Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 449 i Your Horse

WHEN WE ASKED our Facebook followers for your views on owning a veteran, we were inundated with replies. Many of you say you’ve owned your golden oldie since his youth, while others purposefully set out to buy an older horse, recognising the benefits of those equines who’ve been there, done that. We’re celebrating older horses in this issue (p20) — deciding it’s time to shout about what all these veterans have to offer. All too often they’re dismissed as a higher risk for vet bills, but there are positives that, for many, far outweigh this. The relationship you develop with a horse when you spend every day with him for 10 years or more is incredibly special — and something that’s only attainable over time. I realise that not everyone…

USEFUL APP Let your phone keep you safe UK-based Exodus Solutions has launched a new smartphone app that provides a 24/7 safety net — useful when hacking alone or if you’re at the yard by yourself. Simply Solo can monitor your movements and, in an emergency, send automatic alerts with your location to a chosen point of contact. The app has two core functions: Activity Timer: Before heading out you can set the duration of your ride using the timer function. You can extend the duration if you decide to go further, but if you fail to stop the timer, SMS and email alerts containing your last identified GPS location will be sent to your chosen contact. All of this is done in The Cloud, so once you’ve activated the…

‘It was easy!’ Bev Hopkinson rode her final mile nine months after riding her first. Her mount Casper, who’s 17, has battled arthritic hocks in order to finish. “We did it easily,” smiles Bev. “I didn’t push him, we just took it steady.” ‘I’m carrying on’ Linda Gwynn underwent carpel tunnel operations on both hands (with two bouts of surgery, six weeks apart), but was determined to get back in the saddle and carry on and meet her 1,000-mile target. “My start date was 12 April, so I’m going to carry on until then to see how many miles I can actually do in a year,” says Linda. ‘Every mile counts’ Mum-of-two and accountant Anne-Marie Cronin has also passed through the finish. She pulled off the big 1,000 despite suffering…

1 Annual MOT As horses age, they develop problems not normally seen in younger horses. Once your horse is 15, it’s advisable to have him checked over by your vet once a year. This will ensure any age-related health conditions are spotted early and managed. 2 Watch his weight A change in weight up or down is one of the most common signs that something isn’t quite right. Body score him on a regular basis so you notice any changes early. 3 A balanced diet Making sure your veteran is getting enough forage and all the nutrients he needs is essential. Chat through what your horse requires by calling one of the feed company helplines. They’ll be able to offer all the advice you…

Saxon makes a huge difference I was diagnosed with complex post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) over 10 years ago and went to all kinds of counselling to help me manage the condition. It’s affected my work as a mental health nurse and stopped me doing a lot of things I took for granted as an active person. Simple things like travelling at rush hour, driving and being in crowded places became impossible for someone who is ex-Parachute Regiment and was a nurse for many years. My wife has always had horses and I’d enjoy helping out. Last year, I went one step further and had a few lessons. In July, I purchased Saxon, a 15.1hh coloured cob. Managing my condition comes down to avoiding triggers, but when I feel at…

Big grins Me and my mare Daisy. Jade Ross, Devon Winter woollies Me and my horse Max in his fluffy winter coat. Alice Abercrombie, Norfolk Selfie superstar My gorgeous, fluffy, Exmoor teddy bear Bramble loves having her photo taken. Cassie Sheasby, via email All scrubbed up My ex-racehorse Happy loves rolling in the mud, but we cleaned up for a photo. Kimberly Hughes, Bristol That’s no horse… My sheep Speckle, smiling for the camera! Rowena Murray, Shropshire Family portrait My daughter Georgia and her son Harry with our horse Athena. Deb Charman West, Shropshire Home, sweet home I’ve just come back from a week in New York. I think someone missed me. Liz Pearson, Derbyshire A special bond We’ve had Dakota for 11 years and I couldn’t imagine not having…

ARE YOU MISSING the adrenalin buzz of galloping cross-country and counting the days until the start of the new eventing season? Even if you have limited equipment at home, you can make really good use of this time to build your skills and improve your ability to ride across country safely and effectively — all you need is a little imagination. Olympic eventing legend Mary King and her daughter Emily don’t let winter stop them training. From their demos at Your Horse Live 2018, they share with you how to build dummy obstacles like those you’ll encounter on a cross-country course, and also offer their advice on perfecting your position in the saddle. Both will help to build you and your horse’s confidence so you’re ready for the season ahead.…

