Equestrian Trade News June 2024 | Volume 48, No 5
Plus
DREAM IT,
Ingatestone Saddlery Centre marks 50 years
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EDITOR’S COMMENT | ETN
Editor’s comment I s there potential for equestrian retailers to offer veterinary services? The pet trade is already doing it… Spurred on, no doubt, by the recent outcry over ever-increasing vets’ fees – fuelled by a widely-publicised Competition & Markets (CMA) enquiry – more pet retailers are joining Pets at Home and employing in-house vets. Jollyes’ 102nd store has just opened in Northampton featuring a Community Pet Clinic. The store is advertising “vet services such as microchipping and vaccinations at much lower prices than traditional vets.” Will the big equestrian retailers follow suit? Or maybe link up with their local veterinary practices to offer routine vaccinations, teeth rasping and checks for the likes of equine metabolic syndrome? Many feed manufacturers already employ vets or have veterinary consultants. So maybe it makes sense for retailers to do likewise?
There’s so much negativity around…companies telling us what isn’t in their feeds and supplements, others openly having a ‘pop’ at rival brands and know-it-all keyboard warriors criticising the winners of international dressage competitions. It’s almost certainly not a trend confined to the horse world. But why can’t businesses and individuals just get on with doing their own thing the best way they can? And as for copying... Well, some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It can also smack of
In this issue...
a lack of imagination and original ideas and, worse, a means to unfairly undercut rival companies. Trying to trick customers, buyers or readers into thinking they’re looking at a brand, product or title they know and love is sinking pretty low. The most successful in any sphere are those who offer something fresh, different, useful and – especially in the current climate – representing good quality at good value for money. The best brands are also unafraid to stand proud, stay positive and do their own thing.
Equestrian Trade News June 2024 | Volume 48, No 5
Plus
DREAM IT,
Ingatestone Saddlery Centre marks 50 years
RIDE IT
People and products Is your website legal?
Aspirational saddles
•
Liz Benwell Liz Benwell
NEWS
4
FEEDING FOR GUT HEALTH
32
PRODUCT NEWS
10
BRITISH COMPANIES
38
BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH
16
LEGAL DIGEST
43
IN THE HOT SEAT: ZOE CANNON
18
SADDLE MANUFACTURERS’ DIRECTORY
44
AMTRA RAMA CPD FEATURE AND QUIZ
48
RETAILER PROFILE
52
TURN BACK THE PAGES
55
2024
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Even if you’re not a saddle fitter, do read the Society of Master Saddlers’ (SMS) CPD feature in this issue of ETN. It takes a fascinating look at the development of adjustable trees, and asks whether they’re the beall and end-all. Esteemed saddlers Laurence Pearman and Sue Norton also have some poignant things to say about what to look for in girths and pads to go with saddles – and bling isn’t on the list! The whole feature is a great reminder that innovation is fantastic, provided we don’t lose sight of the good things that came before.
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21/05/2024 12:02:52
Front cover: Enzo Ferrari famously build cars for people to dream of owning. Our front cover this month features a covetable example and equally aspirational saddle by Bliss of London. (Photo: Matthew Seed for Bliss Saddles)
SADDLE AND GIRTH INNOVATIONS 22 PEOPLE
24
SMS SADDLE FITTERS’ CPD FEATURE
26
BETA BUSTS MISINFORMATION
30
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Equestrian Trade News June 2024 | 3
ETN | BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH
Celebrating the best bench saddlers…
This award, presented in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), recognises those who uphold the highest standard of leathercraft skills.
This month’s winner is SARAH STEVENS
Sarah Stevens - Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Master Saddler, Master Harness Maker, Master Bridle Maker and Registered Master Saddle Fitter - is striving to keep the craft alive and helping to train the saddlers of the future.
Setting up a workshop
About Sarah Stevens
Passing on knowledge
Sarah Stevens treasures time at the bench, with only a log fire and fantastic view for company.
