Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 428 i Your Horse

Hello I’d love to give a couple shout outs to some of the people who’ve helped us make the magazine this month. To start, let’s hear it for our cover star. Have you ever seen such a beautiful horse (apart from your own, of course)? Everyone in the office thought I’d lost the plot when I came in raving about a shoot I’d been on at Great Bookham Equestrian Centre, in Surrey. Let it be said that shoots are always fun – it’s so lovely meeting readers and people in the equestrian community. My visit to Great Bookham EC this month is the perfect example of that. I have our Win a Horse competition winner to thank for introducing me to this yard (see who that is on page 24)…

A team of plucky explorers are setting off in August to walk the length of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland to raise money for the Riding for the Disabled Association. Karen Inkster, along with her horse Connie and dog Pip are taking on the challenge to raise money for their local RDA group in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Starting in Vatersay, the trio will make their way north to Lewis on a trip that’s approximately 270km (perfect for #Hack1000miles – see page 20). They’ll be self-sufficient and carry their own tent, stove and corral. “We’ve been doing some preparation and headed into the Cairngorms for two days and camped on Dava Moor,” says Karen. “Connie carried all the kit in her panniers and we had a super time. I cooked dinner on…

An important arrival has been born at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie. The little foal is a welcome addition for the conservation of Przewalski’s horse as the species has been listed as endangered. Douglas Richardson, head of living collections at RZSS Highland Wildlife Park says: “For the Przewalski’s horse to go from being extinct in the wild to once again roaming the Mongolian Steppe is directly attributable to the efforts of the zoo. “Although there is still a need to continue to augment the small wild herds, and our latest foal may play a part, the story of the horse’s recovery is a classic example of the importance of conservation.”…

THE LOWDOWN ON ALLERGIES PODCAST Alex Wood from B&W Equine Vets tells us signs, symptoms and management advice for Sweet Itch and other equine allergies in this 30-minute podcast. Find out what you should look out for, how serious some reactions can be and how to test for allergies. Go to: www.horsehour.co.uk/ sweet-itch-and-allergies THE RACEHORSE WHO WOULDN’T GALLOP Read by Your Horse writer Stacey Carter Pony mad Charlie accidentally buys a racehorse, Noble Warrior. But there’s one problem – he won’t gallop! Only a win on Derby Day can save the family farm from being repossessed. To discover the end to this classic story, head to: http://amzn.to/2sdmjpt READY, STEADY, JUMP! After a shaky start, this clip shows an overdramatic jumper tackling a fence, perhaps with a little too much gusto.…

Winning a horsebox changed our lives Four years ago, on a cold winter day in February, I came to the Your Horse offices to collect my prize. A fabulous Equi-Trek Horsebox. I still have it and my daughter and I go to shows almost every weekend with that box. My daughter Lucy has gone from being a nervous rider, being able to only jump 2ft, to competing at BE Level last weekend at Munstead Horse Trials on our new horse Roscoe. We still have our original pony Blue who I now compete on. What a difference a few years and a lucky win can make. We’re competing at BE90 at Twesledown Racecourse very soon. Needless to say we’re slightly nervous. I just wanted to say thank you to the Your…

To sign up to #Hack1000miles just visit www.hack1000miles.co.uk and enter your name and email address – that’s it! You can then use our handy Progress Tracker to record your miles. Download yours for free at www.yourhorse.co.uk/progresstracker by inputting the code: Hack399. It’s a great way to log your progress and you’ll also need to upload a photo of your progress tracker if you want to enter our #Hack1000miles competitions. This’ll help us to prevent those ‘serial competition enterers’ winning prizes that you and your fellow hackers deserve!…

TELLING SOMEONE THAT they’ve just won the prize of their dreams is honestly the most amazing job in the world. I think it might be one of my all-time favourite things to do in my role as editor – you just can’t beat it. So, when I got the chance to tell Charlotte Wheeler that she’d now be able to start the search for her dream horse I was beyond excited. At first there was dead silence, then there was the inevitable “are you joking?” and “you’re joking aren’t you?” before the realisation hit. Then came the tears. Our new winner, Charlotte Wheeler from Surrey, is what I’d describe as a horse-mad sponge ! She loves to learn anything she can about horses and her enthusiasm for everything equestrian is…

WHETHER YOU PLAN to compete in the coming months or you want to feel more confident in the saddle, Piggy is here to help. By the end of the series you’ll have the skills to go out and ride a dressage test, jump confidently around a course of show jumps and go cross-country. First things first, you won’t be able ride well if you can’t maintain a correct position. So in this first part, Piggy covers the importance of a correct riding position on the flat and over jumps. Having the ability to ride in a good, balanced position is not only good for you, it also allows your horse to move correctly and freely. Piggy talks through what a good position should look like and how you can perfect…

“To the untrained eye, a round of show jumping looks simple enough” NICK SKELTON AND Big Star might make jumping look easy but we all know that’s far from the case, especially if you’re a nervous rider heading into competition. Attempting a course of jumps can be daunting enough. Couple that with the crowds and the hustle and bustle of other competitors, and show jumping can be an altogether terrifying experience. Here to offer her tips on how to tackle your nerves and jump a clear round is our resident confidence pro, Helen Rennie. Finding a winning formula To the untrained eye, a round of show jumping looks simple enough – pop over each fence clear, whiz round the jump off and then keep your fingers crossed for a rosette.…

MEET THE EXPERT JESSICA MENDOZA is an international show jumper. At 21, she’s one of the youngest ever riders to represent Great Britain at senior international level. When she’s not jumping you’ll find her helping out equine charity Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, as their newest ambassador. Exercise 1: SLOW THE PACE Horses can get used to cantering towards a jump and become quite excited. To help remedy this, take things down a notch and ask your horse to trot on the approach. This will encourage him to relax and become softer in your hand. How to ride it SET IT UP: For this exercise set your cross-pole up half way down one of the long sides of your arena or field, just in from the track. A.…

Tara Osborne is a dressage rider and owner of Long Drove Dressage Centre in Cambridgeshire. Even with all her experience she still managed to get caught out. “I made the mistake of assuming the qualifications of a saddle fitter who was on the yard had been checked by the client who hired her – we’ve all done this I guess,” Tara told us. “I had a saddle that needed a bit of work as the flocking was compressed. I showed it to her and she took it away for re-stuffing. This fitter had been recommended to my client so I thought she’d do a good job and as my own fitter wasn’t due it seemed an ideal solution. When the saddle came back I didn’t need to use it (luckily…

DEAN BLAND has worked as a farrier for over 16 years, with his career reflecting his interests, including both farriery and educational and welfare consultancy. What’s new for laminitics? Q What are the latest technologies for laminitic horses and what would you recommend? Kevin James, Liverpool A There’s been a lot of product development using plastic recently. I use the Imprint Equine Foot Care system as it offers opportunities for effective farriery solutions throughout the laminitic journey, from the initial acute onset and on to the chronic stage and the secondary crisis of hoof wall avulsion. What is hoof wall avulsion? In my experience, owners are familiar with the rotation and sinking associated with the acute onset. They’re perhaps less familiar with secondary crisis of the hoof wall avulsion, but…

MODERN DESIGNS Stübben Equi-Soft girth PRICE £210 COLOURS Black, ebony, tobacco STYLES Dressage, GP SIZES 45 to 140cm - www.stuebben.com A modern looking girth designed to follow the contours of your horse’s body to eliminate the problem of pinching. The elastic rings in the middle of the girth distribute pressure evenly across your horse and allow him to expand and contract his ribcage without restriction. The girth cover can be changed and is available in neoprene, lambskin or leather. Prolite girth PRICE £89 COLOURS Brown, black SIZES 20 to 32in (short), 44 to 56in (long) - www.prolitepads.com Manufactured under license from Fairfax Saddles, the design is scientifically proven to increase your horse’s freedom of movement, as well as reduce pressure and be more comfortable for your horse to wear. It’s…

2 PAIRS OF BOOTS TO GIVEAWAY The fabulous-looking Spring River Tall Boot from Mountain Horse is a great choice if you’re looking for a long boot for yard wear and riding. The boots are waterproof and made in a flexible, oily, full grain leather, which gives them a great look. A rear zip makes putting the boots on easy, and an elasticated gusset provides a snug and comfortable fit around your calf. A bamboo fibre infused lining wicks away moisture and minimises whiffy odours! To ensure your feet stay comfortable all day long there’s the ShockX insole system, which disperses weight evenly across your foot and absorbs shocks. Find out more at www.mountainhorse.se 10 BAGS OF STAYPOWER MUESLI UP FOR GRABS Staypower Muesli is perfect for providing a…

Associate editor Allison Lowther: I've been working closely with the one-and-only Piggy French for a brand new series! See page 41 . Writer & online editor Amy Moore: This month's First-timer Tale just made me melt. It's the sweetest little story. See page 130 . Writer Stacey Carter: I’m loving everyone’s #Hack1000miles selfies – they really make me want to hack. See the latest on page 20 . SAY WHAT?! “There were a few sponsors that were no longer interested and that was hard – you need rhino’s skin in this game, but I only have pig’s skin” Discover who said this on page 68 .…

A primary school teacher has left her job to pursue her dream of opening an equine therapy centre in Dorset to support children and adults with autism, ADHD and those recovering from medical conditions. Sarah Vivian, who opened the centre called Horserenity, is also planning to start an Alzheimer’s group that will give people living with dementia and their family members the opportunity to enjoy time with horses. Sarah’s dream to open Horserenity was inspired 12 years ago after she saw the positive effect that her 17.2hh horse Jack had on a young boy with autism named Rory. “Around Jack, Rory was happy, calmer and wanted to laugh and cuddle the horse – it didn’t matter how physical or loud Rory got, Jack took care of him,” says Sarah. “I…

Lord Jeffrey Archer is set to appear at this year’s RDA Gala Awards, hosting a fundraising auction for the dinner to celebrate the successes of the charity’s riders, horses and volunteers. It’s the first time that the bestselling author has appeared at the awards ceremony, which has been growing in popularity since the gala first launched in 2003. Jeffrey was approached for the role after newsreader and RDA supporter Alastair Stewart OBE personally recommended him to the charity. Also joining the stellar line-up this year will be Anneka Rice, actor Peter Egan and RDA Ambassador Clare Balding, who will host the event. Organiser Sal Atkinson says, “We’re so very excited to have Jeffrey on board and would like to say a big thank you to Alastair Stewart for his help…

My husband bought me a horse for our silver wedding anniversary but, unfortunately, she had to be put to sleep after a year. Feeling lost, I then bought a four-year-old Connemara called Leon. We clicked immediately and we did pretty well at quite a few shows, but one day he came in lame from the field. After a visit from my vet and farrier we assumed it was a bruised sole because there were no obvious laminitis symptoms. Leon recovered with rest but soon went lame again and we called the vet. After an X-ray he was diagnosed with laminitis caused by EMS (equine metabolic syndrome). He had been given haylage by accident and it had pushed his sugar levels up too high. He was given pain relief, his hard…

Does your saddle fit? If your saddle isn’t fitted right you’ll struggle to sit correctly and may feel insecure Check your stirrups It’s easier to sit correctly when your stirrups are the right length. The base of your stirrup iron should touch your ankle bone when you slip your foot out A SECURE LOWER LEG POSITION Integral to secure riding is your ability to maintain a correct lower leg position. This exercise will help you perfect that all important skill - and improve balance too! • In trot or canter, stand up in your stirrups for a few strides, then sit again • Repeat the above exercise, standing up every two strides • Feel your weight sinking into your ankles as you stand up in the stirrups • Check you’re…

Over the next couple of pages, Helen explains simple solutions to overcome your nerves while jumping. There are different tips for each, but these two relaxation techniques can be used for any stressful situation you find yourself in – whether you’re getting in a flap at work or facing a water tray with your horse. Here’s a recap: just to remind yourself: Exercise 1: LEARN TO BREATHE EASY Practise this breathing exercise whenever you’re feeling stressed and you’ll soon reap the benefits when you try it in the saddle. • Breathe in for four seconds • Breathe out for seven or eight seconds • Repeat two to three times. Breathing out for longer than you breathe in will send out a relaxation signal in your mind, helping you to feel…

Find it, fix it! Solve common schooling problems with advice from Bobby Hayler FIND THE PROBLEM If you’ve changed the rein and your horse has transformed from a lithe snake to a wooden spoon, it could be that he’s feeling stiffer on one side. He’ll feel stronger in the contact and he might even lean on the bit. When you ask for flexion on his ‘bad’ rein, you might notice that he struggles to flex from the poll to the withers and instead moves his whole body. WHAT TO AIM FOR When both sides of your horse’s body are supple, he should be able to bend his body so that it follows the line of a circle or a turn equally on both reins. This bend should be easy for…

MEET THE EXPERT MARTIN BROOKES is an Equine Dental Technician (EDT) with more than 15 years’ experience. He’s registered with the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians and the International Association of Equine Dentists. TAKING GOOD CARE of your horse’s mouth is essential in preventing problems with his teeth and gums and ensuring that he’s comfortable when ridden. With the help of EDT Martin Brookes, we’ve taken a look at the most common issues, how to spot them and what you can do to prevent them in the first place. “When owners contact me, it’s usually about one of two things,” says Martin. “Either their horse has started quidding, which is where they drop partially chewed food, or they’re having some resistance when riding, particularly in downward transitions or when…

MEET THE EXPERT SARA GALLOP is a BHSII, Group 1 international dressage rider and trainer who has competed and trained horses to Grand Prix level. She was a regular competitor on the show jumping circuit before moving over to dressage. COMPETITION SEASON is upon us, which means your horse will probably be spending more time on the lorry or trailer. Of course, travelling doesn’t come without its worries: you want everything to go smoothly, and he wants reassurance that the environment you’ve put him in is safe. Here, in a bid to keep your horse happy from the word go, we look at every aspect of his journey – from loading to coming off the box – and explore how to tackle any behavioural problems that crop up en route.…

LIZ DANIELS has been grooming for more than 20 years. She also works for the British Grooms Association as their communications director. Moving with support Q Why do some horses wear bandages while they’re exercising? Tess Fleming, Liverpool A Traditionally, exercise bandages were used as it was thought that they offered excellent support for the horse’s soft tissue structures during strenuous work. Recent research has debated this, but use of bandages is often down to personal choice. Personally, I always use boots instead of bandages as they’re easier to fit correctly. Keeping things balanced Q If only one leg needs support, do I need to bandage his other leg too? Why is this? Kate Clifton, Chester A You definitely need to bandage both legs. A horse with an injury on…

CLARE BARFOOT is an equine nutritionist and research and development manager at SPILLERS, www.spillersfeeds.com Why is my horse spitting out food? Q What is quidding and why is it a problem? Kerry Green, Essex AQuidding is where horses chew forage or feed and spit it out because the particle isn’t small enough to be swallowed. This usually happens when the molar teeth aren’t capable of grinding grass or forage down. It’s particularly seen in older horses and ponies, especially those in their late twenties. Horse owners often discover that their horse is quidding when wet, partially chewed clumps of hay or grass are found on the stable floor or at pasture and it indicates that your horse’s diet may need adjusting. Lack of fibre is one of the most common…

If you’re using a shaped girth, the narrowest point should be in line with your horse’s elbow so he can move his elbow forward and back. When fastened your girth should sit approximately one hand’s width behind your horse’s elbow. Make sure buckles are away from his elbows otherwise you risk bruising. Fasten your girth to the same number hole on each side, so it sits centrally and stable on your horse.…

I was a lucky winner! Arrived home today to a delivery. I’d won a new competing outfit from a Your Horse competition, including a brand new Champion jockey skull and body protector, Toggi breeches, show shirt and boots. Amazing! Kate Tickner Happy hacking again In response to Tracey Sawyer being our #Hack100miles ambassador Tracey helped me with my mare, who isn’t the simplest to hack out. We had a bad accident a couple of years ago and it ruined our confidence. I made silly excuses not to go hacking and stay in the school instead but, between Tracey and Mirrie, they encouraged us to get back out there. We’re now hacking by ourselves for hours. I wouldn’t be doing this without Tracey’s help and support. Jayde Cootes If you don’t…

There are lots of reasons to join #Hack1000miles and here are just four of them: 1 You and your horse could be celebrated in Your Horse magazine as we’ll be publishing your pics and stories each month. 2 You’ll make new hacking friends from all over the country who’ll support you on your journey. 3 There are prizes up for grabs! Every month we’ll be giving away prizes to star hackers. 4 You’ll get #Hack1000miles news, content and updates delivered right to your inbox, absolutely free. SHARE YOUR HACKING SELFIES We’d love to see how you’re getting on so be sure to post your pics on social media using the hashtags #Hack1000miles – if your pic is printed, we’ll send you a prize!…

Turn your training into success with these six tips: 1 Define your version of success. Success can’t be measured if you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve. 2 Write a performance plan. Identify what action you can take to maintain control over each stage. 3 Practise visualising each part of the competition in real time. 4 Research different breathing exercises 5 Get to smaller competitions in between big events: it’s a confidence boost for you both. 6 Instruction pays dividends – invest in it.…

MEET THE EXPERT BRIDGET BAZELL MSc MCSP ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapist has extensive experience in treating a wide range of horses. To find out more visit www.bridgetbazellphysio.co.uk FOR OUR DOMESTICATED horses, daily life can involve all sorts of activity – hacking, jumping, dressage and more, not to mention the fact that they’ll be carrying us on their backs in the process! This means your horse not only needs to be fit for his job, he also needs muscle strength in all the right places. As our expert Bridget Bazell explains, building muscle can be done with ease and she has some simple exercises for you to try, but first she recommends giving a few key principles some thought: Ensure he’s pain-free First and foremost, if your horse is in any discomfort…

The condition Urticaria (also known as nettle rash or hives) is a fairly common problem in horses. It affects horses of all ages and can appear throughout the year. Sometimes thoroughbreds and their cross breeds are said to be predisposed, to the condition but all breeds can be susceptible. Urticaria is caused by an allergic reaction, for example, a reaction to the bites of insects, different drugs, food, pollens or infections. It can also be caused by non-allergic reactions and can appear in reaction to the heat, cold or after exercise. Symptoms Typically, urticaria is known for the steep-walled, raised, flat-top swellings (wheals) that appear on a horse’s skin. These often appear on the skin very rapidly over the course of a few hours. Wheals can be pretty widespread and…

DID YOU KNOW that anyone could buy equipment and carry out dental procedures on your horse? It’s also not illegal for basic hoof trimming to be done by a layperson. And how many times have you seen a ‘knowledgeable’ friend fitting a saddle? Sadly there are still pockets of the equestrian industry that are unregulated, resulting in horses being treated by unqualified practitioners. But, with a little know-how and a dash of vigilance you can be sure that the experts you pay to check and treat your horse are qualified to do so. We wouldn’t hire an unqualified doctor to treat ourselves and it’s time to afford this same courtesy to our animals. Unfortunately, due to differences in the way specialists are monitored, the whole process of finding an expert…

KAREN ALLOTT is a specialist equine massage practitioner. She’s currently studying at Nottingham Trent University for her master’s degree in equine health, performance and welfare. Coming back after a break Q I’m bringing my horse back into work after a few months off. How can I make sure he doesn’t injure himself? Susan Spencer, Dorking A Depending on why your horse has been off work will determine how you bring him back. Following an injury, a tailored rehab plan will best support his body. If he hasn’t been injured and has just been turned away after competition season, for example, remember these three things: Do a full check of his body and include his back, teeth and feet. A lot can change in a few months, so making sure your…

KELSEY JONES’ OVERWEIGHT Welsh Cob, Prince Hamlet (Prinny), is recovering from a bout of mild laminitis and her vet has told her to avoid feeds containing sugar. In a healthy and exercised horse, sugar shouldn’t be a problem as it’s easily digested. In Prinny’s case, given his weight problem and recent spell of laminitis, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) intake (which includes sugar) should be limited. Managing Prinny’s grass and forage intake should be Kelsey’s priority as these are the largest contributors of WSC in the diet. Kelsey should opt for low-calorie, fibre-based feed or forage replacer, preferably one that’s been approved by The Laminitis Trust. She should also consider a low-calorie balancer to give Prinny the daily vitamins and minerals he needs, without the calories. SPILLERS® HAPPY HOOF® Molasses Free is…

Harry Hall Hi Flex Ladies PRICE £100 CONTACT www.harryhall.com As its name suggests, this body protector has been designed to fit the shape of women’s bodies. Lightweight, it’s made from tapered, high impact, shock-absorbing foam for a great fit. It has a part-quilted air mesh outer with reflective piping and a soft, stretchy nylon lining. The shoulder tabs are rubberised for ease of use, and has an elasticated, fully adjustable waist strap. REVIEWED BY Kelly Adams from Newquay USED FOR 5 months WORN Jumping and competing After trying on several different styles, I found this one fitted best. It’s so lightweight I forget I’m wearing it. It’s not bulky at all and the cut around my arms is good, lettiing me move freely. Champion Titanium Ti22 PRICE from £165 (adult…

MEMORY FOAM FOR COMFORT Elico Memory foam girth PRICE £31.25 (dressage), £34.95 (long) COLOUR Black SIZES 22 to 30in (dressage), 38 to 54in (long) - www.elico.co.uk To provide greater comfort for your horse this girth has a memory foam liner inside. It’s slightly shaped to follow the contours of your horse’s body and is elasticated at both ends for additional comfort and freedom of movement. Showmaster Dressage Girth with Memory Foam PRICE £34.90 COLOURS Black, brown SIZES 16 to 32in - www.kramer.co.uk An anatomically-shaped short girth made of soft chloroprene rubber with memory foam padding for greater comfort. It’s elasticated at both ends and has a D-ring attachment for a martingale.…

Equiture Browband £45 to £80 DESIGN YOUR OWN All Equiture browbands are custom made by hand to your design, with over 50 colours to choose from. You can also opt for a straight, curved or v-shaped browband to complement your horse’s face. Each one comes in a keep-safe cotton bag with a spare bag of crystals. CONTACT www.equiture.biz Amerigo Patent Swarovski Browband £108 PATENT LEATHER WITH SPARKLE This smart, sparkling browband combines the current trend for elegant looking patent leather with eye-catching bling, featuring shiny, quality Italian leather together with a band of stunning authentic Swarovski crystal stones. CONTACT zebraproducts.co.uk/stockists.html JHL Heart and Diamanté Browband £17.50 UNDERSTATED BLING Get noticed in the ring for all the right reasons with this pretty heart and diamanté-design browband. The stylish, understated…