Absolute Horse - May 2019 by Absolute Horse Magazine

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Inside... GORGEOUS COUNTRY & EQUESTRIAN GEAR

MAY

2019 ISSUE 333

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FEATURES 8 Showjumping Focus featuring Johnathan Bowman, Evie Toombes, Harriet Nuttall and Jessica Mendoza 18 Ride Like - Kevin and Emma McNab Donna Case Nutritionist 22 Special Feature - Equine Essential Electrolytes America Tried and Tested results Herbalist Daisy Bayliss 24 Nutrition - Balancers and more Herbs for Sweet Itch? 30 Laminitis Focus NEW: Paul Herbert’s legal 32 Health & Welfare advice - Protecting your new purchase 40 Special Feature - Sand Colic in the East Samantha Hardingham Five Ways to Improve Body 44 Buyer’s Guide - plus we meet Image Becci Harrold, Fippy Jameson and the Hiho team Rhea Asks - What does being a Brand Ambassador involve? 50 Saddlery & Tack Reports 52 Stables, Bedding and Paddocks Classifieds/Vets Directory 54 Love Dogs Agroco-sponsored Showdates Diary 56 The Professionals - Lisa Spence

Harriet Nuttall discusses Gridwork in her informative Ride Like tutorial feature on page 14. Photo by Jasmine Punter Photography

WHAT’S

INSIDE

Photo: www.jasminepunterphotography.co.uk

COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & OFFERS 6 Ariat Saddle Snaps 17 Fleck Event Bat 20 Hickstead Derby meeting tickets courtesy of Alltech 36 Animal Health Company offer 27 Mollichaff Hoofkind Complete 31 Topspec AntiLam offer 53 Phillips Brothers Bedding 55 Animal Health Company offer REGULARS 4 News 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.

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NEWS

SEIB CLIENTS VOTE FOR WORLD HORSE WELFARE TO RECEIVE TOP GRANT IN £100K CHARITY AWARDS EIB Insurance Brokers granted a total of £100,000 to charity at their Charity Awards luncheon at the Grange City Hotel, London on the 22nd March. SEIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Fehler presented a cheque for £50,000 and a commemorative plaque to Roly Owers and Emma Williams of the winning charity, World Horse Welfare. Nine other charities reached the final voting stage of the SEIB Charity Awards and received a further £50,000 from SEIB between them. Barry Fehler said: “I have been at the helm of SEIB for over 50 years and it is with great pride that we are able to make these grants totalling £100,000 to projects voted for by our clients. I am delighted that since last year, with the support of our owners Ecclesiastical, we have been able to double the sum granted by SEIB to charity.” The SEIB Charity Awards have strict entry criteria; only small and medium charities are eligible and the grant has to be awarded for a specific project. This is to ensure that the money granted will really make a difference. The winning project for World Horse Welfare was for Vital New Equipment, including a new tractor and trailer and a drone with a hi-res camera to help locate horses in need of help in hard to reach locations. Redwings Horse Sanctuary took

L to R Barry Fehler, Roly Owers, Suzy Middleton, Emma Williams and Bipin Thaker

the runner-up grant of £15,000 for their Horse Hospital Treatment Room project and the smallest charity of the finalists, the Welsh Pony Rescue and Rehoming Charitable Trust took £10,000 for third place back to South Wales for their Every Life is Precious project. In fourth place was the Animal Health Trust, who were awarded a grant of £5,000 for the Digital X-Ray Appeal which could help diagnose new orthopaedic conditions. Manchester based, Once Upon a Smile, received the SEIB Small Charity Award. This resulted in a grant of £10,000 for their project, Help Bereaved Families Rebuild Their Lives. Once Upon a Smile offers financial support and respite breaks to bereaved families. Over 1,000 small to medium sized charities were nominated

by over 22,000 public votes in the first stage of the decision making process for the 2019 SEIB Charity Awards. From these charities, a shortlist of finalists were selected and invited to submit detailed plans. The Charities Trust provided SEIB with their help to carry out due diligence to ensure that each of the finalists met all criteria of the grant and are above board. Following this, SEIB customers placed nearly 2,000 votes to decide on the recipient of the £50,000 grant and the runners up. The winner was announced at the SEIB awards ceremony and luncheon. Barry Fehler continued, “We are delighted that our customers have decided which of these very worthy causes should receive the grant. SEIB is so successful because we are totally customer focussed and this is

another way that our clients can have their say. Each of the charities that reached the final judging had important projects that would really make a difference to the areas within which they operate and that was our aim when we set up this initiative.” SEIB works closely with the charitable sector and insure many charities and non-for profit organisations. Whilst SEIB is an independent broker, the company is owned by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group that is in turn owned by the charity Allchurches Trust. Giving is embedded in the culture of SEIB. From supporting grass roots competition that gives opportunities to amateur riders that they could only otherwise dream about, right through to the company’s unwavering loyalty to promoting nationwide equine welfare. The SEIB team do a huge amount for local charities and SEIB has proudly supported the Burghley Sponsored Ride for the past five-years by covering expenses so all proceeds go to charity. The other finalist charities, each receiving a grant of £2,000 each are; Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare, Lindsey Lodge Hospice, James Hopkins Trust, Wildlife Aid Foundation and the South Essex Wildlife Hospital.

STUNNING ART SALE TO RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR LOCAL EQUINE CHARITY

ollectors will be able to snap up unique pieces of art while raising vital funds for Redwings Horse Sanctuary at the charity’s annual art sale. Starting on Friday 17th May, Redwings’ Aylsham Visitor Centre, north of Norwich, will be opening its doors once again to art enthusiasts who will be able to browse and buy pieces from a wide collection of donated artwork. Prices will range from £5 to £70. For more information or to donate a piece of artwork, email amclean@redwings.co.uk or call 01508 481070. COMPETITION WINNERS: Botanica - Dawn Farnish, Suffolk; Juliet Dolman, Norfolk. East Anglian Game and Country Fair - Jessica Cook, Norfolk; Jo Thurston, Suffolk; Kathleen Warren, Suffolk; Lyan Kennedy, Essex; Lesley Holden, Norfolk; Marilyn Hussey, Suffolk; Sarah Hamlett, Cambs; Simon Lott, Essex; Susan Clark, Essex; Susan Sims, Lincs. Horslyx - Angela Rayner, Suffolk.

ndurance GB has confirmed UPDATE: that Basil de MISSING Mulo, missing HORSE following a rider fall FOUND at King’s Forest Spring Ride in Suffolk recently, was recovered safely from Thetford Forest. An extensive search had taken place across The King’s Forest, an area covering more than 5,000 acres, for the grey gelding, owned by rider Karen Grieg who was taking part in a 32km class. Ms Grieg, a member of Endurance GB, was unhurt in the incident. Police and RAF officers joined the hunt for the missing horse who parted company with his rider just under an hour after leaving the venue at Wordwell, north west of Bury St Edumunds. The search, covering hundreds of miles of forest tracks and heathland, continued until nightfall and resumed from first light the following day until the gelding was found after a huge response on social media generating in excess of 1.6k shares on Facebook linked up the surprised member of the public who had found the horse with ride organisers.

Did you spot our April Fools?!

he eagled-eyed amongst you will have spotted a News story that we published on our website and Facebook page on 1st April. It announced that Equestrian Direct Ltd had just launched ‘BounciRide’ - an arena surface made from recycled trampolines! It claimed that, “BounciRide is not recommended for indoor schools with a ceiling height of less than 20 meters for obvious reasons!”

COMPETITION

SADDLE

WINNER! WINNER!

SNAPS

EACH MONTH AN ABSOLUTE HORSE READER WILL WIN A PAIR OF

ARIAT BURFORD BOOTS

- Charlotte Thorogood

What my horse thought of my wedding: “But I’m the only man in your life?”

- Charlotte Cooper “Did you say carrots?!”

worth over £130!

Sponsored by - Elle Wilby “Come in Aida! Smile like me!”

- Dawn Monk

“Help mum - they want to turn me into a unicorn!”

- Ed Rowland “If I were you, I’d get out of here, the vet is coming!”

Entry is easy, simply email a candid photo of your horse to

snaps@ ahmagazine.com

Don’t forget to include your contact details and a caption to your image! The best photo/caption wins the boots.

Good luck!

- Jackie Street “This is my giraffe impression!”

- Joanne Ryland “It’s thirsty work!”

- Karen Ireland

“The world looks amazing up there!”

SHOWJUMPING FOCUS

“I can’t think of anything more inspiring”

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE ACQUIRED

ritish Showjumping have recently completed on the purchase of Home Farm, Hothorpe in Leicestershire with the plans for it to become the National Training Centre for the sport. Acquiring and developing a National Training Centre has been an ambition for the Sport over the past ten years and it is with great delight that British Showjumping are now able to announce that such a superb facility has been secured. The National Training Centre will provide a modern facility for members in respect of training and educational facilities whilst also providing the Sport with a solid commercial investment which will underwrite the Sports financial standing further. Home Farm offers 120 acres including residential and equestrian facilities. The intention is that the venue will encompass short break accommodation and conference

facilities as well as providing top class training facilities for members, officials and volunteers alike. The British Showjumping office will remain at its site in Meriden, Warwickshire with Home Farm operating as a stand-alone Centre of Excellence under ‘British Showjumping Training Ltd’. Les Harris, Chairman for British Showjumping said, “Purchasing a venue with a view for it being the official National Training Centre gives the Sport a solid foundation to base itself from whilst also offering facilities that all members from grass roots through to top level riders can benefit from whether it be as a producer, competitor or owner. The Centre will also provide a superb environment for Coaches and Officials to undertake their official training.” Iain Graham, Chief Executive of British Showjumping furthered, “Many NGB’s and Federations

have a National Training Centre and there are significant benefits to our Sport having the same. This is a major step forward and will allow us to deliver quality training across all levels of capability within one central purpose built and appropriate environment.” Nick Skelton CBE, Individual Gold medallist at Rio 2016 and Team Gold medallist at London 2012 commented, “Having a National Training Centre for showjumping can only be seen as an extremely positive step forward for the Sport and one that is at least thirty years overdue. I stand by the fact that strengthening the Sports property portfolio is the best investment.

“Before any Championships we all come together for team training and if there had been a permanent site such as this that could have become our camp for a week or two before London or Rio it would have been superb. Facilities such as these are rare and from a Member perspective I can’t think of anything more inspiring than for a Junior Academy member to be training at the same venue the Olympic Team were training at only weeks before. “I am looking forward to seeing the plans for the National Training Centre come to fruition and I will definitely be spending some of my time there assisting our potential medal winners.”

Generous Donations.... hanks to spectators entering a ‘text to win’ competition at this year’s TheraplateUK Liverpool International Horse Show a generous donation of £1,500 has been made to the Tim Stockdale Foundation.The foundation was set up in memory of British showjumping star Tim Stockdale, who died in November 2018 aged 54, a month after being diagnosed with cancer. In a separate move back in November 2018, R&R Country launched a competition to name their new wooden feature horse. The name ‘Stockdale’ was chosen. That competition, coupled with a second competition to guess the height of the wooden horse, raised £846 - all of which has also been donated to the Foundation.

Five minutes with…

n a h t a n h o J Bowman

ased in the South West of England, Johnathan Bowman, 37, is an accredited British Showjumping coach and international showjumper, having a successful record of competing both in the UK and abroad. Whilst producing young horses for breeders, Johnathan also trains riders of all levels, from Pony and Riding Club groups, up to international-level showjumpers. Highlights of his competing career have included representing England on three occasions, jumping at Horse Of The Year Show at Wembley, Olympia and Hickstead, as well as being selected to jump abroad at venues such as Auvers and Bonheidon and winning the Young Sports Horse class at the Scope Festival Of Showjumping.

A BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR BACK ON TRACK, JOHNATHAN GIVES US A SNAPSHOT OF LIFE AT HIS YARD.

How and when did you start riding? “I first began riding at the age of three at our local riding school, and then started competing aged six.”

own indivudal turnout pen. We aim to hack them all out once or twice per week and if they aren’t hacked, we take them to the local gallops for a change of scenery. My Head Girl, Chelsea Hall, has been with me full time Please tell us about for seven years. I have another your yard. girl who is a student and comes “Our yard comprises fifteen in at weekends to help with stables, with horses ranging in general yard duties, plus a third, age from 2-years-old up to 19Abbi Ellison, who helps with years-old. The majority of horses exercising.“ are four, five, six and seven and Which horse has been are currently progessing up the grades in age classes, so they are your ‘horse of a lifetime’ so far? all jumping the right heights, “Marcel Des Rosiers. He is a according to their age. small horse with huge heart “We also have a wash down whom I’ve owned since a 3room, menage and year-old. Wins of his include the showjumping paddock 2016 Hickstead Derby.“ and each horse has it’s

What’s the most useful advice you’ve ever been given? “Allow plenty of time and always forward plan. And make sure you get a good horse!“

What are your future plans? “Our current horses are the best quality we’ve ever had, so I would like to continue growing in the depth of quality, bringing on our string. Of course, I also want to keep producing horses to as high a quality as we can. Lastly, I want to build on the JB Academy by growing the number of workshops and increasing the locations around the country.” www.backontrack.com/uk

Photo: Spidge Photography.

Marcel Des Rosiers at Hickstead 2016

“All of our horses wear the Back On Track Mesh Rugs daily, these are our staple products from the range as they really help give a restoring effect to their muscles, including chests, backs and loins, whilst reducing stress, draining toxins and helping them to relax. We also love the Back On Track Royal Leg Wraps as they are so easy to ease, whilst aiding with reducing swelling through joints and tendons.”

SHOWJUMPING

RETRAINED RACEHORSES

COMPETITION STRUCTURE

ritish Showjumping, in conjunction with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), have confirmed this year’s competition structure for retrained racehorses competing within the sport.

RoR National Recognition Awards recognise those retrained racehorses competing within the British Showjumping Spring/Summer Gold and Silver Horse Leagues. A cash award will be given to the owners of the two highest graded horses that have been awarded the highest number of points at the highest level during the 1st April - 30th September each year. The cash awards are broken down as follows: first - £1,000 plus £1,500 training bursary and invites to the presentation and second - £500. The winners will be identified by selecting the

highest placed eligible horses with points in the Gold League section. If none qualify, it will move to the highest placed eligible horses in the Silver League section. These awards are open to those owners and riders of retrained racehorses that are registered with both British Showjumping and RoR and have raced in GB. From the £1,500 training bursary, £1,000 will be allocated to training with a British Showjumping coach.

RoR Bronze League Championship will take place at the British Showjumping National Championships at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire in August. The Championship will carry a total prize fund of £825 and the top three will also be rewarded with a complimentary Full Jumping

Equerry Horse Feeds BRC Competition

Membership and a Grade C Horse Registration for one year. This Championship is open to those owners and riders of retrained racehorses that are registered with both British Showjumping and RoR and have raced in GB. A National RoR Bronze League runs alongside the Spring/Summer Bronze League. This league will run from 1st April – 30th June and it will be used to identify the top thirty horse/rider combinations eligible to receive an invitation to compete in the Championship class. The class will have a first round height of 90cm before rising to 1.00m in the jump off.

RoR Club League Championship & Regional Recognition Awards The RoR Club League Championship takes place at the British Showjumping National Showjumping Championships and it carries a prize fund of £700 with the top three also receiving a complimentary Club Membership for one year. This series is open to any former racehorse, registered with RoR, including unraced, GB raced and foreign raced horses. A National RoR Club League runs alongside the Regional Club Leagues, which culminate on the

30th June each year, and the league is used to identify the top thirty horse/rider combinations who then receive an invitation to compete in the Championship class which has a first round height of 85cm, rising to 90cm in the jump off. Those retrained racehorses competing at Club level are also eligible for the RoR Regional Recognition Awards. A glass award will be given to the highest placed horse in each region with Club League points. The winner from each region will be identified by selecting the highest placed eligible horse with club league points in the 1.00m section. If none qualify, it will move to the highest placed eligible horse on the 90cm club league working downwards until a horse is identified.

