April 2011 Equi-Ads

April 2011

The UK’s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

Equi-Style Spring / Summer fashion feature

FREE

Summer not just sunshine and warmer weather!

New insights into Laminitis with Dr Teresa Hollands

Dr Cuddeford explains the effects of diet on hoof and coat quality Many roads lead to Rome Sylvia Loch discusses schooling options

Training the yearling

WIN! ÂŁ700 worth of prizes

from Blue Chip

Supplements - Tack & Turnout

UK equine consignment store has arrived!

Contents ENGLAND & WALES Supplements

1&8

Tack & Turnout

1 - 4,

53 – 55, 74

Events

2

Laminitis

3, 6,

12 – 24

Livery

5

Blue Chip Competition 7 Effects of diet

9

Feeding

9 – 33, 78

Healthcare

24 – 39, 74

Pilates

26

Physiotherapy

30

Driving Vets mad

34

Horse Behaviour

36

Worming

36 – 39

Equi-Style

41 – 52

Schooling

56

Summer Irritants

56 – 60

Horses for Sale

60 - 62

Insurance

61 – 63, 78

Training Youngsters

64

Stud

64 – 69

Philosophical

66

Riding

68

Field & Stable

69 – 72,

78 - 79

Transport

70 – 72

Classical Riding

70

Holidays

72

Training

73

Bedding

74

Competition

76 - 77

What’s On

79 - 80

Copy Deadline

10th of the preceding month Available on the 1st of the month Equi-Ads is published monthly by:

Equi-Ads Limited Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG To advertise, please call

01738 567700 Fax: 01738 567776

www.equiads.net Please send editorial to: Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG Fax: 01738 567776 Email: info@equiads.net

Good Apple Equine UK Ltd is thrilled and delighted to launch a new concept in the UK which is already incredibly successful in the States – that is equine ‘consignment’!

by good photography and description, even with helpful hints along the way.

We post and pack, handle the payment and customer queries and all you then do is sit back and wait for the cheque!

on saddles which is a fantastic selling benefit!

Consignment stores are already well known for items such as vintage clothing, for example, but we are the first UK company to specialise in selling second-hand equine-related goods on behalf of ‘consignors’ (sellers) whilst offering ‘customers’ (buyers) goods of outstanding value, ensuring that each item is in good condition, is clean and of ‘merchantable quality’. (We will not accept goods which are unsafe or in poor condition).

Subject to consignor permission we allow trusted customers a 7 day trial

Tel: 01604 701946 or 0874 598 4412 Website: www.goodappleequineuk.com

For further information contact Debbie Hattan-NazarShah,

In addition, we offer a personalised advice and support service. So, why not just sell your beloved items on auction sites? Well, here are just a few advantages of using Good Apple!

Auction site sellers have to do all the work themselves. This takes a lot of time and effort and they have little or no control of how much their items are going to earn.

It is down also to the seller’s ‘selling skills’ to offer the item to its best advantage. Then, when the auction ends they have the hassle of posting out the items, ensuring they are safely received and mop up the sale with feedback, provided they have not experienced any payment issues! But with Good Apple Equine UK, all it virtually takes is a phone call and the completion of a simple form.

For a fixed or pre-agreed commission rate, we not only sell your goods for you; you know what return you are going to receive, and we ensure that the goods are set off to their very best advantage

Supplements based on specifics not speculation!

Supplements make up a huge market and the majority of horse owners happily add scoop after scoop into their horse’s daily feed. However, experts in organic equine healthcare, Forest Farmacy, have developed an innovative new nutritional package based on what individual horses really need, not what we think they need!

Equine Health Analysis is a bio analytical screening which examines faecal droppings and urine to test every organ in the body and identify deficiencies, nitrite levels and underlying problems. This enables herbalists at Forest Farmacy to produce a 100 day supply of a Bespoke Supplement tailored to the exacting requirements of each horse or pony.

From coughs and colds, temperament problems, itchy skin, gastric conditions or simply to balance any deficiencies

in the diet, Equine Health Analysis is a revolutionary concept in equine supplements and by feeding based on fact not fiction owners could improve their horse’s health, performance, temperament and their own bank balance!

Equine Health Analysis covers a multitude of internal issues including the assessment of organ function, in particular the liver, heart, pancreas and kidneys; full red and white blood cell testing to check for virus’ and immune response; gut and joint health monitoring; toxic nitrite levels and an evaluation of vitamin, mineral and trace element deficiencies. The majority of Equine Health Analysis reports have shown horses to be lacking in the four critical minerals, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium which can affect performance, recovery time, anxiety and sensitivity to touch.

Once Equine Health Analysis screening has been carried out Forest Farmacy will create your horse’s Bespoke Supplement, supplying him with 100 days’ worth of his nutritional requirements helping him reach and maintain optimum health. Every equine’s details remain on file and can be re-tested every 12 weeks to monitor and evaluate their internal balance and amend supplementation as the seasons change.

Equine Health Analysis costs £150, the equivalent to £1.50 per day, for one supplement that is based on specifics rather than several based on speculation.

Forest Farmacy also now offer a free supplement consultation, for more information visit www.forestfarmacy. com today or call us on 07736 282 729

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 1

Events - From the Horses Mouth

From the Horse’s Mouth – The world according to Maurice I have decided that I don’t want to learn how to be a working horse anymore.

My recent big boy lessons haven’t been going very well and I don’t want to learn any more stuff. I would prefer to stand in a field, eat grass and sleep, just as I have been doing quite happily for the past three years.

I suggested this to Mummy the other day, right after I had dragged her across the sand school when I was supposed to be learning. Mummy is trying to teach me to run round in circles with a saddle thing on my back. I have absolutely no idea why.

I am more than capable of being able to run round in circles, with or without a saddle thing on my back and a long rope thing on my bridle, all of my own accord.

To be honest I am more a fan of running in straight lines, back and forth across the field, chasing Chester the Shetland.

Anyway, Mummy has been trying to teach me this running round in circles thing which quite frankly is a bit of a bore. Once I have run round a couple of times I lose interest and try and liven things up with a few bucks and a fart or two. As a result, Mummy said I wasn’t trying hard enough and put rein things on my bridle to make me ‘use my hocks’ or something. I was not impressed at all with this new development and decided to throw myself on the ground in protest.

Mummy was not amused. Snoopy on the other hand seemed to find this all very

Every day’s a school day

entertaining, as he stood watching us from the field.

I will say one thing about Mummy, she is persistent. The next day she appeared with reinforcements in the shape of Nice New Yard Owner. Between the two of them, they managed to persuade me to run round in circles without mishap. They both looked very pleased with themselves. I was simply biding my time.

Our next lesson involved walking alongside Nice New Yard Owner while Mummy walked behind me with two long rope things attached to my bridle. Snoopy said this was called long reining and was to encourage me to listen to voice commands and to prepare me for ridden work. I didn’t particularly like the sound of that.

Mummy said I was being a very clever boy and so she decided, foolishly as it turned out, that we would venture up the farm road, a track we had walked along several times. This time however, was different. In a place where previously there was no fence, a bright orange fence had appeared. I was absolutely terrified. Snoopy had warned me to always be alert and aware of things that looked different from how they had looked previously, as they were often the work of horse eating lions or the monsters that hide in the trees. I planted my feet firmly on the track and refused to budge. Mummy tried

to encourage me to continue. I refused. No matter what she tried, I refused to move forward, opting instead for reverse gear.

Mummy was starting to get a bit red in the face and flustered and I thought if I could just hold out a little bit longer, she would give in and we would get to go home, unscathed and uneaten by the orange fence. Mummy had other plans. She very firmly told me that she had all the time in the world and that she could wait all day for me to give in and continue up the track. I had a feeling she meant it and I was starting to get hungry. I hadn’t eaten anything for about half an hour and my tummy was starting to protest. I thought if I stood there

any longer I would quite probably pass out with hunger and would then be eaten by the orange fence anyway. At least if I was conscious I could run past very quickly so it couldn’t maul me. So much to Mummy’s surprise, I leapt forward, dragging her past the offending fence. Mummy told me I was a very clever boy and gave me heaps of pats and scratches. And we made it home, without being eaten.

Of course this meant that Mummy believed she had got one over on me. She thought it was her that had persuaded me to pass the scary things, not my hungry tummy. Human persons are so very stupid.

Cont. on P4

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London Wembley Arena

Friday 25th & Saturday 26th November

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27th November

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www.srslondon.co.uk 2 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Performance 3pm

Competition - News

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 3

From the Horses Mouth - Tack & Turnout Cont. from P3

And so my education continued, as did Mummy’s.

I taught Mummy that as much as I could be persuaded to pass a scary fence, there was absolutely no way I was going to pass the squawky-killer-chicken-things that lived on the next yard to us. Snoopy told me that they had big sharp teeth under their little beaks and could devour a horse in ten minutes, starting at the hooves. I was absolutely terrified. Again I planted my feet, and again Mummy tried to persuade me to move forward and pass them. This time I was not giving in. I could hear them screeching and flapping their wings and they looked hungry. I stood on my back legs and waved my hooves in the air to scare them away. I think this also scared Mummy.

This continued for a long time before

Mummy admitted defeat and turned to take us home.

Or so I thought. She was actually going to get reinforcements in the shape of Snoopy.

She told me that Snoopy was going to show me how to be a big boy and that there was nothing to be scared of.

Snoopy smirked at me and led the way past the killer chickens. Again I stopped, refusing to budge. I waved my hooves in the air again to warn Snoopy about their sharp teeth and pointy beaks. Snoopy told me to stop being a stupid baby and to follow him. I closed my eyes and ran past them as quickly as Mummy’s legs could carry her. Amazingly the killer chickens turned and ran away from us, seeming to be more scared of us than I was of them.

I am now questioning everything Snoopy has told me. I have a feeling he has been trying to pull the wool over my eyes. I bet there aren’t even lions hiding in the trees at the back of our field. Or bears hiding in the water trough.

and sometimes rude things which I won’t repeat. I am 20 years young, a very distinguished silvery grey colour (except llowing a mud pack) and I love partying. I live with my young tormentor and rival for Mums attention, Maurice. Sigh...

I even think that Snoopy might have been spinning me a lie when he said that my teeth would fall out if I ate his hay.

About Mum

Stupid baby. Humph.

Translated from horse-speak by Gayle About me – the Snooperstar!

I am a 16.2hh Irish Draft cross Thoroughbred gelding. Mum says the Thoroughbred bit is only in my brain though.

My posh party name is Smokey Mountain but mum calls me Snoopy, Bounceypants

Mum is quite old I think. Well older than me anyway going by her greying hair. Although, that may be my fault somewhat. She has two of The Ones Who Bark and they spend most of their time chasing rabbits and well, barking as far as I can see. She also has The One With Money who occasionally comes to parties with us but mainly just whinges about how much money Mum spends on me. I have owned her for nearly ten years and I think I might keep her a bit longer. She’s not a bad sort.

Whisk those flies away with The Full Cheek: An excellent choice in a variety of situations. Moorland Rider It can be extremely useful (after the early stages of training) for a young horse as it gives a lot of help when steering.

The extension above the mouthpiece touches the horses face to reinforce the turning aid and with the extension below, you can be almost certain that this type of bit will not pull through the mouth if the horse is in a panic situation and/or spins around. For faster work if you don’t need any control with your speed but would benefit from some directional control (jumping etc), the full cheek is again a good choice. By fitting fulmer loops to

4 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

the top part of the cheek and fixing it to the bridle, this exerts some mild poll pressure and can have a similar effect to the baucher. As with all fixed cheek mouthpieces, a snug fit is required with the full cheek.

April competition: upload a photo of your horse on our wall at www. facebook.com/horsebithire to try to win a bit.

Visit Gail at Hartpury Arena: 6th -10th April Blue Chip Winter Showjumping or 13th -17th April Naf 5 Star Dressage

Moorland Rider’s Rider Fly Whisk was a hit in 2010, and it’s set to be just as popular this year.

The Rider Fly Whisk is a simple and effective way of helping to keep you horse fly free when you ride, just use your whisk over the areas of your horse that he is comfortable with to help keep the flies away.

The Rider Fly Whisk is made in the UK and has a rubber grip handle and soft synthetic hair swish. It is available in black, silver, purple, brown, red and navy and retails at £13.95.

To find your nearest stockist or to learn more about Moorland Rider. See www.moorlandrider.co.uk, email info@moorlandrider.co.uk or call 01782 397796.

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April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 5

Laminitis - Livery

Kelly Marks May masterclasses 2011

Somerset Showjumpers

Kelly Marks and her Team are back for her popular May Masterclasses across the South. A natural teacher who generously shares her passion and knowledge with humour, these Masterclasses promise to leave you inspired and equipped with new skills to try with your own horse.

Somerset Showjumpers has reached the end of its first year trading on the outskirts of Ilminster, Somerset. There have been many highs and lows in developing the site itself and bringing horses back into work for me (Rose Neave) to compete. The yard is now fully operational, although there is still a list of improvements to be made as with all projects on this scale.

There will be appearances from Kelly’s own horses, including the celebrity American Pie, and youngster Corky; showing their various stages of training, with ridden demonstrations of how you can increase your riding enjoyment and adventure!

Kelly Marks is the protégé of Monty Roberts and trusted teacher of his non-violent methods. She has written three top selling Horsemanship books; Perfect Manners, Perfect Partners and Perfect Confidence and stars on the Horsemanship Essentials series on Horse and Country TV. Kelly’s ridden career includes Championships in Racing and Show Jumping and in 2009 Royal Windsor Pro-Am TREC Champion. This wealth of real life experience enables the audience to see how understanding

horse psychology can make an enormous difference in practical terms.

Aiming for a fun and informative evening that will suit younger people as well as adults, there will be opportunities for audience participation, and also expert displays and presentations in the IH Shopping Village before the main demonstration starts at 7.30 pm. Watch Kelly work with different local ‘problem’ horses, and see for yourself how she works through their various challenges, be it spooking, refusing, fear issues, biting or ... who knows?! Perhaps you have a horse that you would like Kelly to help?

If so, contact the Intelligent Horsemanship Office on 01488 71300 Friday 27th May Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Sunday 29th May Berkshire College, Maidenhead

Calorie control with Horslyx

6 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

To find out any more information and to follow the trials and tribulations of producing young horses through to Grade A’s then please look up www.somersetshowjumpers.co.uk

Saturday 28th May Eaglesfield EC, Sevenoaks

“Inspirational!”

With spring just around the corner, many horse owners are already preparing for the uphill battle that is weight management and laminitis prevention. As the seasons change and the grass starts to grow, thousands of horses and ponies face a total lifestyle change, with owners often tearing their hair out wondering what else they can do!

With the move of South West Showjumping Club to its new home at Chard Show Ground (less than 5 miles from the yard) it has become an even more ideal location for a show jumping yard, with its easy access to both the A303 and the M5. For show jumpers wishing for somewhere to stay both long and short term, facilities include: a clubhouse, large outdoor school and hook-up, however it is far from just a showjumping yard.

This year horses from the yard will be competing in British Eventing, BSPS, in-hand youngstock and veteran to name but a few things other than show jumping that we do. With a diverse client base ranging from the novice horse owner to a highly experienced ex-National Hunt trainer, the yard offers something for everyone including weekly BHS stable management theory and practical instruction. April 16th also brings the yard’s first tack sale that we hope to make an annual event.

Whilst it is obviously vital that calories are kept to a minimum, it is also imperative that horses and ponies receive a balanced diet to maintain the nutrients they need to keep a healthy digestive system, shiny coat, strong hooves and develop a strong immune system. Horslyx helps provide these nutrition essentials without the addition of hard feed to the diet, meaning minimal calorie intake, yet maximum health benefits and a happier horse!

Horses have evolved to efficiently digest sugar, providing the intakes are little and often as they are when grazing, eating hay/haylage or when licking Horslyx. The molasses in Horslyx is used as a palatable carrier for all the essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements required to maintain optimum health, much like a sugar coated human multi-vitamin tablet. Because the molasses in Horslyx is fed ‘little and often’ the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and don’t upset the balance of micro flora in the hind gut – which significantly reduces the risk of laminitis.

The key to safety when feeding Horslyx is the rate of intake and when fed at the recommended intake of 250g in a 24 hour period (based on an average 500kg horse) the nutrient rich lick will only add 82.5g of sugar to your horse’s diet. In human terms this equates to you having around 2tsp sugar in a 24hr period – which is less than that found in the average eating apple!

nothing else to eat! Try reducing forage quality rather than quantity to bulk out his diet and help reduce the risk of digestive upsets. (For example feed hay rather than haylage, or mix hay and clean straw for a lower nutrient value). Allowing them restricted access to Horslyx will give you peace of mind that their forage and grazing is balanced, without the risk of adding unwanted calories. Restriction can be physically allowing them access for 1-2hrs per day or using the 5Kg Holder with the restrictor bars which will allow 24hr restricted access.

If a horse or pony is on restricted rations of forage to control calorie intake they may be hungrier which increases the risk of over-consumption – because there is

For further information Tel: 01697 332 592 or visit www.horslyx.com

Horslyx is available in four different formulations, Original, Respiratory, Garlic and Mobility allowing owners to feed specifically to their horses’ requirements in one cost effective, easy and effective method. Horslyx is available in 5kg and 15kg weatherproof tubs, plus 80kg in Original only with prices starting at around £9.80.

Laminitis - Livery

Reader competition

WIN!

£700 worth of prizes from Blue Chip

10 Winners will each win • The Blue Chip product of your choice worth from £28.50 to £41.40 • A Blue Chip saddle cloth worth £20 • A Blue Chip baseball cap worth £10

Blue Chip Original

A feed balancer, which is suitable for all horses and ponies. For fantastic condition and overall wellbeing.

Blue Chip Pro

A high-performance feed balancer for the fit performance horse who is training, travelling and competing.

Blue Chip Lami-Light

A diet feed balancer, which is ideal for overweight horses, good-doers and those at risk of laminitis.

Blue Chip Dynamic

A joint and bone supplement, which promotes flexible joints and strong, dense bone.

Blue Chip Karma

A natural liquid calmer that improves temperament, trainability and performance, and reduces stress.

Blue Chip Joint RLF

A liquid joint supplement with Rosa Canina, which is proven to be 40 per cent more effective than glucosamine.

To enter the prize draw

visit www.bluechipfeed.com/equiads or send a postcard with your name, address, email, phone number and product selection to Equi-Ads Prize Draw, Blue Chip Feed, 504 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8PY April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 7

Feeding - Health Care - News

A Breakthrough in supplementary feeding Keratex Zeolite™ is a 100% natural detox, internally cleansing the horse’s digestive system whilst trapping and maximising the use of nutrients available in normal feeds and supplements.

• Mops-up heavy metals and foreign toxins • Has been noted to improve coat quality and depth of colour How does it work?

Zeolite has been used for centuries to mop-up impurities in the human body and improve well-being. It is unique and works in many ways for general improvement in equine health, vitality and digestion. Benefits of Keratex Zeolite™: • A natural detox that internally cleanses and expels toxins harmlessly • Increases the absorption of nutrients from everyday feeds and supplements • Improves the conversion of feeds and supplements within the horse’s body • Helps address problems caused by the toxins found in lush grass • In larger quantities can improve bone density to decrease the chance of injury and help horses with a poor nutrition history to put on weight

Zeolite is Mother Earth’s detox, its molecules are ‘sieve-like cages’, sifting through the nutrients and toxins inside the body. It filters nutrients and releases them slowly, allowing the horse to receive the maximum benefit from feeds or supplements. At the same time Zeolite captures environmental pollutants that can be found in soil and water, and when the horse urinates or defecates the Zeolite passes out of the body taking the toxins with it.

Mix Keratex, Zeolite™ straight into your horse’s feed to increase the absorption of nutrients and rid the horse’s body of unwanted toxins.

If you have any questions call the Keratex helpline on 01373 827649 or email info@keratex.com. For further information on Keratex products visit www.keratex.com

Rockies - LaminShield Rockies’ LaminShield is available in two forms: as a solid block, or in single feed sachets to meet your horse’s requirements.

LaminShield is a mineralised lick formulated with four different types of bioavailable Magnesium. This, combined with three different types of Alltech Bioplex® and the way it is manufactured means it is suitable for unrestricted feeding to horses, ponies and donkeys.

LaminShield is energy free. It is made using high pressure presses which removes the need to add binding ingredients which can add extra, undesirable calories.

LaminShield is available in 5kg and 2kg blocks, with prices starting from £11.46.

LaminShield Pure is the name given to

the single feed sachets. Each sachet contains four types of bioavailable Magnesium and three types of Alltech Bioplex®, but in a method that means it is simple to add to a bucket feed - just one sachet for horses up to 500kg.

LaminShield Pure is available in boxes of 28 which retail at £28.50.

Both products are recommended for horses and ponies prone to laminitis.

For more information, see www.rockies.co.uk, email info@rockies.co.uk or call 01606 595025.

8 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Feeding

The effects of diet on the integrity of the hooves and hair coat of your four-legged friend!

Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh buying hoof supplements. They are really expensive and unlikely to have any effect if you generally feed your horse a well-balanced diet as you will see later. In contrast, most cases of hair coat problems can be overcome by simple inexpensive dietary change so long as there is not a clinical aspect to be considered.

So what dietary factors have been identified as having a role in maintaining hoof and hair quality?

There are several nutrients involved but firstly I would like to consider energy.

Restricted energy intake restricts the rate of hoof growth; one study showed hoof growth of restricted animals was only 65% of that of those fed ad libitum.

We see the effect of increasing energy intake on hoof growth rates every year when horses are turned out to grass and are able to “eat their heads off”.

As summer progresses new horn is apparent and growth rates are much higher than during the winter period.

One must not confuse growth rate of horn with horn quality; rapid growth does not equal high quality and vice versa. Slow growing horn as seen in some animals in undeveloped regions of the World where energy is limiting can be of very high quality. Periods of severe energy under nutrition can affect hair formation although this is not easily apparent.

Both hoof and hair are protein-based tissues and in particular, have a very high percentage of sulphur-containing amino acid. The major structural component of hair and horn is the fibrous structural protein, keratin.

Thus, it should be obvious that protein will be a key player in determining cont. on p.10

It is important to remember that no single nutrient is responsible for the health of a horses hooves or its hair coat; the integrity of both relies on you, the owner, providing a good diet.

To take an extreme example, there would be little point in providing a horse with some trace minerals to try to improve hoof horn quality if it was just fed a diet of straw. Obviously, there are some key dietary ingredients that play recognised roles in the formation and maintenance of both hair and hoof. In this article we are considering just one factor (nutrition) that affects the quality of these tissues but we must remember that there are others including genetics (breed), age, season, environment, exerciseanyone of which may have a greater impact on tissue health. Furthermore, manipulating the nutrition of the horse may not overcome the problem of poor hoof horn such as that seen with some of the “heavy horses”. In other words, you cannot correct a genetic defect by nutritional change but, you can learn to try to manage the defect using farriery techniques etc. In this case, the last thing you should do is to nip off to your local tack shop/feed store and start April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 9

Feeding cont. from p.09

growth rate; restricted protein intake restricts growth rate. The dietary supply of sulphur-containing amino acids is important because strength of the keratin is augmented by the formation of disulphide bridges that form cross links and their formation depends on the amino acid cysteine. It has been shown that supplementing a diet for horses that is balanced according to protein need with the sulphurcontaining amino acid methionine (a precursor of cysteine) has no effect whatever on hoof horn growth rates or quality. It appears that a sulphur deficiency that would impair keratin synthesis in horses is highly unlikely and thus supplementation with organic forms of sulphur will not benefit hair formation. It would seem that protein limitation will only affect tissue growth rate.

Calcium has been implicated in the maintenance of hoof horn quality although perhaps the effect was confounded by a simultaneous increase in protein intake. This was because the horses in the study were fed alfalfa which supplied both additional calcium and protein. We know that alfalfa contains a highly bioavailable source of protein-bound calcium and magnesium as well as numerous trace elements so

10 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Vitamin A deficiency can result in a dull, dry, brittle hair coat and scaling of the periople however, the chances of such a deficiency occurring in the UK is just about as likely as the Liberal Democrats winning the next election.

