Absolute Horse February 2016

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F

E M K ’M C -I !

PI P EE U R

Absolute

FEBRUARY 2016

! e v o l , e v o l , e v Lo An introduction to Polocrosse Page 46

PLUS

Waveney Harriers traditional hunt Page 48

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FEBRUARY

2016 26

32

40

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ISSUE 296

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Chloe Winchester and Avoca Valkyrie Dobson & Horrell and The World Class Programme U23 British Championship at Olympia.

Photo: Jon Stroud

REGULARS News 4 Your Comment 6 20 Metafitness 32 On The Market 37 EAST: Natural Horsemanship with Parelli 40 Health & Welfare: Vetwatch: Equine preventative health care 59 Local Show Results 60 Classifieds 62 Vets in the Spotlight 66 Showdate Directory GIVEAWAYS 21 Goodies from The Animal Health Company

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 8 Eventing Special: Including Ride Likes from Mary King, The Bleekmans and Jenny Richardson.

22 Careers, education and training 24 Profile: Kelly Greaves 26 Nutrition 34 Saddlery & Tack 36 Report: Chloe Winchester secures Under 23 title at Olympia 38 Report: Welcome to Iceni 46 Special Reports: Polocrosse 48 Waveney Harriers Hunt 50 The Showing Register 52 Valentine Gift Ideas

01473 731220

How to contact us...

InSIde

WHAT’S

PHOTONEWS 54 Unaffiliated Dressage: Eastern Farm Stud 55 Christmas Show: Wix EC 56 East Essex Hunt: Clees Hall 57 Dunston Harriers Point to Point: Ampton Racecourse 58 East Essex Hunt: Castle Hedingham

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info@ahmagazine.com

www.absolutehorsemagazine.com www.issuu.com

PCD Media (East Anglia) Ltd Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS. Find us on facebook 3

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NEWS

MARE AND FOAL RESCUED DISCOvER whAT FROM HADDISCOE, NORFOLK JUDGES LOOk fOR...

Redwings’ Senior Field Officer Julie Harding attended a field near Haddiscoe in Norfolk recently following a call to the charity’s welfare line.

On attending the site, a piebald cob mare was discovered with a very sickly foal at foot.

Requiring immediate veterinary attention and with the help of Redwings’ Senior Welfare Veterinary Surgeon Nic de Brauwere and RSPCA Inspector Ben Kirby, the foal was removed with the mare and taken to Redwings’ Reception Centre.

Equifest Update: Equifest is pleased to announce that KBIS British Equestrian Insurance will be increasing their involvement in the showing world by sponsoring classes at this year’s hugely popular event. KBIS will sponsor the Working Hunter Pony qualifiers and Championship along with the Ridden Show Hunter Pony qualifiers and Championship.

plUs - BE tAlEnt spottEd! Discover more about showing at a TSR Showing Clinic plus Amateur riders could be talent spotted for the TSR/HOYS Training Pathway.

Clinics are friendly, fun and open to everyone, all types of horse/pony.

Goody bags with vouchers for Smart Grooming and Baileys Horse Feeds plus riders receive the NEW TSR Train and Reward App. The App is a fun and easy way to set your training goals, post your results and collect your online rewards, plus you can share your awards on social networks such as Facebook! The App will be available to download from the TSR website.

Local Clinic dates include: 20th February at Wisbech RC, Horse Creek Farm, March; 21st February at Easton Park Farm, Woodbridge; 15th May at Weston Equestrian, Norwich.

90 min sessions in small groups. £25 TSR/BRC Members or £35 non members.

Visit www.theshowingregister.co.uk for more details.

CAPITAL GETS SOME EQUESTRIAN MAGIC!

STOP PRESS: FOAL DUMPED IN DITCH IN HERTS The RSPCA is appealing for information after a dying foal was dumped in a ditch beside a public bridleway in Hertfordshire.

The six-month-old black cob was found collapsed on Essendon Public Byway 014, just off West End Road, in Essendon, Hatfield, on Monday evening 18th January at around 6pm.

The RSPCA was called to the location by a member of the public. Sadly, the attending vet determined that the kindest thing to do was to put the young horse to sleep to prevent any further suffering.

Any witnesses should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.

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The capital got it’s fair share of magic on New Year’s Day when the London New Year’s Day Parade featuring ‘All The Queens Horses’ hit the city in style.

Alongside celebrity illusionist Darcy Oake, jugglers, cheerleaders, acrobats, clowns and marching bands, this year’s record-breaking parade featured two teams of riders, 64 horses and 200 participants.

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Annie Bowles on Carlanstown winner WH Hunt Members Race Photo: Richard Weller Poley

Waveney Harriers Point to Point The Waveney Harriers invite you to their annual Point to Point at Higham, nr Colchester on Sunday 21st February.

This popular day attracts a large crowd and has a card of 6 Point to Point races including the highly contested Members Cup with a hope of winning the splendid solid silver 'Sir Thomas Gooch Coronation Cup' which has every winner recorded on it since its first running for King George VI's Coronation in 1937.

Joining the Waveney Harriers will be the East Anglian Branch of the Pony Racing Authority running 138cm and 148cm pony races. The pony racing attracts many established young riders from across our area including 14-year-old Bradley Kent from White Notley in Essex, Point to Point National 138cm champion rider. Tuffa Boots are kindly sponsoring the pony races as well as offering a £50 discount voucher off their newly launched 'Sandown' National Hunt boots to the winning rider of every P2P race.

Saint Felix School in Southwold are annual attendees at the Point to Point and will again this year be sponsoring the Best Turned Out in each race. They will also be supporting their pupil and equestrian team member Honor Whyte who will be competing in her first Members race, going head to head with her sister Sophie Whyte.

The first race is at midday, entrance is £12 per person with under 16's free. “Come and join us for a fun afternoon, browse the trade stands, enjoy the food and drink and pick a winner,” said a spokesperson.

december competition winners: Dengie Angela Fowler, Essex; Becki Cross, Suffolk; Carol Flower, Essex; Carys Hampson, Bucks; Claire Butcher, Essex; Danielle Twitchen, Suffolk; Debbie Fitches, Norfolk; Hannah Price, Herts; Helen Murphy, Essex; Janet Munn, Beds; Jenny Kidman, Essex; Lucy Hamond, Essex. Maxavita Georgia San Biancci, Suffolk; Jayne Flynn, Suffolk; Jessica Smith, Chester; Kerri Skelton, Essex; Louise Burrell, Suffolk; H Bradley, Essex; M Linscote, Herts; Sue Perry, Norfolk.

Nettex Amy Smith, Suffolk; Angelina Acott, Norfolk; Angie Kowalczyk, Suffolk; Camilla Bedford, Derbyshire; Claire Smith, Essex; Debbie Verrill, Suffolk; Elizabeth Andrews, Dervyshire; Elle Laws, Herts; Elly Hardesty, Norwich; Joanna Sidebottom, Lincs; Karin Baria, Lincs; Katie Hull, Suffolk; Laura Sheldrake, Suffolk; Leanne Young, Essex; Lucy Gooderham, Suffolk; Lynda Clarke-Knights, Norfolk; M Cook, Suffolk; Rachel Chisnell, Essex; Susan Sims, Lincs; Suzanne Purnell, Suffolk. Nuumed Gillian Riviere, Cambs.

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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!

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We asked our acebook fans the following question...

Wednesday Batchelor: I don't have horses any more - I lost my girl two years ago and then moved away from home in Gloucester to Norwich. Social media has kept me connected with horsey friends old and new as well as the groups which have helped me connect with horsey folk up here. It’s a huge channel for advertising and news, and I find things out on Facebook which I wouldn't have known for hours after! It's also a great place to see my photos from years before.

Melly Dolittle: Horsey people and communities on social networking makes for much entertainment.

Get to be part of or witness some of the best and worse horsey stuff.

Love seeing people's pics of much loved equines and equally sharing my pics too. If you’re stuck for advice or help you can usually get it online..... how did we all cope before wifi!

Jessie Cook: We see the pictures of mud! Must mean I'm not the only one swimming in mud to get the horse fed and happy, this can only make me feel better, surely?

Jessica Hughes: Social media helps me keep updated on how the horsey world is going, seeing all the photograph updates, being able to share your memories with each other and meeting new horsey friends.

George Hunt: Love how I can go back and review the progress of my horses and having a full video and

We'd like to know how does social media enhance your horsey life?

photo diary there for me to look back on my journey with the boys just from the pics and vids I’ve shared for my family and friends over the years.

Georgia Clow: I love keeping up to date with all my friend’s progress with their horses and seeing all the success in the horsey world, also all of the horsey pages and forums are very interesting.

Clare Shrimpton-Wicks: Helps you through the horrible winter months and love to see what people are up to in the summer months.

Kay Brown: One big happy family.

Gina Bruce: Social media keeps me connected. Our only horse that my daughter competes BD has been off work for nearly 2 years with illness and injury. I love the memories and can't wait for them to be out winning and competing again. It reminds me of the good times and offers great support from friends.

Jane Salmon: By competitions being posted I won a goody box with you from Blue Chip and I won a demo with Lynn Russell at Your Horse Live and I love goodies!

Lisa Mancuso: Don't know where we'd be without social media now.

My horsey life revolves around it, from keeping in touch with horsey friends, booking training and

clinics, to getting advice on which BE event to do next, and getting general support from friends and equestrian aquaintance, as well as everyday advice on equine management, or where to find the best professional to help within various equine fields. The help and support is endless and all at the end of my fingertips as I tap away on my keyboard from anywhere in the world at anytime of day or night.

Joanne Price: Keeps us in touch with all the friends we have made across the horsey UK and beyond.

Katie Leverett: I just like to annoy all my non-horsey friends with endless pictures and daily (sometimes hourly) updates on the latest bad behaviour from my Welsh cobs. My friends list keeps getting shorter!

Ellen Fosker: Sharing ideas, posing questions and discussing, notifying people in your local area of this to be aware of and best of all sharing happy memories xx Vicky Archer: It helps me reach my clients from a more personable approach.

Lyn Shrimpton: Just like reading a daily newspaper = news, views, results and what’s going on in the horsey world.

and the Star winner is...

Sarah Crosbie: Makes me realise I am not alone lo!l We have all fallen off, had the nightmare show, slipped over in mud, fixed something with baler twine.... just a good way to laugh with others when things don't go quite to plan!

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SPRING TRAINING DATES 23rd Feb: Any Horse Any Rider Clinic with Caroline Meads BHSI, at Forest Edge Arena, Drymere, Swaffham, PE37 8AS 7th Mar: Stable Managers Training, with Carole Broad FBHS, at Shuttleworth College Equine Unit, near Biggleswade, SG18 9HF 9th Mar: Lunging & Long Lining Training Day (CPD), with Carole Broad FBHS, 9.30am until 4pm, Newton Hall EC, Swilland, Suffolk, IP6 9LT

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Full, standard & DIY Livery available - please see website for more information or call to arrange a viewing of our faclilities. Full list of our Shows and Clinics are on our website and Horsedates - see what we can do for you today...

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10th Mar: PTT Training Day with Carole Broad FBHS: 9.30am until 4pm, at Easton College, Norwich, NR9 5DX 21st Mar: Essential Horse Knowledge Certificate, Train the Trainer, 1pm-3pm, at Newton Hall EC, Swilland, Suffolk IP6 9LT. 6th April: IT Training Day with Jo Winfield FBHS, 9:30am until 4pm, at the College of West Anglia, Milton Campus, Landbeach Road, Cambridgeshire, CB24 6DB

For more details and how to book on any of these events visit www.bhs.org.uk For more details please contact: Janet Holmes, BHS Regional Manager on 07808 141076 or janet.holmes@bhs.org.uk www.bhs.org.uk

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Photo: Adam Fanthrope

EVENTING SPECIAL

“Arena Eventing offers the thrill of riding cross country in the relative safety of the arenas and on a consistent surface. We are very excited to be involved with this fast growing sport and to expand our support into the eventing world” - Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager at SEIB Insurance Brokers.

£3000 Prize Fund on Offer!

Recently agreed is the new sponsorship by SEIB Insurance Brokers for SEIB Arena Eventing at Vale View Equestrian, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

This is a very exciting competition with serious prize money and is open to both amateur and

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professional. There is £1,000 per section to be won at the finals and the first prize is £500. The prize money at the qualifiers is also very generous.

Arena eventing is a fast growing sport that was introduced at the Old Dalby venue to maximise use of their extensive facilities. The

centre is easy to reach in a central location just off the A46 in Leicestershire.

The multiple indoor and outdoor arenas at Vale View have allowed an interesting course to be developed, with a mix of show jumps, fixed and knock down cross country fences. Starting in

the indoor International Arena, competitors negotiate a course of show jumps, before exiting the arena onto the cross country section and the extensive water complex, a feature of the venue.

International commentators help create a “big event” atmosphere which adds to the excitement.

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Venue profile

STRATFORD HILLS HORSE TRIALS

Changes afoot...

British Eventing (BE) Training and Education (T&E) will undergo new developments to the regional structure.

Changes include the implementation of new Regional Committees and the introduction of eight regionally based employees; a new role created to provide support to the existing regional training and U18 volunteers.

With the aim to provide more training to BE Members, giving a stepping stone into the sport for non-members and to develop the training offering for all stakeholders, the new regional structure will also align the T&E programme more closely with the other BE regional boundaries to work towards a more coordinated and collaborative organisation.

As part of the updated structure BE T&E will introduce Regional Committees to implement programme policy at a regional level, communicating with all stakeholders on training matters. The policy will principally relate to training riders, under 18s, Coaches, Officials and Volunteers as

18th and 19th June 2016 Stratford Hills, Stratford St. Mary,Colchester, Essex CO7 6PA.

guided by the aims and objectives of the BE Strategy.

The regional committees will set out to deliver a training offering appropriate to the requirements of their region in all areas of the sport. To build on the knowledge that has already been developed in each region, committees will be made up of existing personnel in the current regional roles, who will play a crucial part in ensuring a suitable spread of training in their region. Existing BE Regional Coordinators (RCs) will take up the role of Committee Chairs due to their insight and broad knowledge of the region.

To administrate the Regional Committees and support the delivery of training in the regions, BE will also recruit eight new part time regionally based Regional Development Officers (RDO). These new BE employees will work closely not only with the Regional Committee members, but also the overarching T&E Committee and T&E Team at BE Headquarters, coordinating and administrating training courses in the region.

U18 Programme Training:

Title sponsors: Carriagehouse Insurance.

BE Organiser: Gillie Cranfield. Tel: 01473 827596/07768 708637 or email gillie@waterhousefarm.com.

Entries Secretary: Mrs Wendy Evans, 2 Netherstead Court, Morton Bagot, Studley, Warwickshire, B80 7FG. Mobile: 0775888546, Email wendy@scoring.fsnet.co.uk Classes: Saturday - N, ON, IN, NRF, ONU18 Qualifier, BE100, BE100 open, BE100 plus, BE100U18 Qualifier Sunday: BE80 (T), BE90, BE90 Open.

Dressage facts: Very flat grassland which will be aerovated if necessary. All classes will do test in short arenas.

Showjumping facts: Large well covered showjumping arena which will be aerovated if necessary.

SJ Course Designer Designer: Sue Peasley XC Course facts: All four tracks will make use of this beautiful undulating countryside with well established grassland and woodland. Some new fences will be added and full use will be taken of the re-designed water complex. Course will be aerovated if necessary.

XC Designers: Graham Wallin and David Merrett.

Spectators: Cars £10 each. Those displaying current BE membership FREE for all occupants. Dressage starts 8.00am, Show Jumping 9.00am and XC 10.00am. There will be a good selection of tradestands, food stalls and a licensed bar.

Location: Grid Reference:TM056358. Stratford Hills is 200m west of the A12 between Ipswich and Colchester. From the South turn left on B1068 to Higham. From the North turn off the A12 to Dedham, take first right to rejoin A12 to Ipswich. After rejoining the A12 turn left on the B1068 to Higham. The event will be signed.

Dual carriageway all the way from the A1 - north and Dartford Tunnel - south.

You don’t have to b

17th and 27th Feb – Pre-season SJ and XC with to booekathBE member – open toese courses Sharon Hunt and Tina Ure (both U18 Eastern BE80 an all levels d above!

Region Coaches) at Ely Eventing Centre.

19th and 20th Feb– Pre-season 2-day training camp with Sharon Hunt at Darshams Farm, Wetherden.

