Your Horse 347 MAY 2011
Improve your riding skills today with our
UK’S
o.1 N EQUINE
47-page expert section
MONTHLY MAG
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
How to be a
WINNER this weekend
✓Warm up to win ✓Focus his mind ✓Feed for success ✓Think positive ✓Get him fit
The judge doesn’t like me!
It’s time to quit the excuses and learn from your mistakes Is it catching?
Don’t panic! How the UK is ready to fight exotic diseases May 2011
Spook proof your horse
u can What yoo m the learn fr evil dare-d ers stunt rid
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e rs u co g in in a tr r u o h it w e e r f r Learn fo learn-at-home 6 modules T RAI N I
• new training academy • competition advice • spook-proof your horse • exotic equine diseases • summer gloves on test
29-page Competition special
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PLUS Buyers’ Guide to browbands • Summer gloves on test
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Riding
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Your Horse
Training Academy Train with the experts for free
Welcome to our exciting new Your Horse Training Academy. Over
the next six months we’ll give you all the essential advice and expert help you need to become a better, more effective rider, whether you’re in it for the rosettes or simply to improve your technique. And the best bit? It’s all free. That’s free advice from some of the world’s top riders, free access to exclusive training videos online, free celebrity web chats, free homework suggestions to help you improve between modules, and free access to our Training Academy chief instructors – Olympic dressage star Richard Davison and his show jumper and trainer son, Tom. It’s so easy to get involved and you’ll learn everything you need to know to ride with confidence and get the most out of every second in the saddle. Good luck – and welcome to the Academy!
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Sign up now – it’s free! Turn to page 38 for full details ➤ Module 1
Develop the ideal position for flatwork, show jumping and cross-country
Turn to page 29
Module 4
Pole work exercises to improve your horse’s way of going, plus achieve the perfect approach and landing, both for crosscountry and show jumping
Issue on sale July 14
Module 2
How to ride with a contact, achieve forwardness, and develop engagement, plus perfect your jumping canter
Issue on sale May 19
Module 3
Ride the perfect circle, square, serpentine, diamond, shallow loop and centre line
Issue on sale June 16
Module 5
How to tackle lateral work, from the essential basics to more advanced moves
Issue on sale August 11
Module 6
Improve your dressage score and jump clear
Issue on sale Sept 8
Meet your expert trainers Richard Davison
has competed at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, European Championships and World Cup Finals – and the world-class rider and trainer is proud to be the Your Horse Training Academy’s chief instructor. “I’m pleased to be involved in this exciting new training concept and helping readers develop,” he says.
I think this is a fantastic way to help Your Horse readers develop their riding skills. I’m delighted to take part
Tom Davison
Richard’s talented son, Tom, is fast becoming a leading name as a rider and trainer. He trains all levels of rider in every discipline. “Developing the correct position over fences is key to a clear round,” he says.
The correct position is key to a clear round
➤
Turn the page to discover more about Module 1, as Richard and Tom explain how you can develop the ideal position for flatwork, show jumping and cross-country
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Riding
4 exercises to
improve your horse’s focus Dressage rider Matthew Cox talks us through four simple steps to help keep your horse focused
Improving your horse’s focus is incredibly important, particularly during a dressage test. You need him to be focused on the task in hand and listening attentively to your aids. A focused horse is also less likely to spook at things outside the arena as he’ll be more concentrated on what you’re asking of him in the arena. Whatever your discipline, having your horse switched on to your aids and focused on what he’s doing, be it dressage, jumping or hacking out, is paramount. Here Matt shares four different exercises with us which will help gain and maintain your horse’s focus, and ensure that he’s listening to what you’re asking of him.
Meet Matthew
Top dressage rider Matthew Cox has been riding since he was eight years old and has trained his horses from Novice to Grand Prix level. He has trained with Spencer Wilton and ridden in lecture demonstrations for Carl Hester. Matt has trained all types of horses from riding club cobs to dressage Warmbloods. He has trained in a variety of disciplines from dressage to show jumping and eventing. He tells us: “I train all of my horses with the same goal in mind – success!” Matt had a very successful season with his horse Aston last year and is expecting more to come this season.
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Riding
Set yourself up for
success
The warm-up area can be an intimidating, bustling place, but if you can learn to stay focused despite the chaos you’ll significantly boost your chances of winning before you’ve even left the collecting ring
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s any top rider will tell you, great performances aren’t down to luck, they’re down to preparation – and, in particular, the moments before you compete are crucial. The foundations for a successful performance are laid in the warm-up area. It’s here that you set the scene for what’s to come. A well thought out routine will speak to your individual horse and his quirks, make him supple, attentive to your aids and focused, and will settle his nerves and leave him brimming with confidence. To help you develop a routine that will leave your horse willing and able to compete at his best we followed Your Horse writer Rebecca Gibson and her Arab Egis (pictured below) as they put the theories to the test – and we promise the results weren’t rigged!