Interestingly vitamin A toxicity can cause hair disorders similar to those seen in deficiency situations. Although vitamin C plays an important part in keratin formation in practice we do not recognise a problem as either dietary supply (grass) or internal synthesis takes care of the animal’s needs.

Selenium is an essential trace element for the horse and a 500kg animal requires between 1 and 1.25 mg per day depending on its status and there is no justification for feeding more than 0.5 mg per kg dry food; the maximum tolerable level is 2 mg which is only 4 times higher!! The importance of this is that if too much is fed it replaces the sulphur in the disulphide bridges of keratin resulting in hair loss from the mane and tail and cracking of the hooves around the coronary band; in severe cases of selenium toxicity the hoof horn comes off. Horses seem to be more susceptible to selenium poisoning than are cattle and the margin for error is not great............. do not over supplement!

Of the trace minerals, copper, zinc, iodine and manganese play important roles in hair and horn formation.

An interesting side effect of copper deficiency is hair depigmentation as seen in cattle when they develop “spectacles”-circles of depigmented hair around the eyes. However, copper deficiency in UK horses is not an issue and although hair loss results from iodine deficiency, this again is unlikely in the UK. Both zinc and manganese levels are adequate in normal UK diets.

It is of interest to note how selenium can impact hair and horn formation.

This brings me to what many consider as the “cure all” for hoof defects, biotin, which is a member of the vitamin B complex. Biotin supplements must earn a fortune for their producers but their effectiveness is debatable. There can be no doubt that biotin deficiency per se results in serious foot problems in pigs and poultry that rely on a dietary source of the vitamin. Horses can produce their own biotin as well as receive it in the diet. The question remains does the addition of biotin to a balanced diet have any impact on hoof horn quality? There is some research to

that the improvement in horn quality that was recorded was probably as a result of an overall improvement in dietary quality!

show that addition of biotin to a horse’s diet (15-20mg/day) can improve hoof horn quality but these improvements can be variable. However, it has also been shown that some horn defects are not biotin-responsive so we are in a dilemma in terms of knowing what to recommend. I think it is naive to imagine that supplementation with one nutrient can rectify horn defects when, as we know from the above, so many nutrients are involved in the formation of healthy horn. A balanced diet should preclude the need for hoof supplements since no definitive requirement for biotin has ever been established.

One of the important signs of health is coat condition; dry lack lustre hair is an indicator of poor health/nutrition whereas a glossy soft hair coat is indicative of good health/nutrition (just the same as for ourselves!). One way to get your horse that good looking hair coat in winter is to feed a vegetable oil such as soya or full fat linseed whereas during the summer, dietary unsaturated fats will be forthcoming from the grass. Unfortunately for me, although I regularly consume olive oil it does nothing for the hair loss from my head but what few hairs are still left are certainly glossy............

Feeding

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 11

Feeding

The Mollichaff HoofKind Diet For Laminitics It is often thought that laminitics should be starved and fed on hay alone. In fact this can lead to many other serious health issues. Laminitics require carefully controlled diets that are low in starch and sugar and high in fibre and nutrients. This can prove to be a big problem when horse owners are faced with choosing what feed will be suitable for their laminitic horse or pony.

fibre pellets, HoofKind is topped with a light dressing of soya oil with added vitamins and minerals, trace elements, antioxidants and biotin.

The Hoof Kind Diet has been specially devised by HorseHage to supply all the nutrient and fibre requirements of laminitics, without the need to feed lots of different products which can be expensive and confusing.

If you would like further information or feeding advice, please visit www. horsehage.co.uk or call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 .

Look out for the HoofKind symbol on Mollichaff HoofKind and High Fibre and Timothy HorseHage. This denotes that these products are low in sugar and starch and are suitable for all horses and ponies, including laminitics.

So forget your shopping list of nuts, alfalfa, chaff, oil, minerals and vitamins - a simple diet of Mollichaff HoofKind, supplemented with forage such as High Fibre HorseHage or Timothy HorseHage, when fed at the recommended levels, provides all the nutrient and fibre requirements for laminitic horses and ponies. HoofKind is also suitable for those resting or in moderate to light work (hacking or schooling 4-5 times a week).

Mollichaff HoofKind is a complete feed in a bag and has been specially designed for the nutritional support of horses and ponies prone to laminitis.

Made from a balanced blend of high quality oat straw, dried alfalfa and

Six Products Approved

by The Laminitis Trust Dengie Horse Feeds now has six products approved by The Laminitis Trust, the most of any feed company.

These are: Hi-Fi Lite, Alfa-A Lite, Healthy Hooves, Alfa-Beet and new HiFi Molasses Free and Alfa-A Molasses Free.

The new Molasses Free feeds contain no added sugar and so are ideal for horses and ponies prone to laminitis.

Both feeds provide high levels of fibre, a dressing of soya oil for a shiny coat and contain tasty mint and fenugreek and pellets for added interest. Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals are easy to absorb and so promote good health and condition but it should be noted that they are straight feeds and so a broad spectrum source of vitamins and minerals should be fed alongside, such as a Dengie Balancer, which is 12 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

also molasses free.

RRP: Alfa-A Molasses Free ÂŁ12.95, Hi-Fi Molasses Free ÂŁ11.95 and Dengie Balancers from ÂŁ18.05.

For more information visit www. dengie.com, call the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115 or follow Dengie on Facebook and Twitter.

Feeding

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 13

Feeding - Laminitis

New insights into Laminitis Dr Teresa Hollands, BSc (Hons) MSc (Nutrition) PhD R.Nutr, nutritionist at Dodson & Horrell brings us up to date with some of the latest research which was presented at Laminitis Awareness and investigates how it fits into what we experience as horse owners.

The 4 weeks leading up to Christmas 2010 saw temperatures as low as -200C and snow covered most of the UK, fields were buried in snow, water was frozen, many horses stranded in their stables; others turned out but unable to ‘dig’ for the grass hidden under the snow......

Increasing hrs at grass correlate with an increase in fat score (Salonen et al 2010, RVC)

Horses were without grass for at least a month, they were unable to reach the frozen grass (not frosted!) and your winter supply of hay and straw was disappearing at an alarming rate; YET...

The risk of laminitis increases 6X with every increase in fat score (0-5modified) (Salonen et al, 2009)

Veterinary practises were reporting a massive increase in laminitis cases; higher than the spring and in some cases far more acute!

Recent research carried out at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) supported by The Horse Trust and Dodson & Horrell and a similar pilot study at Nottingham Vet School published in The Veterinary Record and reported in The Independent found the following:Feeding concentrates is protective against laminitis (Salonen et al 2010)

Higher fat scores are associated with the absence of feeding concentrates (Stephenson et al 2010 Notts Vet School)

In addition as long ago as 1997, Robert Eustace who founded The Laminitis Trust noted that Taking horses off bare paddocks (stressed grass /high fructans) & putting them on normal paddocks has caused a major increase in laminitic cases (Robert Eustace 1997) Some of these facts need more explanation so don’t suddenly start feeding your horse more calories from concentrates; over the next few months we will explore each of these statements in more detail. But what they do illustrate is that it is

very important to keep an open mind when keeping up to date with new information and to try and always link explanations to biology; to look at the bigger picture as a single experience doesn’t make science!

Horses and ponies suffering from laminitis are often pottery/ on and off lame, their pedal bones have dropped slightly but there is no rotation, they don’t have acute diarrhoea, they are not depressed, their heart rates aren’t increased. Interestingly they are being fed less than 0.5kg of concentrate feed (RVC epidemiological study 2009: Right Weight Roadshow 2007-2010) What’s going on?

Factual observations recorded in scientific field studies have encouraged researchers to look more closely at the causes of laminitis as the current model of starch overload disrupting the hind gut doesn’t explain what you and your vet (and of course your horse and pony) are experiencing when laminitis strikes.

World opinion is now accepting that (similar to tying up) there is more than one cause of laminitis although the

clinical signs might be similar.

In order for us to combat this deadly disease and to slow its massive increase, think about the facts listed below and over the following months we will be exploring some of them in more detail.

Fact 1 66% of laminitis is pasture associated1 Fact 2 Equine Metabolic Syndrome is on the increase and with it associated laminitis2 Fact 3 The bacteria in the horse’s small intestine ferment fructans and it is unlikely that enough fructans reach the hind gut to have a detrimental effect on the fermentation3, 4 Fact 4 Laminitics have 3 times the levels of free radicals compared to non laminitics5 Fact 5 Horses and ponies with a fat score > 3.7 (0-5modified score) are at greater risk of laminitis and foot related problems6, 7 Fact 6 It is likely that suboptimum nutrition in utero results in the foal being born with insulin resistance8, 9 In cont. on p.18

14 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Joni Bentley

December 2010 - Equi-Ads - 15

Feeding - Laminitis

Nutritional Support TopSpec AntiLam provides highly effective nutritional support for horses and ponies prone to, being treated for, or recovering from laminitis.

Most overweight ponies, and some overweight horses, are susceptible to laminitis.

TopSpec AntiLam is a pelleted product, it looks like a balancer, is fed at the same rate as a balancer, but it is not a balancer. AntiLam is in fact a brilliant formulation combining several supplements with a high-fibre, very low-calorie carrier to make it palatable.

This unique multi-supplement is so palatable that it can be fed out of the hand to horses and ponies at pasture to provide vital nutritional support.

TopSpec AntiLam should be fed on its own with forage. The forage can be in the form of late-cut hay, unmolassed chops such as TopChop Lite, or controlled grazing, or a combination of these, depending on the individual circumstances.

TopChop Lite is an unmolassed, natural product made from alfalfa, oat straw, a light dressing of soya oil and real mint.

It is ideal for good doers that need their weight controlling.

TopChop Lite Features: • Made from high temperature dried British alfalfa and high quality chopped oat straw with added real mint to improve palatability. Very lightly dressed with soya oil so that alfalfa leaves can be included in the chop.

• Contains no molasses or any other sugar coating.

• Exceptionally low in sugar and starch (including fructans).

• ‘Non-Heating.’

• The alfalfa provides a natural source of anti-oxidants.

• Dust-extracted.

• Contains no preservatives or artificial additives or colourings.

• Non-GM formula.

TopChop Lite is of similar nutritional value to average quality hay but contains less sugar. The composition and consistency of this product make it ideal for horses and ponies prone to, being treated for, and recovering from laminitis. However it is suitable for all horses and ponies and perfect for good-doers and others prone to weight gain.

TopSpec AntiLam £34.95 (20kg) TopChop Lite £8.95 (15kg) Telephone the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com 16 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Laminitis Trust Approved Feeds from British Horse Feeds

releases the required nutrients without generating large amounts of lactic acid.

Including Speedi-Beet in the diet means owners can reduce the amount of hard feed and ‘risky’ forage sources.

Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds are both approved by the Laminitis Trust. This means the feeds are suitable for horses and ponies which are considered prone to laminitis, or are suffering from laminitis.

Quick, convenient and excellent value for money, Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds is formulated using all the benefits of Speedi-Beet incorporated with good quality Alfalfa, making it a great conditioning feed. This low sugar/ high fibre feed also contains added Biotin to help maintain hoof integrity.

Both Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet are made from pure unmolassed sugar beet pulp and are excellent fibre providers.

According to the Laminitis Trust, obesity and overeating, particularly of foods rich in carbohydrates, are the most common high risk factors leading to laminitis.

Speedi-Beet is an ideal fibre source for horses prone to the condition as it

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

Speedi-Beet from British Horse Feeds is a highly nutritious sugar beet feed. It is unmolassed 95% sugar free and provides an excellent source of digestible fibre.

Due to its unique manufacturing process Speedi-Beet can be soaked and ready to use in 10 minutes.

RRP is around £8.90 for Speedi-Beet and £9.90 for Fibre-Beet.

TopSpec Win Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award FIVE fabulous years of outstanding personalised customer service were recognised at the BETA Business Awards as TopSpec once again scooped the HAYGAIN Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award.

“No other company compares” said one judge, “We have never had such caring people answer our calls”, added another.

Nominations came flooding in from customers and retailers and it was very clear to the final judging panel why.

Winning the award for an unprecedented fifth year saw an outstanding achievement for the North Yorkshire based team, well known for their range of innovative horse feed and supplements.

Nicola Tyler of TopSpec said: “We are very grateful to be recognised by the industry for consistent excellence in giving nutritional advice.

TopSpec provide horse owners with valuable help and advice, and are well known throughout the industry for their multiple award-winning helpline.

“Feeding horses and ponies has become a very confusing subject for many owners and we try to help people to make the right decision for them and their horse.”

The awards presented at the hugely

Fast Fibre for laminitis Spring grass makes laminitis a real problem for many horses in the UK. Allen & Page Product and Nutrition Manager Catherine Hale explains what steps horse owners can take to prevent the condition developing.

There are several steps you can take to prevent your horse from developing dietary-related laminitis. Firstly, it is important that the horse does not have access to too much lush grass – native ponies are particularly susceptible and should have their grazing restricted.

Secondly, consider switching your horse to a low sugar, low starch diet where the energy levels can be met through digestible fibre or oil rather than cereals.

Allen & Page’s Fast Fibre is free from

successful BETA Gala Dinner are highly sought throughout the industry and the remarkable fifth consecutive win for TopSpec met with a huge round of applause from those attending.

Katy Tyler of TopSpec receives the Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award from Brian Fillery of HAYGAIN.

cereals and molasses making it very low in starch and sugar and suitable for horses and ponies at risk of laminitis.

Fast Fibre contains quality fibre sources for energy and healthy digestion and can be fed as a complete hay replacement. Quick soak in just 30–60 seconds, Fast Fibre is palatable and easy to chew for horse and ponies of all ages. RRP: £7.50 – £9.30, prices may vary depending on location.

For more information and help to calculate a suitable diet for your horse or pony call the Allen & Page nutritional helpline on 01362 822902 or visit www.allenandpage.com

TopSpec Launch New Website TopSpec have launched an exciting new website packed with useful information, news, regular competitions and promotions.

The vibrant new website is easy to navigate with product and nutritional advice for all horse and pony owners.

Providing a host of information, the website will help you learn more about feeding and the nutritional requirements of your horse and pony in order that you can make an informed choice about the correct diet.

If you wish to submit any feeding questions to friendly and experienced

equine nutritionists, click on the Ask Advice button and the team will be able to provide feeding and management support on a huge variety of subjects with the aim of improving the welfare, performance and condition of any horse or pony.

Visit www.topspec.com

Feeding - Health Care

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 17

Feeding - Laminitis cont. from p.14

other words if you don’t feed Mum right or you breed from an overweight mare, research indicates that the new born are already set up with a predisposition for diseases associated with fatness even if they’re not born fat (it’s called epigenetics) Fact 7 If fed in excess, high fat diets predispose a pony to insulin resistance more than high sugar diets10 Fact 8 Ponies and horses with insulin resistance are at a higher risk of laminitis11 Fact 9 Restricting a horse’s dry matter intake increases the risk of stereotypy, colics and gastric ulcers12, 13, 14 Fact 10 Exercise is protective against insulin resistance15 Prevention is better than cure As spring approaches (typically thought to be the risk season for laminitis; it’s now a year round problem) please don’t think that you can stop your pony getting laminitis with short term tactics............................Watching what you feed your horse or pony isn’t enough on its own to minimise the risk of the life threatening disease of laminitis; you have to make lifestyle changes too….preventing laminitis is a way of life.

In fact we now know that it isn’t what you feed today or tomorrow that increases the risk but the way your horse has been managed from before he was born.

Long term tactics Diabetes has recently been diagnosed in the horse16 and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is very similar to its human equivalent. As a person you don’t get diabetes or human metabolic syndrome because you ate a doughnut last night, you get diabetes because you have eaten doughnuts all of your life, become overweight and changed the way that your body is able to control glucose and insulin. ……..it’s the same for our horses.

If your horse is comfortably cuddly for several years, his metabolism will start to change and he will lay down metabolically active fat. This metabolically active fat increases his risk of becoming insulin resistant Insulin resistance increases the risk of laminitis as it changes blood flow to the foot and the lamellae and eventually they become weakened19

epigenetics.

These epigenetic differences have the potential to affect foetal development and growth as well as influencing long term patterns of gene expression associated with the increased risk of many diseases.

So for example if a mare is fed high calories and not enough vitamins and minerals or if she is on a restricted diet (low protein, vits and mins) known as suboptimum nutrition, then her foal is likely to be born with insulin resistance and therefore at greater risk of obesity and laminitis as a mature horse.

Minimising the risk a) Dietary insult If your horse has developed laminitis because he has had a dietary insult that has changed the fermentation in

his hind gut (e.g. a very large meal of starch) or something that has caused endotoxaemia, then it is important that the correct gut flora is re-established and the dietary cause removed.

Discuss with your vet if a bran mash is appropriate to wipe out the bad bacteria from the hind gut Re-establish gut flora. Yea Sacc improves hind gut fermentation and probiotics help re-establish the front end of the gut Provide B vitamins, make sure that they don’t contain high levels of copper or iron as often the liver is stressed trying to remove the toxins that have leaked from the hind gut Feed a high fibre feed to help reestablish the friendly bacteria in the hind gut and to keep your horse

cont. on p.20

You are changing the biology of our horses New research is explaining that what we feed broodmares and the way we manage the diet of foals and youngstock might be putting them at greater risk of diseases and obesity later in life.

Diet can have direct effects on the genes of the foetus. The changes are not in the DNA ie the genes themselves but in the mechanism that switches the genes on or off….known as

Recent study suggests that reduced access to pasture may disproportionally increase intake of grass by ponies Recent research1 about to be presented at a biannual nutrition meeting in the US suggests that ponies given reduced access to pasture are capable of ingesting considerable amounts of herbage during the time they are turned out and may indeed increase their intake during this time as they become accustomed to the routine.

Intake of large amounts of fructan, and other rapidly fermentable carbohydrates by grazing ponies has been linked to the development of laminitis and it has become common practice to restrict ponies’ access to pasture, especially at key times of the day/year in order to reduce the risk.

The study, which was conducted at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS),

18 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Aberystwyth University, in collaboration with the WALTHAM Equine Studies Group, aimed to investigate the effect of grazing restriction on herbage intake and grazing behaviour in ponies.

The grazing behaviour of eight ponies was measured daily over a six week period to assess their voluntary intake of herbage and to monitor the effects of restricting their access to pasture.

Two groups of four pony mares were used. Group A had 24 hour access to pasture while the ponies in group B had three hours of pasture access per day and were stabled for the remaining 21 hours, with ad libitum access to haylage and water.

Herbage intake was estimated during the three hours when all the ponies were at pasture by monitoring the change in weight of each individual

over the period. Grazing behaviour was analysed from video footage of the two groups using interval sampling.

The ponies in group B had higher estimated grazed herbage intakes than those in group A during the three hours studied and this difference was significant during the final week, when they consumed 40% of their total daily dry matter intake as grass in the three hours at pasture. This compared with an intake of grass of around 25% of their daily dry matter ingested during the first week.

Clare Barfoot RNutr and the research and development manager at SPILLERS® said: “This suggests that ponies with reduced access to pasture are capable of ingesting considerable amounts of grass during the time they are turned out and may indeed progressively increase their intake

during this time, indicating that the behaviour could be learned. The implication is that reducing ponies’ time out on normally managed pastures with the view to limiting the intake of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates may not be as effective as first thought.”

1J. Ince, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Aberystwyth University; A. Longland, ELNS, Pantafallen Fach, Tregaron, SY25 6NG C. J. Newbold, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS).

Aberystwyth University; ;& P. Harris, WALTHAM Centre For Pet Nutrition.

(2011) Changes in proportions of dry matter intakes by ponies with access to pasture and haylage for 3 and 20 hours per day respectively for six weeks.

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (in press)

Feeding - Health Care

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 19

Feeding - Laminitis cont. from p.18

chewing whilst he is stabled Check he is getting enough antioxidants to reduce the adverse effects of the inflammation and damage Make sure he has water, at floor level if he is lying down a lot Feed hay on the floor, so he can nibble if he is lying down b) Metabolic cause If your horse has been comfortably cuddly for a long time (possibly before

you owned him) and he is isn’t eating starchy feed, then the reason that he has got laminitis is probably due to long term changes in the way his body handles insulin and sugar. Thus for no apparent reason he suddenly seems to become susceptible when he has a little too much grass and puts on a little more weight. In this situation, there hasn’t been an insult to his digestive system, so it takes longer to resolve this and the aim is to reduce his body fat and insulin resistance Short term Feed hay soaked for 12hrs to provide bulk but reduced calories.

Dengie Healthy Hooves Dengie Healthy Hooves is the nutritionally complete, low calorie fibre feed for horses and ponies prone to laminitis and those with hoof problems.

to provide a complete and balanced diet for your horse or pony. Healthy Hooves is also one of a variety of feeds from Dengie that is approved by The Laminitis Trust.

Combining fibre sources that are all low in starch and sugars, Healthy Hooves is ideal for promoting gut health. A comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals are included to complement those naturally occurring in alfalfa

Key benefits of Healthy Hooves • Dengie Healthy Hooves has a full range of B vitamins including biotin at levels that research has shown to be effective at maximising hoof health

The importance of forage Forage is an essential part of every equine diet. The horse’s digestion system has evolved to deal with a high fibre diet obtained through the forage material.

fibre rather than large cereal meals.

If insufficient forage is provided this can disrupt the health of the digestive system leading to conditions such as acidosis and colic.

As a general rule, most horses will need to consume 2.5 percent of their bodyweight in food per day. Anything less than this is likely to compromise their digestive health and will fail to meet the horse’s behavioural and psychological needs. The majority of this must be composed of forage-based feeds, such as hay, grass or haylage.

Fibre takes time to eat and chew.

Horses naturally spend around 75 percent of their time eating and have a psychological need to chew. If we don’t meet these natural behavioural drives it can be distressing to the horse and may lead to undesirable behaviours like weaving, crib-biting or damaging the stable. Chewing forage stimulates saliva production which is essential to the horse’s digestion system as a lubricant. A lack of saliva is associated

The equine digestive system has evolved to be constantly processing

Balance his diet especially in terms of vitamins and minerals and protein.

Provide a feed that contains antioxidants.

Add 3 tablespoons of codliver oil to his feed.

Long term You must get his bodyfat down to below fat score 3 (0-5modified score).

If you want to read more about the latest studies before the next issues of EquiAds, then you can buy the Proceedings from Laminitis Awareness 2010 from Dodson and Horrell, quote

EQA11 for your special price; also check out http://www.equiads.net if you mislay your copy before the next instalment.

Special prevention tip (come rain, hail, snow or sun!)

Daily exercise reduces insulin resistance even before fat loss Reducing insulin resistance reduces the risk of laminitis Ride your horse for ½ hr a day 7 days a week and get his heart rate up to 80 beats/minute Invest some time in your horse’s future

• Low sugar and starch - research has shown that horses and ponies predisposed to laminitis are at greater risk if fed cereals. Healthy Hooves is free from whole cereal grains.

• Chelated Trace Minerals - these are important for improved bio-availability to the horse, i.e. they are more easily absorbed. Trace minerals are important for general condition including hooves and coat condition and are also integral components of the body’s antioxidant system.

• Essential High Fibre – fibre provides slow release energy and is essential for maximising gut health.

• Highly palatable - Healthy Hooves contains added garlic for great palatability and pellets for added interest.

with choke. The saliva also buffers the acidity in the stomach caused by the cereal feed. Otherwise, this acid may lead to the development of gastric ulcers which are painful and can cause losses in weight, condition and even performance.

they have access to forage at all times.

This is easy to achieve when a horse is at grass but it is worth monitoring a stable kept horse’s appetite to ensure you provide him with enough hay (or other forage) without over-doing it and causing waste. If your horse needs to lose weight, do not cut down on the amount of forage you feed. Instead switch to a lower energy forage and keep the bulk up – for example switch half of the ration of hay for oat straw.

This will keep the digestive system ticking over while lowering the calorie intake.

The fermentation of forage in the large intestine produces a lot of heat. This heat is important to help the horse maintain the correct body temperature, particularly in winter.

