Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 467 i Your Horse

ENDURANCE RACE Brit pioneers conquer first Gaucho Derby March 2020 marked the first-ever Gaucho Derby, a 10-day, 500km race across the wilds of Patagonia, run by the founders of the Mongol Derby. Being the first race of its kind, it was run by 23 hardy pioneers who were invited to test out the route, although it still proved to be a healthy competition. Marie Griffis, from Montana, USA, took the top spot, with three British riders finishing in the top 10 — Clare King, who came second, and Louise Daly and Laura Redvers, who came joint sixth. “It was a serious adventure,” said Clare. “The navigation was tough, and having a pack horse to contend with added an extra dimension. The Criollo cross horses were fantastic. We often put our…

UNTIL QUITE recently I had two beautiful 17hh Thoroughbred geldings, but sadly in April I lost one at the great age of 26. Bilwood Joli Rock, a fleabitten grey, was incredibly special and he taught me so much while on loan for six years. We competed locally in dressage, working hunter and veteran classes and also enjoyed hunter trials and cross-country. I’m so grateful to have had him in my life and I wish all horses had his kind and gentle nature — until doing up his girth when Jaws would make an appearance! Two years ago I began the search for another horse to compete as Joli had become a full-time happy hacker. Along came Keen’s Jester, a chestnut gelding with a few ‘issues’, but I told myself ‘project…

THE HARDER YOUR horse works, the more energy he uses, but clearly a horse can’t gallop for 20 minutes. On the other hand, he can walk for a long time, but walking’s not the greatest way to burn calories. Unfortunately there is no easy way to count calories with your horse and know exactly what he’s burning when exercising. However, there are plenty of ways you can get him working to encourage weight loss. More than maths How hard your horse is working can depend on a number of different factors: Duration: Obviously the longer your horse is exercising, the more calories are burned. Surfaces: Soft surfaces are harder work for your horse than hard surfaces. Terrain (hills): The least amount of energy is used on a slight downhill slope.…

■ A reluctance to bend and soften on one rein, becoming hollow at any pace faster than a walk. ■ Resistance to school work in general, running through the contact or resisting the rider’s aids. ■ ‘Motorbiking’ around the circle on one rein when being lunged. ■ Finding an exercise (even one as simple as a raised trotting pole) much easier on one rein than the other.…

WHEN WE TRAIN horses, straightness is a very important aspect, but it’s also imperative that they develop suppleness and are able to bend through their ribcage and hocks. I use this exercise with all of my horses. With the young ones I start with just poles on the floor and get them to trot and canter through. If they’re real babies they’ll just trot through, and with the advanced horses you can make it tougher by raising the canter poles to get their hindleg working a bit more. The aim with all horses is to teach them to use their hindleg and bend their hocks, and to bend through their bodies, not just work in a straight line. To set up this exercise, place six poles on an arc with…

DO YOU REMEMBER your first day at secondary school, or when you started a new job? Your stomach churned and your anxiety levels probably went through the roof even before you’d stepped through the door. For many of us, one of our biggest fears is meeting new people and wondering how they will react to us or what might happen during those first encounters. It’s no different for a horse. So how can you best introduce your horse to a new herd and ensure that his experience is as stress free as possible? Behavioural considerations It’s important to recognise that the chief problem when introducing new horses to a herd is aggression, and the space to escape it. When horses are forced to compete for a high-value resource, such as…

Fascial restriction can result from many equine issues, with the most common including: Direct injury or trauma (physical or emotional). Inflammation. Overuse or repetitive/ inappropriate training. Ill-fitting tack — often the saddle, but also the bridle, girth, bit, or even rugs. Poor riding or mirrored dysfunction between horse and rider (where his problems become yours and vice versa as you both try to compensate for each other). Surgery. Poor nutrition. Poor shoeing or foot management.…

IF YOU OWN a dog you have probably noticed that when you offer him a treat, he may start to drool, a tiny cascade of saliva trickling to the floor. The presence of excessive saliva (proper term hypersalivation/ptyalism) emanating from your horse’s mouth, however, is likely to be far more alarming as it isn’t exactly the norm. There are two main causes of ptyalism: Decreased swallowing of normal quantities of saliva. Increased saliva production. In the UK vets would expect to encounter decreased swallowing of normal quantities of saliva more frequently than the latter, with oesophageal obstruction (choke) and mechanical trauma the most common causes. Other triggers may include exposure to chemical irritants, nerve dysfunction and inflammatory conditions of the pharynx and oesophagus. Increased saliva production, on the other hand,…

GOING WILD Practical and functional Equiboodle Riding Tights inject something a little different into your riding wardrobe. Some of the hidden extras include being ‘squat proof’ (because no one wants see-through riding tights), and the shape of the silicone grips on the seat. These tights also feature mesh socks for a close fit around your lower leg, and a wide, animal print design waistband that’s both supportive and comfortable. RRP £59.99 BUY AT equiboodle.co.uk EVERYDAY HOOF CARE NAF has launched two new ProFeet products that help to nourish and protect your horse’s hooves, as well as encourage and develop growth. They are suitable for all types of hooves. Farrier Solution is a dense liquid hoof application that comes in a handy container with a brush included for ease of use.…

How did you get into horses? When I was around two, I saw a pony and fell in love. My family weren’t horsey at all; the only person who ever mentioned them was my grandfather, who liked a bet. I rode most weekends at the local riding school, and was just six when I started competing in gymkhanas. I would usually end up riding the ponies no one else wanted, but I’d often walk away with a handful of rosettes. One of my favourites was a little grey pony called Tumbleweed — I loved that he was frisky and forward going. I became a green-eyed monster if someone else was allowed to ride him. When I was sent to a convent school at the age of 11 my only escape…

Megan Pollitt is an ambulance paramedic working in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. She owns an ex-eventer, Ruby, who she credits with keeping her sane, alongside dogs Bernie and Rupert. My job… I’ve been working as a paramedic for just over a year, so there’s still a lot to learn. I deliver emergency and urgent care to a wide range of patients and I love the variety of the job — you never know what call you will get, and the problem could be anything from a heart attack to comforting someone who’s fallen. It’s challenging, but also very rewarding. The best things about my job are being able to help people when they’re in need, as well as meeting a wide variety of people. It sounds like a cliché,…

SOLO I like riding mostly solo. Arnie is well behaved so I let him pick and choose the pace, depending on his mood. I do miss company, though. Annoyingly, Arnie is a numpty when with other horses, but we have to practise. Megan Eldridge SOLO I prefer riding alone, but I enjoy company now and again. Terry Ellaway COMPANY For me it depends on distance and location. If I’m riding on a 20-mile off-road route around the estate, I know I can do it all in canter if I’m alone, which is great fitness training. But for most 20-mile plus rides I enjoy having company. Danielle Rowles SOLO I usually ride alone — it’s my downtime and you don’t have to keep asking if it’s OK to trot or OK…

WHEN WE TALK about suppleness it means that your horse is able to turn his head, neck and haunches in either direction with equal freedom and range of motion. This suppleness and relaxation is the second rung of the Scales of Training — the six key steps that should form the basis of training for every horse. Just like people, horses naturally favour one side of their body more than the other. If you turn your head to look over your left shoulder and then do the same over your right shoulder you will probably find (unless you use the services of an excellent chiropractor several times a year!) that it’s easier to do this on one side than the other. As riders we are often stiff in places we…

IN THIS, THE final part of our polework series, Sammy has designed a grid which brings together everything you’ve done so far. Something that develops regularity of rhythm, lateral bend, chest and shoulder lift, extensions and collected strides without you having to change the grid. It’s a multi-purpose schooling session that’s ideal if you’re short on time. Because of the level of variation, it’s fun for your horse, too, and you may find that he’s more forward going and switched on than usual. Don’t underestimate how much work it involves, though, and take it steady; give your horse regular walk breaks and don’t be tempted to go on for too long. Building the grid Build the grid in your schooling area as shown in the photograph. If you don’t have…

AS HORSE OWNERS we are always looking for the best ways to train and care for our equine friends, and positive training techniques are becoming increasingly popular as an effective and kind way to work with our horses. If you’re looking for a different method of training — a technique that is rewarding for both you and your horse in all manner of ways — Hannah Weston from Connection Training may have the answer. Just rewards Connection Training came about 20 years ago, largely because of the behaviour issues being shown by Hannah’s horse, Toby. “Toby started showing problem behaviours, including bucking, and bolting home when he was being hacked out alone,” recalls Hannah. She and her mother, Rachel Bedingfield, set about learning more about equine behaviour with the goal…

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY body weight in any horse or pony can be a challenge, but it can be particularly difficult as your horse gets older. Obesity is a major welfare concern in Britain’s equine population, but being underweight also has its own health and welfare implications. As your horse ages he can be affected by a wide range of common diseases that can affect his ability to maintain a healthy weight. CAUSES OF WEIGHT LOSS Weight loss can be associated with a loss of muscle and/or fat. A number of diseases can cause weight loss in older horses, including: Equine Cushing’s disease (aka PPID; pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) — This is a common disease that affects horses and ponies over the age of 10 and it’s estimated that 20% of…

One morning last July, Your Horse magazine reader Eve Proctor was checking on her horse, Diamond, when she noticed the mare was salivating excessively. “She was literally drooling,” says Eve. “I’d never seen anything like it. I tried not to panic, which is what I would normally do, and I took a few moments to check Diamond over in case I could see anything obvious that may be causing the problem. “She wasn’t distressed, just mildly irritated and confused by the drool, stopping occasionally to look at the puddles that were forming. Everything appeared normal — she was eating and drinking as usual and had produced the right number of droppings during the night. In herself, she was completely fine. “I contacted my vet, who said it sounded like slobbers,…

DURING THE SUMMER months many horse owners use a fly rug to provide their mount with protection from biting midges and flies, while also helping him to keep cool, comfortable and protected from the sun. These lightweight rugs are usually made from a close-knit mesh material that is lightweight and provides a protective barrier to stop flies biting. They can be used both in the stable and for turnout. We asked you, our readers, to tell us which fly rugs you use and why. Here are the top six rugs that you rate and recommend. How we score ■■■■■ Based on our readers’ comments, each rug is marked out of five for fit, effectiveness and value for money. This gives an overall rating out of 15. WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC ESSENTIAL MESH…

TAKING YOUR HORSES out and about, whether for a competition or a blast on the beach, is great fun. For many, the transport of choice is a trailer, being an easy to maintain and store, low-cost alternative to a lorry. And some are pretty fancy too, with smart storage and living facilities. To keep your beloved best friend safe — and you on the right side of the law — having the right towing vehicle is vital. A heavy vehicle with four-wheel drive will take charge of whatever you’re towing, rather than it taking charge of you, keeping everyone comfortable and safe. Yard one minute, shopping the next A tow vehicle doesn’t just tow, it also has to be usable day to day. Look for one that can do the…

AS HORSE OWNERS we’re well aware of the calming effect of spending time with our horses. If you’ve had a rough day there’s nothing like going to the stables to let your batteries recharge. Whether taking a moment to groom your horse, or leaning over the stable door listening to him munch on his dinner, there’s a lot to be said for taking a little time out and just being with him. It’s no surprise then that practising equine-guided meditation or mindfulness has huge benefits for your mental wellbeing. And it’s so easy to do! Mindfulness means being in the present moment, forgetting everything else going on in your life. The idea is to quieten your thoughts and allow yourself a calm moment. This can be hard to achieve in…

WE KNOW a number of you put your #Hack1000Miles challenges on hold as per the lockdown guidelines and to help protect the NHS through the coronavirus pandemic. Now that restrictions are lifting, plenty of you will be itching to get back in the saddle and see your horse return to peak fitness. So, if you haven’t already, what better time to sign up to the challenge? With over 5,000 members, it’s clear that plenty of you agree that #Hack1000Miles is worth taking on. It’s a goal for all ages and abilities to aspire to, and no matter what breed of horse you own, regardless of his temperament and fitness level, he will benefit from hacking as much as you do. ‘We’re back on track’ Here are a few lockdown updates…

SOMETIMES A SPLIT-SECOND decision can alter the course of a life. In Holly Smith’s case, a choice made in a moment transformed not one, but two, if not three or more lives, for, like throwing a proverbial pebble into still waters, the ripples multiply and spread, and the consequences play out long after the day in question is over. That momentous decision in the Leicestershire-based showjumper’s case wasn’t so much hers as her husband, Graham’s. In Ireland in 2009, on a horse shopping trip, the couple placed the winning bid of €5,800 on an Irish Sport Horse gelding being ridden in the ring at Goresbridge’s September sale. The 16.3hh liver chestnut, whose uniform rich hue was broken only by a white star and short stripe on his face, was a…

