Issue 350

o.1 N EQUINE

WORTH £28,700

HORSEBOX

MONTHLY

B e a b e t t e r r i d e r , g e t t h e b e s t f r o m yo u r h o r s e

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Move up a level

Richardll we Max ow to

H is improve h t engagemen

Our experts will make you a better rider.

Guaranteed!

Special report

Is your livery yard good enough?

SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE

SIDE FREialEpoleIN work and

Essent show jumping advice from Richard and Tom Davison

Keeping him cool, sound and healthy £3.80

• move up a level • livery yard report • riding academy • summer survival guide • richard maxwell • win a horsebox

Instruction for all

RIDING CARE Gear

46 pages of top advice on eventing techniques, improving your dressage score, plus jumping ex-racehorses

Veterinary advances, feeding advice and poisonous plants

Dressage kit for all pockets PLUS breeches on test

August 2011

Your Horse 350 AUGUST 2011

WIN A

UK’S

The yard

you r hor se

Emile Faurie

World class horses are hard to come by E

Words Rebecca Gibson Photography Matthew Roberts

mile is in a pensive mood.

He’s just returned from competing in Germany where his top horse Max spent his time in the ring showing the judges what a hot head he can be rather than what an exceptional mover he is. Emile is worried this will damage his chances of team selection.

Max is Emile’s only GP horse.

If Max is discounted, so is Emile.

The days when riders of his calibre had owners queuing up to offer world-class rides are long gone. “These days people with a lot of money want to have a crack at riding at Grand Prix for themselves rather than buying a horse for a professional rider,” he says. “They’ve been inspired by the likes of Laura Bechtolsheimer and Fiona Bigwood.” These riders come from very wealthy backgrounds.

“It’s great for the sport in that it gets people involved and excited, but it does make it more difficult for the most exceptional riders to end up with the most exceptional horses.”

Emile also admits that he hasn’t done himself any favours by avoiding any opportunities for self-promotion. He’s probably one of the least known of all the British Dressage team riders – that’s despite having represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and four European Championships.

While other riders have been quick to develop themselves as brands, Emile has shunned the limelight. This perhaps harks back to childhood insecurities.

At school he was a “real loner, a complete outsider” and he still worries about how people view him. “Both in terms of coming forward with horses and also in terms of coming to me for lessons, I think people view me as unapproachable,” he says.

Emile wants people to get to know the real him. Here he speaks candidly about the highs and lows of his 30-year career, and he reveals his most private fears as well as his future hopes.

Turn over for Emile’s answers to your questions

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Win this horsebox worth £28,700!

guaranteeD

Peace of mind Don’t let the unexpected spoil your competing plans this summer with our hassle-free guide to insuring your horse, yourself and your equipment from the experts at Petplan Equine Don’t accept liability

If you and your horse are involved in an accident with another party, don’t accept liability – just swap details and contact your insurance company straight away.

Customer care

Loss of use

If your heart’s in competing consider adding permanent loss of use to your policy.

This provides a lump sum payment if, due to an injury or illness, your horse is no longer able to participate in your insured activity.

“A reputable insurer will employ staff with a knowledge of horses so they can empathise with owners and offer advice in the event of a claim, so check this before you commit to buying a policy,” says Geraldine West of Petplan Equine. “Some companies offer free vet and legal helplines.”

Help and advice when it’s needed most It pays to insure your horse with a reputable, trusted company, and Petplan Equine has been a leading horse and rider insurance provider for the past 23 years. It’s known for its professionalism and specialist knowledge, and is dedicated to providing a first-class service – paying out more than £2million in claims every week.

Petplan Equine offers straightforward cover with no hidden extras for horses

you r hor se

of all types and abilities. And, as long as your horse is insured with Petplan Equine before his or her 20th birthday, they will cover vet’s fees for injury and illness up to 25 years of age.

Plus, if you ride but don’t own or loan a horse, you could benefit from Petplan Equine’s Rider Plan. Cover is available for adults and children and includes personal accident, third party liability, emergency vet’s fees and riding equipment.

Null and void

“Be careful not to inadvertently do something to void your policy,” advises Geraldine. “If you start to compete at a higher level to the one you’re insured for, for example, let your insurance company know.”

