Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 413 i Your Horse

Hello I love the saying ‘Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional’ and if, like me, you have a veteran horse who refuses to act his or her age then I’m sure you will too. Just because our horses get older doesn’t mean they can’t still do what they once did and live long, happy and healthy lives. My mare, Snake, is retired, but every now and then she’ll do something that seems to be her way of saying ‘I’m not completely over the hill yet thank you very much’. She’s now been retired for eight years and, for me, the decision to call time on her competitive career came after she sustained an injury. For others, retirement comes when the time is simply right, and it’s with…

CENTAUR BIOMECHANICS 2016 Improve your riding and confidence in a weekend! DATE 25–26 June WHERE Moulton College, Moulton, near Northampton COST £220 for two days (BE and BD members £185), single day £120 IF YOU FANCY a confidence boosting weekend learning from top riders and leading experts, book your tickets for the Centaur Biomechanics 2016 Rider Conference. There’s a great line up planned for the two-day event, with a mix of theory and practical demos from riders, including Olympic eventer Andrew Hoy and international dressage rider and List 1 judge Judy Harvey. Plus there will be lots of advice covering a range of topics, including how to improve your horse’s health and performance, the latest research on how our position in the saddle affects our horse, exercises to improve a…

I’m part of The Three Amigos FUNdraising Group, and all our events are based around our hobbies. This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we’ve raised over £65,000 in total. This year’s events include a Midgley Moor fell race and a Neigh To Cancer dressage event. We give out goodie bags at the end of our events, that our supporters enjoy, which helps us raise even more funds. We love seeing new faces every year so come along to one of our events and join in the fun! Kath O’Donnell, Rochdale YH SAYS: What a great idea to fundraise for such worthy causes, we wish you the best of luck and hope you raise lots of money through your fun events. For more information visit the Facebook page of The…

WE’VE TEAMED UP with Bolesworth International Horse Trials to offer nine lucky winners a pair of VIP tickets to the event, with lunch included, which takes place in June. Bolesworth International is one of the highlights of the summer show calendar and if you’re one of our lucky winners you’ll receive star treatment at this exciting equestrian feast. Running from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 June, at Bolesworth Castle, near Chester, you’ll receive entry tickets and lunch. The wonderful lunch on offer for the prize winners is in the Bolesworth Bistro, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful marquee with terrace serving gastro pub-style food. You’ll be able to watch the action unfold during the CSI**** International. Held in the main arena, this competition sees the world’s…

MEET THE TRAINER PIGGY FRENCH is one of the UK’s leading event riders. She’s represented Britain on numerous occasions, including winning individual silver at the European Championships in 2009, and winning the London 2012 Test Event. Piggy is brand ambassador for horse feed specialist Dodson & Horrell. MEET THE RIDER LISA MANCUSO has owned nine-year-old Flynn for three years. They event at affiliated level and have qualified for the 2016 Grassroots championships, held at Badminton. IF, LIKE Your Horse reader Lisa Mancuso (seen here), you enjoy jumping at home, but get nervous at competitions, it can be a good idea to simulate a show at home. Lisa tells me her horse Flynn loves his jumping, and they’ve been doing well at British Eventing (BE) 90 level and would like to…

MEET THE EXPERT DR CHLOE CASALIS DE PURY is a vet and Nutritional Team Manager at Dodson & Horrell, which is the official supplier of nutrition to Team GBR. Chloe helps produce nutritionally advanced feeds, backed by the latest scientific research. She also travels extensively, providing nutritional education and support. WE ALL STRIVE to have a fit and healthy horse, and Britain’s elite riders and trainers are at the forefront of this. They’re constantly looking for ways to improve the well-being of the nation’s top horses, and as a leading vet and nutrition expert, Dr Chloe Casalis de Pury works closely with them. Here, Chloe explains the latest thinking behind the science of how horses’ muscles work, the importance of planning your horse’s training programme and, more importantly, the type…

As well as the right training programme, in order to help build and maintain muscle, your horse needs the right nutrients. Here’s how to make sure he gets them: Strength in a bag The hard feed you choose will play an important role in supporting your horse’s ridden training. “Feeding a high performance feed will ensure your horse receives the quality protein he needs for the development and repair of muscles after a heavy training session,” explains Chloe. “Look too for feeds containing lysine. This amino acid is essential for building muscle, but tends to be naturally low in horses’ diets. If your horse has difficulty building muscle or topline, this may be the result of insufficient lysine or poor quality protein in his diet.” To help remedy this, look…

1 Star of Bethlehem – this is useful for horses who’ve had a shock, and is a remedy I use with my horse Millie and find very effective. Before I started using it, if Millie had a fright or spook at an object she would leap, buck and rear. Since taking it she’s not had an extreme reaction like this, and it’s really helped to calm her down. She came over here from Germany on a boat and used to hate loud, clanking sounds. Now she doesn’t react to these sounds any more so I definitely recommend it if your horse displays similar behaviour. How to use it – give the remedy a minimum of four times a day (or pop some in his drinking water) over a period of…

AS OUR HORSES age, they develop problems rarely seen in younger horses, so as soon as your horse hits the age of 15, it’s advisable to have him checked over by your vet at least once a year. This will ensure any age-related health conditions are spotted early and managed effectively. Help him stay mobile and supple Older horses are more susceptible to mobility issues, such as stiffness and back or neck problems. “It can be easy for such problems to go unnoticed if your horse is retired and no longer ridden,” says vet Mark Grant. “So keep an eye on how he moves from his stable to the field, as this will give you an idea of how supple he’s feeling. “Another common issue is stiff knees and hocks,…

MEET THE EXPERT MARK TABACHNIK is the Managing Partner at Wright and Morten Veterinary Practice, part of the XLEquine group. He’s Vice-chairman of the XLEquine executive committee. Find out more at www.wmvets.co.uk THE WORD BIOSECURITY might conjure up images of yellow tape and people in air-tight body suits but, in reality, simple measures to fight the spread of infectious disease are what make up this complicated sounding strategic approach. “Good disease control can help prevent unnecessary disruption to equine businesses, such as yards and events, which may need to be cancelled in the face of a disease outbreak,” explains our vet expert Mark Tabachnik. “It allows us to keep our horses protected while at home and with a simple set of guidelines to follow, it allows us to travel safely…

MEET THE EXPERT JENNY ELLIS Is a leading groom with more than 30 years of experience. WHILE THERE’S NOTHING in (most) rulebooks to say you should plait your horse’s mane for competitions, it’s a tradition most of us like to uphold. A neatly plaited mane looks smart, and here top groom Jenny Ellis talks you through the simple steps you need to follow to create it. “Before you begin, tie your horse up somewhere safe and quiet and, if he’s likely to fidget, give him a haynet,” says Jenny. “If you need to stand on something for a bit of height, make sure it’s sturdy so you won’t fall.” Jenny suggests a long, thick mane may need pulling or trimming first: “If so, only take a few hairs at a…

Secure with a spray Plaiting sprays give extra grip and help prevent plaits falling out once secured. Check out Supreme Products Easy Plait, Nettex Plaiting Spray and Quic Braid. Alternatively, a dab of hair gel or spritz of hairspray will do the job. Plait in reverse To make rolling up your plaits easier, try plaiting the strands of hair underneath each other instead of over the top. This will naturally bend the plait in the direction you’ll be rolling it. Chop up some tights! Keep plaits neat and tidy overnight, or when travelling, by covering each one with a small piece of cut-up tights. Secure with a band. These can be removed at the last minute. Embrace grease Wash your horse’s mane a couple of days before you plait, not…

LUDWIG SVENNERSTAL is an international event rider who’s part of the Swedish event team. He was the youngest rider at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Perfect pirouettes Q I’m trying to teach my horse to pirouette. Any tips to help us get started? Brenda Osbourne, Derbyshire A This exercise can be done in walk or canter, but I’d suggest starting off in walk until your horse has a better understanding of it. Begin by walking in a large square in the middle of your arena and performing a quarter pirouette at each corner. To ask for a quarter pirouette: • Apply gentle but firm pressure with your inside calf • At the same time, apply a small amount of pressure from your outside leg to stop your horse from falling…

LUCINDA FREDERICKS is an international eventer who competes for the Australian team. Find out more about her at www.lucinda fredericks.com The ideal cool down Q How should I effectively cool my horse down after the cross-county phase of eventing? Carla Fowler, Gloucester A Pour very cold water (with ice in it if possible) over your horse, scrape this off after a couple of seconds and pour more on. Continue to do this while walking him round and until he’s stopped blowing. If you don’t scrape the water off each time, it will simply warm up and won’t be as effective at cooling him down. All my horses also have ice on their legs to cool them and help reduce any swelling until they go to bed that night. Stay in…

Up the wow factor in the ring The Equetech Show Off Breeches have been created specifically for the show rider, offering classic looks with a contemporary technical designer twist with their silicone grip knee patches for extra sticking power! They also feature a stretch ‘Alos’ suede seat, a comfort waistband and a Lycra hem leg panel. In canary and waist sizes 24-34in. PRICE £78.50 CONTACT www.equetech.com Impress the judges The Fian from Charles Owen is perfect for showing. It’s covered in luxurious velvet and, combined with a slim tan harness, it creates an elegant show ring appearance. PRICE from £168.80 CONTACT www.charlesowen.co.uk Get a grip The Reintex Pro palm of the Woof Wear Competition glove will ensure you always have good grip and feel on the reins. Plus with a…

Shoulder protectors (Not shown here) are usually an optional extra. They provide additional protection to the collarbone Lining This is usually made from a breathable material – a mesh is often a popular choice Outer material This is often wipe-clean, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your body protector, as some cleaning products may damage the inner foam material Inner material Most use two layers of heat-sensitive PVC nitrile foam that moulds and softens to your body as you wear it. Often the foam is perforated to make it lighter, more flexible and to improve airflow to keep you cooler Adjustment Adjustment at the sides and shoulders ensures you get the best possible fit. This also makes removing the body protector quick and easy in the event of…

Wednesday 11th May FEI Classics 2016: Kentucky, Horse & Country TV, 9pm Saturday 14th May Global Champions Tour 2016: Hamburg, Horse & Country TV, 9pm Sunday 15th May Badminton 2016: Cross Country, Horse & Country TV, 6pm Monday 16th May Rudall’s Round-Up: Badminton, Horse & Country TV, 8.30pm Wednesday 18th May FEI Nations Cup: La Baule, Horse & Country TV, 8pm Saturday 28th May Rudall Rides With Mark Todd, Horse & Country TV, 9pm All times/dates correct at time of going to print…

Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh Date: 23 to 26 June www.royalhighlandshow.org See the best of Scotland’s native breeds on show. Plus, this year the show hosts the Scottish Ice Cream Championships! Omagh Show, Omagh, Northern Ireland Date: 1 to 2 July www.tyronefarmingsociety.co.uk The Royal Cheshire County Show, Knutsford, Cheshire Date: 21 to 22 June www.royalcheshireshow.org With a special performance from the Atkinson Action Horses stunt team! Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells, Powys Date: 18 to 21 July www.rwas.wales/royal-welsh-show/ The Royal Bath and West Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Date: 1 to 4 June www.bathandwest.com Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, N Yorks Date: 12 to 14 July www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk As well as showing and show jumping action you can enjoy cutting-edge fashion shows and cookery demos from top chefs. Lincolnshire County Show, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln Date:…

The Riding School recently celebrated its 450th birthday, so it’s been excelling since Shakespeare was a baby! THERE’S AN AIR of mystery surrounding the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, and precious few get a glimpse of life inside its walls, but I was privileged to meet rider Herwig Radnetter, who gave me an exclusive insight into what life’s really like behind the glitz, glamour and breathtaking high school dressage performances of the world’s best-known equestrian team. Herwig’s been a rider with the Spanish Riding School for 40 years and started his career at the age of just 15. As a young boy he watched the Riding School perform and decided there and then that it was what he wanted to do. “I wrote a letter when I’d finished my high…

MEET THE EXPERTS STEPHEN CLARKE is the FEI’s dressage judge general, and one of the most sought after judges in the world. He’s a former international rider and coach, so has a wealth of dressage knowledge. JUDY HARVEY FBHS is a former FEI international dressage judge and successful dressage rider and trainer, who hosts clinics all over the world. ISOBEL WESSELS is a dressage judge and rider who is coaching New Zealand’s eventing team in the run up to the Rio Olympics. RIDING A DRESSAGE test can be daunting and nerves may well set in on the day of your competition, so it’s important to have a plan in place to help you relax, have fun and turn in your best performance. Here, top dressage judges share their tips for…

WE’VE TEAMED UP with uvex to give six Your Horse readers the chance to win a pair of uvex sgl 202 equestrian sunglasses – worth nearly £180 each – to help protect your eyes while you’re riding. With their practical, frame-free design and variomatic lenses, which means they’re quick to react to changes in light, the sunglasses are safe to ride in thanks to their shatter-proof lenses. They offer 100% protection from UVA, UVB and UVC rays, and their rubberised, sweat-resistant arms will sit comfortably under your hat. Available with either smoke-finish or brown-tinted lenses, all the sgl sports eyewear range is designed specifically to cope with the rigours of riding. The sunglasses guarantee full vision 100% of the time, allowing you to communicate more effectively with your horse in…

You’ll feel safer when you’re riding on the roads if you’re covered by a comprehensive horse insurance policy. This can cover your public liability in the event that you cause an accident, for example if your horse kicks a car. It can also include personal accident cover for yourself, or anyone else riding or handling your horse, as well as vets’ fees cover for up to £5,000 per incident, and mortality cover should the worst happen. For more information on the cover that KBIS can offer you please call 0345 230 2323 or visit www.kbis.co.uk…

MEET OUR EXPERT KATE BLINCOE is a freelance nature writer and rider with a passion for wildlife and the countryside. She owns Jamie, a 21-year-old Thoroughbred. I ALWAYS TRY TO be eco-friendly at home, turning off the tap when I brush my teeth, keeping the thermostat low and making sure the lights are off when I’m not in the room. Then it struck me – at the yard, I quickly undo all these little actions without even thinking about it. I regularly ride under floodlights, pour buckets of water down the drain and chuck endless plastic bags away. The equine leisure industry is big business and relies on persuading us that we need horse showers that run hot, new rugs, at least five bits and more grooming products than the…

Step 1 Make sure there are no knots in the mane by giving it a good comb through, and then dampen it down with some plaiting spray or sponge on a little water. His mane should lie on the right hand side of his neck, and dampening it down will help it stay put. Step 2 Once you’ve decided how many plaits you want to make, section them out with plaiting bands. You can check each plait is the same width by using a band on your mane comb (as a guide, wrap a band around the comb at the width you want). Step 3 When plaiting, work down from your horse’s poll to his withers. Don’t pull the plait tight at the base as this will be uncomfortable for…

OUR HORSES MEAN the world to us, which is why we want to protect them in every way we can, However, sometimes a problem can strike when we least expect it. In fact, 49%* of owners say their horse has suffered an injury or illness in the past year. What’s more, the team at Petplan Equine has revealed some problems are far more common than others. Arthritis, colic, laminitis, Cushing’s disease and desmitis are the company’s top five health conditions claimed for by horse owners in the UK and, because most of these are long-term illnesses, rather than injuries, this means they’re often not preventable. With this in mind, equine insurance is, without doubt, a vital investment. We got in touch with Petplan Equine’s vet expert Gil Riley MRCVS and…

Eyes peeled at night Said to be a mare, The Uffington Horse has her invisible foal on the hill too. At night they come down to eat at the slope below, called The Manger. Chalk and cheese The saying ‘as different as chalk and cheese’ is believed to refer to the land divided by Hackpen Hill, where the Hackpen Horse is cut. It’s the boundary between the chalk downs to the south and clay country to the north, where cheese is produced. The two areas are as different as chalk and cheese. Ladies, pay attention! It’s said that white horses can predict a future husband. A woman should count the number of white horses she sees until she reaches a total of 100. The first man she shakes hands with…

GIL RILEY Is the managing equine vet at Pool House Equine Clinic. For more information visit www.poolhousevets.com/Equine A challenging mare! Q At this time of year my mare’s behaviour changes. She’s very vocal to other horses and gets excitable when I’m riding her. Why is this? Sian Evans, Co. Durham A You’re simply seeing the behavioural changes associated with a mare being in season, which will usually last four to five days every three weeks. Your mare’s behaviour is the reason some riders prefer geldings, because you won’t have to deal with such temperament variations in a gelding. If you find it a real problem, your vet will be able to prescribe a medication that you can put in your mare’s feed to stop her cycles, and therefore banish the…

NICOLA NAYLOR is a British international para dressage rider and author who’s registered blind. She’s competed in grade IV para dressage since 2011. Become a para rider Q My daughter wants to compete in para dressage. Where should she start? Harley Nowell, Bedford A I started by doing riding club and British Dressage non-para classes with lots of support from friends, family and helpful venues. Your daughter could also go to Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) dressage competitions, and British Dressage has started some para Intro level competitions to get riders into the sport. Ride a winning test Q Do you have any test riding tips? Olivia Scott, Surrey A Before the test, try to think positively and visualise riding all the movements well. Also, remind yourself that there’s…

9 CHANCES TO WIN AN ELICO MEMORY FOAM GIRTH The Elico memory foam girth is made of a strong nylon knit fabric with stainless steel roller buckles. It gives your horse complete freedom of movement and has a memory foam inner, which allows the girth to follow the contours of your horse’s body and ensure he stays comfortable during training and while competing. The girth also has the added feature of a spring-loaded buckle on one end for easy fastening. It’s available in black or brown and comes in sizes 40in to 54in. For more information visit www.elico.co.uk 2 CHANCES TO WIN A HARRY HALL RIDING HAT Two lucky readers will receive a Harry Hall Legend riding hat. It comes in 13 colours and styles, from the standard…

Airowear Outlyne Body Protector PRICE Adult sizes from £190 COLOURS Black/graphite, custom cross-country colours are available too This has been designed to offer a tailored fit and maximise protection, while allowing unrestricted movement and flexibility. It’s available in two styles: the Women’s Outlyne moulds to curves, and the Men’s Outlyne is cut generously across the shoulders and ribcage. www.airowear.co.uk/en/ Racesafe Provent 3.0 Body Protector PRICE Adult sizes from £198 COLOUR Black This body protector is very lightweight and gives greater flexibility and comfort thanks to its 70 independently hinged sections. The breathable net outer and perforated inner material help to keep you cool when you’re working hard. It also features an elasticated adjustment system for improved movement and comfort. www.racesafe.co.uk Champion Ti22 Body Protector PRICE from £95 COLOUR Black The…

BOOK: NATURAL FEEDING FOR HORSES by Alexandra Wesker MSc • Read by: Associate editor Allison Lowther Full of practical advice on feeding as nature intended, this helps you assess your horse’s workload, giving tips on how to create a healthy, balanced diet. DVD: THE EQUESTRIAN • Watched by: Editor Imogen Johnson This is a thought provoking short film about an up-and-coming dressage rider whose desire to be the best threatens to ruin his relationship with his horse. Full of emotion, it hammers home the importance that to succeed in this sport you and your horse have to work together. Although there’s little dialogue, its clever camera angles and use of music make it a must-watch. DVD: THE MYSTERIE OF SADDLERY from the Society of Master Saddlers…

Never too young to start My 13-year-old niece, Magda Matusow, fell in love with horses five years ago on her first riding lesson. That summer she spent two weeks at a local riding school and since then has become horse mad! She goes to the same school every weekend just to be around horses and has even discovered another passion in equine photography. Being no expert myself, I’m a huge fan of her pictures and she’s even created her own photography Facebook page. After every weekend she posts hundreds of pictures. She’s never had any training and uses her grandfather’s camera, which she edits on her own. Malgorzata Lisztwan, Essex YH SAYS: It’s great to see how much Magda has taken to horses and photography. We featured tips and advice…

APPOINTED Performance Director of Team GBR in July 2015 after a 25-year career in the Army, Dan Hughes (above) is no stranger to leadership and organisation. He hit the ground running in a bid to prepare the UK’s riders for the challenges they’re likely to face in Rio. “Its an exciting, but complex city, and it will offer distractions for the ill-prepared,” says Dan. “There are many, like me, whose only Olympic or Paralympic experience is that of a home Games. An away Games, the first in South America, is a different prospect, and there are many logistical and other challenges to overcome.” When the going gets tough! Dan talks about the challenges of getting to and from the equestrian venue in Deodoro – a suburb of Rio. “The roads…

MEET THE EXPERT KATIE JERRAM is a professional showing rider, trainer and judge, who produces horses for The Queen. Find out more about her at www.katiejerram.co.uk AS EXCITING AS any kind of equestrian competition is, there’s something about showing that really creates a buzz. Pitting like against like, you need to be perfectly prepared and full of panache to catch the judge’s eye. “Showing is a brilliant and very friendly, albeit competitive, sport,” agrees showing pro Katie Jerram. “It’s great fun, and because it’s not hard on your horses, they last for years and years. It’s very much a team effort too, meaning everyone can feel as though they’re taking part.” Competitions range from local shows to national championships, both unaffiliated and affiliated. “There are classes for all levels of…

MEET THE EXPERT SALLY CARSON is an event rider and trainer based in Leicestershire. She’s competed up to three-star level and has produced a number of horses through the levels of eventing. WHEN IT COMES to keeping an older horse active, it’s important to consider his capabilities and tailor his training programme to suit. But, whatever his ability, a good warm up is vital and this should form the largest part of every schooling session. Walk your horse for at least 20 minutes before you ask him to do anything else to ensure his muscles and joints are loosened up. Following this, you can work on one of these easy 10-minute exercises to form your 30-minute workout. If your horse is fitter you could do a little more, but only…

1 Warm up and cool down for at least 10 minutes. Start with low intensity work and build up to high strength exercises. 2 Know when to stop. Leave a minimum of two days between strength training. This allows your horse’s muscles time to recover and should prevent him becoming tense and sore. 3 Build muscle safely. A great way to build muscle gradually is to do lots of steep hill work at collected walk. Introduce this gradually over a couple of weeks, building up to walking up a steep hill seven times in one training session, with a rest in between and no jogging! Asking your horse to collect just before the hill will help prevent him dragging himself up it with his shoulders. 4 Remember to stretch. Encouraging…

MEET THE EXPERT CAROLINE PUTUS is a confidence coach with over 20 years’ experience. To find out more about the clinics and Enjoy Riding holidays that Caroline runs, visit her website www.enjoyriding.com HAVING A HORSE who bolts, rears or spooks in heavy traffic is not only stressful but a major safety concern. I’ve had to tackle this situation a couple of times with my own horses, so I know what it’s like and how quickly it can dent your confidence. I’m currently working with my horse, Millie, as I’ve been out of the saddle for the past six months and am bringing her back into work. She’s a feisty horse who can be unpredictable, but it’s the way we as riders handle the situation and help to defuse tension and…

THANKS TO ADVANCES in vet care and nutrition, our horses and ponies are living longer, with many enjoying full and competitive lives well into their 20s. When it comes to caring for your veteran, there are several factors to consider, from feeding to exercise. Even if he’s still enjoying life to the full, he’ll need some extra TLC to help keep him in good health – and it’s important you learn to spot the signs that he may be starting to struggle with a certain schooling move or type of feed. In this feature, dedicated to our amazing veterans, we give you advice on taking care of your older horse, explain how to spot and treat common health issues, and deal with the day we all dread – when we…

Good biosecurity is used to prevent the spread of different bacteria, parasites and viruses. Many contagious diseases, such as flu and strangles can make horses very sick. Here are some of the key conditions to be aware of: Equine Influenza (’flu) ’Flu is highly contagious and can spread like wildfire around a yard of non-vaccinated horses. It causes high fevers, snotty noses and coughing. Ringworm Highly contagious, ringworm is a fungal infection that can spread from horse to horse and even horse to human. While it’s not hugely dangerous (and can even self-cure) the scabs and lesions it causes can be sore. Strangles Even though strangles spreads more slowly through yards, it can easily be spread by horses touching noses or sharing buckets. Horses can even become chronically infected with…

In January 2015, 20-year-old Corrie suffered an impaction colic. As he was prone to choke, his owners, Mrs Murray and her daughter, had always kept a close eye him and one morning they were worried when he began rolling and showing signs of discomfort in the field. “He appeared to have choked on his hay so we called the vet immediately,” says Mrs Murray. Corrie’s vet administered drugs to relax him, but unfortunately the impaction didn’t clear so he was admitted to the vets where he was put on a drip for a week. “We thought we might lose Corrie and we were so worried but thankfully the vet’s quick action meant he improved without any need for surgery,” says Mrs Murray. “He stayed at the vets for two weeks…

1 Horse brasses ward off evil. (Horses were, at one time, peoples’ most valuable possessions, and so brasses were used to protect them.) 2 Untangling a horse’s mane with your fingers brings good luck. 3 Warts can be cured by circling them in horse hair. 4 If you see a white dog, you should be silent until you see a white horse. 5 Sitting backwards on a donkey is a cure for snakebites and toothache. 6 Placing three hairs from a donkey’s shoulders in a muslin bag and wearing it around your neck is a cure for whooping cough or measles. 7 Chopped up horse hair in a sandwich is a cure for threadworm. 8 Coloured horses are lucky and you should make a wish if you see one. 9…

CHLOE CASALIS DE PURY Is the nutritional team manager and veterinary surgeon at Dodson & Horrell. Find out about its range of feeds at www.dodson andhorrell.com Understand hard feed Q What’s the difference between mixes and cubes? Karen Blake, Lancashire A A mix is a blend of individual ingredients, typically containing cooked cereals. The cereal grains in a mix (wheat, barley or oats) are usually cooked by micronisation. This is the process of wetting, toasting and rolling the grain to make it more easily digested by the horse. All cereals must be cooked in order for them to be safe for horses to eat, with the exception of oats. Balancing these cereals with a vitamin and mineral pre-mix provides the right amount of nutrients and forms a basic mix. However,…

HELEN BABINGTONSMITH has been groom to the Eilberg family for six years. Find out more about them at www.facebook.com/eilbergdressage/ A mud-free horse Q What’s the best way to remove wet mud from my horse without using lots of water? Heather Dennel, Wiltshire A Without the help of a hose the only way to get mud off is through hard work. I’d let it dry, then use a rubber or plastic curry comb to break the mud up, then flick it off with a long bristled dandy brush. Then curry comb again, this time alternating it with a body brush to get the underlying dust out. Finally sponge over the worst areas with a damp, but not wet, sponge. You can also use a grooming mitt with a grooming spray. I…

Such a simple idea, the Massage Mitt can be used as part of your daily grooming routine. Palm-shaped, it feels nice to hold, with delicate bristles that grip your hand. It follows the contours of your horse’s body as you use it in a circular motion over his back and hindquarters – all thanks to super-soft plastic. The mitt’s nine rotating steel balls help to relax tight and tense muscles, while boosting circulation and helping to reduce stress. You can use it before and after exercise. Your Horse associate editor Allison Lowther’s been using this mitt for several weeks and her horses love it. You do need to clean the balls regularly though to stop them sticking (Allison uses a baby wipe). PRICE £6.99 CONTACT www.themassagemitt.com…

Mark Todd Anti-Bacterial Socks £7.95 KEEP YOUR FEET SMELLING FRESH The clever hi-tech yarns used to make these socks will keep your feet dry, comfortable and odour-free as they wick moisture away from your skin, helping to maintain a neutral pH level. These socks also have shaped padding to support your feet, and a shock absorbent, cushioned footbed for comfort. COLOURS Black, brown SIZES S (35-38), M (39-42), L (43-46) CONTACT www.wefi.co.uk Tredstep Pure Air Cool Socks £9.99 STAY COOL AND COMFORTABLE Designed for summer riding, these socks have a number of features to help you stay cool. An open weave panel over the top of your foot and at the front of your leg increases ventilation, while Dryarn fabric in the foot wicks moisture and perspiration away from…