Your Horse & Country Magazine

Here at YHC Magazine Autumn is our favourite season to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, whether riding or walking, the Great British countryside is at its most beautiful at this time of year. Crunching through the fallen leaves, nature feels at it’s best during the Autumn months. We look at some of the most spectacular walks Britain has to offer on (Page 6). A nice cup of tea with your feet up under a blanket on the sofa sounds perfect to many of us on return from a woodland stroll but don’t forget our canine friends love to keep cosy too - see page 38 for some top tips.

To ensure you feel your best in the forest, check out our feature on eco-friendly, sustainable fashion and purchase some staple items for your wardrobe (Page 110). If you don’t have the time to hack, or perhaps are currently learning a specific discipline, you may be considering updating or building an arena, we cover all aspects to be considered on Page 115.

We are all feeling the financial pinch during recent months, Zoe Hewett looks at ways we can use interior design to save money on our energy bills this winter (Page 46). And of course, as we find ourselves snuggled up with the curtains drawn earlier, thoughts are turning to Christmas shopping, and attempting to find the perfect presents. Kathy Carter shares her top five gift ideas for your loved ones (Page 18) as well as looking at how we can help our favourite animal charities by volunteering this season - on page 28.

We hope this edition finds all our readers well and raring to get out and about as we head into what we think will be an awesome autumn!

As we all feel the financial pinch could interior design changes save on energy bills?

Tara Evans shares advice on protecting our equine friends this season

Flash came to us around 2 years ago, at the tender age of 7, as a retired racehorse. Initially he fooled us by his quiet nature. To be handled, schooled, and hacked he really was a dream. After Flash settled in, the typical ex racehorse thoroughbred character began to show. Although he has the kindest nature and absolutely loves to be fussed with, he can be rather ‘quirky’ shall we say.

I forgot to mention Flash is 16’2 and I am 5ft2, the height difference whilst trying to tack up can sometimes be a struggle, when he refuses to stand still, and lift his head every time I am putting on his bridle!

To hack he can be rather unpredictable, a huge tractor pulling a trailer of hay doesn’t get a second glance, however a puddle across the road is the end of the world! Across a field he has been known to throw in a buck or 2 and of course, want to race whoever we are with!

I have known Sarah for a few years now, having used a range of the Goodbye Flys products. When she let me know about the new Equi-zen range she was due to launch, I automatically thought of Flash. I explained his behaviours to Sarah, and she agreed that the Equi-zen was definitely worth a try, and wow…. No going back!

Initially I started with the Equi-zen box. Flash is fine to handle in his stable, so I chose to put this up in our solarium where I tack up. Straight away Flash new there was something different, he was sniffing around constantly until he found the scented box. He was fascinated and

clearly loved the smell, as he stood there happily the entire time I groomed, and tacked him up, I thought to myself, no way, I haven’t even used the roll on yet! I decided to ride without using the roll on after Flash was so calm being tacked up, the hack went well. He wasn’t his usually ‘handful’ self and found that we just plodded along happily. He was still very spritely in himself, and hacked out wide eyed, but overall, a successful hack.

The next day, I thought today will be a schooling day, which again is always a pleasure, but a fast one! I decided to use the roll on today to see if it would ‘take the edge off’ and it certainly did. Flash seemed to be a lot more engaged and our usual gallop around the arena was far more controlled. I didn’t change any of our routine other than using the Equi-zen roll on!

It has now been around 6 weeks of using the Equi-zen range and I cannot praise it enough! I have kept the box within our solarium as all our horses do like to have a little sniff, and it has continued to keep Flash calm and happy whist being tacked up. I found that after a few applications of the roll I have managed to filter this out for our daily rides. However, when we travel and attend events I carry it with me, and whenever I feel Flash is nervous or a bit of a handful, I pop a small amount around his nostrils and he immediately calms down and finds comfort in me, as his rider so we can continue with the discipline.

The experience for Flash and I of using the Equi-zen range has been a positive one, we have incorporated it into our daily routine by having the Equi-zen box close by whilst taking up, and continuing to use the Equi-zen roll in in ‘tricky’ times when he needs a quick relief. I’m pleased to say that while the teenage behavioural issues are now long gone, he is still very much his quirky and mischievous self, who certainly keeps me on my toes, but now at least my toes are safe!

The Goodbye Flys Equi Zen Applicator, an FEI compliant scented applicator, to be used outside of the muzzle.

We have created a calmer based on need after researching the composition of existing calming solutions.

The Goodbye Flys Equi Zen Box, the non electric box scented horse calmer,

We were just writing down noticeable changes in our diary if we saw any. The main things are the rolling after work, sleeping in the day, EATING! Like never before and weight gain which was something we have struggled with for years. Work wise in the last week and a half how much more amenable he has been and not so angry

nature BACK TO

Many people maintain that autumn is the most beautiful of our seasons. Running from September to November, autumn heralds new beginnings, and is often a time to reflect on the past season. It is synonymous with the dazzling autumn leaves that cascade from our native trees, such as beech, ash, alder, oak and cherry. Crunching these colourful, fallen fronds beneath our feet on a walk in nature is certainly something to cherish.

One of the most famous songs about this season is ‘Autumn Leaves’, written by Jacques Prevert, Joseph Kosma and Johnny Mercer, and made famous by artists including Eva Cassidy and Seal. Originally a French poem set to music, entitled ‘Les Feuilles mortes’, and translated as ‘The dead leaves’, the song was later given English lyrics. Its mournful melody and the simple lyrics speak of losing a loved one after the excitement of summer, and reflecting on the relationship now. In English, the lyrics describe: ‘Falling leaves drift by my window; falling leaves of red and gold.’ In French, the words speak of: ‘Dead leaves picked up, memories and regrets too, and the north wind carries them away.’ This is relevant for most of us – a sense of acceptance around losing the heightened and perhaps more exciting summer themes and experiences, and settling down to new beginnings. A slower pace, and different scenery, as autumn and winter winds carry summer memories away.

Many of us, especially after such a hot summer, are now ready to slow down after the heightened activity of the summer months, preparing to hunker down for the hibernation of winter –especially after September’s sad events. There are ripe sloes and elderberries to be picked from local hedgerows, migratory birds to observe on bright, crisp countryside walks, and great British woodlands and parks to explore, packed with red, golden brown and purple foliage.

WALKING IN NATURE

With the changing seasons comes introspection. Autumn is perhaps the perfect time to be gently inward-looking and introspective. Studies show that walking in nature is good for the mind and body. Forestry Commission England found that 96 per

cent of us believe autumn colours make us feel happier, while a study in the UK-published, international journal ‘Environment and Behavior’ found that walking in nature has restorative effects over and above the effects of physical exercise inside.

Walking in nature actually has ‘restorative effects’ on levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in our body –something most of us can attest to.

On our autumnal walks, we can look forward to the leaves turning golden brown, the mist floating over the valleys on ethereal misty mornings, the sun getting low in the sky in the afternoons, and the nights starting to draw in. No matter where you are in the UK, there is a green space not too far away, while those of us actually

Walking in nature has proven benefits, particularly during autumn time, so make the most of this special season with some of these spectacular walks, chosen by Kathy Carter ...

p Allen Banks in Northumberland is bustling with wildlife and beauty

p The Magna Carta memorial in Runnymede.

Photo by Keith Hider, Shutterstock.com

residing in rural areas really are spoiled for choice, in terms of which route to plan within the great British countryside.

Here are some of our favourite walks – visit walkingbritain.co.uk or your local tourist board for inspiration, and specific details and maps:

ALLEN BANKS IN NORTHUMBERLAND

This established 3.5 mile walk likely takes two or three hours, and will take you through the largest area of ancient woodland in the region. The deep-cut river gorge cascades with busy wildlife, while forests of beech and oak cascade down the steep-sided valley. Being a wooded area, autumn is a popular time to visit, because of the gorgeous hues on display. The National Trust has also recently renovated the public paths, in collaboration with Northumberland County Council.

TARR STEPS IN SOMERSET

There is an established seven mile walk here that will take a morning to navigate, and takes in the route along the River Barle, looping through Withypool, and climbing the region’s hills for a breathtaking view over Exmoor. The Tarr Steps refers to a ‘clapper bridge’, a simple bridge consisting of slabs of stone or planks laid across a series of rocks, and medieval in origin. Local legend says the five-tonne slabs used for this famous river crossing were placed by the Devil to win a bet with a local giant.

RIVINGTON TERRACED GARDENS IN LANCASHIRE

Choose the length of your walk on a visit to the gardens of 20th century ‘Sunlight Soap’ baron, Lord Leverhulme, who created a terraced garden of Japanese lakes, pagodas, archways and Romanesque bridges with his wealth. 21 October 2022 sees the attraction’s Festival of Light, which boasts live music, lights and lasers that light up the Pigeon Tower and the Italian lake area, for what promises to be a ‘magical spectacle’.

GLEN AFFRIC IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

A full exploration of Glen Affric in the Highlands of Scotland entails a full day walk or hike through the area’s mountains, forest and lochs. Arguably the Highlands’ most beautiful glen, Glen Affric boasts shimmering lochs and rugged mountains, and is one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland. The glen features over 30 miles of ancient pine woods and is home to ospreys, otters and red-and black-throated divers. Listen out for the echoing roar of red deer stags in autumn.

RUNNYMEDE IN SURREY

Runnymede is a district located on the River Thames in Surrey, and heading towards London, so an easy combined visit with the capital. Interestingly, the area was the location for the 2015, royal sealing of the Magna Carta –the seminal document of English u

u Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands –arguably the area’s most picturesque glen

t The Tarr Steps in Somerset. Photo by Julian Gazzard, Shutterstock.com Carta Runnymede. Hider,

constitutional practice.

Runnymede as a walking destination focusses on a series of interlinking grassland areas; a tenant farmer grazes cattle on certain meadows between April and November. The National Trust, which looks after the meadows, holds regular ‘Walk and Talk’ groups at the venue, meeting at the map in the Memorials Car Park, by the café (the RAF War Memorial itself records the names of over 20,000 men and women who lost their lives in the Second World War).

*SHERWOOD FOREST IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Sherwood Forest offers 925 acres of spectacular scenery, including countless species of trees, birds, plants and fungi. The designated walking routes through the forest cater for all abilities, so this attraction offers a good day out for people with accessibility needs. Established as a royal hunting reserve in the 10th century, and famously the home of the famous outlaw Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is also home to the impressive Major Oak tree, and has a long-standing link to royalty. Check out Rufford Abbey, the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, and the Sherwood Pines Forest Park.

REWILDING YOUR HOME

Prefer to stay at home, rather than venture out? Rewild your property, to connect with nature.

Rewilding – the practice of reintroducing native plant species into urban spaces – requires no maintenance, pesticides, herbicides, or watering, and is a popular way to encourage green spaces. Use native plants to control weeds and pests, eradicate invasive species, remove lawns, grow food, create butterfly and pollinator habitats, and create healthy soil without chemicals. Rewilding gardeners are advised to choose and allow plants that provide year-round nectar, pollen, seeds and berries for wildlife. Popular plant species include Western Columbine, Rose Checkermallow, Showy Milkweed and Common Camas. Holly bushes give evergreen shelter to insects in winter, while in autumn, sparrows and finches feed on seed heads. So, if you already have a ‘rewilded’ area at your property, do leave a selection on the stems, just as you’d see in the wild.

To get a future rewilding project started now, don’t be too quick to cut plants down – leave them until new growth starts in spring, so birds can feed from them and invertebrates can use them as over-wintering sites. Allow patches of brambles to grow into dense mounds, to offer food, shelter and nest sites for insects, birds and small mammals. Consider planting trees like rowan, hawthorn, silver birch, crab apple and elderberry. A mixture of tree sizes will benefit different bird species – long-tailed tits, for example, need trees above head height, whereas wrens and dunnocks need dense cover low down.

p Runnymede’s RAF memorial is dedicated to over 20,000 lives lost in WW2. Photo SimonWest, Shutterstock.com

p Sherwood Forest offers 925 acres of spectacular scenery and is home to a plethora of flora and fauna

p Rufford Abbey in Nottinghamshire u The impressive Major Oak tree, which has a longstanding link to royalty

Zebra Products

Cavalleria Toscana Quilted Gilet

Covalliero Quilted Coat

Sumptuous padding for perfect temperature and moisture control. Stylish double collar with elaborately designed shoulder seam. Striking 2-way metallic look zip fastener, two riding slits with zip fasteners. Elastic inner bands to attach the coat to the leg. Feminine, waisted cut and knitted cuff at the wrist. Two handwarmer pockets with zips. Extremely water-repellent up to a 5000 mm water column.

RRP £119.00

Available in Dark Navy, Merlot or Graphite

This Cavalleria Toscana quilted waistcoat is comfortable to wear during transitional seasons, comfortably taking you from indoors to the arena. Constructed in water-resistant, windblocking nylon fabric, it’s characterised by lightweight padding that won’t restrict movement, and horizontal quilting to keep warmth in. The hood and the zip set in heat-sealed seam tape are functional details that offer comfort during all outdoor activities, while the Lycra® edges with raised Cavalleria Toscana lettering are a smart reference to the brand’s aesthetics.

Sizes xs-xl

RRP £355.00

Uvex CRX700 Glove

The uvex crx 700 equestrian glove is an all-rounder for the stormy season: using a range of high-quality functional materials, these gloves combine all of the characteristics that any rider could want in autumn and winter.Thanks to Schoeller® soft shell, the new uvex riding gloves are your ideal companion in wind, wetness and the cold – both in the stable and in the saddle.

RRP £42.00

Cavallo Linus Cross Nature

The Cross Nature models are made of hard- wearing, water-repellent tanned fat nubuck leather. The leather repels dirt and can be easily cleaned with a stiff brush and water. The Linus Jump, Linus Dressage and Linus Slim models are now available in the Cross Nature colours Hazel, Black, Mocca and Deep Olive. Get ready to cross nature!

RRP from £349.00

Bucas Therapy Dog Rug

The Bucas Therapy Dog Rug helps to prevent numerous problems and also helps in the treatment of a vast array of ailments. The Therapy material is made from an extremely fine, stainless steel mesh so it reflects the magnetic fields created inside the body. This stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow in the dog’s body, which heals and reduces both swelling and inflammation and promotes faster healing. It is NOT a magnetic rug and can be left on your dog 24/7 if required. It is ideal for all dogs, especially working and older dogs.

RRP from £49.00

show A SPECTACULAR

The incredible Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) returns to the NEC Birmingham’s, Resorts World Arena from 5th – 9th October 2022. For more information on this year’s event, check out the official Horse of the Year Show website here, www.hoys.co.uk

Whether you are a competitive rider, horse enthusiast or simply want to enjoy an exciting day out, HOYS has something to offer every member of the family.

Spread across five days, the show is the ultimate celebration of the horse and has something for every member of the family to enjoy – food and fine dining, a shopping paradise, and breathtaking displays as well as the exhilarating Naylors Pony Club Mounted Games.

The first part of the week is packed with all the fan favourites including the Mountain and Moorland classes on Wednesday through to Friday. National Showjumping championships

run throughout the week with the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Champion finishing off the Thursday in style.

Thursday evening is also the stage for the Bret Willson Dressage Future Elite Championship, with eight of the country’s highly anticipated young horses performing an Intermediate I Freestyle test. The prestigious Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship is a popular showcase on Friday. Friday also sees the start of the International Showjumping classes which are always firm favourites with the crowd.

Things hot up on the weekend, as the Saturday daytime showcases championships galore in both the TopSpec Arena and the Andrews Bowen International Arena. The evening performance is equally exhilarating with the final instalment of the Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Driving Championship and the continuation of the International Showjumping classes with the highly

anticipated Ripon Select Foods Puissance finishing off the evening with competitors looking for that top spot, jumping the Big Red Wall.

Sunday remains the ‘day of champions’ as the show comes to a climax with the crowning of the Supreme Products Supreme Horse and Supreme Products Supreme Pony of the Year and the JCB Leading Showjumper of the Year. You will also get the chance to see the awarding of the muchcoveted Prince Naylors Philip Cup to the Pony Club team who have raced u

Every October, Birmingham’s NEC is transformed into an equestrian utopia as the Horse of the Year Show fills 50 acres of the site with thrilling world class entertainment. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy

their way to victory in the Mounted Games heats. Rounding off a fantastic programme of equestrian talent will be the finale celebrations on Sunday evening marking the end of another fabulous edition of HOYS.

Throughout the week, the HOYS retail village is open each day, where you’ll find all your equestrian essentials as well as treats and gifts.

A huge variety of your favourite equestrian brands will be available.

TICKETS

General admission tickets and VIP Experiences are available to purchase.

General tickets are booked through our ticketing partner, The Ticket Factory on 0844 581 8282 or via www.hoys.co.uk

Are you looking for a way to make your HOYS experience extra special? Whether you want to extend your stay, or catch the action in style from one our hospitality areas, we have a variety of packages to enable you and your group to have the VIP adventure!

Sip champagne and enjoy the panoramic view from Champions Bar, or enjoy a finedining experience on the front row of the action in our hospitality grandstand. Contact HOYS directly for all VIP ticket purchases.

As one of the longest standing horse shows in history, HOYS is a spectacle not to be missed.

qTaking a leap of faith. One rider tackles the Big Red Wall

qRiders competing in the Double Harness Scurry

qOne competitor flying the flat for Great Britain

Gorgeous gifts AND PERFECT PRESENTS

Kathy Carter shares the top five tips for giving a present that your loved one will find cool, this yule:

It’s a longstanding tradition to ‘gift’ at Christmas – but why is this? Before the Victorian period, presents had been given at New Year; but as Christmas became more popular with ritual-loving Victorians as a seasonal holiday, it soon became habitual for presents to be given on Christmas Day, to celebrate both religious lore, and the opportunity for a more restful, restorative time. The birth day of Jesus on December 25th is said by some scholars to have been adopted from Pagan solar festivals, which saw the Roman midwinter Saturnalia festival taking place in late December; Roman emperor Aurelian’s ‘feast of the birth of Sol Invictus’ was also celebrated on December 25. Wealthy Victorians drew these examples of religious lore and family values together, and arguably gave us the family-led Christmas celebrations we know and love today.

1. EXPERIENCE GIFTS

These are becoming increasingly popular, not least because there’s an experience gift to suit all pockets. A popular example is a restorative treatment or day at a local wellness retreat – this would suit anyone that works hard for their family and friends throughout the year, often puts others’ needs first, and would welcome a day of ‘me-time’, pampering and self-focus. Another great experience gift could be an adventure day; from segway forest rides and sporting tuition, to cooking retreats and paintballing, there’s an experience gift to suit the active giftee in your life. (Subscriptions for regular deliveries, such as kids’ crafting boxes, ladies’ beauty boxes and flowers, or men’s shaving kits, also make great, thoughtful gifts for the family.)

*2. BESPOKE BOOKS

There is a variety of fill-in-theblank books available, whereby you purchase a book with spaces for your handwritten words of love, support and memories. Another idea is a photo book – these are created online from precious digital pictures that are uploaded onto a glossy, hardbacked, keepsake book. ‘Life story’ books also make beautiful gifts – they’re created digitally and ensure a loved one’s story is preserved. They can include dates, stories, memories and images. If you’re a particularly creative individual, perhaps you can create your own? Bespoke books are especially thoughtful gifts for grandparents and older loved-ones.



Christmas Delivering you a valuable www.countryandstable.co.uk

 Bespoke photo books are an idea gift for grandparents

Why not consider a treatment day to a friend who always puts others first?

*CHRISTMAS CLOTHING GIFTS

The colour of Christmas clothing gifts; and what they may say about the recipient. Colours can reflect our personalities and characteristics; if your Christmas clothing gift is colourful, consider whether it embodies the recipient’ personality:

and characteristics; if your it

Be sophisticated in black: Black is timeless and elegant; it displays a sense of power and independence. Black outfits and accessories suggest a seductive, mysterious quality.

Draw attention in red: Red is the colour of energy, and may get heart rates pumping. It’s flirty and fun, making it an ideal Christmas colour. Red is also the colour of confidence and passion.

Succeed in gold: Gold exudes luxury and draws attention, due to the confidence it helps to convey. Christmas can be a time for extravagance; and being gifted something gold, whether as a coloured item, or as a piece of gold jewellery, certainly makes a statement.

Illuminate in silver: Silver is modern and glamorous, and holds a certain amount of prestige. As a clothing colour, it can be quite understated; as a jewellery piece, silver goes with all colours and skin-tones.

Be playful in green: Green is thought to create a harmonious balance, and to reflect positivity. Wearing green clothing can look empowering; and if your gift recipient is a red-head, they may turn onlookers green with envy at their sartorial look.

3.JEWELLERY

Arguably the most popular Christmas gift for adults, there’s a jewellery gift for all ages, price-ranges and genders. Playfulness is a popular jewellery theme this yuletide, so look out for pieces featuring hearts, smiley faces, jewelled animals and feel-good mantras. Memorial jewellery makes a very special gift; commonly items like necklaces and rings are made from ashes or hair, to remember a loved-one or animal for eternity. Whilst jewels can be added to ashes for something bespoke and beautiful, it is also possible to turn cremation ashes or hair into actual diamonds. Diamonds are pure carbon, while the human body contains 18% carbon. The natural hue of a memorial diamond is usually a yellowy amber, however clear and coloured jewels can also be made.

4.SPECIAL INTEREST GIFTS

From kitchen utensils to woodworking tools, and from crafting and gardening gifts to sporting equipment, meeting your loved one’s needs around their special interest can be a very thoughtful way to show you care. These can be ideal for younger people and children.

5.GADGETS

From earbuds and speakers to games and phones, you will easily be able to pick the perfect present for that techobsessed relation or loved-one this Christmas. Or, if you wanted to give something that crosses the boundaries of ‘experience’ and ‘tech’, why not gift a subscription to a streaming service, via a smart TV or phone app? There are many options available, from movie channels and TV content to on-demand exercise or cookery videos via an app. Ideal for those ‘harder-to-buyfor’ men in your life! 

XMAS FACTS

Take a 6 day journey on horseback through some of the best scenery in Scotland and revel in the history of the famous SCOTTISH BORDERS. At the end of each day’s riding you will be chauffered to a castle or luxury hotel to eat a sumptious dinner, and relax in the pool or spa.

Visit www.scottishequestrianhotel.com/ trail-riding for more information.

Many people believe that it was Queen Victoria’s marriage to Germanborn Prince Albert that helped introduce lots of the modern Christmas traditions. In 1848, the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, which Prince Albert often did as a child. British households were then awash with decorated trees.

In 1843 Henry Cole commissioned an artist to design a card for Christmas. During the years that followed, children were soon creating their own cards, and when colour printing took off and the postal service was accessible to the majority, the sending of cards had become hugely popular. In 1880, 11.5 million cards were produced.

Make any equestrians dreams come TRUE this Christmas with the NEW “Magic of AD” 2022 luxury advent calendar! Surprise and treat yourself and your loved ones every day - for twelve extraordinary days - filled with astonishing never-before-seen gifts and AD favourites, chosen exclusively for our 2022 calendar. There’s a little bit of magic to discover behind every AD embossed drawer.

www.aztecdiamondequestrian.com

In 1848, British confectioner Tom Smith visited Paris and came up with the Christmas cracker concept. Originally sweets were the prize, but during the late Victorian period, the sweets were replaced with hats and small gifts.

Christmas dinner had been eaten since before the Middle Ages, but the Victorians introduced the turkey and the family values that Christmas held. They believed that Christmas was for the family to share together.

2022 will see King Charles’ first Christmas address to the nation, and will undoubtedly be a much-watched British broadcast.

www.countryandstable.co.uk

 A ‘gift experience’ wrapped as a gift for the recipient to open.

Thishorse Inspired This book

The must read for all equestrians and all horses straight from the horses mouth

His owner as a racehorse until 2007, a direct grandson of the legendary Nijinsky, he won 8 races and was placed multiple times.

His owner from 2007 until now, retrained him as a dressage horse, a show jumper and an eventer, she has enough rosettes to fill a stable.

Additional information

Supplied by

Guardian & Agility Champion

Both books and prices available on Amazon or via www.kumakawa.co.uk

TRANSCRIBED BY Ross Hartshorn

TRANSLATED BY Helen McCarthy

YOU’RE NEVER FULLY DRESSED UNTIL YOU SPARKLE

Until now, traditional quartermarking has taken time and been very limited with the designs available. More recent developments in paint and gel products have increased creativity, but often with disappointing results as they are unable to give a crisp and detailed finish and can appear as a thick crust. Glamourati has developed a quartermarking process which allows intricate designs, logos and text to be easily applied to horses using a specially formulated adhesive, glitter and stencil. The unique and patentpending method of application means that no artistic skill is required and all manner of designs can easily be applied to short-haired or clipped horses and last up to 2 weeks.

Glamourati’s ‘glitter tattoos for horses’ were launched after careful research, development, testing and positive feedback. The product made its debut appearance at the ESUK Grassroots

unaffiliated championships at Arena UK, where horses and their riders headed into the ring to sparkle in front of the Horse & Country TV cameras.

Glamourati’s glitter quartermarking kits start at £19.99 and include everything you need to decorate your horse or pony with full instructions. Kits, accessories, stencils and custom designs are available for home application from www.glamouratiuk.com. Matching rider kits will also be available in time for Christmas – perfect for horse-loving children and teenagers to display their passion with sparkle and flair.

As well as this being a fun and decorative product, we can convert most logos and team names into the special adhesive stencils we use, allowing quartermarking to effectively become ‘quartermarketing’. Combined with the hundreds of stunning glitter and colour powders we have, it really

does make a serious and professional impression, especially when the sun shines!”

• easy to apply – no artistic skill required

• long lasting – up to 2 weeks if kept dry, but can be easily washed off if required

• totally safe – premium quality and even cosmetic grade for humans

• stylish & contemporary – crisp, clear, unique designs with great detail

• stunningly sparkly – a special glitter, cut in a special way to maximise sparkle

• simple to remove – warm water, shampoo and a scrub

• customisable – horse names and sponsor/team logos

Tetbury Rocking Horses

Colours available: Black, Silver

Colours available in Revolve Vent-Air

MIPS Jockey Sport: Teal, Purple, Cobalt & Rose Gold

With all of us feeling the financial pinch, charities are rightly concerned about ongoing financial support from altruistic individuals. But ‘giving’ is not always about financial donations – volunteering in-person at a local charitable organisation can be a great way to give something to a cause you care about, and also improve your own wellness and emotional health.

CAN VOLUNTEERING REALLY BOOST PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH?

Studies show that volunteering helps the individuals that donate their time feel more socially connected, thus warding off loneliness and depression. It’s a physical boon too; people who give their time to others might also be rewarded with better physical health, including lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.

In a landmark 2021 study (ref 1) that collated data over eighteen years, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, researchers examined data from nearly 70,000 UK subjects. Participants answered questions about their volunteering habits and mental health, including their distress and functioning in everyday life, and volunteers were found to be more satisfied with their lives, and also rated their overall health as better. The researchers even found that

giving giftOF

people who volunteered more frequently experienced greater benefits; those who volunteered at least once a month reported better mental health than participants who volunteered infrequently.

THE HAPPINESS CONUNDRUM

This is great news. But does volunteering make people happy, or are happy people simply more likely to volunteer? In the study, the researchers found the same results even when they accounted for participants’ initial

levels of well-being, e.g. before they started volunteering. In other words, people who started to volunteer became happier over time. So, volunteering really is a gift for both parties.

ENJOYING THE COMPANY OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS

Oak Tree Animals’ Charity provides a safe place for animals in their time of need, rehoming dogs, cats, and equines, and working to support good, long-term healthy relationships between animals and their

Why volunteering benefits not just charities; but also your own wellness, writes Kathy Carter

 Geronimo and groom at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary Coombe Park site

Photo by Fiona Crawford

owners out in the community. The charity relies heavily on the support of supporters. Volunteer Joan has been assisting in the Fundraising office for four years, and is an integral part of the team, especially in the lead up to community events.

“I live on my own, so working for charity gets me out of the house to enjoy the company of others,” Joan says. “During lockdown, I got very lonely after my cat of 18 years died. I became very low in myself, due to not getting out of my four walls. I initially offered to foster Tuppa, a lovely cat from Oak Tree, and ended up adopting him after a couple of weeks,” Joan adds. “Volunteering in the Fundraising office has a huge impact on me, as I come into the office twice a week, and it is the main focus of my life. I like that I am helping animals, both by volunteering, and through my fundraising quizzes. I am an animal lover, and I love getting to interact with the animals regularly in the office, socialising the kittens and dogs.”

SOCIAL CONNECTION

Sarah Phillips is Chief Operating Officer at The British Horse Society (BHS); the UK-based charity has a variety of charitable objectives, including improving equine welfare and providing education. Sarah

agrees that volunteering offers a great way to give back to the community, while doing something an individual is truly passionate about. “This is particularly important for the BHS, as an organisation whose core values are being caring, trustworthy, agile and responsive,” she explains. “As a charity, we certainly couldn’t do the work we do, across such a wide scope of activity and regions, without our dedicated volunteers. Our helpers say that volunteering helps not just the charity, but also helps them feel more socially connected, which in this day and age, is really important.”

“EVERY HOUR OF VOLUNTEERING MATTERS TO A CHARITY…”

Julie Pharoah-Gan, Head of Fundraising at the Horses And Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) in Lancashire, agrees that volunteers contribute so much to charitable organisations. “They are often that extra lifeline of support, when our equines need it most. Our volunteers help HAPPA around their own busy lives; some volunteer very regularly, and others more ad-hoc; but every hour of volunteering matters to a charity,” Julie says.

HAPPA has several volunteers who get involved in roles such as maintenance, equine care, fundraising and events. For example, the organisation underwent a big seasonal clean-up earlier in the year, when the horses were turned out of all their stables, and the facilities were deep cleaned and painted. “Without volunteers, this huge task would have been virtually impossible; and the HAPPA horses and ponies had lovely stables to return to in plenty of time for the colder months,”

huge respite from other responsibilities in my life. And of course, I am making a difference to the animals; however small! I do whatever the staff need me to do, including sweeping and mucking out, I don’t care, because I’m with the horses. I really enjoy it although it’s not for the fainthearted. You need kindness, but you also need dedication to volunteer,” Margaret concludes.

Kerri Luke, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, adds that volunteering is absolutely vital to the life blood of charities. “We couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers, especially in the current financial climate. We believe volunteering should be a two-way process, and we work hard to make

www.countryandstable.co.uk

 Joan volunteering at Oak Tree Animals

Volunteers at HAPPA 

 Volunteers can walk and care for alpacas at Kenward Trust in Kent sure our volunteers gain as much as they give, when they come to us. Our values are kindness, care and knowledge, and our volunteers are the absolute embodiment of these in everything they do to support our rescued horses and ponies,” Kerri adds.

“VOLUNTEERING PLAYS AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PART IN ENGAGING WITH THE PUBLIC…”

Gemma Walpole is Executive Director of Income and Engagement at Norfolk-based equestrian charity, Redwings. “The current rising cost of living is impacting charities as well as individuals. We opened up our volunteering programme again in 2022 for the first time since the pandemic. Like many other charities, the events of the last two years have made us re-evaluate our approach to fundraising and engagement activities, including volunteering. It’s become ever-more pressing to ensure that we use our resources as wisely as possible,” Gemma explains.

“For us, volunteering plays an increasingly important part in engaging with the public. For example, this year, we have a new and unique opportunity to volunteer as a Visitor Guide at Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, the birthplace of the Black Beauty author. For Redwings, every hour given by volunteers makes a positive difference, and also helps raise awareness about our work.”

MANY WAYS IN WHICH TO GIVE TIME TO CHARITIES

The BHS’s Sarah Phillips explains that the charity’s team of more than 1,200 volunteers is crucial to the operation of the organisation. “Dotted across the UK, they are a key extension of our workforce, as well as a fully integrated part of every local equestrian community,” she explains. With such a large voluntary workforce, it is no surprise that the roles available at the BHS are very varied.

There are many ways in which individuals can give time to charities, depending on the person’s skillsets. “Every single one of our volunteers is an informative and supportive bridge between the BHS and the wider equine industry. Whether it be attending a new welfare case, organising local fundraising events including pleasure rides, campaigning to restore a local bridleway, or helping to generate social media content, all our volunteers sit at the heart of what we do at the BHS,” Sarah concludes.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY

Louisa Langford began volunteering as an Animal Carer at Kent-based charity, Kenward Trust, last year. Volunteers like Louisa help the charity, which supports those affected by alcohol and drug addiction, in a variety of ways. The Animal Carer role includes walking and caring for the charity’s herd of alpacas; the animals form part of the Trust’s

therapeutic service to residents, and also raise funds via ‘alpaca experience’ days, and alpaca walks booked by the public. Louisa was looking for a role that would allow her to work outside, while at the same making a contribution to the wider community. “I now get to spend one day a week with eight alpacas, two goats, two ducks, and my lovely (and very welcoming) colleagues,” she explains.

“My duties are to help feed and care for all the animals and support the alpaca walks, where members of the public get to spend an hour with these amazing animals. The money raised by the alpaca walks, and the associated gift shop, goes directly to Kenward Trust, which also supports family and friends of those affected by addiction. I spend the rest of the week working from home in front of a computer, so it’s great for me, both physically and mentally, to have the opportunity to volunteer outside in the beautiful Kent countryside. This role combines my love of animals with a chance to meet new people, all the time knowing that I’m helping to support the important work of a local charity,” Louisa concludes.

www.countryandstable.co.uk

*T&C’s apply. See website for full details.

 Quest with Volunteer Coordinator Kerri Luke

EVE’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE STORY

SPARE A MOMENT FOR A HORSE OR PONY LIKE EVE

Your donation can help ponies like Eve, who was emaciated and riddled with small worm when she arrived.

A LIFE SAVING RESCUE

A £5 donation can provide a bag of feed or hay for a pony like Eve.

On 24th December 2014 two of our team members were called urgently to a field in Binfield near Reading. Nothing could prepare them for the heart-breaking scenes they would witness as they pulled into a paddock containing 30 neglected horses and ponies who had been left without any food, water and barely any shelter. Sadly, some of the horses were so poorly and in such a bad state they had to be euthanized upon arrival. That was when Eve first came into our lives.

Eve was underweight, riddled with small redworm and generally in a pitifully poor state. When she arrived home, we had to provide round the clock care with much needed veterinary treatment to help her recover from her awful ordeal. Not only did Eve have a long journey ahead of rehabilitation but we also found out she was carrying a foal! Eve was so lucky to have been rescued when she was because had she not, both her and her unborn foal’s lives would have been in great danger. With your help we can continue to help horses and ponies in need, like Eve.

PLEASE DONATE £5 AT : horsetrust.org.uk/donate

Together we can be there for horses and ponies in need this winter.

Horse and Pony Trust - Rescue, Rehabilitate and YOUR GIFT OF SPONSORSHIP WILL ENSURE A SAFE FUTURE FOR A RESCUED HORSE, PONY OR DONKEY

This Winter please give the gift of a safe and happy future, by sponsoring a stable or rescued orphan foal like Rodney and Maggie

Last November 8 week old Rodney was found abandoned, alone, weak and thin. We fed him mares replacement milk, and gave him veterinary treatment and expert care. Today he is a happy, healthy young gelding with a safe and bright future ahead.

Located in SW.Wales we are a small accredited & registered charity that has been rescuing horses, ponies and donkeys for over 37 years. At the Trust we care for up to 30 equines on site at any one time, with a further 160+ in approved Guardian loan and foster homes. We are heavily reliant on public donations and support.

Pony

Sponsor a pony from as little as little as 70p per week and help towards the day to day costs of keeping them safe, happy and well. Receive a sponsor pack including a certificate, rosette and photo of your chosen animal as a thank you.

Sponsorship

Sponsor a stable from as little as £2.30 per week and ensure that a rescue horse, pony or donkey is kept warm and safe until a Guardian Home is found. Have your name or business dispayed on the stable wall and receive a certificate & rosette as a thank you.

Your sponsorship is desperately needed please visit our website today www.lluesthorseandponytrust.co.uk/sponsorshipscheme/

Tel:01550 740661 Reg charity no. 1150948

Zoe has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which means she has to use a wheelchair as she suffers with joint dislocation and lives every day with intense pain. For many years, Zoe found herself isolated from social activities. Now with her assistance dog Sheila, Zoe can go out independently and enjoy time with her friends. Zoe says of Sheila: “She has enabled me to be more myself and have a future”.

Now imagine if a highly-trained dog held the key to your independence

A gift in your Will could help unlock a better future for a child or adult living with a disability by creating more life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.

Raystede is an animal charity that rescues, rehomes and provides sanctuary for over 400 animals every day, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, rabbits, goats, alpacas, hens and exotic birds. Sponsoring an animal helps to fund their care and give them a happy a life. It makes a wonderful gift for any animal lover! Which

you had a disability which meant you didn’t have the confidence to leave your house on your own Sponsorship makes a fantastic gift for any animal lover!

or Donkey Sponsorship Stable

Maggie Before

Rodney Before Rodney After

Boo is a 20 year old miniature Shetland mare. She arrived at Oak Tree Animals' Charity in 2013 and was diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Cushings (PPID). Equines with health problems, like Boo's, are more at risk of chronic Laminitis (which causes pain and inflammation of the hoof). The sudden drop in temperature during the winter months makes the risk of Laminitis even higher.

Last winter, Laminitis was a big problem for Boo The damage to her hooves was so gr eat that she had to have an operation to correct the rotation of her pedal bones. She is now on a specialist diet and wears hoof boots to relieve any soreness when walking across hard ground.

Due to her medical conditions, Boo is a permanent resident at Oak Tree Animals' Charity.

Getting the best from your Registered Farrier

Anyone who owns or works with horses will know that farriery is an essential part of the routine care of a horse. Without regular hoof maintenance by a Registered Farrier, whether trimming or shoeing, a horse may not be able to lead a healthy life and its welfare may be put at risk.

Registered Farriers in Great Britain are qualified and experienced professionals, regulated in law by the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, and they are required to comply with the Farrier, Approved Training Farrier and Apprentice Code of Professional Conduct. By using the services of a Registered Farrier a horse owner or carer may be reassured that their animal is receiving the best possible hoof care.

The horse owner / farrier relationship is one of mutual respect and consideration. The Registered Farrier provides professional assessment and care of the horse’s hooves, while the horse owner is responsible for providing a safe environment for the farrier to work in. Without suitable safe conditions a farrier may decline to commence or continue working with an animal, or in the case of a difficult or extremely nervous horse the farrier may request veterinary assistance and sedation be provided.

To get the best possible service from a Registered Farrier horse owners should consider following the advice set out opposite, and to seek advice from their Registered Farrier in advance if they have any concerns:

For further guidance on how to get the best from your Registered Farrier visit farrier-reg.gov.uk

The horse

• Is the horse used to being handled? It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their horse is used to having its legs held so that trimming and shoeing can be carried out without distressing the horse, or putting the farrier’s safety at risk. In some cases it may be worth considering having a companion horse close by (but not so close as to interfere) as this may provide reassurance.

• Horse owners should ensure that the horse is brought in from the field in advance and that its feet and legs are clean and dry; a dry hoof is safer for the farrier to work on.

• Horses should wear a sound properly fitted head collar or halter with a good rope of adequate length. The horse should be tied to a secure safe ring using a suitable breakable tie made from split twine – this will break easily in the event of the horse panicking.

The environment

• Owners should provide their farrier with a working area that is safe for the horse and the people attending to it. The area should be clean, dry and level with good light and a non-slip surface and the area should ideally have protection from wind and rain.

• There may be circumstances where the farrier requires assistance so it is important to ensure that any persons attending the farrier that day are competent in horse handling.

• Try to avoid any unwelcome distractions –consider securing dogs away from where the Registered Farrier is working, and consider turning mobile phones to silent while work is in progress.

comforts CREATURE

For some, autumn and winter are times for cosseting and cocooning; we all know that bringing a touch of comfort keeps us happy in the colder months. This sense of comfort and security also applies to our canine friends, and older dogs especially may relish thoughtful accommodations that make their lives more comfortable at home.

Here are some ideas to help your dog stay happy and healthy:

COMFORT FOR THE LIMBS

Pet stairs provide a practical way to protect small pets from possible injuries, or senior dogs with arthritis from pain, when they try to reach high beds or sofas. Cheap to purchase and widely available, these mini staircases often also include storage space, which can be ideal for toys and doggie accessories. Look out for products that have a step depth of 10 to 12 inches. Pet stairs can be especially useful for breeds with short legs and long bodies, like Dachshunds and Corgis. You may have to teach your dog to use them, however! Use positive reinforcement and rewards, and they will be bounding up the stairs in no time.

COMFORT FOR THE BODY

Dog beds have come some way since the basic canvas or thin cushion-

based affairs that were previously deemed luxurious for pooches. Look out for cosy donut beds, which are circular with a central middle, and snuggly bolster beds, which have higher, padded sides and an added sense of security. Add a faux fur blanket to the bed for a touch of doggie heaven. As you may imagine, thermal and heated beds (using microwaveable heat sacks) are also available for that pampered pup in your life!

COMFORT FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

All dogs need good nutrition, but feeding a senior diet to veterans can be especially

helpful to ensure your dog receives the quality protein required in older age to repair cells, and enough fibre to maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Supplementing the diet of older dogs with a joint supplement with MSM helps build cartilage and promotes healthy synovial fluid, whilst lubricating joints. Look out for products offering Glucosamine, HA, Chondroitin and Omega 3, in addition.

COMFORT FOR THE MIND

Lick mats are little silicone mats that look like rubber Velcro, that can be covered with treats or soft foods that are licked off. The mats are said to help keep dogs

Our canine friends love to keep cosy and warm over the colder months just as much as we do, so here are some top tips from Kathy Carter on how to keep our pooches comfortable and content this autumn ...

occupied and calm, and are also thought to contribute to better oral health. For feeding wet food, lick mats can also help your pet prolong mealtime, thereby reducing bloating and improving digestion – great for canines that like to gobble their dinner.

Good-quality lick mats will have suctions cups, to affix to the floor.

COMFORT WHEN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Dog coats provide warmth and protection from the elements and are especially useful for senior canines and those suffering with diabetes, heart disease, cancer or kidney disease, as these animals are more prone to suffering the effects of the cold. Not all dogs will need a coat for autumnal or winter walks – however dogs with short hair or breeds that have no thick undercoat are more likely to enjoy the added warmth. A coat that is both water repellent and washable is a good investment, and breathable mesh linings help prevent discomfort. u

POOP POWER: A FUTURE INNOVATION FOR THE HOME?

‘Gasketeer’ Brian Harper, one of the main members of the UK’s Transition Malvern Hills Lighting Group, invented a gas-lamp that runs on dog poo.

The lamp he developed has an anaerobic digester that uses canine faeces as fuel. For now, this innovative street lamp illuminates a residential area in the UK. Local dog owners collect the poop, and put it into the lamp’s

Once they turn the handle, the waste heats up and is mixed before it is broken down to create biomethane to power the lamp.

Perhaps one day, the idea can be expanded into our homes?

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BOSDOG BITES HAVE IMPROVED CHARLIE’S MOBILITY

So far Charlie has been getting on really well on his BosDog Bites from Gravenhorse Feeds.

For a very fussy dog, the treat form is perfect as I don’t need to add a supplement to his feed, instead I can offer him his daily recommendation in treat form.

He has been on this supplement daily for the last six weeks and I have noticed that he is spritelier on our walks and keeps up with me, which is a first!

He used to struggle to get in and out of the car which has become a much easier task for him. Even during his rest periods, he seems to be more relaxed and comfortable, which tells me he isn’t in any discomfort.

For a 10-year-old Malamute who displayed joint discomfort, I would feel comfortable recommending BosDog Bites, which have certainly improved my veteran dog’s mobility. www.gravenhorse.co.uk

*LUXURY DOGGIE TECH PRODUCTS

Are you yet embracing the impressive range of innovative, tech-based pet supplies that can make our dogs’ lives easier or more entertaining? Here’s our pick of some of the most interesting products for the home:

1.

SMART WATER BOWLS

Yes, you can buy a dog water bowl that provides your pooch with consistently fresh water at all times of the day, and also keeps an eye of the temperature of the water. A smart bowl will refill itself when the water level becomes low, and chills the water when needed without the use of electricity.

2. DOG GAMES AND ENRICHMENT TOYS

Keeping your dog in great physical shape is very important, but you may also like to provide exercise for the dog’s brain. The latest interactive dog games provide your pooch with proper mental stimulation, along with physical exercise. Options range from low-tech play mats concealing treats, and puzzle-based toys with treat hiding spots and compartments, to outdoor electronic chasing games, whereby the dog chases a moving flag.

3.

HEALTH-TRACKING DOG COLLARS

It was only a matter of time before our love of smart watches extended to our canine friends. The newest smart collars track a dog’s health by monitoring any changes in the animal’s vital readings, sleep quality and body temperature, and report back to your phone.

4.

TREAT DISPENSERS

You can now buy pet cameras that allow you to dispense treats to your pooch remotely. They come with a two-way audio that lets you speak to your dog as you dispense treats, whether ad hoc, or on a schedule. Ideal for stay at home pets!

5. CONNECTED DOG DOOR OPENERS

Aligned to the concept of smart cameras are pieces of tech that allow you to let your dog into the garden whenever the pooch comes to the back door, or when you specifically choose to let him out, using a connected app. The downside – they only currently work with sliding doors.

6. CANINE TOILETS

Canine loos, usually designed for small breeds up to 20 pounds, are solid crates that have both vertical and horizontal pee pads, which can significantly reduce mess if your small pooch is a ‘leglifter’, and takes his wee breaks indoors. Some brands boast a scent that is said to encourage dogs to use the toilet, and include baking soda to fight the odours. As the crate is solid, they are also discreet looking!

7. DOGGY RADIO STATIONS

Do dogs enjoy music? Reportedly, yes. Dogs appear to prefer reggae and soft rock over other genres of music, according to researchers from the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow (Source: BBC, reporting on data from www.scottishspca.org).

Whilst these musical genres were popular in the study, researchers did find that each dog studied had its own music tastes (the same researchers found in a separate study that classical music helped reduce kennel stress).

Therefore, leaving music on for your dog could be beneficial.

‘Relax My Dog - Relaxing Music for Dogs’ is a YouTube channel with calming music on loop that may keep your pooch from feeling too lonesome. There’s currently no dedicated pet radio channel in the UK, however www.play.positivity.radio has a variety of channels and playlists with relaxing themes, including one for plants, which some dogs may also enjoy.

FIELD & TRIAL

The trusted feed to support body condition & performance throughout the season

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ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE

Y our dog loves being around you and your horse. Whether joining in an early morning hack, ‘helping’ the farrier clean up pieces of hoof, or just relaxing in the straw while watching you muck out the stable. Your dog loves being with you both as much as you love being with them. That’s why you feed Celtic Connection Holistic Pet Food.

Because Celtic Connection not only provides the natural meat-based nutrition and functional herbs your dog needs to stay strong and healthy, it also includes glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to support their joints to keep them active and comfortable. So you can continue to enjoy each other’s company, for many years to come.

Grain and Gluten-free · Hypoallergenic · 100% Human-Grade Quality (HGQ) Ingredients · Unique Patented ‘Single Source Protein Philosophy’ · Made with both Fresh and Dehydrated Meat · Includes therapeutic amounts of functional herbs · Added glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM for comfortable joints · Gently steamed recipes · Veterinarian Recommended · Ideal for dogs with skin or digestion issues · Formulated for all Life Stages · Made in the U.K. · Also available as tinned recipes

BRIGHT IDEAS TO SAVE ENERGY

As it becomes more important than ever to save on energy costs around the home this coming winter, the good news – especially for decor enthusiasts – is that there are plenty of ways to use the power of interior design to reduce gas and electricity bills.

Even if you have furnished the exterior with solar panels or a heat pump, and retrofitted the building envelope with extra insulation already, there are still additional things you can do to the interiors. As they’ll be seen, they get to be decorative too, which can only mean fun! It almost goes without saying that the main way heat escapes from houses is

the draughts around windows and doors, particularly in older properties, so the first assignment is to block up all those breezes. Even the sneaky small ones that come through keyholes. This advice might be as old as houses yet it is still so often overlooked.

DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS

Maybe those cute sausage dog draught excluders are considered frumpy these days, but this humble solution is so effective, it’s worth making a comeback. They don’t have to be dachshunds either. Provided the finished excluder length is at least 4cm more than the width of your door, so that it will

From draft excluders to curtain colour choices, there are many ways we can use the wonders of interior design to save money on our energy bills at home this winter, Zoe Hewett explains ...

cover up the gaps either side too, then it can be made in any style.

Animal lovers can get creative and add buttons, ribbons and other shapely embellishments to form all manner of creature portraits from snakes (obviously) to cats, rows of sheep, ducks, hedgehogs. Buy them ready made online for a quick and easy fix, or for added charm make your own.

A patchwork of fabric scraps left over from previous craft projects would enliven any

areas that feel al fresco. Or if ever you have fallen in love with a particularly expensive fabric that might be prohibitive to transform into full length curtains, then buying just one metre of it and making a gloriously beautiful draught excluder or two instead might be very easily justified.

The handsome patterns of Arts and Crafts designer William Morris are now easily available in fabric form, as are Liberty prints, both of which have endured incredibly well and really suit older and country-style homes. Perhaps a plain, neutral linen, tartan or a classic ticking stripe excluder would be more to your taste.

However you choose for it to look on the outside, consider the stuffing inside too. Sheep’s wool as a natural, inherently flame retardant and weighty option is far superior to polystyrene balls or feathers. Fine gravel, uncooked lentils or rice also make for great fillings as they’ll help keep the excluder in place.

Cut the legs off an old pair of tights to house the filling, like a large sock, and simply tie a knot in the end to prevent any rogue grains spilling out. This will make stitching the outer fabric closed so much easier.

CURTAINS

Some doors have gusty gaps all the way

around of course, not just at the bottom so these portals might need curtains too, as well as all the windows.

Architects notoriously dislike curtains with their frills cluttering up all the clean lines, but for older buildings that haven’t been constructed to contemporary eco-home standards, curtains will have to do. Blinds usually won’t cut the mustard for heat retention, so are trumped by the seemingly lo-fi solution of curtains.

Bespoke curtains will always be superior to off-the-shelf options as there is so much variety in the dimensions of windows across the land. They can be expensive as they are so time and space consuming to produce but the internet is awash with tutorials for anyone who would enjoy making their own.

Also second-hand curtains are increasingly available online and on auction sites, and many retailers like The Curtain Exchange will offer an alteration service alongside to ensure a perfect fit once the drapes are installed at your home. You can likely list your own for sale too if they’re still serviceable but you feel the need for a change.

If you are still wedded to your existing curtains but they are becoming tired you could treat them to a professional clean and a new set of linings to perk them up – perhaps even adding thermal interlining seeing as the objective is to reduce the need to put the heating on. Beware the need for a heavy duty track though, to ensure a sturdy installation that can bear the weight for the long term, as full length curtains can be surprisingly heavy.

The psychological effect of colour and texture can be played with here too. u

Sir William Bentley Billiards

u Draught excluders are a great way to keep the cold breeze out and warmth in

u Curtains cut the mustard if your doors and windows have gusty gaps all the way round

Warm colours such as red, orange and yellow (and maybe purple) will influence how snug a room feels. While colours might not work to improve heat efficiency on a technical or scientifically substantiated level, they still exert a powerful influence, as do the textures we associate with warmth and cosiness such as velvet and wool.

On a more tangibly practical note, installing curtains on a track as opposed to a pole may enable the fabric to sit closer to the wall which will better trap the air behind it.

DOOR FURNITURE

It’s not all about soft furnishings either. Door furniture can lend a helping hand to keep those cold wafts away, in the form of letterbox covers and keyhole covers. For anyone who delights in the tactile pleasures of architectural ironmongery, choosing between antiqued brass or polished bronze finishes and so on will be a treat.

For more metallic merrymaking, placing Radflek reflectors behind all radiators on external walls will help spread their heat back into the room instead of losing it into the

Sir

u By keeping the majority of spaces light, you will need fewer fixtures to achieve a comfortable level of light

wall and away to the outside. Positioning your furniture a good distance away from any radiators will also help, as it will allow the warm air to flow around the space, instead of just heating up the back of your sofa or sideboard. We interior designers are always pulling furniture away from the walls to make rooms feel more spacious anyway, paradoxical though it may seem.

CONSIDER LIGHT WALLS

As for reducing the amount of power consumed while lighting your home, you could consider painting the walls in a lighter colour. While dark, rich colours look dramatic and inviting, they are at their best in candlelit dining rooms, and conversely understaffed loos where no one spends much time but enjoys the surprise of a bold decor scheme. With that in mind, consider

confining darker tones to those lesser used rooms that don’t require much task lighting and special occasion spaces. By keeping the majority of spaces fairly light you will need fewer fixtures to achieve a comfortable level of light.

SWITCH TO LED LIGHTING

For the fittings you do have, it is well worth converting to LEDs instead of conventional bulbs as the energy (and therefore fiscal) saving over time is considerable. Now that LED technology has been around for a while it has greatly improved and the colour changing, dimmable and even programmable options are seemingly endless. When it comes to interior design and decor, considering the environment and your budget certainly does not require compromising on a sense of fun or style. It might even be an opportunity to try something a little different and shake things up a bit by rearranging the layout and adding colours and patterns you might never have considered before!

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Saul Lodge West, Saul, Gloucestershire

An impressive canal-side Grade II listed period home Situation:

A long driveway with fields either side leads to an enviable parkland-style setting where this elegant Grade II listed property is found. The original detached villa is believed to have been built in 1820 by the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Company as a residence for their Chief Engineer. Many decades ago it was divided into two individual houses and this property is set at the rear having the advantage of a wide open aspect towards the River Severn standing within its own grounds measuring just under 2 acres, comprising a formal walled garden and paddock. The present vendor has renovated and upgraded the property to offer flexible, light and well-presented accommodation. From the parking area steps lead to an open porch where you can appreciate how magnificent the setting is.

Guide Price £1,400,000

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Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Manor House, Padworth Common, Reading, Berkshire.

Handsome manor house with over 5 acres and equestrian facilities

Situation:

This most impressive six-bedroom manor house has a private and secluded situation within its own generously proportioned grounds, backing onto the open countryside of Padworth and Wokefield Commons. The house offers a vast array of leisure amenities well suited to active daily life, including a fabulous indoor heating swimming pool and equestrian facilities comprising turnout, stabling and a ménage. The main house offers almost 7700 sq ft of accommodation over two floors, which is beautifully presented throughout and offers excellent versatility and flexibility for growing families or professionals alike. There is also annexe potential (subject to relevant consents), should the need arise for staff or perhaps an au pair, with a large space over the first floor of the attached triple garage. The characterful home has excellent kerb appeal with a gated entrance opening to a long and linear property, the original part dating back over 500 years with a number of later alterations and extensions. As a result, the house has a variety of character features including exposed beams and fireplaces. The internal specification of the home is very high and offers a premium feel, with its stylish bathrooms and vast, vaulted kitchen being the highlights.

