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With the crisp winter weather taking us all by surprise, we explore the very best places on offer from The National Trust to blow away those wintery cobwebs as we go on some amazing winter walks (page 6)
To ensure those walks don’t leave you feeling the cold, check out our men’s fashion feature from Kathy Carter, in this issue she is finding out what makes a ‘Cosy Classic’ looking at key coat styles that stand the test of time (page 38) We keep the cosy theme with Zoe Hewett in our Your Country Property Feature (page 48) as we ‘hunker down and hibernate’ to explore chunky knit throws and inviting candle glows.
Our next instalment of our ongoing Horses For Courses series takes a look at getting to know your new horse, and learning what makes them tick. What and how you feed them can mean the difference between a stressed horse or a calm horse, so be sure to take a look! (page 32)
As with everything else during the current cost of living crisis, charities are also feeling the pinch. We explore clever ways to support a charity without parting with your hard earned cash. (page 74) Keeping your equine investment in tip top condition will also save you money in the long run, we have some top tips in our Maintain to Sustain feature on page 96 to keep things up together before they become a problem.
So sit back and enjoy a little winter pick-me-up with Your Horse & Country Magazine, whilst we await the warmer spring weather!
We look at hte responsibilities of being a dog owner. 48
Zoe Hewett discusses using chunky knits and candles to accessorise your home.
Kathy Carter looks at classic coat styles for men. 96
Keep your equine purchases in their prime.
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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
The National Trust cares for hundreds of walking trails in beautiful locations across the country and now it’s time to wrap up warm and brave the cold for a winter walk. Head to the coast for dramatic grey skies and thundering waves, blow away the cobwebs with clifftop walks and mountain climbs or follow inviting paths through frost-sprinkled parkland and historic gardens. Here are some of the best walking trails to give you a spring in your step during the cold winter months:
Positioned on top of chalk cliffs and overlooking the River Thames, Cliveden’s magnificent gardens and woodlands offer breathtaking views that have been admired for centuries. The view from the South Terrace at Cliveden on a crisp winter’s morning is a memorable one, looking out over the beautiful six-acre parterre and across the Thames Valley. Trails also criss-cross through miles of woodland and down to the banks of the Thames.
Dogs welcome
Osterley Park and House is a beautifully preserved Georgian country estate just a short distance from central London. With its acres of parkland and idyllic farmland, the estate is still full of colour at this time of year,
with the winter display in the Garden House a particular delight. In the Winter Garden look out for brightly coloured stems of dogwood and willow and scent from winter honeysuckle.
Dogs welcome in the park and designated area on the front lawn
There are over 20 downloadable trails to enjoy on the Isle of Wight, taking in rolling downland, woods, and dramatic coastline. Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Lord Tennyson and stride out on an invigorating walk over Tennyson Down. Take in splendid views of the iconic Needles, and look out for peregrine falcons riding the breeze as they patrol the coastline, whilst migrant terns and ducks pass over the sea. At weekends in winter, you can nip into the Old Battery fort for takeaway hot drinks and warming treats such as pasties, soup and sandwiches.
Dogs welcome
Whatever the weather, there’s always something interesting to see on a walk through the gardens designed by Lawrence Johnston. Set in the rolling Cotswold hills, the magnificent estate is divided into a series of “outdoor rooms”, each with its own individual character. Take a stroll through the Old Garden and don’t miss the beautiful Italian Shelter near the bathing
pool, a tranquil spot to shelter from wind and rain.
Assistance dogs only in the garden, but there are walks in the surrounding countryside
Buckland Abbey, Devon
Buckland Abbey is steeped in more than 700 years of history, from the Cistercians who built the abbey and farmed the estate to the seafarers Grenville and Drake. There are walking trails to follow, showcasing the best of the estate’s winter colour — one pictureperfect spot is Beech Avenue, with beautiful gold and orange leaves overhead and underfoot, and views over the Tavy valley. Or crunch along the woodland path through towering oaks and beeches in Great North Wood. Look out for badgers, barn owls and deer.
Dogs on a lead welcome on estate walks and inside the Ox Yard café
Tyntesfield, North Somerset
Just seven miles from the centre of Bristol, Tyntesfield nestles in a tranquil landscape overlooking the Yeo valley. One of the last surviving Victorian estates in the country, the house is a masterpiece of Gothic revival style and its turrets, towers and family chapel take on a special aura in winter thanks to atmospheric mists and frost. The formal terraces in front of the house, the grand topiary-lined walks, the arboretum for rare trees and the intimate rose garden can all be enjoyed.
Dogs welcome except for in the Rose Garden and Kitchen Garden
Studland Bay, Dorset
Four miles of beautiful beaches line the sheltered waters of Studland Bay. Backed
River Thames, Cliveden in winterthe beaches stretch from the boundary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site at Old Harry Rocks north to Shell Bay. A chain ferry provides a link to Poole and Bournemouth. Winter wildlife includes Sanderlings dashing along the water’s edge and comically following the waves up and down. Take a stroll down to Middle Beach where a small flock of Brent Geese are a common sight. There are a wide range of ground nesting birds in the dunes, so please keep your dogs under control. However, well behaved dogs are welcome during this period off leads.
From the moment you enter Attingham’s gates, the views open across 200-year old parkland to the Shropshire hills and the impressive Regency mansion emerges against silhouettes of cedar trees. Cattle graze and fallow deer roam, historic trees cluster in woodland glades, and beautiful stretches of the Severn and Tern can be enjoyed. The many ponds are a haven for wildlife of all sorts, from ducks and swans to otters. Dogs welcome
A countryside haven on Sheffield’s doorstep, the Peaks have a network of footpaths and bridleways. The Longshaw Estate is a gateway to the Peak District, home to ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. Walking at Longshaw can be a stroll to the pond, an easy-to-follow waymarked walk or a serious hike. Follow waymarked walk with arrows from just outside the Longshaw Lodge or download a walk before you set off.
Keeping your dog on a lead in the Peak District ensures that wildlife, livestock and other visitors are safe. If you ever feel threatened in a situation with your dog with livestock close by, it is advised to release the lead, and reach safety separately.
along the Suffolk-Essex border. This charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of John Constable’s most famous pictures, for example, the Hay Wain or Boatbuilding near Flatford Mill among many others. Follow in Constable’s footsteps visiting Flatford, East Bergholt and Dedham. Wandering beside the River Stour or looking at Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s House you can feel as if you are actually walking through one of his paintings. It’s even more magical if you’re visiting on a crisp and frosty morning.
An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk with over 1800 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland, Italianate Gardens and an allweather trail to enjoy, Ickworth is the perfect place to get back to nature. The Monument Walk makes a great winter walk. The circular
route weaves through the historic estate and offers breath-taking views across the landscape. Explore a mixture of open parkland and woodland glades, and take in the church and obelisk monument.
Rocky crags, tumbling waterfalls, lakes and towering North American conifers create stunning winter scenery at Cragside. The gardens and grounds of this Arts and Crafts house offer 1,000 acres and many routes to explore. From the Formal Garden the views are magnificent when the sun is low.
The ruins of Fountains Abbey are truly something to behold, especially on a frosty
winter’s day. Walk down the path from the visitor centre, and come face to face with some of the oldest abbey ruins in the country. From the abbey follow the gentle banks of the River Skell down to the 18th-century Water Garden, which has been channelled into canals, cascades and tranquil moon ponds. From here riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.
Gibside is one of a few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes and was fashioned with two things in mind: spectacular views and ‘wow’ moments. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life within 600 acres of gardens, woodland and countryside – perfect for wildlife spotting. Highlights
include a Neo-classical chapel, restored stable block and grand ruin. In winter you may not see signs of Gibside’s protected species such as bats and great crested newts, as they’re all tucked up for winter, but you’ll have a great chance of seeing roe deer, red kites, winter birds and maybe even an otter or a fox.
Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear
Hooped in red and white and standing proud on the coastline midway between the Tyne and the Wear, Souter Lighthouse is reached by car in less than half an hour from Newcastle, and less than 15 minutes from Sunderland. Once the site of a busy mining community, these cliffs are now home instead to the solitary lighthouse and a whole host of seabirds, like fulmar and cormorant. Walk north and discover The Leas with its wildflower meadows or head South to the Whitburn Coastal Park which is criss-crossed with paths and coastal trails.
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
The gardens at this Georgian estate near Manchester are bursting with colour well into winter. Walk through the parkland’s treecovered avenues, smell the familiar “burnt sugar” scent of candyfloss coming from the katsura trees along the canal and listen out for the resident herd of fallow deer among the rustling of the leaves underfoot. The Stables restaurant serves a variety of warming foods, from soup to luxury pumpkin spice lattes.
Speke Hall, Garden and Estate, Liverpool
Barely 8 miles from the Liver Building, Speke Hall is a rare Tudor timber-framed manor house in an unusual setting on the banks of the River Mersey. The Hall is surrounded by restored gardens and protected by a collar of woodland. Take the estate walk and you’ll enjoy fine views of the Wirral, North Wales and even Liverpool’s city centre skyline. Or head down to the Coastal Reserve for great views of wading birds and a walk up the Bund to see unique glimpses of the Hall through the trees before spring arrives.
At Chirk Castle there are 480 acres of meadow, grassland and beautiful woodland, full of ancient trees that look particularly stunning against a wintry landscape. On a crisp clear day, on the Old Golf Walk you can see the Forest of Bowland 70 miles to the north, and the Peak District 65 miles to the east.
For over 300 years visitors have been welcomed to explore the parkland at Erddig. The Yorke family did not want to hide their beautiful estate away, understanding the value of nature to the health and wellbeing of their local community. The Erddig Clywedog riverside walk is a short circular walk taking you through the parkland to the historic village of Felin Puleston. The route includes the unusual Cup and Saucer waterfall.
What better way to spend your winter getaway, than to visit the Scottish Equestrian Hotel in Lanark. Situated in one of the most beautiful and accessable areas of Scotland, just 40 mins from Glasgow and Edinborough airports.
They’re surrounded by fabylous walks, great golf courses, mountain biking tracks and amazing history. Whatever youy want to do, be it riding holidays or leisure, you will find it here!
Capel Manor College is the only college in Europe to run a full-time saddlery course.
Our saddlery and leatherwork courses teach skills through practical demonstrations and hands-on workshops at our Enfield Campus.
Skills learnt on our courses are transferable, and our students go on to work with a wide range of employers such as Master Saddlers, luxury leather goods makers, the British Army and fashion designers.
Charlie studied saddlery during his time at Capel Manor College:
“My school’s sixth form led me to creative and handson subjects and that is when I knew I wanted to study something artistic and work with my hands. I chose Capel Manor College because it
offered a two-year saddlery course and I went to look around and loved the place.
My tutors were amazing and incredibly supportive. They made me believe in myself as I found something I was good at. I really enjoyed the practical aspect of the course especially. I learned so much and I gained the fundamental skills in leatherwork to kickstart my career.
capel.ac.uk
especially fortunate to be working in the old stable block. It is a great atmosphere to have learned in and I met some great people.
After I left the College, I loved leatherwork but did not necessarily want to work in the equine world. I now create bespoke leather goods for private clients and companies, and I have launched my first made-toorder collection using leather sourced from British tanneries. I like to think you can see my saddlery background in the look of the collection.
Capel Manor College started a very clear path to help me get to where I am today.”
