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Your Horse 378 october 2013
CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN
How to...
Jump Like A Pro
Ben Maher helps you clear fences in style
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O
ur amazing Win a Horsebox competition is back and better than ever! Over the next three months we’re giving you the chance to enter online to win the fantastic Equi-Trek Sonic Excel horsebox you can see here. You could drive it away, complete with a host of extras and a full year’s road tax!
Watch online Take a video tour round this fantastic horsebox at www. yourhorse.co.uk/win
1 lucky reader will win this fantastic horsebox! But that’s not all – we’ve also got some amazing prize packages up for grabs from our Win a Horsebox sponsors, so check out these pages in the magazine each month to see what’s on offer. This month you can win up to £595 worth of stylish Musto clothing. So get entering and good luck!
WORTH A MASSIVE
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Competition
The prize package This stylish Sonic Excel is new to Equi-Trek’s range of horseboxes and trailers, and it could be yours if you enter our fantastic competition today. 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 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 (who wants to get out at a competition with a wayward hairnet?) ●● 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
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, call 01484 852121 or visit www.equi-trek.com ●● Our competition is open to UK entrants only, who must be 18 or over and own a horse ●●
WIN a Musto prize package This month we’ve teamed up with Win a Horsebox sponsor Musto to give you the chance to win a range of stylish clothing Here’s your chance to win one of three fantastic prize packages from Musto, featuring the latest in stylish riding wear. Our first prize package is worth £595 and our lucky winner will be able to pitch up at the yard in a Musto ZP176 Warm Up Jacket (worth £150), plus a smart ZP176 Synergy Jacket (also worth £150). They’ll also get a Base Layer Turtle Neck (worth £45), a Canter Jacket (worth £140), a Zip Thru Sweat (worth £60), and a Microfleece Zip Neck Top (worth £50). Our second prize package consists of a Musto ZP176 Warm Up Jacket, a ZP176 Synergy Jacket and a Base Layer Turtle Neck Top. Third prize is a Musto ZP176 Synergy Gilet (worth £120), and a Zip Thru Sweat. worth
£1,120 in total!
To enter, and for full terms and conditions, go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/ win – closing date is 2 October, 2013. For more about the Musto range visit www.musto.com
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october 2013 your horse
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TRAINING ACADEMY Every issue your Training Academy coaches Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim help you and your horse improve on the flat and over fences – this month, how to get your training back on track after injury or illness
Spencer and Jay with Danny, their six-month-old foal, by Spencer’s dressage stallion Zamboucca
Spencer says
“Everyone hits the occasional stumbling block in their training – the key is to stay positive and be creative in your schooling to regain your horse’s fitness if he’s had to have time off.” Over 6 months you can enjoy....
Free audio lessons download at www. yourhorse.co.uk/ta
Jay says
“I’ve had my fair share of ups and down with horses, so hopefully my tips will help you cope in the event of a lame horse, use your time to best effect – and get back on track fast.”
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Bouts of box rest due to injury call for careful management changes, says Spencer
How to deal with the unexpected If there’s one thing that unites us all in the horse world, whether we’re a pro like Spencer and Jay or a once-aweek rider, it’s the knowledge that horses are only flesh and blood and more than prone to the occasional pulled tendon or tweaked muscle. And if you’ve ever seen your carefully made plans for a competition or other such goal cast aside due to a lame horse you’ll appreciate how frustrating it can be to watch all your hard work go to waste. “Injury and illness are a fact of life with horses,” says Spencer, who’s had a busy summer competing top horses Zamboucca, Doogie (who’s the star of this issue’s photo shoot on page 27) and Super Nova. “I’m usually faced with an injury that calls for the horse to be on box rest, followed by a restricted, controlled exercise programme – and this can be a headache, especially if the horse was fully fit when he got injured. “In this scenario – when a horse is at the top of his game one minute, confined to the stable the next – his feed is the biggest consideration as he can’t stay on his usual rations for fear of tying up or going insane! “Obviously he can’t switch straight to a convalescent diet, so I’d always suggest having a chat with one of the feed company experts (see the next page for tips from Saracen Horse w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Feeds’ top nutritionist Lizzie Drury). All the big companies have a helpline where you can get tailored advice, but the first thing I do is make a gradual switch, as fast and as safely as possible, from high protein, high energy haylage to a low-protein mix of hay. “I also pay close attention to my horses’ environment when they’re laid up. If they’re not getting out in the fresh air it’s vital you avoid feeding dusty hay and try to keep their stable as well ventilated as possible. “In my experience, most horses quickly adapt to box rest – I don’t think they have the same concept of time as we do. The important thing is to know your horse and understand his needs. Some like a stable on a busy part of the yard for instance, others prefer peace and quiet.”
