Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 440 i Your Horse

Hello A few years ago, I was following a small, 3.5 tonne horsebox on a 60mph road when its ramp came down as it negotiated a corner. The ramp caught the verge, spun the box around and it came to a halt on the other side of the road, facing the way it had come. The box was on day hire and the ramp hadn’t been done up properly. Thankfully, neither the driver or horses on board were hurt. These horseboxes are a popular choice, largely because they can be driven on a car licence. But driving any vehicle, no matter how small, with live, heavy animals on board is very different to a car. I often wonder how many are on the road over weight, and therefore illegally, without…

Your Horse magazine readers have spoken and the Retraining of Racehorses charity (RoR) has been named as the charity of the year at this year’s Your Horse Live. Following a poll on Your Horse magazine’s Facebook page, the RoR came out on top, beating off stiff competition from the Grass Sickness Fund, the Horse Trust, Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, SPANA, and The Your Horse Live Rescue Village Charities (Redwings, Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, RSPCA, World Horse Welfare and HorseWorld). The honour means that all profits from the shop-and-drop service at Your Horse Live will go straight to RoR and help in the retraining of racehorses for life after the track. The charity was delighted to hear of the news. Your Horse editor Aimi Clark says: “We’re really…

Our #Hack1000miles campaign has just passed its first birthday, and you’re showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, we’re pleased to report that the challenge has gone worldwide — with sign-ups from France, South Africa and even New Zealand to name just a few countries. It’s been such a treat to see you enjoying your horses all over the world and we’re excited to be building such a huge hacking community. Let us know where you’re hacking at getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk and you could see yourself featured in the magazine. Not signed up yet? Turn to page 30 to find out all about #Hack1000miles and how you can get involved.…

1 USING A TOECAP STIRRUP “Being prosthetic, my foot doesn’t bend,” says Guy. “With the toecap, my foot can only come out backwards, so it can’t get stuck.” 2 PROPRIOCEPTION “Proprioception means you can close your eyes and still touch your nose because you feel where it is. I showed that although I don’t have a foot I can feel my knee in the same way and I know what my lower leg is doing.” 3 VIDEOING ON THE GALLOPS “I was filmed riding at speed, taking my foot out of the stirrup and putting it back in again.” These three things proved to the BHA that Guy knew exactly what his lower right leg was doing at all times.…

LISA LIDEHALL HAS struggled with her horse, Snurre, spooking in the past, but joining #hack1000miles has helped the pair become braver and enjoy themselves. They recently pulled off a 4.8-mile hack without company. “We can both be quite tense and spooky when we’re alone,” explains Lisa. “On this particular hack we had to pass a field of cows, which weren’t there the last time we went that way. Of course the cows were standing right next to the fence we had to pass — typical! “Snurre froze and wanted to turn for home, but I remained calm — and not just pretending to be calm, either — and asked him for one more step at a time. After a few minutes, we had calmly walked past. “A few hundred yards…

MEET THE EXPERT FLORA YOUNG is an event rider based in Grantham, Lincolnshire. A talented rider, Flora has successfully moved her own horse, Bumpkin, up through the ranks, starting him at Pony Club level competitions and now enjoying success in CCI2* and CIC2* affiliated classes. DITCHES ARE A REGULAR sight on cross-country courses, but they can often feel like a leap of faith if you and your horse aren’t used to them. When you’re nervous, the smallest of gaps can turn into the Burghley Cottesmore Leap of ditches, and making it safely to the other side can feel like a miracle in itself. It’s not just you that’s concerned about them either. While you might be worried about falling down a ditch, your horse is more likely to be wondering…

Two things determine dominance: breeding and circumstances. “The dominant horse in a herd doesn’t always choose that role. It can just be that no other horse wants it, so the leader took the job to keep the herd safe. It’s the same for domesticated and wild herds,” says Emma. “Dominance can also be passed down from a dominant mare, just as a lower-ranking stallion can produce lower-ranking offspring.” Dominance isn’t gender specific, but it is easier to spot in mares who are often more expressive. Dominant geldings are no less committed, just more subtle about it. “If you observe a group of horses for a while, you’ll notice one of them is apart from the rest but works on organising them,” explains Emma. “They’ll move the herd around, calling if…

NAME: Garlic (Allium sativum) WHERE IS IT FROM? Garlic originated in Middle Asia. WHAT IS IT? Garlic is closely related to onions, shallots, leeks and chives and is often used to flavour food. ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH HORSES: Commonly fed to horses to flavour food to interest fussy eaters and repel flies in the summer months. WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS? Extensive research of garlic has been conducted in humans, but very little in horses. Garlic has been found to have a small effect in reducing cholesterol in people and may be effective against high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.…