Contact U18 Regional Coordinator Sam Nicholls 07966 523087.

Stratford Hills Horse Trials will be run in aid of The Porch Project, Hadleigh. www.porchproject.co.uk

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EVENTING SPECIAL Venue profile

Great Witchingham Horse Trials 24th-26th March /1st-3rd July “2016 should be an exciting year for those of you who compete at Great Witchingham Horse Trials, Blackwater Farm's unaffiliated events, Pony Club events, including Area 8 Pony Club Horse Trials, or schooling over Blackwater's facilities,” explained David Sayer.

“This year, the BE Novice, BE100 and BE90 tracks will start in the opposite direction, with a new rideway cut through the first wood (Festival Belt), over the 6 spring courses, 17 new fences are planned and others moved providing over 40 different jumping efforts; this will increase the length of the Novice, BE100 and BE90 courses by around 300 meters, and maintaining Great Witchingham's trademark for proper galloping cross country courses with a natural flow that horses enjoy and understand.

“The summer Horse Trials have moved 2 weeks earlier to 1st to 3rd July, so that we can host the Pony Club Area 8 Horse Trials on Sunday 17th July.

“We will be running Pony Club sections at BE100 and BE90 Open at both horse trials on Saturday 26th March and Sunday 3rd July, as a Great Witchingham and British Eventing initiative. The Pony Club classes entry fee will be £10 per day ticket, £71.98 entry fee, to include abandonment insurance, and a start fee of £5.00, making a total of £86.98, which is a 25% reduction on a standard day ticket entry in a BE90 or BE100 class.

We hope that as many Pony Club members as possible will take advantage of this initiative and compete at both the BE and Pony Club Area Horse Trials at Great Witchingham. There will be a Pony Club instructor present at both horse trials to help Pony Club members in the Pony Club sections.

“Our schooling charges this year will be £15 for 18 years and under, and £20 for over 18's.

“We will update Facebook with the new fences as they are built, and we are delighted that Michael Karayan, who many of you will remember as being the Huntsman for the Dunston Harriers for 16 seasons, will be helping us in his new career as an accredited BE course builder, alongside Robert.”

BE Organiser: David Sayer. Blackwater Farm, Great Witchingham, Norfolk, NR9 5PH. Tel: 01362 688227. Email: greatwitchingham@googlemail.com. www.blackwaterfarm.co.uk Classes: 24th-26th March BE80(T), BE90, BE90Open, BE90PC, BE100, BE100Open, BE100PC, BE100Plus, CIC*, IN, N, ON, AI, I, OI 1st-3rd July BE80(T), 4YO, BE90, BE90Open, BE90PC, 3BE100, 3BE100Open, 5YO, BE100, BE100Open, BE100PC, CIC*, N, ON, I, OI Location: Just off the A1067 Fakenham - Norwich road. Turn off at Reepham turning 12 miles from Norwich, signed Norfolk Wildlife Park.

Great Witchingham is signposted as Lenwade on most maps.

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Rider profile

Lissa Green

EVENTING IS IN THE BLOOD FOR EVENT RIDER LISSA GREEN, FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HER MOTHER THE GREAT LUCINDA GREEN. BASED IN WILTSHIRE, THE 26-YEAR-OLD IS FULL OF AMBITION AND DRIVE TO SUCCESS IN THE WORLD OF EVENTING. FROM A YOUNG AGE LISSA WAS ALWAYS TOLD IF SHE WANTED TO HAVE THE PONIES SHE WOULD HAVE TO WORK HARD AND PROVE IT. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SHE DID. Tell us about your horses?

I currently have seven horses on the yard and I am actively looking for more.

The horse I am planning to take to Blenheim Palace International is Malin Head Clover, know at home as Ali G. The 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse is owned by the Ali G syndicate. He has a really exciting horse was a huge amount of potential.

Boleybawn Free, known at home as Raffa is a 16.1hh, 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse, owned by Daniela Sieff, is currently competing at 1star.

Claudia Watkins's Med Night Trafford Mignonette, known as Minnie. A chestnut mare, thoroughbred x irish draught is working at Novice level and showing some real talent.

What are your must haves when buying an event horse?

Feet and front legs are the most important thing to look at.

Attitude definitely overrides talent, it is much better to have one that wants to do it.

There is nothing better than your own horse, that you have

produced from a youngster, but this can’t always be the case.

Who do you train with?

I train with Ian Woodhead for dressage and Corinne Bracken and Major Richard Waygood for showjumping.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

I haven’t broken that many bones.

What is your favourite event?

Barbury International Horse Trials is my nemesis, I have never done well, but I love it.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Resting, relaxing and going on holiday. You can’t beat watching live sporting events, I am a Manchester United fan, so try to watch them as much as I can.

Do you have any tips for budding event riders?

Enjoy the experience. Don’t rush the foundations and basics, because you need to learn them.

Spend time getting to know and understand the levels, the walk of

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HAT STANDARDS

shame is an important lesson.

Success isn’t measured on what you have won, it is about all the fails you have come back from.

British Eventing would like to remind Members that 2016 will see the following standards permitted: Why do you like Grubs boots?

They are so comfy; you can wear them every day all year round.

For more information contact Grub’s visit www.grubsboot.com

Do you have any pets?

Rico a Jack Russell x Pug puppy.

Are the horses worked every day?

The horses are worked six days a week, we try to have Sundays off, but if we are busy competing it is Monday.

7.2 Hats 7.2.1 ‘Riding Hat’ is a hat that is designed to provide protection for riders.

7.2.2 ‘Protective Headwear’ is a hat that meets one of the Standards set out below. The labeling must be checked for compliance by an official and the hat then appropriately tagged with a visible current BE ‘hat tag’.

British & European • PAS 015* • VG1 01.040 2014-12 * *with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark 7.2.3 ‘Cross Country Protective Headwear’ is a “Jockey Skull” of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak, peak type extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front. It must also comply with the ‘Protective Headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.

“

I studied Criminology and Forensic Science at Bristol University, which I really enjoyed, so that would be my back up plan if I didn’t ride....

”

Cross country stopwatches will be permitted at all levels for a trial period in 2016.

From the first event of 2016 until the end of June 2016 competitors will now be allowed to wear stopwatches during the cross country phase at BE80, BE90 and BE100.

7.2.4 Hat Safety • Headwear of the appropriate standard must be worn by everyone, whether or not a Competitor, whenever mounted anywhere at a BE Event.

• Harnesses must always be correctly fastened.

• Competitors are strongly recommended to check their headwear regularly and to replace it if damaged, or following a fall.

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EVENTING SPECIAL: TUTORIAL Mary King has a wealth of Olympic experience, having represented Great Britain at six Olympic Games and has won Badminton twice.

Ride like...

MARY KING

In this article, Mary tells us what makes the ideal...

EvENT hORSE The Aim Generally speaking, if you want to have a fighting chance of succeeding at the level you event at, choose a horse who is naturally athletic and who moves well, especially if you’re aiming for the higher levels. It’s natural athleticism that makes a horse light on his feet and that, together with good limb conformation, means he’ll have a better chance of standing up to what’s being asked of him.

Bear in mind, you can’t make an un-athletic horse into a super athlete – it’s impossible to completely change this dimension of his make-up. But the more naturally athletic he is, the more he should be able to cope with slight conformational defects.

I like a horse to be naturally light on his feet because the more naturally athletic a horse is, the longer he’s going to last – and that’s important if you are aiming

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to progress to Advanced level.

Paces An event horse must have up to three good paces. The further you want to climb up the levels, the more impressive the movement

Photo: Bob Atkins

The more naturally he gallops, the easier the fast work

and natural look of the horse has to be. Having said that, however, even being placed at the lower levels of affiliated competition still requires a very good dressage test, so three good paces are important.

International event rider, Mary King, is one of the world’s top event riders and has numerous prestigious championships to her name.

She has been British Champion four times and has also won six team gold medals at World Equestrian Games and European Championships.

A good horse should be careful with their hind legs

walk The horse needs to be purposeful in his walk and naturally overtrack – that is, where the hind feet step in front of the hoof prints left by the front feet.

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Photo: Liz Knowler

Photo: Bob Atkins

most important requirements of an event horse. Horses are just like people – some can run along and jump over something very easily while others can’t, and horses are the same. However, depending on how competitive you are determines how well the horse needs to jump – you want to put your time and effort into a horse who is capable of jumping reasonably well. Generally, Temperament is all important - anyone for walkies though, success depends a lot on the horse’s attitude, so bear in mind that the easier he finds the Trot warmbloods. He uses his long work, the more he’ll enjoy it.

The same applies to the trot. The hind legs to propel himself As far as the natural mechanics of horse must have a purposeful way forward. jumping are concerned, the of going with a good length of quicker a horse is in front – as in stride, one that is not flat, but The Gallop the quicker he is snapping up his showing some roundness and It goes without saying that an elevation. event horse must gallop well. I’ve front legs off the ground and folding them away over a jump – had horses who I’ve thought Canter would be quick enough, but when the better. Horses like this are less If the horse canters naturally in a I’ve taken them up a gear, they’ve likely to leave a leg at a fence and as a result, you’ll be less likely to balanced way – that is, with his struggled. Bear in mind that the hind leg coming well underneath more naturally a horse can gallop, take a tumble. his body, he’ll find his work easier. the easier he’ll find fast work and A good horse should also be relatively careful with his hind However, it can also mean that he the less he will struggle as far as does not have such a good gallop, fitness and stamina are concerned legs, but he doesn’t need to make so there’s a very fine line to be – therefore, there is less chance of the amazing bascule (the natural round arc a horse’s body makes drawn here. sustaining an injury. over a jump) that pure show A Thoroughbred, which is bred for jumpers do. In fact there are some speed, doesn’t step under with his The Jump event horses who jump in quite hind legs as naturally as most Their natural jump is one of the peculiar shapes, but are still very efficient. So long as your horse can clear the fence comfortably, that’s what you should be considering.

Three good paces are important

Temperament At the end of the day, the event horse’s temperament is paramount. You can have a horse with all the talent in the world, but if he can’t cope mentally with the training and competing – including coping with playful dogs like Barney (see image above) – he will never fulfil his potential.

Product Showcase Mary understands the importance of feeding a dust-free forage and uses High Fibre HorseHage.

High Fibre HorseHage is a dust-free, bagged forage made from a selected mix of grasses that are high in fibre and lower in protein and energy levels. Being lower in sugar than most hays, High Fibre HorseHage carries the Hoof Kind logo to show that it is safe to feed to laminitics and good doers. It does not contain any chemical additives, mould inhibitors, flavourings, molasses or inoculants and is more digestible than other forages, allowing more efficient utilisation of the available nutrients.

HorseHage is the only forage of its type to have BETA NOPS certification.

For more information on feeding your horse or pony, please contact the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

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EVENTING SPECIAL: TUTORIAL

Ride like...

THE BLEEKMANS

to B.E. or not to B.E. And how to stARt

T

ake the plunge and decide to go affiliated BE eventing… you’ll love it and for us there are so many plus points.

It is expensive, but the efficient organisation in every way, at every moment, makes “going BE” worth every penny. You will meet friends for life from every aspect of the sport; the fellow riders, owners, organisers, helpers, volunteers and, of course, the officials, are one huge family who work together – the camaraderie of our sport is fantastic!

British Eventing is a seriously professional machine that

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probably is the best run eventing governing body in the world. The class of events from the lowest amateur level at BE80 right up to national advanced level – and the internationals - is superb. It makes no difference whether a BE event is running an 80cm class or an international – the BE organisation is the same. The venue will have been inspected by BE officials right from day one before the possibility of an affiliated competition is agreed to ensure that every single aspect of the horse trial is viable and suitable for the job. One of the first priorities is good access and

WE TALK TO HORSEHAGE - SPONSORED EVENT RIDERS - ‘ TEAM BLEEKMAN’ – CONSISTING OF SISTERS ALTHEA, KATIE AND JANOU BLEEKMAN, AND THEIR PARENTS, CLARISSA AND EDWARD WHO ARE BOTH FORMER HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL Althea and EVENT RIDERS WHO Janou planning for the next RUN THE WHORRIDGE season FARM STUD. parking which is essential to cope with all the traffic coming in and out and avoid traffic jams, as late comers meet early birds leaving.

Also easy access to every area where horses and riders plus necessary vehicles could possibly need to go. This has to be up to muster in every type of weather – rain or sun.

Whatever level you are competing at, the standard will be consistent at the level running, so there is no need to worry unduly about whether an individual event is difficult or easy – it is the technical delegate’s and steward’s job to ensure the level playing field at every event so “What is the course like?” is far less of a question than at your previous

unaffiliated events.

The site will have level dressage and show jumping arenas, and a good terrain with the opportunity to build a suitable and varied cross-country course with good natural features, enabling the course designer to build an interesting and challenging course. The priorities are to have a “track” that has a true influence on the results, while ensuring that every event is a positive learning experience for horse and rider. We have fabulous BE events here in the UK at every level which is why

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so many of the world’s eventing superstars are based in England producing their young horses.

The training ground of BE80, 90 and 100 is wonderful and designed for fun and education for horse and rider alike.

When you start to actually compete, the machine will run as out with your trainer a suitable near to clockwork as possible. It all programme through the works – you really do know where season, making sure you and you are. Start times are always your horse are fit, and ready. available by midday two days 3 Juggling the dates is not easy – before the first day of the event – pick your priority (for us it’s now ie. Wednesday 12pm before the the international horses in the Friday, which is great for planning yard, but in the early days it was ahead. You will go on your official school times that ruled) and time, and never be pushed to go then plot around the early. If a delay occurs every effort possibilities to find a plan that will be made to catch up, it is works for you. pretty efficient!

We often have horses here to Before taking the plunge, produce for our pupils, plus most of us have competed at regulars coming in to train unaffiliated competitions – so Janou rode Hal Andersen’s Carro what do we have to do for BE? Rumba in 2015 in preparation 1 Get on and register yourself at for Hal’s own BE100 debut www.britisheventing.com – and which was a great success. Team leave the rulebook in the little Bleekman can be quite large at room and read your way the Grassroots level! Never be through the bible! All the afraid to ask for help – that’s schedules are in one bi-monthly what your trainer is there for. magazine which is published in 4 Check your clothes, tack and kit plenty of time, and with the one are approved as in “the book”.

A5 rule book, all the info is The officials do check and you there. will not be allowed to start 2 Get out the date list and work

Walking the course

Katie riding Prince Apollo

missing an event through a lapsed vaccination.

Because registrations and entries can be done online it is pretty quick but it needs planning to get a good programme to enable you to progress successfully forward through the year. Do use your without the right gear. trainer to help you – most of us 5 The online entry system works well but entries do need to be in have been at it for some time and before the ballot date to ensure can show you the way through acceptance, (though late entries the maze!

Give yourselves enough training can be accepted, either the BE website or BDWP will tell you if sessions and small competitions before the big day – and above all there is still chance of a late don’t worry! Once you get happy entry), and prior to entry you with the system you can be far need both yourself and your more relaxed “going BE”. horse to be registered.

Good luck and have fun!

6 Don’t forget your flu vaccinations! Check your horse’s passport and make sure he is up For further information about the Bleekman’s sponsor, HorseHage, to date now! Having a winter please call 01803 527257 or visit timed booster is a good idea, www.horsehage.co.uk then there is no chance of

Janou competing on Carro Rumba in 2015

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EVENTING SPECIAL

Eventing must-haves...

EVO-FLEX Body Protector Offering unparalleled comfort and fit, the EVO-FLEX body protector incorporates Cut-Flex and HingeTek technologies which maximise the flexibility of the ultra-light weight foam and allow the bottom of the protector to mould into the nape of the back.

Available in 9 sizes from XS Child to XL Adult.

Price from £63.95-£121.95. www.championhats.co.uk

Champion X-Air Plus

Built upon a lightweight injectionmoulded ABS shell, the X-Air Plus combines Champion good looks and peace of mind. Featuring a stylish ventilation system, the X-Air Plus has a 4point padded synthetic suede harness which combines supreme comfort with absolute security. Kitemarked to PAS015, the X-Air Plus is the perfect hat for a smart, professional look in the dressage and showjumping phases.

Colours: Black or Navy Price from: £67.50 - £80.90. www.championhats.co.uk

Equetech Triumph Competition 2–In–1 Jacket offers two fabulous looks in a flash of a zip!