Charlie warns that walk is intense for a young horse, so avoid doing it for too long. That means it’s vital to make every step count. He uses this exercise in walk to work towards getting a young horse to give an immediate response to your leg aids. ■ Ride a 20m circle in walk. ■ Ask for several strides using your inside leg to feel as though you’re pushing the horse’s ribcage out of the circle. ■ Then ride a few strides pushing the ribcage to the inside, using your outside leg. ■ This ensures your horse is listening and responding to your aids. “Channel the body between your arms and legs. Don’t worry about body bend, you just want to feel the horse moving away from your leg.…

❋ Polework can help to improve the quality of your horse’s canter. Concentrate on riding straight and to the middle of each pole. ❋ Riding in a light seat will help to keep your lower leg secure, which means you stay safe in the saddle. It also makes you engage your core properly and helps improve your balance and co-ordination. Gradually build up the length of time you can stay in a light seat. ❋ Always remember to keep your head up and look ahead to the next obstacle. The longer your line of vision, the better.…

“Hill work is excellent for strengthening and conditioning,” explains Marie. “Walking, or slow cantering uphill (on a suitable surface), provides a useful workout for the cardiovascular system and creates a stronger core and topline if you work your horse in the correct outline. “Depending on the gradient, walking and trotting downhill, using plenty of transitions within the pace, can help to develop balance, engagement and core strength, as long as a correct outline is established.”…

RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE Name: Pineau de Re Credentials: 16.1hh, 15yo, bay, French-bred Thoroughbred gelding. Won 2014 Grand National. Last ran in April 2016. Retired sound, had a short break before being hacked, hunted and schooled by Amelia Newland and Lizzie Doolittle. Pineau joined Lizzie’s team of horses in February 2017 to be retrained as an event horse. Temperament: Pineau is very confident, loves being with other horses and has a wonderful temperament to work with. Training considerations: ■ Developing his trot work and acceptance of being on the bit. ■ Using trot work to improve control into small fences, alter his focus on feeling more comfortable with a closer take-off point, and change his centre of bascule over the fence. ■ Lots of transitions within all paces to improve…

Elaine Smith has owned her cob Trinny for 11 years and competes in low-level cross-country, showjumping and dressage. In August last year, the 20-year-old mare started breathing heavily during exercise. “She was fine in her stable, but as soon as we’d been trotting for more than a few minutes, she started heaving and struggling to breathe,” says Elaine. On further examination, Trinny presented with an increased respiratory rate at exercise with a slight increase in chest sounds, and an initial diagnosis of RAO was made. To begin with Trinny was treated with oral bronchodilators and steroids. An initial improvement was seen, but once treatment was stopped, Trinny became exercise intolerant again. “We had a set of bloods taken to see if Trinny was allergic to anything in her environment and…

Horses emit infrared radiation as part of a normal physiological process, and some of that heat passes into the air as heat photons. A thermal imaging camera measures the heat photons emitted from a horse, and converts them into electrical impulses that are then displayed as coloured images on a monitor. This map of the horse’s body temperature is called a thermogram and subtle abnormal temperature changes can be identified. Hot spots can indicate inflammation or increased circulation such as strains and bruising. They are generally seen in the skin overlying an injury. A cold spot refers to a reduction in blood supply usually due to swelling, scar tissue or nerve damage. “It is often assumed that red means hot, and therefore the source of the problem, and blue, cold,”…

iRed is an accredited training centre near Portsmouth in Hampshire. “The foundation technician course introduces students to the technology and cameras,” says Ted. “It shows how to take the necessary images and, crucially, how to recognise normal thermal patterns. “The cameras detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, the part we perceive as ‘heat’, and turn that into a visual image. But without the knowledge to interpret the image, the data is worthless. “Students produce reports on half a dozen horses with an option of returning for the follow-on equine thermographer course, in which they learn more about the animal’s anatomy and physiology, and how to interpret the images.” For more information, visit ired.co.uk.…

