Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 509 i Your Horse

Leading researcher claims passport fraud is 'widespread' for equines with hoof disease Passport fraud involving equines with hoof wall separation disease (HWSD) is widespread and not only Connemaras are affected. These are the claims of a researcher who was instrumental in the fight to identify the genetic cause of the condition. New Zealander Sheila Ramsay, who has been involved in research into HWSD for more than a decade, has said that people are being duped into buying affected ponies by unscrupulous sellers using duplicate or doctored passports. HWSD is a genetic disease first discovered in Connemara ponies (Your Horse, September 2023, News). The hoof wall splits away from the underlying structures meaning that ponies can end up bearing weight on the sole rather than the hoof wall. Euthanasia is often…

Key accounts manager for Merck The key accounts manager for an international science and technology firm juggles a demanding job with honing the talents of her once challenging KWPN mount My job… I work for Merck, an international science and technology company. I'm a key accounts manager and look after the major accounts in the Cambridge and Norwich area. I sell exclusively into academic and government funded research organisations. My customers range from researchers to PhD students, stores workers and professors. We have a large and diverse portfolio at Merck and so what I sell changes on a daily basis. Sometimes it will be culture media to help cells grow, or fragments of synthetic DNA called oligonucleotides, while at other times it will be larger scale items such centrifuges. I…

YOUR HORSE'S TRAINING JUMPING | TIPS FOR BEGINNERS MEET THE EXPERT PIPPA ALLEN'S family ran Stainsby Grange Equestrian, and so Pippa inevitably took up riding at a young age. She enjoyed considerable showjumping success on ponies before, aged 18, moving to Germany to ride for Helena Stormanns. Pippa's CV includes two European gold medals, plus six national championship titles and representing Great Britain on many Nations Cups teams. She runs Kabete Lodge Stud near Leeds with her husband, Stevie Crosby. She is supported by British Horse Feeds. MEET THE RIDER & HORSE GLYNNIS COATES, 70, began training with Pippa Allen a few months ago. She has been riding since childhood and used to play polo and ride in Arab races. She was on the lookout for another Thoroughbred ex-racehorse when she…

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Achieving a perfect contact • Performing medium canter from A to C • Leg yielding from the three-quarter line • Preventing twist in the saddle MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR “BECAUSE I HUNT Gunner all winter he develops a very economical canter for that job, but in the dressage arena we need more engagement from behind so I'm hoping to develop that today,” says pupil Kathryn Virjee as she enters trainer Alex Harrison's sand outdoor arena on a blustery grey sky day. “Gunner also gets slightly lazy when we're doing dressage and he's a bit like a diesel engine — it takes a while to motivate him into action. Additionally, keeping him straight can be a challenge. He gives too…

✳ Simple changes may not seem related to flying changes, but the control, collection and precision required makes them a necessary foundation. ✳ There are so many different exercises you can try to achieve the same outcome, so play around until you find the right ones for your horse. For Elf that meant going back to something familiar that supported her weaknesses — using the wall to get her in a better collected canter, Flying changes are a tricky movement for any horse to master and so they require a lot of balance and coordination and you will need plenty of patience. You don't need to be a professional rider or have a schoolmaster to enjoy trying the more advanced movements. Jo is an amateur and learning alongside Elf, and…

YOUR HORSE'S CARE MONEY SAVING | CUTTING COSTS NOT CARE Fly spray INGREDIENTS ■ 300ml citronella ■ 25ml lavender oil ■ 4tbsp vinegar ■ 6tbsp Dettol METHOD ■ Pour into a 2ltr plastic bottle, top up with water and then decant into a spray bottle to use when required. Equine poultice While horse owners should always consult a vet, farrier or other relevant professional for advice in the case of a hoof injury or abscess, home-made poultices after that initial consultation can often see the horse on the road to recovery. INGREDIENTS ■ 2 heaped tbsp Epsom salts ■ 1-2ltr hot water ■ A handful of bran ■ Nappy ■ Duct tape METHOD ■ Mix the ingredients together until you have a moist, firm consistency like thick porridge and then apply this…

