Absolute Horse March 2015

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March 2015 £2.80 ISSUE 285

8

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25

tips & hints

TO HELp YOU SUCCEED AT SHOWING

LOCAL RIDER INTERVIEW: Alice Ellison

“Never give up, you can achieve great results on the smallest of budgets”

PLUS

THE pARENT TRAp:

Breeding Considerations

EAST ANGLIA’S LEADING EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2015

Sam Overton on Rhinns Point Domhnull Hendie, PUK Open Ridden M&M Large Breeds winners at the Newton Hall EC Showing Show, 1st February.

Photo: Eastern Light Photography

ABSOLUTE HORSE MAGAZINE

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20 Breeding Guide REGULARS

FEATURES

4 6 17

8 16 20 22

18 44 47 49 50

News Your Comments Parelli EAST: Natural Horsemanship Vet Watch: Putting your mare to foal Local Show Results Classifieds Vets in the Spotlight Showdate Directory Part 1

30 Training to load

25 29 30 38 39 40

Showing Special Saddlery: Driving to success Breeding Guide Special Report: What is Laminitis?

Nutrition Ride Like: Steve Garrod explains how to build confidence in your young eventer Transport: Training to load Healthcare: Worming Healthcare: Ragwort Therapeutic Riding: Northbrook Equestrian Centre

COMPETITIONS & GIVEAWAYS 11 14 37

Win grooming products Win tickets to Game & Country Fair Giveaways

PHOTONEWS 42 43

Winter Showing Show: Newton Hall Unaffil. Dressage: Newton Hall

Please note, all calls are recorded for training purposes.

COMPETITION TERMS: Competition/s are open to all residents of the UK, except PCD Media (East Anglia) Ltd employees, their close relatives and anyone connected with the competition/s. Entry to the competition is by printed coupon and via www.absolutehorsemagazine.com unless otherwise stated. Closing date is competition specific - see separate competition for dates. Entrants must supply their name, address/email address, and daytime contact telephone number. Winner will be drawn at random from those entering. PCD Media (East Anglia) Ltd will not be responsible for any travel or accommodation costs. No cash alternative is available and the prize/s is non transferable. Only one entry is allowed per entrant regardless of method of entry. No correspondence relating to the competition will be entered into. Winner/s will be announced in a future edition of Absolute Horse Magazine. Entrants must make themselves available for post-competition publicity. PCD Media (East Anglia) Ltd reserves the right to cancel/amend the competition/s and prize/s at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion.

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40 Therapeutic Riding 39 Ragwort warning 14

Game & Country Fair competition

42 aminitis?

L 22 What is

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 3

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NEWS Essex's Showjumper Laura OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! Renwick shines in Spain Laura Renwick from Maldon, Essex partnering Rembrandt Blue a 10-year-old grey gelding owned by David Rogers were victorious in the 1.45m Master Tour Grand held recently as part of the CSI 2* Mijas show.

Thirty-eight starting combinations came forward trying to get their share of the €30,000 prize pot available. With seven riders making it through to the jump off, Laura and Rembrandt Blue took the lion’s share after jumping double clear in a time of 34.22 seconds just over half a second Are you passionate about dressage? Love competing and talking about it on social media? Then, you could be in with a chance to quicker than Germany’s Andreas Brenner on Cronos 17. earn a place on premium retailers Dressage Deluxe’s ‘Team Deluxe’ The company are looking for a keen and active grass roots rider to join their team of top professional sponsored riders as a first ever ‘Brand Verdo Horse Bedding are proud Ambassador’ on ‘Team Deluxe’. to announce that they will As part of this prestigious position, you will receive £500 worth of continue to be the official title vouchers to ensure that both you and your horse have the right kit for the sponsor of ‘British Riding Clubs job, a branded saddlecloth and a Lifetime Privilege Card, which entitles Dressage to Music you to a range of exclusive discounts and benefits.

Championship’ for 2015.

Applications open 1st March 2015. Entrants must be over 18 years of age The competition, which is open to and competing at affiliated dressage. For full details on applications and all riding club members, continues criteria, log onto www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk to grow in numbers and the organisation were delighted to welcome Verdo Horse Bedding on Competitor Julia Woods riding St Flahnans Aohdan at the championships 2014 board for the first time last year.

A team of novice riders from a Qualifiers will begin in May with information please see local livery at the Fenland the Championships taking place www.britishridingclubs.org.uk Equestrian Centre have joined 2nd -4th October at Bury Farm www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk together to learn how to Equestrian Village in For stockist enquiries: 01264 726 perform and ride Quadrille Buckinghamshire. For further 760 under the instruction of

VERDO SIGN UP AND SPONSOR!

VC Quadrille Novice to support VC Trust

Equifest 2015 - your qualification starts here!

An exciting new development has now been confirmed for this year’s event with Equifest

4 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

nationally recognized dressage rider, Anna Bostrand-Daly and teaming up with Ponies (UK) to In order to qualify for the three the Riding Master of the championships, competitors need provide joint qualification.

Household Cavalry Mounted Explains Betsy Bryan of Equifest, to get either their Equifest Regiment.

“We are delighted to announce Qualification Card or their The novice riders are hoping to that this season all qualifications Ponies(UK) Qualification Card perform a five minute quadrille for Equifest will also qualify the signed and send a copy of the card display at Olympia, combination for the Ponies (UK) in with their entries for the commemorating the 100 years Winter Classic - March 28th and championships. since the First World War football 29th and the Ponies (UK) Supreme For further information contact Christmas event 1914 and raise Championships on July 24th to Equifest on 01733 363500 or visit awareness of the Victoria Cross 26th.” www.equifest.org.uk Trust.

Ben Maher and Diva II make their presence known in Wellington Hertfordshire’s Ben Maher and the British Bred 10-yearold chestnut mare Diva II, owned by Tatiana Korsakova, made their mark in Wellington, Florida recently when they took second place in the Rolex FEI World Cup Qualifier.

Ben stopped the clock in a time of 40.56 seconds. Mid field saw Marie Hecart for France with Myself de Breve put in the only other double clear of the competition.

Managing to finish almost two seconds faster in a time of 38.61 seconds, she claimed the title as her own relegating Ben into second position.

Correction: In last months Vetwatch, Fuller Equine’s telephone number was incorrect, it should have been

07860 651714 01371 851755

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

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FOR ALL YOUR SADDLE FITTING Tel: 07900 901589 www.expressequine.co.uk

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BAILEYS JAS HOTS UP AT HOUGHTON Another well subscribed Baileys JAS fixture was hotly contested recently at Houghton Hall, Cambridgeshire as riders fought for places at the Championships at Hartpury College.

Eighteen-year-old Alida Tysterman, from Cambridgeshire, claimed the Novice section riding Innocent Flight, who has previously competed up to two star level with Emma Carmichael.

The pair jumped a marginally faster round than Natalie Pettitt on Riffelalp; both girls posting that impressive low style score. It was a particularly good day for Alida who also took the runner up spot in the BE90 JAS class riding Sannan Valley Sequence.

Daniella Johnston, 15 and from Lincolnshire, took third place in the Novice with Ballysheil Mr Monaghan on a style score of 10.1, but they put that first round to good use by trouncing the opposition in the Open section. Adding two time penalties to a style score of

8.0 they finished seven points ahead of Jane Buchan and Carleton, with Jack Cooke on the Tanya Kyle produced Tarbert Eiffel in third; all the more impressive in that this is Daniella's first season partnering her 14.2hh eight-year-old, plus she had already bagged the BE90, this time riding Ardwhoihane Hero.

A mere 0.2 of a penalty separated the top three in the BE100 section. Essex 14-year-old Emily Uden and Campion Capella, who won their closing BE horse trials of 2015 at Pulborough, had the advantage, completing on their style score of 10.

Jo Thorogood was compensated by claiming both second and third spots with My Newtown Clover and A Lover Fee respectively, while in the BE90, won by 'the girl to beat' Daniella Johnston and with Alida Tysterman in the runner up spot, Ines Harper took the remaining podium place riding Some Might Say.

Well done!

Here is the Thomas Mills High School team who won the 80cm NSEA Suffolk County qualifier at Topthorn EC recently.

The team consisted of Daisy Kiddy, Charlotte Wood and Katie Smith who all rode fast clears and will now go to Bury Farm in April and represent Suffolk in the 80cm showjumping section at the National final.

January competition winners Equisafety Margaret Rose, Norfolk; Mrs G. Cutmore, Herts.

Estonia & Equine Book Angelina Acott, Norfolk; Anneli Drew, Herts; Carys Hampson, Bucks; Danni Malins, Cambs; Fiona Charman, London; Holly Summers, Essex; Jeanette Vincent, Suffolk; K. Blower, Norfolk; Laura Sheldrake, Suffolk; Miss H. Parr, Cambs; Nicola Norfolk, Essex. Hot Togs Amy Metcalf, Norwich; Anne May, Suffolk; Chloe-Ann May, Essex. Robinson First Aid Kit Linda Garner, Cambs; Mrs M. Hussey, Suffolk; Paula Wood, Norfolk; Stacey Mudd, Suffolk.

The British Horse Society

2015 Training Dates 9th Mar: PTT Training Day, with Carole Broad, 9:30am until 4pm. At the College of West Anglia, Milton Campus, Landbeach Road, Cambridgeshire, CB24 6DB. 10th Mar: Intermediate Teaching Training Day, with Carol Broad FBHS, 9:30am until 4pm. At Newton Hall EC, Swilland, Suffolk, IP6 9LT. 11th Mar: Intermediate Teaching Training Day, with Carol Broad FBHS, 9:30am until 4pm. At Newton Hall EC, Swilland, Suffolk, IP6 9LT. 25th Mar: Stage Four Care & Ridden Training Day, with Sabrina Jones FBHS, 9.30am-4pm. At Writtle College Cow Watering Campus, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3RR. 20th Apr: CPD Fantastic Jumping, with Carole Broad FBHS, 9.30am until 4pm. Houghton Hall EC, New Manor Farm, Sawtry Way, Wyton, Cambs, PE28 2DY. 21st Apr: Intermediate Teaching Training Day, with Carol Broad FBHS, 9:30am until 4pm. Easton College, Easton, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 5DX. For more information on these dates, to book online or for other trainings visit www.bhs.org.uk For more details please contact: Janet Pamment, BHS Regional Development Officer on 07808 141076 or janet.pamment@bhs.org.uk www.bhs.org.uk ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 5

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YOUR COMMENT

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Hester Kemp: Giving up my stirrups.

Kerry Burn: Don't all horsey people give up everything to have horses anyway?

Jenny Dorris Phipps: Trying to please judges!

Sue Cross: Going vegan.

Tiffiny Chandler: My social life and anything new for me!

Not just for lent! Lol Katherine Cross: I'm going vegan! Going to be hard but I think it will be worth it!

Who’s giving up what for lent?

Claire Chandler-Mears: I am giving up being negative and moaning about stuff!

Jo Seal Westlake: I’m giving up mucking out ponies... my 11 year old daughter can do it from now on! Yeah right who am I kidding. X

Jess Fenn: I give up falling in the mud!

nerves and negative thoughts Lisa Spence: Chocolate - do it towards my orange every year in the hope I can get thoroughbred! He doesn't deserve any of them but into the Arriat breeches! sometimes it's hard to break Karen Pates: I would like to out of the rut! Started today give up my Moon boot and crutches, oh and falling off.

Nicola Harriman: Giving up trying to convince my nonhorsey partner that it would be fun to buy a horse to share!

Jo Cullen: I couldn't possibly give up anything horsey! I'm trying to think of something but… no, nothing!

Sue Frost: For Lent Peter and I will be giving up Polos Evie Lewis: I am giving up the

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Cala Russell: I'm giving up doing that little knee jerk I do whenever my hubby and his Oirish Eejit are showjumping. It hasn’t helped him get a clear round yet... and it’s starting to get to the point when I might actually knee an innocent passer-by in my excitement.

Jane Riley: Retail! It's going to be a shocker but good to not be part of the instant Jenny James: I should give up gratification society for forty days. Roll on Easter! horses, I will be hell of a lot richer if I did. But I can't coz I Kerry Wilmot: Going to give love 'em! up Marmite for Lent (anyone and already made some progress, up and onwards!

Megan Baldry: I gave up my bank card... had to put it in lady's name instead! Spend away lady Lou! You already do!

Nicola Haden-Scott: I'm giving up giving things up!

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who knows me will know how hard this will be) give it to our little LulaBelle to see if 40 days of Marmite sandwiches really will keep the Sweet Itch at bay...

Lindsay Morton: Horse and hound... my weekly fix... It's now going to charity (BEAT Eating Disorders - very close to my heart).

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IT’S SHOW TIME Tips and tricks to enhance your horse’s

Conformation LEADING SHOW HORSE PRODUCER, JO BATES, KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT GETTING HER TEAM READY FOR THE SHOWING SEASON FOLLOWING THEIR WINTER BREAKS. JO RUNS A BUSY YARD IN BANBURY WITH HER DAUGHTER HOLLY. BETWEEN THEM THEY HAVE 10 HORSES TO COMPETE THIS SEASON INCLUDING BOTH DRESSAGE AND SHOW HORSES.

No horse is perfect, but like the song says, ‘You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative’ and clever turnout can help.

Limbs

Photograph: ES Photography

FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE, WE ARE GOING TO ASSUME YOU ARE SHOWING IN CLASSES SUCH AS RIDING CLUB HORSE, WHERE TRIMMING IS ALLOWED. IF YOU HAVE A MOUNTAIN & MOORLAND TO SHOW, CHECK THE RULE BOOK CAREFULLY AS THEY SHOULD BE SHOWN UNTRIMMED WITH THEIR MANES, TAILS AND FEATHERS INTACT.

Feet Maintain your horse’s feet regularly, and work with your farrier to ensure they are in the best condition they can be. It goes without saying that the foot should be correctly balanced to allow best possible movement. Our farrier, James Hiatt is brilliant, and an essential member of our team.

I like to use a wide web shoe to give as much support as possible. For freer movement, I use a light shoe for Hunters, and aluminium plates for Hacks or Riding Horses. The latter wear out very quickly on the roads, so you will have to plan your exercise regime carefully if you use them.

Jo Bates Thriller Royal Windsor 2012

You can’t use specialist shoes in the ring, but should your farrier recommend them, you could use them during noncompetitive times of year.

For horses with poor horn quality, use the best hoof supplement and conditioner you can afford.

We use Absorbine Hooflex Liquid Conditioner to maintain outward hoof condition, and Absorbine also make an excellent product, Hooflex Frog and Sole Care which helps keep smelly feet at bay

Hooflex in use

Blacking out chestnuts

8 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Splints can spoil the look of a limb, and we’ve found that magnetic boots such as those from New Equine Wear help enormously in keeping splints to a minimum if used as the splints are forming.

If your horse’s limbs are not as straight as they could be, use a shoe without toe clips which won’t give the eye a central ‘reference point’.

Feathers should be trimmed, and clipping white socks will make them look sharper, and cleaner, but make sure your horse is well used to clippers and work carefully.

during wet conditions.

Absorbine’s Super Shine hoof polish in either black or clear is a must have for in the ring.

Neck The right plaits can work wonders on the shape of your horse’s neck. But, you need strong fingers to get good plaits that don’t come loose and fall out. A lesson in plaiting from an expert, and regular practice is time well spent. Show ring plaits should always be sewn in rather than secured with elastic bands.

Roll the plaits up above crest level to beef up a skinny neck. If your horse has a thin mane too, don’t pull it too short so there’s enough hair to work with.

For thick manes, pull from underneath to avoid re-growth sticking up between plaits.

We dampen the mane with water and a wet look hair gel for the best finish.

I can’t emphasise enough - take care with hoods that are an integral part of the stable/New-Zealand rugs as they are notorious for rubbing manes out and once the hair has gone it can take months to grow back. When our horses are turned out

we use a New-Zealand rug and then use the Snuggy Hoods turnout lycra hood and keep the head collars on the horses to ensure they done slip round or other horses don’t pull them off over the fence!

For a finishing touch, rub a little baby oil on your hands and run them over the horse’s crest for extra shine.

Tails A well pulled tail looks amazing and can really improve the look of a horse’s hindquarters. You need to be very aware of safety when pulling tails, and never take

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risks. Wear a hat and protective clothing and I like to keep something between myself and the horse – even the stable door can be used for this. As a rule, I would twitch a horse to ensure the job can be completed swiftly. I do one major pulling session, and then keep tidying to maintain the look. Tail flaps on rugs are great for keeping the hair flat, then you just need to bandage before the show ring. A little Absorbine Moisturising Detangler to the front of the tail will enhance the shine and keep the tail tangle free.

When cutting the length of the tail, be conservative to start. You want the end to be level with the point of hock when the horse is going, so cut well below that, then watch the horse at work, either ridden or on the lunge to see how much more could come off, and reduce by degrees. For a horse with less than perfect hocks, I’d try and leave the tail a little longer, and keep it as full around that area as possible. We rarely brush the tails out during the winter to avoid thinning them, we just spray them with Absorbine Show Sheen and shake them out by hand to keep them tidy. For a horse with very thin hair tail, a false tail can be a good investment – apply carefully before a competition though, you don’t want to lose it in the ring!

Hindquarters We use all types of quarter markers to enhance bottoms; different one for different types of horse. For example, a Hack would have small checks, whereas a Hunter would have broad brush strokes across the tops of the quarters. Sharks teeth flashes are used further down the quarters, and even where you ‘finish off’ the pattern can improve (or detract) from the shape of your horse’s quarters. Get advice, and experiment for best results!

Backs If your horse has a long back, making your saddle look a little larger can help. Showing numnahs need to be discreet, but you could give an illusion of a larger saddle using one with slightly more ‘fluff’ at the cantle. We always use black or brown numnahs.

You need a straight cut, brown, showing saddle which fits your horse and which will be comfortable for the judge. Avoid using a dressage saddle, as apart from anything else, you need a full length girth for showing. I recommend using a brown leather girth with elastic insert – we occasionally use a white girth on Hacks, but brown is a safe bet. Stirrup leathers should also be brown with traditional irons and black treads – again, ensure it will all be big enough for the ride judge who may be a man. Check stitching regularly.

Heads For showing, your horse’s whiskers and ears should be trimmed to give him a sharp, clean look.

The right bridle can make or break your look. Go for an English leather brown bridle with flat noseband. Hunters have a plain browband, whilst Hacks and Riding Horses have coloured browbands. Double reins do look better, so if your horse is a novice, it would be worth trying him in something like a Rugby Pelham to get the look without the full double bridle action. The top rein should be laced, with a plain bottom rein.

Before you go in the ring, have some Horseman’s One Step leather cleaner and conditioner handy for last minute touch ups to the bridle.

To find out more about Absorbine visit www.absorbine.co.uk or www.facebook.com/AbsorbineUK

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ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 9

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IT’S SHOW TIME Rider profile: Leading showman, Robert Walker has amassed a host of major championships over the years whether riding Show Hunters, Riding Horses, Hacks or Cobs. Well known for his attention to detail and making sure his horses look in fantastic condition, Robert’s horses are always a picture of health.

How and when did you start riding? I probably sat on a pony even before I could walk, but certainly as soon as I was able to sit upright on a pony, my dad Tony was keen to get me started and I never looked back.

Robert Walker the Royal International Horse Show for the first time. I was pulled in top out of 43 and suddenly everyone sat up and took notice.

We eventually finished third but it was very much a turning point.

Caesar’s Palace

Which top horse do you personally most admire and why? I would have to go for Caesar’s Palace as he combines real quality and class with a trainable attitude.

He just knows he is special and if he were human would be George Clooney!