Being the owner of a heart yourself, you probably already have a good idea of its function. Pumping day in and day out, your horse’s heart is responsible for circulating blood, oxygen and nutrients around his body. “First of all, blood is pumped from the right side of your horse’s heart into his lungs,” explains Keesjan. “Here, the blood picks up oxygen and then goes back to the left side of the heart, before being circulated to the rest of the body.” The oxygenated blood travels to the tissues of your horse’s body and exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide. This travels back to the lungs, via the right side of the heart, to be expelled out of the body via breathing.…

“Fit and healthy horses can have what are called flow murmurs due to blood accelerating past the heart valves and these will have no consequences at all,” says Keesjan. “Foals are born with heart murmurs, but these disappear within the first few weeks when the foetal anatomy and circulation adapts to life outside of the womb.” However, certain murmurs can be the results from anatomical changes in the heart. Some horses are born with this (a congenital condition), or it may have been acquired later in life (through infection or wear and tear). Heart murmurs from these anatomical changes result from the blood flow through the heart becoming more turbulent, as structures within the organ are faulty or not working efficiently. Luckily such problems are rare and the horse’s heart…

Sensitive feet Q My Thoroughbred always seems to go lame after a farrier visit. It only lasts a day or so, but it’s annoying. Is this a common thing? Gail Taylor, Norwich A The equine foot is a highly dynamic structure. Acting like a leaf spring, it helps with shock absorption during movement to reduce concussion. Breed adaptations that help to generate speed within Thoroughbred horses, through the relative lightness and angle of the distal limb, also present particular challenges to the strength of their feet. These challenges require careful and attentive management and farrier support. So, if I was your farrier, I would want to have the opportunity to discuss this with you. It may seem a simple thing but coming together to have a discussion will be the…

Woof Wear Contour saddlecloth RRP £39.99 COLOURS Berry, lime, orange, powder blue, mint, turquoise STYLE GP, jump, dressage SIZE Full FOR STOCKISTS woofwear.com These colourful cloths are designed with your horse’s comfort in mind, with high withers and a contoured fit to match his natural shape. Made from a breathable polycotton and with an added ballistic nylon girth pad for durability. Mark Todd Airway saddle pad RRP £54.99 COLOUR black STYLE GP SIZES Full FOR STOCKISTS wefi.co.uk This technical saddle pad features an air mesh outer fabric, Coolmesh lining and a fully breathable spine for breathability and increased airflow. For your horse’s comfort this pad has extra high withers and shock-absorbent padding. The padding is also perforated for airflow and breathability. HRP Dual Wings saddle pad RRP FROM £74.99 COLOURS…

BUYING A NEW horse is an exciting time, but it can quickly start to feel stressful if you’re not properly equipped for the journey ahead. I once visited a beautiful chestnut who, on paper, ticked all the boxes. But as I asked him for trot in the confines of his seller’s arena, he promptly bucked, whipped around and whizzed off in the opposite direction, decanting me in the process. Needless to say, he wasn’t the horse for me. I went on to buy a super Thoroughbred who lived with me for more than 10 years and I have so many fond memories. With this guide, I hope we’re able to give you a helping hand to start making your own memories, too. Our guide to eight of the most popular…

These days, social media is an influential platform for buying a horse. It can work, too, as Jo Hicks discovered when she found her dream Highland pony. “I purchased Hope after seeing her on a Facebook page of Highland and native ponies for sale,” says Jo. “I spoke to the seller on the phone, watched a video and looked at the pictures — then bought her without going to see her first.” “Hope was a three-year-old, so she hadn’t done much and had lived on the hills in Scotland since birth. She lost her mum at nine weeks old and was raised by her auntie instead, who also had a foal at foot. “I would never have dreamed of buying a horse unseen before. I knew it was a risk,…

Associate editor Allison Lowther: Our feature on the benefits of regular lunge lessons is fascinating. I’m definitely going to give it a go. It may result in me walking funny for a few days afterwards, but the positives far outway the negatives. See page 36 Writer and online editor Amy Moore: Been reminiscing over your Pony Club days? I’ve been investigating the riding clubs that cater for adults. See page 24 Writer Stacey Carter: I’m super-excited about our new YH Challenges You series, where we challenge you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and tick some things off your horsey bucket list. First up this month — beach riding. See page 6…

You can now ‘walk’ a cross-country course by taking to the air, says event rider turned entrepreneur, Sam Lewis. Sam, who events at grassroots level, has recently launched her own start-up company called FlyMyCourse, which uses the power of drones to create aerial course walks. Accessible online and via your smartphone, the idea behind the initiative is to give riders more time to get the feel of a course days before the event. It’s hoped that FlyMyCourse will help to improve rider safety, too. “A conventional course walk is still a must and while it’s ideal to walk it more than once, time restrictions often make this impossible despite the benefits in terms of safety, rider confidence and competitiveness,” says Sam. “Many grassroots riders in particular struggle to take in…

HORSE GAITS, BALANCE AND MOVEMENT by Susan E. Harris Everything you wanted to know about equine movement, all in one book. Using easy-to-understand illustrations, the author explains gaits, common movement problems and how riders can affect their horse’s way of going. £20. souvenirpress.co.uk BORA HAT FROM ANNABEL Turn heads at summer events with this fab, crushable sun hat (£50) from Annabel Brocks. Perfect for the races, weekends away or going to Burghley, look the part and — with its UV50+ sun protection — keep safe from the sun all day long. annabelbrocks.com PODCAST: GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE WITH HAYLEY WATSONGREAVES The team at HorseHour catch up with international dressage rider Hayley Watson-Greaves. Listen for tips to achieve canter pirouettes and extended trot. Hayley also reveals the younger horses that she’s hoping…

Side-saddle is something I’ve always admired so I joined the Side Saddle Association in order to learn more. In February, I went to my first ‘on-foot’ rally. I learnt so much about everything side-saddle and met so many very lovely people who were generous with their time and knowledge. There I met Roger Philpot. After a chat, I booked in a lesson with him on one of his school horses, Jefferson. After Roger had adjusted my position in the saddle off we went in walk. We spent time adjusting my shoulder and my right leg position and, after a few minutes, we were soon trotting around the arena. We decided I would ride Jefferson in a novice walk and trot side-saddle class at a forthcoming show. I learned such a…

YOU WOULDN’T EXPECT to see a group of stallions grazing peacefully in the same vicinity, let alone forming a team to chase away the Persian leopard that was eyeing up a foal on the edge of their herd. But for Turkmenian kulans, family is everything. Originating from central Asia, they almost became extinct in the 1930s due to over-hunting, land conversion, and competition with livestock over pasture and water. However, the subspecies of this region — the Turkmen kulan — was still present in southern Turkmenistan in a nature reserve called Badkhyz. Following a reintroduction programme which involved the kulan being captured in Badkhyz and moved elsewhere in Russia — including areas in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan — some 20 years later, the species has become part of ongoing wider…

“Work can be intense and the horses are my release. I don’t have many proper holidays because my ‘holiday’ time is spent showing” Hayey Erner is an award-winning business coach, based in Leeds, and the managing director of Highflyers Business Coaching Ltd. She shows her home-produced cobs at county level and lives with her rescue dog, Leila. My typical day… I get up at 6am and spend the next hour and a half having a coffee and preparing for that day’s client sessions. I usually have four or five one-hour sessions a day. At 7.30am I go out onto the yard and muck out and ride, then have another coffee (I don’t really ‘do’ breakfast), have a shower, jump in the car and drive to the office. I leave home…

WE TOOK #HACK1000MILES to Badminton in May, where 50 people indulged in a rare ride around the famous estate, raising much-needed funds for Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled. Riders were able to get up close and personal with the CCI4* fences, with the 10-mile route taking horses past the Quarry, Huntsman’s Close and Badminton House, as well as through the Lake. As a bonus, each finisher took home a Your Horse magazine goody bag, filled with freebies from our brilliant #hack1000miles sponsors, SEIB, Dublin, Baileys Horse Feeds, Wintec and NAF. One mare who caught our eye as she splashed playfully in the Lake was Johanna Searle’s Je Suis, a 22-year-old ex-racehorse. Johanna has owned the mare for 12 years and, when she first bought her, Je Suis was terrified…

Summer brings better grazing and more time spent at pasture. However, for horses prone to gaining weight easily, this might also mean a restricted diet is needed to control their calories and so they may be missing out on vital nutrients. Lo-Cal Balancer is a low-calorie, low-sugar and nutrient-dense pellet that provides all the essential vitamins, minerals and quality protein, while its low starch content also makes it ideal for those prone to laminitis. Does your horse need help to maintain weight, even through the summer months? Keep Calm is a high-fibre, quick-soaking feed suitable for fussy feeders and stressy types at rest or in low to moderate work. It is fully balanced and contains essential vitamins and minerals. Being low in starch (7%) and sugar (5%) it provides non-heating…

MEET THE EXPERT WILLA NEWTON events up to four-star level and was the youngest British female to feature in the world’s top 35 event riders. She has her sights on Tokyo 2020. Follow her on Facebook at willanewtoneventing. “ Seeing a stride is paramount to getting over fences safely” HOW MANY TIMES has your horse taken a leap of faith metres away from the fence, or chipped in an extra stride when you weren’t expecting it? If the answer is too many, it’s time to get to work. One woman who can spot a good stride is four-star event rider Willa Newton. Having ridden around tough courses like Burghley, Belton and Blenheim, Willa knows that seeing a stride is paramount to getting over fences smoothly, safely and, most importantly, successfully,…

MEET THE EXPERT SOPHIE WELLS Paralympic dressage rider and trainer Sophie Wells MBE has successfully competed at young rider world cup and grand prix level, and netted an individual gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. ESTABLISHING A REGULAR rhythm is key to improving your overall riding. In order to achieve it, you need to concentrate on how your horse moves. A rhythmical horse will feel relaxed underneath you and swing through his back as he moves, while a horse with an irregular rhythm will feel stiff and resistant to your aids. Focusing on an even rhythm means that you’re able to utilise your horse’s balance and then impulsion to his full potential and make your transitions smooth and discreet. To warm up before a schooling session, Sophie takes her…

MEET THE EXPERT YAZMIN PINCHEN is an international showjumper and a brand ambassador for Dodson & Horrell, the horse feed specialists. She has represented Britain worldwide and is aiming for the 2020 Olympics. Visit yazminpinchen.co.uk and dodsonandhorrell.com. YOU’VE GONE CLEAR in the first round and now all that stands between you and victory is the jump-off. A series of fences against the clock with tight turns and tricky combinations — what could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot, we hear you say. While a faultless run in the quickest time you can muster seems impossible without the speediest horse in the ring, as Dodson & Horrell’s brand ambassador Yazmin Pinchen explains, working on essential skills can help you to edge the competition. “I never recreate jump-off conditions at home,” says…

1 Blue Chip Pro Feed Balancer is formulated for fit performance horses and ponies and is proven to be the perfect option for those training and competing above novice level. Pro Balancer contains an elevated level of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to ensure optimum condition and correct metabolic and immune function. It includes the power of Rejuvenate, a blood building formula designed to increase red blood cell production and improve fitness, stamina and recovery rates. 2 Blue Chip Original Feed Balancer is high in oil and perfect for maintaining topline, condition and wellbeing. It provides balanced amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in a natural, whole cereal and molasses-free formula. Blue Chip Original also includes a high-quality probiotic digestive supplement with nucleotides to help create a healthy gut environment, increasing…

“Submissive, lower-ranking horses make up the numbers, bringing depth to the herd which is important for safety,” explains Emma. “You’ll notice them relaxing, sleeping well, playing with their friends and enjoying being told what to do without taking responsibility. They’ll wait their turn for food and life is easy.” Equine pecking order is complex and constantly evolves. “There is always a leader, although this isn’t the same horse all the time. It’s important that all the horses know their place, which makes their lives comfortable and reduces the chance of fights and injury. Horses are peaceful and happy. It’s not about climbing the ladder, they enter the herd at the bottom and may just stay there ”…

Liz Leslie “My 26-year old, called Desi, is very fussy. Every few months he spits his dummy out and refuses to eat his food and hay. You would think I was poisoning him. I tempt him back on it with garlic powder.” Emily Richards “I feed my horse Murphy garlic powder and seaweed. I find that it helps to maintain a healthy immune and respiratory system. I’ve also found that it acts as a natural fly repellent during the summer months.”…

MEET THE EXPERT DR TRACY CROOK is a chartered veterinary physiotherapist who specialises in treating horses and their riders at ChilternVetPhysio. She was previously director of the MSc in veterinary physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College. THERE’S A GROWING emphasis on correct bridle fit and many manufacturers are now producing bridles that claim to relieve pressure on the nerves and other areas of your horse’s face and head. But will a padded, shaped headpiece or the position of the cheek pieces really influence the way your horse goes when you ride him? Well, it’s time to up your knowledge and, with a better understanding of the anatomy of your horse’s head, you’ll see the fit of your bridle in a whole new light and how a few changes could transform…

Unlike heart disease in humans, which is often the result of a poor diet and lifestyle choices, heart conditions affecting horses are slightly different. “They can generally be grouped into either anatomical (structural) or functional problems,” says Keesjan. “Clinically, anatomical problems may be associated with heart murmurs that can be heard on thoracic auscultation [listening to the chest]. Functional problems are those that affect the electrical activity of the heart, like arrhythmias affecting the rhythm and how well the heart contracts.”…

Heart murmurs can be detected by listening to the heart using a stethoscope. The location of the murmur within the heart is where it can be heard the loudest. The type of murmur (whether continuous or only occurring when the heart is either contracting or relaxing) is defined by how long the murmur lasts. “We classify murmurs by how loud and how long the duration is,” says Keesjan. “It is graded on a 0-5 scale. Murmurs graded at three or more that are of long duration are more likely to be associated with an anatomical defect.”…

Career move Q I’m interested in a career change. How do I become an equine massage therapist? Lucy Rimmes, Bury St Edmunds A To become an equine massage therapist some experience handling horses and general knowledge of horse behaviour is required. You’ll need to be able to confidently approach horses in the correct manner and understand what a horse is trying to tell you. If you’re new to the industry, completing a low level equine diploma is a great start. This will provide you with the basic knowledge before you enrol on an equine massage course. There are also higher education programmes available if you’re looking to get a more in-depth and scientific knowledge of the horse, covering topics such as nutrition, behaviour and evolution. Finding what’s right for you…

How can I make his coat glossy? Q What can I feed to enhance the shine of my horse’s coat? Audrey Hampton, London A The biggest influence on coat condition is your horse’s health, so start with the basics and think about his worming programme, his teeth and his general health status. If you need any advice on these aspects of his management, speak to your vet. Then it’s time to turn to nutrition. Make sure you are feeding enough forage. Ideally forage should be provided ad-lib, especially if your horse isn’t overweight, but don’t feed less than 15g (dry matter) per kilo of bodyweight. Nutrient deficiencies can affect coat condition, so providing your horse with a well-balanced diet is the key to producing a healthy horse on the inside…

Natural relief from flies Botanica Fly Spray’s natural formula, containing lavender and citronella, can be used on all animals for effective, day-long protection from flies and biting insects. This plant-based spray is sweat resistant, non-greasy and is free from toxins, chemicals, lanolins, parabens and prohibited substances. RRP: £14.99 BUY AT: botanica.ie Luxury leather & suede boots The Duxbury boot has a stylish quilted leg, buckle strap at the top and a gusset that allows the boot to fit most calf sizes. The soft, supple, suede exterior with full grain Iberian leather foot and trim makes them hard-wearing and smart. The classic commando sole pattern ensures superior grip while being lightweight and comfortable. RRP: £219.95 BUY AT: grubsboot.com No more searching for keys Why is it when you need the keys…

Mark Todd leather competition boots RRP £224.99 CLOSE FITTING Designed for the competition arena, these seriously smart boots are manufactured in super-soft, high-quality leather with a discreet elasticated panel that runs alongside the full-length back zip. The flattering, close-fitting design gives a classy look, while the slimline sole offers excellent contact and grip. COLOUR Black SIZES 37 – 43 (37 – 45 in standard/standard field boot) in a choice of calf widths and lengths FOR STOCKISTS wefi.com Konigs Polo Primera boots RRP from £568 LEATHER AND LACE Crafted from the finest quality Italian leather, the new on-trend Polo Primera boots feature a full lace-up polo front for riders wanting to look super-stylish in the saddle. Sporting a zip at the back that’s protected by top and bottom flaps means…

“While mares can be moody and geldings reliable, it generally all comes down to how you click with a horse” ARE YOU HOPING for a girl or a boy? No longer just a question posed at baby showers, it’s also a big consideration for many would-be horse owners. While it’s argued that it depends on the individual horse rather than its sex, many people still actively seek out either a gelding or a mare when beginning their hunt for a new horse. Your Horse takes a closer look at the differences between the sexes to help you find your perfect partner. What’s the difference? One of the main reasons that people often opt for geldings over mares is because mares can have a reputation for being ‘mareish’. Like stallions, mares…

WHEN YOU’RE FACED with hundreds of horses for sale adverts — and having to sift through descriptions that may be more fantasy than fact — searching for a new charge can feel like a finding needle in a haystack. Fear not, though, as the following advice will stand you in good stead to find a perfect partner who is just that — perfect. But where to start? First of all, you should consider what type of horse will best suit you. Perhaps you’re looking for a youngster with potential, an experienced, older horse or a schoolmaster in your chosen discipline. Lots of factors will influence your final decision, but one thing is key: you must be honest about your riding ability, the facilities you’ll be able to offer your new…

List every quality your ideal horse would have and keep this tick list in your mind. It will help keep you on the straight and narrow should you be swayed by a flashy horse or a persuasive seller. Remember to think with your head and not your heart. Does he have any vices? Can he live out 24/7 or does he need to be in overnight? When did the vet last see him, and why? What’s he like when left in the field or stable alone? Does he load and travel well, alone and with others? Can he be clipped? What’s he like for the farrier and to have his teeth done? Has he ever kicked or bitten? Will he hack/work in company? Will he hack alone? What bit is…

Livery type “I work full time and have two children so I keep Rosie on full livery which comprises mucking out, feeding with basic feed, eight bales of shavings, grooming, bringing in and turning out, and exercising when I need it,” explains Lucy. “Extra charges can apply each month such as clipping, holding for the vet and farrier, and I always buy extra shavings so Rosie has a thick bed. “I have two paying sharers who have their own insurance and ride her six times a month each,” adds Lucy. “It’s how I offset the hefty bills, because I can only ride three times a week anyway. I charge them per ride what it costs me to keep Rosie per day. “If I worked it out, it would probably cost…

Livery type “We have about six acres, a school and 11 stables. We have seven horses, ranging from an 11hh, elderly, Welsh pony who taught three of my daughters to ride, up to my 16-year-old’s 17.1hh Appaloosa sport horse. I also have four ponies kept here on DIY livery. We grow our own hay which helps save approximately £5,500 a year (£458 a month). “We keep the horses out as much as possible, but this last wet winter meant most of them stayed in at night during January, February and March. “I pay one member of staff to do two hours, three days a week. This involves turning out, mucking out, poo-picking, grooming, tack cleaning, lungeing and riding. “In addition to this, I have had college students helping on work…

Livery type “We share Zoya for two days of the week, which involves mucking out, poo-picking, feeding, grooming, exercising and tack cleaning. “We decided to look at sharing as it means Sophie can learn and progress before moving onto the next step. As a sharer, she gains the knowledge of caring for the horse, mucking out and poo-picking as well as riding. “It’s been a wonderful experience for Sophie and has enabled her to join the local riding club, gain new friends and participate in lessons with wonderful instructors. “Sharing doesn’t impact on our families’ finances at all and it’s a great starting point to make sure that ultimately having a horse of our own is what we really want.” COST PER MONTH: £87…

“Be patient. The right horse will come along.” Susan Hopkinson “Do your homework. An honest seller will be happy to pass on references for them and their horse if you don’t already know them.” John Yeo “Stay in touch with the person you bought from. I love hearing how my former steeds are faring in their new homes.” Angie Baker LIKE MANY THINGS in life, finding a new horse is rarely a smooth journey and you’ll likely find yourself having to do it several times. That’s why we asked Your Horse magazine readers on our social media channels for the top tip you wish you’d known before embarking on a horse-buying journey, and you didn’t let us down. Here’s the wisdom you wanted to share with others……

FINDING YOUR DREAM horse takes time, not least because there are so many to choose from. All horses are individuals, but knowing a little about what makes them tick, plus the temperament traits that are typical for their type, goes a long way to narrowing down your search. This guide to eight popular breeds and types is here to help. In the next 16 pages you’ll find the low-down on how most cobs, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, Warmbloods, Dartmoors, Arabs, Irish Draughts, Welshies and Connies think, behave and what they excel at, so you can work out which one is best for you. Happy horse hunting!…

TAKE A LOOK at the horses kept at your livery yard and there are sure to be a number of cobs in residence. This type of horse used to be thought of as being low quality and more suited to pulling a cart than being ridden. Thankfully, this opinion has changed and they’re now hugely popular — just take a look in any competition warm up and you’ll see a cob or two strutting their stuff. What is a cob? The term cob has two meanings — it could be talking about a specific breed, such as the Welsh Cob (or Section D), or be describing a type of horse. The Welsh Cob is the largest of the four Welsh section breeds and has its own stud book. It’s classed…

FROM THE SHOW ring to the polo field and everything in between, you’ll find Thoroughbreds excelling across every discipline. “Thoroughbreds were originally bred purely for speed and stamina, but they’re adaptable and generally easy to retrain,” says Gillian Carlisle, chief executive at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC). “Once they relax they ooze personality and have an interest in people. If you walk into a Thoroughbred’s stable, chances are they will come over to you — and not just because they’re looking for food.” Gillian adds that it is easy for people to get the wrong impression of Thoroughbreds due to their racing links. “You see racehorses in the paddock or going down to the start and think that is what they’re all like, but it’s like watching a boxer…

Camera shy? Lerrin and Chloe, who was scared of the flash. Gina Bruce, Facebook Checking the goods Someone’s happy with today’s delivery #feedtowin #teamdandh #badmintonbound @harrymeade eventing, Instagram Sneaky move Archie helping me to clean out the trough — he snuck up behind me without a sound! Anne Brown, Facebook Big city reading @CityHorses great article about you and your fab horses in May’s issue of @YourHorse Red Tabby, Twitter Self-care regime #Bernie #foxredlabrador #shiltonedgefarm @jaytigerhalim, Instagram EMAIL: getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk WRITE TO: Your Horse, Bauer Media, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA YOU’VE BEEN POSTING getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk www.facebook.com/yourhorse www.twitter.com/yourhorse…

‘‘I’M EXTREMELY BORED of being known as that amputee chap with one leg,” states a defiant Guy Disney as he takes a seat in his sponsor Lycetts’ marquee at Belton Horse Trials. The former army officer has just given a talk to 50-odd people about life in the saddle since losing his right leg from the knee down while serving in Afghanistan. It comes three days after he made history as the first British amputee to ride over the Grand National fences in the Fox Hunters’ Chase at the famous Aintree racecourse. “I think the bigger story is the youngest lad in my race being only 18 — not the average 36-year-old jockey who came last.” Google Captain Guy Disney, former soldier, and you can understand why he describes media…

> Repeat, repeat, repeat! “Use poles on the ground and keep coming towards them. Keep coming and keep practising. You’ll get used to riding to the first pole and you’ll train your eye to see a stride.” > Improve his reactions “Exercise two helps with your horse’s reactions. Depending on the stride to a fence, you may need to collect or lengthen him to get the right approach, so it’s an important skill to practise.” > Build your confidence “Using poles before a fence takes the guesswork out of seeing a stride as they do the work for you. Get used to riding over poles to a fence and then you’ll soon notice that seeing a stride becomes more natural.”…

Sophie likes to teach her clients and their horses how to achieve rhythm by focusing on changing gears. Within these gears you should be counting the strides out loud, so you feel when you need to step it up a gear and make a transition. Sophie’s gears are as follows: GEAR 1: Jog GEAR 2: Collected trot GEAR 3: Working trot GEAR 4: Lengthened strides It takes lots of practice before your horse can progress through the gears easily, but the key is patience. You’ll find more gears in time, and be able to skip some within transitions, as his ability improves.…

MEET THE EXPERT EMMA MASSINGALE is a leader in horse herd behaviour and is best known for her liberty team. She’s an adventurer and free rider and has been featured on TV. HOW HORSES BOND and interact depends on the herd, says Emma Massingale, a leader in horse herd behaviour. “Dominant leaders and submissive types don’t stick to these roles, though. It’s a fluid arrangement, often affected by new arrivals or illness in the herd.” Emma’s horses live in two herds; one of mares, foals and one stallion, and the other of native ponies. She’s spent years observing their interactions. “Geldings form strong pair bonds quickly. They are good friends and rely on each other, sticking together, grooming and playing. They rarely chop and change.” Emma also notices patterns when…

The condition Heat stress results from your horse not losing heat by sweating efficiently enough to cool himself down. A typical British summer day won’t affect your horse if you’re working him at a leisurely pace, but if temperatures are high and the exercise is strenuous, then he’s at risk of developing it. Sometimes known as heat exhaustion, heat stress strikes for a number of reasons, such as a raised ambient temperature. To remove excess muscular heat after intensive exercise, your horse sweats, pulling the heat from his interior to the skin surface, to help to reduce his overall body temperature. Horses normally sweat efficiently over a large surface area, but heat stress develops when they can’t dissipate heat fast enough. There is ongoing interest as to whether some horses…

MEET THE EXPERT KEESJAN CORNELISSE MRCVS is an XL Equine vet and works at Calweton Vets in Cornwall. He’s worked in the UK and abroad and published studies in vet journals. YOU CHECK HIS feet daily, monitor his weight weekly and have his teeth checked every six months, but how often do you consider the health of your horse’s heart? This organ is one of the hardest-working parts of your horse’s body, and it never has a day off. On average, a horse’s heart pumps 40 litres of blood around his body every 60 seconds (increasing to between 200 and 280 litres when he’s exercising at full capacity). Heart problems are rare, but it’s still good to be aware of how it works to ensure everything ticks along nicely.…

1 The contraction of the heart starts with an electrical impulse that’s generated in a patch of special cells in the top left of the heart (called the sinoatrial, or SA, node). 2 This electric impulse then travels down the walls of the heart, first to the top compartments of it, which are called the atria. The impulse causes the atria to contract and squeeze blood into the compartments below, known as the ventricles. 3 While the atria contract, the electrical impulse is paused at another node halfway down the heart (called the atrioventricular, or AV, node) to make sure the blood has emptied completely from the atria. 4 The impulse continues to travel down the walls of the heart all the way to the bottom, at the base of…

Wiry-haired pony Q My horse has got a very wiry mane and tail. Are there any products or brushes I can use to make it a little smoother? Katie Evans, Aberdeen A Mane and tail conditioner and leave-in spray can help manes and tails feel less wiry, but like our own hair — and presuming your horse already enjoys a balanced diet — it’s not really possible to change the texture. Maintaining the length you want, conditioning after washing and then plaiting manes and tails until they are dry will help their appearance. Ensure hoods on rugs aren’t rubbing the hair. Spraying diluted apple cider vinegar (at a ratio of 50:50 water to vinegar) is said to help soften manes and tails and add shine, too. Is it safe to…

Your Horse reader Joanne Bramer says her retrained racehorse, Skyline, is on good pasture 24/7 over the summer. He maintains his weight well and seems to have plenty of energy for his busy schedule of summer dressage and showing, so she wonders if he needs any hard feed at all? Joanne says that Sky tends to look very ‘well’ during the summer and she has already had to drop his girth a hole. It certainly seems that Sky doesn’t need any more calories and, in fact, perhaps Joanne should consider restricting his grazing if his waistline continues to expand. It’s unlikely, however, that grass alone will give Sky all the essential nutrients he needs for optimum health and wellbeing, so a daily balancer would be a good option. A balancer…

Whether you spend hours in the saddle or pottering around at the yard, ensuring you’re wearing comfortable boots and socks is essential. The new Premgripp Competition Socks from Coolhorsesocks will help your feet stay happy all day long. Premgripp is a British innovation to maximise the contact between your foot, boot and horse. The sock range also includes offset foot technology — cleverly positioned grip areas inside and outside the sock to ensure full contact with your skin and boots. This helps to prevent any slippage and enhances balance on your stirrups too. This offset foot technology also helps to stimulate nerve endings connected to your calf muscles, increasing lower leg blood circulation. The socks are available in two calf widths to cater for differing builds and leg shapes and…

1 PAIR OF MOUNTAIN HORSE BOOTS UP FOR GRABS The multi-purpose Mountain High Rider Legacy boots are tough, durable and, most importantly, waterproof. Made from flexible grain leather stamped with Mountain Horse branding, these stylish boots will probably be the pair you’ll be wearing for the rest of the year. They keep their shape with the help of a supportive steel shank and shock-absorbing insole, so you can wear them for riding and yard work alike. Find out more at mountainhorse.se 2 ABSORBINE SUMMER BUNDLES Included is Absorbine ShowSheen Hair Polish & Detangler to help keep manes and tails tangle-free, Hooflex Natural Dressing & Conditioner to maintain the moisture balance in hooves, Absorbine CoolDown to give your horse a refreshing herbal after-workout rinse, UltraShield Insecticide & Repellent, an…

‘She looks after me’ Your Horse online editor and writer Amy Moore has had 21-year old Indi for 14 years. Reliable but with a cheeky personality, Indi is the perfect package. “I’ve never had a problem with Indi being mareish,” says Amy. “She’s a sweet, gentle mare and her mood is steady throughout the year. Even when she’s in season, she’s still the same Indi. “She’s friendly, a bit cheeky and looks after me out riding. “While she’s a gentle horse, she has plenty of character and knows her own mind — sometimes she wants to be friends with her field mates, other days she wants them to leave her alone. She’s never been aggressive, though, and if all mares were like her, I’d pick them every time.”…

1 Ask someone to walk and trot the horse in-hand so you can check for any signs of lameness or conformational issues. 2 Spend time touching and feeling the horse. Does he let you rub his face, pick up his feet and is he generally easy to handle? 3 Next, ask to see him being ridden. Always get the seller to ride the horse first and only mount yourself if you’re feeling confident. Never be pressurised into riding at a viewing. If you don’t like what you see, walk away. 4 Finally, make sure you try the horse out for all the things you want to do with him. So, if you want to hack, take him for a hack. If you want to showjump, pop him over a fence…

1 SOCIAL MEDIA There are plenty of Facebook pages and groups advertising horses for sale so it’s an extremely simple and easy way to browse. But do try to see the horse before you buy as it’s easy to be sucked in by pictures and videos. 2 PRIVATE SELLER Looking at a horse because you’ve had a recommendation given by a close friend is a great way to buy because you know the buyer is likely to be reliable and you might even know the horse. But don’t feel as though you’re committed to buy just because you know the person. The horse needs to be right for you. 3 DEALER A dealer knows the ins and outs of horse selling and buying, so while you’ll have plenty of options…

Livery type “Having my two horses on working livery at the local college has worked very well for me and my horses,” says Emma. “I have Chalky (16), an ex-grade A showjumper who my dad draghunted for five seasons before retiring him from hunting; and Peter, a former pointer who wasn’t quite good enough to race but, at only eight, was looking for another job. “Being at the college means both horses are stabled, fed, exercised and looked after. They do a maximum of two, one-hour lessons a day, five days a week. They also get hacked out, jumped, and turned out nine months of the year, ground and weather permitting. “They are well-shod, there is a vet on-site every day, and they have access to the Therapy Centre if…

(for seven horses) Staff: £180 Rugs washed/repaired/replaced: £23.10 Saddler and physio every six months: £70 Vaccinations: £23.10 Dentist: £23.10 Worming/worm counts: £23.10 Farrier: £210 Vet insurance: approx £152 Building and public liability insurance: £57.50 Feed: £25 Bedding: £28.50 Grooming, tack cleaning and fly spray: £10 Trailer: £23.10 Lorry: £58.75 (insurance, tax and breakdown cover) Tack and equipment: £50 TOTAL AVERAGE MONTHLY COST: £957.25 INCOMING COSTS FROM LIVERY AND SHARERS: £174 A MONTH…

Livery type “I keep Fleur on DIY livery at a fantastic yard about eight miles from home,” says Katie. “The price includes a stable, bedding, excellent-quality hay or haylage, use of the arena with lights and access to good hacking. The livery yard owners are very accommodating and don’t mind me being at the yard at crazy hours. I care for Fleur myself but the yard will help me out if needed. For example, if I’m late finishing at work, they will ensure Fleur is fed and well. The other liveries and I also help each other out, which helps to keep costs down as well. “I try not to spend too much in the way of ‘stuff’ for Fleur, however there’s times when things need replacing — for example…