July Issue 349

o.1 N EQUINE

MONTHLY

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.y o u r h o r s e . c o . u k

hacking matters

Top riders tell us why getting out and about is vital to their dressage, jumping and eventing success

S U L P g Solo hackin

made easayrd with Richell Maxw

AD

NG

EMY

Shock investigation Could microchipping be damaging your horse?

T RAI N I

AC

E INcuSracID EE FR wi y th prove your ac

Im academy chief instructors Richard and Tom Davison

TRANSITIONS CONQUERED

How they can strengthen your horse and refine your schooling

Gear RIDING Care Cross-country kit for all budgets PLUS fly repellants on test

dles pose a risk 46 pages of top advice Why old sad with overreach PLUS dealing including improving ebleeds and hair loss his brakes and balance injuries, nos

£3.80

• hack for success • microchipping • training academy • improving transitions • xc kit • reflocking saddles • tackling refusals

Why

July 2011

Your Horse 349 JULY 2011

STOP THE STOPPING Eventer William Fox-Pitt helps you tackle refusals

UK’S

The yard

Laura renwick

Fate brought us together A

Words Rebecca Gibson Photography Matthew Roberts

As Laura sits surrounded by photographs of her greatest achievements, trophies from Olympia and HOYS, and with a fridge full of recently won champagne, it’d be easy to think her path to show jumping success had be straight forward, but Britain’s top female show jumper nearly never was.

Laura’s story doesn’t fit that of most professional riders.

Despite success at a young age riding ponies, she struggled when she made the move up to horses and started to question her ability. Through her teens she remained unconvinced she could make a career out of riding and so she tried her hand at various jobs including working for three years as an air hostess for British Airways.

It wasn’t until Laura met her future husband John, a show jumper, at the age of 25 that she started to believe she could make her childhood dreams of becoming a professional rider come true. She and John set up

14 you r

hor se

a training yard together, and while on a trip to the Continent scouting for horses to train and sell on, they found a talented youngster, De Breve. This horse inspired Laura to work night and day to become a better rider. But it was after Laura lost De Breve in a freak accident that she found the horse that would take her all the way to Grand Prix – blood relative Limelight De Breve (pictured here with Laura). Not only did Limelight make it to Grand Prix level, but her huge heart, combined with her scopey jump, has helped her to win numerous national and international titles.

“I definitely believe in fate and I definitely feel that fate played a hand in bringing me and Limelight together,” says Laura.

“It was very tragic, but if we hadn’t lost De Breve we would never have found Limelight.”

We caught up with Laura as she returned from Maubeuge in France, where she’d secured a win and two runner-up places on Limelight.

Turn over for Laura’s answers to your questions

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

15

Module 3 Improve your accuracy

Module 3 Improving accuracy

Why the devil’s in the detail PLUS

Turn to page 32 for Tom’s tips to help you ride every show jumping and XC course clear

Our lead trainer Richard Davison helps you improve your accuracy on the flat, while his son Tom explains simple exercises to make you much more accurate over fences

Why accuracy is important

Working correctly is the key to success

Simple steps to accuracy

Whether you’re polishing up your dressage test or practising your jumping, it pays to be accurate.

Without accuracy you won’t have enough control of your horse – and control is key to successful dressage and jumping. I always encourage dressage riders to remember that accuracy is part of each dressage test and they’ll earn more marks from the judge, and therefore a better overall score, if they’re accurate with the movements. If you have a horse with limited movement or elasticity then riding accurately can sometimes make up for any shortfall in the marks. A big moving horse may look fab, but if the rider isn’t able to regulate and place his movement, he’s likely to not pick up as many marks as a less scopey horse who’s being ridden accurately. But it’s not all about competing. Even at home you should focus and make sure you ride accurately every time you school in order to instil the discipline you need to ride your horse effectively.

If you’ve got your horse working correctly you’ll be able to ride accurately so much easier. In fact, if your horse isn’t working correctly, accuracy generally goes out of the window. He should be responsive, supple, straight and the more on his hindlegs he is, the better. I like to think of it as driving a car with power steering – if your horse is light in front you can make small adjustments to the forehand to keep him straight and accurate. If he’s on his forehand it’s more like riding a pushbike with a puncture – slow, laboured and with little steering.