Guide Price £3,000,000

Substantial country house – 7696 sq ft | 4.95 acres including 3 paddocks | 4 stables, tack room | Field shelter & menage | Indoor swimming pool

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Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Lark Rise, Newtown, Hungerford

Substantial 5-bed family home with extensive gardens

Situation:

Situated in a delightful rural location in the charming hamlet of Hungerford Newtown is this detached family home thought to date back to the 1940s, which occupies a generous secluded plot overlooking open countryside to the rear. Hungerford Newtown enjoys excellent transport links and close proximity to Hungerford town centre, making it easily commutable whilst still offering idyllic country living. The property has been sympathetically extended to the side and rear to maximise the space on offer, while the tasteful interiors have been well-maintained throughout and include solid wood doors and flooring, large windows allowing in much natural light and a fully fitted kitchen with country-style cabinetry and range cooker. The largely neutral décor provides an ideal blank canvas for a buyer to add their personal stamp.

Guide Price £1,800,000

We treat your Home like Our Home

Midland Tank Services is a family run, local business with over 30 years experience, specializing in the supply and installation of new, replacement oil tanks and oil boilers across, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. We can also supply a range of livestock drinkers and Agri products for rainwater harvesting, troughs and foot baths etc.

We aim to offer a rapid response and assistance to emergency calls. We are OFTEC registered and approved, our engineers are fully trained and qualified to manage your project from start to completion.

If you are looking to replace your oil tank or boiler due to age or plans to extend your home you can be assured that we will handle your requirements in a professional, respectful manner and treat your home and garden as we would our own.

For a free, no obligation site survey and quotation please call us on T: 01905 757583 or email: midlandtankservices@gmail.com

LEISURE Pools Ltd

We are a well-established Swimming Pool company based in Tewkesbury and covering the three counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, together with border areas

WE OFFER: Pool Construction - Repairs and Refurbishment - Tailor-made Service Contracts for Domestic & Commercial Pools including Leisure Centres, Retirement Villages, Schools, Hotels and Spas

Please contact us for your free Quotations and Advice on 01684 292211, email: office@leisurepoolsltd.com or through our website

www.leisurepoolsltd.com

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Greenlands Farm, Oakhill, Somerset

A modern country home with excellent equestrian facilities

Situation:

Greenlands Farm was designed and constructed under the watchful eye of the current owners in 2005. They wanted to create a comfortable family house with large gatherings in mind. The house was also designed to provide superb equestrian facilities. The house sits on an escarpment position on the outskirts of Oakhill with open countryside views from its extensive south facing terrace. The accommodation offers a flexible layout including a self-contained attached annexe. The impressive entrance hall is a key feature with a central handmade oak staircase taking centre stage. Quality continues with hardwood double glazed windows, American white oak doors, zoned under floor heating, central vacuum system and cat five cabling throughout. The main sitting room and reception open to create an ideal party room, whilst the kitchen/breakfast room is great for informal supper. The games room was constructed to be linked to the garage to fulfil the hobbies of the current owners and there is an incredible vaulted ceiling space akin to a period barn. The dining area and conservatory flowing onto the rear terrace make an ideal sitting room and snug. The bedrooms are well appointed with five bedrooms complimented by four bathrooms.

Guide Price £1,750,000

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Hallbottom Farm, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire

A wonderfully situated farmhouse with beautiful gardens (including a pond) and excellent equestrian facilities arranged over 11 acres located on the edge of Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire

Situation:

A rare opportunity to purchase an exceptional 7/8 bedroom farmhouse on 11 acres with excellent equestrian facilities including 8 stables, 2 tack rooms, a large traditional barn, a manege and direct access to unrivalled bridal paths. There is also a purpose-built insulated barn for storage of at least 4 cars and the property benefits from a self-contained one bedroom annexe.

Guide Price £4,950,000

11 acres I 8 stables I 2 Tack rooms I Large traditional barn I Manege I Direct access to bridleways I 1 bed annexe I 6 bed Farmhouse I Private wooded drive

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Malthouse Lodge Farm, Brinkworth, Wiltshire

Malthouse Lodge Farm offers an exceptional base for a professional rider or business. The facility has been thoughtfully designed with both the horse and rider in mind and is currently a thriving full livery yard.

Situation:

Through the front door you enter into a spacious open plan living space with stone floors throughout and floor to ceiling windows along one wall. The recently renovated farmhouse style kitchen offers ample workspace and features an impressive island and a large dining area. The self-contained annexe can be accessed via the house or it’s own front door and comprises of a large open plan kitchen/living space, double bedroom and shower room. The stables are divided into three main barns, all of which benefit from their own tack room and storage areas. The impressive, newly constructed 20 x 60m indoor school features mirrors at one end and an adjoining jump store with a large room which could be utilised as a club room or lounge.

Guide Price £3,250,000

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 301 email: ken.gamble@btconnect.com

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 and livestock vehicles suitable for carriage driving, polo, and all other equine disciplines.

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: info@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk

Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carms, SA19 8QL www.tristarhorseboxes.co.uk

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.

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.

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.

Chandler House, Talbot Road, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 2ZF,

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables

Palehouse Farm, Uckfield, East Sussex

Stunning 5 bedroom Grade II listed home in a rural position with a Detached 2 bedroom Oast House (approx 1308 sq ft), excellent equestrian facilities, swimming pool and land totalling just over 18 acres with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

Situation:

Palehouse Farm is a stunning 5 bedroom 16th century farmhouse together with a detached 2 bedroom Oast house presented in immaculate condition throughout. The property has been significantly updated and now offers a complimentary blend of period detail and contemporary style. The accommodation is spacious and flexible throughout with high ceilings and is arranged over three floors.

Guide Price £3,000,000

18.3 acres I 5 stables around enclosed yard I Hay store I Tack room I 20 x 40 arena with Martin Collins Clopf surface I Swimming pool Detached 2 bed Oast House with annexe or holiday let potential I 5 bed Grade II listed home

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Sandpits Farm, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

This beautiful property has been previously improved and upgraded by the previous owner and provides flexible accommodation which will appeal to those who are searching for the ultimate equestrian lifestyle.

Situation:

A rare opportunity has arisen in the sought after Suffolk village of Walsham-le-Willows to acquire this superb equestrian property comprising detached Grade II Listed Thatched Farmhouse, two bedroom first floor self-contained annexe, range of outbuildings, Monarch horse walker, stables, paddocks, and Olympic sized all-weather manege set in approximately 34 acres.

Guide Price £2,250,000

34 acres I Steel framed barn with Monarch stables I Feed, tack, rug rooms with wash and dry facilities I Olympic sized all weather arena I Sand school Lunge pen I Horse walker I Swimming pool I Self-contained annexe I 5 bed Grade II Listed Thatched Farmhouse

Sir William Bentley Billiards

Victoria Cottage, Halifax, West Yorkshire

Set within 10 acres of grounds Victoria Cottage is a beautifully presented four bedroom farmhouse with an additional one bedroom cottage.

Situation:

With wonderful views of the horses and landscape from almost every room courtesy of its elevated, yet sheltered position, the property is fantastic both inside and out. Originally built 1844 and only available to the open market for the second time in 70 years. The property’s equestrian credentials are second to none, with modern stable block, floodlit arena and almost level paddocks, a rarity in the local area.

Guide Price £1,600,000

10 acres I 4 stables I Feed room I Tack room I Hot horse shower I Floodlit 20 x 40 arena with silica sand and Pasada surface and mirrors Viewing area overlooking arena I Stunning views, position and hacking I 4 bed family home + 1 bed cottage

Vicky Maggs and Bear

Gastric ulcers and feeding for weight gain

Gastric ulcers or Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) was once considered a problem that primarily affected racehorses, but recent research suggests that 37% of leisure horses and 63% of performance horses now suffer from the condition. Joanna Palmer, nutritionist for Allen & Page Horse Feeds explains how best to feed and manage ulcer prone horses and ponies to promote digestive health and aid weight gain.

Gastric ulcers are erosions of the stomach lining caused by exposure to gastric acid. Horses with EGUS can suffer pain and discomfort that leads to changes in temperament as well as poor performance and weight loss. Alongside appropriate veterinary treatment, careful management to reduce stress and provide as natural a lifestyle as possible is vital. A suitable feeding plan that meets the specific nutritional needs of ulcer prone horses will support a healthy digestive system and help to prevent reoccurrence in the future.

For horses with gastric issues research suggests providing a diet with as low a starch and sugar level as possible is highly beneficial (preferably less than 2g per kg body weight a day, but ideally less than 1g per kg body weight per meal). Keeping a low starch and sugar level can be helped by avoiding competition or more traditional feeds which will often contain ingredients such as molasses and whole cereal grains. It is also important to ensure that every horse has constant access to grazing or forage because this will keep the stomach full and reduce exposure of the lining to the ulcer causing acid. Feeding forage or chaff before exercise will form a mat of fibre which can help stop acid splashing into the upper portion of the stomach that is more prone to ulceration. The process of chewing also promotes the production of saliva, which being alkaline is the horse’s natural defence against gastric acid.

Soothe & Gain is a high calorie, low starch and low sugar soaked feed, suitable for horses

prone to gastric ulcers. With a high calorie/ energy level it is ideal for horses in harder work and those that need to put on or maintain weight and condition. The energy that Soothe & Gain supplies is from fibre and oil, providing an excellent source of slow release, staminagiving energy. Being whole cereal grain free and molasses free it is low in starch and low sugar, ideal for those that react negatively to high starch diets. The fibre sources in Soothe & Gain are also high in Beta-Glucans that form a gel like consistency, which helps to moderate the transit speed of feed through the stomach and intestines, meaning the stomach remains fuller for longer.

Soothe & Gain contains antacids, a probiotic and a blend of prebiotics to help support healthy digestion. As well as being fully balanced with vitamins and minerals, this feed also contains a careful selection of herbs: mint, nettle, dandelion and fenugreek for their wellknown properties and ensures Soothe & Gain is highly palatable

For more information on Soothe & Gain and feeding your ulcer prone horse visit: www.allenandpage.com or call the award winning nutrition helpline on 01362 822 902

Joanna Palmer, Equine Nutritionist at Allen & Page Quality Horse Feeds

Feeding facts for this fall

Whether or not you need a supplement or balancer depends on your horse’s diet, as most compound feeds are fortified to provide a complete nutritional ration, if fed at the recommended levels.

As an example, “good doers” fed just forage would benefit from a balancer, perhaps with a handful of chaff for palatability, to increase their nutritional uptake, but horses fed a branded, fortified feed are unlikely to need extra supplements

for general health.

However, if there’s an extra need for further nutrients for wellness elements like calming, hoof health, joint mobility, digestive health, breeding and coat health, then a targeted supplement may be worthwhile. The choice is incredibly large with hundreds of products available, so do speak with your

local feed store or a feed and supplement manufacturer, to discuss your horse or pony’s needs. Here, Kathy Carter answers some frequently asked questions.

CAN I TURN MY HORSE OUT ON FROSTY AUTUMN GRASS?

This very much depends on whether the horse is laminitis prone. On a sunny day, frosty grass may contain very high levels of fructan, a type of carbohydrate, during mid-morning, and could be risky for laminitis-prone horses or ponies. Fructan concentrations are higher in autumn, as they can be produced u

with a minimum of 13% Boswellic Acid

As the summer turns to autumn, horse owners are preparing for the colder months. Kathy Carter answers some all-important questions about maintaining your equine friend’s health ...

Equine

For

through photosynthesis, the chemical change that occurs in the leaves of green plants (the Laminitis: Grazing Risk Monitoring Service is a useful phone-app – see laminitis-risk.com –that helps users monitor weather conditions and laminitis risk). Putting supplementary hay or haylage out will help reduce the amount of potentially high-fructan grass consumed, if owners are concerned. But in general, frosted grass is safe to eat, as it’s rapidly warmed in the horse’s mouth during chewing and mixing with warm saliva.

SHOULD I FEED LESS HAYLAGE THAN HAY, IN A COMPARABLE RATION?

People used to limit haylage, perhaps because in its early development it was higher in energy. Giving insufficient haylage results in an (undesirable) comparable drop in the animal’s fibre intake.

Today’s branded haylage is still very palatable, so horses may eat it more quickly, potentially leading to boredom and stereotypical behaviours.

Haylage contains considerably more water than hay, so in fact we need to feed about one and a quarter times as much haylage as hay. In fact, haylage can be seen as preferable to hay, as the quality is consistent and it’s less dusty.

SHOULD I FEED A HIGHER-ENERGY FEED IN AUTUMN AND WINTER?

Colder temperatures do increase the number of calories a horse needs to maintain body weight, but the feed should match the horse’s fitness, workload and temperament, and fibre should form the basis of the diet, to avoid increasing the risk factors for digestive disturbances.

As there’s less nutrition left in the grass in autumn and through winter, horses living out full-time will need their grazing supplemented with forage, and most likely hard feed too (even just chaff and a balancer – see below), if working. But we’re not necessarily looking for a higher-energy feed, per se.

For horses in harder work, however, the answer is yes, we should feed a higherenergy feed in late autumn and winter, to maintain body condition as the temperatures drop and the grass’s nutrition fades, and also to give sufficient energy for working and competing. u

GLOBALVITE

GlobalVite is a mineral and vitamin supplement containing premium chelated minerals for maximum absorption by your horse. It also contains added probiotic for the support of the digestive system. Feeding GlobalVite supports overall health and condition. It helps to maintain healthy joints, skin, coat, hoof growth, peak condition, immunity and much more.

GlobalVite can be fed all year round, tastes delicious and is molasses and palm oil free! This essential mineral and vitamin supplement helps to enrich the modern equine diet to best support your horse. Great for changeable weather conditions. Suitable for all horses and ponies.

AN UNBALANCED DIET

There are so many factors which affect a horse’s requirements including age, breed, weight, exercise, forage. All of these can “unbalance” their diet, and an unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies which, over time, can cause problems. Supplementation helps bridge the gap and ensures that your horse’s daily nutritional needs are catered for.

Without a fully functioning digestive system, your horse can’t absorb other nutrients to their full availability. Stabling and domestication cause further issues as your horse’s gut is naturally much better when he is moving and foraging. Concentrated feeds and stress can lead to problems, particularly gastric ulcers.

