British
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BD MEMBERS | £5.00 | ISSUE 8 | 2020
DRESSAGE Winter
wishes
# H A N D S F A C E S PA C E
CONTENTS & WELCOME.
DESIGNED AND PRODUCED ON BEHALF OF BRITISH DRESSAGE BY: Fellows Media: www.fellowsmedia.com e: mark@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259241 Fellows Media, The Gallery, Manor Farm Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PB Managing Director: Mark Brown ADVERTISE WITH US: For enquiries, contact Jacob Holmes e: jacob.holmes@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259249 SUBSCRIBE NOW: If you aren’t a member and would like to receive the magazine contact 01442 820580, bd@webscribe.co.uk or www.mysubcare.com CONTACT US: British Dressage: www.britishdressage.co.uk Managing Editor: Winnie Murphy e: winnie.murphy@britishdressage.co.uk t: 024 7669 8842 Content Editor: Jane Carley e: janecarley5@gmail.com t: 01926 645981 For the full list of BD Office staff, visit www.britishdressage.co.uk British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG Main switchboard: 024 7669 8830 Fax: 024 7669 0390 Executive: 024 7669 8844 Training & Education: 024 7669 8833 BD Youth/u21 International: 024 7708 7801/024 7669 8834 Membership, Horse Registrations & Results: 024 7669 8832/836 Quest: 024 7669 8908 Sport Operations: 024 7669 8827 Judges: 024 7669 8831 Senior International: 024 7669 8835 Para & International: 024 7708 7803 Fixtures: 024 7708 7804 Championships: 024 7669 8846 BD Shop: 024 7669 8830 – press 1 Finance: 024 7669 8838/841 Marketing: 024 7669 8819 Communications: 024 7669 8842/839 Sponsorship & web ads: 01608 676180 The views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Dressage. Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement of the products and services by British Dressage.
16 – Keeping an eye on your horse’s waistline over winter can help avoid metabolic issues.
IN THIS ISSUE...
WELCOME
T
he memes about 2020 keep coming and some of them lift the mood… a favourite is ‘If 2020 was a horse you’d have lunged it first’. For many of us it’s been a year to forget, with personal sadness, impacts on our livelihood, or the frustration of not being able to fulfi l plans with an exciting young horse. But it’s also been a year when we have learned an awful lot. It’s no exaggeration to say that life will never be the same. Employers have learned what many of us could have told them all along – working flexibly, including spending at least part of the time out of the office can be hugely productive and cost-effective. For horse owners, retaining that added flexibility where it works for your employer’s business could be very useful, especially through the long, dark winter months when horse care becomes a bit of a chore. Who minds hitting the paperwork on a gloomy Saturday morning if it means you can go off to a competition or for a lesson on a sunny Thursday afternoon? Of course, national and local lockdowns have brought a halt to competitions at various points throughout the year, and have also impacted on training. But dressage riders are adaptable – we have embraced online training and competitions as never before. And going forward, on the days when busy lifestyles mean that boxing up and travelling for an hour is not always possible, virtual outings are something we could revisit to keep our programme on track. Members’ willingness to utilise video conferencing produced another welcome result for us at BD headquarters – the highly positive reaction to the livestreamed AGM, which allowed those who would have found it difficult to make the trek to the Midlands for a meeting in person to ‘attend’. It can still be viewed via You Tube and the link is on the website. We have also been delighted with the response to the online National Convention, held in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys and broadcast on H&C+ for the first time at the end of November. We hope you found it enjoyable and inspiring, and don’t forget that you can revisit your favourite sessions and pick up those tips until the end of February. By which time, everything crossed, we will be out and about again, securing those NAF Five Star Winter Championships British DRESSAGE qualifications and planning for an exciting 2021. Winter Jane Carley, wishes Content Editor, British Dressage THE OFFIC IAL
MAGAZINE
FOR BD M EMBERS
| £5.00 | ISSUE 8 | 2020
3
From the editor
5
News
7
Profile Nikki Barker on competing and breeding
13 Under 21s championship Inaugural celebration of our talented youth 16 Winter feeding Links between weight and metabolic conditions 25 Ready for bed Latest on bedding and muck management 33 Ideas for Santa Christmas gifts buyers’ guide 41 Young horse championships Future stars in the spotlight 46 Keysoe CDI Riders show their international mettle 50 Riding requisites The benefits of remote training 53 Score sheets analysed Part IV of Jane Kidd’s enlightening series 58 Ask the Expert Feeding for recuperation and recovery 61 BD Action BDHQ updates and members’ benefits 63 Regional Activity Contacts and Judges’ diary 66 Dressage Days Rider and artist Dianne Breeze
ON THE COVER: Nikki Barker and Durable enjoy schooling on the shore. # H A N D S FA
C E S PA C E
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 3
NEW COLLECTION
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BD - FEB2020 - Issue2.indd 17
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NEWS.
BRITISH DRESSAGE
YOUNG HORSES HEAD TO VERDEN Following the viewing trial hosted at Keysoe, the following horses have been selected to represent Great Britain at this year’s FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden, 9-13 December. The Championships were originally scheduled for August but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now move indoors at the iconic German venue.
BREXIT Just weeks remain until we leave the European Union and we’ve added a new website page to help members through the process to take horses to the continent for competitions. The information is for ‘registered’ horses, those with a purple FEI cover on their passports but we’ll be adding further details on exporting and importing all equines as it becomes available. Under the BD Info section on our website you’ll find the current update, a link to a BEF webinar, an information sheet and a helpful checklist.
FIVE YEAR OLDS Jezz Palmer (pictured left) with Richard Burge’s King IV and Greg Simms with Stena Hoerner’s Waverley Fellini SIX YEAR OLDS Tom Goode with Emile Faurie’s Straight Horse Di Milla and Emile Faurie’s with his own Jaristo SEVEN YEAR OLDS Sarah Millis with her own Impressive VDC and Luke Baber-Davies with Laurant Balzaretti’s Ivoli-E SEVEN YEAR OLD RESERVE Lisa Marriot with her own Rockstar All participants in the championships, which will take place behind closed doors, will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test, no older than 48 hours.
NEWS PARA MATTERS CLASSIFICATION
SPONSOR UPDATE
We’re working to get classification activity back underway early as possible in 2021. We know there is around 30 athletes in the pipeline and the venues and classifiers are all lined up to start as soon as COVID permits.
BD’s official surface supplier Andrews Bowen has signed once again to support your sport. As part of their package, the world leaders in surface manufacture and installation will also take on title sponsorship of the summer Advanced Medium Championships with the final to take place at the LeMieux National Championships in September. BD is grateful for their support.
DATE FOR THE DIARY
VALEGRO STATUE UNVEILED A statue to Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic legend Valegro is to take pride of place in the town of Newent, Gloucestershire, close to the yard of Carl Hester where he was trained and now lives in retirement. Valegro, Carl and Charlotte were present with sculptor Georgie Welch (pictured far right), at the unveiling of his statue at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent prior to its installation in the town centre. The statue was funded by the sale of 11 of 12 bronze maquettes which are an exact replica; the final one was donated by Georgie to a raffle which raised further funds towards the project. GRAPHY
Equissage Pulse Winter Championships 25-28 March 2021 There’ll be qualifier classes for all grades, team test opportunities, freestyle classes and of course the Championship contests for all grades and sections.
M PHOTO
DAYDREA
LEMIEUX GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP SHAPES UP An exciting LeMieux Grand Prix championship is shaping up to be a highlight of the year. We are working on rider invites based on the criteria in the rulebook and a top line up is expected for two great days of Grand Prix action. It will all be streamed live and free on H&C with lots of rider interviews. Look out for the build-up on our social media channels!
FOR ALL THE UP TO DATE COVID-19 INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK/ BD-INFO/CORONAVIRUS -COVID-19
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 5
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6 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
NEW
PROFILE.
DOWNSIZING and FOCUSING
LOCKDOWN GAVE NIKKI BARKER TIME TO REFLECT AND MAKE EXCITING PLANS FOR HER GRAND PRIX HORSE DURABLE, WHO IS PROVING HIMSELF AS A SIRE AS WELL AS IN THE ARENA. BARBARA YOUNG REPORTS.
L
ike everyone else, it’s been a challenging year for Grand Prix rider/trainer Nikki Barker, who began 2020 on a high, making a successful debut at Grand Prix level in January with uber-talented stallion Durable, before Covid-19 put plans on hold. However, as a self-confessed ‘highly motivated and ambitious rider’, Nikki, who rose swiftly through the dressage ranks after being talent spotted as a child and earning places on Pony and Junior teams, says she refused to let the pandemic overshadow her positivity and vision for international success. Instead Nikki has been using her time at home in Newmarket wisely, combining targeted training with a few outings to High rofi le shows to keep her hand in. LEFT: NIKKI BARKER HAS COMBINED TARGETED TRAINING AND SELECTED OUTINGS FOR THE STALLION DURABLE, WHO HAS ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AT GRAND PRIX THIS YEAR.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 7
PROFILE.
“LESS IS MORE WITH THE FOCUS ON QUALITY NOT QUANTITY AND I HAVE CERTAINLY FELT THE HORSES BENEFIT FROM THAT. GENERALLY, THEY HAVE BEEN ON A VERTICAL LEARNING CURVE EVER SINCE AND COME ON IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS”
ABOVE: NIKKI AND DURABLE (DANNY) ENJOY A GALLOP ON THE BEACH WITH HUSBAND WILL AND DAN ICARUS (REUBEN).
8 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
“At the start of the year, we wobbled around our first Grand rix which was full of tiny mistakes, but the work felt surprisingly easy for ‘ anny’, says Nikki, who co-owns him with iv Greave and is justifiably proud of what lies ahead for the exciting 1 .2hh Spielberg stallion, winner of the Superflex Inter I Freestyle Gold title at last year’s NAF Five Star Winter Championships. anny was fantastic at Bury Farm High rofile show the end of August this year and won both Grand rix classes with some fabulous comments. It’s so exciting to be back at that level. Nikki, who married vet Will Barker, a partner at Newmarket quine Hospital in their local village church in 201 , runs her 1 box yard with help from her ‘brilliant’ head girl acey owdall. It’s a peaceful setting down a no-through road with 20 acres of neatly fenced paddocks, horse walker plus indoor and outdoor schools.
Over the past months, life carried on pretty much as normal riding and training, with a considerable amount of gin and ros drinking says Nikki. Three members of my team moved in as we shut the yard, and acey did a fabulous job organising everything and keeping everyone motivated. It gave me plenty of thinking time and I decided to downsi e the number of horses, so I could spend more time with the ones that I believe have the skill to reach the highest levels. It was a bit of a erry Maguire moment – less is more with the focus on quality not quantity and I have certainly felt the horses benefit from that. Generally, they have been on a vertical learning curve ever since and come on in leaps and bounds. We now have 12 horses at home, plus the broodmares and young stock, which has more or less halved our numbers. The couple found their idyllic four-bedroom refurbished farmhouse by chance when Will
PROFILE.
ABOVE: NIKKI WITH YOUNGSTERS MAC AND DANNY’S COLT FOAL WILLIAM (OUT OF PASOA). LEFT: DURABLE (DANNY) IS DESCRIBED AS ‘PART LABRADOR, PART UNICORN’.
spotted it in the Newmarket Journal and immediately sent a text to Nikki, “Wouldn’t this be our dream!”. By the time Will got home from work, Nikki had phoned the agent and arranged a viewing and as she says, the rest is history. “We are both pretty driven and ambitious with our work, but our home life has always been very easy and laid back,” she says. “Will is fantastic – he never criticises me for spending weekends away competing, teaching or training and is basically my number one fan. Ever since we’ve been together, we’ve always allowed each other plenty of freedom. Spending time together just requires a bit of planning!” Will spends the majority of his time in the equine hospital, but is defi nitely in charge of her horses at home, “although the aim is not
to need him very often!” “He’s a fantastic vet and a great sounding board if ever I’m worried about anything. Will still rides regularly and I believe that his years of experience and riding ability give him an empathetic edge in his veterinary work.”
