U K’ S
Your Horse 359 SPRING 2012
“this isn’t how it’s No.1 supposed to end” EQUINE
MONTHLY MAGAZINE
tim stockdale ON his recent fall
B e a b e t t e r r i d e r , g e t t h e b e s t f r o m yo u r h o r s e
w w w.yo u r h o r s e . c o . u k Spring 2012
• SPRING GEAR GUIDE • PLEASURE RIDES • HORSEY FILM STARS • DRessage to music • BANISH LAMINITIS • IMPROVE YOUR SEAT
YOUR HORSE SPECIAL
Pleasure
RIDES
£3.80
ALL he can eat
Why ‘ad lib’ hay is the only way
Why you should try one now HORSEY FILM STARS
Training for the big screen
Improve
YOUR SEAT with Michael Eilberg
Find your inner diva
BANISH Laminitis
for good
64 PAGE
GEAR GUIDE
All the gear you need for the season ahead
29 CARE PAGES
38 RIDING PAGES
Worm counts, how Understanding related spring affects behaviour distances, developing his plus expert eye care flexibility plus hacking
Contents 54
U K’ S
No.1
ON the cover Your Hors
EQUI NE MON THLY MAG AZIN E
how it’s “this isn’tto end” supposed dale on tim stockt fall his recen
Riding ON the cover
Find out why a pleasure ride is so much more than a hack – and well worth a try ON the cover
G e 359 SPRIN 2012
w w w.yo u
Spring 2012
e special Your hors
• sPriNg gear
Pleasure
ure rides •
e / Alamy
guide • PLeas
horsey fiLm
sage to music
tbkmedia.d
stars • dres
e Improvat Your se with Michael Eilberg
Training for the big screen
Ve your seat Nitis • imPro
Cover image:
• BaNish Lami
Banish laminitis
for good
Find your inner diva
29 care
38 ridinG paGes
related Understandingeloping his how Worm counts, behaviour distances, dev hacking flexibility plus spring affects care plus expert eye
paGes
36 Ride to the beat
Whether you’re just getting started in dressage to music, or want to improve your routine, we point you in the right direction
ON the cover
horseY rs film sta
All the gear need for thead season ahe
£3.80
Why ‘ad lib’ hay is the only way
Why should try one now
Gear Guide you
o.u k
all he can eat
es rid you
64 paGe
r hor se .c
32 Your Horse Clinic
British Dressage coach David Pincus helps one reader establish her horse’s flexibility
ON the cover orse m yo u r h Be st fro , get the er r ider Be a Bet t
24 Fun rides are a real pleasure
42 Riding Q&As
Expert advice on calming your horse at shows, how to help your horse get over a fear of farm animals and more
46 Private Lesson
Top show jumper Laura Renwick helps one reader learn how to relax – and establish an impulsion-filled canter
ON the cover
54 Improve your seat
Dressage star Michael Eilberg shows you how to make sure you’re sitting pretty in the saddle
60 Stride it out
Follow our expert advice and you’ll be hoof perfect on those related distances
ON the cover
Spring Gear Guide 2012
Everything you need – or just want – for you and your horse for spring and summer – don’t miss our special section after HORSE Sp rin g page 98 Gear YOuR
Gu ide 2012 64
page bu yers ' guide to a ll the latest produc
in association
with
www.derbyhouse.co. uk
ts
Pic: Image Source / Alamy
Great advice to help you become a better rider from the horse world’s top experts, plus all the latest gear, must-enter competitions and loads more
74
SUBSCRIBE TO Subscribe this m on Y O U R yo u’ll get a pair of th and HORSE AND GE vintage red jodh Derby House T you looking goodpurs to keep these Derby Ho the saddle. The in and out of u s e cotton and spany’re made from vintage red jodh dex, and purs abwasouhat mblud e – so no need to are worry splatter
SE E PAGE
20
!
