SPENCER WILTON
I’ve been waiting for The One S
Words Imogen Johnson Photography Matt Roberts
pencer Wilton’s no stranger to media hype. The former other half of dressage superstar Carl Hester, Spencer was dubbed by the press as Katie Price’s ‘mystery man’ and blamed for her subsequent spilt with Peter Andre. But those close to him know he’s not interested in drama. He’s all about his horses. They come first every time – and what a line up he’s got. In just one year Spencer has gone from having no top horses to three, so it’s no surprise he’s just a tad excited about 2011.
14 you r
hor se
Keen to get to know the dressage rider behind the headlines, we’re off to the new yard Spencer’s set up with his partner, event rider Jay Halim, in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. And as we head down the drive it’s easy to understand why they chose this spot. The surrounding countryside’s breathtaking and, as we head into the American barnstyle stables, Spencer already has the kettle on. As we’re introduced to Jay, the team and the horses, we get straight to business, chatting about his plans for this season…
Turn over for Spencer’s answers to your questions
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
15
Riding
10
ver e t s e b rcises exe
26 you r
hor se
Take your training to the next level
Ten top trainers reveal their golden exercises, which you can work into your schooling routine to transform every aspect of your horse’s way of going Words Rebecca Gibson
It can be all too easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to schooling, especially once you’ve got all the basics in place, which is why we’ve persuaded 10 of the country’s top riders and trainers to reveal their key exercises. These exercises will
transform the horse who has the fundamentals into an all-round star performer. So whether you’re a dressage diva, show jumping starlet or are crazy for crosscountry, you’ll find all you need to set you on the road to success.
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
27
Riding Training for temperament
Get the best from your horse Whether he’s clever, fizzy or lazy, understanding your horse’s temperament is vital if you’re going to build a trusting partnership – here specialist trainer Melanie Watson suggests simple but effective ways to train your horse Meet Melanie
Melanie runs Instinctive Horsemanship in East Yorkshire. She was trained at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna then moved to the UK to expand her knowledge of different equestrian disciplines before starting her own training business in 1985. Working across the UK, she specialises in
54 you r
hor se
training problem horses, breaking young horses and retraining racehorses, as well as giving personal training lessons. To get in touch with Melanie, learn more about her events and training, or find out about her upcoming TV series, visit www.instinctivehorsetraining.co.uk
The clever horse
Clever horses who are keen to learn are probably the hardest to teach. They can be stubborn and might swing from being distracted one minute (if lacking stimulation) to looking for things to shy at the next. For this reason people might mistake their intelligence for naughtiness but, the truth is, they’re just thinking one step ahead of their rider. If you’re lucky enough to have a clever horse the key is to keep him motivated
Top t ip
Collate exercis issues o es from fY them in our Horse an d ke ac use as in ompact bind ep er to s p iration schooli for you ng sess io n you’ll n s. That r ever r way, wonde ide aimlessly , ring wh do nex at to t
Get him thinking
Warming up a clever horse should be done on a long, loose rein. Ride big shapes and keep him moving forward. When you begin, spend lots of time picking up the reins and lengthening them again. If, for example, you want to lift him up in canter but he has other ideas, give him plenty of rein, ride a half circle, then pick up the reins and ask again. Also ask him to lengthen his stride on a long rein.
Mix it up
Exercises that interfere with your horse’s way of thinking are the best
Dressage star Carl Hester is no stranger to clever, sharp horses – here are his top tips to keep their training on track
ones to keep him interested. If, for example, you want to work on your leg-yield but he simply won’t do it, change the game plan and ride a more difficult exercise, such as half-pass. After a few attempts (and don’t worry if your half-pass isn’t the best), switch back to leg-yield, which he’ll probably take as light relief.
Think outside the box Providing that you’ve done a sensible warm-up, keep your schooling sessions short – spend 10 minutes warming up and no more than 20 minutes on your session. Ride lots of
Sharp horses should be turned out as much as possible. People have to understand that with a sharp horse you’re always going to be fighting his enthusiasm, so the more time he can spend turned out the better – I find that overnight seems to be the best bet because your horse comes in ready to be ridden in the morning.
different exercises and give your horse regular breaks on a long rein – if you don’t he’ll spend the entire session anticipating the end. Getting clever horses used to breaks is also important for competition success. If, for example, you want to ride two dressage tests at a competition rather than one he’ll be used to having breaks and won’t shut down between tests. Keep your warm-up at competitions simple and interesting – if he’s clever you’ve got the best horse there, and you want him going into his class feeling keen and energised.
Difficulties occur when human nature takes hold, making us want to ride sharp horses with the brake always on. People tend to use too much rein and no leg because they’re afraid, and that’s something you should avoid. When you warm up, quickly get going in trot and ride lots of shoulder-in. Put your leg on and direct the movement.
Because sharp horses are always mentally fired up they’ll often be physically tired before their mind gives in. It can be tempting to ride for a long time on a horse like this but then you can risk injury if he has physically done more than enough. Keep your sessions short or consider riding him for short periods, twice a day.
www.you r hor se .c o.u k
55
Care
88 you r
hor se
For more training advice go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
PRACTICALHORSEMANSHIP
Bridling battles Make tacking up easy with the help of practical horseman Richard Maxwell Words Rebecca Gibson
H
to accept a bridle for a number of orses who are difficult to years, it’s possible to change his bridle are common, yet the attitude more or less instantly severity of the problem can – if you employ the right tactics. vary hugely. Some horses require For Max it doesn’t matter what a few minutes of faffing about, the horse’s reason while other, more is for resisting determined cases being tacked up. may need the Whether you’re bridle to be put dealing with a together around youngster who’s their head every completely new to time it’s put on. the experience or It baffles practical Having worked with the Household working with an horseman Max Cavalry and then later with Monty experienced that owners will Roberts, Max has experienced both schoolmaster spend months conventional and natural methods of training. Although he’s never who’s decided or even years consciously tried to merge the two, bridling is to be pandering to a over the years he’s found himself avoided after problem like this taking the best of both methods having his teeth rather than to develop his own style of knocked, the tackling it. horsemanship, which he says is best process of solving According to Max, described as practical horsemanship. the problem is even if your horse At the crux of all of Max’s training is developing a willing partnership. exactly the same. has been refusing
TRAINER PROFILE
Richard Maxwell aka Max
For more information visit www.richard-maxwell.com or call 07764 404723
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
89
Equestrian entrepreneurs Andrea Oakes meets six horse lovers who’ve turned their hobby into a thriving business
The equestrian videographer
I’m used to filming in torrential rain under an inside-out umbrella Fiona Price founded Horse Hero
– www.horsehero.com – an equestrian video website and celebrity blogging community described by the Sunday Times as ‘paradise for horse lovers’. A former financial expert and MD of Horse & Country TV, she lives in Somerset and has two horses – Norris, an intermediate eventer, and Buddy Holly, a young Hanoverian gelding destined for dressage.
The story so far
I’d always completely segregated my career and my hobby and often felt guilty about spending too much time with the horses. I’d previously set up and run a large financial services business, but it was when I was invited to be MD of Horse & Country TV that I recognised the time had come to pursue a career in the equestrian sector. Media was where I’d wanted to be for a long time, having done a lot of TV and radio in the financial industry. Finally it seemed possible to combine my business knowledge with my lifelong passion for horses. I wanted to create an equestrian community with personality, a site that was interactive and compulsive, and presented information in a way you couldn’t with a book or a masterclass. Horse Hero was 18 months in the making from the early concept to our launch in June 2008. It cost a large sum to develop – money I had to raise alongside sorting out legal aspects, finding a company to build the site, engaging bloggers and filming enough video content for launch. Having a website as an adjunct to your business is a million miles from having one as your business. It didn’t help that I’m a technophobe and knew nothing about the web when I started – in fact, if I’d known of the challenges, I’d have run a mile! When we launched, it wasn’t commonplace to see good quality video online. Filming was new to me, too, but
relatively straightforward compared to finding solutions to technical problems and making what we film work for the web. Like most new businesses, Horse Hero has taken a couple of years to break even. We’re now just moving into profit but we’ve had to be clever with our marketing to keep costs down. We started by putting several thousand flyers under lorry windscreen wipers at equestrian events, as well as promoting the site through Twitter and Facebook, and engaging with other equestrian websites and organisations.
