Your Horse July issue

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EMERGENCY FIRST AID WALL POSTER! 3 quick steps to revive your rugs

INSIDE

July 2013

be a better rider, get the best from your horse

NEW INTERACTIVE CARE SECTION

Healthy horse guaranteed! ✓ Slash your vet bills ✓ Prevent illness ✓ Spot symptoms

7

Sarcoid

SOS! How to fight equine cancer

fun ways to revitalise your riding

Exclusive

Michael Eilberg

Why Farouche is his horse of a lifetime

Speedy schooling

Engaged and supple in 30 minutes

t the bes

r!

New Gpeoash From wellies tos bling hat

Training Academy ✦ Expert advice from Spencer Wilton & Jay Halim ✦ Easy lessons & free audio downloads!

Ready to re-discover what riding is all about? Here’s how to rev-up your riding routine with seven fun activities TRY HORSE AGILITY

Photo: Bob Atkins

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Obstacles range from the simple to the challenging

Horse agility classes range from ‘starter’ level to ‘wild agility’, pictured here

Photo: Bob Atkins

Check out The Horse Agility Club Great Britain (www. thehorseagilityclub.com) for details of upcoming events and video competitions.

Sue and Lilly enjoy horse agility TY CLUB

Only a headcollar and leadrope is permitted in classes

Have a go!

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TEST OF CONTROL

right). “She was so well behaved and it’s a great way to spook-proof AL HORS your horse!”

E ION AG

Think agility classes are only for over-active Collie dogs? Think again!

Horse agility is gaining in popularity across the UK, with clubs springing up faster than you can say ‘jump that hoop!’.

Popular with owners of the smaller breeds (it’s a great way to keep a miniature Shetland fit and entertained), as well as everyday riders, more and more owners are appreciating the relationship-boosting benefits of training your horse to go in, around, over and through a range of obstacles. “I tried it with my cob, Lilly, and she loved it,” says Your Horse reader Sue Jeggo (see top

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Photo: Sarah Davies, Horse Tails Photography

Revitalise your riding

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HOP ON A SCHOOLMASTER You can give your horse a welldeserved day off and still rejuvenate your riding – this time on another horse. If you can’t afford a lesson on a trained schoolmaster, a friend’s horse will do, it’s all about variety. “A different horse gives a different perspective,” says top dressage rider and trainer Charlie Hutton. “Regardless of his standard, you can always learn something.”

“You’ll soon find out if you’ve got into bad habits with your position or aids,” he says. “Or perhaps your horse has become lazy, because you’ve been micro-managing his faults. If you’re riding a schoolmaster you’ll hopefully experience what it’s really meant to feel like.

“Be open-minded and always try to take something from the ride, good or bad – even if it’s to feel thankful for your own horse and to better appreciate his qualities.”

Practise your aids on a schoolmaster who can tell you when you’re getting them right (or wrong!)

Have a go!

Visit www.bhs.org.uk or www. abrs-info.org to search for approved riding schools that have schoolmasters

DISCOVER PRIX CAPRILLI

put to the test

Google ‘prix caprilli’ for sample test sheets to try at home

What better way to liven up dressage if you’re a little wild at heart than by adding jumps? Named after Italian rider Frederico Caprilli, the father of the forward jumping seat, it’s a fab way to have fun with your horse. Tests are judged on movement, impulsion, submission and riding, and the jumps simply shouldn’t interrupt the flow of your performance.

“I’d recommend it to anyone!” says Your Horse reader Emmie Foxall, who tried it with her horse T-Jay. “We were doing well at affiliated Novice level dressage and went along to the East Shropshire Riding Club fun show in 2009 to nanny my mum’s youngster. They were running a Prix Caprilli class so I decided to give it a go. Dressage is definitely T-Jay’s forte, and he adores jumping, so putting them together was entertaining and good fun!”

Have a go!

Find out more about East Shropshire Riding Club’s classes at www.eastshropshire ridingclub.org.uk

In a test you’re asked to ride dressage movements, then pop one or two fences

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The jumps are only small so anyone can have a go

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Turnout in a group is as close to a natural herd as our horses can get

Born to be wild!