RoR Training Bursary Underpinning the Championships and Recognition Awards will be regional RoR Showjumping training which will be administered by each respective Development Officer. This training will be tailored specifically for owners and riders of former racehorses with a view to assisting them ease their horse as effortlessly as possible into their new competitive career. www.ror.org.uk

he Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show is once again hosting the British Riding Club’s showjumping competition at the prestigious venue. Taking place on 15th June there will be an 80cm and 90cm class for British Riding Club members. There will be four competitions including a Team and Individual Competition at 80cm and 85cm, and a Team and Individual Competition at 90cm and 95cm level. Equerry Horse Feed rugs and saddlecloths as well as rosettes will be awarded to the prize winners. www.bolesworthinternational.com

Five minutes with…

Evie Toombes

SINCE BEING REGISTERED AS A PARA RIDER IN 2014, LINCOLNSHIRE-BASED EVIE TOOMBES HAS ACHIEVED SOME WONDERFUL TITLES AND MILESTONES WITH HER HORSES, BETWEEN SPENDING MONTHS ON END IN HOSPITAL.

was admitted to hospital every month - for 16 months - and during that period I tried to be productive and spent a lot of time revising for exams and writing my blogs. “Most recently, myself and Daisy were selected to compete for Team GB at Pferd International in Munich for the para showjumping classes and I’ve began riding our home produced 7-year-old Apple, who’s a little sassy, but talented. Alongside this, I set up my foundation, the Evie Toombes Foundation Ltd last year, for the school visits and talks I deliver to help educate

children on hidden disabilities and invisible illnesses. “Sometimes it feels like I live two parallel lives, the patient and the showjumper! “I began riding aged 5 after watching my mum compete.

Evie hopes to expand her foundation work this year with Jay the Shetland

Photo: Smile Photography

Evie and Daisy at Arena UK April 2019 Show

Fortunately mum has always encouraged my riding, especially as my neuro surgeon firmly recommends it due to the way riding stretches my legs, mimicking physio and improving my leg function.”

Name your ‘horse of a lifetime’ so far. “I had a wonderful pony named Jess when I was younger, who taught me the ropes when jumping and dealing with quirky horses. Equally, Daisy is also my horse of a lifetime, we call her ‘the big momma’ as she looks after me when I’m feeling weak, so I can still enjoy riding. That said, she still tests my ability and makes me ride! You can never tell her what to do, but as I’m weak that’s impossible anyway. We have this balance of communication where I’m the pilot but she’s still on the ball and happy. Despite our vast size difference – which on paper is a recipe for disaster – I don’t think I’ve ever communicated so well with a horse. To me, our partnership is priceless.”

You are sponsored by Global Herbs, how have they helped you? “We first used Global Herbs products for Jess, who was still jumping aged 22! She needed something to aid her flexibility and movement, without upsetting her stomach or driving her even more loopy! After seeing the benefits of Move Free we continued to use it as an addition to Daisy’s overall management when we first bought her. With the addition of that extra ‘boost’ to her flexibility and ease of

Evie and Daisy at Aintree Para Camp March 2019

movement, we noticed huge improvements in Daisy’s overall performance; she’s perkier than ever now at the age of 15! We also use GlobalVite in both Daisy and Apple’s feed, to help support their overall health and maximise condition thanks to the wealth of minerals it has to offer. I wouldn’t eat chemicals myself, and I wouldn’t feed them to my horses either! My horses are my team mates, so it’s important to look after them from the inside out, which is why natural supplements tick so many boxes for me. Global Herbs have been a fantastic support to me, right from the early days, offering valuable advice for supplementing each horse individually.”

Any advice for our readers? “It would be to ‘stay in your own lane’. Essentially, it means stick to your own plan, do what works for you and your horse, and what makes you happy. With social media and so many events and opportunities it can be easy to compare your journey to someone else’s. What matters is your enjoyment of the sport and your partnership as a rider with your horse. “Make plans and never stop believing, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.” www.globalherbs.co.uk

Ride like... TUTORIAL

LAURA RENWICK

AS BRITAIN’S LEADING LADY SHOWJUMPER, LAURA RENWICK HAS GRACED TOP INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING FOR OVER A DECADE. TOGETHER WITH HER HUSBAND, JOHN, LAURA HAS SUCCESSFULLY BRED AND PRODUCED A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONALLY PROVEN HORSES, WITH MANY HIGH PROFILE WINS UNDER HER BELT.

JUMPING A DOUBLE COMBINATION FENCE

HERE LAURA OFFERS ADVICE ON....

double is two fences jumped closely together, usually with one or two strides between and is a good test of the rider’s skill to judge the distance. “The distance between the fences is known as a related distance which refers to the non-jumping stride that doesn’t include the take-off or landing stride,” said Laura. “Both fences that make up the double are combined together to make one jumping effort and are usually marked A and B. If you have a refusal at either element, both fences will have to be jumped again to be able to continue on to the next fence. “Before you attempt your first showjumping competition you

should understand how to stride out the distance between both jumps, however this does take practice and experience. “As a rough guide, a one stride double will be eight of your strides. It is important that you are consistent with your own stride length when pacing out distances to measure the number of strides your horse will take. “This is where learning the art of walking a course is important to the success of a clear round. “To make the test an even bigger challenge, course builders sometimes make the distance slightly shorter or longer to force

the rider to adjust their stride accordingly. The type of obstacle and the order in which they are presented will also have an effect on the length of the stride.” For example, a vertical to an oxer rides differently compared to an oxer to a vertical. Horses take off and land at different distances from the obstacle, depending on its type: usually closer for triple bars, slightly further for oxers, and even further for verticals. If your horse is particularly spooky, some of the more colourful, uniquely designed fences might also alter a horses’

stride as he approaches the obstacle. Laura advises, “It is important to keep your horse well-balanced, on his hocks and in a rhythmical, bouncy canter when approaching the first element of a double. Look up and ahead to the fence whilst keeping straight on approach. “The rider must stay in complete balance throughout to engage the power from the horse to successfully negotiate the linked fences. To clear the second element the horse must jump well over the first part. “Try to resist the temptation to over-ride on the approach as

this will affect the rhythm and balance. A controlled bouncy canter will mean you are more likely to attack the first part of the combination on the correct stride. “The aim with any combination fence is to maintain control to ride accurately through the fences, to land and to canter off to the next fence on the course.”

Product News...

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Animalintex from Robinson Animal Healthcare is a worldrenowned, multilayered poultice and wound dressing. It is the only veterinary licensed poultice of its type available in the UK for the treatment of equine and canine wounds. Highly absorbent, it is extremely versatile and can be applied either as a wet, hot or cold poultice, or as a dry dressing, to suit the needs of the injury. www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com

Equetech Grip Seat Breeches keep you connected with the saddle. RRP: £62.50. www.equetech.com

“As a rider and instructor, I can’t live without the Back On Track Base Layers, such as the Long Johns which I wear throughout the season and are without a doubt, the best underwear garments for male riders on the market!” Johnathan Bowman www.backontrack.com/uk

Perfect for jumping practice and grid work at home, these tough Stubbs Pole Blocks have a unique edge design to give multiple pole location and allow for the blocks to be stacked. www.abbeyengland.com

RRP: Around £40 each.

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Ride like... TUTORIAL

HARRIET NUTTALL

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH

GRIDWORK

he benefits for horses doing pole and gridwork are well known, including an increased range of motion, engaging the hindquarters and improving core stability and proprioception. It can also help the rider to practise shortening and lengthening strides, riding to and from a fence and accuracy. Harriet includes lots of pole and gridwork with her horses. She explains, “I find it’s a great way to keep the horses active within their work and gives them something different to think about so it’s a bit of a refresh to flatwork. “All of my horses benefit from gridwork, especially some of the

bigger horses who have a big stride that can get very long if I only work them on the flat. It’s also a great muscle and fitness

builder as it is hard work for them. As it helps to teach the horses about shortening their strides they become much more

rideable which is vital when I’m jumping in the ring.” All of Harriet’s horses complete gridwork two or three times a week whilst they are building up their fitness in preparation for the competition season, dropping to just once between shows once the season is underway. One of Harriet’s go-to exercises is grid work on a circle where she uses four raised poles

Photos: www.jasminepunterphotography.co.uk

COMPETING ON BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CIRCUITS, SHOWJUMPER HARRIET NUTTALL IS ON THE WORLD CLASS PROGRAMME AND HAS REPRESENTED GREAT BRITAIN ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. WHEN PREPARING HER HORSES FOR SHOWJUMPING, HARRIET NUTTALL LIKES TO GIVE HER HORSES LOTS OF VARIETY IN THEIR WORK, ENSURING THEY ARE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING THEY MIGHT FACE IN THE RING.

approximately 6 yards (6 human strides) apart on a quarter of a circle with the rest of the circle ridden on the flat. The spacing between the poles is quite short, so the exercise is great for big striding horses as it helps them land and not lengthen - they must jump, take a short stride, jump, take a short stride. It’s important to introduce the exercise slowly, so that the horse has time to understand what is being asked. For example, starting with the poles on the ground before raising them. Once the horse is happy and confident through the raised poles, you can add additional elements to progress the exercise and make it harder. A way that Harriet likes to do this is to add 3

poles on the opposite side of the circle. She places them 3 yards apart, which replicates a bounce, and raises the middle pole. A further progression is then to add a fence at the other end of the school, creating a figure of eight that can be jumped in both directions. This helps pick up different canter leads and the correct bend, aiding agility and suppleness and ensures the horse is bending around the leg. Whilst gridwork can be ridden in both trot and canter, Harriet usually works her horses in canter, using the exercise to improve the canter and help the horses engage their back end to get more power and push off the floor. “I will be jumping from a canter stride, so I think it’s really

important to be working on and improving the pace,” she explains. Gridwork is good for horses that are weak behind, as it really encourages them to sit on their hocks and build the muscle over their topline. It also helps them to think forward, react faster and be more on the aids. Harriet rides with a light hand, very much leaving it to the horse to think for himself to work out what is being asked and what they need to do, rather than holding and placing them through the grid. However, she will always approach the grid in a canter appropriate for the question, for example a slow canter when the emphasis is on a short striding grid. “It’s ok to make mistakes in training, so that the horse can learn what to do and to rectify the situation themselves. I keep the fences small, so that it’s not going to upset or scare them if they do get it wrong; the primary focus of gridwork is to get the horse using their body, working their muscle and using their brain,” she said. And when it goes right, ensure your horse knows he’s done a good job! Harriet is a huge

advocate of praising her horses, both with her voice and a pat or scratch on the withers. “I always praise my horses when they go right, then they know when they’re achieving and they’ve done it correctly.”

Harriet has fed her horses Connolly’s RED MILLS for several years and is one of their showjumping sponsored riders. Based in the South West, she produces young horses alongside her competing. She feeds both the Horse Care and Sport Horse range, depending on the individual horses requirements. www.redmills.com

Ride like... TUTORIAL

JESSICA MENDOZA

COURTESY OF RENWICK & SONS, PURVEYORS OF THE FINEST GROOMING TOOLS, WE ASKED THEIR AMBASSADOR INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPER JESSICA MENDOZA WHY SHE HACKS HER TOP HORSES, AND THE BENEFITS THAT REGULARLY HACKING OUT YOUR COMPETITION HORSE CAN BRING.

THE

GREAT

Photos: Peter Van den Bulck

OUTDOORS!

wenty-two-year-old Jessica Mendoza was born and brought up in Wiltshire and began riding at the tender age of three. Since then, she has become one of the brightest young talents in the senior showjumping ranks. In the summer of 2015, riding Spirit T, Jess joined the British senior team for Nations Cups and helped secure Rio Olympics qualification for the British team at the Europeans in Aachen in 2015. At the age of 19, that made her the youngest British team member to ride in a senior international championships for forty years. From her current base in Eindhoven (Holland), where Jess has a string of around twelve horses, Jess is now in the Top 15 British riders in the World Rankings and competes regularly across the globe at the highest level. In 2016, she was selected for the British Olympic Squad and attended the Rio Olympics as the travelling reserve. She now has her sights firmly set on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Hacking out not only gives us all a change of scene, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to further your horse’s education by incorporating aspects of their flatwork training such as rein back and lateral steps,” said Jess. “For example, when closing or opening a gate, or halting and waiting calmly when we have to cross a busy road, it teaches the horse manners under saddle and also allows them to see new sights, especially the younger horses, whose show experience might not be as extensive. “I also use roadwork to strengthen their legs, and it gives a good contrast to working them on the arena surface. “I am very lucky to have private land to hack over at home, but if you are riding out on the roads, do remember to wear high viz clothing, whatever the weather or time of day.”

If you have the opportunity, a good canter or even gallop can really open up your horse’s engine as well as being good fun for both of you. Horses that are stuffy in the arena, very often react well to this kind of ‘outdoor’ training and you should see improvements in the school too.

Spook Busters If you own a spooky horse, hacking is a great way to work through issues as well as establishing a healthy relationship and positive leadership. It is also good preparation for when you are riding in competitions, and he suddenly sees something he doesn’t like. Depending on your horses’ temperament or age, it might be beneficial for the horse to stop and have a look. However, if your horse is more likely to worry even more, then you are better off being in charge of the situation and riding him past whatever may frighten him. If he goes past with little or no reaction, be sure to praise him as well, as you would do training him over fences at home.

Walk This Way “Encouraging your horse to step out in walk is really good for his overall body condition and encouraging him to stretch down and over his back and relax is ideal. If the ground is good, I like to give them a trot and a bit of canter, and just as I would do in the arena, I’m still thinking about rhythm, softness and straightness in all three gaits.”

Thinking Forward If your horse is a bit stuffy or lazy in the arena, then hacking out can really help him think more forward.

Pace Yourselves Remember that you can use your lateral work out hacking as well if your horse likes to go places quickly! Shoulder in and leg yield are great exercises and also working on your half halts will again approve your communication with your horse through your aids so when you come to jump a fence, you are communicating perfectly together. About Renwick & Sons... Since 1798, the Renwick & Sons family has been producing brushware in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside. Over the years, each generation has passed down this knowledge, passion, and craftsmanship, all of which are now embodied in this stunning collection of equine brushes. The Renwick & Sons Grooming Kit combines traditional British craftsmanship, ergonomic design and advanced bristle technology to bring you and your horse a grooming experience like no other. Official partners with the British Grooms Association and proud to support British equestrian talent including Jessica and top show rider and producer, Katie Jerram. www.renwickandsons.co.uk

WIN! WIN! WIN A FLECK EVENT BAT! TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE THE EVENT BAT FROM FLECK The Event Bat from Fleck is a classic, attractive bat handmade by experts to the highest standards from the finest materials. It is designed with a fibreglass core, long soft cushion flap and strong competition grip handle offering efficient support for jumping. Available in Black, the bat is 24” (60cm). The Event Bat is priced at around £48. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May 2019 and close 31st May 2019.

Ride like... TUTORIAL

EMMA & KEVIN MCNAB

INTERNATIONAL EVENT RIDERS AND ABSORBINE BRAND AMBASSADORS, EMMA AND KEVIN MCNAB, SHARE THEIR TIPS AND EXERCISE ROUTINES FOR THE EVENTING SEASON.