LOWERING ACIDITY

Lower acidity levels, by feeding a supplement such as Equine 74’s Gastric Conditioner which promotes a healthy stomach, and is an effective acid buffer, along with including a live yeast which supports the hind gut digestion.

PROTECTING JOINTS

If your horse is ridden on a variety of surfaces the chances, are you will subject his joints to heavy forces, hacking on roads, fields and preforming in a school can all add extra strain.

There are a variety of joint supplements on the market that come in many forms such as, liquid, powder and feed.

CALMERS

If horses are limited to little or no turnout, feeding a calmer can become an essential part of their diet to help ease their “fight or flight” reaction.

Calmers have been formulated to contain nutrients which are required for the nervous system, such as magnesium, or which have calming properties, such as chamomile.

Some calmers are fed daily, whereas others are for ad hoc use, and are perfect for one-off stressful situations, such as travelling, clipping or farrier visits.

JENKINSONS – A RETRO HAYNET WITH A MODERN MESSAGE

A jute haynet called the Crofton has been launched by Elico Equestrian.

The natural, rustic-coloured net is robust enough for the most enthusiastic equine eater, yet it’s completely biodegradable at the end of its life.

Just as jute or cotton bags win out over plastic carriers for shopping, now your customers can make an environmentally friendly choice about haynets too.

Jute haynets were commonplace 40 years ago. But this new product is an improvement on the traditional design … Its square bottom makes it tidy in the stable and easy to fill.

The Elico Crofton Jute Haynet is a conventional 40” long and has a standard mesh size.

Jute is widely considered to be a sustainable crop, grown with minimal use of fertilizers or pesticides.

On disposal, it decomposes within one to two years leaving no threat to the earth.

The Crofton Jute Haynet is made with no plastic, nylon or metal attachments – just jute. The degradation of jute is accelerated by wet conditions, therefore these haynets are best suited for longterm indoor use.

Warning! The Elico Crofton Jute Haynet has a subtle but wonderful earthy smell which may cause some horse owners to reminisce.

The Crofton is to be launched to the trade at BETA International 2022 and will be available from all good equestrian retailers.

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This unique formula of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Collagen and MSM also includes the smaller key isolate amino acids and Vitamin C.

Products are laminitis friendly

PRO SPORTIVE STOCKISTS

Edgemere ltd: www.edgemere.co.uk

Chelford Farm Supplies: www.chelfordfarmsupplies.co.uk

Leighs Animal Feeds: www.leighsanimalfeeds.co.uk

Supplement solutions: www.supplementsolutions.co.uk www.prosportive.co.uk

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Equimmune Range For Natural Immune Support

• Maintains the horse’s immunity

• Supports the skin against viral growth

• Perfect to prepare for winter

EQUINE SYNERGY

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What are the benefits of haylage?

During the Summer, the fine and dry hay making weather allowed plenty of quality forage to be harvested. However, this long spell of dry weather also significantly reduced the yield of any subsequent cuts of grass forcing some farmers to hold onto much of their grass harvest for feeding to their own stock rather than selling surplus hay and haylage. This is likely to cause supply problems in the coming months. The hot dry weather also concentrated sugars in the grass so much of the hay made, could be potentially harmful to some equines with sugar sensitivities. For these reasons, many horse owners may have to seriously assess their forage supply for the coming months ahead.

Claire Burrow

The feeding of our haylage has numerous benefits, both for you and for your horse, so, if you are one of these people with Winter forage worries, then Devon Haylage may be the solution!

Benefits for you

✔ It’s time consuming and costly for owners to test every batch of hay, in which nutritional levels can vary enormously, including its potentially high sugar levels. But because at Devon Haylage we understand that quality forage is the corner stone of any good equine diet, we carry out a full nutritional and mineral analysis every year. This helps you to assess which of our four types is most suited to your horse, helps you feed a proven low sugar forage in confidence and allows bespoke tailoring of mineral supplementation if required.

✔ Our neat 20kg bales are perfect for travelling and when away competing, plus their great palatability encourages even the fussiest of eaters in stressful situations to keep eating.

✔ Our bales can be stored outside, (ideally out of prolonged direct sunlight and always away from vermin) to free up valuable space in the barn.

✔ We have a wide range of stockists in the Southwest but for ultra-convenience and peace of mind, we can deliver pallets of 35 bales almost anywhere!

✔ Our range of four distinct haylage types allows you to cater for every type of equine from a fussy sports horse to a retired cob. We will happily discuss your requirements, give advice, and send free samples for that all important taste test!

✔ With adequate intake, our haylage can eliminate or reduce the need for additional hard feed which has recently spiked in price.

Benefits for your Horse

✔ The dust free aspect of haylage was its original claim to fame. Much of the dust found in hay is fungal and mould spores, but the natural haylage making process inhibits the growth of any moulds or fungus creating a much healthier environment for horses who may spend many hours with their noses buried in their forage!

✔ We all know that horses shouldn’t have any sudden dietary changes, which is why we work hard to ensure that our haylage is consistent in quality and nutrition all through the year. By having complete control of every aspect of our haylage production from ‘seed to sale’, our standards remain high right through the year, helping to keep equine tummies healthy and happy.

✔ The importance of the equine gut keeping nice and full of fibre is well documented. This is to maintain a healthy population and variety of gut bacteria which in turn offer a multitude of benefits to the horse including preventing ulcers, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and improving immunity among others. A gut full of fibre also helps to reduce dehydration and maintain electrolyte levels whilst the hind gut fermentation process provides vital warmth. So, for your horse, fibre intake really is the most important constituent apart from water in his diet. At Devon Haylage, we cut each type in mid to late June to achieve consistently high fibre levels with medium or low energy levels, allowing most horses to have free choice access to our haylage in a safe manner; exactly the way in which their gut was designed.

✔ But as far as all our four-legged customers are concerned, it’s the deliciousness of our haylage which appeals to them most, which can be a benefit for you too if you have a choosy eater and must throw away wasted hay. Devon Haylage is highly appealing to the most discerning of equine customer, they will waste nothing!

Who knows what the Winter weather has in store or how badly forage stocks will be affected during the months ahead, but if you feel that your current forage supply may be impacted, feel free to email or phone us to discuss how our haylage could benefit you and your horse this coming Autumn and Winter.

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RESTORE, PROMOTE FEED UTILISATION!

RESTORE

Our palatable nutritional liver tonic is a quick-acting supplement targeted to support efficient digestion, help maintain peak condition and quickly aid natural balance. Restore moves beyond the role of milk thistle although an extract is included in both liquid and powder versions. Restore can be used shortterm throughout the year, at the change of seasons and routine or long-term if required. WANT

Made in Britain

As equestrian business owners, we dedicate our working lives to the horse and equestrianism. Through innovating products and delivering expert services, office-based or in the field, equestrian business owners are the backbone of our sector.

Time and again, we hear the same complaints:

“ We’re not getting enough sales/enquiries through our website”

“ We’ve had an amazing new website built but nobody is visiting it”

“ I’m an emerging brand but I’m struggling to compete with my larger competitors”

This is where we at Purple Horse Marketing come in. We help equestrian businesses improve their keyword rankings through search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay per click (PPC) advertising. Both services help your equine business become more visible to potential customers searching online.

Our SEO service forms the basis of online marketing, and this is where most of our clients start when they begin working with us. Not having any SEO on your website is like creating the most amazing joint supplement and sending it out to retailers in a plain tub with no label. There’s no indication as to what’s inside, so why would anyone bother buying it?

Our targeted PPC campaigns help our clients cover a wider range of more competitive keywords. Our PPC service puts our clients’ websites directly in front of potential customers quickly, helping to increase website traffic and drive conversions.

We are digital marketing experts with a passion for all things equine. Equestrian businesses choose us because we have the knowledge and understanding required to effectively market their products and services.

Our existing client base includes equine vets, equine e-commerce brands and racing clubs/syndicates. We have been particularly successful in working with emerging equestrian brands that are struggling to break through the “noise” and compete with their much larger and more established competitors. We develop successful online strategies for clients using our expert sector knowledge and work in partnership with them to help drive their business forward. Communication is key to every great partnership, and we stay in touch via our monthly progress reports and regular calls.

If you want to make your website work for you, please visit purplehorsemarketing.co.uk to book a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to help your equestrian business grow online.

Green Mile Bedding is made from corrugated cardboard cut into fine strips, as a result creating a unique design which helps to increase absorbency.

For those of us with stabled horses, bedding is potentially the most costly and timeconsuming element of our horsey management regime. Of course, stable bedding isn’t just about comfort – it is a method of injury prevention, and a great time-saving tool. A good stable bed can encourage your horse to lie down, give protection from hard surfaces and slipping, encourage them to urinate and, of course, provide insulation and comfort.

But perhaps one of the main considerations where horse bedding is concerned is the part it plays in promoting equine respiratory health. A recent study in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health proposed that there may be unsafe levels of airborne allergens (such as pollen, fungi or spores) in many stables.

“These particles do not only directly affect the respiratory system, but might also act as a carrier, conveying toxic contaminants and agents such as bacteria, and posing risk to either horses or staff,” the researchers warned (Kováts et al, 2016). Here, we take a look at the most common types of horse bedding, and consider their pros and cons.

RUBBER MATTING

With the right stable drainage, rubber matting can halve mucking-out time, and is also a great insulator – it also has low running costs, and provides a non-slip base – great for injury prevention. There are types of rubber matting for all budgets, from simple squares of thinner matting, to shockabsorbing systems with multicelled, rubber-crumb sections.

PROS – Once fitted, running costs are low. Rubber matting drains well (if

good drainage and stable design is in place underneath) and reduces the risk of injury.

CONS – It is hard to remove if you change stables or livery yards. Initial set-up costs can be costly.

STRAW

While many yards linked to farms do successfully utilise straw bedding (commonly wheat), the fungal spores present in non-dust extracted bales may induce respiratory challenges. However, if it is well maintained and fully mucked out daily, then traditional straw beds can work well for some horses. There are also some great bagged, chopped straw alternatives. Some are even treated with formulations to aid equine respiration, and steam sterilised versions are also available for optimum horse health.

PROS – Traditional baled straw is cost effective and rots down well as a fertiliser. Bagged, chopped straw alternatives are especially good for equines with respiratory challenges, or simply older horses.

CONS – Horses can sometimes eat traditional barley and oat straw bedding, and it can become smelly when wet with urine.

WOOD-BASED PRODUCTS

There are multiple wood-based products available these days. Good quality, dustextracted baled wood shavings are popular, easy to muck out, and make very good deep littered beds. Dried, shredded wood fibre bedding offers low dust levels and also makes a comfortable bed – it tends to be relatively clean to use and handle, and is virtually dust-free and odourless. Some pelleted wood products require some soaking prior to use, and the application of water is very beneficial for reducing dust content. Dried wood pulp bedding is similar to wood fibre bedding and is produced by drying the pulp at extreme temperatures. PROS – Wood-based products are generally quick to muck out. They store and stack well, have high u

levels of absorbency, and are good for respiratory challenges.

CONS – Shavings can stick to the horse’s mane, tail or hooves, and some wood products can take a while to rot down.

CARDBOARDBASED PRODUCTS

Shredded cardboard is relatively dust free and can often be obtained cheaply from local sources.

It also has good thermal qualities and high absorbency levels so, if regularly

*BEDDING BASICS

mucked out and managed, helps to reduce ammonia levels.

Look out for products made from non-treated paper as a great, biodegradable bedding. Also if the card is corrugated, urine quickly runs through to the floor of the stable, leaving the top surface dry and fairly odourless.

PROS – The sections of clean cardboard trap warm air, providing a cosy bed.

CONS – Cardboard can be heavy post-

WHAT ISSUES CAN UNSUITABLE EQUINE STABLE BEDS CAUSE?

• Capped hocks and elbows – areas that are swollen or bruised when the horse lies down or gets up

•Getting cast – horses that enjoy rolling may be prone to getting stuck in the stable

•Some horses that eat their bedding may be prone to colic

•Equine inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) – these are conditions predominantly linked to hypersensitivity to mould spores. Vets tend to regard respiratory challenges as a spectrum of chronic inflammatory airway diseases that resemble human asthma

•Thrush – an infection of the clefts of the frog of the horse’s foot

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT RESPIRATORY CHALLENGES?

Inhaling dust and mould spores can lead to inflammation of the horse’s airways, reduced air space and irritation of the cells. But equine respiratory challenges are complex, and require holistic thinking. For example, it is important to note that, in potentially dusty environments such as stables, warm days worsen the respiratory risk factors to the horse, as do high-pollen days. Therefore, trying to reduce the dust levels all of the time will definitely help a stabled horse to “breathe easy” on hot days, and occasions when pollen levels are higher (Source: Equine Veterinary Journal, Bullone et al, 2016).

In addition, respiratory disease, specifically airway inflammation, is especially common in older horses, and recurrent airway obstruction can lead to irreversible structural changes in the horse’s airways

(Source: The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, CM Marr, 2016.)

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT HOOF CHALLENGES?

Hoof structures can be damaged by the ammonia content of the urine. Hoof horn is made up of bonded keratin molecules; when the bonds are saturated, the horn swells, expands and weakens the

muckout, and tends to blow around in the wind.

HEMP

Dried hemp is an increasingly popular bedding choice, and is readily available in dust-free bales. It is comfortable and very absorbent. Hemp beds tend to soak up liquids at the base of the bed, leaving a fluffier, drier top layer.

PROS – Hemp is an environmentallyfriendly product – it is also good for helping prevent or manage equine allergies, and composts readily.

CONS – In theory, as a crop, hemp bedding could be inconsistent in terms of its quality. However, this shouldn’t be an issue with a quality product.

hoof, causing cracks. Bedding is key, as urine saturated bedding leads to increased levels of ammonia in the stable, damaging the horn of the hoof and weakening the outer layer. The infection thrush is also a problem – it is commonly caused by dirty beds harbouring bacteria.