128
94
CARE ON the cover
82 Keep laminitis at bay
All the latest research on surviving this leading cause of lameness – and better still, preventing an attack
ON the cover
90 Is ad lib hay still the golden rule?
Striking a balance between an all-you-can eat hay buffet and calorie control! ON the cover
94 Spring fever
If you have a moody mare or a bucking monster at the first flush of grass, we can help
102 Care Q&A
Advice on wobblers syndrome, weighing your horse correctly, leading a frisky horse and more ON the cover
106 The eyes have it
REGULARS
Gear editor Allison Lowther’s round-up of the best of the products at the British Equine Trade Association
FEATURES ON the cover
14 Celeb interview with Tim Stockdale
Top show jumper Tim talks candidly about his accident – and his Olympic hopes ON the cover
68 Could your horse be a film star?
We talk to the people whose horses star in films and on TV and find out what it takes to walk the equine red carpet
74 Be a happy camper
You and your horse can have loads of fun at one of these adult riding camps
6 Favourite ride Share one reader’s top ride on the Derbyshire moors 8 The yard YH team news – and find out who won our Equi-Trek horsebox 12 Letters Your views on the horse world 20 Subscribe today! Great gift when you subscribe 67 WIN Tottie gear for you and your horse 119 WIN A fine art portrait of your horse 135 Freebies We’ve got loads of equine goodies to give away 146 In the hot seat… with Team GBR vet John McEwen The UK’s BiggesT for BUying and selling
Shop online for you and your horse! www.horsedealsshop.co.uk
oVer 1000
horses & horseBoXes
for sale
find your dream one today!
horsedeals.Co.UK MarCh 2012 £3.80
winning ways
The ex-racers who excel at team chasing
BRITAIN’S BEST...
naTiVe Breeds
on show
The stars of addington’s sport horse stallion parade
Find the perfect pony for every discipline
The latest in high-tech trailers and lorries www.horsedeals.co.uk
Are worm egg counts the way forward for your horse?
130 What’s new
A brand new way to treat your horse’s soft tissue injuries
ISSUE 132 MARCH 2012
113 Beat the worms
128 First Look
Share the work, share the costs – share the fun! Sharing is on the increase – could it be the way forward for you and your horse?
THE no.1 spEcialisT HorsE salEs magazinE
ON the cover
120 Share and share alike
Horse deals
See the world through your horse’s eyes – and learn how to deal with tricky eye problems
GEAR
14
all the contacts you’ll need
how To geT The UlTiMaTe yard!
you plan, design & essential advice to help- whatever your budget build the perfect yard
plUs
Train for a career in the breeding business l The latest vet advice on Cushing’s l Join the synthetic tack revolution
l
The yard
tim stockdale
I’ve no worries about getting back on W
Words Katy Islip Photography Matthew Roberts
atching Tim Stockdale stride across his yard, flanked by faithful hounds Tip and Spice, it’s hard to believe that just a few months ago he was lying flat on his back in hospital, waiting to find out if the horror fall that left him with a broken neck spelled the end of his show jumping career or worse, his mobility. Although X-rays revealed 47-year-old Tim had broken three vertebrae, the prognosis was good – with plenty of rest and rehabilitation he was told there should be no reason he couldn’t resume top-level competition. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Tim
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then made it known he wasn’t just aiming for a return to form but a spot on the team for the London Olympics. As he leads us into the family home, we’re greeted by kittens Maisie and Ben, who make themselves comfortable while Tim tells us some of the history of the 16th-century dovecote in the back garden that gives his farm its name. The father-of-two speaks candidly about his accident and gives us the run-down on his recovery. He explains he starts each day with a range of neck-strengthening exercises using a system of ropes and pulleys, raising a smile when he says it’s “all a bit M&S”.
After a rather good cuppa and a natter with Tim’s wife Laura, we head out to the yard to say hello to famous faces like Fresh Direct Kalico Bay (Frankie when he’s off-duty) and meet Team Stockdale. With a bit of gentle teasing, Tim chivvies everyone into matching gear for our photos, before confidently posing for some solo shots – when we tell him it’s up to him what expression he wears he laughs and says: “Smiling then, because smiling’s how I feel.” Over the course of our chat, Tim reveals himself to be wry, down-to-earth and possessed of an indomitable spirit – read on to find out more.
Turn over for Tim’s answers to your questions
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Riding
… e r u s a e pl It’s a
Put the joy back into your time in the saddle with our insight into fun rides - YH writer Larissa Chapman discovers there’s no feeling quite like it!
C
antering through open fields, the wind in my hair, the sun beaming down on my face, the pounding of hooves beneath me, like something out of film perhaps? That’s what immediately sprang to mind when I found out I was going to take part in a fun ride – and I’m pleased to report I wasn’t far wrong!
you r hor se
Obviously I can’t guarantee the weather – I can’t promise it won’t be the rain against your face, pummelling your hat and the squelching of hooves beneath you but I can guarantee one thing – even if the weather lets you down, the atmosphere, the people you meet and the feeling you get from taking part certainly won’t!
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Riding
you r hor se
Music
maestro please! Welcome to the amazing world of dressage to music – it’s time to add some real rhythm to your riding
W
hether you’re just starting out or looking for tips to improve your routine, we’ve been investigating the best ways to add music to your dressage whether you’re a complete beginner, or just want to refine your musical connections Key If you like to stand out from the crowd and fancy an original piece from the man who’s making dressage music for the stars go straight to section one No idea where to start and need a helping hand through the entire process? Trot on to section two Fancy some intensive tuition in the form of a dressage to music workshop or clinic? Head to section three Onwards to section four to see how Your Horse gear editor Allison Lowther got on when she tried dressage to music with the help of composer Tom Hunt
www.you r hor se .c o.u k
Riding
privaTe lesson with top show jumper, Laura Renwick
Learning to relax your position and establish an impulsion-filled canter is crucial for show jumping success less than 0.1 of a second Laura Renwick has been Fact file behind the winner. involved with horses all Name Laura Renwick With such a successful her life and has always Experience 37-year-old background, it’s fair been a successful show Laura grew up in Essex, in a family centred around to say her sights are jumper – but it was only horses. She met her now firmly set on the when she returned to the husband, John Renwick 2012 Olympics. sport after having her son and together they went into business, buying Today, Laura is helping that she really took the young horses. Your Horse reader Laura show jumping scene by She’s proved herself to be Keeley, and her horse storm. She is now our a talented and skilful trainer, these skills are Lusty, improve their show highest ranked female shown to the full in the jumping. Laura and rider, at number six in the results she gets from her Lusty’s main discipline is British Showjumping horses, such as Limelight De Breve, who was an eventing, but as show (BS) rankings. unproven three year old jumping is their weakest Her achievements when Laura first bought phase, Laura is keen to include being crowned her. Laura has get some tips from the HOYS leading experienced continual success since, with top to improve this area. show jumper of numerous top three Improving your show the year in 2010 placings throughout 2010 jumping techniques can and coming and 2011. be a real challenge so, second at with the 2012 competition Italy’s season looming, Laura and Lusty’s Follonica CSI** lesson with Laura Renwick couldn’t International show have come at a better time. in 2011, finishing
Laura and Lusty’s main discipline is eventing but as show jumping is their weakest phase, Laura is keen to get some tips from the top... With the 2012 competition season looming, their lesson with Laura Renwick couldn’t have come at a better time you r hor se
For more riding advice go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
Meet the pupil Find out how Laura and Lusty learn to relax over fences
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Riding Meet the EXPERT Michael Eilberg
Former show jumper Michael began his dressage career in 2007 and won his first national title in 2008. He’s a member of the World Class Development squad, and last year his wins included the Prix St Georges at the National Championships. He and his ride Woodlander Farouche also won the 2011 five-year-old Young Horse World Championship in Germany.