Capel Manor College is the most beautiful place to study because of the Gardens and the building. We were
Are you interested in animals, nature and the environment? Find out more about our full and part-time courses and register for upcoming events at capel.ac.uk.
Capel Manor College offers historic and prestigious qualifications in saddlery with The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers’ Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making and The Worshipful Company of Saddlers Certificates.
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Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show, returns this spring, promising a celebration of dogs of all shapes, sizes and nationalities, who will be competing in exciting competitions, such as agility, heelwork to music, flyball and obedience, as well as, of course, vying for the Best in Show trophy.
Run by The Kennel Club, the fourday event takes place at the NEC in
Birmingham from 9 – 12 March, and boasts a diverse programme of dog competitions in different categories and levels, including the finale of the prestigious Hero Dog Award, which recognises unsung canine heroes, and the family-favourite Scruffts final, which sees crossbreeds who earned their place in nationwide heats throughout the year, compete for first place. There will also be opportunities to meet
and greet around 200 breeds in the Discover Dogs area, and enjoy the full arena show with all its displays and competitions – from fast-paced agility to fun flyball. The event culminates with the exciting Best in Show final on Sunday evening, with the journey to the ultimate title beginning from Thursday, with judging for the Gundog group.
Throughout the show, the 25 acres and five halls of the NEC are packed with over 350 stalls and stands offering opportunities to learn more about other Kennel Club activities, including how to get involved with your four-legged friend, and work that is done into canine health by the organisation. Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations will also be showcasing their hard work and success in rehoming dogs on The Kennel Club stand, where visitors can find out about rescue dogs looking for their forever home, as well as learn more about The Kennel Club’s newly launched DNA Testing Services, established to advance understanding of dog genetics and disease, and to promote responsible dog breeding.
Elsewhere, in a monumental year for The Kennel Club, with 2023 marking its 150th anniversary, Crufts is honouring the celebration with a special Kennel Club 150th Anniversary Celebration Stakes, taking place on Thursday. The one-off class will see all Best in Show winners from 2022 all-breed Championship Dog shows invited to take part, including 2022 Crufts Best in Show winner, Baxer.
Outside of the show ring, there will be both pedigree breeds, rescue dogs and crossbreeds from all walks of life competing in different categories, across different levels and disciplines, such as agility, Heelwork to Music, Flyball and Obedience.
With so much going on across all four days, what are the judges looking for from the competing canines, and what’s the secret to becoming a Crufts champion?
Each breed goes through various stages at Crufts before having the chance to be among the final seven dogs competing for Best in Show. First of all, they will compete within their breed to win Best of Breed – these competitions will be taking place in rings all around the show.
At the end of each judging day, those awarded Best of Breed will then go onto compete within their group, of which there are seven:
•Gundog (judged on Thursday 9 March)
•Working (judged on Friday 10 March)
•Pastoral (judged on Friday 10 March)
•Terrier (judged on Saturday 11 March)
•Hound (judged on Saturday 11 March)
•Utility (judged on Sunday 12 March)
•Toy (judged on Sunday 12 March)
Once all groups have been judged, all seven group winners compete in the Best in Show ring, where the judge will choose a Best in Show winner as well as a Reserve Best in Show winner.
All 222 breeds are judged against a set breed standard, but ultimately judges are looking for a happy and healthy example of that breed.
Agility is an exciting and actionpacked discipline, which will be held in the main arena at Crufts. There are a number of different competitions taking place, aimed at different levels of ability: The Kennel Club agility championships, Kennel Club ‘British Open’, novice agility, team agility and many more.
Courses are made up of various obstacles for your dog to run through, jump over and weave in and out of, whilst also running against the clock, and guided by an owner and/or handler. The winner will be the dog that completes the course in the fastest time with the fewest faults.
Flyball is an energetic and fastpaced relay race that consists of two teams, a Flyball box and a ball. The aim is for each dog to clear the hurdles, trigger the flyball box to release and catch a ball, before returning with the ball.
Each team is trying to complete the sequence in the fastest time possible, with the fewest faults.
Heelwork to Music is a fun and musical twist on obedience training. Working with a choreographed routine,
devised by the owner, the dog incorporates its obedience skills alongside a chosen piece of music.
Judges mark performances based on a number of different criteria including content and flow, accuracy and team performance and musical interpretation.
Obedience publicly showcases the training dogs and their owners have achieved through a series of obedience tests. These can include tests such as recall, heelwork, retrieve, sendaway among others.
Similar to obedience, obreedience is a team event that showcases the obedience skills of each breed team through a series of fun exercises.
Rally
Rally involves teamwork with your dog to navigate through a course, set by a trainer, to complete each different exercises along the way.
Competitors start each round with a score of 200 and deductions are made by the judges for inaccuracies and mistakes.
a monumental year for The Kennel Club, with 2023 marking its 150th anniversary
‘ ‘
As well as the competitions taking place in the main arena, the Young Kennel Club ring has an impressive turnout each year from its members –with some as young as six years old taking part! Alongside the activities that the members and their four-legged friends are involved in, this year’s event will see the return of the YKC Young Person of the Year Award, which hasn’t been held at Crufts since before the pandemic.
The award celebrates the dedicated and inspiring young people who are transforming the lives of others, while also making a positive impact in the world of dogs, many of whom have had to overcome huge challenges in their lives.
The winner of this year’s competition will be announced in the Young Kennel Club ring, and will join previous winners including:
Lewis Steven Garstang, who took on the training of his dogs following the tragic loss of his dad in 2018.
Ryan Hennessey, who set up the organisation Forever Agility in memory of his late mum, Ann, with the aim to be there for those who need help while facing life-limiting or long-term illnesses.
Paige Jepson, in recognition of the time she dedicates to training young people in obedience at her local clubs and across the country. More details can be found by visiting thekennelclub. org.uk/YKCYPOTY
For more information on Crufts 2023, including the full timetable, and to buy tickets, please visit crufts.org.uk.
Thursday
East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team
Freestyle Heelwork to Music
Agility Championships – Intermediate/Large final
Junior Warrant competition
Breeders Competition Final Gamekeepers Competition Final The Kennel Club 150th anniversary celebration stakes Gundog group judging
Friday
Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling Competition
Heelwork to Music competition
Agility – Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/Large Novice ABC Final Agility – Crufts Singles Final: Small, Medium, Intermediate and Large Vulnerable Breed Competition Final Working group judging Pastoral group judging
Saturday Medical Detection Dogs Display Southern Golden Retriever Display Team Heelwork to Music – Freestyle International Competition
Young Kennel Club (YKC) Agility Dog of the Year Finals
Scruffts final
Terrier group judging Hound group judging
Sunday
Rescue Dog Agility
Agility Championships – Small/Medium
Final
Flyball Team Final
Hero Dog Award
Young Kennel Club (YKC) Stakes Final Presentation of the Police Dog Team
Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year Award
Toy group judging
Utility group judging
Best in Show
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Nick will be one of the individuals and organisations to be included in the album.
Nick Martel, founder and owner of the Guernsey based retailer Avant Garden Bronzes, has been selected to feature in the official commemorative album to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious car clubs, the International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts (or RREC).
“Strive for Perfection: Celebrating 20 years of Goodwood” will be launched at Grosvenor House hotel in central London on Friday 6 October 2023.
The editorial feature will tell the story of Nick and Avant Garden reaching out to all corners of the world. Exploring his life and work in Guernsey and how he grew the business from a charming boutique local shop in the Channel Islands to having an established national and international online presence selling exquisite bronze sculptures and exceptional garden furniture.
The beautifully designed 400-page hardback book is produced by leading publisher St James’s House and written by an editorial team of renowned motoring journalists and industry experts. Launched to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rolls-Royce’s famous production plant at Goodwood in West Sussex, it explores the marque’s commitment to sustainable luxury and eco-friendly values, as well as the facility’s history to date, as the beating heart of RollsRoyce’s production process.
To resonate with the book’s theme of sustainable luxury, a carefully curated selection of high-end brands will be present at the launch, enabling
“ Being invited to be part of this landmark commemorative album celebrating the 20th anniversary of Rolls-Royce’s state of the art production plant at Goodwood is an unbelievable privilege and honour.”
This celebratory album is going to be of worldwide interest to car enthusiasts old and young as well as those keen to see a sustainable future.
Richard Freed, CEO of St James’s House, said
“
We’re delighted to have the RREC to produce this beautiful book, which celebrates 20 years of Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood production plant and highlights the very best of sustainable luxury.”
These Spirit of Ecstasy Sculptures are 100% Bronze with a silver lacquer finish so are totally sustainable and will last forever.There are now over 12 million dogs in Great Britain, making them our most popular pet. (Insurer Pet Plan’s largescale 2018 Pet Census agrees, with Northern Ireland being the UK’s doggiest area, and built-up London being the least). But with canine companionship and fun comes responsibility. Here, we look at insurance, exercise, diet and nutrition, as well as legal considerations; do you have what it takes to become a dog owner?
Dogs are not cheap to buy – the charity PDSA reports that most medium sized dog breeds cost over £6k – hence many owners like to protect that investment.
There’s no law requiring dog insurance; however, with the average pet claim topping £800 according to the Association of British Insurers, if you opt against pet insurance, you’ll need to be sure you can afford such sums. As a rough guide, online veterinary resource vethelpdirect.com, reports that the average annual insurance premium is £324 per year, for a dog.
Common insurance policies include:
Lifetime policies, which cover the pet for their entire lifetime, providing you renew every year. These generally offer the most comprehensive coverage.
Maximum-benefit insurance policies, which give you a pre-agreed amount to spend on recuperation or management of each injury or illness, with no time limit.
Time limited policies, e.g. for the current year; perhaps useful for owners that take on older pets. Here, as soon as either the monetary or time limit has been reached, there is no more cover available for that condition.
Accident only policies, which cover vet fees for unexpected injuries; not ongoing medical conditions. (NB, insurer Pet Plan reports that 90% of its claims are for canine illness, as opposed to accidental injury).
Be aware that with the correct paperwork ascertained, insurers do readily pay out. According to the Association of British Insurers, pet insurers paid out £799 million in claims, in 2020 – the equivalent of £2.2 million a day.
Altruistically, animal charities such as the PDSA, Blue Cross and RSPCA may be able to offer medical care to families in receipt of benefits, who cannot afford high-level insurance.
It is also important to bear in mind that aside from accident or illness cover, an insurance policy can cover the owner for third party liability. This means your insurance will
pay out to someone who puts forward a legitimate claim for harm or damage incurred as a result of your dog’s actions.
Can insurance affect the dog you choose?
Perhaps the potential insurance fees may affect the type of dog you choose to re-home, or purchase?
Age is a significant factor; as pets get older, the premium will increase.
The insurance for pedigree dogs can be more expensive, as crossbreeds are usually less likely to suffer from the inherited medical conditions that pedigree breeds can experience. (Labradors for example are particularly prone to hip dysplasia.)
According to website vethelpdirect.com,
most insurance companies charge more to insure a male dog; they’re reportedly more likely to get injured.
Regular exercise is essential for all dogs, according to charity, the PDSA. It helps keep canines in good physical shape; and fit, active dogs are less likely to suffer from problems such as arthritis and obesity. Exercise and socialisation also maintains mental wellness, just as it does for us humans.