H WORT 0! £28,70

Check the small print

“Avoid a nasty surprise when you come to claim by checking the small print when you take out the policy,” says Geraldine. “You might have cover for vet’s fees, for example, but does the cover include diagnostics, and are there any exclusions? If you’re insuring your trailer, ask where it needs to be stored, and under what type of lock and key.”

Security-wise

If your trailer or horsebox comes with any security features – for instance, this Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox has the option of having a discreet tracker unit fitted – tell your insurance company.

It could be yours!

O

f course, insurance is only valid if you have something worth protecting – like this splendid Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox. It’s worth a cool £28,700 – and it could be yours if you enter our fantastic competition today! The Sonic is compact and easy to drive and carries two horses in total luxury. It has the added benefit of a tack/changing/sitting area, with two saddle racks, two bridle racks and two coat hooks so you can carry all your equipment with ease, totally separate from the horses’ area.

There’s also additional storage over the cab.

Equi-Trek has generously added a package of incredible extras to our Sonic, including: • Alloy wheels • Mud flaps • Head divider • Corner seat with storage • CCTV camera • Digital reversing camera • Padded partition • Padded walls • Extra height partition • Road tax until June 2012

How to enter

For your chance to win…

>>

Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win and follow the instructions. Special terms and conditions apply. Closing date is midday on 2 January 2012.

Alternatively visit Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park – the horsebox will be on show for you to have a look at and you can enter while you’re there For more information on the Equi-Trek range of horseboxes, go to www.equi-trek.com or call 01484 852121

>>

Make the call

“In the event of a theft, illness or injury it’s important to phone your insurance company as soon as possible to explain what’s happened and let them know of a possible claim (make sure you have your policy details to hand). They’ll send out a claim form or direct you to an online form. If you’re claiming for vet’s fees your vet will need to fill out part of the form – and may charge for this.”

Win even more!

As well as the fantastic Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox, we’re giving you the chance to win prizes every month from our Win a Horsebox sponsors Petplan Equine, Dodson & Horrell, Musto and Dog It. This month, we’ve teamed up with Petplan Equine to offer one reader a ‘Travel in style’ package of Horseware Ireland goods worth over £240, consisting of an Amigo 1200D turnout rug and hood; an Amigo cooler; a set of Amigo travel boots, and Amigo ‘horse’ luggage.

One runner-up will win a set of the Amigo horse luggage.

To enter, and for full terms and conditions, go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win – closing date is 30 August, 2011. For more on Petplan Equine’s range of policies visit www.petplanequine.co.uk or call 0800 980 3905

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2

AI N I

AD

TR

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EMY

Riding

AC

Your Horse

Training Academy Train with the experts for free

Welcome to the fourth instalment of our exciting new Your Horse

Training Academy – the free riding course that will help you become a better rider. Over the next three months our Academy chief instructors Richard Davison and his show jumper son Tom will be your expert trainers, on hand to give advice in the magazine and online, with video lessons to download, homework suggestions, web chats and email support. And the best bit? It’s all free!

DON’T FO TO SIRGGET N-UP Turn to page for mor e

you r hor se

34 details

Sign up now – it’s free! Turn to page 34 for full details ➤

Module 1

Develop the ideal position for flatwork, show jumping and cross-country Missed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue

Module 4

Pole work exercises to improve your horse’s way of going, plus achieve the perfect approach and landing for show jumping

Turn to page 28

Module 2 How to ride with a contact, achieve forwardness and develop engagement.

Plus, perfect your jumping canter Missed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue

Module 5

How to tackle lateral work, from the essential basics to more advanced moves

Issue on sale 11 August

Meet your expert trainers Richard Davison

has competed at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, European Championships and World Cup Finals. “I’m pleased to be involved in this exciting new training concept,” he says

Module 3

Ride the perfect circle, square, serpentine, diamond, shallow loop and centre line Missed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue

Module 6

Improve your dressage score and jump clear

Issue on sale 8 September

Tom Davison

Richard’s talented son, Tom, is fast becoming a leading name as a rider and trainer – and as our Academy’s jumping expert he’ll be helping you go clear every time

Module 4 Pole work & jumping In Module 4 of the Your Horse Training Academy, learn how to use pole work exercises to improve your horse’s way of going on the flat and improve your technique over fences, too, as our experts focus on the detail that will improve your riding. They’ll help you solve common problems and develop the right technique – so turn the page wel l and let your Academy d on e! masterclass begin

➤ Turn the page for Module 4 and get ready to learn from the best!

