Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 489 i Your Horse

ONE OF THE things guaranteed to trigger a pang of nerves when I’m riding is getting on my horse and feeling that he’s very tense. I mean that ‘could-explode-at-any-second’ sort of tension; back up, holding his breath, me perching on top unable to touch him with my leg, wondering what he’s going to do and when, and whether I’ll be able to sit it. I don’t just mean at a competition or training clinic either; it could be a windy day in the arena at home or entering a field out hacking where King (who is generally quite laidback) switches into racehorse mode. Sound familiar? Many a rider will be able to relate to this, and I think you’ll find Oliver Townend’s advice on page 36 really helpful for managing…

A two-year-old colt rescued from a landfill site by Bransby Horses will be cared for by the charity for the rest of his life. The 12hh pony, who has been name Stig after the children’s book ‘Stig of the Dump’, had been abandoned on the busy 100-acre site in Lincolnshire. “The staff on the site had become very fond of him as he entertained himself by following them around and giving them the odd nip,” said welfare manager Rachel Jenkinson. “He was rubbing up against and damaging their site machinery and it was a dangerous environment for him, which can quickly become a welfare concern.” Stig was not microchipped, so an Abandonment Notice was issued to try to find his owners, who couldn’t be traced. “He was a bit dishevelled…

For some of our challengers, a difference has already been seen. “I’m shocked at the change of some local drivers,” says Charlie Madeley. “Every driver we met when the changes were posted on social media showed a huge improvement, either stopping fully or actually passing us slow and wide.” Sharon Tomlinson has had many positive experiences hacking out in her local area, but doesn’t feel the Highway Code has influenced that. “The road users my way are used to seeing horses because we all hack out, therefore most drivers are brilliant,” she says. “I think it’s very little to do with the Highway Code and more about what you see on the roads locally.” Mike Mills is hopeful that this is just the beginning of improving road safety for riders.…

1 As Lilly Corinne’s first born, Corouet had no siblings to put him in his place and so, being “cheeky and dominant”, he is generally turned out in the paddock alone. 2 If someone comes onto the yard, Corouet has a habit of turning his head sideways to look at them “pretending to be cute”, says Sarah. 3 He will test people he doesn’t know. “I took a new groom to a three-day and they said: ‘Is it normal that you can’t get a tail bandage on him? Every time I go to lift up his tail, he squeals and threatens to buck.’” 4 He likes to sleep with the lights on in his stable and will turn them back on every night after Sarah has switched them off and…

BY RHEA FREEMAN Social media expert, Facebook Lead Trainer and #SheMeansBusiness accredited trainer, and an award-winning PR adviser, Rhea works with equestrian brands, associations, federations and riders, and also guest lectures at two universities. She produces an award-winning weekly podcast called the Small & Supercharged Podcast that shares social media and PR tips along with stories from equestrian and country brands. Visit rheafreemanpr.co.uk or find @rheafreemanpr on Instagram. AUTHENTICITY AND BEING true to yourself is really important on social media, but how do you know when it’s best to keep quiet? Or when you’re sharing something you might regret after a good night’s sleep? There’s a huge range of people on social media. Some will bare their soul to their fans and followers, and some keep their cards close to…

EMAIL US AT yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Unfortunately, we are unable to receive any letters by post. We reserve the right to edit letters where necessary. A funeral for Summer On 21 January 2022, I had my mare Summer put to sleep. She was 33 and I’d owned her for 24 years. I knew this day would come but it didn’t make it any easier when I had to make the decision. She had been doing so well until September 2021, when I noticed that she had lost some weight. I made changes to her diet and at first she appeared to being doing okay, but sadly, she went downhill quite quickly a few months later — she lost all her muscle, continued to lose weight and stopped eating hay. Summer had lost…

Cartoon is inconsistent in the contact, due to tension, but Oliver states that now is not the time to make any major changes in his riding. “He is messing around in the mouth a little bit; he’s on and off the contact,” he says, “but all I do is keep a steady elastic contact, so that when the horse goes to pull my hand goes forward, and when he goes to drop the contact, my hand comes back to take the rein. “It’s almost like suspension from my elbows. The minute he comes soft in the mouth I soften the hand and give him as comfortable a ride as possible. “When he comes against my hand my fingers are closed and things become a little more uncomfortable for him; the…