It can be easy to underestimate the amount of commitment that’s required around exercising a dog – potential owners should consider if they have the time. Most young, fit canines benefit from 1-2 hours of exercise per day, while working breeds such as the German Shepherd, one of the UK’s most popular pet
dog breeds, need even more. A breed such as the pug, which is small in stature and has a shortened snout and flat face, and therefore likely breathing issues, will need less exercise; usually under an hour a day. Dogs naturally need less exercise as they age.
Diet also underpins animal health. There are many excellent commercial dog foods available that are appropriate for the animal’s life stage (e.g. puppy, adolescent, adult, pregnant, senior etc). The choice is yours, although your vet can recommend the type of product that would meet your pet’s needs. Adult dogs should be fed at least twice a day, and drinking water must be available at all times.
Your vet will also be able to weigh your dog, assess its body condition score and provide advice; and the food packaging will offer guidelines for suggested amounts of food by weight, so we don’t over-feed!
As a small addition to their commercial food, dogs may be offered in moderation: tinned fish; some cooked vegetables; plain pasta or rice; cooked meat such as chicken, and
There are a number of legal responsibilities that we must follow as dog owners, including:
When in a public place, your dog must wear a collar and tag detailing the owner’s name and address. A phone number is also advised. (It’s not recommended to include your dog’s name on their ID tag, in case unscrupulous individuals take the animal). Microchips are also a legal requirement, and should be fitted within the first eight weeks of life – a vet or a trained professional representing Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross centres, the Dogs Trust, or the local authority, can also fit the I.D device.
DOG CONTROL ORDERS
These orders are laid down by local authorities, and include aspects like: cleaning up dog poo; keeping dogs on leads in designated areas; and keeping dogs entirely out of dog-free zones, e.g. children’s play areas.
Some dog breeds are prohibited, including Pit Bull Terriers and Japanese
fruit such as apples or pears. Dental chews are often recommended, for tooth and gum health. Toxic foods to be avoided include onions, chocolate, coffee, grapes, nuts, mushrooms and tomatoes; your vet can provide further, detailed advice.
Some of the most popular supplements for dogs include -
Glucosamine - an amino sugar that is found naturally in the fluid around the joints, and builds cartilage. Many dog owners and vets believe that glucosamine reduces canine arthritis.
Fish Oil – this contains omega-3 fatty acids that are thought to improve coat quality and shine, and alleviate skin allergies. Some dog owners and vets also believe that that fish oils reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants – these compounds are thought to counteract some of the effects of aging, and reduce heart disease and inflammation. Antioxidants are found in substances
Tosas. Although any dog deemed to be dangerously out of control could result in a fine, an ownership ban or even a prison sentence for the animal’s owners.
Animal welfare
Dog owners must ensure the welfare needs of their pet are met. These include the need for a good enough home and environment; a suitable and healthy diet; to behave normally; to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease; and to
like vitamins C and E.
Probiotics - these live naturally in the body in the form of yeasts and live bacteria that aid intestinal health. As supplements, they’re used to boost digestion.
(Always consult your vet before giving your dog supplements.)
be purchased by a person aged at least 16 years old.
There are more than 35 acts of parliament that apply to dogs; some other legal aspects to consider include the Protection of Livestock Act (e.g. worrying sheep); the Environmental Protection Act (e.g. nuisance barking); the Road Traffic Act (e.g. a loose dog); as well as third party liability claims (e.g. damage to property). Visit gov.uk/caring-for-pets
Aviform Flexus 10 Hip and Joint supplement is formulated to provide medium-tohigh levels of support for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Flexus 10 is packed with a synergistic blend of 11 nutrients proven to help maintain your dog’s mobility long-term. Carefully formulated, scientifically researched supplement containing the correct levels of ingredients based on current research to give your dog optimal joint health with a much lower-cost alternative to veterinarianrecommended joint supplements and other popular brands, without sacrificing quality. With over 100 5-star reviews, you can be confident it’s a product your dog will love.
In the silence of the frosty morning, before the world awakes, you take in the new day together. Enjoying the peaceful tranquillity of a gentle hack through fresh snow on quiet woodland paths. Bonding with nature and sharing special moments with each other.
That’s why you feed Celtic Connection Holistic Pet Food. Because Celtic Connection provides the natural meat-based nutrition and functional herbs your dog needs to stay healthy and strong, plus glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to keep them active. So you can continue to share these perfect moments together, for many years to come.
Grain and Gluten-free · Hypoallergenic · 100% Human-Grade Quality (HGQ) Ingredients · Unique Patented ‘Single Source Protein Philosophy’ · Includes both Fresh and Dehydrated Meat · With therapeutic amounts of functional herbs · Added glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM for comfortable joints · Gently steamed kibble · Veterinarian Recommended · Ideal for dogs with skin or digestion issues · Formulated for all Life Stages · Also available as tinned recipes
ow that your new horse, is no longer new. He will now be comfortable in showing you his many different personality traits. Is he mischievous, silly, naughty, or possibly you have a more serious horse on your hands. Whichever best describes your horse, there will be many methods to keep them happy, and ensure their personality continues to grow.
You should by now have got used to how your horse likes to
Nbe handled, tacked up and even fed. Some are fussy and some simple. There are many ways to feed your horse, depending on your horse’s workload and forage options you may chose to feed a hard feed, this could be offered by simply placing on the floor or in a bowl. However, if your horse is slightly more playful or you need to slow him down, why not try a treat ball. There are a variety of options ranging in difficulty. Not only will this provide you horse food but will also stimulate and eliminate boredom. If you find your horse does become idle in the stable, and can be self-destructive there are also many ways to keep him occupied. You can purchase boredom breakers such as balls, swinging licks and salt licks from many equestrian and country stores, alternatively many owners will hide carrots, hang swedes or a hand to mouth stretching exercise will give your
horse hours of fun, and bonding time with their owner. Remember your horse is getting to know you, as much as you are him. Horses can be sensitive to sudden changes, always ease your horse into new activities, and even changes to diet to cause upset. Any sudden disturbance can cause digestive issues leading to an unhappy horse, initially it is recommended to introduce different feeds, supplements, and forage over a period of time in smaller amounts, once your horse is familiar this can then be increased if needed.
All horses’ routines will differ due to field quality, yard management, personal preference but also welfare of your horse. You may choose to have your horse stabled or turned out 24/7, depending on your grass and forage quality throughout the winter months, you may offer your horse hay or haylage in its paddock for added nutrition.
Continuing our Horses For Courses series, we look at getting to know your horse and what keeps them happy.
With winter being notorious for harsher, colder and sometimes even wetter weather conditions, you grass’ quality may suffer. If this is the case you may find that your horse’s weight, coat, or hooves may also suffer this could be noticed by visual observation, or you may notice the lack of nutrients in their behaviour. Tiredness, lack of wanting to work and grumpy behaviour could all be signs of they are not getting the nutrients they require. Supplementary feeding could help aid your horse during the more difficult months of the year, when the option to forage for their own nourishment to selfheal is not an option.
If your horse is stabled in the winter this again will be your decision on whether you feed hay or haylage. Speak with your veterinarian and ask what they best recommend. Some horses can become ‘fizzy’ being fed haylage, so hay may be the best option for you. Something else to mention to your vet would be if your horse needs his hay soaked, steamed or if he can be fed it dry. Many horses suffer from coughs and could be supported with wet hay. Next, how will you feed your forage?
Over the years many feeding options have been developed ranging from a simple haynet which is tied through a tie ring, haynets on the floor for barefoot horses, barrels, haybars and much more, in time you will find out what is best for your horse, but also yourself. Think about time saving, mucking out and cost. Make sure it is right for the both of you.
Winter is not always doom and gloom, this gives you the opportunity to prepare your fields for the spring. If you can, why not consider fertilising or seeding your
fields when they are rested. Not only will this help with your grass growth but will help to encourage a better-quality forage when your horse is able to be turned out once again. Please do bear in mind, great quality grass can also come with its problems, horses tend to gorge and can overeat leading to more sinister issues. Consider creating
smaller paddocks, strip grazing, grass management or if recommended by a professional, grazing muzzles to ensure your horse can enjoy its pasture to its fullest.
Thankfully the Winter months do not last forever, lighter, warmer and longer days are not too far ahead. Use this time to prepare for the spring, what are your plans for your horse this year, hacking, schooling, competing or training consider what changes you will need to make to offer additional support to your horses heightened or lowered workload in the months ahead, as before you know it your routine will change all over again!
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.
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 long-term indoor use.
RRP £15.95
Please see www.elico.co.uk for full details
Available from all good equestrian retailers
We may still be ensconced in the throes of winter, but this year’s outer wardrobe can easily take you through to spring, with key pieces in timeless styles. Here, we look at three classic men’s coats.
This long coat is a wardrobe staple, especially in the UK, with our unpredictable weather. The trench is often favoured for workwear as a smarter outer layer, but looks equally good over a pair of smart, indigo jeans.
Like all of the coats featured here, the trench coat originated within the military environment; the trench was an outercoat originally worn by army officers in the trenches, hence its name. The military influences are still very much present in today’s modern versions - button fastening, a belted-in waist, usually some form of waterproofing, and a warm lining (the originals would have boasted cosy wool), depending on the weight you choose.
The double-breasted lapel is the most traditional silhouette of the trench – this styling refers to two parallel columns of
buttons and an overlapping front closure –think of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, for inspiration! Lengths are usually from around knee to ankle length, although the longer lengths are rarely chosen by younger clientele.
Rival outfitters John Emary and Thomas Burberry can both lay a claim to the original trench coats that we know and love. Emary designed his trench coat in the mid-19th century for officers serving in the Crimean War, and his brand later became Aquascutum. Burberry designed a more lightweight, twill raincoat or in the late 19th century, which went onto be used by first
Although some hue of camel or beige is the traditional colour for a trench coat, this year, black is also extremely popular. The traditional epaulets at the shoulder that used to define the trench’s silhouette are not featured on all of this year’s styles, leaving you able to choose a less fussy and casual look without them, or a smarter and formal look with the epaulets. Knee length is the trench coat length for 2023, whatever your age, and there are many single-breasted trenches also available, that create a more informal and perhaps more modern look.
And yes, you can wear a trench in winter! They’re not reserved for spring and autumn. For work, they work well over a warm suit or smart jacket, and they can also be layered over a denim jacket or thick sweater. Darker hues look good in winter time, and a black or navy trench will work very well with the natural, autumnal hues that you will likely still have in your wardrobe - a pair of dark coloured Chelsea boots never looks out of place with a raincoat. (These boots, which feature the famous elastic insert to pull the boot on, in the same style as children’s jodhpur boots, were designed by J. Sparkes-Hall, cobbler to Queen Victoria. His boots were known as paddock boots, and were used for walking and riding. In the
Awarm scarf is the perfect accessory for winter. One quirky look with a trench or pea coat is to wear it untied, over your jacket, under the collar. For more warmth, yet to retain a stylish look that seems as if you have styled the scarf rather than ‘thrown it on’, wear it inside the trench or pea coat; fold the scarf in half and wrap it around your neck. Then, pull the ends through the loop
mid-1950s, the ‘Chelsea set’, a group of fashionable London artists, designers, and socialites that socialised in Chelsea and often wore the boots, gave the footwear a new lease of life, and a new name, to boot.)
In terms of the fit, you should be able to button up a trench coat and move your arms without any tightness, even with a jacket or sweater underneath; so choose a relaxed fit. (Aquascutum and Burberry are still retailing their original silhouettes, with the latter costing four figures; however the high street has many affordable options, if you are not seeking such an investment piece.)