Your horse/s are fed TopSpec please tell us more: I have now fed TopSpec for nearly 10 years. It is just fantastic feed and the nutrition team also offer the very best advice. We feed TopSpec Comprehensive During your career has there been a Feed Balancer, TopSpec CoolCondition particular horse that you consider to have really helped you ‘make it’? I would Cubes, TopSpec FibrePlus Cubes and have to say the Small Hunter, Double Coin. TopChop Lite to most of the team with a I had him when I was 16 and we went to few adjustments here and there when required.

Rider profile:

Sandra Burton

I started riding when I was about 4-years-old, I had a Dartmoor pony which my parents bought for me. My sister and I would have riding lessons every week with Sue Dutton from Bolton. I didn’t really like the lessons that much and I would just rather do my own thing. But it paid off and we started to do well at the local pony club events.

During my career in horse riding I have had all kinds of ponies, but the one pony who helped me make it was LintavonCiro, a Connemara Gelding which I bought from Scotland as a 6-year-old. He was dapple grey with a white main and tail, he was stunning. Ciro was not easy to ride. He could be very naughty in the show ring, but over the next few years he taught me so much about how to handle a horse like him and I feel he made me a better rider. He went to HOYS many times getting placed most times and in 2004 we won HOYS. I am sponsored by blue chip. They have helped me a great deal supplying me with feed for two of my ponies and rugs, and coats. My ponies are looking great off the feed and are ready to come out this season.

The advice I would give to Absolute Horse Readers would be, if you put the time in with your ponies at home, you will get the results that you dream of.

If you could give one piece of advice to Absolute Horse readers, what would it be?

I think it is very important to be committed to your chosen discipline and also to watch and learn from the professionals. Everyone is happy to provide advice and we want to encourage amateur riders to come up through the ranks and be as professional in their production skills and outlook as they can.

What are your plans for 2015? We have a great team of young horses to get out and about on the show circuit this year so at the

Horse profile:

- Sandra Burton 10 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Check out our April edition for a full profile on Caesar’s Palace

Fly The Last Flute

Owner: Sandra Burton Age: 10-years-old Breed: Connemara gelding 145.5cm Sire: Cocum Camelot Dam: Sydserff Flute William has been with us since July 2012 and in the time we have had him he has been to HOYS three times being placed ninth in 2013, was Supreme at the northern Connemara breed show, won at the Royal Highland show and his best achievement was winning the BSPS Heritage Ridden Mountain and Moorland Championship at Olympia in 2013.

William has a good temperament in the stable. His training regime is doing some flat work in the school, hacking him out and taking him on the gallops.

“My personal highlights have been winning Horse of the year show in 2004 and winning Olympia in 2013.”

early events it is our job to educate them and provide them with a good experience they will remember at their early shows.

Once the season is underway we always look forward to Royal Windsor Horse Show and then it is all about qualification for the Royal International Horse Show followed by HOYS.

Performance strengths are: His ‘look at me’ attitude when he walks in the ring and his charisma.

Weaknesses are: William can sometimes lack impulsion and fall behind my leg. I have to really ride him forward.

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6 LUCKY WINNERS WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SCURF OFF OR SENSISKIN The Animal Health Company have two new and exciting products to help you with the spring cleaning of your horses. After a cold winter, it is noticeable that the days are starting to get longer and soon your horses winter coats will be giving way to their summer coats.

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This shampoo is massaged into the coat and left to work for 5-10 minutes then rinsed off.

A great switch to your normal horse shampoo to help horses with a scurfy coat or sensitive skin whether just at moulting times or all year round. Great results on a greasy coat too.

SensiSkin - This shampoo is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) free. It is designed for horses with a sensitive skin or which are allergy prone. It is lightly fragranced with Lavender oil, which is known for it’s cleansing properties. This shampoo is concentrated so a little goes a long way.

Due to the shampoo’s gentleness it is safe to use around the eyes.

To be in with a chance of winning, complete the coupon and post it to: Absolute Horse Magazine, Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS. Alternatively, visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the ‘Competitions’ tab.

Deadline is 31st March 2015.

ANIMAL HEALTH COMPANY COMPETITION Name.......................................................................................................................

Ride N Drive Equestrian Supplies, Tinkers Lane, Henstead, Nr.Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 7LB.

Address..............................................................................................................................................................

Tel: 01502 740771

............................................................................................................................................................................

OPENING: M, T, W, T, F, S 9am-5pm SUNDAY 10am-3.30pm

Tel:.............................................................Email:.............................................................................................

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP!

Please select your preference: Scurf Off

SensiSkin

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 11

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 12

IT’S SHOW TIME

your footwear

Showing off

By Jonathan Groome of Taurus Footwear

In-hand A sturdy soled jodhpur boot is ideal with your tailored trousers – plain black or brown is very smart, and will tone well with either light or dark colours. A short boot will give you maximum freedom of action and

comfort, especially when you need to run with your horse!

Ridden classes Ladies will often favour a long boot which will show leg position to the best advantage. Traditional long boots for showing differ from those used in other disciplines, in that they have a straight top rather than a cut away design. If wearing jodhpur boots, or buying for a child, purchase a well fitting show boot with thin soles that will look streamlined in the stirrup. Again, black or brown are popular but a particularly smart favourite is ‘oxblood’, teamed with yellow jodhpurs.

Remember to add jodhpur clips in the same colour as the boot, for the finishing touch.

Photograph: HOYS

I

t is vitally important to have the correct footwear when dealing with horses and particularly in the show ring, where every point counts. You need your boots to be comfortable, safe, waterproof and supportive throughout the foot and ankle. It is also a real bonus to have a breathable boot in the spring and summer, as you are likely to be wearing them for long hours at a time.

A fine example of a show hunter - the horse 'Masterful' is pictured.

Men traditionally wear a plain long boot, sometimes with mahogany tops, having originated in the hunting field and now popularly used in Hunter classes.

Bear in mind your whole support team, particularly if one of them is to enter the ring to assist you at any point. A

professional turnout is essential; country long boots, such as Taurus Footwear’s Holkham, would be an ideal choice to complete the picture. Aim for practicality and comfort together with traditional styles when shopping for your showing footwear.

Famous oxblood boots

Photograph: Charlotte Murrell

The 17th century word ‘oxblood’ describes the rich, browny-red colour (described as somewhere on the colour-wheel between bordeaux and burgundy!) that’s beloved in the show-ring. The Hampton show boot by The famous Oxblood boots in action!

Taurus Footwear comes in kids’ sizes starting at a tiny size 5. The Hampton is a smart, desirable jodhpur boot that is ideal for the show ring.

This boot has a fine-ribbed rubber sole for a streamlined look and improved connection with the stirrup iron. The Hampton also features an almond shaped, tapered toe for a refined appearance. The boot features a beautiful, scuff-resistant leather upper and a calf leather lining, for breathability. Honeycomb elastic sides make putting the boot on and taking it off a piece of cake, even for little fingers.

Other colours in the Hampton range include Black and Brown. Hampton children’s sizes 5 to 2 are priced at £29.95. Adult sizes 3 to 7 are priced at £39.95 (adult sizes include VAT). Taurus boots are engineered for performance and style and are available from stockists around the UK. Also available to order direct from www.taurusfootwear.co.uk.

Call 01328 851432. A full range of equestrian footwear is available.

12 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 13

A fine example of a show hunter pony - the pony 'Pretoria' is pictured.

Century

Photograph: Jem Newton

Innovations for the 21st

In hand: The majority of horse shows have 'in-hand' classes, which may include Youngstock, Broodmare and some Stallion classes, Veteran, Coloureds, Mountain and Moorland, Hunters, and those aimed at specific breeds.

HOW FAR HAS HORSE AND RIDER TACK AND EQUIPMENT COME OVER THE YEARS AND JUST HOW HAVE THEY IMPROVED OUR RIDING EXPERIENCE? CHLOE BERNARD, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR OF PREMIUM RETAILER SHADOW HORSE TAKES A LOOK AT A FEW OF THESE CHANGES AND HOW THESE ARE NOW HELPING BOTH HORSE AND RIDER.

Silver Crown Ultra Fine Bridle

Mayjk Equipe Boots

M&M: Ponies eligible for Mountain and Moorland classes include the Connemara, Dales, Fell, Highland, Welsh Sections A, B, C, and D, the Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, and Shetland.

Ridden Show Ponies:These classes are split into sections governed by pony height and rider age. Usually of finer substance than its native counterparts, the ridden show pony is of fine breeding, with excellent conformation. In Lead Rein classes for riders aged under seven, a handler leads the pony.

Riding Horses: The Riding Horse has excellent conformation, with emphasis on the quality of the limbs, which must be hard, flat, and free from blemishes.

Obedience, self-carriage, and calmness are key.

Specific ‘type’ classes: Cobs - the lightweight or heavyweight cob stands between 148cms -155cms; Maxi Cob classes are for horses exceeding 155cms. The Cob - a type rather than a breed - should be well mannered with the attributes of a good Hunter.

Ex-racehorse classes - an increasing number of classes now exists, predominantly run under the auspices of the Retraining of Racehorses Series.

Show and Working Hunter: Show Hunter (or Ridden Hunter) classes are aimed at animals that ‘could give their owners a good day's hunting’, that are of a heavier build than the riding horse. There are lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight classes. In Working Hunter classes, horses need to have all the attributes of the Show Hunter, plus the ability to jump rustic fences.

Fleeceworks Perfect Balance Half Pad

“As a retailer we are always on the look out for new and interesting products, sourcing from all over the world including the States.

However, we always trial products extensively before we add them to our shop floor to ensure that they perform to the standards we expect.

Rugs have seen a massive shift in fabric technology and design over the past few years. Does any one remember those heavy New Zealand rugs that used to weigh a tonne dry, let alone trying to hang up a wet and muddy one?! The great news is that no longer does quality equate to heavy. Just like sports clothing, fabrics which incorporate warmth, waterproof and breathable properties are now being introduced into horse wear but the old perception that rugs are to be measured in weight has been slow to change, but certainly in other countries this is rapidly becoming the norm now, as horse owners start to look at their own active wardrobes and realise change is good!

Over the years we’ve seen saddle design evolve in the pursuit for perfection and performance, followed quickly by anatomically designed girths and stirrups all aimed at enhancing performance and pleasure in the saddle for both horse and rider. We’ve just launched a fabulous range of stirrups called Flex-On, which work in

harmony with the natural position of the rider’s leg and also feature a carefully angled and offset stirrup leather hole to continue this essential energy flow. Two ‘Elastomers’ balls sit neatly underneath the tread to continue the ultimate in shock absorption properties to give a still and harmonious feeling down through the rider’s legs into the foot. On close examination it still looks pretty futuristic in it’s design, but 10 years ago, it would have been positively space age!

The development in saddle pads again embraces this change. Incorporating wicking properties and clever design, carefully positioned girth straps and cut away designs now allow greater freedom of movement and performance and enhance the horse’s comfort. Corrective saddle pads, under the direction of a saddler can now also help ‘bridge’ the gap between visits or help with fit during remedial schooling or seasonal changes in shape.

Horse boot technology continues to evolve, but we have also seen an increase in price, which sets many of the top brands out of many riders’ budgets. We searched the globe to find a protective boot brand, which offers the same high level of protection but

without the hefty price tag. Mayjk Equipe Boots like other brands now diversify into discipline specific boots tailored for the job in hand.

Nowadays, this is far more commonplace especially where dressage is concerned, with boots replacing bandages for improved protection and support.

Bridle design continues to move forward, offering a greater diversity with emphasis on fine-tuning the rider’s aids and needs.

Silver Crown is a French saddler brand, which we have been stocking for several years now. Their bridles can be built online from a basic snaffle bridle through to something designed for additional control over cross-country. Taking a bespoke approach to bridle fitting, we loved the brand because you can create your own bridle and size for your needs. We know from customer feedback that not all horses are a standard ‘Full’, so this brand allows you to mix and match sizes and styles and choose from a huge range of nosebands to ensure you don’t have to buy a complete new bridle for every occasion.

With so many fantastic advances in tack and equipment, we need to continue to embrace these changes, which are not only exciting, but changes which are ultimately beneficial to all of us in our overall day to day experiences with our horses.” www.shadowhorse.co.uk ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 13

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 14

d

Faye Hesketh an Flaygray 2014 HOYS SEIB R2R Champions.

COMPETITION

TICKETS

MUST BE WON!

Eventual SE IB Search for a St 2014 HOYS ar Champion s Nikki Johnson an d Diamond Ro ulette.

2015 SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR AND RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE

To be in with a chance of winning, complete the coupon and post it to: Absolute Horse Magazine, Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS. Alternatively, visit www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click on the ‘Competitions’ tab.

Deadline is 31st March 2015.

The 2015 East Anglian Game & Country Fair will take place on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th April, at The Norfolk Showground, Norwich.

There will be lots of new displays including The Essex Dog Display Team, UK Horseboarding Arena Demos, Horse behaviourist Richard Maxwell, N&J Heavy Horses, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flight of the Falcons, Ferret Racing, Fly Fishing, Berkley Owls, Sheep Dog and Duck Display, Lurcher Displays, Gun Dog demonstrations and much more.

Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation (Sat) present an invitation to see working equitation ridden by the riders who have represented Great Britain in the European and World Working Equitation Teams.

The Countryside Arena demonstrations illustrate the stages of training for spaniels and retrievers as they are prepared to become working gundogs.

The Forestry Villages hosts The East of England Cutters & Climbers Competition and Pole Climbing Competitions. The forestry arena will be a buzz of activity with chainsaw carvings, felling demonstrations, tree climbing and pole climbing competitions. Tree workers from around the UK will be competing at this rare opportunity to see a working forestry village.

EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR COMPETITION Name.............................................................................................................................................

Address........................................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................................................

Tel:.............................................................Email:...........................................................................

14 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Norwich Vikings Trials Motorcycle Display will have a range of riders from those on modern bikes to those who prefer the classic bike and classes for all abilities.

There are over 300 shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers, eco products, fishing products and home improvements. Plus craft halls and gift marquees.

Children of all ages will be able to take part in countryside activities and meet several animals.

Join in and 'have a go' at a range of country activities from clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge instructors or enter the 40-bird reentry shooting competition for men, women and juniors. Fly fishing with the Salmon and Trout Association, ferret racing and archery to paintballing and crossbows. Take a helicopter pleasure flight over the showground, try the air rifle range, hold a bird of prey or take a ride in a Landrover on the off road 4x4 course.

K9 Aqua Sports will be holding its ‘K9 Jump Jet’ Competition, which is the Long Jump for dogs into water.

Advance discounted admission tickets are available now online at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline number 0871 230 1102.

Save upto 30% on gate prices with advance tickets on sale until April 20th www.ukgamefair.co.uk

The popular SEIB Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search for a Star and the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship series will begin in April.

Search for a Star was created by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to produce their horses to a high standard in the show ring and giving them the opportunity to compete at the prestigious finals at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The SEIB Search for a Star series has helped many horses to go on to a very successful show ring career. Each qualifying competition follows the same format, with classes for Working Hunters, Riding Club Show Horses, Riding Horse/Hacks, Show Hunters, Cobs and Show Ponies & Show Hunter Ponies.

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

Local qualifier will be held at: 10th May: Houghton Hall Equestrian & Alpaca Centre, Houghton, Cambs, PE28 2DY. Tel: 01480 700236.

Visit www.search4astar.org.uk and www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk

Product News...

This Florence Lace Competition Shirt brings pretty to performance! Made from a technical stretch breathable fabric with wicking properties, it features a stock collar, diamanté buttons and a curved bust design, capped sleeves and scooped back hem.

RRP: £39.95. www.equetech.com

Photo: SMR Photography

10 FAMILY

tography

Photo: ES Pho

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 15

RIDER PROFILE

Alice Ellison

Focus on:

have been competing ponies and horses for quite a few years now, there’s been highs and lows but I have come through to win some great competitions.

My most special wins include: Leading Area Pony Rider 2009; 1.05cm Trailblazer Junior National Champion 2009; 1.10cm Trailblazer Senior National Champion 2011 and 2012; 95cm Trailblazer Senior National Champion 2014; British Riding Clubs Junior Open Reserve Champion 2012; British Riding Clubs Senior Intermediate Reserve Champion 2014; Qualified for all summer and winter national finals since 2009.

I was also picked to run with the Olympic torch in July 2012.

I

How and when did you start riding?

I’ve been riding since I can remember, whether it be sitting on my mum’s horse or riding a kick along at the local riding school.

I got my first pony as a Christmas present because I wouldn’t stop going on at my parents about having one! He was a 11.2hh 18-year-old Welsh pony from Wood Green Animal Shelter, my parents found him on the programme Pet Rescue. He was definitley a cheeky chap, having me on the floor many a time, but I wouldn’t have changed him for the world! Sadly we lost Snowy in January 2013 after a short illness, he was 31.

having loads of fun together and fingers crossed we can get back to winning National Championships soon!

Which top horse do you personally most admire and why?

I would say a horse I most admire would be Itot du Chateau, who is ridden by Edwina Tops-Alexander. For a horse so small, he can jump a very big fence! It just shows that size doesn’t matter and that if your horse has a big heart you can jump the world.

During your career has there been a particular horse that you consider to have really helped you ‘make it’?

I think the horse that really helped me make it and give me my best results was a horse called Britney IV, her stable name was Bambi. She was small in size but grew when she entered an arena to jump. I had her from a 4-year-old until she was 7, we had a great partnership enabling me to win championships. She was super careful and very quick, I think that’s because she swishes her tail… it’s like a propeller! As she was not my horse she was sold on, however I have recently bought her back. We are

Your family’s company, EES Equestrian Ltd, currently sponsors you, please tell us what this sponsorship means to you: It is great to have the backing and support of my family, and without I doubt I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. All the early mornings and late nights are all worth it when we get good results, and that is down to the whole family. It makes me very proud to be wearing clothing and my horses to be wearing their show gear with my family’s business on and I’m sure my parents feel proud too.

If you could give one piece of advice to Absolute Horse readers, what would it be?

Never give up, you can achieve great results on the smallest of budgets.

DATES ANNOUNCED: 2015 NETTEX TRAILBLAZERS CHAMPS Trailblazers are pleased to announce that the 2015 Nettex Trailblazers Championships will take place in July at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The dressage championships will take place on 17th–19th July, showing and working hunter on 18th–19th July, senior and junior show jumping on 23rd–26th July and combined training on 23rd– 25th July.

The SEIB Insurance Brokers sponsored Trailblazers series is already well underway and there is a packed season ahead for competitors with 65 equestrian centres throughout the country offering Trailblazers qualifiers for show jumping, dressage, combined training and showing. Trailblazers provides every aspiring competitor with an opportunity to compete at the level they wish in their chosen

discipline. There is no joining fee or horse registration.

Trailblazers first round competitions are held throughout the year.

Competitors in first round classes are awarded a qualification pack towards the second round competitions if they achieve the specified level when competing in the different disciplines.

Successful competitors can then progress to the second round by purchasing a second round qualification card costing £12 as proof of qualification.

Visit www.trailblazerschampionships.com for details.

Horse profile: Elsalinda S

Stable name: Elsie Owner: Sacha Ellison Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Height: 16.2hh Age: 6-years-old Breed: Dutch Warmblood Sire: Veneur (Indoctro) Dam: Salinda (Elcaro) Trailblazer 95cm Senior Champion 2014, British Riding Clubs Senior Intermediate Reserve Champion 2014.

She was bought as an untouched 4year-old, we backed her and have done everything ourselves. This year we are aiming for the Discovery second rounds and to continue our progress.

She is quirky but kind, loves a cuddle and will do anything for food!

She’s ridden 5 times a week, doing flatwork, jumping and hacking, we also go to shows most weekends which she loves!

Her strengths would be her braveness and she’s very competitive.