YOUR HORSE'S CARE KEEPING HIM COMFY | CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY WHAT IF EVERYDAY activities like tying up your horse, stabling him or using certain bits or tack items were making your horse unsound? This is the intriguing question posed by the foremost expert and founder of equine craniosacral therapy (ECST), Maureen Rogers. Maureen says that small incidents such as pulling back when tied up, banging of the head in the stable, or ill-fitting tack all build up to leave our horses uncomfortable and uneven, and we rarely get to the root of this discomfort — the head. Maureen, who is based in San Diego, California, was introduced to craniosacral therapy (CST) many years ago following a snowboarding accident and was so impressed with the way that it helped her whiplash injuries that…

Q I have started jumping higher fences in my lessons and I'm planning to compete in higher classes soon. Will this affect my insurance? Charlotte Stevens, Cornwall Mike says: Your horse's insurance must account for both the level you are competing at, but also the level you are training at, whether this is at home or when you are out and about. If you are jumping bigger at home in preparation for a competition at the next height up, you must ensure that your insurance covers this height within your horse's class of use. The class of use is the group of activities that you are insured to take part in and reflects the level of risk held by underwriters. Being in the correct class of use to match the…

Ask The Experts HERBS & PLANTS - HAN VAN DE BRAAK says… Q I've seen someone on social media who created a herb garden for their horse. I would like to do the same, but haven't a clue where to start or what herbs I should plant. Can you help? Sandra Hathaway, Cambridgeshire Han says: Mentha spicata (spearmint/ garden mint) is everyone's favourite. Between tea and Pimm's humans know it well, and horses love it too. Best planted in the spring, you can however plant this herb right through to the autumn. Mint is very vigorous and will spread far and wide via thick, creeping roots if it is planted straight into the ground (cordon off for the first season perhaps). M. spicata contains 0.5% of the essential oil menthol, which…

As a result of Glynnis and Delilah's cornering issues, Pippa places a pole at an angle in the top corner of the school as a marker for Glynnis to ride around the next time she tackles the course. I've done that to give you time to get a straight line to the black and white oxer,” says Pippa. “Jump the course again, but this time don't think about turning too early. That way you will have more canter. Keep your leg on to maintain the momentum or she may get a bit sticky.” Pippa now asks Glynnis to add in jumping the double and the planks on the far side of the ring. “Keep the canter forward, stay straight and keep your hands down,” she reiterates. Glynnis and Delilah perform…

“Today we focused on being able to keep the connection steady to the rein without losing forward momentum. When Gunner started he was looking for ways to evade the contact and wasn't truly straight. When we think about the scales of training, impulsion fixes straightness issues so we used medium canter with a focus on keeping a connection to the outside rein to help keep Gunner straighter and softer over his back. We also used smaller circles to test that connection in a more difficult balance. “Finally, the leg yields offered a way to emphasise the need for control with the outside rein and for the horse to be following the rider's aids.“…

YOUR HORSE'S TRAINING IN ASSOCIATION WITH BLITZING BAD BEHAVIOUR | CLIPPING PHOBIAS Dengie MEET THE EXPERT ROSA VERWIJS is a certified equine behaviour consultant with the international Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. She is also registered with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council as an accredited animal behaviourist. Rosa's primary position is as a senior lecturer in equine behaviour and nutrition at Writtle University College in Essex, where she leads the BSc (Hons) equine behavioural science programme. Rosa is a contributor to the Understand Horses online education platform. AUTUMN MARKS THE official start of fluffy coat season and we are fast approaching the time of year when clippers are being pulled from shelves and haircuts are being scheduled into diaries. However, not every horse enjoys being clipped, and a dislike…

Ask The Experts CONFIDENCE-EMILY CATFORD says… Q What is mental toughness and why is it so important for riders? Will Tett, Gloucestershire Emily says: Mental toughness is our capacity to cope with stress and perform to the best of our ability. It isn't about being macho, aggressive, or winning. It's about developing self-awareness and being the best that we can be. Developing mental toughness skills can help riders to overcome confidence issues, feel in control of their emotions and also stay committed to any challenges. The opposite of mental toughness is mental sensitivity. Those who are mentally sensitive can still achieve the same, but they may experience a bumpier time getting there. As we know, horses can be unpredictable and riding can be risky. Our fight/flight system is there to protect…

LEMIEUX KUDOS THERMO PRO TURNOUT RUG RRP£219.95 (100g), £229.95 (300g) COLOUR Navy SIZES 5ft 6in - 7ft WEIGHTS l00g, 300g LEMIEUX.COM This clever rug incorporates different layers of filling in different places to help keep the horse at the ideal temperature. It has a thicker filling across the back and in other places where there is the need for extra warmth, such as over his bigger muscles. Then there is a lighter filling along the sides to provide a closer fit and reduce the overall weight. The rug features a two -part patented skirt system, as well as a new angled shoulder gusset to help relieve tension and allow a greater range of movement. MACKEY KEADEEN RRP £84.95 (standard 100g), £88.95 (standard 250g), £107.95 (plus 100g), £114.95 (plus 300g) COLOURS Navy/burgundy (250g, 300g), navy/grey/hunter green (100g) SIZES 4ft-7ft WEIGHTS l00g, 250g, 300g MACKEY.IE Waterproof…

PREMIER EQUINE TITAN TRIO COMPLETE 4 IN 1 TURNOUT RRP £424 COLOURS Black, navy SIZES 5ft - 7ft 3in PREMIEREQUINE.CO.UK You can make this rugging system completely bespoke for your horse by adding or removing layers based on his needs. The system comprises a 100g turnout rug, three rug liners (100g, 200g and 350g) and two snug-fit neck covers (100g and 200g). You can use the lOOg turnout rug on its own or add any of the three different weight liners to increase warmth. The outer is made from a 1,680 denier (D) ballistic nylon material and is treated with Premier Equine's proven waterproof system to ensure that the horse stays warm, dry and comfortable. It is also breathable to help regulate his temperature. FELIX BÜHLER 4 IN 1 REGULAR NECK TURNOUT…

As winter approaches and temperatures nosedive, it is tempting to reach for an extra rug or a thicker one, but is this really in your horse's best interests? Allison Lowther finds out THERE ARE MANY hot potatoes in the equine world — topics that provoke intense debate whenever they are raised. Near the top of the list is the subject of rugging. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests over-rugging can have a negative impact on a horse's health, yet it is something that many owners are guilty of. Over-rugging and feeding too much are both trends that mean horses are emerging from the winter overweight. This increases the risk of gaining even more weight come the spring, leading to health problems such as laminitis. “There are many…

IN THE FRAME ■ Ros Canter led Great Britain to an incredible medal haul at last month's European Eventing Championships at Haras Du Pin in Erance, taking individual gold and leading the British team to victory, defending the title they won in Avenches two years ago. Wet weather meant that conditions on cross-country day were tough and this phase proved hugely influential in the final reckoning, but this year's Badminton winners, Ros and Lordships Graffalo, who is owned by Michele Saul, delivered a scintillating performance to win by a six-plus penalty margin, ahead of teammate Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, who took silver. Britain's all-female quartet was completed by Laura Collett and London 52, who finished ninth, and reigning World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir, 25th. “I'm very…

HACK 1000 MILES HACKING SOLO CAN become a little tedious over time and often the most fun can be had riding out with friends. However, some hack enthusiasts take things a little further than heading out with a bestie and ride with family members — fathers out with daughters, mothers riding with sons, grandparents out with grandchildren, and sisters enjoying an outing together. The possibilities really are endless. The benefits of family hacking shouldn't be underestimated, too, as that time spent together in the great outdoors with four-legged friends not only brings physical and mental wellbeing benefits, but it can help to boost that familial bond, too. 'IN THE HOLIDAYS WE'LL PACK LUNCH AND HEAD OUT FOR A FEW HOURS' All four members of Kadie Coleman's family ride, and the…

1 When meningitis strikes, the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. 2 The two most common causes are viruses and bacteria. 3 The disease affects people of all ages. 4 Early signs can include fever (fever with spots or rashes that don't fade under pressure constitutes a medical emergency), a headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and stomach cramps. 5 Anyone suspecting a case — and sometimes meningitis strikes at the same time as septicaemia/sepsis — must seek urgent medical help and not wait for the tell-tale rash to develop. 6 There are currently five vaccines available, but not all types of meningitis can be prevented in this way. 7 Research into a cure for all cases is ongoing and Meningitis Now, a charity that provided funding for Diana…

YOUR HORSE'S TRAINING IN ASSOCIATION WITH CONFIDENCE | WESTERN RIDING MEET THE EXPERT EMMA CHAPMAN is a Western rider and instructor based in North Yorkshire. She has trained, shown and competed in a range of Western disciplines with various equines, from American quarter horses and paints to native ponies and former racehorses. She takes on horses for schooling and starting and also runs a Western riding school that caters for beginners through to experienced competitive riders. Visit emmachapmantraining.co.uk ANY RIDER WHO feels that their horse may nap at the arena gate, that he'll reverse backwards into a ditch to avoid a passing cyclist, or that they're sure they will be decanted out the side door when he spooks at banners during a showjumping round is experiencing serious trust issues. Whatever the…

YOUR HORSE'S TRAINING TEACHING GOOD MANNERS MEET THE EXPERT DANI EVANS is a professional event rider who is based near Bristol. She has competed at Badminton on three occasions, with Raphael II and Smart Time. Early in her career, Dani was a member of British junior and young rider teams. She competed at five consecutive European Championships, winning young rider team gold in 2011. She currently has an exciting string of horses working their way up the ranks, and she is aiming to be back competing at the top level again soon. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • How to teach your horse to stand still for mounting • How to ensure that your horse walks out with purpose • How to prevent napping and clingy behaviour PATIENCE IS VITAL when teaching a…

MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR SCHOOLING solutions WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • The movement you need to nail before attempting flying changes • Why a good collected canter is key • Two different exercises to introduce flying changes MEET THE TRAINER KIM RATCLIFFE is a UKCC Level 3 British Dressage coach, List 1 and National Para judge, and certified NLP practitioner. She specialises in improving rider position and understanding to help riders of all levels, from prelim to grand prix. For more information, visit thinkequestrian.co.uk MEET THE RIDER & HORSE JO BLOOD has owned the 11-year-old Hanoverian mare Felicia IV (aka Elf) for nine years. They compete in dressage at medium level once a month and hope soon to move up to advanced medium. Jo…

YOUR HORSE'S CARE MONEY SAVING | CUTTING COSTS NOT CARE WITH SKY-HIGH inflation and ever-increasing interest rates, the cost of living crisis shows no signs of abating any time soon, which is worrying for everyone. However, while people across the UK are facing rising costs of everything from groceries and household bills to mortgages; and rent, horse owners are perhaps feeling the pinch more than most. After all, our equine friends aren't cheap to keep at the best of times. Pony-related expenses can seem endless. Monthly outgoings may need to cover livery, the farrier and vet's fees, feed, bedding, supplements, grooming kit and rugs and tack, to name but a few. And all of this is before you have even thought about yourself and what you need to wear, from a…

YOUR HORSE'S CARE FIT NOT FAT | THE BEAUTY OF BALANCERS Fit not Fat MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop. kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR In partnership with Slimmers' Club MEET THE EXPERT Spillers' nutritionist SARAH NELSON is responsible for the technical management of all Spillers' products, including feed formulation. Sarah has been a part of the Spillers' team for 13 years and she has advised horse owners, riders and vets on all aspects of practical nutrition. Her current role involves translating key scientific messages into practical advice for owners, as well as providing nutritional consultations for clinical cases. Visit spillers-feeds.com CUTTING CALORIES IS essential for weight loss, but dieting in the right way is important to ensure that it doesn't come at the expense of a balanced diet. There…

Q How do I stay committed to my riding goals? I feel as if my commitment drops off depending on what else is happening in my life. Annie Dawson, Kent Emily says: Firstly, make sure that your goal is actually your goal. Is it aligned to what you want to achieve and can you visualise all the great things that will happen when you have achieved it? You should feel super excited about what you are going to get. If the goal feels too hard to achieve then break it down into stepping stones and give yourself a reward every time you achieve one of them. In contrast, a really easy goal isn't always interesting enough to keep your attention, so make sure that it is so that it will…