Twist and shake Q After jumping a fence, my gelding often performs a head and neck twist. My instructor referred to it as post-inhibitory headshaking. Can you tell me more about this and how I can get him to stop? Yvonne Marshall, York Debbie says... Post-inhibitory headshaking is a type of behavioural rebound. This is in the context of behavioural or ethological needs that are specific to individual species and necessary for maintaining their optimal wellbeing. Think about what happens when stabled horses are turned out in an arena or paddock. Often, they will run around for a few minutes first, because their species-specific need to move around — including trotting and cantering — was prevented for a number of hours. These rebound behaviours indicate that stabled horses become…

Regardless of the financial costs, breeding represents a significant commitment of your time and focus, so no one should approach it lightly. Bringing a new foal into the world is an emotional experience and can be incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow up and finally perform, either with yourself or others, is very special. Unfortunately, not every breeder has success each time, so it can be equally heartbreaking. Anyone venturing into the breeding world should be ready for multiple variables and worst-case scenarios and be mentally prepared to cope with such difficult times.…

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Deputy editor Allison Lowther: Struggling for motivation at this time of year? Then our in-hand polework feature is a must-read. Incorporate this type of work on a weekly basis and you’ll soon see an improvement in your horse’s ridden work — plus it’s a great way to boost your own fitness. Page 58 Features editor Stephanie Anthony: Ever since watching someone ride side-saddle around a cross-country course, I’ve fancied giving it a go myself. I’ve found out that not only does it look glamorous, but it’s good for your seat and teaching your horse to listen too. Page 6 Olympic eventing medallist Sharon Hunt: A stable lower leg and longer line of vision are key to feeling confident when you’re jumping. I share three exercises to help you achieve that…

EQUINE GIFT BOXES Hooves and Love, owned by Emma Batchelor, offers beautifully presented gift boxes for all horse enthusiasts. All gifts are handpicked and include scarfs, candles, show essentials for riders, cosy socks and a whole host of other lovely goodies. From £25 hoovesandlove.co.uk BIG HIT AT OLYMPIA Owned by dressage rider Amy Woodhead, Alfi the dinky donkey charmed the crowds at Olympia in December. He was there to help spread the word about the charity Brooke and was joined by his best friend La La (who he’s inseparable from) and Harry, both miniature Shetlands. He even starred in the nativity-themed finale. TWEED HEADBANDS These lovely tweed headbands are a fun addition to any outdoor addict’s wardrobe. Made from the finest wool tweed and lined with snug Sherpa…

Mandy Barrett says she’s been a proud happy hacker for years. She’s signed up with her RSPCA rescue mare Hetty Bee Brittany, France, is where Karen Arkle accrues her miles. She kicked off her challenge on New Year’s Day Joanna Messenger’s partner is her Percheron/Warmblood/Welsh mare, Stella Tara and her cob, Kevin, have ridden their first few miles Hacking is Charley Colquhoun’s day job (lucky her!). She leads beach rides in North Wales and will partner Lucky in her quest Sara Bridgman is another new recruit. She’s riding her grey mare, Ellie Louby Jay and Beauty enjoy countryside in Staffordshire and Cheshire Ann Bishop and her friend Jane kick off with a beach ride in Wales This little chap is hacking 1,000 miles pulling a cart, ably steered by Kirsty…

Katie’s five strategies for boosting confidence after an accident: Concentrate on groundwork at first — something you can do easily. This will help you re-connect with your horse. Remember that when you first climb back into the saddle, it doesn’t have to be on your own horse. Perhaps opt for a lesson on a schoolmaster, or have a session on the lunge so you can concentrate just on yourself. Know and accept your limits. If you now worry about hacking, say, only do it when you can create the right environment to make you feel safe — hacking out with others for instance. Take your time. Baby steps are better than jumping straight in when your confidence has been knocked. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly OK to feel wobbly…

■ Keep sessions short and sweet: a good 20 minutes should be all he needs ■ An older horse can become stiff, especially if he’s been in his stable overnight and it’s cold. Spend more time warming up in walk than you would with a younger horse ■ Gymnastic exercises, such as lateral work and polework, are all good for mobilising joints and using muscles ■ A steady, rhythmic canter helps to loosen him off and stretch his muscles and joints ■ Try some in-hand exercises instead of riding him (see p52).…

