbridge and from Portishead across the Chew Valley has around 130 members. With an age range from 3 to 23 years old, boys and girls, they cater across all levels from competitive rides to children who ride for fun and focus on their achievement badges. They compete in many different disciplines including a strong mounted games team, tetrathlon, pony racing as well as the main activities. They also have four annual camps which are always extremely popular. The Cotley Hunt Pony Club, who were this years’ qualifiers from the Devon County Show, covers the North Devon and Somerset areas. They have had a great year winning the open team dressage at the Championships, winning the intermediate tetrathlon Championships at Yorkshire with two members selected to represent England in the home international competition. The Four Burrow Hunt Pony Club, who qualified at the Camborne Show, is a long-established club, covering the West of Cornwall from Hayle to Newquay. It is closely aligned with their local hunt. They take part in all the major disciplines and

12 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

have many rallies and events going on throughout the year. They also have an annual visit to hunt kennels as well as a children’s meet. The Weston Harriers Pony Club was established in 1932 and is now part of Area 15. The club currently has in the region of 90 members who are all encouraged to take an active role in how the club develops. This year, as well as their usual annual events, the Weston Harriers sent a team of senior riders to compete at the Pony Club Challenge at Blenheim, which although not placed, all had a huge amount of fun! Good luck to all clubs taking part in this year’s challenge. The prizes for this year’s challenge are sponsored by: Carr, Day & Martin, Mediwest, Red Post Equestrian.

WITH AN AGE RANGE FROM 3 TO 23 YEARS OLD, BOYS AND GIRLS, THEY CATER ACROSS ALL LEVELS FROM COMPETITIVE RIDES TO CHILDREN WHO RIDE FOR FUN AND FOCUS ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENT BADGES

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JUNIOR SHOW JUMPING COMPETITION The competition, in its fourth year, is open to juniors 14 years and under and ponies 13.2hh and under.

15 RIDERS TAKING PART ARE: LUCY OWEN

Age 9, riding Mickey Finn

RIA MURDOCH

Age 9, riding Sunnysky

MAISIE RUSSO

Age 11, riding Cedric Skye Hi

ISSY COLWELL

Age 10, riding George

ABIGAIL HUMPHREYS

Age 12, riding Seasons Hycloud

SHEA CORNISH

THE COMPETITION

Age 13, riding Giddy Up Ginge

ROUND 1 Each competitor will jump a small course of jumps starting at 70cm

NIAMH O’KEEFFE

ROUND 2 Each competitor will jump a small course of jumps of approx. 80cm

HENRY CLIST

All those on an equal first score will go through to Round 3

Age 12, riding Tawsmead Sundance (Spike)

ROUND 3 This round will consist of one fence (planks) and the height will be approximately 85cm All those competitors who clear the fence will go into ROUND 4 and there will be no more than five rounds Final placings will be determined by an accumulation of style, turnout and jumping points.

Age 9, riding Enigma Variation (Poppy) Age 12, riding his pony Rosco

CHARLOTTE CHADWICK HARRY BROWN

Age 8, riding Treowen Christopher Robin

CLEMENTINE CROSTHWAITE-EYRE

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Eow LIV e sh at th

THE ROUNDS ARE NOT AGAINST THE CLOCK Prizes sponsored by: Carr, Day & Martin, Equisafety and Red Post Equestrian

Age 8, riding Jobanker So Saucy (Tippy)

BAZ RAYMOND

Age 12, riding Steplake Fudge

BETHANY REED

Age 9, riding Carrbrook Special Edition

MEGAN TROTT

Age 8, riding Annandale Moonfleet

OLLIE TUFF

Age 10, riding Spot The Star

WINTER 2013 / 13

[ think

like a pony

]

FOLLOW MY LEAD Have you ever thought about how you lead your horse? Ever wondered if you could improve your technique? Lynn Henry’s comprehensive training guide ‘You Ride the Horse That You Lead’, will steer you in the right direction

ne of the first things that a horse rider or handler must understand is that ‘Every time you lead a horse, you are training.’ If handlers are aware of the fact that every time they are with their horse they are training, they can make use of valuable training opportunities. Leading a horse correctly from the shoulder has many benefits, such as: • Establishing leadership • Improving safety • Improving the horse’s stop, go and turn • Increasing the athleticism of the horse • Encouraging the horse to be more f lexible • Building confidence • Preparing the horse to be ridden

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These benefits show that being able to lead a horse correctly from the shoulder is an important skill because it can help to build the foundation for so many training requirements. Why does leading from the shoulder inf luence the horse so much? When a handler stands at the shoulder they are in a perfect position to inf luence the horse’s centre of gravity, sometimes referred to as the ‘drive-line.’ A rider aims to inf luence the horse’s centre of gravity in order to go, stop, turn or bend, as well as move laterally. Leading a horse from the shoulder is a skill

[ fitness ]

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EVERY TIME YOU LEAD A HORSE, YOU ARE TRAINING

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You Ride the Horse You Lead... Become inspired to create your own step-by-step training plans for you and your horse at a unique demonstration presented by Lynn Henry, founder of Think Like a Pony, at 9.30 am in the main arena on Saturday at the Westcountry Equine Fair.

light from the handler and the horse should be calm and responsive. To prepare for this, a horse should be able to back up from a light signal or pressure. Improving a back-up is perfect preparation for an obedient stop. The better a horse backs up, the better it will stop. Essentially horses are looking for a leader, so, leading correctly and lightly results in a calmer and more confident horse. To better understand how you can develop your leading skills to improve your ridden work with your horse, come and watch Lynn Henry’s demonstration at the Westcountry Equine Fair ‘You Ride the Horse you Lead.’

Alternatively, come and visit the team at stand 212 to find out how the Think Like a Pony approach is improving the world for ponies and children and how it is so simple that even adults can use it!

www.thinklikeapony.co.uk WINTER 2013 / 15

[ hannah

biggs

]

se e

Eow h Lat IthV s e

DRESSAGE RULES Hannah is one of Britain’s leading female dressage riders. She is an international Grand Prix Competitor and a motivational and inspiring trainer of riders of all levels. She combines traditional and classic values with modern training ideals

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and support talented riders and combinations that have the ability to deliver medal winning performances on the World Stage for Great Britain.

MY HORSES TEACH ME SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

WINTER 2013 / 17

[ hannah

biggs and dressage

]

cont from previous page How do you relax? Reading books and magazines, going to music gigs. What makes you laugh? My amazing friends. What is your earliest memory? Drinking a milkshake in a café in Devon, refusing to take my hat oﬀ after my ﬁrst ever riding lesson. What is your favourite book? Calvin & Hobbes comic books.

What is your greatest achievement? Competing on the senior team in the Nations Cup at Aachen CD10 5*. What advice would you give to those wishing to enter the world of dressage? You will always be rewarded for hard work. Absorb all the information you can, from as many people as you can. Be humble and appreciate that the horse is your greatest teacher. For more information visit www. hannahbiggsdressage.co.uk Hannah Biggs is sponsored by Science Supplements at the Westcountry Equine Fair.

so what is dressage? Let us take you on a journey into one of equine’s most amazing disciplines; Dressage

ressage is all about learning to work with your horse to help him achieve greater suppleness, f lexibility and obedience; enhancing his natural movement and improving his athleticism. Whilst doing dressage can take you into riding competitive tests, your horse will also become more responsive, more balanced and a pleasure to ride. Dressage has existed for many centuries and there is even evidence that some of the manoeuvres used in dressage were developed by the ancient Greeks. Dressage later f lourished as horsemanship became an art and the first riding school was set up in Naples in 1532 by a Neapolitan nobleman. Two centuries later, in 1735, the Spanish Riding School which was geared towards the fashionable nobility, began in Vienna. The Spanish Riding is where classical dressage movements are still taught and performed. Fast forward to the present day and dressage in Great Britain is booming. Following GB’s team gold at London 2012 and the rise of Olympic and European Champion Charlotte Dujardin to world number one, things