Positive steps forward “When it comes to post-injury rehab, obviously you’ll need to be guided by your own vet, but it’s likely he’ll tell you your horse needs to keep moving, albeit in a controlled way,” adds Spencer. “Walking out in-hand is a likely scenario, progressing to short bursts on the horse walker if you have one. Though be warned that some horses like to use the walker as a playground! “The key thing to remember is that
When turnout’s allowed, make sure your horse is well booted up (inset) and keep his area small
the exercise must be controllable and safe. Walk him out in brushing boots, in a bridle with a lunge line attached if you think he’s going to be exuberant. I’ve had horses in the past who were so highly strung I’ve had to use Sedalin (a sedative available from vets) before they could leave the stable safely. “Finally, when your horse needs to face the ‘real world’ again, make sure his paddock’s small enough to stop him picking up a gallop, boot him up well, and increase the size of the field as his body starts to strengthen and tone. So many injuries occur at this stage that it’s worth being paranoid!”
Expert tip
A safely fenced barn or extra large loose box will give your horse more space while he’s on box rest, though it’s important you balance this extra room with the need for him to stay quiet.
October 2013 your horse
Take care to find the right horse and you can look forward to a loving bond
your horse October 2013
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Taking on a new horse
Find ‘the one’
If you’re searching for your perfect equine partner, our guide will help you decide which is the best route for you – to buy, loan, share or rehome Words Denise Howard
afford to buy and look after him? The good news is a new horse doesn’t have to mean shelling out a fortune in cash up front – there are other options such as rehoming and loaning which can be the best way to ensure you end up with a horse to ride who’s perfect for your level and experience. But remember, there’s no
The pros of loaning your next horse Loaning is an obvious way to avoid the big money hit that comes with buying and, because it’s less permanent it takes some of the long-term stress out of horse ownership – like having to plan for his retirement. For the less experienced rider, it’s a great chance to try before you buy, and a loan can be a godsend for an owner who wants to hand over the care of their horse but doesn’t want to sell. If you find you simply can’t gel with the horse, there’s the option of returning him.
The cons of loaning If the pros above make loaning sound perfect, here’s a little reality check. Things can and do go wrong, even in arrangements between close friends and family members, so it’s important to be ‘small print savvy’. A comprehensive agreement is vital
and should be put in place to protect all parties (including the horse) and to eliminate grey areas, like who pays vet bills. “There’s always the chance of unforeseen problems. A good agreement will clearly set out what’s acceptable and what isn’t, as well as clarifying the procedure should either party wish to end the loan,” says Lee Hackett, senior welfare officer with the British Horse Society.
Sharron and Keano are a match made in heaven
‘Our bond’s growing’ It’s only been a few months, but so far Your Horse reader Sharron Langdon hasn’t had a single problem with her loan horse Keano. She keeps him at the livery yard she runs in Gower, Swansea, and has ridden him virtually every day since she got him. She knew his history – the nine-yearold cob cross had been shown in-hand but hadn’t done much under saddle. She’s been putting in lots of
The pros of sharing Share schemes can be beneficial if you don’t have sufficient spare time or money to care for a horse full time and many people are finding this to be the perfect way to fulfil their riding passion. In return for hours in the saddle, the sharer usually picks up the tab – or part of it – for feed and livery costs and they might also be expected to pitch in with mucking-out duties. One of the biggest bonuses is that, as a sharer, you can tap into the owner’s knowledge and
such thing as a free lunch, and unless you’re extremely lucky most options involve costs. Here we explore the pros and cons of buying, loaning, sharing and rehoming, so you can find your perfect partner, whether you want to enjoy a hack, compete or take your riding to the next level.
