British Dressage - Issue 2 2021

British

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BD MEMBERS | £5.00 | ISSUE 2 | 2021

DRESSAGE

Looking to the

future

# S TA Y S A F E S TA Y H O M E

INTRODUCING THE

halo

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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR MANUFACTURERS WREXHAM

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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

15 – Travelling horses abroad to a show, for breeding or when buying and selling is more challenging since Brexit, but good preparation and high standards of horsemanship should make the process smoother.

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.

IN THIS ISSUE...

3

From the editor

5

News & Paramatters

7

That individual fit How saddle makers tailor their products for horses and riders

WELCOME

15 New horizons

ix weeks into 2021 and we’re starting to see the positive impact of the lockdown. Couple that with the successful roll out of the vaccination programme and you can begin to feel that the grip COVID has on our lives is beginning to lessen.

But we’re not out of the woods just yet and we have to plan for a post-lockdown future with a number of restrictions in place for a while longer. If it means we can get back to some sort of normality, particularly training and competing, count me in!

There’s been a huge amount of work behind the scenes at BD to pull together a number of options to provide a competition calendar which works for all members and aligns with their hopes and aspirations for the season. That could be someone aiming for an Area Festival at Prelim up to those campaigning for Tokyo so it’s very complex. And there’s the matter of timing.

As I write, BD, like all of us, is waiting for the government to publish their ‘road map’ to provide us with an exit strategy from lockdown.

The Board, Sport Operations team and our organisers have worked closely on a variety of options which will then be matched against the timeframe the government outlines to provide us with a new look 2021. We’ve committed to publishing a ‘return to play’ operational plan of our own which will help members make their key decisions on shows, qualification plans and selection.

We’ll help you to get your 2021 dreams back on track!

I hope you’ve been enjoying our ‘BD at home’ content through lockdown. It’s really important to keep a sense of community while we’re not able to get out and about and this initiative goes some way to supporting you all. We’ve covered a variety of topics with some great experts, helpful training tips, fitness and wellness advice plus some entertaining interviews with a range riders in the sport. If you haven’t visited the hub on the website, please do – it’s a happy place to pass time in lockdown and a welcome distraction. We’ll all be back together soon and able to enjoy what 2021 has in store.

British

23 Bitting

Winnie Murphy, Editor, British Dressage

54 Dressage Days

Advice on international and long distance travel

S

DRESSAGE THE OFFIC IAL

MAGAZINE

FOR BD M EMBERS

| £5.00 | ISSUE 2 | 2021

Designs and materials to suit your horse 28 Therapy products For professional and home use 35 Middle Tour Championships New titles claimed 39 Earning the marks Jane Kidd’s new series on key movements throughout the grades 44 Ask the expert How science is shaping hat design for the 21st century 46 Bodyzone Our new series continues with training your memory 49 BD Action BDHQ updates and members’ benefits 51 Regional Activity Contacts and Judges’ diary

Young talent Lewis Carrier

ON THE COVER:

Witcham House Stud’s Samba Hit III. Image: Kevin Sparrow.

Looking to the

future

# S TA Y S A F

E S TA Y H O M

E

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 3

The

Azure

Collection New for

SS21

British Dressage Full Page.indd 6

Available from all major LeMieux stockists www.lemieuxproducts.com

04/02/2021 10:53

NEWS.

BRITISH DRESSAGE

NEWS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INDUCTED British Equestrian has inducted a fourth cohort into its Young Professionals Programme, which aims to help young people build a wider skill set to support their personal and career development in the equestrian industry.

The 12-month long Young Professionals Programme is built around a series of interactive

workshops with specialist speakers, covering a broad range of topics essential to running a business. These include putting together contracts, understanding employment law, conflict management, insurance and finances, and building a personal brand.

The British Equestrian Young Professionals Programme will run until Spring 2022, with the

hope of running virtual and faceto-face workshops if COVID-19 restrictions allow.

The Young Professionals selected onto the 2020/21 programme

by British Dressage are: Louise Gallavan, Ellen Glover, Anna Harris, Emily Hedger, Ruth Hole, Holly Lucas, Charlotte Martin, Abbie Newbury, Suzannah Offley, Alex Parsons and Molly Smockum Owen.

RETURN TO PLAY The countdown to resumption has begun and we’ve been working on our own operational plan which will be our roadmap which lays out how training and sport will get underway.

Our aim is to provide clarity and as much information as possible to help everyone get competition ready and to formulate their show and qualification plans. Our digital news feed and COVID hub on the website are your essential references for all our updates and plans.

LORRY TYRE LAW UPDATED New legislation that came into force on 1 February 2021 prohibits the use of tyres aged over 10 years old to be used on the front steered axles of HGVs. The legislation applies to all vehicles with a maximum gross weight over 3.5 tonnes, whether in private or commercial use, so this includes larger horseboxes.

If inspected at a DVSA enforcement check, tyres aged over 10 years old found in these positions will be considered dangerous and attract an ‘S’ marked immediate prohibition notice. These tyres will also lead to a ‘dangerous fail’ at the annual test and a prohibition.

It will also be a requirement for the manufacturer’s date code to be legible on all tyres.

ELITE EQUINE ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS As outlined in the 2021 Members’ Handbook, we are now asking any of our members who intend to qualify for the Elite Equine Associated Championships in 2021 to complete our registration form. The form is now live for members to complete on the Associated Championships section of the website.

IN MEMORIAM Former international rider, List 1 and FEI judge Barry Marshall has passed away at the age of 69.

When Barry’s wife Leonie was expecting their daughter Liza, he took over the ride on her top horse, Othello.

They became a formidable partnership in the 1970s and went on to compete in Rotterdam, Paris, Nice and the World Championships at Goodwood and Barry was the first British man to wear the Union Jack on his lapel.

He judged at top level including FEI World Cup events and was also appointed Chef d’Equipe at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.

In more recent times, Barry found an outlet for his love of equestrian competition in the form of carriage driving.

• BD also would like to offer condolences to the connections of Lucinda Marchessini who sadly passed away recently. Lucinda was a loyal owner for Carl Hester and Katie Bailey.

BD AT HOME

PARAMATTERS

Have you caught up with all the content we’ve been releasing during lockdown 3.0? Our BD at home member hub is packed full of exclusive videos, training tips, rider Q&A, health and wellness advice and expert opinion – all totally free. Whatever your role in the sport and whatever aspirations you have, there’s something to entertain during lockdown.

The hub is easily accessible from the website home page.

Thanks to everyone – around 80 of you – who joined in our Zoom catch up in early February. It was a really worthwhile and informative session. We’re planning on hosting more to keep our community united so keep an eye on the BD social media channels for news of the next one.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 5

SADDLES.

BEST SEAT in the HOUSE DRESSAGE HORSES AND RIDERS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, AND AN ‘OFF THE PEG’ SADDLE MAY NOT ALLOW THE COMBINATION TO FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL. JANE CARLEY LOOKS AT HOW

T

SADDLE MAKERS AIM TO FIND THAT PERFECT FIT.

he production line saddle is becoming a thing of the past, according to James Hitchen of the Ideal Saddle Company.

“In the last 25 years, we have moved to batch production of bespoke designs,”

he explains. “The UK leads the way in this, being prominent in saddle fitting due to the wor of the Society of Master Saddlers.”

He points out that even small tweaks to the way the saddle fits can have a dramatic impact on performance, so it is perhaps not surprising that out of the 104 saddles Ideal produces each week, a large percentage are bespoke.

The basis for Ideal’s approach is its in-house saddle tree manufacturing division, which also supplies other saddle makers. e can easily adjust the tree for an improved fit on a horse with a dipped back or powerful rear end, for example,” says James.

Responding to customers’ individual requirements can mean modifying saddles in the range, he explains. he Susannah is our best seller, but if it won’t fit a particular horse, we need use a different tree frame.

He comments that dressage saddle design has had to evolve to keep up with progression in the sport, saddles needing to fit the modern warmblood with its shorter, broader and flatter bac .

“However, our dressage saddles are designed on a variety of frames, from the Sophia, which offers a narrow seat for the rider and suits a more angular horse, to the livia which has a flared arch for the broader, more powerful mount. It helps that the saddle is designed from the tree up.”

The popularity of adjustable saddles has seen Ideal develop its T&T range which has a synthetic tree on a designed frame with an adjustable gullet.

“It won’t suit every horse, but is a really good general fit and an e cellent starting point.

Unlike other adjustable gullet saddles our gullet plate is not flat, but is ergonomically shaped so that the points come back from the shoulder for an improved fit.

LEFT: DRESSAGE HORSES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES – THE SHORT BACKED, WIDE AND NO WITHERS SHAPE IS COMMON IN COBS, BUT CAN ALSO BE AN ISSUE WITH WARMBLOODS. PDS SADDLES HAS ADDRESSED THIS WITH ITS INTEGRO SADDLE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 7

SADDLES.

he uest to find a saddle to suit both the horse and rider can sometimes seem a daunting one, but advances in saddle technology and adjustability ma e it possible. harlotte Dujardin got in touch with anessa Fairfa of Fairfa Saddles when she was having issues eeping saddles still on her rising star, io. t barely hh the e travagant moving, short coupled chestnut has the conformation and movement combination that causes the greatest saddle stability issues. io has certainly been a challenging saddle fit, but than s to the adjustability and various built in fitting features of our saddles, I was able to adjust the saddle on the spot to suit his shape and movement, says anessa. nd it’s not just lympians who can benefit from a bespo e fitting service we wor with a nationwide networ of ualified saddle fitters who adjust and fine tune the saddle to the horse on the day of the actual fit, so the rider can feel the difference for themselves, she e plains.

Fairfa saddles are changeable through seven widths of gullet bar, so the saddle can easily be adjusted to suit the horse’s wither profile. harlotte’s choice the orld lass onoflap has two panel options and the deeper one was best suited to io’s bac shape, providing the ideal saddle balance.

ABOVE LEFT: IDEAL’S DRESSAGE SADDLES ARE DESIGNED ON A VARIETY OF FRAMES, FROM THE SOPHIA, WHICH OFFERS A NARROW SEAT FOR THE RIDER AND SUITS A MORE ANGULAR HORSE... ABOVE RIGHT: ...TO THE OLIVIA WHICH HAS A FLARED ARCH FOR THE BROADER, MORE POWERFUL MOUNT.

SADDLES.