Quite apart from the health benefits to the horse of feeding forage, it is worth remembering that forage is usually cheaper than cereal feeds so it benefits the owner’s wallet too!

Ideally all horses should have access to ad lib forage – that is to say that

RRP:

£11.85 - £12.36 20kg

For more information visit www. dengie.com, call the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115 or follow Dengie on Facebook and Twitter.

The BHS Welfare department is always willing to offer advice and guidance on issues surrounding feed and nutrition and can be contacted on 02476 840500.

Turn your golden oldie into a winner with SPILLERS® on Facebook SPILLERS® are celebrating the UK’s gorgeous equine golden oldies by giving the owners of senior horses and ponies the chance to win a year’s supply of SPILLERS® feed, £200 worth of vouchers and a picture of their horse, in the new SPILLERS® Facebook Senior Citizen Campaign.

application on the SPILLERS® Facebook page. It’s then up to Team SPILLERS® fans to vote for their favourite image and share their choice with their friends on Facebook to make sure their chosen horse or pony wins.

So if you don’t have an oldie to enter you can still get involved by voting!

The Campaign is inviting owners of senior horses and ponies to upload a picture and details of their special equine into the new ‘Golden Oldie’

As well as receiving a bonanza of SPILLERS® feed and Horse Health vouchers, the winner will have their horse’s photograph transferred onto

20 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

canvas for an exquisite keepsake. In addition every entrant will receive a downloadable £3 feed coupon which can be redeemed against any Senior product in the SPILLERS® range including new SPILLERS® Senior Fibre, a specially balanced blend of natural, short chop fibres to complement senior feeds, with added glucosamine, live yeast, vitamin E and selenium.

The SPILLERS® Facebook Senior Citizen Campaign starts on 28

February and runs until the 8th April so remember to sign up for the chance to turn your golden oldie into a SPILLERS® winner. To vote for your favourite entry all you need to do is click ‘like’.

For friendly feeding advice please telephone the SPILLERS® Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626 or send an email to careline@spillers-feeds.com. For further information visit the SPILLERS® website at www.spillers-feeds.com.

Health Care

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 21

Feeding - Laminitis

Improve your horse or pony’s Feeding the Laminitic diet with NEW Laminaze… horse or pony

If your horse or pony is prone to Laminitis make sure you improve his diet with new formula Laminaze.

New and improved Laminaze has been reformulated so that the unique, totally natural formula has increased benefits.

Whilst supplying nutrients to support the health of the hoof and those rich in antioxidants to flush excess toxins out from the system, Laminaze now offers additional nutritional support specifically for the health of the gut.

So the good news is, if your horse or pony is prone to laminitis you can make an important contribution towards improving his diet by ensuring new Laminaze is part of his daily feed.

Top Tip: If you know your horse or pony is likely to be prone to laminitis this Spring, NAF recommend you introduce Laminaze into his diet prior to the appearance of the fresh grass in order to prepare his system, and importantly, make sure Laminaze is part of a correct feed and management regime.

Put spring in your horse’s step, make Laminaze part of his daily diet.

Available from your nearest NAF stockist.

For correct management and feeding advice please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106, email info@ naf-uk.com or go to www.naf-uk.com

PRO FEET – five star liquid protection against cracked, brittle hooves PRO FEET Liquid is a first in equine nutritional support. Developed by veterinary scientists, with the assistance of farriers from around the UK, PRO FEET offers the most concentrated, fast acting, liquid nutritional support for quality hoof growth.

Used and recommended by the best farriers in the world, PRO FEET provides: • optimum daily levels of biotin, • unrivalled daily measure of MSM • a broad blend of amino acids, • essential fatty acids • a complex of vitamins and minerals And there’s more…

PRO FEET is unique. It provides nutritional support that targets Liver function. A healthy Liver is fundamental to healthy hoof growth. All too often the liver can become stressed which compromises its function, and this in turn, has detrimental effects on the health of the hoof. Feeding a

blend of naturally sourced ingredients, scientifically verified to have antioxidant properties, will help achieve optimum liver function, thus supporting quality hoof growth.

The hoof specific nutrients in PRO FEET work in synergy with the naturally sourced antioxidant ingredients in the formula to provide a hoof supplement that out performs all those that came before.

RRP’s: From £26.95 for 1 litre. Larger sizes available.

PRO FEET supplement also comes in a powder and retails from £27.50 for a 1.3kg tub, again larger sizes are available.

The PRO FEET range of products are available from NAF stockists nationwide. To find out more please visit your nearest stockist or call the NAF Freephone: 0800 373 106, email info@naf-uk.com or log on to www.naf-uk.com

Equimins launch new size of Laminator Equimins’ Laminator is now available in 1.2kg tubs!

Laminator has been created to help support the laminae and for hoof integrity.

It contains high levels of a unique source of Zinc which, when bound to an amino acid, constitutes a protein. This action makes it available to the horse and means that their bodies can utilise the Zinc. Zinc helps to produce strong 22 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

keratin growth in the hoof and, when combined with high levels of Biotin, produces strong new hoof growth.

Laminator is available in 1.2kg, 2.4kg and 3kg tubs where 3kg will last the average horse 60 days. Prices start from £22.95.

For more information see www. equimins.com, email sales@equimins. com or call 01548 531770.

Feeding horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis a low calorie, low sugar, low starch diet feed balancer, such as Blue Chip Lamilight is the ideal way to ensure they receive the correct level of vitamins, nutrients and minerals on a daily basis. The whole cereal free formula contains a respiratory supplement, including garlic and menthol, and a comprehensive hoof supplement, formulated with biotin, zinc and methionine. The prebiotic in Lami-light helps to remove harmful bacteria from the gut. This, combined with the EU approved probiotic, helps to maintain good digestive health and promote a healthy environment for the beneficial bacteria to thrive. Many cases of laminitis are thought to be caused by toxicity in the gut.

Lami-light contains a generous level of magnesium which not only helps to keep your horse or pony calm and settled but also helps to increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is often linked to over-weight horses and ponies, laminitis, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Magnesium is shown to produce a reduction in fat deposits, especially on the crest and base of the tail.

Blue Chip is often sent testimonials from their delighted customers and one that was sent in recently by Ellie Gollins explains how much difference feeding the diet feed balancer Lami-light can really make. Ellie says “My pony was very overweight even though he was in full work, and I was very aware of it.

I had tried three different feeds since owning him and none seemed to help his weight loss. Then another owner on my yard suggested Blue Chip Lamilight. I thought I would give it a go and it is the best thing I think I have done for him! I have known him for three years including the time I have owned him and he has always been a ‘fatty’. I am overjoyed to declare that is a thing of the past! His coat is in wonderful condition and as for his hooves….

amazing! His fatty pads are beginning to disappear and I never thought it possible that so much could be affected by simply a feed! Thank you!!”

Horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis should still receive adequate amounts of fibre, but this should be controlled to limit the sugar and calorie content. Ideally turn out into a bare paddock and provide soaked hay to still allow fibre intake. Grazing muzzles can be used or strip grazing introduced to reduce the amount of grass consumed, whilst still allowing for daily turnout.

Hay may be soaked for several hours to reduce the soluble carbohydrate content and therefore the calories, adequate amounts can then still be fed to ensure your horse or pony is receiving the correct daily intake of fibre, which will help to keep his gut working efficiently.

Never forget horses are evolved to be trickle feeders.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) uses and recommends Blue Chip Lami-light.

Cathy griffin says “We have always had fantastic success with Blue Chip Lami-light and find it to be an invaluable part of our rehabilitation programme for over-weight, laminitic ponies and equines with poor hooves.” One such pony that was rescued by the ISPCA was Molly Mouse, Cathy tells her story, “Molly Mouse hobbled into the National Animal Centre on appalling, overgrown hooves, having been left for years to endure the agony of laminitis and deformed hooves. In consultation with our vet and farrier she was fed on Lamilight and hay and gradually her hooves returned to normal. Laminitis is now a distant memory as she kicks up her heels and gallops across her paddock every day. Our vet was astonished by the difference and our farrier cannot believe how quickly the neglected hooves are improving.”

For more information visit www. bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200.

Health Care - Worming

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 23

Feeding - Health Care - Laminitis

Avoid Laminitis with Equine America’s Lamigard products Spring time is on its way and new grass is starting to come through.

Equine America’s Lamigard® is a highly effective supplement for a horse or pony prone to Laminitis and can be used at high levels in the short term, and at a maintenance level for long term health. Lamigard® will ensure your horses feet stay healthy all year round and will complement a careful feeding regime.

Lamigard® contains powerful ingredients to help ‘mop up’ excess free radicals which settle in the feet, supporting a healthy enzyme level within the hooves and providing nutrients to the internal sensitive structures, as well as promoting external hoof wall condition. For horses or ponies already diagnosed with Laminitis, Lamigard® XXXTREME

Paste can be administered over a 14 day period to instantly provide the powerful anti-oxidants to quickly ‘mop up’ enzymes in the feet. Lamigard® is also safe to be administered to the in-foal and lactating mare. Leading Equine Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr David Platt BVSc, PhD, DEO, FRCVS, RCVS says “I am always very cautious about these types of products but I have found Equine America’s Lamigard® to be outstanding”.

Lamigard® is available in a 454 gm tub, providing a two month supply at maintenance for an average pony £39.99. Lamigard® XXXTREME is available in a 60ml oral paste £31.31.

For further information please contact Equine America www.equine-america. co.uk Telephone 01403 255809.

X-Lam Aid Pellets from GWF Nutrition - A Nutritional Support for Laminitic Horses and Ponies X-Lam Aid Pellets is a complementary feed which provides comprehensive nutritional support for equines susceptible to, or recovering from, the effects of laminitis.

Developed with and approved by specialist equine veterinary practices and containing 10 active ingredients, X-Lam Aid Pellets not only helps maintain healthy, normal growth and the integrity of hooves, but helps maintain

normal healthy blood flow to the horse’s extremities, while supporting the natural immune system and self defence mechanism.

A 10.5kg bucket of X-Lam Aid has an RRP of £42.00.

For more information, stockist advice or to order, please visit: www. gwfnutrition.com or call GWF Nutrition direct on 01225 708482.

Alltech-Hartpury Equine Performance Conference Alltech has teamed up with Hartpury College to host the Equine Performance Conference on 20th April 2011. The programme, which is open to students, scientists and industry professionals, covers a range of performance-related topics delivered by key speakers, and includes two sessions where selected students will make their own presentations.

Alltech’s Technical Co-ordinator, Dr Helen Warren, explained: “We want to give students the opportunity to experience a genuine involvement in a scientific conference without the feeling of intimidation or pressure 24 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

usually associated with submitting and presenting work against supervisors and researchers. In doing so, we hope the event will also help them develop valuable writing and presentation skills, as well as bringing students together with key people in the subject areas.”

The conference takes place at Hartpury College and will look at the application of emerging equine science research to promote performance, health, welfare and career longevity in the equine athlete including locomotion, training, stress and nutrition. For further details contact Jane Williams on 01452 702399 or via email: jane.williams@hartpury.ac.uk

Health Care - Tack & Turnout

Mouth bruised from pinching bit

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 25

Pilates

Pilates for Equestrians The fourth extract in our series by Liza Randall Stabiliser and mobiliser muscles To simplify muscle activity, think of all muscles as operating either to stabilise or mobilise. Technically, all muscles have some ‘stability role’. A mobiliser muscle, such as a hamstring, makes big, whole limb movements. These big muscles work in phases as they can tire very easily. They are usually located near the surface of the body and tend to be long muscles, whereas a stabiliser or postural muscle is located deeper in the body, facilitates endurance by working for long periods at a time and holds tone.

If you are carrying an injury or have poor posture, the stabilising muscles elongate and become weak. Muscles that have a predominantly stabilising role will then either become long and weak or short, tight and weak. If you don’t use them at all, they will waste. As you become less mobile as you ‘protect’ your injury by not using the underlying muscles – and therefore do not rely on the deep postural muscles for stability – you will find that the mobilising muscles take on the role of the stabilisers.

Muscle imbalances and weaknesses It is a well-known fact that in the arena, many riders ‘cheat’ to make themselves look good in front of the judges by using their body incorrectly to cover up issues they may have. Instead of using the stabilising muscles to support their core and be strong from the inside out, they use their big, mobilising muscles.

If a rider is carrying an injury, then a mobilising muscle will take over the role of a weakened stabilising muscle. If, for example, a rider is on the showjumping circuit for eight weeks at a time, with little time for themselves, this will cause muscle fatigue and further weakness, plunging the rider into a downward spiral and minimising their effectiveness in the saddle, which leads to dissatisfaction and in some cases, further injury. Many riders have imbalances and don’t realise it. For example, does your horse feel better balanced on the right rein than the left?

Do you feel more comfortable jumping on the left rein rather than the right?

Did you think your horse was at fault?

In fact, this could be your influence over him, which may have built up over time, especially if you are a one-horse rider. Weak muscles can be anywhere from your neck down to your feet, and everywhere in between! The important thing is to work on your weaknesses first before strengthening muscles.

Pick exercises that allow you to work in all planes of movement so that you can rebalance your body evenly and 26 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

gain strength around your core – which will, in turn, increase your independent limb control and fight off fatigue.

Generally there are three types of rider imbalances as detailed below.

Tight one side with opposite side weak This is the most common. Many riders collapse through their waist and hip, lengthen one leg and drop their shoulder. They will look uneven in the saddle, and maybe even give the appearance that they have one stirrup leather longer than the other.

Here, the transversus abdominis, gluteus muscles, latissimus dorsi and abdominals are underactive.

allows the knee and thigh to bend up towards the waist and it is important to stretch these muscles out. They attach the thigh bone to the lower back and if they are tight, you may suffer a hollow lower back, or lordosis. Tight hip flexors can be agony!

Tight hamstrings Another frequent rider complaint is tight hamstrings. These are the group of three long muscles located along the back of the thigh, attached to the back of the knee, which flex and bend the knee. Again, sitting behind a desk or constantly sitting in the riding position doesn’t help. Short, tight hamstrings can be painful, so to keep comfortable it is important to stretch them little and often.

Tight hip flexors One of the most frequent problems for a rider is tight hip flexors, mainly arising from the riding position. The legs are constantly bent at the knee with the foot flexed in the stirrup.

The pelvis and upper thigh are ‘held’ in the saddle, with the hips and knees bent. The psoas group of muscles

Copyright c 2010 Liza Randall Studio Photography by Simon Lusty; mounted and other photographs by the author and Karl Randall Line illustrations and cartoons by Diane Breeze Extract courtesy Kenilworth Press, an imprint of Quiller Publishing Ltd

Key postural or stabiliser muscles

1 4

1

Tight and weak on same side Here, a mobilising muscle may have taken on the role of a stabilising one, which is very often because of an injury.

Having a supple lumbar spine means that you will be able to influence your horse better with your seat. Your horse will then mirror this and begin to swing through his back. If you are tense or brace through your back, maybe trying to ‘protect’ an injury, your horse will stiffen and maybe shorten his stride. A rider with a stiff lower back will bounce in the saddle.

If you can’t wait for the next instalment in Equi-Ads, Pilates for Equestrians, by Liza Randall is available from Kenilworth Press – see reader offer below. Tel: 01939 261616 www.countrybooksdirect.com

Next month we will look at some of the key exercises, which will help resolve

Weak on both sides The tell-tale sign of this is excessive movement on both sides of the body.

The rider may suffer lower back (lumbar) and upper back (thoracic) pain, owing to their exaggerated movements.

This is often a complaint of a tall rider with long limbs.

Lumbar spine stiffness Back pain is really common among riders and contributes to fatigue and repetitive injury if left unchecked.

Abdominal muscle tone contributes to the stability of the lumbar spine. If this is weak, injuries occur. The transversus abdominis muscle acts like a ‘corset’ – it connects to other spinal structures to form a corset-like structure.

Strengthening this important muscle, in partnership with the multifidus along your spine and your ‘six pack’ muscle (rectus abdominis) and the pelvic floor muscles, will help to keep the lower back protected.

muscle weaknesses and imbalances.

Previous extracts in the series can be found on Equi-Ads website www.equiads.net in the Featured Articles section.

3 2

2 3

4

5

5

6 6

7 8

7

Muscles of the back

Muscles of the front

1. lower trapezius

1. anterior sub-occipital

2. serratus anterior

2. serratus anterior

3. multifidus

3. transverses abdominus

4. transverses abdominus

4. internal obliques

5. pelvic floor

5. pelvic floor

6. gluteus medius

6. vastus medialis

7. soleus

7. lumbricales and interossei

8. lumbricales and interossei

Health Care

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 27

Feeding - Health Care - Subscription

The importance of Charcoal as a feed additive Dr Keith Foster I was born almost 70 years ago in the middle of a bombing raid. Times were very hard and food scarce. Because of the lack of money (and petrol) there were still a great many working horses around. I clearly remember the milkman coming round in a pony and trap, delivering milk from big churns with a pint-size dip¬per, to housewives who came out with jugs to collect it. There was also a fruit and vegetable man who came round each week with a horse-drawn cart loaded with produce. He used to ring a bell to announce his arrival.

Coal was delivered by a blackened white man called, Fallowfield, one of nature’s gentleman, who had a big wagon full of bags of coal pulled by a big dray horse, and the brewers wagons were pulled by the most won¬derful huge Clydesdales. All the farms round about kept horses and I used to hang over a stable door watching the blacksmiths shoe them. Everybody rode or drove carts or traps and there were always horses tethered in the pub yard whilst their owners, mostly local farmers, wet their whistles inside.

The hunt was a regular feature of country life and point to point or steeple chasing the preferred sport, after cricket. Horse care came as naturally to people as breathing. Thousands of years of knowledge went into the keeping and breeding of horses. There’s many a tip I picked up from talking to Gypsy horse dealers at the fairs.

By this time the war had been over for several years and I had become an orphan living with a relative and running wild. I fished the rivers, poached the game, chased the girls and raided the orchards around the vil¬lage with a gang of friends who fought and played together in happy anarchy and hurt no-one.

In the 50’s and 60’s horses grazed what were essen¬tially wild flower pastures,

which might be ploughed up one year in three or sown with clover to improve their fertility. Horse manure was a valuable commodity and mushrooms always grew in the fields where horses had grazed. Such little bits of knowledge were useful in the austerity years when food was still rationed and every¬one was “skinny”. People were lean, hard and healthy and although they died of things that we can now cure, yet in the main, the population was much fitter and more vigorous.

Some of the winters back then were brutal and once when we were taking hay out to our horses in deep winter a friend and I came across a dead body in a ditch. The poor fellow had got his car stuck in the snow and decided to walk towards the vil¬lage lights. Falling and hitting his head he lost con¬sciousness and froze to death. I can still see his face today, he’d gone gray with the frost.

After we called the police we became local celebrities for a week or so impressing saucer-eyed girls with our bravado!

We fed the horses oats (often from a nose bag) bran, hay chaff, fruit and vegetables. They grazed the hedgerows, many of which were hundreds of years old and contained a huge variety of different plants. The meadows were abundant with different herbs and grasses and I can remember the sweet herbal smell of the horse’s breath of a September dawn when I was out mushrooming or walk¬ing the stubble with a gun and my dog.

I was privileged as a child to see the end of an era, which stretched back unbroken for almost six thousand years. Prior to the arrival of Neolithic pastoralists, the country was covered in wildwood, which had developed in the wake of the retreating ice sheets.

Armed with flint axes, fire and grazing animals, Neolithic man began to clear the wild wood and to turn the country

into the patchwork of woodland, arable and grasslands I knew as a boy.

The ash and charcoal returned to the soil as a by-prod¬uct of land clearance helped boost the land’s fertility and encouraged the establishment of a rich sward. Charcoal is particularly useful in this role as it has a vast internal structure of cracks and pores, which pro¬vide acres of surface on which fungi and microbes can establish their colonies. In nature, fungi provide the first step in the breakdown of nutrients in the soil making them available for plant roots to absorb. This symbio¬sis is greatly assisted by ploughing charcoal into the soil as it promotes “terra preta”, a rich, dark fertile soil where fungal activity perpetuates the soil’s fertility.

All early agrarian civilisations thrived-on the use of charcoal to provide fertility where there was little before and you can still hear an echo of this in the slash and burn techniques of land clearance practised by forest Indians in the ‘remote Amazon. The pre-historic ‘Dehesa’ (slash and burn) is still practised in Spain’s Extremadura to this day.

As time’ went by our areas of grassland developed a rich flora, which came mostly from species of plants inhabiting woodland glades and other open areas, also plants capable of inhabiting both shaded and open con¬ditions.

Our grasslands have been managed as pasture or meadow for thousands of years, with pastures provid¬ing permanent grazing for livestock, while meadows have been shut off during the summer grazing season with the resulting hay crop conserved for winter fodder.

Early farming communities valued productive grass¬lands and managed their fields accordingly to maintain their fertility. Since both grazing and mowing steadily removes soil nutrients, the spreading of animal dung as manure and the use of charcoal formed the main means of maintaining the fertility of the land.

So for many centuries, our semi-natural grass¬lands were in harmony with their makers, providing pro¬ductive agricultural land, whilst retaining a high biologi¬cal diversity. This formed the basis of the health of the community, both human and animal and very healthy we were too. Then everything changed!

28 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

The last 70 years has seen a dramatic decline in our semi-natural lowland grassland. New farming prac¬tices, particularly the use of artificial in-organic fertilis¬ers, have greatly increased the productivity of agricul¬tural grasslands. Many former flower-rich hay mead¬ows and pastures, have now been replaced by lush green fields dominated by perennial rye grass and other agricultural species with just a few nutrient-demanding plants, like white clover and common mouse-ear surviving.

The majority of grassland plants are unable to compete against the vigorous growth of grasses and were quick¬ly lost from the sward. Only about 3% of “unimproved” lowland grassland still remains intact in England and Wales and many grassland plant species, which were once a common feature of the countryside are now becoming increasingly rare.

Each plant species, which previously formed part of the natural diet of horses, carried within it its own particular complex of nutrients, minerals, phyto chemicals, and the like. Each of which played its part in keeping hors¬es (and people) healthy.

The bacteria which thrive on the vast range of different plant species formed a valu¬able addition to the horse’s hind gut digestive process I c and because, in part, of this broadly-based nutrientrich diet, illness was rare.

The nutrients released from the soil by various plants are essential to the health and well-being of the animals that graze upon them. Each plant or herb provides a specific part of the spectrum of nutrients that the animal needs to maintain its health.

Grazing animals, espe¬cially the more intelligent ones like horses, are well aware of the properties of various herbs, which is why they will eat selectively of these when given the oppor¬tunity. In this way they self-medicate keeping them¬selves free from parasites and all the illnesses which flow from their diet in captivity.

Fire is a natural and regular occurrence in the wild envi¬ronment. It is used by nature to stimulate fresh growth and to return nutrients to the soil.

Woodland fires leave the trunks of standing and fallen trees charred and because charcoal binds fungi, bacteria and virus into itself, thus neutralising cont. on p.30

Horse Behaviour

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 29

Health Care - Physiotherapy cont. from p.28

them, these trunks don’t rot but stand around for years preserved by their charcoal carapace. Our ancestors ingested copious amounts of this charcoal as a dietary supplement, particularly since their diet was about 85% vegetable matter and there¬fore quite “wind making.” You can see incidental evi¬dence of this to this day in the Lascaux Cave paintings, where all the handprints on the ceilings of these caves have been created by our early ancestors pounding charcoal, mixing it with water, taking it into their mouths and spraying it around the outline of their hands.

Throughout all these inhabited cave complexes there are literally hundreds of different hand prints high up on the ceilings, each one being different.

The purpose of these is unknown but archaeological experiments have shown that the only way that they can be created is to spray a mixture of water and charcoal from the mouth, thus leaving a very individual imprint.

These must have been of considerable significance to our ancestors since almost all of them are at least 30 feet up on the ceilings of the caves!

When I was a boy people regularly took charcoal tablets to settle their stomachs and dogs were routine¬ly given

charcoal biscuits as an antidote to gas.

(These are still on sale today, made by the same company that’s been making them since Victorian times).

I clearly remember horses grazing over the ashes of campfires and “scrunching” up charcoal as they came upon it.