Check how much power you’ve got.

Is your horse forward and instantly responsive to the leg, for instance?

Remember, though, that forwards doesn’t mean on the forehand or running around, so use plenty of half-halts to keep him sitting on his quarters. It should feel like you’re sitting on an aeroplane taking off, with all the power coming from behind.

Without riding any particular exercises, you can work on your accuracy every time you ride. For instance, when you change rein across the diagonal, make sure there’s no freestyling allowed by always changing exactly from one marker to another. As you come round the corner and on to the diagonal line, fix your eyes on the marker you’re aiming for and don’t look away or waver from your line.

I always like to think about putting my horse’s whiskers wherever I want him to go, then the rest of him will follow.

You can even practise accuracy when you’re out hacking. For instance, choose two markers (trees or fence posts maybe) and decide to make an upwards transition to trot exactly when your horse’s nose passes the first one, making a walk transition at the second one. Riding accurately takes concentration but it has to be done – remember your horse won’t be accurate on his own.

26 you r

hor se

Turn over

➤

For Richard’s advice to keep you on the straight and narrow

Fact

riding The key to ing s e li in ask accurately rk o to w your horse should be e H . ly ct e corr ight and ra supple, st e you e every tim responsiv g in en st li d school, an s to your aid

Even at home you should focus and make sure you ride accurately every time you school in order to instil the discipline you need to ride your horse effectively. It’s not all about competing

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

27

Riding

and hack your way to success Leave the confines of the school behind and say hello to a happier, healthier horse who’s ready to cope with the pressures of competition and excel, whatever your discipline

36 you r

hor se

Why

hacking matters

Dressage champion Spencer Wilton hacks out regularly on his top horses

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

37

Your

HORSE Subscription offer FWAA

YES! I want to subscribe to Your Horse and get either Tendon boots or GP Square

Annual Direct Debit – 13 issues £50.50 Quarterly Direct Debit – 13 issues £12.65

Overseas – 13 issues - £55 (discount only) Please call +44 1858 438 820 or go online

Gear

For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk

BIGTEST

Fly repellents We put 19 products to the test so you don’t have to waste your money trying them out!

Supreme Products Fly-Off Spray £10.99 for 500ml Ease of use 0

2

4

6

8

10

8

10

0

2

4

6

2

6

4

12

6

18

8

10

24

30

This fly spray wasn’t the easiest to use as the nozzle was loud and sprayed harshly. Also, when it got down to the bottom half of the bottle, it started to spit and didn’t spray well, so it was hard to get a good coverage and also used a lot more of the repellent. I gave up in the end and tipped it over a cloth to apply.

This repellent worked when it was first applied but in my opinion would not last for ‘a few days’ as stated on

the instructions. I had to apply this twice a day for it to be effective and, coupled with the spray problems, the container only lasted for just over a week.

Unfortunately I wouldn’t recommend this product.

Equine America Natural Horse Spray £10.99 for 946ml Ease of use 4

Ease of use Our testers assessed how easy the fly repellent was to apply and what coverage it gave to their horse’s coat. They also considered if any instructions given were easy to understand and follow Effectiveness We evaluated how effective each fly repellent was and if it met the manufacturer’s claims. We assessed how long the fly repellent kept flies away and

2

2

4

4

6

12

6

6

6

6

8

8

10

10

8

6

12

18

10

24

30

So, although this product appears to be good value, because you’re using it more often I would say you aren’t really saving yourself anything.

The need to keep reapplying the repellent meant the large bottle size was actually required

IV Horse Lemune Plus Fly Repellent £12.35 for 500ml 0

8

10

0

10

0

18

2

4

6

8

10

Effectiveness

8

2

4

6

8

10

Value for money 2

4

6

8

10

24

30

Verdict 22/30 24

30

You certainly feel like you’re getting a lot for your money with this one. It has a nice, pleasant smell, which I like.