ou to Thank y il Liz up p s l’ Michae s who William bserve us to o allowed on on her her less er old form 13-year- mper show ju Marco
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Michael demonstrates the straight line that should run through your shoulder, hip and heel
Get a sweet seat Whatever your discipline, having a good seat will help you be a better and more effective rider – so get yourself sitting pretty with our lowdown from rising dressage star Michael Eilberg
Getting started
A
‘good’ seat is an independent one, which allows you to be secure yet relaxed in the saddle, balanced and able to move with your horse. It allows you to subtly shift your weight across your seat bones to communicate with and guide your horse and means you can feel what he’s doing beneath you, enabling you to apply your aids clearly and effectively. So what do we mean by seat? Although you’d be forgiven for thinking your seat simply equals your bottom, it actually comprises your lower back, seat bones, pelvis, abdominals and thighs – all the parts which enable you to sit and stay on your horse. To effectively control these areas, you need a strong yet flexible ‘core’, which is basically your torso, especially your stomach and mid and lower back. Michael says: “If you can relax and hold yourself with your core, then you can relax your aids and make them really clear. “For example, when you ask for canter, if you’re tight and gripping, that canter will come through too much tension. “If you can relax because your balance is good and your core is strong, you can take your leg back to give the canter aid An independent seat means you can remain effective even in sitting trot
Seat checklist
Run through these checks every time you ride: • Sit on your seat bones in the middle of your saddle • Check stirrups are of an even length, your ankle is relaxed and your weight stretched through the heel and lower leg • Establish balance from side to side and front to back – all the ways a horse will move • Maintain a straight line through the shoulder, hip and heel – more advanced riders can put a slight angle on this with the ankle in front of the line and the shoulders behind. far easier because you don’t need to grip as much.”
Developing a feel for it
For more novice riders, Michael explains your focus should be on balance and core stability – you need both to be able to work towards being able to use your seat. He says: “The biggest thing for novice riders is balance and learning to go with the momentum of a moving horse without restricting it in any way. “A lot of it just comes through riding –
You can use your we ight to influence your hor se
like anything that requires balance, the more you do it and the more familiar it becomes, the better you get. “When you get your balance and core right you can start to use your seat as an aid to support your other aids.” Michael says it’s not uncommon for his less advanced pupils to struggle when they go into sitting trot. He explains: “Often people automatically become weaker in their ability to influence the horse because more of their attention is going into just sitting to the movement. “To address this, you need to improve your muscle memory and core strength, which you can do through working on the lunge without stirrups and by using a gym ball to build your strength and balance.” This problem is often compounded by the movement of the trot, which is naturally energetic and bouncy. Michael says: “A lot of horses don’t allow riders to sit because they aren’t collected enough and because the rider hasn’t taken a smooth enough contact, which means the bounce of the trot travels all the way through them. “If the rider bounces around they look for support in the rein, then the horse gets tense and so the bounce gets worse. It becomes a vicious circle, as these things are difficult to fix if you’re not strong and supple through your seat, but with a bit of work it can be resolved.”
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Riding
Strid e
Meet the EXPERTS Mike Benfield
is a British Showjumping (BS) course designer who builds courses from 60cm to national classes at 1.40m. He’s well-known on the Pony Club circuit, building courses for numerous clubs.
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Geoff Luckett
is a top show jumper and trainer. He’s been on the international show jumping scene for years, enjoying wins at HOYS and Hickstead. Geoff has particular renown in the speed rounds.
