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O
ur money-can’t-buy prize package will see one lucky Your Horse reader enjoy a star-studded trip to the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire. Set in the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace, you and a friend will be able to soak up the atmosphere of this prestigious event and watch the world’s top riders in action as they tackle the dressage phase. But that’s not all. You’ll get a behind the scenes tour, plus you’ll also enjoy a crosscountry course walk with eventer Lucinda Fredericks, plus we’re giving away hundreds of pounds worth of riding gear. While at the event you’ll be fitted for a Gatehouse riding hat and Rodney Powell body protector, as well as getting a host of freebies from the Mark Todd Collection for you and your horse. The prize package includes: l Admission and dressage tickets for two
To enter visit:
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Who will take the winner on a cross-country course walk? people for Blenheim Horse Trials on either Thursday 12 or Friday 13 September 2013* l A course walk with Lucinda Fredericks l Our winner will be fitted at the event for a Gatehouse riding hat of their choice** and a Rodney Powell body protector, which can be made to order in their chosen colours l Our winner will also receive Mark Todd products to the value of £500 To find out more about any of the products on offer, visit: www.gatehouserange.co.uk www.rodneypowell.co.uk www.marktoddcollection.co.uk
a Lucinda Fredericks b William Fox-Pitt c Oliver Townend Closing date: 8 August 2013 Terms & conditions: For full terms and conditions, go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/ win * The chosen date will be subject to agreement with Lucinda Fredericks ** Excluding bespoke designs and subject to stock availability. Fitting must take place at the event.
Lucinda Fredericks will give our lucky winner and a friend an expert’s view of the Blenheim xc course
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August 2013 your horse
Life after racing
Racehorses reborn
Purple Moon (George) enjoying his new life with Chantal
Three ex-racehorses with a common link – they’ve all forged successful new careers since leaving the track behind. We delve into why your ex-racers are worth the effort
R ed ing
to
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Chantal Wootten, 28, tells us how former flat and hurdle racer Purple Moon stole her heart and became a show ring star I first met Purple Moon, aka George, in 2011 when I became an assistant stud groom at Fittocks Stud in Newmarket. Owned by racehorse trainer Luca Cumani, the stud is also home to some retired racers like George, who’d been gifted there by his owner Craig Bennett. He’d raced all over the world, won the 2007 Ebor and come a very close second in both the Melbourne Cup and the Hong Kong Vase. Altogether he’d amassed around £1.17 million in winnings. Success aside, I knew he was special the first moment I saw him. He has a ‘look-at-me’ presence and huge personality. He’s
O : G e t t y/A n d r e w
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George is one in a million
PH OT
I
t’s no secret that the life of a racehorse is lived hard and fast, and if he doesn’t make the grade, finding a happy ending off the track is still often a matter of chance. Retraining a racehorse is not for everyone. It’s full of ups and downs, and to do it successfully you’ll need patience, skill, expert help, and a whole lot of love, but these gorgeous horses often go on to repay all that effort many times over. We asked Your Horse readers to send us stories of their ex-racers and we were inundated with heart-warming replies. We were amazed just how many of you there are out there working hard at giving an ex-racehorse the chance of a second career in showing, dressage, show jumping, eventing, or as a hack. Read on to discover how the three former racehorses we’re featuring this month are enjoying their new lives as riding horses. Prepare to be inspired!
Purple Moon in full flow on the way to winning the Totesport Ebor at York racecourse in 2007
definitely the happiest horse I’ve ever met and just loves people. I’d had showing experience in my previous job as head groom to the late showman and breeder John Rawding and his wife Sue, and knew George’s presence would stand out in the ring. I nagged Luca’s wife Sara until she let me take him the Newmarket Festival August 2013 your horse
WIN this horsebox! The equestrian world’s biggest competition is back and better than ever as we’re giving away this Equi-Trek Sonic Excel horsebox
worth a massive
£30,950
your horse august 2013
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WIN a horsebox
T
his stylish Sonic Excel is new to Equi-Trek’s range of horseboxes and trailers, and if you enter our fantastic competition today, it could be yours. The lorry carries two horses in comfort, with luxury touches including an in-built digital camera so you can keep an eye on what’s going on behind closed doors as you’re en route to competitions. Our prize also has a package of extras including: ●● A digital reversing camera ●● A padded partition board, with the option of an extra height partition if your horse is particularly tall, as well as a head divider for extra security
●● Built-in storage seat, with a lift-up lid for all your travel and competition essentials ●● A vanity mirror, so you know you’re looking good when you arrive at a competition ●● Alloy wheels, and front mud flaps to help protect your lorry’s paintwork when you’re bumping across farmyards and other rough surfaces ●● A year’s road tax
Coming up! Look out for more details over the next few issues, including your chance to win fantastic prize packages courtesy of our sponsors, feed supplement specialists T.E.N. and top clothing manufacturer Musto. Plus learn more about leading insurers SEIB, who are also supporting our Win a Horsebox competition and have loads to tell you about their 50th birthday celebrations.