KNOWN AS ‘the gift from the desert,’ the Akhal Teke is an ancient breed, most likely descended from some of the same ancestors as the hot-blooded Arab. It originated from the Kara Kum desert that covers most of Turkmenistan and had to tolerate sparse water and food supplies, as well as extremes of weather. In the early days, the horses lived hand in hand with their nomadic owners, each essential to the other’s survival. Now the national emblem of Turkmenistan, the Akhal Teke is featured on coats of arms, banknotes and stamps. Official breeding of Akhal Tekes started in Russia, which Turkmenistan became part of in the late 1880s, but during the turmoil in Soviet Russia, interest in the breed (and horses in general) waned and numbers dwindled. Now, however,…

Bottoms up Goldie gets a cuddle from her owner Kym Rudge. By email Splish, splash, splosh A senior Old Berkshire Hunt Pony Club member helps a first-time eventer through the water splash. Great teamwork! Kirsty Judd, by email Oh, what a beautiful morning The perks of early morning rides. Check out that sunrise! Claire Seaward, via Facebook Over the rainbow Amy’s part-Welsh show pony Dessie enjoys some winter sun. Amy Vincent, by email What a rip off Looks like this naughty puppy had fun with the last issue of Your Horse! Abigail Whittington, by email Taking advantage Get to the grass! @yourhorse magazine @ lemieuxproducts official #hack 1000miles @tikimouse, Instagram…

Cross-country riding is all about being prepared and having the ability to react quickly. This starts with being able to maintain a correct position. “The more balanced you are in the saddle, the safer you’ll be,” says Mary. “Stickability is paramount and your lower leg position plays an important role in keeping you stable. Your lower leg should stay still and not slip back.” The aim is to have your heels down and your lower leg slightly forward. It you have a tendancy to draw your heel up, this will result in a mobile lower leg position, which may tip you off balance and you won’t be as secure in the saddle should things go wrong. Mary and Emily add that it’s important not to do too much with your…

There is no stopping involved — think of it as a ‘half-go’ instead It’s often used for indicating to a horse that a change (in direction, movement or pace) is coming; asking for a slower speed within the pace; improving concentration and focus on you or requesting more self-carriage, especially if he’s become heavy on the forehand It combines three aids: 1) Drive with your seat so that you have forwardness 2)Bring your horse back by sitting deep into the saddle and adding slightly more pressure on the reins 3)Repeat the driving aid with your seat, so your horse doesn’t become unbalanced, lazy or drop behind your leg To half-halt on a straight line, use both hips, legs and reins equally On a circle or corner, the outside rein and…

Building on the previous exercise, it’s time to introduce some jumps so that you can practise looking ahead and lengthening your line of vision. Sharon adds two small oxer fences. She wants Gracie to ride over the central ground pole to one of the oxers (see the blue lines (b) and (c) on the diagram, below right). Gracie needs to ride this line in a positive canter rhythm, looking up and ahead to the middle of the next element. Prince and Gracie ride the line several times off both reins, aiming to get five even canter strides between each part. They find the exercise easier on the left rein. On the right rein, Prince tends to drift off line, which has an impact on the quality of the canter and…

Before you start (image a) “Check your horse’s teeth are not causing any discomfort,” says Marie. “I’d also advise getting his back and saddle checked by a qualified physiotherapist/osteopath and saddle fitter so you know everything is in good working order.” Begin LSD (image c) Once you’re satisfied everything’s OK, begin the ‘long, slow, distance’ work (LSD). “Depending on your horse’s starting point, you ideally need to spend two to four weeks in walk, gradually building up the time,” explains Marie. “Start off doing half an hour, building up to one to 1.5 hours a day.” If he’s feeling fresh... “Try gently lungeing or loose-schooling for a few minutes in an enclosed area on safe footing to allow him to get rid of any excess energy. Hopefully, after a few…

AN ALLERGIC REACTION is where the body reacts either locally (one small area of the body) or systemically (the whole body) to a substance referred to as the allergen. Allergic reactions can be caused by a wide range of things such as food, pollen, dust, insect bites, moulds, grass, trees, injections and grooming products, such as shampoos. The response to allergen exposure can vary massively from a localised skin swelling to urticaria (hives) all over the body. More severe systemic reactions may lead to respiratory signs and, in the most extreme cases, a horse can have an anaphylactic reaction and die. Types of reaction Vaccine allergies Often, the cause of an allergic reaction to a vaccine is obvious. If your horse has just received his annual flu and tetanus jab…