A beautifully contemporary fitted riding jacket, the Triumph is ideal for all equestrian disciplines and is styled in a durable Teflon coated shower proof polyester twill with a 5% Lycra for added stretch and fit.

Featuring two clever zip off collars, the wearer can choose from Plain or Grey/Diamond trim, depending on their mood or event. Stunning piping to the back waist with finely engraved ‘Equetech’ branded Silver buttons add to this jacket’s appeal and it also comes supplied in a stylish breathable zip garment bag to ensure you and your jacket are competition ready!

RRP: £107.50 www.equetech.com

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Toggi Barbury Performance Glove

Ergonomically designed Cross Country style glove featuring a technical stretch fabric on the palm and back, with a neoprene cuff and adjustable wrist strap for comfort and protection. With strategically placed reinforcement panels for extra durability and grip.

Colour: Black Size: XS - XL Price from: £13 www.toggi.com

FreshFrog - a tea tree oil for use on the frog and sole of the hoof. Used regularly to help keep your horses feet in the best condition.

Leg Wash - A tea Tree Shampoo especial for the legs to cleanse away mud and event grease. Tea tree has natural antiseptic and antifungal properties.

Quip Clean - This effective detergent can be used on all tools and equipment, even your horses feed bowl and bit. Making an ideal product to keep in your horse lorry to help keep your lorry clean and hygienic at the same time being safe to use in all areas.

Antibacterial stable powder - Sprinkle on your lorry rubber matting and it will absorb urine to help keep your lorry cleaner, drier and smelling fresher. Use in your event stables to help reduce your bedding waste there too. www.animal-health.co.uk

.

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Talking point...

Champion Ventair helmet Chosen by many of the world’s event riders including Pippa Funnell, Piggy French and Kitty King, the iconic Ventair Deluxe Jockey Helmet is extremely lightweight and comfortable, whilst offering outstanding protection. Made in the UK and Kitemarked and approved to PAS015, the Ventair features a design registered ventilated airflow system to increase airflow and help keep your head cool. www.championhats.co.uk

Colours: Black, Pink, Navy or Silver Price from: £89.50 - £107.50.

Toggi Gatcombe

These high performance breeches are made from a breathable fabric containing a built in moisture management system to help you remain cool and comfortable all season long. With a full seat in stretch simulated leather. Colours: Beige, Black, Chocolate, Navy, White.

Sizes: 24” – 34”. Price from: £80 www.toggi.com

The DeNiro Raffaello Boot in ‘Brushed Black’ (high sheen Italian leather) is an elegant riding boot with a concealed fulllength zip positioned slightly off centre for ease and long term performance. Various widths and sizing options also available.

RRP: £538.50 www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Ariat Tall Boot Bag RRP: £59.99 www.ariat.com

Gait competition jacket £390 www.fearnsfarmpartnership.co.uk

Dublin Winsor Ladies Competition Show Shirt £29.99

Attempts to change competition dress to make equestrian sports appeal to a wider audience are likely to meet resistance from riders, according to new research.

The study found that riders appreciated the distinct visual identity that competition attire gave to dressage and show jumping. The formality of the dress was seen as reflecting the core values and traditions of both sports, in particular poise, elegance, dignity and respect.

Dr Kate Dashper of Leeds Beckett University, herself an amateur dressage competitor for over 20 years, conducted in-depth interviews with 80 competition riders, over a third of them professional. The interviewees included both men and women, ranging in age from 16 to 70 years.

Although her findings published in Annals of Leisure Research show that those interviewed were mainly in favour of retaining the dress rules for their sports, they did voice criticism of some aspects of the attire.

“The dress that competition riders wear is based on traditional hunting and military attire as these are the roots of the sport,” said Dr Dashper. “Both were predominantly masculine pursuits and the clothes essentially breeches and a formal jacket were originally designed for men. But both men and women now find aspects of the costume difficult. Some women of a shorter build find it hard to find comfortable tailored jackets and many men find tight-fitting breeches overly ‘revealing’.“ She believes that small changes to competition dress may be acceptable, such as more colour options for jackets, but radical change to try and modernise the sport’s look would be rejected. Even the recent rule change to allow riding without jackets during hot weather is unlikely to be taken up in many cases, as riders said they didn’t feel right unless wearing the full ‘costume’.

Dublin Cubbington Tweed Show Jacket £89.99

Ashley Noble Performance Long Sleeve White Base Layer £39.95.

All available at www.clarkesofwalsham.co.uk

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EVENTING SPECIAL: TUTORIAL

Ride like...

JENNY RICHARDSON

tips FoR Riding

DOwNhILL

JENNY RICHARDSON BHSAI IS EqUESTRIAN CENTRE BUSINESS MANAGER AT IRELAND’S CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE; SHE’S ALSO FORMER HEAD INSTRUCTOR AT THE JEBEL ALI EqUESTRIAN CLUB IN DUBAI, AND HAS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN EqUINE SCIENCE, ALONG WITH HER BHSAI.

Professional riders are adept and confident at downhill riding, but it takes practice.

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My pupils love to ride cross country, but riding downhill can be challenging! In any cross country course there will be various gradients throughout, requiring different riding techniques, together with balance and obedience from your horse.

Uphill riding should present no problems, as the horse will naturally use himself and balance will not be lost and speed more easily controlled. Downhill will present the opposite effect, with the horse having a tendency to go

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on his forehand and run away with you and balance could be lost.

Firstly, on flat ground you will need to have established transitions both upwards and downwards in trot and canter and, ideally, be able to lengthen and shorten the pace at will. Move on to terrain containing some gentle slopes where you can practise the same exercises. You will find that when riding uphill, balance is more easily obtained when you lean forward up and out of the saddle, allowing the horse freedom of movement both in his body and his head. Riding downhill will require the opposite movements of your body, depending on the severity of the slope. You will help your horse

most by variances of degrees of leaning backwards, maintaining your seat in the saddle using a longer rein but keeping the contact. Initially start at trot, if the horse becomes strong and difficult to control slow the pace to a walk, or even halt, praise him and start again. You may have to repeat the lesson several times before you are able to lengthen and shorten the pace downhill. As progress is improved you will be able to work on the same exercise in canter, moving on to longer and steeper slopes. Leg position should remain in the same place both up and downhill. Your horse should absorb his lessons and be ever more attentive to your commands as you work towards a perfect partnership.

With uphill riding, the horse will naturally use himself to balance.

Controllable speed is required for jumping fences downhill.

Severe slopes and/or bad conditions should be approached with caution and performed at a slower pace, even walk.

Confidence building for both rider and horse is paramount, it is better to avoid a bad experience where possible and extra time taken will pay dividends in the long run.

Jumping fences downhill can be included once you can maintain controllable speed. Start with a simple pole on the ground with wedges or blocks to keep it in place and aim to cross it from a good even pace. Avoid getting too close to any fence downhill as it will be much harder for the horse to make a good shape and

keep his balance especially on landing. Your jumping position should vary from the norm as to keep in balance with your horse you will need to remain more upright. Alter your practise fences as you please until you are happy to cross any terrain and obstacle.

Approach your training with common sense and logic, break up each different challenge into bite size chunks, and only progress to higher stages as each task becomes mastered and you and your horse will enjoy many super days together riding XC, as the bond becomes stronger between you both!

Jenny is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at ireland’s Castle leslie Estate, a venue that offers luxurious equestrian training breaks in the heart of ireland.

Visit www.castleleslie.com

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EVENTING SPECIAL

Eventing Yard workout -

!

e s u c x no e

As Absolute horse hits the shelves it’ll be five weeks until the eventing season starts with isleham and the question is are you as fit and lean as your horse? if not then you’ve still got time! so let’s get cracking... we’ve talked about high intensity interval training (hiit) or tabata previously (20 seconds of exercise 10 seconds rest for 4 minutes x 35 rounds) and without doubt this is the quickest and smartest way to improve aerobic and anaerobic fitness. the biggest bonus is that it takes so little time, you can fit one in whilst you’re waiting to fill up water butts or for your horse to finish it’s feed before turnout. it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing either, all breeches have lycra in them nowadays so no excuses! generally i train clients with the following movements a push, pull, squat, hinge, loaded carry, abdominal finisher and then hiit session. i work with Charlie Clover who is pictured here demonstrating some of my favourite exercises...

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Single leg deadlift great for equalising strength in both legs, stand on one foot with toes spread out, hover the other foot by the balancing leg’s ankle and then squat down to the ground touch the floor and then stand up straight clenching your bottom at the top, don’t let the foot that is off the ground touch the balancing leg or the floor! Repeat on the other side.

Power Squats these are a killer but oh so good! Take your elbows to knees and then jump in the air and clap your hands above your head and repeat.

Box jumps we used the mounting block for these but whatever you use make sure it’s man enough for the job, solid and doesn’t move! This is an explosive move and great for the heart rate.

Mountain climbers most people do these quickly but I’ve found doing them slowly is magic on the abs. Lay face to the floor, put your hands underneath your shoulders and then push up to full plank position. Create tension through the body like a plank of wood and then bring one knee between your elbows then do the same with the other leg. Nice and slow and feel the burning abs.

Tel: 07740 047279 http://meta.fitness/home

the es for . h is w t d Bes on ahea s a e s new

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READER

GIvEAwAY Three lucky readers to win a 400gm tub of Coolgel; a 1 litre bottle of O Mega Shine and a 1 litre bottle of Super Body Wash - a package worth over £54!

This prize package put together by The Animal Health Company is ideal for any competitor out there, whatever sphere they compete in.

The prize bundle consists of: • A tub of CoolGel, this refreshing thick gel is for applying to your horse after exercise/competing or on bruises, heated muscles. hot legs and strains. The gel can be applied to a wet coat so ideal to use after hosing your horses legs off to help cool their legs for longer.

• A 1 litre bottle of their new product O-Mega Shine. This feed supplement boasts 87% Omega Oils, containing Omega Oils 3, 6 and 9. This vegetarian oil helps to attain a show winning coat as well as general condition of your horse. Unlike other oils on the market you can feed as little as 15ml a day.

• A 1 litre bottle of Super Body Wash, a tea tree and peppermint non-rinse shampoo. This shampoo, as well as being a great cleanser, is also refreshing and invigorating for your horse.

To enter visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the ‘competition’ tab.

Deadline 29th February 2016

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CAREERS, EDUCATION & TRAINING in the spotlight: King’s ElY

Unlocking potential King’s Ely is a school that empowers young people to challenge themselves and push beyond the boundaries of their own expectations to achieve more than they ever believed possible.

Offering an outstanding education to girls and boys aged 1 to 18, situated just 15 minutes north of Cambridge and a short walk to Ely train station in the heart of rural Cambridgeshire, King’s Ely is a prestigious, innovative independent day and boarding school, complemented by a history that stretches back over 1,000 years. A can-do atmosphere develops happy,

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confident young people who are encouraged to thrive, both academically and socially.

At King’s Ely Acremont (Nursery – Year 2), such development demands a planned, creative curriculum that is dedicated to the needs of younger children, encouraging them to be independent learners with a zeal for knowledge, caring experts who have the time to give little ones lots of individual attention, a beautiful, spacious environment that allows children to explore and reflect in order to discover the exciting world around them.

Moving on to King’s Ely Junior (Years 3 – 8), it demands a

positive and enriching atmosphere, a commitment to unlocking potential and the development of conscientious, compassionate young people.

In King’s Ely Senior (Years 9 – 13), it demands exceptional teaching and a culture of independent learning, enabling students to take ownership of their own educational journeys, where results are achieved through inspiration, not unnecessary pressure.

The school boasts modern, purpose-built teaching facilities and the remarkable backcloth of Ely Cathedral, the perfect setting for concerts and performances.

Music, drama and art are embedded in the culture of the school, with opportunities for pupils of all abilities and aspirations, both within and beyond the curriculum. All major sports are offered, along with an impressive array of other activities helping every pupil to realise their sporting potential.

The school has a successful Junior and Senior Equestrian Team, and the new working week enables pupils to fully participate in regional and national events.

Notable academic accolades include the coveted NACE award for the excellent standard of

teaching and learning, a national award for outstanding ICT facilities and various awards for international partnerships. King’s Ely is also a centre of excellence for Chemistry, Maths and Geography.

Boarders and choristers live in picturesque historic boarding houses, well-led by caring Housemasters and Housemistresses. A strong pastoral structure where childhood is respected and cherished is a key feature of the school.

To visit Open Events or make an individual appointment, please email janeformston@kingsely.org or call 01353 660707. For further information, please visit www.kingsely.org

Ab Horse February pages 1 to 23_Layout 1 21/01/2016 08:58 Page 23

Do whaltove! youat CwA Cambridge The College of West Anglia (CWA) is one of the largest providers of education and training in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Equine courses include Level 1 and 2 in Horse Care, Level 3 in Horse Management and BSc/FDsc (Hons) in Equine Science with Rehabilitation Therapies. All courses are industry relevant with an interesting mix of practical and theoretical delivery, effectively preparing learners for further education or employment.

Degree programmes are run in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), meaning that Higher Education students also

benefit from the excellent resources at ARU. The Equestrian Centre has an array of facilities including a 30stable yard, an indoor and outdoor arena and dressage simulator. The CWA Equine Therapy Centre is used to support curriculum, centre horses and external clients and houses a hydrotherapy spa, aqua treadmill, solarium, weighbridge and various magnetic and cold treatments.

A BHS Highly Commended Centre and home to the Cambridgeshire Horse Sport Academy (CHSA), the centre offers activities across a wide range of disciplines. www.cwa.ac.uk The CWA CHSA also runs a host of events and competitions throughout the year which include unaffiliated and affiliated dressage, show jumping and equestrian vaulting.

CLICK CLICK CLICK! Equine Careers’ new website features a library of equine-related college courses: www.equinecareers.co.uk

A career in the equestrian industry has to be hands-on with horses?

No, think again! There is a diverse range of opportunities available and a new booklet highlights them.

Visit: www.beta-uk.org

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PROFILE

Focus on...

“

I have to manage my time very effectively, my friends are always laughing at me when I post photos of me riding at 5am when most normal people are still tucked up in bed!

I bought my fabulous Fentons Flint in the Autumn of 2014 and haven’t looked back. Even though I fell pregnant shortly after buying him, it didn’t stop me riding and competing. Flint is one in a million; he looks after me – so much so that we were still out winning when I was 26 weeks pregnant, and winning again six weeks after giving birth to my son.

We make a great team.

Highights of my ridden career BE record finished top 10 in first BE80 but could not finish season due to pregnancy.

Placed eighth Individually at the Riding Club Dressage Championship.

Qualified for Combined Training Champs but could not attend due to pregnancy.

Won Three Championship Riding Club Trophies in 2015.

BD record with Fentons Flint with scores all over 70%. Our personal best is 77% and winning two qualifiers at 26 weeks in 2015.

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y l l e K

Greaves Winning my Area Festival in 2015.

Placed first by all three judges just 6 weeks after giving birth to my third child.

How and when did you start riding?

I was 13 when I first started to ride, I was lucky enough to live next door to my horse-mad aunt who persuaded my parents to buy me and my sister a pony. We ended up with three by complete mistake. The work involved taught me some very valuable lessons. I would get up early before school, muck out and ride the horses.

Everything revolved around the horses, they were my priority.

What was the name of your first horse?

The ponies aside, my first horse and love of my life was called Jack M’Lad, I owned him for twenty wonderful years and unfortunately lost him recently.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Being placed first in my Pet Plan Area Festival, six weeks after the birth of my son. I purchased my current horse Fentons Flint in Autumn 2014. I then fell pregant which changed all my British

Eventing plans.

I set my eyes on competing at the Area Festival Champs instead although I nearly missed out on getting my last qualifying sheet as my event was cancelled and I was 26 weeks pregnant. However, another venue allowed me to submit a late entry. We won both our classes that day. I had to choose one of the later Area Festivals in the season to allow myself enough time to get myself fit to ride. I was back in the saddle two weeks after my son’s birth and to my absolute amazement we were placed first by all three judges. We will be competing at Hartbury in April. I have competed up to Elementary on my previous horse, so I hope to aim for a higher level with Flint.

What events are on your competition bucket list?

I would love to qualify for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup BE90. I am not the bravest of riders so have a lot of work ahead of me.