Photo: Gemma Louise Thomas
Y
ou think it’s time to get a new horse, and pretty soon you’re thinking of nothing else! It may not be your first, but the sense of excitement is just the same, as is the worry. Will you find the right horse to help take your riding to a new level, and just as importantly, will you be able to
understanding of the horse, helping to boost your confidence at the same time. When a share scheme works well, it can be great for the horse too – not only does he get plenty of exercise, he has two riders to dote on him!
The cons of sharing When it comes to sharing, you must be clear on who pays for any vet treatment, worming, dental checks and vaccinations and what will happen if, heaven forbid, you both want to ride the horse
work to change that, and she’s already reaping rewards. “We alternate between schooling, hacking and lessons,” says Sharron. “I’ve introduced him to jumping and he thoroughly enjoys it. We entered our first show and came home with a third place rosette! He’s a very special horse and our bond gets stronger every day.”
Help online
at the same time. A sample loan agreement can Ordinarily be found at www. the running bhs.org.uk costs fall to the owner, but not necessarily, so it’s important that detailed instructions regarding finance and responsibilities are written down first. This may not be as tying as a formal loan agreement, but it could help minimise the chance of things going wrong.
OctobeR 2013 your horse
Up your marks like Charlotte!
Wish you could be as polished a rider as dressage star Charlotte Dujardin? Now’s your chance as she shares her secrets to a top performance on competition day Words Sam Lewis
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OUR EXPERT Charlotte Dujardin was recently awarded an OBE for her equestrian success, most notably winning two medals at the London 2012 Olympics on Dutch warmblood Valegro. Based in Gloucestershire, she’s trained by Carl Hester. Find out more at charlottedu jardin.co.uk
hen you think of the perfect dressage test, one combination springs to mind: Charlotte Dujardin and her horse Valegro. The pair achieved 90.089% at the 2012 London Olympics and they continue to notch up the percentages.
So what’s her secret? On a typical day Charlotte may ride nine horses, teach several lessons and then head to the gym for a gruelling core workout that involves standing and squatting on a gym ball. Is this what we all need to do to improve? Charlotte tells us that achieving
Help your horse relax at a show Some horses are anxious or nervous when they compete away from home, so as soon as you arrive, take your horse out of the lorry or trailer, tack him up and hack him around the showground for around 15 minutes on a loose rein. After he’s seen his new surroundings (and hopefully
relaxed a little), untack him and put him back away again. This way, when you go to take him out a second time around, he should be more relaxed. If he’s still a little hot headed in the warm-up, try lateral movements such as leg-yielding. If he spooks in the warm-up or outside the boards, let him take a brief look and pat and reassure him using your voice – don’t just grab the reins and kick on! You might want to try a calmer if your horse gets tense – I use Carl Hester’s Pro Mag Horse Calmer.
good marks on your test sheet is mostly down to hard work and good preparation before the event, but stresses that performance on the day is also paramount and you can up your marks. Here she shares her simple tips and advice to help you creep closer to that perfect 10.
Use a first ride out as a confidence builder
Manage your time carefully
Work out what’s an effective warm-up for your horse
your horse October 2013
Arrive in plenty of time so that you don’t have to rush your warm-up, but don’t warm up for too long – you don’t want to tire your horse mentally or physically. I like to work-in young horses for around 25 minutes, but will spend around 40-45 minutes in the warm-up with more experienced horses such as Valegro (and I usually ride him in the morning as well). When the weather is hot, adapt the warm-up time according. If you tend to warm up for 45 minutes, cut it down to at least 30 minutes or try two 15-minute sessions with a cool down in between. Also take care to check if the class is running late before you begin your warm-up.
