Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 496 i Your Horse

WITH PRICES SPIRALLING seemingly out of control, it is essential to practice some not insignificant belt-tightening. Horses, as we all know, aren’t cheap to keep. The best-case scenario is having your own land and making your own forage, such as hay, but not everyone is lucky enough to have their own parcel of pasture. And, even if they do and therefore don’t have to dig deep to pay those hefty livery bills every month, there are still shoeing costs, vets’ fees (hopefully not, but they have to be factored in), regular sessions with the physio, or perhaps an alternative health practitioner, lessons and that all-important saddle fitter to be paid for. If you are struggling to work out how you can keep more of your hard-earned cash in your own…

Like riding, handling horses from the ground comes with risk. In 2020, BETA member Equilibrium Products conducted research into headcollars and safety which showed that one in three people experienced a horse being injured due to a headcollar, and one in seven suffered an injury themselves in a headcollar-related incident. “Some of the horse-related injuries I see in the emergency department happen when people are on the ground,” says Dr Diane Fisher. “The severity is a real wake-up call.” Most people wear a hat while riding, but then forget how vulnerable they are on the ground. “I’ve seen significant injuries from clipping, turning out, removing boots, putting in studs, and so on,” adds Diane. “This sadly includes two deaths, multiple long-term and life-changing head and spinal injuries, along with minor…

Executive director and secretary of the British Equestrian Trade Association My job… I’m executive director and secretary of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), but I tend to drop the latter title as it confuses people. My role also encompasses BETA’s commercial subsidiary, Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC). As well as managing the day-to-day running of the two businesses, I carry out a wide range of other duties. For BETA I play an active role in the running of several key committees, including feed, trade fair and retail. I also sit on the body protector and hat committees at a national and European level. Because I understand the risks involved in being around horses, I’m determined to get the safety message out to riders. I play a role in lobbying government…

MEET THE EXPERT After overcoming her own riding confidence issues using NLP, Tracey Cole started a mindset and mental performance business in 2013. She is a trainer and master coach of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy, specialising in equestrianism. She runs training and coaching sessions via Zoom from her home in the Staffordshire Moorlands. An avid horse lover, she owns two mares. WHAT IS NLP? Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a means of understanding how our subconscious mind works. That is where our emotions, habits and memories are stored, so working on this deeper mind we can make our minds work for us. NLP gives people concepts and techniques to re-wire their thinking, rather like an instruction manual for the mind! CONFIDENCE. A SMALLISH word laden with meaning. And if you’re…

With the arrival of winter, some horse owners can find themselves in one of two opposing stables – either managing their horse’s diets to keep their weight up, or utilising the changing season to help shed a few excess pounds. For our good-doers, winter is a fantastic opportunity to work towards getting them to an ideal body condition. Maintenance on a controlled forage ration alongside our Go Lite balancer should be sufficient to meet their daily energy, vitamin and mineral needs. Those who struggle to maintain a healthy weight would benefit from our Fibre Up, an all-in-one, fully supplemented conditioning fibre that sensibly and gently builds condition while supporting a healthy digestion. ■ For friendly, unbiased and experienced feed advice, contact our Nutritional Helpline team on 01270 782223; or LiveChat…

Cross-country advice Simon Grieve is an international event rider who runs a busy yard in Leicestershire. For all his latest news, follow him on Facebook. Travelling advice Tom Janion is chief executive of Equi-Trek, the largest horsebox and horse trailer manufacturer in the UK. Find out more at equi-trek. com Riding advice Vikki Hayton is a BHS instructor and a BD judge (see collegefarm.com). This month she is on hand to help you get your counter-canter cracked. Vet advice Harriet Deeming is a vet at Rase Veterinary Centre. She is also an event rider who competes at BE100 and novice level.…

Four easy steps to canter success Q How can I introduce counter-canter? I have no idea where to start! June Swynar, Cornwall Vikki says: Fear not! It’s very easy to get started, so follow this simple four-step plan… Step 1. First, know your paces. The canter can either be true — leading with the left leg when on the left rein; or counter — leading with the left leg and staying flexed towards the left leg when cantering to the right (read more at yourhorse.co.uk). Step 2. To begin teaching counter-canter, start by cantering from the corner marker to the centre line. Make sure that you keep the canter straight, energised and uphill and, once you hit the centre line, continue riding down it. Do this a few times until your…

On sale 13 Oct 2022 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ❋ Winter feeding guide — everything you need to know about feeding your horse for happiness and good health ❋ It’s competition time — 20 lucky readers will each win a £50 voucher from Equisafety ❋ Liberty training — brilliant exercises to deepen that bond between you and your horse ❋ How one horsewoman overcame crippling postnatal depression through riding ❋ Your Horse Live — the big names lining up for this year’s unmissable fixture *PLEASE NOTE THAT CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE…

