Your Horse March Issue

U K’ S

Your Horse 357 MARCH 2012

“it’s not all ABOUT No.1 ME” ROLAND TONG on EQUINE

MONTHLY MAGAZINE

why a good team is crucial to success

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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

with top riders Karen Dixon and Richard Davison DON’t be a drip

to tackle new things... hacking, competing, drag hunting, lungeing ...and more

4 exercises to solve water jump wobbles

21

PAGE

Young horse

SPECIAL

From bitting to feeding and breeding

soar with confidence

£3.80

Jumping advice from Alex Peternell

38 RIDING 18 GEAR PAGES

PAGES

19 CARE PAGES

Using half-halts, dressage Bridles tested and rated, Going barefoot, looking good stirrup guide and after his bones and dealing training on your hacks with a horsey bully and thinking positively kit to keep you warm

March 2012

• TROUBLE-free training • alex peternell • develop balance • water jumps • young horse special • roland tong interview

TROUBLE FREE training Build his confidence

develop his balance

The yard

Roland Tong

It’s not all top hat and tails I

Words Larissa Chapman Photography Nico Morgan

t’s a bitterly cold December day as we pull up at Roland Tong’s yard. We’re met in the car park by a jovial and cosylooking Roland in what can only be described as an ankle length quilt.

He’s been out on the yard all morning so his interesting choice of attire is very much needed and I think it’s fair to say that the photographer and I had a touch of coat envy.

Roland invites us into his office and puts on the heater as well as the kettle. With the tea brewed and the heater warming the room nicely, we

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can all shed a couple of our layers and settle down on Roland’s sofa, surrounded by his many rosettes and photographs, and get down to talking all things dressage, amusing moments and, you guessed it… cheese!

At just 31, Roland has already made a name for himself on the dressage circuit, and has an impressive collection of rosettes and awards in his office.

He’s had huge success training horses from Novice right through to Grand Prix level and has won many accolades in both regional and

national competitions, including representing Great Britain at the World Young Horse Championships in Verden, placings at The Winter Championships and The Nationals and, of course, one of his most recent debuts (and we’re sure one of the highlights of his career) – demonstrating dressage to music at Your Horse Live 2011 with Anna RossDavies, who also happens to be his neighbour and friend.

Read on to find out more about the person behind the rider…

Turn over for xxxx’s Roland’s answers answers to to your questions

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Riding

Get the winning edge

g n i k c a h wi th

Hoping for dressage success this season but don’t want to spend hours grinding round the school? It’s perfectly possible to train your horse outside the confines of the arena making it much more fun for all. Here dressage stars Anna Ross-Davies and Spencer Wilton explain how to use hacking to help get your hands on those rosettes

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o help you get the most from your time in the saddle, we’ve enlisted the help of dressage aces and hacking fans Anna Ross-Davies and Spencer Wilton to give you their advice on improving your dressage while hacking.

They use the tried and tested scales of training – proving that your progress towards your dressage goals doesn’t stop when you leave the school.

The scales of training form a progressive training system with its roots in the teaching of the great riding masters of Italy, France and Germany.

The six scales work in chronological order and are

inter-linked, forming the basis of training for all horses, regardless of your riding aims.

Rhythm forms the first scale, meaning steady even steps in every gait. Next is suppleness, in which a loose horse will be able to work through his back and easily accept a soft, even rein contact.

For the third scale of contact, it’s about supporting your horse so he can work into the rein and not against it – if you’re struggling, it’s likely you need to work more on the first two scales.

The fourth scale is impulsion and the watchwords here are strength and power, not speed, with

your horse using his back end to go forwards with energy and enjoyment.

Although the fifth scale of straightness is easy to understand but harder to develop, it’s worth it as a straight horse is able to place his hindlegs under his haunches and carry weight, helping bring about impulsion, and the final scale of collection.

In a collected state, the horse’s back end takes more weight, lifting the forehand and enabling advanced movements. It’s the culmination of all the other scales and underlines the need to bear them all in mind together every time you ride.

Meet the EXPERTs

Anna Ross-Davies Spencer Wilton

Anna Ross-Davies is an international Grand Prix dressage rider and freelance trainer.