A HAPPY OUTCOME

“Girthing is also crucial to optimising saddle stability,” says Vanessa. “That’s why the World Class comes with three girth straps on each side, so different options can be test ridden. For io, anessa selected the first point) strap to stop the saddle moving forwards and the third strap to stabilise the back of saddle. This, combined with the Narrow Gauge Fairfax Performance girth which is shaped to avoid the active musculature behind the horse’s elbows, ensured optimal saddle stability on Gio’s compact frame. aving focused on getting the fit right for the horse it’s important to ensure the rider feels at one with their horse and this is where Fairfa ’s scientific research into horse and rider synchronicity comes in. Charlotte was able to customise the combination of seat and flap si e on the Fairfax World Class Dressage which allowed her to feel in harmony with io’s flamboyant movement. ll riders can benefit from this research because Fairfa offers customisable seat and flap options to suit their individual physique, along with two choices of twist width. oungsters are highly sensitive to saddle fit, says David Kempsell of WOW Saddles.

“Your four year-old deserves a decent saddle as he will be influenced more by saddle fit than an established horse.

Trials showed that lifting the back of the saddle just 6mm on an advanced horse shortened its trot stride length by mm, although it didn’t adversely affect the uality of the pace. With a youngster, stride length shortened by 300mm – some 12% – and quality was reduced.”

Karen Abdulla’s usually willing mare Bella was showing tension in her walk with short and irregular steps, would rush in trot and was tight in her shoulder movement. When Karen asked for left canter, she would buck or twist and over the months became completely unpredictable.

Karen, who is based near Preston and aims to start competing in affiliated classes this year, had previously invested in a custom-made saddle which had been checked numerous times. Her vet and physio examined the mare but there appeared to be no obvious reason for the dangerous behaviour.

Upon recommendation from trainer Tina Marriot, she found a new physio who requested to see the saddle on the horse and advised it just wasn’t the right shape for the horse.

Karen contacted Sally Bacon from SB Tech Saddles, who fits PDS Saddles. Sally recognised that the mare’s conformation was going to be tricky to fit. “She has a barrel shape with very little wither which means that we would be faced with saddles sliding around and/or impinging on her shoulders. Bella also needed a short tree as her 18th rib was short, not giving me much of an area to fit the saddle. This is a common issue with cobs, native types or short coupled, barrel types.”

The PDS Integro was created for this shape of horse, Sally explains.

“Carl Hester had problems with fitting his mare Brioso so he worked with PDS on designing a saddle specific for this hard-to-fit conformation. The saddle tree is less ‘shapely’ and the panels are broad allowing maximum contact with the back, the girth straps can be moved to help keep it in position while allowing freedom for the shoulders.”

The PDS interchangeable XChange gullet system also enables saddle fitters to change to a narrower or wider gullet.

As soon as the new PDS saddle was fitted to Bella she was a different horse: relaxed and rhythmical steps in the walk, smooth transition to trot, swinging over her back and the canter transitions were balanced.

Karen felt secure and the knee blocks helped with her position without restricting leg movement.

“I still find it hard to believe that before I bought this saddle, I was considering retiring Bella as her behaviour had become so dangerous and now, we are back to enjoying our rides and working towards competitions together.”

RIGHT: BROAD PANELS ON THE PDS INTEGRO

LEFT: CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN’S GIO HAS THE CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT COMBINATION

ALLOW MAXIMUM

THAT CAUSES THE GREATEST SADDLE STABILITY ISSUES BUT THE FAIRFAX WORLD CLASS

CONTACT WITH THE

MONOFLAP HAS TWO PANEL OPTIONS AND THE DEEPER ONE WAS BEST SUITED TO GIO’S BACK

HORSE’S BACK.

SHAPE, PROVIDING THE IDEAL SADDLE BALANCE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 9

SADDLES.

David emphasises that it is important to fit and eep refitting as the horse progresses. hanges in the horse’s shape are insidious. ften saddle fit is not addressed until it starts to have a serious impact on the horse’s performance. customers have access to a saddle gauge which uses a pendulum type action to chec if the saddle is still in balance, and thus if the horse has changed shape.

Some horses can change rapidly we have seen one horse go up three headplate widths in three wee s. If you can see that the saddle needs attention, it can be refitted before it starts to affect his wor , he says. aving the saddle refitted can also lead to further changes as the horse moves more freely, so it is worth thin ing in terms of wee s, not months, before chec ing again. he horse’s shape will stabilise eventually, but saddle chec s should not be the last resort.

He comments that the misconception about horses’ development is that they grow a wither’. he rib cage is suspended between the forelegs, so as the horse develops it is pulled up by the S and in doing so pops the dorsal processes up between the fore limbs, which can affect how the rider sits in the saddle. offers a solution to this with its modular’ saddles which offer three stirrup bar and flap positions. n a youngster, we would fit the flap forward and hang the stirrup from the forward bar, creating a jumping seat which allows a more defensive’ position. s training progresses and stirrups lengthen, we move the flap and the stirrup bar position bac we can also swap the flaps to suit the riding position.

ABOVE: WOW’S ‘MODULAR’ SADDLES OFFER THREE STIRRUP BAR (ALL THREE SHOWN) AND FLAP POSITIONS. WITH THE FLAP FITTED FORWARD AND THE STIRRUP HUNG FROM THE FORWARD BAR, THIS GIVES A GP/JUMPING SEAT WHICH ALLOWS A MORE ‘DEFENSIVE’ POSITION.

TAILORED FIT FOR HORSE AND RIDER Prestige Italia stockist Ellie Norrie faced an unusual challenge with rider and trainer Jayne Lancashire’s horse Fitzgerald.

‘Gerald’, is 17.3hh, 10 years old and a modern sports horse with big shoulders, short back, wide spine and an extravagant mover. “I observed that Gerald had a high wither with a dip behind his shoulder blade and when watching him move he hit the ground heavily; he is treated weekly by a physio as he has always been tight in his sternum, ribs and chest, and was reluctant to be girthed up,” explains Ellie.

Jayne has an inside leg measurement of 36in and suffers with dysplasia of her left hip so it is essential that she is comfortable in the saddle and that it has a narrow twist.

“We fitted Gerald and Jayne out in a Prestige X-D2 K 18in medium width with an extra-long flap and a Prestige RP girth.

The D2 offers ‘shoulder free’ technology at the front of the panel allowing the shoulders to be able to rotate back into the saddle without compromising the movement,” comments Ellie.

“The RP girth has an innovative round panel in the centre which allows pressure to be distributed over a larger surface area and creates an air cushion to further reduce the pressure.

The main part of the girth sits behind the round panel away from the horse’s sternum, and the girth is able to move slightly in all directions with the horse’s natural movement.”

Jayne instantly felt a difference in Gerald, he was softer in his neck, worked in a lower outline and lifted in his back, and after a few

10 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

months the improvement has been significant, Ellie explains.

“Gerald has completely changed shape and is now two fittings wider.

His back muscles have developed and built up, he no longer has such a big dip behind his shoulder and is happy to be girthed up. Gerald’s physio has also seen an enormous difference as he is no longer tight in his sternum, back or neck.”

Whilst Gerald was being shod Jayne’s farrier asked what has been changed. Gerald had been suffering with a quarter crack in his hoof from how he had been landing each stride on the ground. Jayne says now you don’t hear him thumping on the ground and the crack in his hoof is healing.

Although the saddle tree is 30% wider than traditional dressage saddles and the panels are wider offering the horse more support, Jayne feels the saddle is comfortable and supportive, Ellie points out. “The seat is able to be wider for the horse but narrow for the rider due to how it is built; the X Technology tree with an elastic material injected into it allows the rider’s seat bones to sit closer to the horse without hindering his movement.”

Jayne comments on the difference in Gerald’s way of going: “Dressage isn’t just about making a horse have a big trot, unless they are truly working over the back and lifting through the sternum they cannot shorten correctly and I have seen a huge improvement in our work.”

ABOVE: PRESTIGE ITALIA’ S X-D2 K SADDLE WAS THE SOLUTION FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT MOVING HORSE AND TALL RIDER.

PRODUCT WATCH.

THE AMERIGO HC DRESSAGE SADDLE has been specifically designed for horses with high croups that tend to tip the saddle forward when in movement. The Amerigo HC Dressage saddle also has an extra wide gullet to accommodate horses that are wider through the withers.

RRP From £4,359 zebraproducts.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

DRESSAGE SADDLES

THE WOW ULTRA COMPETITOR has a unique Y-shaped tree, which maximises freedom of movement at the shoulder to allow the back to elevate and swing. Including an ultra-ergonomic seat. Its reduced bulk gives a very close contact and superb feel. It is fully customiseable with flap shapes, panel lengths, colours and stitching.

RRP From £3,100 wowsaddles.com

THE PDS DELICATO DRESSAGE SADDLE is built on a carbon fibre tree for close contact and clear communication. The patented AMS® panels and siliconised synthetic wool flocking are softer and kinder to the horse’s back, combined with the wider channel, encouraging the horse to lift and use its back more effectively.

RRP £3,200 pdssaddlesuk.com

IDEAL SADDLES T&T DRESSAGE SADDLE is perfectly designed to fit the needs of the aspiring dressage rider. It has a medium soft dressage seat, interchangeable Velcro rolls for perfect leg positioning and different girthing options for your horse. As with all Ideal saddles the panel design optimises horse comfort and performance.

RRP £1,895 idealsaddle.com

THE PRESTIGE ITALIA XD2 SADDLE has a new and updated appearance! The saddle has a ‘unisex’ tree, the first one that makes it very comfortable for both male and female riders. It is now offered with a new stitching pattern and patent leather inserts, that visually enhance the special features of this model.

RRP £4,100 prestigeitaly.com

12 // Issue 2 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

THE ADELAIDE was designed for riders looking to improve their performance through sensation, closeness of contact and precision for the rider’s leg. The narrow twist ensures it is comfortable for even the longest sessions, whilst the 'cut back' tree ensures it is easy to adjust and gives incredible freedom of movement.

RRP From £3,950 voltairedesign.com

FAIRFAX WORLD CLASS MONOFLAP DRESSAGE The knee block and seat configuration helps the rider's pelvis remain in neutral for longer, with a more evenly distributed seat pressure.

There are seven combinations of flap length and seat size options to suit the individual rider's anatomy, plus standard and wide twist options for a variety of hip shapes.

RRP £3,500 fairfaxsaddles.com

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TRANSPORT.

NEW HORIZONS IN A YEAR WHICH HAS SEEN MANY CHANGES AND RESTRICTION ON TRAVEL, UNDERSTANDING THE RULES FOR OVERSEAS EQUINE TRAVEL POST-BREXIT REMAINS A CHALLENGE. HORSE CARE MUST ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AND THERE ARE SOME USEFUL GUIDELINES WHICH ALSO APPLY TO LONG DISTANCE DOMESTIC TRAVEL, SAYS BARBARA YOUNG.

I

f you’re thinking of travelling a horse to Europe, the advice is to make sure that you plan well ahead, checking the latest guidelines and legislation while paying close attention when completing the required paperwork.

Following Brexit, be aware that anyone wanting to take their horses to the EU to compete, for breeding, or to buy or sell, must follow new procedures, including blood tests and an port ealth ertificate (EHC). You will also need to check equine passports, which if not issued by an EU-recognised studbook, or a national branch of an international racing or competition organisation, will require a UK government-issued equine ID.

British Equestrian’s website offers e cellent advice, plus a helpful step-by-step timeline: www.britishequestrian.org.uk/ equine/transport/brexit Since 2019, representatives from the BEF, British Horse Council and FEI have been working together to come up with solutions in establishing practical procedures and infrastructure at Border Control Posts (BCPs) on both sides of the Channel.

“Industry leaders have been working very hard with the government to achieve workable solutions for horse movements,” explains former British Olympic teams’ vet and BEF director of Equine Sports Science and Medicine John McEwen.

“Although we remain outside the EU and have extra costs and requirements to move across

European borders, solutions to make compliance with the regulation easier will be achieved.

“Currently, my advice would be to look at planning your trip three months before and use an experienced shipping agent as

any issues will be sorted out and approved stables booked along the way, especially in the event of illness or breakdown.”

As the British Horse Council representative, Jan Rogers, alongside Göran Akerström, veterinary director and chair

ABOVE RIGHT: BLOOD TESTS MUST BE TAKEN 90 DAYS BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE EU TO CHECK FOR EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANAEMIA.

JOHN PARKER INTERNATIONAL

BELOW: NEW PROCEDURES ARE REQUIRED FOR TRAVELLING HORSES ABROAD TO COMPETE OR FOR BREEDING AND WHEN BUYING OR SELLING HORSES IN THE EU.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 15

TRANSPORT.

RIGHT: MONITOR THE HORSE CAREFULLY AFTER A LONG JOURNEY. INSET: LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME BETWEEN ARRIVING AT THE VENUE AND COMPETING.

of the International Horse Sports Confederation’s (IHSC) Brexit working group, has been liaising with equestrian bodies and government departments for the past 18 months to help understand and implement the changes.

Jan says one of the biggest challenges has been for commercial hauliers over lack of mutual recognition of vehicle and transporter authorisations and ertificates of rofessional ompetence s). owever, together with DEFRA and the FEI, there has been pressure on committees in Brussels to help resolve this.

She explains that since the transition period and after the Free Trade Agreement was reached on Christmas Eve last year, practical discussions were opened up surrounding the details with new guidelines forced to be drawn up swiftly.

“Transporting horses to Europe feels a bit like moving horses to America as we’re now dealing with a third country, so it’s more like sending them to another part of the world in terms of required documentation, health certificates, blood tests, customs declarations and preparation time.

“Be prepared for travel being a lot more complex than before, as there’s an awful lot more paperwork and boxes to tick than there was before, but it will get easier and border o cials and ferry companies will also get used to it. I’m confident it will settle down eventually, although people need to be cautious about moving horses until the system has bedded in.

“In the short term it’s certainly li ely to put people off going abroad with or for their horses,

but on the fl ip side it’s also an opportunity to ta e a different approach and look at what we have to offer in ritain.

Equi-Trek managing director, Tom Janion, agrees: “Without doubt there will be more paperwork to ensure guidelines are followed, but once owners have fi lled these in a few times, it should get easier. As with anything new, there’s always a learning curve.

TRAVEL STRESS While most seasoned competition horses cope well with travelling long distance, experts caution it can be stressful and tiring.

“The degree of stress depends on many factors such a fitness, previous travel experience, lorry environment, respiratory health and driver s ills, e plains John McEwen. “Travel sickness or pleuropneumonia, is not common in competition horses, but careful monitoring and early intervention is important as the condition can have serious consequences. We do not want our horses travelling economy class they must travel fi rst class to compete at their best.

John also cautions that bad driving can cause horses to become exhausted, while trying to balance puts strain on parts of the body.

“Change gears and take corners as smoothly as possible and make allowances for cobbles and potholes to prevent jarring.

On ferries, ask the deck crew to allow enough space to let the ramp down, although if it’s busy

16 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

they may not allow you to do so. If your horse is likely to get stressed with the ramp down because it thin s it’s getting off, then leave the ramp up. There are many things that we can do to ensure our horses’ health during long journeys.

Ventilation is also crucial as Tom Janion explains: “Making sure your horse is at a constant temperature is key to their health and wellbeing.

“If travelling via the Channel Tunnel, your vehicle must be fitted with a suitable electric extraction fan which must run independently of the vehicle’s main battery for a minimum of four hours. Any drainage ports in the vehicle must also be sealable.

The current DEFRA Welfare in Transport consultation invites opinions on a scenario that no

livestock or equine transportation (long or short journeys) takes place if the forecast external temperature for the journey is outside of a temperature range of 5-30°C, unless the vehicle is able to regulate the internal temperature within a 5-30°C temperature range for the duration of the journey by means of a thermoregulation system. The DEFRA consultation period has now closed, and feedback is awaited.

Tom says it’s important that all horseboxes and trailers allow easy access to equines for regular checks, while CCTV cameras also offer peace of mind.

“I would recommend buying a horsebox built on a brandnew chassis, as if doing a lot of mileage, you need a safe and reliable vehicle. Also if travelling by ferry, vehicles must have approved ferry lashing rings as most operators will not ship vehicles without these.

“Also always check your insurance and be aware that

TRANSPORT.

ON ARRIVAL – ADVICE FROM JOHN MCEWEN • Monitor urination and faeces. Is the urine colour and amount normal? Are the droppings normal quantity and consistency?

• Make sure both coat and eyes are bright • Check horses have normal appetite • CHECK: • temperatures – should be between 37.5 and 38.2°C (or around 100°F) on arrival, dropping to below 38°C within one hour of arrival • respiration rates – should be 8 to 12 per minute. Check they are not heaving • heart rate – should be between 36 and 40 bpm • Take for walk/leg stretch in fresh air. Check for stiffness/lameness and encourage to lower head • Carry out routine stable exercises and stretches to help loosen-up • When comfortable and no longer stiff, allow to rest quietly for as long as possible • If travelling again the next day, feed in plenty of time to digest before travelling and walk outside before loading again • Give plenty of recovery time before competition or further travel.

standard breakdown cover will not cover you for overseas travel. specific policy must be ta en out and many will have a cut off date on vehicle age so won’t cover older vehicles.

INSURANCE ESSENTIALS ccording to Shearwater uine Insurance Specialist race lenny, it’s advisable to obtain ade uate travel insurance to cover medical e penses. e’d recommend travelling e uestrians ma e sure that insurers cover injuries while riding, as well as general illness and injury. olicyholders need to contact their insurers to arrange for a green card foreign use e tension and the insured will need to carry this document with them, therefore early notification allowing time for the document to be issued and sent is advisable.

If travelling for competition, policyholders need to ma e sure that they have the correct cover in place prior to travel. For e ample, if they are a professional rider, they would need business

use insurance and also hold a green card. lenys e plains that there is no specific cover needed for buying and selling horses abroad. s a buyer or seller, we’d recommend chec ing that the transporter has the relevant business use insurance for

transporting horses abroad, and also care, custody and control insurance. his will provide cover in the event of a claim due to the negligence of the handler while in transit.

For horse insurance, the policyholder would need to chec with their insurer to ensure

cover is valid for their travel destination. Some insurers will apply a higher e cess for certain travel destinations and routes.

BELOW: A HORSEBOX BUILT ON A NEW CHASSIS OFFERS PEACE OF MIND WHEN TRAVELLING LONG DISTANCES, BUT YOU WILL ALSO NEED A SPECIFIC BREAKDOWN POLICY AND MANY WILL NOT COVER OLDER VEHICLES.

TRANSPORT.

BRITISH EQUESTRIAN PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST TIMELINE (registered FEI horses travelling temporarily to Europe)

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

UP TO 21 DAYS PRIOR TO TRAVEL

✓ Secure an approved shipper ✓ Secure an Official Vet (OV) ✓ Check passports of all humans and horses travelling ✓ Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card and secure travel insurance for illness, injury and repatriation ✓ Register for the online Government Gateway ✓ Register for Import of products, animals, food and feed systems (IPAFFS) ✓ Apply for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number ✓ Register for an Export Health Certificate (EHC) ✓ Consider applying for an ATA Carnet – should speed up the customs process and lasts for a year ✓ Check your horse’s microchip

✓ Blood tests required for travelling stallion(s) unless they meet vaccination requirements ✓ Research and book your Border Control Post (BCP)

UP TO 90 DAYS BEFORE TRAVEL: ✓ Blood tests required for travelling horse(s) to cover equine infectious anaemia (for temporary exports). Tests can be done by your supervising vet.

40 DAYS PRIOR TO TRAVEL ✓ Horse(s) must stay resident in the UK, or a country of equivalent health status

10 DAYS PRIOR TO TRAVEL ✓ Apply for EHC ✓ Book appointment with your OV to sign off your travel documentation

24 HOURS BEFORE TRAVEL ✓ Book an appointment with your OV ✓ Complete TRACES NT pre-notification and submit all your export documentation online ✓ Check all paperwork and documentation, and store in plastic wallet, including completed and signed EHC, passports (equine/human /canine/other) and recognition cards.

18 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

JOHN PARKER INTERNATIONAL

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Proprietors

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 19

PRODUCT WATCH.

PRODUCT

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PEPER HAROW HORSE BOXES TROPHY TWIN range combines a strong coachbuilt design for two big horses with a massive payload of 2500-3000kg. It is compact and easy to drive, with excellent storage and an integral living area. Each box is bespoke and designed for your needs.

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20 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

CHEVAL LIBERTE offers highquality equestrian transport for up to four horses. The range of forward-facing and herringbone trailers is manufactured to ensure safety and comfort for the travelling horses and effortless towing for the driver. The car-like Pullman2 suspension and endless ergonomic features help you arrive ready for optimal performance.

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The Equinox has a separate living area which can sleep up to two people, with a kitchen area offering a combination gas hob and sink, plus cupboard space.