Where I am now With around 80,000 regular
visitors and 225,000 page views per month, Horse Hero has the makings of a global business. I manage all aspects of it, from mundane things like accounts to working with a developer to constantly improve the site. I add new content many times a day, commission, edit, moderate, talk to advertisers, arrange competitions, find new bloggers and organise filming. I have one full-time staff member and part-time marketing help. Blurring the work/leisure boundary wouldn’t suit everyone but for me it’s a good thing. I live, eat and sleep my work. Every day I’m learning – in terms of horsemanship, it’s really opened my eyes to what’s out there.
Biggest challenge I’ve spent my fair share of time
filming in torrential rain under an inside-out umbrella, but it’s not just the weather that can complicate the job. We arrived at one venue to discover that half of the arena had just been excavated, while another was a short distance from a railway line, with InterCity trains passing at five-minute intervals!
Greatest achievement People love Horse
Hero – I’ve created something that I also love myself and find personally addictive.
Top start-up tip Go into business with your eyes
wide open. You need to get the right advice, so ideally find a mentor – preferably in your own line of business – if you’re setting up for the first time.
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
75
Care
LATESTRESEARCH
A weighty problem? As new research sheds light on a disturbing link between obesity and life-threatening conditions such as laminitis, it’s time to take the size of our horses’ waistlines seriously
Words Catherine Hale
I
f your horse is a cuddly good-doer who lives life on the plump side, new research suggests his waistline needs to shrink – and fast. It has shown that many health problems, including metabolic laminitis, are directly linked to obesity, and as our horses get progressively fatter due to modern day living, nutritionists are describing the ‘fat’ epidemic as a serious welfare issue. To explain why being overweight is such a danger – and how we can halt our horses’ ever-growing waistlines – we’ve got advice from equine nutrition expert Catherine Hale, who is product and nutrition manager for feed manufacturer Allen & Page. So read on to ensure your horse tips the scales in favour of a long and healthy life.
100 you r
hor se
Your quick guide to metabolic laminitis Cause
Although it’s widely recognised that laminitis can have a dietary cause, evidence is pointing to a new metabolic cause – the result, primarily, of the inability of insulin to work correctly in the horse’s body
Symptoms
As with all cases of laminitis, this acute disease is characterised by chronic pain and lameness in the affected feet, as the sensitive laminae in the hooves become inflamed
Prevention
As metabolic laminitis is linked to obesity it can be largely prevented with long-term weight control
Treatment
Laminitis, whatever its cause, is a veterinary emergency, so call your vet for advice at the first signs and keep your horse comfortable until he arrives
Research has shown that many health problems, including laminitis, are linked to obesity
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
101
OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN
London calling
With London 2012 on the horizon we asked three Olympians to compare their glory days with what’s happening in the sport today. Better? Worse? No different? You’re about to find out… Words Helen Milbank
GET READY FOR THE OLYMPICS
As the London 2012 Olympics approach, Your Horse will be bringing you an exclusive insight into the UK’s biggest equestrian sporting event. From the backstage teams helping to create winning feeding regimes for the Team GBR horses, to interviews with the celebrity riders who are hoping against hope to make it onto the British teams, we’ll be bringing you all the news and views from the people who really matter.
106 you r
hor se
Photo Topham Picturepoint
judges after winning the British Fifty years have passed since show Show Jumping Derby in 1971? Or jumping legend David Broome first how about Skelton leaping into the earned an Olympic medal, and record books when, on wonder with just a year to go before the horse Lastic, he jumped an Olympics arrive in London, amazing 7ft 75⁄16in (2.32m) the 70-year-old has some timely opinions about at Olympia in 1978? Did you ? why his sport has fallen These were the things rvey kisnow trip Ha his that enthused the s out of favour with the to n ver c io The de is winnings o ed general public and TV. general watching public h rs mith of 1971 was reve g S in “We’ve forgotten it’s and kept the TV in k c n a ig b -s c li V ge pub ch was u h id audiences tuned in. about entertainment,” u am rider – s peal for the p But the TV crews have he reveals. The problem, a rt’s the spo more or less deserted the David believes, stems from two key factors – a lack equine world in recent years of characters in the modern – and so has its place in the British sport, and course builders public’s heart. who create courses that are Back in 1960, David won the BBC too complicated and offer Sports Personality of the Year. How a pathetic variety of jumps. many people, other than hardcore For those Your Horse readers horse lovers, could even name a who grew up on a steady diet of likely contender for any of our televised equestrian events and equestrian Olympic teams, let were inspired by the likes of show alone vote for one to be crowned jumpers Broome, Nick Skelton and the greatest personality in British Harvey Smith, it’s hard to argue sport? Not many, other than Zara with these views. Who can forget Phillips who won in 2006. But may the volatile Yorkshireman, Smith, be being the Queen’s granddaughter flicking his infamous V-sign at the helped put her in the public eye.
