Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 431 i Your Horse

Hello There are almost 1,000 BHS-Approved livery yards in the UK and most of us will, at some point, keep our horse on one. But, while some of us will love the experience, others won’t. It’s a little like flat sharing – you don’t always get on with your fellow flatmates and, at times, you wish you could move out. But, with a little livery know-how, you can find ways to happily coexist in the same space on a yard. Or at least that’s what our livery yard survival guide in this issue suggests! Personally, I’ve liked most yards I’ve kept horses on, perhaps I’ve been lucky. For me it was always nice to catch up with other liveries before an evening ride, or to know that a friend at…

STIRRUP LETTER HOLDER We think this stirrup letter holder is pretty nifty and is a great way to stow all your letters. The holder has three separate sections with leather detailing and is gift boxed, so you can keep it for yourself or give it away as a present.www.annabeljames.co.uk THE ADVENTURES OF BELLA AND EMILY The Adventures of Bella and Emily is about a young teenager and her dream of owning her own pony. Emily’s parents think she is too young for the responsibility, so to prove them wrong, she starts work at the nearby riding stables. A story that epitomises the hard work and commitment needed if you want to own a pony. http://amzn.to/2huyL2H PODCAST: READING HORSE’S FACIAL EXPRESSIONS Dr Sue Dyson’s recent study has proved that horses demonstrate…

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: IMPROVE HIS SHAPE An oxer can be a challenging jump but building it up gradually helps your horse understand what you’re asking and encourages him to stretch. This exercise is effective when warming up for jumping and improves his shape over the fence. SET IT UP Down the long side of your school or paddock, set up a narrow oxer. The front bar needs to be lower than the back to start, at a height you feel comfortable with.…

HAVING THE EAGLE eyes of a top trainer watching you and passing on their advice can really help to keep you and your horse’s training on track. However, if you’re struggling to fit regular training into your busy schedule, help is on hand from international event rider Piggy French. In this six-part series, Piggy is on hand to pass on her advice, hints and tips to improve your riding on the flat and over a course of fences. Your flatwork and jump training go hand-in-hand and it’s important to keep your horse’s work varied, so you challenge him in different ways and avoid being too repetitive. This is especially the case with your jump training. If your horse gets bored he may start to knock poles down. Most horses only…

MEET THE EXPERT KATE WALLS is a four-star eventer who worked alongside Piggy French and produced top-class eventers. She has two event horses that she clips all year round. EVERYONE WANTS THEIR horse’s clipped coat to look great for as long as possible, but keeping his coat looking shiny is really down to how you care for him post-clip. His skin is exposed to all the elements once you take away his coat, so you’ll need to adjust your general care routine to protect that gleam and keep him comfortable. “Whether or not you need to clip will depend on your riding routine,” says Kate. “If your horse is doing a lot of exercise, then he’ll work up a sweat with a winter coat on, so clipping helps him stay…

“Remember that you’re choosing the people who run the yard as much as the facilities” THE PERFECT LIVERY yard does exist… in the imagination of every horse owner. If only it also existed in real life! Thankfully, there are some simple rules to make life as a livery enjoyable and rewarding, instead of challenging and emotional. The key to a happy livery is choosing the right one to start with. If you enjoy training and competing, being on a yard with no facilities isn’t going to be a good fit. Remember that you’re choosing the people who run the yard as much as the facilities. If you’re unhappy with the yard and its owners, it doesn’t matter how friendly and helpful the other liveries are. Also, hands-off, non-horsey yard owners…

LIZ DANIELS has been grooming for over 20 years in a range of different disciplines, including show jumping and eventing. Liz also works for the British Grooms Association. The perfect haircut Q What are the different types of clip and why are they used? Anita Rowley, Stoke-on-Trent A There are many variations but standard clips (going from minimal to maximum hair removal) are bib, neck and belly, trace, chaser, blanket, hunter, full. The purpose of clipping is to help prevent horses from sweating during work when they have their full winter coats. It can take hours for a sweaty horse to dry, leaving them cold, uncomfortable or susceptible to skin issues such as dermatitis. When choosing a clip, always aim to remove the minimal amount of hair required. Personally, for…

DUMPER IS A good-doer and Charlotte says he gained 55kg over summer. She’s absolutely right to restrict his calorie intake with managed turnout and soaked hay during the autumn but it’s unlikely to provide Dumper with a balanced diet. He ideally needs extra nutrition support in the form of a specialist balancer. This will give him the vitamins and minerals he needs but without the extra calories. Charlotte should choose one that’s high in amino acids to support Dumper’s muscle tone, especially now he’s back in work. She should also check for added ingredients to help support a healthy metabolism. SPILLERS® Lite + Lean Balancer is specially formulated with a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals to balance a calorie-restricted diet. It’s high in amino acids including extra lysine, methionine…

CONFIDENCE GURU HELEN RENNIE If you’ve not seen Helen Rennie speak, do not miss this talk. Helen’s rider confidence strategies are awesome and in just 30 minutes her advice will not only help you understand more about your own riding hang ups, you’ll also walk away with easy-to-use techniques to help you feel more confident in the saddle, whatever your discipline. VET ADVISOR EBONY ESCONLANA Ebony, one of four veterinary advisors at Brooke, will be on hand to reveal how Brooke manages a variety of vet cases in the field. With a nod to farriery, first aid and injury she’ll share her top advice and shine a light on some fascinating Brooke stories. BIOMECHANICS PRO RUSSELL GUIRE A regular at Your Horse Live, Russell’s mission is to help people to…

Balance Riding Tight £59.95 FLATTERING FIT AND BREATHABLE The original flattering, high-recovery, stretch fabric used to make the Balance Riding Tight, from Noble Outfitters, offers you great comfort. Opti-Dry Technology wicks moisture away from your skin and the Toray Ultrasuede knee patches provide additional grip while riding. There’s a handy and secure pocket on the thigh and a hidden stash pocket inside the waist at the back. COLOURS Navy, pacific blue, asphalt, black, elmswood, black/grape geo, navy/mint geo SIZES XS to XL CONTACT www.nobleoutfitters.co.uk Mountain Horse SiennaTechTights £89 LONG-LASTING COMFORT These endurance riding tights are made from a full-stretch, quick-drying fabric that helps you feel as comfortable as possible while you’re active. They pull on, with an adjustable drawstring waist, and there’s a mobile phone pocket at the left…

BUYING A NEW horse isn’t a solo task. You’ll need to strike up a relationship with the seller and this means communicating well and being honest if you want the process to go well. This communication starts as soon as you’ve found a horse you like the look of. You’ll need to approach the buyer with as many relevant questions as possible before you arrange to see the horse and don’t be surprised if the seller does the same. It will save you both time and effort if you can determine whether or not you and the horse are going to be a good match before you meet. Keep in mind that, in most cases, the horse that’s for sale is someone’s pride and joy. Put yourself in the seller’s…

Trying out a horse you’ve never ridden before is not without risk and it’s essential to have rider insurance in place to cover personal accidents, third party liability, emergency vet fees and riding equipment. You should also be sure to wear a properly fastened riding hat, riding boots and gloves, an air jacket and/or body protector. Be brutally honest about your experience to the seller and ask if they honestly feel that the horse is right for you. And if, on the day, as you watch the horse being ridden you simply don’t feel that it’s suitable for your level of ability, we’d urge you not to get on it. Go with your gut.…

• What livery options are available – DIY, full or part – and how much do they all cost? • Is 24-hour turnout an option or is grazing limited? • Are horses turned out over winter? • Will your horse have access to a stable in the event of illness or injury? • How big are the stables and what are they like? • Is there an arena and is the surface all-weather and well maintained? • Is the arena well managed with regards to who can use it and when? • Does the yard and fencing, etc, look well maintained and safe? • Is there access to safe, off-road hacking? • Is the yard near a busy road that you’d be forced to hack along? • Is there an…

Writer & online editor Amy Moore: A teeny tiny guide pony in training has stolen my heart this month. Find out why on page 8 Associate editor Allison Lowther: In my book, wearing hi-vis is a must, not an option – as my test this month proves! See page 110 Writer Stacey Carter: 2017 will be the first year I work at Your Horse Live and, looking at the line-up, I just can’t wait! See page 97 SAY WHAT?! “She dyes their manes, tails and forelocks black with hairdressing foils” The lengths horse owners will go to! (see page 79 ) 6 months for £23 Find the latest Your Horse subscription offer on page 56…

Though they may differ in height and colour, Dartmoor Hill Ponies have distinct genetics that set them apart as a separate breed, say scientists in Wales. Findings from a study at Aberystwyth University have revealed that the ponies, once thought of as ‘mongrels’, have a clear genetic signature, not seen in other native breeds, including their neighbour on the moor, the Dartmoor Pony. The team say that the findings indicate the ponies are ‘worthy of protection’. The news comes as the community on Dartmoor are looking to re-brand the ponies so that they become known as the ‘Dartmoor Hillies’. Charlotte Faulkner, Vice-Chair, Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, said: “Because these ponies are different heights and colours, they’ve been labelled ‘mongrels’ or ‘the rubbish on the moor’, but this study shows that…

Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College and Animal Health Trust are using sensors to detect lameness, minimising the risk of human error. The lightweight sensors are attached to horses along their spine and hips and detect differences in gait that the human eye might not pick up. Thirteen horses with hindlimb issues were recently tested and the sensors collected data on gait asymmetry and the range of motion in the spine and hips. After receiving analgesia to numb any pain, researchers saw improvement in the horses’ movement – including across their back. The team say this shows removing limb-related pain allows horses to move more freely through their back.…

Icelandic adventure I spent six days in Iceland covering 200 miles of rough terrain on my latest trail adventure. We travelled across waterfalls, mountains, canyons, rivers and even lava fields. Each Icelandic horse has a floating gait called the Tolt and being in a large group of these horses was a great experience. By the end we’d all made closer friendships and we’re already planning our next trip. Lisa Garrett Loewnberg, Facebook All aboard! Best place to read Your Horse magazine is on a boat in the sun after a fab riding lesson! Devon Equestrian Centre, Twitter…

THE TEAM AT KBIS is delighted to offer our winner a free breakdown insurance policy for their new Equi-Trek horsebox. So, whether you end up with a simple puncture or flat battery, your breakdown cover will help ensure that you’re back on the road as quickly as possible, taking care of you, your passengers and your horse. Cover includes home start, roadside assistance, recovery service and emergency travel or accommodation, so you can have peace of mind that you have the cover you need when travelling your horse. The policy will be valid for one year from the date on which our winner takes ownership of the horsebox. Cover will be for social, domestic and pleasure use only and applies with England, Scotland and Wales. Cover can be upgraded to…

STEP INTO AUTUMN with a great outfit from HKM’s Cavallino Marino clothing range. As well as looking stylish, this clothing collection is extremely practical and comfortable to ride in and wear around the yard. The Siena Riding Gilet is available in three great autumnal colours: rust, grey and anthracite. It’s breathable, windproof and insulated, making it perfect for those chilly autumn mornings. A fleece-lined stand up collar helps to keep the wind out and several secure pockets stash all your valuables. A fleece is a great extra layer to have to hand and the Siena Fleece Jacket will become a firm favourite this season. Its tailored fit is combined with it being windproof, durable and made from an easy-care micro fleece (a practical choice to wear around horses). The versatile…

IT’S NOT JUST horses that come in different shapes and sizes, we do too and the way we’re put together can have a big impact on how we ride and influence our horses. The good news is, whatever your conformation, there’s no reason why you can’t be an effective rider. It all starts with being able to maintain a correct position in the saddle. However, your body shape, juggling day-to-day life and what you do for a job can mean it’s all too easy to slip into bad postural habits, compromising how you sit on your horse – often without you even realising. Here, expert Russell Guire, from Centaur Biomechanics, fills you in on the most commonly seen issues and explains the simple exercises you can do to correct them.…

With summer officially over, it’s that time of year when you may need to pop a stable rug on your horse overnight to keep him that little bit warmer. The perfect choice for those cooler nights is the FALPRO Doncaster 200g stable rug. “This is a great addition to the range of stable rugs from FALPRO,” says Piggy. “The cosy fleece neck collar will ensure your horse stays snug, and you have the choice of using the neck cover to Available exclusively at www.falpro.com  Price £129 provide additional warmth as the temperature drops, or leave it off when it’s a little warmer.” To add to the great look of this rug there’s also the option to add liners, which allow you to layer up when the weather gets really…

