Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 464 i Your Horse

WELL, WE’VE MADE IT — the clocks have gone forwards! Finally, there are more daylight hours to enjoy with your horse. It’s been a particularly tough and extremely wet winter and I know many of you will be pleased to see the back of it — fingers crossed that we have a warm, drier spring to help everywhere start to recover. Despite some really foul weather I do have to give a big shout-out to our ever-growing tribe of Hack 1000 Milers who don’t let a bit of wind and rain stop them clocking up the miles. It’s amazing the positive impact this campaign has had on so many of you and I love following your adventures in our Facebook group. You’re truly an amazing bunch of people who are…

1 Sign up for free at hack1000miles.co.uk. Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter and wall of fame, with exclusive competitions and prizes. 2 Fill in the pledge on the back of the tracker card — free with this issue of Your Horse — and post a photo of you holding it on social media. 3 Fill in your official tracker. Use it to gauge your progress. 4 Join the Hack1000Miles Facebook group for friendly, like-minded hackers taking on the challenge. Great for motivation and inspiration. 5 Use the hashtags #Hack1000Miles and #yourhorsemagazine — you might appear in the magazine! 6 Subscribe to the official #Hack1000Miles mag, Your Horse. Check out our latest offer on p92. 7 Make 2020 your year! Get out hacking and enjoy your horse.…

Haunted stables The steps pulled themselves away from the wall and put themselves up. Honest! hovis02, Instagram Start the day Morning essentials. Loufitton, Instagram Natural management Absolutely loving all the natural articles last month — the feature on spotting signs of pain was so enlightening. Charlie Wheeler, Facebook Yourhorsemagazine Horseriding is not just a physical activity, it’s also a feeling. How does riding make you feel? (via Instagram) @ktblueandme My two legs don’t work too well, so when I’m riding my boy carries me, both physically and mentally. @mel1derrick When we’re off road I feel completely free of life’s stresses and headaches. I feel so in tune with my Ruby, my first horse at the grand age of 44. @rocktappingdj I get to leave all my problems behind and live…

The best way to inspire others is to tell them your success stories. It doesn’t matter how big or small the achievement, let’s make Fit Not Fat a truly interactive campaign where your stories are the driver to inspire others to make changes. Use the ‘Fit Not Fat’ section at yourhorse.co.uk to share your hints, tips and the challenges you faced and overcame. Just send them to us at getinvolved@yourhorse. co.uk and we’ll do the rest. And don’t forget to engage with us on social media too.…

Solo, a 16-year-old Connemara pony, developed fairly persistent vertical and horizontal headshaking during the winter of 2016. He had been with the same family for three years and, up to that point, had been the perfect children’s pony with no significant medical issues. Solo’s headshaking couldn’t be linked to weather conditions, and it occurred both inside and outside. However, the symptoms worsened when he was being ridden. Solo’s owners didn’t make any management modifications prior to calling in the vet, and obviously their main concern was their children’s safety. Solo was given a full physical examination by the vet, but this showed no abnormalities, and nor did an eye and dental check. The vertical and horizontal nature of the pony’s headshaking was apparent when he was being ridden, though, and…

The right career path Q I’m leaving sixth form college after A-levels this summer and am interested in joining the Army. What route would I have to take if I wanted to work with horses? Grace Temple, Swansea Paddy says... Firstly, I wish you the very best of luck with your A-levels. I’m delighted that you are thinking about joining the Army and would like horses to potentially play a part in that career. There are lots of questions you’ll need to ask yourself to make sure this path is the right one for you, and many of them can be answered by going to army.mod.uk/careers. Joining as a soldier Should you wish to join as a soldier, apply online, after which you will be asked to attend a local…