18 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

have never looked brighter for dressage in the UK. Plus GB’s para-equestrian dressage riders continue to maintain their 100% Paralympic World and European team gold medal record; and this year 14 year old Phoebe Peters became European Pony Dressage Champion, the first ever individual medal for a British under-21 rider! What is a dressage test? A dressage test used in competition provides a technical f loor plan of movements that must be completed in a set order. The purpose of the dressage test is to assess and guide training of the horse and rider. British Dressage has a wide range of tests available at different levels of difficulty starting with introductory walk and trot tests. As you progress through the many levels, more gymnastic movements are required of the horse, requiring higher levels of training and ability. There are freestyle tests at all levels too, where riders choreograph their own test, using the compulsory movements, and set it to music to suit their horse. Joanna Bowns at www.britishdressage.co.uk

2 S U 1& T D SI VI TAN S N

THE CHOICE OF

CHAMPIONS Independently, scientifically & clinically tested

[ fitness ]

Bedding Clothing & Accessories Feeds & Treats Grooming Health Care & Wormers Rugs & Tack Supplements

High grade, optimal levels of active ingredients No unnecessary fillers Hannah Biggs International Dressage Rider

www.sciencesupplements.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Station Yard, AXMINSTER 01297 32441 Mill Street, CREDITON 01363 774786 Exeter Road, OKEHAMPTON 01837 53886

[ lorinery ]

HAVING A BIT OF BOTHER? Buying a new bit or deciding what to select and use on your horse or pony? It can be a tricky task, even for the experienced rider. Westcountry Equestrian Magazine asked Tricia Nassau-Williams of the Worshipful Company of Loriners’ for some helpful tips and guidance

hy do riders want to change their horse’s bit? It can be for a number of reasons; they may feel that they do not have enough control or that the horse is not settled and accepting with the bit that they have. It may not be suitable for the discipline that they are competing in or they want to obtain a more advanced level of communication with their horse. Sometimes it can be as ﬁckle as just wanting to try something new or following a trend! What points should riders consider when doing this? A check list of things to think through can be helpful. These can include:

the ground before mounting. • Take into account any outside factors that may aﬀect your horse’s performance e.g. routine mouth and teeth checks, good stable management, appropriate feeding, saddles ﬁt etc. • Make sure that the bit and accompanying tack are suitable for the discipline that they are required for. • Be prepared to review your bitting/ tack regularly and adjust to changing requirements. Does the type of alloy (mixture of metals) make a difference? Yes. Some such as Stainless Steel will be neutral in the horse’s mouth while others with a high copper content or made with

ENSURE THAT THE BIT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE HORSE’S LEVEL OF TRAINING AND ALSO THAT OF THE RIDER! • Ensuring that the bit conforms to the horse’s individual conformation (mouth/tongue shape)?

Sweet Iron, will encourage salivation. Ask you retailer for details and advice.

• Ensuring that the bit is appropriate for the horse’s level of training and also that of the rider!

How about nosebands and martingales? Don’t overlook the intensifying eﬀect on bitting that restrictive nosebands and additional tack can have. Ask yourself if

• Introduce a new bit gently. If possible with a contact from

20 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

Worshipful Company of Loriners www.loriners.co.uk

you really need them and check that they are correctly adjusted. Which bits do you think are harsh & strong? Naturally the more complex the design or intense the bits action, the “stronger” it will be. BUT it is the rider’s contact that makes any bit harsh or strong, not simply the bits action and finish. How do I know if my horse is happy bitted? A bit and bridle are communication tools and successful communication is about listening more that asking. So, listen and observe how your horse is performing. Are both the bit and bridle correctly sized and fitted? Will the horse work quietly, in a relaxed way? If he is shows any signs of resistance or evasion he is telling you that all is not well. Always find the cause of these rather than simply fitting different or more complex tack. Where can I get more help if I am not sure? Above all, get sound help and advice. After all even the most experienced riders have trainers. Ask your riding instructor and good equestrian retailer or Bit Bank for help.

[ fitness ]

Redpost Est . 1992

E Q U E S T R I A N ,

01803 812040 Totnes, Devon

L T D

“ “Have you got yours? ” yours?”

Shop Online | In Store

www.redpostequestrian.co.uk

WINTER 2013 / 21

[ hall

plans & timetables

]

174 175 176 177 178

181 182

179 180

173 172 171 170 169 Tiered Standing

167a

166

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142b

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138 120a 120b

DISABLED AREA 117

100 SUPREME INDOOR

78 60

79 COMMENTATOR’S AREA 59 Tiered Standing 22

BAR & CATERING

28a

TOILETS

28b

32a 31

13a

TIMETABLE FOR SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2013 9.30am – 10.15am

THINK LIKE A PONY

Training Method

10.30am – 11.15am

SOUTH WEST VAULTING SQUAD

Vaulting

HANNAH BIGGS

Dressage (Part 1)

STALLION PARADE

Sports Horse & Competition Stallions

11.30am – 12.15pm 12.30am – 1.15pm 1.30pm – 2.15pm 2.30pm – 3.45pm 4.00pm – 4.45pm

22 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

SPONSORED BY SCIENCE SUPPLEMENTS

Vaulting Show Jumping Challenge fast paced competition between 4 pony club teams

Dressage (Part 2)

55 34

54 35

186

5a 185b

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189

191 4

159 157 150 146 147 148 149

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152

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194 133 126 125

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107

PHONE

108 109

105

110

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88 1

76 62

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73 65

49 40

SHOPPING CRÈCHE ORGANISER’S OFFICE

DISABLED TOILETS

TOILETS

205 206 204

5 10

208

202 ‘Grab & Go’ Catering

223

207

SHOPPING MALL

202a

210

TOILETS 222 221

TIMETABLE FOR SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2013 9.30am – 10.15am

INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP

Training Method

10.30am – 11.15am

MARY KING

Three Day Eventing (Part 1)

11.30am – 12.15pm

VERITY PERRY

Dressage

12.30am – 1.15pm

STALLION PARADE

Sports Horse & Competition Stallions

1.30pm – 2.15pm 2.30pm – 3.45pm 4.00pm – 4.45pm

INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP JUNIOR SHOW JUMPING COMPETITION

15 Entrants in this individual jumping competition

MARY KING

Three Day Eventing (Part 2)

209

218 216 211 220 215

212

213

Training Method

WINTER 2013 / 23

[ exhibitors ]

COMPANY NAME

TELEPHONE

STAND NO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

COMPANY NAME

TELEPHONE

STAND NO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

16 PLUS RIDER

0117 2300166

01326 373232

117

A BIT TACKY ALEXANDER JAMES

01994 448816 0161 793 6340

COUSIN JACK CORNWALL LTD D & J SADDLERY DARTMOOR PONY SOCIETY

01286 880198 01269 844303

18 BSA

DENNERS TACK SHOP UK DEVON HAYLAGE 01404 813100

141 105

DEVON ROSETTES 01364 644109 DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST 01392 279244

4 40

DONKEY SANCTUARY

01395 573133

149

DUCHY COLLEGE

0845 6050455

ALIGN CHIROPRACTIC 01803 814329 ALLEN & PAGE LTD

01362 822902

ANIMAL CRACKERS

01647 440273

ARTHUR CARTER LTD

0845 3703113

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDs 01371 850247 BARKERS EQUESTRIAN 01922 866567 BEDMAX SHAVINGS

01668 213467

BICTON COLLEGE

01395 562318

BOSSY’S BIBS

01442 824033

BRINICOMBE EQUINE

08700 606206

BRITISH APPALOOSA

01729 850730

BRITISH CONNEMARA 0845 604 9690 PONY SOCIETY BRITISH EQUESTRIAN TRADE ASSOCIATION

01937 587062

BRITISH HORSE FEEDS 01765 680300 BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY 01749 880152 BRITISH SHOWJUMPING 02476 698800 BUCKOVER EQUI-BIBS 07884 364772 BUTTERFLIES & FROGS 01934 842989

