Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 465 i Your Horse

CHANGE — I DON’T LIKE change, but we’re all having to adjust to this strange and difficult lockdown situation. Plans have gone on hold, whether it was to get out competing or clock up those miles in our #Hack1000Miles challenge. As frustrating as it may be, we all need to pull together and get through this as best we can. It’s taken time to adjust to working from home and, even though I’m busy, the pace of life has slowed. My escape has always been spending time with my two horses and now more than ever this is my sanctuary, my own little oasis of calm in these crazy times — a chance to take stock and appreciate what I have and how lucky I am. I know that many…

Chris Peat, from Rossendale in Lancashire, has successfully submitted a number of applications to save her local bridleways which she rides with her Irish Draught x Thoroughbred Best Flight (aka Fly). “We started our local bridleways group (Forest of Rossendale Bridleway Association) in 1980 in response to a gate being locked on a frequently used route. It was an ancient long distance highway that runs from Clitheroe to Manchester, but a significant length in Rossendale (about three miles) was only recorded as a footpath. “This prompted the local riding community to take action. We quickly realised that many of the paths were wrongly classified as footpaths. “If these paths aren’t correctly reclassified by 2026 they will potentially be lost to riders forever, as the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW)…

You are my sunshine My ex-racer Blaze is my sunshine on the cloudiest of days... such a gentle wee soul. I really don’t know what I’d do without my fur baby. Sally Carmichael, South West Scotland Chippy tea Me, my pony Misty, and my boyfriend Joe on a walk around the forest before a stop at the chip shop. Emma Baughurst, Essex Bird watching Monty’s owner Emma and I were swallow watching with a tipple when he joined us, so I grabbed a selfie. Steve Moate, Kent Beside the seaside This is me and Flo getting ready for a Sunday morning beach ride. Andrea McFarlane, Northern Ireland Happiness is… …being with my adorable girl Erin! Jules Cox, Anglesey Loved up! Kisses with Rocky. Heulwen Donovan, East Yorkshire All wrapped up…

Thinking laterally Q How do I teach my horse leg-yield, and what are the main benefits of riding this movement? Tash Young, Norfolk Emma says… The best way to teach leg-yield is from the ground first. Start by teaching your horse to cross his legs by moving away from the light pressure of a schooling whip held parallel to his stifle. Walk on his outside on the track, and on the long side of the arena flex his nose gently towards the wall using the reins, and ask his quarters to go in off the track by holding the whip next to his stifle. All the while keep the walk rhythm. Often you won’t even need to touch your horse with the whip. A sideways move Once your horse is…

The long and the short of it Q How short should I have my stirrups for jumping? Zoe Hutton, Lincolnshire Jay says… It always used to be the rule that you would put your stirrups up two holes for jumping, but watch the experts in action and you’ll see that people are riding longer these days. I certainly prefer to ride longer and, as a guide, I think your stirrups are the right length when you can feel the irons knock against your ankle bone when you take your feet out of the stirrups. At the end of the day, it’s a personal thing. When I was eventing I spent a lot of time riding in a dressage saddle, so I feel more comfortable riding longer, even when jumping, as…

EZI-GROOM GRIP BODY BRUSH WITH GOAT HAIR RRP £14.99 COLOURS Bright blue, bright pink, lime green, orange FOR STOCKISTS shiresequestrian.com This large body brush has supersoft goat hair bristles — perfect if your horse is particularly sensitive, or to use on his face and muzzle. It will help to produce an amazing shine and is also useful for those finishing touches. With a soft-hold grip back and a webbing hand strap, it’s comfortable to hold too. KBF99BODY BRUSH RRP £17.20 COLOURS Black, blue, purple, burgundy, pink BUY AT thermatex.co.uk This clever brush helps in the prevention and spread of diseases such as strangles and ringworm. The soft fibre bristles are impregnated with the KBF99 additive to give the brush proven bacteria and fungus-killing properties. SUPREME PRODUCTS PERFECTION BODY BRUSH RRP…

Over the years, the standards for body protectors have changed, increasing the level of protection offered. As of 1 October 2018, they have been designed to meet the new regulations and safety standards that will run alongside the 2009 versions for the next five years. There is no difference in the protection offered and both will be recognised by most disciplines until further notice. The BETA 2000 Level 1 and 2 are no longer effective or accepted in eventing and should be replaced. To carry the BETA label, body protectors must meet standard EN13158 and have a CE mark.…

1 Body protectors should be replaced every three to five years, after which the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline. 2 If you have a heavy fall, check your body protector for dents. The foam is designed to expand back to its original shape within 30 minutes, but if you find a dent it’s likely that this part has lost its impact absorption properties and the body protector should be replaced. 3 Buying a second-hand body protector is not recommended — you don’t know its history and it may have hidden damage. 4 Don’t leave your body protector lying around on the yard to be kicked or trodden on. Leaving it in a hot car or damp tackroom won’t do it any good either. 5…

Keep you and your horse’s training on track without having to ride Groundwork to keep him supple In-hand polework workout Dismounted exercises to improve your upper body posture and breathing ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ❋ BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Positive psychology for a healthier new you ❋ DIFFICULT TO CATCH? A step-by-step guide to catching him first time, every time ❋ HOW TO recognise if your horse is the right weight ❋ WHAT LIES BENEATH Discover the powers of myofascial release therapy ❋ FLY REPELLENTS We reveal which ones will protect your horse the best ❋ WORKING FROM HOME? Comfy clothes for work and the yard ❋ Our team of experts answers your questions on: Long-reining, tendon care, spooky behaviour, feeding and much more…

TRIMMED LEGS LOOK sleek and tidy and are easier to keep clean that way. It’s not just about looking good, though. If your horse is prone to skin conditions, trimming makes it easier to keep the area clean and apply topical medication if needed. With the correct technique, trimming legs is quick and simple. Follow our expert advice for an elegant finish every time. Clean up Just as when you clip any part of your horse’s body, it’s important to ensure that the area is clean and dry before you start. Wash his legs with shampoo rather than water alone as this will remove grease and scurf, making the area easier to work on. THE SCISSOR METHOD This method is a good choice if your horse isn’t keen on being…

IF YOU WANT to leave your horse with a full tail, you may, for competition, want to plait it. This will help to show off his hindquarters, but to do so successfully, the hair at the top of the tail has to be long enough for you to be able to plait right down the dock. The French plait-style used on the tail takes a little bit of practice, so allow time to perfect your technique. The key to a successful plait is maintaining even pressure as you go, so that you end up with a neat, ribbed appearance all the way down the dock. 1 Dampen the tail hair and comb it through before you begin. At the top of the tail take a section of hair approximately half…

WHEN IT COMES to competing, and especially showing, there’s a lot of preening to do — which is part of the enjoyment, of course. Who doesn’t like spending the day with their horse grooming, bathing, trimming and generally having a lovely time together? Here’s showing rider Jayne Ross’s fab advice for keeping your horse in show ring condition. 1  During the show season, trim your horse regularly so that you’re ready to go. It’s also better for your horse if you do this little and often, rather than him having to put up with a lot of faff in one sitting. 2 For natives with thick manes and tails and dressage horses with longer tails, show sheen detangler can remove the toughest of knots, especially if you use a gel…

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: In six years your favourite bridleway could be lost forever, but you have the power to save it. Find out what you can do to protect these rights of way on page 10. Freelance features writer Julie Brown: I had the pleasure of working with showing star Jayne Ross for our turnout supplement. She has some gorgeous horses and I even got to meet Time To Reflect, her HOYS supreme champion 2019. He’s huge! Special section starts after page 66. Specialist trainer Michael Peace: If you horse lacks a few manners when you’re leading him I have some simple techniques you can put in place. With repetition and consistency he’ll soon become easier to deal with. Page 58. Equine vet Leona Bramall: For horses with pale…

EQUESTRIAN RELIEF From 6-13 April, equestrians were invited to watch some well-known faces including Zara Tindall, Frankie Dettori and Jay Halim tackle daily challenges, such as ‘On the Gallops’, ‘Horse Drawn’ and ‘Plankety Plank’ to test riders’ physical and creative skills. The fundraising initiative was launched by the team behind Bolesworth and Liverpool International Horse Shows, and raised £250,000 for NHS Charities Together. Catch up at equestrianrelief.com. VIRTUAL EVENTING From 6-10 May, riders from across the globe will be participating in a virtual 5* three-day event to raise money for NHS Charities Together which supports doctors and nurses fighting Covid-19. Riders will trot up, do the 5*B dressage test, attempt cross-country with a difference and showjump a set course at home. We’re intrigued! Follow the fun at virtualeventing.com.…

1 Look at an Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25,000 scale map and familiarise yourself with the key to the map. 2 Find the routes you ride on the Ordnance Survey map and check to see if they are marked as a ‘bridleway’, ‘restricted byway’, or a ‘byway open to all traffic’ (BOAT). If the route is marked correctly you don’t need to do anything else — it’s safe! 3 If your route isn’t marked, or if it’s marked as something different to what you expected, you can double check it on the local authority’s map. You can do this online or by contacting its Rights of Way department. 4 Once you’ve found the authority’s map, check to see if the route is marked. If it is marked correctly, it will remain…

We may be on the other side of our relaunch, but we didn’t want to miss out on the chance to celebrate those of you who took on last year’s challenge and recently hit your milestones! Well done to everyone who took part — hopefully these will inspire our 2020 challengers that you really can hit that magical 1,000 mile mark… ”Mission accomplished with my brilliant Fell pony Rambler — 1,000 miles since the end of April last year, including a three-day ride over the South Downs and some 100 miles across Wales.” Stella Bellem “Third year of #Hack1000Miles done! We’ve managed 3,188.8 miles in three years with Clara, my dear little one-eyed Connemara. I work full time, but over four days per week, so that leaves me three good…

Katie Curwen is an arborist based in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire. She grew up on a stud farm in Canada and now owns a Dales pony named Pennybrook Patrick. My job… I help to run Arbor Ace Tree Care with my husband, Michael. We’re both climbing arborists (tree surgeons) and have worked around the world, helping people to look after their trees or remove problem ones. We’re fortunate to have some great clients and friends who we enjoy working for. My horsey roots… Growing up in Canada I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for a career. My mum ran a boarding and breeding facility (Appaloosas, then Quarter Horses), so once out of high school I worked as a groom, coach and trainer. “Having Patrick to look…

Star prize Our star letter from Grace sees her win a pot of Lincoln Herbs Laminide — targeted nutrition to maintain healthy circulation of the hoof and laminae. Scientifically formulated using parthenolide (derived from feverfew), it’s palatable and 100% natural. Visit lincolnhorsecare.com. Star letter ‘Your Horse kept me going’ I have always been a huge fan of Your Horse magazine. I started buying it over 20 years ago when I wished that I could afford riding lessons, let alone a horse. The magazine offered me a link to a passion that I loved and it kept me going until I could afford lessons again. Twenty years on and I now own horses and have had a tremendous journey in the world of the horse with all its crazy…

Hold your horses! Q My horse can be very bolshy and is difficult to lead to and from the field. How can I teach him to lead politely? Ben Ashley, Northamptonshire Michael says… Teaching a horse to lead correctly is a vital part of his training. It teaches him manners, cooperation and trust in his handler, so treat your in-hand training as seriously as your ridden work. Step 1 To start, work your horse in a headcollar with a long rope attached, and position yourself out in front and slightly to the side of him. This may go against everything you’ve been taught, but when working with a bolshy horse, out in front is the safest place to be in case he rears or barges into you. It also gives…

The owner: Danni Jenkinson The horse: Sable, a 14.2hh Fell mare The problem: Sable is prone to weight gain Ideally Sable should have naturally lost weight over the winter months, but Danni only bought the mare in March and says that she was already a little bit on the round side then! Danni is riding for a minimum of an hour in the evenings, six days a week now that it’s light enough to do so. Sable is also turned out every day onto restricted grazing, which she shares with a companion. Danni’s dilemma is what to feed Sable when she’s stabled overnight. She weighs the mare’s hay ration, but Sable finishes it quickly and then has to spend the rest of the night with nothing, so Danni always ends…

