Innholdsfortegnelse for 408 i Your Horse

RUTLAND-BASED YARD manger Melissa Betts has launched an exciting new venture enabling owners to give their horses the ultimate equine pamper session – and indulge in a luxury spa experience for themselves. Melissa’s pamper sessions enlist the expertise of qualified equi-massage therapist Andrea Wrightman, using luxury products to enhance the experience. “We often send our dogs to the pooch parlour, so why not our horses?” says Melissa. “After all, many of our four-legged clients deserve a luxury pamper after a busy season.” Some treatments in the equine spa packages involve the tasks many of us hate to do, such as sheath cleaning, while others are designed to help your horse relax, such as a bath or massage. “All baths are performed with hot water and the overall experience is designed…

IT’S NOT ONLY horses and ponies who need rescuing, donkeys require a helping hand too – and Alice is a perfect example. She came into The Donkey Sanctuary’s care in December 2012 after a welfare call was made alerting a Donkey Welfare Officer to a case of neglect in Galway, Ireland. A Donkey Welfare Advisor attended the scene to find a skewbald donkey locked in a shed with no food or water, alongside her dead foal. The Garda (Irish police) were called and agreed that the donkey, now named Alice, needed to be moved for her welfare and Alice was signed over into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary. Alice was transported to a holding base where she was examined by a vet. It was clear that she needed urgent…

THE SAD DEATH of the Cottesmore Hunt’s joint master, Gems McCormick, on the hunting field last month sparked fierce debate surrounding riding hats, namely the Patey. It’s claimed Gems was riding in a Patey hat, and while no one knows the condition or age of her hat, it’s got people questioning their safety and whether they should still be allowed on the hunting field. The traditional Patey has been around for nearly 100 years, but with so many hats now meeting recommended safety standards, in all budgets, some feel the time has come for these hats to be banned. However, James Bebbington, Chief Executive of Patey hats, stands firm in saying the traditional Patey is still safe enough. “Though there are some important aspects that should be noted in regards…

MASTERCLASS WITH CHRISTOPHER BARTLE DATE Monday 15 February WHERE Scottish National Equestrian Centre (SNEC), Oatridge Agricultural College, West Lothian COST £20 Experience a lesson with a difference as you switch your saddle for a chair for the evening, pen and paper at the ready! International event rider and British Eventing (BE) accredited master coach, Christopher Bartle, will be hosting an unmounted masterclass in better cross-country riding. The current national coach for the German eventing team, Christopher will be on hand to explain why targeted training is so important when preparing to go cross-country, and how to hone this to the level you’re competing at. He’ll explain the challenges you’re likely to face at each level and how to overcome them. The masterclass, which has been organised in association with BE…

FUELLED BY THE likes of Monty Roberts and Pat Parelli, never before have so many of us wanted to unleash our inner cowboy and embrace all that natural horsemanship has to offer. Surely, we reason, it holds the key to a more harmonious relationship as we tap into our horses’ way of thinking. But what exactly is natural horsemanship, and how can we crack the code? The answer lies in the fact that it’s more a philosophy than an exact science, based on the premise that in order to train horses effectively we need to tune into their natural instincts, body language and way of communicating within a herd, and understand that they learn not through fear or pain, but from pressure and the release of pressure. Terms such as…

FORMER EVENT RIDER Mark Smith is perhaps best known for being part of the Bridleless not Brainless teamchasing team, who all compete in just a headcollar. He feels passionately that amateur riders should explore the possibility of going bitless and get the chance, like him, to experience its benefits – though he’s keen to stress that it’s not for everyone. “I’m not anti-bit, just anti what doesn’t suit a particular horse,” says Mark. “I’ve seen dozens of amateur riders have a lot of success bitless, and all horses will happily go bitless, but if a rider’s not happy and doesn’t trust that they have full control then it won’t help their partnership with their horse one bit. “Safety has to be the first priority, so we introduce the concept in…