Plus size riding wear for curvy ladies, size 16-26. Wide calf country and riding boots up to 21inch calf. 183a Mark Todd Clothing, Equi Theme Clothing and more 25 Fine English Tailors specializing in hunt coats, shooting attire, side saddle habits and equestrian wear. 192 Multi-faceted clinic providing solutions in chiropractic, orthotics and mineral body imbalances. 41 Allen & Page, quality horse feeds, made from non-gm ingredients, including the popular barley and molasses free range. Book a tailored feeding plan for your horse with our friendly team. OUTSIDE A free delivery service for all your horse, pet & livestock needs. We cover Exeter, Torbay & Dartmoor. 163 See the original and award winning Happy Horse hay steamers & popular Urad leathercare products. 67 Visit our stand for friendly, practical advice on our complete range of horse feeds. 142 English leather bridles, head collars, reins also rugs and all other equestrian leather. 97 Bedmax Shavings are purpose made to provide a dust free bedding with antiseptic properties of pine. 111 Course advice, quiz, questions and answers, college information. 185B Bossy’s Bibs, mane guards & rugs form a protective layer between the rug & horse to prevent rug rubs. 86 Brinicombe Equine are UK manufacturers of technically advanced equine supplements, including best sellers Think Pink and Think Fly. BSA The British Appaloosa Society formed in 1976, to promote the British The British Appaloosa Society, formed 1976 to promote the British Appaloosa Horse. BSA The English Connemara Pony Society was founded in 1947 to promote the breed in the British Isles. The name was changed to the British Connemara Pony Society in 2004. 218 Advice on riding hats and body protectors, also come along for a ride on the mechanical horse to have a go at riding or to get back into riding 100 Showcasing Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet, the quick soaking, economical fibre providers. Find out more. 21 Equine Welfare Charity-if it matters to horses it matters to us. Join us and help to make a difference. 109 British Showjumping, come and discuss competing, training, academics, camps and much more or pick up a perfect gift for Christmas. 53 Beautiful designer pre-tied and traditional stocks on a mock shirt bib. Comfortable and elegant to wear. Suitable for Showjumping, cross country, dressage etc. 185A Dedicated to providing customers with bespoke, handmade quality items such as cushions, snoods, coasters made from genuine Harris Tweed, Cashmere, Mohair and English Leather. 193 Pet beds 49 Artists own exhibition, originals, prints, cards, gifts.

C & E DESIGNS CAROLINE COOK FINE ART CASADA

01803 862816 01823 667057 07703 333100 0208 127 3993

CASPIAN HORSE SOCIETY CHEFFINGS EQUINE

01608 642076

BSA

01884 860046

CHERRY TREE

0771 9368267

191

CHIVERTON EQUESTRIAN 01837 810103

202a

CITY COWS

020 7099 6616

157

CLASSIC COLLECTION LTD 07770 756760

121

CLEVELAND BAY HORSE SOCIETY CLIPPERSHARP LTD COLTSFOOT EQUESTRIAN CORNISH REGIONAL GROUP AHS COUNTRY STYLES

01425 653580

BSA

01823 681076

07989 724187 07877 604643 01752 822691

28b

07721 498309

COUNTRYSIDE CERAMICS 07805 476965 COURTS 70

01278 431752

BSA

We welcome you to try our innovative products, which effectively relieves your pain and tension. The Caspian Horse Society exists to preserve, protect and promote the rare Caspian horse. Catering for all your horse and rider needs. Experienced horsemanship to provide accurate advice and customer service. Award winning chutneys and preserves with cheddar/flavoured cheese. Beautiful stock ties, designed and handmade in Devon. Bespoke service available An extensive range of quality women’s fur clothing, reindeer hides, cow hides and sheepskin rugs. www.citycows.co.uk Specialist in fitting boots/gaiters and major stockist of Ariat, Aigle, Barbour, Toggi & many other top brands. The Cleveland Bay is a rare breed in critical numbers (rarer than the Giant Panda) less than 500 in the world. UK’s leading animal clipper supplier and specialist. BETA approved hat & bodyprotector fitter & supplier. Quality equestrian products, saddlery and riding.

The Cornish Regional Group of the Arab Horse Society Society was formed over forty years ago by a small group of Breeders and aims to widen the scope of the Arab horse in the equestrian world. OUTSIDE British made fabulous tweed clothing & unique waterproof range, leather riding boots & accessories. 146 Suppliers of countryside ceramics; chickens,horses etc. as well as hand made West Country cushions, walking sticks & men’s gifts. 01647 281600 (pm) 221 Courts 70 main focus is to bring you quality products and deliver excellent levels of customer service.

24 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

ENDURANCE SOUTH WEST 01626 773696

120b

ENGLISH BRIDLES

01789 772808

EQUESTRIAN BOOKFAIR LTD

01748 884909

EQUESTRIAN CONTACT 07812 995526 SIGN

EQUI-CAMERA.CO.UK

01271 8287407 127

EQUINE CONNECTION EQUISAFETY

01489 782529 0151 678 7182

151a 143

EQUUS IMPORTS LTD

0844 487 4105

ESKEEZ

08456 585856

EVISON EQUINE UK LTD 07817 016192

159

EXMOOR PONY SOCIETY 0845 607 5350 FELL PONY SOCIETY 01768 353100

BSA BSA

FENELLA

07956 155747 01920 412272 FENNINGTON FIBRES 01823 451365 FIFTY DEGREES CLOTHING 01392 873219 FIT FOR A QUEENIE 07967 995727