Another popular style this season is the Bomber jacket, perhaps because of the recent Top Gun: Maverick movie, in which Tom Cruise wears the traditional CWU style
that originated in the American military. This style of Bomber jacket is quite short, as it was designed to be worn in an open airplane cockpit. The CWU stood for Cold Weather Uniform, hence these items of apparel are usually waterproof, and lined with some form of quilting.
The classic khaki-hued military design that is still popular today with designers maintains the tight wrist cuffs and elasticated waistband of the originals. It also looks great with jeans and Chelsea boots. But on the high street and in the designer aisles this winter, there are also plain black versions everywhere. Offering a less militarised look, the longer length Bomber is in some ways more versatile, with its zip front, knit cuffs, but with slimmer sleeves and a longer length waistband. For winter, look out for a jacket with a faux-fur lined collar, and team with a warm sweater. Leather boots or trainers work equally well.
Material-wise, you can choose from leather, suede and various waterproofed materials such as nylon; a black leather Bomber looks great paired with a black roll neck sweater, Meanwhile, the nylon versions look good with hoodies.
created by the folded end, and pull them tight to secure the knot. Warm fibres such as merino, cashmere, and cable-knit wool are all popular materials in winter and as we move into spring, and are investment pieces.
With a Bomber jacket, an oversized scarf looks good wrapped round and round the neck, to create multiple layers in a more casual style.
A patterned scarf, perhaps stripy, works nicely with a plain jacket for a balanced look. If your coat is patterned, for example a tweed pattern, a plainer scarf looks well put-together. Pick out colours that complement the jacket; for example, a grey scarf with a black jacket, or a bolder colour that picks out a thread from a tweed material.
Another double-breasted style of outer coat is set to be popular in 2023 – the wool coat. This is a warmer and more streamlined version of the trench, and again originated in the military; this time from the navy. The British navy favoured a navy ‘pea’ coat as deck and standard uniform; the name comes from the Dutch’s ‘pije’ or ‘pijjekker’, a coarse wool outer coat worn by naval servicemen in the nineteenth century. Many countries also copied and manufactured their own style of dark blue wool coat; American sailors known as reefers were allocated a pea coat for climbing up the rigging of sailing ships. Their versions flared at the hips, for easy ascent.
Most of the original pea coats were double breasted, and featured an ulster collar, which could be buttoned all the way up, to protect the wearer from harsh elements. Most jackets featured vertical slit pockets for the hands, as well as lower pockets, and brass buttons.
Today’s wool outercoats are still based on this silhouette, but tend to have a straighter
cut. Colour-wise, camel tones are popular for winter, while navy is still the most traditional colour; and tweed looks smart.
The wool coat tends to be a fairly formal piece of apparel, so works well with suits or smart jeans – brogue shoes in brown or
black can also add a smart finishing touch to a pea jacket, when worn in winter.
(If you’re looking for movie inspiration, Robert Redford in Three Days of the Condor braved the New York winter in a pea jacket, which became popularised as a ‘topper’)
As the UK’s leading freely distributed, seasonal publication Your Horse & Country Magazine really does have it covered.
From unearthing treasured country homes and estates in our exclusive Your Country Property feature, to exploring the seasons as they change, bringing you a host of dreamy days out, fashion tips and shopping essentials!
Also working hard with our in-house vet to keep on top of your equine health care, Team YHC explore real-life symptoms and scenarios in order to keep you in the know!
For just £18.99 a year we can bring all of this and much more direct to your door. Simply complete and return the subscription slip below and receive a year of back editions FREE of charge!
Sizes 6 - 18
Black, Grey & Navy
Available online & from all major LeMieux stockists
Nothing signals that it’s time to hibernate for winter quite like a wood burning stove or a lit open fire under the mantel. It’s not only the physical sensation of the heat produced that makes fire so enchanting but the sound of the crackles and pops, the aroma and the visual delight of the oranges and yellows of the flickering flames. It’s an all round sensory experience. While igniting timber might not be the most energy efficient or environmentallyfriendly way to keep warm these days, it is undoubtedly one of the most pleasurable. We can tap in to the power of the senses to enhance feelings of warmth with our interior decor choices too.
Firstly, for homes without a working fireplace (or even those with one), candles are a fantastic second-best option. Candles will, albeit silently, provide that mesmerising, flickering light that is a joy to gaze at during quiet moments in the slow winter months, and is truly surprising just how much actual heat a group of lit candles can emit. More is definitely more when it comes to candles,
and clustering together different heights, shapes and sizes in collections of odd numbers will make an attractive, impactful statement.
There are plenty of styling opportunities here too. Using a tray is a lovely way to keep candles displayed neatly together and make a real feature out of them, whether its either side of the fireplace, the bed or as a centrepiece for the dining table. There are also endless possibilities with colour combinations as the wax can be dyed to any colour.
As relatively small objects, candles are a fabulous way to introduce bold colours to a room without the fear of making a colour mistake. The stakes are a lot lower than when decorating an entire wall or investing in a large sofa, so dare to go bold. Bring in warm colours like berry, paprika and burnt orange to trick your eyes into perceiving heat. They’ll burn
down smaller and smaller to nothing by the time you’re ready for a new palette when the season turns towards the spring. With candlestick holders available in so many materials, shapes and styles from vintage metal and glass to wood and eco-concrete in contemporary geometric forms, there is decorating fun to be had in abundance here. Upping the light levels indoors is useful for lifting mood in these twilight months, particularly with ‘natural’ light sources such as candles or lamps designed for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Tapers and tallows aren’t the most practical solution for reading of course, their beneficial effect is less
is another fabulous way to gently appeal to the senses and contribute to that snug feeling. Synonymous with the season are spice scents like cinnamon, nutmeg and orange, or ginger with sandalwood. There are plenty of
empty tins. Companies like this are really making an effort to celebrate and protect our environment, and prove that staple interior design products needn’t cost the earth.
add interest to your interior for the season. The muted tones found in untreated or naturally dyed organic fibres really lend themselves to enlivening spaces with neutral colour schemes.
this time of year for their insulating properties. Be sure to keep curtains open during the day
closed as soon as the sun goes down to help
arrangements rather than a complete sewing job. The difference will be worth the effort and help any strain on the household budget due while energy prices remain high. It can be difficult to feel abundant at this time of year so any savings are sure to be gladly received. Many people find these first quiet, long, dark months miserable, or boring, or both, so with that in mind bringing in a sense of hope to our interiors is going to be a welcome idea.
Plants and flowers lend perhaps the ultimate sense of optimism. Although the gardens and meadows might look largely inactive at this time of year there is still plenty of treasure to be found. Foraging for plants locally will also bypass the environmentally detrimental cut flower industry full of bouquets of imported, unseasonal and pesticide fuelled florets. Look out for hardy annuals, like Honesty, and gather their shiny mother of pearl-like transparent seed heads together for a pretty vase display. If you’re lucky, snowdrops and daffodils might start peeping through the soil in your garden or nearest park and cope with you borrowing a few stems for the house. Simple glass jars will suffice to show off shorter stems, and the addition of a ribbon or twine tied into a bow around the top will add a special touch that requires precious little effort.
Dried dill, branches of sage, or dried flower buds from oregano would be another attractive suggestion and would come with some interesting aromas too.
Used in combination with a primally appealing fire, the contemplative light of candles, SAD lamps and a big pile of comfortable cushions and snuggly throws, plants are the final ingredient to create a powerful recipe for a Winter-ready interior.
With the ongoing rises in energy costs there are some simple life changes that could make all the difference, after all, the less you pay on bills means more of your hard-earned cash is left for you to treat yourself or put away for a rainy day.
Change your light bulbs to LEDs.
Wash your clothes in cold water if possible.
Air seal your home. Sealing cracks, gaps and leaks and adding insulation can save up to 10% on home heating and cooling costs.
Use your microwave instead of your stove when cooking.
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer before ice build-up becomes 1/4-inch thick to ensure your appliances are running efficiently.
Don’t peek in the oven while baking! Every time you open the oven door, the temperature can drop 25 F, making your oven use more energy to bring the temperature back up.
Use natural light when possible.
Don’t leave your electronics on all day long. Only turn on your computer, monitor, printer and fax machine when you need them.
Refrigerators and freezers actually operate most efficiently when full, so keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible (using water bottles if nothing else). Be careful about overfilling them as this will reduce airflow and cause the appliance to work harder.
Using dishwashers and clothes washers/dryers at night will keep the house cooler, reduce strain on the power grid during the peak usage hours of 4 PM and 6 PM and reduce the chance of an emergency!
Turn off heated dry on your dishwasher and air dry instead.
Set your refrigerator temperature to the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid excessive cooling and wasting energy.
Don’t leave bathroom or kitchen ventilation fans running longer than necessary. They replace inside air with outside.
Replace your windows. If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with more energy efficient windows, or adding solar shades or tinting film.
Turn off the lights when they’re not in use. Lighting accounts for about 12% of a typical residential utility bill.
Don’t leave your mobile phone plugged in overnight. It only takes a couple of hours to charge.
Turn off the oven a few minutes before cooking time runs out. Your food will continue to cook without using the extra electricity.
Dress for the weather. When you’re at home, dress in warm clothing in the winter and cooler clothing in the summer to stay comfortable without making your heater and AC work harder.
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
Small changes can make all the difference, one step further would be to look at your energy supply, could investing in a new one in the long run really pay off? Is perhaps having an oil tank installed or an air source heat pump more effective than gas? Its worth getting quotes as in the long run you could be pocketing the difference.
Makers & restorers of the world’s most beautiful Billiard, Snooker & Pool tables. Hand-crafted in the UK
Although the increase in the cost of living is impacting a lot of lives at the moment some of us still need to plan for the more expensive purchases within the home.
Its that time of year when we think about decluttering and getting ready for that fresh Spring clean ahead. The Kitchen, as the hub of the home is always a satisfying room to start with, it’s an area where families come
together to enjoy an evening meal or test their culinary skills with a bit of home baking (who can resist the smell of freshly baked bread in the oven or bacon sizzling away on the grill) So it’s the perfect area to give a little bit of TLC.
Adding a pop of colour or simply a fresh lick of paint can instantly make a room feel brighter and refreshed. If your kitchen cupboards are a little tired its possible to upcycle them to give them a makeover or even replace the doors which will cost a fraction of the price of a new kitchen. Little luxuries within the home certainly make spending time in your kitchen more enjoyable. If you would usually enjoy visiting the local coffee shop for an uplifting latte, perhaps now is time to add a coffee machine to your kitchen. You would get to enjoy a range of warm drinks at home and as a bonus also add the inviting coffee aroma to your home.
If DIY is not your forte, you might prefer booking an appointment with a kitchen specialist so they can help you design the perfect setting for you to enjoy your
family time. A brand new kitchen is a huge investment, but can add saleability to your home. As a focal point for the home, just think about all those family get togethers and kitchen parties ahead.
The hub of your home may not be in need of any renovations just yet but you can still invest in that all important family time, why not create a games room, pool tables, bars and a game of darts are all great ways to spend time together, think of all the memory making ahead of you this year
Luxury British kitchen brand Kesseler is continuing to establish its presence in the UK as a manufacturer of beautiful kitchens for clients’ dream houses and forever homes, who value quality craftsmanship and engineering that is built for life, guaranteed.