Competing with Flint at the Nationals at any level would be amazing.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

“Just buy him”! When I was looking for another horse, Flint

was the first one I had seen, but the advice is to ‘never buy the first one you see’! However, friends had seen the videos of me trying him and I think they could see the look of total joy on my face. They ‘advised’ me to just buy him as they knew he was the one and looking back, so did I. If you could take a spin on any horse, past or present, who would it be?

Valegro, although I would probably faint from being star struck.

Do you have any superstitions or good luck charms?

Flint is ear shy so its not unusual for us to turn up to a show with muddy ears. I guess that’s our lucky charm!

If you didn’t have to worry about anything for six months (i.e work), who would you go train with?

It would be a dream to have a lesson with Carl Hester. I have visited his yard, which was arranged

by Optimum Event Management.

The yard was out of this world and it was such an inspiring day.

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I’m a mother of three young children based in Ipswich, and I work for my family business, so my life is pretty hectic already without the addition of horses and competing!

flair for helping people with confidence issues, which I had after my second child. I think its valuable to train with different people to ensure you have a broad range of teaching and influence.

What’s your favourite piece of kit/tack?

My Charles Owen Ayr 8 riding hat, it’s so comfortable and has some sparkly piping, so it is very pretty. odd schooling session pre 5:30am!

Then it’s back in for breakfast and getting the children ready for the school run. I manage the payroll for our company, so the day will be about juggling chores, baby and work. I pick the children up at 3:30pm, bring the horses in and feed everyone. Then when Mark gets home I get to ride before the children go to bed and a typical evening is studying for my CIPD

Tell us about your team Seager Home Solutions, the family business, sponsors me, enabling me to have a lorry to get to training and events. The real team behind me is my family. My husband is extremely supportive.

He takes care of the children when I need to play ponies, he builds stables and mends fences and knows his way around a horse, which is handy when I am away at shows and the other horses need looking after. I have some amazing friends, who are always on hand to help out and support me and my family.

What is your daily routine?

I am on the yard by 6am to muck out and turn horses out. Although I have been known to pop in the

HR qualifcation.

Who do you train with?

I have some amazing trainers.

Tammy Ruffles actually found Fentons Flint for me and I train with her for dressage. Claire Gradley competes internationally and I attend her regular show jumping clinics and Vicki-May Northover coaches me cross country. She has such a natural

Favourite food Milk chocolate; it makes the world go round!

Pets Two sausage dogs and a Jack Russell.

Favourite Tv Programme No time to watch telly, although I am addicted to facebook.

”

What are your future plans?

Finish getting scores for summer regionals for Prelim and Novice and qualify for Pet Plan Area Festivals at Elementary I would also like to represent my Riding Club High Fen throughout the year and take part in some British Eventing BE80 classes.

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NUTRITION

Some important points: FEEDING THE

EVENT HORSE

By Lizzie Drury MSc Rnutr

choice salt block offers horses a ulcers, which will reduce • Fibre should ALWAYS form the chance to add to their sodium performance. Allow your horse basis of any horse’s diet and it to regularly graze or pick at a and chloride intake. is often overlooked. Ideally haynet to stimulate saliva forage intake should be in the • If your horse is not keen on production. Alfalfa is a natural region of 1.5-2% of BW. using a salt block add salt to antacid, so frequent bites of their feed on a daily basis. The • For eventers that struggle to quantity of salt will depend chaff will help to neutralize maintain their condition upon factors such as the excess stomach acid. Antacid forage should be provided on supplements such as KER an ad-lib basis. At least every 4- intensity and duration of RiteTrac also help to support 6 weeks weigh your horses hay exercise and the temperature. total digestive tract health. allocation and then weigh any • It is vitally important that • There are now increasingly more leftovers, so that you know how event horses begin performance diets available to much forage your horse is competition with optimal meet the nutritional actually consuming. levels of fluids and electrolytes • Regularly monitor and record requirements for horses in their bodies and that these • Research shows that diets high your horse’s body weight and performing specific disciplines are replaced throughout in fibre resulted in increased body condition score. This helps e.g. Enduro 100 for event prolonged exercise. Restore from water uptake. Furthermore, you to monitor energy balance. horses. fibre in the hindgut traps water KER is an electrolyte supplement Too much energy (calories in) formulated to mimic the • Feeds that use a variety of and electrolytes and helps to versus energy used for energy sources help to support combat against dehydration composition of the horses sweat maintenance and exercise exercise that involves energy during travelling and exercise. and should be used strategically. means the horse will get too fat. being required to generate • The key electrolytes lost in the • Travelling and competing can Too little energy provided power to accelerate, sprint and mean that horses go for greatest quantities in sweat compared to what is used for jump (cereals) and stamina to are Sodium, Chloride and prolonged periods without maintenance and exercise will exercise over time and distance anything to eat. This leads to a Potassium. Feeding plenty of result in a horse that becomes (fibres and oils). forage helps to provide sufficient build up in gastric acid and too thin.

Potassium and access to a free increases the incidence of gastric Continued overleaf... eeding event horses can be a challenge.

Requirements for individual horses will vary according to factors such as body weight, condition score, environmental factors and rider ability etc.

However, the common factor for all event horses is that they will train and compete under a variety of stressful conditions that can adversely affect health and performance.

F

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Rowen Barbary’s

NUTRITION Continued from previous page...

• A superior nutritional plan is one key to turning dreams into reality, and natural vitamin E is one of the crucial elements in the equine athletes dietary regime. Speak to a qualified nutritionist about the benefits of using natural vitamin E supplementation (NANO E).

• One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the timing of feeding the performance horse. Concentrate feeding alone should be avoided for at least three hours. Feeding small amounts of forage or limited grazing time prior to exercise will moderate body weight and does not appear to have any other adverse effects to performance. www.saracenhorsefeeds.co.uk

Product news: Energy B Booster Paste contains B vitamins along with important trace elements, organic minerals, glucose, vitamin E and amino acids.

RRP: £4.75.

Per4mance Booster is a liquid energy shot that provides instant energy when it’s needed.

Prices start from £10.75. www.equimins.com

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y should I ever restrict m competition horse’s forage ?

Like all horses, a competition horse’s diet should be forage/fibre-based and the better quality that is nutritionally, the less reliance there will be on compound feeds to make up the shortfall.

Good quality early cut hay or haylage should be digestible and nutritious, making a significant calorie contribution and providing some protein and other nutrients. On a day-to-day basis, this should ideally be provided ad lib and will only need controlling for better doers.

The aim should be for the horse to consume no less than the equivalent of 1.5% of its bodyweight as forage or other fibre sources per day. That’s 7.5kg for a 500kg horse.

Having fibre in Providing ad lib forage encourages a horse to the stomach keep chewing so that it has a constant flow of before work will fibre through the digestive system as well as help mop up producing saliva, which helps to buffer the acid in the stomach, reducing the risk of stomach acid and ulceration. Also, while being fermented in the reduce the risk of hindgut, fibre acts as a reservoir for water so it splashing the reduces the risk of dehydration. sensitive areas If forage is of poor quality or palatability, and causing efforts should be made to offer alternatives to ulcers. keep the horse chewing and maintain fibre intake. These can include, soaked beet pulp, alfalfa chaffs or high fibre cubes and offering a variety in separate buckets will encourage natural foraging behaviour. For riders who are worried about the “bulk” that fibre may represent sitting in a horse’s intestines, these fibre sources are all highly digestible and less likely to sit in the hindgut for lengthy periods than coarse hay or haylage.

Performance horses should have constant access to forage while travelling and during a competition day, when not working. A haynet may be removed 45 – 60 minutes before particularly strenuous activity, like cross country, especially if the horse in question is a greedy eater. Alfalfa is especially useful fed before work as it also has natural acid buffering properties. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

TOp TIpS Correct nutrition plays a major role in performance so by making sure that your event horse is getting all the nutrition they need from their diet will help to ensure that they can perform to the best of their ability.

• It is vital that you take an event horses level of work and competition schedule into account when trying to determine the correct diet. This must be continually assessed throughout the season.

• It is vital that quality hay, haylage or grass remains as the forefront of the diet.

• Energy can be obtained from fibre, starch and oil to help the event horse maintain bodyweight and perform to the level required. For a horse with a limited appetite consider using oils as a source of slow release energy, providing twice the amount of energy as carbohydrates from the more tradition cereals.

• Use good quality protein sources to help ensure sound muscle development in the event horse when training and at an event.

Certain amino acids including lysine and threonine are major components of muscle protein and are essential for growth, muscle development and repair.

• Many horses will benefit from additional electrolyte supplementation which will help to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and offering a small feed with lots of water added to it will help increase water intake for horses that can be reluctant to drink at competitions. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

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NUTRITION IN THIS ISSUE EQUERRY HORSE FEEDS SENIOR NUTRITIONIST, LOUISE JONES PROVIDES ADVICE FOR A...

A VETERAN PONY OWNER

Q:

My veteran 13hh pony is now 25years-old. He is still in relatively good condition and lives out most of the year but as it is winter I am starting to think about whether he needs a bit more TLC – can you help?

A:

Age alone doesn’t necessarily mean that your pony’s diet needs to change and many older ponies continue to be ‘good-doers’ throughout their entire lives.

Indeed, research has shown that 26% of older horses are overweight and winter can be the ideal time for them to shed a few pounds, meaning they can safely gain some weight in the spring.

However, forage alone will not provide your pony with all the essential micronutrients he needs to stay healthy and so even ‘gooddoers’ must be fed a suitable hard-feed.

Provided your pony is in good health and not showing signs of unwanted weight loss you can continue to feed a high fibre, low calorie feed such as Equerry High Fibre Cubes. Equerry High Fibre Cubes are 'Non-Heating', cerealgrain free and low in sugar and starch. They also contain a complete range of all the essential vitamins and minerals your pony needs for a balanced diet.

If your elderly pony does start to lose weight on a diet that once

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kept him in ideal condition it’s important to firstly rule out any underlying clinical condition such as dental problems, Cushing’s or liver disease. Provided your pony does not have any underlying issues then he will benefit from a specifically formulated, conditioning veteran ration such as Equerry Veteran Mix. Equerry Veteran Mix provides calories from highly digestible cereals and includes yeast to improve digestive efficiency, which can decline as your pony gets older. It also contains a good source of quality protein to help maintain muscle tone and promote topline. Equerry Veteran Mix contains a full range of essential vitamins and minerals including raised levels of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant that can help to slow down the aging process. It also provides good levels of oil and linseed to

promote condition and a shiny coat.

However, If you do discover that your horse has an underlying problem then don’t despair, with a little extra nutritional TLC the majority of older horses, even those with certain clinical problems, can continue to lead healthy and happy lives for many years.

One of the most common reasons for weight loss in older ponies is an age-related deterioration in dental condition. This makes chewing tougher forage such as hay or haylage difficult or impossible but this can be easily addressed by feeding a ‘hay replacer’ made from Equerry High Fibre Cubes, soaked into a stiff gruel, instead of their normal forage. Other clinical problems that can cause weigh loss include Cushing’s and liver disease. Ponies with these conditions will require

specialist nutritional support and you should speak to a qualified nutritionist for an individually tailored feeding plan.

For more information on feeding old horses and ponies simply call the Equerry Feedline for practical, friendly advice on 01845 565640 or visit www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

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Testimonial: “My 20-year-old ISH has recently become very stiff behind and the vet advised that this stiffness could deteriorate over time.

“He had been out of work for 2 months due to lameness issues and I had thought of retirement. I contacted Alex Gingell at Hack Up, as I wanted to try a supplement to see if I could start bringing him back in to gentle work after lameness.

“He has been on his bespoke Hack Up supplement for a month now and today for the first time we went out for a small hack around the village and he felt like his old self. He felt more supple than he has done for a long time. I'm so thrilled to have my old boy back to being his old self, full of beans and ready to work. I am amazed with the results so far and certainly wouldn't consider using anything else now. Thanks Alex.”

Sarah Cobbold

Our 2014 columnist Alex Gingell has returned with the offer of inviting customers and their friends to Hack Up HQ, near Bury St Edmunds...

Dear Readers, “Hack Up really began to grow with the help of Absolute Horse and the customers in the East.

During 2015 the focus was on the national market and we achieved 200% growth. We have now got the resource to create 100’s of products every day and deliver the next.

We started ‘Open Days’ to show our customers how their product is made and who we are as a company. People travel far and wide to come and see us, join in, share stories and ask me lots of interesting and fun questions over lunch.

With Absolute Horse we wanted to offer the Eastern-region customers a little bit extra. So now if you attend and Open Day, bring a copy of the magazine and we will add 5 additional points to our loyalty point system, to get a FREE jacket and let you buy product with 50% extra free in each tub. We look forward to meeting you.”

Warmest thanks.

ll Alex Ginge

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ON THE MARKET

Roseholme Presently marketed by ECR Properties, this picturesque three/four bedroom country cottage with excellent equestrian facilities is in the grounds of approximately 4 acres (STMS).

This attractive property is situated off a no through lane in much sought after Forward Green, Earl Stonham in Suffolk, with easy access to the A140, A14 and A12 and from Stowmarket there is a direct rail link to London, Liverpool Street and Norwich.

This charming property is full of character, and offers spacious accommodation.

The equestrian facilities are well thought out and purpose built.

We spoke with Emily Cooper-Reade of ECR Properties to find out more...

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Emily can you tell us more about the accommodation: “The property boasts a porch, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, dining room/snug, conservatory, hall, shower room, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a walk through bedroom.”

What facilities are available outside the property?

“There is a stable block with three stables, tack room, workshop/ haystore, further stable yard with three stables and tack room, manège, manure bay, paddocks,

gardens, double garage, double bay cart lodge and outside toilet.”

Can you please tell us more about the area?

“The Mid Suffolk village of Earl Stonham has a thriving Community with a village hall, church and a well praised restaurant. Stowupland which is just over 1 mile away has schools, butchers, farm shop, post office, public houses and a service station. The Medieval village of Mendlesham and picturesque village of Debenham are not far away.”

Visit www.ecrproperties.com

Garden Lawned area to the rear of the property is well stocked with flower beds with outlook to stables and manège beyond. To the right of the house is a large patio area with a mature pear tree leading to cart lodge and herb garden. There is a separate fenced garden with two greenhouses, vegetable patch and various apple trees and fruit bushes. To the left there is a shingle driveway with ample parking space for horseboxes. This driveway leads to the equestrian facilities.

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The Equestrian Facilities...

“Roseholme has an enclosed stable yard with a gate to a post and rail fenced manège. From the manège a gate leads to a wood chip walkway with gates through to the paddocks. The stables are of timber construction with brick foundations and consist of three loose boxes with open fronted workshop/haystore and tack room.

“There are two main paddocks the first one is part closed boarded wooden fenced on one side and post and rail on the other.

“The second paddock also houses the second stable block which has three stables.This stable block has been recently re-roofed and is being used as a field shelter.

“There is another entrance to this paddock and stables which can be accessed from the top of Wicks Lane. This paddock is fenced with post and rail and horse wire.”

“There is good local hacking”

“The property is approached by a shingle driveway from which a five bar timber gate leads to a brick paved driveway where there is ample parking in front of a double garage.

There is a separate horsebox entrance, to the left of the cottage, which leads to the stable yard...”

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SADDLERY & TACK IN THIS ISSUE THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS LOOK AT...

Different types of Martingale

A

Martingale is a piece of tack which is usually used to control head carriage and act as an additional form of control.

There are several different types of martingale which are used for varying reasons and are seen across several disciplines. In this feature we look at the different martingales and explain their design and uses.

The two most common types of martingale are standing and running. A standing martingale consists of a strap that attaches to the girth and runs between the horse’s front legs up to the back of the noseband. This runs through a neck strap which fastens around the neck and keeps the martingale close to the horse.

This type of martingale should only be fitted to a cavesson noseband or similar and if correctly fitted, the main strap should be able to touch the throat lash when raised. It is not recommended that a standing martingale should be used for jumping as it may restrict the horse.

The running martingale attaches to the girth and then passes through the horse’s front legs before splitting into two straps with a ring on the end which the reins pass through. Martingale stops, which can be either rubber or leather, should be used on the

34

reins between the bit rings and the rings of the martingale to prevent the martingale straps from slipping forward and interfering with the bit. The running martingale prevents the horse from raising its head above a certain point as it applies additional pressure to the reins and consequently the bars of the mouth.

If correctly fitted the ‘fork’ of the running martingale should slacken about an inch when the horse lowers it’s head and there should be a straight line running from the rider’s hands to the bit rings when the horse has his head in the correct position and the martingale is not acting on him.

