Your Horse & Country Magazine by YHC Group Ltd

Autumn 2020

The many challenges of lockdown Getting nutrition back on track

Wild for nature A year like no other

All I want for Christmas A little bit of festive cheer is just what we all need

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

The UK’s largest glossy equestrian and country lifestyle seasonal magazine!

Welcome 10 A

All I want for Christmas...

66 Wild for nature

Dreams in motion

s horse riders, we are all familiar with the joys of getting outdoors – breathing in fresh air, feeling the sun warming our backs, walking that bit faster to warm up on a blustery day or bracing for the chill of a frosty morning. But this year, in a world of distancing, sanitising and restrictions, our beautiful countryside has become a lifeline, a place that lifts our spirits, allows us to stretch our legs and lets us just... be. With the whole nation going for wild for nature, Kathy Carter looks at some of autumn’s highlights on page 66. And all this means Christmas can’t be far behind – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Turn to our gift guide on page 10 for a host of ideas for your loved ones. If you’ve set your heart on upgrading your arena or even installing your first, there’s no better place to start than our Build It feature on page 136. Or perhaps you want to get out on the road in a horsebox. If so, make our Keeping Transport Transparent feature on page 75 your first stop. Your dream home could also be just a few pages away in Your Country Property (page 26), where we are also flying the flag for homegrown home furnishings in our Buying British feature. Of course, equine ailments don’t stop for a pandemic and vet Dr Josefin Jansson looks at some of the issues that can rear their heads at this time of year on page 92. We have also chosen to share an important message with you after we suffered the heartbreaking loss of Team YHC’s Lovely Lola to laminitis. This is a devastating disease and you really can’t act quickly enough – read our story in Yard Talk on page 102. We hope you find this issue as informative, inspiring and entertaining as ever and that you are all staying safe and well.

Contents

21 Paws4Thought

Seasonal health check

How we can lend animal charities a hand in the toughest of years.

26 Your Country Property Caitlin Bowring looks beyond bulldogs and Union flags for British-made style.

Editor

Advertising

Publishing Co-ordinator

Editorial

Daniel Miller Clare Aris

Assistant Publishing Co-ordinator Lorraine Miller

Hazel Lomas & Alex Williams Kathy Carter

102 Yard Talk The latest news from the horses and humans of Team YHC.

110 Feed & bedding Our guide to keeping your equine warm and well-fed this winter.

Printed by Warners Midlands PLC

Production

Joni Mann & Gary Burt

Contributors With special thanks to Dr Josefin Jansson, Caitlin Bowring, Whittingham Horseboxes and Shutterstock Images

Issue 27 | AUTUMN 2020

01454 318 780 info@yourhorseandcountry.com Brick House, 21 Horse Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, BS37 6DA

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication YOUR HORSE & COUNTRY MAGAZINE shall not be made liable for any inaccuracies therein. The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher.

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FAIRS & FESTIVALS ~ Take part in the colours and excitement of local gymkhanas, horse shows, processions and festivals, as well as visit the famous horse and camel fairs of Pushkar, Balotra or Nagaur. We have a fabulous range of holidays to suit all budgets, some are date specific but others can be taken at any time.

Book now for your holiday of a lifetime! LEOPARDS & LAKES ~ Ride from the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort through the shady Ghanerao forest of the Aravalli hills to Jawai reservoir in search of wild and free roaming Leopards!

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WHO: solo travellers, couples, friends, clubs & groups all welcome. You should be an intermediate level rider. WHAT: Some rides are date specific, others can be taken at any time of year. We ride on average 25-30km/day or 4-6 hours riding/day with a relaxing picnic lunch stop. WHERE: We are located equidistant between the blue city of Jodhpur, the lake city of Udaipur, and within easy reach of the pink city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA. WHEN: The best climate is October to March DETAILS: www.horseindia.com e: info@horseindia.com tel: 07726 930231

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS... Celebrations will undoubtedly be a little different this year – but some festive cheer is just what we all need! Kathy Carter looks at what might be in store and rounds up some great gift ideas.

he festive period could witness some unprecedented changes this year. Will we see elves in PPE; will father Christmas still be shielding in the North Pole with Mrs Christmas? And what changes can we expect to see in our homes, this yuletide? Your Horse & Country looks at the possibilities, and compiles some fabulous gifting ideas to make the festive period extra special.

DIFFERENT DINNERS We may see more diverse meals at the dining table, this Christmas. Farmers have been facing a number of issues this year, including a lack of seasonal workers; but one surprising issue could be a lack of turkeys. France is an EU leader for turkey egg export, but an extremely hot summer in the country, with temperatures reaching an unprecedented 40 degrees, has adversely affected turkey eggs. (The supply of turkeys is said to be down by about 10% compared to typical levels.) The BBC, however, recently reported that while around 10 million turkeys are eaten in the UK annually, and 76% of people choose to eat this bird at Christmas, alternatives such as goose, chicken or meat-free alternatives could instead prove popular. In good news for the planet, around five million Brits will be trying their first meat-free Christmas for the first time this year, according to The Vegan Society. Why is this good news for the globe? Because, as explained in a landmark study in the journal Science*, reducing the intake of meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce one’s environmental impact on the planet, as 83% of farmland produces 60%

of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions.)

A MORE MODEST CHRISTMAS It’s been a rocky few months for the economy and, with the imminent end of the Government’s furlough scheme in October, we may see a further rise in economic strain. However, when comparing with the last major recession, and looking at Christmas 2008, consumers still spent a higher amount at Christmas, relative to the rest of the year. So, retailers could still enjoy a well-earned rise in profits. And with more eating occasions at home, and less dining out to celebrate, supermarkets could also be benefiting from our more homebased eating habits! But for the most part, Christmas 2020 could well be a more modest affair. This is really no bad thing as, according to the Nationwide Building Society’s 2019 poll, 18 per

10 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

cent of us struggled financially after last Christmas, while 81 per cent of us “overshot” our financial plans, post-Christmas 2019. Spending valuable time with our households and more considered spending is surely the way forward?

DIFFERENT TV ADS We all have a favourite festive TV advert. But with advertising and marketing budgets tightened this year, Christmas adverts could be a far less glitzy affair than previously. Apparently, tailored, “shoppable ads” that will bombard you on your social media feeds and devices could be the future for brands. TV ads showing large tables of family and friends are pretty unlikely to be popular; “community”based, feelgood ads will likely be a common theme. Drinks

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

manufacturer Coke is likely to be using planned, “responsive” ads, with multiple options produced ahead of time to suit different eventualities, in terms of the mood of the nation, according to trade website thegrocer.co.uk. The favourite to appear on our screens though is surely Captain Tom Moore, who must be fighting off the media opportunities!

VIRTUAL, TIPSY CELEBRATIONS According to trade source Retail Times, Brits (perhaps surprisingly) consumed less alcohol than usual during lockdown. We drank 1.3bn litres of alcohol, which is considerably less than the 2bn litres recorded during the same time period last year. But apparently there’s a growing trade in pre-mixed cocktail purchases, so we can create the bar experience at home. Many of us arranging “virtual Christmas drinks” with our further-afield loved ones will therefore be able to enjoy a mighty mojito or a cheeky cosmopolitan from a tin.

VALUING FAMILY AND GRATITUDE There’s no question that 2020 has made us look at relationships and life in general with fresh insight. Some people will sadly be facing Christmas without someone they love for the first time, so family time, virtual or otherwise, is sure to be even more precious. Hopefully we can reduce unnecessary spending and wasteful habits (such as creating mountains of discarded bubble wrap, wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, greetings cards and name tags, some of which end up in landfill, releasing more methane and carbon dioxide into the air). Let’s not forget about Christmas trees either – the Carbon Trust calculates that the carbon footprint of a two-metre-high, real Christmas tree is 16kg of carbon dioxide, if it ends up in landfill.) Surely we should be focusing on re-using our Christmas items, making special memories, and focusing on gratitude and thankfulness?

LOVING LOCAL This year, we got to know our neighbours, and supported corner shops, plant nurseries and local restaurants and food suppliers. We dug out our pushbikes, and cycled to the farm shop with our bag for life. It’s therefore the perfect opportunity to keep this momentum going at Christmas, checking in on solitary or elderly neighbours, supporting our local town or village, and celebrating community spirit. 

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 11

t f i G

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onsidered purchases are the name of the game this Christmas. Thoughtful gifts that represent value for money and quality, without novelty knick-knacks and wasteful spending. Considered gifting could include more high-end purchases, especially if parties and pantomimes are off the cards – just make sure you stick to your budget, and choose wisely!  Mini Horselyx – the perfect

little stocking treat for your horse!

CULINARY GIFTS A Tesco study of 2,000 adults found that more than half of the respondents experimented more with their cooking in 2020, with the average household now spending almost seven hours a week cooking meals, compared to just six hours previously. (We’re apparently also 35 per cent better at using leftovers to avoid food waste.) Therefore, this newfound love of cooking could see sales of cookbooks soaring. Do some detective work to find out what your loved one enjoys to cook, and surprise them with the latest celebrity chef’s

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Why not create a tailored basket for cards, loved ones, with some homemade website idealhome. The e? insid les cand and s sweet treat ting teacup candles: co.uk has this lovely guide for crea or car-boot sale. shop Step 1: Find a teacup in a charity own older your cle recy Buy some wicks and wax (or . shop candles) at your local craft er than the depth Step 2: Cut a wick two inches long rest the pencil and il penc a to end of the cup. Tie one down. across the cup, so the wick hangs Put this in a larger pan. old an in wax your Put Step 3: Heat gently until om. pan with an inch of water in the bott off. the wax is liquid, then turn the heat a few drops of Step 4: For scented candles, add the cup. into wax essential oil, then pour the wick until one cm the trim then en, Step 5: Leave to hard before lighting. is left. Leave for at least 24 hours

12 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

tome, or track down a classic, like Jamie Oliver’s 1999 cookbook The Naked Chef, or Delia Smith’s How to Cook, published in 1998. Curry spices, aprons, barbecue tools and luxury alcoholic, coffee or chocolate gifts are also sure to be well received.

JEWELLERY Thoughtful charms for bracelets and initial pendants are sure to be popular this Christmas. They emphasise the need for impactful gifting that recognises connection between family and friends. You can also create a very special gift by getting a nice piece engraved.

WELLNESS PRESENTS With an increased emphasis on healthcare this year, wellness gifts surely will be popular, from smart-watches and mini electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure monitors, to UVC-light “sanitising wands” that kill bacteria. If your loved one has taken up a sport or joined a gym, why not see if they need any accessories or leisure-wear to smarten up their sporty attire? These functional gifts will be gratefully received, and may help the recipient keep up their regime well into the new year!

ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY GIFTS Solar chargers, reusable mugs and water bottles, silicone lids (to replace clingfilm), reusable make-up pads and all manner of recycled items – there’s an eco-friendly gift to suit every giftee, and every budget. Or why not suggest that instead of giving cards, your friends and family (and yourself!) gifts just one US dollar per Christmas card that they would have written to the environmental charity onetreeplanted.org. One dollar plants one tree in Africa, Asia or America.

COUNTRYSIDE INSPIRATION There are many wonderful companies making gifts that are perfect for the countryside enthusiast. We all fell in love with birds and wildlife during lockdown, so a beautiful nature-inspired print or original painting would be a cherished present. You can also find lovely items made from recycled items such as shotgun cartridges (e.g. cufflinks); jewellery with an equestrian theme (such as stirrups and bits); luxury homeware items celebrating British wildlife; and clothing featuring animal or faunainspired patterns. Buy British, and you will also be supporting our hard-working manufacturers and creators.  * ‘Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers’, J. Poore and T. Nemecek, ‘Science 360 (6392), 987-992, May 2018.

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HOLD YOUR HORSE HORSE… MEMORIES AND MORE Unique handcrafted sterling silver jewellery and keepsakes, forever holding something dear from your horse or pet – hair, ashes, teeth. Bespoke pieces made just for you. See our website HoldYourHorse.co.uk for the cut-off date for Christmas orders. Gift vouchers are available. Email: Dawn@HoldYourHorse.co.uk for more information.

DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN – PANTS THAT PERFORM! On every rider’s Christmas stocking wish list! The Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panty is designed to eradicate seamlines visible through breeches and ensure no rubbing, chaffing or abrasions are created due to stitched seams. Incorporating the Derriere Equestrian Padded Support System, leading the field in non-chafing, abrasion free, padded stylish equestrian underwear that protects the perineal area from friction and the resultant discomfort to the rider. The technology incorporates bonding of fabrics, creating naked seams free of full stitching. Support stitches are placed at specific points on the bonded seams for full security. Characteristic designer jacquard finishes Derriere Equestrian® undergarments with style and quality second to none. Winner of the SPOGA Horse Silver Innovations Award. RRP £35.99. Visit www.derriereequestrian.com

THE PERFECT STOCKING FILLER FROM JOLLY TOTS EQUESTRIAN This super little hat silk from Jolly Tots Equestrian will appeal to everyone! It comes with a heat-pressed glitter horse head pattern and removable pink-tip faux fur pompom – what’s not to like! Available from www.jollytotsequestrian.co.uk for just £20.

THE IDOLO TETHER TIE IS INVALUABLE IN THE YARD Last Christmas YHC’s head groom Alex received an Idolo Tether Tie in her Christmas stocking. She has found it an invaluable addition to her yard toolkit and wouldn’t be without it now! Alex tells us: “The Idolo offers a flexible tension that has a little give if the horse pulls back or looks around sharply. Once they know they have a little freedom, the horses tend to relax a little, reducing the stress that may occur in usual tethering situations.” The British Horse Societyapproved Idolo Tether Tie is available directly from www.idolotethertie.com or from www.britishhorseshop.com – the British Horse Society online shop

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 13

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 |

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PAWS 4 THOUGHT

A GIFT FROM THE HEART Throughout the pandemic, charities have continued to care for animals in need, despite the strain on their resources. Now they need our support for their vital work more than ever.

his year the adage “charity begins at home” is truer than it has ever been. With the ever-changing coronavirus situation imposing greater restrictions on our daily lives, the charity sector has felt the blow with unprecedented impact. For many charities, as with many businesses, the pandemic has hit finances hard. They are seeing their day-to-day business suffer from lack of visitors as well as their core operations being squashed through lack of both monetary donations and physical volunteers. Many larger charities that have never suffered with donation shortages before, including large zoos, have had to resort to crowdfunding opportunities just to meet their running costs, which is not a sustainable solution in the long run. It is clear many charities will be feeling these repercussions for a very long time to come, and so it is vital they put plans into place to limit the fall-out on their much-needed work.

HOW TO GIVE GENEROUSLY AND WISELY?

Brooke encouraged supporters to raise funds by hosting open gardens or socially distanced garden parties this summer, with its Bloom for Brooke initiative Picture: Freya Dowson

There are several ways to convert Christmas spending directly into Christmas giving. In the run-up to Christmas we can make subtle changes to our usual Christmas shopping habits to support charities wherever possible. Amazon has made it simple with its Amazon Smile campaign, allowing you to pick a charity to support for them to donate 0.5% of your spend every time you shop. With more and more people opting to do their Christmas shopping online this year to avoid busy stores, this will certainly mount up and 

PAWS 4 THOUGHT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 21

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PAWS 4 THOUGHT

Picture: Bransby Horses

Bransby Horses in Lincolnshire has published a children’s book, Pudding’s Christmas Miracle, right, to help raise funds for its rescue and welfare work

Far left, donating online has never been easier; or you could drop off some food at the local animal shelter

is a very simple way to give ongoing help to charities. The most obvious choice for charity support is the traditional charity Christmas card. Over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised for charities from this simple yet effective spend. Many charities sell Christmas cards directly to the public via their websites or high street stores so it’s easy to support your chosen cause. Equine charity The Brooke (www.thebrooke. org) offers some simply stunning Christmas cards for sale in its online shop, with each sale directly benefiting the working horse, donkey and mule charity. If you are unsure which charity to support, you can also check out the many online shops that offer a varied selection of Christmas card designs

that support a whole host of worthy charities. When looking for Christmas gift ideas for friends and family, many charities now offer Christmas gift selections with something for everyone. Donations from each sale go straight to the charity fund, like Bransby Horses (bransbyhorses.co.uk) and their unique story book Pudding’s Christmas Miracle – this charming tale is a perfect Christmas gift for those pony-mad children, with each purchase helping the rescue horses. Many charities would appreciate the simple gift of your time this Christmas. With their drop in usual volunteers, many have

had to reduce the services they are able to offer during this difficult period. Offering to volunteer for a local charity would provide an invaluable lifeline to those most in need. Do-it.org is a database of UK volunteering opportunities, which can be searched by interest, activity or location so no matter how much or how little time you are able to offer, there will be a charity looking to recruit someone like you. If you are unable to give your time this year, maybe add a few tins of dog food to your shopping and drop it off at the local dogs’ home. They are always in need and it will be greatly received, perhaps with a packet of biscuits for the humans too! 

PAWS 4 THOUGHT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 23

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From 10 October buy virtual gifts and Christmas cards from Brooke to help working horses, donkeys and mules. thebrookeshop.org/yhc Photos: Brooke/Atul Loke. Brooke is a UK registered charity in England and Wales (1085760)

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RACING GIFTS

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That perfect moment with your

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house prices, a large blip in property sales and, of course, a fall in the value of the pound. The question of whether or not it’s

rise. Even if they do rise further that probably won’t halt the increase in house prices, as prices continued to rise at a

Welcome to the first edition of

Your Country

Property British BUYING

Your Horse & Country Magazine is very excited to bring to you a host of luxury and estates for sale across the If theproperties phrase ‘buying British’ conjures a ﬂurrywith of Union country,upcoupled inspiring ideas for your ﬂags, bulldogs and Cath interiors. Whether you are looking for the Kidston in your perfectpatterns fitted kitchen or a stylish range to mind, get ready for a rethink, really complete the heart of your home, we writes aim toCaitlin tempt Bowring you with creativity and style!

hopping British-made furniture is about so much more than the way the right time to buy or sell your house in erhaps you are or looking to upsize a chest of drawers sofa looks, it’s the UK depends on what type of house from your current property or about its very DNA, and as we march yet buyer you are. maybe you are on the lookout further into our worsening climate crisis, it’s for the perfect investment opportunity. more important than ever to think carefully Whichever it is, you are almost certainly UK house buyers about how something is made, the materials asking yourself whether now is the right repurposing For your average UK citizen, it does seem used and the processes involved. old time to beofbuying that now could be a good time to get on The history Britishproperty furniture in the UK. With materials rather uncertain economic times ahead, themanufacturing property ladder, if you can! Prices manufacturing is a long one – over the Brexit than and on your mind, it can brand remain the average house years ourinterest designsrates haveall been influenced new.strong That’swith not to by everything Ancient Greece be difficultfrom to allow yourself to to let your falling since the vote. Even sayprice we’reonly limited to a2% “shabby” contemporary Japan. have taken cues look, popular it is, for asinwehistory heart go and fall inWe love with bricks and during the though worst recession frommortar, the European nouveau see, there are brands a totally new to take art your moneymovement, out of the bank willprices fell 15%, only towith quickly bounce Parisian regency style and Swedish to using second-hand materials. or borrow and commit it to luxury living. approach back and continue to rise. This might minimalism to name but a few isfashions Our homes serve different, or additional, The truth is everything relative;ofis the seem to suggest that prices aren’t going the time last 100 years, all the while constantly now – and bedroom-studios, ever right, or do you have to strike purposes to fall further waiting longer“loftices” to get innovating by iron combining historicyou styles andonto kitchen-table-turned-homeschool-desks while the is hot when findwith your the property market may only cost modern purpose. And the good news is areyou the more standard in this new pandemic perfect property? when youbrave eventually can. Also, that inThe 2020 we’re still at it. Designers are world and they require a rejig of At Brexit vote caused a slump in interest rates are low despitefurniture. August’s pushing more artistic boundaries and being the very least, staring at the same four walls house prices, a large blip in property sales rise. Even if they do rise further that bolder than ever, these days keeping in mind for months on end has revealed to many and, of course, a fall in the value of the probably won’t halt the increase in house our planet’s health by focusing more on of us the cracks and gaps from rough-job

pound. The question of whether or not it’s

prices, as prices continued to rise at a

26 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

rapid rate years ago when interest rates were far higher. Essentially, the constant race to own property and the limited housing supply, particularly in urban areas where they can’t possibly build more, should continue to push prices up. In summary, it seems it has  always A bulldog been the right time to buy a inhouse inthe front of is optional the UK, if you are able to!fire The biggestfor British interior style! challenge lies with first-time buyers who don’t have the Bank of Mum and Dad to joinery – nothing a decent bit ofimpossible bespoke rely on and face the almost work fix. a large deposit while living taskcan’t of saving Sticking the Brits doesn’t mean in rentedwith accommodation. They must limiting your options either –income the choice of also achieve a sufficient to meet styles, prints and designers is incredibly loan to equity mortgage requirements. varied ever-expanding, whether you’re Whatand needs to be highlighted to those looking for contemporary or classic designs, among Generation Rent who wish to budget items or investment pieces. British become house buyers is that time is furniture factories are bound by strict UK of the essence. While many lenders and EU legislation, which protects workers, have extended their age limits to satisfy

b o h

even 90s, if you don’t want to be payin YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY mortgage long into retirement, the earli you can get on the property ladder the

become house buyers is that time is of the essence. While many lenders have extended their age limits to satisfy

Should overseas investors buy in the UK? For the overseas buyer the UK property market has long been seen as a safe haven for investment that can provide great returns. Many people were spooked by the uncertainty of exiting Europe, but it appears that these fears have subsided to an extent and there are some great reasons why now could be the right time to buy a property in the UK: 1. The value of the pound – The pound is at its lowest rate compared to the dollar in years after it fell sharply following the Brexit result and hasn’t really recovered. At the time of writing, the exchange rate stood at $1.29 to the pound. It could be a great opportunity to buy cheap and make a substantial profit from the dollar when values have the potential to return to a similar level to 2014, when it was around $1.70 to the pound, or even the levels seen in 2007, when it was over $2 to the pound. That could be a profit of 50% to 60% without property prices even increasing. 2. There are more properties currently for sale – Since the decision to leave the EU there are currently 2% more homes for sale. At the same time the number of transactions has fallen, meaning that there is likely to be a number of homes that have been on the market for longer than the seller intended and some opportunities to grab a bargain.

meaning you can rely on ethical manufacture methods. You’ll doing be your bit for the local economy by staying within the Britishmade market; supporting regional brands creates jobs and puts money back into our communities, and reduces your carbon footprint by not shipping goods from the furthest reaches of the globe. By making purchases closer to home, you’ll be lowering delivery costs and times for yourself – it’s a win-win. for “later-life” borrowing, allowing demand

got ourselves into. Fast furniture is heaved on and off the metaphorical catwalk as quickly as fads in clothing, and constructed using materials that can hardly bear a couple of years’ wear. Harrison Spinks, which grows its own natural mattress filler materials on a farm in North Yorkshire, is one such brand doing all it can for the environment. The company has just gained Carbon accreditation better to Neutral+ keep monthly repayments as for sustainability and rightly so – the low as possible. Our advice would be to team farm their own wool, weave talk to your broker, lender or advisor to their own fabrics, draw their own wire look at the options available and for full and make their own springs all in the

people to borrow into their 70s, 80s and AN ETHICAL even 90s, if youOUTLOOK don’t want to be paying a Things need to change, and fast, if we want mortgage long into retirement, the earlier to reverse the environmental quandary we’ve you can get on the property ladder the terms and conditions.

3. There is still a discount available due to Brexit – Property prices across the UK are down 2%. This isn’t a massive reduction but it’s small enough to not cause concern about the housing market UK, and are the first bed manufacturer to and a sign that property in the UK should totally eliminate foam from all products. A continue to be a safe bet. homegrown mattress is surely the way

to go. This article is compiled by Your Country We must we can not to waste Property. It is do notallintended as financial and,Always handily,seek plumping for ecoor resources legal advice. professional friendly options often leads to more exciting guidance on investments.

and unique results – why

* Your home may be repossessed if you buy flatpack when do not keep up repayments onmade your from chairs mortgage repurposed front

doors are on the * Mortgages are offered subject to status, market?  terms and conditions apply  British wool fills Harrison Spinks’ ‘homegrown’ mattresses

sponsored by : BRYANT ASSOCIATES Wealth Management - Est 1995 www.bryantassociates.co.uk

YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 27

Woodmancote Retro sources all its materials within a 100-mile radius of its Stroud workshop, using reclaimed hardwoods, locally grown ash or 100% plastic recycled cosmetic bottles to make stunning mid-centurystyle bar stools, ideal for a modern kitchen. In employing generationsold techniques that have been refined through the centuries, numerous British brands are making furniture of an incredibly high quality that is built to last and endure years of living and use. One brand believing in this kind of oldfashioned craftsmanship is Loaf, the Scandiinspired, yet proudly British, furniture-maker. Each piece is handmade in the UK, and though famous for its cool-as-heck sofas, it also does ranges of beds, mattresses and homeware. From Loaf you can pick up the cutest burnt-orange footstool you ever laid eyes on, confident in the knowledge that its quality is homegrown. If you like a busier look for your home, check out Matilda Goad. Products made by the London-based designer embrace English whimsy with plenty of floral, wicker and gingham, spiced up with retro bright colours and bold shapes. Multi-coloured beeswax candles, raspberry scallop-trimmed linen napkins and raffia lampshades are just a few of the unique pieces she has available on the website. Furniture company OKA was founded on values of individuality and free expression erhaps you are looking to upsize at the turn of the century by three friends from your current property or – Annabel Astor, Sue Jones and Lucinda maybe you are on the lookout Waterhouse. Their efforts have resulted in for the perfect investment opportunity. a range of gorgeous soft furnishings and Whichever it “designed is, you areinalmost certainly lighting products England, asking yourself whether now is the right inspired by the world”. time to be buying property in the UK. With Embrace OKA’s “anything goes” ethos uncertain economic times ahead, and you’ll be adding a touch of luxury toBrexit your

Welcome to the first edition of

Your Country

Property

Your Horse & Country Magazine is very excited to bring to you a host of luxury properties and estates for sale across the country, coupled with inspiring ideas for your interiors. Whether you are looking for the perfect fitted kitchen or a stylish range to really complete the heart of your home, we aim to tempt you with creativity and style!

the right time to buy or sell your house in the UK depends on what type of house buyer you are.

rapid rate years ago when interest rates were far higher. Essentially, the constant race to own property and the limited housing supply, particularly in urban areas where they can’t possibly build more, UK house buyers You can fly the flag for British-made furniture, home with green velvet barstools, a For your averageorUK citizen, it does seem should continue to push prices up. whether it’s bespoke from a collection with faux shagreen sideboard or a Chinese its roots firmlycould in the be UK;atop left, time a carpenter In summary, it seems it has always that now good to get on calligraphy-inspired dining table. at work on handmade furniture; below, Loaf been the right time to buy a house in the property ladder, if you can! Prices Pudding Sofa in Mint Clever Velvet the UK, you are able to! The biggest and interest rates all on your mind, it can remain strong with the average house GO FOR ifBESPOKE lies with first-time buyers who be difficult to allow yourself to let your price only falling 2% since the vote. Even In challenge the most trying times of our new lockeddon’t have the Bank of Mum and Dad heart go and fall in love with bricks and during the worst recession in history down life, a house can feel way too small to on and facenothe almost impossible mortar, to take your money out of the bank prices fell 15%, only to quickly bounce forrely its occupants, matter how large the task are, of saving a large living or borrow and commit it to luxury living. back and continue to rise. This might rooms but often this deposit is more awhile problem in rented accommodation. They must The truth is everything is relative; is the seem to suggest that prices aren’t going with the layout and organisation of furniture. also achieve sufficient to meet time ever right, or do you have to strike to fall further and waiting longer to get Maybe there’s aapretty little income alcove into which loan to equity mortgage while the iron is hot when you find your onto the property market may only cost your sofa doesn’t quite fit requirements. and instead juts into the room, your kitchen is a What needs to be or highlighted to those perfect property? you more when you eventually can. Also, higgledy-piggledy of cabinets, among Generationcluster Rent who wish toall in The Brexit vote caused a slump in interest rates are low despite August’s the wrong places, with theishob become house buyers thatmiles timeaway is house prices, a large blip in property sales rise. Even if they do rise further that the essence. fridge. Some solid bespoke work of the While many lenders and, of course, a fall in the value of the probably won’t halt the increase in house from could this to rights haveput extended their and agetotally limits transform to satisfy pound. The question of whether or not it’s prices, as prices continued to rise at a

28 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

a room, making you feel like you have a completely new home. Buying bespoke furniture requires more time and energy on the thought process behind the design before a single pound is paid, resulting in less regret afterwards. By limiting the chance of rash decisions, you’re more likely to end up with a long-term investment that is potentially more expensive than a ready-made product but could become a real heirloom. Companies will give you free quotes once demand for “later-life” borrowing, you’ve dreamt up your perfect pieceallowing – you just need do a rough sketch of 80s it, citing people toto borrow into their 70s, and the approximate and width the a even 90s, if you height don’t want to beofpaying proposed unit, a picturethe of the area mortgage longand intotake retirement, earlier where you likeproperty it to go. ladder the you can getwould on the

One manufacturer funds the planting of one tree for every piece of furniture ordered

Often confused with made-to-measure and customised items, which are adaptations of off-the-shelf products, bespoke furniture is created from basically nothing to fit your specification. Every aspect can be chosen, from the wood type and thickness, to the paint colour and design of handles or knobs. Structural products can alsoasbe better to keeptimber monthly repayments made bespoke –Our whether that’s a spiral low as possible. advice would be toattic staircase some roofing periodtalk to yourorbroker, lenderframework, or advisor to style sash windows or a new doorway look at the options available and for fullyou’re looking for.conditions. Enlist the help of bespoke joiners terms and

and your home could be reimagined in ways you never thought possible. Bespoke Should overseas buy Bath-based carpentry investors company Clayton works with every client to fully inDavidson the UK? understand theirbuyer requirements, and then For the overseas the UK property carefully a product in the most market hasdesigns long been seen as a safe suitable materials to that the budget available. haven for investment can provide Theirreturns. websiteMany has some beautiful examples great people were spooked their work. byofthe uncertainty of exiting Europe, but Bespoke is the have way to make the it appears thatfurniture these fears subsided most of the rooms you have: freestanding to an extent and there are some great wardrobes, for example, can reasons why now could be theleave rightunused time space to the sides or above and below but a to buy a property in the UK: specially-made fitted wardrobe will fill every 1. spare The value of the pound – The pound inch, giving you so much more storage is space. at its lowest rate compared to the dollar in years afterplace it fell where sharply following thecan Another bespoke work Brexit hasn’t really recovered. makeresult all theand difference is in the dining room At–the time of have writing, exchangesitting rate at how often youthe experienced stood at $1.29 to the It right couldheight, be a table that’s just notpound. quite the a great buy cheap andTables leavingopportunity your knees to knocking into it? make substantial from thethe dollar and a chairs can be profit created to be perfect when values haveinthe return height and size, thepotential materialstoyou desire. to a With similar level towork 2014, whenminimal it was waste bespoke there’s during$1.70 production each element made around to theaspound, or evenisthe from scratch. levels seen in 2007, when it was over $2 Multidisciplinary designbe studio andof to the pound. That could a profit workshop Konk “doesn’t believe in a even 50% to 60% without property prices throwaway culture”, and has gone a step increasing. further in terms of sustainability – as well 2. There are more properties currently as only using FSC-approved timber for sale – Since the decision to leave the from sustainable forests, it works in EU there are currently 2% more homes partnership with One Tree Planted for sale. At the same time the number to donate to plant a tree for every of transactions has fallen, meaning that single order received. there is likely to beFounded a number byof anhomes architect, that have been on the market longer the South Westfor manufacturer than the seller intended and some produces carefully made opportunities to grab itemsainbargain. any desired style. By 3. There is still choosing a discount available bespoke furniture, colours,prices shapes and sizes due to Brexit –the Property across are literally unlimited, which the UK are down 2%. This isn’t a massive in truly unique reduction but results it’s small enough to pieces not that could either replicate elements cause concern about the housing market of athat bygone era or new in and a sign property in be thetotally UK should design. continue to be a safe bet. Elegant wood-workshop Unto This Last This article iscompany compiled by Your is another trying hard Country for the Property. is not financial planet’s Itsake by intended delivering as products without orpackaging legal advice. Always – they don’tseek evenprofessional have any guidance on material investments. packaging at the workshop! Purchasing furniture for your home from * Your home may beisrepossessed you British companies a surefire wayif to make do not keep up repayments on your sure what you’re buying is top quality and mortgage will endure years of life. We need to be ever* Mortgages are offered subject to status, more conscious, and conscientious, with terms and conditions apply but there are our choices as consumers, plenty of furniture manufacturers who make the most stunning products to incredible sustainability standards. 

sponsored by : BRYANT ASSOCIATES Wealth Management - Est 1995 www.bryantassociates.co.uk

YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 29

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30 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

Bespoke kitchens & cabinetry handmade in the Cotswolds We are a family run company that’s been producing the highest in quality bespoke kitchen cabinetry for over 20 years.

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Combining our experience with high quality materials, handmade craftsmanship and bespoke designs means that a Parlour Farm kitchen will complement and enhance your home. Whether it’s a large or small kitchen, or if it’s for a period property or cutting edge modern design we can deliver the look and feel you desire.

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The Coppice Farm, Akeley Wood, Akeley, Buckingham

Stunning modern house with comprehensive equestrian facilities and land Situation This substantial and imposing modern property was created by the current owners with the majority of the works completed in 2012. The property has been finished to a very high specification throughout and offers spacious and comfortable family living. The accommodation is light and airy and offers great flexibility throughout. The property benefits from a significant gravelled parking area suitable for numerous vehicles. The front of the property has been beautifully landscaped whilst at the rear there is a wraparound entertaining terrace leading to an extensive lawned garden area beyond.

Guide price ÂŁ2,100,000

This property is available to view on

Thinking of selling your property? Call us on 01454 318 780

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Mushill Farm, Loughborough, Leicestershire

Mushill farm consists of an attractive farmhouse and adjoining traditional farm buildings which have been connected and converted to create an excellent home. Situation: The farmhouse would appear to present a Victorian façade, but dates from the early 1700’s, and is considered an excellent example of an early post enclosure act farmstead. The farmhouse and former farm buildings are of red brick construction, the cottage under slate roofs and the outbuildings under pantiles. A glazed link connects the buildings. The property has an abundance of attractive features, great views and is presented with a contemporary feel. The property is finished with timber framed double glazed window throughout. The accommodation is highly versatile, and it would be possible to configure the room in a variety of ways to suit the incoming purchaser.

Guide Price £1,500,000

Superb kitchen, breakfast, family room | 2 reception rooms, study, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms | Attractive private gardens on three sides of the house with lawns | Hancox Equestrian insulated barn with 14 loose boxes and stores | Tackroom with kitchen area, WC and shower, rug room with a sink, wash box and a feed room | Well divided paddocks, most with mains water | Claydon Horse Walker | 60m x 30 m (approx) manege with a Martin Collins sand and fibre surface | The house, barn, manege and horse walker all sit towards the centre of the ring-fenced block of land | Extending to about 22.4 acres

This property is available to view on

Thinking of selling your property? Call us on 01454 318 780

You’d shop for the perfect shoes, why not shop for the perfect trees? Choosing the right tree for your garden or landscaping project is a very individual experience.

What tree you want will depend upon a number of different factors, including the size of your garden or landscape, aesthetic considerations (such as stunning summer flowers or autumnal colours) and soil condition - not to mention personal taste!

provide shade for your horses you will want to steer clear of species like Sycamore that contain toxins. The tree selection process We strongly recommend personal selection of the trees that will be incorporated into your landscape, particularly if you are choosing a memorial or legacy tree. This helps to give an idea of their scale and how they will look in the finished landscape. It also serves as a mood board, leading to other ideas and possibilities!

Another important factor is why you are choosing to plant in the first place. There are many uses for trees, from lasting memorials to screening or framing a view, and each may prompt a different specimen depending upon the look you want to achieve. For example, if you are planting a tree to celebrate a significant event, or in memory of a loved one, you may wish to plant a large, feature tree in an open space that proudly commands the landscape, but remains delicate and pleasing to the eye. Or if you are planting trees to

The first stage in any tree selection and planting project is a chat with our team. If we have not visited your site before, or there are some technical logistics to deal with, then one of our experts will come and assess what needs to be done to bring your project to life. We can

36 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

also make recommendations based on your requirements.

The size of the tree depends on the access to the intended location. The largest trees we can offer are over 10 metres tall (or rather 10 metres long when they arrive on a lorry!) and will need large pieces of equipment to get them from the lorry to the planting hole. This is where a site visit by one of our tree planting specialists can help guide you through the process. At Glendale Civic Trees, we source trees from a number of UK-based and European nurseries. A nursery visit can last from several hours to several days, depending on the location and what you want to achieve. Prepare to be inspired by the wide-range of species, shapes and forms on offer. For more info tweet us @civictrees.

Our recommendations for autumn colour Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) This is a vigorous deciduous conifer with foliage that fades from bright green to a coppery-pink in the autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) The arresting soft-yellow coloured leaves of the Tulip Tree mark the beginning of autumn. This tree is quite tolerant of pollutants making it ideal for urban projects.

Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) This tree features glossy, five-pointed leaves that turn a vibrant red in autumn. It is a beautiful tree and the perfect farewell to the summer.

Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) This Oak grows quickly forming a straight trunk with handsome, horizontal branches. Its smooth leaves are bright green in summer, turning to a deep red in autumn. It is a grand tree, ideal for creating eye catching avenues.

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) This small deciduous tree is well-known for its beautiful autumn foliage in hues of scarlet and bronze. We recommend investing in a green-leafed specimen to make the most of the colour change.

Growing the tree is only half the story At Glendale Civic Trees we believe a tree is only as good as the way it is handled, planted and maintained. We have been supplying, planting and relocating mature and semi-mature trees with precision, care and attention, since 1963. Quality is essential from the start of any tree planting venture so we always ensure our trees are sourced from leading growers. Our team are passionate about what they do and technical experts in industry leading techniques for relocating large, delicate trees from one location to another before successfully replanting. With over 50-years of experience creating landscapes with instant impact and maturity, an exceptional finish is guaranteed.

Visit civictrees.co.uk/tree-planting today or email info@civictrees.co.uk

Supply | Plant | Relocate

YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 37

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Northlands Farm, Old Holbrook, Horsham, West Sussex

A traditional small farm set in approximately 37.7 acres in a convenient rural location including a detached 2 bedroom cottage. Situation The farm is approached via a double gated, gravelled drive and wide parking area in front of the traditional farmhouse, cottage and buildings. The farmhouse itself is an attractive Grade II listed property with mellow brick and tile hung elevations under a clay tiled roof. A covered porch leads to an entrance hall with stairs to the first floor and built-in cupboards. The accommodation, with generally good ceiling heights for a house of its age, comprises an elegant double aspect drawing room overlooking the garden with open fireplace and built-in corner cupboard, study, large cloakroom, and dining room/family room with stunning inglenook fireplace with internal light and boiler cupboard to the side. There is a traditional farmhouse kitchen, well fitted with extensive modern units and includes an Aga, built-in larder, door to the rear garden, and door to a side utility room with door to outside.

Guide price ÂŁ1,750,000

This property is available to view on

Thinking of selling your property? Call us on 01454 318 780

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Shell Mill Farm, Shell, Worcestershire

Stunning Grade II Listed farmhouse with substantial equestrian facilities within gardens and grounds of approximately 16 acres Situation Shell Mill Farm is a Grade II Listed farmhouse undoubtedly one of the principle houses in the area and believed to date back to the 16th Century offering spacious four-bedroom accommodation and substantial well-presented equestrian facilities. Electric wrought iron gates open to a tree lined driveway which leads to a further gate with brick piers and stone ball finials leading to the house and a circular block paved parking and turning area with adjacent brick and tile outbuilding providing garaging and stabling. The traditional mellow red brick barns have been converted for garaging with three bays and roller shutter doors and a large studio/office close to the house providing an ideal ‘working from home’ facility. The modern brick built stables to the far end of the garaging are a major feature of the property. Built in keeping with the original barn they form one side of the courtyard in a block of four stables including a larger foaling box, a tack room, tacking up bay area & feed room all finished to a high standard.

Guide price £1,500,000

This property is available to view on

Thinking of selling your property? Call us on 01454 318 780

Bespoke Entrances Ltd Automatic Gate and door specialists Security systems installer. Roller shutter doors supplied and ﬁtted in Lydney, Gloucestershire.

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44 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

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Finings Barn, Buckinghamshire.

A stunning period barn conversion of c 5,000sq ft set in approximately 22 acres of Chilterns countryside with exceptional equestrian facilities. Situation: The property is currently run as a successful livery yard comprising a courtyard of high quality timber clad stables with 10 loose boxes, including two foaling boxes, tack room, wc, feed store, and attached barn. These are all easily accessible from the main dwelling. A further 4 loose boxes, with workshop and attached hay barn, can be found directly opposite. The equestrian facilities are further complemented by a 40m x 20m floodlit sand and synthetic rubber base manĂ¨ge with scoring box. There are five principle post and railed paddocks with surrounding hedgerows, all benefiting from a separate water supply and served by a central hardcore track.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,900,000

Stunning vaulted rooms: kitchen/dining/family room, hall and sitting room | Separate snug, a hobby room and cloakroom | 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms Indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi settings | Separate annexe with kitchenette and en-suite - useful income or ideal for relative 14 Loose boxes, manĂ¨ge, hay barn and storage barn | Workshop, tack room and store | Well fenced paddocks, in all about 22.31 acres

This property is available to view on

Thinking of selling your property? Call us on 01454 318 780

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48 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

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We will still take orders until the end of the year and our showrooms remain open until then (by appointment only – for your safety)

Open by appointment only, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with only one household in the showrooms at any one time Please call: 01608 642741 or 07971 629703 Mo Tighe, Chapel House Grounds, Chipping Norton, OX7 5SZ www.realwood.co.uk info@realwood.co.uk YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 49

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Rudge Hall, Rudge, Somerset

This well-designed and beautifully presented barn conversion benefits from retained period features, large level gardens and countryside views. Situation: Rudge Hall is a delightful home situated in an attractive hamlet bordering open countryside. The approach to the entrance is impressive, with a well-designed garden fronting the house. The central entrance hall of this fine country home is laid with oak flooring which flows into the kitchen. Glazed doors open onto both the front and back gardens. At one end is the kitchen with smart units under a marble work surface. There is plenty of room in the centre of the room for a dining table, whilst the seating area benefits from a free-standing wood burning stove adding to the appeal of this versatile space. The principal reception room is a former threshing barn. Open to its A-frame beamed ceiling, warmth has been paramount in the interior design with under floor heating beneath the stone flooring and a wood burning stove with the flue reaching high into the ceiling.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,500,000

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Hamptons International is a premier estate and letting agent based in London UK with over 140 years experience. www.hamptons.co.uk

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Spencers Farmhouse, Ashley, Wiltshire

This fabulous detached, thatched cottage has been lovingly cared for and is bound by stunning gardens. Situation: Dating back to circa 1600, the Grade II Listed property has been the subject of thoughtful and practical adaptation to create a very comfortable home. Throughout the property are stone mullion windows with window seats, antique pine and elm doors. The accommodation is arranged over two floors and is presented in a subtle decorative fashion with the various period features enhanced, not least the structural beams. The reception hall has encaustic tiled floor continuing into the kitchen and stairs leading to the first floor. The double aspect sitting room has an impressive Inglenook fireplace and window seats with beamed ceiling. Steps and a door lead down to the vaulted dining room. A superb bespoke fitted kitchen/breakfast room has granite tops, range and integrated appliances with a wood burner adjacent to the table area. To the rear is a David Salisbury garden room that opens to a utility lobby with cloakroom and stairs to the guest suite.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,150,000

This property is available to view on

Hamptons International is a premier estate and letting agent based in London UK with over 140 years experience. www.hamptons.co.uk

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54 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY

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The Old Plume, Burton, Wiltshire

A beautifully presented Grade II Listed home of over 4500 sq ft standing in large attractive gardens. Situation: This handsome Grade II Listed home believed to date back to the 17th Century has evolved from a former coaching inn to become a beautifully presented family home. Period features such as mullion windows, ancient fireplaces, panelled doors and exposed beams fuse with a stunning interior design which mixes the old with the new. This home enjoys light and bright rooms with generous proportions whilst retaining its all-important historic charm.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,500,000

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Hamptons International is a premier estate and letting agent based in London UK with over 140 years experience. www.hamptons.co.uk

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Clifford House, Beckington, Somerset

A Grade II Listed detached Georgian villa standing in walled gardens. Situation: Beautifully presented this four bedroom home has retained period detail within a contemporary interior design. There are views across the adjacent countryside plus an unconverted coach house within the grounds. The impressive entrance hall creates a perfect reception to the house flanked by two receptions and ahead a view through the open plan living space onto the manicured walled garden. The sitting room is a relaxing room with features such as dado rails, an open fire and sash windows with working shutters. Of a similar size, the dining room also retains period detail and includes a marble fireplace and ‘Jetmaster’ open fire. This leads directly into a smart open plan kitchen and living area. It has been designed with a ‘Stephen Graver’ bespoke kitchen including a large central island with stainless steel work surfaces under hand painted units. Tiled flooring continues into the dining and living area with walls of bi-fold doors, plus a contemporary roof lantern allowing light to flood in. With all the doors open out onto the terrace and garden, this is a super extension to a period building. A TV room adds an informal sitting room and a boot room, cloakroom and shower completes the picture on the ground floor.

Guide Price £1,600,000 60 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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FINANCE

LET THE PENNIES LOOK AFTER THE POUNDS W

hat a year it has been! In terms of our finances, Covid-19 did create uncertainty among investors, as we worried about our incomes, pensions and investments. It is still difficult to predict the long-term effects; yes, the stock market fell, with share prices affected and some funds suspended; however, experts predict that fund levels should recover over time.

SOME POSITIVE OUTCOMES In 2020, we saw the confirmation of a new recession, and watched stock markets decline and economic growth falter. But at the same time, many of us also faced enforced money-saving, as we let go of many social responsibilities, family trips and steep transport costs. Other positive outcomes could be seen within the field of manufacturing and industry; some staggering smartmanufacturing took place, as companies switched to producing Covid-19relevant products within extraordinarily short time-frames. This manufacturing innovation will surely positively effect future projects and supply lines in the future.

CAUTIOUS AND CONSIDERED SPENDING Additionally, a huge focus on wellbeing intensified during the lockdown period as we took our health more seriously. Incidentally, bike owners in England were able to apply for 'Fix Your Bike' vouchers in

 Home buyers are benefiting from temporary rise in the stamp duty threshold; left, working from home could become a more permanent feature for many

the summer, offering £50 to put towards repairs; another wave of vouchers should soon be available. Many of us also challenged our spending habits. This perhaps means we are now more cautious spenders, who will make more considered purchases and focus on more meaningful spending.

GREEN GOALS We may also find ourselves doing a little more for the planet now, by reducing face-to-face meetings, working from home

62 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - FINANCE

more often and saving ourselves fuel and transport costs in the process. Interestingly, the Chancellor’s multi-billion drive for green buildings, which will reportedly also support 140,000 jobs, could start the “green recovery” ball rolling, if it is successful. Homeowners and landlords can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for insulation and other energy efficiency measures. Some of the UK’s lowest-income households are set to get the full costs of energy-efficiency refits paid up to £10,000, while schools, hospitals, prisons, military bases and other public buildings will have access to funding to improve energy efficiency.

OTHER ECONOMIC GREEN SHOOTS Home buyers are currently benefiting from the post-lockdown measures - the Government temporarily increased the stamp duty threshold to £500,000 for property

FINANCE

THE B WORD The British economy did increase by 8.7%, three months ago; however Brexit still looms ahead of us, and with trade talks ongoing at the time of writing, it is unclear what the true impact of the coronavirus combined with Brexit may be on our national economy, and how it may affect us individually. Whatever the future holds, here are our top tips to make the pennies count, as we start to adapt to this new normal, in terms of our incomes and outgoings: Set aside some time to assess your outgoings, credit cards suppliers, mortgage providers and mobile phone and broadband firms. Make sure old direct debits aren’t still being collected for memberships and subscriptions you no longer need. Make considered purchases – this could, for example, mean buying British (to support British firms and reduce a product’s carbon footprint), as well as buying a superior quality item. Budget for your spending, especially on food and home bills. Notice how much you spend on “little things” like take-out coffees and treats. These savings can go towards larger bills like holidays. Take advantage of payment holidays from your mortgage, credit card, store card, loan, insurance or car finance provider, if you need to – they run until October 31. Consider a bounce-back loan if you have a struggling small businesses; said to be available until November. If you’re considering an investment purchase (see our feature on horseboxes!), now could be a good time to take out a loan (with rates as low as 3%), or obtain a 0% purchase credit card. Check out online calculators to see whether you can afford the repayments. Martin Lewis’s moneysavingexpert.com website has plenty of advice regarding this and other matters. Investigate your credit report and score. You typically need average or above average scores to secure a loan. Look out for flash online sales, and student and over 60 discounts at your favourite stores. Supplier newsletter sign-ups are a good way to stay in the loop. Subscribe to this very magazine for just £18.99, and never miss an issue – or gift it to a friend! Visit yourhorseandcountrymagazine.com/subscribe. 

* * *

* Picture: Willy Barton / Shutterstock.com

sales in England and Northern Ireland until March 31, 2021, meaning an average saving of around £5,000 for home buyers. If you’re buying a property around the £1 million pound mark, your savings will be around £15,000. Elsewhere, the UK’s new £2bn Kickstart work placement scheme, designed to get young people back into work, and Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out To Help Out discount scheme for cafes and restaurants have boosted morale for many individuals.

 Diners were tempted out with a discount during August

* * * *

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 63

Live for today, plan for tomorrow Like most people, you probably wish to pass on your wealth upon your death. But protecting your assets, and ensuring your legacy gets to the right people at the right time, can be an onerous undertaking – from ensuring your intentions are clearly documented and you are making the most of gifting allowances, to identifying legitimate ways to mitigate Inheritance Tax. We offer a friendly, local service, backed by the strength and security of FTSE100 company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management. We can guide you through the estate planning maze and make sure your wishes for sharing your wealth are met. Put your future in your own hands – let’s start a conversation. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

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As the UK’s leading freely distributed, seasonal publication Your Horse & Country Magazine really does have it covered. From unearthing treasured country homes and estates in our exclusive Your Country Property feature, to exploring the seasons as they change, bringing you a host of dreamy days out, fashion tips and shopping essentials! Also working hard with our in-house vet to keep on top of your equine health care, Team YHC explore real-life symptoms and scenarios in order to keep you in the know!

Autumn 2020

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The many challenges of lockdown Getting nutrition back on track

Wild for nature A year like no other!

All I want for Christmas! A little bit of festive cheer is just what we all need

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 Reduced human management of landscapes across the country may have provided more food for pollinators like bees and butterflies during lockdown

It’s been a year like no other – for people and the planet. Kathy Carter looks at how lockdown has made us all...

nature WILD FOR

any of us will have noticed that the recent quarantine and lockdown measures positively affected wildlife and nature our region; many species may have thrived, according to Dr Neil Reid, senior lecturer in conservation biology at Queen's University Belfast. “Reduction in landscape maintenance may have allowed wildflowers to proliferate, providing additional food resources for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. Allowing weed species to grow may have provided more food and refuge for insects, perhaps benefiting invertebrates and their predators, such as birds,” he stated on the university’s website (qub.ac.uk). Wild bees are said to have benefited from the dramatic recent decline in air pollution, which at its usual levels disrupts their ability to smell flowers at a distance. According to newscientist.com, there is evidence that wild bees will have benefited greatly from the recent decline, meaning bees’ pollination duties may have become more efficient, while air pollution has been lower. It certainly seems as if we have collectively experienced more sightings of bees and butterflies over the summer – or could it be that we are simply paying more attention to nature?

Interestingly, traffic and aircraft noise pollution causes urban birds to sing at a louder, higher pitch than their countryside counterparts, utilising more energy. This results in lower growth and immune responses. The greatly reduced traffic and aircraft noise over the spring and summer has reportedly allowed urban birds to reduce the pitch and volume of their songs, perhaps improving their health and their opportunities for mating.

A FEAST OF NATURE FROM OUR SOFA

 Photo: Ed Silvester/ Shutterstock

 TV’s Chris Packham launched the Self Isolating Bird Club, inviting people to share their wildlife observations, such as birds visiting their gardens, online

66 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - AUTUMN

Over the spring and summer, we enjoyed nature on TV and social media, too. The BBC’s popular Springwatch programme broadcast in a new, socially distanced format in 2020, with presenters filming from their home locations. Programme director James Morgan told the media that viewing figures increased “massively”. Meanwhile on Facebook, presenter Chris Packham’s Self Isolating Bird Club produced an extremely popular haven for wildlife lovers across the globe, who found solace sharing nest-box camera footage and remotetriggered images from bird-filled tree canopies. His

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Springwatch colleague Michaela Strachan says the Self Isolating Bird Club changed the way she enjoys wildlife. “A whole new wave of birdwatching is happening; amazingly, I’ve never taken the time to sit down and watch birds on my feeders,” she admitted to the UK media.

VISUAL TREATS Moving forward to this time of year, and there are many treats from nature to look forward to in autumn, from stunning wildlife experiences to the simple pleasures found in enjoying a woodland landscape. Our most iconic autumnal image in the UK is surely the trees blazing with intense yellows, reds and coppers. Arboretums are some of the best places to witness the spectacle, such as Stourhead Gardens in Wiltshire, Elan Valley in Powys, Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, and Grizedale Park in Cumbria. From September, you will also spot fungi populating our forest floors and fields on your morning dog walk. Look out for the iconic fly agaric, the red and white spotty toadstool much beloved by children’s fairytale authors. Naturally, you can’t miss the conkers at this time of year – the beloved horse chestnut seeds that fall in early autumn. Look out also for rosehips – delicious

Top right: bright colours aren’t just for summer – grab a colourful jacket and some warm boots and enjoy a woodland stroll, and look out for fairytale-like – but toxic – fly agaric toadstools, above right; below, rosehips

foraged from hedgerows for juicy jam and herbal teas, and reportedly useful to help ease joint pain. In early autumn, you may even still catch some blackberries. (Although be quick, as according to nationalgeographic.com, the legend of the feast of Michaelmas decries that after September 29, the devil spoils the blackberries. The Archangel Michael, after whom the day is named, is said to have defeated the angel Lucifer in battle, banishing him from heaven. When Lucifer bounced into hell, he landed in a thorny blackberry bush, cursing its fruit. It’s OK to freeze the fruits however, as you will almost certainly 

AUTUMN - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 67

68 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - AUTUMN

escape the dreaded curse. Blackberry sorbet or wine, anyone?

WILDLIFE IN AUTUMN So, what does 2020’s temporary reprieve from human interference and pollution mean for the creatures that we see in autumn, described poetically by The Wildlife Trusts as “when summer's lush greens become browns and oranges, punctuated with pops of red and purple berries”? While summer may have provided us with a multitude of wildlife encounters, autumn is a quieter time for many animal species, according to the trusts organisation. “For many plants, insects and some mammals, autumn is a time of slowing down. For many birds, it’s about arrivals and departures, some flying south in pursuit of food and warmth, while others arrive from the Arctic for a mellower winter,” the group states at wildlifetrusts.org.

MIGRATORY BIRDS September is the ideal time to see migratory birds – at this time, popular species such as swallows and house martins begin their journey south, seeking sunnier climes. According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), in temperate regions such as the UK, about half of our species migrate, especially insect-eaters that can’t find enough food during the colder months.

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‘

For many plants, insects and some mammals, autumn is a time of slowing down. For many birds, it’s about arrivals and departures. Islands and coastal areas are reportedly the best places to watch migratory birds this autumn; you may catch puffins and gannets leaving our shores to spend their winters at sea. The Scottish isles are popular spots – Hermaness and Sumburgh Head in Shetland, RSPB Fowlsheugh in Aberdeenshire, and the Isle of May and Craigleith Island, in Fife, are some of the most well-known areas, according to

discoverwildlife.com. The Farne Islands in Northumberland are also well worth a visit, if ornithology is a passion. Heading in the opposite direction, you may also see some species of geese and wading birds arriving in the UK in early autumn to find a milder climate. Autumn and winter visitors include fieldfares, redwings, bramblings, Bewick’s swans and whooper swans, and many kinds of ducks, geese and wading birds, according to the RSPB. The society reports that many water birds also spend the winter on the sea around the UK coast, including common scoters, great northern divers and red-necked grebes. Wetlands are excellent spots to witness the annual throng of thousands of visitors. There’s nothing to suggest migratory birds’ numbers may be affected as a result of Covid-19, although in Pakistan, where thousands of exotic birds usually become easy targets of bird traders en route from Siberia, their safe passage was pleasingly ensured this year due to lockdown, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

THE ANNUAL ‘RUT’ One of the main autumnal wildlife attractions is the breeding season of our largest 

 Puffins will be among the bird species leaving our shores this autumn, while fieldfares, above, and Bewick’s swans, top, will be heading here for winter

AUTUMN - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 69

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land mammal, the red deer. The annual “rut” from September to December sees the dominant male rounding up his females and battling with other deer, clashing antlers aplenty. There is a range of locations where you can witness the spectacle at designated nature reserves, such as Blacka Moor in Sheffield, Rackenford and Knowstone Moor in Devon, and Ben Mor Coigach and Rahoy Hills reserves in Scotland. The rutting is a ritualised fight to establish hierarchy, and early mornings are reportedly one of the best times to witness the spectacle, as the low, golden light creates the perfect atmosphere. Red stags may be legally hunted from August to April in England and Wales, and from July to October in Scotland. It is thought, however, that, with deer stalkers having to stay at home during lockdown, fewer animals will have been hunted, therefore reaching maturity. While this seems a positive step from an animal lover’s point of view, an increase in wild deer populations could cause environmental damage, according to a study by the Association of Deer Management Groups, Lowland Deer Network Scotland, and the Scottish Venison Association.

STARLING MURMURATIONS Some of the most magnificent spectacles in nature’s calendar are the starling murmurations that grace our skies in autumn, peaking in late November and early December, according to countryfile.com. Up to hundreds of thousands of starlings swirl around en masse in breathtaking dark clouds, which turn in perfect unison. Early evening is the best time to view the dance, as starlings take flight to choose their night-time shelters. Malltraeth Marsh in Anglesey, RSPB Leighton Moss in Lancashire and Ham Wall in Somerset are British starling hotspots. While starling numbers have declined markedly since the 1990s, there’s seemingly nothing to suggest that the recent human ramifications of Covid-19 will have affected their numbers this season.

WILDLIFE FURTHER AFIELD

 A starling murmuration begins to swell in the early evening

70 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - AUTUMN

Further afield, the recent lack of large vessel traffic has meant the oceans are quieter. This means species like humpback whales, right, can spread out more widely, and communicate with each other over much greater distances. This could help boost dwindling population numbers, according to Christine Gabriele of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, reported in newscientist.com. Meanwhile, in regions shared with humans, the ramifications for wildlife are more complex; during the summer, buffalo started roaming further afield in India, mountain lions began prowling new habitats in Colorado, USA, while wild boar walked the streets of Barcelona in Spain. It remains to be seen how local authorities will deal with the issues presented by wildlife encroaching on human habitations. To conclude, however you enjoy your wildlife and nature, we hope that you are able to retain some of the slower pace of life that lockdown gave us, and can relish in the spoils of autumn this season. 

 A bellowing red deer stag; below, a young wildlife watcher

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AUTUMN - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 71

3 Donkeys Clothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder is a ďŹ nalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Amanda Marshall, the founder of 3 Donkeys Clothing, has been announced as a finalist for the South West region of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. She’s in the Family Business Entrepreneur Of The Year category. Based in Devon, 3 Donkeys has become well known for its ladies’ two-into-one coveralls. The original Classic Coverall was launched in the winter of 2018, providing ladies with a more practical alternative to the boiler suit style coverall. This original design was recently joined by the Dartmoor variation, made from Ventile fabric to keep wearers dry too, and there’s now a range of other clothing to complement the designs and the ethos behind the brand. “It’s such a huge honour to have made it to the final stages of these amazing awards,” says Amanda. “I couldn’t quite believe it when I was told, and then saw my picture announcing it on social media! “We’ve worked hard to build and grow 3 Donkeys since launch, and as a family brand with animals and children to contend with too, and latterly home schooling too due to Covid, to get this kind of recognition has been such an incredible boost.” The Awards started in 2013 with the aim of celebrating the hard work and inspiring stories behind the entrepreneurs and small businesses in the UK. There are 16 categories for each of the eight UK regions, with just a handful finalists in each category. A regional winner will be announced before an overall UK winner on the 23rd November 2020.

To ﬁnd out more about 3 Donkeys Clothing and Amanda, see www.3donkeys.co.uk To ﬁnd out more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, see

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Whatever the size, whatever your budget, a horsebox can become a home from home for you and your equine on the road – and now could be a great time to invest, says Kathy Carter

orseboxes and other leisure vehicles are certainly investment purchases, and probably the most costly acquisitions we will make, aside from our properties. Some areas of vehicular retail are faring especially well in the current market. In the motorhome sector, the sub-£25,000 bracket especially is positively booming, with relatively small stock numbers available, and an inﬂux of buyers pushing prices up. Volkswagen has reportedly seen sales of certain motorhome models increase by 100-250%, post-lockdown. In some territories around the world,

Unique in equine transport design

SET YOUR DREAMS IN MOTION

car sales have also seen a drastic increase, powered by a lack of trust in the safety of public transport, and the post-lockdown desire that many of us have to “splash some cash” (known in the sales industry as “bottled-up demand”). UK car sales have reportedly returned to pre-lockdown order levels, which is great news for manufacturers. There is seemingly no similar surge in the purchase of horseboxes, however, meaning that now is a very good time to make a considered lorry purchase, especially with potential savings having

HITTINGHAM HORSE BOXES whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

been made on family holidays and other equestrian expenses in 2020.

3.5T – COMPACT AND CONVENIENT It’s sometimes said that the smaller, 3.5T (tonne) lorries are super-practical, but aren’t always the best value for money, in terms of space and square-footage. They tend to be priced around £25,000 when new, although cheaper and also more costly versions are of course available. It really does depend on your needs! Despite sometimes not garnering as much “bang for your bucks”, these vehicles are generally the most popular 

 3.5 ton - 26 ton  New Builds  Conversions  2 Stall Vans  Working Wagons  Transporters  Luxury Horse Boxes  Body Swaps  Refits  Repair Work  Insurance Work  Service & MOT

KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 75

KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT

A QUICK GUIDE TO DRIVING LICENCES FOR EQUESTRIAN VEHICLES A 3.5 TONNE HORSEBOX Anyone over the age of 17 years old with a Cat B (standard car) licence can drive a 3.5-tonne horseboxes without the need to take a further test.

A 3.5 - 7.5 TONNE HORSEBOX (also applies to a towing vehicle and trailer exceeding 3.5 tonnes) To drive a horsebox between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, if you passed your car test after January 1, 1997, you need a Cat C1 licence. (If you acquired your Cat B, or standard car licence, before this date, you are exempt from requiring a Cat C1 licence.) If you also want to be able to tow a trailer up to 0.75 tonnes, the Category (Cat) C1+E would enable you to do this.

A HORSEBOX OVER 7.5 TONNES To drive a horsebox over 7.5 tonnes, you would need the Cat C (LGV/HGV) licence, regardless of the year you gained your standard car licence.

PROMOTION

CHEVAL LIBERTÉ TOURING COUNTRY – WITH BUILT-IN SADDLE ROOM Are you looking for a double horse trailer without the compromises? Transport your horses in style, safety and comfort with the Touring Country. Inclusive of a built-in tack room, combination rear ramp/barn door and unique Pullman Suspension, this trailer is industry-leading in innovation! Unladen weight – 850kg and MGW – 2600kg.

Purchase your perfect horsebox

models for one-horse owners, as they are compact, easy to manoeuvre, and take up less parking space. The payloads can be deceiving, however, commonly around 1,000kg (varying according to manufacturer, of course), which is the approximate weight of two small-ish horses – leaving no extra payload for equipment and people. This means that many 3.5T boxes are actually only suitable for one horse (or two ponies) at a time. For those of us who travel to shows on our own with a single horse, however, these compact beauties are the stuff of dreams!

LARGER VEHICLES FOR HEFTIER HORSES Some equestrian lorry manufacturers are coach-building medium-sized boxes ranging in size from 4.5T-6.5T for the £25,000-£30,000 mark, but these are less commonly seen, and the payloads may still be relatively low. Hence, despite a seeming need for more “middle weight” vehicles in the sector, a 7.5T horsebox is commonly the next step up for more than BUYING SECOND-HAND one horse. This size of lorry is usually the If you aren’t best-placed financially to preferred option for two or more horses, invest in a new lorry, there are many costsometimes offering around three times the effective vehicles available in the secondpayload of the smallest lorries. hand sector, but of course it is advisable Prices* for horseboxes vary enormously to shop around and seek expert advice. in terms of whether the vehicle Perhaps the biggest issue to is converted or coachconsider if you’re purchasing a built, but new 7.5T horsebox post-lockdown is DID YOU KNOW? horseboxes often that many individuals may The end of December is retail at around the not have maintained reportedly the best time of year £45,000-£50,000 their lorries sufficiently to purchase any vehicle, because mark. Meanwhile, during the nodealerships may be closing their for anyone looking competing period. quarterly and yearly goals, and will to transport more Ideally, vehicles be keen to reach targets. Equally, horses, or who should have been the end of each annual ﬁnancial wants a horsebox regularly moved a quarter is similarly recommended, equipped with little to help prevent e.g. the end of March, June heavy “human” tyre degradation, and or September. accessories like lorry batteries should have fridges and microwaves been disconnected to stop (or elements like power them going flat. Alternatively, the ramps and generators!), an HGV vehicle should have been started and (or LGV C – a large goods vehicle) is run at least once a month, to give the oil the vehicle of choice, designated above a chance to circulate around the engine, 7.5T. They are commonly priced around and charge the battery. There have been the £65,000-£100,000 mark, when changes to MOT regulations too, with new. annual tests extended for up to 12 months, If you’re feeling especially flush, larger depending on the vehicle’s age; so bear in lorries can cost up to £400,000 for elite, mind that some vehicles may be being sold 26T models, if walnut cabinets, heated just ahead of their MOT expiration. towel rails and granite worktops are top of Therefore, if you’re considering a your shopping list! See Your dream list of second-hand vehicle, do your research horsebox accessories on the opposite fully – check for damp patches and signs page for inspiration. of rotting, especially on the floor and ramp;

HITTINGHAM HORSE BOXES

New built or pre-owned Horseboxes We have them all

whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

76 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT

A horsebox can be fitted out with all the home comforts you and your equine desire – from TVs to telephones to hot water horse showers!

see whether the vehicle needs new tyres; look out for warning lights on the dashboard, and check all exterior lights, hinges and springs for functionality. You should also ensure there’s no outstanding finance on the vehicle; the website hpicheck.com offers a hire purchase investigation (HPI) check, which will also give you a background history on the vehicle.

INSURANCE While you’ll need a minimum of third party only insurance to drive on the road, there

are other forms of cover that are worth considering, like third party fire and theft, tack cover, fully comprehensive vehicle cover (highly recommended, of course, for such a considered purchase), HGV-specific insurance, as well as your rider (public liability) and equine insurance policies. If you’re competing abroad, you are likely to need European cover for your vehicle, too. Consider whether you want aspects like repair and recovery included in your policy, or whether it will be separate cover. If you intend to use the vehicle for hire or reward

you must tell the insurers, and check your cover.

FINANCE Your lorry manufacturer may offer finance to help pay for your vehicle. A £30,000 loan paid back over five years will cost around £500-£600 per month, as an example, depending on what deposit you’re able to put down.  All RRPs quoted are estimated, and vary greatly according to vehicle specification and manufacturer. 

YOUR DREAM LIST OF HORSEBOX ACCESSORIES FOR YOU

Flat screen TV – for watching your hatcam footage and scrutinising where you can make incremental changes to your performance. Landline phone, for fending off the sixfigure offers for your horse. Luxury double beds (yes, you can buy lorries with two double beds!) for getting your much-needed beauty sleep. Walk-in shower, to set you up for a day’s trophy hunting. Underfloor heating, so your tootsies don’t get chilly. Surround sound system, to listen to your motivational coach or instructor’s pearls of wisdom.

* *

* * *

Maintenance and Service

HITTINGHAM HORSE BOXES

FOR YOUR HORSE

Shock-absorbing padded equestrian *partitions, in case Dobbin’s balance goes astray when your groom accelerates in time to the music on the surround sound system. Pressurised water troughs to ensure the perfect water levels at all times. Extraction fans to keep the temperature just the way Dobbin likes it. Surveillance cameras to spy on him. Hot water horse shower to reinvigorate Dobbin after a hard day’s work collecting rosettes. Temperature recorder to monitor equine health, in case Dobbin feels under the weather after his 40°C luxury shower.

* * * * *

We can modify or repair Horseboxes

whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 77

MANUFACTURING THE FINEST QUALITY HORSEBOXES FOR OVER 43 YEARS

KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT

FIVE TOP TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING HORSES

Always take the horse’s passport *on1.board (a legal requirement). 2. There is a requirement for *a Standard National Operator’s Licence for anyone who uses a vehicle (including a transport vehicle and a horsebox trailer) of more than 3.5 tonnes for the business of carrying livestock. (If the journey is in connection with your own trade or business, a Restricted Operators Licence is needed.) Transport of your own horses, if they’re kept as a hobby where the income does not signiﬁcantly exceed the expenditure, is exempt.

3. If you had planned to use the *right-hand lane of a motorway, be

aware that a horsebox over 3.5 and up to 7.5 tonnes with a speed limiter; a horsebox exceeding 7.5 tonnes (as well as a vehicle and trailer), are NOT permitted to use the offside lane of a motorway.

4. All goods vehicles with a gross *weight in excess of 3.5 tonnes are required to have a functional speed limiter. The set speed of a limiter depends on the age of the vehicle.

out for VOSA inspectors! *Their5. Look vehicles are marked with a black and yellow print on the side, and either a VOSA or DVSA logo on the bonnet, and their vehicle safety checks may be carried out at the roadside. They’re entitled to check authorised load weights, as well as roadworthiness and driving licences. (There’s no proof of this, but anecdotally, some horsebox users believe the inspectors may target “scruffy” lorries – so be sure to keen your horsebox looking spic and span!) 

 A stunning horsebox that would ensure you stand out from the crowd

The selection of horsebox photos used in this article was kindly supplied by Whittingham Horseboxes

PROMOTION

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WITH ATACANTER Atacanter Horsebox Hire & Sales is the sole agent in the UK for Theault Horseboxes. Theault builds the most desirable 3.5-tonne, twostall horseboxes. Our latest model, the Proteo Switch with its global patented system, boasts up to a possible eight configurations in the horse area, to make travel for you and your horses a unique experience. Visit www.atacanter.co.uk

Get in touch

Ray: 07967 734856 Tel: 01704 631180 Email: mail@whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

HITTINGHAM HORSE BOXES whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

Est.

1986

01768864977 enq@quattro.org.uk

Horse comfort & welfare isn't just for stables. With a variety of different options Quattro can supply you with the perfect material for most equine environments!

Flexscreed®, our strong and durable yet easy to apply rubber screed is perfect for those seeking a seamless, anti-slip surface. Supplied as a full kit with instructions for hassle free application in the horsebox or stables. Our range of ramp products and wall matting can help avoid those unwanted injuries! Our high quality EVA matting provides padding on the walls and partitions plus our ramp rolls and mats are the perfect anti-slip, hardwearing surface for your loading areas. Why not get in touch for your free samples and further information? Or head to our social media sites to find out more!

Proud to be one of the UK's leading suppliers & fitters Quattro Products Ltd, Milestone House Industrial Estate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9NQ

KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 79

Ken Gamble

International Horse Transport Ltd We are a Cotswold-based company, established in 1987. Offering local, national and international services with twice weekly trips to Ireland along with regular trips to France and other destinations as required.  Shared and private loads are available.  All travel documentation, ferry bookings, import/export licences can be arranged.  All of our vehicles are DEFRA inspected, approved and fully licensed.  Our four vehicles range from a two horse Theault, to four horse, seven horse and 11 horse capacity.  All are modern and custom built with fan-assisted cooling, temperature monitored and have CCTV fitted.  Overnight stabling is available at home and abroad if required in transit.  All our drivers and grooms are certificated, very experienced and are recruited locally from within the equine industry.  We pride ourselves on our welfare standards and professionalism.

tel: 01451 844716 mobile: 07836 5875 email: ken.gamble@btconnect.com

301

www.kengamble.co.uk

Team Tristar (UK) Limited

MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY HORSEBOXES We are one of the UK’s largest horsebox manufacturers, building quality horseboxes for over 35 years

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd specialises in manufacturing horseboxes particularly suited to carriage driving, from one horse to six plus carriages. We are a family-run business based in West Wales, that prides itself on its customer service, before and after sales. We also carry out refurbishments, accident repairs, servicing and annual testing. Our workforce of 35 skilled and semi-skilled men and women make us a business big enough to cope with your requirements and small enough to care. Phone, fax or visit our workshop - Tel: 01570

422 250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk Esgairgoch, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carms, SA19 8QL www.tristarhorseboxes.co.uk

80 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT

Unique in equine transport design New Builds ■ Conversions ■ 2 Stall Vans ■ Working Wagons ■ Transporters ■ Luxury Horse Boxes ■ Body Swaps ■ Refits ■ Repair Work ■ Insurance Work ■ Service & MOT ■

7.5 ton

■

HITTINGHAM HORSE BOXES whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

Whittingham Truck Tech Ltd Unit C2, Platts Lane industrial Estate, Burscough, Lancs L40 7TP Ray: 07967 734856

Tel: 01704 631180

Email: mail@whittinghamhorseboxes.co.uk

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82 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT

Do you know your payload before you drive to an event?

It is very easy to overload a 3500kg horsebox, and even a 7500kg one, as most people don’t take into account passengers, tack, water, hay, and these add to the payload considerably. For example, an empty 3500kg horsebox normally weighs about 2500kg, leaving 1000kg for the driver and passenger, horse, tack, etc. Many of these horseboxes are stalled for two horses, and that can be a big problem. If you are overloaded and have an accident, your insurance will be invalidated and you could be facing a number of offences, both overloading and licence ones. In recent years, the DVSA has found that more than 80% of LCV’s stopped on the roadside on suspicion of overloading, are in fact overweight.

Why Uprating You have a limited payload capacity and wish to carry an extra horse or equipment. You don’t want to buy a newer, bigger horsebox so you can save money by converting your current vehicle. You want to avoid a large fine by DVSA.

What to do if you are overloaded. The first thing is to weigh your horsebox FULLY LOADED with your horse(s), tack, water, food, and passengers so that you know where you stand. Remember to weigh each axle individually as you may find that whilst you may be under the Gross Vehicle Weight, you have actually overloaded the rear axle. This is very common in lightweight horseboxes. Fortunately SvTech can help, and is keen to promote its uprating service for lightweight horseboxes (3500kg), whereby the horsebox can gain an extra 200-300kg in payload. This provides vital payload capability when carrying an extra horse and/ or tack and offers peace of mind for the owner.

SvTech has carried out extensive work and testing on lightweight models and has covered uprates for most lightweight vehicles. It is worth noting that some uprates require modifications or changes to the vehicle’s braking, tyres and/or suspension, for which SvTech provides a simple purpose-built suspension assister kit. This will take between 1-2 hours for you to fit. Your horsebox will then go for a formal inspection to bring it into the ‘Goods’ category, and, depending on the vehicle’s age, may also require fitment of a speed limiter, for which there are one or two options. Most importantly, vehicles registered after May 2002 must be fitted with manufacturer’s ABS, if going above 3500kg.

We can start the ball rolling by asking customers to fill in an enquiry form and send it back with photos of the Horsebox plate, the weight ticket and Registration Document.

01772 621800

www.svtech.co.uk

Chandler House, Talbot Road, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 2ZF, United Kingdom.

PROMOTION

Travel in style and comfort with the Touring Country from Cheval Liberte. We take a closer look at what this trailer has to offer;

f you are looking for something that is designed with your horse’s comfort in mind, as well as ease of towing for you, then the Cheval Liberté Touring Country with built-in tack room fits the bill perfectly. The Touring Country is a double horse trailer without the compromises. It offers endless features that will benefit both the travelling horse/s, and you the driver.

Key Features Large, built-in tack room. With facilities to store tack, equipment, and luggage, you can save space in your towing vehicle and safely lock away your possessions while travelling. With a vanity mirror and storage on the interior of the tack room door, you can get ready for competition with ease.

Rear combination ramp/ door. With a simple, fast, and functional system you can transform the opening at the rear of the trailer from a ramp to a barn door, and back again. Every horse is different and having the ability to adapt the opening to what they prefer can make loading your horse stress-free.

Pullman 2 suspension. Manufactured using Cheval Liberté’s signature car-like, coil and gas struct Pullman 2 Suspension system, the Touring Country offers industry leading lowered floor height and exceptional handling qualities. This mechanism means that imperfections in your travelling routes are effectively absorbed, significantly reducing trailer movement and noise— and keeping your horse relaxed and ready for optimal

performance. Pullman 2 Suspension uses a single piece chassis, so the trailer’s centre of gravity is closer to the ground, This results in better balance, no incline, no steps and a ground clearance of only 30cm — clever features that make for easy loading.

Ventilation. You should not have to sacrifice a calming environment to ensure that your horse does not arrive flustered and sweating after his journey. The Cheval Liberté Touring Country has a light and airy interior teamed with four sliding windows and an Airtech rear roller. These all encourage effective air flow and ventilation, without allowing excessive external noise into the trailer. Plenty of natural light in the trailer also prevents your horse feeling claustrophobic, yet doesn’t absorb heat into the trailer, like tinted windows do.

PROMOTION

Front unloading ramp. With a large opening flap with sliding window, the ability to walk your horse out of the Touring Country’s wide front ramp not only makes unloading easier, but also encourages nervous loaders. You can enter and exit the trailer in one swift movement, building up his confidence and reducing the fear of being trapped.

Appearance. The sleek, aerodynamic one-piece front and nose appearance of the Cheval Liberte Touring Country significantly contributes to minimising the fuel consumption of the towing vehicle. Available in black, light grey, red, white or anthracite, the trailer can even be matched to your vehicle. It effortlessly

blends comfort, functionality, and style to offer you and your horse the ultimate towing experience.

High-quality materials. Manufactured using high-class materials renowned for their technical qualities, the Touring Country has anodised aluminium box section side walls and ramps, with an aluminium floor and 8mm rubber matting. Cheval Liberté has been making aluminium-sided trailers for over 10 years, and with extensive research and development over many years has developed a patent based on a unique method of assembly. This allows it to design trailers like the Touring Country that are stronger, lighter and have great handling.

Security. Safety elements such as brakes, suspension, wheels, and accessories are approved and are subject to constant checks. Cheval Liberté’s horse trailers have received European homologation and benefit from a two-year and five-year parts and labour guarantee for aluminium boards and walls.

@ChevalLiberteUK

Formerly WHB

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www.boeckmann.com

86 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - KEEPING TRANSPORT TRANSPARENT

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Dealer Name C.S.G POLLITT LIMITED Dealer Name Address, address, address, address, address, address, address, 37 MARSH GREEN ROAD, MARSH BARTON, EXETER, EX2 8PN, 01392 496900, WWW.POLLITTS.CO.UK Address, address, address, address, address, address, Fuel consumption fiaddress, gures in mpg: Combined 31.4-35.8. CO2 emissions in g/km 235-211. Models featured are a Musso Saracen at £27,454 ex. VAT, and a Musso Rhino LWB at £30,453 ex. VAT inc. optional metallic paint at £458 ex VAT. *Including delivery charge,

Vehicle Excise Duty & First Registration Charge, ex VAT. †Figure shown is based on Musso Saracen manual. To qualify for discount, you must be a member of an accredited agriculture, country profession or country pursuits organisation, a member of an accredited Fueland consumption figures inorCombined mpg: 36.7-47.8, Extracare Urban 49.5-54.3, Combined 44.1-51.4. CO2 emissions g/km *Korando ELXex.including VAT, metallic delivery charge, road fund licence building construction organisation a front Urban line31.4-35.8. worker including NHS, workers, and blue light organisations. proof of membership/affi liationRhino – check a dealer for details. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other charge, SsangYong Fuel consumption figures in mpg: CO2 emissions inhome g/km 235-211. Models featured are a MussoRequires Saracen at £27,454 ex.in VAT, and a 170-144. Musso LWBwith at £30,453 VATmore inc. optional paint at £458 ex VAT. *Including delivery & first registration charge. Model shown is Korando Ultimate priced at £27,045 inc. optional metallic paint atmust £550. tonnes towing onlyare with diesel automatic transmission. affiliation scheme including BASC, Ringlink Scotland, Scotland, Mole Valley and Caravan and Motorhome free offer. 7 years or 150,000capacity miles. Prices correct at the time of going to print but mayWarranty be modifi edcovers or changed at any time. Vehicle Excise Duty & First Registration Charge, exNFU VAT. †Figure shown is based onthe Musso Saracen manual. To Club qualify fortowbar discount, youWarranty becovers a**2 member of an accredited agriculture, country profession or country pursuits organisation, a member of an accredited building organisation a front line worker including NHS, careto home workers, and be bluemodifi light organisations. Requires prooftime. of membership/affiliation – check with a dealer for more details. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other SsangYong 7 yearsand or construction 150,000 miles. Pricesorare correct at the time of going print but may ed or changed at any affiliation scheme including BASC, Ringlink Scotland, NFU Scotland, Mole Valley and the Caravan and Motorhome Club free towbar offer. Warranty covers 7 years or 150,000 miles. Prices are correct at the time of going to print but may be modified or changed at any time.

01420 489 499 info@grayhorseboxes.co.uk www.grayhorseboxes.co.uk

NEW BUILDS, COVERSIONS, RENOVATIONS, SALES + REPAIRS, MOT & SERVICING, RE-CHASSIS OF ORIGINAL BODY We stock a selection of new and second hand horseboxes

We not only provide the very best new horseboxes we also undertake a number of services for your horsebox needs.

✓Mechanical repairs ✓Insurance Work ✓Modiﬁcations ✓MOT ✓Re-Chassis ✓Paintwork ✓Tyres ✓Horse Taxis Winter Safety Check £150 + VAT 25 point vehicle check including:

• Lights Check • Oil Levels • Anti freeze • Screenwash • Tyre Inspection • Tyre Pressures • Battery/Generator • Windscreen Wash & Wipers *price exclusive of additional parts & labour if required

Self-drive Horsebox Hire George Smith – 3.5T forward facing box

Call us for a quote & more information 01420 489 499

Call us to discuss your requirements and to obtain a quote – 01420 489 499 Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 89

Are you prepared for this Winter?

One trailer could solve all of your problems! The BBT is an ATV multi tool trailer - which can be used to transport round and square bales and also act as a hydraulic tipping trailer. Designed, developed and manufactured in the UK from tough and durable materials making it one of the strongest and robust ATV trailers on the market. The BBT rides on ﬂotation tyres to reduce ground compaction and disruption during the wetter months of the year - keeping your gateways and local roads

cleaner than ever. The BBT is sold with removable trailer sides and a swinging tailgate which can easily be lifted and slotted into place giving you a versatile hydraulic tipping trailer. Fitted with a electronically controlled double acting hydraulic power pack and a 12V leisure battery operated with a simple ‘up / down’ remote. All this makes moving bales and tipping trailers much easier than before.

The BBT is built as a standard with three bale spike bushes giving users the option of a single spike (recommended for round bale users) or a twin spike (recommended for square bale users).

I would not have been “ able to get feed out this Winter

without it, I was taking the trailer places I struggled to walk. Granville, Warwickshire

”

• Round Bales • Square Bales • Trailer Sides • 500L Water Bowser • Poo Picker Follow our story - Facebook: JBBT Ltd - Instagram: jbbt_ltd Paddock Cleaners supplied by Fresh Group Products - www.fresh-group.com - 084537 31832

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www.jbbt.co.uk or get in touch info@jbbtltd.co.uk - 07947 965215 Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 91

VET’S ADVICE with Dr Joseﬁn Jansson DrMedVet MRCVS

aware? ARE YOU AUTUMN

rom adapting your feeding regime to staying alert for flu and mud fever, our expert looks at how to stay alert and stay ahead of some of the issues that could affect your equine’s wellbeing this autumn.

KEEP THE INFLUENZA VACCINATION UP TO DATE Equine influenza is still a hot topic and it is important that horses receive the full vaccination course and that it is kept up to date with an annual or biannual booster. It might be a good idea to check the horse’s passport for when the next booster is due and book an appointment with the veterinarian so that the vaccination does not lapse. If you are entering a show or event, be sure to check out the vaccination requirements which can vary between societies and competition bodies.

BE SMART ABOUT WORMING The practice of routinely worming the adult horse every couple of weeks/months throughout the year is a method of the past. The modern way of controlling the parasite population of horses is by finding those who

carry the high worm burden by using worm egg counts. We know that about 20% of the horses excrete 80% of the parasite eggs and thus by finding those high shedders we can limit the amount of wormers we use, keep the existing parasite population sensitive to the drugs and also save some money. The last worm egg count of the grazing season is usually sometime in September; in the winter, shedding of parasite eggs stop. For the adult horse, the two main parasites of concern during the autumn and winter are the encysted small redworm (cyathostomins) and the tapeworm (Anoplocephala perfoliata). There are blood tests available to detect the level of those parasites in the horse. There is also a saliva test available to check for the tapeworm. The results of these tests will indicate if the horse needs a wormer against these parasites or not. However, depending on the age of the horse, how the pasture is managed and previous history of parasite-related disease, it might be recommended to worm the horses against these parasites. Consult with your veterinary practice about what is best for your horse.

A FEW WORDS ON CLIPPING Many horses are clipped in the autumn to ease grooming, help with thermoregulation and comfort during exercise and aid in cooling off after training. What type of clip pattern depends on the horse’s level of work and, to some extent, personal preference. It is important to clip the horse using clean, sharp blades, allocate plenty of time to do it and put safety first by wearing a hard hat and proper footwear. If the horse does not tolerate being clipped, sedation may be required. It is common to clip for the first time in late autumn. If the horse must be clipped several times over the season, the last clip should not be later than early February.

“Bringing you professional performance every time” To find out more visit www.lister-global.com Tel: +44 (0) 1453 826 692 Email: info@lister-shearing.co.uk

92 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - EQUINE HEALTH

EQUINE HEALTH

 Wet ground can affect the skin and leave it vulnerable to infection; top left, keep up to date with influenza vaccinations

TACKLE MUD FEVER With wetter weather conditions comes the pain of mud fever. It is also known as greasy heel or, more correctly, pastern dermatitis, and refers to inflammation and infection of the skin of pastern and fetlock area. Classically mud fever was the name of the skin disease of the lower limb caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, which also causes rain scald. However, more recently it has been recognised as a condition with many causes. The most common trigger of mud fever is the skin constantly being wet, as the moisture will macerate the skin thus breaking it up and leaving it vulnerable to infection. It can affect

horses of all ages and breeds but is predominantly seen in draught types with long feathers and in horses with white legs. The first thing must be to remove the horse should from the unhygienic environment to a dry paddock but if that is not possible, box rest is the best option for the duration of the treatment. The key to success is keeping the area clean and dry. If the leg has heavy feathering, it is necessary clip the hairs to fully see the extent of the mud fever and to gain access

for cleaning it properly. The scabs must all be lifted and removed but as this can be very painful for the horse, a veterinarian might have to come to sedate the horse. Alternatively, the scabs can be softened by soaking the leg in a warm water bath with dilute chlorhexidine or use softening creams under an overnight stable bandage. To clean the leg, always wear protective gloves and use very dilute chlorhexidine in clean warm water. When all the scabs are removed and the leg is clean, thoroughly dry the area with a clean towel 

“Bringing you professional performance every time” To find out more visit www.lister-global.com Tel: +44 (0) 1453 826 692 Email: info@lister-shearing.co.uk

EQUINE HEALTH - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 93

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before topical treatment can be applied. There is a jungle of lotions and potions on the market specifically for mud fever but the most used topical products in our veterinary practice have either zinc oxide or silver sulfadiazine in them. If the mud fever is very severe and painful, the veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics, pain-relieving and antiinflammatory drugs.