The spray gave good coverage and left the coat looking shiny and smooth.

Initially I was impressed with the performance of this fly repellent, but after using it for a while I didn’t feel the effects lasted for that long and it needed reapplying, which was

how often it needed reapplying. We also considered how long each bottle lasted for and if it had any other effects, such as enhancing the coat Value for money Finally, after considering our comments about ease of use and effectiveness, our testers decided whether each fly repellent was good value for money and if they’d recommend you to buy it

6

Contact www.kmeliteproducts.com

10

Verdict 23/30 0

4

This had a slightly different trigger to some of the other repellents I tested. I did find I had to use more of it to get a good coverage over the horse’s coat. It also left wet marks on the coat, too, rather than a fine mist like some of the others.

It seemed to keep the flies away for about an hour so I did find myself reapplying it two, sometimes three, times a day to keep the horse relatively fly-free.

8

Value for money 0

4

0

a bit disappointing.

The bottle did last for quite a while but overall I was bit disappointed with this one.

Nice smell and the bottle lasted - but the effects didn’t Contact 01403 255809 or www.equine-america.co.uk

HOR SE

6

12

18

This was easy to apply with a good spray that was easy to use. It seemed an average product, to be honest. It’s quite strong smelling (of lemon) so when it’s on you can tell.

It didn’t last through rain showers and the horses had quite a few flies around their eyes even when it was on.

It didn’t last long on the horses and you had to use quite a lot of the spray to get

a decent coverage. For this reason it ran out quickly.

For £12.35 I don’t think it’s all I’d hoped for.

It didn’t last long and plenty was needed to get a good coverage Contact 01888 544261 or www.4horse.co.uk

TR AI N I

Module 3 Improve your accuracy

NG

AC

Turn over

Module 3 Improving accuracy

Why the devil’s in the detail PLUS

Turn to page 32 for Tom’s tips to help you ride every show jumping and XC course clear

Terms and conditions Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer is open until 14 July 2011. Please allow up to 28 working days for delivery of your gift. We reserve the right to provide an alternative gift or a 3 issue extension if stocks are exhausted. We reserve the right to reclaim the gift/value of the gift if you cancel your subscription before the end of the agreed term as set out above. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and the gift is only available to subscribers paying by direct debit only. Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas?

Phone +44 1858 438820. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.

¢

For Richard’s advice to keep you on the straight and narrow

Our lead trainer Richard Davison helps you improve your accuracy on the flat, while his son Tom explains simple exercises to make you much more accurate over fences

Why accuracy is important

Working correctly is the key to success

Simple steps to accuracy

Whether you’re polishing up your dressage test or practising your jumping, it pays to be accurate.

Without accuracy you won’t have enough control of your horse – and control is key to successful dressage and jumping. I always encourage dressage riders to remember that accuracy is part of each dressage test and they’ll earn more marks from the judge, and therefore a better overall score, if they’re accurate with the movements. If you have a horse with limited movement or elasticity then riding accurately can sometimes make up for any shortfall in the marks. A big moving horse may look fab, but if the rider isn’t able to regulate and place his movement, he’s likely to not pick up as many marks as a less scopey horse who’s being ridden accurately. But it’s not all about competing. Even at home you should focus and make sure you ride accurately every time you school in order to instil the discipline you need to ride your horse effectively.

If you’ve got your horse working correctly you’ll be able to ride accurately so much easier. In fact, if your horse isn’t working correctly, accuracy generally goes out of the window. He should be responsive, supple, straight and the more on his hindlegs he is, the better. I like to think of it as driving a car with power steering – if your horse is light in front you can make small adjustments to the forehand to keep him straight and accurate. If he’s on his forehand it’s more like riding a pushbike with a puncture – slow, laboured and with little steering.

Check how much power you’ve got.

Is your horse forward and instantly responsive to the leg, for instance?

Remember, though, that forwards doesn’t mean on the forehand or running around, so use plenty of half-halts to keep him sitting on his quarters. It should feel like you’re sitting on an aeroplane taking off, with all the power coming from behind.

