Equi-Ads January 2013

January 2013 www.equiads.net 1

Following the launch of the 2013 British Eventing fixtures list yesterday, BE are extremely pleased to announce that the number of EquestrianClearance.com BE80(T) hosting events has risen to an all-time high next season.

BE80(T) is a training competition held at BE Affiliated Events and was introduced in 2009 to encourage riders either to try Eventing, get back into the sport or give inexperienced horses a taste of competition.

All combinations are offered support and feedback from a BE Accredited Coach as part of the competition package.

Chris Farr, BE’s Sport Operations manager said: “The number of BE80’s next year shows a really healthy growth which reflects a growing interest in the sport at entry level.”

In addition to the increased competition opportunities at this level, EquestrianClearance.com have announced their ongoing support for the BE80(T) series and British Riding Clubs BE80(T) Championships.

Lorraine Meadowcroft from EquestrianClearance.com commented: “We are delighted to confirm our continuing support of

the world of Eventing through the BE80 Training series in 2013. Many of our customers compete in the sport of Eventing and the sponsorship is our way of putting something back into this exciting discipline.”

For more information on the BE80(T) series visit www.britisheventing.com

HealtHcare 1, 2, 4, 44

News 1, 4, 6, 46, 48

FeediNg 6 - 17

Feed availability & cost 9

blood/immuNity supplemeNts

12 - 14

HealtH care 18 - 25

New year resolutioNs 18

KissiNg spiNes 20

wormiNg 21

pilates For Horses 22

Horse Holidays 26 - 27

saddliNg up 28

tacK & turNout 28 - 30

iNsuraNce 31 – 33

traiNiNg 30 -31, 46, 48

cross couNtry 32

stallioNs 33

Field & stable 34 – 42

Horse beHaviour 36 - 40

beddiNg 42

traNsport 44

property 38, 47

directory 48

Contents

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Entry level Eventing boosted in 2013Healthcare • News

January 2013www.equiads.net2

Victoria Hesford – ShowingMy horses get turned away for the winter and rough it a little, although Forgery will come in at night as he did not do well last winter being out 24/7. I start roughing off by removing one rug at a time and reducing hard feed but increasing bulk. Shoes come off, they are wormed before being turned out, if possible have their backs checked and teeth done.

They go out in a top quality turnout rug. If the grass is good then we do not feed any haylage until the weather turns. As soon as the weather comes colder I put another turnout rug on underneath the heavy duty one and start feeding haylage. They are checked twice a day for any injuries and under the rugs for signs of rubbing. They usually go out as soon as the horse of the Year Show is done and stay out until January.

andrew Davies – Show jumpingdepending on the season each horse has had, dictates their work load over the winter. Some of the younger horses have a break allowing them time to mature naturally over the winter, whilst others start to compete indoors to notch up their experience.

If they have had a hard season prior to winter they are turned away and a

couple go back to their owners to be pampered.

Those that have had an easy season are kept in work, either for experience or to continue their form. We have the luxury of an indoor school, despite being smaller than the outdoor one, it makes working through the winter much easier and nothing has to stop for the weather.The horses in work get a variety of schooling where possible, training on the flat in the indoor school, grid work in the outdoor school and we are fortunate to have excellent hacking around us.

Harriet Morris-Baumber - Eventing

My horses go out for a few hours every day and in winter this stays the same, weather permitting. They do not get turned away completely, although the work load decreases so they do get a break.

They will remain in a low level of work to keep their fitness going. This helps keep the muscles and ligaments lightly toned and is much better for the horses than becoming totally unfit and then having to recondition the body all over again in the build up to the competition season.

Work usually consists of hacking, unless the roads are covered in snow and ice, and flatwork in our outdoor arena. however, as we found last year, even the school becomes completely unusable when we get a lot of snow! laura Robinson – Show jumping

When the weather is wet the horses tend not to go out or they do just for a short time because the ground is not good and our paddocks soon become a boggy mess.

however in winter when the snow comes we sometimes give the horses some time out to relax and enjoy the snow!

The horses have a short break from shows around Christmas time and are just worked lightly to keep their fitness levels from dropping off.

This means they are ready to pick back up in the new Year ready for the season ahead.

Working Through Winter on the YardHere we ask Team EquestrianClearance.com sponsored riders what they will be up to throughout the winter months and how they manage their work with the cold and frosty weather.

global herbs, the Veterinary based herbal service for horses, have developed a brilliant new range of natural supplements for chickens.

The company has been at the forefront of natural animal feeds in the UK with supplements that have been on the market for over 25 years.

having been long established and respected in the equine market, global herbs have used their unique veterinary input to produce herbal supplements for chickens.

The product line includes supplements for calming, mites and lice, breathing, droppings, food additives, well being and other common problems. They are also ideal to help give strength and stability to rescued hens that may have suffered in a caged environment.

The care4chicken website also provides hints and tips for owners and those planning to keep chickens, with information on correct diets, introducing new birds, worming and much more. www.care4chicken.co.uk

Global Herbs Go Chicken!

This traditional preparation is an invaluable mixture of herbs to help your horse’s defence (immune) system work effectively.

This blend has so many more benefits than just echincea. It calms the mind, helps the body rebuild as well as powerfully supporting body defence.

RRp: 1kg - £18.70 5kg - £84.20

For more information please visit www.globalherbs.co.uk or call the free advice line on 0800 1694709.

Immuplus – Nutritional Supplements

Healthcare


Olivia Wilmot will be writing a training blog throughout 2013, here is some background on her career so far-

Olivia is 28 years old and has competed at 5 CCI**** including Burghley this year on Cool dancer, a horse she has had since a 5 year old and produced herself.

Cool dancer won Ballindensik CCI** 2010 and was placed at Bramham 2011 and 2012, he is now aiming for Badminton 2013.

Olivia also has produced her other advanced horse Zebedee de Foja since he was a 3 year old. This season he had 3 wins including 2 BE Intermediates and was placed 6th in 2 CCI**. Zebedee is aiming to move up to 3 star level next year. This year Olivia was ranked 72 on the rider rankings.

She is based just outside East Kilbride and is trained by Ian Stark and david gatherer. She has received help from Sport Scotland through horsescotland over the years and has been sponsored by Topspec Feed Balancer since 2002. Olivia is a UKCC coach and one of the U18 regional coaches for Scotland.

olivia’s BlogSo here we are again back into January hope you all (and your horses) had a well-earned rest and are now raring to go!

The events we intend to compete in have been identified so it’s now time to work backwards to make sure we’re all fit and ready to go, so showjumping and dressage outings have been planned.

here are a few exercises I like to do to get myself and my horses going. My horses like everyone else’s are a bit fresh and I’m not too keen on being bucked off, so it’s important to get the

horses listening from the start.

Straight away I like to do transitions, not just the obvious trot - walk - trot but trot halt trot and then transitions within the pace, especially within the canter.

This is good for getting ready to jump as well. Like everyone else I feel a bit rusty so after my horses have been back into work for a week or so I like to do some work without stirrups on the flat initially.

Then I progress to getting the dreaded lunge lessons for me without stirrups and reins!

Before jumping I use pole exercises to get back into the swing of things. One of my favourite exercises is 5 poles with wings at each end on a 15m

circle, the distance between each pole in the middle is 3 yards, the inside 2 yards and the outside 4 yards.

The purpose of the exercise is to ensure you have a good proper jumping canter. It is harder than it initially seems and I particularly like this exercise as it really makes the rider focus.

You have to make sure your horse is in front of your leg and you are using your legs to turn and not rely just on your reins. It often takes several attempts to get it right!

The main things that go wrong are riders not looking and focusing ahead quickly enough; not using your legs to guide the horse round and horses drifting through the outside shoulder!

Once you have got it you will really feel the difference and how well your horse can canter! It really helps to get horses working well from behind and get their

hindquarters underneath them. After you feel happy you can raise the middle pole, I normally raise it to around 50cms even for advanced horses. I do it a couple of times on each rein, I find that once I’ve got the poles mastered it’s very easy with the raised poles.

I then raise the poles on either side of the middle pole again to around 50cms.

The first day of doing the exercise I would be delighted if I got as far as 3 poles raised!

Then when comfortable with 3 poles raised it’s time to raise the last 2. hopefully when you start jumping proper fences and courses you will really reap the benefits of this exercise.

There are short video clips of this exercise on my website haddoweventing.com

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Healthcare • News

Ron Fields nutrition Ulc30R plus is a combination of herbal ingredients and amino acids to help the horse’s hind gut digest and absorb ingredients that will assist the whole digestive system to keep the horse fit and healthy. The gastric health benefits of an anti-colic product that contains and suspends glutamine with other amino acids that are a great help to give your horses a quality L-glutamine nutritional supplement. Research has estimated that up to 60% of sport horses have ulcers.

By just improving gut-health, L-glutamine alone can enhance your horse’s attitude, appetite, physical condition, and performance. We all know that when a horse feels better it will perform well, behave, and look much better too.

Ron Fields has said he would send the first 10 people who enquire a small free sample so you can see how well it helps. http://www.ronfieldsnutrition.co.uk

Ulc30R Plus

Catching up with Olivia Wilmotphotos by kind permission of John Britter. Bramham ESphotography


If you are new to the horse scene or looking to update your horsebox there are many aspects to consider before you finalise the details.

here are Jayne’s top 10 tips to consider:

1, Firstly be realistic about your needs and requirements. Are you looking for a horsebox to travel to local shows or do you need a top of the range luxury vehicle as you are away from home three days a week competing?

2, next consider what is most important to you, the living area, the horse area or a mix of both. Are you looking for extensive living quarters or do you require the horse section to be the larger of the two?

3, Consider the level of high-tech gadgets you require in the living area. There is now so much technology available that you can work most of the appliances from a central hub such as an ipad, but this level of sophistication may be much higher than you feel you need.

4, If you are looking to be away from home frequently, the bathroom requirements and water capacity need careful planning. For those staying away less in their horsebox, a smaller bathroom may be all that is required, but a freestanding shower, towel rail and plenty of hot water is a must for those out on the competition circuit all year round.

5, Similarly when it comes to the kitchen area have a good think about what you really need. do you intend to do a lot of cooking and entertaining in your new horsebox or will it simply be the odd bacon sandwich that you will have time to cook.

6, Making sure the horse area allows grooms and those tacking up to work easily and efficiently needs consideration. For owners with large horses it may be a better option to have the tack lockers under the living area rather than in the horse section, to allow more room for horses to turn.

7, depending on the size of the horsebox, number of horses it will be carrying and number of people needing a bed for the night, will determine how much storage you require. There are many ways to add extra lockers to your horsebox but this needs thinking about early on in the design stage.

8, When it comes to the paint design for the exterior of the horsebox, does your taste tend towards classic and understated or contemporary and colourful. Remember what you like, will not be to everyone’s taste so choose a design that you are happy to look at every day!

9, It is important to be realistic about your budget. A well made horsebox using the latest materials is what you should be aiming for. Making sure your budget is well spent is key so that you end up with all the necessary appliances and living essentials to meet your needs.

10, And finally take your time to discuss all elements of the design and manufacture process. Buying a new horsebox is a serious investment and making sure you end up with the finished product you set out to buy is a great feeling!

For further information contact Whittaker Coachbuilders on 01777 839086 or visit www.whittakers.com

Start The Season In Style IN this issue Jayne Whittaker of Whittaker Coachbuilders provides advice on what to look for when choosing your new horsebox.

The Big Licky - it is the 1800 g. King of Stall Treats. It comes with its own holder and will last longer than any other treat on the market.

The hangin’ Ball is the Original Stall boredom Buster that Uncle Jimmy came up with.

Seven years later, it is still as popular as ever.

Uncle Jimmy’s Licky Thing with its own holder in the value pack is Uncle

Jimmy’s newest creation.

For those of you who like the small version of the Uncle Jimmy’s products, this one is for you.

Uncle Jimmy’s Squeezy Buns is the perfect Way to Medicate and Treat Your horse.

These individually wrapped treats will stay fresh longer than any other treat.

The Amazing Uncle Jimmy’s pecker

Recker is the premier poultry block for your back yard chickens. To find out more go to www.unclejimmysbrand.com

Introducing Uncle Jimmys!

Feed • Healthcare

The horse passport Agency has launched a Winter deal on its passports.

Vets and owners who submit their passport application on line via Vet & Owner Services will pay just £15 for the passport which is a saving of £8 on a paper passport application. The passport will usually be posted 1st class the same day.

“All our passports are now issued on chemically watermarked paper with a hologram on the front page

and an embossed cover bound with a tamper evident rivet system” says Andrew davis, director of the horse passport Agency which maintains over 228,000 horse passports.

The vet practice which, along with the owner, submitted the application is credited with a free microchip to be redeemed against their next microchip order.

This Winter offer is available until 28th February 2013, visit www.horsepassportagency.co.uk for details.

£15 Horse Passport & Free Microchip

PU

RE & N ATUR

AL

ROCKIES

100% 100%

The greatest range on earthThe “low salt miles” salt lick for all stockRockies are made in Cheshire from salt extracted from the ground only 14 miles away. The salt we use is human food grade PDV salt-exactly the same as that on your table. We then add top quality essential trace elements in exactly the right amounts to suit your horse, and press it into very hard licks.Why burn all that fuel by dragging lumps of Himalayan rock salt, with accidental levels of minerals and impurities, all the way from Pakistan when you can get the real stuff on your doorstep?Rockies are made to do a specific job. That job is to ensure the health of your horse. Don’t settle for anything less.Rockies. Protect your horse. Protect the planet.