INDIA! I CAN’T BELIEVE I’m here. I’ve longed to come to this vibrant, wonderful country for years, but I didn’t expect it to be raining so hard that the landing was what I can only call ‘interesting’, and we’d had to stay on the plane for hours. No matter. The horses are waiting. This will be the ride of my dreams. The birth of a dream I met my husband, Bob, 15 years ago when he returned from photographing Bonnie (Kanwa Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod to give him his full name) and the Marwari horses. That was when I decided to ride these magical beasts one day too. Dundlod Safaris was created by Bonnie in 1985 and, as the secretary general of the Indigenous Horse Society of India, he’s rustled up…

Your core muscles lie at the centre of your body and surround your trunk. Their function is to support your spine and hips and allow movement of your limbs. By working on your abdominals and core you’ll be able to move with your horse, staying in balance while also remaining relaxed — you won’t feel a need to grip with your legs or rely on your reins for balance. You will also see improved coordination and you’ll be able to move your hands and legs independently of your seat. If you can do all of this, you’re well on your way to riding in harmony with your horse. A stronger core also means that you’ll be more secure in the saddle if your horse spooks, for example. If your body…

LONG-REINING IS a useful and easy to learn skill and, when done correctly, it will help with your horse’s development. It can also be used instead of riding or before riding as a good warm-up. It helps to strengthen your horse’s back and enhances his posture to enable him to carry a rider with ease. At Moorcroft we long-rein horses with the aim of softening and suppling the back muscles and lifting the thoracic spine. This gives each horse a good chance of becoming strong enough to work under a rider, progress and stay sounder. Working any horse above the bit (that is, with his back down and his head up) will, over time, cause physical issues, so long-reining is a vital tool, promoting the development of a good, strong,…

“The fascial system is a continuous, web-like structure of connective tissue” MYOFASCIAL CONNECTION DOESN’T really sound like something the average horse owner needs to know much about, unless you happen to be studying for a veterinary science degree in all that spare time you may have now. Feed, water, hay, skip out, assess myofascial connection status….? No, it’s not something most people will ever have done as part of their beloved equine’s daily routine! What is the fascia? The fascia is the tissue made of white, glistening fibres that you see when you pull apart a piece of meat. The fascial system is a continuous, web-like structure of connective tissue that enrobes an animal’s entire body like a flexible net, providing support and shock absorption from top to toe, inside…

5 HORLYX GARLIC PACKS Flies can buzz off with Horslyx Garlic! The pack comprises a 15kg Horslyx Garlic Balancer to help repel those pesky flies and a 15kg Horslyx Holder to help keep it protected out in the field, plus a Mini Horslyx Garlic to help with stretching and as a great treat for your horse. The Horslyx Garlic formulation uses the power of pure garlic oil to repel flies, making it the perfect choice for those looking for natural, long-lasting methods to help control flies and alleviate the irritation caused by sweet itch. Find out more at horslyx.com 10 DENGIE HEALTHY TUMMY FEED BALE DUOS Dengie’s Healthy Tummy is a nutritionally balanced, medium-calorie, high-fibre feed containing the latest ingredients known to promote digestive health. Dengie’s own alfalfa, which is…

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN RRP FROM £24,995; SECONDHAND FROM £11,225 TOWING LIMIT 2,500kg An SUV that is on the smaller side, with a seriously muscular engine option. As you’d expect with a Volkswagen, the quality is spot on and it has a practical and beautifully finished interior. Available with Trailer Assist, which makes short work of reversing with a trailer attached. SSANGYONG REXTON RRP FROM £28,280; SECONDHAND FROM £17,400 TOWING LIMIT 3,500kg A car with the kerb weight to deal with even the largest trailer, this is SsangYong’s most luxurious vehicle to date. It is loaded with equipment, has a nicely-designed interior and there are seven seats at your disposal. The boot is huge when in five-seat mode. A wallet-friendly, comfortable tow car. VOLVO XC60 RRP FROM £39,430; SECONDHAND FROM…