MEET THE TRAINER Dressage maestro EMILE FAURIE has represented Great Britain at World Championship, European and Olympic level, most recently at the 2018 World Equestrian Games with Dono Di Maggio. Based in Oxfordshire, Emile coaches in classical dressage and founded The Emile Faurie Foundation, a charitable organisation that introduces disadvantaged children to horses and riding. EVER FEEL LIKE everything’s rosy until you bring your horse back to walk? Sometimes you switch gaits and it feels like all your hard work is undone but, as international dressage rider Emile Faurie explains, you can train your horse — and yourself — out of hollowing through transitions. A horse hollows — or, in simple terms, lifts his head and falls onto his forehand — when he isn’t connected into the bridle. This is…

When deciding on appropriate turnout for your horse, it’s important to assess his individual needs and how you can meet those through his turnout. Access to turnout that allows the Five Freedoms (see table below) to be met, thus increasing welfare, can have a huge impact on training and the human-horse bond. A more relaxed horse learns more readily and is easier to train than a stressed horse. Failure to meet these needs can lead to the development of behavioural problems, including stereotypies (stable vices) such as weaving, as a way of coping with their environment. Feral horses have not been observed performing stereotypies, so it is a reasonable assumption to make that domestication has a huge impact.…

Too close for comfort Q What are kissing spines and what are the signs and treatment options? Abi Paige, London Stuart says: Kissing spines are a relatively common cause of back pain in horses, and the source of the problem is an issue with the vertebrae in the horse’s spine. Individual vertebrae are connected by ligaments and surrounded by muscles. Each vertebra has a bony prominence pointing up to the skin’s surface; these are called the spinous processes. Normally, the spinous processes are evenly and adequately spaced, which allows the horse to move and bend easily. But with kissing spines, these spinous processes are too close together, and can even touch, which causes pain and reduces mobility. Spotting the signs Signs of kissing spines can be similar to those of other…

For a chance to get your hands on these goodies*, enter at yourhorse.co.uk/win/489 2 CAVALOR COMBI BOX OF LAMINAID AND PODOSENS Two lucky readers will each receive a Cavalor Combi Box containing both LaminAid (1 litre) and Podosens (500ml). Cavalor LaminAid is recommended for horses and ponies with sensitive hooves due to metabolic problems. It contains a unique, balanced combination of several essential oils including Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum and Betula alba. LaminAid supports the sensitive intestinal flora and brings hormonal and metabolic processes into balance while improving blood flow in the hoof. Cavalor Podosens is a hoof oil that helps to provide external relief for sensitive hooves and contributes to their faster recovery. It contains some of the essential oils that are also present in LaminAid, including Betula alba…

FREEJUMP AIRBAG RRP €595 COLOUR Black SIZES XXS regular fit, XS regular or slim fit, S regular or slim fit, M regular or slim fit, L regular or slim fit, XL regular fit, XXL regular fit FREEJUMPSYSTEM.COM This air vest is the first and only airbag to be certified according to the new norm NF S72-800-2021. It combines the latest technology in rider airbag safety and performance and a sleek vest design. It’s designed to be worn over a t-shirt or base layer, alone or with Freejump compatible clothing. Anything worn on top must be airbag compatible so the airbag can perform its safety function unrestricted. When worn with a compatible jacket the airbag is invisible. It inflates in 98 milliseconds, and protects the neck, back, pelvis and thorax. HORSE…

ACAVALLO ARENA ALUPRO STIRRUP RRP £134.95 COLOURS Black, charcoal, titanium, aluminium, brown, bronze, blue, red, rose gold, orange SIZES 12cm ACAVALLO.COM This stirrup features a patented side opening with a unique HiFlex stress activated locking and release mechanism with big opening in case of emergency. Once triggered, it takes one click to reengage the locking and release mechanism of the stirrup. The construction of these stirrups is based on flexible polymers, making the stirrup less rigid and more comfortable. The springing stirrup bow and foot support effectively absorbs impacts offering relief to your foot arches, ankles, knees and hips. EQUIPE STAF14 STIRRUPS RRP £315 COLOURS Black, light titanium, dark titanium, bronze (stirrup), black, brown, navy, grey, red, baby blue, green, orange, pink, purple, yellow (arm) SIZES 120mm (4¾in) ZEBRAPRODUCTS.CO.UK These stirrups…

On sale 31 March 2022 ■ Schooling secrets ■ Jumping tips ■ Wise feeding ■ Care advice BONDING Things you can do to improve tour relationship with your horse ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ❋ Easy places to gain more marks in the dressage arena ❋ Get more power in your canter with Laura Renwick ❋ How to help your fields recover from winter ❋ Vet advice for controlling equine weight gain this spring ❋ Blow away winter cobwebs: nail skinnies at home with JP Sheffield ❋ Update your wardrobe: the latest spring clothing ❋ Tried & tested: riding tights — helping you choose the best pair before you buy…

Tell me a bit about your horse I’ve owned Katie for 10 years, and we do everything from British Eventing to hunter trials. I used to do affiliated competitions with her, but now she’s 16 we stick to unaffiliated stuff. For the past six years I’ve competed non-stop; I think I’ll have one last good year with her and then it’s her time to just chill out. She’ll go to live with my mum and be happily retired, and my mum can hack her out. Katie’s a huge part of the family, I could never part with her. Will you carry on riding when Katie is retired? I’ve toyed with the idea of riding for people, but it’s just not the same. I know lots of people do it as…

Freelance gear editor Allison Lowther: It was fascinating researching stirrups for our buyer’s guide. It really is worth taking time to consider which stirrups you use, for both comfort and safety. There’s a huge choice with a host of different features. Page 118 Equine Law Firm solicitor Hannah Bradley: It remains to be seen what impact the changes to the Highway Code will have on riders on a practical level. I explain exactly what these changes are, and what they mean for riders, on page 10. European eventing team gold medallist Piggy March: Jumping out of trot is not as comfortable as canter, and that’s why I make myself do it. It works on rider balance and builds trust between you and your horse. I share the exercise I do regularly…

HORSES WILL GO TO THE GAMES Equestrian sport has been confirmed in the Initial Sports Programme for Los Angeles 2028. The disciplines won’t be decided until mid-2023. “We are delighted with this confirmation,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos. TAIL BLING WITH PURPOSE Many equestrians will be familiar with coloured ribbons in tails, but one company has taken this a step further. Tail ribbons from MelEe Creation come in a range of colours with text including “nervous horse”, “novice” and “inexperienced”. RRP £8 etsy.com/shop/meleecreation LIFE’S A BEACH Hy Equestrian’s new limited edition spring/summer turnout rugs include ‘Seaside Donkeys’ (above) and ‘King of the Jungle’ prints — you can even get a matching pair of socks too. Go on, you know you want to... hy-equestrian.com…

ATHENE TURNER is a staff nurse working in the dermatology department of Tameside Hospital. She lives in Glossop, Derbyshire, with her husband Matt, their daughter Alice plus dog Sprocket and cats Tigger and Mindy. Her #Hack1000Miles partner is 11-year-old Shoop. “SINCE ALICE JOINED the Turner clan she has successfully wrapped us all around her adorably tiny little fingers; we’ve established our routines and the horses have readily accepted Alice as their new little human. I’m not yet having to fight for my pony back, but I’m not sure it will be long, as at only three months old Alice is working hard on her core muscles and desperately trying to sit up. Alice comes to the farm with me every time I’m there and not riding, and we make lots…

There are some instances when you might need to check what you’re saying, whether this is for safety, sanity, or because it’s something you could regret sharing when you’re not in that moment. Here are some tips: ■ Don’t share anything that compromises your safety. Things like real time location tags if you’re alone are not a great idea. You might want to tell your fans and followers where you are, but you don’t know who’s seeing that content. You can either share at a later time or drop the location tag. ■ Security is also something we talk about a lot on social media, and it’s easy to do things on social that could lead to an issue here. I’m not a cyber security expert, but you know those…

IT’S HAD AN EFFECT Cars now crawl right behind us then pass so slowly. It’s very unnerving, but it’s all good that they have taken notice of the changes. Miki Waddington COULD HAVE GONE FURTHER They ought to have gone a step further and made it law to wear hi-vis on the roads. Tracy Pringle Warren THINGS ARE CHANGING I’m finding many cars slowing down and making a real effort. However, there are still some drivers who come past at speed. Katy Brown IT’S THE MINORITY Drivers who care will slow down, or attempt to do so. A very low percentage don’t know or try, and an even smaller percentage just won’t follow the rules, no matter what’s in the Highway Code. This is my experience on the road I…

The key to this exercise is that you can adapt it to suit you and your horse. Lacking confidence or on a green or young horse? Then ride wider lines to each fence and don’t try to link together too many that are close together. Choose a height that is best for you both too: whether it’s poles on the floor or 2’3”, it’s better to start small and build up the height and technicality as you become more confident. Start small even if the exercise isn’t new to you too, and remember that horses learn through repetition, so making this exercise a regular part of your routine will benefit you both hugely. “Training’s not about how high you can jump or how fast you can go, it’s knowing what’s…