She rode at her first international competition in 2003 and won her first international Grand Prix in 2007. A regular Team GB member, Anna is based in Wiltshire where she runs a training yard.

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Spencer Wilton started out as an event rider but switched to dressage and won his first national title in 1999 – he now has 11 to his name. He splits his time between concentrating on his string of horses and teaching riders at all levels from his base in Gloucestershire.

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Riding Bitting advice

Bitting for babies

You want to give your youngster the best possible start – making sure you have the right bit is a surefire way to help unlock his potential. Bitting expert Heather Hyde explains what to look for Words Katy Islip Photography Matthew Roberts

Figuring out the best bit for your horse can be a real head-scratcher and a lot rests on your choice – get it right and you can unlock a whole heap of potential, but getting it wrong can compound problems which may take months to iron out.

When it comes to young horses, the support offered by the right bit

will help create a comfortable and happy situation on which to build the foundations of his schooling.

To help you understand the principles behind modern bitting, we’ve enlisted expert Heather Hyde to give you her advice so you can make sure you choose the right bit for your youngster.

Meet the EXPERT Heather Hyde

Meet our models

Heather Hyde founded bitting company Neue Schule after more than 15 years running one of the UK’s first bit banks. She re-trains horses with behavioural issues and is bitting advisor to the British Dressage team and Para-Equestrian Dressage team.

Kirstie Parrish is a saddle fitter who also runs a small dressage and training yard in North Yorkshire, and specialises in rehabilitating ‘problem’ horses. For our shoot she’s riding two of her youngsters, Rio and Duncan, who have both had specific training issues.

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Riding

privaTe lesson with international eventer Alex Peternell

Not allowing negative thoughts to get the better of you is really important, especially as an eventer tackling technical cross-country courses, but learning from mistakes and thinking positively is the best way to improve Alice in Wiltshire It may come as a surprise Fact file the weather is looking to learn that South Name Alex Peternell Experience Trained ominous but, despite the African event rider Alex as a show jumper in threat of monsoon-style worked as a ballet dancer Germany, working for Paul rainfall, Alex is already before he began his riding Shockemöhle and also in the Netherlands, where in the outdoor arena career. For 12 years he he competed up to thinking up interesting attended The National national level. He was the and testing combinations School of the Arts first South African rider to for Your Horse reader in Johannesburg, compete at Burghley (2009). He finished 38th Rebecca Fall to tackle. but when it got at his first Badminton Alex listens to Rebecca too difficult to (2010) on Tiger’s Eye and as she explains her hopes continue 18th at the 2011 Blenheim Palace International for the 2012 eventing with both Horse Trials with season and her horse Fin. riding and AP Uprising “I’m hoping to move dancing, up to BE100 level next Alex made year. Height-wise I’m not the tough decision really worried but I think our next to leave his dancing step up will be all about technical career behind and things. Also, I don’t want to move pursue his eventing up a level for the sake of it, I want dream. Along with it to be the right decision at the his experience as a right time,” she says. top event rider and Alex reassures Rebecca that she his keen interest in shouldn’t have too much to worry sports psychology, about as the technical elements of Alex has a unique courses at BE90 level don’t present teaching approach too much of a step up. “I think you’d that gives every be surprised at how similar BE90 and rider the confidence BE100 are. As for your plan, it’s great and knowledge they that you want to move up only when need to improve. you’re ready but it’s important to As we arrive at the remember that, with horses, nothing yard Alex shares with his dressage rider wife ever goes totally to plan.”

I don’t want to move up a level for the sake of it, I want it to be the right decision at the right time you r hor se

For more riding advice go to www.yourhorse.co.uk

Meet the pupil

Find out over the page how Alex helps Rebecca overcome her fear of corners

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Riding

Balancing act Having a well-balanced horse is key to successful riding whatever your discipline, but if your horse is a bit wobbly, knowing how to address this can be hard. Follow our expert tips for developing balance – regardless of your horse’s age

T

he better balanced a horse is, the easier it is to ride him, whether your thing is show jumping, dressage or simply riding out.

In order to develop true balance, you need to teach your horse to stop relying on

his forehand to pull himself along and instead encourage him to take more weight on his hindquarters and use them to drive forward.

As with everything to do with horses, the more work you do the better results you’ll see, so your

Meet the EXPERTS Karen Dixon

Karen is an event rider who rode for Britain at four Olympic Games, winning a team silver in Seoul in 1988. Based in County Durham, Karen splits her time between raising her two children, bringing on her string of young horses and teaching

Richard Davison

International dressage rider and trainer, Richard is the World Class Performance manager. A three-time Olympian, he has competed at two World Equestrian Games and four European Championships. He hopes to compete at the London Olympics

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watchwords need to be patience, repetition and consistency.

Read on for Karen’s guide to developing balance, along with a run-down on what balance means from worldclass dressage rider and trainer Richard Davison.

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Riding

4 exercises to

help you tackle

water trays Carol Mailer’s foolproof exercises to help you stay dry this season Water trays are often the cause of problems in the show jumping arena and frequently catch out many horses, often resulting in the rider getting wet as their horse watches from the side lines.

However, water trays are an element of most show jumping courses and an obstacle that you need to overcome to succeed. Here we’ve enlisted the help of show jumper and trainer Carol Mailer to help introduce your horse to these fences and keep you out of the water this year.

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Meet the expert Carol Mailer Carol is an experienced show jumper and trainer and regular contributor to Your Horse. She has more than 30 years’ experience in training riders of all abilities from her yard in Cambridgeshire.

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New beginnings

Off to a

great start Whether your horse is young, inexperienced, the new boy on the yard or an older horse trying something new for the first time – or if it’s just his first time with you in charge – here’s how to introduce safe, trouble-free hacking, shoeing, lungeing, jumping and more…

Words: Helen Milbank

Going it alone Hacking out alone asks a lot of an animal whose brain is wired to seek comfort in herds, but there are steps you can take to ensure your horse’s first few solo outings are a success, whatever his age or experience.

“Take your horse on a route he’s already very familiar with from going out with others, and choose a nice day – make sure it isn’t blowing a gale or bin day,” says trainer Claire Llewelyn.

“Choose a short, safe, circular ride – just 20 minutes or so is fine – and gradually build your horse’s confidence over longer tried and tested routes.

“It’s important you’re confident and positive in your own body language so your horse can feel your positive vibes. Keep everything relaxed and chilled and give him lots of pats. I like to talk and sing to my horses when we’re out by ourselves!

“If you’ve got a friend who can come out with you on foot or on a bike then use them, as it’s always best to have someone around. Avoid going up a track and then turning round and coming back the same way, as this can lead to napping. But if your horse is particularly nappy and spooky ask your instructor for advice.” first

Make sure your hack out together is a positive experience

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Extra grip If your horse is prone to slipping on the road this will damage his confidence – and yours! Special tungsten-tipped road nails, in place of the standard shoeing ones, may be the answer and don’t cost much. Ask your farrier whether they’re an option.

In case of emergency...

If you regularly hack out alone you’ll appreciate a new smart phone app – the Horse Rider SOS – which sends a message to your emergency contact (complete with your GPS position) in the event of a fall or accident. Priced at £4.99, visit www.horseridersos.com – and see page 126 for more on this app.

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Care

VETADVICE

Them bones them bones

We’ve delved below the surface of our horses’ conformation, to uncover the fantastic facts about their bones Coccygeal vertebrae

Ischium Pelvis Patella Femur Fibula Tibia Illustrations: Samantha J Elmhurst BA Hons, www.livingart.org.uk

Tarsus (hock)

Long pastern Proximal sesamoid bone Short pastern Distal sesamoid (navicular) bone Pedal bone

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Sacral vertebrae

Lumbar vertebrae

Cervical vertebrae Skull

Thoracic vertebrae

Mandible Scapula Rib cage Humerus

What you need to know about your horse’s bones...

Olecranon (point of elbow) Ulna Radius Splint bone Forecannon Carpus Pisiform bone

As with any mammal, your horse’s skeleton provides protection for all of his vital organs. Its major role is to provide structural support and a means of movement using jointed bones, together with muscles, tendons and ligaments.