It was a passion for horses that led Sarah to the craft of saddlery and then saddle fitting. After watching a saddler working at his bench, Sarah was hooked and decided to embark on her training. She spent a year with Laurence Pearman, gaining experience with four others in the workshop working mainly on saddles and doing some bridlework too. Sarah then continued her apprenticeship with David Dyer at Frogpool Manor. Here, she continued to learn valuable craft skills in the workshop; but during her time with David, Sarah became interested in saddle fitting too. “I completed my Level 2 and 3 under the guidance of Mark Romain at The Saddlery Training Centre,” explains Sarah. “In 2012, I became a Master Saddler and Master Harness Maker.”
16 | Equestrian Trade News June 2024
The following year, Sarah set up her own workshop, SES Saddlery, offering saddle fitting, custom-made bridles and leather repairs. Initially the business was based in the Thames Valley where Sarah had built up a loyal base of clients. Then in 2021, she moved her workshop to Somerset. Sarah still travels back to the Thames Valley for her saddle fitting clients. “I love sharing my knowledge and skills, helping saddlers of the future,” says Sarah. “I’m on the SMS Executive Committee, and I’m always trying to encourage other Master Saddlers to take on apprentices. It is so important that these traditional skills continue to be championed and are preserved and passed on to future generations.” Sarah finds training apprentices hugely rewarding. Charlotte Cheesman has just completed her apprenticeship with Sarah and is staying on at SES Saddlery. The pair won the Master and Apprentice Class at the 2024 SMS National Competition for which Charlotte made a headcollar and Sarah a foal slip. Harri Bruce, Sarah’s current apprentice, was also successful at the National Competition winning the Intermediate bridle class with a hunting breastplate with martingale attachment. Charlotte was runnerup.
“Time at the bench is precious”
“Time at the bench is precious,” says Sarah. “It’s a time to forget about the admin and other tasks that go with running a business. “I love making bridles and nothing beats taking time to do just that, with the log fire burning and looking out at the fabulous view from my workshop window.”
www.equestriantradenews.com
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Sarah Stevens combines saddle fitting with her work as a bench saddler. Celebrating their successes at the 2024 SMS National Competition are, from left, Frances Roche (apprentice visitor), Sarah Stevens, Charlotte Cheeseman and Harri Bruce.
Pole Block JS60
Quality of life
Sarah loves the outdoors and moved to Somerset for a better quality of life, although she says it’s still pretty hectic running a business. She enjoys walking her three Labradors who are working dogs. Although they work hard when they’re shooting, they tend to be asleep on the sofa the rest of the time, she says. Sarah also owns two horses called Stan and Oli and admits that riding is a bit of a luxury. “I’m not competitive at all,” she says. “I’m happy if I get to ride two to three times a week. I like hacking and doing a bit of dressage. Essentially my horses live the life of Riley.” Sarah also offers leatherwork courses from her base. The practical, introductory-level training enables Sarah to share her knowledge and skills with aspiring saddlers and encourage them into the industry she loves.
RETRO Folding Saddle Rack S1877
Hook On Markers
How to nominate a bench saddler:
Everyone is invited to nominate bench saddlers they feel deserve to be named ETN/SMS Bench Saddler of the Month. Candidates for the award must be a member of the SMS and can be based in the UK or overseas. To nominate a bench saddler (or more than one), email editor@equestriantradenews.com and tell us why this person deserves to be put in the spotlight. Please include the bench saddler’s name and business name too.
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ETN | SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS CPD FEATURE ACCREDITED BY
Saddle and bridle fitters who read the feature and complete the task (see ‘How to gain your CPD’ below the quiz) will receive CPD recognition from the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS). SMS Registered Qualified Saddle and Bridle Fitters are required to maintain CPD fulfilment as part of their registration.
H
Are adjustable trees the only trees?