David Broome rides Sunsalve to bronze medal-winning glory at the 1960 Olympics in Rome
www.you r hor se .c o.u k
107
Gear
BigTest
Trimmers This month we’ve put eight sets of trimmers to the test and recommend the best ones to help you keep your horse looking neat and tidy all year round
118 you r
hor se
For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk Horse trimmers are not to be confused with heavy-duty clippers, which are designed to cope with clipping dense coats. Trimmers are much smaller and are used for tidying up after clipping, or trimming those areas that are difficult to do with larger clippers, such as under the jaw, around the ears, head, and for trimming lower legs around the fetlock area. If you’re uncertain what type of trimmers to buy, ask for some advice, you don’t want to waste your money on something that isn’t going to do the job you want. For our test I used the trimmers on my two horses. Jester is an ID x TB who has quite a thick winter coat, with a fair amount of feathering on his lower legs and is particularly hairy under his jaw! Wish is a Hanoverian – she’s altogether more refined than Jester when it comes to her winter
coat, which is much finer with very little feathering on her lower legs and hardly any facial hair. She only needs a little tidying up from time to time. Each set of trimmers were used on both horses for trimming and tidying around the head and legs. I used the following criteria to assess the trimmers: Design I considered the design and shape of the trimmers and how easy they were to hold and use Performance How well did the trimmers did the job – did they struggle with thicker hair? And how long did the battery last? Value for money Finally I looked at the cost of each set of trimmers – most came with additional items including extra blades and oil. As a package, did they represent value for money? Would I recommend these trimmers for you to buy? Alison Lowther gear editor
What to look for Shape
If you can look at several pairs of trimmers before you buy, try holding a few different shapes so you can choose the one that suits your hand shape best – you need to feel confident holding and using the trimmers
Weight
Again this is worth considering – lightest isn’t always best. You need to know you have hold of the trimmers securely and can manoeuvre them easily – you don’t want to drop them
Additional items
g tips Trimm,in especially if you’re
Take your time . trimming around your horse’s head used get to ents mom few a him Give re to the sound of the trimmers befo re you start . Untie your horse if you’ in just , head his nd arou g trimmin case he panics. Wear a set of overalls to keep you cleaner
Most trimmers will come in a storage box with oil for the blades and a brush for easy cleaning. Take care of your trimmers and they’ll last you for years
Varying trimming lengths
Some have an adjustment on the trimmers so you can alter the length of hair they trim off. Others will come with combs that you snap onto the blades to alter the cutting length
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
119
Competition
£400 PL tail US
Win training &
of fee d to be wo n
o trainred ing
topspec feed Your Horse magazine has teamed up with TopSpec to offer two lucky readers tailored training and a fantastic range of feed! British Eventing accredited trainer Andrew Heffernan has an excellent reputation as a rider, trainer and producer of event horses, and will work with the winners to suit their individual needs, including flatwork, show jumping and cross-country training.
They will also receive TopSpec feed to the value of £400 each, and a consultation with a TopSpec nutritionist to develop a feeding plan for their horse or pony. TopSpec produces high-quality feed balancers, supplements, blends and chops, in fact everything you need to feed and supplement your horse. The company is owned and run by experienced equine nutritionists who provide advice at every level within the equine industry.
