Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 463 i Your Horse

WHEN YOUR HORSE presents you with a challenge and you’ve exhausted all the skills you have, it’s time to think outside the box and try something different. This is just what I did when I felt I’d hit a bit of wall with my training — that was until I started training with Jenku Dietrichsen at the start of 2019. Jenku’s Modern Horsemanship methods made me completely rethink how I do things. With a better understanding of how horses learn, my training and my relationship with my horse have been transformed. I want to share more about this unique method and what it can do for you and your horse — see page 34. When I learnt to ride (many, many years ago!) there were no all-weather arenas — we…

DO YOU LOVE riding in the countryside? Would you like to develop your hacking confidence? Trying to find a way to boost those #Hack1000Miles miles? Then TREC could well be for you. TREC is a sport that any horse and rider can enjoy. It originated in France as a way of testing and improving the skills of trail ride leaders. Today it remains a test of skill, but it’s also a fun way to get out and about and explore with your horse, boost your confidence and meet new, like-minded horsey folk. “TREC suits all levels of riders,” says Amanda Marfleet of TREC GB. “We have training days and camps throughout the UK and their popularity is constantly on the rise. Our demo at Your Horse Live in November 2019…

“Winnie is interested and listening, but doesn’t seem fazed” “WINNIE’S THREE-MONTH baby break has flown by. Since the end of November she’s been loving life with her two miniature accomplices, galloping through the trees, chilling in the fields and chomping through lots of hay. On 1 February, we experience the first sign of sunnier days to come — a much needed breather from the flooding we’ve had on our smallholding. I spend hours grooming the little herd who resemble mud-slathered hippos rather than horses. When I start to see my 14.3hh (nudging 15hh now) youngster emerge from under the dirt and brambles, I tack her up gently and take her out for a stroll in-hand. She hasn’t been touched for three months and yet she doesn’t jump or spin at…

Lara advises on riding during pregnancy and after the birth: “Some people say stop when you get pregnant, but only you can make that decision. I have respect for people who still ride while pregnant, but also those who stop as soon as they find out. “I was careful who I rode, and I would advise other pregnant riders to be the same. I stopped riding Kristjan a few weeks before Rufus because he’s naughtier and he could feel that I wasn’t as strong as before — he was becoming too powerful for my weakening core to hold. “Mentally it’s good to have a break from the saddle, but you have to follow what’s right for you and how you’re feeling. Listen only to yourself when the time comes to…

‘The past year has been about building my confidence’ “I returned to riding at the start of 2019 after a break and have been having lessons at my local riding school each week since,” says Sharon Howe. “I started riding when I was 14, but early into lessons I was bucked off. I’ve carried this with me. “Over the years, I’ve returned to having lessons for a period of time, but then life gets in the way and I stop — only to return as a nervous rider all over again. The past year has been all about building my confidence and it’s a continual process as I progress to the next stage. I have a very supportive instructor who makes me ride different horses and pushes me when needed.…

SIMPLY SOAK I hate it when my hay starts getting a bit musty — the lovely fresh spring stuff is long gone and all you’re left with are the dregs. Soaking it is a must for me. It gets rid of the dust and my horse is much more interested in eating it too. Joanna Finch OUT AND ABOUT My girl Stella lives out 24/7, even in winter. I used to bring her in, but she developed a really bad cough so my vet suggested giving it a try. She has an extra rug if it’s really cold and she’s got a field shelter, but she seems happy, so I’m happy too. Pauline Chivers A SPRING CLEAN A few times a year I give my horse’s stable a really good…

Jenku Dietrichsen started riding on his grandmother’s farm at an early age. In 1990 he was selected for the mounted police section in South Africa. There he qualified as a farrier and was also part of the police display team — he did Roman riding, standing up on three horses. Part of the job description was to break and train the young horses. Jenku left the police at the end of 1994 and continued to break and train horses. However, he always thought that there must be a better, kinder way to train and he’s spent the last three decades researching, learning and developing what was to become the method he currently uses. It’s from this process that Modern Horsemanship was born. Jenku is based in Cape Town, South Africa,…

Carla Manning owns nine-year-old Carhue Boy (aka Tommy) who she competes at elementary level dressage. Carla made the decision to remove Tommy’s shoes in October 2016, and finds that it has benefited both her and her horse. “The main reason I transitioned Tommy to barefoot was that he was diagnosed with hock arthritis. I believed that the only way to keep him sound long term would be to remove his shoes,” she says. “The first step was to make changes to his diet. At the time he was on nuts, but after digging into the nutritional content, I discovered his were high in sugar and starch, so I switched to a barefoot-friendly feed that was lower in both. “I then arranged for my farrier to remove the shoes and I…

Possession of stolen goods Q How can I be sure I’m not buying a stolen saddle? Danielle Patrick, Stirling Stuart says... This is a sticky situation for the buyer, as there’s very little you can do beyond checking the tack for any markings that can’t be explained by the seller. Checking saddles for chips or SmartWater marks that fluoresce under UV light is something police can do if an item is suspected stolen. However, that’s not much use to a buyer who has already paid for the item — it will still be taken from you and you’ll be left out of pocket. Buyer beware Sadly, it’s the age-old thing of ‘buyer beware’. Stick to reputable tack dealers, and if you do buy from someone online, arrange to meet them…

AHEADCOLLAR IS A practical piece of equipment that we use every day, whether that’s for leading, travelling, or wearing in the field. There are already a number of safety headcollars available — primarily for use during turnout — which are designed to release if your horse gets caught on something like a fence post. The team at Equilibrium Products wanted to take a closer look at headcollars and see if they could create one that’s safe for all of the different situations in which horse owners need to use a headcollar. The end result is the Stellar Head Collar. Preventing injury The Stellar has a specially designed headpiece with adjustable press stud fasteners and keepers on both sides of the headcollar. When needed, the headpiece releases, preventing injury to the…

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: Put your horse’s balance and canter rhythm to the test with counter-canter. Whether you’re a novice or a dressage wiz, follow our expert’s exercises to hone your skills. Page 50 Freelance features writer Julie Brown: I love shopping — well, what horse owner doesn’t! I so enjoyed working on the ‘Spring buyer’s guide’, but it didn’t help my addiction much — so many lovely things to buy. Take a look and get that shopping list started. Page 120 Veterinary physiotherapist Sammy Finnemore: Polework grids are a great way to help your horse maintain normal mobility and performance. Try my suppleness and strengthening grid and you’ll find he will soon start to feel the benefits. Page 48 Equine podiatrist Emma Burston: Are you thinking of letting your…

PERFECT PICK Hand-forged from recycled horseshoes, this hoofpick has been lovingly crafted to provide you with a fabulous robust tool that will last for years. RRP £13.95 etsy.com CASE CLOSED Charming watercolour horses decorate this pencil case illustrated by Elena O’Neill. Perfect for storing stationery, makeup or anything else you might fancy. RRP £12 etsy.com WHAT’S IN A NAME? This colourful ID tag is practical and pretty. It features a fun illustration of your horse as well as his name and your contact details on the reverse. RRP £10.95 etsy.com…

Have any of our #Hack1000Miles challengers given TREC a go? We found out through a quick poll… I’ve been doing it for a number of years, and really enjoy it as it’s such a friendly and sociable sport. You also form a great partnership with your horse. I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. Sue Squirrell We have regular competitions at the yard where I keep my horse. The lady who owns it competes for Team GB, so I have expert advice on tap. My husband also does TREC and really enjoys it. Karyn Hynd I’ve been interested for a while and met the lovely TREC GB people at Your Horse Live. They put me in touch with my local group. I plan to get involved this year with some…

HAILING FROM DENMARK, the Knabstrup (or Knabstrupper) is known for its distinctive spotted coat. In addition to its striking colouration, the breed is also valued for its performance and temperament. The Knabstrup emerged at the beginning of the 19th century from the crossing of a Spanish mare with a spotted coat and a Frederiksborg stallion (another Danish breed). The pattern is caused by a genetic mechanism called the leopard complex. Some people may confuse the Knabstrup with the American Appaloosa horse because of the similarities in coat pattern, but the two breeds developed independently. The characteristic spotted coat was almost the Knabstrup’s downfall as horses were often inbred to achieve the desired spotted colouring. Since 1970, breeding efforts have been made to recover the breed, although it remains rare. It…

Samantha Murray is a full-time coach and HGV driver who owns a retired racehorse named Smurf and his Shetland companion, Blue. The Inverness-based rider also recently qualified as an equine sports massage therapist. My job… I started working for coach company D&E Coaches 18 months ago when I moved to Inverness from Cumbria. I passed my Cat D (bus) licence eight years ago when I was just 21 when a local company in Cumbria was recruiting trainee drivers. I didn’t always want to be a driver; it was something that I fell into after working on various yards through my teens — I’ve worked at riding schools, racing yards, showing yards and stud farms — and finding myself in a position where I needed to earn a higher wage to…

“We almost lost my eventer Finn” My ex-eventer Finn was recently in hospital after cutting open his legs while he was out in the field. At first it didn’t seem too serious — just a graze that could be treated with a bit of cream. We called our vet after spotting signs of infection, and everything seemed to be OK again. But one day we changed Finn’s bandages to discover a nasty infection. Pus pockets had formed near his arteries and blood was pouring everywhere. He was admitted to The Barn Equine Surgery in Ringwood, Hampshire, and we were told that he had a high risk of sepsis. We almost lost him. Finn is now making a full recovery and he’s very happy to be back home. He was turned…

Double cuddle Giving Red and Spirit some well-deserved fuss — they’re my world. Donna Beddall, Cheshire Little princes My minis Bruno and Leo. Rona Kennedy, Royal Deeside Gums up My mare Polly gives a grin. Seren Merrills, South Wales Best friends forever Shad’s my lifeline. Denise Davy, Devon Furry friends Kizzy O’Keefe helps with the bonding process. Linda O’Keefe, Devon Tongue in cheek Our beautiful rare Skyrian Miss Loli shows her cheeky side. Amanda Burgen, Edinburgh Whatcha’ doin’? Teds and me. Beth Peters, Birmingham Glorious mud I adore my cheeky boy Buster, even when he splashes mud all over me. Caroline Brown, Kent Squeeze together Karen, Bud, Big Alice and Little Alice. Alice Rose Evans, South Wales Blue bling Me with my boy Blaze. Louise Carter, West Midlands BFG My…

New owners’ legal passport responsibilities Q When horses are sold on, what legal requirements become the new owner’s responsibility in terms of the horse’s passport? Rachel Smith, Somerset Simon says... The new owner is legally required to record their ownership of the horse with the organisation that issued the passport — the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) — within 30 days of transfer of ownership. This legislation was enacted in October 2018, having been regulation only since 2009. The owner is also legally required to submit the passport to the PIO if any passport details subsequently change — for example, if the horse is gelded, its colour has changed, or a new microchip has been implanted. Of particular note, the owner must inform the PIO if the food chain status of…

Smile and enjoy Q My goal this summer is to enter my 15.3hh bay Thoroughbred in a riding horse class. What tips do you have to maximise our chances of success? Sam Jones, Halifax Peter says... Practice makes perfect in all showing classes. Ask an experienced person or professional for advice and feedback on your specific performance — all the best sports people in the world have a coach, so don’t think you can, or should, do it all by yourself. Make it look easy In the ridden section, your horse must go with ease and calmness, with a smooth, controlled gallop as part of your show. Ensure that you’ve bathed and trimmed to the last detail, and that you and your horse are wearing appropriate clothing and tack —…

The owner: Niamh Fitzroy The horse: Flash, a six-year-old Irish Sport Horse The problem: Flash has had gastric ulcers and Niamh is worried about his diet Niamh and Flash are planning their first season of eventing. The gelding has recently been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and Niamh wonders if she should change his diet. Flash has just successfully completed a course of treatment. He is ridden six days a week and has two hours of turnout a day. Flash has three large haynets a day, with the final one given last thing at night. He also has 1.5 scoops of competition mix twice a day, mixed with sugar beet. Clare says: Niamh is right to consider changing Flash’s diet. It’s great that he is given large, regular haynets, including extra…

BACK ON TRACK PERFORMANCE BELL BOOTS RRP£49 COLOURS Black, brown, white SIZES XXS — XL BUY AT backontrack.com/uk Perfectly shaped to fit around your horse’s pastern to stop spinning or slipping, these boots have a high impact resistant outer, plus Welltex lining to support circulation to the coronet area to help aid mobility. VEREDUS SAFETY BELL BOOT RRP£59 COLOURS Black, brown SIZES S — XL FOR STOCKISTS zebraproducts.co.uk The ultimate protection for your horse’s hoof and heel area, this design gives 360° all-round coverage while ensuring freedom of movement, flexibility and comfort. This shock-absorbing safety bell boot is designed to protect the entire heel area, and the Bi-TECH synthetic outer shell is waterproof, as well as tear, rip and puncture-resistant. LEMIEUX CARBONITE OVERREACH BOOTS RRP £22.96 COLOUR Black SIZES S…

RIDING BAREBACK IS an excellent way to develop your strength as a rider. Many riders use their saddle and their reins as a crutch. However, with the saddle gone — which normally supports you and helps to hold you in the correct position — you have to rely on the strength in your legs and in your core to keep yourself upright and on your horse. Removing the saddle can reveal flaws in your riding position that you may not have even realised were there. Removing your stirrups is also a good way to test this. When you ride bareback, without several inches of leather, stuffing and saddle pad in the way, a channel of communication opens up between you and your horse. You will be able to feel his…

‘It’s all down to Zig’ Despite two months off, Steph Price and her seven-year-old 12.3hh mare Zig Zag Ziggy (aka Zig) have reached over 1,000 miles in eight months. They completed the challenge driven, and averaged 130 miles a month! “We’re out six days a week training for competitions (Zig competes nationally at driving trials) so we were putting in mega miles,” says Steph. “We’ve really enjoyed the challenge and had such a lovely response from the Facebook group. Zig is a little star!” ‘Loved every minute’ Gillian Anderson started the challenge last April with her 21-year-old mare Kia, and although they had some adventures — such as falling into a marsh — they reached the target. “I’m delighted to have completed the #Hack1000miles challenge,” smiles Gillian. “I’ve loved every…

A pony apiece Timothy and Tommy each have their own pony now so we can do lots more hacking! Victoria Poole, Facebook Different generations This is our old girl Darcy (she’s 25), with me and my grandson. Lisa Slassor, Facebook New starter This is my lovely four-year-old, soon to be backed — can’t wait to start riding! Iona Cosh, Facebook Lazy Lord Sleepy pony Lord Flashheart having his early morning kip. Lisa Bates, Facebook Setting goals I have rheumatoid arthritis, but I’m trying to ride more this year so that I can jump alongside my friends this summer. Hannah Sherrington, Facebook Join us on facebook at facebook.com/yourhorse Tweet us on twitter.com/yourhorse Follow us on instagram.com/yourhorse…

WHEN HAYLEY MARSH’S 12-year-old Thoroughbred polocrosse mare Kuala tied up for the first time, Hayley discovered that it was due to a selenium deficiency in the pasture. “I’d recently moved Kuala to new pasture and all the horses there were acting a bit strangely,” says Hayley. “They were hyperactive and stressy, and one started bucking when being ridden, which was totally unlike her. “When Kuala tied up, I called my vet who blood tested her and confirmed azoturia. She also suggested having the soil tested, and this showed a selenium deficiency and incorrect magnesium levels.” Hayley’s previous paddocks had been made up of rough grass and were surrounded by a variety of hedges and trees, which Hayley believes offered her horses the vitamins and minerals they needed to stay healthy.…

Transfer window Q Our yard’s summer turnout arrangements begin soon. How can I support my horse’s transition from four hours’ turnout a day to being out 24/7 on spring grass? Veronica Watson, Lincolnshire Stephanie says... Any dietary change that your horse experiences should be made slowly, and this doesn’t only apply to hard feed. Changing from hay to haylage, or from hay to grass is still a dietary change and will affect the function of the hindgut if not done correctly. The hindgut is full of microbes, bacteria and other organisms that are very sensitive to change — they can take weeks or even months to adapt. Winter grazing Horses who have had restricted access to grazing over the winter months will have been more reliant on conserved forage sources,…

Don’t make it easy Q My friend’s yard was robbed recently and tack and other items were stolen. What can I do at my own yard to help prevent theft of our valuables, or even of our horses? Sarah Parker, Co Durham Stuart says... It’s a huge source of anxiety for horse owners when spates of yard burglaries seem to be taking place. However, take some comfort from the fact that actual horse theft is far less common than you might think. In recent years, panicked owners have seen comments on social media about such things as mysterious plaits appearing in horses’ manes as a ‘marker’ for a later theft. But not one of these crimes has ever come to fruition or been reported in North Yorkshire, nor, according to…