We’ve become accustomed to many adjustable saddles being available. Many have injection-moulded trees with head plates that the fitter can change on site, rebalance the flocking and reassess the ridden horse all in one fitting… No wonder the popularity has grown. Fellow of the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) and SMS Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter Laurence Pearman and SMS Master Saddle Fitter Sue Norton delve into the topic of adjustable trees to assess the pros and cons to the consumer and the fitter.
istorically, if a saddle was to be altered for a different horse or a horse’s permanent profile change, it was stripped down in the workshop to the bare front arch. The top four rivets were then drilled out and the shape of the tree was adjusted to the new profile in a device. A new gullet plate was then re-riveted in place and the saddle put back together. Other methods were tried using ratchets and cogs but these proved to be not very reliable. Then, in the 1970s, Bates, an Australian saddle company, came up with a plate-changing system in their Wintec saddle which already used a plastic
tree. Its disadvantage was that the fitter had to unstitch the front of the saddle and drop the flaps to change the plate and then re-stitch. History then moved fast with British company Thorowgood producing saddles with interchangeable plates and screws allowing easy and quick changes. Many other saddle manufacturers have followed suit, and customers now will inevitably ask for the choice, particularly if they have a young horse still developing. The second-hand market benefits also as it takes away some of the guess work, especially in the current economic climate.
A traditional wooden tree. Spring bars inside the rails allow a little ‘give’ to be felt by horse and rider. 26 | Equestrian Trade News June 2024
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SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS CPD FEATURE | ETN
With the vast number of manufacturers producing saddles with changeable plates, it has become an expensive and very heavy extra in saddle fitters’ vans to keep a stock of all the options.
Wooden vs plastic trees
Exciting as it may be, there are down sides to consider. Most adjustability comes with plastic trees and this isn’t helping the current problem the world has with plastic use. We need to consider how we dispose of this plastic when it reaches the end of its life. Is there a possibility of recycling? A traditional wooden spring tree allows a wide spread over the horse’s spring of rib. The wooden trees, either beech or plywood with several laminations, reinforced with metal, are incredibly strong. Spring bars inside the rails of the tree allow for a little ’give’ to be felt by the horse and the rider. The saddler can web-up the seats according to the rider’s requirements offering comfort to both horse and rider alike. Plastic treed saddles do well to challenge the comfort factor with padded foam seats for the rider; some use pure wool in generously shaped panels. The head plates vary; some slightly shaped at the bottom away from the horse’s shoulder and some are longer. www.equestriantradenews.com
This emulates the option from some saddle companies using traditional trees to offer longer points to support a narrow-framed horse such as a Thoroughbred. Many horses can feel restricted with this in movement unless a plate just one size wider is selected and if necessary, supported with a shim to clear the shoulder movement and balance the saddle. However, this is not the case for all, and a fitter needs to make this a consideration when looking at the whole and accessorise for comfort and stability. Saddlecloths, pads and girths are important for stability and comfort and need not be expensive. Bling and colour are not important. Albion Saddlemakers has made workshopachieved adjustability possible with elongated rivet holes in the front arch allowing narrowing or widening in small increments only, without compromising the tree’s strength. To maintain the saddle’s guarantee, this must be done by the manufacturer or an approved saddler only and the saddle stamped as to the change. It will be an adjustment appreciated by an owner whose horse has changed shape on a permanent basis. Another British company, Ideal Saddle Company, has invested and come up with a traditional tree with changeable head plates screwed in, offering the best of both worlds.
Changing a gullet plate; some saddle brands have made this quick and easy.
Equestrian Trade News June 2024 | 27
ETN | CPD FEATURE
Dietary management for horses with Equine Glandular Gastric Disease Dr Katie Williams M.Sc. (Dist) R Nutr.