The owner: Lucy Simpson The horse: Mo, a 13-year-old Welsh Cob gelding The problem: Mo had a mild bout of laminitis in the autumn It’s the first time Lucy has known a horse with laminitis and she wants to do everything she can to prevent Mo getting it again. He has always been slightly overweight since Lucy bought him three years ago and on her vet’s advice she’s spent the winter months slimming him down. Mo is now a healthy weight and Lucy rides him six days a week. Clare says: As spring arrives, it’s great to hear that Lucy is on Mo’s case. The best way to avoid the pain and stress of laminitis is to be prepared. As soon as the fields start getting even slightly greener Mo’s…

SPRING IS ONE of my favourite seasons. I love seeing nature bouncing back to life and the temperature beginning to warm up a little. As with all the seasons, though, spring can bring horse owners a number of different challenges and that’s where this great 24-page magazine comes in. It’s full of essential advice from experts in the industry and showcases innovative products that will make owning and being around your horse fun and stress-free. So if you’re looking to buy a trailer to get out and about more this year, you have a new saddle on your shopping list, or perhaps you need a little bit of feeding advice, our guide can help. Whatever it is, it’s here.…

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: I spent a fascinating day at the International Eventing Forum in February. One topic covered was what good horsemanship means exactly, and how you can improve this in your training sessions. Page 58 Freelance features writer Julie Brown: Being a (horseless at the mo) dressage diva, I loved talking dressage to music with the guys at Equidance. Not only do they share lots of advice, but they’ve got a special offer for you too. Page 36 International showjumper Holly Smith: If your horse has lost his jumping mojo I have five simple exercises to get him popping with power. You don’t need much equipment to try them either — so no excuses not to give them a go! Page 44 Lauren Johnson, owner of Graveney Equine:…

Celebrate taking on the challenge with official rosettes, badges, tops and hoodies. BUY HERE yourhorse.co.uk/shop-hack Where could your miles get you? 100 MILES The entirety of the South Downs Way 250 MILES The distance from Southend to Snowdonia 500 MILES Total mileage of the North York Moors bridleway 1,000 MILES The length of Britain, from John O’Groats to Land’s End ‘I loved every mile’ I finished my challenge in February and loved every single mile of it. It really does take over your life; planning hacks, weather watching and, of course, reading everyone’s posts on the Facebook group. This is a great challenge for anyone to have a go at. Clare Walker ‘My horse is fitter than EVER’ I used to do the same hacks constantly and always got bored.…

THE FRIESIAN IS an old, long-established breed with a history dating back to the 13th century. Hailing from the Netherlands, it has powerful conformation and good bone structure, with what is sometimes called a ‘Baroque’ body type. Throughout history this beautiful breed has been prized for its strength, versatility, disposition and elegance. During the Middle Ages the ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout mainland Europe as their size and strength enabled them to carry a knight in armour. With its dramatic-looking appearance, high, flamboyant action and undoubted ability, the Friesian has featured in many films, starring as the strong, dependable steed in The Mask of Zorro, The Hunger Games and The Chronicles of Narnia series, to name but a few. The vast majority of…

“I saw us dancing down the centre line together, me in top hat and tails, him strutting his stuff,” recalls Julie. “He definitely had the breeding and paces. “I choose him carefully, with the help of some very experienced trainers. He wasn’t the first horse I’d tried — in fact, I’d travelled the length and breadth of the UK in my year-long search before meeting Bo. It was a very considered purchase. I had the help of my instructor (one of the UK’s best), a fantastic yard and great support from friends, so things should have been a breeze. “There was just one sticking point. Bo was spooky, to the point where he could have made spookiness an Olympic sport. He would spook at anything, never seeming to come to…

Do you keep your horse on full/part livery or DIY? If you’ve tried both, do you have a preference and why? Perhaps you enjoy spending as much time as possible with your horse, or appreciate the peace of mind that someone else is bringing him in from the field or popping in his feed when you get stuck at work. We asked our Facebook followers to share their experiences… PAY AS YOU GO We have a fab compromise on my yard. We pay for DIY and add pay as you go services from the livery team as and when needed. I work shifts so this is perfect. I tried assisted DIY, but didn’t feel in control of my horses as the yard owner decided when they went out, when they…

New to the roads Q I’ve been riding for only 18 months and bought my first horse six months ago. Recently I moved yards and the new hacking is fantastic, but it takes 10 minutes on the roads to reach it. I’m apprehensive about this. How can we stay safe? Caroline Anderson, Morpeth Zoe says... First and foremost, only take your horse on the road when both you and he are in a suitable frame of mind. We’ve all been there when we’ve had a real stinker of a day at work, and probably ought to avoid activities like riding in traffic that demand total concentration. Recognise when it’s not a good idea to take out half a ton of snorting muscle, and stay off the roads. Courtesy counts Thank…

Donating a pony Q My daughter has sadly outgrown her very gentle first pony and I’m considering offering him to our local RDA. What type of ‘lifestyle’ and work could I expect for him before I make this decision? Sally Morgan, Lincolnshire Caroline says... RDA is always on the lookout for new horses and ponies to help provide the charity’s brilliant service to even more participants. We are trying to move away from the stereotype that we need old, static ponies. On the contrary, they need to be fit, healthy and athletic to cope with the lifestyle in an RDA group. We need everything from smaller, forward-going ponies to weight-carrying cobs. RDA offers riding, carriage driving, vaulting, showjumping and endurance, so we need different equine skills too. Temperament assessment Before…

5 MOLLICHAFF HOOFKIND COMPLETE — FIVE 15KG BAGS Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is a high-fibre feed designed for the nutritional support of horses and ponies prone to laminitis. Made from a balanced blend of high-quality oat straw, dried alfalfa and fibre pellets, it’s topped with a light dressing of soya oil with added vitamins and minerals, trace elements, antioxidants and biotin. Hoofkind Complete is low in starch, sugar, protein and calories, and high in fibre. When fed at the recommended levels it can be fed as the sole bucket feed, and needs no further supplementation other than good-quality forage. Find out more at horsehageforage.co.uk 1 OUTFIT FROM STIERNA EQUESTRIAN SPORTSWEAR Stierna Equestrian Sportswear is giving away an Andromeda Fleece Jacket and a pair of its new Saga Breeches to one lucky…

If you’re constantly schooling on your own it can be difficult to keep your focus and stay motivated. But what if you had the option of having a trainer with you every time you ride? Well, now you can with Poll Position Audio Coaching and Communication. This wireless headset sits comfortably under your riding hat and offers you equine performance improvement training as well as stress-free communication with your trainer while you’re riding. Add the coaching sim card and you have an anytime, anywhere biomechanical coaching headset aimed at improving your knowledge and awareness through a series of pre-recorded training sessions that you can work through at your leisure. The training segments can be skipped, paused and replayed to enable you to tailor your own schooling routine depending on your…

MOVE WELL TO RIDE WELL Biomechanics for the Equestrian: Move Well to Ride Well by Debbie Rolmanis aims to help riders improve their own movement and build a body that suits both them and their horse. RRP £25 amazon.co.uk IN A LATHER These luxurious triple-milled 125g soaps are made in Marseille. We’re particularly fond of the Unicorn soap, made with fragrances from Grasse — and glitter! It’s allergen-free and ideal for sensitive skin. RRP £3.95 ladida-andover.com HOOFPRINTS ON YOUR HEART Get a lasting memory of your horse, with his hair preserved in a resin horseshoe. You can also add flowers to make a beautiful hanging decoration. RRP £18 HoneyBeeStudioUK, etsy.com…

CONFIDENCE For both you and your horse, hacking is a great way to push your boundaries. BONDING Time with your horse is time well spent. Hacking will improve your communication and understanding with your horse. HAPPINESS 100% of our challengers say hacking makes them happy. ADVENTURE Take that path you’ve never tried, see new sights, meet new people — this challenge is addictive; you’ll go further than ever before. Already signed up in 2019? Unfortunately sign-ups don’t carry over, so you’ll need to join us again officially at hack1000miles. co.uk. It’s free!…

EMAIL US AT: getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk or write to: Your Horse mag, H Bauer Publishing, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA Star letter A big thumbs up! @YourHorse. I’m reading your March issue and it’s bringing back so many of the things I learned when I started riding and doing BHS exams — ‘around the world’ for balance and Vaseline on soles during snow This is why I love your magazine — honest and basic equestrian knowledge. Many thanks! Liz Pyne @ElizabethPyne1, Twitter Star prize Our star letter from Liz means she wins some Lincoln Power Repel (RRP £18.99 for 500ml). The dual-action formulation utilises optimal levels of two proven ingredients for long-lasting protection — up to 12 hours against flies, midges, gnats and horse flies. Visit lincolnhorsecare.com. Join us on…

Making memories This is my mare Lucy. She rarely lets me cuddle her, so I made sure to take a selfie to mark the occasion! Jess Hardy, East Yorkshire Rubbing shoulders Murphy takes a look over my shoulder. Michael Herbert, Dorset Green party Rosie gives a cheesy green grin. Karyn Hynd, Scottish Borders Big hugs My little girl Valencia and our pony Rooney. Gemma Allen, Manchester What a lad Me with my dad’s Clydesdale Laddie. Marie Thompson, Scotland Born to run This is me and my ex-racehorse mare Earnie. Eleanor Neild, Lancashire Keep your photos coming in to getinvolved@yourhorse.co.uk Unplanned pitstop Frodo and I having a quick selfie after I dropped my phone in a puddle and had to get off to retrieve it. Michelle Surridge, London Goal! Me and…

When your horse spooks, turn his head. Think about putting his chin on your knee. Train him to ignore something scary by taking his eyes off it. If he can’t see it, he can’t spook at it. Look the way you want to go when you’re a few strides from the jump. A lot of riders find it hard to look away from the fence. If your horse takes off early and gives a big jump, go with him. If you’re sitting behind, it looks awkward. He knows what he’s do If your horse stands off from the fence and gives a longer jump, go with him. If you’re sitting behind, it looks awkward. He knows what he’s doing!…

1 THE ROLE OF THE RIDER As your horse’s trainer you should be constantly trying to improve — look for new information and seek out expert training advice by attending clinics and demos. 2 CORRECT FARRIERY AND FOOT BALANCE If your horse has a well-balanced hoof and a stable shoe, he’ll be better able to balance. 3 THE RIGHT BIT One of the keys to your horse accepting the bit is to ensure he’s as comfortable as possible. Make sure that you select the right size bit (length and width) for him by looking at the conformation of his mouth. A bitting expert will be able to discuss your horse’s individual needs and help you select the best bit for him. 4 BRIDLE FIT This is just as important as…

Equitop GLME® — the joint supplement manufactured by the makers of the vet-endorsed Equitop Myoplast® product. Equitop GLME® contains green-lipped mussel extract and is formulated as tasty pearl granules, making it easy to measure and feed. It can be mixed with feed, or given separately, depending on your horse’s feeding regime. One tub typically lasts for 30 days, thus providing good value for money for the high-quality ingredients with each scoop. Find out more at equitop-myoplast.co.uk.…

Fever, with a temperature above 38.5°C/101.3°F. Being dull/depressed with no appetite, difficulty eating, or trouble extending the head, with signs of a sore throat. Lymph node swelling under the jaw, behind the jaw, or below the ears. A thick, discoloured nasal discharge. Abscesses under the jaw, behind the jaw, or below the ears (these produce thick pus as they burst). A cough is sometimes present. For tips on preventing, spotting and dealing with strangles, download the strangles information pack at redwings.org.uk/strangles.…

Falling into debt Q I have fallen behind on my livery fees and the yard owners say they are going to sell my second saddle to pay the debt. Can they legally do this? Samantha Smith, Wiltshire Rebecca says... If you have a written contract or agreement with your livery yard, you should check it to see if there is anything that confirms what happens if you fall behind on your fees by a set amount, or for a set period of time — including whether they can keep your saddle as security for this debt, or even sell it. This is known as a ‘lien’, and the lien would need to be an express term of the contract. No written contract? If you don’t have a written contract, it’s…

A helping hand Q How do I become an RDA volunteer? What experience or skills do I need to prove I have? Michelle Waters, Co Durham Caroline says... RDA is always on the lookout for reliable helpers who share the organisation’s values and can deliver the best experience to our riders and carriage drivers. If you already have skills we might need, that’s great, but plenty of people come to us with no previous experience. Roles and responsibilities Volunteers often assist in riding or carriage driving sessions, which involve leading horses, sidewalking, grooming and tacking up. But there are plenty of other things that need doing. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic fundraisers, treasurers, trustees and marketing people. And some people just like to come and make the…

COMPETITION READY The Ciora Pro Grip Bling C Breeches from Cavallo are a must-have for your competition wardrobe. With a Swarovski button for a touch of glamour, the breeches have two front slit pockets with glitter print and matching belt loops. The Cava TEC GRIP PU full seat ensures added grip and security when you’re in the saddle. RRP £180 FOR STOCKISTS zebraproducts.co.uk GOING GREEN The Thermatex Eco Summer Rug is the first rug on the market to be manufactured using 50% acrylic and 50% recycled yarn. By incorporating the recycled cotton, it increases the rug’s ability to wick away moisture, a feature that Thermatex rugs are renowned for. Each rug is double bound with eco-friendly cotton webbing. It comes packed in tissue paper and placed in a cardboard box…

RIDING TIGHTS ARE the new leg wear on the block. Equally at home on the yard or in a Pilates class, these close-fitting, stretchy garments have many practical features to ensure that they deliver in both the looks and comfort stakes. We’ve put a selection of riding tights to the test to see if they’re all they’re cracked up to be. Our team of three testers keep their horses on DIY livery and have worn the tights for yard work and riding. While each pair was being worn, our testers were asked to consider the fit of the tights and whether they’re comfortable to wear for riding and yard work. They also assessed whether they live up to the manufacturer’s claims, if they consider them good value for money, and…

APT CAVALIER X-DISCIPLINE SHIRT RRP£40 COLOUR White SIZES 6 — 16 BUY AT aptcavalier.com Made from an innovative, waffle-structured, breathable fabric that transports moisture away from your body and dries rapidly, this competition shirt is soft to the touch and extremely lightweight. The triangle mesh insert on the back of the shirt allows heat to rise and escape, dramatically reducing sweat and leaving you feeling fresh and comfortable all day, even when you’re wearing your show jacket. AUBRION BROADWAY SHOW SHIRT RRP £29.99 COLOUR Grey floral SIZES XXS — XXL FOR STOCKISTS shiresequestrian.com This floral pattern performance shirt combines a perforated fabric with a fresh print. It is made from a practical and comfortable quick dry fabric, with a stretch white bib. To add to the overall look, there’s a…

IF YOUR HORSE suffers from sweet itch it can make the warmer months a misery for him as he constantly wants to scratch. Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the Culicoides midge. Most cases are seen from March to October and it can affect all breeds and types of horse and pony. Unfortunately, there’s no cure, but there are things you can do to make your horse more comfortable. The three most common ways to minimise your horse’s reaction to midge bites are to use a specially designed protective rug, apply a soothing lotion, and feed a supplement to support your horse’s immune system and skin. In this buyer’s guide we’ve picked a selection of products from each of the three categories to assist…

“In my first year of riding I rode 92 different horses” What were the best and the worst things about being an Olympic athlete? The best part is feeling like a superhero in terms of strength and fitness. You are assisted every day to be a better version of your physical being, which is a gift. I loved feeling so powerful in the gym. The worst part is the lack of social life and family time you have. You miss a lot of special occasions you will never have the chance to go back to. What’s your earliest riding memory? I started learning how to ride in February 2015 aged 34. I had my first lessons in Lambourn with Yogi Breisner and Chris King using his beautiful ex-eventer and Blenheim…