How to enter For your chance to win: Go to www.winahorsebox.co.uk and follow the instructions. Special terms and conditions apply. The closing date is midday on 2 January 2014 ●● Alternatively, visit Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park on 9-10 November. The horsebox will be on show for you to have a nose around, and you can enter while you’re there ●● For more on the Equi-Trek range, visit www.equi-trek.com or call 01484 852121 ●● Our competition is open to UK entrants only, who must be 18 or over and own a horse ●●
Our prize has a package of extras including: A padded partition board
with the option of an extra height partition if your horse is particularly tall, as well as a head divider for extra security
Built-in storage seat with a lift-up lid for all your travel and competition essentials
Digital reversing camera to help you park with confidence
In-built digital camera
so you check your horse is travelling happily
50 years of excellent service
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august 2013 your horse
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Every month your Training Academy coaches Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim help you develop your skills and your horse’s way of going on the flat and over fences - this month they cover focus and relaxation
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“This month’s exercises will help divert your horse’s attention away from the spooky monster he’s just spotted, and back to you!” Free audio lessons -
Over the next 6 download at www. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k yourhorse.co.uk/ta months enjoy....
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“I’ve learned through trial and error what works and what doesn’t, so follow my tips over the page to help your horse relax and listen.”
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Essential management tips to keep your horse August 2013 happy and healthy
Access to your coaches via getinvolved@ your horse yourhorse.co.uk
Face your cross-country fears! We went online to ask Your Horse readers to tell us about their most feared cross-country fences. Here, with help from eventer Simon Grieve, we tackle the ones you dread the most Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts
Rail-ditch-rail combination Why it’s scary
OUR EXPERT Simon Grieve is a top class event rider with a solid team of horses competing from BE90 to CCI**** level. For more information visit www.simongrieve. com
People often worry about coffin, or rail-ditch-rail fences, as they’re now known, because there’s such a lot to take in. Jumping three different elements, including a ditch, can often leave riders feeling overwhelmed.
How to jump it The best way to jump most rail-ditchrail fences is right down the centre in a nice straight line. Have soft hands over the fences, but keep a good contact and control in between them. Approach your rail-ditch-rail
You need to tackle a rail-ditch-rail (or in this case log!) fencewith a steady but powerful canter
fence in what eventers call a good ‘coffin canter’ which basically means a nice, bouncy canter that’s slow but powerful. If you’re new to this type of fence, don’t tackle all three elements at once. Instead break it down one step at a time – I often start with the ditch first. Ride your horse towards it in that quality coffin canter and allow him to see what he’s jumping. Once you’ve mastered the ditch you can then begin to introduce a fence before or after it. As soon as you’re comfortable with the two
elements, you can add the final piece of the jigsaw, the third fence. You want to feel composed and in control so you’re ready to tackle the next element. It’s always better to take an extra stride towards the fences when riding a rail-ditch-rail combination, rather than jumping part of it on an early stride and launching over it. If you still feel apprehensive, construct a rail-ditch-rail combination in the school using feedbags or fillers to recreate the ditch and build your confidence before tackling solid fences.
Better Riding
Drop fence Why it’s scary The clue’s in the name – a drop fence can make you feel like you’re dropping off the edge of the earth and lots of riders worry about tumbling forwards over their horse’s head.