THINK ABOUT NUTRITION It is natural for horses to carry a little bit more weight after the summer. The summer grass is packed with nutrients and most horses can thrive very well on grazing alone during the warmer season. The fat deposits acquired during that time are meant to serve as an energy source during the colder months when there is less grazing available. This seasonal weight fluctuation is normal and should be taken advantage of to achieve weight loss in overweight horses. Be aware that laminitis is not a disease exclusive to the spring and summer season, it occurs all year around. Horses with a higher risk of laminitis, e.g. the overweight horse, the horse with equine Cushing’s disease, or those with equine metabolic syndrome, should be kept on a strict management plan including a low-sugar diet, grazing restriction and daily exercise. If the horse’s vitamin and mineral

 Clipping can ease grooming – but wear a hard hat and proper footwear; right, reducing harmful particles in the stable is key to avoiding allergies

requirement is not met by the forage or concentrates, the horse should have an additional feed balancer. This applies especially to horses on a weight-loss plan that are fed just soaked hay. Dietary oils such as linseed oil are often added to the feed to maintain a lustrous and shiny hair coat in the colder season, but it must be remembered that they also add extra calories to the diet. New feedstuff and supplements should be introduced carefully, so as to not upset the gut.

AVOID ALLERGIES IN THE STABLE In the autumn, many horses will face increased stabling time and if those suffering from equine asthma (previously called IAD, RAO or COPD) need special attention.

Reducing harmful particles in the air and maximise turnout is key. Haylage is the best forage to manage or prevent equine asthma although, for overweight horses, steamed or soaked hay is a healthier alternative from a nutritional point of view. All feed should be offered from the ground or in a hay net that hangs outside the stable as it minimises dust in the horse’s immediate breathing space. Straw bedding is strongly associated with equine asthma and should not be used – a dust-extracted shaving is preferred. Deep litter systems must be avoided. The stable or barn should be well ventilated and must not share air space with forage storage. Free dust particles in the air can be reduced by mucking out and sweeping when the horses are turned out. 

“Bringing you professional performance every time” To find out more visit www.lister-global.com Tel: +44 (0) 1453 826 692 Email: info@lister-shearing.co.uk

EQUINE HEALTH - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 95

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Botanica is excellent for all skin conditions especially when it comes to tackling mud fever, you need to know that the mode of attack you use works. So, it will be reassuring to know that natural skin care company Botanica has been helping horse owners to get control of mud fever for well over a decade.

To achieve fantastic results we suggest using a combination of Botanica Cleansing Wash and Botanica Herbal Cream, even on the most severe cases of mud fever. We recommend a two-step approach, which involves firstly diluting the Cleansing wash per instructions and massaging well into the affected area, which gently lifts the scabs and allows the wash to penetrate the skin underneath. We advise that you should not rinse the wash off, instead leaving for three to five minutes to allow the soothing antiseptic qualities to work. The next step then is to apply Botanica Natural Herbal Cream, massaging well in. it is recommended that this is repeated twice daily and by the second week you will have hair regrowth. The Botanica range is made from 100% natural ingredients (tea tree oil, oil of lavender, jojoba oil and comfrey) and the company stands over the effectiveness of all of its products. So if you are faced with mud fever this season, choose Botanica to make it a thing of the past.

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Winter Problems? Natural Solutions Winter brings its own set of challenges for horse owners, with the inevitable mud and longer periods of stabling responsible for tricky-to-manage conditions such as mud fever and thrush.

In the stable, one of the biggest challenges to a horse’s feet is horse poo itself. Microbes in the poo produce enzymes called keratinases which weaken the structures of the foot when they become packed with dirty bedding or mud. If feet aren’t picked out regularly, they can become a perfect breeding ground for the bugs that cause thrush – particularly in feet where the central sulcus has become narrow or deep.

Thrushy Feet

Mud Fever

Hedgewitch has found a combination of oregano, lemongrass, eucalyptus and clove bud essential oils is particularly eﬀective as a topical application, helping maintain the health and integrity of the frog, sole and white line. Available as Frog & Sole Saviour, these oils also provide a natural solution to horses with soft or sensitive soles.

This is another complex ailment that plagues some horses over winter. Hedgewitch has developed Easy Lift, which enables mud scabs to be removed eﬀortlessly without resorting to endless washing of legs or picking oﬀ the scabs, which further damages the skin. Easy Lift is an antibacterial essential oil blend which is simply dripped onto mud scabs for 2–3 days. The scab then lifts and can be crumbled or worked to the end of the hair, leaving healthy skin underneath.

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Hedgewitch hoof dressing Healthy Hooves contains no animal derivatives, just plant oils. Carrot seed essential oil promotes horn growth and eucalyptus, bay laurel and oregano essential oils maintain a healthy environment. It doesn’t seal the hoof or damage its all-important natural oily coating but helps plasticise the keratin, especially at times when the hoof may become too dry for optimal function and chip or crack.

For further protection against mud fever, Hedgewitch has also developed Horse Oil, which is a plant-derived alternative to pig oil. It can be used in the same way but without causing the skin sensitivities often associated with pig oil. Horse Oil is made from coconut oil and is available with added lavender essential oil to support the skin during the challenges of winter or with sweet orange and peppermint essential oils for when legs are itchy.

Essential Oils It’s for problems like this that essentials oils can really come into their own. All essential oils have some antibacterial properties because they contain the tiny molecules that make up the defence systems of the plants they’ve been derived from. Diﬀerent plants have diﬀerent proportions of these natural bug beaters. Essential oils are also less harmful to friendly than unfriendly bacteria, this means there is less disruption to the foot biome than when other topical applications, such as iodine, hydrogen peroxide or bleach are applied. Hedgewitch aim to simply deliver the science of nature. There’s no muck and mystery, all the ingredients are clearly labelled so you know exactly what plant magic is inside.

For more information visit: www.hedgewitch.com or for help to develop a strategy contact: hedgewitchessentials@gmail.com facebook.com/hedgewitchessentials/ EQUINE HEALTH - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 99

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100 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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www.goodbyeﬂys.com 101 Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 |

IN MEMORY OF LOLA WILLIAMS

A HEARTBREAKING FAREWELL TO LOLA YARD TALK WITH TEAM YHC

ow, what a year! Not one we wish to remember but, I am sure you will agree, one we all will find hard

to forget. It certainly wasn’t the year we had planned for the horses; in fact, it’s been quite the opposite. Many of the horses had time off during lockdown, with the odd hack or light schooling session just to keep them ticking over! The horse lorry became a temporary office for one of the “human” members of Team YHC, which in reality I think Alex quite enjoyed – warm sun, views stretching over the horses at pasture and intermittent internet, so plenty of reason to be distracted by more enjoyable farm duties! Speaking of which, we used the time this summer to have a really good wash-down of the yard – with all external and internal walls being jetwashed and scrubbed before receiving a lick of fresh paint to brighten the place up, all the doors varnished and stable floors scrubbed up with some Jeyes Fluid, the place feels brand new and all ready for the darker winter months ahead. We had a spate of break-ins not far from the farm over a three or fourweek period, so while we had our DIY hats on we also decided to install a CCTV system,

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102 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YARD TALK

Call us on 01837 871329 or 07756 000632 or Email us at info@goodbyeflys.com

YARD TALK

The sun sets over the Team YHC yard, where we had to say a very sad farewell to our little star Lovely Lola, left and above

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Team YHC loves... which I must say has been absolutely fantastic. The slightest sound at night and we can now at the click of a button check every stable. It’s also been really useful to rewind the camera overlooking the arena and watch back some of our schooling sessions – who knew we could be so critical of ourselves! The weather generally has been on our side, with some scorching sunshine and the odd shower to keep the grass growing, and grow it did! Never have we had such thick, lush grass before. Speaking regularly with the vet, we were astonished at how much grief all this grass was causing people with horses around the area, it was very sad to hear just how much laminitis was about – rich grass coupled with reduced exercise due to the lockdown made for the perfect laminitic storm, one we unfortunately experienced first-hand. Team YHC’s Lovely Lola, a six-year-old thoroughbred cross breed, got hit really hard. Having spent all of her life on grass bar being in the stables at night, we had never been concerned that Lola would be “the type”. Unfortunately we were soon to find out that there was no type for laminitis and that any horse is at risk. Due to a slight reduction in work, a few days’ rest coupled with plenty of good grass, 

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The Dub’l-lif Yard Squeegee Scraper has been tested in agriculture for 60 years. Curved or straight, it quickly dries floors, moves liquids and/or solids combined, on surfaces from concrete to rubber matting and Tarmac. Our Broom Clamps strengthen broom heads and make reattaching handles a doddle. Our Ultimate Boot Jacks are also perfect where footwear gathers – no more wobbling to remove boots. Visit www.dubl-lif.co.uk to order. Made in Britain.

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YARD TALK - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 103

Yard Talk

YARD TALK

Team YHC’s Lovely Louis enjoys an autumnal view – we are making the most of the evening light with as much hacking as we can

Lola’s body went into a diabetic-type shock, bringing with it a fast and aggressive form of laminitis. With several X-rays confirming the damage, Lola was put under veterinary care with a rehabilitation plan in place. After an initial good few weeks of steady progress, pain management and box rest Lola’s rehab began to look promising. But six weeks in, she took a sudden turn for the worse – the pedal bone in one of her fronts had collapsed and was just centimetres from the sole of her hoof. The team at Rowe Equine Vets were incredible and came out late into the night and early the next morning when that heartbreaking decision was made by Team YHC’s Alex to relieve Lola from any unnecessary pain or suffering. With the vets’ support we knew it was the kindest thing to do and Lola was laid to sleep. It’s always tricky when writing articles like these – there’s a “do we, don’t we” on what we include or not, and it is with the kind permission of Alex, Lola’s owner, that we decided for educational reasons to include Lola’s story. Upon speaking with the vet, it was determined that with the reduction of work, Lola’s body wasn’t burning the sugar from the grass. In just three days of no work the damage was done. It’s worth noting that Lola was stabled by night and managed no differently to any of the other horses. If you are unsure about laminitis, the threat of, or 

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PERFECT FOR FIELD OR YARD Elico Equestrian’s Wildboar Bale Nets are designed to fit large bales of hay in a field or yard, helping to slow down consumption and holding the bale together to save wastage. It features a strong tying cord to secure the net onto the bale tightly. Our large net measures 2.2 metres x 1.7 metres, while the extra large net measures 3 metres x 2 metres. Visit www.elico.co.uk for more details.

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YARD TALK - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 105

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106 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - YARD TALK

YARD TALK

indeed the control of it, then please do contact your vet. Time is of the essence. It really is the most painful experience for a horse and should never be just left. Since poor Lola left us and climbed her way over the rainbow bridge to be with other resting members of Team YHC, we have been acutely watching the rest of the herd, who thankfully seem to be OK. We are now gradually increasing their workloads and getting in plenty of hacking before we lose the final bit of the evening daylight, the rugs have been unpacked and we are beginning to plan our early clipping. The bedding deliveries will begin to pick up and we’ll start to think about adjusting the horses’ diets to subsidise the lack of nutrients as we prepare for winter forage. 

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YARD TALK - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 107

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FEED

FEED & BEDDING

GETTING NUTRITION BACK ON TRACK

Lockdown brought many new challenges for managing our equines. Kathy Carter looks at how we should be feeding in the ‘new normal’.

hat a changeable year it has been – the carefully designed management plans we had in place for our horses were undoubtedly altered once lockdown set in, and there were notable differences in the way horses were cared for, depending on whether they were at livery, or kept at our own properties. With many of us relying on our yard managers or even friends and co-liveries to feed our horses on occasion, streamlining the care process became imperative. The

actual riding and exercising of our horses may also have been carried out by yard managers and staff, meaning that with changes in exercise, changes in feed had to follow. Practices like increased hay soaking, reduction in feed size and adaptation of the calorie-dense parts of the feed rations were all implemented, to help maintain horse health. Some owners simply decided to turn horses away for the spring and summer, which of course brought challenges in terms of risk of obesity and laminitis. But what were

SPILLERS™ Ulca Fibre is an ultra-low starch, high oil fibre feed for those prone to gastric ulcers.a www.spillers-feeds.com

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the results of these enforced changes in management?  Lockdown may have meant much less exercise for your horse, which means changes in feeding may have had to be introduced

THE IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN ON HORSES One wonders: have our horses been left with any nutritional deficiencies due to the scorched summer soil, and have some financially squeezed owners had to cut back on expensive feed additives? Have there been excessive numbers of weightrelated equine illness reported? There’s little information available to answer these questions currently, although the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) did report an increase in colic and laminitis cases back in spring. Horse feed manufacturer Spillers ran an online survey in mid-April to find out more about the effects of lockdown on horses’ routines, with almost all those who responded concerned about weight gain and laminitis. In total, 12% of respondents said they were now turning their horses out 24/7, and another 9% had introduced strip grazing or a grazing muzzle, to manage grass intake. A quarter of those who had been previously riding had now stopped. Looking at these results and at opinions within the industry and among horsey peers, it does seem as if owners were quick to put in place appropriate management techniques for their horses. The veterinary and welfare organisations have, at the time of writing,  PROMOTION

DID YOU KNOW…? Equine asthma is an umbrella term that covers the inflammatory diseases of the horse’s equine airway. These respiratory diseases that range from being very mild to extremely severe are caused by infection, allergens or irritants. Allergic respiratory disease is very common in the riding/competing age group of horses and if a horse coughs, even only occasionally, advice should be sought from a vet. Scientific research has shown that Haygain's high-temperature steaming eliminates 99% of dust, mould, bacteria and fungi in hay; effectively removing the health threat from respirable dust. Visit www. haygain.co.uk to find out more.

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FEED

not released any damning evidence of major equine welfare issues relating to the pandemic, which is a relief after initial concerns back in spring!

A SUNNY, DRY SPRING We were probably lucky with the grass this year – March to May was the sunniest spring on record, and May was the driest on record. These sunny conditions did see soil moisture levels fall significantly, which was probably pertinent for the relative lack of laminitis reported in the summer. According to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, by the end of May, UK soils were notably or exceptionally dry. Typically, hot temperatures interspersed with rain provides optimal conditions for grass growth, and high levels of laminitis-inducing WSCs, or water soluble carbohydrates, comprising sugar and fructan. Therefore, a relatively dry summer could have reduced the risk factors for laminitis among susceptible horses. Conversely, February was the wettest on record, which could be why the BEVA reported an increase in laminitis in spring-time. Generally speaking, feeding a good-quality equine feed balancer or broad spectrum feed supplement will help redress any issues of nutrient deficiencies caused by the lower energy and protein content seen in our summer grass.

 Feed your horse something succulent like apples and carrots each day, World Horse Welfare advises

 The exceptionally dry spring kept grass growth in check, which could have reduced the risk factors for laminitis

SPILLERS™ Ulca Fibre is an ultra-low starch, high oil fibre feed for those prone to gastric ulcers.a www.spillers-feeds.com

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THE TEN RULES OF FEEDING

Now we’re back into the swing of exercising, riding and competing, the normal rules of equine nutrition apply. World Horse Welfare (worldhorsewelfare.org) recommends the following: 1. Feed little and often – this imitates the horse’s natural feeding pattern.

2. Feed plenty of bulk and roughage such as grass, hay, haylage, etc. 3. Feed according to size of horse and workload – too much or too little food will result in the animal being over or under weight.

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4. Keep a check on your horse’s condition – by fat scoring regularly, you will be able to tell whether your horse needs to gain, lose or maintain weight. 5. Do not make sudden changes to the diet – bacteria in the large intestine break down the feed, and they have to adapt to change. Sudden changes can cause metabolic disorders. 6. Keep to the same times of feeding each day – horses thrive on a regular routine. 7. Ensure that feed and feeding utensils are clean, or the horse may be deterred from eating. 8. Feed something succulent each day – succulents like apples and carrots help to maintain the horse’s interest, and add moisture.

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9. Do not do fast work immediately after feeding – a full stomach puts pressure on the lungs and affects the horse’s breathing. Fast work results in redistribution of the blood in the body, leading to impaired digestion. 10. Many leisure horses may only need the addition of a vitamin and mineral supplement, rather than a concentrate feed. For advice on the most suitable equine feed, consult your vet or feed helpline. 

PROMOTION

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SPILLERS™ Ulca Fibre is an ultra-low starch, high oil fibre feed for those prone to gastric ulcers. www.spillers-feeds.com FEED - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 |

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114 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - FEED

When choosing a hard feed in readiness for autumn and winter, it can be difficult to know what will suit you and your horse. Most of us feed to keep our horses feeling and looking well, whilst providing just the right energy for work. This is a balancing act to get right as seasons change, particularly if your horse has metabolic health issues like laminitis or Cushing’s. If you need feed to provide condition and health as well as useable, trainable energy, CoolStance Copra Meal fits the bill. CoolStance Copra Meal is a unique feed made entirely from the white part of the coconut. With naturally low starch and sugar levels, less than 11% NSC* and high coconut oil and digestible fibre, it is a great feed for all horses and ponies as well as being suitable for horses needing low starch diets like those suffering from laminitis or Cushing’s. It’s a great way to put on condition without excitability that could be associated with grain-based diets. Soaked to feed and energy dense, a little goes a long way! One of the things we love about CoolStance Copra Meal is how simple and uncomplicated it is, just 100% white part coconut that has been dried, heated and pressed to extract some coconut oil… milled to a meal… soak, stir, feed! That is the secret of its success and why it suits such a wide variety of horses from racehorses to riding ponies, show ponies to eventers, cobs to Arabs, veterans to hunters. Though not a formulated complete feed it is naturally suitable as a sole hard feed for most horses in light or moderate work. CoolStance contains 10% coconut oil providing cool energy, glossy coats plus weight gain and condition. Coconut oil delivers energy uniquely – muscle glycogen created by MCT** fats found in coconut oil are more available than from other oils, improving stamina and quickening recovery rates. Some fatty acids in coconut oil possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties which may assist the immune system in fighting viral and bacterial challenges, leading to improved overall gut health and wellbeing. Coconut oil is amazing stuff but not so easy to feed on its own as it is solid at room temperature! That is why we have developed PowerStance, a unique powdered coconut oil supplement that is easy to feed, even on the coldest morning. Add to your horse’s feed for a coconut boost or add to CoolStance for increased benefit. A simple, no filler, chemical-free, totally natural, 100% coconut feed. Available in the UK for over 20 years, word has been steadily spreading coconuts are the way to go.

