Everything horse uk march 2014 issue 6

March 2014 • Issue 6 • Everything Horse UK Magazine 1

EVERYTHING HORSE UKMarch 2014Issue 6

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NEWS

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Our RegularsBritish Dressage News written by Daisy Jackson

British Eventing News written by Nicola Strong

British Showjumping News written by Jennifer McAlloon

GiveawayEquisafety give one lucky reader the chance to take away over £50

worth of High-Viz items!!

Riding and Road Safety Part II Herd Behaviour & Massage for the ‘Young Horse’

ALSO...

Jessica Springsteen

becomes ‘equestrian ambassador’ for

Gucci

Advice from Alison Nye-Warden onWHAT TO WEAR

IN THE DRESSAGE ARENA

This months cover stars: Dan Greenwood and Val Rubilah. Photography kind permission from Risto Aaltonen

SPECIAL FEATURE

March 2014 • Issue 6 • Everything Horse UK Magazine 3

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Welcome to the March edition of Everything Horse UK Magazine!Spring is quickly approaching, with longer daylight hours and slightly warmer days! This months magazine is ‘jam packed’ with articles to help you deal with the spring months ahead.

Alison Nye-Warden of Dressage Deluxe has written a wonderful feature titled ‘What to Wear in the Dressage Arena’ with top tips for looking good and the very latest trends. Z-itch is also on hand to help explain more on sweet itch including their recommended ways of prevention.

Also in this month’s magazine Louise Napthine MSc continues her contribution with an article on Herd Behaviour. Louise explains all about how the horse will use the fight or flight instinct, how the horse maintains the social position, social networks and also group living and social order. She has looked at studies from various people to help her with her article including; Christensen, Cozzi and Van Dierendonck.

Riding and Road Safety has also returned for part 2 written by Fiona Kenyon. This article is focusing on the Highway Code, what to wear, keeping riders up-to-date on what to do and what not to do.

We have a fabulous and very informative article on Laminitis. ‘Preventing Laminitis in the Native Pony’

has been written by Kate Douglas-Dala MSc Equine Science from Reaseheath College.

Barbara Dreyer, registered Equine Massage Therapist has written a fabulous piece on Massage for the young horse, this includes some images demonstrating some of the useful massage techniques.

Everything Horse UK would like to welcome an all new exciting article for you too; a Student column from Reaseheath College focusing on their life as a student studying their particular course.

Daisy Jackson, Nicola Strong and Jennifer McAloon are also here to up date you with all the happenings and news from British Dressage, British Eventing and British Show Jumping.

From all of us here at Everything Horse UK, enjoy your month!

Sarah JappyEditorEverything Horse UK

Magazine

Contact Information

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EditorSarah [email protected]

Sales Laura [email protected] [email protected]

Photography Mike Bain [email protected]

Disclaimer

Everything Horse UK Ltd endeavors to bring the reader accu-rate and up to date information from the equestrian industry. We may or may not agree with the information provided in this magazine, however we do aim to make sure it is relevant at the time of publishing. Images are provided by the content writers and Everything Horse UK Ltd will not be held liable for the use of images if copyright authentication has not been accurately sourced. Responsibility for Copyright authentication is left solely with the contributor. Should you have a dispute please contact Everything Horse UK, we will then be able to give details for the writer responsible for the issue of the images. Everything Horse UK Ltd strongly recommend you consult a qualified veteri-nary practitioner should you have any doubts over your horses health.

Pictured right: Sarah Jappy,

Everything Horse UK Magazine

Editor on board Simba, one of

two horses Sarah keeps on Livery in

Cheshire

4 Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 6 • March 2014 March 2014 • Issue 6 • Everything Horse UK Magazine 5

REGULARS

6. British Dressage Update - Daisy Jackson9. British Eventing Update - Nicola Strong12. Jennifer McAloon - British Showjumping Update14. Other Industry news including Hickstead Show Director, John Farmer OBE retires after 40 years, World Horse Welfare news and more66. Product Focus

NEW EDITIONS

34. Reaseheath Student columnEverything Horse UK Magazine have teamed up with Reaseheath College to bring you the ‘Student Column’ a new monthly feature written by students at the Equestrian Centre

ARTICLES

36. The Importance of Backing Up- Mark LangleyThis month Marks continues his series by focusing on the importance of teaching the horse to back up

42. Stretching for Young Horses - Barbara DreyerThe second edition in this four part series of Stretching exercises for horses, this month Barbara focuses on exercises for the young horse.

44. The Highway Code...Be Seen...Be Safe!This month Fiona writes to inform us on the road safety act looking closer at relevant rider inclusions and what as riders we should be wearing.

48. Herd Behaviour - Louise Napthine MScA closer looking into different methods of stabling horses

22. Preventing Laminitis in the Native Pony: Seasonal Strategies - Kate Douglas-Dala MSc In the first of Kate’s series of health articles, Kate has included fat and condition scoring charts and vital information that may help us act now to help prevent laminitis

ContentsSPECIAL FEATURES

26. What to Wear in the Dressage ArenaAlison Nye-Warden of Dressage Deluxe writes to tell us of the latest must have products for this coming season

30. Victoria Bax Top Tips for Training the Event CourseCourtesy of Golly Galoshes and Aloeride Victoria Bax shares her tips on training including hill and canter work

52. Get Ready for Sweet Itch SeasonZ Itch have sent us an article giving plenty of detail on how to avoid and treat sweet itch this summer.

54. Grooming GuruWe take a look at some of the trendiest must have grooming products.

60. Are you Supplement Savy? Part IISecond in a three part series of looking at supplements, March’s focus Hoof Care, Joints & Vitality

63. Equimins How to buy a Joint SupplementEquimins write in to give advice on how to buy a joint supplement

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This month British Dressage saw Addington host their High Profile Show which ran over three days. As it got underway the top scoring combinations kicked off the season with some impressive percentages.

Addington is traditionally the first High Profile Show of the year and thankfully went ahead after last year’s was cancelled due to several inches of snow. There were 22 classes over the course of 3 days and 15 of them had winners with over 70% so it was clear that the standards were set high.On the first day, Hannah Biggs won the Medium 75 on Don Caledonia with 69.459%, Advanced Medium 98 was taken by Josefin Gyllensward and Don Angleo with 73.553%, Dan Greenwood and Lennox headed the PSG with 70.921%, Peter Storr and Sirius Black won the Intermediate I with 71.886% and Spencer Wilton and Goodmans Super Nova took the Intermediate II with 72.939%.

Saturday the 18th, saw another win for Dan with Val Rubilah getting 70.00% for the Medium 73, Matt Hicks and Don Carrissimo won the Advanced Medium 92 with 70.676%, Alex Hellings and Der Kleine Lord came top in the Pony Team Test with 72.308%, Erin Williams and Waverly were first in Junior Team Test with 72.027%, Samantha Thurman-Baker and Highcliffe Apollo won the Young Rider Team Test with 73.553%, Charlie Hutton and Douglas IV won the PSG with 74.561% and Gareth Hughes claimed the Intermediate I and Grand Prix. Gareth won the Inter I with Samba Hit III scoring 69.474% and the Grand Prix with DV Stenkjers Nadonna scoring 72.467%.

Sundays winners included the Medium 75 which was taken by Lucy Farrer and Furst Ferdinand with 71.081%, Matt Hicks and Don Carissimo took the Advanced Medium 98 with 68.289%, Bethany Shipley and Wanour S were first in the Junior Individual Test scoring 69.026%, Becky Edwards and Ufano were top in the Young Rider Individual Test with 66.579%, Alex Rowe and Ferrari won the Pony Individual Test with 68.902%, Belinda Skipper and Capetto Vestervang won the Grand Prix Special with 64.118%, Daisy Coakley partnered Bing to win the Medium Freestyle with 71.583%, Matt Hicks triumphed again in the Advanced Medium Freestyle with Don Carissimo with a huge 76.083% and Ben

Martin and Dimaggik won the PSG Freestyle with 74.333%.

A fantastic event to start off the year and a great performance from many combinations. After hearing about Charlie Hutton's win in the PSG with over 74% I was interested to know more about his ride, Douglas IV so got in touch to find out more "we bought Douglas through Carl Hester for his new owner Charlotte Dunkerton, she purchased him in August last year and I have the privilege to ride him at shows whilst Charlotte is getting the hang of him. She is learning the ropes but wants him to continue competing to a high standard so I am looking forward to getting him out again. He is competing at PSG and Inter I but I am working him at Grand Prix at home. He is a 12 year old Danish bred gelding by Diamond Hit"

Dan Greenwood ‘s ride, the beautiful Val Rubilah or Russell as he is known at home is a German 8 year old gelding owned by Jane McWilliams and is one of my favourites on the yard. Jane bought him 2yrs ago from Caroline Cooper who is based in Sussex. Russell was originally imported into the UK by Rhett Bird. Jane bought him for Dan to train and compete and both he and owner Jane believe he will go to Grand Prix. Dan is taking Russell for regular training with Carl Hester and is training him at Advanced Medium at home. I also caught up with Alex

Hellings to find out about her win and some the history of her and her gorgeous pony, Lordy. Alex said “I’m trained by Sonia Baines and have been since I was 7 and I am now 14. Der Kleine Lord aka Lordy is rising 7 this year and is by the German bred pony Der Feine Lord. I've been riding him since December 2012 when I was very lucky to have been given the opportunity to ride him by Clare and Erin Williams. “I was extremely pleased with our result at Addington, he is getting better all the time. We are hoping to keep improving our scores and hopefully get selected to go abroad this season. His trot is developing so much more cadence and lift, we are looking forward to seeing where this season takes us”

The Under 25's High Profile Show was another important date for the calendar. Again some very impressive scores caught my eye this month. Phoebe Peters and SL Lucci competed for the first time since their major success at the Pony European Championships, where they won team gold and made history by claiming the individual gold. Still, Phoebe proves they are better than ever as they won the Pony Team Test at Keysoe with 74.55%. However, just when you think they've reached their peak the combination then go and win the Pony Individual as well with a colossal 78.29%. We most certainly

will be seeing more of them this season! Lucy Pincus and Sheepcote Doncalisto also achieved some big percentages at Keysoe, winning the Junior Team Test with 70.54% and the Medium 73 with another great score of 74.71%. Other combinations managing to win their classes with 70+% were Amy Nash who won the medium 75 with 70.8%, Poppy Padley with

British Dressage News written by Daisy Jackson

Image below: Dan Greenwood and Val Rubilah. Photography kind

permission from Risto Aaltonen

Image above: Alex Hellings and Der Kleine Lord

Amy Nash and the talented Half Moon Revelation Photography kind permission from Risto Aaltonen


SOS Kantjes Unicolour who won the Elementary Qualifier with 73.31%, Becky Edwards and Ufanol who impressively won both the Junior and Young Rider Individual with 70+%, Holly Kerslake and Millcroft Osiris in the Preliminary Qualifier with 73.26%, Emily Uden and Captain Silver ll lead the Novice Qualifier on 72.5% and Julia Wilkinson with Tchibo who scored 73.86 in the Preliminary 19. Britain certainly have some young, exciting talent!

Amy Nash was able to give us some more details about her lovely horse. “Half moon revelation aka 'Wotsit' who as well as the Medium won the Advanced medium restricted with 67.1% despite him deciding to buck (naughty boy). He felt very willing on the day and was happy to strut his stuff for the judges. Wotsit is a 9 year old, British bred Hanoverian by Relevant ( son of Rubinstein) out of Donata ( A Donnerhall daughter). I've had the pleasure of owning Wotsit for nearly 7 months. He is a very cheeky horse, forever wanting to know everyone else's business, but is also very affectionate and will do anything for a kiss and a back scratch. We are currently working hard to get him confident at PSG so we can start competing Young Riders by March. I'm going to compete him at Premier League this year and then hopefully get the opportunity to compete internationally with him next year when he has more confidence. I have been trained by Natalie Banks since I was 10, and started training with Dan Greenwood at 12 years old.”

My month...Competitively, my month has been a little more relaxed but it's still all happening behind the scenes. I have been having lots of lessons with Dan and can feel Tango progressing in many areas and I'm really looking forward to getting him back out and hopefully achieving some of the big scores that many have been getting this month. It has taken a while for Tango and I to get used to the new routine having been with my previous trainer for many years and for the whole of Tango’s career so far; however, we are starting to feel settled and can crack on with training and improving. It's great to have Dan out winning, getting over 70% in the PSG with Lennox and also in the medium 73 with Val Rubilah as it keeps me very motivated and inspired to achieve the same results. It's also an amazing experience to get the chance to sit on both of these horses and many more he's training at home as part of my job. Unfortunately, due to this big change in training methods I have decided to withdraw from the regionals as it

doesn't feel like the right time. However although disappointing I am the sort of person that looks at the bigger picture so I am happy that I have made the right decision.

Daisy

Image right: Daisy and

Furst Larkshillpicture kind permission

from Rebecca Bolton from Worldaway

Photography

British Eventing News written by Nicola StrongOver the winter I’ve brought you tips from professional eventers about their preparations for the 2014 season. This time I caught up with Tamsin Drew, an amateur event rider from the Herts/Essex border. Tamsin works full time in London, and competes her own horse Captain up to one-star. She shares her innovative idea to get a leg-up for the season; Tamsin said; “This winter my training involved some new experiences for me, with my only horse on an extended holiday I have been riding out for Sharon Hunt (Olympic Team Bronze medallist, Beijing Games 2008). Being a one horse rider, I wouldn’t normally receive a large amount of experience and training in such a short space of time. On each visit I rode three or four horses both in the school and out hacking, from the less experienced babies to the more established eventers.