Today, a proprietary brand of charcoal called “HAPPY TUMMY” is widely used by discerning horse owners to help keep their horses healthy. It works by carrying lots of oxygen into the horse’s system and by then adsorb¬ing the toxins that have accumulated through stress and a diet lacking in the essential

nutrients described above. The addition of dietary charcoal to a horse’s feed is an approach to a horse’s well being recom¬mended both by its history and by its success!

We can’t go back to the old ways but we can minimise the impact of rapid change on our horse’s diet by using “HAPPY TUMMY” charcoal - the natural antidote.

Contact Dr Foster, Fine Fettle Feeds on 01600 712496 or go to www. finefettlefeeds.com for more details.

Veterinary Physiotherapy: Optimising Equine Performance Physiotherapy Treatments – reflex inhibition, joint mobilisations and soft tissue manipulation Anna Sparrow, Maeve Grant and Ruth Torrance Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists are all qualified in Human Physiotherapy before training in Veterinary Physiotherapy and moving on to working with animals. This background knowledge, training and experience allows us to develop sensitivities to touch. This means that a large part of our work with animals is centred on what we feel from our assessment, and then how we use our hands to help treat the problems that we encounter.

This month’s article focuses on three different ‘hands on’ techniques that we can apply as part of our treatment. It is unusual for a Chartered Physiotherapist to use only one treatment technique during any session, we usually mix and match to what we feel the individual animal needs and is responding to best.

Reflex Inhibition Reflex Inhibition is a technique that takes advantage of the reflexes within muscles that are present in all of us.

A reflex is any response that occurs automatically without conscious effort.

The nerves in muscles are constantly sending signals to the brain so it can maintain an appropriate level of muscle tone throughout the body. Muscle tone is how tense or relaxed our muscles are at any time depending on the activity that we are doing i.e. your muscle tone will be lower when you are lying in bed and higher if you are riding. This is constantly changing as the body moves, reacts to other stimuli, or rests.

Muscles work in pairs throughout the body to allow economical movement, as one muscle tightens and shortens its pair must relax and lengthen. We can utilise this reflex when treating horses in 30 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

several different ways. The main aim of this technique is to encourage muscles that have been assessed as sore, stiff or tight, to relax and stretch. This reduces discomfort for the horse, allowing greater ease of movement and improved performance.

The long muscle that runs down either side of the spine (longissimus dorsi), which was discussed in the November article, responds well to this technique.

Using palpation to find the tender segment, the Chartered Physiotherapist puts tension on the muscle on the opposite side which causes it to tighten, followed by a sharp tap of the hand causing it to twitch in response. This stimulates reflex inhibition in the tender segment and it will relax and stretch.

Reflex Inhibition can also be encouraged by using baited (carrot) stretches. For example, if you get a horse to bend its neck round to the left the muscles on the right have to relax and stretch to allow the movement.

Throughout this type of treatment it is beneficial to include some massage and stretching to encourage circulation and continued relaxation in the areas that have been treated.

A Chartered Physiotherapist will be able to show the owner specific stretches that they can do with their horse between treatments to help maintain what was achieved during the treatment session. The reaction in the muscles will commonly cause some mobilisation of the joints in that area, so the treatment can also be used for this purpose.

These notes describe two examples of achieving reciprocal inhibition to treat muscle tone and mobilise joints. There

are many other methods of reproducing the same reflexes i.e.

• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) • Transcutaneous Muscle Mobiliser (TMM) • Hammer and Pad • Tennis ball All of these techniques achieve the same outcome, the specific technique used will depend on the individual Chartered Physiotherapist, their preference and training. The reaction of the horse to the treatment is also important and the session will be tailored to suit their response at the time.

There are so many joints and possible mobilisations that can be carried out on a horse that it is not possible to discuss them all here in detail. I have chosen a couple of my favourite ones to give you a quick idea of what is involved.

Chartered Physiotherapists see many horses that are ‘just a bit stiff on one rein’ and commonly find that they are tight through their thoracic spine and ribs, their muscles are tense and hold the ribs in a vice so the horse actually cannot get that lovely lateral bend to work well on a circle. After working on the muscles to help them relax and release their ‘grip’ it’s time to apply some thoracic joint mobilisations to allow and maintain that lateral bend.

Joint Mobilisations Joint mobilisations are passive movements of a joint. The main aims of this treatment technique are to – • Restore a joint to a position where it has full-range, pain free movement.

• Stretch a stiff joint to improve range of movement.

• Relieve pain.

It can be a challenge to apply these techniques to horses due to their sheer size and weight, so we can modify them to make use of the natural righting reactions that all animals have, and use the horse’s muscles and weight to help assist in mobilising the joints in the spine.

Different joints perform a variety of different movements in different directions. A full assessment of each joint to check the range of movement in each direction is carried out before the appropriate treatment technique is chosen.

Thoracic joint mobilisation to improve lateral bend

Moving along to the lumbar spine this is also a common area for stiffness making it difficult for the horse to keep its whole body on that perfect circle that everyone cont. on p.32

Holidays

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 31

Health Care - Physiotherapy cont. from p.30

strives for. Tail pull techniques are a useful way to mobilise flexion and lateral flexion of the lumbosacral area. To mobilise into lateral flexion, ensure the horse is standing square. Hold the tail out perpendicular to the horse’s body.

Begin by gently pulling on the tail until the horse pulls back against you. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then quickly release to mobilise the area.

Alternatively you can hold this position as a sustained stretch for as long as the horse allows. Do not use this exercise on a horse that kicks out.

Our aim is to return the situation to normal as soon as possible by dispersing the fluids to prevent a traffic jam effect and restriction of movement.

your own horse, ask your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist to assess your horse and provide you with your own personalised programme.

How do we use it?

Chartered Physiotherapists have an indepth knowledge of equine anatomy. In a light, medium or firm pressure we use our hands with a series of movements, to move tissue debris away from the injured site towards cleansing collection areas.

Anna Sparrow, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist, MCSP ACPAT Cat A Based in Aberdeen covering Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland. www.vetphysio.org

To decrease muscle tone we use light, slow strokes.

To stimulate muscle we use brisk strokes.

Tail pull mobilisation for lateral flexion of lumbosacral junction

Soft Tissue Manipulation Massage Massage is one of the earliest treatments known. It involves movement of tissue and tissue fluid. Tissue is muscle, tendon, ligaments and fascia.

We expect horses to perform equestrian disciplines carrying humans on their backs.

Athletes and Sportspeople have benefited from massage for years by using it – pre-competition, training and rehabilitation.

SO - WHY NOT OUR HORSES! What does it do?

• Reduces muscle spasm • Has a calming effect on the nervous system • Relieves PAIN • Enhances muscle function • Enhances tissue recovery Why do we use it?

When there is an injury in soft tissue, fluids leak into surrounding areas causing swelling and therefore PAIN!

32 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

We treat the following • Muscle trauma • Muscle spasm (secondary to a PRIMARY condition e.g. Lumbar spasm related to spavin) • Stiff and older horse • Pre and post competition • Haematomas Myofascial Release Myo means ‘muscle’ and fascia means ‘band’. Once injured, fascia binds down and affects normal range of movement.

This is a deeper firmer technique. Slow gentle pressure produces a form of stretching allowing the body’s tissue to reorganise and release physical restrictions.

Massage and myofascial release are very often part of a Chartered Physiotherapy treatment. Stretches and exercises are given as homework to maintain and increase the range of movement.

To summarise, when using massage it is important to • Have an in-depth understanding of anatomy.

• Be aware of the different techniques used.

• Wait for a calm atmosphere – avoiding meal times when the horse is too interested in its food.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these techniques to use on

Maeve Grant, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist, MCSP ACPAT Cat A

Based in Edinburgh covering Central Scotland, www.animalphysioplus.com Ruth Torrance, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist, MCSP ACPAT Cat A Based in Glasgow covering Strathclyde, ruth-physio@btinternet.com For more information on Veterinary Physiotherapy or to find a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist in your area, go to www.acpat.org

Hay Bar Goes Benelux Raylia Dugmore of Park Feeders is delighted to welcome Stable Supplies of Schalkwijk in the Netherlands to their team of suppliers and outlets. Nigel Wood who heads the company is launching Hay Bar at Indoor Brabant at the end of March. This is very exciting news for the Benelux market place and also for both companies. Nigel Wood’s team have already carried out extensive field trials with resounding success.

Hay Bar has firmly established itself in the UK and in many more countries as the premier feeding system. It has been welcomed by a huge sector in the equestrian market place. Its simplistic design features are making it popular

with all disciplines. The veterinary profession, physios and equine dentists have all recognised its natural feeding position with all its advantages.

A large number of the problems that we have with our horses are created by our management methods. Hay Bar’s use not only helps to feed our horses in their natural position but it also makes stable management much easier as there is far less fodder and bedding wasted. This in turn helps to reduce costs.

Hay Bar is now available from Stable Supplies.

Contact : Tel +31(0)30 687 5610 or visit www.stablesupplies.nl

Health Care

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 33

Health Care - Vet

What drives your vet mad?

Ben Sturgeon, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all, goes the adage.

Perhaps that is what the graceless Sir Alex Ferguson should heed in his infamous quotes to “you’se lot...” So what really does go through a vet’ s mind and how will knowing this improve your relationship as well as aiding, ultimately, the health of your horse? Importantly there is the bigger question of “why should you care?”

After all, it is our job. All I can say is, if that is your view then let us do our job without impedance. So how are we then impeded?

Listening You don’t buy a dog and howl at the moon yourself? Why call the vet if you decide his or her advice is there to be ignored. As I’ve previously mentioned in these revered pages vets have or had something called Aesculpian authority.

A powerful, almost mystical authority that healers enjoy in all cultures. It is the power that effectively says “I advise that the appropriate way to proceed with this case is.............., but it is your

decision and if you decide not to take my advice and if it all goes wrong, then it will be your, not my, fault.”

Unless it is a dire emergency most decisions can be discussed, ruminated on until the appropriate course of action is taken for your horse, you and the vet in that order. Carry out the advice, undertake the treatment and understand the limits of success that may have been placed on the case dependent upon the initial conversation (and diagnosis) that may have included time, practicality, patient compliance, facilities and unfortunately cost.

Listening encompasses comprehending all such factors in overseeing a case, certainly these factors can be reduced but this generally means transferring the horses care entirely to the vet and this then has a greater financial impact.

Choices It is said that “choices are for the lucky ones”, I disagree. Next time you are out with your boyfriend/girlfriend just check their faces when you say “I just want

to go to the last shop where I tried on 6 pairs of trousers, I think the second last pair fitted me better on the leg, or was it the third shop and pair number 3? You know the blue pair.” In such a situation your boyfriend/girlfriend (or vet when dealing with any case) has 3 options available: 1. Capitualtion: You just do what you can to keep the peace, keep it simple, don’t make anything worse, try and understand the limitations.

2. Persuasion: We try and utilise our Aesculpian authority (you try and plead to the greater shopping God) to assist you the client to understand what needs to be done in the best interests of the animal (boyfriend/girlfriend) from investigation, treatment to even euthanasia.

3. Commitment: If no definitive decision can be made as to the best way forward then it is up to us to gain your support in keeping the animal comfortable and at least not allowing the condition to deteriorate further (go on buy them a coffee.)

Perhaps this is not clear why such choices fill vets with dread and eventually drives them mad? You would assume as responsible and intelligent horse owners that a combination of 2 & 3 are the usual course of events for any sick animal? However, option 1 is taken on such a regular basis that vets often suffer huge tension and moral stress even between doing what they have to do (according to client wishes) and what he or she believes they ought to be doing. This ultimately leads to an erosion of job satisfaction, a poorer vet-client relationship and even affects personal health.

Why does this hurt?

Litigation: A dirty word and a new topic taught at all vet schools. C.Y.A. or “cover your arse” is the new way to make clinical records. A clients reluctance or inability to undertake treatments, all options discussed, likely outcomes, secondary or side effects of treatment, long term consequences; I could add 50 more. We need now to make people aware of everything, because guess what, if we don’t there are many who have no hesitation in hiring a lawyer. Usually because they haven’t listened, or decided to only hear the bits they want to hear, and we need to prove our professionalism and our altruistic ideals.

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R.C.V.S - the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. A scary governing body who hold and weald a rod of iron over all vets. Worse than litigation, an RCVS investigation into why you treated an animal, if they feel it was not done with the animal’s best interests at heart, irrespective of an owner’s wishes or situation (remember option 1), a vet may be “struck off” and never work again. All because we try and be nice and take into account an owners wishes and circumstances. £ - money. Yes vets are expensive but guess what, we are so cheap. Call a plumber out at 2am to check a leaky pipe and see what you get, even try phoning one just for advice and see what you get. You can do this to any vet.

We are not the NHS, we buy all our own kit, we pay for our continuing education and often do it in our spare time, we work weekends and nights without extra pay and rarely with time off, we don’t get bank holidays and you can still phone us at 2am for advice for free.

You may be forgiven for thinking that this is a Fergusonesce rant, but vets do understand the financial pressure. The point is this - whilst human physicians routinely argue against morphine and marijuana for terminally ill patients, whilst they concern themselves with cure, we vets concern ourselves with care. And if we can’t, it hurts.

If you’ve got this far I thank you for your time and hope you have a fuller understanding of the issues faced. Yes there are loads of mundane practical stuff that would drive any one insane - owners spending 20mins catching horses from huge fields once we arrived; obese horses who live on fresh air; telling us “it’s in the shoulder, why are you checking it’s foot?” Explaining that the physio thinks it’s in the back, the farrier says it’s in the foot, the saddler swears it’s got an ear infection, my friend Sally who knows an awful lot about this sort of stuff says I don’t need you and I should just give it some bute and kick it on, so why has it been lame for 3 months and I hope this isn’t going to cost much and I need it ready

by Sunday for the first event. There are loads but to be honest most vets just laugh, shake their heads, accept it and get on with the job. So what drives us mad? It’s not that we don’t care, it’s that we really do, and that is the problem.

Field & Stable - Transport

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 35

Health Care - Teeth - Worming

LEARNED HELPLESSNESS: Part 5 A series by SUSAN McBANE discussing equestrian principles from the viewpoint of equine behaviour and psychology Before we start, I need to explain accurately what learned helplessness is and why it has a place in this series because it is not an equestrian principle as such. It is, however, a very common state so needs dealing with.

The term sounds self-explanatory – a horse has learned that he is helpless to change his lot – but what is its relationship, exactly, to the life and work of a horse, how has it come about and, undesirable as it is, can we do anything to put matters right?

The phrase ‘learned helplessness’ is used by equine scientists to describe a horse who has learned not to respond to the pressure or pain of what we do to him during his work and/or training because he cannot understand or escape it. Learned helplessness comes about because of the conflicting nature of many of the aids given in traditional, conventional riding and which are almost everywhere taught as correct.

A horse in a state of learned helplessness does not want to try different responses to our aids to find

out which one will result in removing the pressure because he has learned that nothing works – he is helpless and rather similar to a human driven into depression because he or she ‘can’t do right for doing wrong’ or who is forced to live in a bad situation with no outlook for improvement. Such horses are often dull, with lowered levels of aggression (a disinclination to defend themselves), a loss of appetite, and have various physiological and immunological changes (their health suffers).

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT Another important phrase which, along with learned helplessness and other scientific terms, is being heard more and more is ‘negative reinforcement’.

It is often misunderstood but important to be clear about. It means the removal, subtraction or taking away of something the horse finds unpleasant (such as the pressure of an aid) to reward him for responding correctly to it. For instance, we give a feel (or a pull) on the bit to ask the horse to slow down or stop and when he does we stop the aid; we take it away. So, we reinforce or strengthen the horse’s response to the pull/pressure

so that it becomes increasingly likely that he will give that correct response in future. In his way of thinking, the way to avoid the pressure on his mouth is to slow down or stop.

Similarly, we give him a squeeze with our legs to ask him to go forward or faster. When he does, we take away the pressure from our legs, so the horse learns that to get rid of that pressure he needs to go forward.

The crunch comes when negative reinforcement is used incorrectly, when we do not take away the pressure (stop asking) as soon as the horse responds correctly. The stopping of the pressure or ‘release’ of the aid MUST be within one second or less for the horse’s brain clearly to make the connection between what he has just done with the disappearance of the pressure. Two seconds and he just might get it, three and he won’t. This is because of the way his brain works. If we delay, the link between pressure-response-removal is broken in his mind and so he does not, cannot, learn to make correct responses.

Learned helplessness is known to result from our delay in negatively reinforcing horses’ responses to our requests (applications of pressure). Delay results in the horse not being able to obtain relief from pressure when he tries to do so by responding to an aid. If this situation continues over a period of time, the horse will no longer respond as we wish to our aids. He will become insensitive, being heavy in hand or ‘hard mouthed’, with dull sides (not responding to leg or even whip aids) and with no zest for his work.

Horses and ponies often ridden by poor or novice riders who give all sorts of random and often harsh pressures with no logic to them also sink into this

36 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

state – the famous and wretched ‘riding school plug’. But many sport horses also suffer from it because of identical end results of their riders’ aids.

‘EVERYBODY DOES IT’ One of the worst techniques taught almost everywhere is, as I have discussed in detail in my last two articles in Equi-Ads, giving two conflicting aids at the same time, such as a go aid with the legs and a slow/ stop aid with the hands/bit. This is totally confusing and upsetting to the horse.

When this scenario is sustained and the aids are ‘kept on’ because it is believed that, for instance, if you stop giving the aids the horse will stop working, or that you must feel equal pressure in your hands and legs, or drive your horse up to the bit (see February issue), or keep your horse between hand and leg, the horse is trapped in a morass of confusion, distress and even fear. Depending on his, or her, temperament, this will very likely result in learned helplessness; this can be seen by perceptive horse people in many sport horses and ponies.

Groundwork done in a similar way can also be a culprit: examples are fitting coercive gadgets (to me they are all gadgets even when euphemistically described as training aids), keeping the horse going when he is already going (not releasing the driving whip aid), lungeing fast and on small circles (frightening and physically damaging to the legs and joints), keeping up a significant contact when long-reining or working in hand (giving the horse a stop aid all the time), making a horse ‘accept the bit’ and similar practices. cont. on p.42

Stud

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 37

Health Care - Worming

Equine Dentistry Harriet Cater BSc. Eds What are the most common dental disorders?

Perhaps the most common condition that will affect most horses at some stage, is the development of sharp enamel edges and points. These occur when the teeth do not wear evenly and the edges of the premolars and molars become sharp. Although not always considered a serious problem, if left, the points can become large and cause ulceration of the soft tissues of the mouth and can eventually lead to more severe conditions. Hooks are long, sharp points which can form on the first premolars and last molars, causing decreased movement of the lower jaw and lead to further abnormalities of wear. The lower canines are often affected by a build up of calculus, like tartar, which irritates the gums and causes discomfort for the horse.

What are wolf teeth?

Wolf teeth are vestigial teeth and sit just in front of the first premolar. They come in all shapes and sizes but are generally quite small and usually occur in the upper jaw and very occasionally in the lower. They are routinely removed so as not to cause interference with the bit.

How can I tell if my horse has dental problems?

Without the correct equipment it can be difficult to check if your horse has any dental problems, however there are a few signs to look out for.

Perhaps the most obvious symptoms include dropping feed, head tilting, an unwillingness to come down onto the bit and in severe cases weight loss can be apparent. Indirect signs of dental abnormalities can be neck, back and hock pain, uncharacteristic bucking or rearing and head tossing. You can also use your horse’s droppings as an indication of dental health as pieces of hay and grass should appear no more than a few millimetres long.

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Stud

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 39

Education - Horse Behaviour cont. from p.38

Not all horses subjected to training methods like the above deteriorate into learned helplessness. Some, according to temperament, ‘fight back’ with conflict behaviours in self-defence against an impossible situation, showing such ‘bad’ behaviour as squirming about, going crooked, taking mincing steps, napping, ‘refusing’ to bend, going overbent or behind the bit, thrashing the tail during work, distorting the muzzle, hanging the tongue out of the mouth or putting it over the bit or, more dangerously, bucking, rearing, rolling under saddle, lying down during work, shying, spooking and running off or even bolting.

In the stable and even the field, some horses who find their work (and/ or management), past or present, distressing often develop stereotypies (formerly called ‘stable vices’) such as crib-biting, wind-sucking, weaving, wood chewing, box walking, kicking doors and walls, tossing and twirling the head and various other abnormal actions.

THE REMEDY Although it is always best never to let learned helplessness and conflict behaviours occur in the first place by always using correct training structured in accordance with how horses think and learn, the situation can be largely salvaged simply by the application of such training. By handling, riding, working from the ground or driving in

ways a horse can understand, and doing so every time you deal with the horse, you can turn things round.

Firstly, a most important thing to do is to never give the horse a leg and/or whip-tap aid at the same moment as a hand/bit aid. Therefore, do not keep your horse between hand and leg, drive him up to the bit or any of those things, as mentioned above. Do not fit your horse with equipment which applies pressure to nose or mouth (a stop aid) yet drive him forward as well (a go aid). In other words, use the old classical tenet of ‘legs without hands, hands without legs.’

Secondly, and just as importantly, give a clear, correct aid and keep it on, maybe with some slight vibration, until the horse responds correctly, then stop it absolutely immediately to reinforce his correct response. Do not use an on-off aid with hands or legs (such as pull-release with the reins or kicking on and off with your legs) because every time the aid is ‘off’ you are reinforcing whatever the horse did immediately before you released it. Keep the aid on and vibrate or use an ON-on-ON-on type of pressure instead.

If you only ever use those two principles you will make, see and feel a massive improvement in your horse’s work, attitude and contentment. He will be calmer yet brighter, confident, interested in life, you and his work, and mentally and physically healthier.

Another helpful attitude to good training is to never punish a horse with whip, bit or spurs (which is extremely bad horsemanship) for doing something you perceive as ‘wrong’, even if someone tells you to. He is probably trying to relieve himself of some discomfort, pain or confusion. If he is doing something ‘wrong’ – something you don’t want – think about whether you’re causing it and just change it, without fuss, to something you do want. Then reinforce and praise immediately.

If you want to pursue this ethical and effective style of riding, go to the websites of the Classical Riding Club (www.classicalriding.co.uk) and, for information on Equitation Science and equine learning theory and how they

work, the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc.com.au). Both organisations sell books and DVDs which clearly explain their methods. Also look at www.equitationscience.co.uk.

SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, holds the Classical Riding Club Gold Award and is an Associate (practitioner) Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. She founded the Equine Behaviour Forum, has written 44 books and co-publishes Tracking-up with Anne Wilson. She teaches in Lancashire and neighbouring counties: ring her on 01254 705487, email horses@ susanmcbane.com or go to her website www.susanmcbane.com.

Equine Behaviour Forum Ninth scientific symposium Equine Behaviour Forum - Ninth scientific symposium PROGRAMME Dr Emma Creighton, School of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, Newcastle University: Group housing and its practical implications.

Dr Veronica Fowler, MSc, BSc (Hons), Post Doctoral Research Scientist, Institute for Animal Health, Guildford: A comparison between the Monty Roberts technique and a conventional UK technique for initial training of riding horses. (Provisional title) Dr Andrew McLean, Director, Australian Equine Behaviour Centre; Honorary Associate, University of Sydney; Honorary President, International Society for Equitation Science: Equine learning theory and its effect on training and behaviour.

The presentations will be followed by a Brains Trust and Question and Answer session, from 3.30-4.30pm.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided on arrival (10.30am) at £2.00 each. You may bring your own lunch or eat in the

Servery where cold buffet and salad will be available.

The website address for the venue is http://rac.ac.uk/conferences-events The cost of this day is £15 for members and students, £25 for non-members.

Please send the full amount in advance on booking: it is non-refundable except in the case of cancellation of the symposium. The event is open to everyone so please bring your friends.

To book places, return the form below with your remittance for the appropriate amount, made payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’, and send it to Judith Turner, EBF, 23 Birstwith Grange, Birstwith, Harrogate, HG3 3AH, tel: (01423) 770144, email: equiphile@ talktalk.net. Please avoid enquiring or booking between the 11th and 27th March, as Judith will be away.