PREPARING FOR THE

SEASON AHEAD

etting the right routine for your horse is crucial when you are preparing for events, as it can determine how they go for the duration of the season. Tailoring their work schedule to their individual needs and the type of events they will be

G 18

competing at, is key, so preempt your plans with each horse before you embark on an exercise regime. “We have an exciting team for 2019 and are lucky enough to be in a fantastic position, as we have a great spread of horses from youngsters up to those

competing at 5* level. As we are expecting our first child in August, Kevin is going to be extra busy!” Kevin currently has thirteen competition horses, comprising of four at 4/5* level, two at 3* level, one at Novice level and six at BE100 level, the latter of

which will move up to Novice in their next couple of starting events. “We also have four 3 and 4-yearolds who are in work but have not begun their competing career. With this in mind, we have to tailor our exercise plans to fit each horse and its individual requirements. “Schooling on the flat is very important for our horses’ way of going and rideability, so we make sure this is done 3 to 4 times per week. Flatwork is very important for your horse’s gymnastic way of going, it’s temperament and rideability. We like to do a lot of stretching and suppling work after an event to help them loosen up through their bodies. If we are close to a competition, we will often do more with them on the flat and ride up in a more advanced outline to prepare them for a dressage test. Whatever we are working on with them during our schooling sessions, it is very important that they are able to stay soft and understand what is being asked. This is where the work on their trainability and temperament comes into play. “Generally, we jump each of the

TOP PRODUCTS

Absorbine horses once a week, but this varies depending on what stage of their career they are at. We tend to jump youngsters more often, doing small but frequent sessions. For the older horses who are competing at 3* or above, with a lot of experience under their belt, we tend to jump in order to prepare them for an event, so as to not take valuable miles out of their legs. With our 5/6-year-olds that started their career this March, we might jump them lightly at home one day, take them XC schooling another and then give them another light jump (depending on whether they need it) the week before the event itself. Once they have been out and understand the competition routine, you are likely to find that jumping them once or twice during the lead up week of an event, is sufficient. “For our more experienced horses, we usually take them out XC schooling once or twice at the start of the season before they start competing, just to ensure they aren’t rusty. That said, unless a horse has a specific issue with a certain type of fence, we don’t do much XC schooling other than actually at the competitions. “When our horses are preparing for a Long Event (3DE), one of

their flat schooling days is given over to a gallop day. It’s crucial for youngsters to understand the idea of going out in canter and/or gallop in the open so that when you get to an event, the XC doesn’t wind them up and their bodies are used to travelling in that way. “We believe that it’s key to take young horses out to school in different environments, especially once the season is underway, to help them become accustomed to travelling and leaving the yard. The whole experience of getting ready, travelling to a venue, seeing XC/SJ fences and dressage arenas, and other horses cantering around, all needs to become stress free for competition horses. They are put under enough pressure whilst competing, so we think it’s really important that you familiarise them with these environments as early and as often as possible. “We take our younger horses out schooling, either SJ or XC, at least once per week the month before their first competition with the hope that when you get to your first event with them, they realise it’s not a big deal and they understand and enjoy their job. Producing them this way certainly makes them

easier to manage later on in their careers, as they need to comprehend what goes on, in order to enjoy what they do, and ultimately, that is how you get the best tune out of them. “There is no such thing as overpreparing, especially for young horses or those attending their first event. Before you go to a competition, you and your horse should be a little ahead of the game so that when the big day arrives, each phase seems routine. For example, if you are struggling to keep your horse in a 20 x 40 arena, you need to do a little more educating before riding a successful dressage test or if your horse is terribly spooky at fillers, ensure you are practising them every other day before you try to jump a course full of them. The competition environment itself adds another aspect to your riding, so you need to make sure that those things which you can control, you have done sufficient work on before you get there.”

“There isn’t one person in our yard that doesn’t love ShowSheen. It is a must have for us and we use it all the time, whether for conditioning tails after washing, at competitions for perfect quarter markings, or just on a day-to-day basis. It’s fantastic. “Horseman’s One Step is by far the best tack cleaner we have come across. It’s super easy to use, conditions leather beautifully and smells so clean! “The Bigeloil Quilted Leg Wraps also play a massive role at our yard. They are a fantastic product that are perfect for those busy ODEs or at home, if you’ve had a big jumping session or gallop. They are a much cleaner, easier alternative to all the clays and gels on the market. “We have always used clay on our horses’ legs after a competition/XC so when these came on the market, it was very exciting because they do the same thing, without the mess!” www.absorbine.co.uk

WIN TICKETS TO

THE HICKSTEAD DERBY MEETING WITH ALLTECH!

n this issue we have teamed up with leading animal nutrition company, Alltech to giveaway a pair of tickets to The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting 20th -23rd June. 2019 sees Alltech celebrate its fifth year as sponsor of the showing classes at the legendary event, which is one of the highlights of the equestrian summer calendar. The tickets up for grabs gain entry to the event on any day between Thursday and Saturday. Across the classes being supported by Alltech there are a number of Horse of the Year Show qualifying tickets on offer, and they will once again be the official sponsor of the Small Hunter Championship, the Maxi Cob, Small and Large Riding Horse classes, the Supreme Hack Championship and Working Hunter class. With eight busy rings of equestrian action, The Tomfoolery Fun Zone with all day entertainment, plus a fun fair and an extensive shopping village it is a great day out for the whole family. The Lifeforce Range of all-natural, daily digestive aid supplements from Alltech is designed to benefit horses of every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals. www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk *All travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the winner. The tickets allow entry for any day of the event except Sunday 23rd June, The Derby Day. Entries must be 18 years and over.

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May 2019 and close 31st May 2019.

ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW: SUREGROW SUPPORT

Suregrow, the leading name in fertiliser and grass seed are delighted to announce their sponsorship of the Suregrow Fertiliser Ltd Grand Prix (Senior 1.35) class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. This year will see the Royal Windsor Horse Show in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 8th to 12th May, with the Suregrow sponsored class taking place on Friday 10th May in the Castle Arena. www.suregrowuk.com

BE PART OF THE BPS

The British Palomino Society is the official Palomino and Cream Dilute register in the UK for horses and ponies, and the society offers a warm welcome to new and long standing members. Members of the Society receive a yearly journal that is packed full of news, interesting articles with iconic images and prize winners. www.thebritishpalominosociety.co.uk

Photo: EmmPix Photography

WIN! WIN!

Tiger Tongue Groomer is a miracle grooming tool that removes dried sweat, mud and deep-seated stable stains. Designed to mimic the amazing ability of a catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tongue to draw dirt out from hair. www.triequestrian.ie

New Pro-Sheen Coat Gloss and Detangler is an all natural product that contains natural silk, spearmint and pure Avocado oil for a healthy, shiny mane and tail. RRP: ÂŁ15.99/1ltr. www.equine-america.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT...

CASE EQUINE AMERICA PRODUCTS STUDY: EARLIER THIS YEAR ADDIE AKERS, THE ESSEX AGENT FOR EQUINE AMERICA, GAVE OUT A NUMBER OF PRODUCTS TO LOCAL RIDERS TO TRY AND TEST. HERE ADDIE SHARES THE RESULTS.

CASE STUDY: Tilly

anya Newton from Maldon, Essex owns Tilly, a 12year-old Irish x Arab mare. Tanya was already using Equine America’s Glucosamine, but was interested to see if upgrading to the Cortaflex HA Super Strength Super Fenn Powder would make a big difference in Tilly, who suffers with stiff hind legs. She’s had a few kicks on her left hind and suffers with her hip from time to time, mainly when she’s in through winter. Tilly was fed Cortaflex HA Super Strength Super Fenn Powder for six weeks. “After one week I noticed a huge difference,” explained Tanya, “She was much more supple and swinging through her hips. I could not believe the change! I will continue buying the product in the future, very impressed indeed! The only downside is the price!’’ Product Rating: 9/10

Cortaflex HA Super Strength Super Fenn Power and liquid RRP: £56 (2 months supply).

CASE STUDY: Piggy

anya also used the Cortaflex Canine Capsules on her French Bulldog Pumpkin, aka Piggy! Piggy is 3 years-old and suffers from deformed knee joints. ‘’I would highly recommend Cortaflex Canine tablets, the product has worked wonders for my dog within a week, with a huge difference in her suppleness and movement. Before using Cortaflex she continuously limped and didn’t enjoy her walks, but now she loves to go out again and doesn’t limp - it’s an amazing difference!’’ Product Rating: 10/10

Vic

elly lives near Wix and owns Vic. “Vic is 16.3hh and is a proper slo-mo! We could really do with some oomph! Hopefully ProPell Plus will give him turbo power so we can finally get the time XC!’’ Melly trialled the Pro-Pell Plus for six weeks. She found the container messy to dispense the liquid from. Pumps can be used with this product eliminating this problem. “Vic very much enjoyed the taste of the Pro-Pell and gobbled all his food up! Vic had more sparkle and oomph, which seemed to kick in approximately three days after starting the product. He felt more willing and had pep, but it didn’t blow his mind. I’ll continue to use the product in the future.’’ Product Rating: 8.5/10 (would have been 10/10 if a pump had been used with the product!) Pro-Pell Plus Solution RRP: £14.25 (1 month supply)

Canine Capsules RRP: £29 (2 months supply).

CASE STUDY:

CASE STUDY: Odin

Brian

emma lives near Weeley, Essex and owns Odin, a 16.2hh ex-racer that she retrained herself. He can have some anxious tendencies and Gemma was interested to see if a calmer would help. Gemma used So Kalm Solution with Odin and trialled the product for one month. “Odin ate his feed without bother, he is usually very fussy with additives in his feed! Odin was a lot more relaxed, a change noticeable after about two weeks. The So Kalm certainly seems to put him at ease without taking away his sparkle. He will now be kept on So Kalm and I would happily recommend it to other riders.’’ Gemma’s only negative comment on the product was that towards the end of the bottle, it became tricky to dispense. The product can become quite thick in cold weather so is best stored away from very cold temperatures, and these comments have been passed to Equine America head office. Product Rating: 10/10

So Kalm Solution RRP: £29.99 (1ltr 33 days supply)

CASE STUDY: DJ

mma keeps her horses near Writtle and wanted to trial the So Kalm and Uls Gard on DJ, a 9-year-old 18hh British warmblood. “I wanted to try DJ on So Kalm Liquid when bringing him back into work post surgery and rehabilitation. He suffers from anxiety and I wanted him to be as happy as possible when re-introducing exercise. I wanted him to start work as safely as possible and So Kalm has really helped. His anxiety is noticeably better, he is more focused and this allows him to use him muscles and frame more correctly and relax into his work. He is also fed Cortaflex now and he is moving super!’’ Product Rating: 9/10

aye Munson lives in Hadleigh, Suffolk and keeps her horse Brian at home. Brian had been suffering from a runny nose and cough so Faye used Coffless. ‘’I cannot say enough how amazing this product is! Coffless is astonishing! I started to use it Monday night and by the time I rode Tuesday afternoon I could see a 100% difference. He was feeling much better and happier.’’ Coffless RRP: £42 (900g 1 month supply)

So Kalm Solution RRP: £29.99 (1ltr 33 days supply); Uls-Gard Solution RRP: £29 (1ltr 2 months supply).

www.equine-america.co.uk www.facebook.com/a.akersltd

Emma also trialled the Uls Gard on Quest, her 16h 9-year-old gelding. “Quest has recently been treated for ulcers and I needed to find a supplement to maintain him post treatment. He is a very highly excitable horse and loves life however because of this he is a candidate for ulcers returning. Uls Gard is easy to add to feed, smells amazing and Quest eats it up straight away. He is noticeably more comfortable and more settled in his work. It reassures me that he is being maintained whilst being brought back into full ridden work and it will help support him throughout the competition season. Product Rating: 9/10

NUTRITION

ALL ABOUT...

s r e c n a Bal with Baileys Horse Feeds

alancers provide all the essential nutrients you’d find in a mix or cube, without the energy/calorie element so are fed in much smaller quantities. They are formulated to supply the nutrients known to be lacking in forage and to be fed alongside pasture, hay or haylage of ‘average’ nutritional quality. What do they contain? Mainly a wide range of vitamins and minerals in carefully calculated ratios to meet a horse’s daily needs. The basics should all be there, whichever

balancer you choose; nutrients to support healthy hoof growth, metabolism, tissue repair etc. Unlike broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplements, balancers also contain protein which supplies essential amino acids. These are the building blocks of all body tissues, including horn, hair, muscle and bone, so are pretty important and often deficient in modern forages. Most balancers also contain

‘digestive enhancers’, like yeast culture or prebiotic, which support gut efficiency. Some balancers are said to contain special ‘supplements’ to target certain issues but this just another way of saying they contain all the nutrients necessary to support these areas.

What do they do? Feeding the correct amount of balancer for your horse’s bodyweight and workload, alongside forage, will give him a fully balanced diet, ensuring he receives all the nutrients he needs. This is important to help your horse feel and be as healthy as he can and therefore to be able to perform to the best of his ability. Soft skin, a shiny coat and strong hooves are all signs of a well-balanced diet as are great muscle tone and a top line. You won’t necessarily see any weight gain, because a balancer doesn’t contain significant calorie levels, but an overall improvement in condition will be seen if the previous diet was deficient. The yeast and prebiotics that balancers contain should mean that your horse is able to extract more from the forage and other elements of his diet. As a result you may see a little weight gain

or, if you are feeding hard feed, you may be able to cut that back once your horse is looking and feeling well. A fully balanced diet may also increase a horse’s enthusiasm for work. Horses who are not getting enough vitamins and minerals often feel lacklustre but, once getting the nutrients they need, their improved metabolism makes them feel a whole lot better! Improved gut health, through digestive enhancers, can also make a horse feel more comfortable in himself and therefore less crabby or jumpy. When might I feed one? If your horse or pony’s current diet is in any way lacking in nutrients, adding a balancer will help address these deficiencies. A horse could be missing out on essential nutrients if: • His diet consists of forage alone, especially if that forage is being soaked and grazing is limited or poor • You feed less than the recommended amount of hard feed, alongside forage • You feed a compound feed that is formulated for horses working at lower levels than yours • You are feeding straights, like oats and/or barley, alongside forage Forage-only diets Modern pasture and forage have been shown to be deficient in a range of nutrients so, while your horse or pony may look ok on forage alone, he could be missing out. Feeding a balancer will give you the peace of mind Continued overleaf...

NUTRITION Continued from previous page...

horse requires for his workload, should be topped up with a balancer to bring the overall nutrient content of the diet up to meet your horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements.

balancer will do!

For Performance If your horse is working hard and/or competing, then his requirements for quality protein Adding them to Adding them to straights and other nutrients will be compound feeds Straight cereals, like oats or barley, correspondingly higher than for a If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to feed the full are great sources of extra horse who is resting or in light amount of a mix or cubes (usually carbohydrate calories but are work so choose a balancer to control calorie/energy levels), definitely lacking in other formulated to meet these needs. to ensure a fully balanced diet you nutrients, which a balancer is For Breeding-stock should, either switch to a lower designed to provide. Growing youngsters or mares energy feed, which you can feed Which one do I choose? who are pregnant also have at recommended levels, or top up If your main aim is to provide elevated nutritional requirements the reduced amount of feed with essential nutrition without so specially formulated stud a balancer. A cheaper feed brand, additional calories or starch, any balancers are definitely the best or a lower spec feed than your that your horse is getting what he needs, especially if he or she is healing, working/competing, pregnant or growing.

option. A mare can be fed a balancer from conception onwards to ensure she is getting all she needs for her own wellbeing and her developing foetus. Youngstock need the nutrients, supplied by a balancer, to build and grow tendon, muscle, bone and other tissues. Calorie intake can affect growth rates and the beauty of feeding a balancer is that calorie levels can be regulated, to maintain even growth, whilst the balancer continues to provide essential nutrition. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Getting the Balance Right with TopSpec!

ere we look at the range of TopSpec Feed Balancer and supplements which include both conditioning and nonconditioning products.

Balancer combines the benefits of TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer with a joint supplement.

TopSpec Cool Balancer promotes muscle development and topline and contains the levels of vitamins and minerals required to balance the diets of horses and ponies in lightmedium work.

TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer promotes muscle development and topline. It contains a broad-spectrum supplement and many TopSpec Senior Feed specialised supplements Balancer is designed for including a hoof supplement, elderly horses that need more anti-oxidants and digestive aids. condition. It combines the TopSpec Joint Feed benefits of a feed balancer

tailored to the needs of elderly horses with a joint supplement.

TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer is designed for broodmares, youngstock and stallions. It contains a multisupplement combined with a feed designed to promote healthy musculo-skeletal development.

TopSpec Lite Feed Balancer is designed for good-doers in light-medium work. It combines a broadspectrum supplement and a hoof supplement with a non-

conditioning feed.

TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer is designed for elderly horses that do not need extra condition. It combines the benefits of a nonconditioning feed balancer tailored to the needs of elderly horses, with a joint supplement.

TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer provides all of the benefits of TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer but on a low calorie, low protein base, making it ideal for youngstock and broodmares that are good-doers.

Product News... Simple Balance + is a carefully formulated balancer containing high quality functional ingredients for promoting optimum health. It contains natural vitamins, minerals and prebiotic for gut health. Simple Balance + is free from cereals, molasses and soya. RRP: ÂŁ23.50/15kg. www.simplesystem horsefeeds.co.uk

WIN! WIN! FIVE WINNERS TO EACH WIN FIVE BAGS OF

MOLLICHAFF HOOFKIND COMPLETE!

Throughout May, Global Herbs is offering customers a Buy One Get One Free deal on SuperCalm Instant Two-Use Syringes. www.globalherbs.co.uk

TopSpec AntiLam is a palatable, pelleted multisupplement designed to provide nutritional support for those susceptible to, being treated for, and recovering from laminitis.