The company now has more than 10 boutique showrooms across the country, offering a curated collection of traditional and contemporary kitchens, many of which are available painted in any colour the client desires and made to measure to perfectly suit the space.
Ideal for a client who is looking for their dream kitchen and who seeks only the best quality furniture for their home, Kesseler kitchens are built upon Fortis, their patented joint system that ensures strength, rigidity and stability for a lifetime. It’s for this reason that all Kesseler kitchens come with a lifetime guarantee.
Investing in a Kesseler kitchen is a wonderful addition
to not only a client’s home, but also their lifestyle. Bringing families together, enabling them to cook, socialise and enjoy culinary explorations together, made easy with intelligent storage, state of the art appliances and modern features such as heat-resistant
worktops, atmospheric mood lighting and much more.
All kitchens are hand-built and precision engineered in Nottinghamshire, with showrooms across the UK. Visit the Kesseler website to request the 2023 brochure.
Situation:
This is a rare gem of a property idyllically situated in the Painswick Valley. Offering a substantial main residence along with a cottage and two flats the property has potential for significant income generation or multigenerational living. Old Greenhouse Farm has a spacious flagstone floored hallway with sitting room to one side with French doors to the garden and a fireplace housing a woodburning stove and a dining room with Inglenook fireplace on the other side. The kitchen is fitted with a stylish range of painted units and steps lead down to a charming breakfast room that also features a wood-burning stove. A snug, utility room, boot room and large pantry complete the ground floor. There are six bedrooms over the two upper floors with three bathrooms. Planning is in place (S.22/0647/HHOLD) for a two-storey extension to create a new kitchen/dining room with a principal bedroom suite over.
Guide Price £3,400,000
Situation:
Sitting within sight of the church and at the edge of the village, The Old Palace is a Grade II* Listed country house which is rich in architectural historic interest, but which was the subject of a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and updating, several years ago. With origins dating back to medieval times, the site had been used by Arch Bishops of Canterbury as a stopping off point on their journeys to and from Canterbury. The present house is an amalgam of styles through the centuries and displays architectural detail from the fourteenth century through to the twenty first. Coursed ragstone external elevations under a pitched tile roof with some windows dating to the sixteenth century, medieval oak floor boards and inglenook fireplaces together with exposed timbers and oak latched doors are some of the aged features remaining. Twenty first century attributes include complete re wiring, new plumbing, a ground source heating system and a Control4 home automative system. Oak floors have been laid with light wells incorporated into two landings allowing for natural light to flood down through the levels. Programmable lighting by Philips Dynamite has been wired throughout and there is a media system installed in the media room on the second floor. There are oak internal doors and glazed balustrading to one of the staircases.
Guide Price £3,695,000
Two Reception Halls, Drawing Room with inglenook fireplace | Dining Hall, Wine Cellar | Sitting Room, Study | Guest Cloakroom | Living Room
Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Laundry Room | Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room and En Suite Bathroom Six Further Double Bedrooms – two En Suite
Bathroom | Shower Room | Media Room | Storage | Leisure Suite – Swimming Pool (49’8 x 30’1) with terrace and seating area | Steam Room Shower | WC | Plant Room | Laundry Room | Cottage - Reception Room with fireplace | Kitchen | Shower Room | Two Bedrooms
Bathroom | Garage Block with parking for six vehicles | Studio over | Summer House | Greenhouse | Orchard | Kitchen Garden Lawns and Paddocks | In total approximately 6 acres (2.4 hectares).
This property is available to view on
A handsome and generous detached family house with gardens and grounds (including paddocks) of about 5.2 acres in all.
Situation:
The house was designed to take full advantage of the setting with the living accommodation principally set to the southern side of the house. The generous living accommodation is set off a welcoming hall and includes a spacious sitting room with a fireplace, dining room, study and conservatory with double doors opening out to the garden. The accommodation is complemented by an open plan kitchen/breakfast room together with a utility, boot room and ground floor cloakroom/shower room. The first floor accommodation includes four bedrooms, with the main bedroom featuring a dressing room and a large en-suite bathroom and a family bathroom. The property has evolved over may years and has scope and potential to be adapted, subject to any necessary planning and building regulation consents.
Guide Price £1,450,000
Sitting Room | Dining Room | 24’ Study | Wide Hall | Conservatory | Kitchen/Dining Room | Utility Room | Boot Room | 4 Bedrooms
During this time the colour will darken slightly. Once cured, your building should be protected against the elements for at least 10 - 15 years.
Climatised Coatings will enhance the appearance of your property and protect it for up to 30 years - no more repainting every few years. They carry a 10 year guarantee against chipping, flaking or peeling and are tough enough to withstand steam cleaning.
Climatised Coatings are a range of thick film textured coating systems for external protection, repair and decoration. Twenty times the thickness of ordinary paint and applied using high pressure, heavy duty spraying equipment, the range provides surfaces that are tough, durable, insulating, highly decorative and weatherproof.
Climatised Coatings combine mineral fibres, pearlite, titanium dioxide and oxidide pigments. They also contain specially prepared additives to eliminate fungus, mildew and other noxious growths on three high quality resins. They let the
building breath and are not affected by acid rain or a salt laden atmosphere.
Climatised Coatings prevent penetrating damp and are continually monitored and updated to provide a superior finish for all types of construction. They have an excellent adhesion, colour retention and resistance to carbon dioxide penetration, thus protecting concrete as well as stone and brick buildings.
Climatised Coatings also include Clear Coat, a transparent, invisible coating for brickwork, masonry and roofs, offering the same protection from the elements as our coloured coatings. It prevents bricks absorbing water then "bursting" when it freezes It also protects your pointing. Clear Coat has even been used to protect sea walls, lighthouses, windmills and water pumping stations.
Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables
This handsome farmhouse was built in around 1640 and though restored in the 1900s, it has many character features remaining from the 17th century. The Grade II-listed farmhouse is notable for its knapped flint exterior, brick quoins, casement doors and windows and tile-hung dormer exterior, while internally there are charming brick fireplaces, exposed beams and wood wall and staircase detailing. From the house there are lovely views over its own grounds and the beautiful countryside of the North Downs beyond. The main house has a traditional layout and is well suited to family life, with spacious rooms, a wide choice of bedrooms and a good amount of flexibility. The ground floor has a number of storage spaces and features two generous reception rooms, both with fireplaces, a handmade bespoke kitchen with Rayburn oven / heating boiler and a shower room with w.c. On the first floor there is a sizeable principal bedroom, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. There are an additional two bedrooms on the second floor, one of which is currently used as a study. The property is particularly well-suited to multi-generational living as it has the added benefit of a detached annexe.
Guide Price £1,150,000
Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables
A five bedroom detached property on a private gated plot with formal gardens and custom built equestrian facilities situated in approximately 4.23 acres with panoramic countryside views.
Situation:
A five bedroom detached property on a private gated plot with formal gardens and custom built equestrian facilities situated in approximately 4.23 acres with panoramic countryside views. The property is in a rural village setting, at the end of a pillared gated driveway providing parking as well as access to the garage, formal gardens and equestrian facilities which can also be accessed separately.
Guide Price £2,850,000
Founded in 1963, Civic Trees has become one of the market leaders in the supply, planting and relocating of mature trees. We can offer soft landscaping packages and have a dedicated team delivering projects throughout the UK.
We are proud of our reputation for efficient, cost effective and reliable tree management. You can be confident that through our exemplary commitment to staff training and development, our work meets the highest technical and safety standards.
Working on prestigious UK and European landscape developments such as screening the Berlin Wall, emphasising the approaches Disneyland Paris and re-developing London’s Trafalgar Square, Civic Trees has been involved in several remarkable projects.
Our customers range from local authorities seeking a partnership solution for the management of their trees and vegetation in parks and gardens, highways and developments, to commercial and domestic clients requiring tree care, tree planting or landscape establishment.
We build close professional relationships to ensure we understand and meet the needs of our individual clients. We are proud that our clients are happy to recommend us and keep using our services.
We employ professionally trained and certified personnel. Our policy of continuing professional development ensures that all personnel receive ongoing training and education.
Our experts can offer advice on species, form and size. We supply trees from a wide range of leading growers in the UK and Europe and find the trees that you want, not sell you the trees we have.
Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables
Built in the 1860s, this stunning property is a Victorian replica of 17th Century architecture, boasting many original features with beautiful diamond leaded windows and original stone.
Situation:
An idyllic property in North Northamptonshire, Kitchen Garden Cottages is beautifully secluded down a private road and benefits from incredible hacking on the doorstep through Fermyn Woods. A selection of great equestrian venues in close proximity and just over an hour on the train into Central London.
Guide Price £2,000,000
Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables
An extensive period house with outbuildings, stabling and paddock land, in a commanding position with superb views, close to the sought-after village of Repton.
Situation:
The local area offers great opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding and with sailing on Foremark and Staunton Harold reservoirs. A bridleway can be accessed off Red Lane close to the property from which access can be gained, via public rights of way, through woodland, across farmland, and to Foremark Reservoir on public footpaths.
Guide Price £1,950,000
Antique & Bespoke, Billiards, Snooker & Pool tables
An impressive modern farmhouse with stables, separate annexe and approx. 10 acres of gardens, grounds & paddocks with up to an additional circa 30 acres available by separate negotiation.
Situation:
The stables and outbuildings are of a similar calibre, and no expense has been spared in their construction. They are a perfect complement to the principal house providing guest accommodation and further entertaining space in the huge games room. The loose boxes are equipped to the very highest standards and measure approximately 12ft by 12ft each.
Guide Price £1,850,000
We have all witnessed the cost of living crisis weaving its way into our lives during the last year, from inflation rises and fuel hikes, to ongoing difficulties associated with the pandemic, and a widespread reduction in disposable income. Many families are increasingly relying on charity support to keep afloat; but the bittersweet irony is that charities are themselves struggling. So, what is the reality for charities; and what can we, as supporters, do?
Lert’s look at some data. The UK’s Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) surveyed 547 UK charity leaders in 2022, aiming to identify key concerns around finances. The CAF found that 71% of the charity bosses they spoke to expressed concern over managing increased demand
for their services from end-users, e.g. around food banks and community support. Fifty nine per cent of surveyed charity leaders were unsurprisingly concerned that supporters may not continue to, or even begin to donate to their cause, because of the current crisis. Over half of the respondents (58%) said that generating income and finding financial stability was one of their three top challenges; while a stark 35% of charity leaders believed that their organisation would struggle to survive the crisis altogether.
The reality is clearly bleak. So, how can we ensure charities’ survival, and support them through these terribly tough times?
Let’s take a leaf from King Charles’ book. The sovereign, in his Christmas Day speech, spoke of the ‘everlasting light’ which can be seen as ‘A belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them.’
The King spoke of the light
being ‘The essence of our community and the very foundation of our society’. He spoke of seeing it in ‘The humanity of people… who so readily respond to the plight of others.’ He paid tribute to all those ‘Who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all, their time, to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organisations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.’
This speaks of the desire to keep helping those in need, even when we are struggling ourselves. It is something Britons are renowned for; 64% of us donate to charity (source: worldatlas.com). Therefore, best advice is to only donate what money you can afford; but know that every donation helps, no matter how small. And bear in mind that there are many ways in which we can support charities, without physically giving cash.
1. GIFT AID
Always subscribe to gift aid, which increases the value of every pound by 25% for the charity. Your chosen charity is able to claim back the percentage from most donations made by people who have paid UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax during that year.