Although thermographers don’t require veterinary permission to scan a horse because they aren’t clinically treating them, they are not allowed to officially diagnose. Some thermographers will, however, contact the vet in advance to discuss the horse’s medical history and then review the scan findings afterwards. Tracy Turner, a vet from the US, is an advocate of thermal imaging. “I have used thermal imaging in my work for almost 40 years,” she enthuses. “It’s an extension of my physical examination and a valuable tool in diagnosis and rehabilitation, but it is also an essential tool in injury prevention.”…

ELAINE HALL WAS asked to thermograph a cob who had suddenly started bucking when asked for canter. “Images before and after exercise showed an abnormal thermal pattern on the cranial aspect of the proximal right hindlimb when compared with the left,” explains Elaine. “Solar [underneath the hoof] view images showed that the cob was bearing more weight on his left hindlimb than the right.” The owner was recommended to have this area of interest investigated by her vet. “Through the thermograph readings, I was able to give the vet a more specific area to look at,” continues Elaine. “The vet confirmed by ultrasound a tear in one of the right stifle ligaments. This was then repaired and, following three months’ rest, the cob returned to normal work, no longer bucking…

Academic research has been carried out into equine thermography and one such study showed that thermal imaging detected problems two weeks before they became clinically apparent. The study states: “461 thermographic evaluations were made on 50 horses from 10 different trainers. Trainers identified 127 specific problems and thermography agreed in 120 instances (94.5%). Thermography predicted these problems an average of 2.3 weeks (median value, two weeks) before they became clinically apparent.” ■ Taken from Thermographic Assessment of Racing Thoroughbreds; Tracy A Turner, DVM MS; Jennifer Pansch, DVM and Julia H Wilson, DVM. 2001 Vol. 47 AAEP PROCEEDINGS 344 – 346 (4)…

Selling p98 Jill Headford is a partner in the equine law department at Tozers LLP. She owns five horses, used to compete in BD and BS and has extensive experience of resolving horse-related disputes. Headshaking p100 Debbie Busby is a clinical animal behaviourist, working with referring vets to resolve complex issues. She is secretary of the Equine Behaviour and Training Association. Feet 999 p102 Phil Hodgson is an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. He has a foundation degree in farriery science from Lancaster University and has worked as a farrier for 12 years. Breeding p104 Emma Blundell is managing director of Mount St John stud, which breeds top-class horses, including Mount St John Freestyle, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin. Her knowledge of equine reproduction is vast.…

These shoes aren’t made for walking Q If I find my horse unable to move safely due to a twisted shoe, what should I do? Lucy Patterdale, Buxton Phil says... In such situations, it’s a good idea for owners to know how to safely remove a shoe themselves. Most farriers would be happy to show you how to do this on your own horse in case of an emergency. It’s also advisable to have shoe removal tools in your first aid box — you can buy these from equestrian retail outlets. If possible, leave your horse where he is with someone holding him to keep him calm. Then, if you can, remove the twisted shoe yourself as this is preferable to the risk of him standing on the shoe…

Dealing with a wet and muddy horse can be a chore at the best of times, but during the winter months it can be even more challenging — especially when you’re trying to keep irritating skin conditions at bay. To help make this task a whole lot easier and keep your horse healthy, there’s the Equine Noodle Glove Towel from Henry Wag. Manufactured from high-quality microfibre, the noodle material excels at absorbing water and collecting dirt, making drying simple and effective. The towel features a pocket at either end for you to slip your hands into, so it’s really easy to use. The soft noodles don’t pull the hair and leave your horse’s coat with a healthy, silky sheen. As well as being ideal for drying legs, you can also…

CALDENE DIAMANTE AND PEARL BROWBAND RRP £42.50 SIZES Pony, cob, full, xfull BUY AT harryhall.com For something a little different, take a look at this beautiful browband from Caldene. It features a row of pearls in the centre with two rows of sparkling diamantes either side. To complete the look, the browband is curved to complement your horse’s face. FANTASIA SHAPED DIAMANTE BROWBAND RRP £29.99 SIZES Cob, full, extra full BUY AT premierequine.co.uk Sparkle your way to success with this gorgeous crystal browband. Crafted from the finest Italian leather with two rows of glistening round diamantes. The Fantasia browband is a real head turner and is shaped to highlight your horse’s natural features. KATE NEGUS SR DIAMANTE WIDE WAVE BROWBAND RRP £103 SIZES Cob, full, extra full BUY AT katenegus.com…

If money is tight, buying a used saddle can be a good option but, as the saying goes, ‘buyer beware’. To ensure you really are bagging a bargain that’s safe for you and your horse, run through our list of things to check: 1 Assess the overall appearance of the saddle. If it’s been well looked after, the leather should feel soft and supple. 2 Check for areas of wear — girth straps are the most likely place to find cracked or worn leather. 3 Look for any scuffs, scratches or damage to the pommel and cantle. These could indicate the saddle has been dropped or damaged. 4 Check the tree isn’t broken by holding the saddle lengthways with the pommel against your thigh. Grip the cantle and gently pull…

“The changes that exercise sparks in your brain improves your mindset, positivity and self-esteem” HACKING MAKES YOU happy. We’ve long maintained that that’s the case — why else would we task the horsey population of the UK and beyond to #hack1000miles in a year — and the thousands of you, our brilliant challengers, are testament to that being true. All the evidence we need is in our official Hack 1000 Miles Facebook group. Comments such as, “had a bad day at work. Getting home in time to ride has perked me up no end” and “when life is throwing challenges at me left, right and centre, going for a hack makes everything OK again”. It’s proven — and well documented — that exercise makes people happier. The changes it sparks…

Sign up at hack1000miles.co.uk  and you’ll benefit from our monthly newsletter, exclusive competitions, giveaways and much more. Buy an exclusive #hack1000miles rosette and badge at yourhorse.co.uk/shop-hack. Prices from £2. Wear with pride! Join our private Facebook group, Hack 1000 Miles, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@ YourHorse) and Instagram (@yourhorsemagazine). Share your hacking photos with us and use the hashtag #hack1000miles — you might feature in a future issue of Your Horse.…

“I’ve been lucky enough to own Kitty for three years. She’s 23 and we enjoy hacking and going on fun rides. She’s given me back my confidence and I enjoy riding again.” Julie Sargeant “This is Spartacus, aka Sparky — he’s 21 and I’ve owned him for a year. He absolutely loves jumping and is still hacking regularly.” Natalie Charlton “This is Vixen, who is 25 this year. She’s a former Household Cavalry horse and is now semi-retired but still enjoys hacking and keeping my youngster in line. I’ve owned her since April 2017.” Hannah Irons “Kay is my one-in-a-million 24-year-old mare. She’s been my companion, therapist and all-round joy for three years. I learnt to ride on her and we are still going strong, competing in dressage, some low-level…

1 The Akhal Teke stands between 14.2hh and 16hh. 2 On average they weigh between 900 and 1,000lbs. 3 They are fine boned and flat muscled. 4 The average life span is 20 years. 5 Lacking in generic diversity, the Akhal Teke is susceptible to wobbler syndrome, naked foal syndrome and colts born with only one testicle. 6 They are very loyal, preferring to be ‘one person’ horses. 7 Not all Akhal Tekes have a forelock. 8 They can be a variety of colours, with golden being the most striking. 9 Many carry a gene for the cream dilution, resulting in palomino, cremello or perlino. 10 Some have very pale blue eyes, which can be hooded or almond-shaped. 11 Akhal Teke stallion Absent won dressage individual gold at the 1960…

CONQUER GATES I have loads of schooling targets to achieve with my new horse and want to get him out to a clinic or camp this year. I also want to get to grips with opening and closing gates. Bethany AF GO FURTHER To ride further and explore new bridleways. Paula Needham HAVE FUN I’m planning on getting my boy out to his first clinic. I’ve not had him long, about six months, so it’s all about having fun. Marilyn Roberts GET BACK IN THE SADDLE After a knee injury last year, my weight has crept up so my goal is to shed that so that I can ride. So far, so good. Norma Reid Charters FIND MY MOJO Ride more, worry less! I ordered a horse diary and I’ll…

Focus on maintaining an even rhythm all the way to the fence. Energy and a regular canter rhythm will help you arrive at the fence in the right spot — you should reach the fence in the middle of a canter stride to make it easy for your horse to jump. Remember to jump equally off both reins. Always aim for and jump the middle of the fence — be disciplined about this. Straightness before and after the fence is essential. If you’re not straight, it alters the distance to your next fence.…

You’ll need three poles for this exercise, set out in a fan shape. Don’t worry about distances and, again, coloured poles will help you stay on track, but they’re not essential. Working on a fan is very effective at creating suppleness as your horse will be stretching his ribcage to the outside and contracting to the inside. It mimics the riding action of him bending around your inside leg. Walk your horse through the fan, aiming him at the centre of each pole. Whichever rein you’re on, position yourself on the side that will put you at the narrower end of the fan, which is a challenge in itself. Don’t put an extra stride in between the poles. Adjust your position to help you balance instead — good for strengthening…

YOUR HORSE magazine has teamed up with feed specialists Dodson & Horrell, sponsors of Chatsworth International Horse Trials, to give five lucky readers the chance to win a fabulous family day out for four people on Saturday 11 May, 2019. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the 16th-century Chatsworth House in Derbyshire will play host to the 2019 Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, which run from 10-12 May 2019. Located within the 1,000-acre Chatsworth Park, this fun-filled and action-packed event will ensure you and your family enjoy a day to remember. In addition to the top class international cross-country competition, you’ll find an array of other attractions including scurry driving trials, Pony Club mounted games, ‘Have a go’ dog agility, gundog display and a children’s entertainment…

It’s often difficult to pinpoint exactly what allergens a horse is sensitive to. Specific skin allergy testing involves injecting small amounts of allergen into the dermis of the skin. The horse is monitored for 24 hours and the resulting skin blebs are measured to quantify the horse’s allergic response to specific allergens. Controls of histamine and water are used to compare the horse’s skin reaction. Based on the test results, immunotherapy (a vaccine) is used to reduce the horse’s response to the allergens. Although this won’t stop the horse’s allergic reaction completely, it will reduce the allergic response and reduce the dose of corticosteroid needed to control the horse’s reaction. Allergy testing also allows specific environmental allergens to be identified, meaning allergy exposure can be reduced. Recently, a much more…

Pus in the foot The most common form of lameness seen by farriers is pus in the foot. If your horse goes lame in one foot overnight, at least 90% of the time, it will be a foot abscess. There are very few situations that can cause such acute lameness in one foot, and pus is the most likely. The good news is that it’s rarely serious and can usually be sorted out by releasing the pus. This is achieved by the farrier using a tool to dig out the abscess and release the pus, followed by poulticing. Ensure your horse’s tetanus coverage is up to date. Laminitis If your horse goes lame in two feet at the same time, then the most likely reason is the dreaded laminitis. Laminitis…

Personality clash Q Someone is interested in buying my horse and it seems like the ideal new home for him. However, I just don’t like the person involved. “The real point to recognise is that once you have sold a horse, you are no longer in a position to control his future” Is it possible to have any kind of background check carried out on buyers to ensure horses are going to be OK? My gut is telling me not to let him go to this person. Shirley Weatherhead, Co. Durham Jill says... You don’t have to sell to someone you have doubts about. The only relevant checks you can carry out are financial, so all you can do really is look on social media and ask around. I…

Over the hill? Q My Thoroughbred mare officially became a veteran at 15 this year. I’d love to have a foal from her, but is she too old? Sam Mills, Anglesey Emma says... In short, no, she’s not too old, assuming she’s fit and physically healthy, though there are various factors to consider. In general, fertility stays high until around 12 years of age, then declines at a steady rate through the late teens and early 20s. Mares over 18 may have a foaling rate per season of approximately 50%, compared to 80% for young mares. Older mares, on average, also need more coverings to produce a foal than younger mares; the conception rate per cycle could be as low as between 20% and 30%. A mare’s fertility is…

BUYING A SADDLE is a big investment, so it’s important to make the right choice for you and your horse before handing over your money. This is easier said than done however, and with such a variety of options available, the process can be daunting. Asking yourself a few key questions will help to narrow down your search, so we’ve put together this essential advice to help you decide. Help from an expert Top of your to-do list is to book an appointment with a registered Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter. They will be able to guide you through the process and offer advice on which saddle suits you and your horse the best. Having your saddle correctly fitted is absolutely essential so that your horse is comfortable…