2
gifts e! d i s in
2013 winter gear guide
+
Gear Guide
Winter 2013
32
page
essential guide to the great horsey gear that will help you and your horse cope with winter 2013
Including l Winter grooming l Mud fever products l l Clippers l Waterproof Conditioning feeds jackets l Thermals l Bedding l Waterproof trousers l Winter footwear
december 2013 £3.99
BE A BETTER RIDER, get the best from your horse
• win a horsebox • winter riding • position masterclass • Christmas gift guide • understanding ex-racers
26 ways to
enjoy winter Our guide to having fun, braving new things & more!
Position masterclass
Easy ways to banish your bad habits vital vet advice Expert ways to prevent winter colic
Get inside his mind
KELLYS RaKr, MoA n fe nd fame ay! Mont
All your ex-racer's behaviours explained UNCOVERED! The benefits of going bitless
REVEALED! How para stars beat riding fears
SOLVED! Winter hoof care problems
WIN A HORSEBOX worth a massive £30,950!
www.yourhorse.co.uk
Your Horse 380 december 2013
32-page HORSE Care bookLET E E R F
Compete at home! Dream of competing, but are just too nervous? Or maybe lack of a horsebox and dwindling funds are the problem? Discover why competing online could be the perfect solution
T
here are many reasons why people don’t compete – some practical and others emotional, such as overwhelming anxiety at the thought of performing in front of a judge. If this sounds familiar, help is at hand as a growing trend for online competitions allows people to compete from home in disciplines such as dressage, showing, show jumping and even practical horsemanship. Karina Hawkridge founded Interdressage
your horse December 2013
six years ago, and it has grown beyond her wildest dreams, with people competing from all over the world. “When I first started I had a big warmblood that I’d bred and he was very strong and a bit of a challenge,” recalls Karina. “When he was about four and ready to compete I was recovering from a bout of pneumonia and thought that if I took him to a competition he would be explosive and I wouldn’t be strong enough to hold him. I looked for somewhere online to compete,
but there was nowhere, apart from one site in Canada. I decided to create something, although my husband said I was mad, as I didn’t know anything about computers! “I talked about it with my friend Glynis Mills, who is also a British Dressage (BD) judge, got the website built and we started Interdressage. The first month we had 15 competitors, and it has just grown and grown – one month we had 300! “Interdressage is largely aimed at grass
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Competing at home Set up the camera and go for it – competing at home is as easy as that!
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
December 2013 your horse
Click &
WIN! www.yourhorse.co.uk/win
T
here’s still time to join the thousands of readers who’ve already entered our amazing Win a Horsebox competition! Go online to enter, and you might be the lucky person driving this fantastic Equi-Trek Sonic Excel
1 lucky reader will win this fantastic horsebox! horsebox away next year, complete with a host of extras and a full year’s road tax. Our Win a Horsebox competition is supported by some of the biggest names in the horse world, namely South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB), Musto and T.E.N.
WORTH A MASSIVE
£30,950
Watch online Take a video tour round this fantastic horsebox at www. yourhorse.co.uk/win
your horse December 2013
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
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, if you read this before Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park on 9-10 November, the horsebox will be on show, and you can enter while you’re there at the Your Horse stand ● 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
50 years of excellent service
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
December 2013 your horse
Proudly sponsored by Albion Saddlemakers
AD
AI NI
G
EMY
TR N
AC
TRAINING ACADEMY In the final instalment of our 2013 Training Academy, coaches Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim explain how to inject some fun into your riding routine and encourage your horse to relax and chill out
Spencer and Jay with dressage star Goodmans Super Nova (or Neville to his friends)
Jay says
“All my horses have the odd easy ‘stretchy’ day to take the pressure off. I might go up to the gallops or pop a few cross-country fences. They come back with a smile on their face!” Your last chance to enjoy....
Free audio lessons download at www. yourhorse.co.uk/ta
Spencer says
“As important as it is to keep your horse’s training consistent, he’ll really benefit from some down time after a big competition and trying something fun to keep him fresh.”
