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The Farriers Registration Council (FRC) provides information about farriers to potential clients, but is it telling you everything? Investigation by Imogen Johnson
Does your farrier have
something to hide?
YH News | News Report 25
Are we getting all the info we need about our farriers?
T
he FRC website contains a database of registered UK farriers. Here, horse owners can search for qualified farriers, avoiding anyone working on the wrong side of the law – but how much information do you actually get about a farrier? Their names, addresses and qualifications are yours at the click of a button, but is that all you need? Perhaps you’d like to see information regarding misconduct investigations? If so, then you'll be disappointed. If your farrier is being investigated for misconduct, or if he's been suspended from the register, only to be reinstated at a later date, there’s nothing on the register to indicate this to potential clients.
“If a horse owner wished Your Horse contacted to ask if a farrier had ever the FRC to ask why. We had a case considered by were told that, should the Disciplinary a registered farrier be Committee, the council found guilty of serious could provide details,” professional misconduct, explained Felicity Heather the outcome is published in of the FRC. a press release, nationally, However, those details do locally and on the FRC remain unpublished unless website. Details are also the registered farrier is published in the council’s found guilty of serious annual reports and professional farrier bulletins. Information misconduct and So, if you’re about the suspended from lucky, you complaints process can be the register - at might found at this point a press stumble www.farrier-reg. release is issued. upon the gov.uk The FRC believes information, it would be unfair to but you won’t publicise matters that find it highlighted have not been tested by its next to the farrier’s name Disciplinary Committee on the register. and doesn't publish We asked the FRC if there such information, in is any way the public can accordance with Data find out if a farrier has been Protection and Human investigated, prosecuted, Rights legislation. suspended or reinstated.
Is the system up to scratch? The FRC Investigating Committee only meets three or four times each year so some individuals might find that their complaint takes some time to be resolved. The FRC claims that despite such limited time, it does have sufficient staffing and resources to deal with all complaints efficiently. “All the papers are circulated well in advance of the meetings so that the members (of the Investigating Committee) have time to prepare but there is no time limit on the amount of time the meeting spends on each case,” explains Mrs Heather. “The committee can defer
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a decision to the next meeting if it requires further information or needs to seek legal advice. Inevitably, due to the low level of formal complaints and the pattern of meetings, some will have to wait more time than others to have their case considered.” The FRC is aware that, on occasion, individuals, be they farriers or complainants, will be unhappy with the outcome.
“If a person is unhappy about the way the staff have handled a complaint they can write to the council and the matter will be investigated. If they are unhappy with the conclusions of the Investigating Committee they can ask for the case to be reconsidered if they have new evidence that was not previously made available,” says Mrs Heather.
Be aware
Our investigation has found that, while the FRC does its best to keep horse owners informed, some information remains unavailable to the public. To avoid any issues be aware of the following points: l If a farrier has ever been considered by the FRC Disciplinary Committee, information will be published online to make the public aware. However, there will be nothing to indicate this against the farrier’s name on the FRC register l You can call the FRC on 01733 319911 to ask if a farrier has ever been considered by the FRC Disciplinary Committee l The FRC Investigating Committee only meets three or four times a year so be prepared for a possible delay if you register a complaint l The complaints process requires that you provide numerous pieces of supporting evidence – follow the instructions on the website or call for advice if you’re not sure what you’re expected to include
What can you do?
If you're concerned about your farrier, the FRC is there to help you. However, make sure you read all the information on its website, www.farrier-reg.gov.uk, before you make a complaint. By doing so you can be well informed about farriery regulations and the position of the FRC, making you more aware of what’s acceptable and what’s not. Turn over the page to find out how to make a complaint.
and 8 0 0 2 n I ived e c e r C e FR 2009 th of 33 formal a total plaints com v
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HOW YOUR HORSE
JUMPS Knowing how your horse is put together will ultimately help you to understand how he moves – Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out helps us to see what happens when our horses jump
M
ost riders aspire to that wonderful feeling of soaring effortlessly over a fence at one with the horse. However, all too often we find ourselves arriving at the fence at the wrong speed, in the wrong place or slightly out of balance. Help is at hand – understanding the anatomy of your horse can help you avoid the pitfalls. By using the muscular skeletal system painted on the sides of a horse to explain what’s happening when your horse jumps, Gillian can help you train and ride your horse more sympathetically and effectively.
Your Horse january 2011
What makes a good jumper? must be strong and powerful, and the Although horses are good athletes, they’re scapular (shoulder blade) should slope well not natural jumpers – this is due to their back to allow the shoulder to raise and the large heads, heavy guts and the relative front legs to tuck up. rigidity of their spines. As a result, Rhythm, tempo, impulsion and balance, successful jumping is dependent sound training and regular practise largely on the horse’s ability to all contribute to achieving that create enough force during Fact perfect jump. take off for all parts of his Understanding a few basic body to clear the object Your horse’s ability anatomical principals and in a perfect arc. to jump is determined by his conformation, then being able to apply that His musculature must anatomy, gymnastic knowledge to the five phases be sufficiently developed ability, technique of jumping can also make and conditioned to allow and training a noticeable difference. him to do this. His quarters
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YH Care | A look inside with Gillian Higgins 41
Meet the expert
Gillian Higgins
Gillian is a sports and remedial therapist with a passion for anatomy and the welfare of the horse. Having realised that many of her clients could benefit from understanding more about how horses move, Gillian set about showing them by painting the muscular skeletal system on the sides of a horse and then explaining its relevance to movement. Gillian is now in demand all over the world and has produced two books and one DVD.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photography david waters of horsepix
visit www.HorsesInsideOut.com
When the head and neck are up, the neck ligament is slack and the back hollows; when the head and neck is down, the back comes up
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The head and neck The positioning of the head and neck affects the positioning of the back and is one of the most important influences in achieving that perfect jump. Understanding why requires an appreciation of where everything is underneath your horse’s skin. Firstly, the neck vertebrae are a lot lower than many people realise. Instead, running along the top of the neck, just below the crest is a very important structure called the nuchal ligament. This runs from the poll to the withers and then continues along the top of the horse’s back as the supraspinous ligament. In the neck the ligament has finger-like projections that suspend the
spine in a slight ‘s’ shaped curve – it’s this ligament that supports the weight of the head and neck. It also allows the neck to be raised and lowered and keeps the spine in correct alignment. When we first begin training we work the horse long and low – this is because the neck muscles aren’t well enough developed to support the neck in an outline – and it’s the nuchal ligament that supports the weight. As the horse progresses in his training the muscles gradually take over.
Centre of gravity
Your horse’s head is very heavy and positioned on the end of his long neck; as a result, he can use his head as a counter
Your Horse january 2011
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Wild thing
CAN YOU GIVE A FOAL A HOME?
Most of the ponies who took part in the training week are for sale – for more information please call 07802 218169 or email dartmoorpony trainingcentre@ yahoo.co.uk
Your
Horse SEPTEMBER 2010
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YH Care | Handling foals the Dartmoor way 49
Learning how to handle wild Dartmoor foals can help anyone who deals with young horses
W
hen Your Horse reader Kay Emmerson won a place on the Dartmoor Pony Training Centre’s (DPTC) wild foal handling course, she had no idea how much it would change her life. Here she shares her diary of the week she spent learning to handle wild foals on Dartmoor.
Kay Emmerson Kay was picked to take part on the course
Earlier in the year the Your Horse team heard about a wild foal handling course at the Dartmoor Pony Training Centre (DPTC) in Devon. The DPTC offered one Your Horse reader the opportunity to take a place on the course and we were quickly flooded with emails – and it was Kay Emmerson who won the spot. “I’ve lived and worked with horses and ponies all my life, and my work involves re-educating humans to the actual needs of their ponies and horses,” says Kay. “I’m a qualified equine therapist, mainly focusing on physical therapies such as sports and remedial massage. As soon as I saw that the place was up for grabs I knew the skills I would learn on the course would be so beneficial to my work. I wrote into Your Horse but didn’t for one second think I’d be chosen.”
The Dartmoor Pony Training Centre
The DPTC was originally set up in 2005, taking on foals left unsold at the annual pony markets. Since then its work has changed to include promoting the gentle training of unhandled ponies. As well as the annual training event held with Sarah Weston of Intelligent Horsemanship, it also offers phone and email advice to people taking on Dartmoor Hill Ponies.
Sarah Weston
I always say to people that if ponies exist, they matter. This course is to give the students the understanding they need to help ponies get off to a good start in life, without using force. Hopefully they can use that knowledge to inspire others – what the students see and feel on this course is amazing. When a pony starts to give you his trust it’s very emotional and these are perfectly decent ponies so they deserve a chance.
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Your Horse january 2011
YH Gear | Free stuff 89
www.yourhorse.co.uk To win visit......
Keep him fit and healthy
Add some sparkle
TRM’s Winter Wellbeing Hamper is ideal to ensure your horse has all the nutritional support he needs to stay fit and healthy this winter. It contains FeedXcell, a balanced multivitamin and mineral supplement, Hoofmaker Concentrated Pellets for strong, pliable hooves, fast acting Stride HA for healthy, supple joints and Curragh Carron Oil, an omega-enriched digestive aid derived from linseed oil, which will also help produce a superbly shiny coat. Oliver Towned uses TRM products – he says: “I’m convinced TRM products facilitate the best results in horses at all stages of training and competition.”
Made from the finest Italian leather, the Pink Equine Bridle with Clear Swarovski Crystal Browband provides subtle sparkle that will dazzle on all horses. Made to the highest quality, the bridle comes in black or brown leather and features exclusive Tiffany Swarovski crystals embedded into the browband. Team it with the white Deluxe Saddle Pad and you have all the accessories you need to create the perfect equestrian competition outfit. To receive 10% off all your orders, go to www.pinkequine. com and sign up to its exclusive members’ area.
WORTH
02
01
WORTH
£193.76
i n fo
Two lucky winners will each receive a Winter Wellbeing Hamper Visit www.trm-store. co.uk or call 0800 804 8441
FreeStuff
£175
i n fo Two lucky winners will each receive a Clear Crystal Tiffany bridle and a matching white Deluxe Saddle Pad Visit www.pinkequine.com or call 0845 602 9520
How to Win
To be in with a chance of winning, simply visit www.yourhorse.co.uk and click on WIN
Fast food for your horse Speedi-Beet from British WORTH Horse Feeds is a highly nutritious sugar beet feed, perfect for adding fibre to the diet and optimising energy release rate. A highly digestible fibre feed, Speedi-Beet is soaked so fast it’s ready to feed in 10 minutes. It’s unmolassed, 95% sugar-free and therefore less likely to cause excitable behaviour in some horses. It will also add condition and help keep weight on without the fizz. It makes an excellent complementary feedstuff to hard feed as a top dressing and is extremely palatable. Speedi-Beet is approved by the Laminitis Trust, thanks to its low starch and high fibre content.
03
£8.90
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Dress with style The new Signature Collection and the Zara Phillips range from Musto combine style with function and fashion. The Signature Collection’s Bromont Jacket and Hartwell Hoody are bang on trend with some of the must-have items for the current season. The Zara Phillips Long Sleeved Tech-Tee and Gilet have been specially designed by the eventing World Champion, ensuring they’re stylish yet practical. The Combination Jacket is a versatile winter must that has an option for all types of weather, from the gilet to the fully waterproof outer jacket and, finally, the hood for an all over protective layer against the elements.
04
i n fo 40 lucky winners will each receive a 20kg bag of Speedi-Beet. Visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com or call 01765 680300
WORTH
£375
i n fo One lucky reader will receive a Bromont Jacket, Hartwell Hoody, ZP Long Sleeved Tech-Tee, ZP Gilet and a Combination Jacket Visit www.musto.com
your horse january 2011
Riding magazine | Connection through breathing Rm03
Riding magazine Core breathing Core breathing is an innovative technique that helps you find harmony and balance in your body, mind and spirit, and connects you with your horse. Improve your communication and breathe new life into your training!
Improve your riding ďƒ¨
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Looking for a half pad? Turn to page 90 for 12 of the best
BigTest
22
winter jackets tested We recommend the winter jackets that will keep you cosy and warm this winter
Your Horse JANUARY 2011
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YH Gear | Big Test winter coats 77
The test
Each jacket was used for yard work, riding and casual wear. They were also tested for warmth – we wore each jacket for 15 minutes in temperatures of approximately -5°C degrees at the Milton Keynes SnoZone
Fit/comfort
Value for money
Each jacket was assessed for overall fit and comfort working on the yard and riding. Was it a suitable winter jacket for warmth? Is the jacket more suitable for yard work, riding or both?
Our testers evaluated fit, comfort and performance in relation to price. Would they recommend you buy it?
The testers
YH editor Julie Brown and YH head of products Allison Lowther used the jackets for yard work and riding. All the Your Horse editorial team tested the jackets at the Milton Keynes SnoZone
Performance
Did the jacket meet all the manufacturer’s claims? Did it keep the tester warm when it was worn at the SnoZone?
What to look out for Ho od
A good-sized hood will keep you warm and dry. Hoods that have adjustment at the front and back give the best fit
Zips
Two-way zips are best for riding as they don’t restrict movement over the pommel of the saddle. A storm flap or additional skirt will keep out the wind and rain
Pockets
Fi lli n g
Look for pockets which are a good size and can be fastened
This will provide insulation and help keep you warm. Some jackets may be too warm for yard work and riding in but are great for spectating at competitions or wearing casually
Cuff
Elasticated and adjustable cuffs can be tightened for a perfect fit, stopping draughts
Li n i n g
Lining can be nylon, fleece or cotton. Some jackets are 3-in-1 with a zip-out jacket or gilet making them suitable for all seasons
Storm flap
An additional layer which covers the zip to help keep out wind and rain
Drawstrings at the waist or around the bottom can be pulled snug to stop draughts. Waist ones also give the jacket some shape
The awards
10 – Perfect 9 – Excellent 8 – Very good 7 – Good scoring 6 – Fairly good system 5 – Average 4 – Below average 3 – Poor 2 – Very poor 1 - Don’t waste your money
Winner The jacket that performed the best in all our criteria
Design/idea Performance Value for money
Example verdict 23/30
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These allow freedom of movement when you’re riding
Draw stri n g
How we score New
Words by Allison Lowther
Rear rid i n g vents
Best Buy The jacket that offers great value for money and performance Recommended The jacket that performed well in our test
SnoZone rating 1-10 (as above) for warmth in sub-zero temperatures
Your Horse JANUARY 2011
PO SA ev er U V ym N E on DS th
Offers
Welcome
We love our readers – and to prove it we’ve joined forces with some of the horse world’s best-known feed, bedding, clothing and grooming product manufacturers to bring you three pages full of the biggest money-saving deals on offer this month. So save £££s on all your horse gear – and more!
Terms and conditions
• All offers available only while stocks last • Only original vouchers acceptable – no photocopies allowed • Unless stated, offers limited to one item or discount per voucher • Please refer to individual vouchers for specific terms and conditions
Your
HORSE
£200 OFF a complete treeless saddle kit For the first 20 readers DREAM TEAM PRODUCTS is offering the first 20 Your Horse readers a £200 discount when purchasing a complete treeless saddle kit worth more than £600. This kit includes a DREAM SADDLE, a Universal Treeless Dream Pad, a Neoprene Swung Girth, and mainland UK delivery. These self fitting saddles can solve all your saddle fitting problems. What a great Christmas present! For more information call 08450 725765 or visit www.dreamteamproducts.com
£10 off supplements from
£20 off NECD membership
Valid until 31/01/2011
£20 discount off the normal first year registration price of NECD membership. NECD is a new website system allowing the equestrian community to register their entire equestrian estates, ensuring that stolen items are practically impossible to sell on. Visit www.necd.org.uk and register today. Please quote code NECDMDFFTN – the discount will be applied when this code is entered into the Retailer/Partner Code box on the payment page
Feedmark
Valid until 14/01/2011 Get £10 off on orders of £40 or more when you enter the code WINT-GIFT-10 at the checkout at www.feedmark.com or call 0800 585525. Free UK delivery. Terms and conditions apply
Your Horse january 2011
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