Meet our expert
Danielle Jackson
Danielle is an event rider who has ridden her own horse Rookie to Advanced level. She’s also a member of the British Universities and Colleges Sport Team and recently represented Great Britain in the World Universities Championships in South Korea. With the highest British score, Danielle was crucial in securing team silver. The Championships see riders compete on borrowed horses, so being able to get the best out of any horse is crucial.
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Conrad schumacher
I’m an addict and training is my fix C
Words Rebecca Gibson Photography Matthew Roberts
onrad Schumacher could be anywhere in the world but as long as he’s in the middle of an arena surrounded by horses, he’ll be at home. As pupil after pupil file in and out, the intensity on his face never falters. He watches every horse and rider combination like it might be his final chance to make a mark on the world of dressage. Intimidating at first, his strict principles and straight talking ways belie the subtle compromises that make him such an exceptional trainer. German born and bred, his principles are deeply rooted in the classical scales of training coined by the German Calvary in the 1900s. Conrad makes no apologies for the fact that he believes this way is best, but he also firmly believes that every horse and rider combination have to be trained as individuals and this is where his famed working patterns come into play. Undoubtedly one of the most successful trainers of all time, Conrad has been a hugely influential force in securing the successes of the German dressage team, and played a huge part in transforming the fortunes of the Dutch, USA and British dressage teams. The son of a German cavalry captain,
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Conrad grew up on a farm in Frankfurt, Germany. He had a go at jumping, hunting and driving as well as dressage before being drafted into the army to fight in the Cold War. After the war Conrad went to work for a friend of his father’s, who just happened to be Germany’s most successful dressage rider, Josef Neckermann. Conrad went on to compete internationally, but riding wasn’t paying the bills so, aged just 32, he gave up his career as a rider and set about establishing himself as a trainer. Now, aged 70, Conrad is still enthralled by training and has no intention of slowing down. “I’m an addict and training is my fix,” he jokes. “My wife says I must love horses more than my family.” We caught up with Conrad in the middle of a four-day training clinic at his close friend and long-term pupil Emile Faurie’s Cotswold yard.
Turn over for Conrad’s answers to your questions
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Mind games
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LEARN TO
Think like a
WINNER
We put four psychological strategies used by Team GBR to the test to discover just how easy it is to boost performance simply by changing your mindset
Y
Words Rebecca Gibson Photography Matthew Roberts
our palms are clammy, your heart is starting to pound and you can’t remember your test. It’s only a local show but you may as well be waiting for your number to be called at the Olympics. Pre-show nerves don’t care whether you’re a professional, international rider who’s representing your country, or just out for the experience – they take just as paralysing a grip on both. The difference, however, is the pros have practised coping strategies to help them push through
this moment of dread when competing. So we asked four Rutland Riding Club members competing at one of the club’s first pure dressage and combined training events of the season to each try a different psychological strategy used by the professionals competing at the very top of the sport. We then quizzed them and analysed their results to see what effect the strategies had on their performance. Read on to find out how you could improve your results through simple brain training.
Meet our experts
Charlie is a sports psychology coach specialising in equestrianism. A former elite athlete and officer in the Royal Horse Artillery, Charlie combines his passions for psychology and sport to help riders manage the mental demands of competition. Charlie worked closely with British Olympic event team rider Sharon Hunt last year, helping her return to winning form. After a disappointing 2009, Sharon secured her first four star victory at Luhmühlen 2010 with Charlie’s help.
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Debbie Percy
Debbie Percy is trained in neuro-linguistic programming, Psych-K, metaphysics and Mindfulness for Coaches. She works with riders at all levels to provide them with practical tips that will help them get better results straight away. Her clients include three times Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy. She’s constantly using her diverse training to develop new tools and techniques to improve her own competition results and share them with others.
Photo Kit Houghton
Charlie Unwin
Oliver Townend celebrates winning Burghley Horse Trials in 2009
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Riding
It’s
show time! Have the confidence of g a pro in every showin class with our experts’ top 10 trade secrets
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Remember the five Ps – Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance
You wouldn’t let your child play in the garden in the paddling pool by himself and then suddenly throw him in the deep end of a swimming pool, and it’s the same with your horse. If you keep him in a nice safe environment at home, riding round an isolated arena, you can’t then suddenly pitch up in a busy show environment and wonder why he feels unsettled and insecure. Instead you need to practise the different elements of a showing class, so start by getting your horse used to riding in a confined area with lots of other horses. Join a group lesson at a local riding school, go on a sponsored ride or do a small key dressage competition. Riding club training days are an excellent confidence builder as you have to travel your horse there and ride in a busy atmosphere – plus you get excellent instruction.