How to jump it As with every new and potentially scary fence, start small and build up gradually. The key with this fence is to sit back and slip your reins through your fingers so you don’t get pulled over your horse’s head, and to allow him the freedom of his head and neck so he can re-balance himself on landing. Approach drops with care in trot or a very slow canter. A lot of horses will naturally ‘brace’ as they see the drop, but it’s your job to be positive and ride him forwards over it. Avoid teetering on the edge for too long as it could be classed as a refusal at a competition. Your position is key when jumping drops. For the majority of a cross-country course you’ll need to be up and out of your seat in a forward position but there will be occasions, like at a drop fence, where you’ll need to sit back.
Make sure you sit back and allow with your reins as you ride over a drop fence
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Better Riding
Steady your strong horse This month in our Transform Your Horse series, expert Jock Paget is on hand to help if you’re struggling to gain control of a horse who pulls
Meet the trainer Jock Paget is an event rider from New Zealand who won team bronze at the 2012 London Olympic Games. More recently he became the second rider in history to win Badminton Horse Trials on his debut round! Jock has many years’ experience riding and bringing on a variety of horses, all with their own unique quirks and challenges.
S
trong horses are always onto the next thing, pulling your arms out of their sockets as you go. Similar in their keenness levels to a hot horse, but with added strength to boot, they can be a tricky ride.
However, with simple and focused schooling, it’s possible to take control of your strong horse and get the best from him on the flat and in the air. The good news is, you don’t have to match their strength to gain control and achieve something great.
Riding of plenty circles will help to engage your strong horse and get him listening
Meet the strong Horse
Like a lot of strong horses, Rodney is pulling on Adam and trying to use his strength to control speed and direction
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Rodney is currently competing at two-star level and is ridden by Adam Trew. Rodney has an incredible jump and endless power but he can get over excited and strong after a fence, meaning it’s hard to bring him back under control before the next one. Jock’s going to work on keeping Rodney calm and help Adam to control and channel that strength in a positive way.
Take control A lot of strong horses become over excited and start to pull when out hacking, jumping or when you pick up the pace. Flatwork is the best place to start to take control of this strong nature. You don’t have to do anything particularly special when warming up, simply ride him forwards in all of the paces and use transitions within the paces to ensure he’s listening to your aids. Ride plenty of circles on both reins to make sure he gives to your leg pressure and to test whether you have control of your steering. With strong horses, it’s important to pay more attention to detail to keep him thinking and listening – don’t ride around aimlessly with no plan and no direction or he’ll take advantage of this and try to control the pace and direction.
Expert tip
Plenty of half-halts while you’re warming up will help to slow your horse down and get him listening to you.
August 2013 your horse
It’s your show! The Your Horse ESUK Unaffiliated Championships are just around the corner – and we’ve got a schedule we know you’re going to love
E
arlier this year we teamed up with Equine Sport UK (ESUK) to create a unique new unaffiliated championship event at Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which will be held from 2-4 August, 2013. Arena UK is one of the leading equestrian venues in the UK, with world-class facilities including an international indoor arena with grandstand seating and restaurants, three all-weather arenas,
your horse August 2013
extensive PA systems and access to 2,000 temporary stables to accommodate you at events. To find out more visit www.arenauk.com or call 07775 594424. We asked you which classes you wanted to see on the schedule for our championships, and this fantastic event is the result. So turn over for details of the show that’s been created by you, for you, as we reveal the classes you can enjoy in just a few weeks’ time.
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Your Horse Championships
Did you know?
The Your Horse ESUK Championships will be televised on Horse and Country TV!
Turn the page for the classes you can join w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
August 2013 your horse
Oliver Townend All fired up ahead of a busy summer with his string of horses, the eventer gives us the lowdown on the drive that’s fuelled his career so far and what it really takes to be at the top of your game Words Larissa Chapman Photography Simon Hipperson
A
t just 30, Oliver Townend has more than made his mark on the eventing circuit, both in his personality and ability. He has an impressive array of accolades to his name, from winning the Junior Newcomers Show Jumping title at the Horse of the Year Show on his first pony, Cool Mule, in the 90s, to hitting the big time as part of the contingent representing Britain at the 2005 European Championships at just 22. Since then he’s gone from strength to strength, your horse august 2013
scooping wins at Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, two of the most prestigious events in the country. With all this success under his belt, I was keen to find out more about the man behind the name – though slightly wary of his self-professed ‘grumpy Yorkshireman’ persona! But after just 10 minutes in his company, I was won over by his dry wit and humour and blown away by his sheer commitment to be the best he can be. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
The Big Interview
Oliver with two of his promising horses Douglas (left) and Outside chance (right)
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august 2013 your horse
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HORSE CARE
Keep your horse healthy and happy
From expert grooming tips to how to get his feed and tack correct, our guide will give your horse the winning edge
Page 80
Page 82
Saying goodbye
Page 92
Open Clinic
Equine instincts
Page 102
Caring for his teeth
Reveal his ‘wow’ factor Every so-called ‘ordinary’ horse has the potential to look extraordinary. To show you how to achieve this transformation, we’ve drafted in showing pros Katie Jerram and Lynn Russell
Photo: John Henderson
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OUR EXPERT Katie Jerram is a show producer and judge who teaches at clinics all over the UK and at her Essex yard. Check out her book, Katie Jerram on Showing, for loads more great advice.