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The right diet for the right horse equals

BETTER RESULTS GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HORSE’S PERSONALITY IS KEY TO UNDERSTANDING HOW BEST TO RIDE AND TRAIN THEM AND IT IS JUST THE SAME WITH FEEDING. THERE ARE SOME BASIC FEEDING PRINCIPLES THAT APPLY TO ALL HORSES BUT THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS KNOWING HOW TO FINE TUNE THE RATION FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL. HERE DENGIE SHARES TWO EXAMPLES OF HOW THE RIGHT DIET MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

Lennox is an 11-year-old Warmblood owned and ridden by Danielle Balsdon and, like a lot of Warmbloods, he is a good-doer. He is a beautiful horse, competing at Advanced Medium, is a laid-back type and can lack a bit of sparkle at times.

Danielle was feeding him Dengie Hi-Fi Lite with conditioning cubes but wasn’t getting the desired result; he just seemed to be gaining weight and lacking energy.

Dengie’s Performance Horse Nutritionist, Claire Akers, MSc. (Dist) reviewed his diet recommending Dengie Alfa-A Molasses Free with Dengie Performance+ Balancer. The new diet actually provided less energy, to help keep his weight in check but by increasing the proportion of alfalfa in the ration, more quality protein was supplied which helped to improve his muscle tone alongside his work.

Danielle is delighted with the results: “Since changing Lennox’s diet he’s developed into a much stronger horse and his energy levels have improved

LEFT: ANNA RIDING THE STUNNING STALLION HIAWATHA, WHO’S FED ALFA-A OIL ABOVE: LENNOX IS FED ALFA-A MOLASSES FREE COMBINED WITH PERFORMANCE+ BALANCER

too; it’s reassuring that his diet is providing everything he needs.’

HIAWATHA – THE SENSITIVE SOUL Hiawatha is an eight-year-old stallion competing at Medium; owned by Liz Wenman and ridden by Anna Miller. “I’m totally in love with this horse and enjoy training him so much because he is desperate to please. However, he worries and is a little panicky if he thinks he’s made a mistake and as a result can drop weight and condition”.

Claire recommended Alfa-A Oil, it has a comparable energy level to a conditioning or competition mi cube but is significantly lower in sugar and starch - 4.5% and 2% respectively - making it ideal to provide the extra energy (calories) he requires to maintain his weight.

Hiawatha is also fed Dengie Performance Vits & Mins to balance the ration and unmolassed sugar beet to provide some additional highly digestible fibre.

Switching him to a fibre based diet has made him focused and less anxious, so he isn’t wasting energy or worrying his weight off. I’m feeding him three times a day with plenty in the bucket, he’s still polite on the ground, has plenty of energy and is rideable” says Anna.

For more information contact the Dengie Feedline on 01621 841188 or www.dengie.com

26 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

27/02/2020

11:06

CUTTER GUIDE

CUTTER GUIDE

CUTTER GUIDE

M

Y

MY

CY

CMY

K

DENGIE ALFA-A OIL The high-calorie, pure alfalfa, high fibre feed.

Providing 12.5MJ/kg of digestible energy, supports digestive health, supplies quality protein essential for muscle condition and repair. The high oil content provides slow-release energy and promotes healthy skin and coat shine. Free from molasses, straw and preservatives.

Certification Mark

Suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers as part of a balanced diet

DENGIE ALFA-A MOLASSES FREE

LENNOX – THE LAID-BACK DUDE

1

CUTTER GUIDE

C

CM

A tasty, pure alfalfa, highfibre feed with herbs and oil that’s sure to tempt fussy feeders. Providing 11.5MJ/ kg of digestible energy with around ten times less starch than a comparable energy competition mix/ cube. Supplying just 4.5% naturally occurring sugar and just 2% starch.

Includes mint, fenugreek and alfalfa pellets for interest and taste. Free from straw, molasses and preservatives.

DENGIE PERFORMANCE+ BALANCER Formulated for those in hard work or those with increased nutritional requirements.

Based on alfalfa and linseed, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, with a high specification of vitamins and minerals with glucosamine for joint support, prebiotics for gut health and B vitamins for energy metabolism and hoof health. Rosemary and thyme are included for palatability. Free from molasses and preservatives.

DENGIE PERFORMANCE VITS & MINS A broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals for those in medium to hard work. Contains live yeast to promote e cient fibre digestion, a full range of B vitamins for energy utilisation and hoof health plus vitamin E and selenium two nutrients that are vital to the body’s antioxidant defence system.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 21

A Firm Favourite with Leading Riders “I choose Sprenger bits with confidence for my horses so they can perform at their very best.”

Charlotte Dujardin “Sprenger bits use only the finest metals and craftsmanship – giving me total reassurance.”

Carl Hester

Shine-Bright-GB_otwv2_92.5x121 copy 22/10/2017 2:48 pm Page 1

Untitled-1 1

14/08/2018 12:24

22 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BITTING.

ABOVE: AN EDT OR EXPERIENCED VET CAN PICK UP POTENTIAL BITTING PROBLEMS. BELOW: HANGING CHEEK SNAFFLES ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR.

CONTACT SPORT CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF BIT FOR YOUR HORSE CAN BE A MATTER OF TRIAL AND ERROR,

E

BUT YOU CAN ALSO SEEK EXPERT HELP, SAYS HELEN TRIGGS.

ach owner owes it to their horse to find the most comfortable bit possible but it’s not an easy tas . Faced with the variety on the mar et, do some research, especially if you are having a contact problem.

Information on the internet ranges from si ing, to design style and metal composition. anufacturers provide guidance and advice on choosing and fitting and the benefits of their particular products, as do specialist bit retailers and bit hire services. he latter can be a valuable source of impartial information and advice and a number offer a helpline service. he conformation of the horse’s mouth and lips dramatically affects which bits they are comfortable wearing. he length and breadth of the tongue, fleshiness of the lips and thic ness of s in on the bars all impact on fit. al to your vet or e uine dental technician D ) they can describe the shape of the mouth and advise you if your current bit is having a detrimental effect. n D or e perienced vet can pic up potential problems by noting pinches or rubs in the mouth or on the lips. uine dentist rant hanter has also trained in bit

fitting. I always as how the horse is going and if there is a contact inconsistency which is not caused by the teeth or saddle fitting, and if lameness is ruled out, the bit could be the cause. wners need to thin about the conformation of the mouth there are differing opinions on how high the bit should be and every horse is different, says rant. It’s uite common for bits to be too wide or too narrow and if the horse has a big tongue and a shallow mouth the bit will push up against the hard palate. Some horses have very thin s in on the bars of the mouth and react badly to pressure there. odern bits have been designed with the aim of reducing tongue, bar and poll pressure. owever, there is still debate between manufacturers and e perts on their benefits. ach horse is an individual and needs to be treated as such. here have been advances in the materials used for mouth pieces originally made of iron, then stainless steel, today’s bits could be composed of rubber elements, copper, titanium or silicon blends. ach has different properties and horses will respond in different ways. Sweet iron’, which encourages salivation, is believed to encourage acceptance while a titanium bit is lighter and therefore causes less pressure on the tongue.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 23

BITTING.

Neue Schule’s Salox Gold range is made of a copper alloy which heats more quickly than other metals in the mouth and the company says it is more easily accepted, particularly by horses who may fuss at or resent the bit. Also worth trying for sensitive horses are the Sprenger bits made of Sensogan which is a patented mouthpiece material.

The innovative mix of materials including the micronutrient manganese and a reduced copper content increases the horse’s chewing activity and salivation in a targeted manner, according to the manufacturers. nce, the simple jointed sna e was almost the only option. Various lozenge bits have been developed which have a milder action and apply pressure to the centre of the tongue. The oval-shaped arms of the Sprenger Novocontact mouthpiece widen the contact surface on the tongue while the rider keeps a steady contact. As the rider gives a rein aid, the mouthpiece turns forward and the contact surface gets narrower, ensuring more precise and effective communication.

The services of a ‘bit bank’ or a specialist retailer where you can hire a bit for a small cost gives you the opportunity to e periment with different solutions without a major outlay. You can also see how the horse performs in it over a period of a few weeks.

“A lot of horses are labelled as naughty because the riders don’t understand what they are trying to tell them,” comments Ema Baxter of Horsebit Shop. “It’s absolutely

fundamental that you treat the bit in two halves when choosing. The mouthpiece should depend on what the horse appreciates. The bit can create relaxation or evasion. There are many different mouthpieces but often they are just different interpretations and ways of achieving the same result.”

Different chee pieces can alter the pressure points, give more lift or change the balance of the horse. “Hanging cheeks are growing in popularity because they ta e the pressure off the poll,” says Ema. sing a bit fitter is also an option. hey will assess the horse in person and recommend bits which you can try at the time. very horse’s anatomy is different, e plains bit consultant James Cooling. “We make a detailed examination of the head, chec the bridle fitting and the current bit and see the horse ridden in the bit we recommend. here’s more recognition of the effects of tongue pressure but be aware some bits then increase pressure on the bars. Bits marketed as ‘nice’ may not suit the anatomy of the horse.”

As horses are individuals, and the mouth is such a sensitive area, there can never be fi ed rules but by doing your homework, experimentation, perseverance and as ing for advice from e perts, you can fi nd the perfect bit for your horse.

ABOVE: BITS ARE NOW MADE FROM A RANGE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS, WHICH MAY HELP HORSES THAT FAIL TO ACCEPT THE TRADITIONAL STAINLESS STEEL.

EXPERT EXPERIMENT When trainer and rider Sarah Hawkins acquired her 15-year-old mare, Paris, the horse had the habit of protruding her tongue between her front teeth.

It was discovered she had a billowing soft palate, a condition normally found in race horses. The search for the perfect bit started during her kissing spine rehabilitation.

“I watched some Myler videos and put her into a Myler hanging cheek low port comfort snaffle, which gave great results.

She began to move her neck and work over her back,” said Sarah.

The more Paris progressed and engaged her core, the stronger she became in the contact, so it was time for a change. “I consulted Vicky Marshall from

24 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

the Horsebit Shop who recommended a hanging cheek Neue Schule Turtle Top which gave me more stability and precision in the half halts.

“I wanted to transition to a double. Knowing that Paris found the Turtle Top mouthpiece comfortable, and with advice again from Vicky, I tried a Neue Schule loose ring Turtle Top bridoon with a ‘Slimma’ Weymouth. This combination has been successful and I now have the precision aids on the end of the rein, and Paris is happy to take the contact forward without grabbing. Her tongue is away about 85% of the time now.”

“There’s a terrifying number of bits on the market so Vicky’s expert advice on the phone and the ability to trial the bits was so worthwhile.”

LEFT: SARAH HAWKINS TRIED A NUMBER OF BITS BEFORE FINDING A SOLUTION FOR HER MARE PARIS.

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batessaddles.com BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 25

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MYLER WEYMOUTHS are unique in having the Myler’s own special Independent Side Movement, for a clearer lateral aid. “We use Myler Bits to help us create a confident connection with our young horses.

The independent side movement in the Weymouth is an exciting innovation and allows the rider a more precise feel and communication”– Anna Ross.

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BITTING

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SPRENGER KK ULTRA SNAFFLE has been designed to provide the optimum shape bits to fit the anatomy of the horses mouth. The ergonomically designed mouthpiece is shaped to lie unobtrusively in the horse's mouth, resulting in a soft and even pressure on the entire tongue area, encouraging the horse to accept the contact willingly and in a relaxed manner. The angled lozenge in the centre of this Sprenger bit is tilted forward by 45 degrees for comfort, and utilises the exceptional sensitivity of the tongue. The 16mm mouthpiece is ideal for most horses and is the most popular size.

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MYLER BRIDOONS have Independent Side Movement, as well as small ports for tongue freedom and swallowing. “We use Myler Bits to help us create a confident connection with our young horses. “The independent side movement is an exciting innovation and allows the rider a more precise feel and communication” – Anna Ross.

RRP FROM £104.95 | shawsequestrian.com

26 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BOMBERS ELLIPTICAL DRESSAGE CONTROL is curved and flattened to distribute pressure evenly over the tongue and bars, allowing for a more relaxed contact. Lydia Heywood changed to Bombers in her horse Flynn’s fifth year. “Previously I could expect a little ‘grabbing’ on the reins if a change of bend was coming, however the Loose Ring Elliptical Dressage Control provides comfort and confidence in his balance,” she says.

RRP £68 facebook.com/BomberBlueBitsUK

SUCCESS STARTS AT HOME READY & WAITING

Contact a Member of the Saracen Nutrition Team to Ensure Your Horse’s Diet Matches Your Goals

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 27

EQUINE THERAPIES.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS DO A SUPER JOB KEEPING OUR DRESSAGE HORSES SUPPLE AND COMFORTABLE, SO WHAT THERAPIES DO THEY USE AND RECOMMEND?

W

e all know how good it feels when you’ve just been

loosened up by your physiotherapist, and we’d like to think it’s the same for our horses.

So, how can riders maintain that suppleness between sessions?

VIBRATION THERAPY Veterinary physiotherapist (PGDip) Natalie Bell advocates the use of Niagara Equissage

STEPHANIE BATEMAN FINDS OUT. Pulse between her sessions.

“I often recommend the Equissage Pulse between physiotherapy sessions for a variety of reasons,” she says.

“It can aid in a number of conditions as well as help to maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system by increasing circulation and reducing muscle tension.

In doing this, it can aid in increasing joint range of motion and stride length.”

Natalie recommends sessions with the Equissage, which

delivers cycloidal (three-way) vibrations to the whole body via a back pad or hand held unit, before exercise, to aid with warming up soft tissues and reducing muscle tension. It can also be used post exercise, to aid in the reduction of toxins and reduce tension in muscles.

“I have yet to use it on a horse that doesn’t relax fully into the session,” she says. “Riders comment how relaxed the horses are afterwards, and how well they perform subsequently.”

ABOVE: VIBRATION THERAPY INCREASES CIRCULATION AND REDUCES MUSCLE TENSION. BELOW: A RANGE OF THERAPIES ARE AVAILABLE TO KEEP YOUR HORSE IN TOP CONDITION BETWEEN PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS.

USING HEAT Ensuring our horses are su ciently warmed up before exercise is essential to preventing injury. Veterinary Physiotherapist Hannah Hartop of Vet Physio UK, advocates the use of heat to help.

“As well as various stretching and dynamic exercises, keeping the muscles warm using hot water bottles, exercise sheets and heat pads, is one of my key pieces of advice,” says Hannah. “To radiate heat evenly into the tissues can be tough, which is why I suggest the Catago FIR (Far Infrared Radiation)-Tech backwarmer.”

The heat pad covers the caudal wither/thoracic spine

and lumbo-sacral region which are vitally important to locomotion.

I use it fi rstly to warm the tissues up prior to a treatment, using the ‘preheating’ setting which creates relaxation through the tissues that allows me to palpate deeper into the muscle. Secondly, I use it as part of a warm up and warm down. The horses feel more supple during their ridden sessions.”

The FIR-Tech pad radiates heat through the tissues from the wither to the sacroiliac region leading to long term effects in tissue healing.

RIGHT: FIR (FAR INFRARED RADIATION) CAN BE USED TO WARM TISSUES BEFORE A TREATMENT OR WORK.

SENSORY TRAINING Our physios can only do so much when it comes to developing our horse’s fitness and way of going. The rest comes down to good training, says Dr Gillian Tabor, chartered physiotherapist.

“I always advise my clients to invest in their training and get help with planning a good exercise programme,” she says. “If people want to spend their money on products, then I suggest they invest in the Equiband System.”

Equiband is a saddle pad with two elastic resistance bands; one that goes behind the hind quarters and one that runs under the belly. lastic is not fi ed so it can’t force or restrict movement,”

explains Gillian. “It provides a sensory input through the hair and skin into the underlying muscle. The idea is that this changes the movement pattern to improve postural control and the quality of motion.” big benefit of the system is that is can be used during both ground and ridden work. he other benefit is that it’s not attached to the bit so there’s no tugging and pulling on the mouth,” says Gillian.

“Research shows that after four weeks, the Equiband reduced side to side spinal movement and increased up and down movement, increasing the dynamic stability. We want the horse to pick itself up and engage the hindlimb.”

LEFT: THE EQUIBAND PROVIDES A SENSORY INPUT WHICH CHANGES THE HORSE’S MOVEMENT PATTERN TO IMPROVE POSTURAL CONTROL.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 29

EQUINE THERAPIES.

THE POWER OF WATER When training our dressage horses, we place load and strain on joints and structures which, over time, increases the risk of injury. But what if there was a way of exercising them without the added load? ater treadmill e ercise has many potential benefits, including increasing the range of movement of lower limbs, increasing lumbar fle ion and decreasing impact shoc .

“Water treadmills provide straight line, unridden, controlled exercise,” explains Dr Kathryn Nankervis, Associate Professor and Equestrian Performance Research Centre Lead at Hartpury University. “Clients tell us they often see more expression in the medium and extended gaits, and the research now shows that it has benefits for the development of hind uarter and lumbosacral muscle when used regularly over time.

“Think of a water treadmill exercise session as equivalent to a challenging ground schooling session,” says Kathryn. “It is also one less session carrying a rider, in the arena, repeating all the movements that contribute to wear and tear.”

Riders utilise the water treadmill as part of their rehabilitation and competition programme.

“Horses are usually on the treadmill for around 15minutes,” says Kathryn. “Some use it once or twice a week for 6-10 weeks in the lead up to a competition to encourage that extra core and back strength and develop the cadence and stride length.

ABOVE: WATER TREADMILLS PROVIDE STRAIGHT LINE, UNRIDDEN CONTROLLED EXERCISE.

ABOVE: RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY IS ONE FOR THE THERAPISTS THEMSELVES, BUT CAN BE USEFUL IN BOOSTING BLOOD FLOW TO AID HEALING.

RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY Hannah Ashton BSc, Veterinary Physiotherapist at Cotswold Horse and Hound Physiotherapy uses INDIBA, an electromagnetic radiofrequency medical device.

“In dressage, there is greater demand on the lower back and hind limbs,” explains Hannah.

“For that reason, we often find ourselves treating lumbar, sacroiliac, hamstring, hock and suspensory issues. We know INDIBA can reach the necessary depths to affect the deeper muscle groups and joints and as such our clients really feel the difference.

INDIBA works by an electromagnetic radiofrequency current, set specifically to 448kHz, passing into the body via an electrode held by the therapist and leaving the body via a return plate on the horse’s sternum. This is a closed circuit which gives the therapist some

influence over the direction and depth of the current.

“INDIBA treatment has many influences on the body’s cells and blood flow, e plains Hannah. “Biostimulation improves the health and nutrition of cells. Vascularisation improves blood flow, o ygenation and drainage of cells, and hyperactivation helps to remove to ins, counteracting fibrosis and promoting tissue repair.” ny horse can benefit from INDIBA, particularly those recovering from injury.

“I have been delighted with the response from vets upon re-examination after a course of treatment,” says Hannah.

“Horses previously given a 50/50 prognosis are returning to competition at the level before injury had occurred.”

The device can only be supplied to vets and fully trained therapists (Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists).

PRE-WARMING FOR WARM UP Worcestershire-based international dressage rider and trainer Kate Cowell uses the Epiony pad on her horses between physio sessions.

“It really helps my horses’ well-being both physically and mentally they feel more relaxed, supple and straight,” explains Kate. “It runs on a rechargeable 12v battery so I can take it to shows.”

Kate uses the Epiony mainly on her horses’ lumbar region.

“It has several heat settings up to 48deg,” she says. “Heat therapy is said to dilate the blood

30 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

vessels of the muscles, increasing the flow of oxygenated blood which helps heal damaged tissue and eliminate CO2 and metabolic waste.

Pre-warmed muscles reduce the risk of injury, ease stiffness and increase flexibility.”

It has also been great for Kate’s cold-backed youngsters who are saddle-sensitive.

“Admittedly I also use it on my own back during the winter after work, its heaven!”

RIGHT: KATE COWELL FINDS THE EPIONY HEAT PAD USEFUL FOR HER HORSES’ – AND HER OWN – BACKS.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 31

“These rugs to me are unique as they enhance the performance of sports horses, keeping them feeling supple, flexible and recovered, which all helps them perform at their best in the arena.”

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN CBE

PERFORMANCE & REHABILITATION

PANTONE 286 PANTONE 485

COMBI PRO RUG Covering the horse from tail to poll, shoulder and thigh, this unique rug combines both Pulsed Electromagnetic (PEMF) therapy and massage. The rug is an easy to use and effective tool to improve suppleness, muscle tone and overall condition and recovery.

COMBI FLOORS WITH SOLARIUM The Combi Floor again combines PEMF therapy with vibration, but this time from the ground up.