Without riding any particular exercises, you can work on your accuracy every time you ride. For instance, when you change rein across the diagonal, make sure there’s no freestyling allowed by always changing exactly from one marker to another. As you come round the corner and on to the diagonal line, fix your eyes on the marker you’re aiming for and don’t look away or waver from your line.

I always like to think about putting my horse’s whiskers wherever I want him to go, then the rest of him will follow.

You can even practise accuracy when you’re out hacking. For instance, choose two markers (trees or fence posts maybe) and decide to make an upwards transition to trot exactly when your horse’s nose passes the first one, making a walk transition at the second one. Riding accurately takes concentration but it has to be done – remember your horse won’t be accurate on his own.

26 YOU R

121

EMY

W W W.YOU R HOR SE .C O.U K

AD

120 YOU R

0

4

Ease of use 6

Effectiveness

Summer has started early this year and with it comes the flies, which can make your horse’s life a misery. The Your Horse team and readers put 19 fly repellents to the test – including sprays, creams and gels – so we can recommend the best. Each fly repellent was tested under the following criteria:

2

Verdict 21/30 0

Nozzle problems and a higher-than-recommended useage made for a disappointing test

2

2

Value for money

Contact 01377 229050 or www.supremeproducts.co.uk

0

2

Effectiveness

Verdict 15/30 0

Ease of use 0

0

Value for money 0

Fly-Repel £14.99 for 1 litre 0

Effectiveness

Fact

riding The key to g lies in askin accurately to work your horse be He should correctly. ht and supple, straig time you every responsive listening school, and to your aids

Even at home you should focus and make sure you ride accurately every time you school in order to instil the discipline you need to ride your horse effectively. It’s not all about competing

HOR SE

W W W.YOU R HOR SE .C O.U K

27

KM Elite is one of the leading equestrian brands, used by many top riders. Now you can join them – your only problem will be deciding which of these great products to choose!

Julie Brown Your Horse editor

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE FANTASTIC GIFTS

Gi Worft th UP TO

£39.

99

when you subscribe to Your Horse THIS MONTH By direct debit

Gift b:

KM Front Rolled High Wither GP Square Worth £34.99

This high-quality black saddle pad is made from 100% Merino lambswool.

It’s front rolled edge protects the wither and allows saddle to fit comfortably. The signature reinforced girth protection area with double velcro straps is designed for easy fitting. It’s fully breathable and helps wick away sweat, while maintaining a soft comfortable contact

Gift A:

KM ELITE AIR SHOCK TENDON BOOTS Worth £39.99

These are some of the toughest, lightest, highest quality tendon boots on the market today. They use “air shock” technology — similar to that used in top trainers, and are ideal for both competition and everyday use.

The inner shell is lined for extra comfort, while air vents allow the horse’s legs to breathe. Available in brown, they have a strong velcro fastening.

Subscribe today

Online www.greatmagazines.co.uk/yourhorse Telephone 0845 601 1356 Post Please complete the coupon (quote FWAA)

Riding

Time for a

change International dressage rider Kate Attlee gives you a crash course in the what, why and how of transitions Words Imogen Johnson

54 you r

hor se

M

ost top riders will agree that transitions are the bread and butter of schooling – ride them well and the benefits are endless, ride them badly and you needn’t have bothered riding them at all.

The key to conquering transitions, however, isn’t always a straightforward task.

Not everyone knows their progressive from their direct, and some horses will find the work easier than others.

To ensure you and your horse can move up, down and within the gaits with ease, we’ve asked Kate Attlee to help you transform your transitions and your schooling from boring to brilliant.

Meet the expert Kate Attlee

Kate is an international Grand Prix dressage rider and UK accredited British Dressage trainer. She has represented Britain four times at the Junior and Young Rider European Dressage Championships and is currently competing at International Small Tour level. Based in Worcestershire, she enjoys teaching all abilities of horse and rider.

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

55

Riding

4 exercises to

improve your horse’s brakes Top rider, trainer and Olympic silver medallist Karen Dixon talks us through four exercises to help keep your Being able to stop is an essential part of staying safe while riding your horse. You need to be able to keep him under control and ensure he’s listening to you so that when you need to stop or slow down in whatever situation, be it out hacking or tackling a course of jumps at a competition, you can do it quickly and safely. Before we touch on the useful exercises used to improve brakes it’s important to have your horse properly checked out. If he’s reluctant to stop you need to check first and foremost that he isn’t running away from pain.

Make sure you have his teeth and back checked by a vet and, if necessary, change his bit if it’s causing him any discomfort.

YOU DIDO ? on ix KN KW a re n D

p er t g in a O u r ex lungein t a h t Th is s say sef ul. n be u a c vent a e o r s p Pe s helps id a g es c ou r a g tra inin a nd en g in e lt m bo ded fra a roun

66 you r

hor se

Why

hacking matters

Meet the expert Karen has been riding since she was tiny and has never considered any other career than that of an eventer and trainer. She’s competed in four Olympic Games, three World Championships and more than 50 four-star events, won an Olympic silver medal and World Championship bronze, silver and gold.

Karen is working hard at the moment and enjoying the challenge of training and bringing on her team of youngsters. She also teaches individuals and groups of all levels at clinics and lectures.

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

67

YH is watching

24 hours in the life of a stud

We spent the day shadowing the owners of a busy stud, and rigged up a foaling box with a hidden camera at night, to find out what really goes on behind the scenes Words Allison Lowther Photography Matthew Roberts

72 you r

hor se

Night-time delivery

It would have been lovely to see a foal being born during our time at the stud but, as Sally explained to us, we would be extremely lucky to witness this. It’s rare for a mare to foal during the day - it tends to be between 11pm and 3am.

Luckily Sally had her camera handy a few nights before to capture the birth of this gorgeous buckskin colt by Crowns Wonder Pearl. He decided to make his appearance seven days early!

Turn the page

hat to find out w sy bu a at s n pe hap ring stud farm du the day

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

73

Care

84 you r

hor se

Beat your

demons

While most horses find hacking a relaxing experience, for others venturing into the big wide world is their worst nightmare. For these horses danger lurks around every corner but, according to practical horseman Richard Maxwell, it is possible to develop a more confident mind-set that will allow even the most anxious horse to enjoy hacking Words Rebecca Gibson

N

icky Jackson’s Highland x Arab, Pea, hasn’t left the safe haven of her yard in more than four years. Nicky took the decision to stop hacking her altogether after battling against bucking fits and bolting episodes whenever she left the yard.

Since then 17-year-old Pea’s ridden work has been restricted to the school.

“Pea’s always been a sensitive soul. She’s always on edge. She can be tied up and someone will sneeze and she’ll jump out of her skin,” Nicky explains as she slowly and

carefully tacks her up. “She’s not a horse you can rush or force to do anything.

“There was a time I could hack her out in company but I had to be on my guard for anything that might send her charging for home. Venturing out just became too risky but I’d love to be able to take her out again.

Just going the 50 yards from her stable to the school each day is such a boring life for her but, as I can’t even ride her those 50 yards at the moment, hacking her out seems like an impossible goal.”

Trainer profile Name Richard Maxwell, aka Max Experience Having worked with the Household Cavalry and then later with Monty Roberts, Max has experienced both conventional and natural methods of training. Although

he’s never consciously tried to merge the two, over the years he’s found himself taking the best of both methods to develop his own style of horsemanship, which he says is best described as ‘practical horsemanship’. For more information visit www.richard-maxwell. com, email richardmaxwell19@aol.com or call 07764 404723

www.you r hor se .c o.u k

85

Care

A false economy?

Is your old saddle a comfy gem or a hidden health danger? Your Horse gear editor Allison Lowther joined the experts at the Society of Master Saddlers as they sought to test the effects of riding in tack made in the 1980s

92 you r

hor se

W

e all know that buying a new saddle’s an expensive investment, and buying secondhand can offer a considerable saving – but is a saddle that was made in the 1980s really the best option for your horse’s health and comfort long-term?