ABOUT ETN’S RAMA/SQP FEATURES
ETN’s series of CPD features helps RAMAs (Registered Animal Medicines Advisors/ SQPs) earn the CPD (continuing professional development) points they need. The features are accredited by AMTRA, and highlight some of the most important subject areas for RAMAs/SQPs specialising in equine and companion animal medicine. AMTRA is required by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations to ensure its RAMAs/SQPs undertake CPD. All RAMAs/SQPs must earn a certain number of CPD points in a given period of time in order to retain their qualification. RAMAs/ SQPs who read this feature and submit correct answers to the questions below will receive two CPD points. For more about AMTRA and becoming a RAMA/SQP, visit www.amtra.org.uk
48 | Equestrian Trade News June 2024
A
A more accurate description of many so-called haylages would be ‘wrapped hay’.
wareness and understanding of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) has increased significantly in recent times but whilst a recognised aetiology exists for Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), less is known about Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). As the names suggest, ESGD refers to ulcers in the squamous region of the stomach whilst EGGD describes issues in the glandular region of the stomach which researchers now describe as an inflammatory disease rather than an ulcerative disease.
Risk factors for EGGD
An increasing amount of evidence exists to suggest an association between stress and EGGD. Sharbine et al., (2023) recorded prevalence of EGGD in horses in a university teaching hospital in the USA over a period of 3 years. The horses were managed as usual and EGGD occurred at various points over the three years. The authors state that “EGGD might improve, worsen or even resolve over time without medical intervention. The risk factors that can be attributed at the individual level need to be acknowledged – in this environment breed, number of handlers, hierarchy and stress were relevant”. Similarly, in Thoroughbred racehorses, the trainer has been identified
as a risk factor independent of other management factors (Sykes et al., 2019). Exercise is also a recognised risk factor. Physiologically, exercise may divert blood away from the stomach sufficiently to result in damage or weakening of the cells thereby compromising their defences to acid. Exercising more than 4 or 5 days per week was found to be a risk factor for EGGD in racing Thoroughbreds and showjumpers respectively (Sykes et al., 2019). In endurance horses, the prevalence of EGGD doubled during the competition season compared with the inter-season period (Tamazli et al., 2011). These findings have resulted in the recommendation that at least 2 days off a week is recommended to reduce the risk of EGGD. Clearly exercise is associated with stress especially in competition horses who travel frequently and often for longer periods of time. Young or inexperienced horses might be at greatest risk as EGGD has been inversely correlated with experience in both polo ponies and show jumpers. This may just be a reflection of those with EGGD being negatively selected out of the population as they don’t cope sufficiently well with stress to the point where it compromises www.equestriantradenews.com
CPD FEATURE | ETN their ability to perform. The link between stress and the incidence of EGGD is one reason why the problem is often difficult to resolve and as stress is inherent in the performance horse’s role, it can mean owners and trainers face difficult decisions about a horse’s future if EGGD persists.
What role does diet play?
A recent review of published work relating to EGGD (Banse and Andrews, 2019) found that dietary factors seem to be less important for the control of EGGD when compared to ESGD. The studies did indicate that decreased pasture turnout or increased grain concentrate feeding may be associated with EGGD as they are for ESGD, and so should be avoided where possible. The role of bacterial dysbiosis in EGGD is starting to be explored. Voss et al., (2022) found higher levels of a bacteria associated with delayed gastric emptying in humans, in racehorses in training diagnosed with EGGD. The horses were fed a racehorse cube which is likely to be relatively high in starch and so would be expected to have an effect on the microbial population. Meal size of cereal based feeds and the impact on gastric emptying rates is an area that also needs further investigation. Whilst there is no evidence-based link between diet and EGGD, the advice is still to implement the same feeding management as for ESGD which amounts to reducing starch intake and feeding plenty of fibre. In many cases, high quality fibre sources can be used to provide the horse with sufficient energy for the work they are doing, reducing the need to feed cereals and thereby reducing starch intake. This has been demonstrated in a recent study by Martin et al., (2023) who showed that horses in training fed a third of their total ration as alfalfa with just 7% oats performed comparably with those
fed 33% oats (the remainder of the diet was hay). The replacement of oats with alfalfa had no detrimental effects on performance or muscle tone and in fact, altered energy metabolism in such a way as to potentially improve performance and recovery.