Free training videos - simply go online when you see this icon
Essential management tips to keep your horse happy and healthy
Access to your coaches via getinvolved@ yourhorse.co.uk
G
EMY
AI NI N
AD
TR
Your Horse Training Academy
AC
Photo: Kevin Sparrow
After the bright lights of the recent Espayo National Championships, Neville enjoys a break (see inset pic)
Why it’s vital to schedule in some down time All work and no play makes your horse a dull boy, and despite having a competition schedule that would make the vast majority of us reach for a pot of strong coffee, both Spencer and Jay appreciate the importance of scheduling in some down time. Sure, their horses may lead a jet set lifestyle (Neville, pictured left and above, has just come back from the Espayo National Dressage Championships at Stoneleigh Park, where he won the Fairfax Prix St Georges Championship for instance), but when they’re back from a big show they always Doogie relaxes after a tough Nationals, which saw him compete on all three days
have a few days’ R&R to give their bodies and minds chance to recover. “It’s important they have a few days to chill out after a tough competition – and they soon come to expect it!” says Spencer. “My horses had a pretty full-on time leading up to the Nationals, so they all had a nice, easy couple of weeks after it was over. Although it’s important to remember that every horse is an individual and will react differently to the stress of competing, especially if they’re away from home. “Doogie had a tough Nationals as he ended up doing three tests, three days in a row. He always puts a huge amount of effort in, so by day three he was getting tired and needed a break. Neville only did one test (which he won!) but he’s less relaxed than Doogie, so the whole process of being away from home is more mentally exhausting for him. Zamboucca copes the best as he’s pretty laid back, but they all find it tiring as a show like the Nationals is quite demanding. They may be ridden three times a day and then have to go into the ring again for the prize givings.”
A well-earned rest “People often assume dressage horses don’t exert themselves as much as eventers at a competition, but it’s a different sort of pressure and it’s important to let their bodies recover after they’ve been away at a show,” adds Spencer. “We got back from the Nationals late on a w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Saturday night, so Sunday and Monday were days off for the horses, then they had a couple of easy schooling sessions to stop them stiffening up, followed by a few gentle hacks just for fun. It was a good chance for me to switch off too, and catch up on all the paperwork I didn’t have time to do before the show! “Of course all three horses have such a good level of basic fitness it doesn’t take long to bring them back up to speed after a couple of ‘lazy’ weeks. Zamboucca won’t compete again this year, but I’ve got big plans for Neville and Doogie, who’ll do their first Grand Prix level test at the start of December.” december 2013 your horse
BETTER RIDING
Easy-to-follow expert advice for beginners to advanced riders
Watch online Watch Sarah’s lesson in full at www. yourhorse.co.uk/ spencerlesson
If a few positional quirks, including a habit of looking down, are holding you back, like Sarah and Boris, read on for Spencer’s advice
your horse December 2013
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Page 48
Going bitless
Page 53
Competing indoors
Page 58
A-Z of winter riding fun
Page 64
Beating boredom
Private Lesson Every issue we give one reader a lesson with a pro – this month top dressage rider and YH Training Academy expert Spencer Wilton helps Sarah Barden banish her bad habits Words Helen Milbank Photography Matthew Roberts
Stop nagging and start getting results
Meet The Trainer Spencer Wilton is a dressage rider and trainer whose accolades include being crowned National Champion. Alongside Jay Halim, he’s the star of our YH Training Academy series – turn to page 26 for this issue’s installment.
Sarah tells me Boris tends to work behind the leg and could be more responsive to her aids. He’s naturally laidback and many riders see this as a positive, especially when it means their horse will soon relax in a new setting. But if your horse tends to dawdle, like Boris, it’s important to look at your own position and treble Sarah nags with her legs, but Boris isn’t listening!
check you’re not the root of the cause. Continue to ‘nag, nag, nag’ with your legs and your horse will soon switch off and become dead to the leg. You may be able to get away with this at the lower levels of eventing, when the questions asked in the dressage phase aren’t too demanding, but move up the levels and you’ll soon find it’s stopping you progressing. I can see Sarah’s not particularly straight position-wise and this will be holding her – and Boris – back. So if you share her penchant for looking down and allowing a wayward lower leg to hamper you, see my simple position spot check, over the page!
The lesson focus ● To encourage your horse
to be more responsive to your leg aids ● To create forwardness ● To focus on your basic positional quirks
Meet The Rider Sarah Barden aims to event at Novice level with her home-bred Irish TB Boris. Sarah was the winner of last year’s Your Horse Training Academy competition to win training with Spencer. She needs his help to give Boris some ‘oomph’ as she tends to have to nag him on the flat.
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Focus on the basics It’s common to ride differently under stress, especially when you’re faced with a new environment and trainer. When I’m teaching someone for the first time I treat it as an assessment session, rather than bombard them with information. Boris is still only young, but I can see as the pair warm up that he has good natural paces and a super trot. Sarah tells me dressage is his weakest phase when eventing, and he feels slightly weaker on the right rein, but he
Boris needs to become stronger in his back
looks nice and relaxed. He needs to become stronger in his back and learn to carry himself better, but this is an age thing and will come in time with the correct schooling.
December 2013 your horse
No bit, no problem! Think your horse needs a bit for you to have complete control? Think again – going bitless could revolutionise your riding and your relationship. We explore how
OUR EXPERTS
Mark Smith is a former jockey and international event rider who coaches riders in bitted and bitless riding. Read more at www.msjump. co.uk
Johanna Macarthur is a trainer and secretary of the Norfolk Horse Training and Equitation Club. Read more at www.horsetrainingclub.org
W
hen you speak to a rider who’s tried a bitless bridle, chances are you’re talking to a bitless convert. With benefits including the resolution of ridden issues, a better way of going plus anecdotal and scientific evidence of happier horses, it’s no surprise increasing numbers of people are quitting the bit. We’ve asked two experts in bitless riding, Mark Smith and Johanna Macarthur, to explain why bit-free is brilliant, and spoken to riders across the disciplines who’ve made the change – their success might just persuade you to give it a go too! Mark’s journey to bitless riding began with his childhood riding experiences. “My father said we could ride whenever we wanted, but insisted that we always clean our tack afterwards,” he says. “We ended up riding in headcollars and leadropes and found we could do everything with our ponies we could do in a bridle and bit. There’s no reason why a horse should ever need to have a bit – someone in the distant past just noticed the gap between his teeth and put a hunk of metal in there.” Now, Mark will ride in a headcollar to demonstrate how good riding is
* Preliminary study of jointed snaffle vs. crossunder bitless bridles: quantified comparison of behaviour in four horses, Cook WR, Mills DS, published 2009
Bitless bridles enable your horse to really open out over fences
your horse December 2013
more effective in controlling your horse than increasingly strong bits. “A dressage book will say use your legs and seat first, and one-third is hands, but most people use their hands first and body after. If you understand your body weight is more important than your hands then you’re three-quarters of the way there,” he says. “I’m not bitless really, I’m soft hands. There’s no bit that hurts a horse’s mouth, it’s the person on the end of the reins. Horses run from pain, and when you start using increasingly severe bits and pulling, the horse will run. “When you move your little finger on the rein you’re having a conversation with your horse. When you move your whole hand you’re shouting at him, and if you do that, he’ll argue and that’s when problems start.” Johanna supports this emphasis on rider responsibility. “It all comes down to the sympathy of the rider’s hand,” she says. “If you’re a bad rider, you’ll still be a bad rider bitless, but your horse will be relieved there’s less of a pull on his mouth.”
How bitless can help your horse As their name suggests, bitless bridles remove the pressure from the horse’s mouth by doing away with a bit, and instead place pressure upon different parts of the horse’s head, according to their design. Dr Robert Cook, who developed the Dr Cook bitless bridle, carried out a study* to test his prediction that behaviour would improve when a horse was bitless, versus being ridden in a snaffle. Four horses completed two four-minute tests marked by an independent judge, with the results showing a mean score of 37% for bitted and 64% for bitless, confirming his prediction. In her work as a trainer, Johanna estimates she’s helped at least 150 horses switch to bitless, and through her role as secretary for bitless riding club, the Norfolk Horse Training and
Equitation Club (NHTEC), she’s seen as many as 400 conversions. “Every single horse has been transformed, and some of the transformations have been heart-warming because horses who were thought to have serious issues have gone away happy, with overjoyed owners,” she says. “Generally speaking, bitless horses go better, their frame is better, they seem to have more elongated strides and will perform and respond better – these aren’t small changes.” As well as the benefits on the flat, bitless bridles can also improve performance over jumps. “The horse has his head – you’re not interfering with his movement or head and shoulders so he can really stretch the neck forward and pick himself up over the jump,” says Mark. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Better Riding Going bitless could result in a more responsive horse – and more fun for both of you
Winter Feeding
Horse Care Management
What you need to know about fibre In the first of three feeding specials, the experts at Spillers explain why forage is key to your horse’s health this winter
T OUR EXPERT Clare Barfoot BSc (Hons) RNutr is a registered nutritionist and the research and development manager for SPILLERS®. She’s ridden and owned horses all her life and is enjoying bringing on her Welsh Cob mare, Missy.
Expert tip
A feed balancer can be used alongside a forage-only diet to balance any vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Designed to be fed in small quantities, look for a low-calorie balancer if your horse is prone to weight gain, such as SPILLERS® Lite Balancer.
here’s a reason why forage – whether it’s grass, hay, haylage or a hay replacer – is fundamental to good health, and that’s its high fibre content. This is vital from both a physical and behavioural point of view. Physically speaking, 65% of your horse’s digestive system, ie his hindgut, is devoted to fermenting and digesting fibre (making a steady supply of high fibre feed vital), while from a psychological point of view he’s adapted to graze for a hefty chunk of the day, namely 16 to 18 hours. To understand the importance of a high fibre diet, we need to examine how the horse’s digestive system has evolved. Our horses’ wild ancestors lived on a diet of fibrous grasses, herbs, plants and shrubs and, although on its own the equine digestive system doesn’t possess the enzymes needed to break down fibre, it has formed a special relationship with bacteria and other microbes to do just that. These microbes colonise the horse’s digestive tract, particularly the hindgut, and ferment the fibre, breaking down the strong bonds and producing acids, called volatile fatty acids, which the horse can absorb and use as energy. This special and intricate symbiotic relationship remains important today. So whether your own a hairy native pony or an elite performance horse, forage should make up the bulk of his diet – 50 % as a bare minimum, with 70 to 100% of the diet the ideal for leisure horses, provided it’s balanced with the addition of a suitable feed or balancer.
Winter Feeding series proudly brought to you by SPILLERS® w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Watch online Want more feeding info? Visit www.yourhorse. co.uk/spillers for our feeding video guide
Forage is important all year round, but especially over winter when the grazing starts to wane
SPILLERS® Care-Line 01908 226626 careline@spillers-feeds.com l www.spillers-feeds.com December 2013 your horse
Better Riding
The great indoors If poor weather means you’re keen to compete indoors this winter, our experts are on hand to help you make the most of it, whether you plan to jump or stick to the dressage arena Words Andrea McHugh
OUR EXPERTS
Caroline Moore has produced and ridden horses up to 4* level. She’s the British Eventing national under 18 coach and junior team coach. For more on her visit www. caroline-moore. com
O
ne of the greatest challenges of winter is trying to keep your horse fit and active, ready to compete and ride out in the spring. For many, the answer is to train and compete at an indoor version of their chosen discipline. With so many competitions to choose from, we’ve asked the experts how you can get
the most from the great indoors. Three-day event rider and coach Caroline Moore recommends arena eventing to help keep horses fit and prepare them for the season ahead. “We run arena eventing at Vale View Equestrian Centre in Nottinghamshire where competitors complete eight show jumping fences and then immediately do about 23
timed cross country fences,” she says. “The fastest double clear wins. “Arena eventing develops rider awareness of different situations and the horse’s balance. It encourages quick thinking and is very enjoyable for both horse and rider. It develops the fitness of horse and rider because they are travelling at 350-400 metres a minute for two to three minutes.
Arena eventing tests your skill and accuracy over an indoor course of simulated cross-country fences
Julie Frizzell founded Dressage Coaching UK and specialises in coaching, training and developing grass roots riders. For more details visit www. dressagecoaching. co.uk
Tim Stockdale has represented the UK on over 50 occasions in Nations’ Cup teams including the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2009 European Championships. Visit www. timstockdale.com
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
December 2013 your horse
AZ to
of
Winter riding As riders we come armed with our very own happy pill in the shape of our lovely equine friends – so let’s kick the cold, dark nights into touch and make the next few months a time for fun in the saddle
A
is for Arena eventing
A fantastic way to get a muchneeded buzz and help maintain your horse’s fitness over the winter months, arena (or indoor) eventing will boost his technique and confidence over skinnies, corners and ‘ditches’ as you tackle a mix of simulated cross-country fences and show jumps.
See p53 for more on eventing indoors
The Baileys Horse Feeds Jumping and Style (JAS) indoor eventing series, run by British Eventing, is held every January and February, with competitions at venues across the UK. Competitions are judged on style andtechnique – find out more at www.britisheventing.com/jas
Have a go!
B
Arena eventing gives you the buzz of cross-country, without the mud
is for Bonding with your horse
One of the best things about winter is that the pressure’s off. No-one’s expecting you to hit the county
show circuit or wax lyrical about your latest dressage score. It’s nature’s down time and you can use it to focus on the most important aspect of horse owning and riding, namely building a trusting bond. Natural horsemanship techniques (think Parelli, Michael Peace’s Think Equus and Kelly Marks’ Intelligent Horsemanship) all offer an insight into the horse’s psyche and how we can best communicate with our horses. Whether you live to hack across open fields or hope to reach the dizzy heights of Grand Prix dressage, they can only help to boost your relationship with your horse.
Have a go!
C
is for Chilling out
After a long, exhausting week juggling work, kids and family life, nothing beats the feel-good factor of a chilled out, Saturday morning hack. Who cares if it’s -2°C and blowing a galel? Wrap up warm against the cold and you can feel smug as you explore the Great British countryside while the average Brit is fighting the elements on the supermarket run.
Find out more about natural horsemanship techniques at www.thinkequus.com, www.parellinaturalhorse training.com, www.intelligent horsemanship.co.uk, or www.australianhorse training.co.uk Experts like Michael Peace (left) can open up the window to a more trusting relationship
your horse december 2013
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Better Riding
D
is for Drag hunting
Photo: Nico Morgan
Hands up who fancies a wintery adrenaline fix? Like hunting with hounds, but minus the fox, in drag hunting you follow a chemical scent, laid down by a runner who hopes
For details of upcoming drag hunts in your area, visit the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association’s website at www.mdbassociation.co.uk
Have a go!
Let’s go catch that runner!
E
Get the feel good factor with an early morning ride
is for Endurance
If you need an end goal to focus your thoughts when you’re gadding about the countryside this winter, why not aim for a competitive long distance ride? The Endurance GB season kicks off in early March, offering a mix of non-competitive rides (a maximum of 40km), competitive rides (between 30-160km, over one day or several), and endurance rides (for advanced horses and riders). Expect a vet check at the beginning
Photo: Holdsworth PR
the hounds don’t catch him up! Because the scent’s laid by hand you follow a pre-arranged route, so it’s fast and fun, with a mix of rustic jumps to tackle along the way.
and end of a starter 30km ride, then sit back and enjoy the view! For a list of Endurance GB’s groups, training sessions and rides, visit www.endurancegb. co.uk (where you’ll also find information on the organisation’s ‘Try before you buy’ scheme to encourage new riders into the sport). If you’re in Scotland, head to www.scottishendurance.com; or Ireland www.enduranceridingireland.com
Have a go!
F From 30km to Exmoor’s epic Golden Horseshoe (seen here), you set your own endurance goals
G
is for Galloping
Cantering with the handbrake half on may boost your confidence, but nothing lifts your adrenaline levels like a shift into fourth gear. A good gallop is guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away as office politics and childcare worries melt behind you. If you’re worried rough ground and the Have odd rabbit hole will hamper your a go! Frankie Dettori impression, investigate whether there’s a gallops near you available for hire. For a county by county list, check out www.britishequestriandirectory.com
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
is for Frosty morning hacks
While the nation sleeps in, where are we to be found? Sneaking in a cheeky canter along a crispy/frosty/snow-covered track (delete as applicable!). You’d have to be still half asleep to not register a feel-good moment as your horse’s breath hangs in the air and you race back to the yard in time for an over-priced latte on the way home.
H
is for Hunter trials
Cheaper than eventing and great preparation for drag hunting or team chasing, nothing beats a good oldfashioned hunter trial to test your horse’s skills and bravery over a variety of solid fences. Hunter trials are usually run under British Riding Club rules, with fences starting at just 2ft. Look for ‘fun’ or ‘pick a fence’ classes to take the pressure off if you’re a tad nervous – most events are advertised locally, so word of mouth/tack room notice boards are often the best source of info.
Have a go!
december 2013 your horse
“I’m living my dream life!” We get up-close and personal with Intelligent Horsemanship founder and trainer Kelly Marks to quiz her on her horses, her riding career and her friendship with Monty Roberts Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Webb
Pie is Kelly’s forever horse – she’s taken him from a nervous wreck and developed him into a brave little chap
The Big Interview
A
s founder of Intelligent Horsemanship (IH), an organisation dedicated to promoting understanding and fair treatment of horses, Kelly Marks is one of the most influential and popular figures in the equine training world. With her business going from strength to strength and the world-famous demos she does alongside renowned horseman and trainer, Monty Roberts, pulling in the crowds, Kelly is one busy lady. She started her horsey life as a successful show jumper before moving to the racing world to become an equally successful jockey. Then a chance meeting
with Monty at a French petrol station in 1993 led to her move into the realm of IH. However, she’s keen to show she’s no ‘one trick pony’, and these days Kelly enjoys many other things equine, from Trec to showing and drag hunting. She also enjoys bringing on young horses, and this is as important to her as dealing with problem horses. Pulling up at Kelly’s home and yard in Lambourn, I’m blown away by its charm and beauty. Her kitchen-comeoffice is bustling with staff fielding calls, Horse & Country TV are filming, while one of her horses is loaded up to go to a new home. It’s a busy and emotional time for Kelly. Monty is also there in preparation for their
impending UK tour, and one of her former students (and now IH Recommended Associate) Rosie Jones, is milling around getting everything in order. After a hectic but fun-filled hour filming and taking photos, Kelly and I retire to her living room with her rescue cat Charlie for a chat about everything from Monty to the Queen, and what she loves about her life. It’s fair to say I could chat to Kelly all day, but our conversation has to come to an end so she can drive Monty to the hardware store before it closes – it seems some homemade repairs to his suitcase may have gone a little pear-shaped!
Subscribe today and get 5 issues for just £5!
The Editor says
At this time of year we’re all watching the pennies in the run up to Christmas (or we’ve just spent it all at Your Horse Live - oops!) so, to make getting your favourite equine magazine that little bit easier we’ve got a special subscription offer just for you. Subscribe today and you can get five issues of Your Horse for just £5! Imogen Johnson, Editor
Special benefits for you
Get signed up and we’ll give you access to exclusive special rewards: ✔ 50% off exclusive equine artwork ✔ 15% off at Musto.com ✔ 1 0% off and free p&p at Equilibrium ✔ Plus more!
Your Horse for iPad/iPhone is now available
ONLINE www.greatmagazines.co.uk/yourhorse your horse December 2013
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
THREE GREAT OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM... Print only Get 5 issues for just £5, then just pay £22 every six months thereafter when you pay by direct debit – saving 31% annually! Or get a one-year subscription paying £44.40 by credit/debit card
Print, iPad & iPhone Get 5 issues for just £5, then pay £27 every six months thereafter when you pay by direct debit Or, get a one-year subscription paying £59.40 by credit/debit card, saving 33%
Subscribe and get Your Horse delivered straight to your door A subscription will also make an ideal gift or present — so don't miss out. The closing date is 28 November, 2013
BEST DEAL
Save up to 59%
Digital only Get 5 issues for just £5, then just £15 every six months thereafter when you pay by direct debit – saving 36% Or get a one-year subscription paying £27 by credit/debit card – saving 31% Instantly download your first issue and get a fully interactive experience with enhanced content that brings your magazine to life. Plus, get more access to your favourite magazine. Read it anywhere and carry your downloaded archive everywhere!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer is open until 28/11/2013 and is only available to new UK subscriptions received across all offer codes starting with KZ . After your first 5 issues your subscription will continue at £22 every 6 issues thereafter (£27 for the package) unless you are notified otherwise. You will not receive a renewal reminder and the Direct Debit payments will continue to be taken unless you tell us otherwise. . Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas? Phone +44 1858 438824. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.
CALL 0844 848 8872 w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
LINES OPEN 8AM-9.30PM (MON-FRI), 8AM-4PM (SAT) QUOTE REF: KZAA
December 2013 your horse
HORSE CARE
Keep your horse healthy and happy
Kissing spines occurs when the spinous processes touch or rub against each other (see illustration below)
your horse December 2013
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
New Page 86
Page 88
Hoof SOS
Understanding ex racers
Page 92
Why he spooks
Page 95
Winter feeding
YH
SerIes
Coping with kissing spines It may be painful and costly to treat, but there is hope for horses with kissing spines, as reader Anna Shephard discovered Words Andrea Oakes Photography Sam Pawely and Matthew Roberts
Anna bought Moose without a vetting only to discover he had kissing spines
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
W
hen her 17hh warmblood gelding Moose became dangerous to ride last autumn, Anna Shephard knew something serious was wrong. “I fell in love with Moose’s good looks as soon as I saw him, three-and-a-half years ago,” she says. “On paper, he had it all. But although various competent riders had tried him at show jumping, dressage and eventing, he hadn’t excelled and was sent to my friend’s yard to be sold. He was talented but incredibly anxious – one day he’d be fine, the next not. “I felt sorry for Moose as he was obviously intelligent. He appeared sound and capable with a nice nature, so I bought him without a vetting and couldn’t wait to take him home. “As soon as Moose had settled in I set about going back to basics. I spent the first six months trying to mount him without him having heart failure as he would fidget and spin at the mounting block. We completed join-up, but progress was still up and down.
While he was very loving and gentle when handled, he could be difficult and naughty when I was in the saddle.”
A devastating diagnosis “Slowly, I began to gain Moose’s trust,” she says. “However, he went from bad to worse – to unrideable – within a week. His initial reaction to anything he didn’t like was to have a meltdown and run. He started spinning his tail like a lunatic and throwing in some scarily big bucks. On the left rein he would fall in, plant his feet and rear. It was as if he was quite literally trying to kill me. “I knew something major was wrong. Moose was so friendly in the stable that it I couldn’t believe it was a behaviour issue – he wasn’t a nasty horse, but he was rapidly turning into one. “With my confidence in pieces I took him to see my vet, David Rutherford at Fellowes Farm Equine Clinic in Cambridgeshire, praying that he’d find a physical reason. December 2013 your horse
For Your Horse reader Charlotte, ex-racers can be the ultimate equine partner
Horse Care Mind
Giving new life to an ex-racer
Get inside the mind of any horse off the track as we reveal the reasons behind their ‘bonkers’ behaviour and find out how you can build the ultimate bond
A
ll too often, ex-racers are labelled everything from bonkers to dangerous, but the real reasons behind their often quirky ways is easily explained and, for many people, the rewards of retraining an ex-racehorse far out weighs the challenges, as Your Horse reader Charlotte Kerton explains here. “I’ve owned my mare Madame Jourdain (better known as MJ) and gelding Nettis since they were both three years old and both came to me straight off the racetrack,” says Charlotte. “For me, an understanding of their past, careful, considerate training and commonsense management are all you need to enjoy re-educating a racehorse. “Both my horses had exactly the same quirks in the beginning. When I shortened my reins or just picked up a slightly tighter contact, they immediately associated this with going faster and rushed forward. To overcome this, I spent a lot of time schooling on a long rein and slowly picked up a bit more of a contact each time. It takes patience, but eventually they started to realise that tighter reins don’t mean go faster. “They also had to get used to my legs. I used to ride as a jockey and you ride a lot shorter, so the horses don’t Charlotte loves getting out and competing with MJ
Charlotte says Nettis is a quick learner
ever experience your leg on their sides. To get them used to the feeling, I did plenty of flatwork using my legs and voice so they’d learn not to rush off. In time they began to understand that my legs were asking them for bend or impulsion. And, as racehorses tend to gallop in a hollow outline with their noses poked out, time working in a Pessoa encouraged them to work from behind in an outline. “I love their athleticism and the fact they can turn their hand to most disciplines. If you have a kind natured ex-racer, they love attention and fuss.
I know some find affection to be strange, especially at first, but my two can’t get enough of it! “They’re also so clever they often pick up what I’m trying to teach them very quickly. In just one year Nettis has gained British Dressage points at Novice level and is now moving to Elementary. The Retraining of Racehorses and Ex Racers Club put on many different events just for ex-racers, so there’s a great support network out there.” ● Turn the page to read our expert’s advice to understand your ex-racer.
Charlotte’s advice for a happy ex-racer ● Offer as much turnout as you can
● Seek advice from your equine
nutritionist to ensure his diet is right for his new lifestyle and work ● Hack out regularly to keep your ex-racer relaxed (you might need to ride with company to begin with) ● When choosing an ex-racer, the most important thing is that he’s sound and has a good temperament – in my experience,
if he’s good tempered, you can re-train him to do almost anything! ● Give him love, time and patience and you’ll be rewarded in the end ● Take him out to plenty of different places so that he becomes ‘street wise’ – in the end going to an event will become second nature to him ● As for your first competitions or outings – be patient. Many get a bit ‘buzzed’, thinking they’re at the races, but this will go with practice
December 2013 your horse
Listen to your horse We know horses are intuitive, but can they unravel our more complex emotions? Communications expert Sarah Shearman reveals horses can help us by mirroring our lives
W
OUR EXPERT Sarah SHEARMAN formerly Sarah Kreutzer) is a natural horsemanship and communications expert who founded Learning to Listen, which offers equine facilitated coaching to people of all ages and backgrounds. Read more at www. learningtolisten. co.uk
e all have problems , but I believe we have the solutions inside ourselves – the question is how to draw them out. This is where your horse can help. Horses have no agenda apart from survival, they have no preconceived prejudices – one reason why we love them is because they take us as they find us. They have a great intuitive ability to mirror our emotions. If there’s something going wrong between you and your horse, the chances are he’s
Horses can reflect our emotions and feelings back at us
your horse December 2013
trying to give you a message. He’s simply reflecting what’s going on within your own self. It can be hard for people to understand this, particularly horsey people, as they tend to see it as the horse being a horse, rather than recognising him as an energetic being who’s capable of connecting with them emotionally. People will say “I’m cross because he’s awkward and stubborn”, when the chances are it’s them who are being stubborn and awkward. People don’t want to recognise these things about themselves because it’s
uncomfortable. They’d rather change the world to fit around them, than change themselves. But you can’t change the world, you can only change yourself. By accepting that and making changes, there will be a knock-on effect and people will engage with you differently. Your horse can start to help you through this process, if you’re willing to listen and see how he’s reacting to your energy field. Now read on to find out how this works, and how you can both benefit from the process.
What’s he telling you?
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
December 2013 your horse
Kate Negus Full Curved Diamante Browband
For the
Dressage Diva
www.katenegus.com or 01249 740590
£65
KP Equestrian Show Jacket
www.kpequestrian. com
£59.99
KM Elite High Wither Saddle Pad and Cotton Dressage Square Set
www.kmeliteproducts. co.uk or 01403 759659
£79.99
Black Country Comfort Cavesson Bridle www.black
Bath Bling for Dressage Divas Glitter Bath Tablets
countrysaddles.com or 01543 578243
£180
www.fieldandstyle.co.uk or 01865 377853
£3.50
s a m t s i Chr Gifts
g to suit There’s somethin d every every discipline an t guide budget in our gif
Le Mieux Girth Cover www.
horsehealth.co.uk
£38.95
‘Scales of Training’ Candles
Cottage Craft Quarter Markers www.cottagecraft. co.uk or 01274 711101
www.fieldandstyle.co.uk or 01865 377853
£12.50
£7.99
Customised Samshield Helmet
www.samshield. com From
£260
Silver Crown Double Bridle
Swarovski Dressage Whip Fleck
www.shadow horse.co.uk
£344
www.zebra products.co.uk or 01352 763350 Amerigo Dressage Girth
£12.50
www.zebraproducts.co.uk or 01352 763350
£38.95
your horse december 2013
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Happy Hacker For the
Ordnance Survey’s Custom Made Maps www.oscustommade. co.uk
£59.99
Toggi Arctic Breeches www.toggi.com
£85 Caldene Lumos Riding Hat www. caldene.co.uk or 01274 711101
£76.99
LeMieux Work Pad www.horsehealth. co.uk
£34.95
Schwenkel Winters Finest Gloves www. zebraproducts.co.uk or 01352 763350
£39
Woof Wear Smart Phone Riding Glove www.woofwear.com or 01208 265920
£35
Foxxy Socks www.timothy foxx.co.uk or 01296 423399
£32
KP Equestrian Stretch Denim Breeches www. kpequestrian.com
£49
Harry Hall Winter Jeggings www.harryhall.co.uk or 01274 711101
£31.99
w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Gel Out Ride Seat Saver www.horse health.co.uk
£49.95
december 2013 your horse
Now Your Horse is available at your fingertips too! Scan here to see what Your Horse on the iPad is all about!
Subscribe today www.yourhorse.co.uk/ipad and you’ll get access to amazing extra content including: n Videos n Audio n Galleries
Gear Guide
Winter 2013
32 page
essential guide to the great horsey gear that will help you and your horse cope with winter 2013
Including l Winter grooming l Mud fever products l Conditioning feeds l Bedding l Clippers l Waterproof jackets l Thermals l Waterproof trousers l Winter footwear
Next month in
Better Riding ● I nspiration from some
‘super over 60’ riders ●H ow to be your own coach – motivation guaranteed! ●T ina Cook gives a jumping masterclass!*
Horse Care ●L iving with laminitis – YH
readers share their stories ● Winter feeding advice ● Vices explained & back care
Buyers’ Guide ● E xercise sheets
tried & tested ● A mazing money off offers, just for you! ● R iding socks & tack room essentials you’ll love
Plus...
● M eet your coaches of the
2014 Total Confidence series – coming soon!
*We apologise for the mistake in the November issue where we mentioned Tina Cook on the next month page. She’ll actually be featured… next month!
On sale 28 Nov