Over time the flocking in any saddle will become compressed and hard, altering its overall fit. So to scientifically research the effects of riding in older saddles, and how reflocking or altering the flocking could improve them, the Society of Master

Saddlers (SMS) headed to the lab. Its findings highlighted what an important job saddle flocking does in spreading pressure over our horses’ backs, and the tests set out to establish: • The pressure distribution under an old saddle • The effects of reflocking an old saddle • The effects of adjusting the flocking in an old saddle • The difference in pressure under an Top t old saddle and a new saddle when ip W he t he r tested on the same horse you

buy n ew o r second hand it’s im p or t a n t to ha your s ve addle fitted b a qua li y fied sa ddle fitter a nd to h ave it checke d reg u la rly

The SMS’s findings highlighted what an important job saddle flocking does w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

93

Care

What lies beneath?

As anecdotal evidence points towards a link between microchipping and potential health problems, Caroline Davis investigates whether the process is really the best way to safeguard our horses

I

f someone told you they were going to insert a foreign body into your horse’s nuchal ligament – a vital area that affects movement – whether you liked it or not, what would you say?

This foreign body comprises a microchip, and whether you like the idea of one being implanted in your horse or not, in most cases you don’t have a choice. Microchipping horses in the UK (for those born on or after 1 July 2009, or any horse requiring a new passport after this date) is the law. Thoroughbreds in the UK and Irish racing industry have been compulsorily chipped since 1999.

102 you r

hor se

UK horse owners weren’t given the option of alternative identification such as DNA testing, iris scanning, tattooing or freezemarking

Neither was the option of alternative identification, such as DNA testing, iris scanning, tattooing or freezemarking given in the UK, despite EU legislation stating it could be.

Says a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): “Defra did not approve alternative means of identification as none of the other alternative methods of identification proposed could provide equivalent scientific guarantees to microchipping, as required by the regulation.

“Microchips are implanted specifically in the nuchal ligament of a horse’s neck in order to prevent movement of the chip.”

Photos Bob Langrish

Even before it was made compulsory, microchipping was hailed by many vets, and exponents of chips, as a safe and permanent means of identification to safeguard equines against theft – and owners from fraud.

In addition, chips combined with passports will, say the powers-that-be, keep the food chain clean (the UK exports horse meat to the Continent for human consumption) by ensuring those treated with certain drugs won’t end up on dinner plates.

However, horse owners were not informed, at the time this law was brought in, of the potential pitfalls of chipping that some people have since been unfortunate enough to experience.

w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k

103

ROAD SAFETY

Think the British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety Test is only for Pony Clubbers? Then think again, as YH writer Larissa Chapman discovers it’s hugely relevant for everyone who hacks out on the roads

110 you r

horse

"The test that could save your life"

I

’ve been riding on the roads, without incident, for the past 12 years and thought I knew everything there was to know – but I was wrong!

As I soon learned, even if you hack out on the roads every day, you can still learn a great deal from the riding and road safety training provided by the

The trainer

My trainer for the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test was Mel Tomlinson. Mel is a UKCC registered sports coach and accredited BHS Riding and Road Safety Trainer and Instructor, as well as being manager and senior coach at the Magpie Centre. “We aim to make learning fun,” she says. Contact her on 07717 553778 or www.meltomlinsonequestrian.co.uk

Mel Tomlinson

British Horse Society (BHS). It helps you brush up on the basics, explore hidden dangers, improve both your and your horse’s safety in traffic and, above all, it’s fun. So follow my journey from ‘learner’ to 'expert road rider' as I enrolled as a pupil at the Magpie Centre in Norfolk.

The pupils

The Magpie Centre is a registered charity that runs riding and carriage driving sessions for people with disabilities.

There were eight of us taking the test at the centre, and I asked my fellow pupils why they think it's so important. “We take road awareness for granted,” the group explained. “But the training's given us skills that could ultimately save our lives."

Larissa (far right) and her fellow pupils

The examiners

Our chief examiner was Martine Downing and her assistant was Sarah Ahrens. “It’s incredibly important that people learn the safe way to ride out on the road – whatever your age or ability this test will benefit you,” says Martine.