Steve Williams is an FEI international course designer whose been course building for 30 years. By his own admission he’s a “show jumping nut” who enjoys managing competitions at all levels.
it out
I
We’ve teamed up with top riders and course designers to help you ride your related distances hoof perfect Words: Larissa Chapman
don’t mind admitting I’m no show jumping expert. After years of happy hacking, I was toatlly unaware of just how much goes into building show jumping courses and the skill, training and knowledge needed to ride each course successfully. So, when faced with writing this feature on riding related distances, I knew I needed to approach the top talent to help me figure it out. Luckily, show jumper and trainer
Geoff Luckett agreed to share his knowledge and expertise. He suggested I join him at a Solihull Riding Club show jumping event so I could see just what steps are needed to successfully master related distances. It was there, at 8pm on a decidedly chilly February night with one more horse left to jump, that I finally realised just how much goes into it – if I hadn’t been so cold, I’d have taken my hat off to everyone involved…
www.you r hor se .c o.u k
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Lights, camera,
! n o t o r t
Watching a beautiful horse gallop across the cinema screen is always a treat. It looks so effortless but you’d be amazed at how many riders and trainers are required to make it happen. Join us on a behind-the-scenes peek into this fascinating world Words: Katy Islip
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Discover adult riding camps
Happy
! s r e p m ca Riding camps aren’t just for the youth of today, there are plenty aimed at adult riders too. Here’s how you could enjoy one with your horse this summer…
W
ith winter behind us (hooray I hear you cry), it’s time to plan in some exciting stuff for summer. So why not make your first port of call a riding camp? We’ve found a selection of adult-only camps taking place across the UK this year, so read on to see what they entail and how you can get involved.
Who can go?
Adults! Adult riding camps are, of course, open to adults who want to have fun with their horses, benefit from some great instruction and spend time with likeminded horsey people.
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Where are they?
All over the place! Lots of riding clubs and equestrian centres across the UK and Ireland run riding camps, so it’s just a case of finding one you can get to, that suits you.
Why bother?
Why not! Riding camps are a great opportunity to spend quality time with your horse. Whether there are elements of your riding you want to work on or if you just want to try something fresh and new, there’s really no reason not to give one a go.
Benefit from a qualified instructor
Severnvale Equ estrian Centre Chepstow
Camps at Severnvale Equestrian Centre are run by qualified British Horse Society (BHS) instructors who aim to help you get the best from your horse in a fun and friendly environment. They’re open to anyone with their own horse or, if you don’t own a horse, you can use one of the riding school horses. Once
at camp you’ll be grouped together with other riders of a similar level of ability to make sure you get the most from your time. For more information, prices, or to book call 01291 623412, email svec@clara.co.uk/ellie@severnvaleequestrian.com or visit
Pontispool Adult Horse Camps Taunton, Somerset Have fun on cross-country
Three-day Show Jum ping Camp July 10-12 Train over a height you ’re comfor table at and enjoy a fun show jumping com petition on the final eve ning. One-day Camp Augu st 19 With a dressage focus, this camp aims to give hints and tips for test riding. Sel ect a test you want hel p with, then work on it and the movements involved in your sessions. Your training can even be filmed to help you compare what you’re feeling with what the judge sees.