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Horses have always been a big part of Nikki’s life and after returning from Junior training in Germany with Christilot Boylen and Udo Lange, she continued to juggle studies alongside sporting ambitions. Having studied photography at university, Nikki worked as a freelance for 10 years to help fund her horses, while also teaching and competing clients’ horses, before fi nally deciding to make dressage her priority. It was during this time that she came across five-year-old asoa, who she describes as difficult but blessed with an abundance of
raw talent that felt unlike anything I had ever sat on”. asoa, affectionately known as ‘ ’, proved to be an extraordinarily talented but complicated mare, who in time took her rider to new heights in her sporting career, including as test rider at London 2012 Olympics. “I often wish I had made the move sooner, as while my photography career set me up fi nancially, I feel there is so much to learn with the horses that an extra 10 years working at it would have been a bonus. Although Nikki couldn’t afford to buy asoa when fi rst offered for sale at 20,000, a year later her owner got in touch again and offered Nikki the mare for just 2, 00. “We shared many amazing memories, including competing at Olympia and on Nations Cup teams in Aachen and Rotterdam,” says Nikki. “I’d been to watch at Aachen years before and dreamt of taking her one day. Cantering down the centre line the fi rst time felt unbelievable and I can’t wait to go back again, this time with Durable. “P has a very special place in my heart, but I don’t like to call her my horse of a lifetime because it implies there may not be another!” Although asoa retired five years ago, BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 9
PROFILE.
A SPECIAL HORSE
ABOVE: PASOA IS STILL VERY CLOSE TO NIKKI’S HEART, AND BRED A FOAL BY DURABLE LAST YEAR.
she won’t be going anywhere. In May last year, at the age of 22, she bred a colt by Durable, called Danoa, which Nikki is already excited about. “He is hugely special to me because of Pasoa. I’m sure I’ll see him through rosetinted glasses no matter what.” Breeding is a relatively new venture for Nikki, who has purchased two of Durable’s progeny, seven-year-olds bred by Viv Greave. “Viv had already used Danny as a breeding stallion before I became involved with him – he is so incredible that I desperately wanted some offspring by him. When Nikki took over the ride, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to use Danny as a stallion as she felt the need to train and have him ‘knocking on the door of Grand rix’ first. “I’m not a hugely knowledgeable or experienced breeder,” she explains. “There are many amazing stallions available and when you look at one spectacular moving horse after another, it’s a minefield. Nikki explains that although she recognises people’s rationale in breeding from rising 10 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
stars, she prefers a stallion to have proved itself at highest levels, both temperamentally and physically. “The past couple of years I’ve used Danny myself and limited it to 20 mares a season so that other people can use him too. I want him as a sport horse first and foremost. Nikki takes Danny to Clements Equine in Bury St Edmunds to collect semen. “They have helped me learn about the breeding and collection side of things as I was a total novice and are generous with both time and knowledge. Danny is a total gentleman and is unaffected temperamentally which means I can train and compete him as normal around it.” As well as Nikki’s two seven-year olds by Danny – Dan Icarus and Dan Ivanhoe – she also has two yearlings, three foals and four on the way next year. “I’m completely new to the breeding game but totally loving it. It’s addictive. So far I’m proving hopeless at selling them, but will have to start next year or I will be overrun!”
Nikki has huge respect and admiration for her imposing stallion who she describes as “part unicorn and part Labrador”. She regularly takes him hacking in Thetford Forest and along the beach at Holkham. “Danny loves his turnout, spends all day in the field and has a sand turnout pen attached to the back of his stable. I leave the back door open most of the time and whatever the weather, he likes to spend most of the night outside. “Given he is a working stallion, his temperament is even more extraordinary. He has mares stabled in the barn near him, can touch other horses in adjoining stables and has other horses in fields around him. It was Viv Greave who found Danny in Holland as an 18 month old colt through the KWPN sales pages and he had just turned seven when Nikki became involved. She hopes to campaign Danny both here and abroad next year. “I had hoped this would be our year of experience and factfinding at Grand rix, but this just means that with all the extra training time to consolidate the work, we shall appear next year polished and firing on all cylinders BELOW: NIKKI HAS TWO YEARLINGS, INCLUDING DANDELION (ELLIE), THREE FOALS AND FOUR MORE ON THE WAY FROM BY DANNY.
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U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS.
A PLACE IN THE HISTORY BOOKS THEY MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO DEBUT AT THE NATIONALS BUT THAT DIDN’T DETRACT FROM TWO EXCITING DAYS AT VALE VIEW IN LEICESTERSHIRE FOR THE INAUGURAL BRITISH UNDER 21 CHAMPIONSHIPS. FOUR NEW TITLES WERE AWARDED IN THE CHILDREN ON HORSES, PONY, JUNIOR AND YOUNG RIDER CATEGORIES, ALL SUPPORTED BY THE BDSC, WITH A TROPHY FOR OUR OVERALL WINNER. ABOVE RIGHT: CHARLOTTE SNAPE
OVERALL RESULTS: YOUNG RIDERS
AND CAMELOT III, AKA COCO, SECURE
Caitlin Burgess and Chocotof
143.32
Charlotte Snape and Camelot III
138.46
DIVISION. RIGHT: CAITLIN BURGESS AND
Rebecca Bell and Nibeley Union Hit
137.41
TO REMEMBER IN TAKING THE YOUNG
4. Juliette Lindsay and Highcliffe Apollo
134.99
5. Jessica Hickey and Ziezo I
131.53
6. Charlotte Lutener and Full Fusion BS
130.87
7. Chloe Naylor and Karisma
127.57
RUNNERS UP SPOT IN THE YOUNG RIDER CHOCOTOF FINISH OFF AN AUTUMN RIDER CROWN AFTER KEYSOE AND HARTPURY SUCCESSES.
BELOW: CHILDREN ON HORSES RIDER RUBY HUGHES TOOK THE OVERALL TITLE AND HER PRIZES INCLUDED THE HYSLOP CUP, KINDLY PROVIDED BY VALE VIEW.
OVERALL RESULTS: PONIES
BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH TEAM STALWART MR SNOWMAN TO GO SECOND IN THE PONY CHAMPIONSHIP WHICH INCLUDED A WIN IN THE PONY TEAM TEST. ABOVE RIGHT: METTE DAHL SECURED THE PONY TITLE WITH A GRAND INDIVIDUAL TEST PERFORMANCE WITH GEORGE CLOONEY BS.
140.19
Sofia Games and Mister Snowman
139.50
Beatrice Butterworth and Carlsson
137.39
4. Lauren Geraghty and WS Jackson
134.50
5. Demi Howard-Cartwright and Fin C We
133.34
6. Scarlett John and BKS Grand Design
132.72
7. Ronni-Mae Morgan and DST Carluccio
132.45
8. Evie Daniel and Brouwershavens Viceroy
127.86
PHOTOS: FENWICK PHOTOGRAPHY
ABOVE: SOFIA GAMES IS QUICKLY
Mette Dahl and George Clooney BS
U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS.
OVERALL RESULTS: JUNIORS Holly Kerslake and Extasia
141.36
Annabella Pidgley and Belafonte
139.32
Claudia Davis and Fergus RT
138.65
4. Annabella Pidgley and Dibert L
137.94
5. Soraya Rogers and Evita I
136.67
6. Ellie Roberts and Zante
132.89
7. Charlotte Neal and Walter’s Fable
131.91
8. Gracie Catling and Tsjebe Fan ‘e Vesta Hoeve
131.33
9. India Durman-Mills and Escade
130.90
10. Sophie Taylor and Jerrydale
129.82
11. Eliza Ireson and Calva la Cornilliere
124.34
RIGHT: SORAYA ROGERS AND EVITA I FOLLOW
12. Emily Coller and Flabbergasted II
123.67
WITH FIFTH IN THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.
UP THREE PODIUM PLACINGS AT KEYSOE CDI ABOVE: ANNABELLA PIDGLEY IS MAKING THE TRANSITION TO JUNIORS FROM PONIES A
BELOW: RUBY HUGHES, WHO ALSO
SUCCESSFUL ONE WITH FOURTH PLACE ON
VAULTS INTERNATIONALLY, WOWED
DIBERT L AND SECOND WITH BELAFONTE
WITH TWO 72%+ SCORES WITH NANCY
(PICTURED).
SCOTT’S CLASSIC BEE GEE TO TAKE THE OVERALL U21 HONOURS AND CHILDREN ON HORSES TITLE. RIGHT: BEATRICE BUTTERWORTH COMPLETED THE PONY PODIUM RIDING CARLSSON IN A CLOSE FOUGHT CONTEST OVERALL.
CHILDREN ON HORSES AND OVERALL CHAMPION Ruby Hughes and Classic Bee Gee
145.62
RIGHT: HOLLY KERSLAKE SCOOPED THE JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE WITH WINS IN BOTH TESTS ABOARD LAURA SUMMERS’ KWPN EXTASIA. ABOVE RIGHT: IT WAS FIFTH IN THE JUNIOR RANKS FOR ELLIE ROBERTS AND ZANTE. LEFT: CLAUDIA DAVIS AND FERGUS RT TOOK THEIR FIRST BIG STAY AWAY SHOW TOGETHER IN THEIR STRIDE TO GO THIRD IN THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO WORKED HARD TO MAKE EVERYTHING HAPPEN AND TO ALL THE RIDERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT. 14 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
FEEDING FOR CONDITION WHAT’S YOUR INTERPRETATION OF FEEDING FOR CONDITION? FOR SOME, FEEDING FOR CONDITION MEANS FEEDING TO ENCOURAGE WEIGHT GAIN. FOR OTHERS, IT MAY MEAN FEEDING FOR MUSCLE, OR TO IMPROVE SKIN, COAT AND HOOF CONDITION. WHATEVER YOUR HORSE’S NEEDS, WHEN IT COMES TO FEEDING FOR CONDITION DENGIE HAS THE ANSWERS.
FOR WEIGHT GAIN Whilst it is common, and in many cases should be encouraged, that some horses lose weight naturally over the winter months, for those that lose too much action needs to be taken. Firstly, if your horse normally holds weight well, it is important to establish if there is an underlying reason for them failing to thrive. Poor dentition, worm burden and even gastric ulcers are common culprits. If your horse has a clean bill of health then it may just mean that your horse requires a higher level of energy (calories) in their diet. Start by evaluating your horse’s current diet, including grazing and conserved forage, and bucket feed.
START WITH FORAGE Forage makes up the largest part of your horse’s diet. When grazing becomes sparse, or if the nutritional quality of forage is poor, then your horse will quickly lose weight.
How much conserved forage are they consuming; are they eating enough? Horses will typically eat 2-2.5% of their bodyweight in 24 hours on a dry matter basis. For a 600kg horse this equates to 12-15kg dry matter. If the horse is consuming hay then this will equate to 13-17kg as fed, assuming the hay is around 90% dry matter. If the horse is consuming haylage then this will be around 20-25kg as fed, assuming it is around 60% dry matter. Haylage contains more moisture than hay so a larger amount needs to be fed to provide the same amount of dry matter. The dry matter portion is where the nutrients including fibre are found so it is important to ensure that enough is consumed. In some cases an alternative to conserved forage will be required, for example those with poor dentition, fussy feeders, or when forage is in short supply. Forage replacers should be high fibre, low starch and suitable for feeding in large amounts. Dengie Pure Grass is pure, precision-dried chopped grasses with nothing else added, and can be fed as a complete forage replacer. For those with poor dentition, Dengie Pure Grass Pellets can be soaked to a mash as an alternative.
ALFA-A OIL
PURE GRASS
WHAT ABOUT THE BUCKET FEED? Feeding for weight gain can be tricky if you have a horse that is fussy, has a limited appetite, or becomes easily over-excitable. For condition without the fi , start with fibre and oil. Research has shown that providing slow-release energy is much less likely to promote overexuberant behaviour. Dengie Alfa-A Oil is a highcalorie fibre feed at 12. M kg digestible energy. Whilst having a calorie energy level comparable to a conditioning mix cube, Alfa-A Oil is based on slow-release energy sources for condition without the fi . engie Alfa-Beet, which combines alfalfa and unmolassed sugar beet, can be fed alongside for an additional source of calories from highly digestible fibre. Fussiness and limited appetite can be a problem for some horses, look for highly palatable feeds and pelleted fibres to reduce the volume of feed that’s required. Dengie Cool, Condition & Shine is a nutritionally balanced, high-fibre fusion of soft chopped and pelleted fibre with a high oil content and a light molasses coating and spearmint oil to tempt fussy feeders.
COOL, CONDITION & SHINE
PERFORMANCE+ BALANCER
When it comes to skin, coat and hoof condition a balanced diet is key. Horses on a forage only diet or those fed less than the recommended quantity of a fortified feed, should be supplemented with a broadspectrum vitamin and mineral supplement or balancer appropriate to the horse’s workload. All of our balancers and supplements contain added biotin to supply 15mg daily for a 500kg horse: a level that research suggests is beneficial for hoof quality. For coat shine in addition to a balanced diet, supplementary oil can help. Dengie Performance+ Balancer contains micronised linseed, which supplies beneficial omega-3 essential fatty acids for exceptional coat shine. FOR MORE INFORMATION contact the Dengie Feedline on 01621 841188 or www.dengie.com
ALFA-BEET
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 15
WINTER WAISTLINE WATCHING IT’S NOT ONLY THE HUMAN POPULATION THAT HAS SEEN LEVELS OF OBESITY ON THE RISE. HORSE OWNERS ARE INFLICTING SIMILAR LEVELS OF OVER-FEEDING ON THEIR EQUINE FRIENDS AND, AS WITH HUMANS, THE CONSEQUENCES CAN BE SERIOUS, SAYS HELEN TRIGGS.
M
ost dressage horses are carrying extra kilos according to vets and equine nutritionists. While they don’t need to be as streamlined as a race horse, they need to be carrying muscle not flab. In the winter, turnout is often restricted and exercise may be limited so owners should review their feeding programme to match the new situation. Apart from the extra strain on joints and tendons that overweight causes, there are some serious medical conditions which can cause the cause suffering and can be life-limiting. Lizzie Drury MSC RNUTR, nutritionist for Saracen Feeds, says We need to take off our rose-tinted glasses and look at our horses with fresh eyes. There’s no short or quick fix for an overweight horse. There has to be a long-term commitment – and if you fall off the plan, keep persevering. “Winter makes everything worse. We keep our horses too wrapped up – they need to be kept on the cool side to help support a weight loss programme.” By monitoring the amount of calories in the form of sugars and starch in the horse’s food, preventable metabolic conditions can be prevented. ABOVE: OVERWEIGHT HORSES ARE AT RISK OF SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS WHICH CAN BE LIFE-LIMITING. LEFT: TURNOUT MAY BE RESTRICTED AND EXERCISE LIMITED IN WINTER, SO FEEDING REGIMES SHOULD BE REVIEWED. OPPOSITE: WHILE HORSES APPRECIATE GOOD RUGS WHEN TURNED OUT, KEEPING THEM ON THE COOL SIDE HELPS SUPPORT A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME.
16 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
WINTER FEED.
FIRST STEP
AVOIDING METABOLIC CONDITIONS The results of allowing the horse to eat too much sugar and starch and accumulate fat can be severe. While metabolic impairment may be building up for some time, there can be a sudden onset of symptoms which require veterinary intervention. Reduced exercise, longer stabling and the switch from grass to dried forage mean that feeding programmes need to be reassessed. Dr. Marga Mas Fiol DVM MRCVS PGDip of Chiltern quine has defi nitely seen a rise in cases of equine obesity which is likely an indicator of the increasing prevalence of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) in the UK. Insulin dysregulation is at the centre of this condition – it can be aggravated by incorrect feeding and exercise practices and be particularly dangerous in horses who develop PPID
DIET CHANGE OFFERS HOPE Jenni Lamidey was looking forward to a bright future with her six-year-old Hanoverian mare Heli after gaining some good placings at Area Festivals in 2019, before Heli started to struggle. “She became reluctant to go forward in the school and would hump her back and buck going into canter,” she explains. “She was in good condition, although she soon began to show muscle atrophy over her gluteals. It took a year to get a diagnosis of PSSM, during which she underwent various invasive treatments that have not helped her at all.” Jenny has since switched her mare onto a ‘pssm diet’ (low sugar and starch) with Vitamin E and Tri Amino supplements, and uses a Theraplate to warm up and cool down, and says she is a different horse. “I’m back lightly schooling and hacking again, and she’s a happy bunny! I hope to return to dressage when she is ready.”
KT EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY
At the beginning of winter, check your horse’s body conditioning score. You can fi nd an explanation of what to look for on horse feed manufacturers websites. If your horse is measuring as fat, it is time to review his feed and exercise regime before complications can set in. Emma Short of Baileys Horse Feeds recommends a gradual introduction of any new regime: “Any dietary adjustment including a change of forage should be made gradually. For those who have clinical conditions such as EMS/PSSM then this may pose more complications (due to differing nutrient and energy contributions of the forage fed) and more care may need to be taken to ensure that the diet remains balanced. Introduce different food sources in advance during the autumn before horses are stabled for longer lengths of time.”
ABOVE INSET: A PSSM DIAGNOSIS FOR ‘HELI’ HAS BEEN MANAGED THROUGH DIET AND RIDER JENNI HOPES TO GET BACK IN THE COMPETITION ARENA IN TIME.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 17
FIBRE FIRST
ABOVE: A COMBINATION OF SOAKING AND STEAMING HAY CAN LEACH WATER SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATES, WHICH CAN BE HELPFUL IF HORSES ARE PRONE TO METABOLIC DISORDERS. RIGHT: IF HORSES HAVE A REDUCED WORKLOAD OVER WINTER, THEIR DIET SHOULD BE BASED ON FORAGE WITH A BALANCER OR HIGH FIBRE FEEDS.
(Cushings disease). “We need to move on from the idea that EMS is a disease of native breeds – it can affect any breed, said Marga. Research shows that obesity which is abnormal distribution of body fat can affect 20of horses. The main problem is the horse’s inability to regulate insulin, whose main function is to draw sugars and starches from the blood stream for storage and later use. In the MS horse, certain parts of the pathway are disrupted and a high peak of insulin after eating doesn’t come down. A high level of circulating insulin can lead to increase cortisone levels and inflammatory molecules which have a negative effect at multiple levels – particularly by increasing the risk of laminitis. olysaccharide storage myopathy SSM is associated with abnormal accumulation of glycogen within muscle. It is a frequent cause of exertional rhabdomyolysis tying up in horses, and is particularly common in quarter horse, draught and warmblood breeds, together with their crosses. In both these conditions it is important to regulate the intake of sugars and starch. Feeds and forage need to contain less than 12 non structural carbohydrate NSC . 18 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
“Fibre makes up the largest portion of the horse’s diet and therefore provides a subsequent amount of nutrients and energy calories . Bacteria that live in the horse’s hind gut break down fibre by fermenting it, generating heat which keeps the horse warm, says mma Short. The horse will naturally eat more fibre in the winter months and less in the summer as a way of regulating his own body temperature. Therefore, unless you have an overweight horse or pony, forage can be fed ad-lib in the winter. If the quantity of available grass is poor, then you may need to consider supplementing further with hay or haylage in the field. Analysis can determine the digestible energy calorie content of the forage as well as the NSC or water soluble carbohydrates WSC , which will then determine if the forage needs to be soaked. High temperature steaming will conserve most nutrients including protein and minerals. uring steaming, the one nutrient you will lose some of is the WSC which can be helpful if the horse is prone to metabolic conditions, says Becky ames, ice President of Technical and R& at Haygain. If you need to drastically reduce the nutritional content then research has shown the most effective method is a combination of soaking and steaming – soak the hay for nine hours followed by a standard steam cycle. This combination of soaking and then steaming can leach four times the amount of WSC compared with single steaming and reduces the bacteria (increased by soaking by up to .
GOOD MANAGEMENT In general for horses over-wintering that are stabled and are in less work, the diet should be based on forage, with a balancer or high fibre feeds. That way you reduce the risk of tying up, excitable behaviour and digestive issues such as colic, says Clare Barfoot, Marketing and R& irector at Spillers. lectrolyte balance should be maintained, and all horses should have access to a salt block with additional salt or electrolyte supplement supplied after heavy sweating. If your horse is in hard work and on a cereal based diet, reduce feed by half from the night before his day off until the evening after, to reduce the risk of tying up. For information on condition scoring, visit Saracenhorsefeeds.com, spillers-feeds.com or baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
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PRODUCT WATCH.
PRODUCT
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WINTER FEED
ROWEN BARBARY SOLUTION MASH is a high oil, high fibre, fully balanced feed. The cereal and molasses-free mash, results in less than 1% sugar. Solution Mash promotes controlled weight gain and condition, whilst providing slow release energy for improved stamina. Contains natural herbs beneficial to digestive health. RRP: FROM £16.78 | rowenbarbary.co.uk
SARACEN HORSE FEEDS ESSENTIAL BALANCER is a cost effective, low intake, complete feed balancer for horses and ponies of all ages and activity levels, who do not require any additional calories this winter. This low sugar, low starch, non-heating balancer can be fed alongside a forage-only diet to provide a balanced ration. It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support immune function, general health and well-being as well as a live yeast and healthy hoof package. RRP: £31.50 | saracenhorsefeeds.com
BAILEYS PERFORMANCE BALANCER can help ensure a horse’s diet continues to supply essential nutrition, while you control the calories. The protein helps build and maintain muscle and top line, without the need for specialist supplementation. A range of vitamins and minerals help to support healthy hoof growth, metabolism and wellbeing. With a negligible calorie content, it can be fed as the sole concentrate, or alongside reduced amounts of a mix or cube. RRP: £28 FOR 20KG performancebalancer.co.uk
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 21
PRODUCT WATCH.
NAF GASTRIAID is an advanced formula containing a unique blend of key ingredients to maintain gastric health, soothe the stomach wall and support the balance of pH levels within the gut. Hundreds of happy horses have settled on GastriAid – the symptoms may not always be the same but the answer is GastriAid. RRP: FROM £32.99 FOR 1.8KG Naf-equine.eu
BSC-GASTRO provides a powerful blend of proven extracts to support gastric healing and mucosal defence against acid wear. This triple-pronged formula of omega, anti-oxidant and prebiotic extracts nourishes both the upper and lower stomach, as well as helping to soothe and stabilise the hindgut. A highly palatable liquid supplement, feeding rate can be adjusted to cover periods of increased risk such as stabling, travel and competition. Fully FEI complaint. RRP: £75 FOR 3 LITRES 15% OFF YOUR FIRST BOTTLE – USE CODE GASTRO15 | nupafeed.co.uk
HAYGAIN HAY STEAMERS reduce up to 99% of airborne respirable dust, mould, fungi and bacteria in hay and haylage. This has been scientifically proven to have many health benefits. Haygain's patented steam technology purifies the hay from the inside out while the double insulated chest allows temperatures to reach over 100 degrees celcius to help kill unwanted pathogens found – even in the best quality hay. The Haygain HG One model is compact and lightweight, for use at home and away at competitions. RRP: £789.00 | Haygain.co.uk
SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF MOLASSES-FREE is great for those concerned about molasses. This low-calorie fibre blend with garlic and oil has no added sugar. It contains biotin to support hoof growth, is approved by the Laminitis Trust and can be used as a partial or total hay replacer. RRP: £14.75 FOR 20KG | spillers-feeds.com
DENGIE PURE GRASS Forage should make up the largest part of any horse's diet. As winter progresses horses tend to be stabled for longer and grazing becomes sparse, reliance on hay and haylage increases. Dengie Pure Grass can extend or totally replace forage. This naturally sweet, soft, short-chopped fibre can be used to provide additional calories for poor-doers or provide an alternative fibre source whilst stabled for longer periods. 100% natural, British-grown grasses, free from molasses, preservatives, straw and flavours. RRP: £13.25 FOR 15KG | dengie.com
22 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
PRODUCT WATCH.
PHARMATRAC provides complete digestive support and can be fed as part of a routine feeding regime or during periods of change and digestive upset. Containing the highest-grade active ingredients with zero fillers or bulking agents, PharmaTRAC provides targeted support to both the fore and hindgut, helping to maintain an optimal gastric environment. PharmaTRAC is recommended for use during training, travelling or when feeding patterns have been compromised. Bettalife offers a full money back guarantee. RRP: RRP: £39.99 FOR 1KG | Bettalife.co.uk
RYEGRASS HORSEHAGE is a high quality, dust-free, bagged forage containing no additives, made from a selection of ryegrasses and cut at an earlier stage of growth to provide optimum protein and energy levels. Ryegrass is great for horses requiring a little more from their forage and can also be fed to help gain weight and improve condition. HorseHage has FEMAS and BETA NOPS certification and comes with a 100% quality guarantee. RRP: FROM £8.50 | horsehage.co.uk
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TOPSPEC COMPREHENSIVE FEED BALANCER is a nutrient-rich, concentrated feed designed to promote musculo-skeletal development and performance. High levels of essential amino acids plus many nutrients help support muscle and bone development and function. It also promotes a shiny coat and tail growth. The base formula is cereal grain-free and low in sugar and starch. RRP: £30.95 FOR 15KG topspec.com
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BEDDING.