Her weaknesses would be her adrenaline can definitely get the better of her sometimes! To help with this we feed her Hack Up Bespoke supplement from Alex Gingell, it works a treat!

Three secrets that our readers should know about her: 1) Bought unseen from a video.

2) She will always find the Polos, no matter where they are on your body.

3) She literally jumps into the lorry, I’m not sure if her feet even touch the ramp!

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 15

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 16

SADDLERY

The Harness Journey –

The British Dressage Winter Regionals are always a busy time for saddlefitter Sophie Rodger of Express Equine.

DRIVING TO SUCCESS THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INTRICACIES OF THE DRIVING HARNESS, AND UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF THE VARIOUS PARTS. hen thinking about the driving harness the key points to remember should always be a good fit, safety and comfort for your horse or pony.

To the untrained eye the driving harness can look like a jigsaw of different straps of leather but once you become familiar with the different pieces it becomes a simple but effective piece of tack, allowing a horse or pony to pull various types of horse drawn vehicles.

The main pieces that make up the harness are the bridle, reins, breast collar and breeching.

The bridle is much like any other normal bridle apart from the addition of the blinkers; these are small squares of leather attached to the bridle to cover the horses’ eyes, to help keep their focus going forward and not be distracted by things to their side.

The noseband helps stabilise the blinkers.

The breast collar sits across the horse’s chest and is an essential part of the harness as this allows the horse to pull the carriage or trap; this should lay on the widest part of the horse’s chest.

A full collar is fitted around the widest part of the horse’s neck, as would commonly have been seen on heavy horses pulling farm equipment; this would allow the horse to use its full weight and strength.

The collar itself is made up of 11 different

W

parts; including the Reins, Rein terret, Terret, Pad, Tug, Bellyband, Wither strap, Neck strap, Breastcollar, Girth and Trace.

Driving reins are longer than standard reins and the rein terrets guide the reins from the bridle to the driver, preventing them from becoming tangled or snagged on the harness.

The Pad sits in the position of the saddle and is a small supportive piece of the harness that lies on the horse's back.

The tugs support the shafts of the carriage and the belly band strap fits loosely under the belly of the horse, outside the girth and prevents the shafts rising up and the Trace is the straps or chains which take the pull from the breastcollar.

The breeching is the harness’s braking system and has a wide strap that lies across the horse's hindquarters and smaller straps lay across the croup. Hold back straps attach to rings on the shaft of the cart.

There are six different pieces that make up the breeching, including the Crupper, Loin strap, Back strap, Breeching strap, Breeching and Trace Carrier.

The Crupper goes underneath the horse's tail. Care must be taken to ensure the crupper is clean and lays flat to avoid hair becoming trapped. The back strap attaches by looping through the crupper D at the rear of the pad or surcingle to attach the crupper.

Product news...

The Breeching straps fit round the horse's haunches allowing it to set back and slow the carriage.

A good quality leather driving harness that is well cared for will last many years.

When harnessing the horse to the carriage, the carriage must always be brought to the horse, never reverse the horse into the carriage, for this reason and safety, harnessing a horse to drive is usually a two person job.

Carriage driving offers a range of classes for all abilities and is also a very inclusive sport for people with disabilities.

To find out more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

Leading producer Katy Carter relies on the Black Country Classic Show Saddle for the horses and ponies she produces recognising the importance of a saddle that both fits correctly and helps to enhance the appearance of horse and rider.

The Black Country Classic Show Saddle offers style and elegance when in the show arena.

This saddle is straight cut to help accentuate the horse or pony’s shoulder, but has a subtle knee roll to help keep the rider in the ideal show position.

Available in a range of width fittings, sizes 14in to 18in, colour dark brown. www.blackcountrysaddles.com

16 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

So often the horses increased work in preparation for the major competitions, means they build up more muscle very quickly and the need for regular saddle re-flocking increases, sometimes to the point of a new tree change.

Said Sophie, “Changing your saddle just before a big competition is not really recommended as the saddle is the key communication tool between horse and rider.

Sophie will be at some of the shows assisting clients with flocking adjustments on the day.

Sophie will be the fitter for approximately 125 of this regions riders from Preliminary to Grand Prix. Mark and Elizabeth Mills of The Dressage Company and BD Chef d’Equipe work closely with Sophie. Elizabeth’s saddle at the moment, that she is really thrilled with, is by Equipe, the same brand that is ridden on

by Charlotte Dujardin.

“Saddlefitting for competition horses is a complex and difficult job because at all times the fit needs to have space for the horse to grow up into with a balanced support whilst doing so. Leading riders ensure that accurate saddlefitting is a key part of their competition preparation, that definitely does give the horse and rider combination more of a competitive advantage even at preliminarily level,” concluded Sophie.

This browband takes ‘bling’ to a whole new level with its sparkle and shine!

Designed by Otto Schumacher, this black and white version glistens with style, with its unusual scattering of beautiful, genuine pyramid shaped Swarovski crystals presented across a soft buttery leather browband.

RRP: £89. www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 17

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

“

I want to hack out more but want to make sure I am well prepared – can you help?

”

It’s easy to see what draws people to hacking out. It’s a relaxing image, actually: just you and your horse, out in the fresh air.

There’s just a wonderful feeling of freedom out there. Of course, you can get yourself into trouble if you focus so much on the idea of it that you forget some preparation.

Basically, you need to think it through — be prepared for anything you think there’s a chance you’ll encounter. There are a few things that are essential on any ride out - a way to tie your horse up, and a good sense of direction. If you don’t have a good sense of direction, bring a map and a compass. GPS and phones are great, but you’re never guaranteed to have service out there.

With all that in mind, our best advice is to ride in a group.

We would consider a group to be two or more people. Whenever you go out on a major ride, it’s best to have at least one other person with you. You’ll have one more brain, one more mind, to solve problems. Safety is obviously a huge plus, and you’ll have some camaraderie as well. If you’re out there appreciating

nature’s beauty, you might as well share it with someone.

At Parelli, we stress the importance of never-ending self-improvement; along with that comes being open to learning and adjusting your outlook. Over the years, we’ve certainly come to understand how skills translate across disciplines. The more we’ve learned about performance horses — jumping, dressage, racing, cross country — and what they do, the more we’ve realised how the skills they use in an arena also apply on a hack.

Performance horses really need to be aware of their surroundings and very perceptive of where their feet are. These are the types of traits to look for in a good trail horse, and I found them in performance horses!

Hacking requires a combination of horsemanship and fitness. Our programme teaches horsemanship, the habits and skills you need to become a

partner with your horse. Fitness is something you and your horse need to develop throughout your partnership.

You can develop physical fitness by preparing your horse for the elements — as much as you can — in a controlled environment. Increase his endurance by playing at a higher intensity level for longer periods of time.

Mental and emotional fitness are just as important. If your horse is next to a horse trotting faster than he is, your horse might want to race. Play the Seven Games and condition him to things that might spook him on the ride.

As long as you’ve prepared yourself and your horse, hacking can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences you share. Just keep “prior and proper preparation” in mind.

One day to remember!

One Day with Linda and Pat Parelli takes place at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire on 7th March and is an event not to be missed.

The day is set to provide a fascinating insight into Parelli Natural Horsemanship and includes: The Parelli Savvy Team This is not about what Pat and Linda can do, it’s what their students can do! This is always one of the most favorite parts of a Parelli event – total fun and inspiration!

A Lesson with the Master - Pat Parelli Behavioral problems are often the result of misunderstandings and miscommunication, and some horses have trouble forgiving us for other people’s mistakes. Pat will read the horse’s needs, assess the student’s abilities and successfully bring them together in harmony using the keystones of the Parelli Program: Communication, Understanding and Psychology.

The Finesse Training Sequence - Linda Parelli The Finesse Training Sequence with Linda Parelli makes Finesse easier to learn, understand and teach to your horse. The Sequence is a simple, effective and natural training protocol that you can use to develop the Finesse riding skills for Level 3 and 4, plus it is the perfect preparation for dressage and jumping, and the Game of Contact.

On Line Mastery - Silke Vallentin At the event Silke will coach students to improve their feel and their horse’s posture and expression, giving spectators the keys to movements and concepts beyond Level 4.

Lead Changes Made Simple - Pat Parelli Starting on the ground you’ll learn to see how the horse moves in the canter, why trotting diagonals and canter leads are important, how to set your horse up for the correct lead, to exaggerate to teach and refine as you go along.

If you have trouble getting your horse to take or change leads in one direction more than the other, it’s also important to how to know if the problem is with you or your horse… or both!

Pat will share and demonstrate all the important, and often unspoken, details from beginning to end, then coaches a student who is having trouble!

To buy tickets contact Parelli UK on 0800 0234 813 or visit the Parelli webshop at www.parelli.com

For further information contact the Parelli UK team on 0800 0234 813 or visit www.parelli.com

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

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 17

March 2015 pages 1 to 27_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:05 Page 18

PUTTING YOUR MARE TO... reeding has become increasingly popular as people have become more aware of the possibilities available to them but it is important that breeding is not done indiscriminately. The process must be selective to produce the best quality offspring possible to suit the intended discipline.

B

Starting with careful mare selection is the first important part of the process as traits such as conformation, behaviour and ability can be highly hereditary. It is still relatively common for people to breed from a mare because they ‘aren’t sure what else to do with her’. There must be good reasons for breeding from a mare with a clear idea of what type of foal you are looking to produce and ideally for what discipline. If a mare has suffered an injury then this must be taken into consideration as she must be able to carry the foal, give birth and then nurse the foal. Older mares may have lower fertility than younger mares, especially if they have not had a foal and this should be taken in to consideration.

Stallion selection is also obviously an important part of the process and is again based on factors such as breed and hereditary traits as described above. With careful selection it may be possible to compliment or improve some of the characteristics of the mare such as amount of bone, size or ability. Other factors which may also be considered include the geographical location of the stallion or the availability of semen for use by artificial insemination.

Mares’ breeding cycles start when the day length increases and typically run from March to September, although it is not unheard of for some mares to cycle all year round. In Thoroughbred breeding there is pressure to get mares in foal as soon after February 15th as possible to result in an early foal but in other breeds and disciplines we would normally advise starting after March. It is obviously important to determine when the mare is in season and with some mares this is obvious even without a stallion present.

Unfortunately however many mares do not show in season especially when they are in their familial environment. With such mares an experienced vet will be able to 18 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

foal

get an idea where she is in her cycle by ultrasound examination of the uterus and ovaries via the rectum and if there is difficulty getting a mare in season, hormonal treatments are available to assist. Once in season various options are available with regards to getting the mares in foal. As mare owner you may choose to use a stallion which covers the mare naturally. Traditionally mares were covered by the stallion every other day while they were in season as it was considered that the semen survived in the mare for 48 hours. Whilst this is still a perfectly acceptable way of doing it, it is more common for a vet to examine the mare when she is in season, again using an ultrasound scanner and pinpoint the optimum time to cover the mare. This avoids the need to board the mare at the stud and enables her to be taken to the stallion, covered once and brought straight back home. If the mare and stallion both have good fertility then conception rates achieved should easily be 70-80%.

In some cases natural cover is not possible either due to the geographical location of the stallion or because he is competing. In these instances artificial insemination (AI) using either fresh chilled or frozen semen is now very common. With both forms of AI, ultrasound examinations of the mare are carried out to try to predict when she will ovulate (release the egg from the ovary).

With fresh chilled semen the aim is to inseminate the mare within the 24 hours prior to ovulation. Once the semen has been collected from the stallion it can survive for approximately 24 hours as long as it is in a liquid which provides some nutrition and it is kept chilled. It is common to deal with studs all over the UK as well as the continent as long as a next

Package for transporting chilled semen

Ultrasound scan of 30 day pregnancy

Ultrasound scan of follicle about to ovulate

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day delivery is available. Once semen has been collected from stallions and frozen it can be kept indefinitely therefore frozen semen AI enables the use of stallions from anywhere in the world as well as stallions which have died. The process of insemination is slightly more complicated however as the mare must be inseminated ideally within 6 hours of ovulation, involving more regular ultrasound examinations. The results with using either fresh chilled or frozen semen can be nearly as good as with natural covering assuming both the mare and stallion have good fertility. It is important to use a vet who is experienced in the practice of AI and a list is produced by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) each year of vets who have been inspected and approved in AI using either fresh chilled or fresh chilled and frozen semen.

Once the mare is (hopefully) in foal thoughts must then turn to her management as the pregnancy progresses.

For the first 2/3 of the pregnancy the mare can be treated largely as normal including feed and exercise. For the last 1/3 however the majority of the foal growth is occurring and it would be usual to stop working her and tailor the diet accordingly.

Thought must be given well in advance whether you are happy to foal her at home or send her away for this. The minimum requirements for foaling a mare is a stable at least 14ftx14ft with a straw bed. Ideally there would be CCTV or a window or grille so the mare can be regularly monitored without disturbing her. There also needs to be suitable turnout available for the mare and foal. Whilst the majority of foalings proceed uneventfully, having experienced help available is advisable in case of a problem.

A speedy recovery for Henry Event rider, Sarah Ettridge, was distraught when she found her 11-year-old ISH gelding, Henry, had struck into himself whilst in the field back in November and found him with blood pumping out of his fetlock.

The vet’s initial diagnosis was that he had severed two arteries in his fetlock and damaged several ligaments which could jeopardise his eventing career.

Said Sarah: “The vet came out and stitched him up but really wasn’t optimistic as it was extremely nasty and they said I’d be lucky if he would be ok to event again given the extent of the damage. He’d need bandaging and box rest for at least eight weeks but then once the swelling had subsided, a scan to determine the extent of the ligament damage followed by further periods of box rest. I was gutted! At best I was looking at him being on box rest for at least three months but probably six!

“I saw the Equi-Med Ag products advertised in an equestrian magazine, so I enquired about them and ordered a roll of the antibacterial wound dressing plus a pair of the antibacterial stable boots. I had started off with Manuka honey patches for the first week on the wound but then moved onto the dressing.

“At his two week check my vet could not believe the result. The wound had healed really well and was clean and dry. During her visits since she has continued to be amazed at the healing progress and lack of scarring. What she initially thought would take months to heal had taken weeks, days even, with the EquiMed Ag wound dressing.

“After her examination at the start of December, the vet declared Henry sound with no need for a ligament scan or further visits. The wound looked amazing and I could start riding him again lightly. She couldn’t believe it when we unwrapped it for the final time and took the bandages off. What had been a nasty, deep wound, was clean with no scarring or granulation and it looked really healthy and was mending well.

She quizzed me about the Equi-Med Ag products and was totally in awe of what it had done in such a short time frame!

“Now, nine weeks on, the wound has totally healed and we are back hacking out and planning our competition schedule. I

never thought I’d be back riding him until at least March but he’ll be out competing by then!

“I am delighted with the result and the Equi-Med Ag products have made a massive difference to Henry’s recovery. We are now looking forward to getting back onto the competitive scene at BE100 before moving up to Novice level later in the year.”

The Equi-Med Ag Wound Dressing is designed with a layer of activated carbon and silver fabric which has proven to be very effective at killing bacteria associated with veterinary wounds and skin diseases such as mud fever and cracked heels.

The wound dressing promotes a healthy environment to help accelerate healing and reduce the risk of granulation tissue and it has also proven to reduce swelling.

This unique dressing is the only dressing that applies an activated carbon silver layer directly to the wound so the antibacterial properties are much stronger and it can work directly onto the wound.

The Equi-Med Ag Wound Dressing is available in 1m or 2m rolls is priced from £29.95.

For more information on all of the Equi-Med Ag products please visit www.EquiMedAg.co.uk or call on 0191 5118323 or 07775 577165.

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 19

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BREEDING GUIDE SOME STALLIONS CAN HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING DIFFICULT TO HANDLE, HERE LARA DYSON TELLS US ABOUT HER STALLION CYDEN BODYGUARD MOORLAND, WHO IS ANYTHING BUT AND EXPLAINS WHY BREEDING RESPONSIBLY IS SO IMPORTANT TO HER.

Mr Nice Guy Dressage rider, Lara Dyson, describes her KWPN-approved stallion, Cyden Bodyguard Moorland, as a ‘teddy bear’ and ‘genuinely the softest stallion there is’.

By Gribaldi x Negro, Bodyguard literally has dressage royalty running through his blood, with Gribaldi also the sire of the phenomenal Totilas and Negro, having sired Charlotte Dujardins’ world-beating superstar, Valegro.

Having started his education under Dutch dressage master Edward Gal, Bodyguard was imported into the UK by Lara in 2013.

Lara and Bodyguard have gone on to form a solid partnership, moving up to compete at Prix St Georges in 2014.

Bodyguard is a fine example of a dressage horse whose looks are equally matched by his outstanding temperament, confirmation and athleticism. His natural talent for piaffe and passage will enable him to excel and his fabulous walk and canter frequently gain

him nines on the score sheet.

He has already proved himself to be a sire of quality progeny, with the 3-year-old stallion, Guardian S, gaining his own KWPN-approved status in the 2014 autumn performance test. This is a considerable achievement, taking into account the stringent testing of the KWPN studbook.

At home on Lara’s yard in Lincolnshire, Bodyguard (or ‘BG’, as he is affectionately called), is easy to do and not stallion-like at all. In training he will always try his best, even when learning difficult, new movements that will be required to move through the levels.

A good temperament is crucial for any horse and when looking at a potential stallion to breed with, temperament should be at the top of your list of requirements.

An incredibly talented horse with the best confirmation will not guarantee results if the horse has a bad temperament.

Bodyguard’s exemplary temperament is one of his most endearing qualities. He has been ridden at home by 11-year-old Olivia Whitelaw, who is the new jockey of Bodyguard’s stable mate, pony stallion, Cyden Oostings Amigo, with the pair amazing onlookers by happily performing changes, pirouettes and passage with ease!

During the summer months Bodyguard happily lives out 24/7, along with Amigo, which is a luxury few stallions get to enjoy.

Responsible Breeding With equine charities bursting at the seams with unwanted horses and ponies, breeders must take care to breed a quality foal that 20 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Cyden Cadans M and Cyden Bodyguard Moorland will be standing at Stallion AI Services for a limited time this summer with frozen semen available from Cyden Oostings Amigo. will have a promising future.

At Cyden Dressage, Lara aims to breed two foals per year concentrating on quality not quantity. These foals will be produced by Lara to hopefully go on and have a successful dressage career, either with Lara herself or be sold on.

Breeding is a serious commitment of both time and money. By using the very best bloodlines like those in the pedigrees of all three of the Cyden Stallions, combined with an equally talented mare, you can go some way to ensure you will end up with quality progeny.

All too often people breed for the wrong reason, usually because they have a mare that no longer has any other purpose. This is not justification for breeding and is not in the best interests of the mare or its future offspring.

“As a breeder your reputation is only as good as the quality of foals you breed. The ultimate goal for me and Cyden Dressage is to produce a home-bred foal that reaches the top of their game, while at the same time helping to promote British breeding,” said Lara.

For further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739, visit www.cydendressage.com or ‘Like’ the Cyden Dressage Facebook page for news of all three Cyden Stallions and other horses and ponies for sale.

Open Day at Cyden Dressage North East Lincolnshire based Cyden dressage is throwing open its doors to anyone wishing to visit the Cyden Stallions.

The open day will take place on 28th March, between 11am and 2pm.

For any potential mare owners who are thinking of breeding a foal, the Cyden Dressage Open Day provides an opportunity to view the stallions in their own surroundings as well as see them show off their talents in a schooling session.