A running martingale is very popular for jumping disciplines as

it gives the rider extra control without interfering unnecessarily with the horse.

The Irish martingale is not like others, but rather a semi martingale. It is simply a short leather strap with a ring at either end which the reins passes through, quite close to the bit. It is not designed as a form of control but rather to prevent the reins coming over the horse’s head in a fall. They are most commonly used in European racing.

A full list of Society of Master Saddlers members who will be able to give you help and advice and can supply ‘off the peg’ or bespoke bridlework can be found at www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.

sue Carson, founder of sue Carson saddles answers readers’ saddlery retated questions Why is it so important to get your saddle correctly fitted?

A correctly fitting saddle is essential to ensure that your horse has maximum comfort, freedom to move and also the opportunity to develop the correct muscles. You need the saddle to suit your style of riding and your body shape and size (long or short legs etc) to ensure you are in true balance and not sitting 'in the horse's way', so enabling your horse to perform to the best of his ability.

Sue Carson fits a saddle for a client.

Find out more at www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk

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Martin Wilkinson’s

MONTHLY TIP Many saddle brands are now being made with adjustable trees but Prestige and Keiffer saddles should only be adjusted on a manufacturers heat machine by a qualified saddle fitter. ensure that if you own one of these saddles which needs adjusting you use a saddle fitter who has the appropriate machine as we do at Martin Wilkinson saddlers.

Product news...

The CFXL Event Saddle features a new ‘semi-deep’ seat, with a narrow twist, which offers the rider a deeper and more secure position in the saddle, whilst Childéric’s unique tree technology allows the horse greater freedom of movement. From £3,600 www.childericsaddles.co.uk

The Vinici Tex Eventer has been specially developed for event riders. The forward designed flap and long sloping seat provide room behind the rider to allow the freedom required to move in the saddle when riding across country. www.blackcountrysaddles.com HiWither Event Pad is ergonomically designed to maximise performance and give a streamlined look. The pad is made using 5oz quilt to the HiWither design for exceptional fit that won’t put pressure on the withers. RRP: £33. www.nuumed.com

The Neck Strap provides riders at all levels with the perfect place to grab if required, making it ideal for eventing.

RRP: £30. www.katenegus.com The Five Point Breastplate is ideal for eventing as it helps to support saddle stability, no matter how large or challenging the obstacle. RRP: £260. www.katenegus.com

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REPORT

Chloe secures Under 23 title at Olympia Suffolk based showjumper Chloe Winchester produced two stunning clear rounds aboard Gillian Winchester’s Avoca Valkyrie to take the 2015 Dodson & Horrell and the World Class Programme Under 23 British Championship title at The London International Horse Show, Olympia in December.

The technical course designed by London 2012 Olympic course designer Bob Ellis, caught some of the combinations out, with only six clear first rounds recorded from the twenty-four strong class. After a thrilling first round, the field was whittled down to see just ten combinations head through to contest round two.

With the stage set for an exciting finale Harry Charles and Stapleton Mist, owned by John Roberts and Olga White, got things underway and put in a good performance to finish in a quick time of 34.30 seconds with just four faults. Christie Pritchard with Bolton Gate Ben, owned by Wendy Hawcroft, were unfortunate to accrue 12 penalties, as were Yasmin Davis (with Zilvester II owned by Alison Davis) and Alfie Bradstock (with KBIS Caicos, owned by Graham Fletcher and KBIS British Equestrian Insurance), who both ended the round on eight faults.

At the halfway stage in the second round, Abbe BurchmoreEames, who had produced one of the earlier first round clears

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Chloe Winchester and Avoca Valkyrie - Dobson & Horrell and The World Class Programme U23 British Championship - London International Horse Show - Olympia.

Photo: Jon Stroud Media.

aboard Jack Eames’s Wilandri E, once again put in a superb clear round in a quick time of 39.13 seconds to head into the lead.

With five riders to go it was an anxious wait for the Hertfordshire rider, as the other combinations took to the arena.

World Class Programme Podium Potential rider George Whitaker, who with Ian Whitaker’s Gipsy Boy, had produced some lovely jumping in the first round was unlucky to see a single pole fall, to finish on four faults. Following George was fellow Podium Potential squad member Chloe, who after a great first round clear with the talented Avoca Valkyrie, produced some stunning jumping in the second round to post a double clear for the class

and head into the lead after stopping the clock on 33.89 seconds.

With three left to jump, there were unlucky faults recorded for Millie Allen (aboard Peter Allen and Udo Opperman’s Balou Star) and last year’s winner Kerry Brennan and Wellington M (owned by Liane Smith), after some great clear round jumping in the first round.

Last to go was the leading rider from the first round, Jessica Mendoza, who with Julia Hammond’s Wan Architect was unlucky to pick up four faults after the last fence fell in an otherwise superb round, to finish in third place. The win and Under 23 title for 2015 went to Chloe Winchester, with Abbe

Burchmore-Eames taking second place.

Commenting on the result, Chloe said; “I’m over the moon; it’s my third time competing here and just third time lucky today – it just couldn’t have gone any better. There were three clear after me, so I had that nervous wait; it’s amazing to have the opportunity to ride at Olympia, so to win and get the thrill here it just makes you want to do it again and again.”

Sam Horrell, Marketing Director at Dodson & Horrell, commented after the class; "There was an incredibly high standard of competition in the Under 23 Championship Final, and it was pleasing to see a new generation of up and coming riders competing on the Olympia stage."

Alongside a £15,300 prize fund for the class, a £1,500 bonus cash prize was awarded to this year’s winner and second placed Abbe Burchmore-Eames after both riders jumped a clear round in both rounds one and two.

Commenting after her second clear round Abbe said; “It was absolutely amazing, it was a dream come true. All I wanted was to jump a clear round and get a rosette, so to finish second was amazing. He’s come here twice before but we’ve never got a rosette before, it’s great to finally - for my last year, to get in the prize-giving and be in with a shout of winning.”

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NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP In this monthly column, EAST will be answering your questions on Natural Horsemanship...

EAST is a group of Parelli Professionals based in East Anglia who teach the Parelli Programme to individuals in the area, either with one to one tuition or group lessons. You can find more information or locate your local instructor at: www.parelliinstructors-eastanglia.co.uk

A couple of months ago, I received a question from a student. She asked a very intriguing question about keeping horses calm and connected in new environments.

I figured that answering this question in-depth could help a lot more people than just Lisa, so I decided to really dig in and write an article.

places he knows and when he’s with other horses he knows. As soon as this changes, he feels unsafe and the prey animal comes out – frantic, trying to run away from you, etc. The goal is to get him under control, calm, and connected with you.

The following tips are to be done on the ground. You’ll be safer this way.

Horses need to be confident in five areas: 1. Themselves (selfconfidence) 2. In you as the leader 3. As a learner 4. In new environments 5. Among other horses Everything is about preparation, and the better your leadership is, the more success you’ll have. If you were to score each of the above, what would you give your horse out of 10? You want everything to be a 7 or better. If you don’t expose your horse to new environments or other horses (like at clinics or horse shows) you won’t have the chance to work on your horse’s confidence in these last two.

Preparation

A:

Let’s talk about new environments and some strategies you can use When you look at things from the horse’s point of view, you’ll understand that he feels safe in

Q

How do you keep your horse calm and connected in new environments?

Preparation is everything! Think about ways to bring your horse’s from you. Keep yourself adrenaline up so you both learn between the flapping thing and how to handle it. Most horses the horse; this way the horse have only felt adrenaline when won’t run over you. You’ll have they’re scared, but with to keep the horse out of your exposure, you can help them space – by doing jumping become more emotionally fit, jacks, for example. You learn to and not so reactive. stay calm while you direct your Here are a few things to do: horse.

• Extreme Friendly Game.

• Sideways FAST. Use a 22-foot Develop your horse’s line and do this along the fence confidence by exposing him to so your horse can’t run things like bouncing balls, forwards. Keep driving him whirling your stick and string sideways until he is actually helicopter-style, using a plastic going sideways, then slow to a bag on the stick as a flag, stop. Repeat the other way. Just running and jumping around a few times is all you need; him, etc. Use the principles of don’t overdo it. At first your approach and retreat and rehorse might get quite fizzy, but approach, rather than with repetition over the next desensitizing or flooding him. week, you’ll find you can bring • Controlled Catastrophe. Get up his energy and he won’t get someone to shake a flag or crazy, can run sideways, stop other scary object as you walk and relax. That’s emotional around with your horse. Make fitness. sure you start with it a long way

How to get control: • Disengage the hindquarters so he faces you. This is better than pulling on the horse’s head, because with the wrong timing, he could pull away or drag you with him! You need to stay in place, and when he moves away from you, tap the hindquarters so he faces you again. Do this every time until he realizes that that’s the goal and remains more connected to you. Important: Stay out of the kick zone! Don’t move in to his hindquarters; do that with your stick and string so you can keep your feet still.

• Stay in the Box. Imagine a rectangle on the ground that is just big enough to fit your horse in. When he’s in the box, put slack in the rope and trust him. Continued overleaf...

JOIN NOW: to find out more about the many benefits and discounts available to Savvy Club Members simply visit www.parellisavvyclub.com 37

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NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP The moment he moves out of it, put him back in by drawing him towards you or moving him over using rhythmic motion near him using your stick. Try to keep your feet still; this will up your leadership and get you thinking and reacting quicker. The more you run around, the more you add energy to the situation and affect the horse’s ability to focus.

• You Better Run. It pays to do this with every horse to improve their emotional fitness and their connection with you.

Use a 22-foot or 45-foot line, make sure the ground is safe, and (if your horse has a tendency to pull away), be inside of an arena or round corral. You will need to encourage your horse to run off his adrenaline in a constructive way, by driving him forward on the circle for one lap, then giving him three laps to think and make a change (you relax at the end of the rope and observe him). If he doesn’t make a change (slow down, relax or ask a question), repeat.

Repeat the process until the horse slows down and comes in to you.

How to get more connection: You now need to give your horse something to do so you capture his mind and connect it to you and a task. If his energy is still high, you’re going to have to ask with more vigor and energy. This is not about being harsh; it’s about being heard! If you are too

soft or subtle when a horse is really distracted, he won’t even know you’re in the room. Move with certainty and focus, and be clear about what you want.

Here are some things to try and keep repeating until the horse is calm: • Get your horse to put his front feet on or over something, like a pedestal or a pole.

• Play the Touch It Game. Send him to different things to touch with his nose. If he runs ahead of you, don’t hold him back or bump his nose; simply move his hindquarters away as you walk forward and continue with the task. If you change direction or follow him, you are no longer the leader, so make sure you are clear and focused on where you want his nose to go and hold that thought and that direction no matter what.

Pretty soon your horse will focus on you and your request.

• You Better Run! This may not always be possible; it depends on the situation and your ability. I’d recommend a round corral or an arena with no other horses around, and be sure the ground is okay so your horse won’t slip.

Finally, I’d like to recommend that you go to some Parelli clinics. This is the best way to get your horse in a new environment and have a qualified Parelli Professional make sure you achieve success.

JOIN NOW: Visit www.parellisavvyclub.com 38

HEATHER WESTON INTRODUCES ICENI, ONE OF THE 23 LOCAL GROUPS MAKING UP ENDURANCE GREAT BRITAIN. Firstly, what is endurance? It is riding over a distance, either as a pleasure rider or as a competitive rider. Distances range from 5 miles to 20 miles for pleasure rides and from 20 miles to 100 miles for competitive rides. Any horse that is hacking fit is capable of competing at the lower distances of 20 or 25 miles at novice level.

As in all disciplines, as the challenge increases, horses and riders need to be fitter and attention must be paid to the management of the horses. Open level horses and riders can ride up to 50 miles and only advanced riders and horses can take part in longer rides. One myth about endurance is that you have to have an Arab. Not so! Horses of all types compete, including Exmoor ponies, Haflingers, cobs and ex-racehorses. Another myth is that endurance riders always ride at speed. Again, not so! At the Home International Championships in Wales I finished sixth out of 21 riders in the 50 mile class at an average of 8.3 mph.

Iceni has a full calendar of events for horses and riders of all levels from lead rein classes at pleasure rides to the longest competitive rides. We organise rides and events in Norfolk, Suffolk and now, again, in Essex. These include pleasure rides; training rides; and competitive rides (which include pleasure ride classes). Iceni also runs L Plate rides tailored to the needs of riders or horses who need help to overcome a problem.

Our rides take place in beautiful, varied locations. Much of the land we use is private and we are lucky to be able to enjoy riding there!

The map shows the locations of our rides. In addition to rides, we run talks and training sessions about horse health, as well as fitness training for horse and rider!

Five of our rides are two-day rides.

You and your horse can stay onsite, but more comfortable, local accommodation is available. The North Norfolk ride has a pleasure ride on the Friday evening: a full weekend of riding!

Our aim is to welcome everyone to our events and to help and encourage all riders, whatever

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SPECIAL REPORT Here I am riding in the hills in Wales. I am using an endurance bridle as I love the colour, but you don’t need any special tack!

Welcome to

This map shows the venues of our rides in 2016. Pleasure rides are in blue and competitive rides (with pleasure classes) are in red.

their ambition. Our pleasure rides are very popular for those wanting to ride in different places, meet friends, and have fun. They are also ideal for training purposes. As with all Endurance GB groups, we set a high standard for all our events to enable riders and their horses to enjoy their ride in the best possible environment. The routes are well marked and stewards around the route check your progress and ensure your safety. All our rides have caterers, toilets and first aid cover – we

cover all eventualities!

Horses in all disciplines benefit from getting out and about, and develop fitness and strength.

What better way to do this than come along to one of our rides!

Many endurance riders, in their turn, recognise the value of taking part in other disciplines. Because of this Iceni has a multidisciplinary trophy as one of their many awards. Le Trec, Horse Agility, dressage, showing and jumping are among the other pursuits our members enjoy.

Iceni!

We are committed to ensuring the welfare of our horses. At competitive rides horses have a vet check before and after all rides, and for the longer distances during the ride as well. We are happy to help anyone who is worried about the vetting process.

In endurance, you develop the most amazing bond with your horse. You learn so much about getting and keeping horses fit, and about how to get the best performance. For any ride over 25 miles you need a crew to help you look after you and your horse, and again, lots of laughs can be had by riders and their crew.

Iceni has a Facebook page and a dedicated website www.egbiceni.co.uk which contains all this information – and more! Look us up – why not?!

If you would like to

have a chat about endurance, do email me at weston772@btinternet.com or phone me (before 9pm please) on 07917 206166 or 01787 227329.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Heather Weston Chair of Endurance GB Iceni Group

Horses of all types and riders of all ages can enjoy pleasure rides; riders have to over 8years-old to compete.

Horses have to be over 4-years-old.

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HEALTH & WELFARE

equine preventa t

h e c t V F Wa

By

Dr Chris Lehrbach BVMS MVM Cert ES (Orth) MRCVS

rom a veterinary perspective preventative healthcare can be quite a hard sell. By its very nature, the most effective preventative health programmes are the ones which result in very little visible evidence of the illness or condition that the program is designed to limit or prevent.

When a problem is rarely seen in a population, there is a tendency to think that it simply is not a threat to those animals. It can then seem fairly logical for many to assume that there is therefore little need to carry out any preventative measures at all. This is exemplified by some horse owners’ reluctance to vaccinate against influenza. In reality, the reason there are relatively few outbreaks is a result of the vaccinating already being undertaken by many of the equine owning population.

This article aims to discuss a selection of routine, cost effective management measures that can be and are by many, already incorporated into the everyday care of their horses, which can considerably reduce the risk of certain illnesses and diseases from occurring.

Disease prevention by vaccination In the UK, there are licenced vaccines that provide effective protection against tetanus and equine influenza (flu). Tetanus is a highly fatal disease in horses with very few surviving once clinical

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Figure 1 signs become apparent. Whilst this disease is most commonly associated with deep, often dirty wounds involving extensive tissue damage, tetanus can affect unvaccinated horses following something as simple as a foot abscess (Figure 1) and foals born to unvaccinated mares via the umbilical cord. In the author’s opinion there is absolutely no excuse for failing to vaccinate against such a preventable disease.

