Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 411 i Your Horse

Hello I remember once being so distraught that Pony Club camp was over I cried non-stop for a whole day (I’d like to add that I was a young child when this happened!). I had so much fun with my friends messing around on our ponies, talking horses all day, having a laugh with our instructors and eating the entire contents of our tuck boxes, that it felt as though the world was over when I came home and back to reality. For years after my first post-camp tantrum my family and I had a running joke whenever something good came to an end. We’d joke: “It’s the end of Pony Club camp all over again.” We still do it now! It’s fair to say I wasn’t like a lot…

Forces Equine (FE), an organisation set up in 2008 to give military riders the opportunity to compete in their limited free time, has forged an exciting new partnership with British Dressage (BD), British Showjumping (BS) and British Eventing (BE). The new partnership means FE can now offer its 1,100-plus members the chance to compete in all three disciplines, at times better suited to their lifestyles. “Members can do online dressage in their leisure time, and other competitions launching this year will enable a greater work-life balance,” says FE founder Debi Heat French. Members also get discounted rates with BS, Day Pass affiliation with BE and the chance to be Team Quest members for BD events. “I wanted to give people in the same field the opportunity to meet like-minded riders,”…

In a step forward for eventing safety, MIM Post and Rail and Wall kits have been approved for use on British Eventing cross-country courses in 2016. The MIM Clip, a jump safety fixing, can be used across a variety of fence types including post and rail and walls. Testing of the clip took place at the Badminton Estate, and was independently verified by a safety consultant and test expert. Following its use throughout the season it will undergo a review. “We are delighted that the MIM system meets the BE Standard and that we can add this to the other safety devices available,” says BE Chief Executive David Holmes. “As ever, the safety of horse and rider is paramount within the sport and the use of the MIM system will…

LITTLE DIXON WAS just three months old when he was found abandoned and rushed into the RSPCA’s care. It’s thought he’d been hit by a vehicle, and he also had burns to his face and body. The gutsy little foal pulled through after treatment at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in Essex and, by mid-August 2015, he was recuperating at the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham. The good news is that not only has Dixon found his forever home, but his best friend Sid has moved in too. Both have been adopted by Gemma Foster. “We visited Millbrook to meet Sid initially, as I thought he’d make a perfect pony for my son in a few years,” explains Gemma. “My daughter Charlotte and I met him and fell in love,…

CHATSWORTH HORSE TRIALS DATE 13-15 May WHERE Chatsworth Estate, Bakewell, Derbyshire COST Adult from £10 (online until 10 May), £12 (on the gate) THE DODSON & HORRELL Chatsworth International Horse Trials offers three days of eventing action, combined with entertainment for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. Friday is dressage day, as well as the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse four- and five-year-old competition, which showcases the eventing stars of the future. Saturday and Sunday are an action-packed mix of dressage, show jumping and cross-country, as you walk the course and watch the international one-star and three-star competitions. Eventing aside, there’s plenty to do with lots of family-friendly activities. You can browse the shopping village with more than 100 trade stands, have a go…

There’s a saying in photography that ‘the best camera is the one you have with you’. With this in mind, it makes sense to know how to get the best from the picture-taking device you always carry – your phone. The fundamentals of good photography are a balanced composition, a sharply focused image and a good exposure that’s neither too light nor too dark, and smartphones allow you to control all three factors to create brilliant shots. Here’s how: 1. COMPOSE YOUR PICTURE There’s an art to framing a shot, but the key is to fill the frame with your subject. You can do this on some smartphones by zooming in, but it’s better to use your feet and get closer. When it comes to framing up, leave a little…

TO ENJOY YOUR riding to the full this coming season, and minimise the risk of injury, your horse has to be fit for the level of work he’ll be doing – and now’s the time to start. His fitness should be built up gradually over a number of weeks to enable his body to adjust to the demands. There can be no short cuts, as any sudden increases in work may result in injury. Whatever level of fitness you’re aiming for, having a training programme in place will help you stay on track. And, if you’re aiming for a particular competition, it can help to start with that as your goal and work back, using a combination of hacking and schooling to strengthen his muscles and respiratory system. By gradually…

AS ALLY AND I hit the road to begin our round trip of yard visits to the Win a Horse finalists we quickly realised we couldn’t have picked a more spread out bunch – Scotland, Devon and Nottingham were our destinations. But, despite the 1,500 miles we clocked up, we only had one goal – to get some much-needed clarity. Since meeting them all at the assessment day in December, we’ve loved all three finalists. Sadly, only one can win. Jo Temple, Lauren Butchart and Reena Shaunak made our final three for different reasons. Their stories inspired us and we knew any one of them could be a worthy winner, which is why the yard visit stage of the competition is so important. It gives us the opportunity to get…

MEET THE EXPERT REUBIN UNDERWOOD RSS began his farriery apprenticeship in 1973. Now based in Northamptonshire, he has various clients, from riding schools to miniature Shetland studs, and some Olympic stars, too. HOOF CARE IS is an often overlooked area of horse health – but it’s vital you pay attention to your horse’s feet and his farriery routine in order to keep him fit and sound. Here, we’ve compiled an all-encompassing guide to your horse’s hooves. Discover the conditions you should look out for, what to check, and ways to fight off problems before they start. We’ve spoken to farrier Reubin Underwood who, over the next few pages, shares his most useful advice. It covers everything from the importance of daily checks to how to recognise a well-shod foot to…

1949 The Pony Club Horse Trials Competition begins 1957 The Pony Club Mounted Games Championship, the Prince Philip Cup, launches 1959 The Pony Club Polo Tournament is created 1969 The Pony Club Tetrathlon Championship starts, combining the disciplines of running, riding, swimming and shooting 1971 The Pony Club Show Jumping Championships begin 1977 The Pony Club Dressage Championships start 1992 The Pony Club Polocrosse Championships are launched 2004 The inaugural Horse and Pony Care Competition is held at the annual Championships. Pony racing is introduced 2009 The first Pony Club Endurance Championships take place…

TONY DALEY is the managing director of riding holiday company Ranch Rider. For more information or to book, visit www.ranchrider.com Packing the right gear for a safe trip Q What equipment do I need to take on a ranch riding holiday abroad, and how do I book this onto a plane? Rachel Dunder, Lancashire A Most US ranches will provide all the kit you need once you arrive, but it’s worth noting that riding with a hard hat is optional at many properties across North America. Obviously, the choice of whether to wear one or not is entirely up to you. However you should ensure you’re still covered on your travel insurance if you don’t wear a hat. If safety is a concern, buy a hard hat before you go…

1 PDS DRESSAGE BRIDLE WORTH £295 Designed with performance and comfort in mind, the PDS Rolled Weymouth Dressage Bridle has a cleverly designed headpiece that’s shaped around the ears, with a wider bearing surface between the ears to reduce poll pressure. The headpiece is padded and has a channel for the noseband strap to sit into, avoiding any discomfort. Made of quality English leather, it can easily be converted into a snaffle bridle. For information visit www. pdssaddles.com 25 BAGS OF SPEEDI-BEET WORTH £11.90 EACH Speedi-Beet is a highly nutritious micronised (cooked) beet pulp feed, which provides an excellent source of digestible fibre and is suitable for laminitics. Due to its unique manufacturing process, Speedi-Beet can be soaked and is ready to use in just 10…

WOULD YOU LOVE to get out and compete with your horse, but find a lack of time or transport is holding you back? Or maybe competing isn’t your cup of tea, but you’d like some impartial feedback to see how your flatwork training’s progressing? You can now get in front of the judges, without leaving your yard, simply by going online. Here, we’ve asked six Your Horse readers from all over the world to put three online competition sites to the test. Find out what they thought – and whether you could earn some ribbons too. INTERDRESSAGE Interdressage, which was launched by instructor Karina Hawkridge and British Dressage (BD) judge Glynis Mills, allows riders of all ages and standards to compete in monthly online video competitions. All the tests are…

Lincoln Platinum Pro 5 Mag Calmer Syringe PRICE £6.50 for a 60g syringe This fast-acting calmer contains five different sources of magnesium, including chelated magnesium and magnesium aspartate, which are both more readily absorbed. This syringe gives the required effect in 30 to 60 minutes, making it suitable to use if your horse gets anxious in certain situations, such as while travelling. www.Lincoln-Equestrian.com Nettex Calmer Maintenance Powder PRICE £15.75 for 1kg When fed on a daily basis, the manufacturers claim this magnesium-based supplement will help reduce unwanted behaviour, including nervousness, excitability and apprehension, and encourage well-being and improved concentration. www.nettex equine.com SUPER SO-KALM PASTE PRICE £20.19 for 30ml (3 x 10ml syringe) This convenient single-serving syringe is fast-acting and will help ensure your horse is focused and calm when you…