This combination of effective therapies improves circulation, rehabilitation and general wellbeing and can be used pre warm up, post exercise and for rehabilitation. A weigh bridge can be added to the floor providing added benefits whilst saving both commercially and with space. By adding the solarium your horse(s) really will benefit from all round therapy.

“We use the Combi Floor as part of the daily routine for both liveries and those on rehabilitation. We believe in the benefits and can see them every day!”

DRY TREADMILLS Our Dry Treadmills offer a great alternative to horse walkers whether you are short on space or looking to help develop strength, flexibility, stamina and balance.

The treadmills provide controlled straight-line exercise where the horse has to work evenly on a smooth even surface at suitable speeds with the option of using the incline function to stimulate improved muscle development when required.

“Walking is a vital part of our horses’ work and something that is often overlooked in general training. As a result of using the FMBs dry treadmill our horses are feeling fitter with less work in the arena, which is obviously a huge benefit.”

SOPHIE WELLS MBE, OLYMPIC DRESSAGE RIDER

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32 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 33

34 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

PHOTOS: KEVIN SPARROW

MIDDLE TOUR FESTIVAL.

Steph and Clare PROSPER AT MIDDLE TOUR THE BRITISH DRESSAGE MIDDLE TOUR FESTIVAL AT KEYSOE LAST DECEMBER PROVED TO BE A CELEBRATORY WAY TO END A UNIQUE YEAR FOR COMBINATIONS AT INTER A, INTER B AND INTER II LEVELS. RIDERS COULD OPT FOR WHICH TWO TESTS TO RIDE, THE COMBINED SCORE DETERMINING THE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS. CONGRATULATIONS TO STEPH CROXFORD WITH MR BENN II AND CLARE HOLE WITH PRO-MOTION WHO CLAIMED THE GOLD AND SILVER TITLES RESPECTIVELY AT THIS INAUGURAL EVENT.

ABOVE: STEPH CROXFORD ABOARD HER BOISTEROUS YET TALENTED IRISH COB X HACKNEY X KWPN DANCE PARTNER, MR BENN II. STEPH HAD PLANNED THE OUTING AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE MR BENN SOME EXPOSURE TO A HIGH PROFILE SHOW, SO THE WIN WAS AN UNEXPECTED BONUS. THE PAIR TOPPED THE LEADER BOARD IN BOTH THE INTER B GOLD AND INTER A-B MUSIC FREESTYLE GOLD TO TAKE THE OVERALL GOLD VICTORY. “HE’S ARROGANT AND SINGLE-MINDED,” SAYS STEPH, “BUT IF YOU GET HIM ON SIDE, YOU’RE AWAY.”

RESULTS FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER Inter B – Silver 1. Mark Walters and Iceblue Valentino, 64.88%

LEFT: MARK WALTERS WITH GLORIA PRICE’S ICEBLUE VALENTINO (BY HARLEM).

MARK AND THE DELIGHTFUL 18 YEAR OLD GELDING, KNOWN AT HOME AS APOLLO, ACHIEVED

Inter B Gold 1. Steph Croxford and Mr Benn II, 68.21% 2. Sara-Jane Lanning and Try Me Once, 67.22% 3. Sara-Jane Lanning and Sigurd, 67.14% 4. Tamsin Vaughan and Casse-Cou, 66.11% 5. Sally Bell and State Secret, 65.79% 6. Rebecca Tilton and Valliant, 63.57% 7. Sammy Page and Ronaldo IV, 58.13%

RUNNERS-UP POSITION IN THE SILVER CHAMPIONSHIP.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 35

MIDDLE TOUR FESTIVAL.

LEFT: CLARE HOLE AND PRO-MOTION (BY PRO-SET), WHO SHE HAS BROUGHT ON FROM JUNIOR LEVEL, SECURED THE SILVER TITLE BY WINNING THEIR SECTION OF THE INTER II AND INTER A-B FREESTYLE. THEY MADE THEIR GRAND PRIX DEBUT IN 2020, COMPETED IN THE YOUNG RIDER DIVISIONS AT LE MANS CDI, AND THIS YEAR HAVE THEIR SIGHTS ON U25 GRAND PRIX. “HE’S A JOY TO RIDE AND PUTS EVERYTHING INTO EVERY TEST,” SAYS CLARE.

SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER Inter II Silver 1. Clare Hole and Pro-Motion, 64.74% 2. Nanette Spence and Karma Cuba, 62.50% 3. Mark Walters and Iceblue Valentino, 60.18% Inter II Gold 1. Ellie McCarthy and GB Londero Von Worrenburg, 71.97% 2. Lucy Amy and Rudy, 71.14% 3. Angus Corrie-Deane on Tiny Tempur, 69.87%

LEFT: TAMSIN VAUGHAN AND HER 18-YEAR-OLD HOLSTEIN GELDING, CASSE-COU (BY CARPACCIO) POWERING THEIR WAY TO SECOND BEHIND STEPH CROXFORD IN THE OVERALL GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP. BELOW: THE GOLD PODIUM WAS COMPLETED BY LIST 1 JUDGE SARA-JANE LANNING AND HER 14-YEAR-OLD RICHMAN-SIRED GELDING, SIGURD, AKA SMURF, WHO CLAIMED THIRD PLACE.

SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER Inter A-B Music Freestyle Silver 1. Clare Hole and Pro-Motion, 67.33% 2. Mark Walters and Iceblue Valentino, 64.25% Inter A-B Music Freestyle Gold 1. Steph Croxford and Mr Benn II, 71.13% 2. Tamsin Vaughan and Casse-Cou, 68.38% 3. Sally Bell and State Secret, 67.29% 4. Sara-Jane Lanning and Sigurd, 67.04% 5. Sara-Jane Lanning and Try Me Once, 66.59% 6. Rebecca Tilton and Valliant, 64.92% CHAMPIONSHIP PLACINGS Gold 1. Steph Croxford and Mr Benn II 2. Tamsin Vaughan and Casse-Cou 3. Sara-Jane Lanning and Sigurd Silver 1. Clare Hole and Pro-Motion 2. Mark Walters and Iceblue Valentino

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38 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

08/02/2021 19:26

EARNING THE MARKS.

In this new series Jane Kidd will look at points that could earn or at least not lose marks for competitors. Fundamental to all the points are the basics. The majority of the marks are given for the rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and at the more advanced levels, collection (the training scales).

STRAIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE

T

he FEI, the global directors of standards in dressage print in bold in their Guidelines: The basic principles must always prevail and these are to fulfi l the re uirements of the training scale.

The training scales appropriate to the level of the test are the main mark earners/losers and the clearer they are established the easier it will be to ride accurately.

The establishment of the basics is, however, a long term progressive process and many marks can be earned through greater precision in the test.

LEFT: PERFECTING THE HALT WILL EARN A COMPETITOR MANY MARKS OVER THE YEARS AS THEY ARE PART OF EVERY TEST AT ALL LEVELS AND ACCUMULATING UP TO 30 MARKS IN AN INDIVIDUAL TEST.

“THE BASIC PRINCIPLES MUST ALWAYS PREVAIL AND THESE ARE TO FULFIL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TRAINING SCALE” BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 39

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EARNING THE MARKS.

RIDING DOWN THE CENTRE LINE

What the judges are looking for • An even contact, no tilting, resistance or head being moved from side to side, neck straight • Fluency, consistent tempo • Straightness, quarters under horse and not to one side.

• On the centre line and no wobbling.

TIPS In the last minute preparations (usually when taking boots off ) various chec s are helpful especially concerning straightness: see if the saddle has slipped to one side and make it central again; stand up in the stirrups and as you return ensure the seat bones are central and horizontal in the saddle; look at where the hands hold the reins and adjust so they are at an equal length.

To reduce any tension use some breathing exercises or other sports psychology techniques.

When riding around the arena, use the time productively: sharpening a lazy horse with some forward work; settling a nervous horse into a steady calming rhythm and reassuring with voice and pats; reducing tension with transitions and small circles and whatever will bring out the best in your horse. nter the arena after having ta en half a do en at least) straight strides which are in a clear rhythm. If you can, it’s better to turn away and establish the best possible way of going while keeping an eye on the time.

ABOVE: POSITIVE FORWARD RIDING DOWN THE CENTRE LINE HELPS TO EARN THE MARKS. MIDDLE LEFT: THE TURN AT THE END OF THE CENTRE LINE IS PART OF THE MARK AND NEEDS TO BE PREPARED FOR AND COMPLETED FLUENTLY AS THIS RIDER IS SHOWING. BOTTOM LEFT: RIDER STRAIGHTNESS AND EVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IN THE STIRRUPS CAN IMPACT ON THE HORSE’S ABILITY TO BE STRAIGHT.

Rider keeps the head up looking towards the judge at C with even weight in the stirrups and equal steady contact in the reins.

If disaster hits and the horse is very tense, resists or similar, put that behind you and treat the next movement as if starting again.

EXERCISES Practice riding down the centre line at home and identify any weaknesses to be worked on.

For the judge at C it is an ideal time to see if the horse is straight.

This straightness comes from riding forward into an even contact and attempts to achieve it by fiddling with the reins can be noted by the judges. Anything more than massaging the mouth through the rein contact will, in the long term, lead to a loss of that vital forward momentum from the hindquarters.

Working on straightness is a never-ending task through all the grades, and exercises that help this are forward going work, shoulderfore, shoulder in, circles in a figure of eight to supple the whole body while establishing the same amount of fle ion and bend around the inside leg to both directions.

Establishing that constant tempo is easiest if the horse is neither pulling to go faster or sluggish to slow down. Using downward transitions help the former and forward going work, taps with the whip the latter.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 41

EARNING THE MARKS.

THE HALT

What the judges are looking for • Transitions in and out of the halt. Direct at Medium and above but can be progressive at the lower levels.

• Immobility • Squareness from Elementary upwards but in the lower grades not so much engagement or parallel hinds are expected.

• Balance. Taking more and more of the weight on the hindquarters as the tests become increasingly advanced.

• Straightness • Contact

TIPS If the quarters tend to go to the left then apply a little more pressure in the left rein and ease the right. If the drift is to the right, strengthen the right contact.

Use a series of half halts for the transition in and beware any pulling back on the reins as this will tend to result in backward steps or resistance.

When the horse responds and is about to become immobile, lighten the contact as far as that constant elastic feel can be maintained.

It is important that the head and neck remain straight towards the judge, so no bending.

For the tense horses a little massaging of the contact and soothing whispers can help insecurity in the contact.

Prepare the horse for the transition out, just thinking about the aids you will give helps to make him ready to respond. At the lower levels both transitions can be progressive but judges attach increasing importance to a direct transition as the levels advance.

If the horse is losing balance and resisting into and in the transitions, return to using the progressive transitions. Take some walk steps both in and out of the transitions. For the tricky canter-halt transition even some trot steps are a useful step in the early stages of advancement.

EXERCISES Anticipation: Practice in an arena trotting or cantering down the centre line without stopping. rogressively introduce a halt in different places and if there is any anticipation ride forward without halting.

Too fast a tempo/speeding up: Make transitions while riding down the centre line and or turn into small circles.

Not straight: When riding down the centre line turn into shoulderfore or shoulder-in as soon as or before the hindquarters start to slip to one side. Put out two poles either side of the centre line and wide enough apart for a horse to get through easily. Aim to make halts between the poles.

42 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Not immobile in halt: Practice halting along the sides of the arena, do not worry about the squareness, focus on keeping the horse calm and relaxed. Talk to them in the halt, give them a carrot or a sugar lump. As it goes well, start halting down the centre line, using the same approach. Return to halting on the side if there is tension and immobility.

Dropping poll and overbending: The key to this is getting su cient weight onto the hind uarters and establishing self-carriage, all parts of the general training. Practice going down the centre using a series of well performed half halts that lighten the forehand. When going into the halt make sure the horse is not too strong, that the rein contact is not pulling them into that loss of carriage. The seat and leg aids need to be supportive to encourage the hinds to engage.

LEFT: AT THE LOWER LEVELS LESS IMPORTANCE IS PLACED ON HALTING SQUARE OR ENGAGED. BELOW: ENGAGING INTO THE HALT BECOMES MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT AS THE TESTS ADVANCE.

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 43

ASK THE EXPERT.

ABOVE: A NEW RIDING HELMET STARTS WITH THE DREAM DESIGN FOR AESTHETICS, AIRFLOW AND COMFORT.

HEADING FOR SUCCESS AS DRESSAGE BIDS A FOND FAREWELL TO THE TOP HAT, CHARLES OWEN’S DESIGN ENGINEER MATT STEWART LOOKS AT THE FUTURE OF THE RIDING HELMET AND HOW IT IS EVOLVING TO OFFER IMPROVED PROTECTION WHILE MAINTAINING HIGH AESTHETIC APPEAL.

Q

How is a safety helmet constructed and what are the materials used? How has this changed in recent years?

The basic construction of a helmet is a hard outer shell and an energy-absorbing inner. ey materials are S or fibreglass for the shell, however, we use other supertough innovative materials too. The energy absorbing liner is usually a high impact EPS, but again, there are new, exciting materials like our Viconics liner which can take multiple impacts.

Q

How do they differ from helmets designed for other sports?

This depends on the sport. Cycling helmets for example, are much lighter and have more ventilation. But the extreme energies, force and impacts involved in

44 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

horse riding require more absorption and protection, therefore the standards are higher.

Q

Is an equal level of protection needed all over the head or are some areas more vulnerable, and if so how does this affect the design and construction? he protection offered is pretty e ual which is a result of years of research and development.

Any vulnerabilities in prototypes are quickly rectified or improved as we have an onsite lab.

Q

How is the balance achieved between the helmet providing su cient protection and still being comfortable and looking good?

There is always a battle between protection and aesthetics. Riders want to be safe but equally don’t want to be riding in a

motorcycle helmet. They need ease of movement and a wide range of vision. We’ll sit down with our designers and engineers and start with the dream helmet design for aesthetics, airflow and comfort. hen we make adjustments over several months, involving testing hundreds of prototypes, which ensure the helmet exceeds the highest British safety standard (PAS015:2011) and we’ve ticked all the boxes!

THE EXTREME ENERGIES, FORCE AND IMPACTS INVOLVED IN HORSE RIDING REQUIRE MORE ABSORPTION AND PROTECTION

E=mc 2

C 2H 8 Q

How have peak and harness designs changed in the latest generation of hats, and what are their benefits?

Peaks are changing in order to make them more fle ible upon impact for safety and there is a developing trend for bigger pea s to give more protection from the sun and rain but also as a fashion statement. arnesses are made from durable materials, have buc les and are designed with different systems to ma e sure they hug the head so are as safe as possible. owever, riders do have to wear their helmet harnesses nice and snug to ensure they are as well protected as possible.

Q

How important is a precise fit to the protection afforded by the helmet? properly fitting helmet is a safer helmet, for e ample a child’s helmet should fit do not buy a helmet for a child to grow into. If it’s too loose or e posing too much of the forehead it could roll forward or bac in an accident which could be very dangerous. elmets are tested and designed to perform as e pected, assuming they fit the wearer.

Q

Is the aesthetic appeal of the hat – especially in a ‘traditional’ discipline such as dressage, taken into account in its design? op hats used to signify dressage, but harlotte Dujardin and others have done a fantastic job to promote safety in the discipline, which ultimately saves lives. ust because there are no jumps involved, doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen. he original design of traditional helmets used to be only a velvet covered shell

with a bit of comfort foam, offering ero impact protection, but customers li ed them as they were slim. han fully, helmet standards and product design have evolved substantially, meaning you can have a beautiful helmet which is also safe

Q

Do you get feedback from your sponsored riders and if so how has this influenced developments? es we do harlotte was instrumental in helping push the bespo e designs of our helmets to match tailcoats e also have the help from our sponsored riders in feedbac on new designs. hey are riding all day, every day so their views are invaluable.

Q

What tests do helmets have to pass and how are they carried out? ll helmets have to undergo testing of varying degrees. hese will include tests for helmet roll off ’, spi e impact, ha ard edge impacts and crush tests to simulate the inds of accidents riders may have.

I thin it’s better to go for a helmet with more than one impact standard, as more accident scenarios are covered, but I consider that the British PAS015:2011 standard sets the bar and certainly wouldn’t let my ids ride in a helmet which didn’t have this standard. his ritish standard has a higher threshold of testing for a number of measures. hese might just loo li e numbers on a piece of paper, but when you see a S helmet ta ing the impact of a crush force vs. a non S helmet, you’d always ma e sure you had this level of protection.

ASK THE EXPERT.

Q

How do you see helmets evolving in the future – are there any new materials or techniques on the horizon? e have been wor ing on research with hD students and our engineers to enhance our nowledge on brain injury and this is fuelling our product development. here are some very e citing prototypes in our lab for new technologies and materials to ma e riding safer and as comfortable as possible there are some game changers on the hori on han fully, the helmet standards are also evolving and this will force all helmets on the mar et to become safer which will be a benefit to all riders.

BELOW: RIDERS WANT A BEAUTIFUL HELMET WHICH IS ALSO SAFE.

TOP HATS USED TO SIGNIFY DRESSAGE, BUT CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN AND OTHERS HAVE DONE A FANTASTIC JOB TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN THE DISCIPLINE, WHICH ULTIMATELY SAVES LIVES BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 45

BODY ZONE.

TOTAL RECALL MEMORY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN EQUESTRIAN SPORT, SO IN THE SECOND OF HER NEW SERIES ON BODY TRAINING, ANDREA OAKES LOOKS AT HOW TO DEVELOP ITS

C

ompetitors must tackle complex dressage tests and jumping courses, all the while recalling coaches’ instructions and not just remembering but also reacting to the individual quirks of the horse they are riding.

Yet while our minds will often multi-task with ease, as if on autopilot, our memory can also stutter and fail when we need it most. Many of us can relate to drawing a blank on the big day: ‘… and at ‘C’, track left. Or was it track right?’

Like all aspects of performance, however, memory can be developed and improved. By understanding how this very capable tool operates, we can learn how to nurture and prepare it for the season ahead.

HOW MEMORY WORKS To take us on a whistle-stop tour of the mechanics of the memory, chartered sport psychologist Jo Davies ( jdpsychology.co.uk) starts with the nuts and bolts.

“Memory is the ability to take information in, to store it and to recall it at a later time – phases known as ‘encoding’, ‘storage’ and ‘retrieval’, she says. “The information we are currently aware of, or thinking about, forms our ‘short-term’ or ‘working’ memory. Many of these memories are retained for just 20-30 seconds and then quickly forgotten, but by consciously attending to this information, perhaps by repeating or writing it down, we can help to encode it to long-term memory.

“Information in our long-term memory is largely 46 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

POWERS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE. outside of our awareness, but can be called into short-term memory (retrieved) as needed.”

Jo explains that we create memories by strengthening existing connections, or growing new ones, between the neurons in our brain. If we fail to store information properly, however, or neglect to dust down memories and to review and rehearse what’s been filed away, things may be forgotten.

There are further levels of complexity, she says. he memory for facts is thought to be a different system, controlled by different brain mechanisms, than the one used for life events,” she says. “Then there is ‘muscle memory’, where we consolidate a specific motor tas into memory through repetition so that it can be performed almost automatically. While retrieving facts and life events typically requires conscious thought, our memory for these well-rehearsed motor skills – such as mounting and dismounting – is unconscious.”

BRAIN GAMES So why does pressure tend to send this clever mental filing system into a spin?

“During times of heightened stress, our adrenal hormones impair both short-term memory and retrieval,” says Jo. “If we are experiencing life stress or competition nerves, we are more likely to forget tests, courses or instructions.

“We can improve our memory in pressurised situations

BODY ZONE.

SHARPEN YOUR MIND Improve your memory with Jo’s practical guide…

MANAGE STRESS Keep competition nerves under control by: • Giving yourself ‘permission’ to ride and compete, as a boost to your wellbeing • Avoiding too many long working days, if you can, in the build-up to a show, to reduce mental fatigue • Writing a packing list and a show day timing schedule, and planning a warm-up routine comprising exercises to work through • Prepping your team, explaining to any helpers how they can be most useful and what stresses you out • Using strategies to influence your mood, such as chilled music or rhythmic belly breaths.

EAT WELL

with a number of simple techniques,” she explains. “The act of writing things down with a pen and paper helps implant the memory and also serves as a reminder. Try jotting down training notes after a schooling session, or annotating a dressage test with ‘buzz words’ to link with certain movements, such as ‘smooth’ or ‘posture’.

“Think about your preferred learning technique, remembering what worked when revising for academic or professional exams,” adds Jo. “That might be writing notes, drawing diagrams or watching videos, or perhaps even physical practice – ‘riding’ the test on foot, for example, around your living room.”

Since we tend to remember something more easily if we attach meaning to it, Jo suggests injecting creativity.

“If there’s a helpful phrase your instructor always uses, you might imagine it in their voice,” she suggests. “Or remember to halt at ‘X’ because you want to show the ‘X factor’. Visualisation can also aid encoding and retrieving, especially if you build in focus points such as ‘breathe’ into free walk, ‘up’ into canter and ‘bold’ in the mediums.”

Whichever method works for you, be prepared to repeat the process.

“It’s likely that you’ll need to go over your test numerous times to encode the information beyond your short-term memory,” says Jo. “With your homework done, you can ride down the centre line with confidence, nowing that your natural ‘search system’ will work. But remember one last thing – just breathe.”

Feed your brain for optimum performance by: • Incorporating sources of good-quality protein into your diet, such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds • Moderating sugar intake, as an excess amount can negatively affect the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory • Tracking your eating patterns with a nutrition diary or an app such as My Fitness Pal, and setting goals to amend any bad habits • Planning healthy food and snack choices for competition days.

SLEEP EASY Enhance memory retention with quality sleep, by: • Limiting unnaturally bright light, from tech gadgets, an hour before bed • Taking a relaxing bath and making a comforting, non-caffeinated drink • Reading, or listening to an audiobook or a meditation app.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN Improve memory function with cognitively stimulating activity, by: • Swapping mindless scrolling on your phone for reading a book, completing a crossword or playing a game such as Scrabble.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 47

NEW! 2021 British Dressage

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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

CORRECTION: BRONZE AND QUEST ELIGIBILTY There was some incorrect wording in Issue 1, relating to eligibility for Bronze and Quest competition. For clarification, below is an excerpt from the 2021 Rule Change Synopsis. The full summary can be found by visiting britishdressage.co.uk/ competitions/competition-rules.

BRONZE ELIGIBILITY TABLES For the rider to be eligible to compete in the Bronze section they may not have won more than 25 points at the level above, or competed/have any points at the higher levels. For example, at Elementary Bronze: no more than 25 points at Medium, or have points/competed at Advanced Medium or higher.

For the horse to be eligible in the Bronze section they may not have won more than 25 points at two levels above or competed/ have any points at the higher levels. For example, at Elementary Bronze: no more than 25 points at Advanced Medium or have points/ competed at PSG or higher.

QUEST COMPETITIONS For the rider to be eligible to compete in Team Quest/My Quest they may not have won more than 15 points at the level above or competed/have points at the higher levels. For example, at Prelim TQ/MQ no more than 15 points at Novice, or have points/competed at Elementary or higher.

ELECTION OF BD TRAINING DIRECTOR AND BD PARA DIRECTOR In line with the British Dressage Articles of Association, the following Director positions are eligible for election this year. These will be formally announced at the BD AGM on 12 October 2021. This a fantastic opportunity for two members to get more involved in shaping and developing the future strategy in key technical areas, so please do volunteer your services and help us support the sport you love.

• BD Training Director • BD Para Director All applicants will need to meet the specified knowledge, experience and competencies required for a Board Director, which are available along with the role descriptions for each of these positions on the BD website:

For the horse to be eligible to compete in TQ/MQ they may not have won more than 15 points at two levels above or competed/ have points at the higher levels.

For example, at Prelim TQ/ MQ no more than 15 points at Elementary or have points/ competed at Medium or higher.

If a horse or rider becomes ineligible on or after the closing date of entries, they are still permitted to compete in the class they have entered.

britishdressage.co.uk/our-sport/ british-dressage/structure-andgovernance/ This notice is being posted as required under articles 18.8 and 18.9, to invite anyone wishing to stand for election for either role to request a nomination paper from British Dressage and return it completed by to the office by midday on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

Candidates will need to provide a full curriculum vitae, together with a supporting statement detailing how they meet the role requirements, as well as complete a declaration of interests form.

All applicants will then be reviewed by the Nominations Committee, in accordance with Article 23.3, with interviews conducted before the successful candidates are put forward for election by members by electronic vote in the summer.

Please note that, following the changes to the Articles of Association approved by members at last year’s Annual General Meeting, the electronic vote is now binding and no longer subject to formal ratification at the AGM. However, the positions will continue to take effect from the date of the AGM, provisionally scheduled for 12 October 2021.

Details of the nominees, including any candidates nominated by the Board of British Dressage under article 18.7.2, will appear in BD magazine and on the BD website.

Nomination forms are now available. For further information, please contact Ben Waterhouse, Chief Operating Officer, on ceo@britishdressage. co.uk or call 02477 087805.

JUDGE RETIREMENT

would like to thank Rosemary for all her hard work and support over the years and wishes her all the best for the future.

Rosemary Ablitt (List 6) from Hampshire has retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage

ONLINE DRESSAGE Why not use lockdown to get some competition practice using one of our four authorised providers: www.dressageanywhere.com, www.dressageonline.org, www.e-riders.co.uk, www.themaneshow.co.uk

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2 2021 // 49

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11/02/2021 17:29:18

REGIONAL ACTIVITY.

CENTRAL

SCOTLAND

NORTHERN

Chairman: Jane Imbush 07739 644064 Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562 Rider training: Gemma Dainty 07780 705788 BD Youth: Contact DO Judges: Richard Baldwin 07903 942498 Para: Caroline Unwin 07842 219043 Marketing: Contact DO EASTERN DO: Katharine Perry M: 07872 603871 E: eastern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Lotte Olsen 01277 822525 Coaching: Tracy Wright 07951 570315 Rider training: Contact DO 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

Chairman: Vikki Hayton 07860 276578 Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141 Rider training: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148 BD Youth: Jess Griffiths 07590 732896 Charlotte Clark 07868 344617 Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864 Para: Gillian Brown 07872 923456 Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360 NORTH WEST DO cover: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 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

SOUTH WEST DO: Kerry Sutherland (Interim) M: 07584 147258 E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk

DO: Jo Byrne M: 07783 791191 E: northern@ britishdressage.co.uk

DO: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: central@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211 Coaching: Jean Stephen 07718 315834 Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039 BD Youth: Contact DO Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132 Para: Johanne Picken 07507 270508 Marketing: Amelia Ratcliffe-Smith 07837 533506 WALES DO: Mari O’Connor (Interim) 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: 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

DO: Amanda Rodgers M: 07894 232355 E: southwest@ britishdressage.co.uk 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: Contact DO Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700 Paula Holland 07748 666794 SOUTHERN DO: Sharon Walker M: 07894 232358 E: southern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Contact DO Coaching: Emma Butler 07843 585504 Rider training: Contact DO BD Youth: Eve Fifer 07879 643047 Emma Mansfield 07748 902655 Judges: Yvonne Huber 07933 133132 Para: Joyce Wood 07949 035021 Marketing: Caroline Gibson 07795 035581

JUDGES’ DIARY Important information: In view of the disruption to the 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 last 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 all judges to attend two Zoom sessions at the bookwhen.com/british-dressage-south-west relevant list per year. Dispensation is granted Wales Region until Spring 2021 to fulfil this requirement. bookwhen.com/bd-wales

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 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 2 2021 // 51

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DRESSAGE DAYS.

DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A MEET LEWIS CARRIER In recent years, Norfolk based Lewis Carrier (23) has emerged as one of the UK’s most promising young riders.

In 2018, with his talented Spielberg son Diego V, he achieved a top ten spot at the FEI Young Rider European Championships in Fontainebleau. Last year, despite coronavirus disruptions, he and Diego represented Great Britain in the U25s division at the Europeans in Hungary where they achieved a best placing of 12th and qualified for the Grand Prix Freestyle. We caught up with Lewis, a World Class Podium Potential Pathway athlete, to find out more about his journey, from his early aspirations to now – a young man making his mark at Grand Prix.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EQUESTRIAN LIFE My parents weren’t riders but they wanted my sister and me to have the chance to learn, and we had ponies from when I was seven. It was a case of trial and error after that, with a succession of ponies, but we always had the help of some great equine professionals, including Di and Mark Fisher (now GB World Class Master Saddlers), to offer advice and keep us on the right track.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN DRESSAGE? It has to be the power and extravagance of the movement of a dressage horse. I tried all disciplines with ponies, a lot of it through West Norfolk Pony Club, and even pony racing at the British Racing School in Newmarket. Eventing was great

fun but I always fell back on my dressage training with Di Fisher, and then we invested in Diego when I was 16.

WHO OR WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? I take inspiration from everyone on the FEI Grand Prix World Cup circuit, including riders from all over Europe, but there is no doubt that what Carl and Charlotte have done for dressage in the UK has changed and continues to influence the sport.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU THINK YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER IN THE FIELD OF DRESSAGE? I threw myself into sport, music and theatre at school, alongside my riding. Then at 16, when I went to Hartpury College, it was 100% dressage.

TELL US ABOUT DIEGO, THE PERSON Diego was full of character and confidence when we got him, at the age of four, and he defi nitely hasn’t lost any of that! He loves his work and lights up in a big indoor arena, especially with music. One of our highlights was our appearance at The Horse of the Year Show; I’ve never experienced an arena quite like Birmingham’s NEC! A fun fact about Diego is that he despises rugs; and, when he was four, he pulled every rug within reach outside his stable, into his bed!

WHAT’S THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? It has to be the U25 European Championships in 2020. There were so many things that could easily have put me off going to Hungary but I’m so glad I went.

My dad and I shared the driving, four days each way, and Diego was impeccable the whole 13 day trip.

WHAT ARE BECOMING YOUR TRAINING PRIORITIES IN THE TRANSITION TO SENIOR GRAND PRIX? As Diego and I are still putting the fi nishing touches to the Grand Prix movements it is easy to be tempted to spend too much time on that but I make sure that 54 // Issue 2 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

we have a variety of training, for strength, and for enjoyment, including hacking and a bit of jumping.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR UP-AND-COMING HORSES Freddie (Alvescot Freestyle) is my newest project. Freddie is five and we made it to the fi nal of the Nexgen Young Horse Series at Hickstead in 2020. Freddie has the benefit of Diego’s wisdom, both as neighbours in our stable barn, and because I am able to work with Freddie at his young age, in ways that I hadn’t figured out with Diego at the same age.

WHAT KEY BIT OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG RIDERS STARTING OUT? I think I was 10 when a top GB eventer (name on application!) advised me not to go into horses!

But my advice is, if you want to pursue a passion, you have to be willing to put everything into it, and believe that anything is possible.

THREE NON-HORSEY ITEMS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST 1. To own a Koenigsegg sports car 2. My own apartment in New York 3. A stately home (with plenty of space and facilities for my horses).

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DRESSAGE COLLECTION