Contact Rockies on: 01606 595022 or [email protected] www.rockies.co.uk


Feeding hay from a lower level is more natural to the horse. When a horse eats from a haynet their natural posture is changed.

When a horse is grazing the head and neck is low and the body remains straight, and the muscles in the back are lifted. When the horse pulls from a haynet, their head is raised causing their back to drop and muscle to be built up on the underside of their neck.

Feeding the horse in this unnatural way can not only lead to uneven muscle development but inappropriate wear on the teeth and respiratory problems from the dust and debris falling in the eyes and being inhaled.

Eezhay hay Feeders helps ensure your horse does not develop unnecessary problems from pulling at a haynet.

Quality and durability is guaranteed with Eezhay and the design of the hay feeder has now been evolved to follow the contours of your horse’s body when they are happily munching their hay or haylage. This new

appearance not only provides comfort benefits for your horse, but it looks smarter and sleeker in the stable and stands up to heavy wear and tear. By feeding your horse in the natural way you can protect yourself from unnecessary bills from the dentist, veterinarian and physiotherapist and as an added bonus you can save time by not filling haynets!

The Eezhay hay Feeders are available in a range of colour choices in two sizes, pony and full. Every Eezhay comes with a full one-year manufacturer’s guarantee and prices start at just £47.99.

now Eezhay also offer a brand new horse Treat Feeder to help alleviate boredom and ensure a trickle feeding pattern is maintained. The horse Treat Feeder is made from a robust plastic to ensure durability and is available in four colours, priced at £16.99.

For more information about the Eezhay stable accessories, visit www.eezhay.net or telephone: 01246 240099

Feed as nature intended this winter

Feed

Are you looking for a round bale feeder that will save your hay without breaking the bank?

The Big Bale Buddy keeps your hay clean and contained until your horses eat it. It catches all the high nutrition chaff and makes it available for your horses to eat.

Why stand by and see your high quality (and expensive) hay used for bedding when there is an inexpensive, easy to use, safe alternative?

It is developed to withstand the harsh northern Canadian weather. Also it does not freeze to the ground and stays flexible in extreme cold.

Tough, durable, rot and stain resistant, it is made of 1500 denier, woven polypropylene with 2 years (1200 hours) of UV protection.

The Big Bale Buddy quickly pays for itself in saved hay, by ensuring that almost all your hay gets eaten.

For more information go to www.bigbalebuddyUK.com

Save money with Big Bale Buddy


Feeding • Health Care

Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh

The American Midwest suffered its worst drought in 50 years and as a result 45% of corn and 35% of the soya bean crops were lost. This area is the world‘s single biggest source of grain exports. This is the third time in the past 5 years that extreme weather has affected global food supplies; shortages in 2008 resulted in civil unrest and food riots throughout the developing world. In this year 45% of the grain price hike was caused by speculators who bet on the movement of prices thereby creating an artificial market. Commodity speculation is a growing trend as global demand continues to increase. Now food is attracting the attention of those who traditionally bet on the price of fuels, minerals, precious metals, etc! Since 2000, agricultural funds have exploded from virtually nothing to £79 billion in 2011. The world’s population is increasing by 78 million per annum

What affects feed availability and cost?

so food looks like a good ˝safe bet˝ to most speculators as demand can only increase unless we all individually eat less! Bear in mind that currently the world produces about three billion tonnes of grains and oilseeds each year which is just enough to meet current demand. Total production is simply weather dependent. Farmers, feed manufacturers, governments, etc can buy futures contracts for staple foods at fixed prices to guard against fluctuations in supply due to erratic weather, etc. However no one has been able to anticipate the massive increase in cereal and soya prices this year so that the amount bought in futures contracts cannot cover the discrepancy. In August 2012 maize prices were 70% higher than in January 2012-more than 4x the level of a few years ago. In addition to the loss of crops in the US the wheat harvest in Russia is 27% down and in the Ukraine 30% down. In

contrast, the second wettest summer on record has blighted UK harvests; wheat yields in England are down by almost 15% on the five-year average and wheat prices are up something like 29% compared with a year ago. This has a huge impact on farm animal production as the cost of feed is responsible for 50% of the production cost for pigs, 60% for poultry and 30% for milk production but only 13% for horses.

Crop shortages are aggravated by the trend to produce electricity and fuel from crops conventionally used as animal or human feed. This year, roughly 40% of the US corn crop will go toward the production of ethanol which is about 15% of the global corn supply. A recent study by researchers at Iowa State University found that the expansion of ethanol production accounted for 36% of the increase in the price of corn from 2006 to 2009. (Further details below)

In the UK we are in a delicate position as we rely too heavily on imports and are thus at the mercy of overseas production and have to compete with other consumers on the open market. The biggest cost in producing any bag

cont. on p.10



of horse feed will always be that of the feed ingredients/raw materials. Raw materials cost ~£5/bag varying on average between 40 and 50% of the total cost although in some cases it can be as high as 55%. Against this background we have seen horse feed prices go up together with the price of goods in the supermarkets. The latter have responded in part with the development of “value” products and this type of product has also permeated the pet and horse feed market. If we compare the costs of feeding a 350kg pony using either a standard product or a value/economy product we find the following, somewhat surprising, result:

The economy product turns out to be poor value based on recommended feeding rates but one can ignore recommendations and cheapen the feeding programme by feeding less “value” product. However, doing this will necessitate feeding some minerals and vitamins to offset the reduced feeding rate as follows:

1kg Economy Mix Cubes Cost/day (p) 42 41 20g Vits & Mins (p) 15 * 15 * Total daily cost (p) 57 56

(*Daily Vitamins & Minerals, 2kg, £14.95 (RRP))

So feeding based on the Economy mix still costs 8p/day more than feeding Leisure mix and the Economy cubes 12p/day more than the High Fibre nuts so all in all, when comparing costs one must look very carefully at what is being offered and do comparisons

on a like for like basis. Cheap wine might have the same alcohol (nutrient?) content as expensive wine but taste less good whereas value horse feed might taste the same as expensive horse feed but will not possess the same nutrient profile. The cost of a bag of feed can vary between £7.50 and as much as £13.00 for a top quality Racehorse diet so we are looking at a £5.50 difference in price depending on what you have to feed. Why? Well, there are a number of reasons for this:

1. Manufacturing. A mix is more expensive because it has to be carefully prepared into a form that is visually attractive as well as being nutritionally useful to the horse. Cooking, flaking, drying, etc create all sorts of preparation problems and handling issues as well as large energy costs. In a cube everything is ground up and so whilst nutritionally sound it does not incur the costs of the muesli mix process. You can also use ingredients which are beneficial to the horse but visually unattractive, so cubes are a lot easier and in many cases, less energy

demanding to produce.

2. Ingredients. Clearly the energy demands of a racehorse will be quite different from those of a leisure horse and it follows that the former requires energy-dense materials such as fats, maize, wheat, etc in its diet. These ingredients are naturally more expensive than the less energy-dense raw materials that are available in the marketplace.

3. Ingredient quality. This will reflect product purpose. For example, broodmares have a very high requirement for amino acids and thus

must be fed a high quality protein such as soya. Animals with a low lysine/protein requirement do not need expensive protein sources and so their diets are cheaper to produce. Ingredient quality is improved by cooking but of course, this increases cost. For example, Racehorses need cooked starch that is digested in the small intestine to maximize glucose supply for energy storage and usage.

4. Micronutrients. High performance horses have high requirements for nutrients such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins and so on but unfortunately these micronutrients are very expensive to include in the diet with the result that the final product will be much more expensive.

In summary, the difference in the costs of a bag of feed reflects what goes into the bag as well as the quality of manufacturing involved in the whole process. A reputable horse feed manufacturer will have a facility dedicated to horse feed production only and will have the various accreditations and approvals. All of this costs a great deal of money to put in place and represents an overhead BUT, it is your guarantee of quality. Next time you are tempted to buy cheap feed find out who makes it, look at their web site, see if they are dedicated horse feed manufacturers, look for ISO status and so on………..

So who or what is to blame for the increases in animal feed costs?• Global warming or• the weather or• the increase in World population or• Commodity speculators or• the “Greens” for seeking alternative energy sources?

It is probably a combination of all of these factors and something that horse owners will have to learn to live with because as individuals and even as a country like the UK, there is little that can be done to ameliorate the situation. However, apart from the weather most of these factors are controllable to some extent!

Finally, let us get some perspective on this issue of feed cost. According to the results of the last British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) survey conducted 2010/11, the total amount spent on horse feed of all types only amounted to about 13% of the total cost of keeping a horse. Furthermore, the amount spent on manufactured feed only equated to ~4% of the cost of keeping a horse. Thus, manufactured feed represents a very small item in your total horse-keeping budget so why on earth should we be overly concerned about feed price rises and why would any intelligent person compromise their horse’s well being by trying to cheapen the feed??

cont. on p.12

Leisure Mix Economy Mix Fibre Nuts Economy Cube

Typical RRP (£) 9.80 8.35 8.70 8.15

Recommended intake (kg) 1 1.8 1 1.8

Cost/day (p) 49 75 44 73


Feeding • Horsebox • Tack & Turnout


Feeding • Supplements

Blue Chip is constantly looking for ways to improve their range and to continue to provide exceptional quality products, backed by the latest scientific research.

Most supplements are commonly found in powdered or granule forms, these can be messy to administer and some horse have a great ‘knack’ of eating all the feed and leaving the granules in the bottom of the bucket. Powdered supplements have to be dissolved within the digestive system before they can be absorbed into the blood-stream, delaying the benefit to the horse; liquid supplements are already dissolved, so act faster than powders. This is why Blue Chip’s range of supplements have been formulated as liquids to ensure that your horse gets the maximum benefit from the highest quality,

most effective, active ingredients. Feeding supplements as liquids is not only cost and time effective but they are extremely palatable.

Blue Chip liquid supplements are the supplements that your horse deserves.

To find out more about the Blue Chip liquid supplement range visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 2666200.

Not only rich in iron, EnerG also contains the correct balance of copper and zinc, both important to maximise the benefits of supplementary iron, thus optimizing energy metabolism. EnerG also boasts an unrivalled spectrum of Vitamin B complexes, Vitamin C for its antioxidant qualities, and Vitamin K. Finally, EnerG comes with a great peppermint taste. So, for palatability there’s no contest!

Says Henriette Andersen, British International Dressage Rider & Louis D’Or“I believe EnerG helps Louis with his daily work. He works to a continually high level now and having more energy is enabling him to cope with this and consequently his training capacity and his fitness are greatly improving. I have every confidence in EnerG and recommend it to anyone whose horse is a little too laid back and needs help to put that extra bit of energy and expression into his work.”

RRP’s: 2 litre - £16.50 5 litre - £27.75

And, for energy as and when you need it, give EnerG Shot…

New EnerG Shot is a concentrated nutritional blend of essential amino acids & bio-available iron to support energy metabolism, red

blood cell production & help replace sweat losses. It comes in an easy to administer syringe, making it easy to feed as and when needed.

EnerG Shot is a unique, scientifically advanced nutritional formula that readily provides a particular kind of high quality essential amino acids (Branch Chained Amino Acids – BCAAs). These are key to energy and performance, in that they are utilised for energy, particularly in the muscles, during exercise.

While supporting the increased need for energy at times of peak performance, EnerG Shot also supplements the levels of BCAAs lost in sweat and fulfils the requirement for increased levels of iron required for healthy red blood cell production – fending off lethargy and a lowering of performance.

EnerG Shot is designed for use when needed, so is ideal for competition or training.

RRP: EnerG Shot (single 50 ml Syringe): £5.25

Available from NAF stockists nationwide. For further information please contact the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 109, email: [email protected] or log on to www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Echinacea Equimins’ Echinacea comes as a dried herb, although a liquid tincture version is also available.

It’s made using Echinacea Angustifolia and works to support the nutritional maintenance of the immune system. It is thought that Echinacea helps to boost various cells in the immune system.

Echinacea is available in 1kg tubs and 1kg refills, and prices start from £15.59.

Equi-Red LiquidEqui-Red Liquid is a vitamin, iron and mineral supplement for horses.

This palatable, digestible liquid is quickly absorbed into the blood stream as it’s homogenised with dextrose and honey. It can be fed to horses in and out of training, and can be added to the horse’s feed or fed by oral syringe. It can be fed to horses that are low in iron.

Equi-Red is available in 1 litre and 4 litre bottles, where one litre will last for 33 days and has a RRP of £10.25.

For more information see www.equimins.com, email [email protected] or call 01548 531770.

If your horse or pony doesn’t receive a bucket feed, or doesn’t receive their full ration, you might be concerned about the amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that he’s receiving. Luckily, Rockies’ Field & Stable Block provides a cost effective way to address this issue.

The hard pressed block contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements with a light molasses coating to ensure palatability, and an inbuilt hardness to prevent excessive intake. The 10kg block can be used in the field or stable and can

be offered in a free access manner, meaning that the horse or pony can take on what he needs, when he needs it. This product is ideal for those who own one horse or pony, as well as those who keep many horses and ponies together. It costs from as little as 3p, per horse, per day to feed.

The Field & Stable Block has a RRP of £14.60.

For more information, see www.rockies.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01606 595025.

A complementary feed for horses and ponies providing nutritional support to maintain a healthy coat, bright eyes and good respiration

Through the use of nine specific nutricines, Immune Aid provides support to the normal immune system of the horse to deal with the presence of foreign materials that can be harmful to health. Immune Aid for Horses also helps maintain healthy internal mucous

membranes.

Immune Aid now also contains Omega 3 for added health, performance and vitality.

A 5kg bucket of Immune Aid has an RRP of £31.00.

For more information or to order, please visit: www.gwfnutrition.com or call GWF Nutrition on 01225 708482.

Go with the flowGive EnerG…and improve performance.New from NAF… Iron rich EnerG, a fast acting, veterinary approved liquid formula, is designed to help improve the performance of your hardworking sports horse…

Nutritional support for the blood and immunity

Give them a lick!

Immune Aid




Feeding • Supplements

An essential tool for any first aid kit this winter

Calling all native and cob owners!!

Is your horse still struggling to lose those extra kilos he put on from the late flush of autumnal grass?

Are you tempted to cut down his concentrate feed to the bare minimum in an attempt to reduce that body fat?

Not a bad idea because if your horse is

at maintenance or in light work, he will not require the calories from mixes and cubes, however, by cutting down your horse’s daily ration, he will be missing out on essential minerals and vitamins required in the diet to keep him healthy through the winter.There is a solution!

Hickstead Horse Feeds Leisure Balancer is a concentrated low calorie

feed balancer designed to be fed in small amounts, providing essential vitamins, minerals and quality protein without the energy or calories of a conventional mix or cube. It is suitable for horses and ponies at rest or in light to moderate work and due to the low starch content of 8.9% it is ideal for those at risk of laminitis.

Hickstead Leisure Balancer contains Yea Sacc, which has been scientifically proven to maintain and improve fibre digestion and the addition of bioplex minerals and Sel-plex selenium will maximise nutrient availability. Soya provides essential building blocks to

promote quality muscle tone.

One bag of Hickstead Leisure balancer will last a 500kg horse for a month and is competitively priced at £17.99 for a 15kg bag, thereby saving on feed bills.

For any information on Hickstead Horse Feeds products, or for nutritional advice of any sort, please feel free to contact us on 0845 0250 444. We really are very friendly and would love to hear from [email protected] Facebook: Hickstead Horse Feeds.

Delivering first aid to your injured equine can be a stressful experience, not only will you be concerned for your wounded horse but an injured or sore equine can react irrationally by panicking or lashing out – thus enhancing the risk of injury to yourself. During these worrying times, whether it is yourself or the veterinarian carrying out first aid treatment, a distraction to keep things calm would be very welcome.

Mini Horslyx provides the ideal way to reward or entertain a horse, giving them something enjoyable to focus on rather

than the unpleasant task in hand. The small, hand-held tub offers your horse the perfect reward for standing still in the form of a healthy, nutrient rich lick. Unlike carrots, apples or treats - which can be snatched or broken off - the dense composition of Mini Horslyx will keep your horse’s attention for long periods of time enabling you to carry out essential wound maintenance without him even noticing!

Whether you are cleaning a wound after surgery, washing a cut or scrape or managing mud fever Mini Horslyx provides a healthy and nutritious way to

distract your equine without having to provide concentrate feed or short-lived treats. As each Mini Horslyx tub contains a range of high specification vitamins, minerals, trace elements and natural anti-oxidants to support the immune system, your equine friend will also receive the boost he needs, at the time he needs it most.

Mini Horslyx is available in Original, Mint, Respiratory or Garlic formulations and costs just £3.45 per tub making it the perfect addition to any first aid kit. For more information visit www.horslyx.com or call (01697) 332 592.

Hickstead Horse Feed Leisure Balancer




Has your horse turned into a monster this Winter?

Show Ring Success for Failed Racehorse

TopSpec Performance Cubes

Winter often brings out the worst in even the best natured of horses, and it isn’t just a case of bangs, blusters and hiding pheasants.

Magnesium is the body’s key stress management tool. The combination of cold, extra stabling and a less consistent routine are all going to increase your horses need for magnesium, yet magnesium intake is handicapped by reduced levels in grass, reduced time grazing and increased intake of hard feeds which are high in competitive nutrients that increase magnesium inadequacy.

These factors work to make your horse more reactive, difficult and easily stressed. It’s not just riding out that becomes difficult, often simple handling is a nightmare, but - if your horse is not ordinarily in the habit of dragging you in from the field via a few hedges - this behaviour can be easily solved.

Nupafeed MAH® is the only calming supplement that contains MAH® magnesium, a special form of magnesium that provides the body tissue with far higher levels than any other form. Pharmaceutically developed specifically to target magnesium related health concerns, MAH® works to reset your horse back to neutral, so you can correct difficult behaviour without the use of sedative ingredients found in typical calmers.

Please call us for help, advice or to place an order:Tel: 01438 861 900Email: [email protected]

WHEN failed racehorse Just Thomas arrived with the Roylance family his condition was poor to say the least.

Tom, as he is known at home, went into training as a youngster but never made it to the track as he was deemed too slow.

Two years ago, Samantha Roylance started to look for a new horse to produce and decided she would contact a number of racing yards in her search for a new ride for daughter Kara.

“We wanted to try and find an ex-racehorse as we felt we could offer one a very special home with plenty of care and attention,” said Samantha.

“We found our new horse in the form of Tom, who is by the well known Thoroughbred stallion Redoubtable, but when he arrived he was very lean and underweight, and we knew we would have to find a solution through a well thought out feed regime to add condition carefully and in the right places.

“He was only three-years-old when we got him but now some two years later he looks fabulous and has started to compete in Small Hack classes with Kara who is now 15.”

Samantha and Kara turned to the team at TopSpec for advice on feeding Tom and he has never looked back.

Added Samantha: “Tom is now fed on TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer and TopSpec Cool Condition Cubes and looks fabulous.

“He has been out and won at local level and we are now working on moving up to county shows when we feel all the training and everything is in place, and are hoping to do some end of season HOYS qualifiers.

“His condition has just been transformed and also it is wonderful that he is so relaxed at shows whatever the occasion and atmosphere.

“We are so pleased that thanks to the correct feeding programme, time and careful production he has turned into such a lovely horse and we are all looking forward to progressing further over the next few months.”

For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

TopSpec Performance Cubes provide energy for work but are ‘Non-Heating’ and are ideal for horses that are a bit sharp or get fizzy on cereal-based competition mixes or cubes.

They are designed to be added to a TopSpec feed balancer or supplement and therefore contain no added vitamins or trace-elements, but do include the major minerals calcium, sodium and magnesium.

TopSpec Performance Cubes are formulated without the use of any cereal-grains, so they are not just ‘oat-free’ or ‘barley-free’ but completely cereal-grain free.

At the same time they have a good calorific index of 12.5MJ/kg, and are low in starch and sugar, but high in fibre.

TopSpec Performance Cubes are balanced for protein with high-oil soya and linseed, and with available sources of calcium, magnesium and salt added.

The highly digestible fibre in the cubes helps to promote the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut therefore helping to maintain a healthy digestive system.

They are an excellent choice when relaxed and focused performance is required and are perfect for horses and ponies requiring a low-starch/high-fibre diet.

£11.75 - 20kg


Feeding

Kara Roylance and Just Thomas in the show ring.


Cost Effective Feeding


Health Care

2013 – 5 Resolutions to keepBen Sturgeon, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS

Brand new - Ulser Gard Solution.

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2013 and as ever my resolutions have evolved to now achieve the possible. I’m sure I can stick with this one.

2006: I will get my weight below 200lb2007: I will watch my calories until I get below 210lb2008: I will follow my diet until I get below 220lb2009: I will develop a realistic attitude to my weight2010: I will work out 5 days a week2011: I will work out 3 days a week2012: I will drive past a gym at least once a week2013: I’ll get round to it posthumously

You see I’m evolving into a more rounded person and if I keep going in a million years time small planets will be orbiting me.

Ten years ago, you were a good horse owner if you fed whole rolled oats, wormed by rotating Ivermectin and Pyrantel every 6-8 weeks and changed from hay to haylage to help prevent COPD. Now you are an evil uneducated buffoon promoting ulceration, anthelmintic resistance, ecological poisoning and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Perhaps it is time to take a good look at 2013 as a chance to move forward. As you can see from my list, it’s easy to fall off the wagon, our brains have evolved to tolerate just about everything except boredom so the initial excitement our neurons feel with the January resolution is great, a term neuroscientists call “brain activation.” Unfortunately it all fades back to routine. Luckily the brain is neuroplastic so can be moulded and hence my endless banging on about the same stuff; we need to create a new better routine.

Resolution 1: Manage your horse’s weight.

Obesity is endemic. 54% of horses in England are obese without their owners recognising the problem. Joint disease, metabolic disease and laminitis are real consequences. This problem is compounded by the so called “thrifty gene” allowing horses to survive on minimal forage, they can “live on fresh air” but we still feed them anyway. Stop this!

• Increase your horse’s turnout time – they are fitter, colic less, have fewer respiratory problems and generally do not get as fat – if in any doubt use a muzzle. With an adequate winter coat, companionship, shelter and feed and water horse’s thrive outside and you can clean his box less.

• Weigh all feeds (hay and concentrates)

– if you really want to know if your horse is getting all he needs use a cheap “fish scale”. Being told your horse needs 2-2.5% of its body weight daily and actually doing it is difficult and if he’s on a diet he only needs 1.5-2% of his IDEAL body weight.

• Feed more roughage – this should make up the vast majority of the diet. It keeps the digestive system working properly, controls weight, reduces stereotypies, and maintains warmth by stoking the metabolism. Instead of just throwing it in the field to be trampled underfoot, use a feeder or nets. If he’s fat use a poorer quality or mix with straw and feed a vitamin/mineral supplement alongside.

• Google, Yahoo, Jeeves whatever, the Henneke Body Condition Score System and determine for yourself what your horse’s score is.

• Monitor body weight on a monthly basis. Do it at each shoeing. It will enable you to determine correct feed levels, medication doses, as well as highlighting his best “fighting and exercise weight” or alert you to sudden increases or decreases making choices of appropriate tack possible. Weigh tapes are easy to use or use a piece of string to measure girth and length. Weight (lbs.) = Girth2(in.) x length (in.) / 330. Daily fluctuations are normal of between 30-50lb.

• Get rid of all unnecessary supplements. This is an unregulated industry, meaning that manufacturers can basically make any claim they want about their products without having any data or proof. This makes it extremely difficult to determine what it true and what is simply marketing hype. Many horses do not need any supplements at all, as long as they are fed a balanced ration and are provided free access to salt/mineral mix. Some horses do benefit from some type of supplement, such as electrolytes, a forage balancer vitamin/mineral mix, and/or a joint supplement but ensure it is a reputable manufacture that consistently produces a quality product that is backed by research. Caveat emptor or just save your money.

Resolution 2: Modernise your worming plan.

This is a resolution that benefits not only your horse but, ultimately, all horses. It’s a two-pronged approach, the first being to address your use of chemical wormers and the second to improve your manure management practices to control parasites.

That internal parasites can develop

resistance to chemical dewormers isn’t a distant possibility, a reality that sheep breeders are already facing. Resistance develops over several generations of parasites, when the ones that survive treatment are the only ones left to reproduce. Eventually, the parasites remaining are genetically selected to resist the chemicals used to control them. Eventually we may have no effective anthelmintics for certain parasites. Anthelmintic resistance is, in some respects, inevitable, but indiscriminate use of wormers hastens the process. Worming your horse based on the calendar alone is an outdated habit. Instead develop a worming program tailored for your property and individual horses.

Keeping this resolution will require some work. You’ll need to at least collect fecal samples for testing. Then you can produce a strategy specifically for your situation. In the end, you’ll likely find that you’ll be able to worm your horses less often, and perhaps some of your horses will never need worming at all. It’s a nice bonus when doing right by your horse saves you money.The second phase of this resolution involves managing manure, specifically in pastures, to decrease the amount of parasite larvae your horses pick up as they graze. Poo picking at least once every 2 weeks is the norm and will substantially reduce pasture burdens.

Resolution 3: Respect your horse’s “breathing zone”

The breathing zone is the two-foot sphere around your horse’s nose from where he draws breath. Chronic

diseases such as heaves, inflammatory airway disease, and low-grade cough are all due to life-long dust inhalation and can be prevented by respecting the breathing zone. Aim to give your horse a dust-free breathing zone. Provide as much pasture time as possible, remove the horse from its stable during mucking out, use low dust bedding, and most importantly, use feeds with the least dust, such as pasture, leafy new hay, or a pelleted complete feed.

Resolution 4: Don’t accept an old horse.

This is a pet hate of mine. When people say, “he’s skinny or lame, but it’s okay, he’s old.” Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you should be skinny or lame or expect to remain that way. Include the old gents and ladies on every program or scheme you have. Dental disease, dietary management, foot balance, metabolic disease are very common and a few simple changes can change a horse’s entire existence.

Resolution 5: Volunteer

Now I know many of the equine fraternity are simply a bunch of old interfering busy bodies who simply want to poke about in other peoples affairs but my experience of working with the likes of the BHS, RSPCA, SPANA, or donating to the Grass Sickness Fund or World Horse Welfare has always been extremely rewarding providing positive feedback, friends and a chance to learn. Even better they help with my earlier resolutions by remarking each year how “well I’m looking”, thanks, I know what you mean.

If your horse or pony shows any of the following signs then he/she could have ulcers – anxiety, teeth grinding, attitude/mood swings, back discomfort, loose droppings, poor condition, under performing or objecting to the girth being tightened. Ulser Gard is the fantastic new product that works in four ways to combat ulcers. It neutralises acid in the stomach with effective anti-acids, soothes and coats the stomach lining, heals any underlying ulcers and firms loose droppings. RRP £19.99 for a 2 month supply (946ml).

www.equine-america.co.uk Telephone 01403 255809.


Feeding • Veterans


Health Care

The Hay Bar Remedy

New kissing spines treatmentRichard Coomer MA VetMB CertES (Soft Tissue) DipECVS MRCVSCotts Equine Hospital, Pembrokeshire.

Hay Bar has proved itself in many different ways. Feeding from the floor has long been the ideal method as it helps to maintain horses in the natural way. This helps to ensure that there are fewer respiratory, dental and physio problems. All of which can prove to be costly.

It is essential that any horse that has a back problem should be fed from the floor, as this helps him stretch through his topline. A horse should eat the way the body was designed, with the neck and back stretched through its top line to a low level and the teeth and jaw working in a natural position.Waste forage and bedding is an

unwanted expense. Hay Bar helps to ensure that forage and bedding are not mixed and this helps the horse to get full benefit from what he is fed.

Labour costs are rising all the time and so it is important that time is well spent. Filling hay nets is no-ones favourite occupation and it is incredibly time consuming. Both hay and haylage fed from a Hay Bar is much quicker and so much easier. It is also much safer as there is not the worry of horses getting hung up in nets.

www.haybar.co.uk Tel: 01723 882434

Impingement or overriding of the dorsal spinous processes (DSPs) is commonly termed kissing spines. It is the most commonly encountered cause of back pain in horses. The factors which may cause it are difficult or impossible to objectively measure and together become a ‘black box’. They therefore largely remain professional opinion rather than proven fact. In this article I will focus on the main identified causes of back pain and kissing spines, treatment options including an exciting new surgery, and the outlook for horses affected.

Signs and causes of back pain

There are massive differences in use, fitness, strength, owner or rider experience and perception, individual pain tolerance and attitude to work. This means that back pain often has to become serious enough to limit performance or cause unacceptable behavioural changes before it is identified. Signs can remain vague and it takes considerable experience to track it down. There is no one symptom; it is a question of putting all the evidence together. Classic signs of acute back pain include difficulty being tacked up, pain, rearing and bucking when ridden. More often horses don’t do this. Signs seen are poor performance, including any or all loss of ridden performance, poor jumping or bucking afterwards, breaking stride riding downhill. Pain when feeling and putting pressure on the muscles of the back is sometimes seen. With long standing problems, the horse tends to lose topline muscle. It also can develop compensation problems elsewhere, especially in the hind legs. Not all

horses with sore backs have kissing spines, but it is the most common finding in hoses with back pain. Other causes include muscle soreness, which quickly develop secondary to lameness or compensation problems elsewhere in the back or any of the 4 legs. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or pain is common, either on its own or with kissing spines. Other back problems represent the minority of causes of back pain in my experience, including facet joint arthritis and stress fractures.

What happens in kissing spines?

The DSPs of the spine are the bony projections along the midline of the backbone from the withers to the point of hip. They are usually regularly spaced with a gap between them like battlements, each linked by the interspinous ligament. With kissing spines the spine dips and the DSPs start to get closer together, eventually touching each other when the back moves and pinching the ligament between them. Weight in the saddle forces them closer together, causing pain and reflex muscle spasm. If the horse has to cope with this for long, the irritation to the bones rubbing damages the interspinous ligament and the bone. This causes the white irregular areas and black holes sometimes seen on x-rays. In the most serious of cases the spines actually overlap. It is quite common to have a mixture of severity of kissing spines in one individual.

Diagnosing kissing spines

Very long standing kissing spines may get to be non-painful because the ligament fuses the bones together. This explains why some horses have severe

x-ray signs with no signs of back pain. It is debatable whether these cases should be treated at all, since the pain seems likely to have passed. If there is any doubt whether an x-ray finding of a kissing spine is significant, there are several options available. First is to inject the area with local anaesthetic. In my hands this is not particularly helpful because chronic pain is very difficult to block. There are also difficulties deciding if there has been a significant improvement after the block. Getting a bone scan is another option, but it is an expensive test and is not 100 % sure to pick up all kissing spines cases. Rather than blocking if there is still doubt, I tend to carry out medication with a synthetic cortisone directly in the narrowed or closed space and then follow a standard non ridden exercise plan with plenty of lunging wearing Pessoa. Most horses with kissing spines improve somewhat with this treatment, and a minority can make a permanent recovery. If the narrow space isn’t a problem, the horse will not change its behaviour.

How are kissing spines treated?

There are both medical and surgical options. The principle of the medical treatment described above is to make the horse comfortable using cortisone, then carry out an exercise regime to raise core and back strength, lift the back and resolve spinal crowding. Riding begins after 3 weeks. Traditional surgery was the fall back option for all cases which couldn’t be treated medically. It completely

cuts out every other impinging spine, physically creating space. It is a costly and invasive surgery with 3 month + rehabilitation periods. Long term published success rates seem favourable, but colloquial evidence paints a much bleaker picture in the long term. New surgery for kissing spines

I developed an alternative surgical treatment, which is carried out through a very small keyhole incision. Releasing tension in the interspinous ligament stops nerve endings present where this ligament sticks on to the bone being stimulated. The horse experiences a sudden and profound improvement in pain sensation. The initial results in severely affected horses were so good that it rapidly became the first choice treatment of most of my vets, owners and trainers.

The principle advantages are:• Quick rehabilitation - usually 6 weeks total including an hour of hand walking per day from day 1. • Reduced cost• Lack of complications• Equivalent success rates to traditional surgery

Rehabilitation of a case with very long standing pain and no topline can take a lot longer than 6 weeks because it takes time to build muscle and strength and re-adapt to using the back normally. Success rates of the first 37 cases were published earlier in 2012 and compared to 38 similar cases treated by medication. Overall 95 % of surgery


Devilishly simple solution for joint comfortDevil’s Relief offers your horse targeted joint comfort and more.

First of all Devils Relief is not phenylbutazone. It is however, a unique natural formulation created to target optimum joint comfort.

Devils Relief is a powerful herbal liquid which contains Devils Claw plus other herbs all known for their natural comforting properties, combined with a high concentration of naturally sourced antioxidants. These ingredients compliment each other in their action to support comfort and a stronger resistance to the detrimental effects of the aging process – making it the ideal choice for

older horses and those prone to impaired movement and stiff joints.

Devils Relief is also economical to feed.

So, if your horse or pony deserves comfortable joints and quality of life is your main objective, the choice is devilishly simply… Just add Devils

Relief to his daily diet.

RRP’s: 500ml - £10.45; 1litre - £17.95; larger sizes available.

For more information please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106, email [email protected] or visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk.

cases experienced long term resolution of back pain compared to 42 % treated medically. Lameness was the only problem seen after surgery, affecting 35 % of surgery cases and 58 % of medical cases. Other than lameness, no horses to date develop wound healing problems. Comparison of X-rays before and after surgery have confirmed a significant increase in the size of the interspinous space after surgery, supporting the theory of the technique. This can be dramatic, but clinical success is not correlated with whether or not the spaces get much bigger. Most aren’t quite as spectacular.

Many owners have reported improvement in the temperament of their horse, suggesting that low-grade chronic back pain has a significant negative effect on the demeanour of the horse. Ongoing success depends on continuing core stability by working with the Pessoa etc. It requires a permanent management change, rather than a one-off treatment.

Conclusion

Kissing spines is a common and complex problem and there is no magic bullet to treatment. Whatever treatment is carried out, it is going to take lots of time and work. Prevention is better than cure, so regularly work on your horses’ core strength, or ask a chartered physiotherapist to show you the exercises. Learn to spot horses with no topline and try to address it before there is a problem. My new surgery offers an attractive alternative to the traditional route but is not an all round replacement for other established forms of treatment.

Reference: Coomer RP, McKane SA, Smith N, Vandeweerd JM. A controlled study evaluating a novel surgical treatment for kissing spines in standing sedated horses. Veterinary Surgery. 2012 October;41(7): p 890-897.

Photographs © Richard Coomer.

1. 2 separate cases before surgery

2. Same cases at their 6 week post-op examination, at which time both had completely resolved all signs of back pain.

Health Care • Worming

A

A B

B


Anatomy • Health Care

Pilates for HorsesThis is the first in a series of articles from Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out. Gillian is a Sports and Remedial Therapist for humans and horses, an anatomist, author and lecturer. Horses Inside Out specialises in showing riders, owners and coaches how, by understanding the anatomy of their horses they can improve performance, train more effectively and improve the comfort and welfare of their horses.

Human athletes look after their bodies and it is up to us as caring riders to do the same for our horses. In the same way as we go to the gym or stretch our muscles on a regular basis, we can do the same for our horses. We are in effect a personal trainer to our horse!

The following is an extract from Gillian’s book Pilates and Stretching – An Exercise Index for horse Owners. What is Pilates? Pilates is a conditioning system that increases core stability, strength and body awareness, redresses imbalances, and realigns the body from the inside out. It can improve posture, achieve a balance between strength and flexibility and relieve tension. It is popular with Olympic athletes and sportsmen from all disciplines. Developed by Joseph Pilates, an authority on movement and biomechanics, he continually developed and refined a programme of exercises and stretches based on the principal that a strong core supports the back and minimises the risk of muscular damage. Pilates for Horses? Many of the Pilates principals can be applied to the horse. Core stability and strength are as important to horses as they are to riders. Maintaining stability, posture and balance can contribute

to more effective training, improved performance and can reduce the risk of injury. Stimulating and strengthening the core muscles will come through correct work and skilful use of ridden movements and exercises as directed by your trainer. There are however, a number of exercises, performed from the ground, which can supplement ridden work to help to improve core stability.

By performing these specific exercises, the core muscles that make for good posture, a strong back and assist in carrying the weight of the rider can be strengthened. These include the deep internal muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, thoracic sling, and back together with the more superficial muscles of the trunk. Core strengthening exercises can be invaluable as part of a rehabilitation programme following injury. Using specific exercises to target and stimulate weak or injured muscles can be particularly useful. Following permission from your vet, any well qualified therapist will be able to advise on an individually designed programme of exercises. Throughout 2013, we will be publishing extracts from Gillian’s Books to give you practical tips, Pilates and stretching exercises as well as useful information to help you learn more about your horse’s anatomy, maintain musculo-skeletal health, improve posture, flexibility, balance and co-ordination, as well as improving performance and helping to reduce the risk of injury. Gillian’s books are available at www.HorsesInsideOut.com It is important when performing exercises to ensure you perform the same number of repetitions on both sides as this helps to exercise the muscles symmetrically.

The Horses Inside Out Conference on Assessment and Asymmetry will take place in Grantham on February 23rd and 24th. With world leading experts in their

fields, top trainers and a comfortable venue, it is well worth consideration.


Anatomy • Health Care

Mud Fever, Flu & Tiredness – What’s The Connection?

Horses Inside Out Courses

The cold and wet weather, dark nights, and pressures to juggle so many social events can take their toll on both you and your horse’s body and immune strength. For example, if the body’s not on top form, mud fever, itching, colds and various ‘ill-health’ issues spot their opportunity to pounce.

Ruggles & Stopitall’s pioneering ‘Mother Nature-inspired engine foods’ naturally maximise a body’s inner ability to self-defend because they help nourish the whole body, or ‘engine’, not just a single issue. For both humans and animals,

this unusual yet successful approach is delivering impressive results.

For example, mud fever invasions use Ruggle-it 100% natural oil blend on the outside and ‘pure’ probiotics on the insides to kick out the bacteria once and for all from within, green barley grass ‘superfood’ for maximising energy and mineral uptake, Omega 3 and green lipped mussels for joint issues and inflammation, human probiotics to help keep your family’s colds and allergies at bay, or a bit of Ruggle-it soap-free shampoo for the dog’s fleas and itching

or even the children’s head lice! Every product works on multiple issues without costing you any extra.

See Ruggles & Stopitall’s website for hundreds of impressive testimonials.

Visit: www.karenruggles.co.uk for further information or to shop online, or call 01823 259952.

During the first few months of 2013 there are several interesting events:

Places for the February 2013 Conference - Assessment and Asymmetry - are going very well. This is proving a popular topic! We are fast approaching our total number of delegates! All details are on our website.

If you live within striking distance of Cirencester or Nottingham there are a couple of slow motion video talks on ‘Asymmetry and Compensation’ on 5th and 6th March.

There are still 3 places left on the last Spinal Dissection in Cirencester on March 3rd. We are also hoping to run some dissections at Hartpury over the winter of 2013/14.

We have 2 Biomechanics Courses in 2013. The first will be held near Wrexham in March. This lovely venue can only take 20 delegates so this will be a very small course with plenty of opportunity for discussion. For the second course we are returning to Moulton College in October.