2. PAYROLL GIVING SCHEME
Ask your employer about the payroll giving scheme, where employees can donate to any registered UK charity straight from their salary before tax. Employers must be recognised by HMRC, and of course need to commit to utilising the donation for charitable purposes. Visit gov.uk/payrollgiving for more information on payroll giving agencies that are approved by HMRC
3. DONATE TO CHARITY
Donate whatever physical items you can to charities. Another option is to sell your own unwanted items on a site like Facebook Marketplace, and donate the money raised to a charity you support.
4. CHARITY SHOPPING
Shop in charity shops as a matter of course;
you can find amazing fashion items, vintage finds and individual souvenirs. There’s also an important sense of social responsibility and environmental support attained when you are recycling a pre-loved item, and the virtue of trying to make the world a fairer and more compassionate place.
5. VOLUNTEERING
In our last issue, we showcased the benefits of volunteering for charities. Offering your time can actually boost you own emotional health and levels of socialisation; all while supporting a worthy cause.
6. CHARITY CAMPAIGNING
Campaigning to support local organisations can be a great way to give something back. Leaflet dropping, sharing social media posts, writing to your MP around key issues, and raising awareness in your community can all help.
7. GET CREATIVE
Could you be creative, to raise funds? Many charities have thrift shops, fetes or open days, whereby newly created items can be sold to raise funds – do you have any creative flair, perhaps around making
blankets, jewelry, sewn toys, beautiful art works, or other crafty bits?
8. TOY BOX SCHEME
Considering supporting a toy box scheme, whereby customers buy an extra toy that is donated to a child in need. Charity kidsout. org.uk is just one example.
9. BEFRENDING
See if any local or national charities offer a befriending scheme. These match volunteers with folk in need, in the community. The process is much like volunteering in-person at a charity, but here, the people you’re helping fall within the charity’s core interest or specialism. (There are of course many ways in which we can support local people in need, such as walking their dog, helping with the gardening or doing some shopping for them; even if we do not go through formal befriending channels.)
10. SPONSORSHIP
Consider undertaking a sponsored event, such as a charity run – these activities are still popular ways to raise funds for charities, as the process allows individuals
Everyone has their own reason for wanting a round pen
• Join up with a hard to catch horse
• Confidence builder when riding
• Help bonding with a dominant horse
• Training a youngster
• Loading issues
• Restricted grazing pen Useful
We believe in customer service as a top priority and welcome customer enquiries, reviews and feedback on our products. Our response time is less than 24 hours. I am sure we have a pen to suit your needs and budget, a bespoke service and delivery is available too.
We have been involved with rescue work, education and therapy with animals for several years but Hoofprints Miniature Haven started July 2018 to allow people to see we were a transparent charity. It took an extended period of time to register as a charity due to involving children, vulnerable adults and animals all requiring high levels of commitment, security and expertise.
• CPD Accredited
• Registered with Fundraising Regulator
• Social Farms & gardens Voting Member
We have survived testing times over the last few years… Brexit, Drought raised price of bedding and forage and feed. Flooding raised costs of bedding forage and feed. Covid completely shut to all public attendance for sessions and fundraising. Financial Crisis is bringing in lots of requests for help but an animal focused business can’t just shut its doors and do nothing. Animals still need to be cared for 24/7 and with covid affecting people’s life, finances, health we have had a large influx of requests from people unable to care for their animals due to financial and/or health issues which causes families a lot of stress and sadness.
But knowing we could take in their much loved animals has helped lots of families to cope with having to sign over their family pets.
We spend hours applying for grants and are extremely grateful to grant givers for funds.
We are also extremely grateful; for our supporters for their donations no matter how small.
If you would like to speak to us about rescue –rehabilitation – retirement – rehoming, Education –therapy or donations then please: t: 07957166333 or e: hoofprintsminiaturehaven@gmail.com
www.hoofprintsminiaturehaven.org.uk
to donate relatively small amounts; and every penny helps. You could also take part in fund-raising events like Movember or Decembeard, which aim to raise awareness of issues affecting men, such as prostate, testicular and bowel cancer, at specific times of year. The Directory of Social Change has a useful list at dsc.org.uk .
11. SPREAD THE WORD
Show your support for your chosen charity by sharing details of their fundraising events on your own personal and business social media pages.
12. CHARITY PARTNERSHIPS
Encourage your employer to develop a charity partnership for 2023, and to do so every year. The organisation you select and its mission should ideally align with the business’s own values. (There can be a great deal of positive public relations gained from such a collaboration, and awareness for the company you represent.)
13. CHARITY DAYS
Support charity days, such as telethons or national events - Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning or Walk the Walk’s Moonwalk are popular examples.
14. FOOD BANKS
Donate to food banks – many food shops have their own boxes and baskets in store, so you can simply buy duplicates of the most useful items, such as store cupboard essentials.
15. CHARITY CASHBACK SCHEMES
Sign up to one of the shopping sites that allows customers to give, without paying any extra for the item, to a chosen charity. This is seen as a thank you from the store you have shopped at, for your custom – they then pay a commission to the charity. Give As You Live Online, Amazon Smile and easyfundraising.org.uk are three such examples.
16. MONETARY DONATIONS
Obviously an easy way to support a charity is via giving them money. One-off monetary gifts, regular direct debits or legacy gifting are three important ways to help keep charities afloat, in these trying times.
17. CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS
Choose charity greetings cards and other gifts, such as calendars and diaries, to support a needy cause.
18. ADDITIONAL DONATIONS
If you have HMRC-qualifying shares, consider putting these to good use by gifting them to charity. CAF has information at cafonline.org, as does the HMRC website, gov.uk/donating-to-charity .
During
Whether you have a Thoroughbred with a limitless appetite yet is always lean, or a nervous horse that burns through their energy levels, diet is a key component in helping the poorer doer maintain weight. The aim is to feed more calories than those needed for maintenance and to sustain workload. This oversupply will then be laid down as fat, allowing your horse to gain weight.
A question I often get asked is how to feed for weight gain without excitability? It is important to remember that calories and energy are the same thing, so feeding a high calorie meal means feeding a high energy meal.
Within the Allen & Page Barley & Molasses
Free and Specialist Ranges we have several
high calorie conditioning feeds that are whole cereal grain and molasses free. They are fibre and oil based, with much lower starch and sugar levels than traditional feeds of a similar energy level. This means they provide slowrelease energy and reduce the likelihood of any unwanted behaviour often seen with high cereal feeds.
Veteran Vitality and Calm & Condition are both fully balanced and soak quickly to form a soft mash in less than 10 minutes making them easy for horses with poor teeth to eat, whilst providing an additional source of hydration. Through winter warm water can be added to make an inviting treat for your horse. weigh out the feed (before soaking if feeding a mash) and forage provided. Any forage left should be weighed so you know exactly how much feed your horse is getting through.
Loss of weight and body condition can be a symptom of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), which is becoming increasingly common in sport and leisure horses.
Soothe & Gain is our newer conditioning feed that has the BETA Gastric Ulcer Certification mark, meaning it is a feed suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers.
This feed contains highly digestible, fibre and oil-based ingredients, alongside magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate to help buffer the acid contents of the stomach. It is also high in Beta-Glucans which form a gel-like consistency, helping to moderate the speed of feed through the stomach and intestines, meaning the stomach remains fuller for longer.
For more information on feeding visit www.allenandpage.com or call our friendly and helpful nutrition helpline on 01362 822 902
if possible, split your daily feeding amounts into more meals to reduce the volume fed to help ensure digestive efficiency is maintained. Try not to feed more than 2kg (dry weight not including chaff) of ‘hard’ feed in a meal.
Did you know a common cause of weight loss is a lack of fibre in the diet? Ensuring your horse is eating enough forage (grass, hay or haylage) is key. Fibre is digested in the hindgut where it produces a large amount of heat, this can be used as your horses own ‘central heating system.’ Horses not eating enough fibre must use their own reserves to keep warm, which in turn can lead to weight loss.
As horses age we often find that their teeth deteriorate, leaving them unable to chew long stem fibre. Our quick soaking Fast Fibre forms a soft mash making it ideal for dentally changed horses and can be used as a partial forage replacer, fed safely in larger amounts as a ‘haynet in a bucket.’
Do you have a fussy feed feeder? Our feeds contain a blend of tasty herbs to aid palatability. Other handy options to make it more inviting include adding grated carrot, blackcurrant cordial or dried mint leaves.
It is important to note that any weight gain should be gradual. It can take 6-8 weeks to notice improvements to your horse’s weight so utilising tools such as a weigh tape, getting hands on and body condition scoring them or simply taking a picture on a fortnightly basis will help you see the difference.
Winter the thought of feeding horses that struggle with their weight can feel like a daunting task and be a real concern for owners.
Allen & Page nutritionist
Sarah Day MSc discusses what to take into consideration when feeding a poor doer once the weather turns cooler.
The phrase ‘no hoof, no horse’ may date back to the 18th century but it is as true today as it was then. Healthy feet are essential for a horse’s soundness and are expertly designed to bear weight, absorb shock, assist in blood flow and facilitate movement. Many factors contribute to hoof health and while we don’t have control over some aspects, such as genetics, we do have the ability to influence many external factors to promote quality hoof health.
Taking care of our horse’s feet in winter is especially challenging, but incredibly important as winter conditions take their toll on hooves.
Horse’s hooves don’t like to be too dry or too wet. Through summer we can remedy this by adding oils and creams to dry feet but keeping feet dry in persistent wet and muddy conditions through the winter season can be more of a challenge. Prolonged contact with mud stops hooves from wearing down naturally, and the mud can loosen shoes making them more prone to being pulled off. Repeated exposure to wet conditions also starts to soften the hoof, leading to cracks and splits. Not only does this compromise the integrity and strength of the hoof wall but increases the risk of bacteria entering – which could result in a foot abscess.
The sole and frog suffer too – and a wet and softened frog can start to slough away and there is an increased risk of thrush developing.
It is not just the hoof that is affected by wet conditions, the delicate skin around the pastern can develop a bacterial infection commonly known as mud fever. This can be extremely painful and difficult to manage.
The discission of whether to keep horses shod or not through winter varies from horse to horse. Regardless of whether their shoes are on or off, regular trimming should still be taking place. Shod horses may suffer a little more in snowy conditions, as snow can accumulate and compact in the soles of feet. Whereas unshod horses may find the frozen ground more difficult to walk on and are more susceptible to bruising of the sole.
Even though most cases are straightforward to remedy, a foot abscess is extremely painful for horses and efforts should be
made to reduce the risk of them occurring. Abscesses occurs when bacteria enter the hoof capsule and causes an infection. The build-up of infection and inflammation results in increasing pressure as the solid hoof wall can’t expand, and it is this increasing pressure that is so painful. Throughout winter the changing conditions from wet to dry and warm to cold, cause the hoof wall to expand and contract. This creates opportunity for bacteria to invade the hoof capsule and infection to set in. This is made easier still by feet being regularly coated in mud, in which the bacteria live. While abscesses can occur despite even the best hoof management, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of this painful condition. Firstly, keep feet trimmed regularly to reduce the chance of cracks and splits. If the hoof wall isn’t compromised, bacteria cannot enter. Daily care should include cleaning your horse’s feet thoroughly once a day to remove the
mud. Try to avoid using excessive amounts of water on the hooves while cleaning – use a hoof brush and towel to removes mud and dry the feet. After cleaning, the of barrier creams such as Nettex Hoof Tar spray create a waterproof yet breathable barrier that prevents water and dirt entering via the sole
Horse’s feet are cleverly designed to remove debris through normal movement. As mud, small stones and other debris build up in the sole, particularly in the sulci of the frog, it is dispersed through the natural movement of the foot. If debris such as mud, or urinesoaked bedding, accumulates in the sulcus and isn’t removed, there is a risk of the development of thrush, which thrives in wet, dirty conditions. Thrush is characterised by a black oozing discharge with a foul-smelling odour. Through winter when horses tend to spend more time stabled and less time
moving, it is vital to pick horse’s feet out twice a day. Ensure that the feet are being trimmed regularly to avoid the frog growing excessively and overlapping the clefts of the feet. For additional help, Nettex Frog Health can be sprayed to the frog and soles of the feet to support hoof hygiene.
Mud fever is a common term for a bacterial infection also known as pastern dermatitis. It is most commonly seen on the pasterns and is a condition that causes scabs, irritation, sores and in more severe cases heat, swelling and lameness. As the name suggests, mud fever is typically seen in winter, in wet and muddy conditions. The prolonged cold and wet can soften the skin on the lower legs, leaving it susceptible to abrasions from mud. Bacteria can enter the skin through these tiny rubs and infection can take hold. Mud fever can be difficult to get on top of, so try to limit it occurring by –avoiding horses standing in wet conditions for long amounts of time, avoid over-washing legs and use an effective barrier cream such as Nettex Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream.
*Pick feet out twice a day. This gives you the perfect opportunity to take a look at your horse’s feet, check for any bruising or nasty smells, and importantly to dislodge any stones or debris that may have become trapped.
*Clean mud off feet whenever possible. Prolonged exposure to wet and mud can result in the hooves softening, which in turn can lead to cracking and separating. Feet which are left coated in mud for long periods are also at risk of developing foot abscesses. For cleaning hooves, a stiff bristled brush is adequate to knock the mud off, and you shouldn’t need to use excessive amounts of water. If you are cleaning the lower legs too, ensure you use warm water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
When it comes to foot and lower limb health, prevention is better than cure. Follow these tips to help support your horse’s feet through winter.
Avoid leaving horses standing in wet and muddy conditions for extended periods of time. Ensure they have somewhere dry to stand for at least part of the day and consider laying hardcore in high frequency areas such as gateways and around water troughs
Allow feet to dry out each day. There are still huge benefits to horses being turned out in winter even in wet and muddy fields. However, do ensure that horses can be brought somewhere each day where their feet and legs can dry properly. Prolonged exposure to wet cold conditions can increase the risk of mud fever developing.
Use an iodine-based mix to dry and harden the hoof wall and sole. Other options for topical protection include barrier creams, such as Nettex Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream, to stop excessive moisture being absorbed through the sole, or tar-based products to help keep hooves dry and healthy.
Keep up to date with farrier visits and foot trims. It is tempting to allow more time between farrier visits through winter, as horse’s feet grow more slowly, and they tend to be ridden less. However regular trimming will help to maintain a well-balanced foot which is essential for coping with the varying terrain we experience in winter. Regular trimming also helps to prevent splits and cracks, which are a risk factor for abscesses.
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EASYFIX Equine is dedicated to providing solution led systems, that ensure an extremely comfortable and safe environment for your horse.
We are committed to remaining the World’s No.1 provider of equine matting solutions, fences & hurdles. We understand the importance of comfort & safety for your horses and we endeavour to excel in meeting the expectations of our customers. Our passion, is to protect yours!
EASYFIX Equine Rubber Matting Solutions are recognised as the best quality & highest performing products in the marketplace. They provide a complete solution for many of the world’s leading horse breeders, owners and trainers. The portfolio includes our Horse Walker System, Deluxe Stable Matting System, Walkway Matting, WetPour and Rubber Paving Solutions. Manufactured from the highest quality rubber, the extensive range provides a comfortable and safe environment for horses. Our wide range of rubber matting solutions are designed for stables, horse walkers, parade rings, wash areas, walkways and courtyards. Manufactured from the highest quality natural rubber, our products provide a safe and comfortable environment for horses.
EASYFIX Equine launched a newly designed rubber matting system in early 2022. The patented design is fully sealed to allow for extra biosecurity and combines grip with enhanced comfort.
The seamless design is not only bio secure, hygienic and extremely comfortable, but it also provides the ideal environment for your horse.
It is a uniquely designed rubber matting solution which ensures maximum grip whilst remaining extremely easy to sweep and clean. Traditionally, some stable mats have offered high grip options, however have always been difficult to clean and maintain. This superbly designed mat offers the best of both worlds. Diamond Deluxe Stable Mat and Diamond Top Memory Foam are DLG Certified.
Diamond Deluxe Stable Mat is now also available with an 8mm PU Latex Foam Mattress underneath for additional comfort.
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Prevents Injury: When combined with our wall matting system, the Diamond Deluxe prevents cuts, grazes and capped hocks normally associated with concrete floors.
Aids Rest & Recovery: The matting system creates an optimum environment for rest and recovery from both exercising and injury.
Hygienic & Bio secure: The rubber mats are bonded to create a fully sealed, hygienic and non-porous floor. The glue used ensures that mats are permanently sealed to the floor and will not lift or move.
Excellent Grip: Provides an excellent grip under foot when lying down, getting up or rolling over.
Insulating Effect: The soft rubber provides thermal insulation and an anti-fatigue surface.
Cost Effective: Huge saving reductions on shavings and straw, as the rubber matting allows you to significantly reduce the amount of bedding that is required and the amount of labour involved.
I have my horse walker installed with EASYFIX Equine horse walker tiles and London 52’s stable has the Diamond Deluxe stable matting fitted. I am really happy with the products and delighted that London 52 has a comfortable stable to live in
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British Eventer & Gold Medallist Olympian
For those of you who have ever questioned what the differences are between hay and haylage and in what circumstances each should be fed, in this article I aim to debunk the common queries helping you to make informed decisions when choosing which forage to feed.
1. Haylage was first developed as an alternative to hay, to provide a ‘clean’ forage for dust sensitive and allergy prone horses who would otherwise cough and have respiratory problems when eating hay. Haylage continues to provide a much safer option for such horses and eliminates the need for laboursome steaming or soaking of hay.
2. Unlike hay, Haylage can be stored outside, freeing up valuable space in the barn. However, we always advise our Devon Haylage customers to be careful and not allow the plastic wrap to be damaged by rodents or birds –damage to the plastic is the main risk with haylage. The lack of packaging with hay however is a big bonus if your use of and disposal of plastic is a concern. Haylage packaging can be recycled at specialist centres, but we would like to see more widely available facilities for the recycling of LDPE.
3. Hay is not regularly nutritionally tested by the producer, but known nutritional levels are valuable to and desired by horse owners who want to ensure the forage they are feeding is matched to the nutritional needs of the horse. However, well made haylage should be tested at least annually to provide users with the accurate and current analysis. At Devon Haylage we have found that nutritional levels can change considerably year on year due to weather conditions during the growth stage and so we test our four types annually. The combined sugar and starch levels are the most commonly sought-after values as these can have profound impacts on the health of many horses and ponies.
4. A fourth reason to feed a well made haylage is of you are fed up with waste from forage with variable quality and consistency. Thanks to our specialised production process and the high standards we strive for, our haylage is renowned for being very consistent throughout the year, something our customers particularly like when feeding sensitive horses
Claire Burrow
with certain nutritional requirements. The high palatability of our haylage means even the fussiest of eaters can be tempted, resulting in negligible amounts of waste.
5. When it comes to forage, there is not a ‘one size fits all’ policy. Some horses have conditions which dictate the type of forage they require. It may be that they need a very soft forage, one with high protein, one that contains no Ryegrass or a forage with very low sugar levels. At Devon Haylage we recognise this and so have developed a range of four distinct types, to cater for most requirements. Hay is often ‘what you see is what you get’ and doesn’t offer the choice which many owners require.
6. Our haylage also provides the opportunity to have regular, stress-free pallet deliveries throughout the year. This is a real help for people who can’t or don’t want to commit to a barn load of hay in one go or who don’t want their car boot resembling the inside of a stable!
Grass species
Mixed meadow grasses or Ryegrass, important to know which, as Ryegrass could be high in sugar.
Usually from June onwards once seed heads are well developed and fibre levels are high.
Preservation technique
Naturally dried to ideally no less than 85% dry matter. The low moisture level inhibits decomposition. Drying time and dry matter at baling will determine amount of mould and fungal growth, spores of which are noticed as ‘dust’.
Even well-made hay can eventually become ‘dusty’ as environmental moisture allows moulds and fungus to slowly grow. Can be overcome by soaking or steaming.
It’s sometimes very hard to make good hay in the UK due to our inclement weather. An extended drying time due to rainfall, a different cutting date or differing grass species can cause significant variation in quality between batches.
Often huge variation between batches because so many variables are at play. Limited nutritional information available unless users test themselves. Sugar likely to be higher than that in haylage.
Local fluctuating availability dependent on national grass yield, weather conditions and rising production costs. The summer of 2022 saw some small-scale producers scaling back production as a direct result of the weather and the high cost of production.
Mixed meadow grasses, Timothy or Ryegrass.
Well-made horse safe haylage shouldn’t be cut before June to ensure the energy and protein levels are not too high. Sometimes a second cut can be taken in August. Be aware of grass cut too early and baled too wet as this is more suited to cattle.
Dried to around 70-75% dry matter then wrapped in plastic to exclude all air. The resulting drop in pH due to microbial activity inhibits decomposition through mild fermentation.
Providing the plastic packaging stays 100% intact, haylage should keep fresh for several months. For horses with compromised respiratory systems, haylage is a far safer choice.
Well made commercial haylage should be consistently high in quality, this is our main focus and achieved through complete control of the production system and high standards.
Lots of nutritional variation between producers and types. Reputable producers should test annually and advise customers on their haylage choice according to the specific needs of their horse. Likely to have lower sugar levels than hay. Ryegrass will have a higher feed value than Timothy.
Haylage can be produced by small scale producers and larger scale commercially and so available nationwide. Devon Haylage is available nationwide via direct pallet delivery or through a selection of retailers.
Forage is the cornerstone of any horse’s diet, playing such an important role in overall health, so it pays to do thorough research and select the forage most suited to your circumstances and the nutritional requirements of your horse. For friendly advice or to request a free sample of Devon Haylage email claire@devonhaylage.co.uk
As you will be aware nothing in the Equine World comes without a hefty price tag, when you add together the costs of feed, bedding, vet’s bills, rugs, yard equipment…… the list goes on it will all cost a small fortune. Intentions are a wonderful thing, its very human to put off until tomorrow what you should get done today and before you know it there’s a mammoth task ahead as everything needs to be done at the same time.
Maintenance is so essential to keep your equine builds and space up together not only to ensure we don’t have the time consuming job of doing everything all at once but your, stables, arena , horses outside space will
all have been an expensive purchase to start with so the upkeep is essential for your investment.