183 12 128

FOREVER LIVING G E DAVENPORT GLOBAL HERBS

125 189 98

07824 367940 07976 209608 01243 773363

GRIFF (GREAT BRITAIN) 01492 640626/ 07721367617

GRIFFIN NUUMED LTD 01458 210324

GWF NUTRITION

01225 708482

HARRIET GLEN

07841 500719

182

HAYGAIN HAY STEAMERS

0333 2005233

HEATHER IRVINE FINE ART

01363 773074

144

HERTFORD HORSEBITS 01992 551258

107

HF EQUESTRIAN BIT BANK

01258 861709

HILTON HERBS LTD

01460 270700

HOMESTYLE HONEYCHOP HORSE FEEDS HOOFIN ABOUT HORSE & RIDER & PONY MAGAZINES HORSE & RIDER

01884 860836 01359 230823

220 93

01428 601020

213 F3

01428 601020

28a

Equine products for horse & rider The Dartmoor Pony Society represents and holds the Stud Book for the Pedigree pony which is recognised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Devon Haylage is high quality dust free forage, available in ryegrass and timothy. All our haylage is grown on our own farms, so we have full product control from “seed” to “sale”. Manufacturers of quality satin rosettes for all occasions. Information on Devon Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, conservation, campaigns, wildlife advice & membership. We are the worlds largest donkey and mule charity. For 40 years we’ve eased despair, agony and hopelessness around the world. Duchy College offers a top quality standard of education with a comprehensive range of qualifications up to masters level. Competitive and pleasure rides of between 10 and 100 miles held in Devon & Cornwall. Bridles in all sizes, Swarovski browbands, martingales, breastplates, leather girths, stud guards, stirrup leathers and head collars. Designer & bespoke bridles. Equestrian, country, childrens books specialising in signed copies, dvd’s, toys inc Britains, Bruder, Sixu, Sylvanians, Breyer, Schleich, stationery, gifts, cards. Be contactable at shows, should your horse get into trouble. Magnetic, vinyl, foamex signs. Place on vehicle, stable or gate. Equi-Camera supply brilliantly simple calving, lambing and foaling cameras for use on pc, mobile and tablet. UK’s only specialist in equine & K9 high visability apparell. New range is our Equiprotex body protectors. We bring new and |innovative equine products to the market to benefit horse, owner & professional. UK manufactured unisex range of the warmest under layers on the market – never be cold again! Exclusive equestrian products from Spooks, HKM & our own brand of leatherwork as featured in Horse & Hound. The Exmoor Pony is Britain’s oldest native breed pony. The Fell Pony Society has been set up to preserve the Fell Pony, a very special rare breed, native to the North of England, mostly found in Cumbria. Ilse Jacobsen raincoats & wellington boots. Miscanthus horse bedding, Miscanthus briquettes. An insight into animal self-medication using natural remedies. We will be selling commonly selected remedies for animals and humans. Forever - World leaders Aloe Vera & Beehive products. Country Clothing Leading equine & poultry supplement companies, combining herbs from around the world. We design and make a unique range of equine and fashion jewellery in silver, gold and pewter. Also the ‘Jack Russell Terrierist Gallery’. Top quality saddlepads, numnahs, accessories and gift ideas, all designed and made in Somerset. GWF Nutrition; independent, UK based manufacturer & supplier of animal feeds and supplements for Camelid, Equine, Canine and Feline. Equestrian sculpture and jewellery by Harriet Glenin bronze and resin, gold and silver jewellery, equestrian and country antiques and collectables. Haygain are a range of scientifically-proven Hay Steamers that produce palatable, spore free forage, helping maintain a healthy respiratory system. Award winning leading Westcountry equestrian & canine artist. Original expressive movement based sketches for sale, cards & prints, commissions taken. An array of branded equestrian wear and horse accessories for all the family. New and used bits for sale, PX and trial.Neue Schule, Sprenger, Bomber, Abbey, Beris, Peewee, Myler, Eldonian and more. A range of products to keep your horses and pets healthy-naturally! Country inspired home interiors and gifts Honeychop produce high quality oat straw chaff, made from only the best ingredients. Fantastic subscription offers for Horse and Rider Magazine, making the ideal Christmas gift. Your favourite horsey magazines, Horse and Rider

COMPANY NAME

TELEPHONE

STAND NO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

& PONY MAGAZINES HORSLYX

01697 332592

32a

HOT TOGS LTD

01270 882798

HUNTING VINTAGE

0843 2899173

208

HZONE IDOLO R. M TRAINING

07979 467599 07775 721702

113 50

INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP

01488 71300

202

JLB HORSEWEAR SUPPLIES JOULES 0845 6066871

54 139

JUST CHAPS

126

01730 825797

KERNOW EQUESTRIAN 01208 871450

KEYFLOW (UK) LTD

173

01672 519000

KINGSTON MAURWARD 01305 215215

LANCOMBES COUNTRY SPORTS LIBBYS HORSETACK 01425 656632

91 90

LIVATON FARM FEEDS 01647 231426 EQUINE H

131

LUGGAGE LOCKER MANDY FROST EQUESTRIAN MARE & FOAL SANCTUARY MARK WESTAWAY

07836 332198 01803 875893

10 162

01626 355969

MIDLAND CLOTHING LTD MINNAARS MONARCH LIQUEURS

01803 527257

07976 363102

196

07713 680790 01380 720656 07743 181325

48 51

MRS B’S BESPOKE STOCKS NAGRAGS

07791 925219

0161 2029684

167

NAGS ESSENTIALS

01760 444281

NATIVE PONY & 01934 622044 COB SADDLES LTD NATRALIVING HEALTH 01275 331080

210

NELSON ASHBY NFU MUTUAL NUTWELL SADDLERY PARELLI INSTRUCTOR TEAM SOUTH WEST UK PETER STUNT LTD PIEROTH WINE

01626 365445 01392 877896 07525 044703

13 95 44 74

01278 663344 01582 40511

88 151b

PIPP’S WAY OF 07854 940682 NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP

148

PLATINUM PONY

07718 238070

181

POSITIVE HORSEMANSHIP 01409 221166 PRINTZ BY JESS 01803 862976 PS CLOTHING 01202 282101

119 110 99

QUANTOCK EVERYTHING 01823 451154 EQUESTRIAN RANDOM IMPORTS 07920 142283 RATHER NICE 01392 811115 COMPANY LTD REBECCA DE MENDONCA 01392 840132 EQUINE ART THE NATIVE PONY MAGAZINE

01380 734374

RICKY FASHION

07503 616662

RIDING2HOUNDS.CO.UK 01647 440091

209 186 194 81 94

83 8

and Pony. Exclusive range of clothing, bags, equestrian books and dvd’s. A range of vitamin and mineral licks suitable for all horses & ponies, available in four formulations Advanced thermal wear designed for performance, comfort and style. Hunting attire, vintage & new leather saddle bags & flasks, whips, hunt coats & quality tweed. The new lightweight Idolo tether tie, affordable, easy to use-the safe way to tie your horse, replaces baler twine. Represented by recommended Associates Bronwen Packham, Jenny Major and Sarah Weston in conjunction with Horseworld. As official outfitters to the Equestrian world, we offer a range of official clothing in classic & sporty styles. Just Chaps design and manufacture the widest range of half chaps & full chaps on the market today. We design and manufacture our own horse hoods, boots & bandages, saddle covers etc. Dog coats, dry-bags & beds. Multi-award winning feeds & specialist supplements by Keyflow. A super-premium range of equine feeds. Kingston Maurwood College in Dorchester offers full & part time courses, higher education & apprenticeships. Libbys horse tack and dog leads-stockists for the RS tor, lunge bunge, Elim a net & equipment for horses & dogs. Livaton Farm Feeds can be found at West Country stores. Equine H, Equine S, rolled oats, barley & mix poultry corn. Leg-Its, ultimate leg protection for both travelling and in the stable. Secure with no pressure points. To rescue, rehabilitate, retrain and rehome horses and ponies in the South West. Forage & chaffs, horsage, Ryegrass, high fibre, Timothy & Alfalfa. Mollichaff: original, extra, herbal, applechaff, showshine, veteran, hoofkind. Quality country and equestrian wear, wide range of foldaway Barmah hats, footwear and accessories. An eclectic mix of antique and modern decorative treasures for both your home & equestrian pursuits. Monarch Liqueurs incorporating Cornish Cream Liqueurs, strawberry liqueurs. Quality stocks, practical & fun designs for all equine activities. Zocks from America, great in all boots. Co-ordinating horse & rider wear, handmade in Britain & personalised; take away on the day of the show! Equestrian & Country clothing, footwear & accessories leading brands at discounted prices Specialist saddles for wider horses & ponies, Andrea Hicks exclusive designer to Cob Saddles Ltd Specialist in natural, traditional supplements and remedies. For all your equine, stables, liability & insurance needs. Saddle fitting service. Meet Parelli licensed instructors from the South West a range of Parelli equipment, books& dvd’s available. UK’s largest stockist for Musto Equestrian clothing. The House of Pieroth, family wine growers since 1675 invite you to taste their range of high quality wines. Learn to be at one with a horse, lessons are not just about riding but communicating & understanding, so that you get the best from your horse. Platinum Pony: creating beautifully personalised horse and rider wear Horse Agility club info, books, dvd’s & equipment Selling original paintings, prints, cards and gifts Printed & embroidered logo clothing, we print personalised text here at the show. Great gift ideas Quality products at competitive prices for both horse and rider, where old fashioned service is provided Quality winter & country wear, shoes, hats, gloves etc Quality embroidered saddle cloths, numnahs and rugs-while you wait! Dynamic pastel paintings & prints capturing the power & grace, energy & strength of horses in movement and at rest. A must for all Native Pony enthusiasts. Packed with with quality articles, news, reports & features. The magazine promotes the versatility and uniqueness of our native breeds. Visit our stand for exclusive show offers and discounts. Tweed garments and accessories. Super gifts, personal service and fitting. Boutique in style. Hunting and equine memoraillia, original artwork,