COSYING UP THERE’S NOTHING MORE SATISFYING THAN TUCKING YOUR HORSE UP IN A COSY STABLE ADORNED WITH A THICK, FLUFFY BED. STEPHANIE BATEMAN TAKES A LOOK AT THE DIFFERENT BEDDING
G
OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO HORSE OWNERS THIS WINTER.
olden stalks of straw, fluff y white shavings or moisturesoaking pellets – there seems to be no end of bedding products available nowadays, so what are the options, and which one is best for your horse A BETA National questrian Survey in 201 found that 53% of private horse owners bought shavings, 32% straw, 20% wood pellets, 6% rubber matting, hemp and fl ax, 1 paper and 11 other materials. However, straw may be in short supply this year – with the exceptionally wet early spring
and dry summer, farmers have struggled to produce the usual yield of straw. So, how will this affect owners “Wheat straw is the most common type used for bedding and it has not been a good season in terms of crop yields, explains Claire Williams, xecutive irector of B TA. Some crops had to be ploughed up and re-sown because they didn’t establish well and there is no doubt it’s going to be a challenging year. As with many things, it’s very regional and depends where you are and how you get your straw, but it looks likely that demand will be high and that will drive the price up.
Claire’s advice is to get your supplies in now. Find a source and get your bedding earlier than you would otherwise, she says. If you need to, look at alternatives now rather than leaving it to the last minute.
STRAW One of the cheapest and most commonly used beddings, it is made from the stems of wheat, barley or oat crops, with oat straw the most absorbent. Although fairly lightweight to carry around in small bales, straw must be stored in a damp-free environment to prevent bales going mouldy.
ABOVE: HORSE OWNERS HAVE A WIDER CHOICE OF BEDDING THAN EVER BEFORE. WOOD PELLETS SUCH AS SORBEO PICTURED HERE HAVE GAINED POPULARITY FOR THEIR LOW LABOUR REQUIREMENT. INSET: RENOWNED FOR BEING CHEAP, AESTHETICALLY APPEALING AND EASY TO SOURCE, STRAW IS LIKELY TO BE IN SHORT SUPPLY THIS YEAR.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 25
BEDDING.
MUCK HEAP MAINTENANCE
FOR HORSES WITH RESPIRATORY ISSUES, OPT FOR A PRODUCT THAT HAS BEEN HIGHLY DUST-EXTRACTED SUCH AS AW JENKINSON’S NATURAL FLAKE SHAVINGS. A thick, fluffy straw bed looks welcoming, but it isn’t the most absorbent and some horses are prone to eating it. Recent developments in straw-based beddings included chopped and treated straw products that are dust extracted, offering easier handling and greater absorbency as well as being suitable for horses with respiratory issues. Straw pellets, such as Sun-e-bed, are said to be dust-free, quick and easy to work with and result in a small muck heap. Being made of straw, they use an annual by-product and waste removed from the stable provides a nitrogen-rich compost. 26 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
WOOD SHAVINGS Benefits of shavings are that they are absorbent, which means they soak up urine which combats odour and reduces the risk of ammonia damage to your horse’s lungs. Their absorbency usually means you need less shavings than straw, but a bale of shavings is often double the cost of a bale of straw. For horses with respiratory issues, opt for a product that has been highly dust-extracted such as AW enkinson’s Natural Flake shavings. ABOVE: DISPOSAL OF SOILED BEDDING CAN BE MORE DIFFICULT WITH SOME PRODUCTS.
Getting rid of your muck heap needn’t be a headache. Steph Croxford has her muck heap spread over her haylage fields where it acts as a fertiliser. “We pay the local farmer £200 to come and spread it on our haylage fields,” explains Steph. “We use chopped rape straw for bedding which mulches down really quickly. This year we got 36 large round bales of haylage from 3.5acres. The local gardeners love it too and bring us some of their giant produce as a thank you.” Leaving manure to rot for as long as possible (two years ideally) before spreading it onto grazing land helps prevents re-infection by parasites. Local farmers may take large amounts away and spread it on their own land, and for smaller amounts, mushroom growers may remove it although they prefer fresh straw manure to shavings. South East-based MSD Grab Hire is a muck heap removal company which uses a grab lorry to remove muck heaps, requiring good access to the heap. “We need to get alongside the heap to remove it,” says Matt from MSD Grab Hire. “It’s not ideal if people put heaps in the middle of a field because the vehicle weighs 16 tonnes empty so it sinks in mud easily.” Matt charges £300 to remove a muck heap. “We have operator’s licenses and need to abide by regulations which mean our overheads are more than a farmer who might be cheaper,” he says. “The other difference is that a farmer can take 12 tonnes whereas we can take 16 tonnes and we can load in 20mins whereas they’ll take half a day. “We take it to a composting facility, but this means we only deal with straw and sawdust. We can’t remove a contaminated heap that has any rubbish. It helps if people send photos of the heap, its location and the accessibility as these are the main challenges that can stop us from completing a job.”
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BEDDING.
PAPER AND CARDBOARD Cardboard and paper are less common options. Sold in compacted bales, they are lightweight and easy to handle, but due to its lightweight nature, this type of bedding can blow around and make a mess. Cardboard products are made of corrugated cardboard which offer good drainage, leaving the top bedding dry. Both products are free from dust and spores but are heavy to lift when wet and not always easy to source. Ecobale is one example that is 100% recycled and is said to be easily composted and fully biodegradable, breaking down to a mulch.
as they are super-absorbent. Although laying new beds from scratch may be pricey due to the amount needed, they are very economical to maintain and time saving as only droppings and wet patches are taken out. Deodorisers may be added to combat stable odours.
WOOD PELLETS Made from compacted shavings bound together, wood pellets are similar to shavings but doubly absorbent. They tend to be more expensive than shavings, but you don’t ABOVE: FOR HORSES WITH RESPIRATORY ISSUES, HIGHLY DUST EXTRACTED WOOD SHAVINGS SUCH AS AW JENKINSONS NATURAL FLAKE CAN BE BENEFICIAL.
HEMP
INSET: SORBEO ADDS TO ITS ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS
Products such as Hemcore and Aubiose are made from the inner core of hemp. They contain no bleach or chemicals and are designed to be used in a thick deep litter bed
BY OFFERING A BAG RECYCLING SERVICE. LEFT: STRAW PELLETS SUCH AS SUN-E-BED ARE EASIER TO STORE AND HANDLE THAN TRADITIONAL BALED STRAW, A ND BEING DUST EXTRACTED, SUIT HORSES WITH RESPIRATORY ISSUES.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 29
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30 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
BEDDING.
THERE ARE NOW A NUMBER OF RUBBER MATTING OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS DESIGNS AND DEPTHS SUCH AS COMFORTSTALL, A MATTING SYSTEM need as much. Water is added to the bag which fluffs up the pellets into a dense, dry bedding. roducts on the market include Sorbeo, which is absorbent, dust-free and naturally antiseptic. The company adds to its environmental credentials by offering a bag recycling scheme.
RUBBER MATTING To add an element of warmth and comfort, many owners fit their horse’s stable with rubber mats which reduce the need for lots of bedding. Rubber matting also provides horses with a non-slip surface and protection from concrete floors. One downside to traditional rubber matting is that it consists of individual mats which
have gaps between them and allow urine to gather underneath. This cause ammonia to build up which can have a negative impact on horse’s respiratory health. Regular removal and cleaning is required to prevent this. There are now a number of rubber matting options available in various designs and depths such as ComfortStall, a matting system that boasts an orthopaedic padded foam layer. The sealed top prevents urine leakage and is made from two layers of tough, tightly woven polyester nylon mesh, sandwiched between three layers of dense, vulcanised latex-free rubber to offer a structurally stable, durable and impermeable, waterproof surface.
AQUAMAX was
PRODUCT
WATCH
launched over 20 years ago, and is a ‘wood crumble’ made from pine whitewood fibre sourced from sustainable forests. The pine releases a clean, fresh smell and helps to remove the smell of ammonia, which can get into your clothes, hair and everything inbetween. It has even been known to make the eyes water! So eliminating the smell of ammonia from your stable can help support a healthier respiratory system for both you and your horse. RRP: £8.45 FOR 15.91KG aquamax.co.uk
BELOW: RUBBER MATTING REDUCES THE AMOUNT OF BEDDING NEEDED AND PRODUCTS SUCH AS COMFORTSTALL OFFER A CUSHIONED, STRUCTURALLY STABLE SURFACE.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 31
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STORM WATERPROOF GLOVES are thin enough to keep good contact when riding and incorporate all the latest weatherproof features! RRP £39.50 • equetech.com WHIS THE
COMPETITION JACKET is Holland Cooper’s first competition jacket and has been beautifully designed with a tailored fit. With breathable mesh lining and stretch for comfort, this jacket has a shower-proof fabric with eyelet vents under the arm. Finished with signature gold metal hardware and tape detailing, this is a luxury must-have for competition riders. RRP £199 • hollandcooper.com
TOGGI'S COMBO mid layer is great for layering this season. Featuring flattering, practical and discreet reflective trims and subtle branding for a stylish look. RRP £90 • toggi.com
THE
LOIRE THREE QUARTER COAT is luxuriously warm and generously filled with eco-friendly DuPont synthetic filling and additional fleece lining. RRP £149.95 • lemieuxproducts.com
HEATED JACKETS are a collection of beautiful and flattering jackets with heating elements to help you never be cold again. The power bank can also charge your mobile phone and WHIS Wireless Instruction Set. Long and short waterproof jacket and unisex puffa styles available. RRP Jackets from £229 Power bank £32 • classicdressage.com
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THE BRITISH EQUESTRIAN COLLECTION features a stylish range of products from Toggi made with innovative, breathable fabrics and designed with activity and practicality in mind. RRP: From £15 • toggi.com
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HELMETS offer style, luxury and most importantly safety for the rider. Wide range available. RRP £256 royalequestrian.co.uk
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 33
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.
THE KIMMERSTON LONG QUILTED COAT is warm and stylish, breathable and water repellent, with a high storm breaker neck and snug fleece cuffs. RRP £154.99 coldstreamequestrian.co.uk
THE
MAPLE BELT is available in croc print leather, buffalo leather and black, featuring two snaffle bits in antique brass finish. Perfect with jeans or jodhpurs. RRP £50 • grays1922.com
THE PERFORMANCE PADDED PANTY is designed to eradicate seam lines visible through breeches and ensure no rubbing, chafing or abrasions are created. RRP £35.99 • derriereequestrian.com
SILVER STABLE BANGLE choose from sterling silver or solid gold charms and add a personalised disc. RRP £100 • thesilverstable.co.uk
UNWRAP
CHRISTMAS by shopping Country & Stable’s vast range of products to meet all festive wishes this season and share in the merry fun with their bunch of supporting friends. PS of Sweden Nirak leather anatomical bridle £235 • PS of Sweden Moss Monogram match set from £35 • countyandstable.co.uk
TOGGI BIRCH, WILLOW AND OAK HAT, SCARF AND GLOVES are made from a super soft Wool and Alpaca mix yarn that is both breathable and antibacterial. RRP from £19.99 toggi.com
THE REMINA LADIES COMPETITION/ SHOW JACKET is engineered from a highly technical soft shell fabric and lined with a stretch micro-mesh for a flattering fit for all shapes and sizes. RRP £125 • premierequine.co.uk
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MEGAN BAG in soft calf leather will wear with you, getting softer and suppler over time. Just the right size to fit a phone and a purse, it is perfect for dog walks or trips to the shops. RRP £75 • grays1922.com
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UVEX SUXXEED DIAMOND sparkles like a starlit sky of glittering crystals and gleaming pearls. RRP £366 • zebraproducts.co.uk
34 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
THE ABIGAIL EQUESTRIAN EMBOSSED HANDBAG is crafted from buffalo leather, featuring an embossed equestrian design, fold back handles, a zip on the top and detachable strap. RRP £135 grays1922.com
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 35
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.