UNLESS YOU’RE AN adrenalin junkie, you’d be hard pushed to find anyone who wants to ride a horse that regularly bucks. It makes for a nerve-wracking experience, can be dangerous and, more importantly could be a sure sign that there’s something happening with your horse that he’s not happy with. To get to the bottom of bucking once and for all, we’ve turned to our panel of experts. We hear from a vet, a saddle fitter and an equine dental technician who explain the hidden triggers of bucking, how to spot them and the steps you can take to prevent them from happening in the first place. What the vet says: It can be tempting to think that your horse is just being naughty if he frequently bucks when you…

1 AUTUMN RIDING OUTFIT FROM HORSEWARE This prize from the Horseware Polo range will brighten up your autumn riding wardrobe. The prize includes the gorgeous long-sleeve knit top, which can be worn with anything in the Polo collection, the Heritage Gilet and the flattering Adalie Breeches. Plus, you’ll win the new Heritage Jacket. Find out more at www.horseware.com 20 BALES OF DENGIE FEED UP FOR GRABS Dengie Alfa-A Molasses Free or Hi-Fi Molasses Free are both high in fibre and low in sugar and starch, making them ideal for horses and ponies who are prone to laminitis and other metabolic conditions. Hi-Fi Molasses Free is a blend of alfalfa and soft straw, and is ideal for those who need a low-calorie, low-starch and low-sugar diet. It can also…

MICHAEL DOOLEY is a consultant gynaecologist and was formerly the Director of Sports Medicine and Science to the British Equestrian team. On the ground Q Am I safe to be around horses while pregnant? Claire Charles, Huntingdon A You can never guarantee anything with horses but it’s fair to say that a lot of injuries occur off the horse. This can be anything from being kicked or knocked by your horse, to falling over around the yard. The environment horses are kept in has increased dangers but this depends on individual circumstance. I’d recommend letting people around the yard know that you’re pregnant, just in case of an accident. Using riding as exercise Q Are there any benefits to riding while pregnant? Hope Davis, York A Guidelines say that exercise…

See the dressage world’s leading lady WHETHER YOU’RE an aspiring dressage rider or someone who simply loves to watch incredible horse and rider combinations perform in harmony, Charlotte’s 2017 demonstration is not to be missed. She’ll be showcasing her current horses, demonstrating her winning training techniques and bringing a very special guest into the arena with her. That’s right, the one and only Valegro (aka Blueberry) will be strutting his stuff in the BETA Arena this year, so if you haven’t already booked your place, don’t wait long because these are the hottest tickets in town! A return performance Some people might not be aware that this won’t be a debut Your Horse Live performance for Valegro. He graced the show with his presence aged five in 2007 during one…

The Pioneer Revolution Drop Noseband Bridle from PS of Sweden is a modern take on the traditional drop noseband – now a popular choice with many horse owners. This drop noseband design offers three different fastening positions to ensure it always fits perfectly. A masterpiece of engineering, the noseband has a cross section system that ensures the side pieces of the bridle sit well back from your horse’s eyes and means the sensitive infraorbital nerve located by his cheekbone is free from pressure. The noseband’s height is adjustable in three positions and also prevents the risk of the bit locking. To ensure the best possible fit, each component of the noseband is adjustable. A rawhide inner helps the noseband keep its shape and an inner pillow gives stability and comfort.…

WORK ON HIS SUPPLENESS 5 MINS Exercise 1: RIDE ACCURATE CIRCLES 1 Walk over the poles at the narrowest end of the fan and stay inside the tramline poles. 2 Use your legs to steer your horse and to keep him on the correct line. 3 Position your outside leg a little behind the girth to stop your horse drifting out. 5 MINS Exercise 2: IMPROPVE HIS TROT RHYTHM 1 In trot, now ride over the middle of the poles and pass between the tramline poles. 2 Look up and ahead around your circle, so you’re riding an accurate shape. Repeat this on the other rein. 5 MINS Exercise 3: LENGTHEN HIS TROT  1 Still in trot, ride over the poles at the widest part. 2 This distance is a…

1 How long have they owned the horse, what’s the reason for the sale and how long has the horse been for sale? 2 What is the horse like to catch, clip, load, shoe and generally handle and how would they describe his manners? 3 Has the horse had any health issues in the past, and are any parts of his body excluded by his insurance? 4 What level of rider is the horse currently ridden by? 5 Is he happy to hack out alone and good in traffic? Many sellers will offer to show a video of the horse being ridden in traffic to prove he’s bombproof. 6 How would they describe the horse’s energy levels and personality? 7 If you’re buying a horse for a specific discipline, can…

EQUINE INSURANCE, especially for vet fees, is an essential part of many horse owners’ budgets. So why is it so important? For starters, as veterinary diagnostics and treatment become ever more sophisticated, fees inevitably rise – and the bills are the same whether a horse is a family pet, a riding club all-rounder or you have ambitions for the big time. What’s more, as we covered on page 17, if you’re buying a horse, it’s a good idea to have him vetted, not just because it will help you to avoid any health or injury-related problems, but because your insurance company will want to see a copy of the vetting certificate. This can be important if your horse develops a problem later on as it makes insurers less likely to…

GOING SOMEWHERE NEW with a horse you’re still getting to know can be a nerve-wracking experience. The horse needs to feel confident that you know what you’re doing and you want to be sure that you can give him a stress-free experience away from home. Event rider Charlotte Agnew believes that the key to a good first competition with a new horse is to do your best to make the situation feel as unpressured as possible. This can mean anything from picking a venue that you know is quiet to entering classes that won’t feel overwhelming. “Don’t start with a class too big for show jumping or with movements too difficult for dressage,” she suggests. You want your first time out together to go without a hitch, and winning a…

MEET THE EXPERT HARRY PAYNE is a Grand Prix dressage rider based in Northamptonshire. When he’s not on a horse, you’ll find him coaching and judging, where he’s a UKCC level 4 dressage coach, a list 1 dressage judge and an FEI four-star eventing judge. WHEN YOUR HORSE falls on his forehand, the majority of his weight will be on his shoulders and he’ll struggle to engage his hindquarters and push from behind. If this all sounds familiar and your horse needs help to lighten his forehand, follow Harry Payne’s advice as he gives a lesson to Jonathan Lough on his horse, Bongo. Why is he on the forehand? As Harry explains, Bongo is a horse who can easily fall on the forehand due to his build and attitude to…

THANKS TO THE team at boobydoo, your riding is about to get a whole lot comfier. Take advantage of this generous offer and get a pair of Berlei Horse Riding Briefs absolutely free when you buy the Berlei Horse Riding Sports Bra. That’s a saving of £24, thank you very much! To claim your BOGOF, simply use the code FREEBRIEFS at the checkout between 21 September and 31 October – it’s as simple as that. The Berlei Riding Sports Bra Take advantage of maximum support and minimum bounce with this specially designed sports bra for riders. The Berlei has padded straps, moulded cups and inner slings offering comfortable, reinforced support that’s suitable for high impact sports, even in larger cup sizes. What’s more, its nude colour is discreet under white…

The condition White line disease always begins with bacteria in the white line of the hoof that then develops into an infection. The white line area is the white band that you see between the sole and the outer hoof wall when you pick your horse’s foot up. Inside the hoof, the white line sits between the middle layer of the hoof capsule and the external laminae. The cause of white line disease is not fully understood and different factors can play a part. The hoof wall is normally weakened because of infectious, environmental, nutritional or mechanical influences. This leaves the white line compromised and open to infection. Any horse of any age or sex can suffer from the infection but it often appears in those kept in unhygienic conditions…

AGOOD RELATIONSHIP with our horse is something we all strive for, but have you considered how your horse actually feels about you? If it seems like all you do is shower him with carrots and kisses, but he gives you nothing in return, it’s time to re-evaluate your bond. Here with advice on what your horse is thinking, and what it means for your relationship, is trainer and horse behaviour expert, Richard Maxwell. Pushing the boundaries Manners and politeness are the foundation of most relationships but, as Richard explains, this shouldn’t be the case when it comes to our horses. “Relationships with horses are hard as no one wants to be the boss of their horse but, equally, no one wants their horse to be the boss of them,” he…

MARK WESTON Is the Director of Access at the British Horse Society. His team are dedicated to enhancing and maintaining access for equestrians all over the UK. Staying safe outside of the school Q What are the best ways to be safe while hacking? Beth James, Swindon A Before going out on a hack, make sure you’ve planned your route and tell a friend where you’re going, with a rough time of when you’ll be back. The BHS recommends that riders have hi-vis on themselves and their horse when riding on or off the road. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged so that you can use it in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have medical information with you and on your horse if you become injured…

REBECCA STOJAK is a solicitor working for Shakespeare Martineau. She advises on disputes arising from all aspects of horse ownership. Find out more at www.shma.co.uk Can’t pay the vet Q My insurance won’t cover the cost of my vet bill and I can’t afford to pay it. What can I do? Gabby Lawrence, South Yorkshire A If you can, try to agree a budget with your vet before any work is done (this isn’t always possible, especially in emergency situations). You’ll have a contract with your vet for the work that they’ve done on your behalf. This contract doesn’t need to be written and signed by you, for example, it can be an oral contract. It’s really important that you talk to your vet and try to maintain a good…

SHOW JUMPING Monaco, Miami, Vienna and Shanghai are just some of the places that show jumper Laura Renwick has competed in recent years, which makes it all the more special that she’ll be performing in the Country & Stable Arena in little old Warwickshire for us this November! Laura’s demo will offer up tips and advice on improving your horse’s jumping technique and your confidence too. So, for a chance to learn from one of Britain’s leading show jumpers be sure to grab a seat bright and early. Laura will hit the arena at 10am! LEARNING FROM HORSES Emma Taylor, from The Leadership Whisperers, and David Harris (speaker, trainer, facilitator and coach) will show how people can work with horses on the ground to learn about their own leadership style…

Clippersharp Lister Star PRICE £199 www.clippersharp.com The Clippersharp Lister Star Special Edition has a narrow handpiece, which is easy to grip and it’s lightweight. It has a ventilated head that helps keep the heat to a minimum and provides a constant clipping speed, irrespective of the conditions it’s clipping through. Easy to grip and manage. They come with a one-year warranty. Aesculap Econom CL Equipe PRICE £526.80 www.aesculap-clippers.com These cordless clippers are a slimline, balanced design. The quiet motor makes them an ideal choice for clipping young or nervous animals quickly and easily. They have a fast and powerful cutting speed and excellent ventilation so you can clip for longer to avoid overheating. They come with a three-year warranty. Lister Liberty PRICE £365 www.lister-shearing.co.uk A versatile set of clippers, which…

THERE’S A TIME when grown adults are allowed to behave like a kid on Christmas morning – the day they bring their new horse home. Nothing beats the feeling. The stable is ready, the rugs are neatly piled up and you can’t wait to get your new friend settled in. But, before that day, there’s what can feel like endless searching to be done, hundreds of questions to be asked, trial rides to get through and pre-purchase vettings to be passed. So, to help you navigate your way through the buying process, we’ve created this 48-page supplement and packed it with all the useful advice and tips you’ll need. Let us help you avoid any horse-buying horrors and instead enjoy the ride. Happy hunting!…

THAT FIRST RIDE on a new horse could mark the start of an exciting new partnership, or it could be the last time you ever ride him. However, as our expert explains, trying out a horse begins before you put a single foot in the stirrup. In fact, Tim advises that you should follow some golden rules before any riding takes place. These include asking the seller realistic questions about the horse’s ability, health and experience, watching the horse being trotted up and watching someone else ride him. “Make sure the seller rides the horse first on the flat and over jumps, if you’re wanting to buy a show jumper or eventer,” Tim adds. “This lets you see any negative aspects from the ground.” Once you’re on board, you can…

IF YOU’RE AN experienced and established rider who’s owned before, you’re likely to know exactly what you want from a new horse. However, if you’re buying for the first time (or your experience of buying horses to date has been less than perfect!), a little guidance might be just what you need. In this guide, we’ll work through different types of horses and disciplines to help you find the horse or pony that’s right for you. Good dealers’ yards are always a great hunting ground for this type of horse. You’ll find many Horse Deals advertisers who always have all-rounders for sale. Visit www.horsedeals.co.uk ALL-ROUNDER FOR MOST EVERYDAY riders, the perfect all-rounder is the holy grail of horses and they’re not that easy to spot in a line-up.…

If at any point you’re unsure about your horse’s diet, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Perhaps you feel he’s not in the best condition or you have doubts about the diet choices of the previous owner? Or maybe your new horse is carrying a little extra weight and you want advice with how to proceed? Don’t struggle on alone. “It’s always worthwhile talking to a feed company helpline or asking a nutritionist to visit so that you can tailor his diet accordingly,” says Jane. “Be prepared to change things as you get to know him and he settles into his new home.” From then on – and whether he’s new or not – your horse’s weight should be assessed regularly (every two weeks in fact). To do this,…