Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 430 i Your Horse

Hello Someone (who shall not be named) once said to me that they’d never get a cob. Cobs, they said, were for people who liked to hack and only hack, not for competing or anything more. Said person later went on to buy a cob and that little cob turned out to be the best horse they’d ever had. They did everything from one-day events and dressage to fun rides and drag hunting together. It was a match made in heaven and my anonymous friend really had to eat their words. But they weren’t alone in their opinions because that judgement – the one that all cobs are hairy plods, limited in their ability – has been shared by many for a long time. Thankfully though, that judgement is shifting.…

New research has confirmed that a suitable diet can help to manage equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), especially after veterinary treatment is stopped. The research studied the effect of changing diet on gastric ulceration in exercising horses and ponies following treatment. It was conducted by Danish equine vet Nanna Luthersson, Spanish equine nutritionist Coby Bolger, with colleagues from the University of Madrid and Glasgow, in collaboration with SPILLERS® and the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group, “This exciting work confirms what we suspected: that while appropriate dietary change can provide additional support to medical treatment for EGUS, most importantly it can help maintain better gastric health post medical treatment,” said Clare Barfoot RNutr, the research and development manager at SPILLERS®. To read more on this story, visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/egusresearch…

PODCAST: DO HORSES LEARN FROM EACH OTHER? Ever wondered what your horse learns from watching his friends? Dr Camie Heleski, president of the International Society for Equitation Science, talks about how our horses learn from watching each other in action. http://bit.ly/2v1HYEN THE SPELL OF THE HORSE by Pam Billinge Read by Your Horse writer Stacey Carter When Pam’s mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer she was surprised by her horse’s behaviour. His reaction to her grief prompted Pam to look into how our emotions impact our horses. A must-read book for a closer look at the interactions between horses and owners. Available from http://amzn.to/2v317nU MESSY HORSE If you’ve ever spent ages prepping and preening your horse for a competition, only to have him ruin all your hard work…

I wanted to share how dangerous grass seeds are after an experience with my horse a few weeks ago. Hustler had a swollen eye and, on first sight, it looked like a bee sting. I called the vets and they ended up removing a grass seed, which had caused an eye ulcer. After lots of antibiotics and bute we’re finally back on track, but it was a horrible time. I’d removed his fly mask that day and, if I’d kept it on, it could well have prevented it. After a schedule of two-hourly drops and bute, we’re out riding now, albeit with a fly mask over his bridle. Nicki Atherton and Hustler, West Midlands YH says: Grass seeds are a nasty business Nicki. This is a common problem for owners…

MEET THE EXPERT ALEX BRAGG is an event rider based in Somerset. Burghley 2016 was his first four-star event and his career has gone from strength-to-strength since. He’s listed as one of the top 100 riders in the UK and is also a registered farrier – very handy should his horse ever lose a shoe! IF YOUR HORSE huffs and puffs his way through a schooling session and you’re looking for a fun way to help him fight the flab, you’ve come to the right place. Working out is no longer just for gym bunnies and there’s no reason your horse can’t get in on the action too (who says running shoes can’t be hoof-shaped and made out of metal?). Here, we catch up with Alex Bragg who knows a…

MEET THE EXPERT FAYE LOW is a performance coach and confidence expert who works with riders experiencing a whole range of confidence issues. You can visit her website at: www.horseconfidence4u.co.uk FALLING OFF IS part and parcel of riding horses. It may not be a regular thing but it’s something that we all know could happen at any time. Some riders manage to shake off the shock of a fall pretty quickly, while others struggle to get back in the saddle. Our coach, Faye Low, is on hand with simple exercises to help if you’re suffering from a fall-related wobble. “For some people, a fall is a very emotional, traumatic event and can have a huge effect on them,” Faye explains. “Others seem to brush it off and hop back on…

UNTIL NOVEMBER 2016, 11-year-old Thoroughbred Ava was a happily retired racehorse who enjoyed light work and being fussed by her owner Kelly. “One day I noticed was that Ava went off her hay, which is really unusual for her, so I called my vet. Within the next couple of hours, her right hindleg had swollen to three times its normal size, she refused to bear weight on it or walk and she was in obvious pain and distress. “When my vet arrived he diagnosed her with lymphangitis and gave her pain medication and antibiotics immediately. It was only when these started to take effect that we could walk her back to her stable. “My vet recommended cold hosing the leg and continuing with a rotation of antibiotics for a month…

1 Feed by volume rather than weight and you could be feeding up to four times the number of calories he needs. So weigh out what you need and then find something that holds that amount. A scoop of chaff should come to about 500g. With balancers, a coffee cup would be more appropriate than a scoop. 2 It’s easy to be tempted by supplements promising to help your horse with moodiness, joint problems or similar. But without ensuring he needs the supplement (or that his feed doesn’t already provide it), you could be wasting money and not helping your horse at all. Check with a nutritionist before you buy. 3 When we want to praise our horses we use food as a reward. But while rewarding your horse is…

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN CBE has ridden dressage at two Olympic games. She’s the first British woman to retain an individual gold medal (winning in 2012 and 2016). Top dressage tips Q What are your tips for riding a test at a competition? Kelly Davies, Suffolk A My top tips are: • 1 Don’t focus on perfection. I don’t think you should obsess about trying to make it all perfect but instead try and be the best you can be on the day. Remember that you’re there to have fun – you need to enjoy it, too. • 2 Take care to prepare as well as you can. I’d say definitely learn your tests as thoroughly as you can and well in advance of your competition. In addition, each time you ride…

PAT VOISEY is an appointed Bitless Bridle Instuctor, an ABRS qualified instructor and also holds a National Diploma in Equine Studies. She loves hacking in the countryside. Training to go bitless Q What’s involved when changing over to a bitless bridle for your horse? Amelia Hart, Ipswich A This really depends on the individual horse and rider. Both of my horses were in a Pelham before but I changed them to bitless and they took to it immediately. If you think a bit has given your horse issues with bucking, bolting or head shaking, it’s important to get him checked by a vet first before going bitless to check there’s no underlying problems. You should also have his saddle checked, too. If no problems are found, it’s wise to try…

FLASH BRIDLES Mark Todd Performance Flash Bridle PRICE £142.99 COLOURS Black, havana SIZES Cob, full www.wefi.co.uk This smart bridle is designed with comfort in mind. It has an ergonomically designed padded noseband that gives fixed positioning so that the front of the noseband isn’t pulled downwards by the action of the flash attachment. The noseband slots through the bridle’s padded headpiece, sitting on top of the headpiece to reduce pressure points. It comes with a pair of rubber grip reins. Rossano Padded Raised Flash Bridle PRICE £117 COLOURS Black, havana SIZES Cob, full, extra full www.shiresequestrian.com This versatile Rossano bridle is made from beautiful Italian leather and has a padded browband and noseband, with a flash strap. This carefully engineered, all-in-one headpiece comfortably follows the contours of your horse’s head…

Associate editor Allison Lowther: I found the feature on equine body language so interesting, I’ll be watching my horses like a hawk now. See page 68 Writer & online editor Amy Moore: I worked with eventer Alex Bragg for the first time this month and what a gent he is! See page 38 Writer Stacey Carter: Shout out to all of our Send a Selfie snappers this month – I love going through them all. See page 16 SAY WHAT?! “At the end of the day, your horse probably couldn’t care less what you do together” Confidence guru Helen Rennie offers some straight talking ( p34 ) 6 months for £23 Find the latest Your Horse subscription offer on page 56…

Performance coach and confidence expert Faye Low is set to launch an exciting 100-day horse confidence challenge for riders, designed to help them change the way they think about their riding. Based on the concept that it takes, on average, 28 days of repetition to create a neural pathway in the brain (put simply, that means creating new habits through subconscious learning), Faye’s challenge will encourage participants to complete 100 challenges on 100 days. “Most horse owners don’t have time to do something every day with their horses, so the idea is that by increasing the number of days to 100, we can make sure the new habits really stick,” says Faye. Challenges can be anything from walking your horse in hand for 10 minutes to jumping 1m for the…

Afternoon treat It’s never too early for a gin and I’m very happy I have a Your Horse magazine to go with it on my afternoon off. A very practical, helpful magazine with lots of useful training advice. Samantha Francis, Twitter Ready to go ex-racer My boy is one of the special HEROS horses. We’re counting down the days to the big Aintree RoR show in August and we can’t wait. Gaelann East, Facebook Favourite friend This is my beloved girl, Ash, who I’ ve had for nearly a year. She’s been such a help with my anxieties and she’s gotten me through some horrible times. She’s my world. Dawn Johnstone, Facebook…

AS WELL AS THE amazing Equi-Trek Sonic, we’re giving our winner even more prizes from our competition’s sponsors. Prizes such as a £500 voucher to spend with Country & Stable – with a large online presence and a store in the heart of Olney in Buckinghamshire, we’re sure our winner will have no trouble spending their winnings. From the equestrian essentials, stunning show gear, outdoor apparel and everything for your horse and dog from brands like Barbour, Pikeur, Eskadron, Le Chameau, Noble Outfitters, Toggi and Weatherbeeta, Country & Stable offers something for everyone. The customer is the Country & Stable team’s primary focus. This friendly bunch of equestrian experts are always on hand to offer free advice on which type of rug would suit your horse best, or to run…

MEET THE EXPERT DANNY ANHOLT is the Director of Equestrian Sport at Millfield School in Somerset. He was awarded the title Fellowship of the BHS in 2015. He is also a BE Accredited trainer. ATONED TOPLINE IS a sure sign of a strong horse. It not only looks impressive, but it’ll also help your horse in his work as he’ll feel fitter and be able to carry himself better. We catch up with trainer Danny Anholt, who explains the simple and effective exercises that you can try at home to achieve a topline that would make Valegro proud. What’s more, these are tried and tested and the results are clear to see on Danny’s horse, Clever Girl, ridden here by Danny’s pupil Flora Rigby. It all takes time Your horse’s…

MEET THE EXPERT KATH PININGTON is an accredited Professional Coach who has worked with some of Britain’s top trainers. Enjoying a career highlight by completing Badminton in 2000, Kath combined her skills to assess and train ex-racers as the yard manager and trainer at the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre. THIS WORKOUT IS designed to improve your horse’s core strength, which will help develop his balance and overall ease of movement when you ride. When long-lining, use your voice in a higher pitched upward command and always say ‘and’ before a downward transition command in a softer, deeper tone. This will help with his response to voice commands. Remember, always wear gloves and a hat when long-lining, and familiarise your horse with the lunge lines over his back and legs before you…

REGULAR LESSONS FROM a good trainer help to keep you and your horse on the right track but sometimes lack of time and funds can make this difficult. Help is on hand from international event rider Piggy French. In this series, she shares her advice, hints and tips to improve your riding on the flat and over jumps. In this issue, she reveals the importance of riding accurate school movements. When ridden correctly they’ll improve your horse’s suppleness, engagement and so much more. Read on to find out how to make the most of every 20m circle, ride accurate serpentines and good loops to gain marks in the dressage arena, as well as improving your horse’s way of going. PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT “First things first, to ride any school movement…

MEET THE EXPERT JUSTINE HARRISON is a behaviour specialist certified by the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. To find out more, visit www.equinebehaviourist.co.uk OWNERS AND RIDERS can learn much about how their horse is feeling simply by reading his body language but the signs are often subtle and hard to recognise if you’re not sure what to look for. Unfortunately, we often misinterpret, don’t see or even ignore the early signs of anxiety or stress and this can escalate the behaviour to something more dangerous, think bucking or biting. You’ll often see horses being punished for behaviours such as barging, biting, rearing, bolting or being anxious. But the only way horses can communicate with us is through their behaviour and body language and, chances are, he’ll have been showing…

MEET THE EXPERT DEAN BLAND has worked as a farrier for more than 17 years, with his career reflecting his interests, including both farriery and educational and welfare consultancy. He founded the company Well Equine, which helps equine organisations support the lives of working equines throughout the world. AS THE SUMMER draws to a close, your horse’s feet might be showing signs of a hard season. Now, with the cooler weather arriving, you may be looking forward to a period of repair and rehabilitation for his feet. Unfortunately, the end of summer doesn’t automatically mean the end of lost shoes and foot problems but, as Farrier and Equine Welfare Consultant Dean Bland explains, there are things you can do to help your horse’s feet through the changing seasons. “The summer…

ANTONIA WILLS is an independent saddle fitter, qualified with the Society of Master Saddlers. You can find out more about Antonia on her website at www.wills-saddlefitter.co.uk Poor-fitting problems Q What are the most common problems associated with a poorly-fitting saddle? Anita Brown, Royston A When a saddle doesn’t fit it’ll often cause your horse and/or you to suffer from a sore back. It’s worth checking your horse’s back frequently to make sure there are no sore or tense areas, lumps, bumps or white hairs. Saddles that are too wide or too narrow will cause pressure points – notably under the tree points (behind the shoulder blades) or under the back of the saddle. Saddles that tip backwards can cause the rider to adopt an ‘armchair’ position, where you’re sitting on…

TAMZIN EXPLAINS that, like many PREs, Figaro is very robust and keeps his weight well. He has a good rotation of winter paddocks and is given hay as the grass growth slows down. This should give him all the calories he needs but grass is often deficient in important nutrients such as copper, zinc and selenium. This means that Figaro won’t be getting the balanced diet he needs to stay in tip-top condition, especially as Tamzin has plans to compete in dressage over winter. Tamzin currently keeps Figaro busy with long hacks or schooling six days a week so he’d benefit from a high specification balancer that contains added functional ingredients. This should give Figaro the dietary support he needs to keep him in winning shape in the dressage arena.…

A WELL-FITTING SET of short boots and chaps can look as smart as a pair of long riding boots and they can be more practical to use and comfortable, too. To find out which sets offer the best in comfort and style, international event rider Julia Dungworth and her groom, Sarah Duffin, have been putting a variety to the test. Over the past three months they’ve been using the boots and chaps on a daily basis for hacking, schooling and jumping. Our testers looked at the fit of each set, how comfortable they are to ride in, how easily the chaps fit over the boots and what the fastenings are like to use. All the chaps are off the peg sizes and were sent in by the manufacturers, based on…

HEADPIECE A shaped headpiece that’s designed to fit around the back of your horse’s ears will be more comfortable for him. Soft leather padding may help reduce pressure. BROWBAND There’s an ever-growing choice of browbands. Plain, padded, curved or with crystals for a little bling. What you go for comes down to personal choice, just check that your browband is big enough. You should be able to comfortably run a finger around the inside edge of your browband. If it’s too tight it can pull the whole bridle forward onto the back of your horse’s ears. NOSEBAND The most commonly seen nosebands are a cavesson or flash, although there’s a growing number of bridles with a grackle noseband. A wide, padded noseband will be more comfortable but correct fitting will…

My trainer is a star I’d lost all confidence with my spirited youngster and almost gave up riding him before I met my trainer Levi. He showed me how to combat my nerves, got me jumping and hacking out again in all weathers. We’ve laughed so much together and he’s taught me things I didn’t know I was capable of. Levi comes from an ordinary background, works so hard and is dedicated to helping people get the most from their horses and reach their goals. He has a great way with horses that is truly awe-inspiring. Everyone loves him for his caring nature and sense of humour and he’s only 25! He pushed me out of my comfort zone when we trained together, but I’m so pleased he did. Diane…

“A lot of the time, riders have problems because they think badly of themselves, or worry what other people think” DESPITE WHAT NON-HORSEY people might think, there’s a lot more to riding than just sitting in the saddle. Whether it’s making sure you’re giving the right aids, maintaining a consistent contact throughout a dressage test or worrying about what might fly out of every hedge on a hack, it’s safe to say there’s always something to think about. With all these thoughts floating around, it’s no wonder that niggling doubts can creep in from time to time, and if they’re getting in the way of you enjoying your riding, it’s time to nip them in the bud. A new way of thinking Whether you’re a constant worrier or just occasionally…

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: INTRODUCE THE TRAY If your horse is new to water trays, placing it on the ground between a set of wings is an ideal way to introduce him to the idea. It gives him the opportunity to have a look at the fence without getting in a tangle with any other poles that might be in the way. Doing this exercise a few times on both reins will give your horse confidence and act as a good foundation for…

The condition Lymphangitis is a bacterial infection that affects the horse’s limbs (usually the hindlegs) as a result of the introduction of bacteria, often through a cut, a graze or mud fever. It develops because of the delicate nature of the horse’s lymphatic system, which is made up of a complex network of tubular vessels, running parallel to the horse’s arteries and veins. The system of tubes picks up fluid that has left the blood system so as to nourish the cells and, in turn, pick up their waste materials. The tubes then carry the tissue fluid away from the limbs and back into the blood system. If these channels become blocked as a result of infection, the horse will suffer from swelling and pain in the limb. Symptoms The…