2012 Weekend Camps May 11-13, June 29–July 1, September 28-30 [For all of the above dat es arrive on Friday from 11am onwards] Cost £205 to include the use of all facilities including three all-weath er arenas, extensive cross-country course, full set of show jumps, café, stabling plus hay and straw, cabin accommodation, showe rs and toilets. For a great break away with your horse try this weekend camp in Somerset. During your stay you’ll benefit from six hours of tuition from your friendly and experienced instructor, either in the arena or out on the cross-country course, an evening lecture or demonstration, plus there’ll be a fun competition on Sunday morning. Nothing is compulsory, just do what you’re happy to do and head home after prize-giving on Sunday afternoon. For more information or to download a booking form visit www.pontispool. co.uk, alternatively email info@ pontispool.com or call 01823 461196
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Care
VETADVICE
Keeping laminitis on the run
It’s one of the leading causes of lameness in the UK, but thanks to all the research that’s being done, our horses now stand a better chance of surviving a laminitis attack – and avoiding this deadly condition in the first place. Here, we bring you the latest information, research and expert advice from the UK’s top vets, farriers, nutritionists and alternative therapists so you can help keep your horse laminitis free Words Helen Milbank
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Discovver how the latest research is helping prevent and manage laminitis
Did you know? If the laminae
lose all supportive po wers and the pedal bone is totally loose within the ho of, this is known as a si nker
Know your enemy
Top vet Gil Riley, who specialises in lameness and laminitis at the Pool House Veterinary Group in Staffordshire, explains laminitis in circus terms. “If you imagine the horse’s pedal bone as a trapeze artist and the 600 or so laminae as the ropes supporting him within the hoof capsule, laminitis attacks these ‘ropes’ causing them to weaken, fray and even snap in extreme cases,” he explains. “Because of this, the pedal bone can drop (known as ‘founder’) and rotate.” The result? Chronic pain and an animal who’s in a great deal of trouble unless swift first aid is applied to support the frog – and, by association, the pedal bone directly above it – and take the pressure off the delicate laminae to let them repair. A horse who’s suffered an attack in the past is more prone to one in the future, and should the pedal bone drop, or one
too many attacks leave the laminae damaged beyond repair, it’s serious news. So serious that experts from the veterinary, farriery and equine nutritional worlds have invested huge amounts of time and effort trying to pinpoint what puts a horse at risk – and how an attack can be avoided in the first place.
The biggest culprit
Rising out from the mountains of laminitis-related research is one simple three-letter word that’s to blame for the vast majority of cases: fat. For years it was thought to be an inert, ‘cuddly’ tissue, most often wrapped around native ponies’ waists, but research has shown the opposite to be true. The experts now realise that fat is a toxic, inflammatory protein-producing reservoir, and these toxins circulate in the body, wreaking havoc. “In men, the
most dangerous type of fat is around the midriff as the proteins produced here damage the heart and blood vessels,” says Gil. “But in horses, it’s the fat around the crest of the neck that’s the most dangerous, as the inflammatory proteins produced here prime the animal to develop laminitis.” However, any fat is capable of this. Put simply, a fat horse is predisposed to the condition and less of a trigger factor will be required to tip him into a laminitic state – be that an excessive amount of simple sugars in the form of lush or frost-covered grass, the psychological stress of a yard move, excessive concussion to the foot, or some sort of hormonal disease – usually Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s. “I always like to explain laminitis in terms of a mountain peak,” adds farrier Glyn Trundle. “If your horse is already at the peak of the mountain because he’s fat, then if anything goes wrong he’s
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Keep it Is the rule of feeding ad lib hay still golden? When it comes to feeding hay, experts steer us in the direction of ‘ad lib’ all the way. Here top equine nutritionist Dr Teresa Hollands helps you find the balance between feeding a never-ending buffet of hay and ensuring the right amount of calories To some horse owners, the idea of feeding ad lib hay isn’t entirely practical. Number one, if you’re unable to be with your horse all day, every day and simply can’t check when he runs out, it’s tricky. Number two, if your horse doubles in size at the mere sight of a haynet, you’ll certainly be less inclined to offer him an endless supply. But as equine nutritionist Teresa Hollands R.Nutr explains, ad lib really is the best way to feed forage and it doesn’t need to become a problem. “First and foremost, hay should be
Reduce forage and face the consequences
However, as Teresa explains, problems occur when horse owners deviate away from feeding ad lib hay and instead start to replace long fibre with concentrate feeds. “Concentrate feed will inevitably take your horse much less time to eat, and in reducing his overall forage ration, you then increase the risk of him developing gastric ulcers, stereotypies (or vices as they’re commonly known), dental problems and even colic,” says Teresa. You might, at this point, be worrying if your horse is overweight and in desperate need of fewer calories. But
fed ad lib and, as a nutritionist, I would always look to feed 2.5% of your horse’s bodyweight with his total food ration,” she says. “In terms of leisure horses, 90-99% of food intake could be forage or grass whereas a competition horse would need 60% forage and 40% concentrate. You should only ever start to replace forage with concentrate if your horse needs more concentrate for energy due to an increased workload. So, while a 500kg horse in no work needs approximately 12kg of hay to maintain his weight and energy levels, a point-to-point horse would need 6kg of hay and 6kg of concentrate.” the risks of reducing forage still remain if your horse is overweight. It’s important to keep this in mind, regardless of why you might think, you should reduce your horse’s forage intake (ie he’s overweight). “Take a laminitic horse for example,” says Teresa. “Many owners will reduce forage rations and have their laminitic horse on bute, the equivalent of aspirin to humans. However, with a reduced forage intake, your horse is put at risk of getting gastric ulcers.” If this all sounds too familiar, don’t despair, because there are a number of really simple things you can do so you can feed ad lib forage while keeping your horse’s calorie intake to a minimum.
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g n i r p S fever
If your horse turns into a hormonal, buck-throwing, super-fresh handful at this time of year, our experts are on hand to solve your springtime behavioural problems so you can get on and have fun
A
Words Helen Milbank
ll horses love the onset of spring as much as us, but if the warmer weather sparks less than favourable behaviour, now’s the time to take action and try to nip any problems in the bud. From taming the wild antics of horses high on the first flush of grass, to controlling the mood changes of a hormonal mare, our team of experts are here to offer advice and reassure you that spring needn’t be a wash out. With their help you’ll soon have your ‘old’ horse back and be enjoying the sunshine, rather than wishing it was mid-winter again!
Meet the EXPERTS Gil Riley
Sarah Weston
Dr Teresa Hollands
Andrew Kerr Sutherland
is Your Horse magazine’s veterinary expert
of Dodson & Horrell is one of the UK’s best-respected equine nutritionists
Dena Schwartz
is a holistic therapist and zoopharmacognosist
you r hor se
is a behavioural expert and Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship
is known as the ‘Scottish Horse Whisperer’ and helps train and rehabilitate problem horses
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Lens
The lens focuses light onto the retina, at the back of the eye, which turns light into electrical impulses that are processed in the brain.
Cornea
The curved corn ea at the front of the eye bends light through the pu pil onto the lens.
Pupil
The pupil is form ed by the iris and will open and close, cont rolling the amount of light that can pass to the back of the eye. Horses’ pupils are rectangular pr oviding a wider view of the horizon compar ed to a round human pu pil.
Eye
An eye is much like a camera with an aper ture (the iris and pupil), lens, film or digit al sensor (the horse’s retina).
VETADVICE
All the better to see you with… Meet the expert Chris Dixon
Chris Dixon BVSc CertVOphthal MRCVS is a veterinary ophthalmologist at the Paragon Vet Group in Cumbria (a member of the XL Vets Group). Chris sees equine eye cases from the north of England and south of Scotland. To contact Paragon vets, visit www.paragonvet.com or find out more at www.xlvets.co.uk
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Illustration: Samantha J Elmhurst BA Hons, www.livingart.org.uk
The equine eye is bigger than an elephant’s and it’s got some nifty features that make it unique – here we discover how life looks to our horses and get to grips with some tricky eye conditions with the help of veterinary ophthalmologist Chris Dixon
Competition
Win
a Fine Art Portrait of your horse
S
pecialist equestrian photographers Sharon Malone and Andy Hopkinson have teamed up with Your Horse to offer a fantastic prize. One winner will get the opportunity to have a photoshoot with their horse and receive a 24in x 30in portrait, a 10in x 8in print of their favourite image and a beautifully presented keepsake DVD slideshow of all the images from the photoshoot. In addition, three runners-up will each receive vouchers worth £200 towards a creative portrait session. Sharon and Andy have built their business to the success it is today by creating tailored and unique horse portraits. The Fine Art Portraits are a new addition to their range and are created from one of the many images taken at photoshoots. They’re always in monochrome as these particular images are designed to capture the
connection between the horse and his owner or companions. They believe colour distracts from the simplistic beauty of the images which are printed onto the best canvas, using fine art glicée printing techniques – high quality digital prints – personally hand finished and signed by the creator and then framed in a stunning silver frame. Sharon and Andy plan their photoshoots to reflect the personality of the horse and owner in the photograph. There’s no limit to what they can do – they’ve captured a girl in her prom dress amongst bluebells, children with their painted pony in a wigwam, beach portraits and even a photoshoot in a river. For further information please contact The Horse Photographers on 01423 323776 or email sharon@thehorsephotographers.co.uk. You can view many examples of their work on www.thehorsephotographers.co.uk
To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk and answer this question What is the name of the printing technique used?
a) Glicée b) Plicée c) Klicée Terms and Conditions We will travel to any destination in the mainland UK (or beyond such as channel islands, Ireland etc subject to ferry transportation being paid by the winner). For full terms and conditions go to www.yourhorse.co.uk. Closing date 19 April 2012
Care
Out for the
cou nt
As more of us move away from the blanket use of chemical wormers in favour of a targeted regime, we explore whether worm egg counts really do add up Words Helen Milbank Photography Matthew Roberts
meet our guine Gerry t a pig he cob is
typical horse worme s in the UK. R of many outinely d since birt just sta rted th h, his owner e worm has (WEC) eg discove method. Rea g count d over to r the re sults – a whethe nd find rW forwar ECs are the w out d for yo a ur hors y e
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Make horse sharing work for you
you r hor se
Share and share alike If you’re feeling the pinch or wish there were more hours in the day so you could also have a life away from the yard, sharing your horse could be the ideal solution. We bring you the must-have facts on sharing and a personal view on the benefits from YH writer Katy Islip
W
Words Katy Islip Photography Matthew Roberts
henever I go home to Yorkshire, alongside my teddy bear and toothbrush I always pack my riding kit, as I’m in the privileged position of being second mum to Mac, a 16hh pocket rocket who I absolutely adore. Mac belongs to my school friend Vicki Wallace, and I’ve ridden him since 2004, when Vicki spent six months in Canada. During this time I treated Mac as my own, riding after work and each weekend, and although Vicki’s return coincided with me getting a job down south, thanks to her
generosity, whenever I go home I’m able to pick up the reins again, hacking out and spending precious downtime with Mac. Although my situation is more unusual than most, horse sharing – allowing someone else to ride your horse in return for help with or a financial contribution towards his care - is increasingly popular. It allows owners to enjoy a break, and gives those without their own horse a regular equine fix outside the confines of a riding school. Read on to find out how it could work for you.
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Gear guide 2012 64
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to a ll the latest products
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NEXT MONTH IN Your Horse Prepare to take the summer by storm!
• Take your horse on holiday • Enjoy a sneak peek into the life of a male rider starting out in dressage • Read our up-close-andpersonal interview with carriage driver extraordinaire – Boyd Exell • If your horse rushes, pulls or bolts, discover the best way to develop better brakes and take back control • Soak up our 25 top tips for perfect summer hacking • If your horse has had an accident or been massively spooked, help him to overcome his deep-rooted fears • Show jumping trainer Barrett Watson helps one rider stop her horse clattering through fences
! t r a p the k oo L
sprucing up our Sunday best and yers’ Guide to off ng sti du ’re we ar shirts, our Bu At this time of ye er you’ve Big Test on competition our gear, so read our plus see what’s worth your money (wheth g gear to Blowout on showin tack cleaning products ain rg Ba ’s th on m is th got a little or a lot) in
PLUS Read o
ur step-bystep guid es to openi ng gates while m ounted, sewing plaits – and mor e