Equine flu, whilst rarely fatal, can cause significant illness and being so highly infectious, can affect

Figure 2

large numbers of animals in an unvaccinated population. The disruption to competitions and day to day activities in the face of an outbreak was exemplified in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when an outbreak originating from imported horses swept through the unvaccinated horse population of New South Wales, causing severe disruption to the racing and general sports horse calendar for a whole season, with considerable financial costs to the industry. Vaccination against influenza should be undertaken by all owners in an effort to avoid

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BROOKE EQUINE CLINIC

tive Health Care

Bungay Road, Brooke, Norfolk NR15 1DX Tel: 01508 558 228 www.chapelfieldvets.co.uk

teeth and to allow early identification of dental disease.

Depending on the patient, 6 or 12 monthly checks are normally sufficient to maintain good dental Figure 3 health. Unfortunately, some owners wait until there is a problem before requesting veterinary input.

Maintaining healthy teeth can reduce the likelihood of minor problems (Figure 5) creating Figure 4 major ones such as fractured teeth (Figure 6) months or years down the line. Treatment of a similar problem occurring in this with strategic worming at the dental injury or disease frequently country. All recent UK outbreaks appropriate time of year, or of flu involved unvaccinated following a high WEC result, must involves tooth removal, which, in horses, is a major surgical animals. be embraced by the equestrian community in an effort to combat undertaking with considerable Intestinal Parasite the threats posed by resistance to associated costs. Whilst most Management wormers. Many equine veterinary teeth are now extracted under sedation and local anaesthesia, With the ready availability of an practices offer WEC services, there are considerable risks and extensive range of very affordable which are often considerably potential complications anti-parasitic drugs, managing cheaper than the worming intestinal parasite burdens (Figure products themselves. The author’s associated with tooth removal.

2) and the diseases that result practice data suggests that ½ to should seem straightforward.

2/3 of horses tested do not Unfortunately, as a direct result of require worming at that particular the indiscriminate and time. Three monthly WECs are inappropriate use of these drugs very useful at monitoring the over the last few decades, the worm burden and can reduce the parasite population has developed number of treatments given each widespread resistance to many of year. Once yearly tapeworm the commonly used and (Figure 4) treatment in the previously effective products. This autumn is also recommended, as realisation, along with the tapeworm burdens will not be Figure 5 absence of any new drug groups evident on a WEC, but are a on the horizon, has forced vets known cause of large intestinal The main principal of equine and owners to re-assess their anti- colic. dental care is to maintain the parasitic strategies, focussing on teeth in a healthy state with reducing the use and reliance on Routine Dentistry regular examinations and rasping, wormers as the main means of Many owners are well aware of reducing the risk of dental disease control. the need for routine dental Measurement of faecal worm egg assessments to help maintain the and avoiding tooth removal unless absolutely necessary. counts (WEC) (Figure 3), along grinding surfaces of the equine

Chris Lehrbach BVMS MVM Cert ES (Orth) MRCVS RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Surgery (Orthopaedics) Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership Ltd Brooke Equine Clinic

To sedate or not to sedate? Whilst many patients do not require sedation for routine dental exams or rasping, used at low doses, sedatives allow a thorough examination, particularly of the back of the mouth, which is a Continued over page

Figure 6

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HEALTH & WELFARE difficult area to examine effectively and is where many of the more serious problems develop. The relatively small additional cost is well worth it to ensure the job is done well and the patient does not have an unpleasant experience.

Respiratory disease On a bright, sunny day, standing in the average stable, it is possible to see all the dust particles floating around reflecting light.

This is what a horse breathes all the time it is stabled, for its entire life. The effect, eventually, in many patients, is allergic airway disease, now termed recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) by the veterinary profession, previously known as dust allergy, broken wind, heaves and COPD. This cumulative allergic condition develops over several years as a result of inhaling tiny fungal spores and dust particles from straw bedding and hay, even good quality hay.

Once a patient develops RAO, there is no cure. Disease severity varies but involves a gradual reduction in the patient’s lung function. Clinical signs include increased breathing rate and depth, reduced exercise tolerance, reduced athletic ability and episodes of sudden, acute respiratory distress similar to an asthma attack. Treatment usually involves repeated courses of drugs to reduce the inflammation and relax the airways that go into spasm. As the condition progresses, some patients require constant drug therapies. Whilst it is not practicable for many horses to live out year round in the UK, owners can ensure that their

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associated with a change in behaviour, could signal the presence of back pain or lameness and the patient should be assessed by an equine veterinary surgeon. Early identification of many equine orthopaedic injuries can result in more successful treatment.

Figure 7 exercise being undertaken is appropriate to the level of ability and fitness of the horse. Sudden increases in exercise should be avoided, along with unfamiliar activities. Weekend warrior type riding does not allow the accumulation of fitness and increases the risk of sustaining overuse injuries or developing cumulative damage to a structure, resulting in repetitive Orthopaedic disease By far the most common group of strain injuries.

Ensuring an appropriate saddle fit problems affecting horses, this for the shape of a horse, which includes neck, back and pelvic can change considerably over pain, along with all kinds of lameness, which may, as a group time, is essential in reducing the of problems present as reduced or risk of causing or aggravating certain back problems (kissing poor performance, stiffness or spines - Figure 8) for both horse lameness. Whilst joints, tendons and rider. Periodic assessment by a and ligaments all tend to suffer qualified equine physiotherapist from wear and tear during a or similar qualified professional horse’s working life (arthritic fetlock - Figure 7), it is possible to can also help identify problems at an early stage. Any drop off in minimise the risks of certain performance, whatever the level problems by ensuring that the of activity, particularly if intensity, frequency and type of stables are sufficiently well ventilated (very few cobwebs), having at least one door and separate open window space. If it feels too draughty it is probably about right. Feeding good quality haylage in preference to hay, or good quality hay soaked for no more than 30 minutes, will reduce the exposure to fungal spores.

Figure 8

Weight control, hormonal disease and laminitis Unfortunately, as with the UK’s human population, horses and ponies are getting fatter. Excess consumption of hay, haylage and grass is the primary cause, not the content of the feed bowl.

Overweight horses are more likely to suffer from equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), which in turn predisposes them to laminitis (Figure 9), a condition which in overweight animals is frequently life threatening. Despite being very avoidable i.e. by maintaining a normal body weight, EMS and the resultant laminitis still claim the lives of far too many horses in this country. Unfortunately, by the time the patient develops laminitis, the damage is already done, even if the patient subsequently loses weight. As an example, the maintenance feed requirement for a 500kg horse is 1-2% dry weight feed as a percentage of body weight. This equals 5-10kg of ALL feed per 24hrs, including all hay, haylage, grass and hard feed. This is simply to maintain the current body weight, not to lose any weight.

Irrespective of how much a horse is eating, if it is overweight, it is consuming too many calories.

Given the recent growth in understanding of the cause of laminitis i.e. the vast majority of

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Figure 9 cases develop as a result of suffering from Cushing’s disease (PPID) or EMS, it is worth considering having a simple blood screening test undertaken to check for PPID. Contrary to the previous beliefs, PPID is not just a disease of old hairy ponies. Early teenage patients (10-15 years old) are regularly diagnosed with PPID in the author’s practice, often the only clinical sign being laminitis. Treatment of PPID, if started at the earliest opportunity, may slow down disease progression and reduce the incidence of future laminitis episodes.

Routine Farriery Whilst it may seem obvious and expected that all horses receive regular farriery, in practice many animals still suffer from numerous foot problems that can be avoided, resolved or at least managed with regular, appropriate farriery. Many horses’ feet are limited by their genetic makeup, which can lead them to develop foot imbalance when viewed from the front, or abnormal toe/heel length when viewed from the side. Add in the variability in horn quality and growth rate, along with environmental influences, feet of the modern day horse are

constantly under considerable pressure. Ensuring regular trimming/shoeing by a qualified farrier, along with veterinary input when hoof defects or lameness develop, allows prompt identification and treatment of any problems before irreversible changes or damage occurs.

Established hoof wall abnormalities that have permanently distorted the foot can be difficult or impossible to correct.

Colic Despite huge advances in its treatment over recent years, colic remains one of the most common causes of death in the horse. Colic does not discriminate between ages, gender or breed and can occur at any time, although certain conditions e.g. fatty lumps wrapping around the intestine (Figure 10), occur more frequently in certain categories.

There are however, a number of management practices that can be incorporated into everyday care that will reduce the risk of certain types of colic from occurring.

Increased time spent stabled is strongly associated with a higher

Figure 11 incidence of colic, so simply ensuring regular access to grazing will minimise this influence. The basic dietary management principals are to make any change to a horse’s diet or routine gradually, preferably over a couple of weeks. Sudden changes in diet e.g. stabling during inclement weather, resulting in a change from all grass to all hay diet, require a period of adaptation, otherwise impaction colic may result. Routine dental care and appropriate parasite control programmes, already mentioned above, also play a role in reducing colic. East Anglia is renowned as having a high incidence of sand colic, due to the nature of the soil.

Figure 10

Sand sedimentation within the intestine, results in recurrent episodes of colic, as well as more acute surgical obstructions (Figure 11) in some patients.

Regular inclusion of products such as psyllium husk in the diet can help manage this regional problem.

Conclusions Whilst there are many illnesses, injuries and diseases that cannot be avoided completely, there are a number of measures that can be incorporated into the daily care of horses, ponies and donkeys, that will greatly reduce the risk of certain problems developing.

Whilst there is a wealth of knowledge and information available to help horse owners educate themselves on every known illness, injury and disease, there is also a wealth of misinformation, particularly within online forums, where personal opinions rather than facts are often given, which only serves to confuse the reader. The author strongly advises readers to seek veterinary advice on medical matters concerning preventative health care.

Continued over page

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HEALTH & WELFARE a week in brief Monday Cleaning and widening the gap using dental burrs, sometimes followed by filling with resin or bone cement, allows the inflamed gum to heal and for normal tooth function.

the ground as they are probably the cause of seasonal pasture myopathy, a very serious muscle illness with a high fatality rate.

Tuesday Suspensory ligament injuries are common in equine athletes.

Sometimes the bone attachment onto the back of the fetlock area can also be involved, as in the X rays shown here, where large areas of bone have been reabsorbed (dark, irregular areas) due to chronic inflammation.

VET PROFILE

Wednesday These are sycamore seeds.

Don’t let your horse eat them from the tree or

Thursday A word of warning on the potential hazards of tail bandages that are put on for too long or too tight. If the blood supply gets cut off for more than a couple of hours, all the hair and skin will slough off. Don’t use elasticated bandages on tails for long periods.

condition called pleuropneumonia, resulting in the accumulation of many litres of pus around the lungs. Chest drains were inserted between the ribs to allow the fluid to be removed, all 42 litres.

Friday Falling in ditches is not without its risks. This patient inhaled ditch water, causing a life threatening

Chris Lehrbach BVMS MVM Cert ES (Orth) MRCVS

Director and Equine Surgeon Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership Ltd

44

I have worked in the equine department of our practice for the last 13 years, initially at Long Stratton, then moving to our purpose built equine clinic at Brooke just over 3 years ago. It has been a great pleasure to see the practice continue to evolve and grow during this time. Last year I decided that I would take advantage of our partnership agreement, which allows the directors to take a couple of months sabbatical every five years.

Having decided to take a season off Ironman and marathon racing, I have decided to set myself a slightly different challenge, which has been a personal aspiration for many years: to cycle across North America unaided.

So the wheels have been set in motion for summer 2016, when I fly to Virginia on the east coast USA to Yorktown on the Atlantic coast. The transAmerica bike trail starts here and makes its way west for about 4200 miles, ending on the Pacific coastline in the state of Oregon, my wife’s home

state. The route passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, across the rolling lands of Kentucky and Missouri, into the vast open flat lands of Kansas, before entering the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The route follows the Rockies north through Wyoming as far as Yellowstone National Park, before crossing Idaho and finally Oregon, where the trail ends in the coastal town of Bandon.

Averaging about 75miles a day for 56 days, the ride will be a challenge, with relatively little time for sitting around. With no support crew and only my tent, sleeping bag and stove for company, I hope to make it to Oregon to meet my wife Leslie in August for a few weeks vacation with her family.

Part of my motivation for the ride is to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, a condition which my mum is suffering from. Any donations would be very gratefully received and can be made by going to www.justgiving.com and searching for CHRIS LEHRBACH.

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Beat the

! l l i h c

rSPcA warns: ‘Don’t forget your pets as winter weather arrives’ Horses and livestock require extra time and care in the colder, winter months.

Ensure they have adequate shelter to escape adverse weather and be prepared to provide extra feed and good quality long fibre, as grass is often sparse. It is also important to check water troughs and buckets are clear of ice.

If shelter is not sufficient, owners should use waterproof rugs to give their horses added protection from the cold and wet weather.

If it is particularly wet and muddy, it is important to regularly check hooves, for problems such as

abscesses and loose shoes, and legs, for any signs of mud fever. Owners should ensure horses have access to a dry resting area, out of the mud.

When riding in the winter, beware of getting your horse sweated up as they can easily catch a chill.

Always wear reflective clothing when riding on the roads.

Make arrangements with a reliable and experience person to take care of your horse in case of an emergency, such as being cut off by bad weather.

HoW GooD Is your KnoWleDGe oF eQuIne heAlTh cAre? Can you readily recognise the signs of disease and the onset of lameness? Are you confident with dealing with injuries and ailments?

To help you provide your horse with the best health care, Equine Education are offering an informative online course on caring for the health of equines and it is ideal for all horse owners.

This four week course is easily accessible to everyone; all you need is a computer and internet

access. Course members will be provided with plentiful material to assist them with their learning and also fascinating tutor input.

Nicola Kerbyson will be the tutor for this course and she holds a vast amount of experience in this equine healthcare. Nicola is an equine veterinary surgeon at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School.

Four topics will be covered in this course including recognising disease and preventative

medicine, lameness, gastrointestinal disease, and wounds and skin conditions.

The ‘Introduction to Equine Health’ course starts on 7th March and runs for a period of four weeks. The cost of the course is £99. www.equine-education.com

scandinavianstyle warmth One of Europe’s leading equestrian training centres has installed eco-friendly Scandinavian-style heating to keep its visitors and staff warm when there’s a chill in the air.

At his Yorkshire Riding Centre headquarters, Chris Bartle – Olympic dressage specialist and current National Coach to the 2012 Olympic Gold medal-winning German Three Day Event Team – turned to Leeds-based Bio-Nordic to supply a new biomass heating system which was in place just before Christmas 2015.

Fuelled by wood pellets, sustainably sourced from Scotland, they provide clean energy and heat to several of the centre’s buildings.

“After a day’s riding it is wonderful to return to a warm and inviting room,” said Bartle. www.bio-nordic.co.uk

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SPECIAL REPORT

Polocrosse CARO GOODMAN EXPLAINS ALL ABOUT THE SPORT OF...

Polocrosse can simply be described as a hybrid of lacrosse and polo; a game played on horse-back which involves the rider using a loosely strung racquet to pick up, throw and catch a soft ball between their team members with the object being to score goals against the opposition.

However, once seen or tried it can more accurately be described as an obsession.

The sport firmly has its roots in the United Kingdom despite first being played in Australia. In the 1930’s a couple from Sydney read an article in an English equestrian magazine about an exercise that had been developed at the National School of Equitation in Kingston Vale, near London to

improve riding skills. Mr and Mrs Edwards visited the school on a trip to the UK where they saw first-hand this new exercise. They returned to Australia with basic equipment and the seed of the new sport, Polocrosse was born.

The sport was primarily played in the Southern hemisphere for a number of years. It finally wound its way back to the United Kingdom in the 1980’s and has enjoyed steady growth aided by the interest in the sport shown by the Pony Club.

The Pony Club describes the object of the sport as: ‘A team competition requiring courage, determination and allround riding ability… it encourages a higher standard of riding… it is suitable for

ordinary children on ordinary ponies and encourages a strong and unselfish team spirit.’

This was the impression given when Polocrosse was witnessed by an Essex family at the Pony Club Championships at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire last year.

Inspired by the team work, horsemanship and fantastic fun had by all (including the parents!)

46

they returned home with a plan to take up the sport at the first available opportunity. Sadly, Google elicited little in the way of information as to where Polocrosse could be played in East Anglia. Their next port of call was Iain Heaton, the Pony Club Area 8 Polocrosse representative.

Iain hails from Norfolk, hence his connection with Area 8; the Pony

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Club Area which incorporates all twenty three Branches in East Anglia. He also is a UK Polocrosse Association (UKPA) accredited coach, plays for Arden Polocrosse Club and coaches internationally for the England Polocrosse team; clearly a man who knows the sport!

Iain was knowledgeable and informative and agreed to make the 220 mile round trip from his home in Warwickshire to Ashfields Carriage and Polo Centre near Great Dunmow, Essex to teach a small group of East Essex Hunt Pony Club members in October 2015.

The first rally proved a huge success, with not only East Essex Hunt Pony Club members but also members of Essex Hunt North Pony Club taking part; tuition provided by Iain and assisted by local players, Emma Joslin and Alice Humphreys.

Sixteen riders aged from 7 to 18 and their ponies, all of whom were beginners to the sport enjoyed expert instruction in basic racquet and ball skills progressing to game play. It was agreed to repeat the rally the following month.

In only a short few months the Pony Club Area 8 Polocrosse

training days have become a regular fixture. They now attract members from a total of 6 Branches and offer a fantastic opportunity for inter-Branch collaboration. The sport can be played at any level, on family ponies and are a great motivator for players to practice their flatwork skills. As play involves the use of a racquet, riding is for the most part one handed. Steering needs to come from the rider’s seat and leg; ponies must be trained to be responsive to these aids. Training has now expanded to incorporate Flatwork for Polocrosse training days to assist with the technical improvement of match play.

It is hoped that the Area 8 Polocrosse days will continue to grow in popularity resulting in a revival of the sport in the Eastern region. A core group of players are beginning to emerge and it is hoped that teams can be formed and go on to play tournaments.

With this in mind, an Area 8 Polocrosse tournament is in the planning stages with the aim of attracting other UK Polocrosse teams to the Eastern region to

share their love of the sport with local players.

Recent experience has shown that despite what can sometimes appear to be a fast and furious team sport, ponies generally accept the stick and ball with astonishing ease. If you have never considered or even heard of Polocrosse take some time to look at the UKPA website or the Pony Club Polocrosse page. Or come along to an Area 8 Polocrosse training day to see what it’s all about. But be warned – it can soon become an obsession!

Further information: contact Caro Goodman of the East Essex Hunt Pony Club on 07802 325466 or visit www.ukpolocrosse.co.uk

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REPORT

The Waveney Harriers welcomed into Bungay Town Centre Old and young, rich and poor from all walks of life, including The Town Mayor and the local Reverend descended into Earsham Street as local landowners, hunt supporters and the people of Bungay voted with their feet as thousands turned out giving a record breaking crowd to meet the hounds and be part of the annual Boxing Day tradition.

It was a sight to behold and confirmed that despite a few individuals petitioning to try and ban the hunt in the town centre it is very well loved and supported. The field of 50 plus riders departed the town at 11.30am to an abundance of applause and cheering, and led by Huntsman Reuben Kench and Field Master Becky Baker headed out towards Mettingham Castle. Two of the young riders in the field enjoying

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their first Boxing Day meet were 5year-old Saw Barrett (grey lead rein inset on opposite page) and 10-yearold Jack Wilmot (pictured right on the coloured pony) who both thoroughly enjoyed their day. Reuben Kench in his first season with the Waveney was overwhelmed by size of the crowd, the amazing welcome and the support given in Bungay. A massive thank you from the Waveney Harriers to all our landowners who allow us to lay trails on their land, our subscribers, committee members, masters, hunt staff and to all those who showed their support on Boxing Day, a collection with Charity buckets was taken with all proceeds going to East Coast Hospices, actual amount will be determined when the sealed buckets are counted.

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ChAmPIOnShIP nEwS

New sponsors for The Showing Register The Showing Register, TSR, is delighted to announce that leading equestrian website Horsezone.co.uk and supplement company Freestep will be supporting TSR in 2016.

Horsezone.co.uk will be the main sponsors of the TSR regional finals that take place at shows across the country throughout 2016.

“Horsezone.co.uk look to support a number of equestrian disciplines each year at different levels from grass roots to Grand Prix,” explained horsezone.co.uk Marketing and Business Manager Gabrielle Barrett. “This year we are delighted to be sponsoring the TSR regional finals. TSR is a great way for amateur riders to get into showing and we hope our support ensures this year is their most successful year for entries yet! Horsezone.co.uk is a unique new premium equine classified site launched by Tattersalls, Europe's leading Bloodstock Auctioneers. Check out Horsezone to find your dream show horse or pony this season.”

Supplement Company Freestep will step in to become headline sponsors of the TSR/FREESTEP Summer Championship Show.

Held over two days on 16th & 17th July 2016 at Onley Equestrian Centre Rugby the show hosts classes and

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championships for all levels, from novice though to an extensive range of HOYS qualifiers.

Freestep Superfix is the sole distributer of a range of unique products developed by a specialist LifeScience company (Phytorigins) situated in Caernarfon, North Wales, an area which is rapidly developing as centre of excellence for Bioscience particularly in the use of plant chemicals as medicine.

“We are delighted to be involved with TSR, which is a forward

thinking all inclusive society, as headline sponsor of their summer gala show,” said Freestep MD Andrea Gentles. “Our product range supports a wide variety of equine requirements and we look forward to being on hand to offer help and advice to TSR members.”

“We are of course delighted to welcome Horsezone.co.uk and Freestep as major sponsors and are looking forward to working with these two companies during 2016,” said TSR’s Sarah Chapman.

“Both will bring additional benefits to our members and we would like to thank them for their support.” www.theshowingregister.co.uk

TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING! The 2016 series of the popular SEIB Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search for a Star and the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship will begin in April with five qualifiers throughout the country.

Now celebrating it’s 20th year, SEIB Search for Star will again offer the opportunity for more riders to experience the thrill of qualifying for and riding at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show for the first time. Search for a Star was created by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to produce their horses to a high standard in the show ring and giving them the opportunity to realise their dreams with that coveted HOYS ticket. SEIB has a strong ethos of putting something back into equestrian sport and the company takes an enthusiastic interest in all the competitions they sponsor.

The SEIB Search for a Star series has helped many horses to go

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New for 2016 The Saracen Horse Feeds/SSADL Open Championship

Kieran Quinn and Game of Thrones SFAS Supreme Champion 2015.

Photo: ES Photography

on to a very successful show ring career, with some competitors going on to win open classes at HOYS. Each qualifying competition follows the same format, with classes for Working Hunters, Riding Club Show Horses, Riding Horse/Hacks, Show Hunters, Cobs and Show Ponies and Show Hunter Ponies. The team of Search for a Star Judges, Richard Ramsay, David Bartram, David Ingle and Chris Lawton, have many years’ experience in the show ring and are very helpful. There is always an opportunity after each class to speak with the Judges who will offer advice on how to improve your horse for the show ring.

SEIB Search for a Star has an enviable reputation for supporting the true amateur and riders at the grass roots level. While lessons and professional advice are encouraged to help riders improve their game,

competitors are expected to take part in the spirit of the competition and rules regarding eligibility are strictly enforced.

Held in conjunction with the Search for a Star Classes, the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship was created to support and encourage the re-education of thoroughbreds taken out of racing, re-schooling them and preparing them for a new career in the show ring. The classes are judged as for Riding Horses but the best of type, whether hack, riding horse or hunter, is deemed the winner. The HOYS final is held in the main arena, and the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year has the honour of going forward to the Supreme Horse of the Year final.

Local Qualifier:

15th May 2016 Houghton Hall Equestrian & Alpaca Centre. www.search4astar.org.uk www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk

Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd are delighted to announce the launch of their new Open Championship which is supported by Saracen Horse Feeds.

Offering a competition opportunity for amateur, home produced and professional riders and owners, the new Saracen Horse Feeds/SSADL Open Championship will take place at the North of England Horse Show held at Arena UK on Sunday 10th July.

The Saracen Horse Feeds/SSADL Open Championship will consist of four classes, two in-hand and two ridden for animals 15 to 20 years, and 21 years and over, and will culminate in a Supreme Open Championship.

Prizes are impressive with a finalist rosette for all competitors, placing to sixth place and prize money for the top three.

The Saracen Horse Feeds/SSADL Open Supreme Championship offers prize money of £1000 to the Champion, £200 to the Reserve and also offers £75 to the third and £50 to the fourth placed finalists. Fifth to eighth placed Supreme Championship contenders each receive £25! Of course the famous SSADL sashes will also be on offer along with an impressive trophy for the Champion and Reserve!

“We are of course very excited about the new open series and thanks go to the North of England Horse Show for hosting this for us,” said SSADL’s Clare Frost. “We are delighted to be working with Saracen Horse Feeds who have a great depth of knowledge when it comes to the nutritional requirements of older equines; their specialist veteran feed range is already a favourite with owners and Saracen Horse Feeds are now on hand to offer our members help and advice on all aspects of feeding the senior animal.”

“We are very excited to be sponsoring the new SSADL Open Championship. As the first manufacturers to launch a specific veteran feed back in 1994 it is a market we are very pleased to be supporting in this way. This new series will be a great opportunity for the ever growing veteran horse market to enter a prestigious championship with a substantial prize pot, which is sure to make for a good competition,” said Michael Bacon, Sales and Marketing Director of Saracen Horse Feeds. www.seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk

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e n i t n Vale deas I t f i G

Dog Socks £6. www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk Gemma J Rose Gold Valentine Pendant £91 www.gemmaj.co.uk

Bespoke Cross Country Shirt £40.95 for Unisex. www.equetech.com Schoffel Tenies Hat £29.95 Schoffel Suffolk Shirt £59.95 www.schoffel.co.uk

The Matchstick Collection of sterling silver jewellery.

From £49. www.hihosilver.co.uk

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Equiline Audrey ladies jacket £178 www.fearnsfarmpartnership.co.uk

Rideline boots £86. www.grubsboot.com

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Sterling Silver Bracelets From £85 www.hihosilver.co.uk

His and hers Frostline Boots £70. www.grubsboot.com

Button Patch Mini Clutch Bag £28 Henley Tweed Mittens £35 www.maudeandfox.com

Verona Ankle Leather Double-Buckled Boot. £180

Love your horse too!

Valverde Jodphur Boots £155. www.thespanishbootcompany.co.uk

Julie Coat £259. www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Charlotte Saddlecloth RRP: £75.99 www.fearnsfarmpartnership.co.uk

Faux Fur Pom Pom Clutch Bag £45 www.maudeandfox.com

Pink Golly Galoshes From £25.99 per pair www.gollygaloshes.com

Aloeride offers a wide range of benefits, from incredible support to digestion, to promoting a glossy coat, healthy skin and strong hooves, through to supporting swifter recovery and clearly more comfortable movement. £55.20 www.aloeride.co.uk

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PhOTOnEwS ❙ Unaffiliated Dressage ❙ Eastern Farm Stud ❙ 2nd January

Anna martin riding Llynhelyg Tomos, Prelim 7 & Prelim 18 winners

Danielle noble riding Baby, 3rd place novice 34

Jacqueline Lambert riding Brave Archer, 4th place Prelim 18 & 2nd place novice 24

Elspeth macfadyen riding Oatfield Charlie, 3rd place Prelim 7 & 3rd place Prelim 18

Carrie Eve riding Clevery Prince, 2nd place novice 24 & winners of PYO class 6

Jenny James riding Billy, 2nd place Prelim 7 & 2nd place Prelim 18

Islay Clarke riding Danglos Top Card, novice 24 winners & novice 34 winners

Joe mace riding Smartie, 4th place Prelim 7

Joy Thorpe riding Twiggs, 2nd place Class 1 PYO

Sarah Chaplin riding Regency Rio, 4th place novice 24

Chris Doyle Photography

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Lara Bell riding Emily, Class 1 PYO winners

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❙ Christmas Show ❙ Wix EC ❙ 20th December

Lorna Simpson riding Bling, 3'3 class winners

Puissance (5'3) winners , melissa Eagles and Amigo Bella Fairley riding Ida, Fancy Dress winners

Sarah Endean riding Bunnow magpie

Mark Warr Photography

Chloe-Ann may riding mr noah Lot, 3rd place 3'

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PhOTOnEwS ❙ East Essex Hunt ❙ Clees Hall, Bures ❙ 24th December

Team Greyness Snapper

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❙ Dunston Harriers Point to Point ❙ Ampton Racecourse ❙ 10th January

Court Red handed and jockey max Kendrick in the paddock

Court Red handed and jockey max Kendrick, winners of the EA Area Club members race

Connections with team trainer lauren Braithwaite and jockey Gina Ellis

Above: Berties Dream in action with jockey Gina Ellis, winning this race for the 3rd time Connections with team trainer Tom Ellis, his wife and Jockey Gina Ellis who also won the Ladies race on Berties Dream

Richard Weller-Poley

Galros Lady and jockey Dickie Collinson over the last to take the Restricted race win

ers staff

Dunston harri

The winning connections

Connections of harbour Court

maiden class winners, Emperor Arcadius and jockey Gina Andrews over the last fence

Right of the field, Kristian Gray and jockey hugh nugent, on their way to taking novice Riders race win

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PhOTOnEwS ❙ East Essex Hunt ❙ Castle Hedingham ❙ 26th December

Team Greyness Snapper

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LOCAL ShOw RESULTS 19th December

2nd January

Brook Farm TC: Dressage

Wix EC: Eventer Trial

W&T Intro A Seniors 1 Amanada Miller – Willow; 2 Amanda Miller – Nipper; 3 Laura Mansfield – Smartie Boy; 4 John Osbourne – Parker. Juniors 1 Katie Hopkins – Laced To Perfection; 2 Caitlin Clark – Bellissimo Bess. W&T Intro B Seniors 1 John Osbourne – Willow; 2 John Osbourne – Conner; 3 Jayne Cummins – Vayu; 4 Amanda Miller – Nipper. Juniors 1 Katie Hopkins – Laced to Perfection; 2 Kerry Baldwin – Maddison Star; 3 Caitlin Clark – Bellissimo Bess. Prelim 7 Seniors Sec A 1 Jayne Cummins – Vayu; 2 Rhianna Fook – Pie In The Sky; 3 John Osbourne – Conner; 4 Jacqueline Burgess – Kia Royale. Sec b 1 Karen Paffey – Farmhill Covers Guy; =2 Sarah Boulton – Max; =2 Sonia Sillett – Merlin; 4 Lisa Perez – Franklin Double Dutch.

Juniors 1 Caitlin Warren – Oke Dene Jacob. Prelim 14 Seniors 1 Jess Fox – Blue; 2 Samantha Thompson – Romulas; =3 Kelly Tyler – Whitley; =3 Samantha Chandler – Jumping Jax Flash. Juniors 1 Caitlin Warren – Oke Dene Jacob; 2 Demi Mae Roddy – Ice Ice Baby; 3 Kerry Baldwin – Maddison Star. Novice 27 Seniors 1 Louise Talbot – Attoo; 2 Colleen Taylor – Clorouge Frost; 3 Finneguela O’Brien – Donna Estrella; 4 Hayley Schenn – Tay. Juniors 1 Charlotte Pegrum – Snow Goose; 2 Ellie Bull – Crunchie. Novice 28 Seniors 1 Louise Talbot – Attoo; 2 Charlotte Mumby – Scottsway Dawn Sky; 3 Colleen Taylor – Clorouge Frost; 4 Finneguela O’Brien – Donna Estrella. Juniors 1 Charlotte Pegrum – Snow Goose; 2 Ellie Bull – Crunchie.

Elementary 42 Seniors 1 Charlotte Mumby – Scottsway Dawn Sky; 2 Annette Scott – Dutch Clogs Vicaro; 3 Ellie Watts – Branna; 4 Olga Stamatakis – Maddie.

Elementary 44 1 Annette Scott – Dutch Clogs Vicaro; 2 Olga Stamatakis – Maddie; 3 Ellie Watts – Branna; 4 Kim Petley – Master Guylian.

2’ 1 Holly Gregory – Optomist; 2 Jack Speakman – Doolin Paddy; 3 Hannah Hilsum – Hobnob; 4 Billy Couglan – Bluebell. 2’3 1 Michelle Saunders – Jimmy’s Surprise; 2 Amy Butler – Chuffy; 3 Hannah Hilsum – Hobnob; 4 Sophie Stacey – Top Fellow. 2’6 Aslyssa Booker – Carla; 2 Charlotte Butler – Gracie; 3 Lucy Hinde – Molly; 4 Phoebe Agar – Rosie. 2’9 1 Maria Keen – Rushmore Benson; 2 Isabel Oakley – Rock Island Bartley; 3 Charlotte Butler – Gracie; 4 Kelly-Ann Cole – Silver Illusion. 3’ 1 Isabel Oakley – Rocj Island Bartley; 2 Tessa Halsall – Hallmark; 3 Chloe-Ann May – Mr Noah Lot; 4 Crispin Sampson-Bancroft – Dood. 3’3 1 Chloe-Ann May – Mr Noah Lot; 2 Tessa Halsall – Hallmark; Lyndsay Salmon – Murphy; 4 Jess Joslin – Beau.