As a riding instructor and reiki practitioner, Avis can offer the riders she teaches a more rounded service, helping to balance their mind and body, both in and out of the saddle. And this holistic approach is being embraced by a number of trainers, many of whom offer to help riders improve not only their riding, but their fitness, balance and confidence levels, too. This style of ‘eco coaching’ is embraced by many riders in Germany and the Netherlands, and is growing in popularity in the UK. Trainers such as Sarah Payne of Sheepgate Equestrian – who offers Pilates classes as well as riding lessons (www.sheepgate.co.uk) – and Equipilates teacher Lindsay Wilcox-Reid (www.equipilates.com) are part of a growing number of coaches who see the benefits of helping riders improve their…

I thought I’d try a few of these exercises with my horse Robbie. I can sometimes grip too hard with my knees, so I had a go at number 2 ‘legs away’ – and it made a world of difference. I won’t lie, it does hurt your hips! But, once the cramp passed, I felt my balance improve. I could only manage it for about five strides to start but now, with practise, I’m up to a whole 20m circle. This photo was taken during cross-country training, so it’s a versatile exercise you can try anytime, anywhere.…

REENA SHAUNAK Nottinghamshire Reena’s never owned a horse but has built up her experience by loaning over the years. She started off as a self-proclaimed happy hacker, but has gradually come to love the excitement of competing, especially in eventing. For Reena, loaning has always been amazing, but with it she told us ‘always comes the knowledge that the horse will eventually go back’ and she’s desperate to fulfil her dream of becoming a horse owner. Reena’s aims: To have fun, compete in eventing and ultimately find a horse for life. SAM YORK West Sussex Sam sadly lost her new horse Shea only two months ago to a severe case of colic. She had big plans for her new boy until disaster struck, and has since been getting over…

C ARR & DAY & MARTIN is the world’s oldest manufacturer of top class horse care products, and this year it has been celebrating its 250th anniversary. To recognise this milestone, we’re giving 10 readers the chance to win a Carr & Day & Martin hamper. Our winners will each receive a range of products from the brand’s four distinct ranges – Leather, Coat, Hoof and Health Care – and each prize hamper will contain: Canter Mane & Tail Coat Shine Gallop Conditioning Shampoo Step 1 Tack Cleaner Step 2 Tack Conditioner Tack Cleaning Sponge Horse Care Sponge Hoof Barrier Lavender Liniment Ice Blue Carr & Day & Martin prides itself on the need for continuous research and development into the latest grooming and horse care must-haves, and over the…

LAMENESS CAN STRIKE at any time of year, and while the cause of serious lameness may be obvious, sometimes the problem’s more subtle and the signs less alarming. Symptoms can be as slight as a tiny nod of the head when your horse is asked to do a certain schooling move, to so severe your horse is literally hopping, but whatever your horse’s problem, you need to take action to get it sorted fast. Chances are you’ll have some idea as to when your horse first went lame and an idea why this might be. Maybe he’s moved to new pasture where the grass is richer and got a touch of laminitis? Maybe the hedges bordering his field have been trimmed and a thorn’s gone in his foot? Maybe he’s…

CAROLINE MOORE FBHS has ridden and produced horses up to four-star level. She’s the British Eventing National U18 coach and Junior Team coach. Stop him napping Q How can I prevent my horse from napping when we’re out hacking? Anna Hampshire, Nottinghamshire A Horses will nap if they’re not having a nice time, so introducing a praise and reward system will help to improve your levels of control, as well as your horse’s behaviour. This simply involves rewarding your horse with a pat or a treat when he does what you ask of him, so he starts to associate these things with a reward. Napping can also occur as a result of your horse trying to avoid something. He learns to nap and then uses this behaviour in situations to…

IMOGEN BURROWS is a vet at Cliffe Equine, part of the XLEquine veterinary group, visit www.cliffeequine.co.uk Get rid of pinworms Q My horse has been diagnosed with pinworm, but wormers haven’t touched them. What can I do? Claire Pensen, Nottingham A Pinworm infestation can be tricky to clear. These are small, round worms that have developed a very clever lifecycle. Oral worming products will kill the worm when they come into contact with it. However, as the adult worm moves through the intestine it rarely touches the gut wall, so is not exposed to the wormer. The female worms lay millions of eggs externally around the anus and perineal region. Targeting this area with topical treatment over consecutive days will greatly help treatment. Oral wormers containing ivermectin can be applied…

Grooming your horse boosts his circulation, promotes a healthy skin and coat, and the right brushes will make the job much easier. Marta Kotonska, founder and director of online retailer Eqclusive, is a professional groom and has been using the Haas range of brushes for the past 17 years. She’s put together three sets of Haas brushes depending on the colour of your horse’s coat. Each brush has been chosen to do a specific job and every pack comes with advice on what order to use the brushes in to get the best results. For example, the Millitary brush has shorter, stronger bristles in the middle to clean your horse’s coat, while the longer bristles around the edge remove dust. There’s also the Cavalier brush that cleans the top of…

Whether your horse lives out 24/7 or gets just a few hours a day in the field, a good quality turnout rug will help protect him from the elements. While most horses, especially native types, will cope well without a rug, the moment you start clipping off their coat they’ll need an extra layer. our testers assessed the performance of a range of rugs over a three-month period to discover which ones did the best job and stood up to the manufacturers’ claims. the rugs, all medium weight, had either detachable or fixed neck covers, and each were assessed for their fit and performance in keeping our testers’ horses warm and dry. Mark Todd medium weight rug PRICE £96.99, neck cover £49.99 COLOUR Navy/aqua plaid SIZES 5ft 6in to 7ft…

ARIAT BERWICK BOOTS £349.99 IDEAL FOR WALKING AND YARD WORK If you’re looking for a durable pair of boots that are that little bit different, this stylish addition to the Ariat range is ideal. In addition to their great looks they’re made from waterproof, full-grain leather, with a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining to help keep your feet comfortable all day long. COLOUR Ebony SIZES 3 to 8.5 CONTACT www.ariat.com TOGGI LADY WANDERER WELLIES £57.50 KEEPS TOES WARM These great looking wellies have a thermal neoprene lining to help keep your feet snug and warm. They come in a wide range of vibrant colours, so they’re sure to brighten up your day. COLOURS Pink, green, blue SIZES 36 to 42 CONTACT www.toggi.com TACK II MUCK BOOTS £80 WATERPROOF AND…

Don’t miss these horsey TV highlights!* Saturday 16 January Olympia 2015: Grand Prix, Horse & Country TV, 9pm Sunday 17 January Masterclass Xtra: Ludwig Svennerstal, Horse & CountryTV, 9pm Sunday 24 January FEI World Cup Driving: Leipzig, Horse & Country TV, 9pm Monday 1 February Backstage Pass with Monty Roberts, Horse & Country TV, 8pm Thursday 4 February Argentine Open Polo 2051, Horse & Country TV, 8pm Sunday 7 February Animal Sanctuary: Cwmbran, Horse & Country TV, 9pm * ALL DATES/TIMES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT…

I HAVE ALWAYS ADVOCATED the freedom of choice route. The further you go down the prescriptive route, the less logic there is in stopping. Maybe all equestrian activities, including going for a hack, should have mandatory skullcaps and air jackets – or even perhaps riding should be banned altogether to protect people from their own stupidity? No. Let people make their own choices. The Patey-style cap, which some people now would have you believe is the most traditional thing since the sun rising in the east, was itself considered to be modern and gauche by those wearing top hats and bowlers only a few decades ago. In a few more decades, people wearing ‘traditional’ air jackets will be sneering at those who have opted for the more modern and safer…

Clear round jumping DATE Thursday 21 February WHERE The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe COST £7 for one round, £10 for two For further details visit www.keysoe.com Have fun with horse agility training DATE Saturday 6 February WHERE Little Bromley Hall, Essex COST £35 members, £40 non-members For further details visit www.thehorseagilityclub.com Try out Trec DATE Saturday 30 January WHERE Checkendon Equestrian Centre, Berkshire COST Cost: £30 For further details visit www.checkendonequestrian.co.uk Show jumping clinic DATE Tuesday 2 February WHERE Wix Equestrian Centre, Essex COST Groups £22 members, £25 non-members. Private lesson £30 members, £33 non-members For details visit www.wixec.co.uk…

Reiki Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, reiki is a natural healing therapy that’s believed to help balance the body’s energy system, promoting well-being on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Non-invasive, it can be given in person or at a distance. Find out more: www.reikifed.co.uk Homeopathy Based on the philosophy that like cures like – namely that a substance that results in certain symptoms can also help to dispel those symptoms – homeopathy involves the use of highly diluted substances. These, practitioners claim, cause the body to heal itself. Find out more: www.bahvs.com Acupuncture Recognised by the NHS and the vet profession for its healing effects, in acupuncture fine needles are placed strategically around the body to trick the brain into producing natural pain-killing chemicals. Sedation…

MEET THE EXPERT JAY HALIM is a professional British show jumper based in the Cotswolds. He competes his own string of horses on an international level, while breeding and backing his up-and-coming youngsters. EXERCISING YOUR HORSE can be more difficult during winter because of the lack of daylight, but don’t let that stop you! These are some great exercises that you can easily squeeze into a 30-minute session to aid your indoor jumping skills. It’s essential your horse is warmed up before you start (and cooled down and stretched at the end) and then, once you’re ready, give this handy workout a go. Improve your rhythm Your canter rhythm is important when show jumping indoors. You need to know the length of your horse’s stride, and be able to adjust…

MEET THE EXPERT ROSIE JONES is a Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship and has been working with problem horses since she was a teenager. Find out more about Rosie and her work at www.rosiejoneshorses.co.uk HORSES AND PONIES form friendship bonds that are much stronger than the ones we have with our mates, and these bonds are essential in order for them to feel safe and secure. In light of this, it will come as no surprise to learn that should the vast majority of horses become separated from their friends, even for a short time, they may well experience feelings of fear, anxiety and stress – a form of emotional upset known as separation anxiety. For some horses this anxiety can be triggered simply by a change in routine. If…

MATT LANNI is a British Showjumping coach who was a member of the original team accredited by world-renowned jumping trainer Lars Sederholm. Keeping him fit Q My horse show jumped to a high level with his previous owner, but I won’t be competing him. I want to ensure he stays fit, so should I jump him every day and what kind of routine would you recommend for him? Lydia Barncake, Co Durham AI wouldn’t jump him every day as this will put too much strain on his joints. Just like you and I, your horse needs a break from doing the same thing every day so I’d recommend jumping him three times a week at most. This should be at a comfortable height, with the focus on doing it correctly…

Riders flying high The eventing superhero! What a year it’s been for German event rider Michael Jung. He won team gold at the FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle in September, as well as individual gold (riding the youngest horse in the competition). All done with a broken leg after he fell at the water complex at Burghley Horse Trials just weeks before! Oh, and did we mention his wins at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in April riding FischerRocana FST, and Burghley on La Biosthetique FBW? Michael’s winning streak’s so impressive there are rumours he’s actually from space and has come to Earth to teach us a thing or two about eventing. It’s getting more and more believable…! Record-breaking Scott Like Michael, show jumper Scott Brash has been…

Light as a feather Made from a lightweight, high-tech material, the Carbon Composite Dressage Whip from Fleck weighs less than 50g. Its slim design and non-slip grip ensures it stays perfectly balanced. PRICE £26 CONTACT www.zebraproducts.co.uk Stay cool and dry Made from a ‘3D spacer’ fabric, which keeps a layer of air between your saddle and your horse, Supercool Saddlecloths allow sweat to be wicked away and evaporate, helping to keep your horse dry. The material has antibacterial properties too. PRICE £75 CONTACT www.wowsaddles.com Under pressure The RAC830 Digital Tyre Inflator makes putting air in your tyres quick and easy, whether you own a horsebox or trailer. A digital display on top of the unit allows you to preset the required pressure, making the job easier. PRICE £64.99 CONTACT Available…

NEW PARTNER FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB The Jockey Club has entered into a new partnership with luxury performance car brand Bentley. Together they’re hoping to attract more people to the second largest sport in the world, racing, with premium experiences offered for Bentley customers at racecourses across the country. Fancy! CALLING ALL ANIMAL WELFARE HEROES Nominations for CEVA’s Animal Welfare Awards are now open. The awards aim to recognise the achievements of people across the farming, veterinary and charitable industries. There are numerous categories, so if you know someone who deserves this award visit www.cevawelfareawards.com to nominate them now. RECORD NUMBER OF HORSES REHOMED World Horse Welfare has announced record-breaking rehoming figures for September and October, with 85 horses and ponies given new, loving homes – nearly double the usual…

VALEGRO CHAMPION HORSE Read by: Senior writer Becky Statham He’s the horse who’s taken the dressage world by storm, and this book takes you on a journey from the birth of the superstar horse to where he is now. Written by part owner Carl Hester, ‘Valegro’ features previously unseen images and gives an insight into how many people are involved in keeping the legend on track. Testimonials are dotted throughout the book from people who’ve helped in the success he’s had with Charlotte Dujardin. If you’ve watched in awe as this wonder horse performs, this is worth a read. POSTURE AND PERFORMANCE BY GILLIAN HIGGINS Read by: Associate editor Allison Lowther An informative read that’s brought to life with great illustrations. The first section explains how your horse moves, the…

I LIKE BEING ALIVE. How about you? I don’t disagree with George entirely – he’s right, it is ultimately your choice what riding hat you wear when hunting. But how difficult is the choice really? In some equestrian sports, rules dictate you must wear a BSI kitemarked hat ‘at all times when mounted’ according to British Showjumping, ‘when jumping at all times, including warming up’ according to British Eventing, and while British Dressage rules are a little more complicated, at the lower levels, a riding hat is required. But in the absence of a governing body for hunting, and with no clear cut rules on safety wear in the field, I feel each hunt should make more of an effort to encourage members to wear hats that meet the current…

Don’t forget the Dales I’m the hugely proud owner of a beautiful Dales pony. I had heard and read that the Dales were endangered, but I was alarmed to hear they’re now on the critical list. These ponies are a joy to own – my boy is characterful, turns his hooves to any task, is stunning to look at and shows very successfully. All our native ponies are fabulous and it’s a shame people sometimes overlook them in favour of the more ‘posh looking’ equine. I’m 47, but when I’m galloping over hills with a beautiful long black mane streaking out before me, I feel like a young kid again. Please give the Dales and other rare breeds a go – you won’t be disappointed! Pauline Campbell, via email YH…

Join-Up The theory: developed by Monty Roberts in the 1950s as an alternative to the violence that was traditionally associated with the breaking in process, Join-Up creates a safe, co-operative environment in which a horse can progress and develop. It works on the premise horses learn not through fear and intimidation, but through mutual respect and body language. Working in a round pen, Join-Up starts with the trainer making large movements and noise, as a predator would, driving the horse to run away. They then adopt a more passive body language, turning their back on the horse with no eye contact. This invites the horse to come close and Join-Up, with him willingly choosing to be with them. As Monty explains, his methods focus on communion with the horse, rather…

WE’VE TEAMED UP with Equiline ambassador, Bobby Hayler, to offer one lucky winner a private lesson* with the talented dressage rider and trainer. In addition, our winner will also receive a stylish Equiline competition jacket made from revolutionary X-Cool Evo fabric. Equiline has evolved to become one of the leading equestrian brands for both the amateur and professional rider.iOur winner will be able to choose from either the fabulous ladies’ Gioia Jacket, with its crystal embellished collar and half belt, or the men’s Rack Jacket, which combines Italian style with technical performance. They’ll also be able to customise their jackets. Bobby, who’s the daughter of dressage rider Paul Hayler, is based in Chelmsford, Essex and is well-recognised on the international dressage circuit. Having competed at Pony, Junior and Young Rider…

MEET THE EXPERT TINA SEDERHOLM has been involved in training horses and riders from novice to Olympic standard for over 20 years. Her parents ran the internationally renowned Waterstock House Training Centre, and Tina herself has competed up to Advanced level. She still has horses and events for fun. NOW THAT WINTER’S set in it can be easy to run out of ideas for things to do with your horse. Here, top trainer Tina Sederholm has put together eight quick and easy exercises to improve your riding and balance, and banish your bad habits. Make sure you’re in a safe place to try them and, most of all, have fun! 1. Stand up straight Balance is one of the basic principles of riding, and good balance is crucial to becoming…

£500 TO SPEND WITH COUNTRY & STABLE BETA retail member Country & Stable of Olney will help our Win a Horse winner get kitted out by supplying them with a £500 voucher. Offering gear from top brands including Ariat, Barbour, Le Chameau, Pikeur and more, our winner will be spoilt for choice. The voucher can be spent in store or at www.country andstable.co.uk  – visit the site to find out more about what’s on offer. A CHAMPION HAT OF YOUR CHOICE For protection they can rely on, our winner will be able to choose a brand new hat from the Champion range of riding hats and helmets, which are all kitemarked to PAS 015. The range includes: • The Champion Ventair skull cap, as worn by many of…

The condition Shivers is a neuromuscular condition that affects a horse’s hind legs, which twitch when they’re lifted and appear to shiver, hence the condition’s name. The veterinary world is at a loss as to what actually causes shivers, and its origin is also unknown. However, the condition is more prevalent in certain breeds and types of horses, especially larger breeds, such as Shires and draught horses. Having said this, it can also be seen in lighter breeds, including Thoroughbreds. While little is known about the condition, current thinking is that when an affected hind leg is lifted there’s an interaction between the sensory nerves and the motor nerves controlling this muscle, and this results in an involuntary trembling of the nerve or leg. There’s no known cause or treatment…

CLARE BARFOOT BSC (Hons) Rutr, is an equine nutrition expert at Spillers, www.spillersfeeds.com Balancing act Q Do I need to add any supplements to my horse’s balancer, or do they provide everything my horse needs? Clare Watkins, Lincolnshire A If it’s a well formulated balancer, and you’re feeding it at the recommended rate for your horse’s bodyweight, you shouldn’t need to feed additional vitamins and minerals. If, however, your horse has a need for a respiratory or joint supplement, you’ll need to check if your balancer supplies him with enough nutritional value to support this. Some balancers do have additional functional ingredients to support specific needs, such as digestion, joint, hoof, calming and respiratory health, but you’ll need to check the level of inclusion. Often supplements designed to support specific…

Nettex Air Power Respiratory Boost PRICE £12.99 for 500ml A dual-purpose formula that contains menthol and eucalyptus to help soothe irritation and clear your horse’s airways. www.nettexequine.com K M Elite Airways Solution PRICE £15.99 for 473ml Airways Solution is given to your horse before riding to encourage maximum air intake. It contains honey and glycerine to lubricate the throat. The vapours from menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus dilate the airways allowing for maximum air intake. www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk Dodson & Horrell Breathe-Free PRICE £14.78 for 1kg Formulated to support the respiratory system, this includes an effective mix of carefully selected respiratory herbs. www.dodsonandhorrell.com Global Herbs Airway Plus PRICE £20.50 for 1kg, £30 for 1 litre AirwayPlus is designed to soothe the airways and help maintain normal mucus levels. Available in powder form, this…

THERE’S A TREND for products used in the human world to make their way into the equine market, as owners seek more diverse ways to tackle problems. And prime examples of this are coconut oil, aloe vera and turmeric – three ‘super foods’ that are now being hailed as the next big thing for our horses. “I think this move from human to equine is driven by the end users,” says Alexandra Frazer, Managing Director of EquiNutritive. “Owners are well-informed, and when sharing information and experiences, they see what’s happening in the human market and translate this to their animals.” Interestingly, raw ingredient supplier to both human and animal products, James Stevens of Cambridge Commodities, considers the equine market to be slow to adopt products taking the human world by…