hat goes inside your horse is more important than what you do to his outside, so while turning him out in style is valuable, management and diet are vital and must come first. Think about whether your horse is too fat or too thin and if he has the right amount of muscle in the right place. For instance, a horse who hasn’t been worked correctly may look as if he has a ewe neck (upside down), where muscle builds up on the underside of the neck. However, if he’s carrying too little weight or condition, don’t overfeed him to try and make him look more substantial.
Clean, fresh water should always be available
Feed forage Good forage is the foundation of a feeding programme and balancers can really help. Hard feed should contain necessary vitamins and minerals, but you often have to feed more than your horse or pony needs to provide the full complement and it’s better to feed less and add a balancer. Try feeding chaff with a high oil content, as oil is a good form of slow-release energy and is good for coats. You can add it to your horse’s feed, but this is less messy.
Photo: Simon Hipperson
Keep him hydrated
Give your horse an honest assessment – is he too fat or too thin? Is he well muscled?
Your horse should have access to clean, fresh water at all times, but while some horses like to drink cold water others prefer it when the chill’s been taken off. We had one horse whose coat was never as good as I wanted, though when he was blood tested, everything was normal. We found that, although he always had access to clean water, he was slightly dehydrated. When we gave him lukewarm water, he drank freely and his coat quickly improved. August 2013 your horse
Exclusive reader offer
Watch riders like New Zealand eventer Jock Paget, pictured at Burghley in 2012 where he secured 5th place riding Clifton Lush
your horse august 2013
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Burghley weekend
Join us at
Burghley! Wine and dine with eventing’s finest on our exclusive reader weekend at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
T
wo nights in a luxury hotel, full weekend passes to The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, the chance to wine and dine with a top rider… what’s not to love about our exclusive reader weekend trip to this world-famous event? We’ve joined forces with specialist tour Stay at the historic Stoke Rochford Hall Hotel company Travel Editions to provide a complete two-day break. The fun starts on Friday, 6 September, when you’ll check in to the historic Stoke Rochford Hall Hotel in Lincolnshire (just a 30-minute drive from Burghley Park) for a private dinner with Friday 6 September our special guest speaker, Burghley veteran and Olympic trainer Chris Bartle. He’ll be Check in from 3pm at Stoke Rochford Hall on hand to entertain you and no doubt pass (see www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk on some insider tips! for more on the hotel), in time for a Then it’s off to the Land welcome reception and private dinner A great Rover Burghley Horse Trials with wine at 6.30pm. Former weekend for two days of eventing eventer and top coach Chris action – cross-country on Bartle is your after-dinner away for just Saturday and show speaker. jumping on Sunday, all Saturday 7 September included in the price.
Photo: Kit houghton/land rover burghley horse trials
Let the fun begin!
You’ll enjoy:
£299 per person!
A two-night stay at Stoke Rochford Hall Hotel in Lincolnshire ● A private three-course dinner with guest speaker Chris Bartle on the Friday (including wine), and a three-course dinner in the hotel’s restaurant on Saturday evening ● Entrance to Burghley Horse Trials, with tickets for Saturday’s crossChris Bartle country, and reserved will be your after undercover grandstand dinner speaker seating for the show jumping on Sunday ● All luxury coach transfers to and from Burghley Park ● Full English breakfast in the hotel ● The services of a professional tour manager throughout your stay ●
After breakfast, hop on the coach to Burghley Horse Trials for a full day of cross-country action. Return early evening for a leisurely dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Sunday 8 September After an early breakfast, it’s time to return to Burghley Park, with reserved grandstand
The price
The price for the weekend is £299 per person* for Your Horse subscribers – non subscribers pay £309.
