rehomed by a celeb!
We meet the stars giving homes to rescue horses
august 2014
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✦ reader special ✦ Hacking solutions ✦ emergency care ✦ retraining ex-raceHorses ✦ turnout secrets
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Life-saving vet advice
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perfe fit ge ct ar for e quine s a
"I never gave up!"
The riders taking back the reins after years out of the saddle
big smnadL L!
Worry-free hacking
How to stay safe and in control this summer star styLe uncovered
Carl & Charlotte's groom shares his turnout secrets
heavyweight heroes
Discover the true versatility of the Clydesdale breed
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Your Horse 389 August 2014
your ideas, your tips & your probLems soLved
the r reade issue!
why are pigs so scary?
Understand your horse's strangest fears and phobias
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or some the dream of owning a horse never becomes a reality as something always gets in the way, or the expense of this life-changing purchase can be just too much to manage. That’s why we’ve teamed up with a selection of incredible sponsors to enable one lucky person to realise their horse-owning dream! Win this competition and we’ll help you buy your perfect partner to the value of £5,000 (paid for by Your Horse magazine)! We’ll also give you all the support and kit you’ll need to get off to the best start with your new steed, including some vital gear from our generous sponsor Countrywide Farmers to ensure you stay safe and feel confident in the saddle.
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Visit the website www.winahorse.co.uk to watch a special video outlining all of the competition prizes
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Our winner will receive the stylish USG Flexi Body Protector worth £134.99 (pictured right). Designed to give the perfect fit, this body protector features a flexible block structure system and is certified to EN13158/2009 and BETA 2009 Level 3 so it’s the ultimate in safety
gear. And with an outer material made of polyester it’s dirt repellent and washable too.
Saddle up in a brand new hat Also up for grabs is one of Countrywide’s best sellers, the Champion Ventair riding hat, which is low profile and lightweight. This hat has a fibreglass shell that incorporates a clever, ventilated airflow system, making it ideal for a comfortable ride in any discipline. This hat is secured with a smart harness made from synthetic nubuck and has a quick-release clip for ease of use. In the shops, this high-tech hat would set you back £118.99. ● Find out more at www.countrywide farmers.co.uk, visit www. facebook.com/ cwfequestrian
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August 2014 your horse
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Training academy Month 2 Rhythm The 2014 Training Academy is here to help you to improve your horse’s way of going on the flat and over jumps, with expert advice from our coaches Laura Tomlinson and Jay Halim
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his year our Training Academy coaches Olympic dressage star Laura Tomlinson and international show jumper Jay Halim - are here to take you through the six scales of training: relaxation, rhythm, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection. Invented in Germany almost a century ago, these six basic training requirements are widely considered to be the building blocks and vital foundations of horse training (see the diagram right) whatever your level or discipline. In this, the second instalment of the series, Laura and Jay are here to help you understand and develop your horse’s rhythm, the second of the scales after relaxation. Rhythm concerns the regularity of the steps or strides your horse takes in each gait – each stride should cover equal distance and be of equal duration, and in trot, each diagonal should be the same. Your horse’s rhythm should be maintained through transitions and turns as well as
your horse august 2014
on straight lines. It can sometimes be confused with tempo (the speed of the rhythm), which can be correct, too fast or too slow, while rhythm is simply regular and correct or irregular. So turn the page to get started on improving your rhythm with some simple flatwork and exercises over poles.
Scales of Training CoLLeCTion (Increased engagement, lightness of the forehand, self carriage) STRAigHTneSS (Improved alignment and balance) iMPuLSion (Increased energy and thrust) ConneCTion (ConTACT) (Acceptance of the bit through acceptance of the aids) RHyTHM (With energy and tempo) ReLAxATion (With elasticity and suppleness)
your Training academy planner A consistent rhythm is important for flatwork and jumping – this month, our coaches help you achieve it
Here’s what we’ll be covering each month
MonTH 1 – Relaxation
How to develop a flatwork routine and use basic pole work to keep your horse focused and relaxed. If you missed the first month (issue 388) order a back issue by calling 01858 438884
MonTH 2 – Rhythm
Learn how to establish and recognise a good rhythm in walk, trot and canter on the flat, plus exercises to help you achieve that all-important canter rhythm to make jumping easy
MonTH 3 – Contact
Establishing a good contact so your horse learns to carry himself in balance. Plus, the importance of having a correct, secure position when jumping
MonTH 4 – impulsion
How to work your horse on the flat to achieve paces with energy and purpose, and how using simple gridwork can help improve impulsion
MonTH 5 – Straightness
Using lateral work to improve straightness on the flat and how to use clever aids when jumping to keep you and your horse straight
MonTH 6 – Collection
How to encourage your horse to take more weight on his hindquarters and lighten his forehand, plus how having an adjustable canter can help you ride a winning jump-off
get more from your coaches Enjoy audio downloads – download them at www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta Watch free training videos – simply go online when you see this icon Access your coaches – simply email them your training questions to getinvolved@yourhorse. co.uk
On a level playing field? Riding is one of the few sports where regular riders get to compete against Olympic stars. But is it a good thing? Writer Sam Lewis asks everyday riders and the pros for their opinions WordS: Sam LeWiS MaiN iMagE: JayphOtOS
William Fox-Pitt riding Soapdodger in the BE Novice class at Pontispool
your horse August 2014
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Competing against the stars
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here are times when I simply love meeting celebrities. And then there are others when I’d rather watch them on the telly. Like many females, the thought of brushing shoulders with Paul Tapner brings a smile to my face and I admit to being a bit star-struck when I interviewed William Fox-Pitt. But put me in an arena with them and I can sometimes feel a bit overawed. It was just my luck then, when I went to this year’s Portman Horse Trials in Dorset, to discover that I was to show jump just after Olympic eventer Pippa Funnell. There I was in the warm-up watching her effortlessly pop over a 1m oxer like it was nothing, while I nervously gathered my reins and composure. ‘At least I’m not in her section,’ I thought to myself as the spectators who’d gathered to watch her drifted away. One rider who was in her section was 23-year-old rider Imogen Judd. However, being a lot more experienced than I am, she wasn’t phased at all. Whereas I joined the sport at the age of 34 after a successful career in swimming, Imogen was riding when she was barely out of a pushchair, and competed throughout her childhood. “I remember being about 17 and riding in the same section as Mary King. She was my idol and it was a really big thing for me,” she recalls. “I was totally overawed and thought ‘I can never beat Mary King, how can I be competing against her’. It didn’t exactly seem fair.” Since then, Imogen has gone up against many Olympians
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in British Eveningt Novice events and believes it has lots of advantages.
The benefits of challenging a pro
“There aren’t many sports where you can compete at the same level as the professionals and it’s exciting to be in a section with someone world class. I love watching them warm up and if their cross-country time is before me I try and study what line they take or gauge their speed as they’re so experienced at staying inside the time,” says Imogen, who also believes that competing against such elite riders can help raise her game. “At my level of BE100 and Novice classes, pro riders are competing their baby horses to get experience, and anything can happen. At Portman, Pippa rode a better dressage test but I ended up beating her and coming sixth on a score of 33.5 with my horse Urlingford Tom because she had one stop on cross-country. It gives you confidence that you must be doing something right.” Pro event rider Bruce Haskell agrees. “The fun thing about British Eventing is that it’s very inclusive. It’s an amazing sport that both men and women, people of different ages, and pros and amateurs compete equally,” he says. “Plus there are checks and balances in place to keep things fair, so riders who have competed in advanced or three- and four-star competitions in the current or two previous seasons can only ride hor concours (or non-
competitively) at BE90, and increasingly more championships are emerging for non pros.” Thanks to her strong performances in BE100 events, Imogen has now qualified for the Mitsubishi Motors BE100 Regional Finals, a qualifier for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Championships. “Not only do I get to compete next to my idols but hopefully, if I do well at the Regionals, I’ll get to follow in their footprints on one of Britain’s best tracks,” she says. For amateur event rider Jeremy Samuels, who has two young horses at BE90 and B100 level, competing against the pros is a major draw. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d prefer to come 11th with 10 professionals in front of me and not win a rosette than come third in a field of amateurs. Let’s face it, nobody does it for the prize money! If it ever changed and there was an amateur section, I don’t think I’d ask to be in one,” he says. Former professional rider turned trainer Richard Waygood also has fond memories of working his way through the competition ranks. “Having ridden at all levels I can clearly remember competing against Olympic champions in my early years and getting very excited by the prospect,” he says. “What other sport lets a novice compete with an Olympic medallist? It’s worth remembering a lot of novice riders are on seasoned campaigners while the pro is often on a green youngster.”
Fair’s fair – or is it?
However, ‘new’ riders trying to qualify for the Badminton Grassroots Championship can get frustrated when they get several
August 2014 your horse
BETTER RIDING
Easy-to-follow expert advice for beginners to advanced riders
Confident hacking equals a happy horse and rider, with plenty of fitness benefits
Page 45
Page 49
Discover extreme trail
Teach side-steps in hand
Page 50
One reader gets an expert masterclass
Page 56
We uncover what ‘novice’ means
Happy hacks - guaranteed! Riding out is one of life’s simple pleasures, but only if you’re confident and in control. Over 54% of Your Horse readers we spoke to this month* asked for help with their hacking issues, so we’ve rounded up all the advice you need
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t’s fun, it’s free – and even dressage star Valegro thinks it’s fabulous! Hacking is the feelgood activity that unites all types and sizes, from Olympic champions to cobs and retired racehorses. There’s no better way to inject variety into your riding routine than by venturing out from the school - whether it’s a quick trot around the block, a woodland adventure or an exhilarating gallop to blast away the cobwebs, you and your horse will feel fitter, fresher and more in tune after spending time together in the great outdoors. But if the thought of this leaves you feeling a little clammy, don’t despair. With the help of our expert advice
you can develop your horse’s confidence and manners both alone and in company, learn to tackle any obstacle in your way, stay safe during bad weather and enjoy every moment of your time out on the trail together. Happy hacking!
Reap real rewards There’s so much more to riding out than the chance to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Sometimes unfairly dismissed as a ‘soft option’, hacking is in fact a vital part of any horse’s routine and an unbeatable way to enhance his wellbeing. Event rider and trainer Jo Aston feels that regular hacking is essential to keep a horse mentally fresh. “I like
Hacking lets you introduce your horse to new experiences – like paddling!
a horse that’s happy to work with me,” she explains. “It’s important to expose your horse to different stimulation, so hacking is perfect for getting him used to things. People claim that their horses are afraid of this and that but I consider it a challenge to introduce them to as much as I can, especially if they are young. Riding out makes them that bit more streetwise.” Learning to deal with scary items together can also build trust and strengthen the horse-rider relationship. “You can start this process by exposing your horse to unusual items in the school at first, if it feels a bit safer,” says Jo. “Ride past cones, bags and banners and over pieces of old carpet. You can even mock-up road signs and work around them.” Jo feels that hacking can also develop a horse’s proprioception – his sense of his own body position. “It’s a bit like eye-hoof coordination,” she explains, referring to the heightened synchronisation between the brain and nerve endings that can result from tackling different terrain. “A horse that only ever works in the school is more likely to injure himself hacking, but if he’s used to being out and about he’ll be sharp and quick – and he’ll be the one looking out for the rabbit holes. Hacking trains the whole horse.” As well as becoming more forward-going and forward-thinking, regular outings will make your horse fitter and stronger. “Walking slowly up and down hills builds strong
*statistic taken fROm a suRveY pOsted On tHe YOuR HORse facebOOk page
August 2014 your horse
Julie Frizzell’s
Dressage Masterclass
every issue we give one reader a lesson with a pro – this month dressage rider and coach Julie Frizzell helps leanne Gregson get the best from Meikle rhys, her quirky Welsh Cob Leanne rides with her hands a little wider to encourage Rhys to stretch
Meet the trainer JuLie FRizzeLL is a dressage coach who specialises in coaching grassroots riders or those who lack confidence. Having been through a confidence crisis herself she understands the challenges some of us sometimes face to just get on a horse. Visit her website at www. dressagecoaching. co.uk for more information.
Meet the rider Leanne GReGson and her 11-year-old Welsh section D, Meikle rhys, need help to improve his transitions. This little chap has a big personality – which can make it tricky to get the best out of him. leanne is hoping Julie can work her magic.
Warming up and letting him stretch As Leanne spends a few minutes warming up this is my opportunity to watch them and make a general assessment of horse and rider and make a plan for the rest of the lesson. I always tend to start with the rider’s position, as once this is correct the way the horse goes sometimes improves drastically. I’d like to see Leanne relax her legs a little and let
The lesson focus
●●Work on your warm-up – you
want your horse moving freely forwards, relaxing and stretching into the contact ●●learn to use your body position to help turn and direct your horse so you’re not so reliant on your reins for steering ●●Perfect your transitions by maintaining an even contact on both reins and a correct position in the saddle
your horse August 2014
them drop down slightly. Although she’s allowing Rhys to stretch he’s looking a little on the forehand. To help improve this I’d like her to ride with her hands a little wider and lower and keep her chin up. It’s important as you’re warming up that you check that your horse is listening to you and is on your aids. Leanne needs to use her legs to make Rhys go forwards, ensuring she allows him to by not restricting him with her hands, otherwise she’ll give him mixed messages by saying ‘go’ with her legs and ‘stop’ with her hands. Still warming up and moving into trot, I’d like to see Rhys in a rounder outline to stretch the muscles along his neck and back. Leanne asked for this by riding with her hands slightly wider – as pictured above. If you feel tempted to use your inside hand to make your horse rounder, use your inside leg first to push him forwards into your contact rather than pulling him into a shape. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
Better Riding
Rhys can be tricky to ride and at the beginning of the lesson he has a habit of overreacting to Leanne’s aids by bucking
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August 2014 your horse
Appearances can be deceptive! Can you tell which of these riders is a novice?
Better Riding
Being a novice is no bad thing!
We unravel the meaning of the word ‘novice’, help you decide once and for all if it applies to you, and explore how being classed as one makes some Your Horse readers feel
C OUR EXPERT Justine sole is a bHSi freelance instructor specialising in dressage. Justine recently moved up to grand prix level dressage and knows how it feels to be a novice at a high level.
OUR EXPERT Dr PeneloPe Johnson is a senior lecturer in psychology and has worked at the University of Sunderland since 1993. Special interests include working with animals in a coaching and therapeutic context, focusing particularly on equine-assisted coaching and learning.
*StatiSticS taken from an online SUrveY of 100 participantS, poSted on tHe YoUr HorSe facebook page.
heck out our opening image. Which of our riders do you think is the novice? You might choose the one on the left, but the answer is both of them! Even people who’ve been riding for years can be classed as novice if they’re learning a new discipline or moving up a level in competition. But we’ve discovered that lots of Your Horse readers take offence to the label.
In a recent Your Horse survey* we asked you tell us what you thought the word ‘novice’ really means and if it’s a label you’d be comfortable with. A whopping 63% of participants admitted they didn’t fully understand what ‘novice’ means, while 39% felt it was used in a negative way. When asked how it would make them feel to be classed as a novice rider, 42% said embarrassed and confused.
Armed with this information, we decided it was high time we figured out why this little word is causing some of you so much worry. To help us work it out, we enlisted the expert input of rider and trainer Justine Sole and psychologist Dr Penelope Johnson to shed some light on the matter and share their advice on how you can move forward from the ‘stigma’ of being labelled a novice.
So just exactly what is a novice rider? There’s lots of confusion about what novice really means, so we asked freelance trainer Justine to share her views on the dreaded ‘n’ word. “Look up the term ‘novice’ in the dictionary and its definition varies from beginner to learner, inexperienced and new,” she explains. “All of those sound much softer and less derogatory than novice, which over the years has been overused in a negative and critical way to describe not just new riders, but nervous ones too. “People who take up riding or any hobby or interest for the very first time are classed as novice, but this shouldn’t be seen as a negative. Everyone has to start somewhere and any rider who wants to progress to higher levels of riding will also become a novice at some point. For example, I’m an experienced rider, but I’ve recently progressed to Grand Prix level dressage and I’m not yet experienced in this field, so I now class myself as a novice level Grand Prix rider. Someone might be an experienced dressage rider, but have never ridden cross-country before, making them a novice eventer. “As a general rule, anyone who’s been having riding lessons and learning the basics of riding for about 12 months or more is no longer a novice. With these basics in place, anyone who then goes on to try a
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different discipline or move up a level in their chosen field needs to have at least six months experience on top of their 12 months of general riding before they’re no longer classed as a novice at that level. Everyone learns at different rates, though, so these timescales are flexible. “Riders shouldn’t be embarrassed or disheartened if they’re branded a novice, as with practise you can soon shake off this ‘title’. In fact, novice people should be seen as those who wish to progress and advance and try new things. Everyone has to be a novice in order to go on to become experienced, and people need to learn to enjoy the journey. I think it might be time to start looking at the way we use the word novice, and consider using softer words like ‘green’ or ‘grass-roots’ rider Don’t let the novice label instead.” bring you down – enjoying
time with your horse is far more important
Izzy shares a joke with Thistledown Poposki – we don’t think he gets it!
your horse august 2014
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The Big Interview
“I hope I’m doing this for years to come” Following her first three-star win, event rider Izzy Taylor’s star is firmly in the ascendant, but she always keeps a cool head, as YH writer larissa Chapman discovers PhoTograPhy: Tom CalTon
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ulling up at Izzy Taylor’s serene and sunlit Oxfordshire yard, it’s easy to see why she chose this career path – gorgeous horses, stunning surroundings and, today, fantastic weather. As her dog Rufus frolics around her, Izzy, 31, greets us with a smile and hastily removes her riding hat before leading us towards a cottage overlooking miles of fields. “That’s my childhood pony, Toffee,” she says, pointing out of the kitchen window. “He’s allowed to roam free these days – sometimes you’ll see him wandering up the drive but he never goes very far.” Settling down in the kitchen, I notice children’s shoes and paraphernalia in the corner of the room, reminding me of Izzy’s role as a mother as well as a professional rider. It gets me wondering how on earth she juggles the responsibility of two children while running a professional yard and riding a string of top event horses? “I couldn’t do it without the help of my family,” she says. “Thankfully I come from horsey stock – my grandmother, Jane Whiteley, w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
came second at Badminton, while my great-aunt, Anneli Drummond Hay, actually won it in 1962. My mum also rides so she understands what it takes and helps me with the children. “My three siblings and I all grew up riding but I’m the only one who’s trying to make a living out of it. One of my sisters actually works with children so she quite often helps out with my two – Freddie, who’s four, and Lily, five. This place is fantastic for kids and mine are basically feral – they can run free around the yard and the grounds and that’s all they know. “Freddie loves to take Toffee through the woods and pretend he’s hunting, while Lily is a little more feminine and girly and prefers not to get too stuck in. I don’t care what they want to do when they’re older or whether they’re interested in horses – I just want them to be happy and do their own thing.” Izzy’s beloved childhood pony Toffee is now ridden by her own children
august 2014 your horse
HORSE CARE
Keep your horse healthy and happy
Equine SOS Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference to the outcome. Here vet Claire Hodgson offers her expert advice to help you cope if your horse becomes seriously ill or injured in any of the following scenarios
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ooking after horses brings many day-today care challenges, from coping with upset digestion to dealing with minor wounds and scrapes. But when things go seriously wrong it’s vital to know what you’re up against, when to call the vet and what you can do and tell them before they arrive. In any
emergency situation it’s key you stay calm and safe, but knowing you’re doing all you can to prepare for the vet’s arrival should help you feel more in control, as well as help your horse. Read on for my advice on what to do when faced with choke, colic, a suspected broken leg, heavy bleeding or a penetrative wound.
OUR EXPERT Claire Hodgson is an equine vet at Wright and Morten Veterinary Surgeons in Cheshire, a member of the XLEquine group. Find out more at www.wmvets.co. uk and www. xlequine.co.uk
Helping a horse who’s suffering from choke This distressing condition happens when a horse’s oesophagus is obstructed by food material. Causes include inadequate chewing, eating dry feed too quickly or eating foods such as raw sugar beet that swell when swallowed. As horses continually produce saliva, if there’s a blockage you may see a mixture of saliva and food material coming down your horse’s nose. Choke often causes violent coughing too. WhaT TO dO
PREPaRE fOR ThE vET
●●Establish
Keep your horse calm and quiet until your vet arrives.
what your horse has choked on ●●Remove all food ●●Put him in a quiet stable/safe area
EXpErt tip
Being able to swing into action quickly and calmly is vital in an emergency. Save your vet’s office and out-of-hours numbers in your phone and make sure all their and your contact details are listed at your yard.
WhEn TO call ThE vET
Simple chokes often clear themselves if the horse is left quietly. Depending on the size of your horse, it’s one to two metres from mouth to stomach, so if the blockage starts near his mouth it can take from 30 minutes to two hours to clear. If he’s calm and breathing normally, it’s usually safe to leave him quietly for at least an hour before calling the vet.
Passing a tube up a nostril and into the oesophagus can help explore and resolve blockages
your horse august 2014
WhaT TREaTmEnT TO EXPEcT
Your vet will usually sedate your horse to encourage him to lower his head, and an antispasmodic drug called Buscopan may be given to relax his lower oesophagus. The vet will often pass a tube up your horse’s nose and into his oesophagus to find out how far down the obstruction is. If he’s choked on hard feed or sugar beet, it’s sometimes possible to flush the blockage out by pouring water down the tube and refluxing it back out again. Frequently, the blockage can’t be fully cleared, but sedation helps relax the horse and lowers the head, which with time helps clear the obstruction.
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Page 73
advice on coping with arthritis
Page 74
our guide to finishing touches
Page 76
Understand his fears
Page 82
The open Clinic
Preparing for your vet’s arrival, for instance by taking pictures of an injury, will help your horse
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august 2014 your horse
Back to Basics
Proud sponsors of Horse Care Back to Basics your horse august 2014
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Horse Care Mind
What’s so scary about... …cows, pigs, miniature Shetlands and tractors? Expert Carrie Adams helps you tap into your horse’s mindset and understand the real reasons behind his stangest fears and phobias Words: HELEN MILBANK
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e’ve all been there. One minute you’re hacking along happily, the next you’re being forced to deal with a 16hh mass of rigid, snorting animal. Whether it’s the sight of a field of cows, the noise of a passing tractor or the fact someone’s dared pass you with a child’s buggy in tow, even the most laid-back of horses can have the occasional ‘what is that?!’ meltdown. As riders it’s vital we act as a calming influence, quietly reassuring our quivering beasts that the scary horned creature is, in fact, a cow that will do them no harm. But it’s all too easy to take fright at our horses’ alarm, thereby sending them the message that things have suddenly got really bad! “Every owner aspires to have a good partnership with a happy, confident animal, and the first step to helping your horse overcome his fears and learn to deal with life’s stresses is to understand how he processes information and views any potential threats,” explains equine behaviour and training expert Carrie Adams.
“Let’s take a common horse frightener – a field or pen of pigs. The first thing your horse will detect is the smell which, if you’ve ever been near a pig farm, is strong and, most importantly, unfamiliar. Invariably your horse will let out a loud snort, and this works to clear the olfactory receptors in his nasal cavity so he can really take in the new smell and decide if it’s a potential danger; most horses will decide it is! “Every horse is hard-wired to be naturally fearful of strange smells as it could mean a predator lurks unseen. Add to this the fact that, in evolutionary terms, it wasn’t all that long ago that wild boar were a very real threat to equines, and you can understand why your horse’s adrenaline levels rise at first sight. It’s a basic prey-animal-meets-potentialpredator reaction.” Anyone who’s ever done an abrupt about-turn on horseback, having met with a herd of cows or flock of sheep, will appreciate that they too can rattle a horse’s nerves. “It’s the same concept,” says Carrie. “They smell or look strange and
OUR EXPERT Carrie adams BHSII runs Centre Lines Dressage in Nottinghamshire, is a British Dressage Group Two rider and trainer, and a Kelly Marks Recommended Associate. She has more than 30 years’ experience of competing to a high standard and teaching riders. Find out more at www.centrelines. co.uk
The sight and smell of pigs terrifies many horses
ExpERT TIp
Teach your horse that cattle are harmless by using some of Carrie’s techniques
Rubbing a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your horse’s nostrils can help mask the unfamiliar smell of strange farm animals and so reduce the fear factor.
SPILLERS® Care-Line 01908 226626 careline@spillers-feeds.com l www.spillers-feeds.com w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
august 2014 your horse
Open C
Exclusive horse care ad
Every issue the Your Horse Open Clinic delivers vital equine behaviour, management and vet advice, absolutely free, and this month our experts help you to: ✦ End food aggression p83 ✦ Defeat dehydration p85 ✦ Understand Cushing’s p86 ✦ Get your problems solved p88 ✦ Cope with a broken leg p90
instant aDviCE onlinE To ensure you’ve got access to vet advice whenever you need it we’ve teamed up with the free online symptom checker service vethelpdirect.com. 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.
How it works
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!
4 top ways to lEarn 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
Watch online Head online to watch our video on tackling aggression around food at www.your horse.co.uk/food
Clinic
dvice from the UK’s top experts
mEEt OUR EXPERts
Gil Riley is the managing equine vet at Pool House Equine Clinic
Jenny Ellis is a top groom with over 30 years of experience
Jason Webb is a behaviour pro who runs Australian Horsemanship
Put an end to the food fight
Every horse loves feeding time, but if his behaviour around food becomes threatening it’s easy to feel intimidated. Jason Webb reveals why your horse might do this and how you can resolve it
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orses can become aggressive towards each other over food because their survival instinct tells them to protect their food source, and if food becomes scarce they’ll become aggressive to get to it and keep it. For domesticated horses it’s just the same. Many people feed their horses hard feed once or twice a day. The horse then starts to view this feed as a scarce source of food as it’s not readily available (unlike grazing or ad-lib hay), so he will therefore want to protect it. It can be hard to understand why horses become aggressive towards us when we deliver their feed. You may think, ‘Why’s he being aggressive? I’m bringing his food so surely he should be happy and grateful to see me’. But from your horse’s point of view it’s completely different: to him, you have a rare food source, and if he feels you’re lower down the social hierarchy than he is, he’s going to do what comes naturally and lunge at you to get the food then kick out or bite in order to protect it.
JasOn’s mEtHOd
If this is the reaction you get at feeding time, you may have a problem
As with all behavioural issues, it’s important to notice small signs of food-related aggression so you can nip the problem in the bud. If your horse is losing respect for you at feed times, he’ll start laying his ears back as you come towards him or may move forward and lunge towards the feed bowl, and you’ll be unable to get him to step back or out of your way. To solve the problem, start in the field rather than in his stable or with him tied up, as horses can become claustrophobic in these environments, which can also create aggression. Take his feed out along with something you can use to chase him away, such as a rope or even an extra feed bowl. I like to use a rubber feed bowl because it won’t hurt the horse and it’s part of the thing causing his frustration. If your horse shows any signs of aggression, such as putting his ears back or lunging towards you, then chase him away down the field, doing whatever’s necessary
Did you know? aggressive behaviour around food will be rare if your horse is respectful of you, is comfortable in his environment and doesn’t feel there’s a threat of the food being taken away.
– even throwing the rubber feed bowl in his direction! What you’re doing is replicating the behaviour of the dominant horse in the herd and telling him to wait his turn to eat, so you have to mean it! When he turns round to look at you with his ears fixed on you, turn and walk away and leave him to eat. However, if he looks at you with his ears still laid back, you haven’t made him move enough so you need to chase him again immediately. Once you return to feeding him in the stable or tied up on the yard, the same rules apply – make him step back from you before you put the feed down. It’s also important to then leave him well alone whilst he’s eating, without any other horses near him either so he doesn’t feel under threat.
stranGEr DanGEr! Jason helps your horse meet strangers
august 2014 your horse
Riding rediscovered Hundreds of former riders are re-igniting their passion for horses thanks to the Hoof Olympic legacy project. We meet the readers who’ve been bitten by the bug all over again
A love of horses is one which endures through the years
your horse august 2014
pHOtO: BEF/HOOF
Words: Katy IslIp
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Age is no barrier
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or every pony-mad girl who grows up into a horse-mad adult, there are plenty who, for various reasons – boys, careers, finances, family – find their passion for horses ends up taking a back seat. But many who end up slipping away from the stables never entirely escape the magic of horses – it lingers as a collection of happy memories, often alongside a vague regret at giving up. But for those who’ve longed to get back into horses and riding, the thought of simply pitching up at a riding school can seem too daunting, which is where a special course called Take Back The Reins (TBTR) comes in. Run by Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) project set up to capitalise on the huge post-Olympic
pHOtO: BEF/HOOF
riders of all ages and backgrounds have saddled up again thanks to Hoof
groundswell of popularity for equestrian sport, TBTR encourages adult riders who’ve had a break from riding back into the saddle. With participants reporting everything from a renewed love affair with all things horse to improved confidence, fitness and zest for life, we decided it was time to find out more.
Taking the plunge With more than 170 centres across the UK offering the seven-week TBTR courses, there’s acres of choice for those seeking to return to riding, and with specially-trained staff waiting to help, there’s no need to feel nervous. “Because the course is specific to new or returning riders, and because everyone is in the same situation having not ridden for a while, people don’t feel as
Instructor rossie Theobald, right, feels TBTr offers a great opportunity for all
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self-conscious as they might otherwise,” says Ruth Dowie, owner of Runningwell Equestrian Centre in south Essex, which has been running TBTR courses since 2012. “It’s also really helped with people’s confidence, both for riding and in everyday life, plus it’s become a real social thing too – many of our riders stay for a chat and a coffee after their sessions.” Rossie Theobald, who owns Newton Hall Equestrian Centre in Suffolk, agrees that TBTR has many benefits. “At the initial BEF meetings they explained who we could expect – mainly women who might be working part–time or with children off at school or university, or who used to ride as children and haven’t been able to because of work or children and who now have more time,” she says. “It’s great to have a new audience for the centre and in terms of the appeal, simply getting out and doing something different is really important. You’re getting away from your everyday worries and cares, enjoying a different kind of ‘me’ time and making new friends, plus riding has great health benefits.” Rossie, who’s seen scores of riders pass through her arena doors over her 54 years in charge, finds teaching her TBTR sessions particularly satisfying. “As an instructor it’s great because I love working with people and seeing them develop,” she says. “Most of the riders have had some sort of problem such as an accident or lack of confidence. Some take a couple of weeks to become confident enough to even get on, but they’re soon cantering and really enjoying themselves, which is great to see.” august 2014 your horse
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BUYERS’ GUIDE
Expert advice on buying wisely
your horse august 2014
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Page 110
gear for big and small horses
Page 112
Page 114
The gear we rate
Competition shirts tried and tested
Page 119
3 of the best riding hats
Ready, set, groom! Daily grooming will help keep your horse healthy, sound and looking his best and to help you do it right, we’ve rounded up some of the best grooming brushes, new ranges and complete kits
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rooming is such an important part of your horse’s daily routine but so many of us end up using old, past their best brushes. When we spoke to Your Horse readers online you told us you wanted to know the best bits of grooming gear to stock your kit with, and your wish is our command. Of course it’s not just the basic function of removing dirt, hair and a build-up of oil that grooming has to offer. There are bags of benefits beyond these, including: 1 Bonding time. Grooming is a great way to spend quality time with your horse and can help build a good relationship and trust. 2 Knowing your horse. It’s also a good way for you to get to know his body, so you can recognise any changes to his skin, or any lumps, bumps or swellings which may indicate a problem. 3 Aiding circulation. A thorough groom can improve circulation, which in turn can boost healing and reduce any swelling. Using a rubber curry comb in a circular motion all over his body (but not on the legs) is a great stimulant for blood flow. 4 Promoting healthy skin and coat. A shiny coat comes from the inside out, so a balanced diet is essential, but regular grooming will help keep his coat looking its best. w w w.you r hor se .co.u k
ExpErt tip
there’s no point grooming your horse with dirty brushes, so wash them weekly in an antibacterial/ antifungal wash to ensure your kit stays clean and free of nasties!
ExpErt tip
Brush your horse after you’ve ridden when he’s warm and his pores are open – it’s easier to lift grease from his coat and remove any loose hairs.
august 2014 your horse
the test put to
Show shirts Discover which show shirt performed best in our test so you can buy the one that’s right for you and stay cool and comfortable in the saddle this summer
A
well-fitting and smart competition shirt complements the rest of your competing outfit. There are a variety of different styles available and many use modern materials designed to keep you comfortable and cool while riding. Many manufacturers use fabrics with some stretch in them which helps with comfort and stops you feeling restricted so you can concentrate on your riding. We asked two Your Horse readers to put a selection of shirts to the test. Event rider Rebecca Bullock (right) and dressage rider Anna Woodall (far right) wore the shirts when competing and when riding at home, assessing each one for their fit, comfort and value for money. Find out over the page which ones performed the best for our two testers‌
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Buyers’ Guide
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august 2014 your horse
Next month we uncover the best of British!
on sale 31 July
• Amazing UK riding holidays • Unbeatable British products • Top-class equestrian events on your doorstep
Plus!
We interview the one and only John Whitaker!
Better Riding • How to liven up a lazy horse • The benefits of bitless riding • Top tips for training veterans
Horse Care
Buyers’ Guide
• Your turnout traumas solved • End his napping • Our experts explain atypical myopathy
• Breeches tried, tested and rated! • The gear you need to get your horse competition ready • Summer essentials