Get more from every training session

Spot this logo and it’s time to go online. Your Horse Training Academy members will have exclusive access to free training videos at www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta with new videos added every month Pay attention at the back of the class! Every time you spot this logo it’s homework time.

Our experts will give you simple, easy-tofollow exercises and ideas to help you improve between modules

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Your

HORSE Subscription offer GWAA

EVERY ISSUE GIVES YOU

YES! I want to subscribe to Your Horse and get one year free Annual Direct Debit – 13 issues £50 Overseas – 13 issues £55 Please call +44 1858 438 820 or go online

Inspiring rides and features

Best care know how

Verdicts on latest gear

Julie Brown, editor, says

Terms and conditions Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer is open until 11 August 2011. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and the gift is only available to subscribers paying by direct debit only. 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 438820. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.

“This has to be one of our best offers ever.

Subscribe today and not only will you get Britain’s best-selling monthly equestrian magazine delivered straight to your door, you’ll get another year’s worth for absolutely nothing. Something for nothing – now that sounds like my kind of bargain.

You won’t be disappointed.”

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FREE Subscribe today, pay for 13 issues, and get 13 more for FREE! Yes, that’s right, a whole year’s worth of your favourite magazine for free. We couldn’t believe it either. So, go on, what are you waiting for?

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Riding

you r hor se

➠

Move up a level

cross-country rider British Eventing’s Coaching Development workshops promise to make you a more effective XC rider.

To find out exactly what the sessions offer we sent along YH editorial assistant Emily to give it a go

S

ix years ago, British Eventing (BE) performance manager and GB team coach Yogi Breisner brought together five of the best trainers in the UK to form the Coaching Development team. He tasked the team with improving the standard of coaching within the sport. His ultimate aim was to build on Team GB’s medal winning tally at major championships, but he also wanted to improve the ability of riders at grass roots level.

There are now a total of 16 elite coaches, each trained personally by Yogi. As well as being on hand at affiliated events to

offer free advice, the team run workshops across the country designed to improve the technical ability, knowledge and confidence of riders of all levels.

In preparation for her first event in eight months we sent YH editorial assistant Emily and her 14-year-old Trakhener Kishon to take part in a group workshop at Aston-le-Walls with former four-star eventer Philip Surl. Emily hasn’t evented Kishon since he had an operation to remove a bony prominence on his left foreleg and is hoping the session will help to ensure a smooth return to competition.

MEET THE TRAINER

Philip Surl

Philip is one of Yogi Breisner’s original team of five elite coaches.

He’s ridden at four-star level and is also a British Eventing (BE) technical advisor.

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Riding

Moving

➠

Movae up Whatever your discipline, stepping up to the level next level can be a challenging time for you and your horse, but follow our expert advice and you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed

M

oving up a level can be a disheartening experience if you’re not properly prepared.

Making the move before you’re ready can result in poor marks and disappointment, but if you have a plan in place you can skip all the heartache in order to progress with confidence.

you r hor se

We asked top show jumping trainer Carol Mailer, Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Claire Lilley, and former four-star eventer Christie Wright for their top tips to help you. So, whatever your discipline and whatever your level, there’s no excuse now to rest on your laurels.

Show g jumpin

Get ready to take the next step

The expert

Use grids to help you get a good stride

Carol Mailer

1

Carol is a leading show jumping trainer with more than 30 years of experience. She has written an internationally acclaimed book on the subject and is a regular contributor to Your Horse

Train higher at home

When you’re going out to compete and the jumps in your class start to look a bit small it’s time to think about doing the next class up. But before you do, Carol says, when training at home, you should be jumping three or four inches higher than the competition fences will be. “You should always push yourself at home before you think about pushing yourself in the ring,” she says.

“If you’re a bit worried about jumping bigger, you need to work on setting your horse up properly. The best way to do this is to build a grid of smaller fences and put your bigger fence at the end. This will ensure that you get a good approach and that your horse arrives at the bigger fence on a good stride. You can then gradually take away the grid of fences in front of the bigger fence.”