As we’re all being encouraged to turn to using more natural products, it’s only natural that we should look at what products we use on our horses too. Topline Naturals is the first equine company to be licensed by the Soil Association (Europe’s organic certifying body), so it can genuinely claim that its products are organic. The West Sussex-based company makes all its own products, including a range of equestrian formulas. The equestrian collection of products uses 100% natural ingredients that are guaranteed free from nasty chemicals, and contain no parabens, no SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate; a foaming agent) and no DEA (diethanolamine; an emulsifier). They are also GMO free (non-genetically modified), meaning that not only are they kind to your horse’s skin, they’re kind to your skin too. The…

There are three levels of protection that make body protectors suitable for different activities. The difference between the three levels is the thickness of the foam used to absorb and spread the impact. Level 1 Black Label (2009) or Green Label (2018) Body protectors providing a lower level of impact protection. Level 2 Brown Label (2009) or Orange Label (2018) These provide a lower than normal level of protection and are appropriate for low-risk situations. This level is allowed in racing, but doesn’t include riding on the roads, jumping, riding young/excitable horses, or for inexperienced riders. Level 3 Purple Label (2009) or Blue Label (2018) These provide a normal level of protection for riding, competitions and working with horses. It’s this level of protector that is compulsory…

HARRY HALL Hi Flex Women’s Body Protector RRP £125 COLOUR Black STANDARD BETA level 3 2009 BUY AT harryhall.com Protection and hi-vis to keep you safe and seen. The Hi Flex is made from tapered, high impact, shock-absorbing foam. This body protector is lightweight and fully adjustable which makes it comfortable to wear. AIROWEAR Wave body protector RRP FROM £225.50 COLOURS Black, navy STANDARD BETA level 3 2018 FOR STOCKISTS charlesowen.com The unisex Wave is Airowear’s lightest ever body protector, and it uses Flexion technology — a comfortable, impact-absorbing foam — to mould to your body shape while providing comfort, unrestricted movement and greater flexibility. This zip-up jacket-style protector has adjustable sizing on the shoulders and stretch lacing at the sides. RACESAFE Provent 3.0 RRP £239 COLOUR Black STANDARD BETA…

TAKING THE LONG and wispy hairs from your horse’s face and ears will quickly transform him from handsome to wow. It’s a sensitive area that needs careful handling, but with a bit of know-how and a bucket full of patience everyone can get that perfect finish. Here’s how. GET READY TO TRIM For trimming the face and ears, a small pair of quiet, lightweight trimmers is the tool of choice, and even if your horse has had his face clipped before, check that he’s still happy with the trimmers before you get going. Always have a helper on hand to hold and reassure him. Place the headcollar around his neck so you can reach all the areas that need trimming. It’s really important that you don’t tie him up in…

Preserving bridleways for public use is essential so that equestrians today and in the future have safe off-road routes to ride on. Just because you currently ride on a route doesn’t mean that it’s recorded and protected from being removed. Check that it has been recorded, and if it hasn’t, then submit an application to get it on the map. The BHS has produced a helpful Toolkit to explain how to go about the process. This can be accessed at bhs.org.uk/2026. The BHS is also supporting applications to local authorities with grants to cover the expenses associated with submitting a claim. By working together, riders everywhere can ensure that routes used by horses and riders in the past are accurately recorded and reinstated as safe off-road routes to ride. Rachel…

THE FRIENDLY CLYDESDALE is one of the world’s tallest and most distinctive draught horses and individuals can weigh up to a ton. The breed is named after the historic Scottish county of Clydesdale, now Lanarkshire. Its origins go back over 300 years, although there was no stud book until 1878, following the foundation of the Clydesdale Horse Society the previous year. The breed was developed during the 19th century by crossing local mares with imported Flemish stallions, and later with the Shire. The Clydesdale has a wide forehead, a straight or slightly convex profile, and large ears. It has a thick, rather long and high-set neck, sloping shoulders, a short back and powerful hindquarters. Its legs are longer than those of other draught breeds, which gives it its height. Its…

Next it’s on to a skinny brush fence set between two skinnies with no wings and one pole either side. “This indicates clearly to Peter where he’s heading and stops him ducking out,” says Richard. “Always train with flags on the fences as this teaches your horse that he has to go through them.” Georgie pops Peter over the two fences either side to start with. These have no wings, which gives Peter more room, and they’re smaller too. “Approach in canter, keeping your eyes up, your hands low and staying balanced. Use a little counter flexion to keep your horse straight. “As he lands, ride forward in a straight line and don’t let him turn until you want him to. This tells your horse that you’re in control —…

Schooling Emma Woolley is an international dressage rider and trainer who runs Bedfordshire-based WSC Dressage. For more details go to wscdressage.com. Behaviour Michael Peace is a specialist trainer who works with young and problem horses in all disciplines. Find out more about the Think Equus approach at thinkequus.com. Hoof care Dale Beecham Dip WCF is an experienced farrier who is based in south Lincolnshire. Jumping Jay Halim is a showjumper and trainer who is based in Oxfordshire. He was a star of the BETA Arena at Your Horse Live 2019.…

What’s the crack? Q My horse has quite badly cracked hooves. Why does this happen and what can I do to help the problem? Lily McGregor, Suffolk Dale says… Without seeing a photo of your horse’s hooves this is hard to answer, but, as a general rule, when you look at your horse’s feet in profile there should be a nice constant angle — if the feet splay out at the bottom this will predispose them to cracking. As with everything hoof-related, the best thing you can do to protect your horse’s feet and keep them in good condition is to have him shod regularly every six to eight weeks, and, crucially, have a good dialogue going with your farrier. Your farrier is the expert — they know your horse’s…

Last summer, Charlie, an 18-year-old gelding, suffered sunburn on his muzzle flesh mark and the surrounding white-haired skin, even though his owner said that Charlie had never previously been affected by the sun during the eight years they had had him. When the vet arrived, the gelding was standing quietly, but the fact that he was staring blankly and lacking any interest in his surroundings was totally out of character for him. His owner told the veterinary surgeon that Charlie’s appetite had reduced of late, and they had the impression that he wasn’t always “with it” at times. The vet performed a full physical and neurological assessment and discovered that Charlie’s muzzle sunburn was surprisingly severe given the relatively mild weather conditions at the time. Blood samples were taken for…

Weight Perforations in the foam help to reduce the weight of the body protector. Outer material This is normally wipeable or removeable so that it can be cleaned. Some manufacturers offer different colour options too Lining Most linings are made from a breathable mesh to help keep you cooler. Fastenings Depending on the style of body protector, these can be zip, Velcro, clip or sliding buckle. Inner material Most body protectors have several layers of heat-sensitive PVC nitrile foam. The foam may be perforated or shaped to increase flexibility and improve airflow.…

WHATEVER DISCIPLINE YOU do, having your horse look his best always gives a good impression and boosts your confidence in the ring. And with all competitions currently on hold, this is the perfect opportunity to really hone your plaiting, trimming and quarter mark skills. To assist you, we’ve enlisted the help of top show rider and producer Jayne Ross. Her clear step-by-step instructions will make your horse look stunning. Spending some quality time pampering him will really boost your bond and partnership, too!…

THERE ARE A variety of ways of getting and keeping a tail in check, and each person has their favourite. Unless you want to plait your horse’s tail, the aim of trimming is to give it shape, make it look tidy and create a good picture from behind, which is especially important if you’re competing. You also need to take into account your horse’s build and the shape of his quarters. For instance, a hunter with a well-muscled behind wouldn’t need a closely pulled tail, just as a show pony wouldn’t look the part with a thicker, less-pulled affair. Follow our failsafe guide to tail trimming and give your horse a behind to behold. TAKE STOCK Take a good look at your horse’s tail before you start. How much hair…

QUARTER MARKS ARE designs made with a brush and comb (and sometimes a stencil) to show off your horse’s hindquarters. It gives a show ring finishing touch to any dark-coloured horse and they’re surprisingly therapeutic to create. The idea is to enlarge and shape the horse’s quarters and you can even create designs that help to give the impression of a good topline. Here we show you three of the most popular quarter marks. GATHER YOUR KIT For the task of designing your quarter marks, you’ll need a body brush, a small mane comb, show sheen and two very fine-toothed metal combs (one intact and one cut down to whatever size you need). A nit comb is ideal. 4 TIPS FOR GREAT QUARTER MARKS Before you start your design, your…