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BREEDING

SO YOU’VE DECIDED YOU WANT TO BUY A FOAL WITH POTENTIAL. HERE SARA LONGWORTH OF WAVERLEY STUD PROVIDES ADVICE ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A FUTURE COMPETITION PROSPECT. need experienced handling and have to be right for the buyer. A good indication of trainability is that the foal or young horse should have done everything asked of it to date – successfully! What and how much it has been asked to do will be age dependent. This will often be dependent on its ability to trust the humans around him or her – and breeders must begin to earn the trust of their foals from the first minutes and hours of a foals life.

• Good conformation would be next in importance; whatever the future holds for your foal, it has to be physically capable of doing the job. The movement of foals, even within the first six months, will indicate whether their conformation will allow them to ‘sit’ for the higher movements in dressage; and whether or not they are athletic enough to do tempi changes, and extend and collect within the pace. Conversely poor conformation can

increase the risk of injury, especially if the goal is high level competition.

At Waverley Stud, Sara aims to breed 5 or 6 quality foals per year.

“There is no perfect horse. But as a breeder, our reputation depends on the quality of the foals we can offer and our aim is to always produce the very best youngsters we can by selecting the right stallion to compliment and improve each of our supremely well qualified ladies. Stallions must self-evidently bring something to the party in terms of their conformation, type and gaits, but must also be performance tested through excellence in sport or their own rigorous performance testing process (licensing alone is not enough, for us, to justify using them).”

To find out more about Waverley Stud visit www.waverleystud.com

– the importance of the mare When looking to purchase a foal there are many things to think about, and often the best place to start is with you!

How confident and proficient a rider are you? How far do you want to go in the sport? What kind of horse do you like to ride and has given you your best results? What sort of support do you have in terms of training? It is no use buying a hot, spectacularly moving youngster if the temperament will unnerve you when it comes to the time to get on, or throw you off balance in the sitting trot. Being clear about your requirements when you start looking for any new horse is important, but when it is a baby you can’t try, it’s crucial. So what else is there to consider? For us the mare is paramount – in many ways the most important part of the equation. Not only will she supply half the genes, but she will carry the foal for nearly 11 months and nurture it for at least its first six months helping to form the foal’s initial experiences and behaviours. A sensible mare will often produce sensible children, if paired with the right stallion!

A few points to consider: • Mares are like stallions from a breeding

perspective: they should possess traits that the breeder wants to replicate (e.g. conformation, gaits or ‘rideability’) in the progeny. This is the only reason to use a mare and the only reason to use a stallion.

• Look at the mare and be honest with yourself! Is she a type you personally like?

Do you see traits you would like replicated in a horse you would like to own? Has the foal inherited them?

• Are there any other offspring available for you to look at so that you can see if points of outstanding conformation (or otherwise) are reliably passed on to her children?

• Bloodlines are key, and so are mare families. Take time to look into their history and go back as far as you can. If the grandmothers were not quality mares there is a chance the offspring won’t be either. Many people look like their grandparents – it is the same with horses!

• Temperament and trainability in a dressage horse are key – so look carefully at these two aspects in the mare and any of her existing offspring. Remember sharpness is not synonymous with lack of trainability. A placid dull horse can also be hard to train. Sharp horses can be bold, very clever and very trainable, but they ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 21

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SPECIAL REPORT

What is LAMINITIS? LAMINITIS IS A COMPLEX DISEASE OF THE EQUINE FOOT, CAUSED BY THE INTERACTION OF MULTIPLE FACTORS. HOWEVER, EXACTLY HOW THESE FACTORS INTERACT TO CAUSE THE DISEASE REMAINS UNCLEAR. Laminitis occurs when the interlocking lamellae, which suspend the bones of the foot within the horse’s hoof, undergo degenerative changes and are weakened.

These lamellar changes are associated with several disease processes, including systemic disease/infections, inflammation, blood circulatory changes, hormonal imbalances and/or mechanical trauma or overloading.

It has become increasingly evident that the major cause of laminitis in the general equine population is hormonal imbalances due to endocrine disorders. These include equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease. EMS is often characterised by obesity, insulin resistance and increased susceptibility to laminitis. PPID is associated with ageing-related progressive changes in the pituitary gland, which affect the normal secretion and inhibition of hormones, leading to changes in metabolism and increased susceptibility to laminitis. A link between EMS and PPID has been proposed – suggesting that

animals with some or all of the EMS characteristics may be more at risk of pituitary dysfunction later in life.

What to look out for in your horse Laminitis can be categorised into two clinical phases, acute and chronic.

Laminitis begins to develop before the horse starts showing clinical signs. It is difficult to know exactly when the disease starts developing and what the prognosis will be, but careful monitoring for early clinical signs will aid prognosis. The clinical signs of acute phase laminitis are all associated with the development of pain and/or inflammation. However, no permanent changes occur to the anatomy of the foot and the horse may recover without lasting damage.

If lamellar damage is severe, progress into the chronic phase of the disease occurs, characterised by permanent changes in the position of the pedal bone inside the hoof.

Chronic laminitics remain highly susceptible to further lamellar damage and recurrent episodes of pain associated with the acute phase.

If you suspect that your horse may have laminitis, contact your vet. Treatment and management of laminitis is case-specific and should be a collaborative effort between owner, vet and farrier/trimmer. In addition, if you suspect your horse is showing signs of PPID and EMS, discuss available testing with your vet. Medication and changes in management can help to control these disorders and reduce the risk of laminitis.

CARE about Laminitis initiative Laminitis is a dangerous disease that poses a threat to all horses and ponies, making it essential that all owners are aware of the condition and its underlying causes.

However, we still don’t have enough understanding of the proportion of horses

and ponies affected by single or multiple episodes, nor is there enough evidencebased knowledge on how best to prevent it. To this end the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College and generously funded by World Horse Welfare, launched the CARE about Laminitis initiative in 2014.

The nationwide study is collecting information directly from horse owners using online questionnaires. CARE about Laminitis aims to estimate the frequency of owner-reported laminitis in Britain, further investigate factors which increase or decrease the risk of an animal developing laminitis, and provide owners with evidence-based guidelines to reduce the impact of laminitis nationwide.

Taking part in the project is easy and owners simply need to fill in a baseline questionnaire detailing the management and health of any horse they wish to enrol, and return monthly to update this questionnaire to record any changes in the baseline information. Access to an online

Figure 1 Left to right - practise feeling for a pulse in the blood vessel at the back of the fetlock; be familiar with your horse's normal hoof temperature; look out for any changes in how the horse stands or moves. (Image of pony courtesy of World Horse Welfare).

22 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Divergent growth rings - wider at the heel and narrower at the toe and a wide, stretched white line with bruising at the toe (top) indicate permanent changes to the anatomy of the foot seen with chronic laminitis. (Images courtesy of Prof. Chris Pollitt).

weight tracker allows owners to monitor the weight and condition of their animals during the study. Reporting of active cases of laminitis during the study will alert researchers to factors which have contributed to laminitis development.

In order to identify these factors, the study needs to recruit as many animals as possible. Any horse and pony in Britain is eligible to take part, irrespective of their age, breed or use and even if they’ve never had laminitis before. Horses and ponies that have never had laminitis will provide an important comparison group to those that are affected by the disease.

Without finding conclusive evidence to what contributes to laminitis development and how to prevent it, our horses and ponies will remain at risk of the disease. By supporting the Animal Health Trust and signing up to the CARE about Laminitis study, you’re contributing to scientific research that will make a difference to the health and welfare of all equines. Visit www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk or contact Dee Pollard on danica.pollard@aht.org.uk or telephone 01638 751000 (Ext: 1506).

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Thermal Diagnostic Tool

A diet containing correct levels of all minerals and vitamins is vital to maintain a healthy, happy horse or pony, able to perform to the best of his ability.

Most of us are familiar with the saying “no foot, no horse”, and this is true whether you and your horse enjoy hacking in the countryside, or competing every weekend.

The horse’s hoof is an extremely complex structure, and as well as correct trimming or shoeing by a qualified farrier, the hoof requires good nutrition to ensure it retains its strength and proper function.

There are many nutrients that are important to maintain strong, healthy hooves, and some of the key micronutrients are outlined below: Biotin – is probably the best known of the micronutrients thought to be important for hoof quality (as well as many other metabolic roles). Sometimes referred to as Vitamin H, biotin is a sulphur-containing vitamin, and the microbial population in the hindgut of a healthy horse will produce some biotin – although how well it is utilised by the horse is not clear. Several studies have shown that horses with certain types of hoof defects did show an improvement in the hardness and integrity of the hoof wall when given supplemental biotin in their diet. There are specialist feeds available with elevated levels of biotin, to help horses with poor hoof quality, as well as top dressing supplements.

Calcium – is well known for its important roles in the mineral matrix of the skeleton, and for muscle and nerve function.

However, research has also shown that calcium plays a key role in the hoof wall structure, and it is important to ensure horses with poor hoof quality have adequate calcium in their diet. Most good

quality, fibre-based feeds, coarse mixes and cubes, when fed at the manufacturer’s recommended intake, will provide adequate calcium levels to help promote good quality hoof structure. Alfalfa hay and chaff will also provide good levels of calcium.

Copper and Zinc – are two trace minerals which play a role in over 100 different enzyme systems in the body, some of which are important in the production of healthy hoof horn. Good quality, fibre-based feeds, coarse mixes and cubes will usually have adequate levels of copper and zinc when fed at the recommended levels.

Methionine – is a sulphur-containing amino acid (one of the building blocks of protein), rather than a mineral or vitamin, but several studies have indicated that horses fed diets with inadequate protein will

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Speedi-Beet provides an excellent source of digestible fibre and is approved by The Laminitis Trust. It stabilises the ingestion of sugars present in spring grass when fed before turnout. RRP: £10.95-£11.90. www.britishhorsefeeds.com

usually show poor hoof quality as one of the symptoms. Sulphur from these amino acids is thought to be important in the bonding of the hoof wall tubules, so it is important to ensure that a daily feed regime provides good levels of high quality protein, containing these key amino acids to help ensure the integrity and strength of the hoof wall.

Although the nutrients outlined above are thought to play particularly important roles in hoof structure, a good farrier, moisture (hooves need to get wet sometimes!) and a diet well balanced in all nutrients will be key to maintaining strong, healthy hooves in all horses and ponies.

For further information and advice on feeding your pony, please call HorseHage on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Horslyx offers an ideal method of controlling calorie intake in horses and ponies prone to laminitis without compromising on valuable vitamins and minerals. The ingredients offer a balanced and palatable method of feeding the required nutrients to help with hooves, coat and skin and general wellbeing.

RRP: From £10.75. www.horslyx.co.uk

A normal, healthy hoof

Case study for comparison

Images courtesy of VTI

The important role of vitamins and minerals when supporting hoof health

Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) offers a range of thermal imaging services for horses, including the Hoof Scan, which focuses on the horse’s hooves.

The Hoof Scan maps heat patterns across the horse’s hooves using a state of the art infra red camera that’s 40 more sensitive than the human hand. The camera takes thousands of temperature readings and converts this information into a technicolour image that shows hot spots and cold spots over the hoof.

In the case of hooves, thermal imaging can assist with the detection of issues such as poor circulation, abscesses (where it can also track), laminitis, injury and hoof balance.

Mrs Cooke’s 22-year-old thoroughbred had suffered a bout of laminitis six months previously.

The inflammatory processes within the hoof during laminitis affect the sensitive laminae, which hold the hoof to underlying bony structures. The laminae can lose their blood supply as swelling within the hoof capsule isn¹t possible, and thus break away from the outer hoof wall. This can then allow the pedal bone to rotate towards the sole, which had happened in this instance. The pulling away of the laminae, and the associated blood vessels results in abnormally cooler areas over the hoof wall.

The information provided a rationale for further x-rays, and allowed the farrier, under veterinary direction, to shoe accordingly.

For more information, see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com or call 0844 544 3314.

Mollichaff HoofKind is low in starch and sugar, high in fibre and does not contain any cereals. It supplies a low level but high quality protein and restricted calories and so provides limited, controlled energy from high quality digestible fibre and oil-based ingredients, making it an excellent feed for fizzy horses and good doers as well as laminitics. RRP: £7.80. www.horsehage.co.uk

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 23

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NUTRITION

Your new horse

By Sarah Nelson Spillers nutritionist

he arrival of a new horse is exciting but understandably it can also cause initial anxiety, even for experienced owners.

Regardless of our individual plans and aspirations, building a positive relationship with a happy, healthy horse is a goal all owners share. If you are about to embark on the adventure that is buying a new horse, a little planning and a few careful choices can help you to ensure that his change in routine and diet is as sympathetic as possible.

Feeding the new horse, much like any other, should focus on providing a high fibre, low starch diet alongside a balanced supply of vitamins, minerals and quality protein. Such diets are the most sympathetic option both in terms of maximising digestive health and reducing the risk of excitable behaviour.

These factors are of course particularly important given the stress associated with moving to a new home and in many cases, the horse or pony’s relatively unknown history. However, taking the time to find out as much as possible about his current diet, routine and clinical history might provide some useful clues about his temperament and ability

T

24 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

to maintain weight. If you have already been made aware of any clinical conditions such colic, laminitis or tyingup, try to seek advice from a nutritionist before he arrives.

Forage Forage should be the foundation of every horse or pony’s diet and your new arrival is no exception. Horses evolved to consume an all-forage diet and consequently, digestive health and the absorption of nutrients rely on the provision of a high fibre diet. Providing plenty of forage also fulfils the horse’s psychological need to chew, helping to reduce stress and promote positive behaviour. However, the fact that forage accounts for the largest portion of a horse’s diet means it is also subject to the largest change. The golden rule of ‘making all changes gradually’ certainly applies to forage too, although this can be particularly tricky when it comes to feeding a new horse or pony. Although not always possible, try to see if you can buy a bale or two of hay/haylage from this current owner so you can mix it with your own forage supply in the first few days. Try to introduce new pasture gradually too, particularly if your new

arrival has previously been stabled for long periods or your grazing is ‘richer’ or more plentiful than he is used too. Strip grazing, turning out in paddocks previously grazed by other horses or sheep and gradually extending turn out time may help.

Tips for feeding hay and haylage • Ad-lib is ideal provided the horse or pony is not overweight – if grazing is limited, try to do this in the field as well as the stable.

• Remember to feed approximately 1.21.5 times more haylage than hay by weight – haylage is higher in moisture which means you need to feed more of it to ensure suitable fibre intake.

• Do not restrict forage to less than 1.5% bodyweight for overweight horses. For a 500kg horse with no grazing, this equates to a minimum of 7.5kg of hay per day. As a guide, feed a minimum of half this amount for those stabled for 12 hours, regardless of how much spring grass they may have eaten out in the field. However, not all overweight horses will need to be restricted this much, particularly if they have previously had access to ad-lib grazing and/or hay/haylage.

Feeds & Balancers Balancers are the ideal way to ensure that good-doers and overweight horses receive suitable levels of vitamins, minerals and quality protein, alongside negligible levels of additional calories, starch and sugar. Adding a double handful of low calorie chaff or fibre feed will help to extend eating time without compromising your horse’s waistline.

If on the other hand your new horse or pony is looking a little lean, the recommended ration of low energy (calorie) feed is often the ideal starting point; particularly if you have little information of his previous diet. Choose cubes over mixes and look for fibre and oil based feeds containing less than 15% starch to begin with. Introduce all new feeds gradually, increasing by approximately 500g (in total) every other day for horses, less for ponies.

For free, friendly advice on feeding your horse or pony ring the Spillers Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visit www.spillersfeeds.com

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NUTRITION Roberta to compete at CPEDI3* in Doha, Quatar

SPILLERS AT THE FOREFRONT OF SENIOR HORSE NUTRITION RESEARCH Spillers, through the Waltham Equine Studies Group, is actively participating in important research to find the best nutritional support for senior horses, whether they are healthy or diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID). The group has recently completed two significant studies in this area and has a further two confirmed for 2015.

Horses and ponies are living longer and advances in equine nutrition, as well as improved management and veterinary care, are continuing to play a key role in increasing longevity, particularly for those suffering from conditions such as PPID, which is also known as equine Cushing’s disease.

The Waltham Equine Studies Group has recently published two scientific papers and has presented some early research at an international geriatric equine workshop on feeding the senior horse.

A comparison of nutrient digestibility between adult and aged horses, conducted by the Department of

Large Animal clinical Sciences and Animal Science, Michigan State University, USA and The Waltham Equine Studies Group, confirmed, in contrast to earlier work, that there was no difference in digestibility between healthy adult and aged horses when fed a variety of common equine diets.

Characterisation of the faecal bacterial community in adult and elderly horses fed a high fibre high oil or high starch diet, conducted by the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, The Waltham Equine Studies Group and Michigan State University, used the same horses as the previous study but this time looked at their gut microflora. The results showed that although no significant differences in individual species of bacteria were found, ageing was, however, associated with a reduction in bacterial diversity. This may explain, in part, why older animals can be at increased risk of intestinal disturbances.

HorseHage-sponsored para-dressage rider, Roberta Sheffield, is to represent Canada at the Al Shaqab CPEDI3*, Doha, Quatar in March.

Roberta , who is based in the UK, in Lincolnshire, will compete the eight-year-old Anglo European mare, Double Agent (Darcy), owned by Frances Sheffield, in this prestigious invitation-only dressage event. The Donnersohn mare was bred

by Suzy Mainprice, who will be accompanying Bert to the event along with Canadian Para-Equestrian National Team Coach, Mary Longden.

Bert’s dressage horses all enjoy HorseHage dust-free bagged forage.

“I feed both the Alfalfa and Timothy varieties. They love the taste and have a wedge instead of a lunchtime feed. This builds flexibility into their routine so they can be worked morning or early afternoon and when we are away at shows they don’t have to miss a meal as they happily pick at their Alfalfa HorseHage net in the lorry.

For further information on HorseHage please call 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Nine out of ten horses prefer HorseHage!

HorseHage recently surveyed horse and pony owners and the findings were impressive. The primary research established that 92% of owners in our survey said their horse or pony preferred Ryegrass HorseHage to their usual forage.

The survey also showed that 6% of horses surveyed showed no preference. The majority of the horses and ponies surveyed were usually fed on hay and a small percentage on haylage.

All the owners surveyed rated the quality of HorseHage as very high or high and 100% said they would recommend HorseHage to a friend.

HorseHage dust-free bagged forage is available in four different varities and comes in a highly compressed bale. It is never rebagged and does not contain any chemical additives. Because of the fermentation process it goes through in the bag, it is lower in sugar than most hays and the High Fibre and Timothy varieties are suitable to feed to laminitics.

HorseHage is produced with the optimum moisture content for horses of between 35 and 45 percent through strict quality control throughout the production process and has FEMAS NOPS BETA certification which ensures it is manufactured from specifically-grown grass and alfalfa leys with a high regard for feed safety, consistent quality and full product traceability.

It allows you to feed naturally, in the knowledge you are providing your equine friend with a top quality, high fibre product that he/she will relish without any wastage.

For further information please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

26 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

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Blue Chip Original – Your Horse Magazine - Product of the Year Blue Chip’s best-selling feed balancer Blue Chip Original has been awarded ‘Product of the Year’ by Your Horse magazine’s readers.

Over a period of six months votes were cast to find the Equestrian Product of the Year.

Your Horse magazine readers had a free rein to choose any product they liked, from tack, to feed, to grooming products and yard equipment. Votes were then counted and there was one clear winner – Blue Chip Original – The UK’s Product of the Year.

Blue Chip’s owner/founder Clare Blaskey says, "I am thrilled that Blue Chip Original has won Your Horse magazine Product of the Year Award. The fact that this award is chosen and voted for by the public over six months and voters had a free rein to choose any horse related product makes this a great award to win. Voters said Blue Chip Original delivers such fantastic results, keeping their horses in top condition and looking and feeling great. I would like to thank both everyone who voted and all the team at Blue Chip who make the products and the company so special, we will continue to give your horses the most advanced products to keep them happy and healthy".