To ensure that your stable remains in tip top condition it’s important to keep it clean. A regular clean of your stable is a major part of not just maintaining the health of your horses, but also the life of your stable structure. Wooden and timber stables will show signs of rot and mould if it is moist or damp. Cleaning regularly will reduce damage caused by outdoor elements such as rain, frost or heat. Weather conditions will impact the structure of your stables especially hot summers
followed by harsh winters, this can cause swelling and shrinking in wooden structures which may lead to cracks or leaks, minor repair can be quickly rectified with minimal cost, if left then this could lead to major repairs and bigger problems further down the line.
Horses should be safe and secure at all times so its advisable to ensure that all stable doors are in working order and that all kick bolts are fitted safely and can be used effectively making sure that wear and tear hasn’t caused any rusty parts to hang loose. If rubber matting is used on your stable floor, then over time it can wear with curling corners and worn patches especially if your
horse has a favourite spot to stand. The worn parts can be removed and replaced with new so that your horse doesn’t trip.
Barn roofs keep your hooved friends (and everything that comes with them) safe from the elements, so it’s important to perform routine maintenance checks to ensure they’re in working condition.
Clear tree debris away after storms to prevent mould and insects from making a home.
Prune nearby trees and remove nearby dead or damaged trees to prevent fall-ins.
If you notice a shingle flapping in the breeze, fix it right away to prevent further issues.
Check the fasteners to prevent pieces of roof from flying away in inclement weather.
A horse arena is a great addition to your property, simply because it can provide hours
of fun for both you and your horses but how will you maintain your arena to make sure it stays as new for a long time?
Maintenance tips can vary depending on the local conditions and factors, such as daily use, footing material, and your riding style. Here are some general tips.
Occasionally, you’ll need to rake your arena to make sure it stays smooth and uniform. Most horse arena owners need to do this about 2-3 times a week, but it all depends on how much you actually use the arena.
Over time, sand and additives will compact and lose their properties, so you will need to replace the top layer. This also depends on how much you use the arena, but you’ll usually have to do it every five years.
Your arena footing will naturally compact down over time. It might also develop some
depth inconsistencies that are not visible to the naked eye, and you might not even be aware of them. That’s why we recommend a depth check every three months or so. This way, you can easily spot any level differences and make sure you even them out.
To keep your arena in the best shape possible, always make sure you clean the horse’s feet before entering. Removing your horse droppings or any other organic matter is necessary since leaving them in place can affect your arena’s performance.
Its important if you can to rest your paddocks, this can be done by rotating the use of your paddocks to allow a period of rest this gives the grass an opportunity to repair and rejuvenate. This is the perfect opportunity to carry out paddock maintenance, such as harrowing, topping off the rough areas if needed and treating weed infestation.
If you find that your fields are particularly wet, have you looked into drainage solutions a simple method of digging trenches around your perimeter to encourage drainage. The planting of trees is also an effective way to reduce excess water from your fields, not only is this an environmentally friendly way to manage your drainage but can also be utilised to provide shade for your horses. If your gateways are causing a particular
muddy problem then why not look into methods of mud control such as field matting or other aggregates. General weekend chores will ensure that your small holding stays in good working condition simple tasks such as oiling metal gates, re attaching that fallen post, sweeping the yard and clearing the area of seasonal debris will all help to maintain your equestrian investment whilst ensuring it stays a fun and pleasurable place to be.
Whether it be livestock, storage, workshop areas or equestrian buildings, with over 30 year of experience and in-depth knowledge of the farming and industrial industry, RT Farm & Industrial Buildings can accommodate you.
If
Telephone: 01548 550003
E-mail: rtfarmbuildings@gmail.com
www.rtfarmbuildings.co.uk
Yes! It’s almost that simple, about the only exception might
At Jon William Stables we can arrange all aspects of work to gain planning for your project, and are happy to include all-weather riding arenas, walkers, groundwork, access etc, the list goes on.
A planning practice may be able to help, check they are experts in equestrian planning so they can advise on all aspects of the design and build. You could do your own planning application, there is of course a huge amount of information available on websites aiming to advise you on this, and they all do it with varying levels of clarity. Among the best is the government’s own website www.planningportal.co.uk, here you will find all the information required to submit your own planning application.
PLANNING PORTAL planningportal.co.uk
Paddock prep for the winter months ahead can be a daunting thought; however, planning and preparation for the seasonal change can make “winter life” for both you and your horse much more manageable and a whole lot easier!
As with most activities on the farm, paddock maintenance and care can be labour-intensive, which as we bask in the glorious sunshine we’ve had this summer, can seem like an unwelcome, sweaty chore that is best put off!
So here are our top five simple ways to prepare your paddock for the months ahead along with some of what’s available in terms of machinery to help you along the way.
It is quite often the case that many horse owners choose to turn their horses out throughout the spring and summer months, allowing them to forage freely and enjoy the sun on their backs. With roaming horses come poo-strewn fields and if it is left it will turn next year’s grass sour, leaving long tufts that our fussy horses simply will not eat. There are a number of ways to “poo pick” your paddocks, from traipsing acre upon acre with a wheelbarrow and fork to purchasing or hiring a poo vacuum or paddock cleaner, often towed behind a tractor or quad bike.
Once you’ve picked the poo, it is definitely worthwhile running a harrow or rake across your paddocks. This will loosen off and kill any poor growth left over from the summer, as well as break up some of the hard ground. It will also break up and spread any muck residue, allowing autumn showers to wash it back into the ground, enriching the soil quality without souring your grass. Harrows and rakes can come in a range of sizes to suit the size of your paddock, from hand-held rakes, sixfoot chain harrows ideally pulled by a 4x4 quad bike or small sub compact tractor, to enormous folding harrows or power harrows operated by using much bigger tractors, meaning there is something available for everyone whether you are tending to a twoacre plot or a 200-acre paradise!
September and October are good months for adding nutrients to your soil. As the hot sun cools and we welcome warm rain, fertilisers can be well washed into the ground, offering all the nutrients required for a spurt of good grass growth next spring. Fertilisers can come in several formats, from liquid sprays to pellet form, and again depending on the size of your paddock there are a number of ways to spread or sow your fertiliser. Pellets can easily be spread by hand and liquids with a knapsack sprayer, both equally ideal for smaller paddocks. If your paddocks are greater than about two or three acres then you may wish to invest in a larger spreader or sprayer that, depending on which make and model you
opt for, can be mounted onto a quad bike or tractor. Be sure to check individual fertilisers for safety and the manufacturer’s recommendations for use around animals and on grazing paddocks.
As the autumn rainfall intensifies and before the ground gives way, it’s a good idea to roll your paddock, tamping down any old divots or rough patches in the ground. Its also a great idea to check your gateways at the same time. If your gateways tend to get a little deep and muddy in winter as many do, it’s a good idea to put some Type 1 hardcore or loose stone across them. Rolling this into the ground will offer more stability and support around your gateway, hopefully preventing lost shoes sucked off by heavy mud and mud fever, giving your horse a firm, clean standing while they wait at the gate to come in.
As autumn draws out and winter whispers around the corner, we like to make a final cut on the paddocks, topping weed growth or sour grass patches, preventing them from spreading. With the winter weather these cuttings will rot nicely into the ground instead of growing out of control over the
winter months when the ground is too soft to act on them. Toppers and mowers are variable in design, with the more modern flail mower using a series of teeth to chop and mulch overgrowth, whereas the more traditional-style field topper uses a long or multiple, rotational blade to quite literally take the top off your paddock.
When purchasing agricultural machinery, Your Horse & Country Magazine strongly recommends buying via a reputable business, as your investment can sometimes be wasted when buying tired second-hand machinery that has not been serviced or well maintained.
Horseboxes and trailers will sometimes only be used occasionally, so users need to be extremely vigilant to basic vehicle maintenance. It’s good practice to form the habit of regular basic checks of your horsebox or trailer. Good vehicle maintenance will ensure conformance to legal requirements and the improved safety of your horse.
When you transport a horse with a horsebox or trailer you need to make sure you:
have the right driving licence for the weight of your vehicle or trailer.
have an operator licence (if you need one)
are qualified to transport horses if you’re travelling for over 8 hours.
do not overload your vehicle or trailer.
carry out regular safety checks.
have a valid MOT for your vehicle or trailer.
follow rules on animal welfare.
Horseboxes and trailers are machines we use to transport our horses to where they need to be, whether it’s a quick trip to the vets or a longer journey to an event, its vital
that they meet the needs of you and your horse.
Horses come in all different sizes so making sure that your machine will take your horses weight and meet the legal requirements should be near the top of your list of things to check before boarding your horse.
Horseboxes can be deceptively heavy
before you load your horse, with built in facilities and equipment will lessen the weight it can hold when your horse is loaded, especially if your horsebox is carrying more than one of your equine friends.
We want all passengers on bord be it human or equine to be safe when travelling so if you are unsure then check the legal requirements or a horsebox specialist.
SvTech Ltd was formed in 1993 specifically to offer technical support to truck and van manufacturers and converters in the UK and Europe. They specialise in matters relating to Vehicle Type Approval, with particular emphasis on payloads and braking systems.
Over twenty years they have continually enhanced their services and now sit as the UK’s leading authority on re-rating vehicles, which includes uprating to give more payload capacity, and downplating to reduce Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for licence and low-emission purposes
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.
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.
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.
SPECIALISING IN ALL HGV’S 26T 18T 16T 12T & 7.5T
As businesses across the industry compete for their share of the market, it is more important than ever to understand your customer base, existing customers verses new customer, who are they? Where can you attract them, how can you engage with them? How can you educate them on the benefit of your product or service?
A business owner, business manager or team members time is generally best spent selling their product or service, time spent wrapped up in marketing is often deemed non-efficient and not cost effective, after all we would all rather be putting money through the till instead of taking it out! This is why investing in an industry specialist who understands your marketplace is money well spent, generating you a consistent source of lead generation to actively sell your product or service to, giving you a great return on investment in terms of both time and profitability.
Every business should work to a growth strategy, more often than not we hear that customer’s do not need more work, or they cannot facilitate any more jobs or sales. Ask yourself, if your current work dried up, or jobs or orders were cancelled how would this impact your business? What if customers circumstances change outside of your control, who will replace these customers? Its all in a growth strategy.
As a preferred marketing partner to our industry and leader in both the equine and country lifestyle sectors the team of specialists at Your Horse & Country Magazine are perfectly placed to help you market your business, by understanding the needs of your customers and our readers alike, we are able to tailor an effective and response driven bespoke print or digital marketing campaign to ensure you maintain a healthy bottom line.
UK’s largest independent printed glossy equestrian and country lifestyle seasonal magazine
For over 136 years of Rest for Horses has been providing respite and a final home for horses from the police, military and riding for the disabled.
These horses and ponies have served our country, bravely protected our communities from violence or brought joy to disabled or disadvantaged children. Many of these working horses can no longer be ridden once they have nished their working lives and we provide a loving and safe place they can retire to with dignity.
We also provide sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys who have suffered from severe cruelty or neglect and who are in desperate need of specialist treatment and care.
It is at our Home of Rest for Horses that we demonstrate best practice and deliver professional training in horse care and welfare. We have invested in funding veterinary research that has led to major advances in horse care. This training and research helps develop the knowledge and skills needed to improve the welfare and quality of life of all horses.
From our very rst day of our opening in 1886 we have relied entirely on donations from the general public to support our work. With your help, we can continue to give these animals the life and retirement that they truly deserve.
For more information on how you can help visit www.horsetrust.org.uk or email info@horsetrust.org.uk