COMPANY NAME

TELEPHONE

ROCKFISH

01503 240615

ROGER SKINNER LTD

01379 384247

RT FARM & INDUSTRIAL 01803 814147 BUILDINGS LTD SADDLE EXCHANGE 0844 8008564 SALAMO

07775 778107

SARACEN HORSE 01622 718487 FEEDS LTD SCIENCE SUPPLEMENTS 0845 6800606

SEW EQUESTRIAN SILVER STEED

01489 890405 07910 074933

SIMPLE SYSTEM 01371 870753 HORSE FEEDS SILVERZONE COLLECTION SOUTH WEST 01822 854823 EQUINE PROTECTION SOUTH WEST SHETLAND 01822 852613 PONY GROUP SOXTROT UK

07788 673065

SPINNEY COTTAGE CRAFTS T C TACK LTD

07811 774967

TARGET FEEDS LTD

01948 880598

THE LIPIZZANER SOCIETY GB

01769 551773

THINK LIKE A PONY

07825 338490

THOMAS & CO TILLY’S WHIM

01305 260631

TJ S SADDLERY

01283 209824

TOPSPEC EQUINE LTD

01845 565030

07866 275531

TOTAL LEIGH 07971 651888 PHOTOGRAPHY TRAILER MEDIC 01647 231456 TREEHOUSE SPORTING 01299 851625 COLOURS TRESLOTHAN ALPACAS 07855 348880 TROTTERS EQUINE V-BANDZ LTD

01763 273759 0845 0956810

VERM-X

0870 8502313

WBW SOLICITORS

01392 202404

WELSH PONY & COB 01935 872069 SOCIETY SOUTH WESTERN ASSOCIATION WESTCOUNTRY CHEESE 07967 827023 WHOTZ HOT LTD 01305 823888 WILLIAMS & WILLIAMS ARENAS WOLFGAR VETERINARY 01647 24232 SURGERY WOODLAND TRUST WOW SADDLES

01227 831614

WYCHANGER BARTON 07817 934074 SADDLERY

STAND NO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

prints, books and a whole lot more. High quality wellingtons, choice of 16 colours, traditional and trendy. Packaged in a lovely box, perfect for under the tree! 16 Manufacturers of complete dry dog foods. All carefully formulated and nutritionally balanced to suit working and active dogs. OUTSIDE Suppliers of high quality stables including bespoke buildings, stables and fittings at affordable prices. 63 Saddle fitters of The Native Pony Saddle Co comfort saddles, Reactorpanel saddles & Comfort Elite Endurance. 152 Performance tested equine products including bridles, breastplates and sheepskin range. 130 Nutritionally sound, innovative rations & providing our customers with an accessible, personal service. 1 Science Supplements provide a premium range of horse supplements including calmers, electrolytes, energy, condition & joint supplements. 3/8/00 personalised clothing for horse & rider 133 Beautifully handmade, silver equestrian & nature inspired jewellery & gifts. New eye catching designs. 150 Forage & complimentary feeds, free from cereals, molasses, pulses, soya, preservatives & additives. 85 11 Dedicated to rescuing & rehabilitating wild moorland ponies. We rely entirely on donations to give them the care they deserve. BSA The South West Shetland Pony Group is for all Shetland Pony enthusiasts covering Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, running events throughout the year. American riding socks. Now to the UK Lightweight and durable, great under boots. Over 70 jazzy designs. 164 Wooden gifts personalised while you wait. Money boxes, book marks, ponies, key rings, horseshoes. 14 All your tack & things tctackandmodelhorses.co.uk www.headcollarengraving.co.uk 22 Whatever your involvement in horses, we are committed to ensuring the health & well being of your horse or pony. 60 The society in the UK for registering pure & part bred Lipizzaners & DEFRA P10. Plus exclusive, quality merchandise and membership 212 A simple approach to horsemanship that helps people of all ages to develop training plans. 36 55 Tilly’s Whim specialises in rosette holders all designed and made in the UK. 180 Saddlery, riding wear, equestrian gifts and novelties online or at an event near you. 106 Topspec Equine provide horse owners with a range of high quality feeds to meet the needs of all horses. 78 Beautiful equestrian fine art photography. By painting with light we produce amazing images of your horse. OUTSIDE Trailer servicing and repairs 33 Specialists in safety equipment and body protectors, air jackets and helmets. Made to measure and bespoke service for cross country and racing silks. 161 luxury range of alpaca fleece filled bedding; hats, scarves, gloves and ladies capes & wraps. OUTSIDE Stable door name plates 73 A stylish range of high viz for the horse, rider and pet. Check out our new 3 in 1 high viz rider coat. 66 100% natural formulation for the effective control of intestinal hygiene. Organic certified & vet approved. 35 Legal practice offering practical & cost effective legal advice to clients in farming/rural communities. BSA The South Western Association covering Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset was founded in 1969 striving to promote Welsh ponies & cobs and their part-breds in the region. 188 Over 100 varieties of cheese. 6 Warmest scarf in the world! Polo Poncho. 120a 129 Equine surgical facilities & hospitalisation, isolation stables, 24 hour emergency cover, ambulance service, dentistry, AI centre & stud medicine. 145 The UK’s leading conservation charity 166 Combines technology with comfort for horse and rider to give proven top level performance. Total interchangeablility. 102 Premier retailers of premium equestrian brands: Ariat, Gatehouse, Racesafe, Rodney Powell, Hit-Air, Helite, Equilibrium, Griffin NuuMed and more. 62

WINTER 2013 / 25

[ stallion

parade

]

se e

Eow h Lat IthV s e

SEE THE HORSE IN THE FLESH, ASSESS THE HORSES’ TEMPERAMENT, LOOK AT THE FACILITIES AT THE STUD AND DON’T SKIMP ON THE STUD FEE

26 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

SUNDAY, 8TH DECEMBER

CIDER APPLE (Exmoor) HENIARTH QUINNELL (Welsh Mountain Pony) Sarum Stud HISLEY SILVERSMITH (Dartmoor) Newoak Stud ROSECOOMBE SYMPHONY’S MIDNIGHT FLYER (Welsh Cob Section D) Remelleon Stud TIGER TIM (Traditional Gypsy Cob) Coombe Farm Stud TINVAAL GAUCHO (Welsh Section C) Cherrytop & Spicery Stud TREDELLANS BLACK PRINCE (Fell Pony) TREBUDANNON FELL PONIES WHITELEAZE DOULTON (British Riding Pony) Puzzletree Stud

WINTER 2013 / 27

[ fitness ]

stags.co.uk The West Country is Stags Country

Fletchersbridge, Cornwall

18.5 Acres

Quality equestrian centre. Stabling, heated dry and tack rooms, wash and dry area. Olympic arena. Indoor school - dressage mirror, gallery, sound system etc. 4 bedroom bungalow. Good land. EPC Band E. Web Find: 39820

Guide excess £700,000

Pedwell, Somerset

Truro 01872 264488

15 Acres

A handsome double fronted Victorian farmhouse with good equestrian facilities. 3 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms/1 shower room, 11 stables/ paddocks, arena/horse walker. (Lot 2 - around 8 Acres). Web Find: 61035

Guide price £700,000 (Lot 2 £80,000) Cornwall | Devon | Somerset | Dorset | London 28 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

Yeovil 01935 475000

[ fitness ]

stags.co.uk The West Country is Stags Country

Chudleigh, Devon

5 Acres

A well-equipped equestrian property in a rural location with historic 18th Century Listed house. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom suite, 3 further bedrooms, studio. Excellent stable yard of 6 boxes. Hay barn. All-weather arena. Level paddocks. EPC Band F. Web Find: 56695

Guide price £595,000

Exeter 01392 255202

Look @ our website Benefits of our website:  Quick and easy property searching  Unique specialist property search function  Creation of your own property profile  Receive tailored email alerts  Continuously updated information  Unrivalled showcase of over 2,000 West Country properties for sale and rent We are proud that our site is the most visited for West Country Property.