Don’t miss these horsey TV highlights! All dates/times correct at time of going to print Saturday 12 March Live FEI World Cup dressage, Premier Sports HD (sky channel 428), 1pm Friday 18 March FEI World Cup Dressage season review, Premier Sports HD (sky channel 428), 6pm Sunday 20 March FEI World Cup Vaulting Final 2016, Horse & Country TV, 9pm Wednesday 23 March Live FEI World Cup Dressage final (Grand Prix), Premier Sports HD (sky channel 428), 3pm Saturday 26 March Rudall Rides With Nicky Roncoroni, Horse & Country TV, 9pm Sunday 27 March Live FEI World Cup dressage final (GP Freestyle), Premier Sports HD (sky channel 428), 4pm Thursday 31 March Masterclass Xtra: Gareth Hughes, Horse & Country TV, 9pm…

The ultimate stunt experience day DATE 15 April WHERE Killiecrankie, Pitlochry COST £45 (inc lunch) i 07784 119377 or email info@ridersofthestorm.co.uk Fun ride in Cirencester Park DATE 16 April WHERE Cirencester Park, Glos COST Adults £25/£20 in advance, 14 years and under £20/£15 in advance (there’s a £1.25 non-refundable booking fee) i www.horse-events.co.uk NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships DATE 6-10 April WHERE Hartpury College, Gloucestershire COST Free during the day (the Friday and Saturday ticket-only Gala performance costs £16 per person) i www.bdchampionships.com Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials DATE 4-8 May WHERE Badminton, Gloucestershire COST From £7 in advance, £8 on the gate (car pass £10 a day) i www.badminton-horse.co.uk…

Stable mates My daughter, Becky, with her big lad Oscar. Gill Kidd, North Yorkshire Pre-test pep talk Having a quick talk before a dressage test with my horse Ultimo. He was listening intently, of course! Jane Meney, North Lanarkshire Photo bomb I was sitting on the floor with my gorgeous yearling, Saffi, when my selfie was photo bombed by my cob, Pippa! Vicki, Shrewsbury Winter sun This is Coco, my 12-year-old Thoroughbred, after a hack in the lovely winter sun. Jo Page, Somerset Family snap Here’s me with my 11-month-old son, Jake and one of my homebred fillies, Tia. She’s very cheeky, loves attention and has a great character! Jennifer Duncan, Aberdeenshire Frostbite Here’s my horse, Bess, enjoying the snow in Leeds earlier this year! Robyn Hale, West Yorkshire Perfecting…

How long is a piece of string! For a camera that will do a good enough job you can part with anything from £500 to £6,000. A more expensive camera will be built to last and is likely to have a better autofocus speed and a quicker frame rate (the speed at which your camera can take consecutive images). Set up your camera If you have a camera at the ready, be sure it’s set up to work at its best. If you’re going to be shooting a moving horse, try this: • 1 If your camera has ‘programme modes’ set it to ‘sport’. • 2 Set the autofocus to ‘continuous’ (this means the autofocus will respond to your moving subject). • 3 Use a longer focal length – this…

MATT ROBERTS Photography was a hobby Matt originally took up at the age of nine. “My first camera looked like something from the 1930s (it had a lens that popped out on a paper concertina!), and my earliest memory was lying on my back in St Paul’s Cathedral trying to take a picture of the dome,” says Matt. “I became interested in photographing horses because they were all around me growing up and a close relative kept eventers. “In my 20s, I began working for the media company EMAP, where I took photos for a range of magazines, including Your Horse and Horse & Pony. I loved the way horses moved and the fact they always presented interesting challenges. At the age of 27 I was able to specialise, and…

BHS qualified trainer and former international event rider Mark Smith (inset) is used to travelling at speed in open spaces on a horse – but he’s developed a clinic for those who find it more challenging. His Hold Your Horses clinics cater for both novice and competitive riders who want to improve their confidence and skill. “Many people don’t have the access to practise riding in a wide, open space,” says Mark. “If you’re a keen eventer who wants to try cross-country riding, I can fill the gap when moving from riding in an arena to jumping in an open space.” What to expect During his clinics, Mark will set up an open field situation with flags at certain points on a grassy area. Riders will then be asked to…

1 Restrict your horse’s grazing by stabling him for part of the day, turning him out in a restricted area, strip grazing the field or using a well-fitting grazing muzzle. 2 Replace your horse’s hay with the same weight of a low-calorie hay replacer, for instance a soaked hay and oat straw mix. 3 Feed according to the amount of work your horse has actually done – and not what you plan to do. 4 Weigh your hay nets to help you monitor his calorie intake. 5 Soak his hay to reduce its sugar content. However, bear in mind that the results are variable and dependent on many factors, including water temperature. As forage forms a big part of your horse’s diet it’s advisable to get it tested. Soaking should…

“My fondest memories of riding as a child are, without doubt, all Pony Club related… it’s what sparked my passion for riding” SIMPLY UTTERING THE words ‘Pony Club’ conjures up a whole host of lovely horsey memories for many riders. Whether you were a member or not, the name evokes nostalgia as well as a sense of a very British institution. Thousands of young horse lovers have passed through its ranks, learning invaluable lessons about everything from riding and horsemanship to fair play and responsibility, often forging enduring friendships along the way. “My fondest memories of riding as a child are, without doubt, all Pony Club related. Whether I was sleeping in a stable at Pony Club camp or having fun with my friends at rallies, it’s what sparked my…

REBECCA STOJAK is a solicitor at Shakespeare Martineau law firm. For more information or advice visit www.shma.co.uk Proving ownership Q Legally speaking, how do I prove that I own my horse? Emma Ingall, Ipswich A In the UK there isn’t a single, approved document that proves ownership of your horse. However, certain documents can go towards evidencing ownership in the eyes of the courts. These include a purchase receipt, your historic bills from vets or farriers and old insurance documents. In an ideal world, when you buy a horse, both parties should sign a contract. This doesn’t have to be long and should be drawn up ideally by a solicitor who specialises in equine law. A simple contract shouldn’t be too costly and can save a lot of heartache (and…

DR DEBBIE MARSDEN is an equine behaviour expert and chair of the Society of Equine Behaviour Consultants. For more information visit www.debbie marsden.co.uk Is he really happy? Q How can I tell if my horse is contented with life? Bethany Reed, Yorkshire A There are numerous signs you can look for when trying to determine if your horse is happy, so look for the following: His body language • Your horse’s nostrils should be relaxed, soft and round. If he’s unhappy they’ll become tight, thin and drawn • His lip line should curl down slightly in a relaxed, soft manner. If he’s feeling tense he will be tight and drawn in this area • His lower jaw should be loose – his lower mouth may hang…

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best – and the new Cottage Craft Comfy Web Lunge Rein With Markers is one such product. At first glance, you may think it looks like any other lunge line, but take a closer look and you’ll notice it’s a bit different. It has 10m, 15m and 20m markers, making it easy to lunge accurately. The lunge line also makes varying the size of your circle much easier. It’s ideal if you struggle to maintain the correct size circle, or find it difficult to judge the size of circle you’re working your horse on. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? We think it’s inspired! COLOUR Black/grey PRICE £22 CONTACT www.cottagecraft.co.uk…

SOME HORSES ARE naturally sharp, spooky and tricky to handle, despite regular exercise and the right management, while others are affected by the change in seasons. Hands up if your usually angelic horse turns into a devil thanks to spring grass! A calming supplement may help to curb unwanted exhuberance, but before you reach for a tub of calmer, look at his lifestyle. Sometimes a few simple changes to your horse’s routine, such as increased turnout, correct schooling and a fibre-based diet, is all it takes to help him calm down. If you’ve already exhausted these options, and your horse is still struggling to relax, a calmer may be just what he needs. Some products work by redressing an imbalance in your horse’s diet, such as a mineral deficiency, while…

Caldene Scope Jacket £145 STRIKING DESIGN With a contrasting colour collar and elbow patches this jacket is sure to get you noticed. It’s made from a stretchy, soft-shell material that’s breathable to help keep you at a comfortable temperature while you’re riding. COLOUR Blue SIZES 34in to 42in CONTACT www.caldene.co.uk Dublin Bristol Softshell Show Jacket £104.99 KEEPS YOU COOL This lightweight, water resistant, softshell jacket has the great addition of underarm mesh vents for added breathability. The waist-defining seams and double-vented back give a stylish look. COLOURS Black, navy SIZES 32in to 40in CONTACT www.dublinclothing.co.uk Shires Sloane Jacket £84.99 SPORTY SHORTER STYLE The elegant continental styling of this jacket is sure to be a popular choice with many show jumpers, and it’s a great price too. The multi-way stretch fabric…

TOPSPEC REVEALS ITS FACE OF 2016 Six-year-old gelding Dylan (above) has been chosen as ‘The Face of TopSpec 2016’ in a nationwide competition. Owned by Hannah Scully, Dylan suffers alopecia, but thanks to Hannah’s hard work he’s looking fab. Hannah wins £500 of TopSpec feed, a professional photoshoot and a framed print, as well as a Horseware turnout rug. INVENTION WINS AWARD Debbie Brown (right), the inventor of Mounting Mate – a device you put under your trailer ramp to help you mount up – has received a small business award from Nick Brown, the business expert on Jeremy Vine’s BBC Radio 2 show. FROM RAGS TO RICHES A book detailing the remarkable turnaround of a rescue horse, Boxer (above), into a successful show jumper has sold like hot cakes.…

SEASIDE DONKEY BY HANNAH ENGELKAMP • Read by: Sub editor Helen Milbank Not many books have the power to make you laugh and inspire you to do something drastic… like go on a very long walk, donkey in tow, but this does! Hannah, a donkey novice, decided it would be a good idea to walk the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, followed by Offa’s Dyke – and take five-year-old Chico with her. In the end a few donkey-related detours made it a 1,000-mile amble. Great stuff. THE CRYSTAL SYSTEM BY PATRICIA PITT • Read by: Associate editor Allison Lowther This helps unravel the often-complex topic of riding well. It breaks down much of the jargon used in the horse world, explaining what it means in plain English. The book also helps…

If you’re planning to box your horse up and explore pastures new, you’ll appreciate that transporting him by lorry or trailer can be stressful. However, knowing that you have appropriate breakdown cover will help. In the event of a breakdown you can contact KBIS’ 24-hour control centre and know help is on its way. If your vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside, transport for you and your horse to a destination of your choice will be arranged. If your vehicle won’t start at home, help to start or repair the vehicle is provided. Call 0345 230 2323 or visit www.kbis.co.uk…

The condition ‘Kissing spines’ is a term used to describe a condition where the pieces of bone that project upwards from a horse’s back bone (the dorsal spinous processes, or DSPs) become too close together and start to grate on each other, causing pain. It’s most commonly found in the middle of a horse’s back under the saddle region, but can occur anywhere along the spine. It’s a progressive condition that usually affects horses aged between seven and 14. Kissing spines is quite common in larger breeds, particularly Thoroughbreds, and rare in ponies. I personally think that horses who begin their ridden life before they’re skeletally mature are at greater risk of developing kissing spines later in life, for example Thoroughbreds who begin flat race training as a two-year-old. Horses…

The roots of The Pony Club lie in an adult riding club, the Institute of the Horse, which in 1928 started a scheme encouraging people to ride. Several of its nationwide branches also began to run children’s gymkhana events. The following year, on November 1, the Institute formally launched a junior branch, known as The Pony Club, with district organisations corresponding to hunts created across the country. Membership numbers steadily grew through the 1930s, but the outbreak of war in 1939 saw most Pony Club activities put on hold. In 1947 the British Horse Society (BHS) was formed and became the parent organisation of The Pony Club, which at this time had 17,082 members in 167 branches. By 1961 the ranks had swelled to 31,349 in 255 branches, and in…

CAROLINE PUTUS Is a confidence coach with over 20 years’ experience. Find out more at www.enjoyriding.com Should I take on a horse of my own? Q I share a horse with a woman who’s thinking of selling him. I’d love to buy him but I’m not sure I could handle the responsibility. What can I do to help calm my anxieties and prepare to become an owner? Amanda Sharpe, Shropshire A Part of your anxiety around owning your own horse may stem from inner doubt about your competence in this new situation. If you feel this is the case, make sure you’re fully familiar with the basics. Owning a horse doesn’t have to be complicated, so consider what you’ll need to do in simple terms. Horses need to have enough…

NANCY HOMEWOOD BVetMed MRCVS is a vet from Hook Norton Veterinary Group, which is a member of the XL Equine group. Visit www.xlequine.co.uk Protecting a horse against tetanus Q Does my horse really need a tetanus booster? I’ve heard that one injection early on in life will protect a horse for several years. Laura Drew, Essex A In a nutshell, yes he does need a regular tetanus booster. It’s hugely important that all horses are properly vaccinated against tetanus as it’s found in the soil and can enter the body via a wound. The disease can be fatal and the current equine vaccination only offers protection for two years once a primary vaccination course is completed. A vaccine stimulates the immune response to produce antibodies and other protective mechanisms to…