Dispelling myths associated with forage for horses with EGGD Can I feed straw?
Back in 2009, a study looked at the incidence of gastric ulceration in a population of horses and found that those that were fed straw as the sole or predominant fibre source were more likely to have ulcers. The key fact that tends to get lost in communications is that straw was used as the sole or predominant fibre source which is not typically done in the UK. Recognising that straw can be useful as a lowcalorie forage source for good doers, a follow up study has been published investigating the safety of feeding 50% wheat straw to replace haylage. The study by Jansson et al., (2021) found no ill effects and specifically looked for gastric ulcers.
Can I use haylage for a horse with ulcers?
The concern about using a true haylage for horses with ulcers is that the fermentation process used to conserve the forage produces acids and feeding a forage with increased acidity levels would not be helpful. However, a more accurate description of many so-called haylages would be ‘wrapped hay’ as they are often very dry which has meant that little or no fermentation has occurred. This means the levels of acidity should be different to a normal hay. Table 1 shows data from a number of samples analysed at an independent lab. In this instance, the level of lactic acid is an indicator of whether fermentation has occurred. A possible benefit of using wrapped hay is that it is likely to have been harvested earlier and so is likely to be more digestible meaning that the horse is likely to do better on it. Forages containing more moisture and cut earlier are often more palatable which is useful for poorer doers who may not have a big appetite. For poor doers, feeding forage ad lib is ideal as there is no reason to restrict them.
Straw can be useful as a low-calorie forage source for good doers.
Table 1 A comparison of grass-based forages
Dengie Data
Dengie Data
Hay (n=154)
Wrapped Hay (n=84)
Dry matter %
>84
70-80
Average DM %
89
77.8
Crude protein %
9.1
10.02
NDF % (fibre)
56.4
55
WSC % (storage sugar)
15.9
14.9
Lactic acid g/kg (marker of fermentation)
0
0-0.5
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Equestrian Trade News June 2024 | 49
ETN | CPD FEATURE Is alfalfa suitable for horses with ulcers?
The simple answer is yes. Studies back in the early 2000s (Nadeua et al., 2000; Lybbert et al., 2007) showed that alfalfa was more beneficial for horses with ulcers (ESGD) compared to grass forages, as the high levels of calcium and magnesium it contains act as natural buffers to acidity. More recently, studies carried out by the Lab to Field research group based in Dijon, France have shown the protective effects of alfalfa in horses in training. Their findings demonstrated that clinical success with horses with EGGD was 47.7 times more likely in horses fed alfalfa pellets as part of their ration compared to those on concentrate only rations.
References
Banse and Andrews (2019) Equine glandular gastric disease: prevalence, impact and management strategies. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports
Nadeau et al., (2000) Evaluation of diet as a cause of gastric ulcers in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 61 (7):784-90. Sharbine et al., (2023) The prevalence and changes over time of equine glandular gastric disease in a teaching herd population EVE 35 (12)637-648
Jansson et al., (2021) Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in Horses—Effects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration. Animals. 11.
Sykes et al., (2019) Management factors and clinical implications of glandular and squamous gastric disease in horses Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 33 (1) 233-240
Julliand et al., (2023) Effect of diet composition on glandular gastric disease in horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Tamzali et al., (2011) Prevalence of gastric ulcer syndrome in high-level endurance horses. Equine Vet. Journal
Lybbert et al., (2007), Proceedings of Annual Convention of the AAEP, Orlando, Florida, 2007.
The high levels of calcium and magnesium alfalfa contains act as natural buffers to acidity.
Voss et al., (2022) A study comparing the healthy and diseased equine glandular gastric microbiota sampled with sheathed transendoscopic cytology brushes. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
Martin et al., (2023) Effect of highstarch or high-fibre diets on the energy metabolism and physical performance of horses during an 8-week training period. Front. Physiol. 14:1213032.
RAMA CPD QUIZ
Select your answers and submit them at www.Equestriantradenews.com under the CPD section What is EGGD best described as? A. An ulcerative disease B. An inflammatory disease C. An autoimmune disease Bacteria found in the stomach of racehorses with EGGD were associated with which of the following in humans? A. Delayed gastric emptying B. Inflammatory bowel disease C. Heart disease Which of the following risk factors is increasingly being associated with EGGD? A. Too much forage B. Too much time at grass C. Stress As exercise is a risk factor for EGGD which of the following is recommended? A. 1 day of rest per week
B. C.
0 days of rest per week 2 days of rest per week
What happens to the blood flow to the stomach when horses exercise? A. It increases in volume B. It thickens C. It is diverted away In endurance horses, how much did the prevalence of EGGD change by during the competition season? A. It doubled B. It halved C. It quadrupled What is often misunderstood about straw as a risk factor for gastric ulcers? A. The type of straw matters B. Only when it’s used as the sole or predominant source of forage is it a risk factor for ulcers C. Where it’s grown matters
Why is wrapped hay a more appropriate name for many so-called haylages? A. They are too dry for fermentation to occur B. They are really acidic C. They are really high in protein In the study utilising alfalfa as an energy source for horses in training, how much alfalfa was fed? A. Half of the ration B. A third of the ration C. All of the ration What acts as RAMA natural buffers in C Questio PD alfalfa? ns June 2024 E A. Starch and TN sugar B. Protein and Starch C. Calcium and magnesium
Submit your answers online at www.equestriantradenews.com under the CPD section. 50 | Equestrian Trade News June 2024
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BETA INTERNATIONAL NEWS | ETN
BETA INTERNATIONAL
TRADE FAIR NEWS Safety innovators to sponsor the evoke® Seminar Theatre at BETA International
BETA International is delighted to announce that new safety brand, evoke®, will be sponsoring the Seminar Theatre at the show on 22nd-23rd September at NAEC, Stoneleigh, later this year. evoke® burst onto the equestrian scene at the National Equine Show in March, showcasing its innovative collection of riding hats, the seed of which was sown when the company’s founder, David Mitson, fell from his horse (whilst wearing a hat) and suffered a concussion that was worse than any sustained in his time playing elite rugby. Over the following years, David started to build
an innovative safety brand, aided by Technical Director Helen Riley. Today, evoke® has a range of hats that have the company’s own BSI Kitemark and are tested to three international safety standards. Additionally, the company offers a Helmet Replacement Scheme that helps to promote safety without adding additional financial burden should the hat sustain an impact from a fall within the first six months. “Having successfully launched the new evoke® collection of riding hats and jockey skulls earlier this year we are delighted to be showcasing the range, and our newest collections, at BETA International in September,” said David Mitson. “We are also excited to be sponsoring the evoke® Seminar Theatre where there will be a number of guest
Gala dinner
22nd September Wroxall Abbey Hotel
Join us for a glamorous evening of celebration as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the industry’s finest. The evening kicks off in style with a champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous dinner, awards ceremony and a chance to dance the night away!
Book your tickets using the QR code before they sell out!
speakers providing a range of educational and informative sessions”. In addition to evoke® having a focus on safety, the company also has an eye on style with both the Callisto Helmet and the Orion Jockey Skull being available in an extensive range of finishes from classic black through to high shine carbon, and matt with crystal inlay. The importance of fit sits alongside all the above with the company’s comfort liner system giving an exceptional fit without the retailer having to carry an extensive size range in each model. There are three main sizes of shell and EPS that complement the comfort liner system to provide a snug and comfortable fit. “We are delighted to welcome evoke® to BETA International- we can’t wait to see the range on the stand, new products, and we’re very excited to welcome evoke® as a sponsor too,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association and BETA International. “Safety is essential for our industry, and seeing brands continue to innovate is exactly what is needed. We are looking forward to being able to support evoke® in introducing more retailers to the collection at the show.” To find out more about evoke®, see www.evoke-group.com, and to find out more about BETA International and get your free ticket, see www.beta-int.com