“The skeleton has developed to provide maximum strength with minimal mass, and the shape and size of each bone is determined by both genetic and functional factors,” says Roger Smith, professor of equine orthopaedics at The Royal Veterinary College. “The demand for energetic ability is greater in animals, like horses, who are built for speed. Your horse is born with certain genetic capabilities but it’s up to you to nurture him and work him appropriately to get the best out of him and help him achieve his full potential.”

mbeitatrions remsecom es lim

With genetic be able and certain horses won’t matter no ls, goa to achieve certain or training e tur nur the d goo how

Care

Leader

of the pack

Is your horse head honcho in the field or bottom of the pecking order – and how does this affect his behaviour and your relationship?

With help from Ben Hart, we’ve been finding out what your horse’s position in the herd can tell you about him Words: Imogen Johnson

Meet the expert Ben Hart

Ben Hart, of Harts Horsemanship, uses his extensive knowledge of the practical application of animal and human behaviour to deliver training that’s ethical and tailor-made to each and every situation.

Ben works with individual horses and their owners to find solutions to a range of problems.

He also runs workshops, clinics and works with different animal welfare organisations.

To find out more visit www.hartshorsemanship.com

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Real life

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It’s been an

adventure!

Is breeding a foal a horse owner's idyll or a financial and emotional roller-coaster? To find out, we chatted to Vanessa Lowther – proud ‘mum’ to 20-month-old Georgie

Words Helen Milbank Photography Martyn Barnwell

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Gear

BigTest

Bridles We put 15 bridles through their paces A well-fitting bridle doesn’t just make your horse look good, if he’s comfortable it will encourage him to accept the bit and work correctly. The design of bridles has changed a lot in recent years and there's now a lot of emphasis put on keeping your horse happy and comfortable, especially around the delicate poll area. We’ve put 15 bridles to the test – our testers include members of the YH editorial team, YH reader Mary Fuller who runs a busy yard schooling, breaking young horses and competing in all disciplines, and YH reader Vanessa Lowther who events at Novice level. While our testers were using each of the bridles they considered the following criteria:

Fit Our testers considered the overall fit of each bridle, whether it was easy to adjust and what the overall appearance of the bridle was Quality They also assessed the quality of each bridle – was the leather supple from the start or did it take a while to become soft and pliable? They also considered how well it cleaned and what condition it's in now after several months of use Value for money Finally, taking into account their comments on fit and quality, they assessed if they thought each bridle was good value for money and if they would recommend it to you Allison Lowther gear test editor

What to look for

A bridle with a shaped headpiece will fit nicely around the back of your horse’s ears and hopefully help keep him comfortable.

Check that the browband isn’t too tight as this will cause him discomfort.

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Many bridles have soft leather padding on the headpiece, noseband and browband. This all helps to keep our horses comfortable, especially over the sensitive poll area, and improve their way of going when we’re riding them.

A crank-style noseband is a popular choice on most modern bridles.

They look smart but you need to be careful you don’t overtighten them, causing your horse discomfort.

Choose a bridle that best suits your horse’s head size and shape. For example, a chunky cob-type horse tends to have a large, broad head, which suits a bridle with wider straps and a wider noseband. A fine Arab or show horse will look better in a more delicate bridle with thinner, more detailed leather.

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

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Gear

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

Stirrups BUYERS’GUIDE

There have been many changes in stirrup design over the years, to help you feel safe and secure in the saddle. We take a look at nine pairs, from traditional styles to ones with a very different look

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NEXT MONTH in Your Horse

On Sale 23 Feb

• Prepare to succeed, whether you’re into eventing, show jumping or dressage • Tips on maintaining confidence and composure at new venues • Discover a different way to confidently teach your horse the basics using Equitation Science • Learn why your horse enjoys mutual grooming and how to use this understanding to improve your bond • The power of positive thinking and how you can use it to enhance your riding

PLUS

w jumper Ben Maher in this A glimpse into the life of top sho ur exercises to improve your month’s celebrity interview • Fo r eventer Oliver Townend sta m fro e vic ad age ess Dr • ns tur nce, show jumping ’s life through foalhood, adolesce rse ho a of y rne jou the at k loo •A guide to travel boots middle age and old age • Buyers’