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5 shortcuts to the perfect rising trot

CELEBRITY HORSE ANSWERS

Pippa Funnell, Geoff Billington, Ruth Edge + more answer all your questions

WHICH CASUAL BOOTS ARE BEST?

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January 2010

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Tim Stockdale

How to jump a puissance wall Show jumping clinic

Slowing down a rusher

Plan 2010 today with the essential Your Horse year planner

Dressage star Richard Davison

on core strength, spooking and forwardness

BASIC INSTINCTS

Using his wild side to take control REAL LIFE

‘My new horse was a monster, but I love him now’

Patrik Kittel riding Watermill Scandic at the World Cup dressage qualifier in Odense, Denmark Pic: Kit Houghton

Rollkur on trial Investigation by Rebecca Gibson

T

he use of rollkur, or riding a horse in extreme flexion, is said by some top riders to be an essential training tool, but for others it crosses the line of what is and

16 YOUR HORSE

isn’t acceptable. This isn’t a new argument – the rollkur debate has been rumbling on since the 70s – but emotions erupted again last month when footage of Swedish team rider Patrik Kittel, schooling his Dutch stallion Watermill Scandic in hyperflexion at the World Cup dressage qualifier in Denmark,

At last the FEI has announced a thorough review of Rollkur and its effects – But is this just a public charade or will something of substance come of It? Your Horse investigates

were posted by Epona TV on YouTube. The horse’s tongue appeared to be blue, but Patrik has disputed this was caused by the rollkur.

Since then forums have been rife with angry comments, Facebook groups have been set up in condemnation of rollkur – and Patrik has even received

death threats. As public uproar reached fever pitch, the FEI announced plans to investigate. Executive sports director David Holmes says: “The FEI’s main concern has always been and will always be the welfare of the horse.

We are taking the issues raised on the video and the comments

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NEWS REPORT

The poll is no longer the highest point Pic: Bob Langrish

Airflow becomes restricted

The back becomes hollow and weak

A number of top riders claim rollkur causes no harm when used correctly, in short bursts

made by YouTube viewers very seriously.

“The FEI is giving the issue of rollkur special attention and as well as an investigation into the events in the Odense warm-up arena, the topic of rollkur has been put on the agenda of the FEI Bureau meeting on 15 November in Copenhagen.”

David refused to comment further at this stage but promised that the FEI’s findings will be made public in January.

This isn’t the first time the FEI has looked at rollkur, though. An international panel of experts gathered to discuss the issue following press criticism at the 2005 European Dressage Championships.

However, the German Judges Association (Deutsche Richtervereinigung für Pferdeleistungsprüfungen, DRV) heavily criticised the FEI’s investigation for failing to reach any firm conclusions and continuing to sit on the fence.

DRV chairman Eckhard Wemhöner said: “The FEI has wasted a great chance to deal critically with this training method, which has been a controversial subject for years.”

So, five years on, will this investigation be any different?

Founder of the Classical

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Riding Club, Sylvia Loch, has been campaigning for rollkur to be banned for decades and is urging people to sign the Club’s petition to get hyperflexion in competition banned. Sylvia says the use of such techniques is a sad reflection of the state of dressage as a sport.

“When I was taught to ride it was a heinous crime to interfere with the horse’s head carriage,” says Sylvia. “In my day you were told never to touch a horse’s mouth – a correct outline came from engaging the hindquarters.

You had to earn collection, you couldn’t force it upon a horse. I find the increasing fashion for hauling a horse’s head in against his chest appalling. There’s nothing in the FEI rules to say this is desirable, in fact the rules clearly state that the poll must be the highest point and the nose should be just in front of the vertical.

“Riding in rollkur causes the horse’s back to hollow and puts the horse on his forehand.

In doing so it contradicts the basic principles of the sport,” Sylvia continues. “Over the past 30 years, dressage has been turned into a showing competition rather than a test of obedience and partnership. Increasingly

you have to be riding a big flashy Warmblood in order to be successful and I think the sport would really benefit from going back to its roots and rewarding correctness.

“Moorlands Totillas is the latest superstar of the dressage world. I watched him at the Europeans and while I agree he’s a stunning horse, if he’d walked into the arena 20 years ago he wouldn’t have got 10s for many of his movements.

He got those marks by blowing the judges away with his flashiness, not by being correct. In particular his extended trot is flawed – his hindlegs don’t match his forelimbs and his neck remains very tight. According to FEI, the judges should be looking for the horse to lengthen over the back as well.

“Although I feel very strongly that riding in rollkur should be banned, I do feel sorry for Patrik. He’s certainly not the only professional rider using this technique. Although this single incident has reignited the debate, it shouldn’t be allowed to detract from the wider issue. At present, riding a horse in rollkur for extended periods is not in itself a breach of any rules – this is the real issue that needs to be addressed so that riders like

Patrik don’t find themselves the target of such bad feeling and our sport is not brought into disrepute.

“Horses with mouths gaping open, necks in extreme positions for extended amounts of time, and blue tongues should not be acceptable. What will become of our sport if the general public sees this image of how some of our most visible athletes treat their horses?

“I think the FEI should be brave enough to invite people like me, with no vested interest other than the welfare of the horse, along to contribute to their investigation,” says Sylvia.

“There are a lot of people who would like to see firm action from the FEI, including a large number of judges, but sadly there are very few willing to speak out at the present time.

I worry that the people at the FEI meeting will not be willing to rock the boat.”

As well as considering the opinions of the public, riders and judges when the FEI meet later this month, the latest veterinary advice will be considered, too. However, as leading scientific equine researcher and associate dean for research at Hartpury College Dr David Marlin explains, it won’t be easy to

YOUR HORSE 17

Illustration: Graham Gaches

In rollkur the horse’s head comes behind the vertical causing the neck to become shortened and a break between the withers and poll.

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Harley is relieved to hear he’s not overweight

Stella introduces us to Flash

Put the kettle on…

we’re coming to see you this month We’ve been out and about meeting readers

On a freezing cold day in November, the whole Your Horse team travelled to Sudbury to spend the day with a group of readers at their yard.

We met them, their horses, talked about everything horsey, and asked them all sorts of things about the magazine – what they like and dislike etc Here you can meet them too.

22 YOUR HORSE

Tipping the scales

Spillers’ technical development nutritionist Isabel Harker joined us, along

with a weighbridge. She spent time chatting to our readers, and assessing their horses’ weight and condition. Isabel kindly gave her time to discuss feeding options and diet plans.

Each reader went away with a record card showing their horse’s weight, condition score and Isabel’s feeding advice.

Isabel explains:

“It’s important to consider every horse’s weight and condition.

What they weigh doesn’t always give you the complete picture and every horse is different so we need to assess them as individuals. Here’s a great group of horses – and none need sending away to fat camp!”

B

efore we got weighing, we took the time to meet the horses and chat to the readers.

Ruth introduced us to her horses Hazel and Darcy (who she found advertised in Your Horse magazine) and Chris introduced us to her horse, Ria – these two were true horse lovers if ever we saw some.

The pair simply love spending time with their horses and make the most of their local bridleways all year round.

Little Stella, who was the perfect host on our visit and kept us topped up with chocolate biscuits, was proud to introduce us to Flash who she rides (owned by Chris).

“This cheeky chap is missing an eye but full of character and clearly much loved by Stella who was keen

for us to get to know him,” says editorial assistant Emily.

We also met Stella’s mum Rose who currently isn’t a horse owner but occasionally rides other horses on the yard.

As we went along it became clear that the younger members on the yard really benefit from the experienced, knowledgeable horse owners like Chris, Ruth and Kay, who are always on hand to offer advice and support.

Yard owner Sue is clearly very dedicated and we were all astonished to learn that, with the help of her partner, Sue filled a whole arena with sand, by hand! And with such a narrow gateway into the yard the sand had to be driven back and forth from her father’s farm down the road, instead of being delivered in one go.

The yard, passed on from

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YOUR HORSE MEETS YOU

It got busy on the yard

Sue’s grandmother, had a traditional feel – and being nicely set back from a busy area, it felt like a perfect horsey escape. Sue is steadily upgrading the facilities, even going as far as re-seeding one of her fields, again by hand!

Harley was the first horse we saw as we walked onto the yard and immediately we all fell in love with him.

“He seemed a little shy of us at first but stood steady as a rock as he watched us wandering about – probably thinking, who are these strange people,” says head of products Allison.

Emma, his owner, was a bit concerned that Harley might tip the scales when he went for his weigh-in with Isobel but was pleased to find that he was actually at his ideal weight.

Twenty-one-year-old Welsh sec D, Ria, has been owned by Chris for 10 years. She’s a real schoolmistress who looks after Chris, who suffers from arthritis. Together they enjoy hacking and just spending time together. Ria was busy eating hay when we arrived but did take a quick break to say hello to us all.

Sixth form students Zoe and Cherise share six-year-old chestnut mare Willow and

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Jonathan was happesy to step on the scal have taken her right back to basics.

“The girls described Willow as a little stressy and a tad forward going, so their sensible approach to Willow’s education was really impressive,” says writer Rebecca.

They were keen to get some advice from Isobel on what to feed her without creating fizz.

Isobel recommended a low starch, high-fibre feed, and the girls were quickly planning their next visit to the feed shop.

Zara’s horse Jonathan made us all laugh with his grumpy faces but there was no fooling us – after a quick scratch he was all ears forward and looking for more attention.

“Zara was a really sweet girl and straightaway it seemed as though her and Jonathan’s relationship was rock solid.

Zara told us about the flatwork and jumping lessons she has each week and came across as a really enthusiastic rider, wanting to improve,” says Your Horse editor Julie.

The dressage star of the yard, grey Arab Beau, who belongs to Grace (daughter of Kay Comber, one of our best forum users – you’ll probably know her well) was another horse to get top marks for his weight

and condition on the Spillers scales. This combination has done really well in unaffiliated dressage this year and plan to start affiliated competitions in the spring. We learnt that Grace and Kay have been working hard to help Beau cope with his sweet itch, something Your Horse writer Imogen knows all about.

“It was great to swap stories with someone with a horse also suffering from sweet itch like my horse Snake. Grace and Kay have certainly got it under control with Beau, who looks brilliant,” says Imogen.

WE NEED YOU!

This wasn’t a one off!

We’re still on the hunt for yards all over the country to visit. So if you think yours has some great ideas to share with us for the magazine, or if you’d just like to talk horses for a few hours, get in touch! Email Your Horse editor Julie Brown on julie.brown@ bauermedia.co.uk

YOUR HORSE 23

✃

Grab a pen…

We’ve got dates for your diary!

Get involved with Trailblazers

January Trailblazers If you haven’t taken part in the famous Trailblazers Championships before, now’s the time to start thinking about it. It’s already started but you can still get involved, and here’s how.

Trailblazers runs national show jumping, dressage and showing series with the chance to qualify for championship finals at Stoneleigh Park.

The competitions run all year round at more than 60 approved centres across the UK and they’re open to everyone.

centre. Membership is free but isn’t compulsory – however if you want to enter the second round you will have to join. First rounds are happening now, so get going!

To qualify for second rounds, the following must be achieved at a first round of the same class: a double clear round in show jumping, a score of at least 58% in dressage, or a placing in the top three in showing.

Second rounds

Qualify for a second round and you’ll receive a congratulations letter.

If you choose to take up the qualification, you should fill it in and return it along with £12 and two stamped addressed Everyone is welcome to envelopes. One envelope enter first rounds, provided will be used to return your they and their horse are qualification card (as eligible. All competitors proof of qualification when in first rounds can entering second rounds) complete a Trailblazers and the other will be used membership form, by the centre to forward available from the show details of its second round

competitions. Provided you’re qualified, you may enter as many second rounds as you wish, at as many centres as you like.

Second rounds happen in the spring.

Finally, if you qualify in a second round competition, you will be sent an entry form for the championships.

For more information and a list of participating show centres nationwide, visit www. trailblazerschampionships. com – and remember it’s not too late to get involved.

Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) Polo Starter Day Monday 4 to Tuesday 5 at Rugby Polo Club If you have an ex-racehorse and you think he might be ideal for polo, why not go along to this ROR polo starter day.

It’s open to anyone wanting to re-train their ex-racehorse for polo. For more information visit www.ror.org.uk and keep watching the site for its

expanding education programme for 2010 with clinics nationwide.

February Retraining Racehorses Saturday 20 In association with Baileys and the ROR, showing expert Lynn Russell will be holding a Racehorse to Riding Horse Workshop at her yard, Durfold Farm in Surrey.

“Thoroughbreds can be tricky to deal with and lots of people need help when they take on an exracehorse,” says Lynn.

“It’s so nice to see ex-racehorses go on to do well, so this workshop is designed to show people where to start, what to do, and what not to do.”

The training day will include advice on feeding, saddle fitting and bitting, as well as covering ground work, in-hand presentation, conformation and much more. Each rider will also

Get out and about with endurance GB

First rounds

26 YOUR HORSE

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Plan your year get help putting together a schooling plan for their horse. Visit www.topcobs. com for a booking form and to make sure you secure your place.

Endurance GB Horseshoe Training Ride Sunday 28

Plan for portion control!

The Horseshoe training ride is a fun ride, starting this year from Thornmead Endurance outside Exford, which will Endurance is one of the give riders an opportunity fastest growing sports in to see part of the 2010 the country with more and Golden Horseshoe route. more riders finding out what For entry forms visit it involves by entering their www.endurancegb.co.uk first 32km ride. Numerous JumpCross non-competitive rides, sometimes called training, Training Day pleasure or social rides, Sunday 28 Don’t miss this are run by training day Endurance GB with leading throughout the event riders year. These Jeanette may be of Brakewell, distances up Mark and to 40km and Tanya Kyle, are open to and Julia Crowson non-members. at JumpCross For more information, Headquarters, Grange to find out how you can Farm in Wansford near get involved and for the Peterborough. For more full 2010 schedule, visit www.jumpcross.com and information visit www.endurancegb.co.uk to book your place call 01780 782356.

Sprinrge! is he

JumpCross – your chance to train with the pros

March Beware the spring grass flush

Please note that many nutrition help lines are free and most companies have an email address you can write to instead.

Ready…

Set… Event!

At this time of year the At this time of year, after eventing season really months of willing our gets going again, and grass to grow, we start the first event on the to panic that it will never British Eventing stop! So horses prone to calendar is Isleham in laminitis or piling on the Cambridgeshire (entries pounds should be carefully open January 22). For the monitored. Have your full 2010 fixtures list visit weightape at the ready and www.britisheventing.com if you’re worried or need Thursday 25 advice, call a nutrition Your Horse issue helpline, or speak with 333 goes on sale your vet. and with it you’ll The award winning TopSpec Helpline receive is available free of your Spring charge. Just call Gear Guide 01845 565030 for a free nutritional Sunday 28 advice service Clocks go manned by forward equine Spring worm Pack away your nutritionists. warning – Is it winter coat and Remember if you time to worm put your clocks your horse? forward one hour don’t know, ask – British Summer – that’s what Time begins! they’re there for.

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YOUR HORSE 27

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Pitchforks at the ready We put the most popular bedding types to the test and reveal which will keep your horse cosiest, which will slash the time you spend mucking out and which will save you the most money 36 YOUR HORSE

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The big mucking out

T

he average horse owner spends 98 minutes a week, seven hours a month or 3.5 full 24-hour days a year mucking out and spend anywhere between £106 and £390 a year on bedding material. With this in mind, your choice of bedding product may be more important than you first thought.

For the stabled horse, it used to be a straight forward choice between straw and shavings, but today there’s a much wider variety of bedding options.

However, it can be tricky to choose between them. All bedding materials are designed to provide warmth, insulation and comfort, while promoting the removal of urine by assisting with drainage and absorption.

Your choice will, no doubt, also take into account the cost, maintenance, local availability, convenience, dust levels and ease of disposal after use. Where each of these factors feature on your priority list, though, will depend on your situation. If, for example, your horse suffers from respiratory problems, finding a dust-free bedding material will be a priority.

To help you find the bedding material of your horse’s dreams, and make the most informed choice possible, we enlisted the help of readers Liz Ennis, her daughter Gemma and horse Finn.

For the past month, they’ve been testing four of the most widely available bedding options. They have a 12m x 12m stable lined with foam matting. Every day, stopwatch in hand, the mother and daughter team have taken it in turns to time each other mucking out and scoring each bedding option on cleanliness, efficiency and dust levels.

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YOUR HORSE 37

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THIS O C ULD BE

YORIDUER!

Taking control

CLINIC

Our expert takes steps to slow down a rusher Words Imogen Johnson

The pupils Jane Cleland-Smith and Sophie

I’ve had Hanoverian x TB Sophie for 18 months. She’s seven now and I plan to do a bit of everything with her – she’s very eager to please. My last horse was a handful and I wanted something more straightforward this time round. However, I’m struggling as I find Sophie can be strong – I can’t hold her in a dressage test. When we’re jumping a full course of fences, she gets faster and flatter as we go along and we inevitably knock a few, which is frustrating. Also I never seem to be able to get her onto the right canter lead straight off. I thought a clinic with a Your Horse expert was probably just what we needed to get us on track.

The expert Barrett Watson Barrett is a Grand Prix show jumper and trainer based near Bury St Edmunds. As well as being a talented show jumper, Barrett also evented for seven years, so is well placed to help riders from all disciplines. He trains horses and riders at all levels – right up to Olympic standard – and has plenty of exercises and tips to tackle any problem he’s faced with.

Barrett spots a problem with Jane’s hands straightaway

Taking stock Although it’s wet, Jane decides to jump Sophie on grass as there’s more room, so she puts in the appropriate studs to keep her upright. Barrett asks her to warm up using a fair amount of trot, moving onto canter only when Sophie is listening. Jane rides big circles in trot while Barrett watches.

“I can see straightaway that

you’ve got a bit of a problem with your hand position,” Barrett tells Jane. “Your reins are too long and you’ve got your hands buried in your lap as if you’re trying to hold her head in place. Pick your hands up and carry them higher, shorten your reins and use your leg to push her up to the bridle. Soften your elbows. Sophie’s ducking behind

Riding Your Horse clinic Sophie is very reactive to the leg

Thinking steady It soon becomes clear that Sophie equates more leg with going faster as she continues to break into canter instead of giving Jane the bigger trot she’s after, so Barrett calls her into the centre of the circle. “She’s very reactive to your legs,” says Barrett. Jane admits she always wears spurs as she struggles with having the leg strength to keep Sophie moving.

“I honestly don’t think you need Sophie starts to settle down

the bridle, too, so you need more leg to encourage her to take the rein forwards. Now lets see her in a bigger trot as she’s a bit stilted.”

Jane asks for more trot but immediately Sophie breaks into canter and Barrett asks her to come back to trot and try again. When Jane tries to hold her to stop her cantering, Sophie bounces on the spot and Barrett asks Jane to remain quiet but insistent. www.yourhorse.co.uk

them,” adds Barrett as he takes them off to a little bit of a protest!

Jane works in trot and canter again with much less reaction from Sophie to her leg aids. “Sit tall in the canter transitions as you tend to look down, which won’t help her strike off on the correct lead. Use your core muscles to prevent her pulling you forward,” advises Barrett. “You tend to lean in a bit too. The more you can correct your position, the less likely Sophie is to take control – stay tall and strong in the saddle all the time. Remember to push her into the bridle. She’s getting the correct lead most of the time and I think the leading leg problem is to do with consistency. You’re not always asking her correctly for the canter and you tip forward a little.

Also you need to be really firm with her – if she goes off on the wrong leg, stop her immediately and ask again. She needs to get the idea that going on the wrong leg is not an option.”

HOW TO

TAKE PART IN A CLINIC Sophie has perfected bouncing on the spot

� If you’d like to take part in the Your Horse Clinic, email Imogen Johnson at imogen.johnson@bauermedia.co.uk with Schooling or Jumping in the subject line, and tell us where it’s all going wrong for you. A solution could be just around the corner!

YOUR HORSE 45

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Nettles are great for removing toxins

CLOSE-UP COMPLEMENTARY

Alternative treatments for rainscald Q

Every year my Thoroughbred suffers from rainscald. Are there any complementary treatments I can try?

Bryony, on email

Malene Jørgensen replies Firstly, let me describe what rainscald is, so that you can be sure that it’s rainscald (or rain rot as it’s also known) you’re actually dealing with.

Rainscald is one of the most common skin conditions in horses. The veterinary name for it is dermatophilosis, reflecting the name of the bacteria dermatophilus congolensis, which causes the condition. The organism attacks when the skin is softened by saturation or through minor abrasions.

Dermatophilus congolensis is a zoonosis – this means that rainscald is not only infectious to horses but also to other animals, including humans.

Symptoms The condition looks

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50 YOUR HORSE

may also help. as if the skin has been The following herbal scalded by water supplements can be droplets. Some form bought in dried of fe herb form and skin irritation or sa re a s Not all herbals – or added to your dermatitis may well im n a for occur, especially over et advice horse’s feed: humans. Gunsure � Echinacea This will the saddle area. if at all Affected areas will start help to support the exuding a sticky secretion, immune system which mattes the hair together, � Burdock This is good for most forming scabs. Under the scabs skin problems and helps to the area will be moist, pink, and balance the body sore to the touch. � Calendula (marigold) This Diagnosis Rainscald is helps to reduce inflammation usually easy to diagnose, and assists healing but it’s possible to mistake � Cleavers This antithe symptoms for ringworm. inflammatory is a tonic for If you’re uncertain ask your the lymphatic system vet. Skin samples can be taken � Nettles These will dry up and examined microscopically sticky secretions and remove for the bacteria to confirm toxins from the body the diagnosis.

Homoeopathy can be just Treatment Conventionally, as effective in dealing with treatment involves cleaning rainscald and can produce very the affected areas with rapid results. The most useful antiseptic scrub and applying remedies are: a solution of 1% potash alum. � Graphites This is best used More severe cases will need before any scabs appear. It’s antibiotics or penicillin. particularly effective in However, both herbal and heavy horses homoeopathic remedies � Dulcamara This will help

Did you know?

heal the skin quickly

� Rhus tox A particularly useful

remedy where the affected areas are sore to touch � Mancinella This remedy is effective where the crusts are large and thick � Mezerium This is most useful where there are thick scabs with a secondary bacterial infection underneath Having selected the most suitable remedy to use, you should dose your horse with the 30C potency twice daily until all the symptoms clear. In most cases this should take no longer than a week.

Several companies now make dry and liquid herbal preparations based on the herbs mentioned.

Also, look out for treatments that can be applied externally to help heal the areas once the scabs have been removed.

Many of these will contain calendula, hypericum or tea tree, which all stimulate the affected areas to heal quickly and help to kill off the bacteria that cause rainscald.

www.yourhorse.co.uk

horse answers What is your horse

thinking?

Georgina Cotgreave is an animal communicator. By simply looking at pictures of your horse, she can tell exactly what he’s thinking.

For more than a decade Georgina has been using her skills to help owners better understand their horses. This month Georgina Cotgreave did a reading for Laura Nemeth and her eight-year-old mare Cobweb.

Georgina says Cobweb is a very wise soul, older than her physical years. She’s a knowing character, who’s loving and dependable. She has a deep understanding of life and a great connection with people. Every day she looks forward to getting up and getting on with it. She’s happy and comfortable with who she is, and loves the fact that she’s small and cute.

Cobweb tells me she’s looked after better now than her earlier years and says she wants for nothing. On doing a body scan I feel that her coat is better now than it has been in the past. Did she once have a downy type of coat – fine and fluffy?

Cobweb knows she’s loved and feels safe and happy. However, she also knows she is sometimes a bit cheeky. She says she gets away with lots of things, but would never mean to be any real trouble. She says she likes to play tricks and she’s known to pinch things out of people’s pockets. She shows me her with something in her mouth, a hoof pick perhaps? She laughs!

Cobweb loves to sleep and can often be found flat out and snoring. She says it used to worry you but now you know this is normal for her.

Laura says Georgina’s reading is very accurate. Cobweb was a rescue pony and when she was found as a filly, her coat was long and in very bad condition. She has a lovely coat now.

Cobweb is loving and cheeky and keeps us all entertained. Stealing out of pockets is definitely something she does well.

It did use to worry me when Cobweb would lie down, but I don’t worry any more.

Want to know what your horse is thinking?

For a reading go to www.georginacotgreave.com or email georgie77@hotmail.com – or go to www. yourhorse.co.uk/whatsmyhorsethinking to send in your details for your chance of a free reading, which may appear in the magazine www.yourhorse.co.uk/subscribe

FEEDING

Can I feed green hay?

Q

Can I feed freshly made, green hay? Last year’s hay supplies have just about dried up, but I’ve been offered some hay that was made recently during the good weather. This is much cheaper than commercial haylage, but I’ve been told that you can’t feed new hay. Please help.

Salyco, www.yourhorse.co.uk

Clare Barfoot advises Traditionally, new season hay is left six to eight weeks before feeding. During this time it will dry out and become more suitable for long-term storage. However, if the hay has been properly made it should have been dried in the field – to a moisture

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Once cut, hay is usually left to dry

content less than 15% – prior to baling.

Therefore, if the hay is good quality, it should be perfectly suitable to be fed now. As with all new feeds, it should be introduced gradually and ideally mixed with your current supply.

Your horse may find it easier to track up without the weight of a rider on his back

RIDING

He won’t track up

Q

I’ve noticed my pony doesn’t track up in trot at all – he’s really far off his front hoof print. How can I get him to track up and use his back end?

Lauren Sloane, www.yourhorse.co.uk Beverley Brightman says Some horses naturally track up and some don’t. This is mainly a conformational issue – a horse who is long in the back may have difficulties, as may a horse who is very straight in the hindleg. However, you

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shouldn’t give up on your pony.

I would suggest you lunge your horse so that he has a chance of achieving this without the weight of the rider on his back. Make sure he’s round in his outline when you lunge him, and that you keep him forward by using the whip towards his hindleg, but don’t let him rush.

When riding him the same applies – keep him in a round outline, push him forward with your legs and give him an occasional tap with your whip to encourage the hindleg under.

YOUR HORSE 51

64 YOUR HORSE

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Guide to equine surfaces

Surfaces

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Are we right to worry about where we work our horses? Do different surfaces affect their way of going and, if so, which ones keep them safe and sound? We’ve been speaking to experts with the answers to find out how surfaces affect: your horse

your riding

Problem surfaces Dr Rachel Murray of the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust specialises in research into lameness, sport horse performance problems, and the use of MRI in the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue injuries.

As part of a study, Rachel and her colleagues attempted to identify risk factors for lameness in dressage horses.

To this end they sent questionnaires to 11,363 registered British Dressage members of whom almost 3,000 took part.① The questionnaire asked for information about the surface each member used and for details about their horse and his management.

“We asked about the surface type, frequency of training and number of horses using the surface each day,” explains Rachel.

“We also asked how the surface stood up to different conditions and whether they experienced any problems using it – for example, whether it was slippy, boggy, stable, deep or hard and whether they found that their horse tripped or slipped on it.”

The results indicated that surface features that were linked with lameness, included patchy, uneven, boggy and deep areas.

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£ your finances

“We also found that tripping or slipping were common problems on woodchip and on surfaces with big chunks of rubber,” says Rachel.

But the greatest risk of lameness was linked to surfaces in which the main component was sand.

“Sand-based surfaces posed the greatest risk of lameness, but we also found that this risk reduced as the horse was worked on the surface more frequently throughout the week,” says Rachel.

As the horse’s bones and muscles Do hard work on a good surface

adapted to the surface, the risk was reduced.

However, Rachel and her colleagues believe that if a horse is consistently worked on – and adapts to – one particular surface, the owner then runs a risk of injury when their horse is asked to work on a different surface.

“It’s good for horses to work on a variety of surfaces, so it’s advisable to vary the surfaces you work on as much as possible. But in dressage, for example, do any maximum loading, such as extended trot, on a good, safe surface that your horse is adapted to. You can still hack out on a variety of surfaces but you don’t want to be riding piaffe on the side of a hill – save the hard work for a good surface.”

Are we risking injury by working on a surface?

The research showed that there were aspects of surfaces which were clearly associated with lameness. However, as the survey didn’t ask for direct links between injury and time on a surface, it’s not possible to say that a type or aspect of a surface was the cause of an individual injury.

“It may well be that some arena surfaces pose a risk of injury in dressage horses, but it may also be that we’re now selecting more ‘uphill’ horses for the sport. By doing this, more pressure is put on the hindquarters, increasing the risk of injury. It’s very difficult to tell,” says Rachel.

Avoid the pitfalls

The research also showed that while certain surfaces may have posed more risks than others under certain conditions, a factor that was found to be very important was the way in which the surface was kept.

“One really important thing is surface maintenance. It’s absolutely key. A well-maintained surface can be better than a quality surface which isn’t maintained at all.”

YOUR HORSE 65

�

Rising trot for beginners

All rise

Don’t be put off riding because of rising trot – act now with our expert advice and you’ll soon be rising with the best of them

W

atching professional riders float along in an effortless rising trot with their unmoving legs and perfect upper body posture is an uplifting sight. However, if you’re new to riding you’ve probably already experienced the reality of mastering rising trot – it’s not all that easy.

Once you’ve got to grips with it, though, it really is like riding the proverbial bike – you won’t ever forget how to do it. Follow our expert advice, practise a bit and you’ll have rising trot cracked in no time.

Words by Emma Meaden

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Our expert � Jane Bartle-Wilson Jane is director of equitation at the Yorkshire Riding Centre, also acting as chief trainer and instructor. She was chef d’equipe to the British Dressage Team from 1993 to 2000 and competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

In the beginning “Rhythm, rhythm, rhythm, is what you should be looking for,” explains an effervescent Jane Bartle-Wilson, in a manner that wouldn’t be entirely out of place on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel.

“Mastering rising trot is all about falling in step with the horse – or more like determining the pace of the horse and keeping balanced. If the horse is smooth and rhythmical then it’s far easier to rise to the trot properly. It’s why some people can learn to do rising trot in 10 minutes, while some take far, far longer,” says Jane.

Jane has trained and ridden at the top but that doesn’t stop her teaching all levels of horse and rider at the Yorkshire Riding Centre, where she’s based as chief trainer, which is why she’s the perfect person to work on our ultimate beginners guide to achieving the perfect rising trot.

“There are numerous things that can affect your ability to rise to the trot,” explains Jane.

“I find that the most important thing when teaching is not to constantly tell someone when they’re getting it wrong – they need to eventually understand and recognise when something just doesn’t feel right.

“Just remember that for the perfect rising trot, ultimately, the key is in the rhythm. The upbeat should last for exactly the same amount of time as the downbeat. Keep relaxed, let the horse do the work and, most importantly, practise,” says Jane. “It’ll come eventually.”

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YOUR HORSE 73

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THE

TEST Long casual boots

Bootiful

boots

TURN OVER FOR long casual boots on test

9

The test

The AWARDS

Whether looking stylish at the yard or out and about in town, long casual boots are proving popular. We’ve put nine pairs to the test – read on to see how they performed FIT AND COMFORT Our testers commented on the fit and comfort of the boots. They also considered how long they took to break in and how easy the boots were to put on and take off.

The pair of boots that performed the best during our test

PERFORMANCE Our testers assessed how well the boots performed in a working environment and away from horses, too. Did they live up to their expectations? Were they fashionable?

Were the boots easy to clean?

The boots that offer great value for money and great performance

VALUE FOR MONEY Our testers evaluated their comments on fit, comfort and performance in relation to the price of the boot, to decide whether they’re good value for money. www.yourhorse.co.uk

The boots that performed well in our test

� YOUR HORSE 81

WIN THE

ATE Riding Private Lessons ULTIM YEAR WITH YOUR HORSE

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THIS O C ULD BE

!

U YO PRIVATE

Help!

She just ignores my aids

LESSONS

� Your problems solved with our one-to-one training sessions Words Rebecca Gibson

The trainer � Name Richard Davison � Experience The British Dressage team captain, Richard has won two European medals, has represented Britain at three Olympics and two World Championships, and has been the British number one international dressage rider for six years. Richard still regularly competes up to Grand Prix level and aims to ride his top horse Hiscox Artemis at the 2012 Olympics.

The rider and horse � Name Abigail Alliss � Experience Our Ultimate Year winner Abigail Alliss will be having monthly dressage lessons with Richard Davison as part of her prize. This is her, and five-year-old ID x warmblood Darcy’s, first lesson. Over the next 12 months Abi is hoping that Richard will be able to help improve the consistency of their work. Although Darcy does have her highly strung moments, Abi says she can be lazy and quite hard work.

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Richard gets the pair working hard!

�

YOUR HORSE 95

No winter worries Winter health

Horses can be dogged by problems in the winter. We show you how to prevent and manage four of the most common ailments Words by Andrea Oakes

The expert

� Name Joe MacKinder Joe, a veterinary surgeon at Dalehead Veterinary Group in Settle, North Yorkshire, treats a variety of equine patients including hacks, hunters and competition horses.

A

TCHOO! It’s perhaps not surprising that so many horses succumb to winter woes such as snuffles and sneezes, skin disorders and circulation

problems. Battling the elements can soon weaken the natural defences of a horse kept at grass, yet his stablemate indoors may well be struggling to cope with the lack of fresh air and exercise associated with such an unnatural environment.

With so much else to fork out for at this time of year, veterinary bills can be an unwelcome extra , so it pays to prevent problems where possible. Our guide to the season’s most common equine health hazards contains all you need to know.

Mud fever Mud can mean misery, especially for horses who can’t avoid standing around in the wet, sticky stuff. Relentless

waterlogging of the lower legs can weaken the skin’s natural defences, allowing bacteria from the mud to enter through tiny nicks, scratches or damaged pores. The resulting scabby patches, sores and cracked heels can develop further infection and ooze a creamy discharge, leaving the area hot and sometimes swollen. Extreme cases can lead to lameness.

Prevention…

As difficult as it may be, allowing the legs some relief from the mud is a wintertime necessity. “Clean and dry is the message,” explains veterinary surgeon Joe MacKinder, who recommends hosing or washing the legs with warm water every day

or two if possible. “Let them dry out properly as the horse eats his hay, while you brush him over or check him for injuries.”

Joe warns, however, against overdoing the preventative measures. “Don’t shampoo too often or rub in creams unless you have to, as this can upset the natural flora of the skin,” he says. “White or very feathered legs are a little more prone to the condition, so check them carefully, and keep an eye on heavier legs as folds in the skin can create warm, dank places that are perfect for the development of mud fever.”

turn the page

for top tips on winter care for your horse

Allowing legs some relief from the mud is a wintertime necessity