Based at Somerford Park Farm in Cheshire, Andrew Heffernan offers training on all-weather surfaces and a superb 80-acre cross-country course with fences from 2ft 6in up to Advanced height, which includes all the obstacles you’re likely to meet at a competition
The TopSpec range includes TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer A palatable, pelleted product formulated without cereal grains, designed to promote muscle development and function with the added benefit of improved feed efficiency TopSpec CoolCondition Cubes A blend formulated without cereal grains, providing a good level of calories for performance and/or condition
TopSpec Calmer A powdered, apple-flavoured additive for horses with anxious temperaments, producing a wonderfully laid-back approach to life in responsive horses TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support An apple-flavoured top specification additive that provides a nutritional support system for joints TopSpec TopChops Unmolassed and additive free, flavoured with real mint
For more information call 01845 565030, or visit www.topspec.com
To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk and answer this question What is TopSpec TopChops flavoured with? a) Mint b) Liquorice c) Apple
Closing date is 9 February 2011 Terms & conditions: The winners will be required to cover their own travel expenses. For full terms & conditions go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
Offers
Gear
Your
HORSE
Exclusive money-saving deals Everyone likes to save money, especially horse owners, as our much-loved steeds aren’t the cheapest of partners to have! Here at Your Horse we’re on a quest to help our loyal readers save a few pounds where they can so we’ve worked our socks off this month to bring you these fantastic money-saving offers. Enjoy! Julie Brown editor Terms and conditions • All offers available only while stocks last • Only original vouchers acceptable – no photocopies allowed • Unless stated, offers limited to one item or discount per voucher • Please refer to individual vouchers for specific terms and conditions
FURTHER10% off at the Swish sale
Valid until 01/03/2011 Swish Equestrian is giving Your Horse readers a further 10% off its online sale prices. The Swish Waterproof Exercise Sheet is a great example of the savings you can expect. The retail price of this fully waterproof, breathable exercise sheet with thick fleece lining was £49.99 but, with sale prices and an additional 10% off, you can get it for just £23.39! To claim your discount simply enter the discount code YH10 at the checkout on www.swish-equestrian.co.uk For more info, visit the website or call 01904 704264
FREE Sheepskin wash
Save £10
Valid until 04/03/2011 Buy a saddlecloth, numnah or half pad from the KM Elite distinction range and you’ll receive a free bottle of Woolskin sheepskin wash worth £13.99. The sheepskin wash is perfect for all wool products, keeping the soft texture and retaining the lustre of sheepskin gear. To order visit www. kmeliteproducts.co.uk or call 01403 759659
Valid until 01/03/2011 EMA (Equine Massage Academy) founded by Angela Hall is holding these practical and excellent one day workshops designed for all owners who want to provide the best care for their horses and discover a new equestrian skill at the same time. By the end of the day you’ll be able to undertake a full equine massage on your horse. This fun and intensive course is normally £95. Angela is offering Your Horse readers £10 off the price. For further information visit www.massage-for-horses. co.uk. To claim your discount, quote Your Horse when booking online at www.massage-for-horses.co.uk or call 07852 957407
worth £13.99
136 you r
hor se
on a massage course
r e d a e r r a e D
involved t e g n a c zine. ways YOrU a e g a in n m e e r it a Here ith your favou be shy 't w n o d , n o Come a line ome 1 Drops,uobsservations - they're all welc ge ories, whin st y n n fu s, urite ridtcheour snapper o v a f Opinion r u o y out 'll dispa 2 Tell uesreaspbecial? Let us know and we h se Clinrsicwaiting r ck somew o H r u o Do you ha Y traine t in a 3 Takeepcifaicrriding issue sorted we have a sp to help If you need and willing n te Lesso a iv r ur season? P a o e sf v 4 Ha lebrity training will tran rm yo f ce h minutes o Get in touc Reckon 60 ionships p m a h C e r Dressmaagy already be on the list u o o t in k c 5 Get sytouu compete then your namokeon p140 If - take a lo estionrts ready to solve it u q a s u k s 6 A we have equine expe ndrum riencesh horses your conu e p x e r Whatever u o out y r life wit 7 Tell utasleasbon anything to do with you al life e forumorse.co.uk/forum n li We need re n o r u o 8 Chat oernYH readers go to www.yourh to oth ou buyddle? t to natter y it k e h If you wan t t w sa ou 9 Write aiabnt boots or a sumptuous ne me brill ur views Bought so Give us yo
re ent really a ate the m e lv o v in s cre and ns, stories ch today and help u ossible io in p o r u u o Y get in to taining magazine p o S . s u to t importan formative and enter most in
Email your questions, requests & opinions to
getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk Alternatively, write to us at: Your Horse, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA