Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 516 i Your Horse

BEING AN EQUESTRIAN journalist must be one of the best jobs in the world, but some of the stories we cover are so heart-rending that they never leave you. One such story is that of event rider Matthew Wright.I first interviewed him as a rookie reporter when he sprung to prominence at the Pony Club Championships aged 12. In barely the blink of an eye he was competing at Badminton and Burghley with a succession of special equines. A few years after that and he began blogging about his mental health struggles. It came as a shock to many who knew the sometimes brash competitor. There followed, though, an even greater bombshell — that he had taken his own life. However, as his brave widow, Victoria, explains, Matthew had been…

A British endurance rider was among three competitors to share the winners’ spoils at the third running of the Gaucho Derby, a 500-mile race across Patagonia dubbed ‘the greatest test of horsemanship and wilderness skills on earth'. Holly Masson battled fierce sandstorms, blazing heat and treacherous mountain passes to cross the finishing line along with Gaucho Derby veteran Daniel Van Eden (Netherlands) and Mongol Derby expert, Rendel Rieckmann (Germany) on day eight. Thirty-nine riders representing nine nations started the race on 8 February. The gruelling contest is part of the Equestrianists World Series, which also includes the Mongol Derby. The Gaucho Derby is based on the landscape, culture, history and horses of Patagonia and competitors must draw on physical endurance, navigational and horsemanship skills to negotiate tricky terrain and unpredictable…

Best-selling crime novelist Elly Griffiths is set to headline Redwings Horse Sanctuary's inaugural book festival on 18 May at Redwings Caldecott, Great Yarmouth. The event is part of the charity's ruby anniversary celebration and Elly, who writes the popular Ruth Galloway series, will be joined by TV presenter and Master English Saddle Maker Suzie Fletcher and children's author Joyce Dunbar. Tickets for adults cost £10. Visit redwings.org.uk/rubyanniversary to find out more.…

JOE STOCKDALE, 23, is the son of the late Olympic showjumper Tim Stockdale. Since turning his attentions from cricket to showjumping, Joe has appeared on several British Nations Cup teams. He was also a member of the bronze medal-winning squad at the 2022 World Championships in Herning. He is based in Northamptonshire and is sponsored by Agria Lifetime Equine. Visit agriapet.co.uk What was Didi like when he arrived at your yard? My dad bought Didi in Belgium seven years ago, and we knew that he had a cheeky side, which I think is why he was for sale. He would stand up in a corner and turn himself into positionsIhave never seen a horse make before. He can also spin quicker than any horse I've ever known. He will do…

LARA BUTLER (NÉE GRIFFITH) is one of Britain's leading dressage riders who has been trained by the legendary Bechtolsheimers. Lara, who is based in Gloucestershire, has been close to making championship appearances on several occasions, not least when she wasareserve for the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2017 Europeans and the 2018 World Equestrian Games. What was Ampy like when he arrived at your yard? He arrived as a three-year-old 11 years ago, and while he was inexperienced, he was quite laid back on the ground. To ride him was a different story, though.Ihad never sat on something with so much power — which is why I chose him — but he could go from lazy to sharp in a split second. How did you begin the bonding process? I always…

Spillers is inviting owners of overweight horses and ponies to join its Spillers Slimmers’ Club for support, advice and encouragement to help keep their horse or pony at a healthy weight. This motivating and friendly club provides practical support and camaraderie for owners of overweight horses and ponies to aid them on their weight loss journey. It provides information and advice, including weight loss tips, details of how to body condition score and how to usea weigh tape. OR SEARCH SPILLERS SLIMMERS ON FACEBOOK…

Ask The Experts POLOCROSSE - JAMES OLIVER-BYRNE says… Q What exactly is polocrosse? It looks similar to polo, but I have heard that it is more accessible to join. Kelly Baker, West Midlands James says: There are a few similarities between the sports, but also quite a few differences. Both are team sports with the participants aiming to score goals, but they differ after that. Similar to lacrosse, polocrosse is played in the air with a racquet that is used to pass the ball and score goals, rather than a mallet which is used to hit the ball across a polo pitch. In polocrosse, each team is made up of six players split into sub-teams of three. Each three plays alternate chukkas, which are 3-6 min long. Each player has…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/win/bicton516 FIRST PRIZE* Two readers will each receive ■ A pair of season tickets to Bicton International Horse Trials (access for all four days). ■ Tickets to the welcome reception on Thursday evening. ■ Picnic parking. ■ A food hamper. ■ Course-walks (showjumping and cross-country). ■ Camping pass and hook-up for the weekend. T WO READERS WILL each receive a pair of season tickets to Bicton International Horse Trials, which takes place in Bicton Park, Devon, from 23-26 May 2024. Watch past medal-winners and Olympic hopefuls take on the challenge of three phases of competition amid the picturesque backdrop of the Clinton Devon Estate. The lucky winners will also receive tickets to the welcome reception on Thursday evening, which is bound to be a night to remember…