COUNTLESS HORSE OWNERS, including well-known top international riders, rave about the positive effects Bucas’ Therapy range products have on their four-legged friends. In fact, the Bucas Therapy range has been one of the company’s most popular collections for many years. And there are many reasons for this. Irish Olympian Joseph Murphy likes to use the Therapy Cooler as a stable and travel rug. Dutch dressage rider Esra de Ruiter swears by the Therapy Saddle Pad, while Australian horse trainer and grand prix rider Tristan Tucker speaks of the overall feel-good factor for his horses. At Magic Park Stables in Sweden, owned and operated by Royne Zetterman and Sofia Farman Zetterman, Therapy products also form a part of the jumping horses’ wellness programme. But what exactly is it that makes the…

Dr Diane Fisher, chief medical officer of BETA: Wearing a hat is a gamechanger. If you fall off, it can mean the difference between getting to the hospital alive or not — it’s life or death, page14 Liberty trainer Ben Atkinson: The aim of liberty training is that, by the time you get to a point where you’re working with your horse loose, you have confidence in that animal and that animal has a confidence in you, page 26 Event rider Alex Postolowsky: I advocate a gentle approach to fearful horses, rather than being hard on him if he doesn’t perform as expected in a strange arena page 36 Zoe Kiff from Honest Riders: Try to use up products before you buy more, otherwise you’ll find yourself with a tackroom…

This handsome and totally transformed horse is Andy, a 16hh Lusitano, who was rescued in 2020 by World Horse Welfare after he was discovered along with 28 other horses in the Lincolnshire area. They were found to be suffering from poor body condition, overgrown feet, lameness and untreated injuries, and while World Horse Welfare took in 18, the RSPCA rescued the remaining 11. Andy was a stallion at the time, but he has since been gelded and he is now being offered by World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Norfolk as a companion (he isn’t suitable for riding) for rehoming with other geldings — because of his late castration, he can’t be kept with or near mares. “He’s such a sweetie – and so handsome with…

Feeling inspired? Claire is passionate about helping other horse riders undertake trips like hers with their own horses. “People are welcome to contact me on my Facebook page Hoofin’ Around the Highlands 2022 if they need advice or support about trying this for themselves,” she says. And here are Claire’s tips for kick starting treks with your horse: 1 Get your horse used to staying away from home using the method you plan to use when you’re on the trek. Perhaps consider a corral. 2 For your first trip, ride to a friend’s for one night. This way, if you forget something or need some help, someone will be available to assist. 3 Choose places with which you and your horse are familiar to begin with. Ease yourself in and…

Seeing riders sporting air jackets while competing is a common sight these days. Some even wear them for hacking and schooling. They are easy to use and should always be placed over a body protector to help reduce the severity of a fall. However, many people don’t realise that they also require maintenance to keep them in tip top condition. “Air jackets or air vests contain moving parts, and this means that they need to be serviced regularly,” says Claire Williams. “It’s important to look at the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally it is recommended that they’re serviced at least once a year, and more often if they’ve been triggered over six times, are used a lot, or have been damaged. In most cases, servicing is straightforward from the owner’s perspective,…

Keep your photos coming in to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk How sweet it is! This is me on my 10th birthday with my special boy, Gold. I got him as a present for my ninth birthday and this year my mum had my cake made to look just like him. It’s the best cake I’ve ever seen. Maisie Wright, Somerset Early birds catch the sunrise We were up early to see the sunrise over Dunwich Beach in East Suffolk — at 5am, in fact. It was worth it, though, as Charlie the Cob loves the beach. He’s cheeky and adorable, doesn’t act his 25 years and has a social media following of 19k. Kirsty Cyprus, Suffolk We do love to be beside the seaside I’ve had my mare, Tia, for 12 years. She’s…

Watch your speed Q I want to event at affiliated BE80 level. How can I train at home to ensure that I ride at the correct speed in a competition? Molly Carmichael, West Sussex Simon says: Great question! And the good news is that there’s lots you can do in your training at home to give you a feel for how fast you should be riding at a competition. Step 1 First, swot up on the basics. Speed is measured in metres per minute, or mpm. So, as we can see from the picture below, if you’re competing at BE80 you’ll need to am for 435mpm. Step 2 Next, to get a feel for the speed you need, invest in a stopwatch — ideally one designed for cross-country riding —…

Should I be worried about minor wounds? Q When is a wound classed as an emergency? My friend says that puncture wounds can look minor but prove dangerous. Justine Young, Norfolk Harriet says: Knowing when to call the vet can be a decision with far-reaching consequences, especially if you’re unsure what constitutes an emergency. Every horse owner will reach for the phone if they’re faced with a gaping wound that is pouring with blood, but your friend is right in that some serious injuries and ailments can have vague symptoms that can be easily dismissed. The type of wound can also determine or not vet attention is needed — those that don’t look sinister can give the most cause for concern. As a general guide: ■ A wound that is…

HORSEWARE EMBOSSED COSY NECK COOLER RRP £115.95 COLOUR Navy HW print/burgundy & white SIZES 5ft 6in – 7ft 3in HORSEWARE.COM A cosy fleece in an elegant, luxurious design. This high quality double-bonded fleece effectively wicks away moisture, keeping your horse warm and allowing for gradual cooling. The padded fleece collar around the neck adds that cosy factor and prevents draughts. Cut to Horseware’s classic design, it also boasts double front closures, cross surcingles and a fillet string. DEFENCEX SYSTEM WICX COOLER RUG WITH DETACHABLE NECK COVER RRP £69.99 COLOUR Navy/red SIZES 5ft 6in – 7ft 3in HY-EQUESTRIAN.COM A breathable rug that will help to wick away moisture from the body, keeping your horse cool and comfortable. This navy mesh rug has a detachable neck cover, and the top and front…

WHAT MAKES A good horse rug? Most horse owners would agree that fit, durability, breathability, functionality, design and practicality are all high on the list. The massive choice of turnout rugs on the market can be confusing, but some basic knowledge about materials, linings and fastenings will assist in selecting the best option. Horse rug design has come a long way from the days of the simple canvas. Bucas is the name synonymous with technical equine rugs and for good reason, too! The Irish brand produced the first high-performance, water-resistant turnout rug in 1982. This was followed by the first fully waterproof and breathable rugs by the end of the 1980s. Since then, Bucas has been busy researching, creating and perfecting its innovative rug technologies. Here are some of the…

DRESSAGE LEGEND REVEALS BABY NEWS Multi-medalled dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has revealed on social media that she is expecting her first baby with long-time partner Dean Golding. The baby, a girl, is due in early 2023. The post appeared on 21 August and ran: “In early 2023, myself and Dean will be expecting our first child and our hearts are already full of more love than we thought possible. A new chapter in our journey will begin.” Charlotte will also be appearing at Your Horse Live (11-13 November), as will Olympian Oliver Townend and popular ‘horse whisperer’ Kelly Marks. GIANT MODEL SEEKS NEW HOME A sculpture of a 16hh horse crafted from 400 horseshoes by Ben Lee of BL Sculptures is on the market for £8,000. If the steed looks…

MEET THE EXPERT Ben Atkinson works alongside his father, Mark, in the family business, Atkinson Action Horses, training horses for films and shows, as well as live performances. Ben rode in his first display aged 11 and was building his own team of stunt riders and horses by the age of 16. His displays include the art of liberty, classical dressage, airs above the ground and Cossack trick riding. To find out more, visit www.actionhorses.co.uk “The aim is that… the conversation flowing between both parties is so strong that you can achieve whatever you want” If you have ever been lucky enough to witness horses working at liberty, you will know the thrill and wonder of watching them performing free from any tack or restrictions, but so tuned into their…

‘Shopping’ in your tackroom Need to give your horse a bath and plait him for the first time in ages? Have a good dig through your tackroom first — chances are you already have that shampoo and plaiting spray you were just about to re-buy lurking in a cupboard or on a shelf somewhere. Try to use up products before you buy more, or you will find yourself with a tackroom full of half empty plastic bottles, and there’s nothing eco-friendly about that. If you have gone off a particular product, why not give it to a friend to enjoy instead? Perhaps they would be up for a swap and, in exchange, would give you something that you will find useful. Think smaller If you need to buy a product…

Pulling power Q How can I tell if my car is suitable for towing, and how much it will pull? Roisin O’Hara, Liverpool Tom says: If you can’t find the towing capacity in your vehicle’s handbook then contact the manufacturer directly as not all cars are approved for towing. Towing capacity can also be calculated from the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate — line one is the maximum allowable mass (MAM) and line two is the maximum train mass. Deduct line one from line two and you will have your vehicle’s towing limit. You must then add the weight of not just the trailer but also the horse(s) and any equipment you will be carrying. Room for one Q Are single horse trailers safe? My friend says that they’re less stable…

MORE THAN 40 years ago Bucas began a journey to design, create and produce high-performance horse rugs and equestrian products. The Irish-based brand has incorporated some great product features along the way, including anti-bacterial, sun reflective, zebra design, waterproof, wicking Stay-dry and layer system technologies. This is why Bucas rugs are often referred to as ‘intelligent’ horse rugs. Generations of horse people around the world who are passionate about providing the best care for their equine partners have put Bucas products to the test and given them their tick of approval. Bucas’ latest product launch has also earned the company the 2021 Spoga Horse Top Innovations Award. With the Greenline Turnout, Bucas presented an eco-friendly rug that is almost entirely made using recycled materials, including plastic bottles. It perfectly combines…