For more information visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 2666200.

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:28 Page 28

NUTRITION BLUE CHIP OFFER SPONSORSHIP FOR DRESSAGE RIDERS Blue Chip are delighted to announce that they are looking for two dressage riders to join their elite team, which includes Charlie Hutton and Daisy Coakley.

Blue Chip realise how hard it is to qualify for the Blue Chip Novice Dressage Championships and as a thank you to riders for making this competition so popular there are two amazing sponsorship opportunities available. One rider must have competed in a Blue Chip Novice Open Dressage class and the other must have competed in a Blue Chip Novice Restricted Dressage class, both run under British Dressage rules, they have to have competed in the 2013 - 2014 or 2014 - April 2015 classes, it doesn’t matter whether the riders were placed or not.

To be in with a chance of winning this sponsorship package please visit www.bluechipfeed.com/ dressagesponsorship and fill in the online form.

Product news...

The HG-ONE is ideal for everyday use on the yard and is great to take to shows due to its lightweight and compact design. It has been created to feed one horse and will hold up to 8kg of forage either in a hay net or compact wedges.

Quick and easy to use The HG-ONE steams forage in 60 minutes thanks to a specially designed 1500W steam generator with a water capacity of 2.5 litres which will be sufficient for one steaming cycle. www.haygain.com

TopChop Grass is a high quality chop that can be fed solely with a TopSpec feed balancer or supplement. TopChop Grass is dust-extracted and the grass has been high-temperature dried. These two procedures minimise potential mould, making the chop suitable for horses and ponies with respiratory problems. RRP: £12.50. www.topspec.com

Spring might be around the corner but not all could be well with your horse’s digestive system, as the rich nutrients in your horse’s field start to take a toll on your horse’s tummy.

To help soothe and support your horse’s digestive system and help balance that important equilibrium, Aloeride is a taste free, totally organic aloe vera supplement, which can help relieve digestive irritation when fed in conjunction with a sensible stable management regime.

As well as helping to assist troubled tummies, Aloeride can also promote a glossy coat, healthy skin and strong hooves and support a healthy immune system. RRP: £55.20 www.aloeride.co.uk

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:28 Page 29

RIDE LIKE... Steve Garrod SpeedI - BeeT TeAm memBeR STeVe GARRod eXpLAINS How To...

BUILD CONFIDENCE IN YOUR

YOUNG EVENTER As with every horse, the training programme for a youngster must be individually tailored to reflect their strengths and weaknesses (whether physical or mental) and this must be continually assessed.

Their personality traits will also influence their training in terms of how quickly you can progress, for example, is your horse an introvert or extrovert? The introvert will need to have continual repetition and reassurance, building a strong partnership based on trust will be essential. The extrovert will probably think he knows it all and will always be in a rush to 'get on with it'!

Training for a young horse should be fun, but always focused, even whilst hacking.

They have always got to go forward, they can 'look' but they must go forward (move away from) from the leg, when asked to. It is essential that when you put your leg 'on' the horse reacts immediately.

Always ride a positive rhythm in each gait; even a loose rein walk must be active.

Teach your horse to be responsive and obedient. Vary the speed within the canter, this will help with balance and create upward, more collected energy and encourage weight to be taken off the shoulders and taken on the hind quarters.

If your horse is physically weak, I would suggest you ride for around 15 minutes, six days a week, for around six to eight weeks, then give a small mini break of around 10 days, and then repeat.

It’s essential the required behaviour whilst on board and on floor is reinforced with repetition and praise continually. A training mantra I completely agree with is repeat, repeat and repeat again until the desired behaviour is correct, then plenty of praise.

athletic, so introduce bounces and angles when the time is right. Remember, the moment you change the fence or exercise, you must ride it a gear stronger than you did the time before, otherwise you might end up on the floor, horses are naturally suspicious.

Jumping

And finally...

• Be prepared to continually adapt your training programme as those inevitable up's and down's come along. At the end of the day, horses are not machines, if you expect them to follow set training and maintenance according to whoever's manual, you're setting yourself and your equine partner to fail.

• experience, continual training and guidance, plus belief in what you are 'feeling' are key to a successful partnership.

• Get your horse out and about as soon as you can. I tend to hire a few places out a couple of times to get their confidence up, and then get them to an affiliated competition. I find the collecting rings a little easier to deal with than if you head to an unaffiliated event.

• ensure you don't overfeed - lots of slow release non-heating fibre is essential for muscle and brain building, Fibre-Beet is excellent.

I prefer to teach a horse to jump from canter because I feel they can 'dry up' more easily from trot. In canter, you can sit behind the movement a little and tell them to keep going! plus, we compete at canter, so for me teaching them from trot is a backwards step. Usually the third or fourth time jumping is when they can start getting a little suspicious of it all, but even if they are having a real ‘looky’ look, it’s paramount the legs are kept jammed on and they are 'told' to keep going! It may be a horrid bunny hop but as long as they get to the other side, it doesn't matter.

I would jump a young horse who's just starting out, three or four times a week, for three or four weeks, or until the 'penny drops'. I use five or six jumps, including a double, vertical and oxer, just simple things. Change the exercise every few days, and ensure the fences stay small and tasks are easily understood. They need to learn to turn too, so set up fences off corners and on a large circle. It's also important you teach your horse to be

Steve is a full time farrier based in Leicestershire with a passion for eventing. Following an 11 year break from riding, Steve started affiliated competitions six years ago and hasn't looked back since! He currently has a team of youngsters who are quickly progressing up the ranks. Last year, Ufonso (Ash), a 16.2hh grey roan five-year-old, finished 10th in the Burghley Young event Horse Championship. Steve joined the British Horse Feeds’ Speedi-Beet Team in 2014.

Sponsor’s Corner British Horse Feeds is best known for its flagship product ‘Speedi-Beet’ which, thanks to the unique patented process has revolutionized the feeding of beet pulp. Speedi-Beet is starch free and low in sugar, so an ideal feed for horses prone to laminitis and British Horse feeds is proud to have achieved Laminitis Trust approval.

Speedi-Beet is extremely versatile; feed it in small amounts to overweight horses as a carrier for a multivitamin and mineral supplement or in larger quantities to a poor doer for weight gain, or to a working horse for energy.

Also from British Horse Feeds, FibreBeet is a formulated blend containing all the benefits of the original Speedi-Beet product with added high quality Alfalfa for optimum condition, and to provide quality protein for muscle tone and function.

For further information please contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com.

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 29

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TRANSPORT

TRAINING TO

LOAD

By Jon Phillips of the Organisation of Horsebox & Trailer Owners Much has been written on training a horse to load and there are several tried and tested ways to coax a reluctant horse up a ramp (such as crossing two lunge lines behind).

However, every owner is in agreement that a horse that has been properly trained to walk quietly into a vehicle is a sheer joy, so we thought we should start from basics.

Loading a horse into a the horsebox or trailer is simply a test of how well you have taught him or her to walk next to you. It is not a separate skill you and your horse must learn, it's just a matter of applying the fact that as you step forward so does your horse. When the horse understands your step as a cue, meaning he is to follow each of your steps with a step of his own, you can use that cue to ask him to enter the horsebox or trailer with you. Most horses will not be too fearful of loading. Horses that are very afraid are usually horses who have been beaten into a horsebox or trailer before and are afraid that they will be beaten again.

Horses that have had bad experiences when traveling remember horseboxes and trailers as frightening things. If your horse is scared of the trailer because of previous bad experiences you must treat it like a new piece of equipment. All new equipment must be presented slowly and in a calm working environment. You reintroduce loading slowly, in a relaxed manner.

If your horse is afraid to even go near the trailer, do calm and familiar things beside it. For example, you can walk the horse in large circles next to the trailer because the circle is a familiar shape. Remember the object is to be quietly and constantly be in control of what the horse is doing.

Calmly get him working with your step and walk him up to the trailer.

30 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

The truly scared horse has a tendency to rock back on its haunches with his attention locked on the trailer as he approaches it. Gradually, you'll coax him closer and closer until you get him right up to the ramp. Finally he will literally try to go up the ramp on his toes as he walks in beside you. Take some familiarsmelling bedding from his stable and cover the ramp and trailer floor about 6 inches deep so there's no chance he'll

slip and slide when he first tries to tiptoe inside.

When you are reintroducing horseboxes and trailers, you don't want the horse to be afraid to escape or duck away. If he wants to escape, you let him. Stop at the point where he begins to hesitate and acts like he wants to escape. Let him investigate. Make sure you reinforce your friendship with the horse. Groom him, scratch him, talk nicely and do not raise

your voice. Do this over and over until the point at which he starts to worry gets closer and closer to the ramp.

A walking horse will always feel safest at your shoulder. Most of the time, the horse will be perfectly willing to stay next to your shoulder but if he is not relaxed he will want to escape (with you) when things start getting scary. If your horse gets excited, stay as close to the shoulder as you can. Your body position will calm the horse. If the horse gets scared, it is even more imperative that you remain in position at the shoulder.

You must achieve rhythm and relaxation during each stage of introducing the

Do not allow anyone to throw lit cigarettes or matches from the window of the towing vehicle.

Wind currents often suck the cigarettes or matches into the trailer, causing a fire. horsebox or trailer.

You must give him all the time he needs to get comfortable with loading. Do not force the issue. Let him check the ramp out. Give him time to be curious. Keep his attention on both the ramp and you.

Do not let his head go to the outside or behind you. If he backs up, stay at his shoulder, and ask for back. Make it your idea. Let him calm down by giving him something to do that he already understands and can be successful doing. Then walk forward again. Show

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:28 Page 31

the horse what to do. By backing and walking forward again behind the trailer, the area that the horse is comfortable in will get larger and larger until he is also comfortable walking into the trailer. So be patient and be his friend. Keep going back and walking around the vehicle, maybe even do some lunging nearby, until he realises that when he is with you, the vehicle is not scary.

Never hit a horse that's afraid of loading with your whip to get him to go in. The object is to get the horse to want to go up the ramp, not to trap him in the horsebox or trailer. He should go in because he trusts you and because he feels safe next to your shoulder. If you start a fight or try to force him you will only make the situation worse.

Remember, the big goal is getting the horse to willingly go with you anywhere, to follow your step with trust and accuracy and willingly. If the horse will not go somewhere with you, you must fine tune the heeding and earn more trust.

Now that you have overcome the problems - here are a few more tips:-

Loading the Horse • Whenever loading or unloading horses, it is best if two people are available to do the job. Use a cotton lead rope or leather lead when loading or unloading horses. This is advisable in the event that the horse rushes backwards pulling the lead through your hands.

Nylon leads will blister, burn and cut hands when pulled quickly.

• Before walking a horse into the trailer, make sure that chest bars and escape doors are open for the handler to exit safely. Never climb under or over dividers, chest bars or the horse to exit the trailer.

• Never leave yourself in the position of being trapped in the trailer with the horse between you and the exit. Make sure that the trailer is securely and properly hitched to the towing vehicle before loading a horse.

• Never load a horse or leave a horse in an unhitched trailer. Do not unhitch a trailer with a horse still inside. Trailers are very unstable and can easily tip on end.

• When loading a single horse, place the horse on the left side of the trailer.

When trailering two horses, place the heavier horse on the right side. This will make towing the trailer smoother

and the ride easier for the horse because of the crown contour of the road surface.

• When approaching the ramp make sure the horse is in the centre of the ramp so that the horse does not step off the sides.

• Always secure the rear bar/chain before tying the horses head. If the horse pulls back before the rear bar is in place it won’t break the tie, the head collar or fall down. Do not stand directly behind the horse when hooking the rear bar in case the horse flies backwards.

• When tying the horses head use a safety-quick-release knot or a tie with a panic/safety snap. Make sure the horse has enough rope length to permit head movement for balance, but not to get its head down or over to the horse traveling alongside

Traveling Safety • Most horses take to trailer travel naturally, while for others it is often a traumatic experience. It is important that a horse is happy and secure when traveling. One bad experience is all it takes to make a horse a bad traveler.

• Before starting out, check to see that the horse is comfortable, that ventilation is adequate, and that the hay net is securely fastened so that the horse cannot become tangled in it.

• Test all doors to make sure they are secure and that the tow hitch is secure.

Safety chains should be in place and all lights and brakes functioning.

• Turns, starts and stops should be very slow and steady.

• Do not exceed the speed limit.

Remember to allow extra stopping distance when towing a trailer. Moving horses and the weight of the trailer will push against the towing vehicle.

• Do not allow anyone to throw lit cigarettes or matches from the window of the towing vehicle. Wind currents often suck the cigarettes or matches into the trailer, causing a fire.

• Check on the horse(s) at every stop or every 100 miles. At this time also check the hitch, safety chains, lights and hay nets. Keep hay nets full and offer the horse(s) a drink of water.

• Avoid backing up with the trailer if at all possible. If backing is necessary it is advisable to have a person outside the vehicle to watch and guide you.

Continued over page

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 31

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TRANSPORT Product news...

continued from previous page

Unloading the Horse • When lowering the ramp keep feet and hands out of the way.

• Untie the horse before releasing the rear bar or chain.

• Do not stand on the ramp or directly behind the trailer when a horse is exiting in case it leaves the trailer quickly. It is not advisable to allow a horse to fly back quickly - this soon becomes a bad and dangerous habit.

• Try to keep the horse straight as it backs down the ramp so that it does not step off the side. Walk the horse around after traveling for an extended distance to restore circulation and ease stiff muscles.

Other Safety Precautions • When tying a horse to the outside of a trailer, use a safety-quick-release knot or panic snap. Make sure the rope is short enough that the horse cannot get a leg over it, but long enough to allow free motion of the head. Never tie a horse to a trailer with a rope length long enough to permit grazing.

This is where the most serious trailer accidents occur.

• The ramp to the trailer should be in an up position when tying a horse to the outside of the trailer, especially when the tie rings are located towards the rear. A ramp in the down position

The Kate Negus Stud Ring is a really handy piece of kit that can be used to load difficult horses or to help maintain control if the horse gets over excited when he arrives at his destination.

The Stud Ring’s metal noseband passes around the horse’s nose and is held in place by four leather straps. When the horse behaves correctly, there’s no action at all – the Stud Ring feels just like a normal headcollar. If needed, the Stud Ring commands immediate respect. RRP of £250. www.katenegus.com

leaves space between the back of the trailer and the springs where a horse can easily get a foot or leg stuck. The ramp is also the right height for the horse to injure its lower legs.

• Never leave a horse tied to the outside of a trailer unattended. When leaving a horse inside a trailer, make sure the chest bar and rear bar or chain are secure, especially if an escape door is left open.

• Do not tie a horse to the outside of a trailer when it is unhitched from the towing vehicle. Horses are stronger than we think and a panicked horse can and will drag an unhitched trailer behind it.

• Traveling with your horse is a fun and rewarding experience. As long as common sense is used and the safety guidelines above are followed trailer accidents are less likely to occur.

ONE STOP SHOP Whether your equestrian vehicle needs routine service or more specialised attention, TruckEast can get you and your vehicle moving again as quickly as possible. With 12 depots spreading across Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.

“At TruckEast, we understand the investment involved in owning an equestrian vehicle and will do everything we can to help you keep to your schedule. It’s important that your vehicle is well-maintained, minimising the risks of being stranded at the roadside with your animals. Let us manage your routine maintenance including scheduled servicing, MOT preparation and testing, tacho calibration and downloads to keep you legally compliant,” said a spokesperson.

With two fully-equipped bodyshops ready to help with accident repair and interior repairs, as well as TruckEast’s specialist heavy-recovery vehicles available to help 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, they’ll get you back on course before you know it. The bodyshop team are also expert at creating fabulous livery, specialist paint finishes and colour-matching.

Whatever your make of horsebox from vans to luxury HGVs - TruckEast is your one stop shop for all your needs. Find your nearest TruckEast at www.truckeast.co.uk

32 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

TailMate combines a protective tail guard with a fitted tail bag to make a travel essential.

The product features an extended guard that’s soft, padded and covers the full length of the dock. Held in place using hook and loop style straps, it’s highly adjustable, so it’ll fit most sizes of dock.

RRP of £21. www.newequinewear.co.uk

FMBs’ Mesh Magnetic Rug is a great rug for travelling, whether it’s used on its own in the summer months or under other rugs on cooler days.

The rug has 18 strategically placed pockets positioned over the horse’s shoulders, withers, back, rump and hips. Each rug comes with ten magnetic patches that can be placed wherever the horse’s owner wishes. Magnetic Therapy can be used for bumps, bruises, stiff joints and muscles, before and after strenuous exercise, for cold backs, for travelling and for general relaxation.

RRP of £189.99. www.fmbs.co.uk

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:28 Page 33

Q&A Stress-free competition travelling!

If you’re thinking about investing in a new trailer for this season, then you need to add the very exciting Fautras Provan Premium to your list.

This trailer was the chosen mode of horse-transport at the World Equestrian Games in 2014 because of the (very!) long list of impressive safety features and easy-loading, ramp-less entry.

Peace of mind and ease of use is what every horse-owner is looking for on competition days - stress-free loading and a safe, comfortable journey. Hundreds of thousands of these beautiful trailers are already being enjoyed all over Europe and now they’re reaching us in the UK courtesy of Horse Trailer World.

Every feature on the multi-award winning Fautras Provan Premium is based on in-depth research, and then designed with the travelling horse in mind, starting with the rampless entry - doing away with awful ramp-related accidents.

Whether you’re considering the fabulous load-aid system (where you simply pull a lever and the breach bar closes automatically – an absolute must-have for those travelling to competitions alone), or the market-leading warranty which includes an impressive lifetime guarantee on the rotproof floor, these superior trailers really are the ultimate in horse transportation with attention to detail from the ground, up.

At an affordable price point, these trailers can be towed by a mid-sized car (doing away with costly 4x4’s) because of the practical, light-weight design. And what makes this lightweight design even better is the independent, maintenance-free suspension on each wheel (with in-built stability control) which means that this trailer is amazingly comfy for the travelling horse, and effortless to tow for the driver.

The design of the Fautras horse trailers are not ingenious by default. Leading French horseman, Jean Luc Fautras developed and patented these amazing safety features to protect the travelling horse – these are trailers designed with the horse in mind and are not agricultural trailers adapted for horses.

With an abundance of features on board, you’d be surprised at how many extras come as standard on this trailer – from the over-size front exit doors on both sides and the huge tack-locker to the spare wheel and elegant hub caps.

The full Fautras range of trailers, which house two – four horses is available from Horse Trailer World.

The Fautras Provan Premium costs £8999 inclusive of VAT. Horse Trailer World can deliver nationwide and have various finance packages to suit all budgets. www.horsetrailerworld.co.uk

with horsebedding.co.uk

Q: What should I consider when choosing bedding away from the stables?

A: It is widely accepted by riders who prefer a shaving bed that the smaller the chip, the higher the absorbency, which is entirely correct. It is for this reason that many riders use Baby equibed in their trailers and lorries. Horses that are away from home at competitions need to be encouraged to urinate and drink whilst traveling which is often quite hard to do.

The absorbency of the little chip bedding stops any splashing which is partially what the horses seem to dislike as well as protecting the floor of your transporter from corrosion. Baby equibed is also a very clean, low dust bedding that is suited to such a low ventilated environment, in comparison to a stable.

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 33

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TRANSPORT Major new survey in travelling safety...

Safer

Emergency service response to rescues involving horses has improved dramatically over the last few years.

The fire and rescue service has a joined up approach to equine rescue and firefighters from across the country meet regularly through the Chief Fire Officers Association, Animal Rescue Forum, to continually develop rescue expertise in conjunction with veterinary specialists. This subject area for emergency responders, veterinarians and welfare organisations has grown rapidly in the last few years and necessitated establishment of the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) in 2012.

One particularly challenging aspect of equine rescue involves entrapment in transportation. Specifically there seems to be an alarming number of traumatic situations reportedly occurring in vehicles where the horse travels facing backwards.

This seems to go against studies which promote rear facing transport as being less stressful for your horse and pose little chance of problems occurring. So, why have the emergency services got a different perception?

In response to this question, BARTA have teamed up with equine behavioural specialists, Intelligent Horsemanship, to discover whether the increase in reported rescues from rear facing transportation is due to contributory factors that can be resolved through improved design or behavioural adaptations. Equally, it may be that similar numbers of problems occur in forward facing vehicles, though they do not routinely make the headlines.

The first part of the study involves you! We need to gather evidence and find out the common factors associated with these situations. Therefore if you have had an incident, no matter how minor in the last 5 years, we need you to feed in to the process

by completing a short online survey.

Include any situation where a horse has been in difficulty in the horse box, lorry or trailer, whether it has resolved itself, you have had to intervene or it has required the attendance of a vet and/or the Fire and Rescue Service. It will only take a few minutes to complete but the more detail you can give, the more informed the results and the better equipped we will be to take this to the next stage.

Results of the survey may reveal underlying patterns which can be focused on. The next stage will be a comprehensive study of behaviour whilst transporting horses. As well as looking at which direction they prefer to face, we want to consider how design may affect their ability to display naturally relaxed posture and how comfort can be supplemented with safety measures,

Product news...

The Stubbs Luggage Rack is ideal for the horse box or trailer (and tack rooms too) and is particularly suited at high level to make use of otherwise wasted space. The rack incorporates end bars to prevent smaller items dropping out and two storage hooks below. RRP: £39.99. www.abbeyengland.com

34 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Photos courtesy of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

HELP MAKE HORSE TRAVEL

in case something unforeseen and unpreventable happens.

The final stage will be engagement and consultation with manufacturers who are willing to embrace evidential findings and work with industry experts to improve equine safety when travelling. The cars we drive are designed with safety and comfort uppermost, your horse deserves no less.

Baroness Mallalieu, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Horse, supports this new study. “Equine transportation incidents present considerable challenges for the emergency services, notwithstanding the suffering and distress caused to horse and owner. Any project that leads to safer travel is welcomed by the APG and the additional effects of reducing stress and anxiety will have tremendous benefits for equine

The QuarterGuard helps to protect the quarters from scuffs during transit- essential for those who need to look their best.

The guard is made from tough PVC backed polyester woven fabric, and fits around the horse’s dock, to protect the quarters where they could touch the trailer ramp or side of the lorry. RRP: £19. www.newequinewear.co.uk

welfare nationally.”

“The UK Fire and Rescue Service attend many equine and livestock transportation incidents each year. Prevention is a key part of the work of the fire and rescue service and we welcome likeminded initiatives. I hope this study will be a catalyst, in not just reducing the numbers of incidents, but improving safety of the public and wellbeing of horses when situations do occur,” said Steve Foye, Chair of the Chief Fire Officers Association, Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum.

“The British Horse Society is fully supportive of any initiative that might lead to a safer world for horses and riders alike.

That is why we are so delighted by this BARTA study and we would strongly encourage anybody who has anything useful to add to take part. The results of this study just might end up saving lives and surely that is something that anybody involved in horses will want to get behind,” said Lee Hackett British Horse Society "At Intelligent Horsemanship we are always striving to make life easier and safer for the horse. By completing our survey, people can make a really important contribution to this vital research into how to keep our horses as safe as possible whilst transporting them," said Kelly Marks, Founder of Intelligent Horsemanship.

BARTA was founded in 2012. Key roles are to provide advice, direction, training and accreditation for those involved in the rescue and trauma care of animals, from small domestic animals to livestock and horses. For more information visit www.bartacic.org

The V-Tie is ideal for the lorry or trailer as it provides a neat and reliable point to tie the horse to.

It is made to release should the horse pull back sharply or if the horse’s owner pulls on the red tab to release the horse. If the V-Tie is pulled apart, it can be closed and used again.

RRP: £9.95. www.moorlandrider.co.uk

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SURE-TRACK WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF FALLING VICTIM TO HORSEBOX OR TRAILER THEFT Sure-Track provides Mobile Tracking, Asset Recovery and Theft Deterrent Systems, no matter what your asset, powered or non–powered, business or leisure, pride and joy or livelihood, they have a product to protect and manage it. Here Sure-Track explains how they can help protect and recover your horse box or trailer.

Theft Deterrent system – Thiefbeaters Thiefbeaters is a sophisticated identification theft deterrent system. It has been designed to deter would-be thieves from stealing your horse box or trailer by making it harder to sell on or dismantle for parts. This is achieved by marking it with a unique identifier in over 40 different locations, 80% of which are hidden and 20% are clearly visible. The horse box or trailer is then registered on the national database that can be accessed only by the owner, police and insurance companies. Also fitted are highly visible “non-destruct” warning stickers which are prominently displayed to create awareness that the horse box or trailer has been security marked and registered.

Features and Benefits of Thiefbeaters: • Over 40 different types of markings covering both the interior and exterior of the horse box or trailer.

- Etching - Engraving - Stamping - Stickers - Micro dots

• Registration on the national secure database • No additional charges for stolen asset reports • Reduced insurance premiums The Thiefbeaters system is installed by a registered installer who has been trained in etching, engraving and stamping. This system has been designed specifically for horse boxes and trailers Asset Recovery – MT3 The Sure-Track MT3 is a fully monitored battery operated asset recovery device that is simple to install and easy to use. It has been designed specifically to get your asset returned to you as quickly as possible following theft.

Features and Benefits of the MT3: • Easy to install • 3 year battery life • Tamper and movement alarm • 24/7 movement alarm • Secure recover The Sure-Track 24/7 bureau desk will monitor your horse box or trailer and in the event of a theft will despatch a member of their national Finder network to locate it for you. With their outstanding 91% recovery rate they flip the national statistic of 5% on its head.

The MT3 is suitable for use in all types of horse boxes and trailers.

Do not fall victim to theft, call Sure-Track on 01926 863630 and see how they can help protect and manage your horse box or trailer.

Theft Deterrent Systems CALL 01926 863 630

Do not fall victim to theft

www.sure-track.co.uk ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 35

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TRANSPORT AGROCO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS

The team at Agroco Trailers

The Ifor Williams dealership for Suffolk are pleased to announce that they are expanding as the business continues to grow. They are set to move in the early part of this year to a new yard as they have outgrown their old one.

It is an exciting time for Agroco Trailers as Ifor Williams launch the new Eventa Horse Trailer with living. The Eventa is available in four specs per model and can include anything from gas cooker and fridge to electric flush and flatscreen TV. This trailer really is a home from home and Agroco Trailers have had a lot of interest so far.

The hire fleet now includes the larger HB511 Horse Trailer, as well as the HB506 and are available from as little as £30 per day. All trailers are serviced and maintained and come complete with locks and optional trailer cam. They also hire out flatbed trailers which are useful for picking up hay and straw etc.

Agroco Trailers now have an online shop where spare parts and accessories such as breeching bars, tack packs and tie rings can be ordered. They hold one of the largest stocks of Ifor Williams parts on the shelf ready for next day delivery.

With 120 new trailers in stock at any one time, they likely have the trailer you are looking for. They stock the HB506 and HB511 horse trailers, one of each colour, and a Medium Gold Spec and Large Gold Spec Eventa Trailer, all available for viewing and purchase 6 days a week. Another popular option they now provide is finance on all trailers to help spread the cost of your investment.

Servicing for Agroco has grown rapidly year on year with customers returning for a yearly service. All the workshop technicians are Ifor Williams trained so you know your trailer is in good hands.

With the showing season approaching Agroco Trailers have the following recommendations: • Check over your trailer for any rot or damage, particularly the floor if wooden.

• Make sure all lighting and electrics work especially before every journey.

• Check tyre conditions and pressures (don’t forget the spare wheel!)

• Book your trailer in for its yearly service. Agroco Trailers carry out service and repair work to all makes of trailers.

If Agroco Trailers can help you then feel free to give them a call on 01473 657571 or check out their website and online shop at www.agrocotrailers.co.uk

36 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

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Giveaways READER

WE HAVE 15 SACKS OF BAILEYS KEEP CALM UP FOR GRABS

Baileys Keep Calm is a high fibre non-heating feed for horses at rest or in up to moderate work. This new innovation contains Speedi-Beet, which provides highly digestible superfibres in a fully balanced low starch, low sugar feed. Designed to soak to a tasty mash in just 10 minutes, Keep Calm is barley-free, with linseed for a shiny coat, while extracts of flavours of essential oils give it an irresistible aroma. Keep Calm is ideal for horses whose owners are looking to control starch and/or sugar intake and is even suitable for those prone to laminitis.

Formulated to maintain condition whilst helping encourage a calm temperament, Keep Calm contains quality protein, to support muscle tone, and a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and magnesium. For optimum gut health and digestive efficiency, Keep Calm contains Baileys Digest Plus prebiotic as well as antioxidants, like vitamin E, to support the immune system.Keep Calm is priced at around £11.50 for 20kg.

For more information contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

WIN A SNAFFLES COMPETITION SHIRT FROM EQUTECH We have 4 Snaffles Competition Shirt from Equetech to be won which feature an exclusive especially commissioned snaffle bridle print design which brings a haute couture feel to summer competition wear!

Styled in a lightweight technical stretch fabric which offers total freedom of movement, this shirt features a stock (Ratcatcher) collar, loop to the back to attach riding stock, gathered seam at the bust, front placket with a parade of Equetech engraved buttons, scooped back hem and raglan sleeves.

Available in two unique bridle patterns, this super stylish shirt combines function with fashion beautifully! Sizing: 8–18. RRP: £43.95 Colours: White/Grey Bridles, White/Dark Bridles For more information call 01296 688 966 or visit www.equetech.com

WIN A FREDDIE PARKER SHIRT FROM THEIR CHELTENHAM LADIES COLLECTION We have two Freddie Parker shirts from their ‘Cheltenham Ladies Collection’ to give away.

Paying homage to the stylish race-going ladies who flock to this great city it focuses on feminine shirting with fashion tailoring. Offering the same exceptional attention to detail and beautiful design as in their popular men’s shirting collection, the women’s shirts are translated through a slimmer silhouette with a more feminine cut. The inside of the collar, cuffs and the placket feature the brand’s bold signature ‘galloping horse and rider’ graphic print (harking back to the brand’s graphic designer roots) and is also featured through embroidery on the chest. The Freddie Parker name embroidery on the hem and final contrast button complete this shirt’s allure. Sizes 10–18. Available in Candy Pink Stripe, Pure White (Shown) and Candy Turquoise Stripe. RRP: £65.00 For more information visit www.freddieparker.com

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN A SNUGGY HOODS BUG BODY The Snuggy Hoods Snuggy Bug Body now comes in a new fabric which is lighter, but stronger with increased durability, breathability and water repellency to match our Great British weather.

The Snuggy Bug Body is a HEADLESS OPTION – pleasing customers who don’t wish for head coverage on their equine, but want complete fly protection.

The Snuggy Bug Body comes in beige, black, brown or Haint Blue and offers protection from poll to tail; it includes a belly flap, lined hood, tail guard which wraps around the dock and a tail flap. It is elasticated behind the ears to prevent any unwelcome guests.

The Snuggy Bug Body comes in sizes 4’6 to 7’ and has an RRP of £135.00.

For more information please visit www.snuggyhoods.com or email sales@snuggyhoods.com or call 01225 783399.

✁ TO ENTER, FILL IN THE COUPON AND RETURN BEFORE THE DEADLINE STATED.

I would like to enter the draw for: (tick all appropriate boxes and indicate prize preference where applicable)

Name....................................................................................................................................... Address....................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode................................

Baileys Keep Calm

Freddie Parker Shirt Size.....................................................

Colour................................................

Daytime tel.......................................................Mob............................................................ Email: ..........................................................................................................

See page 3 for full terms and conditions.

Size .......................................................

Post to: Absolute Horse, Home Barn, Grove Hill, Belstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3LS. Closing date: 31st March 2015 Snuggy Hoods Bug Body Size..................................................... 2014. Alternatively enter online at www.absolutehorsemagazine.com and click the competitions page

Colour....................................................

Colour................................................

Snaffles Shirt

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 37

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HEALTHCARE: WORMING

Better worming for your yard ow many yards, large and small are trapped into over dosing worming programmes? Far too many we suspect. I’ll try to explain why this is a bad thing leading to poor worm control and increasing numbers of resistant parasites, then how you can do things differently.

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Where lots of horses are kept together, as on livery yards, it is very important to have a good programme in place which everyone follows. Traditionally wormers were given at set intervals, using different drugs at different times of the year to give full cover.

But advice has changed and many yards seem stuck in this rut. I can’t emphasise strongly enough how important it is to stop blanket worming every horse as though they all had the same worm burden. This is a sure way to breed resistant worms so that eventually there will be no effective wormers left to treat

horses who need it. A very scary thought indeed.

Every time the worms are exposed to a worming drug the most resistant strains will not be killed. Instead they go on to reproduce and create a bigger population of resistant worms so that the wormers gradually get less and less effective. There is already some resistance to every drug we use to treat our horses, some more than others. Add to this the incorrect practice of moving horses to clean pasture after worming and the resistant worms will soon dominate the population on your fields.

By Gillian Booth of Westgate Labs

A much better approach is to add in some testing to your programme and find out which horses, if any, actually need treating.

Start with a spring worm count when worming would normally be due. Westgate have an established commercial service which makes yard testing easy, affordable and cost effective, just ask for details.

Going by the results from this you will normally only need to worm a few horses.

Expert help and guidance is always available from the experienced team at the lab to help you decide which products are appropriate.

The usual pattern is to worm count again in summer and autumn at three monthly intervals, again only worming those who need it, and then give a winter dose to every horse to cover encysted stages of redworm.

either worming, using the new Equisal saliva test or a combination of both. Again advice is freely available to help you decide.

Ultimately by opting for a test based programme, yards will have much better worm control, have to give far fewer wormers, and slow down the development of resistant worms on their property.

Contact Westgate Labs today to get started on 01670 791994

Tapeworm cover has to be built in too,

Kick start spring with a natural intestinal hygiene regime For a chemical free regime which controls intestinal hygiene during periods of challenge and also enhances health, with high quality herbal ingredients, try Verm-X Pellets for Horse & Ponies.

Spring is the perfect time to address health as horses make the transition from winter and may benefit from an extra boost.

Verm-X Pellets for Horses & Ponies retail at around ÂŁ11.95, each 250g box contains five individual sachets (one sachet to be used every day for five consecutive days every 12 weeks), also available in powder and liquid form. www.verm-x.com

38 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

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HEALTHCARE: RAGWORT Signs are variable but may include: • Weight loss • Abdominal pain or colic • Diarrhoea • Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin and whites of the eyes).

The dangers of

Ragwort

By Emmeline Hannelly, Welfare Education Officer at the British Horse Society ommon Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), is a prevalent weed that grows throughout the British Isles. Recognised as an important plant for pollinators, ragwort’s growth for biodiversity is important. However, it does have poisonous properties to which horses are particularly susceptible.

Sadly, it is far too common to observe horses grazing in fields with ragwort.

Ragwort has a bitter taste whilst alive which results in some horse owners assuming that their horses will not consume it. Whilst it is true that ragwort would not normally be a horse’s food of choice, the fact that it usually flourishes where other plant life is sparse may encourage its consumption. Some horses appear not to mind the bitter taste and, most importantly, the toxic effects of ragwort are cumulative so even the accidental consumption of small amounts over a long period of time may be problematic.

As the plant naturally wilts, the ragwort loses its bitter taste and becomes more palatable to horses whilst retaining its toxic properties. Consequently there is greater risk when the plant is in its dried form, for example, when it is found in hay or haylage. Therefore, no horse owner/keeper can guarantee that their horse will not consume ragwort if it is left to grow on the pasture. Although horses may appear in good health, the damage done by low level

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Another principle sign is bizarre or depressed behaviour being shown by the horse. A healthy liver removes toxins from the bloodstream. When the liver is failing, this important task isn’t efficiently completed and as a result poisons build up in the bloodstream which subsequently affect the nervous system (known as hepatic encephalopathy). Clinical signs include: • Head pressing (often against a stable wall) • Lethargy • Loss of coordination • Continuous circling • Aimless walking • Aggressiveness • Seizures Liver failure can also lead to a condition called photosensitisation whereby lightcoloured, non-pigmented or hairless areas of the skin are affected. This occurs when the liver’s function to remove light-reactive chemicals (found in plant material) is

hindered. As a result the chemicals are able to circulate freely in the bloodstream. Upon reaching the skin, the chemicals react to ultraviolet sunlight with results that range from mild skin irritations to severe blistering of the skin. This is not the same as the common problem of sunburn suffered by some horses.

Diagnosis The diagnosis of liver failure is provisionally based on the history of the horse, any clinical signs exhibited and the use of laboratory tests. In most cases a blood sample is analysed for indicators of reduced liver function and liver damage.

To secure a firm diagnosis of ragwort poisoning an ultrasound scan and a liver biopsy would be required.

Treatment Once the horse is showing clinical signs of liver failure the prognosis is poor as no specific treatment is available to cure or undo the damage. Therefore, if appropriate, treatment is aimed at supporting the functions of the liver and keeping the horse comfortable. In serious conditions euthanasia is often the only viable option.

ingestion can happen over months or years as the toxin accumulates.

Ragwort Poisoning The horse’s liver is an amazing organ which is responsible for a wide range of functions to keep the horse’s body in good working order.

Ragwort contains the toxic compounds pyrrolizidine alkaloids. If any part of the ragwort plant (either growing or in its dried form) is consumed by the horse the toxins pass through the liver, as is the case for anything that the horse digests.

Unfortunately, the liver is incapable of removing the toxins, or rendering them harmless, and as a result the liver cells (hepatocytes) are damaged.

These damaged liver cells lose the capability to regenerate and thereby create new cells. Thus as they die they are replaced by fibrous tissue. Slowly, as more and more cells are damaged, the liver shrinks and becomes more fibrous in structure. Eventually there are not enough healthy liver cells available to conduct the liver’s essential functions and liver failure becomes inevitable. Liver failure (or hepatic failure) normally occurs when more than 70 percent of the liver has been damaged.

Ragwort Poisoning Clinical Signs There is often no warning of impending liver failure until the horse exhibits clinical signs. Hence a horse may have quite severe liver damage but appear outwardly healthy.

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 39

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THERAPEUTIC RIDING

Northbrook Equestrian Centre Riding School, RDA and Special Needs Equine Therapy Centre, accredited to the ABRS (Association of British Riding Schools) and an approved Pony Club Centre ased in Offord Cluny: a quiet village located between Huntingdon and St Neots, offering easy access from the A14, A428 and A1.

Northbrook is a very successful, busy buzzy Riding School, having 20 school horses and ponies, an indoor and an outdoor arena and picturesque, farmland hacking. There’s a good variation in the types of horses on offer, starting with very steady plods through to more sensitive and off the leg horses. Andrea Pavet-Golding, proprietor says, “Temperament is of key importance in a riding school type horse, which is imperative for our special needs work and RDA. “We have three RDA Charities based at Northbrook and provide Special Needs Therapy for local care homes, service providers, hospitals and MENCAP.

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“Horses are a fantastic method of therapy, through therapuetic and hippotherapy style riding, (which uses the three dimensional movement of a horse in walk to improve movement, core strength and balance). It is proven to be immensely successful for children with cerebral palsy and MS, as well as people with brain and spinal cord injuries.”

Andrea continues, “The wonderful temperament of our horses allows our special needs clients to groom, pet and also ride, giving them calming experiences as well as the physical benefits, which is shown in our clients along with the children with autism that visit our centre.

In addition to our three registered RDA Charities at Northbrook, we also offer one to one therapy working with MENCAP, hospitals and service providers, along with referrals from Physiotherapists. Our RDA

Groups are Woodgreen RDA, Huntingdon & District RDA and Woodhurst RDA. We must remember, not all of the RDA work could be carried out without the kind help and support of the volunteers who donate their time and care throughout the year, through rain or shine and cold winter months.”

Boasting a great client base of both adults and children who ride regularly. Northbrook offer extra activities over and above the normal lessons such as ‘own a pony’ days for younger more novice riders through to Jumping Clinics and Camps, Ladies Day and the very popular ‘Summer Residential Camp’ Being an approved Pony Club Centre, they offer structured training through badges and achievement certificates, along with structured lesson planning via the ABRS schemes.

Northbrook has a unique friendly and inviting atmosphere for its staff, clients and

liveries to relax, have fun and learn within. :Our instructors offer valuable qualified, experienced teaching. Head Girl Natalie Weston is a vibrant and bubbly person, which paired with her teaching skills, allows her to give upbeat, informative lessons, being fun but constructive,” said Andrea.

Northbrook is always trying to improve the facilities for their ‘special needs clients’ and have recently managed to acquire 7 Arena Training Mirrors for the indoor school.

Andrea said, ”It’s so exciting to be able to put up Arena Mirrors. We cannot thank enough The Royal Naval Association of St Neots for their very generous contribution towards these mirrors, and furthermore, the incredible donation from Andrea Miles of Mirrors For Training, based in Wolverhampton, who provided the mirrors as well as donating 3 mirrors free of charge!

What amazing support and generosity.”

Photos: Eleanor Harrison

URGENTLY NEEDED: PONIES FOR RIDING THE RA The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding is situated in the beautiful Brett Valley near Hadleigh in Suffolk.

Affiliated to the Riding for the Disabled Association, they do not provide pony rides but horse riding therapy every week for around 90 children and adults with physical disabilities, learning or behavioural difficulties.

The medical profession recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits derived from horse riding. The warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider's body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, strengthening core stability, reducing spasm and improving balance, posture and co-ordination.

40 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

A pony that can provide a good, balanced, active movement is essential to achieve the desired benefit for those with physical, sensory or communication difficulties. The Shelley equine family at present comprises 12 horses and ponies of assorted types and sizes from Shetland ponies to 16.2hh horses and all sizes in between, so that the needs of all clients can be met. The Centre

are currently looking for two new ponies to join the team and a good temperament is a must as well as nice level active paces through all the gaits, with not too much knee action. They are looking for a first pony up to 13hh, not too broad, that can work on and off the lead rein. And also a 13.2hh native type that could take children or young adults (possibly ride and drive).

Both new ponies would need to be able to live out and enjoy a hack, either alone or in company. Because the Centre’s riders enter Dressage competitions they are looking for well-mannered ponies that move nicely and could do a dressage test.

At present the Centre has a Pony Club pony on loan which Mum and daughter both ride, which works well as the Centre only does RDA work Mondays to Fridays

during school term time, so the pony is looked after by the Centre on a daily basis but is free to take part in other activities at weekends and holidays. There is a team of able-bodied riders who exercise the ponies to keep them fit by hacking and competing them, so the ponies have plenty of variety in their lives, not just RDA. Over the years they have had several schoolmasters come through the yard and this seems to work really well as the ponies know what is expected of them which makes it makes it easier for the riders. So a retired schoolmaster with a kind temperament and good movement looking for a lovely home would be ideal.

They are prepared to consider purchasing the right pony or accepting one on loan and if any readers know of any suitable

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 41

Photo: Eleanor Harrison

rison eanor Har Photo: El

Mirrors for Training donates Arena Mirrors to help registered RDA groups at Northbrook Equestrian Centre Mirrors for Training is delighted to announce its support of the three registered RDA groups that use the Northbrook Equestrian Centre. The company’s support meant that the riders could benefit from three additional mirrors at no extra cost.

“I was only too happy to be able to help the three registered RDA groups at Northbrook Equestrian Centre – it’s a cause close to my heart,” said Andrea Miles, Managing Director at Mirrors for Training. “When Northbrook EC approached me, I really wanted to help, especially when I heard of the fundraising that had already taken place. I hope the riders enjoy using them, and that the mirrors help to support their riding and improvement.”

Mirrors for Training’s Arena Mirrors can be see in many indoor and outdoor arenas up and down the country. From riding schools and RDA groups to elite professional riders and colleges, mirrors can help all standards of rider, whatever their ambition.

Mirrors for Training’s mirrors are mounted on non-warp galvanised steel frames, offer a crisp and accurate reflection and have safety film and impact absorbing cushioners, for safety.

If you’re interested in Mirrors for Training’s Arena Mirrors for your arena, please contact 01902 791207 or see www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk. If you’re a registered RDA charity group, please mention this when you call as a special rate is provided for RDA centres.

HE RAPY ponies, the Stable Manager at the Centre, Lyn Bensusan, would like to hear from you on 01473 824172. Or if you cannot help us out with new ponies, but are interested in helping with the daily lessons (they rely solely on volunteers), please get in touch on the above number.

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 41

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SHOWING PHOTO NEWS

❙ Winter Showing Show ❙ Newton Hall EC ❙ 1st February

Georgina Reik and Wilderness Early Bird, PUK Domino Ridden Part Bred winners

Charley Baxter and Lola Law, BSPS Mixed Height for Noivce Show Hunter Pony winners

Brooke Vaughan and Waitwith Finda, M&M Novice Lead Rein winners

Emma Walker and Springwater Music Master, BSPS Novice Ridden Small M&M

Flora Hayes and Ravenshead Caradog, PUK M&M Lead Rein winners

Sophie Robins and Too Much Melody, BSPS M&M Novice Large Breed winner

Holly King and Kilmiston King Kudo, BSPS Open Intermediate Show Hunter winners

Charlotte Tuck and Springlane Firecracker, 2nd place M&M First Ridden

Oliver Reid and Colby Silver Shadow, M&M Novice First Ridden winners

Sam Overton and Rhinns Point Domhnull Hendie, PUK Open Ridden M&M Large Breeds winners

Alice Brown and Newtown JD, Junior Ridden M&M winners

PHOTOS: EASTERN LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY 42 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

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DRESSAGE PHOTO NEWS

❙ Unaffiliated Dressage ❙ Newton Hall EC ❙ 8th February

Helen Mann and Miss Fortune, 3rd place Intro A

Sarah Chapmand and Regency Rio

Julia Green and Fynnlands Bonjovi

Kat Ashdown and Mallow King, Elementary 42 winners

Alex Hale and Fynnlands Cassandra, Intro A Winners

Linda Rowell and Fay

Charlotte Mann and Maisie, 3rd place Prelim 1

Megan McKeary and De Graaf

Mike Harris, Prelim 1 winners

Rachel Woodward and Glancordin Express, 2nd place Elementary 42

PHOTOS: EASTERN LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 43

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 44

LOCAL SHOWS 22nd January Wix EC: Dressage Intro B 1 J Hollis – Zener; 2 L Hale – Lanefield Solo; 3 N Pitcher – Mr Remembrance; 4 R Chinnery – Fifty. Prelim 1 1 L Hale – Lanesfield Solo; 2 L ClarkeSpence – Casavina Z; 3 L Green – Clipper; 4 J Hollis – Zener. Prelim 4 1 L Hale – Lanefield Solo; 2 L Erith – Wizard; 3 S Kirwan – Mr Darcey; 4 D Akers – Triade.

Novice 24 1 L Erith – Hugo; 2 A Wilkinson – Googie; 3 R Chinnery – Stan. % Class 1 N Shotbolt – Aughabeg Prince. % Music 1 N Shotbolt – Aughabeg Prince.

25th January Overa Farm Stud: Unaffiliated Dressage W&T B 1 Caroline Hytch – Bannockburn Boy; 2 R Wright – Teazle; 3 Polly Mountford – Billy; 4 Polly Mountford – Goose. Prelim 7 1 Debbie Cox – Ruby; 2 Sally Sloan – Lenny; 3 Susannah Close – Himself; 4 Caroline Hytch – Bannockburn Boy. Prelim 15 1 Debbie Cox – Supa Nova; 2 Abbie Richards – Hugo Boss; 3 Debbie Cix – Ruby; 4 Charlotte Dann – Smartie. Novice 38 1 Charlotte Dann – Smartie; 2 Louise Hawkins – Ross; 3 Abbie Richards – Hugo Boss; 4 Ruth Harris – Dan. Elementary 49 1 Louise Hawkins – Ross.

25th January Lime Kiln Farm EC: Unaffiliated SJ 65cm Pony 1 Honoria Bulwer-Long - Gold Dawn Chorus; 2 Evie Witte – Alfie; 3 Emily Gurney – Conker; 4 Sarah Earl - Early’s Ecstacy.

65cm Horse 1 Honoria Bulwer-Long - Crack The Puzzle; 2 Evelyn Millbank – Ellie. 70cm Speed 1 Sarah Earl - Early’s Ecstacy; 2 Imogen RowlandStone - Stormydown Ronaldo; 3 Stephanie Howes - Trixie’s Silver Wynsana; 4 Honoria Bulwer-Long - Kings Conquest. 75cm 1 Stephanie Howes - Trixie’s Silver Wynsana; 2 Louise Wakelin - My Annagh Star; 3 Ann Jones – Guisho; 4 Steve Smith – Dixie. 85cm 1 Stephanie Howes - Trixie’s Silver Wynsana; 2 Sarah Earl - Euro KP; 3 Claire-Louise Bond – Nowall; 4 Louise Wakelin - My Annagh Star.

95cm 1 Nick Rivett – Villager; 2 Claire Rivett – Sparky; 3 Alida Tysterman – Sequence; 4 Rosy Standing – Ruby. 1.05m 1 Alida Tysterman – Cassie; 2 Claire Rivett – Sparky; 3 Olivia Hornagold - Hoi Polloi; 4 Rosy Standing – Ruby.

28th January

25th January Higham Racecourse: Waveney Harriers Point to Point Hunt Members Miss A Bowles – Carlanstown; 2 R Collinson – king of Castle; 3 S Whyte – Chapmans Peak. PPORA Club Members Div 1 1 A Wright – Stress; 2 J Hill – Earl Grez; 3 B Hampson – Driftashore; 4 R Collinson – Conkies Lad. PPORA Club Members Div 2 1 P Mann – The Sliotar; 2 James Ferguson – Themilanhorse; 3 K Gowing – Carpincho; 4 Z Baker – Ferris Bueller. Mens Open 1 A Barlow – Brackloon High; 2 J Hill – Ravethebrave; 3 Stuart Robinson – Brunswick Gold; 4 D Kemp – Master Workman. Ladies Open 1 H Lewis – Bound For Glory; 2 C Williamson – It Was Me; 3 G Andrews – Start Royal; 4 L Allan – Quinsman. Open Maiden Div 1 T Ellis – My Alfie; 2 Z Baker – Venlo; 3 R Stearn – Beat The Index; 4 W Bishop – Velvet Cloud. Open Maiden Div 2 1 P Mann – Glory Hunter; 2 J Andrews – Weve Got Company; 3 A Barlow – Celtic Intrigue; 4 B Andrews – Verdasco.

Restricted 1 R Collinson – Play The Ace; 2 J Tudor – Brians Well; 3 B Andrews – Troufion; 4 P Mann – Brake Hill. Club Members 1 J Docker – Popaway; 2 G Andrews – Running in Heels; 3 T Worsley – Zakharyina; 4 M Spencer – Mad Moll.

Carlanstown winner of the Hunt Members Race

Stress winner of the PPORA Club Members Race Div. 1

Dough Boy winner of the 138cms & under pony race.

Beside the Sea winner of the 148cms & under pony race

Wix EC: Novice Evening Showjumping 18” 1 Lauren Mallett – HRA Connie; 2 Alfie Bennett – Teddy; 3 Bea Andrew – Nippy; 4 Summer Kingsbury – HRA Domino. 2’ 1 Brad Kent – Sporty; 2 Lauren Mallett – HRA Connie; 3 Alfie Bennett – Teddy; 4 Summer Kingsbury – HRA Domino. 2’3 1 Tilly Stiff – RED Letter Day.

The Sliotar winner of the PPORA Club Members Race Div. 2

Brackloon High winner of the Mens Open Race.

Photos: Richard Weller-Poley

Debbie Cox on Ruby

31st January The College of West Anglia: NSEA Dressage Intro B 1 Ella Zatouroff – Foxi; 2 Chris Gould – Evita; 3 Amelia Buchan – Storm; 4 Lydia Law – Mister Bobby. Prelim 12 1 Emily Proctor – Will He Wont He; 2 Amy Esterhuizen – Totem; 3 Sophia Farrington – Knocken Power Rebel; 4 Eliza Saunders – Sampsons Dream. Novice 24 1 Emily Proctor – Will He Wont He; 2 Amy Esterhuizen – Totem; 3 Freia Gould – Jack; 4 Alyce Trude – Donita.

Louise Hawkins on Ross

Amelia Buchan riding Storm

Amy Esterhuizen riding Totem

Eliza Saunders riding Sampsons Dream

Emily Procter riding Will He Wont He

Polly Mountford and Billy R Wright onTeazle

Sophia Farrington riding Knocken Power Rebel Ella Zatouroff riding Foxi

Photos: Kindly Supplied 44 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

Photos: Rob Morris Photography

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1st February The College of West Anglia: Dressage Unaffiliated Music Prelim 1 Kyrsten Halley – Tax Problem. Open 1 Sally Wilkin – Active Don Escudo. Unaffiliated Music Novice 1 Judith Loversidge – Life O Reilly.

Open 1 Sally Wilkin – Active Don Escudo, 2 Janine King – Upgrade. Res 1 Lucy Yorke – Tess II. Music Elementary 1 Lucy Yorke – Tess II. Music Medium 1 Siobhan Gilligan – Zweden. Music Adv Medium 1 Michaela Fowles – Broomfield Rex.

Siobhan Gilligan riding Zweden

Lucy Yorke riding Tess II

1st February Wix EC: Pasada Showjumping Horses 2’6 1 Amelia Hunnable – Angelina B; 2 Lorna Simpson – Maggie; 3 Kelly Greaves – Fenton’s Flint. 2’9 1 Sarah Endean – Bunnow Magpie; 2 Rachel Chisnell – Murphy; 3 Lorna Simpson – Maggie; 4 Harry Batemen – Ruby. 3’ 1 Emily Ballock – Mova 41; 2 ChloeAnn May – Mr Noah Lot; 3 Sarah Endean – Bunnow Magpie; 4 Harry Macleod – Honey.

3’3 1 Emily Ballock – Nova 41; 2 Kelly Foley – Jack; 3 Danusia Gibson – Quinine D’02; 4 Chloe-Ann May – Mr Noah Lot. Ponies 2’ 1 Lily Cane – Max. 2’3 1 Lily Cane – Max; 2 Lilli hughes – Ozzie; 3 Carrie Munrow – Olaf. 2’6 1 Leah Hayes – Millie; 2 Leah Hayes – Tango; 3 Lucy Hinde – Miss Molly. 2’9 1 Toby Holland – Frank; 2 Albert Holland – Scooby; 3 Lucy Hinde – Miss Molly; 4 Leah Hayes – Tango.

4th February Forest Edge Arena: Unaffiliated Dressage W&T 1 Jenny Brown – Tiabob; 2 Nichola Hopes – Lola; 3 Deborah Robinson – Pure Emerald; 4 Rachael King – Cilsane. Prelim 4 1 Donna Linney – Lily; 2 Jane Spencer – Comico; 3 Claire Burch – Templewood Isis; 4 Barbara Shaw – Never Diss Miss. Prelim 7 1 Jane Spencer – Comico; 2 Linda Shaw – Stargazers Moonshine; 3 Barbara Shaw – Never Diss Miss; 4 Donna Linney – Lily. Novice 28 1 Michelle Lowe – Vicendi Noble Cavalier; 2 Jessie Harmer – Don Dijamant; 3 Frances Vos – Heritage Geminii; 4 Laura Newsham – Ruby. Novice 34 1 Jessie Harmer – Don Dijamant; 2 Zoe King – Colombard; 3 Sandra Joyes – Toprock Matey; 4 Jacqueline Anderson – Woody. Elementary 50 1 Jessie Harmer – Don Dijamant; 2 Jenny Brown – Rockwell Star; 3 Emily Lochore – Lily; 4 Emily Lochore – Hex.

5th February Wix EC: Dressage Prelim 7 1 P Wyncoll – Heidi; 2 L Erith – Wizard; 3 A Ramsay – Superzar; 4 S Allen – Wellington of Bellhouse. Prelim 13 1 S Haxell – Hovis; 2 A Jacobs – Ghost in Cavalier; 3 C Lucas – Buzz; 4 S Letch – Toronto. Novice 27 1 C Lee – Silver Alberton; 2 A Jacobs – Ghost in Cavalier; 3 D Dew – Murphy; 4 S Tomalin – Percy. % Class 1 S Tomalin – Percy. % Music 1 J Penwarden – Decoram.

7th February Brook Farm TC: Unaffiliated Dressage Intro A Senior 1 Kim Hall – Golinco; 2 Kirsty Chappell - Donys Paper Doll. Intro A Junior 1 Kayleigh Chappell - Superiors Flash; Intro B Senior 1 Yvone Toms – Parker; 2 Kim Hall – Golinco; 3 Kirsty Chappell - Donys Paper Doll. Intro B Junior 1 Kayleigh Chappell Superiors Flash; 2 Maya Mcnelis – Dolly. Prelim 4 Senior 1 Claire Fielding – Hettie; 2 Samantha Thompson – Romulus; 3 Emma Leader – Whitley; 4 Laura Chapman – Harry.

Prelim 4 Junior 1 Nancy Wood - Valentino’s Diamond Princess. Prelim 18 Senior 1 Samantha Harrison - Angelito II; 2 Debbie Brown - Essendon Myron; 3 Claire Fielding – Hettie; 4 Samantha Thompson – Romulus. Prelim 18 Junior 1 Nancy Wood - Valentino’s Diamond Princess; 2 Caitlin Warren - Oke Dene Jacob. Novice 24 1 Gemma Pye - Lucky Score; 2 Debbie Brown - Essendon Myron. Novice 30 1 Becky Wainwright - Essendon Flying Rocket; 2 Claire Fielding – Bouncer; 3 Samantha Harrison - Angelito II; 4 Cyndy Johnson - Well Overdue. Elementary 44 1 Claire Fielding – Bouncer; 2 Becky Wainwright Essendon Flying Rocket.

8th February Forest Edge Arena: Unaffiliated Showjumping 60cm 1 Freya Cde – mini Me I; 2 Olivia Hardingham – Edward Silverspoon; 3 Annabelle Loates – Maddison County; 4 Tia-Lily Crane – Birchlands Wonder. 70cm 1 Claire Pye – Toscamanda; 2 Freya Cade – Mini Me I; 3 Jessica Boxall – Free Spirit; 4 Jessica Boxall – Just Ted. 80cm 1 Abbt Clark – Nebro Bridesmaid; 2 Katie Cameron – Mayland Delight; 3 Richard Williams – Evie; 4 Meg willis – Archie. 90cm 1 Bethany Hams – Private Matinee; 2 Eleanor Fairey – Johnny; 3 Harvey Daniels – Harveys Mr Magic; 4 Abby Clark – Nebro Bridesmaid. 1m Katie Cameron – Dundee Spirit; 2 Richard Williams – Evie; 3 Barry Mennington – Lola; 4 Rozzy Goodjohn – Clara.

Michaela Fowles riding Broomfield Rex

8th February Lime Kiln Farm EC: Unaffiliated Dressage LKF Intro 1 1 Ella Fairbairn-Day - August Surprise; 2 Pauline Wrighton - Hilderston Myrna; 3 Gemma Hewitt - Siberian Belle; 4 Milly Taylor – Daisy. Intro A 1 Deborah Robinson - Pure Emerald; 2 Pauline Wrighton - Hilderston Myrna; 3 Zara Horn Aristo Royal Diamond; 4 Kyra Welch – Harry. Prelim 12 1 Juliet Jacob - Isserkelly Young Geoghan; 2 Sharon Savoury Oxnead Appleby; 3 Joanna Felton – Coolio; 4 Sheena Blyth - Jensen Button. Prelim 14 1 Joanna Felton – Coolio; 2 Alison Lee Templewood Isis; 3 Jacqueline Anderson Landmark Court Jester; 4 Sharon Savoury Oxnead Appleby. Novice 24 / Novice 30.

Judged on % score 1 Alison Lee Templewood Isis; 2 Jacqueline Anderson Landmark Court Jester; 3 Mel Mussell Daddy’s Last Dollar.

Photos: Rob Morris Photography

8th February Overa Farm Stud: Unaffiliated Showjumping 50cm Open 1 Adele Shaw – Breeze; 2 Madeline Topley – Lemon Beau; 3 Ryan Shaw – Joey; 4 Zoe Allen – Wester by Mayfly. 65cm Open 1 Adele Shaw – Breeze; 2 Madeline Topley – Lemon Beau; 3 Zoe Allen – Wester by Mayfly; 4 Ryan Shaw – Joey. 75cm 1 Charlotte Rose-Eyre – CB Sam; 2 Elizabeth Allen – Hawkhill Touch of Frost; 3 Harriet Smith – Cherry; 4 Madeline Topley – Herma. 85cm Open 1 Charlotte Rose-Eyre – CB Sam; 2 Hannah Shipham – Beba; 3 Rebecca Allen – Ginger; 4 Charlotte Rose-Eyre – Loftsome Galaxy. 95cm Open 1 Anna Goodley – Headstart; 2 Milly Gray – Jack The Ladd; 3 Charlotte Rose-Eyre – Loftsome Galaxy; 4 Cariad Miles-Taylor – Midnight Warrior. 1.05m Open 1 Mandy Howe – Zimba; 2 Cariad Miles-Taylor – Midnight Warrior; 3 Anna Goodley – Headstart; 4 Chloe Howe – Grey Mist. 1.10m Open 1 Cat Mills – Ipw Genghis Kahn; 2 Martina North – Freddie Curtis.

Elizabeth Allen on Hawkhill Touch of Frost

Cariad Miles-Taylor on Midnight Warrior

Adele Shaw on Breeze

Charlotte Rose-Eyre on Loftsome Galaxy

Anna Goodley on Headstart

Mandy Howe on Zimba

8th February Wix EC: British Showjumping 70cm Horses 1 J Simpson – Maggie; 2 L Simpson – Ruby. Ponies 1 E Barber – Mosstowns Action Man. 80cm Horses 1 J Simpson – Maggie; 2 L Simpson – Ruby; 3 A Ledger – My Reward; 4 H Danby – Casper.

Ponies 1 C Pugh – Gabrielle. 90cm Horses 1 M Stone – Grace Almighty; 2 L Simpson – Ellie; 3 S Baker – Mercedes; 4 D ScottGarrett – Cofie II. Ponies 1 E Barber – Mosstowns Action Man. 1m Horses 1 L Clover – Sea Captain. British Novice 1 R Chinery – Cicentha Z; 2 R Chinnery – Florisina I. 95cm Amateur 1 R Chinery – Cicentha Z; 2 R Chinnery – HSB Shancourt Diamond. Discovery 1 R Chinery – Jorian Van Het Mangelholf; 2 A Dryden – Cyndaquil. 1m Open 1 M Eagle – Whisker; 2 K Foley – Jack X. 1.05m Amateur 1 C Eve – Clevery Prince. Newcomers 1 M Taylor – Pepparco.

Photos: Kindly Supplied

STOP PRESS: The Bailey’s Jump Training Series continued at Houghton Hall. 13-year-old Hattie Grace from Peterborough, got her first ever BE competition off to a flying start by winning the 80cm level class with Gay Worrow’s 10-year-old gelding Charlie Chan after adding nothing to their style score of 18.00. 41-year-old Jane Bettles from Harlow, Essex finished a close second after posting a style score of 19.00 with Claudia Nacke’s 10-year-old mare Gold Rush IV, while 15-year-old Abigail Burbidge from Romford, Essex and her own 8-year-old gelding Castle Fantastic finished on their style mark of 25.00 to take third.

12-year-old Mollie Harris from Great Yarmouth, clinched the win in the BE90 level class with her own 9-year-old gelding Pixel Perfect, finishing on their style mark of 16.00. 56-year-old Alyson Parker from Waltham Abbey, Essex added nothing to a style mark of 18.5 to take second place with her own 7-year-old gelding Timmy Too while Abigail Burbidge had her second third placing of the day, this time with her own 7-year-old gelding Horseheath Blue Diamond as they completed on a style mark of 22.00.

21 year old Rosie Bates from Chelmsford topped the results table in the BE100 level class, keeping a clean sheet with her own 14-year-old mare Dot 2 Dot III to secure the win with a style score of 15.00. 17-year-old Lily Howlett from Saffron Walden finished just behind in second after posting a style mark of 17.50 with Jane Hood’s 13-year-old gelding Knave of Golden Hearts, while 15-year-old Fiona Denton and Josh Denton’s 13-year-old gelding Patchwork Patrick completed the top three on a style mark of 18.00.

Essex-based rider Tamsin Drew finished sixth in the BE90 level class with her and Angela Drew’s 13-year-old gelding Ferndale Captain which qualified them for the Baileys Jump Training Championships.

ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 45

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 46

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MEMENTOES & GIFTS

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 47

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March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 48

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www.gjlaninmalfeeds.co.uk 48 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

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March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 49

Newmarket Equine Hospital

Equine and Farm Animal Isle Veterinary Group Ltd West Fen Road, Ely, Cambs. CB6 2BZ

Tel: 01353 658241

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Our experienced team of vets continue to offer a comprehensive service including: Dentistry, Mobile Scanning, X-ray, Shockwave, Endoscope, BEVA accredited AI practice, Acupuncture, routine treatments, lameness investigations, vettings, Purpose built facilities for both day and inpatients.

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From top racehorses to the safest hack and new born foals to the oldest companion pony, Newmarket Equine Hospital caters for all. Our hospital offers state of the art facilities and some of the county’s most experienced clinicians. With thirty equine vets including world renowned specialists in surgery, medicine, diagnostics and reproduction we can offer complete veterinary care for your horse or pony.

Despite being at the home of the racing here in Newmarket, our large ambulatory team look after all types of horse and pony. In fact there isn’t a horse we wouldn’t like to meet!

Our sport and leisure team offer free visits for routine procedures and checkups. We have a busy schedule of client seminars on a variety of topics coming up over the year. Keep an eye on our website or visit Facebook for information about client evenings, free visits and events at Newmarket Equine Hospital.

Newmarket Equine Hospital Cambridge Road, Newmarket CB8 0FG Tel: 01638 782000 www.newmarketequinehospital.com

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We offer: Visits on a round-reduced visit fee Yard visit days- no visit fee • Spread the cost health plans Regular client information evenings & newsletters. www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk

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Ryder-Davies & Partners Our experienced equine team offer a range of services throughout Suffolk, South Norfolk & North Essex

We aim to provide a friendly comprehensive service for all your equine needs within a 40 mile radius of Cambridge

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01986 892771 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015 49

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 50

SHOWDATE DIRECTORY MARCH-APRIL 2015

SUNDAY 1ST MARCH CARRIAGE DRIVING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Indoor Carriage Driving. Tel: 01760 722616 DRESSAGE Essex: Norton Heath EC; Team Dressage. Tel: 01277 824860 EVENTER TRIAL Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Indoor Eventer Trial. Tel: 07785 521436 SHOWING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Showing Show. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Pasada Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Fox & Hounds RC Showjumping. Tel: 07941 653163 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Newton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01473 785616 TUESDAY 3RD MARCH SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Indoor Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC;

British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 THURSDAY 5TH MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Norton Heath EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01277 824860 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage (Intro Ad Medium). Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07785 521436 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400

Sunday 10th May 2015

SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Newton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01473 785616 FRIDAY 6TH MARCH SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC;

Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SATURDAY 7TH MARCH CARRIAGE DRIVING Essex: Wix EC; Indoor Carriage Driving. Tel: 01473 735732 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Cambs: The College of West

GIPPING RIDING SOCIETY Helmingham Hall Showing Show Saturday 9th May 2015 Start 9am Helmingham Hall IP14 6EF Working Hunter, Ridden and In-Hand Classes Qualifiers for 15 plus and Equifest.

Secretary: Rebecca Cross Email: lightingquikchick@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07834 727637 For more details visit our website:

www.gippingridingsociety.onesuffolk.net

Sunday 19th April from 10am

50 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

10th May 14th June 12th July 9th August

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 51

Sponsors of the Showdate Directory

Saturday 25th April 2015

Anglia; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01223 860701 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated and Affiliated Dressage. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400

SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Finchingfield EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07738 000029 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton College; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01493 393223

SHOW DATES FOR 2015 26th April: Showing Show 10th May: Jumping and Dressage 24th May: Fun Show 14th June: Championship Showing incorporating Amateur Showing Society Qualifiers 5th July: Jumping and Dressage 26th July: Midsummer Show 9th August: Jumping Show and Dog Show 23rd August: Showing Show 13th September: Team Dressage and Team Jumping 27th September: End of Year Show & Trophy return deadline 12th November: AGM 27th November: Disco and Presentation General Enquiries/for Schedules Chairman - Leslie Quigley on 07919 215531

SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton College; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01493 393223 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Mini Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SUNDAY 8TH MARCH DRESSAGE Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Unaffiliated Dressage inc Team Quest.

Tel: 01279 414310 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Newton Hall EC; Open Dressage. Tel: 01473 785616 SHOWING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; BSPA Showing Show. Tel: 07785 521436 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Finchingfield EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07738 000029 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton College; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01493 393223 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01953 789725 TUESDAY 10TH MARCH DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; KRC

Makers of...

Evening Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Suffolk: The Jays; Unaffiliated and Affiliated Dressage. Tel: 07881 802129 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Indoor Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British

NPS AREA 14 26th April 2015 Ashfields Carriage Driving & Polo Centre, Essex

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www.npsarea14.co.uk FOAL & YOUNGSTOCK SHOW Details to follow... see future advert

Science Supplements Telephone 0845 680 0606 or visit www.sciencesupplements.co.uk

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 52

SHOWDATE DIRECTORY MARCH-APRIL 2015

Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Evening Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn EC; British Dressage. Tel: 07785 521436 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 THURSDAY 12TH MARCH SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 FRIDAY 13TH MARCH DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel:

01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SATURDAY 14TH MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs; The College of West anglia; British Dressage. Tel: 01223 860701 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 EVENTING Suffolk: Poplar Park; British Eventing Horse Trials. Tel: 01394 411023 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Finchingfield EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07738 000029 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SUNDAY 15TH MARCH DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Norfolk: GWC EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01379 388743 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01328 878282 EVENTER TRIAL Norfolk: Forest Edge

Arena; Indoor Eventer Trial. Tel: 01760 722616 EVENTING Suffolk: Poplar Park; British Eventing Horse Trials. Tel: 01394 411023 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Norton Heath EC; Showjumping for cash. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 TUESDAY 17TH MARCH DRESSAGE Essex: Shropland Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01702 543377 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Indoor Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; British Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312

SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 THURSDAY 19TH MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; Dressage (Intro Ad Medium). Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 FRIDAY 20TH MARCH SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SATURDAY 21ST MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Norton Heath EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01277 824860 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Dressage.

Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01760 722616

27th & 28th May 2015 at Trinity Park, Ipswich Classes including: Arabs, Cleveland Bay, Cobs, Foreign & Rare Native Breeds, Hacks, Hunters, Irish Draught, Lusitanos, M&M, Riding Horses, RoR, Side-Saddle, Skewbald & Piebald, Sport Horse, Show Ponies, SHP, WHP - Driving classes Coaching - Scurry - Heavy Horses - Show Jumping (Senior, Cat 3).

Qualifiers: Olympia Direct Qualifiers for Seniors and Ridden M&M, RIHS, Horse of the Year Show, BSPS, NPS, P(UK), Equifest & North of England Championships.

Entries Close: Horse/Ponies/Driving - 20th March 2015 Show Jumping - 8th May 2015.

Schedules available at: www.suffolkshow.co.uk Or by post - send SAE (large letter stamp) to: Elizabeth Payne, Suffolk Agricultural Association, Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UH. Tel: 01473 707115 E: liz.payne@suffolkshow.co.uk

52 ABSOLUTE HORSE MARCH 2015

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 53

Sponsors of the Showdate Directory SHOW Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showjumping and Showing Fun show. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWING Beds: The College EC; BSPA Showing Show. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Indoor Working Hunter Show. Tel: 07785 521436 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College of West Anglia; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01223 860701 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Finchingfield EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07738 000029 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01953 789725 SUNDAY 22ND MARCH ARENA EVENTING Beds: The College EC; Arena Eventing. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: Twin Trees EC; Dressage.

Tel: 01767 627414 DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC;

British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Norton Heath EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01277 824860 DRESSAGE Essex: Wix EC; British Dressage.

Tel: 01255 870744 DRESSAGE Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07785 521436 ONE DAY EVENT Suffolk: Poplar Park; NSEA One Day Event. Tel: 07876 244100 SHOWING Cambs: The College of West Anglia; Winter Woolies Showing Show. Tel: 01223 860701 SHOWING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Showing Show. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Unaffiliated Showjumping.

Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01953

Offering full livery, equestrian events, venue hire and much more Just off the B1118 on the Norfolk/Suffolk Border

GWC 2015 EVENT DATES 1st March Dena Green Dressage Clinic 15th March GWC Dressage Day 22nd March Linzi Cave TSR Showing Clinic 12th April GWC Dressage Day 26th April GWC Spring Show 2nd May GWC Dressage & Members/League Presentation Day 24th May Suffolk & Norfolk Native Pony Show 31st May GWC Dressage Day 7th June GWC Showing Show & Norfolk TGCA Quest 14th June GWC Dressage Day & UK Riders Regional Final 28th June GWC Dressage Day 12th July GWC Summer Show & Think Pink Diamond 18th July GWC Dressage Day 2nd August GWC Dressage Day 30th August GWC Dressage Day 13th September GWC Dressage Day 20th September GWC Fun Show & 15 + Norfolk County 27th September GWC Dressage League Presentation Day 4th October GWC Dressage Day

789725 TUESDAY 24TH MARCH DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Indoor Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 WEDNESDAY 25TH MARCH DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 DRESSAGE Beds: The College EC; Evening Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Evening Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 THURSDAY 26TH MARCH SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Evening Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 01480 700236 FRIDAY 27TH MARCH DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; British Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Novice Evening Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SATURDAY 28TH MARCH AUCTION Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Equestrian Auction. Tel: 01953 789725 DRESSAGE Cambs: Fenning Farm EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel 07881 802129 DRESSAGE Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01708 687312 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Easton College; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01603 731577 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Finchingfield EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07738 000029 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SUNDAY 29TH MARCH DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Finchingfield EC;

Makers of...

Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 07738 000029 DRESSAGE Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01953 789725 HUNTER TRIAL Cambs: Whitehall Farm; Soham & District PC Hunter Trial. Tel: 01353 863491 ONE DAY EVENT Essex: Brook Farm TC; One Day Event. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Forest Edge Arena; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01760 722616 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01328 878282 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; NSEA Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 TUESDAY 31ST MARCH SHOW Essex: Harolds Park Farm; Children’s Show. Tel: 01279 414310 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Indoor Evening Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC;

Science Supplements Telephone 0845 680 0606 or visit www.sciencesupplements.co.uk

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 54

SHOWDATE DIRECTORY MARCH -APRIL 2015 Sponsors of the Showdate Directory British Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWJUMPING Beds: The College EC; British Showjumping. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Finchingfield EC; Clear Round Showjumping. Tel: 07738 000029 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Very Novice Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744

THURSDAY 2ND APRIL DRESSAGE Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01480 700236 DRESSAGE Essex: Norton Heath EC; British Dressage. Tel: 01277 824860 FRIDAY 3RD APRIL DRESSAGE Beds: Twin Trees EC; Dressage.

Regular Show Jumping, Dressage and Showing shows are held and run at our Centre and equine specific clinics throughout the year.

NEW ROAD, OFFORD CLUNY ST NEOTS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE PE19 5RP Telephone: 01480 812 654 www.northbrookequestriancentre.com

Photograph: Eleanor Harrison

Facilities and Events include: • Indoor School with viewing gallery • New 23m x 43m outdoor arena • First class off road hacking • Secure and alarmed tack room • Secure yard with 24hr supervision • Organised Clinics • ‘Own A Pony’ days • Ladies Day • Summer Residential Camp

Tel: 01767 627414 DRIVING Beds: The College EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Brook Farm TC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOWJUMPING Essex: Wix EC; Easter Showjumping. Tel: 01255 870744 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Open Evening Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SATURDAY 4TH APRIL DRESSAGE Norfolk: Lime Kiln Farm EC; Affiliated and Unaffiliated Dressage. Tel: 01328 878282 DRIVING Beds: The College EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01234 708400 SHOWJUMPING Beds: Twin Trees EC; Showjumping. Tel: 01767 627414 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton College; Junior British Showjumping. Tel: 01493 393223 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton College; NSJC Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01493 393223 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Cross Pole Showjumping. Tel: 07785 521436 SUNDAY 5TH APRIL DRIVING Beds: The College EC; Indoor Driving. Tel: 01234 708400 JUMPCROSS Essex: Brook Farm TC; JumpCross League Rd 1. Tel: 01708 687312 SHOW Essex: Norton Heath EC; Easter Fun Show. Tel: 01277 824860 SHOWING Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; Amateur Showing Society Championships.

Tel: 01480 700236 SHOWING Norfolk: Overa Farm Stud; Showing and Fun Day. Tel: 01953 789725 SHOWJUMPING Norfolk: Easton College; Senior British Showjumping. Tel: 01493 393223 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Newton Hall EC; Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01473

Makers of...

785616 MONDAY 6TH APRIL SHOW Cambs: Houghton Hall EC; The East Anglia Horse Show. Tel: 01480 700236 SHOW Suffolk: Trinity Park; Ipswich Horse Society Spring Show. Tel: 01449 613923 / 01449 711427 SHOWJUMPING Suffolk: Topthorn EC; Easter Unaffiliated Showjumping. Tel: 01449 711962

HADLEIGH SHOW Holbecks Park, Hadleigh IP7 5PE

Saturday 16th May 2015 Affiliated BSHA, BSJA, BSPA, P(UK), BDS, DBS, Ridden, In-hand & Working Hunters, Local Hunt Classes Schedules available from: www.hadleighshow.co.uk or send C5 SAE to PO Box 1027, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 9XG Entries close - 20th April 2015 Tradestand entries closed

Science Supplements Telephone 0845 680 0606 or visit www.sciencesupplements.co.uk

54 ABSOLUTE HORSE FEBRUARY 2015

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 55

March 2015 pages 28 to 56_Layout 1 19/02/2015 08:29 Page 56