Please enclose an s.a.e. if you need a parking permit, directions and a map by post – otherwise see website as above OR give Judith your email address.

Please reserve ____ place/s @ £15 each (members) / £25 (non-members) for the Scientific Symposium on 22nd May, RAC, Cirencester. I enclose my remittance for _____ (which I understand is non-refundable) plus s.a.e.

NAME (please print clearly) ___________________________________________ ______ ADDRESS ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ ___________ ___________________________________________

PHONE/FAX NOS. FOR EMERGENCY CONTACT ___________________________ Email____________________________________________________________ 40 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Equi-Style Equi-Ads

Spring/Summer Fashion Supplement - April 2011

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Welcome to Equi-Style Spring/Summer 2011 Over the past 20 years equestrianism has evolved tremendously. The public image of the sport, the role of celebrities and the styles of equestrian fashion are just some of the elements of the horse world which have changed.

Since its beginnings, the sport’s public image has been generated through erudite figures such as Princess Anne in handsome tweeds and hairnets and well known show jumpers like Harvey Smith in formal jackets. However, this prominent traditional and somewhat elitist image has changed and evolved in recent years.

As we come into 2011 with gorgeous and talented women such as Ellen Whitaker modelling for Caldene and celebrities like Katie Price launching their own ranges of horsey glitz and ‘glamour’, equestrian fashions are looking increasingly similar to those found on the high-street. Alongside this, high street fashion is incorporating the classical ‘equestrian look’ more and more into its everyday outfits.

But this doesn’t necessarily mean that riding wear and equestrian brands have now jumped on the celebrity endorsed bandwagon, to follow everyday trends, abandoning traditional roots.

The debate still rages on as to whether the Katie Price enterprise is a good or bad endorsement for our sport. She does not come from a traditionally horsey background and attempts to bring ‘glamour and sparkle into your riding’. The bright colours, diamante spurs and velour fabrics that her brand has recently popularised with the horse crowd, are definitely a far cry from what the equestrian world has always known and worn.

However, no matter how much glitz she brings to the yard, she is promoting our sport to an ever growing demographic (not to mention the male species!) She also brings alive that little pony mad girls dream- pink everything!

Perhaps the dreariness of winter, which makes bright pinks, purples

and turquoises seem offensively fluorescent, will soon fade away.

As we come into the spring and summer months the cheerful colours of her range will seem fitting to the brighter days and happier moods.

The fun, bright colours of the KP collections can be seen across the range of equestrian fashion this spring and summer, which shows that brands can see the positive side of her cheerful range. This season, the horse world will be punctuated by bright blues and pinks, paired with sleek shapes.

In an improvement on last year, manufacturers seem to have worked out which colours go with which, avoiding unflattering clashing.

Clothing this season aims to flatter and enhance, therefore, the inclusion of discreet, yet effective reflective strips and threads into most outdoor jackets have become common place. The benefits of this safety feature are undeniable and it is great news that we are able to stay safe without sacrificing stylishness.

The huge public launch of Zara Phillips’ AW10 Musto range in July 2010 brought a real element of class to celebrity endorsement.

Her range shows that updating and modernising equestrian fashion doesn’t mean the rejection of tradition. The ambassador of the brand is a highly respected, fashionable, talented and beautiful public figure, prominent in both the equestrian and public eye. Her range of stylish yet practical, classic yet feminine riding wear is chic and smart and appeals to riders of all ages. Zara’s range is an exhibition of the way that equestrian fashion can respect tradition while moving with modernity too.

Accepted dress worn in competition, showjumping, showing, dressage and even cross country however, has not visibly changed. Traditional competition wear has always been made up of the same practical, smart items, yet over the years, subtle changes have been made.

New textiles and technology have been developed that enable you

to be prepared for the entirely unpredictable British weather which the spring and summer months are waiting to grace us with. In fact, about the only thing these revolutionary new materials can’t do is rid our clothes of the unmistakeable smell of horses, not yet anyway…

These days, fabrics for both you and your horse can wick away moisture so that you arrive back from a training class, competition or even bathing session dry as a bone and ready for a trip to the supermarket! The gorgeous, slim fitting wind and rain blocking fabrics no longer mean that you have to wear one hundred layers to keep dry and cheerful. A quality ‘GoreTex’ jacket for example, will keep you warm and dry in the heat and the cold, while still making you look good. It is no surprise that these fabrics have been incorporated into traditional competition outfits, while maintaining the recognized and somewhat ceremonial silhouette of the clothing. These fantastic advances in technology prepare us fashion conscious equestrians for spring, summer, autumn and winter.

There is no doubt that equestrian fashion and celebrity status have changed dramatically over recent years. However, the perpetually shifting institution of fashion in the cosmopolitan world outside of equestrianism has frozen time and capitalised on the traditional elements of horsey/country-style fashion. As you walk past high street shops, I can guarantee that you will spot some element of clothing in the shiny windows reminding you of something you might see at the yard or at a show. There are ribbed equestrian leggings, quilted jackets, polo shirts and even riding-style hats. However, there is one large difference between the catwalk and the horse-walk; the great outdoors and the way these items are made use of.

The alien cleanliness of women in jeans perfectly tucked into perfect Dubarry style boots always fills me

with a strange sense of unease.

Although they look great, surely the hardy country boots are made perfectly and exclusively to be walked through mud, mucked out in and ridden with. People’s footwear frequently catches my eye as I race round the shops as quickly as possible, in hay covered jodhpurs and muckboots, always ingrained with that irremovable, almost translucent layer of muddy manure. It seems that a rapidly increasing number of females have adopted the equestrian boot as a piece of everyday fashion wear. (Not to exclude males, a number of them have been seen to enjoy this fashion item; including rapper Chris Brown!)

Really, there is no surprise that ‘normal’ people have adopted this look for their urban/ everyday lives.

The boots are practical and hardy for winter puddles and breathable and cool for the coming seasons.

The public adoption of equestrian fashions seems to be due to both the classical, quintessentially British figure of the clothing paired with the practical, polished, yet stylish designs that brands such as Musto, Barbour, Harry Hall and Tuffa have recently updated.

Although the Katie Price and Zara Phillips ranges are completely different, they both seem to be aiming for a look that is as acceptable at the yard as it is on the high street. This one outfit for every occasion idea seems to have spread throughout the equestrian scene, making it very difficult not to look good. Even very traditional heritage brands have updated their styles to appeal to a huge demographic of people. However, the classic, elegant themes that run through equestrian fashion are timeless. Iconic pieces will be circulated on the high street, stable yards, showing rings and even in glossy fashion magazines for years and years to come.

Jessica Gill Fashion Editor

The Fontainebleau Competiton Jacket from Tagg New from Tagg Clothing for 2010 season is the ladies pinstriped competition jacket. Smart and professionally styled in100% new wool fabric with a panel back and brushed matt silver buttons. The Fontainbleu jacket is lightweight and ideal for competing throughout the year, the material is navy blue with a discreet grey/green/blue pinstripe in the cloth. The jacket has a navy velvet collar with contrasting lighter blue piping.

In sizes 32 to 42 inch chest at an RRP of £139.99 Tagg Clothing Tel 01636 636 135. www.taggclothing .co.uk

William Funnell Competition Jacket from Tagg Launched into the market place in 2009, The William Funnell Competition Clothing Range under the Tagg Clothing brand proved a real winner.

The jacket is available in sizes for men and boys from 28” to 46”chest.

RRP £99.99.

Tagg Tel: 01636 636 135. www.taggequestrian.co.uk

Designed for both the men’s and boys market, the range comprises a competition jacket and range of breeches both branded with the William Funnell name. These products have been tried, tested and developed with international show jumper William Funnell, to achieve both the style and durability required by the competition rider and tested in competition to make sure they meet the exacting standard required.

The Funnell Jacket in navy has an integrated royal blue velvet collar with contrasting white piping edge.

The jacket is well cut in a classic style in a quality, washable, stretch gabardine material which will wash and wear, easily with standing all the rigours of show jumping competitions.

Perfect for the showing ring In particular in showing classes you would want to look your best.

Equitector showing boots are unique. With the latest in technology it is a combination of tradition with 21st century features.

Not only do they make you look the part, they have Climate Control that

keeps your feet warm in winter and cool in summer, stirrup balance system and just in case of the unforeseen, toe protection. RRP £ 250.00 For more information: www.equitector.com or tel 0208 0904029

Elegance and Competition Style from The Caldene range covers leisurewear and competition gear to help ensure riders have the right look at all times.

and features antique popper fastenings down the front. The new outerwear range is available in a range of classic colours.

Equestrian and country fashion has developed enormously in recent years and continues to rival the high street chains.

Caldene leg wear is well known for its versatility and the spring/ summer 2011 collection offers both competition and casual wear for riders with the colour ways helping to provide style and sophistication.

This spring sees the return of British country classics, with a focus on traditional colours and styles dominating many collections. The high street has embraced equestrian and country trends and looks set to continue to follow the theme.

For the competition circuit, Caldene will have riders dressed to impress.

With a wide choice of show jackets including the Kingsdale, Furness and Grove, Caldene enables you to create your own classic look. All the jackets are elegant, fitted and comfortable to wear.

For the finishing touch to a competition outfit, Caldene feature an exclusive range of show shirts and stocks. Designed to fit the rider correctly, the range is also durable and comfortable.

The Caldene outerwear collection introduces the new Westbourne Jacket which is a must this spring. This waterproof and breathable jacket, features a belted waist for a fitted look. The Westbourne is ideal for a day out or to wear whilst riding.

It comes designed with riding vents, front pockets

Co-ordinating gilets come in chocolate, navy, black and forest so there’s no excuse for not looking fashionable even when out on the yard.

Look out for the new Kew long sleeved tunic, a great everyday essential, with large buttons on the placket and tie fabric on the inside collar for a stylish finish. Available in sizes S, M, L and XL, in colours damson and dark grey marl.

The Caldene collection offers an extensive range of quality equestrian items that combine practicality, versatility and style.

For further information please contact Caldene on (01274) 711101 or visit www.caldene.co.uk.

Performance that delivers.

A performance of the highest quality is built on trust. Caldene seamlessly delivers you a winning performance, that you can rely on from a leading equestrian brand.

www.caldene.co.uk

Model is wearing Silverdale tweed jacket in green, Gladstone show shirt in corn with Cromwell breeches in beige.

Function and Style from The exciting new Harry Hall spring/summer collection includes quality key items, concentrating on providing the keen equestrian with stylish and reliable outerwear, leisurewear and essential leg wear.

New for this season, Harry Hall has launched a range of exciting styles in their ladies leisurewear section, focusing on comfort, practicality and affordability.

The design team at Harry Hall have a wealth of experience in the fashion sector and successfully combine the latest trends with functional equestrian clothing.

This shines through in the vibrant colour pallets used including browns, blues and pinks for the leisurewear range.

As ever, Harry Hall riders are able to benefit from a selection of new accessories which co-ordinate with the whole collection, helping to complete the look. Harry Hall dedicates time and resources to researching the equestrian market.

Harry Hall is trusted for producing affordable and fashionable clothing for the everyday rider.

Influenced by its history and heritage the experienced team at Harry Hall continue to provide essential equestrian clothing and accessories.

Stay on trend this spring with the new Harry Hall Jeggings. The pull on stretch denim design, enables a comfortable yet stylish look with woven stitching at the side. With jodhpurs that look this good, you can even wear them when you are not in the saddle.

New for spring 2011 in the Harry Hall leisurewear range is the Balham hoody. The comfy hoody features a button placket, kangaroo pocket and striped inside hood. Great for wearing everyday on the yard it is available in ladies sizes S – XL in Grey Marl, Melon and Navy.

The Beckwith Boots from Harry Hall are stylish boots for the yard and are specifically designed to offer the leisure rider or equestrian enthusiast a boot that can deliver on performance, comfort and style.

Extremely versatile, the Beckwith Boots offer riders’ comfort when worn around the yard and look very stylish when teamed with jeans for a more casual look.

The Beckwith are calf length stable boots with rubber soles and synthetic upper, with lace fastening for ease of use and added comfort.

Harry Hall is dedicated to providing the recreational rider or more serious competitor with good quality footwear at affordable prices.

Harry Hall clothing is ideal for the keen equestrian and looks great when worn casually out and about at country events.

For further information please contact Harry Hall on (01274) 711101 or visit www.harry.co.uk.

Everyday Equestrian Clothing

www.harryhall.co.uk

Bringing you over 100 years of equestrian heritage in our most extensive collection yet. We guarantee you will find everything you need to suit your busy everyday lifestyle.

Any time, anywhere Harry Hall provides you with that outstanding durability and quality you can trust.

A Colourful Vibe From When it comes to Tottie you can always be sure of something a little bit different!

www.tottie.co.uk

A fun colourful vibe, is visible throughout, with the collection proving a winner with the aspiring young rider, full of vibrant, energetic colours and patterns.

Stripes, polka dots and silver lurex embroidery are the order of the day for spring/summer 2011.

The leisurewear range is modern, cosy and functional, offered in vibrant summer pallet of dark rhubarb, marshmallow, lilac, grey marl and navy to suit all tastes or occasions.

The Tottie legwear collection has been expanded to give riders fashionable jodhpurs, jeans and jogging bottoms. Each Tottie garment complements others in the collection, with matching leg wear available, making it easy to put together a whole outfit.

Model is wearing the Melissa hoody and Morgan jean jodhpurs.

The new Tottie Riya fitted striped shirt, is a quirky twist on a traditional design, which is perfect for a day out.

A comfy yet fashionable collection, it features all sizes and shapes from tight fitting garments, mixed with more sporty looser and longer items.

The oversized Tottie Keira long sleeve tunic, is ideal for lazy days at home.

This year Tottie continue to expand the children’s wear range, which is designed with the ‘horse mad’ girl in mind and feature children’s jodhpurs with a lady bird design.

Stylish yet durable, the new Tottie range is a must for all those fashion conscious riders.

For further information please contact Tottie on 01274 711101 or visit www.tottie.co.uk.

RIDE-AWAY Spring/Summer 2011

Catalogue

Everything for horse & rider

ORDER OUR NEW FREE 244 PAGE CATALOGUE TODAY! See this Season’s NEW collections from all the top Equestrian brands. Plus everything for your horse and stable, as well as books, gifts, footwear and more.

Simple on line shopping on our state of the art website.

Next day delivery available.

Over 20,000 products to select from

Visit our 15,000 sq ft superstore at

RIDE-AWAY, Sutton on Forest, York, YO61 1EH. Open 6 days (closed Sundays)

CALL 01347 810443 or Shop Online at

www.rideaway.co.uk

Mark Todd Country Boots These good looking boots are designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions thanks to the innovative Sympatex technical inter-lining, which is both breathable and waterproof.

Manufactured in a stylish combination of nubuck and full grain leather, the boots have a grip sole and are ideal for all countryside activities.

Sizes: 37 to 42 in standard or wide calf

Colour: brown Price: £124.99 Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 or visit www.wefi.co.uk

For the summer, stay cool and dry in Shires’ lightweight Sutton Breeches.

In ladies and gents styles, these breeches benefit from a stretch nylon/coolmax fabric, with non bulky drylex tube lower legs to wick moisture away, and a clarino contoured seat and leg grips for stability when riding.

Stand out from the crowd this season with Shires’ new range of elegant stretch riding shirts, available in May. The Victoria Riding Shirt is tailored in stretch cotton fabric; White with candy stripe cap sleeves, and plain sugar Pink.

Both feature diamante buttons and horse logo. Team up with the Ladies Show Jacket, to dazzle the competition.

The Emily Riding Shirt in Corn or Vanilla perfectly complements the two additional colours of Huntingdon Jacket, the popular 100% pure new wool riding jacket for ladies and maids. A fresh range of stock pins add a bit of sparkle, available in silver or gold colour ways with designs including knots, fox heads and diamante.

The 2011 collection of outer wear offers traditional country style and includes quilted jackets and bodywarmers for the Spring.

Smart, casual, sporty or city these quilted jackets will do the job wherever you go.

For feet, waterproof and breathable Charlbury Long Boots, are not only practical, they capture that country look perfectly!

To see the full range of equestrian and country clothing and to find your local stockist visit www.shiresequestrian.com or call 01568 613600 for more information.

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Extending their range of jodhpurs sees Bridleway doing what they know best – getting the designs, quality and price spot on. Taking inspiration from their customers, Bridleway close weave cotton stretch fabrics mean the new Premium Jodhpur ranges smooth and flatter. Offered in plain and checked colour ways, prices start from £29.95 to make them very affordable.

The new Champagne colour will set off their Stretch Show Jacket beautifully.

If you want a sleeker look, check out the Ladies Professional Breeches. Lightweight and fast drying, the contoured self fabric seat is perfect for those who prefer closer contact, whilst clarino knee pads ensure grip in the saddle.

Ladies Professional Breeches Developed with input from the retailer, the Bridleway range represents great value and lasting quality and includes apparel for horse and rider, care products, luggage and stable equipment. The Bridleway range is exclusively stocked at Bridleway retail partners.

To find out more and locate a retailer go online at www.bridlewayequestrian.com, or email enquiries@bridlewayequestrian.com.

Ladies Premium Jodhpurs

Children’s Pull-On Jodhpurs Practical, with no fussy zips or fastenings, children will love Bridleway’s Pull On jodhpurs which feature three new fun colours for 2011.

Follow us for the latest news

Navy

Stone

Grey/Pink

Navy/Sky

Grey/Black

Cranberry/Pink

www.bridlewayequestrian.com

Purple/Lilac

Competition - Tack & Turnout

Lost Shoes could be a thing of the past Keeping Tabs Ride-Alert’s innovative horse and rider ID packs are now available through equestrian retailers. The product, which won a 2010 BETA Innovation Award for Safety and Security, has recently been re-branded as the British Equestrian ID Service (BEIDS) following negotiations which have seen a number of key organisations come on board to endorse the range, including the British Horse Society, British Eventing, Endurance GB, British Dressage and Riding for the Disabled.

Mary King was an early supporter of the product after her daughter, Emily, suffered a serious fall while out riding.

Wristbands, hat badges or horse (tack/ headcollar) toggles are available, enabling fast identification of horse or rider in the event of an accident or emergency via the round-the-clock service. This central contact point can be used to relay medical and contact information to the emergency services and alert the family at home.

ShoeSecures save time, money, frustration, and hoof damage, without compromising correct foot balance and heel support. It is designed to protect the heels of the front shoes from being struck by the horse’s hind feet. ShoeSecure is shaped to maximise protection without impacting on the horse’s gait and is made in a strong

polyurethane that is durable but still with a degree of flexibility, yet very long lasting. Still a new product it has received outstanding reviews from happy customers, some as far away as New Zealand. For more information visit www.shoesecure.com or phone Muriel Colquhoun +447836740557

www.midkinleith.com Wide range of quality tack & clothing at bargain prices Spend over £50 for FREE Delivery

Each BEIDS pack costs £15.95 which includes the first years registration on the secure database. Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 for stockists or visit www.wefi.co.uk

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 53

Tack & Turnout

True Blue, we love you All about blue sweet iron, Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd Sweet iron is now a very popular choice of bit mouthpiece material, and is often preferred over stainless steel; initially popularised on the Western riding circuit, sweet iron is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Sweet iron bits utilise a type of steel that is compressed to form a uniformly dense, yet softer material than traditionally used stainless steel. Sweet iron bits oxidise, producing a slight rusting or oxidation that tastes sweet to the horse; the rusting is harmless, and encourages salivation and acceptance of the bit. Sweet iron bits also give a warm feeling within the equine mouth, meaning that any horses are more accepting of a sweet iron bit than stainless steel, which in some cases can cause a dry mouth.

The colour in blue sweet iron bits is a natural occurrence as a result of the hand-made production and heating process; the blue fades over time, with oxidisation. If you are the owner of a quality blue sweet iron bit, your horse will thank you!

Mark Todd Dog Bed This very smart dog bed has a tough, 1200 denier outer which can be removed for washing, while the comfortable polyfill inner is waterproof on one side. It is available in small, medium or large and prices start at around £35.65.

Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 for stockists or visit www.wefi.co.uk

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Bespoke bits available Equine Management now distributes the world-famous range of Bombers Equestrian Equipment bits to the UK; the range is renowned for its blue sweet iron metal. The products, are handmade in South Africa, and include hundreds of bitting solutions, incorporating different mouth and cheek pieces. Equine Management can even offer a bespoke service, offering one-off bits for specialist needs, or horses with small or specifically-shaped mouths.

Bombers Happy Tongue bits are proving especially popular with UK customers – these have a medium port, creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax. They are popular with owners of horses with sensitive or large tongues, and many head-shaking horses respond well to Happy Tongue bits.

Bombers bits are especially widely used within the fields of show jumping and the cross country phase of eventing, and are also popular within showing, polo, polocrosse, western riding, endurance, racing and dressage. For stockists, call: 01825 840 002. To buy online, visit: www.worldwidetack.com or call: 01825 841 303.

How bits work Bits act on some or all of seven places in the horse’s mouth. They are; the bars and roof of the mouth (or palate), the tongue, the corners of the mouth, the poll, the curb groove and the nose.

Generally, the thicker the mouthpiece, the greater the bearing surface - the pressure exerted is spread over a wider area. A thicker mouthpiece does, however, take up more room.

Shank-type cheeks increase in leverage the longer they are. More length above the mouth piece equals greater poll pressure; more below increases the pressure or leverage on the lower jaw and / or the curb groove.

Smooth, un-jointed mouthpieces have a more even bearing surface, which is why they may be described as ‘kinder’.

Bits with ports make room for the tongue, but may still act on the tongue as well as the bars when engaged by the rider.

Slots in ringed or eggbutt cheeks make the mouth piece roll as the rein is used, and bring the bit onto the tongue quicker, and with less backward pressure from the rider.

Combination bits incorporate nose pressure into their action.

Always seek expert advice when bitting your horse, as in general, any bit is only as strong or unkind as the rider’s hands.

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 55

Health Care - Schooling

Sending your horse for schooling

Cora Roberts

Cora is a freelance instructor and lecturer. She has competed for many years in eventing, show jumping and dressage.

Recently a friend asked me whether I could recommend a yard where she could send her horse to be ‘hack and traffic proofed’. Her youngster did not want to leave the stables even accompanied, he kept spinning, running backwards and could not be persuaded to pass any stationary vehicle let alone a car with the engine on. His behaviour unnerved her sufficiently to stop her taking him out at all. She had tried him with a couple of experienced, ‘gutsy’ riders but the result was the same. Quite sensibly she felt that working a horse only ever in the arena was detrimental to his physical development and general education. She was at her wit’s end what to do?

Horse and Rider problems are very common.

The first rule of equestrian problem solving states: No difficulty is solely down to the horse.

How do top class riders avoid or avert emerging trouble? Their experience and feel for horses puts them constantly ahead of their mount so they can take evasive action before a situation escalates. Those same characteristics provide the tools for corrective riding and re-schooling. But it deals only with one part of the equation – the horse. The rider needs assistance, too, especially once a problem affects their confidence in dealing with the horse.

The second rule says: Identify the originator of the trouble.

Did the horse surprise the rider with an unexpected disobedience or did the rider (albeit inadvertently) set up a situation bound to fail? Only an honest, clear analysis will set the tracks for a successful outcome of any rehabilitating programme.

Choosing the right trainer/yard

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Most riders will seek advice from their regular instructor or trainer. However, a weekly or fortnightly visit in cases of real problems may not be enough to improve matters, particularly when the rider’s confidence has taken a knock.

Sending the horse on an intensive training or re-schooling course seems more sensible and effective despite the costs involved.

A good way to find a suitable establishment is to ask around.

Word of mouth recommendation is worth a lot. These days you can google trainers/yards or look up in the advertising pages of the many equestrian magazines. British Dressage, British Eventing, the BSJA and many other organisations have registers of accredited trainers who may fulfil the rider’s requirements. Before committing your horse and money though, it is important to check out a number of criteria: • Take a thorough look around the yard – stable management is the basis for keeping a horse healthy and

Make sure that the facilities are appropriate for your horse’s training

contented. Points to note: cleanliness, tidiness, daily routine, feeding regime, turn out facilities, competent and kind horse handling.