If there are any fences you don’t like the look of, leave it for another day

3

2

Walk higher courses

After you’ve finished riding your class and they’ve put the fences up, Carol says you should always walk the course. “If you like the look of it, have a go, but if there are any fences that you’re not happy with, leave it for another day,” she says.

“When you go home, talk to your trainer about the fences you didn’t like and work out why you were worried by them. You can then practise riding similar fences away from the pressured environment of a competition.

“Don’t let overambitious friends goad you into doing anything you don’t feel totally ready for.”

Get some clear rounds under your belt

CLEARS IN THE BAG

According to Carol, it’s not as important as it is with cross-country that you’re getting double clears every time you compete before you move up a level. This is because the fences are more forgiving of mistakes, but she says having three or four clear rounds under your belt is advisable.

TOP TIP

Don’t worry if you have to walk four, five or more courses before you find one that you feel confident to try – there’s no pressure and no time limit

www.you r hor se .c o.u k

Riding

privaTe lesson with World Games silver medallist Fiona Bigwood

Learn where and how you can pick up easy marks in your next dressage test background Fiona has just Fact file information about returned from Name her horse, Marmite. competing in Fiona Bigwood Experience Rode on Anita explains that Saumur, France, the 1993 Jr European Marmite has been with her World Championships (EC) squad, and the Young in and out of work Equestrian Games Rider EC team from since he was backed silver medal winner 1994 to 1996. At 21 due to various Wie Atlantico. she was the youngest GB rider ever selected injuries. She says They’ve returned for a Senior EC in 1996. progress has been to a building site In 1999 and 2005 she was on the EC team. slow, but hopes as Fiona and her She also rode at the Fiona will be able to husband, Danish 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games prepare them for team dressage rider their first affiliated Anders Dahl, have dressage competition. been building themselves Because of Marmite’s past a new base in Horsham for injuries, Fiona is particularly the last two years. keen to make sure Anita Although builders are still putting the spends plenty of time finishing touches working in.

“I always spend the first 10 to the horses’ minutes in walk,” she says. quarters, the “When you do trot, keep the grandeur of their designs is starting to emerge amidst trot small and short to allow the dust and piles of rubble, Marmite’s muscles to loosen before you ask for any more and an excited Fiona is extension.” keen to give Your Horse Fiona can see that Marmite reader Anita Smith a tour has a naturally strong hindleg of the 25 stables, foaling action but feels Anita is failing boxes and magnificent to make full use of it. She glazed indoor school, immediately sets Anita to where Anders is riding. work to improve her ability to As Anita tacks up, collect Marmite.

Fiona asks her for some

Marmite has been in and out of work since he was backed due to injuries you r hor se

For more riding advice go to www.yourhorse.co.uk

Meet the pupil

Find out how Fiona helps Anita get Marmite to supple up and slow down, over the page

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50es 3su

is old

STILL No.1!

Why we’re proud to be an 80s throwback It was the year Shergar was kidnapped, Harvey Smith took team silver at the Europeans and an exciting new magazine hit the shelves… Your Horse is 350 issues old, and to celebrate we look back to its launch in 1983, when our cover stars wore headscarves Words Helen Milbank

Th e re d an d wh ite !b loc ks’ soon be ca m e TH E logo to look for on th e ne wssta nd s

Your memories

ber Do you remem ew N as nv green ca d Zealands an in ch d te elastica to tell in te ri W ? ps stra ils are us– our deta on page 13

DID YOU KNOW? Le ad in g sh ow ju mp er Gra ha m Fl etc h er wa s ou r res id en t exp ert fr om iss u e on e

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Re cognise ou r fi rs t cover gi rl? It’s Pi pp a Fu nn ell’s form er tra in er an d m en tor Ru th M cM ul len

Who needs a chin strap?

It’s fair to say safety wasn’t at the forefront of riders’ minds in the 1960s and 70s, but by the 80s things were starting to change. A news story in the first issue of Your Horse reported the British Standards Institute’s new proposals to tighten the safety requirements for riding headgear.

With the old-fashioned riding cap under fire (usually worn minus a chin strap), riders were urged to switch to the safer BS4472-standard jockey skull.