How to book Call Travel Editions on 020 7251 0045 and quote ‘Your Horse’ – lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or book online at www.traveleditions.co.uk
The finer points: *Price is based on two people sharing a double room, and you’ll be asked for a £75 deposit, per person, when making your booking. There is a £48 single room supplement, and children sharing their parents’ room pay a special rate (call 020 7251 0045 for details) • A special Sunday night rate of £70pp (sharing a twin room) or £94 for a single room for dinner, bed and breakfast is available for anyone who’d like to extend their stay • Full conditions apply, which will be sent with your confirmation • This tour is operated by Travel Editions, which is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA No V3120) • As grandstand seating for the show jumping performance is limited, please book early to avoid disappointment
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august 2013 your horse
A new Jaguar XKC would set you back around £2,000 – buying a secondhand one could save you more than £1,000
your horse August 2013
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Buyers’ Guide
Saddle up When money’s tight, buying a secondhand saddle can be a wise investment, so here’s how to make the right choice and grab yourself a bargain
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Buying via Saddles Direct
ith new saddles such a huge investment, buying secondhand is the only option for many cash-strapped horse owners. While this can be a great success, it’s vital you find a saddle that’s safe and fits your horse comfortably. A cheap saddle won’t be such a bargain if it damages his back or something breaks as soon as you use it, so follow our guide to help you choose the right one, at the right price.
Where to buy Most saddlers will have a selection of secondhand saddles they’ve taken in part exchange, while tack shops will often have a notice board with ads for secondhand tack. There’s also the online route (look at horses for sale sites, most have a section dedicated to gear), or surf auction sites such as eBay. While auction sites are the home of many a bargain, no matter how thorough your questions, buying without seeing the saddle or trying it on your horse is a gamble that may not pay off.
One company, Saddles Direct, is unique in that it specialises in secondhand saddles, with a range of 300 to suit all budgets. It offers a three-day trial giving you the opportunity to ensure any saddle you choose is right for both you and your horse. Its saddle consultants are available by phone to help if you need it, and you can even send them templates and photographs of your horse so they can advise you which saddles are likely to be more suitable. Saddles Direct also works closely with saddlers nationwide to help its customers find the right one. Saddles Direct offers part-exchange deals, as well as giving you the opportunity to sell your saddle on a commission basis. For a quote, email some photos of your saddle. For details call 01282 471911 or visit www. Remember to add saddlesdirect. the cost of possible co.uk reflocking to the price of a secondhand saddle
extra costs
What you get for your money
To give an idea of what you can expect to find for your money, Saddles Direct has put together this used saddle price guide:
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Price range
Dressage
Jump
GP
Up to £200
Older saddles and unbranded models
Synthetic saddles, eg Wintec models
Thorowgood or Wintec saddles
Older Stübben saddles
Unbranded English saddles
£200 - £400
Older models of popular brands such as the Ideal Jessica saddle
The Stübben Siegfried II, Albion 5000 or Albion Style saddle
The Jeffries Falcon, Sillhouette or Paul Jones saddle
£400 - £600
The Kieffer Zugspitze, Black Country Eden, Albion SL or Bates Caprilli
The Falcon F1, Bates Close Contact or Pessoa saddle
The Albion K2 GP, Black Country GPX, Barnsby Omega or Bates Caprilli saddle
£600 - £800
The Albion SLK or Ideal Suzannah
The Jaguar XJ, Ideal Impala or Albion K2 Jump saddle
The Frank Baines Eclipse or Kieffer Garmisch saddle
£800 - £1,000
The Bates Innova, Anky Painted Black, Anky Salinero or Passier Hubertus Schmidt saddle
The Prestige Paris, Kieffer Koof or Older Butet models
The Albion Ultima GP
August 2013 your horse
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✦ Discover the key to riding confidence
✦ Our guide to equine insurance
✦ Riding gloves – tried and tested
✦ Aids explained with ✦ Loading problems Laura Tomlinson – solved
✦ We find the best, innovative girths
Plus! “My horse of a lifetime!” Top riders and readers tell all