Prac tise riding in company so your horse isn’t fazed by a busy show environment
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MEET The expert
Lucy Killingbeck
is a showing rider, show horse producer and judge, who competes and judges at international level
2
Do your homework and learn from the pros
Whatever class you’re aiming for, do your homework and find out what you’ll be asked to do in the ring. Search the internet, ask people in the know, and go to shows on foot. A day at a county show watching top showing riders will give you an insight into what’s involved, even if you don’t aspire to ride at that level. Get to know the quirks of your class – eg, hacks don’t gallop but have to do a show – and choose the most appropriate one. You’d be amazed how many riders don’t put their horses in the right class.
Do your homework and choose your class with care
3
Make sure your horse enters the ring fully prepared to give his best
The biggest problem I come across is that people don’t give their horses enough work both the day before a show, so they’re too fresh, and during the warm up at a competition. When you think about it, your horse is only being asked to work for 10-15 minutes in the show ring – he’ll walk, trot, canter, change the rein and perhaps gallop – that’s all. If you school your horse at home you’d expect the best quality work to come in the last 15 minutes or so. With this in mind, make sure you do enough work before you enter the class so he’s at his best during those vital few minutes in front of the judges. Above all, allow plenty of time on show day to judge how much work your horse needs before his class. Better to have time to grab a coffee than waste your money entering the ring on a horse who’s not ready.
Allow plenty of time to warm up and work through any freshness
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Make it as easy as possible for the judge to ride
If you’re in a class where the judge is going to be riding your horse, make sure your stirrup leathers have enough holes to accommodate their leg length and that your stirrup irons are big enough for their boots.
If your class calls for the judge to ride, make things easy for them
4
95% of showing classes are held on grass – so train on grass at home
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ER
Stunt riding
Spook proof your horse What we can learn from the dare-devil stunt riders
Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts
While the vast majority of us won’t harbour an ambition to jump through fire or pick something up off the in floor while hanging Stintgale! upside down at a e hile Camilla th full-pelt gallop, we w t Once, he stun a could all learn from p ming t perfor re, picking u , he ow d h some of the training techniques e s r a u t t pic or a the flo ing used by the bold and gutsy riders of hat off as a bee hid w g e r n e u h t t s the Devil’s Horsemen stunt team. hich in it, w r! he We spent the day with Camilla Naprous (pictured) and her fellow Devil’s Horsemen teammates to learn how they train their horses to perform extreme stunts – and how these training techniques can translate to the everyday rider. So discover how to spookproof your horse the alternative way, and build both your and your horse’s confidence.
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We can all learn from the bold and gutsy riders of the Devil’s Horsemen stunt team
o See the vide se.
ourhor Go to w w w.y ing to rid nt u st co.uk/ la and watch Camil tion ac in g n the ga
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Care
Field tactics
If you’re planning an al fresco lifestyle for your horse this summer, here’s how to tailor his feeding regime so he’s fit and raring to go Words Larissa Chapman
K
eeping your horse out at grass is as close to providing a natural environment and diet for him as possible. It will give him the opportunity to graze all day and satisfy his need for a steady trickle of forage. However, grass alone won’t provide all of the essential nutrients he needs, particularly if he’s going to be working hard as the competition season begins. It may be necessary to top up his diet with hard feed, a supplement, mineral lick or extra forage. Here to help you identify what your horse needs are feed experts Isla Boxall-Loomes, nutritional co-ordinator at Dodson & Horrell and Liz Bulbrook, Baileys Horse Feeds’ nutritionist.