• Do the resident horses show signs of stress and nervousness or are they calm and interested in their environment?

• Are the staff friendly to the horses in their care?

• Are the facilities appropriate for the purpose of your horse’s training?

• How communicative are head trainer and staff, how transparent are training methods?

• Who will actually deal with your horse’s schooling?

• What are the rules regarding access of owners to their horses? Are you made welcome to observe when your horse is working?

• Are you allowed to watch other training sessions?

Next you should draw up a mutually agreed plan showing length and cost of the project to avoid any financial misunderstanding. It is important to be absolutely clear what your expectations are and whether they are achievable within the outlined timeframe. Once you are satisfied that all queries have been answered one more step is necessary before committing your horse to the course: a thorough assessment of your riding skills and your horse’s training level.

The Assessment This is a two way process. It allows the trainer an insight in and understanding of any underlying problems between you and your horse without necessarily involving the specific trouble for which you seek help. For you it is the chance to decide whether you are happy with the offered training methods. After all not only the horse undergoes retraining, you, too, need to adjust your attitude and expand your knowledge in order

to optimize the benefits of sending the horse for schooling. In fact as soon as your horse has made significant progress the time has come for you to receive instruction in how to influence your re-educated horse in such a way as to prevent any relapse. In effect you both are part of the learning process hence the emphasis on choosing a trainer that suits you both.

Beware the situation that happened to me several years ago: I experienced difficulties teaching my horse flying changes. Right to left was easy, but the other way drove him into a bucking frenzy. I approached an established Grand Prix rider who knew us well for help. She agreed saying she wanted him for a fortnight while I was abroad.

On my return I found a stressed horse whose overall way of going had been set back considerably. Her explanation: “His canter was not good enough for changes.” I won’t argue with this statement, but it was an expensive, disappointing lesson that could have been avoided had the trainer been straight beforehand.

Holidays - Training - Transport

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 57

Summer Irritants - Tack & Turnout

Summer - not just sunshine and warmer weather Fiona Reed At this time of year we all celebrate the end of winter, but with the longer days and warmer weather comes a different range of problems that cannot be ignored. Awareness and preparation can help prevent or minimise the effects.

Heat, dehydration, sunlight & sunshine, midges, insects, fungus, pollen, lush grass, plants and even rain can carry adverse effects.

If we are lucky enough to have any hot dry spells it is essential that your horse has access to some form of shade either a field shelter or trees with a large canopy that give shade at all times of the day. With a requirement of up to 45 litres of water a day under normal circumstances and up to 40% more in higher heat, a fresh and plentiful water supply is an absolute must as your horse could otherwise suffer from Dehydration in a very short space of time. Restricting a horse’s water intake for as little as two hours

greatly increases the chance of colic.

If you are at all concerned that your horse may be dehydrating then do the ‘pinch test’. Pinch the skin in the middle of the horse’s neck and pull it gently outwards, then release. Skin that takes 2-5 seconds to return to normal indicates mild dehydration, while skin that takes 10-15 seconds shows severe dehydration. Other signs of dehydration or heat stress include sunken eyes, a tucked up appearance, heavy breathing and a rapid pulse. When travelling your horse in the summer months, even to competitions, consider taking along some water from home in case your horse doesn’t like to drink water that tastes different.

With the warmer weather, also come flies and other biting insects. As we come into Spring and early Summer particularly those who have heavy manes and thick coats can be prone to lice infestation. This can cause sores and hair loss from rubbing as the horse becomes very uncomfortable and in

Defense Against Summer Irritants After a long, wet, cold and dark winter we should all be looking forward to summer and not having to worry about flies, midges, sun and pollen. All these summer irritants cause problems for our horses, resulting in extra expense and worry for us. Luckily there are many products available on the market to help fight against sweet itch, head shaking, runny eyes and sun burn.

The way you manage your horse during the summer months can greatly reduce the effect these irritants can have.

Minimising any exposure your horse has to the flies and midges by perhaps stabling them during the day or at least making sure that they are not out

at dusk when the midges are at their worst. Try and make sure your summer grazing has no standing water or ponds as this attracts flies and midges.

Products that can help include fly sheets (Bucas Buzz Off), fly fringes, fly repellents (NAF Off Deet range), nose nets (Equilibrium’s Muzzle Net) and good old fashioned sun screen for pink muzzles! Fidavet’s Cavalesse added to your horses feed daily will also help control any itching.

Visit www.vetstuffdirect.com to see our wide range of products to help your horse defend itself against these summer irritants.

Z-itch is now available from a retailer near you!

Since Z-itch’s excellent launch at BETA International 2011, the company behind the product are delighted to announce that an impressive network of retailers across the UK are now stocking the product.

Z-itch is a ready to use, pour-on product that has been created to aid the control of sweet itch in horses, ponies and donkeys. It contains Permethrin and is applied to the mane and rump. Most animals will require treatment just once a week and, ideally, treatment should start before the ‘sweet itch season’ commences.

58 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

To find out more about this product, or to find your nearest retailer, simply visit the new website www.z-itch.co.uk.

Z-itch retails at £30.40 (including VAT) for a 250ml bottle. For more information, see www.z-itch. co.uk or speak to your nearest equestrian retailer and ask for Z-itch.

the case of heavy infestation can even cause anaemia. Treatment is with topical application of a specific horse/ lice insecticide. Repeat treatment if required as further eggs may hatch.

Many horses get distressed and annoyed in the presence of flies; even those that do not bite. Regular use of fly repellent can reduce the nuisance and there are many on the market from those that need daily application to those that will repel for up to a week.

Providing shelter can help, as can fly fringes and fly sheets. All over body/ fly sheets are essential in the battle with those who suffer from Sweet Itch or SSRD (Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis). This intensively aggressive itch is caused by an allergy to the saliva of the Culicoides midge or to the Black Fly. As midges are most active at dawn and dusk, and around damp areas, field and stable management is a major factor in the control of this disease.

Fencing off any boggy, wet areas of the

field to prevent access to the most fly ridden spots, is obviously a useful aid to pasture management, but culicoides are known to be able to fly at least 100m, more in windy conditions, so just fencing off the wet area can be of limited value. Stabling during the times of the day where the midge is most active and lifting droppings from the field regularly can help. Use strong and effective fly repellents and the already mentioned fly sheets including face masks if required. All this needs to be started really early in spring as once the horse has suffered a few midge bites the skin will activate reaction and it will be almost impossible to control for the remainder of the summer. Effective control is a daily task for the whole summer and can be very hard work, but it is possible to bring relief to sufferers and manage to retain a mane and tail if the time and effort is made. (For more detailed information and advice see cont. on p.60

Keep your head this summer!

New from Snuggy Hoods is the Sweet Itch Head. It has been created to help keep biting insects and midges away from your horses’ face whilst in the field this summer.

Extensively trialled, the Snuggy Hoods Sweet Itch Head features generous eye holes with attached or detachable fly fringe and full ear coverage with a protective lining behind the poll.

Constructed from breathable fabric with carefully constructed seams that avoid pressure on sensitive poll and muzzle areas, it has a double Velcro fastening behind the poll for extra security. The Sweet Itch Head offers excellent fit whilst being comfortable and durable.

The Snuggy Sweet Itch Head is the latest addition to the Snuggy Hoods renowned Sweet Itch Hood and Rug collection, which already helps millions of horse owners across the world beat the big itch. It gives protection from midges, flies and other annoying insects.

The Head is designed to be used with either fly or turnout rugs that already have full/high necks or for those horses that just bother with flies around the face area.

Being slightly ‘stretchy’, it’s easy to put on yet once fixed will not slip or move on the horse. It is also offered with a zip for easy dressing.

Machine washable with a full alteration service available, the Snuggy Hoods Sweet Itch Head is an essential part of your spring/summer management routine.

The Snuggy Hoods Sweet Itch Head has an RRP of £39.00 (without zip) or £43.00 (with zip) and comes in sizes XXXS (Miniature) -XXL heavy horse). Colours: Black/Brown/Beige.

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

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 59

Health Care - Horses for Sale - Summer Irritants cont. from p.58

www.sweet-itch.com) As with us humans, horses can suffer from Sunburn. Also like us, those with less skin pigment are more prone; white, pink skinned muzzles, greys, palominos, cremellos are the equine equivalent of ‘blondes’ and fair skin!

Most commonly affected areas are those with finer skin and shorter/thinner coat such as the muzzle, eyes, ears, dock and sheath. Human sunscreen creams and lotions are perfectly effective but must be Sun Protection Factor 30-50 and applied regularly.

Muzzle protectors fitted to the noseband of a headcollar as well as flyveils can also block out Ultra Violet rays. If your horse does get burnt, an after-sun or aloe vera cream will help to soothe the burn and moisturise the skin.

Photosensitivity in Primary form can be caused by ingesting plants or toxins such as St Johns Wort, phosphorus

fertiliser, coal tar pitch, wood preservatives and some veterinary medicines. Chemicals are circulated around the body to the skin where they are exposed to UV light, fluoresce and cause oxidative injury to the skin cells. Secondary Photosensitization is when toxins damage the liver and this results in the liver’s inability to remove various compounds created by the breakdown of chlorophyll. Again these toxins are circulated to the skin where sun damage occurs. Ragwort is the most common cause of liver damage. Horses suffering from Primary Photosensitivity recover quickly once removed from the cause, but those suffering liver damage have a poor prognosis.

Buttercups in a fresh state within pasture can also cause a local irritation on the muzzle of horses that is difficult to differentiate from photosensitization.

The volatile chemical dissipates within a few days of the plant being cut in hay or being frozen. Horses are often seen eating the buttercups in the pasture a few days after a hard frost without any adverse reaction.

Head shaking is a distressing veterinary condition rather than a vice or bad habit. Most common in spring and summer as this is when some of the more common factors that trigger the condition are present. At other times of the year a head shaker may appear to be perfectly normal. It is an involuntary response and can vary

from a slight twitch or tic, to violent shaking of the head in a typically up and down movement, or occasionally side to side. Symptoms are often only exhibited when the horse is ridden but some horses may display the problem at rest. Symptoms are believed to be in response to an irritation of the nerve that provides sensation to the face so the horse suffers anything from a mild tingling sensation to a severe electric shock. The condition has been likened to Trigeminal Neuralgia in people. It is thought that the nerve may become overly sensitive due to previous damage by a herpes virus or tooth damage.

Nerve impulses can then be triggered by seemingly harmless things such as sunlight, breathing in pollen, faster airflow through the nasal passages, increased blood pressure etc. The twitching movement of the head is an involuntary reflex response but the horse will then typically respond to the pain by rubbing its face on its forelegs and may actually strike at its own face in discomfort. It can be accompanied by a high or very low head carriage, sneezing or snorting, a watery nasal discharge and in some cases they may try to cover their nostrils to stop themselves inhaling the trigger. In severe cases the horse can become quite dangerous to ride. It is sometimes possible to identify the trigger factor and thus avoid it, enabling the horse to be ridden without distress. For example, some horses are triggered by bright light, hedgerows or spring blossoms. A true head shaker may be very difficult

to treat as the symptoms are poorly controlled by any form of medication. If the trigger factor is an inhaled pollen or allergen the most useful treatment may be to fix a fine mesh over the horse’s muzzle, which prevents the allergens from being inhaled.

Cracked Hooves can cause major lameness problems if not dealt with promptly. Hooves dry out in warm, dry weather and horses going unshod during the summer months can suffer from concussion and chips on the hard ground and small sandcracks can soon travel from the base of the hoof up to the coronet band. All cracks should be dealt with quickly and feet can be kept hydrated with the use of hoof oil or ointment. Feed supplements can also assist in producing stronger hoof growth but this is a longer term solution and will only affect new growth.

A Summary of Summer Management Provide plentiful, fresh water Provide shelter (natural or man-made) from sun, heat and flies Remove droppings regularly from around shelter areas to reduce attraction to flies Check pasture for toxic plants Provide protective clothing/rugs and insect repellent as required .... and now all we need is the warm weather and longer nights to enjoy our horses and the summer whether we are hacking, competing or breeding.

Wardhouse Horse Sales Wardhouse now offer good quality riding and competition horses for sale.

Generally there are between four and six horses for sale at a time. All horses are regularly competed by staff and are hacked out on and off road. This ensures that they are well tried and tested, so an accurate description is given.

Not all horses may be on the web page as they may have just arrived on the yard, so call if you do not see what you are looking for, they may have your ideal horse!

Telephone Iain Couttie BHSI on 01505705125.

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Insurance

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 61

Horses for Sale - Insurance

Petplan Equine presents second annual High Achiever Award

Horse Insurance Vet fees up to £5,000 per condition Illness cover up to 25 years of age* We can pay the vet direct Multi-horse discount available

Following the success of the inaugural Petplan Equine High Achiever Award last year, the UK’s specialist equine insurer, Petplan Equine, is again giving special recognition to the rider who achieves the highest overall percentage score at the eleventh annual Petplan Equine Area Festival Finals, to be held at Hartpury College from 13th April – 17th April.

The combination that triumphs over 400 other competitors taking part at the “Petplans“, as they have become known, will win a five day intensive training course with Adam Kemp FBHS and Mat Frost at Gloucestershire-based AM Dressage.

More than 2,000 amateur dressage riders from all over the UK competed at 15 Area Festivals across the country from August to November 2010, for a place in the finals which are run under true championship conditions alongside the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships.

The winner of the Petplan Equine High Achiever Award will not necessarily be the rider

Call today:

0800 980 7149 PetplanEquine.co.uk

*Horse must be insured with us before its 20th birthday. Terms, conditions and excesses apply.

Petplan Equine is a trading name of Allianz Insurance plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB. Registered in England No. 84638.

62 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

at the highest level but the one who achieves the highest percentage score across the competition irrespective of the championship class in which they are competing.

Last year’s winner, Devon-based Janine Jansen scooped the prize with a combined score of 72% achieved when she won the Petplan Equine Elementary Open Area Festival Final and the Novice Open Final. Janine then went on to win the Elementary Restricted Championship title at the 2010 Dressage Deluxe National Championships held at Stoneleigh Park in September for which she gave credit to the additional ‘High Achiever’ training Petplan Equine and AM Dressage provided.

Commenting on the High Achiever Award, Alison Andrew Marketing Manager of Petplan Equine said, “Janine’s success highlights the way in which the standard of riding in the Area Festivals is improving year on year. We look forward to adding a new combination to the High Achiever’s roll of honour this year.”

Insurance

New Horse Insurance Options for 2011 Equestrian World Insurance Services offer cover for a wide variety of equine related risks and are probably best associated with their popular horsebox insurance policies – but horse insurance is fast becoming another speciality.

additional extras like Public Liability, Personal Accident, Saddlery and Tack cover and Loss of Use. Let us know what you require and we will match you with the most suitable policy.

Having recently secured a new facility with AmTrust Equine, a company run ‘by horse enthusiasts for horse enthusiasts’, this exciting new option combined with our existing agencies (Rural Insurance, KBIS, SEIB and AIMS) enables us to source the most suitable policy to fit your needs – and budget!

Whether you are a happy hacker, a serious show jumper or an eventing enthusiast, we have access to a vast range of equine policies available to suit all clients.

As a specialist insurance broker now established for 5 years, with over 10 years experience prior to this, we pride ourselves on offering quality service and assistance for all your equine insurance needs. The fact that a number of our existing clients request that we cover their other insurance risks also, is testament to the assistance we provide, the range of policy options available and the competitiveness of the premiums we can offer. Check out our website to see what other types of policies we have available – www. horseponyinsurance.co.uk

Laura Swinnerton is the resident horse insurance specialist and her equestrian experience allows her to determine the individual requirements of clients wishing to insure their horse. Various levels of cover and excesses are available for Veterinary Fees, along with the option to include protection for hospitalisation, transportation costs and alternative therapies recommended by a vet. Plus there is the choice to include

Why not compare us to your existing insurer today and see what we have to offer? Quotes can be submitted online via our website, or we can discuss your individual needs on 0141 427 7722.

We have also joined facebook! Search for us and become a fan of our page to keep up to date with all the latest news and events. We look forward to being of assistance in arranging equestrian insurance for your world.

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 63

Stud - Training

Training the Yearling Heather Gwillim

I am now assuming that your youngster has come through his first winter, is now independent of his mother and is happy and confident with flapping plastic, rubber mats, stepping over poles and up on to wooden platforms. Your yearling is also well behaved with the farrier, when having his feet trimmed and good to catch and lead, as well as being well mannered in the stable.

I still tend to keep doing training sessions whenever I can fit them in as I find even a few weeks of being turned out in a field with his friends seems to bring on memory lapses and that well mannered youngster becomes just a little bit more difficult to pick his feet up or a bit stronger to lead. Nothing really bad, just a bit of mission creep as he re-tests the boundaries and before you know it he is quite strong on the end of that lead rope or even worse you are having trouble getting him to leave his friends or he is actually starting to pull really hard. Once the problems start, if you can’t nip them quickly in the bud, your nice, well mannered youngster has turned into a juvenile delinquent.

So I try to continue with short training sessions whenever I can fit them in.

During these training sessions I also like to get the youngster really used to loading in and out of the horse box or trailer as there is nothing worse than not being able to load your horse.

I spend the time now leading him up the ramp and standing him up in the lorry for up to half an hour building it up gradually of course so that you can leave him standing there with some hay to munch on. If there is going to be a problem with this I would rather know about it now and not when I have taken him to a show.

I also make sure that he is used to the un-expected as it is always surprising how many youngsters who will step over poles, stuffed toys, plastic sheeting etc. with no problem what so ever in the arena, but will react totally differently when presented with those exact same 64 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

things in a different situation and place.

I will put a plastic bag in a hedge (don’t forget to retrieve the bag when you have finished the training session) I am going to lead him past or put something like a stuffed toy on the yard where he isn’t used to seeing it. You can’t prepare your horse for everything he will come across during his lifetime and some horses will always be more confident than others no matter how much work you put in, but never the less the more you do the better your youngster will become and the more trust he will have in you, as long as you keep on observing the same rules and end each session with your youngster calm and confident. Two instances spring to mind where I was very happy I had spent the time with my youngster. The first occasion happened when I was taking two people out for a ride. I was riding my own homebred horse and I think he was around seven at the time; we were riding along a grass track with a hedge alongside it, it had been an old railway track. We came around a bend to be confronted with a piece of black silage wrap that had clearly blown off the silage clamp close by, it had caught on the hedge and was flapping about at around knee height and it was large enough to cover half of the width of the track. I was able to ride my horse forward and stand him on the flapping plastic, ignoring the plastic flapping all around his legs and he held it down while the other two riders were able to ride past. The second instance was more extreme and could have been your worst nightmare. I was riding the same horse who was a horse I had developed an amazing partnership with that lasted for almost thirty years but never the less he had been trained using the same methods we have always used on our young stock.

I was out on a hack and came round a sharp bend in the road, there was a bank on the left of the road with a field above it and in that field not much more than fifty meters from us was a hot air balloon. It was clearly only just

taking off and they lit the burner as I came round the corner to be faced with this big orange balloon in the air about five meters above my head. My horse came to an abrupt stop with his head in the air as you would expect and then, before I could react, he started to walk on again and indeed walked straight past the balloon having clearly decided it was none of his concern. It was amazing and because I had been so slow to react because I was just too shocked, he had decided it was just a bigger than usual piece of plastic or something. There are clearly very few horses that would react this way if confronted by a hot air balloon and this particular horse, a part bred Arab, had always been exceptionally brave from a foal. Never the less, I think the fact that I had spent a long time building a partnership with him and had always introduced unusual things to him was at least part of the reason why we didn’t return back up the road at full gallop that day.

next ring. A horse I had from Portugal really hated chickens. They seemed to really worry him, so you never know what animal your horse might take a dislike to, so it is worth trying to introduce them to as many species as you can as you might be very glad you did one day. As a yearling there will probably be in hand showing classes you can take your youngster to. This is an excellent opportunity to get him out in new situations and put your training to the test. It is also an opportunity to travel him in a box or trailer and to lead him with a lot of other horses he doesn’t know and then of course he will have to leave them all again to come home. If you have the opportunity to show your youngster, I would do so as it really is very good education for them.

For some of course it is their future and that will be their future job, for others it is just a good chance to pin point any shortcomings in your training, which you can then improve before the next show.

Now back to training our young horse.

The other thing it is always worth getting your horses used to are other animals. I always have dogs and cats around the yard so my horses have plenty of opportunity to see them, which I think is very important as not all dogs will sit quietly as you ride past, so I often play ball with the dogs in the stable area so the horses get used to seeing the dogs running around and leaping in the air. As we live in a very rural area it is also easy to introduce them to sheep and cattle too, in fact my horses are often turned out with sheep and cattle, which I have always found works well. Another two animals I would suggest you try to get your horses used to are pigs and donkeys.

A lot of horses don’t seem to like pigs and some horses are quite worried by donkeys especially if they bray, so if you get a chance to familiarise them, then do so as you can meet either when out on a hack or if you intend to show your horse at agricultural shows you might find yourself with donkeys in the

As with all training the important thing is the trust and partnership you are building for the future. Heather currently runs an Iberian Stud and training yard in Carmarthenshire, South Wales with her husband Tim. Their yard stands a black P.R.E. (Andalusian) Stallion at stud.

Heather and Tim also offer training courses by arrangement in ground work and horse handling techniques.

Courses are also available to first time horse owners on - Stable Management, Breeding a Foal, Buying your First Horse, Vet and Farriery Protocol, Loading and Handling etc.

Contact Details: Tel: 07815 446858 Email: heather.june@live.co.uk Website: www.bearlodgestud.co.uk If you missed the previous articles in this series, you will find them on EquiAds website www.equiads.net in the Featured Articles section.

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 65

Philosophical

BUT EVERYBODY DOES IT – Does that make it right?

Anne with Lucy Lou

Anne Wilson The horse world is full of fallacies and ill informed pieces of inherited ‘wisdom’. Some of the more ludicrous are:• Horses don’t need to drink in cold weather.

• A pound of carrots will kill the horse’s intestinal worms.

• Horses don’t feel the cold or heat.

• All stallions are dangerous and aggressive and should never be turned out with other horses.

I’m sure most of my readers would never entirely believe any of the above.

However, there are some practices which are not quite so clearly wrong.

They are so widely carried out that nobody questions their wisdom. Here are a few of the common ones which I feel are detrimental to horses:I have to pull my horse’s head in towards his chest because that’s how so many top riders ride, so it must be correct.

Many riders still believe that they must pull their horse’s head in towards his chest, with the nose well behind the vertical, because so many successful competitive riders still do it. This is despite the fact that the FEI have said, I quote “The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse.” Also the British Horse Society have made a very clear statement definitely condemning the practice of rollkur, hyperflexion or overbending (all these are terms for the head being pulled inwards and/or downwards towards the chest). After all the furore, discussion and work done to put a stop to this horrendous practice, I find it heartbreaking to see so many eminent riders still doing it. Even more disheartening is the fact that so many judges still allow it! Things have improved but not by anywhere near enough.

My horse has to be put into an outline before we can begin working properly.

This is the old chestnut and is closely related to the problem above, but I will repeat it, because it is so important – horses should never be ‘put’ into an outline. They should be encouraged to use their hind end correctly; but they cannot do this without the correct exercises to strengthen joints, tendons, and back muscles. If your horse is poking his nose, there is nothing wrong in practicing shoulder-in gently in walk.

This will gradually (over the coming months) strengthen him and sooner or later his head will come naturally to a 66 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

position nearer to the ideal of ‘just in front of the vertical’.

Remember the adage - a horse’s outline does not come from the front but from behind.

Warming the horse up at the start of a schooling session by zooming around the arena.

Many people think that ‘warming up’ requires speed and they send the horse forward into a spanking trot as soon as they enter the arena.

Warming up should be gradual. The first five minutes should be spent in walk, preferably on a long rein, to enable the horse to stretch. If the weather is cold then an exercise sheet can be used. The first trot should be of short duration; first on one rein, then walk, followed by change of rein and a short trot on the other rein. Neither walk nor trot should be rushed. So long as the horse is stepping through from behind and not ‘slouching’ – speed is not what is required.