Cue a safer head – but highly unstylish look if the wind happened to catch your hat silk.

“In 1983 the hard hat issue was very much to the fore,” says our resident riding expert Carol Mailer, who was jumping her mare Little Miss Moo (who featured in a Gorringe advert in the first issue – see right) under BSJA rules, and competing in Newcomers and Foxhunter when Your Horse was launched.

“I hope readers today realise how lucky they are to have such excellent head protection – 350 issues ago it was far less effective and chin straps weren’t compulsory. The safety of show jumps has vastly improved, too, particularly the use of plastic wings, safety cups, lighter poles and fillers. I couldn’t be without my Polyjumps.”

to see some well-known equestrian manufacturers, which are still leading the way in riding gear today.

Straight talking

Our first issue featured riding hats (top), Carol Mailer’s horse (above right) and Tim Stockdale (right)

EARLY stars

Tim Stockdale appeared in Your Horse in 1983 as an 18-year-old stable jockey, working for show jumper Graham Fletcher, who was the magazine’s resident expert.

Change from a tenner In 1983, when the average wage was £7,700, a pair of Harry Hall jods cost around £9 (available in any colour as long as it was cream – not that you’d notice as the magazine was mostly printed in black and white!) and you could team them up with a £50 Barbour waxed jacket.

A new leather saddle was around £250 and bridle £15 – and you could keep them spick and span with a dollop of Carr & Day & Martin saddle soap for less than £1.

Buying a horse? The average price for a 15.2hh all-rounder was £800 when Your Horse was launched – compared to around £5,000 today. But flicking through the adverts circa 1983 it’s good

Our approach to feeding’s changed beyond recognition over the past 28 years. Back then, feed rooms were piled high with sacks of barley, bran and oats, and the horse-owning nation was on the brink of the ‘cubes and mixes’ revolution. New ready-mixed feeds were viewed with suspicion, but feed manufacturers – including today’s big-name companies Dodson & Horrell, Spillers and Baileys – were keen to change public opinion.

“The Horrells were laughed at when they developed the first mix, called Microfeed, in the early ’80s ­– people thought it would never catch on!” says top equine nutritionist Dr Teresa Below: Barbour and Hollands of Dodson & Horrell, who Harry Hall ads was a student studying for a degree in from the human nutrition at Cardiff University first issue back in 1983.

“Microfeed was developed following D&H’s work with Newmarket studs in the 1970s. The mares found it highly palatable and wouldn’t eat anything else when they returned home, so it was obvious there was a demand for a high energy mix, rather than the existing pellet feeds and straights.

“There have been huge changes in equine nutrition over the past 30-odd years. There’s better scientific understanding of horses’ needs now – in the old days they were fed more like cows – and a massive choice of feeds.

Left: Feeding But there’s also been a sea change in feature from the way our horses are exercised and September ‘83 Below: Dodson kept. They’ve increasingly become less & Horrell’s lorry of a working animal and more of a pet, from the 1980s and the lifestyle changes we’ve seen in ourselves have been reflected on our horses.

The growth “We lead busier lives, of cereal mix feeds with less time to ride, in the 1980s was sc ience-led, and children aren’t with the develop ment allowed to disappear of micronising tec hniques all day on their for cereals in both ponies. It’s now human and cattle feeds, more difficult to which improved their keep a leisure horse digestibility fit, and this has led to an increase in obesity as they lead much more sedentary lives.”

IN 1983...

Saddlery was more basic and there were no fancy extras. “The Americans were far in advance in the bitting stakes,” says show jumper Carol Mailer. “I remember seeing an American gag in a US magazine in the dentist’s waiting room. At the time I had a very

strong mare and a snaffle wouldn’t do and a Pelham was much resented. I took the page with me and tried to buy the gag in England. No chance! In the end I bought one from America and very effective it was too. I still have it and fetch it out on occasion.”

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Care

50es 3su

is old

Back to the future VETADVICE

From hi-tech scanners to cutting-edge surgery, Charlie Briggs explores the main advances in the veterinary world since the early 1980s – and chats to the experts who helped pioneer change

W

here were you in 1983 when Your Horse magazine first hit the shelves? Leaping around the bedroom in leg warmers, singing along to Wham! belting out on your radio-cassette player? You’ve probably swapped your stereo for an mp3 player now and don’t leap about so much as shuffle!

In our everyday lives there’s no holding back the clock. Things change – some for the better, some for worse – and the equine veterinary world is no exception.

Who can remember the first mobile phones the size of bricks and how they compare with today’s smart phones? Technology waits for no man – or horse.

Here, with the help of some of the UK’s top equine vets who experienced – and indeed were at the forefront of – many of the changes we’ve witnessed in the veterinary world over the past 30 years, we look at how far equine medicine has come, and speculate as to what the future may hold.

Charlie Briggs

Charlie is an equine vet who works for the Hale Veterinary Group in Wiltshire.

She’s also team vet for the GB Endurance Development squad.

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Life-saving surgery

Improvements in anaesthetic techniques and equipment have improved colic surgery survival rates from 10-20% to 80%

Fibre-optics

Fibre-optic technology in the form of the flexible video-endoscope is now available – its main use is in the investigation of respiratory problems

Hi-tech scanners

Nuclear scintigraphy (a bone scan), magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) scanners are now used in many equine hospitals

Ultrasound

Ultrasound scanners have revolutionised many aspects of vet care. This non-invasive diagnostic tool is one of the most important advances in vet care

X-ray vision

Fully digital radiography now allows us to see an image of the bone on a computer screen within a few seconds

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Livery yards should provide a safe place for our horses and a fun atmosphere – but equipment ‘disappearing’ and uncaring owners can ruin things. Two years ago we exposed welfare concerns at some yards – but have things improved? Judy King investigates you r hor se

K

Did yo know u A surv ? ey was betw con

desire to look after the animals eeping our horses at ducte een A 2009 o pril 2008 an d on their premises and to keep livery is a necessity d April n beha lf of th Yard W their customers happy. for the vast majority orking e Livery G – see ov However, there are other yard of us who don’t have the er for it roup s result s owners who fail to ensure the luxury of facilities at home, mental and physical welfare of the and with many people on a tight horses in their care, and who are budget the DIY option is popular. unwilling to deal with situations when Many yards are well run by those with some owners cause misery for others. equine management experience plus a genuine

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Real life

There was huge relief when she hit dry land you r hor se

Top: Weak from her ordeal, Ghillie is pulled from the ice Below: Amazingly, Ghillie is able to walk home

When Thoroughbred mare Ghillie slipped through the ice in the middle of a frozen lake on Christmas Day her owner, vet Sue Taylor, feared the worst. But thanks to the brave efforts of the fire and rescue teams, Ghillie’s rescue is the stuff of fairytales As told to Larissa Chapman

Care

you r hor se

Your summer As heat and hard ground play havoc with our riding and horse care routines, we bring you expert advice to keep your horse cool and comfortable this summer The combination of hot weather and a lack of rain might be great for BBQs and sunbathing but it’s nothing but problematic for us horse owners. With that in mind we’ve asked the experts for some dos and don’ts for summer

Keep him cool

Sarah Cohen is a British event rider

horse – if you think it’s too hard then don’t run him 3 I always use ice bags to cool down hot legs at competitions. Stuffing crushed ice down Tubigrip support bandages,

1 To keep your horse cool at home make sure Make sure your horse stays he always has access to cool and comfortable water and if he’s in the confines of a stable, or when travelling in a horsebox or trailer, make sure there’s a good flow of air through the windows. If the weather is really hot and the flies are bad I like to keep my horses in during the day and out at night 2 When it comes to your riding and the ground is hard the key is to be sensible.

Do the minimum amount of work that you have to and, if you To help your horse really need to do some stay cool and avoid the flies when he’s out, ensure canter work, see if you he has a shelter, free-access can get your horse to field stable or good tree cover an all-weather track or to provide shade arena.If you compete, be sensible about where and how often you run your

doubled over on the leg, is a great method too, as the Tubigrips are great for holding the ice in place – just make sure the ice is crushed, not in big chunks. Gel packs are good, too.