Cornwall | Devon | Somerset | Dorset | London WINTER 2013 / 29

[ nutrition ]

TOP TIPS FOR FEEDING YOUR HORSE IN WINTER Knowing what to feed your horse through the winter is not an easy task, Brinicombe Equine’s nutritionist Aimee Redfearn has put together some top tips to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to your horse’s winter feeding plan

30 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

British winter can present a wide variety of weather conditions. These harsh winter conditions place extra nutritional demands on the horse’s body when accessibility to good quality grazing is reduced, so extra nutritional support is required to help maintain the health and condition of your horse through the colder months so that they enter the spring in their best condition. Fundamental fibre Forage plays a staple part in the natural diet of every type of horse and pony and should make up no less than 50% of your horse’s total diet. The horse has evolved to digest a diet consisting primarily of fibre which is digested in the horse’s hind gut through a process known as fermentation by microbes which reside within the caecum and colon; the products of this fermentation provide the horse with volatile fatty acids, an essential energy source for the horse. Another benefit the microbes provide when breaking down fibre is heat which is essential to the horse through the winter months and allows them to conserve precious energy stores. During the winter months the quality and quantity of grazing reduces as the temperature drops below 6, grass stops growing, so we supplement their fibre intake

with conserved forages such as hay and haylage. Research has shown that offering a variety of fibre types keeps the stabled horse happy and stimulated as they have a natural desire to chew continuously so it is important to provide plenty of forage to avoid behavioural issues such as wood chewing and windsucking developing. Providing the horse with a sufficient amount of fibre on a little and often basis is also important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding problems such as gastric ulcers and colic. Controlling condition In their natural environment horses would draw on their fat reserves for energy so that they would start the winter plumper than normal to compensate for the lack of grazing and dropping temperatures. A horse should ideally consume at least 1.5% of its bodyweight per day which should be consumed little and often in order to keep the digestive system healthy. Very often the first problem faced through the winter months is loss of condition particularly for the older horse. Extra energy is required just to keep warm through the cold months so it is important your horse is receiving adequate calories in the daily feed for maintenance. The condition of your horse will change through the winter season so assess the condition of your

horse once a fortnight to account for these changes especially as it is difficult to monitor visually through a thick winter coat. Older horses particularly those with poor dentition lose condition dramatically during the winter months so it’s important to supply easily digested fibre alternatives and support their digestive system with a probiotic.

and hoof growth so are required by all types of horses and ponies fat or thin. A short fall in the diet can be the underlying cause of a number of problems so it is important to include a vitamin and mineral supplement in the diet. Using a feed balancer such as our, Think Pink, will provide a full balance of vitamins and minerals to support the daily nutrient requirement. Alongside this is a protected probiotic which enables more of the live yeast

of some common problems faced during the winter time such as mud fever, laminitis, poor hoof condition, respiratory stress, tying up and weight loss particularly for the senior horse.

How Brinicombe Equine can help As horse owners themselves the team at Brinicombe Equine are no strangers to the problems faced when managing horses through the winter period. All of our products are backed up by Balancing act our EquiClinic, which aim to help The nutritional value of forage can you make informed vary according decisions about your to several WHAT IS OFTEN FORGOTTEN IS THAT MANY FEEDS DON’T horse’s diet, as we environmental factors, such as CONTAIN A FULL BALANCE OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS TO understand that every the growth rate of MEET THE DAILY REQUIREMENTS OF THE HORSE, SO THESE horse is different and a balanced diet it vital grazing and the NEED TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF A SUPPLEMENT to maintain optimum conditions at which health. Choosing the forage is cut. This right combination often means that of feeds and supplements can be a cells that are ingested by the horse the diet is likely to be deficient in minefield, so our EquiClinic is an to reach the hindgut making it much important vitamins and minerals, it easy access to professional advice. If more effective at supporting the health is difficult to pinpoint the nutrients you would like advice on your horse’s of the digestive system than other provided and the only way you can winter feeding program please visit our strains of yeast. Probiotics help to do this is to get your forage analysed. stand at the Westcountry Equine Fair increase the digestibility of fibre which While concentrates do provide where we can offer you feeding advice means that the horse can utilize more vitamins and minerals they may not be tailored to your horse and free samples energy from fibre thus reducing the provided in sufficient amounts. for you to take away and try. demand for additional concentrates Research has shown that modern which is healthier for the horse and the pasture and forage has much less For further information contact the owner’s pocket. variation in the species of plants EquiClinic on 08700 606206 or visit our Supplements are not only important available compared to ancestral website for more nutrition advice to ensure daily vitamin and mineral pastures and are therefore deficient in www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk. requirements are met but they can also a range of minerals. These essential Aimee Redfearn BSc (Hons) Equine be very important in the management nutrients support health, well being Nutritionist for Brinicombe Equine

WINTER 2013 / 31

day in the life

]

A DAY IN THE LIFE At Westcountry Equine Magazine, we thought it would be interesting to look behind the scenes at a day in the life of someone who has chosen a career working with horses. This edition follows Head Girl Claire Stepson in A Day in the Life of a Groom

he role of a groom varies immensely, but there is one thing all grooms agree on - no two days are the same. “I passionately believe that the job of a groom is one of great skill and knowledge. Any good groom will be a perfectionist, have sky high attention to detail, be hard working, possess unique stamina and be dedicated to the horses in their care” says Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the BGA. (British Groom Association). BGA member Claire Stepson is the Head Girl on a busy eventing yard and

After morning stables we go and have breakfast together. It is so important to have a great team atmosphere on a large yard where everyone knows what they are doing and feels valued. As Head Girl I am responsible for the day to day running of the yard, organising farriers, vets and feed deliveries and looking after the people in my team. After breakfast we have a system to get each horse exercised. We like to give them as much variety as possible in their work so we alternate between hacking, schooling or jumping, depending on

YOU CAN WORK OUT A LOT FROM A HORSE BY JUST OBSERVING THEM FOR A WHILE shares with us a typical day on the yard, “We have 24 horses, 15 of these are in full competition work, others are made up from young horses who are being broken and schooled as well as some retired oldies who live out. The competition horses range from Pre Novice to Advanced. All require a completely diﬀerent work schedule”. Each day begins at 7am with a group eﬀort to get all of the horses fed, hayed, rugs changed and mucked out. If we are going to an event, then days can start as early as 4am!

32 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

which stage of work and fitness they are at. The competition horses have one day off a week and the young horses have two days off as they sometimes need a little extra thinking time and less fitness work. We work until all of the horses have been exercised and turned out. The horses then get skipped out, a scoop of nuts, more hay and we have lunch. Over lunch we chat about the horses and we plan their schedule for the next day. During the afternoons it’s pamper time for the horses. They get brushed

thoroughly each day; I like spending one to one time with the horses. Grooming is an excellent opportunity to assess each horse. I check their legs for any signs of heat or inﬂammation, look at their overall condition, their coats, muscle tone and general demeanour. You can work out a lot from a horse by just observing them for a while. We use this time to pull manes, tails or clip when required. Other yard jobs are done at this time. We clean our tack each day to help keep it in top condition and check for signs of wear and tear as broken tack can be very dangerous. Once afternoon jobs have been completed we start doing stables for the evening at about 4pm. We bed them down, give them hay, check water drinkers, sweep the yard and feed around 5pm. There is something pretty special about the sound of a yard full of content horses munching their hay. We also operate an evening stable check which we do on a rota. I love my job and wouldn’t swap it for the world. Yes I work hard but I do this job because I love it and there are so many perks. I wouldn’t change it to work behind a desk for all the money in the world!” To ﬁnd out about becoming a groom or for help and advice visit www.britishgrooms.org.uk.

GROOMING IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO ASSESS EACH HORSE

WINTER 2013 / 33

[ forage ]

DEVON HAYLAGE Good quality forage for cost effective winter feeding

e are now well into winter and so now is a great time to assess how you are feeding your horse for it to perform at its best and stay healthy. Also of prime importance to us all is cost. Hard feed costs are ever increasing and most equine nutritionists and vets now believe that horses should only be offered ‘hard’ feed if they really need it. This will act to both reduce your feed bill and keep your horse happy and healthy. At Devon Haylage, we firmly believe that by offering ample amounts of high quality dust free forage you will be giving your horse plenty of what it needs most – fibre, whilst keeping your feed bills to a minimum. Haylage is a versatile forage that can be fed to any horse or pony. No longer is haylage a rich forage that is only suitable for hard working horses! Devon Haylage produce both a ryegrass haylage that is suitable for all classes of horse and pony, and a lower energy, higher fibre timothy grass haylage, which is ideal for good doers and horses and ponies who have, or are prone to, laminitis. We always produce our haylage with a high dry matter. Not only does this make it safer (less prone to spoiling) but it is easier for you to meet your horses daily required fibre intake as the ration is made up from a lower water content than some other haylage. Horses should be fed ad lib forage, or an appropriate amount to maintain a healthy weight, and have other feeds or supplements added only to balance that forage. In this way, the fibre intake is maintained and the horse’s gut is healthier. Many horses, and most leisure horses, can have all their energy and protein requirements met

34 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

by good quality forage. Many horses are fed restricted forage when stabled, and given hard feed when they are in work. But feeding good quality forage, and plenty of it, to stabled horses means that they can be fed less hard feed. Haylage provides all the energy and protein most horses require if fed in adequate quantities, so there is no

need to limit the haylage and then feed bagged compound feed. For more information on feeding our haylage, articles on Laminitis or to find your closest stockist please visit our website www.devonhaylage. co.uk. Or for a friendly and informative chat please feel free to visit us on a stand at the Westcountry Equine Fair at Westpoint.

reDuCe Your FeeD Costs

MaKes Horse sense Fibre and High Dry  High Matter and timothy  ryegrass varieties grass product  natural can improve gut health good  promotes respiratory health balance with broad  Just spectrum vitamins and minerals

from a wide  available range of stockists

e ed T h e o n lyu fm a y t h a t y o d! nee

With hard feed costs escalating, now is the time to assess how you feed your horse this winter to save money. Devon Haylage oﬀers a very economical alternative to feeding hay plus a concentrate feed.

‘You might well ﬁnd that once you are feeding Devon Haylage, you no longer need to feed ‘hard’ feed’. Clare Macleod MSc RNutr. Independent Equine Nutritionist.

www.devonhaylage.co.uk info@devonhaylage.co.uk Rill Farm, East Hill, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1QH 01404 813100

[ fitness ] By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturer of Horse Bedding Bedmax Limited Northumberland

D U S T F R E E P I N E S H AV I N G S We’re delighted to support the Westcountry Equine Fair Come and visit our stand and find out more about our dust free hygienic supportive cushioning easy to use economical pine shavings

made specially for healthy horses and happy owners w w w. b e d m a x s h a v i n g s . c o m BEDMAX_SouthWestEquine_Ad.indd 1

WESTGATE LABORATORIES

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‘Only worm the wormy horses’ order online now: or call for free

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Westgate Labs - more than just a worm count.

WINTER WORMING ADVICE

06/11/2013 09:47

Good modern worming programmes are based on worm counts only adding wormers where really necessary. Hopefully you will have been monitoring your horse’s worm egg counts over the year so far with good results.

f the results stay low there is no need to use a routine wormer until the winter months. At this time it is important to treat for encysted redworm, and also tapeworm if not already covered. Westgate Labs encourage responsible worming. During winter take advantage of a special Winter Resistance Test. Send a sample two weeks after giving the winter dose. Simply include the box end (with the batch code) from either Equest, Pramox or Panacur Guard for a £5.00 worm count resistance test. These are the only wormers licensed to treat encysted stages of redworm. Return to three monthly worm counts in the spring. Gillian Booth SQP and owner at www.westgatelabs.co.uk

WINTER 2013 / 35

[ donkey

sanctuary

]

HORSEHAGE DOES THE DONKEY WORK! HorseHage staff, Debbie Harris and Rachel Hornby recently spent the day as volunteers at the Donkey Sanctuary in Ivybridge, Devon. They also have a Donkey Assisted Therapy Centre catering for children with a wide range of special needs

ur first job of the day was ‘poo-picking’ the donkeys’ field with several other volunteers. We then made our way back to the main barn, meeting several of the

donkeys en route to the school. The main barn has rubber mats throughout and the donkeys have a large bed made from wood pellets. They also have lots of toys around which help enrich their environment. We set about mucking out the barn whilst the donkeys tucked into some breakfast of straw and High Fibre HorseHage and I even got to sneak a big kiss from Arnold (It is ok - he is one of the resident donkeys!). We then had time for a quick coffee. Next task was giving the donkeys a good groom including picking their feet out, which looked very petite when you are used to picking out the great big dinner plates that my horse has! After 26 years of tacking up horses, I never dreamt that putting a bridle on a donkey would prove so different but there is most definitely a ‘knack’ to getting a bridle over those lovely long ears. With a lot of patience from a very a sweet natured Eeyore and some great instruction from the other volunteers, tacking up was completed and we were assigned our donkeys for the morning. I was so pleased that I got

IT WAS FASCINATING TO MEET SO MANY PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY THESE AMAZING ANIMALS AND THIS LOVELY CENTRE to be teamed with Arnold. There was a certain sparkle in Arnold’s eye that made me feel we were going to get on very well!!! Each donkey was accompanied by two volunteers, one to lead and one

36 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

to assist the children. The children arrived in groups of four with aid from the specialist mounting area and the instructor, Dee. Some of the children were attending for the Donkey Assisted Therapy for the first time and it was a pleasure to see their apprehension and nervousness subside quickly as the donkeys calmly and quietly went around the school, stopping at various tasks such as ringing bells and cuddly toys to touch and feel. Lunch gave us an opportunity to talk with some of the volunteers who give up their time on a regular basis. It was fascinating to meet so many people from different backgrounds, brought together by these amazing animals and this lovely centre. Next it was lesson time for the donkeys!! We each took one of the younger donkeys into the school and under close supervision from the centre’s instructor, we introduced the donkeys to some new experiences. This process was fascinating to be part of as donkeys are ‘problem solvers’ unlike horses and their f light instincts are less easily engaged. By the time the session had finished, each one of the donkeys was walking over plastic sheeting as if they had been doing it all their lives! What a day! We cannot thank the team enough for making us feel so welcome. There are no words big enough to describe the time, hard work and what they achieve. We will be back very soon for another volunteer day as I am already missing my kisses with Arnold!’ For information on feeding your horse, pony or donkey please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Monshall horse retirement livery

Specialises only in retirement and long term care of you horse or pony

Help Us To Help Them Here at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary we have been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses and ponies in need for over 20 years. We are always looking for loving, new homes for our horses and ponies. For those equines with severe illnesses or behavioural problems, the Sanctuary remains their home for life.

On a large, well fenced, sheltered, organic acreage, in a stress free environment

Without the help and generosity of our supporters, we would not be able to come to the aid of these animals who so desperately need our help. Help us to help them; find out more about our work at our Visitor Centre, take a look at our website or contact us for more information on supporting The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.

Coombe Park Nr Littlehempston Totnes TQ9 6LW 01626 355969 office@mareandfoal.org

Registered Charity No. 1141831

01805 804275 / 07880 725852 info@horseretirementlivery.co.uk

www.mareandfoal.org

monshall hores retirement.indd 1

04/11/2013 10

WINTER 2013 / 37

[ endurance

riding

]

TO GET LUCKY Endurance riding across Exmoor The Golden Horseshoe Ride

nternational endurance may be in some temporary disarray, but nationally and domestically it is still a strong and popular discipline, with a membership of around 2000. It all began in 1965 on Exmoor with a “straight” ride from Malmesmead to Welcome, on the Devon/Cornwall border, an event which attracted 110 entries and when a riding time of 6mph or faster earned a gold-painted horseshoe. That ﬁrst Golden Horseshoe Ride – which will be celebrated in two years time - has grown into today’s ride which oﬀers endurance tests over seven classes ranging from 40kms in a day to a daunting 160kms over two days. Barbara Wigley, who has organised the ride since 2007, says: “The route is wholly over Exmoor and is without doubt the toughest test on the endurance calendar and over the years has attracted many of our greatest horse and rider combinations.” Unlike eventing, which uses ultrademanding courses like Badminton and Burghley as part of its international selection programme, the Golden Horseshoe is not used today as part of its team selection process. But when it was, it produced really great names like…. Candy Cameron’s White Trooper, who represented GB at two World

38 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

Championships, Egyptian Khalifa, ridden and owned by Jill Thomas, who earned the individual Gold at the 1993 European Championships and Val Long and Tarim, who were placed fourth in the ﬁrst World Championships in 1988 amongst others.

Today’s ride, run since 1974 from Exford, costs between £15,000 and £16,000 to stage, and it returns between £60,000 and £70,000 into the village economy each year. Mrs Wigley and her committee take horse and rider education and welfare very seriously, In 2007 they introduced

the Exmoor Experience class, which calls for riders to negotiate a 40kms course on each of two days. “The idea was to give horses and riders experience of riding two days over the moor so that they could then upgrade to the 160kms of the Golden Horseshoe Ride itself.” That original expansion of choice has matured into two 40kms classes, one for novices and one open, a three-day ride of 40kms each day, one of 80kms in a day and another of 80kms on the ﬁrst day and 40kms on the second. There is also a 25kms sponsored pleasure ride, which itself attracts entries from all over the country, designed to raise funds for the Moorland Mousie Trust and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. “All the classes are watched over by a team of veterinary surgeons who have the powers to order a horse to rest or even to withdraw it from the competition completely” said Mrs Wigley. “They also examine them beforehand, and at the end of the ride.” Next year’s ride will be on May 11th to 13th. For more information, visit goldenhorseshoe-ride. co.uk or call Mrs Wigley on 01643 841183. To ﬁnd out more about endurance groups in the South West and Wessex visit: endurancegbsouthwest.com wessexendurancegb.co.uk

[ fitness ]

End

Happy Christmas from EQUISAFETY

Pleasure &

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[ competitions ]

WIN

WEST COUNTRY EQUINE MAGAZINE HAS GOT TOGETHER WITH EVENT RIDER HELEN WEST AND ALOERIDE THE ALOE VERA FOR VALUED HORSES, TO BRING YOU TWO AMAZING PRIZES!

1. WIN A LESSON

2. WIN

WITH EVENT RIDER, HELEN WEST, + HORSEHAGE GOODIES We have teamed up with HorseHage to offer the chance to win a lesson with Devon-based event-rider, Helen West, has ridden since the age of six. She was a gold medal winner at the Young Rider European Championships in 2001 and has also competed at Burghley. In addition to the lesson, the winner will also receive ten bales of HorseHage and a HorseHage Net, and three runnersup will each receive five bales of HorseHage and a HorseHage Net. So for your chance to win simply provide the answer to the following question:

AT WHAT AGE DID HELEN WEST BEGIN RIDING? Simply email your answer with your name, address and telephone number to competitions@contour.uk.net and type Helen West Competition in the subject line. Entries needed by Jan 31st 2014 GOOD LUCK! *The lesson will be on the winner’s own horse and will take place on a date when Helen is available and can be taken either at Helen’s yard in Ipplepen, Devon, or at Bicton Arena. It will be the winner’s responsibility to arrange their own transport.

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

1 MONTHS SUPPLY OF ALOERIDE We have also teamed up with Aloeride the certified organic aloe-vera supplement to provide you with a solution to keep your horse in tip top condition. Each box of Aloeride contains 30 sachets (30 days worth) equaling over 12 litres of aloe vera juice, has been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds. So for your chance to win 1 months supply of Aloeride simply provide the answer to the following question:

WHAT IS ALOERIDE? Simply email your answer with your name, address and telephone number to competitions@contour.uk.net and type Aloeride Competition in the subject line. Entries needed by Jan 31st 2014

GOOD LUCK!

www.aloeride.com UK 01858 464550 USA 816 220 2626

£2.50 per issue plus P&P 4 issues per year

CALL

01392 421500 EMAIL

LISA@CONTOUR.UK.NET

WRITE

THIRD FLOOR, 21 SOUTHERNHAY WEST, EXETER EX1 1PR 40 / WESTCOUNTRY EQUESTRIAN

NEXT ISSUE OUT 11TH APRIL 2014

Rollestone Feeds When your horse needs bedding and hay – You DON’T have to drive miles away! Call at Rollestone Feeds To get all that he needs AND for stuff that YOU use every day!!!

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ROLLESTONE FARM, KENN, EXETER, EX6 7UQ

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AW HORSE TRANSPORT LTD

[ fitness ]

L e s l e y

O a k l e y

BFR ANIMAL PRACTITIONER

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES Emotional balance for Well Beings

for animals & their people

Gentle, affordable, complementary remedies, particularly useful when working with fearful behaviours, separation anxiety, aggression & recovering from traumas, & to support happy, effective training.

UK 07842 892285, Ireland 087 247 0053 E. oakleyelle@yahoo.com www. lesleyoakleylifeworks.co.uk

BURNETTS STABLES Mobile Field Shelter

Stables

Family run business for more than 25 years. Based in the village of Stoodleigh, Devon.

Six lorries - ranging from 10 stalls to 2 stalls Regular shared and individual loads to all parts of the UK, Ireland and France Please give us a ring to discuss your requirements

Tel:01984 623624 • Fax:01984 624768 Email:alan.walter1@virgin.net

We have a full range of products including Sheds, Summerhouses, Workshops and Garages. All buildings are made to your requirements. For Free Brochure Call

01398 351 538

WWW.BURNETTS-SHEDS.CO.UK

[ my

favourite ride

]

e d i R e t i r M y Fa v ou

i, my name is Daisy and I am 11 years old and I love ponies.

I keep my ponies at Oaklands Riding Stables in Alphington Exeter owned by Joyce and Jackie Newbery. I have 2 ponies, Perry a 13hh Show Hunter pony, and Jeremy a Welsh Section A show pony. I enjoy going to shows every weekend with both of my ponies and my sister’s pony too, but I also enjoy taking my pony Perry out on “my favourite ride” Haldon Forest is in Exeter and is about 4 miles from where Perry lives. We load Perry into our lorry and with my sister’s pony we head up to the forest. We go early in the morning and it’s very quiet the ponies get very excited and when we tack them up, then off we go!! There are lots of grass tracks and secret paths to follow, I love cantering along the tracks and look at all the

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trees whizzing by and I love hearing Perry’s hoof beats on the ground. Sometimes when we go it’s cold and frosty, so we walk quietly along the stony tracks with our gloves and big coats on...then we trot by the trees to keep warm. You can see for a long, long way up at the top of the Haldon ride. Perry loves it when we take him there. Perry is so good I can canter on all the tracks and lanes, and my sister walks with my mum. I would recommend anyone taking their pony up to Haldon it’s amazing fun. On the way home we always stop for a hot chocolate, as it always seems very cold when we go!!

ea r b i n o y C s i a D

I LOVE CANTERING ALONG THE TRACKS AND LOOK AT ALL THE TREES WHIZZING BY AND I LOVE HEARING PERRY’S HOOF BEATS ON THE GROUND

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