The first warm-up canters should be of short duration as described for the trot.

Trotting or cantering round and round in circles for long periods of time, before the serious work starts, only serves to tire both horse and rider. It also has the tendency to encourage the horse to put more weight onto the forehand.

My horse needs a tight drop noseband to keep the bit still in his mouth.

The bit should not be still in the horse’s mouth. A gentle chewing or chomping on the bit is most desirable – all the great classical masters have advocated this. Quite why many modern trainers believe that the bit should be static is beyond me! This gentle chewing on the bit encourages salivation and the flexibility of the jaw, followed by complete acceptance of the bit and the horse taking a good ‘on-the-bit’ position. It is quite different from grinding of the teeth which may be undesirable, but depending upon the severity of the problem, or the reason for it, may not be quite such a bad fault as sometimes believed.

Many bits are fitted far too high in the mouth, again to prevent movement of the bit. This causes great discomfort and makes a good rider/horse contact impossible.

Many saddles are fitted too far forward because ‘that’s how everyone fits a saddle’. The saddle should be fitted

so that the action of the shoulder is not affected. Remember that the top of the shoulder blade moves back when the horse is in action. As the front leg moves forward the shoulder blade rotates and much pain can ensue if it comes into contact with the saddle.

The other problem caused by the saddle being too far forward (or too far back) is one of lack of balance. If the saddle is too forward, then the seat will be up at the front, tilting the rider backwards onto the cantle. This is why some riders find it almost impossible to sit in a classically correct position – their legs are thrust forward because the seat is pushed back. In this way the whole position is wrong and the rider is completely out of balance. Added to which the rider’s weight is then on the weakest part of the horse’s back, instead of the strongest part just behind the withers, as it should be when the rider sits correctly in the centre of a well fitted saddle.

Another problem occurring when the saddle is too far forward is that the girth pinches the horse behind the elbow.

Of course the saddle should not be too far back either.

One way to check the position of the saddle is to stand at the side – the deepest part of the seat should be level, with no tilting one way or another.

Make sure that the shoulder blade has good clearance for movement. All this is dependent upon the saddle being a good fit for the horse in the first place.

It should be fitted by a knowledgeable, qualified saddle fitter. If in doubt about its positioning, ask him/her to show you where to position the saddle.

My bridle can’t be too small because it was expensive and is the largest size.

Many off the peg bridles are ill fitting.

The browbands are typically too short causing discomfort or pain to the horse’s ears. Nosebands are usually too tight as are throat lashes. Bits are often fitted too high in the mouth causing pain to the lips and preventing any correct contact with the rein and thus the rider’s hand. Because so many bridles are ill fitting this becomes the accepted ‘norm’ by so many people.

My advice is to measure your horse’s head exactly and if an off the peg bridle does not fit the bill, I’m afraid you need to have one made to measure.

Washing horses with cold water hoses

in the summer when they are hot and sweating.

However hot the weather may be, when a horse (or any mammal) is hot and sweating, a sudden thermal shock of cold water will, at the very least, cause extreme discomfort. It could also cause physical shock and result in the animal becoming ill with a chill, colic or other such ailment.

Gently sponging the horse with cold water is not so bad, since it does not cause such a sudden chilling. However, sponging with tepid water would be better. The horse should always be walked afterwards to keep his circulation moving, so he doesn’t cool down too quickly. Combine this with the use of an anti-sweat rug, which should dry him off and this should keep him comfortable as he cools down.

Cold hosing of horses’ legs in the winter to wash off mud.

This is a widespread practice and even recommended by some vets to prevent mud fever. It is usually recommended to dry the legs off afterwards. However, I am convinced that blasting cold water onto joints in cold weather does nothing to allay the onset of rheumatic/arthritic conditions. If the legs must be washed, then warm water should be used. After all, most arthritic conditions become worse in winter because of cold and damp conditions. It is possible to let the mud dry and then brush off gently.

If this causes mud fever it is better to prevent mud from adhering to the legs in the first place by the use of turn-out wraps, or use wicking type leg wraps to dry the legs quickly, and then brush off gently.

Pressure/power hoses should never be used on horses under any circumstance.

They blast water at such a powerful rate causing pain, soreness and injury to the skin.

Cold hosing of legs can be very helpful in cases of injury to tendons, etc. where there is heat and inflammation, but then one positive effect is balanced against a harmful one.

A quick but gentle hosing (not full blast) of the legs in hot weather is good for cooling the tendons down after exercise

Stud and I feel will do no harm to the joints under these conditions.

Personally I use leg wraps on my horses’ legs at night to prevent the legs and particularly the joints, from extreme cold, any time the temperature is due to drop below zero. I feel that this, combined with classical training, is what has kept her free from arthritis at the age of 22.

These are just some of the practices which have become accepted and are detrimental to the well-being of so many horses – there must be a lot more. We all need to think for ourselves rather than accepting what others tell us. That’s not to say you should ignore

good advice, but think about it before implementing it. Just put yourself in the horse’s place. Horses may be different from us but we are mammals with the same basic physical functioning – if you prick me I feel pain, so does your horse.

Anne Wilson, who is based in Bedfordshire, is a Classical Riding Trainer. She is an author and copublisher of Tracking-up, a quarterly independent equestrian magazine, obtainable by subscription (see the advert in this issue). Also author of ‘Riding Revelations - Classical Training from the Beginning’ - www.black-tent. co.uk Anne can be contacted on Tel: 01234 772401 website: www.classicalridingannewilson.com

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 67

Riding

Breathe life into your riding BREATHE INTO YOUR TRANSITIONS It will be beneficial when you first sit in the saddle, to take a few moments to check your posture from top to toe as described in my last article.

Begin by riding forward with ‘allowing’ reins. Focus on your core breathing and feel the building of power and energy with the inward breath and the release and flow of energy with your outward breath.

Very quickly the horse will tune into this sequence of aids and respond from your breath alone. Remember the high sensitivity of your horse and tune into his mind to build your connection.

When the horse is walking forwards, continue breathing naturally and rhythmically with every few strides.

Imagine you are jogging and supporting your running with steady inhalation and exhalation.

BREATHE INTO THE HALT

Take a very deep outward sigh, rippling down your upper torso into your core to release any tension. This will help to relax your body releasing tension through your muscles and joints.

Allow the next inward breath, just to happen, in a natural way. Remember when you give a deep sigh it is just a gentle release of energy through your body. This is a different feel to the outward breath which directs the stronger energy, from the core towards the horse, which will instigate his movement.

BREATHE INTO WALK When you feel calm and focused top to toe, take up an allowing contact with the reins, then inhale followed by a more vigorous outward breath. The exhalation will ripple down your spine releasing through your core which will encourage the horse to move forwards.

This movement for the rider is similar to sitting on a swing and pushing it forwards and upwards, but it is much more subtle.

If your horse does not respond, use your legs once and if needed back up with a tap of the whip on your own leg.

When you ask the horse to halt, your deeper inward breath will lengthen and strengthen your spine, creating stability and acting as a half halt. As the horse responds, increase the inward breath, close your fingers on the reins and ask him to halt. Once the horse is standing still, release the pressure of your fingers on the reins, so he can stand immobile in a good self-carriage. Gain his focus with your steady core-breathing. He should be calm and still, yet ready to move on your next deeper, energizing exhalation. If the horse is allowed to stand, with only a light contact with the reins his forward movement can be in lightness and not bearing down.

TRANSITIONS - FROM WALK to TROT

Prepare by walking forwards with a good energy and rhythm. Before you trot forwards make sure the horse is relaxed into a steady contact with the reins.

This will not be created by pulling back with your hands, but from the energy from the hind limbs. This active motion from behind will increase movement through all his joints and will mobilize his spine. This flow of energy will create a release through his back. His

Jenny Rolfe

head and neck will arch and lengthen naturally, as a result of a calm attentive mind and good positive energy.

Spend a few minutes trying to gain this feeling. Breathe steadily, in a natural rhythm becoming more aware of expanding your core on the inward breath and releasing gently through your core on exhalation.

Encourage the horse to come and ‘sit under you’ bringing his hind legs through to develop better self carriage.

In this way his forehand and shoulders will feel lighter. Just picture a see saw with two people, both weighing the same, sitting at either end.

Now picture a heavier person who makes the see saw tip down with the extra weight. Whilst one end will lower, the other end will elevate. This is similar to the horse when he uses more energy to propel and elevate, his forehand will lighten and he will feel more freedom in his shoulders.

When you prepare to trot, first make sure you have a marching, energetic rhythm in walk. Then take a deeper inward breathe to re-balance and further engage the movement gaining his attention for a change in gait. Then allow a stronger breath outwards and feel the energy ripple down through your spine, which will release and mobilise your seat.

If the horse does not respond then use your legs, just once and re-enforce with a tap of the whip, if needed.

strengthens your spine but you will feel the tightness through your upper leg and thigh. The horse is extremely sensitive to any change of balance or restriction from the rider. The feeling of restraint which is just a momentary check from the rider, will probably be sufficient to steady the horse.

The horse will quickly learn to listen to core breathing as your first aid when asking for any change, whether in pace or direction. Techniques of breathing can energise a lazy horse or equally calm an anxious horse. Breathing awareness will enhance communication between horse and rider. This will open up a path towards harmony and lightness.

HOMEWORK: Spend a few moments before riding to focus on your posture and breathing.

Then once in the saddle explore these techniques. Become ‘core aware’ and try to make your seat and core the first aid before any change in pace. Start to feel you are flowing with the motion of the horse – and how you can influence him from just your core-breathing. Enjoy your journey!

My next article will explore these techniques further.

Jenny gives clinics with her Iberian stallions. Her book and DVD ‘Ride From the Heart’ are available from her web site www.spanishdressagehorses.co.uk

Focus on your regular natural breathing and use the deeper outward breath to instigate more energy. Tap once with your legs if the horse is not attentive to your energising breath. The horse will soon tune into your breathing alone which will enable your legs just to hang in a relaxed way down either side of the horse’s rib cage. In this way your natural balance will not be continually disrupted.

If your horse tries to pull and get too strong in your hands, re-balance with more focus on more deep inhalation and if necessary close your fingers on the reins.

Release the pressure of your fingers so he can stand immobile in good self carriage

68 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Your more intense inward breath will expand and strengthen your seat and core. This will give stability to the horse who will feel this momentary resistance to his forward movement. He will then re-balance and with a more allowing contact from your hand and fingers, you can encourage him to move forward with more lightness.

When you take the deeper inward breath, it not only lengthens and

The forehand will lighten and he will feel more freedom in his shoulders

Field & Stable - Stud - Training - Transport

Macetero Stud they were used as tools of diplomacy between Royal Houses.

Foreside Andalusian Stud is proud to offer 2 Pure Carthusian Stallions for stud.

THE CARTHUSIAN STALLION Commonly known as Andalusians, the correct name is PRE, meaning Pura Raza Espanola. The elite strain known as Carthusian, or Cartujano, boasts the earliest know stud book in existence, started in the early 13th Century by the Carthusian monks of Spain. From these oldest recorded pedigree lines come the purest of all PREs, the Carthusian. Only 12% in the entire world of PREs are pure Carthusian stock. They are the most valuable of all PREs. Their distinguishing features are that they are strongly built, elegant and compact. Movement is extended, elevated, cadenced and harmonious, with a balance of roundness and forward implusion. They are incredibly intelligent and noble and fully deserving of the title ‘King of Horses’. Known through history as the horses of nobility,

Holders of current clear certificates for Contagious Equine Matritis (CEM) and Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), they are only available to health screened mares.

lines as Bilbaino, Deseado and Nervioso amongst so many more famous lines of excellence.

These horses are majestic, rare and magnificent and pass their beauty and capabilities onto their progeny. Foals from APTO graded PRE mares are eligible for PRE status, progeny out of other mares are eligible to Part Bred Status, and a passport from BAPSH. Both have foals on the ground, we

currently have two of Golondrinos foals for sale.

For more information about Foreside Andalusian stud, please go to www. foresideandalusianstud.com or www. foreside.org.uk Or call Bozena on 07837080058

MACETERO IX Macertero IX is off Goloso V who was considered such a perfect example, that he was bought by the president of the Spanish Stud Book, ANNCE. Macetero IX is out of Deseada XCVII, grand daughter of Albero II, the legendary stallion who was Functionality Champion of Spain! He carries the Outstanding lines of Bilbaino, Destinado and Descarado among so many more famous horses through time. Its gene colour is Ee - Aa - Gg - Dd GOLONDRINO XX Golondrino XX is an accomplished and truly beloved stallion. He is off Deseado XXVIII, out of Golondrina XXVI. Bred by Fernando Diaz Navas, and graded by the famous Francisco Javier Rivera. He is descended from such astonishing blood

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 69

Classical Riding - Field & Stable

Many roads lead to rome – or do they?

Sylvia Loch Any novice rider aiming to school their horse correctly nowadays must experience a sense of frustration when they look at the options open to them.

The various directories and internet sites abound with specialist teachers and trainers and rather too many of these claim that their way is unique.

To add to our confusion, there are many disciplines within a discipline.

Take dressage. We have the German School, the Portuguese School, the French School and so on and so forth.

What about the British School – is that so bad, it’s rarely mentioned?

As a child, I was brought up in what you might call the British traditional school. It was this which influenced the Pony Club where I had my first proper lessons, and very good they were too. Most of the instuctors were either former cavalry officers (or their wives) or they had been influenced by the cavalry. They tended to be quite strict and rightly so – because they instilled respect and most especially for the horse. In addition to that, the stable management was second to none and I still have my books of notes from cold Saturday afternoons spent in some freezing yard where we learned how to

rug, bandage and treat minor ailments.

It was great stuff and I loved it!

Gradually, from around l970 onwards, people began to sneer at the old ways – despite the fact that cavalry instructors knew how to get the very best out of their horses in difficult circumstances and how to keep them fit. Instead, everyone wanted something modern and new. Sensible precepts such as keeping your knees close to the saddle was suddenly ‘too much like the cavalry’ and were abandoned. If you sat still and upright, you were stiff. If you rode with light hands, your horse wasn’t accepting the contact (hello?...) and so the insidious seeds of political correctness in riding, were sown. The Manual of Horsemanship – once our precious Bible – was rewritten and what had previously seemed simple and clearcut became a minefield of often, quite contradictory advice.

With more competition, people swapped their English horses for Warmbloods.

First it was the Germans, later the Dutch, Swedish and Danish. Today, it is generally accepted in snobbish circles that North European horses are best; sadly, to ride them tact and

good position are too often bypassed in favour of quick fix remedies. Having lived in Portugal for 10 years and done a lot of riding in Spain… I admire and practise the Iberian style of equitation which is very distinctive. The emphasis is on collection, lightness, one handed riding and a very proud, centered position in the saddle.

This influence was pure 18th Century, two classical masters – La Gueriniere of France and the Marquis of Marialva from Portugal – being widely studied even by quite everyday riders. Indeed, this style had been universal and practised in Britain right up until the 19th Century when the craze for jumping and hunting took over from the disciplines of the manege. It was at this point that the once revered classical seat – accepted throughout Europe and beyond - was to turn into the forward seat for most British riders – even though there is now a big revival*.

So what do I personally make of all these styles and what is my opinion of the various ‘gurus’ who teach in a particular, ‘unique’ way? In l990 I set about writing a *book on the history of riding and after 3 years of intense study and scrutiny of different academies and yards and scouring our great libraries,

Marquis of Marialva of Portugal, 1775

archives and galleries – I came to the following conclusion. No matter what country someone comes from, what they say about themselves, who they have studied with, what school of thought they favour – there is good and bad riding. So how to distinguish? For me there is ultimately only one way of judging. Look at the horse or horses they ride!

If their horses enjoy their work, if they are well muscled over the neck, back and loins, if they accept the bit without arguing, if their tails swing cont. on p.72

The Classical Seat demonstrated

by Sylvia on her Lusitano Stallion Prazer

70 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Events - Field & Stable

The 10th BHS Borders Festival of the Horse The festival will be taking place at various venues across the Borders from May 18th to May 30th It will consist of thirteen days of guided horse rides, racing and competitions, demonstrations and have-a-go sessions with vets, endurance riders and trailer towing.

Highlights include Duke of Buccleuch Pony Club 80th Anniversary, a memorable evening with the heavy horses and an authentic medieval

fayre. Trick riding, grown up gymkhana and horse logging will all feature.

Incorporating Floors International Horse trials and some of Kelso’s biggest racing days, this annual celebration of equestrianism show cases the Scottish Borders as God’s Horse Country something for everyone whether you are horsy or not!

Click on www.bordersfestivalhorse. org for further details or contact H.mauchlen@bhs.org.uk

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 71

Field & Stable - Holidays - Horsebox cont. from p.70

loose and free and there is no sign of obvious stress, if they look ‘uphill’ rather than ‘downhill’ and they are forward, calm and straight – then that is a very good beginning. If what the trainer says sounds straightforward and logical, if you understand them and they are willing to answer all your questions, if there is no sense of ‘spin’ or gobbledygook – and what they say is what they do, then you are definitely on the right track.

If your horse likes them, that too is an excellent sign. You may not believe this but I have met two well-known instructors in my time who obviously don’t like horses at all. They like what goes with horses, they like the status, the cudos … but there is something lacking. They rarely establish eye contact with the horse, they are not in a hurry to touch him, and they always blame the horse – rather than the rider – every single time something goes wrong. Don’t let trainers like this near your horse.

A good trainer – may well offer to ride your horse – although probably not if he

is very young, timid or dangerous. They will look your horse (and you) in the eye.

They will work to a programme that puts no stress or strain on the horse and they’ll take account of his natural strengths and weaknesses. They will not expect miracles or rush. They will enthuse over every small step of progress and what they teach one day will be relevant for the next and the one after. They will never insist you do something a certain way, only for it to be undone at a later stage. There will be sufficient pause and stretch moments for you and the horse in your lesson and pain is definitely NOT gain.

With regard to the different disciplines, all I have advised above should apply to every sphere of horsemanship, whether it be novice dressage, advanced dressage, general schooling, showing, Western or natural horsemanship.

Discipline is achieved through the tasks and exercises given, not by making your horse uncomfortable via tight reins and nosebands, or a contraption that forces the head in.

Bitting and the state of your horse’s mouth will be addressed. A good trainer should have an open mind and help you to understand what does what and how. If you’re having problems with your normal snaffle, they may suggest a different type, or a pelham or a double and there is nothing wrong with that provided it works for your horse. Remember it is the hands that control the bit that often need to be addressed and a good trainer will look at those first.

trainer who told me to do something without explaining the reason why.

The classical aids have developed over many centuries for purely practical reasons – and they are based on simple physics. That is why I respect them so much. They may be as old as the hills, but so is horsemanship. I am very suspicious of anyone who insists they have invented ‘a new method’.

For example, if the rider does not sit on the right part of their anatomy and in the right part of the saddle, he will be working against nature – i.e. defying the law of gravity. The difference between being in balance with your horse and out of balance is only a couple of inches, so it’s important for the horse’s comfort and health that we get that right. Remember saddles have a huge part to play but there is more than one saddle out there that will help you sit correctly so do not be led into an expensive investment without looking at several alternatives. Remember you must have room to manoeuvre in whatever saddle you choose.

When it comes to the horse’s gaits, I have been amazed to see trainers pulling the rider’s legs so far back, the horse gets slower and slower, even stopping. Without some understanding of biomechanics, we can ruin our horses before we have begun. Moving our leg into an unnatural position places so much pressure on the horse’s spine,

When it comes to the use of the rider’s seat and legs, I would eschew any

The Classical Seat demonstrated

by Sylvia on her Lusitano Stallion Prazer. (photos by Nathalie Todd)

72 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

he simply cannot go forward! Again, work with Nature. Resist anything that you wouldn’t do on the ground and above all - listen to your horse!

When it comes to riding doctrine, it is very tempting to say many roads lead to Rome. Many great maestros, the late Nuno Oliveira springs to mind, have used that saying.

The truth however is rather more complex than that. Those great masters all subscribed to the same doctrine of good riding - the classical principles – but they were keen to instill that we have many choices of how to work within those solid guidelines.

Clearly, there are endless ways of teaching both you and your horse, but without a proper structure to govern what we do, without a pair of eyes on the ground when we first start out on our journey, it’s very unlikely we will ever get to Rome. *Sylvia Loch is the author of The Classical Seat, Dressage in Lightness, Invisible Riding, Dressage, the Art of Classical Riding and The Royal Horse of Europe. She will be running Classical Dressage & Instructors 3 day Courses this year at Ladykirk Stables, Berwickshire where students may also have the opportunity to study with Lucy Simpson, Scotland’s only certified Monty Roberts Instructor. See www.classicalriding.co.uk

Training

Exciting times at Pendle Equestrian!

INTRODUCING : The North West Ethical Training Team - Jenny Ludlam, Becky Holden and Heather Smiles.

Pendle’s new livery yard and training centre is holding several innovative workshops this Spring and Summer, beginning with Becky’s popular ‘Riding From the Ground Up’ training.

Jenny, (the yards owner and training coordinator) has studied horse and human behaviour for many years and has always strived to find a holistic way to keep and train her horses. Since teaming up with Becky (Classical dressage trainer) and Heather (biomechanical riding instructor and EFT coach) progress with pupils and horses has been phenomenal.

April the 23rd and 24th sees the first of several clinics with Becky. The weekend will consist of practical exercises including work in-hand, long reining, and work under saddle to ultimately

produce horses that are relaxed, supple and working in self carriage. Becky is also an expert in positive re-enforcement techniques (clicker training).

Heather and Jenny will be repeating the successful ‘Power of Position’ dismounted workshops over the summer. These one day intensive sessions are suitable for anyone interested in improving their riding position and those keen to refine the interaction between themselves and their horse.

Pendle Equestrian is conveniently situated in the heart of Pendle, with easy access from the M65, and close to the A59, on the borders of Lancashire and North

Is it because you think theft will never happen to you? This is what the thieves want you to think. Theft of horses and ponies so often occurs through complacency.

Perhaps you think freeze marking is expensive? Well, the average charge with Freezemark Ltd is under £50 and that covers the freeze mark and you get a free year’s security back-up and registration.

BecKy Holden ‘Riding From The Ground Up’ - 23rd and 24th April Two days of practical hands on instruction from a much respected classical dressage trainer, who is keen to demonstrate the impact that correct groundwork can have. Pupils will learn to recognize the importance of timing, lightness and core strength and begin to develop educated hands. Not only will she help to unlock your horse’s potential, but she will encourage you to develop your communication skills and allow you to enjoy new levels of partnership.

All levels of horses and owners are encouraged, you do not need to own an Iberian nor be a competitive dressage rider. The information in this workshop will benefit the average Tb or cob, as much, if not more as the ‘ideal’ dressage horse, and all standards of riders will learn to be more clear with their aids and communication. Spectators are welcome, homemade lunch is provided and Livery and B&B is available.

Prices from £25 per day (spectator) to £125 per day (including horse livery and B&B) Please contact Jenny on www.pendleequestrian.co.uk or 07814544077

Maybe it is because you do not want a visible mark on your horse? Don’t forget if a mark is visible, it can be seen not only by you, but by the thieves.

Are you worried about showing your horse or pony? You shouldn’t be – over 300,000 horses and ponies have now been marked – from those owned by top professionals to the owner of the beloved family pet.

Barefoot trimmers, skilled dentists, physical therapists and skilled saddle fitters are all available. The yard can offer pre-training for starting, starting and backing, schooling and problem solving, for example, traffic training or trailer training.

Also planned are Confidence Camps, where a unique combination of mental exercise and practical strategies can rapidly transform a riders perception of the issues and allow the fun to return to horse ownership.

Not Freeze Marked yet - why?

You might think you have done enough by having your animal micro chipped? That is fine for registration of animals, but a thief does not see it.

Yorkshire. The yard offers a peaceful atmosphere so that owners and horses can spend quality time together, and has been designed with the horse in mind….. stables are large and airy, and allow the opportunity for horses to continue to feel part of the herd, whilst being secure in their own space. Year round turn out is encouraged, even for difficult cases such as those horses prone to weight gain and laminitis by means of a ‘Paddock Paradise’ system.

Power of Position Workshop Sunday 15th May Discover how to use your body in the most effective and efficient way on horseback. Explore the concept of a ‘balanced position’ and learn exercises to strengthen and optimise muscle use whilst retaining relaxation. Have fun and enjoy some ‘light bulb’ moments, and revolutionise your position. Suitable for all levels, lunch provided £65.00 Contact Jenny on www.pendleequestrian.co.uk or Heather on www.eft4horsendrider.co.uk or telephone 07814544077

Confidence Camp 18th and 19th June A two day course using an unique combination of EFT and mental exercises, with practical hands on strategies to move you and your horse on from a place where you are stuck. Everyone welcome, with or without horse, whether you have problems jumping 3ft 6 or problems just mounting your horse. Camping out, good food, fun and like minded folk make this a life affirming weekend. £150 per person (bring your own tent or horsebox) B&B available.

Contact Jenny on www.pendleequestrian.co.uk or Heather on www.eft4horsendrider.co.uk or call 07814 544077

Also, if you book by 10 May, you will get 10% discount per freeze mark – you can even choose your own mark!

Don’t know how to organise freeze marking? Freezemark is national. All you need to do is to telephone them on 01295 788226 or email info@ freezemark.biz and full details of the service can be found at www.freezemark.biz DON’T DELAY – TOMORROW MAY BE TOO LATE……

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 73

Bedding - Healthcare

Kathrine Wilson Epona Horsemanship Certificate holder for Monty Roberts Preliminary Certificate in Horsemanship & Equine Body Worker Sports Massage – for the benefit of your horse.

Kathrine has been around horses all her life, and has been qualified in the above therapies for the last 11 years. She is based in Kent and she also offers one day workshops in equine massage and equine behaviour, including a leading and loading workshop.

She loves the way the horse “tells” the owner how much he is enjoying his massage; Licking, chewing, head lowering, relaxed eye, sleeping, farting (Sorry!), leaning and more.....

Training for you and your horse using non-violent methods based on trust, mutual respect and equine awareness. Achieve a deeper bond between you and horse.

Discover how he thinks and learns. Develop a relationship between the two of you that is beneficial and puts you on the path to success.

Some of the issues covered are: • Leading and Loading.

• Starting of Young horses.

• Spookiness and Napping overcome.

• General Behavioural Problems.

• Clicker Training.

Equine Massage has numerous benefits that have been reaped for centuries.

• Release of muscle tension.

• Enhances muscle tone.

• Increased range of motion.

• Increased quality of stride.

• Eases tired, aching muscles.

These are just a few of the many positive changes you could see after your horse has enjoyed his massage. Horses of all ages, shapes and sizes can benefit, many of them find huge changes after just one treatment!

As with all complimentary therapies Veterinary liaison is essential.

For further information or to make an appointment contact Kathrine Wilson, Tel: 07773 703276. Based in South – East Kent.

Email: info@alternativehorsesociety.co.uk

Save up for summer Would you rather spend your pennies on competition entries, new horsey clothes and having fun with your horse this summer? By re-evaluating the cost of your horse’s bedding you could potentially save money as well as time and effort mucking out!

Belvoir Bed is an economical alternative to shavings and other bedding products.

Made from top quality, dust extracted chopped straw; the bedding makes a comfortable bed for your horse with the traditional benefits of straw, minus the age old disadvantages.

Not only is Belvoir Bed super absorbent, leading to less ammonia in the stable

environment – a huge bonus, especially in warmer weather – but it is treated with a natural formulation. Based on a principle ingredient of Lemongrass – a non toxic and non irritant plant – the bedding smells of fresh lemon scent, but not the overpowering odour of harsh citronella.

This natural formulation has powerful anti-fungal properties to help reduce moulds and spores, whilst also offering antiseptic benefits to help protect against contagious disease such as equine flu and strangles.

When compared against the average price of a bale of shavings, Belvoir Bed could potentially save you around 18% of your yearly bedding costs. Based on Belvoir Bed’s starting price of £4.90 + vat per bale, this could be around £70 – or more! That equates to around 12 bales of bedding – which for the average horse lasts 3 months! On a larger yard of 10 horses, this would be around £700 in a year of savings – no wonder professional riders including Sharon Hunt, and Gareth and Rebecca Hughes choose to use it!

Quick rotting, easy to muck out and comfortable for your horse, Belvoir Bed can only be ordered direct enabling prices to be kept to an absolute minimum. To find out more information tel: 01254 677 786 or visit: www.belvoirbed.co.uk

Equitatus Equitatus offers high quality personalised equestrian clothing for riders and non-riders. Specialising in quality riding jackets, saddlecloths and rugs with your own embroidered words or designs. Ideal for clubs, teams, small businesses or one-offs for individuals.

We have developed our own, unique embroidery designs for the discerning

rider – apart from many stock designs, we have our own, exclusive designs which will set you apart from others wearing embroidered jackets.

We are a small, family owned company able to offer a more personal service.

Ordering is simple and straightforward with the option of using our unique online design tool. Visit our website www.equitatus.co.uk

Superb quality embroidered Bronte Melrose Jackets

74 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

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April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 75

Competition

“Eau”-ssential gear You wouldn’t spend a day at a competition without having a drink to keep yourself from getting dehydrated and feeling dizzy and weak; neither should your horse. If it’s not the most important consideration, water should at least be near the top of your horse’s competition gear list.

Just a 2% loss of water compromises performance, digestion (increasing colic risk), joint lubrication, temperature regulation and elimination of waste – how do we feel with a hangover, which is usually with a one per cent loss of body water? Dehydration can affect stamina, concentration, ability to recover from work, increase the onset of fatigue and reduce appetite. It can also cause colic and tying up. Drinking plenty of water helps improve fitness and overall athletic performance and is also an essential key to faster after-training recovery. It only takes 17 minutes of moderate exercise in hot, humid weather to raise a horse’s temperature to dangerous levels. Your horse actually loses significant fluid just

travelling in a horse box and the negative effects on performance have been shown to start as early as 15 minutes into exercise, if starting from a poorly hydrated state. The better hydrated your horse is, the better his performance is going to be. That’s why it’s extremely important not to overlook the aspect of drinking water as a key part of your horse’s competition gear. It is that crucial factor that can make or break your horse’s road to victory.

In order to maximise your horse’s performance, you need to ensure he is adequately hydrated before, during and after an event. Some horses drink willingly at shows but many do not. Failure of horses to drink at a competition is an important warning sign for impending problems. Because the more dehydrated a horse becomes, the less inclined he is to drink. So if you know your horse has been working hard and yet is not drinking, do not assume he doesn’t need water. Don’t make the mistake of thinking, “he knows best what

he needs”---use your head to make the right decisions on his behalf. Some riders are afraid of watering a horse when he’s hot, but unless the water is ice-cold, most horses are much better off to be encouraged to drink so they won’t become dehydrated. Even the slightest dehydration affects your horse adversely and prevention is the best medicine.

But what can you do if you get to a competition and your horse won’t drink?

New natural Horse Quencher entices your horse to drink. It is irresistible, even to the fussiest horse! Horse Quencher is an FEI-safe product that looks like muesli and when you put a handful of it into a bucket of water, it gets horses drinking immediately. If horses are trained to HQ before a competition, they will take it readily when they need fluid supplementation. Horse Quencher is not an electrolyte. Available in 4 flavours, Horse Quencher comes in handy sachets, travel-size tubs, and larger tubs for bigger yards. At £3 a sachet and £1 a tub

measure, Horse Quencher is inexpensive “health insurance” to have to hand for when you need to get your horse to drink.

It’s a lot cheaper than a vet bill and a lot easier to carry than gallons of home water!

Horse Quencher is a ‘must have’ for Alice Pearson, GB Junior Eventing Squad Member. She says: “Horse Quencher is by far the best product I have ever used. To be able to prove ‘you can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink’ wrong is quite exceptional. Horse Quencher has made worrying about my horses drinking a thing of the past. There is no fuss with drinking now and this makes me very pleased as dehydration can cause loss of performance, quite apart from being bad for health. Horse Quencher is such a handy product, it’s so easy to use, and can be carried anywhere.”

For more details, and to order online, go to www.horsequencher.co.uk or call 01842 879161.

Dream becomes reality for Jo For amateur rider Jo Oakes her victory in the British Dressage North West Winter regional competition was a dream come true.

Jo, aged 46, based in Warrington, Cheshire has been working hard to reach the top with her 17.3hh Trakehner, Fiddle. She did it in style at Myerscough International Arena,

Lancashire on Sunday 27 February winning the Novice Restricted with 68.10 per cent.

“It is absolutely unbelievable and the highlight of my time with Fiddle so far,” Jo said. “When I heard my number I thought I’d come tenth and was over the moon with that, but when I was told I’d won I just burst into tears.

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76 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

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Jo and her partner Vicky Thorpe have to fit riding around work and Jo rides around five times a week but also makes sure 15-yearold Fiddle, who is by Va Tout, has some fun going to the gallops or Somerford Park. She trains with Jane Green who she credits for helping her get so far in the sport she loves during the six years of owning Fiddle.

“Fiddle is my once in a lifetime horse. I’ve learnt so much from him and he has given me so much confidence,” Jo explains. “I try to make the most of every day as neither of us is getting any younger!

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“I have worked really hard for this and am still on cloud nine and can’t believe that it has happened. I think I must look like the Cheshire cat as I can’t stop smiling.”

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“My advice to anyone with a horse no matter what they do is to make the most of your time with them and enjoy whatever you do.

Remember that, just like us, every day will not be perfect and you need to work at it sometimes. There have been times when I felt like giving up but then we would turn a corner and things improve.

“If you have a goal then just go for it. I never thought in a million years that I would make it to the Nationals but here I am. I am just a normal person who works every day and Fiddle is just a normal horse, who didn’t cost a lot and lives a normal horsey life.”

Jo is now going to prepare for the Nationals in April and then wants to turn her attention to mastering sitting trot on ‘bouncy’ Fiddle so that she can compete at Medium level.

She has many thank you’s to those who have helped and supported her including Charlotte Jones who got Fiddle ready for the competition as Jo was running a monthly local dressage show, Nikki Leyton for helping her warm up before competing and most of all Vicky for years of encouragement and support.

Competition

Getting horse’s fit for the season When looking at building and improving fitness in your horse, consider him as an individual with a carefully tailored fitness plan designed specifically to suit him.

In this issue young show jumper Laura Robinson of Team EquestrianClearance. com is on hand to offer some useful advice on getting horses fit.

Any fitness regime must be designed around the horse’s breed, age, height, weight, and the length of time out of work.

Assess your horse and understand any weakness he posses as this will affect his fitness regime. If your horse lacks muscle or is weak behind the saddle, more time will be needed to build fitness slower.

Short cuts only lead to pulled muscles and more time off. When bringing a horse

Laura allows Cree to stretch.

back from rest always allow plenty of time to get him fit and allow an extra two weeks for any set backs.

When improving your horse’s fitness think about safety and protective equipment that may be required.

Fitness isn’t just about building your horses stamina but is a combination of work, grooming and feeding.

Whether you opt for bandages or boots, many horses will often require extra support and protection for their legs.

EquestrianClearance.com have a wide range of boots and bandages on offer as well as a large variety of cooler rugs to help wick away the sweat after an intense training session.

If planning a fitness schedule for a particular event, always work backwards from the date of the competition. This will help ensure your horse peaks at the correct time.

Walking on roads helps to strengthen ligaments and tendons, but trotting on a road is down to the individual as this can strain the front legs.

Laura and Dimple

For further information contact www.equestrianclearance.com.

Hill work is great for building fitness and increasing muscle on the hind quarters, after all this is the engine of the horse.

Warming up and cooling down is very important when building fitness, helping to keep your horse as comfortable as possible and muscles in the best condition.

Always check your horse’s legs before and after every exercise session, this is the only way you will notice any change whether it is swelling or heat -this could potentially prevent injury.

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 77

Feeding - Field & Stable - Insurance

Northamptonshire companies work together Stable Manufacturer ‘Scotts of Thrapston’ has joined forces with Feed Manufacturer ‘Dodson & Horrell’ to sponsor Brigstock International Horse Trials CIC* & CIC** in May. This is the first time the two Northamptonshire businesses, who are both market leaders in the equine sector, have worked together.

As part of their sponsorship, Scotts of Thrapston and Dodson & Horrell are looking to launch a rider information centre for the use of riders and owners visiting and competing at Brigstock International.

“We are delighted that both Scotts &

78 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Dodson and Horrell have joined the event” said Brigstock organiser David Laing, “it means, amongst other things, that we can host an exclusive ‘Rider & Owner Area’ where competitors are able to relax, have refreshments and watch the action from their own marquee”.

David Scott, Chairman of Scotts of Thrapston added “In the current climate it makes sense for businesses to work together and share resources and as a company we are keen to improve the profile and performance of the equestrian sector, especially towards the buildup of London 2012”.

Scotts is also proud to present the ‘Scotts Trophy’ which will be open to all riders competing in BE100 classes at both Brigstock Horse Trials and their other sponsored event Carlton Horse Trials (29th-31st July).

The highest placed rider / horse combination that compete in a BE100 section at both Horse Trial events will be eligible for the Scotts Trophy. The winner will receive tickets to Burghley Horse Trials where they will be presented with the trophy.

Directory - Field & Stable - What’s On

What’s On

Every Friday Evening SJ Unaff Indoor, Mill Lane Stables, Selby. Tel: 01757 702940.

Central

Every 3rd Sunday in March - Sept, Rossendale Valley RC Show, Rawtenstall, Lancs. Tel: 07976 056677.

Regulars Tues Eve, S/J Knebworth SJ, Manor Field, Park Lane.

2nd Saturday of each month Antrobus RC Open Dressage, Yew Tree Farm, Nr Northwich. Tel: 01606 891033.

Every Month Dressage Camp, Mill Lane Stables, Selby. Tel: 01757 702940.

Every Day Dean Valley Farm Ride, Dean Valley Farm, Cheshire. Tel: 0161 4391945.

Every Day Dean Valley Farm Ride, Dean Valley Farm, Cheshire. Tel: 0161 4391945.

Every 2nd Monday, Virtual RC meets in Chester.

Every Saturday, Heavy Horse Club, Milton Keynes Museum, 07889 339551

South Central Regulars

North

Monday evening class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792.

REGULARS Every Weds Evening, S/J Horses and Ponies, Barton EC, Preston. Tel: 01995 640033.

Every Weds Dressage Unaff Rossendale & Hyndburn EC, Accrington.

Tel: 01706 213635.

Every Thursday Senior BSJA, Hollingworth Leisure Park, Milnrow, Tel: 01706 644484 Every Friday SJ Unaff Rossendale & Hyndburn EC, Accrington.

Tel: 01706 213635.

Tuesday Evening Advanced Dressage class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792 Tuesday 12-8pm, Clear Round SJ, Hoplands EC. Tel: 01794 388838 Wednesday Evening Novice Dressage class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792 Winchester RC, weekly dressage and S/J Clinics for all abilities on Tuesday eve & Thursday mornings, Woodhams, Farm Equestrian, Kings Worthy. Thursday Evening Jumping class, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792

Horse & Pony Cremation Genuine Individual Cremation.

Leyland & Cheshire Pet Crematorium.

Tel: 01772 622466

Horse Transport South Central Hoofmove Horse Transport Theault horsebox 2x17.2hh. Very low ramp.

Fully insured. Defra approved. Established 2001. Monty Roberts schooled driver. 24/7. www.hoofmove.co.uk enquiries@hoofmove. co.uk 0845 0620088 or 07958 701651

Saturday - Heavy Horse Club, Milton Keynes Museum, Tel: 07889 339551 SJ Clear Round 10am-2pm, West Wilts EC, Trowbridge. Tel: 01225 783220 Wylye Valley PC Evening Rally 6pm, West Wilts EC, Trowbridge. Tel: 01225 783220

South West Regulars Monday – Dressage Clinic with Julia Buckle, Shannonleigh Stables.

Every Monday - Bournemouth Horse Ball Club Training, Stocks Farm EC. Tel: 01202 57028 Every 2nd Wed, Dressage, St Leonards EC. Tel: 01566 775543.

Horse Transport Services CET and Defra Qualified - Fully Insured 24 Hour Emergency Call Out Member of Equine Rescue Service - Vet Trips - Shows Lin Simpson T: 01327 341618 M: 07969 120342 linsimpson1@hotmail. co.uk

Saddlery

Property Abroad

East

Brittany & Normandy Cardyke Overseas Properties

Regular worm egg counts can save money!

6-8 weekly spring through autumn £5 each. Church Farm FEC churchfarmfec@hotmail. co.uk or 01728685638

Properties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices.

Tel: 01775 630 008

South East Andrew Reilly Saddlers

South East Regulars Tuesday to Thursday, Vicki Thompson Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield, Tel: 01293 822414 2nd Tuesdays + Last Saturdays Clear Round SJ, Ingleden Park EC, Tenterden, Tel: 01580 765160 Wednesday, Clear Round SJ, Blue Barn EC, Tel: 01233 622933.

Thursday evening SJ Unaff, Duckhurst Farm. Tel: 01580 891057.

Thursday evening, Sam Ray SJ Clinic, Oldencraig EC, Lingfield, Tel: 07787 575475 Every 2nd Thursday (starting 19th July), Beginners S/J Evenings, Newthorpe EC, Newthorpe. Tel: 07917 303000.

Wednesday - Jumping (Lwr/Higher), Badgworth Arena, Nr Axbridge, Tel: 01934 732543

Tues-Sun, Group&Private lessons for adults&children, Badshot Lea EC, Kiln Cottage. Tel: 01252 312 838.

Wednesday – S/J Clinic with Sarah Scott, Shannonleigh Stables.

Fri 1st April

East Regulars Monday Evening Class, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792 Tuesday Evening Dressage Class, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792

Directory Crematorium

Friday Evening Kids Club, Contessa EC. Tel: 01920 821792

Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07967676504 Sat 2nd April Unaff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07951121708 Mini Novice, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057 Colette’s Dressage Championship, Faversham Tel: 07949096086

Thursday – Contessa Club Night, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792 Friday – Kids Club 5.30pm, Young Riders Club 6pm, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792

Sun 3rd April

Saturday / Sunday – Kids Club, Contessa RC, Colliers End, Tel: 01920 821792

Dressage, Dairyhouse Farm, Cheshire Tel: 07766078745

Vicky Thompson Dressage Clinc, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07774211640 Damian Charles Clinc, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 833317

Spoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET. Tel: 01825 830484.

Worming

April 2011 - Equi-Ads - 79

Insert Category What’s On Charity Fun Ride, Adderley, Nr Market Drayton Tel: 01630 653824 Snr Int/Amat, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057 Mon 4th April OEC Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581 Fiona Foy Clinic, Wokingham EC Berks, 07968059434 Wed 6th April Vicky Thompson Dressage Clinc, Oldencraig EC, Tel: 07774211640 Thur 7th April OEC Flat Work Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581 Fri 8th April Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07967676504 Horse Sales, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057 Sat 9th April Unaff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07951121708 Jumpcross Training, Peterborough Tel: 01780 782356 Pony Aff, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

Vicky Thompson Dressage Clinc, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07774211640 Trailblazers 2nd Round, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

Childrens Day, Exeter Racecourse Devon, 01392 832599

OEC Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581

Tue 19th April

Wed 13th April

Fiona Foy Clinic, Bransgore Hants, 07968059434

Vicky Thompson Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07774211640

Wed 20th April

Thur 14th April

Vicky Thomspon Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07774211640

OEC Flat Work Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581

Fiona Foy Clinic, Wokingham EC Berks, 07968059434

Phone Liz for more info on 01738 567700 Mon 25th April OEC Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581

- 17th Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07967676504

OEC Flat Work Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581

Sat 16th April

Fri 22nd April

Jumpcross Competition, Peterborough Tel: 01780 782356

Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07967676504

Tue 26th April

Mini Novice, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

Unaff SJ, Blue Barn EC Tel: 07748707270

Unaff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07951121708

South Hereford Hunt Supporters Fun Ride Caradoc near Ross-on-Wye. A well established ride approx 10 miles, all off road on a private estate. Contact- Sue Probert- 01981 580562/ 07866246937

Team/Individual SJ, Blue Barn EC Tel: 07949096086

Wed 27th April

Sat 23rd April

Vicky Thomspon Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07774211640

Sun 17th April

Unaff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07951121708

Clear Round Jumping, Hillside Farm Coolham, 01403 740041

Fiona Foy Clinic, Teffont Magna Wilts, 07968059434

Thur 28th April

Vicky Thompson Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC Te: 07774211640

Dressage Competition, Wilton RDA Wiltshire Tel: 07967175855

80 - Equi-Ads - April 2011

Any Livery or Stud adverts for May will get matching free editorial

Thur 21st April

Sun 10th April

Sovereign Quarter Horses Open Day Sovereign Quarter Horses, Cambridgeshire, 01354651944 www.sovereignquarterhorses.com/ component/option

Special Offer!

Fri 15th April

XC Country Ride, Torry Hill, Kent Tel: 01622 662012

Soar Valley RC Show & Qualifier, Leicestershire Tel: 0116 2696413

OEC Jump Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581

Mon 11th April

Parelli Celebration 2011 LG Arena, Birmingham 0800 0234 813/ ukparelli.com

Robert Stevens Cross Country Clinic£40 per session, Lincomb Equestrian, Worcestershire, visit www.robertstevenseventing.co.uk for further information on Robert

Mon 18th April

Fun Jumping Show, Hillside Farm Coolham, 01403 740041 West Sussex RC Derby Open Event, Barnham Lane, Bognor Regis, www.westsussexridingclub.co.uk Snr Int/Amat, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

Pony Aff, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057 Sun 24th April Vicky Thomspon Dressage Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07774211640 Easter Fun Show, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07967676504 Indoor Dog Show, WHW Hall Farm Snetterton 01953 499100 Trailblazers, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

Open Show Jumping, Woodhurst Livery Stable, Enfield, Hertfordshire Contact: Linda Hodges, 01707 271830 Snr Int/Amat, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

OEC Flat Work Clinic, Oldencraig EC Tel: 01342 837581 Fri 29th April Aff Dressage, Oldencraig EC Tel: 07967676504 Fiona Foy Clinic, Bransgore Hants, 07968059434 Sat 30th April Easter Show Jumping, Forest Edge Arena, Norfolk, Event Secretary: 01760 722616 Mini Novice, Duckhurst Farm, Kent, Tel: 01580 891057

Improving the diet of all horses and ponies prone to Laminitis

Nerow ved &

Imp

Improved Formula Increased Benefits Proven Results Reduced Cost per Day

If your horse or pony is prone to Laminitis make sure you improve his diet with new formula Laminaze.

New and improved Laminaze has been reformulated so that the unique, totally natural formula has increased benefits.

Whilst supplying nutrients to support the health of the hoof and those rich in antioxidants to flush excess toxins out from the system, Laminaze now offers addtional nutritional support specifically for the health of the gut.

So the good news is, if your horse or pony is prone to laminitis you can make an important contribution towards improving his diet by ensuring new Laminaze is part of his daily feed.

Henriette Andersen & Ulrik Molgaard “Carrok, our little 28 yr old Welsh Section A, had been prone to Laminitis for a number of years. Sadly he reached the point where he would no longer trot around his field because he was too lame. We called our vet to discuss the best course of action for him. We had exhausted all options, so we agreed the kindest thing would be to put

Top Tip: If you know your horse or pony is likely to be prone to laminitis this Spring, NAF recommend you introduce Laminaze into his diet prior to the appearance of the fresh grass in order to prepare his system, and importantly, make sure Laminaze is part of a correct feed and management regime.

Put spring in your horse’s step, make Laminaze part of his daily diet.

him to sleep. Incredibly, just at that time NAF asked us if we’d like to trial this product.

Case Study

Had we not seen the transformation for ourselves we would never have believed it – he now trots happily and soundly across his field, he literally has a completely new lease of life, it’s absolutely miraculous!”

www.naf-uk.com For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com