TopSpec All-in-One is the granular multisupplement we put into TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer. It is the most fully comprehensive supplement you can buy. www.top spec.com

Mollichaff Extra is a high quality, dust-free chaff combining wheat straw with a light dressing of molasses and a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals including selenium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iodine and iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D3, E, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, choline chloride and biotin. www.horsehage.co.uk

ollichaff HoofKind Complete is a complete high fibre feed designed for the nutritional support of horses and ponies prone to laminitis. It is made from a balanced blend of high quality oat straw, dried alfalfa and fibre pellets and is topped with a light dressing of soya oil with added vitamins and minerals, trace elements, antioxidants and biotin. Low in starch, sugar, protein and calories and high in fibre, Mollichaff HoofKind Complete does not contain any cereals and provides limited, controlled energy from high quality digestible fibre and oil-based ingredients, making it an excellent feed for good doers as well as those that are prone to laminitis. It contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement and when fed at the recommended levels to horses or ponies at rest or in light work, it can be fed as the sole bucket feed and needs no further supplementation other than good quality forage. www.horsehage.co.uk

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May 2019 and close 31st May 2019.

NUTRITION Located in Newmarket but working both nationally and internationally Donna is the highly experienced equine nutritionist who runs ‘The Horse Feed Guru’, an equine nutrition consultancy. Formerly a Commercial Nutritionist across three brands, now completely independent, she has worked with horses and riders competing at an Olympic level through to one horse owners wanting the very best. Clients can trust the independent advice they receive comes from extensive industry knowledge and experience but is also totally impartial of any feed brand. Her aim is to demystify feeding for the good of the horse and rider.

www.thehorsefeedguru.com Tel: 07901 337826

By Donna Case BSc (Hons)

ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES

ou’ve worked really hard to sort your horse’s diet, work out their forage rations, grazing routines and hard feed, but have you sorted out your electrolyte strategy? Put simply the sweat of horses is rich in electrolytes, but in particular, sodium, chloride and potassium. These electrolytes are involved in a variety of basic cell functions in your horse, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and maintaining the body’s pH. There are several problems that can occur if electrolytes are not replenished, but the two I see most often are fatigue and heat stress. The amount of electrolytes your horse will lose through sweat will vary depending on the activity, the duration of that activity and environmental factors such as heat and humidity. The

more your horse sweats the more electrolytes he will lose! Horses with access to a good amount of forage or grass will normally have a potassium intake in excess of daily requirements. Sodium and chloride intake however is often minimal and needs to be rectified. Normal table salt is an easy way to achieve this. As I have already said the amount of electrolytes your horse will lose will vary, but for most leisure horses who go out for hacks, schooling, clinics or low-level competitions, will typically require around 1tbsp of table salt per day to rectify the sodium and chloride lost through sweat. I would always add this salt into the hard feed as opposed to into the water supply as your horse is unlikely to drink all of the water, but with the feed you

can ensure it is all taken. Alongside this it is important to ensure rehydration and provide access to clean, fresh water at all times. If your horse is fussy whilst away at an event consider taking water from home, which may encourage him to drink more. If you are competing or working at a higher level, or if your horse eats low levels of forage or the sweat loss is high it would be well worth having a nutritionist look at your plan and check the electrolyte replacement strategy is in line with his requirements. You may need a commercially prepared electrolyte as part of this. Likewise, if you have a horse with gastric ulcers there are strategies that are a little kinder on the stomach to suit his individual needs.

Product News...

Dodson & Horrell Electrolytes is a scientifically formulated complete rehydration supplement for use after sweating. Suitable for both horses and ponies, the electrolyte salts it contains are specifically chosen to compensate for nutrient and electrolyte loss caused by heavy sweating due to hard work, in hot weather or whilst travelling. RRP: £16/2kg, £23.25/5Kg. www.dodsonandhorrell.com

Many of the feeds in Dodson & Horrell’s Performance Range also contain electrolytes to help replace losses that occur as part of regular training. These products include: Fibre Performance RRP: £15/20kg. Competition Cubes and Mix RRP: £11.85/£12.75/20kg. Staypower Muesli and Cubes RRP: £12.15/£14.25/20kg.

Re-Hydrate is designed to help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance providing all the necessary minerals on a palatable, readily absorbed, water soluble glucose base to aid recovery for optimum performance. RRP: £6.75/500g. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

Carefully formulated to provide optimum levels of key electrolytes to promote drinking and restore electrolyte losses, Apple Lytes are suitable for all horses and ponies, and are palatable for even fussy feeders with an attractive flavour. Apple Lytes RRP: £16.99/2.5kg; £54.99/10kg; £10.99/30ml. www.equine-america.co.uk

Summer Salt is a natural source of European rock salt, for adding to feed or water, helping to replenish salts lost in work or travelling. It is 100% natural pure high quality rock salt. RRP: £7/2kg. www.simplesystem horsefeeds.co.uk

TopSpec Electrolytes additive has a high salt formula, contains wildberry to aid palatability and is recommended by equine veterinary practices and independent nutritionists. www.topspec.com

Fed soaked as a soft textured mash, ReadyMash Extra helps provide an excellent source of highly digestible fibre and has a ‘water holding’ capacity which will help improve fluid intake. This combined with added glucose powders helps make ReadyMash Extra an ideal feed to use to help aid recovery and fluid uptake post exercise and when travelling. RRP: £14.50/20kg. www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

LAMINITIS

GAINING WEIGHT: IT’S A RISKY BUSINESS

study conducted by the Animal Health Trust in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College and Rossdales Equine Hospital, and funded by World Horse Welfare, has identified that

weight gain more than doubled the risk of horses and ponies developing laminitis. This newly published research provides compelling evidence that laminitis developed significantly more often after horses and ponies gained weight, rather than when they lost or maintained weight. Weight and body condition were regularly estimated and recorded by horse/pony owners over 29 months, with over half of the participating owners

opting to use a custom-designed online weight tracker. Worryingly, weight gain was often occurring unintentionally, even when owners were aiming for weight maintenance or loss. This emphasises the importance of consistent weight and body condition recording, so that undesirable weight gain can be recognised before it negatively impacts health. Owners need to review their animal’s current diet, exercise and health management routines as soon as undesirable weight gain is detected and take action. This study also identified high

RURAL BRITISH EQUESTRIAN COMPANY: WINS £10K PRIZE

rickle Net have won a £10k prize after pitching to Judges at the Grand Finale of Lincolnshire’s first ever 10x10 Business Accelerator Programme. The programme saw ten small businesses attend ten intensive training sessions, before each pitching for the big prize. Trickle Net is a small company based near Lincoln, designing and manufacturing a range of slow feeding nets for horses and ponies. The brand is becoming known for unique, effective, high quality products which are all handmade. Often recommended by vets for weight control, laminitis management or to aid gut function, the customer feedback and reviews are outstanding. Ellen Chapman (pictured) Director of Trickle Net says, “This whole experience has been incredible. The training was intensive and really got you focussed on your business goals. In my pitch I tried to convey to the Judges that we have a huge problem in equine welfare today with horses being overweight and at risk of laminitis. Trickle Nets can really help to solve this problem, and the prize money would go into an educational campaign with vets endorsing our products.” www.tricklenet.co.uk

risk groups particularly susceptible to developing laminitis. Owners of native pony breeds and their crosses, animals with a laminitis history and those with lameness or soreness after routine hoof care should be particularly vigilant. A high risk of future laminitis episodes was identified in animals shod/trimmed at intervals of more than 8 weeks, and those with a lengthy return to soundness following the most recent episode. Earlier recognition of laminitis, along with adequate and prompt veterinary attention, farriery support and diagnostic testing of underlying metabolic disorders should give animals the best chance of recovery and a potential to reduce the risk of future episodes. Features of diet, grazing management and health were also associated with the development of laminitis and require further investigation. For example, horses and ponies with short-term morning grass access, and those that wore grazing muzzles for only part of their grazing time were more likely to develop laminitis. These findings suggest that some grazing management interventions were not optimal at preventing laminitis. Dr. Dee Pollard, of the AHT, said: “It’s very easy to miss weight gain when you are just relying on your eyes and you see your horse or pony every day. You need to get hands on, feel for the fat deposits and take measurements, remember the figures don’t lie!” www.aht.org.uk

ING OFFER ING OFFER • SPR R P S • ER FF O G SPRIN

ooking for nutritional support for your horse or pony, prone to, being treated for or recovering from laminitis? Throughout May, and whilst promotional stocks last, there is £8 off TopSpec AntiLam at participating retailers nationwide. TopSpec AntiLam is a pelleted multi-supplement and is used and recommended by nutritionists, vets and farriers. Most overweight ponies, and some overweight horses, are susceptible to laminitis, as are horses and ponies diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Insulin Dysregulation (ID) and/or Cushings (PPID). AntiLam is a brilliant formulation combining several supplements with a high fibre, very low-calorie carrier to make it palatable. Long term trials at Middle Park Laminitis Research Unit showed that horses and ponies on restricted/poor grazing do not gain any weight when fed AntiLam It can also be used very successfully as part of a calorie-controlled diet

when weight loss is required. This unique multi-supplement is so palatable that it can be fed out of the hand to horses and ponies at pasture to provide vital nutritional support. AntiLam should be fed on its own with forage. The forage can be in the form of late-cut hay and/or unmolassed chops e.g. TopChop Lite, TopChop Zero, controlled grazing, or a combination of these, depending on the individual circumstances. Call the Multiple-AwardWinning Helpline on 01845 565030.

Mollichaff HoofKind Complete A complete fibre-based concentrate feed suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis or good doers. Low in starch and sugar, high in fibre and cereal-free. www.horsehage.co.uk

HEALTH & WELFARE: FIRST AID

CHUMP

THE THREE STAGES OF:

BANDAGING

UNLUCKY

andaging plays an important role in wound management, particularly when it involves the lower leg. When applying a bandage to a wound, there are three main layers that should be used to help provide protection and facilitate healing.

The Primary Layer The primary layer is in direct contact with the wound and provides protection and absorption. A low-adherent dressing can be placed onto the wound or on top of a wound hydrogel and prevents additional trauma upon dressing removal whilst absorbing any exudates.

The Secondary Layer The main function of the secondary layer is to protect the wound and control any swelling, and often comes in the form of a layer of padding over the primary layer. Veterinary Gamgee is highly absorbent and uniform in thickness making it ideal for this purpose. When applying, smooth down to ensure there are no creases.

The Tertiary Layer The third, tertiary layer is the application of a bandage itself and is used not only to hold the first two layers in place but to apply additional pressure and protection. A coheshive bandage such as Equiwrap is ideal, making sure that it is applied with even pressure and a 50% overlap. Remember firm but unrestrictive application.

Animalintex is the only poultice that should be used to treat the listed conditions as it is the only multilayered absorbent poultice licensed as a veterinary medicine by the VMD in the UK.

Main pic: The primary layer is a wound dressing that is placed on top of the wound. (Top) The secondary layer is to protect the wound and control any swelling. (Above) The tertiary layer is the application of a bandage to hold the first two layers in place and apply additional pressure and protection.

QUESTION: In which situation is it relevant to use a hot poultice, and when should you use cold? ANSWER: Deciding whether to use a poultice hot or cold depends on the particular condition that requires treatment. Hot wet poulticing is used for abscesses, corns, cracked heels, infected wounds, laminitis, mud fever, punctured foot, seedy toe, thorns and thrush. Cold wet poulticing is used for bruising, capped elbow, capped hock, sore shins, sprains, strains and splints.

n the space of just one month, Emily Culpeckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horse, Chump, suffered two freak injuries. Luckily Emily had the knowledge and a fully stocked first aid kit to deal with each injury promptly, which aided a speedy recovery. Emily, a veterinary physiotherapist has owned Chump for three years and the pair regularly enjoys hacking, schooling and eventing together. Chumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first injury occurred when Emily had tied up the 7year-old Hanoverian in the stable, under full supervision. Something flew past the yard entrance and startled Chump, causing him to buck and kick out and he caught his right hind leg on the stable wall. It was clear that he had injured himself quite badly, so Emily cleaned the wound and called the vet. Due to the location of the wound the vet was concerned that there may be an infection in the tendon sheath, so he thoroughly cleaned the wound again before applying a Skintact dressing and prescribing a course of antibiotics. Emily then had to monitor Chump for signs of infection over the next 48-hours by walking him out in-hand, to check for the onset of extreme lameness. When the 48-hours had passed, Chump was allowed out into the field with the

RECOVERS:

SPELL OF INJURIES wound still covered. Emily said: “The Skintact dressings were perfect for keeping the wound protected and clean throughout the initial stages of healing. They are sterile, easy to use and excellent value for money.” Just as Emily and Chump were putting the leg injury behind them and getting back into work, Emily noticed he was lame when they set off out on a hack. Returning to the yard, Emily checked Chump over and found a thorn embedded in the bulb of his heel. When she removed the thorn, she was shocked to discover that the thorn was 35mm long and had come dangerously close to the navicular bursa. Emily once again rang the vet before she cleaned the wound and applied dry Animalintex. The vet was so concerned about the location of the puncture that he initially recommended The puncture wound where a thorn had become embedded in the bulb of Chump's heel

that Chump should go into surgery to flush out any infection that might be present. Emily was reluctant to go down this route as Chump is not the best traveller, so the vet took samples from the tendon sheath and coffin joint to test back at the surgery. The wound site was then flushed thoroughly again before applying a dry dressing of Animalintex and a second course of antibiotics was prescribed. Once again Emily had to walk Chump out in-hand regularly to check for lameness and signs of pain that could indicate infection within the tendon sheath, as well as changing the Animalintex two to three times a day.

The thorn was 35mm long

Thankfully, the results came back from the vet and were negative for infection, so four days later Chump was allowed back into the field. “Animalintex is a staple in my first aid kit and I initially reached for it to help reduce inflammation and keep the wound clean until the vet arrived. He told me I had done exactly the right thing. “I also relied on Veterinary Gamgee, which I placed on top of the Animalintex to pad the foot out. This helped to stop the shoe from coming through the outer dressing and to keep the area dry when Chump was turned out, as the Gamgee absorbed most of the moisture. “Throughout the treatment of both injuries I used many rolls of

24 hours after application of Skintact following Chump's injury to his hind leg

Equiwrap in a whole variety of colours! They really helped to keep the dressing secure and were easy to use and long and sticky, which isn’t always the case with cohesive bandages,” added Emily. www.robinsonanimal healthcare.com

HEALTH & WELFARE

CASE STUDY: Delta

DAY 1

DAY 3

DAY 5

Delta used the edge of a concrete trough to relieve the itching - in the process scratching away several layers of skin and enlarging the affected area. The first day after application the scab had already lifted off on its own with no further damage to the tissue underneath. AMHVet was applied daily showing decreased redness, decreased irritation (no more scratching on the trough), no sign of infection and new hair growth evident on day 3. By day 5 there was no need for any more applications as the skin was pink with hair coverage obvious. www.aniwell-uk.com

Photos: Massey Farms Ltd.

eet Delta who had AMHVet applied to a tick bite wound. Unfortunately ticks are endemic to the area where Delta lives and despite tick prevention therapies and daily physical surveillance she sustained a bite to her nose. Tick bites are irritating, itchy and can easily become inflamed and then the underlying area can become colonised with bacteria when scratched. Aniwell's AMHVet utilises the natural properties of NZ's active manuka honey to assist with rapidly decreasing inflammation, irritation and controlling any opportunistic bacteria. The AMHVet was applied directly to the site, no preparation or cover required.