You can go to an event with a plan of how you would like to warm up, but listen to your horse and ride him accordingly. Spend around 10 minutes working-in your horse in walk at the start of the warm-up. Let him stretch and pick him up again at least twice to relax his muscles. It’s important your horse is long, round and stretching before you move onto other exercises like legyield and shoulder-in. Nine out of 10 horses ride with their quarters in, but riding movements such as shoulderfore in the warm-up should help straighten him. Practise parts of your test at home or in the warm-up, but don’t do the whole test or your horse may anticipate what’s next. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Photo: Bob Langrish
Better Riding
Charlotte and Valegro on their way to clinching gold at the 2012 London Olympics
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October 2013 your horse
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Geoff Billington In anticipation of his demo at Your Horse Live 2013, we quizzed the Olympic show jumper on all things equestrian and fished for the gossip on his Barbados wedding Words Larissa Chapman Photography Simon Hipperson
P
PHOTO: Kathryn Pearn - Horse of the Year Show
ulling up at Geoff’s lovely yard in Cheshire, I could hardly wait to sit down and find out what makes this show jumper come budding comedian tick. With wins at HOYS and Hickstead and having represented Great Britain at the European and World Championships as well as the Olympics, he’s got a pretty amazing record. I was hoping he would be as charming and witty as he appears in his demos and I’m pleased to report he didn’t let me down. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed so much in my life. With Your Horse Live 2013 fast approaching, where he’ll be putting on
his hugely popular demo with eventer Oliver Townend, I wanted to find out more about what Geoff’s been up to and what we can expect to see in the future. Unfortunately, half of what he told us was unprintable, but here’s our edited version for you to enjoy!
How did you first develop your passion for horses and riding?
I started going to my local riding school when I was nine years old and I was soon taken with the horses… and the girls. Neither of my parents were into horses but they still supported me through thick and thin – they were fantastic.
Did you always know you wanted to be a show jumper?
Always! My parents had no money but I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Luckily I got the chance to groom for top show jumper, David Bowen, I had one horse to ride and six to groom. David rode for a nightclub owner called Joe Pullen, and when Joe moved to a house with stables, he asked me to ride three of his horses, which pretty much launched my career. I was just 19 when I made my debut on the British team, riding a horse called Talk of the North, who was named after one of Joe’s nightclubs. He was my first top horse and I had a lot of fun on him.
The Big Interview Cheeky Geoff Billington and Pedro VI having a blast at the Horse of the Year Show 2009
HORSE CARE
Keep your horse healthy and happy
Back to Basics
9 steps to clipping success It’ll soon be time for the first clip of the autumn – be ready with our expert guide to choosing the right clip, preparation and honing your skills
Words Andrea Oakes
A
OUR EXPERT Cressida Heath is a hunt groom for the Cottesmore Hunt in Leicestershire and has been clipping horses for 26 years. Her duties include giving each of the dozen or more horses in her care a hunter clip every two weeks during the winter season, so she knows what she’s doing when armed with a set of clippers!
s nights get longer and days gets colder, nature will be doing its best to wrap our horses up against the worsening weather, but the thick and fluffy winter coat that starts growing now can be more than a little impractical. An active horse will soon be working up a sweat under all that insulation, resulting in damp and sticky hair that’s a devil to dry and leaves him at risk of chills. Clipping at least some of his coat will let your horse stay fitter through the winter months. He can work harder, without wasting energy through sweating, and he’ll cool off faster after exercise. He’ll also be easier to groom, and a tidy clip will make sure he’s looking his best at winter shows and events. But if the thought of picking up the clippers leaves you feeling anxious, expert clipper Cressida Heath is here to help. Her nine-step plan will take you through every stage, from the essential ‘prep’ to the tricks of the trade that will ensure your horse takes it all in his stride.
Proud sponsors of Horse Care Back to Basics your horse October 2013
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Page 79
Retraining your horse
Page 82
Nasal discharge SOS
1 Choose your clip Before you fire up the clippers, think carefully about how much hair you need to remove. Take your horse’s workload, lifestyle and age into consideration – can you keep him well-rugged and warm enough if you clip out his body completely, or would a partial trim where he sweats most frequently be sufficient? The horses I work with need short coats, but a leisure horse won’t have to be so closely clipped, and most don’t need their head clipped right out. Remember, a horse’s winter coat provides protection from the elements, so if you clip any hair, rug up accordingly to keep him warm – especially if he’s spending time in the field. Remember, too, that he’ll be pretty fresh to ride on a frosty morning if you remove all his winter woollies.
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Evolution of the horse
Pick the right clip for your horse Choose the clip that suits your horse’s lifestyle and his planned winter workload:
Neck and belly An underside trim, ideal for the horse in light work who is turned out.
Low or high trace Suitable for the horse in light or medium work. A higher trace can include the whole or part of the head.
Hunter For hunting or athletic activities, the legs and saddle area are left on for protection. For a full clip these can be removed completely.
Blanket Offers warmth over the back but allows efficient cooling during and after harder exercise.
2 When and where? Decreasing sunlight triggers your horse’s coat-growing mechanism, so he may well start to ‘hair up’ before summer’s out, while factors such as breed and weather will affect his early winter coat growth, and this differs with each horse. He could be ready to clip any time between mid-September and the beginning of October, though it’s usually better to hold off for as long as possible with the first clip of the season. As a guide, once you can really stick your fingers into the coat, you know the clippers will do a good job. When the time’s right, prepare your clipping area in an enclosed space with a dry floor, good lighting and ventilation. If you’re using a wash-box, make sure the rubber matting on the floor isn’t damp and, to prevent accidents if your horse pulls back, use a safety tie or tie-ring with baler twine.
3 Put safety first Be alert to your horse’s body language while clipping and stay clear of danger at all times. Don’t position yourself so you can be kicked or knocked, or lean over the horse’s lowered head in case he jerks it up sharply and clonks you on the chin. I’m right-handed so my technique is to use the clippers in my right hand while resting my free hand on the horse. You can then feel his muscles tense, so you’ll get a slight early warning if he plans to move or react. While some horses are happy to stand
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Help him cope with crowds
quite still, others find being clipped boring or even downright stressful. A haynet can help, but the continual movement as the horse tugs at mouthfuls can make clipping very difficult. Straight lines, in particular, are almost impossible. A twitch can relax the horse, although I have a rule of no mobile phones for anyone holding the twitch – it needs the handler’s full attention. Patience is usually the answer, but I’d advise against picking a fight with an uncooperative horse. Don’t try to make a horse accept the clippers if he simply won’t. It’s better to get him properly sedated than for both of you to have a really bad time. If you’re in any doubt, you should use sedation. It’s an extra cost, especially if the vet does it, but it’s money well spent.
Clipper care checks ✓ Ensure your clippers are serviced and tensioned correctly
Keep spare blades, in case of damage ✓ ✓ Use an extension cable with a built-in circuit breaker
apply blade oil to keep ✓ Regularly blades lubricated
✓ Always wipe excess oil from clipper blades
✓ Use a clean brush to remove hair
SPILLERS® Care-Line 01908 226626 careline@spillers-feeds.com l www.spillers-feeds.com w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
October 2013 your horse
Enjoy a healthy, happy old age! With our horses living longer, Julianne Aston of the Veteran Horse Society has some top tips to help your oldie get the most from life Words Denise Howard
H OUR EXPERT Julianne Aston is the founder of the Veteran Horse Society (VHS), dedicated to the care, welfare and enjoyment of horses and ponies over the age of 15. She’s also a trustee of Veteran Horse Welfare. Find out more at www.veteranhorse-society. co.uk You’ll be able to chat to Julianne at Your Horse Live (9-10 November) in the Hickstead Horse Feeds Horse Answers Zone.
orses may be officially labelled ‘veterans’ at just 15, but these days it’s not unusual to find them out competing well into their 20s, and enjoying life in retirement into their mid-30s. With advances in vet care, much more is now known about older horses and the problems they face. One of my passions is to educate owners on how to improve their horse’s quality of life – both physically and mentally. With a little extra thought and care, you can ensure your veteran feels great and looks fantastic, whatever his age. The question I hear most often from owners is how much exercise their older horse should do, and unfortunately there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer. It comes down to the individual, what he’s done in the past and, to some extent, his breed. I always advise people to listen to their horse. He’ll tell you what he’s capable of doing, and it’s important you don’t push him. My own horse Minty, who’s pictured below, was still winning awards at Riding Club Championship level when he was 40, and went on to live for another six years after this. On the other hand, a Minty was still winning at the age of 40
Expert tip
Keep up to date with your older horse’s worming, vaccinations and dental checks. Some people say ‘no hoof, no horse,’ but teeth are just as important and should be checked every six months.
your horse october 2013
horse with a lot of hard mileage on the clock may be ready to end their career early, simply because of the wear and tear on their body. Not all horses are raring to go in later life but the consensus of opinion among vets seems to be that regular light exercise is best – if your horse is up to it – so be guided by your vet (and common sense). Of course, feeding is also key, and as he ages your horse’s digestive system will become less efficient. There are a number of quality feeds on the market specially designed for older horses, and advice is freely available from vets and equine nutritionists. I like to feed high protein cubes, watered down to a pulp, and good quality forage is also a must. It’s important to watch out for weight loss as this is often the first sign of illness.
Disease control Two of the most common conditions associated with ageing horses are Cushing’s and arthritis. I’d always warn against assuming your horse has Cushing’s just because he has a woolly coat. Get a blood test to check, as with the right approach it’s manageable. The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) is currently assisting in national research into the condition. With regards to arthritis, we use Philippa Hughes, an equine vet with the Dyffryn Tawe practice in Carmarthen. Her advice is that frequent ‘low level’ exercise can benefit horses with mild arthritis, but again the diagnosis has to be accurate. She has to make sure the horse isn’t suffering from any other muscular or skeletal problems that could be made worse by exercise, such as tendon or ligament injuries. We’ve also found good quality supplements can help support joints.
Horse Care Body
Advances in health care mean horses are overcoming age-related problems
Open Interact with our experts Each month the Your Horse Open Clinic gives you exclusive access to the UK’s top experts in equine behaviour, management and vet care - absolutely free!
Our hand-picked team of experts will help you handle all your horse care problems here in the magazine. You can email your questions to getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk and we’ll put them to the pros – look out for the answers in the magazine each month Visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/openclinic to take part in special web chats with our team of experts – this month you can chat live to behaviour pro Jason Webb
This clever service, run by qualified vets, is easy to use and totally free. To give it a try, just visit our website at www.yourhorse.co.uk/symptomchecker for free, on-the-spot expert vet advice. You’ll be asked to select from a drop-down list of symptoms, then given immediate advice on if and when you should call the vet. It only takes seconds and it’s all part of our Open Clinic service!
Plus! If you’re worried about your horse’s health, we’ve teamed up with the free online symptom checker service vethelpdirect.com
Meet our team of experts Vet Gil Riley manages the equine practice at Pool House Equine Clinic
Colin Mitchell RCVS Cert is a partner vet at Scott Mitchell Associates your horse october 2013
Jenny Ellis has been a professional groom for more than 30 years
Caroline Putus is a homeopath and healer with 50 years’ experience
More ways to learn Jason Webb is a behaviour expert who runs Australian Horsemanship
Angela Lumsdon is an equine sports massage therapist
Join live web chats with our experts and ask them your horse care questions Watch our how-to videos to help you learn whenever you see this symbol Spot the signs of a problem early with our handy symptom checker Got a question for an expert? Simply email it to us at getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk
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Clinic
THIS MONTH: ✦ Tackle kicking ✦ Hock health ✦ Winter turnout ✦ Boost recovery
Solve your handling horrors We put your questions to trainer Jason Webb. This month he’s keen to tackle two of your most serious worries – kicking and barging
Ask our expert Join Jason for a live web chat on Monday, 30 September, from 7pm to 8pm, when he’ll be on hand to answer all your behaviour-related questions. Visit www.yourhorse. co.uk/openclinic for details.
Q
My horse drags me about and barges when I lead him. How can I make him walk to my pace? Sarah Bond, Lancashire
Q
My seven-year-old mare charges and turns to kick me when I try to catch her and she tries to bite and kick me when I groom her. Help! Clare Frost, Essex Jason says: A It sounds like your mare thinks she’s the boss on the ground, and is trying to keep you in your place. With horses like this, when you go to catch them take a lunge whip or something that makes a noise. If your mare tries being aggressive you can safely push her away by making yourself big and noisy, or waving the whip nearby. The aim is to make her move away – in doing so you’re teaching her you can move her feet. Then watch for her attitude changing, signalled by her turning to look at you with her ears forwards – this is her showing more respect and asking ‘what do you want me to do?’. If her ears are still
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back, make her move again to confirm you’re in charge of her feet. Be careful when working with aggressive horses – challenging them may make them challenge you more, so use equipment that makes you effective from a safe distance. Wearing your hat and suitable clothing is also a must. Tackle your grooming problems by placing her where she’d usually be tied but don’t tie her up. Hold the rope as you groom and tack up, so you can move her without getting squashed. Teach her if she tries to bite or kick, she has to work and move her feet. I like to see the back end moving away which makes it impossible for her to kick you. Give her an easy option too, by placing her back where you started and letting her rest, before repeating the exercise. You moving her feet will start her thinking differently, and she’ll learn it’s easier to not bite or kick.
Jason says: A If your horse pulls you around, you need to make him move his hind end away from you so he realises you’re in charge. When he pushes past you he’s stopped looking at you. By pushing his hindquarters, you can make him cross his hindlegs, which stops him going forwards, and he’ll end up doing a turn on the forehand to face you. Once he’s looking at you again, give him a rub then put him back behind you – he should be moving, not you. When he’s where you want him, wait, give him another rub then walk on. Repeat this every time he tries to get in front and he’ll realise it’s easier to stay where you want him. Horses may also try to creep past you when you’ve halted, taking little steps forward and then past you, which will eventually turn into barging. When you catch him taking these little steps, immediately ask him to back up a few paces – you’ve not asked him to come closer so he has to move back, which will teach him that where you put him is where he stays. It’s hard work but you’ll get there.
october 2013 your horse
BUYERS’ GUIDE
Expert advice on buying wisely
Body guard A body protector, like your hat, is considered an essential piece of riding kit. Here’s how to buy the right one for you
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flexibility, make it lighter and ody protectors are designed improve air flow, helping you to absorb impact from a fall stay cooler. The lining is or a kick from a usually a breathable material horse. Whether and may also be antiyou need one for one of the bacterial and anti-odour – you equestrian sports where can’t help but sweat a little they’re compulsory, or when you’re wearing a body simply extra protection protector and this type of for everyday riding, our lining can help you and guide looks at what’s on the your body protector stay a market, safety levels, bit fresher. getting the right fit There are two styles, and looking after your Zip-up or zip-up and tabard. Our body protector. tabard style… advice is that you try a few Thanks to modern which you buy is down to of each style on before you materials and improved comfort and fit buy to find out which one design, today’s body you find most comfortable protectors are flexible and and fits you best. Zip-up lightweight, making styles include the Champion them comfortable to wear as ZipAir (£75-£140) and well as offering a high Rodney Powell X2ESP level of protection. (from £108, pictured They all have a similar above left). Just Togs design and overall look. Maxi Flex Pro body Most use heat sensitive protector (£66) and Harry foam which moulds to Hall Zeus (£72.99, pictured your shape as you’re left) are examples of tabard wearing it. Quite often, this style body protectors. foam is perforated to increase A body protector will absorb the impact from a fall
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Cross-country gear
Page 122
New gear in the shops
Page 126
Boots and chaps on test
Page 130
Guide to using studs
Back protectors are a compulsory piece of kit in high-risk sports
Top priority It’s essential your body protector fits well and meets the right safety standards
Next month in On sale
3 Oct
Mary King takes over!
Next month Mary takes the reins to guest edit the issue… from her kitchen! Get amazing riding advice from the queen of eventing herself and from the experts she rates as the very best in the business!
Better Riding ●R egain confidence after a fall ●H andle hacking hazards ● I mprove your riding from the
ground with Heather Moffett
Horse Care ● T ackle eye and leg problems ● I s your horse really happy? ● Y our bitting questions answered
Buyers’ Guide ● 1 6-page rug buying special ● R iding underwear ● G ear Mary King can’t live without
Plus!
Find out what’s on at Your Horse Live with our free in-depth show preview!
9-10 November 2013
Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
9-10 November 2013 Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire