Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2015 i Your Horse

GB JUMPERS THROUGH TO RIO They left it until the last minute to qualify for the 2016 Olympics but the British Show Jumping team is through to Rio after a nail-biting finish to the FEI European Championship Jumping final in Aachan. Jessica Mendoza (above), the youngest team member at 19 years old, proved to be influential in securing their place. “I was thrilled to have played my part,” says Jessica. NUDE RIDERS IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY A campaign launched by rider Lauren De Gruchy has found a very novel way of bringing road safety and horses to drivers’ attention – displaying lots of flesh! The social media campaign, called #willyouslowdownformenow?, sees riders photograph themselves without any clothes on and upload the results to sites such as twitter and Facebook. It’s certainly…

American eventer Laine Ashker was seen shopping in Waitrose in Stamford, Lincolnshire Rugby star Jason Robinson popped up at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials A familiar sight on the dressage circuit Gareth Hughes was clocked at the warm-up ring at Burghley. Helping out or considering a new career? Who knows! Have you seen a top rider or celeb out and about? Let us know – email getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk…

Senior writer Becky says This year you can win prizes on the Your Horse stand in our new Winner’s Enclosure! Head here with the part of your ticket your given back when you arrive and exchange it for a special scratch card. Scratch away the covered panel to find out if you’ve won a special prize! Associate editor Ally says There’s so much to do at the show that I always think it’s worth staying for both days. This means you can hit all the shops and catch all the demos you want to see, without rushing around like a mad person. Why not make a weekend of it and book into a local B&B or hotel? Editor Imogen says Every year I hope and pray for the return of…

MEET THE EXPERT TINA CANTON is an event rider, BHSI and UKCC Level 3 coach who runs Tinderbox Sport Horses in Nottinghamshire. Find out more at www.tinderbox -sport-horses.co.uk CLIPPING YOUR HORSE is important if you’re working him throughout winter because it will decrease the amount he sweats. Imagine exercising with layers of coats on and not being able to take them off, as well as being uncomfortable, it wouldn’t be good for your health. Sweating also means your horse will take time to dry off, which isn’t practical when trying to fit in riding around a busy lifestyle, plus he’s more likely to develop a chill. He’ll also be more prone to rubs from his tack when not clipped, so it helps to improve skin health. Read on to find…

Veterinary KIRSTIE PICKLES Is an equine vet at Scarsdale Vets – part of the XLEquine group Preventing atypical myopathy Q I’ve heard a lot about atypical myopathy recently, should I be worried? Sam Thomas, Inverness A Atypical myopathy is a frequently fatal muscle disorder seen in grazing horses in the autumn and/ or spring. Recent research has indicated that ingestion of a toxin (hypoglycin A) from the seeds of the sycamore tree is the likely cause. Previously rare in the UK, the number of reported cases has increased substantially in recent years (from only three in 2010 to 165 in 2013). Although part of the increase may be better awareness and recognition of the disease, it also appears to be becoming more frequent. Clinical signs usually appear suddenly, are severe…

KATH PININGTON is head trainer at The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre. Find out more at www.thoroughbred rehabilitationcentre.co.uk Long-lining benefits Q How should I introduce my horse to long-lining? Katie Parkes, Oxford A If you’ve never been shown how to correctly long-line (or long-rein), ask an expert to teach you how to do it in situ for effective results. Before long-lining your horse, it’s important that he’s working well in both directions on the lunge and understands voice commands. Then, gradually introduce loose elastic side reins to get your horse used to an elastic contact while being lunged. Remember, when trying anything new like this, it’s extremely useful, and much safer, to have a second handler to hold and lead your horse while you get used to holding and using the long…