Product News... The Veredus Magnetik Stable Boots Evo are designed to help reduce swelling in the legs after work. The boots help to reduce pain and swelling and stimulates the flow of blood. This speeds up the elimination of toxins and the regenerative processes. The boots also help prepare muscles and tendons for work and exercise. Front Boots. RRP: £182. Rear Boots. RRP: £182. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The Bucas Recuptex Therapy Rug helps in the treatment of a vast array of ailments and encourages faster healing. The Recuptex Therapy Rug material is made from an extremely fine stainless steel mesh so it reflects the magnetic fields created inside the body. This in turn stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow in the horse’s body, which reduces swelling and inflammation and promotes faster healing. RRP: £162. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

PRIMROSE: EXTREME PHOTOSENSITIVITY eading animal nutrition company, Alltech, is delighted to be providing support for another resident at one of World Horse Welfareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rehoming centres. Primrose, a little cremello cob mare, was rescued and taken to the Glenda Spooner Farm. A World Horse Welfare Field Officer was called out to inspect a herd of horses that had been left without water. Primrose was spotted in the distance, looking extremely sorry for herself. As the officer got closer, she could see that Primrose had an extremely sore muzzle. To add to the horror of the

situation, she then noticed the mare had a young foal at foot, believed to be around six weeks old. Due to her terrible condition, Primrose was sedated and caught, along with her foal. She was assessed on arrival at Glenda Spooner Farm and the skin on her on eyes, nose, shoulders, neck and hind quarters was peeling and raw, due to extreme photosensitivity. After being sedated, Primrose was clipped, placed on a drip, and treated twice daily with Flamazine. Shockingly it was also discovered that Primrose was once again pregnant on arrival at the centre,

highlighting the indiscriminate breeding that occurs when horses are left unattended in a mixed herd. With the fantastic care that Primrose and her foal, named Jellybean, received at the centre, they both learnt basic handling. To help keep her skin condition under control, Primrose has also had to learn to tolerate a fly sheet and mask. Once Jellybean had been weaned she was successfully rehomed to

a forever home where she could continue her education. Primrose currently lives in a small herd of mares with similar needs and she has developed into a lovely mare that is brilliant to handle, bath and groom, ensuring a bright future when she is ready to be rehomed. www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

HEALTH & WELFARE

TECHNOLOGY:

DAISY’S HERBAL ANSWERS ‘My horse suffers from sweet itch and I wondered if there were any herbs that may help him?’ There are several herbs that you can use to help. Herbs that have antiinflammatory and anti-histamine properties will reduce the reaction to a bite and therefore lessen itchiness. There are also herbs that will help to maintain healthy skin. Brewer’s Yeast is a rich source of B vitamins and amino acids, which make it beneficial in maintaining healthy skin and coat. It is also said to deter insects from biting. Sea Kelp as it is a very rich source of vitamins and Daisy Bay minerals. It is liss, Herbalist great for allround good health, skin, coat and hoof condition. Buckwheat works well as it is a natural anti-histamine and also an anti-inflammatory. Cleavers are rich in silica and therefore will help to strengthen hair. They will also help to remove toxins from the body. Turmeric is also a natural antiinflammatory and will help reduce itching and maintain healthy skin. Burdock root will help as a tissue cleanser by removing toxins. It should be fed with Cleavers, nettle or dandelion, as they will help to remove the waste from the horses system. www.champerene bespokehorseherbal.com

MAKE YOUR RIDING SAFER

he British Horse Society does crucial work for the riding community by compiling riding incidents. And now they have teamed up with Huufe to trial an innovative and easier way for riders to report an incident – with just two clicks. Riding app Huufe has added a new safety feature for riders who experience an incident such as dogs, fireworks, road incidents, offroad cyclists or drones. Riders can simply press a button in the app, select the type of incident and the BHS receive a record of the incident, its location and time. For those who want to provide more details, an email is sent giving a link to the BHS Report an Incident webpage. The BHS is keen to see how it can make it easier for riders to report incidents, at the moment they occur. The more reports the BHS have, the more they can do to make the world

Product News...

safer for horses and those who care for them. In the future the BHS and Huufe anticipate being able to show all incidents on a heat map so riders can identify where there might be a troublesome dog, a blocked gate or even a road incident black-spot. The new BHS button had only been live in the Huufe app for a few hours when the first incident was reported, a road traffic incident. When Huufe asked the rider how the button had worked, he responded: “It was ironic really, I had just noticed the button as I started my ride and then had cause to use it within minutes on a small road. A car stopped for me, but my horse spooked and rammed it. Thankfully no injuries to anyone, except the car. The button was simplicity itself, what a great idea.” www.huufe.com

Nettex are offering ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price’ on Summer Freedom Salve for the whole of May. RRP: £17.50/300ml; £32.25/600ml. www.nettexequine.com

CoolGel’s thick texture is easy to apply to even wet legs, making it ideal for use after cold hosing to extend the cooling period. Use after hard exercise or on areas where heat is present. RRP £9. Free UK delivery on orders over £20. www.animal-health.co.uk

Buying a horse: protecting your purchase By Paul Herbert

hen you purchase a horse from a dealer or trader you have the added protection of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. When you purchase direct from a private individual you may have to rely on the Misrepresentations Act 1967 and/or a breach of contract. This makes it important that you know who you are buying the horse from, should you need to make a claim... If you are buying from a supposedly private individual the statements or representations that they make in regard to the horse such as its age, ability, history or health, should be true. If the statements the seller makes induce or persuade you to purchase the horse and they subsequently turn out not to be true, then you may have a claim against them. These representations may be made in the advertisement, in pre-sale correspondence or verbally. It’s worth noting that if they are made by a third party, you may not be successful in a claim against them. In the excitement of

purchasing a horse it’s easy to forget to keep records of all the advertisements, emails and texts. It is advisable to keep hold of these however as, whilst in most cases a purchase will go swimmingly, you may come to rely on them in the event you wish to make a claim. To increase your protection it is also advisable to have a written contract of sale. The contract should include all the information about the horse, the sale and any specific requirements identified and made known. Although it may not save you having to bring legal proceedings to seek recompense, it will increase your chances of success should things go wrong after purchase. You may be able to draft a contract yourself or alternatively instruct a solicitor. Whilst this might seem like just another expense to add to the vet bill, transport, insurance and new saddle, it may not cost as much as you think and could potentially save you your purchase price and associated costs should things go wrong.

Dispute resolution solicitor Paul Herbert is Burnett Barker Solicitors’ equine specialist and has over 25 years’ involvement in the equestrian industry. He can help with issues including sale/purchase disputes; trainer fee disputes; veterinary negligence claims; foal share agreements and syndication agreements. www.burnettbarker.co.uk

HEALTH & WELFARE TRAINING BURSARY

irbac 3D Worming are delighted to continue their support of British Eventing as Official Training Partner of the BE80(T) and Technical Merit. Virbac is also offering a £500 training bursary that is open to all competitors on the technical merit table who will be entered into a free prize draw to win this fantastic prize to be spent on additional coaching. www.3dworming .co.uk

NAME FOAL COMPETITION

pecialist riding holiday operator, Ranch Rider, is launching the ‘My Western Foal’ competition, giving you the chance to name a new foal at Idaho’s Western Pleasure Guest Ranch that is due to be born in late May. To enter send your full name, along with the proposed name of the foal and reason for your choice of name to MyWesternFoal@ranch rider.com by 31st May.

LOCAL HORSE COMMUNITY UNITING: TO HELP FIGHT INFECTIOUS DISEASE

ver 370 horse owners and 99 yard managers across the UK have already vouched to help fight infectious disease by pledging their support to Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s ‘Stamp Out Strangles’ campaign. In November 2018, the charity launched its Strangles Pledge, asking the equestrian community to come together to champion better biosecurity practices to rid the country of Strangles for good – a devastating disease which can cause misery for both horses, their owners and equestrian businesses. Redwings says it’s thrilled with the response to the campaign so far, with Pledgers showing a clear appetite for change, especially in the wake of recent outbreaks of another highly infectious disease, equine influenza, hitting the headlines. The charity continues to urge more yard managers and horse owners to get involved and has an exciting year of activities and events planned to highlight the vital importance of biosecurity, including a Strangles symposium, free veterinary seminars and a national day of action. As ‘Pledgers’, horse owners agree to champion good biosecurity practices,

to communicate openly if their horse may have been in contact with Strangles and to clear their horse of being a Strangles carrier if they become infected. Meanwhile yard managers pledge to reduce the Strangles risk at their businesses through screening new arrivals, producing a yard protocol for their clients and responding immediately if a Strangles case is suspected. The Pledge is part of a Stamp Out Strangles online hub on the Redwings website, which is full of free information and advice on spotting the signs of the disease and preventing or managing an outbreak. And with Strangles being a topic of continuous scientific research, all pledgers receive regular updates and practical tips to help them stay one step ahead of the disease. Horse owners can also access a map of livery yards who have signed up to the Pledge so they can see which businesses are

committed to helping protect their horse from Strangles. Rob Richardson, owner of Whiterails Livery in Norfolk, signed up to the Pledge following a free veterinary seminar on Strangles hosted by Redwings. While his business has never experienced an outbreak and already had proactive measures in place, he says the Stamp Out Strangles campaign has helped his team further develop their biosecurity policies. Mr Richardson said: “With new housing in the area, we’re getting lots of new people moving into the local area and bringing their horses. I went along to one of Redwings’ Strangles seminars and I realised we should be doing more about our biosecurity. Our former yard manager had already put measures in place but the campaign has helped us look at what we were doing and build on it.” He added: “Good biosecurity is so important. If we had Strangles, it would close us down for a long time – you can’t be too careful. I hope this campaign goes on to inspire others to do more.” A Stamp Out Strangles action day will be taking place in July, with more details being released soon. www.redwings.org.uk/ strangles

HORSES TO HAVE A

SOCIAL NETWORK

OF THEIR OWN!

SURVEILLANCE SCHEME:

BREAKING THE STRANGLES HOLD

hanks to funding from the Horse Trust, a new surveillance scheme has been launched by the Animal Health Trust (AHT), in collaboration with the Universities of Liverpool and Melbourne, to understand the prevalence of Strangles within the UK’s horse population. A year in development, the Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES) project is providing vital information to help vets and horse owners understand where outbreaks occur, how Strangles is spread and ultimately reduce the impact of this highly contagious disease. During 2018 the project collated new information on how vets diagnose Strangles. There were 284 reported

positive Streptococcus equi diagnoses from samples submitted by 108 veterinary practices across the UK. By mapping this information, hotspots of Strangles were identified. Fifty-six percent of diagnoses were from vets sampling horses that were clinically ill or directly suspected to be suffering from Strangles. However, 34% of positive samples were recovered from horses that were outwardly healthy carriers, being screened either post infection or after receiving a positive Strangles blood test (iELISA) result. By identifying and treating these carrier horses, vets are able to ‘break the Strangles hold’ by preventing new outbreaks that could affect many more horses.

‘TOGETHER WE CAN STAMP OUT STRANGLES’

igital Horse is the exciting new network for equestrians to let the world know about their horse’s talents, achievements and personality. Founders of Digital Horse, Liz and Rebecca Ellis a mother and daughter team felt that a horses’ story was becoming diluted through regular social media channels. They wanted a way to cut through status updates, advertising and blogs which weren’t relevant to them. This is how they came to create Digital Horse, the one place where the conversation is about your horse. Everything is organised in one place, instantly searchable and available wherever you go. You can share your successes with friends, and learn valuable lessons from like-minded contacts. It’s a one stop shop for horsey gossip, hints, tips and ideas. Brand Ambassador, Alan Davies, who has his own profile on the site explains, “As a groom for Team Hester and also a horse owner myself, I was delighted to be asked for a contribution to this great platform for all things equine. So many people ask me about the horses I work with, ask for tips on grooming and how my miniatures are getting on with their showing and being able to impart my knowledge on a purely equestrian platform made sense.” www.digitalhorse.co.uk

radicating the UK’s most prevalent infectious equine disease could become a reality if more people were inspired to take action, was the message of an industry symposium which brought together leaders from across the equine community to discuss the better prevention and management of Strangles. The symposium, entitled ‘Together We Can Stamp Out Strangles’, took place at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh on Friday 29th March. Andie Vilela, Redwings’ Education and Campaigns Manager, said: “There has never been more information, advice and help available for horse owners to effectively prevent and tackle Strangles, and yet it remains the UK’s most prevalent infectious disease with over 600 outbreaks every year. There is no reason why stamping out Strangles cannot become a reality with a commitment to good practices and actions.”

HEALTH & WELFARE

THE EAST OF ENGLAND: A SAND COLIC HOT-SPOT

FAECAL SAND TESTING NOW AVAILABLE FOR HORSES TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF SAND COLIC BY MONITORING SEDIMENT LEVELS

olic is one of the most common emergency problems in the horse and has many different causes, one of which can be sand in the horse’s gut. Animals ingest it as they graze and it can accumulate in the colon over time. Here it irritates the gut lining and, in sufficient quantity, also has the ability to cause impactions which, if not treated in time, can be fatal. To help horse owners to identify whether their equine is at risk, postal test specialists Westgate Labs, have added a faecal sand test to their range of easy to use, evidence based test kits. Consultant vet to Westgate Labs, Carolyn Cummins MVB Phd MRCVS, commented: “Horses presenting with sand colic usually have a history of

grazing on sandy soils, drinking from natural water courses, being kept on restricted grazing or fed in a ménage. For equines in these situations a faecal sample can be taken at intervals through the year and checked for sand to assess the levels in the gut.

“Test results from Westgate are expressed as a percentage to give a quantitative measure of the level found. While it’s not desirable to find any sand in faeces, some healthy horses are not affected by a small amount. For this reason positive tests should be discussed with your

vet on a case by case basis. Together you can determine whether other symptoms such as diarrhoea/colic are also present and devise an appropriate management and/or treatment protocol.” With the variables of gut

CLASSIC COLIC SIGNS

- Mild depression and inappetance. - Pawing, rolling, flank watching, getting up and down, standing as if to urinate or thrashing. - Horses with sand colic may also have had diarrhoea before the onset of the symptoms.

SAND TESTING

Horses presenting with sand colic usually have a history of grazing on sandy soils, overgrazing paddocks or being fed in a ménage. For equines in these risk categories a faecal sample can be taken at intervals through the year and checked for sand to assess the levels in the gut. This is done by dissolving dung in water and observing the amount of sediment that settles in the sample overnight.

PREVENTION

movement it is possible for the test to generate a false negative. For this reason the Westgate test includes two sample kits; if no sand is detected in the first sample then a second can be taken a few days later. Alternatively where sand is detected then the second can be used to retest the horse following management adjustments. Abdominal ultrasound and X-rays can also be used to detect sand in the gut, although X-rays may not be easy in larger horses and require a powerful machine. Director of Operations at Westgate Labs, Kristy Hodgson, said: “The test itself is a simple sedimentation technique which horse owners can of course conduct at home. We have introduced this service in response to requests from customers who would prefer to send their samples to the laboratory. Conducting them in the lab enables us to generate a consistent quantitative result so

that levels can be easily monitored over time.” Where sand is present in the dung a variety of management changes can be introduced with the aim of reducing levels in the horse.

TREATMENT

Conservative treatment is usually successful if started early. Horses are given oral laxatives such as psyllium, with or without magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), orally. The psyllium is believed to work by increasing the gut motility and clumping the sand together so that it is easier to pass. Your vet may also provide anti-spasmodics and pain relief. Sand can also damage the lining of the gut making it more “leaky” and allowing toxins to cross into the bloodstream. For this reason, your vet may also put your horse on a course of antibiotics. Horses that don’t respond to medical treatment may require surgery.

These include taking steps to minimise ingestion, not feeding from the ground, overgrazing paddocks or allowing access to silted water sources. A diet high in forage can assist in clearing any ingested sediment through the gut. Psyllium, fed either as a straight herb or in a proprietary product is also believed to help expel sand by increasing the gut motility and clumping the sand together so that it is easier to pass. Regular testing along with husbandry changes will help to monitor the sand levels in the gut and manage the risk of colic. Owners should always consult their vet if they have any health concerns about their horses. www.westgatelabs.co.uk

If you live in a sandy soil area such as the East of England: - Don’t feed horses off the ground. Use large, high sided tubs and place on rubber matting so that horses don't pick up sand when scavenging for dropped feed. - Hay should also be fed in nets, again over rubber matting. - Avoid overgrazing pastures. Horses are more likely to pick up sand if the grass is short or sparse, forcing them to graze too close to the ground. - Feed psyllium to high risk horses. - Provide access to a salt block. If horses are lacking in salt, they may attempt to eat soil. - Supply ad-lib hay.

HEALTH & WELFARE

Five Ways to...

IMPROVE BODY IMAGE

t’s Mental Health Awareness Week 13th19th May and the theme is Body Image. In this digital age Body Dysmorphia Disorder is on the rise with the seemingly perfect Insta booty, body and lifestyle. 49% of teenage girls have already tried dieting in an effort to change their body shape along with 34% of boys according to the latest YMCA research. If I asked you whether you were 100% happy with your body what would your answer be? How many friends do you have that are 100% happy with their bodies? At a good guess it’s unlikely that you’d be able to name a handful if any. So how does feeling slightly disgruntled with your body image turn into a fully blown mental health issue? On average we have 50-70,000 thoughts going through our brains every single day. Every time you have a negative thought for example ‘I hate my thighs’ and then repeat that same thought up to a thousand times a day you’re then ingraining that in your mind, unknowingly turning it into a belief, regardless of whether it’s true or not. Negative self image is a symptom of low self esteem. But what can YOU do to improve your body image, self esteem and confidence? • When a person exercises their body image becomes more positive.

BY SAMANTHA HARDINGHAM

• Children see parents as role models, so talking about which diet you’re currently on or which body part you don’t like often creates a culture of negative body image within the family environment. Be accepting of your body image and others shape and size. Channel a conversation towards a person’s positive attributes, skills, talent and achievements rather than how they look. • Chuck out the bathroom scales - they don’t tell us anything about health. Scales are for fish! • Confidence and self esteem are practiced thoughts, do what you say you’re going to do; every time you let yourself down, it’s another chip out of the confidence block. • Remind yourself that images on social media and in magazines have been airbrushed and enhanced! www.facebook.com/ ItsTheBodyMindCoach

MUM OF TWO: NEW EQUINE BUSINESS

orse owner and mum of two, Stephanie James, has launched a brand new horse and rider treat box, which is packed with accessories and products to try from independent suppliers. At only £20 a month (plus postage) it is a great way to try out new products and it makes it an affordable monthly gift or as a birthday present. Stephanie said,“ As a mum and horse lover I wanted to create a sub box that helped to showcase amazing independent producers.” www.thetackbox.co.uk

OUT OF PRINT PONY BOOKS: RETURN AS EBOOKS

ome of the best loved but out of print and rare pony books are galloping into the modern day for the very first time, when they are rereleased as eBooks. Pony book expert and Publisher Jane Badger will breathe new life into classic tales for horse and pony lovers everywhere to enjoy. The first release will be revered pony-book author Patricia Leitch’s Dream of Fair Horses. Dream of Fair Horses is released in eBook format for Kindle, priced at £3.49 and is available from Amazon. www.janebadgerbooks.co.uk

PETPLAN EQUINE INSURANCE

FOR YOU AND YOUR HORSE “Max and I have been a partnership for ten years and in that time, we have turned our hand to a few different disciplines at various levels,” begins Lyndsey. “I successfully backed and trained Max myself with showing in mind, particularly native working hunter classes. We had a very successful showing career until he was diagnosed with Hepatitis. Thankfully, Petplan Equine covered the claim and he was

Photo: Bruce Grant

nsurance is not always the first thing on our mind as we plan our training and competitions with our horses. However, it is the first thing we turn to when they are ill or injured. Petplan Equine Ambassador, Lyndsey Ryder tells us how she and her Welsh Section D, Max have benefited from her Petplan Equine insurance and the peace of mind she has as she trains and prepares Max for competition.

able to make a full recovery, however, due to his illness, my vet advised me that Max should be kept in a leaner condition than one needed for showing, so I decided to embark on a career in dressage instead. “I was so grateful for Petplan Equine’s support during Max’s recovery and it really highlights the importance of having the best cover for your horse. When Max and I began competing again, I wanted to make sure I had the appropriate insurance for my new discipline in case anything should happen when we were out and about. Petplan Equine’s policy allowed me to choose from six different activity groups which are based on the varying levels of risk involved in the training and competing I wanted to do with Max. For example, when we were progressing with our dressage career, Max and I entered a few unaffiliated classes, which would fall under group three. Once our confidence grew, we affiliated to British Dressage, allowing us to move up a level to group four. These groups mean that I only pay for the cover I need.” Petplan Equine policies also allow you to upgrade by one group free of charge a total of three times per year, giving you the chance to ‘try before you buy’. To take advantage of this, you must notify Petplan Equine at least 72 hours before

undertaking the activity. “When I first wanted to make the step up from Novice to Elementary in affiliated dressage, it gave me piece of mind knowing Max, my horse, was covered to compete at that level with the ‘try before you buy’ option. It meant I knew he was properly insured and I didn’t have to worry about that in amongst all the other things I had to think about that day. “I think it works both ways too so that people who don’t want to compete affiliated can choose a level of insurance to suit their individual needs and don’t have to be insured for activities they will probably never do,” concludes Lyndsey. No matter what type of cover you are looking for, Petplan Equine is able to provide policies to suit you and your horse’s needs. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to phone Petplan Equine to speak to one of their advisors who are all horse owners or riders themselves and they will be able to assist you. Please note that terms, conditions and excesses apply. No cover is provided for pre-existing conditions. Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited and Allianz Insurance plc. www.petplanequine.co.uk

BUYER’S GUIDE

THE MAKING OF...

Super ntry X Cou

he business started by accident really,” explains Becci Harrold. “I’d started riding at BE90 and mum treated me to a pair of new cross country colours. Well, at least she tried to! When we got to the tack shop there was just nothing there that I wanted to be seen in. So I decided to make my own!” Becci had been studying textiles at college and set to work with her sewing machine to make her own cross country colours. Not only did she achieve this, but when she was out competing in them, she had lots of people ask

where she got them from. And so the business was born. “People loved what I’d made and asked me to make them for them; I was sure that there was a business there.” The range of cross country base layers and hat covers continued to expand, along with the designs available and the customisation options. Other products have also been added and the range continues to expand. “Our first big launch was breeches. These took a long time to design and test as we wanted them to be absolutely perfect, but they sold out quickly.” However it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Becci and Super X Country. “I’ve had to work really hard and we’ve never had any investment – it started with my own money and everything I made was reinvested back into the business for a long time. We

IF YOU EVENT OR USE SOCIAL MEDIA YOU’RE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH SUPER X COUNTRY. THIS BRAND TURNS TEN NEXT YEAR SO WE MEET THE LADY BEHIND SUPER X COUNTRY, FOUNDER BECCI HARROLD. also had tradestands that didn’t perform well in the early days – the stress of being worried we wouldn’t make enough money to cover costs. Then we had a supplier abroad not deliver what he’d promised and take my

Becci’s Tips for Choosing Your XC Colours…

1- Start with the obvious – what are you favourite or even ‘lucky’ colours? 2- Now choose your favourite shapes – hearts, stars, and spots are always popular. 3- With the above information, decide which colour/s work well with your horse’s colour. Don’t just think about the base layer or hat silk colour, but the colour of the design too – with our base layers you can pick different colours for some of our designs. 4- Now decide if you need any additional information on your cross country colours such as a sponsor’s logo. You’ll need to make sure the design allows for these. 5- Think about the neckline. Many cross country base layers have turtle necks but you can also have zip necks if you’d prefer. 6- And now it’s just the finishing touch – will you choose to have a pom pom or not on your hat cover?

money with him. I was beyond gutted about this and it really did take me a long time to recover from it. It was a horrible time.” In addition to Super X Country, Becci has two of her own event horses that she competes, and she also works full time as a locksmith. “My dad’s business is in security, so I work for the family business too. He’s very good letting me have time off to go to shows, but it can get really busy! That said, I love it!” www.superxcountry.co.uk

WE MEET...

Frippy Jameson AS SHE IS GIVEN RARE ACCESS TO THE WORLD FAMOUS HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY TO PRODUCE PORTRAITS OF NOBLE HORSES, WE MEET FRIPPY JAMESON, AN OUTSTANDING EQUINE SCULPTOR

rippy Jameson was born in 1978 and lives and works from her studio in the Scottish borders. Frippy Jameson studied Fine Art Sculpture at Camberwell College of Art and Design, and City & Guilds of London Art School where she was awarded the Madame Tussaud Prize for Portraiture. Frippy’s mastery of equine character and anatomy has been recognised by the world famous mounted regiment of the Household Cavalry, founded in 1660, who have invited her to produce portraits that will be shown at the Osborne Studio Gallery, Belgravia. To be invited to work with the Household Cavalry is a remarkable achievement. Profoundly aware of the honour, and dedicated to achieving the most sensitive portraiture, she

chose to sculpt five military horses without their tack or rider. She selected the horses, which she claimed was an almost impossible task: Oracle, Perseus, Javelin, Paaderberg and Outlaw, from the hundreds of beautiful and impeccably turned out horses. Frippy has been working from sketches, videos and images, together with precise measurements, in traditional wet clay and an oil based clay, before taking the sculptures to be cast in bronze by the skilled foundry team at Powderhall Foundry in Edinburgh. “I work from life in direct and cast plaster, clay and bronze. I use horses and figures in my work to express the tensions between fragility, strength and the calm they create and reflect when together. My interest in the horse lies in the state when

they have finished work, resting or waiting,” Frippy explained. “I have generous neighbours who allow me to sit in a corner of their yard whilst I sculpt their horses and others who lend their horses so that I can have them in the studio when working on larger pieces.” Geoffrey Hughes, Director of the Osborne Studio Gallery, established since 1986, discovers and nurtures the finest equestrian artists. The Osborne Studio Gallery will be exhibiting Frippy’s work from 14th June to 6th July. www.osg.uk.com Household Cavalry, Knightsbridge Barracks work in progress - Top left: ‘Oracle’ Cavalry Black, 1/5 LifeSize. Top right: ‘Perseus’ 1/4 Life-Size.

BUYER’S GUIDE Ladies Linen Shirt in Lemon. RRP: £59.95. www.oxfordshirt.co.uk

Circle Earrings. RRP: £216. www.drajee.com

May Haves Must

Silk/Modal Antler Scarf with hand-drawn illustrations. RRP: £65. www.evemyand evemy.com

Cherish Necklace. RRP: from £145. www.renne jewellery.co.uk

Cosmo Gold Star Hoops. RRP: £125. www.emilymortimer.co.uk

The Aldeburgh Fedora with Peacock Feather. RRP: £65. www.hicksandbrown.com Silk scarf by British designer Rosie Fox. RRP: £30 www.ladida-andover.com

Malouine Botte. RRP: £50. www.aigle.com Outdoor Boot Sock. RRP: £7. www.hj.co.uk

Bespoke, personalised TShirt. RRP: £17.50. www.foxy equestrian.com

Jamestown Stone Ring. RRP: £189. www.phiralondon.com

Hug and Snuggle Box. RRP: £45. www.hooves andlove.co.uk

RHEA ASKS...

I’M RHEA FREEMAN...I’M A PR, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT AND COACH WITH A SPECIALISM IN EQUESTRIAN AND RURAL BUSINESS. I WORK WITH A NUMBER OF THE BEST BRANDS IN THE INDUSTRY AND MANY THAT YOU’LL SEE IN THESE PAGES... Sterling silver #PegasusInspo Ring. RRP: £25. www.pegasusjewellery.net

Felt Fedoras. RRP: from £65. www.carolinenicholls.com

Breeze Sneaker. RRP: £69. www.mountainhorse.se Leather Luggage Tags can be personalised. RRP: £39.99 and personalisation is extra. www.mackenzie andgeorge.com

eing a brand ambassador can mean different things to different people (and different brands, too). If you’re offered any kind of brand ambassadorship, always ask what’s involved. Some brands have quite complex systems, some don’t. Some require formal contracts to be signed and others don’t. Always ask. Every one is different. One of the things that applies across the board is the rider’s passion for the brand. Any ambassador a brand works with should actually care about the brand. They should use and love their products. They should really rate their products. And they should genuinely feel like this. If you don’t like a brand’s products, they are not the brand for you to represent. Being inauthentic is not something you want to be, because the following that you have built up under your own name will never trust you again. This is such a simple thing, but it means that you won’t have to remember to use x’s brushes or to wear y’s top, you just will! And this means that when you’re creating content, you’ll be able to tag the relevant brands and get another tick in the box… but you’ll be doing this as part of your life. There are lots of things that brand ambassadors may be asked to do, but these really will vary depending on the brand and the individual too. Most brands are happy to work with you (actually, it should be a warning sign if they won’t!) and what

you like to do… because they should be looking to get the best out of you for you and for their audience. But I digress, as a brand ambassador you might be asked to… • Take part in photoshoots • Create content in the form of videos, blogs, vlogs and more • Test new products and become a sounding board for new ideas • Help with product launches by sharing products and information with your followers • Come up with ideas that your audience would appreciate, to help them find out more about the brand and what they do • Go to shows and events and help the brand, whether on stands or through doing social media takeovers • Be involved with events • Promote special offers and deals …and this is by no means an exhaustive list. Being a brand ambassador can be amazing – huge amounts of fun, lots of opportunities to grow and develop, and the chance to form really good connections and build strong networks. It can also be tiring and take a lot of your time, so make sure you only commit to brands you really love, and that you remain open, honest and communicative. These are key to making any brand ambassadorship a success in the immediate and more long term future.

WHAT DOES BEING A BRAND AMBASSADOR INVOLVE? Visit www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk • Twitter (@rheafreeman) • Instagram (@rheafreemanpr) • Facebook (/RheaFreemanPR) 47

BUYER’S GUIDE

SILVER CELEBRATIONS

re! o m h c u m o s d an

he Hiho Silver brand is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year and for those of you who know what material is associated with a 25th, you’ll realise why this is such a good one! Not only is Hiho celebrating it’s 25th this year, but the collection it has just released in it’s role as the Official Jeweller for Badminton Horse Trials, has been designed to celebrate the event’s 70th – so there’s lots to be excited about at the moment for team Hiho!

“We’ve been planning our 25th celebration since last year,” said Emma Warren, Managing Director of Hiho Silver, “and it’s great that we can now start to share some of our plans! As a 25th is a silver anniversary, we wanted to make it a real celebration that we could share with our customers, and one of the things we’re doing is bringing out twenty-five limited edition pieces during the year. Some of these are Hiho timeless classics, and they all show our heritage and passions – because we know how closely these align with our customers’ too.” One of these new collections that has just launched is the Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection. This builds on last

Emma Warren, Managing Director of Hiho Silver

year’s debut collection, created with Badminton, and contains engraved charms of two fences (as selected by Lucinda Green and Mary King), the iconic backdrop on a range of pieces, as well as a Roller Bead, Roller Charm, and the Badminton Spinner Ring. As the only official jeweller for the event, Hiho is the only brand allowed to produce Badminton jewellery, which is something Hiho is incredibly proud of. “Our history with Badminton goes way back,” said Andrew Ransford, Hiho’s King of the Road. “We’ve had a stand there for a long time and we absolutely love the event. We’re sponsors and Judges of the best dressed at the first horse inspection too, so when we had

Andrew Ransford judging last year’s trot up

the opportunity to work with them on an exclusive range, we jumped at the chance.” But of course, Hiho is more than just this collection. The company has an ever-increasing range of jewellery designs, including many exclusive pieces that the team have designed over the years and have become synonymous with the brand. The Cherry Roller Collection is one of these. “The Cherry Roller was such a labour of love for us,” said Emma. “We got the idea from, well, a Cherry Roller Snaffle, and then set to work on how to translate this into something that was really wearable and beautiful. From the curve of the mouthpiece section to the clip that makes it easy to wear, to the detail in the design that allows us to customise it however the customer likes… it was worth every moment but it wasn’t easy!” The iconic bangle started off with sterling silver and 18ct rose gold plated beads, but now customers can switch the beads for any of their choice – from numerous CZ beads with different colours of crystal to

solid gold, solid gold with diamonds to the new Letter Beads that are proving so popular. In addition to the bangle, Hiho has also designed necklaces, earrings, rings, cufflinks and even a stock pin too. This is really just a snapshot of the brand’s more recent history but along the way the team have worked incredibly hard to grow and develop in line with its customers’ lifestyles and requests…and from very humble beginnings too! “It all started with a chance conversation on a boat going over to Koh Phi Phi, which eighteen months later led to me flying to Mexico and coming back with a rucksack of silver jewellery, which my sister, Caroline, and I sold and Hiho was born,” said Andrew. “I kid you not, that’s how it all started! And to look at how far Hiho has come since then is crazy, it’s been a rocky road at times, changes have happened but Hiho has been lucky to have had the most amazing staff throughout, their contribution shouldn’t go overlooked. Hiho has always focused on our customers, and we say our pieces will take your from mucking out to going out –

and that’s a really core value for us. We love it when customers come and show us pieces that they purchased from us years ago, longevity of our key pieces is what we aim for. We wear samples and test the pieces to make sure they’re fit for our customers. Emma also has an engineering background, so our jewellery gets that input too! Of course, horses will be horses and we do see some incredible bends and distortions that our pieces have suffered when they’ve been stood on by a horse or something else crazy, but we can usually fix it too, because our pieces are generally thicker and have more weight than others out there, so we can do it.” As Hiho celebrates its 25th, you might think the company has been around long enough to start to rest on its laurels, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. “We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and what we’ve accomplished, but we see this as just getting started! We have lots more in the pipeline from exclusive designs and collections to further collaborations we think our customers will love!” said Emma. www.hihosilver.co.uk

BLUE CROSS: TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A HORSE 1. Research – horses are a huge commitment, so it is really important to think carefully about whether you have the time, dedication, requisite knowledge and money to care for a horse properly. If you do decide to become a horse owner, really take the time to consider the right horse for your circumstances and experience. First think about what you want to do with your horse, the best breeds for your chosen equestrian pursuits, the age and experience of the horse that you feel you will be most comfortable with and your budget. Taking the time at this stage can help you pick the most suitable horse for you to give you the best chance of a happy future together. Don’t rule out rehoming from a welfare charity. We have some wonderful horses searching for homes. 2. Be rigorous – Once you have identified a potentially suitable horse to visit, ask questions, as many questions as you can. Make use of that initial call and set expectations of what you will want to see the horse do. Trust your gut and remember you are in control; it is your decision. Never purchase a horse without seeing it first and try not to be led with your heart rather than your head. You are better to walk away if unsure, but if you are concerned about a horse’s health or welfare then contact a horse charity for advice. 3. Set them up for the future – once you have purchased your horse, give him or her time. Let them settle and ask the previous owner as much about their current management as possible. A new environment can be stressful for a horse so keeping parts of their routine the same might help them settle. If you have concerns about your new horse, it may be helpful to contact the owner again to ask for some advice. You could also speak to a reputable behaviourist. Many unwanted behaviours displayed by a horse might be down to unsuitable management, or pain, so these things need to be ruled out before any improvements can take place. www.bluecross.org.uk

SADDLERY & TACK IN THIS ISSUE THE TEAM AT THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS LOOK AT WHETHER IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING BUYING A SECOND HAND SADDLE OR WHETHER HORSE OWNERS SHOULD ALWAYS GO FOR A NEW ONE DEPENDING ON THEIR BUDGET.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS:

SECOND HAND OR NEW?

o you’ve invested in your exciting new horse but the owner wants to keep it’s saddle – what are the options to consider? Without doubt the most important aspect is whether you have the budget for a new saddle or only for a second hand one – the fit for the horse is key and must always be the first consideration. Whether buying a new or second hand saddle it is important to have it fitted by a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter and have it checked regularly. A new saddle versus a second hand one depends on the

finance available and a correctly fitted second-hand saddle is far better than an ill-fitting new one! It is important to plan ahead and provide the ‘right’ facilities for your saddlers visit as this helps the saddle fitter to give the best possible service. Ideally you should fulfil the following criteria: • A flat, hard surface where the horse can be stood up and run up in-hand. • An area where the horse can be ridden. Saddle fitting can take a considerable time and the saddle fitter is likely to want the horse owner to ride in a number of short-listed saddles, an

essentially important part of the fitting procedure. • Showjumping and CrossCountry. If you are opting for a saddle designed specifically for dressage, polo or showing it is very unlikely you will be wanting to use the saddle for jumping! If you are considering purchasing a saddle that will involve jumping, it is essential to ride over a few fences. • Rider Presence. Occasionally horses are ’shared’ or ridden regularly by more than one person and, in this case, both riders should be present. • Wear something suitable. Jeans and trainers aren’t the most comfortable clothes in

which to try out short-listed saddles. The Society of Master Saddlers generally cautions that the wellfitting saddle does not require the addition of anything under it (with the possible exception of a thin saddle cloth). There are, however, exceptions to every rule. When there is a valid reason for using a numnah or gel pad the saddle fitter will need to allow for the addition. Have your own stirrup leathers and girth available. The saddle fitter will be carrying girths of various types and sizes but it is a good idea to have your own available. Using your own stirrup leathers is generally more comfortable and avoids the possibility of the saddle fitter’s new leathers becoming marked and therefore difficult to sell. The saddle fitter would obviously prefer to preserve the condition of his new saddles but, in addition, the marks left on the well-groomed horse’s back after removal of the saddle are significant because they indicate bearing surfaces and further identify unwanted movement. When the horse is ill-groomed, the marks left by the saddle may be blurred or indistinguishable. As the most influential professional body in the world connected with saddlery, the Society of Master Saddlers has put enormous effort into improving saddle fitting standards including instituting what remains the only noncommercially linked saddle fitting qualification in the world. www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Busy Year Ahead for SMS.... host of training courses, refresher days and skill building modules are set to get underway with the Society of Master Saddlers. The Tool Sharpening and Maintenance Course will be held on 2nd May at Cirencester Saddlers, a Harness Fitting Day will take place at Littlewood Farm, Bedfordshire, on 11th June, and Advanced Bridle Techniques for Bridle and Harness is the focus of another one day craft module for members and takes place on 6th July at Capel Manor College, Enfield. Whilst on 12th August there will be a Qualified Saddle Fittersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Refresher Day at Moulton College, and a further Challenging Fits & Practical Solutions module will take place on 13th August , also at Moulton College. Sewing Machine Maintenance and Skiving Machine is the focus at Vale Brothers Ltd, Walsall on 30th August. More course details through to November 2019 are available on the website.

SADDLERY

Q&A

TWICE PRESIDENT OF SOCIETY MASTER SADDLERS, LECTURER/ASSESSOR ON SADDLE FITTING COURSES AND MASTER SADDLER LAURENCE PEARMAN ANSWERS... Could you explain the purpose of point and balance straps? The main purpose of point straps is to stop forward movement of the saddle towards the shoulders. This will happen with some horses and ponies and not others depending on their shape and conformation. Balance straps are used to stop sideways movement at the back of the saddle from either to the right or left, with the aim of providing more stability.

Product News...

Amerigo leather care products have been specially developed for use on naturally tanned leather saddlery, to help maintain the condition of the leather, keep it supple and in the best of health. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

STABLES, BEDDING & PADDOCKS

On The Market COPDOCK RIDING CENTRE

WENHAM ROAD, COPDOCK Offers in excess of £380,000

urrently on the market, Copdock Riding Centre in Copdock, Suffolk, offers a unique opportunity for someone to buy an already established equestrian business. We chatted to Emily Cooper-Reade of ECR Properties to find out more. “Due to retirement this is a unique opportunity to acquire an established and successful Riding School and Livery Business in a superb location a few miles East of Ipswich. Set in around 10 acres (stms) with extensive purpose built equestrian facilities, the property is for sale as a going concern but it would also suit private equestrian use or a base for a professional competitor,” said Emily. ”With Ipswich town centre less than five miles away, and Colchester just fifteen miles, Copdock Riding Centre is also positioned less than ten miles from Manningtree. Wix Equestrian Centre is approximately fifteen miles away, and Topthorn Arena less than twenty miles,” explained Emily. “There is currently no living accommodation, and the equestrian facilities include a purpose built stable yard with archway clock tower, twenty-one loose boxes (five currently split into two pony boxes), in the configuration of three yards; office block with office, lecture room, wc, feed room and two tack rooms; 40m x 20m flood lit manege; large hay barn; large car park; paddocks with separate schooling area, jump paddock and cross country schooling fences. “The business with goodwill will be included with ponies/horses/tack/ equipment available by separate negotiation. The riding school currently offers a variety of riding lessons/hacking, pony days, Saturday Club/ Sunday Club and Pony Club, shows and fun days. There are also horses and ponies kept at livery. Three years of accounts will be made available to interested parties after initial viewing and on proof of funding being available. It is an exciting chance to continue and develop an already established equestrian business,” concluded Emily. www.ecrproperties.com

NEW ADVICE ON PLANNING AND EQUINE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED

he CLA (Country Land and Business Association), which represents more than 30,000 rural landowners across England and Wales, has published new expert guidance on planning law in relation to the keeping of horses and ponies. Planning rules in England and Wales are complex in this area, especially where a change of use of an existing structure is proposed, and the guidance is required reading for anyone looking to establish new stables, indoor or outdoor riding arenas,

jumps, cross-country courses or lighting. Designed to be relevant to individuals, as well as those running riding schools, livery and racing stables and stud farms, the CLA Guidance Note is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one-stop shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for planning and equine issues. The legal difference between grazing and keeping, mobile feed shelters, permitted development rights, concealed development, planning policy and the decision-making process, are among the many issues explored in detail. www.cla.org.uk

WIN! WIN! 25 BALES OF PHILLIPS BROTHERS HORSE BEDDING DELIVERED TO YOU!

Phillips Brothers are offering one lucky winner a delivery of 25 bales of horse bedding! Phillips Brothers produce a range of premium quality wood shaving and straw bedding from their farm in Suffolk. Established in 1894, they have been providing wood shavings throughout Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire for years. www.phillipsbrothers.co.uk

Prize delivery within the East Anglian region only.

To enter: Visit www.absolutehorse magazine.com and click on the Competitions page. Entries open 1st May 2019 and close 31st May 2019.

HARTPURY EXPERTS OFFER GUIDANCE: VETS COULD REDUCE STRESS IN PETS

laying music and providing separate waiting rooms could reduce stress in millions of dogs undergoing visits to vets, according to the latest guidance from Hartpury University. Animal Science experts from the specialist institution have examined the methods used by veterinary practices around the UK aimed at tackling the anxiety felt by pets facing medical treatment. The new study at Hartpury, carried out by BSc (Hons) Animal Science graduate Taylor Williams, Animal Science lecturer Aisling Carroll and Animal Behaviour and Welfare lecturer Dr Tamara Montrose, surveyed 45 veterinary practices in the UK. Most of them did not provide pets and their owners with access to more than one waiting room or choose to play music while patients were awaiting treatment, despite acknowledging the potential benefits. Aisling Carroll said: “A

veterinary practice can be a stressful environment for pets and the stress that they experience can impact on their health, welfare and the likelihood of owners regularly visiting the practice. “According to the latest report by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, there are around 9 million dogs kept as pets in the UK, so we’re talking about a significant number of animals. “A range of methods are used by veterinary practices within the UK to attempt to reduce stress in animals during veterinary visits.” The team at Hartpury are offering the new guidance after surveying veterinary centres and reviewing comprehensive research from around the world relating to the positive and negative impacts of different

Dr Tamara Montrose (left) and Aisling Carroll at Hartpury University

approaches used by veterinary centres on animals. Dr Tamara Montrose said: “The majority of practices surveyed fed treats to animals during veterinary visits, offered rehearsal visits to animals and their owners, used appeasing pheromones in the practice and stated that they used correct handling techniques for different species during consultations. “Most of the practices acknowledged that separate waiting rooms, rehearsal visits, treat feeding, appeasing pheromones, sensory enrichment and correct handling can reduce stress in animals during veterinary visits. “However, the majority of practices surveyed did not have more than one waiting room or use an auditory device to try and reduce stress in animals during veterinary visits. “Greater consideration of methods to facilitate separation of species where distinct waiting rooms are not feasible, for example through implementing appointments for cats and dogs on different days and times, would be beneficial. “In addition, veterinary staff should consider utilising classical or specially designed species-specific music in the veterinary practice as this may help mitigate the stress of cats and dogs visiting the practice.”

FAMILY AND DOG FRIENDLY EVENT

odson & Horrell is delighted to be hosting top class competition over the weekend of 10th-12th May at the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, with many of the world’s best riders coming to participate at this prestigious venue which also plays host to the only UK leg of the Event Rider Masters Series (ERM) in 2019. Dogs also feature in all sorts of entertaining ways at the event, whether it’s the havea-go agility, entering the fun dog show or admiring the skills of the dog display team. The Paws For Thought team demonstrate entertaining tricks and games to help with dog training, while the Mullinscote Gun Dog Display Team will give an energetic show employing various training methods. www.chatsworth.org/ horse-trials

Photo: Ruth Downing

LOVE DOGS

Product News...

Styled in oatmeal linen, this All You Need Is Love, A Dog And Prosecco Cushion is the ideal gift. RRP: £35. www.ladida-andover.com

The double-layered cotton towelling Dog Drying Mitts are super-soft and are available in a selection of gorgeous colourways. Hang by a hook by the back door for easy use – every pair of mitts comes with a handy storage bag. The mitts are also fantastic for use on horse’s legs as well! RRP: £18 per pair. www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

British Bulldog Bookends in Antique Silver finish. Perfect for adding a personal touch to any bookshelf. RRP: £45. www.ladida-andover.com

Seaweed Powder is a great natural supplement rich in Minerals. It also helps with gum health and teeth hygiene (plaque build-up) in dogs. Available in 250gm, 1kg and 4kg sizes. RRP starting at £6.50. Free UK delivery on orders over £20. www.animalhealth.co.uk

THE PROFESSIONALS

Lisa’sLIFE EQUINE AMERICA BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA CLARKE-SPENCE BHSI SM IS A REGULAR ON THE EVENTING CIRCUIT AND TRAINS HORSES OF ALL ABILITIES FROM HER EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, HEMPS GREEN EQUESTRIAN, IN ESSEX.

ad March? Well it certainly was! I don’t feel like my feet have touched the floor since my return from holiday. My good run a Poplar BE was followed by a spot of showjumping at Boyton Hall with my apprentice Ellie King and Sunday girl Alex Hale on school horses Brenda and Buster. They were competing in the BS club classes which are a great way for them to start off in the ring. The girls did me proud with Alex winning the 75cm and Ellie winning the 85cm. It is just as much fun helping the youngsters making their way in the industry as it is doing it yourself. I was chuffed to bits for them. The following Wednesday saw us off to Writtle College where we provide the jumping horses for the BUCs competition. My staff all have to do a demo round and I am pleased to

report they all jumped super clear rounds demonstrating how much further they have come since we did it in November. The horses were super as they always are, and definitely earned their dinner that day! We run all our older school horses on Super Fenn and Buteless and I can’t tell you how much improvement we have seen since I have been supported by Equine America. The Super Fenn has had amazing results on some of the older stiffer horses giving them a new lease of life. After Writtle it was yet another mad weekend. I rode Fidget and Blue (Nicholai) at Great Witchingham on the Saturday, Blue in the BE100 Plus class to finish tenth and Fidget in the Novice. A good run for both horses, then my dilemma Tough Customer’s owners wanting a run at Poplar for the Area Riding Club qualifiers in the 100cm Eventer Trial and then Paula Twinn’s China Dream

needing an 80cm run at Great Witchingham both on the same day. I am not allowed to ride 80cm at Riding Club (rider over qualified) so the option to run both at the same place was not viable. A plan was hatched! I requested early times for Toughie at Poplar. Went XC at 9.00am then drove to Great Witchingham for a 12.30pm dressage on China. I made it! It was all incredibly worthwhile. China making his debut came eighth with a super double clear and Toughie won and qualified for BRC FOTH champs. A cracking weekend! The following weekend I took a trip to The Jays and super duper Fidget now on the Cortaflex and Super Fenn only went and won the 1m15 speed class. This stuff has given her wings! This weekend was also a busy one with no less than five horses at Littles Farm for the East Essex Hunter Trials. This little hunter

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trial is one I always try to support as Gary Thorpe works really hard to make a small hunter trial hold its own against some of the bigger BE courses around. These events are the back bone of the hunting community and I hope that we see more of these events develop and people continue to support those running them. It provides a fun and educational day for all. I took Tough Customer to lead client Scott Edwards round his first ever hunter trial pairs class. Scott started riding with us in the summer. He got the bug and has been hunting all winter. Not wanting to stop he has kept going and we only went and won the Pairs at his first ever competition! I was absolutely delighted for him. Scott just goes to prove that you can start riding in your 40s and still get to a level where you can win and he always has the most amazing smile, you know he loves it. What was also lovely was the support received from all the hunting community who couldn’t of been more delighted to see this newcomer doing well, cheering him over the finish line!

REPORTS

BRITISH SHOWJUMPING WINTER PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUNDUP

COLCHESTER’S HOLLIE GERKEN DOES THE DOUBLE

iminutive 9-year-old Hollie Gerken from Colchester, Essex scored a great double victory with the Springboard 128cm final on Dimples Dilema and the 10-year-old and under Style and Performance title on Killaloe Gypsy. It was a great achievement as Hollie was only jumping at 70cm unaffiliated level until mum Jade Burley bought both 19-year-old mares in Ireland last September. Hollie was one of eight from twenty starters in the jump-off of the Springboard 128cm championship and produced one of only two double clears, winning with almost seven seconds to spare on Dimples Dilema. “I love Dimples, she’s awesome and gives me so much confidence, she just takes me to the fences,” said Hollie, who relies on trainer Sue Harris for advice. And the day wasn’t over as Hollie rode neat, flowing rounds in the 10-year-old and under Style and Performance final to win by just one point on Killaloe Gypsy. “She’s easy and forward-going and very trustworthy,” said Hollie, who is so happy to have taken over the rides on two top under 10 ponies from Ireland’s Lauren Adams. “They are both amazing.”

128cm Springboard Final - Hollie Gerken and Dimples Dilema 10 Years and Under Style and Performance - Hollie Gerken and Killaloe Gypsy

WISBECH’S STACEY COOK TRIUMPHS IN THE WINTER SILVER LEAGUE FINAL AT THE BRITISH SHOWJUMPING SPRING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo: Hoof Prints Photos

n enjoyable four days under the Addington Equestrian team made for a successful British Showjumping Spring Championships at the popular Buckinghamshire venue. Stacey Cook secured victory in the National Winter Silver League Championship in a strong 22-horse jump-off with her home-bred Ninola. “She’s fiery and can be a typical chestnut mare but put a bridle on and she’s a different horse – she loves to work and loves to jump even more,” said Stacey on the 10-year-old by the Concorde stallion Victor Van Erpekom. “She’s forward-thinking, always landing and moving so the flowing jump-off suited and she’s so careful I could trust her and use her natural pace.”

REPORTS

OPGLABBEEK ROUNDUP:

TEAM LEMIEUX FINISH SECOND IN OPENING PONY NATIONS CUP OF 2019

Team LeMieux L-R Shaunie Greig, Holly Truelove, Chef d'Equipe Clare Whitaker, Megan Li, Claudia Moore.

Photo: Lewis Harding Photography.

t was a successful start to third place having finished on the season for the British their first round penalty score of Pony squad, competing eighteen having posted three under the title sponsor banner clears in round two. of Team LeMieux, at Sentower The team was led by 14-year-old Park in Opglabbeek in Belgium Claudia Moore from Brentwood, recently. Essex with the 12-year-old bay Eight teams came forward to mare Delflip owned by her contest the twelve obstacle mother Katrina. Claudia, taking 1.30m Nations Cup course. The on the role of pathfinder for the open water was testing for team, put in some, but not as much as the a solid first final straight which took in a round treble followed by a related performance distance to the final fence, an with just one oxer going away from home. fence being Great Britain held an early lead touched to in the first round with just four see them penalties being carried forward. pick up four Their closest rivals came in the penalties as shape of France, The they came Netherlands and Norway who all through the sat two fences behind on twelve finish line. penalties apiece. With all to play Their second for in the second round, France round however saw them come came out strong to post three back and attack the course in clears to finish foot-perfect on their initial to break “They all rode really fashion first round the finish line with well under pressure no penalties to score and edge just ahead of and I’m incredibly add. Great Britain to Li, aged 14 pleased with them all. Megan claim the title from Chalfont St It has been a good Giles also looked and nudge the Brits into show for us and we are strong despite second place. up four looking forward to the picking Whilst the penalties on the season ahead.” Netherlands course along with and Norway a single time fell further down the line-up it penalty. Their second round saw was Ireland that stepped up to them finish on twelve penalties

Left: Claudia Moore with the 12year-old bay mare Delflip

and go on to become the drop score for the team. Holly Truelove, aged 15, from Brigg, Lincolnshire with Rexter d’Or, a 14-year-old grey stallion owned by Barrie Truelove posted the first clear for the team when she returned home leaving all fences untouched and well within the time allowed. Their second round saw them finish with five penalties due to faulting at an obstacle just outside the time allowed. Shaunie Greig, aged 16, from Aberdeenshire with Casino

Royale, a 16-year-old bay gelding owned by Anne Greig also delivered a superb first round clear in their role of anchor. The second round saw them finish within the time however a touch at a fence saw four penalties being incurred. The Chef d’Equipe accompanying the squad was Clare Whitaker who also holds the position of Youth Team Manager for British Showjumping. Talking after the event Clare commented, “They all rode really well under pressure and I’m incredibly pleased with them all. It has been a good show for us and we are looking forward to the season ahead.”

Allana Clutterbuck and Vykinbay

ESSEX RIDERS FEATURE: TEAM NAF WIN JUNIOR NATIONS CUP

round putting them on a par with Germany prior to their final rider coming forward. With nothing short of a clear being the difference between a victory for Germany or them being forced into a jump off with Great Britain, it was with baited breath that they waited for their final rider Hannes Ahlmann to complete the course. With the pressure appearing to get to Hannes, his round wasn’t anywhere near as fluid as his first and he returned home with eight penalty score having touched two fences on the way round. Belgium and Ireland’s fortunes changed in the second round with Belgium incurring further penalties in round to finish in third place whilst Ireland dropped into joint fourth place

Photo: Lewis Harding Photography.

he Junior team, under the watchful eye of Chef d’Equipe Tony Newbery, put in some outstanding performances in the Junior Nations Cup at Sentower Park to claim the title after a twoway third round jump-off. Competing under the sponsor banner of Team NAF, the fourstrong squad were robust from the start with two of the four jumping clear in the first round and the team having to carry just four penalties through. This saw them sit in joint second place, after all eleven nations had jumped in the first round, alongside Belgium and Ireland whilst Germany held the lead on a zero penalty score. The second round saw GBR pick up eight penalties in the second

Team NAF Juniors L-R Antonia Platt, Allana Clutterbuck, Chef d'Equipe Tony Newbery, Lily Freeman-Attwood, Benjamin Clark.

Antonia Platt with Amigo

with Denmark. For Great Britain, it was now down to a third round jump-off, which required all team riders to come forward, and act as the decider on who would take the win. Lily Freeman-Attwood, aged 17, from Shrewsbury with Karibou Horta, a 9-year-old chestnut gelding owned by Eurohorse – Axel Verlooy was the first to enter the arena. Having jumped clear in both rounds, they looked set to deliver a third until Karibou Horta put a single stride in the double and jumped her off resulting in elimination. Fortunately, Lily was absolutely fine but it naturally added to the stress knowing that the three remaining team scores would now all need to count. Allana Clutterbuck, aged 18, from Upminster, Essex with Vykinbay, a 10-year-old bay gelding owned by Sally Lane and Marina Storgato was next to come forward. A touch of a pole saw them pick up four penalties; this followed their initial two rounds of four penalties in the first and a clear in the second. Antonia Platt, aged 17, from Chelmsford, Essex with Amigo, an 8-year-old bay gelding owned by Rosalind Platt, looked extremely determined as she entered the arena and couldn’t

have been any more delighted when she jumped a faultless round to deliver the first jumpoff clear for Great Britain. Their initial rounds had seen them jump for four penalties in the first and nine in the second. With each of the final riders left to go for both teams, GB were carrying just four penalties whilst Germany were sitting on eight. As Ben Clark, aged 16, from Southampton with Jancovica, a 10-year-old bay mare owned by Kim Clark came through the start the Germans were well aware that if he jumped clear, the competition was over for them. Riding with unbelievable maturity Ben steered Jancovica to an incredible clear to claim the victory for Great Britain. With what would no doubt have been a heavy heart the German team withdrew their final rider knowing there was no point in bringing him forward. For the British support team it was an emotional celebration after what had been an incredibly hard fought competition.

REPORTS NORWICH’S LILA DAVIES TAKES THE NATIONAL 138CM SPRINGBOARD FINAL AT THE BS WINTER PONY FINALS

Photo: British Showjumping

n enjoyable two days under the South View Equestrian Centre team made for a successful British Showjumping Winter Pony Championships recently. Lila Davies from Norwich, Norfolk galloped to victory to claim the Springboard 138cm Final by an impressive 5.30 seconds with Sharon Mitchell’s 14-year-old Dun N Dust It. Only six combinations from twenty-four starters posted round one clears to reach the jump-off but no-one could catch mid-drawn Lila, 11, and the speedy Dun N Dust It. “He’s fast and covers the ground but he’s quite strong, tricky and not at all straightforward, it has taken time to get to know him, I’ve learnt to go with him and trust him,” said Lila, who acquired the ride last June.

PONY CLUB BOMBERS

POLOCROSSE ARENA TOURNAMENT fter a weekend of trials and tribulations, we were so proud of the Area 8 teams and players achievements at the Pony Club Bombers Polocrosse Arena Tournament,” explained Caro Daniels Area 8 Polocrosse Coordinator. “Jack’s (Essex Farmers) horse Voodoo went out early in the preceding week lame but coach Iain Heaton saved the day by loaning his mare Tia. But nothing could prepare us for the terrible news on Friday evening that Seona (Essex and Suffolk) and her mum had been involved in an awful road traffic accident on their way to the tournament. Her horse Raptor was in the vets and we awaited news with baited breath.” However Seona arrived early the following morning ready to play on kindly loaned Little Man, belonging to the Wilson-Fitzgeralds. Once again the polocrosse community had rallied and their kindness and support in such difficult circumstances was much appreciated. Despite the challenges Area 8 enjoyed a very

successful weekend with a win for Taryn Tinker (Essex and Suffolk) with the Mix It Up team in the minis. There was a hard fought second place for Xanthe Goodman (Essex Hunt North) in the Intermediate Juniors with a Best Number 1 and Best Horse prize for Cookie The Monster. “It was the best play we have seen to date for our only complete Area 8 team in the Novice Seniors with Jack Page, Seona McCredie and Stella Stearn (Suffolk Hunt). A trying weekend but Area 8 came out on top in every respect. We are pleased to report that Raptor has spent some time at Newmarket and is now on the road to recovery back at home.”

Arden Spring League Taryn, Seona, Stella, Emma (Essex and Suffolk) and Jack have all been competing in the Arena Leagues over the winter and spring. Again, this is held in the Super Arena at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire so lots of early mornings and late nights for those involved. The Spring League drew to a close recently

with a number of prizes for Area 8 players: Best Senior Pony Club Player - Emma Joslin; Most Valuable Player (Minis) - Taryn Tinker; Best Pony (Minis) - Taryn’s Webster; Reserve Most Valuable Player (Low Goal) Stella Stearn. “It’s great to see these players going from strength to strength every time they go out. We wish them all well for the upcoming season,” concluded Caro.

WENDY CROWNED: SUREGROW ELEMENTARY FREESTYLE SILVER CHAMPION

n Suregrow’s first year of Elementary Freestyle Silver sponsorship, the UK’s leading fertiliser company were treated to a class of outstanding quality. Stealing the win by a comfortable margin was Wendy Hudson with her own 10-year-old mare, Hawtins Chanel (by Curator). The duo scored 72.24% to top the podium ahead of Florence Human and Suffolk’s Lynn Perry who completed the top three. Victory smelled sweet for Wendy whose debut NAF Five Star Winter Championships was without a success, despite a challenging build up: “She had a week off just before we were supposed to be here, it was touch and go whether we would make it but we did and that’s the main thing! She’s not been the easiest but her personality and ability at shows is fantastic. She settles and behaves – bringing her to an occasion like this is great. She can be a bit of an introvert but she’s a very good girl. “I was really pleased with how in tune we were with the music today, everything happened when it should and where it should,” Wendy added about her test. “Let’s call it a safe and accurate round, but I just loved the atmosphere in there. I came out and said to my friends I don’t care what the score is, whatever happens I had the best time and all I want to do is go back in there and ride again!”

Finance Director and volunteer Treasurer for Newbury RDA Wendy will aim Chanel for the Petplan Equine Medium Area Festivals this season with the ultimate goal of riding in a top hat and tails on board her talented British bred mare bought from Judith Davis as a young horse. Commendations go to Sophie Watkins, who was unfortunately interrupted by a fire alarm mid-way through her test. On board her mare Inca Spirit Sophie restarted her test to score 68.33%. Jonathan Cox of Suregrow said: “Congratulations to Wendy and Hawtins Chanel on winning the championship with a fantastic result. We are pleased to support such prestigious dressage series.”

FLETCHERS FARM RIDING SCHOOL UNAFFILIATED DRESSAGE, 6TH APRIL Left: First in Prelim 1, Suzanne Bates on Jack. Below: Intro C winner Sheila Baker and FFRS Ronnie. Below right: Intro A winners Victoria Stratford on FFRS Daisy.

REPORTS FEI BAREFOOT RETREATS BURNHAM MARKET INTERNATIONAL WRAP et again Oliver Townend, the World number one and leading British points winner, has dominated proceedings in the headline classes at Burnham Market. Due to huge entries from many of the top horse and rider combinations in the world, two sections of Four Star competitors ran, and Oliver led both from pillar to post. The first win in the bag came from his Burghley 2017 winner Ballaghmor Class. The pair posted a dressage score of 21.8 to which they added just 0.4 of a cross country time penalty, giving Oliver a four point advantage over runners up Alexander Bragg and Zagreb. Next up was Cillnabradden Evo who scored 21.3 for the dressage, finishing the day on that score. Both of Oliver’s horses broke the previous Burnham Market record for dressage scores at the level. Laura Collett was runner up riding London 52, five penalties off the pace. This remarkable performance takes Oliver’s tally of Four Star wins at Burnham Market to twelve since 2007 – the class had to be abandoned last year due to inclement weather. Commenting on his track record here Oliver said: “The event comes at a good time of year, and I invariably set out to have a competitive run ahead of Badminton. I thought the

course was fantastic, the going was good, and the horses ran really well.” Earlier in the day 21-year-old Lizzie Baugh won the Three Star riding her Young Rider British team horse Quarry Man. “We’ve learnt together – he’s Mr Perfect and always tries to please,” said Newark based Lizzie, who has produced the horse up through the rankings. Lizzie is currently doing a Masters Degree in Equine Performance at Nottingham Trent University, but plans to become a professional event rider. In second and third places were British team gold medallists Tom McEwen and Gemma Tattersall riding Dreamaway II and Arctic Soul respectively, while fellow team gold medallist Piggy French was again in the ribbons, taking fifth place on Calling Card. It was a good weekend for Lizzie, who finished runner up to Piggy in an intermediate section, Piggy denied a double in one of the open intermediate classes by Jesse Campbell. Nicola Wilson picked up a second win of the weekend, this time in the other open intermediate, while the remaining intermediate section was won by Oliver Townend.

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SHOWDATE DIARY Your Showdate listings for..May/June 2019 WEDNESDAY 1ST MAY DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 THURSDAY 2ND MAY SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Unaffilited Dressage. Tel: 01449 711962 FRIDAY 3RD MAY SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 4TH MAY ARENA EVENTING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Arena Eventing. Tel: 01449 711962 DRESSAGE Essex: Barleylands EC; Team Quest Dressage. Tel: 07545 010770 DRESSAGE Essex: Bluegate Hall Dressage; British Dressage. Tel: 07527 482847 DRESSAGE Essex: Fletchers Farm; Dressage. Tel: 01206 242210 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: British Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 EVENTING Beds: The College EC; British Eventing. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook

Farm TC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showjumping League. Tel: 07749 951898 SUNDAY 5TH MAY DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07749 951898 EVENTING Beds: The College EC; British Eventing. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Grey Fern Park EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07879 492068 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Barleylands EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07545 010770 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Codham Park EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 TUESDAY 7TH MAY DRESSAGE Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 07557 091008 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Codham Park EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07879 881755 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage.

Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton & Otley College; Evening Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01603 732316 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687550 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: The Jays; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07759 603120 THURSDAY 9TH MAY CAR BOOT Beds: The College EC; Evening Car Boot Sale. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Essex: Barleylands EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07545 010770 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07557 091008 FRIDAY 10TH MAY SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07557 091008 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SATURDAY 11TH MAY COMBINED TRAINING Essex: Barleylands EC; Combined Training. Tel: 07545 010770 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687550 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07879 881755 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge

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Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Centaur Trust; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 JUMPCROSS Essex: Codham Park EC; JumpCross Competition. Tel: 07769 907076 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Fenning Farm EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07875 044829 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Boyton Hall EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 07557 091008 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn Arena; X Pole and Mini Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962 SUNDAY 12TH MAY ARENA EVENTING Norfolk: Anvil Park Stud: Arena Eventing. Tel: 07879 881755 DRESSAGE Cambs: Grey Fern Park EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07879 492068 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687550 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687550 DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07775 516945 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 ODE Norfolk. Dunston Harriers and Blackwater Farm Unaffil ODE 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 100cm classes. www.blackwaterfarm.co.uk SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Barleylands EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07545 010770 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Brampton EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 07824 344072 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Boyton