TOP TIPS

•Remove the horse while mucking out, and skip out as often as you can

•If you need to “deep litter”, encourage the wet bedding to “compact” at the base by not disturbing the contents too much –keep topping up the clean top layer

•Limit stabling time as much as is practical, to enhance equine health

•Bear in mind that a horse diagnosed with inflammatory airway disease or recurrent airway obstruction, in addition to a good management regime, may also need ongoing veterinary medicines such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators

Green Mile Bedding is made from corrugated cardboard cut into fine strips, as a result creating a unique design which helps to increase absorbency.

home WELCOMING

YOUR NEW HORSE

Things

So, after travelling the country for multiple viewings, test rides and weeks of thinking you’ve chosen your new horse or pony, the vetting is passed and now you are probably experiencing the sleepless nights consumed by doubt, worry and of course excitement!

It’s important now to plan, how are you going to bring your new horse home? What insurance do I need? Do I have enough rugs, are they the right size? Is the new paddock secure, will he like the stable?... this list is endless! I often find at this time it’s good to make a check list. Breaking down the important things and making a check list means you are much less likely to miss something. Some of the key things might be;

TRANSPORT

Get in touch with the previous owner and ask what your new horse or pony is like with travelling, have they travelled much before, if so, was it in an HGV lorry, box van, trailer, don’t assume that your horse will just walk in. If you have your own form of transport, it may be an idea to ask the previous owner if they

www.worldhorsewelfare.org/yhc

to consider after purchasing but before bringing home your new horse.

p It’s a good idea to ask the horses previous owner how well your new horse travels, don’t just assume your horse will walk straight in a box van or trailer.

have any objections to you visiting prior to the day of collection to have a practice, to load, unload perhaps give a few treats on and off the trailer or horsebox, making the experience familiar and fun. Little exercises like this can be well worth while and take any unnecessary stress away from the actual collection day itself. If you don’t have your own transport and are thinking about utilising an equine transport company, do some research. Sadly, there are many horse transporters out there trading illegally, without the right insurance and in some cases with unsafe vehicles in operation. Speak to the transport company, ask them for client testimonials, look for Facebook or google reviews, you don’t want to be halfway home and find you or your new horse stuck in an unforeseen problem that could potentially become unsafe or cost

you more money. Ask about the different types of vehicles they have available and if possible, try and utilise something you know your new horse would be comfortable with. Get to know the people who will be transporting your horse, are they kind, understanding and experienced in the safe loading and travelling of horses?

INSURANCE

We would suggest that your horse insurance starts from the morning you are due to collect your new horse, ensuring that all the relevant covers apply, is your horse insured whilst in transit, does the insurance cover your horse if your horse is being moved via a third party. Think about what your plans

are for your horse over the coming weeks, months and year ahead. What will you be doing, hacking, unaffiliated competition, or perhaps you’re going straight into affiliated. You will need to discuss this with your insurance company to ensure the correct cover is in place. Your insurers may also want access to your horses medical notes, including any type of vetting that you

www.worldhorsewelfare.org/yhc

Breaking down the important things and making a check list means you are much less likely to miss something important

have had carried out, it’s a good idea to start this process in plenty of time before you are due to bring you horse home as it can take time for insurers and different veterinary practices to communicate and transfer the information they have and need to make sure you have the correct policy in place. Whilst considering your equine insurance, think about the insurer themselves, there a lot a lot of insurance companies out there that on the face of things look and sound great, but when you get into the finer details hidden in the small print, you may find that you are not actually covered for all you thought you were. Don’t be afraid to ask your insurer questions and keep a record trail of documentation on anything you are unsure of, if possible, by email so that you can refer to these details in the future should you need to.

With all the excitement that comes with getting your new horse or pony it is really important that before you bring your new companion home that everything is ready for them. Starting with your grazing paddock.

For your horse’s security your paddock should be fenced and gated, it should be an area that is large enough for your horse to move around freely but typically not so large that your horse can gorge on the excessive grass, if needed smaller grazing areas can be created using correct electric fencing. Fencing should be checked for any nails, sharp edges or anything else that could injure your horse. A water source in your paddock is a must, be it a trough or freshwater stream, your horse should always have access to water. Let’s move on to where your new friend is going to have some rest time, the stables or maybe a field shelter. Horses do need to be provided with shelter so whether you have a field shelter or plan for your horse to have a seasonal routine of being out for the day and then being stabled overnight, there are again a few things to think about. Although

p Measure your horse properly before buying a rug or bridle to ensure it fits properly

Be sure to check fencing around your paddock for nails, sharp edges or anything else that could injure your horse.

it can be costly to provide a stable of field shelter it is wise to think long term, after all we do hope that our new friend is going to be with you for quite some time. Safety is of course again a particularly important factor to think about, make sure the comfort and welfare of your horse is not compromised when they are in their stable, as poorly designed structures can increase the chance of injury. Think about size, your horse does need to be able to turn around, lie down and be able to get up again, what bedding will you use? do you want rubber matting on the floor? They will need again a constant source of water and food. Will you use a hay net? what feed will you provide? So many things to consider before bringing your new horse home, so research and have a good think about these things first.

You will find your horse will need plenty of items to settle in, you can go for just the necessities, head collar, rugs, brushes, saddle, mucking out tools etc. Or you could go bigger such as a solarium, exercise pens etc. It really is up to you. It is advised that measuring your horse properly when buying things such as rugs, bridles and even having a proper saddle fitting before you buy, so that it all fits comfortably and properly. We’ve barely scratched the surface of things to consider but hopefully we have got you thinking. I’m sure you will make that list we suggested at the beginning……. n

Our customers represent the complete spectrum of the equestrian world, from large professional yards with over sixty horses to individuals with two to three horses. As well as supplying equipment for all sizes of sports horses, we design and make pens, horse walkers and treadmills for ponies and miniature horses. For customers who have specific requirements, a difficult site or need to make use of an existing building, we will design a product that meets their needs.

As ever with horse ownership we transition from one period to the next – hot to cold, cold to hot, high work intensity to reduced workload and so on. Each transition poses its unique set of challenges and moving from summer into

Caring for your horse this autumn

By Tara Evans,

autumn is certainly no exception. While the extremes of temperature changes might not be too daunting, autumn can throw some surprises, and as the gateway to winter, it allows you an opportunity to prepare for the colder months ahead.

SHORTER DAYLIGHT HOURS

Gone are the long hazy evenings of summer and suddenly we have a lot less time to do … everything. As well as investing in a good head torch, make sure you are set up and organised to deal with darker mornings and evenings on the yard.

Chances are your horse is being stabled more and turned out less. Make sure you make this transition as easy as possible for

your horse by providing adequate nutrition and enrichment, and don’t forget the golden rule of making all changes gradually.

FEEDING THROUGH THE COLDER MONTHS

Your horse’s access to grass will be very different to that through the summer. Not only will they spend less time turned out and less time eating grass, but the nutritional value of the grass is lower through the colder months than it is in summer.

Do remember though that the nutritional value of grass will alter depending on the weather rather than the month – a mild month will have more nutritious grass than a freezing one. It is important to ensure your horse is still receiving adequate

GradDipVn RVN, Vita Animal Health

As we transition into autumn, Tara Evans shares with us some very important advice that will see our equine friends protected right through to winter

forage intake with good quality forage and fibre. Remember that horses are hindgut fermenters and are designed to eat small amounts of forage almost continuously through the day.

Autumn is a great time to prepare for the colder months to come and gradually adjusting your horse’s diet in advance will keep you on the front foot when feeding in winter. If you’re not sure what you should be feeding your horse, speak to your vet, they will be happy to advise.

ENRICHMENT

If your horse is spending more time in the stable, it is important to think of ways to entertain them and engage their brains. Mirrors, radios, feed balls, licks … there are plenty of options on the market to keep your horse’s brain engaged and avoiding boredom. Some ideas are cheap and simple such as finely chopping up slices of carrot and stuffing them deep into the haynet for your horse to find.

DRINKING

As the weather cools, it is not uncommon for horses to drink less as they don’t actively seek water like they do in summer. It is no coincidence that vets tend to see more cases of impaction colics as the temperature drops, as horses are not drinking as much. Water is an essential nutrient, so consider using slightly warmer water to encourage your horse to drink or add in a second water bucket with some electrolytes in. If they can handle the sugar, you can add a splash of apple juice to tempt them.

Another option to ensure your horse is taking in enough water each day, is to add water to their feed.

CHANGE ROUTINES GRADUALLY

It is very likely that you horse’s winter routine and summer routine look quite different, but it is important that when changing routines, it is done gradually. If your horse has been enjoying prolonged turnout though summer and is now going to be stabled more, make this change gradually over a few weeks to avoid unnecessary stress.

TO RUG OR NOT TO RUG?

Never is there a season more prone to glorious sunshine one day, and icy frost the next than autumn. This can pose a

difficult question when trying to keep your horse comfortable – to rug or not to rug? As tempting as it can be to wrap your horse up ‘nice and warm’, horses can tolerate much cooler weather than us, and so long as it’s not wet and windy, cold weather doesn’t bother them. If you haven’t clipped your horse, avoid rugging – unless completely necessary – and let their coat do its job. Ever noticed your horse looking extra fluffy on cooler days? The coat puffs up to trap a layer of air between the hair strands, which warms up and insulates your horse.

If your horse is not clipped and gets sweaty after exercise, make sure to dry the sweat thoroughly. Not only can a damp coat

If you haven’t clipped your horse, avoid rugging –unless completely necessary – and let their coat do its job

leave a horse susceptible to chills, but the skin can become moist and damaged too.

Keep an eye out for any sores or rubs from the rug. This could be a sign of an ill-fitting rug, or could be that your horse has gained or lost condition. Use a barrier cream such as Vita Omnimatrix on any areas where rubbing may occur to protect coat and skin through the colder months.

MUD FEVER

Mud fever is common in wet and muddy conditions, so be prepared as prevention is better than cure.

Do all you can to eliminate your horse from standing in lots of wet mud. Lay hardcore at gateways, around water troughs and ▶

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in other areas that your horse tends to frequent when turned out. When skin is wet for prolonged periods of time it can be susceptible to bacterial infections, commonly known as mud fever.

Once infected, mud fever can be difficult to manage and heal. Using a barrier cream such as Vita Omnimatrix can help support skin and protect delicate skin from the wet conditions, If you suspect your horse has mud fever, talk to your vet and they will be best to advise you on what to do.

BE PREPARED

There is no end to the list of winter preparations that you can do to keep your horse happy and healthy throughout autumn and winter. Make sure paddocks are well maintained with secure fencing, check your lights have working bulbs, and you have plenty of good quality forage to get you through the season.

Ensure anything that needs to be watertight is so, before we get a frost. It is also worth making sure your emergency supplies are stocked up – check your first aid kit (human and horse!) to ensure you have dressings, wound cream, and bandages in case of an emergency.

WORMING

The most responsible way to worm, to avoid anthelmintic resistance, is to perform a faecal worm egg count before worming. Your vet will be able to arrange this for you and discuss and explain the results.

However, you shouldn’t neglect worming for tapeworm and autumn is an ideal time for this. Your vet can advise you on the most appropriate wormer, but active ingredients such as praziquantel and pyrantel are what you should look out for in your wormer. Always make sure you dose according to your horse or pony’s bodyweight.

As we progress through winter, encysted small redworms should be wormed against between December and February, after there have been a few hard frosts. When the weather is very cold, the environment is less favourable for redworm larvae to develop out at pasture. So instead, the immature worms enter a hibernated state within the horse’s gut wall.

Worming against these redworms between December and February helps to avoid a mass emergence in spring.

TAKE CARE WITH FROST

Frost can pose several risks to equines, not least in playing havoc with water pipes. Avoid turning your horse or pony out onto frozen grass, or if you do, make sure you supplement their grazing with some accessible, good quality forage. Frost is a risk factor for colic, due to horses not eating and drinking enough, so ensure their water troughs are properly defrosted twice a day.

Frost can also be a risk factor for laminitis too – frost can cause elevated levels of fructan in grass, which is a risk to horses and ponies with laminitis. To help reduce exposure to fructan, avoid turnout on bright frosty mornings and wait until the frost has thawed before turning out.

LAMINITIS IN AUTUMN

It is not just lush spring and summer grass, or frosty winter grass, that poses a risk to laminitis. Autumn grass can also have its unique laminitis challenges too. Warm days and cool nights can lead to sugar levels

accumulating in the grass, so care should always be taken with any horse or pony who is prone to laminitis.

NATURAL SHELTER

When turned out through the colder months, it is important your horse has access to shelter.

This can be in the form or a field shelter or fenced windbreak, but natural shelter can suffice too. Trees, hedges, and bushes can all protect your horse or pony from adverse weather conditions.

Do keep an eye out for any berries, acorns and sycamore seeds that can be harmful to your horse.

If you see any fallen acorns and sycamore seeds, fence the area off so your horse or pony cannot access them. Ingestion of some sycamore seeds can lead to a potentially fatal condition called Atypical Myopathy.

Acorns are also poisonous to horses and can result in liver, kidney, and intestinal damage.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS STANDARD.

SPECIALISING IN ALL HGV’S 26T 18T 16T 12T & 7.5T

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Just as we recycle our cardboard and food waste, Kathy Carter looks at recycling, or up cycling our wardrobes

n some circles, there used to be a sense of disdain over recycling clothes, visiting thrift or charity shops, and outwardly prizing the chance to re-use a pre-owned item. However, things have changed drastically in recent years, to the point that up cycling is considered by many to be imperative and second nature within our homes, just as we recycle our cardboard and food waste. In the UK, over two million tonnes of textiles are sent to landfill every year; so this is a serious issue that needs addressing.

WHY UPCYCLE?

Up cycling clothing is re-using your own or others’ pre owned clothes, to give them a new lease of life. It helps reduce the volume of textiles heading to landfill or incineration. Quite simply, we need to use again what we already have, and reduce the ‘seasonal shopping’ mentality that sees many folks constantly updating their wardrobe. (The average shopper buys four new items each month, according to ‘Make it British’, an enterprise that matches ‘founders’ of hand crafted items with manufacturers in the UK. The organisation also starkly states that 1.72 million tonnes of new fashion is consumed in the UK every year.)