Balancing act Q How can I help my horse balance when the going gets tough or hilly? Amanda O’Dell, Bedfordshire Cathy says: When ridden over uneven terrain most horses will balance themselves pretty well, but it’s easier for them if we stay in balance and maintain a steady rhythm. You can practise this by riding up and down small hills. Ride uphill with your seat slightly pushed back so you fold a little into a forward seat, keeping your knees soft and your lower leg next to your horse to ensure he stays in a steady rhythm. When riding downhill, sit up by bringing your pelvis under you and have your body around an inch in front of the vertical. To enable you to change your balance, use your stomach muscles…

Fit for the job? Q How can I find a saddle fitter and trust they’re going to do a good job of either fitting a new saddle or checking my current one? Vai Baxter, Humberside Helen says: The best way to find a good saddle fitter is often by word of mouth from your instructor, musculoskeletal practitioner or other equestrian professional. However, it’s really important that the person who has been recommended to you is qualified. On the Society of Master Saddlers’ (SMS) website — mastersaddlers.co.uk — you can search to check that the person is a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (RQ) or Registered Master Saddle Fitter (MSF), or you can search by area. All will have spent time in the trade learning not only about fitting the saddle, but also…

NINE YEARS AGO Sarah Bullimore received a phone call informing her that she had been named as a reserve for the British eventing team heading for the Malmö Europeans. The euphoria that she was considered good enough to be given a senior Union Flag was tempered by the thought that she might never get to see the coastline of this southern Swedish metropolis, or the high-rise backdrop to the cross-country course that is sited between the city and the sea. As it turned out, that lastminute call to action never came. This exact scenario played out the next year, and so on for a seemingly endless near-decade of faint hope followed by crushing disappointment (barring one year when she didn’t make the reserve list, as well as in 2015, but…

Keep your photos coming in to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Loves his grub Bertie loves his food and wouldn’t stop eating even for a photo. Bertie is 11 this year — we’ve been friends on and off since I got him five years ago. Debbie Saull, West Sussex First trip out Me and my mother-daughter share pony called Star. We ventured out in my new trailer that I got at the end of 2021. Stacey Manley, via Facebook Why the long face? My new BFF, Butterscotch. He belongs to a friend, and we were looking after her horses while she was away on holiday. He clearly knows how to pose for a selfie and looks a lot happier than I do! Rodger Lowther, Lincs Welcome home This is my beautiful baby Rubymoon. I…

Starting a leg-yield with the hindquarters leading is incorrect and a common mistake to make in this exercise. The horse may go sideways with ease in this position but then find it a bit harder the other way, struggling to keep straightness and maintain a good crossover with the hind leg. If your horse tends to lead with the hindquarters, try riding the leg-yield by encouraging the quarters to trail a bit and almost imagine that the horse is slightly falling out through his left shoulder. Once you feel that the outside shoulder is taking the lead, you can then bring the quarters with it. Something to be aware of when this happens is not to position your inside leg too far back. Think about the leg-yield leg positioning happening…

Piggy chooses to set this exercise up without ground lines on any of the fences. “I don’t really know why I don’t have them; it doesn’t feel as inviting and is a little upright — but cross-country fences these days are more upright so this is good practice. “And you know what? Horses generally jump very well without a ground rail being there. “Yogi Breisner did this exercise with me probably 10 years ago and he didn’t use ground rails; I found it interesting and I haven’t used them myself.” However, if she were riding a particularly young or inexperienced horse, Piggy would consider adding in ground lines. “If it’s a real baby and I want them to get used to the exercise then I probably will put a ground…

Wet, wet, wet Q Can you settle an argument? My friend says it’s best to wash a horse’s feet before the farrier comes, but I think it’s best to leave the hooves as they are, even if they’re muddy, so I don’t make them any wetter. Who’s right? Jane Porter, Norfolk Glyn says: Obviously the ideal scenario for us farriers is a clean and dry foot. If this isn’t possible, most of us are realistic, but it’s very demoralising for a farrier if he or she is unable to do the work they’re capable of because their tools aren’t working as well as they could. For example, rasps and knives go blunt quickly on wet and muddy hooves. Even just washing and then towel drying the hooves before your farrier…

A watchful eye… Q What does a trained saddle fitter look for in a well-fitting saddle? Angie Davison, via email Helen says: A saddle fitter will need to assess your saddle while you’re riding in it, but first they’ll want to look at it on your horse’s back. For this it’s vital that your horse is stood square on a level, firm surface, so that he’s as level and straight as possible. The saddle must sit behind, and not on top of, your horse’s shoulders. The first thing we look for is the balance of the saddle. Is the seat parallel with the ground? If it’s being tipped forwards or backwards it will tilt the rider’s pelvis and cause them to become unbalanced when the horse starts to move. The…