20th December Wix EC: Christmas Show Fancy Dress 1 Bella Fairley – Ida; 2 Abigail Pearson – Fred; 3 Holly Bastion – Lily; 4 Daisy-May Goodwin – Charlie.

Ride & Run 1 Jess Joslin – Beau & Emma Joslin; 2 Josie Brosnan – Harley & Sophie Berryman; 3 Emma Joslin – Apollo & Lewis Buck; 4 Sarah Endean – Bunnow Magpie & Taima Buxton.

Horse/Dog Relay 1 Josie Brosnan – Harley & Sophie Berryman – Willow; 2 Sarah Endean – Bunnow Magpie & Leah Hayes – Buster; 3 Jess Joslin – Beau & Emma Joslin – Scooch; 4 Sarah Leggett – Didcote Painted Lady & Robert Leggett – I Saw Santa. 1 Horse 2 Riders 1 Leah Hayes & Sarah Endean – Bunnow Magpie; 2 Sarah Endean & Leah Hayes – Tango; 3 Liberty Sutherland & Saffron Sutherland – Archie; 4 Jenna Greyson & Mia Greyson – Desert Kingdom. 2’3 1 Lily Cane – Max; 2 Amber Marshall – Spot; 3 Aoife Rew – Willow; 4 Holly Hunter – Tom. 2’6 1 Aoife Rew – Willow; 2 Jess Simpson – Splash; 3 Rachel Chisnell – Ruby; 4 Jack Tebutt – Catch Me If You Can. 2’9 1 Natalie Benson – Be Lucky Darco; 2 Lorna Simpson – Maggie; 3 Annie James – Pocket Rocket; 4 Aoife Rew – Willow. 3’ Lorna Simpson – Bling; 2 Rachel Chisnell – Murphy; 3 Chloe-Ann May – Mr Noah Lot; 4 Nadine Gibson – Solar. 3’3 1 Lorna Simpson – Bling; 2 Melissa Eagles – Whisker; 3 Melissa Eagles – Be Ream; 4 Rachel Chisnell – Murphy. Puissance (5’3) 1 Melissa Eagles – Amigo; 2 Melissa Eagles – Be Ream; 3 Melissa Eagles – Legs; 4 Emily Kerr – Magic.

Chloe-Ann May riding Mr Noah Lot

Aslyssa Booker riding Carla

Isabel Oakley riding Rock Island Bartley

28th December

Holly Gregory riding Optomist

Michelle Saundres riding Jimmy's Surprise

Maria Keen riding Rushmore Benson

Wix EC: Very Novice Showjumping 12” 1 Halle Rayner – HRA Connie; 2 Victoria Stoughton – Chancer; 3 Amelia Callahan – Dolly; 4 Xanthe Goodman – Apoloo. 18” 1 Grace Penny – Fennel; 2 Molly Eaves – HRA Danny; 3 Saffron Grover-Croft – Buster; 4 Xanthe Goodman – Apollo. 2’ 1 Jasmine Hawkins – Poppy; 2 Saffron Grover-Croft – Buster; 3 Jack Speakman – Doolin Paddy; 4 Mia Barker – Sally. 2’3 1 Saffron Grover-Croft – Buster; 2 Marie Bonnier – India; 3 Leah Gillman – Dawson.

Jack Speakman riding Doolin Paddy

Tessa Halsall riding Hallmark

Mark Warr Photography

3rd January Wix EC: Showjumping 2’6 1 Rachel Chisnell – Ruby; 2 Kim Phillips – Tiggs; 3 Nicky Robinson – Flossie; 4 Elspeth Martin – Song. 2’9 1 Sarah Endean – Bunnow Magpie; 2 Rachel Chisnell – Maggie; 3 Nicky Robinson – Flossie; 4 Chloe Henderson – Hattie. 3’ 1 Sarah Macbeath – Tango; 2 Sarah Wilson – East Asset; 3 Catherine Mills – IPW Genis Kahn; 4 Laura Gibbins – Romeo. 3’3 1 Michelle Mason – Annie; 2 Lucy Swan – Hayleys Girl; 3 Jane Buchan – Carleton; 4 Rachel Chisnell – Murphy. 3’6 1 Rachel Chisnell – Murphy. 2’ Ponies 1 Saffron Sutherland – Archie; 2 Alana Brosnan – Jimmy. 2’3 Ponies 1 Liberty Sutherland – Archie; 2 Alana Brosnan – Jimmy; 3 Hebe Willis – Fozzie. 2’6 Ponies 1 Jess Simpson – Splash; 2 Lucy Hinde – Molly; 3 Molly Hayes – Mena; 4 Hebe Willis – Fozzie. 2’9 Ponies 1 Jess Simpson – Splash; 2 Lucy Hinde – Molly.

7th January Wix EC: Dressage Intro A 1 S Morris – Lady; 2 N Dewsnip – High Town Cassie; 3 D King – Stephan 3RD; 4 S Price – Apple. Prelim 7 =1 R Atkinson – Lagan Lad; =1 A Black – Joey; =1 L Claydon – Esmae; 4 T Giordano – Violet. Prelim 14 1 A Black – Rocky; 2 K Hansen – Billy. Novice 28 1 A Jacobs – Barney; 2 M Hallows – Swallow; 3 S Hallows – Cute. % Class 1 A Jacobs – Barney; 2 J Zampi – Nemisis. % Music 1 S Parlour – Bonus.

Well done!

Saffron Grover-Croft on Buster - first in 2’3” on 28th December at Wix EC

9th January Brook Farm TC: Combined Training Mixed Tests & 50cm 1 Brooke Howley - Dun N Dusted; 2 Jayne Cummins – Vayu; 3 Ruth Buckley - Strawberry Mojo; 4 Sarah Henderson – Bertie. Prelim 7 & 65cm 1 Charlotte Uden - Mr Spongebob; 2 Sue Hyland – Hugo; 3 Sarah Henderson – Bertie; 4 Faith Claydon - Ray Of Light. Mixed Tests & 65cm 1 Charlotte Uden - Mr Spongebob; 2 Susan Newbury – Spider; 3 Sue Hyland – Hugo; 4 Julie Horton – Benji. Novice 24 & 75cm 1 Rachel Ovens - Ice Breaker Iii; 2 Hannah Brown - Prince Caspian; 3 Anita Thompson - Martells Imperial; 4 Geraldine Phillips - Mistral Mounstar. Mixed Tests & 75cm 1 Ellie Bull - Bonavalley Crunchie; 2 Louise Kriel - Cullintra Scully; 3 Brenda Watson - Spirit Of Comanche; 4 Megan Adams - Midnight Mayhem. Mixed Tests & 85cm 1 Emily Uden - Campion Capella; 2 Ellie Bull - Inca Futina; 3 Pippa Woodford - Montana Blue; 4 Pip Clough - Shalee Cowboy.

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Horse Bedding

Classified

AdvertisiNg

ORDER ONLINE

Call: 01473 731222 Surfaces Transport

Country Stores

MARK HOWES

C.V.S. (ANGLIA) LTD 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

HOLYWELLS ROAD, IPSWICH TEL: (01473) 216462

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Equine Crematoriums

Suffolk Pet & Equine Crematorium

PEACE OF MIND AT A TIME OF GRIEF 01284 810981 www.suffolkpetcrematorium.com Stables

Saddleries

Equine Cremation East Anglia based Prompt 24 hour service

01485 528141 www.peacefulpets.org.uk Horse Supplies

Juddpurs Saddlery

Battlesbridge Mills Horse & Country Shop

Everything for the Horse & Rider

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

Huge range of tack, accessories, stable supplies

Most ranges of saddles in stock or we can order.

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

111 Bedingfield Crescent Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8ED

Tel: 01986 874800

WIX

RUG WA S RE-PRO HING OF & REPA ING IRS

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

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

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.

Based in Norfolk, but covering a wide area.

Please phone Kay on (07775) 850400

01255 870744

Registered member

Stables

Peaceful Pets

Equine Dentist

RACHEL BURTON EQUINE DENTAL TECHNICIAN COVERING NORFOLK & SUFFOLK British Equine Veterinary Association qualified and approved member of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians.

Fakenham (01328) 851351

Tel : 07968 445509

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.bedt.co.uk

www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk

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Vets in the Spotlight

VETERInARY COnTACTS

62

Essex based mobile veterinary practice Advanced dentistry, lameness, vettings, reproduction and routine work carried out in the comfort of your horse's home.

Digital X-ray, ultrasound, power tools.

Local ambulatory and out of hours cover.

01371 850532 www.fullerequine.co.uk www.facebook.com/fullerequine

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

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Practice in the

Spotlight

Important Telephone Numbers

Chapelfield Veterinary

Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership’s Brooke Equine Clinic provides an extensive range of yard and clinic based diagnostic and therapeutic services, including routine care such as vaccinations and dental services, along with complex orthopaedic investigations and both elective and emergency surgical services on the doorstep of Norfolk and North Suffolk’s equestrian community.

As part of our commitment to client education, we will be running a series of free evening presentations from late January to May 2016, when our experienced equine vets will give informative and interactive talks at our Brooke Equine Clinic on a range of topics, including dentistry, sarcoids, surgery, colic, farriery, laminitis, worms, eyes and more. There will also be plenty of opportunity to quiz the vets on any of the topics.

For more information on each evening, find and like Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership’s Brooke Equine Clinic page on Facebook. Spaces are limited so keep an eye on our page for new posts on forthcoming meetings. As our equine surgeon Chris Lehrbach will be cycling across North America next summer, we will also be raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, which he is supporting.

Wherry Veterinary Group 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.

Cambridge Equine Hospital Tel: 01223 760535 Chapelfield Equine Clinic Tel: 01508 558228 Fuller Equine Tel: 01371 850532 Hawkedon Equine Clinic Tel: 01284 789428 Isle Veterinary Group Tel: 01353 658241 Newmarket Equine Hospital Tel: 01638 782000 Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons Tel: 01638 663150 (newmarket) Tel: 01462 790221 (hertfordshire) Ryder-Davies & Partners Tel: 01394 380083 Wherry Veterinary Group Tel: 01986 892771

01986 892771 63

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ShOwDATE DIARY Your showdate listings for... February/March 2016 TUESDAY 2ND FEBRUARY SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Open Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; THRC Dressage. Tel: 01206 250651 WEDNESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping.

DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: Tel: 01234 708400 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 Showjumping. Tel: 01234 700236 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Norfolk SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Showjumping Club. Tel: 07836 Tel: 01708 687312 276290 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated THURSDAY 4TH FEBRUARY Showjumping. Tel: 01760 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 722616 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage, Intro - Ad Med & Music. Showjumping. Tel: 01449 Tel: 01255 870744 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY Showjumping. Tel: 01234 DRESSAGE Beds: Twin Trees EC; 708400 Dressage. Tel: 01767 627414 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: FRIDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 HORSE TRIALS Beds: The 687312 College EC; 3 Phase Arena Horse SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Trials. Tel: 01234 708400 Edge Arena; Senior British SHOWJUMPING Cambs:

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Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Norfolk Showjumping Club. Tel: 07836 276290 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Newton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01473 785616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Easton Harriers PC Open Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 THURSDAY 11TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236

FRIDAY 12TH FEBRUARY SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Novice Evening TUESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated KRC Evening Dressage. Tel: 01234 Novice Showjumping. Tel: 01449 708400 711962 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Clear Round SATURDAY 13TH FEBRUARY Showjumping. Tel: 01708 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm 687312 TC; Unaffiliated Dressage & Team Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 WEDNESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Otley College; Unaffiliated British Dressage. Tel: 01234 Dressage. Tel: 01603 731577 708400 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Farm EC; Affiliated and Evening Unaffiliated Dressage.

Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01328 Tel: 01234 708400 878282 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook DRESSAGE Suffolk: Easton Park Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel: 01708 687312 www.optimumevent

www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

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sPONsOred BY

management.co.uk EVENTER TRIAL Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Indoor Eventer Trial.

Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Cross Pole Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 14TH FEBRUARY ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: The Jays; Arena Eventing. Tel: 01284 386014 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01279 414310 DRIVING Essex: Wix EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01473 735732 SHOWING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Winter Woolies Showing Show. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414

MONDAY 15TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; NSEA Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 TUESDAY 16TH FEBRUARY FUN SHOW Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Children’s Fun Show. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Unaffiliated Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; NSEA Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 WEDNESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY CAR BOOT Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Indoor Equestrian Car Boot. Tel: 01449 711962 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01708 687312

SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Very Novice Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744

SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

SUNDAY 21ST FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel: 01328 878282 THURSDAY 18TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton DRESSAGE Suffolk: Centaur Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: Trust; Affiliated and Unaffiliated 01480 700236 Dressage. www.optimumevent management.co.uk DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage, Intro - Ad Med & Music. EVENTER TRIAL Beds: Twin Tel: 01255 870744 Trees EC; Arena Eventer Trial. Tel: SHOWING Beds: The College EC; 01767 627414 Showing Show. Tel: 01234 RIDE Suffolk: Poplar Park EC; 708400 Endurance GB Iceni Group. Tel: 07879 063822 FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY SHOW Beds: The College EC; Mid Herts Winter Show. Tel: 01234 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 708400 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 Open Showjumping. Tel: 01449 687312 711962 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; High Fen RC Showjumping. Tel: 07973 679812 SATURDAY 20TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Area 7 Dressage Qualifier. Tel: Jays; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

01234 708400 Tel: 01284 386014 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Farm TC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01708 Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Continued over page Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282

www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

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ShOwDATE DIARY

sPONsOred BY

Your showdate listings for... February/March 2016 WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Evening Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping.

Tel: 01708 687312 THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Novice Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage Series. Tel: 01760 722616 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. www.optimumevent management.co.uk EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; Eventer Trial. Tel: 01234 708400

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FUN DAY Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showjumping and Showing Fun Day. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; NSEA Showjumping. Tel: 01284 386014 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

TUESDAY 1ST MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage - Winter Regionals. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

WEDNESDAY 2ND MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage - Winter Regionals. Tel: 01480 700236 SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: SHOWJUMPING Beds: The Topthorn Arena; Arena Eventing. College EC; Senior British Tel: 01449 711962 Showjumping. Tel: 01234 DRESSAGE Cambs: Fenning Farm 708400 EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. www.optimumevent THURSDAY 3RD MARCH management.co.uk DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage - Winter DRESSAGE Essex: Finchingfield EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: Regionals. Tel: 01480 700236 01371 811881 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage, Intro - Ad Med & Music.

EVENTER TRIAL Beds: The College EC; NSEA Eventer Trial.

Tel: 01255 870744 Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round EVENTER TRIAL Essex: Wix EC; Indoor Eventer Trial. Tel: 01255 Showjumping. Tel: 01234 870744 708400 SHOWING Essex: Brook Farm TC; BSPS Showing Show. Tel: 01708 FRIDAY 4TH MARCH 687312 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton SHOWJUMPING Essex: Harolds Hall EC; British Dressage - Winter Park Farm; Unaffiliated Regionals. Tel: 01480 700236 Showjumping. Tel: 01279 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: 414310 Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Open Showjumping. Tel: 01449 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated 711962 Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 SATURDAY 5TH MARCH DRESSAGE Beds: Twin Trees EC; Spring Dressage. Tel: 01767 MONDAY 29TH FEBRUARY 627414 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 EVENTING Cambs: Whitehall 687312

www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

Farm; British Eventing Isleham Horse Trials. Tel: 01438 940790 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; NSEA Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 6TH MARCH ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: The Jays; Arena Eventing. Tel: 01284 386014 DRESSAGE Suffolk: The Broads EC; British Dressage. Tel: 07798 626075 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 EVENTING Cambs: Whitehall Farm; British Eventing Isleham Horse Trials. Tel: 01438 940790 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282

Ab Horse February pages 46 to 68_Layout 1 20/01/2016 16:44 Page 67

Ab Horse February pages 46 to 68_Layout 1 20/01/2016 16:44 Page 68