“With the support from Sharon, Jasper (Tankers Town) has been teaching me how to ride the half pass which I hope to pass on to my horse later this year. I’ve also been given the opportunity to jump a youngster which I hadn’t done before. I was surprised how established 6 year olds are especially Loughnatousa Monika (Monika) who had a very strong balanced canter and had already been taught flying changes which made the jumping exercise even more enjoyable. “I picked up some great tips from Sharon on my

riding position, firstly when out hacking I tend to lean to the right (waist to the left) a bit like being on a motorbike! Sharon really noticed it out hacking but not as much in the school, this could be due to me focusing on my position and overall way of going in the school while being more relaxed out hacking and slipping into bad habits! I received some great advice to help me become much straighter and stronger in my core by ensuring that I have equal weight in my stirrup irons, both my shoulders are straight, sitting taller in my body and focusing on not collapsing my core - easy exercises to work on while out hacking or in any phase. “Another is my left hand which isn’t as strong (being right handed) and therefore moves about far too much and I don’t have a secure grip on the rein. There are many tips and exercises that have been suggested, although I’m hoping with a straighter body and stronger core this should help me to use my overall back and shoulders more, instead of trying to use all my strength in my lower arm and then having a bouncing hand!

“I’ve also increased my stable management knowledge, and learnt valuable tips on turning out to a very high standard. One example is adding a few drops of baby oil to hot (not boiling) water when hot towelling horses, this helps with dry skin and provides horses with an extra sparkly coat through the winter months.“I enjoyed my time at Sharon’s yard so much that I’ve already been back several times and hope to continue throughout 2014.”

The British Eventing calendar kicked off this year with the traditional pre-season JAS (jumping and style) and Jump Training competitions, which are great ways to get horses out jumping courses whilst working on horse and rider technique. The JAS series judges horse and rider on style, technique and jumping faults over a course of showjumps and cross country fences in an indoor arena. The lowest mark wins.

Chippenham’s 19 year old Alicia Hawker, who has competed up to two-star, is becoming something of a specialist at this series with her top horse, Nankin Des Ruettes, also known as ‘Super Nonks!’ Hawker has taken part in the JAS with some success over recent years, and this year has been no exception. Hawker and Nankin Des Ruettes found winning

Image above: Tamsin jumping Loughnatousa Monika (Monika)

www.childericsaddles.co.uk

Introducing the Next GenerationThe Childéric DSC Dressage - now even better


form at the Baileys JAS at Hartpury on both 18 January and 08 February.

In the January fixture, Hawker and Nankin jumped clear round the Open (1m15), incurring a few time faults, added to a near perfect style mark of 1 to seal victory eight points clear of her closest rival.The second fixture saw them jump clear again, winning the class by seven marks.

Hawker said; “I have the found the JAS has been a great pre-season warm up for Nankin des Ruettes as he is always quite spooky at the start of the year. The course asks more questions than a normal BSJA track so I find it makes him concentrate far quicker! He is becoming a bit of a specialist at these classes and the judges seem to love him as he jumps in a very smooth forwards rhythm.”

23 year old Swedish eventer Ludwig Svennerstal has relocated from Buckinghamshire to Badgerstown to base himself with Sir Mark Todd. The young rider has propelled himself up the rankings since starting British Eventing in 2010, taking part in his first four-star event towards the end of the following season.

Svennerstal secured his place on the Swedish team for London 2012, and further cemented his standing when in 2013 he helped his team to silver in the European Championships on home turf in Malmo.

Svennerstal recently sold his Olympic ride Shamwari to the USA to fund a younger replacement with Rio in mind, but the Swede still has a strong stable of six horses, with King Bob and Alexander IV competitive at four-star, aiming for Badminton in May.

Unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding has led to the cancellation of three British Eventing fixtures before the season has even begun. Moreton in Dorset was the first to abandon their event scheduled for 1-2 March, having been ‘unable to progress both preparation and build of the cross country course.’

Somerford Park (8-9 March) followed suit, citing prolonged wet weather as the reason for cancellation. They too were unable to complete the build of the cross country course due to saturated ground. Tweseldown (6-9 March) are the latest casualty, electing to abandon following an inspection on Monday 17 January. A statement on BDWP for the fixture stated the cancellation was owing to current

ground conditions following prolonged wet weather. Eventers woes were further compounded due to the cancellation of Draycott House (5-6 April) due to ‘reasons beyond the control of British Eventing.’Meanwhile, equestrian venues are doing their best to offer alternative cross country schooling facilities for eventers struggling to get out on grass prior to the season;

Aston-Le-Walls in Northamptonshire has been very busy since opening a three acre all weather cross country schooling facility, whilst Southern eventers have been boosted by Pontispool’s own two acre version in Somerset.

Vittoria Panizzon’s long time eventing partner Rock Model (Bug) has sadly passed away following a heart attack. The 19 year old veteran had a wonderful last hour, Panizzon reporting; “Goodbye to a very best friend. Bug galloped straight to heaven after overtaking Pennyz and Woody as we cantered at the very top of the farm in the biggest field with the best view ever. I had the privilege of watching him for the last hour of his life as he pranced and showed off the whole way with his fanciest trot, he pulled Alice’s arms out right to the end loving his canter in the best threesome together. He had a heart attack and died in my arms.”

The super 15.3 TB, with whom Vittoria represented Italy on a number of occasions, had won European medals and came 16th at their first Olympic games together at Beijing. Bug had been on top form despite his years, and Vittoria was still able to compete him

with much success in 2013 at selected events, earning placings at Belton three-star and signed off 2013 with second place at Oasby after finishing on his dressage score of 26.8.

I was privileged to meet the legendary Bug when reporting for EHUK (see January edition), and Vittoria had spoken of how the horse didn’t do holidays and just loved his work, so what a fitting way to go. My deepest condolences to Vittoria and her team who gave him such a wonderful life, and a fantastic partnership.

Another eventing legend has completed his last event – Tina Cook took the decision to retire Team GB stalwart Miners Frolic after the gelding had suffered an abnormal heart beat that didn’t correct itself. During his illustrious career, he helped Team GB to four team medals as well as two individuals, including team silver on home turf at London Olympics 2012.

Image above : Tina Cook and Miners Frolic showing superb style at Barbury 2012

Laura Collett has announced a new addition to her string of event horses for the coming season. The Lambourn based rider revealed that Kauto Star’s owner Clive Smith had purchased a horse for her to compete. Smith, having watched his popular Cheltenham Gold Cup winning ex-racehorse parading at the likes of Burghley and Barbury, had been inspired to become involved with eventing as an owner.

Asked of the horse’s credentials, Collett said; “Pamero is a seven year old who has show jumped in Germany and done a few events. He will aim for Le Lion seven

year old championships at the end of the year.”

Wiltshire based eventer Kitty King has been welcomed onto the World Class Performance Programme. King was one of three new riders on the elite programme, alongside Sarah Bullimore and Sarah Cohen, all of whom had been supported through the Equine Pathway in 2013.

King said; “I was really hoping to make it onto the programme after 2012, but I think was probably just lacking the horsepower at three-star at the time. I had Zidante performing consistently well at three-star, and I knew I had Persimmon coming through but he hadn’t yet stepped up to that level. “I think I’ve got a really good team now at the right level, and Persimmon has proved himself with a really good result at Barbury and finished well at Boekelo too.

“It’s really exciting to have made the World Class Programme. My horses are very good on the flat which is of course what you need, but they’re also careful showjumpers and solid cross country too. They would be a good age for Rio, so it’s a real boost for our chances of selection.”

King continues; “The recognition in itself is a huge confidence boost, knowing that people have seen what I’ve been doing, and it’s something I’ve been working away for years to achieve. It’s great to know that the system we have is obviously working, and of course it gives us access to things like team trainers, vets and farriers etc. It will be a great help financially both for me and the owners- it’s not cheap to run your horses at that level so it all helps.”

Image below: Vittoria Panizzon and Rock Modelstable name Bug

Image above: Laura Collett


British Showjumping News written by Jennifer McAloon

International NewsBrits lead the way once again!British show jumpers remain at the top of the world rankings list for the third month running. Both Scott Brash MBE and Ben Maher MBE have retained their positions of 1st and 2nd respectively in the Longines FEI World Rankings. British show jumpers have gone from strength to strength, winning team Gold at the 2012 London Olympics, shortly followed by Team Gold at the European Championships last year where Ben also secured individual silver and Scott individual bronze.

Ben’s success at the Europeans saw him catapulted into the world number one position, the first time a British rider has been at the top for 30 years. The Global Champions Tour finale at the end of 2013 saw Scott take both the Grand Prix and the number one ranking relegating Ben to second place, the first time ever Brits have held both the top places.

Saturday 8th February once again saw the top two going head to head at the FEI World Cup Grand Prix

in Wellington, Florida. Ben Maher beat Scott by .40 of a second to take the $370,000 first prize.

Guy Williams takes the €114,000 Land Rover Grand Prix

The weekend of 7th - 9th February saw Canterbury based Guy Williams winning the Land Rover Grand Prix at the FEI World Cup Qualifier in Bordeaux , France. He was the only rider to jump clear and take the 1.60m grand prix aboard the 10 year old Caroline Phillips owned Zaire. The crowds were brought to their feet in appreciation as Guy smashed through the finish line with a time of 33.88 seconds leaving French rider Penelope Leprevost and Nice Stephanie in second on 34.90 seconds, Germany’s Ludger

Beerbaum and Chaman took third place with 35.73. Britain’s Joe Clee claimed 6th place with a solid double clear riding the 10 year old bay stallion Utamaro D Ecaussines.

A very successful weekend for Guy also saw him and Zaire claim victory in the 1.45 speed class and 6th in the opening

days 1.40 speed competition. Guy also had two third

places with his own Titus II and Casper De Muze.

John Whitaker and Argento perform well in Austria. Argento, who is owned by his wife Claire, took third place in the €50,000 Graz Grand Prix in Austria on Sunday 9th February. Twelve riders jumped clear in the first round making the jump off exceptionally competitive. Seven of the twelve rode a double clear which meant it all came down to the times and less than 2 seconds divided the top four places.

1st Thomas Fruhmann (Austria) - Sixth Sense - 38.45

2nd Max Kushner (Germany) - Cornetta 11 - 38.97

3rd John Whitaker (GB) - Argento - 39.75

4th Pia Luise Aufrecht (Germany) - MCB Ulke - 40.02

John’s son Robert joined him in Austria and after a clear in the first round he incurred 4 faults in the jump off on a time of 39.53 leaving him in 10th place.

Image: Ben Maher MBE riding Cella Image Credit Sportfot

In other news …….British Show jumping announce that Blue Chip is to once again sponsor the British Show jumping Pony Newcomers Championship for the 16th year running. The 2014 series will cumulate with the final held at Horse of the Year Show, Birmingham in October.

The Longines Global Championship Tour 2014 schedule has been announced. The best horses and riders in the world of show jumping will compete in 14 events from April to November leading to the championship series final in Al Shaquab in Doha,

Qatar. The London leg of the tour takes place at Horse Guards Parade during 14th - 16th August. Other venues include Switzerland, Paris, Monte Carlo and Shanghi.

Olympic Gold Medal winner Big Star made his show jumping come back competing in a 1.25m schooling class at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Florida with Nick Skelton. The 11 year old stallion hasn’t been seen in action for 6 months after a leg injury left him unable to go for the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam last year.

South East, Bury Farm, Slapton, Bucks

During the weekend of 6th - 9th February Bury Farm hosted its Moet and Chandon Elite Festival with a total of £25,000 prize money up for grabs. Although many riders had already left for their tours in Spain and Portugal some of Britain’s best delayed their departures to attend. Saturday’s Gala evening featured the £6000 Grand Prix as well as a Geoff Billington Master class and live music. Britain’s Laura Renwick took both first and second places with Oz De Breve and Bingtang II respectively; in their last class before commencing a holiday break whilst Laura is in Portugal competing seven other horses. Only three other combinations completed a double clear in the ten horse jump off, Zoe Adams in third place with Santonamillion, Julie Andrews took fourth onboard Wilando B and Jessica Hewitt in 5th with Zaronda II.

Northern, Aintree International Equestrian Centre, Liverpool, Merseyside

The Merseyside venue, which is at Aintree Racecourse home of the Grand National, hosted its Elite Senior show on the 31st January- 2nd February. The well supported show saw 36 hours of jumping over three days climaxing with Sundays 1.40m Grand Prix. 19 riders competed for the £1000 first prize which was eventually taken by George Whitaker and Willerton, who after a Christmas break used the class as an ideal warm up for the Spanish Sunshine Tour. Second place was taken by Holly Gillott with Dougie Douglas, who also won the 1.40 Open on the first night, and Joe Davidson with his new ride Vennoot II taking third.

BS Area Updates


World’s oldest horse charity receives 210 buckets thanks to social media campaign10th February 2014: Online Packaging Containers Superstore, OiPPS, has donated a massive 210 buckets to The Horse Trust following a successful social media campaign organised to help raise awareness of the charity.

OiPPS, a division of the IPL Group, pledged to donate five 20L buckets for every five page likes received on its Facebook page throughout November and December 2013. The campaign was timed to coincide with the annual Olympia Horse Show and promoted across all of OiPPS’ social media channels, as well as appealing directly to horse lovers via horse related social media outlets, including The Horse

Trust’s own channels.

By the end of December 2013, OiPPS had received an amazing 210 additional facebook page likes thanks to The Horse Trust social media campaign.

A pallet of buckets was delivered to The Horse Trust stables in Speen, Buckinghamshire, earlier this week, greeted by grateful staff and horses.

IPL Group Commercial Director, Paul Littlehales, comments, “Quite a few of the IPL team are keen animal enthusiasts and we wanted to create a campaign that would help animals in need this winter, as well as raise awareness of the huge range of ways our products can be used in animal care.

“The Horse Trust was a clear choice - it is the oldest horse charity in the world and is funded entirely by charitable donations.”

The Horse Trust charity was inspired by Anna Sewell’s classic Black Beauty – originally founded by Ann Lindo on 10 May 1886. The Trust aims to provide a place of rest and retirement for working

horses, and in many cases ill-treated horses have to be nursed back to health by the Trust’s dedicated team of veterinary professionals.

Lucy Compton, Fundraising and Marketing Assistant at The Horse Trust, says, “We are so grateful for the buckets we recently received from OiPPS as a result of their campaign on Facebook. The buckets will be used for a variety of purposes around the yard. Here at The Horse Trust we are incredibly grateful for any donations we receive, large or small – everything that is donated helps us to care for the 100 horses, ponies and donkeys who live at our Home of Rest.’

Paul continues, “A lot of the products we sell on OiPPS can be used for animal care – from buckets and tubs, to large barrels and trigger head spray bottles; OiPPS is an accessible way of buying a range of everyday items used in the care of animals. We hope our donation will come in very useful for the Trust over the forthcoming days, weeks and months.”

For further information about The Horse Trust or to make a donation, please visit the charity’s

Great Success at First Grub’s Arena Eventing SeriesHeld at Northcote Stud Equestrian Centre in Lancashire, the first event in the Grub’s Arena Eventing series saw a great turnout despite the typical Grub’s weather.

The series is aimed at ‘grass root’ level eventing with junior and senior classes of 80cm, 90cm and 1m taking place.

Each competitor jumped a course

of 16-20 fences set up in the large outdoor arena. The first part of the course was typical show jumps with the final section being a mix of rustic style jumps and solid cross-country style fences.

Competitors battled it out try and complete the course to clear and closest to the optimum time limit allowed. The winners of each class received prize money and a pair of Grub’s performance boots.

Said David Foster of Grub’s: “It was a great event that was

well supported and there was some excellent riding, especially considering the typical Grub’s weather! It was a fun day for riders competing at all levels and it was well organised by the team at Northcote Stud. It provided a super start to the forthcoming season.”

Results for Grub’s Arena Eventing - January 26th:

80cm Junior 1st - Beth Foster riding Zoe

80cm Senior 1st - Kate Stockdale riding Carmarthen Belle

90cm Junior 1st - Anna Mills riding Ruby

90cm Senior 1st - Amy Grant riding Shortgrove Girl

1m Senior 1st – Linda Brennand riding It’s Only Rooster

For more information on the Grub’s Arena Eventing Series

Image above: Anna Mills riding Ruby receiving her prize from

David Foster of Grub’s

Image Left: Lucy Compton receiving the buckets from OiPPS

Competition Stallions - 2014 Competition Stallions Guide LaunchedThe 2014 edition of the popular stallion guide, Competition Stallions, is now available. Competition Stallions provides a comprehensive resource to help British Breeders select the best stallions for their mares. It brings together pedigrees, progeny information and photographs in an easy to use reference directory. Available both in

print and online, the directory delivers an unrivalled depth of information and variety of stallions for different disciplines. The Competition Stallions guide is supported by British Breeding and sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds.

This edition features 100 Graded and Approved competition stallions including Olympic stallions and 7 stallions ranked in the top 30 World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) Sire Rankings for 2013. The guide also includes stallions from a wide range of Breed Societies and Stud Books.

Several new features have been added to the 2014 edition. For the first time, stallion statistics from British Dressage join British Eventing’s stallion statistics. The index has also been enhanced so stallions can now be searched for by stud or stallion agent in addition to the discipline and name searches provided in previous issues of the guide. The Competition Stallions guide has

also embraced social media and for the online guide a facebook and tweet link for each stallion is in now in place.

The guide was instigated and is compiled annually by Jane Skepper, director of Horseit.com. “We launched the Competition Stallions Guide in 2012 as a means for potential breeders to find comprehensive stallion information in one place. The feedback we have received from potential breeders and stallion owners has been fantastic and the additions to the 2014 edition ensure the guide utilises the most relevant and up to date features available”.

The guide is free to breeders and widely available at stallion parades, breeding events, all major competition horse sales and selected stands at Badminton and Burghley, or can be purchased for £10 online at www.competition-stallions.com

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Horses and ponies slip through the cracks to possible slaughter as UK borders fail to check live exports Today the results of an investigation led by international charity World Horse Welfare will reveal that horses and ponies are leaving British shores under the pretence that they are for leisure or sport – but may in fact be sold for slaughter, in a programme due to be aired on BBC Inside Out (East and South East) on BBC One at 7:30pm Monday.

Horses and ponies are being exported without any checks on welfare or the paperwork sometimes legally required to confirm their health status. Without any physical or documentary checks these horses and ponies could be going anywhere, for any purpose, in any condition.

The absence of welfare or documentary checks means that Defra and local authorities have no information whether horses exported, or imported, are in good health or suffer from disease - causing a risk to human and equine health.

Across a 48 hour period the BBC Inside Out joined World Horse Welfare in monitoring the port of Dover and following known horse dealers across the continent with the aim to find out their end destinations.

In the short time that the organisation was based at Dover,

the French-Belgian border, Belgium and surrounding areas monitoring horse movements - the charity saw over 90 horse boxes, some with the capacity to carry more than 20 horses, moving through just one port, without any of the authorities checking on their welfare. [the ferry company did check paperwork once]

During the film there is also an exclusive interview with a UK transporter who goes on the record to say that he is rarely, if ever, checked by Defra animal health officers (AHVLA) whose responsibility it is to undertake these checks when he moves shipments of horses across the border.

“We have discovered this really murky trade in low value equines across Europe and it is not only a matter of for equine welfare it is also a huge problem for equine

health, and, as we have seen because of the relation with the food trade and the food industry it is also an issue for human health as well,” says Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare,

vet and active member of the Equine Sector Council.

“We know that over one 48 hour weekend there were 51 shipments exported from Dover to France and 41 imports, with these vehicles taking between 2 and 22 horses so you can get a feel of the scale…and what we do know is that there was not a single check done by the authorities during that weekend.

“Dealers from the UK are trading at markets in France and Belgium and Holland. Everything we have found we have shared with the authorities and our evidence is now the subject of an ongoing inquiry. We will continue to support that inquiry and we will continue to carry out our field research until we are sure that there is effective enforcement in place and horses and ponies leaving this country are not suffering,” ends Roly.

World Horse Welfare’s investigations have achieved change and last year the charity helped to secure restrictions to the Tripartite Agreement between the UK, Ireland and France which means that from May, the free movement of horses without health checks will only apply to high health sport horses moving to and from France.

However, even this law will not protect horses if it - and other laws regulating the export of horses - are not enforced.

Defra says that based on export applications no horses or ponies have been exported for slaughter, World Horse Welfare’s investigation shows that Defra could not possibly know this is actually true because they are not performing basic checks for compliance with the law or welfare of the horses and ponies passing through the Ports.

A UK ferry company called P&O backed up the charity’s findings. P&O had become concerned about a large consignment of horses travelling in a poor state of health and with possibly the wrong documentation and so refused permission for the trader to board. It also told BBC Inside Out that it had caught this

dealer twice trying to travel on its ferries with a large consignment of horses. The charity knows that the dealer simply used another ferry company to carry on with their journey.

World Horse Welfare says that it has long shared its findings with the relevant authorities however, because of the lack of action to address its concerns over horse exports, the charity believes it had little option but to share its findings with the public, and media, in the hope that something can be done.

The charity’s evidence is now part of an ongoing inquiry with other authorities.

BBC Inside Out goes out on BBC One (East and South East) on Monday 10 February from 7.30pm. Also available on the BBC iPlayer.

Please help World Horse Welfare to ensure that the law is enforced at our ports by emailing Defra and your MP to get them to take action: www.worldhorsewelfare.org/live-export-from-the-UK

You can donate to the charity’s appeal to help it continue its investigations: http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Appeal/Going-unchecked

Access the FAQ’s for more information: http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/live-export-FAQs

For more information please contact World Horse Welfare’s Press Officer Amy Fordham on 01953 497248 and 07824 302640 or email [email protected]

Image Left: Image of World Horse Welfare investigation - CREDIT WORLD HORSE WELFARE

About the World Horse WelfareWorld Horse Welfare (Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384), is an international horse charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and worldwide through education, campaigning and hands-on care of horses. Since we were founded in 1927, our whole approach has been practical, based on scientific evidence and our extensive experience, and focused on delivering lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world.

In the UK our dedicated network of Field Officers investigate and resolve welfare problems, and we run four Rescue and Rehoming Centres where horses in need can receive specialist care, undergo

rehabilitation and find loving new homes through our rehoming scheme – the largest of its kind in the UK. Our international training programmes alleviate the suffering of thousands of working horses by providing essential knowledge for horse owning communities in the developing world. We also work tirelessly to change legislation and attitudes to horse welfare through campaigns and education, including our founding campaign to end the suffering endured by the tens of thousands of horses transported long-

distance across Europe to slaughter each year. We support the responsible use of horses in sport, and are an official welfare arm of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and welfare advisors to the British Horseracing Authority.

Image of World Horse Welfare investigation 2 - CREDIT WORLD HORSE WELFARE

Equestrian Charities with Everything Horse UKHere at Everything Horse UK we are passionate about helping equestrian charities throughout the UK. We offer free advertisements and do our best to include all the latest charity news on either our website or in our digital magazine. Should you wish to get in touch to discuss more please contact us via the email [email protected]


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Show director bows out after 38 years John Farmer OBE, one of the longest serving officials at the All England Jumping Course, has retired after almost 40 years as Show Director at Hickstead.

Easily spotted in his trademark panama hat, John has been responsible for choreographing the action in the International Arena, making sure classes run to schedule and prizegivings go to plan.

“I’ve got thousands of special memories from Hickstead, and I’ve enjoyed every minute,” says John, who lives nearby in West Sussex. “I’ve always been a showjumping lover, and this role has meant I’ve got to know some of the finest riders in the world.”

John first came to the show as a visitor, before being asked to step in as a showing steward in 1972. He had a baptism of fire during his first year stewarding the Working Hunter class, after Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn installed a Cornishman wall in the arena, which had the competitors up in arms. “As it turned out, Douglas was the first rider to go in, and he flew over it,” John recalls.

In 1975, John was asked to take on the role of Show Director, masterminding proceedings in the famous International Arena. “I’ve always loved the showbiz atmosphere of it all – it’s a form of theatre,” he adds.

In 1996, Douglas Bunn nominated him for an OBE, which meant John and his family got to go to

Buckingham Palace to receive the award from Her Majesty The Queen.

Asked to pinpoint the highlights of his long career, John says that the FEI Nations Cup competitions – where the top showjumping teams in the world come to Hickstead – have always been a favourite. He also recalls choreographing the European Championships when they were held at Hickstead in 1999, when John managed to secure the booking of operatic tenor Russell Watson. The singer took part in the opening ceremony at Hickstead just a few months after his breakthrough performance at the UEFA Champions League Final.

“John brought great flair to the role of Show Director,” says Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn. Whenever he was interviewed for radio or presided over the draw for the Nations Cup, he spoke with passion and a genuine love of Hickstead. We will miss him enormously.”

The Bunn family have asked equestrian commentator Steven Wilde to take over as Show Director from this season. The first international show of the year

will be the British Jumping Derby Meeting (26-29 June) followed by the Longines Royal International Horse Show (29 July – 3 August).

The two national fixtures will follow, with the Hurst College National Schools & Pony Club Championships held on the 7 August and the All England Jumping Championships from the 4 - 7 September.

The Hickstead essentialsDownload Hickstead’s free App for iPhone and AndroidFollow the All England Jumping Course Twitter and Facebook pages

Visit the website www.hickstead.co.uk

Image Above: John Farmer (c) Julian Portch

Diary Dates for 2014 - Hickstead Horse Show Dates

The British Jumping Derby

25th June - 29th June

The Longines Royal International Horse

Show

29th July - 3rd August

All England Jumping Championships

4th September - 7th September

The Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Club Jumping

Championships

7th August


Bruce Springsteen’s 22 year old daughter Jessica has become an ‘equestrian ambassador’ for the luxury brand Gucci and its line of riding clothes.

Jessica joins the Gucci team along with socialite Charlotte Casiraghi, a princess fifth in line to the Monaco crown.

Gucci creative director Firda Giannini said ‘Jessica is a great horsewoman, with a very exciting and positive riding style’

‘Jessica brings the elegant, dynamic spirit of Gucci alive.. The design of the new wardrobe provides

her with pieces that manage to be both technically correct and stylish.’

Since Giannini has replaced Tom Ford at the top of the Gucci design team, the house has returned to is roots in the equestrian world, including sponsoring a key international riding competition that was attended by many celebrities and socialites. Jessica has been riding since she was 4, when the Springsteen family first moved to Stone Hill Farm, a 300-acre horse farm in Colts Neck, from here she rides for the USA. When competing in Europe she is based in the UK with Laura Kraut , one of the most influential people in her life along with her parents, and Nick Skelton. .Jessica acquired Vindicat W ‘ Vinnie’, Peter Charles’ Olympic Gold Medal mount for the 2012 Olympic games in London, last year. She has been showing great promise with the 11 year old gelding, winning their first international ranking class 1.50 Suncast Championship Jumper Classic this winter in Wellington Florida.Jessica was ranked 43rd at the end of 2013 in the Longines Global Championships Tour.

Jessica’s dream is along with ‘Vinnie’ to compete for the USA in 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Jessica Springsteen becomes ‘equestrian ambassador’ for Gucci

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Turning Mud back to Grass with Peter Hunter SeedsRain, rain and more rain – has led to muddy fields and paddocks this spring. Here Peter Hunter, of Peter Hunter Seeds, offers invaluable advice on how to help our paddocks recover after the unprecedented rainfall.

As we look to spring, paddocks everywhere will have suffered as a result of one of the worst winters for rainfall on record and a large number will be nothing more than mud.

Many will have been completely submerged under flood water and once the ground begins to dry out there will be much work to do before grass is in plentiful supply.

All grassland tends to revert over time to the indigenous varieties that were there before the field was last sown. Indigenous varieties tend to be what we would nowadays call ‘weed grasses’. These grasses tend not only to be invasive but are less palatable, less productive and less nutritious.

Weather conditions such as we have experienced this winter, speeds up the rate at which reversion will take place. Much of the fertility that better grasses thrive on will have been leached away by incessant rainfall, allowing poorer grasses to thrive.

So, what is the answer?

A complete re-seed would be the best option but this is not always possible for those who only have limited acreage. In this case the field or paddock can be over-sown; however, it is important to pick the right mixture.

Choosing the right mixture?

Mixtures are designed for two main functions: length of time they should be productive and the use for which they are required.

The length of time for short term productivity is up to three years; medium term productivity is up to five years and long term being over five years.

To complicate matters even further, grazing mixtures can be divided for cattle, sheep and horses and to get value for money it is

imperative to choose the right mixture for your needs.

If you are buying grass seed for grazing land for horses a mixture such as Peter Hunters Newbury Paddock mixture would suit your needs.

Specially designed for horses and ponies, the Newbury Paddock Mixture has been a best seller within the equestrian market for many years, providing long lasting grazing with a wide range of ‘bottom’ grasses.

Prices of Peter Hunter Seeds are down on last year and if you buy on line before the end of March there will be a 2.5% discount for early ordering.

Peter Hunter Seeds offers advice on all aspects of grassland management and supplies grass seeds for the equine and agricultural industry.

For more information please contact Peter Hunter Seeds on 07831 442415 or visit

www.hunterseeds.com

Image above: Peter HunterPeter will be writing an article for Everything Horse

UK later on in the year on Paddock Management

Choose High Fibre and Timothy HorseHage for Laminitics!There is often a misconception that HorseHage is rich in energy and therefore unsuitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. This is not the case with the High Fibre and Timothy varieties of HorseHage.

Forage can vary in quality as well as nutritional composition. Some batches of hay can contain large amounts of sugar – as much as 10% - whereas with HorseHage sugar levels are only around 5%, due to its unique fermentation process.

High Fibre HorseHage is made from ryegrass but in this particular variety, the ryegrasses have been allowed to mature before harvesting to attain higher fibre, lower protein and lower energy levels. This means it is very different from ordinary haylages made from ryegrass and makes it an excellent choice for laminitics, good doers and horses and ponies that are convalescing or resting.

The same low protein and energy levels are found in Timothy HorseHage which is made from timothy grass and is very similar to the famous Kentucky bluegrass of America. It is already naturally high in fibre and because it has a different ‘nose’ to ryegrass,

horses find it very appetising, so it’s a great choice for fussy feeders.

As well as the low sugar and energy benefits making High Fibre and Timothy HorseHage safe to feed to laminitics, these bagged forages are also dust-free – an essential quality to avoid causing serious respiratory problems such as RAO. They contain no chemical additives, mould inhibitors or inoculants – just natural grass – and are more digestible than other forages allowing more efficient utilisation of the available nutrients. In other words, your horse or pony will get more nutritional value from this type of forage, which may enable you to cut down on his hard feed. Even better, because HorseHage is so appetising, there is rarely any waste.

HorseHage is BETA FEMAS NOPS certified which means it is produced from specially-grown grass with a high regard for feed safety, consistent quality and full product traceability, so you know exactly what your horse or pony is being fed.

HorseHage has devised a special diet especially for laminitics called ‘The HoofKind Diet’. Feed either High Fibre and/or Timothy HorseHage alongside Mollichaff HoofKind, which is a great value, complete feed specially formulated for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. When fed at the recommended levels, it contains all the vitamins and minerals your laminitic horse or pony needs to keep him healthy.

For more information on feeding your horse, pony or donkey, please call the HorseHage Helpline on: 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

http://www.hunterseeds.com

http://www.horsehage.co.uk

22 Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 6 • March 2014

Table 1: Methods of restricting pasture intake in the spring, summer and early autumn months

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Strip grazing

Intake can be controlled by the owner.

May cause competition between animals when the strip is first moved.

Horse/pony can remain with herd mates.

Animals may gorge on the newly opened strip.In wet conditions the area immediately next to the strip may become poached.

Grazing muzzle

Lots of different types from ‘Green Guard’ to traditional ‘bucket’ types.

Animals may injure themselves trying to remove the muzzle/through friction.

Horse/pony can remain with herd mates.

Animals may be reluctant to drink with the muzzle on.

Available to buy from most equestrian retail establishments.

Animals are unable to use facial body language in social communication and grooming.Animals may gorge themselves when the muzzle is taken off.

Stabling for part of the day

Easy to monitor weight loss and gain.

The animal may learn the stabling routine and consume more than usual in the turn out period.

Can provide relief from flies in the summer.

Lack of movement means that calories are not being used through exercise.

Easy to monitor what the horse is consuming in the stable.

Increase cost of forage and bedding material.

Use of an a ‘starvation paddock’

Horse/pony is still able to exercise.

Animals may intake more calories from the grass due to grazing close to the base of plants where the sugars are stored.

If in groups, animals are able to exhibit social and natural grazing behaviours.

Risk of sand colic impactions from close grazing and ingestion of sand/soil particles.Laminitis is every horse and pony owner’s

nightmare. This debilitating condition is one of the most common causes of lameness in

the UK and is a growing problem, particularly in native ponies and leisure animals. Characterised by elevated digital pulses, rocking back on the heels and a reluctance to move, the condition can be fatal in cases where rotation and/or sinking of the pedal bone in the horse’s foot occurs and at best can mean months of rest and rehabilitation for the affected horse.

In the middle of winter, one may be questioning why a feature on the condition is relevant. However, what many horse owners do not realise is that prevention strategies for laminitis can start now! The key to preventing laminitis is identifying the risk factors for every individual animal and taking action to control them, with the emphasis here on the native pony. This may involve restricting grazing, stabling for part of the day, increasing the exercise regime or even having the vet come out and run tests for any underlying conditions such as equine metabolic disease (EMS).

But surely native ponies are supposed to eat grass?

Most of us accept that horses evolved to be herd animals, who moved around from place to place, spending most of their time eating grass. Therefore many horse owner believe that a ‘natural’ lifestyle of continual turnout in the spring and summer months is ideal for their pony’s health and welfare. However, the grasses which our native ponies were designed to graze upon were of poor quality, with a high fibre content – in stark contrast to the high sugar ryegrasses which we see predominantly in equine pastures today where a Shetland pony can have met its daily energy requirement in a few hours and has the appetite which is up to double that of the ‘average’ horse! For this reason it is necessary to restrict the intake of many of our native breeds throughout the months of grass growth, which can be done in a number of ways, please see table opposite...

Preventing Laminitis

Preventing laminitis in the native pony: Seasonal strategiesWritten by Kate Douglas-Dala MSc

Native pony grazing scrubland/snow

Assessing Bodyweight and ConditionThis most important factor is to know what the correct weight for the animal is, which can be determined by assessing body condition score or BCS in addition to using a weigh tape. There are many ways to do this but one of the most popular is a system used by Dodson and Horrell nutritionalists, which uses a five point scale (see page 24). A score of five would be considered as dangerously obese and a score of one as seriously underweight. Most leisure

animals should be around a condition score of three on the scale and the method of assessment is easy to follow for the average horse owner. It is important to be able to compare the animal’s body condition across the seasons and here it is useful to have digital photographs of the horse or pony stood square on a level surface. These images can then be stored with the bodyweight and condition score (very easy to do on a smartphone).

Most of the methods in this table are more suitable for the spring and summer months but preventing laminitis can start over winter where as a horse owner, you can use the colder weather to try and

reduce the animal’s bodyweight – very useful for native ponies who seem to live on fresh air!


perhaps because of problems with rainscald or other conditions, then an alternative strategy is to clip the animal but rug with a lightweight turnout rug so that they are not getting wet, but are having to use additional calories to keep warm.

Controlling forage quality and intakeAssess the quality of the forage given to the pony – do they really need good quality haylage which the competition horses on the yard may be receiving? If possible try to get hold of the previous year’s hay crop, providing that it is not dusty or mouldy it will be more stalky and fibrous which will be much closer to the natural forages which they were designed to graze upon in the wild. If there is only one type of forage available then consider prolonged soaking times which can remove over 25% of sugars contained. If double haynets are also used then the pony can be satisfying its need to chew, without taking in more energy than it is using throughout the day. Putting forage in multiple nets around the stable with also promote movement and more natural feeding patterns.

When considering which methods to use it is important to understand the individual animal’s requirements, related to its age, workload, environment and any underlying health conditions. Obesity is one of the most common causes of laminitis in native ponies within the UK, and using seasonal strategies to control your ponies bodyweight, in addition to regular monitoring may help in avoiding this distressing and debilitating condition.

Use of clipping and lightweight rugsDuring the winter owners should be monitoring their pony’s weight and aiming for condition score of 2.5. One the reasons why a native pony is so effective at retaining heat (and therefore bodyweight) in the winter months is due to a thick ‘double layer’ coat which traps a layer of warmer air against the animal’s body. One method of making the pony use some

extra calories to keep warm is to give a low neck and belly clip and remove the rug, providing that the animal is stabled overnight and/or has access to a field shelter should the weather be bad. Such is the temptation to over rug ponies through the winter, that they are not following their natural weight gain and loss cycle which would help to control bodyweight through the seasonal changes in the wild. If it is not possible for the pony to be left unrugged,

70 to 100% of your horse’s diet should be

provided by forage...

HorseHageGet the seal of approval from your horse

• Dust-free

• No chemicals or additives

• Lower sugar content than hay

• High Fibre and Timothy variety are suitable for laminitics

• Can enable you to reduce hard feed by up to a third

Like HorseHage & Mollichaff on Facebook

Official supplier of dust-free forage to

Equestrian Team GBR

MARK WESTAWAY & SONLOVE LANE FARM, MARLDON,

PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ3 1SPTEL: 01803 527257 www.horsehage.co.uk

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

MARK WESTAWAY AND SONMANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE

Image above: D&H (Dodsen & Horrell) fat scoring table

During the winter owners should be monitoring their

pony’s weight and aiming for

condition score of 2.5

Use a Condition Scoring table to assess your horses condition (image

right)

Kate will be joining us in May writing in the first of our printed

magazines, covering Grass Sikcness


WHAT TO WEAR IN THE DRESSAGE ARENAwritten by Alison Nye-Warden

INDIVIDUALISM Whether it’s crystal buttons or bling on helmets, riders are now looking to make a style statement in the dressage arena. The trend towards safety hats such as Samshield and the opportunity for designer bespoke head wear, supports exactly the trend we have seen in consumer trends, that all riders want something a bit different!

Confused as to whether ‘bling is going to be big’ this summer or if ‘patent will be popular’? On-line retailer Dressage Deluxe are experts within their field and when it comes to plucking out key trends for both horse and rider, MD and fellow dressage rider Alison Nye-Warden has some great advice for looking ‘hot to trot this spring/summer’

TACK TALESWhere the horses’ tack is concerned we are noticing a real trend for part-patent leather bridles this year. Last year where tack was concerned-the biggest story was full patent bridles, but this year, 'part patent' is all the rage, which is where the leather features patent in-lay, which gives a classic elegant look. We have also seen a huge trend towards riders also combining 'part patent' with bling brow bands, bringing together the best of both worlds!

FINISHING TOUCHESSaddlecloths have also been given a makeover with many featuring sparkle or detail, as well as those boasting your horses’ breeding via a bold embroidered brand. The move towards more flashy turnout means that much more attention to detail is being spent on ‘hair and make-up’ from bespoke quarter markers through to designer plait styles!

The horse...

Dedicated Follower of Fashion

Our equine friend’s competition attire has had a real make-over this season and we are still selling lots of Swarovski crystal embellished rider and horse wear: from designer bandages with crystal crowns for the warm-up, through to ‘bling’ brow-bands, which has been a reoccurring theme season upon season.

The Rider...

CLASSIC MEETS CONTEMPORARYThe days of traditional tailoring in the dressage arena are certainly changing. Over the past 12 months, we have seen a real shift in both design and colour. To service this growing market, we created our own 'Dressage Deluxe Competition Jacket Collection', which marries contemporary design with classic tailoring. Our jackets are made exclusively for us by Mears. Other colours, which are proving really popular, are Graphite Grey (Thanks to dressage rider Anky Van Grunsven

GETTING SHIRTYRiders are also changing their attitudes towards their shirts and whilst we still offer plain White competition shirts, we have also searched extensively to offer something more unusual. Many riders love our collection of striped shirts or those with crystal buttons, because as temperatures rise, you want to look as good on the horse as you would walking around the show ground.

SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS!We have also seen gents taking far more interest on the style front too! We are also finding more men are becoming regular customers and we pride ourselves on offering a really good collection of men’s attire from breeches for everyday through to competition wear. I think that with so many top male riders in the style spotlight, that brands are really up-ing their game, when it comes to producing stylish men’s riding wear which en-sures that men look good in and out of the saddle! It has always been our mission statement to source and stock quality men’s clothing and accessories; in fact, top professional rider Damian Hallam (Now our sponsored rider) was a customer for many years, for that very reason. Men like the easy shopping service we offer and they also like the vast range that we have.


HELL FOR LEATHERPatent leather is also still a huge story when it comes to riding boots and we are delighted to stock Petrie Boots alongside Konigs boots. Some styles of the Petrie boots are narrower at the ankle, making them ideal for those who find dressage boots uncomfortable, where the leather creases. Something unique to Petrie is that offer a complete patent finish, from toe through to shaft, which really does add a glamorous finish to the riders’ attire.

Don’t forget if you still need some style advice, our personal shopper service is totally free and could end up saving you a fortune.

All you need to do is drop me a line at: [email protected]

Include a brief outline of what you are struggling to find, your body measurements and full length photograph of yourself dressed in fairly body hugging clothing and I will help you find the perfect breeches or competition jacket to suit your shape and build!

Alison riding one of her dressage horse Ravel, the pair looking polished to

perfection


[email protected]


[email protected]


Victoria BaxTop Tips for Training the Event Horse

Courtesy of Golly Galoshes, the versatile gaiters for horses and Aloeride, the natural organic aloe vera supplement for horses, we caught up with sponsored rider event rider and ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax for her her top tips for success cross-county and post event tips…

Photography: Thoroughbred Sports Photography


As with the dressage and show jumping, your horses needs to be responsive to your leg more so than ever, as there are many different canters which are required when jumping XC fences. These stem from a balanced forward canter for the more straight forward galloping type fences to the shorter bouncy canter required for steps or coffins etc. One thing that needs to stay the same throughout though is the rhythm.

Horses need to be fit to be able to comfortably go cross-country. It is no good getting halfway round a course and finding your horse and sometimes even the rider are completely out of breath and can no longer continue to canter safely incorporating fences as well. To ensure your fitness levels are good enough, regular hacking needs to be included in your horse’s general routine. This includes trotting and cantering for periods of times, rather than simply walking everywhere.

Try to make this a habit rather than an inconvenience, so try to find a good piece of ground and use it to your advantage. I would recommend that you get to a standard that you are able to canter happily for at least 3 minutes consistently before even considering taking on the added pressure of competing in an unaffiliated cross-country competition. However, the further up the levels you go, the higher the level of fitness is required. Up to BE100 level you need to be able to canter for at least 4 minutes. Obviously when actually going cross-country, you need to incorporate jumping the fences too so this will take up more of both yours and your horses energy levels so you need to be

practising cantering at home on the flat for slightly longer periods than you would at an actual event.

This canter includes the rider being able to balance him or herself out of the saddle rather than bumping around on the horse’s back and doing the “rising canter” which is commonly seen but not correct. To enable the horse to use its back comfortably the rider needs to carry his weight completely off the horses back and ensure that they stay relaxed and move with the rhythm of the horse rather than tensing up and going against it.

A good schooling tip is to make use of puddles when out hacking, don’t avoid them, as they are a great way to help your horse get used to getting his feet wet before he makes it onto a cross-country course and sees a purpose built water feature. Again my Golly Galoshes come in really

handy for this and also cross-country schooling!

Cross-country schooling practice is required BEFORE you go out and expect your horse to jump different types of fences, especially ditches and water fences alike.

You want your horse to be fit and well ready for his next event, so you must make sure that he is looked after following the event too. You can’t just load him up and leave and then put him back in his stable for the night and go home. You need to check him over thoroughly to ensure that he had not knocked or banged himself at any point during the event. We also feed Aloeride because amongst its wide reaching benefits including improved coat and skin condition, it also helps improve hoof quality and supports a healthy digestive and immune system – key factors as the season progresses.

He needs to be washed off properly otherwise if sweat marks are left on him, they can become very uncomfortable and cause constant

scratching which can then lead to further problems.

If it is possible to turn your horse out for a while once you have returned home, this can be helpful so he doesn’t go straight back into his stable after having exerted himself to the limit and then travelled home, otherwise he may become very stiff.

Make sure that you check over your horse again the following morning to ensure that nothing obvious has come up over night whilst stabled.

www.gollygaloshes.com

www.aloeride.co.uk

“A good schooling

tip is to make use of puddles when out hacking”

“To ensure your fitness levels are good enough, regular hacking needs to be included in your horse’s general routine. This includes trotting and cantering for periods of times, rather than simply walking everywhere”

Victoria Bax, Top Tips for Training the Event Horse

http://www.gollygaloshes.com

http://www.aloeride.co.uk


Everything Horse UK Magazine and Reaseheath CollegeEverything Horse UK Magazine have teamed up with Reaseheath College, based in Nantwich, Cheshire to bring you the ‘Student Column’. The column is designed to give our readers an insight into college life as an equestrian student and to gather a more in depth knowledge into what equestrian based courses the college has to offer, what they involve and the experience students can gain.

Reaseheath Equestrian Centre forms part of the College and is nestled amongst some of Cheshire’s most beautiful countryside. Following a £2.3 million upgrade the facilities now enable world class horse care and management training across a variety of FE and HE courses. Catering for all levels of rider, the Reaseheath Equestrian Centre really does have everything a future student would want and need to pursue a career in the equestrian industry.

Each month students will be writing a piece for the magazine on life as a student at the college including an insight into their own life, how they plan to continue their study and what hopes they have for the future.

Student ColumnName: Chloe Lewis Course: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management

Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire www.reaseheath.ac.uk An overview so far: I have been a full time student at Reaseheath College for the past two years. Prior to this I completed a Level 2 Certificate here as part of my GCSE programme at school. I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies and taking the opportunities that I have been given.

The course has a mixture of theory and practical lessons as well as work experience and industry skills, study tours, trips and visiting speakers. As part of our course we complete industry skills whereby we work on the college yard and undertake general yard duties as part of a team. This enables us to train and develop our skills, in a supportive environment, to industry standard. During our second year, whilst completing our industry skills weeks, we mentor first year students to help with their progression and provide support and feedback. This is invaluable in preparing us for employment in both a practical and allied career. One of my favourite units is Event Management, when we organise and run events of our choice to raise money for charity. So far this year the group have organised and run the college Christmas show. This allowed students to compete in a low level fun event which included show-jumping, best turned out, fancy dress and ridden equitation.

My groups’ event is an affiliated show called ‘Shooting stars miniature horse show’. The show is affiliated to hold qualifiers for MHCGB grand championships 2014, AEMHS summer championships 2014 and HOYS 2014 qualifiers. To help fund the event, we are running cake sales at the college and are also running a cake sale and a raffle on the day with prizes ranging from

show halters and rugs to lessons with professional riders. Although supported by our lecturers we are responsible for the organisation, marketing and implementation of the show. In October 2013, 36 equine students from the college formed the Horse Of the Year Show (HOYS) arena party. Whilst at HOYS, we worked alongside top course-builders to build the show jumping courses, help with the displays, setting up for scurry driving and supported the ‘crash’ team in-case of riders or horses falling.

This is just one of many opportunities we get at Reaseheath to showcase and develop our skills at a range of events. This has helped me to become much more confident when working under pressure and in professional situations. Outside of college I enjoy showing my miniature horses and this year competed at HOYS as well as coming 3rd out of 31 in the Elite Arabian Class at Aintree. I have recently applied to university to study Equine Science and I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and skills within the industry to a very high level.

Chloe competing with her miniature

http://www.reaseheath.ac.uk

“The Importance of Backing Up” Mark Langley www.EquineAbility.com.au Backing up is a very important lesson for horses, whether you are training on the ground or riding. And it is probably something that few of us do often enough or in the right manner. I have seen a lot of horses where the back-up has been used in a negative context, or they have been backed up too little. What I mean by negative context is that on occasions, they are driven backwards too fast or too hard in training for punishment of error. The back-up in these situations has been used to make the horse uncomfortable and the horse has been ridden back in a negative way. Riding a horse backwards in this manner will not develop the calmness, smoothness of rhythm and confidence in our horse that we need to enhance our horse’s manoeuvrability. It also causes tension; lack of smoothness and commonly comes with a clamped or swishy tail – a result that I don’t think is acceptable for anyone.

When horses have been backed up too little, they haven’t spent enough time in reverse to confidently and calmly walk backwards, enabling them to place their feet in an even, soft manner. Backing to your horse should be as easy mentally and physically as it is walking forwards. Once your horse is at this stage, then there should be no confusion or lack of confidence.

Horses naturally spend almost all of their moving time going forwards. I would think going backwards for a horse would be similar to the task of you writing with your non-writing hand. Difficult; but not impossible.

It is our job to help develop confidence in the back-up. To do this, we have to be very aware of the concentration your horse needs for the exercise. Some horses find back-up easy, even within the first few strides of learning; others take weeks if not months to gain confidence and consistency. I have found that every horse has its own back-up speed. This speed is the speed at which the horse can mentally cope; it is slower than when it walks forward. Finding this speed is very important. Too often, we set the speed at


which our horse’s back up. Usually, it is too fast for our horses, leading to resistance as they try to push forwards out of it.

Consider that you are given a pen and asked to write your name with the wrong hand. You are asked to write your name at the speed that your good hand would normally use. Then, still using your wrong hand, write your name at a speed which you are comfortable with. When you write your name at a slower pace, you are given the time to enable you to concentrate enough to form the letters somewhat better. Over time, your name will improve and this speed will increase.

If we go at our horse’s speed then and teach them to slowly build rhythm at their speed, they will start to naturally gain confidence and this confidence will allow them to slowly gain speed. Over time (depending on the horse) you can get a comfortable back-up with the ability to travel at different speeds, without compromising smoothness or attitude.

Backing-up is a great exercise to do when we are out riding and if you can do it outside, your horse will be a more reliable partner. It can draw your horse’s focus back to you; prepare it for stopping; encourage better placement of their hind legs; increase coordination; and teach them to soften and lift through the back. All of these will help in any performance discipline or for safety riding outside.

Once a horse has learnt to back-up, it is very important to not just reward the backward steps but to also reward when it mentally commits to the back-up. You can tell when your horse mentally commits by the softness that they offer; their ears become more neutral and when you offer them a loose rein, they are happy to stand and stay with you.

"I am going to reward his try's rather than focus on the amount of pressure I put on him to get him to

try." Mark Langley

Marks Top Tips

1) Teach your horse to back on the ground first2) Get softness and roundness before you move their feet (don’t back with a stiff head)3) If you encourage a slow, soft back up, you will get smoother steps4) When riding, use your hands to gain softness and focus in the front and use your legs to lift their rib cage and back, encouraging the HQ to drive; your seat should be light5) Gain calmness and rhythm before speed6) It should become a soft, fluent & easy manoeuvre for your horse to do7) Practice going from forwards to backwards in a rocking motion, until there are no blocks8) It shouldn’t be stressful 9) It shouldn’t be abrupt10) You can use it to curb undesirable

✪Thismethodoflearningtoridepromisesfast,effectiveresults.

✪Mostridingbooks,includingthosebyclassicalmasters,focuson‘whattodo’ratherthan‘howtodo’.Thisbookisdifferent–itfocusesonthelatter.

✪Ridersandteachersofeverylevelwillfindsomethinghere.

Karin Blignault has combined theory and experimentation to develop a system of training (and teaching) that is straightforward, fast and brings real results. The methods described in this book teach riders to achieve rhythm, balance, suppleness and the round flexor frame in their horses – and quickly.

Most riding books, including those by classical masters, focus on ‘what to do’ rather than ‘how to do’. This book is different. For example, Karin explains how you can apply your body in riding, rather than focusing primarily on your body position, and thus your riding position automatically becomes correct.

She believes that riders should learn to control the whole horse as soon as possible and uses exercises to teach riders control of the horse’s head, his shoulders, his ribcage and his hindquarters. The results are immediate. These exercises are the building blocks of the shoulder-in and the half halt, which are the cornerstones of balanced riding. They are used to improve every movement in dressage and jumping.

KARIN BLIGNAULT competes at FEI-level dressage, teaches riding and participates in equestrian seminars. Having studied occupational therapy, Karin took a diploma in the education of children with learning difficulties and then studied neuro-developmental therapy. Following this she went on to lecture on the development of visual perception and learning theory. Karin became increasingly aware of the parallels between communication techniques and the facilitation of movement in disabled children, and the key concepts of classical equitation. Further exploration of these parallels, in which she combined her knowledge of anatomy, neurology and biomechanics with her equestrian expertise, led to her writing books for riders and teachers, namely Equine Biomechanics for Riders and Successful Schooling. She lives in Cape Town and is in great demand as a trainer at home and abroad.

‘What I love about Karin’s work is how she shows us the clearest way, the one that that works from a biomechanical point of view – or in simple language – Nature’s way.’ From the Foreword by SYLVIA LOCH

J. A. ALLEN NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENTEquestrian publishers since 1926 For review copies, extracts, interviews or other press enquiries, contact Ruby Bamber at [email protected]

KARIN BLIGNAULTForeword by Sylvia Loch

ISBN: 978-1-908809-14-8 • 192pp • paperback • colour throughout • £19.99 • published 31 Mar 2014

J A ALLEN • 45–47 Clerkenwell Green • London • EC1R 0HTtel: 0207 251 2661 • email: [email protected] • website: www.allenbooks.co.uk

FOUR STEPS TO

Riding Success


Groundwork • Ridden exercises • Real life scenarios• 60+ amazingly achievable lessons to improve horse and owner when time is short

• Based on sound principles of horsemanship – no gimmicks.

Do you, day after day, make a promise to train yourself and your horse to be better at something, but when you arrive at the yard there just doesn’t seem to be enough time? Don’t worry, what really matters is the QUALITY of the training you DO manage to fit in.

It really IS possible to carry out good quality, progressive training with a horse in only 3 minutes a day. Educator and horse trainer Vanessa Bee’s ‘light bulb moment’ was when she realised that if a training session had a realistic goal, every horse achieved the goal in under three minutes. This led her to create techniques appropriate for use in brief digestible lessons that produce significant gains in short sessions.

This refreshing new book offers 35 ground exercises, 24 ridden exercises, and 25 ‘real world’ exercises that will get you out and about with a safe, sane, well-trained horse.

Surely you’ve got 3 minutes?

VANESSA BEE is the founder of the International Horse Agility Club and the author of the bestselling book The Horse Agility Handbook: A Step-by-Step Introduction to the Sport. Vanessa has been around horses most of her life, working in racing stables throughout her teens, then driving competitively into her early twenties. With a degree in education and a qualified teacher, Vanessa has used her skills to develop a series of courses that teach people of all abilities and experiences to achieve a positive relationship with their horses (www.thehorseagilityclub.com). She lives in Devon.

ISBN: 978-1-908809-21-6 • 176pp • paperback • colour throughout • £17.99 • published 28 Feb 2014

J A ALLEN • 45–47 Clerkenwell Green • London • EC1R 0HTtel: 0207 251 2661 • email: [email protected] • website: www.allenbooks.co.uk

J. A. ALLEN NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENTEquestrian publishers since 1926

3-MINUTEHORSEMANSHIP

VANESSA BEE

V-Bandz, a leading innovator in equestrian high visibility for 13 years, has launched their Four Seasons Hi-Viz waterproof, breathable coat in the UK. Independently tested and certified to EN1150 and EN343 level, the Four Seasons coat combines exceptional style and performance as well as year round wear ability for all outdoor enthusiasts.

The Four Seasons coat has many practical features, it is designed by riders for riders and safety is paramount. High quality reflective gloss tape is prominent on the front, rear and sleeves of the coat, tested and independently certified to the exacting standards of EN1150 for reflective materials as well as holding the compulsory CE certification. The coat also features an optional, removable “Please Pass Wide & Slow” triangle for the back.

For versatility throughout the seasons, the Four Seasons Coat has a zip in quilted liner for use in colder weather and a breathable thin mesh lining for when it is warmer. The coat is sturdy and fully functional in wet weather. When undergoing testing for EN343 certification for waterproofing, seam strength and breathability, the coat achieved the very highest scores, proving its effectiveness in the most challenging conditions.

Further features consist of concealed zip pockets with extra strong pocket linings and elasticated, adjustable cuffs, a mobile phone security zip pocket, 2 way sturdy front zip, zip up riding vent on the back, fleece lined collar for superior comfort and optical illusion slimming panels front and back.

The Four Seasons Coat has been designed as a unisex coat and has been made for an active fit. Manufacturing is completely within the UK which is becoming more important for riders. It is available in five sizes from a 32” chest to a 48” chest.

The Four Seasons coat has many practical features, it is designed by riders for riders and safety is paramount. High quality reflective gloss tape is prominent!

The Four Seasons Coat costs £79.99 and is available online from www.v-bandz.co.uk or call 0845 095 6810. Follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/V-Bandz

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When we were young we ran around for hours, climbed trees, fell over, rolled down hills, fell off our bikes and we got straight back up brushed it off and did it all over again the following day. We didn't think of the consequences and we generally didn't hurt ourselves more than a few bumps and bruises. It is the same for a young horse. To watch a foal and mare being turned out for the first time is magical. Worrying - but magical. The foal will be nervous of it all and it will have to trust its mothers instincts, feelings and emotions. Once the first worry is over the foal will start to relax and play. Most of the time

the mare will join in and play with the foal. The mares relationship with the foal is beautiful, she will care for it, nurture it, protect it and she will groom it or clean it up when needed.

Massage for a young horse is based on the same principals. The foal will have to trust your hands are not going to hurt it, but care for it, nurture it, protect it and groom it or clean it up if needed. Massage for a foal can be beneficial for both of you. It is a great way to introduce the foal to touch, handling, body language and grooming. If the foal hasn't had that much contact with humans, you will have to start completely from scratch before massaging. I have had the pleasure of massaging several young horses and it is one of the most delightful

experiences. They absolutely love it and it is a joy to massage something that hasn't had the chance to have any problems yet. Their muscles feel like playdough and they have no problem telling you where or how they want their massage. Equine massage therapy consists of many different techniques and benefits more than just sore muscles. As the list shows massage is beneficial for the entire body, spirit and mind. Just like us humans, horses have characters all of their own and a relaxing comforting experience will naturally promote a state of emotional calmness and a sense of general well-being. Why not give your young one a great start to life with a bit of 'stroking'?The best techniques to introduce to your foal are the soothing techniques used to calm, sooth, relax and stimulate. Such as 'Stroking' and 'Effleurage'.

Image above: Stroking is used to calm the young horse

'Stroking': The main effect of ‘stroking’ is to calm. It is used as said before, to calm and relax a scared, nervous or anxious horse. It is also used to begin a massage and to end a massage. This application can be used all over the horses body.

How to apply: A continuous overlapping application of the fingertips running along with the direction of the hair from poll to tail. Including the barrel, chest, under the neck and down the legs. The pressure is very light 0.1lb-2lb. It has to be applied with an even pressure and a continuous rhythm, about one stroke pr. second.

This is a great application to feel your horse, to detect any abnormalities under the skin. When 'stroking' the horse you can feel any bumps or knots lying under the skin or any temperature change (hot or cold spots). When dealing with a foal or a very young

horse it is a great way to get to know the feel of your horses normal muscles. That way it will be easier for you to detect any knots or tension in the future.

When this has been done and your foal/ young horse has gotten used to this you can progress to 'Effleurage'.

'Effleurage': 'effleurages' main effect is to activate and promote fluid drainage from released muscle fibres.

it is used as 'stroking' to calm and relax a scared, nervous or anxious horse. To maintain a continuous contact between the horse and the therapist. To integrate changes of massage applications and techniques, to begin and end a massage. The application can be used all over the horses body, BUT reduce pressure over bony areas.

How to apply: A continuous overlapping application of the palms and flat of the fingers running along the direction of the hair. The pressure is light 2-3lb. It has to be applied with a continuous rhythm about one stroke pr. second.

This application is also great for getting to know how your horse's healthy muscles feel. Again this will help you in the future to detect any abnormalities.

Final thought...When treating any horse, young or old it is not only important to be calm, but to make sure your 'client' is calm too. Talking to the horse is the best

thing you can do. Ask him how he is, how he is feeling, how has he been since

the last time you saw him, if it is the first time you meet him, ask him why you are

there to treat him. They will answer if you listen!

Massage for the young horsewritten by Barbara Dreyer

Calms the nervous, tense and or anxious horseEmotionally re-balances the horse

Inhibits the onset of muscular tensionInhibits the maintenance of muscular tension

Inhibits the growth of muscular tensionInhibits referred muscular tension

Assists to provide physical comfort doing workStimulates the despondent horseRevives the unresponsive horse

Lowers blood pressure

Provides means of transportation of electrolytes while balancing their quantities

Assists the efficiency of muscular reflex actions within the digestive system providing enhanced

nutritional benefitsInhibits muscular stress derived from forced/

laboured respirationInduces sense of well-being, safety and calmnessRegulates, calms, revives and invigorates neural

and endocrine activity

Benefits offered from Equine Massage Therapy:

Effleurage help promote fluid drainage


Horse riders are one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, it is therefore essential that riders keep up to date with the highway code Rules (49-55) which cover Horse riders .

Rules 49 to 51 cover the rules on riders and horses need to wear when on the roads.

Rule 49 Horse ridersSafety equipment: children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet that complies with the Regulations. It must be fastened securely. Other riders should also

follow these requirements. These requirements do not apply to a child of adult rider who is a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban.

Rule 50: Other clothingYou should wear boots or shoes with hard soles and heels, light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight, and reflective clothing if you have to ride at night or in poor visibility.

Rule 51: At nightIt is safer not to ride on the road at night or in poor

visibility, but if you do, make sure you wear reflective clothing and your horse has reflective bands above the fetlock joints. A light, which shows white to the front and red to the rear, should be fitted with a band to the rider’s right arm and/or leg/riding boot. If you are leading a horse at night, carry a light in your right hand, showing white to the front and red to the rear, and wear reflective clothing on both you and your horse. It is strongly recommended that your horse also wears a fluorescent/reflective tail guard.

High visibility clothing on both the horse and rider can give a driver an extra 3 seconds reaction time, which at 30mph is an extra stopping distance of 40metres, the length of a full Dressage arena.For a driver, this could be the difference between hitting you, or passing you safely.

High Visibility is not just for road use, in rural areas it will help you be seen from the air and warn helicopters etc. that you are in the area.

Should you have a fall High Visibility will also help you be seen.

All High Visibility garments should have the grey/silver stripes on , these work by reflecting light directly back to

the source , so car lights will reflect off you making you more visible.

Yellow is ideal for winter visibility, but if riding through trees in full leaf in the lighter/sunnier months, then Pink is more effective

written by Fiona Kenyon

Riding and Road Safety Part II

HORSE AND RIDERS ON THE ROADS BE SAFE BE SEEN

There is no view better

than "between the ears" BE

SAFE BE SEEN and

make hacking an enjoyable

and safe experience for all concerned!


Clothing that must be worn

Ensure riding hats are worn at all times when riding, they should meet standards, a BSI or Euro standard PAS 015, EN 1384 or ASTM F1163; it must be solid, unbroken and fit correctly. Highway Code Rule 49 states: Children under the age of 14 years MUST wear a helmet which complies with the Regulations. It MUST be fastened securely.

The Rider Wear appropriate footwear with hard soles and heels. Fluorescent and Reflective Clothing, the minimum needed is;• Ankle bands• Lights with a white light to the front and red

to the rear can either be attached to the ankles and/or the rider’s right arm.

Hat covers or hat bands, jackets or tabards, gloves are also a good idea to increase visibility.

The HorseThe most Important items for the horse to wear are;Reflective Bands above the fetlock joints and a Reflective Tail Guard

Exercise sheets, neckband’s/martingales, noseband and bridle covers will also increase visibility.

Other factors that are important before and when hacking out.1. Correctly fitting Tack, never ride without a saddle and bridle.2. Carry a phone with ICE ( in case of emergency)3. Have on you a contact name and number, and important details about yourself.(allergies etc)4. Always tell someone your route and when you expect to return5. Never ride more than two abreast , single file on narrow or busy roads.6 Keep to the left and ride in the direction of the traffic.

Giveaway

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zip; fully adjustable. 2 large zipped hidden pockets at the front, fully washable (non-bio) on a 30 degrees, hang to dry.

Sizes – Small/Child/chest 30”-34”, Medium/12-14/chest 34”-36”, Large/16-18 /chest 36”-38”, XLarge/18-20/38”-40”, XXLarge/20-22/chest 42”-46”. Rear Signage Please Pass Wide & Slowly Thank You.

As part of our Rider Safety Campaign, we are delighted that Equisafety, the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer of equestrian high visibility apparel for horse and rider, has offered to provide ONE Lucky

Reader with a package consisting of:

NonSlip Neoprene Tail Guard (RRP: £16.99)Fits most horse’s tails (turn upside down if ‘cobby’ tail). 100% quality neoprene. Does not slip off and is adjustable by hook & loop fastenings. 4 large flashing lights.

Reflective Adjustable Neck Band (RRP: £15.99): Excellent for front and side visibility. Fully adjustable by hook & loop fastening underneath the chest. Wipe clean.

To be in with a chance to win answer this simple question:

Which of these should you not hack out in

1) Ankle bands2) Fluorescent exercise sheet

3) Trainers

To ENTER please email [email protected] with your answer before the 31st March 2014

All available either in PINK or YELLOW


Group living and social interaction are important for horses. The benefits of herd living have been widely studied, particularly in relation to security and fight or flight behaviour, but how important is group cohesion to horses and how do they maintain it?

Group Living and Social OrderHorses are largely non-territorial and

live naturally in groups forming stable relationships. They share their space and resources with one-another and so harmony within the group is important. Equine social order is hierarchical with clear leaders at the top and subordinates at the bottom. However, in the middle of the herd, social order can become more complex with the potential for social triangles to develop. Within a social triangle, as described by Houpt and colleagues, Horse A might be dominant over Horse B and Horse B over Horse C, however Horse C might also be dominant over Horse A. Horses

often develop closer relationships with others of a similar age and rank, with these horses becoming preferred associates.

Maintaining Social Position

Horses use a combination of agonistic and affiliative behaviours to maintain their social position.

Agonistic behaviour relates to aggressive encounters and refers to threat, attack, retreat or appeasement. Types of agonistic behaviour

include nudging another horse away, threatening to kick or bite; chasing, and actual bites or kicks.

Christensen and colleagues examined how group living, versus single stabling, affected the social behaviour in young stallions. The team studied a total of 19 two-year-old stallions. The horses were kept in their respective housing for 9 months, before being turned out in two separate enclosures. Scientists monitored the social interactions of each group, finding ultimately that more aggressive behaviour was

Sticking Together: Group Cohesion in Horses

Written by Louise Napthine MSc


displayed by the group which had previously been singularly housed, than that of the group housed horses. The singularly stabled stallions showed more inclination towards using threats to bite, as well as physical bites themselves. However, the group housed stallions tended to use more subtle displays of agonistic behaviour, such as causing a horse to retreat and submissive mouth snapping.

Developing and maintaining an established social order decreases the amount of injury sustained, because, once understood, threats can then replace physical attack.

Horses maintain their social relationships with affiliative “friendly” behaviours - the two most important being play and allogrooming (commonly referred to as mutual grooming). In addition to reducing social tension and enhancing equine bonding, allogrooming has also been found to reduce heart rate and levels of stress hormone cortisol.

Social networksAs well as forming close bonds with preferred partners, horses take an active preference towards being close to particular individuals whilst resting and grazing.

Interestingly, during the study carried out by Christensen and colleagues, researchers noted that the formerly group-housed horses associated more with their own group members, however the single-housed horses did not show a preference for their former neighbours. Since the singularly-housed-horses could both see and smell their neighbours, but did not associate with them during turnout, the researchers suggested that bodily contact is an important component in establishing social relationships.

As well as establishing these relationships, maintaining social networks is also important to horses. Beyond simply sustaining their own social position, research demonstrates that horses actively seek to conserve relationships

with one-another, not just for their own benefit but also for the group as a whole.

A study by VanDierendonck and colleagues showed that maintaining pair bond relationships is important to horses. Over two summers, the team studied a group of free-ranging Icelandic horses for over 1300 hours. During the second summer, the researchers introduced 8 unknown horses into the group and observed how this affected the social relationships of the Icelandic horses. The researchers found that when preferred partners were seen to be allogrooming with the unknown horses, the original group members actively sought to intervene in interactions which carried the potential to jeopardise their own social alliances.

Conflict resolution is also an important factor for maintaining harmony within the group.Cozzi and colleagues carried out a study which examined how horses behaved towards one-another following a conflict situation. The team observed a stable herd of 7 horses for 108 hours. Using video footage, researchers

gathered evidence on how the horses behaved in the 10 minutes immediately following a conflict. During this period, horses were seen to display affiliative behaviours such as allogrooming, sniffing the other horse, playing and friendly contact. Interestingly, the researchers found that, not only did pairs of horses make attempts to reconcile following a conflict, third-party horses also stepped in to assist in the reconciliation of belligerent herd-mates. Of the horses studied, all seven acted as a third-party at some point and were observed both consoling the victim and appeasing the aggressor.

Research indicates that group cohesion is important to horses and that they actively seek to maintain harmony within the herd. Equally, behaviourists are concerned that focus on agonistic encounters can distort understanding of how horses manage their relationships.

Many scientists believe that horses largely use avoidance techniques to sustain their position and that, rather than aggression, hierarchy is based more on attachment and tolerance.

Equine introductions-Corradee Stud.jpg

http://www.equineability.com.au


so consider stabling your horse at these times. If your horse has to stay out, make sure he has good shelter, such as a clean field shelter.

To rug or not to rug? Special rugs for horses suffering from sweet itch can put a fabric barrier between these tiny pests and the horse’s skin. Most sweet itch rugs are close fitting (for maximum protection) and will usually include neck, belly and large tail sections, as well as full masks for greater cover.

Lotions and potions- There are a lot of fly repellents and anti-midge products available, and these can be a huge help, depending on your situation. Some, like ours, you only need to apply once a week, but others will require application daily. Have a read of the bottle before you buy. If your horse has any open wounds (if he’s already injured himself through itching), mention this to the person you’re buying the product from as this could be important.Make a start- if you know your horse suffers with sweet itch, get yourself prepared BEFORE the itching starts. Some products that require infrequent application

can be started before the season and, if you have rugs and covers, make sure these are washed and ready for use.

We don’t know when spring will arrive, but we do know that, when it does, the midges will be there and ready to cause misery to horses that suffer with sweet itch.

Z-itch is a pour-on liquid to aid the treatment of sweet itch. It contains Permethrin and should be measured and poured down the horse’s mane and rump (avoiding the saddle area) once a week. For best results, the product should be used before the horse starts to itch,

but it can be used after symptoms have presented themselves too.

For those who prefer to rug, Z-itch also makes the Z-itch Sweet Itch Rug with Hood, which covers the horse from nose to dock in a tightly woven, comfortable and breathable fabric. To find out more, see www.z-itch.co.uk. To see Z-itch in action, see the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmdB6FmrqZMWith the horrendous weather that’s been battering

the UK over the last few weeks, it feels like we’re a long way from spring days, dry fields and midges…but not according to the calendar! Warmer weather and mud free paddocks are what horse owners live for but, for horses that suffer with sweet itch, the spring and summer are far from fun. In this feature, Z-itch, the makers of the once-a-week pour-on product to aid the control of sweet itch and the Z-itch Sweet Itch Rug, provide us with some handy hints to help sweet itch horses and ponies stay sweet all season long.

Sweet itch is a caused by a reaction to the saliva of the culicoides midge. Midges can bite all horses and ponies, but a horse with sweet itch has an allergic reaction to the saliva, and this generates an exaggerated response in the body. The reaction makes the horse itchy…really itchy. So itchy that sweet itch horses often sport bald patches on their body, mane and tail where they have scratched themselves so much that they’ve rubbed away the hair. In fact, some horses actually rub away the

skin, causing open wounds that require additional treatment to prevent infection. Horses with sweet itch can be thoroughly miserable during sweet itch season, and it’s easy to see why- they have an itch that’s impossible to scratch enough to make it stop. If you think your horse has sweet itch, but it hasn’t been confirmed by a vet, it could be worth a check up, to make sure your horse doesn’t have another skin condition that’s producing similar symptoms.

Unfortunately, sweet itch can’t be ‘cured’, but it can be managed and this can make the world of difference to your horse and his enjoyment of life. Here are some points to consider if you have a horse to pony with sweet itch…

Location- If you have boggy fields with ponds and standing water, you’re likely to see more midges than someone with an exposed, dry field would. This is because midges like to breed in damp conditions. Midges also enjoy rotting vegetation, so make sure your horse isn’t grazing close to a muck heap!In or out? Midges are most active at dawn and dusk,

Get readyfor sweet itch season!

Unfortunately, sweet itch can’t be

‘cured’, but it can be managed and this

can make the world of difference to

your horse and his enjoyment of life.


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[email protected]


Equimins Dry Clean

For when time is tight or weather conditions are less than favourable, Equimins’ Dry Clean is a great way to wash the horse…without the need for water.

Dry Clean is available in 500ml and 1 L trigger spray bottles. Prices start from £9.50.

Equimins Ultra Shine Groomer

Ultra Shine Groomer has been developed to put a stunning sheen on the horse’s coat…but it has other benefits too.

Groomer is available in 500ml, 750ml and 1L bottles. Prices start from £6.89.

For more information on both products see www.equimins.com,

GROOMING GURU??Grooming kit essentials for every

equestrians bag....

Easidri Grooming Towel

The Easidri Grooming Towel is easy to use, super absorbent and ideal drying dogs and horses all year round.

The Easidri Grooming Towel is available in size small, medium and large. Prices start from £11.

For more information visit the website

www.easidri.com

Moorland Rider Coat Shine Mitt

Moorland Rider’s Coat Shine Mitt is easy to use, soft and ideal for day to day horse grooming or for delivering a show ring shine.

The Coat Shine Mitt is available in one size, in turquoise and has a RRP of £2.99.

For more information, see

www.moorlandrider.co.uk

Shires Plaiting bands

Whether its training the main to one side or plaiting up for a show you can’t beat these coloured plaiting bands for price and durability. Another firm favourite these bands are now often used under the dazzling plaiting rings to keep the plaits in place.

Prices start from around 99p and come in packs of 500

Roma Gel Hoof Pick

Available in a variety of colours, this hand friendly hoof pick by Roma makes it a pleasure to ‘pick out’ your horse or ponies feet.

Available in Blue, Pink and PurplePrices start from around £4.99

Shed’N’Blade

This is a ‘great piece of kit’ for your grooming kit around this time of year. If you haven’t clipped your horse over the winter get cracking with one of these shed’N’blade tools to help remove loose or dead hair and you’ll have your horse feeling fresher and less itchy in no time!Prices start around £2.99

Absorbine SHOWSHEEN

For the ultimate coat shine use Showsheen! Enriched with pro-vitamins and silk proteins Showsheen keeps manes and tails tangle free, makes coats sleek and accentuates body tone and definition.RRP £12.99

Grooming Guru

http://www.equimins.com

http://www.easidri.com

http://www.moorlandrider.co.uk


Carr & Day & MartinHorse Care Sponge A grooming kit must have! This high density quality foam sponge for washing all areas of the horse (approx 18cm x 10cm)

Top Tip: Have separate sponges for cleaning different areas of the horse, keeping the spread of bacteria to a minimum.

Prices start around £1.80 each

KBF99 Dandy Brush

Launched in 2013 the KBF99 range are a revolutionary type of grooming kit designed to assist in the prevention of infection and reinfection of diseases such as Strangles, Ringworm, E.Coli and Mycotoxin

Laboratory tests resulted in KBF99 material killing 99% of the bacteria

test culture. The KBF99 product range has been developed to help protect and safeguard horses and in some cases humans from contracting these and other conditionsRRP Standard: £13.99 Long Fibre: £14.50

Oster 7-Piece Grooming Kit

The Oster essential 7-piece grooming kit is a compact and lightweight way to carry a complete grooming kit. Ideal for when on the road with your equine, Oster have packed this set full of grooming kit essentials.

Prices start from around £59.99

NETTEX Shimmer Coat Spray

Stand out from the crowd with Nettex, Get a first-class show ring shine on your horse’s coat this year with this highly effective Hi-Shimmer Coat Spray from Nettex. Ideal for using on any colour coat, Hi-Shimmer Coat Spray is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all types of horses or ponies this show season.RRP: £10.50 for 300ml

Requisite Fly Repellent

A water based, ready to use Fly repellent at an affordable price from Robinsons.

RRP £8.99 for 500ml

NETTEX Fly Repellent Wipes

Ideal for horses that are easily upset with the spraying action of the traditional spray’s these fly repellent wipes contain deet and conditioners in a moisturising formula that keeps the product effective for longer by slowing down evaporation.


Carr & Day & Martin Flyguard

Long lasting spray with moisturising with added coat conditioners to promote a healthy, shiny coat.

Prices start from around £11.99 for 750ml

Shires Deluxe Grooming Box

Made to last, the Shires deluxe grooming box helps you tidy away your kit effectively and securely. With the option to add a security lock these compact boxes are great to safely store your every day grooming kit in.

Dimensions H 300mm, W 410mm, D 190mm


Pro Tack Extra Large Grooming Box

If you have plenty of grooming kit this extra large grooming box with movable internal shelf may well be the answer for you.

Dimensions H 33.8cm, D 28.7cm and W 51.5cm

Prices start around £27.99

Grooming Guru


Equus SolutionsSet in idyllic Cornwall close to tranquil sandy beaches and dramatic coastline, we are delivering a uniquely innovative therapy treatment using horses

As horse owners we sometimes take for granted the majestic qualities that our horses possess; horses do not lie, they don’t use words and have no hidden agenda, it is this honesty from the horses that gives our clients the most immediate and non-judgmental feedback.

We work with a wide variety of clients, have an ongoing referral system with a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, and we also work closely with victims of domestic violence and individuals who have found themselves homeless. Our program helps offenders and individuals experiencing family problems.

As well our Equine Assisted Psycho-therapy (EAP) we offer Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) where the focus is more on clients gaining coping strategies,

this has begun to grow rapidly with our autistic clients and clients with learning difficulties. We are quickly developing a reputation for excellent work with those on the autistic spectrum or with learning disabilities, with our therapeutic riding and activities program.

As horses are so interactive and intuitive their communication is very clear, the service users learn about themselves by participating in activities with the horses. As we well know anger and anxiety don’t work with horses, so the education is real and honest.

For our clients, developing empathy and emotion for the horses is a great trigger for awareness of others feeling and requirements.

The EAP treatment involves a skilled qualified therapist, a horse professional and a horse working with each we set up activities which give opportunity for metaphoric learning. Spending time ob-serving and interacting with our horses has proven to help develop bonds and personal relationships outside the arena.

The progression and development gained from using EAP is something we are very proud of here at The Old Vicarage. Our case studies and feedback alone prove how beneficial our therapy is and now more than ever we are keen to share the benefits.

Equus Solutions is based at The Old Vicarage, Churchtown, St Hilary, Penzance, TR20 9DQ

Tel: 01736 711508 www.equusolutions.co.uk

Introductory visits are always welcome by appointment.

EquusSolutions

Photographs taken by Diane Adey

Thermal imaging is an incredibly useful ‘tool’ that’s taking the horse world by storm. Here, Helen Morrell, Managing Director of the UK’s largest all species thermal Imaging service Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) tells us all about this amazing technology.

Have you ever felt down your horse’s legs to check for heat and swelling after strenuous exercise? If you answered ‘yes’ to this, you’re already using a form of thermography!

Thermal imaging, as the name suggests, maps heat patterns across an animal’s body, highlighting hot spots and cold spots. Hot spots show areas of increased circulation, which can indicate inflammation, and are often seen overlying an injury. Cold spots show a reduction in blood supply, which can be due to swelling, thrombosis, scar tissue and increased tone in the nervous system.

How do thermographer’s know where there’s a hot spot or a cold spot? It’s not a magical power, it’s a combination of state of the art technology and thorough training that involves image interpretation, but also draws on the thermographer’s in-depth knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics.

The technology comes in the form of a specialist infrared camera and the software needed to manipulate the image it takes. The camera itself measures the heat photons that are emitted from the animal, and converts these into electrical impulses that are then displayed as a coloured image on the camera’s monitor. Each image uses thousands of temperature readings to create the picture you see on a screen or in a report. With the camera’s heat detector or microbolometer able to detect differences of 0.05C (and being 40 times more sensitive than the human hand), an amazing image is produced. The cameras that VTI uses take around 80,000 temperature readings to create a really detailed high definition image, allowing a vet or physio to see the anatomical structures involved. They can be used to monitor the efficacy of a treatment, showing progress as the weeks pass; can be used as a diagnostic tool like an x-ray; can be used in pre-purchase examinations and for general management, saddle fit, dental issues and more.

Evidence shows that thermal imaging can highlight an

area of interest up to three weeks before a horse shows clinical symptoms such as lameness, as horses are very adept at masking pain and discomfort. Can you imagine how useful this is for horses in training or horses engaged in competition and strenuous activity? Scans can focus on vulnerable areas, such as the tendons, with regular thermal images taken to monitor throughout the season. As owners and riders, all we might spot in the early stages of a problem are loss of performance, behavioural changes and lethargy, but

with thermal imaging this can be pinned down to any physical causes

Another great thing about thermal imaging is it’s entirely non-invasive…your horse will think he’s having his photo taken…that’s all. Our cameras are fully mobile and wireless and our thermographer’s come to you, so there’s no need to transport your horse. There’s no need for sedation either as, if the horse moves, the image can be taken again, and there is no radiation so it’s completely safe for horse, and handler.

Thermal imaging is useful and safe to use. If you’re interested in having your horse scanned, then make sure the thermographer you’re using has correct training. It’s also worth noting that unless the thermographer is also a qualified vet, they should not diagnose an animal’s issue or recommend treatment, according to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. VTI’s thermographer’s will work closely with your vet.

Last but not least, thermal imaging is affordable too. VTI prices start from £30 plus travel for horses!

To find out more about Veterinary Thermal Imaging or find your nearest thermographer, see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com, or call 0844 544 3314.

Some links to VTI videos…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f_AxI2U4WQ Back problems identified using thermal imaging.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq57yNC_lqs Tendon and ligament problems identified using thermal imaging.

All the colours of the rainbow!

http://www.equusolutions.co.uk

http://www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com

http://www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f_AxI2U4WQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f_AxI2U4WQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq57yNC_lqs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq57yNC_lqs


Dodson & HorrellMobility Available as a dried blend or as a liquid the Dodson & Horrell Mobility supplement contains a blend of herbs including Devil’s Claw Root, Dandelion Leaves, Celery Seed, Burdock Root, Nettle and Comfrey Leaf.

The supplement has pain relieving properties and is recommended for the veteran horse as well as those suffering with.

Dodson & Horrell offer a variety of different types of supplements focusing on joints and mobility.

Prices start from around £12.99. For further information please visit http://www.dodsonandhorrell.com

Last month we looked at Breathing, Digestion and Performance; this month we take a closer look at supplements for Hoof Care, Joints and Vitality

Supplement Savy Hoof Care, Joints and Vitality, part II

HOOF CARE

JOINTSFeel the Difference with LitoVet®Equine Joint Health

Participants in a published scientific study described horses on the LitoVet® joint supplement as ‘appearing more lithe, supple and easier to work the day after strenuous exercise’.

The unique supplement is 100% natural and contains specially cultivated Rose Hips which have a high GOPO® (glycoside of mono and diglycerol) and Vitamin C content.

GOPO® has been shown to help to maintain, soundness, suppleness and mobility in equine

joints and joint tissues. As LitoVet® is a natural supplement is suitable for all horses, including those which are competing. RRP £49. For further information please visit www.litovet.co.uk

Hilton HerbsHoof & Health

The best of Sea & Soil! All-round vitamin & mineral supplement to maintain healthy hooves, coat, and skin.

A vitamin and mineral-rich seaweed supplement providing a balanced blend of vital nutrients to support healthy hoof.

RRP £27www.hiltonherbs.com

NAF Pro Feet

Developed by veterinarian scientists and approved by leading farriers PROFEET offers Five Star nutritional support for quality hoof growth and protection against cracked brittle hooves. Biotin has long been recognised as key to nutritional support of hooves. RRP £29.95

www.naf-equine.eu/uk

T.E.NChallenged Hooves

An advanced formulation hoof supplement with higher than typical levels of biotin plus MSM, omega 3, lysine, methionine and more. Ideal for horses and ponies with slow hoof growth or hoof issues such as brittle, cracked and dry hooves. RRP £26.99www.tensupplements.co.uk

EquiminsMobile-Mover Herbal Liquid Tincture

Mobile-Mover is a herbal liquid multiblend that helps to maintain healthy joints in horses, using herbs.

The liquid contains devil’s claw, hawthorn, burdock, nettle, meadowsweet and clivers to help maintain joint health. With modest feeding rates, Mobile-Mover is very eco-nomical to use too, with 1L lasting for 66 days.

Mobile-Mover is available in 1L bottles, which have a RRP of £21.50.

Ruggles & StopitallPernamax Equine - Step Out Of Stiffness with Green Lipped Mussel

Ruggles & Stopitall offer the unique, potent and proven Omega 3 joint product from New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM). The Maxavita Pernamax Equine tablets can be fast-acting (7-10 days) and help soothe your horse’s stiff, sore and aching joints naturally. Ideal for arthritis, bone issues with foals, competition bone stresses and after laminitis as well as dealing with Omega 3 deficiencies (also available for humans and dogs). Tablets are crushable and without bulky fillers.RRP £26.95Visit www.karenruggles.co.uk to purchase online.

EquiminsBiotin Plus 25

Biotin Plus 25 contains 25mg of biotin per daily amount to help healthy hoof growth and skin condition. It contains higher levels of biotin that Equimins’ entry level hoof supplement (Biotin 15) and combines this with different sources of bio-available zinc to help support keratin growth in the hoof.Prices start from £14.75www.equimins.com


VITALITYDengieNatural Vitality Leisure Vits and Mins

The Natural Vitality Performance Vits & Mins supplement from Dengie is a high specification, broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement for working horses and ponies. The supplement includes a full range of B vitamins and generous levels of vitamin E and selenium, two nutrients that are integral to the body’s antioxidant defence system.Prices start from around £15.99 For further information please visit http://www.dengie.com

NAF Apple Cider Vinegar

NAF Apple Cider Vinegar has long been a supplement available on the market to provide vitality and help improve coat condition.

A good source of Vitamins A & C, and the minerals calcium and phosphorous. Used for a number of health reasons including reducing the calcification of the joints, arteries and cleansing the blood.Prices start from around £9.99For further information please visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk

How to buy a joint supplementWe all know that there are a lot of joint supplements available - a look at any feed store’s supplement selection or search on the web will tell you that much…but how do you know which one to pick? Here, Equimins’ Managing Director, David Willey, talks us through how to buy a joint supplement…and it could save you pounds!

We’ve been making supplements for horses for over 30 years and in that time a lot has changed. Not only has the range of supplements available increased enormously, but the diversity within the range has increased too. It can be difficult to find the right supplement for your horse, but here are some handy tips to follow:

First of all- what are you feeding the supplement for? Do you have an aging equine with stiff joints or a competition horse that you’re supplementing to help keep his joints in great condition? If you have a horse that’s in discomfort, calling your vet is a good first step so the problem can be confirmed. If it has been, then does your horse compete? Would you prefer a purely herbal supplement, a more ‘conventional’ supplement’ or a mixture of the two?

Yes, there are a lot of questions, but it’s important to weigh up the options. If you’re feeding a horse that’s competing, make sure the product you’re feeding is free from banned substances. Some ingredients, including some herbs, are banned, so it is worth checking. If you’re feeding to help maintain the joints, then your priorities will be different to someone who is facing a problem.

How much?! The price of joint supplements can vary enormously and that can be due to a combination of the ingredients that are included, the quantity that they’re included at…and like anything in life, the brand can have a reflection on the price too.

What’s in it? A quick glance at the packaging should tell you what’s inside the tub or bottle. The most popular joint supplements tend to show ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, MSM and ascorbic acid…or a combination of these. Depending on the answer to question one (what are you feeding the supplement for?), you might feel that you’d rather use a glucosamine supplement at this stage, or an MSM supplement, rather than going the ‘whole hog’. Alternatively, if you’re looking at a herbal approach, the chances are that you’ll see devil’s claw, but look out for other herbs such as clivers, nettle, chamomile, celery seed, dandelion, burdock, meadowsweet and gingko. The blend will vary from company to company, formulation to formulation, depending on what aspect the herbs are helping.

It’s important to know what’s in a supplement, but it’s also key to note

ReadySupp - Shine On

Shine On should be fed to all horses wanting an unbeatable show shine, and particularly to those with skin challenges or dull coats. Leave your horse looking in peak condition with this linseed-rich blend of herbs and oils that put a superior shine on your horse’s coat. High levels of the essential amino-acid Methionine, Chelated Zinc, Copper and Biotin are included to add a lustrous shine like no other. The active ingredients also make this new product ideal for horses prone to itchiness and allergies, and it contains Brewer’s Yeast and B vitamins to help reduce insect worry. RRP £23.99www.readysupp.com

ReadySupp - Vitamin E & Selenium Budget compound feeds tend to be relatively low in Vitamin E, so all horses on this type of feed and those with limited or no grass turnout, would benefit from this supplement. This is a popular antioxidant blend for horses that require a little extra muscular support. A must for horses prone to tying up, this new supplement is ideal after surgery or injury to promote natural healing. RRP £14.70www.readysupp.com

NAFPink Powder

A high concentration feed balancer boosted with pro-biotic yeast, NAF in the Pink Powder is highly nutritional supplement that can be used to support all-round equine health and vitality. This high specification formulation is of the highest quality and is proven to provide long-lasting effective nutritional support of the gut. It should be fed to balance the diet with micro-nutrients and to provide key gut support to maintain perfect condition. RRP £17.99 www.naf-equine.eu/uk

64 Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 6 • March 2014

how to buy a joint supplement continued...

what levels the ingredients are included at…it’s something we’re very passionate about. If you buy a supplement for a bargain but it’s got very low levels of important ingredients, the chances are that it won’t help as much as a supplement with higher levels. What’s more, you could well find that the feeding recommendations for the bargain supplement are a lot more than a more expensive product. Don’t just compare the price on the tub, look at the feeding recommendation and the amount of ingredients that are included per scoop or per 100g- it’s the only fair way to compare.

Cost is important but, as mentioned above, it’s not just the price on the tub- work out the cost per day to use the product and look at the levels too- with our Flexijoint product, people contact us to say that they use less than the feeding suggestion and that they’re getting great results. We’re not surprised by this because we include high levels of key ingredients…to illustrate the point…

A 600g tub of Flexijoint has a RRP of £26.25. We think that’s excellent value, but next to a tub that’s bigger for less money, you might be unconvinced. So, let’s work out the cost per day…

For a pony measuring up to 14hh, we suggest feeding one measure a day, which is 10g, so 600g will last for 60 days.

26.25 divided by 60 = 0.4375, so it costs 44p per day to feed.

Now, as for what’s in each scoop, there’s 2000mg of chondrotin sulphate, 4063mg of glucosamine, 2410mg of MSM and 30mg of hyaluronic acid, in addition to other important ingredients. Use the example above to help you work through a short list of supplements if you’re cost conscious.

One last element that’s worth considering is a guarantee or money back offer. We offer a money back guarantee on Flexijoint if the owner isn’t happy with how the supplement has performed. This is another aspect to consider when you make your choice…what happens if it doesn’t work for you?

Equimins have been making supplements, creams, lotions, shampoos and more in their Devon base for over 30 years. With the equine products divided into 14 colour coded categories, it’s never been easier to choose the right supplement for your horse. In addition, a number of products come with a money back guarantee and the friendly team are able to give advice over the phone or by email, to help you get the right products.

For more information, see www.equimins.com.


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Product Focus with Everything Horse UK

Good Day Mate! New for Spring with Timothy FoxTaking inspiration from ‘down under’, this gorgeous new ‘Timothy Foxx Perth Hoodie’ is just what your spring wardrobe needs to brighten up those gloomy days!

Celebrating the rich colours of the Australian landscape, this hoodie is styled in a beautiful Turquoise Sea Blue with a Burnt Earthy Orange lining, embroidery and print.

This laid back hoodie hints at surf wear with it’s natural wooden buttons, cream drill cotton pull cords and bold printed graphics and signature Timothy Foxx embroidery.

A gorgeous hoodie that ensures that everyday is a ‘good day’ when you are wearing this spring/summer essential! RRP £65 for more information visit the Timothy Fox website www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

Protect and Preserve…The Veredus Carbon Shield Overreach Boot The Veredus Carbon Shield is a revolutionary overreach boot designed to protect the whole heel area and give the ultimate in protection from injury.

It is a unique anatomical, close contact fit that sees the vulnerable bulb and heel area protected with extra super strength Carbon. The inner boot has a slim layer of gel that gives additional protection against knocks and has shock absorbing properties that reduce direct trauma by 40%.

The main shell is made from a flexible, strong polyurethane mixture that provides excellent protection against abrasion and continues to

maintain its flexibility in temperatures as extreme as -15 to +50 degrees.The Carbon Shield overreach boots are kept in place with a Velcro strap above the fetlock and the main boot has elastic straps with double point fastenings and quick release tip on the outer edge of the boot to give a perfect fit. The boots do not spin or move, they are totally secure and the anatomical shape offers all round protection for the jumping horse.

RRP: £122.00C o l o u r s / S i z e s : Black, Brown/S-M-L

Stockist information www.zebraproducts.co.uk 01352 763350

Competition Clean Up with Golly GaloshesWhen it comes to keeping your horse’s boots, bandages and legs clean and dry, Golly Galoshes are your secret weapon this competition season!

Golly Galoshes are clever waterproof and breathable gaiters that are designed to be worn over your boots and bandages during schooling and general exercise, making them ideal not only for keeping your bandages and boots pristine in the warm-up, but also a brilliant solution for use at home for everyday use.

Fans of the product include MBE and Multi Gold Medallist Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker, uses them for both hacking and schooling, as she explains:

“Golly Galoshes are an ingenious idea for both schooling/warm-up and out hacking, helping to keep my boots and bandages looking good and staying dry, no matter what the riding conditions and

we love the Navy Patriotic versions!”

As for eventer and ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax, they are also ideal for keeping legs dry and boots from getting soggy in the rain and heavy with mud when cross-country training, as she says:

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

Available in a variety of colours, including plain Black and smart Navy Patriotic and feature a secure hook and loop fastenings and full length zip with protective fleece lapel for security and comfort.

Whatever your discipline – Golly Galoshes are an essential piece of kit this season!

Prices start from £25.99 per pair Miniature Pony through to £34.99 for horse sizing: www.gollygaloshes.com

Golly Galoshes are clever waterproof and breathable gaiters that are designed to be worn over your boots and bandages during schooling and general exercise,

http://www.timothyfoxx.co.uk/

http://www.zebraproducts.co.uk

http://www.zebraproducts.co.uk

http://www.gollygaloshes.com


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Documents

Everything horse uk march 2014 issue 6