Absolute Horse - December / January 2018

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Absolute

E M K ’M C -I !

PI P EE U R

DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

r e p m Bu ! e u s s I PLUS

...LOTS MORE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS INSIDE!

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DECEMBER

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2017 JANUARY 2018

59

ISSUE 318

Caitlin Faulkner on Tornado Tilly, Codham Park 50cm Showjumping League winners, and Intro Dressage League winners.

Photo: Spencer Moret Photography

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Though every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, PCD Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for the opinions expressed in the magazine. The opinions and technical information in the articles are those of the authors.

FEATURES 5 Writtle University College £1.5M investment Event Preview: The Liverpool 8 International Horse Show 10 Christmas Gift Guide Part 2 including East Anglia Retailer Directory 26 Winter Safety 28 Health & Welfare 38 Nutrition 46 Special Feature: Behind the Scenes with UK’s Leading Equestrian Professionals 59 Annabelles Equestrian 62 On The Market: Topthorn Arena 64 Love Dogs

How to contact and connect with us...

PHOTONEWS 70 Essex & Suffolk Team Chase: Manor Farm, Semer 71 North Norfolk Harriers PC Open HT: Gunton Park 72 Easton Harriers PC Open HT: Poplar Park 73 Jump Cross: Codham Park 74 Unaffil. Dressage: Codham Park 75 Jump Cross League Presentations: Codham Park 76 Showjumping League Presentations: Codham Park Dressage League Presentations: Codham Park 77 East Essex Hunt: Opening Meet 78 British Showjumping: Codham Park

WHAT’S

INSIDE

REGULARS 4 News Your Comments 6 60 Saddlery & Tack 66 Reports 78 Classifieds 80 Vets Directory 81 Showdates SPECIAL OFFER 24 Reader Offer: 20% Off at Muddy Footprints COMPETITIONS & GIVEAWAYS 16 Horseborne 18 Abbey England 27 Equisafety 63 Reader Giveaways

01473 731220

office@ahmagazine.com

www.issuu.com

facebook.com/Absolute-Horse

#abfabnagmag

www.absolutehorsemagazine.com

PCD Media ( East Anglia) Ltd, Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS

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NEWS

Litton Enterprise wins!

Phoebe Price recieves the award for Litton Enterprise from Virbac’s Davina Godwin.

Photo: Equinational Photography

TEST PASSES The Pony Club A Test, the highest Test within The Pony Club training structure, has enjoyed a pleasing pass rate.

The latest name to join the list of Great Britain’s toplevel riders and coaches who have reached the pinnacle of Pony Club achievements is Franki Jarvis (Essex Hunt North).

Partbred riding pony Litton Enterprise was voted winner of the Virbac 3D Worming Show Pony Personality of the Year 2017 at the Showing Council/Showing World Show Personality of the Year Awards, held at the East of England Showground in October.

Litton Enterprise is no stranger to the limelight. Produced by leading pony producer Julie Templeton, the award crowned an impressive year for this stunning pony and his young rider.

Ridden by Essex’s 15-year-old Phoebe Price, Litton Enterprise is a double RIHS Champion and stood Supreme Pony Champion at HOYS in 2016. The pair made a triumphant return to HOYS this year, standing Equissage Pulse Ridden Partbred of the Year.

This year’s SEIB Insurance Brokers Burghley sponsored ride, which took place on the Sunday of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, has proved to be a record-breaker.

With all pledges honoured and donations in, the total amount raised is revealed as a staggering £22,800 - £650 more than last year’s effort. This year’s proceeds bring the total raised in the ride’s 17-year history to more than £240,000.

The equine charities to benefit this year are World Horse Welfare, the British Horse Society, Animal Health Trust, Claire Lomas Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation and The Horse Trust. Local charities will also benefit via Stamford XT, which provided the parking, marshalling and infrastructure support.

NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE!

This coming New Year’s Day grab your horsey fix with entertainment, costumes and colour inspired by the circus world as ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ take to London’s streets in The London New Year’s Day Parade.

A team of 60 horses will be taking to the streets of London dressed to thrill under this show’s theme heading ‘Circus and The Showman’. www.allthequeenshorses.co.uk

Showing Judges announced for HOYS18

‘The World’s Most Famous Horse Show’, which hosts the most highlyregarded national showing Championships, will take place Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 7th October 2018 at the Genting Arena, NEC Birmingham.

The list of judges is available from the Competitor Zone of the HOYS website at http://hoys.co.uk/competitor-zone/showing-judges/

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SEIB Burghley Ride breaks records

The 2018 International Eventing Forum takes place on the 5th February at Hartpury College. Tickets £50 if purchased in advance. www.international eventingforum.com OCTOBER Competition Winners: Aniwell: Julia Chaplin, Norfolk; Marion Brown, Essex; Annie Francis, Suffolk; Louise Maestrani, Herts; Jenni Revilles, Norfolk. Equetech: Louise Sutton, Essex. Grub's Boots: Amy Brownlee, Suffolk; Penny Biles, Essex. Life of Riley: Gemma Chambers, Cambs. Liverpool International Horse Show: Karin Baria, Lincs; Melissa Ingham-Brophy, Cheshire; Livvy Rudd, Suffolk. Olympia London International Horse Show: Clare Shrimpton-Wicks, Essex. Phillips Brothers Woodshavings: Clair Missen, Suffolk.

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£1.5MILLION INVESTMENT

IN EQUINE FACILITIES at Writtle University College rittle University College has invested £1.5million in new equine facilities designed to enhance the teaching of courses and the experience of students.

Work is well underway on the exciting development at the Cow Watering Campus, which brings all the equine facilities onto one site.

A new, additional therapy barn for the teaching of Veterinary Physiotherapy and Equine Sports Therapy courses is already in use, with both therapy barns now equipped with smart screens to aid teaching. A new oval horsewalker enables horses to be exercised in a controlled way and without the constant need for turning in a circle.

A new stabling and hay barn, as

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well as a multi-purpose building - which includes foaling boxes, covering and teasing facilities, plus a viewing gallery - is under construction. New DIY stables, which include individual outside pens, are almost complete.

There will be a new small indoor school, youngstock housing, stallion pens and an indoor practical area including stocks.

There will also be an office and multi-purpose building.

The facilities will be used in the teaching of the University College’s degrees, postgraduate courses, college-level courses, apprenticeships and short courses in equine subjects. The development is on-track to be completed by Spring 2018.

Caroline Flanagan, who heads up the Higher Education equine courses at Writtle University

Aerial image of the work at the Cow Watering Campus taken in October 2017 (Writtle University College).

College, said: “Bringing all of our dummy mare, or sitting-up for foaling duties, is always exciting equine facilities onto one site for these students represents a really positive move for The facilities will and enables us to encourage them to our courses here at be used in the consider every WUC and the new teaching of the facility is hugely University College’s aspect of what is a very exciting important to us. degrees, industry to work “To complement postgraduate within. our extensive yard courses, college“Our work with full of riding horses, level courses, World Horse being able to give apprenticeships our students the and short courses Welfare has also opportunity to in equine subjects helped us to enable students to be work with young, naïve horses at the Stud hugely hands-on with the education of enhances their learning and our young horses and many students are justly proud of the ability to demonstrate initial progress ‘their’ horses make.” behavioural responses to everyday management and To find out more about Writtle training practices.

“Many students come to us with University College’s equine knowledge of ridden horses but courses, visit writtle.ac.uk watching stallions cover the

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YOUR COMMENT Every month we pose a question on the Absolute Horse Magazine Facebook page – for your chance to win the Ariat prize simply post ‘Your Comment’ in answer to our question, and the best answer wins!

Sponsored by

Ariat offer you the chance to win a pair of Olympia Full Seat or Knee Patch Breeches worth over £115!

Ariat’s Olympia Full Seat Breeches and Knee Patch Breeches feature four-way stretch Schoeller fabric for maximum comfort and mobility, stretch Clarino full seat, front zip and unique hand pocket design with piping effect. Ariat’s patented V3 System in the waist and Calf Fit System ensure these breeches not only perform in the saddle but look great too. Sizes: 22 – 36 (regular and long fit available).

Colours: White, Beige, Navy or Black.

Visit www.ariat.com or call 01367 242818.

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We asked our acebook fans the following question...

Caroline Gill: My fab hubby bought me a heated rug drier a few years ago. I told him off for buying something so extravagant but it’s just fab and I love it (and him)!

Christina Battle: My Exmoor pony Cirly.

Katrina Hall: My first pony 11 years ago .

Kerry Rogers: My Dartmoor Chafford Debonair. My daughter bought him for me and he actually came in the October but he was my xmas pressie from her.

That was three years ago and no presents have matched this darling pony!

Debs Ambler: The best gift was from my horse. I was very ill one Christmas and it was all I could do to get out of bed. I was crying when I got to the yard... she put her head on my shoulder like a hug. I lost her in the January and I have never forgotten that hug... she knew I was ill and loved me.

Julie Koh: My beautiful boy Rocky from my gorgeous hubby he was for my xmas and wedding anniversary. I couldn't ask for any more. Sadly lost him in 2010.

Kate Scorey-Sayer: My bestie gifted me a colt I was looking after... he was half brother to one I had lost a year prior to grass sickness. I cried the whole way home that day.

Catherine Reynolds: Two years ago my husband bought me a horse - a cheap project horse - a fat smelly 15.3hh cob to stop me trailing the country looking for a schoolmaster dressage horse. He

WHAT'S THE BEST HORSEY GIFT YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

is as smug as hell as the badtempered, miserable, uncooperative toe-rag with 3 paces - plant, nap, bolt - has this year qualified for My Quest regionals at prelim, jumps lovely xc and is an absolute star on pleasure rides!

Vicky Yaxley: I would love to say my own horse (despite it being on my list for the last 30 years....hint hint husband!) but it would be my first riding lesson that started my passion.

Hayley Fletcher: My hubby is great at buying my xmas pressies; I’ve had my beautiful pony Shadow, magnet rug, clippers, rugs, boots - the list goes on he is brill and I’m very lucky.

Nikola Penola Penny: 3 pairs of super warm riding/boot socks, I wear them all winter and am grateful for them every chilly day!

Karen Fowle: For my ninth birthday I was given my first pony.

Victoria Barton Was Duce: My birthday is end of November so last year my children bought me a horsetreat advent calander.

Every morning I got to open a window and take the treat down to my much loved horse Trilogy!

Sarah Crosbie: A water trough... yes last year my stepdad bought me an automatic water trough for the field so I didn’t have to keep walking buckets up the bank - loved it and has made 2017 much easier for me!

Sal Moden: My Ifor Williams trailer. Unfortunately my hubby didn’t get to wrap it in ribbons as I found out the secret before then still lovely surprise.

Alison Petts: My 18 year-old daughter when she was working for the first time last xmas bought me my beautiful Flying Changes dressage jacket.

Charlotte Birch: My best horsey gift was a model of my horse my mum handmade for me.

Louise Allen: One year my dearly beloved bought me a red wheelbarrow with Ferrari stickers on it, complete with prancing horse!

and the Star Winner is...

Christine Brindle: I got a fabulous wheelbarrow last year! My non-horsey friends were a bit confused, but my horsey friends really got why I was so excited.

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EVENT PREVIEW

THE LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 2017

IF YOU’RE A HORSE FAN EXCITED TO SEE SOME EXHILARATING 4* LEVEL COMPETITION, OR SIMPLY WANTING A GREAT FAMILY TRIP TO CELEBRATE THIS NEW YEAR, THE LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW IS THE PLACE TO BE. THE THREE DAYS, 29TH, 30TH AND 31ST DECEMBER AT THE ECHO ARENA ON THE CITY’S HISTORIC WATERFRONT, ARE SET FOR ANOTHER EQUESTRIAN EXTRAVAGANZA BUILDING UP TO A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER. WE FIND OUT WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT...

Photo: Jon Stroud Media

CARL SET FOR CENTRE-STAGE

A new addition to this exciting festive and New Year equestrian finale, Carl will ride the hugely talented and muchadmired Hawtins Delicato in the Inter 1 Freestyle (Dressage to Music).

The new Inter 1 Freestyle Dressage to Music will be the feature of the Friday evening performance, 29th December.

Puissance takes centre-stage on the Saturday night while the Sunday evening includes the Grand Prix and a family-friendly spectacular way to see in the New Year with fireworks and celebrations in the arena!

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GRAND NATIONAL HERO AND CHARITY LEGEND, BOB CHAMPION MBE IS AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE SHOW With so much of his life steeped in the history and heritage that is Aintree and the Grand National, Bob was an obvious choice when Nina Barbour, Show President, was looking for new ambassadors for the event.

Says Bob: “From the very best show jumping to Shetland Pony Grand National, FMX motorbike

stunt display team, and new this year top-level music to dressage, it is just amazing.

“With fantastic music from the Rick Parfitt Jnr band it certainly is going to be a show to remember and as the show finishes on New Year’s Eve this time round, it really will be a great celebration on the final evening of the event.”

SUPPORT RIDING AND PONY CLUBS

All Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs that get together to buy their tickets for the Liverpool International Horse Show as a group will be entered into the prize draw to be in with the chance of winning great prizes and securing £500 for their club funds!

GET CLOSE UP AND PERSONAL WITH A LEADING RIDER COURSE WALK

Have you sat watching leading riders walk the courses at some of the major horse shows in the country and wondered what they are thinking and what goes through their minds?

Well here’s your chance to find out thanks to the team at this year’s Liverpool International Horse Show.

All spectators who buy a Platinum ticket can upgrade to VIP where they get the chance to walk the course with a leading rider competing at the show!

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WORLD’S LEADING SHOW JUMPERS

The world’s leading show jumpers will be out in force as they battle it out for a place in the prestigious Hope Valley Saddlery Grand Prix on New Year’s Eve. The Whitaker dynasty will be represented by John, Michael and Robert, plus Laura Renwick, Robert Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Will Funnell, Guy Williams, Louise Saywell and Nigel Coupe will all be joining them to provide the very best show jumping in the run up to the New Year.

Two-times Grand Prix winner, Billy Twomey will have plenty of Irish support with Shane Breen, Anthony Condon, Michael Duffy and Peter Maloney also in action.

Show President Nina Barbour said: “The puissance is always such a crowd pleaser and we are delighted that so many of the inform stars are heading to Liverpool. The Saturday evening is really building up to be a must see performance.”

WE TALK TO TWICE GRAND PRIX WINNER BILLY TWOMEY ABOUT WHAT MAKES THE SHOW SO SPECIAL AND FIND OUT 10 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THIS TALENTED IRISH RIDER...

1 Billy has been crowned the Liverpool International Grand Prix Champion for two year’s running and is always a busy competitor across the International CSI 4* Show Jumping.

2 Says Billy: “The show is just magic, well organised, has great prize money and an electric atmosphere. It is also great to compete in England as my wife and children always get to come along as well so we can spend time together.”

3 Well known for being based with the legendary Michael Whitaker in his early days he still describes those years as a ‘dream’ job at the time when riding as a stable jockey for the British hero.

4 Billy was immersed in horses from a young age as his mother and aunt ran a riding school.

5 Billy married his long term partner Joanne in 2007, and later that year Lily, their first child was born, later joined by Evie, George and Alice.

6 In 2008 Billy and his wife Joanne set up their own base near Nottingham.

7 Billy is a former winner of the 128cm Championship at Royal Dublin Horse Show on a pony that had previously given him a scare when bolting with him at their first show.

BILLY TWOMEY

10 Facts About...

8 For a time Billy considered a career as a jockey when he took to riding work on the beach for his uncle. But after a taste of show jumping success he says there was no turning back.

9 Billy’s winning ride in the Grand Prix at Liverpool International Horse Show in both 2015 and 2016 was Diaghilev – well known for his turn of foot and speed in jump-offs. Says Billy: “No doubt this year’s Hope Valley Saddlery Grand Prix will be as exciting as ever.”

10 On the first day of the 2016 show, Billy was also in the winner’s enclosure with the grey, Ardcolum Duke.

Adds Billy: “I have had a really good year with some top results and Liverpool International will be a brilliant way to round off 2017. New Year’s Eve really is going to be spectacular.”

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t’s iconic, legendary, the stuff dreams are made of as jockeys and ponies tussle in the cut and thrust that is the Shetland Pony Grand National.

“The races really do get your adrenaline going and as a team of riders and ponies a lot of hard work and training goes into the event before they even get to a show,” said Seb Garner of the Shetland Pony Grand National organising team.

“Its a great spectacle! The tension mounts and for some the nerves get a bit frayed - they cross the finish and the crowd goes wild!”

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: PART 2

How to purchase a pair of boots

as a present this christmas

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oot material is a primary consideration when buying a new pair of boots - you must consider just how waterproof your recipient will need their new boots to be - super-waterproof or just water-resistant?

If it’s the latter then our Spanish Riding Boots Classic would be perfect.

You may be purchasing them as stylish fashion footwear, in which case a suede boot

EMMA SNAILHAM, MD OF THE SPANISH RIDING BOOT COMPANY, OFFERS HER TOP TIPS FOR BUYING BOOTS AS A GIFT…

would work well, but you must treat the suede with a protector.

You must also consider the height of the boot - long boots look great with skirts in the winter (short, midi and maxi), whereas short boots work brilliantly with skinny jeans but are harder to wear with bare legs in the summer!

Then the type sole must be your next consideration choosing between a finer leather sole or a grippier Annabel Brocks’ Reversible Neck Warmers combine high quality faux fur and a range of tweeds and faux suedes.

RRP: From £45. www.annabel brocks.com

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chunky tread sole is so important.

Choosing a colour can be tricky especially if like our range, there are so many colour options to choose from. If the person’s clothing and footwear is predominantly black then why not offer them a ‘pop’ of bright colour as a way to update their look?

Also consider what kind of socks or hosiery they will be wearing with them. Tights, thin socks, long socks, shooting socks, they all make a marked difference to the fit of the boot.

Take all the advice you can on the website especially when

Childéric Spring 40 Handbag. Choose from over 25 colour ways.

RRP: £1,150. www.childeric saddles.co.uk

buying online, as you want to get the size right the first time.

Our boots come up big and most ladies go down a 1 to 1.5 sizes, so always check out the size chart with the calf measurements to see if you need to buy a standard or wide fit. If neither of those options work for you may need to buy a made to measure. Always ring or email the company for advice if you are unsure.

Lastly make sure you pass on the manufacturer’s aftercare advice to ensure the boots last. A suede rubber and brush is also a handy piece of kit and some internal shapers will increase the life and looks of your new gift. www.thespanishboot company.co.uk

Horse shaving brushes.

RRP: £80. www.british museum shoponline.org

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Sterling Silver and 18ct Rose Gold Vermeil Foxy Roller Bangle The ox’s mask and brush sits on the rings of the sterling silver bangle, with the three carefully textured rollers free to rotate around.

RRP: £225. www.hihosilver.co.uk

Shop the whole outfit at www.muddyfootprints.co.uk Jack Murphy, Boston Hat RRP: £39.99; Jack Murphy, Marisa Wool Coat RRP: £139.99; House of Tweed, Blue Tweed Rucksack RRP: £34.99.

Blyth Ladies Tweed Coat has a detachable collar in the most sumptuously soft faux fur.

Featuring useful pockets and leather trims. SRP: £300. www.toggi.com

Jack Murphy, Boston Hat RRP: £39.99; Jack Murphy, Katie V Neck Sweater RRP: £59.99; Caldene Figsbury Waxed Jacket RRP: £200; Purple Tropic Shawl/Scarf RRP: £7.99; HKM Belmond Boots RRP: £85.95.

We love...

Bee Sting!

Designer Abbie Dixon is the creative mind behind Bee Sting.

The Bee Sting brand is about body positivity. Inspired by her horse Makalu's shoes, the brand is here to celebrate women and hopefully crack a smile! www.beestingclothing.co.uk Sweatshirts RRP: £50 T-shirts RRP: from £35-£38.

Merlot Vineyard Candle RRP: £20. www.ladidaandover.com

The Lowell Zip 1/4 top provides the ideal under layer. RRP: £44.99. www.ariat.com

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: PART 2

Our wreaths are not just for Christmas Venetia Phipps is the Founder and Director of Plucking Fabulous, a quintessentially English brand that specialises in luxury gifts and accessories When did you establish Plucking Fabulous?

I launched Plucking Fabulous in 2014, after coming up with the idea of using the plumes of game birds, which otherwise would have gone to waste. After some online research, I made a wreath for myself and then others for family and friends and I soon found myself inundated with requests.

Lots of people liked what I had made, and were asking ‘Where did you get that from?’ and ‘Can I have one?’, so I started making them for more and more people – just charging for my time to make it and the plucking.

Venetia pictured with her dog, Hendricks

What other products does Plucking Fabulous sell?

Our collection is versatile and unlike holly, fern and other wreaths, ours can be kept up all year round. As well as hanging on a wall or with a mirror behind, they can be laid on a table, with a vase or candle inside to double as an eyecatching centre piece.

More recently we have started hiring out our creations Where are you based? for weddings and events after being approached by the My heart has always been in the country, where I grew up, in the organisers of a countryside ball.

Market Town of Saffron Walden. After a decade practicing as a As the business has grown I have continued to add new products solicitor in the City, I moved to a Cambridge-based firm to be to the portfolio including heart-shaped wreaths, which make ideal closer to my family. Getting back to the countryside was so natural wedding, valentine and engagement gifts, lampshades, mirrors for me. I’ve found something that I can do, using a by-product and feather covered numbers and letters, which can be bought from the meat industry – I never for one moment thought the individually as initials, or to spell out words. idea would literally fly! www.pluckingfabulous.co.uk Prices start from £45.99

Stirrups Bracelet from Hiho Silver.

RRP: £125. www.hihosilver.co.uk

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Statement equestrian jewellery all the way from Los Angeles. High Horse LA Necklaces are available in Classic Gold, Rose Gold or White Gold. www.highhorsela.com

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The Farah Collection takes inspiration from Sylvia’s very own beloved warmblood horse of the same name. Neckpiece RRP: £558.

Earrings RRP: £206. www.sylviakerrjewellery.com

Champion Evolution Couture SRP from: £166.75 (left) and Champion Ventair Deluxe Jockey helmet SRP from: £98 (right). www.championhats.co.uk

Equitector Classic showing and hunting boot Made to measure option available.

RRP: from £275. www.equitector.com

The Spanish Boot Company are highlighting their ‘wide fit’ this season. Choose from over 11 styles of suede and leather boots. RRP: from £255. www.thespanish bootcompany.co.uk

This Miltary inspired jacket features a parade of bold buttons down the front lapels, cuffs and across on the back also. RRP: £425. www.thespanishboot company.co.uk

Redwings exclusive horse cushion – Sampson RRP: £17.50. www.redwings.co.uk

Polo experience vouchers start at £145 for a half day, are valid for 12 months and redeemable in four clubs in England. www.poloexperience.com

Polo Bag RRP: £883. www.scharlau.com

Sterling Silver and 18ct Rose Gold Plated 12 Bore Shotgun Cartridge Rider on double leather strap. RRP: £85. www.hihosilver.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: PART 2

Ariat Volt Jacket RRP: £109.99. www.ariat.com

Hiho’s Cherry Roller Bangle is now available with up to five CZ beads.

RRP: From £155. Image shows bangle with three CZ beads and has a RRP of £215.

Exclusive Sterling Silver and 18ct Rose Gold Vermeil Complete Cherry Roller Necklace RRP: £985. www.hihosilver.co.uk Retro Green Scarf RRP: £49.

Isla Jacket in Duchess Tweed with generous contrast corduroy cuff.

RRP: £335. www.timothy foxx.co.uk

Frostline boots RRP: £84.95. www.grubsboot.com

Ariat Windermere Fur H20 RRP: £179.99. www.ariat.com

Toggi Welby Knitted Fingerless Mittens SRP: £20. www.toggi.com

Tweedmill Pure New Wool Blanket. Available in 8 different colours.

RRP: £55.

www.ladida-andover.com

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The Rowant Long Quilted Jacket has been created for riders who want to stay toasty in the saddle without compromising on style.

RRP: £159.95. www.equetech.com

Equitector New Classic Long Riding boots Made to measure option available.

RRP: from £255. www.equitector.com

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Sophie Callahan’s

top picks for Christmas The Hiho Silver Foxtail Bracelet

The Annabel Brocks Pelham Gilet

...and of course, one of my Equine Photoshoot Gift Vouchers!

The Mackenzie and George Windsor Clutch The Fairfax & Favor Apsley Shoes

Hat Covers in a large selection of colours and patterns.

RRP: from £14.50. www.horseborne.co.uk

Reynard The Fox Pendant in Rose Gold. RRP: £65. www.ladidaandover.com

Silhouette Horse Head Necklace. RRP: from £30. www.equestrian jewellers.co.uk

Aydon Ladies Fairisle Jumper SRP: £62.50. Swallow Printed Scarf SRP: £15. www.toggi.com

Equithème’s tube scarf comes in white/navy and pink/white.

RRP: £8.50. www.equitheme. co.uk

The 2018 Riders Diary now in A5 size is a 12 month record for your horse’s health, expenses, calendar of events and a 2018 weekly diary. RRP £13.95. www.horseborne.co.uk

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WIN!

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: PART 2

WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH HORSEBORNE TO OFFER 4 LUCKY READERS A NEW HAT COVER!

Paragon Crystal Copper and Golden Shadow Megabling Browband RRP: £50. www.paragonequestrian.co.uk

The Tyrex 1200 D Combo Turnout Rug is ideal for the colder months.

Without polyfill RRP: £67.90; 200g polyfill RRP: £76.90; and 350g polyfill RRP: £81.90. www.equitheme.co.uk

These beautifully designed stretchy lycra hat covers are designed to fit all jockey riding skull caps, perfect for jazzing up your competition attire and with so many fabulous new designs you'll definitely stand out!

Follow on Instagram: @horseborne_equestrian Like on Facebook: Carrots (@horseborne)

Mark Todd Performance Flash Bridle RRP: £142.99. www.wefi.co.uk

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING VISIT WWW.ABSOLUTEHORSE MAGAZINE.COM AND CLICK ON THE COMPETITION PAGE BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF 31ST JANUARY 2018.

Tyrex 600 D Technique rug RRP: Polyfill £81.90.

RRP: Without polyfill £69.90. www.equitheme.co.uk Mary King - My Way book.

RRP: £29.95. www.king eventing.com

Equitector yard and paddock boots RRP: from £99. www.equitector.com ‘Maya on a Frosty Morning’ Christmas card. Pack of 10 cards. £4 per pack. www.redwings.co.uk

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Luxury Training leggings RRP: £37.50 www.aptcavalier.com

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COLD FEET! Say goodbye to...

with Equitector’s Climate Control Technology!

Any leg height and calf width Gaiters ladies’ and mens’, any calf width Other features: • Hoof Proof toe protection • Rot proof soles and uppers • Stirrup foot balance system • Waterproof leather • Super comfortable • Long lasting quality

Prevents cold feet even at minus 20c!

Made in UK

MANUFACTURERS OF FINE RIDING BOOTS

www.equitector.com Telephone: 0208 090 4029

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: PART 2 Equestrian Silver Snaffle Bracelet A classic snaffle design, perfect for the fashion-conscious equestrian. RRP: £95. www.pegasusjewellery.net

Vivi Children's Competition Jacket with rhinestones on the front button, contrasting collar and pockets, finished with a tricolour cord. RRP: £105. www.nagsessentials.co.uk

LazyOne Stud Muffin Men’s Boxer Shorts RRP: £15.50. www.nags essentials.co.uk

Verena Long Riding Boots with extra supple leather at the ankle, elastic insert and zipper offering maximum comfort. RRP: £199.99. www.nags essentials.co.uk

WIN! WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH ABBEY ENGLAND TO OFFER 1 LUCKY READER A FIEBING’S BOOT SCRUBBER! To be in with a chance of winning visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competition page before the deadline of 31st January 2018.

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 19

Directory

Discover East Anglia's Best Independent Equestrian Retailers and Saddleries....

CAMBS

Gladwells Pet and Country Store Unit 12, Brassey Close, Lincoln Road Industrial Estate PE1 2AZ Tel: 01733 358002

ESSEX

Broomfields Broomfields Farm, Coggeshall Road, Earls Colne, Essex CO6 2JX. Tel: 01787 224358 www.broomfields-farm.co.uk

Abbey Tack Shop 52 Cartersfield Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JD Tel: 01992 761367 www.abbeytackshop.co.uk

SUFFOLK

Horse & Garden Ltd The Thoroughfare, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AP Tel: 01986 873484

Gladwells Pet and Country Store Lubards Lodge Farm, Hullbridge Road, Essex SS6 9QG Tel: 01268 642601

Gladwells Pet and Country Store Anglia House, Mildenhall Road, Suffolk IP32 6ER Tel: 01284 765683

Poole Farm Feed Centre Poole Farm, Poole Street, Great Yeldham, Halstead, Essex CO9 4HP Tel: 01787 237542 www.poolefarm.co.uk

Gladwells Pet and Country Store Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Suffolk IP8 3LA Tel: 01473 731117

West Essex Saddlery Brittannia House, Arkesden Road, Clavering, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4QU Tel: 01799 551172 www.westessexsaddlery.co.uk

Gladwells Pet and Country Store The Lodge Works, Stowmarket Road, Suffolk IP14 4EE Tel: 01449 673806

£4.25 per pack of 10 cards www.thebrooke shop.org

Upsons Farm Shop and Country Store Ivy Barns Farm Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 2JH Tel: 01245 380274 www.upsonscountrystore.co.uk

£4 per pack of 10 cards. www.redwings.co.uk

£5.99 per pack of 10 cards www.mdirf.co.uk

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WIX

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Wishing our customers a

Our new clothing shop ear ountry W Hornsea Equine & C ng: lli se is open,

T: 01371 856811

E: hornseaequineandcountrywear@gmail.com

Happy Christmas and New Year!

ALL ANIMALS LARGE AND SMALL CATERED FOR

Clacton Road, Wix, Harwich, Essex CO11 2RU

01255 870744

Hilltop Avenue, Vicarage Hill, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1PH

HORNSEA ANIMAL FEEDS LTD

01268 753851

T: 01371 856999

E: hornseaanimalfeedsltd@gmail.com

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Hornsea Farm, Bran End, Stebbing, Nr Dunmow, Essex CM6 3RU

www.hornseaanimalfeeds.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm.

Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

“Wishing our ry customers a ve as merry christm us and prospero 2018!”

www.brooks-stables.co.uk - Lynn and Team

• TACK SHOP • FEED • BEDDING • RUGWASH • WORMERS •

DUNNE ANIMAL FEEDS

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 21

Langdon Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, SS17 8QB

Never seen us?

Never heard of us?

e v ’ u o y n The ! t u o d e s s i m

Oh, and by the way...Happy Christmas!

Seasons greetings to all our customers!

Christmas Opening times: Christmas Eve - 10.00am-4.00pm Christmas Day - Closed Boxing Day - Closed Wednesday 27th Dec - Friday 29th - 9.00am-6.00pm Saturday 30th Dec - 8.30am-5.00pm Sunday 31st Dec - 10.00am-4.00pm New Years Day - Closed Tuesday 2nd Jan - 9.00am-6.00pm

Eastwick Lodge, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QT Tel: 01279 423443 www.toptackroom.com

GREENSTEAD ANIMAL FEEDS

Large variety of feed and accessories for horses and pets including dog and cat food, as well as chicken and wild bird feed.

Specialised equestrian section includes clothing and accessories for horse and rider.

A variety of country and equestrian footwear is available, and our staff are all trained to fit both riding hats and body protectors.

Rugs cleaning and repairs, and leatherwork repairs.

Very a u o Y h s i We W stmas and a i Merry ChrNew Year!

Happy

Come and Visit our...

FARM SHOP & CAFE

KIDS PLAY AREA PETTING FARM

N RE EW ILE SECPTTIO N

NOW OPEN!

Greenstead Animal Feeds, Greenstead Green, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1QY | Tel: 01787 475247 greenstead.animalfeeds@hotmail.co.uk

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 22

Sandons Saddlery DISCOUNT

WEEK 2018

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas!

7th-14th April Offering you and your horse a wide choice of tack Riding wear & country clothing - New and second hand

• Qualified Saddle Fitter • Trailer Hire • Clipper Hire, Blade Sharpening, Clipper Repairs and Servicing • NS Bit Hire • Massage Pad Hire • SQP for Horse Wormers • Rug Wash Proof and Repair Service • Leather Repair • Qualified Hat Fitting Service • Online Shopping Site • Body Protector and Point Two Air Jacket fitting service

Complementary Gift Wrapping Service

Gifts for all the family and pets! info@sandonssaddlery.co.uk 01362 683383 Bintree Road, Foulsham, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 5RL

Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm We accept all major credit/debit cards

www.sandonssaddlery.com

Highfields Farm, Battisford, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 2HL Telephone: 01449 722122 Open: 9.30am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday. 9.30am-9pm Thursdays up to Christmas.

10am-4pm Sundays up to Christmas.

C Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Clipbush Business Park, Fakenham NR21 8SW Tel: 01328 851351

www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk

SofSWAY O R S ELLINGHAM

NOW IN STOCK

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas!

Ellingham, Nr Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2PH

01508 518400

www.crosswaysofellingham.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pm Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 23

GOLDING FEEDS & NURSERY LTD For all of your Pet, Animal and Garden requirements

at Stonham Barns

Bedmax and Plospan Shavings all now in stock Large range of horse food available including top brands Hay and Straw available for delivery

Wishing our customers a very

Happy Christmas!

Hall Road, Outwell, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 8PE

Tel: 01945 772802

Long Melford e: taglodge@aol.com

Saddlery & Clothing

Happy Christmas

Come and see us in either store all leading brands stocked!

Tel: 01787 378734 (Saddlery, Pet Foods & feed)

Tel: 01787 372444 (Country Clothing & Accessories)

www.longmelfordsaddlery.co.uk

Open 7 days

etings! r e r G s n o s Sea ers fo our custom

all nk-you to year.

A big Tha ughout the ro th t or p p su your Find us on Facebook

SELLING BOTH NEW & PRE-LOVED EQUESTRIAN ITEMS

WOODFARM BUSINESS CENTRE CROWFIELD, SUFFOLK IP6 9TH

Tel: 07806 854944

Happy Christmas to our customers!

YES WE STOCK...

Charles Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Stowmarket IP14 5AH Tel: 01449 674881 Unit 14, Bunting Road, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BX Tel: 01284 718686

www.dawnstackbox.co.uk

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 24

COMMERCIAL FOCUS

www.Muddy-F t Our top see this mon...

A

t Muddy-Footprints we offer our customers a stylish, functional, quality range of Equine & Country clothing, dog, horse and homewear at affordable prices.

We ensure that we deliver a combination of high quality and performance in all our products including impeccable styling and comfort; we only stock the brands and products that we personally think are ‘the best!‘ Can’t find your size? Looking for something in particular? Please let us know. We’re more than happy to help!

Email - yasmin@muddy-footprints.co.uk

The Nolan Tweed Jack Murphy Blazer A classic country style with a contemporary twist.

Complete with a detachable quilted insert, this smart blazer will insulate you when the temperature drops and look good whilst doing it. RRP £224.99.

Jack Murphy Max Waxed Jacket This extra cosy waxed, quilted cotton jacket features: British waxed cotton, fleece Lining, cord detailing, zip front with stud placket. Shower Resistant.

Material: 100% Waxed Cotton, 100% Polyester Fleece lining, 11 Wale Corduroy Trim. RRP £159.99.

About us: Muddy-Footprints was launched in July 2017

by Yasmin. After being made redundant she took the chance to change her hobby and passion into a career. Muddy-Footprints is online based (www.muddy-footprints.co.uk).

However, Yasmin and Ollie are planning on travelling around the country with a ‘pop-up shop’ to shows such as HOYS, Olympia, Badminton, Burghley, local county shows and many more (so please look out for them!).

This is where Yasmin’s partner, Ollie comes in.

He helps out a lot with the show planning, stock ordering and sending orders. Ollie also works shift work which is very convenient, leaving plenty of time for Muddy-Footprints. They wanted to introduce themselves to make that shopping experience for yourselves, that little bit more personal and enjoyable.

24

Yasmin Hempstead, Oliver Wardrop, Darcy (The Jackawawa) and Ausi - Hightown Kite (The Cob).

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 25

prints.co.uk

We would love to offer all Absolute Horse readers 20% Off at www.muddy-footprints.co.uk

Orca Bay Schooner Deck Shoes Designed with a 360° lacing system made of rawhide which ensures a perfect fit and are made with a nonmark and non-slip sole for secure footing with a shock absorbing heel cup for added comfort. The inner sole is made from leather which will allow your feet to breathe all day long. Available in Havana and Navy. RRP: £72.

Polo Dog Collars 100% Hand stitched leather polo collars, made with high quality metal hardware. Available in a range of colours and sizes.

RRP: £22.99.

OR...

Faux Fur Hat & Scarf Gift Set What an amazing gift! A high quality ribbed beanie hat (with detachable faux fur pom pom) and matching pom pom scarf.

Soft, warm ribbed hat with generous turn up. 95% Acrylic 5% Polyester. Pom pom simply attaches with a press stud (on hat) to give you 2 looks from 1 hat.

RRP £22.99.

Small Tweed Backpack This beautiful backpack is perfect for day to day use! It comes complete with shoulder straps and a inside pocket. It is UV resistant, rain and water resistant and resistant to spills. RRP £34.99.

Jack Murphy Marisa Wool Coat A longer length jacket that offers a fresh, youthful look that is both trendy and chic. This coat features an exposed zip to the side of the coat. Available in Earth/Brown and Blue Thunder. RRP: £139.99.

Give the gift that suits everyone…

Gift Vouchers are also available from ONLY £10

Don’t forget to #follow us on Social Media for competitions, special offers and giveaways!

Facebook Muddy-Footprints Twitter @muddyftprints Instagram @muddyfootprintscountryclothing

25

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WINTER SAFETY

CATCH THE EYE

By Nicky Fletcher of Equisafety

T

he use of high visibility/ fluorescent apparel is important, but what is probably more significant is the ‘shape and size’ of you, and your horse, as well as other attributes that help to catch drivers’ eyes. In fact the more unusual shape you can create the better.

We’re not talking about big bottoms here though, we’re talking about Biomotion.

Using reflective and fluorescent

material and/or LEDs on the parts of you and your horse that are constantly moving, is the best way to improve your safety.

We recommend a hat band, arms, ankles/stirrups and that horses’ tail, legs and ears are covered. This ‘shape’ is unusual and makes you look as big as possible, therefore catching the drivers’ eyes quicker.

In numerous studies drivers spotted pedestrians, with strips of retro-reflective tape

attached to points known to invoke the perception of biomotion, significantly better than a pedestrian using any other approach to visibility. As such, Equisafety is striving to harness the full power of biomotion in the products it designs.

Experiments have shown that pedestrians (not wearing high visibility or reflective clothing) thought drivers could see them at between 300 to 400 feet, but the drivers didn’t actually see the pedestrian until he was within 100 feet. This is called a ‘Double Blind Situation’. It is actually very difficult to make judgements of distance if the object is moving towards or away from you.

The Equisafety Mercury range is perfect for dusk to dawn riding as the amount of retro-reflective fabric used is perfect for

High visibility one side – luxurious black quilted on the other, yes the Inverno jacket is reversible!

The fluorescent side is made using a 100% waterproof, lightweight, breathable fabric with taped seams and a high-performance design. It comes with an exclusive pull-down warning triangle, which fastens at the sides of the jacket, and can be removed.

However, turn it inside out and it becomes a soft, luxurious black quilt jacket. This makes the jacket very versatile as it can be used while hacking; but also while away from the horse when you do not want to draw attention to yourself, but still be warm and comfortable. The jacket has two sizes of quilting, with smaller quilted panels on the waist to give a slimming effect to the wearer.

26

standing out to all drivers.

Rule 51 of the Highway Code advises horse riders to wear a light showing white to the front and red to the rear.

With this in mind Equisafety’s range now includes items, such as their new hatband, that feature strips of LED lights which strobe across the product offering the driver the opportunity to access another viewpoint in his peripheral vision. These products contain white or red lights depending on where they are worn.

White lights are always worn when moving towards oncoming traffic and red lights are worn at the rear to signal to drivers that there is a vehicle in front. Why red? Well first we associate it with a warning and secondly red has the lowest impact on your vision at night, i.e. your eyes recover their night vision faster when they’re exposed to red light.

Therefore, the hatband features white lights on the front and red on the back; the breastplate has white lights and the tailguard has red lights. www.equisafety.com

RRP: £99.99

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 27

Product News...

The Luminosa Reversible Jacket is 50% hivisibility, 50% reflective and has been manufactured using waterproof, extra-soft fluorescent hi-vis fabric and reflective fabric made from powered glass beads.

But, that’s not all - because this clever design gives the wearer two choices as they can reverse it to achieve a black quilted jacket, perfect for nipping to the shops or wandering around at an event. www.equisafety.com

RRP £105.

WIN! WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH EQUISAFETY TO OFFER 2 LUCKY READERS A NEW LED HATBAND!

RRP: £99.99.

The Avante Hi Viz Fixed Neck turnout rug is ideal for horses that must use or cross roads to access their grazing, or ones that have a habit of ‘vanishing’ into the gloom in large fields. Besides being a beautifully designed and made turnout rug, with hi-viz yellow, it has bright reflective strips which ensure 360 degree visibility. www.harryhall.com

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING VISIT WWW.ABSOLUTEHORSE MAGAZINE.COM AND CLICK ON THE COMPETITION PAGE BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF 31ST JANUARY 2018.

RRP: £34.99

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 28

HEALTH & WELFARE

COULD MY HORSE CATCH A COLD THIS WINTER?

By Dr Andrew Waller, Head of Bacteriology at the Animal Health Trust and Dr Adam Rash, Equine Influenza research team at the Animal Health Trust

T

he common cold in humans is usually caused by a virus, and although it is very rare for a virus to jump from one species into another, there are equine versions of these diseases which will affect horses just as they do us.

Horses suffer from infections of the upper respiratory tract which can be caused by viruses, but also bacteria. The most common cause of respiratory infections in horses are equine influenza virus and Strangles.

Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) Horses infected with EIV show clinical signs that are very similar to the symptoms that we experience from human influenza infection. The classic signs are a fever, a harsh dry cough and nasal discharge.

It takes time for the lining of the respiratory tract to fully recover after infection with flu. During this time the horse should not be put under any stress or strenuous exercise, as they will be more vulnerable to other infections. A good guide is that for every day that your horse had a raised temperature, they will need at least a week off from exercise.

Strangles Horses suffering from Strangles display signs of fever, thick mucus nasal discharge and swollen lymph nodes around the head and neck.

Abscesses can form in these areas, which often rupture releasing pus. Older horses may exhibit a milder form of the disease, whilst younger horses often develop more severe signs.

Strangles can last for several

NO-ONE LIKES TO BE ILL, SO THIS WINTER LOOK AFTER YOUR HORSE JUST AS WELL AS YOU WOULD DO YOURSELF… treatment. This process can take time, but is essential if further outbreaks of Strangles are to be prevented.

Keep out the cold this winter – AHT’S top tips to fight the phlegm The disease itself may be subtly different between humans and horses, but you can still apply the same prevention techniques to keep your horse happy and healthy this time of year…

• Vaccination is often used to limit the severity of disease.

Vaccines for flu are readily available from your vet, and the AHT’s research helps to keep these up to date with the latest strains of the virus so they are the most effective. Strangles weeks and some horses can take research at the AHT aims to develop new effective vaccines to months to recover. One month be able to protect horses from after clinical signs (symptoms) have resolved it is important that Strangles in the same manner that horses are protected from your vet checks to see if any of flu today. the horses that had Strangles • Isolation of infected animals have become carriers. Your vet may blood test all horses on the can limit the spread to others, just as you would avoid yard that remained healthy to someone coughing and sneezing see if any of them may have in the office, keep infected been exposed to the infection. animals away from others.

Exposed horses and those that • Risk factors such as have recovered can then be underlying health conditions or examined by guttural pouch injuries, and not being regularly endoscopy to confirm whether they have completely cleared the vaccinated, can increase the chance of contracting infection or require further Continued overleaf...

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HEALTH & WELFARE

HORSES CAN READ OUR BODY LANGUAGE

H Continued from previous page...

the disease. As with influenza in people, it is often the very young or very old that are most at risk of more serious disease.

• Good hygiene is very important.

These bugs can also be passed on by direct contact between horses and by handlers, so it’s just as important to wash your hands between horses as it is your own hands throughout the day, to prevent contaminating equipment or spreading the disease to your horse’s stable mates.

• Avoid sharing equipment, food buckets and water troughs at home or out at shows. Just as you wouldn’t share a hug or a mug with someone who is sick, you shouldn’t let your horse rub noses or drink from a communal water bucket if you want to be sure they don’t pick up any nasty germs.

• Being aware of outbreaks gives you a head start on protecting your horse. You can check for and report outbreaks of EIV on the Animal Health Trust’s @equiflunet on Twitter. You may help more than just your own horse if you do.

• Get help. Both flu and Strangles are highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one infected horse to another. If you suspect that your horse has a respiratory infection, consult your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible to diagnose and contain the disease.

30

orses can tell the difference between dominant and submissive body postures in humans, even when the humans are not familiar to them, according to a new University of Sussex-led study.

The findings enhance our understanding of how animals can communicate using body posture across the species barrier, and are specifically helpful for informing horse handlers and trainers about the ways horses perceive human body language.

Psychology researchers worked with 30 domestic horses to see whether they were more likely to approach a person displaying a dominant body posture (involving the person standing straight, with arms and legs apart and chest expanded), or a submissive posture (slouching, keeping arms and legs close to the body, relaxed knees).

They found that even though the horses had been given food rewards previously by each person Amy Smith when in a neutral body posture, they were significantly more likely to approach the

individual displaying a submissive rather than a dominant posture in follow-up trials.

Co-lead author of the study, psychology doctoral student Amy Smith, said: “Horses are often thought to be good at reading human body language based on anecdotal evidence such as the ‘Clever Hans effect’.

These results raise interesting questions about the flexibility of cross-species communication.”

The researchers recruited horses at three equestrian centres in Suffolk and East Sussex.

All the handlers were women, dressed in similar clothing and of similar size. A dark neck warmer covered their faces to eye level to minimise facial expression cues.

The horses, who had previously been fed by two people, were given a free choice to approach either the person displaying the dominant or the submissive body posture.

CHARITY WELCOMES DECISION TO

MAKE CCTV MANDATORY

The Government announced that from spring 2018, CCTV will be required in every slaughterhouse in England in all areas where live animals are present.

“We applaud the Government for this welcome advance for equine welfare, as accountability and transparency are essential if the slaughterhouse is to remain an option for horse owners, most especially those who cannot afford the high price of euthanasia,” said World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers.

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GENE THERAPY CAN CURE LAMENESS IN HORSES, STUDY SHOWS

I

njecting DNA into injured horse tendons and ligaments can cure lameness, new research involving scientists at Kazan Federal University, Moscow State Academy and The University of Nottingham has found.

The gene therapy technology was used in horses that had gone lame due to injury and within two to three weeks the horses were able to walk and trot. Within just two months they were back to full health, galloping and competing.

The study has big implications not just for the veterinary world but the future of human medicine – injuries like these are common in people as well as animals, not just in lameness but in other illnesses and diseases from the legs and arms through to the back and hips.

The new findings are the result of a partnership

between the Kazan Federal University and Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology and Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Dr Catrin Rutland, Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Developmental Genetics, led the work at Nottingham.

She said: “This pioneering study advances not only equine medicine but has real implications for how other species and humans are treated for lameness and other disorders in the future. The horses returned to full health after their injuries and did not have any adverse side effects. This is a very exciting innovation.”

Professor Albert Rizvanov, who led the study, said: “Advancing medicine, relieving pain and restoring function were the main aims of this study.”

RESEARCH IN HORSES COULD HELP PREVENT

HUMANS FROM GETTING HOARSE A new research technique developed to investigate Strangles in horses, has helped scientists in human medicine take a leap forward in understanding the bacteria that causes many of us to become hoarse ourselves.

World-leading scientists at the Houston Methodist Research Institute in partnership with the Animal Health Trust (AHT), have identified new genes linked to how Streptococcus pyogenes, the infection responsible for a sore throat, survives in saliva from people.

The technique they used to support this discovery was developed by the AHT to better

understand Streptococcus equi, which causes Strangles. With an estimated 600 outbreaks of Strangles each year in the UK alone, the AHT has spent many years examining how the bug causes disease, to be able to develop effective vaccines to prevent such outbreaks occurring in the first instance. To do this AHT scientists constructed a new method for identifying the most important genes for the bug’s survival in different conditions. It is this technique that has been shared with human medicine counterparts.

“We are delighted that a technique developed at the AHT

to learn more about Streptococcus equi and Strangles in horses has provided new results that could benefit people too,” said Dr. Andrew Waller, Head of Bacteriology at the AHT.

SELENIUM: MIGHT HOLD THE KEY

Crib-biting in horses – a distressing compulsive disorder – might be related to a lack of trace element selenium in their diets, according to new research.

The study suggests crib-biting shares similar characteristics with some human neurological or psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and autism.

The researchers, led by Dr Arash Omidi at Shiraz University in Iran, and including Dr Matthew Parker at the University of Portsmouth, say their study is the first to test the role of trace elements in crib-biting.

Dr Parker said: “It’s too soon to know for certain if selenium in the diet will help or even cure the condition, but the crib-biting horses we tested were deficient in selenium.”

He urged caution over selenium dosages, though, warning too much would be toxic to horses.

The recommended daily amount of dietary selenium is 0.1mg/kg of daily diet, but more than 2mg/kg is toxic.

For horses, selenium is found naturally in hay, pasture and grain. It is also commonly added to commercial horse food, underlining the importance of owners checking their horse’s existing dosage before adding more.

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HEALTH & WELFARE

COMBATING:

Winter Worries

W

ith the dark nights and daylight hours at their shortest many horses will be less active and spend longer periods inside. As the cold weather bites, riding time can also be limited and turn out can be hit and miss as our paddocks transform into flooded mud baths.

Combating common winter ailments can be a challenge due to the adverse and changeable conditions representative of a UK winter. Ensuring your first aid kit is fully stocked with the most appropriate products can help ease winter worries.

In winter, horses often spend more time indoors and become less mobile, which allows fluid to accumulate around joints and causes an increase in bursal injuries and strains.

When horses are subjected to spending more time indoors, they are also likely to be more

32

exuberant when they do go out in the field, leading to strains, tendon injuries, and knocks. This can also be the case when hacking out on uneven ground that can quickly become deep with slippery mud.

Cold therapy is ideal for the treatment of inflammation and such soft tissue injuries, and should be used immediately after an injury occurs and then subsequently for the next 48 hours, at regular intervals.

Traditional cold hosing with water in the winter months may lead to cracked heels or other skin problems. Koolpak from Robinson Animal Healthcare provides instant, dry cold therapy, without the need for refrigeration, and is a key product in any first aid kit throughout the year.

Foot abscesses are more common in wet weather because horses' feet are softer; making it is easier for foreign

Traditional cold hosing with water in the winter months may lead to cracked heels or other skin problems

objects or dirt to penetrate the foot. The wet, muddy conditions of winter provide ample opportunity for abscesses with dirt and gravel able to work their way easily under the shoe or into the foot of an unshod horse.

Winter skin conditions can bring misery to many horses, with damp muddy paddocks an ideal breeding ground for the bacterium that causes mud fever.

Foot abscesses are more common in wet weather because horses' feet are softer, making it easier for foreign objects or dirt to penetrate the foot

If it is known that an individual horse is prone to certain winter skin conditions then preventative measures should be taken. For example, horses prone to mud fever may benefit from a barrier cream or regular treatments with an antibacterial cleansing wash.

Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements. www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 09:55 Page 33

DAISY’S HERBAL ANSWERS...

Q. My horse doesn’t like being stabled and so lives out for most of the year. Unfortunately I’ve had to move yards this year and have been told that if the fields get bad we may have to keep the horses in, (one day in, one day out). I'm worried that he will get stressed staying in all day. I already give him toys and a mirror in the stable when he has to come in, but he soon gets bored and starts to stress. I wondered if there were any herbs I could use to help keep him relaxed, if he has to stay in?

A. There are several herbs you can use to help relax a stressed horse, the main herbs I use are Chamomile, Vervain and Valerian. They all help to relieve stress, anxiety, restlessness and to settle nerves. You can use them combined in a mix or try them individually to see which suit your horse .

If your horse is stressed, it is also important to consider the digestive system as stress can lead to ulcers. Feeding herbs such as Meadowsweet, Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root can help to support and protect the digestive system. Chamomile is also useful as it can help to settle the digestive system in stressful situations.

If you are competing, please note that valerian is prohibited by some competitive bodies. www.champerene bespokehorseherbal.com

Product Updates...

Phillips Brothers are immensely proud of their SoftMix Horse Bedding Bale. Consisting of 70% chopped straw and 30% First Grade shavings and filling the stable with eucalyptus scent, they are a great alternative to an all-shavings bale.

Jane Knapp commented, “Earlier in 2017 our major investment in a new state of the art Bale Breaker and filtration system has refined the quality and reduced dust, providing a voluminous stable bed free of dust, bacteria and mould spores. Chopped straw is far easier to manage and muck out. All our straw products are treated with Salgard anti-bacterial solution to enhance Bio-Security and ensure the bed is free of E.Coli and Salmonella, safeguarding your’s and your horse’s health.

“Our standard SoftMix bale contains wheat straw, but as a special order we also supply rape straw which is growing in popularity due to its high absorbency, plus greedy horses that like to eat their straw bed tend to find rape straw less palatable.”

Weighing in at approximately 18kg this bale gives great value at £6.30 including VAT. A free-of-charge van delivery service for 25+ bales within East Anglia reaches the horse owner that has limited storage or restricted access but wants the benefits of purchasing direct from the producer. www.phillipsbrothers.co.uk

Daisy Pric Herbalist e,

Apply the Aniwell range of skin and wound protection products - FiltaBac, FiltaClear and Active Manuka Honey Vet (AMHVet) all year round. Animal first aid made easy! Available at Veterinary clinics, equine/pet supply stores, pet pharmacies and on-line stores. www.aniwell-uk.com

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HEALTH & WELFARE

ABSOLUTE HORSE READER DONATES

prize to charity

Phillips Brothers Woodshavings making the delivery to Remus Sanctuary recently

Absolute Horse Magazine recently ran a competition in conjunction with Phillips Brothers Woodshavings, where one reader had the chance to win 25 bales of horse bedding.

The competition prompted a huge response and the lucky winner was selected as Clair Missen from Suffolk.

However rather than keep the prize for herself, Clair very generously decided to donate the 25 bales to Remus Horse Sanctuary. She commented, “I know there are lots of little superstar ponies horses and donkeys that the Sanctuary have to keep snug and warm so this is really going to help.”

Sue Burton, Sanctuary Founder and Manager said, “We were overwhelmed by Clair's kindness and generosity and it couldn't have come at a better time as the night before her message the Sanctuary was broken in to, resulting in many thousands of pounds worth of damage. It was so kind of Clair and we are taken aback by her gesture.”

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Clair. Upon hearing the news that she had won the prize of 25 bales of horse bedding she messaged me requesting to donate her prize to Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex.

Not only is her gift of value to the Sanctuary, but she has brought the charity to our attention, 600+ Facebook followers on our page, plus thousands of readers of Absolute Horse Magazine. Clair, you have inspired us at Phillips Brothers to support Remus and other charities as and when we can,” said Jane Knapp, Phillips Brothers.

Remus Horse Sanctuary is a leading charity helping all neglected horses to live a full and dignified life and next year celebrates its 35th year of helping neglected horses.

Over that time many hundreds of horses have been helped and saved and loved and cared for. Work at the Sanctuary is often very similar to a hospice situation, giving these animals, most of which are survivors of the most horrendous cruelty at the hands of mankind, the very best of care - allowing the younger ones to get over their abuse and develop into happy adults, or for the older ones to spend their twilight years doing as they wish. Nothing is asked of any of them. They are fed, watered, cared for and loved. They receive regular veterinary and farrier attention as required, and the benefit of holistic therapies.

There are many ways that YOU can help: Make a donation, volunteer, donate unwanted tack, rugs etc, buy your christmas cards, puddings and gifts from them, sponsor a pony, or even organise a fundraising event. Contact Remus Sanctuary for more details. www.remussanctuary.org

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SKELETAL SHETLANDS MARK START OF WINTER WELFARE CRISIS

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quine rescue and welfare charity, Bransby Horses, rescued three Shetland ponies recently that were severely emaciated. The rescue coincided with the first of this year’s cold weather and with space already limited at the charity, foster homes are desperately needed for rescued animals to free up more space for intakes this winter.

The ponies Alfie, Tinkerbell and Tyrian have Body Condition Scores of 0, 1 and 0.5, respectively. All three were extremely lethargic on collection and Alfie, who is just 2-years-old, collapsed in the trailer and has

since had to be lifted by the charity’s Animal Reception Centre Team on numerous occasions. He has no muscle or fat on him and weighs just 35kg.

Said Ryan Rouse, Head of External Welfare at Bransby Horses: “It is very worrying to think that this is only the start of the colder weather and we are already dealing with such horrific cases, it leaves an uneasy feeling with us all.”

If you are interested in rehoming or would like to make a donation towards the charity’s vital rescue and welfare work please visit: www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

PROTECTING RACEHORSES FROM FATAL FRACTURES The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has called upon neighbours, the British Racing School (BRS), to help with the second stage of their BRS student vital research into preventing fatal fractures Katie Crocker amongst racehorses. with some of Previous research at the AHT has shown that the DNA samples genetic factors can influence the risk of fracture collected in racing Thoroughbreds. To put this research into action, the AHT needs help to develop a DNA test which would identify horses at high risk of fracture. This would allow these horses to have their bone health monitored more regularly and training regimes adjusted to reduce their risk of injury at home, or on the course.

Seeking DNA from Thoroughbreds that have participated in racing, the team visited the BRS to collect samples from its resident racehorses. Grant Harris, CEO at the BRS says, “Any research project which will help to eliminate injury and help equine welfare and well-being, deserves to be supported.”

SEIB Insurance Brokers Health and Welfare Award presented to Redwings Horse Sanctuary's CEO Lynn Cutress

REDWINGS WINS AWARD

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is delighted to have been honoured with a national health and welfare award for its ‘Stamp Out Strangles’ campaign.

Product Update...

Small and discreet, EquiSure is the first alert system designed for riding. A beacon is fixed to your riding hat and the horse’s tack. In the event of a fall, a message is first sent to the rider. If he is conscious and able to move, he cancels the alert. If the rider remains unconscious or unable to cancel the alert, the horse’s beacon is automatically triggered to send out sms alerts to the preregistered numbers containing the GPS location of the rider and the horse. Relatives and emergency services are then contacted instantly and can intervene efficiently and effectively. www.iminnov.com

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HEALTH & WELFARE CALLS FOR GOLDEN TIME

McTimoney practitioner, Dr Emma Punt presented a ground-breaking concept for posttrauma care recently at the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) conference at the University College Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, California.

In the UK 52% of transport incidents involving horses result in a horse being hurt and of these 30% are left with chronic issues.

“We should recognise that during an incident the horse is full of adrenalin and stress hormones.

The horse has probably been sedated to enable its rescue, and it wouldn’t be safe to trot the horse up on the road, so a roadside assessment may not show all or any of the injuries sustained.

The 2-6 weeks after the incident is the ‘Golden Time’ when a horse would hugely benefit from being assessed by a vet and a physical therapist such as a chiropractor to improve outcomes and manage owner/rider expectations.” www.mctimoney-animal.org.uk.

CREATING A COMPELLING 2018

and beyond!

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s we come to the close of 2017, are you willing and committed to grabbing 2018 by the short and curlies and making it the best year yet?

If you are then this is one exercise that I just love doing every year. The trick is to let your imagination run wild and go back to when you were a child and think about the things that you used to love doing or always wanted to do.

Let the barriers or limitations of life fall down and have fun…

But first let’s do a bit of prep work and see where you’ve come from, where you are now and where you’re going.

Grab a pen right now!

Write down five years ago where you were (giving yourself a score out of 1-10, 10 being the highest) in these areas: physically, mentally,

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emotionally, relationships and financially/lifestyle. Add a short sentence to support the score you’ve given yourself. Then do the same for NOW and where you want to be in five years time.

It’s interesting to acknowledge the picture that you’ve created in the exercise so far. But who do you have to become to be where you want to be in the next five years?

Now write down at least five things that you have always wanted to do but never got round to doing, even if it feels like something that’s out of your reach.

You can get your friends and family to join in and see what ideas pop up, it makes a great discussion for the festive period!

Next you need to start piecing it all together like a jigsaw. Ask yourself and write down, WHO do you need to help you to get

By Samantha Hardingham there? Then break the five years down in to WHEN you’re going to get there, start with what has to happen annually, every quarter and every month to build a compelling 2018 and beyond. Also jot down WHY you want to get there and this is the most important part, it needs to have emotional intensity attached to it so you see the plan through.

Remember that your goals for 2018 and beyond aren’t set in stone, they’re moveable and in failing in what you thought would be your dream year/life or

lifestyle can mean that you achieve your real goals.

Hope you enjoy this fun exercise and wish you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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BACK HEALTH IS SO

IMPORTANT... www.allottrtequestrian. wixsite.com he ridden horse is more likely to be susceptible to back issues/injury than an unridden horse. As a rider our balance, our weight, our height or our muscle imbalances all effect what interaction we have with the horses back. Now when you add a saddle into the mix all that interaction is still there, it doesn’t go away. In some instances, it can help cushion some forces placed upon the horses back but in others it can greatly exacerbate the force causing more pressure which could eventually lead to issues/injury. So what are the key things we need to be aware of and why is saddle fit crucial to riders and looking after the horses back health?

Recently I spoke to qualified saddle fitter Catherine Morris from Breathe Saddle Fitting. I asked what are the most common reasons for people contacting her to fit a saddle? She replied, “People will normally contact with issues such as someone pointing out that the saddle doesn’t seem correct (equine professionals, coaches, therapists, etc), the rider noticed the saddle slips to one side, the horse has behavioural issues, the owner has bought a new horse, a green horse ready to be backed, and the saddle seems tight upon feel.”

These are all valid reasons and there are many more. This then got

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POLARIS MAKES AMAZING TRANSFORMATION WITH SUFFOLK REHOMERS

Photo: EqCouture Photography

By Karen Allott BSc(Hons) Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation and EMAP (Dist) Specialist Equine Massage Practitioner.

me thinking! The above reasons were all regarding the reaction and comfort of the horse, but not once did anyone mention that they as a rider might have issues. Does anyone even ask themselves ‘does my saddle fit me?’ ‘Does it support me and my needs as a rider?’ As a rider the saddle is just as important to you as it is the horse. A badly fitted saddle to a rider can cause the rider to tilt, place unwanted pressure on the joints creating aches and pains, thus impinging rider performance. Many riders suffer from back problems and often are not sure what they can do to help this problem, but if they are riding their horse in a seat that does not support them this could aggravate their issues further.

All of which in the long run has a knock-on effect to the horse, which can be detrimental to the horse’s back health. So, if you or your horse are experiencing any issues always follow this simple rule ‘If in doubt get a professional out’.

A horse found abandoned has made an amazing transformation and is enjoying a new lease of life as a companion for young racehorses with her Suffolk rehomers.

When World Horse Welfare Field Officer Nick White first visited Polaris in January 2016, he found her fly-grazing in a field in poor condition. Nick said: “Polaris was a small 12hh yearling and I was really shocked at her condition. She had a very thick winter coat but when you felt through this she was just skin and bone underneath - running my hands over her was just like feeling a skeleton through the hair.”

Polaris underwent several months of veterinary treatment and once her rehabilitation was complete, she found a loving new home with the Southcott family in Saxmundham, Suffolk.

Ian Southcott is a racehorse owner and was looking for a youngster to be a companion for promising young filly, Swell Song. He said: “We had no idea of the circumstances in which Polaris had been rescued and it is absolutely incredible that she has turned out into this stunning horse that is so content and full of life.” www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehoming

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NUTRITION

Naturally

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

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in Horses

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ver the past few decades, we have become more aware of respiratory disease in horses and the need to pay close attention to the environment as well as the horse’s diet, in order to reduce the level of exposure to the disease-causing agents.

If the horse is suffering from a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract, or an allergic response to the presence of inhaled fungal or actinomycete spores or noxious gases such as ammonia, this can cause inflammation of the small airways, increased mucus production and bronchiospasm, and the condition can be exacerbated by a ‘dusty’ environment.

The connection between respiratory tract infection and allergic respiratory disease is wellknown in human medicine and it appears that horses are more sensitive to respiratory allergens (agents causing an allergic response) following an infection of the respiratory tract, since the damage to the airways caused by the infection allows easier access of airborne allergens to the

sensitive tissues. Not all viral or bacterial infections will result in the horse becoming sensitised, but recovery time after respiratory infection is prolonged in the presence of environmental contaminants. Once a horse develops a dust sensitivity (which can occur over a period of years of being exposed to environmental pollutants), it will remain so for life, whether that sensitivity was due to exposure to a severe challenge or following a respiratory infection.

The major respiratory allergens include: • Fungal and other respiratory spores, especially the thermophilic actinomycetes.

• Ammonia and other noxious gases.

The Contaminants:

Fungal Spores Hay is probably the single most common source of fungal spores, most commonly caused by baling at too high a moisture content. A horse eating mouldy hay or stabled on a contaminated bed may inhale millions of spores with every breath. More importantly, significant levels of fungal contamination may be seen in hay which looks and smells ‘clean’, which means the challenge to the respiratory system can be greater for horses that are fed hay. Even when hay is soaked before feeding, some spores are still ingested along with any toxins that may be Continued overleaf...

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any owners like to feed their horses treats but the overload of starch and sugar as found in some treats, can have a negative effect on the horses digestive system and are also best avoided if you have a horse or pony that is susceptible to Laminitis, Cushing's, Insulin Resistance and EPSM. Instead, to reward your horse for good behaviour it is recommended that healthy treats are fed such as vegetables and fruits. It is important though to only feed a small volume, for an average horse 1 or 2 carrots is sufficient.

The Trio of Treats from Rowen Barbary contain a range of healthy flavours - Beetroot, Banana and Carrot Mash.

These are specifically designed to help ensure a healthy hindgut by providing the horse with high fibre levels necessary whilst ensuring starch and sugars are kept to a minimum. Fed soaked as a soft textured mash they have a ‘water holding’ capacity which will help improve fluid

The Rock ‘n’ Roller treat dispensing hole measures 30mm in diameter and suits most treats - just place them inside. RRP: £19.99. www.abbeyengland.com

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y Healthy Treats

By Rebecca Hollows, Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds intake, and are also much more palatable for horses that struggle to chew and digest due to old age or illness.

As the vegetables and fruits that they contain are also dehydrated they store and travel better.

Although many horses regularly enjoy carrots and we all know that bananas are an excellent source of potassium it is seen that beetroot also offers many nutritional benefits. The vegetable contains a number of antioxidant pigments including polyphenols, such as resvertrol and quercetin. The main red pigment is known to be a betanin, a natural antioxidant.

However, the most interesting and exciting effect lies in its naturally high nitrate content.

Research on beetroot

has reported a beneficial effect on blood pressure and also on exercise intolerance.

By feeding healthy treats that taste good to your horse, it will help ensure that positive behaviour is rewarded without any detrimental effects.

However, it is important to feed treats sparingly and to not get into the habit of feeding treats on a regular basis - if your horse begins to expect a treat at a certain time and doesn’t get it, you may be asking for misbehaviour. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

Equerry Minty Horse Treats make the perfect reward for your horse and have a lovely spearmint flavour.

Minty Horse Treats are low in sugar and cereal-grain free so they won’t cause any problems or ‘fizz’. RRP: £6. www.equerryhorse feeds.com

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FREEDOM

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS FEEDER NUTRITION

in Horses

Continued from previous page...

present, and as the wet hay falls to the floor and dries, the spores become airborne once again and are inhaled by the horse as well as contaminating the bedding. Other feedstuffs which are poorly stored may also be a source of fungal contaminants.

Bedding Even the cleanest of straw will contain more fungal spores than alternative beddings such as wood shavings, paper or hemp beddings. Deep litter beds should be avoided as significant moulding can occur, in addition to the build-up of ammonia and the larvae of gastrointestinal parasites.

Ammonia Ammonia released from a deep litter bed or poorly managed bedding where damp patches are left, can seriously damage the horse’s airways and reduce the efficiency with which the horse copes with other respiratory allergens such as fungal spores.

Top Tips to reduce Respiratory Challenge • Choosing a dust-free bagged forage/semiwilted forage in place of the hay ration will

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probably make the single greatest contribution to reducing the respiratory challenge to all stabled horses and ponies.

• Bedding should be replaced with a dust-free option, but will still require good management as these types of bedding can still become contaminated if damp patches remain, releasing ammonia into the horse’s environment.

• Good ventilation is essential to reduce the level of environmental pollutant. A well-designed stable will allow an adequate number of air changes occurring throughout the stable, without draughts. An extra rug is definitely preferable to closing the top stable door.

• Siting of stables is important. Ideally, don’t situate your stable next to your hay store/barn or muck heap or the pollutants will carry past the stable door. If in a multi-horse yard or livery, there is little point trying to control the environment of one horse if, in a shared airspace, there is another horse next door eating hay and which has a straw bed.

• Always feed high quality, dust-free feeds and never use any feed that has gone mouldy. Most feeds on the market these days are dust-free.

Store feed securely in a bin where it cannot get damp or be accessed by loose horses or rodents.

• In addition to the points above, in severely affected horses and ponies, medication may be necessary to control the respiratory disease, so veterinary advice should be sought in this instance.

• The importance of antioxidants in lung health has also been highlighted. Horses suffering from RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction) may have disturbed oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium and there are special antioxidant supplements on the market aimed specifically at horses suffering with RAO. www.horsehage.co.uk

The Freedom Feeder, recommended by Veterinarians, Equine Hospitals, Equine Dentists and Equine Nutritionists is available exclusively in the UK from Shadow Horse.

These innovative nets can be hung on fences, in stables, even laced closed and thrown on the ground like a pillow.

They are incredibly strong and provide up to 24-30 hours of hay or haylage for the average horse so there is no need to constantly refill through the day.

Freedom Feeders are easy to fill and close up and their carabiner clips are designed to break under major strain to keep your horse safe.

Freedom Feeders encourage your horse to eat the way nature intended and make him healthier and happier.

Freedom Feeder from Shadow Horse available in different sizes: Extended day size £65; Day size £48; Travel/mini size £30. www.shadowhorse.co.uk

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New Products...

NO MORE TUMMY TROUBLES FOR

TRIGGER

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hen Simon Dyson purchased Trigger he was originally for his wife to hack out with their children. As an accomplished rider Simon competed in eventing for many years but now enjoys hacking and a few days out hunting.

At 20-years-old, Trigger joined the family yard based in Lincolnshire as an old schoolmaster capable of taking care of any rider and to be a safe hacking companion for the children on their ponies.

Recognising what a great horse the 16.1hh chestnut gelding was, Simon, who is the Managing Director of Cyden Homes, couldn’t help stealing the ride from his wife.

Shortly after buying Trigger the family noticed that he always suffered from loose droppings, especially when stabled. Having given him time to settle in and changing his diet, nothing seemed to improve his digestive issues. So, on the suggestion of his sister, Simon decided to try Trigger on Lifeforce Formula, the supplement from Alltech.

Said Simon: “Trigger’s digestive health improved enormously, and his droppings soon became firm. We no longer had to constantly wash his tail, and his overall health improved which is displayed in his shiny coat.” www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

New Equiglo Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet delivers firstclass equine nutrition at great value-for-money prices. This fibre-rich feed is made from micronized unmolassed beet flakes and can safely be fed to all horses and ponies, including those prone to, or at risk from, laminitis.

Created from British-grown, non-GM sugar beet, Equiglo Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet is low in sugar and starch, highly digestible and acts as a natural probiotic for healthy gut function. It provides an excellent supply of non-heating, steady energy for working horses and ponies, and can be used as a direct replacement for starchy, cereal-based feeds or as a partial forage replacer for veterans with poor teeth or when forage is limited or of inferior quality.

RRP: £9.95. www.equiglo horse feeds.co.uk

Silvermoor Treatsies come in two flavours, Turmeric and Chamomile, and are made from natural ingredients. www.silvermoor.com

Smart Balance is a concentrated supply of micronutrients; vitamins, performance minerals, amino acids, Omega 3 and antioxidants, along with an advanced digestive aid.

It provides optimal levels of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, high levels of vitamin E and selenium, antioxidants that combat free-radicals, optimum levels of biotin and generous levels of B vitamins for efficient energy metabolism. RRP: £29.95. www.castlehorsefeeds.com

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NUTRITION

Winter

Weight Watchers

By Jane Buchan of Baileys Horse Feeds

(calories) yet leave essential inter is the perfect means that he is consuming fibre. Steaming helps reduce time to encourage more than he is burning to the spores in hay but has no tubbier equines to stay healthy, keep warm and effect on its calorie content. slim down for spring. The fuel work.

• Hay or haylage will always be colder weather and poorer • To encourage weight loss, the the most cost effective fibre nutritional quality of grazing combination of forage and any source but low calorie chaffs, should give an advantage as hard feed should not weigh soaked beet pulp and high more calories are used by the more than the equivalent of fibre cubes or nuggets, will add body to keep warm and fewer 1.5% of a horse’s bodyweight. variety during the winter as should be provided by grass.

Of this, a minimum of the long as they are not over-fed.

Here are some practical ways equivalent of 1% of the horse’s • Fatties still need essential to actively promote weight bodyweight should be nutrients for health and wellloss. fibre/forage to help maintain • Assess your horse’s condition gut health. A weightape can be being so should be fed a low calorie balancer, alongside regularly using a Body used alongside body condition Condition Scoring (BCS) scoring to assess and monitor a forage and/or pasture, to provide quality protein, system which involves horse’s bodyweight. vitamins and minerals, for evaluating the fat covering of • When stabled, preserved muscle tone, metabolism and the neck, ribs and rump, both forage is the main source of healthy hooves and skin. visually and by getting your calories. Intake should be Balancers are perfect for hands on and feeling things. controlled by weighing what is providing those nutrients likely At Baileys, we use a BCS fed and using small-holed hay to be lacking in a forage-only system from 1 to 9, where 5 is nets, or other “slow feeders”, diet, especially when described as ‘moderate’, and to make the daily ration last as soaked forage also loses considered ‘ideal’, and 9 is long as possible. Whilst calorie essential nutrients described as ‘extremely intake must be controlled, a and winter grazing fat/obese’. horse still needs fibre to chew is also less • Be honest, if your horse or pony and to keep his digestive nutritious. is going into the winter with a system healthy.

They can BCS of 6 or over, his calorie • Hay should be soaked for up to be fed as requirements have been and 12 hours, if possible, to wash the are being exceeded. That out soluble carbohydrates

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sole concentrate, to gooddoers, or to top up reduced amounts of hard feed, to keep the diet balanced, without adding extra calories.

• Exercise not only burns calories, it keeps the horse mentally and physically healthy. If a horse has limited or no access to turnout, he must have some other form of exercise every day, even if it is only in-hand.

• Only lightweight rugs should be used, if any, so the horse or pony has to burn fat reserves to keep warm.

The colder and harder the winter, the more help it will give you in encouraging weight loss in your overweight equine, especially after a long warm autumn with plenty of grass. We’re not talking about reducing them to BCS scores below 4, which would be natural for many living wild, but shifting down a score or two and staying there, would be a healthier situation for many.

For a free Equine Weight Loss Programme workbook, to help you structure your horse’s diet management, visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

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The Benefits of...

NUTRITION

Balancers

top specification feed balancer is an exceptionally concentrated horse feed which supplies high levels of protein (amino acids), vitamins, minerals, trace elements, yeast products and other micronutrients.

They contain both general purpose and specialised supplements, which can include those for hooves, bone, muscle, blood, joints, the immunesystem and the digestive tract.

The use of one fully-balanced product, rather than multiple separate supplements, avoids unbalanced or oversupplementation.

However, not all products marketed as ‘feed balancers’ can be defined in this way which can lead to confusion. Some are only ‘top-dressings’ for compound feed and cannot actually be fed without them. Unfortunately, some supplements which do contain vitamins and minerals to balance horses’ diets, as well as products to improve the microbial balance in the gut, refer to themselves as ‘feed balancers’ despite the fact that they do not balance the diet for protein.

A top specification feed balancer is one that combines the benefits of balancing the horse’s diet superbly with respect to protein, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, with the advantages of optimising the balance of

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microflora in his gut. Products like this are truly feed balancers in every sense of the word.

When to use a feed balancer?

Feed balancers are widely used to enable horses and ponies to carry out the activity that is required of them, and benefit the horse by maximising forage intake whilst minimising hard feed requirements, this naturally increases digestive efficiency.

There are many resulting benefits for the horse and the owner will benefit financially in the long-term.

Article supplied by nutritionists from the TopSpec MultipleAward-Winning-Helpline. They can be contacted, free of charge, on 01845 565030.

Feed Balancers are nutrient-dense feeds that will improve your horse’s ability to utilise nutrients from everything he eats (including grass, hay/haylage) and they do this in three ways:1. By balancing deficiencies of amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the forage and any straights/blends/chops fed, improving their utilisation.

2. Improving fibre digestibility with the action of pure, protected yeast which stimulates fibre-digesting (good) bacteria in the hindgut.

3. Supplying Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS), which back up the action of yeast by binding with pathogenic (bad) bacteria, removing them from the gut and leaving the beneficial bacteria free to multiply.

The improved dietary utilisation that occurs from the use of a top specification conditioning feed balancer means that Which feed balancer will benefit your horse? requirements for any blends, straights or compounds, fed in Feed balancers can be tailored to suit a variety of horses and ponies addition to the balancer, are by changing the type of balancer, reduced. This enables feeds to be kept small and within your horse’s quantities fed and the products meal size limit. For example, if they are fed with (straights, blends, chops or even compounds your horse weighs 500kg the dry weight of each of his hard feeds if wished). should weigh no more than 2kg.

Using a top specification conditioning feed balancer is ideal Conversely, if your horse is a good-doer and does not require if your horse needs help increasing condition. The balancer weight gain, an ideal way to balance his forage diet is by using will provide high quality protein a top specification, nonsources which promote muscle conditioning, feed balancer. This development when combined will provide an appropriate level with exercising your horse in a correct outline. As a result topline of micronutrients, including specialised supplements, but will increases, increased musculonot promote condition when fed skeletal development also as part of a calorie-controlled diet. supports performance and Feeding a diet based on an stamina.

appropriate top specification feed balancer, which allows you to feed in a way that is sympathetic to your horse’s digestive system, can result in many benefits. These include a reduced risk of loose droppings, colic, laminitis, ‘tyingup,’ fizzy behaviour, Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD), gastric ulcers and stereotypical behaviour.

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KATIE AIMS HIGH IN THE SPORT OF

EVENTING

K

atie Stephens-Grandy is busy producing top quality young horses for her chosen sport.

Here she tells us about her progress and how fit and well her horses look thanks to their TopSpec feed regimes.

Katie is from a farming family based on the Wolds, where she breeds and produces her own event horses and buys in very green 3 and 4-year-olds.

Aiming to enjoy the world of eventing, she is busy focusing on producing talented young horses up to novice level. For 23 years she has been trained by well-known rider and coach, Chris McGrann and admits she is very much engrossed in his classical training beliefs.

Katie first started using TopSpec after facing problems

with her horse Trendy Magic Touch, known as Smurf in the stable. He first came to Katie as a very green, nervous and easily spooked 4-year-old.

But thanks to help, support and patience with Chris and Katie working together to give him confidence, progress was made with Smurf showing some good form at BE90 and 100 level which qualified him for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup at this year’s Badminton Horse Trials.

Despite all the success Smurf was affected by the hectic workload, becoming worried and stressed which resulted in a number of feeding issues.

Said Katie: “Fortunately I asked for advice from TopSpec Equine Advisor, Nicola Shuttleworth who was just fantastic. She suggested I tried Smurf on

test and was one of only a few double clears to finish second which successfully qualified him for the Mitsubishi Motors Club in 2018.

“TopSpec really has transformed Smurf, he is much happier, stronger and a more contented horse now with the changes to his diet.

“Our run of form also continued when Smurf won the BE100 Open Yorkshire Challenge at Frickley Park Horse Trials which was fantastic.”

Smurf will concentrate on training over the winter ready for Badminton 2018.

After such a positive effect thanks to the change in feeding, Katie now feeds TopSpec to her other horses.

The homebred, Mr Music is on TopSpec Comprehensive Feed TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer and TopSpec Balancer, and they have CoolCondition Cubes or TopSpec successfully qualified on their Performance Cubes depending first attempt for the BE90 on his workload and stage of Regional Final by winning on a training.

23.8 dressage and completing “The change in feed was a a double clear. They are now massive influence and by the focussed on moving up to time we went to Badminton, BE100 level.

Smurfwas not only feeling very Katie is also busy bringing on well but also looking well and Castlesize Go Easy who she we finished in the top half with also events and is just starting a fabulous clear cross country. her two youngsters, Belview “Since then he has gained much Bobby and Cheeky Bandit who more confidence and has been are about to start competing. consistent at competing BE100 Katie’s best horse, Hey Mr level and British Showjumping. Sandman has been off this He is currently in first place in year but will be making a the Cumbrian BE100 leader comeback next season, with board which is very exciting. the aim of competing at CIC “The improvement has level. continues with Smurf and at Shelford Manor 2 for the BE100 Regional Final, he did a lovely

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SPECIAL FEATURE

<<< INTERVIEW >>>

WE GET A BEHIND-THE SCENES INSIGHT IN TO THE DAILY LIVES, TRAINING SESSIONS AND CAREERS OF SOME OF THE UK’S LEADING EQUESTRIAN PROFESSIONALS

Meeting

HELEN WEST

H

elen West’s devotion to equestrianism is tangible everywhere you look when rolling into Bicton Arena, Devon’s acclaimed eventing venue.

Since taking on the role of Arena Manager with Clinton Devon Estates four years ago, Helen has elevated Bicton Arena’s status to one of international standing but she won’t be happy until it’s up there with Badminton, writes Fran McElhone.

“I’m pretty much in charge of everything that’s green!” laughs Helen, gesturing to the verdant 360-degree bucolic panorama, studded with giant beeches.

Owned and managed by Clinton

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Devon Estates and set in stunning Grade 1 listed parkland, Bicton Arena is the finest equestrian venue in the South West and one of the most reputable in Britain.

Helen, a professional rider of 14 years, was appointed Arena Manager in 2013. Her job includes managing the brimming events diary and designing the courses, including the cross-country course escorting you into the estate.

Since the 37-year-old from Torquay took the job, the quantity and quality of events, and the footfall, have increased exponentially.

“Because I’ve ridden at such a high level, I’ve tried to put in

place everything I’ve wanted as a competitor, such as investing in the grounds’ maintenance.

The horses are worth an awful lot of money, so keeping them sound is a priority,” she adds.

“As a rider, you’re only as good as the horse you’re sitting on, so it’s vitally important to get it right. When I arrived, the space was under-utilised and I could see its huge potential,” Helen said.

This potential is being fulfilled under Helen’s expertise, with support from a small team of committed and competent colleagues.

When Helen joined, Bicton Arena hosted one British affiliated horse trial. Now there are three, including an international event. “I just thought it had all the ingredients and deserved to be up there with Blenheim and Bramham.”

Bicton Arena is currently a CIC** venue, a rating given by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Under Helen’s expert guidance, Clinton Devon Estates’ ambition is to turn it into a three-star venue by 2018.

To put this in perspective, there are only two four star rated venues in the country; Badminton and Burghley, and two other three starred venues.

Helen has also given herself a goal of two years to establish an international showjumping event.

This summer, the venue hosted its first regional dressage championships after a successfully tendering to be the host venue. A new, larger scale,

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all-weather arena opened in April which will enable the venue to meet an everincreasing demand. In Helen’s 2017 calendar there are only two weekends spare.

Since 2015, when Helen was awarded a course design scholarship with British Eventing, she has been designing all the courses at Bicton. This led to her appointment as course designer for the prestigious Nunney International Horse Trials in June.

“I was looking at ways to cut costs and just thought, crikey, I’ve ridden at 4* level, surely I must have the knowledge to design,” she explains. “When designing, I always ask myself, what kind of course would I want to ride? Another unexpected benefit of being able to design is that it’s really helped my riding.”

Helen started riding aged six and was competing within a year, including at Bicton. Eventing became her passion.

“Any eventer does it for the love of cross country,” she says. “I really love that you get to meet so many people and go to some beautiful places, but it’s an

incredibly risky sport – your neck’s on the line in cross country, so what you get is an immense spirit of comradeship.

Competitors are willing each other to keep safe and do well, which is rare in competitive sport.”

Eventing showcases the immense proficiency of the rider and intelligence of the horse.

But is it unfair on the animals?

“No,” affirms Helen, who is in preparation for her first international showjumping competition with her “demanding but characterful” 10-year-old Irish sports horse, Eebay, when we meet. “You can’t make a horse do something it doesn’t want to do,” she continues. “They have to love it. You’ll never have a horse at the top level who doesn’t want to be there.”

All Helen ever wanted to do was ride horses. Recognising her potential, her parents set up a livery business and, as a teenager, she started getting paid to train and ride other people’s horses competitively, going on to produce horses and sell them.

After selling a horse she’d produced to Captain Mark

Fact File: • Bicton Arena covers 156 acres of Clinton Devon Estates’ Grade 1 listed parkland and attracts around 10,000 horses and 20,000 riders and spectators annually.

• The cross-country area boasts more than 100 cross country fences and there are four arenas, including the iconic grass TopSpec Arena.

• Devon born and bred and a former Torquay Girls’ Grammar School pupil, Helen started riding professionally as a teenager.

• The venue also supports grassroots riding, regularly hosting Pony Clubs (of which Helen is District Commissioner of the East Devon branch) and local riding club competitions and residential camps.

• Helen went on to represent Great Britain in dressage at Pony and Junior level while from the age of 12.

• Her passion lay with eventing and she went on to win the Pony Club Senior Eventing Championship in 2000, and represented Great Britain at two Junior, and two Young Rider European Championships.

• Helen’s most significant achievement is winning team gold at the Young Rider European Championships in 2001, aged 21.

Phillips, father of the Queen’s granddaughter and Team GB rider, Zara Phillips, he offered her a job at his stables in Gloucestershire, which she took for the best part of a season.

But Helen admits that her lifestyle proved relentless and that “there isn’t a part of me I haven’t broken”. Just one week after a near fatal fall for one of her horses, another horse lost it’s life and Helen decided it was time to re-evaluate. “I didn’t want to ride that course with that horse that day, because it

was too big for him, but I had to because it was my job,” she explains.

That same evening Helen saw the advert for the manager’s role at Bicton Arena; a place where she’s been able to continue to immerse herself in the world of horses, and the place that has brought her together with her fiancé Andrew who she will marry in December.

“Before, I had no work/life balance, now this job gives me the best of both worlds.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE

FOCUS Sharpening your horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

BLACK COUNTRY SADDLES SPONSORED

<<< TRAINING >>>

SARA SQUIRES

OFFERS SOME USEFUL ADVICE ON ENSURING YOUR HORSE IS RESPONSIVE AND REACTS POSITIVELY

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Give your horse time to think when training

T

he essence of success is to train your horse to be careful. This means he must remain focused throughout a competition so he has the ability to react as necessary, thinking on his feet throughout.

I believe that when training your horse to jump, you must introduce lots of variety.

The aim is to keep your horse alert, keep him concentrating and therefore get him to respond to everything he is faced with in a quick but

measured way.

You should also take this opportunity to reflect on your own riding. Your horse can feel how comfortable you are in the saddle, and if you are disorganised, this is likely to transfer through to your horse which will be reflected in his jump form.

So, firstly consider whether you are sitting comfortably and riding with a positive rhythm.

Then reflect on whether you have got control of his shoulder and if he is sitting on his

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hindleg. Finally, is your horse straight and heading for the middle of the jump?

If you are positive about all these points, you are creating the best opportunity for your horse to jump cleanly.

Once you are comfortable with these points, you should start to work on his reaction times so he has the ability to react quickly while jumping, but is also responsive to your aids on the flat too.

You are aiming to get to a position where you can close your heel and your leg around his sides and that on its own is enough to get him into a forward trot. If this is not immediately achievable work on lots of transitions with your aids as light as possible, if necessary using the tickle of a whip. By getting him to react to the smallest of aids, you are preparing him for far greater levels of reaction when you need them.

Try the following exercises to build on your success:

Exercise One

Slow down and be thoughtful With an upright fence that falls easily, add some V-poles. The Vpoles will actually make your horse back off from the jump, thereby encouraging him to think about how to tackle it first.

You need to focus on your horse heading straight forward with a positive rhythm, whilst you maintain a supportive leg.

and balance required on the approach to the fence.

The exercise is useful for both young and more experienced horses and I tend to use it once a week with all my horses.

Keep your horse in the middle of the jump

Exercise Two Placing his feet Create a small upright with canter poles on the take-off and landing side, three metres from the fence. Start with a low fence but be ready to increase the height as your horse’s confidence grows.

For this exercise, your horse will have to focus on exactly where he is putting his feet because of the poles, and just as importantly, will have to focus on what he does after he lands.

Once again, your horse will have to slow down his approach, giving him some thinking time as to how to tackle the fence.

Your focus with this exercise should be a straight approach again, maintaining a positive rhythm and encouraging your horse to find his own balance.

rather than throwing your upper body forward.

These fences require a short, active canter and you should find this naturally with the exercise.

When it comes to jumping this is another easy exercise to incorporate.

Use a line of five canter poles set out seven yards apart with a cross pole at the end. As you make progress the jump can then be made into an upright and then an oxer, increasing the height as required.

This teaches the horse and the rider the correct jumping canter

The choice of saddle that Sara uses for both showjumping and crosscountry is the Black Country Saddle Vinici Jump.

Said Sara: “The saddles include the latest innovations in design and this really gives me confidence knowing that whether I am competing at a show jumping event or tackling a major crosscountry course that I am riding in the best saddles available today.

“The leather is soft and supple from day one”. www.blackcountry saddles.com

Exercise Three

Increasing the number of fences Build three small fences, three metres apart. This will teach your horse to jump and think quickly, and ultimately, you can add as many fences as you like to this exercise.

Again in this exercise, give your horse a good, straight approach and focus on balance. Maintain a neutral upper body position

Training Keep yourself organised and efficient in the saddle

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SPECIAL FEATURE have ridden for Great Britain internationally and have been lucky enough to train with some of the world’s best coaches. I ride and compete horses on behalf of clients and one of my biggest achievements was winning Team Bronze at the CIC** European Championships. The memories I have from that week are very special. I was so proud to be wearing a Union Jack and representing Great Britain.

I am also very proud of the training base and facilities I have developed at Granary Hall near York.

<<< INTERVIEW >>>

I

Have you always ridden horses?

Yes, for as long as I can remember, I have been riding since before I could walk. Riding has always been the ‘thing’ in my life that makes me tick, makes me focus and motivated and I have never really thought about doing anything else even during the tough times of which there can be plenty when horses are involved!

When did you first start eventing?

I first started eventing at the age of 11. My mother was a keen event rider and she gave me the

Meeting

encouragement to follow in her horsey footsteps.

Tell us about one of your sponsors...

I am proud to be sponsored by Yorkshire Pet Portraits, Andrew the artist creates the most elegant canvases bringing all sorts of animals to life with his near photographic quality artwork.

Leading saddle specialist North Yorkshire Saddles has also recently joined the team providing me with saddles and equipment from the Harry Dabbs range.

HARRIET MORRIS-BAUMER

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R

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are a host of riders coming and going for lessons and training.

We also run regular camps and clinics. When time allows I head over to Yorkshire Riding Centre for training with Christopher Bartle with my own horses.

country is £40, including the £5 course hire. These prices reflect a session which may vary between 45 minutes and an hour depending on how long it takes to achieve the goals set after an initial assessment.

I offer lessons in all disciplines; dressage, showjumping and cross-country. I have experience in teaching all disciplines and riders of all levels. I tailor all the lessons to the rider and their horse so that they will be sure to gain some invaluable advice no matter what their aims and ambitions are. My clients range from those taking part in the Wobbleberry Challenge to those aiming for 1* events and beyond.

camps at Granary Hall are an exciting occasion. With on-site stabling and fantastic facilities you can stay for 2 to 5 days, it is a really fun time as groups of friends stay together and take part in the activities. I offer a range of options to create your own bespoke camp itinerary, from flatwork, showjumping and cross-country lessons plus unmounted activities such as pilates for riders, video analysis/feedback sessions. I also provide demonstrations on my own horses and we have talks from leading industry experts and much more. www.harriet-morrisbaumber.co.uk

What sort of lessons What happens at do you offer at the camps?

I like to think the training Granary Hall?

Tell us about your base I am very fortunate to be based at Granary Hall, which is in Everingham, near York. The facilities are excellent and include 16 stables all fully matted with dual aspect windows, a wash box with a hot shower and solarium, and a floodlit arena with Martin Collins surface. We have 10 acres of individual post and rail paddocks. We also offer a crosscountry training field with a variety of cross-country fences from 50cm to 1.05cm including banks, ditches, skinnies and corners. We have a grass dressage arena which is perfect for test riding practice and great for those horses who have never seen white boards before. We have a five horse Whittingham horse box that includes a hot and cold shower for the horses, tack lockers, roof rack and a big drinks fridge! All in all a fabulous set up to be based at within easy reach of many events and competitions.

Tell us about your current team of horses?

I currently have two rides owned by the Made in Yorkshire Syndicate and showing huge potential.

Escofino I is a 6-year-old, grey gelding and Whiteasparke Caramel is a 5-year-old bay gelding. Both are competing at 1.10m level showjumping and BE90 and have made a great start to their eventing careers.

Horses also come in to be schooled, to get fit or to compete for a short while so the team on the yard can change every couple of months which keeps things fresh and exciting.

What is the price per lesson your offer?

The general price for a dressage lesson is £35, a showjumping lesson is also £35 and cross-

What do you spend most of your time doing?

I have spent the last few years establishing myself as a trainer and coach to other riders in and around Yorkshire. I was the runner up in the 2015 KBIS Instructor of the Year, something I am very proud of and at the yard each week there

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Developing fitness in the

<<< EXERCISES >>>

Dressage Horse

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GARY FOGGON

BLACK COUNTRY SADDLES SPONSORED RIDER

PROVIDES ADVICE ON EXERCISES TO GET THE DRESSAGE HORSE FIT AND THE SCHOOLING ROUTINES HE HAS DEVELOPED. GARY HAS UP TO SIX HORSES ON HIS YARD AT ANY ONE TIME SO GOOD MANAGEMENT IS VITAL TO MAKE SURE ALL THE HORSES RECEIVE THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF WORK AND TRAINING THEY NEED TO COMPETE AT THE TOP LEVEL.

Spend 15 to 20 minutes warming up

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reparing the dressage horse requires, time, attention and dedication. To make sure you can present him to his best advantage, being fit and supple is paramount to your chances of success in the arena.

P

You have to give the horse time to develop and can only start pushing a horse harder when you can see his muscles developing. You have to be much more careful with a younger, big moving horse, if you ask them too much too soon they will incur problems and strains. I also think if you Schooling routine use the gallops or hack for I think it is important to have an fitness you have to keep doing exercise routine, which can be this regularly so that the body is Additional exercises varied to ensure that the horse used to it. It is no good once a As well as ridden schooling, I like doesn’t get bored or stale. All to work from the ground with all month giving them a blow out, my horses are schooled at least of my horses. It allows me to see you could create problems. four or five times a week and Difficult issues what I do with them varies from how they are moving from a horse to horse and whether they different angle. They all get Each issue or ‘problem’ horse lunged once a week which have a competition planned. I requires a different and tailored encourages them to stretch and approach. Every horse has its spend 45 minutes to an hour work really deep over the back. I own character and it’s a balance schooling each horse. also do work over poles and I start by spending 15 to 20 between a sympathetic but firm small jumps, again to add minutes warming up, walking approach to make the horse and trotting with a deep outline. variety to their workload and happier. An unhappy horse is keep it interesting for them.

Once I feel they are ready to only trying to tell you that The last thing you want is for progress I will then do half an something is not right – most dressage horses to become hour of intense work, finishing are never just intentionally bored and stale by going round ‘naughty’. up with 10 minutes stretching down to relax them and cool the in circles so the more variety you What is important is to try and can give them the better. muscles. All the horses go on make sure horses are happy in the horse walker after schooling Allowing them to enjoy their routine, they are working themselves and be happy in and this is part of the warm with you and that they have a their work makes for much more bond with you. Once horse and down. expressive movement.

They also have individual rider are tuned in to one stretches to do in the stable another, working together Fitness without after exercise and are then becomes so much more overstraining washed off and finally groomed I could write a book on this one! enjoyable and fun. You will also to help them relax. find you progress and gain

Allowing horses to stretch is important

Keep the work varied and interesting

Take your time and think about the future

confidence in one another more quickly. Problems and issues can often be caused by rushing and trying to get to the next stage in your training when you are not ready to move up the ladder; so I would say slow down, take each step as it comes and both you and your horse will enjoy the process so much more.

Schooling and fitness changes?

I do not change my routine in the run up to a new season. I like to keep things as routine as possible and my training continues throughout the year.

I will organise the horses’ days off with the competition in mind and give them slightly easier weeks after big competitions. Changing any routine quickly is a real no, no.

Horses are creatures of habit and routine so it is important to keep this in mind at all times.

One of the main issues for me is that they are fit, happy and well. Horses that ooze fitness and well being will give you so much more and feel on top of the world. A good grooming every day might not seem that important but when their skin and coat are gleaming they are bound to feel so much better.

Also make sure your tack is the best it can be. I ride in a Black Country Dante Dressage Saddle which allows me to sit in a more balanced and relaxed position which allows the horse more freedom. www.blackcountry saddles.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

PIPPA ALLEN

ON KEEPING YOUR HORSE CALM AND RELAXED WHEN WORKING TOWARDS JUMPING A SMALL COURSE IN AN INDOOR ARENA. WE FOLLOW A LESSON PIPPA GAVE TO NICOLE WIGGINS AND HER HORSE ROBBIE

H

<<< LESSON >>>

aving competed from a very young age, Pippa 23, has two European Team gold medals under her belt, and has had international success at many prestigious shows including the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, Scope, Olympia, Aachen, Hagan and the Horse of the Year Show.

Nicole, 23, travelled up to Pippa’s yard near Bradford, West Yorkshire, along with her horse Robbie, a 6-year-old 17hh Irish Draught.

Having owned Robbie for 18 months, Nicole’s plans for competing him came to an

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Nicole Wiggins with Robbie and Pippa Allen

abrupt halt last year when she broke her ankle after falling off him. Nicole has had some issues with Robbie, as being a very big horse and still young, he can nap when out at shows, so having a lesson with Pippa was great for building their confidence as a partnership.

Pippa started off by working on Nicole and Robbie’s flatwork and helping Robbie to relax by doing plenty of circles. She advised Nicole to keep her reins short and her hands up, as Nicole has a tendency to drop her hands when Robbie gets tense.

Once the pair started working in canter, Pippa suggested

Pippa suggested riding Robbie outside as well as indoor to help keep him relaxed

allowing the canter to extend and allow Robbie freedom on the long side of the arena.

“Let him open up in the canter to loosen him up before shortening the canter again,” Pippa said. “Don’t keep him short all the time as he gets tight in his neck.”

Once Robbie was relaxed and working well, Pippa set out some poles and asked Nicole to count strides between the jumps out loud. Again, they repeated the exercise of collecting Robbie on the short sides of the arena and extending the canter down the long side.

Practicing shortening and

Pippa explains the importance of using all the arena

Robbie starts

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Pippa’s Favourite Feed lengthening the canter over poles is a great way to control the striding before starting to jump, Pippa explained.

Nicole started by jumping a small course at about 60cm, which although jumping clear, she felt Robbie was rushing.

“Give yourself time to get organised around the corners,” said Pippa. “By slowing down on the corners you can gather yourself together if you make a mistake. If Robbie lands on the wrong leg, don’t rush, just trot one stride then change to the correct canter lead and get ready for the next fence.”

In order to allow Nicole to feel more prepared, she asked her to jump an oxer then halt immediately on landing, before cantering away straight away.

After completing this exercise, she explained that by thinking about halting after the jump, Nicole will have more time to organise herself once the fences get bigger.

Nicole and Robbie then jumped the course a few more times at about 80cm, before Pippa put the fences up to around 1 metre, which is the biggest Nicole had jumped on Robbie.

The first attempt was a bit rushed, and Robbie knocked a

Pippa encouraged Nicole to slow down on the approach to the fence

few poles.

“Don’t change anything,” Pippa instructed. “Just because the fences get bigger doesn’t mean you have to change the way you ride. Go for the same bouncy canter, keep organised and give yourself time to approach the fences correctly.”

Nicole then jumped a foot perfect round with Robbie and was thrilled to jump clear at this height.

Said Nicole: “I’ve learned a lot, especially about lengthening and shortening the canter.

Keeping my hands up and holding Robbie together makes such a difference. I’ll definitely be using all the tips the next time we enter a competition.”

Pippa added: “Nicole did really well, especially with such a big horse! She showed real improvement throughout the lesson and I’m sure they will

Pippa encouraged Nicole not to lean too far forward before take off

continue to forge a real partnership together.”

Pippa feeds Fibre-Beet to her team of horses.

“We’re delighted with the results we’ve had from feeding Fibre-Beet to our competition horses. They love the taste, it keeps them in great condition – and it’s so easy to use,” says Pippa.

A super-fibre conditioning feed, Fibre-Beet is a formulated blend containing all the benefits of the original Speedi-Beet product, with added high quality Alfalfa for optimum condition and to provide quality protein for muscle tone and function. www.britishhorse feeds.com

Nicole and Robbie coped well when Pippa increased the height of the fences

A good clean jump for Nicole and Robbie

Nicole and Robbie get the hang of things

e starts to settle

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SPECIAL FEATURE

KEEPING YOUR HORSE SUPPLE AND FIT WITH

<<< EXERCISES >>>

EMMA MCNAB W

hen it comes to riding good circles and other movements, it is important to take the time to mark out an arena-sized space to school in as this makes sure you’re riding accurately.

You may be surprised at how tight it feels when you start riding in a 20m x 40m or 20m x 60m area. A tip to marking out your arena is to use poles to set the distance and if you do not have letters, simply place buckets or cones where they would be so that you have a visual marker to know where to start movements from.

The 20 Metre Circle

Exercise one, ’20 Metre Circles’ are probably one of the most

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basic school movements but they must be ridden well for your horse to experience the benefits. A tip is to think of four points that make up the 20 metre circle, you are to ride a curved line that joins up the four points. This exercise tests your ability to ride an accurate line, it also works on your horse’s suppleness due to the constant curve. Riding circles may seem like a repetitive part of schooling your horse however they are key to improving your horse’s suppleness.

As the rider, you will have a lot to think about, let’s start with the bottom half of your body; your inside leg will create the bend in your horse’s body while your outside leg controls the amount of bend as well as directing his outside body

around the circle. The top half of your body is just as important as the bottom half; your inside rein creates the flexion at the poll, it is important not to pull your horse around the circle with your inside rein. Your outside rein controls the speed and amount of bend.

It may seem obvious but remember that circles are round, it is a common mistake that riders often end up riding an oval shape. This mistake will lose you valuable marks in the dressage arena.

Serpentines and Loops

Exercise two, ‘Serpentines and Loops’ are a series of loops ridden down the full length of your arena, this movement appears in quite a few dressage

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tests. Although they look simple they take good coordination from both rider and horse. This is a great exercise to train flexion and bend in both directions, which also works on the suppleness of your horse. As you change the bend this movement works on your horse’s balance so proves to be a very beneficial movement to practice.

To perform an accurate serpentine you are to ride a good line and show a very clear change in the flexion and bend each time you cross the centre line. Each loop should be even, making sure you’re performing a series of curves rather than turns. If your horse has a lack of suppleness it will be highlighted through this move as they will fail to maintain their rhythm as they perform the change of bend. To improve this simply make sure you are very clear with your aids.

As a rider it is your responsibility to focus your eyes up and ahead as this helps you to perform an accurate serpentine. Don’t forget to change your diagonal each time you cross the centre line.

5 Metre Loops

Exercise three is ‘5 Metre Loops’, these are mainly ridden in trot however they can be used in canter as an introduction to riding counter canter. Both accurate riding and a balanced horse are needed in order to perform this movement well.

This movement teaches your

horse the skill to bend equally both ways, working both sides of his body which improves his suppleness. The exercise is also beneficial to riders learning as it helps them to coordinate their aids with regular changes of bend.

Don’t forget that you are riding a constant curve and there should be no straight lines. By riding into the corner before the start of the loop will help set your horse up for this movement. Keep each bend a fluid movement whilst making sure your horse’s rhythm remains the same. By keeping your head up and looking ahead you will be setting yourself up to ride an accurate loop and proceed to a good change of bend.

Remember that practice makes perfect! To ride any school movement accurately requires practice. With practice, your riding confidence will grow and you’ll become more relaxed

both at home and during competitions.

Emma and her husband, Kevin run a highly successful eventing operation from Coneycroft Farm in Guildford, Surrey. Their successful 2017 season saw them competing at major events throughout Europe and they have a fantastic team of horses set for 2018.

Emma’s Favourite Kit Says Emma: “Without doubt having an Avant compact loader on the yard has made a massive difference to our work load.

“We are enormous supporters of Avant machinery and accessories whether moving shavings, haylage or the muck heap, keeping the fields and gallops tidy and prepared, or helping with the fencing and general maintenance they are just fantastic.” www.mcnabeventing.com

STABLE SHIELD JOIN FORCES WITH MCNAB EVENTING Stable Shield, the leaders in equine biosecurity has joined forces with Kevin and Emma McNab to provide Stable Shield Antibacterial Paint for their yard to help prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria. www.stableshield.co.uk

Leading para-dressage rider Bert Sheffield has secured sponsorship from Equithème, the well-known French label.

Lincolnshire-based Bert competes for Canada and is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but this has never stopped her achieving some amazing goals like competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympics in the Canadian team, coming fourth at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, former British Dressage Para National Champion at Grade III and competing across the globe in iconic places including Qatar.

Bert now has the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics set firmly in her sights. She has spent the last year building up a formidable team of young, up and coming equine stars with these goals in mind.

Equithéme is supporting Bert with rugs and horse wear for her team of horses from its comprehensive range which offers matching rugs, saddlecloths, fly veils and other horse wear. Bert particularly likes the burgundy colour as it tones nicely with the maple leaves of Canada. www.equitheme.co.uk

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Laura Renwick

<<< INTERVIEW >>>

SPECIAL FEATURE

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s one of the country’s leading lady showjumpers, Laura Renwick is known for forming great partnerships with her horses. This unbreakable bond of trust with her horses has helped Laura to the top of her sport.

A regular on the international circuit, Laura has a passion for home-produced horses, with a strong belief in giving horses time to mature and not pushing them too far too soon.

Laura and her husband, John, have a string of top horses at their yard based in Essex. One star of the yard that has been a consistent performer is Bintang II, or Bing, as he is known at home.

Bintang is by international breeding stallion, Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve, and was bred by the Bleekman family at the Whorridge Stud in Devon in

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2006, before joining Team Renwick as a 5year-old.

The talented, big-striding bay gelding is now owned by Laura and her husband John. The pair has gone on to enjoy success in some of the top competitions around the world, including a phenomenal win at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid in 2016, in the same year that they qualified for the World Cup Final in Gothenburg.

Laura and Bing have also made four appearances in Great Britain’s Nations Cup teams including the 2015 Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

Recently Bintang helped Laura to victory in the CSI4* Grand Prix in Geesteren, over a huge 1m 60 track to secure the keys to a brand new Mercedes car, one of two that Laura won at the same show, with MHS Washington also on form winning the

Mercedes Benz Prix.

Laura is famous for her chilled out and cheerful attitude, a characteristic she shares with Bintang: “He is so laid back, only really lighting up when he gets in the arena,” said Laura.

“He absolutely loves treats and will do anything for a Polo mint but his favourite thing of all is to spend time in the paddock with his best friend, Jonjo, who is a Welsh Section A.” Laura, who is sponsored by Robinson Animal Healthcare, knows the importance of keeping a fully stocked first aid kit both on the yard and in the lorry to treat minor cuts and grazes. www.robinson animalhealthcare.com

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CLUB PROFILE

Annabelles

Equestrian

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nnabelles Equestrian in Henstead near Beccles, Suffolk first opened its doors as an official ‘Pony Club Centre Plus’ on January 2nd 2017 and now boasts an impressive 115 members ranging ages 4 to 25-yearsold.

During it’s first 12 months the Club has hosted a wide range of events such as; newcomers sessions to give an insight into what the Club has to offer, a monthly badge session split into groups by age and ability, six ridden rallies catering for those that own their own horses and also those that don’t - again split into small groups by age and ability, a 3 day camp for the older members which included tuition by external instructors and a 2-day camp (without sleepover) for the tiny tots.

Attendance of the rallies has sometimes seen in excess of 60 participants during the day and running two arenas in order to cater for everyone wishing to take part.

There was huge Club presence at the local Sotterley Show in the summer with over 60 class entries from Annabelles Equestrian members, many of whom had fantastic success and were in the ribbons.

Members continue to regularly fly the flag for Annabelles Equestrian at local venues and riding club events.

The Club also arranged an extremely fun and informative trip to Chigwell Riding Trust For Special Needs in November which helped members achieve their RDA badges and the Club will continue to maintain close ties with Chigwell Riding Trust.

Future club dates include a trip to Olympia and much more!

Annabelle enjoying having her face painted!

“Annabelle herself is a truly inspirational young lady,” explained Vicky Collier, one of the Pony Club parents. “At just 24-years-old, not only is she a very talented horsewoman regularly seen out competing at 1.30m SJ and CCI* eventing, but she has a very natural and

enthusiastic way with children, parents and animals alike.”

In addition to the Pony Club Annabelle offers riding school lessons (individual and group) on site and also freelance sessions, hacking, breaking and both sales and/or training livery.

Annabelle (centre) and the younger Pony Club members

The older Pony Club members catch a selfie with Annabelle!

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SADDLERY & TACK IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK TO THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS ABOUT WHY YOUR SADDLE IS A SOUND INVESTMENT AND...

What to look for in your saddle

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hanks to education and improved knowledge most horse and pony owners now recognise the importance of a correctly fitting saddle.

Everyone looks for a saddle that offers good value for money and that will stand the test of time and it is important that you recognise why some saddles cost £1,000 while others are twice as much.

The Society of Master Saddlers offer advice on what to look for in your saddle when making a new purchase and the best process to go through to ensure an exacting fit for horse and rider.

It is vital that you have a thorough consultation with your saddle fitter. This may take up to three hours but is time well spent to get the best end result. If required have your trainer and physiotherapist on hand at the same time.

When your saddle is ready and

finished, don’t simply allow it to be sent in the post, in the hope it will fit, make sure a return visit is part of the buying and fitting process.

We all know that old saying ‘You get what you pay for’ and in any walk of life you have to pay for expertise. When buying a new saddle you should always get it fitted by a Society of Master Saddles Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter, as you are guaranteed they are fully qualified, professional and have a minimum of three years’ experience.

Making sure the saddle is created from the highest quality leather from around the world and the craftsmanship behind the saddle is at the top of the skill level helps to result in a superior quality product.

When having your saddle made, go for a supplier who can make a saddle where all design features are interchangeable across the entire saddle to

provide the highest degree of comfort and freedom for the horse and support and security for the rider.

Whatever your discipline, from dressage to showjumping, crosscountry to showing or leisure riding, a bespoke saddle should be designed and fitted by highly trained experts who really understand your horses needs.

Your saddle should balance comfort, with style and performance, helping to maximise your partnership and ensuring neither horse or rider have to compromise.

Remember there is ‘leather’ and there is leather! Cheaper quality leather can have a tendency to be slippery, not great when in the saddle, and not the best policy to scrimp on quality in this instance.

Remember saddles need to be checked regularly as the horse gains fitness or changes as it gets older.

By following the points above and with experts on hand to check your saddle on a regular basis, this will ensure your investment will hold high value if later resold or changed. www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

KAY HASTILOW LAUNCHES SADDLE FITTING SERIES Kay Hastilow Master Saddler is delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural online saddle fitting series ‘Essential Saddle Fitting’.

Inspired by a desire to impart a wealth of experience, Kay has created the educational video series in order to help and support prospective and current saddle fitters and other equestrian professionals.

Kay said, “When I retired in 2015, I wanted to find a way of sharing the knowledge that I had acquired over my 50 years of experience. My brother suggested that I made a film on the subject, the result being a series of eight films that cover everything from what you will need to learn to become a saddle fitter, through all stages of fitting up to dealing with those ‘difficult to fit’ horses.” www.vimeo.com/ondemand/fittingsaddles

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LAURENCE PEARMAN IS A TWICE PRESIDENT OF SOCIETY MASTER SADDLERS, LECTURER/ASSESSOR ON SADDLE FITTING COURSES AND MASTER SADDLER.

A reader asks...

Q: My pony is wider at the front and narrower at the back which makes finding a saddle that fits really difficult. As she is wider at the front this makes the saddle raise at the back. I realise this is not an easy task but any help much appreciated - Isobel Smith “If the saddle is lifting at back this is normally due to the tree fit being too wide for the horse or pony, with the effect of it tipping forwards, but if in your case it is dropping then to the narrower area at the back you may also require deeper rear panel gussets to level things out, this would mean a saddle then being made to your specification. Your Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter will be able to advise you on this” - Laurence Pearman

The DPL Dressage Saddle offers enhanced flexibility for a closer connection and feel for the rider and greater freedom of movement for the horse.

The bespoke saddle can be built entirely to the horse and rider’s requirements, including different girth strap positions, refined flap and panel shapes without pressure points, more significant knee blocks, seat depths and sizes. RRP: From £3,900. www.childericsaddles.co.uk

The Velours Saddle Pad is perfect for every day riding. Made with a 100% polyester velvet outer the saddle cloth is an eyecatching accessory whatever the occasion.

RRP: £30.90. www.equitheme.co.uk

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ON THE MARKET

Topthorn Arena Grove Farm, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk Offers Excess £1,450,000

RENOWNED COMPETITION AND TRAINING CENTRE WITH EXCELLENT FACILITIES INCLUDING INDOOR SCHOOL COMPLEX WITH CAFETERIA AND COLLECTING RING, FLOOD LIT OUTDOOR ARENA, TWO STABLE YARDS, EXTENSIVE CAR PARK, CONVERTED BARN WITH FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION (CURRENTLY THREE BEDROOM ), BARN WITH SEPARATE RESIDENTIAL PLANNING CONSENT AROUND 15 ACRES ( STMS )

WE SPOKE WITH EMILY COOPER- READE OF ECR PROPERTIES TO FIND OUT MORE...

“Topthorn Arena is highly regarded as a major event centre in the area and holds regular affiliated and unaffiliated shows which are very well attended. Currently throughout the year it runs affiliated and unaffiliated dressage, showing and unaffiliated show jumping.

“There is so much on offer with this property too much to list it all here - there’s the stable block with 9 indoor loose boxes with rug, tack and feed room, there’s also

another stable block with 8 indoor loose boxes. The indoor arena offers a 60m x 24m with collecting ring, viewing area, judges/commentary box, cafeteria with viewing, kitchen, potential retail area, office, three toilets. The floodlit arena is 60m x 29m with a 24m x 12m collecting ring plus there’s an extensive car park.

“The living accommodation comprises of The Lodge - a barn conversion which offers spacious, beautifully presented living with a good mix of original features and modern, open design throughout. There’s even a traditional timbered barn with planning consent for conversion to a dwelling of approximately 2500 sq ft.”

Visit www.ecrproperties.com

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GIVEAWAYS

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er d a e R

WIN A HIDE LEATHER UMBRELLA HOLDER

This month Absolute Horse have once again teamed with luxury leather company Life of Riley, to offer 1 lucky reader the chance to win a stunning Hide Leather Umbrella Holder, worth £165.

This fantastic prize is perfect for both country and contemporary hallways and porches and has the benefit of an inner waterproof lining and drip tray. Ideal as a gift or musthave interior accessory, the holder is both beautiful and practical.

Diameter: 28cm x 62cm.

Life of Riley also sell a fabulous selection of Leather home office accessories, gifts for both Men, Women and Couples, which can be personalised upon request and beautiful interior products. www.lifeofrileyonline.co.uk

WIN A RUFF AND TUMBLE DOG DRYING COAT! Ruff and Tumble, the leading supplier of Dog Drying Coats, have teamed with Absolute Horse to offer 1 lucky reader the chance to win a Classic Collection dog drying coat, with prices starting from £26, depending on the size of dog.

With sizes to fit all breeds and available in a selection of stunning colourways including Brick Red, the coats are a must-have for both country and town life. Made from the highest quality double-thickness cotton towelling, the coats are incredibly simple to put on and take off. Modelled on the design of a horse blanket, the coats are perfect for use after wet and muddy walks, bath-times, hydrotherapy and after a day working in the field.

Ruff and Tumble also sell a fantastic selection of Dog Bed and Sofa Covers, Drying Mitts, which are perfect for both dogs and horses and the new Towelling Apron. www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

WIN FIVE BALES OF HORSEHAGE! Horsehage is a dust-free bagged forage which is available in four varieties – High Fibre, Ryegrass, Timothy and Alfalfa - offering a choice to suit every type of horse or pony.

It does not contain any chemical additives, mould inhibitors, flavourings, molasses or inoculants and has BETA NOPS certification. It comes in highly compressed, easy-to-handle bales which can be stored outside (unopened) and it splits easily into wedges for netting up.

We have five bales each to give away to four lucky winners!

The winners may choose which variety they prefer. www.horsehage.co.uk To enter go online at www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click the competitions page. Deadline is 31st January 2018.

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LOVE DOGS

Canicross CANICROSS IS THE EXCITING AND FAST GROWING SPORT OF OFF-ROAD RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG. IT OFFERS A FUN, SOCIAL AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE WAY FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG TO GET FIT. IT IS ALSO THE SAFEST WAY TO ENJOY RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG – BY USING SPECIALLY DESIGNED EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO RUN HANDS FREE AND FOR YOUR DOG TO RUN COMFORTABLY AND EFFICIENTLY.

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company of dog lovers, DogFit’s unique Canicross products offer the perfect opportunity for customers to get up and get moving with their dogs, in ways that encourage both fun and fitness in equal measure.

In the darker winter months, DogFit provides the motivation that people need to keep on exercising and meet their goals for the New Year.

Gail Walker, co-founder of DogFit, says: “The festive season is the most difficult when it comes to motivation to get out

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and exercise - but with our fantastic range of Canicross products, you and your pet will be running and having fun in no time.

"Give your dog the best Christmas gift you can, with long-lasting benefits for both you and your pet that will far surpass the usual treats."

The star in DogFit’s range is the Canicross Starter Kit, priced at just £99. This kit includes some of DogFit’s best-selling products, including their Dog Harness, Human Waist Belt, Canicross Line, Kit Bag and Beginner’s Guide.

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS You can also complement this popular Canicross Starter Kit with DogFit’s Couch to 5K online course for just £19.99, making it the ideal gift this Christmas.

The Canicross Starter Kit is available in a variety of sizes, ensuring the perfect fit, regardless of the breed.

DogFit’s commitment to fitness doesn’t stop there - they supply dog harnesses, waist belts, bungee lines, clothing and other accessories to keep pets and their owners comfortable and active.

Designed and thoroughly tested with high-quality materials, any pet is sure to love their Christmas gift as much as their owner does.

There's nothing like a run to burn off that Christmas excess!

The health benefits of dog ownership are well documented and a study commissioned last year by pet food company, Butcher’s Pet Care found that dog owners are fitter and healthier than those without canine companions, with 73% saying they love the fact they get so much exercise looking after dogs.

There are many mental health benefits that come from spending time with animals and pets. It has been found to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in bodies. In fact, non-pet owners are four times more likely to be diagnosed with clinical depression than pet owners.

However, you don’t have to be a pet owner to benefit from spending time with animals, you could become a home and pet sitter instead.

Homesitters Ltd, the UK’s leading home and pet sitting company, has seen a 10% rise in the number of new homesitters in the last two and a half years.

Homesitters Ltd are currently recruiting, if you’d like to find out more about home and pet sitting visit www.homesitters.co.uk

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Product News...

This sweet little Doggy Treat Kit will come with x3 cookie cutters, a pet friendly recipe book and treat bag.

RRP: £9.99. www.muddyfootprints.co.uk

The Dog Treat Company Happy Howladays and Santa Paws are delicious healthy treats that come in fun festive tins.

RRP: £5.99 tin or £2.49 pouch. www.thedogtreatcompany.co.uk

Treat your dog this Christmas to a super-soft, double-thickness, natural cotton towelling drying coat – perfect for speedy drying after festive wet and Winter walks.

RRP: from £26. www.ruffandtumble dogcoats.com

The Ear-Warmer and Dog Snood Set offers the perfect Christmas gift for the style conscious dog owner and designer doggy.

Human Ear Warmer: £25.

Doggy Snood: £20.

Full Set RRP: £40. www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk

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REPORTS

THE PONY CLUB INTERNATIO

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“

I’m Lucy Stammers, 20 years old and part of the East Essex Hunt Pony Club branch. At the end of September 2017, myself, three other teammates along with our chaperone, Ruth Walker, headed to Vancouver, Canada, for The Pony Club International Quiz Exchange 2017.

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”

fter applications and interviews, four members of The Pony Club from around the UK, myself Lucy Stammers, Victoria Hargreaves, Helena Bissex and Georgia Stanton, were chosen to represent Team GB against other countries, such as Australia and America in the international and national quiz competition in Canada.

On 30th September we all travelled to Vancouver, where we stayed for six days and did various activities with our team and the other countries, such as visiting the Vancouver Mounted Police, going to Whistler and looking around one of the Vancouver Pony Clubs’ riding schools.

On the seventh day we flew

to Kelowna BC, Canada, which we explored and went on trail rides, went to their local horse show, sat around a bonfire eating toasted marshmallows and competed in the quiz competition.

Throughout the week we

bonded extremely well as a team and became really close friends. We also learnt a lot from the other countries about their Pony Clubs and life in those countries, as well as also making very good friendships with them. The

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O NAL QUIZ EXCHANGE 2017 competition was over two days. On the first day we had a two hour paper which we did individually in the morning, and then in the afternoon we had ID tables to do, which was identifying all the items on each table individually. The following day, we had 15 games to complete as a team, with 10 minutes for each. That evening we had a banquet and prize giving, where we came third as a team, beating the Australian team and coming very close to the American team in second.

The terminology was very different for some things in Canada to what it is in England, so we were very pleased with where we were placed. All the teams were so kind, and the Canadian team

were really helpful by trying to teach us some of their terminology and explaining how their quiz runs and it is very different from the National Pony Club quiz we have here.

I would like to say a huge thank you to The Pony Club for choosing me to represent Team GB, as I had the best experience of my life, as well as my family and my branch, East Essex Hunt Pony Club

and The East Essex Hunt, for being very supportive. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d also like to thank everyone who helped me get there, and my brilliant team and chaperone, who made the trip THE BEST!

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REPORTS CAMBRIDGE’S ALICE ELLISON CLAIMS DODSON & HORRELL 1.05M NATIONAL AMATEUR SECOND ROUND WIN On the final weekend of Dodson & Horrell National Amateur Second Rounds, Coombelands Equestrian in Pulborough, West Sussex saw forty-four qualification seekers come out to compete across the 0.85m and 1.05m Second Rounds.

After taking the Dodson & Horrell National Amateur 1.05m Championship title in 2016, Alice Ellison from Cambridge

proved to still be on winning form as she rode Britney IV, an 11-year-old bay mare owned by Sacha Ellison straight in to first place. Taking all the risks, this partnership delivered a lightning fast double clear in 35.34 seconds.

With a solid double clear, Sophie Ashton Rickardt from Chichester, West Sussex secured second place on board her 9year-old bay gelding, Masterfly.

Alice Ellison and Britney IV. Photo: LRG Photography

This combination crossed the finish line in 37.31 seconds.

Carys Jenkins from Leatherhead, Surrey scooped third place with

her 8-year-old bay mare Savannahs Chacoa. This pair posted a double clear in 37.70 seconds.

12-year-old Claudia Moore second in Lyon Pony Grand Prix

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off. Claudia, riding the 13-yearold Elando van de Roshoeve owned by her mother Katrina, posted a superb first round clear to see themselves positioned mid-field in respect of the order of go in the jumpoff round.

Carla Garriga (FRA) and Mylana, a 9-year-old bay mare, were first to go and finishing clear in a time of 41.68 seconds they set a standard that certainly put pressure on the other young riders to follow them. With the following two riders picking up faults Claudia was determined to post a clear in a forward going time and doing exactly this she stopped the clock clear in a time of 40.20 seconds to claim the lead and relegate Carla behind her having shaved almost two seconds from her time.

Holding the lead until the closing stages of the jump-off when penultimate rider Camille Favrot (FRA) jumped clear in an almost unbelievably fast time of 34.39 seconds on Uhelem de Seille, it meant an ultimate second place finish for Claudia in what had proved to be an incredible class to watch.

“

I have loved it today, my pony has been incredible and I really want to thank everyone at Lyon for allowing us pony riders to be here and having the opportunity

”

Photo credit: PSV J Morel

It was a day to remember for young Claudia Moore, aged 12-years and the youngest rider in the class, when she finished second in the FEI Ponies Jumping Trophy Grand Prix in Lyon, France recently.

The class was one of a series five that are being hosted within some of the Senior CSIO World Cup shows this season as part of an initiative to give youth riders further opportunities and experience.

These Pony World Cup qualifier classes all see league points allocated which qualify for a final to be held at the CSIO 5* World Cup show in Mechelen at the end of the year.

From a field of twenty-one starters, it was just seven pony combinations that jumped clear across the testing 1.35m track to qualify for the jump-

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ESSEX’S LORNA SIMPSON DOMINATES IN THE DODSON & HORRELL 0.85M AND 0.95M NATIONAL AMATEUR SECOND ROUNDS AT ANVIL PARK STUD Lorna Simpson from Colchester, Essex enjoyed a great show when winning the Dodson & Horrell 0.85m and 0.95m National Amateur Second Rounds at Anvil Park Stud in Norwich, Norfolk recently.

Qualification for the Dodson & Horrell National Amateur Championships, held at Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool during the 14th-19th November, was the aim for each and every rider.

Dodson & Horrell 0.85m National Amateur Second Round Lorna headed the six horse jump off in this second round on board her own 9-year-old grey mare Rubi VII. Demonstrating great turn of speed combined with accurate riding, the

Lorna and Rubi VII

Lorna and Zilver Bling

partnership flew through the finish line with all fences still standing in 27.05 seconds.

Second place was taken by Anna Louise Spratt from Dereham, Norfolk and she took her place inside the top two with her own 15-year-old grey gelding Silver Larry. This combination delivered their double clear in 29.23 seconds.

Fourteen year-old Maia Capp from Ely, Cambridgeshire rounded off the podium with Wild Montana Skies, a 15-yearold bay mare owned by Theresa Capp. They posted their double clear in 31.38 seconds.

Dodson & Horrell 0.95m National Amateur Second Round Continuing her winning streak,

Lorna also took the 0.95m second round, this time on her own 12-year-old grey mare, Zilver Bling. Just four pairings were able to make it through to the jump off and Lorna produced another quick time to finish with a double clear in 33.74 seconds.

Rachel Chisnell from Colchester, Essex took second place with her own 10-year-old bay gelding HSB Shancourt Diamond after they secured a double clear in 36.71 seconds.

Anna Louise Spratt also enjoyed a successful day when she picked up third place in this second round on Lady Comtess, her own 7-year-old brown mare. This pair crossed the finish line with a double clear in 49.54 seconds.

#EQUETECHREALRIDERS REVEALED Following Equetech’s successful #equetechrealrider campaign to find four real riders who embodied the British clothing label’s diverse customer base and brand spirit, the equestrian fashion brand has finally revealed all the riders in a stunning series of photos to co-inside with their 25-year celebrations this year.

The winners are Rowena Day from East Sussex, Lissie Britten from Wales, Tamasine Thompson from Northampton and Tracy Caldwell from Shropshire.

Liz Hayman, MD and Head Designer at Equetech said: “We had such an amazing response with entries for our competition search for the #equetechrealrider. Narrowing them down to just four was so difficult, but our winners really stood out to us: embodying such a deep-rooted passion and love of horses and all with such different stories.” www.equetech.com

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PHOTONEWS ❙ Essex & Suffolk Team Chase ❙ Manor Farm, Semer ❙ 21st October

Pip Davis on Cathedral Rock, member of 3rd placed Novice Bogey team, Thunderbirds

Lucy Ostin on Bibble, member of winning Novice Bogey team, Charlie’s Angels

Open All Comers 3rd placed team, Relentless

Amelia Walker on Milan, member of 3rd placed Novice Bogey team, Thunderbirds

Anne-Marie Boyd on Lordy, member of winning Novice Bogey team, Charlie’s Angels

Emily Blew on Jubilee Cruise, member of 3rd placed Novice Bogey team, Thunderbirds

Justin Ward on Cloud, member of winning Novice Bogey team, Charlie’s Angels

Open All Comers 2nd placed team, Team Rideaway 1

Rosie Standing on Splodge, member of winning Novice Bogey team, Charlie’s Angels

Lucy Kemp on Kingsley Pearl, member of 3rd placed Novice Bogey team, Thunderbirds

Richard Weller-Poley

Daisy Huxtable on Croft Verini, member of 3rd placed Intermediate team, Misfits

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Fliss Baker-Attew on Larry, member of winning Intermediate team, Norfolk Nutters

Briony Jane Gilks on Dippy, member of winning Intermediate team, Norfolk Nutters

Caroline March on Amarillo, member of 3rd placed Intermediate team, Misfits

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❙ North Norfolk Harriers PC Open HT ❙ Gunton Park ❙ 25th October

3rd placed Pairs, Oosha Moondi on Maddie and Jess Pepper on Wilkes Moore Dawn Chorus

4th placed Pairs Sue Allen on Pogo and Leonie Hughes on Polly

Ivy Fisher on Dream Trail Tom, 4th placed Members class

Helen Love on Tallicm 3rd placed Members class

Libby Lukins on Clonhenret L, Members class winners

Kate Watts on Izzy, 3rd placed Novice

2nd placed Pairs Allison Lee on Peaches and Milly Tagg on August Surprise

Camilla Morgan-Evans on My Nelly, 2nd placed Members class

Evie Hood on Mylo, 2nd placed Intermediate

Rachel Flynn on Hugo, 3rd placed Open

Richard Weller-Poley

Paige Riches on Freddy, 2nd place Restricted Novice

Jess Pepper on Wilkes Moore Dawn Chorus, Restricted Novice winners

Pip Cross on Guisho, Open class winners

Ivy Fisher on Millstreet Boris, Intermedite class winners

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PHOTONEWS ❙ Easton Harriers PC Open HT ❙ Poplar Park ❙ 29th October

Lucy Jo Hicks on Oranco, 2nd place 60cm over 15yrs class

Jenny James on Heritage Attica, 3rd place 90cm

Sophie Dutton on Fabos, 2nd place 1m class

Cate Kerr on Mountain Rill, 60cm under 15yrs class winners

Sophie Graham on Dark Dougal, 80cms 14yrs and under class winners

Jo Foley on Kanae legacy, 80cm 26yrs and over class winners

Pip Taylor on Ranger, joint winners 1m 21yrs and under class

Rachel Woodward on Glancerdin Express, 60cm over 15yrs class winners

Maisy Hunter on Egan and Hebe Willis on Alfie, Pairs winners

Charlotte Alexander on Freya, 2nd place 60cm under 15yrs class

Christina Wiseman on Evita Paola, 1m class winners

Richard Weller-Poley

Ada Marson on Heritage Jupiter, 3rd place 80cm

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Francesca Jackson on Branchfield Carrow, 80cm class winners

Grace Hayward on Lizzie, 2nd place 90cm

Esme Winfield on French Breeze, 90cm class winners

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❙ JumpCross ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 8th October

Rosie Beanland riding Abracadabra, 4th place 70-75cm Horse class

Kristina Adams on King Soloman, 4th place 50cm Mini Pony Sec

Phoebe Jefferies riding Brook, 70-75cm Pony class winners

Rachel Garland on Princess Penelope, 5th place 60-65cm Novice Horse sec

Laura Cohen riding Delboy, 3rd place 70-75cm Pony class

Laura Cohen riding Delboy, 3rd place 60-65cm Novice Pony Sec

Kirsty Way riding Jmmy Jones, 6th place 60-65cm Novice Pony sec

Spencer Moret Photography

Keira Camp on Sambuca, 2nd place 70-75cm Intro Horse Sec

Phoebe Taylor riding Lucy, 5th place 50cm Mini Challenge Pony Sec

Georgia Davis on Lonheulog Moc, 70-75cm Intro Horse winners

Aimee Farey riding Lord Charles, 6th place X-Pole Pony class

Sydney Hockney riding Lyncrests Major Quilter, 4th place X-Pole Pony class

Jordan Kennelly on Hyde Lonakai, X-Pole Pony class winners

Chantal Pinney on Potters Snipper, 50cm Mini Challenge Horse winners

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PHOTONEWS ❙ Unaffiliated Dressage ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 15th October

Rachel Allen on Squires Rio De Janeiro, 2nd place Intro A

Esme Slater on Longwood Melody, 6th place Intro B

Lisa Wilson riding Godshill Clover, 2nd place Novice 24

Emma Neville on Who Dares Wins, 4th place Prelim 2

Lara Abraham riding Shreddie, Novice 24 winners

Lucy Saunders on Prince William, 4th place Intro B

Grace Kirwan on My Mate Marmite, 2nd place Prelim 2

Sophie Benton riding Billy, 4th place Intro A

Grace Kirwan on My Mate Marmite, 3rd place Intro B

Louise Searle on Ali G, Prelim 2 winners

Grace Gerry on Who Dares Wins, 5th place Novice 34

Laura Cohen on Delboy, 2nd place Novice 24

Jemima Bush on Thorndale Olaf The Lofty, Intro A winners

Spencer Moret Photography

Claire May on Nozem II, 3rd place Novice 24

74

Kirsty Faulkner on Jammy Dodger 2, 2nd place Intro B

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❙ JumpCross League Presentations ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 22nd October

Endeavour Award winner, Hollie Gerken

Beth Sen on Meelichisland Cloud, 45cm Horse League winners

Jordan Kennelly on Hyde Lonakai, X Pole Pony League winners

Kirsty Faulker on Jammy Dodger, 50cm Mini Horse League winners

Maisie Hockney on Chantilly, 45cm Opny League winners

Abigail Moore on Daisy Mae, 50cm Mini Pony League winners

Susan Johnston on New Years Day, 60-65cm Novice Horse League winners

Spencer Moret Photography

Georgia Davis on Lonheulog Moc, 70-75 Intro Horse League winners

Leading Pony rider, Caitlin Faulkner on Tornado Tilly

4:16

Jamie Barnes on Lady Luck, 80-85cm Intermediate Horse League winners

Phoebe Jefferies on Little Miss Amazon, 80-85cm Intermediate Pony League winners

Leading Horse rider, Georgia Davis on Lonheulog Moc

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PHOTONEWS ❙ Showjumping League Presentations ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 7th October

Chantal Pinny on Potters Snipper, X Pole Horse League winners

Helene Kontofrois on Princess, X Pole Pony League Ruth Cartwright on Dayrelis Ella, 50cm Horse winners League winners

Ruth Cartwright on Dayrelis Ella, 60cm Horse League winners Maddies Molloy on Pickles, 60cm Pony League winners

Caitlin Faulkner on Tornado Tilly, 50cm Pony League winners

Nicki Webster on Leanne, 70cm Horse League winners

Spencer Moret Photography

Hayley Palmer on Pie In The Sky, 80cm Horse winners

❙ Dressage League Presentations ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 15th October

Georgia Gregory on Clio, Novice Pony League winners

Caitlin Faulkner on Tornado Tilly, Intro Pony League winners

Kirsty Faulkner on Jammy Dodger, Intro Horse League winners

Geogia Davis on Lonheulog Moc, Intro Horse League 2nd place

Susan Johnston on New Years Day, Prelim Horse League winner

George Twyman on Tuskerbister Norma, Prelim Pony League winner

Claire May on Nozem II, Novice Horse League winners

76

Spencer Moret Photography

Georgia Gregory on Clio, Novice Pony League winners

Ab Horse DEC17/JAN18 final.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2017 10:04 Page 77

❙ East Essex Hunt ❙ Opening Meet ❙ 24th October

Team Greyness Snapper

77

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Saddleries

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

PHOTONEWS

❙ British Showjumping ❙ Codham Park EC ❙ 17th October

Juddpurs Saddlery

Specialists in saddle fitting by Society of Master Saddlers qualified saddle fitter.

Most ranges of saddles in stock or we can order.

111 Bedingfield Crescent Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8ED

Tel: 01986 874800

Rosie Hull on Knockalane Flight, British Novice winners

Julia Biddle on Luvvly Jubbly, 90cm Open winners

KAY HOWARD

QUALIFIED MASTER SADDLER & SADDLE FITTER • Range of quality new, secondhand and synthetic saddles and accessories • Impartial, independent, saddle fitting and advice • Mobile workshop.

• Re-flocking, top-ups and remedial flocking • Full saddle repair service.

Please phone Kay on (07775) 850400

Based in Norfolk, but covering a wide area.

Emma Rust on Escanor, Newcomers / 1.10m Open winners

Lara Abraham on Direina, Foxhunter / 1.20m Open winners

Georgie Roadnight on Rich Ricardo, Discovery winners

Rebecca Bates on Blink, 1.05m Open winners

Claire Neilson-Hanson riding Super Model, 1.30m Open winners

Emily Hilton on Criseldo M, 1.40m Open winners

Spencer Moret Photography

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Registered member

To advertise your business or service call:

01473 731222

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Equine Crematoriums

Stables

Suffolk Pet & Equine Crematorium

PEACE OF MIND AT A TIME OF GRIEF 01284 810981

www.suffolkpetcrematorium.com Transport

Pet Crematorium for large and small animals

MARK HOWES

C.V.S. (ANGLIA) LTD

Horse Supplies

Fakenham (01328) 851351

BEDFORD • AWD • SPECIALISTS

HORSEBOX SPECIALISTS IN MOT PREPARATION, MOT TESTING FOR CLASS 4 & 7 VEHICLES, SERVICING, PARTS, SPECIALIST BODY (Aluminium & Wooden) ACCIDENT REPAIRS Welcome old and new customers to their premises at

Surfaces

HOLYWELLS ROAD, IPSWICH TEL: (01473) 216462

Stockist for a wide range of Horse Feeds; Bedding; Supplements; Requisites.

Horse wormers now available Delivery Service. Everyone welcome.

Come and see us at our new larger premises Clipbush Business Park, Fakenham NR21 8SW

www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk

Dentist

PROFESSIONAL, QUALIFIED & CARING EQUINE DENTISTRY

07968 445509 WWW.BEDT.CO.UK

WIX

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Full range of Horse & Pet, Feed & Bedding Open 7 days a week Indoor schools for hire

01255 870744

Battlesbridge Mills Horse & Country Shop

Everything for the Horse & Rider Huge range of tack, accessories, stable supplies

Tel: 01268 560008 The Mills, Chelmsford Road, Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 8TR www.horseandcountryshop.co.uk

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VETS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

VETERINARY CONTACTS

80

Essex based mobile veterinary practice

Advanced dentistry, lameness evaluations, portable Xray, ultrasound, portable video gastroscopy/endoscopy all carried out in the comfort of your horses’s home.

Pre purchase examinations.

24 hour local emergency cover.

01371 851755/ 01371 850532 www.fullerequine.co.uk www.facebook.com/fullerequine fullerequine@gmail.com

Ryder-Davies & Partners VETERINARY SURGEONS Our experienced equine team offer a range of services throughout Suffolk, South Norfolk & North Essex Services include: • Full lameness investigations • Teeth rasping & advanced dental work • Pre purchase examinations • Vaccinations, worming regimes • Equine reproductive stud work • BEVA accredited practice for chilled & frozen semen • Investigation of breeding problems in mares Facilities include: Inpatient and outpatient stabling with 24 hour care • Digital x-ray, In-house laboratory, endoscope & digital ultrasound.

We offer: Visits on a round-reduced visit fee Yard visit days- no visit fee • Spread the cost health plans Regular client information evenings & newsletters. www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk

24 Hour Emergency Support Tel: 01394 380083

Wherry Veterinary Group

HAWKEDON VETS EQUINE PRACTICE 01284 789428

Bungay, Suffolk

Working with you for the health and wellbeing of your equine companions.

Take advantage of our experienced equine team and our modern, purpose built premises.

01986 892771

Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4NP

www.hawkedonvets.co.uk

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SHOWDATE DIARY

SPONSORED BY

Your Showdate listings for...December 2017/January 2018 FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER FUN SHOW Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; Christmas Fun Show. Tel: 07879 881755 HORSE BALL Beds: Twin Trees EC; Horseball. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Christmas X Pole Showjumping.

Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: The Jays; Arena Eventing. Tel: 07759 603120 COMBINED TRAINING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; British Dressage / Combined Training. Tel: 01603 731577 DOG SHOW Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Charity Dog Show. Tel: 01279 414310 DRESSAGE Essex: Finchingfield EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01371 811881 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showing. Tel: 07749 951898 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Christmas Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Evening Showjumping. Tel:

01760 722616 WEDNESDAY 6TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Evening Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel: 01603 731577 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 THURSDAY 7TH DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER ARENA EVENTING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; Unaffiliated Arena Eventing. Tel: 07879 881755 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Affiliated & Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07749 951898 FUN SHOW Beds: Twin Trees EC; Christmas Fun Show. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOW Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Working Hunter Show. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER CARRIAGE DRIVING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Indoor Carriage Driving.

Tel: 01603 731577 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage / Team Quest. Tel: 01279 414310 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Colne Valey RC Team Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Easton Park Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129

EVENTER TRIAL Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Indoor Eventer Trial. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Christmas Fun Showjumping.

Tel: 07749 951898 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; NSEA Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage, Intro - Ad Med. Tel: 01255 870744 FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; British Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01449

www.copdockmill.co.uk

711962 SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; Eventer Trial. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOW Essex: Wix EC; Christmas Show.

Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Christmas Showjumping incl Puissance. Tel: 07749 951898 MONDAY 18TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 TUESDAY 19TH DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Christmas Showjumping. Tel: 07749 951898 FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312

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Vets in the

SHOWDATE DIARY VETERINARY CONTACTS

SPONSORED BY

Ryder-Davies & Partners

HAWKEDON VETS EQUINE PRACTICE

VETERINARY SURGEONS Your Showdate listings for...December 2017/January 2018

01284 789428 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British

Our experienced equine team offer a range of services throughout Suffolk, South Norfolk & North Essex Services include: TUESDAY 2ND JANUARY SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park • Full lameness investigations SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; THURSDAY 11TH JANUARY Stud; British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 • Teeth rasping & advanced dental Tel: work Senior British Showjumping.

01708 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; 881755 • Pre purchase examinations Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 687312worming regimes SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn • Vaccinations, Essex: Brook Farm EC; 01234 708400 Arena; Open Evening Showjumping.•Tel: EquineSHOWJUMPING reproductive stud work Evening Showjumping.

01708 FRIDAY 12TH JANUARY 01449 711962 • BEVA accredited practice forTel: chilled & frozen semen • Investigation 687312of breeding problems in mares SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER include: withOpen Evening Showjumping. Tel: Arena; 5THInpatient JANUARYand outpatient stabling SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn FacilitiesFRIDAY 24 hour care • Digital x-ray, In-house laboratory, SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn 01449 711962 Arena; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: endoscope & digital ultrasound.

SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping.

01449 711962 We offer: Visits on a round-reduced visit fee 01449 Essex: Brook Farm EC; British Yard visitTel: daysno 711962 visit fee • Spread the cost healthDRESSAGE plans SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 MONDAY 25TH DECEMBER Regular client information evenings & newsletters.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS! WEDNESDAY 27TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffil Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Pony New Year Spectacular. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Very Novice Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Christmas Showjumping. Tel: 07749 951898 FRIDAY 29TH DECEMBER DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffil Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRIVING Essex: Wix EC; Indoor World Cup Driving. Tel: 01473 735732 POLOCROSSE Essex: Moor Hall Farm Polo Club; Polocrosse Taster and Fun Chukkas. Tel: 07802 325466 SHOW Beds: Twin Trees EC; Christmas Show. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Pony New Year Spectacular. Tel: 01234 708400 SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Pony New Year Spectacular. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; X Pole Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 MONDAY 1ST JANUARY

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

82

Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 21ST JANUARY CARRIAGE DRIVING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Indoor Carriage Driving.

Tel: 01603 731577 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 Bury St Edmunds DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage/Team Quest. Tel: Suffolk IP29 4NP www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk British Dressage.

Tel: 07879 881755 01279 414310 24 Hour Emergency Support British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; SHOWJUMPING Beds:www.hawkedonvets.co.uk The College EC; DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; High Fen RC Tel: 01394 380083 British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; MONDAY 22ND JANUARY Unaffil SJ. Tel: 01708 687312 Do you dream of studying horses at DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley college? Join Writtle University College Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 after your GCSEs and focus on a College; Unaffil SJ. Tel: 01603 731577 TUESDAY 23RD JANUARY SUNDAY 7TH JANUARY subject you love whilst getting handsSHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; on with the equine facilities. Visit DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 Unaffil Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 Writtle University College on Saturday 687312 EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; 13th January to discover more SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Eventer Trial. Tel: 01234 708400 www.writtle.ac.uk Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 SHOWING Essex: Harolds Park Farm EC; 687312 Essex based mobile veterinary practice SUNDAY 14TH JANUARY Winter Showing Show. Tel: 01279 WEDNESDAY 24TH JANUARY DRESSAGE Norfolk:Advanced Forest Edge dentistry, Arena; 414310 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Theportable College EC;Xlameness evaluations, SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; Unaffil Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 portable British Showjumping.

Tel: 01234 708400 ray, ultrasound, video gastroscopy/endoscopy SHOWJUMPING Beds: Collegeout EC;in the comfort Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 THURSDAYof25TH all The carried yourJANUARY horses’s home.

British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 687312 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Pre purchase examinations.

SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; British SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffil Evening Clear Roundcover.

Showjumping. Tel: 24 hour local emergency Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 851755/ Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 01234 708400 01371 01371 850532 MONDAY 8TH JANUARY TUESDAY 16TH JANUARY FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY www.fullerequine.co.uk DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm EC; SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn www.facebook.com/fullerequine Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 Arena; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: TUESDAY 9TH JANUARY SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brookfullerequine@gmail.com Farm EC; 01449 711962 Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 687312 Evening SJ. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; College; British Dressage. Tel: 01603 Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 731577 687312 687312 DRIVING Essex: Wix EC; Indoor Driving.

WEDNESDAY 17TH JANUARY WEDNESDAY 10TH JANUARY Tel: 01473 735732 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; SUNDAY 28TH JANUARY British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: The Jays; 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Evening Arena Eventing. Tel: 07759 603120 THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage, Into Eventer Trial. Tel: 01234 708400 - Ad Med. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park FRIDAY 19TH JANUARY Stud; Unaffil SJ. Tel: 07879 881755 Do you dream of studying horses at DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud; TUESDAY 30TH JANUARY university? Turn your passion into British Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British your career by studying a degree at SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 Writtle University College and getting Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping.

SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm EC; hands-on with the equine facilities.

Tel: 01449 711962 Evening SJ. Tel: 01708 687312 Visit Writtle University College on SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY WEDNESDAY 31ST JANUARY Wednesday 10th January to discover DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affil more www.writtle.ac.uk Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 and Unaffil Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400

www.copdockmill.co.uk

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