Weight gain warning
It’s important to keep an eye on your grass-kept good doer, particularly when the grass is at its richest. Consider using grazing muzzles to stop him over indulging or perhaps try strip grazing so that he can’t gorge on too much grass. With the laminitis season upon us it’s crucial that we keep an eye on those prone to weight gain. Unmolassed chaff such as Badminton Horse Feeds Alfalfa Light and using water or the more palatable unmolassed sugar beet water to dampen feeds all helps to keep sugar levels down. Exercise is also crucial to keep pweight in check. See issue 346 for our feature on weight control – contact 0845 601
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If he’s a good doer
“Grass is a good source of calories, especially during the summer months, and research has shown that some horses are capable of eating 5% of their bodyweight in grass every day – twice the amount they need to stay healthy,” says Isla Boxall-Loomes. “However, despite the calories, grass alone won’t provide all of the vitamins and minerals your horse needs to stay healthy, so you need to provide him with a well-balanced diet.” If your horse is a good doer, it’s important to balance his grazing-led diet with a low calorie product. “High specification mineral licks that can be placed in the field, or feed balancers that are concentrated and so designed to be fed in small quantities, can be a good tool in the fight against weight gain,” says Isla. “High fibre nuts are also useful and are great for the good doer who just needs a little bit more than grass alone.” Liz Bulbrook adds: “Even if your horse does well weight-wise on grass alone, and the grass he’s on is in good condition, we do recommend you give a low calorie ration balancer to provide him with the extra essential vitamins, minerals and proteins that he needs.”
Competition rules
When preparing your grass-kept horse for a competition, Isla says it’s all about feeding for fitness. “It depends on your horse’s discipline but, for example, an eventer or endurance horse should be on feeds that are low in starch and release energy slowly for stamina, plus oils and fibres to complement this,” she says. For extra stamina, Liz recommends Baileys Outshine Oil, which contains soya and linseed oils. “These oils will improve your horse’s coat condition and also provide him with a bit more stamina,” she explains. A dressage horse would also fit into the above category, however, for a show jumper or polo horse it’s essentially the other way round – they need instant bursts of energy so cereals should do the trick. “If your horse needs a burst of energy then oat-based competition mixes are the most effective,” says Liz. “Baileys No.9 All-Round Competition Mix is oat based,” she adds.
Slowly, slowly
“It’s important to remember that if you’re upping your horse’s feed it needs to be done gradually in order to ensure that his digestive system has time to change and adapt,” says Isla. “As a general rule, any changes should be done over a two-week period.”
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Care
VETADVICE
Under threat? With the threat of exotic equine diseases never far from our shores, should we be worried – and what’s being done to protect our horses? Vet Charlie Briggs of the Hale Veterinary Group in Wiltshire explains the latest research into disease control and the attempts being made to safeguard the UK’s equine population
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) also known as swamp fever
Hosts Horses, donkeys and mules Spread by Biting flies, infected blood products, and from mare to foal through the placenta
Outbreaks Worldwide (including the UK
in 2010) Signs Variable. In acute cases there’s fever, anaemia, skin swelling, a red rash on the inside of the lips or gums, and sudden death. In chronic cases there’s weakness and weight loss. However, it can be symptomless Treatment None specific for EIA, supportive therapy only, but horses are infected for life Vaccination None available outside China
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Worldwide, exotic equine diseases are a potential threat to UK horses - but comprehensive safeguar ds are in place, as explained here
Equator
African Horse Sickness (AHS)
Photograph Bob Langrish
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Hosts Horses, donkeys, mules and zebras Spread by Biting midges, but not directly from horse to horse
Outbreaks Sub-Saharan Africa Signs High fever, marked swelling of the
eyelids, face, neck and shoulders, laboured breathing, profuse frothy nasal discharge and heart failure. Death occurs in 90% of cases Treatment None Vaccination A live-attenuated, multivalent vaccine is available in Africa only
Amplifying host Birds Incidental hosts Many species, including
horses and man Spread by Biting mosquitoes, from bird to horse, but not horse to horse Outbreaks Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East, Asia and USA Signs Fever, 10% of infected horses have neurological signs including weakness and tremors (40-60% of the neurological cases will die) Treatment None specific for WNV, supportive therapy only Vaccination Yes – one licensed vaccine in Europe and several in the USA
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Gear
buyers’guide
Men’s clothing With an extensive range of men’s riding clothing available there’s no excuse why horsey men can’t look good at the yard or at competitions – take a look at what’s on offer
Casual clothing Perfect for wearing at the yard Shires Alberta Jacket £44.99 A lightweight waterproof, breathable blouson jacket with fleece lining to the body. Colours Navy, black or red Sizes XS to XXL Contact 01568 613600 or www.shiresequestrian.com
Mountain Horse Barnaby Fleece £44.50 Ariat Team Jacket £89.99 A waterproof and wind-resistant jacket with a lightweight polyfill quilted lining. Colours Black or navy Sizes S to XXL