If you would like to arrange a day at your yard or college do get in touch. 01159212648. We are never too busy to talk about what you would like, everything is tailor made and there’s never any pressure.

Information about all our courses including video trailers, pictures and application forms can be found at www.horsesinsideout.com



A Relaxed Outlook for Benedicts

Likit League is a Hit

EVEN at 20-years-old, Joy Pryor’s much loved Irish Draught x Thoroughbred, Benedicts can be a handful.

Living out during the summer months, when he is quiet and calm, was not a problem but Joy always has problems when he is stabled for the autumn and winter months, with Benedicts becoming head strong and bargy when spending the nights inside.

The 16.3hh, bay gelding has always proved difficult for Joy when he is stabled for the first few weeks and deciding she could take it no longer, Joy decided to investigate using a calmer supplement to see if it would help.

Said Joy: “Benedicts is out all spring and summer but has to come in at night in the winter. This is a changeover he really hates and he becomes bargy and upset for the first couple of weeks when he has to come in to the stable.

“He is simply too big for me to fight with and so I decided to give TopSpec Calmer a go and started adding it to his feed in August in the hope he would find the transition of coming in at night easier.

“The first night he was a bit agitated but after that he has not been a problem at all. One of the other liveries has even asked what has happened to Benedicts, they could not believe he was so calm in his stable.

“He really has been transformed and is so much more relaxed. I wish I had discovered TopSpec Calmer years ago, it is brilliant and I will recommend it to everyone.”


The Pony Club Open Eventing League, sponsored by Likit, has reached its conclusion for 2012. Despite the inclement weather, around 35 Likit Open Eventing League competitions were held since March, accommodating a total of 600 horse and rider combinations. The winner of the Likit Open Eventing League for 2012 was Stephanie Elliot, from the North Warwickshire Branch of The Pony Club. Stephanie, aged 22, amassed a total of 19 points with her horse Miss Ellie, and will benefit from the top prize of a day’s training with Olympic event rider Mark Todd. Winners down the line to 10th place also received training bursary amounts, from £200 for second place down to £50 for tenth place. The points-based Open League is designed to give riders increased

opportunity to compete at Pony Club Open level and so gain the experience and encouragement to help them go on to compete in The Pony Club’s Area Competitions and Championship. Likit Marketing Manager, Lindsay Gall commented, “As a former Pony Club Member myself, Likit were more than delighted to sponsor the Open Eventing League. Well done to all those who took part and thank you to all the Branches for their superb organisation in what was certainly a challenging season weather wise. We hope all the riders and horses enjoyed their Likit prizes, we certainly loved seeing all the photos.” Likit also donated prizes in kind for first to third placings at each Open League event and every competitor on the day received a Likit Treat Bar.

Joy Pryor and Benedicts.

Why some horses are more at risk of laminitis than othersThe Royal Veterinary College (RVC), together with WALTHAM® the research group that provides the science behind SPILLERS®, are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Finding, an experienced equine vet, has joined them and the WALTHAM®-led International Laminitis Consortium to start her PhD on laminitis.

Elizabeth will continue the essential search into why some horses and ponies are more at risk of laminitis than others. Laminitis is well-recognised as a major, global welfare issue, causing pain and suffering in those affected. Understanding why some individuals are more prone to this painful and potentially fatal condition than others has been one of the major goals of the Laminitis Consortium so that targeted preventative measures can be put in place.

Anecdotal information has suggested that there is often an increase in incidence in laminitis following a bout of cold frosty weather. Previous work undertaken at the RVC has suggested that temperature may influence the reactivity of certain blood vessels of the hoof. As part of her four year PhD project Elizabeth will be developing novel

methods of assessing blood flow so that she can analyse changes associated with diet and season. In addition, she will be comparing innovative markers of blood vessel health between those that are and are not prone to laminitis.

Elizabeth explains: “We hypothesise that ponies prone to laminitis have a dysfunction of the cells lining the blood vessels (endothelial cells). This may make them less effective in generating mediators which normally continuously dilate blood vessels and thus protect against the blood vessel constriction. It is thought that abnormal constriction may be initiated by the ingestion of too much rich grass especially under adverse environmental conditions.’’

The WALTHAM®–initiated International Laminitis Consortium comprises world-leading equine veterinary, nutrition and research experts interested in collaborating on the important topic of laminitis. It includes Dr Nicola Menzies-Gow and Professor Jonathan Elliott of the RVC, Professor Pat Harris of the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group, and Clare Barfoot of Mars Horsecare UK Ltd.


Health Care

Innovative new natural hoof product - ‘Aromafrog’Aromafrog provides horseowners with ‘Hoof Hygiene in a bottle’! – THE natural solution to healthy hooves.

A unique formulation of essential oils provides gentle, yet incredibly effective results against stubborn bacteria and fungi that manifest in the sole of the hoof and contribute to conditions such as ‘Thrush’ and ‘Canker’ and penetrate the ‘white line’. Aromafrog provides 100% natural protection and defence for the frog, sole and vulnerable ‘white line’.

In trials – 97% said that it was “as good or better than other comparable products”, with 2 out of 3 saying that it performed “better than other products”.

The Secret - Aromafrog combines HIGH STRENGTH Colloidal Silver technology with the POTENT power of 100% PURE Essential Oils, giving Aromafrog the ability to penetrate DEEP into damaged tissue without compromising ANY of the healthy surrounding tissue – unlike other products containing harsh disinfectants and chemicals.Aromafrog is also the perfect solution for the current rise in Barefoot husbandry – promoting strength and resilience whilst encouraging healthy tissue regrowth using a safe, non-caustic natural solution.

“Tigger has continuing problems with his front hooves. Aromafrog was easy to use and worked where so many other products failed” Anne Watkins

There is no truer saying than the old adage ‘No foot, no horse’. Now owners have a natural solution to caring for and protecting their horses’ soles and frogs with Aromafrog - Natural aromatherapy for horses’ soles with the incredible power to penetrate DEEP into the tissue to encourage and stimulate healthy tissue re-growth.

Formulated using premium quality essential oils and herbal extracts this product is 100% natural, and contains NO harsh chemical disinfectants. The unique viscosity of the Aromafrog allows instant absorption into the tissue, yet still allowing it to ‘breathe’ unlike similar barrier products which can trap the bacteria inside, allowing it to multiply and spread.

Following incidences of Laminitis, removal of shoes and trauma, the sole of the hoof can be left vulnerable to opportunistic bacteria and fungi which can build up in pockets, track up the tubules of the hoof and develop into further complications, lameness and expensive bills! The potent action of

Aromafrog is quick acting, simple and pleasant to use for both horse and owner.

Aromesse Company Director, Karen Marriott, designed and developed ‘Aromafrog following on from the HUGE success of ‘Aromaheel ‘ – their groundbreaking product for mud related skin problems. “I was continually receiving requests from Aromaheel customers requiring natural products which could be used to protect the frog and sole of the hoof in the demanding muddy conditions for which they were already successfully using the Aromaheel. These customers participated in trialling the products for us and were truly astounded and thrilled with the results, as were we!” With the ever increasing resistance to pharmaceutical treatments, owners AND professionals are returning to more traditional and natural solutions to their animal healthcare.

Aromesse products are made from the highest grade ingredients, which far exceed most competitor products. This UK family-based Company has now been established for 9 years and is currently undergoing rapid expansion. All products are formulated and manufactured in the UK and they

pride themselves on providing excellent customer service, with animal welfare and wellbeing first and foremost in their product development. “As a Company, we know how highly owners value the health of their animals, and this is reflected in the quality of our products and their ingredients”.

With the welfare benefits to Equines of regular turnout being practised, conscientious owners appreciate the benefits of products to protect and nurture their precious animals against the ever-challenging environment, both in winter AND summer.

For a quality product that protects your horses’ hooves using 100% Natural ingredients, Aromafrog is THE product to use.

Price: £8.75 (introductory) – including hoof brush for effective applicationSize: 90ml

Stockists: Available by mail order from www.equinat.com or 01427 811765

Aromesse LtdTopical Skincare Products for Horses and DogsIncorporated 3 December 2002


Horse Holidays

In Grizedale Forest, happy riders!

Short breaks at Cumbrian Heavy Horses

You deserve a break!

Cumbrian Heavy Horses are excited to announce their new short break for 2013. Following customer demand this ride called the Central Lakes Ride is for experienced riders. Based from beautiful four star farmhouse accommodation at Holmeshead Farm near Skelwith Bridge the horses will be onsite. Small groups of up to 6 riders will go out through the heart of the Lake District on these sure

footed, gorgeous Clydesdale and Shire heavy horses. The routes are varied, including riding through Grizedale Forest, alongside the shores of Lake Windermere, past pretty tarns on Claife Heights with some of the best views the Lake District can offer, then into the stunningly beautiful Langdales.

There are various dates available from April to October, and bookings are already being taken for this popular addition to the rides, so please email for further details! Cumbrian Heavy Horses are also taking bookings now for the “Cumbrian Classic” Ride, a week long journey around the Lake District which takes riders for a gallop along West Coast beaches then climbs over high passes, travelling through Wastwater, Eskdale and Dunnerdale - this ride goes from strength to strength! The usual Farm, Fell and Beach Rides will continue in the unspoiled Whicham Valley throughout the year, so they look forward to welcoming riders old and new, and introducing you to their gorgeous big horses!

To find out more see www.cumbrianheavyhorses.com or phone 07769 588565 or 01229 777764

Blow away the cob webs for 2013, why not take your horse on holiday or borrow one from Scottish Equestrian Hotel, the UK’s largest riding holiday centre. This centre offers riding holidays with tuition, hacking and accommodation on site in 4 star luxury rooms.

The content of your break will be tailored to suit what you can do and want to do. Whatever the break, you ride up to four hours each day. Tuition and hacking are usually intermixed to give a good balanced holiday. Total beginners are welcome.

Adult meals are table-served in the Bistro dining room. Evenings can be spent in the comfy lounge, or watching whatever is going on. Alternatively you can explore the area.

Instructors are highly experienced and hold the British Equestrian Tourism Certificate as well as a BHS instructors certificate. Thus, they know how to make sure you get the best from your break - long or short.

25 years’ experience is demonstrated in the way we skillfully mould your holiday to suit you, making sure you have lots of excitement. Nonetheless, safety is our watchword. To find out more see www.scottishequestriancente.com or phone 01555 661853

A drink in Windermere!


Horse Holidays

Thrilling 2013 trails from Ranch Rider

Ranch Rider has just released its latest brochure and the new edition is packed full of new ranches and cattle drives that will bring out the western rider in you.

Looking for some challenging terra firma, why not head off on a Big Horn Cattle Drive? The Wyoming based holidays run from spring through winter and cover over 40-miles, the final Clean Up Ride encompassing 100,000-acres of vastly differing terrain.

You can also chose between out-and-out luxury at Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch & Spa and mix cattle drives with an indulgent treatment in a teepee, or alternatively experience rustic chic and all day horseback adventures at British Columbia’s Tod Mountain Ranch. Thrilling rides, the landscape is made up of old logging roads, streams, and trails that extend high into the mountain

alpine, and the more adventurous can sign up to be a wrangler for just one day.As for Wyoming’s New Haven the working ranch might as well have fallen off a film reel. Situated on the border with South Dakota, the surrounding landscape showcases the very same backdrops featured in the “Dances With Wolves” movie, and Devils Tower is also only a short drive away. “Parelli” horsemanship lessons, hiking, target shooting, boating and trout fishing are also available to guests.

Add two new escorted tours to the Calgary Stampede and the Las Vegas Rodeo Finals and you have the recipe for the perfect riding holiday. Plus book before 31 January and you can save over £125pp on both these trips.

Ranch Rider; 01509 618811; [email protected]; www.ranchrider.com


Saddlery • Tack & Turnout

Saddling Up – The Facts!In the first part of our new series with The Society of Master Saddlers we find out more about the work they carry out and the real importance of having a correctly fitted saddle.

A saddle is without a doubt the most important purchase for your horse. It is a well known fact that a horse needs a correctly fitted saddle to perform to the best of its ability, but is this idea really implemented fully. A badly fitted saddle can do a lot of damage, leading to behaviour problems or even lameness.

The huge influence the saddle has in relation to equine welfare, rider comfort and the production of optimum performance is being increasingly recognised by equine vets and physiotherapists, trainers, instructors and horse owners.

The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd was formed in 1966 to serve as a Trade Association for the craft retail saddler, but has since embraced all aspects of the Trade. The Society’s aims are to safeguard the quality of work, services, training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade from manufacturers and retailers through individual craftspeople and saddle fitters.

For horse owners The Society of Master Saddlers acts as a standard that you should expect your saddle fitter to be a part of. Having a Society of Master Saddles Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter guarantees that they are fully

qualified, professional and have a minimum of three years’ experience.

Before the Society of Master Saddlers launched its saddle fitting qualification, there was very little formalised training available. Even today, the SMS qualification remains the only non-commercially-linked, fully monitored assessment in the world. Coinciding with the introduction of the saddle fitting qualification, the SMS began an extensive programme providing information and advice about the importance of a correctly fitting saddle

in relation to safety, wellbeing and performance. It is a fact that today’s horse owners are far more knowledgeable than their counterparts of even a few years back.

In the last couple of decades, saddle fitting has become more and more complicated. Firstly, whereas in the past most countries were largely reliant on indigenous breeds and types of horse, nowadays many breeds

have become global. Consequently, today’s saddle fitters need a far more comprehensive knowledge of the conformation of different breeds. Secondly, there are more saddle designs on the market than ever before. Innovations continue to enter the market and ranges of specialist saddles are constantly increasing. The product knowledge demanded of today’s saddle fitters is far greater and more comprehensive than their counterparts of 20 - even 10 – years ago. And of course, saddle fitters must have a good understanding of the demands of the individual disciplines and sports and the regulations applicable to the use of tack.

SMS saddle fitters take pride in the help, information and advice they provide. Although every endeavour is made to accommodate the rider, the first priority is to provide a saddle that affords a good fit for the horse.

To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

www.midkinleith.comWide range of quality tack & clothing at bargain prices

Spend over £50 for FREE Delivery


Saddlery • Tack & Turnout • Training

Good clean fun!When it comes to keeping clean and looking stylish, Golly Galoshes are clever equine gaiters created to do just that!

The waterproof, breathable and versatile leg gaiters help to keep bandages and boots clean in your warm-up, so that you enter the ring looking pristine and your protective horse leg wear in great condition.

Golly Galoshes are quick and easy to put on/take off and also help prevent mud or sand getting underneath your horses’ protective leg wear and unlike your horses’ legs, Golly Galoshes are also machine washable!

Available in a variety of colours or plain Black, Golly Galoshes feature a secure hook and loop fastenings and full length zip with protective fleece lapel for security and comfort.

Prices start from £25.99 per pair

Miniature Pony through to £34.99 for horse sizing.

www.gollygaloshes.com


Tack & Turnout • Training

An evening with William Fox Pitt

Winter specials at Mindbuzzler Ltd

There is nothing better than being able to learn from an expert and get tips and techniques from someone at the top of their career. Ingliston Country Club are giving you this opportunity on 28th January when they are hosting a William Fox Pitt Masterclass. This Olympian and World No 1 event rider

will be available from 7pm to 10.30 pm. Tickets are £40 for adults and £25 for children. Can you afford not to be there?

To book your tickets see www.ingliston.com or call 0845 301 1010

For the rider:Now on sale is new technology Pfiff Clima riding breeches which regulate the body temperature for £84 or the ICE-LINE overall to keep warm and dry in the worst weather conditions £195 For the horse:During below zero temperature periods it often becomes impossible to turn horses out due to icy conditions on the yard. German manufacturer Busse has created new innovative hoof covers ‘Safeties’ which have a microfleece sole and are easy to put on thanks to Velcro fastening. £28.50 for a set of two. Our Tetris system outdoor and stable rugs are very popular due to the fact that

they prevent any rubbing on the wither area thanks to the Tetris collar. Starting at £152 For the 2013 season:Mindbuzzler stocks all new Passier products and they are particularly excited about the Sirius dressage saddle with FRT system for total shoulder freedom as promoted by German rider Christina Sprehe. Call Kirstin for saddle fitting appointments 07446 112672

Do browse our store http://shop.mindbuzzler.com visit us on FB or come along to our shop!


Insurance • Training


Cross Country • Insurance

Go cross country!Jenny Richardson BHSAI

Cross country originated as a training exercise for the mounted cavalry, and has progressed to its present form over the last seventy years. It consists of jumping natural fixed obstacles over a set course designed to test ability and bravery of horse and rider, and usually consists of 16 -22 fences on grass that may include ditches, water, banks, hedges, walls, logs, tyres, barrels, etc. Flags are placed either side of each obstacle; red (right) and white (left) - which must be passed through.

There is usually an optimum time, after which penalties are added, or else there can be a timed section, or sometimes the whole course – rules can vary, and are posted on the day of the competition at the secretary’s office. XC is an excellent foundation for a horse’s general education, encouraging a trusting partnership. Most horses thoroughly enjoy the experience and the riders more so! Horse and rider should be comfortable with cantering in open spaces, and need to be fit and ready. Often there is a Clear Round class at the start of the day, which can be used for practise. Sometimes a Pairs Competition is included, which is excellent for a younger or novice combination to follow a more experienced partnership around. Courses are usually open for walking the day before, and pre-entries are often required.

It is important to be properly dressed – riding hats to current safety standards, level three body protectors, stock tie and pin, cross country colours of your choice (arms must be covered), white or beige breeches, and long boots.

cont. on p.34

2011 Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix winner, Gary Parsonage. Photography credit to Sam Lamb

Jenny Richardson


Insurance • Stallions


Bedding • Field & Stable • Property

Whips may be no longer than 120cm, and spurs are optional; gloves are recommended. Your horse needs his usual tack. Boots or protective leg wear are strongly advised, and studs may be considered.

Cross country riding varies considerably from Show Jumping. The biggest difference is that the fences are fixed, and cannot be knocked down; courses are longer and ridden at a more forward pace, and you are likely to be expected to go through water. The fences are usually designed with a natural feel

and lack the bright colours seen in the show jumping ring. Rules and scoring are also very different; for example, a refusal at a fence incurs four faults in show jumping but 20 penalties in cross country. A fall of the rider results in elimination in show jumping, but in cross country, the rider may remount, incurring 65 penalties and not be eliminated until the second fall.

The XC Season runs from March until October. Unaffiliated fixtures are held countrywide by various Pony and Riding Clubs, and can be found locally advertised or on Horse Date websites.

Other competitions can include Eventer Trials, which have a show jumping phase before setting off across country. Some Show Centres run an entire event on a surface in an enclosed arena and these events can appear all year round. Unaffiliated XC heights can vary from 60cm up to about 1m. Courses can often be hired prior to events where riders can practise, and clinics with instructors are organised through clubs, centres and BE.

Affiliated competitions are run by British Eventing – these include dressage, show jumping and cross country elements, and are run over one or three days. (ODE and 3DE). Heights are from Introductory (80cm) through to Advanced (1.20cm). Day tickets can

be bought as a taster before deciding to become a BE member. Further information can be found on The British Eventing website – www.britisheventing.com

Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that offers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and offers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides over an extensive XC course. Visit www.castleleslie.com

cont. from p.32

Event riders have the most wide ranging demands for riding boots

Kitty King. Photography credit to WOW Saddles


Tack & Turnout


Arenas • Horse Behaviour

Speaking The Language, Part 8A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training.

(THIS series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented at the First International Equitation Science Symposium, 2005. The glossary description is given in inverted commas, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

ASKING WITH THE REIN:‘Cues sent by the rider through the rein to signal the horse to respond in a specific way.’

THIS topic is closely related to last month’s article on aids, but gives me leeway to concentrate on other aspects of hands, reins, the bit and the horse’s mouth.

The mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. We all know how a tiny sore place there distracts our thoughts as it commands our attention most of the time. A session with a heavy-handed and inconsiderate dentist can be the nearest experience to torture most of us go through and gives us some idea of what it must be like to be a horse with a heavy-handed, inconsiderate – or misguided - rider.

Over the ages, millions of words have been written about bits and bitting, rein/

bit aids and contact yet we still don’t seem to have got it right. Judging by my observations and experiences over decades of riding and being around horses, it seems clear to me that most horses and ponies are, at the least, uncomfortable in their mouths and that a high proportion of those are in severe discomfort, distress or pain during most of their time under saddle.

It needn’t be that way and I’ll give below some very simple and easy-to-implement pointers to vastly improve the lives of ridden horses and their ability to perform, based on facts, consideration for equines and common horse sense.

HANDSUntil a couple of generations ago, the acquisition of a ‘good seat’ (meaning your whole position and how you use it) and ‘good hands’ (effective and kind) was regarded as the sine qua non of

horsemanship – the indispensable combination without which you had no hope of becoming an accomplished horseman or woman as opposed to merely a rider or, worse, a passenger or, even worse, a harmful burden and danger to yourself, your horse and any living thing nearby. To be told that you had a good seat and good hands was a great compliment.

The seat comes first as without security and balance (the famous ‘independent seat’ meaning independent of your horse’s movements and of your hands) you cannot even reliably stay on let alone give correct, clear, ethical aids and feel communications from your horse. These are the sole purposes of your hands. They are not for holding a horse into an ‘outline’ or for helping the rider to stay on. Teachers of the past were heard frequently to say during lessons: ‘Correct your position’, your seat, because everything else depended

on it. (The terms ‘balanced seat’ and ‘independent seat’ will be covered in the March issue.)

Two more evocative phrases of older horsemanship described someone as having ‘hands of silk’ or as using ‘reins of silk’. There are several instances described of horsemen and women of yesteryear, and a very few of today, who gave demonstrations using nothing but a silk cord through their horse’s mouth.

The very firm, even rigid, contact widely seen today, even on curb bits, is unnecessary and counterproductive. Furthermore, it is the worst technique of riding (it does not deserve the word ‘horsemanship’) to develop in recent decades. It is impossible to ‘ask with the rein’ lightly, clearly and ethically if the rider is holding the horse’s head and neck in a vice-like grip. We can spur and manhandle horses around that


Arenas • Bedding • Field & Stable

way, of course, but, again, that is not horsemanship, neither is it humane. The rider misses out too, for he or she can never experience the exhilaration of a light, co-operative, enthusiastic partner whose posture is self-maintained through his own strength, built up over time by means of correct gymnastic development and education.

I like the use of the word ‘Asking’ in the glossary term. In his now-standard book ‘Equine Behavior’ (published by Saunders in the US but readily available here), vet and eminent equitation scientist Professor Paul McGreevy defines the term ‘Asking with the rein’ as ‘Mild cues sent by the rider through the rein’. This confirms our first impression of it as acknowledging that the horse has a choice and could actually want to co-operate with a light-handed horseman or woman who gives politely gentle rein aids, clearly, with confidence and accurate timing, asking when rider and horse are both in the correct ‘enabling’ position to perform the movement required and releasing (stopping) the aid the instant the horse obeys it so that he knows he has done the right thing. Maintaining position is sufficient to keep the horse in the movement. A well-trained, preferably classically trained, horse continues the movement until his rider asks for something else; there is no need to keep asking him to do what he is already doing. That way confusion and heaviness lies. (Remember the phrase: ‘Don’t keep asking for the salt once you’ve got it.’)

The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has quickly become a highly-respected organisation responsible for scientifically rigorous research into equitation, including experiments in levels of bit pressure using rein tension meters. Dr Alison Averis of the Equine Behaviour Forum reported in ‘Tracking-up’ that ‘a study of hyperflexion (Rollkür) found that it causes acute stress even to horses accustomed to being ridden this way. However it also found that the riders involved in the experiment were unwilling to ride with long reins as they felt they could neither balance nor control their mounts when they did so, and that the rein contact on horses being ridden either in a competition outline or in hyperflexion was above the maximum 5kg detection limit on

cont. on p.38


Field & Stable • Horse Behaviour

the rein tension meter for a lot of the time. Both observations are evidence of competitive dressage horses being held in an outline rather than trained to be in self-carriage.’ Much more could be said on this disgraceful situation, but let’s move on.

PRACTICAL CONTACT‘Contact’ describes the feel the horse senses in his mouth from pressure on the bit. It can be harsh or wishy-washy and all points in between. Contact can be intentional on the part of the rider or, if the rider has poor control of his or her hands, unintentional, but to the horse it is still a message and he comes to learn that he has to work out the meaning, whether the rider meant anything or not. If the rider didn’t mean anything but the horse still responds, he can be in trouble. If he doesn’t react and the rider wanted him to, he’s also in trouble.

Good contact is often described as sufficient to keep a little bird in your hand without frightening or injuring it, or as firm but gentle enough to take a toddler across a road by the hand. For

those wanting more precision, there is the equitation science contact scale from 0 to 10, 0 being a completely free rein and 10 being as hard as you could possibly pull. Levels up to 3 or 4 are regarded as light, 5, 6 and 7 as medium and above that as heavy. The aim in all good training of whatever school is to have a horse responding promptly to a light aid or cue.

The way the rider asks with the reins is also crucial to the horse’s comfort, confidence and understanding. Most of us hold snaffle reins between our ring and little fingers with the spare rein running up the palm inside the hand, passing out between the thumb and index finger. This is said to give a sensitive hold as the ring finger is supposed to be the most sensitive finger. I hold the spare end of the reins between my thumb and the middle bone of my index finger: in this way, I can use my lower fingers to close or open as required and can give or take two or three inches (five to eight centimetres) of rein without having to move my arms, or to ‘row’ to and fro when, for instance, the horse swings his head in walk.

An independent seat is essential to enable the rider to keep her hands still, only moving when required. Riders who let their hands go up and down with the body in rising trot or who do not move them, or preferably their fingers, in walk and canter to accompany the movements of the horse’s head, do not have an independent seat or have not been taught properly.

Generally, the rein aid is described as a squeeze and never a backward pull. This is not entirely a counsel of perfection and should always be aimed at. If a horse does not obey a steady squeeze on the rein within one or two seconds, it is more effective to gently vibrate the squeeze than to start pulling, which can soon create a ‘hard-mouthed’ horse.

A technique which helps many horses who do not ‘give’ to the bit due to a poor contact is ‘stroking the reins’. Use each hand alternately, palms downward, with the reins between your index and middle fingers and your ring and little fingers, drawing your hands up the reins from where they meet the crest towards the buckle, left hand,

right hand, left hand, right hand. This helps the horse to experience a gentle contact, with a slight movement on the bit to which most quickly soften and flex. It works best with plain reins but is worth trying with others.

BRIDLES AND BITSAlong with a hard, fixed contact often goes a tight bridle and bit, an insurmountable barrier to ethical riding on a light contact. No horse can softly respond if the bit is hoisted high in his mouth and the bridle and noseband strapped über-tightly around his head. In happier times this would have been seen as the mark of a human brute, except that I do not remember ever seeing horses crunched up in that way. Its proponents say that it makes the horse more sensitive to the aids and certainly it will because any more pressure on the already over-stretched corners of the lips will cause such pain that the horse will react quickly to try to relieve it.

The horse’s mouth is strapped shut unbelievably tightly by the noseband in the mistaken belief that this will

cont. from p.37

cont. on p.40


Bedding

What Are Your Priorities When Choosing a Bedding Horse owners in the UK have never had a wider choice of equine bedding than they do today, and with so many options, choosing the best has never been more difficult. Each horse is different and may have different needs, but in all the surveys we have carried out over the last 12 years, over 10,000 owners have consistently told us that these are their top priorities when it comes to choosing bedding for their horses:

1. DustHorses evolved over millions of years to live in wide-open spaces, so keeping them in a small, enclosed stable creates some significant threats to their health and welfare. The biggest threat comes from airborne dust and spores that can attack the horse’s respiratory system, and the biggest single source of dust and spores in the stable is likely to be bedding.

It is estimated that 20% or more of horses in the UK suffer from some degree of respiratory problems, ranging from mild inflammation and mucus production to chronic, career-ending Recurrent Airways Obstruction disease (RAO - sometimes still referred to as COPD or the ‘heaves’). That’s why the choice of a dust-free bedding and the proper management of the stable environment are critical for equine professionals and owners. Eliminating dust was our absolute priority when we began making BEDMAX shavings in 2000, and it still is.

2. Supporting hoovesLike its respiratory system, the horse’s hooves evolved to cope with very different conditions than those found in most stables today. The best bedding must provide firm, resilient support under the hoof, particularly the frog, and a moisture-controlled environment that will keep the hoof dry, but won’t dry it out. Large flake shavings such as BEDMAX provide the right support, they’re dried to a controlled moisture level, and they also help drain urine away from the surface to minimise the effect of ammonia, which attacks the molecular structure of the hoof wall.

3. Cushioning hocks and jointsIn a modern stable with solid walls and a concrete floor, a good, deep, aerated bedding provides insulation between the horse and the floor, and a protective cushion that will help prevent the kind of common damage such as capped hocks that can so easily occur when a horse is lying down, getting up or rolling in the stable. With its high proportion of larger, ‘springier’ shavings, BEDMAX

provides the ideal combination of protective cushioning and comfort that encourages horses to lie down and rest.

4. HygieneEssential stable hygiene is something traditionally dealt with by periodic disinfecting. But bedding can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that will quickly recontaminate the stable, especially when wet, generating pathogens that can invade and infect the respiratory system, cuts and grazes on the legs, and cracks or splits in the hoof.

BEDMAX shavings may help to provide a natural solution to this problem. BEDMAX is made predominantly from pine, which has been scientifically proven to kill a wide range of harmful bacteria and fungi, including the widespread Escherichia coli (E.Coli) and Enterococcus faecium.

5. Value for MoneyCost is inevitably a factor in an owner’s choice of bedding, but value is a far more important measure of cost effectiveness. A good bedding may be slightly more expensive per bag to purchase, however there are two issues to consider:-• Could prevent disease or loss of use, and cut your vet’s and farrier’s bills, thereby saving more money than you gain by buying a cheaper option. • How durable is it and how long will it last in the stable?

Here at BEDMAX we have just completed independent stable trials comparing the usage over a period of eight weeks of three different types of bedding, namely ‘by-product’s shavings, a wood fibre bedding and BEDMAX.

Taking the average for all of these trials over the eight week period, the stables used for both set and top up, an average of 3 bags fewer BEDMAX than they did of the other beddings, which of course results in a considerable saving in a stable over the period of a year. (Please note that the cost of BEDMAX varied and in some trails it was less expensive than the by product and the traditional shavings) Professionals, competitors and knowledgeable owners are becoming increasingly aware that the bedding you choose is as important to the health and performance of your horse as the feed you provide. Many trainers, breeders and liveries now use specially made shavings, for example, and you’ll find them in the stables at many leading international events and equine hospitals. For people whose success depends on keeping their horses in top condition, purpose-made shavings are becoming the first choice.

For further information about the recent BEDMAX value trial please visit – www.bedmaxshavings.com


cont. from p.38

‘stabilise’ the bit in his mouth. In practice, his teeth prevent the jaws coming close enough together to hold the bit. The mouth needs to be closed, apparently, to prevent the horse evading the bit, which any horse in his right mind would do, or, wait for it, to help him accept it. It will actually make him try to reject it. Tight nosebands often press the cheeks on to the back teeth, causing painful wounds, making horses subjected to this treatment seem more sensitive to the bit. What a barbaric way to achieve it!

Briefly, the correct fit of a snaffle bridle enables us to pass a finger easily under all straps around every part of the horse’s head, with space for the width of two or three fingers between the noseband and the front bone of the horse’s head (the ‘nasal plane’), a point on which ISES issued a statement in February 2012 and which was published in ‘Equi-Ads’. You can read it on the ISES website at www.equitationscience.com. A jointed snaffle should make only one wrinkle at the corners of the mouth, and should be long enough to permit the width of a man’s finger between the horse’s cheek and the bit ring at one end.

DENTISTRYThe horse’s teeth and mouth should be checked twice a year by a competent practitioner because if he has discomfort or pain here he cannot happily accept and respond to his bit.

REHABILITATIONDuring my teaching, I meet many horses who need to be rehabilitated after being subjected to tight bridles and bits and a hard contact. The first step is to correctly adjust the bridle and bit. The horse obviously needs a bit that lies comfortably in his mouth: my general preference is a simple stainless steel French link or lozenge snaffle, with eggbutts to steady horses who fuss with their mouths or loose rings to encourage gentle mouthing in those whose mouths are immobile and perhaps ‘dry’. The horse needs to be able to open his mouth a little to relax

his lower jaw, accept and use his bit to communicate with his rider and go from light aids.

At first, such horses cannot function well because they are not used to being allowed to use their own balancing mechanisms, so start slowly on a contact of about 5 or 6 on the contact scale above, and just walk till the horse gets the hang of a little freedom. Gradually reduce the contact to a contact of 4 or 5. Next ask the horse to jog, not trot as he has to find his balance in this gait, too. Progress to an undemanding working trot, just letting him get the feel of his own balance and your being in touch but not imprisoning him. Proceed from there without hurry. In time the horse’s muscles will strengthen to allow his natural balance and way of going to come into play more and more. You could be amazed by how much the horse improves and how much happier he is after just one half-hour session of this work. You’ll have set him on the road to a new and better life for both of you.

Websites for more information: Classical riding www.classicalriding.co.uk. Equitation science: www.equitationscience.com, www.equitationscience.co.uk, www.aebc.com.au

(The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine ‘Equine Behaviour’. For your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the Editor, Dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.)

SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, is a Classical Riding Club listed trainer and Gold Award holder and a Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. Author of 44 books, she co-publishes ‘Tracking-up’ with Anne Wilson (see advert this issue). For lessons and clinics in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email [email protected].

Arenas


Feeding hay from a lower level is more natural to the horse. When a horse eats from a haynet their natural posture is changed.

When a horse is grazing the head and neck is low and the body remains straight, and the muscles in the back are lifted. When the horse pulls from a haynet, their head is raised causing their back to drop and muscle to be built up on the underside of their neck.

Feeding the horse in this unnatural way can not only lead to uneven muscle development but inappropriate wear on the teeth and respiratory problems from the dust and debris falling in the eyes and being inhaled.

Eezhay hay Feeders helps ensure your horse does not develop unnecessary problems from pulling at a haynet.

Quality and durability is guaranteed with Eezhay and the design of the hay feeder has now been evolved to follow the contours of your horse’s body when they are happily munching their hay or haylage. This new

appearance not only provides comfort benefits for your horse, but it looks smarter and sleeker in the stable and stands up to heavy wear and tear. By feeding your horse in the natural way you can protect yourself from unnecessary bills from the dentist, veterinarian and physiotherapist and as an added bonus you can save time by not filling haynets!

The Eezhay hay Feeders are available in a range of colour choices in two sizes, pony and full. Every Eezhay comes with a full one-year manufacturer’s guarantee and prices start at just £47.99.

now Eezhay also offer a brand new horse Treat Feeder to help alleviate boredom and ensure a trickle feeding pattern is maintained. The horse Treat Feeder is made from a robust plastic to ensure durability and is available in four colours, priced at £16.99.

For more information about the Eezhay stable accessories, visit www.eezhay.net or telephone: 01246 240099

Feed as nature intended this winter

Feed

Are you looking for a round bale feeder that will save your hay without breaking the bank?

The Big Bale Buddy keeps your hay clean and contained until your horses eat it. It catches all the high nutrition chaff and makes it available for your horses to eat.

Why stand by and see your high quality (and expensive) hay used for bedding when there is an inexpensive, easy to use, safe alternative?

It is developed to withstand the harsh northern Canadian weather. Also it does not freeze to the ground and stays flexible in extreme cold.

Tough, durable, rot and stain resistant, it is made of 1500 denier, woven polypropylene with 2 years (1200 hours) of UV protection.

The Big Bale Buddy quickly pays for itself in saved hay, by ensuring that almost all your hay gets eaten.

For more information go to www.bigbalebuddyUK.com

Save money with Big Bale Buddy


Bedding • Field & Stable

Respiratory problems are equally as common during the warmer months as they are in winter, and it is not just your horse that can be affected by an unhealthy environment.

Consider the time you spend in the stable – throwing up bedding and inhaling the surrounding air - don’t you and your horse deserve to be breathing cleanly? Ammonia and dust can contribute to respiratory problems.

COpd (previously known as RAO) can be aggravated and lead to much discomfort for your horse, whilst irritated asthma, coughs and colds can be very unpleasant for yourself.

Mucking out is unfortunately an occupational hazard when looking after horses, but breathing in harmful odours needn’t be and there are several ways that chopped straw bedding Belvoir Bed helps ensure this.

Step 1, absorbency! Belvoir Bed is exceptionally absorbent due to its short fibres, which enable it to soak up large quantities of urine quickly; this means there is a reduced risk of harmful ammonia levels

in the environment. Step 2, dust extraction! With a brand new, state of the art dust extraction process, Belvoir Bed is virtually dust free, meaning dangerous moulds and spores are practically eradicated! Step 3, added extras!

Belvoir Bed uses a natural, organic formulation containing Lemongrass, which is a non-toxic and non-irritant plant offering a pleasant lemon smell without the potency of citronella.

The formula also has powerful anti-fungal and antiseptic properties making it ideal for all yards, especially larger establishments. It also helps keep viruses at bay, as well as helping keep equines content and free from pesky insects and flies.

With prices from £4.90 + vat, Belvoir Bed is quick rotting, easy to muck out and comfortable for your horse. Belvoir Bed can only be ordered direct enabling prices to be kept to an absolute minimum.

To find out more information tel: 01254 677 786 or visit: www.belvoirbed.co.uk

Better breathing for you both

The beginning of a new Year inevitably brings a series of resolutions from all of us, whatever they may be, but how about making the resolution to try something new today and try a new bedding for your horse or pony. Traditional bedding meets technology with nedz Original; a chopped wheat straw product treated with the natural nedz ensuring your horse has the snug feel of straw with extra absorbency, resulting in a quick-to-muck-out, hygienic bedding.

In addition, unlike conventional straw, nedz Original is equipped with a bitter taste to stop a greedy equine tucking into their bedding either through boredom or hunger. If you are looking to save time and money without compromising your equine’s health nedz pro is the bed for you. Made from oil seed rape straw, nedz pro creates a super absorbent alternative to shavings with all the benefits of biodegradable chopped straw.

hygiene is imperative and as nedz pro is also treated with the exclusive natural nedz formula ammonia levels are reduced and the anti-bacterial,

anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties help keep bugs and bacteria at bay!

All nedz products are dust extracted making them ideal for horses with respiratory compromise, and each product can be used on concrete or rubber matting bases. nedz retails between £6.50 - £8 for 20kg bales of nedz Original and nedz pro, and £7 - £8.50 for 15kg bags of nedz Advance.

So with health benefits, price benefits and muck-heap-reducing benefits, make trying nedz your new Year’s resolution.

For more information or to find out your nearest stockist visit www.nedz.co.uk or telephone to tel: 01254 677 762

New Year, New Bedding



new Forget Me not Farm Complete Chaff comes in pretty, pink packaging, sporting a picture of Vanilla, the brand’s chief taster.

The feed inside the bag is equally as appealing, as this delicious low-sugar chaff provides a tasty, balanced diet without the need for any extras.

Vanilla, Forget Me not Farm’s cute haflinger, has worked with the brand’s boffins to develop a product that is simple, safe and easy to feed.

It’s made with soft chopped straw and soya oil for a super, shiny coat and is full of vitamins and minerals, so there’s no need to add a mix or cube – and there’s a little sprinkling of vanilla, just to please “you know who”!

Thankfully, the Forget-Me-not Farm Complete Chaff has lived up to Vanilla’s high standards and she is delighted to give it her special seal of approval, which is praise indeed.

Forget Me not Farm Complete Chaff is available in 12.5kg bales, with a launch offer of £1.50 off; RRp £5.50 (normal RRp £6.99).

For further information on Forget Me not Farm Feeds, or to stock this product, contact 01621 842984, email [email protected], or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

The present view is that sarcoids are in fact, locally invasive, non-spreading tumours of the skin.

At first they look like a wart, but as they grow the skin covering the sarcoid becomes thin and breaks, allowing an ulcer to develop Sarcoids can occur anywhere on the body, either singly or at multiple sites and seldom undergo spontaneous remission.

They are notoriously difficult to treat as they have a tendency to recur when removed by surgery. It is possible that sarcoids develop as a result of an earlier non-productive infection with the virus that causes juvenile warts or due to infection with the virus that causes warts in cattle.

We know that after the inoculation of young horses with an extract of bovine papilloma virus, a sarcoid-like growth appears at that site.

How to get rid of them?Research has shown that Sarcoids thrive on acidic conditions, so alkalising the body from the inside stops the virus from feeding, making it harder for them to grow and establish. Forest Farmacy take the approach of alkalising the skin (thus reducing the food supply to the virus) This rids the body of sarcoids from the inside out.

Their 100% herbal powder ‘power against Sarcoids’ helps rid the body of Sarcoids without needing invasive treatment and time off from exercise.

The herbal powder contains ingredients that alkalise internally and are designed to encourage the body to produce an alkaline state, strengthen the immune system, support the body’s natural defences and make the bowel lining as resilient as possible.

This all helps to give your horse the tools to fight the Sarcoids

virus naturally. horses can still be worked, and will start to feel fitter and healthier. ‘power Against Sarcoids’ contains 100% organic herbal ingredients; it does not contain any banned or prohibited substances. Use only one scoop a day and is totally palatable.

It has been used effectively on broodmares and is totally safe for foals! “I used ‘power Against Sarcoids’ after having paid for expensive vet treatments, The sarcoid came back.

I saw the advert for this and have tried it. Simply put....MIRACULOUS......put it in his feed every night and now it has completely gone.

Yes completely gone. It was on his sheath so conventional treatments hurt him, but in his food with power Against Sarcoids, no problem...Easy.

I would recommend you to use this product unreservedly, because it worked for my horse...Brilliant

- Adrian Williams

Special offer 6 week supply £30 or sarcoid care pack £80 please ring 0800 970 9421 for more details or visit www.horsesarcoids.infowww.forestfarmacy.com

Sarcoids- Alkalising the skin can solve the problem

The UK’s largest equestrian charity, The British horse Society (BhS) has relaunched its website to help equestrians get more from their relationship with horses.The site is designed to showcase the charity’s work and services and to enhance the connection it has with its members and supporters. The modern look and feel, improved functionality and usability will appeal to all with a passion for horses and the introduction of BhS in your area will allow visitors

to quickly and easily locate local and national news and events all in one place.Visitors to www.bhs.org.uk can explore a rich repository of information focused on horse welfare, horse and rider safety, access and rights of way, education and examinations. The current developments are part of an on-going technology modernisation programme for The British horse Society which aims to improve the overall experience of BhS members and the public.

Fulfilling your passion at the click of a button

Healthcare • Transport

Forget Me Not Farm – Feed in the Pink!

45


News • Training

“Brilliant”, “excellent”, “inspiring”, “first class”.

This was the feedback from Stubbing Court Training Ltd’s apprentices and employers after they took part in a masterclass with Yogi Breisner at parklands EC, Sheffield on 30 november. Yogi Breisner is one of the world’s most celebrated coaches who, in his role as chef d’equipe of the British eventing team, took silver at this year’s London Olympics.

This follows dozens of medals at World, European and Olympic level in the 12 years he has been managing this highly successful squad.

A former member of the Swedish eventing team, Yogi is also known for his work with racehorses and jockeys on improving jumping technique. Yogi said: “I have had the pleasure of doing some coaching days for Stubbing Court

Training Ltd. This programme is very valuable for young people who want to work in the equestrian industry.

The very nature of working in this industry is about practical experience, and therefore doing an apprenticeship is preparing the young people for their future in a very constructive way.” This was the final masterclass in Stubbing Court Training Ltd (SCT)’s 2012 series. These masterclasses are exclusive to SCT and are only possible due to its excellent and varied contacts in the horse world. Showjumper Matthew Sampson and Irish Olympic event rider Mark Kyle — both great supporters of SCT’s apprenticeship programme — gave up their time earlier in the year, but to finish with a packed day on which Yogi taught from 9am to 5.15pm certainly concluded the series on a high. The aim of the masterclasses is to offer equine apprentices the

opportunity to have training from a world-class professional as a reward for making exceptional progress, showing commitment and dedication to their training and producing work of the highest quality. Their employers are also

invited to participate as a reward for the part they play in delivering top-class training and support to their apprentices throughout their qualification. [email protected]

SCT Masterclass concludes with brilliant Breisner

“The main pitfall in training is to focus on the effects rather than searching for, and changing, the causes” Etienne Beudant (1861 – 1949)

Captain Beudant’s words are still very relevant today when considering the treatment of equine behaviour problems.

All too often, when faced with a behaviour problem – for example bucking, rearing, weaving or refusing to be caught – we focus on the actual behaviour (the ‘effect’) and ask questions like ‘how do I stop my horse bucking?’ Instead, our focus should be on looking for the cause, asking ‘why is my horse bucking?’.

Without knowing why your horse is behaving in a certain way, any proposed solution will at best be educated guesswork. A solution that is effective for one bucking horse may be totally inappropriate and ineffective for another horse if he is bucking for a different reason.

To illustrate this, an example that most of us can relate to is when your horse refuses to load in his

trailer. All too often, you are quickly overwhelmed by people offering advice and even trying to take over and load the horse. The vast majority of these people will give advice along the lines of ‘the best thing to do when a horse refuses to load is…’.

This is a classic example of focussing on the effects (in this case the ‘effect’ is a refusal to load) and not the causes. There is no ‘best way’ to help a horse to load into a trailer – the solution depends on the cause of the problem – why is he refusing to load?

Maybe he believes that staying out and eating the particularly tasty grass around the trailer is a better option, or he has learned that when he plants at the bottom of the ramp, people magically appear with lots of appetising food and give him lots of attention. Or, possibly, he genuinely thinks that the small, dark box you are trying to coax him into is a very scary place.

In all these cases, the solution is quite different, and taking the wrong approach may do more

harm than good.

For example, trying to force a scared horse into a trailer is dangerous for both you and the horse, disregards the horses welfare, and is likely, even if successful on one occasion, to make the problem worse in the long term.

We also get the second type of advice, where the person offering the advice has some knowledge of horse behaviour, sees an obvious ‘cause’, and proposes a solution based on this cause without looking at the whole picture in enough detail – a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and such people can be very convincing!

They may tell you, for example, that your horse is ‘dominant’ and advise you on how to deal with this. I saw an example of this some time ago, where a very bossy, pushy mare was refusing to load into a trailer.

The ‘dominant’ behaviour had been identified, but the problem was getting worse, not better, and her owner had a broken nose and several other minor injuries as

proof of this!

A more detailed look at the mare’s behaviour clearly showed that she was afraid of going into the trailer, and once the fear issue was addressed appropriately, in addition to some handling advice to deal with her pushy behaviour, the issue was resolved.

The first behaviour ‘expert’ had simply picked up the most obvious possible cause, and had not considered any other causes.

It can be hard to say no when some overbearing person who seems much more experienced than you is insisting they have a fool-proof solution, or it may be tempting to look for a quick fix with a ‘try it and see’ approach, but the risks are significant.

For your safety, the safety and welfare of your horse, and to actually get the problem fixed it is really best to properly identify and address the root causes of any unwanted behaviour.

Copyright ©2012 by Felicity George - For more information see www.equinecarecentre.com

Getting to the root of the problem…


photos by kind permission of John Britter. Bramham ESphotography


LUngIng is a most important tool for bringing on horses with problems. It is excellent for young, those who have poor conformation, or a poor temperament, or for developing the correct muscles and balance. It also helps horses who are not forward going.

If we do not want to ride the horse, or if we cannot ride him for any reason, then we can lunge him in side reins or without them. This depends on the level at which the horse is working and what problems there are. ThE RESTIng hORSE

If we want to give a horse a holiday from ridden work, it is good to lunge him in walk and trot during this time, for about twenty minutes, no more, a few times a week to maintain fitness and suppleness. If he wants to canter we can let him do so for a short period of time. If he wants to canter longer, we can allow him to do so but should bring him back to trot if he misbehaves. Then, after one circle let him canter again, to show him that he has to listen to us.

Make him canter on both reins. now we can lengthen the side reins even if the horse is able to have them shorter; we must not forget that the horse is on holiday and we are not lunging him for training but for relaxation and to keep him supple and fit, no more. REhABILITATIOn

Careful lunging can also be used when a horse has had an injury or lameness,

but here we need to have a lot of experience to be able to give the horse the help that he needs. For this kind of lunging the trainer must have special knowledge. he or she must be able to master the skill of lunging, otherwise it will do the horse no good and could easily hurt him.

For this kind of lunging the trainer must choose the right walk and trot to help the horse’s particular problem, and later on when the horse is ready he can canter as well. In the beginning try him on one round or less to see what the horse tells us, and to see if the canter is suitable for the horse’s problem, and after the canter bring the horse to a trot to loosen the muscles.

This is giving the horse relaxation and after that walk to loosen further. give the horse a massage and rest.

TEAChIng Lunging can be used to teach a young or novice pupil how to sit correctly; correct riders who have been taught to ride incorrectly as well as help stiff riders to loosen up and relax. Lunging helps riders to develop correct muscles, suppleness, relaxation and gives confidence and assist in good balance.

Once you learn how to use your seat correctly, both bodies – the rider’s and the horse’s will become as one. The way to do it is for the rider to be lunged in walk with stirrups, and to do gymnastic exercises, holding the saddle with two hands and then with one hand.

Appropriate exercises should be done in order to develop the body and confidence, to keep the legs down and supple and to learn to sit deep in the saddle. When competent in walk, the pupil can do the same exercises in trot and canter to develop the body and balance further. When they have learnt how to sit correctly, they will not need to balance or sit on the horse

by relying on the reins, or gripping with the knees.

The rider should have a supple, deep seat and correctly developed muscles and will be independent, relaxed and effective. By using lunging properly, both horse and rider be should able to enjoy the ride.

Directory • News • Training

Would you like to enhance your understanding of equine behaviour and increase your success in the education of your horses? Can we in fact improve the ‘trainability’ of a horse? Monty Roberts will be heading back to the UK for a Spring Tour with his British instructor Kelly Marks.

Together they will be demonstrating their effective and intelligent approach to training horses, and show how you can combine practical skills and equine psychology to produce your own willing equine partner. Working with a variety of local ‘problem’ horses, Monty and Kelly will illustrate their techniques, explaining the body language and understanding of behavioural patterns that combine to produce invaluable and logical problem solving techniques that make sense to the horse.

depending on what horses are presented to them at each venue, they will cover a variety of everyday ridden and in-hand issues such as catching, clipping, mounting, napping or loading, as well as demonstrating how to start a young horse with its first rider. now is your chance to find out for yourself what countless professional as well as leisure riders have found so compelling about Monty’s non-violent methods: Sat 16th Feb Bury Farm EC, Slapton, Bucks

Wed 20th Feb Merrist Wood College, guildford, Surrey

Sun 24th Feb Solihull RC, Solihull, West Midlands

Sat 2nd March The hand EC, Clevedon, n Somerset (with special guest Martin Clunes) So bring a blanket and settle in for a masterclass in horsemanship from Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks!

For more information and tickets go to www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk or call 01488 71300. Book noW to take advantage of the ‘Early Bird’ ticket prices (purchase before 5th February 2013).

Can trainability be taught?Find out how Intelligent Horsemanship could benefit you

The purpose of lunging Harry Chaim Faibish, Author of Healing Horses the Classical Way

PROPERTY ABROADBrittany & normandyCardyke Overseas propertiesproperties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices.Tel: 01775 630 008

SADDLERYSouth EastAndrew Reilly SaddlersSpoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, hadlow down, East Sussex Tn22 4ET. Tel: 01825 830484.

WORMINGEastRegular worm egg counts can save money! 6-8 weekly spring through autumn £5 each. Church Farm FEC [email protected] or 01728685638

FEEDINGThe haylage Co.A cost effective alternative to hay. Based South hertfordshire, we deliver to locations nationwide.Telephone: 07836 514 435 or 07831 454 166Email: [email protected]: www.poloforage.com

WHOLESALEThinking of starting your own equestrian retail business?Then contact us hucklesby AssociatesEquestrian Wholesalers to the tradeWebsite: www.hucklesbyassociates.co.ukEmail: [email protected] for a free trade e-catalogueTel: 01362 696309 Fax: 01362 696582

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