For further information on CoolStance or any of our unique supplements please visit www.boomerangnutrition.co.uk *NSC – Non-structural carbohydrates **MCT – Medium chain triglycerides

www.stanceequitec.co.uk Available nationwide and throughout Europe.

What is the ideal Christmas gift, which can be enjoyed equally by both horses and their owners? A nutritionally suitable gift for your horse What do you buy a horse for Christmas who already has everything they need? He doesn’t need a new rug, or any more brushes and all of your tack is new, but apart from a bag of treats on Christmas morning, what else does every horse desire this Season?

Some quality Devon Haylage of course! With four distinct types to choose from, we have a haylage suitable for any type of horse or pony to help keep them in great health this Winter. Horses love the dust free nature and dependable palatability of our haylage; every bale is of the same consistent quality, always high in fibre and dry matter, always tasty from the first strand to the last, meaning there is no waste! Forage remains the single most important aspect of any horse’s diet, the quality of which can dramatically affect their health; with less turnout and grass quality deteriorating, suitable supplementary forage feeding is of high importance.Hay can often contain high levels of sugar, possibly contributing to low grade chronic inflammation with variable levels of dust, mould, and fungal spores. When horses are stabled for longer in the Winter months, exposure to greater levels of contaminants can lead to respiratory disease but keeping their noses buried in clean haylage rather than dusty hay is one way to not compromise the respiratory tract.

Many horses prefer to eat low sugar haylage rather than soaked hay, but there is still a misconception that haylage is too rich for many horses. This may be the case with some poorly made types, but at Devon Haylage we never cut before June, ensuring that even our Ryegrass haylage does not contain too much energy or protein and is baled with a high dry matter so it’s not too wet or rich. Horses can often be quite choosy when it comes to forage but at Devon Haylage we understand that fussy horses have particular nutritional requirements too, so we even have a haylage which is superbly low in sugar but is still soft and highly palatable appealing to the most picky of eaters.

A convenient gift for you If you are sick of dealing with dusty hay, tired of lugging soaked nets around or fed up with inconsistent and low quality haylage this Winter, then treat yourself to cost effective, convenient, and nutritionally tested Devon Haylage! We have a host of wonderful stockists across the South of the country to buy individual bales from or if that is not possible, for the ultimate in peace of mind and convenience this Winter, we can deliver anywhere direct by the pallet! Winter can be a hard time for horse owners, but Devon Haylage can help alleviate some of the seasonal chores and support horses nutritionally through this tough season. Our haylage is loved

for its consistency and reliability and is backed up with annual in-depth mineral and nutritional testing. This gives our customers’ much reassurance that the haylage they select is nutritionally suitable for their horse, they must no longer guess what nutrition their hay was providing. Our mineral ratio report even allows dietary mineral imbalances and health conditions to be appropriately targeted with the correct mineral supplements. We are always happy to discuss any aspect of your horse’s diet and management, helping you to select which haylage type is best for your horse. Our haylage can be delivered on pallets of 35 bales and stored outside, freeing up space in the barn (making room for a new horse)! We can also arrange mixed pallets of any of our four types, perfect for adding variation to your horse’s forage or when feeding horses with differing requirements. We never know what our weather holds in store for us this season, but we do know that the wet weather last winter and the drought in early summer had an impact on grass yield making a forage shortage likely. Grass usually destined for the equine market could have to be kept back for livestock and so hay availability may be stretched. You can safeguard against this by securing your supply from us with a direct delivery whilst ensuring your horse has a consistent supply of nutritionally suitable forage to keep him healthy from the inside out through this Winter season.

For more information or to request a free sample please email claire@devonhaylage.co.uk or phone for a friendly chat on

01404 813100 | www.devonhaylage.co.uk

Timothy, Timothy Mix, Native Grass & Herb Mix and High Fibre Ryegrass. 20kg bales. Mixed pallets possible.

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118 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - FEED

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PROMOTION

Managing your horse’s health this autumn with Haygain

With the summer days behind us and horses starting to show that woolly coat, horse owners are getting clippers sharpened and digging the rugs out. Autumn usually means more hours spent in the stable for a lot of horses and with that can be the onset of respiratory problems.

Respiratory Diseases

Laminitis

For horses with Severe Equine Asthma and allergies, their symptoms may start getting worse as they spend more time stabled, while others may have airway inflammation without showing obvious symptoms. Research found 88% of horses referred to the vet for poor performance or a general health check were suffering from Inflammatory Airway Disease (mild Equine Asthma) and these respiratory diseases are due to prolonged exposure to moulds, dust, forage mites and bacterial endotoxins.

Grass laminitis typically occurs in the spring but is also common in the autumn when there is a last flush of grass producing a highly nutritious feed. Managing horses and ponies prone to or at risk of laminitis will be essential during this time.

Management of your horse during times of prolonged stabling is incredibly important, owners should take care to remove the dust from the horse’s breathing zone. While some horses will show clinical signs of Equine Asthma such as a cough, nasal discharge, or poor performance many do not, and it is for this reason that by eliminating the respiratory irritants will help keep your horse healthy and comfortable. It is essential to maintain a low dust regime wherever possible, to reduce the chances of triggering respiratory disorders. Bedding your horse on dust free bedding such as shavings, paper or ComfortStall the orthopaedic sealed, flooring system will minimise exposure from dust and pathogens in the bedding. The biggest positive change you can make is to use a Haygain Steamer to feed your horse with steamed hay. The scientifically proven method of reducing 99% of respirable dust, mould, bacteria and fungi in hay is by using a Haygain hay steamer. The Haygain sealed unit uses high temperatures to drastically reduce the unwanted pathogens resulting in clean, hygienic, sweet-smelling forage. The steamed forage can be kept and fed for up to 24 hours after steaming and is ideal for giving to horses that may be turned out on bare pasture helping prevent another autumn problem – laminitis.

Laminitic horses and ponies suffer from pain and lameness usually in all 4 limbs, but it often appears worse in the forelimbs. In acute laminitis the pain can be so crippling that the horse will stop moving but in milder chronic cases a shuffling, short gait which is worse on hard surfaces, and usually with an obvious head nod on turning are typical signs. When a horse or pony is suffering from laminitis it is important to make them as comfortable as possible and give them a soft bed to stand and lie down on. Comfortstall’s orthopaedic flooring system is padded offering relief to horses suffering from sore feet and symptoms of laminitis. The comfortable and supportive cushioning encourages them to lie down more and take the weight off their feet. It is non-abrasive which also helps to avoid “bed sores” or “hock sores” from lying down for long periods or continual getting up and down off the floor. The therapeutic properties of ComfortStall’s level surface that springs back with every step, means the joints, tendons and ligaments are also supported for better joint health, movement, flexibility and hoof quality. The rebound from every step on ComfortStall’s cushioned flooring massages the horse’s frogs which can help stimulate blood circulation. The fully sealed, durable and impermeable top cover ensures that there are no gaps or joins that can hide a build-up of harmful ammonia gases and bacteria that can cause respiratory problems. ComfortStall not only contributes to horses’ health and wellbeing it reduces the need for deep bedding, saving you time and money.

Why not talk to one of our team about the benefits of Haygain and ComfortStall 01488 854005 or visit www.haygain.co.uk FEED - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 119

Photo: Honeychop ambassador Laura Szuca and Mikey’s Rock by Alison Parker Photography

Feeding Fibre for Condition Horses, like us, come in all different shapes and sizes and some are more prone to weight gain, and others are less able to maintain their ideal body weight. The horse’s weight should naturally fluctuate within reason between the seasons, although some horses will find it harder to build or maintain condition over the colder months, or a season of hard work for example. It is very easy to stereotype them, to suggest one breed or type is a better doer than another, however it is important to treat your own horse as an individual and understand the best diet and management to suit them. There are lots of factors to consider when managing your horse’s weight and condition, including working correctly and consistently, but arguably the most important factor being his diet. It goes without saying that forage should be a key component of your horse’s daily diet, however understanding the hard feed component of your horse’s diet is often a source of confusion. The feed market is vast and there is so much choice when it comes to choosing the right product, from cereal mixes to high oil supplements, it isn’t easy to know what’s best, or at least which is worth a try for your horse.

Why Feed Fibre for Condition? If you need to add more weight or condition to your horse, he simply needs to be consuming more calories than the amount he is expending.As a general rule when it comes to feeding, a horse needs at least 1.5-2% of his body weight per day in long stem forage to maintain a healthy digestive system. A horse that needs to gain weight could be fed approximately

quantities, starch can cause discomfort by overwhelming the digestive system and causing acidity in the hindgut. This discomfort can contribute to poor performance or unwanted behaviors such as bucking or napping.

How does oil improve condition? Honeychop Topline & Shine

2.5% body weight per day, so for example, a 500kg horse will need 12.5kg of forage per day to encourage weight gain. Fibre is often seen just as a filler, but it is a vital element in the horse’s diet and should make up the majority of what he consumes in a day. The horse has evolved to graze for up to 18 hours a day and so his digestive tract is geared up to predominantly digest fibre through fermentation. The hind gut processes fibre slowly by fermentation and does not cause the spikes in blood glucose as starch can do.

Cut the starch Traditionally, owners looking to add weight and condition to their horses would choose to feed a high starch feed containing a mix of cereals. However, in recent years, nutrition knowledge is improving and gradually horse owners are understanding that feeding fibre and oil for condition is a better, healthier solution. Starch is a carbohydrate found in cereal grains that provides highly digestible energy in small quantities. During digestion, it is broken down primarily in the small intestine to produce glucose, a simple sugar. However, if fed in large

120 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - FEED

Oil can be fed to horses as a safe source or slow release energy to provide calories without the excitability. It contains 2.5 times more energy than the same weight of cereals and the horse can digest moderately high amounts in the diet. Adding oil to the diet will promote weight gain due to the high calorific value, but oil is also great for the skin and helpful for adding a glossy bloom to the coat.

Why should I feed Topline & Shine? Honeychop Topline & Shine has been specifically formulated to support your horse’s condition without excitability. As part of the ‘Free From’ range, Topline & Shine is free from molasses, barley, nutritionally improved straw and artificial additives. The palatable fibres; Timothy grass, Alfalfa and Oat straw have been blended with a high oil – low starch pellet, combining Rice bran, Linseed and Rapeseed oil, all of which are non-heating to provide a safe source of slow release energy and essential omega 3 fatty acids. The added herbs, Thyme, Oregano, Mint and Basil each have natural, antioxidant properties as well as a pleasant aroma, to tempt even the fussiest feeders.

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 121

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We offer a completely unique scientific approach to equine nutrition to achieve optimum horse health. We are suppliers of a wide range of high specification supplemental Equine Balancers, Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids through our on-line Supplements Shop. If you have purchased through Amazon or Ebay why not place your next order via our on-line shop at

We also offer a full range of scientific Forage Analysis Services, and a Bespoke Feed Plan Service based on Forage Analysis results, NRC guidelines, Mineral Balancing and the latest research data. We also offer a comprehensive Soil Analysis Service and can supply a Bespoke Trace Mineral Paddock Dressing from the results.

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Find us on Amazon and Ebay 122 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - FEED

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From our farm to you Yeoman Haylage is a family run business with roots in farming and horses.

We take pride in producing top quality ryegrass haylage for the equine industry, grown on the rolling Devon hills.

I have fed my horses on Yeoman Haylage for the past six years and they have always looked fantastic on it. It is very palatable and they love it. Their performances speak for themselves. The small bales are extremely user friendly and are a great size for stay away events. Kitty King British Olympic eventing rider

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Feed With Confidence!

he choice of forage you buy for your horse should be the most important feed decision you make, as 70- 100% of the equine diet should be provided by forage. Choosing HorseHage will allow you to feed with confidence. HorseHage offers all you and your horse could wish for in a forage and the company has over 40 years of expertise in producing the highly compressed, dust-free product that has become widely recognised as a premium quality product.

So if you’re looking for a forage that is dust-free, low in sugar, easy to use, totally natural and comes with a guarantee, HorseHage is ideal. It is available in four different varieties offering a choice of energy levels for every type of horse or pony including those prone to laminitis For more information please call the HorseHage Helpline on

01803 527274 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Unlike most haylages, HorseHage is not re-wrapped. It is compressed down to half its size and packed into heat-sealed, double-skinned bags. It goes through a fermentation process that causes the sugars in the grass to break down, reducing the acidity level and giving it a sweet smell whilst preserving the grass. This gives it a sugar content of around 4% which is much lower than most other forages. The highly compressed bales take up less room and are great for travelling and HorseHage splits very easily into wedges for netting up. It can be stored outside on a pallet too. We don’t add anything to HorseHage. No chemicals, mould inhibitors or inoculants. It’s a totally natural product and has BETA NOPS and FEMAS certifications.

Feed With Confidence

• Lower sugar content than a typical hay sample

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• Can provide up to 100% of your horse or pony’s diet

• No chemicals or additives

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MARK WESTAWAY AND SON MANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE

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Helpline number: 01803 527274 www.horsehage.co.uk

“He’s looking and feeling his best!” In the past, Joey has struggled to maintain condition. Within two weeks of being on Soothe & Gain, he looked and felt amazing! He maintained condition throughout the eventing season and has an incredible shine. He’s looking and feeling his best! - Georgie Kidner on Obama JD

Ideal for those in harder work, those that need to put on or maintain weight and suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers.

Contact our award-winning helpline for more information and nutritional advice 01362 822 902 | helpline@allenandpage.co.uk

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Autumn Feeding A

fter the restrictions of this spring and summer put pay to all normal activities, many riders are looking forward to autumn and being able to get out and about with their horses again. Joanna Palmer, nutritionist for Allen & Page Horse Feeds offers advice on meeting your horses’ nutritional needs through the changing seasons and differing workloads.

excess condition from having had more time out grazing, but he still needs a balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals and quality protein to help him build muscle. Fast Fibre is a perfect low energy feed for horses at rest or in light work. When fed at the recommended amounts for a horse’s size and work load it will provide a balance of essential nutrients, without excess calories.

Whether you’re planning to make up for lost time and get out competing or simply enjoy long hacks in the countryside this autumn, it is important to build your horse’s fitness through an appropriate exercise programme to ensure he is capable of the work you will be asking him to do. Your horse may not require any increase in energy from his feed

Early autumn often brings with it a flush of grass growth, so do not assume that you need to alter or increase your horse’s feed simply because the seasons change. Always be governed by how he looks and feels. Use a weightape and body condition scoring to regularly assess his weight and condition. Is he just right, or does he need to lose or gain? Does he have enough energy for the work you are asking him to do? Always remember that calories and energy are the same thing! It is not possible to feed a horse a higher energy feed to make him more forward going without potentially leading to weight gain if he does not use up those extra calories through exercise. If a step up in calories is needed, the Barley & Molasses Free Range is ideal as it can be used like stepping stones; so if Fast Fibre does not provide your horse with enough energy/calories, simply step up the range to Cool & Collected.

at this time, and he may also be carrying

For horses who will be working hard during the autumn and winter months or tend to lose weight easily, stepping up to a high calorie, conditioning feed would be beneficial. A feed such as Soothe & Gain that provides plenty of slow-release energy

is ideal. Unlike traditional high energy feeds that provide instant energy from high starch ingredients such as cereal grains, Soothe & Gain contains ingredients that are high in fibre and oil to provide slow-release, stamina type energy, which helps to avoid excitable behaviour. Feeding a soaked feed such as Fast Fibre, Cool & Collected or Soothe & Gain, mimics the horse’s natural high moisture diet. This helps to keep them hydrated and can be particularly useful for horses who may not physically drink as much as they need to. As the nights draw in, routines often change and horses that have been living out all summer start to come in at night. As grazing declines, your horse’s fibre requirements need to be met through the provision of conserved forage (hay or haylage) to help maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent unwanted weight loss. For further advice on feeding your horse this autumn, contact our friendly, award-winning nutrition team on 01362 822 902, email us at helpline@allenandpage.co.uk, visit our website www.allenandpage.com

BEDDING

FEED & BEDDING

AND SO TO BED... Kathy Carter explores how we can cut back on the cost of bedding, without losing any of the quality.

here’s nothing quite like the smell and appearance of a freshly mucked-out stable; and with so many excellent bedding materials available now, we’re definitely spoiled for choice. One wonders how many horse owners have discovered, following increased turnout due to lockdown, the benefits of year-round turnout. For many of us, this management regime proves beneficial for both horse and owner and, of course, does entail using less bedding! There are currently no reported bedding shortages (unless we have a very wet autumn, as we did a few years ago, when straw shortages were widespread), so horses that are stabled in autumn and winter should not face any issues in terms of supply.