Did yo u kn Ice sho ow? u ldn’t be aga

left on inst yo long pe ur horse’s skin riods o for f tim to 20 m inute in e. Stick tervals 20 min – utes 20 min on then utes off

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Competition

Win

A complete set of Tri-Zone Airlite Horse boots E quilibrium Products has teamed up with Your Horse to offer 10 lucky readers the chance to win a full set of the award winning Tri-Zone Airlite Boots to air include a pair of Tri-Zone Airlite Tendon Boots, a pair of Tri-Zone Airlite Fetlock Boots a set of Tri-Zone Airlite Allsports Boots.

Equilibrium created ‘Airlite’ technology to deliver highly protective boots while maintaining lightness, flexibility and breathability.

Airlite boots are made by combining three layers aimed at optimising leg

health. The outer layer is made from an EVA mesh that’s hard wearing, yet flexible and designed to help disperse concussion. The middle layer is a tough nylon mesh that blocks debris from penetrating the boot.

A protective, integrated TPU guard helps to protect the tendon area. The inner layer is made from shock absorbing EVA and has raised platforms embossed onto the surface to allow heat to escape through the numerous air vents that are cut into the surface of the lining.

The Tri-Zone Airlite Allsports Boots are suitable for a wide range of disciplines. They’re very light, making them perfect for endurance sports.

The Tri-Zone Airlite Tendon Boots are among the lightest jumping boots on the market. They’ve achieved outstanding results in laboratory conducted tests on impact protection, proving them to be one of the most protective boots available.

Tri-Zone Airlite Fetlock Boots have a protective strike pad, which protects the inside of the fetlock joint, offering nonrestrictive, lightweight protection.

Tendon Boots For more information visit www.equilibriumproducts.com

lite

Fetlock Boots

Allsports Boot

To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk and answer this question

What is the name of the new range of Tri-Zone Boots?

a) Airlite b) Airtight c) Airbright Closing date 12 August 2011

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Rules of

engagement When we ask a horse to engage and work up to a contact we’re physically compressing him, which can make him feel claustrophobic and cause him to panic. According to practical horseman Richard Maxwell, overcoming instinctive resistance such as this requires understanding and patience Words Rebecca Gibson

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Gear

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BigTest

Competition

breeches We put 14 pairs of competition breeches to the test – and recommend the ones to wear so you look great on the circuit

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e all want to look the part when competing but it’s important we’re comfortable as well as smart. There’s a huge range of breeches available in colours suitable for competition.

We’ve tested 14 pairs, using several different testers, including international event rider Julia Dungworth (pictured left) and event riders Frances Long and Tricia Price. YH gear editor Allison Lowther and YH editor Julie Brown also put some to the test.

Our testers assessed each pair of breeches under the following criteria:

Fit/comfort How well did the breeches fit – were they our testers’ usual size? How comfortable were they to wear, did they restrict movement at all?

Performance Our testers considered how well each pair of breeches performed – did they live up to the manufacturers’ claims, how well have they worn and what condition are they in now?

Value for money Finally, considering what they thought about the first two criteria, the testers assessed whether they were good value for money and if they would recommend them to you.

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Gear

you r hor se

For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk

O

This type of boot can also verreach boots, also called bell boots, are be used if your horse is protective boots that wearing studs to help protect him from fit around your horse’s accidentally injuring pastern, offering protection himself. They can also be to the back of the pastern worn during turnout if your down over his heels. As the horse is prone to injury or name suggests, they’re pulling his shoes off. usually worn to prevent Traditionally, overreach your horse overreaching. boots were made from Overreaching occurs when rubber and you chose from the toe of his hind foot either open (with Velcro or strikes the heel of his front other fastening to close foot. Because of where it them) or closed, which is and the amount of pulled on over the hoof. movement in this area, an Now, the choice of overreach injury can be serious. It is difficult to keep overreach boots has increased with many clean and can take types of material time to heal. If the Top t used, which overreach is ip being When c are durable, offer particularly hoosin g your new ov e good protection bad, it may make s rreach boots, ure and comfort for even need so long they don’t fit ove t h at your r the hoof your horse, too. stitching. hor trip ove se could r them

Overreach Boots BUYERS’GUIDE

Protect your horse’s vulnerable heel area with a pair of overreach boots – we show you what’s available

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IMPROVE YOUR BOND

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Your Horse Training Academy

Module 5 Learn how to use lateral work to best effect whether you’re working on the flat or over jumps, with our Academy chief instructors Richard and Tom Davison

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