THE MOVEMENT PARKA from Mountain Horse offers warmth, water and wind-proofing as well as breathability. It has reflective detailing for extra safety on dark nights, and pockets at the chest, waist and the inside is lined with soft, warm feather touch polyester padding. RRP £179 • mountainhorse.co.uk
THE
LEMIEUX FLEECE RUG is made from a super-soft anti-pilling polar fleece that ensures optimum wicking and cooling. Luxuriously finished with faux rabbit fur collar. RRP £129.95 • lemieuxproducts.com
THE EQUI KNIT BOBBLE HAT in ink navy is made from luxury wool blend and features a detachable bobble, crafted from real-look faux fur. Completed with a staple Holland Cooper engraved disc to bring a touch of prestige to every outfit. RRP £35 hollandcooper.com THE MH COMFORT SOCKS are reinforced at the heel and toe for strength and comfort. The inside of the shaft is thinner, for comfort in long boots, with extra ribbing support around the arch to help prevent blisters. RRP £17 Mountainhorse.co.uk
HERITAGE BRUSH SET WITH LUXURY CANVAS BAG features solid grained wooden handles and elegant metal Heritage badge. RRP £152.50 lemieuxproducts.com
THE DIAMANTÉ CLICK & CONNECT NECK STRAP helps you to support, rebalance, train and compete your horse – in style! RRP Classic from £89.95, Ultimate set from £129.95 saluteequestrian.com
THE
CATAGO HYBRID DRESSAGE SADDLE PAD features graphene technology that distributes heat evenly, maintaining the ideal temperature in any conditions. RRP £69.95 • coolequestrian.co.uk
A
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GALILEO
MEN'S LONG LEATHER FIELD RIDING BOOTS are handmade in their entirety. These men's leather field riding boots offer a flattering aesthetic and a bespoke look. RRP £170 • premierequine.co.uk
PERSONALISED STABLE DOOR PLAQUE which includes your favourite photos, important details and more. Printed on aluminium with four drill holes ready to install. RRP £24.99 sportsmark.co.uk
THE
GRIFFIN NUUMED HIWITHER half wool saddle pad is made from quality quilt and British wool. It provides an exceptional fit under most dressage saddles, with short top D straps and hook and loop girth straps to allow for a ‘fuss free’ fit. Machine washable and available in a wide range of colours. Use code BD05 to claim 10% discount (SPO1 DR only) before 31/12/20. RRP from £72.70 • nuumed.com BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 37
NAF CHERRY TREATS are formulated using only the best ingredients, combining the delicious flavour of cherry with natural rosehip and beetroot for a tasty fruity treat. RRP £3.99 • naf-equine.eu/uk
FENCE DRESSAGE MARKERS with bold letters and a strong design. Attach the plastic markers easily to arena boundaries, available in sets of eight or 12. RRP from £27.99 • sportsmark.co.uk
CHRISTMAS BRIX are limited edition premium lucerne brix with apple and cinnamon, a healthy Christmas treat for your horse. Suitable for all horses including those prone to laminitis. RRP £3.50 • simplesystem.co.uk EQUESTRIAN REFLECTIONS supply world class training mirrors feature an innovate design with a bespoke system, offering clarity of vision, strength, durability and style. Installed as individual units or a unique interlocking combination. Service package: project manager, site survey, installation and personalised calibration. equestrianreflections.co.uk
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HORSES FOR LIFE by Pammy Hutton and Islay Auty is summed up perfectly by this review ‘Extremely powerful book which is truthful, well researched and from the heart. Essential reading for all riders, parents and all associated with the sport. So much valuable experience from two amazing coaches. You won’t want to put it down.’ RRP ÂŁ12.50 • amazon.co.uk
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38 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
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www.coolequestrian.co.uk Tel: 01799 543018 BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 39
40 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
YOUNG HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2020.
YOUNG PRETENDERS IMPRESS OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF YOUNG HORSES AND BREEDING IN THIS COUNTRY MAY HAVE BEEN MISSED AT HARTPURY AND AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS SUMMER BUT KEYSOE PROVED A MOST WORTHY DEPUTY AS THEY HOSTED THE SHEARWATER BRITISH YOUNG HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS, THE BRITISH DRESSAGE YOUNG PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS AND A VIEWING TRIAL FOR THOSE HORSES HOPING FOR SELECTION TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN VERDEN.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 41
YOUNG HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2020.
SHEARWATER FOUR YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Mount St John (s. Diamond Hit) Diamonds are Forever
Amy Woodhead
82.4
Vaudeville Carrus
(Vivaldi x Davignon II)
Luke Baber-Davies
79.8
Tiger
(Blue Hors First Choice x Sandro Hit)
Alex Baker
79.6
SHEARWATER FIVE YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Waverley Fellini
(Furstenball x Sandro Hit)
Greg Simms
92.6
MSJ Florenza
(Furstenball x DiMaggio)
Amy Woodhead
84.8
Sadie Smith
83.4
Swanmore Dantina (Dante Weltino x Charatin)
ABOVE RIGHT: GREG SIMMS AND WAVERLEY FELLINI, OWNED BY GREG AND HIS PARTNER, STENNA HOERNER, IMPRESSED IN BOTH THE VIEWING TRIAL AND SHEARWATER FIVE YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH HIGH SCORES AND ARE NOW VERDEN BOUND. RIGHT: MICHAEL EILBERG’S FAITH IN MSJ DANTE VX IS PAID IN FULL AS THE QUIRKY YOUNGSTER IS SETTLING TO HIS TASK TO WIN THE SEVEN YEAR OLD TITLE FOR OWNERS GERI EILBERG AND NICKY REID. LEFT: SWANMORE DANTINA COMPLETES THE SHEARWATER FIVE YEAR OLD PODIUM WITH RIDER/OWNER SADIE SMITH.
SHEARWATER SIX YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS High Hoes Estelle
(Escolar x Luadabilis)
Dannie Morgan
83.0
Hawtins Fianello
(Floriscount x Cardinar)
Lucinda Elliot
82.4
Jaliva
(Breeding unknown)
Lucy Amy
82.2
BD SEVEN YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MSJ Dante VX
(Dante Weltino x Quattro B) Michael Eilberg
76.38
Impressive
(Charmeur x Krack C)
Sarah Millis
76.30
I’m Bayford Hall Incognito
(Breeding unknown)
Dan Sherriff
74.40
Ellie Darling
70.0
BD PONY FOUR YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Godric’s Dionysis
ABOVE: HAWTINS STUD’S RUN OF SUCCESS IN THESE CLASSES CONTINUES WITH SECOND SPOT FOR HAWTINS FINELLO UNDER LUCINDA ELLIOT FOR OWNER AND BREEDER JUDITH DAVIES IN THE SHEARWATER SIX YEAR OLDS. RIGHT: HIGH HOES ESTELLE AND DANNIE MORGAN, WHO PART OWNS THE MARE WITH BREEDER NICKY CALLUM, TOPPED A GREAT SEASON TOGETHER WITH VICTORY IN THE SHEARWATER SIX YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIP. PREVIOUS: SHEARWATER FOUR YEAR OLD VICTORS MOUNT ST JOHN DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER AND AMY WOODHEAD FOR PROUD OWNERS EMMA AND JILL BLUNDELL.
42 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
(s. Danger 36)
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 43
YOUNG HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2020.
BD PONY FIVE YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RSC The Ogopogo
(s. Ceulan Calon Lan)
Bryony Goodwin
76.2
KL Decan Dun
(s. FS Champion De Luxe)
Daisy Mansfield
67.8
Sugarhouse Targaryen (s. Sunny Jim)
Lucy Pye
80.8
Carry Girl San
Naomi Maxted Massey 77.0
BD PONY SIX YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Corbinian x Constantin)
Fancy Pants (Furst Romancier Wadacre x Golden Dancer)
Ellie Darling
73.2
BD FIVE YEAR OLD VIEWING TRIAL
ABOVE: FIVE YEAR OLD PONY HONOURS WENT TO RSC THE OGOPOGO, RIDDEN BY BRYONY
Waverley Fellini
(Furstenball x Sandro Hit)
Greg Simms
87.2
King IV
(Governor x Johnson)
Jezz Palmer
81.8
Kerouac
(Sezuan x Everoniek)
Luke Baber-Davies
76.2
GOODWIN FOR OWNER/BREEDER ROISIN CLOSE.
ABOVE: LUKE BABER-DAVIS HAD A GREAT WEEKEND WITH HIS YOUNGSTERS INCLUDING RUNNER UP IN THE SHEARWATER FOUR YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH AES LICENSED STALLION VAUDEVILLE CARRUS, OWNED BY LUKE AND YULA SKORNYACOVA. BELOW: A STAR IN THE MAKING: STRAIGHT HORSE DE MILLA, OWNED BY STRAIGHT HORSE APS AND HELGSTRAND DRESSAGE, IMPRESSED WITH TOM
ABOVE: LUCY PYE EXPERTLY PILOTED KATHRYN PICKLES’ SUGARHOUSE
GOODE IN THE SIX YEAR OLD VIEWING TRIAL AND
TARGARYEN TO A 80%+ SCORE FOR THE WIN IN THE BD PONY SIX YEAR
EARNED SELECTION TO VERDEN.
OLD CHAMPIONSHIP. LEFT: IT WAS A WIN FOR PATRICIA POMP’S GODRIC’S DIONYSIS UNDER ELLIE DARLING IN THE BD FOUR YEAR OLD PONY CLASS. BELOW: IMPRESSIVE BY NAME, EQUALLY BY NATURE. SARAH MILLIS AND IMPRESSIVE WOWED IN BOTH THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND VIEWING TRIAL FOR SEVEN YEAR OLDS. SARAH AND ‘ED’ ARE OFF TO VERDEN, COVID PERMITTING.
BD SIX YEAR OLD VIEWING TRIAL Straight Horse De Milla (De Niro x Blue Hors Zack)
Tom Goode
88.4
Jaristo
(Dream Boy x Nourejev)
Tom Goode
86.4
Toska Too
(s. Grey Flannell x Rubenstein) Beth Bainbridge
71.8
BD SEVEN YEAR OLD VIEWING TRIAL
Impressive
(Charmeur x Krack C)
Sarah Millis
80.31
Ivoli-E
(Dream Boy x Jazz)
Luke Baber-Davies
77.46
Rockstar I
(Rock Forever NRW x Stedinger)
Lisa Marriott
77.01
– BRITISH-BRED
44 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
Claydon A5 2017
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17:29
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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 45 Solarium Advert_92.5x54mm_OCT2018.indd 1
24/10/2018 2:40 pm
KEYSOE INTERNATIONAL: CPEDI.
LEFT: NATASHA BAKER AND THE 3* GRADE III CLASSES ON TOP SCORES TO REPEAT THEIR TRIPLE VICTORY AT THE SAME EVENT 12 MONTHS EARLIER.
PHOTOS: KEVIN SPARROW
KEYSOE International
KEYSTONE DAWN CHORUS TOOK
AFTER A SUMMER OF LIMITED EXPOSURE, MANY LEADING BRITISH RIDERS SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THEIR TOP AND UP-AND-COMING RIDES AT KEYSOE RIGHT: THE 3* GRADE IV TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL WERE WON BY KATIE RADZIK
CPEDI/CDI IN BEDFORDSHIRE (5-11 OCTOBER 2020) –
AND HER PARTNER OF ONE YEAR, THE
THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL IN BRITAIN SINCE BEFORE
BRITISH-BRED SHOWMAKER SON, SHOWKIA.
THE PANDEMIC. ALTHOUGH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, THE ENTIRE COMPETITION WAS STREAMED LIVE BY
BELOW: NEW KID ON THE BLOCK, ROWLAND KINCH’S DON CARA M WAS
HORSE & COUNTRY TO WATCH FROM THE CONVENIENCE
PILOTED BY SOPHIE WELLS TO DOMINATE
OF HOME. WE CELEBRATE SOME OF THE TOP-PLACED
THE CPEDI3* GRADE V CLASSES ON HIS DEBUT SPORTING THE UNION FLAG.
COMBINATIONS FROM HOME AND ABROAD.
ABOVE: 3* GRADE II TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL BRIDESMAIDS JEMIMA GREEN AND HER KWPN MARE ELRITE WENT ONE BETTER TO WIN THE FREESTYLE. ABOVE RIGHT: INTERNATIONAL DEBUTANT AND FORMER EVENTER LAURA SCOTT WON THE 2* GRADE IV NOVICE AND FREESTYLE WITH KOKO POP. THE AUSTRALIAN-BRED GELDING ALSO HAD A CHANGE OF DISCIPLINE WHEN LAURA TOOK OVER THE REINS FROM WILLIAM FOX-PITT. LEFT: IN THE CPEDI3*, LEE PEARSON CLAIMED THE GRADE II TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL WITH HIS HOMEBRED GELDING, BREEZER (BY BACARDI). RIGHT: SOPHIE CHRISTIANSEN SWEPT THE BOARD IN THE CPEDI3* GRADE I, WINNING THE TEAM TEST WITH INNUENDO III PLUS THE INDIVIDUAL AND FREESTYLE ABOARD SEVEN-YEAROLD MARE DIE FÜRSTIN.
46 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
KEYSOE INTERNATIONAL: CDI3*/CDIU25.
ABOVE: THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR CARL HESTER AND
ABOVE: THIRD PLACE ON THE GRAND PRIX PODIUM AND
NEW RIDE EN VOGUE, OWNED BY CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN. THE
SECOND PLACE IN THE SPECIAL BELONGED TO GARETH
TALL DARK JAZZ SON, WHO SHOWS MUCH QUALITY AND
HUGHES AND CLASSIC BRIOLINCA ON PB SCORES OF
SCOPE, FOLLOWED GRAND PRIX FOURTH WITH THIRD IN
77.67% AND 78.97%.
THE SPECIAL ON 78.42%.
ABOVE: LEWIS CARRIER AND DIEGO DANCED THEIR WAY
ABOVE: CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN AND MOUNT ST JOHN FREESTYLE
ABOVE: CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN AND HER INTERNATIONAL
TO VICTORY IN THE INTERMEDIATE II, U25 GRAND PRIX
SHOWED THEIR CLASS WITH A GRAND PRIX PB SCORE OF 83.19%.
FIRST-TIMER GIO (APACHE X TANGO) FOLLOWED GRAND
AND FREESTYLE. LEWIS SCORED THREE PERSONAL BESTS
THE ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD GERMAN MARE, OWNED BY EMMA AND JILL
PRIX SECOND (79.34%) WITH A VICTORY IN SATURDAY
AND HIS FIRST PLUS-70% AT U25 GP FREESTYLE.
BLUNDELL, WAS HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT, WON THE
NIGHT’S FREESTYLE. THEY WERE UNANIMOUS AND
CLASS, AND EARNED SEVERAL TENS TO BOOT.
OUTSTANDING WINNERS ON A MARK OF 83.36%.
ABOVE: LARA EDWARDS AND JAZZED UP (BY JAZZ) MOVED UP THE RANKS FROM PSG TENTH
ABOVE: WEEKS AFTER THE HORSE’S WINNING INTERNATIONAL DEBUT AT HAGEN CDI,
TO THE RUNNERS-UP POSITION IN THE INTERMEDIATE I. LARA CO-OWNS THE 11-YEAR-OLD
LARA BUTLER AND AMIEK C STAMP THEIR AUTHORITY WITH A KEYSOE HAT-TRICK IN
GELDING WITH LAURA MILNER AND HE IS PROVING A CONSISTENT COMPETITOR AT THE LEVEL.
THE SMALL TOUR.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 47
KEYSOE INTERNATIONAL: CDIYJP. LEFT: NORTHUMBERLAND-BASED MARTHA JOBLING-PURSER, FLYING THE IRISH FLAG, WON THE PONY TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL TESTS ON VALIDO’S STARLIGHT. MARTHA WAS WEARING THE IRISH BADGE WORN BY HER GREAT AUNT JULIET WHEN SHE WAS A MEMBER OF THE IRISH EVENTING TEAM AT THE MEXICO OLYMPICS.
ABOVE: ANNABELLA PIDGLEY AND BELAFONTE IMPROVED ON THEIR PLACINGS AT THEIR FIRST
ABOVE: DANISH COMBINATION LAURA
INTERNATIONAL IN BELGIUM IN JULY TO WIN
JARLKVIST RASMUSSEN AND AATOFTENS
THE JUNIOR TEAM AND FREESTYLE TESTS, AND
DORNIER CAME TO KEYSOE ON THE BACK OF
PLACE THIRD IN THE INDIVIDUAL.
TWO TOP 10 PLACINGS AT THE YOUNG RIDER EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WON ALL
RIGHT: BRITAIN’S CAITLIN BURGESS AND
THREE CLASSES ON SCORES OVER 71%.
HER 13-YEAR-OLD LORD LEATHERDALE-SIRED CHOCOTOF PERFORMED WELL TO FINISH SECOND ON ALL THREE DAYS. BELOW: METTE DAHL AND GEORGE CLOONEY BS STOPPED MARTHA’S HAT-TRICK BY WINNING THE PONY FREESTYLE WITH A SUPER SCORE OF 73.78%.
RIGHT: GEMMA OWEN AND SIRIUS BLACK III, SECOND TO ANNABELLA IN THE JUNIOR TEAM, WENT ONE BETTER TO CLAIM VICTORY IN THE INDIVIDUAL WITH A PERCENTAGE SCORE OF 70.20. SIRIUS BLACK CAME TO GEMMA IN 2019 AND THE PAIR HAS COMPLETED THREE INTERNATIONAL SHOWS TOGETHER.
48 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 49
RIDING REQUISITES.
ZOOM TO BETTER SCORES MANY RIDERS DISCOVERED THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE TRAINING DURING THE FIRST LOCKDOWN, BUT INCREASING CORE STRENGTH THROUGH TARGETED EXERCISE CLASSES CAN HAVE AN ONGOING IMPACT ON YOUR SUCCESS, SAYS ANDREA OAKES.
F
rom Zumba by Zoom to Joe Wicks’ daily workout, 2020 has seen an explosion of online exercise classes. When we couldn’t get to the village hall or the local leisure centre, enterprising keep-fit instructors lifted us from lockdown lethargy by bringing the likes of yoga, Pilates and core conditioning to us.
50 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
For many riders facing an enforced lay-off, whether through lockdown, lameness or another issue that throws a spanner in the works, the ability to do some out-of-saddle exercise at home has proved a mental and physical lifeline. This was the case with Kate De Fraja when she was recovering from COVID-19 this spring. “I was hit by severe fatigue and spent a week in bed, which for me is unheard of,” says Kate, 58, whose plans with her 16.2hh warmblood gelding Dante were left in disarray. “I’d been gearing up for the event season but then everything
stopped with lockdown. When I could start riding again, we were only allowed to do flatwork at the yard; it seemed an ideal opportunity to go back to basics, so I signed up to an online programme to help me recover and to give me something to focus on.” Kate opted for Dressage Rider Training (DRT, dressageridertraining.com), run by New Zealand personal trainer Nicola Smith. Unlike a more general exercise class, DRT combines Nicola’s knowledge of scientific core conditioning and strength training with the biomechanics of dressage riding. “I was working from home and found it so convenient,” says Kate of the innovative course, which comprises three 20-minute sessions per week plus optional additional homework. “The workouts were sensible and well-paced, helping me feel fitter, stronger and more toned and flexible, but the real result was in the saddle where I felt so much more secure and in control of my position. “I train with 4* eventer Laurence Hunt; when he started coaching me again, he said that my seat had improved,” added Kate, who achieved a personal best British Eventing (BE)90 dressage
RIDING REQUISITES.
score of 26.5 this summer. “As Nicola says, the horse will notice if you strengthen your core. He’ll move more freely and become more athletic and dynamic.” It’s understandable to feel that training and competition restrictions will bring progress to a halt, but Nicola emphasises that time on the sidelines is not necessarily time wasted. “So much of riding is about body awareness, understanding where your centre of gravity is and creating good biomechanical posture to prevent injury,” she explains. “By working on all of these things out of the saddle, you then improve them all in it. “Core strength is the single biggest ingredient that most riders lack,” adds Nicola, who believes that a rider who trains their body to be aligned, supple and strong will be more able to move as one with their horse to create that ‘magical picture’. “If you want to take your riding to the next level, you need to pay as much attention to your own physical core strength and fitness as you do to your horse’s. Use the time to invest in yourself.” Whichever trainer you choose, online classes allow you to plan when and where you exercise. Whether you prefer your sessions
in real-time, or as watchable workouts that you can do when it suits, some kind of support may help you to stick with it. When Janice Hutchinson stepped up from the fi rst stage of DRT to the tougher second section, she joined forces with a friend via WhatsApp. “Though we live 200 miles apart and I’m 20 years older than she is, we egged each other on and kept each other going,” said Janice, who has now embarked upon section three. “It is easier with a buddy.” Janice was riding three horses a day and describes herself as ‘fairly fit’ when she fi rst felt the need for some out-of-saddle exercise. “I’d achieved many things with Icelandic horses and competed one successfully at medium level, against other breeds, but at I decided to buy a fiveyear-old warmblood mare,” she says. “Riding a bigger-moving horse and learning to sit to the sudden and violent spooks that came from nowhere was a big challenge, requiring more tone and balance. I also had dodgy hips and suffered a lot of pain, especially when dismounting. I realised I had to up my game. At fi rst, I would ride my mare for 10 minutes and get off
gasping,” adds Janice. “Two canter circles and that was me done, but with these exercise routines I’m much more able to keep up with her. My stamina and balance have improved hugely and I no longer have the hip pain.” Thanks to technology, riders like Janice now have access to a world of exercise expertise.
“I’ve been doing E-Riders online dressage, which has given me a focus, an aim and an independent judge for feedback,” she says. “I think I’m on track to reach medium level by the time I’m 70, in two years. I’ll keep going with the DRT workouts to give my body the best chance of getting there.”
I TRIED SOMETHING NEW “I went down the centre line and exited at A in an ambulance,” recalls Joanna Philpot of the day last December when she parted company with her Irish-bred gelding Micro Man during a dressage test. “Mickey spooked, causing my air jacket to go off, which made him bolt. I landed awkwardly, snapping my right humerus and breaking a hip.” Joanna recovered from her injuries and was back in the saddle a few months later. She had lost so much confidence, however, that she would shake even while riding on the lunge. “Sport psychology helped, but my trainer, Nathalie Kayal, suggested I also found something to improve my core strength and fitness,” she says. “I worked through DRT 1 while furloughed and completed an additional 30-day core strength challenge before beginning DRT 2. “I’ve loved every minute, particularly the yoga elements and work with the Swiss ball, and can now side-plank holding a weight with an arm outstretched,” adds Joanna, who recently rode Mickey to an elementary 44 win at Merrist Wood. “The programme was very much part of my rehab and both Nathalie and my saddle-fitter Sue Carson have been blown away by my improvement.”
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 51
Qualify
now for the Area Festival
winter series!
Area Festivals from January to February!
Ride from Prelim to Inter I, Bronze & Silver!
Aspire to compete at an exciting championship event!
All you need to qualify is a handful of points at your chosen level, these can be gained at regular BD shows at your local venues! Qualify from 1 July to 30 December 2020 and aim for the Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival Championships.
To find out more visit www.britishdressage.co.uk/competitions 52 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
Area Festival_issue6.indd 1
03/08/2020 14:56:00
DRESSAGE TERMS.
LEFT: THIS LOOKS LIKE A HAPPY ATHLETE, USING ITS BODY ATHLETICALLY AND APPEARING WILLING AND HAPPY IN ITS WORK.
PART 4
BEYOND THE COMMENTS
IN OUR FINAL INSTALMENT OF JANE KIDD’S LOOK AT THE MEANING BEHIND SOME COMMONLY USED JUDGE COMMENTS, WE LOOK AT REMARKS WHICH COVER THE WHOLE HORSE WITH SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE BEFORE YOUR NEXT OUTING.
T
he very fi rst sentence in the F I’s guidelines is The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. Therefore, the goal of every rider, trainer and judge has to be a happy athlete. This wonderful image of the whole horse is one to keep uppermost in our minds alongside the scales of training. It’s the starting and end point as opposed to the detail featured in the three previous articles on the forehand, back and hindquarters.
JUDGES COMMENT: THROUGHNESS Throughness indicates the quality of the work and all the other fundamentals make a positive or negative contribution towards it. The scales of training appropriate for that horse and at that level are what need to be in place to achieve it. ermeability is a good way of looking at it the impulsive forces aids, contact and impulsion can go through the horse’s body and are not blocked by resistance, tension, stiffness, anxiety, etc.
Throughness is the best translation of the term used in Germany for the third collective mark. We call it submission and this can be associated with subordination not what we want in dressage . We associate throughness with cooperation and harmony and many support it as a better way of describing what we are looking for in that third collective mark. Possible corrections: It’s when the scales of training are working well that throughness is possible, so focusing on the basics helps this key state to thrive. LEFT: ALTHOUGH WE USUALLY THINK OF SELF CARRIAGE AS WHEN THE HORSE IS WORKING IN A RAISED OUTLINE THE AIM IS FOR A HORSE TO BE IN THE NECESSARY BALANCE AND CARRYING ITSELF IN ALL OUTLINES.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 53
DRESSAGE TERMS.
“LIGHTNESS” JUDGES COMMENT: LIGHTNESS ightness refers firstly to the lightness of the footfalls, that the steps do not land heavily or sluggishly, and secondly to the contact. This lightness in the contact is not to the extreme that there are loops in the reins and that there is a fixed outline. A light, consistent, elastic contact with a forward tendency is the aim. Possible corrections: Half halts and transitions are as so often a likely correction.
LEFT: A TEST OF GOOD TRAINING IS BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE THROUGHNESS IN A TRANSITION SUCH AS THIS ONE TOWARDS MORE COLLECTED STRIDES.
JUDGES COMMENT: SELF CARRIAGE The aim is to give an impression of lightness, that the horse is carrying itself not dependent on the rider’s support whether its head and neck are stretching down or higher in a more collected position. The horse has to be in a balance to achieve self-carriage especially as the rider’s rein contact is not there to hold the head and neck in a position but to receive, and direct. Any resistance or tension will inhibit self-carriage. Possible corrections: Self-carriage requires the basics to be in place and for the horse to be in a good balance, so it is like throughness, the outcome of the way it is trained rather than a particular goal. There are many causes of a lack of self carriage including weakness, being very strong, pulling, resistance, behind the bit and on the forehand – but taking the weight back to get the horse into a better balance often helps. Therefore, give and retake of the reins, transitions and half halts are usual remedies along with a poised and balanced position for the rider who does not pull back. RIGHT: A BALANCED RIDER HELPS THE HORSE TO BE IN A BALANCE AND ESTABLISH SELF-CARRIAGE.
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“SELF CARRIAGE”
DRESSAGE TERMS.
JUDGES COMMENT: CADENCE
“EXPRESSION”
This is the ultimate aspect of rhythm. The first stage is regularity, that the sequence is correct for each pace and the second is tempo where the rider finds a speed that is consistent and brings out the best qualities in each of the horse’s three paces. Finally there is cadence when there is a pronounced beat. It is defined as a rhythmic sequence and for me it is when there is a pronounced rhythm of both the regularity and the tempo. Possible corrections: To have a pronounced rhythm as an aim can lead to tightness and be at the expense of suppleness and fluency. There is a greater likelihood of harmony if it is achieved instead as the outcome of the scales of training being in place, particularly rhythm. BELOW: THERE IS PLENTY OF EXPRESSION IN THIS TROT EXTENSION.
JUDGES COMMENT: EXPRESSION xpression is much sought in dressage as it is the element that when controlled, leads to the s and 10s and much admiration. It’s a display of eye-catching flamboyance and the athleticism that fulfils one part of our goal of a happy athlete. However, it takes skill to keep a horse balanced when it shows this exuberance and it’s easy to lose the other aspect of the goal – happiness. ABOVE: CLEAR ELASTICITY IS SHOWN IN THIS SPRINGY CANTER STRIDE
JUDGES COMMENT: ELASTICITY lasticity is a crucial element in expression. It’s when the muscles can stretch and relax and to do so smoothly yet elastically. This is a development of suppleness and it enables the steps to become springier. Possible corrections: The basis of elasticity is suppleness and this is the first stage of the correction but the relaxation of the muscles needs to be contained to create
that springiness. Transitions, compressing without losing impulsion and extending to give variations of trot and canter often help. RIGHT: A RIDER WHO REWARDS THEIR EQUINE PARTNER AND SEEKS TO BUILD UP RAPPORT BY ADAPTING TO DIFFERING ATTITUDES IN DIFFERENT HORSES IS MORE LIKELY TO ACHIEVE WILLINGNESS AND TRAINABILITY IN EACH INDIVIDUAL HORSE.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 55
DRESSAGE TERMS.
JUDGES COMMENTS: WILLINGNESS AND TRAINABILITY These reflect whether the fi rst part of our goal has been achieved – a happy athlete. The FEI asks for the horse to be trained so that ‘it is confident, attentive and keen’. I value particularly the objective: ‘the horse gives the impression of doing of its own accord what is required’. Possible corrections: Make sure the aids are clear and consistent. Study the mind of each horse, whether it’s nervous, stubborn, sensitive or lazy and adapt the approach accordingly. Only ask what the horse is capable of giving in view of its strength, level of training, talent etc. Work around limitations.
JUDGES COMMENTS: TRACKING UP, OVERTRACKING In the walk, we talk about overtracking when the hind feet step into or in front of the forefeet on the same side. It’s the same principle in the trot when it’s normally referred to as tracking up. It’s expected in the working, medium and extended trot but not collected variations and is an important indicator that the horse is working with the appropriate scales of training. Possible corrections: The amount a horse can overtrack does depend on its natural ability but the way it’s ridden can destroy, maintain or enhance this. The horse has to be encouraged to stretch forwards towards the bit and many trainers when in walk on young horses keep to a long rein. When riding to a contact, restriction by the reins on the natural head nod tightens the back and leads to irregularities and restriction of the steps. Riders need to allow a slight movement with their hands that is in line with the head nodding in all but collected walk. In the trot it’s a matter of positive rhythmical forward riding to encourage the hinds to swing under the body with the appropriate level of scales of training in place. It’s particularly important for young horses to track up in their working trot as this encourages use of the whole body and not just movement of the legs.
JUDGES COMMENT: CONNECTION Connection is when horse is moving as a harmonious whole with any activity generated in the hindquarters passing through the unblocked body to the head and mouth to be received in the hands. The connection is between the hind and front ends of the horse to establish what FEI describes as a circuit along which there is ‘an unrestricted flow of energy and influence from and through the rider to and throughout the horse and back of the rider’. Possible corrections: As for throughness.
ABOVE: THE HORSE IS SWINGING WELL FORWARD WITH ITS OUTSIDE HIND TO TRACK UP BY STEPPING INTO THE HOOF PRINT OF THE OUTSIDE FOREFOOT.
“UPHILL”
JUDGES COMMENT: UPHILL Uphill refers to the outline of the horse so that the hindquarters are well engaged to support a lightening and lifting of the forehand. It‘s the opposite of a horse being on its forehand and is particularly sought in the canter. As the horse advances in its training, it becomes increasingly important. Possible corrections: If a horse is leaning on the reins then some checks and releases on the reins may be helpful, but generally the focus is on the hindquarters, encouraging them to engage and support more, largely through half halts and transitions. ABOVE: THIS HORSE IS MAINTAINING THE UPHILL STRIDES WELL AS IT MOVES INTO A MORE EXTENDED CANTER.
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DIET IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN RECOVERY FROM INJURY OR ILLNESS. WE GET SOME ADVICE FROM BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM LTD ON HOW THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS CAN HELP DURING BOX REST AND REHABILITATION.
A
period of rest and recuperation is inevitable during your horse or pony’s career, for example, as the result of lameness or colic or due to an illness or disease such as .laminitis, or following surgery. Diet plays an important role in supporting recovery from illness and repair of injured tissues such as bone, muscle or tendons by providing a number of nutrients which are needed to support the healing process. Protein is a crucial ingredient as it is broken down into amino acids during digestion which are used to build new proteins and tissues by your horse as they recover from illness or injury. Every protein in your horse’s body is made up of an ‘alphabet’ of 21 building blocks called amino acids. Although your horse is able to make some of these amino acids within their body, the remainder - essential amino acids - have to be supplied in their diet. Any deficiency in these essential amino acids can limit protein production in the body including those involved in repair and healing. During recovery from an injury or infection, or during exercise, the rate of protein manufacture within your horse’s body may increase, so attention needs to be paid
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to their diet to support their recovery. There are three basic rules: • Provide enough, but not too many, calories (energy). Your horse’s energy or calorie intake will be lower during box rest as they are less active. Even if they have just started back into work, energy intake should ideally be limited to keep them calm and so reduce the risk of further injury. • Provide a balance of nutrients. Fibre, protein and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals, all aid the healing process by supporting normal digestion, muscle function, immunity and respiratory health. • Provide a good quality protein source. Protein is needed to aid the recovery and repair of body tissues. By providing amino acids in the diet, the raw ingredients for protein synthesis are available to your horse. It may also help limit the amount of muscle mass which is lost during the rest period. Here are some tips to help you follow these rules:
FEED CONCENTRATES ON A ‘LITTLE AND OFTEN’ BASIS While your horse is on box rest, a concentrate feed that is high in fibre and low in starch is most suitable and this can be continued once exercise is re-introduced.
ASK THE EXPERT.
can be easily digested in the small intestine. Forage, cereals and cereal by-products all provide your horse with some dietary protein, however it may not be high quality and highly digestible. Your horse will not derive any amino acids from either starch or oil as neither contains any protein. Since your horse needs the right balance of amino acids to support healthy tissue growth and repair during recovery and return to work. Equitop Myoplast can be fed alongside this type of ENSURE YOUR HORSE HAS PLENTY OF HIGH ration to supply important and essential amino acids. QUALITY CLEAN FORAGE It is a good source of both dietary essential and nonGood quality clean hay or haylage is essential to help essential amino acids and specifically maintain your horse’s digestive health contains arginine, ornithine, glutamine and avoid problems such as respiratory DIET PLAYS AN and leucine, all of which have been disease. Forage also takes much longer to eat than concentrate feed and so a IMPORTANT ROLE shown to be involved in normal healthy repair and recovery processes. high forage diet will help satisfy the IN SUPPORTING natural chewing behaviours of your horse and avoid boredom which is PROVIDE SUFFICIENT RECOVERY especially helpful during times of rest ANTIOXIDANTS IN THE DIET FROM ILLNESS and recuperation. During injury and disease, your The risk of stable vices or stereotypic horse will produce more free radicals, AND REPAIR OF behaviours such as windsucking and highly active biological by-products INJURED TISSUES wood chewing may increase if your of many normal metabolic processes, horse is stabled and fed a high starch which can contribute to ongoing tissue diet with a low level of forage. damage. Antioxidants may help mop up free radicals. However, forage alone will not provide your horse with Feed ingredients such as alfalfa, rosehip and rice bran, an optimum balance of amino acids and this will need to as well as Equitop Myoplast, contain natural be addressed. antioxidants which can be beneficial to your horse as part of a balanced diet SUPPLEMENT YOUR HORSE’S DIET WITH Further information HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN available from Boehringer Some sources of dietary protein are considered to be of a Ingelheim Ltd, Animal higher quality than others because they contain more of Health, RG12 8YS, UK. the essential amino acids needed by your horse, especially Email: vetenquiries@ during times of greater protein requirement. To provide boehringer-ingelheim.com your horse with the best balance of amino acids you must AHD 11277. ensure that the protein in their diet is of good quality and
Concentrate feeds should be kept small and fed on a ‘little and often’ basis to allow the digestion of both starch and protein to be maximised in the small intestine. Enzymes found in the small intestine are needed to break up the complicated structure of dietary protein in order to absorb its nutrient content, and so feeding ‘little and often’ avoids overloading the digestive capacity of these enzymes.
RIGHT: GOOD QUALITY FORAGE IS ESSENTIAL DURING THE RECOVERY PROCESS.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN THE LEVEL OF EXERCISE STARTS TO INCREASE? Following a period of box rest, or restricted exercise due to injury, your horse will slowly be returned to full work. This is a critical phase, as fitness and strength needs to be regained without causing further damage to the injury in question which is likely to be still healing. For this reason, you may restrict energy (calorie) intake in order to prevent excessive weight gain and to avoid over-exuberence. However, your horse still requires a well-balanced diet that provides plenty of forage and limits the intake of
starch. It is also vital that your horse is provided with an adequate level of quality digestible protein because once horses have returned to work, and their level of exercise starts to increase, there is an even greater demand for protein to support the increased rate of muscle protein turnover (breakdown and repair) that occurs with exercise. Equitop Myoplast is ideal to supplement your horse’s existing ration providing a high quality and digestible source of protein.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 59
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BD ACTION.
BRITISH DRESSAGE
ACTION
KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST NOTICES, NEWS AND VIEWS FROM BRITISH DRESSAGE AT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK
2021 MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK As announced in Issue 7, we’ve gone digital with the 2021 Members’ Handbook to cut down on paper use, transport miles, and to help with our green credentials. This move also offers substantial cost savings as we rebuild the organisation’s finances in the wake
2020 AGM Following our annual general meeting on Tuesday 20 October, the minutes and a copy of the presentations are now available in pdf format (see the BD website news item dated 27 October). This year’s meeting was streamed live for the first time so members can ‘watch again’ via a link to YouTube. VOTING RESULTS First Ordinary Resolution To elect Claire Moir as the BD Youth Director The CEO stated that Claire Moir was standing unopposed for the BD Youth Director election. On the unanimous approval of the 28 proxy forms received and those present, with no votes against, Claire was deemed to be elected as BD Youth Director for a second term of four years. Second Ordinary Resolution To receive the Financial Statements of British Dressage for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the Directors’ and Auditors’ Reports thereon. The Chief Executive proposed that the Financial Statements, together with the Directors’ Report and the Auditor’s Report for the period ending 31 December 2019 be approved. This Ordinary Resolution was carried unanimously with
of the pandemic. Members have free access to the online version which is fully searchable and can be found in the Competitions section of the BD website. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the rule changes and new features ahead of
28 proxy votes and all present in favour of the resolution. Third Ordinary Resolution CEO proposed that Mazars be elected as auditors of British Dressage and that the Board be authorised to fix their remuneration. This Ordinary Resolution was carried unanimously, with 28 proxy votes and all present confirmed in favour of the resolution, and no votes against. The Board was duly authorised to fix their remuneration. Special Business The following resolution was proposed as a Special Resolution: That the draft articles of association submitted to the meeting and for the purpose of identification signed by the Chairman thereof be and the same are hereby approved and adopted as the articles of association in substitution for and to the exclusion of all the existing articles of association for British Dressage. The CEO outlined the reasons for these changes, which would enable the Board to appoint up to five extra Directors in non-technical roles to provide specific expertise in certain areas, such as legal, HR, IT etc., as required. This would include the Finance Director and Business Development Director roles. In
JUDGES
CORRECTION
HAVE YOU OPTED IN FOR OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY? If you wish to be included in the online ‘find a judge’ directory, let us know by selecting the free ‘judge’s listing’ option through Bookwhen on this page: bookwhen.com/ britishdressage/e/evs0nm-20181115000000 and select Judge’s Listing to give your consent. By completing this free booking, you consent to your information and contact details being displayed on the BD website for the viewing of organisers, venues, competitors and other members of the public. Please note that your full address will not be visible – only your county and region
The seventh to tenth placed riders in the Prestige Italia Novice Silver Winter Championship are as below, not as printed on page 23 in issue 7. 7. Sarah Oakden with Liz Somerville’s Splash and Dash, 68.46%. 8. Louise Robson with her own ValMae, 68.27%. 9. Sam Roberts with Helen Skirton’s Moelview Prince Consort, 68.02%. 10. Chloe Arnold with Caroline Bell’s Full House, 67.90%.
JUDGE RETIREMENTS Liz West (List 3A) from Kent and Eva Trotter (List 4) from North Yorkshire have retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Liz and Eva for all their hard work and support and wishes them all the best for the future.
the effective date of 1 January. We’ve printed a vastly reduced number for our judges, stewards, officials and staff, and members are able to request a copy free of charge. You can request a copy by completing the link on the ‘manage your membership’ page in the Membership section of the website.
addition, all member-elected roles would be subject to electronic membership voting in future, including those who were standing unopposed, with the result binding and announced at the AGM. The Special Resolution was carried by a majority decision, with 27 proxy and all present in favour of the resolution, and one proxy vote recorded against.
KEY DATES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 3-6 Dec Keysoe High Profile Show, Bedfordshire 9-13 Dec FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, Verden, GER 21-22 Dec LeMieux Grand Prix National Championship, Hartpury 16-17 Jan Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival, Solihull EC, West Midlands 16-17 Jan Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival, The Cabin EC, Aberdeenshire 23-24 Jan Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival, Vale View Equestrian, Leicestershire 28-31 Jan Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival, Northallerton EC, North Yorkshire 29-31 Jan Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival, Keysoe, Bedfordshire
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REGIONAL ACTIVITY.
CENTRAL
SCOTLAND
NORTHERN RDO: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: central@ britishdressage.co.uk
SOUTH WEST RDO: Emma Devoy M: 07584 147258 E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk
RDO: Jo Byrne M: 07783 791191 E: northern@ britishdressage.co.uk
RDO: Amanda Rodgers M: 07894 232355 E: southwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Jane Imbush 07739 644064 Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562 Rider training: Gemma Dainty 07780 705788 BD Youth: Dawn Fleming 07742 082723 Judges: Richard Baldwin 07903 942498 Para: Caroline Unwin 07842 219043 Marketing: Contact RDO
Chairman: Vikki Hayton 07860 276578 Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141 Rider training: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148 BD Youth: Jess Griffiths 07590 732896 Judges: Gwyneth Lewis 07710 021279 Para: Gillian Brown 07872 923456 Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360
Chairman: Sharon Lindop 07793 129245 Coaching: Jean Stephen 07718 315834 Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039 BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248 Judges: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211 Gillian Peters 07501 444132 Para: Clare Molyneux 07789 262898 Marketing: Amelia Ratcliffe-Smith 07837 533506
Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677977 Coaching: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 BD Youth: Joanna Lees 07709 376470 Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499 Para: Nick Rodgers 07791 935095 Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700 Paula Holland 07748 666794
EASTERN
NORTH WEST
SOUTHERN
WALES
RDO: Katharine Perry M: 07872 603871 E: eastern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Lotte Olsen 01277 822525 Coaching: Tracy Wright 07951 570315 Rider training: Hayley Liddiard 07769 692670 BD Youth: Phillippa Coles 07860 215895 BD Youth (U12s): Jessica Brown 07852 282983 Judges: Jane Howard 07831 406406 Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth 07967 605566 Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497
RDO: Nadine Murray M: 07557 233219 E: northwest@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Tim Downes 07775 797484 Coaching: Jane Critchley 07966 865604 (South) Alison Calvert 07980 886004 (North) Rider training: Jackie Crombie 07816 216594 BD Youth: Sue Blackshaw 07528 570681 Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633 Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766 Para: Alison Ramseir 07809 456296 Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176
RDO: Sharon Walker M: 07894 232358 E: southern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Samantha Osborn 01428 656188 Coaching: Emma Butler 07843 585504 Rider training: Contact RDO BD Youth: Eve Fifer 07879 643047 Emma Mansfield 07748 902655 Judges: Yvonne Huber 07933 133132 Para: Contact RDO Marketing: Caroline Gibson 07795 035581 Sam Mabb 07971 871888
RDO: Vanessa Archer M: 07398 763414 E: wales@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315 Coaching: Amanda Leaker 07980 309398 Rider training: Bethan Powell 07545 082247 Helen Hopewell 07971 490038 BD Youth: Kelly Bergheim 07792 735909 Megan Roberts 07807 053246 Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953 Para: Tracy Ormrod 07973 616497 Marketing: Jen Smithson 07900 993223 Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941 Quest: Lorry Davies 07940 449002
JUDGES’ DIARY Important information: In view of the disruption to this year’s judge training and competition calendar, dispensation has been granted for fulfilling CPD requirements as a judge. The exemption allows an extended period – until Spring 2021 – to attend CPD. We recognise the challenges around faceto-face CPD as a number of the regional seminars were cancelled earlier this year, along with the cancellation of the Principles of Judging Seminar. As an alternative, you will be able to fulfil your CPD requirements by attending two online Zoom judge training sessions at your current level. These are available to book via your regional Bookwhen page. We thank you for your continued understanding and support. To apply to become a Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/how_to_become_a_judge. For judge training dates and further information on upcoming seminars and induction days, please see the BD website. Please note that the new exam policy is now in place, so any judges wishing to upgrade must have been at their current list for a minimum of one year before coming forward.
REGIONAL TRAINING
PART 3 EXAM DATES
Please visit each region’s Bookwhen page for the latest dates and to book your place. Central Region North West bookwhen.com/bdcentral bookwhen.com/bdnorthwest Eastern Region Northern Region bookwhen.com/bdeast bookwhen.com/bdnorthern Southern Region Scotland Region bookwhen.com/bdsouthern bookwhen.com/bdscotland South West Region Reminder: It’s a compulsory requirement for bookwhen.com/british-dressage-south-west all judges to attend two Zoom sessions at the Wales Region relevant list per year. Dispensation is granted bookwhen.com/bd-wales until Spring 2021 to fulfil this requirement.
All judge examinations that have been cancelled will be rescheduled in 2021 to accommodate candidates. Where possible, those booked onto cancelled dates will be offered priority booking for any rescheduled dates at their previously chosen venue. For more information visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/judge_ training and to book: bookwhen.com/britishdressage
All dates are subject to the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please keep an eye on the British Dressage website and social media channels for the latest updates and arrangements. For the most current dates, please refer to the regional Bookwhen pages which can be found on each regional web page: britishdressage.co.uk/regions/
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2020 // 63
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DRESSAGE DAYS.
DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A MEET DIANNE BREEZE There’s no doubt that horses lend themselves to be the perfect subject matter for art, and many riders and owners aspire to have a portrait of their equine partner on the wall. One person who can make this aspiration a reality is Dianne Breeze – one of the UK’s foremost equestrian illustrators and artists. Dianne combines her passion for riding and coaching with time spent in the studio creating astonishingly lifelike works of art. Her work can be seen in many equestrian books and magazines and she is highly sought after for commissions. We caught up with Dianne, who lives with her ‘long-suffering’ husband Iain and dog Sydney in Powys, Wales, to find out more.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD A LOVE OF HORSES? I’ve always had a fascination for horses and have drawn them for as long as I can remember. All my spare time after school and at weekends was spent helping at the local riding school. My parents were not horsey at all but eventually they gave in and bought a pony for my sister and I. He was an extremely mischievous, headstrong chestnut gelding called Chips – but that’s another story!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND IN ART. My school teachers encouraged me to draw and develop my art skills, I was even allowed to stay in at play times and draw horses on the blackboard! After leaving school, I went to Birkenhead Art School to do a foundation year, which lead to a degree course at Liverpool Art School where I studied the work of George Stubbs, one of England’s most accomplished horse painters. After graduating with a BA Hons, I worked for a year at Liverpool Museum then returned to study at Liverpool John Moore’s University. Here I gained my PHD in the history of bird illustration – a bit of a change from horses!
WOULD YOU SAY THAT ARTISTIC SKILL IS MAINLY INHERENT OR LEARNED? I think it is a mixture of both. I definitely inherited skills from my mum. Although she had no formal art training, she was naturally creative and would tackle any sort of art or craft. She even took up watercolour painting at the age of 80. My sister and brother are also good artists.
AS A RIDER, WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE COMPETITION MOMENT? Competing in Spain and winning on the Sunshine Tour with my lovely horse Ebe is top of my list!
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My parents were my greatest source of inspiration. They worked so hard to give me and my brother and sister the opportunities in life that they never had. As a rider and trainer, Carl Hester is my goto inspiration and, as an artist, it has to be George Stubbs.
WHEN SOMEONE COMMISSIONS A PORTRAIT, HOW DO YOU DEPICT THE SUBJECT’S CHARACTER SO WELL? Being around horses for so many years and understanding their behaviour helps to capture their
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characters and personality. The really crucial part of the painting is the eye. This is what really brings the picture to life and the eye is the window to the soul.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CARTOONS. As a child I always loved Norman Thelwell’s hilarious pony cartoons. But it wasn’t until I was
working for Stephen Clarke that I started drawing my own cartoons showing horses on the yard doing silly things. We know dressage should be taken seriously but it’s always good to see the funny side of it. The cartoons became so popular I was persuaded to reproduce them on cards, calendars and sweat shirts and started a small business, Equestrienne Designs.
WHAT ARE THREE OF THE THINGS YOU’D PUT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? To train and compete a horse at Grand Prix again. To return to the Galapagos and dive with all the amazing wildlife. And to visit Canada and meet up with some old friends.
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Outstanding Results #FedonTopSpec
Everdale, competing in Amsterdam, ridden by Lottie Fry and owned by Van Olst Horses.
“At Van Olst Horses we aim for the best. In TopSpec we have a top partner. Their quality food and expertise is a great help in getting our horses in top shape to achieve our targets.” Anne Van Olst
Typical Feed Reg im
Photograph by Petra Kerschbaum
e for a 17hh (600 kg) horse in m edium to hard work:Ad lib good qu ality hay or hayla ge, plus grazing Plus two feed s per day - each containing:• 300g TopSpe c Comprehensiv e Feed Balancer (for condition; muscle developm ent and topline, performance; re covery; hoof qu ality; behaviour ; dige stion and utilisat ion) • 300g TopCho p Spor t (combi nes British alfalfa with a bl end of British gr asses, lightly coated wi th linseed oil) • Up to 2kg TopS pec CoolConditio n Cubes (‘Non-H eating’ Conditio ning Cubes quantity adjusted accord ing to condition) ®
Multiple Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service’ 68 // Issue 8 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
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