Your Horse Winter Essentials 2014

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PAGES Packed with products and advice from top experts

Winter Essentials 2014 ● Turnout rugs ● Equine insurance ● Saddle ftting ● Feeding forage ● Winter clothing ● Therapy products ● Coping with Cushing’s ● Winter condition ● Worming

Alfa-A Oil - the ultmate pure alfalfa ďŹ bre feed for felling hard work, improving samina and promotng conditon For fiendly feeding advice contac the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115

www.dengie.com

Scan for more info on Alfa-A Oil and feeding a ďŹ bre diet

Winter Essentials Discover fantastic winter rugs from Weatherbeeta on page 24

Welcome Whether you’re looking for some advice to help you feed your horse for best efect this winter, or on the look out for some new additions to your winter wardrobe, this handy guide has got it covered.

Discover which rug will suit your horse, which boots will keep your feet warm and dry until spring and get a range of expert advice to help you keep your horse in top condition.

Your Horse editor

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Contents 04 FEEDING FIBRE Advice on feeding fbre during winter from the team at Dengie 06 FAB WINTER FOOTWEAR Discover great new styles in the Dublin Country Boot Collection 10 MANAGE HIS WEIGHT Expert advice from Baileys Horse Feeds on feeding right in winter 13 UNDERSTAND EQUINE INSURANCE The team at Petplan Equine dispel the myths behind horse insurance 14 THERAPY PRODUCTS A guide to therapy products for all budgets from Horseware Ireland 18 EQUINE CUSHING’S Expert advice on the disease from the team at Dodson & Horrell 20 WINTER CLOTHING A selection of stunning winter clothing from Fieldhouse Equestrian 23 BALANCING WINTER FORAGE How to do it right with advice from Spillers 24 BUYING THE RIGHT RUGS Weatherbeeta help you fnd the right rugs for your horse 27 TOP TACK Discover some of the amazing accessories from Albion Saddlemakers 28 ALBION SADDLES Read up on saddle solutions for the modern horse 30 WISE WORMING Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot takes the confusion out of worming your horse

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 3

Winter Essentials 2014

Fibre – just as nature intended Providing your horse or pony with a fbre-based diet ensures that you’re feeding him as nature intended. Here, Dengie senior nutritionist Katie Williams looks at the raft of benefts that alfalfa brings

A EXPERT KATIE WILLIAMS MSc (Dist) is the Technical Manager at Dengie Horse Feeds. Find out more by visiting www.dengie.com

fbre-based diet is an efective way of keeping horses and ponies happy and with a healthy digestive system – it’s what they were designed to eat!

Ideally, at least 1.5% of their body weight should be fed as high-fbre feeds each day, which can be any combination of grass, hay or haylage, chopped fbre feeds or soaked sugar beet.

In fact, research has shown that ofering a selection of diferent fbre sources can enrich the stabled horse’s environment – the researchers also ofered hazel branches and root vegetables such as swedes.

leafy plant also means it contains high levels of beta carotene, which is the precursor to vitamin A and is, therefore, benefcial for vision and female fertility.

Horses that are stabled and on limited or poor-quality forage are unlikely to be consuming as much beta carotene as those on grass, so feeding alfalfa will help to rectify this.

Healthy on the inside Chewing produces saliva and because fbre needs to be chewed

more than concentrates, it generates plenty of saliva. While it works to moisten and soften the horse’s feed, the saliva – which contains bicarbonate – helps to neutralise the acidity of the stomach contents as well. Several studies have established that a low-fbre, high-cereal diet can increase the risk of colic and gastric ulcers.

Fibre is fermented by bacteria and other micro-organisms in the gut, producing heat as the fbre is broken down. This acts as the

Fibre feeds don’t overload the digestive system in the way cereal-based feeds can

Packed with goodness

Alfalfa provides a source of quality protein for horses

We’re probably all aware that fbre is benefcial for the health of the gut, both ours and our horses, but not all fbre is the same and it does far more than simply promote regular bowel movements or give our horses something to chew on!

Alfalfa is a great example of a high-quality fbre source because, as a legume, it is able to fx nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into protein – like soya, peas and beans. Just in the same way that soya ofers vegetarians an alternative source of quality protein to meat, horses can obtain the protein they need from plants such as alfalfa and soya.

Alfalfa is also abundant in calcium and studies have suggested that this is one of the factors that contributes to it being a natural bufer to acidity in the digestive tract. Being a green,

4 YOUR HORSE WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014

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under-fed because they’re so lightweight and fuf y. Relative to cereals, a larger volume needs to be fed. Think a ton of feathers versus a ton of coal – they are the same weight, but the feathers take up a lot more space.

This causes people to worry that they are overfeeding, but that’s just not the case. Because they are full of fbre, these feeds don’t overload the digestive system in the same way that cereal-based feeds do, so you can literally feed bucketfuls without causing a problem!

Energy supplies

Dengie’s Alfa-A Oil is ideal for horses in hard work as the oil provides extra calories

horse’s very own central heating system and helps to keep him snug through the winter.

Weighing it out A common mistake with fbre feeds is that they tend to be

Fibre feeds provide slow-release energy, so they ofer the ideal way to provide energy while not increasing the risk of overexcitable behaviour. You might be surprised to learn that fbre can provide just as much energy as mixes and cubes. Dengie Alfa-A Original, for example, contains the same level of energy as a cool mix or pasture mix, at 10 MJ/kg.

For horses in harder work or poor doers, Dengie Alfa-A Oil is useful because it delivers extra calories, promotes condition and top line, improves stamina and

Top tips for feeding your horse this winter ● Feed according to your horse’s condition

and workload – if this has changed from the summer months then make sure his diet changes, too! ● Use fbre and oil to provide slow-release

energy to help avoid excitable behaviour ● In colder weather, horses drink between

6-14% less water. Soaked fbre feeds such as Dengie Alfa-Beet help to increase moisture intake, as well as providing additional highly digestible fbre ● Make changes to your horse or pony’s diet

gradually to avoid problems ● Feed plenty of fbre – it helps keep your

horse’s digestive system healthy. It’s their central heating system as heat is produced when fbre is fermented in the gut ● Feed little and often – this applies to

forage for good doers because it will help to reduce the risk of ulcers ● Feeding about 250g of a chopped fbre

gives a great bloom to the coat. At 12.5MJ/kg DE (Digestible Energy), it contains as much energy as a conditioning or competition mix, so can make a signifcant contribution to the energy requirements of working horses.

Take things easy The autumn and winter months inevitably result in a change to most horses’ rations because even those turned out 24/7 will usually require supplementary feed in the form of hay or haylage.

Studies have shown that any change in forage increases the risk of colic occurring, so, even if you’re just changing from one batch of hay to another, try to make the change as gradual as you possibly can.

The indigestible fbre content in hay can vary considerably, which is sufcient to cause a problem. It is generally recommended to make changes to the diet over seven to 10 days if possible.

Keeping it balanced Although many fbre feeds contain valuable naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, they are still considered straight feeds and they might be lacking some of the trace minerals that are missing from our soils – the mineral content of plants tends to refect the soils they are grown on. Using a Dengie balancer or supplement alongside the recommended levels of fbre feeds will be sufcient to balance the ration.

Supplements and balancers are both designed to provide essential nutrients with very few calories and are usually formulated for diferent life stages or workloads.

Harder work increases the horse’s requirement for vitamins and minerals, as well as energy. ● For further information about

Dengie fbre feeds or to seek dietary advice for your horse or pony, call the Dengie feedline on 0845 345 5115 or visit www.dengie.com and chat live with a nutritionist.

feed before riding should help to prevent acid in the stomach splashing around and causing ulcers

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WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 5

Winter Essentials 2014

These boots were made for winter!

Equestrian brand Dublin produces country boots that ofers a mix of comfort, style and functionality that promises to make light work of the colder months

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frm favourite with riders, dog owners and people participating in many outdoor and country pursuits, the country boot has grown in popularity in

recent years, particularly during the winter months. It’s understandable why when you look at what they have to ofer – versatility, functionality, style and protection from the elements.

Dublin Estuary Tall Boots

Whether it’s practical features or good looks that matter more to you when you’re shopping for boots, a country boot will be likely to meet your requirements. Despite being called country boots, they’re adaptable enough to be worn in most settings, whether on the yard, walking the dog or meeting your friends at your local.

The Dublin Country Boot Collection is packed full of practical and stylish features, so there’s sure to be a boot that ticks all the boxes on your list of requirements. Each boot in the Dublin range ofers all the support, warmth and cushioning you’ll need for all day comfort during the winter, and with so many diferent styles available, there’s a design for everyone. The boots have been designed and built with the rider in mind. Keeping your feet warm, dry and comfy in the winter months can be particularly challenging on the yard.

But with the systems available in Dublin footwear, there’s no need to compromise on comfort.

The Dublin RCS footbed system consist of an insole, which is 100% breathable with

Dublin Estuary Mid Boots

Dublin Nene Waterproof Zip Boots

6 YOUR HORSE WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014

Dublin Tawe Waterproof Lace Boots

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Dublin Waterproof River Boots

anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, containing active carbon reducing foot odour and a moisture management system that keeps feet dry while on the yard or riding. The insole contains a comfort moulded cup, containing air holes for maximum breathability, foot support and comfort in all conditions, along with a high-density foam heel providing shock-absorbing benefts.

A steel shank board has also been added to provide extra arch support to the foot.

The HBR® waterproof membrane featured throughout the Dublin Country Boot Collection is a micro-porous membrane that keeps the water out while maintaining breathability. Seam sealed for maximum protection from the elements, a moisture management W W W.YOU R HOR SE .CO.U K

system is created inside the boots keeping the foot drier.

For those looking for a classic country boot, there’s the Dublin River Boot.

Made from Redskin leather, which features the HBR® waterproof and breathable membrane to keep feet dry.

The unique RCS footbed, with heel and arch supports and double cushioning layer, helps absorb impact and provides support, providing all day comfort both on and of the horse. While the durable Tough Tech outer sole provides lightweight fexibility, stability and Traction Control Grip.

Meanwhile, if your feet feel the cold more and warmth is an essential factor for you, the Dublin Eskimo River Fleece Boots are an ideal choice. With all the

same features as the Dublin River Boot but with the addition of a synthetic feece lining and cuf to provide extra comfort, warmth and style. Or you could opt for the Dublin Turndown Boots, which also have a feece lining and HBR® waterproof and breathable membrane.

The Positive Traction Grip on the durable, hardwearing sole, gives multidirectional grip on all terrains.

Featuring a podiatry designed footbed system that ofers all day comfort, the Turndown Boots ofer a unique style with, as the name suggests, a turndown leather cuf and attractive side buckle design.

Two new additions to the range ofer a more elegant look. The Dublin Estuary Boots have a full grain waterproof leather upper with a new slim-line, low profle outer sole and stylish buckle design. Covering the practical essentials with the HBR® membrane and the RCS footbed for great comfort. Available as either the Dublin Estuary Tall Boots or Dublin Estuary Mid Boots.

The side lace design of the Dublin Pinnacle Boots not only looks attractive but also allows the width to be adjusted.

You can draw the laces in or release them to adjust the width around the calf to amend the ft. This allows you to alter them to suit you or for when you switch from wearing jods to jeans. Practicality doesn’t stop there. Made from the highest quality Redskin leather, they’re both waterproof and breathable due to their HBR® membrane and the Dri-lex ® lining. Features include RCS footbed system with Tough Tech lightweight and durable rubber sole.

Finally, for those that prefer a short boot, come rain or shine, Dublin has two oferings. The Dublin Nene Waterproof Zip Boots are casual yard boots with a zip front, while the Dublin Tawe Waterproof Lace Boots have a lace front design. Both are made from a waterproof leather upper with a HBR® membrane to keep your feet dry. They also include the RCS insole for great comfort. With stirrup friendly out soles that feature Positive Traction grip and a spur rest, these boots are versatile enough to be worn for riding, on the yard or out and about. ● To fnd out more about the Dublin Country Boot Collection, or to fnd your nearest stockist, visit www.dublinclothing.co.uk

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 7

You’re not the only one who enjoys a good walk.

Our Dublin River Boot is a classic country boot. Made from Redskin leather, it features a HBRÂŽ waterproof and breathable membrane, together with a unique RCS insole featuring heel and arch support for all day comfort.

Which is why our boots are just the job on a long walk or heading of to meet a few friends in your local. For a list of stockists, go to www.dublinclothing.co.uk

KEEP CONDITION THIS WINTER Baileys no.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes Outstanding muscle tone, top line & head-turning coat shine n Quite literally, more of everything (protein, nutrients and digestible calories) per scoop than cheaper alternatives n Quality ingredients prepared in our own unique way to ensure maximum results n Non-heating, high oil, barley free n For horses & ponies at rest up to hard work

GET YOUR FREE, PERSONAL FEED PLAN TO PREPARE FOR WINTER FROM OUR NUTRITION TEAM Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 2) e: nutrition@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Winter Essentials 2014

Achieving top winter condition Some horses may need to slim down over winter and some may not!

Baileys ofer some practical advice on keeping your horse looking great

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s we go into winter, objectively assessing your horse’s body condition will infuence what and how you feed and manage him throughout the season. Body condition scoring (BCS) provides a numerical scale according to how much body fat your horse is carrying and is a helpful in assessing where your horse is and where he needs to be.

● Hay or haylage will always be the

Is your horse overweight?

Many horses, and particularly ponies, will be going into winter carrying a little extra condition – they’re designed to, after all! They are also designed to use up those stored energy reserves through the winter months and so enter the spring considerably slimmer.

Problems arise when horses remain perpetually overweight as the fat deposits produce hormones that cause insulin resistance and a condition now known as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).

A haynet with small holes would make his hay ration last longer

Assessing his body condition will help you make decisions about his feeding

Horses sufering from EMS are at greater risk of laminitis but, if they lose the weight, the efects of EMS can be reversed, which is all the more incentive to encourage weight loss. Be honest with yourself, if your horse or pony is going into the winter with a BCS of 6 or over (on a 1 to 9 scale, where 9 is obese), his calorie requirements are being exceeded. That means that he’s consuming more than he’s burning to stay healthy, keep warm and fuel work.

Tips for winter weight loss ● To encourage weight loss, the

combination of forage and any hard feed should not weigh more than the equivalent of 1.5% of your horse’s bodyweight. Use a weightape to assess and monitor your horse’s bodyweight ● Forage is the main source of calories, so control intake by weighing what you feed and using small-holed haynets to make the ration last longer. While you need to control calorie intake, a horse still needs fbre to keep his digestive system healthy ● Soak hay for up to six or eight hours, if possible, to wash out soluble carbohydrates (calories) but leave essential fbre

most cost efective fbre source but low calorie Light Chaf, soaked Speedi-Beet and Fibre Plus Nuggets, will add variety during the winter as long as you watch how much you feed ● Overweight horses still need essential nutrients for health and well-being.

Feed Baileys Lo-Cal balancer alongside forage to provide protein, vitamins and minerals for muscle tone, metabolism and healthy hooves and skin ● Exercise not only burns calories, it also helps to keep your horse mentally and physically healthy. If your horse has limited or no access to turnout, you must ensure that has some other form of exercise everyday, even if it is only in-hand ● Use only lightweight rugs, if at all, so the horse has to burn fat reserves to keep warm

Is your horse underweight?

It’s always harder to promote weight gain in the depths of a cold winter than it is to prevent weight loss in the f rst place so monitoring your horse’s condition during the late summer and autumn will really help to give you a head start.

A BCS of around 5 (on our 1 to 9 scale) is described as ‘moderate’ and indicates that optimum calorie requirements are being met.

Your horse’s condition is also about muscling and overall health and well-being so other nutrients are important, too. Without good quality dietary protein, a strong physique and well-rounded top line will be incredibly difcult to achieve no matter how correct the work and training.

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Promoting weight gain in winter is possible. This TB ex-racehorse was ‘moderately thin’ in autumn...

Tips for winter weight gain ● Ad lib forage will provide calories and

‘save calories’ by helping to keep the horse warm from within as heat is generated during its fermentation in the hindgut ● Fibre is important for gut and psychological health – if your horse doesn’t consume a minimum of 1% of his bodyweight in hay or haylage, use alternatives to encourage him to eat more.

Baileys Alfalfa Blend, Alfalfa Plus Oil and soaked Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet are all excellent sources of digestible fbre which can be ofered as a ‘haynet in a bucket’ ● Some horses will maintain condition happily on forage and/or

... and by spring he was in ‘moderate’ condition thanks to his well-managed feeding plan

other fbre sources, plus a balancer, but a horse’s appetite is limited so they can only physically eat the equivalent of 2 to 2.5% of their bodyweight per day. If they need to gain weight, once fbre requirements are met by forage, they will then need concentrated sources of additional calories (not more fbre) to achieve this ● A good quality, fully balanced mix or cube will not only provide extra calories but all the other nutrients lacking in a forage-only diet as well.

It must always be fed at the recommended levels in order to ensure the horse’s requirements for these nutrients are met.

Top Line Conditioning Cubes are highly digestible and calorie

dense so provide additional nutrition in a small volume. ● Never feed great buckets full of compound feeds. Large meals of mixes or cubes risk overloading your horse’s stomach and causing problems, as well as reducing the amount the horse can actually obtain from each feed. ● Rugs will help conserve body heat.

Exercise and turnout are as important for mental health as they are for physical health; when turnout is restricted, even in-hand exercise is better than nothing.

Visit the Baileys website and download the company’s Body Condition Scoring leafet.

For more information, call 01371 850247 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Ad lib forage produces heat as it is fermented in the hindgut, helping keep horses warm from within

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WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 11

Trust

our Horse Insurance We can pay your vet direct Fixed Vet Fees excess Cover for diagnostics up to the full Vet Fees limit Illness cover up to 25 years of age for horses insured before their 20th birthday Multi-horse discount Terms, conditions and excesses apply

Illness cover up to 25 years* For a free quote and to discuss your requirements call

0800 980 7140 petplanequine.co.uk *For horses insured with Petplan Equine before their 20th birthday.

Petplan Equine is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited and Allianz Insurance plc.

Winter Essentials 2014

Advertising feature

Dispelling the myths of equine insurance Charlotte Collyer, senior marketing executive at leading equine insurance provider Petplan Equine, separates fact from fction so you can make the right choice for your horse, and your pocket

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s a horse owner myself, I understand there are a number of misconceptions about insurance for our horses. I also know how important it is that you have the right policy for your needs. There is a common saying, ‘knowledge is power’, and by understanding insurance and the options available you are equipped to make the best choice.

Always have a horse vetted before you buy

Insurance companies will 1 always try to avoid paying out on claims Petplan Equine is passionate about horse welfare. Making sure that horses insured with us can be given the right treatment is paramount. At Petplan Equine, our claims team is stafed by equine enthusiasts who understand the issues our clients face. This specialist knowledge enables us to process claims quickly and fairly.

vet’s certifcate is 2 Aneeded to insure a horse

A vet’s certifcate is generally only required when insuring higher value horses but you should always check with the insurance company if one is required. You wouldn’t buy a car without an MOT and Petplan Equine always encourages owners to have a horse vetted prior to agreeing to buy it so as to identify any existing or potential health problems.

can’t get illness 3 You cover for older horses

The insurance industry now recognises that, thanks to improvements in management, nutrition and veterinary medicine, horses are staying active for longer. Petplan Equine ofers full illness and injury cover for horses up to 20 years, and up to 25 years for horses insured with us before their 20th birthday. Always check with your insurance provider at what age the horse is classed as a ‘veteran’ or older horse W W W.YOU R HOR SE .CO.U K

because cover for older horses can vary dramatically from insurer to insurer.

companies 4 Insurance don’t understand owners Petplan Equine employs horse enthusiasts and owners so they understand not only the emotional stress that claiming for injury or illness to a much-loved horse can bring, but also the fnancial implications.

Once you claim for 5 something it’s then permanently excluded from the policy This is a misconception. Once a claim has been made, an exclusion may be placed on the policy either 12 months after the injury or the frst clinical signs of the condition, or after the maximum beneft has been paid out. Exclusions are placed to clearly show you what costs are not covered under the policy; this allows you to make a fully informed decision should any further treatment be needed. Not all exclusions are permanent; many are temporary and can be reconsidered when certain criteria have been met and the correct information has been provided by your

vet. The review criteria can difer depending on the condition and its severity so it’s important to speak with your insurer before asking the vet to provide any information.

If you don’t make 6 a claim you don’t have to tell the insurance company You should always keep your insurer informed if your horse has been ill or injured during the year as when your policy renews this will be classifed as a pre-existing condition even if no claim has been made. So our advice is to take advantage of your insurance policy and claim for everything even if it’s minor.

0lder horses can 7 only be covered for external injury Again, you need to check with your insurer but at Petplan Equine we cover accidental injury to older horses whether it is internal or external. ● www.petplanequine.co.uk

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 13

Winter Essentials 2014

Treat him to some therapy

Take your horse’s care to the maximum this winter with a variety of therapy products from the exciting Horeware range that’ll ease his aches and pains

T

he famous Pat Parelli once said that “a horse doesn’t care how much you know, until he knows how much you care”.

And as horse-people we all have one key thing in common – our horses are precious to us. We want only the best for them, which is why we’ll happily spend far more of our hard-earned cash on surgery, therapy and equipment for our horses than we’d ever spend on ourselves. So, to help you give your horse the very best in care, Horseware has developed a range of therapy products to suit all budgets and help horses of all ages stay in fne physical condition.

The Extra Full Ice-Vibe boots, which are designed for bigger boned horses

Ice-Vibe knee boot

B E ST FO R

D TENDON AN LIGAMENT

Ice-Vibe boots Horseware’s frst foray into therapy products was the now well-established and award-winning Ice-Vibe boots. A big hit with the eventing community, they’re now used by everyone from top Ice-Vibe hock boot

racehorse trainers to people caring for older horses with long-term tendon or arthritis issues.

How do they work?

Ice-Vibe boots for hock, knee and legs are rechargeable vibrating boots that boost circulation in your horse’s legs.

They combine the efects of cooling and massage therapy to efectively treat strains, ligament and tendon damage, and can even be used with or without cold packs to reduce swelling and Ice-Vibe boot

stimulate blood fow.

Cooling slows down blood fow to prevent swelling, while the massage efect encourages lymph to move, draining infammation and stimulating repair to damaged tissue. Cleverly, the rhythm of the vibration mimics the efect of a horse walking quietly in the feld, making them perfect for horses on box rest.

Using the boots before exercise can also help reduce the risk of injury, as increasing blood fow to the tendons and ligaments makes them more elastic.

Everyday wear and tear on joints can be managed with daily use of the boots, and rehabilitation through injury can be achieved more quickly. ● Full: £185 ● Extra Full: £195 ● Hock: £175 ● Knee: £175 Find out more at www.ice-vibe.com

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Advertising feature NEW Sportz-Vibe

massage rug

B E ST FO R

Designed and created by the team who brought you Ice-Vibe, Sportz-Vibe is a brand new product, due to hit the shelves in mid-November.

It’s the most comfortable, lightweight and portable massage therapy rug for horses and is ideal as a warm up or recovery rug. The rug helps to warm up muscles before work and ease soreness and stif ness afterwards, perfect for maintaining muscular well-being throughout the year.

MUS

CLE P A IN

The Sportz-Vibe massage rug

How does it work?

Sportz-Vibe’s massage action is gentle enough that it won’t overwork your horse’s muscles, but will efectively reduce muscle tension, and removable massage panels mean you can even target a specifc area.

One of the oldest known methods of therapy, massage therapy is renowned for its ability to promote healing. It can help to reduce pain, improve blood supply to tissue, and reduce infammation in horses sufering from long-term muscular back problems.

And, by encouraging the lymph system to move, massage helps to drain infammation and stimulate repair to damaged tissue.

As with Ice-Vibe, using Sportz-Vibe before exercise can help reduce the risk of injury by increasing the blood fow to muscles, helping to make tendons and ligaments more elastic, and ofers

Pamper your pooch too!

Care for your dog with a SportzVibe blanket

Sportz-Vibe is also available for dogs, and is ideal for those sufering from back or hip conditions and for high performance dogs as a warm up or recovery blanket. The beneft of the massage therapy means it can help to reduce pain, improve blood supply, and reduce infammation in dogs sufering from conditions such as hip dysplasia. ● XS – XXXL ● From £136 Find out more at www.sportz-vibe.com

the same benefts to muscular well-being and maintenance of any muscular problems your horse might have. ● Small: 5ft 3in – 5ft 9in ● Medium: 6ft – 6ft 6in ● Large: 6ft 9in – 7ft 3in ● Price: £400

NEW

Rambo Ionic

Another new product in the Horseware therapy range is the Rambo Ionic Therapy, available as a stable sheet and stable boots, and ideal for use before and after exercise to prepare muscles for work, and to help reduce lactic acid build up.

How does it work?

B E ST FO R

TION CIRCULALBEING L A ND WE

The Rambo Iconic stable sheet and stable boots

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Using specialised tourmaline (a naturally occurring crystal) infused fabric to release negative ions, Rambo Ionic causes a change in the water in your horse’s body, allowing increased blood fow and circulation in key areas and bringing increased levels of oxygen to muscles to help clear toxins.

Negative ions are needed by your horse’s body to balance the positive ions absorbed every day from man-made chemicals. The body absorbs these negative ions generated by tourmaline to help strengthen and stimulate the circulatory and endocrine system. The high levels of negative ions in the body improve the hydration capacity of blood for improved circulation, helping to stimulate metabolism, increase oxygen delivery to cells and tissue, strengthen the immune system, restore pH balance and reduce blood pressure. ● Rambo Iconic blanket: 5ft 6in – 7ft 3in ● Rambo Iconic boots: full, extra full ● Blanket price: £140, boot price: £80 Find out more at www.horseware.com

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 15

Rambo速 Original Turnout 200g, Nicole Cowl Neck & Knitted Bobble Hat

速

www.horseware.com

Going for gold this season?

Choose Dodson & Horrell

Contact us now to ďŹ nd out more about our Competition Range

0845 345 2627 | www.dodsonandhorrell.com

Winter Essentials 2014

Cushing’s – what you need to know Understanding the nutritional needs of a horse with Cushing’s disease is vital to manage the condition. Here, Chloe Bristow, company vet for feed specialists Dodson & Horrell, explains why it’s important and how you can do it

O

ver the past few years, equine Cushing’s disease (ECD) has really come under the spotlight. More and more horses and ponies are being diagnosed with the condition every year.

Fortunately, we are also picking up the problem much earlier, partly thanks to the free laboratory test vouchers supplied

by the Talk About Laminitis initiative.

But what exactly is Cushing’s and how can we support horses with this disease?

What is Cushing’s?

Equine Cushings Disease, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is a progressive condition that classically afects older horses and is considered an

almost inevitable result of ageing in the brain. However, Cushing’s can also afect horses as young as 10 years old. The disease is caused by problems with the horse’s pituitary gland, which sits just below the brain and acts as a sort of ‘thermostat’ for the whole body, controlling the levels of hormones that are produced. With Cushing’s, the pituitary gland does not work properly and the body starts over-producing certain hormones and chemicals, a bit like if the thermostat in your house was stuck at a high temperature. These hormones and chemicals then cause the symptoms of the disease.

What are the symptoms?

Although associated with old age, Cushing’s disease can afect horses as young as 10 years old

18 YOUR HORSE WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014

The signs of Cushing’s can be quite varied because these hormones afect the whole body. We now know that one of the main symptoms is laminitis. In fact, around 90% of cases of laminitis may be caused by either Cushing’s or equine metabolic syndrome. So for any horse with laminitis your vet will most likely take a blood test to check for these two conditions. The excess hormones caused

by Cushing’s play a large part in causing laminitis. Many horses with the disease will have higher than normal levels of the hormone that controls blood sugar levels – insulin. Recent research has shown that high levels of insulin can directly cause laminitis and an important part of treating laminitis is to get these hormone levels under control.

Horses with Cushing’s can grow an unusually hairy, curly coat or even just shed their winter coat later than usual.

However, not all horses with Cushing’s will have an abnormal coat. Other common signs include lethargy or appearing ‘dull’ or depressed, reduced appetite or abnormal behaviour. Some horses will drink and urinate more than usual and indeed sometimes what W W W.YOU R HOR SE .CO.U K

Advertising feature owners pick up on frst is that their horse’s bed is unusually wet. Horses with the disease often show a change in body shape, which can sometimes be masked by a long coat. Cushing’s often causes muscle wastage over the shoulders, back and quarters. Afected horses can appear ‘pot-bellied’ and can have abnormal fat deposits around their eyes, making their eyes look like they have bags or are swollen. Cushing’s also afects the immune system, making horses more susceptible to infections and problems such as abscesses or sinusitis.

Testing for Cushing’s If you suspect that your horse might have Cushing’s, the frst thing to do is to speak to your vet, especially if your horse also has laminitis or appears unwell. Your vet will take a blood test to check your horse’s hormone levels. The frst hormone they will look for is called adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH. This is produced by the pituitary gland – horses with Cushing’s will have a higher than normal level. Research suggests that the ACTH blood test is highly accurate (90%) and the best time of year to test is during the autumn. Some horses may come back with a borderline ACTH result.

What is the treatment?

Your vet will decide on the best course of treatment for your horse but this often involves medication with a drug that helps to control the pituitary gland. Your vet will often take repeat blood tests to ensure he’s receiving the right dose.

Sadly, there is no way to cure Cushing’s or to fx the pituitary gland but, with the right treatment, horses with the disease can live a relatively normal life for several years. There have also been a number of studies into the efects of herbal remedies on the pituitary gland. However, you should always check with a vet frst before giving additional supplements.

A large part of treating horses with Cushing’s comes down to management.

Efective parasite control, dental checks and regular vaccinations are essential.

Clipping can be necessary all year round to avoid sweating and skin problems caused by an excessively thick coat.

Often the greatest beneft can be gained from providing the right diet. ● For information, call 0845 345 2627 or visit www.dodsonandhorrell.com

A long coat often masks muscle wastage in horse’s with Cushing’s

In this case, your vet may decide to retest in the future, or perform a TRH stimulation test. During a TRH stimulation test, your vet will administer a hormone (TRH) that stimulates the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland.

Horses with Cushing’s will show a larger than normal response.

The fnal hormone that your vet may look for is insulin. Insulin controls the level of sugar (glucose) in the horse’s blood stream. While insulin levels cannot be used to diagnose the disease, they can be used to give an indication of how advanced the condition is and to give a prognosis. Unfortunately, horses with higher insulin levels tend to have a worse prognosis and are often more difcult to treat.

How to feed a horse with Cushing’s disease Avoid feeds that are high in starch or sugar Horses with Cushing’s have difculty controlling their blood glucose and insulin levels. Large amounts of starch and sugar from feeds can cause an abnormally high rise in insulin levels, which we want to avoid if possible.

A feed that provides calories from fbre and oil avoids this problem and is ideal for horses with the disease. Provide a high oil feed along with a high calorie, high protein chaf such as alfalfa.

Feed little and often Horses with Cushing’s often beneft from being fed three to four meals a day. This reduces the amount of starch fed in any one meal, so avoiding peaks and troughs of insulin levels. It is also helpful as many horses with PPID can have reduced appetites, so feeding small meals can avoid overwhelming them with feed.

Provide extra antioxidants The condition can also have a negative impact on the immune system, making afected horses more susceptible to infection. Providing dietary support for the immune system is essential.

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Vitamin E and selenium are natural antioxidants that ‘mop-up’ excess free radicals. Grass and hay may not provide enough but they will be provided by good quality complete feeds (many Dodson & Horrell feeds contain a patented QLC Antioxidant package).

we would advise soaking it, in warm water if possible, for 12 hours before feeding. In some cases, you may also need to restrict your horse’s access to grass if it is particularly rich.

Herbal support

High quality protein is essential to support muscle condition as well as hoof growth, so horses with the disease beneft from being fed a quality protein source. Specifcally designed complete feeds fed alongside a high protein chaf such as alfalfa and a suitable forage are the best way of supporting muscle condition.

People with Type 2 diabetes are now being encouraged to include cinnamon in their diet as research has shown that it may help to control blood glucose and insulin levels. While the efect has not been proven in horses yet, cinnamon may be benefcial to horses with Cushing’s. Similarly, Chaste tree berries, or Vitex agnus castus, is believed by some people to help support horses the disease .

Check your forage

Get expert advice

This year the grass has been particularly high in sugars due to the warm, wet weather, meaning this year’s hay is likely to have the same problem. We recommend testing your hay to check the sugar levels; the Dodson & Horrell laboratory will be able to give you a complete analysis of your hay, haylage or grass. If your hay has a non-structural carbohydrate (starch and sugar) level of over 10%

Each horse has their own individual quirks and requirements, so we recommend that you discuss your his diet with the expert nutritional team at Dodson & Horrell. The nutritionists and vet will be able to come up with a tailored diet using information from the latest scientifc research to make sure your horse has the very best nutritional support to help combat the symptoms of the disease.

Feed high quality protein

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 19

Winter Essentials 2014

Enjoy being snug and stylish The Justtogs winter collection is out now at a stockist near you. The new collection ofers a fantastic range of products with a top-to-toe look at a price you can aford JT Junior Imperial helmet

At the pinnacle of fashion and comfort, this helmet (pictured left) features a soft suede fnish with padded harness and vent feature. It comes complete with carry bag and has a BSI Kitemark for assured safety to PAS 015 and EN1384.

Price: £55 Sizes: 53-61 cm Colours: Black, Dark Grey and Grey, Grey and Pink, Navy and Blue

Eldora zip top

A warm feece zip (pictured left) top with zip side pockets. It features a contrast piping around the zips and a contrast lining to the collar and shoulder. The breathable fabric helps regulate your body temperature, making this top perfect for riding and yard duties.

Branded with the Just Togs shield to the front and embroidery on the collar.

Price: £29 Sizes: Ladies XS/SML/MED/LGE/ XL/XXL Colour: Navy

Varna jodhpur

These pull-on jodhpurs (pictured left) have a new waist band design for maximum comfort around the yard or in the saddle. The Justtogs branding sits on the thigh and there is reinforced fabric from the knee down. Made from a 95% cotton and 5% Spandex mix, the jodhpurs also have a front zip pocket and rear pockets with studs, as well as embroidery detail.

Price: £28 Sizes: Ladies 26in, 28in, 30in, 32in Colour: Raspberry, black cofee, navy, plum

020 YOUR HORSE WINTER PRODUCT GUIDE 2014

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Advertising feature Kendall riding jacket

A well-ftted riding jacket (pictured left) that’s waterproof, breathable and has taped seams for extra protection. An attractive yet practical design, it’s a shorter length at the front, making it ideal for riding, and has a two-way zip front.

The Kendall has a quilted lining and removable fur collar. The hood is lined and front pockets are zipped.

Price: £89 Sizes: Ladies XS/SML/MED/LGE/XL/XXL Colour: Navy

Solana full seat breech

These woven, full seat breeches (also pictured left) ofer style and functionality at a great price. Made from a stretchy, comfortable fabric, they’re close ftting around the ankle to reduce bulk. Features include a front zip pocket, rear pockets, a leather-look seat, silver stitch detail and belt loops.

Price: £49 Sizes: Ladies 26–32in Colour: Beige, brown, navy or white

Fernie hoody

An extremely warm and comfortable hooded top that’s ideal for winter, the Fernie (pictured above) has a thick, feece-lined hood and body. Made from breathable cotton, it features contrast stitch detail and handy side pockets.

There is also Justtogs branding across the chest.

Price: £36 Sizes: Ladies XS/SML/MED/LGE/XL/XXL Colour: Plum

Silverton long padded jacket

The Silverton (pictured above) is a long, padded yet lightweight jacket that has a very fattering shape. Designed for the coldest of winter days, it is extremely warm and insulating. The hood is detachable, as is the fur-trim, the pockets are zipped and the jacket’s upper body section features quilted lining for extra warmth.

Price: £99 Sizes: Ladies XS/SML/MED/LGE/XL/XXL Colour: Black cofee W W W.YOU R HOR SE .CO.U K

Stockists ●

Tackhaven, Beds Castle Camps Saddlery, Berks ● RB Equestrian, Bucks ● Widmeer Feeds, Bucks ● Horsatack Saddlery, Bucks ● Castle Camps Saddlery, Cambs ● Alsager and Sandbach, Cheshire ● Hope Valley, Cheshire ● Equisentials, Cleveland ● Northern Trading, Cumbria ● Ivanhoe feeds, Derbyshire ● RE Farms, Derbyshire ● Edwin Tucker Crediton, Devon ● Redpost Equestrian, Devon ● Romsey Saddlery, Hamps ● Gillet Cook, Kent ● Horsebits, Lancs ● R & R Country, Leics ● Thomas Bell, North Lincs ● Robinsons Country Leisure, Nationwide ● Countrywide, Nationwide ● Go Outdoors, Nationwide ● Horseworld, Newcastle ● North Walsham Saddlery, Norfolk ● Broadland Country Sports, Norfolk ● Buckeroo Biz, Scotland ● Conchie Saddlery, Scotland ● Fosterton Equine and Pet, Scotland ● Horse @ Highland Industrial Supplies, Scotland ● Jet Set Saddlery, Scotland ● Lawrie and Symington, Scotland ● Hope Valley, Stafs ● Gladwells, Sufolk ● Long Melford Saddlery, Sufolk ● Ride in Style, Tyne and Wear ● Farm and Pet Place, Wales ● Dash Equestrian, Wales ● Tower Farm, Warks ● Jonty Equestrian, West Midlands ● The Tack Shop, West Midlands ● Equimix, Worcs ● BATA, Yorks ● Parnabys, Yorks ● R and R Country, Yorks ● To view the full range, visit www.justtogs.co.uk ●

Nebraska H20 boots

These elegant leather feld boots (pictured above) are extremely comfortable. Beautifully shaped to the outside of the leg and shaped round the back of the knee for maximum freedom of movement. They feature a waterproof footbed and water resistant liner throughout. Features include a rubberised sole for extra grip and stirrup security.

Price: £169 Sizes: 4–9, standard and wide widths Colour: Black or brown

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 21

Feed Safely Many horses have special dietary needs.

SPILLERS® High Fibre Cubes let you feed them safely.

Enriched with vitamins and minerals, the low calorie, low starch formulation provides natural goodness for all horses in light work, good doers and box resting horses, as well as those with poor teeth.

They are also approved by The Laminitis Trust.

High Fibre Cubes from SPILLERS®

Feed from our experience.

For more information contact SPILLERS® Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com ® MARS and SPILLERS are Registered Trademarks. ©MARS Horsecare UK Ltd. 2014.

Winter Essentials 2014

Advertising feature

Balancing winter forage Forage should make up the majority of any horse or pony’s diet so it pays to give the quality, quantity and type of forage you choose some thought. Here, check out Spillers’ quick guide to help you make the right choice...

H

ay, silage and their hybrid haylage are all forms of conserved forage. These terms simply describe harvested grass which has been gathered when it is abundant in the summer months to be fed to over the winter months, when the quantity and quality of grass declines. Silage is not ideal to be fed to horses as it tends to be very wet and is higher in energy and protein than horses typically need.

However, whether you choose hay or haylage, the golden rule is to go for the best quality you can as poor quality forage may contribute to weight loss, respiratory problems and even colic.

Deciding whether to feed hay or haylage can be confusing but ultimately haylage is just damp hay. Futhermore, you’ll also fnd the nutritional diferences can vary just as much between hays as between haylage and hay. The main consideration is how much you feed; a few years ago most horse owners believed that haylage was nutritionally richer than hay and therefore should be fed in lesser quantities. In fact haylage contains more water than hay (at least double the amount!) so you actually need to feed more haylage (approx. 30-50% more by weight) to provide the same level of fbre and nutrition. The main advantage of haylage is that it’s damp Using small-holed haynets can extend eating time

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that’s as representative as possible of the batch of hay or haylage you have. The best way to do this is to take several small samples across a number of bales and mix them up. Then you can send a sub-sample of this directly to the laboratory or to one of the feed companies that ofer this service. Don’t forget to have it analysed for water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) if you have a horse or pony prone to laminitis.

Balancing act Although basic analysis can give you some information on the suitability of your chosen forage, testing for vitamins and minerals is not really practical and can vary considerably throughout storage. On this basis it is always advisable to use an additional product to balance the defciencies often found Feed a low calorie, high in forage. Suitable products include fbre feed to balance forage a balancer either a pelleted one or a supplement designed to balance forage and therefore contains less mould spores or if your horse or pony requires that could travel deep down into the additional calories opt for a low energy sensitive areas of the lungs contributing feed, however these will need to be fed to conditions such as recurrent airway at the recommended amount in order obstruction (RAO). to supply sufcient levels of nutrients. ● For more information on balancing Nutritional quality your horse or pony’s diet or to have your forage analysed call The only way to tell the nutritional the SPILLERS Care-Line on quality of your forage is to have it 01908 226626. analysed. To do this you need a sample Hay drying in the feld before baling

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 23

Winter Essentials 2014

The perfect rug for staying snug Whether your horse is hard on his rug, or manages to give it the slip, Weatherbeeta has been working on its designs for over three decades to ensure the ideal solution

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eatherBeeta has been developing horse rugs for more than 35 years with horses’ wellbeing and your peace of mind, at the heart of everything they do. The company has spent hours watching horses in the feld to understand their behaviours while grazing and playing, and identifed three diferent horse types, each with their own unique characteristics.

Weatherbeeta Freestyle 1200D Detach-A-Neck heavy

The rug wrecker Does your horse see his rug as a toy to play with or a challenge to destroy? Do you rug him up each day and know he is thinking, ‘Woohoo! It’s time to get outside and ruin my rug’?

The best option for you is a WeatherBeeta Freestyle rug for the ultimate in durability to help cope with the demands of a mischievous rug wrecker, while providing unparalleled freedom of movement for even the most playful of horses. The WeatherBeeta Freestyle range features a minimum of

1200 Denier Triple Weave outer fabric, strong 210 Denier Oxford polyester lining, strong and durable fttings and Quick Clip front closures, which are adjustable and more secure than surcingle front closures Weatherbeeta Genero 1200D Combo heavy

24 YOUR HORSE WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014

for the highest level in durability.

The range also features the unique Freestyle system, which helps prevent rubbing and provides great comfort. The six unique Freestyle features are: ● Cupped shoulder darts alleviate restriction and rubbing ● A forward positioned gusset allows the horse to move without any restriction ● Wither relief in the shape of a custom shaped pad for real comfort ● A full wrap tail fap harnesses the wind to wrap around the tail to protect from the elements, stabilising the rug ● The Comfort cuf ofers extra neck padding ● Removable feece neck cuf protects against the wind and rain Another good choice if you know you will need to replace your rugs quite frequently is a rug from the WeatherBeeta Genero range, one of the toughest rugs in its price range. Featuring durable tough 1200 Denier Ripstop outer to control and limit tears and repel shell to resist dirt no matter what’s thrown at it.

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Advertising feature The rug Houdini

The new Weatherbeeta Freestyle 1200D Combo heavy

Is your horse determined to escape from his rug at any opportunity? Do you often return to the feld to fnd him looking smug, having dumped his rug in the corner of the feld with a face that shouts, ‘Who me? I didn’t do that’!

For the most determined of rug Houdinis, WeatherBeeta Freestyle is the only option. Freestyle rugs provide the ultimate in comfort and freedom of movement with the unique Freestyle features for a rug he will want to keep on and a secure ft that will provide a challenge to even the smartest of rug escapees, including adjustable removable elastic leg straps, Quick Clip front closures, covered touch tape closure on combo neck and low cross surcingle’s with rubber stoppers.

The rug friendly Are you one of the lucky ones whose rugs seem to last forever? Is he a complete superstar that loves to play but would never dream of being naughty enough to ruin his rug?

Aren’t you lucky! Your horse clearly loves his rugs so treat him to the ultimate long-lasting quality and comfort with a WeatherBeeta Freestyle rug featuring the unique Freestyle features for the ultimate in ft, comfort and freedom of movement and a minimum tough 1200 Denier Triple Weave outer fabric for a rug built to last.

For a more afordable option, choose

from the WeatherBeeta Original range that benefts from more than 35 years’ experience creating comfortable, strong, long-lasting rugs with a minimum tough 1200 Denier Ripstop outer fabric featuring traditional WeatherBeeta comfort and ft: ● Traditional side gusset allowing freedom of movement ● A large tail fap for extra protection from the elements ● Adjustable twin chest straps for a custom ft that’s much more secure then surcingle front closures ● Adjustable removable elastic leg straps for comfort and adjustability, and for a secure ft Weatherbeeta Freestyle 1200D Detach-A-Neck medium

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● Visit Weatherbeeta online at

www.weatherbeeta.co.uk to fnd your nearest stockist and to try the company’s Rug User Guide (R.U.G) to discover you horse type and the perfect WeatherBeeta Rug for him.

You can follow Weatherbeeta at facebook.com/WeatherBeeta.UK and twitter.com/WeatherBeetaUK

Weatherbeeta Original 1200D Combo heavy

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 25

If they were all the same, we’d only make one rug.

Got a Rug Houdini? A Rug Wrecker? Or a Rug Friendly? We’ve spent the last 35 years working with horses and understand they can behave differently when they’re in their rugs. This is why we make different ones to suit different personalities. Our turnouts are made of waterproof, durable, breathable materials each featuring taped seams and a minimum of 1200 denier so your horse gets the protection he deserves.

To find out more and discover which is right for your horse weatherbeeta.co.uk

Winter Essentials 2014

Advertising feature

Maximum comfort and performance

Albion Saddlemakers is not just known for its saddles, but also for its functional and stylish accessories, from bridles to girths and breastplates to martingales

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lbion Saddlemakers has created a range of beautifully designed accessories to ft every type of horse or pony, whether training or competing.

Available in a variety of sizes, there is also the option of made to measure, with bespoke personalisation and customisation that includes patent leathers and Swarovski elements.

All Albion accessories have been ergonomically designed to be as slimline and smooth as possible, minimising pressure and ensuring no rough edges are in contact with your horse.

Inspired by riders, perfected by technology The original Albion KB Pressure Relieving Comfort Bridle, with its patented design, was created by Albion Saddlemakers Chairman Paul Belton, in conjunction with Olympian Klaus Balkenhol, in 2000. Today, it is recognised as one of the most comfortable and popular bridles by riders worldwide, aiding willing submission by dispersing poll, browband and noseband pressure and improving performance in all disciplines. With a huge range of options you can use Albion’s ‘Mix and Match approach to choose styles and sizes to achieve the perfect ft and look.

Laura Tomlinson (née Bechtolsheimer), Olympic British Team gold and individual bronze in 2012, is a fan. She says: “To ensure my horses can perform at their best they must be comfortable, that’s why Slip-on Stud Guard

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“If you ever want a perfect performance, then all things must be perfect”

Klaus Balkenhol, Olympian and Trainer

I love Albion’s original KB Pressure Relieving Comfort Bridle. I can use their ‘Mix and Match’ components to create the perfect ftting bridle while looking classically stylish.”

The super lightweight Albion Slip-on Stud Guard, as used by William Fox-Pitt, is easily attached to any girth. The leather guard has a soft and springy neoprene padding while being non-absorbent with smooth edges in direct contact with the horse.

Meanwhile, the new Revelation Girth evolved from their highly successful Comfort Girth and cut-away Legend Girth. The ergonomic Revelation Girth contains a specialist high tech, pressure distributing, super soft foam for added comfort and freedom of movement.

Revelation Girth ● For more information, call Albion

Saddlemakers on 01922 646210 or visit www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 27

Winter Essentials 2014

Get the perfect ft with Albion

Dedicated to producing correctly ftting saddles for maximum performance and comfort, Albion Saddlemakers’ adjustable, wooden saddle tree is an industry leader

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lbion Saddlemakers is passionate about correct saddle ftting and believes that all horses and riders need and deserve to be comfortable to achieve maximum performance.

Through constant scientifc research and development – infuenced and supported by the world’s leading riders and trainers – Albion understands the direct correlation between correct ergonomic design, ft and comfort, and has created equipment dedicated to enhancing performance and aiding total focus in all disciplines, at all levels.

“Precision ftting can only be achieved if the tree is completely accurate and symmetrical,” says Chairman of Albion Saddlemakers Paul Belton.

As a leader in technological advances in the saddlemaking industry, Albion is believed to be the f rst British manufacturer to design an adjustable, precision engineered, wooden saddle tree. The Adjusta-Tree™ has been specifcally designed for adjustment, using their approved pressure systems, by a local Albion saddle ftter.

The ftting can be altered without damage or distortion

Albion’s SLK Royale

to the headplates or rivets of the tree assembly while remaining in the saddle. Meanwhile, all the metalwork is compliant to British Standard specifcation BS6635.

Comfort, balance, stability and freedom of movement for your horse can only be achieved through correct saddle ftting. Adjusta-Tree™ ofers saddle ftters, owners and riders the ultimate ftting solution because it allows precise adjustments to be made to your saddle when your horse changes shape.

Having resolved some very extreme saddle ftting issues, impressing some of the most successful Olympians to date with its scientifc, logical and technical approach, Albion recommends that all saddles and equipment are ftted by an experienced, qualifed saddle ftter to ensure the true potential of every horse is gained.

The introduction of the AdjustaTree™ across the Albion ranges means that all saddles are now adjustable or interchangeable. Meanwhile, all Albion saddles made prior to Adjusta-Tree™ are factory adjustable.

Why Albion chooses a wooden tree ● Complete customisation of each and every saddle tree ● Individual rider requirements for ultimate comfort

and balance ● Perfect ftting potential every time for each individual

horse’s shape

Why choose a wooden tree ● Ultimate comfort, balance and close contact feel through

the seat improving communication between horse and rider ● Being a made to measure tree for their individual horse’s shape, maximising comfort and freedom of movement in all disciplines and at every level

28 YOUR HORSE WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014

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Advertising feature The new Short Back Panel option from Albion Saddlemakers

Improving performance Albion’s ergonomic designs have proven a huge success once again with the recent launch of their Short Back Panel option, which follows the contours of the shorter backed horse

laterally and longitudinally whether they have a curved or fat back.

Combining information provided by vets, physiotherapists and eminent saddle ftters worldwide, Albion has identifed the need for a diferent panel

“The perfect saddle is vital for making sure that my horses are comfortable, develop correctly and are able to compete at their best.

I love that Albion can tailor-make their products to each horse’s specifc requirements” Laura Tomlinson (née Bechtolsheimer) Olympic British Team Gold and Individual Bronze, Olympic Games 2012

shape to allow the shorter backed horse to perform at optimum levels without pain or restrictions. The specialist Short Back Panel eliminates pressure directly behind the saddle, allowing maximum freedom of movement for the horse over the back and loin area, maximising hock engagement and improving performance overall.

The Short Back Panel option is available in the iconic SLK range, the Revelation Couture Dressage and the Revelation Red Label Dressage.

Albion’s approach to ergonomic design for the rider provides a range of seat sizes, twist widths, seat widths and seat depths, as well as a range of knee rolls and saddle fap lengths accommodating riders from tall to petite. Renowned for optimum ft and performance, the team at Albion believe they can ofer a ftting solution for 95% of horse shapes. ● For more information on the range, call 01922 646210 or visit www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk Laura enjoys the comfort Albion bring to her time in the saddle

Winter Essentials 2014

Get to grips with worming

Two new studies have highlighted that we’re still not confdent when it comes to worming our horses so read on for expert advice from Wendy Talbot, vet at Zoetis

An appropriate worming programme is vital for your horse

EXPERT WENDY TALBOT is the National Equine Veterinary Manager for Zoetis. Wendy qualifed from Bristol University in 1999, after which she completed a residency in equine internal medicine at the University of Liverpool. During this time she was awarded her RCVS Certifcate and, more recently, she gained her European Diploma in equine internal medicine. She spent six years in equine practice before joining Zoetis in 2012.

therefore recommended that all horses receive a treatment for ESRW during the late autumn/ winter, regardless of their faecal worm egg count.”2,3 Check out Zoetis’s encysted small redworm awareness campaign at www.esrw.co,uk and test your knowledge before discussing the best treatment options with your vet or SQP.

Tackling tapeworm

Be rid of redworm Encysted small redworms are one the most common and harmful worms found in horses. They are the larval stages of the small redworm that have buried into the lining of the gut where they lie dormant for some time. They pose Encysted small redworm

30 YOUR HORSE WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014

a potentially fatal health risk but won’t show up in a standard faecal worm egg count (FWEC).

The annual National Equine Health Survey*, held in May 2014 revealed that 20% of horse owners didn’t recognise the potential dangers of encysted small redworm. In addition, of the 80% who intended to treat for it, one in fve, who said they’d treated for this dangerous parasite, used a wormer that wasn’t indicated to treat the encysted stages, leaving their horses at serious risk.

“Untreated, encysted small redworm may develop and emerge en masse from the gut wall in the early spring, causing diarrhoea and colic with a mortality rate of up to 50%,”1 explains Wendy. “It’s

Tapeworm are white, fattened, segmented worms which can grow up to 20cm long. They are usually found at the junction of the small and large intestine where they attach themselves to the gut wall using suckers. They can result in a number of health-related problems, ranging from loss of condition to diarrhoea and colic.

An infected horse has been shown to be 26 times more likely to develop ileal impaction colic than a non-infected horse, and eight times more likely to experience spasmodic colic.4 A British Riding Clubs Horse Health Survey**, conducted in February 2014, revealed that 62% of participants worm for tapeworm at the recommended interval of twice a year, with 95% treating for

Tapeworm can cause colic, amongst other health problems

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Advertising feature this parasite at least once a year.

The most concerning result was from those who didn’t treat for tapeworm – 81% of these respondents said it was because their horse had a low or negative faecal worm egg count. This is alarming because tapeworm will not show up in a standard faecal worm egg count. Even if your horse’s FWEC is low or negative it could still have a tapeworm burden. The only way to check is to ask your vet to conduct a separate tapeworm test.

“The accepted method for tapeworm control is to break the cycle by using a wormer specifcally licensed for tapeworm about every six months, traditionally in the spring and autumn,” says Wendy.

Weighing your horse is necessary to establish the correct dose needed

Time to banish the bots Bots are the insect larvae of the bot fy and are a common adult parasite found within the horse’s stomach. The female bot fy can lay up to 1,000 distinctive yellow eggs on the hair on your horse’s legs and shoulders or around the eyes, mouth and nose. Infection can show as mouth irritation or ulcers and stomach irritation.

“It’s recommended to administer a wormer licensed for the control of bots in the winter, after the frst frost when the adult fies have died and before the bots mature” says Wendy. “Keep in mind they won’t show up in a standard faecal worm egg count so, like tapeworm, you’ll need to treat for bots on a strategic basis.”

Getting the right dose When it comes to worming, under-dosing is a cause of resistance so it’s important to treat horses accurately according to weight to maintain the efectiveness of the wormers currently available. This means that ideally every horse should be

weighed before giving a worming dose. However, according to the British Riding Clubs Horse Health survey, 44% of the horse owners asked don’t weigh their horse before worming.

“Under-dosing can cause resistance, as can too frequent dosing,” Wendy explains. “Dosing accurately, according to weight on a ‘need to’ basis, by using regular faecal worm egg counts, is key to managing the issue of resistance in our horses. Simple things like knowing the weight of the horses that you wish to treat before purchasing your wormers can ensure that you have enough product to dose accurately in each case.

“The most accurate way to weigh your horse is by using a weighbridge – several feed manufacturers ofer a portable weighbridge service. If you don’t have access to a weighbridge then using a weightape will help make sure you dose your horse accurately every time.”

Get help

Bot larvae on the stomach lining

W W W.YOU R HOR SE .CO.U K

Make sure you choose the right worming methods and products for your horse’s circumstances by discussing a worming programme with your vet or a Suitably Qualifed Person (SQP). For further information visit www.worming yourhorse.info. You can also

download Stable Mate, the horse health management App from Zoetis. It is available from the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store – just text Stable Mate to 80800 to download.

(Standard network charges apply. By responding to this text you are consenting to your data being held either within or outside the EEA and processed by or on behalf of Zoetis to administer and manage any matters relating to Zoetis’s future activities or initiatives. For our full privacy policy visit www.zoetis.com).

● For information, visit

www.wormingyourhorse.info

*The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is run annually by Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) **The British Riding Clubs Horse Health Survey, commissioned by Zoetis, was completed online by 559 horse owners in the UK, during February 2014. The survey contained 21 questions on general horse health, care and management.

DID YOU KNOW? The ways in which product specific information on prescription-only animal medicines such as wormers can be communicated have been changed. Brands of wormer can no longer be promoted to the public. This obviously restricts our access to information on worm treatment options but should encourage active dialogue between owners, vets and SQPs to make sure the right worming decisions are made.

References 1. Dowdall S.M.J. et al (2002) Veterinary Parasitology 106, 225-242 2. Nielsen (2012) Veterinary Paristology.

185, 32-44 3. Matthews (2008) Equine Vet. Educ. Oct, 552-560 4. Proudman (2003) CJ Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 23 (1) 6-9 5. Proudman and Matthews (2000) In Practice 22, 90-97

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2014 YOUR HORSE 31

Act now against the threat of encysted small redworm

Blipp this advert for interactive content

Hidden within the gut wall, encysted small redworm (ESRW) larvae can account for up to 90% of the redworm burden in your horse.1 Sudden mass emergence in spring can cause diarrhoea and colic.1 This disease is known as larval cyathostominosis, which has a mortality rate of up to 50%.1 Every horse at risk should be treated for ESRW in late autumn or winter.2,3 References: 1. Dowdall SMJ, et al. Vet Parasitol 2002; 106: 225–242. 2. Matthews JB. Equine Vet Edu 2008; 20(10): 552–560. 3. Nielsen MK. Vet Parasitol 2012; 185: 32–44.

Blipp the Trojan Horse or visit www.esrw.co.uk to test your knowledge on ESRW and speak to your vet or SQP about responsible worm control.

Download FREE from the App Store Text Stable Mate to 80800 to download*

Download FREE from Google PlayTM Text Stable Mate to 80800 to download*

Information brought to you by the manufacturers of EQUEST & EQUEST PRAMOX Date of preparation: August 2014. AH527/14

*Standard network charges apply. By responding to this text you are consenting to your data being held either within or outside the EEA and processed by or on behalf of Zoetis to administer and manage any matters relating to Zoetis’ future activities or initiatives. For our full privacy policy visit www.zoetis.co.uk