Ariat Stable Polo £29.99 Made from an advanced fabric – moisture movement technology keeps you cool and dry, and the stretch pique blend provides maximum comfort and mobility. Colours Black, navy or white Sizes S to XXL
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Ariat Rydal Boots £255 Suede and leather boots with a single lace entry system up the side. These have Ariat’s exclusive ATS technology for stability and comfort, a Sympatex waterproof membrane and Primaloft insulation to keep your feet warm. Colour Chocolate Sizes 7 to 11, 12 Contact 0845 600 3209 or www.ariat-europe.com
A lightweight fleece with full-length zip and shaped sleeves for added comfort. Colours Red or navy Sizes XS to XXL
Mountain Horse Justin Breeches £79.50 A new addition to the men’s range, made from a heavyweight fabric, with plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable in and out of the saddle. There are two front pleats, two pockets at the front and two at the back. Colours Navy, white or beige Sizes 30in to 40in waist
Mountain Horse Anthony Polo £29.50 A classically styled unisex cotton pique polo shirt with chest embroidery and number detail on the back. Colours White or navy Sizes XS to XXL Contact 01462 432596 or www.mountainhorse.co.uk
For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
Mark Todd Canterbury Jacket £66.49 A practical, lightweight jacket, made from breathable, windproof and water-resistant softshell fabric. Fleece lined and with adjustable cuffs. Colours Black, navy or chocolate Sizes Unisex XS to XL
Mark Todd Kildare Fleece £20.95 A warm casual fleece top suitable for
wearing on or off the yard. Colours Navy, chocolate, khaki or black Sizes Unisex XS to XL
Mark Todd Riding Trousers £59.99 Designed for day-long comfort, these trousers offer a less formal look than breeches. They have a straight cut leg, a full seat and jean-style front and back pockets. Colours Navy or buff
Sizes 30in to 38in Ladies sizes also available
Mark Todd Tall Work Boots £118.49 Practical and robust casual boots with a full grain upper, Nubuck calf and canvas top with drawstring adjustment, and Sympatex technical waterproof lining. Colour Brown Sizes Unisex 39 to 45 Contact 01303 872277 or www.wefi.co.uk
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Gear
BigTest
Summer gloves
We put 14 pairs of gloves designed for summer wear to the test. Find out which ones will keep you cool and in control as the weather warms up
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For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk I rarely ride without gloves – years of having the message drilled into me that I must always ride wearing them means it now feels strange not to. When I’m looking for gloves it doesn’t matter what discipline I’m aiming for, or even simply for hacking, my priority is to have a good feel on the rein. During the summer I also prefer gloves that are breathable so they don’t stick to my skin after a good schooling session. There are now a growing number of lighter weight gloves designed specifically for summer riding. We put 14 pairs to the test over last summer to see if they lived up to the manufacturers’ claims.
Members of the Your Horse editorial team tested the gloves under the following criteria Fit/comfort Our testers commented on the overall fit of each pair of gloves and how comfortable they were to wear Performance Each pair of gloves was assessed on their performance. Did they provide a good feel and grip on the reins, and did they keep our testers’ hands cool during the warmer months? They also considered how well they washed and what condition they’re in now after a summer of use Value for money Finally, after considering their comments on fit and performance, our testers decide whether the gloves are good value for money and if they’d recommend you to buy them Allison Lowther gear editor
Material Palm
There are a number of different materials that are used on the palm, all designed to give better grip and feel on the reins. Try a few pairs on so you can get an idea of how much feel they’ll provide
Fastening
Velcro fastening around the wrist or on the back of the hand is a popular choice – it gives a good, secure feeling. Others simply slip on with elastic around the wrist. Which you prefer is a personal choice – try a few different styles on so you can find out which suits you best
What to look for
Go for a material that’s breathable – this will help to keep you comfortable when you’re riding in warmer weather. A material that has some stretch to it will add to the overall comfort and fit
Finger reinforcement
These make the gloves more durable where they’re prone to more wear – between the rein fingers. They also provide a little more protection from the reins rubbing you
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NEXT MONTH in Your Horse AC
training academy
Module Two Learn how to ride with a contact, achieve forwardness, develop engagement anad improve your jumping canter in the second of our Training Academy modules with star instructors Richard and Tom Davison
BEHAVIOUR SPECIAL • Expert advice to stop the spooks, bucks, rears and napping • Simple steps to a polite, attentive horse • How to cope with common temperament problems • Plus undercover! What does your horse really get up to at night?
PLUS 10 sets of cross-country boots are put to the test
Subscribe now to get a CHARLES BENTLEY DELUXE Set worth £33 See page 20
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Know your tack
How to find the right bit for your horse – and fit it correctly
Vet advice
The latest research on foaling
Thinking of becoming a dressage judge? We explore what it takes to make the grade
Exclusive interview Top eventer Lucy Wiegersma on her plans for 2011 and beyond