HOW TO CREATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE

(Don’t

Firstly, clear out your wardrobe. Plan to fill it with items you love and use regularly; set aside any items you no longer love, never wear, don’t fit you, or are no longer in good condition, and donate them to charity, or recycle them at a textile recycling bank (visit www.loveyourclothes. org.uk and click on ‘where to recycle’, to check local facilities).

Box up and put away ‘out of season’ clothing. This keeps the wardrobe space airy, meaning clothes won’t get crumpled or ‘fusty’, and you can easily see what you’re looking for.

The best capsule wardrobes are centred around a scaled-back selection of items

that are hardwearing and timeless. Create your wardrobe for your ‘actual life’! Here are ten items that can form the basis of a good capsule wardrobe that you won’t constantly need to change to meet the demands of fast fashion:

1. Black trousers. To find your perfect pairing, try a range of fits. A heavyweight fabric gives good ‘drape’, and will have warmth for colder seasons.

2. A trouser suit. Pick a suit with a jacket that looks as good with a pair of jeans as it does with its matching trousers. Stick with neutral shades.

3. A classic white T-shirt. These will become wardrobe staples – a white ‘T’ goes especially well with denim. Look for quality items, as cheaper white T-shirts don’t age favourably.

4. A neutral coloured vest top. A couple of ‘tanks’ will serve you well – they can be worn alone on a warm day, or under a layer like a blazer, when its colder.

5. Denim. Your favourite jeans will be a wardrobe staple! Go for comfort, and for a style that suits your shape. A denim

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UPCYCLING AND RECYCLING CLOTHING?

• Recycling clothing includes breaking down the fabric and creating an entirely new piece of clothing. It uses different resources such as chemicals to break down the fabric.

• Upcycling clothing (or re-using it) uses the same material and fabric. It does not use any other resources. Therefore, upcycling fashion is more environmentally friendly than recycling.

jacket is another must-have item; but you may not want to wear the jeans and jacket together.

6. Tops. Choose a small amount of plain, short and long-sleeved tops in colourways like white, black, grey and blue that can be mixed and matched with your neutral trousers and jeans. Include a shirt or blouse, for smarter occasions.

7. Jumpers. Wool is a great sustainable jumper material, and is ideal for layering. Why not shop vintage?

8. Neutral coloured shoes. A pair of light-hued trainers, a darker short winter boot, a summer shoe with a heel, and a lightweight shoe like a flip-flop, will go with most items in your capsule wardrobe.

9. A classic waterproof coat, like a trench in a neutral colour. This silhouette will work with many outfits, and can be layered on colder days.

10. Accessories. Here’s where your bursts of colour can come in! Scarves, jewellery, belts and hats will all brighten up the neutrals in the capsule wardrobe, and are usually well-priced in charity shops.

forget to shop at thrift or charity shops to grab a bargain

)

Wool is a great sustainable material, and wollen jumpers are idea for layering.

When a garment is sent to landfill, it is not only the fabric and components that are wasted - but also every resource that went into making it in the first place. From the chemicals used to dye the garment, and the oil used to make the polyester, to the energy used to run the factory, and even the ships used to transport the items to a foreign land, these resources should be prized, not wasted. To devour these finite resources, and then put excessive amounts of clothing and textiles in landfill before they have reached their useful lifespan, seems unacceptable in 2022.

This intertwined process of consumerism and fast fashion does affect the planet negatively, as the waste of resources and the methane production from continuous use of landfill, plus the water depletion and water pollution, adds to the already heavy climate load that planet earth carries. It also disadvantages the actual individuals that may have been exploited at source, via the manufacture of ‘fast fashion’ garments.

So, what can we do?

We can shop sustainably; visit charity shops; recycle viable garments; support upcycling projects; create a capsule wardrobe of quality items that serves our needs; and generally support ethical enterprises and brands that stand against the exploitation of individuals and planetary

*INSPIRING FASHION ENTERPRISES

Bombay Closet Cleanse creates upcycled clothes, organises thrift pop-up stores and donates clothing to those in need. The organisation collects items from donors and resellers worldwide, including India’s many ‘fast fashion’ manufacturers, and turns them into wearable clothes, some sold online –there are many ‘big brands’ available. The brand, based in Mumbai, India, along with a physical thrift shop, describes itself as ‘ a quiet movement to promote a way of life that is less wasteful and more mindful of the impact we have on the planet.’ (Visit www.bombayclosetcleanse.in)

2021 year saw the launch of ‘Swap Shop Sew’, a sustainable fashion event in the community of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, that allowed visitors to swap a ‘new-to-you’ garment for an unwanted garment that they have brought. Guests could also purchase items from small local ethical businesses at the event, and learn from the organisers how to sew garments back to life by repairing, altering and upcycling them. (Visit - crowdfunder. co.uk/swap-shop-sew for future events, or for inspiration for running a similar event in your community.)

visit charity shops; recycle capsule items and enterprises resources.

Shop sustainably by frequently visiting charity shops

Create a capsule wardrobe of quality items that serve your needs

AN ARENA FOR A FIRM FOOTING

Ariding arena is a must for a lot of horse owners. Whether you don’t have time to hack, are learning a specific discipline with the aim to competing or just enjoy exercising your beloved horse on an evening aided by flood lights.

There are lots of aspects that need to be considered when thinking about building an area such as lighting, fencing, arena size, maintenance of your arena and of course your arena surface to name a few.

SAND:

Sand is a very common choice for arena surface, Silica Sand is quite often used due to its specific grain providing a stable surface its relatively low in maintenance and only requires small amounts of watering.

FIBRE SAND MIX:

SYNTHETIC:

Synthetic surfaces can be a good choice to use for an area surface, usually a blend of synthetics and polymers that can be mixed well with an existing arena surface or used as a complete choice of surface on their own. Synthetic surfaces can provide excellent footings and are generally quite frost resistant.

RUBBER:

maintenance choice.

options are available for us horse loving riders to choose

There are a range of arena surfaces available on the market and depending on your horse and discipline along with the upkeep and maintenance this may dictate your arena surface of So……. What arena surface from.

A fibre sand mix is also a popular choice, fibres such as shredded carpet mixed with the sand provide a durable and good surface to ride on, it does however need slightly more maintenance with more regular watering and grading to

keep the fibres well mixed.

Equestrian rubber can provide you with a year-round riding experience due to its resistance to frost, it requires very little maintenance and replenishment as it doesn’t decompose or breakdown.

Carrying out regular maintenance work on your arena surface will not only ensure a safe and stable footing for you and your horse providing the tools to maximise your performance but will also create longevity in your arena’s life span.

All surfaces require ongoing maintenance to keep them in top condition and levelled. Depending on which surface you have will depend on what equipment you need, a lot of surfaces will also need watering during the summer months to help retain the moisture and stop them from riding loose and deep. Picking up leaves and droppings on a regular basis also helps keep a 

We look at the many aspects that need to be considered when thinking about building an arena

school in tip top condition.

It is recommended that you consider adding a comprehensive piece of equipment into your arena plan / budget if you want to get the most out of your surface. It is also a good idea to invest in a sturdy quad bike or small tractor to tow you horse arena maintenance equipment. Surface graders come in various types and sizes, with multiple functions usually designed around a specific surface, such as sand and fibre or sand and rubber. It’s essential to use the correct maintenance equipment for your chosen footing, as using the wrong type of grader can be detrimental to the surface and cause unnecessary problems.

When grading your arena surface, it’s important to set the blades at the correct level.

If set too deeply this can cause further

aim to competing.

MULTI SURFACE MANÉGE GROOMER (MSMGT)

Take good care of your arena surface with a SCH Multi Surface Manége Groomer (MSMGT).

The Multi Surface Manége Groomers are designed to rejuvenate manéges with sand and fibre, and sand and rubber surfaces.

Two rows of spring tines lift the sand whilst the two crumb rollers re-distribute the material evenly and leave the manège level ready for work.

The MSMGT is height adjustable to allow you to get the correct depth for your surface. Once set, it can remain fixed at the height and there is no need to reset it prior to each use. This is because the wheels can be easily lowered to allow you to transport and store the groomer.

The groomer is available as a towed or mounted version with the option of two different sizes 48” or 60” working width. Each version all perform the same task.

PROMOTION

SCH manufactures over 250 quality British built machines that can be towed behind a tractor, ride on mower or ATV. For a free 80 page brochure featuring all the designs and variations, including a variety of hitches for your towbar, contact SCH on 01473 328272, email sales@ schsupplies.co.uk, or visit the website www.schsupplies.co.uk

issues such as damaging the membrane and stone beneath the surface which can be costly to repair. However, setting your blades to high may not allow the desired levelling of the surface.

Regular watering of your arena surface will not only reduce dust but will bind your material which will add beneficial stabilisation and grip. Allowing your arena to become

A riding arena is a must if you are learning a specific discipline with the

to dry can cause the materials to separate. Therefore, accommodating your watering routine to your usage, climate or whether your arena is indoor or outdoor will help alleviate this problem.

Team YHC have spoken with Arena expert Ross Riley from Equestrian Direct Surfaces to discuss his take on arena surfaces, maintenance, durability, and longevity.

Your horse and discipline along with the upkeep and maintenance may dictate your arena surface of choice.

FLEXIRIDE FROM EQUESTRIAN DIRECT

Flexiride has over 15 years of in market usage and proven as the original and superior alternative to traditional sand and rubber surfaces. Only available from Equestrian Direct and developed using high quality and durable materials no other surface compares.

No other product has proven to be as durable or long lasting as Flexiride in its class. Flexiride� is the market leader proven by over 15 years in market usage, beware of imitations.

Flexiride is well and truly tried and tested and becoming increasingly popular not only to use as a top up to traditional rubber and sand schools but to improve the durability and versatility of riding surfaces in general.

Flexiride can also be used as a complete surface when laid directly onto a simple drainage/stone layer, potentially giving huge cost and labour savings on groundwork, drainage and membrane installations in the correct environments.

BENEFITS OF FLEXIRIDE

 All-in-one all-weather surface

 High performance solution to a traditional sand/rubber mix arena

 Ideal as a ‘top up’ for existing surfaces

 Very cost effective

 Virtually maintenance-free

 Exceptional cushioning qualities enhance athleticism and reduces potential for injury and lameness

 High impact absorbency

 Environmentally friendly

 Does not blow or freeze

 Durable

 100% wire free

Q&A

1.What surface’s do Equestrian Direct offer?

EQD offers a variety of high quality, long lasting, cost effective products ranging from; membrane, sand or synthetic fibres. Our main two products being the Flexiride and Turffloat.

2.How do you ensure sustainability in your products?

EQD, use high quality products carefully sourced for the equestrian Industry, making sure that they are clean, safe and environmentally friendly.

4.Which disciplines can benefit from Equestrian Directs Surfaces?

The Flexiride surface is a very versatile product and caters for a wide range of disciplines from the private one horse owner to large competition centres .

5.What safety features do your surfaces provide?

All our surfaces are manufactured to a high specification with strict quality control standards that have been developed over 30 years of in market usage ensuring maximum safety of the surface for both horse and rider.

Having over 30 years’ experience of riding surfaces and being actively involved in the industry has given us the first-hand experience and know how to produce safe and top quality surfaces free from any contamination and providing one of the best reputations and service in the industry.

The perfect footing for equestrian arena surfaces

Performance Equine Synthetic Stabilizer Fibre

We have now been specialising in arena surfaces for over 10 years. We are dedicated in the design and production of Equine stabilizing fibre blends. Valley Equestrian’s team guarantees quality on every project with an excellent customer feedback record. Our priority is customer satisfaction.

Our ongoing research and development keeps us at the forefront of our business. We produce textile stabilisers utilising only superior

industrial quality materials through a precision shredding and blending process.

With the assured confidence of our sales team Valley Equestrian have a unique ability to tailor make your surface within any budget. Our experience allows us to offer more suitable products specific to your individual requirements, whether for leisure, professional or commercial use.

Benefits (When mixed with new or existing silica sand/rubber)

 Instantly ready to use  Shock Absorption  Suitable for indoor and outdoor use  Does not require watering  Dust free

 Sure footed  Increased Traction  Reduced Penetration  Cushioning  Minimal kickback  High energy return  Long lasting

 Low maintenance  Moisture Retention  Free draining  Environmentally friendly

Contact us now to find out more about our products and professional shredding service

Office: 01204 529057

Using only the finest materials, we provide high-quality riding surfaces, both private and wholesale, which are suitable for all disciplines.

5 Arena Mirrors delivered £1395 or Professionally Installed £4395

FULL ARENA BUILDS

RANGE OF SURFACES

LUNGE PENS

HORSE WALKERS

ARENA MIRRORS

AND BASES

We want you to be proud of your purchase. We are proud to create it for you.

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INSTANTLY CREATE LONG-LASTING YARDS, DRIVES, PATHWAYS, PARKING AREAS AND MORE • THE ULTIMATE DIVERSIFICATION TOOL • TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT, CAN BE REPOSITIONED AGAIN AND AGAIN • CERTIFIED TO 60 TONNES+ • INERT & STABLE • 20 YEAR MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY

INSTANTLY CREATE LONG-LASTING YARDS, DRIVES, PATHWAYS, PARKING AREAS AND MORE • THE ULTIMATE DIVERSIFICATION TOOL • TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT, CAN BE REPOSITIONED AGAIN AND AGAIN • CERTIFIED TO 60 TONNES+ • INERT & STABLE • 20 YEAR MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY

INSTANTLY CREATE LONG-LASTING YARDS, DRIVES, PATHWAYS, PARKING AREAS AND MORE • THE ULTIMATE DIVERSIFICATION TOOL • TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT, CAN BE REPOSITIONED AGAIN AND AGAIN • CERTIFIED TO 60 TONNES+ • INERT & STABLE • 20 YEAR MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY

DON’T BURY YOUR INVESTMENT IN CONCRETE, USE THE CARBON FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

DON’T BURY YOUR INVESTMENT IN CONCRETE, USE THE CARBON FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

DON’T BURY YOUR INVESTMENT IN CONCRETE, USE THE CARBON FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE