Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 429 i Your Horse

Hello Seeing horses, ponies and donkeys in distress is heart-breaking and it’s now become the norm to see pictures of neglected and abandoned equines online. Here at Your Horse HQ, we receive press releases on this topic daily and I can’t imagine ever being immune to the sadness they bring. This month, our Rescue Update (page 10) brought me to tears. I will never be able to understand why people feel it’s acceptable to treat animals in this way. A tiny foal, abandoned in such a horrific way, and left to die. It’s just so sad. I’m so grateful for the hard work and effort of the countless people across the country working to protect, rescue and rehabilitate equines in need. What an amazing job they do. In testament to…

A controversial FEI rule is has come under fire after a rider was eliminated for patting his horse during his dressage test. Australia’s Tristan Tucker was riding an intermediate test at Uggerhalne CDI3* in Denmark this year when he was eliminated. The decision to eliminate Tristan was based on one of the FEI’s rules, which states that riders should keep a hand on each rein at all times during a test. The decision led to a public outcry on social media, with calls for the FEI to review the rule and make it clearer. The FEI hasn’t confirmed if the rule will be up for review, but a spokesperson said: “The FEI Dressage Department is reviewing and finalising the amendments to the rules that will be voted on at the…

ROBIN ROAD NIGHT MEMO BOARDS These beautiful linen fabric memo boards have been handcrafted in the UK, and feature show jumping, eventing and dressage horses. It’s a stylish way to save favourite memories, rosettes or reminders. The boards are available in five different colours and you can enter YourHorse at the checkout for a 10% discount.www.robinroadnight.com FORGING ON Read by Your Horse writer Stacey Carter A coming-of-age story about a Yorkshire lad who’s starting his life as an apprentice farrier. With his gruff boss, Stanley, and another apprentice to contend with, Will realises that the coming year is going to teach him a lot more than how to shoe a horse properly. It’s also full of good Yorkshire anecdotes. Visit http://amzn.to/2ttwJoF WHAT A WAY TO LOAD If you’ve gone through…

WITH THE EVENTING season in full swing, it’s easy to feel inspired and want to channel your inner Fox-Pitt over a cross-country course but we all know that’s easier said than done. Cross-county, while an exciting buzz, can be a challenge for some. Not only are there solid jumps, but also open spaces, water complexes (if only arm bands were acceptable) and people watching, all while you’re trying to focus on where you’re going without using a sat nav. “There’s quite a lot going on with cross-country,” says Helen. “It’s a completely different environment to an arena and it can be easy for riders to start worrying about all the new things they might encounter. “Whether it’s a particular fence or running out of steam half way round, there’s lots…

IMAGINE HAVING AN international event rider as your trainer? Well, in this new series, Piggy French passes on her advice and tips to improve your riding, whatever your level. 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. Here, Piggy reveals why rhythm and balance are so vital for everything you do with your horse and, more importantly, how to improve them with three specific exercises. Your ‘Train with Piggy’ planner Part 1 Position (issue 428 – for a back issue, call 01858 438884) Why it’s so important to have a secure and balanced position to boost your confidence. Part 2 Improving rhythm and balance (this…

The condition Equine asthma is a condition that causes some horses to be hypersensitive to molecules in the air (known as allergens). This results in symptoms that range from mild to severe. This hypersensitivity (allergy) causes lower airway inflammation and results in increased mucus production and constriction of the airways in the lungs. A particular type of equine asthma involves horses that suffer during summer while spending most of their time outside. The condition is better known as summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD). It’s thought that SPAOPD is associated with an increase in airborne particles and environmental allergens such as pollen, mould spores and mycotoxins. Some horses can be affected throughout the year and also suffer with the more classical form of equine asthma called RAO (also known…

BITS HAVE BEEN used to control horses for thousands of years, with the earliest ones made from rawhide. Today’s bits are much more sophisticated and designed to be kinder and more comfortable. But with the enormous range available, it can still be confusing when it comes to choosing the right one. We’ve spoken to three experts to get the low-down on choosing and fitting bits. Assessing his mouth conformation Why one size doesn’t fit all Knowing your horse’s mouth is important when choosing a bit that does the job you need it to do without causing discomfort. “ You want the bit to sit just in front of the first cheek teeth so the pressure is in the right place,” explains equine dental technician Martin Brookes. “But it’s important to…

DEAN BLAND has worked as a farrier for more than 16 years, with a career reflecting his interests, including farriery and educational and welfare consultancy. Farrier fears Q My horse is terrified of the farrier and rears up – especially when smoke billows around him. What can I do to build his confidence? Alison Freeman, Worcester A Issues coming from the interaction between farriers and horses can create a great deal of anxiety and disruption that can have an affect on both equine welfare and human well-being. As we know, horses are incredibly emotional mammals and they are also mirrors of us, reflecting back our emotions. They have amazingly developed senses and use this information to assess and interact with their environment. Also, as prey animals, they’re hard wired to…

ALISON KENWARD is a BHS accredited professional coach. She specialises in dressage and rides and trains her horses from her base in Northants. Pep up your lungeing QI find lungeing so boring! What can I do to make it more interesting? Jo Hopkins, Coventry A Decide before you begin whether you’re lungeing for work or exercise, and what you’d like to achieve. Lungeing is a great way to get a fresh perspective on how your horse is working and feeling. It’s a time when you can discover a lot about your horse’s personality and see from the ground his physical strengths and what he finds challenging. Lungeing can include polework, lateral work, lengthened strides, transitions and you could even put the radio on for an added element to see how…

Berlei Horse Riding Price £35 COMPETITION READY The padded straps, moulded cup and inner sling of this bra offer some welcome reinforced support and minimum bounce. It has lightly padded straps that reduce pressure and tension on your shoulders and, handily, you can wear the straps normally or cross them over at the back for greater comfort and support. The bra’s available in a nude colour – nice and discreet under your white competition shirt . CONTACT www.boobydoo.co.uk Panache Ultimate Sports Bra Price £40 FOR THOSE WITH A LARGER BUST This is a busty lady’s dream! No matter what sport or activity, the bra reduces breast movement by up to 83% and the lightweight microfibre fabric wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you dry. The super smooth…

When I’m out on the country lanes with Dolly, the drive gives me such a thrill HAVING RIDDEN HORSES all her life, Ginny Shirt decided she wanted to try something new but not necessarily in the saddle. “I got it into my head that I’d like to take up driving,” says Ginny. “I had a couple of lessons and absolutely loved them but I knew that training a pony to drive from scratch would be beyond my capabilities. “Christmas was approaching and I knew that I needed to find a well-behaved driving pony who was experienced enough to help me get me out on the roads,” says Ginny. “My husband kindly offered to buy one for me, so we found an avid driver with a few horses for sale. After…

Associate editor Allison Lowther: Bitting is always a minefield so we’ve pulled together a guide, packed with helpful hints. See page 77 Writer & online editor Amy Moore: I met a legend in the RDA world. Ro Pudden has given her life to the RDA – she’s a total hero! See page 60 Writer Stacey Carter: As an owner of an older horse, I loved writing our Care for Old Friends’ piece this month. See page 68 SAY WHAT?! “A moment of gratitude could even help to improve your riding performance” Well, if we’d known it was that easy! (see page 46 ) 3 issues for £3 Find the latest Your Horse subscription on page 50…

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is calling for owners to register their horses with the college’s equine blood donor programme to increase the amount of blood available to treat critically ill horses. Donated blood can be life-saving and can help horses that have been victims of road accidents, had colic surgery or have severe problems with their intestines, such as colitis. Unlike in humans, there isn’t currently a national equine blood bank and the college relies on blood donations from just four horses, with each giving a donation once a month. Blood can be kept for up to one month, but deteriorates quickly and the college are hoping that horses on the donor list will be able to provide fresh blood to help those who need it most. To become…

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: ADAPT HIS STRIDE Being able to control your horse’s stride is essential when jumping and encourages him to be able to adapt in changing situations. This exercise uses a pole before and after the fence to help your horse learn to become more balanced and maintain his shape over the jump. SET IT UP: Put your upright at a height you’re comfortable with and then add a canter pole three walking steps before your fence, and another three steps…

Find it, fix it! Solve common schooling problems with advice from Bobby Hayler FIND THE PROBLEM If your horse jogs when you ask for a forward walk, he’ll be in a pace that’s somewhere between walk and trot and you’ll feel like you’re bouncing around in the saddle (and it certainly won’t be comfy!). You’ll probably find that you feel quite tense, hang on to the reins and take your leg off, which actually makes the problem worse. HOW IT SHOULD FEEL You’ll know that your horse is forward going in his walk when he feels like he’s marching with purpose underneath you. Make sure that your hips are relaxed and moving with your horse, and you should also be able to feel each of his footfalls as they land.…

ALEX COPELAND is the Director of Education at The British Horse Society (BHS). The BHS is dedicated to education, equine welfare and horse and rider safety. Training to be an instructor Q What’s the benefit of investing in a qualification? Chloe Willis, West Sussex A Equestrian qualifications show potential employers that you have the skills that are needed for a career with horses. More importantly, the BHS qualifications are internationally recognised, with some of the best instructors, riders and grooms coming through the equine excellence pathway, including pro riders like Fellow of the BHS Carl Hester and Yogi Breisner. The BHS equine excellence pathways give each student the chance to gain qualifications and awards. Plus, they’ve been developed after extensive consultation to incorporate the latest research and thinking. Who knows,…

KAREN ALLOTT is a specialist equine massage practitioner. She’s currently studying at Nottingham Trent University for her Masters in Equine Health, Performance and Welfare. Help him on box rest Q My horse damaged her suspensory ligament and is going to have several months off work. Is there anything I can do to help her? Sarah Hughes, Canterbury A In the early days, you’re best to think about your horse’s behaviour and mental well-being while your vet will advise how to care for her initial injury. It’s normal with this type of injury for your vet to advise a period of box rest. If your horse isn’t a fan of box rest, this could stress her out and hinder the rehabilitation process. Look at stable enrichment ideas that she can interact…

ALICIA KEEPS HER Highland Pony, Robbie, very fit over the summer. As Alicia is on Riding Club dressage and show jumping teams, Robbie gets plenty of exercise to help keep him trim. He’s on hill grazing, which also helps to keep his waistline in check. Alicia reports that Robbie is pretty well muscled and has plenty of energy but she’s worried that the grass isn’t giving him all the nutrients that he needs in his diet. A balancer should suit Robbie’s circumstances very well. It’ll supply those important extra vitamins and minerals that Robbie needs on a daily basis but, as it’s fed by the cup rather than the scoop, Alicia won’t have to worry about him putting on weight and losing his athletic prowess in the arena! New SPILLERS®…

YOUR HORSE’S HOOVES are pretty complex and, with most lameness starting in the foot, it’s important you keep them as healthy as possible. Essentially, hooves act as shock absorbers, protecting the delicate internal structures and, if they’re compromised, the way your horse moves will also be impacted. A balanced diet and regular visits from your farrier will go a long way to ensuring your horse’s feet are in the best possible condition. However, some horses are just prone to poor feet. If this is the case with your horse, then there are products available which, when combined with good management, should see the quality of his hooves improve. Before you start slapping on products and adding supplements to his feed, take a moment to look at his hooves and have…

Much-loved equestrian brand Harry Hall has launched a scheme, offering members public liability insurance and exclusive discounts. Annual membership for the Harry Hall One Club offers up to £10m public liability and £10k personal accident, as well as giving savings of up to 30% on Harry Hall and its sister brands – Caldene, Tottie, Masta and Cottage Craft. Family memberships are also available and can cover four family members, living at the same address, who own up to three horses. Find out more details online at www.harryhall.com/oneclub…

DUMPED IN A HOLE and left to die, Annie was only days old when the RSPCA got a call from a pair of walkers in May 2015. She’d been cruelly pushed into a hole in the ground in a field and was left unable to escape. Her mother was also nowhere to be seen. The walkers alerted the RSPCA who rushed to the scene to rescue the little foal. They transported Annie to Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey, for urgent care, where she was hand-reared by centre manager Susannah Walters and her team. Sadly, the RSPCA never discovered who was responsible for dumping Annie and her mother was never found. But this spring Annie found her forever home with Danielle Edge, from Bedfordshire, and her family. “We couldn’t be…

Calling all wimpy riders! I have a goal – to complete a BE80 by the end of the year with my horse, Ozzie, a six-year-old traditional cob stallion. I also have a 10-year-old mare, called Tifa, but she’s too much of a live wire for BE80 just now. I had a nasty fall when jumping a few years back, so Ozzie and me are slowly building our confidence back up together so we can achieve our goal. We’ve got to 55cm, which is a big deal for us. Before I would have had a panic attack jumping a 5cm cross-pole! I’m actually taking part in the Wobbleberries Challenge (www.wobbleberries.com), which is an opportunity for middle-aged, wimpy riders to compete at a BE80 by autumn 2017. Wobbleberries aims to raise money…

1 Make simple (and vital!) safety checks Being safe, that’s a no brainer right? But how many times have you saddled up without checking your girth, doing up your chin strap or donning high-vis ahead of a hack? These are just three simple safety measures you can make every time you ride that could, at the very least, protect you from injury and, at most, save your life. Here’s a mental checklist to engrain on your brain: Every time you ride… Check your girth Wear a riding hat and keep it securely fastened Check your tack for loose stitching or damage Check the weather forecast (especially in winter) Check your horse has four secure shoes Before hacking, add these to your list… Wear high-vis (there’s never an excuse not to)…

MEET THE EXPERT CLAIRE HODGSON passed her Advanced Veterinary Practice Certificate in Equine Medicine in 2013 and is a BVet Med Cert Avp (EM) MRCVS. She specialises in equine stud medicine and anaesthesia. “ LIKE HUMANS, a horse’s age can impact on his lifestyle but think about what you mean by old and whether your horse feels the effects of it,” says equine vet Claire Hodgson. “The equine concept of age has shifted as management has changed. For example, years ago, people didn’t bother addressing arthritis and teeth complications until a problem cropped up, so there was no maintenance, which meant no prevention.” These days, a horse isn’t classed as old until he’s in his 20s and, if you care for him well and watch for changes in his well-being,…

ANTONIA WILLS is an independent saddle fitter and qualified with the Society of Master Saddlers. Find out more about Antonia on her website online at www.wills-saddlefitter.co.uk Slipping around Q My horse seems to be shaped like a barrel. I’ve had my saddle checked but his shape means it always slips round when I’m riding . Have you got any advice? Sandra James, Monmouthshire A Use a non-elastic girth and ensure that it’s tight enough, as some canny horses specialise in blowing out when their girths are being tightened. To get around this, check it before mounting, again after a few strides of walk and then again after five or 10 minutes of exercise. There are also some very good grip pads and gels on the market. Many riders use gel…

JASMIN GROGAN is a nutrition advisor at Baileys Horse Feeds. When she’s not giving feeding advice, you can find her with her own horses that she has owned for the past 13 years. Feeding native breeds QI want to take on a Highland Pony. Do you have any tips for feeding? Sophie Green, Peterborough A It’s great you’re considering his feed already. Being a native breed, Highland Ponies are generally good-doers, who maintain weight and condition well, but it’s important to consider your horse as an individual. Factors to consider are: • What’s he currently being fed? • How does he look in terms of his weight and condition? • What workload will you do with him? • Will he be stabled and/or turned out? Body condition scoring and weightaping…

NOURISHMENT FROM THE OUTSIDE Nettex Traditional Hoof Balm PRICE £7.55 for 500g HOOF STRENGTHENING A breathable formulation that allows hooves to maintain their suppleness, helping to protect your horse’s hooves from damaging cracks, splits and chipping. This stuff’s perfect for use all year round to maintain healthy hooves that can cope with everyday changes in the environment. www.nettexequine.com Cavalor HoofOil Special PRICE £22.40 for 500ml ANTIBACTERIAL Containing a unique essential oil for improved growth and quality, this nourishing oil provides a ‘bacteriostatic’ effect, which stops bacteria from reproducing. It also encourages the overall health of the hoof. www.zebraproducts.co.uk NAF PROFEET Hoof Moist PRICE £12 for 900g MAINTAINS MOISTURE LEVELS An entirely natural product with a dual action, Hoof Moist is actually oil and grease-free and has been formulated to keep…