NAF Hoof Moist This natural hoof product is oil-and grease-free and is designed to help improve hoof condition. Formulated to sustain the moisture content of the hoof and allow natural fluctuation of moisture levels, the ingredients are of human cosmetic grade and the manufacturing process used in production results in a smooth gel consistency to allow for even application. Hoof Moist also contains eucalyptus, which gives it a natural antiseptic quality. Visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk Imprint Sport Shoe Part of the therapeutic range of nail-free Imprint shoes, the Imprint Sport provides maximum support while being as hard-wearing as steel and less than half the weight. It’s a flexible, high-tech sport shoe used in eventing, show jumping, dressage, endurance and racing. Visit www.imprintshoes.co.uk Easyboot Glove Hoofboot A glove hoof…

“The only difficult bit is giving them back” PAULINE BELL (below) has been fostering ponies from the RSPCA for four years and describes the process as ‘an absolute joy.’ Pauline is currently taking care of Kamali and Hercules, two youngsters from the RSPCA’s Felledge Equine Centre in County Durham. “It truly is the most rewarding thing to see the ponies blossom. I’ve always taken them in pairs as youngsters and they’ve always been so sweet and full of character,” says Pauline. “My husband and I had our own horses for more than 30 years but when they passed away we found ourselves missing having them around. When I heard that the RSPCA was looking for foster homes, I went along to find out more. It’s been ideal for us .…

SARAH CLARK BSC (HONS) SEBC PTC is a qualified and registered Equine Behaviour Consultant. Find out more about her work at www.helpwithhorsebehaviour.co.uk Refusing to let others lead Q I’m desperate to get out more with my ex-racer and I dream of taking her to the beach but, when she canters out in a group, she becomes very silly if she’s not in the lead. What can I do? Caitlin Rowley, Hull A It sounds like your mare is demonstrating ‘play behaviour’, most likely in an attempt to change the situation. You’re certainly not alone facing this challenge as horses, being highly sociable prey animals, often feel safer staying with others. What to do Step one When cantering alone, practise half-halts or vary your canter stride (for example, five short, five…

20 BAGS OF FEED TO WIN Equerry Conditioning Mash is a quick-soaking mash for horses that need to gain weight and condition. It’s a ‘non-heating’ formula with low levels of starch and has a good level of protein for muscle development and topline. Highly-digestible fibre sources include sugar beet, while oil and linseed promote condition and a shiny coat. A high level of yeast promotes a healthy digestive system, with added vitamins and minerals, including magnesium. Find out more at www.equerryhorsefeeds.com 1 PAIR OF SHORT BOOTS AND HALF CHAPS UP FOR GRABS Medici Front Zip Paddock Boots are a recent addition to Tredstep’s Renaissance collection. They combine modern styling and elegance and are made from calfskin leathers for a classic leather boot look. Tredstep’s specialised TMI insole moulds…

CHECK OUT ANY tack shop and the choice of different types of bridle on offer is huge, which often means making a choice can feel pretty overwhelming. Top of your list when you’re selecting a bridle is that it fits your horse and suits his conformation. After this, you can add other elements to enhance the overall look. These days, more and more manufacturers are looking at how to improve the design of their bridles to ensure your horse is as comfortable as possible. Add some style Although comfort and fit should always be your priority, make sure you consider what style will best suit your horse’s head, size and shape. For example, flat leather suits hunters and cobs with big heads. A finer breed, such as a Thoroughbred, will…

Aztec Diamond Base Layer Top £40 FLATTERING FIT A functional top designed to be worn as a training or competition top, or as an additional layer on cooler days. It has three-quarter length zips on the sleeves and a high collared zip neck. Made from a premium quality, four-way stretch fabric with added Coolmax for superb stretch and recovery properties, it won’t lose its flattering fit. COLOURS White, pink, metal, black SIZES XS to XL CONTACT www.aztecdiamondequestrian.com Mark Todd Liv Competition Skin £34.99 WEAR ON ITS OWN OR AS A BASE LAYER A smart top made from a breathable, four-way stretch fabric that’s quick drying and wicks away moisture. An ideal choice for riding, it’s designed to be worn on its own or as a base layer. Suitable for…