“The training is so important and the BHS recommend a minimum of six hours’ training before you take your test.”

Martine Downing

Sarah Ahrens

It helps you brush up on the basics, explore hidden dangers and improve your and your horse’s safety

w w w.you rhorse .c o.u k

111

Gear

BigTest

Fly repellents We put 19 products to the test so you don’t have to waste your money trying them out!

Summer has started early this year and with it comes the flies, which can make your horse’s life a misery. The Your Horse team and readers put 19 fly repellents to the test – including sprays, creams and gels – so we can recommend the best. Each fly repellent was tested under the following criteria: Ease of use Our testers assessed how easy the fly repellent was to apply and what coverage it gave to their horse’s coat. They also considered if any instructions given were easy to understand and follow Effectiveness We evaluated how effective each fly repellent was and if it met the manufacturer’s claims. We assessed how long the fly repellent kept flies away and

120 you r

hor se

how often it needed reapplying. We also considered how long each bottle lasted for and if it had any other effects, such as enhancing the coat Value for money Finally, after considering our comments about ease of use and effectiveness, our testers decided whether each fly repellent was good value for money and if they’d recommend you to buy it

Competition

Win

P LUS! You’ll get aw

equilinergy outfiibrium you & t for y ur horso e

a LESSON WITH LUCINDA GREEN and WINERGY equilibrium Your Horse magazine has teamed up with Winergy Equilibrium (WE) to celebrate the launch of its new Balancer. One lucky reader will win a lesson on Lucinda Green’s ‘XC the Safe Way’ clinic on 14 September at Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Lucinda Green is most famous for winning Badminton Horse trials a record six times on six different horses. Lucinda now spends her time devoted to teaching others the art of eventing.

Lucinda’s ‘XC the Safe Way’ clinic is sponsored by PetPlan Equine and aims to give riders a refresher and will concentrate on safe riding techniques.

It will also helps promote confidence between horse and rider.

The prize includes a two-hour session, which incorporates technique work using poles and stands, before going out onto the cross-country course. You’ll be part of a group of six horse and rider combinations according to level.

The winner will also receive a consultation with a nutritionist, six months’ supply of Winergy Equilibrium, a WE wardrobe consisting of a Thermatex Rug, a riding jacket, a baseball hat, a smart numnah for competitions and a PolyPad for home.

Winergy Equilibrium is formulated using a unique blend of fibre and oil.

The feeds include carefully controlled levels of starch, plus good quality protein,

optimum levels of vitamins and minerals and powerful antioxidant nutrients. This range of complete feeds encourages calm, responsive behaviour from your horse, as well as maximising digestive health.

Choose from Low Energy, Medium Energy, High Energy, Condition, Senior, Growth or Balancer.

• For more information call 01908 576277 or visit www.winergy.com

To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk and answer this question Which Horse Trials did Lucinda win six times? a) Blenheim b) Burghley c) Badminton

Terms & conditions: The winner will take part in a group lesson and must be available on 14 September 2011, have their own horse and organise their own travel for themselves and their horse to Ledbury (and accommodation if necessary). Horse and rider must be competent jumping a 2ft 6in to 2ft 9in course. The horse must be fully up to date with vaccinations and produce a valid passport on the day to prove as such. Closing date 15/07/11

On e l Sa 4 JULY 1

NEXT MONTH in Your Horse Your Horse Training Academy Module 4 Learn how to use pole work to improve your horse’s way of going – plus achieve the perfect approach and landing whether you’re show jumping or riding cross-country

IN NEED OF INSPIRATION?

Top riders give their expert advice to help you reach the next level in dressage, show jumping and eventing

Keep it together

Trainer Richard Maxwell has tips on improving your horse’s collection and engagement

top gear advice

Check out our in-depth buyers’ guide to over-reach boots

Subscribe now to get a pair of KM Elite Tendon Boots or a Saddle Pad worth up to £39.99 See page 20

350 issues old! We take a nostalgic peep at life in 1983 when PLUS We’re Your Horse launched amid a flurry of waxed jackets and big hair!