ACUPUNCTURE IN BRIEF: Fine needles are placed into specific points or muscles, tricking the brain into producing a variety of chemicals, including painkillers. A form of Chinese medicine, it’s recognised for its healing effects by the NHS and the veterinary profession. PROS: It’s a form of natural pain relief that can be used to promote relaxation and treat a number of conditions, including arthritis. CONS: Equine acupuncture can only be performed by a vet, which makes it one of the pricier treatments. Even though the treatment isn’t painful, it can be uncomfortable and your horse may need to be sedated. FIND A PRACTITIONER: www.abva.co.uk HOMEOPATHY IN BRIEF: It involves the use of highly diluted substances which, practitioners claim, can cause the body to heal itself. Central to its philosophy…

Winning your own horse may sound like a good enough prize on its own but we’ve got loads more on offer to help you on your way, including a variety of rugs and accessories from Horseware. We’ve teamed up with a host of sponsors to bring you the prize of a lifetime, which will see one lucky reader realise their horse-owning dream. You’ll be given the cash to invest in your ultimate equine partner, and we’ll follow your progress as you find, buy and get to know him. Dressed in style As our winner, you won’t need to worry about kitting your new horse out with his own wardrobe because Horseware will be providing a full home and travelling wardrobe, including: Limited edition 30th year Rambo Duo Limited edition 30th…

Hot this month If you’re on the hunt for a pair of great looking cross-country boots, which also offer your horse’s legs the best possible protection, look no further than the Veredus E-vento boots! These lightweight boots have a really modern look, and use the latest materials, including protective pads made from polyurethane foam to absorb shock on impact. They’re made from two clever fabrics that work together to make sure your horse’s legs stay cool when he’s working hard. Plus, these boots are also fully waterproof and don’t absorb or retain water, meaning they remain lightweight and allow greater freedom of movement and flexibility that’s so important when your horse is galloping cross-country. PRICE £100 (front), £110 (back) CONTACT 01352 763350 or www.zebraproducts.co.uk…

MOUNTAIN HORSE CHEVAL Price £79 FOR RIDING ON COOL DAYS Perfect for keeping the chill out on those sunny but cool autumn morning rides, this lightly padded waistcoat will do a great job. COLOURS Black, midnight blue SIZES XS to XL CONTACT www.mountainhorse.co.uk EQUETECH KINGSHILL Price £79.95 FLATTER YOUR FIGURE This gilet looks fab with jeans or breeches. Its flattering shape and scooped back hem, combined with a water-resistant outer and super warm ‘Bio-Down’ insulation make it a practical, must-have item. COLOURS Black, navy/tan SIZES XS to XL CONTACT www.equetech.com TIMOTHY FOXX MATILDA Price £165 A TOUCH OF TRADITIONAL TWEED A stylish, British tweed gilet designed to flatter feminine curves. It also has an over-sized collar which can be folded down or worn up. COLOURS Duchess tweed (red/purple),…

Tethered with baler twine at the side of the road, Izzy was found by the World Horse Welfare (WHW) team in a dreadful state in April this year. As just a yearling, Izzy was too young to be tethered and so she panicked. The inappropriate twine used to tether her got tangled around her legs and chest causing painful injuries. Izzy was left with badly damaged legs that had to be stapled, cleaned and bandaged every day for three months. To make matters worse, she was also suffering from rain scald and scurf, plus a lice infestation. Today, thanks to the team at World Horse Welfare, Izzy’s wounds are now fully healed and she’s made a fantastic recovery in just four months. “Izzy and another of our Penny Farm youngsters,…

Peter Hale’s show jumping clinic DATE 14 November WHERE Sissons Farm Equestrian, near Peterborough COST £30 www.sissonsfarmequestrian.co.uk Affiliated show jumping DATE 30 October - 1 November WHERE Arena UK, Lincolnshire COST £18-£25 www.arenauk.com Combined training DATE 21 November WHERE Speetley Equestrian Centre, Derbyshire COST £25 per session www.speetleyec.co.uk Unaffiliated autumn dressage championships DATE 15 November 2015 WHERE Rectory Farm Equestrian Centre, Cirencester COST £12 per test www.rectoryfarm.com Affiliated dressage DATE 7 November WHERE Bluegate Hall Farm, Essex COST £19 per class www.bluegatehalldressage.co.uk…

1 Annette Lewis show jumping clinic 30 October, Patchetts Equestrian Centre, Aldenham, Hertfordshire www.patchettstackshop.co.uk 2 Improve your cross-country with the CourseWalk app (£7.99) Designed for eventers by eventers. CourseWalk uses GPS technology to record and display cross-country courses. Helps you identify minute markers, meet optimum time, take pictures of fences and print course maps. For iPhone, iPad and Android. Available from the App Store 3 Show jumping clinic with David Thomas 11 November, Crofton Manor EC, Stubbington, Hampshire www.croftonmanor.co.uk 4 Leanne Wall clinic – polework for the dressage horse 7 November, Capricorn Equestrian Centre, Eynsford, Kent www.capricornequestrian.co.uk 5 Andrew Murphy dressage clinic 22 November, EquinEthos, Oxford, Oxfordshire www.equinethos.co.uk…

MEET THE EXPERT DIANE FOLLOWELL is the only classical dressage trainer in the UK, and one of just a handful worldwide to have had Nuno Oliveira as a mentor. Since studying with him, she has worked with hundreds of riders and their horses, using trusted techniques to improve their performance and their bond. Visit www.classicalriders.info ONCE YOUR HORSE is able to work on a large circle on the lunge, in an even trot rhythm while remaining well balanced across his shoulders, you can start to engage his hindleg on smaller circles. Working on smaller circles (approx 12m) encourages him to bring his inside hindleg under his body as he tries to maintain his balance. This exercise (explained right in two simple steps) helps develop more cadence in the trot and…

MEET THE EXPERT ALISON SHORT has trained to Advanced level dressage and competed at regional level. She trains riders of all levels and is also a British Dressage listed judge. For details, visit www.alisonshort.co.uk WITH YOUR HELP we’ve designed this year’s Training Academy to give you the skills to improve your horse’s way of going and boost your own riding ability, too. Our team of Olympic riders and expert trainers will help you overcome various issues giving you the confidence to progress your horse’s training at home. This month dressage trainer and judge Alison Short helps you understand the difference between bend and flexion. These two terms can be easily confused, but with Alison’s help you’ll understand when and how to ride each one correctly. YOUR TRAINING ACADEMY PLANNER Here’s…

• Use a CD of firework noises to help your horse accept them. These are also useful in order to spot which horses are really going to take exception to it • Work your horse really well before the noise starts – maybe take him for a long hack and let him have a blast • Most horses prefer to be outside with their friends, but if you go down this route make sure your fencing is extremely secure • Don’t subject your horse to an unfamiliar environment • What makes the biggest difference to a scared horse is to put him with a quiet one who isn’t bothered by the noise, so choose this option if you are able to • Use earplugs on your horse, but don’t leave…

JASON WEBB is one of the UK’s leading foundation horse trainers. To find out more about his work, visit www.yourhorse manship.com. Separation woes Q I’ve recently moved my horse to a new yard and am bringing her back into work after having 12 months off. When riding her in the arena, no horses are visible and she gets very distressed to the point where she’s bolting around the arena. How can I stop her doing this and calm her down? Shona Wilson, Devon A Start with some groundwork exercises to get your horse paying attention to you. To help your horse to follow you calmly and quietly, and so encourage her to focus and concentrate on you rather than the lack of other horses present, teach her to move around…

When the nights draw in and the mornings become chillier, it’s wise to start to think about winter feeding. The grass stops growing when the temperature drops under 6C, so most horses and ponies will need some additional feed to help them maintain their condition going into the winter. Remember, it’s easier to feed to maintain condition than it is to try and put condition on, so it pays to be prepared. For native types and good doers, good quality forage fed alongside a good quality balancer, such as SPILLERS® Original Balancer, should be ideal. For horses and ponies in light work, try the SPILLERS® essentials range. SPILLERS® High Fibre cubes are cereal-free for positive energy and contain live yeast and fructooligosaccharide for pre and probiotic digestive support. SPILLERS® Horse…

10 POTS OF LIP SAVER WORTH £14.95 EACH Well Gel aims to create products that animals would choose themselves. Each one uses essential oils that work with the skin’s own healing abilities, helping your horse with his beauty regime! Well Gel Lip Saver is made with natural ingredients, including aloe vera gel, to help heal sore and split lips in a horse’s mouth. He may even like the taste! Also, it’s important to note that Well Gel Lip Saver doesn’t contain any ingredients on the current FEI banned substance list. www.well-gel.com A DERBY HOUSE ELITE RUG WORTH £74.99 Derby House is celebrating its new autumn/winter rug ranges by giving you the chance to get your hands on an Elite Detach-A-Neck Turnout Rug, while four runners up will win rugs from…

Safety first This range of hi-vis riding kit looks pretty stylish but will also keep you and your horse safe and seen while you’re riding. The comprehensive Safety First range from Harry Hall has everything from breeches and gilets with reflective prints to elasticated hi-vis overreach boots and exercise sheets incorporating electric light strips. PRICE: From £17 CONTACT: www.harryhall.co.uk Compete in style The Dublin Derby Softshell show jacket is made from a breathable and water resistant fabric. For additional comfort it has underarm mesh vents and waist defining seams at the back of the jacket for a flattering finish. To give a neat finish, the Derby has a hidden zip closure with four poppers to complete the look. PRICE: £114.99 (available from all good saddlery shops) Clear communication Designed to…

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Power source Most larger clippers are mains powered, but if you don’t have electricity at your yard, there’s a growing number of battery operated options. Weight, shape, grip These vary from model to model. If it’s possible, ask if you can pick up and hold the clippers in the shop so you can get a feel for what will suit you. Which cut? Blades are available in fine, medium or coarse cut formats, depending on how close a clip you want. Medium blades are the most popular among horse owners, giving a 3mm hair length cut. Power switch Its position is an important consideration. The switch needs to be easy to locate and use, but you don’t want it to be in a position where you…

THERE’S NOT A week goes by when you won’t see a news item about the latest superfood, exercise regime, or natural skincare product that’s going to improve your health and well-being. If nothing else, these stories get you thinking about the food you eat and the products you use on a day-to-day basis. And, as the trend for buying organic and using natural products continues to grow, many horse owners are now looking more closely at the ingredients that make up the products they use on their horses too. While feeding herbal supplements isn’t new – many people swear by these products, to help their horses enjoy a happier, healthier and more comfortable life – there’s now a growing demand for natural-based grooming products. We visited one company to discover…

Rescue Village Each year our Rescue Village showcases some amazing horses in need of rehoming, and this year will be no exception. Make sure you pop along to the Rescue Village where you can say hello to these lovely horses and ponies who’ve been nursed back to health by a variety of different charities, including the RSPCA, Spear, The Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare. You can hear all about their life stories so far and meet the teams that care for them. Who knows, you might just find your perfect equine partner in there! The Your Horse stand Head to our stand near the Nettex Arena for exclusive subscription offers, your chance to win prizes in the Winners’ Enclosure and for a sneaky peak…

TOTILAS RETIRES IT’S BEEN A rollercoaster ride for one of the most talented dressage horses we’ve ever seen but it’s finally come to a standstill for Totilas – the horse that really put dressage on the map. The build up to the 2015 FEI European Championships in Aachan was huge – the head-to-head between Valegro and Totilas was the main talking point. But the clash of the titans was never to be, as injury resulted in Totilas withdrawal after the team event, and subsequently he was retired from competition completely (read more about this on page 12). “Totilas has an oedema (swelling) in the bone of his left hind leg,” says Fabiana Rutsch, media relations manager for team Totilas. “He’s currently being treated for this injury. If possible he’ll continue…

It’s been a busy month for Angela Lumsdon from the Wittering Academy Riding Club, near Peterborough. Highlights include a spring and summer show, a two-day camp and a one-day event in association with JumpCross. Charmain Goodall took part in a big bale racing event with the Forest Stables Riding Club in Northern Ireland in aid of Marie Curie Cancer. Riders rode around the 21 bales in a shamrock pattern. Kim Chapman and her horse Indiana Jones competing at the show jumping qualifiers for her riding club Barnard Castle and Teeside. They won and so head to the BRC National Championships, in Lincoln, in September. Want to see your club featured here? Get in touch with your club news by emailing getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk…

YH changed my life Nine years ago you chose me as your winner of the ‘Win A Horse’ competition and through the incredible opportunity you gave me, I’ve been the proud owner of ex-racehorse, Earl, ever since. Back in 2006, seven-year-old Earl was sharp, green, wild-eyed and far from the perfect first horse, but he was the one for me. Nine years on, I can honestly say he is my best pal and we’ve grown and learned so much together. It’s been quite a journey! Earl and I made our British Eventing debut in 2007 and have enjoyed many seasons competing at 90cm and 1m classes – we’ve been placed 26 times in total, winning twice and qualifying for the Badminton Grassroots Championships in 2013. I sadly lost Earl this…

WE’RE DELIGHTED TO announce that Dublin has joined forces with us to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a pair of Dublin Medway boots and some denim breeches. The Dublin Medway boots have a classic style and are HBR® waterproof with a full grain leather upper. Features include: The HBR® waterproof membrane with Thinsulate breathable lining keeps feet warm and dry The RCS footbed system heel and arch supports and double cushioning layer for great comfort An enhanced cushion layer A cupped heel and arch support and padded heel cushion A steel arch foundation for added stability The Durable Tough Tech rubber sole for stability and Traction Control Grip Available in adult sizes 4 to 11. The New Dublin Supa Shape It Denim Full Seat Breeches are part…

MEET THE EXPERT JESSE CAMPBELL is a New Zealand Eventing High Performance Squad rider based at Maizey Manor, Marlborough. The squad’s focus is a podium result at the 2016 Olympic Games. Visit www.jesse campbelleventing.com IF YOUR FLATWORK sessions need something extra at this time of year to keep your horse’s concentration, then adding poles could be what you need. They teach your horse to lengthen and shorten his stride, which is so important for dressage, show jumping and cross-country. Set up at least four poles down the middle of the arena, five paces apart (normal paces not big steps), with some roll back poles (adjacent to the other poles) either side so you can approach from a different angle (see diagram below). Adjust his stride in trot Once you’ve warmed…

1 Spice it up with Serpentines! Serpentines can also be used with 10m circles at the corners and at the mid-way point (B and E) with walk trot transitions while maintaining a supple bend on the 10m circles. This is a great way of engaging the inside hind leg and can identify any weakness as the inside hind pushes off. Be careful not to over weight your inside seat bone as this will block the activity of your horse’s inside hindleg. 2 In the right position Ask a friend to video you as you ride each of the exercises and check that you’re remaining symmetrical in the saddle. Make sure you don’t give with one hand and pull with the other – the aim is to develop a soft and…

MEET THE EXPERT DR. SIAN TOWNSON is an equine biomechanics expert researcher and lecturer. She’s spoken at conferences all over the world and has been an equine biomechanics consultant for several Hollywood films and in the forensics industry. AT SOME POINT or another, most of us will have worried about our horse’s tendons. Injuries to tendons or ligaments are the most common cause of early retirement and, at best, can mean months of agonising rest and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, horses’ tendons have a very low safety margin, so they’re easily injured and struggle to cope with the scar tissue left behind when injury does occur. There are things you can do to protect and strengthen them, but first it can help to understand what they are and how they work. Despite…

The condition Thrush is an unpleasant bacterial infection which affects the horse’s frog, frog grooves and heel region. It’s caused by a variety of bacteria and fungi, with one particularly aggressive species of bacteria called Fusobacterium necrophorum being commonly involved. When these nasty bacterias become trapped in the crevices of the horse’s hoof, they invade and destroy the frog, and the infection may affect one or more feet. It is more commonly found in the hind feet, or if you horse has deep and narrow frog clefts. A healthy frog requires the foot to land slightly heel first, so that it can engage with the ground, acting as a pump to push blood back up the horse’s leg. Thrush is therefore a problem not only because it’s painful but also…

TRACEY HAMMOND has an MSc in equine science and is a nutritionist at Dengie. Feeding the older horse Q My veteran has started to struggle to chew his hay and is stabled over the winter months. Help! What do I feed him to replace hay? Rachel Andrews, Dorset A When older horses start to struggle to chew long stem forage, the first step is to try a short chop fibre feed such as a senior feed designed specifically for the older horse as a hay replacer. Not all fibre feeds are suitable as a hay replacer and so it’s best to check with the supplier which of their fibre feeds are suitable. If your horse struggles to chew and also needs help to maintain weight an un-molassed sugar beet product…

When the cold winter hits, it’s vital your horse stays warm and dry, which is why Fouganza has developed a range of equine wear offering unbeatable protection. The range features the new, hardwearing Allweather 300 rug, which provides the perfect option for horses turned out during winter. Built to last Crafted from a super-resistant, higher durability 1000 denier diamond ripstop fabric, this rug has been made to go the distance. It’s also perfectly suited for the chills and spills of winter with a 300g/m filling for warmth. It’s also waterproof and breathable, with watertight seams, to withstand the elements. Easy fastening Two quick-release front buckles, cross-over leg straps and elasticated surcingles mean that the Allweather 300 is a breeze to put on and take off. In addition, the hook-and-eye fastenings…

WE’RE ALL FULLY aware that riding horses is a high risk sport, but thankfully there’s a growing selection of safety equipment using modern technology and materials to protect us in the event of a fall. One new innovative product that’s recently caught our eye is the AyrVest by Airowear. At first glance you’d think it’s a softshell gilet, but take a closer look and you’ll find, concealed inside, a foundation body protector and a sophisticated air system, which is fully encased in nylon. It’s available in two styles – Flexion Technology, which offers a looser fit, or the Advanced UltraFlex Technology, which has a closer fit. In the event of a fall, the AyrVest is activated, and the air system inflates away from your body, offering added protection to your…

Lister Star PRICE £312 A powerful and efficient clipper that maintains a constant speed even in areas where the coat becomes particularly thick or dirty. MOTOR 45 watt WEIGHT 800g POWER SOURCE Mains CLIPPER TYPE Medium duty www.lister-shearing.com Masterclip Lightweight Hunter Pro PRICE £169.99 A modern, powerful air-cooled clipper thatÕs both lightweight and easy to handle. MOTOR 200 watt WEIGHT 1kg POWER SOURCE Mains CLIPPER TYPE Heavy duty www.masterclip.co.uk Wahl Avalon PRICE £239.99 Powerful enough for a full body clip, these clippers are quiet and are easy to use on all parts of your horseÕs body. Powerful and robust clippers. MOTOR 80 watt WEIGHT 442g POWER SOURCE Belt mounted battery pack CLIPPER TYPE Light duty www.wahl.co.uk Aesculap Econom CL Equipe PRICE £478.80 Quiet, powerful, cordless clippers with low vibration. Their…

Associate editor Allison says: “I’m a recent convert to the range from Hawkins Organic and I’ve been really impressed with all of their products I’ve used so far. They smell amazing and the Buck Off fly repellent spray and gel are really effective.” www.hawkinsorganic.com Writer Georgie Fenn says: “I use Barrier Animal Healthcare’s Lavender Wash on my horse Robbie to wash him down after exercise. It removes sweat and dirt quickly and doesn’t need rinsing, so saves time too.” www.barrier-biotech.com Reader Vanessa Lowther says: “I always have a pot of Ultrasalve first aid ointment for cuts and abrasions. It’s quick and easy to apply, plus minor wounds seem to heal really quickly with no scarring.” www.aromesse.com Other products to try Natural Equine www.natural-equine.co.uk Murphy’s Products for horse and rider www.murphys-fly-spray.co.uk…