Let's look at… Long-sleeved tops COLDSTREAM SWANLAWS DIAMANTE HOODIE RRP £89.99 COLOUR Navy SIZES XS – XXL COLDSTREAMEQUESTRIAN.CO.UK The Coldstream Swanlaws Diamante Hoodie is the ultimate statement hoodie that is perfect for training days, competitions, or simply for casual wear. A glittering silver and navy diamanté Coldstream logo is embossed on the front, while the Coldstream name appears in shimmering diamantés on the hood. The hoodie is finished with a luxury ribbed waistband and cuffs, and a high collar for warmth and a cosy feel. MOUNTAIN HORSE FUZZY HOODIE RRP £55 COLOURS Green, snow white, navy SIZES Ladies XS – XXL MOUNTAINHORSE.SE A classic hoodie with a soft and fuzzy outer that envelops the wearer in warmth, this wardrobe staple from Mountain Horse comes complete with a snug hood and…

Intelligent Horsemanship trainer Emma Sharman: Your horse should look to you as his leader. You should be in the leadership role of your team. When your horse knows that you're in charge he can relax and listen to you, page 22 Head of British Riding Clubs Rachael Hollely-Thompson: There is no better way to meet like-minded people than to join a riding club. With clubs spread out across the UK, you are never too far away from a group of mates who enjoy spending time with their horses as much as you do, page 28 Trainer and dressage judge Sarah Payne: In training it isn't compulsory to ride a movement in full, and doing sections can be more beneficial. This is true for schoolmaster types who often try to second…

Oscar was abandoned at a livery yard when he was just nine days old. The yard owner was unable to care for the traditional English cob and was given an ultimatum by vets — give him the treatment and attention he needs or sign him over to be cared for elsewhere. At 22 days old Oscar was taken to the Norfolk-based equine charity Horse Rescue Fund (HRF). He was weak, dehydrated and scouring badly. He was immediately quarantined and started on two-hourly bottle feeds, and thanks to round-the-clock care from the centre's staff he soon turned a corner and began to blossom. Oscar remained in the care of the HRF until 2015 when he was backed and began ridden work. He was then taken on by his current owner, Jessica…

A veteran with vitality My 24-year-old cob, Jack, has the cheekiest personality and is the king of having selfies taken. He's still very active despite his age and he loves hacking around the countryside — both under saddle and in-hand (off the lead rope). In fact, he's got better recall than my dog. We recently celebrated our seven-year 'gotcha day'and I've enjoyed every minute with him. Gemma Rolando, Kent Star photo Monarch lives like a lung My daughter is pictured with our boy, Monarch. He's currently out on loan to a good friend who loves him as much as we do and he's loving the quieter life. Clare Duncan, Suffolk Iona is a noser I took this picture of Iona and me during the snow storms that hit the Cairngorms…

RIDING CLUBS HAVE plenty to offer and they can be great places to socialise and meet like-minded people. It will be possible to make new friends who live locally and tap into expertise that will help with a variety of problems riders may be facing with their horse or their technique. There can be more than one riding club in an area to chose from, so it is important to consider the key takeaways from this new club. Most clubs cater for all disciplines, although some may be more dressage focused while others will offer more jumping training. It is worth looking at the club's website and social media channels to see what's on offer. Some clubs only put on training during week days, but for those who work full…

“W HO IS TAKING who to the field today?” “He's a bit keen — is he running late for something?” “You might as well put on your rollerblades and let him drag you along!” These sorts of jovial quips will be all too familiar to equestrians who are used to their horse steamrollering his way towards the paddock, dragging them behind him. However, although this picture might look amusing, the reality is very different. Trying to lead a strong horse can put both horse and handler at risk of injury — not to mention lead to anxiety at the thought of a battle to and from the field every day. The good news, explains equine behaviourist Millie Martin, is that it is possible to address such bolshy behaviour without an…

FERDI EILBERG trained under multiple Olympic gold medallist Reiner Klimke and rode on the British dressage team numerous times, winning team silver at the 1993 European Championships with Arun Tor. Ferdi, 64, was dressage trainer to the British eventing team from 1982-92 and he continues to coach from his Worcestershire yard. What was Arun Tor like when he arrived at your yard? A Cleveland Bay x Thoroughbred, he belonged to a friend, Vivian Stuart, who found him on the Welsh hills in the 1980s. He was five when I took him on, and huge at 18hh, and with a very insecure and spooky nature. The first time I turned him towards the mirror in the school he took one look and spun around. However, I started to notice that if…

Lindsey Morrison credits salt therapy with saving the life of her nine-year-old cob, Cash, who suffers from allergies. “Cash used to constantly be scratching and would rub his mane, tail and feathers raw (below). If I put him in a stable he would throw himself against the walls to scratch and I couldn't work out what was causing his itchiness,” explains Lindsey, who lives in Scotland. “Together with the vet we tried a range of lotions and potions, jabs and tablets and did allergy tests. I would wash Cash every week in antibacterial shampoo and I also made changes to his diet, but nothing worked. I was at my wits’ end and thought I may have to put Cash to sleep as he had no quality of life and was…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Simple solutions for horse owners Meet this month's panel of experts GOT A PROBLEM? Need an answer? We'll know someone who can help… Welcome to our Ask The Experts section. Over the next eight pages we solve your horsey problems with help from trusted professionals. This month's panel answers your riding and horse care questions, with advice on producing young equines, riding mechanical horses, polocrosse and acupuncture. If you have a question you would like answered, get in touch today. As The Experts PRODUCING YOUNG HORSES - SAM HOBBS says… No more napping Q My youngster loves hacking out, and since we have started to do this he has become really nappy in the school. Should I keep persevering with trying to school, or give…

Q I love riding, but sometimes I find it a bit lonely as I mostly hack out and do a few low level dressage competition on my own. I think joining a team sport like polocrosse might be worth a shot, but I'm in my 40s. Is it too late to join? Erin Martin, Northamptonshire James says: Polocrosse is a fantastic sport, and it really is open to riders of all ages and abilities. It starts with lead rein tournaments for small children, junior divisions for older ones and teens, up to senior divisions that are divided into five grades based on ability and handicap. We really do welcome anyone, and a lot of riders joining up have either just recently learned to ride, or may never have learned. We…

Q I am interested in having my horse treated with acupuncture. How canI finda qualified professional? Is this therapy something my physio could do? Maria Harris, Bedfordshire Kayleigh says: Only vets, or vet nurses under the direct supervision of a vet, are qualified to practise acupuncture on animals. Physios, chiropractors, or other bodyworkers aren't allowed to perform acupuncture on horses or other animals. This is because the Western medical approach to acupuncture isaconstant diagnosis and treatment protocol, which only vets are allowed to perform. Throughout the exam you palpate and diagnose. You find tight myofascial trigger points and then treat them. What happens during a treatment session? I allow about 45 minutes per horse. This includes having a chat with the owner about the equine and then watching him trot up to…

Bicton International Horse Trials promises a spectacular bank holiday weekend of competition and entertainment, showcasing world-class riders and their equine partners in the ultimate equestrian triathlon. Experience the elegance and precision of dressage, the skill and accuracy of the showjumping and the thrill and excitement of galloping across country. Eventing truly is the ultimate equestrian challenge. Four days of competition will provide exhilarating action for both seasoned horse enthusiasts and newcomers to eventing. However, Bicton isn't just a sporting event; this eventing extravaganza will provide a celebration of horse trials excellence, with entertainment and excitement for the whole family. Spectators are in for a treat thanks to a wide array of activities, including face painting, falconry demonstrations and a dog show. There really is something for everyone. Explore the event…

C OMFORTABLE LEGWEAR IS essential, whether you are in the saddle or working on the yard, and riding tights have becomea wardrobe staple for many equestrians. Riding tights are more similar in design toa pair of leggings, but they featureafull-grip seat or knee patches, likea pair of breeches. They are lightweight, comfortable and offer great freedom of movement. Being stretchy and pull-on in design, they will be on in a jiffy. Our panel of testers has puta selection of riding tights through their paces, assessing them for comfort and fit both in and out of the saddle, as well as considering whether they offer value for money. Read on to discover which ones came out on top for all-day comfort and great looks. How we score: Each pair of riding…

Emily Hanlon is a chartered surveyor and she and her horse, Wilma, compete in affiliated showjumping and dressage. Last year they also enjoyed a couple of days eventing, something Emily hopes to repeat this year. Julie Harding is the editor of Your Horse magazine. She keeps four veteran equines, all in their 20s — two World Horse Welfare ponies, plus a cob called Panda, and Apollo, an Irish Draught. She has hacked from a young age. Vanessa Lowther has three horses who she keeps on DIY livery. She competes in all disciplines and is out and about most weekends, riding at clinics or competitions. Emma Windsor owns two horses and her great passion is dressage. As well as being a regular competitor, she also takes part in clinics and enjoys…

4 ABSORBINE FLY CONTROL BUNDLES Your horse will be a fly-free zone both in the field and in his stable if you are one of the four lucky winners of an Absorbine UltraShield fly control bundle. UltraShield Residual Insecticide, with ingredients that include permethrin and pyrethrin, provides instant'knock-down'to kill off nuisance insect on surfaces. The repellent is ideal for use in and around paddocks, stables, field shelters and horse boxes. The UltraShield Fly Mask is made from a two-way stretch fabric around the head, extended fabric behind the ears and it boasts a strong double-locking hook and loop closure for security. The mesh material blocks out 80% of UV rays. Find out more at absorbine.co.uk Worth £65 each 15 BALES OF DENGIE'S NEW MEADOW LITE WITH HERBS 15 lucky winners will each receive…

Describe your passion for animals while growing up When my mum and dad moved out of London they bought a run down cottage withatwo-acre paddock. I spent my time there chasing grasshoppers and crickets and the mice or voles the cat had dropped, nursing them back to health and collecting them as pets. I had everything from parrots and polecats to turtles, terrapins and snakes, and we converted the garage into a reptile enclosure to house them. That love has always been there and it led me to academia to study zoology. At the age of 13 I also got a job at Mole Hall Wildlife Park, which I loved. Did horses feature in your youth? Horses not so much, but farming did because I would be called upon during…

Pre-purchase examinations (PPE) have come under the spotlight in a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). Researchers analysed 133 PPE certificates and considered the horse's price, whether it underwent a two - or a five-stage vetting, whether diagnostic images (X-rays) were taken and what were the most common ‘prejudicial findings'. The researchers discovered that 57.1% of horses examined had prejudicial findings — the most common being lameness (55.3%). Diagnostic imaging findings (14.5%), respiratory system findings (6.6%), skin conditions (5.3%) and cardiac abnormalities (3.9%) accounted for the remainder. PPEs (below) are performed for prospective horse buyers to identify any issues that could make the horse unsuitable for its intended use — be that elite competitions horses or those used for breeding or leisure (Your Horse, April, Vet Notes/Pre purchase…

Ask The Experts MECHANICAL HORSE LESSONS - HANNAH IRONS says… Q I wanted to have a go on a mechanical horse at a show, but the queue was so long that I decided against it. However, I'm still really keen to give it a go and am thinking of going to a centre to ride one, but I would like to know first what happens during a ‘proper’ lesson. Michele Robinson, Bedfordshire Hannah says: Every coach will conduct their lessons slightly differently, but I tend to use the same structure for all of mine. 1. Learning the controls I start off by showing the rider how the horse works. The model I have has three buttons to control him — one for upward transitions, one for downward transitions, and one…

Ask The Experts ACUPUNCTURE - KAYLEIGH BARKER says… Q A horse owner on my livery yard called an acupuncturist in for her horse the other day. I hadn't realised that this could be a therapy for horses and had thought it was just something done on people. How does it work, and can it really makea difference? Rachel Clark, Essex Kayleigh says: Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine solid needles at certain points on the horse's body to elicit a therapeutic effect. It stimulates tiny nerve endings, so it has an effect both at the point where the needle is inserted, as well as centrally on the nervous system. You might be familiar with there being two approaches to acupuncture for humans. These are… ■ Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture (TCM). This…