SAVING THE PENNIES Perhaps the biggest challenge facing horse owners with stabled horses this autumn and winter is one of finances. The repercussions of Covid-19 have meant that many of us may have a reduced income – and while we can’t scrimp on equine nutrition, there are ways to save money where bedding is concerned. Of course, it is imperative to keep the stable clean; a dirty stable attracts insects and could encourage hoof problems like thrush, while if your horse’s bedding is saturated in urine, the animal can breathe in the ammonia it contains, which can be harmful to the lungs. A good stable bed

can encourage your horse to rest or lie down, give protection from hard surfaces and slipping, encourage him to urinate, and of course provide warmth, insulation and comfort. So it isn’t advisable to cut back on the volume of bedding used. Saving money is more about being careful when mucking out, and choosing the bedding type wisely, to suit the horse and stable environment. Of the baled bedding types, generally speaking, wood-based products such as pellets, wood fibre and wood chip are usually the cheapest, followed by shavings, baled straw products, and then paper, cardboard and hemp-type products. (Straw is usually cheapest of all, and can be very readily available, although there are considerations regarding dust.) Perhaps the best way to save money where bedding is concerned, aside from choosing the cheapest for your circumstances, is to order in bulk (either for yourself or sharing with fellow liveries) to gain the most value for money. Be careful when mucking out to reduce wastage and muck or skip out regularly, to keep the bed as clean as possible. If you’re deep littering, you will be removing the droppings from the top, and allowing the wet layers to compact at the bottom of the bed. This works well as a finance-saver, especially 

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BEDDING

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p Careful, regular mucking out can cut down on waste

with a rubber-matting base, providing the bed is meticulously skipped out. Hemp and wood-based products are often good choices for deep littering.

TOP TIPS Generally speaking, our top tip for getting the most out of your chosen bedding is to value it (ie. don’t be wasteful), and make sure it works well for your horse, your stable, your drainage set-up, and your budget. Here are some further suggestions: 1. Get into a regular mucking-out routine. Turn the horse out or tie him up elsewhere so you have plenty of room. If you’re mucking out daily, put the wet bedding into a pile (or straight into your wheelbarrow), throwing all the clean bedding up the walls so the droppings fall to the ground, and the reusable bedding is preserved. Ideally leave the floor to dry if you’re coming back later, or if you need to put the bed back down pop down some stable deodoriser powder. It’s usually best to put the “old” bedding on the floor and add new bedding to the banks, as the older bedding is

For dust-free baled bedding, there are many types of wrapped, baled products that are often similar in their effectiveness and cost. Dust extracted baled wood shavings are, for example, very absorbent, while baled, dried hemp is also comfortable and cost-effective. Baled, chopped card is useful for owners who like to muck out daily, and offers very low dust levels, while dried, shredded wood fibre bedding offers low dust levels, and has good drainage. Dried wood pulp or wood-chip bedding is also very absorbent, and both have very low dust levels. Meanwhile, baled, chopped straw (usually wheat or rape) is popular, while pelleted straw bedding also has many benefits. Shredded paper can work well and is relatively dust-free; but it can become heavy. Straw is usually a cost-effective choice if no respiratory issues are present.

usually firmer and less likely to move. If you’re deep littering, remove the droppings from the top, and adjust the main layer as required. 2. Make sure your mucking out tools are optimal – no broken fork prongs or cracked shovels! Washing up gloves (or gardening gloves) are your best friend as you can get right “in there”, and can take out individual droppings. 3. Arrange the stable according to your horse’s preferences, not the fashion for the rest of the yard, or others’ preferences. Change the direction of your horse’s bed if you need to! Work out where the horse eats (maybe he likes to be able to eat while looking at the other horses?), as this will

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affect the location of most of the droppings. This can definitely help reduce wastage of bedding (and hay). 4. Save time in other areas, so you can really be meticulous with your mucking out – fill up haynets in advance (or use a hay bag or bale carrier to save mess), and share duties with friends to cut down chore time. 5. Don’t be afraid to “mix and match” your bedding. It’s advisable to use rubber matting as a base, with an absorbent bedding material on top. You can always use one bedding underneath another – for example, wood pellets under straw makes for a cheaper bed than wood pellets alone (if the horse doesn’t have respiratory issues and the ventilation is good.) n 15+ Year Life Expectancy 10 Year no Quibble Guarantee

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BUILD IT

MANAGING YOUR MANÈGE Increased use of our at-home training facilities this year means they could be due some extra TLC, writes Kathy Carter.

or competitive horse owners, this year has seen a significantly reduced competition season. However, if we can find small mercies within the recent challenges, the changes in our riding regimes have allowed us to spend more time at home training and addressing the basics, and have also provided financial savings from the costs of competing, for many of us. There are two potential consequences of this situation for those of us with our own facilities – one, our manège has likely seen increased usage this year, and is looking a little tired; and two, we may now have the extra funds and time to improve it.

professionally relevelling! This option is a good deal more cost-effective, and sees a contractor removing the existing surface

IMPROVING YOUR ARENA Now is the perfect time to engage a supplier to enhance or update your arena and riding surface. If you have an older, sand-based surface, a contractor can re-grade and level the original surface, before adding a new top layer, perhaps with the addition of more modern fibres. Or, you may just need a waxed surface re-waxing, or just an additive or new fibre-based material adding to an existing blend. Also, bear in mind before you invest in a new surface, or even a top-up, that a “tired” arena surface may simply need

and relaying it.

IS IT FIT FOR PURPOSE? Your top layer needs to provide the horse with a stable and even surface to work on, allowing the hoof to slide forward (at a level relevant to the discipline) on impact, while providing both vertical and horizontal support. Think about the surfaces that

Equestrian Surfaces P e r f o r m a n c e

S o l u t i o n s

136 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - BUILD IT

you like at local venues, and whether they suit your discipline – rubber blends can be springy, while sand blends can slow a dressage movement down, for example. Increased arena use, as many people have experienced this year (as well as a lack of maintenance), can degrade the manège surface, so now could also be a good time to instigate an upgrade, as well as repairing or reinstalling kickboards and arena fencing, which can help preserve the new surface. Generally speaking, arenas are investment purchases, so you should always pay for the best manège and surface you can afford.

SURFACES Your surface should be influenced by the

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BUILD IT – ARENAS

THREE REGULAR ARENA MAINTENANCE TASKS

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The Animal Health Trust and World Horse Welfare, in partnership with the FEI and World Class Performance UK Sport Lottery, collaborated on a leaflet (available at worldhorsewelfare.org) which includes the following advice:  Choose a solid arena base that drains well, such as hard limestone.  Make the base level, or with a slight incline (1/100), to assist with drainage.  Put an even thickness of surface across the arena.  Research the experience of previous customers, and find out how their arenas behave in all weathers, before committing to a supplier.  Train on the same surface you compete on.

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 Remove droppings and leaves.  Check the depth with a measuring stick, to monitor depth and uneven areas.  Level, harrow and/or roll your arena frequently, if the surface requires it. (Always seek the advice of your surface supplier regarding what maintenance the surface requires – for example, many waxed surfaces should not be deep-harrowed.) You will likely need a leveller or grader – they’re commonly available as towable levellers, as well as models with tractor linkage. This can be done weekly if used by a small number of horses – for use by more than 20 horses, daily attention may be necessary.

arena’s purpose; if you’re jumping regularly, for example, the surface will probably need to be less dense to allow greater hoof penetration, while if it is mainly being used for flatwork, you will likely need a more springy surface. Specialist disciplines would likely require a specialist surface – for example, reining surfaces often have silica sand blended with polyvinyl alcohol resin, e.g. PVA polymer. There is a multitude of surfaces available nowadays, which generally fall into the unwaxed and waxed categories. They’re generally available to renew an old surface (or complete a new-build arena), or as an additive or top-up.

NON-WAXED Non-waxed surfaces are commonly made from unwaxed silica sand blended with additives like elastic fibres, polypropylene, polyester fibres, rubber shred or foam. These additives increase shear strength and stability, and decrease maintenance requirements of the surface (Hobbs et al). Blended surfaces, such as those with the addition of synthetic textile and polymer materials, tend to provide good cushioning qualities. One example is sand and material fibres – it’s similar to turf footing, and usually provides a nice, light ride. Of all the unwaxed blends, fibre and sand probably requires the most harrowing, especially around the track and corners. (A very fine compound called

hair fibre can also be used as an additive to help surfaces that are often too loose, to tighten the surface structure). Sand and fibre is often chosen by showjumping riders (Murray et al). Silica sand is generally combined with rubber or fibre, these days; these blends usually need good irrigation, which helps to keep the footing secure and compacted. Deep ground can make horses over-exert themselves and, as a result, can cause strain, especially on the soft tissues. Rubber and silica sand also provides a springy, cushioned surface, although rubber is arguably less popular as a surface element nowadays, due to its low environmental credentials. However, it is reportedly very useful to reduce compaction (Thomason and Peterson); ensure you’re using smaller chunks of rubber, to avoid tripping. Nonwaxed surfaces are preferred by some flatwork riders, as they have good “energy return”, and allow a good degree of slide. Non-waxed surfaces, unsurprisingly given their lower price point when compared to waxed surfaces, do require regular maintenance – in addition to managed irrigation, they require regular levelling or harrowing depending on usage.

WAXED SURFACES Synthetic waxed surfaces are often used for high-usage arenas – wax-coated surfaces help to reduce surface movement, although 

Equestrian Surfaces P e r f o r m a n c e

S o l u t i o n s

BUILD IT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 137

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BUILD IT – ARENAS

they can be a more considered purchase, due to their higher cost. Choose a reputable and experienced organisation to lay the surface, as a toosticky surface doesn’t allow the horses to “travel” when they land from jumping, potentially giving excessive shock absorption up the limbs. A well-maintained, wax-coated surface can reduce the risks of slipping that can contribute to lameness, and many horse owners swear by this type of surface. Interestingly, waxed sand with fibre is a popular blend for dressage training surfaces in the UK (Murray et al). Waxed surfaces are designed to support the horse’s movement, and don’t give way as the horse turns, so they’re often preferred for jumping horses. They’re also usually dust-free, provide minimal “kick-back”, and generally require no additional irrigation (they’re much less affected by moisture than their non-waxed counterparts). Generally, you should not use a chain harrow on waxed

surfaces, although less deep, “superficial” harrowing may increase the cushioning properties (Tranquille et al).

WOOD-BASED PRODUCTS

A further category of surface, wood-based products (commonly soft-wood fibre), can of course be used, although wood is arguably best-suited to low-level usage arenas, and leisure riding. Woodchip can be slippery.

READ THE STUDY ‘How do the surface characteristics of three different sand-based arena surfaces change with different maintenance techniques in the UK?’ – available at animalwelfarefoundation. org.uk. One interesting finding was that while rolling a sand-with-fibre surface significantly increases grip, it doesn’t necessarily affect cushioning.

BUILDING A NEW ARENA

If you’re lucky enough to be considering a new manège ready for spring, here are some key considerations: Physical requirements: you will need access to a flat area (or one that can be landscaped to be flat), and enough space – most arenas are 40mx20m. You will also need good drainage, and may have to consider budgeting for new drainage channels if the area isn’t optimal. A reputable contractor can perform an initial site survey to check aspects like ground camber, drainage requirements and any run-off issues, as well as access limitations, surface suitability and perimeter landscaping. Your arena will have a flattened base layer of coarse aggregate material (possibly with drainage channels), forming a strong base – limestone is usually recommended, with crushed concrete best avoided. Your arena will likely have a porous membrane on top of the base layer (although some choose blinded stone systems, instead of membranes), followed by your chosen surface. The arena is likely to be fenced, so you will need to budget for posts, kickboards and rails, plus a gate. You may also choose external light sources.

SUITABLE SURFACES Consider what the main purpose of your new arena is, as this will affect the size and surface – for example, show jumping arenas are generally less dense to allow greater hoof penetration and an amount of “shearing” on landing, while those used for flatwork and dressage tend to have a more dense and springy surface. Or maybe you need a “general purpose” arena. See the earlier section on surfaces.

WHAT ABOUT THE COST? PROMOTION

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You’re unlikely to spend less than £25,000 unless you are able to carry out the construction yourself, and larger projects can easily double this figure. An average cost for a 20mx40m arena is probably around £30 per square metre, including surface and ground work. You can purchase DIY arena kits, with fence posts, rails, retaining boards, gate posts and hinges, woven membrane for base layer, membranes and drainage pipes for under £25,000 – however, some will be designed for limited, leisure use. 

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BUILD IT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 139

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PROMOTION

The First Year with a Siromer W

e have missed exhibiting at the summer agricultural shows this year. It is such a great way to meet our customers. There are Smallholders with 20-year-old tractors pop by to update us. The same faces will come and purchase their annual gift to themselves. We love guessing what piece of equipment our regular visitors will be adding to their work force. Summer shows can feel a long way off right now with the dark nights and cold mornings, but we are looking forward to next year, when we can see old friends and make new connections. Knowing the agricultural industry, the shows will be back better that ever! We met Charlotte Haigh-Jacobs at The Great Yorkshire Show 2019. The 25hp was appealing as it gave her everything she needed in a more compact and convenient size. As with all of the Siromer Tractors, the Siromer 254CH is 4WD, with double acting spool valves and 8 forward,

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and efficiently with a compact tractor and Charlotte agrees.

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A package deal was put together for Charlotte, and after a brief discussion and a swift half at ‘The Black Sheep Brewery’ Charlotte was planning levelling the arena with her very own tractor. The order was delivered on our way home to Lancashire. After care is something that we take very seriously at Siromer. Our customers are supported long after their warranty expires, we are always on hand for technical and practical advice. It was a pleasure to check in with Charlotte and hear how the first year with her 254CH tractor had gone. Charlotte designs beautiful bespoke tweed and tartan goods at ‘Hello Tweedy’. Having a more user-friendly tractor has given Charlotte more time to devote to her equestrian work. Before the Siromer, Charlotte was using her husband’s larger tractor, much to his concern! He felt confident that Charlotte could work safely

Charlotte Haigh-Jacobs

We hear this time and time again; once a customer has taken the plunge and purchased a Siromer, they cannot imagine life without it. Charlotte has also levelled the winter field, harrowed the muck in the horse field and worked on the fibre surface arena. The tractor, affectionately known as ‘Sassy’ has been put to heavy work in its first year and proved to be invaluable. Happy 1st Birthday Sassy. You can find more information on our full range at www.siromer.online or call

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ADVERTORIAL Horserail

Still sitting on the fence? Are you concerned for your horses’ safety and considering a fencing alternative? Horserail could provide you with the ideal solution

ost people are getting ready to put their horses out at this time of year, so it makes perfect sense to carry out paddock maintenance now,” says Ruth Todd, Sales Manager of Horserail. Horserail is the best solution to the problems generally associated with traditional timber post and rail, wire, tape and braided rope. It provides an injuryfree, maintenance free, stylish and affordable fencing system with a 30-year warranty. The average price of Horserail is just £3.50 per metre per rail, which includes the rail and fittings. With safety so important, it’s reassuring to read that Horserail is the preferred choice of owners and breeders. “We’ve been manufacturing Horserail for over 25 years and have never had a single injury. We have a lot of calls asking if it’s safe for foals or stallions,” Ruth reveals, “which, of course, it is. “Recently a customer thanked us for saving her yearling. He had been let into a paddock after some box rest and bolted straight into the far rail. He simply bounced off it, uninjured. It’s possible had he run into a traditional post and rail it would probably have killed him. “Many of our customers have let us know the

June 2020

Horserail system has been the difference between losing a valuable animal and not. We too often hear of horses suffering serious injury or fatalities from wire, tape or timber fencing, but with Horserail you are guaranteed optimum safety.” Horserail is available in black, brown or white. It is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, such as

bhs.org.uk

144 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - BUILD IT

GUARANTEED OPTIMUM SAFETY WITH HORSERAIL

Horserail ADVERTORIAL

Truly versitile: Horserail can be used for paddocks, lungeing rings, gallops, arenas or horsewalkers

Strong and flexible, Horserail fencing has no sharp corners or rough edges

paddocks, lungeing rings, gallops, arenas and horse walkers, with a recommended post spacing of up to four metres. The unique construction of Horserail gives strength and flexibility. The rail itself contains three strands of high tensile wire that has been tested to a breaking strain of 1.8 tonne, with no sharp corners or rough edges on the rail or attachments. If a horse runs into the fence, he will simply bounce back off it. Similarly, if a horse puts his leg through the rail, Horserail will not break, wrap or burn his body in any way. The rail is made from medium density polyethylene, which is the highest quality plastic available and is UV stable, which means it will not discolour or become brittle when exposed to even the most extreme weather conditions. It also contains a mould inhibitor, preventing unsightly green growth and all attachments are galvanized to prevent rusting. Horserail also has the option to be electrified, giving you additional security. Having this extra component built in means not only do you save on the cost of installing an additional fencing system, but it also gives added peace of mind. Because of the way Horserail has been developed, the electric current will never break down, even after years of use or testing weather conditions.

Horserail now boast to be the only fencing company that now manufacturers a rail of fencing that can be electrified both top and bottom of the rail, better known as Hottop Plus. Ruth cautions, “We’ve been having a lot of issues with replica rails imported from China and offered as Horserail. This imitation fence will fail, fall apart, cannot be electrified and the brackets will rust within a short period of time. Please take note that all our brackets have the Horserail name engraved into them along with Horserail stickers on the rails, too. “We are the sole distributor of Horserail,” Ruth adds. “We sell direct to keep the cost as low as possible and to provide a more personal customer service.”

www.horserail.co.uk BUILD IT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 145

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148 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - BUILD IT

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152 | AUTUMN 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine - BUILD IT

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BUILD IT - Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2020 | 153

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No painting, cracking, fading, warping or splintering the choice is easy! With a 30 Year Warranty, Horserail has unmatched durability. Unlike traditional wooden post and rail Horserail won’t fade, warp or become brittle in extreme weather conditions. No painting, cracking or splintering to repair. We all know that owning a horse is an investment in money, patience and dedication. That is why Horserail pay special attention to all that goes into our products to provide a long lasting, attractive fence that requires little to no maintenance. When selecting a horse fence, compare the cost of any rigid fence, with its added maintenance, repairs and possible vet bills from injuries, to the cost of horserail fence…

and the choice is easy! Contact us now

For the highest standards of form, function, durability and most importantly safety

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SAFE • STRONG • ELECTRIFIABLE

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