Natural horsemanship expert Melanie Watson reveals what your horse really thinks about the freedom of his field and why he may be difficult to turn out or catch OUR EXPERT Melanie Watson transforms troubled horses using a mix of techniques from Western to Natural Horsemanship. Find out more at www. instinctivehorsetraining.co.uk

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e all know horses love their time out in the field with their equine friends, and I’ve found that understanding exactly why this is gives a fascinating glimpse into the equine psyche, from what makes your horse feel safe to why he may be difficult to turn out or catch – the secret lies in herd instinct.

Safety in numbers In the wild there’s safety in numbers for prey animals such as horses. They exist within herds and never leave, especially mares. The only exception is the punishment of a misbehaving young colt, who may be sent away to learn a lesson, or when the weak and slow drop behind. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k

Within a settled herd, a horse can truly be a horse

For modern-day horses like our own, the only time they can really relax is when they’re in a stable herd environment and, unfortunately, this can be difficult to find with today’s limited space and management requirements.

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horses – we separate them from each other, stable them, and turn them out alone, all a recipe for separation anxiety. If our horses had the choice, they’d live in a group and stay there for life, but without that choice, turnout is the closest a domesticated horse will get. juLY 2013 your horse

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Proudly sponsored by Albion Saddlemakers

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TRAINING ACADEMY

It’s back and better than ever – your six-month expert training guide designed to boost your flatwork and jumping skills

As we launch our 2013 Your Horse Training Academy we welcome back our hugely popular coaches, dressage rider Spencer Wilton and eventer and show jumper Jay Halim, with free in-mag coaching, online video tuition, one-on-one help and more!

Over the next 6 months enjoy....

Free training videos – simply go online whenever you see this logo Essential management tips to keep your horse happy and healthy Exclusive access to your coaches – simply email your training queries to getinvolved@ yourhorse.co.uk

your horse july 2013

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Jay Halim

It’s show jumper and eventer Jay’s job over the next six months to help you develop your confidence and ability over every kind of fence. Whether you’ve got access to all-singing, all-dancing facilities or have to make do with a single pole in the field, his exercises and trouble-shooting advice will give you a boost.

“This year’s Training Academy will offer something for everyone, whatever level they ride at,” says Jay. “We’re starting by focusing on the basics – getting the foundations set in concrete over poles on the ground before we move on to bigger fences and more technical exercises.”

Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta to watch Jay’s introduction to our new series, or scan your smart phone over the QR code here.

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Y training one-on-one ur o e with on f yo y em d ca A g in n Trai coaches! ) (see page 34

Spencer Wilton

Dressage rider and trainer Spencer has represented Britain in the Nations Cup team, with umpteen National titles to his name. This month he’s on hand to share the basic checks he runs through every time he gets in the saddle to ensure his horses are listening and reacting to his aids. If you’re struggling with a control issue, or your horse is stiff or spooky, his advice will help.

“A few key checks are all you need to start every schooling session on a positive note,” says Spencer. “I can’t wait to get started with this year’s Training Academy and give readers the tools they need to improve their riding and make sure their horses are happy, healthy and in the right frame of mind to work effectively.”

Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta to watch Spencer’s introduction to the series, or scan your smart phone over the QR code here.

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r o f er 1: v o hhing ntlis ics o rn s ab ba u m t s e T E th

july 2013 your horse

Jump shape secrets From verticals to triple bars, show jumper Mia Korenika explains how 11 different fences and elements can help your horse become a more athletic, careful jumper

Training over different fences will help you develop your horse’s jumping ability and shape

your horse july 2013

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Better Riding

The perfect jump A bascule describes the nice round arc shape your horse should make as he jumps - this will see him lower his head and neck, raise his shoulders and knees, tuck his front legs up

neatly and equally into his chest and hopefully also stay relaxed through his back, allowing his back end to let go as he pushes up and over the fence.

Your horse’s body should form an arc, or bascule, over fences

Lower head and neck

Stay relaxed through back

Tucked forelegs neatly to chest

Raised shoulder and knees

Back end letting go over fence

Why it’s important your horse jumps different fences our expert

Watch online

Mia Korenika is a show jumper who’s competed at events including the Hickstead Derby meeting.

She’s a UK Coaching Cerficate level 3 and British Showjumping accredited coach who loves seeing her pupils improve and achieve their goals. To find out more call 07710 791095 or email miakorenika72@ gmail.com

If your horse tends to cat-leap rather than bascule over fences, there’s good news! Certain fences will develop his jumping shape, and some can impact on the next fence you jump. It’s also important for your horse to experience jumping different types of fence so he learns how he needs to move over each one. If he’d only ever jumped vertical fences, which produce a tall, round jump, then you asked him to jump an oxer or triple bar, he’d probably land on the back rail because he wouldn’t realise he needed to open up to cover the extra width.

Jumping different fences will also help him develop his strength, confidence and overall jumping ability, so he can be precise and agile, whether over show jumps or cross-country jumps.

ur skills?

Fancy honing yo

guide to Watch Mia’s video apes by sh e nc fe different code with QR is th g nin an sc e, or head your smart phon .co.uk/ to www.yourhorse ts cre se pe ha ps jum

Vertical

Triple Bar

Oxer

A vertical fence will produce a steep, upright jump, while a triple bar creates a longer, more gradually ascending shape, and an oxer a wider, more open jump.

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juLY 2013 your horse

Michael Eilberg As an exciting 2013 season beckons, the dressage star talks candidly about his life with horses, and how the dressage arena nearly lost him to the show jumping ring Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts

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coring an impressive 72% in his first ever dressage test, Michael Eilberg was on the road to stardom right from the start, following in the footsteps of his famous rider and trainer father Ferdi. It’s hard to believe what he’s already achieved at just 26, going from being a newcomer on the World Class Development Squad in 2009 to a 2012 Olympic Games hopeful.

Perhaps best known for his partnership with stunning chestnut mare Woodlander Farouche, winner of the 2012 six-year-old Young Horse World Championships, Michael’s name is

regularly splashed across the horsey headlines, so we decided to drop in for a chat to find out more.

As we arrive at the picturesque Eilberg family home in Redditch, the sun is shining, trees are full with blossom and in hot pursuit of his two dogs, Rocky and Cody, Michael strides down the gravel drive to greet us. He’s happy and relaxed, and it doesn’t seem possible he’s just completed a 14-hour journey from a dressage event in Germany.

We head over to the school, sit ourselves down in the sunshine and begin quizzing our interviewee.

Michael and his horse of a lifetime, Farouche, share a special moment

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juLY 2013 your horse

The Editor says

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HORSE CARE

Keep your horse healthy and happy

If something jumps out of the hedge and frightens your horse things happen too fast to prepare – and anxiety can set in after the event

your horse julY 2013

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New! Page 82

Training with treats

Page 86

Page 98

Your Horse Open Clinic

Sarcoids SOS

Page 101

Ulcers

Fight his fears Our 14 stress-busting solutions will keep you calm when your horse panics or spooks, leaving you free to help him cope Words Andrea Oakes

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OUR EXPERT Caroline Putus is an NLP practitioner trained in the use of Bach flower remedies and homeopathy.

Visit www. enjoyriding.com

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hen your horse goes into panic mode, it can be difficult to keep your own anxiety under control. As we all know, the unexpected will sometimes happen – especially out on hacks – and your ability to stay in control and help him do the right thing when stress takes over will strengthen your partnership and make your time together safe and enjoyable.

Read on over the page where confidence guru Caroline Putus shares her simple techniques to keeping calm and managing your horse’s fear and gives you some quick solutions to help you contain spooky behaviour before it escalates into a deeper-rooted problem.

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Se N ct EW io n

Open Clinic Giving you exclusive access to the UK’s top experts in equine behaviour, management and vet care, our brand new Your Horse Open Clinic will help you to keep your horse fit, well and happy and save money on vet’s bills too!

Meet our experts Gil Riley manages the equine practice at Pool House Equine Clinic

Louise Jones is an equine nutritionist at feed specialists Dodson & Horrell

Jason Webb is a behaviour expert who runs Australian Horsemanship

Glyn Trundle is a farrier who runs Equity Shoeing and specialises in remedial work

Jenny Ellis has been a professional groom for more than 30 years

Penny Hollings is a top showing rider, trainer and judge

And there’s more...

Join live web chats with our experts! This month Jason Webb will be answering your questions (see page 89 for details) Watch our how-to videos whenever you see this symbol Spot the signs of a problem early with our handy symptom checker Got a question for an expert? Email it to us at getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk

On-the-spot advice!

To bring the vet to you, we’ve teamed up with vethelpdirect.com - a free online symptom checker. To use it visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/ symptomchecker for free, on-thespot vet advice.

Some splints result in lameness, which will be visible when you trot your horse up

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Splints

uncovered Vet Gil Riley explains how to spot, treat and manage splints and also how to prevent them

What is a splint? hard ground, or a mixture of the A splint is an injury to the splint two, are common causes, as bone – a small, narrow bone that concussive forces are driven up sits either side of the cannon bone the leg, damaging the splint bone in each of your horse’s legs and is and its ligament. attached to the cannon by As a rough guide, splints are a tough ligament called the split into five main groups: interosseous. It literally ‘splints’ 1. True splint A tear in the the larger cannon bone, providing interosseous ligament progresses essential support, but can be to a bony injury. This is the most damaged by concussive forces common type of splint. or a blow such as a kick from 2. Blind splint Swelling and another horse. inflammation occurs between the A knock to the splint bone itself, splint bone and ligament. This is or a tear to the interosseous difficult to detect, hence its name. ligament, will result in a ‘splint’, 3. Knee splint Swelling in the where the body – in a bid to upper splint bone, near repair the damage – forms the knee, results new bony material, in oseoarthritis. resulting in a This is rare. permanent, hard, of Your Horse readers who 4. Periostitis visible bump took our online survey Usually the that’s no more * wanted vet advice on spot result of a than a cosmetic ting, treating and preventin direct blow blemish once g splints – your wish is ou to the splint any pain and r command! bone. swelling’s *Taken from a survey in 5. Fractured subsided. which 100 Yo ur Horse readers parti splint The bone is Poor conformation cipated actually broken. and excessive work on

82%

Symptom checker A splint eventually settles into a hard, visible bum p

Spot the symtoms Swelling If your horse develops a swelling over a bony lump on the inside or outside of his lower leg, that’s only sore when you touch it, chances are it’s a true splint, especially if there’s no break on the skin.

Lameness If your horse is very lame (especially if a lump has formed on the outside of his leg) he may have fractured his splint bone due to a kick or knock.

Call the vet!

If you spot the symptoms above, if lameness is marked, there’s a deep cut or puncture wound to the area, or you’re worried about the size, location and type of swelling, it’s time to call your vet.

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july 2013 your horse

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Buyers’ Guide

Hit the road Trailers and horseboxes are a big investment, so here’s how to buy with confidence and get the right deal for you and your horse

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ou may well be looking for a new form of transport for your horse, but before you rush out and buy the first bargain you see you need to take a few

moments to stop and think about what you want to use your transport for, what your driving experience is, where you’re going to keep it – and what you can afford.

Trailer vs horsebox Buying a trailer is usually the cheapest option, as running costs are low and they don’t take up much room at the yard. But you do need a suitable vehicle to tow it, and if you passed your driving test after 1997 you’ll need to take a towing test before you can legally tow a trailer.

Horseboxes on the other hand, especially the smaller 3.5 tonners, are proving extremely popular at the moment, mainly because you can drive them on a normal

driving licence. Compared to a trailer you’ll have a few more running costs – as well as the usual insurance they also need taxing, just like a car and need an annual MOT, all of which will add to your annual running costs.

Basically having a horsebox is like running another vehicle so you’ll need to be prepared for any additional mechanical costs if needed.

expert tip You can take the trailer towing (or category E) test as soon as you’re 17.

Contact the Driving Standards Agency to find a test centre near you, call 0300 200 1122. The test fee will set you back around £115.

While trailers are cheaper to buy and run, you will incur the running costs associated with a suitable towing vehicle

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july 2013 your horse

Next month in On sale

11 July

In Horse Care

PLUS

✦ Headshy horses and tendon care in the Your Horse Open Clinic ✦ Summer skin problems solved

Amazing real life!

The journey from racehorse to riding horse. Your Horse readers tell us why it’s worth every second

Mares v geldings

Which are best? You tell us!

Big Interview

Don’t miss our interview with eventing star Oliver Townend!

In Better Riding ✦ Tackling rider frighteners ✦ Handling strong horses ✦ Get him forward and off your leg in under 30 minutes

In Buyers’ Guide

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✦ Detanglers put to the test ✦ Our guide to buying saddles

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Training Academy: Month Two

Improve your horse’s focus whatever his temperament with top advice from your coaches Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim