Innholdsfortegnelse for 403 i Your Horse

Here’s Sarah Grout, riding her horse Milly (show name Classic Mellidy) at the British Riding Clubs Area 7 horse trials a t the College Equestrian C entre in Keysoe, Bedfordshire. It was the pair’s first one-day event, and they came third in the grassroots section. Well done! Rebecca Green from Cheshire took her horse Thorne out to Kelsall Hill Gallops along with a few other friends from her local riding club. The afternoon brought the odd playful buck, but it was a great experience for the horses. Margaux Cardew and her Spanish pony, Tiger, competing at the Woodland Pytchley Pony Club Dressage and Eventer Trials. They won the dressage and came fourth in the BE90 eventing section. A good day! Want to see your club featured here? Get in touch…

Priceless moments Madison is a great mare and despite my busy job of travelling the UK, we always make time for cuddles and TLC. Tracey Lawson, South Wales Devil horns Sitting in the field with my Arab mares Zarina – on my shoulder – with Zarafah trying to get in on the act from behind. Peter Robinson, Wiltshire Bathtime frolics This is William, who’s happily living out his retirement on our yard. This was taken after he’d had a bath! Becky Woodhouse, Surrey Keeping an eye out This is my horse, Gwen. She always puts her head through the door of our caravan to see what we’re doing and to make sure that we’re getting her food ready! Claire Doyle, South Yorkshire SEND YOUR PICS! Keep your photos coming in…

Many believe a saddler and saddle fitter are the same thing, when they’re two quite different professions. Put simply, a saddler is someone who works at a bench, makes saddlery items and repairs and makes adjustments, while a saddle fitter is someone who works with horses and riders in the field, checking to ensure a good fit, and supplying new saddles where required. It takes time and effort to learn the trade, but demand for fitters has never been so high and it’s an ideal time to retrain. Master Saddler, harness maker and saddle fitter Mark Fisher began his career with the Kings Troop in 1982 and qualified as an RQSF (Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter) in the early nineties, when qualification was first introduced. He gives the lowdown on his…

Becoming an equine veterinary nurse is many people’s dream. Hard work of course, upsetting at times, but extremely satisfying and enjoyable. Louise Adamson is a vet nurse at Oakham Equine Hospital, in Rutland, and wouldn’t want to do anything else. She started her career as a groom before training to be a small animal vet nurse and moving on to the equine side of things as soon as she could. “I got my job here covering maternity leave at first and was then lucky enough to be kept on full-time,” says Louise. “After a year’s experience I started training for the equine veterinary qualifications on a block release basis and this took two years, a time that I thoroughly enjoyed.” “Why I love it” Louise describes being able to care…

OUR EXPERT CAROLINE MOORE FBHS has produced and ridden horses up to four-star level. She’s the British Eventing National U18 and Junior Team coach. Caroline spends most of her time training horses and riders of all levels at Vale View Equestrian, Leicestershire. With your help we’ve designed this year’s Training Academy to help you improve your riding skills and your horse’s way of going. Our team of Olympic riders and expert trainers will help you overcome various issues you’ve told us you want some help with. This month we help you develop a clearer understanding of the aids so you can communicate clearly with your horse. Before we delve deeper into the world of aids it’s important to remember that all the aids should work independently from one another, meaning…

OUR EXPERT MICHAEL EILBERG is an international dressage rider who formed part of the British bronze medal winning team at the European championships in 2013. If you’re used to asking your horse to move forwards or slow down only to be promptly ignored by him, it’s easy to become disheartened. An immediate response to your leg is important and something you shouldn’t let slip but the good news is, it can be improved with simple schooling. Instant reactions make for smooth transitions, tell you that your horse is listening, confirm that your aids are on the money and give you a better chance of success when competing. Sharpening up your horse’s reactions doesn’t depend on the exercises you do but more the way you ride them, so read on for…

£500 to spend with Country & Stable BETA retail member Country & Stable of Olney will help our Win a Horse winner get kitted out by supplying them with a £500 voucher. Offering gorgeous gear from top brands, including Ariat, Barbour, Le Chameau, Pikeur and more, our winner will be spoilt for choice. The voucher can be spent in store or online. Visit the website www.countryandstable .co.uk  to find out more. A Champion hat of your choice For protection you can rely on, our winner will be able to choose a brand new hat from the Champion range of riding hats and helmets, which are all kitemarked to PAS 015. The range includes: • The Champion Ventair skull cap, as worn by many of the world’s…

To find out what the process involves, YH contributor Sam Lewis follows Sian on one of her matchmaking trips to Holland. It’s 5am when they meet at Southampton Airport for a flight to Amsterdam and Sian’s already been up a few hours tending to her horses. Dressed in jodhs with her riding hat at the ready, she’s certainly not suited and booted like the other business travellers boarding the plane, but mobile phone in hand, she’s equally fastidious, busy making the finishing touches to a hectic schedule – one which involves driving her Swedish client, Emelie Harming, the length and breadth of Holland to see 15 to 20 dressage horses over three days. Emelie has requested a top quality, four to six-year-old gelding with a quality gait, preferably around 17hh…

It’s not caused by a worm and the patches may not be round! The fungi that cause skin infections in horses are called dermatophytes, and so the correct term for ringworm is actually dermatophytosis. The fungus that causes ringworm feeds off keratin, a protein found in your horse’s hair and outer skin cells. This is why some vets recommend clipping the affected area as this limits the fungi’s food supply. If you do this, wear gloves to clip, gather up all the hair, bag it and bin it carefully. Then disinfect your clippers to avoid spreading the spores. Ringworm will usually self-cure, but this often takes too long and the horses remain infectious the entire time, so they need treating. Infected animals cannot compete or race.…

CLARE BARFOOT BSC (Hons) Rutr, is an equine nutrition expert at Spillers. The benefits of cider vinegar Q Why do some people put cider vinegar in their horse’s feed? Karen Appleton, Warwick A Cider apple vinegar has been traditionally used as an additive to the horse’s diet as everything from a general health tonic through to supporting joint health. It can also be used topically to soothe skin conditions and to ward away flies. Although cider apple vinegar has been used traditionally for many years there is no robust scientific proof that it is effective. Taking a break from eating Q My horse stops eating mid-feed to take a break. He never used to do this and, although he does eventually finish his feed, he’s started losing weight. What could…

ROSIE JONES is an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate. Visit www.rosiejones horses.co.uk for more information. Understanding why he’s cold backed Q My horse has become cold backed recently, could this be because he’s put on weight over the winter and his saddle is causing him discomfort? Helen Banksy, Cambridgeshire A Cold backed is a term that generally refers to horses who show signs of discomfort, either when saddled up or when first mounted. The term can encompass a range of responses from a subtle change in gait until the horse is warmed up, to outright broncing or even lying down during tacking up or mounting. With any of these behaviours, the first point of call is definitely to rule out physical problems such as sore backs, sore girth areas, or an…

Great gloves whatever the weather Used by YH writer Helen Milbank for three months The tough and versatile Horseware Ireland Multi Gloves have a nice amount of stretch for a comfortable fit and Nubuck on the palm for grip, and have quickly become a favourite to ride in. I’m used to cheaper gloves splitting at the fingertips after a couple of weeks, but after month’s use these are still going strong. The elastic cuff keeps them in place and they give good grip on the reins, even when it’s raining. Price: Around £17 Colour Black Sizes 7 to 81/2 The no rinse Lavender Wash I won’t go to a competition without now… Used by YH writer Georgie Fenn for one year I first came across this Lavender Wash from Barrier…

Elevator Double Entendre bridle without reins A great two-in-one design means this cavesson bridle (above) can be quickly converted to a no throat lash double bridle. It’s made from British leather and the softly padded design helps alleviate pressure behind the ears and sensitive poll area. Price £250 Colour Black Sizes Cob, full Shires Adelfia rolled leather Mexican bridle Distinctive and refined, this Mexican bridle benefits from an all-in-one cut back padded headpiece and pure sheepskin nose padding for great comfort. Comes with matching rubber grip reins, hook stud fittings and buckle guards. Price £84.99 Colours Australian nut, black Sizes Cob, full, extra full Kate Negus Padded International patent trim bridle This English leather bridle (see below)) comes with a patent trim browband and noseband as standard, and to ensure…

LONGINES FEI EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS SPECTATE Date: Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September Where: Blair Castle, Perthshire Cost: From £12 This special championship event is held every two years, usually abroad in countries such as Sweden and Germany, but this year it’s right here at Blair Castle in beautiful Perthshire, Scotland. This iconic venue is steeped in history and is the perfect place to watch the best riders in Europe battle it out for the title of European Champion. And there’s no doubt that current holders of the crown, Germany, will be trying to hold on to it, while Great Britain will be eager to regain the title they once held for eight consecutive years, starting in 1995. Running alongside the championship, Blair Castle will play host to the Bruadar…

Following my lead Here’s my six-year-old daughter, Hannah, having her first hack out on my horse, Megan. Her feet don’t reach the end of the saddle yet, so it will be some time before I let her off the lead rope! Gemma Fullman, Cambridgeshire Getting out and about This is my nine-year-old son, Finn, with his pony, Roo, at a recent pleasure ride with the Five Pits Horsewatch group in Derbyshire. Kate Parish, Derbyshire…

The most satisfying job I’ve ever done is how Kate Clement describes her role as yard manager for the RSPCA equine centre at Gonsal Farm in Shropshire. Kate has always worked with horses, leaving home at 16 to follow her dream. She did everything she could to develop her skills and experience with horses, even working for free at times to get experience. At 17 she started on the British Horse Society (BHS) training ladder and is now a BHS Intermediate instructor. She’s worked as a manager on many yards, including studs and liveries, so is used to turning her hand to anything and everything. “Why I love it” “Working with all horses is great, but working with those who haven’t had the best start in life is just the…

Equine sales is competitive and jobs are sought-after. Laura Dolphin has 13 years of equine sales experience and has worked as an Area Sales Manager for Dengie since 2011, before being promoted to National Sales Manager last year. “It’s a varied role – you could be on a yard talking to a rider, selling to wholesalers, working a trade stand or talking to retailers,” she says. “To work in equine sales you need to be knowledgeable about horses and know the products you’re selling inside out. You’re an ambassador for the company and products and must be able to answer any questions. If, like me, you work for a feed company, you’ll also be required to give advice on the right feed for the client’s horses. Being able to work…

Dressage rider and instructor Sarah Payne started Pilates because it was popular with her fellow competition riders at the time. Although she wasn’t quite sure what she was achieving, she stuck at it, and it turns out she was better at Pilates than she thought! In fact, her instructor urged her to train to teach Pilates herself. “I took the modern Pilates route,” explains Sarah. “Then not long after qualifying I got hold of a copy of Lindsey Wilsox-Reid’s book on equipilates and read it in one day. It was as if I was reading about myself and I felt I’d found the missing link in my riding.” “Why I love it” Sarah is BHSI trained and also a List 2 British Dressage judge, all of which helps with her…

We’ve teamed up with uvex to offer nine readers the chance to win a pair of the brand’s sgl 104 sunglasses. uvex make performance safety eyewear for a range of disciplines, from horse riding, skiing, cycling, snowboarding to other extreme sports. The sgl 104 design is a masterclass in sporting style and features rubberised sweat resistant arms, designed specifically with the rigours and requirements of sport and riding in mind. How often do extreme weather conditions affect performance and alter results? Dust and debris getting in your eyes, bright sunshine into dark, irregular sunlight through wooded areas, driving rain and more. How much better to have full vision, allowing you to communicate more effectively with your horse to prepare him, and be his eyes, too. The uvex sgl 104 glasses…

1 Walk/canter/walk transitions This is a great exercise for getting your horse off your leg and into your hand. Make your canter to walk transition nice and forward. After a few strides, ride a turn on the forehand, turning your horse’s quarters to the inside. As you ride the last step of your turn on the forehand, ask for canter. 2 Almost walk Another great exercise to teach your horse to stay forwards underneath you is ‘nearly walk’. As you’re trotting, think walk, keeping the energy and rhythm the same, keep asking for walk until he almost walks and then ride forwards to trot again. It’s important you ride this correctly, so ask someone experienced to watch you from the ground. Your horse’s hindlegs should step evenly and stay in…

We’ve teamed up with Rodney Powell to offer one lucky reader and a friend the chance to win a lesson with the international event rider, plus you’ll both receive a Rodney Powell body protector and a Gatehouse riding hat of your choice! Meanwhile, the winner will also receive a Rodney Powell air jacket. The training session will be tailored to suit your level so will be a great opportunity to polish up your flatwork, pop a few jumps or tackle a specific schooling problem. Rodney’s long eventing career has seen him take the honours at many of the world’s premier events, including Blenheim, Blair and Badminton, which he won in 1991 riding The Irishman II. Rodney continues to compete at top level and trains both horses and riders at his…

Headcollars and rugs all need to be tailored to a donkey’s fit to help prevent rubbing and soreness. To cater for their specific clothing needs, Countrywide Equestrian has developed a range specifically for donkeys, with help from The Donkey Sanctuary. Young, healthy donkeys are unlikely to need a rug but, because of donkeys lack of a waterproof coat, they should always have access to a field shelter or stable. However, donkeys that are old, sick, underweight or clipped will be more susceptible to the cold and need a rug at certain times of the year. Donkeys do grow a thick coat over winter, but this means that when they get wet their coat takes a long time to dry. This may lead to a condition called rain rot, or rainscald,…

JENNY ELLIS is a top groom with more than 30 years of experience. Last minute preparations Q Have you got any tips for last minute touch ups before a show? Erica Hanson, Cheshire A Good preparation the day before will mean you won’t need to do a lot when it comes to the actual day of the show. I’ll wash my horse’s mane two days before the show, this allows some natural grease to build back up, making it easier to plait up and stay in place. I’ll wash his body the day before the show to make sure he’s clean and shiny, as well as clipping all the areas which are necessary, such as the top notch on the poll and the whiskers. On the day this will mean…

HARRY MEADE is one of Britain’s leading event riders. For more information visit www.harrymeade.com When to stop jumping your horse QI’d like advice about jumping my horse. He’s now 20 years old, is that too old to still be jumping? Sarah Oakes, West Sussex AI’m really a great believer in going on the feel of the horse rather than a printed age in a passport. Horses are always happiest when they’re kept busy and I would fully encourage all types of work, including some jumping, so long as he feels good. In fact, I competed a horse, Midnight Dazzler, at Badminton when he was 19 and finished we went on to finish in eighth position. When competing at 4-star level, it puts considerable stresses on a horse but I had…

Warm and comfortable all year round Used by YH reader Katy Islip for three years The Toggi Calgary boots are made of soft supple leather which took little breaking in. They’ve stood up to heavy wear with minimal care and I’ve just had to have one of the zips replaced, but there’s still plenty of life left in them. They have excellent thermal properties and the full length rear zips make putting on and taking off a doddle. The only minor issue I’ve had with these boots is I have skinny calves but have found the lower ankle area a bit tight to zip up when wearing thick socks. Price £110 Colours Black, Cheeco Sizes 36 to 43 standard and wide fit The best boots ever! Used by YH reader…

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Ben Hobday battles cancer The eventing world’s been in shock this month following the announcement from Ben Hobday via social media that he’s battling cancer. The 27-year-old eventer made an announcement after a short period of silence on his usually buzzing social media accounts. “I’m sorry I’ve been quiet recently,” he said. “But the last few weeks have been very difficult, I have been in hospital for lots of tests and I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. My head is all over the show at the moment but all your support really helps, thank you. I will never give up and I will beat this.” There’s since been an outpouring of support for Ben from fellow riders and his loyal followers, which has given the eventing star a boost. He even…

By car: Unfortunately, typing the postcode to Blair into your sat nav won’t get you there. The best advice is to type in the postcode PH18 5TL, which will get you to the outskirts of the village of Blair Atholl. The approach to the castle is in the centre of the village, through some ornate gates along a tree-lined avenue. It’s signposted from the village By train: Take the train to Blair Atholl Station. Turn right out of the station onto the road which runs through the village and you’ll soon see the castle gates. Follow the main drive up to the castle on Lime Avenue (just over half a mile from the station). Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk By bus: Citylink offer bus services between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Inverness and stop…

I’m trying to raise awareness for the Animal Health Trust (AHT), the charity fighting disease and injury in animals, to highlight the amazing work they do and hopefully boost their funding. I’ve had first-hand experience of the AHT services with my own two miniature horses – Isabella and Rainy – and now they’ve become mascots for the trust. Rainy was treated at the AHT as she has a debilitating eye disorder that was diagnosed after being referred. She had one eye removed and is losing sight in the other. She also has patella luxation (where the knee dislocates or moves out of its normal position) that was diagnosed by Sue Dyson, who’s a very talented specialist orthopaedic vet at Newmarket. Wherever Rainy is, Isabella follows, which is great preparation for…

Moving up a level was so worth it! ”I had my sights set on the annual Sheepgate Tack and Togs Dressage Championships at Sheepgate Equestrian in Lincolnshire this year,” says Linda. “But having only just moved up to Elementary level I knew I had to qualify to be able to compete. When I won my first proper Elementary class, and qualified in the process, I was so chuffed. “Having an afternoon time on the first day of the two-day show, and with the venue only an hour away, I decided to plait Eva up on the morning of the competition. How I wish I hadn’t with hindsight as the rain lashed down! But plaiting done, and lorry loaded up with horse, tack and family, off we went. A fantastic result…

Equine sport massage therapist Eleanor Frost always wanted to work professionally with horses and, having a passion for equine anatomy and biomechanics, becoming an equine massage practitioner seemed an obvious choice. “I completed a two year horse management diploma at the local agricultural college and from there completed an equine science degree,” she explains. “While studying I worked several equine related jobs, which gave me valuable experience in handling different types of horses. I first met my future teacher, Gill Carter-Morgan, when she treated my mare for a tight shoulder – it was as if the handbrake had been released and she could move again!” Eleanor went on to enrol on Gill’s Equi-Therapy UK equine massage practitioner course. “Why I love it” Eleanor has three horses and her day starts…

Riding instructor is a popular career choice and one that can take you in many different directions. You could work in a riding school, be a freelance instructor, specialise in one discipline, teach competitive riders, teach top level riders, be a Riding for the Disabled instructor – the choice really is wide open. Most people start at the same place – by getting as much equine experience as possible and completing some type of formal training. Weelsby Park Riding School, in Lincolnshire, was established almost 70 years ago in 1948 by the Woodhead family. Glenys Woodhead, who’s 80 years old, is still enjoying teaching and has a firm belief about what makes a good instructor. “A good instructor will create good riders,” explains Glenys. “It’s very satisfying but hard work,…

Areiki practitioner uses their hands to channel energy into the horse, which it’s claimed is used by them to help rebalance and heal themselves naturally on all levels. We spoke to Jayne Catley, who has been a practitioner for many years. “Why I love it” “I love doing it because I love horses. I have my own that mean the world to me and I enjoy being able to help all horses.” Jayne stresses that equine experience is vital to be a practitioner and there are ‘Reiki for Horses’ courses across Britain to give people the skills to progress. “It’s not really training as such,” explains Jayne. “It’s called attunement, where you learn to open up to receive the healing energy which is the basis of all treatments.” Interested? You…

OUR EXPERT AMANDA BREWER is a British Horse Society, British Dressage and Event Horse Owners Association (EHOA) accredited coach who’s dedicated to helping riders develop. For more info visit www.amanda brewer.co.uk Riding one or more shallow loops along the long side of your arena or schooling area sounds like child’s play. You pick a spot three, five or 10 metres in off the track, curve in to meet it, then curve back to the track. Simple. Or so it may seem. In real terms, it’s a tricky exercise to ride correctly and often misunderstood. Many riders think they’re riding a balanced and accurate loop, when in fact they’re simply pulling their horse in off the track and back again, keeping him bent in one direction from start to finish. And…

So we know that riding is a great form of exercise – it offers a double whammy of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning. Plus, we’re constantly reacting to our horse’s movement in order to maintain balance, which involves engaging our core, lower back muscles, glutes and the adductor muscles of our thighs. At the same time, our lower back offers support, so it’s vital those muscles are conditioned. To strengthen the lower back and your core, Lifesum’s in-house nutritionist Lovisa Nilsson (pictured) recommends these exercises: Opposite arm and leg reach Start on all fours and reach your right arm forward while at the same time stretching your left leg back. Hold for 5 seconds, then release and repeat it on the opposite side. Aim to do this 10 to 15 times…

The condition Not caused by a worm – as its name suggests – but rather a type of fungus, ringworm is a highly contagious condition that can be easily spread from horse to human. Largely to blame are the microsporum and trichophyton species of fungi, which are expert in spreading their spores via direct horse-to-horse contact, or through shared tack, grooming brushes, bedding and other surfaces. Very young and very old horses are more likely to develop ringworm as their immune systems are generally less effective, though if a horse does catch it he’ll develop a natural immunity that will protect him. This doesn’t mean he’s necessarily protected for life, but he will be less likely to get it again in future. Mildly affected horses will usually be well in…

Insurance CHARLOTTE COLLYER is senior marketing executive for Petplan Equine, one of the UK’s leading specialist equine insurers. How to choose an insurance policy Q There’s so many options to choose from when buying insurance, what are the main areas that I need to insure my horse for – I’m getting really confused as to what I need and what I don’t? Olivia Baker, Stafford A Choosing insurance doesn’t need to be confusing but it’s worth researching rather than simply relying on comparison sites as there are many options available that cannot be compared on price alone. Perhaps the most important recommendation is to choose a specialist equine insurer. Not only are they equipped to provide flexible cover to suit your individual needs, they are also more able to process…

JO GOURLAY BVM&S MRCVS is a vet who now works for Ceva Animal Health after years in practice. She lives in Scotland with her horse and two ponies. Learning to love wormers Q My Warmblood mare has a great temperament and is very easy going, but she absolutely hates being wormed. I’ve tried putting the wormer in food, but she can tell and refuses to eat it. She’s 16.2hh, so when she lifts her head and struggles it’s almost impossible. Any suggestions? Amy Harriett, Dorset A Reaching your mare’s head, let alone administering a wormer, may well be tricky – horses can be masters of evasion! In order to resolve the issue, try this five-step plan: Get an empty syringe that’s totally 1 washed out and filled with something tasty…

Your Horse reader Jackie Scott, from North Yorkshire, wants to understand what alternative treats she can feed to her 15.3hh Thoroughbred horse. He’s an ex-racer and can be really fussy. “We all love to treat our horses and ponies, whether it’s a reward for their hard work or to show we care, but every horse has his own individual likes and dislikes when it comes to taste. Carrots are an obvious choice but did you know that you can also feed swedes, beetroot and parsnips? Most horse’s love apples but your horse might also like a succulent pear, nectarine, peach or even a banana. “SPILLERS® makes Treats to suit every equine appetite. You can stick the chunky pellets in your pocket without them crumbling and making a mess. Choose a…

Fight germs this summer Ideal to keep in your first aid kit, RenaSan Antiseptic Spray For Horses & Ponies is non-sting and effective against mud fever, ringworm and thrush, as well as being perfect for cuts and grazes. It’s part of the RenaSan range of antiseptic and wound healing products for all animals. Price £17 for a 750ml bottle Safety – with added sparkle The Champion Junior X-Air Dazzle will be a hit with younger riders and many adults too. It has a sparkly centre panel and silver vent to help keep your head cool. Price from £75 Bring on the bling The latest Dressage Deluxe Sparkle browbands are sure to twinkle in the summer sun and add a touch of class to your bridle. Price £48 (1/2in width), £64…

Hitting the jackpot Winning the All England Showing Championships riding Polaris at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2002 was especially important to me. I won £3,000, which is unheard of in the showing world and it was the first time anyone had won it riding side-saddle. The reason I rode side-saddle was because it was the Queen’s jubilee year and I wanted to do something memorable for this. I’d been suffering from a bad back so I was still deciding whether to go through with it right before I went in, but I’m so glad I did, it really paid off. My horses of a lifetime They say everyone has one horse of a lifetime but I’ve been lucky enough to have more than that. The two main horses…